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All right. All right, I know. I know the spurs one.

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right, guys? All right, here we go.

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is this any of these chips. All right. Well commissioner moody's by zoom and is easy on.

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all right. Well good morning. Welcome to the commissioners court meeting of tuesday,
June 9th,

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2026. As we know the spurs won last night. And yeah.

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obviously they have some help from some superior means.

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and I believe we are welcoming some of the biggest spurs fan in the room.

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so commissioner rodriguez, I yield the floor to you? Thank you. Thank you very much. Good morning everybody. It's great to see such a packed
Room.

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everybody has a little extra jump in their step this morning.

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you know from the from the folks at the coffee shop to just walking down the street when
The spurs win.

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no coincidence that yesterday I stopped by for a visit,
A nice invitation from the salesian sisters who,

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if you're. If you're not following spurs basketball,
Then you're missing out because the salesian sisters,

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number one, are constituents of mine in precinct two.

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and this is not a new phenomenon. They've been spurs fans for a long time.

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but more importantly, the ministry. Let me say a word about the ministry of the salesian
Sisters in on the west side.

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actually, their order over 150 years tied to saint john bosco on the west side.

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let me ask sister bernadette to come up to the podium,
Along with sister desiree and sister guadalupe.

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if you would come up to the podium as you do that.

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if you've been following social media, you've noticed that sister bernadette has a little
Game as well.

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she's, she's a, she's a former college athlete.

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and she also is the province director of the mission advancement in san antonio,
Serves in leadership capacity on the provincial

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council. But they do such great work in our community.

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obviously, we set a little extra prayer last night at their watch party before the game.

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and I will tell you you said kind of a superior intervention.

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she had supreme confidence. When I asked her before the game,
Sister bernadette said, yeah, we're going to win. Absolutely. So I felt better watching the game,
Even those tense moments.

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but I want to certainly welcome them. Just a coincidence that precinct two had the
Invocation this morning and couldn't think of anyone better to be here than the salesian

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sisters. I know, judge, you wanted to say a few words as well. Yes. Well, let me welcome the sisters. As we know,
You're one of the biggest fans of the san antonio spurs.

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but I want to let you know that rachel sakai,
The first lady of bexar county, and I are the biggest fans of the salesian sisters.

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and for what they do, especially on the west side of san antonio,
Especially what they do for our children and families.

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and I want to give a shout out to them. And I understand you all prayed and had a need for
A bus,

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and I understand the one and only harvey and the foundation has stepped up and got you a
Bus.

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and so rachel and I are. I just want to put on record so that the person upstairs there
Understands

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that rachel and I annually support the salesian sisters of saint john bosco,
And I would encourage our community to support our faith based community

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and for what they do, not only in making sure the spurs get that extra boost,
But what they do more importantly for children and families.

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thank you. Muchas gracias. Sister, if you would if if you all would rise.

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and sister, if you would lead us in prayer. Heavenly father and the son and the holy
Spirit.

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amen. Heavenly father, we come before you with gratitude for the gift of this day and for
The opportunity to serve the people of bexar

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county. We ask for your wisdom upon these, your public servants,
That their decisions may be guided by truth,

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integrity, and a sincere desire for the common good.

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grant them clarity of mind. Virtue in character and concern for all those entrusted to
Their care,

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especially the young, the poor, and those in the margins.

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help them to seek justice with humility. Act with honesty and work together in a spirit of
Unity.

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lord, bless this commissioner's court with patience and openness and dialog.

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may all this be said and done here today to reflect a shared commitment to peace.

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we ask this through christ our lord. Amen. God bless and go,
Spurs.

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go! Please join us in the pledge to our nation's flag.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states.

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thank you, thank you. Okay. All right. Agenda item number three.

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request the commissioners court to identify items from the consent agenda for additional
Discussion and to approve the consent agenda.

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item items. Commissioner. Clay-flores. Any matters to pull?

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nothing to pull. Commissioner rodriguez. Yes,
Judge.

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let me pull item 31 just for an acknowledgment.

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31 commissioner calvert and commissioner moody,
Who's participating by zoom.

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I believe you're on mute. Mute commissioner moody.

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you're now frozen on our screens. Unmuted.

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okay. 16. Six. 16. All right. 16. And, george,
I'd make a motion to approve the balance of consent.

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second. Motion by commissioner rodriguez. Second by commissioner clay-flores.

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we have pulled item 16 and 31. All those in favor of the motion to approve the rest of the
Consent signify by saying aye.

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aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries.

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let us now. Ceremonial. Let's go to ceremonial. All right. And then we'll come back to individual items.

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all right. The first presentation will be a proclamation on behalf of commissioners court,

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recognizing june 26th as elder abuse awareness month.

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and then after that will be pride month. So I will handle the first two commissioner
Calvert.

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and I believe you will also help read out commissioner moody's proclamations.

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so as I read out all those here for elder abuse awareness month,
Please step forward to the podium to be recognized.

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and as I read the proclamation. Whereas older adults and people with disabilities vastly
Contribute to the well-being of the city by working,

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caregiving, volunteering, and actively preserving customs,
Rituals and traditions.

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and whereas we age, we build momentum by accumulating knowledge,
Experience, insight, and wisdom that can be shared to enrich our community.

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and whereas, abuse of older adults and people with disabilities is a community concern
Affecting thousands of people across texas.

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and whereas there were 100,382 reports of abuse of older adults and people with
Disabilities of texas in

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2025. And whereas abuse against older adults and people with disabilities is grossly
Underreported because of social stigma,

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embarrassment, and fear. And whereas adult abuse affects men and women of all income and
Ability levels,

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all cultural and ethnic backgrounds in all communities. And whereas elder abuse is everyone's business,
And it's important to strengthen our efforts to prevent,

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report and address elder abuse. Now therefore,
Be it resolved that the bexar county commissioners court hereby recognize and proclaim the

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month of june 2026 to be elder abuse awareness month in san antonio and bexar county,
Texas,

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and urge all residents to work together to reduce abuse and neglect of older adults and
People with disabilities.

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witnessing and seal the office by on this day signed by all members of the court.

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welcome. Please introduce yourself. Good morning.

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I'm monica major with adult protective services. Honorable judge sakai, commissioners and distinguished guests,
Thank you for designating june 2026 as elder abuse awareness month in bexar county.

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abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and people with disabilities remain
Serious concerns,

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both nationally and within our community. In 2025,
Adult protective services received 11,147

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intakes reports in bexar county. While these numbers are concerning,
They also reflect a community that is engaged,

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aware and committed to supporting the safety and well-being of others as we age together.

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every person deserves the opportunity to age with dignity,
Safety, independence, and respect.

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through our partnering to protect initiative,
Adult protective services, the south texas aps community board and community partners

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continue working together to strengthen awareness,
Expand resources and support safe and independent aging in place.

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we are grateful to bexar county for its continued partnership and support,
Including judge vasquez's leadership in advancing the establishment of a senior justice

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assessment center in our community. Bringing together law enforcement,
Judicial partners and community organizations will strengthen coordinated responses and

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community support for older adults and vulnerable individuals.

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we also extend our sincere appreciation to the city,
County joint commissioner on elderly affairs,

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sheriff's department, probate courts and district attorney's office for their leadership
And collaboration in addressing elder abuse.

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together, these partnerships help build to. Together,
These partnerships help build safer,

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stronger communities for all generations. Thank you for the leadership and commitment to
The well-being of our community.

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would you please come forward and accept your proclamation? Thank you all very much. Here you go. Come on.

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how are you? Thank you. Thank you for what you all do.

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okay. Anytime. Okay. All right. Our second proclamation is on behalf of commissioners
Court,

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recognizing the month of june as pride month. So I believe we have people from the thrive well and the pride center,
San antonio.

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please come forward as I read the proclamation on the record.

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whereas this month, bexar county commemorates the historic 1969 stonewall uprising in new
York city,

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honoring the courage of those who ignited the modern movement for lgbtq plus liberation,
Equality.

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and whereas we celebrate the vibrant lgbtq plus community within bexar county,
Our neighbors,

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colleagues, family members, and friends whose resilience and perseverance in the pursuit
Of life lived with dignity and nigerian authenticity continues to inspire us.

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and whereas burke county reaffirms its unwavering support for lgbtqia+ equality by raising
The pride flag during the month of june,

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standing in solidarity to ensure our civic institutions remain welcoming and inclusive for
All.

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and whereas we recognize the social, economic and cultural fabric of our county is
Immeasurably strengthened by the invaluable contributions of the lgbtqia+

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individuals in the fields of public service,
Healthcare, education, business and the arts.

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and whereas, pride month 2026 serves as a celebration of how far we have come and a call
To action to continue building a community defined

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by empathy, justice, and mutual respect. And whereas,
We will continue to work undeterred to expand and strengthen inclusivity and diversity by

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committing to representation and support of all lgbt q qia plus individuals.

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now therefore be resolved that the bexar county commissioners court hereby recognize and
Proclaim the month of june 26th as pride month encourages all residents of bexar county

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to join this observance, celebrate the diversity of our people,
And work together to build bridges of understanding and unity.

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witness our signatures and seal of office this june day of june 2026,
Signed by members of the court.

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welcome. Good morning. On behalf of the san antonio

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area lgbtq community coalition, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to judge sakai
And the members of the commissioners court for recognizing pride month through this

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proclamation. This recognition is meaningful because it acknowledges the many
Contributions that lgbtq individuals make every day across

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bexar county. Lgbtq people serve as teachers,
Health care workers, first responders, business owners,

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nonprofit leaders, public servants, artists and neighbors.

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they help strengthen our economy, enrich our culture,
And improve the quality of life for everyone in our community.

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pride month is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of visibility.

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when people see themselves represented and recognized by their local government,
It sends a powerful message that they belong and that their contributions matter.

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visibility helps create communities where people can participate,
Fully contribute their talents,

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and live authentically. For lgbtq young people,
Especially, seeing leaders publicly acknowledge and celebrate their community can provide

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hope, encouragement, and a sense of connection. It reminds them that they are valued members of our county and they are.

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there is a place for them here while we celebrate the progress that has been made.

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we also. Recognizing that building, welcoming and inclusive communities.

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this proclamation reflects the values of dignity,
Respect and opportunity for all residents.

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thank you again to judge sakai and the commissioners court for your leadership,
Your recognition of pride month and your commitment to ensuring that every member of our

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community is seen, respected, and appreciated. Thank you. Would you all come forward, please?

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thank you. Thank you. Hey. Good to see you, my man.

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good to see you. Good to see you. All right. Commissioner calvert presentation.

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proclamation on behalf of commissioner corp.. Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the san antonio juneteenth commission and festival
Juneteenth.

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thank you so much, judge. We're really honored to have byron miller in the house,
Who has been part of the statewide juneteenth

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leadership, basically since the starting of that commission some decades ago.

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and he's still providing our community come on up to the dais because we have this
Proclamation for you.

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he is still providing our community with some of our favorite memories of the year and of
Juneteenth,

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and keeping the freedom festival alive, which also benefits many nonprofit organizations
Who are selling their fish or selling their.

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whatever. And we appreciate that. Commerce coming back.

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for my newsletter, community outreach, I'm letting folks know that because of the ice
Detention center off of fortin

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and rigsby, we are looking to ask people to join us in the freedom parade that oscar vicks
Helps lead.

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and of course, his wife is being buried right now. Our thoughts and prayers are with him. But we're asking folks to join us with protest
Signs this year in the parade as a demonstration that we will fight for

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all people who are having their rights trampled including those who are in ice detention
Centers.

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so the proclamation reads, whereas juneteenth commemorates june 19th,
1865, when federal troops arrived in galveston,

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texas, and major general gordon granger issued order number three enforcing freedom for
Enslaved people in texas more than two years after the

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emancipation proclamation. And whereas, the san antonio juneteenth commission was created
In 1996 to honor and celebrate the emancipation

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of black people in texas, provide a national platform of recognition for black people in
America,

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and to support, uplift, and empower community organizations,
Nonprofits, and individuals committed to equality and the american

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dream. And whereas, since its first celebration at the freeman coliseum in 1996 and
Through festivals held at the carver cultural center,

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saint paul square, and for more than 20 years at the county's comanche park,
The san antonio juneteenth festival has grown into a beloved gathering place

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for family reunions, fellowship culture, music service and community pride.

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and whereas the juneteenth festival has helped preserve the legacy of juneteenth and has
Ensured its significance among future generations,

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the commission, volunteers, sponsors and community organizers have made the annual
Festival a living celebration of freedom in bexar county.

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now, therefore, be it resolved that bexar county commissioners court hereby recognizes and
Celebrates june 19th,

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2026, as the 30th anniversary of the san antonio juneteenth commission commission.

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witness our signatures and seal of office this ninth day of june 2026,
Signed by your commissioners court.

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we sure would love a wise word from you, brother miller. The floor is yours. Commissioner calvert, let me recognize byron miller for his long
Standing service to bexar county and

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especially to the juneteenth celebration. Unfortunately,
I'm going to go visit grandkids this weekend.

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and so this saturday is the juneteenth breakfast. And it is a wonderful celebration. It's an event.

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and I encourage all our community to embrace the diversity of our community,
Especially with the juneteenth celebration and this historical and cultural

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significance it brings. And I just want to say thank you to byron.

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I have to also refer him as judge byron miller because once a judge,
Always a judge, and he served with great distinction as justice of the peace precinct

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four. And I'd like to give him a round of applause.

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the the floor is now yours, judge miller. Jessica.

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thank you. Judge calvert, my commissioner. You know,
What I'd like to say is this, is that

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on behalf of the san antonio juneteenth commission,
We have a.

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we owe this county court a lot of appreciation because it was over 30 years

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ago when county judge cindy cryer appointed me to the coliseum board.

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and so that gave me an opportunity to kind of understand how things operated whether it
Was the sale,

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san antonio livestock rodeo, or just entertainment here in bexar county.

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and I was kind of pushed into carrying on the torch from reverend s clifton byrd,
Who continued to always recognize the

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19th of june. And so I did. And so again, I thank you all for that opportunity because it
Gives me the opportunity to do other events,

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as you stated, the prayer breakfast or the festival golf tournament.

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and this year for the first year, a pickleball tournament. It. So so that's, that's something that's very exciting to me.

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you know, a lot of people make this happen. So,
You know, I might be the one standing here today,

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but it's because of the efforts of many and we stand on their shoulders. And so I just want to say that while celebrating is meaningful,
It's just the beginning.

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it takes ongoing education and engagement with others to ensure that the spirit of
Juneteenth lives on and grows stronger

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and strong long after the festivities end. So I just want to thank you,
All of you.

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all I know commissioner flores does a big job with the juneteenth,
With city council.

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and again, I say hello to my good friend, commissioner rodriguez.

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but I can't say enough about bexar county and their efforts because they have long been
Aware and standing with me and standing

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with us, the community. So, you know, I look at this as a very big cultural holiday.

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you know, we have cinco de mayo says saint patrick's day,
But now we have the celebration of the 19th of june,

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the stands along with the 4th of july. When we think about independence and we think about
Freedom.

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so again, thank each and every one of you all. Thank you. Come forward.

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alright. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We'll continue on with the presentation.

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proclamation on behalf of commissioners court recognizing june 18th,
2026 as women's unlimited day.

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commissioner calvert. You have the floor. When women's unlimited comes in the house,
We never know what what energy is going to be here.

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but they're here. So come on to the dais. We have a proclamation.

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this morning, I understand. I spoke to a few of their interns in nigeria last time.

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we were blessed with their presence. They had some folks from japan.

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so there are a truly international they're living up to that name. So here's the proclamation. It reads, whereas women unlimited international,
A 501 c three minority based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women

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businesses by working closely with community partners such as bexar county,
Local municipalities,

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educational institutions and financial organizations to bridge the gap.

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and whereas, women unlimited international's motto leave no woman behind guides their core
Mission of providing crucial resources to all women,

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whether in business or not. To help with achieving economic goals or overcoming
Challenges.

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and whereas women unlimited international fosters a supportive networking environment for
Women entrepreneurs and providing a social media presence that anyone can take advantage

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of from around the world. And whereas women unlimited international believes in the power
Of complementing instead of competing by teaching effective communication,

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building connections, strengthening collaborations and uplifting women,
Helping them achieve their dreams,

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and serving as business besties. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved that the bexar county commissioners court hereby recognizes and proclaims

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june 18th, 2026 as women unlimited international day.

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it's. I would love to hear from you. Thank you.

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thank you so much. You want to repeat that last part,
Though? Commissioner. Women unlimited international day.

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we are so excited. We are here joined by our interns.

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first of all we do have two interns with us. And they are in nigeria.

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africa. So they're here somewhere. And then we have our board members advisory board,
But good morning,

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commissioner court. How are you guys doing today? Woo. Yes, it is an honor to be here today. We are especially grateful and deeply honored
To stand before commissioner tommy calvert,

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who, who, who has not only supported women unlimited but has believed in our mission
Enough to present us with our third

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consecutive proclamation here in 2026. Ladies,
What do you think about that?

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we also want to thank and recognize bexar county judge peter sakai.

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where is sakai? Who? Commissioner rebeca clay-flores the only woman,
Right?

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yes. And right next to her. Commissioner justin rodriguez and commissioner grant moody.

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where's moody? He's he's on. He's somewhere. Right.

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it is truly a privilege to stand, to stand before all of you today and to serve the
Community alongside your leadership and support.

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I am brenda owens, executive director of women unlimited international.

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we empower women entrepreneurs, veterans and students through education,
Mentorship, and business resources.

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this proclamation represents not just recognition,
But growth, impact, transformation.

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we are building leaders in bexar county. We stand together as women unlimited.

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I do want to take just a moment here to thank renee watson.

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I don't know where we would be without renee watson. She does more than her job. She goes over and above.

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and I truly feel that because of her department,
All of us, all of us right here are standing here today.

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you go over and above for each and every one of us. Renee. Thank you. Okay. Who's next? Okay. Good morning everyone.

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thank you for having us here. My name is ana lira and I am one of the advisory board
Member with women unlimited.

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and we're not only a women, we equip entrepreneurs with tools including ai and business
Training to help them grow smarter and

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faster with unlimited through innovation. Thank you,
Thank you, thank you.

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okay. Hello. Good morning. Con ustedes hoy. Muchas gracias.

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my name is cynthia castro. I'm one of the advisory board members here.

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and we connect women through resources, mentorships,
And pathways to success.

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we don't just talk about opportunity. We create it.

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and together through women unlimited, we are creating connections and opportunities.

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thank you. All right, who's next? Real quick we got I am johanna dobbins,
Cfo of women unlimited.

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we also have a veterans division that ensures veterans,
Women have the financial education and structure to succeed.

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we are unlimited through service. Rosie or cindy.

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yes. Good morning cindy. Steroid 24 years active air force and a business owner.

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veterans unlimited takes the mission beyond service,
And veterans are committed through or unlimited

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through commitment. Thank you, thank you. Hi. Good morning. I'm rosie ms, u.s. Air force veteran.

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we now serve our community through leadership,
Camaraderie and entrepreneurship.

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as civilians, we are united through leadership. Thank you, thank you. Good morning. I'm nicole thrash,
20 year united states veteran veterans unlimited term service into

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opportunity. We are unlimited through purpose.

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good morning. My name is madison goodman. I am a proud intern here at women unlimited and
A proud roadrunner over at the university of texas here in san antonio.

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we are learning consistently about new knowledge through entrepreneurship,
Leadership, and most importantly,

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our community. We are unlimited through learning. Thank you, thank you. Our only man in women unlimited.

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he's an intern. Hello. My name is chris. I'm an intern for the women unlimited.

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I'm a student at northwest vista alamo college,
And over the past few months, I've been able to see how entrepreneurship changes lives,

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builds communities, and fosters economic growth. We are unlimited through entrepreneurship. Thank you,
Thank you, thank you.

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good morning. Good morning. Commissioners. As you know,
My name is gloria martinez.

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I am your bexar county district clerk. I'm also a navy veteran and a member of women's
Unlimited.

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excited to be here. They are a wonderful group of individuals.

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they have they are transforming lives through leadership and success. We are unlimited through empowerment. This is something that it takes a bunch of women and
Individuals to get together and make a difference in this world,

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in this community. Thank you. Quickly, quickly.

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hello. My name is jaleesa. I'm an intern and student at texas state university.

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we are the next generation of leaders, the future of bexar county.

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and we are unlimited through possibility. Thank you.

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hello. My name is melina. I am an intern and student at northwest vista college. We help entrepreneurs market themselves and the brands.

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we are unlimited through marketing. Hello, my name is laura garcia.

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I am on the advisory board for women unlimited. We present these flowers to commissioner rebeca,
Clay flores and gratitude for your leadership and support.

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we are unlimited through gratitude. Thank you,
Rebecca clay.

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hi, my name is kayla holloway. I'm an advisory board member,
And we present this plaque to commissioner tommy calvert and precinct four for your

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continued support and honoring women unlimited with its third consecutive proclamation.

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we are unlimited through support, and we would like to also appreciate the person who made
The plaques.

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a small business owner, desiree gonzales, with south texas.

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photo holics. Woo! Who's next?

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that's it. That's it. That's it. Okay, so we're ready for a picture.

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thank you. Thank you guys so much. We're done,
We're done.

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thank you.

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thank you. Thank. You.

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thank you. Good to see y'all. Thank you. All right.

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commissioner clay-flores. A point of personal privilege. Do you have the floor? Thank you
So much to women unlimited and all the work that you guys do.

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I was just talking to my staff yesterday about our allocation of funding. So you'll be hearing back from that. We're looking at our budget to see so we can help
Continue to support and sponsorship. So thank you so much.

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muchisimas. Gracias por las flores. Como mi apellido la mitad de todo es clay-flores.

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so thank you so much for that. And I just want to also take a point of personal privilege
To recognize isaac nettey.

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if you don't know who he is, he's been one of our pios. Unfortunately, he's leaving bexar county. I can't be too mad at him because he is going to
Jcb.

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so are you still helping in precinct one? So thank you so much for that.

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and also, I want to recognize I know we already did the proclamation for juneteenth for
Byron miller and all the work that you do,

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but I also wanted to invite everyone out to the program that bexar county,
Bexar county, and I sponsor with cecum.

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it is next thursday evening. And I also want to recognize mike pressure. If you want to stand and wave, who is the ceo of the tobin center,
Who is so gracious to partner with us on that program.

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so please come out next thursday night, juneteenth at the tobin center.

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thank you. Commissioner moody has a presentation proclamation on behalf of commissioners
Court recognizing texas kidney

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foundation for extraordinary service. Bexar county,
The state of texas and the kidney patients across the nation.

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commissioner calvert, I believe, will read the proclamation on behalf of commissioner
Moody.

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commissioner moody, are you there? You are. Let's get you on the your your live on the
Video.

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all right, commissioner calvert well, thank you so much. I'm honored to read this proclamation on behalf of commissioner moody and the
Commissioners court.

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it's good to see our friends from the texas kidney foundation in the house. They do great
Work. Good to see you, brother greg,

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the proclamation reads. Whereas the texas kidney foundation,
Headquartered in bexar county,

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is an independent nonprofit dedicated to slowing or stopping the progression of rare and
Chronic kidney diseases and improving the lives of impacted individuals,

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families and communities. And whereas the texas kidney foundation marks 15 years of
Service and has built a patient centered model with local

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roots, state wide reach and national relevance in kidney health,
Education, detection, prevention and action,

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bringing practical health knowledge directly to patients,
Families, practitioners, neighborhoods,

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and community partners. And whereas, throughout its knowledge to action 2030 health
Transformation initiative,

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the texas kidney foundation has advanced community based kidney health infrastructure
Focus on early detection,

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prevention, and measurable community action. And whereas committed to excellence in high
Quality care,

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the texas kidney foundation upgraded its laboratory to a medium complexity laboratory,
Strengthening its ability to provide trusted kidney health testing.

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timely information, transparent reporting, and early detection services.

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congratulations on that. And whereas through its knowledge to action and neighbors helping
Neighbors initiatives,

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the texas kidney foundation has expanded kidney health education uacr testing,
Egfr testing,

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genetic kidney screening, rare kidney disease awareness,
Referrals, navigation, and community based follow up across more than 150 texas counties.

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and whereas, on june 9th, 2026, fsgs day in texas,
Bexar county honors the courage of patients and families impacted

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by focal segmental. I'm going to have to take a moment for. It's a long word. Glomerulosclerosis. I was close,
I know, and other rare and chronic kidney diseases and

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recognizes the texas kidney foundation's leadership in advancing awareness prevention,
Early detection,

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genetic testing, transplant education policy change,
Artificial intelligence, predictive analytics,

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and patient centered community action. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved that the bexar county commissioners court hereby recognizes and honors the

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texas kidney foundation for its extraordinary service to bexar county,
The state of texas,

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and kidney patients across the nation, and for its commitment to advancing kidney health
Through transparency,

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early detection, education, prevention, research,
Laboratory excellence, policy leadership,

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predictive analytics, and patient centered action. Signed by your commissioners court. We would love to hear from you.

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from you. Good to see you, tiffany. I just feel like I'm coming home every time I come
Here and all of that great stuff that you heard that our teams are doing.

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we wouldn't have been able to do it if it weren't for you. If it weren't for this commissioners court. I mean,
Gosh, there's nobody here that I can't couldn't name as having been a part of this mission

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and supporting our mission from a patient perspective.

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when we came to you the first time and talked about what we wanted to do,
It hadn't been done nationwide and

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everybody, including and you championed us. Commissioner clay-flores like you really,
You did every commercial I asked you to do

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every, every single little thing that we asked. You did the same thing. Commissioner calvert you did.

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commissioner rodriguez, judge sakai you showed up to stuff that we had.

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and then the person who introduced us was lucy adame-clark.

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I would have never met any of you were it not for her. So I just had to say that there wouldn't be enough if it wasn't for you guys.

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so on behalf of the texas kidney foundation,
Thank you for the proclamation and for recognizing kidney health as a public priority in

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bexar county. Kidney disease is often silent,
But its impact is not silent.

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it affects families, employers, healthcare systems,
And public budgets.

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too many people do not know they are at risk until the disease is already advanced.

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by then, families may be facing dialysis, transplant decisions,
Missed work, fear and avoidable suffering.

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but when kidney disease is identified earlier,
There is a better chance to educate, intervene,

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connect people to care and prevent progression to kidney failure.

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that is why the texas kidney foundation's work goes beyond awareness and beyond a single
Health fair.

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tcf operates a community to clinic kidney health prevention platform,
Which you helped build.

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thank you. We bring education, early detection,
Referral support, community health workers,

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partner coordination and follow through into trusted community settings.

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we build bridges and you helped us do that. This year is especially meaningful because tcf
Is celebrating 15 years of service.

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since 2017, we have screened more than 14,000 texans. Since covid 19, we have averaged between 1500 and 2000 texans screened each year,
With the majority of that work serving residents.

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here in bexar county. We also bring serious infrastructure to this work.

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tcf operates a clear, moderate complexity laboratory,
Provides advanced kidney health testing,

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offers genetic kidney risk screening when appropriate,
And is expanding our community health worker program so residents are not simply screened

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and left alone. They are educated, connected and supported in taking the next steps.

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our work is aligned with national public health and research priorities through engagement
With cdc and the national institute of digestive and diabetic kidney

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disease, and through current discussions with dell medical school,
This proclamation recognizes that is work that is already underway.

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tcf provided community kidney health screenings in february,
March, april and may.

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we have additional events scheduled for june 20th and june 27th,
And our prevention calendar continues through july,

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august, september and october. This work also connects to the broader statewide kidney
Health conversation through the texas chronic kidney disease task force,

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where prevention, early detection and implementation are central to improving outcomes
Across texas.

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all of that hails right from this county. Today's proclamation is more than ceremonial
Recognition.

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it is an opportunity to treat kidney disease prevention as a standing public health
Priority in bexar county.

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sustained county partnership would not start this work. It will help strengthen and scale work. Tcf is already delivering tcf stands,
Ready to work with this court.

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each precinct, community partners, clinics, churches,
Employers, researchers, and families to turn this recognition into sustained action

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for the people of bexar county. Thank you so much.

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judge. Thank you so much for your incredible taking of this organization and to what you
Just described.

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I remember there was a statistic out of covid about really co-occurring issues that I
Think is very important in our health care battle.

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would you? I think the number was around 40%,
But it might have been higher. Can you talk to us about that? There was a, a correlation between covid and kidneys.

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you recall what that statistic that I'm you brought to me.

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you recall which one was what it was? Are you talking about and internal organs,
Covid and internal organs.

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yeah. Covid and its relationship with kidney disease. Here. You want to answer that one? I can do that.

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I run the numbers. I run the numbers. I do the data on that. Right. So it's estimated about 40% of the people who had covid,
Right also had kidney disease.

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right? And so that is true. And we find that in our data as well.

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so anytime we find people between the ages, roughly about 25 and 50,
That's a young range.

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and they've had they were and they had any type of work that was considered essential
Workers.

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they always have low egfr. In some neighborhoods,
There's more than others, right.

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what does that mean for us laymen? So what that means is covid acted as a causing agent or
Cause for kidney disease in which people their egfr,

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which stands egfr is how well your kidneys filter your blood. Uacr, which is a test that we've added is is there any damage?

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and so what we see and what we see is a correlation,
Not causation.

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we can't say causation, but there's a strong correlation between essential workers,
Right,

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and kidney function and their kidney function decreasing. There's also research on that that's come out that shows a correlation between essential
Workers,

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covid and heart conditions and heart disease issues,
As well as liver disease.

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and that stands true here in bexar county with with our work. So the vast majority of people who are in that range of being young,
And I'm in that range,

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00:46:52,370 --> 00:46:52,370
right is between essential workers and decreased kidney function between those who have
Covid.

360
00:46:58,130 --> 00:46:58,130
and that stands true here in bexar county from what we what our data shows.

361
00:47:02,370 --> 00:47:02,370
and the reason I wanted you all to point that out is because,
You know, there's so many things we can't see or know until sometimes it's too late.

362
00:47:08,410 --> 00:47:08,410
so that's why we're raising awareness to do these tests that you all offer and,
And make sure that you know what's going on with your body.

363
00:47:16,050 --> 00:47:16,050
I want to acknowledge reverend patrick jones in the house and his leadership in the
Ministry and in our community in various organizations has been outstanding.

364
00:47:23,010 --> 00:47:23,010
so thank you, reverend, for being here this morning. That's it.

365
00:47:27,220 --> 00:47:27,220
yeah, I just couldn't let you guys leave without recognizing all the work that you all
Did.

366
00:47:31,620 --> 00:47:31,620
and what y'all didn't say in your remarks in the proclamation is that tiffany pretty much
Started this on her own,

367
00:47:37,340 --> 00:47:40,700
and her husband was like, oh, well, I got to support my wife. And so basically they started this. And since then,
They have really made an impact in preventative health.

368
00:47:47,500 --> 00:47:47,500
and she has been invited to speak and share her expertise in preventative health for
Kidney disease,

369
00:47:54,700 --> 00:47:58,100
not just statewide, but nationally and internationally. So thank you so much for the work you're doing and let's continue to fight.

