[CALL TO ORDER]
[00:00:02]
>> I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THIS MEETING TO ORDER. THIS MORNING'S INVOCATION WILL BE LED BY JOSH MUDIO OF SAN MARCOS SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
IF YOU PLEASE ALL RISE. >> LET'S PRAY. GOOD MORNING HEAVENLY FATHER.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LIFE. THANK YOU FOR STRENGTH. FORTH AND FOR THE PRIVILEGE WE HAVE TO TOGETHER HERE. -- TO GATHER HERE. THIS MORNING WE WANT TO ASK FOR A SPECIAL BLESSING UPON THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO ARE HERE REPRESENTED.
I WANT TO ASK FOR A SPECIAL BLESSING UPON OUR LEADERS, OUR AUTHORITIES.
AS WE GO ABOUT BUSINESS TODAY WE ASK FOR YOUR SPIRIT TO GIVE US WISDOM, AND KINDNESS AND GRACE.
TO CONDUCT OURSELVES IN SUCH A MATTER THAT SHOWS THAT WE LOVE AND CARE FOR THIS COMMUNITY.
MAY YOUR SPIRIT REIGN AND MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN IN.
JESUS' NAME WE 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 TEXAS, ONE STATE UNDER GOD.
ONE AND INDIVISIBLE. >> BECAUSE OF HOW FULL OUR COURTROOM HAS BEEN LATELY I HAVE ASKED AND I'VE HAD THE GREAT SUPPORT OF OUR COUNTY STAFF TO CREATE AN OVERFLOW SPACE DOWNSTAIRS ON THE FIRST FLOOR IN THE ROTUNDA. WE HAVE THAT SPACE FOR ANYONE THAT WANTS TO STILL BE IN THE FACILITY. IF YOU'RE A SPEAKER OF COURSE WE ASK YOU TO STAY IN THIS AREA UNTIL YOU HAVE SPOKEN. NOTICE OUR DEEPEST HOPE AND GOAL IS SHARE ACCESS TO YOUR GOVERNMENT SO YOU CAN BE HEARD AND SOMETIMES SEEN.
DR. CARDENAS PLEASE CALL THE ROLL. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
>> HERE. >> COMMISSIONER JONES. >> HERE.
>> COMMISSIONER SHELL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> HERE.
>> JUDGE BECERRA. >> HERE. PUBLIC COMMENTS.
[PUBLIC COMMENTS]
THOSE IN THE AUDIENCE HO HAVE SUBMITTED A PUBLIC PARTICIPATION SUBMITTED A PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WITNESS FORM WILL NOW HAVE THREE MINUTES TO SPEAK ON NONAGENDA RELATED TOPICS.UNFORTUNATELY NO ACTION MAY BE TAKEN BY THE COURT DURING PUBLIC COMMENTS AS WE ARE EXPECTED NOT TO RESPOND. ANY QUESTIONS WILL BE TAKEN AS RHETORICAL.
ALL COMMENTS ARE OPINIONS OF THE SPEAKER AND ARE NOT MEANT TO BE NECESSARILY CONSTRUED AS TRUTH.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS AND LANGUAGE CIVIL AND RESPECTFUL OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE REMAINDER OF YOUR TIME. IN THE SPIRITS OF RESPECT PLEASE SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES.
OUR FIRST SPEAK IRER. -- SPEAKER. I GOT STACKS EVERYWHERE -- IS
MR. DAN LYON. >> THANK YOU AND GOOD MORNING. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY TOLD THE COURT ON MARCH 3RD, 2020 THEY WERE ESTABLISHING A SERIES OF TRAILS IN ACE COUNTY WHICH WOULD COST NEXT TO NOTHING. WHEN SPEAKING OF THE SAME TRAIL SYSTEM ON JULY 28TH 20, 20 SCOTT WAY OF THE HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY SAID WE NEED 3.8 MILLION. THIS BRINGS UP THE QUESTION, IS THE HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY TOTALLY INCOMPETENT OR WERE THEY DELIBERATELY TRYING TO DECEIVE US? NOW WE ARE TOLD COUNTY TAX RATES WILL NOT INCREASE EVEN THOUGH NOT STATED BY THOSE FOR THE BOND. THE EFFECTIVE TAX RATE WILL ALMOST CERTAINLY INCREASE.
THE SPONSOR OF THE BOND PROPOSAL COMMISSIONER SHELL, SAID THAT EVEN IF THE COURT WERE TO LOWER THE TAX RATE, IT WOULD SAVE THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER ONLY ABOUT $37 A YEAR.
YOU'VE TOTALLY MISSED THE POINT. EVEN THOUGH IT'S 37 CENTS IT WOULD STILL BE PEOPLE'S MONEY.
[00:05:03]
WHAT CAN I DO WITH $37? I CAN PAY MY ELECTRICITY BILL FOR ANY MONTH BETWEEN OCTOBER AND MARCH. I GUESS WHEN YOU MAKE OVER $28,000 A YEAR $37 IS NOT MUCH.TO A REAL ONE IT IS. WE SPENT $50,000 TO BRING THE BOND ELECTION TOGETHER.
WHEN COMMENTING ON THESE BONDS MRS. FORD FREELY ADMITTED THAT, QUOTE, THERE'S MORE WORK TO BE DONE UNQUOTE. YET WITH ONE BRAVE EXCEPTION THE COURT VOTED TO PUT THIS LEAKY PROPOSAL ON NOVEMBER'S BALLOT. EVEN THOUGH IT HAD BEEN UNVEILED JUST TWO WEEKS PRIOR.
COMMISSIONER SMITH SAID THAT CITIZENS HAVE BROUGHT THESE NEEDS FORTH.
MANY OBSERVE ERRS HAVE COMMENTED THIS WREAKS OF CRONYISM AND I STRONGLY SUSPECT THEY ARE CORRECT. ONE REASON I SUSPECT IN I WAS TOLD ABOUT A YEAR AGO AT THE SAN MARCOS BUSINESS EXPO BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF LAS SIMA THERE WOULD PROBABLY BE A COUNTY PARK NEXT TO THEIR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT. I WOULD ASK BREAK THIS BOND UP SO WE CAN VOTE ON EACH INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY. I WOULD VOTE FOR THE PATRIOTS HALL IF IT IS IN THE STAND-ALONE BOND. BUT I WILL NOT VOTE FOR IT AS PART OF THE PACKAGE. COMMISSIONER SMITH LAST WEEK SAID THAT IT WAS CHEAPER TO PAY FOR $70 TO OUTSOURCE INMATES THAN TO HOUSE THEM IN HAYS COUNTY.
WITH ALL DUE RESPECT COMMISSIONER SMITH, MONEY SPENT THIS HAYS COUNTY HAS A MULTIPLE EFFECT. IT HAS AN OPPOSITE WHEFCT IT LEAVES THE COUNTY.
TAXES ARE THE ONLY WAY TO REGULATE GROWTH IN HAYS COUNTY. REALLY? I HAVE AN IDEA. LET'S NOT BUILD ROADS AND GIVE THEM TO HOUSING DEVELOPERS I.E.
COMMENTS COURT. I HAVEN'T SEEN ANYTHING CONSERVATIVE ABOUT ANY OF THE THREE REPUBLICANS ON THE COMMISSION, BUT I'M SURE THAT YOU WILL CLAIM TO BE ON YOUR CAMPAIGN BROCHURE THE HAYS COUNTY WASTED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON LAWSUIT AGAINST KINDER MORGAN. WHEN THERE WAS NO CHANCE TO PREVAIL.
THE PIPELINE WENT THROUGH. ALL Y'ALL WAS DELAY IT AND MAKE THE COATING ON THE POST
INEFFECTIVE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU MR. LYON.
NEXT UP WE HAVE MR. JEFF ARNOLD. IF YOU WILL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK IN FRONT OF ME. MY NAME IS JEFF ARNOLD AND FATHER OF FOUR CHILDREN. I'M HERE BASICALLY TO SUPPORT AND TO SPEAK FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT IN A REQUEST INCREASE SPENDING AND BUDGET FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM OF THE WITH THE ATTACK OF LAW ENFORCEMENT GOING ON ACROSS THE NATION RIGHT NOW AND US AS A COMMUNITY TO REQUEST THEM TO TECT AND TO SERVE IS WHAT WE ASK OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT TO DO ON A DAILY BASIS AND THEY ARE UNDER A NATIONAL ATTACK RIGHT NOW. I UNDERSTAND IT'S DIFFICULT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT ONE OF THE PROGRAMS THAT I'VE BEEN MADE AWARE IS THE 1033 PROGRAM TO WHERE IN HAYS COUNTY LAUCH OFFICERS CAN GETS FREE EQUIPMENT THROUGH THE MILITARY, AS FAR AS I UNDERSTAND, HAYS COUNTY HAS YET TO BUY ANY TANKS I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY ON THE STREET.
THE NORM IS THE TANKS. HAYS COUNTY HAS BEEN INVOLVED NINS 1997.
THEY SAVED OVER $1 MILLION IN TAXPAYER FUNDS SINCE EVERYTHING IN THE MILITARY IS FREE.
SOME OF THE MOST COMMONLY USED ITEMS AND DONATED ITEMS I GUESS ARE GOING TO STOVES.
REFRIGERATORS, COMPUTER PRINTERS MEDICAL BEDS, AND BEDS FOR THE NEW JAILHOUSE THAT, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, WE MIGHT HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME OPENING UP DUE TO THE LACK OF OFFICERS AVAILABLE FOR THAT FACILITY. FIRST AID KITS, TOURNIQUETS, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, LIFE PRESERVER SETS. TO ME IT'S VERY, VERY OBVIOUS WE NEED TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS PROGRAM, IF NOT BE ABLE TO INCREASE IT AGAIN. US AS A COMMUNITY, YOU AS COMMUNITY LEADERS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY, OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GIVE THESE GENTLEMEN IN BLUE THE OPPORTUNITY AND ABILITY TO DO WHAT ASKED TO DO TO PROTECT
[00:10:01]
AND SERVE US. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
[APPLAUSE] >> NEXT UP. NEXT UP, MR. TOM KEESER.
>> WHAT WAS THE NAME? >> GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS TOM KAISER.
I'VE BEEN A COUNTY RESIDENT MANY HAYS COUNTY FOR A LITTLE OVER 25 YEARS NOW.
FIRST IN KYLE AND LATELY OUT IN WIMBERLEY WHERE I CURRENTLY LIVE.
I HOPE TO DIE IN HAYS COUNTY. JUST NOT RIGHT AWAY. [LAUGHING] I HOPE MY RASHES SCATTERED ALL OVER THE PLACE. -- ASHES ARE SCATTERED ALL OVER THE PLACE IN HAYS COUNTY. IN FOR TO HAPPEN I HAVE TO HAVE A LIFE THAT I LIKE, JUST LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE. I'M NOT GOING STAY SOMEWHERE, WHERE MY NEEDS AREN'T MET.
I'M NOT GOING TO STAY SOMEWHERE, WHERE I DON'T FEEL SAFE. I'M THE GOING TO LIVE SOMEWHERE WHERE I REALLY DON'T LIKE LIVING BECAUSE I HAVE THE ABILITY TO LEAVE.
I DO HAVE THE ABILITY TO MOVE IF THAT SHOULD EVER COME ABOUT, BUT I WANT TO LIVE AND I WANT TO DIE HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. IN ORDER TO DO THAT, I HAVE TO HAVE CERTAIN NEEDS MET.
NOW I OWNED A BUSINESS HERE, SEVERAL BUSINESSES HERE IN HAYS COUNTY.
SOLD THE LAST ONE IN JANUARY, GOOD TIMING. OWNING A RESTAURANT THERE IN WIMBERLEY. OVER THE YEARS OF OWNING BUSINESS LIKE THAT, I HAVE TO DECIDE BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS. I HAD TO DECIDE MAN, I NEED SOME NEW TABLES.
I NEED SOME NEW CHAIRZ. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A NEW MARGARITA MACHINE.
-- CHAIRS. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A NEW GRILL IN THE BACK, THE ONE WITH THE KNOBS FALLING OFF OF IT. THEN I HAD TO DECIDE, WHAT DO I REALLY NEED? I NEED IT PAY MY RENT. I NEED TO MY PAY MY TAXES. I NEED TO PAY MY EMPLOYEES.
SURE, I'D LIKE IT TO HAVE A BIGGER SALARY BUT THOSE NEEDS CAME FIRST TO ME AS A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PERSON. AND RIGHT NOW THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT IS NEEDS VERSUS WANTS. BECAUSE THE COUNTY IF IT'S GOING TO BE A PRODUCTIVE COUNTY SHOULD OPERATE WITH SOME OF THOSE SAME BASIC BUSINESS THINGS NEEDS VERSUS WANTS.
SO SURE, THE COUNTY MAY WANT AND SOME WITHIN THE COUNTY MAY WANT NEW HIKING TRAILS.
THEY MAY WANT NEW PARKS. THEY MAY WANT NEW SENT NERDS DRIPPING SPRINGS.
THERE'S A LOT OF INTERESTS THAT ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT.
WANT. WHAT DO WE NEED. WHAT DO WE REALLY NEED? I NEED TO FEEL SAFE. I NEED TO KNOW THAT MY LAW ENFORCEMENT IN A FAST-GROWING SECOND IN THE NATION IN POPULATION GROWTH IS ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH WHAT'S GOING ON AROUND US. I DON'T THINK BY DEFUNDING THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS OR ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT THAT IS GOING TO BE POSSIBLE SO. I SIMPLY SAY TO YOU LOOK AHEAD.
DO WHAT IS RIGHT. POLITICS BE DAMNED. WHAT'S A NEED.
>> WHAT'S A WANT? WE WANT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FULLY FUNDED.
WE WANT TO WALK OUT OF HERE AND FEEL LIKE WE ARE TAKEN CARE OF. WE DON'T WANT TO BE PLAYING CATCHUP AND WE DAMN SURE PARDON MY FRENCH DON'T WANT TO BE AUSTIN.
THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE RULES ON TO YOU TO KEEP THE COURT AND I ASK YOU TO KEEP THE APPRECIATION OF COMMENTS TO A MINIMUM SO WE CAN KEEP MOVING.
WE HAVE A HUGE AGENDA. I APPRECIATE THE ENTHUSIASM WHOLEHEARTEDLY BUT KEEP IT PLACE THAT'S MORE SUCCINCT. NEXT UP, KELLY. SORRY I CAN'T READ IT.
PERVADE. SORRY, COULDN'T READ IT. >> IT IS CLEAR.
>> PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD. >> I'M KEL YOU -- I'M A WIFE OF HAYS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR 27 YEARS. IT IS TIME FOR US TO TAKE A STAND FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE DO NOT WANT IN HAYS COUNTY WHAT HAPPENED IN AUSTIN.
WE WANT TO FUND LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT WE'RE SILENT NO MORE.
WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU TO STEP UP, COMMISSIONERS. FUND LAW ENFORCEMENTMENT WE NEED FUNDS. MY HUSBAND IS RIDING A CAR WITH NO LIGHTS, NO SIRENS.
HE'S A POLICE IN HAYS COUNTY, SERVING OUR COMMUNITY. HE'S DRIVING A CAR WITH 160,000 MILES ON IT. VESTS THAT THEY ARE WEARING ARE OUTDATED.
WE NEED FUNDS TO IMPROVE THOSE -- THAT EQUIPMENT. SO THEY CAN SERVE CITIZENS OF
[00:15:05]
HAYS COUNTY. PLEASE VOTE TO EQUIP OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.STAND UP. IT'S TIME TO STAND UP AND TAKE A STEP.
HAYS COUNTY PLEASE CITIZENS PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. OUR NEXT RALLY PROTEST IS SEPTEMBER 19TH IN DRIPPING SPRINGS. ED COME AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. WE WANT TO FUND HAYS COUNTY WANT HAYS COUNTY TO BE BETTER.
WE DON'T WANT WHAT HAPPENED TO AUSTIN TO HAPPEN HERE. PLEASE FUNDP LAW ENFORCEMENT.
WE BACK THE BLUE. >> YEAH. >> MA'AM, MA'AM.
FOR CLARIFICATION QUESTION SO I CAN FOLLOW UP BECAUSE I GENUINELY CARE ABOUT WHAT YOU'VE DESCRIBED. IT'S A VERY TROUBLING STATEMENT, AND AS A BUDGETS OFFICER FOR THE COUNTY THAT IS A VERY TROUBLING STATEMENTS FOR ME BECAUSE WE AS A COURT HAVE MADE MANY DECISIONS AND POLICY MOVEMENTS THAT HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO PREVENT WHAT YOU'VE DESCRIBED.
SO FOR MY BENEFIT TO FOLLOW UP, CAN YOU DESCRIBE OR SAY WHO YOUR HUSBAND WORKS FOR SO WE CAN
FOLLOW UP. >> YES. MY HUSBAND IS TATE PREER.
HE WORKS FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAYS COUNTY. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH MA'AM. >> YOU'RE WELCOME. >> NEXT UP, WE HAVE CANDY HOLBERT. MISS CANDY HOLBERT IF YOU'LL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> THANK YOU. I AM HERE TO SUPPORT OUR LAW OFFICERS.
THEY NEEDS TO BE FUNDED. THEY NEED TO BE NOT DEFUNDED OR UNDERFUNDED.
WE WANT THEM TO HAVE SAFE VEHICLES EQUIPMENT TO CARRY OUT THEIR JOBS.
THEY NEED VEHICLES THAT ARE ADEQUATE FOR HIGH-SPEED CHASE WHATEVER THEY ARE UP AGAINST.
THEY NEED BULLETPROOF VESTS WHICH ONLY LAST FIVE YEARS AND THEN THEY GO.
THEY ARE REQUESTING THOSE RIGHT NOW AND NOT GETTING THEM. MY TAX DOLLARS.
I'M A HAYS COUNTY CITIZEN FOR 40S VOTING THIS. IS THE FIRST TIME TO EVER HAVE TO COME BEFORE YOU PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN VOTED IN BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT DOING THE JOB.
AND SO ALSO MY SECOND POINT IS I WANT THE JAIL TO BE FUNDED. THEY HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE RUNNING THE JASM THE THEY ARE NOT GETTING THOSE. THEY NEED THOSE.
PUT THEM IN THERE. KEEP CRIMINALS IN JAIL UNTIL THEIR DAY IN COURT.
THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON AND THEY NEED TO STAY THERE FOR A REASON.
AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> DO YOUR JOB BECAUSE NOVEMBER 4TH IS COMING. WE WILL BE SPOKEN AND WE ARE ALIVE.
>> THANK YOU. >> YOU HAVE OUT OF MY HOUSE. >> THANK YOU.
NEXT WE HAVE MISS SHEILA ROY OR RAY. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S AN O OR
MISS SHEILA RAY. >> I'M NOT USED TO PUBLIC SPEAKING EITHER BUT IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT I FEEL THAT WE HAVE AT HAND. WE HAVE SIX LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS IN OUR FAMILY, OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILY. KEEPING MY THOUGHTS ORGANIZED THAT I REALLY WANT TO SHARE MY HEART. I'M NOT HERE AS A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT. I'M HERE AS AN AMERICAN. I HAVE CHILDREN IN THE MILITARY PAST AND PRESENT, AND I'M SO THANKFUL FOR ALL MY FREEDOM FOR THE FREEDOM TO CARRY MY BIBLE, TO SPEAK THE NAME OF JESUS, EDUCATE THE CHILDREN THE WAY I WANT TO NOT VACCINATE.
I'M HERE FOR EVERY FREEDOM THE MILITARY HAS NOT FOUGHT FOR AND LAW ENFORCEMENT SWEARS THE CONSTITUTION TO DEFEND THAT ROCK STRIPPED AWAY. STATE BY STATE, LAW BY LAW, BROKEN DOWN. I UNDERSTAND WHAT HE ELABORATED ON.
I WANT TO ELABORATE ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS.
I HAVE 11 CHILDREN. FIVE NATURAL, SIX ADOPTED THAT HAVE COME FROM OVERSEAS AS WELL AS DOMESTICALLY. I HAVE SPENT MY HUSBAND'S PUNY SALARY CHANGING THE LIVES OF CHILDREN SO I UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT BETWEEN NEEDS AND WANTS.
RIGHT NOW LOOKING AT WHAT'S HAPPENING THE GOVERNMENT FALLING APART, OF CITIES WATCHING NOT
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THE TV NEWS TURN OFF AND TURN ON SOMETHING ELSE THERE'S AN TEENAGE DESTROY THE COUNTRY AND LIB ERTY HERE. -- LIB ERTIES. YOU -- LIBERTIES.YOU HEAR ALL THESE CRIES FOR FROM PEOPLE. THERE'S MORE THAN YOU'RE GETTING THE LITTLE TWISTED FACTS THAT COME IN HERE. I'M TRYING TO GATHER MY THOUGHTS. THE NEEDS FOR THE COUNTY. WE NEED TO FUND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENTMENT I'M SO THANKFUL I CAN CALL 911 AND I'VE HAD TO MANY TIMES.
I KNOW SOMEONE WILL BE THERE CLEAR ACROSS THE COUNTY THEY WILL BE THERE SURE AND SWIFT TO HOLDS A CHILD TOGETHER WHILE WE WAIT FOR AN AMBULANCE. THEY WILL BE THERE TO FIND A LOST CHILD. I'M THANKFUL. SEEING THE BOTTLES AND EVERYTHING THAT'S THROWN AT OUR OFFICERS WHILE THEY ARE PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM A SHAME AND DISGRASMS THE THEY NEED THE MONEY TO DO IT. I DON'T HAVE A -- DISGRACE.
I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY BUT DO NOT CUT TAXPAYER DOLLARS SO YOU CAN CUT THE BUDGET.
GIVE THESE OFFICERS WHAT -- ONE STINKING OFFICER $40,000 BEGINNING SALARY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. ONE OFFICER. TO GO ACROSS THE WHOLE COUNT THE IT'S CRAZY. GIVE THEM. THEY NEED THE MONEY.
TRY TO GATHER MY THOUGHTS BEFORE I GO ON A ROLL. FIRST I WANT TO SAY WITH MINORITY MATTER TO ALL LIVES MATTER TO WEAR A BLM SHIRT IS A SHAME.
I HAVE FOUR BIOLOGICAL BLACK CHILDREN AND THEY STAND HERE IN THIS COUNTRY THE FREEST COUNTRY OF ALL TO BE ABLE TO EXERCISE ALL THEE OPPORTUNITIES AND THEY SAY ALL LIVES MATTER WHEN JESUS DIED ON THE CROSS HE SPREAD HIS ARMS FOR EVERY SINGLE COLOR. DO NOT DEFINE US BY COLOR.
SO ALL LIVES MATTER. WE HAVE TWO THINGS. THESE POLICE OFFICERS NEED TO BE FUNDED TO PROTECT ALL THESE LIVES. EVERY SINGLE FROM POVERTY TO THE WEALTHY TO THE BLACK TO THE WHITE, EVERY SINGE WILL PERSON THEY NEED BEDS.
NO DISTRACTED. THEY NEED CARS, A VEST. A THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR A LIFE VEST. YEAH A BULLETPROOF VEST. THEY GO OUT THERE AND STOP AND
IT BE SAFE. THEY NEED TO HAVE THOSE. >> I'M SORRY BUT THAT TIMER IS YOUR TIME IS UP. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND WE GENUINELY DO AS A COURT.
I'M SPEAK ON OUR BEHALF. WE DO APPRECIATE YOU SPEAKING AS YOU HAVE, BUT THE TIMER IS OFF.
THANK YOU. NEXT UP, MR. CARL AUBREY. FULL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU BEING ABLE TO SPEAK TO COMMISSIONERS, SO I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE.
A RECENT MOVE TO HAYS COUNTY AT END OF THE YEAR REALLY HAPPY TO BE HERE A LITTLE UNSETTLED WITH SOME OF THE THINGS I'M HEARING AND SEEING. ALMOST EVERYTHING I GUESS RELATED TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IS POLITICAL ONE FORM OR ANOTHER.
AND THE AGENDA FOR EITHER CUTTING OR DEFUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT IN HAYS COUNTY SUN SETTLING TO ME BECAUSE I'VE LIVED AND GHOSHGD MANY PLACES BOTH IN AMERICA -- AND WORKED IN MANY PLACES BOTH IN AMERICA AND OVERSEAS, AND I'VE GOT TO EXPERIENCE THAT AGENDA.
IT GOES UNDER DIFFERENT NAMES, SOCIAL JUSTICE IN SOME CASES. BUT IT GOES BACK TO ITS LINEAGE IN 1917 WITH THE RUSSIAN COMMUNISTS. ISTS A COMMUNIST AGENDA.
IT'S NOT ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE. WE CAN LOOK ALL AROUND OUR COUNTRY AND WE CAN SEE CITIES AND STATES WHERE THIS HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED AND IT'S CHAOS. THERE IS NO JUSTICE.
AND IT'S ABOUT POWER AND IT'S 3W REALLOCATION OF MONEY TO FUND AN AGENDA THAT DOESN'T WORK FOR THE CITIZENS OF BOTH THE COUNTY, THE CITY OR THE STATE. WHERE THIS AGENDA HAS TAKEN HOLD WE'VE SEEN IT ON THE NEWS. I'VE SEEN IT IN OTHER COUNTRIES. THERE IS CHAOS.
THERE'S NOT JUSTICE. THE VICTIMS AREN'T SERVED JUSTICE.
THE CRIMINALS IN NEW YORK IN MINNESOTA, MINNEAPOLIS GO FREE AND COMMIT MORE CRIMES SO THE DEFUNDING OR BUDGET CUTTING IS BEING DISCUSSED IS BEING DRIVEN BY MONEY THAT COMES FROM OUTSIDE HAYS COUNTY AND HAS THE INFLUENCE OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE AGENDA FINANCIALLY COME INTO HAYS COUNTY IS IT MONEY THAT'S COMING FROM OUTSIDE OF THE STATE? I KNOW THERE'S AN INDIVIDUAL GEORGE SOROS FUNDS OPEN BOTHER, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND VARIOUS
[00:25:01]
PROGRAMS AND HE'S COMMITTED PUBLICLY $200 MILLION FUNDING THIS ACROSS AMERICA IN 2020.AND WHEN WE TALK ABOUT DEFUNDING AND REALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO QUOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE AGENDA THAT IS GOING TO CREATE CHAOS IT'S GOING TO CREATE DISORDER AND LACK OF SAFETY TO THE CITIZENS.
I MOVED TO THE HILL COUNTRY. WANTED TO BE IN THE HILL COUNTRY SINCE 1976 IS MY FIRST VISIT.
I MOVED HERE. I'M TICKLED TO DEATH TO BE HERE AND I WANT TO STAY HERE.
BUT I'M NOT SURE I CAN STAY HERE. I'M NOT SURE I CAN.
IT WILL BE DRIVEN BY WHAT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES AND HOW THE COUNTY GOES, AND HOW THE COUNTY STANDS AGAINST EXTERNAL INFLUENCES THAT ARE DRIVING AN AGENDA THAT'S UNHEALTHY FOR THE
COUNTY. >> THANK YOU, SIR. >> NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS MELANIE
AUBREY. >> THAT'S OKAY. YOU HAVE A FULL THREE MINUTES AND WE'RE GRATEFUL YOU TOOK THE TIME TO BE HERE? THANK YOU.
I'LL JUST SAY THAT YEAH WE'VE PLANNED FOR 42 YEARS TO BE HERE. WE LOVE IT HERE.
TIME IN REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 21 YEARS IN THE HOUSTON AREA. THAT'S WHERE I CAME FROM.
SO I KEEP TABS ON WHAT'S HAPPENING IN HAYS COUNTY POPULATIONWISE, GROWTHWISE.
WE SEE THIS INCREASE IN OUR TRAFFIC IN OUR TAXES, SCHOOL, SCHOOLS DISTRICTS TAXES GOING UP I UNDERSTAND THAT MORE RESIDENTS WE HAVE THE MORE NEED THERE IS TO SUPPORT LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SO THEY EFFECTIVELY MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER. I DON'T WANT TO SEE WHAT'S NAPPED AUSTIN AND MANY OTHER PLACES AROUND THE COUNTRY HAPPEN HERE.
I COULDN'T BELIEVE MY EARS WHEN I HEARD THIS OUR COUNTY WAS CONSIDERING NOT INCREASING SUPPORT FOR OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT ACTUALLY DECREASING IT. IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
THE MORE PEOPLE YOU HAVE. IF THEY WERE ALL GOOD PEOPLE WOULDN'T THAT BE WONDER SNUL WOULDN'T THAT BE WONDERFUL? IF WE DIDN'T NEED LAW ENFORCEMENT BUT WE NEED IT.
I ALSO WANT TO SAY I KNOW THERE'S ALSO BAD PEOPLE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT JUST LIKE THERE'S BAD PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM. [LAUGHING] BUT I'M NOT POINTING ANY FINGERS BUT YOU KNOW, SO IN ORDER FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TO DO THEIR JOBS EFFECTIVELY THEY HAVE TO HAVE WHAT THEY NEED. IF THERE'S AN INCREASE IN THE POPULATION, IT MAKES SENSE THERE NEEDS TO BE AN INCREASE IN THE FUNDS. LET'S SEE.
YEAH,S LAW ENFORCEMENT DOES MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE -- BECAUSE LAW ENFORCEMENT DOES MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY. I SEE TRAFFIC AND STATE TROOPERS OUT THERE. THEY ARE STOPPING. THEY ARE HELPING PEOPLE CHANGE TIRES. THEY DO A LOT MORE THAN I'M JUST SAYING THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD PEOPLE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. THEY COULD BE DOING A LOT OF OTHER THINGS BUT THEY HAVE CHOSEEN THIS OCCUPATION AND WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO SUPPORT THEM. IF WE DON'T PEOPLE ARE GOING TO MOVE AWAY JUST LIKE SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID, WE DON'T HAVE TO BE HERE.
WE'RE HERE BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE HERE. WE WANT TO BE HERE WITH OUR FAMILIES. WE WANT IT SEE MORE PEOPLE COME TO REAL ESTATE.
I WANT TO SAY CONFIDENTLY AWESO. THEY ARE SAFE. NO THERE'S PEOPLE NOT LOCKING THE DOORS BECAUSE I'M SHOWING THEM HOUSES. THEY FEEL SAFE.
THAT'S WHAT I WANT TO STAY IN HAYS COUNTY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR COMMENTS. MELANIE AUBREY.
AND JUST SO THAT EVERYONE KNOWS, I KNOW THAT YOU SAY YOU'VE HEARD COMMENTS NO ONE IS PROPOSING TO DEFUND LAW ENFORCEMENT HERE IF HAYS COUNTY IN THIS COURT. THE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT I HAVE -- THE PRO POSED BUDGET THAT I HAVE PUT LAST YEAR DIDN'T DO THAT AND THIS PROPOSED BUDGET DOES NOT DEFUND LAW ENFORCEMENT. SO THE EFFORTS THAT YOU GUYS ROCK TOLD I JUST WANT TO HAVE YOU HAVE THAT PEACE OF MIND. I CAN'T SPEND ANOTHER TIME BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE PLACE ARE MAYBE SLIGHTLY SKEWED. NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS MICHELLE GERMAN.
>> THANKS FOR LETTING ME SPEAK. I WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON THAT BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT WE'RE HEARING, LEARNING AND WHAT WE'VE ALSO SEEN. WHAT WE ARE FLARING OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO ARE POLICE OFFICERS THEY ARE NOT GETTING THE EQUIPMENT THEY NEED OR THE
[00:30:01]
CARS THEY NEED AND THEIR BUDGET IS IN QUESTION. I AM NOT -- I'VE NEVER BEEN HERE NEVER PLAN ON BEING HERE. I'M A MOM. I HAVE THREE KIDS AT HOME.LIVED IN HAYS COUNTY FOR THE LAST 20 OR SO YEARS. I WENT TO SEATTLE LAST WEEK AND ALL I CAN THINK THE WHOLE TIME I WAS THERE WAS HOW GRATEFUL I WAS WHEN MY KIDS WERE NOT WITH ME.
THERE WERE NEEDLES ON THE STREET. AT ONE POINT THIS NAKED MAN WAS KICKING DOWN THINGS. HE WAS ABOUT TO DEFECATE ON THE SIDEWALK.
NO ONE DID NISMGHT ALL THE SHOPS WERE BOARDED UP. IT WAS A NIGHTS MAYOR.
I WAS TOLD TO NOT GO TO CERTAIN AREAS AT NIGHT. I WAS TOLD THAT YOU COULD NOT BE THERE IN THE EVENING. I WAS TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN OUR KIDS NOT SAFE.
THEN I WAS TOLD THAT HAYS COUNTY IS CONSIDERING THE SAME THING. WE HAVE BEEN HERE FOR SO LONG.
WE'RE BUSINESS OWNERS AND WE'RE TALKING TO OUR COUSINS WHO LIVE IN SEATTLE.
THEY HAVE BEEN HERE THE LAST 25 YEARS AND TRYING TO GET OUT AS FAST AS THEY.
CAN HE'S LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB. THEY ARE TRYING TO PUT THEIR HOUSE ON THE MARKET. REAL ESTATE IS STRUGGLING BECAUSE EVERYONE IS TRYING TO GET OUT. THEIR HOMES ARE NOT WORTH WHAT THEY PAY FOR THEM AND THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IF IT BECOMES UNSAFE. I GUESS I JUST WANT TO SAY WE ARE BUSINESS OWNERS AND WE WANT TO BE HERE. WE WANT TO EMPLOY HERE.
WE WANT OUR KIDS TO GO TO SCHOOL HERE BECAUSE WE FEEL SAFE HERE. WE WILL NOT STAY IF WE DO NOT FEEL SAFE. I DO BACK THE BLUE AND I DON'T WANT THEM DEFUNDED OR UNDERFUNDED. I WANT THEM TO HAVE EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO KEEP US SAFE.
I WANT MY KIDS TO HAVE SOMEONE THEY CAN CALL IF THEY ARE IN TROUBLE.
THEY HAVE COME TO HELP US SEVERAL TIMES. THAT'S ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
THANK YOU. [APPLAUSE] >> MISS PEGGY DAVIS.
AND AFTER THAT WILL BE MISS CHRISTINE TERRELL. >> I'VE NEVER BEEN ADVOCATE THAT SPEAKS OUT. I HAVE LIVED IN HAYS COUNTY SINCE 2014.
I MOVED TO WIMBERLEY IN 2015 I WAS WIPED OUT BY THE FLOOD. I MOVED AWAY BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE, BUT WHEN I HAD A CHOICE I CAME BACK. IF I HAVE A CHOICE AGAIN I WILL PROBABLY LEAVE. JUDGE, I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT YOUR UNDERFUNDING AND YOU'RE CUTTING BUDGETS. YOUR PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS. I NEVER WAS AN ACTIVIST UNTIL YESTERDAY. AND I HEARD NEWS OF THE PROPOSED BUDGETS FOR EACH DISTRICT.
IT CAN'T HAPPEN. IF MY PARENTS AND MY IN-LAWS ARE NO LONGER ALIVE, BUT WHEN I NEED IT A LAW OFFICER TO COME WHEN I WALKED IN ON MY MOTHER-IN-LAW WHEN SHE WAS LYING DEAD ON THE FLOOR. SOMEONE CAME IMMEDIATELY. IT TOOK VERY LITTLE TIME FOR THE JP TO GET THERE. WE HAD FOUR OFFICERS ASSISTING US IN WHAT WAS AN EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TIME. AS WE UNDERBUDGET, DON'T PLAN FOR DON'T INCREASE BUDGETS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. THERE WON'T BE SOMEBODY TO COME. WHEN THERE IS AN INTRUDER OR A PROWLER AT OUR DOOR, WHICH THERE HAS BEEN. AND WE HAVE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE OUR CONSTABLES COME AND IMMEDIATELY AND SEARCH THE AREAS FOR LOST CHILDREN OR GENTLEMEN WHO ARE OUT OF THEIR MIND BECAUSE THEY ARE EITHER ON DRUGS OR DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING, AND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMES. THEY ALWAYS COME.
IF THERE IS NOT ENOUGH PEOPLE. IF THERE'S NOT ENOUGH MONEY TO PAY THEM WHAT THEY ARE WORTH WE CAN'T POSSIBLY PAY THEM WITH A THEY ARE WORTH BUT WE AT LEAST HAVE TO PAY THEM A COMPETITIVE WAGE AND WE NEED MORE AS MORE PEOPLE MOVE INTO HAYS COUNTY THERE WILL BE MORE CRIME THE THEY WILL BE MORE DEATH. THERE WILL BE MORE OLD PEOPLE DYING.
THERE WILL BE MORE LOST CHILDREN. THERE WILL BE MORE CRAZY PEOPLE WANDERING AROUND IN THE WOODS WITH A GUN. WE DON'T NEED LESS MONEY.
[00:35:04]
THEY DON'T NEED LESS THAN THAN LAST YEAR THEY NEED MORE MONEY THAN LAST YEAR.THEY NEED MORE MONEY AND OFFICERS THAN THEY HAD LAST YEAR AND MY NAME IS UP.
>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE BECERRA AND COMMISSIONERS. THE GREAT TO SEE SO MANY PEOPLE IN THE COURTROOM TODAY. IT WAS MENTIONED FROM THE -- LAST TWHEEK MY COMMENTS SHOWED NO CONCERN ABOUT THE -- WEEK THAT MY COMMENTS SHOWED NO CONCERN ABOUT THE VICTIMS OF A CRIME. WE AS A COMMUNITY THINK DIFFERENTLY ABOUT HOW WE MANAGE NONVIOLENT CRIMES AND HOLISTIC PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE IS SHOWN TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR BOTH DEFENDANTS AND TAXPAYERS. SO LET ME TAKE A MOMENT TO STATE VERY CLEARLY.
I HAVE GREAT EMPATHY FOR ANYONE PHYSICALLY OR EMOTIONALLY HARMED BY ANOTHER PERSON OR ENTITY.
AND IF LOCKING THE OFFENDER UP IS WHAT'S NECESSARY FOR THE VICTIMS IN THE COMMUNITY I'M NOT QUESTIONING THAT. BUT THERE IS A REAL MISSING PIECE IN THAT COMMENT ABOUT CONCERN FOR VICTIMS. IN A COUNTY OF 230,000 SOULS THERE ARE LITERALLY TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS. VICT SMZ SPOUSAL ABUSE, ELDER ABUSE, CHILDS VICTIMS OF RAPE.
-- VICTIMS. THAT'S JUST TO NAME A FEW OF THE VICTIMS. AND THE STATISTICS ARE VERY CLEAR HERE. ALMOST NONE OF THOSE ABUSERS ARE NEVER BROUGHT INTO OUR CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM AND SOMETHING FOLKS HERE MIGHT NOT KNOW EVEN THOUGH BROUGHT INTO THE SYSTEM ARE RARELY CONVICTED. THE NATIONAL ANTI-SEXUAL VIOLENCE ORGANIZATION RAIN HAS COMPILED THESE NUMBERS. FOR EVERY 1,000 SEXUAL ASSAULTS, ONLY 230 ARE EVER EVEN REPORTED. OF THOSE ONLY 46 LEAD TO ARRESTS AND FIVE RAPISTS CONVICTED LEAVING 990 PERPETRATORS TO WALK FREE AND THE NUMBERS ARE ALMOST THE SAME FOR ROBBERIES AND ASSAULT CRIMES. THESE ARE JARRING FACTS. THE NUMBERS MAKE IT CLEAR THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM NOT AFFECTING ASAGE OF VICTIMS IN OUR POPULOUS YET THIS BUDGET PROPOSES TO SPEND NEARLY $70 MILLION IN 2021 WHICH IS AROUND A 50% INCREASE FROM THIS YEAR.
SO I'M NOT SURE WHERE THIS DEFUNDING OF THE POLICE HAS COME.
FROM I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY HELPING VICT SIMEDZ A KEY FUCHKS GOVERNMENT.
THERE'S NO -- VICTIMS IS A KEY FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT. IT'S INEFFICIENT AND CREATES VICTIMS OF ITS OWN RIGHT THIS. DATA BACKS UP WHAT WE CAN SEE WITH OUR OWN EYES.
COMMUNITIES WITH THE BEST OUTCOMES DON'T HAVE THE MOST POLICE.
THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THE MOST RESOURCES. IF VICTIMS ARE TRULY OUR FOCUS WE SHOULD SHIFT LAW ENFORCEMENT DOLLARS INTO COMMUNITY DOLLARS LIKE HOUSING SUPPORT, ADDS DICTION RECOVERY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. I DIDN'T LAUGH WHEN ANYBODY ELSE
WAS SPEAKING. >> I'M SORRY ABOUT THAT. I SHOULD HAVE ADDRESSED IT.
IF YOU PLEASE REMAIN RESPECTFUL IN THE COURTROOM SO FOLKS WILL HAVE THEIR TIME.
AND HOLISTIC PUBLIC DEFENDERS. ACCESS TO THIS WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT MORE VICTIMS BUT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS AND EXTENDED COURTS WILL ALSO BENEFIT BY HAVING TO MANAGE FEWER OF THESE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS. WE HAVE A REAL OPPORTUNITY HERE THIS MONTH TO HELP MORE PEOPLE THIS HAYS COUNTY BY BACKING UP RHETORIC WITH REAL DOLLARS.
WE SPENT $11 MILLION ON OUTSOURCING DETAINEES ORV THE LAST THREE YEARS IN.
THAT SAME PERIOD WE SPENT $3 MILLION ON COMMUNITY SERVICES. A MORAL DOCUMENT WOULD REVERSE THOSE NUMBERS. I HOPE COMMISSIONERS HAVE THE MORAL CLARITY TO DO THAT.
THANK YOU. >> NEXT UP. >> BOO.
>> IF YOU CAN'T REMAIN RESPECTFUL I'M GOING TO ASK TO YOU LEAVE THE COURTROOM WHOEVER IT MAY BE. NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS LORRAINE HUBULAY.
>> GOOD MORNING JUDGE BECERRA, COMMISSIONERS. I COME AS A FORMER TEACHER, AND A SISTER AS FORMER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL IN CRAVMENT ALL TEACHERS COME TO -- CALIFORNIA. ALL TEACHERS COME IT TERMS WITH THE ENTIRE CLASS WILL NOT UNDERSTAND EVEN THE MOST CAREFULLY PREPARED LESSON. THERE WILL STILL BE THE SYSTEM THAT STUDENT MISSES THE LESSON BECAUSE THEY ARE SO DISTRACTED BY WHAT OTHERS MAY THINK.
THE STUDENT WHO IS SURE THAT THE LESS IS AN IS IRRELEVANT DOES NOT LISTEN AT ALL.
THE STUDENT WHO PRETENDS TO GET LESSON BUT IT GOES OVER THEIR HEAD AND THE STUDENT WHO IS QUITE CONFIDENT THE LESSON UNDERSTOOD BUT ACTUALLY MISSED THE ENTIRE POINT.
PERHAPS THESE REASONS EXPLAIN WHY THERE'S A FUNDAMENTAL GAP IN UNDERSTANDING THE TERM JUSTICE
[00:40:02]
FOR ALL IN THIS COMPLT NOT UNDERSTANDING IS THE -- IN THIS COURT.NOT UNDERSTANDING IS THE ONLY PLAUSIBLE EXPLANATION I CAN GIVE BECAUSE AS A COURT OF COMMISSIONERS YOU CONTINUE TO TURN YOUR BACK ON GROSS INEQUITIES IN THE HAYS COUNTY JUSTICE SYSTEM. ALTHOUGH ALL OF THE INEQUITIES CANNOT BE PREPARED AT ONCE, FUNDING OF PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE OR A HOLISTIC PROGRAM THAT INCLUDES PUBLIC DEFENSE IS A FIRST AND JUST STEP. DO I HAVE FURTHER CONCERNS IN THIS COUNTY? ABSOLUTELY. HOWEVER THIS HAS MY ATTENTION FIRST.
AS A GOOD TEACHER I KNOW NOT TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT LESSON UNTIL THE FIRST ONE IS LEARNED AND WE DON'T SEEM TO BE MAKING ANY PROGRESS WITH THIS ONE. I CHOOSE TO BE HERE PERSONALLY TO REMIND YOU OF THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY, THAT YOU WERE ALL ELECTED TO REPRESENT.
MY OBSERVATION HAS BEEN INDIVIDUALS WHO LIVE AND WORK IN HAYS COUNTY ARE NOT THE GUIDING FORCE HAD YOUR POWER STRUGGLES OF POLITICS AND I FIND THAT DEEPLY UNSETTLING.
I WILL LEAVE YOU WITH MY QUOTE OF OF THE WEEK WAY BY THE GREAT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.
JUSTICE WILL NOT BE SERVED UNTIL THOSE WHO ARE UNAFFECTED ARE AT OUTRAGED BY THOSE WHO ARE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS NAOMI
NERVICE. >> GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. GOOD TO SEE EVERYONE THIS MORNING. I'M HERE FOR ONE REASON TO SUPPORT OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I CAN'T GO TO SAN MARCOS CITY COUNCIL BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING THEIR MEETINGS VIRTUALLY SO THE NEXT BEST THING IS TO COME HERE TO COMMISSIONERS COURT. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY FOR MANYED ENGAGED IN DIFFERENT ORGANIZATION CIVIC POLITICAL, WHATEVER I SERVED IN MANY DIFFERENT CAPACITIES. I'VE BEEN AN ETHICS REVIEW COMMISSIONER. I'VE BEEN ON THE SCHOOL HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL AND I'VE DONE ALL THAT AS WELL AS SAN MARCOS CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION ALL TO BETTER OUR COMMUNITY AND SERVE MY FELLOW MAN. UNFORTUNATELY NOT ALL OF US HAVE THE SAME GOALS. THERE ARE SOME IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO WANT TO CAUSE HAVOC, WHO WANT TO CAUSE CHAOS, CONSTRUCTION AND DAMAGE TO OUR COMMUNITY -- DESTRUCTION.
WE HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN CLOSE ENOUGH IN AUSTIN BUT TRYING TO DO IT WELL HERE BUT EVEN HAVE GONE OUT TO LOCKHART AND TRIED TO REMOVE MONUMENTS OVER THERE THE LAST TIME I WAS HERE I READ TO YOU FROM SCRIPTURE AND READ TO YOU ABOUT ZACCHIAS THE TAX THEOR.
THIS MORNING I WANT TO TELL BUT A SCRIPTURE IN TIMOTHY, 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-7 THAT WAS SPOKEN BY THE APOSTLE PAUL. HE SAID ALSO KNOW THIS ALSO IN THE LAST DAYS PERILOUS TIME SHOULD COME. MEN WILL BE LOVERS OF THEM OWN SELVES, COVETOUS, BOASTING, PROUD, DISOBEDIENT TO PARENTS, UNTHANKFUL AND UNHOLY WITHOUT NATURAL AVKS, TRUTH BREAKERS FALSE ACCUSERS AND INCONTINENT, FEARS, DESPISERS OF THOSE WHO ARE GOOD, TRAITORS, HIGH OF MINDED LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD HAVING HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING THE POWER THEREOF. FROM SUCH, TURN AWAY. THAT IS WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING TODAY. WE ARE LIVING A PERILOUS TIMES. CRIME IN SAN MARCOS HAS BEEN INCREASING NO. SURPRISE THERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS HAS BEEN INVITING TROUBLE TO COME. I WAS AT CITY HALL IN AUGUST 17 WHEN PROTESTERS FILLED THE ROOM IN AN ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE COUNCIL TO JOIN A LAWSUIT OF OPPOSING AS BEFORE, WHICH IS THE ANTI-SANCTUARY BILL. I STOOD THERE ALONE THAT EVENING AFTER MY HUSBAND HAD TO GO BACK TO WORK, AND SUPPORTED THIS BEFORE. LATE THAT EVENING CITY COUNCIL DECIDED NOT TO JOIN THE LAWSUIT. I HAVE COVERED COMMENTS AGAINST RESTRICTS LICENSE IT CARRY HOLDERS FROM CARRYING THEIR CONCEALED FIREARMS DURING COUNCIL MEETINGS AND THANKFULLY CITY COUNS THEY'LL UNION VOTED AGAINST -- RESTRICTSING OUR RIGHT TO CARE RISMT I HAVE ALSO COMMENTS AGAINST -- CARRY THIS. COUNCIL APPROVED IT. I ALSO SERVED AS CHAIR OF CITY OF SAN MARCOS COMMITTEE TASK FORCE, WHICH RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT, FIRE STATION, FIRE TRAINING FIELDS AND OTHER ITEMS. ALL TO BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY AND PROTECT OUR CITIZENS. TODAY WE ARE FACING THOSE PERILOUS TIMES. INDIVIDUALS ARE ADVOCATING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES RELEASE CRIPPLES ONTO OUR STREETS -- CRIMINALS ONTO OUR STREETS AND DEFUND THE POLICE.
THEY HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME FILLING VACANCIES WHICH ARE LEFT WHEN INDIVIDUALS RETIRE OR LEAVE
[00:45:01]
AGENCIES FOR OTHER REASONS. WE MUST STAND AGAINST THESE RADICAL IDEAS AND STAND ONS PRINCIPLE. -- STAND ON PRINCIPLE. LAW BREAKERS MUST NOT BE ALLOWEDTO TERRORIZE OUR CITIZENS. >> THANK YOU. >> YES, SIR.
