>> MEMORY IS GOING TO BE UP THERE WHERE WE MAY NEED TO RESIT.
[00:00:03]
[1. DECLARATION OF A QUORUM AND CALL MEETING TO ORDER]
IT IS MY HONOR TO CALL THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP TO ORDER FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23.
COUNCIL, NICE TO SEE EVERYBODY THIS MORNING.
THOSE THAT ARE IN THE AUDIENCE, OUR GUEST, AND THE STAFF MEMBERS, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE THIS MORNING.
IF YOU MAY BE WATCHING THIS ON THE STREAMING OR ON CHANNEL 16 FOR THOSE THAT ARE OUT THERE IN THE COMMUNITY.
GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US THIS MORNING.
WE HAVE A BUSY WORKSHOP, SO LET'S HAVE A ROLL CALL, PLEASE, JANELLE.
HE'S THINK COUNCILMAN ROLLINS ON HIS WAY THEN.
>> VERY GOOD. WE HAVE OUR COUNCILMEMBERS ALL HERE.
COUNCILMAN ROLLINS WILL BE JOINING US VERY SHORTLY.
BEFORE WE GET INTO OUR AGENDA, I WANT TO GIVE SOME KIND OF HOUSEKEEPING CHANGES, COUNCIL.
ITEM ON THE WORKSHOP, ITEM 3J HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN.
ITEM 8D IS IN DAVID HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN, AND ITEM 11A, A IN OUR CONSENT AGENDA THIS AFTERNOON, COUNCIL, THAT ITEM HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN ALSO.
>> JUST FOR MAKE THAT NOTE ON YOUR SCHEDULES AND AGENDAS, IF YOU COULD.
[3.A Presentation of a Community Plan to Develop a Juneteenth Museum (D Jones/S Lewis/C Brown - 20 min)]
LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 3A, PLEASE, JANELLE.>> I AGREE. A PRESENTATION OF A COMMUNITY PLAN TO DEVELOP A JUNE 10 MUSEUM.
>> COUNCIL, AS YOU MAY REMEMBER, BACK TOWARDS THE BEGINNING OF THE SUMMER, COUNCIL PASSED A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING A MOVEMENT FORWARD FOR A JUNE 10 MUSEUM.
AS YOU MAY HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE MEDIA HERE, WE HAVE NOW AN ENTITY ON THE ISLAND THAT HAS PUT TOGETHER A VERY ORGANIZED PLAN TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE JUNETEENTH MUSEUM.
TO PRESENT THE DETAILS OF THAT, I'M HAPPY TO WELCOME DUANE JONES, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION.
>> WELL, THE COUNCIL ARE RIGHT HERE?
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO UPDATE YOU ON SOMETHING THAT THE ORGANIZATION IS ACTUALLY VERY EXCITED ABOUT.
WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH OUR AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE FOR A WHILE AND RECOGNIZING THE JUNETEENTH STORY AND DO A LOT OF THINGS ACTIVELY EVERY YEAR.
WHAT WE ARE VERY SIMPLY DOING AND WHAT WE ARE REALLY TALKING ABOUT THESE DAYS, IT'S A SIX MONTH PLAN TO PUT TOGETHER A REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS, AND A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THAT THEY WILL BE RELEASED FOR A MASTER PLANNING PROCESS.
THIS IS NOT LOCATING ANY SITE FOR A MUSEUM.
IT'S NOT BEHIND ANYTHING. IT'S NOT DOING ANYTHING.
IT IS A PRIVATELY FUNDED INITIATIVE WITH US AND WITH SOME ENTITIES IN THE COMMUNITY TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION WITH THE COMMUNITY AFTER THAT POINT.
IT IS A VERY COMMON APPROACH TO DO A MASTER PLANNING PROCESS BEFORE TRYING TO SELECT A SITE.
WE'RE PERHAPS YEARS BEHIND ON THAT.
WE'RE VERY PLEASED TO BE WORKING WITH AN ADVISOR, NOT A CONSULTANT, BUT AN ADVISOR WHO HAS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM.
SHE IS OUT OF WASHINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, AND SHE'S GIVING US A GOOD BIT OF DIRECTION TO CONTACT WITH THOSE FOLKS WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING INFORMATION.
YOU QUALIFIED TO DO THE PLAN WITH US.
THAT'S REALLY PRETTY MUCH IT.THERE WILL BE A LARGE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT LATER.
THAT'S NOT [INAUDIBLE].I'M JUST TRYING TO GET IZED BEFORE.
THERE ARE TWO THINGS THAT THE FOUNDATIONS BOARD AND THE ACTOR AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE REALLY WANTED TO SEE IN THIS PROCESS.
>> COULD YOU SPEAK UP A LITTLE TO ENSURE THE MICROPHONE.
>> I HAVE A VERY SOFT VOICE AND I'M LOSING IT BECAUSE OF ALLERGIES. I'LL TRY.
THE TWO THINGS WE'RE REALLY INTERESTING IS THAT THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH BE AUTHENTIC AND ACCURATE TO WHAT HAPPENED IN GALVESTON JUNE 19, 1865.
THE OTHER IS THAT THIS IS THE RIGHTFUL HOME OF JUNETEENTH IN THAT STORE.
[00:05:04]
IT'S NOT 50 MILES UP THE ROAD.IT'S NOT 200 MILES UP THE ROAD.
WE NEED TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE'RE WORKING TOWARD A POSITIVE THING FOR THE COMMUNITY.
IT'S REALLY ESSENTIAL THAT WE DO THAT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF EFFORTS THAT ARE OCCURRED PLACES.
I REMIND YOU ALL, EVEN THOUGH YOU'RE FROM HERE, YOU WORKED HERE, YOU'VE GROWN UP HERE PERHAPS, DALLASON WAS THE LARGEST CITY IN 1865.
IT WAS THE LARGEST CITY UNTIL ALMOST '89.
HE SURPASSED IN 1890 BY DALLAS HOUSTON.
FORT WORTH IN 1865. IT'S APPROPRIATE.
>> I WAS THERE IN THE 18.[LAUGHTER]
>> WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT JOHNSON STEPS UP AND WE'VE DO THIS.
I THINK THIS IS THE RIGHT TIME, AND WE'RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS.
>> FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK THE GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION AND AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMITTEE.
THEY WORKED VERY HARD, VERY DILIGENTLY TO MOVE THIS FORWARD.
THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT JUST HAPPENED OVERNIGHT.
THEY'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS FOR QUITE A LONG TIME TO BRING IT TO THIS POINT RIGHT NOW.
DWAYNE, I'D LIKE FOR YOU, IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND TO MAYBE HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE FOUNDATIONS THAT ARE INVOLVED HERE SO THAT WE'LL KNOW THAT THIS IS MORE OF A COMMUNITY EFFORT FROM THE FOUNDATIONAL STANDPOINT.
ALSO, I'D LIKE TO IF YOU COULD WOULDN'T MIND, EXPAND ON REPRESENTATIVE TERRY LEO WILSON'S ROLE HERE BECAUSE SHE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN BRINGING THIS ATTENTION BACK TO GALVESTON IN THIS LAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION AND INSTRUMENTAL AND HAVING FUNDS SET ASIDE WITH THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION FROM THE LEGISLATURE FOR A JUNETEENTH MUSEUM OR SOME APPROACH OF THAT MANNER IN GALVESTON HERE.
>> SURE. REPRESENTATIVE LEO WILSON IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT IN THIS DISCUSSION, AND WE'RE GOING TO DO SOME RECOGNITION FOR HER A WHOLE FEW WEEKS.
>> SHE DID. HER HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NUMBER 6, IF YOU ALL ARE FAMILIAR WITH THAT, DESIGNATED GALVESON AS THE STATE CAPITAL OF JUNETEENTH, WHICH IS THE PIVOTAL POINT FOR US KICKING THIS OFF NOW.
SHE ALSO SECURED, AS YOU KNOW, SOME FUNDING THROUGH THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION THAT MIGHT GO TO A 12 MUSEUM AT SOME POINT.
BOTH OF THOSE ARE REALLY, I CAN'T REALLY SAY ENOUGH THAT THEY'RE MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS.
IT'S HARD TO DO THOSE KINDS OF THINGS IN THE LEGISLATURE.
>> WE'RE VERY EXCITED AT THAT AND WE'LL BE ACTIVELY ENGAGING HER AS THIS GOES FORWARD.
THE OTHER QUESTION, YOU HAVE FOUNDATIONS.
WE'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THESE FOUNDATIONS, THE CYNTHIA AND GEORGE MITCHELL FOUNDATION, THE MOODY FOUNDATION PERMANENT ENDOWMENT OF THE MOODY METHODIST CHURCH, HARRIS AND ELIZA KEMPNER FUND, YUTO CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AND SASSER FAMILY FOUNDATION.
ARE ALL PROVIDING SOME SEED MONEY TO DO THIS PROJECT.
>> WASN'T SENATOR MIDDLETON ALSO VERY MUCH HELPFUL IN GETTING THE MONIES IDENTIFIED AND SO FORTH ALONG WITH TERRY WILSON?
>> I BELIEVE SO. I HAVEN'T HAD DIRECT CONVERSATION WITH HIM.
I ALSO THINK GREG BONINS OFFICE WAS BON CHARGE.
>> I BELIEVE HE'S THE CHAIR OF APPROPRIATION BUT I THINK ALL THREE WORK TOGETHER.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE ALL THAT.
>> WE'VE ALSO HAVE A LITTLE PARALLEL THING GOING ON WITH THE CONGRESSMAN WEBBER'S OFFICE WITH THE TEXAS HISTORICAL COMMISSION AND THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.
TO UPDATE WE HAVE A LOT OF PROPERTIES LISTED IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER IN GALVESTON AND NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS.
SOME OF THEM FROM THAT PERIOD.
THERE ARE ABOUT 12-15 OF THEM THAT WERE HERE AND PLAYED SOME ROLE IN JUNE 19, 1865 STORY.
WE'RE GOING BACK TO THOSE LISTINGS AND UPDATING THEM WITH INFORMATION ABOUT JUNETEENTH AND BRINGING THOSE FORWARD.
MOST OF THOSE WERE WRITTEN IN THE 70S AND DON'T REFLECT ALL THE STORY THAT WAS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME.
WE'RE DOING THAT AS WELL AND THEN CONGRESSMAN WEBBER'S OFFICE HAS BEEN VERY INTERESTED IN DOING.
>> DWAYNE, COULD YOU KIND OF WALK US THROUGH A OVERVIEW
[00:10:04]
OF THE TIMELINE AS THE WAY YOU SEE FOLDING.>> WE'RE REJECTING A SIX MONTH REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATION AND REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, WHICH SHOULD TAKE US INTO EARLY SPRING.
AT THAT POINT, THERE WOULD BE SOME SELECTION COMMITTEE THAT WOULD SELECT THE MASTER PLANNING TEAM.
I EXPECTED TO BE A TEAM OF FOLKS WHO WILL DO THAT.
WHO THEN COULD TAKE A YEAR TO WORK ON A MASTER PLAN.
MIGHT BE MORE, BUT IT MIGHT BE LESS.
JUST DEPENDS ON HOW THAT GOES AND THE INTEREST OF ALTERCATION OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ON.
>> THE MASTER PLAN WOULD HELP IDENTIFY A LOCATION.
>> COULD ALSO IDENTIFY SEVERAL LOCATIONS.
MUSEUMS TODAY ARE NOT JUST NECESSARILY ONE SPOT.
THEY'RE NOT NECESSARILY A NEW CONSTRUCTION.
THEY'RE NOT NECESSARILY A HISTORIC BUILDING. THEY CAN BE SEVERAL.
IT COULD ALSO BE AN OUTDOOR SPACE.
THERE COULD BE A COMBINATION OF THINGS THAT COME OUT OF THIS.
>> I GUESS THE BULK OF THE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT WOULD COME DURING THE MASTER PLAN.
>> ANY QUESTIONS FROM MR. JONES THAT WE HAVE HERE.
I KNOW YOU'VE BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED WITH WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES TO MOVE THIS FORWARD.
>> NO QUESTIONS BUT COMMENTS. JUST A BIG THANK YOU.
THIS FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SET, AND I AM JUST ELATED AND EXCITED, AND I BELIEVE THE COMMUNITY IS AS WELL.
WE ALL KNOW THIS WILL TAKE TIME TO DO THE MASTER PLANNING, BUT THE COMMUNITY NEEDS TO KNOW THAT THAT INVOLVEMENT WILL COME.
WE'LL BE AN ACTIVE PART OF IT.
BUT THANK YOU. THANK THE FOUNDATIONS. THANK YOU, MAYOR.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, COUNCIL? DWAYNE, I KNOW YOU HAD TO CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE A LITTLE BIT.
>> THANK YOU. IT'S BEEN GREAT SENIOR, BUT I WANT TO LEAVE TOWN.
>> THANK YOU. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 3B, PLEASE?
[3.B Clarification Of Consent And Regular City Council Agenda Items - This Is An Opportunity For City Council To Ask Questions Of Staff On Consent And Regular Agenda Items (1 Hour)]
>> ITEM 3B. CLARIFICATION OF CONSENT AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITY COUNCIL TO ASK QUESTIONS OF STAFF ON CONSENT AND REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS.
>> WELL, I KNOW THIS IS A NEW TOPIC, COUNCIL.
WE'VE NEVER DONE HERE AT THE WORKSHOP TABLE.
LET'S START, SHARON, DO YOU HAVE ANY INPUT OR ANY QUESTIONS OF ANY OF THE ITEMS YOU WANTED TO BRING UP?
ONE OF THEM WAS SCRATCHED OUT ON THE ORDINANCE.
>> THE ORDINANCE ONE WAS MARKED OUT.
MY OTHER ONE WAS DEALING WITH THE BUDGET, AND I SENT THE EMAIL OUT, HOW WILL THE INSURANCE COSTS IF CONGRESS DECIDES TO DO THAT AFFECT OUR GENERAL BUDGET.
>> WHAT ITEM ARE YOU REFERRING TO ON THAT, SHARON FOR THE CITIZENS LEDGE.
>> YES. AMENDING THE TOTAL OPERATING.
MY CONCERN WAS THE COST OF INSURANCE FOR EMPLOYEES.
>> BAN SPOKE TO ME THIS MORNING AND SAID THAT YOU GUYS CONTROL COSTS WILL HELP.
>> YES. I'M CHLAU DANI, THE FINANCE DIRECTOR.
I SAW THE EMAIL IN PASSING THIS MORNING, AND I WOULD GIVE YOU THREE RESPONSES TO THAT.
YES, TO WHAT DAN SAID. WE'RE SELF INSURED.
WE DO NOT GET ANY FEDERAL DOLLARS FOR OUR SYSTEM.
THAT IS, IN FACT, FULLY FUNDED FOR OUR RESIDENT OR OUR EMPLOYEES THIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, WHAT I WOULD ADD IS AS COUNCIL IS AWARE, EMS COSTS, THE COST OF EMS WENT UP 20% THIS YEAR.
GALVESTON COUNTY DID TELL US THAT COST INCREASE WAS BASED ON PROJECTIONS FOR THE SERVICE INCREASES THEY WOULD SEE IN THE COMING YEAR, ESPECIALLY WITH UNINSURED CUSTOMERS THROUGHOUT THE ISLAND.
THE SECOND PIECE TO THAT IS WHAT WE DID ON OUR HEALTH INSURANCE BOARD IS BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD CAME TO US AND THEY SAID, HEY, YOU'RE GOING TO SEE 20% INCREASE, AND WE SAID THAT'S NOT OKAY.
WE ADDED AN OPTION FOR A HIGH DEDUCTIBLE PLAN AND MADE SOME OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO TWEAKS IN OUR PLAN FOR HOW THE BENEFITS WORK.
[00:15:02]
WE LIMITED OUR PROJECTED INCREASE TO 10% FOR THE COMING YEAR, AND THAT'S IN THE BUDGET THAT COUNCIL PAID FOR.BUT SO THOSE INCREASES OF THE 20% FOR EMS AND THE 10% FOR HEALTH INSURANCE ARE PART OF WHAT DROVE OUR COSTS UP THIS YEAR, AND WE'RE ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE BUDGET.
I WOULD SAY IN BOTH OF THOSE CASES, THOSE EXTERNAL GROUPS THAT ARE PROJECTING THEIR HEALTH CARE COSTS INTO THE FUTURE ARE DOING IT BASED ON UNCERTAINTY IN THE HEALTH CARE MARKET.
BUT WITH REGARD TO OUR ABILITY TO PAY FOR THE BENEFITS THAT WE'VE BUDGETED FOR THE YEAR, WE'RE COMPLETELY COVERED BECAUSE WE FUND OUR BENEFITS, AND THAT'S INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET.
>> THE INCREASE LIKE IN THE EMS AS TIME GOES ON.
WE'RE GOING TO EVENTUALLY HAVE TO DO SOMETHING.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO RAISE TAXES OR SOMETHING.
>> RIGHT. THAT'S THE SCARY PART WHEN YOU SAY ALTER SERVICES.
THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY OTHER ITEMS, SHARON ON THE AGENDA YOU'D LIKE TO BRING UP?
>> WE CAN KEEP HER HERE, I GUESS, 10-DAY IS PROBABLY ON A LOT OF PEOPLE'S MINDS.
ON THE SHEET FOR THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS, I COULDN'T FIND TWO THE INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS.
IS THAT ALREADY BEEN DONE OR IS THAT SOMETHING THAT'S NOT IN THIS BUDGET?
>> INTERNAL SERVICE FUND ADJUSTMENT, WHICH WAS THE 500,000 FOR IT INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS AND THE 300,000 FOR THE GARAGE INTERNAL SERVICE FUND, WAS INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL PROPOSED BUDGET, AND IT'S BEEN INCLUDED IN EVERYTHING COUNSEL HAS ADOPTED UP UNTIL THIS POINT.
IT IS INCLUDED IN THE AMENDED BUDGET.
>> IF ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO TAKE 10A, I'D HATE TO GET HER BACK AND FORTH.
>> THANK YOU, MAYOR. ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET AMENDMENT NUMBER 1, EXHIBIT A OPERATING BUDGET APPROPRIATIONS.
THERE'S A LINE ITEM UNDER EACH FUND FOR AN APPROPRIATION OF FUND BALANCE FOR ONE TIME OPERATING ITEMS AND FY 2026 CAPITAL BUDGET.
COULD YOU EXPLAIN TO US AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT WHAT THAT MEANS, BOTH THE APPROPRIATION FOR THAT AND THIS IS A ONE TIME ISSUE?
>> YES. TO BE CLEAR, THE AMENDMENT WE'RE PROPOSING IS NOT CHANGING ANY OF THOSE ITEMS. HOWEVER, THE WAY WE PRESENT OUR BUDGET, WE SHOW HOW MUCH OF FUND BALANCE IN EACH FUND IS BEING SPENT FOR ONE TIME COSTS.
AND SO WHAT YOU'RE SEEING WITH THE APPROPRIATION OF FUND BALANCE FOR ONE TIME OPERATING ITEMS, IS, FOR EXAMPLE, AT THE TOP OF THE SECOND PAGE, YOU'RE GOING TO SEE YOUR ENTERPRISE FUND, THE COMBINED UTILITY SYSTEM FUND.
YOU'LL SEE THAT IN THE COMBINED UTILITY, WE'RE SPENDING $1.4 MILLION.
IT'S MAINLY FOR EQUIPMENT, FLEE PURCHASES THAT THING FOR ONE TIME ITEMS, AND IT'S SPENDING DOWN FUND BALANCE.
THAT IS NOT COMING OUT OF REGULAR CURRENT OPERATIONAL REVENUES, IT'S SPENDING DOWN FUND BALANCE FOR THOSE ONE TIME ITEMS.
>> THAT'S THE CASE IN ALL OF THESE.
>> WHERE WE'RE SHOWING THAT LINE.
>> BUT IN THE FUTURE, THOSE COSTS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE TO BE SATISFIED.
>> YEAH. IF THERE'S NOT ENOUGH FUND BALANCE TO PAY FOR ONE TIME COSTS AND YOU DON'T TRY THAT.
SPECIFICALLY, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY A GOOD REASON TO SPEND DOWN EXCESS FUND BALANCE, AS WE'VE DISCUSSED, THERE'S THAT TIPPING POINT FOR WHERE YOU WANT TO MAINTAIN YOUR FUND BALANCE.
ANYTHING ABOVE THAT, IT'S A GREAT SOURCE OF REVENUE TO PAY FOR ONE TIME THINGS.
BECAUSE IT'S NOT A RECURRING SOURCE OF REVENUE.
BUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE ENOUGH FUND BALANCE TO DO THAT, THEN YOU HAVE TO FUND IT OUT OF CURRENT OPERATIONS OR BORROW MONEY FOR THESE ONE TIME PROJECTS.
>> FOLLOW UP QUESTION ON FUND BALANCES WITHIN EACH FUNDS.
I GUESS, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT WAS LOOKING TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHAT WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL FOR THAT BY DEPARTMENT OR BY FUND.
DID YOU RECEIVE THAT? AND IS THAT REPRESENTED IN WHAT WE HAVE TODAY?
>> WE HAVEN'T RECEIVED FEEDBACK FROM THE DEPARTMENTS REGARDING THEIR FUND BALANCE.
WHAT WE'VE DONE IS WE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OUR PROPOSED FUND BALANCE POLICY TO THE FISCAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING AND THEIR COMMITTEE DIDN'T MAKE.
THERE WASN'T QUORUM, SO WE DIDN'T DISCUSS IT THERE.
IN NOVEMBER, WE PLAN TO BRING THAT TO COUNCIL EITHER WAY SO
[00:20:01]
THAT COUNSEL CAN BEGIN TO DISCUSS FUND BALANCE POLICY MOVING FORWARD.IT'S A POLICY THAT IT IS COUNCIL'S PREROGATIVE TO SET, AND THEN WE'LL ADHERE TO THAT IN ALL FUTURE BUDGETS.
>> IN NOVEMBER, WE'LL HAVE SOME GUIDELINES?
>> SOME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM STAFF FOR THAT, OKAY. THANK YOU.
>> BECAUSE WE'RE SHOT GUNNING THIS RIGHT HERE.
>> HOPEFULLY NOT SHOT GUNNING.
IT'S BASED ON GOOD BEST PRACTICES, BUT CERTAINLY COUNSEL SHOULD HAVE ACTIVE POLICY SETTING, DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY WITH REGARD TO HOW THEY WANT THOSE FUND BALANCES TO LOOK.
THAT'S WHY THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE IS SET AT 90 TO 220 DAYS.
GETTING COUNSEL'S FEEDBACK ON THE OTHER FUNDS IS COMPLETELY ALIGNED WITH THE WAY WE WANT TO OPERATE.
>> ONE THING YOU SAID, WHICH THOROUGHLY INTRIGUED ME IS THAT YOU DIDN'T GO BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT HEADS TO ASK THEIR INPUTS YOU JUST DECIDED.
I THINK DEPARTMENT HEADS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE.
I'M CURIOUS IN OUR RESERVE FUNDS THAT I DO THINK WE HAVE ISSUES ESPECIALLY IN THE LACK OF POLICY.
BUT HOW DO WE MONITOR? LET'S SAY SOMETHING WAS BUDGETED LAST YEAR FOR M&O AND THE ENTERPRISE FUNDS, AND YET IT DOESN'T GET SPENT IN THAT YEAR.
IT SHOULD GET RETURNED BACK TO THE BUDGET, NOT PUT IN THE RESERVE FUND.
HOW DO WE MONITOR THAT? WHO OVERSEES THAT? WHO MONITORS THAT?
BUT IF THERE IS ANY REVENUE ASSOCIATED WITH A SPECIFIC FUND, LET'S SAY, WATER AND SEWER FUND, IT'S AN EASY ONE.
IT'S THE REVENUE THAT YOU PAY ON YOUR WATER BILL ONLY PAYS YOUR WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE AND OPERATIONS.
IF THERE IS MORE REVENUE COLLECTED THEN THERE IS EXPENDITURES PERMITTED IN THE BUDGET, AND WE'RE IN THE GOOD, WE'RE IN THE BLACK REVENUE OVER EXPENDITURES.
THEN THAT ROLLS TO WATER SEWER FUND FUND BALANCE, AND IT IS AVAILABLE FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND TO USE THOSE FUNDS FOR ONE TIME PURCHASES THE NEXT YEAR.
LET'S SAY NEW EQUIPMENT, LET'S SAY, A PROJECT THAT HADN'T BEEN FUNDED BEFORE.
IT STAYS WITHIN THE FUND WHERE THE REVENUE STREAM IS DEDICATED.
>> IT SHOULD STAY IN WITHIN THE M&O FUND, NOT GO INTO THE RESERVE FUND.
>> THE RESERVE IS PART OF THE M&O.
THE RESERVE IN EACH FUND IS SPECIFICALLY RETAINED FOR THE USE OF THAT FUND FOR FUTURE EXPENDITURES.
IT'S JUST THAT BECAUSE IT NOW BECOMES A ONE TIME SOURCE OF REVENUE, IT'S NOT RECURRING.
WE USE IT FOR ONE TIME CAPITAL, INVESTMENT, OR INFRASTRUCTURE, OR FLEET OR THE THINGS THAT YOU ARE BUYING ONE TIME, AND IT'S NOT PART OF YOUR REGULAR OPERATION.
>> I TRULY THINK WE NEED TO DO A FULL AUDIT OF ALL OF OUR RESERVE FUNDS.
I THINK THE FACT THAT WE DON'T HAVE A POLICY, I'M GLAD WE'RE FINALLY ADDRESSING THAT.
BUT WE HAVE SUCH EXCESSIVE ACCUMULATIONS, AND I'M NOT TALKING GENERAL FUND RESERVE, I'M TALKING ALL THE OTHER RESERVE FUNDS THAT AMOUNT TO LIKE 58 MILLION.
>> A GREAT DEAL OF THAT IS IN YOUR SPECIAL REVENUE FUND, AND WITH THE SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS, THERE ARE LEGAL AND STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS LIKE THE HOT FUNDS, FOR EXAMPLE.
>> [OVERLAPPING] I UNDERSTAND, BUT NOT IF SOMETHING GETS CREDITED TO.
I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING IF YOU'RE YOU'RE PUTTING SOMETHING BACK INTO THE WRONG FUND, IT GETS RESTRICTED, AND WE HAVE NO WAY OF MONITORING THAT.
>> I CAN REASSURE YOU WE ARE, BUT I'M HAPPY FOR ANYBODY TO AUDIT IT BECAUSE WE ARE VERY MUCH ENSURING THAT ANY REVENUE STREAMS CONTINUE TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH THEY WERE COLLECTED IN THE FUNDS IN WHICH THEY WERE ORIGINALLY RECEIVED AND ALLOCATED.
>> SO THEY'RE APPROPRIATED? IF IT WAS APPROPRIATED FOR PURCHASE, THEN THE PURCHASE NEVER HAPPENED OR SO FORTH.
DID WE EVER GET AN ACCURATE OUTCOME ON THE ONE QUESTION WE HAD OF THE PERSON THAT WAS PROTESTING THEIR TAXES?
>> I WOULDN'T KNOW, WAIT A MINUTE. WE'RE GETTING OFF SUBJECT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> JUST ONE SECOND. POSE THIS QUESTION AGAIN.
[00:25:06]
>> OUR PROPOSED BUDGET AND OUR PROPERTY TAX RATES WERE LOWERED BECAUSE OF A ARBITRATION THAT WAS GOING ON.
I HAVE BEEN CALLING REPEATEDLY.
WE'VE GOTTEN AN OUTCOME ON THAT ARBITRATION, WHICH AFFECTS OUR ENTIRE BOTTOM LINE.
>> I WAS CONFUSED FOR A MOMENT BECAUSE YOU SAID PERSON, AND I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH ANY PERSON [OVERLAPPING].
THE COMPANY THAT CAME BACK AND SAID, "HEY, WE ARE TAX EXEMPT." THE ORIGINAL AMOUNT THAT THEY WERE IN OUR ORIGINAL ROLES FOR WAS AROUND $130 MILLION, AND THEY'RE SAYING ZERO OF THAT IS TAXABLE.
GALVESTON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT WORK WITH CAPITAL APPRAISAL GROUP, WHICH IS OUT OF AUSTIN, AND THEY DO A LOT OF THE INDUSTRIAL VALUATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS.
AS A RESULT OF THAT, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE AT A HEARING THIS WEEK, BUT THE HEARING WAS CANCELED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO AGREEMENT, SO GALVESTON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT'S GENERAL COUNSEL HAS FILED A LAWSUIT.
THE RESULTS OF THAT ARE GOING TO BE DELAYED UNTIL THERE IS A DAY IN COURT OR UNLESS THEY COME TO AN AGREEMENT SOONER THAN THAT.
GALVESTON COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT INDICATED TO ME THAT IT COULD VERY WELL BE SIX MONTHS BEFORE WE KNOW.
BUT IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS A PORTION OF THE VALUE RELATED TO THIS GROUP IN THE RANGE OF 37 MILLION, AND I'M UNCLEAR AS TO WHETHER IT WAS TAX YEAR 24 OR TAX YEAR 25.
I STILL NEED TO GET CLARIFICATION ON THAT.
BUT THEY'RE GOING TO TRY AND BRING IT BACK ON THE RULES BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THERE WAS A PORTION OF IT THAT WAS NOT CORRECT.
>> I LOOKED AT THAT PAGE TODAY, AND IT REFLECTED THAT IT CAME BACK ON THE RULES, WHICH MAKES A WHOLE DIFFERENT.
>> THE WHOLE AMOUNT IS NOT BACK ON THE RULES FOR TAX YEAR 25.
>> YEAH, SO WE'RE NOT GIVEN CREDIT FOR IT AT THIS POINT, BUT THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT BELIEVES A PORTION OF IT WILL BE TAXABLE.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON 10A? COMMENTS? YOU KNOW MY FEELINGS ON THIS, SO I'M NOT GOING TO ELABORATE ON IT.
>> I THINK WE SHARE THE SAME FEELING IN REGARD TO THE NON MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES GETTING A CALLER.
THAT'S WHY I THINK WE STILL NEED TO DO SOME SCRUBBING AND LOOK AT EFFICIENCIES SO THAT WE COULD DO A CALL UP ON OUR EMPLOYEES.
>> IF WE RESPECTED OUR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ENOUGH, WE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THAT COLAS FRONT.
WE GOT POLICE, WE GOT FIRE THAT DESERVE AN INCREASE THIS YEAR, AND THEY GOT THAT INCREASE.
CIVILIANS, THIS USUALLY HAPPENS.
IF WE FELT THAT OUR EMPLOYEES ARE THAT IMPORTANT, WE SHOULD HAVE GIVEN THIS IN THE BUDGET.
WE RESPECTED OUR CITIZENS ENOUGH TO NOT RAISE THE TAXES, AND YET WE'VE NEVER LOOKED AT EFFICIENCIES.
SIMILAR TO THE CONVERSATION WHEN WE WERE TALKING ABOUT BUDGETS FOR THE PARK BOARD, AND THEY WERE TOLD THEY HAD TO MAKE A $500,000 CUT TO TAKE IT OUT OF THEIR EMPLOYEES INCREASES.
THE RESPONSE WAS, NO, WE'RE NOT LOWERING OUR EMPLOYEES.
WE'RE GOING TO GIVE THEM A COLA.
WE'RE GOING TO LOOK AT OUR EFFICIENCIES.
WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT OUR EFFICIENCIES.
>> PARK BOARD IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SITUATION BECAUSE WE TOOK RESPONSIBILITIES AWAY FROM THE PARK BOARD, THEREFORE, THEY HAD TO CHANGE THE BUS TO ACCOMMODATE IT.
>> NO. IT DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT, IT HAD TO DO WITH 4% ADMINISTRATIVE.
>> [OVERLAPPING] ANY OTHER BUDGET THAT WE'RE CAPTURING NOW?
>> TOWARDS OUR GENERAL BUDGET.
>> WE'RE CAPTURING A 4% ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE, WHICH IS WHY THEY HAD TO LOWER THEIR BUDGET.
>> CORRECT. THAT'S PART OF THE TRANSFER.
>> NO. IT DIDN'T HAVE TO DO WITH.
>> IT HAD TO DO WITH COLLECTING THE HOT TAX.
BUT THE POINT OF MY COMMENT IS, THEY WERE TOLD THEY HAD TO CUT CALLERS AND THEY SAID, NO, WE'LL LOOK AT EFFICIENCIES.
WE SHOULD BE LOOKING AT EFFICIENCIES IN OUR BUDGET.
ANYWAY, I'M JUST GOING TO LEAVE IT AT THAT.
>> FOR THE PUBLIC TO KNOW, YOU IMPLY THAT WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT EFFICIENCIES IN OUR BUDGET EACH YEAR,
[00:30:02]
AND THAT'S INCORRECT. YES. GO AHEAD.>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON 10A? VERY GOOD.
ALEX, ANY OTHER ITEMS YOU HAVE ON THE AGENDA? RAY?
>> I DO. I ALWAYS HATE THIS AGENDA BECAUSE WE GO THROUGH DOUBLE W AND OUR CONSENT AGENDAS.
A LOT OF IT IS STANDARD, BUT THERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS THAT AREN'T STANDARD.
>> I THINK IT'S 11 H TO DO WITH THE LIMBER CONTRACT? WHAT IS OUR PERCENTAGE OF COLLECTIONS ON TICKETS AND TAXES AND I MEAN, BECAUSE EVERY YEAR WE APPOINT TO THE COMPANY.
AND YET IT SEEMS LIKE WE COLLECT A SMALL PERCENTAGE.
>> GOOD MORNING. PLEASE IDENTIFY YOURSELF IF YOU WOULD, PLEASE.
EXCUSE ME, SIR. IF YOU COULD IDENTIFY YOURSELF, GENTLEMEN, FOR THE CAMERAS.
I'M A MANAGING PARTNER OF LINE BERGER'S GALVESTON COUNTY OFFICE, AND I SUPERVISE THE COLLECTION OF DALA PROPERTY TAXES.
WITH ME HERE TODAY IS MY PARTNER RICHARD HILL.
RICHARD MANAGES THE COLLECTION OF MUNICIPAL COURT COLLECTIONS.
WE WERE HERE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT COLLECTION CONTRACT AND THE RESULTS THAT WE'VE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
>> MY QUESTION IS, WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF COLLECTIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO PARKING TICKETS, BECAUSE YOU COLLECT THOSE AS WELL.
>> YES, MA'AM. THAT'S CORRECT.
>> I GUESS, START WITH ALL THE DIFFERENT ITEMS. YOU COLLECT PROPERTY TAXES, WHAT'S A REPORT I'LL SPEAK TO THE PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS AND HILL ON MUNICIPAL FEE AND COS WITH PARKING.
THESE ARE THIS IS A REPORT I RAN OFF THE COUNTY'S SYSTEM THIS MORNING.
THIS IS A COLLECTION REPORT WHICH REFLECTS PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS.
GOING BACK TO THE TAX YEAR 2005.
YOU CAN SEE EACH TAX YEAR BROKEN OUT INDIVIDUALLY IN THE PORTION OF COLLECTION RATE FOR EACH.
CUMULATIVELY WE HAVE ACHIEVED A COLLECTION RATE 2005, 2024 OF 99.7%.
THAT'S BASE TAX COLLECTION ONLY.
THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE COLLECTION OF PENALTIES AND INTEREST.
THAT IS ALSO PAID TO THE CITY PER THE TAX CODE.
WE WE'RE VERY PROUD OF THESE NUMBERS.
THESE ARE THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST NUMBERS THAT WE HAVE CERTAINLY AMONGST MY CLIENTS IN HARALSON COUNTY.
WE WE HAVE A VERY SPECIFIC AND DETAILED COLLECTION CAMPAIGN THAT WE UNDERTAKE TO COLLECT TO GET THESE RESULTS.
IT INVOLVES MAILS, IT INVOLVES PHONE CONTACTS.
ULTIMATELY, IF THOSE DON'T PRODUCE RESULTS, WE END UP FILING FORECLOSURE LAWSUITS.
WE CURRENTLY HAVE ON OUR DOCKETS IN GALVESTON COUNTY, ABOUT 2000 PENDING LAWSUITS, NOT ALL OF THEM ON GALVESTON ISLAND, THAT'S ACROSS THE COUNTY.
ALL THE CITIES IN GALVESTON COUNTY, FOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS, TWO JUNIOR COLLEGES.
OUR REACH IS VERY STRONG IN GALVESTON COUNTY, WHICH MAKES FOR A GOOD SYNERGY FOR COLLECTIONS.
WE'RE SORT OF A ONE STOP SHOP.
CERTAINLY, WE REPRESENT ALL THE ENTITIES ON THE ISLAND, AND THE COUPLE OF THOUSAND LAWSUITS THAT I REFERENCED ARE NOT ALL ON THE ISLAND.
PROBABLY ABOUT 1,000, THOSE, ABOUT HALF OF THOSE ARE ISLAND PROPERTIES.
WE FILE 100 OR SO LAWSUITS A MONTH.
[00:35:01]
AGAIN, THAT'S THE LAST RESULT, BECAUSE WHEN WE FILE A LAWSUIT, PROPERTY OWNER HAS TO PAY THE COURT COSTS AND ALL THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LAWSUITS.WHEN THE CITY GETS PAID, WHEN WE COLLECT A DELINQUENT TAX, WE COLLECT THE BASE LEVY DUE TO THE CITY PLUS PENALTY PLUS INTEREST.
OUR COLLECTION FEE IS ADDED ON TOP PER AND THIS IS PER THE TAX CODE IS ADDED ON TOP OF WHAT IS OWED.
WE'RE ACTUALLY NO OFFENSE TO ANY OTHER LAWYERS IN THE ROOM.
WE'RE A ZERO NET COST TO THE CITY.
THAT MODEL APPLIES NOT ONLY TO PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS, BUT AS MR. HILL CAN TELL YOU, THAT'S THE SAME PRINCIPLE THAT THE LEGISLATURE HAS APPLIED TO THE COLLECTION OF MUNICIPAL COURT FEE AND FINES.
WHATEVER IS DUE TO THE CITY IS PAID IN FULL.
OUR COLLECTION FEE IS ADDED ON TOP OF THAT.
IF WE DON'T GET A TAX OR A MUNICIPAL COURT FEAR FINE PAID, WE DON'T GET PAID.
WE'RE FULLY ON THE PASS LINE WITH YOU.
ADDITIONALLY, ON THE DELINQUENT TAX SIDE, UNDER THE TAX CODE, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO COLLECT THE CITY'S SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS, AND WE INCLUDE THOSE ROUTINELY IN OUR DELINQUENT TAX SUITS.
WHEN THE CITY GOES OUT AND DOES A DEMOLITION, DEBRIS AND LOT CLEAN UP, GRASS CUTTING, AND IF THE CITY FILES A LIEN, WHICH, BY THE WAY, YOUR LIEN, YOUR CODE ENFORCEMENT PEOPLE ARE SOME OF THE MOST DILIGENT OF ALL MY CLIENTS.
THEY DO A GREAT JOB, AND I KNOW THAT'S A THAT'S A VERY DIFFICULT, VERY THANKLESS JOB, SO WE COMMEND THEM.
THEY'RE VERY GOOD ABOUT FILING LIENS.
UNDER THE TAX CODE, WE CAN COLLECT THOSE, AND WE DO WE'VE COLLECTED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS THAT ARE OWED TO THE CITY THROUGH OUR DELINQUENT TAX SUITS.
SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS DO NOT HAVE THE MECHANISM TO ADD A COLLECTION FEE ON TOP OF THAT.
KNOWING THAT THOSE ARE SORT OF A LOSER FOR THE CITY ECONOMICALLY.
WE DON'T CHARGE A COLLECTION FEE FOR THOSE.
WE JUST ADD THAT AS AN ADDED VALUE ADDED SERVICE TO THE CITY.
>> WHAT'S THE TYPICAL SO WHEN YOU'RE SUCCESSFUL, WHAT'S THE TYPICAL PERCENT?
>> WELL, NOT THE PERCENT LIKE THEY PAY INTEREST.
IS THERE A TYPICAL INTEREST AMOUNT LIKE 10%?
>> UNDER THE TAX CODE, AND IT'S ALL STATUTORY, AND THE MOST COMMON QUESTION WE'RE ASKED IS, THEY WANT TO NEGOTIATE.
UNDER THE TAX CODE, WE HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO NEGOTIATE THE AMOUNT ONCE IT'S SET IS SET UNDER THE TAX CODE, THE PROPERTY.
LIKE YOUR 2025 TAXES, I'LL USE THOSE AS AN EXAMPLE, 2025 TAXES JUST GOT BILLED.
THEIR CURRENT FLOWS ARE PAID ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31 OF 2026.
ON FEBRUARY 1, THEY WILL START TO ACCRUE PENALTY AND INTEREST, 6% PENALTY AND 2% INTEREST IN FEBRUARY, GOING FORWARD FROM MARCH THROUGH JUNE, 1% PENALTY AND 1% INTEREST.
ALL TAXES THAT REMAIN UNPAID AS OF JULY 1 ARE THEN SUBJECT TO OUR COLLECTION FEE.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT AND THE PROPERTY TAX CODE, ALL THOSE UNPAID TAXES ARE REFERRED TO US FOR COLLECTION, AND THAT'S WHEN OUR COLLECTION FEE GETS ADDED ON TOP.
THE LAW ALSO REQUIRES THAT A STATUTORY LETTER IS SENT OUT IN MAY TO ALL UNPAID ACCOUNTS, ADVISING PROPERTY OWNERS THAT TAXES REMAIN UNPAID, AND IF THEY REMAIN UNPAID ON JULY 1, THE ADDITIONAL COLLECTION FEE GETS ADDED.
UNDER ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION, THIS IS NOT STATUTORY, BUT IS IT IS SORT OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TAX OFFICES ACROSS TEXAS.
UNDER AN ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION THAT WAS ISSUED SOME YEARS AGO.
IF A PROPERTY OWNER GOES TO THE TAX OFFICE AND ENTERS INTO AN INSTALLMENT PAYMENT AGREEMENT AFTER THE TAXES GO DELINQUENT IN FEBRUARY, BUT BEFORE JULY 1, THEY DO NOT HAVE TO PAY OUR COLLECTION FEE.
CHERYL JOHNSON'S OFFICE SENDS A POSTCARD REMINDER TO ALL THOSE DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS TELLING THEM OF THIS OPTION.
WE REALLY ENDEAVOR TO WORK WITH PEOPLE TO REALLY TRY TO RESOLVE THESE ACCOUNTS OUTSIDE OF LITIGATION, OUTSIDE OF ALL THE ADDITIONAL COSTS AND FEES.
THAT'S A PRETTY LONG ANSWER TO A SHORT QUESTION.
>> GOOD ANSWER TO THAT I HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION.
ON THAT WHAT 48 MILLION THAT YOU COLLECTED IN 24? YES, SIR.
WE WOULD RECEIVE 6% INTEREST ON THAT?
>> THAT'S CORRECT. PENALTY AND INTEREST.
NOW, SOME OF THAT WAS PAID PRIOR TO DELINQUENCY.
THAT'S THIS THAT LEVY PAID BY YEAR, THAT'S THE TOTAL AMOUNT THAT'S BEEN PAID THUS FAR, A LOT OF THOSE.
[00:40:03]
TYPICALLY, WHEN IT COMES TIME FOR YOUR TAXES TO GET REFERRED TO US FOR COLLECTION, YOUR COLLECTION RATE HOVERS AROUND 95 TO 96%.ON JULY 1 OF 2025, THE 2024 PAYS WERE REFERRED TO US FOR COLLECTION.
AS YOU CAN SEE, THAT AND MY RECOLLECTION IS, I'M SORRY, I DIDN'T BRING THAT NUMBER.
RECOLLECTION WAS YOUR 2024 TAX COLLECTION RATE BEFORE REFERRED TO US WAS RIGHT AROUND 96%.
SINCE JULY 1, WE'VE MOVED THAT 96% NUMBER TO 98.33%.
OVER TIME, ONCE WE GO THROUGH OUR CYCLE OF LETTERS AND PHONE CONTACTS AND THEN OF COURSE, EVENTUALLY LAWSUITS, THAT 98.33 NUMBER IS GOING TO IS GOING TO GET UP TO THE 99 POINT SOMETHING PERCENT.
THE UNPAID AMOUNTS THAT YOU SHOW THAT THAT HALF A PERCENT THAT'S UNPAID? THAT'S A COMBINATION OF A COUPLE OF FACTORS WHICH ARE COMMON TO EVERY TAX ROLL TO EVERY ENTITY IN TEXAS, OVER 65 RESIDENTS HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONS, DISABILITY EXEMPTIONS.
WE DO NOT FILE LAWSUITS OR DO NOT PURSUE COLLECTION OF THOSE.
WHAT WE FOUND IS THAT ALTHOUGH THERE'S NO PROHIBITION UNDER THE LAW TO FILE A LAWSUIT RE OVER 65 OR DISABILITY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION, WHEN WE DO THAT, THE PROPERTY OWNER THEN GOES TO THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT AND OBTAINS A STATUTORY DEFERRAL.
THE DEFERRAL STOPS THE LAWSUIT, SO THAT ENDS UP BEING KIND OF A FOOL'S ERRAND.
YOU'RE GOING TO GET PAID ON THOSE EVENTUALLY OVER TIME.
WE ACCRUE PENALTY AND INTEREST.
IT ACTUALLY WORKS OUT TO BE AN ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO YOU LONG TERM.
YOU ALSO HAVE AS A COMPONENT OF SAY YOU, EVERY ENTITY WILL HAVE AS A COMPONENT OF ITS DELINQUENT TAX ROLE, BUSINESSES THAT SHOW UP, THEY'RE IN BUSINESS FOR A YEAR OR TWO, AND THEN THEY GO OUT OF BUSINESS, AND THEY DISAPPEAR.
NOBODY GOES TO THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
THEY STAY ON THE TAX ROLL, AND THEY JUST THE TAXES SORT OF SIT OUT THERE.
THAT'S A PRETTY MINOR COMPONENT, BUT OVER TIME, THAT'S NOT A TOTALLY INSIGNIFICANT NUMBER, BUT THAT IS A COMPONENT OF THAT UNPAID AMOUNT.
>> DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA THE INTEREST WE'VE RECEIVED ON THE DELINQUENT TAXES FOR?
>> I CAN RUN THOSE NUMBERS FOR.
>> I'D BE INTERESTED IN LIKE TEN YEARS.
>> I CAN TELL YOU JUST NOT SPECIFIC TO THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
I'VE LOOKED AT THOSE NUMBERS BEFORE.
IT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR A TAX RATE OF THE CITY OF GALVESTON'S LEVEL.
THAT IF IF I LOOK AT A SPECIFIC TAX YEAR AND THEN LOOK AT THE COLLECTIONS A FEW YEARS OUT AFTER THE ACCRUAL OF PENALTY AND INTEREST THAT'S BEEN PAID, WE OFTEN COLLECT 104 TO 105% OF YOUR ORIGINAL LEVY WHEN YOU ADD THE PENALTY AND INTEREST ON TOP OF IT, BECAUSE THE PENALTY AND INTEREST IS ONLY ON THE DELINQUENTS, THAT'S NOT ON THE WHOLE AMOUNT OF LEVY, THAT'S WHY THE NUMBER IS A LITTLE LOWER THAN YOU MIGHT EXPECT, BUT AGAIN, IT'S IT'S REAL MONEY AND IN TODAY'S WORLD, I KNOW YOU'RE NOT ENOUGH THESE DAYS TO GO AROUND REAL MONEY. HOW IS THAT?
>> YOU WERE SAYING ON THE FINDS THAT ARE PUT ON HOUSES FOR BEING IN DISREPAIR, DUE TO WHAT THAT IS ANNUALLY?
>> I DON'T HAVE THAT NUMBER OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD.
THERE THERE SORT OF A COUPLE OF BUCKETS OF THOSE.
I I WOULD SORT OF IN THE REALM OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS THAT ARE DUE TO THE CITY.
THE ONES UPON WHICH DELINQUENT TAXES ARE DUE AND WE FILE A LAWSUIT, THOSE ARE THE ONES THAT WE'RE GOING TO COLLECT.
>> THERE ARE OTHERS WHERE THE PROPERTY OWNER MAY NOT BE AS FASTIDIOUS AS THIS CODE ENFORCEMENT WOULD LIKE AND THE CITY HAS TO GO OUT THERE AND DO SOME CURATIVE WORK.
IF THEY'RE PAYING THE PROPERTY TAXES, THERE'S NO STANDALONE MECHANISM FOR FORECLOSURE ON THOSE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS LIKE THERE ARE ON PROPERTY TAXES.
WE REALLY DON'T HAVE ANY MECHANISM.
USUALLY WHAT HAPPENS IS, AT SOME POINT, THEY MAY GO TO DELINQUENT, AT SOME POINT, THERE'S A REAL ESTATE CLOSING, AND IN ORDER TO CLOSE, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CLEAR THOSE LIENS AT THAT POINT TOO.
>> IS THAT TYPICALLY HOW THOSE ARE COLLECTED?
>> HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THE LETTERS THAT YOU SEND OUT ARE GOING TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS?
>> THE PROPERTY OWNER SO THE INITIAL LETTERS THAT WE SEND GO TO THE PROPERTY, THE NAME AND ADDRESS ON THE TAX ROLL.
APPRAISAL DISTRICT IS A STATUTORY BODY THAT HAS THAT AUTHORITY AND DUTY TO GATHER UP THE INFORMATION, PUT PROPERTY ON THE TAX ROLL, DIRECT NAME AND ADDRESS, AND THAT'S BASED ON TYPICALLY ON A RECORDED DEED.
WHEN WE SEND LETTERS, AND WE HAVE WE HAVE A VERY SOPHISTICATED LITIGATION AND PRE-LITIGATION SYSTEM.
[00:45:02]
WE DO A MAIL CAMPAIGN.I GET A REPORT THAT THAT REFLECTS ALL RETURN MAIL.
WE THEN REFER THOSE ACCOUNTS, WHICH IS THE SAME PARALLEL PROCESS WITH WHAT MR. HILL DOES WITH YOUR MUNICIPAL COURT COLLECTIONS IS WE RUN THOSE TWO THROUGH SKIP TRACE DATABASES.
THEN WE TRY TO DO FOLLOW UP LETTERS AND PHONE CAMPAIGNS.
INCREASINGLY, WE'RE ABLE TO T TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE TECHNOLOGY.
WE ARE THE LARGEST LAW FIRM IN THE COUNTRY THAT SPECIALIZES IN THE COLLECTION OF GOVERNMENT RECEIVABLES.
WE'RE IN 43 CITIES AND 13 STATES.
WE'RE IN WE HAVE AN OFFICE ON WALL STREET IN NEW YORK CITY.
WE HAVE AN OFFICE ON SIXTH STREET IN TEXAS CITY, TEXAS. IT'S MY OFFICE.
WE BELIEVE IN SITE BASED MANAGEMENT.
WE SPEND A LOT OF TIME AND YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY SEE ME OUT ON THE STREET KNOCKING ON THE DOOR IF I'M NOT GETTING ATTRACTION, IF THERE'S SOMETHING NOT OCCURRING, I MIGHT BE OUT THERE DOING THAT TOO, BUT WE DO UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY AND THEN DO A LOT OF FOLLOW UP.
SOME OF IT IS JUST GOOD OLD FASHIONED, GET ON THE INTERNET AND LOOK FOR PEOPLE THROUGH THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
IT'S AN AMAZING THING, WHAT'S OUT THERE ON THE INTERNET, AND I HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE ASK, HOW DID YOU FIND ME?
>> THAT'S IT WOULD BE UNUSUAL IF SOMEONE HAD A LETTER SENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS.
>> IT WOULD BE ATYPICAL THAT THEY WOULD NEVER GET A LETTER FROM US.
NOW, ONCE WE FILE A LAWSUIT, THEN THE STAKES ARE A BIT HIGHER BECAUSE FORECLOSURE IS ON THE TABLE? WE HAVE A MUCH GREATER LEVEL OF DILIGENCE.