370
00:48:01,900 --> 00:48:04,700
and the last thing I like that. Why does kidney disease matter? It matters because it's connected with cardiovascular disease.

371
00:48:08,580 --> 00:48:08,580
it matters because if you address your kidneys,
We can address diabetes.

372
00:48:12,940 --> 00:48:16,260
we can address hypertension. Those are the key causes. And by because it shows up in the kidneys, right.

373
00:48:18,460 --> 00:48:18,460
and the scientists always get upset, right? When I say when I use this term,
The kidneys are sort of like the canary in the gold canary in the mine.

374
00:48:25,420 --> 00:48:25,420
write what you see reflected in there. We can address so many other chronic issues related
To that proclamation.

375
00:48:32,900 --> 00:48:32,900
thank you. Thank y'all. Give them another round of applause.

376
00:49:28,180 --> 00:49:28,180
good job. Got it. Got it. Thank you.

377
00:49:44,340 --> 00:49:44,340
post traumatic stress disorder, ptsd awareness month.

378
00:49:48,940 --> 00:49:48,940
commissioner. Calvert. I believe you'll read it in behalf. Commissioner. Moode. Honored
To. I want to invite our friends who are here for the proclamation to join us at the dais.

379
00:49:57,820 --> 00:49:57,820
thank you for the work you do. This proclamation is in the name and by the authority of
The commissioners court of bexar county.

380
00:50:04,900 --> 00:50:04,900
and it reads. Whereas post-traumatic stress disorder,
Ptsd is a serious mental health condition that can help.

381
00:50:13,020 --> 00:50:13,020
excuse me. That can develop following exposure to trauma,
Combat violence, disasters, or other life threatening events impacting millions

382
00:50:22,990 --> 00:50:22,990
of americans, including veterans, active duty service members,
First responders, health care professionals,

383
00:50:29,270 --> 00:50:29,270
survivors of violence, and their families. And whereas bexar county is home to one of the
Nation's largest military and veteran communities,

384
00:50:36,990 --> 00:50:36,990
as well as thousands of dedicated law enforcement officers,
Firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders who routinely place

385
00:50:45,030 --> 00:50:45,030
themselves in harm's way in service to others and who may experience the invisible wounds
Associated with traumatic,

386
00:50:52,910 --> 00:50:52,910
traumatic stress. And whereas increasing public awareness,
Reducing stigma surrounding mental health care,

387
00:50:59,830 --> 00:50:59,830
and promoting access to evidence based treatment and support services are critical to
Ensuring that those affected by ptsd receive the compassion and understanding and care

388
00:51:09,350 --> 00:51:09,350
they deserve. And whereas institutions such as the ut health san antonio through
Nationally recognized programs including the strong star consortium,

389
00:51:19,150 --> 00:51:19,150
continue to lead groundbreaking research, clinical care and outreach efforts focused on
Improving the lives of veterans,

390
00:51:25,110 --> 00:51:25,110
service members and first responders affected by ptsd and related trauma conditions.

391
00:51:30,830 --> 00:51:30,830
and whereas, during ptsd awareness month, bexar county reaffirms its commitment to
Supporting those living with ptsd,

392
00:51:38,630 --> 00:51:38,630
honoring the courage of those who seek help,
And encouraging all residents to foster a community of understanding,

393
00:51:45,190 --> 00:51:45,190
resilience, and hope for individuals and families impacted by trauma.

394
00:51:50,070 --> 00:51:50,070
now therefore, be it resolved that the bexar county commissioners court hereby recognizes
And proclaims post-traumatic stress disorder,

395
00:51:56,430 --> 00:51:56,430
ptsd awareness month in bexar county and encourages all residents to recognize the
Importance of mental health awareness,

396
00:52:03,470 --> 00:52:03,470
support those affected by ptsd, and promote access to effective treatment resources and
Community support services signed by your commissioners court.

397
00:52:12,630 --> 00:52:12,630
I'd love to hear from you. Thank you very much.

398
00:52:18,520 --> 00:52:18,520
I'm doctor alan peterson. I'm a professor in the department of psychiatry at the
University of texas at san antonio.

399
00:52:25,400 --> 00:52:25,400
some of you probably heard that ut health san antonio and utsa merged this last year.

400
00:52:30,480 --> 00:52:30,480
so we're now one institution being referred to as ut san antonio.

401
00:52:35,200 --> 00:52:38,120
I am the director of the strong start consortium here. I'm also a retired air force clinical psychologist.

402
00:52:40,840 --> 00:52:40,840
I was on active duty for 21 years and deployed three times after nine over 11.

403
00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:47,000
it was my third deployment in iraq. In 2004 2005,
I started to see all of the invisible wounds of war,

404
00:52:54,160 --> 00:52:54,160
including post-traumatic stress disorder. So after that deployment,
I decided to retire from active duty,

405
00:53:00,640 --> 00:53:00,640
moved to the medical center here, and I've been doing full time research in ptsd since
Then.

406
00:53:05,600 --> 00:53:05,600
so thank you for this proclamation and for highlighting the importance of post-traumatic
Stress disorder.

407
00:53:11,400 --> 00:53:11,400
we are military city, usa and now being referred to as military medical.

408
00:53:16,760 --> 00:53:16,760
center. Military. Medical. City, usa. As well some of you may not have heard of strong
Star may not know the gem that we have right here in san

409
00:53:26,720 --> 00:53:26,720
antonio. We're actually the world's largest research consortium that's focused on
Developing and evaluating effective treatments for post-traumatic stress

410
00:53:36,240 --> 00:53:36,240
disorder and active duty military veterans. And we're now expanding to first responders
And civilians.

411
00:53:43,760 --> 00:53:43,760
there was a scientific publication earlier this year that reviewed the past ten years
Worth of research,

412
00:53:49,760 --> 00:53:49,760
worldwide research. It looked at over 2000 universities worldwide doing research in this
Area.

413
00:53:56,680 --> 00:53:56,680
and ut health san antonio was ranked as the number one university in the world related to
This research.

414
00:54:04,800 --> 00:54:04,800
that same publication reviewed over 5000 other investigators around the world that were
Doing research in this area.

415
00:54:13,730 --> 00:54:13,730
and the top five most productive investigators in the world were all part of the strong
Star consortium.

416
00:54:21,290 --> 00:54:21,290
so again, we have a gem here in san antonio. Most of what we've done has been research,
Developing and evaluating effective treatments with the support of the

417
00:54:30,970 --> 00:54:30,970
baptist health foundation of san antonio, effective the 1st of july,
We are actually going to open up a free clinic at the health science center.

418
00:54:39,850 --> 00:54:39,850
it's available for service members, for veterans,
For first responders, and for civilians.

419
00:54:45,130 --> 00:54:45,130
so for the very first time, many of the treatments that we've developed through the strong
Star consortium,

420
00:54:50,610 --> 00:54:50,610
the currently are not available anywhere else in the world,
Will become available to the citizens of san antonio.

421
00:54:57,050 --> 00:54:57,050
so thank you for this proclamation for highlighting the importance of post-traumatic
Stress disorder for military city,

422
00:55:03,810 --> 00:55:03,810
usa. Thank you, thank you. Would you come forward and accept the proclamation?

423
00:55:11,530 --> 00:55:11,530
are you related to dave peterson? No. Okay. Okay.

424
00:55:39,890 --> 00:55:39,890
all right. That concludes the ceremonial. Let me let me alert you.

425
00:55:44,450 --> 00:55:44,450
let's take up agenda item number five, which is special presentation.

426
00:55:48,770 --> 00:55:48,770
so I'm teeing up the generation next bexar county arts and funding program.

427
00:55:54,170 --> 00:55:54,170
we need to go back to time, certain agenda item number six,
A, b, and c.

428
00:55:59,770 --> 00:55:59,770
then we'll go back to those individual items that we need to cover out of consent.

429
00:56:04,050 --> 00:56:04,050
all right. So in that order the court will call up presentation agenda item five a
Presentation introduction 2026 generation

430
00:56:13,930 --> 00:56:17,850
next bexar county art funding internship program. Nicole. Good morning, commissioners. Nicole orford,
Office of the county manager.

431
00:56:23,770 --> 00:56:23,770
we're here to introduce this year's bexar county arts internship program,
Which is managed by the tobin center.

432
00:56:30,170 --> 00:56:30,170
this program provides 14 local arts organizations with an intern for a ten week period.

433
00:56:36,610 --> 00:56:36,610
since its inception in 2013, bexar county has funded 147 interns and to support the local
Arts organizations.

434
00:56:45,490 --> 00:56:49,170
so I'll turn it over to the tobin center now. Hi. Good morning, judge sakai and commissioners.

435
00:56:51,850 --> 00:56:51,850
my name is cecily ellis and I am representing generation next and the tobin center for the
Performing arts.

436
00:56:57,970 --> 00:56:57,970
with me today is our ceo, mike fresher, cfo jeff lisanti,
And affiliate director and education manager angela garcia.

437
00:57:07,850 --> 00:57:07,850
I would like to thank you all for your continued support of the bexar county arts
Internship program.

438
00:57:12,860 --> 00:57:12,860
through this partnership, 14 undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain valuable
Hands on experience working with nonprofit arts organizations across our

439
00:57:22,380 --> 00:57:22,380
community through a paid ten week internship program facilitated by generation.

440
00:57:27,260 --> 00:57:27,260
next. Good morning. Thank you for having us today.

441
00:57:35,500 --> 00:57:35,500
I'm mike fisher, I'm president and ceo of the tobin center for performing arts.

442
00:57:39,980 --> 00:57:39,980
on behalf of our board of directors, we are again proud to facilitate the bexar county
Arts internship program for the sixth consecutive year.

443
00:57:49,460 --> 00:57:49,460
this is the sixth year that we've been in front of you all. It provides undergraduate
Students with hands on experience in nonprofit arts organizations across our

444
00:57:59,020 --> 00:57:59,020
community. We've seen firsthand the impact of this program,
With several interns going on to secure all full time positions at the

445
00:58:08,580 --> 00:58:08,580
organizations where they interned. It's more than an internship.

446
00:58:13,260 --> 00:58:13,260
it's a path to a meaningful career. By investing in local students and connecting them
With our arts community,

447
00:58:20,780 --> 00:58:20,780
we're helping build the next generation of arts leaders while strengthening,
Strengthening,

448
00:58:25,540 --> 00:58:25,540
strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of bexar county.

449
00:58:29,660 --> 00:58:29,660
we could not do this without the support of you and the county,
And we're happy to partner with you on it.

450
00:58:35,860 --> 00:58:35,860
thank you. You all have received invitations to our luncheon on august 4th,
Where we

451
00:58:45,620 --> 00:58:45,620
will recognize the interns, and we would be very honored to have you all join us.

452
00:58:50,340 --> 00:58:50,340
this event provides an opportunity for the interns to share their experiences and reflect
On what they have learned throughout the program.

453
00:58:57,260 --> 00:58:57,260
representatives from each participating organization will now briefly introduce their
Organization and their intern,

454
00:59:03,340 --> 00:59:03,340
followed by the interns sharing their area of study and what they hope to gain from this
Opportunity.

455
00:59:08,910 --> 00:59:08,910
at the conclusion of the presentations, with your permission,
We would love to take a group photo of the 2026 internship cohort with the commissioners

456
00:59:17,070 --> 00:59:17,070
court. Thank you. Come introduce yourself. Good morning.

457
00:59:23,870 --> 00:59:23,870
I'm doctor sami serrano and I'm the director of education at classic theater of san
Antonio.

458
00:59:28,990 --> 00:59:28,990
we are a nonprofit organization that puts on straight plays throughout the year. And this
Is our intern,

459
00:59:33,630 --> 00:59:33,630
elle. Hi. I'm elle. I'm a technical theater production student at texas state.

460
00:59:40,550 --> 00:59:40,550
I'm the intern and yeah, the production intern and.

461
00:59:46,750 --> 00:59:46,750
yeah, yeah. Good morning. My name is sarah cobb.

462
00:59:54,350 --> 00:59:57,350
I am the education director at the wonder theater. We are also a nonprofit community theater. Here in san antonio,
We run a very large kids program and we are so excited to have one of our former

463
01:00:06,590 --> 01:00:06,590
students, miss mia lopez, as our intern this summer.

464
01:00:11,550 --> 01:00:11,550
hi, I'm mia lopez, I'm a student of psychology and women's and gender studies at pace
University in new york city.

465
01:00:17,510 --> 01:00:17,510
and I hope to gain experience in children's theater education for my future career as a
Children's counselor.

466
01:00:29,510 --> 01:00:29,510
hi. Good morning. My name is yari puente and I'm the founder of art van gogh therapy.

467
01:00:34,870 --> 01:00:34,870
we provide expressive forms of therapy such as art,
Play therapy, and somatic therapy, to children who have experienced trauma in the foster

468
01:00:43,190 --> 01:00:43,190
care system. We work very closely with foster families and children to help them heal from
Their past experiences,

469
01:00:51,430 --> 01:00:51,430
and we also hold a light, so they might be able to see that they are safe and well and
Loved.

470
01:00:57,550 --> 01:00:57,550
and today we have olivia, who is our wonderful intern,
And I'll let her present herself.

471
01:01:03,280 --> 01:01:03,280
hello, my name is olivia rafaniello. I'm a psychology and communication media double major
At trinity university.

472
01:01:11,640 --> 01:01:14,400
and thank you to the court for this opportunity. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning. I'm miriam good,
Chief impact

473
01:01:24,000 --> 01:01:24,000
officer at the orchestra, san antonio. We are the resident orchestra at the tobin center,
And we have a mission to make classical music accessible

474
01:01:33,920 --> 01:01:33,920
to all through education and performances. And I'm thrilled to say that josiah is our
Summer intern,

475
01:01:41,560 --> 01:01:41,560
who's going to play a critical role in strengthening our fundraising infrastructure.

476
01:01:47,840 --> 01:01:47,840
just say hi, commissioners court. I'm josiah benavidez,
And I'm currently a marketing student with studying with a minor in nonprofit management

477
01:01:56,480 --> 01:01:56,480
at the university of texas at san antonio, and I can't wait to gain hands on experience in
Development.

478
01:02:01,880 --> 01:02:01,880
so to help me in reaching my future and, you know,
Helping make nonprofits in san antonio and around the country through be viable and have

479
01:02:11,720 --> 01:02:11,720
long term success through fundraising. So thank you.

480
01:02:19,760 --> 01:02:19,760
good morning. My name is chloe walker. I'm the education programs manager at artpace san
Antonio.

481
01:02:24,720 --> 01:02:24,720
artpace is a nonprofit artist residency program which supports texas national and
International artists in the creation of new art here downtown.

482
01:02:32,320 --> 01:02:32,320
our intern, sophia, will be working in education this semester,
Focusing on developing programs,

483
01:02:38,840 --> 01:02:38,840
as well as creating resources that make our archives and san antonio's art history more
Accessible.

484
01:02:45,880 --> 01:02:45,880
hi, my name is sophia salmeron and I am an art and communication double major minor in new
Media at trinity university.

485
01:02:53,120 --> 01:02:53,120
and through my internship at artpace, I hope to gain experience in how what I'm learning
In classroom setting can be used to benefit the community at a nonprofit art institution.

486
01:03:02,930 --> 01:03:02,930
and I would like to thank you for providing students like me with this opportunity. Thank
You. Good morning.

487
01:03:12,530 --> 01:03:12,530
I'm nicole wong, I'm the executive assistant with cactus pear music festival,
And we seek to enrich our cultural community with

488
01:03:22,330 --> 01:03:22,330
world class chamber music concerts and mentoring young musicians and just building
Community through music.

489
01:03:29,090 --> 01:03:29,090
we want to thank you, judge sakai and commissioners for your continued support.

490
01:03:33,250 --> 01:03:33,250
we really couldn't do this without you. And this is our intern,
Grace rober.

491
01:03:38,570 --> 01:03:38,570
good morning. My name is grace rober. I am a student at abilene christian university
Studying instrumental music,

492
01:03:44,970 --> 01:03:44,970
education and vocal performance. I will be interning at the cactus pear music festival,
And I just want to thank all the members of the court for your continued support with this

493
01:03:53,810 --> 01:03:53,810
program. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning,
Judge sakai.

494
01:04:01,170 --> 01:04:01,170
commissioners, thank you very much for this opportunity. I'm cory mccray,
The alamo city arts.

495
01:04:07,010 --> 01:04:07,010
one of our bexar county's largest multidisciplinary arts organization,
Serving over 89,000 residents in bexar county.

496
01:04:14,050 --> 01:04:14,050
and it is always my pleasure to be able to pass on an experience to upcoming artists and
Individuals like abraham estrada here.

497
01:04:25,130 --> 01:04:25,130
hello, my name is abraham estrada. I'm a student at texas a&m san antonio with the
Communications and with a master's degree in communications.

498
01:04:33,490 --> 01:04:33,490
I'm really excited to be a part of this. And thank you so much for supporting the program
And being able to give me the experience to be hands on and learn how to run live sound,

499
01:04:40,970 --> 01:04:40,970
which is something I'm very passionate about. And the different ways of production is put
On and is worked on by the amazing people of san antonio.

500
01:04:48,050 --> 01:04:48,050
thank you so much. Good morning. My name is leah granberry.

501
01:04:56,330 --> 01:04:56,330
I'm the development director for the children's chorus of san antonio,
A wonderful nonprofit that inspires and transforms young lives through choral music,

502
01:05:05,370 --> 01:05:05,370
education and performance opportunities. And we are very appreciative of this court,
This program,

503
01:05:11,010 --> 01:05:11,010
and our intern, zoe, who is already propelling our mission forward.

504
01:05:16,810 --> 01:05:16,810
good morning. Thank you for having me here. I'm zoe,
I'm a vocal music education major at oklahoma city university.

505
01:05:23,010 --> 01:05:23,010
go spurs though, and I am hoping to experience more hands on things with teaching kids
About music.

506
01:05:30,490 --> 01:05:30,490
so thank you. Hi, I'm jenny villa, I'm with agarita chamber players.

507
01:05:38,810 --> 01:05:38,810
our organization is an ensemble founded by four local musicians dedicated to making
Classical and contemporary music accessible to our

508
01:05:48,170 --> 01:05:48,170
community. Our new intern is ryan healy. Agarita is happy to welcome him to our team.

509
01:05:54,340 --> 01:05:54,340
what stood out most about him during our selection process was his genuine curiosity and
Enthusiasm for understanding how a

510
01:06:03,660 --> 01:06:03,660
nonprofit truly operates. Agarita would also like to thank the tobin center,
The commissioners,

511
01:06:09,220 --> 01:06:09,220
and george sakai. Ryan. Good morning. Thank you for having me.

512
01:06:14,900 --> 01:06:14,900
my name is ryan healy. I'm currently a student at the university of houston pursuing my
Bachelor of fine arts in acting.

513
01:06:21,540 --> 01:06:21,540
opportunities like this are critical in helping young artists such as myself understand
What it means to pursue a career in the arts.

514
01:06:27,220 --> 01:06:30,580
so I want to thank the core as well as the tobin center,
For this opportunity. Thank you very much. Hi. Good morning, commissioner court.

515
01:06:39,140 --> 01:06:39,140
my name is brianna morales, a local actor, theater director and theater arts educator.

516
01:06:44,220 --> 01:06:44,220
we're here to represent the otro at a local theater company dedicated to raising the
Voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities through innovative

517
01:06:54,020 --> 01:06:57,700
theater and educational programing and on behalf of theater. We thank bexar county and gen next for their support through this grant program,
Because this funding has now allowed us to hire a full time intern to help strengthen our

518
01:07:07,140 --> 01:07:07,140
capacity and expand our ability to serve our community through the art of theatrical
Performance.

519
01:07:12,940 --> 01:07:12,940
miss abigail padilla, a theater education undergrad student at the university of texas at
Austin,

520
01:07:19,260 --> 01:07:19,260
has already become an invaluable member of our team in just the two short weeks that she's
Been with us.

521
01:07:26,580 --> 01:07:26,580
hello. Good morning. My name is abigail padilla. I'm a theater education student at the
University of texas at austin.

522
01:07:32,580 --> 01:07:35,460
and I want to just say thank you so much for this opportunity. And I'm so excited to bring new skills to my future classrooms.

523
01:07:43,700 --> 01:07:43,700
good morning. My name is madeline elizondo and I'm the director of education and outreach
With opera san antonio.

524
01:07:50,350 --> 01:07:50,350
so in addition to two major productions, we actually do 80 plus events annually.

525
01:07:55,190 --> 01:07:55,190
and we're super excited to have an intern this summer to help us bolster our marketing
Efforts in reaching the community and providing more access and just awareness,

526
01:08:03,550 --> 01:08:03,550
basic awareness of what it is that we do. So it is my pleasure to introduce our intern
This summer,

527
01:08:08,350 --> 01:08:08,350
kimmy. Hi. I'm so excited to be here. Thank you so much for having me.

528
01:08:13,630 --> 01:08:13,630
my name is akemi nunez martinez, and I'm a student at ut san antonio studying music
Marketing.

529
01:08:18,910 --> 01:08:18,910
and I'm so excited to work with mariana elizondo and the opera san antonio.

530
01:08:23,110 --> 01:08:23,110
so I am a little bit by myself. I'm a violinist,
So I'm so excited to get a glance of what it's like to work for a performing arts

531
01:08:29,350 --> 01:08:32,550
organization. So thank you all so much for your support. And yeah, thank you for making this happen. Hello.

532
01:08:40,870 --> 01:08:40,870
good morning. My name is patricia fernandez and I'm the treasurer and the grant manager
For the nonprofit texas fashion industry initiative,

533
01:08:48,990 --> 01:08:48,990
and the tfii is the state's official nonprofit dedicated to the positive growth of the
Texas fashion industry through career development and

534
01:08:58,870 --> 01:08:58,870
empowerment programing for fashion artists and entrepreneurs through the bexar county arts
Internship grant program for 2026.

535
01:09:06,870 --> 01:09:06,870
tfii is able to provide a paid internship to our very own intern,
Violet sapien.

536
01:09:15,350 --> 01:09:15,350
good morning, judge and commissioners. I am violet sapien,
A marketing student at uc san antonio with a strong passion for fashion,

537
01:09:24,070 --> 01:09:24,070
media and creative storytelling. I have experience in creative direction digital branding,

538
01:09:30,070 --> 01:09:30,070
digital branding, social media strategy and event coordination with a particular interest
In helping grow and modernize the texas fashion industry

539
01:09:40,030 --> 01:09:40,030
through this internship with tfii. I hope to further develop my industry experience while
Contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to evolving fashion

540
01:09:49,760 --> 01:09:49,760
lamps to the evolving fashion landscape in texas.

541
01:09:54,120 --> 01:09:54,120
I am passionate about building meaningful connections through community connections and
Fashion,

542
01:09:59,880 --> 01:09:59,880
creating content that fills both culturally relevant and visually impactful.

543
01:10:04,440 --> 01:10:04,440
thank you for this opportunity. Hi there. My name is omar hilario and I'm a programing
Coordinator for santo

544
01:10:14,400 --> 01:10:14,400
cultural arts. We're an arts organization that empowers youth with community programing,
Which includes our art focused summer camps and helping with that is our summer intern,

545
01:10:23,920 --> 01:10:23,920
marcela hernandez. Bialy. My name is marcela salomé hernandez.

546
01:10:30,040 --> 01:10:30,040
I use they them pronouns and I'm an incoming senior at ut san antonio,
Majoring in mexican american studies.

547
01:10:36,320 --> 01:10:36,320
I'm honored to foster connections with the youth on the west side of san antonio and
Further my involvement with saka and umar.

548
01:10:43,000 --> 01:10:43,000
it's my hope that our kids are given every opportunity to thrive because it is what they
Deserve,

549
01:10:47,920 --> 01:10:50,200
and I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all. Thank you very much for making this happen. Good morning.

550
01:10:57,680 --> 01:10:57,680
my name is casey lomeli. I'm the new media and communications coordinator for contemporary
At blue star,

551
01:11:02,920 --> 01:11:02,920
founded by artists and grown from a grassroots art exhibition in 1986,
We are the first and longest running nonprofit space for contemporary art in san

552
01:11:12,720 --> 01:11:12,720
antonio. I'm here with our intern, kathryn, who will be spending the summer helping us
Advocate for the value of arts and culture in san antonio.

553
01:11:21,600 --> 01:11:21,600
hello, my name is katherine. I'm currently a student at utsa,
Majoring in art history, and I hope through this internship to learn more about arts

554
01:11:29,920 --> 01:11:29,920
communication and arts advocacy. Thank you. Nicole,
Let me go ahead and we'll close it out and get a picture here.

555
01:11:38,360 --> 01:11:38,360
but as county judge, this has been one of the great partnerships between bexar county and
The tobin center for performing arts.

556
01:11:45,290 --> 01:11:45,290
and mike pressure over there. Thank you. This is an example of a great public private
Partnership with especially with our nonprofit community and,

557
01:11:55,010 --> 01:11:55,010
and the internships that have been created and the people that have been participating in
Order to create that foundation of what's truly important for our community.

558
01:12:04,370 --> 01:12:07,490
and that's the arts. That's the music. That's the theater. It's the it's what makes this community such a strong,
Strong community in our local nonprofits.

559
01:12:13,930 --> 01:12:13,930
I have attended several program graduations with my team each year.

560
01:12:18,210 --> 01:12:18,210
I'm impressed by the caliber of these creative students,
The stories of their growth, working with these organizations,

561
01:12:24,810 --> 01:12:24,810
and the launching pad. The program provides for careers in the arts and the nonprofits.

562
01:12:29,650 --> 01:12:32,770
so thank you very much for what you do for our community. Never underestimate the power you do as an individual.

563
01:12:36,370 --> 01:12:36,370
let's give them all a round of applause. Nicole,
Do you want to close it out now?

564
01:12:43,010 --> 01:12:43,010
y'all want to come over here? Let's get a picture. I'll take photos of it.

565
01:12:48,570 --> 01:12:48,570
we need a wide angle. All right. That's why we got isaac up on top there.

566
01:12:54,370 --> 01:12:54,370
guys, come on, you got scooch in here. We need somebody on this side.

567
01:13:01,170 --> 01:13:04,450
scoot down or got some people. Come on to the right. Am I right? Some people come over here. Come on.

568
01:13:09,610 --> 01:13:13,210
on this side. You got to get some people over on this side. There we go. There we go. Do we got it? Do we need to balance it out?

569
01:13:20,010 --> 01:13:23,850
ready? Ready. Ready. Come here. And one. Two. Three. And.

570
01:13:42,690 --> 01:13:42,690
thank you all very much.

571
01:13:53,730 --> 01:13:53,730
good to see you, mike. Keep up the good work.

572
01:14:00,810 --> 01:14:00,810
all right, let's get back to time. Certain. Let us take up presentation,
Discussion of federal opportunity zones 2.0 program

573
01:14:10,730 --> 01:14:10,730
to outline eligible local census tract. Review the county's process to prepare and submit
Nominations for final recommendations that will be submitted to the texas economic

574
01:14:20,690 --> 01:14:24,490
development and tourism office within the office of the governor. Commissioners court invites public commentary to receive community feedback and input.

575
01:14:30,770 --> 01:14:33,580
miss carter, let me go ahead and allow you to open. And then I do believe we have some people that have been signed up for this particular
Item.

576
01:14:37,860 --> 01:14:41,020
and you have the floor. Thank you, thank you judge. Thank you, commissioners court. I appreciate all of the time and the meetings that we've
Had to discuss this item.

577
01:14:48,060 --> 01:14:48,060
if we could get the powerpoint projected.

578
01:15:02,820 --> 01:15:02,820
if the a b team would please project the powerpoint for us would be the powerpoint.

579
01:15:14,260 --> 01:15:14,260
thank you. All right. So I'm deborah carter. I'm the director of economic development with
Bexar county.

580
01:15:20,940 --> 01:15:20,940
I'm here to talk about opportunity zones 2.0.

581
01:15:25,540 --> 01:15:25,540
so opportunity zones are economically distressed census tracts designated by the federal
Government,

582
01:15:32,260 --> 01:15:32,260
where investors can receive tax incentives for reinvesting their capital gains into local
Businesses and real estate.

583
01:15:39,820 --> 01:15:39,820
the program is designed to stimulate economic development and job creation in low income
Communities.

584
01:15:47,620 --> 01:15:47,620
eligible census tracks must be less than or equal to 70% of the san antonio,
New braunfels metropolitan areas.

585
01:15:56,020 --> 01:15:56,020
median family income, which is $61,950 annually for a family of four,
Or a tract

586
01:16:06,460 --> 01:16:06,460
that has a poverty rate of at least 20%. There are 2420 eligible

587
01:16:16,180 --> 01:16:16,180
census tracks in the state of texas, and 146 of those are in bexar county.

588
01:16:22,780 --> 01:16:22,780
the governor can nominate up to 25%, which is 605 eligible tracks for texas to the us
Department of treasury.

589
01:16:33,190 --> 01:16:33,190
bexar county can nominate up to 80%, which is 116 eligible census tracts to the texas
Economic development and tourist

590
01:16:42,750 --> 01:16:42,750
office. So bexar counties approach. We support the city of san antonio's 69

591
01:16:52,070 --> 01:16:52,070
recommended census tract nominations and will not duplicate.

592
01:16:56,390 --> 01:16:56,390
however, you'll notice there's an asterisk here because the city is still.

593
01:17:00,830 --> 01:17:00,830
may fluctuate that number. So it may go up a bit,
May go down.

594
01:17:05,070 --> 01:17:05,070
they are still having those conversations. Bexar county recommends submitting the
Remaining balance of the 47 eligible census tracts.

595
01:17:14,830 --> 01:17:14,830
again, that number may fluctuate depending on the city's recommendation to make up the
116.

596
01:17:22,110 --> 01:17:22,110
to maximize our nominations for the county, we are also prioritizing the six eligible
Census tracks in the suburban cities that

597
01:17:31,990 --> 01:17:31,990
includes balcony's heights, kirby, leon valley,
Somerset, vaughan army and windcrest.

598
01:17:41,110 --> 01:17:41,110
we will nominate the eligible census tracks that score the highest per the governor's
Scoring matrix and greater sachse.

599
01:17:49,790 --> 01:17:49,790
our local ido will be submitting bexar county's nomination packet to the texas economic
Development and tourism office.

600
01:18:00,710 --> 01:18:00,710
our timeline. So today we are here on june 9th to do the special presentation on june
23rd.

601
01:18:07,790 --> 01:18:07,790
we will be bringing this back on consent for the court to motion on june 23rd through the
26th is when greater sac will be

602
01:18:17,470 --> 01:18:17,470
submitting our nomination packet. By august 3rd,
The governor's office will send their final selections to the u.s.

603
01:18:26,120 --> 01:18:26,120
department of treasury, and by the end of the calendar year,
The us department of treasury will announce the qualified opportunity zones.