>> SLEEP COMFORTABLY IN OUR BEDS AT HOME, PROPERTY CRIMES ASSAULT MURDER, RAPE AND THEFT SHOULD NOT BE THE NORM. WE CANNOT FORGET THESE MEN AND WOMEN WHO DRESS IN UNIFORM ARE PUTTING THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY LIKE OFFICER COPELAND MAY NOT MAKE IT HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES OR LOVED ONES BECAUSE SOMEONE LIKE A LOCAL RADICAL BELIEVES IT'S OK TO DESTROY
EVERYTHING AND ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE. >> TURN OFF HER MIKE TOO WE'RE DEMANDED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS WORLD AND FELLOW MAN SO AS LAW ENFORCEMENT MOM I ASK YOU TO BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS AND THE BLUE. SIR I WANT TO HEARD YOU ALL THE ONES THAT BACK THE BLUE YOU STOPPED AND TOLD US TIME WAS UP BUT NOT TO CHRISTINE SO IF YOU'RE GOING TO BE FAIR BE FAIR TO ALL OF US. JUSTICE FOR ALL.
[CHEERING] >> THANK YOU, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.
WELL IT'S A LOT TO TAKE IN THIS MORNING. I'M A FORMER OFFICER.
I USED TO BE A BAILIFF FOR MUNICIPAL COURT. A LOT OF STUFF IS HAPPENING IN THIS COURT WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED WHEN I WAS OVER THERE, JUDGE. IT SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED HERE.
YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO DO A BETTER JOB MAKING SURE THERE'S RESPECT HERE, OK.
I HAVE AIS IS TWHOR IS AN OFFICER. MY BROTHER WAS AN OFFICER DAD WAS AN OFFICER. SEVERAL FOLKS IN THE COMMUNITY HAVE ACCUSED ME OF BEING ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT. I'M NOT ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT. WHAT I AM AGAINST IS POLICE OFFICERS THAT HAVE FAILED TO HONOR THEIR CODE THAT THEY TOOK. YOU KNOW, I WENT TO THE ACADEMY OF APD IN '01 OVER TEN DAYS. TEN DAYS. I HAD MY REASONS WHY.
I'LL TELL YOU REAL BREESM THE I COULD NOT WORK THAT WAY. AS FAR AS THAT DEFUNDING THAT JUST HAPPENED I'M GLAD THEY DID THAT. I CAN TELL YOU ALL THIS AS A FORMER LAWMAN. MONEY IS NOT THE SOLUTION. THAT'S NOT THE SOLUTION.
I WORK WITH A LOT OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WERE MAKING A LOT OF MONEY AND AS SOON AS WE WOULD COME ON DUTY FIRST THING OUT OF THEIR MOUTH IS LET'S GO RUIN SOMEBODY'S DAY.
THAT'S NOT WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR. THAT'S WHY I DECIDED TO RUN FOR OFFICE BECAUSE THE WAY TO CHANGE IT IS TO LEAVE THAT AGENCY. THAT'S WHY I STARTED SEEKING OFFICE. YOU KNOW, THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD OFFICERS.
THERE'S A LOT OF GOOD OFFICERS. ONE DAY ME AND MY BUDDY WERE SITTING DOWN EAT SOMETHING DINNER AND WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A BUNCH OF PROBLEMS. THERE WAS AN OFFICER NEXT TO US AND HE TURNED AROUND AND SAID HEY GUYS, I WISH I COULD TELL YOU ALL THE HORRIBLE STUFF I'VE SEEN, BUT I CAN'T BECAUSE I'M AFRAID TO LOSE MY JOB. SO WE HAVE PROBLEMS, FOLKS.
WE DO HAVE PROBLEMS AND MONEY IS NOT THE SOLUTION. YOU KNOW, I HEAR, YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THIS COUNTY HAS TO DO A BETTER JOB OF VERY QUICK IS ACCOUNTABILITY.
AS A FORMER TROOPER SERGEANTS AND LIEUTENANTS IN THE CAPTAINS EVERY TIME WE HAVE AUDITS REAL AUDITS WHERE THE INSPECTORS WOULD COME IN AND THROW DOWN AND WE WOULD HAVE TO JUSTIFY EVERYTHING THAT WE DID EIGHT HOURS A THE WE WOULD HAVE TO WRITE IT DOWN.
I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S BEING DONE. YOU KNOW, I AM, YOU KNOW, I WAS PROUD AND I WILL GOD WILLING, GIVE MY BADGE AGAIN, REACTIVATE MY LICENSE.
BUT ONE OF THE REASONS THAT I'VE REFUSED TO APPLY ANYWHERE OR GET HIRED ANYWHERE IS BECAUSE WE NEED TO IMPROVE THE MENTALITY AND THE THINGS AS TO HOW THESE AGENCIES ARE WORKING.
YOU KNOW, A LOT OF THIS STUFF THAT I'VE HEARD TODAY IS NOT ACCURATE.
I WAS THERE. FOUR DIFFERENT AGENCIES. FOUR DIFFERENT AGENCIES.
I WAS THERE. I USED TO WORK AT THE BORDER. I USED TO ASK THE BORDER PATROL AGENTS OUT THERE YOU GUYS NEED PROBABLE CAUSE TO INITIATE TRAFFIC STOPS? SAID YEAH WE DO. WHAT DO YOU USE? THE GUY LOOKED AT ME NERVOUS THREE TIMES. H SAID WE CAN'T PROVE THAT HE DIDN'T LOOK AT ME NERVOUS.
THAT'S PATHETIC. FOR THEM TO BE DOING THAT AND THE OTHER WE'RE DOING IS ONE GUY FROM MEXICO AND THIS CULTURE WE HAVE A HABIT OF HAVING FIVE, SIX DIFFERENT NAMES THEY WERE SWITCHING THE NAMES CONTINUE TO CREASE THE NUMBERS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MR. AMAYA. NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS RILEY GERMAN.
[00:50:05]
>> HI. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK.
MY NAME IS RILEY GERMAN AND I HAVE A SOPHOMORE AT A HIGH SCHOOL.
THERE WAS A TIME AT MY GRANDMA'S WHEN THERE WAS A -- SORRY. WHEN AS A DRUNK MAN YELLING OUTSIDE THE HOUSE. NONE OF US REALLY KNEW. I'M SO SORRY.
NONE OF US REALLY KNEW WHAT TO DO. HE WAS KIND OF YELLING THREATS WHILE HOLDING. MY YOUNGER BROTHER CAME IN THE ROOM GETTING SUPER UPSET.
SO WE CALLED THE POLICE. THEY TWLR IN VERY QUICKLY -- THEY WERE THERE VERY QUICKLY MAKING ME AND MY BROTHERS A LOT BETTER. THEY GOT SITUATION UNDER CONTROL QUICKLY AND HELPED TO ENSURE HE WOULD NEVER COME BACK ON THE PROPERTY AGAIN.
I ALSO HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WHOSE DADS ARE COPS. I KNOW IF I WERE TO CALL THEM IN NEED THEY WOULD COME IMMEDIATELY. I SUPPORT THE POLICE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE POLICE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY THEY NEED TO STAY SAFE.
THEY NEED THESE NEW VESTS. THEY NEED ALL THESE THINGS AND IF THEY DON'T HAVE THEM THEY
WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMAIN SAFE. THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MA'AM.
[APPLAUSE] NEXT UP WE HAVE MISS JENNIFER GROSS.
>> HI. MY >> IMJENNIFER CROSS WITH A C.
JUST SO YOU KNOW I'M LATINE A.
I'M A MOM, WIFE, DAUGHTER, SISTER. I'VE LIVED IN HAYS COUNTY FOR 15 YEARS, AS SINCE '86. WE MOVED HERE FROM AN UNSAFE LATIN AMERICAN HOMELAND.
ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WAS IT WAS UNSAFE. WE DID NOT GO OUT AT NIGHT.
CURRENTLY DO NOT VISIT VERY OFTEN. YOU DON'T STOP AT RED LIGHTS.
IT'S UNSAFE. HAVE FRIENDS DROP YOU OFF FROM A MOVIE BECAUSE IF YOU DRIVE YOUR OWN CAR THEY WON'T BE THERE WHEN YOU COME OUT. I DON'T WANT THAT HERE.
I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE POLICE. I WANT THEM TO BE FULLY FUNDED. I WOULD LIKE THEM TO HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO DO THEIR JOB. I DO NOT WANT CRIMINALS RELEASED EARLY. THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON. THAT'S A TERRIBLE IDEA.
PLEASE DO NOT IMPLEMENT THOSE CHANGES AND PLEASE KEEP OUR COUNTY SAFE.
AND TO JUDGE BECERRA, I MET YOU. MY HUSBAND AND I MET YOU A FEW YEARS AGO.
WE WERE BUSINESS OWNERS AND WE WON THE GOVERNORS AWARD FOR OUR SMALL BUSINESS.
AFTERWARDS WE SOUGHT YOU OUT TO ASK WHAT YOU WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO US YOUNG BUSINESS OWNERS. YOU TOLD US TO WORK HARD AND YOU TOLD US, GAVES AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOUR DAY WAS LIKE. WE TOOK THAT ADVICE AND WE WORKED HARD, AND NOW I ASK YOU TO PLEASE WORK HARD AS DID YOU IN YOUR BUSINESSES TO KEEP OUR COUNTY SAFE.
[APPLAUSE] >> I-S-O-N. SORRY IF I APROUNCED IT WRONG.
THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> MY NAME IS VINCEY. I'M AN EIGHTH GRADE SPANISH TEACHER A SCHOOL RECENTLY IN THE NEWS FOR NOT SO GOOD REASONS. THOSE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE FACTS A TEACHER WAS CAUGHT HIDING CAMERAS WHEN FEMALES WEREN'T AWARE THEY WERE BEING TAPED AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. I'VE BEEN TEACHING 23 YEARS AND THIS IS THE FIRST SCHOOL I'VE BEEN IN A PRESENT ASSIGNMENT WHERE SOMETHING LIKE THIS WAS HAPPENING.
95% OF TEACHERS ARE GOOD PEOPLE IN THE PROFESSION HELP CHILDREN. MANY HVE BEEN FOUND TO BE IN NEED OF DISMISSAL BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THE REST OF US ARE BAD.
THE SAME WITH THE POLICE OFFICERS. I'VE ALWAYS IDENTIFIED WITH THE POLICE. EVERYONE COMPLAINS ABOUT TEACHERS AND OFFICERS.
SO MANY PEOPLE SAY THEY WOULD NEVER WANT TO DO OUR JOB. MY BROTHER SAID IF HE HAD TO TEACH IN MIDDLE AGE -- MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS HE WOULD BE IN JAIL. I'M HERE TO SAY IF I HAD TO BE A POLICE OFFICER I WOULD HAVE QUICKLY LEFT THE PROFESSION. POLICE OFFICERS ARE NEED SO MUCH TO PROTECT US FROM ONE ANOTHER, A MOM IN CEDAR PARK WAS EVEN NEEDED THEM TO PROTECT HER FROM SOMEONE IN HER OWN HOUSE. THEY HANDLE PEOPLE UNDER THE INFLAUNS.
[00:55:07]
THEY HELP US INTO PEOPLE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS, DRUNK DRIVERS, MURDERS, RAPISTS, KEEP DRUGS AND GANGS OFF THE STREETS. THEY HAVE TO DEAL WITH ADVERSE SITUATIONS.THEY RUN INTO DARK ALLEYS. THEY APPROACH THAT CAR WITH DARK TINTED WINDOWS AT NIGHT NOT HAVING ANY IDEA WHAT IS INSIDE, BUT TO INVESTIGATE POTENTIAL DANGER TO THE REST F US.
THEY HANDLE THE DREGS OF SOCIETY AND WE EXPECT THEM TO COME WHEN WE CALL QUICKLY IN A GOOD MOOD KIND AND POLITE EVERY TIME THEY INTERACT WITH US. NOW THE ENTIRE PROFESSOR SESSION UNDER ATTACK IN OUR COUNTRY. POLICE OFFICERS ARE BEING CRITICIZED VERBALLY ASSAULT, BATTERED AND ATTACKED. THEY NEED OUR SUPPORT MORE THAN EVER.
NOW WE'RE EXPECTING HOME DO EVERYTHING THEY HAVE TO DO WITH FEWER RESOURCES.
I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT THAT DOESN'T LEAVE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH MUCH REASON TO WANT TO BE A POLICE OFFICER. MY HUSBAND IS AN AUSTIN FIREFIGHTER.
HE TELLS ME ABOUT HAVING TO GO PLACES THAT ARE DANGEROUS AND SCARY AND HOW GRATEFUL HE IS TO HAVE HELP OF THE POLICEMAN TO SECURE THE SCENE SO HE CAN DO HIS HELP PEOPLE THAT NEED HIM.
NOW THE CITY OF AUSTIN HAS TAKEN THAT SECURITY AWAY AND FIREFIGHTERS ARE ALSO EXPECTED TO DO THEIR JOBS JUST AS BEFORE. IT'S GOING TO BE DIFFICULT FOR THEM AS WELL.
CITY COUNCIL ARE CONSIDERING TAKING AWAY RESOURCES BUT STILL EXPECT THEM TO DO THEIR JOBS.
I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE PUTTING THE LIVES OF THESE MEN AND WOMEN EVEN MORE AT DANGER THAN THEY ALREADY ARE TAKING AWAY THE SUPPORT BASE THEY HAVE AT PRESENT.
WHERE WOULD OUR SOCIETY BE WITHOUT THEM. AS A TAX-PAYING LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN OF BUDA I ASK THAT YOU PLEASE DO NOT DEFUND THEM. PROTECT OUR SOCIETY, STAND BY
THEM AND SUPPORT THEM. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM. NEXT UP MR. CHARLES RICHARDSON.
>> YES, SIR. WITH THE CLAPPING MY MICROPHONE TURNS DOWN, AND I COULD BE MORE RIGID ABOUT IT AND SAY NO APPRECIATION, BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE THAT WAY.
>> ENJOY THAT I FEEL WE SHOULD HAVE THAT FLEXIBILITY AS LONG AS WE REMAIN RESPECTFUL.
THAT'S WHY I'M BEING AS FLEXIBLE AS WIK IT ALL. SO YOU HAVE THREE MINUTES.
>> YEAH. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COMMISSION AND THE JUDGE, AND SO THIS IS AMAZING THAT WE HAVE FREE COUNTRY WHERE WE'RE ABLE TO DISCUSS OUR ISSUES AND DO IT THROUGH A CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS.
I APPRECIATE THAT. THIS IS MY FIRST TIME. I THINK TODAY OUR COUNTRY IS UNDER ATTACK. OUR RULES OF LAW ARE UNDER ATTACK.
IT'S CRITICAL FOR US TO SUPPORT THE RULE OF LAW RIGHT NOW AND I UNDERSTAND THE PRESSURES THAT YOU GUYS ARE UNDER RIGHT NOW TO SUPPORT OTHER VIEWS AND SUPPORT THE RULE OF LAW, BUT I THINK TODAY NOW MORE THAN EVER WE NEED TO SUPPORT OUR LOCAL POLICE. A FATHER BACK IN THE 70S, 70S AND 80S TOLD ME HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS TO SUPPORT LOCAL POLICE. SO THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT -- THESE ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ARE COACHING KIDS BASEBALL TEAMS. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE YOU MEET AT RESTAURANTS. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO BE THERE FOR HE SAID -- HE KNEW SHE COULD CALL ONE OF HER FRIENDS DADS WAS A POLICE OFFICER. THIS IS THE TIME WHERE WE NEED TO DOUBLE DOWN AND SUPPORT LOCAL. AND HOWEVER THAT MEANS. I UNDERSTAND.
I HAVE A BUSINESS HERE. I'M A FATHER OF FOUR. WE MOVED HERE FOUR YEARS AGO BECAUSE WE BELIEVED IN WHAT TEXAS PROVIDED IN TERMS OF FREEDOM AND FAMILY ORIENTED AREA THAT IS GOING PROTECT THE RULE OF LAW. I LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT.
WE NEED TO SUPPORT LOCAL. THE PROB IF WE SET OUR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS UP FOR FAILURE AND LOCAL SHERIFFS FOR FAILURE, WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? FEDERAL OFFICERS COMING IN THAT DON'T KNOW OUR COMMUNITY, DON'T KNOW OUR FAMILIES, DON'T KNOW OUR CHILDREN.
THEN WE ALSO, IF THAT DOESN'T WORK, WE'LL HAVE INTERNATIONAL POLICE KEEPING FORCES THAT COME IN. SO THIS IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE THAT WE'RE ON RIGHT NOW, AND I JUST
THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR SUPPORT. >> THANK YOU, SIR.
NEXT UP MISS KATHY POWELL. >> GOOD MORNING. I AM A LONG-STANDING HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT, SAN MARCOS LOCAL. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE'S REALLY MUCH ELSE THAT I COULD ADD OTHER THAN I DO SUPPORT THE BLUE IN EVERYTHING THAT EVERYONE IS SAYING.
I DON'T WANT TO SEE SAN MARCOS BECOME ANOTHER AUSTIN. I FIND IT INTERESTING UP THERE
[01:00:08]
IT SAYS, IN GOD WE TRUST. THAT'S WHO I PUT MY TRUST IN. BUT I'VE ALSO ELECTED SOME OF YOU TO YOUR POSITIONS, AND I HAVE AN EXPECTATION. AND I FEEL THAT MUCH OF YOU YOU'RE FAILING AND YOU DISAPPOINTED US. YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVEN'T DEFUNDED -- THERE AREN'T GOING TO BE POLICIES THAT LIMIT OUR POLICE.OK, THEN SHOW US MR. BECERRA. OK? ARE THESE -- I'VE BEEN PAYING TAXES IN HAYS FOR A LONG TIME. AND THEY STEADILY GO UP EVERY YEAR.
SO BE GOOD STEWARDS OF OUR MONEY AND LISTEN TO US AND TAKE INTO ACCOUNT -- INTO ACCOUNT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. >> SO THAT WAS OUR LAST SPEAKER ON THE GENERAL COMMENTS, AND I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT I HAVE MADE NOTES ON THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE SAID.
>> I SIGNED UP TO SPEAK. >> DID YOU SIGN UP FOR A SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM BECAUSE
THIS WAS GENERAL COMMENTS. >> NO, GENERAL COMMENTS. THE STACK I WAS GIVEN HAS REACHED ITS END. MAYBE IT GOT PUT IN THE WARNING ONE.
WELL I DON'T HAVE IT. SO WHAT IF YOU COME UP ANYWAY AND WE GIVE YOU THREE MINUTES BUT WE DO NEED FOR THE RECORD FOR ONE OF THESE TO BE FILLED OUT.
SO WHILE YOU TAKE A SECOND TO FILL IT OUT I WOULD LIKE TO SAY FEW THINGS BECAUSE I'VE BEEN TAKING NOTES OF EVERYTHING THAT'S BEEN SAID BECAUSE EVERYONE IN THIS COURTROOM IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME AND I THINK THAT IT'S VERY -- IT'S VERY TELLING HAD A WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IS MOVING AROUND WITH EXPIRED VESTS.
THAT MAKES US LOOK BAD AS A COUNTY BECAUSE EVERY TIME -- EVERY TIME WE GET A REQUEST FROM EITHER ONE OF OUR FIVE CONSTABLES OFFICES OR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE, CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG COMMISSIONERS, EVERY SINGLE TIME WE GET ASKED WE SUPPORT IT.
AND SO -- >> JUDGE I'M HERE TO CORRECT YOU.
>> PLEASE DO. PLEASE HELP ME ON THAT FRONT. >> SURE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE TACTICAL EQUIPMENT THIS ACTUALLY, IF YOU HAD YOUR BUDGET IN FRONT OF YOU IF YOU LOOK AT THE REQUEST FOR THIS COMING YEAR THERE'S EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT IN THERE.
>> YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS COMING YEAR. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT'S GOING
ON. WHAT IS MY PROPOSED TO -- >> I BELIEVE WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT SPECIFICALLY IS THE FACT THAT THE TACTICAL GEAR THAT THOSE PLATES EXPIRE, THOSE VESTS EXPIRE. I BELIEVE IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BUDGET THAT WAS SUBMITED IF WE LOOK AT IT, IT ACTUALLY HAS THE REPLACEMENT COSTS FOR THOSE SFLEFTS THERE AND THOSE PLATES THAT ARE EXPIRED -- VESTS IN THERE. I MAY BE WRONG BUT I BELIEVE
THAT'S WHAT THEY ARE REFERRING TO. >> IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT IF YOU GUYS COULD ALLOW US TO TALK. YOU HAVE HAD YOUR TIME.
ALLOW US A MOMENT NOW. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND OUR AUDITORS OFFICE HERE IS A PERFECT WONDERFUL WITNESS THAT SHAPED THE COUNTY JUDGES PROPOSED BUDGET WHICH THE COURT WILL MULL OVER AND FINAL BUDGET COMES FORTH.
THE PIECE ABOUT -- >> I DON'T THINK WE CAN. >> THAT'S RIGHT.
>> I WILL FIND ANOTHER PLACE AND TIME TO CLARIFY BECAUSE THERE IS A VERY CLEAR LEVEL OF DECEPTION TAKING PLACE AND I WILL TAKE TIME LATER IT CLARIFY. -- TO CLARIFY.
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>> AND THEY ARE AFTER THAT $3 MILLION OF OUR TAXPAYER MONEY TO DO IT.
BY SETTING UP A PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE TO HELP THEM LEARN HOW TO ESCAPE THE LAW.
AND THEY WANT TO RELEASE CRIMINALS FROM JAIL BY LIMITING WHAT LAW ENFORCEMENT ENFORCEMENT REMAIN CITE AND RELEASE FOR SO-CALLED MINOR OFFENSES. I DON'T CARE HOW SMALL OR LARGE THE VIOLATION IS. VIAL THEORS OF THE LAW NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
IT'S OUR RIGHT AS CITIZENS TO BE SAFE. AND I'M HOLDING YOU JUDGE BECERRA AND ALL OF YOU COMMISSIONERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF THE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY.
AND I'M LOOKING YOU IN THE EYES RIGHT NOW, AND I AM SAYING THAT IF I OR ANYONE IN MY FAMILY ARE INJURED, HARMED, RIPPED OFF OR WORSE BY ANY CRIMINAL RELEASE, PETTY OR OTHERWISE, OR BECAUSE MY DEFENSELESS 90-YEAR-OLD MOTHER-IN-LAW OR YOUNG ADULT DAUGHTER WITH MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITYIES WHO CANNOT DEFEND THEMSELVES. IF THEY ARE HARMED BECAUSE THERE WERE NO LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES TO HELP THEM I WILL HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE.
AND I WILL MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE KNOWS THAT MANAMIGA IS RESPONSIBLE.
THE LIVES OF EVERY SIT ZMEN HAYS COUNTY WHO IS KILLED, HARMED, INJURED VICTIM OF A CRIME WILL BE ON YOU JUDGE BECERRA AND ON YOU COMMISSIONERS AND ON YOU -- THERE'S -- PASSING THROUGH HAYS COUNTY LONG ENOUGH TO TAKE AWAY MONEY INTEREST HAYS COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT. HOW DARE THEY COME HERE AND TELL US HOW TO LIVE.
I DIDN'T VOTE FOR THEM. I DIDN'T ELECT THEM YET THEY SEEM TO HAVE UNLIMITED INFLUENCE IN THIS COURT. BUT I HAVE RIGHTS AS A TAX-PAYING RESIDENT OF HAYS COUNTY AND MY STATUS TRUMPS THEIRS. I DEMAND THE HAYS COUNTY BUDGET FOR ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT REMAIN AT CURRENT LEVELS BUT BE INCREASED TO REFLECT THE RECORD GROWTH ACROSS THE COUNTY. YOUR MANDATE AS OUR COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS TO ENSURE PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY. YOU HAVE BEEN QUICK TO ADDRESS SOME MASKED MANDATE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH. NOW BE QUICK TO FUND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. DO YOUR JOBS OR BE FIRED. [SPEARING]
-- CHEERING] >> THANK YOU. PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM NUMBER
ONE 6789 WILL YOU PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM NUMBER ONE. >> JUDGE BECERRA, DO YOU WANT TO
DEFER READING OF THE WRITTEN COMMENTS THAT WERE SUBMITTED? >> WELL WE'RE JUST OK.
WHY DON'T YOU ALL READ THE COMMENTS THAT'S A GOOD IDEA. THANK YOU FOR THE REMINDER.
>> OK. THE FIRST ONE IS FROM SHOW US SAFER.
SHE SAYS I'M WRITING IN SUPPORT OF THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BOND FOR THE BALLOT IN NOVEMBER.
BOTH THE COLEMAN CANYON PRESERVE AND REGIONAL CONSERVATION FUND WOULD BE A HUGE SUPPORT FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. ESPECIALLY NOW ACAZ FROM THE PANDEMIC.
PEOPLE NEED TO HAVE TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE. THE MORE THE BETTER.
BELIEVE THAT WALKING IN NATURE IS THE HEALTHIEST THING WE CAN DO.
IT'S BEEN PROVEN IN FOREST BATHING REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE, REDUCES STRESS AND INCREASES MENTAL CLARITY. I KNOW THAT EVERY TIME I WALK THE NATURE PRESERVE TRAIL I FEEL BETTER BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY. COLEMAN'S CANYON PRESWORV PROVIDE MANY MORE TRAILS FOR WALKING IN DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS. PLEASE SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF THE WIMBERLEY COMMUNITY WITH THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BOND. THE NEXT ONE IS FROM JENNIFER CREW. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. I'M WRITING TODAY TO LODGE A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE ONGOING PIPELINE NOISE. THE PAST 24 HOURS HAVE BE RIDICULOUS REGISTERING OVER 59 DECIBELS CONSISTENTLY. WE DO NOT KNOW THE ACTUALIES IN LEVEL BECAUSE THE ABSENT NEIGHBORS FIND ONLINE STOP AT 95 DECIBELS.
I CALL HAYS COUNTY SHERIFFS NONEMERGENCY LINE YESTERDAY EVENING.
THE SHERIFF STOPPED BY THE WORK SITE ON COUNTY ROAD 158 ACROSS FROM OUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
WHEN HE CALLED ME TO REPORT THAT THEY HAVE 24-7 PERMITS SO HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SHUT THEM DOWN.
HE SAID THAT HE WAS SUFFERING FROM TEMPORARY HEARING LOSS FOR BEING ON THE JOB SITE.
MANY OF THE POST-OP ONE RESIDENTS HAVE CALLED THE CITY OF KYLE TO COMPLAIN AS WELL AS THE COUNTY. WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO DEAL WITH THIS NOISE.
WE HAVE CHILDREN WHO STARTED BACK TO SCHOOL THIS WEEK, AND THEY CANNOT SLEEP BECAUSE OF THE NOISE. WE HAVE RESIDENTS WHO ARE WORKING FROM HOME AND CANNOT
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CONDUCT THEIR WORK ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE BECAUSE OF THE NOISE LEVEL.WE HAVE RESIDENTS WITH MENTAL ILL GHOES REQUIRE QUIET SLEEP AND THEY CANNOT DO SO.
-- MENTAL ILLNESS. OVERALL OUR WORK IS BEING ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION. WE'RE ASKING FOR THE CITY TO MODIFY THE PERMITS FOR NOISE CONCERN AND CONSTRAINTS. THE NEXT IS FROM GAIL PIGG. I'M PROPOSED TO THE -- OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES BOND. THE TIMING IS WRONG AND UNFAIR TO HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS WHO ARE STILL SUFFERING DURING THE ONGOING ECONOMIC CRISIS WITH NO END IN SIGHT. HAYS COUNTY ALREADY RANKS HIGH IN BOND INDEBTEDNESS IN COMPARISON TO OTHER TEXAS COUNTIES. NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO INCREASE IT EVEN MORE. I WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT THIS BOND IN THE FUTURE BUT NOT NOW.
PLEASE POSTPONE THIS. MARILYN MENAR SAYS I'M SUBMITING THIS LETTER ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND OVER 90 OTHER RESIDENTS OF DRIPPING SPRINGS AND ETJ AREAS. PLEASE SEE THE LIST OF NAMES IN THE ATTACHMENT. UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO THE INTERNET FAILURE LAST IN THE SAN MARCOS AREA MY PREVIOUS LETTER VOTING CENTERS WAS NOT RECEIVED UNTIL 4:30 ON TUESDAY AUGUST 11.
I HAD SENT THE E-MAIL MONDAY EVENING FOR THE TUESDAY MORNING MEETING.
UPON SEEING THE LIST OF EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS IN THE RECENT AGENDA, MANY OF US IN THE COMMUNITY BECAME CONCERNED THAT THERE WERE NO EARLY VOTING CENTERS DESIGNATED BETWEEN ROUTE 12 AND DRIPPING SPRINGS IN THE HAYS COUNTY TRAVIS LINE ON HIGHWAY 290.
THIS SEEMS UNACCEPTABLE WHEN THERE'S A LOCATION FOR A POTENTIAL CENTER AT THIS CULTURAL HUB LOCATED AT 4002 EAST HIGHWAY 290 AT SUNSET CANYON DRIVE IN DRIPPING SPRINGS. WE BELIEVE THAT THE VOTING CENTER APPLICATION FOR THE HUB HAS BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE OWNER, HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED ONE WAY OUR ANOTHER AS TO THE DECISION.
THE HUB LOCATION HAS ABOUT 24 PARKING SPACES AND AN OVERFLOW LOT.
MORE SHALL PARKING IS IN THE LOT ACROSS THE STREET. THE BELL TERRA COMMUNITY CENTER WHERE ELECTION DAY VOTING TAKES PLACE AS A PARKING LOT FOR ONLY 19 CARS.
MOST FOLKS VOTING THERE LEAVES THEIR CARS ON THE ADJACENT ROADWAY AND SIDE STREETS.
IN FACT, DUE TO CANDIDATE PROMOTIONAL CARS WITH SIGNS, IT HAS BEEN NOTED THAT IT HASN'T ALWAYS BEEN EASY FOR THOSE NEEDING HANDICAPPED PARKING TO GET INTO SPOTS.
THE HUB IS SUCCESSFUL TO THOSE WITH DISABILITIES AND THE BUILDING HAS ENTRY AND EXIT DOORS IN FRONT OF THE BUILDING THAT WOULD SAFELY KEEP THE PUBLIC MOVING ONE DIRECTION.
I WOULD THINK THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST 5,000 TO 7,000 VOTERS IN THE STRETCH BETWEEN ROUTE 12 AND THE TRAVIS COUNTY LINE. FOR THOSE OF US FLICHING THIS AREA WE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL SEVERAL MILES TO VOTE -- LIVING IN THIS AREA WE WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL SEVERAL MILES TO VOTE.
FROM ROGER HANKS PRECINCT OFFICERS A 20 MINUTE DRIVE. SEEMS TO DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF HAVING EASILY ACCESSIBLE VOTING CENTERS. IN ADDITION TO THE CURRENT PANDEMIC. WE HAVE LOST BOTH ALLEGED FACILITY AS WELL AS THE BAPTIST CHURCH ON 290 SUNSET. AS VOTING LOCATIONS PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL CENTER TO ETJ WOULD ALSO ALLEVIATE CONGESTION AND WITH CONCERNS SOCIAL DISTANCING AND COVID-19 EXPOSURE IN THE OTHER VOTING CENTERS. FOR THESE REASONS WE WOULD ENCOURAGE TO AGREE TO USING A CULTURAL HUBS AN EARLY VOTING CENTER LOCATED IN THE ETJ ON THE EAST SIDE OF DRIPPING SPRINGS.
SHE'S ATTACHED A LETTER WITH 92 SIGNATURES. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO READ ALL
THE NAMES? >> NO, I WILL TAKE YOUR WORD FOR IT.
THANK YOU, MA'AM. >> OK. TREVOR NEWMAN WRITES, I'M DEEPLY SORRY. ABOUT NOT BEING PRESENT AT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING.
MY GRANDFATHER RECENTLY CONTRACTED CORONAVIRUS AND IT APPEARS AS THOUGH HE DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT. I'VE GONE BACK HOME TO BE WITH FAMILY DURING HAD TURBULENT TIME. HERE'S THE E-MAIL INTEREST DR. BEN.
THIS IS DR. SHERRI BEN. I'M E-MAILING TO PROVIDE FOLLOWUP INFORMATION REGARDING ONE OF THE SPECIFIC POINTS OF INQUIRY RAISEDS DURING OUR WEDNESDAY MEETING AT THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. THERE WAS A REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE SECOND ELECTION DATE POLLING SITE AT TEXAS STATE. DR. TROUT HAS GIVEN APPROVAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL POLLING SITE ON CAMPUS FOR ELECTION DAY. HE APPROVED SITE FOR THE ZAEKD ELECTION LOCATION AS THE CAMPUS RECREATION CENTER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MANNER. SHE LET US KNOW THE SECOND
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POLLING LOCATION HAD BEEN CONFIMPLD FIRMED BY PRESIDENT TROUT.I SUPPOSE THIS CLEARS THINGS UP. -- CONFIRMED. IT'S A NECESSITY FOR CAMPUS DUE TO DEMONS TRUSS WAIT TIMES AM -- MONSTROUS WAIT TIMES. I CONTACTED THE ADMINISTRATION AND FOUND A SECOND POLLING LOCATION FOR MY CONSTITUENTS. TEXAS RISING, A NONPARTISAN ORGANIZATION ALSO FOUND A THIRD POLLING LOCATION FOR STUDENTS OFF CAMPUS AT THE UNITED CAMPUS MINISTRY, WHICH IS CLOSER THAN THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. CONTINUALLY, REGARDING THE COMMENTS PERTAINING TO OUR TOUR OF THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. WE ARE THE COLLEGE DEMOCRATS AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY MEANING IT WE ARE DEMOCRATS. WE BROUGHT THREE DEMOCRATIC OFFICIALS REPRESENTATIVES WEINER COUNTY JUDGE RUBEN BECERRA AND CHIEF STAFF AND FRIEND OF THE UNIVERSITY ALEX VILLALOBOS. WE DO NOT OWE REPUBLICANS A SEAT OT OUR TABLE SINCE WE ARE A PARTISAN ORGANIZATION. -- SEAT AT OUR TABLE SINCE WE ARE A PARTISAN ORGANIZATION.
I ALSO STATED TO THE CDAC THAT WE WOULD BE TAKING THIS TOUR TO NO OBJECTION.
AND HE HAS A COPY OF THIS LETTER. LASTLY, STUDENTS ARE NOT THE ONLY FOLKS WHO USE THE POLLING LOCATIONS ON CAMPUS. COMMUNITY MEMBERS ALSO USE TH POLLING LOCATIONS ON CAMPUS ADDING ADDITIONAL POLLING LOCATIONS SHOULD NEVER BE FROWNED UPON. STUDENTS HAVE TO WAIT IN LINES FOR UP TO FOUR HOURS DURING THE PRIMARY ELECTION. YOU ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTING OUR RIGHT TO VOTE AND OUR LIVELIHOODS WHETHER WE BE DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS OR INDEPENDENTS BY NOT TAKING ACTION. I ENCOURAGE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO ADD THE TWO ADDITIONAL POLLING LOCATIONS. THE NEXT LETTER IS FROM LINDA -- DR. LINDA CALVERT, WHOSE PRESIDENT OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS FOR HAYS COUNTY. JUST A REEDER WE'RE IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC. CASES ARE SPIKING IN SAN MARCOS. 36,000 STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED BACK AT TEXAS STATE. U.S. POST OFFICE TELLS US THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE MAIL-IN BALLOTS ON THIS ELECTION. THE ONLY OTHER DROP BOX FOR MAIL-IN BALLOTS IS THE SAN MARCOS ELECTIONS OFFICE. THERE YOU MUST GO THROUGH SECURITY, WALKED TO THE END OF THE BUILDING AND SHOW YOUR ID TO DROP OFF A BALLOT.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE ATHERE ARE MANY WORKING TO ENSURE THE INTEGRITY OF OUR ELECTION AND OUR SAFETY OF OUR VOTERS AND POLL WORKERS. HOWEVER, THIS ELECTION CYCLE, INFORMATION AND AROUND VOTING HAS BEEN CHANGING ON A DAILY BASIS ON A LOCAL LEVEL PEOPLE TAKE TIME TO ASSIMILATE VOTING INFORMATION AND MOUNT EFFECTIVE ACTION TO REPRESENT THEIR CONCERNS.
I HAVE THREE SUCH CASES. DRIPPING SPRINGS FOLKS HAVE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE NO EARLY ELECTION SITES BETWEEN WEST OF THE ROOT ROAD 12 AND TRAVIS COUNTY LINE.
THAT IS A VERY LONG STRETCH OF HIGHWAY 290 WITH NO POLLING PLACES.
9S 2 PEOPLE AND COUNT -- 92 PEOPLE AND COUNTING HAVE REQUESTED A SITE BETWEEN ROUTE 12 AND THE TRAVIS LINE. THEY HAVE VETTED THE HUB WHICH IS ACROSS FROM A POLLING SITE THAT WAS DROPPED. IT HAS SOME ADVANTAGES OVER THE ELECTION SITE.
PLEASE READ THEIR LETTER PETITION. I ALSO HAVE A LETTER FROM SHANNON FITZPATRICK FORMER ATTORNEY FOR STUDENTS OF TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN SUPPORT OF ADDING POLLING SITES AT THE UNIVERSITY WITHIN EXPECTED POPULATION OF 36,000 STUDENTS PLUS FACULTY AND STAFF, THE UNIVERSITY NEEDS MORE THAN ONE POLLING PLACE.
A POLL WORKER AT THE UNIVERSITY SAID SHE WORKED FROM 6:30 A.M. TO AFTER MIDNIGHT NONSTOP DURING THE MARCH PRIMARY. EVEN WITH BETTER CHECK-IN PROCEDURES AT TEXAS STATE LONG LINES LIKELY ONCE AGAIN. A PATTERN THAT HAS BEEN PERSISTENT OVER THE LAST FEW ELECTION CYCLES. LIFE LONG ATTITUDES ABOUT VOTING ARE OFTEN FORMED AROUND A FIRST VOTING EXPERIENCES. WAITING IN LINE FOR HOURS IS NOT A GOOD EXPERIENCE.
YOUNG FIRST-TIME VOTERS NEED A BETTER EXPERIENCE. FINALLY WE NEED A MORE EFFICIENT AND SAFER WAY TO DROP OFF MAIL BALLOTS. WE ARE UP AGAINST THE ELECTION CODE ON THIS. THE CODE ALLOWS ONE DROPOFF SITE.
THE ELECTION OFFICE IN SAN MARCOS. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATORS ARE WORKING ON THIS. WE HAVE A PETITION ASKING FOR DROP BOXES AT POLLING SITES. AGAIN NOT ALLOWED. 72 SIGNATURES IN TWO DAYS.
WE WOULD ASK THE COMMISSIONERS COURT TO WEIGH IN AS WELL. WE NEED SOLUTIONS.
MAYBE WE COULD HAVE A STAFF DRIVETHROUGH FOR BALLOT DROPOFF. THAT WOULD UP GOOD PUBLICITY.
WE NEED CREATIVE SOLUTIONS. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK ALL YOUR WORK ON THIS.
>> I NEED TO PULL UP ONE THAT CAME IN AN ON E-MAIL. THIS IS FROM CASEY CHEEK WRITES,
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I'M UNABLE TO ATTEND THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN PERSON. BELOW ARE MY PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING TODAY'S AGENDA. I'M EXPRESSING MY SUPPORT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE TEXAS 1033 SURPLUS PROPERTY PROGRAM. WE'RE IN A PANDEMIC AND EVERYONE HAS BEEN HIT HARD FINANCIALLY.MY TAX DOLLARS ARE USED TO PURCHASE AND STORE THESE ITEMS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL.
YOU HAVE A FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY TO SEEK OUT PROGRAMS LIKE THESE WHERE WE CAN BENEFIT ARE OBTAINING HIGH-QUALITY MATERIALSED ASSETS AT A SIGNIFICANT -- MATERIALS AND ASSETS AT A SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS. I KNOW THAT WE HAVE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BUT THERE ARE LIFESAVING ASSETS THROUGH THE PROGRAM FOR FLOODS, COVID-19 RESPONSE SUPPLIES, TENTS, TEMPORARY MEDICAL FACILITY SETUPS, ETC.
OTHER COUNTIES IN THE U.S. THAT SAVE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS LEVERAGING THIS PROGRAM.
IN THE ARTICLE PEACEKEEPING FORCE AFFECTS A PROVIDING TACTICAL EQUIPMENT TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE AUTHORS SOUGHT TO TEST WHETHER HAVING MILITARY EQUIPMENT LEADS POLICE TO BE MORE AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS CITIZENS.
THEY USE CITIZENS COMPLAINTS, OFFENDER DEATHS AND ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS AS INDICATORS OF AGGRESSIVE POLICING. THEY CONCLUDED THAT THEY SUCCESS MILITARY EQUIPMENT HAS GENERALLY POSITIVE EFFECTS, REDUCED CITIZEN COMPLAINTS, REDUCED ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS AND NO INCREASERS IN OFFENDERS DEATHS. FLOOD EASILY TOO QUICKLY AND TOO TOCHB PASS UP THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS. ON -- OFTEN TO PASS UP THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS. WE HAVE PEOPLE IN HAYS COUNTY WHO ARE IN NEED OF A VOTING CENTER.
IF WE ARE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS I WANT TO SEE A LOCATION IN AN AREA OF HIGH PENETRATION OF OLDER RESIDENTS WHO HAVE A HIGHER COVID-19 MOSHTALITY RATE. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT SHOULDN'T BE STANDING IN LONG LINES AND NEED THE ADEQUATE SPACE AN ADDITIONAL LOCATION COULD PROVIDE. I LOVE THE IDEA SETTING A LOCATION WITHIN ATB PARKING LOT.
WHAT A WAY TO INCREASE VOTER ENGAGEMENT. AND ON A THIRD TOPIC, WE ARE THE FASTEST GROWING COUNTY IN THE SAFEST AND THE SAFETY OF ALL HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY IN THIS BUDGET. THE BUDGET NEEDS TO SUPPORT OUR OFFICERS BY FUNDING AT THE REQUEST BY ALL ENTITIES. OUR POLICE OFFICERS NEED NEW VEHICLES, BULLETPROOF VESTS AND APPROPRIATE STAFFING LEVELS TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE ON THE SAFETY AND SECURITY RISK AND POTENTIAL LAWSUITS DUE TO THE COUNTY NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINING THE ASSETS OUR OFFICERS UTILIZE. I LIVE IN BUDA WHERE WE HAVE HAD SEX CRIME ARRESTS RECENTLY, ONE OF WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JUNIOR HIGH FOR MY KIDS. STATISTICALLY --
>> OK. OUR NEXT IS FROM AARON AGUAYO. HE WRITES GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS. MY NAME IS AARON AND I'M ADVOCACY ORGANIZERS WITH MOVE TEXAS, A GRASSROOTS NONPROFIT NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION WORKING TO BUILD POWER AND YOUTH COMMUNITIES THROUGH CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND ISSUE ADVOCACY.
IN 2018 TEXAS STATE STUDENTS WERE FORCED TO WAIT FOR HOURS IN LINE TO VOTE AT ONLINE CAMPUS POLLING LOCATION WHICH AT THAT POINT WAS ONLY OPEN FOR THREE DAYS.
MOVE TEXAS AND THE TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PRO SQLECT TO THREATEN TO SUE IN ORDER TO -- PROJECT.
THAT CHANGE RESULTED IN A MASSIVE INCREASE IN YOUTH VOTER TURNOUT, AND AS A RESULT A CHANGE IF COUNTY LEADERSHIP. IN RESPONSE TO THE CALLS TO EXPAND EARLY VOTING FOR ALMOST 40,000 STUDENTS. COUNTY LEADERSHIP. THE NORTH HAYS GOP PRESIDENT PUBLICLY OPPOSED THE SECOND POLLING LOCATION VIA E-MAIL CLAIMING, QUOTE, IT FAVORS DEMOCRATS UNQUOTE. A FAILURE TO ADD A SECOND POLLING LOCATION WOULD FIT INTO A LONG LEGACY OF PARTISAN INFLUENCE AND RESTRICTING THE YOUTH VOTE.
IN ADDITION TO IT BEING A VOTING RIGHTS ISSUE A SECOND LOCATION AT TEXAS THE IS ALSO A VOTER SAFETY. THE CAMPUS POLLING LOCATION HAS HISTORICALLY FEATURED SOME OF THE LONGEST LINES FROM THE COUNTY. IN AN ELECTION TAKING PLACE AMIDST A GLOBAL PANDEMIC DURING AN ELECTION TO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE BELIEVE TO BE THE MOST PIVOTAL OF THEIR LIVES, LONG LINES ARE A HAZARD TO THE HEALTH OF VOTERS. EVEN WITH MULTIPLE LINES 12 MACHINES OVERALL FOR A SINGULAR SITE WILL STILL RESULT IN MANY VOTERS HAVING TO WAIT IN THOSE LINES. IF SIX MACHINES ARE BEING USED IN TIME WHILE THE OTHER SIX ARE BEING CLEANED NOT MUCH HAS BEEN DONE TO ALLEVIATE A LINE. WE MUST INSTEAD FOCUS ON BREAK
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UP THAT LINE WITH A SECOND CAMPUS POLLING LOCATION. SHOULD THE SECOND SITE REQUIRE MORE RESOURCES OR MACHINES OR SHOULD A COMMISSIONER SHOULD A SECOND CAMPUS SITE TO CALL FOR A POLLING LOCATION ELSEWHERE AS A CONDITION, THE COUNTY SHOULD SPEND THE MONEY TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. WE ASK THAT AABLE REIMBURSEABLE FEDERAL COVID RELIEF FUNDS ARE USED ON ELECTIONS. THE RESULT SPREADING OF VOTERS EQUATES TO INCREASE COVID SAFETY MOVE TEXAS WILL HAPPILY WORK YOU AND THE COMMUNITY TO HELP ENSURE SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE MEASURES TAKEN AHEAD OF NOVEMBER'S ELECTION. THANK YOU.JUDGE BECERRA, IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A NONPARTISAN GROUP PROPOSE A SECOND SECURITY POTENTIAL VOTING LOCATION IN THE CENTRAL CAMPUS AREA OF TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN SAN MARCOS, AND THAT THIS LOCATION WAS DENIED BY A 4-1 VOTE AT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
HOWEVER I BELIEVE THE SECOND SLOKS SORELY NEEDED -- LOCATION -- SECOND BALLOT IN OUR COUNTY.
HAVING THIS ADDITIONAL SITE WOULD BENEFIT CITIZENS IN THE SAN MARCOS YEAH AS WELL AS TEXAS STATE STUDENTS BY GIVING OVERLOAD IT OTHER COUNTY SITES. AS YOU MAY RECALL DURING THE PRIME THINK YEAR TEXAS STATE HAD THE LONGEST WAIT TIME OF ANY POLLING LOCATION IN THE COUNTY.
I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO PRIORITIZE VOTING ACCESS AND GET STUDENTS BUYING IN BEFORE MAKING ANY FINAL PLAN BEFORE THE GENERAL ELECTION. ADEQUATE ACCESS TO VOTING ON CAMPUS SEEMS TO BE A PERSISTENT ISSUE AFFECTING OUR COUNTY. WHILE THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT ONE PERSON'S FAULT I ACTUALLY BELIEVE YOU AS JUDGE AND OTHER COMMISSIONERS NOW HAVE THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE AND THE POWER TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE. I'M WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT BARRIER POLL WORKER AVAILABILITY OR OTHER ISSUE THAT IS PREVENTING PREVENTING THE SECOND LOCATION. IF SO I'M HOPEFUL THESE CAN NOW BE ADDRESSED AND YOU CAN ADD A SECOND SITE. MULLEN MUSGROVE. BRIAN BURKE WRITES, I DON'T UNDERSTAND RELUCT ANSWER TO ADD ANOTHER VOTING SITE ON THE TEXAS STATE CAMPUS THIS SITE -- RELUCTANCE I HEARD IT'S BECAUSE COMMISSIONERS DO NOT WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR POTENTIAL VOTERS TO VOTE AGAINST THEIR OWN INTERESTS, IN OTHER WORDS VOTER SUPPRESSION.
I WOULD BE REALLY DISAPPOINTED IF I DISCOVERED THIS WAS TRUE. I HAVE A HARD TIME BELIEVING THAT VOTER SUPPRESSION IS A REAL THING. BUT I DO KNOW IS TRUE.
IS THAT A PANDEMIC IS SWEEPING OUR PLANET WITH TEXAS BEING A GLOBAL HOT SPOT TO CUT DOWN ON CROWDING LONG LINES WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST WITH JUST ONE LOCATION.
I BELIEVE IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT A SECOND LOCATION BE PROVIDED THIS FALL BY APPROVING THE SECOND SITE NOT ONLY WOULD YOU PUT ON IT END ANY CLAIMS OF SUPPRESSION, BUT YOU WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDING A SAFER PROCESS BY WHICH CITIZENS CAN VOTE. IDA MILLER WRITESS PLEASE RECONSIDER. POLL WORKERS LEFT AT MIDNIGHT LAST YEAR.