>> STILL BE VERY UNUSUAL IF IT WENT TO A DIFFERENT ADDRESS.
>> CAN I ASK A QUESTION WHEN YOU SAY A DIFFERENT ADDRESS, CAN'T YOU HAVE A MAIL ADDRESS AND A RESIDENTIAL THAT THEY HAD ANOTHER PIECE OF PROPERTY?
>> YES, MA'AM, NOT UNCOMMON THAT PEOPLE WOULD HAVE A PO.
BOX THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOME PEOPLE LIKE TO HAVE BUSINESS PEOPLE THAT MAY OWN A NUMBER OF PROPERTIES, THEY MAY HAVE ALL THEIR TAX BILLS SENT TO THEIR BUSINESS ADDRESS.
IT'S IT'S THEY DO HAVE THAT ABILITY.
THAT NAME CHANGE WOULD HAVE TO BE FACILITATED THROUGH THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT.
THEY'RE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN CHANGE THE TAX ROLE.
>> BEYOND JUST COLLECTING WHAT COMMUNICATIONS IS MAINTAINED THROUGH THE CITY? HOW DOES IT WORK BETWEEN CITY AND LINEBARGER?
>> WE DON'T HAVE A LOT OF INTERACTION BETWEEN CITY STAFF REGARDING OUR COLLECTIONS.
WE'RE ALWAYS AMENABLE TO ANY DIRECTIVES THAT A CLIENT GIVES US.
ULTIMATELY, BY VIRTUE OF THIS CONTRACT, IT'S AN ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE.
TO THE EXTENT THAT WE'RE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS THAT FALL WITHIN THE PARAMETERS OF THE TAX CODE, WE FOLLOW THOSE INSTRUCTIONS.
AS A GENERAL RULE, WE TRY TO PURSUE AN AGGRESSIVE, EFFECTIVE COLLECTION MECHANISM, KNOWING, OF COURSE, THAT THESE ARE REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL PROBLEMS. WE SPEND ALL DAY ON THE PHONE WITH OUR STAFF, AND WE HEAR, I'M OUT OF WORK, MY SPOUSE HAS CANCER. WE HEAR IT ALL.
WE'RE MINDFUL OF THAT, AND WE HAVE TO BE EMPATHETIC WITH PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE PROPERTY TAXES ARE BURDENSOME.
I'VE HAD A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS WITH PEOPLE ABOUT, WE KNOW PROPERTY TAXES ARE HIGH.
WE KNOW THAT YOUR APPRAISAL KEEPS GOING UP.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT WHEN YOU CALL 911, DO YOU LIKE IT WHEN A POLICE CAR SHOWS UP? THIS IS HOW WE PAY FOR THINGS.
THE FACT THAT I'M GOING TO MAKE AN ASSUMPTION HERE, THE FACT THAT YOUR PHONE HAS NOT BLOWN UP, COMPLAINING ABOUT US BEING HUGELY HORRIBLE PEOPLE.
WE'RE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THOSE COLLECTION RATES, I THINK IS A TESTAMENT TO WHAT WE WERE ABLE TO ACHIEVE.
WE DON'T HAVE TO BE MEAN TO PEOPLE, WE HAVE TO BE PERSISTENT AND PROFESSIONAL, AND WE HAVE TO SEEK EVERY AVAILABLE REMEDY UNDER THE TAX CODE, AND THAT'S WHAT WE DO.
ULTIMATELY, WE TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY WE'D WANT TO BE TREATED IF WE WERE IN THAT SAME PREDICAMENT.
AGAIN, REAL PEOPLE WITH REAL PROBLEMS. WE HAVE A LIMITED FRAMEWORK THAT WE HAVE TO WORK WITHIN, AND NEGOTIATE ON THE AMOUNT. A PAYMENT AGREEMENT.
WE CAN DO THAT BY STATUTE, A PAYMENT AGREEMENT CAN'T LAST BEYOND 36 MONTHS.
ALL OF THOSE PARAMETERS WE'RE FREE TO WORK WITH EVERYBODY AND WE DO ON A DAILY BASIS.
I THINK YOU CAN SEE WE'VE BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE IN THAT REGARD.
>> THANK YOU. ANYTHING ELSE, ALEX.
>> LET'S HAVE BOB, AND THEN BACK TO MARIAH.
>> IS THERE ANY DATA ON, FOR INSTANCE, WHAT A TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTY WOULD SELL FOR COMPARED TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF THAT PROPERTY?
[00:50:02]
>> I CAN TELL YOU WHAT PROPERTY SELL FOR A SHARE SALE WITH GREAT SPECIFICITY.
EVERYTHING THAT GOES TO SHARE SALE IN GALVESTON COUNTY THAT'S REPRESENTED BY OUR CLIENTS COMES ACROSS THESE FINGERS.
AS COMPARED TO MARKET VALUE, I DON'T HAVE ANY HARD DATA TO WHICH WE COULD DO A REAL ASTUTE COMPARISON.
I CAN TELL YOU THAT AS OF THREE YEARS AGO, GALVESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MIGRATED TO AN ONLINE PLATFORM.
ALL OF OUR TAX SALES ARE THROUGH AN ONLINE REALAUCTION.COM.
SINCE THAT TIME, THE AMOUNT THE PROPERTIES ARE SELLING FOR AND THE BUYERS HAS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY.
I WILL TELL YOU ALSO FROM A LOCAL PERSPECTIVE, AGAIN, A PERTINENT TO FEEDBACK THAT I'VE RECEIVED FROM CLIENTS.
WE SET UP PROPERTY FOR SHERIFF SALE, ONE OF MY STAFF MEMBERS GOES TO THE APPRAISAL DISTRICT WEBSITE, LOOKS AT THE MAP.
WE SEND A LETTER TO ALL THE SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS TELLING THEM THAT THEIR PROPERTY ADJACENT TO THEIRS IS UP FOR SHE OF SALE.
THAT HAS INCREASED, AND I CAN'T PUT HARD NUMBERS ON IT, BUT JUST ANECDOTALLY, I CAN SEE THAT THE NUMBER OF PROPERTIES THAT WE DON'T SELL AT SHERIFF SALE HAS DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
WE'VE HAD A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT GET THAT LETTER AND SAY, MAN, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO BUY A LOT FOR YEARS, BUT I KNEW THE OWNER WAS DECEASED.
YOUR CURRENT LIST OF TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES ON GALVESTON ISLAND, THERE'S 10 PROPERTIES THAT HAVE BEEN OFFERED AT SHERIFF SALE AND NO ONE PURCHASED.
SIX OF THOSE ARE VACANT LOTS THAT WE'RE GOING TO CYCLE BACK THROUGH THE SHERIFF SALE, AND HOPEFULLY WE'LL FIND A BUYER.
WE HAVE FOUR THAT I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE STUCK WITH.
ONE IS ACTUALLY UNDERWATER IN OFFICE BIO, A COUPLE ARE ON THE GULF SIDE OF THE DUNES.
>> THAT'S A COMMODITY RIGHT NOW.
>> I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT [LAUGHTER]
>> THOSE THAT HAVEN'T SOLD, THEY HAVE TO AT LEAST PAY WHAT'S OWED.
>> UNDER THE TAX CODE WHEN PROPERTY GOES TO SHERIFF'S SALE, THAT THE MINIMUM BID AT THE FIRST SALE IS STATUTORY.
THERE'S THE JUDGMENT AMOUNT, WHICH IS THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAXES, COSTS, EVERYTHING THAT'S OWED.
THAT NUMBER IS COMPARED TO THE ADJUDGED VALUE OF THE PROPERTY, WHICH IS THE CUT VALUE.
BY STATUTE, THE LESSER OF THOSE TWO NUMBERS IS THE STARTING BID AT SHARE SALE.
AFTER THE PROPERTIES GO THROUGH SHERIFF'S SALE, THEY'RE NO LONGER SUBJECT TO THEIR REQUIREMENT OF THE MINIMUM BID.
YEARS AGO, UNDER THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, ALL THE TAXING ENTITIES IN GALVESTON COUNTY ENTERED INTO AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT THAT APPOINTED A DELEGATE FROM EACH TAXING ENTITY TO OVERSEE THE DISPOSITION OF TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES.
GO BACK TO WHEN I FIRST STARTED MANY YEARS AGO.
THERE WERE OVER 800 PIECES OF PROPERTY STRUCK OFF IN GALVESTON COUNTY THAT HAD JUST SITTING OUT THERE.
HALF OF THOSE WERE ON THE ISLAND.
THAT WAS THE IMPETUS THAT WAS BACK IN 1994.
THAT WAS THE IMPETUS FOR PUTTING THIS COMMITTEE TOGETHER.
THIS COMMITTEE OVER THE YEARS, ITS FUNCTIONALITY HAS BASICALLY BECOME OBSOLETE.
BECAUSE THE DIRECTIVE WAS, KEEP SENDING THE PROPERTIES BACK THROUGH THE SHERIFF'S SALE, KNOCK THE MINIMUM BID DOWN 20% SYSTEMATICALLY UNTIL WE FIND THAT MAGIC POINT WHERE SOMEBODY'S GOING TO SAP THE PROPERTY UP.
THAT'S WHAT'S PRODUCED ALMOST NO INVENTORY OF TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES HERE.
>> WE HAVE TEN PROPERTIES NOW THAT HAVE NOT SOLD THAT ARE GOING TO BE REDUCED BELOW WHAT'S OWED NOW.
>> I'M GOING TO REDUCE THE ONES THAT I THINK ARE SALABLE.
THE FOUR THAT I REFERRED TO, I JUST DON'T THINK THEY'RE SALABLE.
>> SIX OF THEM, YOU THINK CAN SALE?
>> YES, SIR, BUT THE OTHER [NOISE] BACK THROUGH.
>> IS THERE ANY WAY WE COULD GET AN ACCOUNTING OF THAT?
>> ABSOLUTELY. [INAUDIBLE] SENT TO YOU.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO SEND THAT TO YOU?
>> SEND IT TO JANELLE, AND SHE'LL DISTRIBUTE IT TO THE COUNCIL MEMBERS. YES, SIR.
>> I GUESS JUST TO FOLLOW UP TO THAT.
HAS THE CITY EVER TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THESE FORECLOSED PROPERTIES?
>> YES, SIR. THERE HAS BEEN SOME MOVEMENT IN THAT REGARD IN THE PAST.
IT IS EBBED AND FLOWED THROUGH THE YEARS.
THE GALS AND HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION IS A SIGNATORY TO THE LOCAL INTERCAL AGREEMENT.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LATEST PERMUTATION OF THAT INTERCAL AGREEMENT, GHFC HAS AN OPTION TO PURCHASE ANY PROPERTY THAT STRUCK OFF AS SHEAF SALE, IF IT DEEMS IT APPROPRIATE.
THAT PROGRAM HAS EBBED AND FLOWED OVER THE YEARS CURRENTLY RIGHT NOW.
[00:55:06]
HAVE NOT BEEN ANY PROPERTIES, I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE GHFC HAS SHOWN AN INTEREST IN, BUT THAT OPTION IS OUT THERE.>> GETTING A LITTLE MORE INFORMATION ON SOME OF THESE PROPERTIES THAT HAVEN'T SOLD?
>> ABSOLUTELY. COORDINATE THAT WITH THE GHFC IF THERE'S ANY INTEREST.
>> I'LL GET THAT LIST TO JANELLE TODAY.
>> LET'S WRAP OUR THOUGHTS UP [OVERLAPPING].
>> WELL, NO, HE DIDN'T ANSWER MY SECOND QUESTION WAS, WHAT IS OUR COLLECTIONS ON PARKING? PARKING AND OTHER MUNICIPAL.
>> YES, MA'AM. YOUR QUESTION IS THE PERCENTAGE OF COLLECTION?
>> ON THE MUNICIPAL COURT SIDE, WE'RE COLLECTING RIGHT AT 50%, 49.5% OF THE REFERRALS THAT COME TO US THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL COURT.
THE TRAFFIC CASES, AND ON THE PARKING SIDE, IT'S AT 21% OF THE PARKING CITATIONS THAT ARE REFERRED TO US.
>> THAT'S BEEN HELD STABLE FOR ALL THIS TIME, YES, SIR.
>> YES, SIR. THIS IS JUST LACK OF KNOWLEDGE, BUT AT WHAT POINT DO WE SEND YOU THAT COLLECTION ABILITY? IS THAT SOMETHING THAT ONCE IT'S NOT PAID OVER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF DAYS BY THE INDIVIDUAL THAT RECEIVES IT, OR DO WE SEND THOSE TO YOU BY WHEN THEY ARE ISSUED?
>> UNDER THE STATUTE IN WHICH WE OPERATE, THAT'S SIMILAR TO THE STATUTE THAT THE TAX CODE PROVIDES FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE COST.
THE CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE SAYS THAT THE ACCOUNT HAS TO BE AT LEAST 60 DAYS DELINQUENT BEFORE IT CAN BE REFERRED TO US TO BEGIN THE COLLECTION PROCESS.
60 DAYS DELINQUENT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN 60 CALENDAR DAYS BECAUSE IN THE INTERIM, THE COURT IS DOING EVERYTHING THAT THEY CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE PROCEDURES THAT THEY HAVE PUT INTO PLACE TO CONTACT INDIVIDUALS, TO SET TRIAL DATES, TO HEAR CASES, TO AWARD COMMUNITY SERVICE, ALL OF THE THINGS THAT THE COURT DOES.
ALL OF THOSE THINGS HAPPEN BEFORE THOSE CASES ARE SENT TO US TO BEGIN THE COLLECTION PROCESS.
ONCE THE COURT FINISHES THAT PROCESS AND DETERMINES THAT THE CASE IS DELINQUENT, IS 60 DAYS AFTER THAT DATE THAT THE CASE IS REFERRED TO LINEBARGER TO BEGIN THE COLLECTION PROCESS.
>> I GUESS I'M TALKING SPECIFICALLY IN A BASIC SENSE, PARKING CITATIONS THAT ARE ISSUED ON THE SEAWALL.
THOSE ARE NOT SOMETHING THAT WE COULD JUST AS A COUNSEL DECIDE, Y'ALL ARE GOING TO BE CONTRACTED TO COLLECT THOSE FEES, 100%?
>> YES, SIR. YOU COULD DECIDE THAT.
ONE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE IS DETERMINING WHERE THAT CITATION IS BEING ISSUED IN THE CITY.
IN A SPACES WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THE CITATION IS BEING ISSUED.
IT COMES THROUGH THE COURT, AND THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME TO US.
IF THEY'RE BEING FILED, IF THOSE SEAWALL CITATIONS COME THROUGH THE MUNICIPAL COURT, THEY'RE TREATED THE SAME AS THE OTHER CITATIONS THAT ARE FILED IN THE MUNICIPAL COURT.
IF THERE'S A DIFFERENT PROCESS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO PUT INTO PLACE WITH REGARDS TO HOW THOSE ARE HANDLED, WE CAN CERTAINLY DO THAT.
>> CAN I FINISH WITH WHAT I'VE GOT OR YOU JUST WANT TO [OVERLAPPING].
>> NO, I HAVEN'T FINISHED MY QUESTION BUT THAT'S OKAY. GO AHEAD.
>> I THOUGHT THERE WAS A LONG DELAY THERE. I WAS JUST MAKING SURE.
>> THANK YOU. WHAT I WHAT I GUESS I'M GETTING AT IS THAT WITH THE 21%, THAT GOES IN LINES WITH EFFICIENCIES.
IS THIS A COST EFFICIENT WAY TO DO COLLECTIONS FOR OUR CITIZENS FOR THE CITY? BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY, LINEBARGER IS GOING TO HAVE FEES FOR THOSE COLLECTIONS.
BUT CONSIDERING WHERE AT 20%, WE HAVE A LOT OF IMPROVEMENT WE CAN MAKE ON THAT.
I WOULD HOPE TO INTRODUCE TO THE COUNCIL IN FUTURE AGENDAS HOW WE CAN INCLUDE ALL AT THE POINT OF ISSUANCE, INSTEAD OF AT THE POINT OF THE LEGAL WAY,
[01:00:03]
AS FAR AS GOING THROUGH THE COURT.THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT HAVE JUST NUDGED A LITTLE, I WOULD THINK, WOULD PAY THESE WITHOUT ANY OF THE COURT PROCESS BEING INVOLVED.
I GUESS THAT'S WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS, IF THERE WAS AN EFFICIENT WAY, ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE A FEE TO ALL TO TURN OVER COLLECTIONS OF PARKING CITATIONS SO THAT WE COULD GET THAT PERCENTAGE INCREASED, I WOULD HOPE TO LOOK AT THAT IN THE FUTURE.
>> THAT'S AN OPTION, SIR, THAT WE CERTAINLY EXPLORE. YES.
>> WHERE I'M PERPLEXED, THOUGH ALONG THE SAME LINES OF WHAT YOU'RE SAYING.
ALL PARKING TICKETS DON'T GO TO COURT. THEY DO?
>> YOU DON'T KNOW. I DON'T KNOW.
WELL, SO MY HUSBAND GOT A LINEBARGER LETTER ON A PARKING TICKET THAT WAS $35, $40.
WE NEVER GOT A TICKET, WE NEVER GOT A NOTICE FROM THE CITY, AND IT WAS $40, SO WE JUST PAID IT.
I'M TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW THAT SYSTEM [OVERLAPPING].
>> THE WHOLE COLLECTION RATE ON PARKING CITATIONS IS GREATER THAN WHAT HE SAID.
HE'S TALKING ABOUT THE COLLECTION RATE ON WHAT HE GET.
>> STILL LOTS OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
>> I GUESS THAT'S WHAT I'M GETTING AT IS IF THERE'S A COLLABORATION OR A WAY THAT WE CAN CONTRACT THAT OUT.
BECAUSE YOU DO IT STUFF, AND THAT'S WHAT YOU DO A GOOD JOB AT.
IF WE HAD A WAY TO PUT SOME CONCENTRATION ON THAT WITH PEOPLE THAT DO THAT FOR A LIVING, I GUESS [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE HAVE OUR COURTS [OVERLAPPING].
>> COURTS, BUT I CAN JUST TELL YOU WHAT THAT COLLECTION RATE IS. WE'VE LOOKED AT IT.
IT'S 35-40% AND THAT'S THAT TREND IS CONSISTENT OVER THE YEARS, AND IT IS NOT REALLY DEVIATED.
>> I GUESS THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING IS WHETHER TICKETS $15, IF IT DOESN'T GET PAID IN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF TIME, IT GOES AT $35, WHATEVER THAT PROCESS IS.
AT SOME POINT IN TIME, THERE'S A COST TO US FOR YOU TO ADMINISTER THAT.
WHETHER IT'S LETTERS BEING SENT OUT OR TIME FOR COMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE TO FOLLOW UP ON THESE.
I GUESS I'M JUST SAYING, I THINK THERE MIGHT BE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A BETTER WAY IF WE COORDINATED WITH LINEBARGER TO TAKE OVER THE FULL OPERATION OF OUR COLLECTIONS. I GUESS IS WHAT I'M GETTING AT.
>> IF THERE'S A COST TICKET [OVERLAPPING].
THERE'S A COST. WHAT'S THE EFFICIENCIES OF THAT COST? IS IT SOMETHING WITH A 35% COLLECTION IN HOUSE AND A 20% COLLECTION EXTERNAL.
AT SOME POINT, IF WE PUT A CONCENTRATION ON THAT, COLLABORATED WITH A CONTRACT WITH LINEBARGER TO TURN THAT OVER, EVEN IF WE DID IT JUST FOR A ONE YEAR CONTRACT TO SEE HOW WE BENEFIT FROM THAT.
I'M JUST A PERSON THAT'S THROWING SOMETHING OUT THERE THAT I THINK FUTURE AGENDA ITEM OR DISCUSSION COULD BE HAD. THAT IS ALL I'M SAYING.
>> I THINK WOULD BE BENEFICIAL.
>> EXCUSE ME. I PUT THAT DOWN AS A FUTURE AGENDA ITEM.
>> NINETY LANES AWAY OR THE NEXT?
>> BUT I WOULD LOVE TO GET TOGETHER WITH YOU ALL, ESPECIALLY YOUR SIDE OFFLINE BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW HOW SOMEONE LIKE MY HUSBAND COULD GET A LETTER FROM YOU, AND YET WE NEVER HAD A MUNICIPAL COURT NOTICE OR ANYTHING, AND MAYBE DAN CAN ANSWER THAT.
I'M FIGHTING SO HARD TO REPORT.
>> ANYWAY, I WOULD LOVE TO MEET WITH YOU ALL. THANK YOU.
>> LET'S BRING THIS BACK TO THE [OVERLAPPING].
>> COURT ADMINISTRATOR, WHO ADMINISTERS THE PROGRAM DIRECTLY.
>> IF YOU COULD GET WITH STAFF, AND LET'S SEE WHAT WE CAN DO ON THAT.
>> I'M GLAD. WE HAVE OUR MARSHALS AND WE FUND THEM AND [OVERLAPPING].
>> THEIR BUDGET KEEPS DOUBLING.
>> I SAID, I THINK THAT IT WOULD BE VERY BENEFICIAL, I'D BE AN EFFICIENCY.
I'D BE A WAY FOR US TO OFFSET THAT EXPENSE TO THE CITY MARSHAL BECAUSE THAT'S A BIG PART OF WHAT THEY DO.
[01:05:01]
BE A GREAT DISCUSSION TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE, SO MAYBE [OVERLAPPING].>> I CAN TELL YOU THAT THERE'S TWO WAYS IN WHICH A PARKING CITATION IS ISSUED.
ONE IS SEAWALL, AND THAT IS OUTSOURCED TO THE STATE OF TEXAS.
I BELIEVE THOSE TICKETS ARE GOING OUT ELECTRONICALLY NOW THROUGH THE STATE SEAWALL.
THAT'S A RECENT PROGRAM WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS.
OTHER PARKING CITATIONS, YOU GET THEM ON YOUR WINDSHIELD.
IF YOU DO NOT PAY THAT, IT'LL GO OVER THERE.
THE COURT DOESN'T SEND ANY LETTERS OUT ON THOSE.
THEY DON'T KNOW WHO TO SEND THEM TO.
ALL THEY GET IS A LICENSE PLATE NUMBER.
I THINK THAT'S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE MUNICIPAL COURTS DOESN'T ALL THEY GET IS THAT THIS LICENSE PLATE NUMBER WAS CITED FOR PARKING, AND THIS IS WHAT THE CITATION WAS FOR.
THEY'RE NOT PRIVY TO WHO THE REGISTRANT OF THAT VEHICLE IS.
I BELIEVE THAT'S WHERE LINEBARGER COMES INTO THE EQUATION.
>> WHAT MUNICIPAL COURTS DOES IS THEY COLLECT WHATEVER PEOPLE WILLINGLY AGREE TO PAY BASED ON THAT.
THERE'S A REASON WHY YOU DIDN'T GET A LETTER FROM MUNICIPAL COURT BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW WHO THAT CAR IS REGISTERED TO.
>> WE NEVER GOT ANYTHING FROM THE CITY OR THE COURT.
>> RIGHT. THE CITY DOESN'T THAT.
>> I WOULD LOVE TO [OVERLAPPING].
>> ALL I WANT IS A DISCUSSION TO SEE IF THERE'S AN EFFICIENCY THAT TURN IT OVER TO LINEBERGER AND LET'S GET THE 20 AND 35% UP.
>> THE THREE COUNCIL [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE'RE REALLY STARTING OFF THIS TOPIC.
I THINK THAT'S A VERY GOOD THOUGHT THOUGH, AND IT'S COME UP BEFORE COUNCIL TOO.
>> CAN'T SAY I WON'T BE ON THAT LIST, AND SO I'LL DO MY PART AS WELL.
>> IF YOU COULD GET WITH STAFF, AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE THAT, JUST LET ME KNOW, BOW, WHEN YOU WOULD LIKE THAT ON THE AGENDA.
>> I'LL TRY TO GET MY PAPER BEFORE WE DO THAT [LAUGHTER].
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THIS ITEM?
>> THANK YOU, GENTLEMEN, VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE IT.
>> THANK YOU, AND IF YOU CO SAID JANELLE THE AMOUNT OF INTEREST THAT IT'S BEEN FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS?
>> [BACKGROUND] WE APPRECIATE YOUR CONTRIBUTION.
>> I SURE SEE [INAUDIBLE] SHOULD BE FIRST ON THIS AGENDA.
>> WHICH HAS TO DO WITH THE SANITATION SERVICE TRUCKS.
THESE ARE SANITATION SERVICE TRUCKS.
ARE THESE ACTUALLY TRASH TRUCKS?
>> NO, MA'AM. THEY'RE PICK UP TRUCKS OR SERVICE WISE, AND THEY ARE REPLACING OLDER ONES THAT NEED TO BE REDONE.
>> CHEVLETS 3 AND [OVERLAPPING].
>> THEE, FOUR, TONE AND A HALF AND ONE TONS.
EACH ONE IS $48,320 ON THE 2,500.
THAT INCLUDES THE [INAUDIBLE] IN THE SERVICE BIT.
>> THESE AREN'T SOMETHING WE CAN BUY LOCALLY?
>> WE ACTUALLY PURCHASED THESE OFF OF A COOP.
UNFORTUNATELY, NONE OF OUR LOCAL VENDORS ARE ON A COOP AT THIS TIME FOR FLEET PURCHASES.
WHAT WE COULD DO IS CREATE SPECIFICATION AND GO OUT FOR A BID.
WE HAVE DONE THAT IN THE PAST.
UNFORTUNATELY, WE DID NOT RECEIVE ANY RESPONSES FROM OUR LOCAL VENDORS.
>> I'VE SPOKEN WITH MR. BENTLEY ABOUT THIS.
HE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THERE'S JUST SOME SUPER DEALERSHIPS OUT THERE THAT GET THESE BIDS AND THEY DON'T THEY DON'T PLAY IN THAT PLAY IN THAT FIELD A LOT.
>> DO WE ALWAYS BUY CHEVYS OR DO WE ALWAYS?
>> MA'AM, IN FACT, THIS IS ACTUALLY THE FIRST TIME IN SEVERAL YEARS WE BOUGHT CHEVLETS, IN THE PAST, WE HAVE PURCHASED FORDS.
THE PROBLEMS THAT WE HAVE WITH FORD AND FORD IS A GOOD PRODUCT IS THE DELIVERY PROCESS WAS EXTREMELY SLOW.
DURING THE EPIDEMIC, WE HAD A LOT OF CANCELLATION TO FORD.
UNDERSTANDABLY. WE HAD A BETTER OUTCOME WITH CHEVROLET.
AT THIS POINT, WE'RE RUNNING OVER TO CHEVROLET A LITTLE BIT AS WELL.
[01:10:02]
WE HAVE A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP, BEEF DEALERSHIP, WHICH THEY ACTUALLY MAKE A FAIR AMOUNT OF MONEY OFF THE WARRANTY REPAIRS.THAT WOULD BE MR. BENTLEY'S OPERATION, WHICH WE DO HAVE A CONTRACT WITH HIM.
A MAJORITY OF OUR POLICE CARS AND THINGS LIKE THAT DO GO TO THEM BECAUSE THAT'S A CHEVROLET.
>> IT'S WITHIN WARRANTY WITH FORM DEALER ONLY REPAIRS OR DEALER OEM REPAIRS.
>> WE DO WHEN WE BUY A BRAND NEW TRUCK, WHICH THEMS SEEM PRICEY TO ME, AND IT DOESN'T INCLUDE THE OUTFITTING, THAT'S ANOTHER CHARGE.
>> NO, MA'AM. THAT IS INCLUDED.
YOU'LL SEE IN A GRAPH THAT I PUT ON PAGE TWO OF THE STAFF REPORT, I LAID OUT THE BBARD CHARGE AS WELL AS OUTFITTING.
>> I KNOW. I'M JUST SAYING THE BYBARD CHARGE. SEMI TO ME.
THE WAY IT WORKS, IF I GIVE THEM A PURCHASE ORDER NUMBER, IT'S A $400 CHARGE ON THAT PURCHASE ORDER.
>> NO. I'M SAYING 48,000 FOR A 4 BY 4.
>> THAT'S A 34 TON TRUCK, 48,000 FOR A 4 BY 4.
>> THAT'S A PRETTY GOOD PRICE.
DO WE EVER CONSIDER BUYING 24? 20 F. MODELS. YEAH. I DON'T KNOW.
>> IT, HONESTLY, WHAT WE DO IS WE GO TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, IT'S NOT BY OUR REQUEST, SOMETIMES YOU'LL HAVE 24 ON THEIR LOTS OR A PREVIOUS YEAR, AND THEY WILL OFFER THAT UP.
THEY DID NOT DO SO IN THIS CASE.
BUT THE DEALS HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE.
THEY WANT TO UNLOAD THOSE OLDER VEHICLES OFF THEIR LOT.
IT'S A FLEET OR A PERSONAL VEHICLE.
THEY USUALLY OPT THOSE UP PRETTY QUICK.
THEY DID NOT DO SO IN THIS CASE, NO.
>> WHEN A TRUCK IS UNDER WARRANTY, WE USE PLEA.
>> WE USE THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO DO THAT.
EVEN THOUGH IT'S OEM, WE STILL HAVE TO GO OUT FOR A ANNUAL CONTRACT, AND WE DO SO.
WE HAVE A CONTRACT WITH THE LOCAL CLASSIC DEALERSHIP DOWN HERE.
WE ALSO HAVE ONE WITH THE DODGE DEALERSHIP, WHICH IS UP IN THE DICKSON AREA FOR THE REPAIRS.
WE DO ALSO SEND A LOT OF VEHICLES TO THEM OUT OF WARRANTY IN ORDER TO EXPEDITE THE REPAIR AS WELL.
CASE WE'RE LOADED UP AT THE SHOP, WE SEND THEM.
WE HAVE ALSO OTHER SHOPS, SMALLER SHOPS WITHIN THE CITIES THAT WE HAVE CONTRACTS WITH WHOM WE BID THEM OUT TO.
WE SEND THE VEHICLES THERE AS WELL.
>> WE'RE NOT WE DON'T DO SERVICE OF ANYTHING THAT'S COVERED BY WARRANTY.
>> YOU TRY NOT TO. YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER, I MEAN, YOU CAN YOU CAN HAVE NOT ENOUGH AIR IN A TIRE AND AVOID A WARRANTY.
WE WILL SEND IT OUT THERE. WE'LL CONVERSATE WITH THEM.
IF IT'S COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, IT'S COVERED IN WARRANTY.
A DEALERSHIP MAKES MONEY OFF WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY CHARGE BACK FORD AND CHEVLET.
THEY MAKE DECENT MONEY FOR DOING IT.
INTERNALLY. WE GIVE THEM THAT ANSWER.
>> BOTH. DAVID, ARE THESE REPLACEMENT OR THESE ARE ADDITIONS?
>> THESE ARE REPLACEMENT VEHICLES.
AND THEN WITHIN THE STAFF REPORT, I THINK I LISTED TWO VEHICLES THERE WHICH WE PLAN ON REPLACING.
>> THOSE ARE LIKE, WE'LL GET THOSE UP FOR AUCTION OR MOVE THOSE ON.
>> WE WILL CLEAN THEM UP AND WE'LL PUT ON THE ONLINE AUCTION, WHICH AS THE GENTLEMAN STATED EARLIER, WHEN WE WENT TO ONLINE AUCTIONS, WE USED TO MAKE AROUND 30 TO $60,000 A YEAR ON AUCTIONS AT CITY GARAGE, AND WE WENT TO ONLINE, WE MAKE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON AUCTIONS.
YES, SIR. THEY'LL BE CLEANED UP.
THERE ARE SOME VEHICLES WHICH WILL BE REPURPOSED.
THESE WILL NOT THEY'RE BEYOND THEIR LIFE. AM I RIGHT, DUSTIN?
>> THEY'RE JUNK. THEY'VE HAD IT.
>> WE MAKE THEM LOOK REALLY PRETTY.
THE AIRPORT LAND. WE SELL IT FOR A GOOD PRICE.
>> THAT ONE. THANK YOU, DAVID.
>> THIS WAS AN UNUSUAL CONSENT AGENDA BECAUSE TYPICALLY EVERYONE IS UNDER THEIR NAME TILL THEY'RE FINISHED, BUT THEY KEPT INTERJECTING.
THIS CONTRACT WILL HELP US WITH THE WASTEWATER PLANT AT THE AIRPORT LEAKING INTO BATTLE IN.
>> ACTUALLY ROBERT W DIRECTOR FOR SHTURE ENGINEERING.
>> GLAD YOU GOT THE PIG BAMBI PLAN?
>>> YES, THE SEASON THE MONTH THROUGH.
11 S IS THE ONE YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, CORRECT?
>> 11 S IS ACTUALLY NOT DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT PLAN.
IT'S ASSOCIATED WITH THE WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS. IT'S A RISK RATING ASSESSMENT OF THE OVERALL SYSTEM TO SEE WHERE OUR VULNERABILITIES LIE FOR BEING HACKED, HAVING OUR SKATED TAKEN OVER, AND MESSED WITH OUR CHEMICALS IN THE WATER.
BASICALLY, KIND OF LOOK AT THAT, SEE WHERE THE VULNERABILITIES ARE.
[01:15:01]
WE DID ONE OF THESE BACK IN 2020 2021, AND IT'S A FIVE YEAR RENEWAL.THIS IS THE TIME WE NEED TO GO AHEAD AND DO THAT FIRST UPDATE.
THAT'S WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT NOW.
>> WHY WOULDN'T WE INCLUDE THE ISSUES WITH THE WASTEWATER PLAN?
>> THERE'S ANOTHER ITEM ON HERE TO TALK ABOUT THE AIRPORT WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN, WHICH IS 11.
THAT IS TO GO AHEAD AND DO A REATING STUDY OF THE PLANT.
>>> BUT I GUESS WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT ONE WE COULD TALK ABOUT R TWO RN S I HAD RNS.
RIGHT. BUT SINCE THE MAYOR KEEPS KICKING ME UNDER THE TABLE AND ASKING TOO MANY QUESTIONS, I PULL BUT GO AHEAD. RN.
>> R AND S. YOU CAN'T COVER THE BONE. WHAT ARE THE OTHER?
>> R IS BASICALLY A RERATING STUDY OF THE PLAN.
THIS WAS A PROJECT THAT WAS RECOMMENDED FROM THE WATER MASTER PLAN.RRY, THE WASTEWATER MASTER PLAN WE JUST COMPLETED.
BASICALLY WHEN WE WERE DOING THE ANALYSIS, THE ENGINEERS WENT AHEAD AND THE FLOWS COMING INTO THE PLANT AND SEEING HOW WE WERE TRENDING WITH REGARDS TO BENCHMARKS THAT TCQ HAS, WHERE WE HIT 75%.
WE HAVE TO START PLANNING FOR DESIGN, WE HIT 90% OF FLOW AND THEN WE HAVE TO BE UNDERDSIGN, MOVING FORWARD TO CONSTRUCTION.
THEY'RE LOOKING AT THAT AND SAYING, YOU HAVE SOME CLIPS THAT ARE PUTTING YOU CLOSE.
LET'S SEE IF WE CAN GO AHEAD AND DO A STUDY ON PAPER TO LOOK AT WHAT THE TREATMENT PLANT LOOKS LIKE, HOW MUCH CAPACITY WE HAVE IN IT.
CAN WE GO AHEAD AND TALK WITH TCEQ TO RE RATE THE PLANT TO ACTUALLY GET MORE CAPACITY THROUGH OUR PERMIT, TO NOT HAVE TO START THE NEXT PHASE OF DOING THAT DESIGN.
>> WE'RE LOOKING AT DOING THAT WITH THE AIRPORT PLANT THAT WE HAVE ISSUES OF OVERFLOWING SEWAGE DOWN? WE'RE LOOKING AT INCREASING THAT CAPACITY.
>> IF WE CAN GO AHEAD AND FEASIBLY DO THAT, YES.
>> EVEN THOUGH WE'RE HAVING ISSUES WITH THE EXPELLING RAW SEWAGE.
>> WHAT IS THE ISSUE FROM THAT STANDPOINT IS YOU HAVE I AND I IN THAT BASIN, WHICH IS INFILTRATION AND INFLOW INTO THE SYSTEM.
THAT'S WATER COMING THROUGH MANHOLES, BROKEN PIPES, OTHER ISSUES IN THE SYSTEM.
THAT IS SOME THINGS THAT WERE LOOKED AT AS PART OF THE MASTER PLAN, AND THEY HAD RECOMMENDATIONS TO GO AHEAD AND CONTINUE OUR PROGRAM TO FIX THOSE.
REPLACE MANHOLES WITH THE SUPERCVERS, AND TAKE CARE OF SOME OTHER THINGS TO GO AND REDUCE THAT INI.
>> WHAT ARE WE LOOKING AT ON MAKING IMPROVEMENTS OF STOPPING THE RAW SEWAGE FROM FLOWING INTO LAKE MANDOLIN AND THE OTHER CANALS IN THE SURROUNDINGS.
I DESCRIBE WHAT'S BEEN DONE ON AIRPORT IN RELATION TO THE MOST RECENT.
>> ARE ANY OF THESE ITEMS COVERING THAT? SO WE HAVE A CLEAN CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN, BUT WE'RE NOT LOOKING AT RAW SEWAGE FLOW.
I READ THAT. I UNDERSTAND THAT.
>> LET'S GET A RESPONSE, BRIAN.
DID YOU WANT TO GIVE INPUT? THE ISSUE THAT WE HAD AT THE WASTEWATER PLANT WAS A MALFUNCTION.
WE WHAT WE'VE DONE IS WE'VE NOW WE'RE NOW MANNING THE PLANT 24 HOURS A DAY, AND WE'RE ALSO INSTALLING A SKATING SYSTEM THERE THAT HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED SO THAT WE CAN ALSO ELECTRONICALLY MONITOR THAT PLANT, WHICH THAT WOULD HAVE EASILY BEEN PREVENTED HAD WE BEEN ABLE TO SHUT THE PLANT.
FOR A BRIEF MOMENT BECAUSE IT WAS FOAM.
IT WASN'T NECESSARILY RAW SEWAGE.
THAT WAS WE'VE REMEDIED THAT PROBLEM FROM OCCURRING.
WHAT ROB IS SPEAKING OF IS MORE ABOUT PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE IN THAT BASIN AND ALSO ADDRESSING THE INI CONCERNS WE HAVE IN THAT BASIN, WHICH IS CAUSING PROBLEMS AT THAT PLANT AS WELL AS OTHER PLANTS IN THE SYSTEM.
TERRAMAR WAS THE BIGGEST ONE THAT WE'VE ADDRESSED TO THIS POINT.
IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE A PROBLEM FOR US HERE ON THE ISLAND AS NI IS A HUGE PROBLEM FOR US BECAUSE OF TIDAL FLOODING, AND SUPERCVERS ARE SOMEWHAT EFFECTIVE, BUT THEY'RE NOT 100% EFFECTIVE BECAUSE WE SENT THESE SYSTEMS AND THERE'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE SOME TYPE OF INFILTRATION FOR THAT.
THE OTHER THING IS IS THAT THIS IS AN OLDER AREA OF TOWN THAT THAT PLANT SERVES.
THERE'S A LOT OF UNPERMITTED AND UNREGISTERED BATHROOMS AND SEWAGE PIPES UNDERNEATH THE HOMES IN THOSE AREAS, THAT GETS NI WHEN WE GET TIDAL FLOODING.
THAT'S MAINLY WHAT THIS IS GOING TO BE LOOKING AT VERSUS.
THE MALFUNCTION AT THE PLANT THAT CAUSED THE OTHER INJURY?
>> WELL, I THINK MAURICE'S POINT IS IT'S NOT JUST ONE TIME THAT IT MALFUNCTIONED, HOW MANY TIMES HAS IT BEEN IN THE LAST IN 20 LET'S JUST SAY 25, HOW MANY TIMES HAS IT? OVERFLOWED INTO OFFICE?
>> PREVIOUS YEARS HAPPENS ONCE OR TWICE IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
ALTHOUGH IT DOESN'T HAVE SKTA, WE DID APPROVE BACK AND WAS EITHER 20 OR 30 23 OR 24, THERE WAS A SYSTEM PUT IN THERE.
[01:20:02]
I DIDN'T BRING THAT SHEET WITH ME THAT WAS PUT IN THERE, THAT YOU MEANT YOU CAN MONITOR THAT AND IT WAS PUT IN TO MAKE SURE THERE WEREN'T ANY SEWAGE FLOWS. I GUESS.>> I THINK WHAT YOU'RE REFERRING TO IS ON THE DISCHARGE OF THE PLANT THAT TELLS US THE READINGS OF ALL THE DIFFERENT CONSTITUENTS?
>> NO. THERE WAS A SYSTEM THAT WAS PUT IN.
>> WE HAD AN ELECTRONICS THERE THOUGH.
I MEAN, IT WAS ALL MADE A STATEMENT AND SAID THAT THE ELECTRONICS, WE CURRENTLY HAVE THE ELECTRONICS THAT WOULD GIVE US NOTIFICATION IF THERE WAS AN OVERFLOW, THAT THEY'RE THERE EXISTING.
>> NOW, ALL THEY HAVE IS ABILITY TO SEE THOSE REMOTELY.
WE WEREN'T MANAGING, WE DON'T HAVE 24 HOURS A DAY.
>> WHY WOULD WE PUT A SYSTEM IN THAT WE CAN'T MANAGE REMOTELY?
>> IT WAS BEFORE COST US A LOT OF MONEY.
>> I MEAN. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST US TO MANAGE 24 HOURS? I DON'T HAVE THAT FIGURE BUT I'M JUST I'M SAYING THAT.
>> WE'RE GETTING THE SKTA PUT IN.
THAT WAS SOMETHING WE WERE WORKING TOWARDS.
WE HAD NO SKA SIX YEARS AGO, REALLY.
>> SKATER IS CONTROL AND REMOTE.
>> THERE'S VISUAL AND THEN THERE'S CONTROL.
THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS, AND BEING ABLE TO SEE WHAT'S GOING ON VERSUS BEING ABLE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT REMOTELY ARE ALL PART OF THIS DISCUSSION.
RIGHT NOW, WE CAN SEE ONE ASPECT OF THE PLANT REMOTELY.
WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
IT'S THE RESULTS OF THE PLANT PROCESS.
THERE'S MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE PROCESS THAT WE CANNOT SEE REMOTELY RIGHT NOW OR CONTROL.
>> WE HAVE ONE PERSON THAT WE SHARE AMONGST THE PLANTS, AND THAT'S HOW WE WERE MANNING IT.
>> GOING BACK TO THE ITEMS R&S THAT ARE ON THE AGENDA.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
>> MIGHT AS WELL ADD TO IT, SEND YOU UP HERE BECAUSE THESE THEY DID HAVE YOU IN MINE.
THIS INVOLVES THE WASTEWATER PLANT AT TERRAMAR.
>> WE'RE MOVING TO WHAT ITEM NOW?
>> WE'RE DOING R, S AND T. I HAVE QUESTIONS ON R, S, T AND V AND THEY'RE ALL ROADS, SO THEY'RE POPULAR ONLINE LIST TODAY.
>> WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU PUT SO MANY ITEMS ON AGENDA?
>> THAT'S WHY I HATE THIS AGENDA.
YOU THINK YOU'D LEARN TO DIVIDE THEM BETWEEN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER.
>> IF I CAN GO BACK TO A LITTLE BIT ON R AS WELL.
PART OF R AS AT THE AIRPORT TREATMENT PLANT, WE ARE ALSO HAVING THE CONSULTANT LOOK AT CRITICAL CONDITION OF THE COMPONENTS AT THE PLAN AS WELL AND PUT TOGETHER A PRELIMINARY COST ESTIMATE FOR SO WE HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT IT WOULD COST TO GO AHEAD AND DO THESE REPLACEMENTS MOVING FORWARD.
>> CAN YOU SPEAK UP BECAUSE YOU'RE GETTING LOWER.
YOU'RE GETTING LOWER AS YOU TALK.
>> AM I GETTING LOWER AS A TALK?
>> I APOLOGIES. PART OF THE ASSESSMENT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THE CONSULTANT DO AT THE AIRPORT PLAN WILL BE TO LOOK AT, THEY'VE ALREADY LOOKED AT THE COMPONENTS TO THE MASTER PLAN.
THEY'RE GOING TO LOOK AT WHAT IS CRITICAL AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE TO KEEP THAT PLAN FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY.
THAT'LL BE ANOTHER PIECE THAT THEY ASSESS AS PART OF THE STUDY.
THAT'S ONE OF THE OTHER RESULTS.
SIMILAR TO WHAT WE DISCUSSED FOR R, THE SAME THING IS GOING TO BE LOOKED AT AT THE TERRAMAR TREATMENT PLANT, WHICH IS ITEM T ON THE AGENDA.
TERRAMAR OBVIOUSLY IS A DIFFERENT SITUATION BECAUSE IT'S THE FAR WEST END OF THE ISLAND.
IT COVERS BASICALLY FROM TWO MILES OF INDIAN BEACH ALL THE WAY TO THE WEST END OF THE ISLAND.
STAFF HAS DONE A GREAT JOB OF REDUCING THAT, BUT THE PLANT IS STILL SUBJECT TO SEE HIGHER FLOWS, AND WE HAVE HIGH TIDES AND OTHER THINGS.
AS PART OF THAT MASTER PLAN ACTIVITY, WE NOTICE THE FLOWS ARE GETTING HIGHER, SO WE'RE TRYING TO GO AHEAD AND DO THIS ON PAPER TO FILL THE GAP BEFORE WE HAVE TO GO AND SPEND $25 MILLION TO REPLACE THE PLANT.
THAT'S THE PURPOSE OF THESE TWO STUDIES.
>> TO GET BACK TO S, WHY WOULDN'T WE ADD TO THAT CONTRACT AT LEAST BECAUSE I'M STILL GETTING ONGOING COMPLAINTS OF SEWAGE AND WRITE DOWN WE'RE MONITORING ONCE A MONTH, WHY WOULDN'T WE ADD THAT INTO THE CLEAN WATER?
>> I HAVE MY CONSULTANT HERE DAVID MUNN.
>> DAVID IS FROM FREESE AND NICHOLS.
HE'S ONE OF THE VICE PRESIDENTS OVER THE WASTEWATER GROUP ON THE TREATMENT SIDE.
DAVID IS VERY WELL VERSED ON THE RISK BREEDING ASSESSMENT.
I THINK ONE THING TO STARTED OFF IS, I'M SURE HE'D LOVE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE EVEN FURTHER.
WE'RE TRYING TO KEEP THINGS WITHIN A CERTAIN BUDGET, SO I DON'T WANT TO GO AHEAD AND KEEP ADDING MORE AND MORE.
WE'RE TRYING TO DO THE THINGS.
>> WE'RE DOING MONTHLY TESTING NOW,
[01:25:01]
SO SEEMS LIKE IF WE'RE DOING A CLEAN WATER.>> LET'S HAVE DAVID EXPLAIN THE RISK GRADING A LITTLE BIT MORE.
>> DAVID, FIRST OF ALL, IDENTIFY YOURSELF, PLEASE, SIR, AND THEN MENTION WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO DESCRIBE TO THE COUNCIL HERE SO THE PUBLIC CAN HEAR.
>> ABSOLUTELY. I'M DAVID MUNN.
I'M A VICE PRESIDENT WITH FREESE AND NICHOLS.
MY GROUP WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR BOTH OF THESE CONTRACTS.
WE REFER TO IT AS THE AWIA, THE A-W-I-A, WHICH IS THE AMERICAN WATER AND INFRASTRUCTURE ACT.
THEN MY GROUP WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORK DONE SPECIFICALLY AT AIRPORT.
I'VE HEARD A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.
I'M DEFINITELY HAPPY TO ANSWER ALL OF THEM.
CAN YOU REMIND ME WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN IN TERMS OF THE QUESTIONS?
>> WE KNOW WE HAVE AN ONGOING SEWAGE ISSUE AT THE AIRPORT PLACE, SO IS THAT PART OF YOUR WATER QUALITY OR SHOULD IT BE PART OF YOUR WATER QUALITY?
>> I WOULD SAY THAT THOSE CONCERNS ARE GOING TO BE ADDRESSED AS PART OF THE AIRPORT JOB.
THEY FIT MORE SQUARELY THERE THAN UNDER THE AWIA RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT.
ONE THING THAT I WANTED TO POINT OUT EARLIER IS THAT WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS REALLY HAVE TWO JOBS.
ONE IS, DURING AN AVERAGE DRY DAY, WE'VE GOT A HIGH ORGANIC LOAD COMING INTO THE PLANT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THAT'S NOT BEING DISCHARGED.
THE OTHER JOB IS WHEN IT'S RAINING CATS AND DOGS, AND WE'VE GOT A LOT OF HIGH FLOW COMING INTO THE FACILITY.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT PROCESSES IN THE PLANT TO HANDLE THOSE TWO TYPES OF EVENTS.
THE RERATING STUDY THAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IS IN THE BIOLOGICAL PROCESS.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY SOME UNRECOGNIZED ADDITIONAL CAPACITY IN THOSE BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES.
I BELIEVE YOUR CONCERNS ARE AROUND WHAT HAPPENS WHENEVER WE HAVE THESE BIG WET WEATHER EVENTS AND WE HAD A LOSS OF RAW SEWAGE INTO THE CANAL.
THAT IS MORE ON THE WET WEATHER SIDE OF THE PLANT. LET ME BACK UP A STEP.
WE'RE GOING TO BE RERATING THE DRY WEATHER BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES AS THE RERATING.
WE'RE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT CRITICAL REPAIRS NECESSARY ON THE WET WEATHER SIDE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER EXCEEDANCE.
I APPRECIATED YOUR QUESTION EARLIER ABOUT, IF WE HAD AN EXCEEDANCE, WHY ARE WE TRYING TO GET EVEN MORE CAPACITY OUT OF IT? I WANTED TO MAYBE JUST EXPLAIN THAT A LITTLE BIT MORE.
IT'S ON THE DRY WEATHER SIDE WHERE WE THINK WE HAVE SOME ADDITIONAL CAPACITY, AND IT'S ON THE WET WEATHER SIDE WHERE WE ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT NECESSARY CRITICAL IMPROVEMENTS TO PREVENT WHAT HAPPENED RECENTLY FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
>> I DO LIKE YOUR WORD EXCEEDANCE VERSUS CALLING IT RAW SEWAGE, BUT IT IS RAW SEWAGE NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT.
ARE YOU ALSO LOOKING AT THE CAPACITY OF THE PLANT? SINCE WE KNOW WE WILL BE ADDING A LOT OF CAPACITY ONTO A PLANT THAT WE ALREADY KNOW WE HAVE ISSUES?
>> YES. LOOKING AT THE CAPACITY OF BOTH THE DRY WEATHER FACILITIES AND THE WET WEATHER FACILITIES IS ABSOLUTELY SOMETHING THAT WE'RE GOING TO DOING HERE.
>> I JUST WANT TO FOLLOW UP MARIE QUESTION IS.
I GUESS IT'S AT THE AIRPORT PLANT, BUT WE HAVE TWO REALLY MAJOR PROJECTS AT THE END OF THE SEAWALL COMING AND IT'S GOING TO PUT A LOT MORE LOAD ON ALL OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING SANITARY SEWAGE.
IS THAT PART OF YOUR FUTURE CAPACITY ANALYSIS FOR THOSE PLANS?
>> IT HAS BEEN LOOKED AT AS PART OF THE MASTER PLAN. THEY'VE INCORPORATED THAT.
FUTURE EXPANSIONS ARE PLAN IN THE MASTER PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE.
>> ALL OF THEM INCLUDING THE AIRPORT LAND, INCLUDING SOCKS INCLUDING [OVERLAPPING]
>> THERE WERE SOME GENERAL ASSUMPTIONS MADE BASED ON PROJECTS THAT WE DIDN'T KNOW WERE COMING, BUT THE ONES THAT WE KNEW WERE ANALYZED AS FOR MASTER PLAN EFFORTS.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, MARIE, ON THAT?