604
01:18:38,440 --> 01:18:38,440
so this is a map of the 146 census tracts that are eligible opportunity zones in precinct
One.

605
01:18:46,880 --> 01:18:46,880
there are 40 currently city of san antonio is recommending 17 through the matrix that we
Put together.

606
01:18:55,800 --> 01:18:55,800
we are recommending an additional 16 for a total of 33.

607
01:19:00,800 --> 01:19:00,800
in precinct two, there are 59 eligible opportunity zones,
31 are being recommended by the city of san antonio.

608
01:19:08,960 --> 01:19:08,960
and bexar county's recommending an additional ten for a total of 41.

609
01:19:13,760 --> 01:19:13,760
precinct three has eight eligible opportunity zones.

610
01:19:18,000 --> 01:19:20,640
the city of san antonio is recommending four. Bexar county is recommending an additional one for a total of five,
And precinct four has 39 eligible opportunity zones.

611
01:19:29,040 --> 01:19:32,800
the city of san antonio is currently recommending 17. The county is recommending an additional 20 for a total of 37.

612
01:19:36,520 --> 01:19:36,520
which brings us to the maximum nominations of 116.

613
01:19:41,440 --> 01:19:41,440
but again, note the asterisk. Because the city of san antonio may fluctuate their number
In between now and june 23rd.

614
01:19:51,520 --> 01:19:53,960
now we're going to break it down by precinct. So precinct one. This is a map that reflects precinct one.

615
01:19:58,960 --> 01:19:58,960
the census tracks that are highlighted in purple are recommended by the city of san
Antonio.

616
01:20:04,760 --> 01:20:04,760
the tracks that are in green are recommended by bexar county,
And the tracks that are in gray are not recommended because they did not score high on the

617
01:20:14,160 --> 01:20:14,160
matrix. This is a representation of precinct two.

618
01:20:21,120 --> 01:20:21,120
again same formula. Or coding purple is the city of san antonio's recommendations.

619
01:20:27,240 --> 01:20:27,240
bexar county is in green and gray is not recommended.

620
01:20:31,520 --> 01:20:31,520
I will note commissioner rodriguez, the gray we overlapped with a map and they are mostly
Residential areas that don't have an opportunity for investment.

621
01:20:40,600 --> 01:20:40,600
their rooftops. Precinct three in purple is the city of san antonio's recommendation.

622
01:20:49,920 --> 01:20:49,920
and in green is bexar county. And then there are three that are not recommended.

623
01:20:56,200 --> 01:20:56,200
you will see the census tracks do not stop at the precinct line.

624
01:21:02,000 --> 01:21:02,000
so there are some overlays. We looked at where the majority of the track was,
And that's how we counted which precinct it was in.

625
01:21:12,920 --> 01:21:12,920
and then, pardon me, precinct four again, the purple are in the city's recommendations.

626
01:21:20,650 --> 01:21:20,650
the green are bexar county recommendations. And then there were two that did not score
High that we would not recommend.

627
01:21:29,690 --> 01:21:32,490
and that's the conclusion of my presentation. But I would also like to highlight the team members that participated in this.

628
01:21:37,250 --> 01:21:37,250
francisco, natalia, and marshall helped us build the matrix based on the governor's
Matrix.

629
01:21:43,730 --> 01:21:43,730
and we're extremely valuable through this process so that we made a data driven decision.

630
01:21:49,650 --> 01:21:49,650
thank you very much, deborah and team, for your work.

631
01:21:54,170 --> 01:21:54,170
I want to delve into the not recommended in the southeast because I'm having a little bit
Of trouble on the gray.

632
01:22:00,690 --> 01:22:00,690
is that the only two census tracks in the precinct that were not recommended?

633
01:22:06,450 --> 01:22:06,450
can you give me some geographic understanding of where the streets are?

634
01:22:10,650 --> 01:22:10,650
really. My question is this does are the recommended census tracks,
Including pecan valley golf course area off of southcross.

635
01:22:21,170 --> 01:22:21,170
yes, sir. We did map that and that is included.

636
01:22:25,290 --> 01:22:28,930
okay, so I'm looking at the southeast non included. Can you give me an indication of where is this exactly.

637
01:22:32,530 --> 01:22:32,530
because I can't see street level. Commissioner I may need to get back with you on that
Because I don't have the street level in front of me.

638
01:22:42,610 --> 01:22:42,610
however, they did score the lowest on the matrix.

639
01:22:47,210 --> 01:22:47,210
that doesn't mean we still can't nominate them,
But maybe we have a side meeting to look at that and rearrange the census tracks in

640
01:22:54,690 --> 01:22:58,090
precinct four that are recommended. Well, let me ask it a different way. Okay. So if I'm looking to the east of the gray,
There's a large purple one.

641
01:23:02,410 --> 01:23:02,410
that city of san antonio is recommended and there's some green ones on the western
Northwestern.

642
01:23:08,810 --> 01:23:08,810
do you know what those any streets from those census tracts?

643
01:23:13,050 --> 01:23:13,050
anything. Ring a bell? I apologize, commissioner I didn't bring that level of detail with
Me today.

644
01:23:21,100 --> 01:23:21,100
and so the non included were based upon our matrix the governor's matrix or a different
Matrix.

645
01:23:27,900 --> 01:23:27,900
it's the governor's matrix. And so I can read what those those matrix are.

646
01:23:35,460 --> 01:23:35,460
they're local support. So we included any 381 agreements tax abatements skills development
Grants,

647
01:23:43,580 --> 01:23:43,580
innovation grants project viability. So projects that are shovel ready land,
Which we got some really rich data

648
01:23:53,460 --> 01:23:53,460
from the city of san antonio. We appreciate their partnership and sharing that information
With us.

649
01:23:59,140 --> 01:23:59,140
and then geographic balance. So if there was a natural disaster in that area,
Which we found that there were three state declared natural

650
01:24:08,740 --> 01:24:11,980
disasters, but they encompassed all of bexar county. So we didn't have a census track that received additional points in that category.

651
01:24:16,660 --> 01:24:16,660
okay. Recognizing that we can amend this, let me just try to understand something.

652
01:24:20,820 --> 01:24:20,820
so this to me is kind of like being a business with a decision with respect to do I,
Do I avail myself to accept

653
01:24:30,620 --> 01:24:33,900
credit cards or do I only accept checks in cash? And the reason I say that is because there, there really is no downside.

654
01:24:40,940 --> 01:24:40,940
I mean, there may be. I mean, gentrification may be something that people are concerned
About or other undesirable industries.

655
01:24:47,980 --> 01:24:47,980
people may be concerned about investing in the area,
But there are really no downsides to maximizing the census tracts that we use.

656
01:24:54,940 --> 01:24:54,940
I agree, sir. And that's why we want to maximize at the 116 that we are allowed to submit.

657
01:25:01,140 --> 01:25:01,140
all right. Just to refresh, there's 146 eligible in bexar county,
But the maximum we can submit is 116.

658
01:25:09,100 --> 01:25:11,740
so we are not at one. 16 we're close to it though. No, we are at 116. We are at 116. Recommendations?

659
01:25:14,670 --> 01:25:14,670
yes, sir. Okay. All right. So so I just I just want to go and look at,
You know the southeast

660
01:25:24,070 --> 01:25:24,070
area that we're not including just to, you know,
Really double check our thought processes around it.

661
01:25:33,870 --> 01:25:33,870
and and your team can get back to me on where those geographically are.

662
01:25:39,390 --> 01:25:39,390
will do. Appreciate it. Thank you very much. Yeah.

663
01:25:43,630 --> 01:25:47,550
I just want to thank you guys for meeting with me and answering all my questions. And a big applause to your team, your data team.

664
01:25:52,830 --> 01:25:52,830
so they're amazing to be able to put all this together.

665
01:25:58,150 --> 01:25:58,150
and I think marcus wants to connect them with another department.

666
01:26:02,950 --> 01:26:05,230
so you can put some pictures to make it easy. So thanks for the work you're doing. I also want to recognize former councilwoman adriana
Garcia,

667
01:26:10,070 --> 01:26:10,070
who's here, who's now. You can wave and stand who's now over chest who works for
Preventive health work on the southern sector of

668
01:26:19,990 --> 01:26:19,990
bexar county. And I know has worked closely with you guys. So thank you for being here. So
We're hearing from her.

669
01:26:27,430 --> 01:26:27,430
anything else? Let me deborah in meeting with me and my staff,
We wanted to make sure that our suburban cities were integrated into this

670
01:26:37,390 --> 01:26:37,390
process. Can you tell the court how we did or how you and your staff did that?

671
01:26:43,110 --> 01:26:43,110
yes. Thank you judge. So we did send all of the mayors of the suburban cities within bexar
County a letter notifying them if they did have an

672
01:26:52,990 --> 01:26:52,990
eligible census track within their suburban city,
Or if they did not.

673
01:26:57,510 --> 01:26:57,510
and we had six suburban cities that did. And we have asked for letters of support from
Them to include in our nomination packet.

674
01:27:05,830 --> 01:27:05,830
and we are fully supportive of recommending those census tracks.

675
01:27:12,120 --> 01:27:12,120
and we also wanted from my perspective and from my staff was to focus on the underserved
Area,

676
01:27:19,960 --> 01:27:22,960
especially the unincorporated, the more rural areas. And we did a thorough sweep of those. And that's the reason why on paper,
Precinct three is perhaps not included in a lot of census

677
01:27:32,960 --> 01:27:32,960
tracks. Because of that, that dynamic. Is that a true statement?

678
01:27:37,120 --> 01:27:40,080
census three had the least amount of eligible tracks. And so they just didn't meet the requirements,
The federal requirements.

679
01:27:45,560 --> 01:27:49,160
all right. We're just taking discussion. Correct. We're not taking any action today. And we'll come back in a couple of weeks on the june
23rd meeting for approval.

680
01:27:54,440 --> 01:27:54,440
that's correct. And I assume commissioners, y'all will have an opportunity to get the
Final presentation all locked down.

681
01:28:02,200 --> 01:28:04,360
all right. That'll be up to y'all to do that. So with that let us now go to the. I believe we go to the public.

682
01:28:11,760 --> 01:28:11,760
hearing public presentation. Although it's not listed,
But I'm going to call up those that have signed up.

683
01:28:17,920 --> 01:28:17,920
and first we'll go with former councilwoman adriana.

684
01:28:22,480 --> 01:28:22,480
rocha garcia from the chest nonprofit. Yes. Good morning,
Judge, good commissioners

685
01:28:32,400 --> 01:28:35,280
and everyone, thank you for allowing me to speak. The executive committee of the board of directors of chess,
The center for health empowerment in south texas,

686
01:28:40,120 --> 01:28:40,120
strongly supports the opportunity zone 2.0 nomination package we submitted in
Consideration for census tracts across bexar county.

687
01:28:48,720 --> 01:28:48,720
you all should have received them. The nominated tracks represent some of the most
Economically distressed communities in san antonio,

688
01:28:55,400 --> 01:28:55,400
with poverty ranges from approximately 22 to 45.6%,
Far exceeding statutory thresholds and reflecting long standing

689
01:29:05,160 --> 01:29:05,160
structural inequities. These communities also experience profound disparities in health
Outcomes,

690
01:29:11,480 --> 01:29:11,480
including a life expectancy gap approaching 20 years between underserved neighborhoods and
More affluent areas of the county.

691
01:29:19,720 --> 01:29:22,760
chess nomination is not a collection of isolated projects. It's a coordinated, place based investment strategy anchored by real,
Shovel ready initiatives and a strong backbone.

692
01:29:29,840 --> 01:29:29,840
chess serves as a cross-sector convener, aligning health care systems,
Educational institutions,

693
01:29:35,320 --> 01:29:35,320
nonprofits, and public agencies to achieve measurable improvements in community health and
Economic mobility.

694
01:29:42,360 --> 01:29:42,360
each of the proposed clusters demonstrates clear readiness,
Viability, and long term impact.

695
01:29:47,920 --> 01:29:47,920
they include the san antonio south health empowerment zone,
The southwest medical corridor,

696
01:29:53,520 --> 01:29:53,520
which we have seen investment in from university health recently,
And we'd like to thank commissioner clay-flores for her prioritizing.

697
01:30:00,240 --> 01:30:00,240
of those projects, the brooks city-base and basin cast med pipeline,
Which represents a unique national model connecting middle school,

698
01:30:07,930 --> 01:30:07,930
high school and career pathways. The east side innovation district at velocity,
Texas, supported by its bioscience investment and federal funding.

699
01:30:15,850 --> 01:30:18,690
thank you, commissioner calvert for all of your work on that. And the west side cluster, which includes clusters with poverty rates of about above 45%,
Reflecting the most urgent need and addressing great opportunity

700
01:30:28,690 --> 01:30:28,690
for equitable anti-displacement investment. And we want to thank commissioner rodriguez
For his thoughtful reengagement of the conversation around zip code

701
01:30:37,690 --> 01:30:37,690
78207. These clusters are supported by significant public and private commitments,
Including federal grants,

702
01:30:44,770 --> 01:30:44,770
local government investment, philanthropy, and institutional partnerships.

703
01:30:49,610 --> 01:30:49,610
the designation of these tracks under opportunity zone 2.0 will not only attract capital,
It will align that capital with measurable community outcomes,

704
01:30:59,010 --> 01:30:59,010
including improved health care access, workforce development,
Affordable housing and economic opportunity for residents who have historically been left

705
01:31:07,570 --> 01:31:07,570
behind. San antonio is among the nation's most economically segregated cities,
With extreme disparities in income and life expectancy concentrated in its urban

706
01:31:17,410 --> 01:31:17,410
core and surrounding communities. The conditions across the nominated tracks are not the
Result of individual failure.

707
01:31:24,730 --> 01:31:24,730
they are the product of decades of infrastructure,
Underinvestment, unfragmented, health care access,

708
01:31:31,490 --> 01:31:31,490
broken workforce pipelines, and the absence of coordinated institutional commitment.

709
01:31:37,450 --> 01:31:37,450
and the data speaks for itself. Life expectancies vary by about 20 years.

710
01:31:42,610 --> 01:31:42,610
poverty ranges from 22 to 46%, all exceeding the opportunity zone statutory threshold.

711
01:31:50,610 --> 01:31:50,610
several west side tracks meet the federal definition of persistent poverty 20% or more,
Far more than for 30 years consecutively.

712
01:32:00,740 --> 01:32:00,740
the south side and east side bexar a disproportionate burden of preventable chronic
Disease.

713
01:32:05,540 --> 01:32:05,540
emergency department utilization and premature mortality in bexar county and south side.

714
01:32:11,180 --> 01:32:11,180
south side of san antonio faces a growing health care workforce shortage with too few,
Many,

715
01:32:17,500 --> 01:32:17,500
too few community members on a pathway into the health care careers that threatens to
Widen widen the health equity gap even as new facilities are built.

716
01:32:26,900 --> 01:32:26,900
opportunity zone 2.0 is a financial tool that can accelerate the institutional investments
Already underway across these communities.

717
01:32:34,420 --> 01:32:34,420
each of the five clusters is anchored by major initiatives with committed or active
Investment,

718
01:32:40,220 --> 01:32:40,220
and each has an organizational backbone positioned to coordinate these into capital.

719
01:32:45,100 --> 01:32:48,380
this capital into measurable community benefits. And we thank you all for the time to consider our recommendations.

720
01:32:52,380 --> 01:32:52,380
thank you, judge and commissioners, and we'll be available to take any questions later on
As your staff needs us.

721
01:32:59,020 --> 01:32:59,020
thank you, michael taylor.

722
01:33:13,780 --> 01:33:13,780
thank you judge. I am speaking on the next item. Would you like me to go ahead?

723
01:33:17,900 --> 01:33:21,820
go ahead. Okay. Well thank you, judge sakai and commissioners. I'm michael taylor, president and ceo of habitat for humanity of san antonio.

724
01:33:26,500 --> 01:33:26,500
and I want to start by thanking robert reyna and laura montanez and the entire community
Development and housing team for their ongoing support of affordable homeownership.

725
01:33:36,340 --> 01:33:36,340
and I'm going to request today that the court support staff's recommendation to allocate
Hud home funding to support habitat's affordable homeownership program.

726
01:33:46,380 --> 01:33:46,380
these funds will be used to help us acquire eight and a half acres of land that's within
Walking distance to southwest legacy high school.

727
01:33:55,590 --> 01:33:55,590
resnick middle school and the new elementary school in precinct one.

728
01:34:00,110 --> 01:34:00,110
the funds will also be used to help us build out the public infrastructure so that
Streets,

729
01:34:05,150 --> 01:34:05,150
sidewalks, drains, utilities for a total of 47 new single family homes for hardworking,
Low and very low income families.

730
01:34:14,350 --> 01:34:14,350
these funds will leverage millions more in donations from individuals,
Faith and civic groups,

731
01:34:18,950 --> 01:34:18,950
groups and the business community to make home building possible.

732
01:34:23,350 --> 01:34:23,350
habitat builds three and four bedroom homes for families and sells them at no profit and
Finances them for 15 to 25 years at 0% interest.

733
01:34:33,310 --> 01:34:33,310
that means that monthly payments, including taxes and insurance,
Are about $900 a month, and our homebuyers work very hard to be a part of our program.

734
01:34:42,630 --> 01:34:42,630
they complete 17 home buyer readiness classes,
And they earn a minimum of 300 hours of sweat equity.

735
01:34:50,550 --> 01:34:50,550
I also wanted to talk briefly about a big event that we have coming up this friday.

736
01:34:55,110 --> 01:34:55,110
so friday, june 12th, habitat will be hosting the spurs.

737
01:34:59,150 --> 01:34:59,150
spurs sports and entertainment, holt group and the david robinson fellowship students at
Our melody lane build site.

738
01:35:07,110 --> 01:35:07,110
bexar county contributed $2 million in slf and arpa funds slash arpa funds for the
Acquisition of land and installation of utilities for this

739
01:35:17,030 --> 01:35:17,030
23 home neighborhood. And this is obviously a very busy time for the spurs,
So we are very excited that they will be out in mass to help landscape

740
01:35:26,990 --> 01:35:26,990
six homes. And at 10 a.m., we're going to be dedicating these six homes along with nine
Others.

741
01:35:33,950 --> 01:35:33,950
and our very own judge sakai will be there to welcome 15 of our newest and hardest working
Bexar county homeowners.

742
01:35:43,390 --> 01:35:46,790
so overall, just want to thank you all for your support. Bexar county is an exceptional partner and a consistent funder,
And that's what helps habitat to ensure that we continue our production year after year.

743
01:35:55,590 --> 01:35:55,590
this year, we're building 52 homes. And that's because we,
You know, we we know what we do and we do it well.

744
01:36:01,790 --> 01:36:01,790
this is actually our 50th anniversary year. So it's a very exciting time for us.

745
01:36:07,350 --> 01:36:07,350
thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today,
And I appreciate your support.

746
01:36:11,670 --> 01:36:11,670
all right. And this comments will be coming up on six b,
Which will be taken up right after this.

747
01:36:18,670 --> 01:36:18,670
cindy smith, you've also signed up for six b.

748
01:36:30,470 --> 01:36:33,150
good morning. Thank you. My name is cassidy smith. I'm here representing prospera housing community services in alamo community group.

749
01:36:37,670 --> 01:36:37,670
I'm here to express our support for the commissioners consideration of the community
Development block grant funds for the springfield manor apartments complex.

750
01:36:47,990 --> 01:36:47,990
prosperous mission is to provide safe, high quality,
Affordable housing with support services to those in need.

751
01:36:53,200 --> 01:36:53,200
we are a local nonprofit. We've been around for over 30 years now.

752
01:36:58,600 --> 01:36:58,600
we'd like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks for your for your consideration
Today,

753
01:37:03,560 --> 01:37:07,160
and especially to commissioner calvert for his support of the project. These funds, if they were awarded, would assist with the rehabilitation of springfield
Manor apartments and affordable housing community in kirby,

754
01:37:13,760 --> 01:37:13,760
texas. They would serve to enhance the interior and exterior of the community,
As well as maintain and preserve affordable housing options for bexar county residents.

755
01:37:22,880 --> 01:37:22,880
affordable housing is extremely important for the community,
And springfield manor has stood as as an option for bexar county residents since 1968.

756
01:37:31,440 --> 01:37:35,360
it is comprised of 130 units of multifamily housing. This investment would help ensure that the property remains a valuable resource for
Current and future residents.

757
01:37:41,320 --> 01:37:41,320
we would also like to thank the bexar county economic and community development department
For its continued commitment and dedication to the community. It is a true privilege to

758
01:37:49,120 --> 01:37:49,120
collaborate with bexar county staff and advancing service,
Enriched and affordable housing, affordable housing and supporting residents throughout

759
01:37:55,360 --> 01:37:55,360
the county. Thank you again to commissioner calvert to everybody and the entire bexar
County team for your partnership and support.

760
01:38:01,960 --> 01:38:01,960
thank you. I apologize. It's cassidy. Yes. Not cindy.

761
01:38:07,120 --> 01:38:11,040
yes. You have the smallest handwriting. I'm so sorry. Thank you so much. Thank you. Was there anybody else signed up for item six that I did not
Call up that you signed up for otherwise?

762
01:38:19,080 --> 01:38:23,000
let us now proceed into the next time. Certain presentation. Discussion. Appropriate action regarding one approval of the proposed reprograming action.

763
01:38:28,000 --> 01:38:28,000
utilizing $300,309.01. An unexpended program.

764
01:38:33,120 --> 01:38:33,120
year 2124 cdbg funds to a public works infrastructure project in precinct four.

765
01:38:39,240 --> 01:38:39,240
mr. Reina, you here? Yes, sir. You have the floor.

766
01:38:44,320 --> 01:38:44,320
kai and commissioners, for the record, my name is robert rijino with the bexar county
Economic and community development department.

767
01:38:50,570 --> 01:38:50,570
and this morning I plan to present staff recommendations regarding hud entitlement funds
For the 2026 to 2027 program year.

768
01:39:01,450 --> 01:39:01,450
discuss item number two under six b. Is that all going to be one?

769
01:39:06,730 --> 01:39:06,730
so let me call up agenda item number two. The preliminary selection of projects to be
Funded with cdbg.

770
01:39:13,250 --> 01:39:13,250
$3,147,821. Home investment partnerships 920

771
01:39:20,770 --> 01:39:20,770
$100,141.37. An emergency solutions grant $277,743 of program funds for the

772
01:39:30,410 --> 01:39:30,410
2627 program year. I yield back to you, mr. Rijino.

773
01:39:34,650 --> 01:39:34,650
thank you judge. As you know, bexar county administers our division,
Administers three grants the us department of housing and urban development,

774
01:39:42,370 --> 01:39:42,370
cdbg, home in esg. Bexar county receives these entitlement funds on an annual basis from
Hud.

775
01:39:50,290 --> 01:39:50,290
in program year 2025, we received $4.31 million,
And in program year 2026, we anticipate receiving $4.34 million,

776
01:40:00,250 --> 01:40:00,250
which represents a $34,000 increase over the previous year.

777
01:40:06,610 --> 01:40:06,610
of the $4.34 million we receive, approximately 742,000 is set aside to support our eight
Person community development division.

778
01:40:19,450 --> 01:40:19,450
the community development block grant, or cdbg,
Is our largest federal program.

779
01:40:24,610 --> 01:40:24,610
we utilize cdbg to help develop viable urban communities in low and moderate income census
Tracts.

780
01:40:33,850 --> 01:40:37,410
with respect to cdbg public service activities. We are recommending a $75,000 allocation to the somerset senior center.

781
01:40:42,460 --> 01:40:42,460
$75,000 for the greater randolph area services program or grasp.

782
01:40:48,340 --> 01:40:48,340
$50,000 for project mend and $150,000 for the san antonio food bank for a grand total of
$350,000 in

783
01:40:58,140 --> 01:40:58,140
public service investments. With respect to cdbg infrastructure,
We recommend

784
01:41:06,420 --> 01:41:06,420
$656,000 to the city of sandy oaks, $239,000 for the city of vaughan army,
547,000

785
01:41:16,340 --> 01:41:16,340
for the city of balconies heights, 533,000 for alamo community group and 190,000 for meals
On

786
01:41:26,260 --> 01:41:26,260
wheels. This year, we also have reprograming funds in the amount of $300,000.

787
01:41:36,860 --> 01:41:36,860
this funding comes from underutilized administrative costs as a portion of staff salaries
Were offset during the covid era or the covid

788
01:41:46,260 --> 01:41:46,260
pandemic. This reduced the amount that needed to be drawn from our federal entitlements,
Creating available cdbg funds that can now be redirected to

789
01:41:56,180 --> 01:41:56,180
an eligible infrastructure project. And the project that we are recommending is a public
Works infrastructure project in precinct four.

790
01:42:07,620 --> 01:42:07,620
the second grant that we administer is the home investment partnership program.

791
01:42:11,940 --> 01:42:11,940
we utilize home to increase the supply of affordable housing in bexar county.

792
01:42:20,060 --> 01:42:20,060
we are recommending $828,000 for habitat for humanity,
For the rancho verano single family development community.

793
01:42:31,660 --> 01:42:31,660
and our final grant is esg or the emergency solutions grant.

794
01:42:35,900 --> 01:42:35,900
we use this grant to help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness regain
Housing stability.

795
01:42:41,950 --> 01:42:41,950
we are recommending $162,000 for haven, for hope for their street outreach program and
$94,912 for

796
01:42:51,910 --> 01:42:51,910
rapid rehousing. That brings us to our recommended motion judge.

797
01:42:59,030 --> 01:43:01,670
I don't have any questions. Thank you for meeting with me. Thank you for the work that you guys do, your small but mighty team.

798
01:43:05,510 --> 01:43:05,510
I'd like to make a motion for approval. Motion by commissioner clay-flores.

799
01:43:09,790 --> 01:43:09,790
are we? For purposes of clarity, we're taking both agenda items as one or we need to
Separate them.

800
01:43:16,990 --> 01:43:19,430
I can make a motion for approval for for b as well. All right. Motion by commissioner clay-flores.

801
01:43:22,230 --> 01:43:22,230
second by commissioner cavanaugh. I'm sorry,
B1 and b2, b1 and b2 for the record.

802
01:43:28,190 --> 01:43:28,190
any further discussion? Commissioner rodriguez,
Commissioner calvert. Right.

803
01:43:32,590 --> 01:43:32,590
anything else? All right. All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.

804
01:43:36,830 --> 01:43:36,830
aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries.

805
01:43:42,510 --> 01:43:42,510
thank you very much. Thank you judge. But. I think mr.

806
01:43:51,030 --> 01:43:51,030
moody is commissioner moody. Register a vote.

807
01:43:56,070 --> 01:43:56,070
please note. I did I you voted unanimously. Approved.

808
01:44:05,230 --> 01:44:05,230
all right, we'll continue on with time. Certain discussion,
Appropriate action regarding the presentation by clifton larson allen

809
01:44:15,430 --> 01:44:15,430
of the county's fy 2025 annual comprehensive financial report,
Single audit report and government letter.

810
01:44:23,750 --> 01:44:23,750
mr. Leo cabrera, good morning, honorable judge sakai and honorable commissioners court.

811
01:44:30,550 --> 01:44:34,190
for the record, my name is leo caldera, a county auditor. Today. External auditor joel perez. He's the principal of clifton larson.

812
01:44:38,150 --> 01:44:38,150
allen cla will be presenting the 2025 audited financial results to commissioners court.

813
01:44:43,950 --> 01:44:43,950
the county's annual comprehensive financial report,
Also known as the acfr, is put together in conjunction the audit.

814
01:44:50,790 --> 01:44:54,630
you all should received a packet last week along with the audit. I'm very happy to report we received an unmodified opinion or better known as a clean
Audit.

815
01:44:59,830 --> 01:44:59,830
this basically means the county's financial records were found to be accurate and
Trustworthy.

816
01:45:04,870 --> 01:45:04,870
we had no material weaknesses identified. And we continue to receive the certificate of
Achievement for excellence in financial reporting.

817
01:45:12,950 --> 01:45:12,950
we actually had a our comments go down from 15 to 4 comments this year.

818
01:45:17,630 --> 01:45:17,630
so we're pretty happy with that. As you all know,
It takes a lot of work, several months to put this act together,

819
01:45:23,950 --> 01:45:23,950
all while responding to external audit auditor requests.

820
01:45:28,630 --> 01:45:28,630
I'm blessed with my hard working staff that successfully gets this done to meet deadlines
Every year.

821
01:45:33,720 --> 01:45:33,720
that said, thank you to my hard working staff and to the external auditors for their
Thorough audit contributions.

822
01:45:40,280 --> 01:45:42,680
that said, I'm going to hand this over to joel. He's going to talk about some key high points of this year's audit,
And specifically two single audit findings.

823
01:45:51,400 --> 01:45:54,600
single audit findings. And that has to do with grants for this year. Thank you. Thank you leo. Good morning. Good morning,

824
01:46:04,400 --> 01:46:07,120
honorable judge peter sakai, members of the court. My name is joel perez. I'm a principal with clifton,
Ireland, as leo alluded to.

825
01:46:12,840 --> 01:46:12,840
and I served as the engagement leader for the audit for bexar county for fiscal year
Ending september 30th,

826
01:46:19,720 --> 01:46:19,720
2025. Leo highlighted the results in a very nice and condensed way of the of the of the
Audit.

827
01:46:28,320 --> 01:46:28,320
so I am going to focus my presentation on two findings that he referred to.

828
01:46:33,760 --> 01:46:33,760
so while we had no findings as it relates to the financial audit as you're aware,
The audit of the county includes a financial audit and a compliance audit.

829
01:46:43,440 --> 01:46:43,440
the findings that I'm speaking to you about this morning relate to the to the compliance
Audit and more specifically to the state compliance audit.

830
01:46:52,040 --> 01:46:52,040
because, because the county is a recipient of federal and state grants,
There's two separate single audits,

831
01:47:00,160 --> 01:47:00,160
one for the federal and one for the state. The findings that I'm reporting to you today
Relate to the state audit. The first finding,

832
01:47:08,240 --> 01:47:11,920
excuse me, the first finding relates to a condition that we found. Basically the compliance procedures for one of the grants requires that you submit
Quarterly financial reports to the respective agency grantor agency,

833
01:47:21,480 --> 01:47:21,480
state agency. Those requirements have very specific and rigid reporting timelines and
Deadlines of when that information is to be submitted on a quarterly

834
01:47:31,090 --> 01:47:31,090
basis to the funding agency. The observation we noted was that for the quarterly reports
That we selected,

835
01:47:40,730 --> 01:47:40,730
we were unable to establish the timeliness of the submission for those two reports.

836
01:47:46,810 --> 01:47:46,810
and there was no evidence or support. And therefore the reported finding,
You know, so that finding relates to the managed assistance council program and the mental

837
01:47:56,010 --> 01:47:56,010
health management assistance council program. That's the texas indigent defense commission
Agency that awarded that grant.