VOTERS STAYED UNTIL 11:00 P.M. P.M.. STUDENTS SEEM TO HAVE A VARIETY OF ISSUES THAT TAKE GREAT TIME. IF THEY CAN'T BE PROCESSED ON CAMPUS THEY MOVE TO POLLING LOCATION THAT'S MAY BE LESS PREPARED TO ASSIST THEM EFFECTIVELY.
32,000 STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED. VOTING IS IMPORTANT. LOCATIONS ARE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE TWO ON-CAMPUS LOCATIONS. MARIA WRITES, AS CI OF THIS COUNTY MY HUSBAND DR. MARIO GARSA URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION TO OBJECT A SECOND VOTING SITE ON THE TEXAS UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. WE WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR LOCAL YOUTH AND COLLEGE STUDENT INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS. WE INSTILL IN THESE YOUNG PEOPLE THE RESPONSIBILITY THEY HAVE TO THEIR COMMUNITIES AND TO SAN MARCOS AS THEIR SACRED LAND.
WE URGE THEM TO DISPAY THE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND IN GOVERNMENTAL ELECTIONS AS PART OF THEIR CIVIC DUTY. ALL OF US SHOULD BE SUPPORTING THIS WORK TO MAKE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TREASURE THEIR FREEDOM AND EMBRACE THEIR OBLIGATION AS SIT ZHENZ PRESTHERVZ RIGHT FOR EVERYONE. -- CITIZENS WHICH PRESERVES THEIR RIGHT FOR EVERYONE.
ACCESSIBLE VOTING SITES WHICH YOU CONTROL IN OUR HAYS COUNTY GOVERNMENT.
YOUR APPROVAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL VOTING SITE SAYS, QUOTE, WE WANT YOU TO VOTE, PARTICIPATE IN YOUR GOVERNMENT, TAKE CARE OF YOUR COMMUNITIES AND HONOR YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO MOTHER EARTH UNQUOTE. YOU'RE DENYING OF THIS SITE SAYS QUOTE, WE WANT TO LIMIT THIS PARTICIPATION BECAUSE OUR SITE DOESN'T WANT YOUR VOTE OR VOICE TO INTRUDE ON YOUR AGENDA UNQUOTE. PLEASE RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION AND PLEASE APPROVE ANOTHER VOTING SITE ON TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS AND ACTION AN ACTION ALREADY APPROVED BY THE
[01:30:06]
UNIVERSITY WISE LEADERSHIP. CHRISTINE NORTON SAYS THE HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT IS THREATENING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO VOTE AS WELL AS OUR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.I DISAGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WITH YOUR REVOTE TO OBJECT A SECOND VOTING SITE FOR THE NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION DAY AT TEXAS STATE 4-1. UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. TROUT HAS ALREADY APPROVED THIS ADDITIONAL VOTING SITE INSTEAD OF SEIZING A SECOND SITE THAT WOULD PROVIDE MORE SAFETY DURINS ON THE CAMPUS. YOU HAVE PLACED THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE PUBLIC AT RISKS AND SUPPRESS VOTES AS DID YOU TWO YEARS AGO. AS A CITIZEN OF HAYS COUNTY I'M ASKING TO YOU REVERSE THIS VOTE AND ALLOW IT IT PLACE. OUR TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY AND ULTIMATELY OUR DEMOCRACY WILL BENEFIT. MARK TRAYHAN.
I'M WRITING TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE DISAGREEMENT AND PROFOUND DISAPPOINTMENT AT YOUR DECISION TO DENY THE EXPANSION OF POLLING PLACES AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
I'M A FACULTY MEMBER WOULD ATTEMPTED AT THE PRIME YOU. I WATCHED AS HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS STOOD IN LINE FOR FOUR HOURS WAITING TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
A POLLING ALLOWS RESOURCES A POTENTIAL FOR COVID-19 ALONG WITH FAIR AND EQUITIES TO VOTE SHOULD MOVE YOU TO ADD ANOTHER LOCATION TO THE UNIVERSITY FOR STUDENTS I WANT TO YOU REQUEST THAT YOU REVERSE THE DECISION AND MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE. IF YOU DO NOT I WILL DO EVERYTHING IN MY POWER TO ELIMINATE YOUR CHANCES FOR REELECTION.
APRIL COLDSMITH SAYS PLEASE PUT IN THE SECOND VOTING SITE. IT'S BAD ENOUGH REPUBLICANS ACTIVELY SUPPRESSING THE VOTE FOR YOU ALL TO MAKE IT SO OBVIOUS SHOWS YOUR LACK OF CONSIDERATION. CLEARLY YOUR HEARTS ARE NOT IN IT SO WHY NOT DO THE RIGHT THING AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO VOTE. KAREN OWE GRADE SAYS YOU VOTED TO HAVE A SECOND LOCATION AT NOVEMBER ELECTION AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
THE LACK OF AVAILABLE PLACES FOR STUDENTS WITHOUT ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION TO OTHER COUNTY POLLING LOCATIONS AMOUNTS TO NOTHING LESS THAN VOTER SUPPRESSION.
UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT DR. TROUT HAS APPROVED THIS VOTING SITE TO MAKE VOTING POSSIBLE FOR MANY OF HIS STUDENTS BUT RATHER THAN CEASING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A SECOND SITE THAT WILL VIED MORE SAFE DISTANCING DURING THIS PANDEMIC AND PROVIDE SHORTER LINES AND WAIT TIMES OF THE TEXAS STATE CAMPUS, YOU CHOSE TO PLACE THE HEALTH OF STUDENTS, STAFF AND FACULTY AT THE PUBLIC AT RISK AND TO SUPPRESS VOTERS AS THEY DID TWO YEARS AGO DURING THE 2016 ELECTION.
IF YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT DECISION RESULTED IN A LAWSUIT AND WILL AGAIN.
VOTING IS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS, NOT JUST THOSE WHO HAVE ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION. NOT JUST THOSE WHO HAVE LIGHT SKIN OR WHO ATTEND A SPECIFIC CHURCH OR LIVE IN THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD. IT IS A RIGHT FOR ALL AND WE DEMAND THAT RIGHT BE SUPPORTED BY OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT YOU RECONSIDER YOUR DECISION TO SUPPRESS THE VOTE OF MORE THAN 38,000 STUDENTS WHO ARE CITIZENS OF HAYS COUNTY, BY LIMITING THEIR ACCESS TO VOTING LOCATIONS.
SUZY ROBINS SAYS I'M WRITING TO EXPRESS MY SINCERE DISMAY AT THRAERNG YOU VOTED TO LIMIT THE NUMBER OF POLLS AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY TO ONLY ONE OPEN ON ELECTION DAY.
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE REASONING BEHIND THIS IS ANYTHING BUT INTENTIONAL SUPPRESSION OF A STUDENT VOTING. PLEASE DO NOT WASTE OUR TIME WITH THE THREAT OF ANOTHER LAWSUIT. DO THE RIGHT THING. DO YOUR JOBS AND REPRESENT THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTY. YOU SHOULD BE EXPANDING PEOPLE'S OPPORTUNITIES TO VOTE, NOT LIMITING IT. APPROVE A SECOND VOTING LOCATION AT TEXAS STATE.
AMANDA WYNN SAYS, GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. I AM DISAPPOINTED TO HAVE TO BE TYPING THIS, BUT AGAIN I'M WORRIED ABOUT OUR VOTER IS UP FLETION HAYS COUNTY DURING THE 2020 ELECTION. -- SUPPRESSION IN HAYS COUNTY DURING THE ELECTION.
FIRST I'D LIKE TOS THE HAYS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON BROADWAY IN SAN MARCOS WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING WHEN I VOTED DURING THE RUNOFF. YOU HAVE TO ENTER AND EXIT THROUGH THE SAME LOCATION. I WAS WITHIN 6 FEET OF EACH POLLING WORKER AND 4 OTHER
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INDIVIDUALS. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO VOTE AT THIS LOCATION WITHOUT ALLOWING PEOPLE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY I WOULD SUGGEST HAVING A SEPARATE ENTRANCE AND EXIT FOR EACH POLLING LOCATION POSSIBLE. I HAVE A NEWBORN BABY AND HIGH RISK INDIVIDUAL.I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LACK OF VOTING AT THE POLLS. ADDITIONALLY THEY HAVE ALLOWED FOR A SECOND POLLING LOCATION ON CAMPUS THIS. WOULD BE REALLY GREAT FOR YOUNG HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS I SENT Y'ALL AN E PAIL THEN ABOUT VOTER SUPPRESSION AND LONG LINES OF THE UNIVERSITY I ASK AGAIN WHY WOULD THIS ECONOMICS AGAINST VOTING ON CAMPUS ESPECIALLY DURING A PANDEMIC TO ALLOW FOR GREATS ARE VOTE BEING DISTANCING.
IT IS NOT THE RESOURCES. WE LIVE IN ONE OF THE GREATEST COUNTIES IN THE STATE SO I DO NOT BUY THAT IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH LIMITED RESOURCES I WOULD HOPE THE COMMISSION WOULD SUPPORT THE RIGHTS OF ALL AMERICANS TO VOTE AND ENCOURAGE THE LARGER TURNOUT BY EXPANDING VOTING LOCATIONS THANK YOU. KIM BLACKSON SAYS DEAR HAYS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS I'M OUTRAGED DURING THIS TRYING TIME IN OUR LIVES TO MAINTAIN DEMOCRACY AND STAY ALIVE THAT ANY OF WOULD YOU VOTE AGAINST A SECOND VOTING SITE ON TEXAS STATE CAMPUS.
I DEMAND TO KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT ANDED YOUR REASONING FOR SUCH A VOTE WHEN THE UNIVERSITY'S PRESIDENT HAS ALREADY APPROVED A SECOND SITE. THIS IS CLEARLY VOERLT SUPPRESSION ON YOUR -- VORL SUPPRESSION ON YOUR HANDS AND IT IS SHAMEFUL.
-- VOTER. I WILL HELP INFORM THE PUBLIC OF YOUR ACTIONS AND ANTICIPATE BRING ANOTHER LAWSUIT TO YOU. THAT IS KIM BLACKSON. THOSE ARE ALL THE PUBLIC
COMMENTS SUBMITTED BY E-MAIL. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NOW WILL YOU PLEASE OPEN AGENDA
[1. Update from the County Judge and staff regarding the Local Disaster Declaration and COVID-19. Possible discussion and action may follow. BECERRA]
ITEM NUMBER ONE. >> NUMBER ONE. UPDATE FROM THE COUNTY JUDGE'S STAFF REGARDING THE LOCAL DISASTER DECLARATION AND VO INDIVIDUAL -- COVID-19.
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND ACTION MAY FOLLOW. >> GOOD MORNING, PORT.
ALEX VILLALOBOS CHIEF OF STAFF EMERGENCY MEASURE COORDINATOR FOR THE COUNTY.
I HAVE SUCCINCT TALKING POINTS BUT I'D BE REMISS NOT TO MAKE A COMMENT BEFORE GOING INTO TALKING ABOUT THESE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSE. AS OF LATELY I'VE BEEN EXPERIENCE SOMETHING PERSONAL LOSSES I'D BE REMISS NOT TO REMEMBER SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT TAUGHT ME TO VOTE. IT'S THE 19TH AMENDMENT. IT'S THE 100TH AND VERSE RIFT THE 19TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 19TH AMENDMENT TODAY. I'M SURE YOU REMEMBER.
THAT I REMEMBER FOR HOURS BEING DRIVEN BY MY GRANDMOTHER BEING TAKEN TO THE POLLS TO LEARN HOW TO VOTE. I KNEW HOW TO VOTE BEFORE VOTING WAS ALL ABOUT.
AS WE CONTINUE TO GO FORWARD WE SHOULD HONOR THE WOMEN WHO FIGHT EVERYDAY AND GIVE US THIS OPPORTUNITY AND MY OPPORTUNITY. MORE TALKING POINTS. DEVCO IS A THE PARTNERSHIP THAT WILL BE CONDUCTING TESTING. WE HAVE TWO MASS TESTING SITES COMING IN.
THIS DEVELOPMENT OVER THE WEEKEND. WE WERE ABLE TO SOLIDIFY A SITE LOCATION. IT WILL BE USING -- UTILIZING THE SITE LOCATIONS.
I'M WORKING WITH THE SITE LOCATIONS AND CONFIRM WITH THE DISTRICT TO HAVE IT IN THE HIGH SCHOOL WITH THE SAME LOCATION FOR MASS TESTING STARTING ON AUGUST 24TH ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE 30TH. WE WE'RE ALWAYS ABLE TO GET A SECONDARY LOCATION.
WE'RE STILL SOLIDIFYING THAT LOCATION WITH HAYS CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT AND WE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING HERE PRETTY SOON. TEXAS STATE UP AND COMING FOR THE FALL SEMESTER IS EXPECTING APPROXIMATELY 37,000 STUDENTS WHICH 3,000 APPROXIMATELY WILL BE ON CAMPUS FULL TIME. THE REMAINDER WILL BE ON HYBRID SCHOOL SYSTEM VIRTUAL PRIMARILY FOR SPECIFIC SITE INSTRUCTION. TEXAS STATE WILL CONDUCT TESTING FOR STUDENTS AND THEY ARE DOING WHAT THEY CALL A RANDOM FOR SURVEILLANCE FOR SOME OF THE INFECTION ON CAMPUS.
WE ARE SUPPORTING THEM WITH CONTINUED TESTING WITH COUNTY RESOURCES TO RUN IN PARALLEL WITH THEM THROUGH THEIR OPERATION. THAT IS PART OF THE TESTING.
THERE WILL BE A COMMUNICATION PIECE SET UP WITH THE COUNTY AND THE UNIVERSITY AND OUR SUPPORT SYSTEM WITH TESTING AND TEST ASSESSMENT, AND THEN THERE WILL BE ACCESS THROUGH A PORTSAL FOR
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RESULTS. ALSO TOGETHER WITH THAT COMMUNICATION PIECE IS CONTINUING TO SHARE THOSE STATISTICAL DATA WITH THE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT SO WE CAN TRACK HAD DATA AND CONTINUE DOING THE CONTACT TRACNG THAT'S NECESSARY.AND ASSIST THEM NATURALLY. THEY WILL BE DOING THEIR OWN CONTACT TRACING AND WE'RE HERE
TO SUPPORT THEM OVERALL. >> DO WE KNOW THE LOCATION OF IT TAKING PLACE SHE.
>> CURRENTLY THE HEALTH CENTER. COMMUNITY CARE PARTNER WILL BEGIN TESTING SEPTEMBER 3RD IN WIMBERLEY AND ON THE 6TH IN KYLE SEPTEMBER 6. COUNTY APPROVAL OF THE LEASE WILL BEGIN IN FIVE DAYS OR FIVE DAYS A WEEK OF TESTING BEGINNING AUGUST THE 1ST.
PROVIDED THAT WE GET ALL THE TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN PLACE.
WE HAVE AN ONGOING ORDER AND ARE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE COMPUTERS AND TRACK INFORMATION TRACK DATA AND BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT DATA AND TESTING SITE AS SOON AS WE SEE THAT LESION.
THE COUNTY WILL ALSO BE SUPPORTING TESTING AND SUPPORT THE VOTER LOCATION WUPZ COMING ELECTIONS AND LOCATIONS WILL BE SAFETY FOR ALL STAFF AND PUBLIC THE THAT IS ALL I HAVE.
>> COMMISSIONER IS THERE ANY QUESTIONS FOR MR. VILLALOBOS? >> I GREAT TO KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE MASS TESTING AGAIN. THERE WAS A THROORT I READ -- THERE WAS A REPORT THAT I READ. I'M NOT SURE, THE TEXAS TRIBUNE MAYBE.
BUT THERE ARE NOW MORE THAN 10,000 COVID FATALITIES, AND SO WE'RE ONLY ONE OF FOUR STATES THAT HAVE REACHED THAT. I KNOW THAT THE MAJORITY OF HISPANIC.
THEY MAKE UP 53.4% OF THOSE STEPS. SO I'M GLAD TO HEAR THAT WE'LL BE DOING THE MASS TESTING AGAIN AND I WOULD IMAGINE THAT IT WOULD BE WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A
LOT OF FOLKS CONTINUING TO WANT TO BE TESTED. >> I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T MAKE THE NOTE ON THE TESTING BUT ALSO THE INVOLVE OR THE CURATIVE THE MOUTH SWAB BE LIMITED 300 A DAY FOR SEVEN DAYS. SO THE TIME WILL BE REDUCED SO WE HAVE A LOT ENOUGH TESTS PER DAY, BUT WE WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THAT WE ALREADY KNOW THAT PROCESS IS AND HOPE TO CONTINUE
THAT EFFICIENCY THROUGHOUT THE TESTING. >> COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, EVERY SINGLE DAY THAT THESE TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD SITES ARE UP EVERY SINGLE DAY THEY ARE UP. I PERSONALLY GO OUT THERE.
I KNOW YOU KNOW THAT I'M VERY HANDS ON AND I WANT TO GO SEE IT.
I WANT TO UNDERSTAND AND MAKE SURE THE SFLO HE WHAT'S BEST TO OUR COMMUNITY AND -- FLOW IS WHAT'S BEST TO THE COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORING AREAS. THE REASON I BRING IT HAD A UP IS WE HAVE SEEN CALDWELL COUNTY BLANCO COUNTY AND TRAVIS COUNTY FOLKS USE OUR SITE AS WELL AND WE SHOULD NEVER LOOK AS A NEGATIVE. WE SHOULD KNOW THAT HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE BEING TESTED IN TRAVIS COUNTY AS WELL, AND IT'S JUST A REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE.
COVID KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. SO WHEN YOU SEE AND HEAR OF FOLKS OUTSIDE OF OUR JURISDICTIONAL BEING TESTED LET'S NOT FROWN UPON IT. LET'S SUPPORT THE IDEA SO THAT WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE AWARE OF CURRENT CONDITIONS SO WE KNOW HOW TO ACT CORKLY IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE IF SOMEONE KNOWS IF THEY ARE COVID POSITIVE THEN THEY IDEALLY WOULD MODIFY THEIR DAY-TO-DAY BEHAVIORS. SO BECAUSE CALDWELL WALKS AROUND AND USE OUR ELEVATORS AND TOUCH OUR HANDLES IT IS IT'S MUCH MORE IMPORTANT WE SEE THIS AS A REGIONAL ISSUE AND THAT'S WHY WE'RE WORKING CLOSELY TO GET EVERYTHING WE CAN FROM THE STATE OUR REGION AS A WHOLE.
>> IF THERE BE A QUESTION FOR SOMEONE ELSE ALEX I WANTED TO SEE THAT ANOTHER SITE, SAN MARCOS SITE OR ANOTHER ONE THAT FELL THROUGH. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S AN UPDATE
THAT YOU CAN GIVE ME. >> TAMMY CAN GIVE IT TO YOU RIGHT WHERE YOU'RE SITING.
IS THAT OK? >> A LITTLE BIT FURTHER ON 123, NO?
>> THAT DIDN'T WORK OUT. SO THE LOCATION OF 123 WOULD NOT SIGN A LEASE ON THE SHORT-TERM THAT WE NEEDED, SO I'VE LOCATED ANOTHER BUILDING IN THE MEDICAL PARKWAY AREA AND THEY ARE
[01:45:02]
WILLING TO SIGN A SHORT-TERM ONE-YEAR LEASE AND IT'S IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE AS THE FIRST.SO THEY ARE SENDING POLICE. ASKING IF WE CAN NEGOTIATE THAT AND RATIFY IT.
I SUSPECT IT WILL BE THE SAME CHANGES WE DISCUSSED LAST WEEK. IT'S A BIG ARE FOOTPRINT THAT WE
WILL HAVE CAMPUS STATE TESTING. [INAUDIBLE] >> RIGHT ACROSS FROM OUR LAND.
>> WONDERFUL. >> BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU FOR THAT UPDATE.
COMMISSIONER JONES. >> COMMISSIONER SHELL. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE UPDATE. I'M GOING TO DO MY BEST TO PUSH US THROUGH BECAUSE I DO KNOW WE HAVE A WORKSHOP ON THE HORIZON. FULL PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM
[29. Discussion and possible action to reconsider Election Day Vote Center locations for the November 3, 2020 General Election. BECERRA]
NUMBER 29. >> NUMBER 29. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE TOOKS RECONSIDER BOTH CENTER LOCATIONS FOR THE NOVEMBER 3RD, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION.
>> OK. SO WE HAVE A FEW SPOKES TO SIGN UP TO SPEAK AND A FEW IS ROLANDO
SALCERO. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE COMMISSIONERS.
FIRST OF ALL I'D LIKE IT CLARIFY SOMETHING THERE WAS A COMMENT THAT WAS SUBMITTED BY TREVOR NEWMAN IN PUBLIC COMMENTS. HE MADE A STATEMENT SAYING THE CAC WAS AWARE OF THE TOUR THAT IS INCORRECT. THAT IS A FALSEHOOD. THE CAC DID NOT HAVE ANY IDEA OF A TOUR THAT WAS CONDUCTED UNTIL WEDNESDAY AT 5:30 P.M. WHICH I RECEIVED THE E-MAIL FROM HIM STATING THAT THEY HAD THE TOUR AND THE REC CENTER WAS A POSSIBILITY.
I WANT TO CLARIFY THAT SECOND OF ALL I COME BEFORE YOU TO ASK Y'ALL IF IN FACT WE HAD A MEETING LAST NIGHT UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT HAVE A FORUM SO WE -- QUORUM SO WE COULDN'T TAKE ANY ACTION. HOWEVER WE DID HAVE A LENGTHY DISCUSSION AND I COME BLUE, AS IF IN FACT Y'ALL DO WANT OUR RECOMMENDATION OR OUR OPINION, IN REGARD THE REC CENTER, I WOULD ASK THAT OUR TABLE DECIDE UNTIL THE 25TH WE HAVE A MEETING TOMORROW WHICH I KNOW I'LL HAVE A FULL FORUM. AT WHICH POINT WE'LL BE ABLE TO MAKE THAT DECISION AND MAKE THE RECOMMENDATION. BUT FOR THE MEANTIME I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT SOMETHING TO YAUSMT IF YOU'LL REFER TO THESE TWO. THE FIRST ONE IS THIS BIG CAMPUS MAP. OKAY. YESTERDAY BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER TOURED THE REC CENTER I HAD NEVER BEEN TO THE REC CENTER. I ASKED JENNIFER, HAD SHE TOURED THE REC CENTER. JENNIFER HAS NOT. I DON'T KNOW JUDGE BECERRA HAVE YOU TOURED THE REC CENTER OR NOT. BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS I WENT AND SPOKE TO THE EMPLOYEES AND SPOKE WITH AT LEAST EIGHT STUDENTS THAT WERE THERE WORKING OUT TO GET THEIR FEEL OF THE WELCOMEABILITY. THAT WAS ONE OF THE FACTORS THAT KEPT COMING IS UP, YOU KNOW WHAT IT SHOULDN'T BE WALKING TO STUDENTS.
PARKING SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. SO I TOOK THAT INTO CRSMGHTS I WALKED IT.
JUST SO Y'ALL KNOW IT IS ADA COMPLAINT. -- COMPLIANT.
IS THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH HANDICAPPED. I HAD NO PROBLEM WALKING FROM THE PARKING LOT TO THE REC CENTER. IF YOU'LL NOTICE THE LARGE CIRCLE IN ORANGE. THAT IS WHERE THE POPULATION OF THE STUDENT BODIES AND THE EMPLOYEES. THAT IS WHERE THE CLASS ROM BUILDINGS ARE.
THAT IS WHERE MOST OF THE OFFICES ARE. IF YOU'LL NOTICE THE PINK PATH AND THE PATH THAT IS THE PATH WHERE THE STUDENTS WITH HAVE TO WALK TO IN ORDER TO GET TO THE
[01:50:04]
RECORD CENTER. THE PINK AND YELLOW BOTH END UP. STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO CROSS BUSY STREETS. THE BLUE THAT YOU SEE OVER HERE IS THE PATH THAT THE STUDENTSWOULD TAKE TO GET TO THE PACK. >> SIR, CAN YOU JUST CONCLUDE? YOUR TIMER WENT OFF.
>> THE REC CENTER. THERE IS GREEN. THAT IS THE ONLY SPOT THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO. NO PLAN HAS BEEN PRESENTED OF HOW THEY ARE GOING TO ACCOMMODATE A POLLING PLACE. THE GREEN CIRCLE I HAVE CIRCLED HERE IS THE ONLY SPACE THAT IS ADEQUATE TO THE VOTING MACHINE AND TO HAVE PEOPLE MOVING AROUND AND JUST TO LET YOU KNOW THERE
ARE NO ELECTRICAL OUTLETS IN THAT. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR.
>> IF Y'ALL HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS I'LL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO ANSWER Y'ALL QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NEXT UP MR. BRANDON JAMES. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS
AGAIN. THIS IS GOOD. >> IT'S PERFECT.
>> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS. AS A TAXPAYING CITIZENS TO SPEAK ON BEHALF HAYS COUNTY.
WHAT WE'VE HEARD AND SAID THE PAST WEEK PEOPLE ARE LOOK TO US TO MAKE HARD DECISIONS IT MAKE DEMOCRACY EASE YEMPLT WE ALSO KNOW LAST WEEK THE WORK WE DO HERE IN HAYS COUNTY SETS AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS AND TEXAS. WHAT SHOULD COUNTY OWNERS TAKE SURROUNDING HERE? POLITICAL MISDIRECTION AND MORE SIGNALING THAN -- LAST WEEK WAS NOTHING SHORT OF A TRASH TALK.
FRANKLY THE PEOPLE OF HAYS COUNTY AND I MEAN ALL OF THIS DESERVE BETTER THAN CONVERSATION. SO LET'S BE REAL FOR A FEW SECONDS.
WE LAID SOME CARDS OUT IN THE TABLE AND WE NEED TO MISSPELL A MYTH.
I HEARD A LOT ABOUT STUDENTS HAVING ENOUGH TIME -- IF 100 SHOWERS ENOUGH TIME, WHY AM I WAITING FOUR HOURS TO VOTE? YOU CAN'T TELL ME IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF THE -- COMMENTS I'VE HEARD FROM PEOPLE ACROSS THE COUNTY THAT STUDENTS ARE TOO DUMB TO KNOW WITH A TO BRING TO THE POLLS. IT'S NOT. IT'S ALSO BECAUSE THE BIG SECRET IN THE ROOM WHICH FACULTY AND STAFF ALSO USE THE POLLING LOCATION BECAUSE THESE ARE POLLING OR VOTE CENTERS NOT POLLING LOCATIONS. SO PEOPLE ALSO COME WHO AREN'T NECESSARILY SAME PRECINCT AS STUDENTS ARE AROUND. I DIDN'T COME HERE TOER LIKE SOME HAVE EARLIER TODAY. I CAME TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. THERE'S A WAY OUT HERE.
IT COMES FROM NOT MAKING THE FALSE CHOICE. THE FALSE CHOICE IS ACTING LIKE EXTRA LOCATIONS AS SOME SORT OF SAY SACRIFICE AS IF WE BLESS ONE TO STRIKE ANOTHER THIS IS PRESCHOOLERS LOGIC ON COOKIE DISTRIBUTION NOT HOW WE DECIDE TO VOTE.
LET'S NOT FORGET HAYS COUNTY IS CURRENTLY SELLING NEW HOMES LIKE HOTCAKES ON A COLD DAY.
WE DO NEED TO EXAMINE HOW THE ROAD IMPACTS OUR ELECTIONS NOT JUST AT TEXAS STATE BUT ACROSS THE COUNTY LIKE DRIPPING SPRINGS. WE TALK ABOUT THE PAST UNTIL THE FUTURE HITS US LIKE A FREEZE BY AND ALWAYS TALK ABOUT WANTING MORE LOCATIONS.
IT'S NOT LIKE IT SET ONE OPTION TO BEGIN WITH. THEY SENT MULTIPLE IT'S REALLY NOT THAT DEEP Y'ALL. SO WE DON'T SELECT IT. ACTIONS SEEM LIKE THE COURT DOESN'T VALUE YOUNG PEOPLE. YOU'RE PREFERRING IN A PLACE WHERE STUDENTS MIGHT NOT THE WE CAN'T HAVE MORE UNIVERSITY POLLING LOCATIONS BECAUSE WE MIGHT NEED MORE IPADS TO CHECK PEOPLE IN OUR EQUIPMENT. BUY THE IPADS IT'S NO THE THAT DEEP.
THE CHARACTERIZATION VOTE FOR THE POLLING LOCATIONS TO YOU IT'S ABOUT NEGATIVE LOCATIONS BUT US TO IT'S ABOUT THE CORE FUNCTION OF DEMOCRACY. NOT THAT I'M UP THERE ON THE DICE MYSELF BUT I'D HATE TO BE THE COMMISSIONER CAUGHT IN A -- I DON'T THINK Y'ALL WANT TO BE.
I THINK YOU ALL WANT TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITIES AND SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES SO I ASK THAT TODAY YOU WILL DO THAT EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO POSTPONE IT TO GET MORE FLFGHTS ELECTIONS COMMISSION I THINK WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE'RE MAKING AN EFFECTIVE DECISION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THIS COUNTY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. AND I WILL SEE --
-- THE UP, MISS LISA PRUETT. >> GOOD MORNING JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
I'D LIKE TO START OFF FIRST BY THANKING YOU ALL FOR EXPANDING YOUR CONSTITUENTS ACCESS BY ALLOWING ANOTHER SPACE DOWNSTAIRS THAT'S SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO CONGREGATE AND LISTEN TO THE MEETING UNTIL IT'S TIME FOR US TO COME UP AND SPEAK. IDES LIKE TO ADDRESS VOTING
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ACCESS TODAY. MANY OF US ARE HERE WEARING MASKS TODAY BUT WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED. THIS MONTH WE'RE CELEBRATESING THE 100TH YEAR THAT MEN HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE LEGAL RIGHT IT VOTE. WE SHOULD SFLOT TO COME BLUE GUYS EVERY WEEK BEGGING TO HAVE VOTING ACCESS -- NOT HAVE TO COME BEFORE YOU GUYS EVERY WEEK BEGGING YOU TO VOTING ACCESS, EQUAL ACCESS. IT'S STARTING TO LOOK LIKE IT'S BEEN A PATTERN OF THIS COURT FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. EVERY CITIZEN OF OUR COUNTRY AND OUR COUNTY NO MATTER AGE OF GENDER, OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION HAS THE RIGHT IT VOTE SAFELY AND THE CONVERSATIONS TAKING PLACE IN THIS COURTROOM ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THIS.YOU ALL AMEND BUDGETS ALL THE TIME. COUNCILS DO IT.
COMMISSIONERS COURTS DO IT. YOU AMENDED FOR ROADS. YOU AMENDED FOR CONTRACTORS.
PLEASE AMEND IT FOR DEMOCRACY. VOTING MACHINES DON'T COST THAT MUCH.
I'VE LISTENED TO THIS COURTROOM, KICKED THINGS DOWN THE ROAD WEEK AFTER WEEK, POSTPONED, ONLY TO MISS DEADLINES. DO NOT MISS THIS DEADLINE. TO BUY MORE VOTING MACHINES.
I DON'T WANT TO FIND NOW THE A MONTH FROM NOW WHEN YOU GUYS SAY SURE LET'S DO IT THAT THE COMPANY THAT YOU GUYS HAVE PURCHASED FROM CAN'T PRODUCE IT IN TIME.
BECAUSE I FORESEE THAT FROM WHAT I'VE GOTEN FROM THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT AS OF LATE.
FIRST OFF, PLEASE ALLOW THE SECOND LOCATION ON CAMPUS ON ELECTION DAY FOR THE REASONS MANY OF US HAVE ALREADY MENTIONED TODAY. SECONDLY, PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL VOTING CENTERS AND OTHER LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTY WHERE SAFETY AND ACCESS IS IN QUESTION. THIRDLY, PLEASE PROVIDE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION FOR THE QF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN'S VOTERS OF HAYS COUNTY TO PROVIDE CONVENIENT SECURE DROP BOXES TO DEPOSIT MAIL-IN BALLOTS, GIVEN THE UNPRECEDENTED THEIFICATION TO TEXAS THAT THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO DELIVER MAIL-IN BALLOTS BY THE DEADLINE TO HAVE THOSE VOTES
COUNTED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM.
NEXT UP. AND OUR FINAL SPEAKER ON THIS AGENDA ITEM MISS KATHERINE
WICKER. >> GOOD MORNING COMMISSIONERS COURT.
I'M WITH TEXAS RISING AND INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT AT TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
AS WE START THIS TUESDAY MORNING WE ARE HERE ONCE AGAIN ASKING TO VALUE THE CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY AND HAVE AN ELECTIONS SYSTEM MANY PLACE THAT ASSURES VOTING IS ACCESSIBLE TO ALL.
I MY UNDERSTANDING THE CITIZENS ELECTION COMMITTEE WAS NOT ABLING IT VOTE.
WE NEED THE EXTRA POLLING LOCATIONS AND THE PEOPLE ON THE COMMITTEE NEED TO HELP DOUSE.
THAT I STAND BEFORE YOU NOT JUST MY STORY OR RANDOM FACTS OF WHAT IT'S LIKE TO STAND IN LINE BUT THE STORIES OF OTHERS. ONE STUDENTS UTILIZE IN THE LBJ CENTER.
THE LINES WERE SHORT AND THERE WERE CLEAR MARKERS THAT MADE THE PROCESS EASY AND CONVENIENT FOR A STUDENT. HOWEVER I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE.
AS MY REGISTRATION DID NOT PROCESS BY THE TIME VOTING CAME AROUND.
POLL WORKERS WERE VERY ACCOMODATING. OTHER THAN THAT THE EXPERIENCE WITH LBJ WAS CONVENIENT AS WELL AS CRUCIAL FOR THE STUDENTS TO PRACTICE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE.
THEY HAD TO SCHEDULE THEIR TIME TO VOTE AROUND CLASSES. IF THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO UTILIZE IT EARLY PRIOR TO 15 A.M. CLASS, DUE TO THE CLASS SCHEDULE THEY WOULD HAVE TO CONSISTENTLY HAVE AND NOT HAVE THE CONSISTENT ABILITY TO GO AND VOTE. VOTERS SHARED THAT MISSING CLASS TO VOTE WITH A MAJOR THAT REQUIRES LABS YOU CAN'T MISS THOSE.
SHE CONTINUES IN HER STORY TO SAY SHES BY AND SEE LINES WRPD AROUND THE BUILDING.
THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY. WHEN I KEEP ASKING ABOUT THE STUDENTS THAT DIDN'T HAVE CARS AND THE REBUTTAL I GET MOST OF YOU HAVE ONE YOU'RE LOOKING AT A STUDENT UNTIL LAST SUMMER HAD NEVER OWNED A CAR IN THEIR LIFE. PRIOR TO 18 I HAD TO FIND A RIDE TO GO VOTE, AND NOW I WOULD BE SCARED TO GET ANYONE ELSE'S CAR FOR THE FEAR OF GETTING SICK.
I'M A FULL-TIME HAYS COUNTY RESIDENT WHO DOES NOT MISS VOTING BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE BEFORE ME WITH DISABILITIES WERE NOT GIVEN THE RIGHT THAT I NOW HOLD DEAR.
LET'S BE HONEST AS A YOUNG PERSON I WANT TO CAST A BALLOT. I'M HIGH RISK AND KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY YOUNG PERSON THAT IS. WE NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE HIGH RISK CONVERSATION AS WELL.
[02:00:07]
WHY DO WE FUND THE POLLING LOCATIONS ALL OVER THIS COUNTY THAT ARE SAFE AND HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS IS BEYOND ME. IT'S REALLY SAD TO THINK IN THE SAME CITY WHO CREATED THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT WENT TO COLLEGE AND LAW THAT CITIZENS OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS COME FROM ALL OVER THIS COUNTY EXPRESSING CONCERNS TIME AND TIME AGAIN. WE DON'T WANT LEGACY TO BE IN HAYS COUNTY THAT VOTING RIGHTS AND THE RIGHT NEXT TO -- VOTING RIGHTS ACT AND RIGHT NEXT TO IT ARE ALL THE COUNTY NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT ONGOING POLLING ISSUES. NOT HAVING ENOUGH LOCATION SO FOUR-HOUR WAITS DON'T OCCUR.PEOPLE HAVING TO PULL ALL OVER AND WITHOUT PEOPLE HAVING TO GET TO A LOCATION MEANS YOU'RE SUPPRESSION PEOPLE'S VOTE AND IT LOOKS BAD. I HOPE THE COUNTY PROVIDES THE RESOURCES EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO HAVE SO WE CAN FOCUS ON OTHER PEOPLE'S NEEDS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WANTSED TO SHED LIGHTS ON THIS
SUBJECT ITEM YESS. >> JUDGE I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE COURT WAS AWARE WE HAVE THE UNIVERSITY HERE DR. CAB BAHT DR. BEND AND NOLAN WHO RUNS THE CENTER, THERE THE UNIVERSITY
RECREATION CENTER WAS HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU.
WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO -- I APPRECIATE THAT INFO. WHAT I'D LIKE TO DO IS, OF COURSE, SINCE YOU MADE THE EFFORT TO BE HERE IF THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE A SHORT SNIPPET OF PERSPECTIVE AS YOU SEE IT. WOULD YOU MIND? ANY OF YOU THAT CAME TO THE UNIVERSITY JUST A SMALL SNIPPET OF PERSPECTIVE.
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO BE HERE. WE GENERALLY APPRECIATE IT
WHOLEHEARTEDLY. >> HI. I'M MARIANNE AND I'M VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRSED I'LL INTRODUCE DR. BEN AND DR. NOLAN AND TALK SPECIFICALLY WITH THE RECOMMENDATION CENTER IF WE WERE TO USE THAT AS A SECOND LOCATION HOW THAT WOULD
WORK. DR. NOLAN? >> GOOD MORNING.
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THIS TIME. THE RECREATION CENTER, WE HAVE FOUR BASKETBALL COURTS THAT COULD BE USED. EACH ONE IS APPROXIMATELY 5,000 SQUARE FEET. WE HAVE A PARKING GARAGE HAD A IS 50 YARDS AWAY VERY ACCESSIBLE. WE DO HAVE ADEQUATE PARKING THERE AS FAR AS STUDENT POPULATION AND THE FLOW OF THE RECREATION CENTER WE CAN HANDLE ALL THAT WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING, WEARING A MASK AND WITH VOLUNTEERS. BUT WE HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH
SPACE TO ACCOMMODATE. >> WONDERFUL. THANK YOU.
DR. BEN. >> THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE.
SO WITH REGARD TO PER INSPECT SO MY VOL I SERVE AS A CHAIR OF THE 2020 ELECTION TASK FORCE FOR TEXAS STATE. SO THE GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT MAXIMIZING STUDENTS TO ENGAGE IN A PARTICIPATRY PROCESS. ONE OF THE THINGS WE DO KNOW IS TEXAS LEADS THE SOUTH.
IN SITE CLOSURES. AND POLLING SITES. SO ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE IS TO BE A MODEL WITH THE PROCESS TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO FULLY ENGAGE THIS.
IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A DEMOCRATIC PROCESS. SO VERY EXCITED. WE'RE EXCITED TO GET THEM EXCITED ABOUT THIS. THE ELECTIONS TASK FORCE IS COMPRISED ACROSS ALL POLITICAL SPECTRUMS BECAUSE OUR GOAL IS TO FULLY ENGAGE AND TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION FOR ALL PARTIES AND FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING. ADDITIONALLY WE DO KNOW WHERE THERE IS A DECREASE IN POLLING SITES, IT DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS CERTAIN COMMUNITIES.
IT DISPROPORTION NATIONALLY -- DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS BLACK COMMUNITY, LATIN COMMUNITIES AND POOR WHITE COMMUNITIES. THOSE ARE THE GROUPS THAT ARE DISPROPORTIONALLY IMPACTED WHEN THERE'S A DECREASE IN POLLING SITES. THAT'S SOMETHING THAT'S REALLY IMPORTANT. WE KNOW IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT BECAUSE THAT ALSO SORT OF IT COINCIDES WITH WHAT WE KNOW IS HAPPENING WITH REGARD TO COVID. WHILE WE'RE WANTING TO INCREASE
[02:05:05]
PARTICIPATION WE WANT TO ENSURE WE'RE DOING IN A MAN HEAR IT IS SAFE SO.I THINK THIS GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY TOGETHER TO DO SOMETHING AND BE A MODEL FOR OTHER CITIES WHERE THERE ARE UNIVERSITIES AND WHERE THERE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE.
SO WE FULLY SUPPORT THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPAND AND CAMPUS AND ANOTHER POLLING SITE.
WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO WORK YOU TO DO THAT. SO THANK YOU.
LAST THING I'D LIKE TO SAY IS VOTING IS NEITHER -- IS NOT A DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN ISSUE.
IT IS A DEMOCRATIC ISSUE, WHICH MEANS IT'S A PARTICIPATORY ISSUE AND ENGAGEMENT ISSUE, SO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE AND THE UNIVERSITY IS HERE TO SUPPORT NOT WHEENL YOU'RE DOING, BUT OF COURSE, OUR -- NOT ONLY WHAT YOU'RE DOING BUT OUR STUDENTS.
>> THANK YOU, MA'AM. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. I GENERALLY APPRECIATE IT.
WITH THAT I'D LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION WE ADD THE REC CENTER TO OUR LIST OF VOTING DAY ELECTION
SITES. CAN I GET A SECOND? >> SECOND FOR DISCUSSION, JUDGE.
>> SO WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. COMMENTS?
COMMISSIONER INGALSBE? >> YEAH, I'LL START, JUDGE. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND I APPRECIATE EVERYONE BEING HERE. I KNOW THAT I RECEIVED LOTS OF E-MAILS AND I TRIED TO RESPOND TO ALL OF THEM. AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE AWARE OR EVERYONE IS AWARE THAT THE VOTE THAT WE TOOK LAST WEEK DIDN'T ELIMINATE OUR ABILITY TO COME BACK AND ADD ANY ADDITIONAL SITES. WE STILL HAD THAT OPPORTUNITY AND I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT IS CLEAR. BUT I DO HAVE SOME QUESTIONS. REGARDING THIS -- AN ADDITIONAL SITE AT TEXAS STATE. I KNOW THAT THE COVID RELIEF FUND HAS BEEN MENTIONED AND JENNIFER, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU CAN ANSWER SOME OF THESE QUESTIONS.
BUT DO WE STILL ARE SOME OF THOSE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT IF
IT'S NEEDED? >> IF YOU'LL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM AND STATE YOUR NAME.
>> JENNIFER ANDERSON HAYS COUNTY ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR, AND I MIGHT ASK FOR VICKI'S HELP ON THIS. HOWEVER, THE USE OF THOSE FEDERAL FUNDS IS RESTRICTED TO MAIL BALLOTS EFFORTS DUE TO COVID AND INCREASE IN MAIL BALLOTS DUE TO COVID, SPECIFICALLY I DON'T BELIEVE THAT MANY IS USED FOR TOUCH PAD EQUIPMENT.
IS THAT YOUR RECOLLECTION? I WOULD LIKE IT GO BACK AND LOOK AT THE ACTUAL APPLICATION AND --
[INAUDIBLE] >> BUT THAT WOULDN'T BE THE ONLY WAY OF FUNDING IT AS WELL.
THAT IS GOOD TO KNOW. THANK YOU, MA'AM. COMMISSIONER INGALSBE.
SHE'S NOT SURE BUT WILL PROVIDE AN ANSWER. AS I JUST SAID IN SUCH A QUIET VOICE, VICKI. SORRY. BUT SHE'LL GO BACK AND LOOK AT CONTRACT TO SEE WHAT WAS SUBMITTED FOR REAM BURMENTS POTENTIAL.
BUT AS A REMINDER WE HAVE OTHER LANES WITH WHICH TO FUND -- REIMBURSEMENT -- LANES TO FUND.
>> I'D LIKE IT KNOW WHAT OTHER LANES THOSE MIGHT BE. I'M NOT SURE THAT WE CAN TAKE OUT OF RESERVES. I DON'T KNOW. MAYBE.
CAN AND I DON'T THINK THAT THAT MIGHT BE A QUESTION FOR MR. KENNEDY.
I'M NOT SURE THAT THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY AND I KNOW THAT THAT'S
WHAT THOSE FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR. >> -- DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY.
[INAUDIBLE] >> SO WITHOUT DECLARING ANY EMERGENCY I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY AND REITERATE WITHOUT DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, MARISOL IF I'M MISSPEAKING LET ME KNOW.
WITHOUT DECLARING AN EMERGENCY WE CAN ASK THE AUDITORS OFFICE TO SEEK MONEY WITHIN THE BUDGET TO BUY ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT THAT WOULD BE NECESSARY. IS THAT WHAT YOU SAID?
>> YES. ANY OTHERS. >> THERE YOU ARE.
>>ED THEN SO JENNIFER I GUESS I WOULD ASK YOU, WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO EQUIP THE REC CENTER? HOW MANY MACHINES ARE YOU ANTICIPATING PUTING THERE, IF WE WERE TO -- PUTTING THERE IF WE WERE TO PICK THIS SITE? SECONDLY, ARE THERE OTHER AREAS IN THE COUNTY?
[02:10:03]
AND I HAVE THIS CONCERN LAST WEEK. THAT WE CAN PULL FROM THAT ISN'T GOING TO NEGATIVELY AFFECT THOSE OTHER AREAS AND I'M NOT SURE THAT YOU CAN DO THAT WITHOUT NEGATIVELY AFFECTING, AND I CERTAINLY DON'T WANT OTHER LOCATIONS TO COMPLAIN REGARDING THAT. I GUESS A TWO-PRONGED QUESTION. WHAT KIND OF RESOURCES DO YOU ANTICIPATE MEETING AT THE REC CENTER. MY UNDERSTANDING THOUGH IS THATYOU HAVE NOT TOURED IT. >> I HAVE NOT. I WOULD WANT THE EXACT SAME SET THAT WE WOULD HAVE AT PERING ARTS CENTER BECAUSE IT'S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT WE ARE A CENTER COUNTY. JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE TWO LOCATIONS DOESN'T MEAN THAT EVERYBODY IS GOING TO SPLIT DIRECTLY DOWN THE MIDDLE AND GO TO EACH ONE.
MOST LIKELY THEY ARE GOING TO DO WHAT THEY DO IN EVERY SINGLE PRECINCT THIS WE HAVE AND THEY ARE GOING TO ONE OR THE OTHER. WHICH IN SAN MARCOS TENDS TO BE THE GOVERNMENT CENTER CITY OF BUDA, WIMBERLEY COMMUNITY CENTER. WE HAVE OTHER SITES AROUND THERE. BUT WHILE LINES WHAT WE CARE ABOUT IN THE MEDIA, MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE TO DO IT. WE KNOW THIS BECAUSE WE GO OUT AT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND WE TELL PEOPLE THAT ARE WAITING IN LINES ON ELECTION DAY AT THE END OF THE DAY THEIR SITES WITHIN TWO MILES OF HERE THAT YOU CAN GO TO THAT HAVE NO LINE AND CHOOSES TO STAY.
SO I WOULD WANT THE SAME SETUP WHICH WE HAVE RIGHT NOW OVER THE PERFORMING THE CENTER WOULD BE THREE THE IPADS TWO CHECK-IN STATIONS TRADITIONALLY FOR PROVISIONAL VOTING AND ALSO CHECK THE STATUS DO YOU FEELING COMFORTABLE THAT ANY AREAS IN THE COUNTY THAT WOULD PULL SOME EQUIPMENT FROM AND FEEL CONFIDENT WE HAVE AMEQUIPMENT FROM IN THOSE AREAS.
>> WE HEAR A LOT ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY AND THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT BUSIEST LOCATION AND SO WE MAKING FROM ANY LOCATION THAT ANOTHER LOCATION COULD HAVE AN OPPOSITE EFFECT.
PROTCLE FOR THE NUMBER OF GNASHES WE HAVE. BECAUSE OF COVID WE HAVE TO SANITIZE EACH MACHINE. DOES THAT LIMIT THE NUMBER VOTING EACH TIME BECAUSE WE HAD TO DISINFECT. WE ARE ASKING VOTERS LIKE THE PRIMARY RUNOFF TO PUT THE GLOVE ON TO SIGN THAT NAME AND TO PLACE THEIR VOTE. AFTER THAT WE HAVE A LOG WHICH WE ARE SANITIZING EACH EQUIPMENT. IF THEY ARE NOT HAVING IT SIGN WITH THEIR HANDS OR ANYTHINGS WE DO HAVE THE SANITIZER THERE AT THE CHECK-IN STATIONS AND THEY ARE SANITIZING WITH GLOVES ON AND UTILIZING THAT TO SIGN AND DO THE EQUIPMENT AT THE VOTING MACHINE. SO WE ARE SANITIZING ON A ROTATION SCHEDULE.