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. YES, MA'AM.
>> WE ANSWER THE TWO SORT AS WELL, AND THEN YOU MOUNTAIN SORRY MIX, WHICH IS FOR ROAD REPAIR.
WE ALSO BUDGETED VERY SIMILAR TYPE,
[01:30:03]
1.5 BILLION LAST YEAR FOR THAT, AND HOW MUCH OF THAT WAS ACTUALLY DONE?>> LAST YEAR, THE FIRST PROJECT WAS A PILOT, IT WAS JUST ABOUT $900,000, NOT 1.5 MILLION.
THE PART OF THAT WAS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR IN-HOUSE MILL AND OVERLAY CREWS AS WELL.
THIS IS USING THE IN-HOUSE MILL AND OVERLAY FUNDS TO GO AHEAD DO THE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION.
>> FAST AND LOW. THIS IS YEAR 2 OF THE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION.
LAST YEAR, WE DID IT ABOUT $900,000, AND WE TOUCHED A BUNCH OF STREETS ON THE ISLAND.
PUT DOWN IN MICROSURFACING, SOME OUT IN PARIS BEACH AND THEN SOME IN OTHER AREAS ACROSS THE ISLAND.
THIS IS PHASE 2 OF THAT, WHICH IS BASED ON THE PAVEMENT CONDITION ASSESSMENT WE DID IN 2023.
THIS IS TO PUT MORE OF THE PAVEMENT PRESERVATION DOWN ON OTHER CITY STREETS IN THE MAJORITY OF THE ISLAND.
>> CITYWIDE, HOW MANY STREET, WHAT PERCENTAGE STREETS WOULD YOU SAY TOUCHED.
>> PROBABLY TOUCHING A FEW MILES WITH THIS.
WE'VE GOT OVER 400 LANE MILES ON THE ISLAND, SO IT'S A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE OVERALL SYSTEM.
>> VERY GOOD. THANK YOU, ROB, VERY MUCH. YES, MA'AM.
>> I HAVE ONE QUESTION ON V 2.
[LAUGHTER]. I KNOW, PART OF IT IS BEING PAID OUT OF THE AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT FUND.
IS THAT FUNDED BY FAA, OR IS THAT SOMETHING THAT'S UNDER OUR GENERAL FUND?
>> THERE'S A PORTION THAT I BELIEVE IS UNDER GENERAL FUND AND THE REST IS FROM THE IDC.
>> THE 90,000 IS OUR CAPITAL EXPENSE FUND.
>> MIKE, COULD YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF, SIR?
>> MIKE SHAAN THE AIRPORT DIRECTOR.
>> SO 200,000 IS IDC FUNDING AND THE 90,000 AIRPORT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDING.
>> [OVERLAPPING] I THINK POSSIBLY.
>> TYSON, DIRECTOR OF MS UTILITIES.
>> THIS IS THE ONGOING BEACON CHARGE WHICH COVERS.
>> THERE'S A MONTHLY CHARGE FOR EVERY SERVICE UNIT ON THE ISLAND.
IOWA WATER, WHICH EVERYBODY HAS ACCESS TO SEE THEIR USAGE.
>> IOWA WATER IS THE BEACON PROGRAM?
>> HOW ARE WE GETTING? BECAUSE I KNOW SOME PEOPLE USE IT REGULARLY, AND YET OTHER PEOPLE DON'T HAVE AN IDEA IT EXISTS.
HOW DO WE GET THAT MESSAGE OUT, BRIAN?
>> WE'VE PUSHED IT OUT THROUGH MOST OF OUR SOCIAL MEDIA STUFF AND I BELIEVE WE'VE ACTUALLY SENT IT OUT ONCE IN THE WATER BILL, SO IT GETS ON ALL OF THE WATER BILLS.
WE'VE SENT IT OUT THROUGH EVERY MEASURE THAT WE HAVE.
WE CAN CERTAINLY CONTINUE TO PUSH IT OUT.
IT'S A GOOD SOFTWARE TO PUT ON A LOT OF PEOPLE AREN'T APP FRIENDLY. THAT'S ALL.
>> I THINK IT'S ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE?
>> YES. IT'S ON THE CITY'S WEBSITE.
IT WAS [INAUDIBLE] AND IT'S IN THE WATER BILLS.
>> MY WIFE GOT A CALL, WHICH I'M NOT SURE HOW IT HAPPENED, BUT THERE WAS SOMEONE USING WATER AT 1:00 AND 3:00 IN THE MORNING AND IT SHOWED YOU 1:00 AND 3:00?
>> NO LEAKS THAT WE HAVE, BUT I DON'T KNOW, MAYBE SOMEBODY TURNED MY WATER ON.
>> A COUPLE OF TIMES THAT PEOPLE HAVE LEFT A HOSE DRIP THAT IT'S A VERY GOOD.
>> IF YOU HAVE A TOILET RUNNING CONSTANTLY, IT'LL ALERT YOU.
>> NO. BUT IT'S JUST IT WAS LIKE, YOU KNOW.
>> I HAVE SOME OLDER MEMBERS OF OUR FAMILY, I HAVE THERE'S APPS ON MINE, TOO, SO I CAN AND THEN SOME ME FORGET SOME TO TURN OFF.
>> I HAD A RESIDENT AND I NEED TO GET WITH YOU ON THAT ONE.
HER WATER BILL WAS REALLY HIGH, BUT SHE CAUGHT IT.
SHE CAUGHT IT ON THE SIXTH DAY BECAUSE SHE GOT A CALL.
I THINK IT'S A PRETTY GOOD SERVICE.
WHAT DO WE DO FOR THE BILLING, IF IT'S EXTREMELY HIGH?
>> IF THERE'S A LEAK, WE DO LEAK ADJUSTMENTS YOU BRING IN AND SHOW THAT YOU MADE THE REPAIR, AND THEN WE SPLIT THE COST OF THE LEAK WITH YOU.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THAT, MARIE?
[OVERLAPPING] FALSE FOR PUTTING THIS BUNCH ON THE KID'S END.
>> GOOD MORNING. LET HEATHER IDENTIFY HERSELF. GO ALREADY.
[01:35:05]
>> HEATHER MORRIS, CITY MARSHAL HERE IN GALVESTON.
>> WE WILL GET TOGETHER ONE DAY.
I PROMISE WE KEEP PLANNING, BUT IT SEEMS. THIS IS FOR THE AUTOMATIC LICENSE READERS THAT WE NOW FOUND, WE COLLECT VERY LITTLE MONEY ON.
WE BOUGHT A BUNCH OF NEW TRUCKS, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS TO ME?
>> YES. WHAT GTECHNIQ DOES IS IT INCORPORATES THAT LICENSE PLATE READER INFORMATION.
AS OUR PARKING OFFICIALS ARE DRIVING AROUND, THE LICENSE PLATE READERS ARE CAPTURING THE LICENSE PLATES, AND THEY'RE ALSO TAKING PHOTOS.
IT'S REALLY HOW OUR PARKING OFFICIALS ARE DOING THEIR WORK, BECAUSE OTHERWISE THEY WOULDN'T HAVE A MECHANISM OTHER THAN THEIR OWN VISUAL IDENTIFYING A PARKING VIOLATION, SAY, A TWO HOUR IF IT'S A TWO HOUR PARKING VIOLATION.
WHAT THIS SYSTEM DOES IS IT CAPTURES THAT TWO HOURS.
IT'S TAKING PHOTOS AS IT COMES THROUGH AND IT'S ALERTING THE PARKING OFFICIAL, YOU'VE GOT A TWO HOUR VIOLATION.
>> MY QUESTION IS, I KNOW WE JUST BOUGHT SOME OF THESE WITHIN THE LAST YEAR, AND NOW WE'RE BUYING MORE.
ARE WE ADDING MORE PARKING MARSHALS, OR ARE WE CHANGING SYSTEMS? I KNOW WHAT THEY DO.
>> THE ENTIRE PARKING SYSTEM THAT WE USE HAS A LOT OF TENANTS TO IT.
WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT LAST MONTH WAS THE PAY STATIONS THAT WE'RE USING DOWNTOWN.
WHAT GTECHNIQ DOES IS IT TIES INTO THE PAY STATIONS IN TERMS OF THE VEHICLES THAT HAVEN'T PAID.
ALERTS THE OFFICIAL, SO THEY CAN WRITE THIS CITATION.
THE SAME THING WITH TWO HOUR PARKING AND OTHER TYPES OF PARKING.
GTECHNIQ ALSO ISSUES TICKET BY MAIL CITATIONS FOR THE SEAWALL.
THERE ARE A LOT OF MOVING PARTS, BUT BASICALLY WHAT WE'RE REQUESTING HERE FOR THE GTECHNIQ IS GOING TO ALLOW THE PARKING OFFICIALS TO ISSUE CITATIONS.
SOME OF THOSE ARE GOING ON THE WINDOWS. THEY'RE GOING TO ALERT THEM.
THEY'RE GOING TO LOOK AT WHAT'S PROVIDED IN TERMS OF THE PHOTOS FROM THE ALPR DATA.
>> YOU'RE SAYING WE'RE PUTTING MORE OF THESE IN OTHER CARS?
>> NO. THIS IS REALLY LIKE THE SOFTWARE.
>> THERE'S NOTHING GOING ON ANY CARS OR ANYTHING ELSE.
>> RIGHT. THIS PREVENTS OUR PARKING OFFICIALS ON THE SEAWALL FROM HAVING TO STOP, AND ISSUE CITATIONS ON THE SEAWALL.
>> I THOUGHT WE'VE BEEN DOING THAT NOW FOR A WHILE.
>> THIS IS A CONTINUATION OF WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING.
>> THEY STILL HAVE TO DRIVE SLOW WHEN THEY'RE USING THIS?
>> NO. THEY CAN DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT.
>> THEY'RE STILL DRIVING SLOW WHEN THEY'RE DOING.
>> I KNOW THERE WAS AN INSTANCE WITH ONE OF OUR PARKING OFFICIALS THAT WE ADDRESSED A LITTLE BIT BACK.
I'LL DOUBLE CHECK AND MAKE SURE THAT THAT'S NOT STILL HAPPENING, BUT WE DID ADDRESS SLOW MOVING, CONSIDERABLY OUT OF THE SPEED LIMIT DRIVING FOR ONE OF OUR PARKING OFFICIALS.
>> THEN IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA, BUT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE READER AND IT HAS TO DO WITH PARKING, AND IT HAS TO DO MORE WITH DOWNTOWN, BUT I STILL WISH WE'D GO TO A QUARTER HOUR PARKING.
ANYWAY, PUT THAT ON THE FUTURE AGENDA.
I'VE ONLY DISCUSSED IT FIVE TIMES, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US LOOK AT THAT.
THANK YOU. I'M GOING TO CALL YOU TOMORROW, SO NEXT WEEK, WOULD BE A GOOD WEEK. THANK YOU.
>> JUST ONE SECOND, PLEASE, MA'AM.
>> IN REVIEWING THIS, THIS ACTUALLY IS A BACK PAY REQUEST, I GUESS.
>> ESSENTIALLY IT'S A CURRENT PAY AND THIS PAYMENT IS GOING TO COVER APRIL 1 THROUGH MARCH 31 OF NEXT YEAR.
>>APRIL 1, IN OTHER WORDS, THAT'S WHAT IT WAS TALKING ABOUT.
WE'VE HAD A LAPSE, AND THE LAPSE STARTED OCCURRING MARCH 14 OR ACTUALLY APRIL 1 OF 2025.
>> WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE LAPSE?
>> ESSENTIALLY WE'VE STILL BEEN OPERATING THE SAME WITH GEOTECH.
NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN TERMS OF THE USAGE FOR OUR PARKING OFFICIALS.
ESSENTIALLY, WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT I BELIEVE IT WAS JULY WHEN WE CAME TO COUNCIL,
[01:40:01]
WE DISCOVERED LATER THAT THE DATE DIDN'T COVER THIS PARTICULAR PERIOD.WE'VE HAD TO COME BACK AND FILL THAT ONE-YEAR GAP IN BETWEEN.
THERE'S BEEN NO INTERRUPTION IN OUR SERVICES AND WHAT WE'VE ACTUALLY BEEN DOING OUT THERE WITH THEIR PARKING OFFICIALS OR ISSUING CITATIONS OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT.
>> THIS IS A GROUP THAT JUST BASICALLY PROVIDES SUPPORT.
IT LISTS OUT WHAT THE SUPPORT PROVIDES.
[NOISE] THIS IS JUST BASICALLY ISSUANCE.
IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH COLLECTIONS.
>> THERE'S NOTHING TO DO WITH COLLECTIONS.
>> I UNDERSTAND. WE'RE BASICALLY CATCHING UP.
THIS 29,000 IS TO PAY FROM BASICALLY APRIL 1ST THROUGH MARCH 31ST OF 2026.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. MARIE.
>> I DON'T GIVE SOMEBODY ELSE AN OPPORTUNITY. BUT 11 JJ.
>> GOOD MORNING, AGAIN, TYSON.
>> HI. THIS IS FOR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT?
>> COULD YOU SPEAK LOUDER TOO?
>> I BELIEVE IT WAS LAST YEAR THAT DAVID SMITH BROUGHT AN ITEM TO COUNCIL FOR JUST A BLANKET APPROVAL TO SPEND MONEY UP TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT FOR EACH DEPARTMENT FOR RENTAL EQUIPMENT WITH UNITED.
THIS IS ESSENTIALLY TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH THE SAME THING.
>> WE'RE APPROVING UP TO 261,000 FOR RANDOM RENTAL EQUIPMENT LIKE?
>> PUMPS. THAT'S MAINLY WHAT WE'VE USED TO FORM.
>> THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF ITEMS THAT WE CAN RENT FROM UNITED ON OUR CONTRACT.
>> HOW MUCH DID WE SPEND LAST YEAR ON RENTAL ITEMS?
>> THIS IS BASICALLY ALLOWING YOU TO SPEND [OVERLAPPING].
>> THAT'S CITYWIDE, [OVERLAPPING] JUST IN YOUR IN YOUR DEPARTMENT. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU SPENT?
>> I DON'T KNOW, TOP OF MY HEAD FOR THIS SPECIFIC ITEM.
>> [INAUDIBLE] TIME JUST FOR MUNICIPAL UTILITIES.
>> WE CAN GET THAT NUMBER FOR YOU.
>> YOU COULD IDENTIFY YOURSELF, SIR [OVERLAPPING].
>> WATER TREATMENT COMPLIANCE MANAGER.
>> WE CAN GET THAT INFORMATION BEFORE [OVERLAPPING].
>> I THOUGHT HE WAS GIVING UP TO ANSWER. THANK YOU.
>> SORRY, MY PHONE [INAUDIBLE] HEATHER AGAIN, KK.
>> FLOWBIRD WEB OFFICE PROFESSIONAL, IS THAT THE SOFTWARE THAT'S USED ON THE COMPUTERS AND THE MARSHAL'S TRUCKS?
>> THIS FLOWBIRD HERE IS THE BACK TO PAY STATIONS.
THIS IS FOR THE AIRTIME WIRELESS CHARGES THAT ARE INCURRED.
WE ALSO GET REAL TIME CREDIT CARD INFORMATION.
IF THERE'S SOMEBODY WITH A PARKING ISSUE, WE CAN GO INTO THE WEB OFFICE TO RESEARCH WHAT THE SITUATION IS.
IT GIVES US THE HISTORICAL DATA.
HAVING ACCESS TO THIS WEB OFFICE IS GOING TO ALLOW US TO GET THAT INFORMATION.
I KNOW WE TALKED ABOUT LAST COUNCIL MEETING IN TERMS OF THE USAGE OF THE PAY STATIONS, WHICH ONES ARE BEING USED, WHEN'S THE TIMING OF THEM BEING USED, HOW MUCH AT EACH OF THE STATIONS AND SOLVE ANY OF OUR REVIEW PROBLEMS.
>> THIS DOES TIE INTO MY OTHER CONCERN.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE BECAUSE I KNOW IT TICKS ME OFF, SO I KNOW IT'S TICKING OFF OTHER CITIZENS BECAUSE THEY'VE COMPLAINED TO ME, AS WELL AS TOURISTS.
YOU'RE GOING IN FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF MEETING, YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR TWO HOURS.
BUT OTHER CITIES WHO USE THE SAME EXACT COMPANY THAT WE'RE USING, YOU CAN PAY FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF.
[01:45:05]
>> THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE [NOISE] AND THE PARKING OFFICIALS DON'T SET THE TIMING OF IT.
IN TERMS OF THE INCREMENTS AND EVERYTHING IS SET [OVERLAPPING].
>> THE REQUEST OF THE COMPANY.
>> THE POLICY DECISION IS TO BE MADE BY COUNCIL.
>> THIS IS A POLICY DECISION AND I HAVE IT DOWN, MARIE TO COME BACK ON.
>> WHATEVER COUNCIL SETS IN TERMS OF THE TIME INCREMENTS OR THE AMOUNT, WE'LL DO WHATEVER YOU GUYS GIVE US DIRECTION ON FOR THAT.
CURRENTLY IT'S SET FOR WHAT COUNCIL HAS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED.
>> CAN WE TAKE MM AND NN TOGETHER SINCE THEY'RE RELATED?
>> PLEASE. BY ALL MEANS. YES, SIR.
>> THREE 11 NN AND [OVERLAPPING].
>> MORNING BRANDON COOK, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER.
>> THESE PROJECTS, THE MILL AND OVERLAY FOR THE SEAWALL PROJECT IS GOING TO GIVE US A DESIGN FOR RESURFACING 26 AND 61ST STREET.
THE TOTAL PROJECT BUDGET IS LOW OVER $10 MILLION WITH ABOUT $612,000 COMING OUT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEBT SERVICE FUND.
IT'LL ALSO INCLUDE WITHIN THAT DESIGN A PILOT MULTI MODAL PATHWAY ALONG THE SEAWALL BOULEVARD, THAT WILL BE INFORMED BY THE STUDY.
THAT STUDY IS ESSENTIALLY THE LONG RANGE VISION OF THE SEAWALL AND THE MULTI MODAL PATHWAY THAT WILL SET ITSELF FOR FUTURE YEARS TO ACQUIRE MORE CREDIT FUND.
>> MY QUESTION TO BEGIN WITH ON THE SEAWALL IS THE SEAWALL REPAVING WAS APPROVED IN THE COUNTY BUDGET.
>> THAT WASN'T A PART OF THE MATCH [OVERLAPPING].
>> IT WAS A MATCH FOR [OVERLAPPING].
>> HAD IT ON THERE AND MISSED ME, BUT MARIE AND I WEREN'T IN THE VETTING, THE COUNTY OFFICIALS ASKED US WHERE ALL THE CITY WAS.
>> THIS IS IT. THERE'S A MATCH ASSOCIATED.
>> THERE WAS A MATCH THAT WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE $10 MILLION THAT WE RECEIVED IN THE FEDERAL FUNDS.
HOWEVER, THE TRANSPORTATION POLICY COUNCIL VOTED TO UTILIZE TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT CREDITS TO COVER THE MATCH.
NOW, THE 20% MATCH HAS BEEN COVERED AS WELL.
THE ONLY THING REALLY THAT THE CITY IS ON THE HOOK FOR AT THIS POINT IS $612,000.
WE DID TALK TO COUNTY OFFICIALS THERE ABOUT UTILIZING SOME OF THE ACCOUNT BOND TO COVER THIS 612,000.
HOWEVER, THAT WASN'T INITIALLY ANTICIPATED TO GO TOWARD THE DESIGN OF THE PROJECT.
I THINK THEY'RE RUNNING THE TRAPS TO FIND OUT WHETHER IT WILL BE OKAY TO UTILIZE THAT TOWARD THE DESIGN IN LIEU OF THE CONSTRUCTION.
>> WHEN DID YOU ALL COMMUNICATE WITH THE COUNTY [OVERLAPPING].
>> I TALKED TO MIKE SHAAN ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO.
HE IS OUT OF THE OFFICE THIS WEEK AND WAS GOING TO GET BACK TO ME ON SOME DECISION-MAKING.
BUT WE DID PUT THAT DOWN AS SOME OF THE FUNDING SOURCES IN THERE, THE COUNTY ROAD BONDS, THE INFRASTRUCTURE DEBT SERVICE FUND AS PART OF YOUR FISCAL STATEMENT.
IF WE CAN IRON OUT DOT THE IS AND CROSS THE TS ON THE INTERLOCAL THEN WE'LL BRING THAT INTERLOCAL BACK TO COUNCIL AND PROVIDE AN UPDATE AT THAT TIME.
>> BUT ON 355 SEAWALL MULTI-MODAL PATHWAY PLAN,355 IS A TXDOT ROAD.
>> WHAT EXACTLY IS OUR GOAL WITH THIS?
>> THAT'S A STUDY THAT'S GOING FROM TIP TO TIP ALONG THE SEAWALL AND 355 TIP TO TIP ON THE ISLAND [OVERLAPPING].
>> REMEMBER 355 STARTS AT 6-61ST STREET?
>> IT'S GOING TO LOOK AT TIP TO TIP TO CREATE A MULTI-MODAL PATHWAY ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE ENTIRE ISLAND.
>> BUT ALL THESE THINGS WE'RE ELIGIBLE FOR TRANSPORTATION CREDITS [OVERLAPPING].
>> THAT'S BEING FULLY FUNDED BY 20% MATCH ON TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT CREDITS, AND THE OTHER IS FEDERAL HIGHWAY FUNDING.
THERE'S NO LOCAL MONEY IN THE STUDY PART OF IT.
WE UTILIZE THOSE STUDIES TO GO SELL IT TO THE FTA AND THE OTHER OFFICIALS TO BE ABLE TO FUND MORE FUTURE PROJECTS.
THEY REALLY LIKE TO FUND PROJECTS THAT HAVE COME OUT OF PRIOR STUDIES THAT HAVE FUNDED THOSE PROJECTS.
>> BRANDON ON THE 61ST SEAWALL.
[01:50:02]
IF EVERYTHING FALLS INTO PLACE, CAN THE PUBLIC SEA CONSTRUCT THAT OVERLAY HAPPENING DOWN THERE?>> YES. WE'RE LOOKING AT GOING OUT A BIT IN JULY, LETTING A CONTRACT IN AUGUST, AND SO WE'LL PROBABLY BE LOOKING AT A FALL MOBILIZATION DATE.
>> WE'RE GOING TO BE MAKING SOME REPAIRS UP THERE IN ADVANCE OF THAT THOUGH, WE CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG.
>> YOU'RE PROJECTING FALL OF 626?
>> ON THAT AREA WHERE THE ROAD BUCKLED, I SAW A TECH STOP WAS OUT THERE FIXING THAT.
WAS THAT CAUSED BY A WATER LEAK? I KNOW THEY HAD THE WHOLE ROAD OUT.
>> THERE'S NO UTILITIES IN THERE.
>> THE MILL AND OVERLAY IS 6-61ST.
BUT THE MULTI MODAL STUDY GOES FROM BODDEKER ALL THE WAY TO SAN LOUIS PASS, IS THAT RIGHT? THERE WON'T BE NO OVERLAY FROM 6TH STREET EAST TO BODDEKER.
>> NO. BUT THEY'VE JUST COMPLETED A PORTION OF THE MILL AND OVERLAY PORTION OF [OVERLAPPING].
>> THE STATE HAS. THEY TIED INTO THE FERRY ROAD.
>> 6-61ST IS A STRIP THAT THE COUNTY HAS HISTORICALLY MAINTAINED.
WE'VE PICKED UP, SINCE THE COUNTY IS BACKED OFF ON DOING THAT.
THAT'S WHY THAT'S PORTION'S CRITICAL DOES FOR PAVING.
>> I JUST WANT TO CLARIFY THAT THERE'S NOTHING HAPPENING EAST OF THAT, DAVID.
WHEN YOU SAY MULTIMODAL, EVERY THING COMES TO MY MIND.
YOU CAN PUT A LITTLE ELECTRIC MOTOR ON JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.
ALL OF THAT COMES TOGETHER ON THE SEAWALL, RIGHT, SIR?
>> THAT STUDY IS GOING TO INCLUDE THE SIDEWALK AS WELL AS THE STREET?
>> WE'RE GOING TO LOOK AT THE ENTIRE RIGHT AWAY.
>> ENTIRE RIGHT AWAY. THEN [OVERLAPPING].
>> FROM [INAUDIBLE] TO AGENCY [OVERLAPPING].
>> MAY EVEN EXPLORE PRIVATE PARCELS TO FIND PARKING GARAGES AND THE LIKE, IN ORDER TO UTILIZE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS IN THE FUTURE, IF THE FEDERAL FUNDS MAKE THEMSELVES AVAILABLE.
>> WE'VE ALREADY DONE SOME BICYCLE PATH IMPROVEMENTS ON THE NORTH SOUTH STREETS, THAT WOULD CONSIDER THE CONNECTIONS TO THOSE, I ASSUME.
IN OTHER WORDS, ALL OF THIS LINEAR SCOPE OF WORK HERE NEEDS TO CONNECT TO SOMETHING OR ELSE, NOT JUST [OVERLAPPING].
>> HAVE ACCESS TO OUR CURRENT BIKE PATH.
>> THEN WE MENTIONED EARLIER THOSE TWO LARGE PROJECTS THAT ARE GOING ON DOWN THE WEST END OF THE SEAWALL, IT MAY ALSO HAVE SOME IMPACT ON MOBILITY AS THEY CROSS IN FRONT OF THOSE.
I GUESS YOU'LL BE ABLE TO ACCOUNT FOR THAT AS WELL?
>> THE PILOT PROJECT, WHICH IS PART OF THIS IS, IS GOING TO BE DEPENDENT ON THIS MULTIMODAL STUDY AS TO WHAT THEY ACTUALLY DO?
>> THAT'S CORRECT. THE REASON WE SEPARATED IT LIKE THAT IS JUST BECAUSE IT'S TWO DIFFERENT POTS OF MONEY, WHEN IT COMES FOR THOSE COMPLIANCE AND AUDITING PURPOSES.
>> IF I READ IT CORRECTLY, IT ANTICIPATED THE IDEA OF TAKING OVER A PART OF THE PARKING LANE ON THE SOUTH SIDE FOR A BICYCLE LANE.
>> BUT IT'S TO BE DETERMINED, THERE'S GOING TO BE RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT IT.
>> IT'LL LIKELY HAVE TO JOG IN AND OUT AS YOU DEAL WITH [OVERLAPPING].
>> RIGHT. ANY IDEA ABOUT THE LENGTH OR THE MAGNITUDE OF THAT PILOT PROJECT, ONE BLOCK, TWO BLOCK, THREE?
>> NOT YET. BUT ONCE WE GET THE STUDY, IT'LL REVEAL COST AND SUGGESTIONS AND WE'LL HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN'T DO.
>> THAT PART OF THE PROJECT WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO BODDEKER.
THAT PART OF THE MULTIMODAL ANALYSIS.
>> REMEMBER, THE ASPHALT PART OF IT WILL INCLUDE STRIPING, WHICH IS WHAT MOST OF THIS IS.
IT'S GOING TO BE DONE WITH STRIPING AND LANE DELINEATION AND TRAFFIC DELINEATION.
THAT'S WHY WE'RE TRYING TO GET IT DONE FOR 6-61ST STREET AS PART OF THE ASPHALT REHABILITATION BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT TO GO DOWN THERE AND STRIPE IT THE WAY IT IS AND THEN PICK IT ALL BACK UP AGAIN.
WE WANT TO DO THAT AS PART OF IT.
ULTIMATELY, BEYOND THAT, WE'D WORK WITH OUR TEXTILE PARTNERS WHO CONTROL THOSE OTHER PARTS OF THE ROAD TO INCORPORATE THESE CHANGES IN FUTURE MODIFICATIONS TO THOSE AREAS.
>> I'M INTERESTED IN THAT IT GOES ALL THE WAY TO BODDEKER, AGAIN ABOUT CONNECTIVITY BECAUSE WE GOT MORE STUFF DOWN THERE ON THE EAST END COMING, THE EAST END [NOISE] [INAUDIBLE] AND THE EAST BEACH AND ALL OF THAT.
ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE ON A BIKE OR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE.
THAT'S IMPORTANT TO, I THINK TO UNDERSTAND AND MAKE THAT PART OF THE SEAWALL WORK?
IT'S PRETTY MESSED UP RIGHT NOW, BUT I THINK THIS IS A GOOD THING THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE SOME ATTENTION DRAWN.
>> WE'RE AT LEAST GOING TO HAVE SOME SUGGESTIONS.
>> TWO QUESTIONS. IN THE MILL AND OVERLAY STAFF REPORTS.
YOU MENTIONED THAT THERE ARE ADDITIONAL DESIGN SERVICES, SPECIFICALLY THREE TASKS.
[01:55:03]
IT SAYS, IF AUTHORIZED BY THE CITY OF GALVESTON, WHAT IS THE TRIGGER FOR AUTHORIZING THOSE ADDITIONAL SERVICES.>> I HAVE TO GO PULL THE CONTRACT.
WE'VE GOT SO MANY OF THESE GOING ON RIGHT NOW.
>> MY QUESTION IS, IS YOU'VE GOT A FIXED AMOUNT FOR THE CONTRACT, $612,000.
MY QUESTION IS, ARE THESE ADDITIONAL SERVICES COVERED WITHIN THAT $612,000?
YOU SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION IS ANTICIPATED TO START SOMEWHERE AUGUST OR SO.
THIS STUDY OBVIOUSLY WOULD CONCLUDE BEFORE THEN.
TELL ME ABOUT TIMING ASSOCIATED WITH THE STUDY.
>> THE STUDY IS ACTUALLY GOING TO EXTEND BEYOND THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
BUT THE PILOT PORTION IS GOING TO BE IDENTIFIED AS PART OF THE STUDY.
IT'S GOING TO INFORM THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT.
BUT THE ENTIRE STUDY DURATION, IS GOING TO SURPASS THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF IT BECAUSE THEN WE'LL COLLECT BIDS, FIND OUT DOLLARS FROM THE LINE ITEMS, AND THEN USE THAT TO EXTRAPOLATE FUTURE COSTS.
>> LET ME REPHRASE MY QUESTION SPECIFICALLY.
THREE PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETINGS AND THEN ONE OPEN HOUSE.
DON'T SAY A DATE, BUT GIVE ME A QUARTER IN WHICH THREE MONTH PERIOD THAT YOU'RE ANTICIPATING HAVING AN OPEN HOUSE.
>> LET ME GO BACK AND CHECK THE SCHEDULE I FORWARDED TO COUNCIL.
I'LL HAVE A BETTER IDEA FOR YOU BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THAT DATE COMMITTED TO MEMORY.
>> THAT'S OKAY. THANK YOU. APPRECIATE IT.
>> BRANDON, FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THIS WAS ASSIGNED OR APPROVED BY H-GAC IN 2023.
>> I THINK THE TPC ACTUALLY VOTED ON THIS IN DECEMBER OF 2024.
>> WE'RE JUST GETTING THE AFAS FROM TXDOT. RIGHT NOW.
AS A MATTER OF FACT, ON A COUPLE OF PROJECTS, WE STILL DO NOT HAVE THE ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENTS FROM TXDOT AND COUNCIL APPROVED THE RESOLUTION SOMETIME BACK.
WE'VE GOT SO MANY OF THEM UP IN THE AIR.
ALL THE DIFFERENT DATES CAN MAKE YOUR HEAD SPAN.
>> IT ACTUALLY HAS MADE ROBINS.
LET'S SAY IT GETS AWARDED IN 24 BY H-GAC.
WHAT IS IT THAT CREATES THAT TIMELINE OF SO MUCH TIME IN BETWEEN?
>> TEXTILE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSES IN ORDER TO GET US THE ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENTS TO COME DOWN.
ON THE INTELLIGENT TRAFFIC SIGNAL PROJECT, THE AI ONE, WE STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED AN ADVANCED FUNDING AGREEMENT FROM TXDOT AND IT'S ON MY LIST TO FOLLOW UP WITH THEM TOMORROW.
TO FIND OUT WHAT'S THE ACTUAL DATE FOR THAT AFA BECAUSE YOU CANNOT GIVE AWARD PRIOR TO EXECUTING THAT AGREEMENT OR ELSE YOU JEOPARDIZE THE ENTIRE POT OF MONEY.
>> YOU'RE SAYING TXDOT IS THE HOLD UP AND I WORK WITH THEM ON A REGULAR BASIS. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THEY'VE GOT SO MANY WITH ALL THE CARRY OVER SPEND DOWN FUNDS THAT ARE COMING THROUGH THAT THEY ONLY HAVE SO MUCH BANDWIDTH AND SO MANY EMPLOYEES TO CRANK THEM OUT.
IT'S REALLY A REASON [OVERLAPPING].
>> GIVEN A PRIORITY, THAT'S WHY I'M SURPRISED THAT THEY'RE BEHIND, BUT I WILL CHECK WITH THEM.
>> I MEAN, BECAUSE IT SAYS IT HAS TO BE COMPLETED BY I FORGET THE MONTH OF 2027.
>> WE'RE LETTING IT NEXT YEAR IN AUGUST.
WE DON'T NEED TO LET IT BY THEN IN AUGUST 26.
THAT'S THE KEY BENCHMARK THAT WE HAVE TO MEET.
>> UNLESS IT CHANGES FOR SOME REASON OR.
>> I GUESS YOU SAY JUST AN OBSERVATION, BUT AS WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENS IN TWO YEARS TIMES SOMETHING WILL COST TWO YEARS AGO COMPARED TO WHAT IT'LL COST NOW.
THEN OUR OBLIGATION TO MEET THAT TENDS TO BE AN UPWARD TARGET.
I GUESS I WAS JUST WONDERING IF WE HAD ANY CONTROL OVER PRESSURING TO GET THIS KICKED OFF TO BASICALLY FOR US NOT TO HAVE TO SPEND SO MUCH ON OUR PART.
>> GET THE BIKER SAFE. IT'S UP TO YOU.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ON THIS PARTICULAR ITEM?
>> WHAT WAS GETTING THE TPCS, AND WE ACHIEVED THAT? WE HAD ALL OUR MATCHES.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FOR BRANDON ON THIS? THANK YOU, BRANDON VERY MUCH.
[02:00:02]
>> THAT TIE, MAN. YOU ARE STYLING TODAY.
STEWART ROAD, STEWART MILLEN OVERLAY, ALL NECESSARY.
>> BASICALLY, 30 MILE ROAD FROM 305 AS IT COMES AROUND THE CURVE AND MERGES WITH STEWART, IT'LL BE THAT WHOLE STRETCH.
FROM WHERE THE CONCRETE ENDS THERE BY 7.5 MILE ROAD.
>> ALL THE WAY OUT TO 3005, YES.
>> YOU'RE GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE BEACH?
>> NOT TO THE BEACH. WE'RE NOT GOING TO GO SOUTH OF 3005 WE'RE SOPPING THE NORTH SIDE OF 3005.
BECAUSE I WAS TRYING TO IMAGINE EXPLAINING TO PEOPLE WHY THEIR ROADS HAVEN'T BEEN FIXED, BUT YET WE'RE RESURFACING A BEACH AS POINT THAT DOESN'T HAVE TO ANY RESIDENCE ON IT.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS WHOLE CHANGE ORDER TO ME, PLEASE?
>> THIS WAS A MULTI YEAR CONTRACT THAT WAS AWARDED IN 2022.
IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS MANAGED BY THE PREVIOUS DIRECTOR AND THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF EXECUTING THE CONTRACT, THERE WERE ADDITIONAL SERVICES REQUESTED.
THERE WERE ITEMS PAID FOR FROM THE PO FOR THE PROJECT THAT TECHNICALLY SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN INCLUDED.
ALL OF THAT'S CULMINATING TO EXCEEDING THE PROJECT.
ORIGINAL PROJECT BUDGET FOR AMOUNT.
>> ARE WE IN ARREARS OF ANY OF THIS?
BUT IF YOU GUYS APPROVE THIS, WE WILL.
>> THAT FULL AMOUNT RIGHT THERE.
>> FOUR HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE AND TWO SUBSEQUENT.
WE'RE DOING THE ARREARS PLUS, [OVERLAPPING] ONE IS 54 AND THEY PRINTED MY PACKAGE, BUT ONLY THIS PAGE, SO I DON'T.
>> THERE WERE TWO CHANGE ORDERS THAT WERE EXECUTED PREVIOUSLY THAT AMOUNTED TO THE 25 MILLION THAT YOU'RE REFERENCING.
>> THERE WERE TWO CHANGE ORDERS PREVIOUSLY THAT WERE EXECUTED, WHICH BRINGS US TO THE CONTRACT AMOUNT WE WERE CURRENTLY AT BEFORE THIS FINAL CHANGE ORDER, WHICH IS $450,000.
>> YES WE'LL CLOSE OUT THE CONTRACT.
>> DID WE PAY INTEREST ON THE ARREARS?
>> THEY DIDN'T CHARGE US ANY FEE OR ANYTHING?
>> NO. BECAUSE WE DISPUTED IT AND WENT THROUGH ALL OF THE RECORDS TO TRY TO AUC THE ENTIRE PROJECT, MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE.
>> THANK YOU, TYSON. APPRECIATE IT.
>> ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANY QUESTION?
>> THAT'S BEING PAID FOR OR OUT OF THE INTEREST FROM THE PROJECT.
>> BEING PAID FOR OUT OF THAT.
>> THE INTEREST THAT WAS EARNED ON THE MONEY.
WHILE WE WERE DISPUTING IT THERE WAS INTEREST EARNED AND EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE MONEYS THAT WE HAD INTEREST.
>> HOW MUCH INTEREST DID WE EARN ON IT?
>> JUST ABOUT THAT AMOUNT. [LAUGHTER].
>> WE EARNED 400 AND SOME IN INTEREST?
>> THE ENTIRE PROJECT, YES, MA'AM.
>> THANK YOU, TYSON. VERY GOOD.
>> YOU REQUIRED TO BE RECORDED WITH THE PROJECT.
>> NO. I THOUGHT HE MAY HAVE A QUESTION, HE CAN DO IT IN HIS OWN.
>> VERY GOOD. THAT WAS OUT, DAVID.
>> NO. I MET PREVIOUSLY WITH AND DAN STAFF TO GET ALL MY QUESTIONS ANSWERED. THANK YOU.
LET'S HAVE ONE THAT HAD BEEN COVERED 11Z.
[02:05:05]
>> SIR. THIS IS ONLY FOR LIMITED TO 60%.
>> DOES THIS TRAFFIC DETECTION SYSTEM REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE TRAFFIC LIGHT OR IS THAT ALL NEW?
>> THIS IS A NEW INSTALLATION BY TXDOT.
IF WE HAD THE OLD SPAN WIRE, THAT'S GOING TO BE COMING DOWN AND THEY'RE PUTTING IN A NEW MAST ARM SIGNAL.
THE MAST ARM HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR PROBABLY FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS.
IT'S JUST HASN'T BEEN ENERGIZED YET.
THIS WILL GO ON THE NEW MAST ARMS AND THEY'LL BE ABLE TO DETECT.
>> THE ACTUAL EQUIPMENT, THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AND THE DETECTION THING, IS JUST GOING TO BE MOVED FROM THE TABLE OVER TO THE MAST ARM?
>> BASICALLY, EVERYTHING ON THE CABLE IS GOING AWAY, AND THERE'S [OVERLAPPING].
>> IT'S ALL GOING TO BE ALL MOVED. THIS IS JUST FOR ONE INTERSECTION.
ARE WE PLANNING ON DOING THIS AT OTHER PLACES AROUND TOWN?
>> YEAH. THAT'S PART OF WHAT WE'RE LOOKING AT AS PART OF THE SMART GRANT.
THEN THE ITS PROJECT THE BRANDON MENTIONED [INAUDIBLE].
WE'LL LOOK AT DOING THAT ON ALL THE SYSTEMS THROUGHOUT.
>> WE'RE GOING FROM CABLES EVERYWHERE TO MAST ARMS.
>> THAT DOESN'T REPLACE THE MAST ARMS. THAT JUST REPLACES DETECTION AND OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE CABINET SO WE CAN HAVE BASICALLY AN AI INTEGRATED SYSTEM THAT WILL GO AHEAD AND ADAPT AS TRAFFIC PICKS UP AND RELEASES AT DIFFERENT [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE PROBABLY SHOULD GET AWAY FROM STRING LIGHTS.
>> BECAUSE OF WIND AND OTHER ISSUES HERE, PLUS THESE SYSTEMS DON'T WORK REAL WELL ON THINGS THAT MOVE.
OVER TIME, THE CITY WILL PROBABLY WORK TO ELIMINATE ALL THOSE, ALTHOUGH GIVEN OUR LIMITED RIGHT AWAYS AND INTRUSIONS AND THINGS SOMETIMES THESE MASS SIGNALS ARE THEY'RE PRETTY BIG, ESPECIALLY TO MEET WIND LOAD.
YOU HAVE TO GET INTO PEOPLE'S PROPERTY AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
>> IT'S A RIDICULOUS FOUNDATION UNDERNEATH THE GROUND.
LOOKS LIKE A SMALL POLE AT THE SURFACE, BUT THERE'S QUITE A BIT TO GO.
>> THE ACTUAL DETECTION CAMERA, IS THAT BUILT INTO THE SIGNAL?
>> NO, IT'S NOT. IT'S A SEPARATE APPARATUS THAT GETS MOUNTED TO GO AHEAD AND LOOK DOWN AND THEN THERE'S CABLES THAT TAKE IT BACK TO THE CONTROLLER.
>> AS WE PROCEED THROUGH OTHER APPLICATIONS OF THIS, THEY'LL ALL BE PAID FOR THE SMART GRAFT.
>> IS THAT 28,564 WOULD BE A REASONABLE PRICE FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS?
>> FOR JUST THAT PIECE OF THE SYSTEM, YES, BUT THERE ARE OTHER COMPONENTS THAT MAY NEED YOU REPLACED.
IT COULD BE MORE DEPENDING ON THE [OVERLAPPING].
>> BECAUSE WE MAY HAVE TO MODERNIZE THE ENTIRE SIGNAL.
YOU CAN'T JUST APPLY THIS UNIFORMLY TO SOME SIGNALS.
>> THAT ANSWERED MY QUESTION. THANKS.
THE CAMERAS ON THE SMART LIGHTS OR WHATEVER YOU CALL THEM.
I KNOW WHEN TXDOT PUT THE ONE UP AT THE PIRATES BEACH INTERSECTION.
IT WAS EXTREMELY ACCURATE, IT CONTROLLED THE LIGHTS VERSUS PEOPLE HAVING TO SIT THERE FOR FOUR MINUTES WHEN NOBODY'S THERE.
>> THEN NOW IT STOPPED WORKING.
NOW, I'VE REPORTED IT TO MANAGE THEM.
>> MICHAEL PERKINS WENT OUT AND CHECKED IT.
HE SAID IT WAS WORKING WHEN HE WAS OUT THERE.
HE SAID IT WAS WORKING. HE'S CHECKED IT TWICE.
>> GIVE ME SOME ISSUE WITH SOME SAW BUILD UP ON THE LENS OR OTHER [INAUDIBLE] MISSING WITH THIS. WE'LL TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.
>> IS THE CAMERA AND THE WHITE BOXES WE SEE?
>> IN SOME INSTANCES, YES, IT'S THE WHITE BOX, OTHERS, IT'S BLACK.
IT JUST DEPENDS ON THE SYSTEM.
I JUST WANTED TO [OVERLAPPING].
IT'S A DETECTION DEVICE. IT'S NOT FILMING.
>> IT DOESN'T RECORD THAT INFORMATION.
APPRECIATE IT. BOB, ANYTHING ELSE?
>> VERY GOOD. THE ONLY THING I HAD WAS AE IS.
GOOD MORNING, CATHERINE. CATHERINE, I JUST HAVE A QUESTION HERE.
THIS IS ABOUT THE SALE OF ALCOHOL AND SO FORTH.
IN THE INFORMATION WE RECEIVED, I THINK THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY MENTIONED THAT THE RESTAURANT WILL NOT BE OPEN WHEN CHURCH IS IN SESSION.
IS THAT THE WAY I UNDERSTAND IT? I THINK THEY WERE THINKING THAT'S ONLY ON SUNDAYS, BUT THAT CHURCH COULD BE IN SESSION MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.
>> SURE, [INAUDIBLE] ASSISTANT DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES.
THAT'S WHAT THE APPLICANT INFORMATION THAT THEY PROVIDED TO US, BUT YOU'RE CORRECT.
THE CHURCH COULD CHANGE THEIR SERVICES.
THE RESTAURANT COULD CHANGE THEIR HOURS OF OPERATION.
>> IS THE RESTAURANT OBLIGATED TO CHANGE THEIR HOURS IF THE CHURCH IS IN SESSION THEN?
I THINK THAT'S JUST INFORMATION THAT THEY PROVIDED FOR YOU,
[02:10:03]
BUT IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT WE CAN MAKE A CONDITION THAT THEY FOLLOW.>> THE STAFF REPORT SAID THAT THEY'VE REACHED OUT TO THE PASTOR OF THE CHURCH, I GUESS, BUT HAD RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. IS THAT STILL THE CASE?
>> IT'S STILL THE CASE, AND STAFF HAS ALSO REACHED OUT AND GOT A RESPONSE.
>> HOW MANY RESPONSES? WHAT KIND OF RESPONSES DID WE GET ABOUT IT?
>> I THINK THEY WERE [OVERLAPPING].
>> I WANT TO CHECK IT TO REPORT THIS AFTERNOON, BUT $0.23. [INAUDIBLE]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE.
>> MORE QUESTION. IF THIS WOULD BE APPROVED? DOES THAT GO WITH THE PROPERTY OR JUST WITH A PERMIT FOR THE RESTAURANT?
>> I BELIEVE IT GOES WITH THE PERMIT.
>> SOMEBODY ELSE WOULD HAVE TO REAPPLY FOR IT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE IT.
I DON'T THINK HE HAD ANYTHING.
SO VERY GOOD. COUNCIL, WE'VE BEEN THROUGH TWO HOURS AND ALMOST 15 MINUTES, DO YOU WANT TO TAKE A BREAK BEFORE WE CONTINUE THE TALK?
>> ANY ITEMS, FOLK, THAT YOU LIKE TO GET OVER. [NOISE]
>> I WANTED TO GO OVER THERE. WE DID LOVE IT.
>> I COULD ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS IF YOU HAVE.
>> WHAT WAS THE TIMELINE AND THE PURPOSE OF THE CHANGE ORDER?
>> HE'S STANDING IN THE HALLWAY.
WE'RE HAPPY TO ANSWER IT AGAIN.
>> WHAT WAS THE ACTUAL TIMELINE? IT SAYS, OBVIOUSLY, IT REVIEWS BACK TO 2022 WHEN IT WAS AWARDED, AND THEN TWO CHANGE ORDERS INCREASED IT TO 16,838,000.
IT SAYS IN MAY OF 2025, THE SERVICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONTRACT WERE CONSIDERED SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE.
IS THIS BASICALLY A BACKFILL DATING BACK TO MAY?
>> WHAT HAS BEEN THE REASON THAT WE DIDN'T PAY THAT?
>> BECAUSE WE WERE GOING THROUGH ALL OUR RECORDS TO FIGURE OUT WHY WE EXCEEDED THE CONTRACT AMOUNT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT OFFICIALLY INCREASED AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE CONTRACT.
I DIDN'T KNOWING THAT IT IS GOING TO BE ME BRINGING THIS TO COUNSEL, I WANTED TO RESEARCH EVERYTHING THAT WAS DONE TO TRY TO GET COMFORTABLE WITH THE RECOMMENDING THIS.
>> IN LAYMAN'S TERMS, WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THIS $450,000 CHANGE ORDER.
>> THERE WAS ADDITIONAL METERS PURCHASED, ADDITIONAL METERS INSTALLED BASED ON FINDINGS OUT IN THE FIELD.
THERE WERE ADDITIONAL WATER QUALITY DEVICES PURCHASED.
ONE OF THE CHANGE ORDERS WAS FOR LEAD AND COPPER REQUIREMENTS TO SURVEY ALL OF THE LINES THAT WE HAVE AND IDENTIFY THE MATERIAL.
WE EXCEEDED THAT AMOUNT AS WELL, AND THEN THE CONTRACT INCLUDED THE FIRST YEAR OF BEACON PORTAL SERVICES.
HOWEVER, THAT WAS CONTINUED TO BE PAID FOR THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROJECT UP UNTIL THE LAST YEAR OUT OF THE PROJECT PO.
IT WASN'T UNTIL LAST YEAR THAT PO WAS ACTUALLY REQUESTED FOR THOSE CHARGES AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS.
>> BASICALLY IN 2022, I WOULD ASSUME THAT WE HAD A SURVEY ON THE METERS AS FAR AS THE AMOUNT TO BE REPLACED
>> THAT'S MY ASSUMPTION AS WELL.
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 2022 AND NOW,
[02:15:04]
WHEN YOU SAY ADDITIONAL METERS, GIVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF THAT.>> THEN DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE COME IN THAT NEEDED METERS ALONG THE BEACH.
THERE WAS QUITE A FEW METERS THAT WERE FOUND THAT WERE REPLACED OR NOT, BUT FINDING ONES THAT WE INITIALLY WEREN'T FOUND WITH THE INITIAL SURVEY AND THEN, I SAID, DEVELOPMENTS HAVE COME IN AND THEY INCORPORATED THOSE INTO THE PROJECT.
>> I GUESS THE DELAY IN PAYMENT WAS MORE SO THAT WE COVERED OURSELVES AND BASICALLY SUPPORTING WHAT THEY WERE ASKING FOR?
>> WE SHOULD HAVE DONE A CHANGE ORDER TO INCORPORATE THE ADDITIONAL METERS OR WHATEVER ADDITIONAL ITEMS WERE REQUESTED AT THE TIME THEY WERE REQUESTED. THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN.
>> IT'S PREVIOUS PROJECT MANAGER OR THE PREVIOUS DIRECTOR.
>> THIS WOULD BE DATING BACK TO 2024?
>> WE'RE PRETTY MUCH WRAPPED UP ON THAT.
>> IT WAS ESSENTIALLY COMPLETE AT THAT TIME.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS MINOR THINGS CONTINUING ON.
THERE WERE A FEW SPECIFIC METERS THAT STILL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHEN THE LEAD COPPER ITEMS WERE STILL ONGOING.
THAT'S REALLY WHAT CONTINUED ON AFTER THE PROJECT WAS CONSIDERED SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE WAS QA/QC AND THE DELIVERABLE OF THAT MATERIAL.
>> YOU WOULD SAY THAT THIS IS MORE ALONG, AS FAR AS AN INTERNAL RESPONSIBILITY MORE SO THAN BADGER NOT SUBMITTING IT CORRECTLY?
>> I THINK BADGERS HAD A SMALL ROLE IN THEIR PAPERWORK AND INVOICES WERE VERY CONFUSING.
THE WAY THE PROJECT WAS MANAGED, IN GENERAL, WAS NOT VERY CLEAN AS FAR AS SCHEDULE OF VALUES AND HAVING THAT BE PART OF EVERY INVOICE.
BUT THE MAJORITY OF IT WAS AN INTERNAL ISSUE.
>> THEN ARPA, THAT'S THE FUNDING SOURCE WE'RE USING TO PAY THIS.
>> THAT WAS A GRANT AND WE'RE USING INTEREST THAT WAS EARNED ON THE GRANT DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT TO PAY THIS.
THAT'S WHAT FUNDED A BIG [OVERLAPPING].
>> THAT'S A GRANT THAT FUNDED THE WHOLE THING.
>> IS THIS ANOTHER RESERVE FUND?
>> NO, I UNDERSTAND THE GRANT, BUT WE'RE USING THE INTEREST OFF THE GRANT.
I WAS JUST WONDERING IF IT'S YOU CONSIDERED IN OUR BUDGET OF.