838
01:48:02,770 --> 01:48:02,770
so we're making a recommendation for management to evaluate the control structure there,
Evaluate what triggered that tardiness of those

839
01:48:12,290 --> 01:48:12,290
reports and to enhance your controls based on,
On the, on the actual situation how it happened and why.

840
01:48:19,370 --> 01:48:19,370
so the next finding. Yes, sir. Commissioner. Calvert ask a question.

841
01:48:24,930 --> 01:48:24,930
I just had a point of inquiry. I wanted to make sure I understood departmentally a little
Bit of maybe in the nomenclature or my hearing.

842
01:48:32,970 --> 01:48:35,730
I'm not sure it's for the manage assign council. Is that correct? This. Yes. And so the grants were related to the indigent texas indigent
Defense

843
01:48:46,090 --> 01:48:46,090
was the grantor. Is that right? The state agency is the texas indigent defense commission.

844
01:48:53,490 --> 01:48:53,490
the two program names we have listed is the manage assisted assigned counsel program and
The mental health manage assigned counsel program.

845
01:49:03,330 --> 01:49:03,330
okay. Was there any deeper look at the financials in terms of anything other than
Reporting that might have been an

846
01:49:13,050 --> 01:49:13,050
issue, the financials of the county, of the department that you're looking at,
The manage assigned counsel department.

847
01:49:20,770 --> 01:49:20,770
so this relates to the compliance of how the county spent those dollars.

848
01:49:25,820 --> 01:49:25,820
that was the scope of the. Compliance. Engagement that that we were engaged for.

849
01:49:32,300 --> 01:49:32,300
if I could, I think. Commissioner. Calvert. I think if I got your question a good
Question.

850
01:49:39,540 --> 01:49:39,540
is it. Was the money not only. Okay. He's pointing out the compliance,
Obviously.

851
01:49:44,300 --> 01:49:47,980
that they didn't get the report in on time. It didn't hinder funding. So we still received money from that grant and everything the auditors looked at it was in
Compliance.

852
01:49:53,420 --> 01:49:53,420
that grant particular is mainly to cover salaries for a lot of the attorneys.

853
01:49:57,500 --> 01:49:57,500
so it was in line with the compliance for that grant.

854
01:50:01,820 --> 01:50:01,820
the deeper question is, mr. Caldera, is what is a consequence of not meeting the grant
Requirements?

855
01:50:10,700 --> 01:50:10,700
and I think for purposes of accountability and making sure that the county doesn't get
Penalized with grants.

856
01:50:17,020 --> 01:50:17,020
and that's always the accountability piece. How what are the consequences of the failure
Of whatever happened here,

857
01:50:25,900 --> 01:50:29,140
which is, I believe, just filing timely reports. So, mr. Perez, why don't you go there? That's you're a numbers guy and you're making sure
That we're meeting all the requirements.

858
01:50:37,580 --> 01:50:37,580
I want a discussion of what happens when we don't,
Because these departments who get grants have to understand that there is a fiduciary.

859
01:50:45,260 --> 01:50:48,660
there's an accountability for every grant they get. And I'm putting on record that either they work with the commissioners court and the
Budget office and the grant department,

860
01:50:55,220 --> 01:50:55,220
or else they're on their own. And if they're on their own,
They have they may well incur liability on behalf of the county.

861
01:51:02,100 --> 01:51:02,100
so let's have that discussion for purposes of making sure everybody understands what this
Is all about,

862
01:51:08,020 --> 01:51:08,020
other than just the report. And I can speak to that if I may.

863
01:51:13,980 --> 01:51:13,980
yes. So the finding, the, the severity of the finding is a documentation gap.

864
01:51:22,110 --> 01:51:22,110
what you want to stay away is from and let me back up.

865
01:51:27,270 --> 01:51:27,270
it's a documentation gap that we couldn't find support for the timeliness of those
Submissions.

866
01:51:32,030 --> 01:51:32,030
right. The classification of the finding is not a material weakness,
But a deficiency below that,

867
01:51:41,390 --> 01:51:41,390
which is significant deficiency. It is also not considered a material noncompliance.

868
01:51:47,910 --> 01:51:47,910
it is regular noncompliance. And the situation that we encounter here also did not trigger
A question.

869
01:51:55,310 --> 01:51:55,310
cause that's when the local government needs to evaluate whether funds need to be remitted
Back to the funding agency because of potential material weaknesses and,

870
01:52:05,230 --> 01:52:05,230
and material noncompliance. That's not the situation here.

871
01:52:09,550 --> 01:52:09,550
the situation is a level below that, where the compliance requirement dictates some dates
That quarterly reports need to be

872
01:52:19,270 --> 01:52:19,270
submitted by. And those were not adhered to or at least documentation available was not
Did not support that.

873
01:52:25,910 --> 01:52:28,990
so I wanted to just finish my line of questioning. The last line of questioning was were there recommendations from your firm for the to get
Us into compliance?

874
01:52:36,350 --> 01:52:36,350
and if there were recommendations from your firm,
What were they for these this department.

875
01:52:43,510 --> 01:52:43,510
the recommendation was that the county should implement and strengthen internal controls
To ensure timely preparation and submission of all required performance reports,

876
01:52:52,790 --> 01:52:52,790
in accordance with the grant requirements and retention of adequate supporting
Documentation evidencing the submission of all required reports,

877
01:53:01,150 --> 01:53:01,150
including the staffing reports. That that gives me another line of questioning for thomas.

878
01:53:06,830 --> 01:53:06,830
so we've had a gap in terms of our grant department that we've recently filled,
I believe.

879
01:53:12,230 --> 01:53:12,230
so is that part of their oversight or is that your fiscal agents or who is is there or is
There,

880
01:53:20,950 --> 01:53:24,950
is there no one? How does that, how does that work? I commissioner I think the, the staffer you're referencing was our grant writer.

881
01:53:30,470 --> 01:53:30,470
that's not the compliance individual. That individual.

882
01:53:36,110 --> 01:53:36,110
thomas, I'm sorry, I'll weigh in on that. Commissioner that's with the mac so that that
Reporting and compliance that is with their actual grant.

883
01:53:44,150 --> 01:53:46,790
so that would be. Mr.. Bethkis. Here to speak on that. So that would be the actual administration of that grant.

884
01:53:49,710 --> 01:53:49,710
once they receive it, not with thomas or tina or grant actual,
They may have written the grant,

885
01:53:54,670 --> 01:53:54,670
but that. So I think I'll let. Mr.. I just but I think high level,
There needs to be a consideration of whether there is another level of supervisory

886
01:54:05,510 --> 01:54:05,510
efforts related to our grants because you know,
The buck stops with the court and we lead to you to make sure that the bucks are flowing

887
01:54:14,350 --> 01:54:14,350
the right ways. Right? So. Typically, I think what you all do is you've got a compliance
Manager

888
01:54:23,520 --> 01:54:27,080
designated for the county, I guess, in department. Or has it come in budget in any way in the fiscal?

889
01:54:31,440 --> 01:54:31,440
so there's three different components. There's the,
The financial piece, which is generally handled by the auditor's office.

890
01:54:37,720 --> 01:54:37,720
so they have a team that works on that. Then there's the budgeting,
Which is what we handle.

891
01:54:42,160 --> 01:54:44,760
so making sure all the budgets are compliant. And then there's the programmatic, which is the responsibility of the receiving whoever's
Managing the grant.

892
01:54:50,640 --> 01:54:53,600
so in this case it would be manager assigned council. So there's three different components. And the auditor's office.

893
01:54:57,320 --> 01:54:57,320
yes, they handle the financial part of it. So from the auditor's office standpoint,
Do you have the staffing to do the oversight

894
01:55:07,200 --> 01:55:07,200
compliance or is it mainly as a result of a test,
Like in the case of this auditor coming and saying,

895
01:55:14,360 --> 01:55:14,360
you know, and then then you're able to kind of get into it.

896
01:55:18,680 --> 01:55:18,680
or do you have a standing oversight process? Yeah.

897
01:55:23,440 --> 01:55:23,440
commissioner. So we do have procedures in place to review and,
You know, help ensure things are coming onside.

898
01:55:32,040 --> 01:55:35,760
but obviously, you know and thank you for asking for staff. I right now, I do feel we have a good amount of staff to cover that.

899
01:55:39,600 --> 01:55:39,600
but to your point, the county this past year,
We have a little over $90 million in state and federal grants.

900
01:55:45,640 --> 01:55:45,640
so obviously that's a lot. Right. And to tina's point on the programmatic side you know,
There's a lot of compliance to ensure,

901
01:55:54,640 --> 01:55:57,320
you know, the salaries are being used in the correct way. You know, the quarterly reporting. And although we have follow ups,
Again, not to pass the buck and we do follow up just about the sheer amount we rely on the

902
01:56:07,040 --> 01:56:07,040
departments to help ensure that the clients are going to be,
Because they're the ones that are going to know who's going to know better, right?

903
01:56:13,410 --> 01:56:13,410
where the money is going to be going, how it's going to be used. We do look at the
Documentation on that.

904
01:56:19,690 --> 01:56:19,690
and we do have things in place, but to just bluntly answer your question,
It's difficult for us to handle all of that.

905
01:56:27,930 --> 01:56:30,570
you know, the programmatic side and the financial side. So we but, but I don't know if that answers your question.

906
01:56:34,010 --> 01:56:36,490
no, it does answer the question to some extent. It's a matter of risk tolerance of the county.

907
01:56:39,010 --> 01:56:39,010
what is our risk tolerance. Do we do we feel comfortable with that arrangement or do we
Look at additional staffing in the auditor's

908
01:56:48,730 --> 01:56:48,730
department? Or do we look at it like an inspector general kind of department that may be
Available in the future?

909
01:56:56,290 --> 01:56:56,290
so we have to marinate on it as a body and just kind of determine what's our risk
Tolerance in this case,

910
01:57:03,930 --> 01:57:03,930
this is not a, you said a, I can't remember the accounting term you used,
Use, but material noncompliance.

911
01:57:12,410 --> 01:57:12,410
thank you. Yeah. So anyway, we'll move on. I just was trying to understand where we're at.

912
01:57:19,770 --> 01:57:23,650
and commissioner, you're spot on but I'm going to reframe it. I don't think people are going to like what I hear.

913
01:57:26,810 --> 01:57:26,810
and that is the response I just heard shows a material weakness of our situation.

914
01:57:32,570 --> 01:57:32,570
I know nobody wants me to put that on the record,
And I'm looking at mr.

915
01:57:36,650 --> 01:57:36,650
perez or the county auditor or everybody who's spoken today.

916
01:57:41,930 --> 01:57:41,930
ultimately, commissioner said it the buck stops here at the dais and it shouldn't it
Should be where staff has reviewed

917
01:57:51,450 --> 01:57:51,450
this, and I've yet to hear who is responsible.

918
01:57:55,490 --> 01:57:55,490
I realize we have mr. Becky here. I'm sure there'll be a reason what happened here.

919
01:58:02,130 --> 01:58:02,130
but to have the legal the auditor, the manager's office,
Our independent auditor.

920
01:58:08,060 --> 01:58:11,660
go. Well, there's a problem. It's not a risk assessment. It is, I believe, a situation that needs to get corrected.

921
01:58:16,300 --> 01:58:16,300
and so my question out loud is how are we going to fix it other than is it a risk
Tolerance.

922
01:58:22,580 --> 01:58:22,580
no, we're going to we're going to get we're going to get hit with some grant issues.

923
01:58:28,460 --> 01:58:28,460
if we don't have a process and an accountability.

924
01:58:33,020 --> 01:58:36,260
somebody's got to step up and say, we'll fix this. Now who's going to do that? Mr. Guevara you want to start?

925
01:58:40,340 --> 01:58:40,340
yes, judge, I think the best approach is to revisit our grant policy and make sure that
All those accounting and that accountability is written in there

926
01:58:50,220 --> 01:58:50,220
and that when departments are seeking these grants,
That we have a very clear understanding of those timelines as as our independent auditor

927
01:58:58,620 --> 01:58:58,620
has mentioned, that those are closely monitored,
That those are reported back in.

928
01:59:03,620 --> 01:59:03,620
so I think the first step, judge and commissioners is revisiting that policy,
Finding where we can strengthen that for that accountability.

929
01:59:12,660 --> 01:59:16,460
thomas, I'm going to kind of give you a little modification to what you said. I think that we have to, to, to do what the judge is asking.

930
01:59:19,940 --> 01:59:19,940
we have to put an operational plan in terms of who is responsible for what by when.

931
01:59:25,780 --> 01:59:25,780
and in my mind, there are two potential departments that could be responsible.

932
01:59:32,740 --> 01:59:36,740
one is auditor's office with maybe additional staffing,
I don't know. We have to assess that. The other is the grants department.

933
01:59:39,460 --> 01:59:39,460
since the grants department follows a lot of this process of writing,
They also have an interest in ensuring compliance.

934
01:59:48,020 --> 01:59:48,020
and so there may be a level of grant monitoring and assistance.

935
01:59:53,660 --> 01:59:55,860
right. I mean, this is not meant to be punitive. This is meant to be compliant. And so perhaps those grant department folks could assist
With the reporting if it's

936
02:00:05,820 --> 02:00:05,820
behind there, like a technical resource that also knows about grants was probably involved
In the process of it in the beginning and can assist

937
02:00:15,740 --> 02:00:15,740
with the compliance. So that would be a thought,
But we can flesh it out later.

938
02:00:21,300 --> 02:00:21,300
judge, if I may for a second, I know that I've worked with your office and we've tried and
Thomas as well.

939
02:00:27,620 --> 02:00:27,620
grants have been an issue and we've tried to really try to move it in another direction,
As you know,

940
02:00:35,820 --> 02:00:35,820
and we can continue to do that. Especially with the way that grants are currently being
Handled.

941
02:00:41,140 --> 02:00:41,140
there's so many of them. I think departments have gotten used to handling them a certain
Way outside of the court,

942
02:00:47,660 --> 02:00:47,660
kind of unofficially. And we've been working on trying to manage some of that with the
Court support.

943
02:00:53,700 --> 02:00:53,700
I think we can really create a new process. Commissioner calvert,
I think you brought up a very valid point.

944
02:00:59,340 --> 02:01:02,870
we can put together a plan and we would love the court support for that. Absolutely. And we can do that. And we've already tried to do some of that officially by
Bringing those grants before the court,

945
02:01:10,110 --> 02:01:10,110
making sure the court's aware of it, making sure those grants are filed in the minutes
Where they weren't before. So. Commissioner calvert, I think you bring up a very valid

946
02:01:16,950 --> 02:01:19,710
point. We would love the court support to do that. We've already tried to start doing that, but we need the support of the court as well as
The departments to really do that.

947
02:01:25,310 --> 02:01:25,310
and if the court is willing to to back up thomas and and the budget department,
We can do that.

948
02:01:31,510 --> 02:01:31,510
how much time you need? A week. My next court meeting.

949
02:01:39,070 --> 02:01:39,070
we'll bring you our plan. Sure. Make sure it's thorough and comprehensive.

950
02:01:45,110 --> 02:01:45,110
mr.. I see mr. Bethke here. I want to give him an opportunity because we obviously.

951
02:01:51,030 --> 02:01:51,030
so, mr. Bethke, I believe this conversation has been at a much higher level.

952
02:01:56,030 --> 02:01:56,030
but what do you have to say for the record? Thank you,
Judge sakai.

953
02:02:00,390 --> 02:02:00,390
commissioners. Public. I'm jim bethke, director of the managed sign council program,
And I appreciated the auditor's office reaching out and working with the

954
02:02:10,390 --> 02:02:10,390
manager's office on it. I want to say unequivocally that the county is in no jeopardy
Whatsoever of losing state funds.

955
02:02:18,950 --> 02:02:18,950
we were in constant communication with tidc,
But instead of trying to fight the particular provision,

956
02:02:27,030 --> 02:02:27,030
we took it as an opportunity to strengthen our internal controls so that two areas that
The audit report found.

957
02:02:35,310 --> 02:02:35,310
we've addressed both of those items. And I think one of the items thomas and I can get
With you is there's quarterly reporting,

958
02:02:43,550 --> 02:02:47,230
and that's on the mental health grant. We've got it. There's two more years left on it. We've got it set on the calendar.

959
02:02:51,030 --> 02:02:53,350
I've got specific people that are responsible. So somebody's on vacation. Plus the one additional step that we've implemented that I
Think will be helpful is when we submit that report.

960
02:03:03,280 --> 02:03:03,280
it's just copy the grants team. And in addition to that,
I'm just listening to the comments here.

961
02:03:09,920 --> 02:03:09,920
what we will do is send the reporting schedule to the grants team that will provide an
Extra copy.

962
02:03:19,200 --> 02:03:22,640
all of the reports had been submitted. It was just the timing. We're actually we're waiting for some clarification from tidc on some things like that.

963
02:03:27,240 --> 02:03:27,240
so I think all valid concerns and we did, we took this as an opportunity to just
Strengthen our internal controls to ensure that,

964
02:03:36,560 --> 02:03:36,560
you know, something in the future doesn't happen.

965
02:03:42,880 --> 02:03:42,880
yeah. So I just wanted to comment. Leo, you said there were no major findings,
Correct?

966
02:03:49,480 --> 02:03:52,560
yes. Commissioner because this is the grant side. That's all I need to know. Okay, so I just want to say we have a $3 billion budget out of
The millions and millions and millions of grants that we so graciously

967
02:04:01,840 --> 02:04:01,840
receive and need for our constituents for so many programs.

968
02:04:06,440 --> 02:04:06,440
we just passed one of those with robert reyna and laura all the work that you do through
The mac to help us more efficient

969
02:04:16,320 --> 02:04:16,320
with all of the grants that we have at the, from the levels of the judges to our
Departments,

970
02:04:24,800 --> 02:04:24,800
we have no major findings. And I think that is huge and worth applause for the auditor's
Team.

971
02:04:33,240 --> 02:04:33,240
yes, you can clap palazzo, por favor. Yes. For the auditor's team and for the

972
02:04:42,840 --> 02:04:42,840
work that the mac does do. That's why we put the mac into action.

973
02:04:47,640 --> 02:04:47,640
so we deal with. We have a $3 billion budget.

974
02:04:52,440 --> 02:04:52,440
who knows what the budget is going to be this year. Maybe that's why david's not here
Today, I don't know. But we deal with a lot of money and we try to be good stewards.

975
02:05:00,970 --> 02:05:00,970
I'll speak for myself. I try to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars,
Taxpayer dollars for my constituents and the fact that we have all this money coming in

976
02:05:10,810 --> 02:05:10,810
and out, all the contracts that we did, that we do for,
From small nonprofits to large nonprofits,

977
02:05:16,290 --> 02:05:18,930
and to say that there are no major findings,
I think is huge. So I just want to acknowledge that and thank you for your work. No comment. And then we
Have a second issue,

978
02:05:24,090 --> 02:05:26,570
as you discussed. Thank you, mr. Perez. Come back. Thank you, mr. Bethke. Let's get all those reports done.

979
02:05:40,210 --> 02:05:40,210
the second finding relates to the. State agency is the texas governor's office.

980
02:05:48,490 --> 02:05:48,490
the state program is the san antonio, texas anti-gang center.

981
02:05:53,050 --> 02:05:53,050
and the finding is a procurement finding relating to sole source purchasing.

982
02:05:58,850 --> 02:05:58,850
essentially there was a purchase of some equipment and related services from a vendor in
The amount of

983
02:06:08,650 --> 02:06:08,650
249,500 that was taxed as a sole source procurement purchase type method.

984
02:06:17,170 --> 02:06:17,170
when we evaluated the supporting documentation behind that purchase in comparison with the
Policies and

985
02:06:26,610 --> 02:06:26,610
procedures not just by the county locally, but also by procurement laws and regulations
Governed by grants.

986
02:06:34,370 --> 02:06:34,370
we noted that the county did not adhere to the established procurement procedures for,
For sole source purchases.

987
02:06:43,250 --> 02:06:43,250
there was also a requirement in accordance with the procedures that any sole source type
Of transaction be procured or

988
02:06:53,260 --> 02:06:56,980
be presented to commissioners court for the review and approval. In that procedure that is required by your policies and procedures was not adhered to.

989
02:07:04,140 --> 02:07:04,140
so that's the the essence of that of that of that finding relating to a sole source
Purchase.

990
02:07:11,660 --> 02:07:11,660
I will say consistent with for comparison purposes,
The consistent with the classification of the previous finding,

991
02:07:18,620 --> 02:07:18,620
this one is also not a material weakness. It's a significant deficiency.

992
02:07:24,060 --> 02:07:24,060
so it's a level below. And it's also regular noncompliance meaning it's not material
Noncompliance.

993
02:07:29,900 --> 02:07:29,900
neither one of the findings. So I look at this as similar to the other one.

994
02:07:35,580 --> 02:07:35,580
it's a documentation matter that that was required by your policies and procedures that
Was not adhered to.

995
02:07:44,820 --> 02:07:44,820
this one exception also did not trigger a question cost,
Which, going back to my comments before,

996
02:07:52,100 --> 02:07:52,100
is when you have to coordinate with the agency whether the funds need to be remitted back
Or not.

997
02:07:58,460 --> 02:07:58,460
so that's the essentially the description of that finding.

998
02:08:03,660 --> 02:08:03,660
number two was the material deficiency. Well,
Not the deficiency is not a material deficiency,

999
02:08:10,100 --> 02:08:10,100
not material deficiency. But deficiency is the fact that this particular procurement was
Not a sole source or that it lacked the documentation to support a

1000
02:08:20,100 --> 02:08:20,100
sole source, which would be a statutory violation under the open competitive bidding
Process.

1001
02:08:26,500 --> 02:08:29,540
correct? Correct. So what is it? It's the latter. The procedures call when you identify a sole source.

1002
02:08:33,060 --> 02:08:33,060
it's got specific procedures, one of them being it be identified and brought forth to the
Court for their review and approval.

1003
02:08:40,020 --> 02:08:42,900
and that was that procedure was not adhered to. That would would that would that. Mr. Galloway,
You're standing right behind him.

1004
02:08:46,660 --> 02:08:46,660
does that refer to your office? Yes, sir. Your honor.

1005
02:08:51,020 --> 02:08:51,020
commissioners. Good morning. Greg galloway, bexar county purchasing agent. I have a
Prepared statement for this, and I worked with mr. Leo and the auditor's office regarding

1006
02:08:58,700 --> 02:08:58,700
this at some point prior to my arrival. This purchase or this purchase was initiated.

1007
02:09:05,420 --> 02:09:08,340
and then during the transition of what was this issue? It was a four bexar county sheriff's office. It is a license plate readers that that they
Purchased.

1008
02:09:17,620 --> 02:09:17,620
okay. Go ahead, explain it. So so prior to my arrival,
This was initiated.

1009
02:09:24,860 --> 02:09:28,220
and during the transition there was a lapse in oversight. Upon receiving my signature authority, my department had a backlog of purchase orders that
Needed to be released.

1010
02:09:34,900 --> 02:09:34,900
not to make excuses for that. What I have prepared is the process and implemented the
Process so that this does not occur.

1011
02:09:42,820 --> 02:09:42,820
what I'll read off to you is this the purchasing staff recognizes the oversight and the
Implemented best practices in the following to ensure proper

1012
02:09:51,990 --> 02:09:51,990
compliance and approach with regard to the source selection,
Upon receiving a purchase request and or solicitation request,

1013
02:09:58,990 --> 02:09:58,990
purchasing staff will set up a discovery meeting with the requesting department,
Program or program to understand the defined scope of work,

1014
02:10:07,190 --> 02:10:10,470
deliverable objectives and the funding agency requirements. That's the key piece there. Upon completion of the discovery meeting review,
Purchasing staff will present to the purchasing management for further in-depth review of

1015
02:10:19,310 --> 02:10:19,310
the the confirmed scope, funding agency requirements and the expected budget to determine
The appropriate competitive procurement method,

1016
02:10:27,510 --> 02:10:27,510
which would be your rfp or rfq invitation for bid and ensure that it's clearly
Communicated to the assigned senior contracts specialists and their tandem

1017
02:10:37,510 --> 02:10:37,510
purchasing staff will conduct their standard business under routine best practices with
Oversight by the purchasing agent.

1018
02:10:44,350 --> 02:10:47,630
assistant purchasing agents and management staff. So prior to again prior to my arrival, this had been initiated.

1019
02:10:51,950 --> 02:10:51,950
and at some point the funding source changed,
Which would have dictated a different approach.

1020
02:10:57,350 --> 02:10:57,350
understanding the grant requirements, I think,
And then having the background specific.

1021
02:11:02,230 --> 02:11:02,230
I will go on record and say that I don't agree with sole source selection.

1022
02:11:08,950 --> 02:11:08,950
in this in this case definitely we could have looked at some other options if this was
Specific.

1023
02:11:14,550 --> 02:11:14,550
again, bexar county sheriff's office has some very specific requirements and how they bcso
Yes,

1024
02:11:22,070 --> 02:11:26,070
it's license plate readers for their vehicles. Judge, I think this is a good time for us to do some analysis.

1025
02:11:33,950 --> 02:11:33,950
housekeeping. I have seen across my agenda a number of items in the sheriff's department
That didn't seem just as

1026
02:11:44,000 --> 02:11:47,200
a layman and just as a bird's eye view, as sole source. And I'd like to get from your department a look.

1027
02:11:52,760 --> 02:11:55,840
we'll start with the sheriff's department's sole source. Over the last couple of years that have come,
I think we should commissioner rodriguez. I actually think we should talk about it in the

1028
02:12:01,920 --> 02:12:01,920
purchasing board, just to double check the things that have been said to be sole source
That have come across this,

1029
02:12:11,040 --> 02:12:11,040
because we could get into some serious stuff because we deal in this world with doj
Grants,

1030
02:12:17,600 --> 02:12:17,600
we deal with ag grants, we deal with some serious entities that give us these funds.

1031
02:12:23,120 --> 02:12:23,120
well, commissioner, I can I can also add some context on their defense.

1032
02:12:27,320 --> 02:12:27,320
right. On what some of the specific equipment that they utilize is very specialized or
Very sensitive.

1033
02:12:34,040 --> 02:12:34,040
yeah, I, I hear that, but I trust, but verify is.

1034
02:12:39,000 --> 02:12:39,000
my thing is I think that we need to go back and just do an assessment and analysis of some
Of that because some of the stuff was,

1035
02:12:47,880 --> 02:12:50,560
I mean, you know, weapons stuff. I mean, you know,
Bullets. I mean, you know, some, I can't remember all of what it was,
But it didn't strike me as sole source,

1036
02:12:55,320 --> 02:12:55,320
just as a bird's eye view. And I could be completely wrong,
But I think we need to clean this up.

1037
02:13:00,920 --> 02:13:00,920
so let's take a look at what's going on. And let's take this to the purchasing board for a
More private.

1038
02:13:08,400 --> 02:13:08,400
and then we'll come back to the commissioners court if we need to. Okay. Thank you,
Judge again,

1039
02:13:12,920 --> 02:13:12,920
commissioner covert, you're spot on. And I know staff is not going to like this comment.

1040
02:13:17,160 --> 02:13:17,160
so in light of your representation today, in light of the timing where you were in
Obviously in transition was this this

1041
02:13:27,160 --> 02:13:27,160
grant process and the contract for this particular procurement approved without your the
Review of the purchasing department because of whatever or

1042
02:13:37,570 --> 02:13:37,570
was it approved by your department? And it happened because obviously today you're saying
This should not have happened.

1043
02:13:45,770 --> 02:13:48,810
that's correct. It should not have happened. It happened. There was. Yeah, but answer my question. Was it approved by purchasing or not purchasing
Approved it.

1044
02:13:54,450 --> 02:13:54,450
yes. Okay. Yes your honor. So again so let me go to the accountant.

1045
02:13:59,770 --> 02:13:59,770
what's the checks and balances so that we can,
As commissioner calvert is saying, how can we start the conversation of how do we

1046
02:14:09,570 --> 02:14:09,570
improve the process? And I think it follows through on what I heard from counsel,
Mr.

1047
02:14:14,810 --> 02:14:14,810
roberson. It's a process that we have tried to put into effect,
And I'm looking at mr.

1048
02:14:20,210 --> 02:14:20,210
guevara and the manager's office to say, okay,
Here's another example of where's the process?

1049
02:14:25,610 --> 02:14:25,610
how can we avoid these type of oversight? Let's let's leave it at that.

1050
02:14:32,050 --> 02:14:35,850
judge, before we get into that, this I actually agree with commissioner calvert. I think that there are some very you know, those exceptions are for commissioners court to
Approve and the sole source,

1051
02:14:43,610 --> 02:14:43,610
I think they they are misused. But those decisions are for the purchasing agent.

1052
02:14:48,250 --> 02:14:48,250
so when you start implementing processes and you start putting that weight on the
Auditor's office,

1053
02:14:53,930 --> 02:14:53,930
I mean, thomas and I review that agenda. Well,
Thomas and kate and I review that agenda every week,

1054
02:14:59,290 --> 02:15:02,010
but we can't make those decisions for the commissioners court. That's what you hired the purchasing agent to do.

1055
02:15:04,610 --> 02:15:04,610
and commissioner calvert is right. I actually agree with him completely,
Is that he has seen a number of those purchases that are,

1056
02:15:14,490 --> 02:15:14,490
while not unlawful, they are questionable. I agree with that.

1057
02:15:19,290 --> 02:15:19,290
I've seen a couple from different departments that may be in a gray area,
But are difficult to justify.

1058
02:15:29,690 --> 02:15:29,690
and so I want to just caution it's not the auditor's department to make that.

1059
02:15:37,770 --> 02:15:37,770
it's not for them to make that decision as to whether a justification is it's for the
Court.

1060
02:15:43,570 --> 02:15:47,570
and so I don't really know. And we talk about this all the time. Kate and I have this conversation. Thomas and I have these conversations we call the,
You know,

1061
02:15:53,370 --> 02:15:53,370
we call those questions, but we don't have the information to make those decisions.

1062
02:15:57,930 --> 02:15:57,930
so when you try to implement a process, we are second guessing the individuals that you
All hired to make those decisions.

1063
02:16:05,090 --> 02:16:05,090
and we have to argue with those individuals who you all decide well through the purchasing
Board actually.

1064
02:16:11,530 --> 02:16:11,530
so. Commissioner calvert and commissioner rodriguez hired to to make those decisions.

1065
02:16:16,530 --> 02:16:16,530
so I just want to give that court the background to the court,
The background, and we will continue to do that on behalf of the court.

1066
02:16:23,770 --> 02:16:23,770
but ultimately, it is the court who, when you see those items on the agenda and
Commissioner calvert is right on this.

1067
02:16:28,810 --> 02:16:28,810
there are a number of issues that, you know,
I don't we don't agree with, but we we don't have the authority to demand that they be.

1068
02:16:36,940 --> 02:16:36,940
but you do. So just with that background, I'll let the the auditor continue because these
Have been some really difficult conversations.

1069
02:16:47,700 --> 02:16:51,300
but we have a good report. But let's leave this on a positive note. Mr. Pettis, what would be some of your feedback from an independent auditor perspective on
This issue?