WHAT WE HEARD IF THE PRIMARY RUNOFF WAS NOT SO MUCH THAT THE EQUIPMENT WAS THE SLOWDOWN BUT THE CHECK-IN WAS. THAT WOULD BE WHY I WOULD HESITATE IT TAKE AWAY FROM ONE LOCATION TO GIVE TO ANOTHER BECAUSE I THINK WE'RE GOING TO HAVE LINES EVERYWHERE.
>> OKAY. AGAIN WHAT IS THE TIMELINE IF WE ORDER EQUIPMENT TO GET IT IN IN AMPLE TIME FOR EARLY VOTING. SO I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S ABOUT A MONTH TO A MONTH AND A HALF.
IT'S GETTING THEM AND THEM HAVING TIME TO PREPARE THEM AND SHIP THEM OUT US TO.
>> OK. SO THAT SOUNDS LIKE A REALLY TIGHTS TIMELINE.
>> IT'S A PRETTY TIGHT TIMELINE. OF COURSE, THERE'S NO GUARANTEES FOR THAT.
IF THAT'S THE ACTION THE COURT TOOK, YOU KNOW THEN WE WOULD ALL DO OUR BEST TO MAKE SURE THEY
WERE PREPARED. >> OK. >> ALL GREAT COMMISSIONERS
COMMISSIONER INGALSBE. >> I KNOW THIS GETTING OFF A LITTLE BIT JUDGE BUT I WANTED TO
[02:15:18]
ASK ABOUT THIS, LOCK BOXES. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT WE SPOKE LAST WEEK AND I ASKED YOU ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OR IF THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WE COULD DO, AND IMPLEMENT.CAN YOU TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT? AND I SPECIFICALLY WAS ASKING THAT THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND THE PRECINCT OF PATIENTS, AND I KNOW THAT THERE ARE SOME WITH CONCERNS THAT. CAN YOU SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THAT?
>> SURE SO. I RECEIVED A LOT OF THOSE E-MAILS AS WELL AS WELL AS JUST THE COMMENTS WITH THE MEDIA AND WHAT IS COMING DOWN NATIONALLY REGARDING THE USPS.
I DON'T HAVE THE CONCERNS WITH THE USPS THAT WE HEAR IN THE MEDIA.
THE REASON WE DON'T IS THEIR OFFICE HAS BEEN THIS CONTACT WITH OTHER STATE NOVELS TEXAS FOR MONTHS NOW WITH THE USPS. I KNOW THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED A LOT OF PROTOCOLS AND PRIORITIZE IT IS ACCURATE AND EFFICIENT FOR OUR MAIL-IN BALLOT VOTERS. I WILL SAY THERE'S AN ITEM ON TODAY THAT RESCIND THE AWARD FOR THE SOLICITATION OF THE SERVICE AND THAT IS BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN IN CONTACT NATIONALLY WITH THE POST OFFICE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT MAIL BALLOTS FROM ARIZONA AND CONTACTING WITH OUR PEOPLE AND REGIONAL DIRECTORS HERE IF THE STATE.
SO WE PLAN TO PROCESS THOSE MAIL-IN BALANCE ALSO IN OUR OFFICE THE WAY WE ALWAYS DO.
WE KNOW IT'S GOING TO HEAVIER. WE KNOW WE HAVE MORE WORK. I SPOKE WITH THE STAFF AND WE ALL AGREE WE FEEL MORE THEABLE WITH THAT PATH FORWARD ON MAIL BALLOTS.
SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS I'VE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE AS I REACH OUT TO MY OFFICE IS THAT WE POST THE NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO RECEIVE THEIR MAIL BALLOTS EVERY DAY. IF PEOPLE ARE PARTICIPATING IN OUR 2020 CAMPAIGN AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY APPLYING FOR THEIR MAIL-IN BALLOTS NOW AND REGISTERING NOW AND CHECK VOTER REGISTRATION NOW AND UNTIL LATER.
THEY WILL RECEIVE THEY WILL RECEIVE THE BALLOTS AHEAD OF THE ELECTION AND THEY CAN EITHER HAND DELIVER THEM TOMORROW OR THEY C CHECK OUR WEBSITE TO SEE IF OUR BALLOTS ARE TOO.
IF THEY ARE DHOOG THEY WILL KNOW IN PLENTY OF TIME IF OUR MAIL BALLOT WILL ROACH THEIR OFFICE, AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CONTACT US. IF NOT THEY CAN GO TO THE PLACE AND VOTE. AND IT WILL BE PROVISIONAL IF THEY HAD A REQUEST IN THE MAIM-IN BALLOT THAT THEY CAN DO THAT, AND IF THEY DON'T -- MAIL-IN BALLOT BACK THAT WILL COUNT AND THAT PROVISIONAL VOTE ON THE MACHINE JUST THE SAME WAY AS EVERYBODY ELSE VOTES WILL COUNT IF WE DO RECEIVE THE BALLOT PACK. THERE ARE REMEDIES IF WE DON'T SEE THE MAIL-IN BALLOT RECEIVES BACK. IN ADDITION, I'VE BEEN TALKING WITH THE TREASURERS OFFICE ABOUT GETTING INTELLIGENT MAIL BAR CODING SO THAT VOTERS CAN ACTUALLY TRACK THEIR BALLOT PROCESS. SO THEY WILL KNOW.
THEY WILL KNOW WHEN THEIR BALLOT REACHES THE POST OFFICE. THEY WILL KNOW WHEN IT REACHES THEIR MAILBOX AND THEY WILL KNOW WITH IT REACHES US. SO THESE ARE SOME THINGS THAT
VOTERS CAN DO TO MAKE SURE THEIR MAIL-IN BALLOT IS COMING BACK. >> SPECIFICALLY ON THE LOCK BOXES. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO IMPLEMENT ONE FOR THE GOVERNMENT CENTER.
>> SO I WAS TALKING WITH GENERAL COUNCIL'S OFFICE ABOUT THAT. WE ALL TALKED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE. THERE IS NO PROVISION IN THE ELECTION CODE THAT ALLOWS FOR DROP BOXES. BECAUSE THE ELECTION CODE AND EVEN THE GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION IS PRETTY CLEAR ON THE FACT THAT A MAIL BALLOT HAS TO BE TURNED TO THE EARLY CLERK'S OFFICE THAT WE ONLY HAVE ONE ESTABLISHED OFFICE AND THIS IS IN THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AND IT HAS TO BE PRESENTED WITH A VALID ID AND ONLY THE VOTER AND THERE HAS TO BE A SIGNATURE.
SO WE'RE DISCUSSING BECAUSE IT DOESN'T ARE CONCLUSIVE ANSWERS AS TO WHETHER OR NOT WE CAN DID THAT IN FRONT OF THE GOVERNOR CENTER SITE. WE KNOW WE CAN'T DO THAT IN OTHER PRECINCTS. SO MARK AND I HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THAT TRYING TO FIGURE OUT
[02:20:04]
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE IF WE DID THAT OUTSIDE OF THE GOVERNMENT SITE BUT ONLY ON ELECTION DAYBECAUSE IT WOULD REQUIRE STAFF TO BE OUT THERE. >> THE MAIN POLLING PLACE IS DEFINED HAD CHAPTER 85 AND STATES THAT IT IS A LOCATION IN ANY ROOM THAT IS IN THE SAME BUILDING THAT ACCOMMODATES THE COUNTY CLERKS. IT DOES SAY IN THE SAME SECTION THAT COMMISSIONS ARE COURT IN LOCATING THE POLLING PLACE IN THAT BUILDING IS IMPRACTICAL, THE COMMISSIONERS COURT MAY DESIGNATE A DIFFERENT LOCATION IN THE CITY, WHICH THE BUSINESS OFFICE IS LOCATED. SO IT'S POSSIBLE THAT YOU COULD HAVE SOMETHING OUT FRONT WITH GOVERNMENT CENTER UNDER THAT PROVISION. NOW WE THE ASKED FOR SECRETARY OF STATE. IT IS WHAT WE CAN. DO THE ORIGINAL IDEA WAS TO DO SOMETHING THAT THE LAW DOES NOT PROVIDE. I DO THINK THE LAW PROVIDES FOR THE POSSIBLE LOCATION OFFICE FROM THE BUILDING OUTSIDE THE BUILDING.
AS LONG AS IT'S STAFFED. THE PROCEDURE IS TO SIGN THE ROSTER TO BRING THE BALLOT IN THE BOX. IT'S NOT REALLY A DROP BOX WHERE SOMEONE CAN DROP IT IN.
>> THEY HAVE TO VERIFY THE PERSON. >> IT HAS TO BE THAT VOTER.
>> IT HAS TO BE MANNED. >> IT HAS TO BE MANNED. >> EXACTLY.
THERE'S NO WAY TO CHECK FID YOU DON'T HAVE A STAFF. SO IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE IT TO AT LEAST KEEP PEOPLE FROM GOING TO GO THROUGH SECURITY OR THIS MORNING.
CERTAINLY IN THE WAKE OF COVID YOU DON'T WANT MORE PEOPLE IN THE BUILDING.
WE WOULD HAVE TO CHECK WITH SECRETARY OF STATE. >> SOMETHING WE WOULD CONTINUE
TO DISCUSS. >> COMMISSIONER HAS JANUARY SPECIAL QUESTION BECAUSE JUST A SHORT WHILE AGO MY OFFICE RECEIVED A CALL THAT OUR LOCAL -- THE WAY I SEE IT IN THIS ROOM WE'RE ALL HAYS COUNTY RESIDENTS. I JUST RECEIVED A CALL MAILBOX THE BIG BLUE BOX THAT IS WHERE YOU DROP OFF MAIL OR OVERFLOWING RIGHT NOW AND I DON'T KNOW WHY. NOT WANT TO MESS WITH THE MAIL OR ALL THE NEWS WE'RE HEARING AND SOME ARE NATURAL AND SOME ARE NOT AND SOME ARE SYSTEMIC OR WHO CARES. WE WANT OUR VOTES TO COUNT, SO THE QUESTIONS ARE 2C3W AND I APPRECIATE MR. KENNEDY OFFERING TO CONTINUE TO LOOK INTO IT SO WE COULD SUPPORT THE ELECTION
PROCESS THE BEST WE CAN. GREAT POINT. >> I GUESS JUDGE I MAY, CAN I
ASK MR. SALCEDO A QUESTION. >> SURE, YES. MR. SALCEDO CAN YOU APPROACH THE
PODIUM UNLESS YOU WANT TO GIVE HIM A MIKE. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE.
YOU ARE ONE OF MY APPOINTEES TO THE COMMISSION AND I WANTED TO ASK YOU AND THE CHAIR AND THE COMMISSION THAT YOU ATTEMPTED TO CALL A QUORUM. I WANTED TO X-I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR ME, WE FORMED THIS COMMISSION IT MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO OUR COURT AND I WANT TO RESPECT. THAT I'M NOT TRYING HIDE BEHIND Y'ALL BUT I WANT TO STAND BESIDE Y'ALL YOUR WE INSPECT YOUR OPINIONS AND DECISIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS I JUST WANTED TO
ASK DO Y'ALL HAVE MEETING SET? >> TOMORROW. TOMORROW AT 6:30.
>> ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A QUORUM? >> YES MA'AM.
IT'S CONFIRMED. >> I KNOW THAT WHEN YOU SPOKE THAT WE 1C WE TABLE HAD UNTIL NEXT WEEK. -- THAT WE TABLE THIS UNTIL NEXT WEEK.
I WANT TO CONSIDER THAT, BUT SAY THIS IF WE DON'T TAKE ACTION TODAY, JUDGE RS I AM PREPARED TO
[02:25:02]
NEXT WEEK -- JUDGE, I AM PREPARED TO NEXT WEEK ADD ANOTHER POLLING SITE TO TEXASSTATE. BUT -- >> IF I MAY JUST SHARE COMMISSIONER INGALSBE, THAT JUST BASED ON OUR CONVERSATION YESTERDAY, THE COMMISSION IS ALL FOR GIVING, ADDING ANOTHER LOCATION AT TEXAS STATE. THERE'S NO OPPOSITION.
THIS MORNING HEARING THE UNIVERSITY IN THE UNIVERSITY THAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NICE THAT WILL BE VERY INSTRUMENTAL AND USABLE FOR US AT TOMORROW'S MEETING LIKE I SAID WE AT NO POINT THIS TIME HAS ANYONE PRESENTED US WITH ANY KIND OF PLAN OR EVEN JENNIFER'S OFFICE.
SO WE HAD NO IDEA OF HOW, YOU KNOW, WHERE THIS VOTE CENTER WOULD BE WITHIN THAT BUILDING.
YOU KNOW. I JUST LOOKED AROUND AND I DIDN'T KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, I DIDN'T KNOW THAT -- BASKETBALL COURTS. BUT AT THE SAME TIME I DIDN'T KNOW HOW THEY THOUGHT ABOUT, HARDWOOD FLOORS. YOU HAVE PEOPLE THIS HEELS AND THAT ALL THAT KIND OF STUFF. SO WHEN I WAS SAYING THAT IT WAS BECAUSE WE HADN'T THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROPERLY BET OR TO COME UP WITH SOME KIND OF PLAN OR TO EVEN DISCUSS WHAT THE UNIVERSITY, WHAT THEY ARE WILLING TO DO. AGAIN LIKE I SAID DIDN'T WALK FROM THE PARKING LOT OR THE SPECK PARKING GARAGE AS WELL THAT THEY CHARGED $5.
AND SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE FACTORS. AGAIN LIKE I SAID THERE ARE DIFFERENT VARIABLES. BECAUSE NO PLANS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED, YOU KNOW, NOBODY HAD TOURED IT. WE HADN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM ANYBODY.
AS IT HOW IT WOULD FACILITATE THAT. THOSE ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACED, YOU KNOW, BUT AGAIN LIKE I SAID. YOU KNOW, THE COMMISSION.
THE SPIRIT OF THE COMMISSION WE HAVE NO OPPOSITION TO ADD AN ADDITIONAL LOCATION.
IT WAS JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT AS THE REC CENTER GOING TO WORK BETTER OR IS THE UNIVERSITY MINISTRY BUILDING GOING TO WORK BETTER, JUST BECAUSE LIKE I SAID WE DIDN'T HAVE NO PLAN.
NOBODY HAS SUBMITTED ANY KINDS OF PLANS TO HOW THAT WOULD WORK. >>ED DOES THE PD -- DOES THE
MINISTRY CENTER IS, THAT OWNED BY THE UNIVERSITY? >> THAT WAS ONE OF MY CONCERNS IS THAT I THINK IF I REMEMBER IF I'M CORRECT I THINK THAT SCOTT RECENTLY PURCHASED THAT PROPERTY BUT I'M NOT SURE. BUT I KNOW THAT NO, IT'S NOT THE UNIVERSITY.
>> SO THE -- FROM THE UNIVERSITY IS THE REC CENTER. >> THANK YOU MR. SALCEDO.
I APPRECIATE IT. >> I'M DONE FOR NOW, JUDGE. >> THANK YOU, MA'AM OF THE I APPRECIATE IT. THANK YOU, SIR. COMMISSIONER JONES.
>> MISS ANDERSON. THANK YOU. JENNIFER, WHEN WE HAD OUR LAST NOVEMBER ELECTION WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT THE LINES SO. WE DIDN'T HAVE VOTE CENTERS AT
THAT TIME. >> 2019 IS WHEN WE STARTED. >> SO HOW MANY VOTING LOCATION
DOS WE HAVE WITHIN THREE MILES OF TEXAS STATE ON ELECTION DAY.- >> I MEAN WE HAVE 12 IN THE SAN MARCOS AREA. THEY ARE ALL RELATIVELY CLOSE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY ARE --
>> SO IN THE SAN MARCOS AREA WE HAVE 12. HOW MANY DO WE HAVE IN THE KYLE
WE HAVE SEVEN. SEVEN IN THE KYLE AREA. >> WHAT ABOUT BUDA?
>> SIX. >> THE REASON MY ASKING THAT IS BECAUSE IF WE'RE GOING TO START ADD SENT WRERZ WE HAVE TO IN ONE AREA WHERE WE HAVE -- CENTERS WHERE WE HAVE ONE IN AREA WHERE WE HAVE ONE AND PEOPLE ARE DRIVING 12 MILES IS, THAT FAIR? WE'RE GOING TO START ADDING LOCATIONS. IN ONE PRECINCT I'M GOING TO ASK WE ADD OTHERS.
THE OTHER THING IS BROUGHT UP HAVE Y'ALL LOOKED AT HOW WE'RE GOING TO STAFF? WE'VE ALREADY APPROVED ELECTION JUDGES AND POLL WORKERS. HOW WILL WE STAFF ADDITIONAL
LOCATION IF'S WE'RE GOING TO ADD FOUR MORE LOCATIONS? >> WE HAD HAVE IT FIND THE STAFF
[02:30:06]
AND REVISE THE JUDGES. I IMAGINE WE LOOK AT POLLING LOCATIONS TO STAFF OTHERS.THE OTHER QUESTION I HAD. I THOUGHT Y'ALL SAID YOU TOOK A TOUR OF THIS FACILITY BUT SAID
YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT? >> I TOOK A TOUR OF THE UNIVERSITY'S ISHL SITE THEY RECOMMENDED THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. -- INISHL -- INITIAL SITE.
>> SO WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THAT ONE? IF Y'ALL AND THE COMMISSION
WEREN'T. >> MY UNDERSTANDING FROM THE PHONE CALL -- ACTUALLY, TREVOR SAID IT LAST NIGHT FROM THE CS MEETING IT WAS ALEX VILLALOBOS, JUDGE BECERRA, TREVOR NEWMAN, LISA PRUETT AND REPRESENT TIFF SWEENER. -- REPRESENTATIVE SWEENER.
>> THAT'S ALL THE QUESTIONS. >> OK. >> COMMISSION ARE SHELL.
>> FIRST I WANT TO GET BACK TO PLACES THAT MAIL BALLOT PERSON. MR. KEN DIFFICULT.
YOU MENTIONED DESIGNATED SPOT. IS THERE ONLY ONE ABILITY TO DESIGNATE ONE LOCATION? IT HAS TO BE AT THE GOVERNMENT SENT THAT'S CORRECT. -- GOVERNMENT CENTER?
>> THAT'S CORRECT. >> THE WAY THE PROVISION READS IS THE VOTER MAY DELIVER A MARKED BALLOT IN PERSON TO THE EARLY VOTING CLERK'S OFFICE. ONLY WHILE THE POLLS ARE OPEN ON ELECTION DAY. NOW THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT IT HAS AMENDED THAT BY ORDER TO ALLOW IT TO OCCUR ALSO DURING THE NEW VOTING. IT'S NOT IN YOUR OFFICE IT'S SOMETHING THAT WARRANTS DISCUSSION. AND THEN THAT PERSON MUST
PRESENT AN ACCEPTABLE FORM OF ID. >> WE INTERPRET THE EARLY VOTING CLERKS OFFICE AS ONE THERE'S NOT ONE WAY THAT DESIGNATE THE PRECINCT OFFICE.
>> THAT'S CORRECT. SO WHAT I WAS READING THERE WAS CHAPTER 86.
IF YOU GO TO CHAPTER 85 ON THE ELECTION CODE EARLY VOTING POLLING PLACES.
DEFINED AS A SPACE OR A ROOM IN THE OFFICE THAT HOUSES THE COUNTY CLERK AND THE BUILDING THAT HOUSES THE COUNTY CLERK. IT THAT SAYS IF YOU DETERMINED LOCATING A -- THAT YOU MAY RELOCATE IT WITHIN THE CITY AND THAT BUILDING WHERE THE CITY WAS LOCATED.
SOMEWHERE. >> YOU COULDN'T DETERMINE FOR INSTANCE THE PRECINCT 3 OFFICE
OR PRECINCT 2 OFFICE THAT HOLDS A COUNTY CLERK OFFICE AS WELL. >> NOT BY MY READING OF THE
CODE. >> COMMISSIONER SHELL JUST FOR CLARIFICATION.
I ACTUALLY ASKED THAT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE OFFICE THIS MORNING AND THE HAVE AN BECAUSE THERE'S OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS THAT ARE INCLUDE AND CONDUCT THE OFFICE OF THE EARLY VOTING CLERK, AND ONE OF THOSE BEING LIMITED BALLOTS. SO THAT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR ANY OTHER OFFICE TO TAKE ON THAT FUNCTION ON ELECTION DAY. AND EARLY VOTING.
AND ALSO THE GOVERNOR'S PROCLAMATION STATES THAT YOU CAN HAND-DELIVER THAT BALLOT ANY TIME AFTER THE BALLOT IS RECEIVED AND VOTED SO THAT COULD BE EFFECTIVELY PRIOR TO THE
EARLY VOTING PERIOD. >> WHEN DO THE BALLOTS GO OUT? >> THE DEAD SHRINE SEPTEMBER 18TH. OUR USUAL HISTORY IS THAT WE GO AHEAD AND DO IT ALL AFTER THAT IT. WOULD TAKE SEVERAL DAYS BUT IT WOULD BE BALLOTS WITHIN THE
OVERSEAS DEADLINE. >> AND BACK TO THE SPECIFICS OF ADDITIONAL POLLING SITES.
I GUESS MY CONCERN HAS BEEN THAT IT WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE PROCESS THAT THIS PORT CREATED FOR THIS VERY REASON. WHICH WAS TO CREATE A CITIZENS COMMISSION OF TWO APPOINTEES PLUS EACH OF US AND OTHER AUTOMATIC I THINK THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HAS REPRESENTATIVE PARTY CHAIRS UNIVERSITY PARTY REPRESENTATIVES. MAYBE A FEW OTHERS.
AND ESPECIALLY WHEN WE CREATE THAT CITIZENS COMMISSION WE MADE IT VERY CLEAR THAT INDIVIDUALS ON THE BALLOT WOULD NOT PARTICIPATE IN THAT PROCESS MYSELF WOULD BE ONE OF THOSE.
NOT TO STAY AS FAR AWAY AS WE CAN BECAUSE I DON'T THINK WOULD BE APPROPRIATE TO INFLUENCE
[02:35:01]
WHERE LOCATIONS SHOULD BE. HOPEFULLY PERMIT LOCATIONS SO THAT THEY ARE USABLE IN FUTURE ELECTIONS AND ELIMINATE SOME OF THE CONFUSION HERE WE TO CALL THE HISTORIC VOTING SITE.THAT WAS THE REASON WE CREATED IT SO SOME INDIVIDUALS CHOSE TO GO AROUND THIS PROCESS.
COMMISSIONER JONES BROUGHT UP A GOOD POINT. I THINK IF THE COMMISSION WERE TO MEET AGAIN THEY WOULD TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION ALL THE VOICES OF CONCERN WHICH IS THEIR MISSION AND STILL IS DEFINED ACCESSIBLE VOTING LOCATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE PUBLIC OF HAYS COUNTY. I WOULD HOPE THEY TAKE THAT UP AS WELL ACROSS THE COUNTY I WOULD LIKE TO DO IT ON THE 2018 BALLOT AGAIN. A LOT OF US DISCUSSED ABOUT THE 2018 BALLOT ISSUE. THERE WAS LIKE A MOBILE EARLY VOTING LOCATION.
SEVERAL PARTS OF THE COUNTY SHARED IT AND THE UNIVERSITY HAD TWO OR THREE DAYS LIKE A NOVEMBER PRESIDENTIAL RACE THAT HAD THREE EARLY VOTING DAYS. IT DID NOT EVEN HAVE A TUESDAY PRECINCT BOX FOR VOTING CENTERS IT. DID NOT HAVE A PRECINCT BOX IN.
2018 WE HAD OBVIOUSLY A HUGE TURNOUT ACROSS THE COUNTIES AND ON CAMPUS IT WAS EXTREMELY PRESSIVE. AND WE HAD ALREADY SET THE LOCATIONS.
THAT WE WERE VOTING THE CALL HAD BEEN MADE TO YOU NEED THE INCREASE THE HOURS ON CAMPUS.
THAT WAS NOT THE EASIEST THING TO BE DONE BY LAW. DURING THAT TIME IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE BALANCE OF VOTING LOCATIONS WAS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WHICH WAS THE PROPOSED LAWSUIT WAS NOT CHALLENGING ACCESSIBILITY TO VOTING OR ANY OTHER ISSUE.
THE MERITS I BELIEVE WERE SOLELY THAT PRECINCT THREE LESS THAN HALF THE VOTING LOCATION THAT'S THE OTHER PRECINCT VOTING THAT HAD EARTH NO -- YOU NEEDED TO ADD ANOTHER FLOKS PRECINCT T THREE. I TOOK UPON MYSELF AND TWO OF MY COLLEAGUES AT THE SAME TIME IT ASK THE COURT IT CALL AN EMERGENCY MEETING AT THAT TIME BASE THE THREAT OF LITIGATION IN ORDER TO RECTIFY THAT PROBLEM WHICH WE DID AND WE CHOSE THAT PRECINCT THREE VOTING LOCATION TO BE THE LBJ STUDENT CENTER AND WE OPENED THAT BACK UP THE SECOND WEEK OF EARLY VOTING FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY. AND I BELIEVE WE ALSO DESIGNATED IT AS PRECINCT VOTING BOX AT THE SAME TIME IT. COULD BE MISTAKEN OF TUESDAY VOTING AT THAT TIME.
SO THAT WAS KIND OF THAT ISSUE AND AGAIN HISTORICALLY THERE WERE THREE EARLY VOTING DAYS.
AND THEN A TUESDAY. THAT YEAR WE ACTUALLY HAD I BELIEVE FIVE VOTING DAYS ON CAMPUS BECAUSE OF THAT EMERGENCY MEETING WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO EXTEND THE VOTING FROM THAT WE DECIDED WE WOULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO BEST TO BALANCE THEM BECAUSE WE HAD STRUGGLED FINDING LOCATIONS THAT WE KNEW WE WANTED LOCATIONS. SOME OF US WERE DRIVING AROUND TRYING TO FIND PLACE THAT'S WE COULD RENT INSTEAD OF VOTING LOCATIONS BECAUSE WE KNEW THAT SOMEONE WHO HAD A VOTING SITE WE WOULD NO LONGER HOST VOTING SO TO ME THAT WAS WHERE THE CONDITION CAME FROM AND TRIED TO DO THAT WORK AND FIND LOCATION THAT'S WOULD WORK.
MY APPOINTEES I TRY TO PICK TWO PEOPLE THAT WERE EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THE VOTING PROCESS. I PICKED SOMEONE IN THE WESTERN PART OF MY PRECINCT THAT WAS FORMER LOCATIONS ADMINISTRATOR. I PICKED SOMEONE THAT LIVES IN THE SAN MARCOS PRECINCT WHICH IS THE FORMER DEMOCRATIC PARTY QHIR WAS KNOWLEDGE BBLE ELECTIONS. -- PARTY CHAIR WHO WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT ELECTIONS. THEY KNEW HOW IT WORKED. TO ME THAT'S A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS WAS THAT COMMISSION. THE CONCERN IS THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN WE WERE MOVED TO THIS WHOLE PROCESS FROM THEM AND TOOK IT UPON THE HANDS OF SOME OF THE ACTUAL CANDIDATES THAT ARE ON THE BALLOT. SO THAT'S A CONCERN.
THE OTHER THING TO GO BACK IT VOTE CENTERS WHICH WE DID IN 2019.
YOU KNOW, WE UNDERSTOOD AT UNIVERSITY WE ALSO EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM IN 2018 IS WHERE A
[02:40:04]
STUDENT WOULD SHOW UP AT THE LBJ STUDENT CENTER BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE EARLY VOTING AND YOU COULD VOTE ANYWHERE YOU WANTED TO IN EARLY VOTING. IT DIDN'T MATTER IN EARLY PRECINCTS IT. WOULD SHOW UP AND SAY YOU LIVED IN 4-11.THERE WAS A 4-11 BEFORE SOMETHING CAN COULD BE RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET.
YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE OTHER VOTING LOCATION. THAT'S A BIG CONCERN.
THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASON THAT VOTING CENTERS WERE SO IMPORTANT TO GET ADOPTED TO ELIMINATE THE VOTING DAY ISSUE. SO WE LOOK AT 2018 AND WE HAVE FIVE DAYS.
THE WE LOOK AT 2020 AS PROPOSED NOW OR APPROVED. LAST TUESDAY WE HAVE 189 DAYS ON CAMPUS. SO WE WENT FIVE DAYS ON CAMPUS TO 19 VOTING DAYS ON CAMPUS IN 2020. I THINK THAT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT BECAUSE IN MANY I BELIEVE ONE OF THE REPRESENTATIVE UNIVERSITIES MENTIONED SOMETHING THAT'S VERY TRUE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AS VOTING CENTERS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED MANY JURISDICTIONS HAVE ACTUALLY DECREASED ACCESS TO VOTING THEY HAVE ELIMINATED VOTING LOCATIONS AND DECREASED ACCESS TO VOTING IN CERTAIN AREAS. WHEN THIS COURT APPROVED VOTE CENTERS WE MADE IT CLEAR WE WOULD NOT REDUCE ANY VOTING LOCATIONS AND TRY TO INCREASE BOTH ACCESS TO VOTING AND VOTING LOCATIONS. SO I DO WANT PEOPLE TO KEEP IN MIND WE CHOSE NOT TO DO THAT AND ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT ESPECIALLY SINCE THE GOVERNOR AUTHORIZED AN EARLY WEEK OF VOTING WE ARE READY TO SPREAD OUT OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME BECAUSE THE COMMISSION TAKES A LOOK AT VOTING LOCATIONS AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO CONSIDER THAT SINCE THAT IS RELIN YOU THAT WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO EXTEND THAT HOPEFULLY IT WILL HELP WITH THE CROWD AREAS.
I WOULD ASK WHEN IF WE DO THAT PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW STAFFING WILL BE SET UP IF THERE IS ANY CHANGES, HOW EQUIPMENT WILL BE SET UP AND CHECK-IN STATIONS.
THE CHECK-IN STATIONS IS ONE OF THE BETTER IDEAS TO HAVE AS YOU WAIT IN A LONG LINE IT'S ALL CLOGGED UP AT THE CHECK IN STATION AND A LOT OF SUPREMACIST CHECK-IN QUESTIONS.
THEY MAY NOT HAVE THEIR QUESTIONS WITH THEM. SO IT'S NOT JUST -- THERE'S EMPTY VOTING. THE LAST FEW TIMES THERE ARE EMPTY SPOTS TO VOTE BECAUSE EVERYBODY IS IN LINE BECAUSE THEY ARE TRYING TO REGISTER. SO THE IDEA OF HAVING MULTIPLE CHECK-IN STATIONS WAS A GOOD IDEA OF HOW TO ELIMINATE THE LONG WAITS AND ALSO IDEA OF SETTING SOMEONE TABLE BOOTH OR SOMETHING NEAR THE VOTING LOCATION WHERE INDIVIDUALS CAN CHECK THEIR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS. THEY NEED TO MAKE A CALL TO THE OFFICE. IT'S ONE THING THAT I WOULD CONSIDER HAS THOSE THINGS
CONSIDERED. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH.
>> I WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT TODAY BEFORE WE MAKE ANY DECISION BEFORE WE MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THE PROCESS THAT GOT US HERE. FIRST SLIDE, PLEASE.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE EXPAND, NUMBER ONE ABOUT, WHEN WE HAD THIS CONSIDERATION LAST YEAR.
AND LAST AUGUST, AND SPECIFICALLY, ABOUT LOCATIONS AT UNIVERSITY, BUT THEN, GENERAL ABOUT THE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE COUNTY. BECAUSE AT THAT TIME WE ARE -- OUR ONE DATA POINT WAS THE 2018 ELECTION. IN THE 2018 ELECTION I THINK ALL OF US CAN UNDERSTAND THAT MOST OF US WERE VOTING NOT ONLY IN THE HISTORY THE CAMPUS BUT THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY. YOU REALIZE AT THAT TIME IT'S HARD TO DEAL WITH NOT ONLY THAT LOCATION BUT ALL LOCATIONS SPECIFICALLY ON ELECTION DAY WHENEVER YOU HAD PEOPLE SHOWING UP WHO DIDN'T KNOW WHERE THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO VOTE. MAYBE THEY SHOWED UP AT THE WRONG PRECINCT. MAYBE THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE RIGHT ID OR ADMINISTRATION.
MAYBE THEY CAST A DIVISIONAL BALLOT. BUT PROVIDED IN 2018 THERE WAS FIVE DAYS OF EARLY VOTING PROVIDED AND AS THE COMMISSIONER SAID PRECINCT ELECTION DATE.
BUT AGAIN, THERE WERE ACCESS ISSUES FOR OTHER VOTERS NOT ONLY AT UNIVERSITY.
THERE WERE ACCESS VOTERS FOR ISSUES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. I CAN SAY THAT BECAUSE I WATCHED AT THE PRECINCT FOUR OFFICE WHERE I STOOD DURING THAT ELECTION FOR TWO WEEKS.
I WATCHED LINES THAT WERE TWO HOURS, THREE-HOUR LINES THE THOSE LOCATIONS.
AND SO AT THAT TIME IN 2019 AS WE STARTED TO SET LOCATIONS, WE DID A -- WE DID A REAL EVALUATION OF HOW TO DO THAT. I DID WANT TO BLENTION WE TALK ABOUT HOW DWE THAT EVALUATION -- DID WANT TO TALK ABOUT HOW WE DID THAT EVALUATION. THE LOCATION WAS NOT MOVED AT THE QF THE COUNTY. THE LOCATION WAS MOVED AT THE REQUEST OF THE UNIVERSITY.
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THAT WAS BECAUSE OF ISSUES THE UNIVERSITY PRESENTED RELATIVE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND OTHER ISSUES. AGAIN I WANT TO REITERATE THAT WHENEVER ASKED.THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ACTUALLY THE PACK WAS THE FIRST CHOCE THAT THE UNIVERSITY GAVE THAT -- GAVE OUR ELECTIONS OFFICE AND AGAIN THIS TIME INSTEAD OF TWO FULL WEEKS OF EARLY VOTING OR EVEN FIVE DAYS OF EARLY VOTING AS 2018 THERE'S ACTUALLY THREE FULL WEEKS WITH NO REGARD TO PRECINCT. WHILE COMMISSIONER SHELL MENTIONED THAT I CAN'T REITERATE HOW IMPORTANT THAT IS ESPECIALLY WITH WE DO HAVE ELECTION PROBLEMS. THE OTHER PROBLEM THAT COMMISSIONER SHELL TOUCHED ON WAS ONE THAT WAS PREF PRESENT THIS ALL OF OUR POLLING LOCATIONS BUT IS SPECIFICALLY PREVALENT IN THE UNIVERSITY IS THAT VOTER CHECK-IN. THAT VOTER CHECK-IN IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND I SAY THAT BECAUSE WHENEVER YOU LIVED IN THE SAME HUSBAND FOR TEN YEARS AND YOU GO TO VOTE AND EVEN WITH ID -- HOUSE. IT'S NOT AS HARD FOR YOU TO VOTE.
WHEN YOU JUST REGISTERED A MONTH AND A HALF BEFORE THAT OR MAYBE YOU THOUGHT YOU REGISTERED OR MAYBE YOU HAD YOUR ID FROM A DIFFERENT COUNTY OR FROM A DIFFERENT STATE OR MAYBE EVEN A PASSPORT AS YOUR ID. IT'S VERY HARD TO CHECK IN EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY HAVE THE PAPER WHERE -- PAPERWORK. MAYBE YOU DON'T HAVE THE PAPERWORK SHOWING YOU VOTED SO YOU HAVE TO DO THAT PROVISIONALLY. YOU HAVE TO DO THINGS AND THAT'S WHERE THE CHECKPOINT IS. I'M VERY EXCITED THE AT UNIVERSITY THIS TIME WE'VE EXPANDED THAT. WE HAVE -- NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE MULTIPLE CHECK INS BUT WE HAVE A TABLE OR CHECKIN SET UP -- CHECK-IN SPECIFICALLY FOR WHAT YOU WOULD CALL ISSUE CHECK-INS WHEN SOMEONE SHOWS UP TO DO A PROVISIONAL BALLOT AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO IT.
INSTEAD OF HOLDING UP THE ENTIRE LINE THEY CAN BE PUT INTO A SEPARATE PROCESS TO EXPEDITE THE PROCESS. KNOWING THE ISSUES WE HAD JUDGE BECERRA AND I AND THE REST OUR
COURT SAT DOWN LAST YEAR. >> THAT'S A GOOD PICTURE. >> COMPLIMENT THE GUY YOU TOOK
IT. I HOPED DID YOU. >> WELL DONE.
>> HE SAID WE DID IT. HIS COUNTY NOW HAS A CITIZENS ELECTION COMMISSION.
YOU HAVE MADE THIS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU. I APPLAUD YOU.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE DOCUMENTATION BY WHICH WE DEVELOPED THAT, IT WAS VERY CLEAR WHY WE DID IT.
IT WAS BECAUSE TWO YEARS OR LAST YEAR WHEN WE STARTED THIS PROCESS WE WENT THROUGH THE SAME PROCESS WE'RE TALKING ABOUT RIGHT NOW. AND WE SAID HOW CAN WE ALLEVIATE THAT. HOW CAN WE PUT THE POWER INTO THE HANDS OF A COMMISSION TO LOOK AT THIS WHERE WE WON'T BE GOING THROUGH THAT SAME PROCESS. THERE ARE THINGS WE SAID.
WE NEED A REPRESENTATIVE FREFER CITY AND WE DON'T WANT AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.
WE WANT SOMEONE WHO ANSWERS TO ALL THOSE ELECTED OFFICIALS BUT WE DON'T WANT SOMEONE TO STAND THERE AND GO YOU KNOW WHAT I WANT A POLLING PLACE AT THIS CHURCH.
I'M AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. GOY TO THAT CHURCH. THAT'S WHY I WANT A POLLING PLACE THERE OR I WANT A POLLING PLACE LOCATION AT THIS SCHOOL. NOT BECAUSE IT'S THE BEST POLLING LOCATION BUT THAT'S WHERE MY KIDS GO AND I COACH THERE ON THE WEEKENDS.
IT DOESN'T SEEM FAIR. ONE OF THE THINGS I PUSHED FOR IN THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETELY NONPARTISAN PROCESS. THIS WAS NOT A PROCESS THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ANY CANDIDATE INTERACTION. THIS WAS NOT A PROCESS RUN BY ANYONE BY THE CITIZEN RISMT THE ONE POINT OF INFLUENCE THAT THE PART WOIZ HAVE IS THE CHAIR OF THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTY FOR THE COUNTY WOULD -- PARTIES. AND THE CHAIR OF THE STUDENT REPUBLICANS AND STUDENT DEMOCRATS WOULD HAVE A VOICE IN THIS PROCESS.
THEY WERE ALL FOUR APPOINTED. THOSE WERE THE ONLY FOUR PEOPLE RUNNING FOR OFFICE APPOINTED TO THAT COMMITTEE BECAUSE WE WANTED THOSE VOICES HEARD. AFTER THAT, AFTER WE DECIDED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS WE TALKED ABOUT HAD YOU IT WAS DONE.
THE CRAFTION A CITIZENS ELECTION IS ON THE AGENDA FOR TUESDAY -- CREATION.
AIMS TO VENT THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF ELECTIONS ISSUES. -- AIMS TO PREVENT THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF ELECTIONS ISSUES FOR 2020 ELECTIONS. I SEEK FOR ALL MUNICIPALITIES AND REPRESENTATIVES TO BE REPRESENTED. IT TALKS ABOUT THE AGENDA ITEMS. IT VOTED FOR UNANIMOUSLY. WE SAT DOWN AS A GROUP AND TALKED ABOUT THE PROCESS, THE NEED, WE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE SHOULD SUPPORT THIS. I THINK THAT THIS PROCESS WORKED. LAST WEEK THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE PRESENTED A LIST OF POLLING LOCATIONS. GUESS WHAT HAPPENED. THEY VOTED ON IT.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ON THAT COMMISSION STOOD UP AND VOTED AGAINST IT.
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REALLY SOMEONE OUT THERE KNOWS THE ANSWER NOT ONE INDIVIDUAL. NOT ANY THE PARTY REPRESENTATIVES. NOT ANY THE MUNICIPALITY REPRESENTATIVES NOT THE REPRESENTATIVE RULE OR THE MINORITY OR DIS5IB8D REPRESENTATIVE.NOT ONE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THIS LIST IS NOT A GOOD LIST. FAST FORWARD TO DAY THE AFTER.
THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AGAIN WAS VERY, VERY SPECIFIC ON AVOIDING THE INFLUENCE.
THERE WERE STUDENT AND LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTEES FREFER COMMISSIONER.
I APPOINTED TO JUST LIKE EVERY -- FROM EVERY COMMISSIONER. MY REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSED IT.
THEY SAID THEY THOUGHT WAS A GOOD JOB AND THEY ENDORSED IT BECAUSE THEY TOOK THEIR JOB SERIOUSLY TOOK THE JOB THAT ROLAND GAVE THEM SERIOUSLY. I CAN TELL YOU FOR ME ONE OF THE THINGS AND THIS LINDA CALVERT AND WE LOTS EARLY VOTING LOCATION.
WE LOST MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ON ELECTION DAY. ONE OF THE BUSIEST AT SENIOR LIVING BECAUSE A SENIOR LIVING FACILITY DOES NOT WANT AN EARLY VOTING LOCATION IN THE WORLD OF COVID. 10 -- COVID. AND WE HAD A VOTE AND WE HAD EARLY VOTING IN A MONTH. 16 MINUTES BEST SCENARIO ONE WAY.
I JUST WANT TO USE THAT AS AN EXAM. NEXT UP.
-- EXAMPLE. NEXT UP. AFTER THEY HAD THEIR VOTE THERE WAS A TOUR OF THE UNIVERSITY. IT WASN'T SET UP BY THE UNIVERSITY.
IT WAS DONE OR REQUESTED OF THE UNIVERSITY. AND VERY SPECIFICALLY WE TALKED ABOUT CANDIDATES NOT HAVING INFLUENCE IN THIS PROCESS BECAUSE OF THE MESS IT MAKES.
I CAN TELL YOU 245 IT WAS NUMBER ONE A PARTISAN GROUP THAT WENT IN.
THERE THERE WERE CANDIDATES WHO WERE ON THE BALLOT WHO WENT IN THERE, AND THE UNIVERSITY DIDN'T EVEN SAY WE WANT THIS LOCATION. THE UNIVERSITY SAID YOU CAN PARTICIPATE THIS FOR A LOCATION.
THESE CANDIDATES ARE ACTUALLY REPRESENTATIVES WHO SAT ON THE COMMITTEE WHO NEVER SAID A WORD IN THOSE MEET WHOGZ NEVER OBTEDED PETITIONED -- MEETINGS WHO NEVER OBJECTED OR PETITIONED. NEVER PRESENTED ANYTHING TO THAT COMMITTEE.
ROLAND, I'M GOING TO ASK YOU A QUESTION. HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU MEET WHEN FORMED? NEVER UNTIL AFTER IT WAS APPROVED.
SO AGAIN, THESE CITIZENS, THEY ARE NOT GETTING PAID. THEY ARE NOT GETTING PAID.
THEY WEREN'T PAID TO DO THIS PROCESS. THEY WEREN'T HANDPICKED BECAUSE OF POLITICAL PARTISANSHIP. I MEAN FOR GOODNESS SAKE, MY REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUE TO MY RIGHT APPOINTED THE FORMER DEMOCRAT CHAIR OF THE COUNTY. THIS IS NOT A PARTISAN EFFORT.
I WILL TELL YOU WHAT IT IS. IT'S AN EFFORT TO ENSURE AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT PROCESS.
I WILL TELL YOU I'VE SPOKEN TO AT LEAST ONE PERSON WHO WAS ON THAT TOUR AND THEY WERE VERY UPSET WHENEVER THEY SHOWED UP AND FIGURED OUT WHAT IT WAS. BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT AWHAT HAPPENED LAST WEEK WAS SETTING THIS FAIL. THEY FEEL LIKE THEY WERE SEEING THAT -- I'M GOING TO SAY THAT. I KNOW I WAS SAYING THAT WHEN I WALKED INTO COURT LAST WEEK WITHOUT ANY CONSULTATION WITH OUR ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OR ANY OF US.
WE WERE TOLD 245 THIS WAS REQUESTED AND GUESS WHAT -- WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS REQUESTED AND GUESS WHAT? THE LOCATION THAT YOU HAVE SUPPORTED AND APPROVED AND PUSHED FOR IN YOUR PRECINCT, WELL, THAT WASN'T WHAT WE WANTED.
TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT. I WILL TELL YOU IF WE VOTE TODAY I'M NOT GOING TO SUPPORT IT.
I'M NOT GOING TO SUPPORT IT BECAUSE THE FACT IS I HAVE VOTING LOCATIONS IN MY PRECINCT WHERE PEOPLE HAVE TO GO FARTHER DISTANCES AND STAND IN LONGER LINES TO VOTE ON A DAILY BASIS AT A CERTAIN POINT. WE WANT TO EMPOWER THESE FOLKS YOU KNOW WHAT WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART OF THIS PROCESS BUT AT THE BARE MINIMUM THERE'S A BAR THAT YOU HAVE TO REACH TO BE A
[02:55:03]
PART OF THAT PROCESS. IT'S CALLED SHOWING UP. WE HAD PEOPLE SHOW UP TODAY.PEOPLE SHOWED UP TODAY BECAUSE THEY CARED ABOUT SOMETHING. YOU HAVE PEOPLE IN DRIPPING SPRINGS WHO ARE GOING TO SHOW UP AND DRIVE 20 MINUTES TO GO VOTE ONE WAY.
BECAUSE THEY CARE ABOUT THE PROCESS. TO ASK SOMEONE TO WALK ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES, OR TO STAND IN LINE AT ANOTHER 20 MINUTES WHO LITERALLY HAVE TO DRIVE 30 ROUND TRIP TO DO THE SAME THING. AT ONE POINT IS THAT BAR SET LOW ENOUGH.
I CAN TELL YOU WHERE I STAND. I HOPE IF WE DO MAKE A DECISION TODAY I THINK Y'ALL KNOW WHERE I STAND. I CAN TELL YOU I'M NOT SUPPORT ANOTHER LOCATION AT TEXAS STATE WITHOUT LOCATIONS IN EVERY OTHER AREA OF THIS COUNTY WR THERE HAS BEEN INCREASED AND MORE -- COUNTY WHERE THERE HAS BEEN INCREASED AND LONGER LINES THAN THAT LOCATION.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT -- FORGIVE ME BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT NUMBERS, BUT IT IS THE FIFTH OR HIGHEST USE LOCATION IN THE COUNTY. I WANT TO SAY EVERY ONE OF OUR PRECINCTS HAS A LOCATION THAT'S USED IN THAT LOCATION BUT SOMEHOW THEY NEED A SECOND LOCATION THERE. IT'S INEXPLICABLE TO ME. AND WITH THAT I'M GONE MY
THOUGHTS. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. VERY ELOQUENT AND I APPRECIATE
THE SLIDE SHOW AND THANKS FOR INCLUDING MY PICTURE IN THERE. >> I FIGURED WOULD YOU
APPRECIATE THAT JUDGE. >> DID I. THAT WAS GOOD.
SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE IT REMINDS ME TO SUPPORT 4R08, THE PHOTOGRAPHER IS A LOCAL HARD WORK -- WORKING GUY WITH A CAMERA. THAT REMINDS ME OF A CLICHE I LIKE AND IT FINDS ME VERY RELEVANT THE THIS MOMENT WHICH IS DON'T BE -- THANK YOU.
DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE MOVERS AND THE SHAKERS. WORRY ABOUT THE MOVEMENT AND THE SHAKING. AND SO I REAL DO I APPRECIATE EVERYONE'S COMMENTS AND THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS ON THE DAY OF, ACTUALLY THE DAY OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS IT VOTE, 100 DAYS. WHAT A BLESSING.
WHAT A TREAT. I CONSIDER IT NO ACCIDENT. I'M A LOVER OF GOD AND I SAY EVERYTHING IS AS IT SHOULD BE THANK THE LORD FOR EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENING, WHETHER YOU AGREE WITH IT OR NOT. AND SO I HAVE COMMENTS THAT WAITED FOR THEM TO SPEAK THEIR PEACE. ONE OF THE MINDS THAT COMES IT MIND AND AND AND WARRANTS SUPPORTED WITH ANOTHER SITE AT THE TEXAS STATE CAMPUS I DON'T KNOW 500 ACRES OF REPORT IF WE GET ANOTHER SITE WE WANT ONE TOO. JUDGING BY THE COMMENTS I AGREE EVEN IF YOU DON'T FIND ANOTHER CAMPUS SITE ON ELECTION DAY IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA AND YOU WANT HISTORIC AND WELL DOCUMENTED LINES IT HAVE BEEN PHOTOGRAPHED.
I THINK THAT YOURS WEST 12 AND THE WHOLE QUADRANT. SOUNDS LIKE IT DESERVES I THINK YOU SHOULD BE FIGHTING FOR THAT BOX NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IT'S MY FIRM BELIEF I WANT TO SUPPORT EACH COMMISSIONER UP HERE. THAT SHOULD NOT BE A LIMITING AGENT FOR US.