>> NO. IT'S THAT WHEN YOU EARN INTEREST ON A GRANT, THE MONEY HAS TO STAY IN THE GRANT FOR PURPOSES JUST LIKE THIS.
>> THE GRANT MONEY IS SITTING IN RESERVE.
>> NO THERE'S NO GRANT MONEY SITTING IN RESERVE.
>> BUT WE'VE RAISED 400,000 OF INTEREST.
>> THE EARNINGS ON THE MONEY WHILE IT WAS SAT IN THE FUND DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROJECT.
WE SPEND THE MONEY GRADUALLY THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT.
WE HAVE BEEN VERY AGGRESSIVE ON OUR INVESTMENTS, AND WE EARN INTEREST ON THOSE FUNDS.
THEY'RE ACCOUNTED FOR AS PART OF THE PROJECT AS PART OF THE GRANT, AND THEY CAN BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT.
>> AFTER THIS IS FUNDED, ARPA IS GOING TO BE ZEROED OUT.
>> PRETTY CLOSE. THAT'LL COME OUT WHEN WE CLOSE IT ALL OUT.
FINANCE WILL CLOSE IT OUT AND THERE'S ANY LEFT, AND WE'LL HAVE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE RULES WERE IN THE GRANT AS PARTIES OR RETURNING THE MONEY OR IF IT CAN BE APPLIED TO ANOTHER PROJECT.
>> THIS IS ALL AN UNDERSTANDING AND PRETTY IMPORTANT THAT.
>> UNDERSTOOD. BUT THERE'S NO THERE'S NO RESERVES INVOLVED IN THIS.
>> WE'RE PAYING FOR IT FROM INTEREST FROM THIS GRANT?
>> THAT'S HOW THESE PROJECTS WORK, TYPICALLY.
JUST LIKE THE PELCLLN BRIDGE PROJECT, WE'RE HOLDING THAT MONEY AND WE HAVE TO HOLD THAT INTEREST, AND THAT INTEREST HAS TO BE APPLIED TO THAT PROJECT.
IT'S VERY COMMON AMONGST ANY OF THESE TYPE PROJECTS.
>> IT'S GOOD TO KNOW IT'S ANOTHER FUNDING SOURCE I DIDN'T KNOW.
>> WE ALWAYS PLAN ON IT AS AS PART OF OUR INEVITABLE.
THAT CAME UP EARLIER ABOUT HOW THINGS GET MORE EXPENSIVE OVER TIME, AND THAT'S PART OF HOW THESE GRANTS AND THINGS WORK, BECAUSE THEY DO ALLOW YOU HOPEFULLY IF YOU'RE BEING AGGRESSIVE WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS TO EARN SOME INTEREST ON IT TO HELP OFFSET THOSE COSTS GOING FORWARD.
BECAUSE THERE'S DELAYS TO THE PROJECT BECAUSE OF UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES OR YOU ARE AN INTEREST ON THE MONEY AND THAT MONEY CAN BE APPLIED TO THE PROJECT.
>> JUST LIKE THIS GRANT THAT'S COMING IN FOR THE INTERMODAL, THAT'S SOMETHING WE CAN ACTUALLY GAIN INTEREST ON.
>> THOSE ARE MORE REIMBURSABLE.
>> NOT EVERY GRANT FRONTS YOU THE MONEY.
SOME GRANTS, IT'S REIMBURSABLE.
[02:20:01]
SOME GRANTS RE FRONT THE MONEY, WHICH IS WHY WE HAVE TO KEEP CASH ON HAND FOR THOSE TYPE OF THINGS.SOME WE GET THE MONEY UP FRONT.
THIS WAS WHEN WE GOT MONEY UP FRONT.
>> WELL, IT'S GOOD. THAT'S REALLY GOOD KNOWLEDGE TO HAVE.
>> AT THE END OF THIS, PLAN, IF WE HAVE EXCESS FUNDS THAT ARE THEN AS TO.
>> IT DON'T DEPEND ON THE GRANT.
I'M NOT THAT FAMILIAR WITH THE TERMS OF THE GRANT.
IT CAN EITHER BE USED ON ANOTHER APPROPRIATE.
THAT'S REALLY A TESSAY QUESTION WARNING ANYBODY ELSE BECAUSE SHE'S OUR EXPERT ON THIS, BUT TYPICALLY, WHAT WE DO IS WE CAN EITHER APPLY TO ANOTHER COMPARABLE OR APPROVABLE PROJECT WITHIN THAT GRANT.
SOMETIMES THERE'S EVEN A RETURN CLAUSE, THOUGH I RARELY SEE THAT.
>> WITH GPD, WITH OUR FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE DIFFERENT GRANTS THAT ALL CAN EARN INTEREST THAT WE CAN UTILIZE?
>> IF IT'S A FRONT LOADED GRANT, VERY FEW OF THOSE GRANTS ARE FRONT LOADED, MOST OF THOSE ARE REIMBURSED, WE FRONT THE MONEY.
>> IT'S RARE. THIS WHOLE THING WAS A WINDFALL TO US.
THE MAYOR RECALLS THIS AFTER THE WINTER STORM THAT WE GOT THIS MONEY AND SO IT WAS AN ODDITY.
I DON'T KNOW THAT WE'RE GOING TO GET A WHOLE LOT OF FRONT LOADED FEDERAL GRANTS IN THE FUTURE, IF ANY.
>> CES RESKE, DIRECTOR OF DISASTER RECOVERY GRANTS.
THIS RPA MONEY, IT CAME IN AND TWO STAUNCHESS AND HE IS ONE OF THE FEW.
>> THE OVERALL GRANT WAS AROUND 27 MILLION IN CHANGE.
WE GOT THE FIRST HALF OF THAT RIGHT OFF THE BAT AS SOON AS IT WAS APPROVED.
THIS IS ONE OF THE REALLY THE ONLY GRANTS WE GET THE MONEY UPFRONT.
SPECIFICALLY, WE HAD TO RESEARCH THIS ONE TO DETERMINE THAT WE WOULD BE ABLE TO USE THE INTEREST BECAUSE ON FMA FUNDING, YOU CAN'T AND ON CDBG, YOU CAN'T.
THERE'S VERY FEW THAT THEY LET YOU KEEP THE INTEREST FOR A PURPOSE THAT YOU CAN TIE TO THE GRANT OR, GO THROUGH.
>> WELL, THE PROBLEM IS ALL OF OUR PMAS ARE REIMBURSABLE, SO WE HAVE TO UPFRONT THE MONEY, THEN WE HAVE TO WAIT AND GO THROUGH AUDIT AND GET THE MONEY BACK.
THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THE BARREL.
THAT'S THE PROBLEM WHICH IS CLOSED OUT FINALLY, THAT'S THE PROBLEM.
>> YOU SAID SOME OF IT CAME FROM NEW DEVELOPED METERS.
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO JUST GET HOW MANY NEW DEVELOPMENT METERS WE PUT IN OVER PER YEAR FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS?
>> YES. I DON'T KNOW THAT I CAN SPECIFICALLY RELATE THEM TO NEW DEVELOPMENT, BUT I CAN TELL YOU HOW MANY WERE JUST CONNECTIONS WE'VE ADDED TO YOUR [NOISE].
>> BECAUSE A LOT OF THINGS AND.
>> NO. HE'S MOVING TO ANOTHER TOPIC.
>> ONCE YOU FINISH ALL YOUR ITEMS, BEFORE YOU LEAVE THIS,.
>> IT'S ON YOU DAVID. GO AHEAD.
>> IS IT ON YOU, YOU, DAVID? AND YOUR SHOULDERS, DAVID?
>> I'M GOING TO INCORPORATE BOTH, LET'S SEE HERE.
>> WE'VE BEEN OVER BOTH OF THOSE.
>> THIS 266245, WHICH IS BASICALLY, YOU ALL LOOKED AT THE PAST EXPENSE TO UNITED REYNOLDS, AND THIS IS THE AMOUNT YOU CAME UP FOR THIS YEAR.
>> NOW, ON TOP OF THAT, ARE WE ALSO COMMITTING $35,330 TO UNITED RENTAL AS WELL AND SO IT'S MORE 300,000?
>> THAT WOULD ACTUALLY BE PART OF THE 266.
>> 35 IS IS A RATIFICATION BECAUSE WE ARE INCURRING CHARGES AS WE SPEAK, AND WE DID NOT HAVE.
>> WE'RE NOT DOING 300, 266 IS PART OF THIS 35, IS THE REASON IT WOULDN'T JUST BE INCLUDED?
>> I THINK 35 IS PROBABLY COMING FROM THIS YEAR'S FUNDING, AM I CORRECT? IT'S CURRENT FUNDING. THEN THIS IS THE FUTURE CONTRACT AMOUNT.
THIS IS GOING TO THE EXISTING CONTRACT.
THIS IS UNDER THE FUTURE CONTRACT.
[02:25:01]
WE SPENT 300,000 INSTEAD OF.>> IT VARIES FROM YEAR TO YEAR.
>> COUNSEL ROB ASKED ME TO GET THAT INFORMATION AS FAR AS LAST YEAR'S EXPENDITURES, AND I CAN DO THAT.
>> ONE GENTLEMAN SAID WE SPENT 280.
WAS THIS INCLUDED WHEN YOU SAID THAT NUMBER.
>> IDENTIFY YOURSELF AGAIN, SIR?
>> YES. BENJAMIN LET, WATER TREATMENT COMPLIANCE MANAGER.
>> IS THE 35,000 PART OF THE 280 YOU SAID EARLIER?
THE OTHER STAFF REPORT WAS FOR GOING FORWARD THIS FISCAL YEAR WAS INCLUDED LAST YEAR WAS A DIFFERENT BUDGET AMOUNT.
WHAT'S LISTED IN THAT STAFF REPORT, JUST THIS CURRENT FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET AMOUNTS.
>> THE 35 WOULD BE PART OF THIS FISCAL YEAR.
>> YES. THIS FISCAL YEAR'S BUDGET AMOUNT.
>> IN HERE FOR RATIFICATION BECAUSE IT EXCEEDS MY EXPENDITURE?
IS THIS A SIX INCH TRASH PUMP?
>> IT'S NOT LISTED AS FAR AS THE SAMPLING OF WHAT IT RUNS A MONTH?
>> IT WAS, I THINK 4,200 A MONTH.
OR 4,200 A WEEK, SO MULTIPLY THAT OUT.
>> THIS IS RELATED TO AN ITEM THAT WE BROUGHT LAST MONTH FOR PUMP REPLACEMENT AT MAINE.
PUMP REPAIR UNTIL WE GET THOSE PUMPS BACK, WE ARE BYPASSING WITH THIS PUMP TO GET BY.
>> YOU SAID AROUND HOW MUCH A WEEK?
>> NINE GRAND A MONTH. I GAVE SOME SAMPLING OF WHAT THEY'VE COMMITTED TO AS FAR AS EQUIPMENT THAT WE CAN UTILIZE.
I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS BACK TO YOUR EXCUSE FOR WHY WE WEREN'T USING THE LINER TRUCKS.
ONE OF THE MAIN THING YOU SAID IS THAT THE GENERATORS ARE DOWN, CORRECT?
>> HERE WE ARE SPENDING AND HAVE A COMMITMENT TO UNITED REYNOLDS FOR A YEARLY BUDGET.
ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS CALL IN AND BASICALLY FROM MY TO UNDERSTAND, ORDER A 6,000 WAT GENERATOR BECAUSE I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT WE HAD THIS CONTRACT WITH UNITED REYNOLDS.
IS THERE ANY REASON WHY THAT WASN'T UTILIZED?
>> WE'VE HAD THIS DISCUSSION. WE WERE DEALING WITH THE WARRANTY ISSUE ON THE TRUCK.
>> WELL, WE DIDN'T MEAN TO YOU ON THE TRUCK.
>>I GET YOU THAT YOU TURN IN FOR THE WARRANTY OF THE GENERATOR.
BUT THE TRUCKS OPERATIONAL NOW.
WE'VE GOT ANOTHER GENERATOR IN THERE THAT'S ALL APPROVED BY THE MANUFACTURER, SO WE'RE NOT AVOIDING ANY WARRANTIES.
THIS IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF PLUGGING IN A REGULAR GENERATOR TO THESE TRUCKS.
THESE ARE VERY SOPHISTICATED PIECES OF EQUIPMENT.
IT GETS OVER SIMPLIFIED IN OUR DISCUSSIONS HERE, BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE.
IF IT WAS THAT SIMPLE, WE WOULD HAVE BOUGHT A 6,000 WATT GENERATOR.
MATTER OF FACT, WE EVEN TRIED TO DO THAT WITH SOME HELP FROM THE MANUFACTURERS BUT THE TRUCKS OPERATIONAL NOW.
WE'VE WE'VE EXPENDED ALL OF THE MATERIAL.
WE HAVE A FUNCTIONING TRUCK, AND WE THANK THE MANUFACTURER WHO I MET WITH ON SITE TO BE THERE TO SHOW US HOW EVERYTHING IS WORKING NOW, AND WE'VE KEPT THE TRUCK IN WARRANTY, AND WE HAVEN'T AVOIDED ANYTHING AND WE'RE VERY HAPPY ABOUT THAT BECAUSE WE DIDN'T WANT TO INCUR THAT EXPENDITURE.
>> IF WE COULD HAVE JUST RAN IT OR GENERATOR AND STUCK IT IN THERE WITHOUT MESSING UP THE WARRANTY DONE THAT.
>> WHAT'S THE NAME OF THAT MANUFACTURER?
>> VORTEX IS THE COMPANY THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THE MOST.
>> THEY'RE THE ONE THAT OUTFITTED THE TRUCK?
>> I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THEY OUTFITTED THIS TRUCK.
[OVERLAPPING] BECAUSE THE TRUCK.
THE [INAUDIBLE] IS ONE MANUFACTURER AND THE CAB IS ANOTHER.
>> I WAS JUST TALKING ABOUT WHOEVER BRIAN SAID YOU MET ON SITE AND TALKED TO HIM ABOUT [OVERLAPPING]
>> HIS NAME IS SHAWN, AND HE'S WITH VORTEX, AND HE WAS THERE WHILE WE WERE DOING SOME ADDITIONAL TRAINING.
>> TO MAKE SURE WE WERE DOING EVERYTHING CORRECT.
TO MAKE SURE WERE DOING EVERYTHING CORRECT.
WE DID A DEMO LINER INSULATION AT THE 30 STREET PUMP STATION.
TO GET OUR GUYS A LITTLE BIT MORE TRAINING AND USE A MATERIAL THAT WE HAD.
>> TO ALSO MAKE SURE THE TRUCK WAS GOING TO OPERATE PROPERLY.
>> CAME DOWN AND HE HELPED WALK US THROUGH ALL OF THE PROCESS.
[02:30:06]
>> I MEAN, WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM HERE AND THAT TRUCK IS WE'VE GOT A LOT OF TAXPAYERS DOLLARS IN THAT [OVERLAPPING].
>> WELL, IT WAS A LONG TIME PERIOD THAT WASN'T BEING USED.
WE'RE ON THE SAME TEAM. WE'RE TRYING TO GET TO THE SAME POINT.
BUT AFTER RESEARCHING WHAT THAT TRUCK CAN DO AND THE MONEY THAT IT CAN SAVE OUR TAXPAYERS, ESPECIALLY THE HEADACHE OF CUTTING STREETS UP, IT'S A BIG DEAL.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE IF WE'VE GOT A CONTRACT LIKE THIS WITH UNITED REYNOLDS AT THE DROP OF A HAT, WE CAN JUST LIKE THIS 12'' PUMP THAT WE CAN CALL AND GET TEMPORARY USE FROM SOMETHING WHILE WE GET SOMETHING WORKED ON.
>> IT'S JUST VERY MUCH LIKE OUR NEW VEHICLES THAT DAVID SPOKE TO YOU ABOUT EARLIER, WHEN THEY'RE UNDER WARRANTY, WE LET THE MANUFACTURER HANDLE THAT SO WE DON'T AVOID ANYTHING.
THOSE COULD GET COSTLY IF WE START TEARING INTO THINGS THAT WE SHOULDN'T.
>> DO WE STILL THEN WHEN UNDER WARRANTY? IS IT HOW THE GARAGE CHARGES FOR EACH PIECE, DO THEY PAID TO THE GARAGE CHARGES?
>> I'LL GO AHEAD AND GO THROUGH IT AGAIN.
THE GARAGE CHARGES ARE BASED ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR CHARGES.
WHAT THE SOFTWARE SPITS OUT IS WHAT THEY PROJECT THE COST TO BE PER VEHICLE.
THE SOFTWARE DOES ANALYZE VEHICLES AND TRACKS THEIR WARRANTIES AS WELL.
THAT'S FACTORED INTO THE OVERALL RATE.
IF WE HAVE A WHOLE NEW FLEET, THAT NUMBER GOES DOWN BECAUSE A LOT OF THE WORK IS WARRANTY WORK.
BUT REMEMBER, THE GARAGE CAPTURES MORE THAN JUST REPAIRS ON THE TRUCK, THE GARAGE CAPTURES FUEL LOOPS, TIRES, OTHER EXPENDABLE ITEMS THAT ARE PART OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL.
>> BUT, LIKE, IF YOU BOUGHT A TUNDRA, THAT WOULD ALL BE COVERED UNDER TOYOTA.
>> THREE YEARS OF 36,000 MILES, AND WE'RE GETTING ALL OUR MOTORS REPLACED IN THOSE RIGHT NOW.
>> WHEN THEY'RE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY.
>> WELL, DAVID, COME FORWARD, IF YOU WOULD, SIR.
>> LET ME JUST CLARIFY. WHEN THEY'RE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY, THAT WORK ORDER WORK NO CHARGE.
THE TUNDRAS RIGHT NOW HAVE TO HAVE ALL NEW ENGINES PUT INTO THEM.
THEY'RE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
THEREFORE, ONE AT A TIME THEY'RE GOING OVER THERE TO TOYOTA, THEY'RE REPLACING THE ENGINE, AND THAT'S NOT REFLECTED IN THE GARAGE CHARGES.
>> THAT IS DAVID SMITH SPEAKING. CITY GALVESTON.
>> CITY OF GALVESTON? YES. THAT'S CORRECT.
[BACKGROUND] ANYTHING ELSE, SIR? I'LL FINISH, DAVID.
>> I HAVE ONE ITEM, NOT ON THE AGENDA, BUT I LIKE CHIEF [INAUDIBLE]. COME FORWARD.
IT WAS A REQUEST THAT WAS MADE AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING RELATED TO THE FLOCK CAMERAS WHEN WE APPROVED IT FOR THE DRONES.
>> WELL, IT'S NOT ON THE AGENDA.
WE CAN'T DISCUSS THAT. I'M SORRY.
>> CHIEF, I'LL GET WITH YOU. CHIEF'S GOING TO BE AROUND FOR SOME OTHER ITEMS IF WE BREAK, IF YOU HAVE ANY.
>> I'LL GET WITH YOU ON BREAKS.
>> ANY OTHER TOPICS FOR THE AGENDA? IT IS 11:33. COUNCIL, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE A BREAK.
LET'S TAKE A BREAK FOR HOW LONG WOULD YOU LIKE, COUNCIL?
>> IT'S GOING TO BE THAT. WE WILL RECONVENE AT 11:45.
>> FORTY-FIVE. WE ARE NOW BACK IN SESSION ON OUR WORKSHOP FOR CITY COUNCIL FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23RD.
COUNCIL BEFORE WE CONTINUE ON.
WE NEED TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT LOGISTICS OF OUR MEETING HERE.
WE NEED TO BREAK FOR LUNCH AT SOME POINT.
HOPEFULLY, WE WILL GET THROUGH OUR AGENDA ITEMS SO THAT WE COULD BREAK DURING THE EXECUTIVE SESSION, COUNCIL.
WE'LL SEE HOW THAT WORKS OUT AT THAT POINT.
WE'LL MOVE FORWARD. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 3.C, PLEASE.
[3.C Legislative Update (S. Bakko - 20 min)]
>> ITEM 3.C. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.
>> WE HAVE OUR LEGISLATIVE LIAISON ON SALLY BACO.
SALLY IS GO NICE TO HAVE YOU HERE.
>> THANK YOU, SIR. HELLO EVERYONE. SALLY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THAT UPDATE, SALLY.
SALLY BACO, DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.
I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME HERE AND GIVE YOU A VERY BRIEF UPDATE.
I WILL MOVE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
NO ONE WANTS TO DWELL ON THE 89TH LEGISLATURE AND MORE THAN I DO. WE WILL GET TO IT.
I WANT TO GIVE YOU A SNAPSHOT OF THE [INAUDIBLE] KNOWN AS THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION AND SPECIAL SESSIONS.
THIS GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF THE NUMBER OF BILLS FILED, THE BILLS THAT WERE PASSED, AND THEN MY WORK INVOLVED DURING THOSE SESSIONS.
MY WEEKLY REPORTS, WITH EACH WEEKLY REPORT, YOU HAD SUMMARIES PROVIDED TO YOU DESCRIBING BILLS THAT WERE OF POTENTIAL INTEREST TO THE CITY.
[02:35:03]
BELIEVE IT OR NOT, IN TOTAL, THAT WAS 813 BILLS.I TRACKED 363 BILLS THAT MIGHT BE OF POTENTIAL INTEREST TO THE CITY.
YOUR WRAP UP REPORT IDENTIFIED 83 PASSED BILLS THAT WERE OF INTEREST TO THE CITY.
THE GOOD NEWS IS, I AM NOT GOING TO BE TALKING TO YOU ABOUT 83 BILLS.
THAT DURING THE REGULAR SESSION, WE REQUESTED, AGAIN, OUR BILL FOR THE BEACH PLAN AMENDMENT REVIEW PROCESS WITH THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE.
WE RAN INTO SOME DIFFICULTIES WITH BEACH STAKEHOLDERS ON THAT ISSUE, AND REPRESENTATIVE LEO WILSON DECIDED TO PULL THE BILL.
IT WASN'T GOING TO GET MUCH TRACTION IN THE SENATE, EITHER.
THEN WE HAD THE SPECIAL SESSIONS, FIRST AND SECOND, THE GOVERNOR IDENTIFIED ISSUES RELATED TO DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY, PRIMARILY HAVING TO DO WITH CENTRAL TEXAS FLOODING.
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF AND SPENDING LIMITS WERE OF THE UTMOST CONCERN FOR US.
THIS IS THE SLIDE THAT GIVES ME THE MOST HEARTBURN.
I TRIED TO LOOK AT BILLS BASED UPON THREE CRITERIA, THE CITY'S AGENDA ITEM PRIORITIES, FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CITY, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CITY RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY.
ON THIS PAGE, WE HAVE THE DISASTER RELIEF RATE.
THIS IS THE BILL THAT REPEALED OUR NATURAL DISASTER EXCEPTION AND REPLACED IT WITH A SO CALLED DISASTER RELIEF COST RATE THAT IS GOING TO BE INVOLVED IN CALCULATING YOUR VOTER APPROVAL RATE FOLLOWING A PRESIDENTIALLY DECLARED DISASTER.
GREATER DETAIL OF THIS BILL IS DESCRIBED IN YOUR WRAP UP REPORT ON PAGE 1.
THE THING THAT CONCERNS ME ABOUT THIS JUST VERY BRIEFLY.
I AM TAKING A LITTLE TIME WITH THIS ONE.
THE NATURAL DISASTER EXCEPTION THAT WE HAD PREVIOUSLY ALLOWED US THE OPPORTUNITY TO GROW OUT OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE PLUMMETED PROPERTY TAX VALUES AND THE PLUMMETED SALES TAX REVENUES.
ALL WE HAVE HERE IS A DISASTER RELIEF RATE THAT WILL ALLOW US TO CALCULATE SUFFICIENT REVENUES TO MATCH FIMA COST CATEGORY A AND B, THAT'S TYPICALLY DEBRIS REMOVAL, AND THE ITEMS THAT YOU HAVE LISTED THERE.
THAT'S IT. ANYTHING ELSE ABOVE THAT, WE HAVE TO GO TO THE VOTERS.
FROM OUR EXPERIENCE WITH IC, AND THAT'S WHY SENATOR TAYLOR WAS SO EXTREMELY INSTRUMENTAL IN HELPING US WITH THAT EXCEPTION.
WHEN WE FOLLOWING IC, IT TOOK US FIVE YEARS TO RECOVER THOSE PROPERTY VALUES.
IT TOOK US FIVE YEARS TO RECOVER THOSE SALES TAX REVENUES.
DISASTER RECOVERY IS GOING TO BE A BIG ISSUE NEXT SESSION, AND WE'RE GOING TO WATCH THAT CLOSELY.
THE NEXT ITEM, JUST REAL QUICK, GULF COAST PROTECTION ACCOUNT.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS FOR GALVESTON.
THIS IS AN ACCOUNT DEDICATED TO THE COASTAL TEXAS PROJECT, AND THE NON-FEDERAL MATCH REQUIRED WITH THAT.
INVOLVED IN THAT COASTAL TEXAS PROJECT ARE OUR WEST END.
>> YES. OUR BEACH AND DUNE SYSTEM.
WHAT IS GOOD NEWS ABOUT THIS IS THE STATE THUS FAR HAS BEEN INVESTING THE NON-FEDERAL SHARE FOR THE SABINE GALVESTON PROJECT, AS WELL AS FUNDING THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT AND OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN NON- FEDERAL SHARE.
WE HAVE GALVESTON BENEFITING SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THIS PROJECT AND THE GULF COAST PROTECTION DISTRICT AND THE STATE PAYING FOR THE NON- FEDERAL SHARE.
RIGHT NOW, THE ACCOUNTS NOT FUNDED, BUT WE'RE GOING TO BE WORKING VERY HARD TO MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS.
WE HAD TWO BILLS WITH TRIO OCR THAT'S GOING TO HELP REDUCE PREMIUMS SOMEWHAT.
ONE IS ELIMINATING THE PREMIUM TAX AND MAINTENANCE TAX.
NOW, WE HAD RESTRUCTURE ON OUR AGENDA.
THIS IS NOT EXACTLY WHAT WE HAD ADVOCATED FOR IN OUR AGENDA.
WHAT THIS DOES, HOWEVER, IS ESTABLISHES A ROLE FOR THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO STEP IN AND HELP REDUCE DEBT COSTS AFTER A DISASTER.
FOR ME, I REALLY LIKE THE IDEA OF WE NOW
[02:40:02]
HAVE THE STATES LEGISLATURE SITTING AT THE TABLE WITH FUNDING.WE ALSO HAVE CODIFIED THROUGH 3595.
>> LET ME MAKE ONE STATEMENT ON JUST 3689.
BECAUSE I WAS TALKING TO MAYS ON SATURDAY BEFORE WIKI POA.
HE HAD JUST HEARD FROM THE STATE AND HE SAID, ON THE REASSURANCE PIECE, IT HAS ALREADY SAVED 250 MILLION IN COST.
>> SENATOR MIDDLETON CERTAINLY PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS BILL ALONG WITH CHAIRMAN TODD HUNTER.
THIS IS A DEFINITE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
WE HAD SOME MOVEMENT TAKE PLACE ON CODIFYING REQUIREMENTS FOR ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND HOW THEY ADDRESS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND CONTINGENCY OPERATION PLANS.
INCLUDING POWER OUTAGES AND ENSURING THAT THEIR RESIDENTS ARE IN TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS DURING THOSE POWER OUTAGES.
I WAS TELLING MEMBER LEWIS, THE HIGH POINT, THE SHINING MOMENT OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR ME WAS JUNETEENTH.
THE BILL THAT YOU DISCUSSED EARLIER THIS MORNING.
FINANCE. YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THIS ON YOUR BALLOT.
NOW DURING EARLY VOTING AND ON NOVEMBER BUSINESS PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION, IT WILL BE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY TO 125,000.
I PUT THIS ON BECAUSE IT HAS OBVIOUSLY SOME FISCAL IMPLICATIONS.
WE HAVE A NEW DEBT RATE OR DEBT SERVICE CALCULATION REQUIREMENT WHERE YOUR CURRENT DEBT SERVICE IS GOING TO BE DEFINED AS THE MINIMUM DOLLAR AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BE EXPENDED FOR DEBT SERVICE IN THAT CURRENT YEAR.
MANY CITIES ARE CONCERNED THAT THIS DISCOURAGES ADVANCE PAYMENT OF DEBT TO REDUCE AND ELIMINATE THAT DEBT FASTER.
WE HAVE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS NOW SET UP WITH THE BOND REVIEW BOARD AND THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE ON HISTORICAL AND CURRENT TAXES AND DEBT ISSUANCE.
THE COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE JUST SENT OUT GUIDANCE EARLIER THIS MONTH ON THAT.
THIS IS A FISCAL IMPACT ON 924 CABLE OR VIDEO SERVICES.
THE DEFINITION IS NOW ELIMINATED STREAMING FROM THE DEFINITION OF CABLE OR VIDEO SERVICE FOR FRANCHISE FEE PURPOSES.
WE JOINED 19 OTHER CITIES IN TRYING TO FIGHT THIS ONE.
IT IS PROBABLY ABOUT A $669,000 HIT POTENTIALLY FOR GALVESTON.
THEN THE ANNUAL AUDITS, THIS WAS CONCERNING BECAUSE I DON'T THINK WE'VE EVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THIS, BUT NOW IT HAS SOME TEETH TO IT WITH THE AG BEING ABLE TO POTENTIALLY IMPOSE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE IF WE ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE.
THREE ISSUES THAT ARE COMING BACK.
BIG TIME, LOWERING VOTER APPROVAL RATE.
THERE ARE TWO BILLS DURING THE SPECIAL SESSION THAT GAVE ME GREAT ANGST.
ONE WAS REDUCING THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE TO 2.5.
WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT CHAIRMAN BETTENCOURT FILED HIS BILL AND ADVANCED HIS BILL WITH A POPULATION THRESHOLD, AND WE FELL UNDER THAT, SO IT DIDN'T AFFECT US.
I DO HAVE TO GIVE SOME APPRECIATION TO CHAIRMAN BETTENCOURT.
HE DID WORK WITH US ON THE NATURAL DISASTER OR DISASTER RATE BILL.
HE COULD HAVE EASILY JUST SIMPLY REPEALED OUR NATURAL DISASTER EXCEPTION, BUT HE DID WORK WITH US IN HAVING SOMETHING.
>> NOW, YOU HAD THAT PLUS, YOU HAD A BILL FILED LATE IN THE SECOND SPECIAL THAT WAS BY REPRESENTATIVE JEFF BERRY.
IT DIDN'T GO ANYWHERE, BUT IT WOULD HAVE GIVEN CITIES THE OPTION OF AN ADDITIONAL 1% SALES TAX WITH VOTER APPROVAL, BUT IT HAD TO BE USED FOR BUYING DOWN YOUR PROPERTY TAX.
[02:45:02]
THAT SHIFTS THINGS TO A HAVING THE TOURISTS PAY FOR SOME OF OUR BURDENS.I WANT US TO WORK WITH REPRESENTATIVE BERRY ON THAT.
HOPEFULLY, HE'LL BRING THAT UP AGAIN.
I DON'T KNOW HOW SUCCESSFUL IT WILL BE, BUT I THINK GALVESTON HAS A VERY COMPELLING CASE TO MAKE BECAUSE WE ARE SO UNIQUE.
WE AND MARTHA AND THESE OTHER SMALL CITIES THAT THAT SHARE THESE SAME TOURISM.
>> I GOT TO KNOW HIM DURING [INAUDIBLE] MEETING, AND HE'S A REALLY NICE GUY.
>> I SPOKE TO HIM BRIEFLY AS WELL.
HE MENTIONED THIS, AND HE ALSO MENTIONED THERE'S GOING TO BE A LOT MORE WE ARE COMING BACK.
[OVERLAPPING] EXPENDITURE CAPS.
THIS IS THE ONE THAT SCARES ME.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE CECIL BELL, FILE A BILL.
WE HAD A REPRESENTATIVE TEPPER, ALSO FILE A BILL.
SORRY, I WAS LOOKING FOR, ISN'T IT FULL NAME.
REPRESENTATIVE TEPPER FROM THE LUBBOCK AREA.
THEY WOULD LIMIT OUR EXPENDITURES TO POPULATION GROWTH AND CPI, BASICALLY.
WE'RE NOT OUT THERE BUYING GROCERIES AND HOUSEHOLD GOODS AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
CPI IS A BAD INDICATOR OF INFLATION FOR CITIES.
WE'RE MAINTAINING STREETS THAT TYPE OF THING.
I MADE THE CASE THAT WE ARE A CITY OF 53,000 PEOPLE, BUT OUR BURDEN IS TO KEEP NINE MILLION TOURISTS A YEAR SAFE, AND AT ANY POINT IN TIME, WE CAN HAVE 300,000 PEOPLE ON THIS ISLAND.
>> OUR POPULATION HAS CHANGED FOR [OVERLAPPING].
>> OUR POPULATION GROWTH BARELY ADJUSTS BY 1%.
I SAID, MY TWO GREATEST FEARS, GALVESTON HAS HIT NOT JUST BY ONE MAJOR STORM, BY MULTIPLE MAJOR STORMS DURING A HURRICANE SEASON, LIKE LOUISIANA WAS IN 2020.
MY SECOND MAJOR FEAR IS WE ARE VULNERABLE TO A MASS CASUALTY EVENT LIKE NEW ORLEANS AND OTHER CITIES BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF TOURISTS THAT WE HAVE, AND WE ARE SUCH A SMALL CITY.
THIS IS A BILL THAT I AM GOING TO BE WATCHING VERY CLOSELY.
IT IS COMING BACK, I THINK, BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE FILING THE BILL.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE IS ON IT, BUT I EXPECT HE WOULD PROBABLY BE SUPPORTIVE.
THE SENATE'S NOT SO CRAZY ABOUT IT, SO THAT'S A LUXURY, BUT IT IS A CONCERN, AND I KNOW I'M TALKING TOO MUCH, BUT THIS IS THE PAGE, IT'S THE FINANCE ISSUES THAT REALLY CONCERN ME.
THE DEBT LIMITATIONS, THAT HAS TO DO WITH GOING BACK AND REDEFINING CERTIFICATES AND COS AND ANTICIPATION NOTES AND VOTER APPROVAL.
OF COURSE, THAT REALLY MESSES WITH OUR EMERGENCY FINANCE.
THIS IS THE NEXT ONE, HOUSING AFFORDABILITY, THAT WAS A HUGE ISSUE FOR THIS LEGISLATURE.
IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A HUGE ISSUE FOR THIS LEGISLATURE.
YOU REMEMBER HEARING ABOUT HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION ISSUE, THAT BILL PASSED REALLY EASILY AND QUITE SUCCESSFULLY.
WE WEREN'T AS IMPACTED AS OTHERS, BUT IT DOES SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
HB 24, WE HAD SOME ZONING CHANGE PROCEDURE ISSUES.
IT PROVIDES FOR A NEW DEFINITION OF PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CHANGE, AND THEN SETS FORTH SOME PROCEDURES.
IT'S INTENDED TO MAKE SURE THAT ZONING CHALLENGES AREN'T IMPEDING RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
GETS BACK TO THAT HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ISSUE.
THE MANUFACTURED HOUSING BILL.
THIS IS MORE OR LESS LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD FOR MANUFACTURED HOUSING DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS.
I DIDN'T GET A WHOLE LOT OF FEEDBACK FROM CITY STAFF ON THIS.
THE ONLY THING I WANTED TO RAISE TO YOUR ATTENTION BECAUSE OF
[02:50:05]
OUR CONSTANT CONCERNS FOR NFIP CRS STANDARDS, AND ALSO THE FACT THAT IT DOES PROVIDE EXCEPTIONS FOR OUR HISTORIC DISTRICTS.BUT IT TOUCHES UPON WHEN THE CITY CAN ISSUE SPECIAL PERMITS AND CONDITIONS WHEN THEY CANNOT PROHIBIT SUCH SPECIAL USE PERMITS.
>> CAN I ASK A QUESTION ON THAT?
>> MANUFACTURED, WOULD THAT COUNT AS AN RV, TOO?
>> NOT REALLY. NOT SOMETHING THAT'S SO PORTABLE.
MANUFACTURING HOMES HAVE TAKEN ON A WHOLE NEW THAT USED TO BASICALLY REFER TO MOBILE HOMES.
BUT NOW THERE'S MANUFACTURED HOMES THAT ARE ACTUALLY KIT HOMES AND THINGS LIKE THAT.
IT'S A MUCH BROADER DEFINITION NOW.
SOME OF THEM ARE SURPRISINGLY UNDETECTABLE AS MANUFACTURED HOMES.
>> WELL, THEY GOT THREE D PRINTED HOMES NOW.
>> THAT'S RIGHT. SHORT-TERM RENTALS, OBVIOUSLY GOING TO COME BACK BIG TIME AGAIN.
WE WERE MANAGED TO FIGHT OFF THE BILL IN THE HOUSE.
IT DID MAKE IT OUT OF COMMITTEE, BUT IT DIED IN THE CALENDAR'S COMMITTEE.
THAT'S THE BILL THAT WOULD HAVE PREEMPTED US FROM REGULATING THE PLATFORMS. THIRD PARTY REVIEWS.
WE'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS ONE FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF SESSIONS.
THIRD PARTY REVIEW NOW IS CITIES MAY ALLOW FOR THIRD PARTY REVIEW, AND CURRENT STATUTE SETS FORTH CONDITIONS ABOUT HOW THAT THIRD PARTY REVIEW PROCESS SHOULD WORK.
THERE'S BEEN MOVEMENT TO MAKE IT MANDATORY THIRD PARTY REVIEWS.
THIS IS BASICALLY FOR THE CITIES THAT HAVE THE LARGEST CITIES THAT HAVE THE HIGHEST AMOUNT OF GROWTH, AND THEY HAVE THESE PERMITTING PROCESSES THAT ARE GUMMED UP IN THE WORKS FOR LITERALLY MONTHS AND MONTHS AND MONTHS.
THAT'S WHAT'S GOT THE LEGISLATORS ALL WORKED UP, AND QUITE FRANKLY, THE BUILDERS AND THE DEVELOPERS.
OUR CONCERN OBVIOUSLY IS WE DON'T NECESSARILY CONTROL OUR REVIEW PROCESS WHEN YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHAT WE HAVE TO DO WITH REGARDS TO GOING THROUGH THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE AND OUR BEACH CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE REVIEWS.
ALSO THE ITEMS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO GALVESTON, OUR HISTORIC STRUCTURES AND OUR CRS REQUIREMENTS AND OUR WIND LOAD REQUIREMENTS.
I HAVE BUILT A PRETTY GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH CHAIRMAN CODY HARRIS' OFFICE, HIS CHIEF OF STAFF.
THEY WERE VERY SYMPATHETIC TO GALVESTON'S VIEWS ON THIS.
WE DID HAVE A BILL THAT PASSED AND WAS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE POPULATION THRESHOLD THOUGH DOES NOT IMPACT US.
BUT ANYTIME YOU GET A POPULATION THRESHOLD IN STATUTE, THAT CAN CHANGE.
I JUST GOING TO BE WATCHING THAT CLOSELY.
AS WELL AS BUILDING MATERIALS.
BUILDING MATERIALS IS A HUGE FRUSTRATION.
EVEN THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUILDERS HAS SAID TO ME, "WE TOTALLY AGREE." OF COURSE, WE WANT TO BUILD TO WIND LOAD STANDARDS AND NFIP STANDARDS AND I'M LIKE, "WELL, THEN WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE THESE BILLS FILED?" [LAUGHTER]
>> SALLY, WHAT'S THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE BILL OR WAS IT THE MINIMUM LOT SIZE?
>> ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED FEET.
>> I THINK THAT'S ABOUT THE LOT SIZE OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOUSE IN HOUSTON.
>> THAT WAS THE WHOLE BLANKET CITY, SO IT WOULD BE HORRIBLE.
>> THAT'S ABOUT THE THIRD, THE SIZE OF A NORMAL LOT IN THIS EASTERN AREA.
>> IT'S A HUGE ISSUE. PARDON ME, MAYOR.
I WAS JUST TRYING TO QUICKLY LOOK, BUT IF ANYONE WOULD KNOW, IT WOULD BE TIM.
IT'S A HUGE ISSUE. IT WILL COME BACK BECAUSE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY.
[LAUGHTER] I'M GOING TO PICK UP THE PACE NOW.
I'VE DONE MY MOST SERIOUS BETTING. DID WE?
>> THIS WAS THE OMINOUS BILL ON UVALDE STRONG ACT.
IT'S A RESULT OF THE TRAGEDY IN UVALDE, BUT IT DOES HAVE SOME VERY COMPREHENSIVE CHANGES THAT YOU SEE LISTED UP THERE.
[02:55:03]
A COUPLE OF OTHER ITEMS, CANCER SCREENINGS AND DISEASE PRESUMPTION, THE CANCER SCREENINGS AFFECT FIREFIGHTERS.DURING THEIR FIFTH YEAR OF SERVICE AND SUBSEQUENTLY AFTER.
DISEASE PRESUMPTION IS BASICALLY STATING THAT IF A FIREFIGHTER, POLICE OFFICER OR EMS SUFFERS A CONDITION THAT RESULTS IN STROKE OR DEATH, IT'S PRESUMED THAT IT WAS A RESULT OF AND ENDURING THE SCOPE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT.
YOU HAVE CRITICAL ILLNESS SUPPLEMENTAL INCOME BENEFIT THAT GIVES YOU AN INDICATION OF WHAT POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS ARE PAID.
>> THIS PLAYS IN HEAVILY INTO THE RISING COST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
THESE ARE NOT BAD THINGS, BUT THEY DO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS, THAT'S WHY IT'S MORE THAN JUST WAGES THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT WITH THE INCREASING COST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
IT'S THEIR EQUIPMENT, IT'S THEIR BENEFITS.
IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE BUSINESS TO BE IN.
IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE DO IT RIGHT.
>> I GOT A QUESTION BEFORE YOU MOVE ON.
IN PARTICULAR, THE UVALDE STRONG ACT AND ANY OF THE OTHER ONES, ARE THESE SIMPLY MANDATES, OR DO THEY COME WITH SOME FUNDING THAT WE'RE GOING TO USE?
>> [OVERLAPPING] [LAUGHTER] NO, THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS IN IT, AND YOU GET A VERY DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE UVALDE ACT AND YOUR WRAP UP REPORT.
THE REASON WHY I'M POINTING YOU TO THAT IS IT'S A VERY LENGTHY BILL.
IT'S A VERY DETAILED SUMMARY, AND BRIAN IS LOOKING AT ME.
>> [LAUGHTER] I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU THERE ARE MANDATES IN THERE.
THERE ARE REQUIREMENTS IN THERE.
DUE TO TMLS EFFORTS, THOUGH, THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING NEW GRANT PROGRAMS CREATED TO HELP OFFSET SOME OF THESE COSTS.
WHICH, BY VIRTUE OF THAT, THEY'RE COMPETITIVE.
NEXT SLIDE. COUPLE OF NEW TRAINING.
WE HAVE CYBERSECURITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
THE BIG CHANGE HERE IS IT AFFECTS ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS, INCLUDING APPOINTED OFFICIALS.
LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR TRAINING IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
[LAUGHTER] WE ALSO HAVE CODE ENFORCEMENT.
I THOUGHT THIS MIGHT BE OF INTEREST.
WE HAVE A REQUIREMENT NOW THAT THEY MUST BE LICENSED CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
IF NOT, THEN CITIES NEED TO TASK THEIR POLICE OFFICERS, FIRE MARSHALS WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT DUTIES.
THERE IS A VERY LENGTHY SUMMARY ON PAGE 16 OF YOUR WRAP UP REPORT THAT DETAILS BALLOT PROPOSITIONS AND PETITIONS.
THE BILL ITSELF GOES INTO EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1 OF THIS YEAR.
BUT THE PETITIONS, IT'LL BE ANY PETITIONS AFTER JANUARY 1ST, 2026.
COMPETITIVE BIDDING IS NOW UP TO $100,000.
THAT THRESHOLD HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 50 THUS TO 100,000.
THAT WAS EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1.
>> I KNOW THAT CAUSED SOME ANGST WITH CITY STAFF, AND I'M SORRY WE WEREN'T SUCCESSFUL IN DOING ANYTHING, BUT THE NEXT TWO BILLS DEAL WITH HOW THIRD PARTY REVIEW WILL OCCUR WITH HOME-BACKUP POWER INSTALLATION, AND 1252 SPEAKS TO A SIMILAR ISSUE WHERE THE CITY IS PREVENTED FROM REGULATING INSTALLATION OR INSPECTION.
>> THE BIGGEST ISSUE WITH THAT WITH US, JUST NOT TO SLOW SALLY DOWN, IS JUST THAT IS THAT WE HAVE THERE'S A MAJOR CONFLICT IN THIS WITH THE FLOODPLAIN REGULATION.
THE BIGGEST ISSUE WE'VE HAD WITH THESE IS THAT YOU HAVE TO ELEVATE BECAUSE THE GENERATOR IS PART OF THE INSURED PACKAGE OF THE HOUSE, YOU HAVE TO ELEVATE IT.
THAT'S THE MAIN THING THAT WE INSPECT TO IS THAT ELEVATION ISSUE.
NOT THAT WE ARE TRYING TO BE TARGETING GENERATOR BACKUP ISSUES.
THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS I THINK THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE A TRUE UP IN A FUTURE SESSION WITH THE FLOODPLAIN REGULATIONS.
>> I KNOW WHERE THAT'S HEADING IS MICHAEL DEL'S SON IS PUTTING TOGETHER BASE OUT OF AUSTIN,
[03:00:02]
AND WE'RE DOING AWAY WITH GENERATORS, THAT'S GOING TO BE A THING OF THE PAST.IT'S ALL BATTERIES THAT HE'S PUTTING TOGETHER.
>> THAT GETS TO OUR NEXT, WELL, NOT OUR NEXT TOPIC.
THAT'S RIGHT. WATER. [LAUGHTER]
>> I WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU WERE AWARE OF THIS.
IT'S GOING TO BE ON YOUR BALLOT, AND RIGHT NOW THAT IS DEDICATING $1 BILLION A YEAR FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS TO THE TEXAS WATER FUND.
FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND IS GOING TO BE ABLE TO TAP INTO THAT OPPORTUNITY AS WELL.
YOU CAN SEE THAT THEY PUT IMMEDIATE INVESTMENT THROUGH THE APPROPRIATION FROM HB 500.
THIS IS WHERE ALL THE MONEY'S GOING FOR WATER, FOR FLOOD. THIS IS IT.
TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD ALLOCATES THAT MONEY THROUGH INTENDED USE PLANS, AND THOSE INTENDED USE PLANS DRAW UPON YOUR STATE FLOOD PLAN AND YOUR STATE WATER PLAN.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE YOUR PROJECTS LISTED IN THOSE PLANS, YOU'RE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE MONEY, AND THAT IS WHY I WANTED TO MAKE SURE BECAUSE THIS ALSO INCLUDES AGED WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, IMPROVING AND REPAIR.
>> ALSO KEEP IN MIND DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE, YOUR RAIN PATTERNS HAVE CHANGED MORE TO FESTER FAMINE TYPE RAIN PATTERNS.
WHAT HAPPENS IS OUR SYSTEMS AREN'T ABLE TO CAPTURE WHEN WE DO GET THE FEAST, WE'RE NOT ABLE TO CAPTURE IT ALL AND RETAIN IT, SO THAT'S GOING TO BE A BIG PART OF THIS.
SPEAKING WITH GULF COAST WATER AUTHORITY AND OTHERS IN PRIME EXAMPLE, WE STARTED THE SUMMER SEASON WITH MORE WATER THAN WE KNEW WHAT TO DO WITH, AND ABSENT MY WIFE PLANNING AN OUTDOOR PARTY THIS WEEKEND, WHICH WE WAS GOING TO BRING MANY INCHES OF RAIN.
WE'VE HIT ALMOST DROUGHT CONDITIONS.
IT GOES QUICK GUYS, GOES QUICK.
>> CHAIRMAN PERRY IN THE SENATE.
THIS IS NEAR AND DEAR TO HIS HEART.
HE IS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE.
THIS IS A CRISIS AS FAR AS HE'S CONCERNED.
>> THIS IS RIGHT UP THERE WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO THROW TORTILLAS ON THE FIELDS.
>> NEXT SLIDE. OPEN GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT, OPEN MEETINGS ACT, JUST SOME QUICK ONES.
WE HAVE BILLS WHERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IS GOING TO BE ENTERING A STRONGER ROLE.
THE MEETING ACT OFFENSES, WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT HAS IDENTIFIED PROBABLE OPEN MEETINGS ACT VIOLATIONS.
IT MUST BE FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE CAN REQUEST ALL NON PUBLIC INFORMATION RELATED TO THE INVESTIGATION.
I'M SKIPPING A LITTLE BIT BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE PENALTIES ARE INVOLVED.
IF YOU MISS THE DEADLINES IN 4219 OF STRENGTHENING THE 10 DAY DEADLINE, FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU MISS THAT, A RESIDENT CAN FILE A COMPLAINT AND THE AG CAN IMPOSE, GO TO YOUR NEW REVENUE RATE IS A POTENTIAL PENALTY FOR THAT FOR FAILING TO COMPLY?
>> YES, THEY ARE PUTTING SOME TEETH INTO THESE.
AGAIN, I KNOW I'M GLOSSING OVER THIS SHAMELESSLY, BUT THE DETAILED SUMMARIES OF THESE BILLS ARE ON PAGE 14 AND 15 OF YOUR WRAP UP REPORT.
>> THIS OBVIOUSLY APPLIES TO CITY AND APPOINTED BOARDS.
>> KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU TYPICALLY DELAYS IN PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS, GO TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO ASK FOR, ESPECIALLY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT CASES, THE CHIEF WILL SEND THEM UP TO ASK FOR AG.
I DON'T THINK THE AG IS CAN BE ACTING IN A VACUUM ON THIS, BECAUSE THEY GET TO APPROVE ANY EXTENSIONS AND THINGS ANYWAY OR ANY CLOSING OF IT, WHILE IT SOUNDS PRETTY OMINOUS, AT LEAST FOR CITIES LIKE US THAT UTILIZE THE SYSTEM CORRECTLY, I DON'T THINK IT'S NECESSARY.
>> THERE IS CAREFUL REVIEW OF THESE NEW BILLS NECESSARY THOUGH, BECAUSE IT DOES FINE TUNE THE TIME FRAME.
THOSE EXTENSION REQUESTS, AND SO IT'S ONE OF THOSE INSTANCES TIMING IS EVERYTHING.
>> ONE THING I DO WANT TO POINT OUT TO YOU, A LOT OF THESE BILLS, WHILE THEY HAVE VERY GOOD INTENTIONS,
[03:05:02]
CAUSE ADDITIONAL EXPENSES TO THE CITIES, AND THEY ARE IN DIRECT CONFLICT TO THE OTHER FLIP SIDE OF IT, WHICH IS WANTING US TO REDUCE OUR COST TO THE CITIZENS, SO IT'S NICE THAT WE WANT TO DO THAT, BUT IT'S ALSO YOU CAN'T KEEP ADDING COST TO ME OVER HERE.>> WHEN THESE ARE GOING? ARE THESE IN EFFECT NOW OR ARE THEY GOING TO [OVERLAPPING]?
>> YES, 4214 WENT INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY, BUT THAT'S JUST DATABASE REPORTING.
THE REST OF THEM WENT INTO EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1.
I JUST WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION, IT IS WHAT USED TO BE REFERRED TO AS THE BATHROOM BILL.
IT IS REQUIRING THAT PEOPLE UTILIZE RESTROOMS IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACCORDING TO THEIR BIRTH SEX, AND THAT IF NOT PROPERLY ENFORCED BY THE CITY'S, CIVIL PENALTIES UP TO $125,000 CAN BE IMPOSED.
RESIDENTS CAN FILE COMPLAINTS.
THE CITY HAS THREE DAYS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT CORRECTED, THE RESIDENT CAN SUBMIT A COMPLAINT TO THE AG AND THE AG MUST INVESTIGATE, SO I JUST WANTED TO MAKE THIS ONE.