1070
02:16:58,860 --> 02:16:58,860
I, I think if if management follows through with the,
So we gave you a recommendation and I spoke to one of them.

1071
02:17:07,780 --> 02:17:07,780
this one is no different. It's you got to go back,
Evaluate your sole source, sole source procedures,

1072
02:17:14,140 --> 02:17:17,660
policies, practices and ensure it's properly documented. And it fulfills the requirements of a sole source.

1073
02:17:21,300 --> 02:17:21,300
and if not, it's okay. Then you go through the regular procurement process,
Right?

1074
02:17:26,540 --> 02:17:26,540
there was documentation gap in why they did not make it to procure to commissioners court.

1075
02:17:31,820 --> 02:17:34,900
there needs to be a system of checks and balances that supports. Hey, this is a sole source in relation to the policies.

1076
02:17:38,540 --> 02:17:41,340
we need to take it to the court like all your other procedures. But in I think if there's proper follow up to the recommendations we're making there is
Also

1077
02:17:51,500 --> 02:17:51,500
a corrective action plan that was prepared by management that is attached to this report.

1078
02:17:57,580 --> 02:17:57,580
while we don't audit the corrective action plan,
We do come back next year and evaluate if it was properly adopted,

1079
02:18:07,660 --> 02:18:11,060
implemented and if it's functioning as designed. We did that last year with the findings from last year,
And they've all been cleared.

1080
02:18:16,020 --> 02:18:16,020
right. So I would I would ask that they kind of do a proper follow through of the
Corrective action to alleviate the risk that we've identified.

1081
02:18:26,300 --> 02:18:28,710
yeah. Thank you. This has been a great discussion. Well thank you. Is this year 2 or 2 for you guys,
Right.

1082
02:18:32,390 --> 02:18:32,390
as as the outside auditor. You know, I think to kind of underscore some of the points my
Colleagues have made this is a

1083
02:18:42,390 --> 02:18:44,910
clean audit, but it's not a perfect audit, right? We have some room for improvement, which is not necessarily a red flag unless we choose to
Ignore it.

1084
02:18:52,030 --> 02:18:52,030
and I think your point is there is some things to look at more with more scrutiny.

1085
02:18:58,630 --> 02:18:58,630
I think it's incumbent on thomas and smith and tina to take that feedback and give us some
Recommendations on how we could make the

1086
02:19:08,270 --> 02:19:08,270
process better. And I think that's, I think the lesson learned here,
But I think I agree.

1087
02:19:13,270 --> 02:19:13,270
commissioner. Calvert. There's some things probably with the purchasing board that we
Could tighten up and look forward to those discussions,

1088
02:19:20,190 --> 02:19:20,190
but. Well, thanks for your work on this. And judge,
I think we need I don't know if you're done with your report,

1089
02:19:25,630 --> 02:19:25,630
but this concludes my presentation. So I'll make a motion to go ahead and approve the the
Single audit report and governance letter from

1090
02:19:35,590 --> 02:19:39,150
the outside auditor. Let me let me just clarify on the motion. I think audits are things where we affirm like the reading of the audit or something.

1091
02:19:44,470 --> 02:19:46,990
we don't necessarily make a motion to approve it. Or do we maybe adopt? I'm not sure if it's approved,
Maybe adopted or at least affirm it yet.

1092
02:19:53,390 --> 02:19:53,390
it's maybe the motion would be to accept accept the the audit report motion by
Commissioner rodriguez,

1093
02:20:01,950 --> 02:20:04,790
second by commissioner calvert. Any further discussion? I have a comment. Clay-flores with greg. Y'all are talking about the issues or whatever.

1094
02:20:10,910 --> 02:20:10,910
and of course y'all report to a board. So I don't know when the last time that board has
Met.

1095
02:20:16,870 --> 02:20:18,830
I think y'all said commissioner calvert on it. So maybe commissioner calvert, y'all need to meet more often to have that oversight.

1096
02:20:26,800 --> 02:20:26,800
any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion signify by saying
Aye.

1097
02:20:31,000 --> 02:20:34,880
aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries. Thank you very much. Okay. Let's go back to then the individual items.

1098
02:20:42,320 --> 02:20:42,320
correct. Kate. First one. Yeah. We still have individual items,
Not individual agenda but individual agenda.

1099
02:20:52,320 --> 02:20:52,320
item number six authorization authorizing the continuation of month to month services with
Inmate calling solutions dba I c solutions in the amount of

1100
02:21:01,600 --> 02:21:01,600
$14,583.33 yearly amount of 175,000 for the purchase of inmate video visitation support
Services and a public coin

1101
02:21:11,440 --> 02:21:11,440
and inmate phone services, as requested by the bexar county sheriff's department.

1102
02:21:15,680 --> 02:21:15,680
while the purchasing agent revises the scope of work in order to re-advertise a request
For a proposal to combine inmate video visitation support services

1103
02:21:25,560 --> 02:21:29,040
and revenue generating public coin and inmate phone services. Mr. Galloway. Your honor. Commissioners. Good morning.

1104
02:21:33,000 --> 02:21:33,000
I'm here on behalf of multiple departments the purchasing department,
Bcso juvenile probation,

1105
02:21:39,160 --> 02:21:39,160
and our partners at bcit who had a significant hand in working through the framework for
This new solicitation request.

1106
02:21:48,120 --> 02:21:52,000
I can tell you, commissioner, that the the end game is very near. We are we intend to come back to commissioners court next month for the solicitation
Approval,

1107
02:21:59,240 --> 02:21:59,240
so we could get the new rfp out. I'll start with where we're at right now,
And then go back to what kind of occurred that's hindered or slow the progress of this

1108
02:22:08,520 --> 02:22:08,520
particular solicitation. So the last time this agenda item was,
Are you asking.

1109
02:22:16,120 --> 02:22:19,200
this or were you asking for approval? No, no asking for approval. But I'm given context. Your honor, the last time this.

1110
02:22:24,690 --> 02:22:28,250
mr. Galloway, if I could please, since I pulled this item. Just to provide some context. You know, that's obviously my concern and the reason for for
Pulling this.

1111
02:22:34,290 --> 02:22:38,010
if I remember correctly, this came before the court. I don't know, 18 months ago. You can help me with the timeline.

1112
02:22:42,530 --> 02:22:42,530
and there was a question at that time that if we looked for bids for the individual
Services or a bundled

1113
02:22:52,090 --> 02:22:52,090
service, there were two services. Commissioner we might be able to to get a better deal
For the county.

1114
02:22:58,170 --> 02:22:58,170
and, you know, so my understanding was it was supposed to go back out.

1115
02:23:02,370 --> 02:23:02,370
but my as I understand the timeline, that was 18 months ago.

1116
02:23:06,970 --> 02:23:06,970
so I think you were getting into it. But that's obviously my concern with what has held
This up so long.

1117
02:23:13,730 --> 02:23:13,730
gotcha. Commissioner. Absolutely. So let me give you the context on that.

1118
02:23:17,770 --> 02:23:17,770
the last time this was presented, it was tabled to request two separate services to be
Combined into one new scope of work.

1119
02:23:25,690 --> 02:23:25,690
bcit has combined the inmate phone system, along with the video visual system
Requirements,

1120
02:23:32,250 --> 02:23:32,250
into a single scope service, and has completed the final revisions.

1121
02:23:37,010 --> 02:23:39,970
going back to what happened and what occurred to slow this. There were missing it requirements in the prior solicitation.

1122
02:23:43,250 --> 02:23:43,250
bcit determined that the previous solicitation lacked necessary technical requirements.

1123
02:23:48,130 --> 02:23:48,130
new bcit requirements documents had to be created from scratch in 2026.

1124
02:23:55,010 --> 02:23:58,890
those updates required pcso's metrics to be revised. Bcso updated all performance metrics to their latest versions,
And these updated metrics are required and required input before the solicitation could

1125
02:24:08,890 --> 02:24:12,250
be released. The extent expanded stakeholder scope. So during the middle of reworking this the solicitation.

1126
02:24:16,290 --> 02:24:16,290
the juvenile probation department needs were added into the middle of this process,
Then refined again in august of 2025 when the jpd

1127
02:24:25,810 --> 02:24:29,530
shifted to remote only visitations. This was significant. This changed the requirements to multiple revisions to the to the combined scope.

1128
02:24:35,170 --> 02:24:35,170
the operational changes after covid, the public visitation center remained closed and it
Still remains closed.

1129
02:24:42,770 --> 02:24:42,770
and there are 64 public kiosks that were removed and stored,
Reassessing the kiosks.

1130
02:24:47,770 --> 02:24:47,770
now, moving forward in 2026, the placement and then the it infrastructure that's required
Required additional coordination steps.

1131
02:24:57,570 --> 02:24:57,570
there's also one additional, which is the, the income at ics pc that that needs to be
Installed.

1132
02:25:03,970 --> 02:25:03,970
and there's additional infrastructure planning that was required for this specific new
Kiosk location.

1133
02:25:09,850 --> 02:25:09,850
so with multiple changes, multiple revisions,
And then combining the scope.

1134
02:25:14,780 --> 02:25:17,380
this is a very complex and it's multiple departments. It's not just one set department, it's bcso,
Juvenile probation.

1135
02:25:21,700 --> 02:25:21,700
and then working with bcit to combine this, this,
The the complex scope of work.

1136
02:25:29,780 --> 02:25:29,780
all right. So so the request is going back to item 16 is authorizing a month to month
Service so that with the intent of

1137
02:25:39,620 --> 02:25:39,620
next month to re-approach court, bring the solicitation,
Gain the solicitation approval, host that for 30 days,

1138
02:25:48,500 --> 02:25:48,500
close that down. And then hopefully we can make that source selection within the next 60
To 90 days.

1139
02:25:53,660 --> 02:25:57,300
but we need the continuation of the current contract. I'll move approval for the item with the expectation that we bring this back for this,
The bundled bid that that we had talked about some time

1140
02:26:07,060 --> 02:26:07,060
ago. Motion by commissioner moody, second, second by commissioner rodriguez.

1141
02:26:11,900 --> 02:26:11,900
any further questions? Just just again, further clarification.

1142
02:26:16,460 --> 02:26:16,460
I think you've said it, mr. Galloway. But again,
The motion is to continue the month to month with the current provider.

1143
02:26:24,180 --> 02:26:24,180
you will be bringing back the final, I guess,
Language for the for the rfp.

1144
02:26:32,460 --> 02:26:36,100
yes, sir. By next month. Next month is the to the court. Okay. Thank you judge. I'm going to call for a vote.

1145
02:26:39,140 --> 02:26:41,220
all those in favor of the motion by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries.

1146
02:26:45,260 --> 02:26:45,260
thank you, mr. Galloway. Yes, sir. We'll take up the second individual item off.

1147
02:26:49,740 --> 02:26:49,740
consent 31. Approval execution. First amendment to the grant agreement between bexar
County.

1148
02:26:54,980 --> 02:26:54,980
haven for hope for the capital improvement project at the county owned facility located at
1231 west martin street,

1149
02:27:00,900 --> 02:27:04,060
which is operated and maintained by haven for hope and bexar county. This amendment extends the agreement term by three months through september 30th,
2026.

1150
02:27:09,020 --> 02:27:11,470
all other terms and conditions remain unchanged. Commissioner rodriguez, you had pulled this matter. I did,
Judge, and I'll be brief. Robert,

1151
02:27:15,430 --> 02:27:18,670
I don't need a presentation. Just wanted to highlight this. If I remember correctly, this was part of some discussions and work we did back during
Covid.

1152
02:27:26,310 --> 02:27:26,310
and I think it was roughly 8 or $900,000 that we allocated for the resource center at
Haven.

1153
02:27:34,950 --> 02:27:34,950
so I just wanted to highlight it because it's taken a little bit longer,
I know than we anticipated,

1154
02:27:40,510 --> 02:27:40,510
but this was something back then that mary rose brown,
May she rest in peace, was a huge advocate for was in my office pretty frequently

1155
02:27:49,390 --> 02:27:49,390
advocating for this. And I see our haven partners here if you want to talk briefly about
The timeline on this robert or them,

1156
02:27:57,990 --> 02:27:57,990
but, but again, I just wanted to highlight it because it's an important work to our
Houseless population,

1157
02:28:04,150 --> 02:28:04,150
getting them back on their feet with all kinds of resources.

1158
02:28:08,350 --> 02:28:08,350
so I don't know if you have an updated timeline on the completion of this or if anybody
Could speak to that.

1159
02:28:14,070 --> 02:28:14,070
representatives. Hope so. Good morning. Good morning.

1160
02:28:20,950 --> 02:28:23,630
good morning, judge commissioners. My name is peter ramirez. I'm the director of facilities here at haven for hope.

1161
02:28:26,510 --> 02:28:26,510
our timeline stands by. The 90 day extension will be completed by september 30th by or
Before september 30th.

1162
02:28:33,790 --> 02:28:36,750
wonderful. Thank you so much. We appreciate you being here. Judge, I'll make a motion to approve. Thank you,
Mr.

1163
02:28:39,510 --> 02:28:39,510
rodriguez. Second by commissioner clay-flores. Any further discussion? Hearing none,
I'll call for a vote.

1164
02:28:44,270 --> 02:28:47,870
all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Get it done. All right.

1165
02:28:53,270 --> 02:28:56,030
I believe that concludes the consent agenda. Correct. Okay. All right. Court will take up seven filing for record the following legal
Administrative documents directing the criminal district attorney's office to take action.

1166
02:29:03,910 --> 02:29:03,910
necessary a through f four will take up eight.

1167
02:29:11,040 --> 02:29:11,040
approval of commissioner's court minutes for tuesday,
May 26th, 2026.

1168
02:29:15,480 --> 02:29:18,320
is there a motion? Motion. Motion by commissioner rodriguez. Second by commissioner clay-flores. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

1169
02:29:21,720 --> 02:29:25,520
aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Citizens to be heard. Let me take up. There were a couple that were.

1170
02:29:30,720 --> 02:29:34,360
I should have called it earlier. They were on the consent. Are you still here? Terry kilmer, I know you were here for the ceremonial.

1171
02:29:38,360 --> 02:29:41,640
I'm sorry. I should have probably called you earlier. Terry kilmer. Terry kilmer. Okay. How about jeff butts? You were here on agenda item 32.

1172
02:29:47,680 --> 02:29:47,680
that was approved during the consent vote. Jeff butts,
Are you still here?

1173
02:29:53,160 --> 02:29:53,160
jeff butts? I will, your item was passed. All right.

1174
02:30:03,640 --> 02:30:03,640
all right. For the record, I have keith wilson here says signed up keith wilson.

1175
02:30:09,760 --> 02:30:09,760
you have olga villareal, who's yielded her time.

1176
02:30:13,920 --> 02:30:17,040
you have gina ponce, who has yielded her time. You have nigel. Nigel mcfarland, whose yield is time.

1177
02:30:21,480 --> 02:30:21,480
jessica hernandez, whose yield time. I'll ask genevieve trinidad,
It looks like you have yielded your time.

1178
02:30:30,280 --> 02:30:33,080
arthur hernandez, have you yielded your time? You don't have any notation on here, arthur or arturo?

1179
02:30:37,880 --> 02:30:37,880
yeah. Yeah, well, they left already. Oh, okay.

1180
02:30:43,840 --> 02:30:46,600
they're not, I don't know, he's out. He's out in the hallway. He's got a hurt leg. Is he yielding his time?

1181
02:30:48,680 --> 02:30:48,680
he is actually going to speak, judge. Okay. And then what about is it mariah?

1182
02:30:55,840 --> 02:30:59,560
yes, chaperon. Are you yielding your time? No. Okay. All right. So keith, you have the floor judge.

1183
02:31:05,050 --> 02:31:08,210
sakai. Commissioners. Good morning. My name is keith wilson. I grew up in bexar county. This is my home. I'm a retired soldier in the former director
Of bexar county department of military and veterans services.

1184
02:31:15,250 --> 02:31:15,250
I'm grateful to have the friends with me here today standing as I discuss the important
Issue of homelessness and mental health.

1185
02:31:22,290 --> 02:31:22,290
before I do, I'd like to to, to point out we had some great proclamations today
Recognizing some,

1186
02:31:28,450 --> 02:31:28,450
some great things. Elder abuse month, pride month,
Juneteenth.

1187
02:31:33,130 --> 02:31:33,130
women's unlimited. Today. I'd be remiss if I allowed us to continue without pointing out
That june 12th is texas women veterans day.

1188
02:31:41,530 --> 02:31:41,530
I know we didn't have a proclamation, but I would like to recognize I have a couple of
Women veterans standing with me today,

1189
02:31:47,010 --> 02:31:47,010
and all the brave women that donned the uniform of our nation to serve our country.

1190
02:31:51,570 --> 02:31:51,570
so we'll think of them as well. Over a month ago,
I stood before this court to raise concerns regarding leadership,

1191
02:31:58,370 --> 02:32:02,370
culture, and an organizational effectiveness within bexar county. And those remarks, I specifically mentioned my concern about the growing homeless crisis
Impacting communities across our country.

1192
02:32:09,850 --> 02:32:09,850
unfortunately, recent reporting by ksat 12 and kens five reinforced those concerns.

1193
02:32:17,010 --> 02:32:17,010
a few weeks ago, ksat 12 reported that the city of san antonio's newly created homeless
Services department,

1194
02:32:23,090 --> 02:32:23,090
led by mark carmona, identified significant gaps in our current system,
Including major shortages and shelter capacity,

1195
02:32:31,410 --> 02:32:31,410
supportive housing and homelessness prevention resources.

1196
02:32:35,890 --> 02:32:35,890
that report confirmed what many frontline organizations and outreach personnel have been
Saying for years.

1197
02:32:43,010 --> 02:32:43,010
the current system is fragmented. It's under coordinated and struggling to keep pace with
Our community's growing homeless population,

1198
02:32:52,330 --> 02:32:52,330
and it is growing. We often rely on the point in time count to understand the size and the
Needs of our homeless population,

1199
02:33:01,330 --> 02:33:01,330
and the results play a significant role in determining external funding to assist our
Residents.

1200
02:33:09,010 --> 02:33:09,010
did you know that the point in time count typically does not include suburban cities?

1201
02:33:16,170 --> 02:33:16,170
so ask yourselves, how accurate is that report that we rely upon potentially or
Particularly for external funding?

1202
02:33:25,930 --> 02:33:25,930
how accurate is if it's not reflecting the suburban cities,
Your constituents.

1203
02:33:32,610 --> 02:33:32,610
and ask yourself if you didn't know that, why?

1204
02:33:37,530 --> 02:33:37,530
kens five recently reported on growing homeless encampments in northeast county near
Walzem road,

1205
02:33:45,650 --> 02:33:45,650
precinct four, where residents expressed frustration that the problem has continued for
Years with little meaningful improvement.

1206
02:33:54,050 --> 02:33:54,050
these are encampments that the city of san antonio does not visit that our critical
Community partners typically do not visit.

1207
02:34:03,100 --> 02:34:03,100
what struck me immediately about that story is that I know that encampment personally,
While serving as director of bexar county department of military and veterans services,

1208
02:34:12,580 --> 02:34:12,580
our team with county and community partners routinely visited that camp and other
Locations to connect residents with housing resources,

1209
02:34:21,820 --> 02:34:21,820
health care assistance, veteran benefits and services,
And behavioral health support.

1210
02:34:27,980 --> 02:34:27,980
on one occasion at that very camp, I met a navy combat veteran.

1211
02:34:33,780 --> 02:34:33,780
after talking with him, he told me he was ready to get off the streets through
Coordination with american g.I.

1212
02:34:39,860 --> 02:34:39,860
forum national veteran outreach program. One of their representatives was on site within
An hour to get them connected to shelter,

1213
02:34:47,940 --> 02:34:47,940
space and wraparound services. That's what outreach should look like.

1214
02:34:53,460 --> 02:34:53,460
actual engagement in the field, connecting vulnerable residents to resources before
Tragedy occurs.

1215
02:35:02,100 --> 02:35:02,100
and yet, bexar county has apparently stopped doing outreach in these areas.

1216
02:35:06,660 --> 02:35:06,660
why? While these needs continue growing, bexar county has failed to engage in effective
Community collaboration efforts that could improve outcomes for our residents.

1217
02:35:16,780 --> 02:35:16,780
while I was on directed administrative leave,
Both the department of military and veterans services and the department of economic and

1218
02:35:22,180 --> 02:35:22,180
community development received invitations from john,
Ghana with the city of san antonio's housing department and later from katie wilson from

1219
02:35:30,940 --> 02:35:30,940
close to home to participate in collaborative working groups focused on homelessness,
Coordination and comprehensive response efforts.

1220
02:35:39,500 --> 02:35:39,500
and from all accounts that have been told to me,
This county declined to participate.

1221
02:35:43,940 --> 02:35:47,620
we turned down the opportunity to have seats at the table. That's a failure in leadership. Last summer,
In july 2025.

1222
02:35:53,070 --> 02:35:53,070
bexar county initiated what was described as an unhoused initiatives strategy discussion
Under the oversight of deputy county manager thomas guevara.

1223
02:36:02,510 --> 02:36:02,510
multiple department heads participated. Subcommittees were established,
County contracts and services were reviewed.

1224
02:36:11,590 --> 02:36:11,590
discussions were held regarding community needs,
Coordination, challenges and operational gaps.

1225
02:36:18,710 --> 02:36:18,710
and yet, nearly one year later, where are the outcomes?

1226
02:36:22,910 --> 02:36:26,190
where is the county strategy in the military? We had a saying. As a staff, you can create options,
You can preserve options, or you can forfeit options.

1227
02:36:34,510 --> 02:36:37,310
and I would ask you is what is your staff doing for you? Creating options, preserving options or forfeiting?

1228
02:36:41,070 --> 02:36:44,350
local reports show that our residents are concerned. Is the county, the county or. The problem continues growing while the county continues
Discussing it one year later in fy

1229
02:36:54,270 --> 02:36:54,270
2023. San antonio conducted approximately 300 abatements in the city limits.

1230
02:37:00,230 --> 02:37:00,230
in 2025, that number jumped to over 1400. When I looked just the other day,
It was close to 900.

1231
02:37:06,550 --> 02:37:06,550
just this year, judge psychiatry first luncheon was suburban mayors.

1232
02:37:11,910 --> 02:37:11,910
the topic of growing homelessness was risen. Leaders were concerned about it.

1233
02:37:17,270 --> 02:37:17,270
and on march 30th, 2024, in your newsletter,
You said it was a steadily rising issue and you recognized it and that you were determined

1234
02:37:24,510 --> 02:37:24,510
not to ignore it. You cited support for leon valley street outreach program,
Town twin village and a supportive housing project.

1235
02:37:32,950 --> 02:37:32,950
yet despite the investments, homelessness continues expanding beyond downtown san antonio
In the areas like balconies,

1236
02:37:39,790 --> 02:37:39,790
heights, selma, converse hill country village,
Alamo ranch and unincorporated bexar county.

1237
02:37:46,910 --> 02:37:46,910
areas like I mentioned that are typically not included in the point in time count,
And should be.

1238
02:37:53,040 --> 02:37:53,040
that gap between messaging and outcomes is exactly why residents deserve a published
County strategy.

1239
02:37:59,720 --> 02:37:59,720
with measurable accountability, local officials are concerned about it,
Our residents are concerned about it,

1240
02:38:06,440 --> 02:38:06,440
and the local media is reporting on it. Is bexar county listening?

1241
02:38:11,560 --> 02:38:15,240
this is no longer just a downtown san antonio issue. It's a county issue. We continue seeing residents living in drainage tunnels and other
Unsafe locations.

1242
02:38:23,360 --> 02:38:23,360
we continue seeing preventable deaths associated with exposure and dangerous living
Conditions.

1243
02:38:29,640 --> 02:38:29,640
over the weekend of january 23rd to 25th of 2026,
In response to an extreme cold weather system in the region,

1244
02:38:37,280 --> 02:38:37,280
bexar county opened warming centers to support local residents.

1245
02:38:41,680 --> 02:38:41,680
I was on administrative leave, so I volunteered with the american gi forum to support
Their outreach efforts.

1246
02:38:48,240 --> 02:38:48,240
over the course of that weekend, between 1 and 2 dozen homeless residents came to county
Warming centers.

1247
02:38:54,200 --> 02:38:54,200
and then shortly after opening, as extreme system passed,
Those homeless residents were kicked out of the county warming centers back to the

1248
02:39:01,200 --> 02:39:01,200
streets. There was no coordination mechanism to transition them into shelter space or
Supportive housing.

1249
02:39:08,480 --> 02:39:08,480
this was a reactive response to a known inclement weather,
Not a coordinated plan to support our residents.

1250
02:39:15,880 --> 02:39:15,880
but it gets worse. I'm going to tell you a quick story about 59 year old tammy suzette
Hovland.

1251
02:39:24,200 --> 02:39:24,200
miss hovland was previously arrested on october 1st,
2024.

1252
02:39:28,920 --> 02:39:28,920
april 13th, 2025. September 17th, 2025. December 4th,
2025.

1253
02:39:38,080 --> 02:39:38,080
all for charges of criminal trespass. These are typical charges filed against our homeless
Residents.

1254
02:39:45,320 --> 02:39:45,320
miss hovland was one of those residents who visited a bexar county warming center in late
January,

1255
02:39:50,880 --> 02:39:50,880
only to be forced back to the streets when the warming centers closed and no follow on
Assistance was available.

1256
02:39:58,000 --> 02:39:58,000
then, just days after being kicked back to the streets,
Miss hovland was again arrested for criminal trespass.

1257
02:40:04,200 --> 02:40:04,200
on february 5th, 2026. On february 7th, she was assaulted and strangled by her cellmate

1258
02:40:14,280 --> 02:40:14,280
in the bexar county jail, and she died the following day on february 8th.

1259
02:40:20,760 --> 02:40:20,760
tammy hovland should not have been in jail. Tammy hovland should have been in a shelter.

1260
02:40:27,640 --> 02:40:27,640
bexar county failed. Tammy susette hovland we must ask serious questions about how
Taxpayer dollars are being spent

1261
02:40:37,520 --> 02:40:37,520
to assist the homeless. I want to highlight a contract that I believe taxpayers deserve to
Know more about.

1262
02:40:44,570 --> 02:40:48,290
on april 8th, 2025, bexar county entered into an agreement with. Haven for hope, allocating nearly $500,000 of taxpayer funds for jail diversion program
Focused on homeless residents.

1263
02:40:58,650 --> 02:40:58,650
this contract guaranteed access to 30 beds and ten mats.

1264
02:41:03,850 --> 02:41:03,850
within that contract, you'll find that approximately $109,000 of county funding was
Allocated toward covering approximately 29%

1265
02:41:13,810 --> 02:41:13,810
of the ceo's $333,000 annual summary salary and $45,000 in additional fringe

1266
02:41:23,570 --> 02:41:23,570
benefits. So bexar county paid nearly 30% of that $378,000 annual salary for access to 30
Beds

1267
02:41:33,770 --> 02:41:33,770
and ten mats. And my understanding is that less than 40% of those the county referred were
Actually accepted for placement and that

1268
02:41:43,850 --> 02:41:43,850
for the most part, our allocated spots were unutilized.

1269
02:41:48,210 --> 02:41:48,210
I just received the the county records, and it looks like most of the mats were generally
Never used,

1270
02:41:54,770 --> 02:41:54,770
and only about 70% of the beds were ever fully utilized.

1271
02:42:00,210 --> 02:42:00,210
if the contracts that bexar county rights are not advantageous to the county,
Then we have to look at who's writing the contracts and who's reviewing the contracts.

1272
02:42:10,650 --> 02:42:10,650
we must also ask serious questions about how taxpayer dollars are being spent to prevent
Homelessness.

1273
02:42:16,770 --> 02:42:16,770
earlier this year, ksat highlighted bexar county's rental assistance partnership with
Catholic charities intended to help families facing eviction.

1274
02:42:24,410 --> 02:42:24,410
it was called a housing stability program. Yet reporting indicates that only a very
Limited number of families have actually received assistance through that program,

1275
02:42:35,010 --> 02:42:35,010
and that even justices of the peace are expressing frustration that their referrals are
Being denied.

1276
02:42:43,380 --> 02:42:43,380
reporting also shows that a small portion of available funding set aside to assist has
Actually been allocated and disbursed,

1277
02:42:50,380 --> 02:42:50,380
while families continue facing eviction and being denied assistance.

1278
02:42:55,820 --> 02:42:55,820
as someone who directly oversaw emergency financial assistance supporting veterans and
Their families,

1279
02:43:01,340 --> 02:43:01,340
I can tell you plainly those are not successful outcomes for the growing need in our
Community.

1280
02:43:06,900 --> 02:43:06,900
which brings me to another issue this court should have been tracking more closely.

1281
02:43:11,900 --> 02:43:11,900
on may 21st, the texas veterans commission decided not to approve two grants for the
Department of military and veterans services to provide emergency financial assistance to

1282
02:43:21,460 --> 02:43:21,460
include mortgage and rental assistance and peer support programs,
Programs that literally kept families and veterans in their homes,

1283
02:43:31,820 --> 02:43:31,820
kept the water running, kept lights on, and programs that connected struggling veterans to
Mental health support before

1284
02:43:41,340 --> 02:43:41,340
crisis occurred. You will hear some of their stories.

1285
02:43:45,820 --> 02:43:45,820
I warn this court about risks to those grants during my april 28th comments.

1286
02:43:51,340 --> 02:43:51,340
yet after all the turbulence that county leadership created inside the department of
Military and veterans services.

1287
02:43:56,940 --> 02:43:56,940
not a single county official made the decision to travel to austin to advocate for those
Funds.

1288
02:44:03,820 --> 02:44:03,820
el paso county had officials there. Zapata county had officials there.

1289
02:44:09,780 --> 02:44:09,780
cass county had officials there. Yet bexar county,
Home to the largest veteran population in texas and one of the largest in the country,

1290
02:44:19,020 --> 02:44:19,020
chose to send no elected official and no senior executive from the county.

1291
02:44:23,980 --> 02:44:27,060
the department staff were left to fend for themselves. Even after specifically requesting senior county leadership support.

1292
02:44:32,340 --> 02:44:32,340
this is another failure of leadership, and it raises serious questions about the county's
True commitment to our veteran community,

1293
02:44:39,750 --> 02:44:39,750
especially when these programs have been brought in about $1.5 million over the last two
Years.

1294
02:44:46,430 --> 02:44:46,430
that directly supported our community and demonstrated measurable success.

1295
02:44:55,990 --> 02:44:55,990
at a time when residents are demanding more,
They demand more outreach, more shelter capacity,

1296
02:45:03,910 --> 02:45:03,910
more prevention, more accountability. We should ask,
Is this truly how taxpayers expect funding to be prioritized?

1297
02:45:12,950 --> 02:45:15,910
homelessness is not a city of san antonio issue. It's not a nonprofit issue, and it's not something this county can continue to pass to
Others to assume responsibility for.