I BELIEVE IF YOU WANT ANOTHER BOX YOU SHOULD HAVE ONE AND WE WOULD FACILITATE THAT BECAUSE I THINK IT WOULD BE UNAMERICAN TO DO ANYTHING LESS. DRIPPING SPRINGS IF YOU SAY ONE MORE BOX, IF YOU SAY TWO MORE BOXES. I KNOW THERE'S BALANCE EQUATIONS AND YOU SHOULD HAVE EVERYTHING YOU FEEL YOUR PRECINCT DESERVES, ABSOLUTELY.
COMMISSIONER SHELL SAID THAT AND THEY CALLED AN EMERGENCY MEETING BECAUSE THEY WERE UNDER GETTING SUED. OK. WE ARE IN THE BASIC END AND IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE MAY NOT NECESSARILY SEE A POPULATION IN A MILE RAID YUSMTS WE ALL KNOW POPULATION CENTERS ARE -- RADIUS. POPULATION CENTERS ARE BE HANDLED DIFFERENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING BUT DESIGN AND ENGINEER TO AND TO
[03:00:05]
TAKE PLACE. SO THE IDEA THAT SOMEONE IS BEING REMOVED FROM THE PROCESS, I FIND IT AS IS ALSO BEEN THESE ARE VOLUNTEERS THAT I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE EFFORT.HECK IT WAS MY IDEA TO CREATE IT. NO ONE IS TRYING STOP THE PROCESS. AS YOU SAID COMMISSIONER SMITH THESE CITIZENS ARE NOT GETTING PAID. THEY ARE THING. IT IS OUR JOB TO TAKE THE RECOMMENDATIONS IT TAKE THE SUGGESTIONS AND SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND THEN WE MAKE THE FINAL ADJUSTMENTS AS WE SEE FIT AS THE ELECTED OFFICIAL, THE ELECTED BODY THAT WE ARE.
SAME THING HAPPENED IN THE BARS IN OPEN SPACE COMMISSIONER JONES.
WE HAD RECOMMENDATIONS AND WE TWEAKED THAT RECOMMENDATION: VERY QUALIFIED BODY.
THEY PUT A LOT OF TIME AND PASSION INTO IT. WE DIDN'T TAKE A RUBBER STAMP TO EVERYTHING THEY SAID TO. THINK THAT THINGS COULD BE MODIFIED AND WE WOULD SAY WE'VE REMOVED SOMEONE FROM THE PROCESS OR FOUND THAT WE USURPED THEIR EFFORTS IS WHOLLY MISCHARACTERIZATION OF MODIFICATION ATTEMPT. WHEN THIS BODY WAS CREATED -- YOU CAN PULL THAT UP PICTURE. THE NEED YOU TO. THAT BODY WAS CREATED WAY BEFORE ANYONE KNEW WHAT COVID EVEN WAS. > SO TO THINK THAT TEXAS SITE WOULD BE OFF THE SITE HAS BEEN SAID ALREADY YEARS LONG PLACE FOR FOLKS TO VOTE AND YEARS LONG HANG-UPS WITH ACCESS TO VOTE.
I THINK WE HAVE SHIFTED AND YES, TEXAS STATE SAID WE WILL BE USING THIS SITE DIFFERENTLY BECAUSE OF COVID. SO THERAPIST PIVOTING WE ALL HAVE TO PIVOT AND ADJUST AND REMAIN DYNAMIC. I FEEL THAT SOME OF THIS GOING ON RIGHT NOW IS SOME COMMISSIONERS NOT TO CALL ANYONE OUT NEEDLESSLY IS LOOK FOR COVER FROM THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMISSION AND FROM TEXAS STATE AND WE SHOULDN'T LOOK FOR COVER.
WE SHOULD STAND ON OUR OWN AND SAY THE COMMUNITY IS ASKING FOR THIS.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR THAT. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS A GOODS AND WE SHOULDN'T WE HEARD FROM THE CHAIR THAT IT'S A SUPPORTED IDEA. I FEEL THAT THINGS TO SAY ARE ONLY GOING TO BE IN THE ATTEMPTS OF -- FINDING COVER. TO NOT SUPPORT WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT AND WHAT WE KNOW IS BEING SOUGHT AFTER AND WHAT WE KNOW IS AN EVER EVOLVING SITUATION COVID-19. I MEAN IT JUST IS. WHEN THE INFORMATION GETS PRESENTED TO THE COURT, AS IT WAS PRESENTED TO ME, I SAID YES. ARE THESE GREAT BUT ALSO I SHARE ON ANOTHER ELECTIONS BODY, AND WHEN WE APPROVE THE JUDGES, FOR EXAMPLE, IN THAT MEETING WOULD THAT WOULD COME TO APPROVAL I ADD THIS LIST SB CAN BE UPDATED. IT'S NOT LOCKED IN STONE.
I WAS TOLD AND ASSURED IT'S CORRECT THE THESE LISTS ARE, I WOULD SAY, LIVING, BREATHING DOCUMENTS ABLE TO BE UPDATED REGULARLY UP UNTIL YOU CAN NO LONGER -- SO THE IDEA FOR THAT AND BECAUSE I APPROVED IT WHEN I VOTED TO APPROVE IT I HAD THE CLEAR UNDERSTANDING THAT IT COULD BE MODIFIED EFFORTLESSLY. TALKING ABOUT THE RESOURCE FORCE FUNDING FOR MORE EQUIPMENT I BELIEVE POOFED OUT. WISH TO DESERVE ADEQUATELY ZHAERV WE WANT -- WISH TO DESERVE ADEQUATELY. THERE'S MORE TO BE DONE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE SEEING COVID IN THE HEADLIGHTS. WITH SCHOOLS SHOULDING DOWN THAT JUST OPENED.
THERE'S A LOT IN PLAY. WHAT WAS ONCE OK IT IS NO LONGER AND WE MUST STAY RECEPTIVE DYNAMIC AND WE MUST STAY FLUID SO WE AREN'T ACCUSED OF VOTER OPPRESSION.
I CONSIDER THAT ONE MORE TIME THE LAP ELI WEAR 99 PPBTS OF MY LIFE IS AN AMERICAN FLAG BECAUSE I CONSIDER MYSELF HIGHLY PATRIOTIC SO IT IS A VERY BIG DEAL TO NOT BE PART OF A BODY THAT LOOKS UNAMERICAN BECAUSE OF THAT ELECTION PIECE. NO NOTS WAS ONE OF THE THINGS TO
[03:05:07]
GET ON THE ADVISORY ELECTION COMMISSION. NO CANDIDATES WERE TO GET ON THIS COMMISSION SO THEY DON'T INFLUENCE A SITE. THAT WAS GOOD.WE AGREED TO IT. NOTHING WRONG THAT IDEA. PETE IT AGAIN.
THIS WAS A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS ELECTIONS ADVISORY COMMISSION THAT HAD A MEETING SCHEDULED TO TOUR THE SITE THE PERFORMING SITES CENTER. I WAS INVITED BY A MEMBER OF THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMISSION TO WALK IT AND LOOK AT IT AND I DID ASK AND I'M NOT ON THE BALANCE LOT. I DID ASK HEY THIS SEEMS A LITTLE OUT OF THE WAY OFF THE BEATEN PATH. YOUR CHARGE WAS STHERVG CAMPUS AND NOW IT'S THE FAR SIDE EAST OF THE CAMPUS AWAY FROM THE LIONS SHARE OF THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AWAY FROM THE BUS LOOP, AWAY FROM THE BULK OF THE CLASSROOMS AND RESIDENTS HALLS. SO MY QUESTION WAS IS THERE ANOTHER SELECTION SITE THAT COULD BE ADDED IN ANY KIND OF CAPACITY EVEN FOR ELECTION DAY? IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE I CAN DO SO I CAN PROPERLY DEFEND THIS MOVEMENT FROM LBJ TO THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER. I EVEN WENT ON TO SAY WAS THIS A COUNTY INITIATED MOVE? BECAUSE I WANT IT KNOW EVERYTHING BECAUSE THE BEST THING TO DO IS BE HONEST WITH THE COMMUNITY. IF I'VE MADE A MISTAKE I WILL OWN IT.
I'VE DONE IT BEFORE. IF I AM ASKING QUESTIONS FOR CLARIFICATION PLEASE DON'TS FEEL ATTACKED. THE COUNTY SAID NO. THIS WAS A NEED TO RESPOND TO COVID AND WE WANTED TO USE THE HALLS FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING OF OUR CLASSES.
I SAID OK PERFECT. ONE LESS BATTLE I HAVE TO FIGHT. I'M GRATEFUL FOR HAD A RESPONSE.
BUT IT'S VERY IMPORTANT WE DON'T TRY TO SKEW SHIFT PER INSPECT I HAVES -- PERSPECTIVES AND SHIFT THE FOCUS OF THE REAL THING BECAUSE WE CAN ALL THROW UP CONFETTI WORKS ALL THESE DIFFERENT THINGS UP. IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO ONE THING. DO WE WANT TO ADDRESS A SITE THAT'S BEEN MOVED THAT'S BEEN HIGHLY USED AND POLITICIZED AND HIGHLY SCRUTINIZED FOR BEING SO I DON'T WANT TO SAY POORLY RAN BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO ATTACK ANYONE BUT HAVE ANYONE THAT'S HAD KRONYING ISSUES WITH VOTING ACCESS TO VOTING. SO MY QUESTION IS, SINCE I KNOW THAT WAS A SITE THAT NEEDS HELP AND I FEEL MADE IT WORSE POTENTIALLY AND COMMISSIONER JONES COMMISSIONER SMITH BOTH HAVE SUTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL SITES IN THEIR PRECINCTS.
I SAY YES TO ALL OF IT. WHATEVER THEY NEED. WHATEVER THEY ARE ASKING FOR.
WHATEVER THE STUDENT BODY NEEDS WE SHOULD GIVE THEM ALL OF THOSE THINGS.
WE BURN IN THIS COURT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EVERY TIME WE MEET TO DO THINGS IN THIS COMMUNITY.
I THINK THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL, AMERICAN THING WE CAN DO IS ALLOW FOLKS VOTE ME VOTE ME OUT.
AND IF WE STOP THAT THEN I THINK WE'RE IN A A BIG BAD PLACE AND I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO SUPPORT WHAT THE PUBLIC IS ASKING FOR REGARDLESS OF WHAT PEOPLE MEET, WHEN PEOPLE DIDN'T MEET. IT IS OUR JOB AND TO NOT HIDE BEHIND ORGANIZATIONS.
>> WE ACCEPTED THEIR RECOMMENDATION. WE SET THAT COMMITTEE TO OUT OF THE PROCESS. THE REASON WE HAD ONE PRECINCT BECAUSE Y'ALL CHOSE AROUND TO GO
AROUND THIS PROCESS. >> NOT TRUE. >> JUDGE WE SAID WE WOULD TAKE THE RESMTION THE COMMITTEE AND THERE ARE SOME COUNTIES THAT ARE GOING STRAIGHT TO THE ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR ELECTION AND POLLING PLACES AND EVERYONE AND S LEFT OUT.
AND WE MADE IT CLEAR THAT WE WANTED THAT COMMITTEE WE WANTED TO GO BUT NONPARTISAN.
WE ALL HAD COMMITTEE MEMBERS APPOINTED FOR 245 AND TAKE THE RECOMMENDATION COMPLETELY OUT OF THE LOOP. IF COMMISSIONER SHELL HAD DONE WE TOOK SOMEONE AT WIMBERLEY
TOWN? CRUCIFY. >> YOU SAID OUTSIDE THE COMMISSION. I WAS CITED BY THE ELECTION COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND.
I WANT YOU IT KNOW NUMBER TWO I'M MISCHARACTERIZING THE STATEMENT AND WANT TO TAKE THE
TIME TO CLARIFY. >> THAT'S WHAT I ALWAYS DO THANK YOU SIR.
[03:10:01]
FIRST THE BIGGEST PUSH WAS NOT SOMEONE ON THE BALLOT TO BE IN THE COMMISSION.NUMBER ONE I'M NOT ON THE BALLOT. THANK THE LORD.
NUMBER TWO, I WAS INVITED BY SOMEONE IN THE COMMISSION TO DO A WALK-UP OF THE SITE IF ELECTIONS ARE TO TAKE PLACE. VERY VALID BECAUSE I AM THE CHAIR OF THE ELECTIONS COMMISSION AMONG OTHER THINGS I THOUGHT VERY VALID. LET ME GO SEE AND FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON. LET ME WALK THE SPACE. BECAUSE EVERY OTHER PIECE OF INFORMATION THAT'S COME OUR WAY AND I WAS TOLD WE COULD MODIFY UPDATE AND IMPROVE WHATEVER I HAD NO PROBLEM VOTING FOR THE INITIAL SITE MORE IMPORTANTLY BECAUSE I KNEW WE WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MODIFY IT, INCREASE IT AND INCREASE IT AS I WENT.
I WAS NEVER UNDER THE IMPRESSION AND NEVER BE MOVING FORWARD FOR WHATEVER MORE.
I WILL NEVER BE A RUBBER STAMP OF ANY CITIZENS ELECTION COMMISSION AND I WILL BE A FREETHINKER AND TAKE THE RECOMMENDATIONS SERIOUSLY AND MAKE OWN DECISIONS AND I WILL
NOT BE A RUBBER STAMP TO WHATEVER ANY BODY RECOMMENDEDS. >> NOBODY IS ASKING FOR YOUR RUBBER STAMP. IT'S THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT VOTED TO MAKE TO HAVE THEM MAKE THE RECOMMENDATION TO US, AND WE WOULD STAY OUT OF THAT PROCESS. YOU THRK THAT'S YOUR CHOICE, BUT WE HAD TWO PEOPLE ON THE BALLOT AND YOU AGREE WE'RE PART OF THIS BALLOT.
YOU KNEW THAT WAS SPECIFICALLY WHAT WE ASKED NOT HAVE HAPPEN IS ANY CANDIDATE BE A PART OF THIS PROCESS AND THAT'S WHY I FEEL LIKE WHEN YOU TALK TO THE COMMITTEE I FEEL LIKE IT IS
TAINTED. >> I FEEL LIKE THAT'S A DISTRACTION.
>> HOW IS THAT A DISTRACTION WHEN IT'S A NONSTATEMENT? WE HAD -- WE SAID WE DIDN'T WANT
ANYBODY ON THE BALLOT. >> BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT ON THE BALLOT.
THEY ARE NOT ON THE COMMISSION. FOLKS THAT SHOWED UP TO SEE THE ELECTION SITE ARE NOT ON THE COMMISSION AND THAT WAS THE DIRECTION. MOST IMPORTANTLY.
YOU'VE ALREADY HEARD. >> MR. PARSONS INVITED YOU ON BEHALF THE COMMISSION.
>> NO HE WAS NOT AND HE MADE IT CLEAR YESTERDAY AT THAT MEETING AND DID I RECORD THE MEETING EVEN THOUGH LIKE I SAID, DID I NOT OUTPERFORM MY MEETING. JENNIFER AS MY WITNESS AND DESTATE TO THE DMATION HE WAS NOT THERE IN THE CAPACITY OF THE CITIZENS ELECTION ADVISORY COMMISSION AND THAT'S WHY WE WERE NOT INFORMED ABOUT THIS TOUR BECAUSE HE WAS THERE ON THE
CAPACITY AS A STUDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY. >> WHEN YOU TALK TO THE COMMITTEE, ONE THING AWE'VE ASKED FOR IS A LIST OF THAT COMMITTEE AND HOW THEY ARE ON
THE COMMITTEE. CAN YOU GET THAT NEXT TUESDAY? >> YES, SIR.
>> JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A QUORUM TOMORROW, ARE YOU GOING TO HAVE A BROAD REPRESENTATION
OF THE ENTIRE COUNTY? >> YES, SIR. ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ADDS MY WITNESS, IS THAT ONE OF MY BIGGEST CONCERNS, AND WE HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH AT ALL OTHER MEETINGS TO HAVE FULL REPRESENTATION. I TRY NOT TO SCHEDULE MEETINGS DUE TO MONDAY AND TUESDAY BECAUSE OF THE SCHOOL BOARD COUNCIL.
HOWEVER I CONTACTED THE JUDGE'S OFFICE ON FRIDAY MORNING TO INFORM THEM AUNFORTUNATELY I WAUNZ ABLE TO CONVENE A MEETING. I WAS ASKED TO TRY TO GET WHATEVER I COULD WHETHER IT BE ON ZOOM. I DID. I TOOK A POLL.
IT WAS CLEAR I WAS NOT GOING TO GET THAT FORUM. HOWEVER BECAUSE I FELT LIKE UNDER THE GUN I WENT TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT. I WAIT THE 20 MINUTES -- WAITED 20 MINUTES AND I COULDN'T GET THE QUORUM. BUT WHEN I HAD ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED THE 19TH MEETING I HAD CONFIRMATION FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS THE SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES, THE CITY REPRESENTATIVES, AND THAT IS WHAT I WAS LACKING.
>> EXACTLY WHAT AND. >> DO YOU HAVE ANY CONVERSATION WTZ UNIVERSITY AND THIS SIDE OR
THIS PROCESS? >> IF YOU'LL PLEASE APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> I DID TALK WITH HER YESTERDAY. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THEY AND I'VE HEARD A LOT OF NUMBERS THROWING AROUND BECAUSE OF THE UNIVERSITY POPULATION COMING THIS NEXT SEMESTER, AND HER NUMBER WAS, QUOTE/UNQUOTE ESTIMATED 30,000.
AND THAT INCLUDE STEWED THE ROUND ROCK CAMPUS AND COMMUTERS -- STUDENTS.
SO SHE COULDN'T BREAK IT DOWN TO ME EXACTLY HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD BE HERE THAT WOULD BE LIVING ON
SITE. AND THAT WOULD BE TAKING IT AND. >> WE PUT THEM INSIDE OUT AND
[03:15:36]
YOU HAVE TO TAKE CONSIDERATION AND HOW MANY POLL WORKERS. AND AND 228 IN MY PRECINCT AND PROBABLY THE LONGEST LINES ON ELECTION DAY BECAUSE I LOST THAT PRECINCT.AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE PUBLIC KNOWS JUST BECAUSE. >> ANY ITEM THOUGHTS.
>> IT'S IN THE PRECINCT PORTION. PART THAT IS PRECINCT FOUR WHICH THE TAX CENTER IS IN.
AND 334 IS FOR THE REC CENTER. >> SO BY AGD THE REC CENTER SAND IF WE ADDED ANY ADDITIONAL SITES I THINK WE WOULD STILL BE OK. IT DEPENDS. I CAN'T SAY THAT IN THE KNOWING
WITH A WE ARE LOOK AT THAT AND FINDING OUT WHAT THE LOCATED. >> ANYWAY BY ADDING THE REMEMBERING CENTER WOULD THEY THROW IT OFF BALANCE -- REC CENTER.
>> RIGHT. >> SO I JUST HAVE TO SAY I'M CERTAINLY NOT TRYING TO BE UNAMERICAN. OH, MY GOODNESS. THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME, JUDGE, AND I KNOW IT IS TO EVERYBODY ELSE HERE AND ON THIS DAY. AND I ALSO JUST WANT TO SAY I THINK I SAID IT EARLIER TODAY. I RESPECT THE COMMISSION. THANK YOU, ROLAND.
I'M NOT TRYING HIDE BEHIND Y'ALL. I HONESTLY WANT TO STAND BESIDE Y'ALL AND WANT Y'ALL TO GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK, AND I AGREE, JUDGE.
WE MAKE THE FINAL DECISION HERE AND I'M READY TO DO THAT. MY CONCERN IS THAT I DON'T KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE SUPPORT TODAY, AND IF WE DON'T HAVE THE SUPPORT TODAY WHY WE WOULD EVEN GO FORWARD TODAY GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET. LET'S -- I'M WILLING TO TO MEET EVEN ON TUESDAY AND -- AND I'M WILLING TO DO THAT. BECAUSE AS I SAID EARLIER I DO SUPPORT ANOTHER SITE OF TEXAS STATE AND I WILL SUPPORT. THAT AND LET'S SEE.
I WANTED TO MENTION IT EARLIER. IF WE WERE TO WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY TO MAKE A DECISION OR NEXT TUESDAY. IT'S A CONCERN. WILL WE HAVE AMPLE TIME TO GET EQUIPMENT IN? I DON'T WANT TO FEEL OR ANYBODY TO THINK THAT THIS IS A DELAYED TACTIC OR THAT WE WERE TRYING TO DELAY ORDERING ANY EQUIPMENT IF WE SO CHOOSE TO DO SO.
CAN WE GET EQUIPMENT ON TIME. IT'S AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT WRITTEN IN STONE.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, COUPLE OF THINGS WE WANT TO MENTION. AND THAT THAT WAS IN REGARDS OF APPOINTING OF JUDGES AND ALTERNATE JUDGES. WE WERE WAY, WAY DEEP INTO THE PLANNING PROCESS FOR ELECTION DAY. IT WAS NOT THAT FAR AWAY.
AND SO THESE TYPES OF DELAYS ARE REVISIONS. THEY RILE IMPACT THE OFFICE AND I WISH MY STAFF WAS HERE SO THEY CAN TELL YOU ORDERING ELECTIONS. THE DEADLINE IN FOR WAS YESTERDAY. THEY ORDERED THEIR ELECTIONS. SO EVERY ONE OF THOSE JURISDICTIONS HAS TO GO BY AND REVISE ITS POLLING LOCATION. SO IF THIS DECISION IS MADE TO
[03:20:05]
AT THE UNIVERSITY AND LET'S SAY THERE ARE OTHER PLACES THAT NEED TO BE ADD, THOSE HAVEN'T BEEN LOOKED AT, VETED, IDENTIFIED, AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF TIME -- VETTED.SO I JUST WANT TO URGE YOU TO -- TO MAKE A DECISION ONE WAY ORTH ON WHAT LOCATIONS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH SO WE CAN HAVE THAT EQUIPMENT. WE CAN HAVE ADEQUATE STAFF.
WE CAN HAVE A GOOD PLAN IT PLACE TO MOVE FROM EVERY LOCATION SO WE CAN GET THAT EQUIPMENT
DELIVERED TIMELY SO IT'S READY FOR ELECTION DAY. >> COMMISSIONER, AS A SUGGESTION POTENTIAL WE CAN VOTE FOR HAD ONE AND IF THE COMMISSIONERS, AS COMMISSIONER SMITH HAS POINTED OUTS AND COMMISSIONER JONES HAS POINTED OUT FOR OFFICIAL INTEREST, WE CAN ALWAYS IF THEY FIND THAT THERE IS A TRUE NEED IN THEIR PRECINCT THAT WE COULD DO MORE, BUT WHAT IS BEFORE US WE'VE ALREADY HEARD IS UNIVERSALLY NOW THAT'S NOT FAIR BROADLY SUPPORTED WE CAN WORK ON THE MISSION THAT'S BEFORE US AT THIS MOMENT. [INAUDIBLE]
>> I JUST -- THERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS AND JENNIFER ACTUALLY TOUCHED ON THEM THAT I HAVE CONCERNS WITH. AS WE'VE LOOKED AT OUR EARLY POLLING LOCATIONS AS WELL.
WHEN WE TALK ABOUT SPRINGS, DRIFTWOOD, THAT AREA. I KNOW JENNIFER JUST MENTIONED HER FIRST TIME THAT NO OFFENSE. I KNOW IT WAS JUST BROUGHT UP THAT THE DATE TO CALL FOR ELECTIONS WAS YESTERDAY. SO EVERY ONE OF THOSE MUNICIPALITIES WERE UNDER THE GUN, TO GET THAT DONE YESTERDAY. THE CONCERN THAT I HAVE AND I DON'T -- JUDGE RS I CAN TELL YOU THAT AT THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE ELECTIONS OFFICE AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMMISSION. THOSE KIND OF THINGS. I WENT OUT.
THEY SAID YOU KNOW LITERALLY JUDGING FROM THE LETTER FROM MS. CALVERT WAS THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS WAS 290 AND THE 290 COURT ORDER WHERE IT TRADITIONALLY HAS BEEN FROM MULTIPLE ELECTION SITES EARLY VOTING LOCATION. SO I SPENT WEEKS AND MISS ANDERSON WILL TELL YOU I SPENT ALL THOSE WEEKS FOR THOSE OF YOU FAMILIAR WITH IT, THERE'S A TREATYS SHUT DOWN SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I GOT IN CONTACT. THEY WILL TEAR A VILLAGE.
THERE IS NEW CONSTRUCTION COMING IN. WILL YOU BE WILLING TO RENT THESE TO US? PHYSICALLY FINDING A LOCATION I'M NOT GOING TO SAY IT'S AN IMPOSSIBILITY BUT IT ISN'T EASY. WE HAVE TRIED AND PUSHED AND DEMANDED SOME OF THESE PLACES AND WE CAN'T FIND THEM. THAT'S ONE CONCERN WE HAVE. THE SECOND CONCERN IS EVEN IF WE APPROVE THE ELECTION JUDGES EARLIER HOW MANY OF THOSE HAVE FULL VOLUNTEER SHEETS.
CAN YOU TELL ME THAT? FULL LIST OF VOLUNTEERS FOR EVERY LOCATION OR ELECTION DAY
POLL WORKERS FOR EACH OF THOSE LOCATIONS YET? >> YES, I BELIEVE THAT THE ONLY ONE THAT WE WILL HAVE TO COME BACK AND REVISE IS AN ALTERNATE JUDGE DECISION.
>> PRETTY GOOD ON THAT FRONT. I HAVE A CONCERN BECAUSE I KNOW AND ACTUALLY A POM WORKER FROM MY PRECINCT -- POLL WORKER FROM MY PRECINCT. SHE SPKE.
SHE'S HARD TO FOR GESHGHTS PURPLE HAIR, SWEET LADY. SHE WORKS EVERY ELECTION BUT SHE'LL TELL YOU HOW HARD IT IS TO RECRUIT THE POLL WORKERS. MY OTHER CONCERN IS AS WE GET ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS HOW HARD IS IT GOING TO BE? ARE WE GOING TO SPLIT TEAMS? HOW MANY ADDITIONAL POLL WORKERS WILL WE NEED FOR EACH LOCATION YOU THINK.
>> I'M TRYING TO PUT 8 TO 10 AT EACH LOCATION AND THE REASON FOR THAT BEING IT'S NOT UNCOMMON ON ELECTION DAY FOR POLL WORKERS TO NOT SHOW UP OR BE SICK OR SOMETHING ELSE THAT'S COME UP.
SO WE'RE NOT TRYING HAVE ONE HAVE HAVE. >> WE'RE TRYING TO QUIT IN PRECINCT FOUR AT ELECTION TIME SO I UNDERSTAND. AND I APPRECIATE THAT.
THE ORE THING I WOULD SAY THAT MAKES IT SO IMPORTANT AND WHENEVER ROLAND HAS HIS
[03:25:04]
COMMISSION IS THE FACT THAT UNWHERE WE WOULD USUALLY BE IN DETERMINING THE LOCATIONS FOR THIS TIME THOSE LOCAL APPOINTEES AND THE SCHOOL BOARD APPOINTEES I THINK HAD, THEY HAVE TO HAVE A VOICE IN THAT PROCESS. THE HAVE AN THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER THEIR ELECTIONS ARE IN NOVEMBER. THEY ARE NOT IN MAY. SO WHEN WE ANTICIPATE THAT COMMISSION WE ASKED THEM TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION FROM THE MAY ELECTIONS AND IT DIDN'T HAPPEN SO. I YOU KNOW WHERE I'M AT TODAY. I APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT.>> WE HAVE TO TAKE A SHORT RECESS JUST FIVE MINUTES. WE ARE BACK FROM A SHORT RECESS. THANKS EVERYONE FOR BEING FLEXIBLE.
WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS I FEEL IT'S A GOOD IDEA EVERYONE FOR ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS AND IT'S A GOOD IDEA TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET AND WE WILL RESPECT WISHES FOR US NOT TO BE FOOT DRAGGING AND HOWEVER MANY WAYS WE CAN DESCRIBE IT GIVE IT SOME DIRECTION I AM GLAD YOU CONVEY THE INTEREST IN THE ABILITY AND AVAILABILITY SO THIS POINT IN TIME WE WILL
TABLE THE ITEM. >> I HAVE MY 20TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN.
>> AFTER TODAY YOU ARE GONE. >> AFTER TOMORROW WE WON'T HAVE
PRECINCT 3. >> I AM TRYING TO PRESERVE MY MARRIAGE AND FAMILY AT THIS
TIME. >> I'M GOING TO TAKE THE FIRST ONE TO BE RECOGNIZING A LONGTIME COMMUNITY SUPPORTER TODAY IS ROSA BROOKS BIRTHDAY AND WE WANTED TO WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROSA BROOKS.WHAT THE LORD HAS MADE FOR YOU TO BE BORN IN. WHAT A SPECIAL DAY THE LORD HAS MADE FOR YOU TO BE BORN IN.
>> IT'S VERY SPECIAL. I WANT TO THANK THE DEPUTY AND THE COMMISSIONERS FOR ME BEING HERE. I SAT HERE FOR ABOUT 4 HOURS. IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT.
I APPRECIATE YOU BUT I HAVE TO BE ON THE ÃI WILL DELEGATE TO THE NATIONAL CONVENTION.
I HAVE TO GO GET MY MONEY'S WORTH. BUT ANYWAY.
I THINK YOU FOR MY 87TH BIRTHDAY AND MY HEALTH IS GOOD. AND I APPRECIATE MY FAMILY.
AND YOU DO KNOW THAT MY LINE OF WORK THE ELECTION I HAVE BEEN DOING IT FOR ABOUT 50 YEARS I HAVE TELEPHONE CALLS THAT SAY MISS ROSE AND. [INDISCERNIBLE] WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO DON'T YOU CATCH THE VIRUS I WILL HAVE TO TAKE MY MEDICINE SO MY BLOOD PRESSURE
[APPLAUSE]. >> CAN YOU HOLD ON ONE SECOND WE WANT TO SAY ONE THING. I KNOW I DO. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL
YOU DO. >> I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU'RE GOING TO HIRE BECAUSE TRYING TO REPLACE MS. BROOKS IT'S STILL NOT HOW TO DO THAT BUT WE ALL APPRECIATE YOU AND WHAT YOU DO AND IT WAS APPROVED PLEASURE TO MEET YOUR FAMILY LAST WEEK.
[03:30:08]
>> I THINK WE RUN A GOOD. [INDISCERNIBLE] [INDISCERNIBLE] I GOT TELEPHONE CALLS.
[INDISCERNIBLE] WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITHOUT YOU? [INDISCERNIBLE] [LAUGHTER]
>>. [INDISCERNIBLE] [LAUGHTER] I THINK THIS IS MY NINTH TIME.
TO MAKE THANK YOU AGAIN FOR COMING. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MS. BROOKS.
[30. 10:00 a.m. - Budget Workshop regarding the FY 2021 Hays County Budget. Possible action may follow. BECERRA]
>> >> POSSIBLE ACTION MAY FOLLOW.
>> WE ARE VERY BEHIND ON SCHEDULE.
>> COUNTY CLERK THERE IS A LIST OF FOLKS WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO TIDY IT UP WE WILL HAVE OUR DISTRICT ATTORNEY IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM TO MAKE THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS FOR THESE BUDGET WORKSHOPS I APPRECIATE THE CHANCE TO SPEAK ON THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET.AND THE MAIN THING THAT I WOULD ASK THE COURT TO RECONSIDER WITH RESPECT TO THE JUDGE IS RECOMMENDED BUDGET IS THE CERTAIN EMPLOYEES THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, THIS FIRST SLIDE THAT I HAVE IS A LIST OF THE POSITIONS IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND YOU CAN SEE THE ÃIN SEPARATE DESIGNATIONS ALL OF THOSE ACCORDING TO THE COUNTIES DESIGNATION SYSTEM I ADDED THE SEPARATE ÃTHERE AND MOVED TO THE NEXT SLIDE DAYS ARE THE ONES THAT I WANT TO TALK ABOUT. AND AS YOU ALL RECALL EVERY YEAR I HAVE ASKED FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL. I HAVE ASKED FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL AND THE COURT HAS USUALLY GRANTED THE PERSONNEL BUT NOT THE NUMBERS THAT I HAVE ASKED FOR AS OF LAST YEAR GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES THIS YEAR AND WHAT'S GOING ON WITH COVID-19 I AM NOT ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL. AND THAT THE ONES THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN GRANTED LAST BUDGET LAST YEAR WHICH INCLUDES A COUPLE OF. [INDISCERNIBLE] POSITION THE STUDY OF THE COUNCIL OF Ã BEYOND THAT I HAD NOT ASKING FOR ANY NEW PEOPLE HOWEVER, AS I MENTIONED EVERY YEAR AND THIS TRYING TO SPREAD THE WORK OUT AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE THE INVESTIGATORS I'VE GOTTEN ADDITIONAL PEOPLE THAT I HAVE NEGLECTED TO DO SO MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN REALIZING I HAVE NEVER ASKED THE COURT TO REALLY LOOK AT IF IT'S BEING PAID FOR THE AMOUNT OF WORK YOU ARE DOING.HAT YOU SEE HERE IS THE GRADES THAT ALL OF THESE ARE AT CURRENTLY THE MARKET MIDPOINTS THE COUNTIES THAT HUMAN RESOURCES USES TO DETERMINE OUR MARKET POSITION AND WHERE OUR CURRENT MIDPOINT SALARIES FALL AS A PERCENTAGE AS YOU SEE ACROSS THE BOARD THEY ARE QUITE A BIT LOWER THAN WHAT THE MARKET MIDPOINTS IN OTHER COUNTIES IS. THEY ARE PARTICULARLY LOW IN THE ASSISTANT POSITIONS WHICH
[03:35:06]
ARE 20 TO 25 PERCENT BELOW THEIR PARTICULAR MARKET MIDPOINT IF YOU GO TO THAT SLIDE THAT'S NOT WHERE WE ARE HIRING PEOPLE AT AND I GENERALLY HIRE THEM AND WE POST IT AND THAT'S HOW I FEEL LIKE IF WE ARE USING THE MARKET MIDPOINT THAT'S NOT REALLY A FAIR REPRESENTATION OF WHAT THE MARKET POSITION IS WHAT I HAVE HERE IN THE FAR LEFT COLUMN THE PARALEGALS AND THE COORDINATORS THE CURRENT STARTING SALARIES FOR EACH OF THOSE POSITIONS.THE COUNTIES ON, I INCLUDED THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE NEARBY THEY ARE COMPETITORS FOR US IN GAINING PERSONNEL ON THE OTHER COUNTIES ARE PROVIDED BY HUMAN RESOURCES AS THE COMPARABLES WITH THESE MARKET MIDPOINTS AND SO IF YOU CLICK THE NEXT SLIDE. WHAT YOU SEE HERE IS ALL OF WHAT I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED IN RED. LL OF THE COUNTIES WHO STARTING SALARIES ARE Ã
POSITIONS DOING SIMILAR WORK. >> SO THOSE ARE THE RAW DIFFERENCES IN NUMBERS YOU CAN SEE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT DIFFERENCES 10,000 5000 THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ANNUALLY FOR EACH OF THE POSITIONS FOR THEIR STARTING SALARIES THEY ARE PAYING MORE THAN WHAT ARE Ã AND THIS IS A PERCENTAGE. FOR EXAMPLE YOU CAN SEE JUST LOOKING AT ÃCOUNTY WE ARE TALKING ABOUT TAKING A JOB AS A ASSISTANT YOU WILL START 22 PERCENT 47 PERCENT 37 PERCENT HIGHER THAN WHEN YOU JUST START TAKING A SIMILAR JOB.
SO WHAT I AM PROPOSING IS THAT THE CURRENT GRADES FOR THOSE ADMINS WHICH ARE 108 AND PARALEGAL, 111 Ã110 BE INCREASED TO 110 112 111 RESPECTIVELY IF WE DO THAT I HAVE A COUPLE OF SLIDES I WANT TO SHOW YOU.SO THESE ARE THE CURRENT STARTING SALARIES THE SAME SLIDE I SHOWED YOU EARLIER.THESE WILL BE THE SALARIES AFTER THE MIDGRADE WE WILL STILL NOT BE PAYING MORE THAN EVERY COUNTY WE WOULD BE PAYING LESS THAN ÃCOUNTY AS YOU KNOW IT'S A NEAR COMPETITOR I THINK I CAN ARGUE TO MANY OF OUR APPLICANTS THAT LIVING IN HAYS COUNTY AND LIVING IN THIS AREA IS A BENEFIT IN AND OF ITSELF THAT JUSTIFIES A LOWER SALARY THAN WHAT YOU MIGHT WANT TO MAKE LIVING IN A DIFFERENT COMMUNITY THAT DOESN'T HAVE ITS ADVANTAGES IS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SAY THAT BECAUSE A PERSON CAN LIVE IN COAL MALL COUNTY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF WHAT IT HAS TO OFFER OR LIVE IN THIS COUNTY AND ENJOY ALL OF THE BENEFITS. YOU WILL BE MAKING SOME MONEY INCOME ALL COUNTY I AM NOT ASKING YOU TO BEAT COMAL COUNTY BUT THOSE OF THE PERCENTAGE IS CURRENTLY THE SAME SLIDE AGAIN I SHOWED YOU BEFORE. AND AFTER THESE I PROPOSED THEY ARE MUCH MORE COMPETITIVE IN THESE VARIOUS AREAS SO IF YOU GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE. THE INVESTIGATORS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SO MANY POSITIONS THREE DIFFERENT SLIDES AND AGAIN YOU SEE OUR INVESTIGATORS ARE CURRENTLY BEING PAID QUITE A BIT LESS THEN INVESTIGATORS ON COMPARABLE COUNTIES THE PERCENTAGES ARE AGAIN THEY ARE EXTREMELY LOW. AND THAT HAS PREVENTED US FROM GETTING SOME POTENTIALLY GOOD CANDIDATES HERE IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS OR SO WE HAVE HAD PEOPLE APPLY THAT WE THOUGHT WERE DECENT APPLICANTS WE TOLD THEM WHAT THE SALARY WAS GOING TO BE THEY WITHDREW THEIR APPLICATIONS THAT'S SOMETHING THAT'S A PROBLEM FOR US.
I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE LOOK AT THE STARTING SALARY AND DECIDE TO NOT APPLY AT ALL.
SO NEXT SLIDE PLEASE. THIS IS THE PERCENTAGE AND RAW DIFFERENCES 113, 114 FOR INVESTIGATORS AND AGAIN YOU WILL SEE I'M NOT LOOKING TO MAKE US THE HIGHEST PAID COUNTY IN THE SYSTEM BUT I AM LOOKING TO MAKE US COMPETITIVE. ON THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE SIDE.
I BELIEVE ADMINISTRATIVE SIDE, THESE ARE THE STARTING SALARIES AGAIN AND FOR THE LEGAL SUPPORT
[03:40:08]
AND THE OFFICE MANAGER DOES EVERYTHING SHE IS WORTH HER WEIGHT IN GOLD.EACH OF THESE INDIVIDUALS ARE GETTING PAID. THEY ARE NOT GETTING PAID THE MINIMUM RIGHT NOW SO THE SALARIES WILL NOT BE IS IMPACTED BY A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THEY ARE EARNING THE STARTING SALARY BECAUSE THEY ARE RECENT HIRES.
THEY HAVEN'T BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH TO BE HERE IN THE 25TH AND THE 30TH PERCENTILE SO WHAT MY CURRENT EMPLOYEES WOULD BE EARNING ON THIS CHART IS NOT GOING TO BE IMPACTED MUCH BUT IN THE EVENT I NEED TO REPLACE THEM AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE I WON THE STARTING SALARIES TO BE COMPETITIVE SO YOU CAN SEE FROM THAT CHART IF YOU WILL GO TO THE I AM LOOKING TO MAKE THOSE SALARIES NOT NECESSARILY HIGHER THAN WHAT EVERYONE IS PAYING BUT WE ARE AT LEAST IN THE BALLPARK. AND HOPEFULLY DISCOURAGE THEM FROM LOOKING ELSEWHERE. I KNOW THEY ARE DEDICATED TO THEIR JOBS BUT IT COULD BE MADE MORE EQUITABLE. SO THIS IS THE LAST SLIDE HERE IS THE QUESTION IF THE COURT APPROVES MY ÃYOU COULD SEE AGAIN THIS IS ESSENTIALLY THE MODIFICATION I HAVE TRIED TO GET THOSE SALARIES MORE COMPETITIVE AND THE COUNTIES AND STILL KIND OF STAY WITHIN OUR STRUCTURE AND IF THE COURT WERE TO GRANT AN ADDITIONAL $288,646 THIS WOULD AFFECT MORE THAN HALF THE EMPLOYEES. ONE OF THESE CATEGORIES AND I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIMES MAKING SURE WORKLOADS WERE APPROPRIATE TO MY SHAME I WANT TO MAKE THIS COMMENT TO THE JUDGE'S PROPOSED BUDGET. I ASKED DELIBERATELY TO THE AUDITORS OFFICE TO HELP ME.
TO MAKE SURE I DO MY BEST TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SENSITIVITY IN THAT SPACE ALL
[03:45:43]
OF THE DEPARTMENT HEADS TO BE SENSITIVE AND COGNIZANT AS WE STEP INTO THIS VERY MUCH UNKNOWN FUTURE THAT WE ARE EMBARKING ON WITH COVID-19. WE CAN'T LOOK AROUND THE CORNERS WE CAN'T SEE AROUND THE CORNER SO I ASKED THAT THEY PLEASE BE SENSITIVE TO THAT REALITY BECAUSE I FEEL THAT I WANT TO PROPOSE A VERY FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE BUDGET AND I KNOW IT'S NOT IDEAL AND IT'S MY GOAL AND I WANT TO MAKE EXTRA SURE AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WALKING AWAY FROM THE PODIUM THE DECISIONS I MADE IN THIS BUDGET WERE NOT TIED TO ASPECIFIC DEPARTMENT. >> I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT.
WHAT I THINK IT'S PROBABLY NOT CLEAR FROM THE NUMBERS ON THE REQUEST THAT I MADE WAS WHY NECESSARILY I'M ASKING FOR THESE TO BE CHANGED AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD THE BASIS FOR THAT. HIS IS NOT AN ARBITRARY DECISION ON MY PART.
UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE BEEN HAPPY TO NOT REALLY LOOK CLOSELY BY HIM BEEN OPERATING UNDER THE ASSUMPTION WE ARE NOT IN THE BALLPARK AND THIS STUDY I REALIZE THIS IS PROBABLY SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE DONE A LONG TIME AGO AND I REGRET THAT BECAUSE SITUATION THAT WE ARE IN RIGHT NOW YOU HAVE AS MUCH MONEY TO WORK WITH AND ANY MONEY I GET TAKES AWAY FROM SOMEONE ELSE ANY MONEY I DON'T GET GOES TO ANOTHER DEPARTMENT I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT EVERY OTHER DEPARTMENT IS ASKING. I HAVE HEARD A LOT OF THE FOLKS COME UP FUNDING THE POLICE AND ANY SUGGESTION THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT IN HAYS COUNTY IS NOT DOING A GOOD JOB AND DOESN'T DESERVE THE FUNDING THEY ARE GETTING THEY GET NO SUPPORT ON THAT STATEMENT FROM ME. THEY CAN DO A GOOD JOB THEY CAN DO FUNDING TO DO IT OBVIOUSLY WITH THE JAIL EXPANSION WE ARE GOING TO NOT SUGGEST TO MY REQUEST AND WHAT I AM SAYING IS THAT I WOULD LIKE SOME CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO OUR EMPLOYEES THEY DO IT FOR VERY LOW WAGES AND THEY CAN DO BETTER ELSEWHERE. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO WORK THAT THEY COULD POSSIBLY FIND. BUT MONEY TALKS.
I DO NOT WANT TO BE I WANT TO GET GOOD CANDIDATES. I WANT TO KEEP PEOPLE THAT WE HAVE AND I THINK THESE RATES WILL HELP ME TO DO THAT.
>> WOULD YOU LIKE TO KICK US OFF ON THE QUESTIONS?
>> >> I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU.
YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST APARTMENT HEADS. SO I WANT TO TALK IT THROUGH
THE PURPOSE BEHIND THIS AND IS APPRECIATED. >> THANK YOU.
MY APPRECIATION IS I HOPE YOU WILL DO THIS FOR ME. I UNDERSTAND YOU DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN WITH WHAT YOU ARE GIVEN AND I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO. SO MY CAN I APOLOGIZE FOR
RUNNING LATE. >> THERE ARE THINGS THAT ARE
NOT IN YOUR CONTROL. >> NEXT WE WILL SPEAK WITH THE TREASURER. IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM.
[03:50:34]
>> WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR THEIR RETIREMENT. BENEFITS.
WHICH IS BASICALLY NO CHANGE OF WHAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE. SO THE RATES THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY CARRYING, BUT WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING ALL OF THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ASKING TO MAINTAIN.
I PROVIDED A RUNDOWN THAT YOU CAN READ AT YOUR LEISURE IT'S BASICALLY EXPLAINING WHAT OUR CONCERNS ARE AS FAR AS THE RETIREE COST-OF-LIVING INCREASES AT THIS TIME WE WOULD NOT WANT TO RECOMMEND THAT FOR SEVERAL REASONS BUT MAINLY SO WE ARE NOT CONSIDERED A REPEATING ÃIN THE COUNTY THAT WOULD IMPACT OUR FINANCIALS AS WELL AS THE RETIREMENT RATES WE ARE ASKING TO KEEP IT WITH THE SAME BENEFIT PLAN THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE.
SO THAT'S ALL I HAVE. I AM REPRESENTING THE COMMITTEE WHICH DID NOT FEEL THE NEED TO MEET BECAUSE THERE WERE NO CHANGES IN LEGISLATION ARE WHAT WE ARE RECOMMENDING.
SO. [INDISCERNIBLE] GARY INGALLS Ã REPRESENTATION AND.
[INDISCERNIBLE] COUNTY CLERK AND MARGIE RODRIGUEZ. [INDISCERNIBLE] IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND MYSELF. DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS? >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE THE PUBLIC DOESN'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING WHAT YOU JUST HANDED US SO CLARIFYING EFFORTS I PUT A COST-OF-LIVING IN THE BUDGET FOR THE STAFF FOR THE COUNTY AND YOU ARE SUGGESTING TO TAKE IT OUT? SUE MICHALAK SUGGESTING NOT TO OFFER A COST-OF-LIVING TO RETIREES. I'M TALKING ABOUT RETIREE BENEFITS.
I AM ABSOLUTELY NOT SAYING. [INDISCERNIBLE] FOR THE EMPLOYEES BUT WE DO HAVE AN ISSUE IF WE REPEATEDLY GIVE COST-OF-LIVING TO RETIREES THAT WE ARE DESIGNATED AS A COST-OF-LIVING CONSISTENTLY DOING THAT AND IT BECOMES MORE OF A GUARANTEED BENEFIT SO WE RUN THE RISK OF HAVING THAT DESIGNATION IF WE REPEATEDLY DO THAT SO BECAUSE WE GAVE OUR LAST COST-OF-LIVING IN JANUARY 2018 WE DON'T WANT TO BE CONSISTENTLY
>> JUST TO CLEAN IT UP THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO HEAR IT THREE OR FOUR TIMES.
THE COST OF LIVING I PUT ON THE BUDGET THAT I BUDGETED FOR YOU SUPPORT AS THE TREASURER.
>> I AM NOT APPROACHING THAT AT ALL. IN THIS CONVERSATION.
STUDENT PURELY ON RETIREMENT. I AM REPRESENTING THEIR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY.
SUE MCKAY WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WAS CLEAR BECAUSE WE WILL ALL GET A BUNCH OF EMAILS ABOUT
>> OKAY. AND I AM GOING TO SPEAK ABOUT MY OFFICE NOW SO REPRESENTING MYSELF NOT THE COMMITTEE. I HAVE ASKED IN THE BUDGET AND IT WAS NOT RECOMMENDED YOU SAID YOU TRIED TO BE CONSISTENT AND I APPRECIATE THAT I AM ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF AND I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLAIN WHY. I FEEL THIS IS DYER. STRUGGLING THAT WE ARE UNDERWATER AND WE DESPERATELY NEED HELP. I ASKED FOR THREE POSITIONS ANY POSITIONS ARE WELCOME. I'VE GOT TO HAVE SOME HELP. WE ARE IN SOME INSTANCES TAKING, BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME AND I'M TALKING ABOUT THE VOLUME INCREASE SINCE I TOOK OFFICE. THE VOLUME INCREASE IN 2018 IN SOME CASES FOUR TIMES AS MUCH AS WHAT WE WERE DOING A 2018 AND LET ME EXPLAIN WHY.THE STAFF THAT WE HAVE THAT ARE TAKING CARE OF ÃWE HIRED THEM TO TAKE CARE OF APPROXIMATELY 500 EMPLOYEES AND WE CURRENTLY HAVE 1100 EMPLOYEES. THE CHECKS THAT WE PROCESS, WE PROCESSED 11,000 A YEAR.