>> SALLY YOU ARE SAYING ANY BATHROOM OR IS IT JUST ON PUBLIC?
>> RIGHT NOW, IT'S WRITTEN TO JUST PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
>> ONE OTHER THING I WANTED TO TELL YOU.
OBVIOUSLY, WE HAVE A GENERAL INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE THAT'S ALREADY BEEN APPOINTED BY THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, THAT'S GOING TO BE FOCUSING ON THE CENTRAL TEXAS FLOODING ISSUE BECAUSE THE OMNIBUS FLOODING BILL THAT THEY HAD BEEN WORKING ON DURING SPECIAL SESSION DID NOT PASS.
THAT MAYBE TAKEN UP SOMEWHAT IN THIS, BUT I'M WATCHING IT CLOSELY.
NOVEMBER 16TH, THIS IS A BIG ONE IS WHEN THE FEMA REVIEW COUNCIL REPORT COMES OUT.
THIS IS A BIG ONE BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE A BILL IN THE US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
YOU'LL SEE THAT IN YOUR PACKET BECAUSE IT IS MY WEEKLY REPORT, SEPTEMBER 5 THAT GIVES YOU A QUICK SUMMARY OF THAT BILL, FEMA REFORM BILL.
THE REASON WHY I RAISE IT IS IT HAS 32 CO-SPONSORS NOW, 19 OF WHICH ARE REPUBLICAN, 13 ARE DEMOCRAT.
ONE OF THOSE CO-SPONSORS IS THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, SO YOU'VE GOT THE AUTHORIZING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WHO IS THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL AND HAS SUCCESSFULLY REPORTED IT AND YOU HAVE THE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR WHO IS ONE OF THE CO-SPONSORS.
ALL OF THIS IS GOING TO COME DOWN TO, HOWEVER, WHAT THE ADMINISTRATION WANTS.
THAT IS WHY THE FEMA REVIEW COUNCIL REPORT IS GOING TO BE CRITICAL IN LOOKING AT WHAT DIRECTION THEY GO WITH REGARDS TO FEMA AND ITS ROLE AND WHAT RESOURCES ARE GOING TO BE BEFORE IT.
>> IF I COULD ADD, THIS LAST SESSION WAS BRUTAL.
WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT SALLY?
>> YOU CANNOT THANK HER ENOUGH FOR HER WORK [APPLAUSE].
>> THERE IS A LOT OF THINGS YOU GIVE THANKS FOR IN LIFE AND SALLY WAS CERTAINLY ONE OF THEM THIS YEAR.
>> I APPRECIATE. AS ALWAYS, I URGE YOU IF THERE ARE THINGS WHERE YOU FEEL THAT MY REPORTING OR WHATEVER I'M DOING COULD BE IMPROVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW BECAUSE THAT'S IMPORTANT.
>> SUCH A GOOD JOB. APPRECIATE IT.
[3.D Update and discuss South Shore Pump Station (Porretto/Rawlins - 15 min)]
>> ITEM 3D. UPDATE AND DISCUSS SOUTH SHORE PUMPING STATION.
>> ON THE 15TH, WE HAD THE SOUTH SHORE OPEN HOUSE, AND MY RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBORS WERE EXTREMELY UPSET THAT WE DIDN'T HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION OF THE OPEN HOUSE.
THERE'S STILL SOME UNANSWERED QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE REGARDING THE GRANT CONTRACT AND THE CONTRACT AMENDMENT THAT WE HAVE.
I MEAN, WE CAN JUST KICK THIS OFF, BUT I'M CONCERNED AND APPALLED THAT WE DID NOT HAVE A PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION WHEN WE HAD THE STEWART BEACH OPEN HOUSE, AND THERE WAS PUBLIC COMMENT, AND THEN THE STR I THOUGHT WAS VERY ENGAGING WITH THE PUBLIC, THIS DID NOT.
THE REVIEWS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED FROM MY CONSTITUENTS WERE NOT GLOWING TO SAY
[03:10:03]
THE LEAST ABOUT THE COMMUNICATION THAT THEY GOT FROM CITY STAFF, AND THAT AGAIN, WE HAD NO PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION, SO PEOPLE COULD ASK IN AN OPEN FORUM HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO TAKE? WHAT PATH? OBVIOUSLY, THE FACT THAT WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN ONE EASEMENT DONE.WHAT DOES THAT DO WITH THE TIMELINE? I THINK THERE'S A BIT OF AN APOLOGY OWED TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE AREA BECAUSE WE'RE TALKING ABOUT CLOSING DOWN A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF STREET FOR QUITE SOME TIME FOR 24-30 MONTHS IS THE TIMELINE THAT I'M AWARE OF.
I JUST WOULD LIKE TO GET STARTED AND ASK SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT WHY WE'RE NOT WORRIED THAT THE GLO IS GOING TO RESCIND THE CDBG MITIGATION FUNDING.
WHEN WE WERE HERE IN DECEMBER, COUNCILMAN BINKLEY ASKED THE QUESTIONS, AND I BELIEVE WE WERE ON THE SAME PAGE THAT WE WEREN'T ALLOWED TO GET A EXTENSION FROM THE GLO BECAUSE OF THE HARD REQUIREMENTS UNDER CDBG.
WE ALL ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THOSE FUNDS WERE AT RISK, AND IF WE'RE HOLDING UP THE PROJECT BECAUSE OF DELAYS IN AN EASEMENT, AND WE'RE GOING TO PURSUE EMINENT DOMAIN ON THAT EASEMENT WHICH TAKES PROBABLY 18 MONTHS AT BEST.
I'M REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE TIMELINE.
>> FIRST OF ALL, BRANDON, COULD YOU COME TO THE TABLE TESSA, HAVE A SEAT, WOULD YOU PLEASE? ROB, CAN YOU COME UP HERE.
>> MOVE THE CHAIR UP, ROB SO THAT WE CAN GET INPUT FROM ALL OF YOU.
COUNCIL MAPREDA HAS A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS.
LET'S START THROUGH THE QUESTIONS.
THE FIRST ONE ABOUT THE PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION AT THE MEETING.
>> WE HAD TWO OF THESE BACK TO BACK BEFORE THIS.
WE ACTUALLY HAD COMMENT FROM THE PARK BOARD ROOM WHERE PEOPLE GOT UP AND LEFT, BECAUSE THE PUBLIC COMMENTS WERE, THEY SAID THEY WEREN'T GOING TO SIT AND LISTEN THROUGH ALL THAT.
WE HAD SUCH GREAT SUCCESS WITH BSTR DEAL WHERE WE HAD SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS POSITIONED AROUND THE ROOM TO SPECIFICALLY ANSWER ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS.
WE THOUGHT BECAUSE THIS WAS NOT A PUBLIC HEARING, THIS WAS JUST AN INFORMATIONAL QUESTION AND ANSWER TYPE THING THAT WE HAD ALL OF OUR SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS THERE AND AVAILABLE TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
I APOLOGIZE IF THAT WASN'T WHAT THE RESIDENTS WERE LOOKING FOR AND WE'LL ADJUST IN FUTURE MEETINGS ON THAT.
IF THAT'S A DIRECTION, COUNCIL WANTS TO GO TO INCLUDE A PUBLIC COMMENT SECTION AND ANY AND ALL OF THESE TYPE PUBLIC MEETINGS THAT WE DO.
BUT WE DID RECEIVE SOME ISSUES ON THE PARK BOARD WHERE PEOPLE TOOK THE MIC AND GOT OFF SUBJECT AND SOME THINGS, AND PEOPLE GOT UP AND LEFT.
WE WERE TRYING TO WE REALLY WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GET PEOPLE'S QUESTIONS ANSWERED CORRECTLY.
A LOT OF TIMES WHEN YOU DO THOSE TYPE THINGS, ESPECIALLY ON A VERY TECHNICAL MANNER LIKE THAT, PEOPLE GET UP AND MAKE VERY BROAD STATEMENTS, IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE CORRECT, AND THAT BAD INFORMATION GETS CONVEYED AS FACT BECAUSE IT WAS SAID IN A PUBLIC MEETING.
WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE OUR ENGINEERS WERE EXACTLY ON THAT.
BUT IF THAT'S NOT A DIRECTION COUNCIL WANTS TO GO, WE'RE FINE WITH THAT.
>> WE HAD A SUB CONSULTANT ON THAT HOLLOWAY ENVIRONMENTAL, WHO THIS IS WHAT THEY DO FOR A LIVING, AND THIS IS WHAT THEY RECOMMENDED.
THIS WAS THE FORMAT THAT THEY RECOMMENDED.
THEY PUT TOGETHER THE MATERIALS, EVERYTHING ELSE, SO WE FOLLOWED THEIR ADVICE, THEM BEING THE EXPERTS IN THIS SITUATION.
>> IT'S PRETTY CUSTOMARY, BUT WE UNDERSTAND IF WE WANT TO DO IT DIFFERENT, WE CAN DO IT DIFFERENT.
>> THE FACT IS THAT, THESE TOWN HALLS ARE MEANT TO EASE PEOPLE'S MINDS INFORM THEM AND THEY DIDN'T FEEL INFORMED OR THEIR MINDS WEREN'T EASED AT ALL, AND ACTUALLY ADDED TO, YOU COULD SAY STRESS OR THE DISTASTE FOR THE PROJECT IN THE AREA.
WE RECEIVED THE GRANT FUNDING, CONTRACT WAS EXECUTED DECEMBER 21.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS TO WORK FOR THE RESIDENTS.
THERE TO SAY THE LEAST, AND THEN ALSO TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY A LITTLE BIT.
MY WIFE RECEIVED A LETTER A DAY LATE AFTER THE OPEN HOUSE.
I KNOW THAT'S POST OFFICE ISSUES, TOO, BUT I GOT CALLS AFTERWARDS ASKING, WHAT QUESTIONS WERE ASKED, AND MOST OF IT WAS PRETTY STANDARD STUFF FROM THE PEOPLE THAT STAYED, PEOPLE RIGHT NEXT TO IT, AND IT DOESN'T ADD TO THE PUBLIC BUYING THAT WE NEED FOR A PROJECT LIKE THIS.
BUT THE NEXT THING IS, HOW ARE WE NOT WORRIED THAT WE'RE GOING TO LOSE THE GRANT FUNDING WHEN. [OVERLAPPING]
[03:15:01]
>> CAN I ASK YOU A QUESTION ON YOUR FIRST COMMENT.
I'M GETTING COMMENTS FROM ALL OVER THE CITY THAT WE'RE DOING ALL OUR OPEN MEETINGS AT THE 30TH STREET.
IN SOME CASES, FOR PEOPLE WHO SAY LIVE IN BAY HARBOR, THEY'RE HAVING TO DRIVE 20 MILES MORE THAN THAT 22 MILES.
WE ALL KNOW WHERE CENTRAL CITY BOULEVARD IS, WHICH IS IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND.
WHY AREN'T WE USING THE CONVENTION CENTER? OR WHY AREN'T WE USING THAT WE NOW HAVE ACCESS TO THE GUM FACILITY.
I DON'T THINK THAT IT'S FAIR TO PEOPLE.
WE HAVE A LONG ISLAND, 32 MILES THAT WE ONLY HAVE PUBLIC MEETINGS AT 30TH STREET, WHICH HAS VERY DIFFICULT TO PARK IN, REALLY HARD TO HEAR AND INCONVENIENT TO MOST OF OUR CITIZENS.
I'D LIKE TO HAVE US LOOK AT THAT IN THE FUTURE FOR OPEN MEETINGS.
>> LETS MOVE TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THAT.
>> WE LOOK AT SEVERAL THINGS THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS OF THIS.
YES, THE GLO HAS A REQUIRED STATE ACTION PLAN, AND THAT PLAN GOES UP TO HUD AND IT'S APPROVED.
THAT LAYS OUT HOW ALL OF THE MONEY GETS AWARDED, HOW ALL OF THE MONEY GETS SPENT, THE LEVEL OF FUNDING, THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND THE FUNDING AND ON AND ON.
FOR THIS HARVEY FUNDING, THERE WAS APPROXIMATELY $2.1 BILLION IN THIS PROGRAM.
THE OVERALL TIME TO SPEND THIS MONEY IS FAR BEYOND 26-27-28.
>> THEY HAVE YEARS TO SPEND THIS MONEY.
THE COMFORT THAT WE HAVE IS WE'VE HAD OVER THE LAST 17, 18 YEARS, SEVERAL DIFFERENT CDBG ROUNDS OF FUNDING.
WE'VE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUE GETTING EXTENSIONS, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE TO GO RIGHT NOW.
THEIR LANGUAGE AND WHAT THEY'RE SAYING HAS TO GO BY WHAT'S IN THEIR CURRENT PLAN.
THEY HAVE IN THERE THAT, YOU CAN HAVE ONE EXTENSION.
PART OF ONE OF THE REASONS THAT WE GOT TO THIS POINT OF NEEDING THIS EXTENSION, WAS THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT TOOK THE GLO ONCE WE WERE AWARDED TO GIVE US A CONTRACT SO WE COULD EVEN START.
OUT OF THAT $2.1 BILLION, THERE'S NO WAY THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE ALL OF THAT MONEY SPENT BY 2020 2030, 2031, 2032, 2033.
WE'VE SEEN THIS IN PRIOR DISASTERS.
WE'VE SEEN OTHER JURISDICTIONS NORTH OF US, THAT HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF DRAGGING OUT PROJECTS THAT HAVE GOT ALMOST HALF OF THIS MONEY TIED UP WITH THEM.
THERE'S NO WAY WE DON'T FEEL THERE'S ANY WAY WITH THE CURRENT MARKET OUT THERE AND THE CURRENT STATUS OF WHERE EVERYONE IS IN THIS PROCESS, THAT ALL OF THESE JURISDICTIONS ARE GOING TO BE CAPABLE OF SPENDING HALF OF THE MONEY THAT'S IN THIS PROGRAM.
WE'VE NEVER IN THE 17 YEARS, HAD ANY CDBG MONEY DE OBLIGATED.
WE'VE NEVER LOST FUNDING, BECAUSE WE DIDN'T GET DONE WITH THE PROJECT BEFORE WE WERE ORIGINALLY SUPPOSED TO GET DONE WITH IT.
THE STATE IS NOT GOING TO RISK $2 BILLION GOING BACK TO HUD BY NOT SPENDING IT.
THEY WILL GO AFTER AS MANY TIME EXTENSIONS AS THEY THINK THEY NEED TO GET TO SPEND THIS MONEY.
THEY DON'T WANT TO GIVE THIS MONEY BACK.
THEY DON'T WANT TO TAKE THIS MONEY BACK.
IN MY 30 YEARS, I'VE NEVER HAD A GRANT THAT GOT DE OBLIGATED BECAUSE IT WASN'T DONE ON TIME.
THAT'S THAT'S THE BEST WAY I CAN RESPOND.
>> WE'VE MADE GOOD FAITH EFFORTS ON PUSHING THIS PROJECT FORWARD, MEETING ALL THE DEADLINES IN FRONT OF US GIVEN THE HANDS THAT WERE DEALT.
IT REALLY IS DEALING WITH A LOT OF THE HUD REGULATIONS AND STUFF.
THE HUD IS PUSHING THESE DEADLINES ON GLO.
BUT THEN THEY COME UP WITH THESE ONUS REQUIREMENTS AND ALL THESE REGULATIONS THAT THEY REALLY WANT HUD WANTS THIS MONEY SPENT PASS, THEY NEED TO SCRAP ALL THE REGULATIONS AND REMAIN.
>> AM I CORRECT THAT WE'RE GOING TO SPEND THIS THINGS FIRST?
WE'RE WE'VE GOT ROUGHLY IS 20 MILLION IN ADDITION TO THE 47 MILLION THAT IS COMING FROM THE GLO AND HUD.
[03:20:02]
WE HAVE OUR OWN MONEY THAT'S GOING TO HAVE TO GO IN THERE.WE'RE GOING TO SPEND THE GLO MONEY FIRST.
LOOKING AT THE SCHEDULE, IF THIS NOTICE TO PROCEED GOES OUT, 10 NOVEMBER, WE WILL HAVE THAT $47 MILLION SPENT BY JANUARY OF 27.
>> MOST OF YOUR PROJECT COSTS IN THIS ARE WRAPPED UP IN CONCRETE BOX CULVERTS AND THE FACILITY ITSELF AND THE PUMPS AND THE ELECTRONICS AND EVERYTHING.
ALL OF THOSE, YOU SOURCE THEM ON THE FRONT AND LABOR COSTS IS A MINOR PERCENTAGE ON THE BACK END, WHICH IS WHAT WILL LAG.
IT'LL BE THE LAGGING INDICATORS ROLLING ALL THIS OUT.
IT BEHOOVES THE CONTRACTOR AS WELL TO PRE ORDER A LOT OF THIS STONE, BECAUSE THEY'RE GOING TO THEY'RE LOOKING AT ALL THESE TARIFFS AND WE'VE GOT LOCKED IN PRICING RIGHT NOW.
I BELIEVE THAT THEY'RE GOING TO MAKE THEIR BEST EFFORTS TO GET ALL THIS ORDERED AND SPENT UP FRONT, AS WELL, JUST LIKE US.
>> HOW ARE WE GOING TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT WITHOUT ALL OF THE EASEMENTS ACQUIRED?
>> WE HAVE ALL OF THE NECESSARY EASEMENTS AT THIS POINT.
THE OTHER ONE IS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC OBLIGATION. [OVERLAPPING]
>> IS WHEN I SPOKE AT GC, GC SAID THEY WOULD NOT PROCEED UNLESS ALL OF THE EASEMENTS WERE ACQUIRED.
>> ISN'T THAT THE WAY THE BID IS STRUCTURED?
>> THE WAY THE PROJECT WAS PUT TOGETHER IS THEY CAN GO AND BUILD IT WITHOUT HAVING THOSE EXTRA EASEMENTS ON THE EAST OR THE STRUCTURE.
>> ALL THE ONES THAT ARE MANDATORY ORDER PROJECT.
>> YOU ALSO JUST SAID, WELL, EXCEPT FOR THE ONE EASEMENT THAT ALLOWS PEOPLE TO ACCESS THEIR HOUSE.
>> IT'S AN ADDITIONAL MEANS OF INGRESS AND EGRESS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
>> BUT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT A YEAR A PROJECT THAT'S GOING TO TAKE HOW MANY YEARS TO COMPLETE?
>> THEY'RE ONLY GOING TO HAVE ONE ACCESS POINT TO THE VERY SMALL TIME.
>> CONTRACT IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT EVERYBODY CAN ACCESS THEIR HOUSE AND CITY SERVICES AND EVERYTHING ELSE.
>> WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TRUCKS.
WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THIS AND THAT THERE, AND WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO GET FIRE TRUCKS?
>> THAT'S ON THE CONTRACTOR. YES. IT'S PART OF THAT.
IT'LL BE A BREACH OF CONTRACT IF THEY DON'T DRESS THAT.
>> NO, MAYBE THE ISSUE THAT I'M SEEING IS THAT YOU TRY TO OVERSIMPLIFY TO COUNSEL WHEN WE HAVE A VERY COMPLEX MINDSET, AND WHEN IT'S OVERSIMPLIFIED, THAT WE CAN'T ASK FOR AN EXTENSION BEYOND JANUARY 31ST, 2027 UNLESS WE'RE AT SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION, WHICH IS WHAT WE WERE TOLD.
WHEN YOU TELL US SOMETHING, WE BELIEVE YOU, AND THEN WHEN IT'S NOT WHAT WE'RE TOLD, THAT'S WHERE I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH, BECAUSE AND ALSO, WE'VE ASKED FOR UPDATES.
THIS WAS IN FEBRUARY WHERE I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR IT AND THANK YOU TO COUNSEL FOR EVERYONE SAYING THEY WANTED CONTINUOUS UPDATES ON THIS.
NOT THAT IT'S NOT ON A AGENDA.
IT'S WE'VE ASKED TO BE CONTINUOUSLY UPDATED ON THIS PROJECT, AND IT HAS NOT STARTED.
THE PUBLIC IS VERY WORRIED ABOUT IT, AND IT'S JUST IT'S NOT BEING MANAGED WELL, IN MY OPINION, THE OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC.
I'VE STOOD IN FRONT OF NEWS CAMERAS, AND PROMOTED THIS THING AND SAID IT HAS TO WORK FOR THE RESIDENTS.
WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WORKS.
IF WE HAVE THE GLO QUOTED IN THE PAPER SAYING THAT THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW THE HUD GUIDELINES.
I MEAN, WHICHEVER WAY YOU SIT ON IT, WE HAD THE STATE COME IN AND SAY REMOVE CROSSWALKS.
OR LOSE YOUR STATE FUNDING, WHICH THIS IS STATE FUNDING, BUT IT'S FEDERAL PASS THROUGH?
>> MY THING IS, IF WE'RE NOT ON ON TOP OF DEADLINES, AND I UNDERSTAND, OCTOBER 20 WAS THE FUNDING WAS LET AND THEN THE FINALIZATION OF THE CONTRACT WAS A YEAR LATER IN DECEMBER, I UNDERSTAND THAT.
BUT WE HAVE 13 MONTHS, TO GET TO X AMOUNT OF COMPLETION BEFORE WE DON'T WE DON'T UP.
I PREVIOUSLY, I UNDERSTAND THAT, BUT WITH A DIFFERENT FEDERAL ADMINISTRATION, I THINK THINGS ARE GOING TO BE TIGHTENING WITH GRANT MONEY.
BUT TO NOT BE BUT TO NOT BE WORRIED IN THIS INSTANCE AND TO BE WORRIED IN AN INSTANCE WHERE WE WOULDN'T RECEIVE ANY BARREL MONEY, IT JUST SEEMS A BIT DISINGENUOUS.
THAT WE'RE WORRIED ABOUT WE'RE NOT WORRIED ABOUT, THE CDBG MONEY THAT'S THAT'S READY TO GO FROM HARVEY, BUT WE'RE WORRIED THAT WE'RE NOT GOING TO RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FROM OUR BARREL EXPENDITURES.
>> TWO DIFFERENT FUNDING SOURCES.
>> WELL, ALEX, LET ME ASK THIS.
IT SEEMS LIKE ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERN HERE IS IN YOUR MIND, A LACK OF TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION WITH THE CITY AND THE RESIDENTS THERE.
>> ARE YOU ARE YOU SUGGESTING ANY APPROACH TO THIS FOR YOUR RESIDENT EDUCATION AND ALL THAT? WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST WE DO?
I MEAN, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT COUNSEL CAN WEIGH ON?
[03:25:03]
I THINK THAT GIVEN THE LEVEL OF IMPORTANCE TO THE COMMUNITY FOR THIS LEVEL OF INVESTMENT.IT WOULD BE GOOD TO HAVE JUST A MONTHLY DASHBOARD, THAT YOU PRESENT.
>> WHAT I'VE SUGGESTED TO ROB, IS THAT WE PROVIDE YOU GUYS A WRITTEN UPDATE PRIOR TO COUNCIL MEETINGS, YOU'LL HAVE AN ITEM ON HERE SO THAT YOU CAN GO THROUGH ROB'S REPORT.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, YOU CAN ASK.
>> THAT'D BE GREAT. I MEAN, IT WOULD BE GOOD TO WE'RE HAPPY TO DO THAT.
>> WE'RE DOING IT INTERNALLY. [OVERLAPPING]
>> WE NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING WHERE WHERE THE COMMUNITY CAN DIAL IN AND SEE WHERE WE ARE.
>> WELL, WE CAN EVEN CAN PLEASE COUNSEL. [OVERLAPPING]
>> CAN YOU JUST MAKE IT PART OF THE AGENDA PACKAGE TOO?
>> ABSOLUTELY. [OVERLAPPING] IT ANSWERS YOU DON'T HAVE ANY QUESTIONS WITH WHAT WE PRESENT YOU.
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE STOP ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
>> ROB, PROJECT MANAGER AND PROJECT MANAGER, JUST, PUT TOGETHER.
>> YOU FIRST MOVE. [OVERLAPPING].
>> I SAW WHAT WAS ON THOSE PAGE.
>> JUST A ONE PAGE WITH METRICS ASSOCIATED WITH COST SCHEDULE OVER. [OVERLAPPING]
>> WE NEED TO HAVE THIS POSTED IN A MANNER THAT THE COMMUNITY CAN GET TO THIS.
>> YOU'LL ATTACH IT TO THE AGENDA ITEMS AS WELL AS WE WILL HAVE A SECTION OF THE WEB PAGE WITH COMPLETE UPDATE.
>> WE'LL UPDATE BEFORE EACH COUNCIL MEETING, SO THAT WAY COUNCIL WILL HAVE IT WELL IN ADVANCE.
>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PUBLIC WITH THE QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED EDUCATED ON THE QUESTIONS THAT WERE ASKED PUBLICLY.
>> BECAUSE I THINK THEY'RE OWED THAT WRITTEN, THEY'RE OWED THAT.
NO. I'VE GOT I'VE GOT MY I'VE GOT A LIST OF QUESTIONS THAT PEOPLE WANTED TO ASK AND I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO FORWARD THEM OVER.
>> ROS GOT THEM ANSWERED, WE'LL POST THEM AND THEN WE'LL GIVE THEM YOU SO YOU CAN DISTRIBUTE THEM TO COUNCIL MEMBER.
>> THEN THE OTHER THING, I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE THAT THE CITY REACH OUT TO THE GOO I'M SURE DO WE SEND MONTHLY UPDATE REPORTS TO THEM?
WE'RE DOING MONTHLY REIMBURSEMENTS.
I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN AN UPDATE ON WHAT WAS SENT OUT THE OTHER DAY.
WE ARE DOING MONTHLY DRAW REQUESTS, MONTHLY REQUESTS, MONTHLY SUMMARIES THAT ARE REQUIRED.
ALL OF OUR REPORTING IS COMPLIANT.
>> I'D LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ALERT THE GLO TO THE FACT, I'M SURE THAT THEY'RE ALERTED BASED ON OUR REPORTS. SURE.
>> WE HAVE MONTHLY WE HAVE WEEKLY COMPLIANCE MEETINGS WITH OUR COMPLIANCE TEAM, AND THEN NOW WE HAVE JUST ADDED ONE MONTHLY COMPLIANCE MEETING WITH THE GLO.
WE HAVE A NEW PROJECT PERSON WITH THE GO, WE JUST TALKED TO THE OTHER DAY.
WE DO THOSE COMPLIANCE MEETINGS WITH THEM AS WELL.
>> THE AMENDMENT LETTER THAT WE ASKED FOR, THERE WERE STRIKE THROUGHS THAT THE GLO PUT PUT IN, AND IT WOULDN'T BE IMPORTANT TO THE GLO UNLESS THEY PUT STRIKE ROUGH THROUGH THE SURE IN ADDITION.
MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THE PUBLIC'S EDUCATED THE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT WE HAVE IS A DISTURBANCE AS MINIMAL AS POSSIBLE, THAT WE GET THAT EASEMENT TAKEN CARE OF.
I THINK MAYBE THAT WOULD BE A VERY GOOD EXECUTIVE AGENDA ITEM THAT WE CAN DISCUSS AS A COUNSEL.
WITH THE GLO, GETTING AT LEAST A NOD THAT WE'RE PROBABLY NOT GOING TO MEET THE DEADLINE BECAUSE WE HAVE 24 MONTHS.
WE'VE WE'RE 11 MONTHS BEHIND ON THE EXTENSION CONTRACT WITH THE COMPLETION DATE THAT WE HAVE IN THE SCHEDULE TABLE.
I WOULD I WANT TO BE SURE THAT WE'RE ON TOP OF THIS WITH AND IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU ARE THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BUT YOU GUYS NOT BEING ON TOP OF YOUR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND I APPRECIATE THAT.
THE OVERSIMPLIFICATION, WHAT BOSS WAS TALKING ABOUT WITH THE PUMP TRUCKS, I THINK THAT IT'S DEFEATING WHAT OUR ROLE IS.
WE NEED TO BE UPDATED ON THE COMPLEX TO THE SIMPLE, SO WE CAN MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.
WHEN TOLD ONE THING, IT SHOULDN'T BE WELL, THERE'S SEVERAL NUANCES, TELL US THE NUANCES UP FRONT SO THAT WE'RE PREPARED, AND THAT WE'RE NOT PLAYING CATCH UP AND READING DOCUMENTS IN FRONT OF US THAT TELL US ONE THING, AND THEN YOU'RE TELLING US ANOTHER.
>> SURE. WITH THE TIMELINE, THE EXPENDITURE LIST THAT I BELIEVE YOU'LL GOT YESTERDAY.
WE ARE GOING TO KEEP MAINTAINING THAT.
WE'RE GOING TO MOVE THAT FORWARD, SO IF THERE'S SOMETHING ELSE THAT'S NOT ON THERE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, WE CAN WORK WITH GETTING THAT ADDED ON THERE SO THAT THIS TIMELINE CONTINUES TO GO SO THAT WE HAVE ALL OF THESE ACTIONS ON THERE.
I WILL SAY, I KNOW THAT OTHER THAN THE CDBG MITIGATION MONEY THAT'S ALL PART OF THIS HARVEY.
THE THE OTHER POCKETS OF MONEY THAT THEY HAVE FOR OTHER PROGRAMS. ONE OF THEM IS THAT RESILIENCY THAT WE'VE GOT THE GRANT FOR FOR
[03:30:02]
THAT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN THAT THEY STILL HAVEN'T AWARDED.ALL OF THAT MONEY HAS TO BE SPENT UNDER THIS HUD PLAN AS WELL.
THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE SOMETHING THAT ENDS IN THE NEXT 24 MONTHS.
IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE, I BELIEVE IN THE PLANS TO 2033, AND THAT'S BEFORE I HAVE.
>> FOR THE ENTIRE FOR THE ENTIRE BATCH OF MONEY.
THEN THEY'VE GOT TRAS SENT REQUIRED. YES. [OVERLAPPING].
>> [OVERLAPPING] 2027, WHICH IS WHAT OUR CONTRACT IS TIED TO THE 2027 NUMBER.
WE HAVE THE LARGEST HARVEY PROJECT OUT OF THE WHOLE BATCH OTHER THAN THE DIRECT ALLOCATIONS THAT WENT TO HARRIS COUNTY, CITY OF OUC.
>> I WOULD ARGUE WE'RE PROBABLY ONE OF THE FURTHEST ALONG.
>> I BELIEVE WE ARE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE ARE AND THAT WOULD BE AN OPEN RECORDS REQUEST BECAUSE NO ONE'S GOING TO TELL US THAT.
BUT IT WOULD BE NICE TO KNOW. I THINK IT WOULD NICE.
>> BE TALKING TO THE PEOPLE IN OUR CIRCLE THAT GOT THE MONEY, AS YOU REMEMBER, WE GOT AWARDED OVER THE PUMP STATION WHEN THAT TRUNCH MONEY CAME OUT.
>> I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET SOMETHING TO COUNSEL PEETAS CONCERN, WE NEED TO GET SOMETHING ON THE WEB PAGE.
YOU NEED TO BE CURRENT AND WE NEED TO GET THOSE QUESTIONS ANSWERS.
WE NEED TO GET THAT OUT THERE TO BE TRANSPARENT TO THE COMPUIT.
>> I HAD PUT A REQUEST ON THE DETAIL OF BOTH PUMP STATIONS OF EVERYTHING THAT HAD BEEN DONE AND WHATNOT, TODAY.
>> I RECEIVED A ONE PAGE BREADS.
YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED THIS DOCUMENT HERE, WHICH WAS ABOUT FOUR PAGES.
>> YESTERDAY. ON BOTH PUMP STATIONS THAT I HAVE THE 14TH STREET FINISH TIME.
[OVERLAPPING] I WANTED TO GET IT ORGANIZED TO WHERE IT MAY, WE HAD ALL OF THE KEY MILESTONES IN THERE FOR YOU.
WHY WASN'T IT ON BOTH PUMP STATIONS? THEN GOING BACK TO THIS PUMP STATION.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE AT THAT SITE?
>> WHAT HAVE WE DONE AT THE SITE?
>> BECAUSE WE'RE ALREADY PAYING RENT ON A LAY DOWN LOT.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE AT THE SITE THAT WERE ALREADY BECOME?
>> INITIATED A LEASE WITH A NEIGHBORING PARCEL TO KEEP THEIR CONSTRUCTION SITE TRAILER ON.
BUT NO ACTIVITY FOR THE PROJECT ITSELF STARTED OTHER THAN UTILITIES HAVE BEEN CLEARING SOME.
>> SOME PAYING AS PART OF THE PROJECT?
>> AT THIS POINT IN TIME? YES. DOES THAT IS THAT REIMBURSABLE WITH THE WITH ANY CITY FUNDS, WITH ANY THE CDBG FUNDS.
I MEAN, IT'S PART OF THE PROJECT COST, SO IT'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE REIMBURSED SOME FORM OR FASHION TO THE CONTRACTOR, IS THAT CORRECT?
>> THE LAY DOWN YARD IS THE CONTRACTORS MEANS METHODS, THEY ARE PAYING FOR THAT OUT OF THEIR OVERALL PROCEEDS FROM WHAT THEY WOULD MAKE ON THIS PROJECT.
>> BUT IT'S PART OF THE CONTRACTED PRICE.
>> AT SOME POINT. IT'S INCLUDED.
>> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, ALEX ON THIS?
>> VERY GOOD. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I APPRECIATE IT.
>> IS THAT CLEAR? I WAS JUST CLEAR THAT WE WANT TO BE UPDATED CONTINUOUSLY.
>> IT'S GOING TO BE ON THE AGENDA AND WE'LL HAVE A WEBSITE SECTION ON THE WEBSITE TO KEEP US CURRENT ON THAT.
GOOD, THANK YOU. ITEM 3E, PLEASE, MA'AM.
[3.E Discussion of the Findings of the Park Board Hotel Occupancy Tax Audit (G Bulgherini - 20 min)]
>> ITEM 3E. DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS OF THE PARK BOARD HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX AUDIT.
>> THIS IS ITEM 11N IS IT NANCY.
IT'S ON OUR AGENDA THIS AFTERNOON.
[BACKGROUND] HOW ARE YOU, GLYNN?
MARY I ASK YOU, IS MARTY HERE HERE?
>> THANK YOU. MARTY MILES WITH THE PART 4.
GLENN, YOU HAD BEEN TASKED WITH DOING THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX AUDIT FOR 2022/2024, I THINK, AT THE PARK BOARD, YOU HAD GIVEN US A WRITTEN RESPONSE, BUT COULD YOU NOW GO OVER WITH THAT, PLEASE, SIR?
>> WE HAD SOME FINDINGS, AND WE HAD A VERY GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT AT THE PARK BOARD. EXCUSE ME.
THE FIRST WAS SOME OF THE LOBBYING EXPENSES THAT WERE PAID WERE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR HOT EXPENDITURES.
MR. MILES AND I BELIEVE DAN BUCKLEY CAME TOGETHER,
[03:35:01]
AND THERE'S NO MORE LOBBYING EXPENSES ALLOWED IN THE INTERCALL AGREEMENT.THAT WAS FIXED BEFORE WE GOT HERE.
THE OTHER FINDING WAS ON LEVELS OF CONSUMPTION AND SERVICE FOR THE EMPLOYEE ENTERTAINMENT EXPENDITURES. BEFORE MR. MILES GOT HERE, THE ONLY CONTROL WAS THAT THEY HAD TO BE REASONABLE.
MR. MILES PUT IN SOME VERY STRICT CONTROLS THAT HE CAME IN AND HE DID HIS OWN INDEPENDENT REVIEW, AND IT MATCHED EXACTLY WHAT WE HAD.
ALL THESE CONTROLS THAT HE PUT IN MADE MY JOB A LOT EASIER.
>> DOESN'T FEEL THAT EASY TO ME.
>> HE'S ALSO MADE THE WATER BLUES TO THE GUYS OBVIOUSLY A MIRACLE MAN.
YOU HAD MADE THREE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR AUDIT.
I KNOW, MARTY, YOU'VE PROBABLY, OF COURSE, SEEN THOSE. ARE THESE RECOMMENDATIONS? THEY ALL MAKE SENSE TO ME.
I WAS THINKING IN OUR MOTION TODAY AND DONNA.
I WAS THINKING IN OUR MOTION TODAY ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS AUDIT REPORT.
CAN WE MODIFY THAT TO PUT IN THERE TO ALSO REQUIRE THE THREE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT GLENN HAS MADE BE INCLUDED AND BE GIVEN TO THE PARK BOARD ON THAT?
>> YES. THAT CAN BE ADDED TO THE MOTION.
>> ALL RIGHT. I WOULD THINK, MARTY, GO RIGHT AHEAD.
THAT WOULD NEED YOUR APPROVAL, SIR.
>> HELP ME REMEMBER. I'M SORRY. YEAH, I THINK SO.
I GUESS, I JUST WANTED TO SURFACE TODAY IS, I REALLY BELIEVE AND I THINK I'M AS SQUARE AS YOU CAN GET WHEN IT GETS TO ANALYZING WHAT CAN AND CAN'T BE SPENT ON HOT.
BUT I BELIEVE THAT THERE ARE HOT ITEMS THAT WE SHOULD PAY LOBBYISTS FOR.
WHAT OUR PLAN WAS, WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT WAS, LET ME JUST BRING IT TO YOU AND YOU APPROVE IT BEFORE OR WHATEVER DO THEN?
>> IS THAT THE WAY YOU ALL UNDERSTOOD? THAT WAS THE ONLY THING THAT REALLY CONCERNED ME ABOUT THIS BECAUSE LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE.
NOT ONLY HOT BUT SALES TAX AND EVERYTHING ELSE.
THE IDEA THAT SCHOOL STARTED ANOTHER WEEK EARLIER IS MILLIONS TO US.
WE NEED TO HAVE REPRESENTATION THERE TO DO THAT.
THERE ARE TIMES THAT I WANT TO I WOULD LOVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME TO YOU AND SAY, HERE'S OUR PROBLEM.
I MEAN, I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S THROUGH YOU OR THROUGH ME OR BOTH.
BUT AS LONG AS YOU'RE OPEN TO THAT, THEN I SUPPORT EVERYTHING THAT THE AUDITOR CAME UP WITH.
>> SOUNDS GOOD. EXCUSE ME, IT SEEMS TO ME YOUR LIAISON THAT YOU HAVE WITH THE COUNSEL HERE.
THAT'S SOMETHING CURRENTLY WITH BOB.
YOU COULD BRING THAT FORWARD AT THE TIME THAT YOU FEELS APPROPRIATE, HARDY.
>> WE SHOULD BE GOOD. YES, DAK.
>> ONE WAY TO ADDRESS THIS MIGHT BE TO HAVE THE BOARD PUT TOGETHER A LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR WHICH YOU ARE GOING TO THEN SEEK AUTHORIZATION FROM CITY COUNCIL TO USE LOBBIES FOR?
>> I THINK THAT'S THE PLAN ANYWAY.
>> I MEAN, BUT YEAH, BUT STILL THE ITEM ONE SAYS, INAUGURATE INTO CITY POLICY, THE CITY COUNCIL IS A GOVERNING BODY TO DETERMINE THE PERMISSIBLE USE OF HOT OCCUPANCY TAX.
THIS WOULD BE YOUR VENUE BY WHICH TO THEN SEEK APPROVAL FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF THOSE FUNDS.
>> I 100% AGREE. HOWEVER, UNTIL YOU SEE THE BILL GET PRESENTED, YOU DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE GOING TO GO FIGHT, THAT'S RIGHT.
THERE'D BE TIMES THAT BOB OR I WOULD HAVE TO COME BACK.
>> IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN, MARTY, YOU'RE MORE THE EXPERT IN THIS, YOU COULD ALSO USE LOBBYING FUNDS TO GO AFTER A CERTAIN CONVENTION TO COME.
>> YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR A PLAN ABOUT A TPID SOON.
THAT WOULD BE ANOTHER WAY TO COLLECT MARKETING AND SALES FUNDING FOR WHAT WOULD DO THAT.
>> WE'RE NOT READY TO PRESENT THAT ENTIRELY.
>> BUT SOME OF YOU ATTENDED THE ORIENTATION MEETING.
YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
>> IT'S THE THING THEY DO IN AUSTIN.
>> IT'S IN THE 11 BIGGEST CITIES IN TEXAS, AND IT'S WIDELY KNOWN FOR.
>> ANOTHER EXAMPLE MIGHT BE LOBBYING FOR MONEY FOR EACH RE-NOURISHMENT, PERHAPS.
>> THAT'S FEDERAL. I WOULD KEEP THINKING STATE, BUT CERTAINLY FEDERAL FOR SURE.
GLENN, ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO MENTION, SIR.
[03:40:03]
>> THE IMPORTANT THING THAT I THINK WITH LOBBYING SPECIFICALLY IS THAT WE'RE NOT PULLING FROM THE POT THAT WE RECEIVED FROM THE STATE.
EVEN IF IT'S FOR ELIGIBLE USE, AND WE DETERMINE THAT AT THE COUNCIL LEVEL, IT CANNOT BE PART OF THE STATE FUNDS USED TO LOBBY THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
>> WE GET THE 2% BACK FROM THE STATE.
WE CAN'T USE THOSE FUNDS TO LOBBY THE STATE, EVEN IF IT'S FOR SOMETHING POSITIVE THAT WE'RE ALL BEHIND BECAUSE THEN WE WOULD LOSE OUR STATE FUNDING.
>> I'M NOT AWARE OF THAT EITHER.
>> I THINK HE'S REFERRING TO THE $0.02 THAT GOES TO BEACH NOURISHMENT AND BEACH MAINTENANCE.
>> THE STATE HOT THAT WE RECEIVE.
AS A LOBBYING EXPENDITURE PERIOD AND END OF STORY BECAUSE THAT IS USING STATE FUNDS TO LOBBY THE STATE GOVERNMENT, AND WE WILL LOSE OUR STATE FUNDING.
>> THAT WOULD BE PART OF THE PRESENTATION.
SEES HOW IT GETS FUNDED THE FUNDING SOURCE TOO.
>> IT'S JUST HOW THEY DO THEIR ACCOUNTING TO BE HONEST, AND YOU WOULD ACCOUNT FOR THAT AND BE ABLE TO PINPOINT THAT REVENUE THAT WAS HOT THAT WOULD BE UTILIZED FOR THAT.
THE RATIONALE BEHIND IT IN CONFORMANCE WITH STATE LAW.
WHY WE'RE ASKING TO LOBBY THIS AND HOW IT CONFORMS WITH STATE LAW?
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH, MR. MILES.
>> MARTY. THANK YOU. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR EXPEDITIOUS MANNER IN WHICH YOU'VE HANDLED THIS AND HOW YOU'RE CONDUCTING THE BUSINESS OVER THERE WITH EFFICIENCY AND IT'S REFRESHING.
I'M NOT SPEAKING FOR COUNSEL, BUT I I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
>> IT'S A GOOD REPORT THAT WE HAVE AND THANK YOU, MARTY.
THAT'S A PHOTOGRAPHIC SESSION WE GOT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> FOR THE AUDITOR AND I'LL TELL YOU THIS.
>> THIS LAST 10 MINUTES WAS NOWHERE NEAR AS PAINFUL AS THE FIRST 3 HOURS WAIT.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. LET'S MOVE TO ITEM 3F, PLEASE.
[3.F Discussion of the Ad Hoc Short Term Rental Committee and Staff recommendations for updates to STR ordinance and STR policies (B. Brown/C. Brown - 30 min)]
>> ITEM 3F. DISCUSSION OF THE AD HOC SHORT TERM RENTAL COMMITTEE AND STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR UPDATES TO THE STR ORDINANCE AND STR POLICIES.
>> CLAIRE, WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO SIT AT THE TABLE?
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I WANT TO INTRODUCE THIS SUBJECT JUST FOR A SECOND.
I WANT TO INTRODUCE THIS SUBJECT BEFORE I RECOGNIZE BOB BECAUSE HE WANTS TO DO AN INTRODUCTION.
BEING ON COUNCIL FOR SO MANY YEARS, I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING WITH A LOT OF AD HOC COMMITTEES.
SOME OF THEM COME TO MIND THAT CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE, PARKING ON THE SEA WALL COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL.
BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN A COMMITTEE THAT WAS AD HOC AT THIS COUNCIL LEVEL THAT WAS SO DEDICATED TO THE SUBJECT THAT THEY WERE ASSIGNED BY COUNSEL.
I WANT TO TELL YOU, I WANT TO APPRECIATE AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WERE ON THIS COMMITTEE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE ON THIS.
>> YEAH. I JUST WANT TO GIVE A LITTLE INTRODUCTION TO THIS WHOLE COMMITTEE IN THIS PROCESS AND EVERYTHING FOR PEOPLE WHO WERE WATCHING AND DON'T KNOW WHY OR WHAT WE WERE DOING.
ACTUALLY STARTED THE IDEA OF THE SHORT TERM CARNAL COMMITTEE TO THE COUNCIL A YEAR AGO THIS MONTH, OCTOBER 2024.
OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FOUR CONSECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETINGS, WE DISCUSSED, ADOPTED A CITY ORDINANCE CREATING THE COMMITTEE AND FINALLY APPOINTED 12 MEMBERS TO THE STR COMMITTEE IN FEBRUARY OF 2025, CONSISTING OF SEVEN VOTING MEMBERS, MOST OF WHOM ARE STR OPERATORS OR OWNERS, FOR NON VOTING SUBJECT MATTERS, MOST IN THE REAL ESTATE AND STR BUSINESS.
CITY STAFF ZOSHI AND TIM AND TERESA AND JANELLE, AND THEN I WAS A EX OFFICIAL.
WE MET STARTING IN MARCH OF 2024 FROM FOUR TIMES EVERY MONTH FOR A TOTAL OF 19 MEETINGS.
THERE WAS A SENSE OF URGENCY ABOUT THIS.
WHY DID WE CREATE THIS COMMITTEE? ACCORDING TO RESEARCH BY VISION GALVESTON, GALVESON HAS FAR MORE SHORT TERM LOANS THAN MOST ANY OTHER CITY IN THE STATE, INCLUDING THOSE MUCH LARGER LIKE SAN ANTONIO, AUSTIN, CORPUS CHRISTI, NEW ORLEANS,
[03:45:02]
DALLAS, AND FORT WORTH.STRS OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS AND ESTABLISHED RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOODS.
WE OWE IT TO OUR LOCALS TO ENSURE THAT WE PRESERVE THEIR WAY OF LIFE WHILE ALSO FAIRLY, AND LEGALLY REGULATING THE STR OPERATIONS AND CONTINUE THE GENERATION OF THE HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX MONEY THEY BRING TO THE CITY.
I'M JUST GOING TO QUOTE A PART OF THE MISSION STATEMENT THAT WE ALL STARTED THIS COMMITTEE WITH, IS TO HELP ACHIEVE A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN THE HOT MONEY THAT THE STRS GENERATE AND THEIR IMPACT ON NEIGHBORHOODS, WE ESTABLISH A FORM THAT FOSTERS COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN RESIDENTS IMPACTED BY STR OPERATORS AND THEIR OWNER OPERATORS.
THE CITY ESTABLISHES A CITY SPONSORED COMMITTEE OF RESIDENTS, OPERATORS, SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS, STAKEHOLDERS, AND CITY STAFF TO ACHIEVE A MORE COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF RESIDENCE CONCERNS, STR OPERATIONS, AND THE HOT THEY GENERATE TO INFORM A MORE EFFECTIVE AND EQUITABLE REGULATION OF STR.
IN ADDITION, THE ADMINISTRATION OF STRS HAS RECENTLY TRANSFERRED FROM THE PARK BOARD TO THE CITY, MAKING THIS A REALLY GOOD TIME TO DO A COMPLETE REVIEW OF REGULATION AND THE PROCESS FOR REGULATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF STRS.
I THINK WE HAVE SOME OF OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS HERE. I GUESS THEY'RE ALL RIGHT HERE.
>> I THINK SOME OF THEM MISUNDERSTOOD AND THOUGHT 9 O'CLOCK MEANT 9 O'CLOCK.
>> OH, NO. CLAIRE I'VE WORD WITH THE CHAIR OF THE COMMITTEE AND DAVID, ARE HERE THE VICE CHAIR TO PRESENT THE WORK OF THIS COMMITTEE FOR YOUR REVIEW AND COMMENT, AND ULTIMATELY DIRECTION TO CITY STAFF TO DRAFT A REVISED, SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE FOR YOUR APPROVAL AND WE'RE SURROUNDED BY SOME OF THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE HERE.
THESE WERE SUPPORT DOCUMENTS THAT WERE IN THE TOWN HALL SESSION THAT WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED.
THANKS TO VISION GALVESTON FOR THESE POSTERS HERE THIS GRAPHICS.
WITH THAT, I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER CLAIRE.
>> THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO BE HERE TODAY.
BEFORE WE START WITH THE PRESENTATION, I WANTED TO SAY FOUR THINGS.
ONE IS, I'M SORRY THAT THIS MATERIAL WAS NOT IN THE PACKET.
WHAT YOU'RE SEEING AROUND YOU WE JUST COULDN'T DO IT.
WE'RE A VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE IN BETWEEN THE FORUM, THE SURVEY ENDING, CRUNCHING NUMBERS, HAVING A COMMITTEE MEETING TO TALK ABOUT IT.
WE JUST COULDN'T GET IN IN THE PACKET.
WHAT I'VE GOT HERE FOR YOU GUYS IS IS THE RESULTS OF THE SHORT TERM RENTAL SURVEY THAT WE SENT OUT THAT WAS VERY WELL RESPONDED TO, AND I HAVE THE GRAPHICS HERE BECAUSE I THINK A LOT OF WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO HEAR TODAY, YOU'RE GOING TO GO BACK AND YOU'RE GOING TO THINK ABOUT IT.
YOU'LL HAVE SOME DIRECTION FOR STAFF, BUT I THINK THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME WRANGLING AND SOME THINKING AND DETERMINATIONS MADE FROM THE DATA.
ONE OF THE UNFORTUNATE THINGS.
THE SECOND THING I WANT TO SAY IS WE DIDN'T HAVE DATA WHEN WE STARTED.
WE DIDN'T GET DATA UNTIL THE CITY TOOK OVER.
THAT WAS A TURNING POINT FOR US, OCTOBER 1 DATA STARTED FLOWING IN.
I'M NOT SURE EVERYBODY WHO PARTICIPATED IN IT, BUT I THANK CITY STAFF.
IT WENT TO VISION GALVESTON AND THEY WERE ABLE TO HELP ILLUSTRATE WHAT WE WERE GETTING BACK IN THE DATA.
HAD WE SEEN THIS EARLIER? I THINK IT WOULD HAVE DRIVEN SOME OF THE DISCUSSION BECAUSE YOU GO, WOW.
THIS IS ALL THAT WE GOT ON PARKING COMPLAINTS.
NOW, PUSH ASIDE ANYTHING YOU MAY THINK ABOUT, WELL, PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE HOTLINE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, BUT IT'S STILL A DATA POINT FOR US JUST LIKE THE SURVEY IS.
WE DIDN'T HAVE ALL THE DATA UNTIL AFTER OCTOBER 1ST.
THE OTHER THING IS THAT I WANTED TO POINT OUT AND YOU HEARD A LITTLE BIT FROM SALLY WHEN YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THE LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP, WE TOOK A CONSERVATIVE APPROACH.
WE TALKED ABOUT IT MARIE WAS AT SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH US, AND WE TALKED ABOUT HOW WE REALLY DON'T WANT TO DO ANYTHING THAT'S GOING TO BE DETERMINED TO BE AFFECTING PROPERTY RIGHTS AND ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF AUSTIN TO ONCE AGAIN, HAVE THEM TRY LIKE THEY HAVE FOR THE LAST SIX SESSIONS FOR STATE PREEMPTION OF SHORT TERM RENTAL REGULATION.
THE FINAL THING I WANTED TO SAY IS WE HAVE TO BE MINDFUL OF THIS TRANSITION.