1298
02:45:24,430 --> 02:45:24,430
it's a county issue requiring comprehensive coordination,
True operational leadership, measurable accountability and

1299
02:45:34,230 --> 02:45:34,230
genuine partnerships between government and community stakeholders to truly help address
The needs that our community has.

1300
02:45:41,550 --> 02:45:41,550
I've walked the camps and I've walked the streets,
And those of you that have done it know it's not an easy problem to solve.

1301
02:45:48,310 --> 02:45:52,150
and I know it takes a lot more than what I think we're putting into it. You should demand more. The community deserves more.

1302
02:45:57,030 --> 02:46:00,990
the residents are demanding more, and they deserve it. I know I'll be followed by a couple of folks that participated in the peer support program
To give their personal testimony. Thank you judge. Thank you. Commissioners hernandez.

1303
02:46:12,510 --> 02:46:16,390
three minutes. Hello, everybody. My name is arthur hernandez. Born and raised here in san antonio. Honestly,
I'll just give you a little bit of history.

1304
02:46:20,430 --> 02:46:20,430
I didn't have anything prepared. I'm actually just speaking from the heart. So I grew up
Here in san antonio.

1305
02:46:26,230 --> 02:46:26,230
five sisters, one brother my parents well, my dad's passed away now,
But my mom's still with us.

1306
02:46:33,120 --> 02:46:33,120
luckily, she's almost 80 years old. In a way like my mom's always been kind of like,
You know,

1307
02:46:39,440 --> 02:46:42,400
like a, I don't know, she's like a saint to me,
You know? I mean, I know everybody says they have the best mother in the world,
But I'm telling you, like she literally, like, never cussed, never smoked, never drank,

1308
02:46:48,840 --> 02:46:52,560
doesn't do anything she's waiting to pass on to be with my dad. Visits him at the cemetery, leaves them off to,
Like, you know, thanksgiving, christmas, everything on their come from a good household.

1309
02:46:58,160 --> 02:46:58,160
so like I kind of separate it from her but for about 26 years,
Like where I was just kind of working,

1310
02:47:06,840 --> 02:47:06,840
trying to like, you know, maintain, you know,
The whole family kind of like, you know, get away from,

1311
02:47:11,240 --> 02:47:11,240
you know basically like after I left the military,
Like it felt like, you know, they kind of abandoned me.

1312
02:47:18,880 --> 02:47:18,880
like you're kind of like, you don't know how to transition out. So you're kind of like
Forgotten about.

1313
02:47:23,560 --> 02:47:23,560
so that's how I feel like veterans are. But when I I got laid off after working for about
26 years.

1314
02:47:32,000 --> 02:47:32,000
it was probably one of the best things that had happened to me,
Honestly, because I got to reconnect with my sister that I had lost connection with. I got

1315
02:47:38,560 --> 02:47:42,360
to reconnect with my mom. And I guess I'm going to call this speech. Everything happens for a reason. Okay. So once I got let go,
I started actually partaking more in my health,

1316
02:47:51,280 --> 02:47:51,280
taking care of myself. Because working so many hours,
You know, seven days a week, you know,

1317
02:47:57,440 --> 02:47:57,440
never making time for yourself, you kind of lose yourself. And that's where my sister in
Law started dragging me by the year,

1318
02:48:02,640 --> 02:48:02,640
literally, she's like, what time am I picking you up? We're going to do this,
You know, with the peer support group. That was my very first organization after the a

1319
02:48:10,360 --> 02:48:10,360
little bit over a year. I've actually been able to like join other organizations as well
And met like a lot of good people on there.

1320
02:48:17,560 --> 02:48:17,560
and it kind of saved my life. I would go to after I got laid off,
I didn't know what to do.

1321
02:48:22,520 --> 02:48:22,520
I was like depressed for 2 to 3 months being with the peers,
Them coming out, them checking on me,

1322
02:48:27,880 --> 02:48:31,120
like, literally, like I was not in a good place. But after that, my sister, I kind of like stopped connecting with her for like 20 years
Because of a past incident.

1323
02:48:37,800 --> 02:48:37,800
and, well, she became a different person. She brought my mom into like her life again.

1324
02:48:44,600 --> 02:48:44,600
and then I came back into my mom's life. My sister is running now,
Her own business over there at the corner of south southcross roosevelt.

1325
02:48:51,400 --> 02:48:54,200
she owns a flower shop over there. Inspirational floral. My mom hangs out there with her, and I've been blessed to like,
See my mom every day and peer support,

1326
02:49:02,320 --> 02:49:04,480
like, really got me through everything on there. And I don't know where I'm going to be going,
Like in life or what I'm going to be doing. But I know one thing for sure is that I don't

1327
02:49:09,760 --> 02:49:09,760
want to work for a corporation again. I want to like take care of small business like,
You know,

1328
02:49:15,000 --> 02:49:15,000
because I think, you know, that's where I think honestly,
I felt like I said, they've forgotten about me when I got laid off,

1329
02:49:20,520 --> 02:49:20,520
they forgot about me too. So now I feel like,
Hey, you know what small business is like, we connect.

1330
02:49:26,570 --> 02:49:26,570
you know what I mean? My sister, my mom, all those small businesses right there. I get to
See them every single day.

1331
02:49:31,690 --> 02:49:34,530
and I think it makes her, like, want to keep living. And I think it's going to, you know, like, keep pushing her.

1332
02:49:37,170 --> 02:49:37,170
and I know she wants. She's she's happy to see me happy.

1333
02:49:41,610 --> 02:49:41,610
let's just put it that way. And I'm going to be forever grateful for joining this
Organization with peer support.

1334
02:49:47,210 --> 02:49:47,210
and like I said, I, we're just going to go where god,
You know, takes me.

1335
02:49:51,290 --> 02:49:51,290
I've always said, so that's why I always said everything happens for a reason and I'm
Alive today because like I said,

1336
02:49:56,970 --> 02:50:00,050
I, I was let go and I was, you know, not in a good place. So I appreciate your time. And like I said thank you.

1337
02:50:06,410 --> 02:50:06,410
that's all I have. Thank you, miss chaperon. Three minutes.

1338
02:50:12,570 --> 02:50:12,570
good morning commissioners. My name is mariah cummings. Chaperon us air force veteran here
To read meaningful letters from two of my sister alarms,

1339
02:50:20,490 --> 02:50:24,170
my weary u.s. Army veteran and nisha corbet singleton,
U.s. Army veteran who both wish they could stand here today,
But I stand in their stead.

1340
02:50:28,930 --> 02:50:28,930
good morning, judge and commissioners. My name is my weary,
And I am a united states army veteran military spouse and now a resident of bexar county.

1341
02:50:36,690 --> 02:50:36,690
I served for 15 years in the army as a human intelligence collector and intelligence
Operations manager.

1342
02:50:42,810 --> 02:50:42,810
throughout my military career, I served alongside some of the most incredible men and
Women our nation has ever known.

1343
02:50:49,010 --> 02:50:49,010
I've learned the importance of mission, service,
Resilience and taking care of the person next to you.

1344
02:50:54,930 --> 02:50:54,930
but what I've learned since leaving the military is that for many veterans,
The hardest battle is not fought overseas.

1345
02:51:01,250 --> 02:51:01,250
it has fought. After the uniform comes off. This year,
My husband and I relocated to san antonio.

1346
02:51:07,450 --> 02:51:07,450
like many veterans and military families, we found ourselves navigating a major life
Transition.

1347
02:51:13,530 --> 02:51:13,530
new city, new community, new challenges, and the uncertainty of often that often comes
With rebuilding your life after service.

1348
02:51:22,620 --> 02:51:22,620
at the same time, I was also walking through personal grief and healing,
And what I found here was something I did not expect.

1349
02:51:30,100 --> 02:51:30,100
I found a community. I found people who understood without me having to explain.

1350
02:51:35,100 --> 02:51:35,100
I found fellow veterans who knew what it felt like to carry invisible wounds,
Navigate change,

1351
02:51:41,180 --> 02:51:44,700
struggle with isolation, and still keep moving forward. And that matters because san antonio is not just another city.

1352
02:51:48,620 --> 02:51:48,620
it is the military city, usa. Thousands of veterans retire,
Relocate and build their lives here every year.

1353
02:51:55,740 --> 02:51:55,740
many arrive without family nearby. Many are struggling with mental health challenges,
Loneliness,

1354
02:52:01,460 --> 02:52:01,460
financial stress, transition difficulties, or simply trying to figure out where they
Belong after military service.

1355
02:52:08,740 --> 02:52:12,580
community is not a luxury for veterans. It is a necessity. The organization we are discussing today has become a significant part of my own healing
Journey and my connection to this community.

1356
02:52:19,500 --> 02:52:19,500
what makes this program different is that it is built by veterans and for veterans.

1357
02:52:24,340 --> 02:52:27,100
we are not simply clients receiving services. We are participants helping one another heal.

1358
02:52:29,860 --> 02:52:29,860
we are building relationships, creating accountability,
Restoring purpose, and ensuring that no veteran walks alone.

1359
02:52:37,100 --> 02:52:37,100
this program has served nearly 300 veterans through more than 200 events,
Surpassing its original goal of 140 veterans.

1360
02:52:44,940 --> 02:52:47,580
but those numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every number is a veteran who found a reason to leave their house,
A veteran who found friendship,

1361
02:52:53,180 --> 02:52:56,420
a veteran who found resources, a veteran who found hope. A veteran who realized they were not alone. The program also reaches veterans inside the
Bexar county jail,

1362
02:53:02,220 --> 02:53:02,220
providing peer support, education, creative outlets and assistance with resources for a
Successful reentry into society.

1363
02:53:09,620 --> 02:53:12,220
this is not just service, this is prevention. Prevention of homelessness, prevention of isolation.

1364
02:53:15,300 --> 02:53:18,790
prevention of recidivism. Prevention of despair. As someone who is pursuing higher education focused on global studies,
Community development,

1365
02:53:23,790 --> 02:53:23,790
and helping vulnerable populations, I've learned that the strongest communities are not
Built by programs alone.

1366
02:53:29,550 --> 02:53:29,550
they are built by relationships. This organization is creating those relationships every
Single week.

1367
02:53:35,430 --> 02:53:35,430
today, I respectfully ask that you continue to recognize and support the value of veteran
Peer support programs like this one,

1368
02:53:42,030 --> 02:53:42,030
because when we invest in veterans, we are not only simply honoring their service,
We're strengthening families,

1369
02:53:48,270 --> 02:53:48,270
communities, and bexar county itself. Thank you for your time,
Your leadership, and your commitment to those who serve.

1370
02:53:54,230 --> 02:53:54,230
god bless you. God bless texas. God bless our veterans.

1371
02:53:58,350 --> 02:53:58,350
dear committee, I. Corbet singleton, retired u.s.

1372
02:54:02,390 --> 02:54:02,390
army and I'm writing to express my strong support for continued funding for the bexar.

1373
02:54:06,470 --> 02:54:09,870
time has expired. As a veteran, I'm living with ptsd. I know firsthand how important this group is.

1374
02:54:12,670 --> 02:54:12,670
bexar peer group has helped me manage stress,
Cope with the challenges of ptsd, and find support from people who truly understand what

1375
02:54:20,870 --> 02:54:20,870
I'm going through. The veterans in this group support one another,
Share experiences, and provide encouragement encouragement during difficult,

1376
02:54:28,310 --> 02:54:32,230
difficult times. For me, this program has been a lifesaver. It has helped me feel less alone and has helped me cope with the.

1377
02:54:37,510 --> 02:54:40,150
the genul care about each others and the programs of. This essential for veterans is deserved. Continued support.

1378
02:54:43,150 --> 02:54:43,150
I respectfully ask that you continue funding bayer peer group so that they can keep
Providing these vital services to the veterans of of our community.

1379
02:54:51,790 --> 02:54:51,790
thank you for your time and your consideration.

1380
02:54:55,870 --> 02:54:59,310
all right. I believe that. Is there any other citizen? Constable, I have you on the next agenda item for under 43.

1381
02:55:05,110 --> 02:55:07,470
is there any other citizens to be heard hearing? None. We'll take up 43. Discussion. Appropriate action regarding approval of use.

1382
02:55:13,510 --> 02:55:13,510
and $50 an unexpended salary. Funds due to position vacancies under philip captain
Positions and a person purchased two new bmw police

1383
02:55:22,750 --> 02:55:22,750
motorcycles and motorcycle equipment in the amount of $51,550 each.

1384
02:55:28,350 --> 02:55:28,350
$103,010 for two. Constable. Good morning. Good afternoon,
May I?

1385
02:55:38,430 --> 02:55:38,430
it's noontime, 12:00.

1386
02:55:48,870 --> 02:55:48,870
commissioners county judge commissioner rebeca clay-flores justin rodriguez.

1387
02:55:56,710 --> 02:55:59,950
my my commissioner, who's I guess in the military service right now. And tommy calvert, I appreciate your attendance and listening to what we have today.

1388
02:56:04,230 --> 02:56:07,310
I did ask for some specific information on objections. I had some general information that people had some information that they'd like to know
About this possible use on the motorcycles,

1389
02:56:13,480 --> 02:56:13,480
but I didn't get any more specifics, so I'm just going to try to handle it as far as I can
Generally.

1390
02:56:18,120 --> 02:56:18,120
so we cover everything. This is a precinct three issue,
And it's an operational decision that basically should be handled by precinct three within

1391
02:56:24,960 --> 02:56:24,960
precinct three. We each have our designated budgets,
Which we are approximately the same in all precincts as far as allocated funds,

1392
02:56:32,880 --> 02:56:32,880
staffing and other areas. If I have to look for a subject matter expert in precinct one,
For example,

1393
02:56:40,080 --> 02:56:40,080
I would be looking for commissioner rebeca clay-flores her commissioner as commissioner,
The county,

1394
02:56:46,280 --> 02:56:46,280
the constable and the jp in that area, same as I would do for precinct four,
Because you have thousands and thousands of hours of living in the community listening to

1395
02:56:55,120 --> 02:56:58,800
community issues. I have about 60,000 hours in precinct three. I appreciate the fact that we have budget and budget analysts that are trying to assist
Us,

1396
02:57:03,480 --> 02:57:03,480
but when it comes down to actually knowing the ins and outs of everything that we do,
It really requires that larger breadth of experience and depth really understand.

1397
02:57:13,000 --> 02:57:13,000
one of my points that I'm bringing up a little bit later on will be the fact that precinct
Three has been more effective in improving, improving over budget recommendations that are

1398
02:57:20,720 --> 02:57:20,720
just spreadsheet driven. Because of that depth and the amount of experience that we have
In precinct three.

1399
02:57:27,040 --> 02:57:27,040
I know that we have unexpended funds that have been in the past authorized funds for our
Budget,

1400
02:57:32,360 --> 02:57:32,360
and we are asking for use of that, those unexpended funds towards these motorcycles.

1401
02:57:37,200 --> 02:57:37,200
and alternatively, I think budget has recommended or suggested that we use other funds
From the fleet funds to provide these two motorcycles.

1402
02:57:46,640 --> 02:57:46,640
no staff has been requested for it. The stats support this capital expenditure.

1403
02:57:52,320 --> 02:57:52,320
those expenses that we will incur are far exceeded by the capture of legislatively
Authorized methods of offsetting the costs of law enforcement to those who violate the law

1404
02:58:02,000 --> 02:58:02,000
versus law abiding citizens. Precinct three has offered the use of precinct three bunch,
As recommended by budget analyst,

1405
02:58:08,490 --> 02:58:08,490
who covers some of the shortfalls in getting these this equipment.

1406
02:58:12,770 --> 02:58:12,770
I request this information not just to increase public safety,
But to further offset the costs of these services to those persons who use our services or

1407
02:58:20,930 --> 02:58:23,770
violate the law and incur law enforcement activity. We want to make sure that the taxpayers are represented.

1408
02:58:27,210 --> 02:58:27,210
we also want to make sure that for every dollar that we can save by offsetting these funds
From legislatively authorized uses,

1409
02:58:33,290 --> 02:58:33,290
I.e. The legislature specifically gives us the ability to bring in civil process fees,
As well as fines,

1410
02:58:40,850 --> 02:58:40,850
fees from traffic and warrant fees to offset our costs for all those dollars that we can
Offset,

1411
02:58:48,050 --> 02:58:48,050
that can go to other areas that the budget requires attention to that may not be
Adequately funded.

1412
02:58:53,490 --> 02:58:53,490
when we look at the chart that I had provided,
It's basically a 13 year look at what the budget for precinct three looks at when we look

1413
02:59:02,170 --> 02:59:02,170
at what are the sources of revenue and how much that the taxpayers actually have to pay.

1414
02:59:06,650 --> 02:59:06,650
if you look into fiscal years 14 and 15, we were between 4% and 1% that taxpayers had to
Provide.

1415
02:59:14,770 --> 02:59:14,770
that's that red portion in there. Various things occur in that time frame.

1416
02:59:19,130 --> 02:59:19,130
one is we had a decision to cut budget staff in 2016.

1417
02:59:23,170 --> 02:59:23,170
that was a budget recommendation to eliminate positions to save money.

1418
02:59:28,610 --> 02:59:28,610
if you'll look at this, the increase on the charts,
You'll find that it actually increased our cost to about 38% in that year because we lost

1419
02:59:36,370 --> 02:59:36,370
revenue on ag and other areas. Instead of being able to offset those things,
Those are now things that taxpayers had to function.

1420
02:59:44,650 --> 02:59:44,650
the yellow section is traffic and fines, including the warrant fees,
And you'll see that varied quite a bit there because that judgment of budget to cut six

1421
02:59:52,730 --> 02:59:52,730
positions were my traffic officers. We could not continue to operate with traffic that
Cost the county about $9 million overall going across that 13 year time

1422
03:00:02,290 --> 03:00:02,290
period. But even when we account for the savings that we had from $330,000 from deputy
Constables who were dismissed,

1423
03:00:11,420 --> 03:00:11,420
including purchasing of capital costs at five years,
For example, replacing the cars that they're driving.

1424
03:00:17,100 --> 03:00:21,020
we still left about 1,000,003 on that decision. My point is not to criticize budget. They have a tough job.

1425
03:00:24,220 --> 03:00:24,220
you all have a tough job. We have 4300 full time employees,
Probably another 700 that about another 1700 that are part timers.

1426
03:00:33,300 --> 03:00:33,300
and managing a $2.8 billion budget is a tough deal.

1427
03:00:37,420 --> 03:00:37,420
we do ask that you look at the precinct level officers as you are for our commissioners,
That let us use our expertise to see where we can offset those costs further on.

1428
03:00:47,380 --> 03:00:47,380
if we look a little bit further into there, we saw a huge increase in 2017,
Fiscal year 2017,

1429
03:00:53,460 --> 03:00:57,340
where we added more ag papers to our workload. I asked for that. I went to them and solicited their business.

1430
03:01:00,380 --> 03:01:00,380
they had that done by private process and we thought we could do a better job.

1431
03:01:04,420 --> 03:01:04,420
when we did, we saw a huge increase in our silver revenue.

1432
03:01:08,460 --> 03:01:08,460
where we again brought down our costs to taxpayers to about 7% in 2018,
2019.

1433
03:01:14,620 --> 03:01:14,620
then of course, covid, covid hit in 2020, and everything had a little bit of a downturn.

1434
03:01:19,340 --> 03:01:19,340
as we looked at the chart and our costs increased to 36,
39%, we show an increase again, coming back up,

1435
03:01:26,660 --> 03:01:26,660
though, in 2022 where we had been working additional ag papers where the other constables
Had come in and start taking over their precincts.

1436
03:01:36,140 --> 03:01:36,140
and some of them declined to continue that. We took up some of that slack,
Which increased our civil process revenue.

1437
03:01:43,340 --> 03:01:43,340
but we were also straining our officers by overworking them,
Trying to cover more than one precinct at one time.

1438
03:01:49,580 --> 03:01:49,580
so we then decided as a precinct three decision to go ahead and only accept those that
Charts that came in from precinct three to use.

1439
03:01:59,100 --> 03:01:59,100
we dropped those papers that shows that drop in performance,
We should increase our cost to about 32%.

1440
03:02:04,790 --> 03:02:04,790
if you notice about that same area in 2024, there's a green section up there for our sro
Budget.

1441
03:02:09,870 --> 03:02:09,870
we didn't include that. It was in our cost because those are being paid for by another
Area,

1442
03:02:14,230 --> 03:02:14,230
by the taxpayers using it who actually use those services up there.

1443
03:02:19,590 --> 03:02:19,590
this request is just for equipment. No additional staff funding is unexpended salary
Funds.

1444
03:02:26,110 --> 03:02:26,110
we looked at it. We found that we had over $114,000 in unexpected salary funds this year.

1445
03:02:32,310 --> 03:02:32,310
we've actually revised that now to about 185,000,
Just from openings that we had, that it takes us such a long time to vet and bring people

1446
03:02:39,550 --> 03:02:43,030
in that that additional accumulation of salaries occurred. We also had 321,000 in the previous year and $253,000 in the year prior to that,
Which we were not able to use in our budget.

1447
03:02:53,950 --> 03:02:57,470
these salary funds are not unusual to be used and expended. The district attorney's office, for example,
Routinely uses it to provide overtime pay, even to salaried employees,

1448
03:03:03,230 --> 03:03:03,230
which is an unusual use. No explanation to the amounts of the natures of the budgetary
Transfers in our budget that for some reason,

1449
03:03:10,350 --> 03:03:13,830
they would say that that $185,000 no longer exists. I would at least think, as the office holder,
That I would at least know what was being deducted from the budget,

1450
03:03:18,590 --> 03:03:21,950
so I could at least ask about it. These are not expenses. We were told that the expenses are going to be for salary increases on the anniversary
Date.

1451
03:03:26,790 --> 03:03:26,790
do the pay plan, which I am appreciative that you all passed for us about three years ago,

1452
03:03:31,830 --> 03:03:31,830
but these areas are easily accountable as an increase in funding every year.

1453
03:03:36,670 --> 03:03:36,670
it's actually shown as a line item in the budget,
But it's shown as a $0 amount, which probably that means it needs to be addressed to where

1454
03:03:43,230 --> 03:03:43,230
we can actually place it in the accounting and actually account for it properly.

1455
03:03:47,550 --> 03:03:51,430
the reason we want to look at motorcycles, again,
We had them previously. We had to get rid of them when the county cut our staffing and said they were no longer
Going to use traffic as a metric.

1456
03:03:57,550 --> 03:03:57,550
so the hours that my officers put in would not count,
Would be used as a further reduction of our staffing in the following year.

1457
03:04:04,750 --> 03:04:04,750
from our experience, motor officers are much more effective than an officer in a four
Wheeled vehicle.

1458
03:04:09,870 --> 03:04:09,870
they can reach areas that we can't get to for the higher value citations that we are
Looking for school zones,

1459
03:04:15,950 --> 03:04:19,950
highly congested areas, people who run red lights and intersections. That's something that motor officers are expert at getting at.

1460
03:04:23,630 --> 03:04:27,110
bexar county sheriff's office has maintained motorcycle units for decades. As a matter of fact, their shift to bmw motorcycles was in part from the motorcycles we
Turned in.

1461
03:04:33,350 --> 03:04:33,350
and now bmw motorcycles are the standard operational standard for the san antonio police
Department and the bexar county sheriff's office.

1462
03:04:40,590 --> 03:04:40,590
the motorcycles requested in this proposal are virtually identical to the bcso fleet.

1463
03:04:45,510 --> 03:04:45,510
there were some concerns. Their only differing,
As far as I know, in agency graphics and something of a minor issue,

1464
03:04:50,790 --> 03:04:50,790
but they were taken off the bcso bids. Given that maintenance is performed by bmw.

1465
03:04:56,280 --> 03:04:59,520
the motorcycles using the same platform, equipment and components. The minor differences between agencies operating in the same make and model have little
Operational significance in this request.

1466
03:05:06,720 --> 03:05:06,720
national findings, as well as our local findings that motorcycle officers produce a higher
Number of contacts per hour.

1467
03:05:14,400 --> 03:05:14,400
they also agree a higher deterrent value. When you see a police motorcycle,
You know that's a traffic officer.

1468
03:05:20,720 --> 03:05:20,720
we get a huge amount that more from the visibility of an officer through ways in these
Various computer apps that tell people what's going on in an area,

1469
03:05:29,840 --> 03:05:29,840
and that helps reduce traffic fatalities and traffic crashes,
Which is our goal.

1470
03:05:34,840 --> 03:05:34,840
san antonio police department does it. Houston police department has a motorized austin
Pd.

1471
03:05:38,960 --> 03:05:38,960
fort worth pd constable's in harris county and also fort bend county all have motor units
That perform similar functions.

1472
03:05:47,840 --> 03:05:50,360
again, our operational experience with motors. We brought it up to about. It's actually about twice as effective for a motor officer than
It is for a four wheel drive officer to be operating out there.

1473
03:05:57,040 --> 03:05:59,680
it gets us access to those school zones and other areas. This funding request identifies unexpended salary funds that we have,
Which now I believe are closer to $185,000.

1474
03:06:07,280 --> 03:06:07,280
unless there's something that can show us where that money has been diverted,
We would like to be able to use to purchase these motorcycles.

1475
03:06:14,600 --> 03:06:14,600
we also had additional funds in precinct three funds that we were asked to provide through
Our budget analysts for miscellaneous equipment,

1476
03:06:21,400 --> 03:06:24,960
safety equipment. And we found that money in that budget,
And we have put that in that. Kitty. The financial return again for motorcycles,
It's a responsible investment.

1477
03:06:30,040 --> 03:06:30,040
traffic enforcement generates revenue through legislatively authorized fines and fees,
Offsetting taxpayer funds.

1478
03:06:36,760 --> 03:06:36,760
everything, every dollar we collect through the courts,
Which we don't collect money directly.

1479
03:06:41,240 --> 03:06:43,720
the courts collect it. But that goes to offset. It also prefers a deterrence factor from people from speeding in a school zone and other
Issues.

1480
03:06:48,840 --> 03:06:48,840
training was an issue that I heard. It might have been a question about can we provide the
Training for it?

1481
03:06:54,490 --> 03:06:54,490
during our previous program, we conducted and coordinated our own training program
Ourselves. I was one of the motor officers and I actually participated in that training

1482
03:07:01,650 --> 03:07:01,650
program. However, the bexar county sheriff's office,
The san antonio police department, and the department of public safety all have motor

1483
03:07:07,530 --> 03:07:07,530
units, and they have training programs, and they've all invited us to train with them.
Motor officers are a unique subset of policing.

1484
03:07:14,850 --> 03:07:14,850
they share experiences training, and they train together often. They have a passion for
What they do.

1485
03:07:19,370 --> 03:07:21,290
and we would like to get back into that area. And we have plenty of support in the field to do that.

1486
03:07:25,410 --> 03:07:25,410
the operational need, obviously school zone enforcement,
Traffic compliance responses, high visibility,

1487
03:07:31,290 --> 03:07:31,290
and the deterrence value of a motor unit passing by encourages compliance questions on
Whether other precincts may or may not choose to operate.

1488
03:07:40,530 --> 03:07:40,530
motorcycles should be directed to those individual precincts. Each precinct is different.

1489
03:07:45,010 --> 03:07:47,970
each office has its own operational concerns. I do have letters of support from precinct two and from precinct four for the support of
Constable's office in precinct three to get motorcycles.

1490
03:07:56,410 --> 03:07:56,410
we also have that letters if you need to see those.

1491
03:08:01,050 --> 03:08:01,050
as far as it being a precinct three case issue,
The precinct three doesn't interfere with decisions regarding other precincts,

1492
03:08:07,570 --> 03:08:07,570
budgets and operations. We don't we don't question commissioner calvert on the juvenile
Justice center.

1493
03:08:12,570 --> 03:08:15,730
that is a precinct four matter. It's within that budget area. We don't question anything that we see on the bibliotheque or jail death investigations in
Precinct two or any other county specific functions that are outside of precinct three.

1494
03:08:24,930 --> 03:08:24,930
and we we would like to have that degree of courtesy provided for us when we have this
Request as well.

1495
03:08:30,010 --> 03:08:30,010
we all have growth. Every precinct sees large values and increases down the line.

1496
03:08:34,770 --> 03:08:34,770
precinct four is one of the largest growing areas overall,
Including tax valuations, but remaining that now prominent.

1497
03:08:41,010 --> 03:08:41,010
precinct three is the dominant source of residential and unincorporated property values in
Bexar county,

1498
03:08:46,370 --> 03:08:46,370
and it contributes a substantially larger share of county tax base than its share of
Population.

1499
03:08:50,940 --> 03:08:50,940
that's just a fact. Expected salary obligations,
Step increases, and compensatory time payouts are routine and predictable expenditures.

1500
03:08:58,340 --> 03:08:58,340
they should have their own line item. They shouldn't just sneak up on us throughout the
Year and say that's what it's being used for.

1501
03:09:06,180 --> 03:09:06,180
we've talked a little bit about everything down the line there. This is a precinct three
Operational issue. We will operate it and maintain it according to the standards. We do

1502
03:09:13,260 --> 03:09:16,380
not violate the agreements that we make with commissioners court. You've asked us to perform traffic services in the past.

1503
03:09:18,740 --> 03:09:18,740
that's what we were doing. This now is just an increasing ability to where we can do that
Out in the field.

1504
03:09:24,940 --> 03:09:24,940
the unexpended funds are within and have been in the past to authorize funds for the
Precinct three budget and the use of fleet funds.

1505
03:09:31,620 --> 03:09:31,620
funds have been authorized or could be an alternative,
As suggested by budget in a declared budget shortfall.

1506
03:09:37,300 --> 03:09:37,300
these offsets are more important at all, and it tends to allow the precincts to be almost
Self-sufficient.

1507
03:09:43,220 --> 03:09:46,660
when you look at these different categories across all three precincts. They are all probably close to being self-sufficient,
And that's one of the things we would love to be able to do, is be able to provide the

1508
03:09:52,380 --> 03:09:52,380
legislatively authorized funding sources to offset that,
So that taxpayers and bexar county can use those funds for whatever purposes they need,

1509
03:09:59,580 --> 03:09:59,580
especially in this shortfall time period. Any questions from anybody,
Please.

1510
03:10:05,700 --> 03:10:09,180
any questions? I just have some comments. Oh,
Commissioner moody. So judge, I think this was a public comment. And have we pulled the item up for
Consideration?

1511
03:10:14,620 --> 03:10:14,620
yes. The item is there an item that we're you're going to pull up for the court to
Deliberate on because this was a public

1512
03:10:24,140 --> 03:10:24,140
comment. Do you want to pull public comment or do you want to pull that item?

1513
03:10:31,180 --> 03:10:31,180
I called it do we did we call it an individual item?

1514
03:10:35,460 --> 03:10:38,140
yeah, I think he called it. Okay. I'm sorry. Let me call it. If I didn't, let me call it discussion. Appropriate action regarding approval. Use of $650
In the unexpended salary funds due to position vacancies

1515
03:10:47,830 --> 03:10:47,830
under fill captain positions to purchase two bmw police motorcycles and motorcycle
Equipment in the amount of 51,550 each.

