[00:00:06] >> I'D LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. THIS MORNING'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY OUR VERY OWN PASTOR DARIUS TODD. IF YOU WILL PLEASE ALL RISE. >> LET US BOW. HEAVENLY FATHER WE HONOR YOU THIS MORNING. WE THANK YOU FOR GIVING US A SPACE WHERE WE CAN TAKE A MOMENT AD BREATHE. AND SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL THE GRACE THAT YOU'VE GIVEN US THIS DAY. WE THANK YOU FOR THE SUN THAT IS SHINING AND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO'VE COME TOGETHER TO SHARE AND SPEND TIME WITH ONE ANOTHER, TO RESOLVE ISSUES AND TO COME INTO THE COMMUNITY. WE ASK LORD FOR YOUR PEACE, YOUR UNITY AND YOUR STRENGTH TODAY. HELP US LORD TO USE THOSE TO LEAD, TO HEAR, TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON AND THEN TO LEAD INTO THE PEACE THAT YOU'VE CALLED FOR THIS REGION. THANK YOU FOR TEACHING US HOW TO LOVE YOU AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. WE WILL DO THAT TODAY AND ALWAYS 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. BUY WILL YOU PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> HERE. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> HERE. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMAR. >> HERE. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. AND JUDGE BECERRA. TECHNOLOGY CAN BRING YOU INTO THE FOCUS. [E. PUBLIC COMMENTS] LET'S NOT BE THERE TOO LONG. THANK YOU. PUBLIC COMMENTS. DO WE HAVE THAT SECTION? IF YOU GUYS WILL LEAD THE CHARGE ON THAT TELL ME WHAT THE TOTAL COUNT IS. >> FIVE GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENTS. >> LET'S START WITH THE FIVE AND THEN GO -- >> CAROL PENNINGTON. >> WHEN THE TIMER GOES OFF I DON'T HAVE TO TELL YOU BUT I WILL JUST REPEAT IT. WHEN THE LITTLE BEEPER GOES OFF, THAT MEANS WRAP IT UP PLEASE AND THANK YOU. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. WHY ARE YOU EXTENDING THE TIME FRAME FOR ACTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH WATER USE DEVELOPMENTS. THE HAYS COUNTY HIGH WATER DIVISION -- DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARDS TAKING MORE TIME TO MAKE A DECISION TAKING DOWN THE ROAD AND PUTTING THE DECISION ON SOMEONE ELSE. WHAT I'D LIKE TO SEE IS FOR HAYS COUNTY TO CREATE A HIGH WATER USE DEVELOPMENT CHECKLIST THAT GIVES THE COUNTY THE AUTHORITY OR AT LEAST TO SUGGEST TO ENACT THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE CHECKLIST. THIS IS WHAT HILL COUNTY DID AND IT CAN BE STRONGER THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW AND CAN BE MORE IMMEDIATE. THE CHECKLIST WOULD REQUIRE HIGH USE DEVELOPERS TO SUBMIT THINGS LIKE A TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS, HIGH HAUL ROUTE STUDY, CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC PLAN, BRIDGE CAPACITY ANALYSIS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT, DEEP WATER DEMAND, WATER CONSUMPTION ESTIMATE, CLOSED LOOP VERSUS A -- EVAPORATIVE LOOP COOLING ANALYSIS PURE WATER RECYCLING. THIS IS NOT EVEN THE ENTIRE LIST. GOOD LEADERS KNOW HOW TO PIVOT ON THIS CHECKLIST ENSURES DEVELOPERS HAVE TO BE GOOD NEIGHBORS TO MAKE THEM PROVE IT ON PAPER AHEAD OF TIME BEFORE BUILDING ANYTHING. I BELIEVE THIS CHECKLIST WILL DETER DATA CENTERS FROM PICKING HAYS COUNTY FOR THEIR SITE. THIS IS NOT TRUST WOULD VERIFY. THIS IS VERIFY AND VERIFY AGAIN. I HAVE ONE CUP OF COFFEE OF THE HILLS -- ONE COPY OF THE HILLS PROCLAMATION -- THE DOCUMENT IS 17 PAGES LONG. I URGE YOU TO ADOPT IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO WE CAN HAVE SOMETHING WE CAN USE IMMEDIATELY. THEN CREATE A REVIEW BOARD IF YOU STILL FEEL IT NECESSARY. WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO WASTE ON THIS MATTER. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> AARON ABELL. >> GOOD MORNING. I'M COMMISSIONER -- HERE TO SPEAK TODAY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS TO THE COUNTY AND CITY OF SAN MARCOS ON THE DISSOLUTION OF SAN MARCOS HAYS EMS. LAST YEAR WHEN ESD ONE LEFT [00:05:03] PARTNERSHIP AND BEGAN THE PROCESS OF LEAVING ALSO, THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS ESD NINE HAD MANY MEETINGS TO DISCUSS HOW BEST TO DO THAT SO THE CONTINUITY OF CARE OF OUR CITIZENS WOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED. IN GOOD FAITH WITH THE CITY ESD NINE DISCUSSED SUCH ITEMS AS WHEN -- KEY PERSONNEL TO BE HIRED BY OUR ORGANIZATION, ET CETERA. IN TRUTH ESD NINE COULD HAVE GONE ON OUR OWN MUCH SOONER BUT WE WERE TOLD BY THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS IT WOULD LEAVE THEM IN SEVERE FINANCIAL SHAPE. WE WORKED WITH THEM SO THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY AND SAN MARCOS WOULD CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF CARE THEY'D ALWAYS RECEIVED. THEREFORE IT CAME AS QUITE A SHOCK WHEN ESD NINE WAS TOLD UPON DISSOLUTION OF SAN MARCOS HAYS EMS, ESD NINE WOULD BE GIVEN NO SHARE OF THE EIGHT PLUS MILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF CASH AND ASSETS SITTING ON SAN MARCOS HAYS BALANCE SHEET. BUT INSTEAD WOULD ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED IN TOTALITY TO THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS. ESD NINE WAS TOLD THEY WERE NOT OWED ANY ASSETS BECAUSE THE COUNTY STOPPED PAYING SAN MARCOS HAYS ENS -- I. STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THIS. THE TAXPAYERS OF HAYS COUNTY CAG YOUR CONSTITUENTS CONTINUE TO PAY EVERY YEAR THROUGH TAX DOLLARS COLLECTED FOR ESD NINE THAT WERE PAID TO SAN MARCOS HAYS EMS. -- REQUEST AND RECOMMEND BEFORE ANY DECISIONS MADE UPON THE DISBURSEMENT OF SAN MARCOS HAYS AND -- UPON DISSOLUTION YOU REQUEST A FULL FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING OF TAX DOLLARS PAID FROM YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND A COMPLETE ASSET INVENTORY PROVIDED TO ENSURE AND INFORMED -- UNINFORMED UNJUST DECISION CAN BE MADE BY THE COURT. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> LIZ G.. >> FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW I'M FORMER HAYS COUNTY JUDGE AND HERE TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. I'M RUNNING FOR HAYS COUNTY JUDGE AS AN INDEPENDENT BECAUSE OF YOU, COMMISSIONER COLLIN. YOUR INABILITY TO TELL THE TRUTH IS ASTONISHING FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO MISLEAD AN OUTRIGHT LIE TO GET A VOTE -- >> PLEASE JUST LET HER GET THROUGH HER 3 MINUTES OR YOU'LL MAKE IT WORSE. >> MAKING IT WORSE RIGHT NOW. >> PLEASE. PLEASE STOP. >> DURING THE PRIMARY ESPECIALLY THE RUNOFF YOU TOLD PEOPLE I WOULD NOT RUN IF YOU WON THE PRIMARY. THAT WAS A LIE. YOU WILLFULLY TOLD THE LIE BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO GET YOU VOTES. YOU'RE MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT NEVER HAPPENED. >> WHO'S RUNNING THIS COURT? >> PLEASE STOP BEFORE I ASK YOU TO BE MOVED. >> TO STOP MAKING PERSONAL ATTACKS. >> LAST CHANCE. >> I DON'T CARE HOW MANY CHANCES. >> PLEASE ESCORT HIM OUT. >> I AIN'T GOING ANYWHERE. I'M NOT LEAVING. I'M NOT LEAVING. I'M NOT LEAVING. I'M NOT GETTING UP. I'M NOT LEAVING. IF THE COURT DOESN'T GO ON THEN WE -- >> WE WILL TRY ONE LAST TIME. >> I ASKED TO STOP HER FROM MAKING PERSONAL ATTACKS. >> I'M SORRY FOR THE INTERRUPTION. >> MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT NEVER HAPPENED. COUPLED BY A VEILED POLITICAL AGENDA TO PROVIDE ANYTHING MEANINGFUL TO THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY IS ON RECORD FOR ALL TO SEE. >> WILL YOU PLEASE HELP HIM OUT. >> I DON'T NEED ANY HELP BECAUSE I'M NOT LEAVING. I WILL CHOOSE TO LEAVE ON MY OWN AND WALK OUT. >> THE BAILIFFS HAVE THE CAPACITY. PLEASE HELP HIM OUT. >> I'M NOT GETTING UP. NOT GETTING UP UNTIL THE COURT OVERRULES. I'M NOT GETTING UP. I'M SAYING NO. SAYING NO. I AM BEING REASONABLE. THIS COURT IS NOT. >> WILL YOU ROLL IT BACK MAYBE A [00:10:09] SENTENCE IF YOU CAN HAVE A COMPLETE THOUGHT STARTED AGAIN, WILL TRY AGAIN. >> HE'S PUTTING THIS COURT IN A BAD POSITION. RUNNING FOR OFFICE THROUGH THIS COURTROOM. YOU'RE ATTACKING ME AND THREATENING MY RIGHT -- [INDISCERNIBLE] >> ASK FOR LEGAL OPINION. >> I CAN DO THAT. >> THAT'D BE GREAT THANK YOU. LET'S ASK FOR LEGAL OPINION. >> JUST FOR CLARIFICATION, PLEASE SAY YOUR WORDS. YOUR DIRECTION AND YOUR SUGGESTION. >> CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT YOUR EXACT QUESTION IS? >> WHAT IS IS SAYING, IS THAT AGAINST OUR COURT RULES? >> I'D SAY CURRENTLY BUT MISS HUNTER IS SAYING HER COMMENT IS ALLOWED BY OUR RULES CURRENTLY. >> THANK YOU. I CAN GO INTO A RECESS UNTIL YOU HELP HIM OUT BUT WE'RE NOT GOING TO STOP. WE'RE NOT GOING TO STOP. BAILIFFS, PLEASE HELP US OUT. BE BACK WE ARE BACK FROM A SHORT RECESS. LIZ YOU HAVE A FRESH 3 MINUTES. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DON'T KNOW I'M FORMER HAYS COUNTY JUDGE AND I'M HERE TODAY -- TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. I'M RUNNING FOR HAYS COUNTY JUDGE AS AN INDEPENDENT BECAUSE OF COMMISSIONER COHEN. YOUR INABILITY TO TELL THE TRUTH -- YOUR WILLINGNESS TO MISLEAD AN OUTRIGHT LIE TO GET A VOTE IS DESPICABLE. DURING THE PRIMARY, ESPECIALLY THE RUNOFF YOU TOLD PEOPLE I WOULD NOT RUN IF YOU RAN THE PRIMARY. THAT WAS A LIE. YOU WILLFULLY TOLD THE LIE BECAUSE YOU THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO GET YOU VOTES. YOUR MISLEADING STATEMENTS ABOUT YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT NEVER HAPPENED COUPLED WITH A FAILED POLITICAL AGENDA TO PROVIDE ANYTHING MEANINGFUL TO THE COUNTY OF HAYS COUNTY FOR EVERYONE TO SEE. YOU... YOU DIDN'T WANT YOUR OPPONENT TO GET A WIN. YOUR PUBLIC STATEMENT DO YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THE PEOPLE AND DON'T NEED THE COMMITTEE TO GET THEIR INPUT IS DISMISSIVE. ALL ACROSS THE COUNTY I SPOKE WITH PEOPLE AND THEIR OVERWHELMING COMMENT ABOUT YOU IS THEY CANNOT TRUST WHAT YOU SAY AND THEY CANNOT TRUST WHAT YOU DO. I EXPECT DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR CAMPAIGN YOU WILL CONTINUE TO MISLEAD AND LIE TO GET VOTES THAT THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY ARE SMARTER THAN WHAT YOU THINK. AND THEY DESERVE BETTER. YOU AND THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE ARE CUT FROM THE SAME SPECIAL INTEREST PAY TO PLAY POLITICAL CLOTH. WHILE YOU AND I HAVE HAD AND HAVE NOT ALWAYS AGREED ON THE ISSUES WE CLEARLY HAVE DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT STYLES. I RESPECT THE FACT THAT YOU TRIED TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY. UNFORTUNATELY YOU WERE DERAILED BY COMMISSIONER COHEN WHO PUT HER LADDER CLIMBING CAREER BEFORE THE PEOPLE. I'M NOT HERE TO DIVIDE BUT TO UNITE. TO STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY ON ISSUES THAT MATTER TO THEM MOST. NO TO AI DATA CENTERS, PROTECT OUR RESOURCES, PUT PEOPLE FIRST OVER PAID CONSULTANTS. CUT WASTE AND GOVERNMENT SPENDING AND BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. I'M HERE TO EARN EACH AND EVERY VOTE BY TELLING THE TRUTH AND LISTENING TO THEIR CONCERNS. MY CAMPAIGN IS ALL INCLUSIVE. INDEPENDENT, REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS HAVE A SEAT AT THE TABLE. THEIR VOICE IS HEARD AND VALUED. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> MARGARITA CROSBY. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS MARGARITA CROSBY. I'M HERE TO ADDRESS JUDGE RUBEN AND THE OTHER COMMISSIONERS ABOUT OUR WATER QUALITY AND PRESERVING OUR WATER HERE FIRST AFTER WHAT'S TAKEN PLACE, I DON'T THINK THAT WAS THE TIME OR THE PLACE TO SPEAK ABOUT THIS [00:15:02] CONSIDERING THE INFORMATION THAT WAS GIVEN. I WAS TOLD TODAY TO COME AND SPEAK AND HOLD ALL OF YOU ACCOUNTABLE, EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU. THE PEOPLE ARE LISTENING. THE PEOPLE ARE PAYING ATTENTION. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE US AT ANY POINT. WE NEED WATER, THAT IS NO LIE. THE LORD GIVES US WATER SO THAT WE CAN DRINK. WE NEED IT. IT'S AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FROM OUR BLIND SALAMANDER TO THE ABILIY THAT IS THERE WATERING HER GRASS AND HER PLANTS. WE NEED THE WATER. DO YOUR JOB, LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE, PRESERVE OUR WATER AT ALL COSTS. WHATEVER ORGANIZATION, WHATEVER PEOPLE YOU ARE ALIGNED WITH, WHATEVER CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS YOU ARE RECEIVING, WHATEVER IT IS THAT IS MOTIVATING YOU TO GO ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, TAKE NOTE. DR. COHEN. DEBBIE INGALSBE. IF YOU ARE ELECTED, LIZ. MORGAN -- AND WALLE SMITH ISN'T HERE. INTERESTING. OUR DATA CENTERS DO NOT BELONG HERE. THE WATER AND THE PEOPLE AND THE CREATURES UNDER IT DO. I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND THAT. DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE PEOPLE. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE OUR POWER AND DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE AT ANY COST. THAT WE AREN'T LISTENING AND WE WON'T GO OUT THERE AND VOTE. THANK YOU. >> SHERRY BOYETT. >> I'M SHERRY, I'VE BEEN COMING UP HERE FOR YEARS TRYING TO SAVE LIVES OF ANIMALS, DOGS AND CATS. TRYING TO PROMOTE OUTCOMES -- NO KILL POLICIES. I'VE STOOD BEFORE MANY JUDGES, MANY COMMISSIONERS AND I'M HERE TO REMIND YOU OF THE PROMISE YOU MADE ON THE PROCLAMATION BACK IN 2018. MY PASSION AND VOICE FOR THE VOICELESS PRECEDE THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT BUT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY COMMUNITY CONSTITUENTS WHO'VE SUPPORTED NO KILL. I'M WEARING BLACK TODAY IN COMMEMORATION AND IN MOURNING OF THE DOGS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES LAST WEEK. THE ANIMAL SHELTER HAS A KILL LIST FOR TODAY. I ASKED THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. THREE DOGS WERE KILLED IN SAN MARCOS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER LAST WEEK. MORE ARE SCHEDULED TO BE EUTHANIZED TODAY. THOSE DEATHS DID NOT HAPPEN IN A VACUUM, THEY ARE THE DIRECT AND FORESEEABLE RESULT OF THE COURT'S DECISION BACK IN MA MARCH 2020 -- 2025 TO TERMINATE THE AUSTIN PETS ALIVE CONTRACT AND ABANDON THE HAYS COUNTY PET RESOURCE CENTER PROJECT AND COMMUNITY VET CLINIC. THE PET RESOURCE CENTER WAS NOT A DISTANT DREAM, IT WAS A PLAN TO NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. THE FIRST OF ITS KIND MODEL WORKING WITH THE GOVERNMENT, INTEGRATING ANIMAL WELFARE WITH HUMAN SOCIAL SERVICES. HAD THE SUPPORT OF MAJOR INSTITUTIONS, NATIONAL FOUNDATIONS AND LEADERS IN ANIMAL WELFARE INDUSTRY. OVER 1000 HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS SUBMITTED SURVEYS IN FAVOR OF IT. FEASIBILITY STUDIES WERE COMPLETED, PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE WAS ENGAGED, POTENTIAL SITES WERE IDENTIFIED. WE WERE ON THE VERGE OF A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY THAT WOULD HAVE SERVED THE PEOPLE AND THE PETS ACROSS THE ENTIRE HAYS COUNTY REGION. THEN A 4-1 VOTE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ENDED AT. FOUR COMMISSIONERS INCLUDING MICHELLE COHEN NOW RUNNING FOR HAYS COUNTY JUDGE WHO PUT TOGETHER AN ANIMAL SERVICES DIVISION, YOU COULD STOP THE KILLING THAT'S HAPPENING TONIGHT. YOU ALL VOTED TO KILL THE PROJECT. ONLY JUDGE BECERRA VOTED TO PROTECT IT. THE REASONS GIVEN DID NOT INTERR COMMUNITY VALUES. THEY WANT NO KILL, THEY WANT HEALTHY ANIMALS TO BE GIVEN A CHANCE AT LIFE. THE DECISION DRIVEN BY POLITICS AND DESIRE FOR POWER, NOT BY THE NEEDS OF HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS OR THE ANIMALS IN YOUR CARE. THE CONSEQUENCES ARE NOW UNDENIABLE. [00:20:04] THE SAN MARCUS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTERS OVER CAPACITY AND HAS BEEN FOR YEARS IN CONSTANT OVERFLOW. THE STRAY POPULATION IN HAYS COUNTY IS GROWING. ANIMALS ABANDONED REPRODUCE UNCHECKED AND ANIMALS ARE BEING KILLED. NOT BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SOLUTIONS BUT BECAUSE THE COURT CHOSE TO ABANDON THEM. THE SAN MARCUS REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTERS CONTRACT EXPIRES IN SEPTEMBER 2026. THE COMMISSIONERS MUST ACT IMMEDIATELY. A VOICE FOR THE ANIMALS, THEIR LIVES ARE IN YOUR HANDS. DON'T LET FUTURE DEATHS BE ON YOUR WATCH, BY YOUR CONTINUED INACTION. WE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY, WE DEMAND ACTION AND WE WILL NOT STOP, MAKE AN INTERIM PLAN TO SAVE THE ANIMALS AND DO WHAT THE COMMUNITY ASKS OF YOU. STOP THE KILLING, STOP THE SLAUGHTER. >> THIS COMMENT COMES FROM JASMINE FARMER IN SAN MARCOS TEXAS. DEAR PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONERS, I'M WRITING TO YOU TODAY AS A LOCAL RESIDENT BECAUSE I'M WORRIED ABOUT WHAT THESE MASSIVE DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENTS ARE GOING TO DO TO OUR COMMUNITY. WE'VE ALREADY SEEN BIG CORPORATE DEVELOPERS SCOUT OUT SPACE ALL OVER HAYS COUNTY AND IT'S HONESTLY SCARY TO THINK ABOUT THE MASSIVE STRAIN THESE INDUSTRIAL SERVER FARMS PUT ON OUR INFRASTRUCTURE. OUR POWER GRID IS ALREADY PUNCHED TO ITS LIMIT AND OUR WATER SUPPLY HAS BEEN WAY TOO PRECIOUS TO RISK FEAR WE NEED STRICT PROTECTIONS IN PLACE RIGHT NOW BEFORE THINGS GET OUT OF HAND. FIRST THE CONSTANT NOISE IS A MAJOR ISSUE FOR FAMILIES. THESE FACILITIES RUN INDUSTRIAL COOLING FANS 24 OVER SEVEN WHICH CREATES A LOW FREQUENCY HUM THAT TRAVELS FOR MILES. I'M ASKING THE COMMISSION TO ENFORCE A STRICT CLEAR NOISE LIMIT 60 DECIBELS OR LESS RIGHT AT THE PROPERTY LINE SO LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS -- TO A RELENTLESS MECHANICAL RUMBLE. SECOND WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR BASIC UTILITIES FOR FUTURE COMMERCIAL REQUESTS OR UTILITY AGREEMENTS NEED TO COMPLETELY PRIORITIZE OUR RESIDENTIAL WATER SUPPLY. AND CREATE STABILITY OVER CORPORATE PROFIT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND FOR LOOKING OUT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY LIVE HERE AND CARE ABOUT THIS TOWN. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT THIS COMMENT IS OFFICIALLY READ AND ENTERED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD. RESPECTFULLY, JASMINE FARMER. >> PERFECT. [F.1 Adopt a Proclamation recognizing June 19th, 2026 as Rose L. Brooks Juneteenth Scholarship Cake Auction Day. COHEN] THANK YOU. PLEASE OPEN F ONE. >> F ONE. ADOPT A PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 19TH, 2026 AS RO ROSE L. BROOKS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION DAY. WHEREAS, JUNETEENTH COMMEMORATES JUNE 19, 1865, THE DAY ENSLAVED AFRICAN AMERICANS IN TEXAS WERE FINALLY INFORMED OF THEIR FREEDOM, MARKING A DEFINING MOMENT IN AMERICAN HISTORY AND THE CONTINUING PURSUIT OF LIBERTY, EQUALITY, AND OPPORTUNITY; AND WHEREAS, HAYS COUNTY PROUDLY RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING AND CELEBRATING THE HISTORY, CULTURE, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT HAYS COUNTY AND THE STATE OF TEXAS; AND WHEREAS, MRS. ROSE BROOKS HAS DEDICATED HER LIFE TO SERVICE, EDUCATION, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT, LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT ON GENERATIONS OF HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS; AND WHEREAS, MRS. BROOKS GREW UP IN HAYS COUNTY DURING SEGREGATION, ATTENDED THE SAN MARCOS COLORED SCHOOL, BECAME THE FIRST COLLEGE GRADUATE IN HER FAMILY, AND DEVOTED DECADES TO UPLIFTING OTHERS THROUGH ADVOCACY, MENTORSHIP, PUBLIC SERVICE, AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY; AND WHEREAS, NEARLY FIVE DECADES AGO, MRS. BROOKS ESTABLISHED THE JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION AS A MEANS OF SUPPORTING LOCAL STUDENTS AND EXPANDING ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE HAYS COUNTY COMMUNITY; AND WHEREAS, THE ROSE L. BROOKS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION HAS BECOME THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY RUNNING JUNETEENTH EVENT IN HAYS COUNTY, STANDING AS A CHERISHED COMMUNITY TRADITION THAT BRINGS TOGETHER RESIDENTS, FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, CIVIC LEADERS, CHURCHES, BUSINESSES, AND VOLUNTEERS IN CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, UNITY, AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT; AND WHEREAS, THROUGH THE GENEROSITY AND COMMITMENT OF COUNTLESS COMMUNITY MEMBERS OVER THE YEARS, THE AUCTION HAS HELPED PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TO LOCAL STUDENTS WHILE PRESERVING AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL TRADITION ROOTED IN FELLOWSHIP, PERSEVERANCE, AND HOPE; AND WHEREAS, THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT RECOGNIZES THAT THE ENDURING SUCCESS OF THE ROSE L. BROOKS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION REFLECTS THE STRENGTH, RESILIENCE, AND SPIRIT OF THE HAYS COUNTY COMMUNITY AND THE EXTRAORDINARY LEGACY OF MRS. ROSE BROOKS. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE HAYS COUNTY [00:25:07] COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM JUNE 19, 2026, AS "ROSE L. BROOKS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION DAY" AND ENCOURAGES ALL RESIDENTS OF HAYS COUNTY TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THE TREMENDOUS CONTRIBUTIONS OF MRS. ROSE BROOKS, THE LONGSTANDING IMPACT OF THE ROSE L. BROOKS JUNETEENTH SCHOLARSHIP CAKE AUCTION, AND THE ENDURING IMPORTANCE OF JUNETEENTH IN THE HISTORY AND FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY. ADOPTED THIS THE 23RD DAY OF JUNE, 2026 >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES BUY COMMISSIONER SMITH. JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. >> THANK YOU. I WANT TO CONGRATULATE MRS. BROOKS. ON THE ACCOMPLISHMENT AND I WAS FORTUNATE TO ATTEND THE OPTION PICK MAYBE YOU CAN SPEAK TO IT BUT I'M CURIOUS HOW MUCH IS RAISED AND TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHO IT'S SUPPORTING. >> GOOD MORNING. MY MOTHER IS ROSE BROOKS AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR BECAUSE MY MOM IS GOING TO BE 93 IN AUGUST. AND THIS IS SOMETHING SHE'S DEDICATED HER WHOLE LIFE TO, HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE. THAT'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS WHOLE THING IS GIVING BACK. THIS YEAR SHE RAISED CLOSE TO $8000 PICK WE STILL HAVE SOME MONEY OUT AND ALL OF THAT WILL BE DIVIDED UP AND GIVEN TO THE FIVE STUDENTS THAT WERE CHOSEN FOR THIS CAKE AUCTION SCHOLARSHIP THIS YEAR. -- I. ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU, MICHELLE FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DID. THE BEAUTIFUL CAKE THAT YOU BAKED. DEBBIE FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING, ALWAYS BEING THERE, BEING THE COMMISSIONER. AND I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT I KNOW THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF THINGS HAPPENING BEFORE I GOT HERE THIS MORNING. BUT JOHN LEONARD WAS HERE TODAY TO STAND WITH MY MOTHER BECAUSE OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS, HE'S BEEN BESIDE HER, HELPING HER, MAKING SURE THAT HER CAKE AUCTION COULD ALWAYS BE SUCCESSFUL. I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT WE PROBABLY SHOULDN'T COME HERE AND USE THIS PLACE. EVERYBODY KNOWS -- I. DON'T PARTICULARLY GET ALONG WITH JUDGE BECERRA BUT I'M NOT GOING TO COME HERE AND BE DISRESPECTFUL TO HIM AT THIS PODIUM. SO I DON'T THINK ANYONE SHOULD COME HERE AND BE DISRESPECTFUL TO ANYONE AT THE PODIUM. SO I'M SORRY JUDGE -- COMMISSIONER COHEN THAT YOU HAD TO ENDURE THAT TODAY GOD BLESS YOU. >> SO ROSE, I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU SO MUCH. I'M JUST HONORED TO BE YOUR FRIEND AND I JUST APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU'VE DONE FOR OUR COMMUNITY. YOU ARE A POWERFUL WOMAN AND VERY RESPECTED THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY AND AGAIN, HONORED TO BE A FRIEND OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YOU DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED A LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND ON TOP OF THAT YOUR MOM WHICH IS DEFINITELY ITS OWN JOB IN ITSELF. SO FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO HAVE ALL OF THESE THINGS -- IT WAS A LOT OF WORK. YOU DID A LOT OF WORK. YOU DID A LOT OF WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOU CONTINUED TO SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY AND THIS IS A TIME WHERE YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTS YOU SO THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH, CAN YOU HEAR US? >> YES. CAN YOU HEAR ME? THANK YOU SO MUCH. I WANT TO SAY HOW PROUD I AM TO KNOW THE FAMILY IS THERE AND I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE FOR NOT BEING THERE TODAY. THIS IS -- THIS IS ONE OF THE WEEKS I HAVE TO SPEND WITH THEM BUT I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT I'VE ATTENDED THE CAKE AUCTION A NUMBER OF TIMES AND COULD NOT PROUD TO BE ASKED TO BE THE AUCTIONEER FOR THE CAKE AUCTION THIS YEAR. IT'S AN AMAZING EVENT. I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO IT. LOVE MRS. BROOKS AS YOU ALL KNOW, I ALWAYS TRY TO MENTION HER. I THINK WHAT MAY BE LOST IN ALL THE ACCOLADES THAT WAS READ WAS MRS. BROOKS WAS ALSO A VOLUNTEER FOR OUR ELECTIONS OFFICE FOR ALMOST EVERY ELECTION FOR OVER 40 YEARS. THAT'S THE TRUE CITIZEN OF OUR COUNTY. I LOVE YOU MISS BROOKS, I WISH I WAS THERE TO GIVE YOU A BIG HUG. [00:30:05] >> PERFECT. APPLAUSE, ABSOLUTELY. YOU'VE ALWAYS GOT A -- GOT TO GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE AND THAT'S A WONDERFUL RESOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD. I'VE BEEN A WITNESS AND SUPPORTER IN PART OF THESE CAKE WALKS AND I'VE BENEFITED FROM THE COMMUNITIES GOODWILL AND I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT AND I THINK THIS IS A GREAT, WORTHY RESOLUTION. IT'S CUSTOMARY FOR US TO BRING THOSE THAT WANT TO BE IN THIS PICTURE ON UP FOR THIS PHOTO. IS MISS BROOKS GOOD TO COME UP HERE? OKAY. >> THIS IS FOR YOU. YOU'VE EARNED IT CONGRAT CONGRATULATIONS. [INDISCERNIBLE] >> BEAUTIFUL. NOW THIS IS ALL YOURS. WELL DESERVED. ONE MORE TIME. >> I'VE GOT A CLARITIN WITH THE [F.2 Presentation from the Texas Police Chiefs Association. BECERRA/SMITH/ELLEN] ALLERGIES SORRY FOR ALL THE CRUNCHY TALK. >> PRESENTATION FROM TEXAS POLICE CHIEF ASSOCIATION. >> MORNING JUDGE. I FEEL A LITTLE TENSION COMING FROM UP THERE. RELAX, TAKE YOUR HAND OFF THE CHECKBOOK I DON'T ACTUALLY WANT ANYTHING THIS TIME. [LAUGHTER] I KNOW YOU'RE NOT USED TO THAT BUT I ACTUALLY BRING SOME NEWS. THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION OFFERS A PROGRAM WHERE BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WHO MEET 174 BEST PRACTICES STANDARDS CAN ACHIEVE ACCREDITATION. BEING ACCREDITED BLENDS PROFESSIONAL CREDIBILITY TO AN AGENCY IN ADDITION TO REDUCING [00:35:01] RISK AND LIABILITY. OVER TWO YEARS AGO OUR OFFICE BEGAN THE ARDUOUS TASK OF REACHING THOSE STANDARDS. THIS MISSION INCLUDED AMONG OTHER THINGS, REWRITING ALL 12 CHAPTERS OF OUR GENERAL ORDERS. SO THEY REFLECTED THE HIGHEST OPERATIONAL STANDARDS. EACH CHAPTER HAD ENOUGH -- 23 SECTIONS. IT WAS A LOT OF WRITING. WE HAD TO DO A LOT OF NECESSARY TRAINING IN CRITICAL AREAS TO SUPPORT THOSE STANDARDS AND CREATE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS AND PROCESSES FOR EACH STANDARD. ALL OF THIS IN PREPARATION TO PROVE OUR COMPLIANCE DURING AND ON SITE ASSESSMENT BY INDEPENDENT LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS BY TCRP A. PURE CULMINATION OF THIS EXTENSIVE PROCESS IS WHY WE'RE HERE TODAY. I'M HAPPY TO REPORT TO THE COURT AND THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY THAT THE HAYS COUNTY PRECINCT FIVE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN AWARDED ACCREDITATION STATUS. TO PUT AN EXCLAMATION POINT ON THIS ACHIEVEMENT, I WANT TO POINT OUT THAT AMONG APPROXIMATELY 1000 CONSTABLES OFFICES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS, OUR OFFICE IS THE FIFTH CONSTABLE'S OFFICE TO ACHIEVE THIS STATUS. THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE TO THANK FOR THIS. EVERYBODY IN THE OFFICE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS. THERE WAS A LOT OF WORK, PEOPLE PUT IN A LOT OF TIME BUT ONE OF THE THINGS I WANT TO SAY ABOUT THAT IS, NO MATTER WHAT WE DID, WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE COURT. SO THIS IS YOUR VICTORY JUST AS MUCH AS IT IS OURS. AND I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE THAT. SO WITH THAT IT'S MY PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE RETIRED POLICE CHIEF J.P. BEVERIDGE WHO NOW SERVES AS A PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEF ASSOCIATION. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS AND CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY GOOD MORNING. I'M A RETIRED POLICE CHIEF OF THE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT AND I SERVE AS 1 OF 6 PROGRAM COORDINATORS FOR THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION ACCREDITATION PROGRAM. IT'S MY HONOR TO BE HERE THIS MORNING TO REPRESENT THE TCPA AND ACCREDITATION PROGRAM AND PRESENT TO THE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE WITH A CERTIFICATE OF BEING AN ACCREDITED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. TAKING MY THUNDER AWAY FROM ME TO TALK ABOUT THE PROGRAM. BUT YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR A LOT OF REDUNDANT INFORMATION HERE. THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEF ASSOCIATION IS MADE UP OF HUNDREDS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS THROUGH THE STATE OF TEXAS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO PROFESSIONAL POLICING. A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO THE ASSOCIATION DEVELOPED AN ACCREDITATION FOR TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT. MANY OF YOU MAY KNOW ABOUT ACCREDITATION PROGRAMS FROM SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, UNIVERSITIES AND THOSE THINGS. THOSE PROGRAMS ARE TO SERVE FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE REQUIRING COMPLIANCE WITH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS. OURS IS THE SAME. IT'S A VOLUNTARY PROGRAM PEER AGENCIES PROVE THEY NEED 107 -- MEET 174 DIFFICULT STANDARDS BASED ON TEXAS LAW, TEXAS COURT DECISIONS AND CONTEMPORARY BEST PRACTICES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE STANDARDS ADDRESS A FULL RANGE OF OPERATIONS SUCH AS USE OF FORCE, PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS, VEHICLE PURSUITS, PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT, PATROL AND INVESTIGATIVE OPERATIONS, PROPER TRAINING AND THAT'S JUST TO NAME A FEW. THIS PROGRAM IS THE GOLD STANDARD IN TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT. LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ACROSS THE STATE ARE WORKING DILIGENTLY TO MEET THESE STANDARDS. THE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE PRECINCT FIVE NOW ACHIEVED THIS ACCREDITED AS THE 231ST AGENCY IN THE STATE TO REACH AND MAINTAIN THIS. THIS OFFICE IS ALSO ONLY THE FIFTH CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IN THE STATE TO ACHIEVE THIS ACCREDITATION. THE ACCOMPLISHMENT WAS NOT EASY TO DO. THE AGENCY SPENT ALMOST TWO YEARS AUDITING AND MODIFYING POLICIES, PRACTICES AND OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO MEET THESE RIGOROUS STANDARDS. IT'S ACCUMULATED WITH TRAINED ASSESSORS, LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERTS FROM ACROSS THE STATE MAKING AN ON SITE VISIT HERE FO% SEVERAL DAYS TO PHYSICALLY INSPECT EVERY POLICY, EVERY [00:40:02] PROCEDURE AND EVERY STANDARD. THEY INTERVIEWED STAFF, INSPECTED THEIR FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS WITH OFFICERS, ENSURED COMPLIANCE WITH EACH OF THESE 174 STANDARDS. THE ASSESSMENT TEAMS INTERACTED WITH THE REPORT SENT TO ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE COMPRISED OF NINE POLICE CHIEFS AND SHERIFFS FROM AROUND THE STATE WHO REVIEWED THE ASSESSMENT AND VOTED TO AWARD STATUS TO THE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT FIVE OFFICE AND THAT VOTE WAS UNANIMOUS. OF OVER TWO -- 2700 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE STATE, ONLY 232 ARE ACCREDITED. THE LARGEST AGENCY WE HAVE IS APPROXIMATELY 1900 OFFICERS. THE SMALLEST IS FOUR. REGARDLESS OF AGENCY'S SIZE, PROFESSIONAL POLICING IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST. CITIZENS OF TEXAS EXPECT IT AND DESERVE IT. THIS MORNING WE OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED CONSTABLE JOHN ALLEN AND PRECINCT FIVE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN ACHIEVING ACCREDITATION. BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU AND THE COMMUNITY? THIS ENSURES THE CITIZENS OF THIS COUNTY AND YOUR PRECINCT CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS OPERATING IN A MANNER THAT REFLECTS THE CURRENT BEST PRACTICES OF TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MEANS YOUR PRECINCT CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS -- STRIVING FOR PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AND ALSO MEANS YOUR PRECINCT FIVE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS ONE OF THE VERY BEST IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. THE CERTIFICATE WE PRESENT THIS MORNING IS SYMBOLIC. IT CLEARLY MARKS PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE BUT THE REAL VALUE OF THE PROGRAMS IN THE PROCESS COMPLETE TO RECEIVE THE CERTIFICATE THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE PROCESS. THE DEPARTMENT STILL MUST SUBMIT ANNUAL REPORTS TO THE ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE TO PROVE CONTINUED COMPLIANCE AND IN FOUR YEARS WE WILL SEND ANOTHER ASSESSMENT TEAM BACK HERE TO PHYSICALLY LOOK AND ASSURE THE AGENCY'S CONTINUED TO BEST PRACTICES. PRECINCT FIVE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS A LEADER IN TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND YOU SOULD BE VERY PROUD OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT. CONSTABLE ELLEN, WOULD YOU PLEASE JOIN ME HERE? I'D LIKE TO READ THIS CERTIFICATE. IT SAYS TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION TO THE CERTIFICATE NO THE HAYS COUNTY PRECINCT FIVE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE FULFILLED THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS AND MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS BY THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION. TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT BEST PRACTICES ACCREDITATION PROGRAM. BY VOLUNTARILY -- APPROVING COMPLIANCE WITH THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEF ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS DO HEREBY AWARD THE CERTIFICATE FOUNDATION EFFECTIVE 26TH DAY OF MAY 2026 THROUGH 2030. CONGRATULATIONS. >> THAT WAS A VERY -- THAT WAS VERY HUMBLING. IN ADDITION TO THANKING YOU GUYS AND ALL THE PEOPLE IN OUR OFFICE THAT WORKED SO HARD ON THIS, I'D BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T POINT OUT TWO PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR THAT JUST GAVE THEIR HEART AND SOUL AND LIFE AND A GOOD PART OF THEIR OFF DUTY TIME, THOUSANDS OF HOURS LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF HOURS IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN. I'D LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THEM ESPECIALLY IF YOU WILL INDULGE ME FOR JUST A MINUTE. THESE BOTH SAY THE SAME THING SO I'M JUST GOING TO PUT THEIR NAMES IN BOTH OF THEM SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO HEAR IT TWICE. THIS IS TO CERTIFY THE HAYS COUNTY PRECINCT FIVE CONSTABLE HAS AWARDED THE CONDEMNATION MEDAL FOR CODY FAGAN AND DEPUTY GARY -- FOR EXCEPTIONAL INITIATIVE AND COMMITMENT THEY CONSISTENTLY PERFORMED ABOVE AND BEYOND NORMAL EXPECTATIONS REFLECTING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BRINGING DISTINCTION TO THIS AGENCY. IN GRATEFUL RECOGNITION OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTION, THE COMMENDATION MEDAL IS HEREBY AWARDED. >> BEAUTIFUL. >> SO IF YOU GUYS WOULD COME UP SO I CAN EMBARRASS YOU PERSONALLY. >> WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO CONSTABLE, IF YOU DON'T MIND, I HAVE THE MOST PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THAT PHOTO. WHEN YOU'RE DONE, LET'S COME UP HERE FOR THAT PICTURE. RETAKE. >> THAT'S ALL WE HAVE IN COURT. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID TO HELP US ACHIEVE THIS AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR [00:45:04] CONTINUING SUPPORT. WHEN YOU SEE ME NEXT TIME, HAVE YOUR CHECKBOOK READY. [LAUGHTER] >> CONGRATULATIONS. >> IT'S CUSTOMARY FOR US AS A COURT TO HAVE SOME WORDS AS WELL. SO HERE'S OUR PART. WHEN YOU CAME TO ME A VERY LONG TIME AGO KICKING THIS OFF AND ASKING FOR MY SUPPORT IN IT AND I SAID ABSOLUTELY BECAUSE I SEE TOO OFTEN -- WE ALL DO IN SOCIETY TODAY WHEN THINGS GO WRONG. WITHOUT FAIL THERE'S A CAMERA SOMEWHERE SHOWING WHERE SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. COULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENT CAT COULD HAVE DONE WHATEVER. SO I'M JUST SO GRATEFUL YOU ARE REACHING AND STRIVING FOR THIS BECAUSE IT'S ABSOLUTELY THE BEACON FOR ME IN MY MIND AND IN YOUR OFFICE TO HAVE THIS LEVEL OF REPRESENTATION OF YOUR EXCELLENCE. IT REALLY STUCK TO ME, CHIEF, WHAT YOU SAID. PROFESSIONAL POLICING IS A MUST. IF I WAS WRITING MY NEWSPAPER -- A. NEWSPAPER THAT WOULD BE MY HEADLINE. WHEN YOU APPROACH IT THE WAY YOU'RE APPROACHING IT WE HAVE VIEWER FRICTION POINTS AND WE HAVE PUBLIC SAFETY -- I. WANT TO SAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART THANK YOU FOR REACHING FOR IT AND HAVING THE CREATION OF IT AND FOR DOING THE WORK. WE ARE MOST SERVED WHEN YOU DO THIS. I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT. I SHOULD SAY, JUST TO BE PROTOCOL COMMISSIONER SMITH WOULD BE NEXT. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE. I WANT TO CONGRATULATE CONSTABLE ELLEN AND EVERY MEMBER OF PRECINCT FIVE. I THANK THE GOOD LORD -- CONSTABLE OFFICERS OUT OF THE PRECINCT FIVE IN HAYS COUNTY. I'M PROUD OF YOUR OFFICERS EVERY DAY. I'M PROUD OF YOU, JOHN. YOU'RE ALWAYS A LEADER NOT ONLY WITH OUR CONSTABLES BUT THROUGH THE STATE AND I'M PROUD TO HAVE THIS -- HAVE YOU ALL IN MY PRECINCT AND YOU ALL MOVE OVER WITH SUCH A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> WONDERFUL. COMMISSIONERS ON THIS SIDE AND AFTER THEM WE WILL COME UP FOR A PICK, WHEN SOME DEPARTMENT HEADS AND ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE TEXTING IT'S MORE OFTEN THAN NOT TO ME ABOUT AGENDA STUFF. >> CONSTABLE OWEN IN YOUR LIFE I ADORE YOU ALL. USUALLY PEOPLE STRIVE AND DO WELL WHEN THEY HAVE GREAT LEADERSHIP IN AN OFFICE. I'M NOT SAYING YOU SHOULDN'T STRIVE OR DO WELL ON YOUR OWN, BUT IT DOES ALWAYS COME BACK TO GOOD LEADER TO GIVE THAT EMPOWERMENT AND SENSE OF DIRECTION. SO CONGRATULATIONS ON EVERYTHING YOU GUYS ARE DOING AND CONTINUE TO DO. I WILL SAY THE HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS DESERVE THE BEST POLICING POSSIBLE SO I'M GLAD YOU ARE JUST HITTING THE MARK FOR HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS. >> WELL SAID COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> THANK YOU CHIEF FOR BEING HERE AND CONGRATULATIONS PRECINCT FIVE. THIS IS JUST A TESTAMENT TO YOUR LEADERSHIP AND YOUR DESIRE TO HAVE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR YOUR PRECINCT. I'M GLAD THE COURT'S ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR INITIATIVES AND THIS IS DEFINITELY A WIN FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY. CONGRATULATIONS. VERY PROUD OF YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> I WILL ECHO MY COLLEAGUES CONGRATULATIONS CONSTABLE ELLEN AND THE ENTIRE STAFF. WHAT A WONDERFUL RECOGNITION AND SUCH AN HONOR TO HAVE THAT HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. SUCH AN ASSET TO OUR COUNTY AND THE CITIZENS YOU SERVE AND WE JUST APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO SO THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATIONS. >> NOW COME ON UP FOR YOUR PICTURE. >> MOVING RIGHT ALONG LET'S GO [F.3 Presentation by Hays County AgriLife Extension Office Staff to recognize 4-H Students for their achievements at the State Roundup. HAMMER/BLANKENSHIP] [00:51:09] TO F THREE. >> F THREE. PRESENTATION BY HAYS COUNTY AGRILIFE EXTENSION OFFICE STAFF TO RECOGNIZE 4H STUDENTS FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE STATE ROUND UP. >> SO MOVED. >> HELLO, GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS KATE BLANKENSHIP AND I'M WITH THE AGRILIFE EXTENSION OFFICE HERE IN HAYS COUNTY AND I WANTED TO INTRODUCE OUR NEW EMPLOYEE ILIANA. IF SHE WANTS TO COME UP HERE SHE'S OUR NEW 4HN YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR HAYS COUNTY. WILL LET HER DO A BRIEF INTRO AND THEN WE WILL HAVE SOME OF THE KIDS COME UP AND TALK ABOUT THE TEXAS 4H STATE CONTEST, IT'S A HUGE CONTEST. 4H ARE PARTICIPATING ACROSS THE STATE OF TEXAS AND WE HAD 74 ARCHERS ABLE TO COMPETE IN SEVERAL CONTESTS. THE STATE CONTESTS THAT HAPPENED IN EARLY JUNE IN COLLEGE STATION SO I WILL LET THEM TALK ABOUT THEIR STUFF AFTER. >> PERFECT. >> GOOD MORNING. I WANTED TO INTRODUCE MYSELF MY NAME IS ILIANA GONZALEZ. I JUST GRADUATED FROM TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY WITH A DEGREE IN AGRICULTURE AND I'M SO STAFF HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. >> BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> MY NAME IS GENEVIEVE. >> I'M PENELOPE AND WE'RE HERE REPRESENTING THE CLUB IN HAYS COUNTY. WE WERE ABLE TO COMPETE -- >> WE WERE ABLE TO COMPETE IN FOOD CHALLENGE IN STATE AND GOT FOURTH PLACE AND WE ALSO COMPETED IN THE COMPETITION WHERE WE WON SECOND PLACE WHICH IS A SEWING CONTEST. THANK YOU. >> WONDERFUL. >> GOOD MORNING HAYS COUNTY. MY NAME IS PENELOPE SOTO. I'M CURRENTLY 15 YEARS OLD AND AT SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL IN HAYS COUNTY. I'M GOING INTO MY JUNIOR YEAR AND I'VE BEEN AROUND FOR H FOR LITERALLY AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. I KIND OF SPROUTED THROUGH THERE AND MY SISTER WAS IN IT AND SHE GRADUATED IN 2021. MY MAIN PROJECT IS CATTLE WHERE I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE STEERS AND HEIFERS. OUTSIDE OF CATTLE I PARTICIPATE IN CHOREOGRAPHED ROUTINES. THIS PAST YEAR I DID A LYRICAL SOLO CALLED STILL GROWING USING THE SONG VIENNA BY BILLY JOEL. I WORKED FOR HOURS PROTECTING MY ROUTINE -- PERFECTING MY ROUTINE AND I ADVANCE FROM DISTRICT TO STATE WHERE I REPRESENTED HAYS COUNTY AND RECEIVED THIRD AT STATE. I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE CONSTANT SUPPORT FROM JUDGE BECERRA AND COMMISSIONERS AS WELL AS HAYS COUNTY. IT'S GREAT TO REPRESENT HAYS COUNTY AND HAVING THAT SUPPORT MAKES US WANT TO REPRESENT Y'ALL EVEN MORE. THANK YOU. >> SOME OF THE OTHERS COULD NOT BE HERE TODAY BUT I WANTED TO SHOUT OUT TO ONE OF THEM WHO GOT A $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP FROM MCLAIN FOUNDATION. THAT WAS PRETTY AWESOME, SHE WAS RECOGNIZED THERE AT THE ASSEMBLY. I WANT TO SAY I'M SUPER PROUD OF ALL THE FOUR AGERS THAT GOT TO PARTICIPATE AT THE STATE CONTEST AND WE'D LOVE TO SEE MORE AND HAVE THE NUMBER GROW AND HAVE MORE HAYS COUNTY FOR THERE. >> WELL DONE. I WILL SAY WE'VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING VERY CLOSE TO 4H AND I'VE EVEN GIVEN OUT SOME PARTICIPATION AWARDS AND HANDED [00:55:02] OUT BARS OF CANDY. I'VE BEEN SO GRATEFUL TO BE PART OF IT AND SOME PEOPLE FORGET THAT HAYS COUNTY IS NOT JUST I-35. THERE'S SO MUCH THAT'S NOT URBAN AND DENSELY PACKED AND THERE ARE SO MANY ACRES THAT ARE WIDE OPEN, THAT ARE BEING USED IN WAYS THAT ARE HISTORICAL AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN. SO WE FIGHT FOR THAT TO CONTINUE AND WE'RE SO GRATEFUL THAT YOU ARE LEARNING AND KEEPING THESE TRADITIONS ALIVE. BECAUSE WITHOUT YOU, THESE THINGS FADE OFF IN THE SUNSET AND WE DON'T WANT THAT SO THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> I'M VERY HAPPY YOU ASKED ME TO SPONSOR. I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIT DOWN AND MEET SOME OF YOU INDIVIDUALLY. YOU'RE INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE AND IT'S AMAZING TO SEE ALL OF THE WORK THAT YOU GUYS ARE TRYING AND STRIVING TO DO. YOU ALL DON'T JUST GO TO SCHOOL AND DO THE BARE MINIMUM. YOU GO HOME AND THAT'S WHEN THE REAL WORK BEGINS. SO CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYTHING YOU ARE ACCOMPLISHING AND I WAS JUST TELLING MY HUSBAND THE OTHER DAY AT DINNER, SUPPORTING OUR FARMERS, IT'S SO IMPORTANT. ESPECIALLY HERE IN TEXAS. BUT FROM OUR NATION AND -- AS A HOLE. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU DO. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH'S. >> I WANT TO CLARIFY A COUPLE OF THINGS NUMBER 1 -- WHAT WE TALK ABOUT SPECIFICALLY FOCUSING WHEN WE TALK ABOUT 4H ON THE RURAL PORTIONS OF OUR COUNTY, ALMOST HALF OF THE PROGRAMS THAT 4H OFFERS AND Y'ALL CAN CLARIFY OUR COUNTY EXTENSION AGENT CAN CLARIFY BUT AT LEAST IN THE PAST ALMOST HALF OF THE PROGRAMS OUT THERE ARE SPECIFICALLY TARGETED ÚFOR MORE SUBURBAN AND URBAN YOUTH. SO I WAS ALWAYS PROUD TO BE PART OF 4H. I WENT TO THE STATE 4H ROUNDUP FROM THE TIME I WAS TEN UNTIL 18. I QUALIFIED EVERY YEAR. WAS THE FIRST CHANCE FOR ME FROM SMALL TOWN TEXAS TO GET OUT AND GET INTO -- TO SEE A LARGER CITY. AT COLLEGE STATION WHERE THE ROUNDUP WAS HELD EVERY YEAR WAS A MASSIVE TOWN. SO IT GIVES AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT AND LEARN DIFFERENT THINGS. I QUALIFIED FOR STATE THREE TIMES IN COOPERATIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING AND A COUPLE OF OTHER EVENTS, MORE RURAL EVENTS LIKE JUDGING AND THOSE KINDS OF THINGS. BUT IT REALLY PAVED A PATH FOR ME TO GET -- TO REALLY KNOW THERE'S MORE OUT THERE THAN WHERE I JUST GREW UP HERE I'M EXCEEDINGLY PROUD OF THE STUDENTS WE SAW TODAY. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO'VE BEEN ON THE COURT, I KNOW WE'VE SEEN YOU AT LEAST SIX OR SEVEN TIMES IN COURT. I'M SO PROUD OF YOU. TO KNOW YOU'RE FINISHING UP SCHOOL AND HEADING ON TO THE NEXT STEP. I'M REALLY EXCITED THAT I WAS ABLE TO ATTEND THE BANQUET THIS LAST YEAR AGAIN. I'D ENCOURAGE ALL OF MY COLLEAGUES TO DO THE SAME. AND I'M PROUD EVERY TIME I SEE FOUR ARCHERS OUT THERE. I WAS ABLE TO WORK AT THE CENTER FOR TWO YEARS IN COLLEGE AND BROWNWOOD AND BE A COUNCILLOR FOR THESE KIDS. ANY TIME ANYONE SAYS ANYTHING ABOUT THE YOUTH OF AMERICA, THE FIRST THING I TELL THEM IS THEY NEED TO GO TO A 4H EVENT AND FIND THOSE KIDS BECAUSE THERE'S SOME REALLY GREAT KIDS OUT THERE WHO WILL BE OUR FUTURE LEADERS AND THE YOUNG LADY WHO'S IN OUR COURT TODAY IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THAT. >> BEAUTIFUL PIER COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE. THESE -- I. LOVE LEADERSHIP. ANYTHING LEADERSHIP HERE YOU CAN FIND LEADERSHIP IN EVERY SPACE AND I KNOW THESE PROGRAMS GROW YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND YOU WILL BE WONDERFUL LEADERS IN THE FUTURE SO THANK YOU FOR THE HARD WORK. KEEP WORKING HARD CAN'T KEEP ASKING FOR HELP. SEEK ADVICE FROM LEADERSHIP AND YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO DO GREAT CONGRATULATIONS. >> THANK YOU PIER CONGRATULATIONS PIER Y'ALL ARE SUCH AN INSPIRATION AND WILL BE TO SO MANY YOUNG ADULTS. HAYS COUNTY IS REPRESENTED WELL AND I'M SO PROUD OF Y'ALL. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO. >> WONDERFUL. IT'S CUSTOMARY FOR US TO TAKE A PICTURE. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? COME ON UP? LET'S TAKE A PICTURE. [01:00:39] >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONGRATULATIONS. [F.4 Presentation by HNTB regarding an update on community input and public engagement efforts related to the Darden Hill Road project. BECERRA] AND IF YOU WILL PLEASE GO ON TO F FOUR. >> F FOUR. PRESENTATION BY HNTB REGARDING AN UPDATE ON COMMUNITY INPUT AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS RELATED TO THE DARDEN HILL ROAD PROJECT. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. I WILL -- WORK WITH HNTB CORPORATION. I'VE BEEN ASKED TO PROVIDE A SUMMARY, AN INFORMAL COMMUNITY MEETING THAT OCCURRED ON MAY 20TH, LAST MONTH TO DISCUSS THE DARDEN HILL EXPANSION AND WIDENING PROJECT. THE MEETING WAS ATTENDED BY APPROXIMATELY 120 PEOPLE, SO A VERY GOOD CROWD THAT SHOWED UP TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWPOINTS. WE STARTED OFF BY MAKING A BRIEF PRESENTATION ON WHERE WE'VE BEEN, WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE'RE GOING TO BE GOING. WE NOTED THE PROJECTS AND EXTENSION APPEARED IN 2013 HAYS COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PLAN AND THEY BOTH APPEARED IN THE 2021 HAYS COUNTY PLAN AND THE CITY SPRINGS TRANSPORTATION PLAN. REGARDING THE EXTENSION BETWEEN DARDEN HILL AND RM150, WE'RE ABOUT TO RESTART THE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS BECAUSE WE HAD A PROCESS THAT STARTED OFF A FEW YEARS BACK BUT IT WENT ON PAUSE AND WE WILL LIKELY START OFF WITH ONE OF THE ALTERNATIVES THAT WAS IDENTIFIED DURING THAT PROCESS TO TAKE THAT OUT TO THE PUBLIC TO START GETTING STAKEHOLDER INPUT. THAT SHOULD BE KICKING OFF LATER THIS YEAR. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT STAKEHOLDER INPUT, WHAT I'M REFERRING TO IS NOT ONLY THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE ON OR NEAR THE ROAD WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HEAR THEIR VIEWPOINT BUT ALSO OTHER POTENTIAL USERS OF THE ROADWAY. IN THIS CASE WE'D WANT TO GET THE INPUT OF THE CITY -- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PICKED DRIPPING SPRINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE NEIGHBORHOODS ALONG 1826, ALONG RM 12 AS WELL. AND DRIPPING SPRINGS HISTORICAL CONSERVATION SOCIETY AS WELL. SO WE WILL GATHER ALL OF THAT AND IT'S THE DIRECTION WE MAY NEED TO GO AT THAT PARTICULAR POINT IN TIME. IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE 2025 CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGATION ONLY FUNDED THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND DESIGN PHASES OF THE EXTENSION PROJECT. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY CONSTRUCTION FUNDING WHATSOEVER. IF THE PROJECT WAS TO BE CONSTRUCTED, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE TO A FUTURE FUNDING SOURCE EITHER CAMPO APPLICATION OR BOND OR OTHER ISSUANCE. REGARDING THE WIDENING PROJECT BETWEEN SAWYER RANCH ROAD AND 1826, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS WAS COMPLETED IN 2024. DESIGN IS UNDERWAY FOR A FOUR-LANE DIVIDED FACILITY, PROJECTED TRAFFIC DUE TO THE OPENING OF NEW HIGH SCHOOL WHICH IS PROTECTED -- PROJECTED TO GENERATE ABOUT 5000 NEW VEHICLE TRIPS EVERY DAY PLUS THE NATURAL GROWTH IN THIS AREA JUSTIFIES THE FACILITY. THE MAIN INPUT WE GOT FROM THE FOLKS AT THE MEETING ON THE WIDENING PROJECT WAS THAT THEY WANTED TO UNDERSTAND WHY IT WAS DESIGNED TO A CERTAIN SPEED. THE CROSS SECTION WE WERE PROPOSING, THE ABILITY TO PERFORM A NOISE ANALYSIS AS WELL AND THE POSSIBLE USE OF THE PLANNED SHARED USE PATH PROPOSED TO BE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ROAD FROM FORKS ON THE -- FOLKS ON THE NORTH SIDE. REGARDING THE DESIGN SPEED WHAT WE EXPLAINED TO FOLKS IS THAT BECAUSE OF WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED FOR IN THIS CASE 45 MILES PER HOUR DOES NOT MEAN THAT'S GOING TO BE THE SPEED LIMIT WHEN IT'S OPENED UP. THE COUNTY HAS FULL AUTHORITY TO SET SPEED LIMITS AND RIGHT NOW TALKING THEY'RE, THERE'S NO [01:05:02] INTENTION TO INCREASE THE CURRENT 40-MILE-AN-HOUR SPEED LIMIT ONCE THE ROAD IS OPEN. THE CROSS SECTION LOOKS WIDE WHEN YOU FIRST SEE IT ABOUT 160 FEET WIDE. IT'S GOT FOUR LANES IN EACH DIRECTION BUT IT'S GOT GREEN SACE IN THE MIDDLE FOR A MEDIAN AND ALSO ON THE OUTSIDE WHICH HELPS WITH THE DRAINAGE OF THE ROADWAY AND FOR THE WATER QUALIY ASPECTS THAT ARE THERE. WHAT THE CROSS SECTION ALSO DOES, IT PROVIDES SHOULDERS ON THE OUTSIDE. RIGHT NOW AT GARDEN HILL ROAD IS A NARROW TWO-LANE ROADWAY. WHAT THAT MEANS IS THERE'S ALWAYS THAT CHANCE SOMEBODY S GOING TO DRIFT ACROSS THE CENTER LINE AND CAUSE A HEAD-ON COLLISION OR SOMEONE'S GOING TO DRIFT OFF THE EDGE LINE AND HAVE A RUN OFF THE ROAD CRASH. WITH THIS TYPE OF CROSS SECTION, YOU HAVE THAT MEDIAN IN THE MIDDLE WHICH GREATLY -- RELIEVES THE CHANCE OF A COLLISION AT A WIDER SHOULDER ON THE OUTSIDE THAT IF THEY DO RUN OFF, THEY HAVE TIME TO RECOVER. THE STRIPING ON THE OUTSIDE WILL HAVE THAT RUMBLE EFFECT AS WELL SO IF PEOPLE ARE FALLING ASLEEP, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO WAKE UP. REGARDING THE NOISE ANNOUNCEMENTS, THERE'S NOTHING IN THE COUNTY RULES THAT THE TYPE OF FUNDING WE'RE USING THAT REQUIRES A NOISE ANALYSIS BUT WE HEARD PLENTY OF NOISE, NO PUN INTENDED AT THE MEETING THAT PEOPLE WANT TO SEE THAT SO FOR THIS CASE, WE'RE GOING TO DO THAT. WE'VE ALREADY ADJUSTED THE SCOPE OF A DESIGN CONSULTANT TO SEE HOW -- WHAT NOISE MIGHT BE CREATED BY FUTURE TRAFFIC VOLUMES. ONE THING THAT IS GOING TO BE DIFFERENT ABOUT THE ROAD YOU SEE TODAY IS THAT IT'S GOING TO HAVE WHAT'S CALLED A HOT MIX SURFACE COURSE AS OPPOSED TO A CHIP SEAL WHICH IS MUCH QUIETER THAN WHAT WE HAVE OUT THERE TODAY. ALSO THE SEPARATION FROM THE HOMES AND ON THAT ROADWAY ARE PRETTY FAR OFF BUT WE WILL CHECK TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE DECIBEL LEVELS AND SEE IF THEY MEET ANY MINIMUM THRESHOLDS. REGARDING ACCESS TO THE USE PATH, FOLKS ON FIELDSTONE JUST ON THE NORTHERN NEIGHBORHOOD WANTED THE ABILITY TO ACCESS THE SOUTHERN SIDEWALK. THE REASON WE HAVE IT ON THE SOUTH IS BECAUSE THAT'S THE SITE OF THE SCHOOL AND IT MAKES SENSE TO HAVE IT WHERE THE KIDS MIGHT BE WALKING. IT'S ALSO A REALLY GOOD COMMENT, HOW CAN THEY GET THERE. WE'RE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF LOOKING AT INSTALLING ONE OF THOSE SIGNALS. YOU SEE THEM IN AUSTIN, MID-BLOCK THAT SOMEBODY CAN ACTIVATE AND TRAFFIC WOULD HAVE TO STOP SO THEY COULD ACTUALLY CROSS THE ROADWAY. WE ARE LOOKING AT THAT TYPE OF INSTALLATION AND WE SHOULD HAVE THAT DECISION A LITTLE LATER ON. ONE LAST POINT ON THE DESIGN SPEED, ONE THING THE HIGHER DESIGN SPEED DOES IS IT FLATTENS THE CURVES AND MAKES THE HILLS LESS STEEP. ANYTIME YOU DO THAT, YOU NATURALLY HAVE A SAFER ROADWAY. OUR GOAL IS TO BE IN CONSTRUCTION ON THE LINING PROJECT SOMETIME IN 2027. THE MID PART OF 2027 WITH A GOAL OF HAVING A MAJOR PART OF THE ROAD OPEN BY THE TIME HIGH SCHOOL OPENS IN FALL OF 2028. IN CLOSING, THESE PROJECTS ARE BEING UNDERTAKEN TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND MOBILITY AND BE READY FOR THE GROWTH THAT'S NATURALLY OCCURRING IN THIS AREA. BOTH OF THESE PROJECTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE 2024 ROAD MAP PROGRAM. WITH THAT I'M HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY H HAVE. >> FOR THIS PRESENTATION I WANT TO REMIND THE PUBLIC, I'M GRATEFUL TO SAY THAT IF YOU BRING MY ATTENTION TO SOMETHING, I WILL LISTEN, I WILL LEAN IN AND I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE YOUR INTERESTS CAPTURED IN THE GOVERNMENT'S WORK. AFTER ALL, AT THE END OF THE DAY, PEOPLE MUST REALIZE WE EXIST IN THESE CHAIRS BECAUSE WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SERVING THE COMMUNITY. SO IF WE LOSE SIGHT OF THAT, THEN WHAT ARE WE DOING? SO THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THAT DARDEN HILL MEETING. I ASKED FOR THE COMMUNITY TO COME SPEAK THEIR MIND STRAIGHT TO THE PROFESSIONALS AND THANK YOU FOR CAPTURING THEIR CONCERNS. THANK YOU FOR RETOOLING THE THOUGHT PROCESS IN A WAY THAT WILL HELP PEOPLE FEEL SAFER, FEEL UNDERSTOOD, FEEL HEARD AND THE MORE WE REALIZE THAT THE SOONER AND MORE FREQUENTLY WE INCLUDE OUR COMMUNITY, THE LESS PITCHFORKS AND CLAMORING AND FULL COURTROOMS WERE GOING TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH. LET'S DO THE PEOPLE'S WORK AT THE BEGINNING AND I THINK WE WILL BE BETTER SERVED. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU AND I DID EVERYTHING I COULD AND I KNOW YOU KNOW IT TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE WEREN'T THROWING PITCHFORKS AT YOU AND I TRIED TO TELL PEOPLE YOU'RE HERE TO SUPPORT AND INFORM THE CONVERSATION AND YOU DID A GREAT [01:10:02] JOB, YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE TEAM AND I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT. ANYTHING TO ADD TO THAT? >> I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE A GEC THAT'S ABLE TO HEAR OUR CONSTITUENTS COMPLAINTS, COMMENTS AND CONCERNS WHEN IT COMES TO ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION OF OUR BEAUTIFUL NATURAL RESOURCES AND I DO BELIEVE YOU CAN HAVE BOTH AND I THINK YOU JUST HAVE TO BE CAUTIOUS AND CAREFUL AND CONTINUE TO DO THESE ENVIRONMENTAL FEASIBILITY STUDIES AND PIVOT IN EVERY DIRECTION WE POSSIBLY CAN TO GIVE THE REASSURANCE THAT WE ARE DOING THIS WITH OUR ENVIRONMENT IN MIND. >> SPEAKER-01: THAT -- >> THAT'S RIGHT. COMMISSIONER SMITH, ANYTHING TO ADD? >> ABSOLUTELY. I'VE MET WITH THE ORGANIZATION WHO'S ORGANIZED RELATIVE TO THIS PROJECT A NUMBER OF TIMES ACTUALLY AND I WANT TO REITERATE A COUPLE OF THE POINTS THAT CARLOS MADE. AS WE LOOK AT THE EAST DARDEN HILL PROJECT WHICH IS WHERE THERE'S CONCERN, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE AND I THINK IN CARLOS'S PRESENTATION THAT WAS GIVEN AT THE MEETING THAT YOU ORGANIZED, THE OVERALL VIEW, GOOGLE EARTH VIEWS OF WHAT THAT AREA LOOKS LIKE NOW COMPARED TO WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE BACK IN 2012 -- PARDON ME WHENEVER WE ACTUALLY INCLUDED THAT PROJECT FOR THE FIRST TIME IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PLACE. KNOWING THAT DARDEN HILL SAWYER RANCH AREA WILL HAVE 5000 STUDENTS ON IT AND 2028 IS ALSO A MAJOR CONSIDERATION. ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK IS LOST HERE -- TWO OF THE THINGS I THINK ARE LOST HERE IS IN THE 2024 ROAD BOND THERE'S ACTUALLY ABOUT -- OVERWHELMINGLY IN MY PRECINCT BY THE WAY WHERE THOSE INDIVIDUALS ARE MOST AFFECTED, WE CREATED WITH THE EDUCATION AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTED THAT WITH THAT AN ACTUAL CONTRACT WITH THE VOTERS TO DELIVER THOSE PROJECTS. I THINK WHAT'S IMPORTANT, THE SECOND THING TO NOTE IS IF WE LOOK AT THIS OVERALL PROJECT, THE EAST SIDE CORRIDOR OF DARDEN HILL WHERE THE CONCERNS HAVE BEEN RAISED THAT ARE MENTIONED HERE, THAT IS IF WE -- IF THAT PROJECT IS HELD THAT WE'RE ATTEMPTING TO RAISE, WE'RE JUST PAST CONCEPTION. THE FACT IS THAT CARLOS AND HIS TEAM ALONG WITH MY OFFICE, THE PRECINCT FOUR OFFICE SCHEDULED A NUMBER OF PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT MEETINGS. SCHEDULED TO START LATE SUMMER EARLY FALL. THAT PORTION OF THE PROJECT, THERE'S NO CONSTRUCTION FUNDING FOR IT. WE'D HAVE TO COME BACK AND IDENTIFIED AT A LATER POINT. SO WE WERE ABSOLUTELY AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THAT PROJECT. I THINK AS A COMMISSIONER AND KNOWING THE PROCESS IN DELIVERING PROJECTS SUCH AS THIS IN THE PAST, I THINK MY FELLOW COMMISSIONERS WOULD AGREE WITH ME ON THIS. I DON'T WANT TO SPEAK FOR THEM. BUT WORKING WITH THESE PROJECS ON A DAILY BASIS, I THINK IT WAS SOMEWHAT IRRESPONSIBLE TO GO OUT NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROJECT OR ANY OF THE BACKGROUND FOR THE PROJECT OR THE FACT THAT IT WAS INCLUDED. IN AT LEAST TWO, ACTUALLY THREE PRIOR ITERATIONS OF OUR MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN. AND INCLUDED IN OUR BOND AND NOT KNOWING A BACKGROUND OR ANY OF THE PARTICULARS ABOUT THE PROJECT, TO HAVE A PUBLIC MEETING AND NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THOSE ACTUAL PUBLIC MEETINGS HAVE DIRECT INPUT ON THE PROCESS AND GAINING PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WERE SCHEDULED. TO DO SO WITHOUT A SINGLE PHONE CALL, EMAIL OR COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER WHO'S STATUTORILY IN CHARGE OF DELIVERING THAT PROJECT OR HAVING THE ABILITY TO IMPACT THAT PROJECT, I THINK IT WAS FOR POLITICAL MEANS. IF YOU WANTED TO HAVE A TRULY ENGAGING MEETING OR ENGAGING INTERACTION WITH THE PUBLIC, IT COULD HAVE WAITED A WEEK UNTIL AFTER A PRIMARY. I THINK THE MEETING THAT YOU DID WAS A FEEL GOOD MEETING FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES AND I'M EMBARRASSED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. >> LET'S STAY ON THE AGENDA I ITEM. >> I WILL FINISH TALKING NOW. THERE'S NO PUBLIC RECORD OF THE [01:15:03] EXACT COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE. THERE'S NO WAY TO QUANTIFY THAT OR USE THAT DATA IN THE FUTURE. AS WILL HAPPEN WHEN WE HAVE THE PUBLIC MEETINGS THAT WILL BE HELD BY THE COUNTY. I THINK THOSE COMMENTS, YOU CAN SAY IN GENERAL PEOPLE SAID THIS. BUT HAVING THE ACTUAL COLLECTION OF THAT DATA, TO HEAR THE REAL CONCERNS OF THOSE CITIZENS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROJECT. AND NONE OF THAT WAS DONE. I WOULD HOPE THAT THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN AGAIN TO ANY OF MY FELLOW COMMISSIONERS AND IF IT DOES, I'D SEVERELY OBJECT TO THAT AS WELL. >> THANK YOU, SIR,. >> I FEEL BAD FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHO ATTENDED THE MEETING AND FELT LIKE THEIR VOICES WERE HEARD WHEN THERE'S NO RECORD OF WHAT THEIR VOICES SAID. >> THANK YOU, SIR. AND THANK YOU CARLOS FOR CAPTURING THOSE COMMENTS THAT WERE ACTUALLY SAID AND REPEATING THEM HERE IN THE COURT OF RECORD. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU CAPTURING WHAT THE CITIZENS HAVE ALREADY SAID AND NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES WE TRY TO SAY WE'VE TRIED -- CHECKED THE BOX AND HAD OUR PUBLIC MEETINGS, IF THE PUBLIC DOESN'T FEEL HEARD, WE'VE FAILED. COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> THANK YOU CARLOS FOR THAT PRESENTATION. AND JUST REMIND ME HOW MANY SCHOOLS ARE ON GARDEN HILL ARE GOING TO BE BUILT? >> RIGHT NOW THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS ALREADY OPEN. THE HIGH SCHOOL IS GOING TO BE OPENING IN 28. OUR UNDERSTANDING IS THERE'S A MIDDLE SCHOOL AS WELL IN THAT AREA SO IT HADN'T STOPPED GROWING YET WHERE THE TRAFFIC'S GOING TO BE GENERATED. >> I APPRECIATE TALKING ABOUT WE NEED TO CONSIDER ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT AND I BELIEVE THERE'S A PATHWAY FORWARD FOR ALL. AS LONG AS EVERYONE'S CONCERNS ARE CONSIDERED AND ADDRESSED, SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE A LARGE SCHOOL ON A COUNTY ROAD THAT HASN'T BEEN DEVELOPED IN OVER 50 YEARS, I THINK IT'S GREAT TO BE A LITTLE PROACTIVE ON DARDEN HILL. BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S COMING FOR THEM AND MOST OF THE CALLS I GET ARE ABOUT SCHOOLS. THE TRAFFIC AND DROP OFF AND PICK UP AND ALL OF THAT. THE UNSAFE DRIVING. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ROAD IS SAFE HERE FOR OUR KIDS IN THE COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE COMMUNITY AND LIKE YOU SAY, THEY JUST WANT TO BE HEARD SO I APPRECIATE THAT. >> COMMISSIONER. >> THANK YOU CARLOS FOR THE PRESENTATION. I REALLY APPRECIATED YOUR PRESENTATION. AND FOR ME, I DID HEAR THAT WERE LISTENING TO THE CITIZENS CONCERNS AND I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT AS IT RELATES TO THE DESIGN SPEED AND OUR CURRENT SPEED OUT THERE AND WHAT THE COUNTY WOULD BE ABLE TO LOWER IT TO WHAT IS NOW 40 MILES AN HOUR. THE NOISE ANALYSIS I'M GLAD WE'RE MOVING FORWARD WITH THAT. AND THE ACCESS TO THE SHARED PATH. SO IF THEY WEREN'T RECORDED, I HOPE THEY WILL BE SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA AND ENSURE WE'RE LISTENING AND COMPLYING WITH THE NEEDS. >> OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM DID TAKE SUMMARY MINUTES SO WE DO HAVE THAT AND JUDGE, WE DID FOLLOW UP WITH AN EMAIL TO EVERYBODY THAT WANTED TO BE KEPT INFORMED LAST WEEK. MENTIONING THE THINGS I TALKED ABOUT TODAY. >> THANK YOU. I KNOW YOU DID BECAUSE YOU WERE IN THAT FULL ROOM OVERFLOWING ROOM OF PEOPLE AND YOU HEARD ALL THEY WANT TO DO WAS BE INCLUDED IN A DIFFERENT WAY, JUST TO HELP PEOPLE SAVE FACE. IN A DIFFERENT WAY THAN HAS BEEN IN THE PAST SO THIS WORKED AND I'M GRATEFUL -- YOU WERE THERE TO CAPTURE THE CONCERN. >> APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU. >> I'VE BEEN ASKED TO HOLD JUNE 18 JUST SO YOU KNOW. IF THERE ARE ANY OTHERS I'VE BEEN ASKED TO PULL THE REASON I WILL TALK ABOUT THAT IS IF THERE'S SOMEONE THAT WANTED TO HEAR ABOUT THE AGENDA ITEM, I WANTED YOU TO KNOW WE'RE GOING TO PULL G18 HERE BECAUSE THERE ARE ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM? NOT OPEN IN OTHER WORDS. K FOUR AS WELL. WHO SAID THAT? SO YOU'RE NOT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL OR DEPARTMENT HEAD SO THANKS. ANYTHING ELSE TO PULL. PULL IS THE QUESTION. [K.1. Discussion and possible action to adopt a Resolution establishing a temporary, 180-day Emergency Water Protection Review Period for high-impact development applications, creating the Hays County High-Water Demand Development Review Board to evaluate critical groundwater impacts, and providing an immediate effective date. BECERRA] I'M ASKING ELECTED OFFICIALS. NOTHING? OKAY GOOD. WE WILL GO BASED ON ATTENDANCE AND INTEREST WE WILL GO K ONE FIRST. SO PLEASE OPEN K ONE. >> K ONE DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY 180 DAY [01:20:03] EMERGENCY WATER PROTECTION REVIEW. FOR HIGH IMPACT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS, CREATING THE HAYS COUNTY HIGH WATER DEMAND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD TO EVALUATE CRITICAL GROUNDWATER IMPACTS IN PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> THANK YOU. A COUPLE WEEKS AGO WE PRESENTED A RESOLUTION THAT HAD THE UP TO DATE CAPTURING OF THINGS WE THOUGHT WERE GOING TO BE USEFUL FOR US AS A COUNTY. AND TO GET THE LEGAL BUY IN WE TABLED IT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAD FURTHER REVIEW FROM OUR LEGAL DIVISION, OUR LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND MAKE SURE THAT THERE WERE SOME WORDS THAT WOULD BE ADDRESSED TO MAKE EVERYONE MORE COMFORTABLE. SO LAST WEEK I THINK FRIDAY CIVIL DIVISION RETURNED A DRAFT THAT I THINK JACOB AS THE ARCHITECT OF THE DOCUMENT HELP ME PUT ALL THOSE IDEAS TOGETHER WAS WORKING WITH THEM DIRECTLY AND HAD SOME FEEDBACK. BUT I CAN START WITH IN REVERSE, DID YOU SEE ANYTHING THAT YOU WANTED -- I. COULD HAVE THE CLERKS READ IT OR DO YOU WANT -- WHAT DO YOU THINK WE HAVE THEM READ IT? >> IF THEY WANT TO READ IT, THAT WOULD BE GREAT. >> PERFECT. DO WE -- DO YOU HAVE A PRINTOUT OF IT? OR DOES SOMEBODY HAVE IT? >> I HAVE SOME PRINTOUTS. >> PERFECT. I WAS LOOKING ON MY PHONE. >> HERE WE GO. I'LL DO THIS. I'LL GIVE YOU THIS ONE. IT'S FOUR PAGES. IF ANYONE WANTS TO FOLLOW ON, IT'S ONLINE. AND IF ANYBODY -- I. HAD A FEW EXTRAS PRINTED FOR ANYBODY IN THE AUDIENCE THAT MAY WANT ONE. OKAY. BUT AGAIN, IT'S ONLINE ALSO. IT WAS ONLINE TWO WEEKS AGO AND JUST WORDSMITHING DIFFERENCES FOR THE MOST PART BUT IF YOU DON'T MIND READING IT PLEASE. >> RESOLUTION OF THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT ESTABLISHING A TEMPORARY EMERGENCY WATER PROTECTION REVIEW. AND ESTABLISH THE HAYS COUNTY WATER DEVELOPMENT DEMAND REVIEW BOARD. WHEREAS HAYS COUNTY IS EXPERIENCING PROLONGED AND SEVERE DROUGHT CONDITIONS LEADING TO HISTORIC DECLINES IN REGIONAL AQUIFER LEVELS AND DIMINISHED WATER AVAILABILITY AND WHEREAS THE ONGOING DROUGHT THREATENS THE PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE OF COUNTY RESIDENTS BY INCREASING THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE BURDEN, STRAINING INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMPROMISING ESSENTIAL FIRE SUPPRESSION NEEDS. AND WHEREAS TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 366 TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY RULES DESIGNATES HAYS COUNTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT WITH DIRECT REGULATORY AUTHORITY OVER ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITY AND WHEREAS CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECTS PRESENT SIGNIFICANT RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND GROUNDWATER QUALITY DUE TO POTENTIAL SOIL, SUSTAINABILITY LIMITATIONS, SYSTEM CAPACITY OVERLOADS AND INCREASED STORMWATER RUNOFF RISKS. AND WHEREAS LARGE SCALE INDUSTRY HIGH WATER DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRED TECHNICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATIONS BEYOND THE STANDARD ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES AVAILABLE WITHIN COUNTY GOVERNMENT. WHEREAS STATE OF TEXAS ELECTRICAL GRID MANAGED BY THE ELECTRICAL RELIABLE COUNCIL OF TEXAS IS EXPERIENCING RAPIDLY INCREASING DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY AND WHEREAS THE DATA CENTER CONSTRUCTION HAS EXPONENTIALLY INCREASED ACROSS THE UNITED STATES AND WITHIN THE STATE OF TEXAS DRIVEN BY INCREASING DEMAND FOR DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, DATA AGGREGATION, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, CRYPTOCURRENCY MINING AND RELATED TRANSACTION SETTLEMENT PROCESSES AND CLOUD COMPUTING SERVICES. WHEREAS RESPONSIBLE LONG TERM PLANNING AND NECESSARY TO ENSURE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH OCCURS IN A MANNER THAT PROTECTS GRID RELIABILITY, WATER SUSTAINABILITY, PHYSICAL INTEGRITY AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF EXISTING RESIDENTS. DEVELOP MAY REQUIRE SUSTAINABLE LAND CONVERSION, INCLUDING THE CLEARING OR REPURPOSING OF AGRICULTURE LAND, OPEN SPACE THAT SUPPORT LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION, RURAL ECONOMIES, WILDLIFE HABITATS AND NATURAL DRAINAGE PATTERNS. WITHOUT APPROPRIATE SITING, MITIGATION AND CONSERVATION PLANNING SUCH AS DEVELOPMENT COULD RESULT IN FRAGMENTATION OF HABITAT. LOSS OF PRIME FARMLAND, INCREASED STORM RUNOFF AND [01:25:03] LONG TERM IMPACTS TO NATIVE SPECIES. AND ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS. WHEREAS PROTECTION DATA INDICATES THAT WITHOUT EXPANDED GENERATION CAPACITY, TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY SAFEGUARDS, TEXAS COULD FACE SUBSTANTIAL SHORTFALLS OF ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND GRID RELIABILITY OVER THE COMING DECADE, INCREASING THE RISK OF SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS AND HIGH ENERGY COSTS FOR RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL AND COMMERCIAL CONSUMERS. AND WHEREAS RAPID INCREASE IN LARGE CONTINUOUS LOW ELECTRICAL DEMAND ATTRIBUTABLE TO HYPERSCALE AND SIMILAR DATA CENTERS FACILITIES RAISE IMPORTANT RELIABILITY PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK SUMMER DEMAND IN EXTREME WEATHER. AND WHEREAS THE COMMISSIONER SUPPORTS TO EVALUATE THE MODEL THESE IMPACTS TO ESTABLISH A LAWFUL HEALTH BASED STANDARD WITHOUT IMPLEMENTING COUNTYWIDE ZONING. AND WHEREAS THE DIRECT ON SITE WATER CONSUMPTION OF PROPOSED DATA CENTERS AND SIMILAR COMPUTING FACILITIES CONSTITUTES -- CONSTITUTES ONLY ONE COMPONENT OF THE TOTAL WATER DEMAND ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH PROJECTS. AND THE SUSTAINABLE ELECTRICAL LOAD REQUIRED TO OPERATE THOSE FACILITIES IMPOSE ADDITIONAL DIRECT STRAIN ON AVAILABLE WATER SUPPLIES AND CAUSE THROUGH THE WATER ENERGY NEXUS INCLUDING WATER USE AND ELECTRICAL GENERATION AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SERVING THOSE DEMANDS. WHEREAS ARTICLE EIGHT SECTION 59 OF THE TEXAS CONSTITUTION DECLARES THE CONSERVATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE STATE'S WATER AND OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE PUBLIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND FURTHER PROVIDES THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PASS SUCH LAWS TO PROTECT THOSE RIGHTS AND WHEREAS EFFECTIVELY PROTECTING SHARED GROUNDWATER RESOURCES REQUIRES UNIDENTIFIED REGIONAL COOPERATION AMONG NEIGHBORING COUNTIES AND GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS. AS WELL AS ENHANCED STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS TO PROPERLY REGULATE THE UNIQUE IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER PROJECTS. WHEREAS CURRENT STATE LEVEL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK PROVIDE LIMITED UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSPARENT REPORTING AND ELECTRICAL DEMAND AND WATER CONSUMPTION ASSOCIATED WITH PROPOSED DATA CENTER FACILITIES. WHEREAS COUNTIES BEAR A FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF COUNTY ROADS, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND CERTAIN EMERGENCY RESPONSE INFRASTRUCTURE. POSSESS LIMITED STATUTORY AUTHORITY TO REQUIRE APPROPRIATE COST PARTICIPATION FROM CERTAIN LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENTS, IMPACTING SUCH INFRASTRUCTURE WHEREAS COUNTIES HAVE LIMITED STATUTORY AUTHORITY OVER ELECTRICAL GENERATION REGULATORY AND GRID OVERSIGHT YET BEAR RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE INTEGRITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION. WHEREAS UNDER CURRENT TEXAS LAW COUNTIES DO NOT POSSESS GENERAL ZONING AUTHORITY AND ARE NOT GRANTED BROAD LAND USE REGULATORY POWERS COMPARABLE TO THOSE MUNICIPALITIES THEREBY LIMITING THE ABILITY OF COUNTIES TO REGULATE THE LOCAL DENSITY AND OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS DATA CENTERS WITHIN AN INCORPORATED AREA. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THE COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT OF HAYS COUNTY TEXAS SECTION ONE ESTABLISHMENT OF TEMPORARY EMERGENCY REVIEW. THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY INSTITUTES TEMPORARY EMERGENCY WATER PROTECTION DURING THIS REVIEW. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT SHALL DEFER CONSIDERATION OF DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUSTRIAL WATER USE PROJECTS TO THE EXTENT SUCH MATTERS ARE LAWFULLY SUBJECT TO A DISCRETION OF THE COURT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED REASONS SUCH DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO TAX ABATEMENT AGREEMENTS, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS, VARIANCE REQUESTS AND OTHER DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS OUTLINED BY THE HAYS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT REGULATORY -- REGULATIONS. THE TEMPORARY REVIEW APPLIES STRICTLY TO SPECIFIC CATEGORIES OF DISCRIMINATION -- DISCRETIONARY APPROVAL WITHIN THE COUNTY'S EXISTING STATUTORY AND REGULATORY JURISDICTIONS. CREATES NO NEW REGULATORY OR PERMITTING AUTHORITY AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUCTED AS COUNTYWIDE ZONING. SECTION TWO, DURATION AND AUTOMATIC EXPIRATION. THIS EMERGENCY REVIEW. SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT FOR THE LIMITED DURATION OF 180 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ADOPTION OF THIS RESOLUTION. THE PAUSE SHALL AUTOMATICALLY EXPIRE AT THE CONCLUSION OF 180 DAY. UNLESS EXPLICITLY EXTENDED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOLLOWING THE PRESENTED [01:30:02] PRESENTATION OF THE PUBLIC FINDINGS. SECTION THREE DEFINITION OF INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS RESOLUTION AN INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECT IS DEFINED AS ANY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT OR OPERATION MEETING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MEASURABLE THRESHOLDS. THE APPLICANT REQUEST REPRESENTS OR SUBMITS MATERIAL REFLECTING ANTICIPATED WATER DEMAND MORE THAN 25,000 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY FOR AN INDUSTRIAL USE OR THE PROJECT INCLUDES DATA PROCESSING SERVER HOSTING, CLOUD COMPUTING OR COMPARABLE FACILITIES DESIGNED FOR AN ELECTRICAL LOAD OF 5 MEGAWATTS OR GREATER THE PROJECT INCLUDES INDUSTRIAL COOLING, MORE THAN 10,000 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY OF ONGOING WATER FOR THE THERMAL MANAGEMENT OR THE PROJECT INCLUDES MORE THAN ONE ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITY SUBJECT TO REVIEW UNDER TCEQ RULES SYSTEM SIZE CONDITION WASTEWATER VOLUME OR SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER CONCERNS. SECTION FOUR WRITTEN FINDINGS. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT BASES THE TEMPORARY ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING EMERGENCY CONDITIONS. AQUIFER LEVELS. HISTORIC DROPS IN THE TRINITY EDWARDS LOCAL WELL SUSTAINABILITY AND RESIDENTIAL WATER SECURITY DROUGHT DECLARATION ACTIVE LOCAL AND STATE DRAFT DECLARATIONS CONFIRM PERSISTENT WATER SCARCITY, WATER AVAILABILITY, DECLINING SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES, LIMIT RELIABLE AVAILABILITY FOR NEW MASSIVE DEMANDS, OSS LIMITS, HIGH VOLUME WATER, WASTEWATER DISCHARGES RISK EXCEEDING LOCAL SOIL ABSORPTION CAPACITY CAPABILITIES. RESULTING IN POTENTIAL SYSTEM FAILURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION. RUNOFF RISKS. LARGE SCALE INDUSTRIAL FOOTPRINTS SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE IMPERVIOUS COVER CREATING SEVERE STORM WATER RUNOFF, FLOODING AND LOCALIZED AQUIFER RECHARGE CONTAMINATION RISK. EMERGENCY RESPONSE BURDEN. WATER SCARCITY SEVERELY LIMITS THE COUNTY'S CAPACITY TO HANDLE CONCURRENT EMERGENCY EVENTS, REQUIRE SUPPRESSION NEEDS, DEPLETED RESERVES -- REQUIRED FOR ACTIVE FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACT. RAPID UNCOORDINATED WATER HAULING AND HEAVY INDUSTRIAL CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC THREATEN THE PHYSICAL INTEGRITY OF COUNTY TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE. SECTION FIVE STATE PROCLAMATION ALIGNMENT. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY DIRECTS OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COUNTY LEGAL STAFF TO IDENTIFY ALL LAWFUL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT TOOLS AVAILABLE UNDER THE ACT OF STATE ISSUED DROUGHT DISASTER PROCLAMATION. THE COUNTY SHALL NOT CLAIM OR EXERCISE AUTHORITY NOT CLEARLY DELEGATED NEXT TO THE PROCLAMATION. SECTION SIX. ENFORCEMENT OF OSF AUTHORITY. HAYS COUNTY SHALL STRICTLY EXERCISE THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY AS A TC AUTHORIZED AGENT UNDER TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE CHAPTER 366. THIS FOCUSES ON PUBLIC HEALTH, WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, SYSTEM CAPACITY AND GROUNDWATER PROTECTION. THE AUTHORITY SHALL NOT BE UTILIZED FOR GENERAL LAND USE CONTROL. SECTION SEVEN CREATION OF THE HAYS COUNTY HIGH WATER DEMAND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD. THE TEMPORARY REVIEW. SHALL SERVE IMPLEMENTATION. FOR THE HAYS COUNTY HIGH WATER AN ADVISORY BOARD TO THE COMMISSIONER SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE REVIEW OF PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER DEMAND DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDING DATA CENTERS, LARGE SCALE INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES AND OTHER PROJECTS OF SIGNIFICANT WATER DEMAND. THE REVIEW BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT AND NOT LIMITED TO ELECTED OFFICIALS, DEVELOPMENT SERVICES STAFF, WATER RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS, EMERGENCY SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES, DEVELOPMENT STAKEHOLDERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH WITH RELEVANT EXPERTISE. THE REVIEW BOARDS DIRECTED TO EVALUATE PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER DEMAND DEVELOPMENTS AND POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON WATER AVAILABILITY, AQUIFERS, PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE, EMERGENCY SERVICES AND LONG TERM DROUGHT RESILIENCY. REVIEW WATER AVAILABILITY STUDIES, UTILITY COMMITMENT LETTERS, DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLANS, CONSERVATION MEASURES AND OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED BY APPLICANTS. PROVIDE WRITTEN FINDINGS RECOMMENDATIONS COMMISSIONERS SUPPORT REGARDING THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH SAFETY AND WELFARE OF HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS. RECOMMEND POLICIES AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW STANDARDS RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER DEMAND PROJECTS. FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT. REVIEW AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THE HAYS COUNTY HIGH WATER [01:35:02] DEVELOPMENT REVIEW CHECKLIST SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS MAY ALSO CONSIDER OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS, INCLUDING NOISE, AIR QUALITY AND GENERAL WELFARE AND GROWTH OF THE UNINCORPORATED AREAS OF THE COUNTY. THIS CHECKLIST WHILE NOT REQUIRED SHALL BE PUBLISHED ON THE COUNTY'S WEBSITE IN THE COUNTY IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS URGES DEVELOPERS INVOLVED IN INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECTS TO FOLLOW THE CHECKLIST PRIOR TO DEVELOPING IN HAYS COUNTY. SECTION 8 CALL FOR JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY ISSUES A FORMAL CALL TO NEIGHBORING COUNTIES, LOCAL GROUNDWATER DISTRICTS AND REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITIES TO INITIATE A COLLABORATIVE JOINT REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW. THIS JOINT EFFORT SHALL AIM TO STUDY THE CUMULATIVE TRANSBOUNDARY IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECTS ON REGIONAL AQUIFERS, VULNERABILITIES AND ESTABLISH UNIFIED DATA SHARING PROTOCOLS TO PRESERVE REGIONAL WATER SECURITY. SECTION NINE. PETITION FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. THE COMMISSIONERS COURT HEREBY AUTHORIZES THE FORMAL PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR OF TEXAS REQUESTING THE CALL OF SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION. THE PETITION SHALL URGENTLY REQUEST THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE EXPAND THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY OF TEXAS COUNTIES GRANTING THEM LOCALIZED POWER TO PROTECT VULNERABLE SURFACE WATER AND GROUNDWATER RESOURCES. AND DIRECTLY REGULATE THE WATER AVAILABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE PROJECTS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION. THE COURT FURTHER ENCOURAGES ADOPTION OF STATEWIDE PLANNING AND REGULATORY STANDARDS PRIORITIZING SUSTAINABILITY, INCLUDING THE INTEGRATION OF WATER EFFICIENT OR CLOSED LOOP COOLING TECHNOLOGY, UTILIZING OF RECLAIMED RECYCLED AND NON-- NONPOTABLE WATER SOURCES WHERE FEASIBLE, DEMAND RESOURCE PARTICIPATION AND LOAD MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS TO PROTECT GRID STABILITY, DECOMMISSION BONDS FOR RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE SHALL THE DATA CENTERS NO LONGER IN USE. EXHIBIT A INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW CHECKLIST. APPLICANTS FOR ANY DEVELOPMENT MEETING THE THRESHOLD OF AN INDUSTRIAL USE PROJECT UNDER SECTION TWO SUBMIT A COMPLETED REVIEW PACKAGE CONTAINING THE FOLLOWING DATA. INDEPENDENT IMPACT STUDIES ON LOCAL TRANSPARENCY. REPORTS TO THE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT. THIS DOES NOT IN ANY WAY AFFECT THE APPLICANT'S REQUIREMENT OR OBLIGATIONS ELSEWHERE REQUIRED UNDER THE LAW OR LOCAL REGULATIONS. ONE, RESOURCE CONSUMPTION PROJECTS DAILY IMPEDE WATER DEMAND, PROVIDE CERTIFIED PROJECTIONS FOR TOTAL WATER -- TOTAL DAILY WATER CONSUMPTION IN GALLONS PER DAY. EXPLICITLY IDENTIFYING PLANNED RESOURCES, PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY, GROUNDWATER WELLS, SURFACE WATER OR HAULED WATER. COOLING SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS SUBMIT MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DATA FOR ANY EVAPORATING COOLING OR ALTERNATIVE INDUSTRIAL COOLING. POWER IMPACT GRID STUDY. DISCLOSED PROJECTED MEGAWATT DEMAND SUBSTATION REQUIREMENTS INFORMAL SERVICE AVAILABILITY AND GRID RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT FOR THE LOCAL ELECTRIC UTILITY PROVIDER. TWO, ENVIRONMENTAL AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT LARGE CAPACITY DESIGN PROVIDES DETAILED ENGINEERING PLANS FOR ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITIES, INCLUDING COMPREHENSIVE LOCALIZED SOIL SUSTAINABILITY ANALYSIS. HYDRAULIC LOADING RATES AND LONG TERM ABSORPTION CAPABILITY STUDIES MATCHING PEAK CAPACITY. STORMWATER RUNOFF AND FLOODING. SUBMIT PREAND POST DEVELOPMENT HYDROLOGY REPORTS MEASURING THE IMPACT OF EXPANDED COVER TO LOCAL DRAINAGE BASINS ALONG WITH STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN. AIR EMISSIONS AND OFF GRID ENERGY PROVIDE COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTATION AND COPIES OF, PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AUXILIARY FACILITIES AND EMERGENCY DIESEL BACKUP GENERATORS. THREE, COMMUNITY IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION PEER TRAFFIC IMPACT AND ROAD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT. SUBMIT A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC IMPACT ANALYSIS FACTORY HEAVY VEHICLE LOADS, FACTORING HEAVY VEHICLE LOADS DURING CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS PAIRED WITH PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION AGREEMENT REMEDY DAMAGE TO COUNTY ROADWAYS. NOISE AND LIGHT POLLUTION CONTROLS. PROVIDE INDEPENDENT ACOUSTIC ENGINEERING REPORT PROVIDING COMPLIANCE WITH LOCAL QUALITY OF LIFE STANDARDS, MODELING, CONTINUOUS LOW FREQUENCY HUMS FROM INDUSTRIAL COOLING UNITS OR GENERATOR TESTING. SITE PLANS AND INFRASTRUCTURE LAYOUT, SUBMIT VISUAL ARCHITECTURAL RENDERINGS, LOCALIZED FERTILITY -- FACILIY SETBACKS FROM PROPERTY BOUNDARIES AND CLEAR PROJECT FRAMING FOR A FUTURE PHASE FOOTPRINT EXPANSION. [01:40:03] FOR MANDATORY PUBLIC NOTICE AND COMMUNITY TRANSPARENCY ON SITE PHYSICAL SIGNAGE, PROVIDE PROOF OF INSTALLATION FOR HIGH VISIBLE WEATHER RESISTANT STRUCTURAL PLACE CARDS PLACED ON THE STREET STREET FACING PERIMETER OF THE PROPOSED SITE DETAILING THE NATURE OF THE INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE APPLICATION. ♪ ♪ MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENT PROVIDE AFFIDAVITS PROOF OF PUBLISHED PUBLIC NOTICES DETAILING THE PROJECT SPECS RUN CONSECUTIVELY REGIONAL NEWSPAPER AND LOCAL DIGITAL MEDIA OUTLETS. ADOPTED THE NINTH DAY OF JUNE 2026. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING THAT. WE HAVE SOME COMMENTS? THANK YOU. IF YOU WILL START WITH THE NAME, TIMER AND ROUTINE AND WE WILL READ THROUGH THOSE AND THEN I WILL GO TO THE COMMISSIONERS. >> LIZ STACCATO. >> I THOUGHT THEY WERE ALL WRITTEN HERE IN PERSON. GOT IT COME ON IN. >> THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE IN PERSON I THINK WHO WILL GIVE THEIR COMMENTS. >> I WAS READING A NOTE I WAS HANDED ABOUT EMAILED COMMENTS I'M HAPPY TO HAVE YOU IN PERSON ALL DAY. >> THANKS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME SOMETHING'S COME UP FOR CONSIDERATION TO SOMEHOW TAMP DOWN AI DATA CENTERS WHILE YOU DO HAVE LIMITED RESOURCES AND LIMITED DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS IN THE COUNTY, THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS YOU CAN BE DOING AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM. THE 180 DAY PAUSE ISN'T GOING TO HURT ANYBODY. IF YOU'RE GOING TO SIT HERE AND WAIT FOR THE PERFECT DOCUMENT, YOU WILL CONTINUE TO PUT PEOPLE AT RISK. LANDOWNERS, WATER RESOURCES, EVERYTHING. HOWEVER, PASSING THIS ONE TODAY AND KNOWING IF YOU NEED TO AMEND SOMETHING IN THE FUTURE, YOU CAN CERTAINLY COME BACK AND MAKE AN AMENDMENT. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO STAND WITH THE PEOPLE WHO ARE BEHIND ME AND MYSELF BECAUSE I'M OBVIOUSLY AGAINST DATA CENTERS IN A DROUGHT RIDDEN COUNTY WITH LIMITED RESOURCE AND LIMITED INFRASTRUCTURE RESOURCE. I URGE YOU TODAY TO VOTE YES FOR THIS AND LET'S START PROTECTING THE CITIZENS AND LISTENING TO THEM. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. NEXT. >> BOBBY LAVINSKY. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. I CAME HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF K1 AND K2 THINKING THAT K1 WAS JUDGE BECERRA AND K2 WAS ANOTHER RESOLUTION BEING WORKED ON BY COMMISSIONERS COHENS AND INGALSBE. I WAS GOING TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF BOTH OF THEM BUT I WANT TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THESE ACTIONS AND EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR THIS COURT COLLECTIVELY MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS ACTION. I THINK IT'S SMART AND DEFENSIBLE AND ALTHOUGH IT'S NOT A MORATORIUM, IT IS MEANINGFUL ACTION. THE LANGUAGE IS FIRM AND RECOGNIZES THE URGENCY OF THE SITUATION AND EXPLORES WHAT WE CAN DO AS A COMMUNITY TOGETHER AND I THINK MOST IMPORTANTLY, BY PUTTING FORTH A POLICY THAT THIS COURT WOULD NOT APPROVE TAX INCENTIVES OR OTHER DISCRETIONARY ACTIONS, YOU'RE GIVING THE COMMUNITY THAT'S FIGHTING THESE THINGS A CHANCE TO BREATHE KNOWING WE WON'T HAVE TO RUSH DOWN HERE TO RESPOND TO A GREENWASHED DEAL. WE'RE SEEING A NEARBY COUNTY WHERE TAX ABATEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS ARE BEING OFFERED UP TO THESE DATA CENTERS WITH LITTLE TO NO BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY OR CURTAILMENT ON THE AMOUNT OF WATER THEY WILL USE OR RECOGNITION OF THE DAMAGE THEY ARE CAUSING TO OUR QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENT. TO HIGHLIGHT A FEW OF THESE ISSUES BETWEEN THE DATA CENTER SITES ALONG WITH THE EXISTING POWER PLANT, THE NEIGHBORHOOD OUT THERE IS LOOKING AT THE REALISTIC POSSIBILITY THAT THREE POWER PLANTS WILL BE BUILT WITHIN A 1.5 MILE RADIUS OF EACH OTHER. THE WASTEWATER PERMITS ARE STARTING UP WITH PROPOSED DISCHARGES OF THE SAN MARCOS RIVER. INDIVIDUALLY ANY ONE OF THESE SITES CREATES ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH AS A COMMUNITY. BUT COLLECTIVELY IT'S STAGGERING WHAT'S HAPPENING ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY AND ACROSS THE STATE. THERE'S OVER 480 LARGE SCALE DATA CENTERS. THIS PROBLEM'S NOT GOING AWAY AND WE NEED TO BE WORKING TOGETHER AND THESE ACTIONS DO THAT SO THANK YOU FOR -- FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, THANK YOU. >> 'S. -- >> I WILL KEEP IT SHORT. I'M REALLY EXCITED TO SEE THE RESOLUTION ON THE TABLE TODAY. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S KIND OF A BEAUTIFUL MIX OF EVERYTHING THAT IS INNOVATIVE BUT ALSO LEGALLY SOUND ABOUT HAVING -- IT'S REALLY CLEAR THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DRAFTED THAT WERE WORKING WITH THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND [01:45:02] TRYING TO DRAW ON THE BODY OF WORK HAPPENING ACROSS THE STATE IN TERMS OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL TO STAND UP TO DATA CENTERS. I'VE HAD TROUBLE TRACKING THE SOCIAL POLITICS AROUND COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT IT TAKES TO GET SOMETHING LIKE THIS PASSED IN REAL SOCIAL TERMS BUT I JUST THINK THIS IS GOOD LEGISLATION. I THINK IT'S -- I'M REALLY HAPPY TO SEE IT ON THE TABLE AND I HOPE SOMEHOW THE PROCESS HAPPENS SUCH THAT EVERYONE VOTES YES EVENTUALLY AND IT GETS PASSED. IF IT TAKES A LITTLE LONGER THAN TODAY, I THINK IT'S OKAY BUT I ALSO THINK THERE'S NO REASON TO WAIT. THANK YOU. >> ABIGAIL LINDSEY. >> ABIGAIL LINDSEY. THIS WASN'T PART OF MY SPEECH BUT I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT 40 MINUTES AGO AT THE TEXAS HOUSE NATURAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE, THEY JUST READ THIS RESOLUTION. GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I'M HERE TODAY TO SUPPORT MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS K1 AND K2 REGARDING THE INDUSTRIAL WATER USERS DATA CENTERS. AT THIS POINT WITH ALL THE INFORMATION OUT THERE, AND WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES, I CANNOT SEE HOW YOU WOULDN'T VOTE YES ON THIS. I READ THE DOCUMENTS AND I BELIEVE THERE'S MORE THE COUNTY COULD PUT IN THERE BUT I UNDERSTAND WE MUST START SOMEWHERE AND I'M ASKING FOR THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS TO BE BOLD, TO BE LEADERS AND TO TAKE THIS INITIAL STEP. I SUPPORT COMMISSIONER HAMMER. I KNOW YOU SAID LAST TIME YOU WANTED TO BE ON THE HIGH WATER DEMAND DEVELOPMENT BOARD. I SUPPORT THAT. I THINK YOU WOULD BE A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THAT. I'D ALSO LIKE TO SEE HAYS COUNTY EVENTUALLY COME OUT AND SAY ABSOLUTELY NO TO TAX ABATEMENTS. JUST PUT IT ON THE PAPER. WE CAN'T SIT BY AND THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE SAVED FROM DATA CENTERS BY THE WAY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OR EVEN THE STATE. CHANGE DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY, IT STARTS WITH PEOPLE ON THE GROUND. SMALL GRASSROOTS MOVEMENTS AND BUILDS AND BUILDS TO WHERE THERE'S SO MUCH NOISE WE CANNOT BE IGNORED. THERE'S NOT ONE SINGLE REASON FOR THE HYPERSCALE DATA CENTERS. THE AMOUNT OF MISINFORMATION THESE COMPANIES HAVE TOLD TO THE PUBLIC, TO CITY LEADERS AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS UNBELIEVABLE. I INVITE ALL THE COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE BECERRA TO COME TO MY HOME AND SEE MY LAND. I WANT TO SHOW YOU WHAT IT'S LIKE BEFORE THE DESTRUCTION HAPPENS. I WANT YOU TO SEE WHAT WE ARE ABOUT TO LOSE. THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS JUST BANNED DATA CENTERS WITHIN CITY LIMITS. I KNOW IT DOESN'T FIX EVERYTHING, BUT IT'S A START AND LET'S BUILD ON THAT MOMENTUM. YOUR COMMUNITY IS BEGGING YOU TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST THIS PIER COME OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY. IF WE NEVER CHALLENGE THE LAWS THAT ARE IN PLACE, HOW DOES ANYTHING EVER CHANGE. I HOPE EVERY PERSON SITTING OUT THERE VOTES YES ON THIS -- MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS ONE AND TWO. ONE MORE THING. YESTERDAY I FOUND OUT CLOUDBURST PURCHASED MORE LAND. SO THAT TAKES THEIR TOTAL TO ABOUT 900 ACRES. THAT IS RIGHT ACROSS FROM PALOMINO ALPHA, 942 ACRES. AND LIKE BOBBY LAVINSKY SAID, POSSIBLY THREE POWER PLANTS. I DROVE ALONG THE ROAD, IT'S A MILE OF CLOUDBURST DATA CENTER FRONT EDGE AND DROVE UP THE OTHER WAY AND IT'S 1.4 MILES OF DATA CENTERS. YESTERDAY THEY WERE BOTH OUT THERE TAKING SOIL SAMPLES. BOTH PALOMINO AND CLOUDBURST. I SEE IT EVERY DAY AND I JUST REALLY HOPE YOU ALL COME TOGETHER. THANK YOU. >> MAY I ASK A QUICK QUESTION MISS LINDSAY? DO YOU KNOW IF CLOUDBURST HAS -- IS WHOLLY GOING TO BUILD IN GUADALUPE COUNTY. I KNOW THE ONE PROPERTY THEY WERE LOOKING AT WAS PARTIALLY IN HAYS AND PARTLY -- PARTIALLY IN GUADALUPE. >> SO THEY BOUGHT THE 94 ACRES WHICH HAS THE ENERGY TRANSFER NATURAL GAS PIPELINE ON IT AND THEY OWN THAT OUTRIGHT. I BELIEVE ALL THE OTHER TRACKS ARE PROBABLY UNDER CONTRACT UNTIL THEY GET THEIR WATER, ET CETERA. THEY'E SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION WITH THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS TO GET THE RECLAIMED WATER AND SINCE DOING THAT HAVE BEEN PURCHASED ANOTHER HUNDRED ACRES THAT GOES BACK BEHIND HAYS ENERGY. AND I CAN SEND YOU THOSE DOCUMENTS. IT KIND OF HAS IT LAID OUT FOR WHAT THEY'RE PLANNING TO DO. THEY'RE PRETTY SURE OF THEMSELVES. THEY'RE GROWING BUT AT -- THEY WEREN'T GOING TO BUILD IN HAYS AND THAN THEY WERE BUT THEY DEFINITELY USE SAN MARCOS WATER NOW. [01:50:01] >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER. >> FREDDY. YEA. I HAVEN'T BEEN HERE SINCE MAY OF LAST YEAR WHEN YOU FILED -- I. JUST FEEL LIKE THE TIDES HAVE TURNED SINCE THEN. WE NO LONGER HAVE TO CONVINCE ANYONE THE POPULAR OPPOSITION TO DATA CENTERS IS CLEAR AND IT'S CLEAR THAT WE NEED TO INNOVATE AND DEVELOP TOOLS TO STOP THEM AND THAT WE CAN. IN THAT TIME WE'VE DEFEATED ONE, PROBABLY TWO DATA CENTERS IN OUR COUNTY AND IT'S -- LIKE ABIGAIL JUST SAID, -- Y'ALL ARE -- I'M EXCITED FOR US TO WORK TOGETHER TO ENSURE THAT HAPPENS. IT TAKES SOME COURAGE AND CREATIVITY. BEING ABLE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX BUT THE RESOLUTION WE HEARD SEEMS EXTREMELY COMPREHENSIVE. IT'S AN AMAZING STARTING PLACE AND WE CAN ALWAYS BUILD AND STRENGTHEN IT FROM THERE. I ALSO WANT TO SAY THAT IN CONTRAST TO YOUR COUNTERPARTS IN GUADALUPE COUNTY'S WERE ALREADY -- TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE Y'ALL HAVE NEVER -- HAVE NOT BEEN WILLING TO SIGN THESE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS AND TAX ABATEMENTS AS THEY HAVE. I THINK WE'RE NOW REALIZING HOW FRAGILE THESE PRODUCTS ARE. THEY NEED A LOT OF PIECES TO COME TOGETHER TO COME TO FRUITION AND WE CAN TAKE A LOT OF DIFFERENT STRATEGIC ATTACKS AND COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Y'ALL ARE IMPORTANT PLAYERS IN THIS. AND I BELIEVE YOUR HEARTS ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AND YOU KNOW THE COMMUNITY'S BEHIND YOU AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING COLLABORATION. AND ONE OF THE CORE ORGANIZERS WITH THE DATA CENTER ACTION -- HAVE BEEN KIND OF FOCUSED ON THIS AND EDUCATING FOLKS ON THE THREATS OF DATA CENTERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND IT'S PRETTY APOCALYPTIC WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST AND I THINK EVERYONE'S RECOGNIZING THAT AND LIKE BOBBY WAS SAYING, THREE HUGE GAS POWER PLANTS IN A 1.5 MILE RADIUS IS AFFECTING ALL OF US, NOT JUST HERE