WE WERE ALL LOOKING FOR MOST OF THOSE MONTHS UNTIL OCTOBER 1, AND WE'RE IN THIS TRANSITION PERIOD THAT BOB ALLUDED TO.
WE'RE DEALING WITH THE OLD WORLD, WHERE THERE WAS NO ENFORCEMENT.
WELL, THERE WAS NO COMMUNICATION.
THERE WAS NOBODY HOLDING THE HOTLINE ACCOUNTABLE, ET CETERA.
YOU'RE GOING TO FIND THAT OUR REPORT AND OUR RECOMMENDATIONS WE DON'T REALLY STRESS THAT.
WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO SAY IS, OKAY, GIVEN THAT THIS IS A FRESH START, AS YOU JUST MENTIONED, WHAT IS IT THE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDING SO THAT WE CAN BE SMART ABOUT WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO WITH THE REGULATIONS.
I'M GOING TO GIVE YOU THESE AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE GOING TO LOOK UP FOR THE SCREEN AND LOOK AT THESE. IT'S UP TO YOU ALL.
YOU'LL HAVE ALL THESE GRAPHICS IN HERE AND THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY.
[03:50:01]
PASSES DOWN. THE OTHER THING THAT WE DID.OH, IS THAT MINE? SORRY. THE OTHER THING THAT WE DID, YOU'LL SEE ON THE SURVEY, BUT YOU'LL SEE SOME OF IT LATER.
TELL ME ONE. I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE ENOUGH.
SORRY. IS THAT THE OTHER DAY MARIE AND SOMEBODY ELSE WAS THERE INVOLVED, AND THEY ASKED FOR US TO TRY AND DETERMINE WHICH PARTS OF TOWN WE'RE REACTING IN WHAT WAY TO SOME OF THE QUESTIONS, AND YOU'LL SEE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO PUNCH SOME OF THOSE NUMBERS IN THERE.
BUT WE'RE GOING TO PUT THAT ASIDE FROM NOW AND WE'LL START THIS.
WE'RE GOING TO GO THROUGH A SUMMARY, IDENTIFIED ISSUES, AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
WE WERE CREATED BY YOU GUYS TO REVIEW PROPOSED STR ORDINANCE, WHICH WE DID PAGE BY PAGE, LINE BY LINE, THE ORDINANCE THAT WAS WRITTEN ORIGINALLY BY DON AND HAS BEEN AMENDED SINCE BY ZOSHI.
WE HAVE A LOT OF COMMUNITY FORMAT.
WE HAD OPEN MEETINGS WITH PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAD A PUBLIC SURVEY DISTRIBUTED FROM SEPTEMBER 30 THROUGH OCTOBER 15TH, AND WE GOT 1,020 RESPONSES.
WE HEARD ANYTHING OVER 200 WOULD BE GREAT.
WE WERE THRILLED THAT WE GOT SO MANY.
YOU'LL SEE ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE SURVEY, YOU'LL SEE EVERYWHERE THAT WE DISTRIBUTED IT.
IT IS RESIDENTIAL, SUBDIVISIONS ON THE WEST END, IT'S ALL OVER THE PLACE.
WE HAVE THE COMMUNITY FORUM ON OCTOBER 9TH AND IT WAS IT WAS ORGANIZED BY VISION GALVESTON THE COMMITTEE AND MARISSA.
WE PUT IT TOGETHER, AND CITY STAFF WAS THERE WITH US AND IT WAS TERRIFIC.
IT WAS JUST A TERRIFIC COMMUNITY FORUM.
126 PEOPLE ATTENDED A LOT MORE IT FELT LIKE A LOT MORE BECAUSE WE WERE ALL THERE, TOO.
THE STR COMMITTEE THEN MET LAST WEEK.
WE WENT THROUGH THIS PACKET AND WE'RE MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ALSO CITY STAFF HAS ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COUNSEL.
INFORMATION SOURCES, CITY STAFF, LOCAL INDUSTRY EXPERTS.
WE LOOKED AT SAMPLE ORDINANCES FROM ALL THOSE CITIES.
WE HAD A PRESENTATION BY THEN PARK BOARD, CFO BRYSON.
WE HAVE A RESIDENT SENTIMENT SURVEY THAT WAS DONE BY THE PARK BOARD.
WE HAVE THIS SURVEY THAT'S IN FRONT OF YOU NOW.
>> WE HAD ANOTHER HOT COLLECTION PRESENTATION, DECOR RENTAL SCAPE DATA THAT I TOLD YOU WE GOT AFTER 1ST OF OCTOBER, AND THEN OF COURSE, PUBLIC COMMENTS.
THESE ARE THE IDENTIFIED ISSUES.
I DON'T THINK THERE'S ANY SURPRISE HERE.
NOISE AND TRASH, DENSITY AND OCCUPANCY, DATA NEEDS, REGISTRATION PROCESS, COLLECTING INFORMATION.
WE TALKED ABOUT CONTACT DATA WITHIN THE DATABASE AND HOW IMPORTANT THAT IS, EDUCATION, BEST COMPLIANCE PRACTICES, PARKING AND ENFORCEMENT.
I'LL TELL YOU RIGHT NOW AT THE VERY END OF THIS PRESENTATION IS PARKING.
WE LEFT THAT TO THE END BECAUSE WE DIDN'T WANT TO GET SIDETRACKED, BECAUSE THAT IS SOMETHING THAT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE FOCUSED ON, SO WE LEFT THAT TO THE END.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THAT WE BELIEVE THAT THIS TRANSITION IS REALLY IMPORTANT.
LONG OVERDUE, WE'RE ALL HAPPY THAT IT'S HAPPENING AND WE JUST WANTED TO REMIND YOU ALL THESE THINGS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH STRS COMING OVER TO THE CITY INCLUDE STR REGISTRATION, HOT COLLECTION, MANAGEMENT OF THE HOTLINE, AND DATA COLLECTION.
ALL OF THOSE ARE WITH DECOR RENTAL SCAPE JUST YOU KNOW.
THEN THE OTHER THING IS ENFORCEMENT OF STR ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS, COMING TO THE CITY? YES.
>> I'M GOING TO LET YOU GET FURTHER INTO IT, BUT I HAVE ONE POINT IN A QUESTION.
>> ENFORCEMENT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT FOR US TO DO.
I DON'T MEAN US TO DO AS IN MEAN, WE HAVE 3.5 MILLION IN THE STR REGULATION FUND, SO WE HAVE FUNDING SOURCES FOR IT.
WHAT I THINK IS LACKING IS SOME ACCOUNTABILITY FROM US TO THE CITY MANAGER TO GET THAT ENFORCEMENT DONE THROUGH THE MARSHALS DEPARTMENT.
WOULD YOU BE OPPOSED TO PUTTING IN LANGUAGE OF BACK BY ORDINANCE TO HAVE MARSHALS ON STAFF THAT PEAK TIMES THAT ALL COULD GO BACK WITH STAFF SO THAT BY ORDINANCE, WE HAVE TO HAVE ENFORCEMENT, SO THAT THERE IS TEETH TO THAT, WOULD YOU ALL BE.
>> WELL, I THINK THAT THE COMMITTEE IS OPEN TO IT.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE ASKED FOR, AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT.
IT'S GOING TO BE ONE OF THE LAST THINGS YOU SEE IN THE PRESENTATION IS THAT A YEAR FROM NOW, LET'S LOOK AT THE DATA.
LET'S LOOK AT IT, THAT'S WHAT WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE DOING LAST YEAR BECAUSE WE THOUGHT WE WOULD HAVE RENTAL SCAPE DATA, BUT WE COULDN'T GET IT OUT OF THEM.
[03:55:03]
WITH THE CITY TAKING OVER, WE'RE GOING TO UNDERSTAND DAN AND HIS STAFF ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING AT WHAT IT'S GOING TO TAKE TO PROVIDE THE ENFORCEMENT FOR WHAT ENDS UP IN THE ORDINANCE, AND ALL WILL BE DOING IT IN 2026.WE'LL UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON, PULLING A LOT OF THE DATA THAT'S BACK HERE, AND I THINK IT'LL PROVIDE A LOT OF THE ANSWERS IS WHAT WE WERE THINKING.
>> PLUS THE OTHER DISCONNECT THAT CREATED IT, THE INTAKE WAS HERE.
>> THAT YEAH DOESN'T KNOW AT THE RIGHT TIME.
>> THAT'S WHY WE'RE SO HAPPY THAT IT'S ALL UNDER ONE UMBRELLA NOW.
I THINK THAT YOU'RE GOING TO GET THE ANSWERS FOR THAT FROM WHAT THE CITY DEVELOPS AFTER THE ORDINANCES.
>> CAN YOU GET THAT AROUND THE COMMITTEE, PLEASE BECAUSE I'D LOVE TO SEE THE LANGUAGE THAT'S A REQUIREMENT BY THE COUNCIL TO MAKE SURE THAT IT GETS DONE.
>> YOU KNOW, THAT MAY BE I DON'T WANT TO SAY IT'S A DAY TWO ITEM, BUT IF WE LOOK AT WHAT THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE WAS, WHICH WAS COME FORWARD WITH RECOMMENDATIONS, IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE WORK STOPS THERE.
COMMITTEE MAY, IF COUNSEL WANTS IT TO TO CONTINUE IN ORDER TO ANALYZE THE DATA AND COME FORWARD WITH OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS THAT COULD BE, THAT WE'VE GOT A GOOD JUMPING OFF POINT, AND THEN WE, AS POLICYMAKERS, GO AHEAD AND THEN MAKE THESE ADDITIONAL CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCES TO GIVE US THE TEETH THAT WE NEED FOR ENFORCEMENT.
THEN PROVIDE MANAGEMENT WITH THE DIRECTION RELATED TO EITHER PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS OR JUST MAKING SURE THAT THEY HAVE THE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES IN PLACE IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE THAT ENFORCEMENT IS DONE CORRECTLY.
>> I'M NOT TRYING TO TRYING TO DERAIL, THE BIGGEST COMPLAINT I GOT.
DAVID'S SHARED THIS WITH ME IS THAT WE CAN DO ALL THIS STUFF, BUT WE NEED ENFORCEMENT, AND I THINK THE BEST WAY.
>> I THINK WE'RE GETTING THAT.
>> THAT WAS THE BIGGEST ISSUE FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE COMMITTEE IS PEOPLE ARE COMING IN SAYING, YOU KNOW, WHERE IS THE ENFORCEMENT? WHERE IS THE ENFORCEMENT, OR THE ENFORCEMENT? I THINK PUTTING IT IN THE BLACK AND WHITE AND AN ORDINANCE.
>> I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IT.
I THINK YOU'RE GOING TO SEE COMMITTEE.
>> I'M GOING TO CLARIFY THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS IN THE COMMITTEE THAT WE DID A LOT OF HARD WORK THAT THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY PERFECT SOLUTION THAT THIS COMMITTEE GOING TO BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH.
WE COULD TAKE OUR BEST SHOT WITH STAFF, CITY, STAFF, AND THE COMMITTEE, AND THEN WE'RE GOING TO DELIVER TO THE COUNCIL A DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT'S GOING TO BE A RESULT OF OUR WORK.
NOW COUNCIL CAN ADD ANYTHING THEY WANT TO THAT ORDINANCE.
>> WE ALREADY HAVE THE DRAFT HERE.
>> WE DON'T HAVE THE DRAFT ORDINANCE FROM THIS COMMITTEE.
THE COMMITTEE TOOK DON'S INITIAL DRAFT.
>> WE'RE SUBMITTING THOUGH. IT'S WHAT WE'RE SUBMITTING WHERE?
>> WE'RE SUBMITTING THAT TO THE COUNSEL.
YOUR REVIEW, AND THEN YOU CAN LOOK LOOK AT THAT, TAKE SOME TIME, ADD SOMETHING TO IT OR MODIFY ANY WAY WE WANT.
>> THE MARSHAL HAS ATTENDED A NUMBER OF OUR MEETINGS, AND FROM THE ONSET, SHE'S BEEN EXTREMELY RECEPTIVE AND PROACTIVE AND COGNIZANT OF OF THE PRECARIOUS BALANCE THAT EXISTS.
GALVESTON'S OPEN FOR BUSINESS 365 DAYS A YEAR.
THE SHORT TERM RENTAL INDUSTRY HAS EBBS AND FLOWS JUST LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE THAT'S DEPENDENT ON THE TOURIST POPULATION.
WHAT WE'RE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IS INITIALLY, INITIALLY, WE HAD NO MANPOWER AT NIGHT AND ON WEEKENDS, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHEN 95% OF ANY COMPLAINT DRIVEN CALLS ARE GOING TO OCCUR, AND EVEN MORE SO BETWEEN MEMORIAL DAY AND LABOR DAY.
SHE'S GOT TO WORK ON THAT, COME UP WITH A MEANS OF STAFFING TO THAT.
HER AND DAN AND BRIAN HAVE GOT TO FIGURE OUT, YOU KNOW, WHAT'S THAT GOING TO CAUSE, HOW ARE WE GOING TO PAY FOR IT.
BUT I THINK WHAT WE DON'T NEED IS WE DON'T NEED FULL TIME STAFFING FOR I DON'T MEAN TO MINIMIZE A FULL TIME STAFFING FOR A PART TIME PROBLEM.
WE DON'T NEED A BUNCH OF NEW MARSHALS, 365 DAYS HERE.
UNLESS THERE'S OTHER THINGS THAT THEY CAN DO.
>> WELL, IN MY OPINION, WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WITH A LOT OF OTHER PROGRAMS LIKE THIS.
WE PASS AN ORDINANCE, WE ENFORCE THAT ORDINANCE, AND WHAT YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IS YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THE COMPLAINT START DROPPING.
YOU'RE GOING TO SEE THEN THAT WHAT WE THINK WE NEED NOW FOR ENFORCEMENT A YEAR FROM NOW OR MAYBE TWO YEARS FROM NOW, MEAN TOTALLY DIFFERENT.
>> THE OTHER THING THAT WE FOUND AS WE WERE WORKING THROUGH THIS IS A LOT OF THE ISSUES OF ENFORCEMENT OR ADMINISTRATIVE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THAT NUMBER UP THERE, 690 AS OF OCTOBER 1, WE'RE NOT REGISTERED.
IF YOU MULTIPLY THAT TIMES $500. WHAT IS IT, DAVE.
[04:00:02]
AND I THINK IT'S LIKE $340,000 TO COLLECT IT'S ANOTHER REVENUE CENTER FOR THE CITIES THE WAY I SEE IT, BECAUSE BUT THAT'S ADMINISTRATIVE.YOU'RE NOT SENDING OUT A MARSHAL TO TAKE CARE OF THAT.
THAT IS SOMETHING THAT'S HAPPENING ON AN ADMINISTRATIVE LEVEL.
WE HAVE TO KEEP THAT IN MIND TOO.
BUT FOR TIME SAKE, I'M GOING TO KEEP GOING.
ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU HEAR ABOUT IT A LOT AND YOU SEE IT HERE IN THE STATUS OF THE ONLINE COMPLAINTS THAT COME IN, AND YOU'RE GOING TO ALSO SEE SOME INTERESTING STATS ON THE SURVEY.
THIS ONE IS HOW OFTEN HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED NOISE OR NUISANCE.
AND YOU'LL SEE THAT THESE COMPLAINTS, IT'S LIKE 46% ARE NEVER RARELY OCCASIONALLY.
BUT WE STILL HAVE 20% THAT ARE SAYING IT'S OFTEN INFREQUENTLY.
THAT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT DATE OF POINT WHEN YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT WHAT ARE WE GOING TO BE STAFFING FOR? WHAT ENFORCEMENT?
>> I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE POSSIBILITY AS FAR AS FILTERING GOES.
BUT YOU HAVE 1020 RESPONSES AND OF THOSE THOUSAND 2,468 ARE EITHER ON ISLAND OR OFF ISLAND OWNERS.
IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET THIS REPORT FILTERING OUT THE ACTUAL OWNERS OF THE STRS WHO ARE GOING TO OBVIOUSLY NOT.
>> UNLESS I WILL GO BACK BECAUSE WE'RE WORKING ON A CITY STAFFER WHO'S REALLY GOOD AT CRUNCHING THIS DATA THAT COMES OUT A HUGE SPREADSHEET, AND WE WILL LOOK FOR THAT. OKAY?
>> YOU SEE WHAT I'M SAYING, LIKE BASICALLY 50% OF OF OF THE POPULATION THAT TOOK THE SURVEY ARE OWNERS OF THE STRS THEMSELVES? I WOULD SERIOUSLY DOUBT IF I WAS AN OWNER OF AN STR THAT I'M GOING TO ANSWER ANY HOLD ON, CORRECT? MAYOR. I SERIOUSLY DOUBT, I'M GOING TO ANSWER ANYTHING THAT WOULD BE TO THE DETRIMENT OF A PROBLEM.
WHAT I'M SAYING IS THIS IS GREAT, BUT IF THERE'S A WAY WE CAN ALSO LOOK AT THE CROSS SECTION OF THE RESPONDENTS THAT AREN'T ACTUAL OWNERS OF THE STRS, WHO I WOULD THINK, POSSIBLY I KNOW IF I OWNED AN STR AND I KNEW THAT WE WERE GOING TO BE SCRUTINIZED.
I'M NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING THAT WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE BUSINESS THAT I OWN.
>> I'M JUST SAYING THAT WOULD BE A GOOD POINT. I'M NOT SAYING SCRUB.
>> YEAH. I KNOW ANOTHER FILTER WE TALKED ABOUT WAS ALSO FILTERING OUT THE LOCATION ON THE ISLAND WHERE THESE RESPONSES WERE BECAUSE, DID SOMETHING DIFFERENT THE WAY IT DID.
>> BUT ARE YOU SAYING 50% OF THE PEOPLE SURVEYED ARE OWNERS OF SHORT TERM? YES. HOW DO WE KNOW THAT?
>> THE QUESTION ASKED WHAT WHERE DO YOU FIT INTO THIS WHOLE THING?
>> I LIVE ON THE ISLAND AND I OWN AN STR, 9%.
I LIVE OFF THE ISLAND AND OWN 28%.
>> REST THEY PROVIDE SERVICES TO SO WE CAN CRUNCH THESE NUMBERS FOR YOU.
>> I MEAN IF YOU JUST SAY IT'S 120 RESPONDERS AND 40 SOMETHING PERCENT.
>> WE'LL SEE IF WE ARE ABLE TO FIGURE THAT OUT. WE WILL.
WE WILL BECAUSE WE DIDN'T ASK FOR NAMES AND ADDRESSES.
WE KEPT IT ANONYMOUS AND THE ONLY THING THAT DISTINGUISHED PEOPLE WERE THEIR IP ADDRESSES.
>> ONE THING THAT WE TALKED ABOUT THIS AT THE MEETING IS YOU REALLY NEED I MEAN, BECAUSE YOU CAN LOOK AT THE MAP.
THERE WAS ONE GROUPING CALLED WEST THEN.
WELL, THERE'S A LOT OF OPEN GROUND.
WE NEED TO HAVE A NEIGHBORHOOD DROPPED DOWN.
BECAUSE AND YOU JUST COULD LIST THE NEIGHBORHOODS.
I'M LOOKING AT ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN, EIGHT, NINE, YOU COULD HAVE A DROP DOWN FOR THE WHOLE ISLAND.
BECAUSE THAT'S 50% OF THE RENTALS OF THE WEST THEN, BUT YOU CAN SEE THEY'RE CONCENTRATED PER NEIGHBORHOOD. YES.
>> WE CAN WORK ON THAT TOO, BUT LIKE I SAID, THIS WAS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT JUST CAME TO US BECAUSE THEY GOT THE DATA FROM DECKARD.
THEN AN AMAZING EMPLOYEE HERE, FRANK RAISIN PUT THIS TOGETHER FOR US TO SHOW US WHERE THE SDRS ARE, BUT WE'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS.
>> AMAZING WORK AND I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO THAT.
>> I WISH WE HAD HAD IT AT THE BEGINNING, THOUGH. I'M GOING TO KEEP GOING THROUGH.
WE HAVE A LOT OF STUFF HERE, GUYS.
I THINK SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED.
ON NOISE AND TRASH, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU'LL SEE LATER ON WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE HOTLINE, THE HOTLINE IS SUPPOSED TO, AND THE CALL FLOW CALLS FOR IT RIGHT NOW.
CONTACT THE LOCAL CONTACT THEY'RE RESPONSIBLE FOR RESOLVING THE NUISANCE COMPLAINT.
[04:05:03]
IF THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, IF THEY DON'T GET A CALL BACK, WHATEVER IS ENFORCED THROUGH THE CALL LINE TO KNOW THAT IT'S BEEN TAKEN CARE OF, THAT IS WHEN APPROPRIATE CITY DEPARTMENTS GET NOTIFIED AND TAKE CARE OF IT.DATA NEEDS. DATA. WE JUST LIKE I SAID, YOU'VE HEARD ME GO ON AND ON ABOUT IT.
WE DIDN'T HAVE THE DATA UNTIL A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO, AND THAT'S WHY WE THINK THAT WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN IN OCTOBER OF 2026, WHEN WE ANALYZE WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE YEAR WITH WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE ORDINANCE AND THE POLICIES THAT THE CITY PUTS IN PLACE, THEN WE'RE GOING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING.
WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE DATA FROM 2026.
THE OTHER THING IS DATA FOR COMMUNITY TRANSPARENCY.
SO ONE OF THE THINGS IS THAT WAS DISCOVERED IN OUR COMMITTEE.
AGAIN, THIS IS BECAUSE WE'RE LOOKING AT REGISTRATION, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE [INAUDIBLE].
IT'S JUST NOT A GREAT DATABASE.
I ORIGINALLY CAME OVER TO THE PARK BOARD FROM GALVESTON.COM BECAUSE THAT WAS HOW EVERYBODY WENT AND PAID THEIR HOTEL TAX BACK THEN BEFORE IT MOVED TO THE PARK BOARD AND TO RENTAL SCAPE, DECKARDS TECHNOLOGY.
WE NEED TO AND WE'VE TALKED TO THE CITY ABOUT THIS, SOMEHOW REQUIRE PEOPLE BOTH NEW REGISTRANTS AND RENEWALS TO UPDATE ALL OF THEIR INFORMATION FOR EACH PROPERTY.
BECAUSE IF WE DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT INFORMATION, WE CAN'T CONTACT PEOPLE TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. REQUIRE DECKER TO PROVIDE MONTHLY OR QUARTERLY REPORTS TO THE CITY.
THIS WOULD BE DETERMINED BY THE CITY.
BUT THE SAME WAY YOU'RE LOOKING AT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE PUMP STATION EVERY MONTH, YOU'D BE LOOKING AT WHAT'S GOING ON WITH STRS AND HAVE THIS INFORMATION COMING TO YOU.
THEN THE LAST THING, IT GETS TO SOMETHING ALEX WAS SAYING EARLIER ABOUT INFORMATION TO THE COMMUNITY.
WE'RE REALLY WORKING AND MARISSA IS WORKING ON THIS OF PUBLISHING THE DATA THAT YOU SEE TODAY THE WEBSITE, AND ALSO TO PUT THINGS ON THE WEBSITE THAT CAN BE UPDATED WHEN POSSIBLE IN REAL TIME, BUT ALSO TO UPDATE DATA TO THE WEBSITE.
THE CITY, ANYBODY CAN GET INFORMATION AND UNDERSTAND.
SALLY STILL HERE? GOOD. SO THE ONLY PERSON WE TALKED ABOUT OCCUPANCY, BECAUSE WE DEFINITELY HAVE SOME PLAYERS IN TOWN WHO DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO SMART OCCUPANCY WHEN IT COMES TO OUR NEIGHBORHOODS.
IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE CAN'T DO RIGHT NOW.
UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S BEEN UPHELD IN ONLY ONE COMMITTEE WHERE IT'S BEEN DONE, AND THEY HAVE TWO YEARS OF DATA TO BACK IT UP.
THAT'S WHY THE COURTS UPHELD THIS PARTICULAR ORDINANCE AND RESTRICTION PUT ON WHAT CITY WAS IT SO? THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
>> BUT YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW THEY DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO AN R ZERO.
THEN ON DENSITY, WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH DENSITY.
BUT THIS IS ANOTHER THING THAT WOULD ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF AUSTIN, AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT.
EDUCATION. WE THINK THAT WE'RE GOING TO BASICALLY HAVE TO RE EDUCATE GALVESTON ISLAND BECAUSE THESE THREE YEARS, WHEN WE SAID, THERE'S A COMPLAINT HOTLINE, BUT IT WAS INEFFECTIVE.
PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW IF THERE WAS RESOLUTION, DIDN'T GET RESOLUTION.
WE HAVE TO REALLY START OVER WHEN IT COMES TO THIS.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE KEEP COLLATERAL UP TO DATE ON THE CITY.
WE'RE SUGGESTING A QUARTERLY STR NEWSLETTER GO OUT BY THE CITY.
IT USED TO BE DONE BY ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS EFFECTIVELY DONE BY THE PARK BOARD.
YOU WOULD GET IT EVERY MONTH, AND IT WOULD REMIND YOU OF THINGS.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH TRASH CANS.
REGISTRATION RENEWALS ARE COMING UP.
IF YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR INFORMATION, IT WAS ALL STUFF, AND IT WAS VERY, VERY HELPFUL.
ANOTHER SUGGESTION WAS OUR FORUM WAS VERY POPULAR.
PEOPLE SAID SUGGESTED, HOLDING IT ANNUALLY SO THE COMMUNITY CAN COME IN AND TALK TO THE EXPERTS WHO OF COURSE, ARE CITY STAFF.
>> IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND.
>> MARIE SAYS IN THE CENTER OF THE ISLAND. RIGHT?
>> THEN LAST, HOTLINE INFORMATION IS GOING TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY WHEN THE CITY IS READY WITH ALL OF THE PROCESSES AND POLICIES THAT ARE CONNECTED WITH IT.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE IT'S READY TO GO SO THAT IT'S AN EFFECTIVE TOOL.
>> QUITE SMART. THIS WAS AN INTERESTING QUESTION.
WE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT RESIDENTS THOUGHT, WHO SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR GUEST BEHAVIOR.
THE COMMUNITY SAID THE HIGHEST COUNT WENT TO THE GUESTS.
AND THEN THE NEXT IS THE STR OWNER/MANAGER,
[04:10:03]
WHICH, COULD BE A LOCAL CONTACT.WE SEE THEM AS THE SAME WHEN WE SEE THE DATA GOING INTO.
>> [OVERLAPPING] I GUESS BY [INAUDIBLE] BOSS COMMENT.
>> WHO'S SAYING THAT. YOU CAN SEE THAT THE POLICE, THEY THINK THE POLICE, BUT YOU'RE GOING TO SEE ANOTHER QUESTION IN HERE ABOUT WHO DID THEY CALL IF THEY HAD A PROBLEM? ENFORCEMENT.
OUR NUMBER 1 THING, AND WE HEARD IT FROM PEOPLE COMING TO MAKE PUBLIC COMMENT.
IT WAS AMONG COMMITTEE MEMBERS WAS TO ENFORCE EXISTING CITY ORDINANCES.
AND I WILL JUST SAY THAT WE TRULY BELIEVE THAT WITH THE HOTLINE BEING UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CITY, AND WITH ALL THE COORDINATION THAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THE CITY DEPARTMENTS THAT THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW.
ANOTHER ONE IS ESTABLISHING, I DON'T KNOW WHY WE WENT STRONG, ANY RELATIONSHIP WITH AIRBNB AND VRBO.
SO THAT WHEN THERE'S A PROBLEM, THEY WILL REALLY DE-LIST.
I KNOW THAT DIFFERENT ENTITIES AND NOT JUST GALVESTON, I KNOW THE PARK BOARD HAD THIS PROBLEM JUST GETTING THEM TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND DO ANYTHING AND RESPOND AND REALLY DE-LIST BECAUSE 690 SHOULD NOT BE ON THOSE PLATFORMS RIGHT NOW PULLING IN MONEY.
THEY JUST SHOULDN'T AND OPERATING.
I THINK THAT'S IN OUR CURRENT CONTRACT WITH THE PLATFORMS. DECKER. WITH DECKER OR THE ORDINANCE?
IF THEY'RE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE CITY, THEY SHOULDN'T BE ON THOSE PLATFORMS.
>> I KNOW IT'S PART OF THE REGULATIONS.
IT'S JUST THAT IF THEY DON'T RESPOND.
>> AND I THINK THAT NEEDS, WE NEED TO HAVE A MEANS OF CROSS-CHECK CHECKS AND BALANCES.
BECAUSE A LOT OF THOSE 690 PEOPLE, MORE THAN LIKELY THEY'VE GOT A GBR NUMBER THAT IS NOT LEGIT.
AND AIRBNB IS NOT IN THAT BUSINESS TO ENFORCE.
>> DEFINE CLEAR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR RESOLVING THE STR VIOLATIONS.
A LOT OF THAT'S GOING TO COME THROUGH, WE THINK NUMBER 6, THE CREATION OF STRL AND REALLY BEEFING UP THE STRL BOARD, THE STR LICENSING BOARD.
>> EXPLAIN WHAT THAT IS A LITTLE BIT.
>> WE'RE GOING TO COME TO THAT. I'LL COME TO THAT.
AND ACTUALLY, AND THEN SO SHE'S GOING TO TALK ABOUT A LITTLE BIT.
CLARIFY WHAT CONSTITUTES AN STR VIOLATION.
THERE WERE SOME TALK ABOUT, THERE'S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE REALLY CLEAR WHAT IS AN STR VIOLATION SO THAT THE OPERATOR SLASH LOCAL CONTACT OWNER KNOWS AS WELL AS THE NEIGHBORHOOD KNOWS.
AND NUMBER 5, ENSURE THAT THE 24/7 LOCAL CONTACT IS THE FIRST POINT OF CONTACT FOR NUISANCE RESOLUTIONS.
A LOT OF THESE THINGS CAN BE RESOLVED WITH A PHONE CALL.
THE TRASH CANS WEREN'T TAKEN IN.
SO THAT'S A REALLY IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT WE CAME UP WITH.
AND THE LAST ONE IS, IS WE ARE ALL IN SUPPORT OF STR.
WE WANT TO SEE ALL COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS GOING TO THE HOTLINE, AND I BELIEVE THIS IS THE CITY AGREES WITH THIS THAT THE HOTLINE, HOWEVER IT EXISTS, THERE'S BEEN SOME TALK ABOUT A COMPREHENSIVE DISPATCH MECHANISM AT THE CITY.
BUT UNTIL THAT HAPPENS, THE HOTLINE WILL BE THERE TO TAKE ANY COMPLAINTS WITH THE STR AND TO TRANSFER AND DISTRIBUTE THE CALLS WHERE THEY NEED TO GO.
SOMETHING NEEDS TO GO TO THE [INAUDIBLE] OFFICE, IT'LL GO THERE.
IF IT'S GOING TO THE LEGAL OFFICE, IT'LL GO THERE, ETC.
>> THAT'S NOT ONLY ABOUT ENFORCEMENT, BUT IT ALSO ABOUT DATA COLLECTING, GETTING THE RIGHT DATA AND NEEDED.
>> AND NUMBER 2, HOLD THE HOTLINE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE CITY MANDATED WORKFLOW.
THAT WAS ANOTHER THING FROM THE PAST.
THE CONTRACT JUST WAS NOT UPHELD.
AND WE FEEL CONFIDENT NOW WITH BEING IN THE CITY'S HANDS THAT THAT WILL HAPPEN.
THIS IS JUST THE LANGUAGE THAT YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IN THAT VERY MARKED UP VERSION OF THE ORDINANCE.
THIS IS A LANGUAGE THAT CREATES STRL, AND WE HAD ASKED IF XOCHITL COULD TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IT BECAUSE WE TALKED ABOUT THIS BOARD A LOT, AND IT'S REALLY A KEY PIECE OF MAKING THIS WORK IN GALVESTON.
AND YOU MAY WANT TO USE THE ONE BEHIND PARKING.
DO YOU WANT THAT GRAPHIC? WHAT'S THE ONE FOR STRL GRAPHIC IS BEHIND IT.
>> LET ME GET IT FOR IT. GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M XOCHITL VANDIVER-GASKIN, ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY, AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT STRL.
SO STRL IS JUST LIKE IT SAYS IT'S A LICENSING BOARD.
AND AS IT'S WRITTEN, IT SAYS IT'S COMPOSED OF THREE CITY STAFF MEMBERS.
THERE MAY BE DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAT ARE ACTUALLY ASSIGNED DEPENDING ON WHO IS DESIGNATED TO THIS BOARD BY THE CITY MANAGER.
[04:15:04]
ESSENTIALLY, IT'S THREE CITY STAFF MEMBERS.AND WHAT IT DOES, IT CREATES A MECHANISM BY WHICH WE CAN HOLD REPEAT OFFENDERS ACCOUNTABLE BY POTENTIALLY REVOKING SOMEBODY'S LICENSE.
SO LET ME START FROM RIGHT FROM THE JUMP.
THE BOARD WILL NOT BE REVOKING LICENSES.
THE BOARD WILL ONLY MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ARE ULTIMATELY DECIDED BY CITY COUNCIL AS AND CITY COUNCIL MAKES THE ULTIMATE DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO MAKE A REVOCATION.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS BROUGHT UP TO ME AT THE AT THE FORUM WAS A CONCERN BY OWNER OPERATORS, A VERY VALID CONCERN THAT STRL WOULD BE USED TO HAVE PEOPLE WHO JUST DON'T LIKE STRS IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS JUST CALL THE HOTLINE AND GET SOMEBODY'S LICENSE REVOKED.
AND THAT IS NOT HOW WE ENVISION STRL WORKING.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE ARE BAD ACTORS.
WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF OWNER OPERATORS ON THE ISLAND ARE ALSO RESIDENTS OF THE ISLAND, AND OUR PROPERTY TAX PAYING OWNERS OF PROPERTY RESPONSIBLY USING THEIR PROPERTY AS AN STR IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.
IF YOU OPERATE RESPONSIBLY, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT CLAIRE SAID EARLIER WAS TALKING ABOUT ENSURING THAT THE OWNER OPERATORS 24 HOUR CONTACT IS THE FIRST PERSON THAT THE HOTLINE CALLS BECAUSE, LIKE CLAIRE SAID, THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME, A HOTLINE COMPLAINT COMES IN.
IF THE HOTLINE HAS THE CORRECT INFORMATION TO GET AHOLD OF THAT 24 HOUR CONTACT, THAT 24 HOUR CONTACT CAN, VAST MAJORITY OF THE TIME RESOLVE THAT ISSUE IMMEDIATELY.
IT NEVER COMES IT'S NEVER ON STRL RADAR IF THAT'S WHAT'S HAPPENING.
IF YOUR 24 HOUR CONTACT OR YOUR OWNER OPERATOR IS TAKING CARE OF THAT ISSUE, WE DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH YOU.
THE CITY DOESN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE THAT ARE RESPONSIBLY OPERATING THEIR BUSINESSES.
STRL IS ESSENTIALLY A THREE STRIKE YOU OUT WHERE VIOLATIONS ARE, WE GET THE INFORMATION FROM THE VIOLATIONS FROM THE HOTLINE.
BUT THOSE VIOLATIONS HAVE TO BE BACKED UP.
OF COURSE, THIS DOESN'T EXIST YET, AND IT'S NEVER EXISTED BEFORE.
MY WISH LIST OF HOW I THINK THIS SHOULD WORK.
IF YOU TAKE THAT INFORMATION FROM THE HOTLINE AND YOU DO SOME INVESTIGATING.
AND THOSE VIOLATIONS THAT COME BEFORE THE BOARD, THERE'S THREE OF THEM, THOSE VIOLATIONS ARE GOING TO BE BACKED UP WITH CODE ENFORCEMENT REPORTS, WITH POLICE REPORTS.
WITH PHOTOGRAPHS WITH EVIDENCE TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE NOT JUST PULLING SOMEBODY IN FROM THE BOARD THAT HAS A NEIGHBOR THAT JUST DOESN'T LIKE AN STR, BUT REALLY HAS NO PROBLEMS. THIS IS TO HAVE SOME TEETH AND BE ABLE TO REMOVE OR POTENTIALLY REMOVE THE LICENSES OF STR OWNERS WHO ARE NOT TAKING CARE OF THESE NUISANCE PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY.
WHAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, AGAIN, IN MY VISION IN MY WISH LIST AND MY UTOPIAN VERSION OF THIS, IT'S NOT GOING TO BE, NEIGHBOR CALLING IN ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT THREE TIMES AND THAT PERSON GETS DRAGGED IN FRONT OF THE STRL BOARD, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN RESPONSIBLY OPERATING STR IS IN DANGER OF POTENTIALLY GETTING THEIR TICKET PULLED.
ABSOLUTELY NOT. THAT IS NOT WHAT WE'RE ASKING BE PUT INTO PLACE. YES, MA'AM.
I CALL INTO THE HOTLINE, AND NOBODY SHOWS UP WITHIN AN HOUR.
>> IS THE HOTLINE GOING TO CHECK BACK WITH THE PERSON THAT SAY, HAS YOUR PROBLEM BEEN RESOLVED?
>> IT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT'S IN THE CALL FLOW RIGHT NOW, BUT IT'S BEING WORKED ON.
IT'S BEING WORKED ON BY THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND CITY LEADERSHIP, HOW THAT'S GOING TO WORK.
BUT IF THERE'S NO RESPONSE, THAT SHOULD BE A DING.
[OVERLAPPING] OTHER PEOPLE CALL IT CALL TO STRIKE.
>> IT'S LISTED AS A VIOLATION.
>> YOU HAVE TO. IT'S LISTED AS A VIOLATION.
YOU HAVE TO RESOLVE IT WITHIN AN HOUR. YEAH.
>> YOU TO RESPOND WITHIN HOURS RESOLVED RESOLVE IN TWOS.
>> YEAH. RESPONDED ONE RESOLVED IN TWO.
AND THEN YEAH, PART OF THE WORK FLOW.
IT'S GOING TO BE THE HOTLINE, BUT.
>> [OVERLAPPING] GLUTS GOING TO HAPPEN IS NOTHING SOMETHING DOESN'T GET RESOLVED,
[04:20:01]
THE PERSON IS GOING TO CALL THE NON EMERGENCY POLICE NUMBER.>> THAT'S PART OF THE CALL FLOW AND IT'S BEING WORKED ON.
IT'S A GOOD QUESTION. WE HAVE ALSO.
>> WHEN WE GOT ACCESS TO RENTAL SCAPE, I WAS MESSING AROUND IN IT, AND I WOULD SEE IN THE COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS WOULD ACTUALLY BE CALLING BACK.
I GOT A VOICEMAIL, LIKE, WHAT'S GOING ON, AND THAT WOULD BE NOTED.
IT WAS HAPPENING? BECAUSE WE JUST GOT IT, I'M NOT ENTIRELY SURE, BUT THAT IS A VERY CRITICAL.
>> BECAUSE AGAIN, WE CAN'T BE DING PEOPLE'S LICENSES WITHOUT BEING PRETTY SURE THAT, I'M JUST PRETTY SURE, BUT WE HAVE TO BE VERY SURE THAT THEY WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACTUALLY RESPOND AND ACTUALLY TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE WE START TALKING ABOUT.
>> MAYBE THAT'S ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL PIECE OF INFORMATION THAT WILL FORCE PEOPLE TO UPDATE THEIR INFORMATION IS MAKE IT KNOWN IN THE INFORMATION PROCESS THAT IF YOUR PERSON DOESN'T RESPOND WITHIN AN HOUR, YOU ARE.
>> YEAH. ABSOLUTELY. IT'S RE-EDUCATION. YOU'RE EXACTLY RIGHT.
>> ONE COMMENT ABOUT THE STRL BEFORE WE GO.
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT XOCHITL MADE CLEAR TO ME IS ONE OF THE CRITICAL THINGS THAT THIS STRL BOARD DOES IS IT PROVIDES DUE PROCESS THROUGH EVERYTHING, WHICH IN TURN HELPS PROTECT US FROM LOSSES.
>> EXACTLY. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
>> I DON'T WANT US TO GET SUED.
IT'S MY JOB TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DON'T.
BECAUSE OF THAT, MY THINKING IS, WE HAVE TO BE VERY CLEAR THAT WE'RE NOT TRYING TO GET PEOPLE'S LICENSES SUSPENDED FOR NO REASON.
WE HAVE WE HAVE TO HAVE THE EVIDENCE TO BACK IT UP AND WE HAVE TO HAVE THE DUE PROCESS BUILT IN SO THAT WHEN SOMEBODY'S LICENSE DOES GET SUSPENDED AND WE DO FACE SOME LITIGATION.
I CAN VERY CONFIDENTLY ARGUE TO ANY COURT.
THIS IS OUR PROCESS, AND AT EVERY STEP, THERE WAS, DUE PROCESS DONE AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE TO BACK IT UP AND NOTICE IS GIVEN, THE WHOLE THING. YEAH, IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
>> WE FOUND THAT THE COMMUNITY WE JUST SAID HE DO YOU SUPPORT REVIEW AND REVOCATION OF LICENSES AFTER THREE DOCUMENTED VIOLATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY IS FOR THIS.
WE SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THE STR BOARD, AS I HAVE SAID, AND THAT ALSO WE POINTED OUT THAT AS PART OF THIS PROCESS AND DUE PROCESS, THE OWNER MANAGER, 24/7 LOCAL CONTACT SHOULD RECEIVE NOTIFICATION FOR EACH DOCUMENTED VIOLATION.
THERE WAS CONCERN IN THE COMMITTEE THAT WHAT IF SOMEBODY ALREADY HAS TWO AND THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW IT? AGAIN, THIS GETS BACK TO THE DATA THAT IS IN RENTAL SC IT GETS BACK IN.
WE ACTUALLY TALKED ABOUT WIPING OUT EVERYTHING EXCEPT THE ADDRESS AND THE GBR NUMBER FOR SOMEBODY RE REGISTERING AND FORCING THEM TO PUT EVERYTHING IN AGAIN, JUST TO MAKE SURE WE'RE GETTING CORRECT DATA.
PARKING. I'M GOING TO JUMP TO THE SECOND THING.
WE LEARNED AND THIS WAS FROM PUBLIC COMMENT ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE BOARD, THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE SHARED BY OCCUPANTS OF STRS, LONG TERM RENTALS, AND OWNER OCCUPIED RESIDENTS ISLAND WIDE.
WE HAVE A PARKING PROBLEM, ISLAND WIDE.
THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS WHEN YOU HAD US GO BACK AND THINK ABOUT PARKING.
WE THEN ASKED THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO COME UP WITH A PLAN AND WE TALKED ABOUT IT.
IT HAS SAID AT LENGTH, WE ENDED UP HAVING THIS IS A PARKING.
WE HAD A PROPOSED PARKING ORDINANCE, AND THIS IS BASICALLY, I'M GOING TO ACTUALLY TURN THIS OVER TO TERESA NOW TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WAS PROPOSED BY THE CITY.
THEN YOU'LL SEE THAT WE VOTED AND WE ENDED UP WITH ONE MOTION THAT CARRIED.
BUT LET'S START WITH TERESA FIRST.
CAN WE DO THAT? JUST TALK ABOUT WHAT IT IS THAT YOU.
>> WE CAN INDICATE THAT PARISHES PARKING.
>> YES. I CAN SEE IT. YES. TERESA EVANS, THE DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, I PROMISE TO BE BRIEF BECAUSE WE CAN TALK ABOUT THIS FOR HOURS.
WE JUST WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT WHEN YOU LEAVE HERE TODAY, THAT.
[04:25:02]
WE CAN SPEND ALL DAY TALKING ABOUT THIS, BUT I JUST WANTED TO REALLY FOCUS ON JUST WHAT STAFF'S PROPOSAL WAS TO THE STR COMMITTEE.WHAT YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU ON THE SCREEN IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT YOU'LL BE RECEIVING A COPY OF THE BOTTOM OF THE FOURTH PAGE, SECTION 19-14(C)(5).
YOU'LL SEE THAT IN OUR FORMER CITY ATTORNEY'S DRAFT ORDINANCE, AFTER HIS REVIEW OF EXISTING REGULATIONS AND OTHER CITY ORDINANCES, THIS IS MOSTLY THE LANGUAGE HE PROVIDED.
THE STR COMMITTEE WENT BACK AND PLAYED AROUND WITH THE DEFINITION OF A BEDROOM, BUT FOR THE MOST PART, IN OUR FORMER CITY ATTORNEY'S DRAFT ORDINANCE, HE ASSIGNED ONE VEHICULAR PARKING SPACE PER EACH BEDROOM.
THEN YOU CAN HAVE FIRST TWO PARKING SPOTS ON THE STREET.
ANYTHING, WE START GETTING TO THREE, FOUR, FIVE BEDROOM HOMES, THEN YOU'LL NEED TO SHOW WHERE THAT OVERFLOW PARKING GOES EITHER ON-SITE IN A DRIVEWAY, OR IT COULD BE DOWN THE STREET IN A CONTRACT PARKING LOT, OR MAYBE YOU HAVE AN ARRANGEMENT WITH YOUR NEIGHBOR, BUT THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME THOUGHT AND SOME ACCOMMODATION BEFOREHAND ON WHERE THAT OVERFLOW PARKING IS GOING TO GO OTHER THAN THE STREET.
BECAUSE AS WE HEARD FROM IN PUBLIC COMMENTS, THIS PARKING ISSUE IS NOT JUST SHARED BY STR OWNERS.
IT'S LONG-TERM RENTERS, IT'S OWNER OCCUPIED UNITS.
IF YOU'LL GO TO THE NEXT SLIDE, PLEASE.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE THE CONTROL, SORRY ABOUT THAT.
STAFF PARKING PROPOSAL, THESE ARE THE BULLET POINTS THAT YOU WILL FIND ON THE BOARD UP HERE, BUT ALSO IN YOUR PACKET.
I THINK IT'S YOUR SECOND-TO-LAST SHEET, YOU'LL SEE IT.
BUT BASICALLY, IT REITERATES OR REINFORCES WHAT YOU WILL SEE IN THE DRAFT ORDINANCE, WHICH IS ONE PARKING SPACE PER BEDROOM.
YOU CAN UTILIZE UP TO TWO PARKING SPACES ON THE STREET.
WHEN WE WENT THROUGH THE REGISTRATION PORTAL FOR DECORD SOFTWARE, AND WHAT UPDATES WE CAN MAKE.
THE STR COMMITTEE BEFORE WE GOT REALLY INTO THE PARKING DISCUSSION, THERE WAS AGREEMENT THAT AS PART OF THE REGISTRATION PROCESS, REGISTRANTS WOULD PROVIDE A PARKING PLAN.
THAT SPEAKS TO OUR FORMER CITY ATTORNEY'S ORDINANCE, BUT ALSO THIS LANGUAGE THAT WE IMAGINE THAT ANYTHING OVER TWO BEDROOMS, THERE'S GOING TO BE A PARKING PLAN PROVIDED, OR SOME CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENT, OR WHERE IS THE OVERFLOW PARKING GOING? STAFF IS ONLY PROPOSING THAT THIS APPLIES TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, NOT MULTIFAMILY.
THAT IS A QUESTION THAT I GOT A LOT OF IN PUBLIC COMMENTS, BUT ALSO AT THE STR COMMUNITY FORUM.
WE ARE NOT PROPOSING THAT THIS APPLY TO MULTIFAMILY, CONDOMINIUMS, HIGH-RISE, RESIDENTIAL TOWERS, ANYTHING THAT ALREADY HAS A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED PARKING PLAN, SO JUST SINGLE-FAMILY UNITS.
THIS WOULD APPLY TO NEW STR REGISTRATIONS AND NEW CONSTRUCTION.
YOU HAVE SOME DEVELOPERS THAT ARE DOING STR-SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENTS, BUT ANYTHING THAT ANY UNITS THAT ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED, THEY WOULD BE CONSIDERED A PRE-EXISTING NON-CONFORMING USE, AND THEY WOULD BE GRANDFATHERED.
>> LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION ON THAT REAL QUICK.
IF A PROPERTY CHANGES HANDS, AND THEY PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED IN PROPERTY CHANGES HANDS, AND THEY NEED TO GET ANOTHER STR REGISTRATION, WOULD THEY BE CONFORMING TO THE NEW RULES OR STILL BE GRANDFATHERED?
>> THEY WOULD BE GRANDFATHERED FOR ONE YEAR.
WE HAVE A 365-DAY GRANDFATHERING CLAUSE OR PRE-EXISTING NON-CONFORMING USES.
WHEN YOU EXCEED THE 365 DAYS AND THE NEW PROPERTY OWNER IS NOT RENEWED, THEN YOU WOULD LOSE YOUR GRANDFATHERING AND COME UNDER THE NEW.
>> A SHORT-TERM RENTAL THAT'S GRANDFATHERED IN ON THE PARKING, WHICH IS TONS OF THEM ON THAT, IF THEY SELL THAT UNIT, THEY'RE STILL GRANDFATHERED IN.
>> THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE DAYS.
>> IF THEY DON'T RENEW THEIR LICENSE FOR 365 DAYS, THEY ARE OUT?
IF THEY SELL THAT UNIT AND THEY'RE GRANDFATHERED IN, THEY SAY THEY BECAME A SHORT-TERM RENTAL 10 YEARS AGO, AND THEY'RE GRANDFATHERED IN.
IF THEY SELL THAT UNIT AND THE NEW OWNER REGISTERS AS A SHORT-TERM RENTAL, THEY GRANDFATHERED IN?
>> AS LONG AS HE DOES IT WITHIN 365 DAYS.
>> THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING. THEY CONTINUE TO BE GRANDFATHERED IN.
I'VE SAID A NUMBER OF YOUR MEETINGS.
[04:30:03]
IF WE'RE AND YOU CAN LOOK AT, CONNECT THE DOTS.IF WE'RE GOING TO GRANDFATHER, WE'RE NOT SOLVING AN ISSUE.
I'LL JUST USE A CIO BECAUSE THAT'S WHERE THEY OFTEN SEND ME PICTURES, THAT WILL HAVE 22 CARS.
YOU CAN'T GET DOWN THE STREET, AND THE AMBULANCE CAN'T GET DOWN THE STREET.
WE'RE CREATING ALL THESE ORDINANCES, AND BASICALLY, WE'RE NOT SOLVING A PROBLEM.
>> BUT MY THOUGHT ON THAT, MARIE.
THIS IS AS YOU REGISTER FOR THE OCCUPANTS OF THE HOME.
IF THEY HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY, AND YOU HAVE EXTRA CARS, THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO THAT.
>> BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
I'M TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE WHO RENT A HOUSE FOR A WEEK, A THREE-DAY WEEK, AND A FOUR-DAY WEEK, AND THEY HAVE 22 CARS AT THE HOUSE.
IF WE DON'T HAVE SOME PARKING REGULATION, WE'RE DEFEATING THE PURPOSE BECAUSE THAT AUTOMATICALLY GRANDFATHERS EVERY BAD ACTOR.
>> WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THAT, AND IT'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO GO THROUGH.
>> I THINK HEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM.
THE MAYOR BROUGHT UP SOMETHING, AND YOU BROUGHT UP SOMETHING.
I'M AS HOKESHON ENFORCEMENT ON STRS AS I CAN BE, BUT THE PARKING, WITH THE MAYOR'S POINT, YOU MAY HAVE 22 CARS OUT FOR A BIRTHDAY.
I MEAN, WE'VE HAD BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND WE'VE TAKEN UP A LOT OF SPOTS ON THE STREET, AND THEY'RE GONE AT A CERTAIN TIME.
BUT THEN YOU HAVE 22 CARS WITH SOMEONE STAYING FOR A FOUR-DAY WEEKEND, THAT'S CRAMMING PEOPLE IN.
HOW DO YOU ENFORCE THAT? I MEAN, THAT TO ME, IT SEEMS LIKE WE'RE ADDING PAPERWORK AND BUREAUCRACY TO A PARKING PROBLEM, WHICH YOU CAN'T [OVERLAPPING].