1516
03:10:57,350 --> 03:10:57,350
$103,010 for two. All right, commissioner moody.

1517
03:11:04,670 --> 03:11:06,830
well thank you, judge, and thank you, constable. Vojvodich for for being here. I'm just going to try to sum up,
You know what, what I heard and maybe there's a couple questions here for staff.

1518
03:11:13,390 --> 03:11:13,390
but you said bcso has motor motorcycles that currently operate.

1519
03:11:20,910 --> 03:11:20,910
correct. I'm sorry, I couldn't quite hear the question.

1520
03:11:25,430 --> 03:11:25,430
bcso has motor officers today. Yes they do. So maybe to to county staff.

1521
03:11:33,710 --> 03:11:33,710
there's no policy in place that says we don't have motor officers in bexar county.

1522
03:11:40,190 --> 03:11:40,190
is that correct? Thomas. Not that I'm aware of,
But

1523
03:11:50,790 --> 03:11:54,710
we don't have a policy on that end. No. No commissioner,
No commissioner. We don't have a policy on that. Thank you. And what is the what's the cost of a fully
Outfitted tahoe?

1524
03:12:02,710 --> 03:12:02,710
do we know budget for the cost of each motorcycle?

1525
03:12:06,990 --> 03:12:06,990
no. Tahoe. I don't know, off the top of my head,
But I can find out quickly for you.

1526
03:12:16,150 --> 03:12:16,150
okay. I want to say it's 70,000, give or take.

1527
03:12:21,430 --> 03:12:21,430
and what's the cost of a motorcycle fully outfitted?

1528
03:12:26,190 --> 03:12:26,190
well, this one, we would get two of them at about $51,550 each.

1529
03:12:31,350 --> 03:12:31,350
they are less expensive than a tahoe, but they are comparable probably in the cost of the
Expenses because motors do have expenses that are similar.

1530
03:12:41,110 --> 03:12:41,110
acquisition cost is less though. Yeah. So cheaper acquisition cost as you pointed out,
Better access when it comes to

1531
03:12:50,150 --> 03:12:50,150
motorcycles. When it when it comes to traffic and everything highlight that,
That you mentioned,

1532
03:12:58,630 --> 03:12:58,630
you have the support of at least two of your fellow constables in this request.

1533
03:13:02,830 --> 03:13:02,830
is that right? Yes. Both of them submitted both precinct two and four indicated that they
Have no objections.

1534
03:13:10,070 --> 03:13:13,910
but again, somebody had brought up. Why do we need them? It's not a matter of fact that the other precincts don't. They may not have qualified
Operators, or they may not have the they already have their traffic plans already in

1535
03:13:22,070 --> 03:13:22,070
place. We've used them before, and we'd like to be able to use them again. And we also
Heard that there's two different sources of funding.

1536
03:13:29,150 --> 03:13:29,150
there's the the unspent salary compensation that's available more than enough to,
To cover or there's the fleet

1537
03:13:38,600 --> 03:13:38,600
fund, which has funds available for these motorcycles as well.

1538
03:13:42,640 --> 03:13:42,640
so, I mean, this is easy for me. I don't understand,
You know, we there's no policy against it.

1539
03:13:49,840 --> 03:13:53,640
cheaper, better access. The funds are available in the budget. Why wouldn't I defer to my constable and how he is going to operate?

1540
03:13:59,760 --> 03:13:59,760
you know, his his shop. And I think we should defer to law enforcement who knows best
Their jurisdiction and how that they

1541
03:14:09,320 --> 03:14:09,320
can best do their job. I mean, they were elected to do that job.

1542
03:14:13,480 --> 03:14:17,280
I think we should defer to them. I move approval. I'll second. Motion by commissioner. Second by commissioner calvert commissioner calvert.

1543
03:14:24,320 --> 03:14:24,320
judge. I want to thank constable vojvodich for this analysis chart.

1544
03:14:33,400 --> 03:14:33,400
this is one of the best financial analysis charts that I've seen in the years

1545
03:14:43,280 --> 03:14:43,280
I've been here. And we're facing a budget deficit.

1546
03:14:47,760 --> 03:14:47,760
we're facing choices over cuts. And you're making the argument based upon data that the
Motorcycle,

1547
03:14:56,720 --> 03:14:56,720
when you had those enforcement mechanisms before you had more revenue,
You lost it after they were terminated.

1548
03:15:05,920 --> 03:15:09,120
is that right? I mean, that's what some of your data indicates. Yes. Okay. So so in an environment where thousands of dollars,
Tens of thousands and millions of dollars

1549
03:15:18,960 --> 03:15:18,960
matter revenue, and it just seems like a really important innovation that has been

1550
03:15:28,880 --> 03:15:28,880
brought to us, you've done us a favor in providing us a potential revenue source.

1551
03:15:34,690 --> 03:15:34,690
and I think the, you know, we have a problem with trust in our in our county and our
Commissioners court and working with each other.

1552
03:15:43,130 --> 03:15:43,130
it appears as if we don't trust you or commissioner moody or to do what's best in your
Precinct.

1553
03:15:51,370 --> 03:15:51,370
and and, and I don't know why that is. I mean,
I know that there's been some talk in the past that maybe there were some things that

1554
03:15:59,810 --> 03:15:59,810
maybe we didn't agree with hovercraft or whatever it is,
But that's not that's not that's not this issue.

1555
03:16:05,770 --> 03:16:05,770
that's not the issue here. The issue here is trusting within a reasonable parameter of the
Duties of

1556
03:16:15,730 --> 03:16:15,730
the department to carry forth those duties with a minor vehicle change.

1557
03:16:23,930 --> 03:16:23,930
and we all get calls from constituents who have concerns about school zones,
Speeding, and the things that we ask our constables to assist us with.

1558
03:16:33,450 --> 03:16:36,570
and there's construction everywhere. You've got hills. You know, you mentioned before when you came here,
I think it was stone oak or something like that.

1559
03:16:41,130 --> 03:16:41,130
you have areas of small roads made smaller by construction or whatever where,
You know, only motorcycle vehicle can be utilized to protect the

1560
03:16:50,570 --> 03:16:50,570
taxpayers, the public, the children, or whatever that may be.

1561
03:16:54,810 --> 03:16:54,810
so I'm going to continue to support your ability.

1562
03:17:00,050 --> 03:17:00,050
you know, chief justice hardberger, former mayor hardberger,
He had a really good when he ran for mayor,

1563
03:17:06,170 --> 03:17:06,170
he had a really good mantra that he lived by that I've tried to also exemplify is not to
Major in the

1564
03:17:15,730 --> 03:17:15,730
minor. There isn't some major precedent that's going to be created other than maybe the
Other constables have the ability to do motorcycle

1565
03:17:25,450 --> 03:17:25,450
patrol, which is not, you know, I mean, it's not revolutionary for a department that's
Traditionally done school zone enforcement.

1566
03:17:31,500 --> 03:17:31,500
that's not like that's not a major deal. We've done this in the past.

1567
03:17:36,540 --> 03:17:36,540
we have other entities in the county doing it now.

1568
03:17:41,140 --> 03:17:41,140
and I don't believe you're going rogue. I trust you all to uphold the law.

1569
03:17:46,580 --> 03:17:46,580
and if there's a problem, a judge is going to dismiss the case or do do whatever.

1570
03:17:53,460 --> 03:17:53,460
I mean, we you do have a reputation for good enforcement in precinct three.

1571
03:17:57,700 --> 03:17:57,700
I mean, I'm very careful when I'm coming through precinct three because I got a lead foot
And I know that I might get constable that gets me.

1572
03:18:04,740 --> 03:18:04,740
but in the interest of the public, the taxpayers,
And, you know, restoring trust in allowing you to do your jobs,

1573
03:18:13,340 --> 03:18:13,340
this is this is something I don't think we should really put a lot of major emphasis in.

1574
03:18:19,380 --> 03:18:19,380
it's a very minor thing. And you've shown us a way to help us potentially with our budget
Issues.

1575
03:18:24,780 --> 03:18:24,780
so I just I'm I can only speak for myself. Thank you for your analysis.

1576
03:18:28,900 --> 03:18:28,900
it's a very good analysis. I think it would be helpful to us in a tough budget time.

1577
03:18:34,020 --> 03:18:34,020
more departments will come to us with their in-depth knowledge of their department saying,

1578
03:18:40,180 --> 03:18:43,780
hey, look, I know you want to cut this, but this is a revenue source for the county. We need to hear you. We need to listen to that kind of stuff right now. All these
Suggestions can be very beneficial to our budget process.

1579
03:18:49,980 --> 03:18:53,780
so that's why I'm supporting you. And I yield the floor. Judge. On again, in regards to the budget crisis and in regards to that,
We've had this discussion with

1580
03:19:03,380 --> 03:19:03,380
other purchases of equipment through law enforcement with the sheriff's department the
Helicopter.

1581
03:19:11,940 --> 03:19:11,940
and what we've learned from that experience is what is the cost of maintenance?

1582
03:19:18,300 --> 03:19:18,300
what is going to be the cost and the true cost other than two purchases of motorcycles,
Which is what the request is now I want to know

1583
03:19:28,220 --> 03:19:28,220
from a budget analyst, have we measured those costs?

1584
03:19:33,100 --> 03:19:33,100
and does this take two constable deputies off.

1585
03:19:38,100 --> 03:19:38,100
and is there going to be additional requests because we're using I realize it's unexpended
Funds,

1586
03:19:44,340 --> 03:19:44,340
but it is for positions. And I'm going to be real blunt.

1587
03:19:48,380 --> 03:19:48,380
I have a problem in a tight budget process of making that trade.

1588
03:19:54,100 --> 03:19:54,100
and so therefore, unless I have a budget analysis and I want to know from the budget
Perspective,

1589
03:20:00,060 --> 03:20:00,060
the liability issues that will come with this particular expenditure,
Have we done that assessment?

1590
03:20:09,260 --> 03:20:09,260
so what we know is that the in terms of maintenance,
The motorcycles are under warranty for 36

1591
03:20:19,020 --> 03:20:19,020
months. In the meantime, the fleet maintenance department will have to identify 12 to
$14,000 just for your normal wear and tear tires.

1592
03:20:28,230 --> 03:20:31,990
you know, oil changes and such. What are we going to keep them? I would assume they would be kept at the constable's office.

1593
03:20:35,750 --> 03:20:35,750
I mean, if I could, I would like to ask the constable one question,
Please.

1594
03:20:39,830 --> 03:20:39,830
constable. Do you have do all of your deputies currently have vehicles assigned to them?

1595
03:20:45,630 --> 03:20:48,270
not all of them because we have some that are sros. But for the most of the staff, similar to other precincts,
We have one car for each one.

1596
03:20:52,630 --> 03:20:56,430
the one correction judge there was there's no personnel additions. We're not adding two positions for that. We are using the existing officers in the motor
Role who are assigned to traffic currently.

1597
03:21:02,710 --> 03:21:06,590
so I guess my point in asking that question is all of your deputies currently have
Vehicles. And so the purchase of these two motorcycles would be over and above what you currently
Have in terms of staff.

1598
03:21:13,550 --> 03:21:13,550
okay. Thank you judge. You also mentioned the liability issue.

1599
03:21:17,990 --> 03:21:21,470
and I don't get into the financial side or the use or the operational. But there is a different liability framework,
Which we've talked to the court about, because motorcycles do present a different risk

1600
03:21:28,230 --> 03:21:31,790
profile. There are, you know, should there be an accident? There are a different. Certainly there will be more significant injuries to the different.

1601
03:21:37,550 --> 03:21:37,550
the deputy saying that actually happened before in precinct three.

1602
03:21:42,590 --> 03:21:46,070
so as far as the liability goes, that will be different. And motorcycles do present a different risk profile.

1603
03:21:48,870 --> 03:21:48,870
we have a lot of automobile accidents and automobile accidents for the deputy concerned.

1604
03:21:54,150 --> 03:21:54,150
they will be impacted differently if there is an accident,
Obviously, because a motorcycle who's in an which is in an accident is far different from

1605
03:22:03,030 --> 03:22:05,710
a four wheel vehicle that's in the same accident. So you asked about liability. I'm just laying that out.

1606
03:22:08,150 --> 03:22:08,150
I'm not arguing with the constable, but the constable recognizes that a motorcycle in an
Automobile accident will be impacted differently than an automobile.

1607
03:22:18,030 --> 03:22:18,030
correct. That's just laying out the other side of that equation,
The human side of that.

1608
03:22:23,080 --> 03:22:23,080
so for that, that side of it, that's for the courts consideration.

1609
03:22:27,360 --> 03:22:27,360
that's just the other side of the argument from the employee perspective.

1610
03:22:31,560 --> 03:22:31,560
that's just for the court's consideration. No,
Sir, we have not.

1611
03:22:36,160 --> 03:22:36,160
and the risk profile is the same for the sheriff's office as well. They have,
What, 16 voters out there right now,

1612
03:22:41,240 --> 03:22:45,200
and we would be working with them for training. I agree that motorcycles can be more
Dangerous, but they are also ahead on the swivel. These guys live and breathe defensive driving
Because motorcycles are involved in accidents and severity,

1613
03:22:54,320 --> 03:22:54,320
but at the same time, even police vehicles with the red lights on are still causing
Involved in accidents.

1614
03:22:59,680 --> 03:22:59,680
so we're cognizant of that fact. And that includes the fact that we want to do recurring
Training every week with these other agencies,

1615
03:23:05,800 --> 03:23:05,800
where we work on the factors that cause motorcycles to be injured,
Motorcyclists in general,

1616
03:23:10,880 --> 03:23:14,720
and that includes those in law enforcement role. I'll just add, if I could judge, you know, I mean,
Just reiterate that point.

1617
03:23:19,520 --> 03:23:19,520
if we're going to say that liability is a deciding factor here,
Then what are we doing with the motors in bexar county sheriff's office?

1618
03:23:27,400 --> 03:23:30,920
you know, and I'm not advocating to to take them away. But, you know, how can we be talking about liability for for two motorcycles and in the
Constables office when we have 16 motors in bcso?

1619
03:23:40,800 --> 03:23:44,360
well, you've opened the door. Commissioner. Sounds like a duplication. Then why does the constable's offices and the sheriff's offices need motorcycles?

1620
03:23:49,520 --> 03:23:49,520
I mean, this discussion, all I'm asking for is a budget assessment so that we know the
True cost.

1621
03:23:55,200 --> 03:23:55,200
and until then, I'm not prepared to move forward.

1622
03:24:00,480 --> 03:24:00,480
well, did we not get a just a budget analysis from tina about the 14,012 to 14,000 in
Terms of maintenance in the three

1623
03:24:10,160 --> 03:24:10,160
year warranty? I, I thought that was directed to try to answer that question.

1624
03:24:18,890 --> 03:24:18,890
so judge, I would also add, if you're going to implement the program,
If you're going to purchase the motorcycles,

1625
03:24:24,730 --> 03:24:24,730
not an issue for me, but have the training program implemented as well as the purchase so
That you don't speculate about what the training program is,

1626
03:24:32,610 --> 03:24:32,610
it is actually in place so that when the motorcycles,
If they are purchased, the training program is in place.

1627
03:24:38,170 --> 03:24:38,170
you know exactly what the policy is. You know exactly what's going to happen if the
Motorcycles are purchased.

1628
03:24:43,450 --> 03:24:43,450
so and maybe the constable already has that. I'm not sure that's a question for the
Constable,

1629
03:24:47,650 --> 03:24:47,650
but if if he has the program in place, if he has the policy written and drafted,
Fine.

1630
03:24:52,650 --> 03:24:52,650
but I suggest that as part of the purchase. So that's a cost.

1631
03:24:57,130 --> 03:24:57,130
that's for the constable. But okay. Any further discussion?

1632
03:25:02,730 --> 03:25:02,730
hold on, commissioner rodriguez. Thank you judge. I share some of your concerns.

1633
03:25:08,210 --> 03:25:08,210
judge. I had a question for you. Let me understand the one issue I know that

1634
03:25:18,410 --> 03:25:18,410
we're talking about kind of two different things,
Because this would be a one time cost as opposed to a recurring cost if you hired filled a

1635
03:25:28,290 --> 03:25:28,290
position. But the money that you're proposing that you use for this,
It's it basically says it's for unexpended

1636
03:25:38,170 --> 03:25:38,170
salary funds due to position vacancies and underfilled captain positions.

1637
03:25:45,010 --> 03:25:45,010
so does that mean that you are fully staffed up and you have this money left over because
There's no need for additional positions?

1638
03:25:54,970 --> 03:25:57,330
no. Well, we didn't ask for personnel at all. We're not trying to get a two officer increase on the unexpended salary funds from the
Time we're authorized.

1639
03:26:03,330 --> 03:26:06,410
the position or somebody leaves and goes to another position. The time that they are vacant, that they're not,
There is monies that have been allocated to precinct three for our budget.

1640
03:26:12,090 --> 03:26:12,090
right. But that position is not filled. Therefore,
That money is actually accumulating to a degree.

1641
03:26:17,260 --> 03:26:17,260
again, we look at it as about $185,000. Now for this year,
320 some odd thousand previous year and 253 prior to that.

1642
03:26:26,020 --> 03:26:26,020
it's just a matter of we're not keeping that position open,
Trying to use the money for something else. It's it takes that long for us to go through,

1643
03:26:33,140 --> 03:26:33,140
recruit, get them hired and bring them on board.

1644
03:26:37,260 --> 03:26:37,260
and that one, two months, three months time period that they're not receiving a salary
From bexar county.

1645
03:26:42,860 --> 03:26:42,860
that's the unexpended salary portion of it. Right now,
We have no vacancies right now, judge.

1646
03:26:49,500 --> 03:26:49,500
so so if the time is a concern, if I remember correctly,
You brought this to us months ago.

1647
03:26:57,740 --> 03:26:57,740
this same item is that previous budget? Yes. From last year's budget,
Wasn't it this fiscal year?

1648
03:27:03,900 --> 03:27:07,540
we did, but it was not considered at that time. And we have now brought it back forward using it.

1649
03:27:10,500 --> 03:27:10,500
well, we have asked for it. Yeah. And I'm not trying to to argue with you.

1650
03:27:15,260 --> 03:27:15,260
I'm just trying to understand your your your budget concern because here we are coming on
Another budget,

1651
03:27:20,620 --> 03:27:23,740
another fiscal year within the next few months. And I am certain I haven't seen it, but I am certain you'll be asking for dollars for
Additional positions.

1652
03:27:31,580 --> 03:27:31,580
is that a fair statement? We will have proposals in the new budget as it's time for the
Presentation.

1653
03:27:37,700 --> 03:27:37,700
so. So I guess what I'm trying to understand from a resource perspective is,
You know, you you could have used this money to fill to add a

1654
03:27:47,380 --> 03:27:47,380
position. I don't remember when it was, but it was at least six months ago.

1655
03:27:52,820 --> 03:27:55,620
but you, you just kind of left the money there. But that's the same pot of money is what I'm trying to understand. Right.

1656
03:27:58,860 --> 03:28:02,380
we didn't leave it there. We could not find. We did not have an applicant for it. Sometimes it goes three months in a process. So for that time period that we're looking
For that it starts to accumulate when you have 5 or 6 openings,

1657
03:28:10,460 --> 03:28:10,460
like we had this this particular year. Yeah,
It's not a recurring expense because this is only the budgeted funds we have this year,

1658
03:28:16,620 --> 03:28:16,620
and it's the unexpended funds. So we wouldn't have to ask for additional funding.

1659
03:28:20,860 --> 03:28:20,860
I already have those two officers coming into this next budget year,
Although we may have other budget needs that we're asking for in the new budget year for

1660
03:28:27,940 --> 03:28:31,900
you all to consider. Okay. Well, you know, I'm just trying to to make sense of it. I do think, and I tend to agree with the judge that,
You know, if we're going to have this discussion,

1661
03:28:38,140 --> 03:28:38,140
maybe it should be part of the budget. I have not talked to my constable about this.

1662
03:28:42,340 --> 03:28:44,660
I just spoke with her this week about something else. But I don't know if she has a need for these vehicles or not,
But perhaps it's a discussion that we should have during the budget,

1663
03:28:53,420 --> 03:28:53,420
which is literally two months away. And if the court decides that,
Hey, this is something we should do based on all the

1664
03:29:03,220 --> 03:29:03,220
different things, we have to balance the liability issue the cost because it is a.

1665
03:29:08,550 --> 03:29:08,550
I know you did it in the past, but it is a departure from what has been recent history in
The constable's office.

1666
03:29:16,670 --> 03:29:16,670
so so that's my sense is I'm comfortable having that discussion as part of our budget this
Cycle.

1667
03:29:24,350 --> 03:29:24,350
I'm not comfortable moving today forward with this,
But I do appreciate the fact that you,

1668
03:29:29,350 --> 03:29:29,350
you always advocate and you come up with data to justify your position.

1669
03:29:33,670 --> 03:29:33,670
constable. But, but I'm more comfortable making sure we're having kind of a holistic
Discussion about what the needs are of each constable's office.

1670
03:29:44,030 --> 03:29:44,030
you guys in the past have worked pretty well together,
Trying to consolidate, be somewhat on,

1671
03:29:49,230 --> 03:29:49,230
on in sync with some of those requests. So that,
That would be my editorial on just making sure that if it is

1672
03:29:59,190 --> 03:30:01,390
a departure from something we've done in the past. Sure. That we have that discussion, including if it takes a policy on training that larry
Mentioned,

1673
03:30:08,310 --> 03:30:08,310
the liability issue that we have that discussion through one through four precincts,
Whether they want them or not,

1674
03:30:15,750 --> 03:30:15,750
at least we know that it's covered. And so I think,
Judge to your point, I'm not comfortable moving forward today on this either.

1675
03:30:24,030 --> 03:30:24,030
thank you. Constable, I know we've met before in the past,
So I just want to thank you.

1676
03:30:29,710 --> 03:30:32,430
I know you must have put a lot of time into preparing this. I want to thank you for being prepared and for putting that together.

1677
03:30:35,630 --> 03:30:35,630
unfortunately, I cannot support this. So this request doesn't include unfitting vehicles
Or supplies.

1678
03:30:41,830 --> 03:30:41,830
and so that's going to be an added, you know,
Added funding.

1679
03:30:46,790 --> 03:30:46,790
and I have recently met with constable tejeda as well as our chief sal,
And they did not talk to me about this need either.

1680
03:30:54,350 --> 03:30:54,350
and even a bigger concern of mine is what larry mentioned is liability.

1681
03:31:00,030 --> 03:31:00,030
and so I can't support this. So did you know there's a motion on the floor in a second.

1682
03:31:05,080 --> 03:31:05,080
so I think we should take a vote. Commissioner calvert council.

1683
03:31:09,480 --> 03:31:09,480
I like money, I like money, especially in deficit times.

1684
03:31:14,040 --> 03:31:14,040
that's just me. But you've got a number up here of traffic revenue loss.

1685
03:31:20,120 --> 03:31:20,120
and that number is $9.2 million. You've got another four time motor,
Four time tahoe estimate

1686
03:31:30,040 --> 03:31:30,040
of 15.2. Can you just kind of walk us? What is what am I looking at here?

1687
03:31:34,440 --> 03:31:38,200
well, that was one the decision was made to cut constable's office in staffing. That was primarily our traffic. By the way, we have not created a new traffic office or
Division.

1688
03:31:42,800 --> 03:31:42,800
we are acting on the directions and the agreements that we have with commissioners court.
We have we have agreements with you all. You all gave us positions specifically for

1689
03:31:49,800 --> 03:31:49,800
traffic, and we make sure that we actually provide 200,
2080 hours in traffic.

1690
03:31:54,800 --> 03:31:57,840
when we do that, we don't come in and try to undercut it. The lost revenue in that time period was about $9 million.

1691
03:32:02,480 --> 03:32:02,480
now when even now, when we come back to it, though,
When we go through and we account for the money that would have been saved, which was

1692
03:32:07,760 --> 03:32:07,760
saved, if you want to look at it that way, from the dismissal of six deputies,
And we included the cost of replacing five vehicles in that time frame,

1693
03:32:17,440 --> 03:32:20,400
we still have $1.3 million left on the table. So the precinct level decision varies from what the budget decision was,
And we're not looking to try to make a profit.

1694
03:32:27,000 --> 03:32:27,000
we're just trying to make sure that we get those authorized funds that the legislature has
Authorized for us so we can do what we're supposed to do on traffic safety.

1695
03:32:34,680 --> 03:32:34,680
I don't see a duplication. The sheriff's office has motorcycles,
And we have we would have them. That's not a duplication.

1696
03:32:40,160 --> 03:32:40,160
we have that mission as well. If there's a change or there,
By the way, if there were a question about duplication,

1697
03:32:47,400 --> 03:32:50,880
the court wouldn't have given you traffic people. Correct? I would think so. Okay. So that point is moot. That's number one.

1698
03:32:55,360 --> 03:32:55,360
I what I hear mainly is rationalization versus analysis.

1699
03:33:00,050 --> 03:33:00,050
and maybe it takes us. And that's okay. I'm not,
You know, maybe we need a little bit more time for a little bit more analysis.

1700
03:33:06,530 --> 03:33:06,530
but the analysis, if your analysis is about an open mind,
Rationalizations about a closed mind,

1701
03:33:12,610 --> 03:33:12,610
so we can rationalize the data. But what I'd like to get from you is a bottom line about
What revenue would this county

1702
03:33:22,090 --> 03:33:22,090
potentially have missed based upon your analysis of traffic?

1703
03:33:28,450 --> 03:33:28,450
cops on excuse me, bike cops. Sorry. That's the word I'm using for bike bike officers
Versus the tahoe officers.

1704
03:33:36,250 --> 03:33:36,250
can can we get that bottom line analysis? We have that in the acf.

1705
03:33:40,570 --> 03:33:40,570
we actually calculated our motor officer productivity back when we had motor officers.

1706
03:33:45,530 --> 03:33:48,450
and then we looked at what our traffic officers are doing now. And when you look at it from a dollar value,
It's about $100,000 more in incidental revenue for the motor officer every year going

1707
03:33:57,130 --> 03:34:00,050
forward. So you can look at that as a calculation there. Of course, at 36 months, it would be a decision whether or not we replace the motorcycles
Again,

1708
03:34:04,290 --> 03:34:07,530
which is a capital expense. But even with the capital expense there. But that's a $3.6 million difference over 36 months.

1709
03:34:12,010 --> 03:34:12,010
correct. If it's 100,000 a month, that's 12 months.

1710
03:34:17,010 --> 03:34:17,010
that's $100,000 per year. Okay. I'll redo my then 360,000.

1711
03:34:22,650 --> 03:34:22,650
correct. Okay. All right. Thank you. Okay. So often when you when you look at those
Savings,

1712
03:34:31,610 --> 03:34:31,610
you also look at your liability profile, your insurance profile,
Your healthcare profile,

1713
03:34:36,850 --> 03:34:39,730
you look, you look at all of that in a cost benefit analysis. So certainly you now have a baseline of data that can be used for the fiscal analysis
Beyond what was already done.

1714
03:34:46,010 --> 03:34:46,010
as commissioner moody said he had requested some fiscal analysis prior to coming here.

1715
03:34:51,890 --> 03:34:51,890
so my education in government you know, looks at some of the things of stimulus versus cut
Stimulus versus cuts.

1716
03:35:01,660 --> 03:35:01,660
most governments in austere budget tightening environment just look at cuts.

1717
03:35:07,300 --> 03:35:09,660
but I also think that government can innovate. And in the national association of counties,
There are some folks from sweden who were facing a tremendous budget deficit.

1718
03:35:16,540 --> 03:35:16,540
and instead of going to austerity, what they did was looked at all of their assets.

1719
03:35:22,980 --> 03:35:26,220
and how do we maximize our assets? And so what did that mean? That meant on some buildings, they put a cell phone tower so they could get revenue from
The cell phone company.

1720
03:35:32,740 --> 03:35:35,700
that meant that on their busses they did. Advertisement. Because they got advertising from businesses and they stimulated and created all kinds of
Revenue for their government.

1721
03:35:44,540 --> 03:35:44,540
so I believe that was brought to us by the national association of counties as an
Indicator of innovation in government and a different

1722
03:35:54,460 --> 03:35:54,460
approach to budgets. So sometimes we're afraid to do things because it's the way things
Have always been done.

1723
03:36:04,220 --> 03:36:04,220
but sometimes we've got a lot of data, and I venture to guess if you were to go to clyde
Or any number of organizations,

1724
03:36:10,260 --> 03:36:10,260
they could pull you additional data on motor versus vehicle that buttresses

1725
03:36:19,820 --> 03:36:19,820
your analysis. So in any event, we may we may continue this discussion.

1726
03:36:26,300 --> 03:36:26,300
I think folks are where they are, but I appreciate the analysis that I've done what I can
To try to move it forward.

1727
03:36:34,820 --> 03:36:34,820
thank you. Commissioner. Calvert. I got a I got to take a position in regards to your
Statement of revenue.

1728
03:36:45,300 --> 03:36:45,300
I will oppose a policy of revenue based on traffic enforcement.

1729
03:36:52,220 --> 03:36:52,220
we have issues in regards to disproportionality in regards to that issue and the burden it
Puts on people that least can afford it.

1730
03:37:02,460 --> 03:37:02,460
we've heard public interest groups come in here and oppose our enforcement of warrants,
And these fees that we tack on in our

1731
03:37:12,460 --> 03:37:12,460
justice peace court. So I am going to go on record to say a revenue and innovation I
Oppose based on

1732
03:37:22,460 --> 03:37:22,460
traffic tickets. That's my position today. I'll call for a vote.

1733
03:37:28,780 --> 03:37:28,780
any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye.

1734
03:37:33,740 --> 03:37:33,740
aye. All those opposed? No. No. Motion fails.

1735
03:37:42,780 --> 03:37:42,780
we'll take up. Thank you. We'll take up item 44.

1736
03:37:47,100 --> 03:37:47,100
renee watson. Presentation. Discussion. Appropriate action regarding the following.

1737
03:37:51,710 --> 03:37:55,430
a approval administrative policy 8.0 small business. Enterprise. Local business. Enterprise. Veteran business enterprise referred to as slovbe.

1738
03:38:01,550 --> 03:38:01,550
policy for procurement by all county offices,
Departments, funded entities and facilities in the areas of goods,

1739
03:38:08,150 --> 03:38:08,150
commodities, equipment, information technology,
Professional, professional, services, maintenance and construction so requested by the

1740
03:38:14,830 --> 03:38:14,830
small business and entrepreneurship and. And renee,
For purpose of clarity, are we taking up b at the same time?

1741
03:38:22,590 --> 03:38:22,590
and I will read into the record 44 b addition of veteran business enterprise vb to the
Small business enterprise and local

1742
03:38:32,510 --> 03:38:32,510
business enterprise sbelobe program advisory committee.