THOSE COURTS HAVE MANY CASES AND THOSE CASES COME TO OUR OFFICE FINANCIALLY.
WE HAVE TO RECONCILE THOSE. >> WE HAVE AN INCREASE OF 3000
[03:55:08]
CHECKS A YEAR AND PEOPLE FROM OUR JURIES SO WE PROCESS THE FINANCIAL END OF THOSE AND IT'S A HUGE WORKLOAD BY ADDING THE Ã 428 AND IN 2019 MY OFFICE INCLUDING ALL STAFF MEMBERS WORKED OVER 2000 HOURS 40 HOURS A WEEK THIS YEAR ALONE FROM JANUARY TO JUNE MY OFFICE HAS WORKED OVER 700 HOURS OVER 40 HOURS A WEEK. WE DESPERATELY NEED THE HELP.MY OFFICE HAS BEEN OPEN THIS ENTIRE TIME AND EVEN WHEN FULLY STAFFED WE COUNT ÃWE CAN'T COUNT MONEY AT HOME. ÃWE CAN'T COUNT MONEY AT HOME. WE GO INTO THE OFFICE WE HAVE BEEN PAYING OUR EMPLOYERS IN OUR VENDORS AND I KNOW THIS IS A BAD TIME TO BE ASKING I AM JUST SIMPLY SAY I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. WE HAVE TO BE UNDERWATER.
SO I NEED SOME HELP. AND WHATEVER YOU GUYS CAN DO WOULD BE GREATLY GREATLY GREATLY APPRECIATED. THERE IS A SLIGHT TYPO IN THE PERSONNEL SCHEDULE. ASKED FOR GRADE 1 11 ANNA SAID GRADE 109. THE FUNDING AMOUNT, THE DOLLAR AMOUNT THAT IS THERE IS INCORRECT.I THINK IT IS GREAT .11 NOT GRADE.09.
SO THIS POSITION IS 38,002 AND $49. IT'S ONE POSITION WITH FRINGE BENEFITS INCLUDING INSURANCE WOULD BE 58,000 144 67 SO I AM ASKING IS MUCH AS I CAN.
I DON'T KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO FIND THE MONEY AND I AM THE TREASURER SO I SEE HOW LIMITED OUR FUNDS ARE EVERY YEAR. WE ARE HAVING TO INVEST THIS MONEY AND TAKE CARE OF IT SO I KNOW THAT YOU GUYS HAVE A TOUGH DECISION TO MAKE I AM SIMPLY ASKING TO PLEASE MAKE THIS A
>> I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. WE REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DO.
AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE SORRY FOR THE DELAY IN THE COURT
>> I APPRECIATE YOU. >> THANK YOU MA'AM.
WE HAVE A COUNTY CLERK OF SHE WILL COME FROM AROUND THE CORNER.
>> THANK YOU. LIKE EVERYONE ELSE HERE. WE ARE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO MAINTAIN COSTS AND TO Ã ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR TO BE UNUSUAL AND THE SITUATIONS HAVE LED TO MANY DECISIONS ABOUT THE BUDGET HOWEVER SOME OF THE ACCOMMODATIONS WE HAVE MADE ARE AFFECTING HER OFFICE VERY GREATLY AND FOR THAT REASON I WANT TO ASK YOU TO RECONSIDER ONE OF THE ITEMS AND THAT IS A FUNDING OF TWO CLERKS FOR OUR COURTS DIVISION WHAT I AM ASKING, WHEN YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT, WE ARE TRYING TO BE SENSITIVE BUT WHAT I THOUGHT, INSTEAD OF STARTING THEM OCTOBER 1 AS WE ORIGINALLY REQUESTED WE THINK WE CAN MANAGE AND START THEM IN THE THIRD QUARTER ON APRIL 1. I WILL TELL YOU WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT WHY WE FEEL THAT WE NEEDED AND PUTTING IT OFF FOR SIX MONTHS DOES CREATE SOME RISK FOR US. WE WANT TO BE UPFRONT SO WHENEVER WE MAKE A CHANGE TO THE COURT SO DOES AFFECT THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE AND USUALLY IT MEANS AN INCREASE IN WORKFLOW. I AM GOING TO GO THROUGH THE FACTORS AND THE FIRST ONES ARE NOT AS SIGNIFICANT.ONE IS A CRIMINAL CASELOAD ALONE AND THIS IS NEARLY DOUBLE WHAT IT WAS.AND THEY'RE POINTING CASES TO THE INDIVIDUAL COURTROOMS AND JUDGES AND THEY NEED TO HAVE CLERKS ASSIGNED LIKEWISE AND IT STRETCHED A LITTLE THINNER AS IT DOES IN
[04:00:09]
THE PAST. COURTROOM ON EACH DAY.>> THAT'S MUSIC TO MY EARS. >> WE ARE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN TO SUPPORT IT BUT ALSO ALL OF THE COURSE WILL BE RUNNING SIMULTANEOUSLY AND WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE STAFF IS NORMALLY TWO PER COURTROOM AND YOU DO NEED A BACKUP. SO IT STRETCHES US VERY THIN TO DO THAT.
ONE OF THE EFFECTS OF THIS IS >> IF WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH STAFF MEMBERS AND THE COST OF WHAT I AM ASKING FOR IN 2021 THAT WOULD BE UNDER THE TWO PEOPLE WHO WERE SUGGESTING SPLITTING IT THE GENERAL FUND THAT'S GOING TO BE MY REQUEST. I DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS IF I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS REALLY NECESSARY. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW LINDA BUT SHE IS INDISPENSABLE. AS SHE KEEPS THE OFFICE FLOWING AND ÃSAID SHE MIGHT BE HERE AS
>> IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM AND STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE CAMERA.
>> IT'S GOOD MORNING, BUT GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM ÃI AM HERE TO SUPPORT MY TEAMMATES BECAUSE IT IS A TEAM EFFORT. I WILL SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK.
I AM HERE TODAY TO SUPPORT Ã AND OUR OTHER CONSTABLES HERE IN OUR BAILIFFS WHO COME FROM THE CONSTABLES OFFICE AND IF YOU HAVE NEVER, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CLERK'S OFFICE DOES I ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO WATCH IT BECAUSE I HAD NO IDEA UNTIL I ASKED THEM TO TAKE ME BACK THERE AND IN THE REPORTS ALONE. IT'S AMAZING WHAT THEY HAVE TO GET DONE EVERY MONTH. IT'S A TON OF WORK.HAT ALONE WOULD PROBABLY GIVE THREE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES TO GET THAT ALL DONE AND WE ARE PUTTING MORE WORK ON HER BY REVAMPING THE COURTS USING CASES ON IT. I KNOW THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS WANTED THAT FOR VERY LONG TIME. SO WE ARE GOING TO HAVE, COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE ARE GOING TO DO THINGS THAT WE WILL HAVE SMALLER DOCKETS MORE OFTEN AND WE WILL NEED A CLERK IN EACH COURTROOM FOR THAT. IT ALLOWS US TO SERVE THE CITIZENS AND THE LITIGANTS IN A MORE EFFICIENT MANNER IF WE HAVE A CLERK SITTING TO OUR RIGHT TO GIVE THEM THE DOCUMENTS THEY NEED THEN TO SCAN THE PAPERWORK SO EVERYONE HAS THAT PAPERWORK IN THE SYSTEM IMMEDIATELY.THEY USED TO TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET THAT DONE BECAUSE WE WILL WALK IT FROM ONE PLACE TO THE NEXT SO HAVING A CLERK TO MY RIGHT TO SCAN THAT PAPERWORK TO GET IT TO EVERYONE WHO NEEDS IT MAKES IT MORE EFFICIENT. IN THE LONG RUN.
SO WE WILL NEED CLERKS WITH US AND WE ARE PLANNING ON RUNNING ALL THREE COURTS.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MORE DOCKETS WE ARE ADDING TWO ADDITIONAL DOCKETS AND I BROUGHT MY CALENDAR ALONG. I DO HAVE PLANS TO HAVE SIX DOCKETS PER DAY FOR A CRIMINAL
[04:05:07]
DOCKET. GOING FORWARD THAT COVID-19 IS A DIFFERENT SUBJECT THROUGH A KINK IN MY PLAN EARLIER IN THE YEAR, THAT MAY ADMIT THOSE DOCKETS BUT THAT IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR AND I THINK APRIL IS A GREAT TIME TO START THAT BECAUSE HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE COURT MORE OFTEN AND I THINK HAVING TWO ADDITIONAL CLERKS STARTING IN APRIL WILL BE VERY BENEFICIAL AND WE WILL SAVE SOME MONEY AND IT WILL ALLOW US TO GET THIS NEW SYSTEM IN PLACE AND I KNOW THEY NEED THE HELP TO SEE THE WORK THEY DO IS PHENOMENAL AND I APPRECIATE THAT SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND NOT ONLY DO THE DO THEY DO THE CRIMINAL STUFF BUT I KNOW THAT THEY NEED THE HELP THAT WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE THE COURTS BE MORE EFFICIENT AND SERVE OUR CITIZENS BETTER.SO THANK YOU FOR LETTING ME EXPLAIN THAT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS I KNOW THAT LINDA,
[INDISCERNIBLE] >> WONDERFUL. I WILL OPEN IT UP TO THE COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONER SMITH? COMMISSIONER SHELL?
>> I JUST WANTED CLARIFICATION I KNOW YOU SAID A START DATE IN APRIL ABOUT $50,000.
DID YOU SAY THAT WAS COMING FROM A DIFFERENT FUND OTHER THAN THE GENERAL FUND?
>> ONE OF THE POSITIONS WOULD BE FUNDED FROM A GENERAL FUND.
>> THANK YOU. WE APPRECIATE YOUR EFFICIENCY AND THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE TO SUPPORT THAT EFFORT. WE LOVE HEARING FROM THE SUPPORT TEAM.
NEXT WE WILL GO ON TO OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES.
>> MIKE JONES DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES. >> ABSOLUTELY.
>> I LOVE THAT TRUCK YOU REQUESTED IN THEIR BECAUSE THERE'S NO USE OF HAVING AN
EMERGENCY TRAILER WE CAN'T PULL INTO THE SITE. >> YES SIR.
>> IN THE SPIRIT OF. [INDISCERNIBLE] BUYING A TRIP DOWN THAT TRUCK OUT RIGHT REPRESENTS ÃOF THE BUDGET WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA IF WE HAD A GRAND.
[INDISCERNIBLE] PARTICULAR PURCHASE SINCE WE DON'T HAVE A GRANT SUPPORTING THAT PURCHASE WHAT I GAVE YOU ALL IS A COPY OF. [INDISCERNIBLE] A ONE TIME PURCHASE AND IF YOU TAKE WHAT YOU HAVE RIGHT THERE IT'S LIKE SUPPORTIVE MATERIALS AND THAT'S WHAT WE HAD AT A ONE TIME DEAL. AND GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO.
[INDISCERNIBLE] MILEAGE OR MORE TIME ON THAT WE COULD TAKE THAT MONEY AS I UNDERSTAND IT REINVESTED INTO THE NEXT VEHICLE. [INDISCERNIBLE]
>> AND I AM ASKING THEM TO AMEND THE BUDGET WITH THE CREDIT POINT THAT ALLOWS US TO
HAVE THE BANDWIDTH AND >> ÃOPERATIONS IN ON THE BUDGET ÃA $100 PURCHASE.
TO FACILITATE WHAT WE NEED AND THAT'S ALL I'M ASKING. WE APPRECIATE IT.
YOU KNOW WE TRY TO KEEP IT TIGHT AND AT THE SAME TIME REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU GUYS
[04:10:05]
COME UP WITH. [INDISCERNIBLE] >> JUST TO RECAP.MR. JONES.
WHEN I ALLOCATED MY BUDGET FOR YOUR SUGGESTING INSTEAD OF A PURCHASE BECAUSE THE COMPONENT IS NOT THERE YOU ARE SUGGESTING TO LEASE IT, WHICH IS A GREAT MOVE AND I SUPPORT IT BECAUSE LAST YEAR WHEN I PUT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CARS Ã THROUGH THE LEASE PROGRAM THE DOWNSIDE OF THINGS WE HAVE THAT DEBT ON OUR BOOKS BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE OUR DEPARTMENTS WITH CHEAPER COSTS AND NEWER VEHICLES AND I THINK IT'S A SMART DECISION AND I'M GLAD THAT BROUGHT YOU BACK TO COURT AND THE CRADLE POINTS, THE TRAILER WE WANT TO TOE HAS THAT COMMUNICATION PIECE AND IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN THE LAST THING I WANT TO ADD IS A REFRIGERATOR FOR THE OPERATIONS CENTER WHEN WE OPEN IT. MAKES SENSE.
COMMISSIONER INGALLS B, START ON YOUR SIDE? COMMISSIONERS ON THE SIDE?
NO QUESTIONS? >> ON THE VEHICLE CAPITAL AGAIN. WHAT IS THE COST OF. [INDISCERNIBLE]?SOON FOR
ACTUAL COST DIFFERENCE 47,000. [INDISCERNIBLE] >> ONE OTHER QUESTION.I KNOW YOU ALL THE OFFICE OF TRANSPORTATION. ARE THERE ANY VEHICLES THAT THEY HAVE THAT WOULD BE RETROFIT WERE YOU WILL HAVE SHARED USE SINCE YOU HAVE LARGE
TOWING VEHICLES ALREADY? >> THE REALITY IS WE HAVE TO HAVE SOMEBODY. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO WE CAN USE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUT TALKING TO. [INDISCERNIBLE] THE TIRE TRUCK AND ALSO THE MAINTENANCE TOOL TRUCK AND ONE OTHER VEHICLE, WHEN I LOOK AT THE TRAILER I PERSONALLY DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE CASH THAT'S ABSOLUTELY A CHALLENGE BUT IF WE ARE DOING THAT THE TRANSPORTATION WILL BE
INVOLVED AND >> AND THEN I JUST TELL YOU THE REFERENCE A FEW WEEKS AGO $400 AND WE CAN HELP YOU OUT FOR THAT.
>> HE SAID HE CAN FIND A CHEAPER ONE THAN THAT.
>> I THINK YOU CAN SHRINK THAT NUMBER. AND I AM GLAD TO HAVE PUT THAT SUPPORT AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSE AND I ALSO HAVE THAT QUESTION COMMISSIONER SMITH AND I AM FRUGAL. I AM THRIFTY.
>> >> IT'S VALID AND THERE'S NO ALTERNATIVE.
IT'S A USEFUL ONE AT LEASE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> NEXT UP WE HAVE OUR CONSTABLE, PRECINCT 5. IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM.
>> I APOLOGIZE FOR STANDING YOU UP LAST WEEK. SO THERE'S NOBODY HERE WHO IS MORE ACUTELY AWARE YOU WANT TO TAKE A HIGH LEVEL THESE COUNTIES ARE THE NUMBER ONE
FASTEST GROWING COUNTY FROM 2010 THROUGH 2015 >> I CAN PROMISE YOU LOOK IT UP GOOD ME UP. YOU'RE LOOKING AT A CHANGE IN 667,000 PEOPLE 424 PERCENT
[04:15:07]
>> SO SECOND IN THE NATION 2019 NEXT SLIDE. THE FIRST THAT'S ONE THAT'S
AHEAD OF US. >> SO YOU CAN SEE 2010 TO 2019 YOU PUT ON 73,000 PEOPLE 46.5 PERCENT WHICH YOU MAY NOT KNOW I KNOW YOU ARE PAINFULLY AWARE BUT WHICH YOU MAY NOT KNOW THIS IS THE FASTEST GROWING PERCENTAGE NEXT LIVE.
105 PERCENT. [INDISCERNIBLE] WE WENT FROM 7200 PEOPLE TO 15,000 AND I AM TALKING ABOUT PRECINCT 5 IN GENERAL. NEXT SLIDE.
SO THAT'S A 40 PERCENT INCREASE IN ONE YEAR. 2015 2016.
NEXT LIVE. THIS IS JUST A GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION BASED ON WHAT I
JUST TOLD YOU. >> ON THE WRITER SHOWS 105 PPERCENT INCREASE IN SIX YEARS. AND NEXT SLIDE. I PUT THIS UP HERE BECAUSE I WAS SURPRISED I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT BE PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2019 NEW HOME SALES PRECINCT 5 SINCE I TOOK OFFICE IN 2017 WE HAD OVER 7000 BRAND-NEW REGISTERED VOTERS I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PERCENTAGES OF PEOPLE WHO REGISTERED TO VOTE BUT WE KNOW IT IS PRETTY SMALL SO HOW DOES THAT GROWTH AFFECT THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE? NEXT SLIDE.
YOU CAN SEE HERE WE EXPERIENCED A 27 PERCENT INCREASE SO 2020 OUR FIRST QUARTER WE RECEIVED 219 CASES WHICH DOING THE SIMPLE MATH EVERYTHING STAYED CONSISTENT GENERALLY FOR US AT LEAST. [INDISCERNIBLE] SET THE TONE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR SO WE ARE LOOKING AT IT AGAIN. NEXT SLIDE. SO OVERALL IF YOU GO BACK IN 2016 AND 2020 IF YOU HIT THE PROJECTIONS YOU'RE LOOKING AT A 78 PERCENT INCREASE SO SINCE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE 2020 BUDGET I WANT TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THAT MIGHT LOOK LIKE SO NEXT SLIDE. WE START WITH THE PROJECTION OF 872.
RATHER THAN THE 13 PERCENT I JUST USED A LITTLE BIT MORE CONSERVATIVE 10 PERCENT INCREASE IN INTEREST OF FULL DISCLOSURE I DON'T EXPECT WE WILL MEET THE 2020 GOALS.
YOU GUYS ARE PAINFULLY AWARE OF THAT. BUT I DO WANT YOU TO REALIZE CIVIL PROCESS THE TRIALS, ALL OF THE OTHER DUTIES WE WOULD BE PERFORMING IN 2020 THEY ARE NOT GONE, THEY ARE STACKING UP SO MY GUESS IS, MY EDUCATED GUESS IS THAT BY THE END OF 2021 WE WILL BE CAUGHT UP AND BE IN THE BALLPARK OF WHAT THAT PROJECTION IS.BEFORE WE CAN
[04:20:04]
ALL GO BACK TO WORK. THE NEXT SLIDE ANOTHER ONE OF OUR DUTIES, PRECINCT 5 SERVES AN AVERAGE OF. [INDISCERNIBLE] EVERY YEAR. HOW MANY TIMES IT TAKES TO SERVE A WARRANT.SO THE VALUE IS 144 ANNUALLY AND THUS THE VALUE OF IT WE DON'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER WHAT HAPPENS TO IT OBVIOUSLY AND NEXT SLIDE. SO FROM HERE I WANT TO MOVE INTO A TRAFFIC PORTION FROM 2016 TO 2019 ÃAS HAD. [INDISCERNIBLE] MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES THAT'S AN AVERAGE OF 2641 THESE NUMBERS UNFORTUNATELY THESE OF THE FATALITIES EVERY YEAR SO YOU CAN SEE WE HAVE AN AVERAGE OF 26 PEOPLE EVERY YEAR ON HAYS COUNTY ROAD LOSE THEIR LIVES. NEXT SLIDE. THESE STATISTICS ARE THE SAME THEY LOOK A LOT BETTER THAN THEY WOULD BE EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT THOSE STATISTICS ARE ONLY FROM FOUR ROADWAYS IN HAYS COUNTY. THEY ONLY REPRESENT.[INDISCERNIBLE] 1626 JUST THOSE 4 ROADWAYS 1228 PEOPLE ON AVERAGE ARE INVOLVED IN CRASHES. AND FOR THAT SAME TIMEFRAME, THE SAME 4 ROADS.
10 PEOPLE A YEAR LOSE THEIR LIVES THE MOST CRASHES. SO IN THE SAME TIME, SAME ROADS, WHAT THAT REPRESENTS IS THOSE ROADWAYS SO JUST ON THOSE ROADWAYS WE HAVE 486 CRASHES
>> I CAN USUALLY WAIT THE WHOLE TIME UNTIL YOU ARE DONE BUT I WANT TO ASK YOU THIS QUESTION WHILE YOU WERE THERE. ALL OF THIS WORK THAT YOU FEEL THIS MECHANISM YOU ARE DESCRIBING DO YOU FEEL THAT THAT'S GOING TO HAVE AN IMPACT A FAVORABLE IMPACT ON THOSE
NUMBERS? 1626 IS >> MY OFFICIAL THOUGHT IS THAT WOULD HELP AND WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING WE WILL TALK TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND WE ARE HAVING A HUGE ACCELERATION OF SPEEDING VIOLATIONS BECAUSE IT'S A BIG ROADWAY.T'S
BRAND-NEW. >> SO MY GUESS IS IT WILL HAVE ANY IMPACT I WILL LOVE TO BE WRONG.
>> I JUST WANT TO GET YOUR TAKE ON SOME UNSAFE SPACES. >> OKAY.
THANK YOU. >> THIS SHOWS YOU HOW MANY CRASHES WE HAVE DURING THE TIME THAT THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE IS WORKING SO BASICALLY WHAT IT WILL TELL YOU IS IT'S ABOUT 18 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL IN 15 PERCENT OF PRECINCT 5 IF WE HAVE A TRAFFIC OFFICER WE CAN HELP. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO PART OF HOW WE GO ABOUT IT AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SPEED VIOLATIONS. PRECINCT 5 CONSTABLE'S OFFICE ADDRESSES 678 TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS. THIS COULD EASILY REACH 1500 AND THAT GIVES US AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A DRASTIC INCREASE IN OUR EDUCATION.
YOU MAY WONDER WHAT IT HAS TO DO WITH TRAFFIC AND THAT'S A FAIR QUESTION BUT WHAT DOES
THAT HAVE TO DO WITH TRAFFIC? >> THANK YOU.
[04:25:02]
>> OUR TRAFFIC PROGRAM IS MORE THAN JUST WRITING TICKETS AND WRITING WARNINGS, CENTERS ON EDUCATION AND VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE. AND DURING A TRAFFIC STOP WE EXPLAIN THE PROCESS TO THE VIOLATOR TALK TALK TO THEM ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED, ASK FOR VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE AND TO ADJUST THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT AND IN ADDITION,
>> WE WERE WANTING TO KNOW HOW THEY WERE TREATED AND TO BE HONEST IT'S TOP-NOTCH.
I HAVE BEEN THE PAST DONE SPOT CHECKS TO ASK THEM HOW AND WHEN YOU FEEL ABOUT IT AND TO HAVE NEVER HAD A NEGATIVE WE HAVE PEOPLE LEADING THE CALL AND HE REALLY DID A GREAT JOB AND SO THE SECOND THING IT DOES IS EXPLAINS TOURIST TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM AND ASKING FOR VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE SO ASIDE FROM CRASHES THIS IS A QUICK LIST OF TRAFFIC REQUESTS MANY OF THEM GO THROUGH COMMISSIONER JONES PLEASE GET MULTIPLE REQUESTS FOR US WHO WORK IN TRAFFIC. AND ALSO BEAR IN MIND ANY TIME WE HAVE A CRASH SCENE OR SPECIAL EVENT TO WRAP IT UP SO YOU CAN SEE THIS PROCESS ABOUT 65 PERCENT OF THE TIME THAT SHOULDN'T SURPRISE ANYBODY. SO SERVICES ABOUT 14 PERCENT TRAINING ABOUT EIGHT THESE ARE THE AREAS SO IF YOU COMBINE THESE ACTIVITIES THEY COMPRISE ALMOST 90 PERCENT OF OUR TIME THAT LEAVES VERY LITTLE TIME FOR OUR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TRAFFIC.
SO WHAT I MEAN BY THAT IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW HARD WE WORK OR IF WE SHOW UP.
WE GET THE SIMPLE PROCESS WE HAVE A NUMBER OF TRIALS SO OUR ACTIONS DON'T HAVE ANY.
[INDISCERNIBLE] AND ONE AREA WE SHOULD PROMOTE MORE TIME TO IS ALONG WITH SERVICE AND TRAINING TRAFFIC CONTROL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ARE THE FIVE AREAS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO BETTER ADDRESS I JUST NOW REALIZED I FORGOT TO ASK YOU. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO NOT TO MENTION MY REQUEST IS THAT TAKE A LOOK AT THE POSITIONS AND I KNOW YOU ARE A HUGE SUPPORTER OF TRAFFIC PROGRAMS AND I APPRECIATE THAT SO I UNDERSTAND IT'S A TOUGH TIME ONE OF THE THINGS AND YOU COULDN'T READ THAT ON THAT LATER DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY AND I DIDN'T PUT THAT IN THERE I DIDN'T PUT IT IN THERE BECAUSE I CAN THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE I PUT IT IN THERE BECAUSE THAT'S OUR JOB. THAT'S WHAT I BELIEVE IN AND THESE SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE PEOPLE WHO PUT ME IN OFFICE AND CHARGE ME WITH RESPONSIBILITY SO BASED ON THAT I WOULD ASK YOU TO PLEASE RECONSIDER THAT
[04:30:08]
AND HELP KEEP US ÃTHANK YOU VERY >> THANK YOU WE GENERALLY APPRECIATE THAT AND ÃLOOKS GOOD AND ENERGETIC. GOOD JOB AND THANK YOU FOR SAYING THAT I SUPPORT ÃI ASKED THEM TO COME TO THE OFFICE AND EXPLAINED TO ME AND I SUPPORTED EVERY SINGLE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE SO THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME THAT I AM A BIG SUPPORTER OF Ã I FIND THAT TO BE HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND COULD YOU HELP SEPARATE ÃFOR THE VIEWING PUBLIC COULD YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENCE? SO IF THE DEPUTIES WILL DO TWO
DIFFERENT THINGS. >> THAT PERSON WILL BE TRAINED SO IF WE HAVE ANY. [INDISCERNIBLE] WE WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO THAT AND THE OTHER ONE IS TAKING CARE OF THE INCREASES AND IT ALSO GIVES US TIME TO GET OUT OF THE COMMUNITY, GET IN THE SCHOOLS, ONE OF THE THINGS I DID MENTION IT GOT IN THE WAY WE WILL GO TO THE SCHOOLS WE WILL MAKE A VIDEO OF THE KIDS TAKE THEIR ELECTRONIC FINGERPRINTS AND WE WILL GIVE THEM CARDS WITH ALL OF THEIR INFORMATION ON IT GIVE THEM A THUMB DRIVE WITH ALL THEIR INFORMATION AND IF YOU NEEDED LAW ENFORCEMENT TO LOOK FOR IT YOU CAN TURN IT OVER TO US WE CAN DOWNLOAD IT.E HAVE ALL OF THE PICTURES WE HAVE ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS WE HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION SO TO HELP US DO THAT THE ONE THING I HAVE NEGLECTED TO MENTION IS AN COMMISSIONER JONES WILL TELL YOU THIS IS THE CASE ON SEVERAL OF THOSE ROADWAYS, 35 NOT BEING ONE OF THEM. THOSE ARE PLACES THAT WE DO TRY TO WORK TRAFFIC BUT IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO DO BECAUSE YOU CAN CATCH A VIOLATOR BUT YOU CAN'T. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO YOU REALLY JUST HAVE TO LET THEM GO AND IT MAKES IT VERY EASY TO DO THAT AND DO IT SAFELY AND THAT COMMISSIONER SMITH WOULD YOU LIKE TO START US OFF WITH ANY QUESTIONS FOR THE CONSTABLE?
>> ACTUALLY. MY QUESTION IS MORE FOR YOU. WE ARE GOING TO LOOK AT EACH ONE OF THESE. AND THERE ARE VARIOUS CUTS FROM LAST YEAR'S BUDGET TOTALS TO EACH ONE OF THE OFFICES AND I AM JUST GOING BACK TO WHAT YOU SAID EARLIER ABOUT A UNIVERSAL EQUATION AND IT WASN'T ANYTHING DELIBERATE WHEN YOU LOOKED AT A DIFFERENT ONE OVERALL VIEW OF WHAT SHOULD BE. [INDISCERNIBLE] AND IF WE LOOK AT THIS AND I REPRESENT PRECINCT 4 I HAVE TOUCHED A NUMBER OF PRECINCTS AND AS YOU KNOW THEY ARE DIFFERENT AND MY QUESTION IS IF WE LOOK AT THE GROWTH AND THE SPECIFIC PRECINCT AND JUST ON THE CIVIL WAR CASELOAD IN THE LAST YEAR WE'RE LOOKING AT A 27 PERCENT INCREASE ADDITIONAL YOU KNOW IT LOOKS LIKE ACROSS THE BOARD. AND IN YOUR BUDGET THERE IS A 12.2 PERCENT REDUCTION.
NOT IN THE REQUEST THE REQUEST IS REQUIRED AND I HAVE TO TAKE A MINUTE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BUT THE REQUEST IS ACTUALLY 40 PERCENT MORE THAN WHAT YOU INCLUDED IN YOUR BUDGET SPECIFICALLY LOOKING AT THEIR AMENDED BUDGET WHICH IS $500,000.
YOU REQUESTED PUT IN $439,000. >> THAT IS A PRETTY SUBSTANTIAL
FROM THEIR BUDGET. THAT'S VERY DIFFERENT >> THAT'S A WONDERFUL QUESTION.
[04:35:10]
>> COULD YOU ANSWER THAT FOR US.THAT WAS NOT MY INTENT Ã IN MY MESSAGING AND CONSISTENCY. IF THERE WAS SOME ADMINISTRATIVE FAUX PAS, I
WOULD LIKE TO HEAR ABOUT IT. >>.
[INDISCERNIBLE] THE ONLY THING I WOULD GUESS SOME PIECES WERE INCLUDED AND THEY DID HAVE SOME SCIENTISM A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT DID NOT GET. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO WITHOUT LOOKING AT EVERY SINGLE PURPOSE BUDGET I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY. IT WASN'T JUST WE ARE GOING TO CUT EVERYTHING BY FIVE PERCENT. ACROSS THE BOARD. YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK AT EVERYTHING VERY SPECIFICALLY AND INDIVIDUAL REQUESTS EACH INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENT.
>> I AM WAITING FOR YOU TO FINISH SO YOU CAN ANSWER.
>> I APPRECIATE THAT CLARIFICATION.AS WE HAVE LOOKED AT THESE I THINK AS WE LOOK AT EACH INDIVIDUAL CONSTABLE TODAY AND EACH ONE OF THESE IS VERY DIFFERENT TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IS VERY IMPORTANT IN CIVIL SERVICE AND ALL THE OTHER DUTIES AND THREE SIMILARLY AND ONE THERE IS A COURTROOM MORE CIVIL THAN ANYTHING SO THAT BEING THE CASE WE HAVE TO BE VERY COGNIZANT OF THAT EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAVE IN COMMON IS LOOKING AT IT IS A CUT FROM LAST YEAR'S OVERALL BUDGET NUMBER FOR EVERY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE.WITHOUT THE PROPOSED BUDGET THAT COMES TO THIS WORKSHOP PROCESS WE HAVE THE NEXT WORKSHOP TO WRAP UP WITH AND AS A REMINDER OF THE PROCESS, I SUPPORTED A ÃI WILL SAY THAT MY BUDGETARY EFFORTS ARE BEING MISCHARACTERIZED SO I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THAT AND IT'S IMPORTANT THAT YOU, ALL THE CONSTABLES ÃIT'S IMPORTANT YOU KNOW I AM NOT SINGLING ANYONE OUT CLEAR AS A BELL RECOLLECTION HAVING A DEPUTY AND SUPPORTED VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT AND IT WAS ULTIMATELY DECIDED THAT ONLY PRECINCT FOR ENDED UP WITH A CONSTABLE AND ALL OF THE OTHERS WERE REMOVED. THAT'S TOTAL OPPOSITE FROM THE CHARACTERIZATION OF WHAT'S GOING ON SO AT EVERY TURN IN MY GET ANNOYING TO YOU BUT I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT FOLKS GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW THAT I AM NOT TRYING TO DEFUND THE CONSTABLES OR SOME KIND OF POLITICAL THEATRICS. THAT'S NOT MY ATTEMPT. SO TO ARTICULATE THOSE MORE CLEARLY AS TO ANY VARIATION OUR AUDITOR IS GOING TO GET BACK ON THAT QUESTION BEFORE THE WORKSHOP IS DONE FOR NEXT TUESDAY BECAUSE THAT WAS NOT HER INTENT CLEARLY OR MIND.
ANY QUESTIONS ON THE SIDE FOR THE CONSTABLE? THANK YOU CONSTABLE FOR THE
[04:40:01]
WELL PRESENTED COLORFUL ARTICULATION OF IDEAS AND WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU ARE DOING.NEXT UP WE WILL HAVE CONSTABLE HOOD, PRECINCT NUMBER FOUR. WHILE YOU ARE MAKING YOUR WAY UP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE THANK YOU FOR ENDURING THIS LONG DELAY THAT WE HAVE WITH COURT TODAY AND WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE STILL HERE.
>>. [INDISCERNIBLE] PRESENTATION AND
>> WHILE YOU ARE DOING THAT I WANT TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT. [INDISCERNIBLE] I AM HERE TO MAKE 2 REQUESTS. NEXT SLIDE. I WANT TO TALK TO ABOUT OUR TRAFFIC COMPLAINTS AND ISSUES AND A REQUEST FOR A NEW MOTOR OFFICER FOR PRECINCT 4 AND I PLAN ON SPEAKING TO YOU ABOUT RECLASSIFYING ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES AND I WILL START WITH MY EMPLOYEE, IF YOU WILL. I AM REQUESTING. [INDISCERNIBLE] CURRENT TITLE CONSTABLE CONSTABLE JUSTICE CLERK TRAINER REQUESTING THE CURRENT SALARY GRADE FROM 108 Ã 855 112 Ã0857 ÃHAS BEEN WITH THE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE. [INDISCERNIBLE] SINCE 2008 SHE IS A 16 YEAR SHE IS A SENIOR JUSTICE CLERK FOR THE CONSTABLES OFFICE SO NEW CLERKS
COME IN.AND >> SHE IS A SENIOR ON ALL CONSTABLE OFFICES? I WANT TO ARTICULATE THAT DETAIL. AGAIN.
BRINGING IN THE NEW CLERKS. [INDISCERNIBLE] IN THESE OFFICES VERY IMPORTANT POSITION. SHE PROVIDES TRAINING AND ODYSSEY.
TRAINING AND FINANCIAL REPORTS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE THE WORKFORCE COMMISSION CITATIONS FOR ÃTAX CITATIONS AND TO GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE Ã SELECTED TO WORK IN THE HAYS COUNTY IT DEPARTMENT WHEN IT CAME TIME TO BUILD AND IMPLEMENT THE ODYSSEY NAVIGATO . [INDISCERNIBLE] HAD JUST RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED SHE HAS ALSO BEEN SELECTED PART OF THE TEAM FOR. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO SHE IS A VALUABLE EMPLOYEE. ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF HOW VALUABLE SHE IS I AM ASKING FOR. [INDISCERNIBLE] SHE TRAVELED ON HER OWN TIME AND USED HER PERSONAL VEHICLE TO ATTEND THIS TRAINING, SO SHE DROVE NUMEROUS TIMES ACTUALLY SHE IS A DEDICATED EMPLOYEE. AND ASKING THE COURT TO CONSIDER RECLASSIFYING HER FROM THE JUSTICE CLERK AND TO COMPENSATE HER FOR THAT. YOU WANT A WILL TALK TO YOU
NEXT ABOUT ÃREGARDING TRAFFIC. AND >> THIS IS BETWEEN THE TRAVIS COUNTY LINE 17 MILE STRETCH BETWEEN 35 AND THE CITY OF Ã ONCE YOU GET ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT. WE HAD A POSTED SPEED LIMIT BETWEEN TRAVIS COUNTY REDUCED TO 55 MILES PER HOUR AND 2015 2016 IF YOU WILL LOOK, THE ACCIDENTS FOR 2015 CURRENTLY
[04:45:33]
BETWEEN 6 AM AND 6 PM THERE HAVE BEEN 100 ACCIDENTS AND Ã THAT OCCUR ON HIGHWAY TWO 9057 PERCENT OCCUR BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY 6 AM TO 6 PM. [INDISCERNIBLE] 2017 91 ACCIDENTS 53.2 PERCENT OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING YOU CAN LOOK THROUGH THESE.I WON'T READ ALL OF THEM TO YOU BUT THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES AND WHAT'S IMPORTANT AND WHAT I WANT TO FOCUS ON IS THE 2019 AND 2020. [INDISCERNIBLE] 2019 THERE WAS A 10 PERCENT REDUCTION IN ACCIDENTS. THE QUESTION IS, WHY? THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT THIS COURT APPROVED. [INDISCERNIBLE] A 10 PERCENT REDUCTION AS A RESULT. [INDISCERNIBLE] 59.2 PERCENT REDUCTION OF SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND THAT'S SUCCESS. NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. LAW ENFORCEMENT IS A DETERRENT NOT ONLY IS IT A DETERRENT FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATORS AS A DETERRENT FOR CRIME.
BETWEEN THE OFFICERS 2020 THIS COURT DID APPROVE THE SECOND POSITION OF THE MOTOR OFFICER FOR MY
>> THEREFORE WE NEED RESOURCES TO ADDRESS IT. IF YOU LOOK AT THE NEXT SLIDE.
A LOT OF PEOPLE WHEN THEY THINK OF AN ACCIDENT WHAT THEY THINK OF, THAT'S A FENDER BENDER.
THIS POOR GUY IS LOOKING AT SOMETHING LIKE THAT. IT'S GOING TO KILL ME OR IT'S JUST A SCRATCH I CAN FIX IT. I HAVE TO CALL THE INSURANCE I HAVE TO GET AN ADJUSTER MINOR INCONVENIENCE. OR HEY DUDE, I DON'T SEE HOW IT'S MY FAULT.
I HAVE TO GET AN ATTORNEY AND TAKE YOU TO COURT. THERE IS OTHER SIDE OF THE EQUATION. WHEN WE SAY ACCIDENT. PEOPLE DON'T THINK THIS.
THIS IS A CRASH AND THIS IS WHAT WE DEAL WITH A LOT IN THIS COUNTY.
UNFORTUNATELY. THIS IS NOT A MINOR INCONVENIENCE.
YOU CAN SEE THEY ARE HOLDING UP THE BLUE. THAT'S A FATALITY.
[04:50:04]
THERE IS NOTHING MINOR ABOUT THIS. NEXT SLIDE.NOTHING MINOR ABOUT THIS OR THIS. AND UNFORTUNATELY THIS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THESE ARE RARE THAT THEY DON'T HAPPEN THAT OFTEN BUT THAT'S JUST NOT THE CASE. OFTEN OR NOT WE GET AN ACCIDENT CALL OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.
WHICH BRINGS ME TO WHY WE ARE HERE. COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE THERE IS A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER I MENTIONED IT EARLIER CONFIDENCE AND SUCCESS CONFIDENCE BREED SUCCESS. AS A RESULT OF WHAT THIS COURT HAS DONE YOUR CONFIDENCE AND APPROVING AND RECOGNIZING THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM, AND YOUR CONFIDENCE SECOND, WE ARE GOING TO FUND THAT POSITION AND ADDRESS THAT PROBLEM HAS RESULTED IN A 59.2 PERCENT REDUCTION THAT'S A SUCCESS. UNFORTUNATELY BECAUSE OF THAT SUCCESS.
I AM HERE TO SERVE AND THAT'S MY JOB. I AM GETTING CALLS.
I'M GETTING EMAILS. YOU'RE DOING A GOOD JOB ON 290 I WANT AN OFFICER IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD. I WANTED OFFICER AT 1826. DUMP TRUCKS RUNNING UP AND DOWN THIS ROAD. NEED AN OFFICER TO ASSIST US. 1826 7.2 MILE STRETCH PRECINCT FOR HAS UTILIZED A MESSAGE BOARD SIGN ACCOUNTS VEHICLES AND RECORD YOUR SPEED AS YOU PASS IT OR ARE YOU ARE GOING TO IT. IT WILL RECORD THE VEHICLES.
71,000 VEHICLES. WE POSTED A MESSAGE BOARD SIGN SO WE COULD RECORD THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES IN THAT INTERSECTION BETWEEN NETTIE BROWN ROAD AND THE COUNTY LINE WE HAD 71,000 VEHICLES ON THAT ROADWAY IN A ONE-WEEK TIME FRAME.
THIS IS A TWO LANE ROADWAY IN HAYS COUNTY. NETTIE BROWN ROAD 3.6 MILES SAWYER RANCH ROAD. 3.2 MILES A TWO LANE ROAD BETWEEN ÃAND HIGHWAY 290 WHAT'S INTERESTING ABOUT THIS, ÃJUST COMPLETED AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ABOUT HALFWAY BETWEEN THE ROADWAY THEY ARE CURRENTLY BUILDING ANOTHER MIDDLE SCHOOL AT THE BOTTOM THERE IN SAWYER RANCH. I'M GOING TO HAVE 2 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ON A 3.2 MILE STRETCH OF ROADWAY HERE. MORE TRAFFIC.
MORE CONGESTION, MORE CALLS FOR SERVICE. IT'S COMING.
NEXT SLIDE. BELL SPRINGS ROAD 9.7 MILES A TWO LANE ROADWAY.
YOU KNOW HOW THAT IS. NEXT SLIDE. SAME THING IT WOULD BE A WINDING ROAD. CONSTANTLY GETTING CALLS AND REQUESTS FOR SERVICES.
ROAD RAGE. IT'S A DAILY OCCURRENCE. NEXT SLIDE.
THIS IS ROUGHLY. [INDISCERNIBLE] TRAVIS COUNTY LINE NORTH.
14.5 MILES. TOOK THE SAME MESSAGE BOARD SIGN AND MOVED IT DOWN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES ON THAT ROADWAY THIS IS BETWEEN FM 150 AND HIGHWAY 290 IN ONE WEEK, 82,000 CARS. ON A TWO LANE ROADWAY. NEXT SLIDE PLEASE.
THIS IS AN OVERVIEW OF ALL OF THE ROADS THAT I HAVE NAMED. OBVIOUSLY THERE ARE OTHERS HOLDER LANE. FM 150. TROUT LINE.
NEIGHBORHOODS I HAVEN'T EVEN MENTIONED. I REQUEST FOR SERVICES AND
[04:55:03]
NEIGHBORHOODS I HAVEN'T EVEN MENTIONED THOSE. IF THIS GETS YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT Ã1826 WE HAVE HAD 139 CRASHES IN 2015 TO.[INDISCERNIBLE] THREE FATALITIES. NETTIE BROWN ROAD 6.6 MILES 11 CRASHES AND LOOK AT THE BOTTOM NUMBERS. IT'S NOT SPEED IT'S NOT ALCOHOL IT'S NOT DRUGS. THIS DISTRACTED DRIVING. I WANT TO MAKE MY APPEAL TO DRIVERS. PUT YOUR PHONES DOWN. THESE ACCIDENTS WOULD GO AWAY AND THESE PROBLEMS WOULD GO AWAY IF YOU WOULD FOCUS ON DRIVING INSTEAD.
RANCH ROAD 12 267 ACCIDENTS BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY 6 AM TO 6 PM THE ACCIDENTS OCCUR AT THAT TIME. I AM REQUESTING AN ADDITIONAL OFFICER.I WANT TO BE ABLE TO APPLY TO MY CONSTITUENTS.MAKE THEM COMFORTABLE WE COULD DO THE BEST WE CAN AND REQUESTING THE OFFICER I AM WILLING AND THE HIRING SIMILAR TO WHAT YOU DID DELAYING THE HIRING OF THE POSITION WHAT I AM ASKING IS THAT YOU FUND THE POSITION AS FAR AS EQUIPMENT IT TAKES THRE . I THINK HE IS SETTING AROUND FOR THREE MONTHS IF YOU WILL FUND THE EQUIPMENT NOW I WILL DELAY THE HIRING OF THE POSITION THAT'S MY
PRESENTATION. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH QUESTIONS
FOR THE CONSTABLE? >> I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON IT
>> THANK YOU FOR THE THOROUGH PRESENTATION. ESPECIALLY ON THE 290.
THANK YOU. NEXT UP WE HAVE CONSTABLE PRECINCT 1. CONSTABLE PETERSON.
BATTER UP. THAT WILL BE THE LAST PERSON IN THE WORKSHOP AND THEN WE HAVE SOME CITIZEN COMMENTS BUT I WANTED TO GET THROUGH THE PRESENTATIONS FIRST.
TODAY IS A DAY OF. IT'S A GOOD DAY.T'S A GOOD DAY TO BE HERE.
PI CAN'T REMEMBER BEING HERE LAST YEAR DOING MY PRESENTATION ON THE CIVIL PROCESS AND PROTECTING OUR COURTS AND AS WE KNOW IN PRECINCT 1 SAN MARCUS IS DEFINITELY A GROWING SCENE WITHIN ITSELF. TEXAS STATE WE HAVE THE CITIZENS OF SAN MARCUS.
THAT WE SERVE AND PROCESS AMONG THAT WARRANTS, AND PROTECTING THE COURTS.
WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE PRESENTATION TODAY IS LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM LAST YEAR WE HAVE OUR DUTIES AND AS CONSTABLES AND DEPUTY CONSTABLES.
[05:00:02]
AND RESPONSIBILITIES. AND THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE VERY HIGH.SERVING AND PROTECTING OUR CITIZENS. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSTABLES AND THE DEPUTIES IS VERY IMPORTANT.
THIS IS SOMETHING YOU CAN READ ON YOUR OWN WHEN YOU HAVE TIME. ÃCOMES FROM OFFICE.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT. WE HAVE VERY HIGH STANDARDS. WITH THE CLERKS WITH THE DEPUTY CONSTABLES. THAT WORK FOR THE PUBLIC PEOPLE.
TO SERVE AND PROTECT. LEADERSHIP IS VERY IMPORTANT. THE TYPES OF CIVIL PROCESS IN THE CONSTABLES OFFICE IS VERY HIGH. WE SERVE A LOT OF CIVIL PROCESS AND SOME OF IT IS NOT EASY AND AS YOU CAN SEE THE TYPES OF CIVIL PROCESS THAT WE SERVE FROM WARRANTS TO ATTORNEY GENERAL PAPERWORK AND PROTECTIVE ORDERS SALES.
PUBLICATIONS. 911 CALLS. TRAFFIC.
BAILIFFS IN OUR COURTS. DISTRICT COURT. COUNTY COURT.
COMMISSIONERS COURT. WE HAVE 2 JP COURTS. WE ARE BUSY.
AMONGST THAT RESTRAINING ORDERS.WORKING WITH DISTRICT COURTS JP ALL OF THIS IN BETWEEN WORKING CIVIL PROCESS IT IS AN EIGHT HOUR DAY SOMETIMES PLUS.ALSO WARRANTS.
WHEN YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH OTHER OFFICERS THAT ARE CALLING YOU THAT THEY NEED YOUR HEP WITHIN THE CITY OF SAN MARCUS. THAT IS WITH TEXAS STATE WITH Ã POLICE DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE CIVIL PROCESS. AND TAX SALES ARE ALSO THERE.
IT'S A CIVIL PROCESS WE SERVE A LOT OF PAPERS. AND I WILL REPEAT THESE BECAUSE ALL OF THESE THINGS THAT I SAY ABOUT CIVIL PROCESS WRITS OF ATTACHMENTS, WORKING WITH THE COURTS WHEN LOOKING FOR EXTRA HELP LOOKING FOR EXTRA DEPUTIES FOR THE CIVIL PROCESS WE ARE
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER BAILIFF. >> I'M SORRY TO INTERRUPT BUT I WANT TO ASK YOU ON THE BAILIFF PIECE I WAS TRYING TO HELP YOU GET ANOTHER DEPUTY FOR YOUR OFFICE MAYBE TWO MONTHS AGO AND I AM WONDERING IS THIS POSITION THAT YOU JUST MENTIONED RIGHT NOW AS A BAILIFF OR IS THIS FOR GENERAL, FOR THE GOVERNMENT CENTER?
>> THIS IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT CENTER. ASSUMING THIS IS FOR THE COUNTY COURT AND LAW WHICH IS WHAT THIS IS FOR AND I AM ASKING FOR 2 DEPUTIES.
ONE FORCIBLE PROCESS AND ONE FOR COUNTY APPOINTED LAW. ALONG WITH THAT, YOU CAN STOP ME ANY TIME COMMISSIONERS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. ALONG WITH THIS, IS SERVING AND PROTECTING THE CITIZENS AND AS YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHINGTHAT WE DO .
[INDISCERNIBLE] YOU CAN GO TO THE NEXT ONE. OUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
THOSE ARE GIVES ME SO MANY TIME YOU ARE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL OR MANAGER OR SUPERVISOR YOU ARE GOING TO GET INVOLVED WORKING WITH OTHER AGENCIES GENERAL ESCORTS EXPLORES.
THE CONSTABLES OFFICE HAS AN EXPLORER PROGRAM. AND IT WORKS VERY WELL YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY WITH YOUR ACTIVITIES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT YOU HAVE GOING ON IN THIS WORKS REALLY WELL FOR OUR CITIZENS. FOR OUR CHILDREN.