>> IF YOU HAVE A FOUR-BEDROOM HOUSE AND YOU'RE SLEEPING 32 PEOPLE, CHANCES ARE, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE SEEN BUSES DROP PEOPLE OFF, THERE IS GOING TO BE A PARKING ISSUE.
I UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU'RE SAYING WHEN YOU'RE HAVING A PARTY, I WOULD BE [OVERLAPPING].
>> HOW DO YOU ENFORCE LEGALLY PARKING ON THE STREET?
>> WHEN IT'S CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE HAD A SAFETY ISSUE, AND WE HEARD IT OVER AND OVER FROM CITY STAFF, THAT IS POLICE.
YOU CALL THE POLICE IF IT'S A SAFETY LIFE ISSUE AND YOU CAN GET DOWN THE STREET.
>> I'M EMPATHETIC TO ALL THE CAUSES.
I MEAN, WE'VE HAD ISSUES TOO WITH THE STR NEXT TO US, WITH CARS BLOCKING THE STREET AND THE DRIVEWAY.
HOW DO WE, AS A CITY, ENFORCE THAT REALISTICALLY? THIS IS ADDING A PROCESS ONTO A PROBLEM THAT, IF THEY'RE LEGALLY PARKED ON THE STREET, THERE'S NOT MUCH THAT WE CAN DO.
>> THE ONLY WAY TO ADDRESS THAT IN MY MIND, AND I'M NOT SAYING TO DO THAT, IS YOU HAVE TO PUT OCCUPANCY LIMITS ON THE HOMES.
[OVERLAPPING] THAT BECOMES LEGALLY VERY DIFFICULT TO DO.
>> YOU CAN'T DO IT. THAT'S HOW YOU ENFORCE THAT.
>> IT COMES BACK DOWN TO ENFORCEMENT.
IT'S DIFFICULT TO ENFORCE PARKING.
THAT'S WHY WE'RE PROPOSING TO DO IT ON THE FRONT END DURING THE REGISTRATION PROCESS, WHERE WE'RE SCREENING REGISTRANTS AND TRYING TO GET SOME CONSIDERATION OR ACCOMMODATION, WHETHER OR NOT YOU'RE A NEW REGISTRANT OR A RE-REGISTERING.
WE'RE STILL GOING TO ASK FOR THE SAME INFORMATION.
ONCE WE GET THE DATA, WE'LL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING.
ALSO, WHEN THE COMPLAINTS COME IN, WHERE ARE THE PARKING ISSUES, REALLY?
>> I THINK THAT'S A LITTLE BIT TOOTING THE LINE OF ADDRESSING THE OCCUPANCY PROBLEM THROUGH PARKING, AND HOW HARD IS IT FOR THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO SEE THAT YOU'RE TOTING THE LINE AND CHALLENGE THAT? THAT'S THE CHALLENGE THAT I'M MENTALLY GOING THROUGH IS HOW IS THAT DIFFERENT FROM TYING IT TO OCCUPANCY WHEN YOU'RE TYING IT TO PARKING? I'M SAYING IT'S A NOBLE CAUSE, AND I THINK IT'S A BIT OF A PROBLEM WHEN YOU'RE SLEEPING 32 PEOPLE IN A FOUR-BEDROOM, IT'S RIDICULOUS.
>> SHE WAS ABOUT TO TELL SOME INTERESTING DATA, THE REDLE SCRAPE DATA ABOUT HOW MANY ONE BEDROOMS WE HAVE IN TWO.
[04:35:02]
IS THAT YOU WHO WAS TELLING ME THAT?>> I REMEMBER THAT CONVERSATION [OVERLAPPING]
>> I DON'T REMEMBER WHO TOLD US, BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF OUR STRS ARE ONE AND TWO-BEDROOMS. IT WAS REALLY SURPRISING DATA TO ME [OVERLAPPING]
>> IT WAS A VAST MAJORITY OF THE IN-TOWN WHERE ONE AND TWO BEDROOMS.
>> A LOT OF THE CONDOS ALSO WEST END AND ALSO UP ON THE SEA WALL AT THE END OF THE SEA WALL.
THAT'S ANOTHER PIECE OF THE DATA THAT WE'RE GOING TO WANT TO LOOK AT.
I KNOW THE PROBLEMS THAT MARIE IS TALKING ABOUT, AND WE'RE VERY SYMPATHETIC EVER.
OVERLAPPING] THEY ARE REAL PROBLEMS, THEY ARE.
>> I DON'T DISAGREE WITH MARIE'S POINT THAT IF YOU GRANDFATHER EVERYTHING, THEN WHAT DID YOU SOLVE, BECAUSE THAT'S A 4,200 STRS FOR THE CONFORMITY ORDINANCE.
I UNDERSTAND THAT. THIS GRANDFATHERING IDEA IS NOTHING THAT WAS MADE UP FOR THE SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE.
THIS IS THE CITY'S STANDARD APPROACH TO NON-CONFORMING USES.
IT WAS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THE CITY IS DOING EVERYWHERE ELSE, AS A NON-CONFORMING USE, BUT I DON'T DISAGREE THAT IT DILUTES THE IMPACT THAT WE'RE GOING TO HAVE.
>> I AM GOING TO SUGGEST WE COME BACK TO PARKING.
>> THAT WAS THE ONE THING WE COULD ALL COME TO AN AGREEMENT ON.
IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO AGREE ON.
>> BUT IT IS A SERIOUS ISSUE THAT IT'S GOING TO KEEP PEOPLE CALLING THE NON-EMERGENCY OR THE POLICE NUMBER.
THE HOT NUMBER BECAUSE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE.
SOMEONE CAN'T GET AN AMBULANCE AT THEIR HOUSE WHEN THEY'RE HAVING A HEART ATTACK, THAT'S A SAFETY ISSUE.
>> THE FIRE MARSHAL LOOKED AT THAT.
>> THE FIRE MARSHAL NEVER WENT OUT ON A WEEKEND, BECAUSE HE MUST BE BLOCKED.
I THINK THEY WENT OUT ON HOLIDAY WEEKENDS TO THE WEST END.
>> WHERE DID THEY GO, BECAUSE I'D LOVE TO SEE THAT.
>> WE DIDN'T MAKE THIS UP. ONE PARKING SPOT PER BEDROOM IS ACTUALLY ALREADY IN OUR ORDINANCE.
LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TABLE 2.201, WHAT YOU SEE UP THERE IS AN EXCERPT FROM AN EXISTING TABLE OF RESIDENTIAL LAND USES.
YOU HAVE THE ZONING DISTRICTS ACROSS THE TOP, YOU HAVE THE RESIDENTIAL LAND USES DOWN THE SIDE.
IT'S A MUCH LARGER TABLE, BUT A SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL DWELLING IS IN THERE.
IT'S THE SECOND ONE DOWN. IF YOU SCROLL ACROSS, YOU'LL SEE AN L. YOU'LL SEE SOME P'S, AND THEN YOU'LL SEE AN L UNDER R3.
THAT MEANS A LIMITED-USE STANDARD.
THERE ARE LIMITED-USE STANDARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS THAT ARE OUTLINED IN SECTION 2.366.
YOU LOOK AT THE LTU LIMITED USE STANDARDS FOR THAT, GO DOWN TO THE NUMBER 4 PARKING AREA.
PARKING IS LIMITED TO ONE SPACE PER GUEST BEDROOM.
TWO ON-STREET PARKING SPACES MAY BE COUNTED TOWARDS THE TOTAL REQUIRED PARKING.
EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS ADOPTED IN 2018, THIS IS IN OUR ORDINANCE, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN APPLIED BECAUSE THE PLAN OR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES WAS NOT REVIEWING REGISTRATIONS.
THE ONLY WAY WE COULD CATCH THIS IS ON A NEW DEVELOPMENT OR CONSTRUCTION COMING THROUGH IN AN R3, AND THEN WE COULD APPLY THIS.
STAFF'S PROPOSAL IS JUST TO EXTEND THIS LIMITED-USE STANDARD TO SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING AND OTHER ZONING DISTRICTS.
COULD YOU PUT ON THERE, TERESA, IF COUNSEL APPROVES THE ORDINANCE THAT HAS BEEN PRESENTED TO US, REFER BACK TO THAT IN THE LIMITED STANDARDS THAT THEY HAVE TO ABIDE BY, SO AND SO ORDINANCE?
>> YES. WE WOULD IF THIS MOVES FORWARD, WE WOULD BRING THIS SECTION OF THE LDRS TO YOU FOR APPROVAL.
>> JUST A QUESTION. WHAT NOW? WE APPROVE IT.
I FIND A PROPERTY THAT'S GRANDFATHERED IN, THAT HAS CARS PARKED ON THE STREET.
EXPLAIN TO ME HOW WE ENFORCE THAT.
>> THIS ONLY APPLIES TO NEW CONSTRUCTION.
>> NO, I'M TALKING ABOUT, WE ADOPT THE ORDINANCE THAT'S GOING TO BE PROPOSED AS IS, HOW DO WE ENFORCE IT?
>> IF IT'S AN EXISTING STR? WITHIN 365 DAYS, YOUR PRE-EXISTING NON-CONFORMING USE APPLIES.
IF YOU GO OUTSIDE, IF YOU SIT ON IT OR DECIDE TO USE IT FOR A LITTLE BIT, OR YOU'RE REHABBING IT, AND THEN IT'S 400 DAYS LATER, THEN THE NEW STANDARD WOULD APPLY WHEN YOU GO TO RE-REGISTER, AND THESE ARE ANNUAL REGISTRATIONS.
[04:40:01]
AND HE'S IN A NON-CONFORMING USE AREA.I CONTINUE THE SAME REGISTRATION.
I'M GRANDFATHERED BECAUSE HE WAS GRANDFATHERED, CORRECT?
>> BUT I WOULD HAVE TO RE-REGISTER.
>> YOU HAVE TO RE-REGISTER PROBABLY [OVERLAPPING].
NOW, CARS ARE PARKED NON-CONFORMING.
HOW DO I REGULATE THAT? HOW DO I REGULATE THE FACT THAT THERE'S CARS THAT ARE THERE THAT I'M NOT USING THE PROPERTY WITH OUR CODES AND ORDINANCES, HOW DO WE ENFORCE THAT?
>> AS A FOLLOW-UP TO YOUR QUESTION, ALEX, CURRENTLY, THE WAY THE CITY SERVICES PROPOSAL IS WRITTEN, SHORT-TERM RENTALS WOULD HAVE THE USE OF TWO PARKING SPACES ON THE STREET.
ANY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE THAT IS NOT A SHORT-TERM RENTAL HAS ACCESS TO UP TO SIX PARKING SPACES ON THE STREET.
I DON'T KNOW HOW THAT NUMBER WORKS.
>> IT'S NOT TO CUT AWAY ANYTHING.
IT'S LIKE WE'RE PUTTING WORDS ON PAPER.
>> I'LL TELL YOU THE WAY THEY DO IT.
>> HOW DO YOU ENFORCE IT? I'VE SAID IT BEFORE.
IF WE CAN'T ENFORCE IT, WHY PUT THE WORDS ON THE PAPER?
>> THE WAY THEY DO IT RIGHT NOW IN R3, WHICH IS WHERE IT'S A LIMITED USE CURRENTLY IS THAT THERE'S TWO PASSES, LITTLE THINGS YOU PUT IN YOUR WINDSHIELD FOR SHORT TERM RENTAL TENANTS, AND THOSE GO INTO THE WINDSHIELD OF THERE CARS THAT ARE PARKED ON THE STREET, SO YOU CAN TELL WHO IS A SHORT TERM RENTAL AND WHO IS NOT.
>> THIS IS LIZ, ONE OF OUR PERMIT MEMBERS.
I WAS THE EXPERT FROM THE GALVESTON ASSOCIATION OF VACATION RENTAL MANAGERS.
YOU CAN'T ENFORCE IT IF THEY'RE GRANDFATHERED IN.
THAT'S THE THING, SO ANY NEW PROPERTIES [OVERLAPPING].
>> THAT WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET THE REGISTRATION.
>> I WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET THE REGISTRATION?
>> YOU COULD REGISTER AS A NON-CONFORMING LEASE.
>> OUTSIDE 366 DAYS AFTER I BUY DAVID'S PROPERTY.
I GO TO REGISTER, AND YOU TELL ME NO.
>> UNLESS YOU'VE GOT OFF-STREET PARKING, IT'S NO.
>> IN TOWN IS WHERE YOU'RE GOING TO FIND THAT.
>> THEN I PAY A GUY FIVE BUCKS TO JUST WRITE ME A LETTER SAYING HE'S GOT OFF-STREET PARKING, AND WE JUST MADE SOMEONE GO THROUGH AN EXTRA STEP. HOW DO WE ENFORCE THAT?
>> THE ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM IS THAT IF THE NEIGHBORS CALL, THAT'S WHEN THE HOTLINE WOULD CALL THAT HOMEOWNER AND SAY, HEY, YOU HAVE TOO MANY CARS ON THE STREET, BUT THEN IT'S THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HOTLINE TO KNOW IF IT'S A NEW REGISTRANT THAT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THAT OR IF THEIR GRANDFATHERED, SO IT DOESN'T WORK.
>> WE GOT TO OUR NEXT STEP, WE CALL THE HOTLINE.
HOW DO I GET THE FACT THAT THIS PERSON HAS FOUR CARS ON THE STREET, MORE THAN THEIR USE, IS EVEN WITH OVERFLOW PARKING LETTER FROM THE GUY JIMMY [OVERLAPPING]
>> ARE YOU ASKING HOW WE WILL APPROVE IT? IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE SAYING?
>> HOW DO I ENFORCE IT? IT SEEMS LIKE EXTRA STEPS, AND I'M APPRECIATIVE OF ENFORCING THIS STUFF.
LET'S KEEP WALKING DOWN THE PATH, AND THE MARSHAL SHOWS UP.
>> IT BECOMES A DEAN, THAT'S WHERE THE ENFORCEMENT COMES IN.
>> BUT HOW DO I KNOW THAT IT'S NOT ME THAT HAS MY FRIENDS THERE, MY NEIGHBOR HAS HIS FRIENDS THERE [OVERLAPPING].
>> THEY DON'T MOVE, SO YOU GET THE HOTLINE.
THIS IS HOW AGAIN, UTOPIA, THE HOTLINE CALLS THE 247 LOCAL CONTACT.
YOU'RE ONE OF THESE NEW HOUSES THAT HAVE TO CONFORM TO THIS.
WE CALL THEM, THEY HAVE AN HOUR TO RESPOND, TWO HOURS TO RESOLVE.
THEY DON'T RESOLVE, THEY CALL BACK IN THE PERFECT WORLD, WE HAVE A CITY MARSHAL GO KNOCK ON THE DOOR, SAY, HEY, ARE THESE YOUR VEHICLES OUT HERE?
>> NO, THEY'RE NOT MY VEHICLES, AND THEY ARE.
>> THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT LYING.
>> ALEX IS CORRECT ON THIS, IN MY OPINION.
IT DOESN'T MATTER IF IT'S A NEW ONE OR IF IT'S GRANDFATHERED IN.
THERE'S NO WAY TO REALLY ENFORCE THAT BECAUSE YOU CALL THEM AND THEY SAY, NO, I'VE GOT MY CARS PROPERLY PARKED.
>> THERE'S NO, FROM THE CITY STANDARD, BUT YOU WOULD HOPE THAT THE PEOPLE, IF YOU HAVE AT LEAST HAVE IT IN WRITING THAT THEY CAN'T HAVE ALL THIS PARKING, YOU WOULD AT LEAST HOPE THAT ONCE YOU GET THAT CALL FROM THE HOTLINE, THAT THEY'RE GOOD NEIGHBORS.
THEN IF THEY DON'T DO IT, THEY GET A DING, AND THEN.
>> IF YOU'RE A BAD PLAYER, YOU'RE A BAD PLAYER.
>> TO ME, THERE ARE ISOLATIONS TO WHAT YOU ALL ARE PROPOSING IN TOWN.
[04:45:06]
>> ALL BEING THE CITY, BY THE WAY.
>> THE COMMITTEE HAS A DIFFERENT PROPOSAL.
>> THE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREES THAT IT'S NOT ENFORCEABLE.
>> IS THAT A GOOD WAY SEGUE TO PRESENTATION?
>> [OVERLAPPING] SORRY, JANAE.
>> [OVERLAPPING] GO AHEAD, BOBB.
>> THE THING THAT I'M NOT HEARING THOUGH IS THAT WE HAVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING PASSES THAT WE'VE HAD IN PLACE WITH SIGNS, IT'S EXACTLY WHAT I'VE SAID.
IN ISOLATION, PARTS OF TOWN HAVE RESIDENTIAL PARKING REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE POSTED AND SIGNAGE EVERYWHERE.
THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT STICKER ON YOUR CAR.
TO ME, THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE NOT INCLUDING IN SOME OF YOUR CONCERNS AS FAR AS HOW CAN WE ENFORCE THAT? WELL, THAT IS ONE THING THAT IS PART OF THIS THAT I THINK IS ENFORCEABLE.
YOU HAVE TO HAVE THAT STICKER.
IT SAYS, 'YOU CANNOT PARK HERE.'.
>> FOR RESIDENTIAL. I HAVE TO HAVE THIS PIECE OF PAPER DISPLAYED IN THE CAR WHEN I GET THERE, SO I KNOW THAT THE TWO PARKING ON STREET PARKING PASSES IN THE R3 AREA ARE LEGIT.
I DON'T PUT IT IN THERE. WE GOT THROUGH THE PROCESS.
IS HEATHER MORRIS GOING TO KNOCK ON THE DOOR AND HOLD MY HAND AND SAY, YOU NEED TO PUT THIS IN THE DASH.
>> OR ANOTHER THING, IF THEY ARRIVE AT THE SCENE, AND THEY DON'T HAVE THEIR PAPER OUT THERE, DO THEY WRITE A CITATION BECAUSE IT COULD BE THE PEOPLE ACROSS THE STREET.
>> WENT TO MARDI GRAND AND THEY'RE NOT AT THE HOUSE ANYMORE.
>> WRITE THE CITATION WHEN WE COLLECT 20% OF THEM AND WE DOCUMENT WE STARTED.
MY IDEA IS WE TAKE PARKING AND WE TABLE UP FOR NOW AND MOVE ON.
>> WELL, I WILL AGREE WITH YOU, MARIA.
I WILL TELL YOU ONE OTHER THING THAT WE FOUND OUT.
AS WE LOOKED AT ORDINANCES FROM OTHER CITIES, THERE'S MANY CITIES THAT LEAVE PARKING COMPLETELY OUT OF THEIR STR ORDINANCE.
IT IS HANDLED, HOW DO YOU SAY IN YOUR.
>> THERE YOU GO. IT WAS HANDLED COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY.
THAT GETS BACK TO OUR ORIGINAL STATEMENT, WHICH IS THIS IS AN ISLAND WIDE PROBLEM THAT IS NOT ABOUT STRS.
IT IS ABOUT LONG TERM RENTERS AND RESIDENTS AND WE HAVE PEOPLE OVER AND OVER STAND UP AND SAY, MY NEIGHBOR, WHO OWNS THE HOUSE HAS SIX CARS PARKED OUTSIDE, NO DRIVEWAYS AND SIX CARS PARKED.
>> THAT'S JUST ANOTHER OPTION IS TO NOT INCLUDE IT IN THE STR ORDINANCE.
>> THERE'S A THIRD SIDE TO IT THAT HAPPENS ON ANY BEACH FRONT PROPERTY IS ALL THE STREETS ARE ACCESS TO OPEN BEACH, AND SO THEN THAT FURTHER COMPOUNDS IT.
>> FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO KNOW, HOW MUCH LONGER DO YOU HAVE?
>> IT'S NOT MUCH LONGER BECAUSE PARKING WAS ALMOST AT THE END.
>> THE CONVERSATION WENT NO FURTHER.
>> LET'S FINISH THIS. WE'LL GET DAVID TABLE IT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> HERE WE GO. THAT WAS JUST THE LANGUAGE.
THE PROBLEM WE HAD WITH IT WAS, DON'T TIE IT TO BEDROOMS. IF YOU'RE AN STR, YOU GET TWO ON STREET PARKING PLACES.
DON'T TIE IT TO BEDROOMS. ALEX, IT DID NOT ADDRESS ENFORCEMENT, WHICH IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT.
THAT'S ANOTHER THING THAT AS MARIA SAID, WE'LL TABLE THAT ONE.
>> CAN WE RECOMMEND JUST NOT RECOMMENDING?
>> YES YOU CAN. THIS YOU'LL SEE BECAUSE I'M SURE YOU ALL WANT TO COME GET THIS DECK.
YOU'LL SEE WHAT OUR VOTES WERE AS WE GRAPPLED WITH IT.
IT'S MISCELLANEOUS RECOMMENDATIONS.
ONE IS AS WE TALKED ABOUT IT EARLIER, EVALUATE 2026 DATA AND ANY ADMINISTRATIVE NEEDS IN THE FALL OF 2026.
WE WILL HAVE REAL DATA AT THAT TIME.
THE SECOND ONE IS TO ASSIGN A STAFF MEMBER TO MANAGE AND COORDINATE THE ADMIN AND COMPLIANCE WORK BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENTS.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE LEARNED AS WE WERE SITTING AT THE TABLE, WE HAD LEGAL.
WE HAD CODE COMPLIANCE, WE HAVE THE CITY MARSHALS, WE HAD PLANNING.
THERE WERE FINANCES INVOLVED IN THIS.
THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS THAT ARE INVOLVED THAT WILL BE INVOLVED.
LIKE WE SAID, WE BELIEVE A LOT OF THIS IS ADMINISTRATIVE,
[04:50:02]
NOT NECESSARILY BEING IN A PATROL CAR GOING OUT TO A HOUSE.NUMBER 3, ANY PROPOSED CHANGES FOR THE 250 A YEAR REGISTRATION FEE SHOULD BE BASED ON ACTUAL COST.
THAT AGAIN GETS BACK TO THE FALL OF 2026, WHICH IS TO EVALUATE THEN.
LET'S LOOK AND SEE WHAT DID IT COST THE CITY FOR STAFFING SOFTWARE ENFORCEMENT.
NOW, SOME PEOPLE SAT ON THE COMMITTEE, WELL, WAIT A MINUTE, YOU MAY END UP IN THE HOLE AND YOU'RE NOT REALIZING IT, AND YOU'RE SPENDING ALL THIS MONEY.
BUT I BELIEVE AND THIS WOULD BE UP TO CITY LEADERSHIP, I BELIEVE THERE'S STILL MONEY LEFT IN THE STR REGISTRATION FUND THAT CAN CERTAINLY TAKE CARE OF THE FIRST YEAR, AND THEN WE'LL HAVE THAT GOOD DATA TO MAKE DECISIONS LATE NEXT YEAR.
THEN FINALLY, WE ASKED VISION GALVESTON TO PROVIDE UPDATED HOUSING DATA PER DISTRICT.
IT'S REALLY INTERESTING DATA. I DIDN'T BRING IT.
I COULDN'T GET COPIES OF THE 2021, BUT IT'S BY DISTRICT, AND IT SHOWS HOW MANY HOUSES ARE RENTALS, LONG TERM LEASES, HOW MANY ARE STRS, AND HOW MANY ARE RESIDENTS WITH THE OWNERS LIVING IN THEM.
IT'S REALLY INTERESTING AND YOU GET TO SEE WHAT YOUR PERCENTAGES ARE PER DISTRICT.
>> IT'S STILL THERE ON THE VISION GALVESTON WEBSITE.
>> OKAY. THAT'S ANOTHER THING THAT WHEN WE TALK ABOUT DENSITY AND LOOK AT WHAT'S ACROSS THE ISLAND, IT'S JUST REALLY GOOD DATA.
THEY HAD THE MONEY TO DO IT, SO THEY ARE DOING IT AND IT'S GOING TO COME FIRST QUARTER 2026.
THEN THESE WERE OUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
WE WANT TO THANK ALSO MARIA AND ALEX BOTH ATTENDED MEETINGS, AND OF COURSE, BOBB WAS THERE AT EVERY MEETING AND YOU'LL GET TO SEE ALL THE OTHER MEMBERS.
THEN THESE WERE OUR EXPERTS, AND WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT CITY STAFF.
WE JUST HAD TO LIST ALL OF THEM BECAUSE THEY WERE INCREDIBLE.
WE DIDN'T HAVE A CITY STAFF MEMBER LEADING US, SO IT'S JUST YOURS TRULY.
ALL THESE PEOPLE WERE REALLY HELPFUL AND WE'RE REALLY GRATEFUL FOR THAT, AND THAT'S IT.
>> I DIDN'T GET THE SURVEY RESULTS.
BUT HOW MANY COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, THE CHAMBER, VISION, OR EVERYBODY, ALL THIS COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
>> I THINK THE STR COMMUNITY IN THIS CONVERSATION HAS BEEN THE MOST ENGAGING WITH THE PUBLIC THAT WE'VE SEEN IN A VERY LONG TIME.
>> ADAM AT THE TRANSPARENCY HAD TO BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE SOME TIMES FOLKS DIDN'T LIKE THE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.
SOME FOLKS DIDN'T LIKE HAVING QUESTIONS ASKED OF THEM.
BUT TRANSPARENCY IS WHAT WE STRIVED FOR.
DID WE FIX EVERYTHING? NO. DO WE WANT TO KEEP THIS GOING? NO. [LAUGHTER]
>> [OVERLAPPING] I WANT TO SAY, DAVID, YOU DID AN AMAZING JOB OF SHARING THE INFORMATION OF THE SHORT TERM RENTAL COMMITTEE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE.
>> THANK YOU, MARIA. I THINK THAT WAS IMPORTANT, BUT I THINK IT ALSO POINTED OUT A SERIOUS VOID THAT EXISTS IN OUR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OUR CITIZENS AS A WHOLE.
I'VE GOT 40,000 PEOPLE IN THE DIFFERENT SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS THAT I CONTROL.
BUT THEY'RE NOT ALL INTERESTED IN WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE TODAY.
>> I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THERE'S PEOPLE WHO STILL CALL ME.
I KNOW NOTHING. BUT YOU GUYS YOU NEVER NOTIFIED US ANYTHING.
>> I GUESS COUNSEL WILL GET A COPY OF THE DRAFT ORDINANCE WITH THE CHANGES INDICATED ON IT, AND ALSO A COPY OF THIS PRESENTATION.
I WANTED TO ALSO REALLY THANK CLAIRE FOR HER LEADERSHIP ON THAT COMMITTEE.
HURTING THESE CATS WAS NOT EASY.
>> ALSO ENGAGING OUR OTHER PARTNERS BECAUSE THIS IS NOTHING THE COMMITTEE COULD HAVE DONE ALL BY ITSELF.
THE TIME THAT CITY STAFF PUT IN IT WAS JUST EXTRAORDINARY.
>> ALL THIS AROUND YOU IS JUST A FRACTION OF THE WORK PRODUCT THAT YOU SEE.
>> WE NEVER ONCE MADE SILLY PAY.
>> THANK YOU TO DAVID AND BOBB FOR PUTTING THIS INITIATIVE TOGETHER. SERIOUSLY. THANK YOU.
ONE MORE THING BECAUSE IT WAS BROUGHT UP AND A WOMAN BROUGHT UP TO MARIA AND I IN AN EVENT.
IS THAT GOING TO BE IN ANY RECOMMENDATIONS?
>> SHE SAID THAT AT THE END OF LAST WEEK.
>> YEAH, AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT I THINK WAS NOT A HUGE MISOVERSTEP, BUT I THINK IT'S PERTINENT, ESPECIALLY SINCE HOTELS HAVE TO FOLLOW THAT SAME STANDARD THAT GENERATE A LOT.
>> LISA SAID SHE WAS GOING TO LOOK INTO THAT IN OUR MEETING.
JUST TO GET A LITTLE MORE FOLLOW UP ON THAT.
>> DO YOU ALL HAVE A MEETING BEFORE WE'RE GOING TO GET THE RECOMMENDATIONS?
>> WE DON'T HAVE ANOTHER MEETING SCHEDULED RIGHT NOW.
>> WE FIGURED YOU GUYS WERE GOING TO BE GRAPPLING THIS, ASK QUESTION AND STUFF, AND THEN TALKING AGAIN.
[04:55:03]
>> I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF CITY STAFF COULD INCORPORATE THAT AND SEE IF WE HAVE ANY LEGAL ITEMS TO GO THROUGH.
THAT'S JUST ONE THING THAT I THINK WE SHOULD BE PAYING ATTENTION TO.
>> I'M SORRY, JUST TO CLARIFY.
SHE WAS TALKING ABOUT APPLYING THE CHILD SAFETY ZONE WITH REGARD TO, REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS IN CERTAIN.
>> I THINK IT'S ALSO APPLICABLE TO HOTELS FOR LODGING STAYS. I THINK IT IS.
IF YOU ALL COULD JUST PLEASE LOOK AT THAT.
MARY AND I BOTH HEARD THAT, AND IT WAS A CONCERN THAT I THINK IT IS WARRANTED.
>> THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE, I GUESS, FOR NEW REGISTRANTS OR FOR EXISTING?
>> BUT IT WOULD BE GRANDFATHERS.
>> SCHOOLS, CHILDCARE FACILITIES, PARKS, ANYWHERE WHERE CHILDREN ASSEMBLE, WE WOULD BE ESTABLISHING, LIKE A 200 OR 300 FOOT SETBACK THAT YOU CAN'T GET A REGISTRATION IF YOU'RE LOCATED WITHIN ANY AREA.
>> IF YOU'RE AN OFFENDER THAT WE WOULD BE REGULATING.
>> IT'S IT'S NOT JUST REGULATING.
A HOTEL CAN'T BE NEXT TO A SCHOOL, LIQUOR STORES, STUFF LIKE THAT.
I WANTED TO BE MINDFUL OF THAT CONCERN.
MARY AND I BOTH THOUGHT IT WAS A VERY IMPORTANT CONCERN.
>> YOU GO FIRST AND I JUST WANTED TO SAY ONE LAST THING TO WRAP UP.
>> NO, THIS WHOLE IDEA OF TRYING TO CONTROL DENSITY.
WE GRAPPLED WITH THIS EARLY EARLY ON, QUICKLY ABANDON IT.
BUT ONE OF THE THINGS WE ACTUALLY LOOKED AT, ON OUR BOOKS, WE HAVE AN ORDINANCE THAT SAYS YOU CAN ONLY HAVE ONE BED AND BREAKFAST PER BLOCK.
>. THAT GETS BACK TO THE WHOLE PREMISE.
>> NO. DON'T SAY YET. BUT I APPLAUD THE IDEA OF TRYING TO CONTROL DENSITY BY LOOKING AT OTHER CREATIVE METHODS BY, LIKE YOU SAID, SCHOOL ZONES.
>> DAVID ASKED THAT VERY QUESTION AT OUR MEETING EARLIER THIS WEEK.
>> I THINK THE ECONOMY IS DOING A PRETTY GOOD JOB SELF OF THAT.
IN FIVE DAYS, DAN WAS GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO GO DO A QUICK RESEARCH.
AT EACH MEETING, I ALWAYS BROUGHT A TALLY OF WHERE THE CITY WAS ON PERMITS AND WHAT THAT EQUALED IN MONEY AT 2.500 BUCKS A THROW.
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, THERE WERE FEWER REGISTRATIONS THAN THE PREVIOUS WEEK OR TWO WEEKS IN THE CASE OF OUR MEETINGS.
WITH THERE BEING A PERMIT THAT WAS ISSUED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, I COULDN'T MAKE THE NUMBERS WORK.
HOW DID THAT HAPPEN? YOUR PERMIT DOESN'T EXPIRE IN OCTOBER.
DAN WENT BACK AND RESEARCHED IT AND HE SAID THERE WAS ACTUALLY THE 23 NUMBER DEFICIENCY.
THEY WERE ACTUALLY OPERATORS THAT CALLED IN AND THREW THE TOWEL IN.
I TOLD HIM, YOU NEED TO GO SEE IF THERE HOT TAXES ARE PAID BEFORE THEY GET OUT OF TOWN.
>> I THINK SALLY WANT TO SAY SOMETHING.
>> I JUST WANTED TO MAKE ONE QUICK OBSERVATION, AND I'M PROBABLY GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING SHE'S GOING TO SAY.
A HOTEL IS A BUSINESS, A SHORT TERM RENTAL RESIDENCE.
>> YOU CANNOT PLACE THAT SAFETY ZONE RESTRICTION ON A RESIDENCE.
>> OF COURSE, THERE'S SOME ILLEGAL ACTIVITY.
>> THAT'S THE PRIMARY DISTINCTION.
>> THAT'S THE PRIMARY DISTINCTION.
>> THAT MIGHT BE A PRIMARY DISTINCTION, BUT IF WE CAN LOOK AT THE STATE TAX CODE REGARDING I THINK A HOTEL AND SHORT TERM RENTALS, THEY MAY BE IN THE SAME BECAUSE THEY GENERATE HOT TAX.
I JUST WOULD A LEGAL REVIEW SO WE'RE NOT GETTING IN HOT WATER.
>> I'M JUST SAYING YOU WILL SEND UP RED FLAGS TO THE LEGISLATURE.
>> THE COURTS HAVE CONSISTENTLY DESPITE THERE BEING HOT TAX REVENUE.
>> THEY TREAT IT AS RESIDENTIAL.
>> IT'S TRUE. THAT'S THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM WITH THIS SO ISSUE.
>> THAT'S BEEN A COURT AFTER COURT HAS SAID, YEAH, SURE THEY'RE BUSINESSES AND THEY'RE MAKING MONEY, BUT WE'RE GOING TO TREAT THEM AS PRIVATE RESIDENCES.
>> THAT'S THE SAME ANSWER FOR THE B&B QUESTION.
B&B ARE CONSIDERED BUSINESSES. NOT RESIDENCE.
EVEN IF THE PERSON LIVES IN THE HOUSE, HE'S OPERATING B&B AND IT'S NOT A RESIDENCE. IT'S A BUSINESS.
>> WITH THE STR, YOU GET INTO THE WHOLE PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS THING, AND THAT'S WHERE THE LEGISLATURE GETS.
>> I WANT TO ASK GEORGY AND TERESA AND CLAIRE AND DAVID.
WE'RE LOOKING AT POSSIBLY GETTING THIS ORDINANCE TO US IN NOVEMBER FOR AN ACTION ITEM.
[05:00:05]
>> YES. WHAT I WOULD ASK FROM COUNSEL, YOU ALL HAVE A COPY OF IT.
I KNOW WE GOT SOME ALREADY FROM CHOI.
>> YES. ABSOLUTELY. PLEASE SEND IT.
>> WOULD YOU PLEASE SEND THAT TO, IS IT GEORGY?
>> HE STILL HAS TO READ THE CHEAT ON THE TEXAS ANTHEM.
>> I JUST WANTED TO SAY AS YOU LOOK AT THAT DRAFT ORDINANCE.
KEEP IN MIND THAT A LOT OF OUR RECOMMENDATIONS WERE POLICY AND PROCESS THINGS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THE CITY.
AGAIN, WITHOUT LAXING RHAPSODICAL, WE'RE THRILLED THAT EVERYTHING'S UNDER ONE UMBRELLA NOW BECAUSE WE FEEL THAT THE CITY IS REALLY DEDICATED TO GETTING THIS RIGHT.
YES, THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME TWEAKS, BUT IT'S A REALLY GOOD THING THAT IT'S ALL IN ONE PLACE NOW.
REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF THAT YOU GUYS TOOK.
>> I'D RECOMMEND THAT WE DIGEST THIS INFORMATION OVER THE NEXT MONTH AND CAN SHOOT THINGS TO ZOSHI.
GIVE HER SOME TIME TO INCORPORATE THOSE AND THEN WORKSHOP THIS NEXT MONTH AND HAVE AN ITEM ON THERE TO ADOPT IT.
>> WELL, I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE AS AN ACTION ITEM NEXT MONTH PERSONALLY.
WE CAN PUT IT AS AN WORKSHOP ITEM, YES, SIR.
>> THANK YOU. COUNSEL, I'M GOING TO MAKE AN EXECUTIVE DECISION.
WE ARE GOING TO BREAK TILL 2:30, AND WE WILL RECONVENE TO MOVE FORWARD.
FOR THOSE THAT MAYBE WATCHING.
WE TOOK A SHORT BREAK FOR LUNCH, AND SOME OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS STILL MAYBE FINISHING THAT UP, BUT IT IS 2:30 A.M, AND WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH OUR AGENDA ITEMS. WE HAVE, AND I THINK [LAUGHTER] IS ANTOINETTE OUT THERE. KATHLEEN.
>> I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND READ THE ITEM?
[3.G Discussion of the creation of a single board to make recommendations to council on the use of Hotel Occupancy Taxes and Structure as it relates to the current functions, maintenance, and administration of the Arts and Historic Preservation Board and the Cultural Arts Commission (A Lynch, Mehran Jadidi - 20 min)]
>> ITEM 3G. DISCUSSION OF THE CREATION OF A SINGLE BOARD TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL ON THE USE OF HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAXES AND STRUCTURE AS IT RELATES TO THE CURRENT FUNCTIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD AND THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
>> VERY GOOD. THIS IS ITEM 10B.
[BACKGROUND] COUNCIL THAT'S ON OUR ACTION ITEMS THIS AFTERNOON IS ACTION ITEMS OF GRANTEE.
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE PRESENTATION BY ANTOINETTE LEITCH.
>> OH, LOVELY. [LAUGHTER] OH, SORRY.
>> I SAY TALLER PEOPLE GET MORE RESPECTS.
>> ANTONETTE, WOULD YOU IDENTIFY YOURSELF TO THE CUPRIC, PLEASE, MA'AM?
>> [LAUGHTER] SURE. I'M ANTOINETTE LYNCH.
I'M THE ARTS AND CULTURE COORDINATOR FOR THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
>> MEHRAN JADIDI ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY WITH THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
I'VE BEEN ASSISTING ANTOINETTE.
>> ANTONETTE, WOULD YOU GIVE US AN UPDATE OF WHY WE'RE HERE BECAUSE IT'S BEEN A LITTLE WHILE SINCE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS SUBJECT.
YOU'LL SEE ON [LAUGHTER] WHERE ARE WE? WHAT'S HAPPENING? THE SLIDES THAT I BROUGHT TODAY ARE ACTUALLY JUST A RECAP AS TO WHY.
WE CAN CRUISE THROUGH THESE SUPER FAST.
YOU'LL RECOGNIZE THE FLOW ON THE LEFT, THAT'S THE CURRENT STRUCTURE OF HOW HOT FOR THE ARTS FLOWS OF CITY.
THE FLOW ON THE RIGHT THAT'S ILLUSTRATED IS WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED TODAY.
>> NO. ANTONETTE GO BACK OVER TO GO THROUGH HOW WE ARE STRUCTURED RIGHT.
>> SURE. CURRENTLY SEVEN EIGHTHS OF ONE SEVENTH PENNY IS DESIGNATED FOR ARTS AND HISTORICAL PRESERVATION.
ONE EIGHTH OF THAT STAYS AT THE CITY FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTIES, AND THE OTHER SIX EIGHTHS IS CURRENTLY BY ORDINANCE GOES TO THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD.
THEY CAN ALLOCATE UP TO 95% OF THAT, TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS PURSUANT TO TEXAS STATE LAW,
[05:05:06]
WHICH IS DEFINED MORE CLEARLY IN THE ORDINANCE.THEN UNDERNEATH ARTS AND HISTORIC, WE HAVE NOW ALLOCATED UP TO $250,000 A YEAR TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
IT IS FUNDED AT A FLAT RATE OF $250,000 FROM THE 95% OF THE SIX EIGHTHS OF ONE SEVENTH [LAUGHTER] THAT WE GIVE TO THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD.
BECAUSE WE LIKE TO KEEP CHILL ON OUR TOES.
WHAT'S BEING PROPOSED ON THE RIGHT WOULD KEEP THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE FUNDING STAYS THE SAME.
BUT RATHER THAN TWO BOARDS, THERE'S ONE BOARD THAT WILL DO EVERYTHING THAT BOTH BOARDS CURRENTLY DO, AND WOULD ALSO ALLOW STAFF TO ACCESS THE FUNDING THAT WE'VE BEEN HOLDING IN RESERVES TO DO THESE MAINTENANCE OF THESE PUBLIC ARTS AND ASSETS WITHOUT ANY ABILITY TO REACH THAT FUNDING.
>> THEY'RE GOING TO DO EIGHTHS OF THE WORK? [LAUGHTER] [BACKGROUND]
>> ANTONETTE, LET ME MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND.
YOU'RE TAKING THREE COMPONENTS NOW, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW CULTURAL ARTS HANDLES PUBLIC ART?
>> ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION HANDLES ALLOCATION TO NON PROFITS FOR PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THEN CITY STAFF MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ONE EIGHTH PENNY THAT IS USED FOR HISTORICAL PRESERVATION?
>> RIGHT. BUT IT'S STILL UNDERNEATH THE UMBRELLA.
>> ONE EIGHTH OF ONE TENTH OF THE PENNY?
>> YOU WILL BRING ALL THREE OF THOSE COMPONENTS UNDER ONE GROUP THEN?
>> THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION BOARD FUNDS THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
>> WHY IS IT WE ONLY EVER PUT ART DOWNTOWN?
>> CURRENTLY, THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE TEXAS HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOCIATION IN CONCERT WITH TEXANS FOR THE ARTS.
SCOTT JOSLOB HAS WRITTEN A LETTER WITH THLA, WHERE TEXANS FOR THE ARTS THAT RECOMMENDS THAT PUBLIC ART AS YOU CAN'T PROVE VISITATION TO IT IN A CONCRETE WAY.
IF IT IS IN A CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT, DESIGNATED BY THE STATE CULTURAL ARTS DISTRICT, IT'S AN APPROPRIATE SPEND OF HOTEL.
>> BUT LIKE THE SEA BALL, YOU COULD PROVE VISITATION TO IT.
>> YOU WE CAN DO THAT. CORRECT.
>> THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION JUST INVESTED $70,000 IN KEMPER PARK.
>> CORRECT. ONE OF THE CALLS TO ARTISTS THAT THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION DID WAS SPECIFIC TO SANDHILL CRANE PARK THIS YEAR.
WE DIDN'T GET ANYTHING BACK THAT WAS A VIABLE OPTION.
[LAUGHTER] IT WAS A LOT OF MURALS WITH NO BUILDING TO PUT A MURAL ON AT SANDHILL.
>> I ALWAYS THOUGHT IT WOULD BE GREAT WHEN WE'RE THREE DOUBLE FIVE, SEA WALL END.
PUTTING SOMETHING IN THAT EMPTY VOID.
MEDIUM, BECAUSE WE FOUND OUT THE PALM TREES OR [INAUDIBLE] FOUND OUT THE PALM TREES DON'T WORK BECAUSE WE ENDED UP WITH [OVERLAPPING]
>> ABSOLUTELY. LAST YEAR, THE CAC [OVERLAPPING]
>> IT'S BEEN A LEARNING CURVE FOR ALL OF THEM AND GOD BLESS [INAUDIBLE] WHO HAS ENDED THAT UP FROM THE BEGINNING.
>> WE HAVE OUR PARLIAMENTARIAN TELLING US WE'RE ALL TOPICAL.
>> TALKING ABOUT THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOARDS AND GETTING INTO PLACEMENT OF ART.
>> ANTONETT, YOU MENTIONED WITH THE CHANGE HERE.
YOU MADE A COMMENT ABOUT THE RESERVES.
>> YES. THERE WERE THESE RESERVES MENTIONED AND THIS 5% THAT WAS WITHHELD FROM THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD EVERY YEAR.
THEN THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION IN CONVERSATION WITH ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY WHEN THEY WERE GIVEN MORE MONEY.
WE DISCUSSED THAT THE $250,000 FLAT AMOUNT WAS PROBLEMATIC WHEN IT WAS MARRIED TO A PERCENTAGE THAT FLOWED WITH HOT TAX.
WE WERE IN DISCUSSION WITH BOTH BOARDS TO CHANGE THAT FLAT RATE TO A PERCENTAGE.
THEY SAID THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION SAID, "WE'RE FINE WITH THAT," AS LONG AS THEY ARE ALSO
[05:10:02]
HELD TO THE SAME STANDARD OF HOLDING A RESERVE.CULTURAL ARTS DID THAT THIS PAST YEAR.
THEN WHEN WE WENT TO SPEND THE RESERVE TO BUY PLAQUES THAT SAID THE CULTURAL THIS THIS STATUE WAS PURCHASED BY THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION OF THE ANYWAY, THERE WAS NO INSTRUMENT TO BREAK INTO THAT MONEY.
>> THERE'S NO THERE'S REALLY NOT AN INSTRUMENT TO BREAK INTO THE MONEY AT ARTS AND HISTORY PRESERVATION BOARD.
MY QUESTION IS THIS UMBRELLA GROUP WOULD MANAGE THE ALLOCATION OF THOSE RESERVE FUNDS TO?
>> SIR, COUNSEL WOULD MANAGE THAT.
THEY WOULD MAKE THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
>> WHAT IS THE WORD DO YOU USED?
>> WE HAVE FOUR ORDINANCES BEFORE YOU TODAY.
TWO OF THOSE REPEAL THE EXISTING BOARDS AS THEY ARE.
ONE OF THEM CREATE A NEW BOARD.
THE FOURTH ONE WOULD CHANGE THE RULES AS TO HOW THIS MONEY WORKS.
I DON'T THINK WE'RE EXPECTING THE THE CHAPTER 33 EDITIONS TO BE PASSED TODAY.
WHAT WE ARE EXPECTING AND HOPING IS THAT [OVERLAPPING]
>> WHAT VERSION OF THE FOUR IS CHAPTER 33? HOW THE MONEY WORKS.
>> WITH HOT. WE WOULD ASK THE BOARD TO BE CREATED TODAY SO THAT AT YOUR NEXT MEETING, YOU COULD START SEATING THE BOARD.
BUT IN THIS INTERIM, YOU WOULD BE TALKING AND DISCUSSING ABOUT HOW THINGS LIKE THAT WOULD WORK, HOW THE RESERVE WOULD BE ACCESSED.
>> YOU NEED TO GUIDE US HERE, IF YOU WOULD.
WE'VE GOT ON THE AGENDA COMING UP HERE ITEM 10B.
>> YOU DON'T WANT US TO APPROVE?
>> WE ARE HOPING AND EXPECTING FOR Y'ALL TO PASS THE TWO REPEAL AND THE ONE CREATING THE TWO ORDINANCES REPEALING THE BOARDS, THE ONE ORDINANCE CREATING THE NEW BOARD.
BUT NOT THE FOURTH ORDINANCE THAT SETS THE MONEY RULES.
>> WE WOULD LIKE SOME GUIDANCE FROM COUNSEL AS TO HOW Y'ALL WANT THAT TO WORK BECAUSE THIS IS A QUESTION THAT [OVERLAPPING]
>> DAVID AND I WERE ON A CALL WITH MEHRAN, ANTOINETTE.
I FORGET HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE ON THE CALL.
>> WE HAD EVERYONE ON THE CALL.
WE DISCUSSED SOME THINGS MOVING FORWARD WITH THE BOARD AND THE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND I GIVE MY COMMEND STAFF FOR EVERYTHING THAT THEY PUT FORWARD, BUT WE'RE HAVING A SEVEN MEMBER BOARD WITH ALTERNATES SO THAT IF PEOPLE MISS, THAT WE CAN STILL MAKE QUORUM, JUST IMAGINE THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD ALMOST DOES NOTHING WITH HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
EXCEPT FUND THE CULTURE ARTS COMMISSION FOR KEEP OF THE ARTS, THE PUBLIC ART.
IF WE CAN LOOK AT IT AS IT'S BASICALLY A HOT TAX EXPENDITURE BOARD WHERE WE CAN DO THE THINGS LIKE THE MARKETING EVENT OR MARKETING EVENTS, WHICH WOULD ALIGN MORE WITH IT AND DO PUBLIC ART AT THE SAME TIME.
THERE COULD BE ESSENTIALLY SUBCOMMITTEE WHERE IT WOULD BE A CULTURE ARTS COMMISSION SMALLER THAT WOULD GIVE A RECOMMENDATION TO THE HOT TAX EXPENDITURE BOARD OR THE SAME THING WITH THE EVENTS.
THAT WAY, IT WOULD GIVE CITY STAFF A BETTER OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE NUMBERS AND IT WOULD GIVE THE PUBLIC THE ABILITY TO CONTINUE TO SERVE IN THAT ROLE, BUT IT WOULD BE UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.
THERE'S BEEN A HUGE I WOULDN'T SAY FALLING OFF OF THE BOARDS, BUT A LOT OF THEM ARE TERM LIMITED.
THE PARK BOARD, BOB CAN CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG, ONE OF THE MUSIC ADVISORY BOARD OR [OVERLAPPING]
>> THAT MUSIC COMMITTEE IS NOW NO LONGER.
>> IT GOT DISSOLVED AND AND I THINK THIS IS A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE PEOPLE FROM PARK BOARD AND CITY TO COME TOGETHER, AND I'VE BEEN CALLED BY SOME OF THOSE FOLKS.
I'M SURE YOU HAVE TO. THEY WANT TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD, SO IT GIVES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO I THINK ANTONETTE WOULD APPRECIATE IT DEVELOPING ARTS, STILL MAINTAINING THE SAME MISSIONS FROM THE CULTURE ART COMMISSION AND THE PRESERVATION BOARD AND DO IT ALL UNDER ONE UMBRELLA.
>> IF I MAY, COUNSEL, HOPEFULLY, I CAN JUST SIMPLIFY THIS A LITTLE BIT MORE.
ON YOUR REGULAR AGENDA TODAY, THERE ARE THE FOUR ORDINANCES.
AS I'M HEARING THOUGH, STAFF WOULD LIKE YOU TO CONSIDER ORDINANCE NUMBER 10B.1, 10B.2, AND 10B.
10B.1 IS THE REPEALING OF THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD.
[05:15:04]
THAT IS UNDER CHAPTER 33, AND THAT DEALT WITH SOME OF THE HOT TAX ISSUES.10B.2 IS THE REPEALING OF THE GALVESTON CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
THAT IS UNDER CHAPTER 2 BOARDS COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES.
10B.4 IS WHERE THE CREATION OF THIS ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION IS REQUESTED OF CITY COUNCIL.
WITH THE REPEALING OF THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD AND THE GALVESTON CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, THE NEW BOARD TO TAKE ITS PLACE WOULD BE THE ARTS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION.
I BELIEVE THAT'S WHAT STAFF IS GOING TO PRESENT TO YOU TODAY.
THE REPEAL ORDINANCE IS SIMPLY JUST REPEAL THOSE BOARDS.
BUT WE CAN FOCUS ON THE CREATION OF THIS NEW BOARD, WHICH WOULD BE THE CREATION OF A SEVEN REGULAR MEMBER BOARD WITH TWO ALTERNATES.
I BELIEVE THAT ORDINANCE HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO YOU ALL FOR REVIEW, AND MAYBE WE CAN FOCUS WITH THE PRESENTATION.
THEN IF THERE ARE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS AFTER THAT.
>> YOU'RE LOOKING TO HAVE US ADDRESS 1, 2 AND 4 AND DEFER NUMBER THREE OF THIS.
>> NUMBER THREE, IF I AM CORRECT WITH THIS, IS DEALING WITH THE HOT TAX MONEY'S ISSUE.
BUT SINCE THESE BOARDS ARE NOT AND TONY AND MARON HELP ME OUT WITH THIS, THEY'RE NOT HAVING ANY PROGRAMS COME IN NOW.
>> CURRENTLY, THERE ARE NO CALLS TO ARTISTS THAT ARE EXPECTING TO GO OUT, AND ARTS AND HISTORIC JUST FINISH THEIR TWO YEAR FUNDING CYCLE.
THEY'RE GOOD THEY WON'T BE ASKING TO FUND ANYTHING FOR A WHILE.
>> WE DON'T NEED TO DISCUSS THAT ONE TODAY.