1743
03:38:37,830 --> 03:38:41,710
these initials are driving me crazy, renee. So clear. Clear it up. Yeah, we call it in our world alphabet soup.

1744
03:38:45,950 --> 03:38:45,950
so I know it's lunchtime, so everyone enjoys that and we are calling it the s luvvie.

1745
03:38:53,270 --> 03:38:53,270
that's the way it's going to be. The new phrase s love b small local veterans business
Enterprise.

1746
03:39:00,310 --> 03:39:00,310
so today we are joined. I am joined at the podium by the purchasing agent,
Greg, because we have been working hand in hand with the das office,

1747
03:39:09,430 --> 03:39:09,430
the information technology, all the offices and departments to bring this update to you.

1748
03:39:15,190 --> 03:39:15,190
there is a couple of issues in the slides that will be coming forth in the updated
Purchasing policy.

1749
03:39:23,190 --> 03:39:23,190
as we went through the update and the reason for the update,
The last policy that we had was in march 2022.

1750
03:39:31,670 --> 03:39:31,670
there have been numerous federal changes since. We are recipients of federal funds as well
As we wanted to separate out the purchasing duties from the small business

1751
03:39:41,750 --> 03:39:41,750
and entrepreneurship department requirements between 8.0 administrative policy 8.0 and the
Purchasing policy administrative policy 8.1.

1752
03:39:51,400 --> 03:39:51,400
so this is the presentation for that. There we have a team that works in our department.

1753
03:39:59,720 --> 03:39:59,720
we have three divisions. Those leadership team members are here with me today jason
Burgos,

1754
03:40:04,640 --> 03:40:04,640
linda papadopoulos and aaron andrade. And we work in the team of outreach,
Communication,

1755
03:40:12,080 --> 03:40:12,080
data compliance and reporting, and then supplier engagement and compliance for our team
Opportunities that this

1756
03:40:22,080 --> 03:40:22,080
applies to is everything that we do here at bexar county purchasing department,
The office and departments.

1757
03:40:28,600 --> 03:40:28,600
what we do with our visitors tax projects are funded entities and facilities to include
The frost bank center,

1758
03:40:35,320 --> 03:40:35,320
the coliseum, the center for health care services,
The university health, and then many of our tax abatement projects,

1759
03:40:40,960 --> 03:40:40,960
which now include jcb and what's happening on that great project on the south side,
Previously with the toyota and with the pga,

1760
03:40:49,000 --> 03:40:49,000
tpc. Greg is going to talk a little bit about the thresholds because they'll be coming
Forth in his updated policy.

1761
03:40:55,600 --> 03:40:58,880
there has been some changes. Yes. Thanks, renee,
Your honor. Commissioners in january, we passed an administrative policy for the purchasing 8.1.

1762
03:41:05,440 --> 03:41:05,440
we then hosted a question and answer period after posting just to ensure that there was an
Understanding of what had changed,

1763
03:41:12,360 --> 03:41:12,360
what what needed to change. And then we identified specifically two areas in the policy
That really needed to be beefed up,

1764
03:41:21,000 --> 03:41:21,000
if you will. I'm going to go through the thresholds,
The new thresholds, because that was one of the areas and we reintroduced in be the spot

1765
03:41:28,600 --> 03:41:28,600
purchase, which requires one, one quote sorry,
Requisition to require one quote, it's sb,

1766
03:41:36,840 --> 03:41:36,840
llb or the vbe, which we are reintroducing now shall receive the priority consideration
Via the supplier vendor rotation process outlined in bexar county purchasing

1767
03:41:46,610 --> 03:41:46,610
manual. To go through that, basically what we're saying is that we want,
We want to have a priority emphasis on the small local,

1768
03:41:55,890 --> 03:41:55,890
the veteran business enterprises where applicable,
And ensuring that we are rotating those vendors in this process that was updated in the

1769
03:42:04,650 --> 03:42:04,650
forthcoming update will be presented at the soonest consent agenda item next month.

1770
03:42:13,930 --> 03:42:16,570
and yeah, if you want to cover the corporate purchase. Yes. So bexar county procedures procures goods and services offered by suppliers from
Competitive purchasing agreements or programs in order to take advantage of our lower

1771
03:42:25,650 --> 03:42:25,650
prices for bulk purchasing and to reduce the administrative costs involved in the bidding
Procedure in accordance with texas local government code.

1772
03:42:33,410 --> 03:42:33,410
chapter 262 purchasing contracting authority of counties local government code,
Chapter 271 subchapter f cooperative purchasing program and bexar

1773
03:42:43,210 --> 03:42:43,210
county administrative policy number 8.1. So what we have worked on and with purchasing is
To utilize a.

1774
03:42:51,730 --> 03:42:51,730
cooperative departments must secure a minimum of three vendors.

1775
03:42:55,850 --> 03:42:59,770
quotations from that list approved by purchasing. And we hope to have at least one of those quotes to be from a small business,
Local or veteran owned business.

1776
03:43:05,010 --> 03:43:05,010
on the cooperatives. We have been meeting and ramping up our outreach efforts with each
One of the cooperatives.

1777
03:43:11,250 --> 03:43:11,250
I believe we have 13 or 14 different cooperatives that the county does business with,
And then they all have supply chains within that supply chain to include dir,

1778
03:43:20,010 --> 03:43:20,010
which bcit traditionally uses for technology purchases.

1779
03:43:25,050 --> 03:43:25,050
so as we go through and we update that, we will be doing some tracking and data to see how
We are participating on that professional services and consulting,

1780
03:43:34,810 --> 03:43:34,810
as you know that they are handled a little bit different here at the county,
But we do have we have efforts and partnerships with those offices and departments that

1781
03:43:43,890 --> 03:43:43,890
issue those. And as they work with purchasing,
To include the slove in the process for outreach.

1782
03:43:51,210 --> 03:43:51,210
it is not mandatory for advertisement because they're they're handled different ways
Depending on what they are.

1783
03:43:57,850 --> 03:43:57,850
but we do have we we have been receiving more of them from the office departments over the
Last year.

1784
03:44:05,290 --> 03:44:05,290
and as we look at the definitions and changes in our business designations,
Our non-binding participation objectives,

1785
03:44:12,930 --> 03:44:12,930
the validation and compliance portion, the vendor rotation using our in-house contract and
Data management system for prime contracts and sub payments.

1786
03:44:22,930 --> 03:44:22,930
we are really focusing on forecast contracts and the payments registers,
And then the process to enhance informal purchases and then training after

1787
03:44:32,530 --> 03:44:32,530
today, if approved by january, july 13th for implementation.

1788
03:44:36,700 --> 03:44:39,740
for internal and external stakeholder training. Some of the. The new designations will be. Seeing is the small business enterprise.

1789
03:44:44,740 --> 03:44:44,740
we're following as. Set forth the definition from the us small business administration,
And they have two categories the small business and then micro business.

1790
03:44:53,100 --> 03:44:55,740
micro business is usually ten employees or less. And then the veterans business enterprise, which means you present your dd214 as a
Military,

1791
03:45:01,340 --> 03:45:01,340
as a former military veteran, and we will be working with military spouses.

1792
03:45:06,460 --> 03:45:06,460
this, we feel like is really good for the county because the county clerk's office has a
Whole initiative to have veterans register their dd 214 with bexar county,

1793
03:45:15,620 --> 03:45:15,620
because there's all kind of military and veteran services benefits through that department
We are partnering with to help that provide goods and provide services as well.

1794
03:45:24,700 --> 03:45:24,700
and then our local business enterprise, our local business enterprise will be defined as
Headquartered in bexar county,

1795
03:45:31,180 --> 03:45:31,180
or there's three portions that you would have to meet through our compliance.

1796
03:45:36,860 --> 03:45:36,860
if you have a local branch office, it has to be physically located within bexar county.

1797
03:45:41,700 --> 03:45:41,700
that property or the primary product or service supplied for the contract must be produced
In bexar county,

1798
03:45:48,340 --> 03:45:48,340
and you must have 12 consecutive months of operation in bexar county at the time of the
Award.

1799
03:45:54,700 --> 03:45:54,700
a vendor may not qualify by just maintaining a registered address within bexar county.

1800
03:46:00,380 --> 03:46:00,380
we track the dbas filed in bexar county from the clerk's office every month on our data
Team,

1801
03:46:05,940 --> 03:46:05,940
as well as we work with the tax office to look at leases and registered addresses,
Change of business designations.

1802
03:46:14,780 --> 03:46:14,780
we will be ramping up our validation process,
And we are looking at designating business as business bexar.

1803
03:46:23,180 --> 03:46:23,180
we want you to have not just local, because local could just mean kind of all kind of
Businesses.

1804
03:46:28,420 --> 03:46:28,420
we want you headquartered in bexar county, and then we will be giving you a designation
Going on to a list that we will produce and have on the county's website.

1805
03:46:37,110 --> 03:46:37,110
we will process our disadvantaged business enterprise applications directly through txdot
With a partnership with utsa.

1806
03:46:44,430 --> 03:46:44,430
right now, there are 20 approved firms because of the reevaluation process that txdot is
Going through,

1807
03:46:51,790 --> 03:46:51,790
because of the the change in the federal administration for that program that formerly was
667 in bexar county.

1808
03:46:58,750 --> 03:46:58,750
we have gotten 20 in that process. So txdot is working to revamp that program.

1809
03:47:05,550 --> 03:47:05,550
the hub program with the state of texas was changed to the hub program.

1810
03:47:10,470 --> 03:47:10,470
it probably will have some conversations during the next legislative session on what will
Happen to the hub program,

1811
03:47:17,150 --> 03:47:17,150
historically underutilized business. And then we will process our sb and vb in partnership
With the sba.

1812
03:47:24,310 --> 03:47:24,310
we will publish and maintain a directory on the county website for internal and external
Access,

1813
03:47:30,150 --> 03:47:30,150
because not just doing business with bexar county,
But we want you to do business within bexar county.

1814
03:47:35,150 --> 03:47:35,150
all 119 public agencies, the private sector. So we can grow that economic and that
Commerce.

1815
03:47:41,470 --> 03:47:45,430
we are looking at nonbinding participation objectives. We will maintain our 30% previously in our small business program,
50% in our local business,

1816
03:47:52,310 --> 03:47:52,310
and in 5% for the veterans. We selected the 5% because that's what the the federal
Government has for veterans.

1817
03:48:00,470 --> 03:48:00,470
and that is our only baseline next year or mid year,
Depending on the participation.

1818
03:48:05,790 --> 03:48:05,790
we will be bringing back you to reconsider that if it adopted today.

1819
03:48:09,830 --> 03:48:13,710
just a question on the definition. I just want to go back over the local business. It's not it's not just the presence, but it is a headquarter.

1820
03:48:17,630 --> 03:48:17,630
is that definitionally or how does that definitionally work?

1821
03:48:21,950 --> 03:48:21,950
so we will have one could be a headquarter in burke county or two.

1822
03:48:28,630 --> 03:48:32,160
you have to have. If it's a local branch office,
You have to meet the other. You have to be physically located within bexar county.

1823
03:48:34,800 --> 03:48:34,800
the primary product of service for our contract must be produced in bexar county,
And then you must have 12 consecutive months of operation in bexar county.

1824
03:48:44,560 --> 03:48:44,560
so our compliance team will be going out doing physical checks because we we will have
Later on in the presentation,

1825
03:48:53,040 --> 03:48:56,280
we're asking for mandatory vendor registration. So when the vendors register, the suppliers register at the beginning through the county's
Supplier portal,

1826
03:49:02,720 --> 03:49:02,720
we will then begin to identify. So this slide here talks about what's in the system.

1827
03:49:08,000 --> 03:49:08,000
now we have total records 14,000 total records in our supplier portal 13,000.

1828
03:49:15,600 --> 03:49:15,600
our data team has identified as being active 13,485 when we did an email.

1829
03:49:22,360 --> 03:49:22,360
we've gone through the unsubscribes we've identified in the county system right now 4108
Who have told us that their local

1830
03:49:31,560 --> 03:49:31,560
655 who have told us that their small. And 77 who have told us that their veteran.

1831
03:49:37,360 --> 03:49:37,360
now our team will be going out to validate and then issue them the appropriate.

1832
03:49:42,760 --> 03:49:42,760
and then flag that in the system because bcit our it department is looking at how do we
Come back to the system?

1833
03:49:50,120 --> 03:49:50,120
so the office and departments will now have a validated vendor,
Not just a self-identified vendor in our directory,

1834
03:49:56,880 --> 03:49:59,120
and we will be able to do that and accomplish that. But that is going to take us to mandatory supplier registration.

1835
03:50:02,800 --> 03:50:02,800
so anybody coming forward to the county to do business,
We asked them to get registered in the supplier portal and that includes their subs

1836
03:50:11,040 --> 03:50:11,040
because if anybody is on that contract as a supplier,
Subconsultants or subcontractor, we want them to be a registered vendor in burke county.

1837
03:50:20,440 --> 03:50:20,440
okay. And then the local preference is a little bit different from local business.

1838
03:50:26,090 --> 03:50:29,370
so you want to talk about local preference since that's your program? Absolutely. Renee. Local business preference or lbp means the consideration in compliance
With texas local government code.

1839
03:50:36,170 --> 03:50:36,170
chapter 271.905 of location of bidders. Principal place of business.

1840
03:50:42,450 --> 03:50:42,450
local government for purposes of this policy means bexar county inside of bexar county and
Purchasing any real property or personal property that is not affixed to real property.

1841
03:50:51,690 --> 03:50:51,690
if the purchasing agent on behalf of bexar county receives one or more bids from a bidder
Whose principal place of business is in bexar county and whose bid is within 3% of the

1842
03:51:00,490 --> 03:51:00,490
lowest bid price received by bexar county from a bidder was not a resident of of bexar
County.

1843
03:51:06,730 --> 03:51:06,730
the purchasing the purchasing agent on behalf of bexar county may enter into a contract
With,

1844
03:51:11,290 --> 03:51:11,290
number one, the lowest bidder or two, the bidder whose principal place of business is in
Bexar county.

1845
03:51:17,930 --> 03:51:17,930
if commissioners court, which is the ultimate authority,
Determines in writing that the local bidder offers bexar county the best combination of

1846
03:51:26,250 --> 03:51:26,250
contract price and additional economic development opportunities created by the contract
Award,

1847
03:51:31,730 --> 03:51:31,730
including the employment of residents of bexar county and increased tax revenues.

1848
03:51:36,210 --> 03:51:39,770
this section does not prohibit commissioners court from rejecting all bids. Mr. Galloway authority are we planning to assign a matrix with points to say that the
Statutes not up.

1849
03:51:46,930 --> 03:51:49,370
but I was just going to say for. Because there was a. Can we put the statute back up real quick? I have it.

1850
03:51:51,730 --> 03:51:51,730
you know what, I have it. So let's just say,
For example, that 25% or 20% of our evaluations related to contract

1851
03:52:02,170 --> 03:52:02,170
price and and 25% to economic development and 25% to employment and 25% to increase tax
Revenues.

1852
03:52:12,010 --> 03:52:12,010
or is it just subjective? So what we would do is actually work this into the evaluation of
The actual submissions,

1853
03:52:17,890 --> 03:52:20,650
depending on what the service or product is. Right. We would look at that and we'll work that into updated forms when we when we review these
Evaluations of these bids that come in.

1854
03:52:30,130 --> 03:52:30,130
so what I'm hearing you say is there will be a matrix that you are going to have the
Bidders put a,

1855
03:52:38,690 --> 03:52:38,690
I guess a quantification of the factors that,
For example, were just laid out in statute.

1856
03:52:44,250 --> 03:52:44,250
is that what you're saying? Commissioner. I don't want to overstep,
Renee, but I think what we want to do is ensure that they identify themselves in either of

1857
03:52:51,250 --> 03:52:51,250
these categories or as a local. And then when we're evaluating the proposals is when we
Can determine if they're within that percentage range,

1858
03:53:00,930 --> 03:53:00,930
we give the preference to that local vendor over somebody who resides outside.

1859
03:53:05,690 --> 03:53:08,650
so there's a quantification process potentially,
Right? Because it would be like, you have to, you have to validate or,
And or declare a certain amount of employees or a certain amount of tax revenue or a

1860
03:53:16,210 --> 03:53:16,210
certain amount of whatever in that criteria. And that's both a voluntary subjective
Declaration from the bidder.

1861
03:53:25,540 --> 03:53:25,540
and then it's another subjective, maybe more objective compliance issue from the county.

1862
03:53:32,980 --> 03:53:32,980
so it will be hard numbers is basically it will be hard.

1863
03:53:37,460 --> 03:53:37,460
okay. Variables. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. And then we will continue to use our contract
And data management system for reporting,

1864
03:53:46,180 --> 03:53:46,180
which we do right now. And then we will have the forecasting and the payment register as
We continue to do right now to bring those forecasts forward,

1865
03:53:54,900 --> 03:53:54,900
whether it's the facilities or funded entity or one of our tax incentive programs,
We always get what is the future?

1866
03:54:01,700 --> 03:54:01,700
and it's not just construction. We want to look at professional services as well as
Operations like we do with the frost bank center.

1867
03:54:08,060 --> 03:54:08,060
we had a contract for 25 years, and every quarter we're still working with the spurs on
How do they allocate and spend those dollars and all of those revenues.

1868
03:54:16,740 --> 03:54:16,740
and as we go forward with jcb, we have that same kind of relationship.

1869
03:54:20,860 --> 03:54:20,860
we had that with toyota. So same with the university health and our small business
Advisory committee receives those reports twice a year.

1870
03:54:28,340 --> 03:54:28,340
and then our professional enhancements for informal purchases we're working on.

1871
03:54:32,780 --> 03:54:32,780
there are some issues with the lawson infra supplier system,
But we are working to get those updated through these different modules.

1872
03:54:43,420 --> 03:54:43,420
and that's all we have today. Any questions? Any questions.

1873
03:54:49,340 --> 03:54:49,340
so I don't have questions per se. You and I already met and went through this with with my
Deputy chief of staff,

1874
03:54:56,900 --> 03:54:56,900
marcus. So thank you to greg and to you for working together on this.

1875
03:55:01,940 --> 03:55:01,940
and I recognize that you guys are county employees and that we are an agent of the state.

1876
03:55:06,900 --> 03:55:06,900
so y'all have to go through this process. But I will say that as an elected official
Representing the constituents of precinct one will continue to stay and support

1877
03:55:16,070 --> 03:55:16,070
small, minority women veteran owned businesses.

1878
03:55:21,110 --> 03:55:21,110
and of course local. So thank you for your work on that.

1879
03:55:26,950 --> 03:55:29,910
does this require a motion? Yes. And I should have that. I'd like to move for approval. Second. Motion by commissioner.

1880
03:55:34,270 --> 03:55:36,590
second. By commissioner. For purpose of clarity. We're combining 44 a and b, correct? Larry. Correct.

1881
03:55:42,990 --> 03:55:42,990
because once we make the change to the policy,
We change the committee title.

1882
03:55:47,030 --> 03:55:47,030
I also wanted to recognize, because commissioners court has gone on longer than
Anticipated,

1883
03:55:54,470 --> 03:55:54,470
but I wanted to nonetheless give a shout out to my appointee,
Mariana lujan, who was here earlier.

1884
03:56:00,070 --> 03:56:03,830
she had to leave because she didn't think this was going to take so long. And also, walter martinez, who was here, who has done an immense amount of work for small
Minority women owned,

1885
03:56:10,670 --> 03:56:10,670
veteran owned and local businesses over the decades,
Well before I was here fighting for this.

1886
03:56:16,110 --> 03:56:19,430
so I just wanted to recognize them. So thank you for your work with them also. Thank you. So purpose of clarity, renee, what are the initials to your new department?

1887
03:56:24,510 --> 03:56:24,510
slovbes love b s love be all small, local and veterans s luffy and we

1888
03:56:34,310 --> 03:56:37,550
will continue to track in accordance with the us census. Everyone who registers with the county and we will be able to present those reports to
Ensure nondiscrimination.

1889
03:56:43,110 --> 03:56:45,510
any other questions or comments? I'll call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.

1890
03:56:48,150 --> 03:56:48,150
any opposed? Any abstentions? Motion carries.

1891
03:56:52,750 --> 03:56:52,750
thank you. Thank you. All right. Yes. A and b were included as one motion for a and b.

1892
03:57:02,150 --> 03:57:02,150
I need a joint motion for 45 and 46 for discussion.

1893
03:57:06,310 --> 03:57:06,310
motion by commissioner calvert. Second by commissioner rodriguez to approve the late file
Items of 45 and 46.

1894
03:57:13,280 --> 03:57:16,440
all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Let us now take up 45 a larry.

1895
03:57:21,360 --> 03:57:21,360
is this something we can do combined, or should we keep it separate in light of the
Separate.

1896
03:57:28,800 --> 03:57:28,800
okay. To do this together. There's an objection.

1897
03:57:38,560 --> 03:57:42,120
all right. I will take them together and call up 45 a discussion. Appropriate action regarding approval. Execution of agreement between bexar county,
Southwest texas regional advisory council to expand a system that currently exists for

1898
03:57:50,280 --> 03:57:50,280
prevention, early intervention, and treatment of opioid use by incorporating a
Comprehensive response system for youth and adults who use or overdose on opioids and

1899
03:57:59,080 --> 03:57:59,080
methamphetamine. The substance use emergency response system serves will apply a
Collaborative,

1900
03:58:04,560 --> 03:58:04,560
scalable public health approach to identifying,
Preventing, and responding to problematic substance use and sud risk mitigation.

1901
03:58:13,320 --> 03:58:13,320
the term of this agreement is for a period of two years,
Effective on approval by bexar county commissioners for an amount not to exceed

1902
03:58:20,200 --> 03:58:20,200
$1,292,891 to include a budgetary transfer. 46 a discussion appropriate action regarding
Approval and

1903
03:58:30,120 --> 03:58:30,120
execution of agreement between southwest texas regional advisory council and bexar county
For the purpose of addressing 911 mental health related calls more

1904
03:58:39,480 --> 03:58:39,480
effectively by responding with a trained, multidisciplinary team to divert individuals
Experience a mental health crisis away from jail and emergency departments.

1905
03:58:48,520 --> 03:58:48,520
the term of the agreement is for a period october 1st,
2025 through september 30th, 2026 for an amount not to exceed

1906
03:58:56,560 --> 03:58:56,560
$1,335,000. Doctor guerrero, I believe these contracts have been gone.

1907
03:59:04,720 --> 03:59:04,720
gone for many, for many a long time. And we now have come to an agreement.

1908
03:59:08,920 --> 03:59:11,560
is that my understanding? Yes, that is true. All right. Is there anything you want to add? Not unless there are questions,
But I can give a brief description.

1909
03:59:17,040 --> 03:59:17,040
but if there are no questions, I believe. Is everybody familiar with the contracts?

1910
03:59:22,080 --> 03:59:22,080
what are the programs that are being funded? The first for for item a on 45 is a new
Program.

1911
03:59:29,080 --> 03:59:29,080
it is the sirs program, which is a substance use navigation program that is a partnership
Between be well texas and institute at ut health san antonio

1912
03:59:38,680 --> 03:59:38,680
university health system, with strack acting as the backbone organization,
Providing infrastructure as a data partner and resource allocation for

1913
03:59:48,640 --> 03:59:48,640
46 a is a continuation of the smart program that has been in existence for several years.

1914
03:59:54,640 --> 03:59:58,520
all right. And I believe we have an agreement with strap,
Correct? Yes. Is there any further comment? Yeah, I do thomas,
Were these on my agenda review?

1915
04:00:11,490 --> 04:00:11,490
trying to remember when your review was. So just to make a point.

1916
04:00:16,010 --> 04:00:16,010
of course doctor andrea, I am supportive of these,
But as staff knows, I do my

1917
04:00:25,690 --> 04:00:25,690
homework and I need to be briefed. And so if things are late filed,
I still need to be contacted.

1918
04:00:33,370 --> 04:00:33,370
and if I'm not available, my staff will meet with you. So if we can make sure that
Happens,

1919
04:00:37,730 --> 04:00:37,730
I'm speaking for myself. This is how I work. So I just need to make sure that's the case
Because y'all know I like to do my homework and I want to sit here and ask a million

1920
04:00:46,930 --> 04:00:46,930
questions and drag out things. But if y'all can make sure,
You know, I've been here for six years now,

1921
04:00:52,450 --> 04:00:56,370
y'all should know that. So if you can make sure it doesn't happen,
Please. Yes, ma'am. Happy to support these items. Thank you. Motion.

1922
04:01:03,770 --> 04:01:07,090
rodriguez second by commissioner clay-flores. Any further discussion will then take up one vote lary for both.

1923
04:01:13,250 --> 04:01:13,250
45a46a2 separate contracts. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

1924
04:01:19,610 --> 04:01:19,610
aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries.

1925
04:01:24,930 --> 04:01:24,930
thank you. All right. I believe kate, that concludes now.

1926
04:01:30,330 --> 04:01:34,010
we'll go to executive session. I don't believe we have any other action items. So I believe for purposes for the public we'll go into executive session.

1927
04:01:39,730 --> 04:01:39,730
the time is 1:06 p.m.. And then I believe we'll come out into open session.

1928
04:01:45,090 --> 04:01:45,090
and I don't believe there'll be any action taken at that time except an adjournment.

1929
04:01:49,530 --> 04:01:49,530
go ahead larry. 448 a and b, both of those are contract items that the court has to vote
On.

1930
04:01:56,610 --> 04:01:58,690
remember those. You have to take a vote to go. 48 a and b. All right. So let me read into the record.

1931
04:02:03,420 --> 04:02:05,540
the court will now convene an executive session. Executive session items may be discussed and acted upon of appropriate in open session
Pursuant to 551071 texas government code executive session will be held for consultation

1932
04:02:15,500 --> 04:02:15,500
with the courts attorney for advice regarding a pending or contemplated litigation
Settlement offers and the matters of ellison versus bexar county.

1933
04:02:23,140 --> 04:02:26,420
garza versus salazar forbes versus bexar county. Ledesma versus and guerrero versus bexar county.

1934
04:02:30,140 --> 04:02:30,140
b legal issues pertaining to matters in which the duty of the attorney for bexar county,
Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct of the state bar of texas clearly

1935
04:02:38,900 --> 04:02:38,900
conflicts with the open meetings act. Legal issues related to a request by the bexar
County appraisal district for bexar county to intervene in pending litigation related to a

1936
04:02:47,300 --> 04:02:47,300
suit filed by bcat alleging a failure by certain housing finance corporation operating in
Bexar county to maintain tax exemptions by texas law pursuant to section

1937
04:02:56,940 --> 04:02:56,940
55107225 of the texas government could eliminate matters regarding the contract being
Negotiated,

1938
04:03:03,740 --> 04:03:03,740
specifically one to deliberate business and financial issues related to the negotiation of
A development agreement or similar document proposed to be negotiated between bexar

1939
04:03:13,300 --> 04:03:13,300
county, a texas political subdivision, the coliseum advisory board,
San antonio livestock exposition,

1940
04:03:19,100 --> 04:03:19,100
inc., a texas nonprofit corporation related to the redevelopment revitalization of freeman
Coliseum complex grounds and facilities so long as before convening the closed meeting.

1941
04:03:29,260 --> 04:03:29,260
one the court votes unanimously that deliberation open meeting would have a detrimental
Effect on the position of the commissioners court negotiations,

1942
04:03:36,020 --> 04:03:36,020
negotiations with third persons and two. The attorney advising the court issues a written
Determination,

1943
04:03:41,340 --> 04:03:41,340
deliberation and open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the court
In negotiations with third persons.

1944
04:03:46,940 --> 04:03:46,940
number two, to deliberate business and financial issues related to the negotiation of
Agreement between bexar county graner sachse so long as before convening the closed

1945
04:03:56,900 --> 04:03:56,900
meeting. One the court voted unanimously that deliberation open meeting would have a
Detrimental effect on the position of the commissioners court negotiations with third

1946
04:04:04,590 --> 04:04:04,590
persons and the attorney advising the court issues a written determination that
Deliberation and open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the positions of the

1947
04:04:13,110 --> 04:04:13,110
court in negotiations with third parties. Is there a motion to go into executive on those
Contract issues?

1948
04:04:22,150 --> 04:04:22,150
which motion by commissioner rodriguez. Second,
By commissioner calvert.

1949
04:04:29,230 --> 04:04:29,230
any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor of the motion to go into
Executive session on those contract issues signify by saying aye.

1950
04:04:38,670 --> 04:04:38,670
aye. Any opposition, any abstention unanimously approved.

1951
04:04:44,070 --> 04:04:44,070
we will go into executive session. The time now is 1:09 p.m..

1952
04:04:49,990 --> 04:04:53,950
mr. Robinson, lead us in the executive session. We're still on. Oh. Are we done? Are we? Are we

1953
04:05:03,750 --> 04:05:03,750
back open? Are we open? All right. The time is 2:37 p.m..

1954
04:05:11,830 --> 04:05:15,430
no, it's not on. We're not on, kate. We're on,
We're on. All right. Is there any are we come out of executive session and there's no action to be
Taken.

1955
04:05:21,110 --> 04:05:21,110
is there a motion to adjourn motion by commissioner rodriguez? Second.

1956
04:05:25,470 --> 04:05:28,310
second by commissioner clay-flores commissioner clay-flores. I'd like to adjourn in memory of doris p vicks,
Mother of olivia.

1957
04:05:34,190 --> 04:05:34,190
olivia jewell. Commissioner rodriguez. Thank you.

1958
04:05:38,710 --> 04:05:38,710
judge, I'd like to adjourn in honor of james martin,
Carmen chapa, and longtime express news columnist,

1959
04:05:47,590 --> 04:05:49,990
editorial board member gloria padilla. Here,
Here. Commissioner calvert. I would like to adjourn. I would like to adjourn also in honor of
Doris fix,

1960
04:05:55,480 --> 04:05:55,480
dan sosa, who was lionel sosa's brother, and alvin xavier waters.

1961
04:06:02,280 --> 04:06:02,280
and I would like to adjourn in behalf of doctor marvin fallen,
Md.

1962
04:06:06,400 --> 04:06:06,400
macp, who was a founding faculty member at the school of medicine at the julia teresa
Lozano long school of medicine at uthealth.

1963
04:06:14,080 --> 04:06:14,080
he was a longtime member and a. And a member of this community with the jewish federation
Of san antonio.

1964
04:06:21,320 --> 04:06:21,320
and I joined in with gloria padilla, a renowned journalist who has served the country
Well.

1965
04:06:27,280 --> 04:06:27,280
and as I recall, you used to walk the halls of the courthouse checking on the judges.

1966
04:06:33,240 --> 04:06:36,880
I forgot it is. I forgot all those in favor of the motion. Motion to adjourn. I forgot one person, I apologize,
I forgot margaret stanley who spearheaded the renovations of the majestic theater.

1967
04:06:45,560 --> 04:06:48,760
all those in favor of the motion signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? We are adjourned. What a day,
What a day.