BUT CENTRAL TEXAS IS BECOMING A HOT SPOT FOR THIS AND IT'S NOT INEVITABLE WE NOW KNOW THAT IT'S NOT INEVITABLE. JUST THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE AND THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT. THANKS. >> THANK YOU. >> TORI MARTIN. >> GOOD MORNING. TORI MARTIN. MEMBER OF THE ESTEEMED COMMUNITY SINCE BIRTH. THE AMERICAN DREAM STATED IN OUR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IS LIFE LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. HOW CAN WE, THE CITIZENS AND NEIGHBORS PURSUE OUR HAPPINESS AND PEACE WITH OUR WELL-BEING AND LIVELIHOOD AT STAKE AND ON THE TABLE. DATA CENTERS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH LIFE, WITH US, WITH HAYS COUNTY, WITH ALL OF TEXAS. AN AREA CONSTANTLY STRESSED BY DROUGHT AND SUBMERGED IN TRIPLE DIGIT TEMPERATURES MOST OF THE YEAR, THE AIR QUALITY ALREADY WORSENING AND ON THE RISE WITH AN ALREADY STRESSED POWER GRID THAT SHOULD BE SERVING PEOPLE, CITIZENS, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, FAMILIES AND FARMS THAT FEED YOU. THEY CALL THIS PROGRESS. THEY CALL THIS THE FUTURE. WHAT KIND OF FUTURE THREATENS OUR HEALTH, OUR AIR QUALITY AND BUILDS MULTIPLE POWER PLANTS AND HARMS US TO ONLY SERVE COMPUTERS. WHAT KIND OF PROGRESS THREATENS OUR QUALITY OF WATER AND ELECTRICITY BILLS, WATER BILLS AND GIVES US LIGHT POLLUTION, SOUND POLLUTION AND POLLUTES OUR PONDS AND OUR CREEKS? HEATS OUR SOIL, KILLS OUR GRASS AND KILLS OUR LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE PROCREATES FREQUENCIES THAT ARE LIMITING OUR FOOD SUPPLY. AND BY THAT I MEAN COWS AREN'T GIVING BIRTH NEXT TO DATA CENTERS AND THE ONLY THING THEY'RE HAVING IS STILL BIRTH. THIS IS THE THIRD SUMMER IN A YEAR OF THAT. HOW CAN WE PURSUE HAPPINESS WHEN WE'RE LIVING IN A PERPETUAL STATE OF DREAD? WHEN OUR WATER AND POWER IS REDIRECTED FROM CITIZENS TO COMPUTER WHERE WE'RE NEGLECTED AND BLATANTLY LIED TO AND ULTIMATELY OUR LIVES AND HOMES AND THE DREAMS WE PURSUED ARE TO BE LOST AT THE HANDS OF OUR OWN GOVERNMENT WITH NO FAULT OF OUR OWN. DATA CENTERS GO AGAINST OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT FOR WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW AWAITS OUR FATE NEXT TO A DATA CENTER. [01:55:02] LET ALONE SOME OF THE LARGEST DATA CENTERS PROPOSED. WE CANNOT WAIT FOR THE STATE TO SAVE US. AND HELP US. BECAUSE WE KNOW THEY WILL NOT. I DON'T CARE WHAT SIDE YOU'RE ON BECAUSE IT SHOULD ALL BE ON THE SIDE OF HAYS COUNTY AND THE CITIZENS HERE. YOU SHOULD ALL BE IN AGREEANCE ON THIS. WE NEED YOU TO HELP US AND OUR COUNTY AND YOUR COUNTY. THIS IS WHAT YOU SIGNED UP FOR AND CAMPAIGNED FOR. YOU FOUGHT FOR THOSE SEATS AND I HOPE YOU MEAN EVERYTHING ABOUT THE KIDS AT 4H BEING THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTY AND HOW IMPORTANT AGRICULTURE IS FOR TEXAS BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T BE THE WOMAN I AM TODAY IF I WASN'T RAISED WITH THAT BACKGROUND. AND I HOPE YOU MAKE DECISIONS THAT STAND BY THE DECISIONS YOU'VE SAID ABOUT THAT BEING SO IMPORTANT TO YOU. SO PLEASE MAKE A GOOD DECISION FOR OUR COUNTY AND STAND BY THAT. I PUT MY SCRIPT AWAY AND I'M NOT GOOD AT FREESTYLING BUT THESE ARE VERY EMOTIONAL ISSUES. THESE ARE OUR HOMES. WE'RE SO GLAD WE'VE BEEN FIGHTING AT SAINT MARCUS TO NOT HAVE DATA CENTERS BUT WE ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE COUNTY. SO PLEASE, WE ARE YOUR CITIZENS. I WAS BORN HERE, THIS IS MY HOME. I'M FIGHTING FOR IT. PLEASE FIGHT FOR IT WITH US. THANK YOU. >> JESSICA BUNT. IN FAVOR OF ITEM K ONE, 180 DAY WATER PROTECTION. MY NAME IS JESSICA BUNTING AND I'M A HOMEOWNER IN SAINT MARCUS FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS. IN THAT TIME WE'VE SEEN EXPONENTIAL GROWTH IN THE AREA. LAST YEAR SAN MARCOS CITY UTILITIES PRODUCED -- REGARDING WATER USAGE VERSUS NATURAL RESOURCES. THEY HIGHLIGHTED THE POTENTIAL FOR OUR REGION TO ESSENTIALLY RUN OUT OF WATER BEFORE 2047. WITHOUT A COUNTY FOR THE PROPOSED DATA CENTERS IN HAYS COUNTY. -- RECEIVING WATER FROM EDWARDS AQUIFER WITH CONTRACTS TO CONNECT TO THE CARRIZO WILCOX AQUIFER. ALL OF WHICH ARE GREAT SIGNIFICANT AND EVEN HISTORIC LOWS. THE CORPORATE ENTITIES PUSHING THE DATA CENTERS PROVIDED DOCUMENTATION CLAIMING UPDATED SYSTEMS WILL ONLY USE 75,000 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY. ACCORDING TO THE EPA, ONE CITIZEN USES AN AVERAGE OF 82 GALLONS OF WATER PER DAY. THAT EQUATES TO ONE DATA CENTER USING THE SAME AMOUNT OF WATER IN A DAY THAT 915 HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS WILL USE IN THE SAME DAY. ONE PERSON'S WATER CONSUMPTION OVER TWO AND A HALF YEARS -- -- WE'RE SETTING OURSELVES AND FUTURE GENERATIONS UP FOR FAILURE. ANYONE SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED DATA CENTERS WOULD CHANGE THEIR OPINION IF THEY HAD TO LIVE WITH THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR OPINION. IF YOU ARE IN OFFICE TO REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND YOU NEED TO DO WHAT'S BEST IN INTEREST FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND OUR ENVIRONMENT. WE ARE ALREADY FACING ELEVATED STAGES OF WATER RESTRICTIONS IN OUR COUNTY. THIS SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE PLEASE PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY AND FOLLOW SUIT WITH THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS IN HALTING DATA CENTER DEVELOPMENT WITH INTENTION TO BAN DATA CENTERS WITHIN HA HAYS COUNTY AS WAS ACCOMPLISHED LAST WEEK. THANK YOU. >> THIS IS FROM SUSAN COOK IN DRIFTWOOD, TEXAS. DEAR JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS SUSAN COOK. I APPLAUD JUDGE BECERRA FOR WORKING WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO TAKE A GOOD LONG, HARD LOOK AT OUR WATER USED IN HAYS COUNTY AND ACROSS TEXAS. WERE IN A YEARS LONG DROUGHT AND THERE'S NO WAY ANY ONE SHOULD BE COMING INTO THIS AREA AND TRYING TO EXTRACT PERMISSIONS FOR LARGE WATER USES. I ALSO SUPPORT A 180 DAY MORATORIUM ON THESE KINDS OF WATER DEMANDS OR UNTIL SUCH TIME AS WE CAN GET A FIRM HANDLE ON HOW MUCH WATER WE HAVE AND HOW MUCH WATER OUR CURRENT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES WILL NEED. WE CANNOT ALLOW BIG MONEY OR BIG TECH TO BULLY ITS WAY INTO OUR DWINDLING WATER SUPPLIES. AS A COUNTY GOVERNMENT, WE HAVE TO LEARN TO SAY NO WHEN PEOPLE COME IN TO TRY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR WATER RESOURCES. ALSO I'D REALLY LIKE TO KNOW IF ANY OF OUR COMMISSIONERS ARE ALREADY IN CONVERSATIONS WITH THESE DATA CENTER COMPANIES AND RATHER THAN TRYING TO STOP THEM COMING HERE, WORKING WITH THEM TO ENACT WEAK LOCAL REGULATIONS THAT WOULD PROVIDE A BLUEPRINT FOR HOW THESE KINDS OF BUSINESSES CAN COME HERE. PLEASE Y'ALL, JUST SAY NO. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> I WANTED TO HEAR FROM LEGAL. [02:00:03] IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US AS ONE OF OUR SPEAKERS SAID WE ARE LEGALLY NOT AT RISK BUT I'D REALLY LOVE TO HEAR FROM OUR LEGAL ON THEIR OPINION. >> GOOD MORNING COURT. DISTRICT ATTORNEY WITH THE DIVISION. ON THIS RESOLUTION, I THINK WE'VE LIMITED OUR EXPOSURE PRETTY STRONGLY HERE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE VAST MAJORITY OF. >> SPEAKER-09: . I THINK THERE'S A SMALL EXPOSURE WE HAVE TO THE FIRST PORTION WHICH IS THE EXERCISE OF DISCRETIONARY ACT PUTTING A PAUSE ON THAT PORTION. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE WHILE THAT MIGHT RISK A SUIT, THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE WOULD HAVE GOOD STANDING TO HAVE DEFENSE AGAINST. IF THERE'S SOMETHING BROUGHT, WE MIGHT HAVE TO HIRE COUNSEL FOR IT BUT OTHER -- OVERALL I THINK IT'S A DEFENSIBLE POSITION TO HAVE. >> APPRECIATE THAT. >> THANK YOU. SO I'M IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE PROCLAMATION -- THE ONLY CONCERNS I HAVE ARE JUST MORE LOGISTICAL. THE CREATION OF THE BOARD, HOW LONG IS THAT GOING TO TAKE. HOW MANY MEMBERS ARE GOING TO BE ON IT. IF THIS IS APPROVED AND SIGNED TODAY THE CLOCK'S 180. STARTS TODAY, RIGHT? AND BEFORE WE HAVE A REVIEW BOARD. MY CONCERNS ARE JUST I CAN SEE THIS PROBABLY BEING BROUGHT BACK TO BE EXTENDED IS WHAT I'M SAYING. BUT FOR ME, I'M IN COMPLETE SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION. I'M NOT A FAN OF DATA CENTERS. IT'S NOT LOST ON ME WHERE THEY'RE BEING BUILT OR TRYING TO BE BUILT. MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES AND I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THAT. I KNOW ABOUT THE WATER SITUATION AND FOR ME, IT'S JUST WHO'S GOING TO LEAD INTERNALLY. WHO'S GOING TO PUT THE SUPPORT TOGETHER AND MORE THOSE KINDS OF QUESTIONS. IT COULD TAKE A MONTH AND A HALF BEFORE WE HAVE A TRUE BOARD AND THEN ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS OF THE EXPECTATION AND ALL THOSE THINGS THAT I USUALLY KIND OF -- AS FAR AS PROCESS. BUT OTHER THAN THAT, I FULLY SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION AS LONG AS OUR LEGAL FEELS GOOD ABOUT THE STANDING WE HAVE IN CASE SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN. BUT, YEAH, I'M IN SUPPORT OF IT. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> JUDGE, THANK YOU AND CHASE, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK YOU'VE DONE TO BRING THIS I THINK TO A RESOLUTION THAT IS GOOD. I THINK TORI SAID IT WELL, DATA CENTERS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH US OR HAYS COUNTY. I THINK THAT HOLDS TRUE. I AGREE WITH THAT. I'VE SAID THIS BEFORE, ALL THE DATA CENTERS THAT HAVE SO FAR BEEN PROPOSED EARLY ON WERE ALL IN PRECINCT ONE AND I HAVE A LOT OF NEIGHBORS OUT THERE THAT ARE VERY CONCERNED AND I UNDERSTAND BECAUSE IT'S EXTREMELY CLOSE TO MY HOME ALSO. AND YOU KNOW, I SPOKE -- I. GUESS IT WAS CLOUDBURST. THEY CAME TO MY OFFICE TWICE. ONCE ON LINE WITH THEM. I ASKED -- THEY WERE DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVES. I ASKED BOTH THOSE REPRESENTATIVES AND THE GROUP THAT THEY HAD WITH THEM IF THE COUNTY DOESN'T GIVE YOU INCENTIVES, WILL YOU STILL COME. THEY SAID ABSOLUTELY. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT. I THINK INCENTIVES ARE A KEY TO THEIR DECISION MAKING AND I THINK IF WE STAND FIRM IN THAT, I THINK THIS COURT HAS COMMITTED, WE'VE HAD DISCUSSIONS ABOUT IT, WE'RE NOT WILLING TO GET INCENTIVES TO DATA CENTERS AND I THINK WE NEED TO CONTINUE TO HOLD FIRM WITH THAT. I KNOW WE CAN'T TIE THE HANDS OF FUTURE COURTS BUT I THINK THIS COURT IS DEDICATED TO NOT DOING THAT AND SO I'M IN FULL SUPPORT, JUDGE, OF THIS RESOLUTION. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> I THINK THIS RESOLUTION TO ECHO MY COLLEAGUE AFFIRMS THE COURT'S STANCE ON DATA CENTERS AND HOW WE WILL PROCEED DATA CENTERS IN HAYS COUNTY. I WANTED TO SAY, TORI MARTIN STATED, SHE LIVES HERE, SHE GREW UP HERE. I ACTUALLY LIVE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD YOUR PARENTS LIVE IN, SO I MET THEM AT THEIR GARAGE SALE A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU WERE RAISED IN THAT HOUSE, BUT IF YOU WERE, OUR WATER IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. EVERY ONE OF OUR CONSTITUENTS UNDERSTANDS WHERE WE'RE AT AND OUR WATER SITUATION AND CARE DEEPLY ABOUT IT. WHEN IT COMES TO THIS, I WANTED TO FOR CLARITY PURPOSES THE RESOLUTION READ AND THE [02:05:02] RESOLUTION I WAS PROVIDED YESTERDAY, A COUPLE OF RED LINE COMMENTS WERE READ SO I WANT TO SAY WE'RE VOTING ON THE ONE THAT WAS SENT AND FINALIZED, CORRECT? PERFECT. BECAUSE SECTION SIX WAS A LITTLE HASTY THERE. AS FOR THE RESOLUTION THAT WE WERE PROVIDED WITH, I'M ALWAYS ON THE BOARD FOR SAYING AS A COURT THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT VARIANCES FROM DATA CENTERS. I'M IN FULL SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION AND I DO APPRECIATE YOU WORKING AND WORKING ON IT AS WELL. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. SO FAR WHAT I HAVE IS THE EXTENSION TO LONGER THAN 180 DAYS AND ABSOLUTELY OF COURSE -- IT SOUNDS TERRIBLE BUT IT IS WHAT IT IS, I'M BRINGING IT DOWN TO THE LOWEST POSSIBLE LEVEL WHERE I CAN GET THIS REPORT TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THE COMMUNITY. BUT WE CAN SAY DECEMBER 31ST. EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST IS FINE WITH ME. THAT'S AN EASY AMENDMENT WE CAN MAKE ON THE FLY. I'D ALSO SAY WHO WILL LEAD THIS, WILL YOU PUT THE CAMERA BACK TO THE PEOPLE? THANKS. AND YOU ALSO HAVE THE ABILITY TO SAY WHO WILL LEAD THIS. WE CAN ALSO SHAPE THAT HERE AND NOW. I'VE ALWAYS SAID THAT IT SHOULD BE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES INITIATIVE. THEY'RE THE ONES WHO TOUCH THESE ITEMS. SO WE CAN SIMPLY DECIDE BECAUSE THAT'S WHAT IT'S ABOUT HERE DECIDING TO SAY WE WILL APPOINT ONE PERSON EACH FROM OUR SEAT AND WE WILL EMAIL CANDACE AND OUR FIRST MEETING WILL BE IN A WEEK OR WHATEVER IT MAY BE AND IT'S DONE. DOESN'T HAVE TO COME BACK AND DOESN'T HAVE TO TAKE A MONTH OR MONTH AND A HALF OR TWO MONTHS. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO. THIS IS WHERE THE COURT DOES WORK, RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW. SO THE OTHER THING THAT WAS SAID WAS, STRENGTHENED TO HAVE NO INCENTIVE. ABSOLUTELY. THIS COURT WE COMMIT, FORTIFY THAT THERE WILL BE NO INCENTIVES LOUD AND CLEAR TO ANYONE LOOKING TO DO BUSINESS IN HAYS COUNTY UNDER THOSE DESCRIPTIONS. ABSOLUTELY, THEY ARE ALL VERY DOABLE AND HIGHLY SUPPORTIVE OF THE COMMUNITY AND I'D LOVE TO DO EVEN FURTHER BUT I UNDERSTAND I NEED TO MOVE AS A GROUP AND WHAT MOVES A GROUP IS HOW A -- HOW TO LEAD THE CONVERSATION. COMMISSIONER SMITH, NOW TURN THE CAMERA. >> THANK YOU. I WANT TO SAY NUMBER 1, SOME OF THE SPECIFIC CONCERNS I HAD LAST WEEK -- OR THE WEEK BEFORE LAST HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED. I THINK I CAN SUPPORT THIS. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT I HAVE NOTES HERE ON THAT I THINK WE CAN WORK THROUGH AND GET PAST TODAY. THE FIRST NOTE THAT I HAD WAS SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED BY COMMISSIONER INGALSBE AND THAT'S THE 381 INCENTIVES. I THINK WE JUST SOLIDIFY THAT. WE'VE ALL BEEN VERY DIRECT THAT WE DO NOT SUPPORT 381 INCENTIVES PER CAN JUST PUT ADDITIONAL POINT IN THERE AND I'D LEAD IT TO LEGAL AS TO WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE. NUMBER 1 TO SAY THIS IS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY ADDITIONAL 381 INCENTIVES FOR DATA CENTERS. I WILL SAY THAT DUE TO THE POINTS LISTED IN THE FINDINGS SECTION, I AGREE WITH THAT. CHANGING THE DATE TO DECEMBER 31ST AND LEAVING THE DECISION UP TO THE NEXT COURT ON WHAT OR HOW THEY'D LIKE TO PROGRESS IS SOMETHING I WOULD SUPPORT. MAKING SURE OUR APPOINTMENTS ON DECEMBER 31ST AND ALLOWING THE COURT TO APPOINT WHOMEVER THEY FEEL ARE THE CORRECT INDIVIDUALS THERE, I THINK THAT WOULD BE THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL. ONE OF THE CONSIDERATIONS I HAD LAST WEEK WERE TWO WEEKS AGO THAT THEY ARE GLAD TO SEE ADDRESSED WAS THE FACT THAT AFTER OUR COURT SESSION, I WENT BACK AND IN THE ORIGINAL RESOLUTION, IT SPECIFICALLY SAID ANY PENDING PERMIT. SO I WENT AND LOOKED AT WHAT SMALL BUSINESSES WERE IMPACTED. IT'S EVERYTHING FROM GAS STATIONS TO DRY CLEANERS TO A PLETHORA OF OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPACTED SHOULD WE DECIDE TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE LANGUAGE AS WRITTEN. SO I'M GLAD TO SEE THAT WAS CHANGED. ONE ITEM IN THE RESOLUTION ITSELF THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS SPECIFICALLY, AND I HOPE, LEGAL, IF YOU'RE LISTENING [02:10:02] OR WATCHING, AS WE LOOK IN THE SESSION FOR THE DEFINITION OF INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USERS, UNDER TCEQ DEFINITIONS, THEY DON'T SAY HIGH INDUSTRIAL WATER USERS, BUT THEY DO SAY SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRIAL WATER USERS. WE USE THE DEFINITION IN SECTION THREE, SUBSECTION ONE AS 25,000 GALLONS OF WATER FOR USE. THE 25,000-GALLON WATER USAGE DAILY IS ACTUALLY THE NUMBER THEY USED FOR SIGNIFICANT WATER USER ON THE OSSF SIDE AS WELL. ON THE ON SITE SEWAGE FACILITY SIDE. IF WE CAN CHANGE OR LOOK AT CHANGING SECTION THREE, SUBSECTION FOUR TO REFLECT THAT. THE 25 GALLONS -- 25,000 GALLONS PER DAY IN SUBSECTION ONE. I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE SECTION THREE, ITEM FOUR TO THAT 25,000 GALLONS A DAY AS WELL. THAT WOULD BRING IT IN DIRECT CORRELATION WITH WHAT THE STATE DEFINES IT AS RIGHT NOW. AGAIN, THE ABSOLUTE CONSIDERATION, OR THE NONCONSIDERATION OF ANY TAX INCENTIVES OR ABATEMENTS OR ANY TYPE OF 381 INCENTIVES, INCLUDING PROPERTY TAX, ANY OF THAT, I WOULD BE FINE WITH THAT. I WOULD ACTUALLY BE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT. TWO OTHER THINGS THAT I HAVE QUESTIONS, AND I WOULD LIKE TO GET CLARIFICATION FROM LEGAL. I'VE SPOKEN TO SOME FOLKS ON THEIR ORIGINAL MORATORIUM AND ON THE FOLLOW UP CHECKLIST THEY'VE DONE. ONE OF THE THINGS I FOUND OUT IN THOSE CONVERSATIONS WAS THE REASON BEHIND THOSE THREE SPECIFIC MEMBERS BEING NAMED IN THE LAWSUIT OVER THE MORATORIUM WAS BECAUSE THE MORATORIUM THAT THEY VOTED FOR WAS CLEARLY IN VIOLATION OF STATE LAW, AND THEY FELT AS THOUGH THOSE THREE INDIVIDUALS WERE NAMED IN THAT LAWSUIT BECAUSE IT PUT THEM IN VIOLATION OF THE BONDS THE COUNTY CARRIES ON THE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE COURT. I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY INSIGHT INTO THAT OR IF THERE'S ANY CONCERN OVER THAT SHOULD THIS BE CHALLENGED BECAUSE THAT WOULD PROVIDE PERSONAL LIABILITY TO EACH MEMBER. I JUST NEED TO KNOW THAT, AND I THINK ALL MEMBERS OF THE COURT NEED TO KNOW THAT. I THINK IF WE ADDED A LINE, BECAUSE WE CAN'T MANDATE ON THESE THINGS, WE CAN'T MANDATE WHAT THESE CENTERS ARE DOING IN CERTAIN AREAS. WHAT WE CAN DO IS MANDATE WHAT WE AS MEMBERS OF THE COURT DO. I WOULDN'T MIND HAVING A LINE THERE TO REQUIRE FULL DISCLOSURE OF ANY POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS ANY MEMBER OF THE COURT MAY HAVE RECEIVED FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF A DATA CENTER. AND I DO HAVE A QUESTION. CAN WE INCLUDE THAT IN THIS? WHAT ARE THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THAT? AND THE VERY LAST THING I HAVE FOR CHASE TO POSSIBLY ANSWER IS, IS THERE ANY CONCERN AS FAR AS DESIGNATING CERTAIN CATEGORIZATIONS OF BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHERS AS FAR AS CONSTITUTIONALLY OR STATUTORILY? DOES THAT HAVE -- I. THINK YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT I'M TRYING TO ASK HERE. UNDER SECTION FIVE, IS THAT A CONCERN THAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AND IS THERE ANY CLARIFICATION THERE? >> SURE. I DON'T NEED TO RE-ANNOUNCE MYSELF, DO I? >> AS LONG AS IT'S WITHIN THE SAME AGENDA ITEM. YOU'VE GOT TO THINK OF IT THIS WAY. AS SOMEONE COMMISSIONERS COURT YEARS FROM NOW, THAT'S HOW I WANT THEM TO SEE THIS. YOU CLICK THE AGENDA ITEM TO KNOW WHAT WE DID 25 YEARS IN THE PAST, NO ONE'S GOING TO KNOW WHO HE WAS BECAUSE WE WON'T HAVE EVERYTHING. SO YOU CLICK THAT AGENDA ITEM AND IT WILL SHOW, FIRST OF ALL THAT'S WHY I ASK EVERYONE AT EACH AGENDA ITEM TO SAY THEIR NAMES AND TITLE SO THAT ANYONE IN THE FUTURE CAN CLICK AND SEE ALL OF IT IN ONE TRANSACTION. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH OF THIS [02:15:02] YOU WANT ME TO GO INTO IN OPEN SESSION OR IF YOU WANT TO DO A CLOSED SESSION FOR LEGAL ADVICE ON THIS. >> WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO IS HIT THE HIGHLIGHTS SO WE CAN ADDRESS IT IN SUMMARY. >> POTENTIALLY ABOUT CLASSIFYING SPECIFIC BUSINESSES, THERE ARE POTENTIAL ECO PROTECTION CLAIMS. THAT'S ONE OF THE POTENTIAL SUITS I WAS ALLUDING TO EARLIER. THERE'S SOMETHING CALLED A CLASS OF ONE. BASICALLY THE IDEA IF YOU DEFINE A CERTAIN GROUP OF PEOPLE OR COMMUNITY MEMBERS OR INDUSTRIES, THEY'RE GETTING ESPECIALLY NEGATIVE TREATMENT, YOU CAN OPEN YOURSELF UP TO LITIGATION SURROUNDING THAT. CASE LAW IS CLEAR THAT IN ORDER FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DO THAT, ALL IT HAS TO SHOW IS BY A RATIONAL BASIS STANDARD A DIFFERENT IMPACT ON THEIR TYPICAL REGULATORY STRUCTURE. SO HERE I THINK WE WOULD BE ABLE TO MEET THAT STANDARD. RATIONAL BASIS IS BY FAR THE LOWEST OF THE TRADITIONAL STANDARDS REVIEW. SO THERE IS THAT POTENTIAL LITIGATION RISK. >> THAT'S WHY I'VE ALWAYS USED THE WORD INDUSTRIAL INSTEAD OF NAMING A SPECIFIC INDUSTRY. TWO GRANULAR CREATES A FEELING, THE IMPRESSION OF BEING ARBITRARY. THANK YOU FOR REINFORCING THAT THOUGHT OF MINE. >> SURE. COMMISSIONER SMITH, YOU WERE ASKING ABOUT SECTION THREE OF THE DEFINITION SECTION. ARE YOU WANTING TO CHANGE -- >> JUST TO HAVE THEM HARMONIZED WHERE IT SAYS 25,000 GALLONS, BE CONSISTENT. WHAT THERE WAS WAS A VARIATION IN THE STATE'S DEFINITION VERSUS OURS IN ONE OF THE PARTS. SO I AGREE WITH IT TO MAKE THEM CONSISTENT. MAKE THEM SIGNIFICANT INSTEAD OF WHAT WE HAD. >> 100%, I AGREE AND SUPPORT THAT. >> PERFECT. THEN THERE WAS A QUESTION ABOUT HILL COUNTY, WHETHER THE COMMISSIONERS POTENTIALLY HAVE PERSONAL LIABILITY THERE. WITHOUT GETTING INTO TOO MANY SPECIFICS, THE HIGHLIGHTS, THERE IS A DISTINCTION SOMETIMES IN LAW BETWEEN WHEN THE BODY OF THE COURT PERFORMS A SPECIFIC ACT VERSUS WHEN INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE COURT CREATE SPECIFIC ACTS. THE THEORY THAT THE DATA CENTER WAS PUSHING FORWARD WAS NOT ONLY DID THE COURT ACT WRONGLY IN THAT AREA AND CLEARLY AGAINST STATE STATUTE AREA, THAT'S THEIR THEORY, BUT ALSO THAT THE INDIVIDUAL COURT MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THAT VIOLATED THEIR OATH OF OFFICE TO DO THAT FUNCTION. THAT'S WHY THEY ARE TRYING TO GO AFTER IT. THEY ARE TRYING TO PIERCE THROUGH A SPECIFIC VERSION OF WHAT'S CALLED LEGISLATIVE IMMUNITY. THAT'S A VERY HIGH BAR TO ME. >> I AGREE WITH YOU. >> AND HERE I'M NOT NEARLY AS CONCERNED IN THIS INSTANCE, BECAUSE AGAIN, DISCRETIONARY ACTS ARE GOING TO BE WHERE YOU HAVE MUCH MORE PROTECTION ON THOSE AREAS THAN ELSEWHERE. BECAUSE THE REST OF THE BEST PRACTICES DOESN'T MATERIALLY BURDEN THOSE AREAS, I'M NOT CONCERNED ABOUT IT. WE CAN HAVE A MORE DETAILED DISCUSSION OUTSIDE OF. >> YES, MA'AM. DON'T FORGET YOUR NAME AND TITLE. >> I JUST WANTED TO DOUBLE DOWN ON A COUPLE THINGS CHASE SAID. I WAS TRYING TO SCRIBBLE A LIST OF SOME OF THE CHANGES THAT WERE SUGGESTED SO THAT IN THE EVENT THE COURT DOES WANT TO MAKE CHANGES, WE ARE VERY ABUNDANTLY CLEAR ON WHAT THE COURT EXPECTS OF US AS FAR AS DRAFTING GOES. I WANTED TO DOUBLE DOWN TO MAKE SURE THAT I CAPTURED THE NOTES CORRECTLY AND THE COURT WANTS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS. I KNOW ONE OF THE COMMENTS WAS TO ADD NO 381 INCENTIVES FOR THE HIGH WATER USE PROJECTS. WE REFERENCED THAT IN SECTION ONE. WE REFERENCED DISCRETIONARY APPROVALS AND INCLUDE A LIST THAT SAYS INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO TAX ABATEMENT, DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. IS IT THE COURT'S INTENT TO WANT STRONGER LANGUAGE THAN THAT? >> YES. >> OKAY. >> THERE WILL BE NO. >> AND YOU'RE TOTALLY WELCOME TO CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, BUT IT SAYS WE ARE DEFERRING CONSIDERATION OF ALL THOSE APPROVALS DURING THIS PERIOD. ARE YOU INTENDING TO SAY SOMETHING DIFFERENT? >> THAT'S GOOD, BECAUSE -- >> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE CLEAR ON WHAT YOU MAY OR MAY NOT WANT CHANGED. [02:20:04] >> TO HARMONIZE THE IDEA ON SEVERAL FRONTS, BECAUSE THERE WERE THREE FRONTS WHERE WE TALKED ABOUT EXTENSION POTENTIALS, INCLUDING THAT ONE. LET'S MOVE THE WHOLE DOCUMENT, BECAUSE I FEEL THE SUPPORT OF DECEMBER 31ST. THAT'S WHAT I WAS ANTICIPATING. LET'S MOVE ALL THESE THINGS LIKE NO 381, WHICH IS CODE FOR TAX INCENTIVES FROM THE COUNTY, 380, TAX INCENTIVES FROM THE CITY. SO NONE FROM THE COUNTY UNTIL FOR SURE DECEMBER 31ST AS WELL AS, I WAS THINKING, THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT CARE. TWO COURT MEMBERS, TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, HAYS COUNTY COMMUNITY WILL BE THE ONLY STIPULATION I WOULD PLACE. TWO MEMBERS FROM EACH COMMISSIONERS COURT NUMBER TO BE EMAILED TO CANDACE TO ACCELERATE THE FIRST MEETING WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF THOSE PEOPLE. WE WILL EMAIL THEM TO YOU SO WE DON'T HAVE TO COME BACK. DECEMBER 31ST CONTINUES AS WELL ON THE EXTENSION INSTEAD OF 180 DAYS TO BE DECEMBER 31ST. SO EVERYTHING PUSHES TO DECEMBER 31ST, WHERE THIS BODY WILL MEET FOR THE LAST TIME. >> SO EVERYTHING THAT REFERENCES 180 DAYS, CHANGE THAT TO DECEMBER 31ST. GOT THAT ON THE LIST. BOARD COMPOSITION. TOTALLY UP TO THE COURT. IF COMPOSITION OF THE BOARD, YOU WANT US TO ADD SOMETHING ABOUT THAT. IF YOU JUST WANT TO PUT THAT IN YOUR MOTION THAT'S FINE TOO. WE CAN WORK EITHER WAY WITH THAT. JUST SO WE'RE ON THE SAME PAGE. THE NEXT ITEM I HAD ON MY LIST WAS A SUGGESTION FROM COMMISSIONER SMITH TO LABEL THESE PROJECTS AS INDUSTRIAL HIGH WATER USE TWO INDUSTRIAL SIGNIFICANT WATER USE. I THINK THAT'S WHAT I CAPTURED THERE. WE TALKED ABOUT THE 25000 GALLONS. I THINK THAT WAS SECTION THREE, PART FOUR. >> TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE 25,000 GALLONS THROUGHOUT. >> OKAY. AND I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR THAT I KNOW THE VERSION THAT WAS READ BY THE CLERK, WE DID TALK ABOUT THIS EARLIER, WAS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN THE PAPER VERSION SET OUT BY HER OFFICE. SO THE SECTION NUMBERS ARE OFF. TO MAKE SURE WE AREN'T MAKING AN ASSUMPTION, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MAKING THESE POTENTIAL ITEMS TO THE VERSION THAT YOUR OFFICE HAS SENT AND NOT THE VERSION YOU JUST READ. >> RIGHT. MAY HAVE MISSED A MINOR EDIT. >> JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE WERE CLEAR ON THE VERSION. AND I THINK THERE WAS A QUESTION, I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS MENTIONED, ABOUT PUTTING SOMETHING IN THE RESOLUTION ABOUT POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS. WE MAY NEED A LITTLE MORE CONVERSATION ABOUT THAT IF THE COURT WANTS TO ADD SOMETHING TO THAT EFFECT JUST SO THAT WE HAVE BETTER DIRECTION ON WHAT EXACTLY YOU WANT INCLUDED. >> BRING BACK ANOTHER RESOLUTION THAT STATES THAT. >> MY HOPE IS THEY CAPTURE THE EDITS. >> I'M OKAY WITH THAT. I JUST DON'T WANT TO PUSH. >> EXACTLY. I THINK YOU'VE CAPTURED IT. >> SO A LITTLE BIT MORE CLARITY, SORRY. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH APPARENTLY WANTS A LINE ITEM THAT A DATA CENTER HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A COURT MEMBER TO INCLUDE IT IN THEIR DOCUMENTATION. >> IF A SIGNIFICANT HIGH WATER USE PROJECT HAS CONTRIBUTED TO A POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION -- MADE A POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION TO A MEMBER OF THE COURT. DO WE KNOW WHERE IN THE PROCESS? >> IN THE CHECKLIST OF THINGS THAT WE CREATED WOULD BE AN EASY PLACE. IT REMINDS ME OF THE PURCHASING AGREEMENT. THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, JUST A SMALL HOUSEKEEPING. IT REFERENCES SECTION TWO, YOU'RE FINE WITH THAT? >> CHANGING THE SECTION LETTERS OR NUMBERS IS TOTALLY FINE. >> DO YOU MIND APPROACHING THE PODIUM BEFORE WE GET TOO MUCH FURTHER? >> CAN I MAKE MORE CLARIFICATION AS HE'S WALKING? FOR THE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION PIECE, GOOD POINT HERE IS THE PROJECT OBVIOUSLY DOESN'T MAKE A POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION. PERHAPS A KEY PARTICIPANT IN THE PROJECT MAKES A CONTRIBUTION. >> DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS. >> SOMETHING TO THAT NATURE. I'M GLAD SOMEONE BROUGHT THAT TO MY ATTENTION. >> IF YOU CAN STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC. >> WHAT I WANT TO ASK YOU IS TO MAKE SURE THAT, IT'S A FOUR PAGE DOCUMENT, I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE DIDN'T LEAVE ANYTHING MEANINGFUL OUT IN SPIRIT AND THAT YOU ARE [02:25:03] CLEAR ON EVERYTHING WE'VE ASKED YOU TO EDIT AND IN LINE WITH THOSE COMMENTS AND DIDN'T LEAVE ANYTHING OUT. >> THANK YOU. I DEFINITELY THINK WE ARE IN LINE, THE CHARGE THAT CHASE AND I HAD OVER THE LAST FEW WEEKS WAS TO TRY TO UTILIZE WHAT LIMITED TOOLS WE HAVE WITHOUT GETTING US INTO THAT AREA OF INCREASING CHANCES OF A CHALLENGE OR LAWSUIT. WE JUST COVERED ONE QUICK POINT THAT WE'D LIKE TO FILL OUT. WE INTENTIONALLY DID NOT MENTION, QUOTE, "DATA CENTERS GOING BACK TO THE CLASS OF ONE OR A SINGLE INDUSTRY. THERE ARE SEVERAL INDUSTRIES THAT ARE JUST AS ENVIRONMENTALLY IMPACTFUL. JUST MAKING SURE WE BOTH AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE SOMETHING WE WOULD LIKE TO AVOID USING, THAT TERM. WE SPENT SOME GOOD TIME REALLY AVOIDING THAT. YOU'RE NEVER GOING TO GET AN ATTORNEY TO SAY WE ARE DEFINITELY NOT GOING TO GET SUED. BUT OUR CHALLENGE WAS, THAT'S WHY I APOLOGIZE FOR ALL THE WHEREASES, BUT THAT WAS OUR LEGISLATIVE INTENT. THIS WAS THE INTENT OF THE COURT. THAT'S THOSE BAD THINGS GETTING SUED ON. THOSE ARE NOT THE INTENT OF THE COURT. WHICH IS WHY YOU SEE A LOT MORE AS WE'VE GONE THROUGH. >> THANK YOU. I ALSO HAD COMMISSIONER SMITH WANTED TO SAY SOMETHING. >> YES. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE, I KNOW JORDAN, YOU'RE LISTENING. WHENEVER WE DO WITHIN THAT DISCLOSURE PORTION, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH THE JUDGE THAT IT SHOULD JUST BE PART OF THAT VOLUNTARY CHECKLIST WE'VE ASKED FOR. BUT AS LONG AS THE CONTRIBUTION MEETS, NUMBER 1, A REPRESENTATIVE OR ASSOCIATED PARTY WITH ONE OF THESE PROJECTS, IN OTHER WORDS IF IT'S THE PROPERTY OWNER SELLING IT OR THE LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE APPLICANT, WHATEVER THAT MIGHT BE, THAT THAT DISCLOSURE OCCURS OR IS REQUESTED. THE OTHER THING IS THAT IF YOU READ THE RESOLUTION, AND I KNOW IT'S WRITTEN THIS WAY AND THE JUDGE DID IT THIS WAY JUST TO ADHERE TO STATE LAW. SOME CLARIFICATION AS TO THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE THAT SET IT UP. AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE KNOW LOOKING AT WHAT INCENTIVIZATION AND DISCRETIONARY CONTROL THAT WE HAVE, AND THIS IS A REAL QUESTION I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO. CHASE AND JORDAN, YOU MAY. BUT I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND FOR ANYONE ELSE THAT THIS ISN'T GOING TO IMPACT THE 30 DAY SHOT CLOCK WHEN WE HAVE TO CONSIDER CERTAIN APPLICATIONS AND I KNOW THAT'S WHAT WE ARE GOING AFTER. I WANT TO GIVE ANY TYPE OF FACILITY THE ABILITY TO FILE AN APPLICATION AND SAY, WE DIDN'T TURN IN THIS VOLUNTARY STUFF, IT'S DAY 31 NOW. BY STATE LAW YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT. I'M 100% SUPPORTIVE WITH WHAT WE JUST TALKED ABOUT. I JUST WANT THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF OUR COURT TO KNOW THAT WE ARE GOING TO BE SAFE HERE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO GIVE THESE GUYS A FREE PASS JUST BECAUSE WE DO THIS. >> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION, COMMISSIONER SMITH. I BELIEVE THE LANGUAGE WE'VE MADE PROTECTS AGAINST THE CHALLENGE FOR THIS. >> THANK YOU. AND I KNOW, BECAUSE WE HAVE THIS ALL RECORDED AND WE HAVE EVERYONE'S NOTES TAKEN, AND WE REITERATED FOR CLARIFICATION, I THINK WE'VE GOT THE CONTENT. DID YOU WANT TO ADD SOMETHING? >> YES, SIR. JUST WANTED CLARITY ON A FEW THINGS REGARDING THE APPOINTMENTS. WE WILL APPOINT THE TWO COURT MEMBERS TODAY -- >> I WILL EMAIL WITH YOU -- EACH COURT MEMBER WILL EMAIL DIRECTLY WITH OUR TWO NAMES. WE'VE GOT TO SPEAK WITH THEM AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOOD WITH IT AND THEN WE EMAIL IT TO YOU. EACH ONE WILL HAVE TWO, AND THEN YOU WILL TAKE IT FROM THERE WITH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES TO CREATE [02:30:04] SO YOU CAN AT LEAST HAVE A WELCOME AND UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED, COMING TOGETHER, HOWEVER THAT LOOKS BUY I JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT IN TWO WEEKS WE HAVE COURT AGAIN. >> IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE TUESDAY. >> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A LITTLE SPACE. AND NO COURT MEMBERS APPOINTED. >> I THINK WE SHOULDN'T HAVE COURT MEMBERS. >> JUST WANTED TO CONFIRM, THANK YOU. >> JUDGE, MAY I ADD. I'M NOT GOING TO ASK THAT THE COURT PUT THIS OR CONSIDER THIS TODAY BUT I DO WANT TO PASS OUT THIS ONE-PAGER THAT I JUST RECEIVED TODAY. SINCE NO ONE HAS SEEN IT, I ASKED CHASE TO PUT IT TOGETHER. IT JUST HAS A LITTLE STRONGER LANGUAGE ON SOME AREAS THAT I'D LIKE US TO CONSIDER MAYBE ADDING TO THE CHECKLIST, KNOWING WE CAN ONLY ASK OR STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT THE SIGNIFICANT WATER USE PROJECTS FOLLOW. I JUST APPRECIATE THE HELP OF SOME OF THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT SUGGESTED SOME OF THIS LANGUAGE. I'LL READ JUST A LITTLE BIT OF IT. ONE OF THEM HAS TO DO WITH PROVIDING A LIST OF ALL CHEMICALS THAT WILL BE MIXED INTO THE LINES OF THE COOLING SYSTEMS. ANOTHER IS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SETBACKS AND VEGETATION BUFFERS. ANOTHER ONE WAS RELATED TO TAX ABATEMENTS. SO THERE'S JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE LANGUAGE THAT I THINK IF WE ARE COMFORTABLE IN PROVIDING IN THE CHECKLIST, WE CAN ALWAYS COME BACK AND AMEND. BUT I'LL PASS THIS OUT AND IF WE WANT TO CONSIDER THIS, MAYBE WE CAN AT SOME POINT BRING IT BACK. >> HOW ABOUT I RESPOND THIS WAY. THESE ARE THE SUGGESTED CHECKLIST REQUESTS, AND I WILL HAPPILY TAKE WHICHEVER DOSE YOU DON'T HAVE TO GET UP HERE JUST TO MAKE SURE YOU'RE LISTENING ON THIS PART. I WOULD HAPPILY WELCOME ANYTHING THAT'S TIGHTER WORDING IN THE CHECKLIST, WITHOUT FAIL. I WOULD ALWAYS WELCOME THE STRONGER OF THE TWO. WOULDN'T YOU? >> OKAY. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. WHICHEVER IS STRONGEST, YES PLEASE. >> THIS MIGHT BE MY LAST QUESTION. I'M NOT GOING TO MAKE PROMISES BUT I HOPE IT IS. IN REGARDS TO THE APPOINTMENTS THAT THE COMMISSIONER WILL BE SENDING TO CANDACE, IN SECTION SIX OF THE RESOLUTION IT TALKS ABOUT THE REVIEW BOARD CONSISTING OF REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONERS COURT INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ELECTED OFFICIALS, DEVELOPMENT SERVICE STAFF, WATER RESOURCE PROFESSIONALS. THERE'S A LIST. IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN YOUR SUGGESTION, JUDGE, BUT I MIGHT BE -- MY NOTES ARE A LITTLE WONKY AT THIS POINT. I THINK IT WAS PERHAPS YOUR PREFERENCE THAT ANYONE ON THE REVIEW BOARD WAS A COUNTY RESIDENT? >> YES. THE BIGGEST DOG IN THE HUNT. >> IF THAT'S THE INTENT, I JUST THOUGHT THAT MIGHT BE GOOD TO ADD TO THIS IF THAT'S WHAT THE COURT WOULD LIKE. AS FAR AS THE TWO MEMBERS I THINK THAT'S STILL CONSISTENT WITH THE LANGUAGE. IT WAS JUST THE RESIDENT PIECE THAT WAS SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT. >> PERFECT. I THINK THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE WOULD BE BEST REPRESENTED BY PEOPLE THAT LIVE HERE. >> I JUST WANTED TO CLARIFY THAT POINT. >> DO YOU NEED A COPY OF THIS? I KNOW THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT PROBABLY HAS IT. >> WONDERFUL. >> OKAY. COMMISSIONER SMITH? >> AS THE PRECINCT AT THIS POINT THAT'S THE MOST IMPACTED BY THIS, AND WE'VE ALREADY HEARD ONE COMMISSIONER VOLUNTEER, I'D LIKE TO GO AHEAD IF THE COURT IS OKAY WITH IT AND NOT NECESSARILY MAKE A NOMINATION, BUT IF WE HAVE TWO VOLUNTEERS I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE COMMISSIONER INGALSBE AND COMMISSIONER HAMMER SERVE AS THE TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COURT ON THAT COMMISSION. >> I WAS HOPING BECAUSE COURT MEMBERS ARE PLENTY REPRESENTED, I WOULD THINK WE LEAVE THAT MOMENT FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. THAT WAS MY PREFERENCE. >> WHENEVER WE SAY ELECTED OFFICIALS, I THINK IF THE COMMISSION WORKS IN A VACUUM WITHOUT REPRESENTATION FROM THE COURT IN UNDERSTANDING WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS CAN OR CAN'T BE ADHERED TO, I'M NOT GOING TO SAY THAT'S A LOSING PROPOSITION, BUT IT'S ONE WHERE THEY MAY BE WORKING IN A VACUUM AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE RULES AND THE STATUTORY ABILITY OF THE COURT. I THINK HAVING TWO COURT MEMBERS ON THERE WOULD BE A POSITIVE FOR THAT GROUP BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE [02:35:02] RECOMMENDATIONS AND HAVE NO UNDERSTANDING OR IDEA OF WHAT THE TENOR OR THE ACCEPTANCE OF THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD BE TO THE COURT. I THINK HAVING TWO MEMBERS OF OUR BODY ON THAT COMMITTEE WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL. AND AGAIN, COMMISSIONER HAMMER HAS ALREADY VOLUNTEERED TO DO IT AND COMMISSIONER INGALSBE'S PRECINCT IS THE MOST IMPACTED THUS FAR. >> HERE'S MY RESPONSE TO THAT. WE HAVE CANDACE, OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR WHO KNOWS THE RULES AND PARAMETERS INSIDE AND OUT AND WILL BE ABLE TO PROMOTE, SUGGEST, ENCOURAGE. SHE CAN RUN THROUGH DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, WHICH IS THE OTHER EXTENSION OF THIS PIECE SO I CAN JUST GET TOGETHER AND HAVE COFFEE AND DISCUSS IT AND COME UP WITH A WISH LIST. IF YOU WANT TO MAKE OF YOUR TWO RECOMMENDATION ITEMS BE THE COMMISSIONERS, AND THAT'S FINE WITH ME. I WANT TO GET SOMETHING DONE AND I DON'T WANT TO COMMITTEE THIS TODAY. >> LET'S DO THIS THEN. >> ABSOLUTELY, A CIVIL DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE. TOTALLY A GREAT ADDITION TO THE CONVERSATION. MY INTENT IN THAT EFFORT WAS TO HAVE OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR LEADING THE CHARGE OF NOT ONLY MEANING BUT ALL THAT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE WAS DONE ABOVE BOARD AND MOST COMPLETE. >> I APPRECIATE THAT COMMENT JUDGE. BUT WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO IS GO AHEAD AND MAKE A MOTION TO APPOINT THOSE TWO MEMBERS OF THE COURT TO THE COMMISSION. >> I HEAR NO SECOND. >> I'LL SECOND. >> LET'S CALL THE ROLL. THAT'S TWO HAVE COMMISSIONER INGALSBE AND COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. NOW I MOVE THAT WE VOTE AS AMENDED FOR THIS ITEM. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> ALL RIGHT. WE ARE READY. WE HAVE TAKEN A SHORT RECESS. K TWO WAS A PLAN OF MINE TO HAVE A BREAKOUT THAT WE DIDN'T NEED TO HAVE. SO IT ALL WORKED OUT JUST FINE. K2 IS WITHIN K ONE, WHICH MEANS I DON'T HAVE TO OPEN K2. SO THERE WILL BE NO NEED TO OPEN K2. WHAT I ASK NOW IS THAT YOU GUYS HUMOR ME AS I BOUNCE THROUGH THE AGENDA AS REQUESTED BY THE PEOPLE IN THE COURT. DEPARTMENT HEADS, ELECTED OFFICIALS. WAS LISTENING TO WHAT THEY NEED TO KEEP THINGS MOVING AND WHEN [G.13. Approve the re-appointment of Scott Roberts to the Board of Directors of the West Travis County Public Utility Agency (the "WTCPUA"), Position 4, term ending September 2030. SMITH] OTHERS ARE READY AS WELL. I'M GOING TO BOUNCE THROUGH A FEW AND THEN WE WILL START. FOR NOW LET'S START WITH G13. >> G13. APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF SCOTT ROBERTS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY POSITION FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 202030. >> ARE YOU MAKING A MOTION? >> COMMISSIONER, IT TAKES JUST A MINUTE TO GET ON, IT'S A LITTLE DELAYED. WAS THAT A MOTION FROM YOU? >> YES. I SAID SO MOVED. >> PERFECT. NOW WE HAVE IT ON THE RECORD. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. DO WE HAVE COMMENTS ON THIS ITEM? OKAY. IF YOU WILL START THAT, PLEASE. >> RICK BROWN. >> YOU WILL HAVE 3 MINUTES. >> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR DEDICATION TO YOUR JOBS. I KNOW IT'S DIFFICULT. DRIVING HERE THIS MORNING AND TALKING ABOUT WATER, I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO PUT PEOPLE TO SLEEP. BUT I THINK I PICKED THE RIGHT MEETING TO SHOW UP HERE THERE'S A LOT OF PASSION IN EVERY TOPIC [02:40:02] I CAN DRILL DOWN TO WATER. FROM THE AG FOLKS, ROAD CONSTRUCTION, IT'S ALL ABOUT WATER. I'M PASSIONATE ABOUT WATER, I'VE BEEN DOING IT 17 YEARS. NOT AS LONG AS SOME OTHER PROFESSIONALS, BUT I KNOW A LOT ABOUT IT. A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GROUND AND SURFACE WATER. I'M THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE WATER SUPPLY CORP. WE HAVE TWO COMPONENTS, GROUNDWATER AND SURFACE WATER. FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS NOW WE'VE BEEN DECLINING APPLICATIONS TO GET ADDITIONAL SURFACE WATER FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER. TEN YEARS, THAT FORCES US TO DRILL MORE WELLS, USE MORE GROUNDWATER. A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT GROUNDWATER. DATA CENTERS AND THE LIKE. CAN YOU IMAGINE TEN YEARS AGO IF WE HAD MORE SURFACE WATER? IT WOULD BE LESS GROUNDWATER. I KNOW THAT YOU GUYS ARE ALL PASSIONATE ABOUT CONSERVING WATER, GROUNDWATER, FOR PEOPLE'S WELLS, BUSINESSES, HOMES. RECENTLY YOU ALL PASSED A RESOLUTION I BELIEVE IN FAVOR OF THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER TO PROMOTE LEGISLATION OF PROTECTIONS. IT'S GREAT. I NEED THAT SAME PASSION TODAY FROM YOU ALL TO SAY THIS APPOINTMENT MAY NOT BE THE BEST FOR HAYS COUNTY. A VERY SMART MAN, NOTHING AGAINST HIM. HE'S A DEVELOPER, HE HAS A NICE GOLF COURSE, MANSIONS. HE HAS SURFACE WATER. WE'VE BEEN IN DROUGHT STAGE FOUR FOR THREE YEARS, WHILE OTHER PEOPLE AROUND US HAVE BEEN IN DROUGHT STAGE TWO. ALL WE ARE ASKING FOR IS OUR FAIR SHARE OF THE LAKE WATER. THE LAKE IS AT 85% FULL. IT'S AMAZING. I'M SO GLAD FOR PEOPLE'S CONSERVATION. I'VE BEEN HITTING PEOPLE SO HARD ABOUT CONSERVATION, CUTTING BACK IRRIGATION. THAT'S WHAT I DO EVERY DAY. YOU GUYS POINTED OUT YOU WANTED TO ELECT A COMMITTEE OF CITIZENS FROM HAYS COUNTY TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE. I DID THE SAME THING FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AT THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY TO SUPPORT THE PEOPLE. EITHER THIS POSITION NEEDS TO BE ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE OR A PERSON APPOINTED BY -- FROM DRIFTWOOD SPRINGS. NOT DRIFTWOOD. SOMEONE WHO'S IMPACTED BY THIS DROUGHT STAGE FOUR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, SIR. ANY OTHERS? >> ONE EMAIL. "MY NAME IS SUSAN COOK AND I BESEECH YOU TO DENY SCOTT ROBERTS ANOTHER TERM ON THE WTCPOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MR. ROBERTS IS UNSUITED TO MAKE IMPARTIAL WATER DECISIONS FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AS HE HIMSELF IS A WALKING CONFLICT OF INTEREST. MR. ROBERTS IS A LANDOWNER AND DEVELOPER IN THE AREA WHOSE WATER IS PARTIALLY PROVIDED BY THE WPCPUAS WATER AGREEMENT ALONG WITH HIS OWN DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING THE GOLF COURSE IN DRIFTWOOD, SUPPLIED WATER BY THAT WATER ENTITY. WE ARE NOT TALKING SMALL POTATOES HERE. THE MAN IS INVOLVED IN THESE DEVELOPMENTS TO THE TUNE OF TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. HE HAS CONSISTENTLY PRIORITIZED GREEN GRASS ON THAT RELATIVELY NEW GOLF COURSE OVER MAKING SURE THE HOMES IN THE AREA HAD ENOUGH WATER FOR THEIR HOUSEHOLD TO U USE. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A WATER CONSERVATION PLAN PUT IN PLACE FOR THE AREA, BUT UNTIL YOU GET RID OF PEOPLE LIKE SCOTT ROBERTS, NOTHING WILL CHANGE. IN ADDITION TO USING AUSTIN WATER TO KEEP THE GOLF COURSE GREEN, HE HIMSELF PUMPS AQUIFER WATER, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY FREE, TO WATER HIS BARBECUE JOINT, THE SALT LAKE, AND CREATE AND MAINTAIN VANITY VINEYARDS ADJACENT. NOT ONLY DOES THIS MASSIVE USE OF GROUNDWATER IMPACT NEIGHBORING WELLS, BUT THE HERBICIDES AND INSECTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS GROWING GRAPES HERE REQUIRES RISK POLLUTING THE WATER RESOURCE. INSTEAD OF ALLOWING SCOTT ROBERTS TO CONTINUE TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS ON HOW WATER IS USED IN THE DRIFTWOOD AND NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU SEARCH A BIT FURTHER TO FIND ACTUAL EXPERTS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS IN THE FIELD [02:45:01] OF WATER MANAGEMENT AND REPLACE BOTH WALT SMITH AND SCOTT ROBERTS ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION AND QUOTE. >> THAT'S EVERYTHING. OKAY. COMMISSIONER SMITH, I'LL START WITH YOU. IT'S YOUR AGENDA ITEM. DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO CONTRIBUTE? >> ABSOLUTELY. I'D FIRST LIKE TO CLARIFY SOME OF THE STATEMENTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC COMMENTS. THE FIRST ONE, AT THE END OF THE DAY, AND THIS IS A DIRECT STATEMENT AND I HOPE MR. BROWN AND THE DRIFTWOOD SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY HEAR THIS. POOR PLANNING IS NO ONE'S FAULT BUT THE PERSON WHO DOES POOR PLANNING. AT THE END OF THE DAY, HAVING THE ASSUMPTION THAT YOUR WATER SUPPLY WILL BE AUGMENTED OR INCREASED BY ANOTHER ENTITY IS ABSOLUTELY -- NUMBER 1, CRAZY. BUT NUMBER 2, IT SHOWS A SEVERE LACK OF CONSIDERATION FOR FUTURE USAGE. AT THE END OF THE DAY I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS I FIND VERY INTERESTING IS THE OVERALL NUMBER OF NONSTANDARD SERVICE AGREEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN SIGNED BY THE WATER SUPPLY CORP WITHOUT A GUARANTEED SOURCE OF WATER FOR THE FUTURE. AT THIS POINT, WE KNOW THAT THOSE HAVE OCCURRED OUT THERE. WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR FAIR SHARE, THERE WAS A DECISION A LONG TIME AGO, AN OFFER FROM THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUA TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICE, TO STANDARDIZE THE CONTRACTS THEY ARE CURRENTLY ARE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THERE ARE 14 WHOLESALE SERVICE AGREEMENTS THAT THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY MAINTAINS. THOSE 14 CONTRACTS ARE ALL STANDARD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE. THAT ONE CONTRACT IS WITH THE DRIFTWOOD SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP. BECAUSE THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO DO THAT. WE'VE ASKED THEM TO GO TO 100% SURFACE WATER AND THEY'VE SAID NO. I FIND IT IRONIC THAT THE DRIFTWOOD SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP WOULD ADVOCATE FOR THEIR FAIR SHARE OF SERVICE SURFACE WATER WHEN THEY'VE GONE TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND ADVOCATED FOR A COMPLETE UNCAPPING OF ALL GROUNDWATER PERMITTING FOR COMMERCIAL USERS IN ORDER TO DRILL AS MANY WELLS AS THEY WANTED HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. AT THE DETRIMENT TO THEIR NEIGHBORS. TO STATE THAT DRIFTWOOD IS NOT AN IMPORTANT PORTION OF THE SYSTEM IS AN ABSOLUTE ABSURDITY. THERE ARE OVER 9000 RESIDENTIAL USERS AND 13 OTHER COMMERCIAL USERS, OR I WOULD SAY WHOLESALE USERS, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PART OF THAT SYSTEM. TO SAY THAT ONE PORTION OF HAYS COUNTY SHOULD HAVE MORE PURVIEW OR ONE SMALL SECTION OF HAYS COUNTY SHOULD HAVE MORE PURVIEW OVER WHAT HAPPENS ON THAT BOARD AS A REPRESENTATIVE I THINK IS VERY SHORTSIGHTED AND I THINK IT'S VERY SELFISH, AS A MATTER OF FACT. THE COMMENTS BY MISS COOK ARE NOT ONLY UNTRUE, BUT UNFOUNDED. IF YOU LOOK AT THE FIRST COMMENT WHICH WAS MADE, WHICH WAS THAT MR. ROBERTS ACTUALLY USES A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF AQUIFER WATER, I THINK IF YOU WANT TO REVIEW THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT RECORDS YOU WILL FIND THEY HAVE METERS ON HIS COMMERCIAL WELL DOCUMENTED WHENEVER WE WERE DOING THE RESEARCH FOR THE LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS THAT THEY'RE MONITORING WELLS, OR PARDON ME, THE METERS THEY HAVE THAT HE HAS ON HIS COMMERCIAL WELL HAVEN'T BEEN USED IN SEVERAL YEARS. IN OTHER WORDS, ALL OF HIS FACILITIES HAVE COMPLETELY SWITCHED OVER TO WEST TRAVIS COUNTY. WHICH IS SURFACE WATER. THE OTHER ACCUSATION, THAT HE HAS PROVIDED THE WATER FOR THAT GOLF COURSE OVER THERE IS ALSO UNTRUE. THAT CONTRACT GIVES THE GENERAL SERVICE AREA, WHICH WE PROVIDE THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUA PROVIDES WATER TO. THE OTHER THING THAT I WOULD SAY IS A SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IS THAT THERE'S OVER $200 MILLION WORTH OF EXPANSION AND WATER SERVICE COMING TO NORTHERN HAYS COUNTY AT THIS POINT. THAT WILL BE BONDED THROUGH THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUA. MOST OF IT ALREADY HAS. WHAT WE FOUND IS HAVING A CHANGE [02:50:03] IN THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE RATE WHICH THE PUA WOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE. WHAT MANY PEOPLE DON'T KNOW IS THAT PUA ITSELF OPERATES UNDER A STATUTE WHICH MANDATES WE HAVE TO PROVIDE WATER SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE RATE. UNLIKE BAD ACTORS OUT THERE, WHICH WE SEE ESPECIALLY IN THE WESTERN SIDE OF OUR COUNTY WHO WANT TO DO EXPANSIONS AND JUST PASS THOSE COSTS ON TO THEIR RATEPAYERS, AND I'LL SAY IT VERY PUBLICLY. WE'VE SEEN THAT HAPPEN IN A NUMBER OF THE PRIVATIZED WATER SYSTEMS OUT THERE, BUT ESPECIALLY AQUA TEXAS AND THE WIMBERLEY AREA AND THE SAN MARCOS AREA OF OUR COUNTY. THE PUA DOES NOT HAVE THAT ABILITY. ANY EXPANSION THEY DO MUST BE DONE OFF OF CONNECTION FEES OR IMPACT FEES FOR FUTURE USERS. SO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE THAT WATER AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE RATE TO OUR CUSTOMERS. AS A MATTER OF FACT, I BELIEVE THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUA IS THE ONLY WATER ENTITY, AND I MAY BE WRONG HERE, BUT THE ONLY WATER ENTITY WITHIN THE LAST 15 YEARS TO ACTUALLY DROP OUR IMPACT FEES TO A CERTAIN RATE BECAUSE WE WANT TO PROVIDE THOSE SAVINGS BACK TO CUSTOMERS. THAT BEING SAID, SCOTT ROBERTS HAS SERVED ON THE PUA BOARD SINCE ITS INCEPTION AND -- THE APPOINTEE TO THE BOARD ABOUT THREE MONTHS AFTER ITS CREATION, BUT THAT WAS DONE IN 2012, 2011-2012. HE SERVES WITH DISTINCTION AS THE PRESIDENT AND IS THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF THAT BOARD AND IS SUPPORTED BY ALL THE OTHER ENTITIES ON THAT BOARD. WHAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW IS EACH APPOINTEE TO THE WEST TRAVIS COUNTY PUA BOARD IS NOT ONLY APPOINTED BY HAYS COUNTY, ANY OF OUR APPOINTEES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE OTHER TWO ENTITIES INVOLVED IN THE PUA THAT IS LOCATED IN TRAVIS COUNTY ALONG WITH THE CITY ITSELF. SIMILARLY, ANY APPOINTEE THEY HAVE MUST BE APPROVED BY THE OTHER TWO FOUNDING ENTITIES AS WELL. WITH THAT SAID, I CAN TELL YOU AT THIS POINT BOTH OF THE OTHER ENTITIES HAVE EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR MR. ROBERTS AND VOTED FOR HIS REAPPOINTMENT ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. I WOULD JUST LOVE TO HEAR IF THERE'S ANY OTHER COMMENTS. IF NOT I WOULD MOVE FOR APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT. >> THANK YOU. IT TURNS OUT THERE WAS A LETTER WE OVERLOOKED THAT NEEDS TO BE READ AS WELL. IF YOU DON'T MIND SETTING THAT TIMER. >> THIS IS FROM MARK KEE. I RESPECTFULLY ASK THAT HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT NOT REAPPOINT SCOTT ROBERTS TO THE PUA BOARD. MR. ROBERTS IS NO DOUBT A PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY AND HAS DEVELOPED A NATIONAL FOLLOWING WITH HIS SALT LAKE BARBEQUE. HE'S ALSO HELPED CREATE A WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY IN THE DRIFTWOOD DEVELOPMENT. THAT COMMUNITY IS THE REASON MR. ROBERTS SHOULD NOT CONTINUE ON THE WTC PUA BOARD. MR. ROBERTS SITS ON A BOARD THAT PROVIDES WATER TO THE GOLF COURSE AND QUITE A FEW DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTHERN HAYS COUNTY. THE SUPPLY... OVER $40,000 TO GET MORE WATER FROM THE WTC PUA WITH NO SUCCESS. SOMEHOW THE DRIFTWOOD DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO GET 1 MILLION GALLONS PER DAY ALLOTTED TO PUT ON GRASS. MR. ROBERTS STILL SIGNIF SIGNIFICANTLY... I'M SURE IT WILL BE POINTED OUT THAT DRIPPING SPRINGS CITY PROVIDES WATER TO THE GOLF COURSE. NOT THE WTC PUA. THE CITY OF DRIPPING SPRINGS GETS 100% OF THEIR WATER FROM THE WTC PUA AND THE WATER LINES THAT FEED THE DEVELOPMENT COME DIRECTLY FROM THE WTC PLAY TREATMENT PLANT. THE BIG THREAT TO THE HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER DISTRICT IS THE WTC PUA. FUTURE SERVICE AREAS ARE PREDICTED NORTH, SOUTH AND WEST OF THE DSW SERVICE AREA. FOR EVERY NEW WATER SERVICE, THE SWSC PAYS THE HTGCD $1000. THE WTC PUA PAYS THEM NONE. THE PROJECT ALONE WHICH HAS WTC PUA WATER COSTS, $2.4 MILLION, HAS THE WTC PUA AGREED TO SELL [02:55:09] DSWSC WATER FOR THIS SUBDI SUBDIVISION. THERE... PLEASE OPEN THIS UP AND TAKE APPLICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. RESPECTFULLY, MARK KEE. >> IT'S IMPORTANT WE DO HAVE A HAYS COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE IN THAT FOOTPRINT. OPEN IT UP, ONE OF THE LAST THINGS WE JUST HEARD. LET PEOPLE APPLY FOR THE POSITION. AS YOU WELL KNOW, WE CAN BUILD A COURTROOM, AND IT'S VERY TOP OF MIND FOR WATER IN THE COUNTY. SO OPEN IT UP FOR SOMEONE ELSE, WHY NOT. I WAS KILLING TIME FOR YOU. ARE YOU THERE? >> I'M HERE. CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> YES. >> WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADDRESS THAT LAST LETTER, THAT WOULD BE THE LAST PIECE OF IT. >> SURE. I JUST FIND IT IRONIC AT THIS POINT. WE'VE GOT THE PRESIDENT OR FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE DRIPPING SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP. ALONG WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER WHO TO THIS POINT IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS POSSIBLY SOME OF THE WORST ACTORS WHEN IT COMES TO GROUNDWATER IN OUR COUNTY ACKNOWLEDGING THAT, WERE CLAIMING THAT THE BEST THING ON EARTH FOR THE GROUNDWATER DISTRICT IS TO MAKE A CHANGE WHERE WE HAVE TWO BOARD MEMBERS WHO ARE VERY ADAMANT IN CONVERTING FROM SURFACE WATER TO GROUNDWATER. TWO THINGS THAT WERE LEFT OUT OF THE LETTER THAT MR. KEE WROTE THAT I FIND GREAT IRONY IN IS THE FACT THAT MR. KEE, HE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRESIDENT AT THE TIME, BUT AS THE BOARD MEMBER OF THE DRIPPING SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP., ACTUALLY PERFORMED SERVICES FOR THEM AND AS A CONTRACTOR WHO INSTALLS UTILITIES FOR DEVELOPMENTS. IF HE SITS ON THE BOARD T PROVIDES WATER. HE SOMEHOW FINDS THAT THERE'S A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH MR. ROBERTS. THE SECOND THING I WOULD SAY IS AS WE LOOK AT THESE DEVELOPMENTS, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AN ORGANIZATION THAT'S BEEN AT LEAST ADMONISHED BY THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION FOR RUNNING A WHOLESALE WATER OPERATION WHEN THEY DIDN'T HAVE IT, WHEN THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LICENSE TO DO SO. WE ARE LOOKING AT AN ORGANIZATION THAT WORKED IN CONCERT WITH REPRESENTATIVE TERRY ISAAC LAST YEAR TO LIFT ALL RESTRICTIONS ON GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION AND STATING THAT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE FUTURE OF THE LOCAL GROUNDWATER DISTRICT, THEY NEED TO BE ABLE TO GET SURFACE WATER FROM OTHER PLACES. AT THE END OF THE DAY, THIS IS AN ORGANIZATION, THE DRIPPING SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP., [03:00:02] THAT'S SEEN MULTIPLE LAWSUITS WITH THE INTENT OF BANKRUPTING THEM. I THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC NEEDS TO UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT WAS SAID IN THAT LAST STATEMENT AND HOW LUDICROUS IT WAS. I FULLY SUPPORT MR. ROBERTS. HE'S DONE AN AMAZING JOB. BOTH THE CITY OF BK, WHO HAS OVERSIGHT AND MUST APPROVE SUCH AN INDIVIDUAL, HAS APPROVED HIM MULTIPLE TIMES. TRAVIS COUNTY HAS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORTED HIM IN THE PAST AS WELL. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS, THERE'S NO ONE IN HAYS COUNTY WHO HAS SERVED IN A POSITION LIKE THIS WITHOUT COMPENSATION IN THE PAST AND BEING A LARGER PROTECTOR OF GROUNDWATER. THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE PUA AT ITS INCEPTION WAS TO ENSURE THOSE RESIDENTS IN HAYS COUNTY WHO WERE ON THE LCRA SYSTEM, THE LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY SYSTEM THAT WERE PURCHASED BY THE PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY DURING ITS INCEPTION RECEIVED CLEAN LICENSED WATER FROM THE STATE OF TEXAS AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE RATE. HE'S DONE AN OUTSTANDING JOB OF MAKING THAT HAPPEN. THE IMPLICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE IN THESE THREE PUBLIC STATEMENTS ARE NOT ONLY LUDICROUS, BUT AT A CERTAIN POINT I WOULD HOPE THAT THE MISSTATEMENTS, IF THEY WERE STATED PUBLICLY, IF EITHER ONE OF THE TWO WRITTEN STATEMENTS WOULD ASK THAT THOSE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BE SWORN IN. AND JUDGE, YOU ARE VERY FOND OF OFTEN SAYING THIS IS A COURT OF RECORD. AS THE COURT OF RECORD, ANY WITNESS TO OUR COURT, WE MUST UNDER STATE LAW HAVE THE ABILITY TO SWEAR THOSE WITNESSES IN. IF THOSE TWO INDIVIDUALS WERE ACTUALLY IN COURT AND WE RAN A COURT THAT WAS ACTUALLY FOLLOWING STATE LAW, I WOULD ASK THE COURT TO SWEAR THOSE INDIVIDUALS IN AND READ THOSE STATEMENTS, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THEY NOT ONLY VERGE ON SLANDEROUS BUT THEY MAY BE IN A VERY LEGAL SENSE. CONTINUED POSITION ON THE COURT, OR ON THE PUGH A BOARD OF DIRECTORS. I WOULD ASK THAT THOSE INDIVIDUALS REVIEW THE STATUTE AND UNDERSTAND THAT APPOINTMENT IS PUT FORTH BY THE PRECINCT COMMISSIONER. WITH THAT, I'D LOVE TO HEAR ANY OTHER COMMENTS. AND AGAIN, UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE COMMENTS OF THE THREE MEMBERS OF THE COURT I WOULD ASK FOR RECOGNITION AGAIN IN ORDER TO MOVE FOR HIS NOMINATION TO MOVE FORWARD. >> COMMISSIONER, I WAS TRYING TO WRITE DOWN KEY HIGHLIGHTS. I JUST WANTED TO ASK ONE CLARIFYING QUESTION. DOES MR. ROBERTS LIVE IN HAYS COUNTY? >> HE'S A PROPERTY OWNER IN HAYS COUNTY AND A FOURTH GENERATION HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT. I DO BELIEVE HE HAS A HOUSE IN AUSTIN NOW AND LIVES IN AUSTIN BECAUSE HE'S CARING FOR HIS WIFE, WHO'S EXCEEDINGLY ILL. SHE ACTUALLY FELL LAST MONTH AND BROKE HER LEG AND HE USED HER FULL TIME CARETAKER AS WELL. SO IF THAT'S A DETRIMENT, I APOLOGIZE FOR THAT, BUT I CAN TELL YOU THAT ONE OF THE REASONS HE WAS INITIALLY APPOINTED WAS BECAUSE AS A HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT, HE COULD BRING THAT WITH AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE OTHER INDIVIDUALS ON THE BOARD, THE OTHER ENTITIES BECAUSE HE HAS A FOOT IN BOTH HAYS COUNTY AND TRAVIS COUNTY. >> AS THE COURT OF RECORD, YOU ARE CORRECT, I DO LOVE TO SAY THAT WE ARE THE COURT OF RECORD. EVERYTHING IS RECORDED. I CAPTURED SOME OF YOUR IMPLICATION TYPE RESPONSES, AND I WANTED TO ASK YOU FOR CAUTION, BECAUSE YOU SAID THAT MR. KEY IS AN INSTALLER FOR THE DEVELOPMENTS THAT ARE COMING BEFORE THE DRIPPING SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION AND SERVES ON THE BOARD. I WASN'T GOING TO GO INTO THE BACK AND FORTH. >> SURE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO CLARIFY -- >> BECAUSE WE HAVE A DELAY I'D RATHER YOU NOT INTERRUPT. IT'S A LITTLE DIFFERENT IN PERSON. MY ASK OF YOU IS BECAUSE THERE ARE THINGS THAT YOU DON'T HAVE HARD PROOF OF IN YOUR HANDS AT THIS MOMENT, I WOULD ALSO ASK FOR US NOT TO BRING GENERALIZATIONS AND STICK TO THE AGENDA AS TIGHT AS WE CAN. BUT I WANTED TO GIVE YOU THAT LATITUDE TO RESPOND AS YOU FELT SO PASSIONATELY TO. BUT I WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I [03:05:01] ALSO HEARD IMPLICATIONS ON YOUR SIDE AS WELL. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO DO, COMMISSIONERS, IS TO ASK IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS. >> JUDGE, MAYBE JUST SOME COMMENTS. YOU JUST APPEARS THERE'S MORE HERE THAN I'M AWARE OF. I THINK IF WE ARE CONCERNED WITH TIME LIMITS OF SERVICE, WE NEED TO LOOK AT ALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS THAT WE MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO. I THINK WE TALKED ABOUT THAT AT ONE TIME. I BELIEVE PEOPLE THAT HAVE SERVED ON BOARDS THAT HAVE HAD THIS HISTORY, IT'S BEEN OFFICIAL, BUT IF THE COURT WANTS TO LOOK DEEPER INTO TIME LIMITS, LET'S OPEN THAT UP AT SOME POINT AND DO THAT. THOSE ARE MY COMMENTS. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> I THINK ON REAPPOINTMENTS IT'S USUALLY, WE TRUST THE COMMISSIONER AND THE JUDGE WHO'S APPOINTING BUT WE DON'T WANT TO ASK. SINCE THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CONCERN, MAYBE IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO TALK TO MR. ROBERTS OR JUST GET A BETTER FEEL. I DON'T KNOW HIM PERSONALLY. SO MAYBE HAVING HIM COME TO COURT FOR SOME ADDITIONAL INFO WOULD BE HELPFUL. >> A GOOD POINT, COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER HAMER? >> I'VE BEEN APPROACHED BY MANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REGARDING THIS AGENDA ITEM RECENTLY IN THE LAST 48 HOURS OR SO. I DON'T KNOW MR. ROBERTS PERSONALLY EITHER. I WOULD LIKE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO REVIEW. THERE WERE SOME ACCUSATIONS MADE AND I WOULD LIKE SOME TIME FOR CLARITY AROUND THOSE ACCUS ACCUSATIONS. I UNDERSTAND COMMISSIONER SMITH HAD HIS PERSPECTIVE AS WELL. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO FOR MY OWN PERSONAL BENEFIT GET A LITTLE BIT MORE, BECAUSE THAT'S THE BIGGEST ISSUE I CARE ABOUT. I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING. IF I MEET HIM AND SEE HIM HAVING A CONSERVATION MIND-SET, DRIPPING SPRINGS WATER SUPPLY CORP. AND WHAT THEY HAVE STATED, I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT BUT I ALSO THINK WE NEED TO TAKE A BETTER LOOK AT THE WHOLE VIEW OF IT. >> I LIKE WHAT YOU JUST SAID. TAKE A BETTER LOOK. MY COMMENTS WILL BE, MY PERSONAL OPINION IS COMMISSIONER SMITH CONFIRMED HE DOES NOT LIVE IN HAYS COUNTY, AND I'M GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE PLENTY OF QUALIFIED WATER PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY. I BELIEVE WE SHOULD OPEN IT UP. WE SHOULD SAY, ANYBODY INTERESTED IN THIS POSITION, APPLY FOR IT. WE COULD HAVE ANY ONE OF US OR AS A GROUP RAISING THE NAMES AND PICKING BASED ON QUALIFICATIONS, NOT RELATIONSHIPS WHO'S A BETTER APPLICANT, WHATEVER. BUT OPENING IT UP IS A GOOD IDEA UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING AND CREATES BETTER GOVERNANCE IN MY OPINION. SO A BETTER LOOK IS EXACTLY WHAT THAT WOULD DO AND I THINK THAT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA. AT A MINIMUM, I THINK THIS IS WHAT WE ARE HEADED TOWARDS. >> I HAVE JUST A QUICK POINT OF CLARIFICATION. IS THIS AN APPOINTMENT THAT HAYS COUNTY HAS THE ABILITY TO APPOINT? DO WE GET TO APPOINTMENTS AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM? >> YES. WE GET TWO APPOINTMENTS. COMMISSIONER SMITH HOLDING AT THIS TIME, AND THE OTHER IS MR. ROBERTS HOLDING AT THIS TIME. SO WE WILL BE HAVING THOSE SEATS, ONE OF WHICH IS IN FRONT OF US TODAY, TO DECIDE HOW THAT VERY IMPORTANT USE OF WATER HAPPENS IN THE ENTIRE PORTION OF THE COUNTY. >> WHEN IS HIS TERM UP? >> DOES ANYONE KNOW WHEN HIS TERM IS UP? >> AUGUST. >> SO WE'VE GOT TIME. COMMISSIONER, THE FEEL OF THE ROOM IS WE ARE GOING TO TABLE THIS. >> YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL ME WHAT THE FEEL OF THE ROOM IS, I'M GOING TO MAKE A SUGGESTION. WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO IS GIVE MR. ROBERTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH EACH ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COURT, AND THEN I WILL BRING THE ITEM BACK AND AT THIS TIME I'LL PULL THE ITEM FOR CONSIDERATION. >> SO THE ITEM WILL BE TABLED. [03:10:04] WHAT I'M HOPING FOR IS THAT WE HAVE, NOT ONLY TALKING TO INDIVIDUALS, BUT I THINK THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO OPEN IT UP FOR THE PUBLIC FOR INPUT, TO SHARE WHO'S QUALIFIED, WHO'S SKILLED, WHO WANTS TO DO THIS. I THINK IT'S BEEN LONG ENOUGH. [G.12. Approve and confirm the appointment of Tomas Hernandez as a regular full-time Deputy Constable in the Hays County Constable Pct. 3 Office, effective date June 23rd, 2026. HAMMER/MONTAGUE] SO NOW WE ARE GOING TO GO ON TO G12. >> G12. APPROVE AND CONFIRMED THE APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS HERNANDEZ AS A REGULAR FULL TIME DEPUTY CONSTABLE IN HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT THREE OFFICE, EFFECTIVE JUNE 23RD, 2026. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE . >> SECOND. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. I KNOW YOU'RE EVEN ON GOOD MORNING MODE. IT'S ACTUALLY GOOD AFTERNOON ALREADY. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR PATIENCE. >> JUDGE, COURT. MY NAME IS... I'M IN PRECINCT THREE. AS YOU WELL KNOW, ANYBODY NEEDS TO COME BEFORE THE COURT AND RECEIVE THEIR APPROVAL, WHICH I WOULD APPRECIATE. THOMAS WOULD APPRECIATE THAT THIS THIS MORNING. I WOULD INTRODUCE YOU TO THOMAS, WHO WILL BE THE NEWEST DEPUTY. AND WE APPRECIATE YOUR VOTE. SO WE CAN ADD HIM TO THE TEAM. I APPRECIATE IT. >> CONSTABLE, IT IS CUSTOMARY FOR US TO HEAR ABOUT THE INDIVIDUAL'S QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATES, AND ANYTHING ELSE YOU MIGHT WANT TO SHARE. >> TOMAS BEGAN HIS CAREER AND THEN WENT TO WORK FOR THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND APPLIED OUR LAST OPENING. WE DID TWO OR THREE INTERVIEWS AND FELT LIKE HE WAS THE BEST SELECTION FOR OUR OFFICE. OUR OFFICERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH HIM QUITE A BIT. HE KNOWS THE WIMBERLEY AREA. SO WE ARE REALLY HAPPY TO HAVE HIM. >> COMMISSIONER HAMER, ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD? >> NO. I'M HAPPY THAT YOU WANTED TO BE PART OF PRECINCT THREE AND I THINK YOU HAVE GREAT LEADERSHIP WITHIN CONSTABLE MONTAGUE. ARE YOU FROM HAYS COUNTY? >> YES. >> DO YOU LIVE IN HAYS COUNTY? >> NO. >> WELCOME. YOU WILL MOVE HERE SOON BECAUSE YOU'LL LOVE IT SO MUCH, ESPECIALLY THE WIMBERLEY AREA. >> I'VE GOT TO ASK. WHAT CITY DO YOU LIVE IN? COMMISSIONERS, ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? OKAY. MOTION TO APPROVE AND SECOND? >> MOTION. >> SECOND. YOU INTERVIEWED HIM. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. THERE YOU GO. [K.4. Discussion and possible action regarding the potential disbursement of San Marcos Hays County EMS asset ownership upon its dissolution and give direction to staff regarding same. INGALSBE] >> CONGRATULATIONS. [APPLAUSE] >> THANK YOU. NOW TO K FOR. MAY, FOLKS. I'M GETTING TO THEM ALL. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE POTENTIAL DISBURSEMENT OF SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS ASSET OWNERSHIP UPON THE DISSOLUTION AND GIVE DIRECTION TO STAFF REGARDING THE SAME. >> JUDGE, I WILL SAY THAT THERE IS NO ACTION THAT'S GOING TO BE TAKEN TODAY. WE FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO JUST GIVE THE COURT AN UPDATE OF WHAT'S HAPPENED WITH SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS AND SOME OF THE OTHER ISSUES THAT HAVE COME UP. BUT I WILL SAY SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY WAS CREATED BACK IN THE 1980S, MAYBE 83, BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS AND HAYS COUNTY WITH BOTH ENTITIES CONTRIBUTING FINANCIALLY WITH PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE CREATION AND OPERATION OF THE ORGANIZATION. SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY WILL CEASE OPERATIONS EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 30TH OF THIS YEAR AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY HAS ENTERED INTO CONTRACTS WITH DIFFERENT ESDS TO PROVIDE EMS SERVICES IN THEIR COVERAGE AREAS. NOW THAT THE DISSOLUTION IS TAKING PLACE, THERE ARE POTENTIAL ASSETS THE COUNTY IS BEING ASKED TO DISTRIBUTE. BUT I BELIEVE AS I MENTIONED EARLIER AT THIS TIME AND SINCE WE DO NOT HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THOSE ASSETS THAT WE NOT TAKE ACTION AT THIS TIME. I REACHED OUT BOTH TO SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS AND THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS TO SEE IF THERE IS A LIST AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. I DON'T BELIEVE THERE IS. [03:15:04] I BELIEVE THAT'S STILL BEING WORKED ON, OR DO WE HAVE ONE N NOW? OKAY. SO THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS NEW CHIEF OF EMS, SINCE WE HAVE NOT HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT, I WOULD ASK THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT WE WON'T BE TAKING ACTION TODAY. BUT WE WOULD APPRECIATE A COPY OF THAT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. JUDGE, I KNOW CHASE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH ME ON THIS, SO HE MAY HAVE SOME THINGS TO SHARE. AND THEN I KNOW THERE ARE OTHERS THAT WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SPEAK. >> WHILE YOU APPROACH THE PODIUM I WANTED TO ADD THAT I'VE ALSO BEEN ASKED TO HAVE THIS TABLED AND MAKE TIME FOR THOSE PIECES OF INFORMATION THAT WEREN'T AVAILABLE, THAT WAS INCOMPLETE AND WE SHOULDN'T TAKE ACTION. THANK YOU FOR VOICING THAT. >> CHASE YOUNG, ASSISTANT ATTORNEY. LIKE COMMISSIONER INGALSBE SAID WE HAVE BEEN DOING BACKGROUND TO LOOK INTO THIS. THE SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS WAS FOUNDED IN 1983. THERE'S BEEN INTERMITTENT FUNDING, BUT IT WAS DECLINED IN FISCAL YEAR 18-19 AS FAR AS REGULAR CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE GONE. WITH THEIR UPCOMING DISSOLUTION THIS FISCAL YEAR AND TRANSITION TO A DIFFERENT ORGANIZATION, THERE HAVE BEEN QUESTIONS OVER WHAT SORT OF ASSETS THE COUNTY SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FROM ITS HISTORIC PERFORMANCE. CURRENTLY IN THE BYLAWS, THERE IS A SECTION THAT SAYS FAIRLY CLEARLY THAT UPON THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE A 50/50 CUT BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS AND HAYS COUNTY. IN CONVERSATION, SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS THAT THERE IS AN EQUITY ARGUMENT. HOWEVER, WE HAVE HAD SOME CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE 22 AND 23. >> AS YOU'RE TALKING, THE CONTRACT WASN'T CHANGED. A CONTRACT IS A CONTRACT. BUT THAT'S JUST MY INTERPRETATION, YOU FEEL FREE. >> TO ADD TO WHAT CHASE WAS SAYING, WE MADE SPECIFIC GRANTS FOR SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT PURCHASES OUT OF OUR FUNDING THAT WE RECEIVED, AND THAT WAS BOTH THE CODED FUNDING THAT CAME BEFORE THE SLFRS. I FORGET THE ACRONYM ON THAT ONE. BUT THAT WAS OUR SECOND ROUND OF FUNDING. WE CONTRIBUTED ROUGHLY -- FROM THE SECOND ROUND WE CONTRIBUTED ALMOST 800,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF AMBULANCE AND RELATED EQUIPMENT. THEN WE MADE A MORE GENERAL PURCHASE THAT WAS BEFORE MY TIME HERE FOR COVID 19 ASSISTANCE THAT WAS MADE BACK IN 2020 FROM THE FIRST ROUND OF FUNDING FOR THE PANDEMIC. >> SO IN SUMMARY, IN THE LAST YEAR, THERE IS POTENTIAL DISCUSSION AS TO THE CONTRIBUTION THAT EACH ENTITY HAS MADE, BUT YOU'RE STATING THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY THE COUNTY BUT IN ALL THE DECADES BEFORE... THAT'S WHY THE DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS IS BEING DISCUSSED. >> WE HAVE JUST BECOME AWARE OF THIS YESTERDAY, LATE. SO WE FELT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SHARE THAT. AND IT WAS FOR SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT, AND WE CAN GET MORE INTO THOSE DETAILS AS WE ONLY HAVE THIS INFORMATION. >> THANK YOU. WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO, IF YOU DON'T MIND YIELDING THE PODIUM, I'D LIKE TO ASK IF THE SPIRIT OF WHAT YOU'RE HOLDING EVEN THOUGH WE CAN'T BRING IT INTO THE FOLD, AT LEAST GIVE US THE GIST OF THE DIRECTION. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. I HAD TO LEAVE OFF THAT HAYS COUNTY FOR THE FIRST TIME PUBLICLY, A LITTLE WEIRD. ALL OF WHAT COMMISSIONER INGLEBY SPOKE ABOUT ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. THE FUNDING THAT WAS BROUGHT TO LIGHT YESTERDAY, I WOULD LIKE TO SPECIFICALLY NOTE THAT IN THOSE [03:20:03] BUDGET YEARS, THAT FUNDING WAS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN ONE AND 3% OF THE ENTIRE BUDGET AND THE CONTRACT ITSELF DOESN'T ACTUALLY HAVE A 50/50 SPLIT. IT'S THE ORGANIZATION'S BYLAWS, NOT THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT. >> OKAY. SO FAR, FROM WHAT YOU'VE HEARD ALREADY, OF COURSE WE WANT TO BE AS FAIR AS POSSIBLE. WE ARE SERVING THE SAME CONSTITUENTS. THE BYLAWS SAY 50/50. DO YOU FEEL THAT AS A MISTAKE IF WE WERE TO FOLLOW THAT PATH? POTENTIALLY. >> PERSONALLY I DO. HAVING BEEN AFFILIATED WITH THE ORGANIZATION FOR ALMOST 18 YEARS, THE FUNDING MECHANISM CHANGED DRASTICALLY AND IN THE MIDST OF THIS CONVERSATION, IT WAS ASKED OF COMMISSIONER INGALSBE TO SECURE THREE AMBULANCES, COMMAND VEHICLE AND $8000 FOR F. TRANNINE SPECIFICALLY SINCE THEY WERE THE LAST COUNTY CUSTOMER OF SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS. THOSE THINGS WERE SET ASIDE AND IT WAS MENTIONED IN THE BOARD MEETING THAT WE WOULD BE WILLING TO TURN THOSE ITEMS OVER AS PART OF THE COUNTY TAKING THOSE THAT'S ALL SET AND VOTED ON BY THE BOARD AND IS COMPLETELY APPROPRIATE. ANYTHING OVER AND ABOVE THAT, I THINK THE BOARD OF THAT ORGANIZATION SHOULD REVISIT. AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE ARE TRYING TO GET A SOLUTION TO THIS RELATIVELY QUICKLY, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE ORGANIZATION WE ALSO HAVE A BARGAINING UNIT OF EMPLOYEES THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE TREAT RIGHT AND FAIR AND WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT ASSETS WE HAVE COMING TO THE TABLE FOR THOSE CONVERSATIONS. SO THE SOONER THIS PART OF IT IS SETTLED, THE BETTER WE CAN TAKE PART CARE OF THE CITIZENS. >> SINCE YOU'VE BEEN REMINDED THAT WE ARE FOR THE RECORD I'M NOT GOING TO PUT YOU UNDER OATH, I STILL WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU JUST GENERALLY SPEAKING, NOT SPEAKING FOR THE AGENCY OR THE BODY BUT YOUR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT, WHAT WOULD BE A POTENTIAL STICKING POINT THAT NEEDS CONSIDERATION? >> I THINK THAT THERE IS SOMETHING OVER AND ABOVE WHAT WAS REQUESTED AS THEIR PORTION OF WHAT THE COUNTY'S INTEREST IS, THAT THAT BE MADE CLEAR. SO THE SAN MARCUS HAYS COUNTY EMS BOARD CAN DETERMINE IF THAT'S APPROPRIATE. BUT I THINK RIGHT NOW WE DON'T HAVE A SECURED LIST. IT WAS THAT AND WE APPROVED THAT AND NOW WE ARE REVISITING. I'D LIKE A VERY CLEAR DETERMINATION OF WHAT'S BEING ASKED. >> VERY WELL DONE. IT'S THESE SIMPLE QUESTIONS WITH THOSE TYPES OF ANSWERS THAT KEEP THE BALL ROLLING IN A BEAUTIFUL WAY. BECAUSE AGAIN, WE ARE ALL SERVED AND BENEFITING FROM YOUR EXISTENCE. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO CLARIFY. ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD BEFORE WE TABLE THIS? >> THANK YOU CHIEF. I THINK THAT'S IT FOR NOW. IF YOU DON'T MIND, EMAILING IT TO US IF THAT'S POSSIBLE. >> SURE. IF YOU CAN GET THEM TO CHASE -- >> WE'LL TAKE IT. THANK YOU. AND IF YOU DON'T MIND TAKING THE PODIUM. THERE'S NO TIME OR, BUT BE GENTLE WITH OUR TIME. >> YES, SIR. HOWDY, Y'ALL. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME A MOMENT. MY NAME IS CARLA SISK AND I'M ST9 COMMISSIONER. I'M ALSO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THAT ORGANIZATION. I WAS GOING TO READ THIS EMAIL INTO THE RECORD, AS YOU SAID AND FOR THE RECORD. BUT I THINK YOU SORT OF ALREADY HIT SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS. I THINK I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SUMMARIZE A COUPLE THINGS. WE ARE INTERESTED IN THE THREE AMBULANCES AND COMMAND VEHICLE AND $8000. THAT, IF YOU ADD IT UP IS MAYBE $150,000 WORTH OF ASSETS. OVER THE LAST 8-9 YEARS SINCE EST9 WAS CREATED, WE HAVE BEEN IN THAT CONTACT WITH SAN MARCOS HAYS EMS. THEY SAY THAT WE'VE ONLY CONTRACTED FOR SERVICES AND THEY CHARGED US OUR COST. HOWEVER, WE PAY THE SAME AMOUNT NO MATTER HOW MANY CALLS ARE RUN. I UNDERSTAND WHAT IT COSTS TO STAFF AN AMBULANCE AND KEEP IT GOING. IF WE ONLY PAY COST, HOW ARE THEY ABLE TO SAVE ALL THE MONEY, BUY EQUIPMENT, BUY THE LAND, THESE OTHER THINGS. THE IDEA THAT HAYS COUNTY DID NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THEM IS NOT CORRECT. ONCE EST9 WAS CREATED, WE WERE [03:25:03] THE BODY GARNERING OR GATHERING THIS TAX DOLLARS. WHEN THEY WOULD COME TO US AND ASK FOR EXAMPLE THAT THEY NEEDED EXTRA MONEY TO BUY RADIOS OR A NEW BOX FOR A TRUCK, THAT WOULD HAPPEN AND WE WOULD APPROVE THAT AS OUR BOARD. THEY'RE IN A LITTLE BIT OF A HURRY, BECAUSE THEY ARE DISSOLVING, AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT. WHEN THAT GOT OVER 7 MILLION IN THE BANK, THAT HAYS COUNTY IS DENIED PROBABLY $2 FOR EVERY $1 THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS CONTRIBUTED, WE NEED TO LOOK AT A MORE EQUITABLE SPLIT, AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT HAYS COUNTY ST9 CONSTITUENTS, WHICH INCLUDE SAN MARCOS ETJ, THE CITY OF KYLE, MOUNTAIN CITY, THAT THOSE TAXPAYERS ARE NOT LEFT HIGH AND DRY. THAT IS OUR CONCERN. SO WE HAVE REQUESTED A COPY OF THIS INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, THE MOU, AND IT HAS NOT BEEN PROVIDED. SO WE ARE LOOKING FOR THAT TO READ AND UNDERSTAND. WE'VE ALSO REQUESTED THE ASSET LIST. AS YOU HEARD, IT SOUNDS LIKE NOW IT'S AVAILABLE, SO IT LOOKS LIKE WE CAN GET IT. THAT'S THE THING. ST9 IS NOT TRYING TO BE GREEDY. WE ARE TRYING TO SAY WE ARE REPRESENTING OUR CONSTITUENTS. WE ARE TAKING IT VERY SERIOUSLY AND WE PROVIDED MORE THAN 50% OF THEIR BUDGET DOLLARS FOR EVERY YEAR IF YOU GO LOOK AT IT. WE JUST FEEL LIKE WE NEED A LITTLE BIT MORE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION. THAT'S WHY I'M HERE TODAY TO SPEAK ON OUR BEHALF. I DO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT COMMISSIONER INGALSBE HAS BEEN WORKING HARD TO RETAIN INFORMATION PURSUING THE FAIR RESOLUTION AND WE APPRECIATE THAT. THAT'S WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY. WE KNOW THAT WE'VE BOUGHT WAY MORE THAN $150,000 WORTH OVER THE LAST EIGHT OR NINE YEARS. SO THE SPLIT NEEDS TO BE MORE EQUITABLE. >> JUST BEFORE YOU GO, I WANT TO MAKE SURE MEMBERS HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY. BUT CHASE, I'M SURE WE HAVE A COPY SOMEWHERE, RIGHT? OR SOMEBODY? WHO HAS A COPY? I WANT TO END THIS AS QUICKLY AS THEY WANT TO END IT. WHO WOULD HAVE A COPY OF THOSE? >> I HAVE A QUESTION JUST TO MAKE SURE I'M FOLLOWING THE RIGHT DOCUMENTS. IS THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT OR MOU TALKING ABOUT THE ONE FROM 1994? >> THAT'S THE ONE APPARENTLY THAT SOME PEOPLE HAVE SAID -- ORIGINALLY THE BYLAWS SAY 50/50. THEN SOMEONE BROUGHT UP THAT THERE'S AN MOU THAT SAYS HAYS COUNTY IS DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTING, THOUGH NOW WE'VE HEARD THAT THEY HAVE, THAT MAY BE THE COUNTY WAS NOT DOING THE ASSETS BECAUSE THEY WERE ALL DEPRECIATED. WHAT I HEARD IN THE BOARD MEETING FOR SAN MARCOS HAYS EMS A WEEK AGO WAS THAT HAYS COUNTY WAS NOT DOING ANY ASSETS BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T PAY THE LAST SEVEN YEARS AND IF THEY -- AND OVER SEVEN YEARS ANYTHING WOULD HAVE >> JUST A LITTLE VISUAL WHILE YOU WERE TALKING AND JORDAN WAS TALKING THEY SAY THEY DO HAVE MOU AND BYLAWS AVAILABLE SO CAN I ASK THAT YOU SEND THEM A COPY SO THAT WE CAN ACCELERATE THE PROCESS AND THE CONVERSATION? >> INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, THANK YOU FOR THAT CORRECTION, THANK YOU. >> INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT, NOT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND BYLAWS. SO WE WILL SEND YOU A COPY OF THOSE TO GET THIS MOVING BECAUSE I'M THINKING WE WILL TABLE THIS AND BRING IT BACK IN TWO WEEKS THAT AS QUICK AS WE CAN GO. >> BEFORE WE BRING IT BACK I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS ABOUT ANSWERS ON WHEN WE DO COME BACK TO COURT THAT THESE ARE ADDRESSED. FIRST I WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY HAS THE COUNTY PAID INTO SAN MARCOS SINCE INCEPTION, SO THE TOTAL AMOUNT, I DID HEAR THAT WAS THE TOTAL AMOUNT SINCE INCEPTION WAS 800. >> NOTHING CONCEPTUAL. >> THAT WILL BE WAY BACK THAT WOULD BE A LOT OF MONEY. >> PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR, TWO THINGS. STATE YOUR NAME AND I HEARD YOU THANK YOU. >> HAYS COUNTY AUDITOR. OUR FINANCIAL SYSTEM STARTED IN 2010 SO THOSE NUMBERS AND I WENT BACK THROUGH THE LEDGER DOCUMENTS FROM OUR OLD SYSTEM WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO GO BACK TO 1994 SO I DID GIVE THAT INFORMATION TO THE BUDGET OFFICER SO THEY HAVE THAT INFORMATION BUT I CAN'T GO BACK TO ANYTHING PAST 1994. [03:30:02] >> DO YOU HAVE THOSE NUMBERS NOW? >> I HAVE IT PULLED UP AND I COMBINED WHAT I PUT TOGETHER ALONG WITH WHAT THE MAYOR PUT TOGETHER AND GOING BACK TO WHAT SHE SAID THIS IS GOING BACK TO 1994 OR FISCAL YEAR 1995 AND IF YOU ADD UP ALL THE CONTRIBUTIONS IT COMES OUT TO 6.29 MILLION. NOW THAT 6.29 MILLION DOES INCLUDE THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS SO LET ME TAKE THOSE OUT REALLY QUICK WHAT WAS JUST THE OPERATIONS. AND THAT WOULD BE ROUGHLY 5.39 MILLION. FROM 94 THROUGH THE LAST YEAR IT LOOKS LIKE WE CONTRIBUTED WOULD HAVE BEEN ROUGHLY I SEE A, JANUARY 2018. >> MAKES SENSE. AND THEN HAVE WE FUNDED ANY EQUIPMENT LIVE IN THAT 911 EMS DISPATCH CENTER. >> I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CAME THROUGH THE SAME WORK AS HAYS COUNTY EMS FOR THAT. >> HOW ABOUT THIS COMMISSIONER, I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION. >> WHEN THE EMS FORMED UNDER THE ORIGINAL ARTICLES OF NONPROFIT WHAT WAS OUR GOAL WHY DID WE DO THAT AS A COUNTY? WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE THERE? >> I'M TRYING TO GET 30 PLUS YEARS OF UNDERSTANDING. >> LET ME TRY TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON IT, COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS LES STEVENS I'M THE FIRE CHIEF FOR THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, I'M ALSO AS IT TURNS OUT THE PRESIDENT OF SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS. I HAVE BEEN SERVING THE CITY'S APPOINTEES SINCE I WAS HIRED HERE AS A FIRE CHIEF IN 2009. I DO HAVE A DECENT GRASP ON THIS, I SAY THAT TO SAY THAT'S PROBABLY THE BEST ANYONE'S GOING TO HAVE BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE TURNED OVER IN THESE SEATS OVER THAT. OF TIME. IF I GO BACK TO 1983, PRIOR TO 1983, THE HOSPITAL PROVIDED SERVICE FOR THE AREA AND I DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS GEOGRAPHICALLY ESTABLISHED OR DEFINED AT THAT POINT. AND THERE WAS A DESIRE TO START AN AMBULANCE SERVICE, INITIALLY THE DOCUMENTS THAT I HAVE READ SHOW THAT THE CITY AND THE COUNTY JOINED TOGETHER AND WOULD BASICALLY RUN A TAB FOR THE YEAR, AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WHATEVER THE COST WAS WAS SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE COUNTY. THAT EVENTUALLY EVOLVED, I DON'T KNOW WHO WAS BANKROLLING IT ON THE FRONT END BECAUSE IT SHOWS THAT THOSE PAYMENTS WERE MADE IN ARREARS, AT SOME POINT THERE WAS A CHANGE AND THERE WAS A BUDGET BUILT AND MONEY WAS PAID IN IN ADVANCE. TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE COUNTY AS WELL AS THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE CITY, I WANT TO POINT OUT. THIS HAS NEVER BEEN A FOR PROFIT SERVICE, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A COST ONLY SERVICE AND THAT IS WHY SO MANY OF THE ENTITIES ENGAGED IN IT AND STAYED IN IT BECAUSE IT OFFERED ECONOMIES OF SCALE. FOR HSV ONE, IT OFFERED ECONOMIES OF SCALE FOR EMS WHICH EVENTUALLY BECAME THE FIRST ONE TO SECEDE FROM THE CORPORATION AT SOME POINT AS WELL AS THE CITY HAYS COUNTY PROPER WHICH IS NOW INVOLVED, I HAD AN ELECTION FOR THE FORMATION AND THE COUNTY STOP CONTRIBUTING IN THE CITY WHERE IT BEGAN. OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WERE MENTIONED I WOULD POINT OUT, AND GENERAL NUMBERS ABOUT 93% OF THAT IS CONSUMED BY YOUR PERSONNEL EXPENSES, FOR FIRE AND EMS AS A GENERAL RULE BETWEEN 90 AND 93% ARE PERSONNEL COSTS, THE BALANCE IS YOUR EQUIPMENT AND OVERHEAD, THE LEASE ON THE BILL, THE CONTRACTS, THE MAINTENANCE ON THE LIFE PACKS AND SO FORTH. AGAIN THERE IS MONEY CURRENTLY IN A TILL BUT LET ME TAKE YOU BACK TO MY ARRIVAL HERE IN 2009, WE WERE BANKRUPT. SO WE NEEDN'T GO ANY FURTHER THAN AUGUST 2009. WE HAD TO ASK IS ONE TO FRONT US MONEY SO THAT ONE OF OUR PAYROLL CYCLES WILL CLEAR, WE WERE OUT OF MONEY. AND WE HAVE CLIMBED AND CRAWLED OUT OF THAT THROUGH SOME GOOD FORTUNE WE HAD A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE MAKE THEIR WAY ONTO THE BOARD, ONE OF THOSE BEING SAM WHO WAS A CEO FOR TCMC AT THE TIME AND SAM AND I BRAINSTORMED HOW TO BETTER FIND [03:35:04] THE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE COLLECTIONS. WHAT WE CAME UP WITH WAS A SYSTEM OF COST CENTERS, THE CITY WOULD BE ITS OWN COST CENTER, HAYS COUNTY AT THAT TIME PRIOR TO THE FORMATION WOULD BE A COST CENTER. IT WOULD BE A COST CENTER, AND WE WOULD LOOK AT WHAT IT COST TO DELIVER SERVICE IN THAT AREA IT HAS ALWAYS INSISTED ON MULTIPLE AMBULANCES ALTHOUGH THEY HAD AN EXCEEDINGLY LOW CALL VOLUME, VERY LARGE SERVICE AREA. AND SO THEY WERE WILLING TO PAY MORE TO DO THAT.% THEY ALSO BOUGHT THEIR OWN AMBULANCES, BUILT THEIR OWN STATIONS, THEY HELD TITLE TO ALL OF THAT, EVERYONE ELSE LEFT THAT TO HAYS COUNTY EMS. SO WHEN THEY LEFT THEY WERE NOT ASKING FOR ANYTHING, THEY OWNED AMBULANCES OUTRIGHT THEY OWNED THEIR STATIONS THEY HAD BUILT, THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THEY ESTABLISHED EQUITY IN THE PARTNERSHIP. WHAT WE HAVE IN ASSETS CURRENTLY BEFORE THE COURT MAKES ANY DECISIONS NEEDS TO BE BALANCED AGAINST THE EXISTING AND POTENTIAL FUTURE LIABILITIES. WE HAVE NOW SET TWO DIFFERENT DATES ON WHICH MYSELF, CHIEF MAXWELL WHO IS OUR INTERIM EMS CHIEFS SAN MARTIN AND OUR ATTORNEY WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN EFFECTS OF BARGAINING WITH OUR UNION FOR THE DISSOLUTION OF THIS. SO THERE IS STUFF THAT IS GOING TO BE CONSUMED IN THAT PROCESS, THERE'S OUR ONGOING PAYROLL EXPENSES AND INSURANCE FOR OUR PERSONNEL AS WELL AS OUR ONGOING OPERATING COSTS. SO WHAT WE DON'T KNOW YET IS WHAT WOULD IF ANY THING, WHAT WOULD BE LEFT AT THE END. WHAT WE DO KNOW IS JUST BASIC BREAKDOWN AND AMORTIZATION OVER TIME, THE AMBULANCES WERE USING THE RADIOS, THE RADIOS I WROTE A GRANT FOR THE RADIOS I LOOK IT UP FOR THAT CITY'S OFFICE MANAGER I BELIEVE WE RECEIVED THAT GRANT IN 2015, DIFFERENT AGENCIES PAID IN A 10% MATCH. THOSE ARE ALL FULLY EXPANDED, WERE IN THE PROCESS OF REPLACING THOSE FOR THE CITY CURRENTLY I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE COUNTY IS OR IS NOT DOING FOR THAT BUT THOSE ARE -- THEY HAVE REACHED THEIR END OF LIFE. I'M NOT OPPOSED TO AN EQUITABLE DISSOLUTION, NO ONE IS RUNNING AT ME OFFERING TO SHARE IN THE EXISTING AND POTENTIAL FUTURE LIABILITIES. IF WE WANT SOME OF THE ASSETS THAT'S PERFECTLY FINE JUST BE SURE TO BRING A CHECK AS WE CLOSE THIS OUT BECAUSE A LIABILITIES ARE ENORMOUS. AND WE HAVE TO SATISFY THOSE. WE HAVE TO COMPLETE THE LEASE, IT'S EITHER RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CITY OR RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COUNTY OR THAT PARTNERSHIP TO MAKE WHOLE ALL OF THE PEOPLE WE HAVE CONTRACTS WITH AND IT'S BEEN MY INTENTION AND THE BOARD'S INTENTION TO DO THAT. SO WE CAN'T JUST LOOK AT THIS AS A PIGGY BANK THAT WE WILL BREAK OPEN, EVERYONE WILL GATHER UP AND RUN AWAY, THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF TO CLOSE THIS OUT AND TO WRAP UP OR WIND UP AS THE ATTORNEY HAS BEEN USING, TO WIND UP THE BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF THIS ENTITY THAT EXISTS SINCE 1983. I HOPE THAT'S PRETTY SUCCINCT. >> PRETTY SUCCINCT. >> ONE MORE QUESTION. >> YOU'VE HAD THAT ONE MORE QUESTION A FEW TIME. >> HOW DO WE PAY FOR EMS SERVICE CURRENTLY? >> HAYS COUNTY DOES NOT CURRENTLY PAY FOR EMS SERVICES DIRECTLY. THE PARTICIPANTS REMAINING AS CARLA MENTIONED, THEY PULLED OUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO, WILL GET YOU THAT EXACT DATE, THE TWO CONTRIBUTORS ARE THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS AND RECENTLY ESD9 BUT EVEN OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS THE REMAINING PARTNER WHICH UNFORTUNATELY HAPPENS TO BE THE CITY -- IS PAYING IN MORE AND MORE SO THAT ESD9 CAN PAY LESS AND LESS AND LESS. WE ARE CONTINUING TO EMPLOY EMPLOYEES SO THAT WE CAN FLEX AND ADD ADDITIONAL AMBULANCES IF NEEDED BECAUSE THEY INITIALLY BROUGHT ON ONE AMBULANCE AND THAT'S NOT ENOUGH TO PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE AREA SO WE WOULD RESPOND TO THAT. NEXT MONTH THEY ADDED A SECOND AMBULANCE AND THEN A THIRD AND NEXT MONTH A FOURTH. WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO ACCOMMODATE THAT IT'S BEEN WORKING WELL UP UNTIL RECENTLY AND AGAIN I'M NOT TRYING TO ANYONE GET A BETTER DEAL THAN ANYONE ELSE HERE I'M TRYING TO MAKE SURE AT THE END THE CHECKS THAT WE HAVE TO WRITE IN WINDING UP THIS BUSINESS WILL CLEAR AND WE WEREN'T OVERLY GENEROUS AT THIS STAGE AND NOW WE DON'T HAVE THE ASSETS TO MAKE THOSE PAYMENTS. >> I HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR, ARE YOU GOOD WIN. >> M GOOD. >> COMMISSIONERS WE WILL TABLE THIS, WE CAN GO OFF ON THIS, IF YOU DON'T MIND WE WILL TABLE THIS BRING IT BACK IN TWO WEEKS AND LET THE CONVERSATION KEEP GOING. [03:40:03] I HAVE ALSO STEPHANIE. >> PURCHASING AGENT. >> I AM SURE CHASE HAS COVERED THIS BUT BECAUSE IF THEIR ASSETS OF OURS WE DO HAVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE THAT GOVERNS HOW WE DISPOSE OF OUR ASSETS. THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS THAT WE CAN DO THAT BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF WHATEVER IS DECIDED THAT YOU TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION. >> HELPFUL I HOPE YOU ARE CORRECT THEY ARE NOT YOURS. >> THEY ARE NOT OURS. THIS IS VERY CLEAR IN THE RULING IT IS A NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION AND ALL OF THE ASSETS BELONG SOLELY TO THAT NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION AND ULTIMATELY WE DON'T NEED THE CITY OR THE COUNTY TO WEIGH IN ON THIS, WE ACTUALLY HAVE THE ABILITY AT THE BOARD TO AMEND THE BYLAWS AND I ASK A MONTH AGO IF SHE WAS COMFORTABLE DOING THAT, WE HAVE ALWAYS TRIED TO BE RESPECTFUL OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS SERVING ON OUR BOARD, YOU ANSWER TO CONSTITUENTS AND AT THAT TIME WE WERE NOT COMFORTABLE DOING IT AND WE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH THAT ULTIMATELY THIS WILL BE DONE BY THE BOARD BECAUSE NONE OF THOSE ASSETS ARE TITLED TO THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS OR TO HAYS COUNTY WHOLLY OR IN PART. THEY ARE TITLED TO SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY EMS AS A NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION AND THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD IN ALLOWING THE FORMATION OF A UNION MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT THIS IS A SEPARATE NONQUASI GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY. IS IT ITS OWN SEPARATE CORPORATION. >> I REMEMBER THAT, THANK YOU. YES, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. COMMISSIONER SMITH LET'S GIVE A WORD HERE. >> THANK YOU. FELLOW COMMISSIONERS AND I HAVE SOME REAL CONCERNS OVER HOW THIS IS UNWOUND. AND I SAY THAT AGAIN I WILL RUN THROUGH SOME THINGS HERE AND A LOT OF WHAT I WILL BRING FORWARD OR MENTION IS DIRECTLY FROM THE LEADING SD ONE FROM THE ENTITY ALONG WITH THE FORMATION OF SD NINE. I THINK THE BIGGEST CONCERN THAT I HAVE IS AT THE END OF THE DAY ALL THE ASSETS OR THE MAJORITY OF THE ASSETS IF WE WERE TO LOOK AT WHAT WAS JUST STATED WOULD ONLY GO TO THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS AND I GET THAT AS AN ENTITY BUT THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE WITH THAT IS KNOWING TRUSTING THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY THAT WHATEVER LIST OF ASSETS THAT WE ARE GIVEN IS ACTUALLY IN ALL ACTUALITY WHAT THOSE ASSETS ARE. AND I STATE THAT BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN TOLD TIME AND AGAIN AND I BROUGHT THIS UP WHENEVER SD ONE CHOSE TO LEAVE, WE WERE TOLD THAT AS A NONPROFIT THAT IF IT COST $2 FOR A RIDE THEN YOU CHARGE THEM $2 FOR THE RIDE. AND IF THAT'S THE CASE AND I KNOW THAT'S WHAT SD NINE HAS BEEN TOLD AS WELL THEN HOW WAS THIS ENTITY AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE A PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT WAS A MILLION DOLLARS? IF EVERY RIDE -- IF THERE WAS NOT A DISTRIBUTION? MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT BEFORE THE DISSOLUTION OF THIS COME SEPTEMBER 30TH THERE IS NOTHING TO DISTRIBUTE BECAUSE THOSE ASSETS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TURNED OVER TO SOMEBODY. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IN COURT TODAY OF ANY ASSETS THAT ARE CURRENTLY PART OF SAN MARCOS HAYS COUNTY BEEN TRANSFERRED OR IS THERE AN AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE OR HAVE BEEN PURCHASED BY THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS? >> YES, SIR, THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS WITH BOARD APPROVAL HAS PURCHASED ONE AMBULANCE JUST AS WE'VE DONE TO ASSIST SB ONE AND SD NINE WITH THE CREATION OF THEIR OWN SERVICE SYSTEM. WE HAD TO DO THE SAME FOR THE CITY, THE CITY PURCHASED ONE AMBULANCE SO THAT WE CAN HAVE THE APPROPRIATE DECALS PUT ON IT, THAT IT BE MADE READY, THE CITY HAS TO HOLD TITLE AND IT BEING MADE READY FOR INSPECTION IN PURSUIT OF OUR PROVIDER LICENSE BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES SO THAT ONE AMBULANCE HAS BEEN SOLD TO THE CITY. >> WHAT WAS THE COST OF THAT ITEM? >> ORIGINAL COST I COULD NOT TELL YOU, THE PURCHASE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT FROM THE BOARD, THE BOARD APPROVED THE AMOUNT OF $1. >> AGAIN, MY CONCERN IS THAT WE KNOW I HAVE A FEELING THAT THOSE ASSETS THERE THAT AT THIS POINT [03:45:03] IF YOU HAD TO ESTIMATE THE ESTIMATE THAT I'VE BEEN GIVEN ARE SEVEN TO $8 MILLION IN OVERALL ASSETS. >> THAT IS NOT ACCURATE. BECAUSE THAT DOESN'T CONTEMPLATE ANY OF THE EXISTING AND ONGOING LIABILITIES. THAT IS LOOKING ONLY AT. >> I DID NOT ASK ABOUT LIABILITIES, THE CURRENT ASSETS. >> THEY WOULD NOT BE ASSETS UNTIL LIABILITIES WERE SUBTRACTED. THEY HAVE TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR, SIR. >> I UNDERSTAND THAT BUT ANY BALANCE SHEET HAS AN ASSET COLUMN AND A LIABILITY COLUMN WHAT'S IN THE ASSET COLUMN TODAY? >> I WOULD HAVE TO GET SOMEONE UP HERE TO SPEAK TO THAT. >> I DON'T THINK WE'RE READY TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION. >> BUT HERE'S THE QUESTION, HERE'S TO CONTINUE THE OTHER QUESTIONS I HAVE. MY CONCERN IS THAT BY THE TIME THERE IS A DISSOLUTION OF THIS AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, HAYS COUNTY WON'T HAVE ANY BOARD MEMBERS SO WHAT HAPPENS IN SEPTEMBER IF YOU CHOOSE THE BYLAWS AND THAT 50% JUST DISAPPEARS? AT THE END OF THE DAY I KNOW THAT SD ONE CONTRIBUTED MORE INTO THIS THAN WHAT THEY RECEIVED BACK AS FAR AS THERE WAS A $2 CHARGE FOR EVERY $2 RIDE. IT WAS A PROFIT CENTER FOR YOU. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> I HAVE CONCERNS OVER THAT. AT A CERTAIN POINT IF THERE ARE ROUGHLY SEVEN TO $8 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS OR $4 MILLION WORTH OF ASSETS, HAVING AN OUTSIDE ENTITY LOOK AND ACTUALLY DETERMINE WHAT THOSE ASSETS ARE, I WILL FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THAT. BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY TURNING THINGS OVER, TAXPAYER DOLLARS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND EVEN IN THE SAN MARCOS ETJ DIRECTLY TO THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS WHERE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO GET ANY SERVICE ANY MORE AND THE COUNTY'S OVERALL CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE PAST AND THOSE INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD BE LOST TO ONE CITY IN THE COUNTY? I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM WITH THAT. >> OKAY, ANY FINAL WORDS? >> I JUST WANTED TO SAY, AM LOOKING AT THAT NET ASSET VALUE BALANCE SHEET AS REPORTED IN DECEMBER 31ST 2025, THIS IS A PAMPHLET THAT WAS GIVEN TOTAL ASSETS $12,211,634 -- $12,211,634. >> AND WHAT YOU'LL HAVE DELIVERED THE PAPER COPY AND WILL BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY IS THE ASSET INVENTORY THAT THE BOARD ORDERED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO TOOK MUCH LONGER TO GET THAN WE WERE TOLD BUT WE DO NOW HAVE THAT. I JUST WANT TO EXPLAIN THE COMMISSIONERS UNDERSTANDING OF HOW THE BILLING WAS DONE, IT WAS COMPLETELY INACCURATE, I'M HAPPY TO EXPLAIN THAT TO Y'ALL WHEN AND IF YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT. >> THANK YOU SHERIFF. -- SIR. >> THIS HAS GONE ON WAY LONGER THAN EXPECTED, SINCE IT WENT SO LONG YOU HAVE TO HAVE A MOMENT, COME BACK TO THE PODIUM. >> JUDGE I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COPIES OF WHATEVER THIS WAS, THE ASSET LISTED THAT THEY PLEASE EMAIL IT OVER IF THEY COULD OR A PAPER COPY TO. >> I WILL GIVE YOU MY PERSONAL COPY BECAUSE I TRUST THEY'LL GIVE ME A DIGITAL. CAN YOU GIVE HER THAT, WHEN YOU'RE DONE. >> THANK YOU. WE APPRECIATE YOU TABLING IT AND LOOKING INTO IT WE JUST WANT EQUITY. >> AND I SEE AND I HEAR FRIENDSHIP AND COMMEMORATED HERE AND HERE ALL AFTER, I SEE IT AND SO MY JOB IS TO KEEP IT MOVING IN A MEANINGFUL WAY. >> AND I WANT YOU TO NOTE THAT WE WERE GOING TO GO FASTER, WE WERE GOING TO DO IT WITHIN A YEAR AND THAT SAID HE ASKED US TO SLOW DOWN BECAUSE OF THE COST OF EVERYTHING ELSE AND SO WE HAVE TRIED TO WORK EQUITABLE AND THEY'VE HELPED FIX WERE ALL. THIS IS AT THE END OF THE DAY. >> LET'S NOT FORGET THAT, THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> G14 APPROVE THE AFTER DARK [G.14. Approve the After Dark Entertainment event called San Marcos Block Party for the use of the Hays County Historic Courthouse Grounds that shall include commercial vendors scheduled for September 5, 2026. BECERRA] ENTERTAINMENT EVENT CALLED SAN MARCUS BLOCK PARTY FOR THE USE OF THE HAYS COUNTY HISTORIC COURTHOUSE GROUNDS THAT SHALL INCLUDE COMMERCIAL VENDORS SEPTEMBER FIFTH 2026. >> SECOND. MOTION TO SECOND, IT'S CUSTOMARY BUT WE MOVED IT THROUGH SO THEY COULD SEE IT THROUGH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT IT? >> HELLO. >> IF YOU WILL STATE YOUR NAME AND TITLE FOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC AND GIVE US A VERY SUPERFICIAL DESCRIPTION. >> OKAY. IS EVERYONE, I WOULD SAY GOOD MORNING BUT GOOD AFTERNOON. THANK YOU FOR THE TIME, MY NAME IS OMAR, I WAS RAISED IN SAN MARCOS I'M A RATTLER AND A [03:50:04] BOBCAT THIS COMMUNITY HAS BUILT ME AND EVERYTHING I HAVE BUILT. AS A TEENAGER I STARTED MY PRODUCTION COMPANY ON THIS VERY SQUARE FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS I HAVE OWNED AND OPERATED THE MARK JUST A FEW STEPS FROM THIS COURTHOUSE. SAFELY HOSTING THOUSANDS OF CONCERTS, COMMUNITY AND% CHARITABLE EVENTS AND HOSTING WORLD-RENOWNED ARTISTS FOR TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GUESTS WITHOUT MAJOR INCIDENT SINCE THEN I'VE GONE TO PRODUCE LARGE SCALE EVENTS ACROSS TEXAS AND BEYOND BUT SAN MARCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN HOME. TODAY I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THAT SAN MARCUS BLOCK PARTY, OUR VISION IS SIMPLE CREATE A PROFESSIONALLY PRODUCED ANNUAL EVENT THAT BRINGS VISITORS DOWNTOWN, SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESSES, CREATES JOBS AND GENERATES TAX REVENU AND GIVES OUR HOME SOMETHING IT CAN PROUDLY CALL ITS OWN. I CAN PAUSE THERE. >> THANK YOU. >> WE MAY NEED SOME CLARIFICATION BUT ALSO I JUST WANTED TO ASK BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, JUDGE YOU MET WITH AT DOWNTOWN MERCHANTS AND HAVE THEY BEEN INFORMED OF THIS BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S A PRETTY LARGE AREA THAT IS GOING TO BE ASKED TO BE BLOCKED OFF SO I'M JUST HOPING THAT YOU'VE REACHED OUT TO THEM. >> YES, MA'AM, SO THE STREETS THAT ARE AFFECTED, I'VE INDICATED WITH OTHERS BUSINESSES ALREADY AND WE'VE MOST WE'VE ALREADY ESTABLISHED WAYS THAT IT WILL BENEFIT MORE THAN USUAL AND THE OTHERS WE ARE STILL ON -- ONGOING BUT EVERYONE IS EXCITED ABOUT THIS. >> AND THEN I KNOW TAMI, YOU MAY HAVE SOME QUESTIONS BUT I WANTED TO ASK JUDGE, IT'S ANTICIPATED TO BE A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING DOWNTOWN WHICH IS GREAT AS YOU MENTIONED IF THE MERCHANTS ARE SUPPORTIVE, I GUESS A CONCERN THAT I MAY HAVE JUDGE IS THE COURTHOUSE THE INSIDE OF THE COURTHOUSE ESPECIALLY. I KNOW THAT YOU WILL HAVE PORTA POTTIES OR THOSE TYPES OF SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE VISITING, I'M JUST WONDERING WHAT DOES THAT HOLD FOR THE COURTHOUSE? ARE WE GOING TO HAVE TO OPEN THAT? >> OUR IDEA IS TO BLOCK IT OFF FROM ACCESS FROM THE GENERAL ADMISSION. >> CLOSED PERFECT. >> I DID HAVE A QUESTION, DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT. I KNOW THAT THERE WAS A STAGE LOCATED OFF CENTENNIAL STREET, WHERE ARE YOU GETTING YOUR POWER FOR THAT? >> THEY WILL BE GENERATORS. >> GREAT QUESTION, WE HAVE VERY FEEBLE POWER SOURCES AND TRACK BREAKERS WHEN YOU PLUG IN A TELEPHONE OF COURSE I'M BEING FACETIOUS. BUT GENERALLY SPEAKING. >> ANYTHING ELSE? >> THE CITY FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS VERY EXCITED AND BEHIND THIS AGGRESSIVELY, GOOD FOR THEM. >> I WAS JUST CONCERNED ABOUT THE BUSINESSES THAT ALIGN THE SQUARE AND I'VE HEARD FROM THEM IN THE PAST THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT EVENTS AT THE COURTHOUSE AND IT PULLS AWAY FROM THEIR BUSINESSES AS LONG AS YOU'RE TELLING US THAT YOU'VE TALKED TO THESE BUSINESSES AND EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE OKAY. >> YES, MA'AM, I'VE HAD DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE BUSINESS OWNERS THAT WILL LAND IN THE AREA WHERE IT WILL TAKE PLACE AND I'M CONFIDENT WE WILL PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITY THAN THEY WOULD RECEIVE TYPICALLY ON THAT PARTICULAR TIME OF DAY. >> JUDGE I HAVE ONE MORE. >> I WAS WONDERING WHAT TIME IS THE EVENT? >> WE'RE LOOKING AT A 2:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M. >> FROM A BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE, THIS MARKET AND ALL OF THOSE OTHER BUSINESSES, ARE THEY GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET INTO -- THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE ANY PARKING AVAILABLE FOR THEM? >> NO BUT JUST TO GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE, THE DISCUSSION WITH THE MARKET IS TO ALLOW THEIR BRICK AND MORTAR TO BE PART OF THE EVENT SITE THAT WAY THE EVENT GOERS HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR SHOP. >> PERFECT. >> DID YOU WANT TO ADD SOMETHING ELSE? >> YES, THERE WAS A PORTION OF YOUR MAP THAT HAD A CONTACT SHEET AND I NOTICED FOR THE JUDGE'S OFFICE STILL HAS ANITA COLLINS, IS THAT CONTACT, JUDGE THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED, I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE INFORMATION CAME FROM BUT. >> PROBABLY FROM THE CITY. >> YOU COULD UPDATE THAT THAT WOULD BE GREAT. [03:55:02] >> ABSOLUTELY. THERE AS WELL AS REVIEWING THE MAPS PERMITTING. >> I NOTICED THAT AS WELL AND I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE CONTACTS CAME FROM EITHER BUT I WOULD SAY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OFFICE NEEDS TO BE INCLUDED. I HAD A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS OBVIOUSLY I KNEW THE COUNTY HAS OUR LICENSE AGREEMENTS FOR USE OFFICE HANDLES. SINCE THIS IS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY I DON'T KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN MEETINGS ON WHO WILL HANDLE WHAT OR REQUIRE WHAT BUT ONE OF MY MAIN QUESTIONS WAS SECURITY. I KNOW THERE'S ANTICIPATED A DRAW OF 10,000 PEOPLE SO YOU HAVE THOSE SECURITY DISCUSSIONS OR WHAT THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE SINCE THIS IS A JOINT EVENT WITH THE CITY AS WELL. >> IF I COULD AVERT A SAGE, HE IS HEAD OF CODE FOR WHO WE ARE HIRING TO HELP WITH SAFETY PLANNING. >> GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS MY NAME IS SAGE ALLEN I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF STAGE D AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AT CODE FOUR BASED OUT OF BOSTON. TO M AT SAINT MARTIN'S HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE ALTHOUGH I'M SORRY TO SAY. SO OMAR AND HIS CREW HAS CONTRACTED CODE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES TO PROVIDE ALL OF THE EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PUBLIC SAFETY MANAGEMENT FOR THIS EVENT, SO WE WILL STEP IN AND BASICALLY HANDLE ALL OF THE PLANNING FOR SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, MEDICAL, WORKING WITH THE CITY AND IN THIS CASE COUNTY AGENCIES TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE IS COORDINATED ON THE SAME PAGE AGAIN LIKE I SAID WE HAVE JUST COME ON BOARD WITHIN THE LAST FEW DAYS SO WE HAVE NOT REALLY GOTTEN VERY DEEP INTO THAT BUT SECURITY AND PRIVATE CONTRACTORS IS A BIG PIECE OF THAT AND SUPPORT FROM EITHER COUNTY SHERIFF'S, CONSTABLES, POLICE HOWEVER THAT SORTS OUT WILL BE IN THOSE NEGOTIATIONS. >> IF IT'S ON THE COUNTY FOOTPRINT IT IS A DEPUTY AND IF IT'S ON A ROAD THAT'S CLOSED IT TECHNICALLY PD. >> AND THAT'S WHAT IS FIGURING OUT THOSE NUMBERS OF HOW TO SCHEDULE THAT. >> WE WILL CONTINUE TO MEET WITH YOU GUYS AND WORK WITH YOU THROUGH ALL THE ARTICULATIONS OF ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. >> WOW QUESTION, OUR BUSINESS IS BEING CHARGED TO PARTICIPATE? >> IF THERE ARE LOCAL FOOD VENDORS THAT WE BRING ON BOARD YES UNLESS THEY ARE A BUSINESS THAT WOULD TYPICALLY BE IMPACTED BY THIS THEN NO. >> LIKE SAN MARCUS. >> GOOD PERFECT, I'M SORRY AGAIN, COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> THANK YOU. >> A QUESTION I HAD WAS PURSUANT TO THE CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY, I WANT TO ENSURE THAT THE DEPOSIT THAT OUR AUDITOR PURSUANT TO THE CONTRACT THAT WE HAVE IS STATE THAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO GET OUR DEPOSIT BEFOREHAND AND I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THERE'S ANY SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT THEY HAVE CONCERNS WITH GIVEN THE VOLUME TO THE COURTHOUSE LAWN AND IF SO IF WE COULD ADMIN THAT CONTRACT TO ADDRESS THOSE. >> I'M HEARING THAT IT WOULD BE A LARGER DEPOSIT REQUIRED. >> COMMISSIONER I. HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY OF THOSE CONTRACTS TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT. >> I'M NOT SAYING THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A LARGER DEPOSIT, BUT IN THE PAST WE FOUND EVENTS WHERE THAT DEPOSIT CHECK WAS NOT DEPOSITED TECHNICALLY, WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DEPOSIT THAT AND THEN REIMBURSE IT AFTER THE EVENT. I WANT TO ENSURE OUR AUDITOR GETS THAT CHECK PURSUANT TO THE CONTRACT AND THEN AFTERWARDS WE NEED TO DO A TRUE EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS ON THE COURTHOUSE LAWN AFTER OUR RECENT RENOVATION OF IT AND CAN WE JUST ENSURE THAT ONCE OVER WITH THAT IF THERE ARE DAMAGES AND THOSE THINGS THAT WE ARE COVERED? >> YES. >> OTHERWISE I'M FULLY SUPPORTIVE. >> I WILL MAKE SURE BECAUSE THAT'S IN SOMEONE IN OUR OFFICE TO MAKE SURE YOUR DEPOSIT GETS SENT TO THE AUDITOR'S, PERFECT. >> I FIND MORE QUESTION. >> MY OFFICE DOES DO A CHECK ON MONDAY MORNINGS AFTER THE EVENT ALREADY. >> AGAIN IT'S A BIT DIFFERENT TO MEET WITH THIS STUDY, I KNOW THIS VENDOR IS, FOOD, DRINK, ALCOHOL SALES WHO IS IT GOING TO BE THE CITY OR THE COUNTY THAT IS GOING TO BE THE EXPECTED ENTITY TO MAKE SURE ALL OF THE PROPER PERMITS ARE IN PLACE FOR FOOD, DRINK ALCOHOL? >> WE WILL LIKELY RUN IT BY BOTH HAYS COUNTY AND THE CITY JUST TO [04:00:01] CHECK ALL BOXES. >> THE CITY AND THE COUNTY NEED TO HAVE SOME CONVERSATIONS. JUST BECAUSE IT'S NEW AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE NOTHING FALLS THROUGH THE CRACKS AND THIS IS NEW TO OUR OFFICE TO BE FAIR. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL THESE THINGS ARE THOUGHT ABOUT. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE IN COMMUNICATION WITH THE CITY SIDE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE FULL COVERAGE OF THE THINGS WE ARE DISCOVERING. >> YES, AND TO ADD TO THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN REQUESTING THESE DOCUMENTS, PERMITS, LICENSES AND WHAT HAVE YOU SO THEY'VE RECEIVED A LOT OF THOSE ITEMS ALREADY AND I THINK WE'RE JUST ON THIS FINAL APPROVAL. >> SORRY I DID NOT MEAN TO INTERRUPT YOU. COMMISSIONER AND I CORRECTLY MEET WITH THE CITY AT THE FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH SO WE WILL MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS DIALED IN. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, COMMISSIONER HAMMER, COMMISSIONER SMITH JUDGE. >> HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. >> MY LIST SAYS WE DID K FOR SO K EIGHT. K THREE, WHICHEVER YOU WANT, I WAS JUST GOING IN ORDER. [K.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the Hays County District Attorney's Office to regrade a Victim Assistance Coordinator, position # , Grade 116, to a Senior Victim Assistance Coordinator, Grade 119, effective June 23, 2026. BECERRA/HIGGINS] LET'S DO K FIVE. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE HAYS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR POSITION NUMBER 1162 A SENIOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR GRADE 119 EFFECTIVE JUNE 23RD 2026. >> GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE, GREG COX FIRST ASSISTANT FROM THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT WE ARE MAKING TO GO ALONG WITH SOMETHING THAT WAS APPROVED IN THE MOST RECENT BUDGET. FOR THE FY26 BUDGET WE HAD A POSITION THAT WAS APPROVED TO BE A SENIOR VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR. WE ORIGINALLY INTENDED THIS TO BE IN A CAREER PROGRESSION PATH SO THAT AS THEY GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE COULD MOVE UP THE LADDER AND BECOME SENIOR AND EARN A LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY BECAUSE IT IS A VERY HIGH STRESS HARD JOB THAT THEY DO, WE HAVE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TURNOVER BECAUSE OF THE PAY RATE AND EVERYTHING ELSE. WHAT IT HAS MORPHED INTO IS WE ARE USING OUR SENIOR POSITIONS FOR ASSISTANT SUPERVISORS, I HAVE STACY THE VICTIM SERVICES SUPERVISOR WITH ME TODAY TO TALK A LITTLE BIT MORE IN DEPTH BUT WE HAVE EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF OUR VICTIM SERVICES SECTION SO MUCH OVER THE LAST THREE AND A HALF YEARS TAKEN ON ADDITIONAL DUTIES RELATED TO PROTECTIVE ORDERS, ADDITIONAL DUTIES RELATED TO HIGH RISK DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IN ADDITION TO MAKING SURE THAT EVERY ONE OF OUR COURT TEAMS HAS THIS ASSIGNED TO MANAGE AND WORK WITH ALL OTHER VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME THAT WE DEAL WITH IN OUR OFFICE. AND SUPERVISION OF ALL OF THOSE DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ALL OF THOSE STAFF HAVE BECOME A LOT AND I BELIEVE STACY WILL LIKE SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR THAT BUT IT WOULD ALSO GIVE US AN OPPORTUNITY TO REWARD THE PARTICULAR STAFF MEMBERS THAT HAVE ADVANCED DEGREES AND YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND WOULD GIVE OTHER SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO THAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO PROMOTE INTO AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE, WITH THAT I WILL TURN IT OVER TO STACY. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. STACY MILES, VICTIM SERVICES SUPERVISOR AT THE DA'S OFFICE. I CURRENTLY SUPERVISE 11 VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS AND TWO TO THREE INTERNS A YEAR. IT'S BEEN A FANTASTIC ROLE AND I HAVE LOVED. I ADDITIONALLY DO A FAIR AMOUNT OF PROJECT WORK SO DEVELOPING AND PRESENTING TRAININGS, WORKING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY TO TRY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS FOR THE BENEFIT OF CRIME VICTIMS IN THE COMMUNITY AND SO HAVING THE ASSISTANCE OF TWO SENIOR WILL BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL IN GETTING ALL OF THAT DONE. THE TWO CANDIDATES THAT WE HAVE HAVE MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION THEY REALLY TAKE ON THE ROLE ALREADY OF LEADERSHIP, WITH THE TEAM AND ALSO WITH THE AGENCY SO THEY ARE THE PERFECT FIRST CANDIDATES TO DO THAT. THEY HELP ME WHEN I AM OUT, THEY HELP WITH TRAINING, AND INTERVIEWING, WE HAVE TO BE FUTURE LEADERS IN THE ORGANIZATION. >> THAT SOUNDS PERFECT ESPECIALLY IN A SPACE THAT IS SO CRITICAL OF ALL THINGS JUSTICE. >> COMMISSIONER. >> I WAS GOING TO ASK ERIKA ALSO I GUESS I'M TRYING TO, THIS IS [04:05:06] FOR ONE CONVERSION IS THAT CORRECT? >> AS PART OF THE BUDGET YOU GAVE US ONE WE'RE ASKING FOR A SECOND ONE TO BE A PROMOTION. >> I'M SUPPORTIVE. >> COMMISSIONER? >> I SUPPORTIVE. >> I SAW ERIC GIVE ME THE THUMBS UP. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> I WILL YIELD THE PODIUM TO ERIC THANK YOU. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, HR DIRECTOR, I DO WANT TO MENTION WE WOULD LIKE THE POSITION SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS AGENDA ITEM SO THIS IS SPECIFICALLY FOR 0505-006 SO IF WE CAN INCLUDE THAT AS PART OF THE AGENDA ITEM. BUT WE DID DO A DESK AUDIT AS PER THE PROCESS AND THE INCOME, WE DID RECOMMEND APPROVING THIS. >> WITH THAT EDIT SPOKEN INTO THE RECORD PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> HOLD ON A SECOND. >> CAN I JUST CONFIRM THAT THERE IS A SPOT FOR THIS POSITION TO BE HOUSED. >> IT IS NOT A NEW POSITION. >> I WASN'T COMPLETELY PAYING ATTENTION BUT TO MAKE SURE. [I.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Contract for Engineering Services (2026-PSA-54) between Hays County and BGE, Inc. to provide utility coordination services for the Old Kyle Road project in Precinct 3. HAMMER/A.JONES] >> COMMISSIONER COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN, COMMISSIONER HAMMER, JUDGE BECERRA. >> I SIX. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO EXECUTE FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES, 2026 -- PSA -- 54 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY TO PROVIDE UTILITY COORDINATION SERVICES FOR THE OLD KYLE ROAD PROJECT IN PRECINCT THREE. >> SECOND. >> UTILITY COORDINATION, ON PGE HAS DONE A LOT OF UTILITY COORDINATION IN THE PAST AND THEY'RE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROJECT VERY MUCH SO. SO WANT TO CONTRACT OUT FOR THEM. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, THERE YOU GO GO HAVE LUNCH. [G. CONSENT ITEMS] AND IF THERE ARE NO SPECIFIC REQUESTS, WE ARE GOOD, PLEASE OPEN THE REMINDER I REMOVE WE OPEN THE REMAINDER OF CONSENT AGENDA. >> I WILL SAY THERE IS AN ITEM ON CONSENT FROM THE AUDIT PERSPECTIVE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN MARSILIUS BUT DO WE WANT TO PULL IT OUT OR DO WE? >> SHE HAS COMMENTS, I WAS GOING TO GET TO THAT PART BUT THANK YOU YOU'RE DOING GREAT. >> I WOULD RATHER HEAR IT TWICE THAN NOT AT ALL. >> FOR NOW I HAVE MOTION TO SECOND AND COMMENTS ON NUMBER 7? >> AS THE COMMISSIONER STATED THIS MOMENT WAS FOR DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION AND IT IS BASICALLY TEXAS HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE REQUIRES THEM TO SUBMIT THEIR ANNUAL AUDIT, SD NUMBER 7 HAS REQUESTED THAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ORDER THAT COUNTY AUDITOR TO PERFORM THAT AUDIT FOR THE YEAR 25 AND WE DID INCLUDE THAT AUDIT AS PART OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT PLAN AND IT'S READY TO PERFORM THAT AUDIT IF THE COURT APPROVES IT. >> ANY QUESTIONS? >> NO BUT I DO JUDGE ON ITEM NUMBER 9, I WANT TO THANK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SAINT MARK'S AND KATY FENCES FOR THEIR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS. >> WELL SAID. >> AS A REMINDER WE HAVE PULLED 18 SO WE ARE NOT VOTING ON 18 ON THE LIST. IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> I'M RECUSING MYSELF FROM DAY ONE DUE TO THE PAYMENTS WERE STEPFATHER WORKS THERE. NO ON G15 AND YES ON EVERYTHING ELSE. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. >> I'M DOUBLE CHECKING WHAT YOU JUST SAID. >> I WILL VOTE ALSO NO ON 15. >> WHAT IS 15? COMMISSIONER INGALSBE WHAT DID YOU VOTE NO ON? >> IT IS THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, GRANT PROGRAM IN THE [04:10:02] AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED AT THE TIME OF EVENT, I'VE GOTTEN A LOT OF PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THAT. >> THANK YOU FOR SHARING THAT. >> TO RECAP THE RECORD, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, I'M SO SORRY, AND I WILL JOIN THE CONVERSATION TO VOTE NO ON 15. >> AND THEN COMMISSIONER COHEN% RECUSED HERSELF ON G ONE, SHE VOTED NO ON 15. >> THOSE WERE THE ONLY TWO. >> ALL VOTE YES FOR THE REST. >> I CAN RESTATE IF YOU'D LIKE. >> I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR IT SOUNDS LIKE IT WAS NO ON 15, COMMISSIONER COHEN WAS NO ON 15. SO NUMBER 15 WOULD NOT PASS. [I.1. Discussion and possible action to consider the release of the 2-year maintenance bond #276971Q in the amount of $264,822.59 and acceptance of the roads into the County Road Maintenance System for Hymeadow Subd., Phase 2, Section 2. INGALSBE/A.JONES] I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WAS CLEAR. >> WE WILL MOVE ON AND CONTINUE THROUGH I ONE, LET'S KEEP MOVING THROUGH. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE RELEASE OF A TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND NUMBER 276971Q AND THE AMOUNT OF $264,882.59 AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROSE INTO THE COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR HIGH MEADOW SUBDIVISION PHASE TWO SECTION TWO. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES COMMISSIONER HAMMER. [Items I.2 - I.4] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. OPEN TO, THREE AND FOUR SINCE THEY ARE THE SAME. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE RELEASE OF THE TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND NUMBER PB0301680037 AND THE AMOUNT OF $125,322 AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROADS INTO THE COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR PART AND RANCH SUBDIVISION PHASE TWO, I THREE DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER THE RELEASE OF THE TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND NUMBER ECX4020580 IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,997.96 AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF ROADS INTO COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR SUNSET OAKS SUBDIVISION SECTION FOUR PHASE FOUR, I FOR DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION CONSIDER THE RELEASE OF THE TWO YEAR MAINTENANCE BOND EACX4027598 AND THE AMOUNT OF $177,239.50 AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE ROADS INTO THE COUNTY ROAD MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR SUNSET OAKS SUBDIVISION SECTION FOUR PHASE 2B. >> SO MOVED. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. [I.5. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1 (2026-PSA-74) between Hays County and Cobb Fendley & Associates, Inc. for the Hillside Terrace Safety (FM 2001 Left Turn Lane) project at the intersection of Hillside Terrace and FM 2001 in Precinct 2. COHEN/A.JONES] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES JUDGE BECERRA. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 2026-PSA-74 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND COMPTON ASSOCIATES INC. FOR THE HILLSIDE TERRACE SAFETY -- LEFT TURN LANE PROJECT AT THE INTERSECTION OF HILLSIDE TO 201. >> SO MOVED SECOND. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. [I.7. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of Contract Amendment No. 1 between Hays County and Doucet & Associates, Inc. for the Darden Hill Road/CR 162 Phase 2 project in Precinct 4. SMITH/A.JONES] >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES (2026-PSA-54) BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BGE, INC. TO PROVIDE UTILITY COORDINATION SERVICES FOR THE OLD KYLE ROAD PROJECT IN PRECINCT 3. >> WE HAVE A MOTION CORRECTLY WE GET A SECOND? >> YOU DON'T HAVE A MOUSE IN YOUR POCKET I CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE. DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> YES. >> NOW WE CAN START TALKING ABOUT IT, READ YOUR COMMENT? SUSAN COOK AND JEFF, I TEND TO THINK WALT SMITH MAY BE SUFFERING FROM HEARING PROBLEMS. I HAVE ATTENDED TWO RECENT COMMUNITY MEETINGS ABOUT THIS PROJECT WHERE HUNDREDS OF CITIZENS SHOWED UP AND VOICED STRONG OBJECTIONS TO THE EXPANSION OF THIS ROAD. IT IS THE FIRST SEGMENT IN A MUCH WIDER LONGER AND DESTRUCTIVE ROADWAY PROJECT GOING ALL THE WAY TO HENLEY. THIS ROAD WOULD DESTROY LOCAL FARM AND RIDGELANDS CROSS THE LOCAL CREEKS AT LEAST TEN TIMES, AND WHILE THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME OF THIS DEVELOPER ROAD IS TO [04:15:01] DRIVE THE CURRENT POPULATION OFF THEIR LAND REPLACING THOSE HERITAGE HOMESTEADS WITH THE SEA OF SUBURBAN ROOFTOPS. THIS ROADWAY NEAR THE NEW HIGH SCHOOL DOES NEED UPGRADES TO ACCOMMODATE SCHOOL TRAFFIC. BUT WHEN YOU HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE OBJECTING AND OFFERING REASONABLE SOLUTIONS FOR HOW TO BEST BUILD A ROAD WITHOUT DESTROYING THE AREAS IT GOES THROUGH TO SIMPLY KEEP HIRING AND PAYING PEOPLE TO FURTHER THE ENTIRE PROJECT IS TONE-DEAF AND A WASTE OF TAXPAYER MONEY. IT WILL SLOW THE ROLL ON THIS SEGMENT AND CANCEL ANY FURTHER WORK TOWARDS BUILDING THE ROAD TO HENLEY. WALT, VALLEY AND LET'S END THIS REIGN OF TERROR. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU. >> AARON JONES TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR OF THIS ACTUALLY THIS ITEM IS FOR THIS ACTION AND WITH THE INCREASE IS FOR IS FOR THE TERRIBLE ACRONYM ICE ANALYSIS WHICH IS THE INTERSECTION CONTROL AVAILABLE, WHAT I'M DOING IS UPDATING THIS IS ON THE FARTHEST OPPOSITE END OF WHERE MISS COOK IS BRINGING UP, THIS IS FOR THE INTERSECTION 1826 AND DARDEN HILL, IT'S UPDATING THE EVALUATION OF THAT ROUNDABOUT WITH IT AND THAT COUNTY ARE WORKING ON TOGETHER. SO THIS IS ACTUALLY THE SECTION THAT WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION FOR THAT. THIS WILL JUST DO THE EVALUATION, IT'S UPDATING THE EVALUATION TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING WE PUT IN MATCHES. >> THIS HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY? >> THIS IS THE SECTION THAT CARLOS HAD SPOKEN EARLIER IT'S WORKED DOWN BY THE HIGH SCHOOL AND, THIS IS A VERY -- THE TRAFFIC IN THIS AREA IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS IS GOING TO BE INCREASED BY FAR. >> CAN YOU ANSWER HER QUESTION? IS THIS ITEM SUPPORTED BY THAT COMMUNITY? >> THIS ITEM SUPPORTED FOR I'M GOING TO BE CLEAR, ANYTHING THAT WE BUILD HAS BOTH SUPPORT AND PEOPLE AGAINST. I WOULD SAY IN MY OPINION IN THIS AREA OF THAT AREA IT IS NEEDED FOR THIS AND IT'S GOING TO SUPPORT AND COINCIDE WITH WHAT WE'RE DOING WITH OUR PARTNER IN TIKTOK. >> BUT THIS SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM REFERS TO THE ROUNDABOUT. >> I SPOKE WITH OUR P.M. EARLIER IT IS SPECIFICALLY THIS INCREASE IS FOR THAT ANALYSIS FOR THE ROUNDABOUT THAT'S WHAT THE INCREASE IS FOR AND THIS IS THE SECTION, WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THIS IS NOT FROM A DESIGN SIDE AS WE GO FURTHER, THIS IS ACTUALLY IN THE AREA THAT WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF REQUIRING WHAT -- RIGHT AWAY, UTILITY COORDINATION. YESTERDAY I MET WITH THE RESIDENT THAT IS THE CLOSEST TO THIS MYSELF AND BEN MET WITH THEM TO DISCUSS THE PROJECT AND WHERE WE WERE AT ON IT. >> TO SEE IF CASA? >> THERE IS NO CATTLE ON THIS, IT'S ON THE CORNER, IT'S A RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. I BELIEVE THEY HAVE HORSES THERE. >> HOW DID YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR CONVERSATION ABOUT IT? >> WE TOOK THEIR INPUT AND THAT SOMETHING THAT WE'RE DOING WITH EACH OF THOSE RESIDENTS IS MEETING WHEN WE CAN MEET WITH THEM TAKE THEIR INPUT ON WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AND OUR PLANS AND SEEING IF THERE'S ROOM FOR SOME ADJUSTMENT TO ACCOMMODATE WHAT THEIR REQUESTS ARE. THAT PART OF THAT WE ARE JUST LOOKING AT WHAT WE'RE ABLE TO DO AND IS -- IF THERE IS ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO, IT'S EARLY STAGES OF THAT. >> WHAT WAS THEIR INPUT THAT YOU TOOK IN? >> THEY ASKED ABOUT SOME ADJUSTMENT TO OUR MEDIANS AND WE WERE JUST GOING TO LOOK AT WHAT WE CAN DO AND THEY WERE LOOKING AT THE ROUNDABOUT ITSELF AND POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS TO THAT WHICH WITH THIS LOOKING AT THAT ANALYSIS IS GOING TO HELP US CONFIRM ON THAT INTERSECTION AND WHAT WE'VE DONE PRIOR. >> JUST ONE MORE QUESTION THERE. THE ANALYSIS WILL SHOW WHAT? >> THE ANALYSIS SORRY, THE ANALYSIS WHAT IS REQUIRED BY IT IS TO HAVE THAT ON ANY INTERSECTING ROADWAY OF A COUNTY ROADWAY INTO ATTACK STOP ROADWAY REQUIRED TO HAVE THAT ANALYSIS DONE JUST TO DETERMINE IF THE ROUNDABOUT IS ACTUALLY ADEQUATE AND NEEDED. WE DO IT -- IT'S REQUIRED RECENTLY OF ANY ROADWAY SIMILAR TO WILLIAM, WHERE WE WERE [04:20:04] LOOKING AT THAT TO MAKE SURE SEE IF ANY OF THOSE INTERACTIONS OR INTERSECTIONS WITH TXDOT, IT'S A REQUIREMENT. THIS IS JUST GOING TO UPDATE THAT TO MAKE SURE THAT WHAT WE HAD DONE BEFORE MATCHES WITH WHAT OUR PLAN IS CURRENTLY. >> OKAY, NO CONSTRUCTION MONEY OR ANYTHING. >> THIS IS JUST ON THE DESIGN SIDE. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER INGALSBE FOR ASKING THOSE QUESTIONS. COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING ME JUDGE. QUITE LITERALLY I WASN'T EVEN ASKED TO INTRODUCE MY ITEM, WE COULD HAVE ADDRESSED ALL THOSE QUESTIONS IF YOU HAD JUST FOLLOWED THE QUORUM, SIR. TEX-DOT IS IN FULL SCHEMATIC ON SM86 CACTUS TO PROVIDE THE ANALYSIS ON THE INTERSECTION FOR WHICH WE ARE PARTNERING WITH M. LESS THAN A MONTH AGO WE VOTED ON THIS EXACT SAME PROJECT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ADDITIONAL CHANGES AND WORKING WITH TEXT DOT. THIS SECTION IS NOT THIS SECTION THAT WAS ADDRESSED IN MISSUS COOK'S COMMENT THIS IS THE SECTION WHERE WE HAD OVER FOUR PUBLIC MEETINGS WHICH CONCLUDED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE COMMENTS IN THE LAST PUBLIC MEETING WERE WHY HAS THIS ROADWAY NOT BEEN BUILT YET. AS PART OF OUR 2024 BOND THIS ROADWAY WAS PLANNED IN THAT 2026 OR THE 2016 BOND FULLY DESIGNED WENT THROUGH FOR PUBLIC COMMENT. AND WAS FULLY FUNDED IN THE BOND. ALL OF THOSE QUESTIONS COULD HAVE BEEN ANSWERED THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZIG ME. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN ANY QUESTIONS? >> NO OTHER QUESTIONS. YOU DID A GOOD JOB COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. [Items J.1 & J.2] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. JUDGE BECERRA I THINK THAT CONCLUDES ROADS AND WE CAN DO J ONE AND TWO AND KEEP THEM GOING, THANK YOU AARON. >> -- P. C, CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON JULY SEVENTH 2026 REGARDING THE SILVER SPUR RANCHETTES SECTION TWO PORTION OF LOT 11 REPLAT. PLN-2439-PRE; DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE RIDGE WEST AT CAMINO REAL, PRELIMINARY PLAN. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> YOU CAN SPEAK ON ANY OF THEM TECHNICALLY BUT WE WILL RUN IT TOGETHER. >> GOOD AFTERNOON, DIRECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. NUMBER 1 IS THE CALL FOR PUBLIC HEARING, WHAT ROLE WILL BE HELD ON JULY 20 -- AND THE PRELIMINARY PLAN FOR THE RIDGE WEST SUBDIVISION LOCATED OFF OF HIGH ROAD... THROUGH THE PARKLAND MODS, THE PLAN HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY COUNTY STAFF AND MEETS ALL STANDARDS AND NO VARIANCES HAVE BEEN REQUESTED AT THIS TIME. >> TY D., WELL DONE. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. [K.3. Discussion and possible action to adopt a resolution related to the rabies outbreak in Central Texas. HAMMER/GONZALES] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER, JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, I THINK WE'RE ON TO K3. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION RELATED TO THE RABIES OUTBREAK IN CENTRAL TEXAS? >> SO MOVED. >> ALL RIGHT HERE WE GO. >> GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS, JOINING ME TODAY IS VICTORIA, THE PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR, ALSO COMING FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT WE WERE REQUESTED TO SPEAK ON RABIES RESOLUTION SO I WANT TO GO OVER SOME CURRENT AND PAST TRENDS WITHIN THE COUNTY SO OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS HAYS COUNTY HAS SEEN CHANGES IN RABIES ACTIVITY AND IS DEFINED IN TEXAS LAW HIGH RISK ANIMALS FOR RABIES INCLUDES SPATZ, FOXES, AND COYOTES. RESERVOIRS MINK HOSTS FOR SPECIFIC RABIES VIRUS VARIANTS IS RABIES INFECTION IN THIS SPECIES OTHER THAN RESERVOIR SPECIES FURTHER VARIANT IS CONSIDERED SPILLOVER. CURRENT DATA CONTINUES TO CONFIRM THAT BATS AND SKUNKS REMAIN THE CARRIERS THE LEADING CARRIERS WITH SPILLOVER OF SPECIES PRIMARILY IN FOXES [04:25:04] INCLUDING RACCOONS AS WELL. ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES STATEWIDE LAB THERE HAVE BEEN AN INCREASE IN LAB CONFIRMED RABIES IN FOXES FROM 2020 TO 2025. AND WHEN IT COMES TO THE STATE OF TEXAS AS A WHOLE, IN 2020 THERE WERE 28 LAB CONFIRMED RABIES AND FOXES COMPARED TO 2025 WITH 47. AS FOR RABIES IN HAYS COUNTY, WE WENT FROM TWO LAB CONFIRMED THAT'S WITH THE CURRENT AVAILABLE DATA. I JUST WANTED TO BE AWARE THAT BEXAR COUNTY, KENDALL AND POLANCO AND INCLUDING US IN HAYS COUNTY WE ARE CONSIDERED HOT SPOTS FOR RABIES AND FOXES. IN 2020 THERE WAS FOUR CONFIRMED LAB CASES OF FOXES WITH RABIES IN 2025 THERE WAS AN ACCOUNT OF 36 AND THAT IS WITH CURRENT DATA. RECENTLY WE HAVE SEEN AN INCREASE IN CASES AND IN REPORTS OF UNUSUAL WILDLIFE BEHAVIOR WHICH IS PART OF WHY THIS RESOLUTION IS TIMELY. YOU MAY BE ASKING HOW WE ARE RESPONDING TO THIS. THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALONG WITH OUR PARTNERS HAS BEEN ACTIVELY WORKING TO REDUCE RABIES RISK AND INCREASE COMMUNITY AWARENESS. OUR EFFORTS INCLUDE HOSTING FREE OR LOW COST RABIES VACCINE CLINICS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY AND AS OF OCTOBER OF 2024 -- FIVE UP TO NOW WE HAVE ADMINISTERED 303 RABIES VACCINE TO THE PETS FROM FOUR COMMUNITY RESIDENCE. OUR TEAM, OUR DIVISION COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ALONG WITH OTHER PARTNERS ARE CREATING INDUSTRY ROUTINE, AND CLINICIANS IN THE PUBLIC THE SAME TEAMS ARE DEVELOPING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT AND WE ARE STRENGTHENING COORDINATION WITH ANIMAL CONTROL, SHERIFF'S OFFICE, DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES AND THE LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS. AND BECAUSE OF THIS I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT AND ACKNOWLEDGE AND GIVE A THANK YOU TO THE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS AND THAT WOULD INCLUDE PALS, HALL PET MARKET, AND LOCAL ANIMAL WELFARE GROUPS. OUR COMMISSIONERS AND THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT, AND LOCAL VETERINARIANS, HAVE HELP US SPREAD INFORMATION AND HOST CLINICS. >> ENCLOSING THE RESOLUTION HELPS HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF RABIES AND PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH -- HEALTH. WE APPRECIATE THE COURT'S SUPPORT AND ARE HAPPY TO WELCOME ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE. >> COMMISSIONER, ANY QUESTIONS? >> IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM, AS THE COUNTY, WE ARE TRYING TO HELP THEM MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, I WAS ASKED TO HAVE A RESOLUTION TO CALL THE STATE LEGISLATURE, THAT USED TO FUND THE FUND OF PREVENTION OF RABIES IN OUR AREA BUT RECENTLY LEGISLATION THAT FUNDING IS NO LONGER THERE SO JUST CALLING UPON THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS MY FAVORITE PART OF IT AND REQUESTED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE AND HEALTH SERVICES FOR TREATMENT OF RABIES, WILDLIFE AND LIVESTOCK AND PETS AND APPROVED THAT THAT IS REQUESTED RELATED TO LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIVITIES AND PREVENTION OF RABIES AND WILDLIFE LIVESTOCK IMPACTS. TO RESUME THEIR FUNDING IS GREATLY APPRECIATED BECAUSE IT'S VERY APPARENT WHY IT WAS NEEDED IN THE FIRST PLACE. >> WELL SAID, BEAUTIFUL. ANY OTHER COMMENTS PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE AWARENESS.% THERE'S A LOT GOING ON IT SEEMS LIKE. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES WE'RE ON NUMBER 4 RIGHT? WE TOOK NO ACTION ON THAT ONE. [K.6. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Wimberley Independent School District (WISD) and Hays County related to school resource officers. HAMMER/HIPOLITO] ON TO SIX. PERFECT. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN WIMBERLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (WISD) AND HAYS COUNTY RELATED TO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS. >> SO MOVED. COMMISSIONER WIN. >> THIS WAS SOMETHING WE HAVE IN PLACE, WE HAVE THIS WITH ALL WHICH IS A LOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT WE HAVE THIS IN PLACE WITH ALL OF OUR DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND SO WE REALLY NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AND CHANGED AND SO WE HAVE LEGAL -- WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THAT TOOK ABOUT A MONTH TO BRING IT TO COURT BUT I BELIEVE WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE -- FINALLY. >> I THINK I PUT IT IN THERE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DID ALREADY APPROVE THE UPDATED AGREEMENT. >> THANK YOU. [04:30:06] PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. [K.7. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Reimbursement Agreement between Hays County and Christoper Winn, an employee of Hill Country MHDD, for attendance at the National All Rise Conference. COHEN/BROWN] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA YES. THE NEXT ONE IS SEVEN. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND CHRISTOPER WINN, AN EMPLOYEE OF HILL COUNTRY MHDD, FOR ATTENDANCE AT THE NATIONAL ALL RISE CONFERENCE. >> SO MOVED. >> DO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT SCOTT? >> BUDGET OFFICER, I WORKED WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH CORPS ON THIS, I WILL GIVE A BIT OF BACKGROUND ON THE ITEM. THIS IS A REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMET THAT WE ARE DOING WITH HILL COUNTRY. THIS WOULD BE TO HAVE ONE OF THEIR EMPLOYEES INVOLVED IN THE MENTAL HEALTH ASPECT GO TO THIS ALL RISE -- CONFERENCE ALONG WITH THE NORMAL EMPLOYEES, I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE ON THIS FROM A BUDGET PERSPECTIVE THAT LOOKING AT THE DOLLAR AMOUNTS AND THE ESTIMATES RIGHT NOW IT LOOKS LIKE THIS WILL OVERRUN THE GRANT SLIGHTLY AND SINCE WE ARE LOOKING AT MAYBE 500 TO A THOUSAND DOLLARS THAT WILL GO OVER THE GRANT I HAVE TALKED TO THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT AND THEY DO HAVE AVAILABLE BUDGET WITHIN THEIR LOCAL BUDGET WHICH THEY ARE WILLING TO USE IN ORDER TO SUPPORT THIS DUE TO HILL COUNTRY BEING A GOOD PARTNER OF THE COUNTY. >> PERFECT SOUNDS GOOD. >> STEPHANIE , OUTREACH TRIGGER I GUESS. >> PURCHASING AGENT. >> SINCE IT WOULD BE A REIMBURSEMENT TO THE INDIVIDUAL WE DON'T TYPICALLY ISSUE OUT POS TO EMPLOYEES BUT I WILL DEFER TO THE MAYOR. >> I WAS THINKING ABOUT THE COST PASSED THE 500. >> WE MIGHT NEED TO ISSUE A PO,. >> I DID REQUEST THAT AGREEMENT BUT THAT HE IS COUNTY AUDITOR. I DID REQUEST THAT AGREEMENT BE MADE, WE WERE HANDLING GRANT FUNDS, AND IS NOT A COUNTY EMPLOYEE, ANY TIME THESE WERE ALL PUBLIC FUNDS THAT ARE UNDER DIRECTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT, ANY TIME A GIVING FUNDS FOR A NONEMPLOYEE WE WANT TO HAVE THAT FILLED OUT WE ARE REQUESTING THAT THEY FOLLOW OUR TRAVEL POLICY AND OTHER POLICIES AS WELL ONCE THE AGREEMENT IS SIGNED BECAUSE IT'S A SIGNED AGREEMENT HE WOULD GET PAID SEPARATELY THAN THAT REIMBURSEMENT WE DON'T GET PO'S FOR IF IT'S IN HILL COUNTRY THEN WE WOULD GET IT, IT DEPENDS ON HOW THEY'RE GOING TO DO IT. WE WILL HAVE A GOOD TALK WITH HIM AND EXPLAIN WE HAVE POLICIES AND DEPENDING ON HOW HE DOES IT WE MAKE SURE HE FOLLOWS OUR POLICIES. >> GIVEN WHAT GOD JUST MENTIONED ABOUT HAVING TO PULL FUNDS FROM DIFFERENT FUNDS ASIDE FROM THE GRANT FUND, I THINK WE WOULD NEED TO NOTATE ON RECORD IF WE NEED TO CHANGE SECTION 2.3 OF THE REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT, THE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE DRAWN, SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR THAT PURPOSE AND NO OTHER ACCOUNT OF THE COUNTY. IF YOU'RE GOING TO DRAW THEM FROM WHETHER PO IS REQUIRED OR NOT WE MIGHT WANT TO EDIT THAT A LITTLE BIT, I CAUGHT THAT THAT IT MAY BE REFERENCED SOMEWHERE ELSE BUT THAT'S THE FIRST PLACE I CAUGHT IT I WOULD SUGGEST WE EDIT IT THERE. >> PERFECTLY STATED. COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES, I WANT TO MAKE THE POINT, AS SPOKEN TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, I TOLD THEM THEY HAD TO GO THROUGH OUR INVOICE PROCESS, I TOLD THEM THEY NEEDED TO REACH OUT TO THE COUNTY AND FIND OUT WHETHER IT FELL UNDER OUR CURRENT CONTRACT AND I ASKED THEM TO HAVE THESE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOU. THIS AGAIN GOES BACK TO THE POINT THAT OUR MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR NEEDS TO BE HANDLING THESE ISSUES AND I SIT ON THEIR BOARD, I WILL TELL YOU THAT I'M VERY TEMPTED TO VOTE AGAINST THIS TODAY BECAUSE THAT PROCESS [04:35:03] WAS NOT FOLLOWED. THIS IS A SPECIFIC TYPE OF ISSUE THAT WE BROUGHT UP IN THE VERY LAST COURT THAT IF THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT IS DOING THESE THINGS IT NEEDS TO RUN THROUGH OUR MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR AND BE COORDINATED WITH A BOARD POSITION ON THAT BOARD. THAT'S THE ENTIRE PURPOSE OF HAVING THAT COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT OR THAT CONTRACT IN THE GRANT. WE NEED TO BE COGNIZANT OF THIS, ALSO I'LL SUPPORT THIS TODAY BUT IF IT COMES BACK TO COURT IT'S OBVIOUS THE STEPS ARE NOT BEING FOLLOWED AND I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S NOT BEING DONE BY THE VENDOR OR IF IT'S NOT BEING DONE BY THE MENTAL HEALTH COORDINATOR AND WE NEED TO FIND OUT THE ANSWER FOR THAT. >> ANYONE HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. [K.8. Discussion and possible action to pre-qualify all respondents who scored seventy (70) or above for the RFQ 2026-Q03 Land Surveying Services Pool to establish a new pool of firms to be used on an as-needed basis for projects throughout the County for Land Surveying services. The selection of a firm will be brought to Commissioners Court for approval, utilizing the Vendor Selection Form, prior to a contract being brought back to the Commissioners Court for execution. The pool will be reviewed and reopened on an annual basis. BECERRA/HUNT] YES, I THINK WE ARE ON TO EIGHT. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF CONTRACT AMENDMENT NO. 1 BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND DOUCET & ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE DARDEN HILL ROAD/CR 162 PHASE 2 PROJECT IN PRECINCT 4. -- DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO PRE-QUALIFY ALL RESPONDENTS WHO SCORED SEVENTY (70) OR ABOVE FOR THE RFQ 2026-Q03 LAND SURVEYING SERVICES POOL TO ESTABLISH A NEW POOL OF FIRMS TO BE USED ON AN AS-NEEDED BASIS FOR PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY FOR LAND SURVEYING SERVICES. THE SELECTION OF A FIRM WILL BE BROUGHT TO COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR APPROVAL, UTILIZING THE VENDOR SELECTION FORM, PRIOR TO A CONTRACT BEING BROUGHT BACK TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR EXECUTION. THE POOL WILL BE REVIEWED AND REOPENED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> PURCHASING AGENT, SO ON THIS PROCUREMENT WE RECEIVED 42 PROPOSALS, THREE OF THEM WERE DEEMED NOT RESPONSIVE FOR NOT RETURNING REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, WE HAVE A COUPLE OF RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES AND CHAPTER 176 SO THE COMMISSIONER STEPFATHER WORKS FOR ONE OTHER FARM -- FIRMS LIQUIDITY FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE CONTROL SPECIALIST AND THEN UNDER RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES, A FORMER EMPLOYEE MARTHA JONES WHICH WAS OUR COMMISSIONER IN PRECINCT TWO AND THEN THE BROTHER IN LAW WHO WAS THE DEPUTY AND CONSTABLE PRECINCT BOARDS OFFICE AND THEN JUST FROM THE COURT'S RECOMMENDATION LAST TIME TO AWARD TO 70 AND ABOVE. >> BEAUTIFULLY DONE, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> I AM RECUSING MYSELF FROM THIS VOTE DUE TO MY STEPFATHER [K.9. Discussion and possible action to approve the selection of LJA Engineering, Inc. for Public Engagement Facilitation Services related to the Hays County Strategic Plan, and authorize staff to negotiate a Professional Services Agreement. COHEN/BOUTTE/HUNT] WORKING. >> FOUL. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, AND KEEP GOING, NUM NUMBER 9. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SELECTION OF LJA ENGINEERING, INC. FOR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FACILITATION SERVICES RELATED TO THE HAYS COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN, AND AUTHORIZE STAFF TO NEGOTIATE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT >> SO MOVED TO. >> COMMISSIONER? >> THANK YOU. THIS IS SELECTING FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND CANDICE HAS MORE TO ADD. >> THANK YOU COMMISSIONER, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR. AS THE COURT KNOWS WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF UPDATING OUR STRATEGIC PLAN AND WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET FEEDBACK FROM ALL OF OUR STAKEHOLDERS, OUR ELECTED, OUR STAFF AND THE PUBLIC. SO LJA WILL HELP US WITH CONDUCTING OUR LISTENING SESSIONS AND OUR HOPE THAT THE STAFF LEVEL IS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO APPROVE THE STRATEGIC PLAN WITH OUR FY27 BUDGET. >> HOW MUCH WILL THAT COST, WE DON'T KNOW YET? >> WE ARE WORKING WITH LJA ON THE EXACT PROPOSAL, WE WILL BE BRINGING THAT BACK IN JULY. >> PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. [K.10. Discussion and possible action to award and execute a contract for IFB 2026-B08 Sunfield, Campo Del Sol - Remove & Replace Hot Mix between Hays County and Bennett Paving, Inc. in the amount of $232,575.90. COHEN/A.JONES/HUNT] >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR IFB 2026-B08 SUNFIELD, CAMPO DEL SOL - REMOVE & REPLACE HOT MIX BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BENNETT PAVING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $232,575.90. >> SO MOVED SECOND. >> PURCHASING AGENT. ON THIS ONE WE RECEIVED SEVEN BIDS ALL WERE DEEMED RESPONSIVE, THEY ALL TURNED IN ALL THE [04:40:03] PAPERWORK. THERE WERE NO DISCLOSURES OR NO CHAPTER ONES, CONFLICTS THAT WERE NOTED AND THE PAYMENT -- PAVING IS THE LOW BIDDER. >> ANYTHING TO ADD? >> AARON JONES TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR,. >> NOTHING TO ADD TO. WE FINALIZE THEM BEFORE ON A FEW OTHER PROJECTS, WE'RE GOOD WITH THEM. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> IF THERE'S NOTHING ELSE PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER, COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, [K.11. Discussion and possible action to award and execute a contract for IFB 2026-B11 Jacobs Well Road - Remove & Replace Hot Mix between Hays County and Bennett Paving, Inc., in an amount of $291,029.00. HAMMER/A.JONES/HUNT] COMMISSIONER SMITH JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR IFB 2026-B11 JACOBS WELL ROAD - REMOVE & REPLACE HOT MIX BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BENNETT PAVING, INC., IN AN AMOUNT OF $291,029.00. >> SO MOVED,. >> SECOND. >> PURCHASING AGENT. ON THIS ONE WE RECEIVED NINE BIDS, NONE WERE DEEMED NONRESPONSIVE AND THERE WERE NO RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES OR CHAPTER 176 AND THEY WERE AGAIN THE LOW BIDDER ON THIS PROJECT. >> THANK YOU,. >> COMMISSIONER HAMMER. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> YES. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> YES. [K.12. Discussion and update from staff related to the Interlocal Agreement between Hays County, the City of Wimberley, and the City of Woodcreek related to Collaborative Water and Wastewater Planning Efforts. HAMMER/FLOCKE] >> COMMISSIONER COHEN. >> YES. >> JUDGE BECERRA. >> YES, DISCUSSION AND UPDATE FROM STAFF RELATED TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY, THE CITY OF WIMBERLEY, AND THE CITY OF WOODCREEK RELATED TO COLLABORATIVE WATER AND WASTEWATER PLANNING EFFORTS. >> SO MOVED. >> SECOND. >> WE FORMED THIS TO DISCUSS WATER IN WESTERN HAYS AND THAT WIMBERLEY VALLEY AND WE'VE HAD SOME GREAT DISCUSSION AND BEEN ABLE TO BRING IN SOME GOOD PARTNERS AND HAVE SUCH AN ENGAGING GROUP, WE BROUGHT RESOLUTIONS TO THE COURT THAT YOU HAVE SUPPORTED, WE BROUGHT IDEAS, WE'VE GONE OVER THE CASE, WE HAD ALL OF THOSE ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS IN THESE GROUPS AND WE MEET ONCE A MONTH AND THIS NEXT COMING MEETING THAT IS THIS THURSDAY, WE ARE GOING TO BE DECIDING AND VOTING ON SOMETHING THAT WE BELIEVE WILL BE BENEFICIAL IF VOTED YES ON AND I WANTED TO GIVE YOU GUYS AN UPDATE AND LET YOU KNOW THAT IF ALL ARE IN AGREEMENT WE WILL BE BRINGING THAT TO COURT TO DISCUSS BUT EFFORT HAS BEEN REALLY MOVING IN A GREAT DIRECTION FOR ALL OF THE AREAS AND POSITIVE FOR THE WATER. >> WONDERFUL. COMMISSIONERS ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? [K.13. Discussion and possible action regarding an update on the formal procurement review process and staff recommendations for the Fleet Program Specialist position (Grade 118). COHEN/SMITH/BOUTTE/HUNT] >> PLEASE OPEN 13. >> DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING AN UPDATE ON THE FORMAL PROCUREMENT REVIEW PROCESS AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FLEET PROGRAM SPECIALIST POSITION (GRADE 118). >> SO MOVED. >> I SEE THIS IS BACK. >> COURT MEMBERS, AS YOU ALL ARE AWARE THERE WERE A COUPLE OF ITEMS THAT YOU ASK THE ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE TO WORK WITH OUR PURCHASING AGENT AND OTHER RELEVANT STAFF TO BRING BACK RECOMMENDATIONS. THE FIRST IS RELATED THE EXTERNAL AUDITOR THAT WE SHOULD HAVE A THIRD PARTY REVIEW THE EVALUATIONS SCORING PROCESS. STAFF AND I THOUGHT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GIVE HER AN OPPORTUNITY TO WALK YOU THROUGH THE FORMAL PROCUREMENT REVIEW PROCESS AND CHANGES THAT SHE HAS >> STEPHANIE HUNT. PURCHASING AGENT. THERE ARE TWO DOCUMENTS. ONE IS CALLED THE PROCUREMENT PROCESS WITH THE CHANGES IMPLEMENTED. I WILL NOT READ THIS WORD FOR WORD BUT I JUST WANT TO GO OVER. ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT WE DID IS WE UPDATED OUR EVALUATION COMMITTEE PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES. SO WE WOULD SEND ALONG IT IS THE TO DO AND NOT TO DO THAN A DOCUMENT TO SIGN SO WE COMBINE THAT INTO ONE DOCUMENT. THAT IS SENT OUT TO EVERY EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEMBER SO THAT THEY CAN READ IT THERE IS ANYTHING THEY NEED TO DISCLOSE. THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER BEEN ON THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE BEFORE JUST TO GO OVER THE REQUIREMENTS WITH THE EVALUATION PROCESS AND THERE IS NO ISSUES OR CONCERNS. [04:45:06] THAT IS ONE OF THE UPDATES THAT WE DID. THIS ALL STARTED FROM FY 26 PROCUREMENT WE HAVE DONE THIS FAR. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER. SUBMITTAL FOR A CHECKLIST REVISION. AFTER WE APPROVE TO CANCEL THE RFQ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES POOL ON OCTOBER 2025, I UPDATED THE SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST PER THE RECOMMENDATION ON ADDING THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE QUESTIONNAIRE THE RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURE FORM AND ANY THAT WERE APPLICABLE TO THE SOLICITATION. THE REASON TO ADD THOSE THREE IS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE AND DISCLOSURE THAT IF WE ARE NOT EXECUTING A CONTRACT AND WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT THIS. IT WAS NOT REQUIRED AND JUST BE RESPONSIVE AND BE EVALUATED SO SOME OF THOSE WERE NOT REQUIRED TO BE TURNED INTO NOW THEY ARE CHANGING IT. AND THEY ARE REQUIRED TO TURN ALL OF THOSE FORMS IN ALL OF THAT TIME. SO IF THERE IS A DISCLOSURE THAT NEEDS TO BE. >> IN THE DATA ENTRY THE QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES, THIS WAS A RECOMMENDATION TO HAVE SOMEONE EXTERNALLY OUTSIDE OF THE PURCHASING OFFICE ALSO HAVE A SET OF EYES AND REVIEWING THE PROCUREMENT. SO WITHIN THE PURCHASING OFFICE THE CONTRACT SPECIALIST REVIEWS THE PROCUREMENTS WHEN THEY COME IN. HE WAS ENTERING ALL OF THIS ON THE FORMS CHECKLIST AND PRICING COMPARISON AND FINAL TABULATION THEN I WAS GOING BACK AND REVIEWING THAT. SO THAT WAS OUR CURRENT PROCESS WITHIN THE PURCHASING OFFICE AT THE TIME OF THE DATA ENTRY AREAS BUT WE DID HAVE AN ASSOCIATE IN THE OFFICE SO THAT WAS JUST ME. SO THEN WE HIRED HIM AND BROUGHT HIM ON. SO WHAT WE HAVE ADDED NOW IS A SIGNATURE VERIFICATION PROCESS PER EACH FORM. ONCE WE REVIEW AND SIGN OFF ON IT THEN IT BECOMES PART OF THE PROCUREMENT FILE AND THEREFORE SHOWS DOCUMENTATION THAT IT HAS BEEN SIGNED OFF ON. SO ONCE WE GET ALL OF THAT FROM THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE WE ENTER THAT INTO THE MASTER SPREADSHEET AND THEN SEND THOSE BACK OUT TO HAVE THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE MEMBER INPUT. ONCE THE FORMS ARE BACK AND SIGNED THEN WE SUBMITTED TO THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE. AND THEY ARE REVIEWING ALL OF THE PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS TO MAKE SURE ALL THE EYES ARE DOTTED AND THE T'S ARE CROSSED. THEY ARE SIGNING OFF ON THE FINAL TABULATION SHEET. THAT'S THE ONLY ONE THEY ARE SIGNING OFF ON AND THAT IS THE SIGNATURE TO YOU THAT THE PURCHASE HAS REVIEWED AND SIGNED OFF AND INTERNAL REVIEW HAS SIGNED OFF THEM WE BRING IT TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT FOR A RECOMMENDATION OF AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION. AT THAT POINT IT IS GONE THROUGH ALL CHECKS AND BALANCES. AND THAT IS THE NEW PROCESS. ANY QUESTIONS? >> I WISH WE DIDN'T HAVE COMMISSIONERS ON THE PICKING OF THE ORGANIZATION OR THE SCORING. THAT WOULD MAKE IT MOST COMPLETE TO ME. WE ARE WRITING THE CONTRACTS. THEN I WOULD FIND MOST THAT IF WE HAVE A POLICY OF NO COMMISSIONERS SCORING THE SHEETS THEN THAT WOULD BE MY REQUEST AND PREFERENCE AND MY ASK. >> TYPICALLY I WILL SAY THEY DON'T LIKE TO BE ON THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE. BUT SOMETIMES IT PERTAINS, . [LAUGHTER] I MEAN THAT IN THE MOST LOVING WAY BUT IT IS A LOT OF WORK. BUT FOR SOME OF THEM PERTAINING TO A PROJECT IN THEIR PRECINCT OR SOMETHING THEY MAY ACTUALLY HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF, THEN WE DO WANT TO BRING THEM IN ON THAT. USUALLY WHEN WE ARE DOING COMMISSIONERS ON THE EVALUATION COMMITTEES BECAUSE YOU USUALLY [04:50:05] ARE INVOLVED IN THAT DECISION. TYPICALLY IT IS NOT COMMISSIONERS THAT ARE ON THEM BUT DEPARTMENT HEADS AND THE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS THAT WE LIKE TO PULL INTO THOSE. >> THANK YOU. >> I AM OKAY WITH THAT. NO OTHER QUESTIONS. >> I'M GOOD. THANK YOU STEPHANIE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: WHAT AGENDA ITEM? >> THERE IS ONE MORE ITEM. >> I AM THE COUNTY AUDITOR. FROM OUR ASPECT BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION, I DID MEET WITH OUR INTERNAL AUDITOR ON THE TEAM TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND IT IS IMPORTANT THE AUDITORS OFFICE REVIEW ALL OF THESE PROCUREMENT PILES AS PART OF THE FINAL REVIEW FOR INVOICES SO WE HAVE BEEN WORKING BACKWARDS ESPECIALLY SINCE WE ARE PAYING INVOICES. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT IS COVERED ALL THE WAY BACK. WE ARE ALMOST THERE TO GET THE OKAY FROM THE PURCHASING OFFSET SO WE ARE JUST GOING BACK TO MAKE SURE ANY THAT COME IN HAVE BEEN REVERED -- -- REVIEWED. >> I'M GOOD. >> LASTLY WE WANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH THE JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THE PURCHASING AGENT LAST YEAR DURING THE BUDGET PROCESS REQUESTED A FLEET COORDINATOR ROLE REPORT AND ASKED THAT STAFF REVIEW THAT REQUEST AND MAKE SURE THERE WERE NO DUPLICATION IN EFFORTS IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS. WE SIT DOWN WITH OUR BUDGET OFFICER WHO IS OUR HR DIRECTOR AS WELL AS TAMMY WHO IS OUR DIRECTOR TO REVIEW THE JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR BOTH POSITIONS. WE WERE ABLE TO HAVE A THOUGHTFUL CONVERSATION AND LOOK FOR AREAS THAT THEY WERE SERVING FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES AND I BELIEVE THAT TAMMY AS WELL AS STEPHANIE AND THE OTHER DIRECTORS WERE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THEY DO SERVE DIFFERENT ROLES THE FLEET PROGRAM SPECIALIST WHICH IS UNDER IF THE COURT APPROVES STEPHANIE'S ORGANIZATION WILL FOCUS MORE SO ON THE LEASE VEHICLE PROGRAM WITH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT POSITION AND CONTINUE TO WORK SO STEPHANIE CAN SPEAK MORE AND SCOTT HAS LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS AND BELIEVE THERE ARE SALARY SAVINGS IF THE COURT CHOOSES TO APPROVE THE POSITION FOR FY 26, THE REMAINDER. >> JUDGE BECERRA: SO CLOSE TO THE BUDGET CYCLE WE DON'T WANT TO START IN THE NEW YEAR? OKAY. WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT IT? >> AND THE PURCHASING AGENT. I ASKED FOR THIS LAST YEAR BECAUSE THERE IS DEFINITELY A NEED AND STATUTORILY WITH THE PURCHASING AGENTS ROLE WHEN IT COMES TO PURCHASING VEHICLES THE AUCTION OF VEHICLES AND THE INVENTORY ALL FALLS UNDER MY PURVIEW. ASKED FOR THE POSITION LAST YEAR JUST BECAUSE I KNEW WE WERE GROWING AS A COUNTY WITH A NUMBER OF LEASES WE ARE DOING, THE CURRENT VEHICLE INVENTOR THAT WE HAVE AND THE NEEDS OF THE OFFICE. I STILL AM ASKING. EVERYBODY KNOWS STEPHANIE IS REALLY BUSY. SO I WOULD APPRECIATE BEING ABLE TO BRING THIS PERSON ON NOW AND GET THEM TRAINED AND READY FOR THE NEW FISCAL YEAR. THERE IS A LOT TO PREPPING FOR THE END OF FISCAL YEAR PURCHASING AND ALSO THE BEGINNING OF THE FISCAL YEAR FOR PURCHASING WHETHER FLEET OR PURCHASE ORDERS OR WHATEVER. >> CMSR HAMMER: I AM OKAY. WE DID TALK ABOUT THIS THE LAST BUDGET CYCLE THAT YOU WOULD BE BRINGING THIS IN AND FINALIZING WHAT IT WOULD LOOK LIKE. WE DIDN'T KNOW WHERE TO PUT IT. I DO AGREE WITH JUDGE. WE ARE CLOSE TO BUDGET CYCLE. THERE IS NO TELLING HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE TO FILL. [04:55:06] TO HAVE ANYONE IN MIND? >> I DID INTERVIEW A POTENTIAL CANDIDATE WHEN I WAS INTERVIEWING FOR THE PURCHASING SPECIALIST THAT HAS EXPERIENCE IN FLEET IN HER CURRENT ROLE SHE WAS SERVING IN. SO I HAD ANTICIPATED IF WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT APPROVED I WOULD REACH OUT TO HER TOSEE IF SHE IS STILL LOOKING FOR A POSITION. SHE IS ONE OF MY TOP FIVE CANDIDATES I WAS INTERVIEWING THAT POSITION. >> CMSR HAMMER: WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE FROM A BUDGET STANDPOINT, SCOTT? >> THE FULL FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING SALARY AND FRINGE AND BENEFITS A STEP ONE GRADE 18 IS A LITTLE LESS THAN 73000. 7,270,995 CENTS PER IF YOU PRORATE ON A CONSERVATIVE LE LEVEL, DON'T THINK THEY WILL START JULY 1 BUT BEING CONSERVATIVE THE FISCAL IMPACT WOULD BE $18178 WHICH THERE IS SALARY SAVINGS FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOR HAVING VACANCIES. >> I SAY USE THE BUDGET. THAT'S WHAT IT IS THEREFORE. >> I DO SEE THE BENEFIT NEEDED AT THE END OF A PROCUREMENT CYCLE. I DO KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF WORK THAT HAPPENS AT THE END AND THAT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR CANDIDATE. >> THE BIGGEST THING IS THE VEHICLES. IT IS A PROCESS TO GET THE OFFICIAL QUOTES WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS AND GET IT ON ORDER. LAST YEAR WE WERE NOT ABLE TO FINALIZE ALL OF THAT UNTIL DECEMBER BECAUSE IT WAS JUST ME. THEN WE STARTED THE FISCAL YEAR. IF I HAD THIS EMPLOYEE THEY CAN START ON THOSE OCTOBER 12 HOPEFULLY GET THOSE VEHICLES ORDERED. WE DO ORDER THEM STRAIGHT FROM THE ASSEMBLY LINE. IT DOES TAKE LONGER TO GET THEM MADE. BUT IF WE CAN GET THOSE ORDERS IN, IN OCTOBER BECAUSE WE ARE JUST NOW STARTING TO GET THE VEHICLES THAT WERE APPROVED FOR THE FY 26 BUDGET. OBVIOUSLY IT WOULD SPEED THAT UP A LITTLE BIT. >> THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. WE DID A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE THE POSITION IS NEEDED AND YOU NEED TO HELP. THANK YOU. >> JUDGE BECERRA: DOES COMMISSIONER SMITH STILL HAVE CONNECTIONS? >> I HOPE SO. I AM FULLY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS. IF YOU REMEMBER, I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH STEPHANIE AND CANDACE. WE GAVE DIRECTION TO BOTH OF THEM TO COME BACK TO US. THIS WAS A POSITION REQUESTED LAST YEAR. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS ESPECIALLY SPEAKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT YOU KNOW AS WELL AS I DO THAT ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND COUNTIES OUT THERE THAT WORK ON THAT OCTOBER 1 THROUGH THE END OF SEPTEMBER FISCAL YEAR BASIS, THEY ORDER ALL VEHICLES AT THE SAME TIME. SO RIGHT NOW I KNOW WE HAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT STILL WAITING ON VEHICLES THAT WE ATTEMPTED TO ORDER OR HAVE ON ORDER AS OF OCTOBER 1 TO THE LAST BUDGET PROCESS. THIS WOULD MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THAT. ALONG WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLEET SERVICES. ESPECIALLY SINCE WE HAVE CHANGED OUR LEASE SERVICES PROVIDER. I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT WE GET SOMEBODY TRAINED UP AND IN THE PROCESS PRIOR TO OCTOBER 1 SO WE CAN HIT THE GROUND RUNNING ON THOSE ORDERS AND NEW LEASES. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE VOTE). >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE OPEN [N.1. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA] LETTER AND NUMBER ONE. >> THE DISCUSSION TO DISCUSS CURRENT POPULATION COUNT AND COST. >> JUDGE BECERRA: AND THE SHERIFF OFFICE SENDS MY OFFICE A WEEKLY REPORT OF JAIL CAPACITY HE IS CURRENT MAXIMUM CAPACITY 464 AND MADE STEEL STANDARDS HOLDING 10 PERCENT OF THAT CAPACITY OPEN WHICH LOWERS OUR CAPACITY AT 417. THE JAILS DAILY AVERAGES 515 AND 52216 THE ESTIMATED COST FOR OUTSOURCING INMATES THIS WEEK IS $77182. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCED MALES IS 108 FEMALES, ZERO THEY [05:00:02] ARE ALL HOUSED IN PASCOE COUNTY AND THE NUMBER IS AT 32. [M. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS ] PLEASE READ EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM 7123. >> EXECUTIVE SESSION NUMBER ONE CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS COME ASSOCIATED WITH PROJECT AGB AND POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND INTERACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. TWO EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION FIVE.ONE.07551.074 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE CONSULTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES OF THE CONTRACT SPECIALIST IN THE PURCHASING OFFICE. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT. NUMBER THREE. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 551.071 AND SECTION 551.072 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. CONSUTATION WITH COUNSEL AND DELIBERATION REGARDING THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, LEASE AND/OR VALUE OF THE REAL PROPERTY FOR THE SIDE CAMPUS PROJECT. POSSIBLE DISCUSSION INTERACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN >> JUDGE BECERRA: WE ARE BACK FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION AND WE HAVE THREE MOTIONS. >> MOTION TO. THE ANNUAL INCENTIVE PAYMENT TO THE GROCERY COMPANY IN LIGHT OF THE PARTIAL PERFORMANCE AND THE CHAPTER 381 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY OTHERWISE KNOWN AS PROJECT MUCH. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE. ONE. >> THANK YOU JUDGE THIS IS REGARDING THE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASING DEPARTMENT TO REGRADE THE PURCHASING CONTRACT SPECIALIST AT 0034 DASH ZERO ZERO ONE GRADE 118 AS A CONTRACT SPECIALIST SENIOR GRADE 122. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE. >> JUDGE BECERRA: LAST ONE. [LAUGHTER] >> THIS IS ITEM LETTER AND THREE AND LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO DISCONTINUE EFFORTS IN PURSUING THE VISTA PARK LOCATION APPROXIMATELY 13.2 2 ACRES PARCEL ID ARE 17388 FOR THE HAYS COUNTY E-SIDE CAMPUS AUTHORIZED PURSUING OTHER PHYSICAL LOCATIONS FOR THE PROJECT AND ALSO AUTHORIZED A SUBMITTAL OF A TERMINATION LETTER TO THE CITY REGARDING THE MO YOU EXECUTED BY THE COUNTY ON OR ABOUT SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 IN RELATION TO THE POTENTIAL LEASE OF THE PROPERTY AND FUNDING ASSOCIATED WITH KYLE VISTA PARK AND HANSEN'S POINT DASH ENHANCEMENT. >> SECOND. >> JUDGE BECERRA: PLEASE CALL THE ROLE * This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.