[05:05:03]
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? >> I WAS GOING TO COMMENT.
I HAVE TOLD YOU THIS EVERY TIME THIS COMES UP BUT I WAS AN EXPLORER GROWING UP IN HIGH SCHOOL AND I LOVE THE PROGRAM. I LEARNED PENAL CODE I LEARNED THE PHONETIC ALPHABET.
I LEARNED ALL THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF CALLING OUT LICENSE PLATES.
THAT WAS MY CAREER PATH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO THE EXPLORER PROGRAM AND EVERY TIME YOU GET IT UP I HAVE TO CHIME IN LIKE A CANARY.
IN SUCH A WONDERFUL PROGRAM THAT COULD BE EXPANDED IN THE ENTIRE COUNTY AT SUCH A GOOD
PROGRAM. >> THAT'S GETTING INVOLVED.
WITH OUR PARENTS, WITH GRANDPARENTS KEEPING OUR CHILDREN UP-TO-DATE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT. IT'S IMPORTANT IN ALL OF OUR PRECINCTS IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THE CONSTABLES OFFICE THAT WE ALL WORK TOGETHER ON SOMETHING LIKE THIS I BELIEVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS AN EXPLORER PROGRAM AND ALL OF THESE EXPLORERS ARE ACTUALLY ALL OF THE STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THIS IS WHERE THEIR CAREER IS GOING. THEY HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN A BENEFIT TO OUR OFFICE TO COME IN AND WORK THE FRONT DESK TO RIDE WITH THE OFFICERS TO GET INVOLVED WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT WE DO WITH THE OTHER SCHOOLS. I WANT TO TALK MORE ABOUT CIVIL PROCESS. I WANT TO GO TO THE NEXT ONE. WE SERVE PROBABLY 90 PERCENT CIVIL PROCESS. AND THAT'S JUST PRECINCT 1. I KNOW THE OTHER CONSTABLES HAVE OTHER THINGS GOING ON IN THEIR PRECINCT BUT IT'S A JOB WITHIN ITSELF AND THAT GOES ALONG WITH WARRANTS AND WORKING WITH CPS, WORKING WITH THE COURTS. THE DISTRICT COURT'S.
THE JP COURTS AND ALSO WITH OUR PEOPLE SERVING WITH THIS VIRUS GOING ON AND HAS NOT BEEN EASY.
WE DO HAVE OUR DEPUTY CONSTABLE THAT WORKS ON THE TELEPHONE TO TRY TO CALL PEOPLE TO LET THEM KNOW. WE DON'T WANT TO PUT ANYBODY IN JAIL ESPECIALLY WITH THE WAY THINGS ARE GOING ON TO TRY TO TAKE YOUR SITUATIONS. AND WE ARE GOOD AT THAT.
AS YOU CAN SEE I WAS TELLING THE CHIEF TO MAKE ME A PIE. AND HE DID.
>> YOU MEANT APPLE. JUST KIDDING. [LAUGHTER]
>> OF COURSE THESE FIGURES THAT WE CAME UP WITH OUR SHOWING 2019 FROM OCTOBER TO SEPTEMBER.
SHOWING FROM THEIR TWO 2020 THAT'S 2187 CIVIL PROCESS PAPERS THAT HAVE BEEN SERVED.
NOW WITH THE VIRUS THAT'S GOING ON THOSE NUMBERS ACTUALLY COULD BE EVEN HIGHER.
IF YOU LOOK AT 2018 TO 2019 YOU CAN SEE WHAT THAT IS 300, 3000, 651 CIVIL PROCESS PAPERS.
AND YOU CAN LOOK AT THIS AS YOUR OFFICER. YOUR DEPUTY CONSTABLE GETTING IN AND OUT OF THAT VEHICLE IF HE HAS 10 PAPERS HE HAS AT LEAST TWO OR THREE ATTEMPTS WHETHER IT'S IN WINTERTIME SUMMERTIME IF YOU CAN'T MAKE THEM THAT WAY YOU CAN'T MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO ADJUST YOUR HOURS.
WE ARE ASKING FOR A VEHICLE. WE ARE ASKING FOR A VEHICLE LAST YEAR.
WE WERE ASKING FOR A VEHICLE THE YEAR BEFORE WE CAN GET WHAT WE CAN GET.
BUT WE DO HAVE WE TAKE CARE OF. THE COUNTY EQUIPMENT ARE VERY WELL TAKEN CARE OF.
THIS IS THE ONE THAT I DRIVE ALL THE TIME SOMETIMES I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT AND SOMETIMES
[05:10:05]
I DON'T BUT WE KEEP IT UP. SO IF YOU WOULD PLEASE CONSIDER A VEHICLE THAT WOULD BE AWFULLY NICE OF YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS TO LOOK AT THAT. THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS ON THESE. I DON'T THINK WE CAME UP WITH A FIGURE ON THOSE.>> WE WERE ACTUALLY BUDGETED $6500. AND WE EXCEEDED THAT AND VEHICLES GO DOWN A COUPLE OF THEM WE HAD SOME MAJOR ISSUES WITH AND WE HAD TO COME TO GET SOMEBODY TRANSFERRED SO WE ARE GOING TO BE CLOSE THIS YEAR BUT AS YOU CAN SEE WE HAVE HIGH MILEAGE ON THOSE VEHICLES. WE DID RECEIVE ONE VEHICLE LAST YEAR.
IT'S NOT DUE TO BE BUILT UNTIL NEXT MONTH.
>> WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG? >> WE HAD A STRIKE AND THEY
ALSO HAD COVID-19. >> YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO BUY A CAR BUT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT?
>> THAT'S A SAVINGS RIGHT THERE.
>> WHENEVER WE DO THIS WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO OPERATES ON AN OCTOBER 1 SEPTEMBER 30 SO WHEN WE PUT IN WHEN THESE ARE APPROVED GENERALLY THOSE THINGS.
>> I REMEMBER THAT. YOU HAVE A LOT OF COST SAVINGS THERE.
IN THIS NEW VEHICLE IF WE WERE TO GET IT PROBABLY LIKE EVERYONE ELSE WAS SAYING ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR US TO GET THAT IN WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT
>> AS YOU CAN SEE THE MILEAGE ON VEHICLES THAT ARE UP THERE THESE ARE CONSTANT MILES PUT ON OUR VEHICLES BECAUSE OF THE PROCESS STOP AND GO TIRES. BREAKS.
DEFINITELY JUSTIFIED. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. OUR OFFICERS GO TO VEHICLE DRIVING SCHOOLS SO THERE IS NO MISUSE AND DOING ANY TYPE OF DAMAGE TO OUR VEHICLES THAT CAN
BE SHOWN ON VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHEETS >> LET'S GO TO THE NEXT ONE.
>> WE ARE ASKING FOR ONE DEPUTY. WE HAVE ASKED FOR A DEPUTY ONCE A YEAR. AND I WILL GO BACK THREE YEARS AND IT IS DEFINITELY NEEDED.
AS YOU KNOW, IT HAS BEEN SAID, FROM THE OTHER CONSTABLE. WE ARE GROWING CITY.
WE ARE A GROWING COUNTY. TO SERVE AND PROTECT OUR CITIZENS.
OUR CHILDREN. IN THIS COUNTY IS VERY IMPORTANT.
WITH MORE PRO-LAW ENFORCEMENT WORKING WITHIN OUR COUNTY THERE IS MORE SAFETY FOR US.
WHEN WE ASK FOR SOMETHING IT'S NOT ASKING FOR IT OR JUSTIFYING IT.
WE'RE JUSTIFYING IT FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR COUNTY. AND I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD REALLY LOOK AT THAT. COURTS ARE DEFINITELY IN NEED OF SAFETY ALSO.
YOU CAN SEE WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE WORLD NOW. WITH THE COURTS.
SOMETIMES IT TAKES TO DEPUTY CONSTABLE BAILIFFS. IT HAS TAKEN A DEPUTY CONSTABLE OUT OF OUR OFFICE SOMETIMES WHEN YOU HAVE 2 ÃAND YOU HAVE COUNTY COURT WALL GOING ON IN THE DISTRICT COURT IS ASKING FOR SOME HELP. AND YOU ARE SHORT.
[05:15:06]
BECAUSE YOUR PREVIOUS BUDGET DID NOT ALLOW YOU AND YOU KNOW YOU HAD IT JUSTIFIED TO HAVE A DEPUTY CONSTABLE WITHIN THAT YEAR. AND THEN YOU ARE ASKING PEOPLE.DON'T GIVE ME THE DEPUTY CONSTABLE. DON'T GIVE ME A CAR.
GIVE ME A DEPUTY CONSTABLE. YOUR JUSTIFYING IT.SO THE COURTS NEEDED.
WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR CITIZENS. WE HAVE TO PROTECT OUR JUDGES IT'S IMPORTANT. AND YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING IN COURTROOMS. YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING WHEN YOU MAKE A TRAFFIC STOP. YOU CAN SEE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT ARE HAPPENING WHEN YOU GO KNOCK ON THE DOOR IN THE REPLIES YOU GET BACK. WE ALL WANT TO GO HOME.
I WANT TO TALK ABOUT MY JUSTICE CLERK.
>> WE HAVE THE MATERIAL. WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO OPEN IT UP FOR QUESTIONS?
>> YOU ARE REQUESTING A DODGE CHALLENGER IS THERE A REASON FOR YOUR CHANGES?
>> YOU ORIGINALLY REQUESTED A FORD AND NOW IT'S A DODGE. WHAT'S THE REASON?
>> THERE WAS NO REASON. >> AND GENERALLY TO GET IT
FASTER >> WE WILL RESEARCH THE COST WE BELIEVE IN SAVINGS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A LARGE OFFICE WE CONSIDER OURSELVES. WE WILL COME BACK AND WHAT WE ARE ASKING FOR WE WILL GET TWO OR THREE ESTIMATES AND IF IT'S A DODGE AND IT'S GOING TO COST LESS OR IF IT'S A FORD IT WILL COST LESS. OF COURSE WE HAVE TO GO ALONG
WITH WHAT THE COURTS APPROVED. >> AND AS FAR AS YOUR JUSTICE
CLERK. >> I HAVE SOMETHING TO READ ABOUT THE JUSTICE CLERK.
SHE IS ACTUALLY A 10A RIGHT NOW WE WERE WANTING TO CHANGE THAT TO A 110.
I AM FOR ALL JUSTICE CLERKS. I BELIEVE THAT ALL THE JUSTICE CLERKS DESERVE SOME TYPE OF
PROMOTION >> THEY WROTE UP.I'M GOING TO READ THIS AND I THINK IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT ALL OF THEM ARE RECOGNIZING. ÃHAS BEEN A COUNTY GOVERNMENT 29 YEARS AND GOING ON SEVEN YEARS WE ARE WELL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE DEDICATED AND A HARD WORKER FOR THIS OFFICE. SHE HAS MASTERED THE PROFICIENCY TEST WHICH IS A BIG PLUS IN THIS BUSINESS WE ARE ASKING FOR A RAISE BECAUSE SHE DOES MORE THAN JUST HER DUTIES AS A JUSTICE CLERK AND SHE SHOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR IT. WE ARE TESTING ÃA REALLY GREAT
[05:20:04]
FROM 1082 110 AND WE ARE ASKING FOR A $5000 RAISE. THREE YEARS IN A ROW I HAVE ASKED FOR THIS. FOR THE JUSTICE CLERK AND OF COURSE IT HAS BEEN DENIED.TALKED TO HR ABOUT IT. AND JUST TRYING TO JUSTIFY WHAT SHE DOES IN THE OFFICE NOT ONLY WHAT I HAVE READ BUT SHE ALSO KNOWS HOW TO WORK A BUDGET WITH A CONSTABLE AND A CHIEF AND THAT'S A BIG PLUS. IN THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. JUST TO NAME A FEW JOBS THE OTHER JUSTICE CLERK IN THE OFFICE WHICH IS A BIG PLUS, TRAINING.
RHODA KEEPS UP WITH ANY ODYSSEY AND NEW WORLD UPDATES AND WILL ASSIST WITH THE TRAINING TO BE OTHER DEPUTIES. AND COORDINATES UPDATES TRAINING PROCEDURES FOR ALL NEWLY TRAINED PERSONNEL PREPARES, PURCHASE, REQUEST FOR PAYMENTS, MANAGING WORK ORDERS PERFORMING VARIOUS COUNTY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INVOLVED IN FINANCIAL RECORD-KEEPING AND REPORTING FOR ASSIGNED AREAS.IN PRECINCT 1, AS I SAID, WE DO A LOT OF CIVIL PROCESS WHEN YOU WORK WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FEWER NUMBERS HAVE GOT TO ADD UP.F THEY DON'T I WILL BE HEARING IT FROM VICKI. OR I WILL BE HEARING IT FROM THE JUDGE OR THE COMMISSIONERS.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT. WE HANDLE A LOT OF PAPERWORK. EVEN ON OUR TAX CE I AM NOT GOING TO READ ANYMORE. I THINK A JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS IF YOU HAVE THE TIME TO READ OVER THIS THAT WOULD BE APPRECIATED. THOSE ARE MY FIVE ITEMS IF YOU WOULD PLEASE LOOK AT THOSE I WOULD DEFINITELY APPRECIATE IT AND I KNOW THE CITIZENS OF HAYS
COUNTY WOULD. >> I WANT TO MAKE SURE NO OTHER COMMISSIONERS HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
>> THAT WAS MY QUESTION AND HE ANSWERED IT IF HE HAD BEEN WORKING WITH HR REGARDING THAT
POSITION. >> ANY QUESTIONS COMMISSONERS?
>> THANK YOU FOR THE THOROUGHNESS. THAT WILL CONCLUDE THE PRESENTATIONS SO NOW WE WILL HAVE THE CITIZEN COMMENTS PIECE.
I HAVE ONE PERSON SIGNED UP TO SPEAK.F ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN SPEAKING ON THIS WORKSHOP CAPACITY, LET ME KNOW. THE ONE PERSON I HAVE IN FRONT OF ME HERE IS RUSSELL, IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM. THERE IS THE OTHER ONE. THE OTHER ONE IS JAMES LOG IT.
THANK YOU SIR IF YOU WILL GO AFTER MR. HAIDER.
>> THANK YOU JUDGE. I WANTED TO COME TODAY TO SUPPORT PRIMARILY CONSTABLE DRAWN ÃFROM PRECINCT 5 HOWEVER AFTER HEARING ALL THE OTHER CONSTABLES PRESENTATIONS I AM SURE YOU ALL WOULD BE GLAD TO ACT FAVORABLY WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A LOT OF GROSS AND WE HAVE A UNIQUE POSITION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THEY ARE ESSENTIAL SO IN ORDER TO KEEP UP WITH THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE SEE THE NEED TO TAKE CARE BUDGET REQUESTS.
THANK YOU SERVE. >> THANK YOU SIR.HESE ARE THE ONLY TWO SIGNED UP TO SPEAK COMMENTS YOU CAN FEEL FREE.
>> SORRY IF I SAID YOUR LAST NAME WRONG.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON MY NAME IS JIM BLODGETT I HAVE BEEN A CONSTITUENT FOR 20 YEARS NOW AND I'M SPEAKING TODAY IN SUPPORT OF CONSTABLE JOHN ALLEN IN PRECINCT 5 AND ÃFOR THE COURT. LET ME THANK YOU FOR YOUR DILIGENCE AND HARD WORK ON OUR COUNTY BUDGET. I HAVE BEEN A PEACE OFFICER SOME 45 YEARS AND I HAVE HAD TIME TO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THE INPUT SO I UNDERSTAND THE DIFFICULTIES
[05:25:07]
ASSOCIATED WITH YOU TRIAGING AND PRIORITIZING APPROVAL WITH THE TAXPAYER DOLLARS HERE IN HAYS COUNTY THIS REMAINS A DIFFICULT TIME, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS WITHIN MY CIRCLES HAYS COUNTY FOR MANY YEARS HAS HAD A REPUTATION OF BEING A SAFE COUNTY DUE IN NO SMALL PART TO OUR COUNTY LEADERS AND CONTINUED GROWTH OF FAMILIES IN BUSINESS AND RELOCATING.[INDISCERNIBLE] ON THE COUNTY AND THE COUNTY IS A PLACE THAT PEOPLE WANT TO DO BUSINESS IN AND RAISE FAMILIES WHEN I RELOCATED TO HAYS COUNTY IN THE 1990S TRAFFIC WAS A TRICKLE COMPARED TO MOST OF THE RUSH-HOUR FLOW THAT WE EXPERIENCE TODAY.
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS CONTINU ATTEMPTS TO EASE TRAFFIC PATTERN FLOWS WITH ROAD IMPROVEMENTS WE MUST NOT FORGET TO PROVIDE THE ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES THAT COMPLEMENT THESE IMPROVEMENTS TO OUR STREETS AND HIGHWAYS TO KEEP THEM SAFE. AND OUR ADDITIONAL RESOURCES REQUESTED WITHIN THESE BUDGETS CAN PROVIDE LARGE PUBLIC SAFETY BENEFITS FOR THE FUTURE IN ADDITION BLESSINGS BY A GOOD REPUTATION IS NOT WITHOUT THE DOWNSIDE OF CIVIL AND CRIMINAL BEHAVIORS. AS IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE CONSTABLE'S BUDGET BEFORE YOU INCREASED COUNTY POPULATION HAS CAUSED AN INCREASE IN CIVIL PROCESS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY REQUIRED BY ALL CONSTABLES I WOULD ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR THESE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AS WELL AS TO KEEP PACE WITH THE GROWTH IN FRONT OF US. NO DOUBT YOU HAVE A TOUGH JOB IN BALANCING THE NEED FOR A COUNTY BUT I WOULD SUGGEST THE REQUEST WITHIN PRECINCT 5 FOR BUDGETS BE WORTHY OF STRONG CONSIDERATION FOR PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES AND GOVERNMENT EFFICIENCY. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. CEMEX THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR COMMENTS. ANOTHER SPEAKER WE HAVE SIGNED UP IS MR. [INDISCERNIBLE]
>> THANK YOU JUDGE. I WANT TO JUST SAY SOMETHING BEFORE I START INTO MY MAIN POINT HERE. THE SAND MARKS POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS KILLED AND YOU WILL REMEMBER THIS. I GOT UP IN FRONT OF YOU AND IT WAS A BIT EMBARRASSING.
I WANTED TO GET THROUGH WHAT I WAS GOING TO SAY WITHOUT ANY TEARS AND I ULTIMATELY WEPT FROM THIS COURTROOM AND 31 YEARS OLD AND STILL WHEN I THINK ABOUT IT IT ALMOST BRINGS ME TO TEARS.BUT THAT'S THE WAY I FEEL ABOUT THE LAW OFFICERS IN THIS COUNTY.
WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION FOR EVERY ONE OF THEM. BUT LET'S FACE IT SOME LAW OFFICERS ARE BETTER THAN OTHERS SOME ARE OUTRIGHT PROBABLY SHOULD NOT BE ON THE FORCE AND I AM NOT GOING TO NAME NAMES BUT GETTING BACK TO WHAT WAS HAPPENING THIS MORNING EVERYBODY COMING UP AND TALKING ABOUT HOW YOU WERE TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE OR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND THINGS LIKE THAT I'M SORRY. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT YOU SAID THAT YOU WEREN'T DOING THAT. BELIEVE YOU. WE HAVE $41,000 REQUESTED FOR FURNITURE FOR THE LOBBY OF THE NEW JAIL TO MATCH THE COLOR OF THE NEW.
[INDISCERNIBLE] AND AT THE SAME TIME PEOPLE CAME IN THIS MORNING AND SAID, MY HUSBAND IS A DEPUTY NO LIGHTS ON HIS CAR. NO SIRENS. THE VESTS ARE OUTDATED OR NO VEST AT ALL. THERE IS A HUGE DISCONNECT HERE.
I WILL TELL YOU WHAT. THEY ARE LUCKY I AM NOT THE JUDGE BECAUSE I RECOMMENDED 10 PERCENT CUT ACROSS THE BOARD LAST YEAR I WOULD RECOMMEND A 20 PERCENT ACROSS-THE-BOARD CUT THIS YEAR BECAUSE OF THE TRANSIENT SITUATION AND I THINK THESE PEOPLE ARE JUST CRYING WOLF TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH. ANOTHER DA PERSON GOT UP AND SAID THE SALARIES ARE BELOW ALL OF THESE OTHER COUNTIES. THAT MAY BE TRUE. BUT WHAT HE DIDN'T SAY WAS THAT THE MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME IN SAN MARCUS IS $35,000 A YEAR. AND IT MAY DROP LOWER THAN THAT
[05:30:04]
THIS NEXT YEAR BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 SITUATION AND I DON'T KNOW.I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SLEEPING BUT I DIDN'T SEE ANY OF THOSE SALARIES BELOW 35,000.
WHEN YOU ARE COMPARING TO IT'S LIKE SOME OF THE COMMISSIONERS SAYING I REMEMBER THEY WERE SAYING WE ARE NOT GETTING AS MUCH AS THE PEOPLE IN ALL THESE OTHER COUNTIES.
BECAUSE WHEN YOU CAN VOTE YOUR OWN PAY RACE YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE HUGE SALARIES THAT ARE WAY ABOVE.WHAT EVERYBODY ELSE IS MAKING. THANK YOU VERY MUCH GRADE
>> DO WE HAVE MISTY HERE? I DON'T THINK SO. WE WILL SKIP TO OUR LAST SPEAKER BUT THIS IS A WORKSHOP CAPACITY SO THE LAST SIGNED UP SPEAKER IS MR. AMAYA.
>> THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. [INDISCERNIBLE] THESE PRESENTATIONS THAT WERE JUST SHARED WITH US SOME OF THE THINGS THAT STOOD OUT TO ME FOR EXAMPLE. AND. [INDISCERNIBLE]
>> ONE OF THE THINGS I NOTICED THERE USING A SOURCE FROM DPS CRASH AND THE CONSTABLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GENERATE THEIR OWN STATISTICS AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING WHEN THEY GO OUT TO THE DPS CRASH SCENES? WHAT ARE THEY DOING? TRAFFIC CONTROL? ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION CERTIFIED, WHAT ARE THEY DOING? I AM ALSO VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE NUMBERS ONE MOTORCYCLE. HOW MUCH OF A DECREASE. ALL YOU NEED ARE FOR MOTORCYCLES AND YOU WILL HAVE YOUR PROBLEM SOLVED AT THAT RATE I DON'T KNOW HOW ACCURATE THAT IS BUT I'M CURIOUS TO SEE AND AGAIN, SOME OF THESE THINGS THAT ARE COMING UP HERE I SAW THAT PRESENTATION WHERE THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT HOW MANY REGISTERED VOTERS IN A PRECINCT. WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH JUSTIFYING YOUR JOB.
YOU MIGHT BE LOOKING OUT TO SEE WHO IS REGISTERING TO VOTE THAT'S THE ELECTIONS COORDINATOR. THAT'S ONE OF THE GRIPES I HAVE.
A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK I WAS ON A SCHLOTZSKY'S AND I WAS SITTING THERE AND I WAS THERE EATING A LITTLE SANDWICH AND I NOTICED A CONSTABLE COMING FROM A PRECINCT AND I WAS THERE SITTING DOWN MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS AND I SEE THIS GUY GET UP AND I JUMP ON HIS PATROL TRUCK AND I RUN OFF LIKE HE IS RUN RESPONDED TO SOME MAJOR ACCIDENT AND TO ME YOU GOT HIRED TO DO A CERTAIN JOB I KNOW FROM TIME TO TIME IF IT'S NECESSARY THE LAW SO THAT YOU WILL ACT BUT IF IT'S NOT PART OF YOUR PRIMARY DUTY YOU SHOULDN'T BE DOING IT.
JUST STOP TRYING TO CREATE MORE STAFF SO SOME OF THESE THINGS AGAIN, IT'S YOUR JOB TO MAKE SURE WHEN THESE INDIVIDUALS COME APPEAR AND MAKE THESE REQUESTS YOU ASK QUESTIONS TO
MAKE SURE YOU CAN JUSTIFY. >> DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT WE APPROVED FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE LAST YEAR? WAS IT 40? WHAT I SUGGESTED. WHAT I RECOMMENDED.
>> PATROL. 20 PATROL. BECAUSE I REMEMBER IN MY PROPOSED BUDGET LAST YEAR FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE I HAD ASKED TO GIVE THEM THE LION SHARE OF EVERY CAR THAT THEY WANTED. AND WE WENT BASED ON MILEAGE.
WE WENT INTO THE LEASE PROGRAM THAT'S A GOOD IDEA FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND I REMEMBER CLEARLY MARKED SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CARS WERE PART OF THE REQUEST FROM THE JUDGES OFFICE AND I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW THESE CONSTABLES REQUESTS COULD SYNCHRONIZE SOME OF THE STUFF I HAVE LEARNED FROM THE LAST BUDGET.
>> MAYBE I AM WRONG. BUT 20 IN YOUR BUDGET. 40 REQUESTED LESS UNDERCOVER.
[05:35:09]
DOES THAT SOUND RIGHT? >> BEST WHAT I'M TRYING TO FIND OUT AND SEE WHAT SHE SAYS. IT HAS BEEN A MINUTE.
>>. [INDISCERNIBLE] >> JUST IN CASE WOULD YOU SPEAK INTO THE MICROPHONE PLEASE? SORRY.
>> >> THERE WERE 20 REPLACEMENT VEHICLES AND THERE WERE THREE NEW VEHICLES FOR OFFICERS IN THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET.
>> >> IS THAT EASILY AVAILABLE TO YOU? AT LEAST SHERIFF'S RECOMMENDED NUMBER OF VEHICLES? IS IT VISIBLE? NOT EASILY. HOW MANY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT VEHICLES IN MY PROPOSED BUDGET
LAST YEAR. >> IT WAS THE SAME AMOUNT.
>> MY RECOMMENDED BUDGET CAME THROUGH. I WANTED TO DOUBLE CHECK ON THAT. I HAD REQUESTED FOR THE FRONTLINE SPECIFICALLY THAT THOSE CARS ARE CLEARLY MARKED FOR PATROL AND SO I AM JUST IN AGREEMENT HERE THAT IT'S A BIT DISAPPOINTING TO HEAR THAT WE HAVE THE SPOUSE OF A DEPUTY COMING UP TALKING ABOUT OUTDATED VESTS AND NO LIGHTS AND NO SIRENS WHEN I MADE A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO CLEARLY MARKED LAW ENFORCEMENT VEHICLES SO I'M JUST WONDERING IF YOU HAVE AN ANSWER TO THAT AS AN AUDITOR. ANY IDEA?
>> I DON'T HAVE ANY IDEA HOW THEY ASSIGN VEHICLES. AND THEY ARE SEEING MANY OF THOSE VEHICLES AND ALSO IN RESPONSE I KNOW THE SRO OFFICERS DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE SAME EQUIPMENT THAT THE PATROL OFFICERS TWO.
>> TELL US WHAT SRO STANDS FOR? >> SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER.
>> TYPICALLY THEY ARE ASSIGNED TO THE. [INDISCERNIBLE] AND SUMMER
SCHOOL PROJECTS AND ALSO TAKING TIME OFF >> AND I DON'T KNOW IF ANY ISSUES AS FAR AS HAVING THAT REMARK AND SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS LETTER LOW USE.
>> I DON'T KNOW IF HE KNOWS OR CAN EXPAND SINCE AS PART OF OUR BUDGET CONVERSATION.
I AM NOT TRYING TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT.
>> I DID JUST WANT TO ALSO STATE THE BULLETPROOF VESTS THOSE REQUESTS ARE INCLUDED IN THAT CALL CENTER AND WE DON'T ALWAYS KNOW THE FUNDING AND WE DO HAVE THE AVAILABILITY TO DO THE COST SHARE AND THERE WERE 50 REPLACEMENT VESTS AND ALL 50 WERE INCLUDED AND THERE WERE SOME RIFLE PLATES THAT WERE INCLUDED IN THE OPERATED BUDGET THAT WERE THAT WAS MUCH EQUIPMENT AND I WAS ASKED TO WORK TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS FUNDING AND BRING AN ITEM FOR COMPUTER RELATED EQUIPMENT AND BECAUSE OF THE TIMELINE THAT IT TAKES THAT WAS THE FIRST SIGN
[05:40:01]
THAT CAME LAST WEEK. >> WE ARE STILL WORKING THROUGH OTHER ITEMS AND I SPOKE WITH HIM YESTERDAY REGARDING SOME OF THE SWAT EQUIPMENT AND PSALM REMAINING ÃAND AN ITEM TOWARDS NEXT WEEK THEY ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SAVINGS
>> TO BE USED TO BE PURCHASED WITHIN THE CURRENT YEAR'S BUDGET AND I REMEMBER CORRECTLY LIKE YOU HAVE RECOUNTED MY PROPOSED BUDGET HAS ALL THOSE OF US.
BEING FUNDED FOR GRANT PARTNERSHIP.
>> IS THE BULLETPROOF VEST THE. [INDISCERNIBLE] THAT'S WHAT'S BEING REFERRED TO TODAY
>> >> AND COMMISSIONER SMITH YOU HAD A COMMENT.
>> SO SPECIFICALLY ON THOSE PLATES. YOU WERE TRYING TO FIND MONEY
AND TO MEET THE NEEDS AND >> THE BULLETPROOF VESTS ARE INCLUDED AND SOME FOR A COUPLE OF POSITIONS THAT. [INDISCERNIBLE] EQUIPMENT THEY WILL BE BRINGING AN ITEM TO THE BOARD NEXT WEEK TO ADDRESS THOSE.
>> SO MY SECOND QUESTION IS RELATED TO VEHICLES WE WERE TALKING ABOUT LAST YEAR WE DID 20 REPLACEMENTS IF THAT'S WHAT SHE WAS SAID ÃHE HAD SAID IF I REMEMBER CORRECTLY.I GUESS MY QUESTION WAS, WHAT WAS THE OVERALL REQUEST FOR VEHICLES LAST YEAR?
>> FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE? >> FOR THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE I WANT TO SAY IT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY MORE THAN THAT.
>> 32 REPLACEMENT VEHICLE REQUESTS AND FOR PATROL AND I BELIEVE THAT NUMBER.
[INDISCERNIBLE] SO A TOTAL OF 42 AND THERE WERE ABOUT 23. [INDISCERNIBLE] REPLACED BECAUSE SOME VEHICLES THAT WERE TOTALED AND THEY DID RELEASE A COUPLE OF THOSE.
>> SO I GUESS MY QUESTION IS THIS MIGHT ANSWER YOUR QUESTION.
WHENEVER WE DO PROVIDE 20 TO 23 VEHICLES LAST YEAR AND WE PROVIDE 40 LAST YEAR AND THIS YEAR I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE OVERALL EXPECTANCY IS BUT WHAT WAS INCLUDED AND I THINK THAT'S WHERE WE HIT THE GAP AND I THINK SOME OF THE THINGS THEY MAY HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT.
I WENT THROUGH AND HIGHLIGHTED A COUPLE OF LINE ITEMS AND WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT I WILL GET TO IT IN A MOMENT. BUT IN THE SHERIFF'S BUDGET IF WE LOOK AT LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT LAST YEAR WAS $75 MILLION 75.3 MILLION THEY REQUESTED 161 MILLION THIS YEAR SORRY I'M SORRY. 75,100 61,000 THIS YEAR REQUESTED ZERO PROVIDED LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT CAPITAL WHICH WOULD BE NEW EQUIPMEN LAST YEAR WE PROVIDED $301,000.
450 THE DEPARTMENT AND THIS IS WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT A MOMENT AGO THEY REQUESTED 453,000 $445 FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT CAPITAL N0 WAS PROVIDED.
MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT OPERATING EXPENSES THE REQUEST WAS 18,000 207,200 WAS PROVIDED. SOFTWARE I APPRECIATE VICKI OUTLINING THAT MASTER'S IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IF YOU COUNT THE JAIL AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU ARE LOOKING AT A FOUR
[05:45:07]
PERCENT REDUCTION ACROSS THE BOARD. IF YOU LOOK AT PRECINCT 1 CONSTABLE. IF YOU SAY THERE ARE WINNERS AND LOSERS IN THE BUDGET I KNOW IT'S A TOUGH YEAR BUT YOU ARE A WINNER IF YOU GOT A ONE PERCENT INCREASE OVERALL IN THE PROPOSED BUDGET LOOK AT PRECINCT NUMBER TWO AND THESE ARE NUMBERS THAT I RAN WHILE WE ARE SITTING HERE AND IT'S CURRENT NOT WHAT THE REQUEST IS SPIRIT PRECINCT 1 WILL RECEIVE A ONE PERCENT INCREASE NOT NEAR WHAT THEY REQUESTED PRECINCT TO A REDUCTION FROM THE CURRENT BUDGET AND PRECINCT 3A 1.4 PERCENT REDUCTION PRECINCT FOR 1.4 PERCENT REDUCTION PRECINCT 5 WAS THE BIG WINNER OR LOSER BY 12.2 PERCENT REDUCTION FROM THE CURRENT BUDGET SO IF YOU LOOK AT THOSE NUMBERS WHENEVER WE TALK ABOUT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT YOU HAVE ABOUT A 3 AND A HALF PERCENT REDUCTION JUST IN THE GENERAL OPERATING Ã BELOW WHAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY BUDGETED IF YOU LOOK AT THE JAIL WE ARE SUPPOSED TO OPEN A NEW JAIL WITH AN EXPANSION WITH THE RENOVATION AND THERE IS CURRENTLY IN YOUR REQUEST A 4.3 PERCENT REDUCTION IN THE JAIL BUDGET AND $856,000 REDUCTION IF YOU LOOK AT OPERATING AND JAIL THOSE OVERALL NUMBERS FROM WHAT THE REQUEST IS YOU ARE LOOKING AT A $2 MILLION LESS THAN WHAT THE SHERIFF REQUESTED OVERALL JUST IN THOSE CATEGORIES IT DOESN'T COUNT THE OTHER CATEGORES ANIMAL CONTROL. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THOSE OPERATING IN JAIL.AND WHILE I APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE SAID TODAY WE TALKED ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO CAME AND SPOKE TODAY I THINK IT WOULD BE VERY DISINGENUOUS TO SAY OF ALL OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT FALL UNDER THE COUNTY IN YOUR BUDGET OF THE 65 HAVE A REDUCTION FROM WHERE THEY CURRENTLY ARE AND I AM TALKING ABOUT WHERE THEY ARE CURRENTLY AT RIGHT NOW.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT REASONS FOR THAT I AM SURE SOME HAVE A REDUCED CAPITAL AND SOME DON'T HAVE THE EQUIPMENT THEY NEED BUT FOR FIVE OF THOSE SIX TO HAVE A REDUCTION IN ONE THAT DOES HAVE AN INCREASE I THINK THAT THESE FOLKS WHO CAME IN AND SPOKE PROBABLY HAVE A POINT. AND I THINK TO DISCOUNT WHAT THEY ARE FEELING WE HAVE PEOPLE COME IN HERE AND DISCUSS THINGS AND I DON'T NECESSARILY AGREE WITH BUT I DON'T DISCOUNT THEIR PASSION FOR IT AND JUST WHILE WE HAVE BEEN SITTING HERE AND I WOULD ASK YOU TO SIT DOWN AND TAKE A HARD LOOK AT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT BECAUSE WHENEVER YOU MADE THE STATEMENT EARLIER, WE DID ACROSS THE BOARD WITH AN EQUATION AND I KNOW IT'S NOT EASY TO SAY.
[INDISCERNIBLE] BECAUSE THEY HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE THE TIME LOOK AT THESE INDIVIDUAL ITEMS AND TAKE A HARD LOOK BECAUSE I KNOW I WILL BE WILLING TO EXPLAIN WHY THE JAIL ITSELF HAS A $5.6 MILLION REDUCTION FROM HOW MUCH THEY ACTUALLY WANT TO HOW MUCH THEY ACTUALLY NEED. IT WILL BE SOMEWHERE IN THE MIDDLE. I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN THAT TO THEM AND EXPLAIN WHY WE
REACH THE NUMBERS THAT WE DID. >> SO I HAVE TAKEN THE TIME AND THAT'S THE DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU AND YOUR STATEMENT ASSUMES I HAVE DISCOUNTED THE SPEAKERS.
I HAVE NOT. I GENUINELY APPRECIATE EVERYONE WHO COMES IN HERE IF I SUPPORT THEM OR NOT OR THEIR PERSPECTIVES. I DON'T BELIEVE THERE ARE BAD PEOPLE JUST BAD ACTIONS POTENTIALLY BUT NEVERTHELESS NONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO SPOKE TODAY I AM DISCOUNTING OR DISQUALIFYING OR DISCREDITING IN ANY WAY.
[05:50:03]
I HAVE MADE THE ATTEMPT TO FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH IT AND THAT'S WHERE IT NEEDS TO STOP, FOR MY SAKE I HAVE MADE THE ATTEMPT TO CLARIFY TO THE PUBLIC HOW I HAVE ASKED THE AUDITORS OFFICE TO TURN THE NUMBERS AND THE DIRECTION THAT I GAVE AND THE HELP THAT I RECEIVED AND THAT IS WHY THIS FORMAT IS SO USEFUL AND SO VALUABLE BECAUSE I PUT OUT MY PROPOSED BUDGET AND THE COURT CAN LOOK AT OPPORTUNITIES AND OPTIONS TO SEE HOW WE CAN FINE-TUNE IT BECAUSE IF YOU WILL RECALL LAST YEAR'S BUDGET I HAD A CONSTABLE A DEPUTY CONSTABLE FOR EVERY SINGLE PRECINCT WITH SUPPORTING VEHICLES AND THE ONLY 100 OF GETTING ONE WAS PRECINCT 4. I DIDN'T COMPLAIN ABOUT IT BUT THE MISCHARACTERIZATION THAT I AM TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE DESERVE SOME CLARIFICATION BECAUSE THAT IS NOT THE CASE. VICKI CAN CONFIRM AND I'M NOT TRYING TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT VICKI. BECAUSE THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR AND I KNOW POLLUTE Ã PEOPLE ARE POLITICIZING THINGS AND IT'S UNFORTUNATE TO MISCHARACTERIZE THE TRUEST MOST SINCEREST ATTEMPT TO BE A GOOD STEWARD OF OUR PHYSICAL TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND TWO SHIFTED OVER INTO SAY THAT I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE BECAUSE THE DIRECTION THAT I HAVE GIVEN AND THE REQUEST THAT I HAVE ASKED OF THE AUDITORS OFFICE WAS PURELY PURELY UNIVERSAL. PURELY AS CONSISTENT SO IT WAS NOT. I'VE BEEN ASKED TO MAKE SURE IT WOULDN'T BE ARBITRARY EVEN IN PERCEPTION SO IF THERE IS SOME ANGLE BECAUSE EVEN NUMBERS COME LOOK FUNNY DEPENDING ON YOUR GOALS. IF SOME ANGLES LOOK DIFFERENT THAN THE SPIRIT OF MY EFFORT, WAS ASKED WHAT WE ARE GOING TO BE HERE TO CLARIFY BECAUSE HEARING THEM IN OPEN COURT FOR ALL TO SEE AND I AM NOT INTERESTED IN DEFUNDING THE POLICE.WHAT I DO HAVE NO PROBLEM SAYING IS THAT I DID ZERO OUT THE OUTSOURCING LINE ITEM.
YOU CAN SEE I HAVE ÃI SHOULD TOTALLY CHARACTERIZE IT AS IT SHOULD BE THE FEELING I HAD BEHIND ZEROING OUT THE OUTSOURCING BUDGET AND I THINK THIS CAR WILL NOT COURT FOR SUPPORTING THIS. WE HAVE ADDED AN ADDITIONAL ARMY TO THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
TO ADDRESS THE CITIZENRY OF OUR COMMUNITY SO THAT WE CAN DIMINISH WHAT I CONSIDER BROADER THE STATEMENT, NARROWS A MINE. I GET IT BY GENERALIZING WASTEFUL SPENDING OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS. OPPORTUNITIES THAT I SEE AS THE NEW GUY ON THE BLOCK. SO I HAVE TREATED IT AS A CHALLENGE AND I COULD BE WRONG.
THAT'S WHY WE ARE A BODY OF FIVE. AND I HAVE TREATED IT AS A CHALLENGE TO ALL OF THE HARD EARNED TAXPAYER DOLLARS THAT WE HAVE PUT FORTH FOR A NEW DISTRICT JUDGE. FOR TWO MORE ASSOCIATE PART-TIME DISTRICT JUDGES AND THEN FOR THE ADVISORY AND ALL THE OTHER PIECES IN THE HARVARD STUDY.
ALL OF THESE THINGS WE HAVE DONE RECENTLY I AM GRATEFUL FOR BUT THEY ALL COST TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND I AM TRYING TO SAY OKAY GUYS. WE PUT THIS MONEY FORWARD WE ARE PAYING THESE PEOPLE WE'RE NOT JUST GOING TO BE A BLOATED GOVERNMENT TO HAVE MORE EMPLOYEES IN THE SYSTEM TAKING MORE TAXPAYER DOLLARS. THEY WERE CHARGED WITH THIS TASK, BROAD STROKES, I WANT TO GET OUR MONEY'S WORTH OUT OF THESE POSITIONS.
NEVER HAVE I SAID OR AM I GOING TO BE QUOTED AND TAKING ONE OF THE DEPUTIES OFF-LINE.
SO FAR FROM THE TRUTH SO INACCURATE THE CHARACTERIZATION I WANT THE VESTS TO BE DEFUNDED. THAT'S ABSURD. THAT'S RIDICULOUS.
I'M SO GRATEFUL THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO VALIDATE THAT THOSE ITEMS WERE ADDRESSED IN A GRANT MECHANISM AND WE ASKED THAT THE CURRENT ITEMS IN MOTION OUR COMING BACK IN NEXT WEEK'S COURT FOR US TO FUND DURING THIS BUDGET SEASON YES WE ARE IN COVID-19 YES I AM ASKING FOR US TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS BUT NOW I AM NOT TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE AND NO I AM NOT TRYING TO SINGLE OUT ANY DEPARTMENT. WHENEVER SOMEONE WANTS TO MISCHARACTERIZE IT I WILL TAKE UP BANDWIDTH TO CLARIFY BECAUSE I WILL NOT STAND IDLE.
[05:55:03]
>> I DON'T THINK ANYONE HERE THINKS YOU ARE TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE.
LET ME CLARIFY I DON'T THINK YOU ARE TRYING TO DEFUND THE POLICE.
I JUST DON'T THINK YOU ARE TRYING TO FIND THEM AT THE RATE THEY NEED TO BE FUNDED.
I THINK THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE. I HONESTLY DO.
I THINK WHAT HAPPENED IN AUSTIN IS RIDICULOUS PERSONALLY. BUT WHAT I ALSO BELIEVE IS THAT THE FOLKS WHO, AND YOU HAVE SAID THIS. I'VE HEARD YOU SAY THIS.
THE FOLKS WHO PUT THEIR LIVES OUT THERE ON THE FRONT LINE ON A DAILY BASIS NEED TO BE GIVEN THE BEST SPORT THAT THEY CAN AT THE END OF THE DAY WHERE THE DISCONNECT IS IS WHERE THE STATEMENT ARISES AND HOW THE END OF THE DAY THE CHECK GETS WRITTEN IT'S UP TO US TO FIGURE OUT HOW THE CHECK GETS WRITTEN SO FOR THE NEXT THREE WEEKS I CERTAINLY HOPE THAT THERE IS SOME INTROSPECTION BEFORE THEN AND BY THE TIME WE REACH THOSE FINAL NUMBERS TO REALIZE.
[INDISCERNIBLE] >> ANY FINAL COMMENTS BEFORE I GO TO.
[26. Discussion and possible action to approve the Collection Agreement with the City of San Marcos, acting as Board of Directors for the Whisper Public Improvement District. INGALSBE/O’KANE]
[INDISCERNIBLE] SO WE CAN CUT HER LOOSE? WILL YOU PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM 26? THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION ON THE WORKSHOP.SOON A DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO IMPROVE THE COLLECTION AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF SAN MARCO'S ACTING AS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. [INDISCERNIBLE] PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT. >> THANK YOU.
AS I HAVE BEEN TELLING EVERY PERSON AT THAT PODIUM TODAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND
WE ARE SORRY FOR BEING BEHIND GREAT >> THIS IS PRETTY STRAIGHTFORWARD AS ANOTHER PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR THE CITY OF SAN MARCUS AND THEY HAVE ASKED MY OFFICE TO COLLECT THE ASSESSMENTS ON THE ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX STATEMENT.
>> COMMISSIONER, COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS?
>> I THINK IT STRAIGHTFORWARD. WE DO THIS FOR OTHER ENTITIES.
>> >> ANY COMMENTS ON YOUR SIDE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND YOUR SUPPORT. AND PLEASE CALL THE ROLE.
>> COMMISSIONER JONES. YES. COMMISSIONER SMITH GRADE YES.
[27. Discussion and possible action granting the Hays County Sheriff's Office with the authority to enact future amendments of the Hays County Sheriff's Office Wrecker Policy without requiring the Policy be brought back to the Commissioners Court for approval. INGALSBE/SHELL/CUTLER]
COMMISSIONER SHELL.ES. COMMISSIONER INGALLS BEEPER YES.>> PLEASE OPEN NUMBER 27. >> 27 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ENACT FUTURE METHOD AS THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RECORD POLICY WITHOUT REQUIRING THE POLICY BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE COMMISSIONERS BOARD FOR APPROVAL.
>> >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND AND I HAVE 2 SIGNED UP
>> THANK YOU JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS. THIS AGENDA ITEM I WANT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THE PROPOSED ORDINANCE OF THE FOLKS IN THE TOWING BUSINESS, THE ONE THING THAT IS QUESTIONABLE IS THE WAY IT WAS WRITTEN UP ON THE AGENDA TO ALLOW THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO, GRANTING THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENACT CHANGES IF NEEDED WITHOUT HAVING TO COME APPEAR. I AM NOT A TOW TRUCK DRIVER BUT I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN SOME OF THOSE DISCUSSIONS IN MY EXPERIENCES THAT'S NOT ADVISABLE TO DO THAT BECAUSE THAT'S GOING TO GENERATE MORE PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE. SO SEVERAL OF THE GUYS WHO COULDN'T BE HERE TODAY THE OWNERS WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT THEY DON'T AGREE WITH THAT. THEY DO LIKE THE CONTRACT THE NEW TOWING ORDINANCE BUT THEY DON'T LIKE THAT LANGUAGE SO IT WAS PUT ON THE AGENDA ITEM SO IF POSSIBLE IF YOU COULD AMEND THAT THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING THEY WOULD APPRECIATE IF PPOSSIBLE.
THANK YOU. >> THE NEXT PERSON IGNED UP TO SPEAK IS MISS ESTHER GARCIA. SORRY.
>> CAN YOU HEAR ME? >> THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE.
>> I AM HERE ON ITEM 27 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WITH THE AUTHORITY TO ACT FUTURE AMENDMENTS OF THE HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE POLICY WITHOUT REQUIRING IT TO BE BROUGHT BAC .
AND JUST REEMPHASIZING WHAT WAS SAID HERE THE TOW COMPANIES, FIRST OF ALL I WANT TO THANK
[06:00:03]
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DEBBIE GONZALEZ FOR WORKING WITH US ON THIS NEW PROPOSAL TOWING POLICY. AT THE BEGINNING WE VOICED OUR OPINION THAT FOR THEM TO MAKE ANY CHANGES TO LEAVE THIS POLICY IN PLACE TO THE PANDEMIC IT WAS OVER BECAUSE WE WANTED FACE-TO-FACE MEETINGS AND WE COMMUNICATE WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS INSISTING ON CHANGING THE POLICY AND SO ANYHOW WE WORKED WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND SHE HAS WORKED WITH. [INDISCERNIBLE] BUT ANYHOW WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE POLICYBECAUSE IT WENT FROM LIKE 30 PAGES TO MAYBE 6 TO 8 PAGES >> I DON'T THINK THAT WAS YOUR TIMER. JUST TALK ALL DAY. WE WILL NOT INTERRUPT.
THE TOW COMPANIES ARE HAPPY WITH THE POLICY AND HE PROPOSED A TOW POLICY.
I HAVE BEEN ON THE PHONE AND WAS COMPANIES AND THE ONLY THING THEY ARE NOT HAPPY WITH IS THIS WHERE I GUESS. [INDISCERNIBLE] WANT YOU GUYS TO GRANT THEM THE AUTHORITY TO ENACT FUTURE AMENDMENTS ON THE POLICY WITHOUT REQUIRING THE POLICY TO BE BROUGHT TO THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR APPROVAL. BUT THERE ARE NO CHECKS AND BALANCES WHEN YOU DO THAT BECAUSE THAT MEANS THE SHERIFF GAVE THEM A BLACK CHECK IN THE SHERIFF'S MAKING CHANGES AND CHANGES IN CHANGES AND THE TOW COMPANIES DON'T HAVE, WE WANT YOU GUYS, IT'S HERE NOW THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VICIOUS LIGHT FOR EXAMPLE WITH THE CHIEF OF POLICE OF SAN MARCUS. WHAT THEY WANT TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCE.
[INDISCERNIBLE] POLICE DEPARTMENT AND WE HAVE THE TOWING COMPANIES THERE AND THEY NEGOTIATE GO BACK AND FORTH WITH THIS CHIEF OF POLICE. [INDISCERNIBLE] COUNSEL AND THEN THE CHANGES AND THEY LISTEN TO AND LISTEN TO THE CHIEF OF POLICE AND THEN THEY DECIDE THE FINAL CALL. THE VOTE IS UP TO CITY COUNCIL AND THE SAME THING, WE WANT TO KEEP IT AS IS. BECAUSE IT PROTECTS AND PROMOTES FAIRNESS FOR THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT BECAUSE THEY COME OVER HERE AND WE HAVE OUR SAY SO AND THAT'S JUST WE HAVE A BIG PROBLEM IN THE FORMER JUDGE UNDERSTOOD THAT. HE UNDERSTOOD THAT BECAUSE ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO OR SIX YEARS AGO THERE WERE CHANGES AND WE MET WITH THE COUNTY JUDGE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS AND SO I GUESS WE DON'T WANT THE CHANGE WE DON'T WANT THE SHERIFF TO TAKE, FOR HIM TO DECIDE CHANGES WITHOUT CHECKS AND BALANCES AND THEY HAD A APPEAL BOARD SHOULD THE SHERIFF DID IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE SUSPENDED OR IF YOU WERE GOING TO BE AND I AM SURE. [INDISCERNIBLE] KNOWS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT AND THE JUDGE SAID WAIT A MINUTE. THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. BECAUSE IF YOU WANT TO APPEAL IT YOU ARE ABOUT TO BE SUSPENDED. YOU APPEAL IT IN THE JUDGE SAYS THE COUNTY JUDGE SAYS. [INDISCERNIBLE] REPRESENTATIVES AND WHAT HE SAID WAS HOW CAN IT BE FAIR IF YOU ARE GOING TO GO RIGHT BACK TO THE SHERIFF AND. [INDISCERNIBLE] SO HE SAID NO.
[INDISCERNIBLE] HE SAID HE IS GOING TO BE ON THE APPEAL BOARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER.
[INDISCERNIBLE] AND. [INDISCERNIBLE] AND A REPRESENTATIVE SO THAT'S ALL THERE BECAUSE HE UNDERSTOOD AND SO WE WEREN'T ABLE. IT WAS BEING LEFT OUT THE
[06:05:03]
APPEAL PROCESS. >> I DON'T WANT TO BE RUDE. BUT WE HAVE LOST TRACK OF OUR TIMER.ND I BELIEVE YOUR TIME IS UP SO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUMMARIZE OR SAY LAST CLOSING
THOUGHTS. >> WE ARE ASKING THAT NUMBER 27 BE AMENDED AND THIS NOT BE APPROVED GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO ENACT THE FUTURE AMENDMENTS OF THE Ã POLICY WITHOUT REQUIRING THE POLICY BE BROUGHT BACK AND WE THINK IT WOULD BE A FAIR AND COMPREHENSIVE. [INDISCERNIBLE] PROPOSED POLICY THAT WE APPROVE NOW THAT'S WHY I AM ASKING YOU TO NOT SUPPORT THIS AGREEMENT WITHOUT BRINGING
IT BACK. >> SO COMMISSIONER TO RECAP WHAT I UNDERSTOOD, THE CONTRACT THAT WAS NEGOTIATED WITH YOUR HELP I DON'T THINK THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH IT BUT THE PIECE THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH IS NOT LETTING FUTURE EDITS COME THROUGH THIS BODY. I THINKS ÃI THINK THAT'S WHERE THEY ARE CONVEYING THE HANGUP.
>> I AM THE SPONSOR OF THIS AGENDA ITEM AND I DID MAKE A PHONE CALL THIS MORNING.
IT'S NOT THAT WE HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT THIS PROCESS. BUT I THOUGHT FOR WHATEVER REASON WHEN WE WERE WORKING ON THIS THAT WE WOULD APPROVE THIS IN COURT.
I ASKED THAT QUESTION TO THE GENERAL COUNSEL TODAY AND THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT WE WERE DOING AND THEN MAYBE CONSIDERING WHAT THE AGENDA ITEM HOW IT READS, MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT WE ARE NOT CONSIDERING THIS EVEN THOUGH I THINK THE TELLING COMPANIES AGREE WITH THE POLICY AND YES I COMMISSIONER AND I HAVE WORKED ON THIS AND I THINK I HAVE TALKED TO ALMOST EVERY TOWING COMPANY AND THEY ARE SATISFIED WITH THE AGREEMENT SO THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT PART OF OUR ACTION WAS GOING TO BE TODAY WAS TO ACCEPT THIS POLICY. SUE MAXA I WOULD LIKE TO RECAP THIS SO THE VIEWING AUDIENCE CAN FOLLOW ALONG AND I CAN MAKE SURE I AM FOLLOWING ALONG. SO THE SPONSOR OF THIS AGENDA ITEM IS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT WE ARE TO VOTE ON THE CONTRACT FOR TOWING THAT
EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE HAPPY WITH BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE >> YOU ARE NOT POSTED FOR THAT.
THAT IS NOT A POSSIBILITY. THE ITEM IS TO GRANT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ACCORDING TO FUTURE AMENDMENTS. [INDISCERNIBLE] BEST THE ACTION.
>> SO THE ACTION IS NOT TO VOTE ON THE CONTRACT BUT TO ALLOW THE SHERIFF EVEN THOUGH IT'S A POTENTIAL FROM WHAT I HEAR AT THIS MOMENT IT'S AN AGREEABLE LOCATION IS TO ALLOW THE SHERIFF TO FINISH THE LOCATION AND GO BACK TO COURT. THAT'S WHAT WE ARE VOTING ON.
>> I BELIEVE THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE HAS WORKED WITH THE TOWING COMPANIES TO COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE POLICY.AS I UNDERSTAND IT.THERE WERE SOME PROVISIONS IN POLICY THAT WEREN'T BEING UTILIZED AND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WENT TO ELIMINATE THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE AN EMPTY SHELL OF POLICY THAT PREEXISTED SO I WANTED TO AMEND AND ASKED IF THEY COULD DO SO WITHOUT COMING BACK TO COURT AND THEY SAID THE LAST ACTION WAS APPROVED THROUGH COURT MOST COUNTIES DON'T HAVE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT APPROVING POLICIES MOST OF THE TIME SO WE SAID WE CAN FIX THAT. BY SIMPLY BRINGING AN ITEM TO COURT THAT WE ACTED UPON SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS AGO. SOMETHING LIKE THAT.
>> IT USED TO BE THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WOULD GET WITH THE TOWING COMPANIES AND CHIEF IF YOU WANT TO HELP EXPLAIN THIS AND I KNOW THAT WAS THE PROCESS SEVERAL YEARS AGO THAT THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE WOULD WORK WITH THE TOWING COMPANIES SITTING AROUND THE TABLE TO WORK THINGS OUT AND IT WOULD BE APPROVED THAT WAY. SEVERAL YEARS AGO IT WAS CHANGED AND I KNOW THERE WAS SOME PUSHBACK AT THE TIME BECAUSE THEY FELT IT WORKED WELL THAT WAY THEN THE POLICY WAS CHANGED WHERE IT WOULD COME TO COMMISSIONERS FOR APPROVAL.
[06:10:09]
I GUESS THAT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED NOW AND THAT'S WHAT THEY'RE WANTING IS A STATEMENT.>> WOULD YOU EXPAND ON THAT? >> SO THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE EXISTING POLICY THAT WE NO LONGER PRACTICE. AND ORIGINALLY SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN THIS POLICY WAS ENACTED WE WERE DOING TDL ARE INSPECTIONS BASICALLY THEIR JOB FOR THEM AND WE NO LONGER DO THAT. WE DON'T HAVE THE TIME OR THE
RESOURCES. >> DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING REGULATIONS. FOLLOW ALONG.
>> WHEN WE WERE APPROACHED BY RECORD COMPANIES ASKING US TO CHANGE THE POLICY WE WERE IN AGREEMENTS BECAUSE THERE IS NOT STUFF WE WERE DOING AND IN REALITY THE RECORD COMPANIES WERE WATCHING THIS CHANGE SO WE WORKED WITH THEM. ÃCAN'T SPEAK TO SPECIFIC DETAILS IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THAT TRANSPIRED BUT THERE IS LOTS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US AND. [INDISCERNIBLE] AND FINALLY WE MADE CONCESSIONS BUT IT'S NOT
EASY TO MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY. >> WE KNOW IT.
[LAUGHTER] >> I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. WE HAVE A RECORD.
[INDISCERNIBLE] READY TO GO. AND I THINK EVERYONE IS GOOD FOR IT NOW.
>> SO BASICALLY WE ARE GIVING SHERIFF'S THE ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE SOMETHING WITH THE
TOWING COMPANIES. >> THAT IS THE PROPOSED ACTION
OF TODAY'S ITEM. >> WE ARE NOT APPROVING THE
POLICY. >> I DON'T BELIEVE THE POLICY IS IN. [INDISCERNIBLE] IS JUST THE EXISTING
>> THE EXISTING POLICY. SO THE PROPOSED POLICY IS NOT. [INDISCERNIBLE] IT WOULD BE UP TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE IF THE COURT TOOK THIS ACTION TODAY WOULD BE UP TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE MOVING FORWARD FOR ANY. [INDISCERNIBLE] THAT OCCURS.
>> I GUESS THE QUESTION IS IF WE GAVE THIS AUTHORITY BACK TO YOU WITHOUT HAVING TO COME BACK TO COMMISSIONERS COURT, ARE THERE ASSURANCES, IS THERE GOING TO BE LIKE BEFORE WITH THE TOWING COMPANIES AND THEY CAN MAKE CERTAIN THAT EVERYBOD , TO THEIR ABILITY.
>> AS YOU KNOW WE CAN'T MAKE EVERYBODY HAPPY ALL THE TIME. WE CAN DO OUR BEST AND ALSO THERE IS A BALANCE BETWEEN NOT STIFLING BUSINESS FOR THE COMPANY'S BUT LOOKING OUT FOR THE CITIZENS AS WELL SO THERE IS A BALANCE SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN.
>> AT SOME POINT IF THE TOWING COMPANIES WEREN'T HAPPY WITH IT THEY COULD BRING IT BACK TO US.
>> IF THEY ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT SOMETHING THEY CAN CERTAINLY BRING IT TO US AND WE CAN LISTEN TO THEM AS BEST AS WE CAN.
>> ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? >> IF THEY ARE HAPPY WITH THE AGREEMENT AS IT IS I AM FINE WITH IMPROVING THAT AGREEMENT. I THINK THE QUESTION IS WHAT THE PROCESS WOULD BE IN THE FUTURE IF IT WERE TO BE AMENDED.
IT SOUNDS LIKE WE ARE FINE WITH IT. SO I AM OPEN TO EITHER WAY.
I THINK I UNDERSTAND THE CHIEFS POINT AND I UNDERSTAND THERE COULD BE CONCERNS OF SOMETHING IS MADE THAT COULD AFFECT THE BUSINESS. I CAN SEE BOTH SIDES OF THIS.
I COULD GO EITHER WAY IF I WAS WILLING TO GIVE IT A SHOT. I WOULD LIKE TO PUT SOME SORT OF ACCOMMODATION IN THEIR THAT WOULD ASK THAT DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING FOR A TIME SO WE COULD AT LEAST SEE HOW IT WORKS IF WE NEED TO REFRESH AGAIN BUT AT LEAST I AM GLAD WE HAVE EVERYBODY ON BOARD WITH THIS POLICY AND I GUESS SOME OF THE QUESTIONS THAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU SEE ANYTHING IN THIS POLICY MAKES YOU THINK IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK.
>> WE HAVE NOT PUT ANYTHING IN THERE THAT WAS JUST A GAME STOPPER.
>> COMMISSIONER SMITH. >> SO MY TAKE AS THE SMALL
[06:15:04]
BUSINESS OWNER PERSPECTIVE, THAT'S MY BACKBONE.I WOULD BE , AND I REALLY APPRECIATE COMMISSIONER SHELLS PERSPECTIVE ON SEEING BOTH SIDES. IT'S NOT EASY TO SEE BOTH SIDES. THAT'S VERY VALUABLE BUT I SEE THIS AS A SCARY THING PERSONALLY AND IF I WAS A TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND I MADE THE SHERIFF ANGRY.I COULD WHATEVER. SO I THINK THAT IN THE SPIRIT OF TRANSPARENCY AND HOW I KNOW THE FIVE OF US UP HERE FEEL THE HEAT WE FEEL THE PRESSURE. AND IT'S A DYNAMIC THAT HAS BEEN SUPPORTED FOR YEARS AND I AM MOTIVATED TO KEEP THINGS OUT IN THE OPEN.
THAT'S WHY I'M GRATEFUL THAT OUR BAILIFF KEEPS THE ÃOPEN AND IN THE SPIRIT OF THE GENERAL THOUGHT PROCESS THAT I OPERATE UNDER AND TRY TO PUSH IN MY TINY SPACE.
I MAY ÃI AM A STRONG SUPPORTER OF LEAVING IT AS IT IS AND AS IT HAS BEEN FOR YEARS BECAUSE I HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMMUNICATIONS THAT IT MAKES FOLKS UNCOMFORTABLE TO CHANGE
IT. >> AS FAR AS THIS IS, WE ARE NOT APPROVING THE POLICY. WHAT I AM UNDERSTANDING. THEY HAVE A POLICY THAT MOST OF THEM AGREE ON AND THEY JUST WANT THE ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE AND FINALIZING THAT CONTRACT.
>> AND FUTURE ITEMS AS WELL. >> IN THE PAST.
WHEN WE HAD GONE BACK FOR FIVE YEARS I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE COURT HAD 2016, HAD APPROVED IT. SO THAT PROCESS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT, E SPENT A FEW MONTHS ON THE BACK AND FORTH, WE GOT TO SOMETHING THAT WAS DOABLE. A LOT OF CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE SO THE QUESTION IS, DOES IT GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE HAND WHICH WAS WHEN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE RAN THE PROGRAM AND HAVE THEIR OWN POLICY LIKE THEY HAD FOR OTHER THINGS ARE DO WE MAINTAIN THAT THE COURT APPROVES THIS PARTICULAR POLICY OF THE
SHERIFF'S OFFICE? >> SO I DON'T WANT TO PROLONG BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THE TOWING COMPANIES ARE WANTING TO GET THIS APPROVED SO THEY CAN MOVE FORWARD BUT I WANTED TO ASK I WONDER IF THERE ARE SOME SAFEGUARDS WE CAN PUT IN AND IF NOT AT THIS POINT I AM WONDERING WE NEED TO TRY TO WORK SOMETHING OUT BEFORE I FEEL COMFORTABLE MOVING FORWARD SO I AM WONDERING IF WE CAN DO THAT BEFORE WE VOTE.
>> AS FAR AS YOU SAY BRINGING AMENDMENTS BACK. WOULD THEY BE WHAT YOU WOULD BRING BACK AFTER CONSULTING WITH THE TOWING COMPANIES?
>> WITH THE AMENDMENTS YOU WANT TO ADD BE AFTER. [INDISCERNIBLE] I AM SORRY I
MISSPOKE. >> SORRY CHIEF IF YOU WILL APPROACH THE PODIUM BECAUSE WE ARE TELEVISED.
>> YOU WOULD NOTRECOMMEND THIS WITHOUT GOING . [INDISCERNIBLE].
>> NO. JUST LIKE WE DID THIS LAST TIME TO GET TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.
>> OKAY. >> LET ME FOLLOW UP WITH THAT BECAUSE THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY AMENDMENTS TO THIS ANYMORE IF EVERYBODY AGREES WITH IT.
CORRECT? >> UNTIL SOMETHING COMES UP
>> BUT I GUESS I AM STILL. I AM SURE PEOPLE ARE GETTING FRUSTRATED WITH ME BUT I AM
SORRY. >> PLEASE TAKE YOUR TIME.
>> I COSPONSORED IT. >> I UNDERSTAND.
>> WELL WE CAN HOLD OFF FOR VOTE AND I WON'T SUPPORTED AT THIS POINT.
>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE COMMISSIONER INGALLS B. I AM DOING MY BEST TO BE EVEN WITH TIME AS I CAN MY COMMENT RIGHT NOW IS TO WHEN I SAY TAKE YOUR TIME, SAY ALL OF THAT YOU WANT.
YOU TAKE ALL OF THE TIME THAT YOU WANT.HATEVER >> THERE IS A MOTION.
I NEED TO MAKE SURE. >> I WANT TO SAY ONE THING AND THERE MAY BE SOME COMMON GROUND NOT FOR CONSIDERATION TODAY BUT AS YOU LOOK AT THIS.
THIS IS NOT MY ITEM BUT ONE POSSIBLE SOLUTION WHEN YOU LOOK AT THIS.
AND IF YOU MENTION THE TIMETABLE WITHOUT CHANGE OVER A CERTAIN TIME, WHAT HAPPENS AT
THE >>>SOME TYPE OF INDIVIDUAL, I GUESS, POLICY.
BUT THAT AGREEMENT SAYS IN THE INTERIM, IT'LL BE ADOPTED EVERY FIVE YEARS.
IT'LL BE REVIEWED. IT MUST BE REVIEWED EVERY FIVE YEARS.
[06:20:04]
IN THE INTERIM IT GIVES THE POWER OVER THE AGENCY THAT DIRECTS THAT TO MAKE ANY MINOR CHANGES OR ADJUSTMENTS KNOWING EVERY THIRD YEAR, EVERY FIFTH YEAR THERE'S GOING TO BE AN OVERALL REVIEW. MORE OR LESS A SUNSET PROVISION. IF YOU WANT TO LOOK AT SOMETHING SIMILAR TO THAT THAT M YOU'RE A TO DO. WHAT THE SHERIFF WANTS IS THE ABILITY TO MAKE SMALL ADJUSTMENTS WHEN THERE'S CHANGES IN THE STATE HOUSE TO THINGS LIKE TLR AND THOSE THINGS. THAT COULD GIVE THE TOW COMPANIES THE ABILITY TO BRING THAT BACK TO US IF THERE WAS A CHANGE. I ANTICIPATE YOU PULLING ITTODAY AND I'M SUPPORTIVE. >> I APPRECIATE IT JUST BECAUSE, AND, YOU KNOW, APOLOGIES FOR NOT LOOKING AT THE WORDING ON FRIDAY OR THURSDAY BEFORE IT WAS DRAFTED.
I WASN'T AWARE THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE DRAFTED THAT WAY. >> BEING THE SPONSOR OF THIS AGENDA ITEM ARE WE INTERESTED IN JUST PULLING IT? TABLING IT?
>> I'M WILLING TO DO THAT IF THAT'S OKAY? >> GREAT.
BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WANTED TO SPEAK AND I WAS GOING TO LET THEM.
IF WE'RE TABLING IT WE'LL PULL IT AND THERE'S NO ACTION. WE'LL LEAVE IT THERE UNLESS YOU STILL WANT TO SAY SOMETHING. WE'RE BUYING MORE TIME ON THIS. NO ACTION ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 27. MY BIGGEST HOPE IS TO CLEAR THE COURTROOM AS BEST WE CAN AND KEEP PEOPLE MOVING. IF WE WILL PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 10.
[10. Amend the Hays County Constable, Pct. 4 operating budget for mileage reimbursements for the Justice Clerk related to Build out and Training for the new RMS/CAD systems for law enforcement. SMITH/HOOD]
>>>TEN AMEND THE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR OPERATING BUDGET FOR MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR THE JUSTICE CLERK RELATED TO BUILD OUT AND TRAINING FOR THE NEW RMS CAD
SYSTEMS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. >> MOVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION IN THE SECOND. COMMENTS? CALL THE ROLL.
[11. Authorize payment to Cowboy Harley-Davidson of Austin for replacement of a rear tire and rear brake pad in the amount of $522.88 for the Hays County Constable, Pct. 4 Office in which a purchase order was not obtained as required per the County Purchasing Policy. SMITH/HOOD]
>> PLEASE OPEN NUMBER ELEVEN. >>>NUMBER ELEVEN AUTHORIZE PAYMENT TO COWBOY HARLEY DAVIDSON OF AUSTIN FOR REPLACEMENT OF A REAR TIRE AND REAR BRAKE PAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $522.88. FOR THE HAYS COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT FOUR OFFICE IN WHICH A PURCHASE ORDER WAS NOT OBTAINED AS REQUIRED PER COUNTY
PURCHASING POLICY. >> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION. >> SECOND. >> YES, SIR.
>> I WOULD JUST SAY THEY PULLED THE TIRE OFF. WHEN THEY DID THEY DISCOVERED THEY HAD TO, THEY COULD COME BACK AND GET ANOTHER AUTHORIZATION FOR X AMOUNT FOR BRAKE PADS OR GO AHEAD AND CHANGE IT. IT KICKED IT JUST OVER THE $500
LEVEL. >> MAKES SENSE. I GAVE THE CONSTABLE FUNNY EYES JUST JOKING. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO IS TAKE A SHORT R >>>WE ARE BACK FROM A SHORT
[22. Discussion and possible action to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Hays County Local Health Department (LHD) and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) for certain confidential data which DSHS maintains. BECERRA/T.CRUMLEY]
RECESS. PLEASE OPEN AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 22.>>>22. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE HAYS COUNTY LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES FOR CERTAIN CONFIDENTIAL DATA WHICH DSHS
MAINTAINS. >> SO MOVE. >> SO MOVE.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. >>>DIRECTOR OF COUNTY WIDE OPERATIONS.
THIS MEMORANDUM WILL ALLOW US TO ACCESS DEATH RECORDS THAT DHHS HOLDS.
HOPEFULLY SPEEDING ALONG PROCESSS FOR COVID AND OTHER REPORTING NUMBERS THAT WE HAVE
TO DO FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT. >> PERFECT. >> COMMISSIONER SMITH ANY
QUESTIONS? COMMISSIONER? >> NO.
I'M GOOD. >> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU'RE GOING ON THIS COVID FRONT. I KNOW YOU'RE ONE OF THE LEGS OF THE STOOL.
WE GENUINELY APPRECIATE IT. THERE ARE MANY MOVING PARTS AND YOU'RE ONE OF THEM.
>> THANK YOU. APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU.
[Items 2 - 9]
>> WE WERE ASKED TO PULL AGENDA ITEM NUMBER SIX. OPEN TWO THROUGH NINE.
>>>TWO. APPROVE PAYMENTS OF COUNTY INVOICES.
THREE, APPROVE PAYMENTS OF JUROR CHECKS. FOUR, APPROVE THE PAYMENT OF
[06:25:05]
UNITED HEALTHCARE CLAIM. SEVEN, AMEND THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OPERATING BUDGET FOR NEEDED VEHICLE REPAIRS IN WHICH INSURANCE PROCEEDS WERE RECEIVED.EIGHT, AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE AN APPLICATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE TEXAS
1033 SURPLUS PROPERTY PROGRAM BY HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE. >>>NINE, AUTHORIZE THE JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE ONE FIVE BY TEN UTILITY TRADER FOR JUVENILE PROGRAMS UTILIZING GRANT FUNDS FROM THE TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AND AMEND THE BUDGET
ACCORDINGLY. >> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. COMMENTS COMMISSIONERS? I HAVE ONE QUESTION.
ON THE AGENDA ITEM NUMBER EIGHT SINCE THE SHERIFF IS HERE. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED HISTORICALLY UNDER THIS 1033? JUST FOR THE PUBLIC TO HEAR
ABOUT, PLEASE, SIR. >> [INAUDIBLE] >> LIEUTENANT WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. I'VE OVERSEEN THIS PROGRAM OFF AND ON SINCE 2001.
I'VE BEEN TASKED WITH IT. SOMETIMES I GIVE IT TO SOMEBODY ELSE AND THEN GET IT BACK.
WE'VE PURCHASED COMPUTERS, FIRST AID KITS. $80,000 WORTH OF, WHICH FROM THE GOVERNMENT, $80,000 IN FIRST AID KITS THAT I'VE GIVEN OUT TO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.
I'VE GAVE THEM TO THE CONSTABLES. WE'VE GOT SLEDGE HAMMERS.
WE'VE GOT A STOVE FOR THE JAIL A FEW YEARS AGO. >> LIEUTENANT, SORRY TO INTERRUPT. WE HEARD A LOT OF GREAT SUPPORTING INFORMATION FROM THE CONSTABLE'S OFFICE. I DON'T WANT TO MAKE YOU GO THROUGH A LONG LIST.
MORE SPECIFICALLY, I SHOULD BE MORE DELIBERATE WITH MY QUESTION TO YOU.
ARE YOU BUYING ANY, ARE YOU GETTING ANY TANKS OR ANY MILITARY EQUIPMENT?
>> NO, SIR. >> THAT'S THE QUESTION. I KNOW HOW GOOD THE PROGRAM IS.
I KNOW HOW MUCH WE'VE USED IT FOR STOP TO BLEED AND ALL THESE OTHER PIECES.
I NEED TO ASK THE QUESTION. >> WE HAVE NOT GOTTEN ANYTHING LIKE THAT IN THE YEARS
I'VE YOOEFR SEEN THAT. >> THANK YOU SO MUCH. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
QUESTIONS FOR ANYTHING ELSE? I REALLY APPRECIATE IT LIEUTENANT.
>> THANK YOU. >> CALL THE ROLL.
[Items 12 - 15]
>>>PLEASE OPEN 12-15. >>>NUMBER 12, AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE CHANGERD OER NUMBER ONE WITH CONFERENCE TECHNOLOGIES INK RELATED TO THE AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE
NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. >>>NUMBER 13, ACCEPT THE DELIVERY OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2019 INTERNAL EXAMINATION REPORT FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS DRUG FORFEITURE FUND ACCOUNTS. SHERIFF'S OFFICE FEDERAL DISCRETIONARY ACCOUNT AND SHERIFF OFFICE DRUG FORFEITURE ACCOUNT. 14, AUTHORIZE THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT TO PURCHASE ONE DELL 5400 LAPTOP FOR DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY. 15, APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF DARRYL DEBISH TO THE BOARD DISTRICT NUMBER ONE TO REPLACE WALTER KUDROP FOR A TERM ENDING SEPTEMBER 31, 2021.
>> MOTION. >>>SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SECOND.
ONE QUESTION. AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 12. WHAT'S THE REASON FOR CHANGE
ORDER? >> JUDGE IT'S TO INSTALL ANTENNAS AND AMPLIFIERS TO MAINTAIN CONTINUITY IN DISASTERS. I DON'T KNOW.
THAT'S THE INFORMATION THAT I RECEIVED AND SO I DON'T KNOW IF THERE WAS ANYBODY ELSE THAT.
>> IT'S NOT ONE OF THOSE WE LEFT THIS OUT THING? >> I DON'T BELIEVE SO.
NO. >> GOOD. THANK YOU COMMISSIONER.
I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT. >> ONE COMMENT ON NUMBER 15. I WANT TO THANK MR. DEBBENISH FOR VOLUNTEERING TO DO THIS. YOU'D BE IMPRESSED IF YOU GO TO BACKUP AND CLICK ON HIS RESUME.
HE IS A RETIREE OF THE MILITARY AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS AND LIVES IN DRIPPING SPRINGS.
I REALLY APPRECIATE HIM STEPPING UP TO DO THIS. THE ONE, YOU KNOW, THE ONE RESERVATION I HAD AND I MENTIONED THIS TO HIM IS HE WENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS.
BUT WE ALL HAVE THINGS WE HAVE TO BEAR. >> I THANK HIM FOR HIS SERVICE. A LONG TIME VOLUNTEER IN OUR COUNTY.
HE'S REALLY TOOK THAT POSITION THERE VERY SERIOUSLY. REALLY DID SOME REALLY GOOD WORK. I WORKED WITH HIM ON EMS AND WALT WAS A REALLY GOOD VOLUNTEER
[06:30:07]
FOR A VERY LONG TIME. I APPRECIATE HIM. >> ALSO CAN'T SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR MR. KRUDIP. WE DID A SEND OFF WITH HIM. WITH COVID HE HELD OVER IN THAT POSITION UNTIL THIS APPOINTMENT WAS MADE. WE APPRECIATE HIM SERVING EVEN
AFTER HE RETIRED. >> HOPE HE ENJOYS HIS RETIREMENT.
>>>PLEASE OPEN 16-19. >> VOTE? >> NO WE DIDN'T CALL ROLL.
>> HOW SLOW ARE YOU GETTING? KIDDING. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[Items 16 - 19]
PLEASE OPEN 16-19. >>>16, AUTHORIZE THE ELECTIONS OFFICE TO PURCHASE A MARTIN YALE PAPER FOLDER FOR THE NOVEMBER 3, 2020, GENERAL ELECTION UTILIZING THE HELP AMERICANS VOTE CARE ACT FUNDING AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.
>>>17, CALL FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 25, 2020, REGARDING AN APPLICATION FOR HOUSING TAX CREDITS RELATED TO SUBMITTED BY MISSION DEVELOPMENT GROUP LIMITED PURSUIT TO SECTION
230.67071 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. >>>18, AUTHORIZE REPAIRS TO THE LBJ MUSEUM RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION SEAL PLANT AND BAT E RADUATION FOR 131 GUADALUPE STREET. A POLICY WAIVER AND AMEND THE BUDGET ACCORDINGLY.
>> 19 APPROVE EXTENSION OF RFP2016-P06 BANK REPOSITORY FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERIOD NOT TO
EXCEED 91 DAYS. >>>MOTION. SECOND.
>>>MOTION AND SECOND CALL THE ROLL.
[20. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Judge to execute a Professional Services Agreement/Contract between Hays County and BGE, Inc to provide construction engineering, inspection & testing (CE&I) services related to Hays County Road Improvement Projects on an as needed basis. JONES/BORCHERDING]
>>>OPEN 20. >>>20 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND BGE INC.
TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING INSPECTION AND TESTING SERVICES RELATED TO HAYS
COUNTY ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS. >> SO MOVED.
>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND SECOND. COMMISSIONERS?
>> JUDGE AND COURT AT THIS TIME WE DON'T HAVE ANY PROJECTS THEY'LL BE OVERSEEING BUT AS WE START GETTING OUT OF DESIGN AND ENGINEER ANDING MORE IN CONSTRUCTION THEY'LL BE DOING THE OVERSIGHT FOR US. I THINK ALL OF US KNOW WHAT A BIG PART OF THE PROCESS THIS IS IS HAVING SOMEBODY KNOWING WHAT THEY ARE DOING KEEPING THEM MOVING.
WE HAVE A GOOD HISTORY AND I THINK THEY'LL CONTINUE TO DO A GOOD JOB.
[21. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Judge to execute an Interlocal Agreement between Hays County and the City of Kyle related to the RM 150 Center Turn Lane Project. INGALSBE/BORCHERDING]
>>>21 DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE AND INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF KYLE RELATED TO THE RM150 CENTER TURN LANE
PROJECT. >> SO MOVE. >> SECOND.
>> MOTION AND SECOND. >>>JUDGE, THIS IS TO ALLOW US TO DO THIS WORK INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS OF KYLE. IT'S THE GAP SECTION THAT NEEDS TO GET DONE.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[23. Discussion and possible action to rescind the award previously given to Runbeck Election Services in relation to RFP 2020-P11 Election Ballot Printing, Insertion and Mailing Services. BECERRA/ANDERSON]
>>>WILL OWE PLEASE OPEN NUMBER 23. >>>23, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO RESEND THE AWARD PREVIOUSLY GIVEN TO RUN BACK ELECTION SERVICES IN RELATION TO RFP2020-P11 ELECTION BALLOT PRINTING. INSERTION AND MAILING SERVICES.
>>>SO MOVE. >>>SECOND. >>>MOTION AND SECOND.
MR. KENNEDY ARE YOU ABLE TO ENLIGHTEN US ON THIS AGENDA ITEM? I UNDERSTAND WHEN I WAS RESEARCHING IT THAT THEY COULDN'T AGREE WITH THE COUNTY AS TO DELIVERY DATES BUT CAN YOU GIVE US MORE INFORMATION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
>> THIS IS ITEM 23 IS THAT CORRECT? >> YES, SIR.
>> YES. FOR THIS BALLOT PRINTING JOB WE NEEDED A DATE DEFINITIVE TO, FOR A TURN AROUND. TEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE PROVIDING A DEFINITIVE DATE.
WE, IN TALKING WITH THEM HEARD THAT IN THEIR LANGUAGE SO WE PUT DATES IN THE CONTRACT AND ADDED A LIQUIDATED DAMAGES TERM IN THE CONTRACT JUST TO MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTOOD THAT WE CAN'T TAKE THESE BALLOTS LATE. IT WOULDN'T DO US ANY GOOD. THEY INDICATED THEY COULD NOT SIGN SUCH A CONTRACT. I BELIEVE JENNIFER'S PLAN IS TO DO IT IN HOUSE.
[06:35:07]
WE HAVE PIVOTED THERE AND WE'VE SENT NOTICE TO THE COMPANY THAT WE WOULD END UP RESENDING THISAWARD OR RECOMMENDING THE COURT RESEND THIS AWARD. >> THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC. ANY OTHER COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[24. Discussion and possible action to appoint Dan O'Brien to the Board of Directors for the Dripping Springs Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones No. 1 and No. 2 to replace Mike Figer, term ending December 31, 2022. SMITH]
ACTION TO APPOINT DAN O'BRIEN TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE DRIPPING SPRINGS TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONES NUMBER ONE AND TWO. TO REPLACE MIKE FIGER TERMENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020. >>>SO MOVE. >> 22?
WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND. >>>THANK YOU JUDGE. I REALLY WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO MR. O'BRIEN FOR STEPPING UP AND VOLUNTEERING FOR THIS. I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO MR. FIGER FOR HIS SERVICE. HE'S BEEN THERE SINCE THE INCEPTION.
MR. O'BRIEN, IF YOU DON'T KNOW HIM HE SERVES AS AN ESD DIRECTOR OR ESD1.
SAT ON THE BOARD FOR THE HAYS CALDWELL WOMENS SHELTER FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
A MEMBER OF THE CHAMBER BOARD IN DRIPPING SPRINGS AND HAS A FINGER ON THE PULSE THERE.
ALSO FORMER PARKING LIGHT OF THE BELLTEAR COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION. HEAVILY INVOLVED.
UNDERSTANDS THE COMMUNITY AND I APPRECIATE HIS SERVICE. >> THANK YOU.
[25. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Judge to execute a Master Interlocal Agreement between Hays County and Texas State University. SHELL/THOMPSON]
>>>25, DISCUSSION ON POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE A MASTER INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY.
>> SO MOVE. >> SECOND. >> THANK YOU JUDGE.
>> YES, SIR. >> THIS IS A MASTERING AGREEMENT.
THE MASTER AGREEMENT IS WITH TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY AND MAINLY WITH THE MEADOWS CENTER.
THE IDEA WOULD BE THAT WE WOULD HAVE A MASTER AGREEMENT AND THEN HAVE TASK ORDERS AS PROJECTS CAME FORTH. SOME OF THESE TYPES OF PROJECT THAT WOULD MAYBE COME BACK TO THE COURT WOULD INVOLVE GROUND WATER MODELLING EFFORTS, DYE TRACING EFFORT, OTHER WATER QUALITY QUANTITY EFFORTS WITH SURFACE WATER OR GROUND WATER. SINCE THE MEADOWS INSTITUTE IS IN OI BACKYARD AND BECOME ONE OF THE MOST WELL RESPECTED CENTERS OF THE UNIVERSITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES WE FELT THIS WOULD BE A GREAT WAY TO FORM A PARTNERSHIP.
WE OFTEN CONTRIBUTE TO THESE TYPE OF EFFORTS THROUGH GROUND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS.
WE PAID FOR GROUND WATER MONITORING WELLS ET CETERA. I'M HOPING AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH NOT JUST THE CONSERVATION DISTRICT BUT THE MEADOWS CENTER WE CAN FIND WAYS TO KEEP ENGAGING IN AN IMPORTANT ISSUE THIS HAYS COUNTY WHICH IS OUR WATER.
ALL TASK ORDERS WOULD COME BACK TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL. THIS IS A MASTER AGREEMENT.
I EXPECT WE WERE HOPING TO HAVE ONE READY FOR THIS MEETING WHICH INVOLVES GROUND WATER MODELLING.
THERE'S SCOPE WORK BEING CHANGED ON THAT. WE'LL DISCUSS THAT DURING ONE OF OUR BUDGET WORKSHOPS. I'LL BRING UP ITEMS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN THAT.
ONCE WE BRING THE TASK ORDERS WE'LL KNOW WHAT THE COSTS OF THE COUNTY OR IT COULD BE IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE COUNTY. IT COULD BE STAFF TIME, OTHER THINGS THE COUNTY WOULD BE AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FOR SERVE PROJECTS. I EXPECT THE GROUND WATER
MODELLING TO BE THE FIRST TO COME BEFORE THE COURT. >> THANK YOU.
COMMISSIONER. >>>I APPRECIATE COMMISSIONER SHELL BRINGING THIS FORTH.
ONE THING WE'VE BEEN LOOK AT OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS OR SINCE MY ELECTION SPECIFICALLY IN WESTERN HAYS COUNTY IS THE USE OF GROUND WATER. THE MEADOW CENTER IS TRULY ON TOP OF THIS. HOW THEY'VE ENLIGHTENED US RELATIVE TO WHAT THE MODELLING WOULD LOOK LIKE. WHAT MODELS THEY WOULD USE. HOW WE CAN GO ABOUT REALLY GAUGING WHAT WE HAVE HERE IN HAYS COUNTY. IT'S SOMETHING I DON'T THINK OTHER, I THINK WE WOULD BE THE ENVY OF OTHER COUNTIES IF THEY KNEW WHAT WE WERE SITTING ON AS FAR AS RESOURCES HERE. I MEAN THAT BOTH PHYSICALLY WITH OUR WATER RESOURCES BUT REALLY THE KNOWLEDGE BASE THAT WE HAVE AT THE MEADOWS CENTER. I APPRECIATE THEM BEING WILLING TO HAVE THIS MASTER AGREEMENT AND COMMISSIONER SHELL THANK YOU FOR BRINGING IT FORWARD.
[28. Discussion and possible action to authorize the County Judge to execute the Second Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement Between Hays County and the City of San Marcos Related to San Marcos Texas Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No.5. INGALSBE/SHELL]
>>>28, DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY JUDGE TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HAYS COUNTY AND THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS RELATED TO SAN MARCOS TEXAS TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE NUMBER FIVE.
[06:40:01]
>>>SO MOVE. >> SECOND. >> OKAY.
COMMISSIONER? >> THANK YOU JUDGE. WE BOTH SAID ON THE SAN MARCOS TOURIST NUMBER FIVE REFERRED TO AS THE DOWNTOWN. SOME OF OUR LAST MEETINGS THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS REQUESTED WE CONSIDER LOWERING OUR CONTRIBUTIONSES AT LEAST FOR THIS UPCOMING YEAR. MAINLY PREPARATIONS AS THEY MOVE INTO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT REVENUE THEY MAY SEE AFFECTED BY COVID-19. ESPECIALLY THEIR SALES TAX REVENUE. WE'VE ALWAYS PARTNERED WITH THE CITIES ON ALL OF THESE AND TRY TO MATCH OUR PERCENTAGES AND SO I'M IN SUPPORT OF AGREEING WITH THE CITY TO REDUCE THAT PERCENTAGE FOR THIS YEAR. THEN ASK THAT THE AUDITORS OFFICE CALCULATE WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN. IT SHOULD PROVIDE US WITH SOMETHING IN TO THE GENERAL FUND BECAUSE WE WOULD BUDGET THOSE FUNDS GOING INTO THE TOURISTS AND THIS MIGHT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FUNDS DEPENDING ON ON THE PROPERTY TAX EXPECTED PROPERTY TAX VALUES OF THOSE
PROPERTIES. >> SO TO RECAP. THE TAXING DISTRICT OF DOWNTOWN GRABS PROPERTY TAX AND THE IDEA IS THE IMPROVEMENTS GO BACK IN TO INVESTING IN THAT FOOTPRINT.
SO CURRENTLY THE POT OF MONEY FROM PROPERTY TAX GOES TO GET REINVESTED IN THAT FOOTPRINT.
70% OF THAT. >> OF THE IMPROVEMENTS. >> AND SO THE IDEA IS WITH THIS MOTION TO INSTEAD OF PUTTING IT BACK INTO THE FOOTPRINT GIVING IT TO OUR
GENERAL FUND KIND OF IDEA. >> WELL THEN WE WOULD ONLY CONTRIBUTE 25% THIS YEAR DUE TO THE SHORTFALL OF REVENUE THAT IS ANTICIPATED BECAUSE OF COVID. I KNOW THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS APPROVED THAT IN JUNE 18TH AND HAS ASKED US TO CONSIDER WE USUALLY AS COMMISSIONER SHELL
SAID TRY TO MATCH WHATEVER THEIR CONTRIBUTION IS. >> I APPRECIATE YOUR EXPLANATION COMMISSIONER SHELL AND INGLES. I APPRECIATE IT BUT DON'T GET
IT. EXPLAIN IT AGAIN. >> IF YOU HAVE ANY PROPERTY WITHIN THAT ZONE. SAY IT'S VALUE LAST YEAR WAS A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.
IT'S VALUE THIS YEAR FOR THIS TAX YEAR WAS $150,000. WE WOULD HAVE SET ASIDE 70% OF THAT $50,000 INCREMENT IN TO THE FUND. THE OTHER WOULD GO INTO OUR INTERNAL FUND. THE CITY ASKED THAT WE REDUCE THAT CONTRIBUTION FROM 70% TO 25% FOR THIS COMING OR THIS CURRENT TAX YEAR. THAT MEANS THAT THAT $50,000 INCREMENT 25% WOULD GO INTO THE TURS FUND AND THE REMAINING IS GENERAL FUND REVENUE LIKE WE COLLECT TAXES ON ANY OTHER PROPERTY. THEY'VE ASKED FOR THAT BECAUSE THAT WOULD MEAN FOR THEM THEY HAVE A HIGHER TAX RATE. SINCE OUR TAX RATE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ROAD AND BRIDGE TAX RATE IT'S PROBABLY NOT AS SUBSTANTIAL FOR US BUT FOR THEM THAT IS A FAIRLY DECENT AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY WILL DEFER FROM GOING INTO THE TURS FUND AND
INSTEAD GOING INTO THEIR GENERAL FUND. >> TO BE CLEAR THERE'S AT LEAST A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS IN THAT ACCOUNT ANYWAY NOT UTILIZED TO IMPROVE.
AM I RIGHT? >> I THINK IT'S IN THE MILLIONS.
>> IT IS. >> TWO MILLION? >> YEAH.
THAT WAS ESTABLISHED WHEN THE COUNTY LEFT THE JUSTICE CENTER, WHICH WAS THE OLD H-E-B.
>> YEP. >> THAT'S WHEN THAT WAS SET UP.
IT WAS MAINLY ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THAT PROPERTY TO MAKE SURE IT WOULD BE DEVELOPED TO ITS FULL EXTENT. IT WAS LATER THIS COURT OVER YEARS, I THINK, PROBABLY ADMITTED IT MORE THAN ONCE TO INCLUDE OTHER TYPES OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, BEAUTIFY CASE PROJECTS, SIDEWALK TYPE PROJECTS IN AND AROUND DWNTOWN SAN MARCOS. WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF PLANNING THE LONG TERM STRATEGY FOR HOW TO INVEST FUNDS WITH REALLY GOOD IDEAS AND NEAT PROJECTS TO HELP DOWNTOWN.
SO THAT MONEY IS STILL THERE. IT'S JUST THAT FOR THIS YEAR NOT AS MUCH WOULD BE CONTRIBUTED TO THAT FUND. SO DURING THE MIDDLE OF THAT WE HAD COVID AND THE ASKED IS THERE A WAY YOU WOULD AGREE TO REDUCE THE CONTRIBUTION FOR THE FUND FOR THIS ONE YEAR.
NOT TO SAY THAT WE CAN'T INCREASE IT AGAIN OR INCREASE IT BY MORE IN THE FUTURE.
WE DO HAVE SOME, I THINK, PRETTY GOOD PLANS WE ALL HOPE TO PUT IN PLACE IN DOWNTOWN.
FOR US, INSTEAD OF 70% GOING IN TO THE FUND IT WOULD ONLY BE 25%, WHICH MEANS 45% OF THE
[06:45:11]
INCREASED TAXES FOR THIS AREA ON OUR M-N-O RATE WOULD NOW END UP IN OUR GENERAL FUND.>> THAT WOULD ONLY BE FOR ONE YEAR, RIGHT? >> CORRECT.
JUDGE IF I'M READING THIS CORRECTLY I THINK RIGHT NOW THE FUND HAS 3.5 MILLION IN IT.
>> KEEPS GROWING. THE LAST TIME I LOOKED THERE WAS AROUND TWO MILLION.
I FORGOTTEN FOR A MINUTE. GOOD. >> I'M JUST GUESSING IT
COULD BE AS MUCH AS $400,000. >> IT'S $500,000. >> SO SOMEWHERE IN THAT
RANGE. >>>WE HAVE BUDGETED A REDUCTION OF $583,000 AND DROPPED THAT TO THE 25% WOULD GET. IT WOULD REDUCE THE CONTRIBUTION TO 208. FROM FIVE EIGHTY THREE EIGHT TO 205.
AND OF THAT 119 THOUSAND WOULD BE IN THE I-N-S FUND. >> JUST IN TIME FOR NEXT
WEEKS BUDGET CONVERSATION. >> SOMETHING WE DON'T NECESSARILY WANT TO PROGRAM INTO
THE FUTURE. >> IT'S A ONE TIME SAVINGS. >> BUT IT WOULD HELP FOR
NEXT, MAYBE COVER SOME COSTS FOR NEXT YEAR. >> THANK YOU FOR HUMORING ME
AND TAKING THE TIME TO EXPLAIN IT FURTHER. >> PLEASE.
>> I WOULD SAY THIS IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE PARTNERSHIPS WE HAVE BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND OUR INDIVIDUAL MUNICIPALITIES. THIS CHANGE, IF YOU LOOK AT THE PAPERWORK, IT'S OBVIOUS WE'RE DOING THIS IN RESPONSE TO A NEED FOR THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS. LITERALLY WE COULD CONTINUE TO MAKE OUR CONTRIBUTION BUT THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE THE MEANS TO DO IT THIS YEAR.
I THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT OUR PARTNERS ON THAT TURS BOARD, OUR COLLEAGUES HERE
STEPPED UP TO ASSIST THAT CITY. THAT'S COMMENDABLE. >>>CALL THE ROLL.
ITEMS? >> I BELIEVE SO. >> CAN YOU BELIEVE IT
ALREADY. >> OH YEAH. >> WE GOT A LITTLE TIME TO
[33. Discussion and possible action related to the burn ban and/or disaster declaration. BECERRA]
KILL IF YOU WANT. >> THE BURN BAN IS STILL IN PLACE.
NO RECOMMENDATION TO PULL THAT. WHY DON'T WE OPEN THE JAIL REPORT.
[34. Discussion related to the Hays County inmate population, to include current population counts and costs. BECERRA]
ITEM NUMBER 34 PLEASE. >>>ITEM 34. DISCUSSION RELATED TO HAYS COUNTY INMATE POPULATION TO INCLUDE CURRENT POPULATION COUNTS AND COSTS.
>> SO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE CONTINUES TO SEND MY OFFICE A JAIL REPORT.
OUR CAPACITY IS 362 INMATES. THE THE RECOMMENDED HOLDING CAPACITY DROPS 10%.
ACTUALLY IT IS 311. THE JAILS DAILY AVERAGE WAS 446 AND PEAK WAS 450 ON AUGUST 15TH FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 9TH-15, 2020. THE TEST MATED COST FOR OUTSOURCING INMATES THIS WEEK WAS $58,052. THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF OUTSOURCE SALES 167 AND FEMALES ARE FIVE. INMATES HOUSED IN BLANCO, VERNON, CALDWELL, FORD BEND, GUADALUPE AND WALKER. ARRESTS BY AGENCY, BU TISSUING A PD SIX.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TWO. HAYS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 36. KYLE POLICE DEPARTMENT 35.
SAN MARCOS POLICE DEPARTMENT 30. DO WE WANT TO OPEN BOTH AGENDAS ITEMS 31 AND 32?
IS THAT WHAT WE'RE SLATED TO DO? >> YES.
[EXECUTIVE SESSIONS]
>> OKAY. PLEASE OPEN EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEMS 31 AND 32.
>>>31. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUIT TO SECTION 551.071 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE. CONSULTATION WITH COUNTY RECORDING CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION INVOLVING HAYS COUNTY. POSSIBLE ACTION XOR DISCUSSION MAY FOLLOW. 32 CONSULTATION AND COUNCIL WITH COUNCIL AND DLIB RAKESES RECORDING ALL INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS SUBJECT TO THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT.
POSSIBLE DISCUSSION AND OR ACTION MAY FOLLOW IN OPEN COURT.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.