>> NOW, IF THIS IS APPROVED BY COUNCIL WE'RE TALKING, WHEN DO WE COME BACK NEXT MEETING TO APPOINT TO THIS BOARD? IS THAT RIGHT?
>> WE WOULD ASK YOU ALL TO COME BACK AT THE NEXT BECAUSE IT'S NOT AN AGENDA ITEM FOR TODAY AND THERE COULDN'T BE AN AGENDA ITEM FOR TODAY.
NEXT MONTH AGENDA ITEM TO NOMINATE AND GET APPLICATIONS FOR THESE.
>> NO. WE WANT TO OPEN THE APPLICATIONS TOMORROW.
>> THEN COME TO YOU IN NOVEMBER AND ASK YOU TO APPOINT.
>> ARE THEY GOING TO HAVE GUIDES?
>> IN NOVEMBER IS ON THE 13TH.
WE WOULD HAVE TO GET WORD OUT TO THE PUBLIC STARTING TOMORROW THAT WE'RE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEW BOARD.
THEN I DON'T KNOW IF THAT GIVES YOU.
>> THERE'S GOING TO BE GUIDELINES LIKE THEY HAVE TO HAVE A I.
>> I KNOW IT FEELS RUSH, BUT I THINK THERE'S BEEN ENOUGH INTEREST IN SOME OF THE FOLKS FROM OVER AT THE PARK BOARD AND WITH THE CURRENT BOARDS THAT THIS HAS BEEN DISCUSSED.
THAT I THINK THEY WOULD HAVE PLENTY OF I THINK WE HAVE PLENTY OF APPLICATIONS.
>> HOW ABOUT THE PARK? WHAT IS THE MECHANISM FOR COORDINATING WITH THE PARKS BOARD BECAUSE THEY DO A LOT OF THE PART TOO.
>> DO YOU HOW DOES THIS NEW BOARD COORDINATE THAT EFFORT?
>> THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT WE'VE REALLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE CREATION OF THIS.
>> I THINK IT WOULD BE AT COUNSEL'S DISCRETION TO INFUSE THAT INTO THIS BOARD SHOULD YOU WISH TO DO SO.
>> YES, THE POINT IS TO [NOISE] UNIFY OUR MANAGEMENT OF ART AND THIS HOT MONEY, AND THEY'RE PART OF ART AND HOT MONEY.
IT SEEMS LIKE WE OUGHT TO BE COMMUNICATING, COLLABORATING AND COMMUNICATING SOMETHING?
>> I AGREE. IN FACT THE PARK BOARD JUST SPENT MORE MONEY ON THEIR SINGLE WASHER SHORE PROGRAM THAN WE HAVE IN PUBLIC ART ALL TOGETHER, SO IT'S DEFINITELY A CONVERSATION.
>> JANAE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE IT AS AN ACTION ITEM FOR APPOINTMENT ON NOVEMBER 13.
>> YOU'LL BE PUTTING OUT A CALL FOR APPLICATIONS.
CAN CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AND/OR ARTS AND HISTORY APPLY FOR THIS?
>> SINCE THIS IS A NEW BOARD, CAN INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE ON THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION SAY THAT ARE TERM LIMITED.
CAN THEY COME BACK AND MAKE NEW APPLICATION? [OVERLAPPING].
>> ONE MORE PERTINENT QUESTION.
>> IT'S TRUE FOR BOTH BOARDS, YES.
>> CAN SOMEONE ON THE PARK BOARD APPLY FOR IT.
OR IS THAT ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU CAN'T BE ON TWO CITY BOARDS AT A TIME?
>> THEY COULD BE ON A COMMITTEE BUT NOT ON.
>> YOU TALKING ABOUT A PARK BOARD STAFF?
>> NO, A PARK BOARD STAFF WOULD BE FINE, BUT I'M TALKING ABOUT A TRUSTEE.
>> THEY RUN TOO DARK AND NOT A TRUSTEE.
>> THEY CAN BE ABLE TO SERVE ON BOTH.
[05:20:01]
>> I THINK DON HAS GOT A COMMENT.
>> YEAH. I AGREE WITH WHAT JANAE JUST SAID, AND UNDERSTAND THAT WITH THIS NEWLY CREATED BOARD, THERE WILL BE AN EX-OFFICIO AS WELL APPOINTED FROM CITY COUNCIL AND A CITY STAFF PERSON.
IT MAY BE HELPFUL JUST TO HAVE STAFF GO THROUGH THE CREATION OF WHAT THEY'RE THINKING, AND THAT MAY ANSWER SOME OF YOUR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS.
>> JANAE, I WANT TO CLARIFY THIS.
IF YOUR TERM LIMITED ON ONE OF THE TWO EXISTING COMMITTEES, YOU CAN COME BACK AND APPLY.
>> THAT'S CORRECT BECAUSE IT'S A BRAND NEW BOARD.
>> OKAY. WHAT WAS THE OTHER POINT THAT YOU MADE NOW ON SERVING?
>> I THINK THE QUESTION WAS WHETHER A CURRENT PARK BOARD MEMBER COULD SERVE ON A NEWLY CREATED BOARD, AND THE ANSWER TO THAT WOULD BE NO.
>> AN EX-OFFICIO AND DAVID AND I CAN-.
>> WE'LL DO A ROCK PAPER SCISSORS.
>> OR TRIAL BY COMBAT, WHICHEVER ONE YOU WANT.
>> WELL [OVERLAPPING] THE ONE FOR 14TH, WE'LL HAVE A COMEBACK BETWEEN ALEX AND DAVID.
>> I THINK I HEARD YOU STATE EARLIER [OVERLAPPING], THIS WAS THE SAME CULTURAL ARTS THAT DECIDED THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS GRANT THAT THEY RECEIVED?
THE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION IS THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD.
>>DOES THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS ONE?
>> THIS IS TWO BOARDS THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ARTS AND HISTORY AND THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
>> YOU'RE GOING TO COMBINE THEM? IS THAT STILL WHAT THOSE ORGANIZATIONS STILL APPLY?
NUMBER 2, IN THE SELECTION OF THE BOARD MEMBERS, HOW WOULD THAT HAPPEN?
>> THEY APPLY AND SEND TO COUNSEL.
>> EVERYTHING'S AT LARGE, ALL SEVEN?
>> WELL, THEY'LL BE QUALIFICATIONS THAT WE LIST AS PREFERRED.
>> ARE THOSE THE SAME QUALIFICATIONS THAT EXIST CURRENTLY?
>> YES. TO SIT ON THE BOARD, YOU HAVE TO BE A RESIDENT.
>> I GUESS WHAT I'M SAYING IS WHAT PEOPLE ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? YOU'RE NOT LOOKING FOR CAR MECHANICS.
I GUESS YOU'RE LOOKING FOR ARTISTS OR SOMETHING?
>> NO. IN FACT, [OVERLAPPING] IF YOU'VE READ THROUGH IT.
THERE'S AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT TO THE BOARD WHERE THERE'LL BE JURISTS.
WHEN IT COMES TO PUTTING A CALL OUT TO ARTISTS.
THE MINUTE YOU PUT A CALL OUT, YOU ALSO PUT A CALL OUT TO PANELISTS OR JURISTS.
WE'LL BE BUILDING THAT RESERVE AND THEY'LL SAY ALL THE THINGS THAT THEY HAVE KNOWLEDGE IN OR WHATEVER.
THEN THAT COMMITTEE WILL GO. THESE ARE-.
>> THEY'LL TRY TO MAKE A DIVERSE PANEL FOR THAT SPECIFIC CALL BECAUSE EVERY CALL IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
>> TO ADD TO IT, DAVID AND I ON ON THE CALL, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE NOTICED AND THIS WAS HANDLED BY THE CHAIRS OF THE RESPECTIVE BOARDS, IF THERE WAS SOME CONFLICT INSIDE OF THE BOARD, THAT'S WHY WE WOULD BRING IN ALTERNATES, SO THAT IF THERE WAS A CONFLICT, THE ALTERNATE COULD STEP IN.
YOU COULD STILL MAKE QUORUM AND THE, I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS IN HERE, BUT WE TALKED ABOUT IT.
WE WANT EVERYONE TO BE EXTREMELY UPFRONT ABOUT THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST WITH THIS STUFF BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED SCRUTINY OF THE EXPENDITURES OF HOT.
WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE WERE ON THE UP AND UP, AND THAT WOULD PROBABLY BE THE ONLY REQUIREMENT.
>> FOR SERVING ON THE COMMITTEE.
>> I WONDER IF WE MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER TO HELP FACILITATE COORDINATION WITH PARK BOARD, IF WE HAVE ONE OF THOSE COMMITTEE MEMBERS BE THE PARK BOARD STAFF OR SOMETHING.
>> I DON'T LOVE A DESIGNATED SEAT, BUT THAT'S ME. I JUST DON'T.
>> WE HAD AN ISSUE WITH CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION WHERE A COMMITTEE MEMBER WAS TERM LIMITED, BUT THAT SEAT BY ORDINANCE WAS DESIGNATED FOR THAT SPECIFIC PERSON.
SO WE RAN INTO A CONFLICT WHERE THAT PERSON CAN'T SERVE, BUT THEY'RE ALSO MANDATED TO SERVE.
>> FROM A CITY PERSPECTIVE, I THINK YOU'RE ALWAYS BETTER OFF WITH STAFF OR THINGS LIKE THAT, BEING OF SUPPORT IN NATURE, BEING EX-OFFICIO IN NATURE, AND LET THEM LEND ALL THEIR TALENTS THAT WAY RATHER THAN BEING A VOTING MEMBER.
>> BECAUSE TRUTHFULLY, YOU'RE TASKING THIS PLACE, FOR LACK OF A BETTER TERM, WITH A POLICY TYPE WORK, AND THAT'S NOT STAFF'S ROLE.
STAFF'S HERE TO GIVE THEM THE INFORMATION TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS, NOT TO SERVE ON THE BOARD.
I DON'T THINK PUTTING A PARK BOARD STAFF MEMBER ON A BOARD WOULD BE ALONG THE SIDES.
>> THAT SERVES THE SAME PURPOSE EXACTLY, AND THAT SOUNDS A LOT BIT MORE REASONABLE.
BUT THE WHOLE IDEA IS THAT WE COORDINATE AND WE HAVE SOME RELIABLE ROOT LINES OF COMMUNICATION.
>> I RECOMMEND THAT WE HAVE AN EX-OFFICIO ON ANY BOARD THAT OVERSEES SOME HOT FOR ART AT PARK BOARD?
[05:25:01]
>> WELL, IF WE'RE OVERSEEING HOT FOR ART HERE, AND YOU WANT PARK BOARD TO HAVE INPUT, BUT IF PARK BOARDS MAKING ART DECISIONS OVER THERE, IS THERE GOING TO BE ANYBODY FROM THE CITY.
>> THAT PERSON WOULD GO BOTH WAYS. THEY SHOULD GO BOTH WAYS.
>> WELL, I ACCEPT THAT YOU WERE ASKING FOR A PARK BOARD PERSON.
SHE'S ASKING, SHOULD THERE BE A CITY EX-OFFICIO ON THE PARK BOARD SIDE FOR ART?
>> WELL, I'M THE EX-OFFICIO ON THE PARK BOARD.
>> BUT THE ISSUE HERE IS GO BACK ORIGINAL QUESTION HERE.
WE STILL HAVE THE PARK BOARD ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR HOW IS THIS SYSTEM THAT YOU'VE OUTLINED DEVELOPING A REPORT AND A POLICY ON HOW THOSE ARE BEING ADMINISTERED.
YOU ALL TELL US WHO TO PUT IN THE CAR.
WE CAN ONLY OVERSEE WHAT THE CITY OVERSEES.
>> WHAT THE PARK BOARD'S DOING IS BEYOND WHAT INTERNET CAN.
>> IT JUST GOES BACK TO THE WHOLE REASON WE'RE DOING THIS, AND IF WE'RE MISSING SOMETHING, [NOISE] WE SHOULD ADDRESS IT.
>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IF COUNSEL WOULD BE AMENABLE TO IT, I WOULD SAY, A TRUSTEE COULD BE AN EX-OFFICIO ON IT JUST AS AN EX-OFFICIO NON VOTING CAPACITY, THAT WAY THEY PROBABLY COULD SERVE.
IN THAT THAT FORM OR FASHION, MAYBE LEGAL WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT SOME MORE.
>> AS IN A COUNCIL MEMBER EX OFFICIO?
>> NO, AS IN A PARK BOARD EX OFFICIO.
[OVERLAPPING] I'M OKAY WITH EVERYTHING AS IT IS, BUT I'D RATHER IT BE DISCUSSED AT COUNCIL LEVEL.
BUT ALSO AT THE SAME TIME, I THINK, JUST BEYOND THE EX OFFICIO FOR THE CITY AS THE PARK BOARD, IF COUNSEL OR WE HAD AN APPOINTMENT AS AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER TO PARK BOARD COMMITTEES. I DON'T KNOW.
>> AGAIN, WE JUST GO BY THE RECOMMENDATION OF WHO'S PUT THIS WHOLE THING TOGETHER.
>> WE'VE COME A REALLY A LONG WAY IN DEVELOPING COLLABORATION AND TRANSPORTATION WITH THE PARK BOARD.
I DON'T WANT TO MESS THAT UP NOW BY MISSING SOMETHING THAT CERTAINLY COULD BE A SETUP FOR MISCOMMUNICATION SOMEHOW.
IF THESE TWO THINGS ARE BOTH TRYING TO DO THE SAME THING.
>> WAIT. IT'S ALL UNDER THE CITY NOW.
>> IT'S BEEN UNDER THE CITY. YEAH. BOTH OF THEM ARE.
>> BOTH OF THESE ARE IN THE CITY.
>> THEY'VE BEEN UNDER THE CITY. [OVERLAPPING].
>> I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS ON WHAT STAFF IS PRESENTING TODAY ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE NEW BOARD.
IF THERE ARE ISSUES WITH COLLABORATING OR GETTING INPUT FROM THE PARK BOARD.
I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING THAT STAFF IS HEARING, AND IF IT NEEDS MODIFICATION, WE'LL BRING IT.
BUT WE'RE REALLY NOT GETTING INTO THE BOARD.
WE'RE ASKING A LOT OF QUESTIONS.
>> WE CAN ASK SOMETHING LATER.
>> CORRECT. WE CAN JUST HAVE THEM CONTINUE WITH THE PRESENTATION THAT MAY BE HELPFUL.
>> I'M GOING TO ADDRESS THIS AT THE NEXT PARK BOARD MEETING.
>> THIS IS NOT ABOUT THE PARK BOARD RIGHT NOW.
THIS IS ABOUT THE CREATION OF THIS ARTS, I'M FORGETTING THE NAME OF IT, MYSELF, COMMISSION.
>> TELL ME IF I CAN ASK THIS QUESTION.
I REALLY DIDN'T FINISH MY QUESTION, BUT IT'S OKAY.
WHAT'S BROKE ABOUT THIS SYSTEM? WHAT'S GOING TO MAKE THIS ONE BETTER?
>> BROKEN ON THE LEFT SIDE, THE CURRENT WAY IT IS WRITTEN IN ORDINANCE IS THAT THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION IS FUNDED FROM THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD.
THEIR FUNDING LIES UNDERNEATH IT IN CODE.
BUT THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION CODE ALLOWS FOR THE FUNDING OF NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, BUT WE'RE FUNDING ARTISTS AT THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
THAT'S ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THE FUNDING PART THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN ORDINANCE.
BUT THEN ADDITIONALLY, YOU'VE GOT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PARAMETERS AND BOUNDARIES AROUND THOSE TWO BOARDS.
FOR INSTANCE, THE ARTS AND HISTORIC IS FOUND IN THE CODE PORTION WHERE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION IS OVER WITH COMMITTEES IN CODE.
THIS PUTS EVERYTHING INTO ONE PLACE WHERE THEY'RE BOTH TREATED THE EXACT SAME WHERE YOU HAVE THE CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE TAKING THE MINUTES.
IT'S THE SAME LEVEL AS YOU'VE GOT MORE MONEY COMING TO THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, WHICH, WEN IT WAS WRITTEN, ORIGINALLY, THEY WEREN'T FUNDED, AND THEN THEY WERE FUNDED AT 50,000 AND THEN 100,000.
NOW THEY'RE UP TO $250,000 WHICH IS A LOT OF MONEY WHEN YOU HAVE A VOLUNTEER TAKING THE NOTES,
[05:30:01]
THE MEETINGS AREN'T RECORDED.THERE'S A LOT OF THINGS TRANSPARENCY WISE THAT DON'T HAPPEN, AND THEY'RE NOT REQUIRED TO FOR THE CAC.
>> AND IT'S A FIXED AMOUNT ON A VARIABLE PERCENTAGE.
>> BECAUSE IT'S NOT WRITTEN IN THE CODE.
>> IT WAS. WE CHANGED THE ORDINANCE OF THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
IT'S NOT THAT THEY'RE JUST OUT OF THEIR REALM.
WE CHANGED THE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THEM TO GIVE THEM 250,000.
>> THEY'RE NOT IN VIOLATION OF ANYTHING.
>> NO. I'M SAYING BUT THE WAY IT'S CURRENTLY WHERE IN ORDER FOR STAFF TO HAVE CONVERSATION WITH BOTH BOARDS, IT WAS AN ACT OF CONGRESS.
WE WOULD MEET WITH THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AND TALK ABOUT CHANGING IT TO A PERCENTAGE.
THEN THERE WAS NO PROCESS FOR STAFF TO PUT ANYTHING ON AGENDA WITH ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
WHAT'S WRITTEN IS THAT THE CHAIR HAS AGENDA APPROVAL, WHATEVER, SO WE COULDN'T FORCE OUR WAY INTO THAT CONVERSATION, WHERE EVEN THOUGH IT NEEDED TO BE DONE FOR US TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP.
THIS WAS JUST WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE SAME RULES APPLY TO BOTH BOARDS, AS THE SAME FUNDING SOURCE.
ANYTHING THAT COMES FROM THE SAME FUNDING SOURCE SHOULD HAVE THE SAME RULES AND REGULATIONS AND OVERSIGHT, ESPECIALLY WITH THAT MUCH MONEY.
THEN ADDITIONALLY, BOTH OF THEM HAVE THESE RESERVE FUNDS AND NO ABILITY TO ACCESS THEM.
THERE'S A LOT OF MAINTENANCE AND SIGNAGE AND MARKETING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR US TO REALLY BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH HOT TAX.
WE NEED TO BE MARKETING GOING TO THESE PIECES OF ART AND TOURS AND HAVING THOSE CREATED, AND WE HAVEN'T DONE THAT BECAUSE WE CAN'T ACCESS THE MONEY THAT'S THERE.
>> WELL, THAT WOULD APPLY TO THIS GROUP TOO.
WE DON'T HAVE A POLICY OR IN THE ORDINANCE TO ACCESS THE RESERVE FUNDS FOR THE CULTURAL ARTS AND THE ARTS IN STORE.
THAT'S THE SAME THING WITH THIS THING.
>> THE ORDINANCE THAT WE'RE ASKING YOU TO LOOK AT BUT NOT PASS, THAT IS ONE OF THE PROVISIONS THAT WE'RE ASKING YOU TO LOOK AT.
>> WELL, THAT'S WHAT I'M SAYING.
JUST BECAUSE WE FORM ONE GROUP, THEY DON'T.
THERE'S NOTHING THAT OUTLINED THE RESERVE THERE.
>> WE HAVE THE APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORITY AS COUNSEL.
>> CORRECT. WE COULD DECIDE THAT FOR ARTS AND HISTORIC.
WE COULD DECIDE IT FOR CULTURAL ARTS.
WE CAN DECIDE IT FOR THIS GROUP.
>> I THINK TO SHARON'S QUESTION ABOUT HOW IT'S BROKEN, IS THE LESS, AND MAYBE I'M WRONG, BUT THE LESS YOU HAVE TO GO IN AND CHANGE ORDINANCES, THE BETTER.
EVERY FIVE YEARS, IF WE HAVE TO UPDATE THE AMOUNT THAT THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD GIVES THE CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, IT'S DEFEATING THE PURPOSE OF HAVING A SMOOTH, CONCRETE ORDINANCE AND DO YOU GO A PERCENTAGE? DO YOU GO AMOUNT?
I THINK EFFICIENCY WISE, IT'S BETTER.
THEY'RE DOING EXTREMELY WELL CULTURAL ARTS.
THEY'RE DOING EXTREMELY WELL ARTS AND HISTORIC.
ALL THIS MEANS TO ME IS YOU'RE JUST GOING TO DO ONE BODY INSTEAD OF TWO.
BUT THERE'S NOTHING ELSE THAT YOU'RE GAINING FROM THIS, IN MY OPINION.
BUT I'M NOT AGAINST MAKING ONE GROUP.
>> I THINK THAT'S THEIR INTENT.
>> WELL, WE'RE GAINING EFFICIENCIES IN SEVERAL WAYS, TOO.
REMEMBER, THEY ALL VOTED IN SMU DATAARTS.
THE GOAL EVENTUALLY WILL BE WHAT'S HAPPENING THROUGH ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD CURRENTLY WILL BE FAR MORE DATA DRIVEN.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, WE'LL COME TO COUNCIL AND SAY, HERE ARE THE PARAMETERS WE CAN REGISTER WITH THESE ORGANIZATIONS.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE? WE SET THOSE PARAMETERS, AND THEN THE ORGANIZATIONS, THEY'LL FALL WHERE THEY FALL IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS.
THEN THOSE GET BROUGHT BACK TO COUNCIL, AND WE SAY, THESE MAJOR ORGANIZATIONS FELL RIGHT OUTSIDE OF YOUR PARAMETERS.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCEPT THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THIS YEAR AND ASK US TO ASK THEM TO WORK ON IT FOR NEXT YEAR? YOU ALL ARE MAKING THE DECISION BLINDLY.
YOU'RE MAKING IT BASED ON DATA.
THEN WE COME BACK TO YOU WHEN IT'S MORE PERSONAL, AND WE SAY, THESE ARE THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT MATCH THAT.
IT REALLY REMOVES THE ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARDS PURPOSE.
THEY'VE DONE AMAZING, BUT TECHNOLOGY HAS EXCEEDED THAT, WHERE WE CAN NOW BRING THAT TO YOU AND SAY, HEY, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE THE SCORING WORK OUT OF THE HUMAN ELEMENT AND BRING IT TO YOU IN THE DATA ELEMENT.
>> BUT IT STILL GIVES EVERYBODY THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN BOTH CAPACITIES UNDER 14.
>> CORRECT. IT ALSO CREATES THE JURY OR THE PANELISTS, WHICH ALLOWS US TO REALLY PERSONALIZE THE CALLS TO ART SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE.
WE WANT THIS BOARD TO BE MORE DEVELOPMENT MINDED.
[05:35:04]
WE WANT PEOPLE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH HOT TAX.WE WANT PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEE THE ROI FROM THIS MONEY RATHER THAN JUST FACILITATING THE GIVING IT OUT.
WE WANT THAT BOARD TO BE MINDFUL OF WHAT WE COULD BE DOING WITH THAT MONEY.
WE WANT THE PANELISTS AND THE JURISTS TO BE THE ONES THAT ARE MAKING THE DECISIONS ON PUBLIC ART, AND THEN YOU ALL WILL BE MAKING THE DECISIONS ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL.
>> WHEN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE MONEY, THE ROI, AREN'T THEY REQUIRED TO PROVE THAT THEY ARE GAINING SOMETHING THAT BENEFITS THE CITY? YOU'RE NOT JUST HANDING THEM SOME MONEY.
IS THAT WHAT YOU'RE ASKING WHAT THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS? THE CURRENT SYSTEM IS THEY THEY REPORT AND THEY RECEIVE SO THEY DO A TWO YEAR ALLOCATION.
THEY RECEIVE THAT FUNDING A QUARTERLY, AND THEY HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR QUARTERLY REPORTS, AND THEN THERE'S A VERY LONG SYSTEM.
THEY DON'T TURN IN THIS REPORT AT THIS QUARTER THEY GET UP TO X AMOUNT.
>> THE BENEFIT THEN IS NOT GOING TO NECESSARILY INCREASE.
BECAUSE IF YOU'RE STILL GIVING OUT THE SAME MONIES TO ORGANIZATIONS, AND WHAT'S GOING TO CHANGE?
>> I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION.
>> YOU'RE SAYING YOU WANT A RETURN ON INVEST.
WHEN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS APPLY FOR A GRANT, ISN'T THAT PART OF THE GRANT PROCESS, THEY'VE GOT TO BE ABLE TO PROVE THAT THEIR FUNCTION OR WHATEVER IS GOING TO BRING HEADS IN BEDS OR WHATEVER?
>> I THINK I CAN ANSWER YOU. I THINK I UNDERSTAND THAT, SO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WE CURRENTLY GIVE TO THOSE ORGANIZATIONS ISN'T GOING TO CHANGE.
THE REPORTING MECHANISM WILL CHANGE, AND ONCE THEY ARE REPORTING THROUGH SMU DATAARTS.
>> I HAVE THE PORTION OF THE MONEY TO GIVE.
>> ONCE THEY'RE REPORTING THROUGH SMU DATAARTS, WE'RE ALSO ELIMINATING THE APPLICATION PORTION, BECAUSE THEY'RE ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM.
WE JUST PULL A REPORT AND SAY, THEY'RE ALREADY SMU DATAARTS, WHATEVER, SO THAT'S THE EFFICIENCY CHANGE.
THE MONEY THAT DOESN'T CHANGE.
WHEN I TALK ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE OTHER PORTION OF THAT THIRD BRACKET OF MONEY.
THAT MONEY CAN BE PART OF THE DISCUSSION FOR DEVELOPMENT, OR COULD IT BE A MONEY MATCH FOR A NATIONAL BRANCH TO DO X, Y, OR Z?
>> [LAUGHTER] WHATEVER MAKES YOUR HEART FLARE?
>> NO. I WAS ASKING, IS THAT AN EXAMPLE?
>> YES. ANYTHING THAT GETS [OVERLAPPING] COUNSEL?
>> WHEN YOU SAID A NATIONAL AND MATCHING, THEN OF THAT WAS THE FIRST THING I THOUGHT ABOUT, SO I WAS SERIOUS.
>> STAFF HANDLING THE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN WE GIVE ORGANIZATIONS HOT MONEY THAT IT'S USED ON HOT ELIGIBLE PURPOSES.
IS THAT GOING TO BE A FUNCTION OF THE BOARD OR IS THAT GOING TO BE A FUNCTION OF?
>> CURRENTLY, WE HAVE THEM SIGN A CONTRACT WHERE THEY AGREE THEY COULD BE AUDITED AT ANY TIME.
>> THAT WOULD FALL UNDER THE [INAUDIBLE]
>> WE WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE TO DO AN AUDIT OF THEM CURRENTLY.
>> BUT ALSO THE ADVANTAGE TO IS THE STAFF TIME.
I THINK THEY GROSSED UP ON THAT.
>> WITH SMU DATAARTS, WE CAN PULL A REPORT AT ANY TIME.
>> THERE'S IS STAFF TIME FOR TWO SEPARATE BORDERS THAT'S JANELLE AND NELLIE DID IT AND MARTHA, AND IT REALLY IS HAVING TO THE ADDITIONAL [OVERLAPPING]
>> THE OTHER THING GETS BACK TO THE FUNDING OF CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, WHICH RIGHT NOW WE'VE ALREADY SAID IS THROUGH ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION, WHICH IS CUMBERSOME.
NOT ONLY THAT, AS WE'VE BY COUNSEL, WE'VE INCREASED THE FUNDING.
HOWEVER, THAT THERE'S SOME DESIRES TO CHANGE HOW THOSE PARTICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE FUNDED.
IN OTHER WORDS, SHOULD IT BE JUST A STRAIGHT AMOUNT, OR SHOULD IT BE BASED UPON A PERCENT OF THE COLLECTION OF HOT.
BECAUSE OTHERWISE, IF WE COLLECT LESS HOT, WE'RE STILL GIVEN THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY IF WE COLLECT MORE, WE'RE STILL PROVIDING A LESSER AMOUNT.
I THINK THAT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE LOOKED AT FISCAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH BOTH ENTITIES THAT THIS HELPED TO STREAMLINE THE PROCESS FOR THAT REASON.
>> I CAN SEE THAT. I THINK WHAT'S GIVEN ME PAUSE ON THIS WHOLE THING, WE HAVE A CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION THAT HAS EVOLVED, THAT'S BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL, VERY ORGANIZED AND HAVE PUT TOGETHER A PROCESS THAT I THINK IS AN EXAMPLE FOR MANY OF THESE COMMITTEES TO FOLLOW.
WE HAVE AN ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD THAT'S BEEN EXTREMELY
[05:40:02]
ORGANIZED AND REALLY HAVE EVOLVED TO BE REALLY GOOD ABOUT ALLOCATION OF FUNDING.NOW WE'RE TAKING BOTH THOSE AND SHUTTING THEM DOWN AND MOVING AND ESTABLISHING A NEW GROUP THAT MAY NOT HAVE ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS FROM CULTURAL ARTS OR ARTS IN HISTORIC ON THERE, AND NOW GOING BACK THROUGH A NEW PROCESS, AND THAT'S WHAT'S CAUSED ME MY PAUSE.
>> I HEAR YOU. IT'S OUR HOPE THAT THE CURRENT MEMBERS, SOME OF THEM MOLY WOULD APPLY.
I THINK THAT THE CONTROLS AND THE PROCESSES THAT THE STAFF HAVE IN PLACE AND THAT THEY HAVE LEARNED ALONGSIDE THOSE BOARDS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE RUBRIC THAT ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION USES OR THE PROCESS BY WHICH THEY DO EVALUATIONS WITHIN CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION, THOSE WILL REMAIN IN PLACE AND MOVE FORWARD.
BUT THE PEOPLE THEMSELVES, YES, THE PEOPLE WILL CHANGE.
BUT THE PROCESSES ASSOCIATED WITH, WILL BE IN PLACE.
>> A LOT OF THEM ARE TERMING OUT THEY ACTUALLY HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SERVE LONGER.
SHE'S OUR CHAIRPERSON OF CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION.
>> [LAUGHTER] I SEEM LIKE THAT I TERMED OFF.
BUT TO THAT END, THERE ARE FIVE PEOPLE, I BELIEVE, ON EACH COMMISSION WHO ARE TERMING OFF AT THIS TIME, SO THE CONCERN ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO MAYBE CREATED IT, NOT BEING ABLE TO BE ON THE ONES THAT ARE EXISTING IS REAL.
HOWEVER, WITH THE NEW BOARD THEY COULD REAPPLY. THAT'S WHAT WE CHOSE.
>> WE HAVE SPOKEN TO STAFF HAS SPOKEN TO THE EXISTING MEMBERS, AND TRY TO SEE WHAT POTENTIALLY WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN SERVING MORE TIME.
WE HAVE A PRETTY GOOD IDEA THAT WE'LL HAVE SOME RETURNING MEMBERS APPLY.
>> I'D LIKE TO SAY ONE OTHER THING ABOUT IT SINCE I'M UP IS THAT ANTOINETTE'S BEEN WORKING WITH THIS WHOLE CONCEPT ALL THE WAY BACK TO THE MASTER PLAN THAT WAS DONE, AND SO CITY COUNCIL PUT A LOT INTO HAVING THE MASTER PLAN.
LET'S UTILIZE WHAT CAME FORWARD FROM THE MASTER PLAN.
MERON AND ANTOINETTE, AND COUNCILMAN FINKLEA PERRETTO, EVERYBODY BEEN WORKING ON PUTTING THIS TOGETHER, AND I THINK THIS HELPS TO ADDRESS THE INEFFICIENCIES THAT WE HAD IN BOTH COUNCILS AND HELP TO STRENGTHEN AND BRING UP THE STRENGTHS AND MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT OVERALL, I THINK FOR STAFFING, BECAUSE IF WE HADN'T GOTTEN ANTOINETTE, THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, WE WOULD HAVE JUST BEEN FLOUNDERING, AND AS IT IS, GOING TO TWO SETS OF MEETINGS FOR ANTOINETTE AND MERON, AND ALL OF IT, IT'S A LOT.
AS GOOD AS OUR COUNSELS ARE, OUR COUNSEL, IN PARTICULAR, IS LOADED WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY ANCIENT, AND WE NEED FRESH PEOPLE, AND FRANKLY, MYSELF.
WISDOM, BUT WE ALSO NEED FRESH IDEAS, AND THE IDEA OF THE JURIST.
>> YOU'RE AGAINST OLD PEOPLE AND YOU'RE AGAINST CAR MECHANIC.
>> [LAUGHTER] I'M NOT I'M KIDDING.
>> BUT JUST FRESH IDEAS, AND SO I THINK THE IDEA OF THE JURISTS THAT CAN COME IN FOR EACH PROJECT, AGAIN, IT'S REALLY GOOD.
I WOULD JUST URGE YOU TO LISTEN TO STAFF AND GO AHEAD.
>> SOUNDS GOOD. THANK YOU, KATHLEEN.
>> [LAUGHTER] I DO HAVE ONE OTHER COMMENT.
>> IF THOSE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO COME BACK.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO PUT AN APPLICATION OUT THERE FOR IT?
>> AREN'T YOU GOING TO BE SUBJECTIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SERVED ON THE BOARD?
>> IT'S GOING TO BE COUNSEL THAT'S APPOINTING.
>> IT'S A BRAND NEW BOARD, SO THEY NEED TO PUT IN A NEW APPLICATION. IT'S A BRAND NEW BOARD.
>> THEY'LL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE TRAINING AGAIN.
>> MAYOR, I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING THE THIRD ORDINANCE, MERON ASK FOR US NOT TO CONSIDER.
THAT ONE IS THE ONE THAT WE'RE SUPPOSED TO NOODLE ON FOR A MONTH OR SO.
>> NOODLE ON, WE'D LIKE SOME GUIDANCE.
THESE ARE DECISIONS THAT IN MY OPINION, STAFF CANNOT MAKE.
WE PUT TOGETHER SOME BONES THAT FOR YOU ALL TO CONSIDER IN MY OPINION, IT'S A GOOD FRAMEWORK, BUT WE CANNOT BE THE FINAL SAY.
>> I THINK, WE UPLOADED THE TWO AGENDAS IN OUR LAST WEEK,
[05:45:03]
AND I DON'T THINK A WEEK IS ENOUGH TIME FOR YOU ALL TO REALLY GO OVER THIS.>> IN THE STAFF REPORT, THERE ARE ALL FOUR ORDINANCES.
ARE THEY ACTUALLY IN ORDER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY'RE LISTED ON THE AGENDA?
>> DID YOU SAY NOODLE ON IS THAT WHAT YOU QUE SOLE?
>> YES. I USE THE TERM NOODLE ON.
THE THIRD ORDINANCE AND THEN SEND BACK OUR COMMENTS [OVERLAPPING]
I'LL LINK IT DIRECTLY TO ALL OF COUNSEL, AND ASK FOR YOUR FEEDBACK.
>> THANK YOU. I THINK WE'RE THROUGH IF YOU'RE PRESENT.
>> I JUST WANT TO SILL HOLD OUT THERE THE IDEA OF COMPLETING THIS COORDINATION BY INVOLVING THE PARK BOARD SOMEHOW IN THE DISCUSSION.
I JUST WANT TO TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY WHO HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH ART IS ON BOARD.
>> TO THAT END, IT'S OFF TOPIC. NEVER MIND.
THAT'S GOING TO BE PART OF MY COMMENTS BACK ON THE FOUR D THREE.
>> MOVING FORWARD DOES THIS HOT COME FROM TRIGLE DOWN OR THE OTHER BODY?
>> THIS IS THE SEVEN EIGHTHS OF ONE SEVENTH FOR ARTS AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION.
>> FOR THE EIGHT DATES OF THE WORK.
>> [LAUGHTER] WHAT I GOT FROM THIS, I WAS HAPPY TO SEE THAT MS. DE NATALI HAS SAID SHE WANTS TO SERVE ON THIS.
APPRECIATE IT. THREE H, PLEASE.
[3.H Discussion of the Status of the Comprehensive Plan (B Brown/C Brown - 15 min)]
>> DISCUSSION OF THE STATUS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
>> I JUST WANTED TO BE SURE THAT WE TRACK THIS AT EACH ONE OF OUR MEETINGS BECAUSE IT KEEPS GETTING SHUT BACK AND SHUT BACK AND I KEEP TELLING ALL PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT COMING.
>> I TOOK ONE AND PASS THE OTHERS AROUND.
>> COULD WE DO THE SAME THING THAT WE HAVE IDENTIFIED WITH THE PUMP STATION AND GET COUNSEL UPDATES ON COMPREHENSIVE PLANS?
>> WE DO THE PACKAGE AND THEN IF THERE'S QUESTIONS WE BRING UP [BACKGROUND]
>> I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH COPIES.
>> DO YOU PUT ONE IN THE RECORD.
>> CAN I ASK SUB QUESTIONS SO DON'T FORGET.
I'M GOING TO ASK YOUR PAUSE IS FINE.
>> HERE IS THE TIMELINE OF EVENTS TO BRING US UP TO DATE AND WHERE WE ARE WITH THIS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
I'VE ADDED AN ITEM FROM SINCE OUR LAST MEETING.
NOW ON THE BACK SIDE, IF I GET YOU OUT TO TURN TO THE BACK YOUR ATTENTION BETTER.
ESSENTIALLY, THE UPDATE IS, WE WILL BE MEETING WITH THE GENERAL AND OFFICE NEXT WEEK.
>> YES. WE FINALLY GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE THEY'RE HEARING WHAT WE'VE BEEN SAYING, AND WE'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT IT.
NOW, THE ISSUE THAT WE WILL BE DISCUSSING IS THIS COST REASONABLENESS SECTION THAT'S BEEN ADDED TO THE APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS.
HERE'S THE SHORT OF IT. IN THE LAST RFI, THEY SCALED OUR FUNDING DOWN TO ABOUT $150,000.
WE RESPONDED TO THE GLO IT'S LIKE WHAT IS THIS? THEN THEY GAVE US A LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN ORDER TO REQUEST MORE MONEY, SO WE PUSHED BACK ON THAT.
THEN THE NEXT THING THEY RESPONDED TO US WAS, THAT WAS A TYPO.
AGAIN, WE PUSH BACK ON THAT BECAUSE WHEN WE STARTED THIS PROCESS, THE GRANT WAS FOR $300,000.
WHEN WE GOT THE FIRST RFI, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF A REDUCTION, BUT WHAT HAPPENED IN BETWEEN US SUBMITTING TO THAT FIRST RFI AND THEM SENDING US THE SECOND RFIS, THERE WERE THE CHANGES IN THEIR APPLICATION PROCESS.
[05:50:05]
I BELIEVE, FROM MY CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM, IS THAT MORE COMMUNITIES BEGAN TO APPLY FOR THE FUNDING, AND THERE WERE QUITE A BIT OF RURAL, SMALLER COMMUNITIES.THERE WAS IT WAS JUST IT WAS THERE WASN'T A LIMIT, THE APPLICATION WAS FOR $300,000, AND I THINK THEY WERE TRYING TO GET A HANDLE ON GIVEN A FAIR AMOUNT OF FUNDS TO THOSE COMMUNITIES.
I BELIEVE THAT WAS THE CASE, SO YOU NOTICE A CHART WHERE IT SAYS THE POPULATION SIZE OF 10,000 TO 100,000.
I'VE SEEN THAT MS. PAS CLASSES [BACKGROUND] THERE WE GO.
THANK YOU, [LAUGHTER] JUST CHECKING TO SEE IF WE ALL PAYING ATTENTION, 250,000 IS WHERE THEY'RE SAYING WHAT WE QUALIFY FOR BASED ON OUR POPULATION.
BUT WE'VE PURSUED THE CONSULTANTS WITH WHAT WAS ORIGINALLY ADVERTISED IN THE GRANT, WHICH WAS THE 300,000.
>> TELL THEM TO COME DOWN HERE ON 4 JULY AND SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE WE GOT?
>> REALLY, THAT'S A POINT THAT WAS MADE, AND THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY A POINT THAT WAS MADE, AND YOU ALL DISCUSSED THIS TERM EARLIER.
I MENTIONED THERE IS SOME GRANDFATHERING IN OUR APPLICATION.
WE SUBMITTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, SO WE WILL BE DISCUSSING THOSE ISSUES WHEN WE MEET NEXT WEEK.
>> THIS WHOLE TABLE RIGHT HERE DID NOT EXIST WHEN WE FIRST APPLIED.
>> IT ONLY CAME AFTER THE FIRST [INAUDIBLE]?
>> THAT IS CORRECT. WE'RE TRYING TO MAKE THE CASE THAT WE APPLIED UNDER A DIFFERENT SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES [OVERLAPPING]
>> YOU WERE ON THE SEVENTH PROVISION? SEVENTH PROVISION?
>> THEY LINE THEY'RE IN THE SAME POSITION AS US?
>> I'M NOT SURE. I WAS TOO BUSY TRYING TO GET OUR BUSINESS STRAIGHT THAT I JUST DIDN'T.
>> I'M JUST CURIOUS. THE BOTTOM LINE IS IS WE CAN'T ESTABLISH WHEN WE'LL BE GETTING FUNDED.
>> I'M HOPING THAT WE WOULD HAVE SOME RESOLUTION AFTER WE MEET NEXT WEEK.
>> COULD YOU UPDATE US AS SOON AS YOU AT THAT MEETING?
>> NOTHING YOU'VE DONE EXCEPT FOR CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UP.
BUT THAT'S WHAT THE HOPE WAS LAST TIME, TOO.
>> TRUE. BUT WE HADN'T GAINED THE GROUND THAT WE'VE GAINED AND HAVING [OVERLAPPING].
>> YES, AND HAVING THE GLO WILLING TO SIT DOWN AND HAVE THE CONVERSATION WITH NOT ONLY MYSELF BUT [OVERLAPPING]
>> CONVERSATION, DIFFERENT TOPIC.
>> IT'S OPEN NOW TO THE MANAGER, AND THE GRANT COORDINATOR IS ALSO BRINGING IN HER HIGHER UPS.
>> THE FIREPOWER AND THE MAINTENANCE?
>> ARE YOU MEETING WITH THE INDIVIDUALS AT GLO THAT CAN MAKE DECISIONS ON THIS?
>> THERE'S THE GLO AND AT THERE'S THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
>> I KNOW WE HAVE THE CITY OF GALVESTON, BUT GLO SOMETIMES THEY'LL COME DOWN AND THEY HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK TO THEIR HIGHER UPS TO FIGURE OUT.
>> THAT'S ALWAYS GOING TO BE THE CASE UNLESS COMMISSIONER BUCKINGHAM IS HERE.
>> I'VE MENTIONED THIS BEFORE, AND YEAR AFTER YEAR, WE'VE APPROVED A BUDGET THAT HAS A LINE ITEM IN OUR BUDGET FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $250,000.
NOW WHILE, I APPRECIATE YOU CHASING MONEY FOR FREE. THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING AT.
WE STILL HAVE BUDGETED $250,000 IN OUR AMENDED FY 2025 BUDGET.
>> THERE'S A MATCHING REVENUE SIDE TO THAT, WHICH IS THE GLO GRANT.
DO YOU HAVE SOME MONEY SET ASIDE, BUT IT'S NOT 250,000, IT WAS FOR OVERRUNS?
IF WE GET STUCK ON 250, WE WILL FIND OUT.
>> ANYWAY, I JUST WANT TO MAKE EVERYBODY AWARE.
>> LOOKING AT IT RIGHT HERE AND YOUR APPROPRIATIONS, IT SAYS, $250,000 FOR THE CONFERENCE.
THAT'S NOT A GRANT. THAT'S MONEY THAT WE'VE APPROVED TO PERFORM THIS.
>> I KNOW THAT YOU CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOU GET THAT FINAL SIGN OFF FROM THE GLO, BUT WHETHER YOU END UP WITH A $300,000 PROJECT OR A $250,000 PROJECT OR A $400,000 PROJECT, WE STILL GOT FUNDS.
[05:55:01]
>> THAT'S WHY YOU ARRIVE WITH PEOPLE TO A PARTY, BECAUSE WHEN YOU'RE READY TO GO, YOU'RE READY TO GO.
>> VERY GOOD. ANY QUESTIONS FOR PETE?
>> LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM ME ABOUT THAT MEETING.
>> WE FINE AS SOON AS WE HAVE SOME ASKING.
>> PETE, CAN YOU DON'T MIND PUTTING IT ON THE CITY'S FACEBOOK PAGE OR SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE WORKING ON?
>> YOU'LL NOTIFY COUNCIL AS SOON AS YOU KNOW SOMETHING AFTER THIS.
>> I GOT SOME SHARE IT A FEW TIMES.
>> VERY GOOD. THANK YOU, PETE.
[3.I Discussion of the potential consolidation of dispatch operations (B. Maxwell - 10 min)]
>> ITEM 3.I, DISCUSSION OF THE POTENTIAL CONSOLIDATION OF DISPATCH OPERATIONS.
>> HOW CRAZY THAT'S GOTTEN CHIEF? YOU WANT TO COME ON?
>> LET ME START BY GIVING YOU A BIT OF BACKGROUND BECAUSE THIS GOES BACK A LONG WAY.
>> FOR ABOUT FOUR SHERIFFS THAT I CAN COUNT, A COUPLE OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DISTRICT DIRECTORS, AND I'M NOT EVEN GOING TO BEGIN TO SPECULATE ON HOW MANY POLICE CHIEFS.
THIS HAS BEEN TOSSED AROUND AS SOMETHING THAT WE COULD LOOK AT FOR EFFICIENCIES PURPOSES.
FOR 1,000 REASONS AND ALWAYS THE BIGGEST BEING DISPARATE SYSTEMS, IT'S NEVER REALLY COME TO FRUITION.
>> WHEN SHERIFF FULLING GOT ELECTED, WE MET WITH HIM AND WENT THROUGH ALL THE ONGOING THINGS WE HAD GOING ON WITH THE SHERIFF, JAIL, STUFF, OFFICE LEASE, YOU NAME IT.
ONE OF THE THINGS I MENTIONED TO HIM IS IT ALWAYS ON THE LIST IS CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH. THAT'S WHERE WE LEFT IT.
ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO, SHERIFF REACHED OUT AND AS ONLY JIMMY CAN DO, HE SAYS, HEY, YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT THIS? HE SAID, I'M READY TO GO.
I SAID, [LAUGHTER] OKAY, LET'S GET A MEETING.
WE'VE HAD ONE MEETING, THE CHIEF AND I AND ROBBIE WHO'S NOT IN HERE.
WE MET WITH SHERIFF AND HIS DISPATCH CREW TO DISCUSS WHETHER THIS WAS EVEN SOMETHING THAT ANYBODY WANTED TO DO.
WHAT'S DRIVING AND WHAT'S DIFFERENT THIS TIME IS THAT IN MARCH, WE'RE GOING TO BE GOING LIVE FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME ON THE SAME RMS SYSTEM.
TO MY KNOWLEDGE, WE'VE NEVER BEEN ON THE SAME SYSTEM.
THERE'S OPPORTUNITY THIS TIME.
>> AS THE RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
IT'S WHAT THEY USE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO TRACK BASICALLY EVERYTHING THEY DO.
>> WE'LL BE ON THE SAME SYSTEM AS COUNTY?
>> YES. WE'RE PARTNERING WITH THEM ON THAT AND THAT HAS SAVED US A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY.
WE'RE VERY GRATEFUL THE COUNTY FOR HELPING US ON THAT.
HISTORICALLY, I THINK FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS, WE'VE BEEN ON LEAGUE CITIES.
>> THE COUNTY WAS NOT. THERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY HERE.
WE MET FOR ABOUT 20, 25 MINUTES WITH SHERIFF TALKED ABOUT IT, SAID, I THINK THERE'S SOME POTENTIAL HERE.
OTHER THAN ANOTHER PHONE CALL THAT I'VE HAD WITH THE SHERIFF WHERE WE BOTH AGREED THAT HEY, I APPRECIATED IT.
JIMMY ASKED ME, SAID, I APPRECIATE IF YOU GUYS DON'T COME OVER AND TALK TO MY PEOPLE AND YOU DON'T AND HE SAYS, I'LL DO THE SAME FOR YOU.
I WON'T GO TALK TO YOUR PEOPLE UNLESS WE'RE ALL TOGETHER.
BECAUSE AS YOU CAN SEE, THINGS GET REALLY SKEWED AND OUT OF PROPORTION IN A HURRY.
BUT WE HAVE HAD NO DEFINITIVE DISCUSSIONS, AND I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE ANY MORE DEFINITIVE DISCUSSIONS SO I CAME TO YOU TO SEE IF THIS IS EVEN SOMETHING THAT YOU GUYS WANT TO DO.
WE THINK THERE'S BENEFIT TO BOTH SIDES, BOTH IN EFFICIENCIES.
WE BOTH STRUGGLE WITH RETAINING AND HIRING DISPATCHERS.
WE ARE WORKING OUR DISPATCHERS A LOT OF HOURS AS ARE THEY, I BELIEVE, ALTHOUGH THEY'RE A LITTLE AHEAD OF US, BUT THEY PAY MORE THAN WE DO.
THIS IS ONE OF THE BIG DRIVING FORCES IS TRYING TO CREATE A DECENT WORK LIFE FOR OUR DISPATCHERS.
BUT ALONG THAT, I THINK THAT LONG TERM THERE'S GOING TO BE SUBSTANTIAL MONETARY SAVINGS TO BOTH SIDES.
WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS YET.
WE CAN'T QUANTIFY BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN THAT FAR IN THE DISCUSSIONS YET.
BUT WE DO THINK THERE'LL BE QUITE A BIT OF THERE TOO.
WE HAVEN'T GOTTEN INTO ANYTHING THAT RELATES TO OFFICER SAFETY POLICIES.
NONE OF THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED YET.
ASSUMING OR NOT ASSUMING, BUT DEPENDING ON HOW THIS WHICH YOU GUYS HAVE IN YOUR DISCUSSIONS WITH ME TODAY, I THINK WE'RE SCHEDULED NEXT WEEK FOR OUR SECOND MEETING WITH THE SHERIFF.
THERE WERE A COUPLE OF FALSE STARTS.
I THINK SOME FOLKS FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CAME OVER FIRST AND TALKED TO OUR DISPATCHERS, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A LITTLE BIT OF CONFUSION, WHICH IS WHY JIMMY AND I AGREED, "HEY, HOLD UP ON THIS.
[06:00:02]
LET'S NOT TALK TO ANYBODY UNLESS WE'RE TOGETHER ON IT, SO THAT WAY, WE'RE ON THE SAME PAGE." BEEN GREAT DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SHERIFF BEEN VERY CORDIAL.I DON'T THINK THE WORLD'S COMING TO AN END, WHETHER WE DO IT OR NOT, BUT I DO THINK THERE'S SUBSTANTIAL BENEFIT BOTH SIDES.
THE SHERIFF HAS A DEADLINE IN HIS MIND OF JANUARY.
NOTHING'S IMPOSSIBLE, BUT IT COULD BE AMBITIOUS.
BASICALLY ANYTIME FROM JANUARY TO MARCH IS PROBABLY THE WINDOW WITH [INAUDIBLE] ON THE MIDDLE THAT'S NOT A GOOD WINDOW.
BUT THAT'S WHEN WE GO LIVE, AND THAT'S TENTATIVE TOO.
THAT DATE'S ALREADY BEEN MOVED.
WE WERE GOING TO GO LIVE I THINK IN JANUARY AND IT GOT MOVED BACK TO MARCH.
JIMMY'S THOUGHTS WERE THAT HE WOULD WANT TO DO IT IN JANUARY, SO THAT WAY, WE COULD GET EVERYBODY ON THE SAME TEAM AND THEY WOULD TRAIN TOGETHER.
>> WE HAVE THE CITY STAFF OR TALK TO THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.
WE WENT OVER TO ASK TO GET SOME QUESTIONS ANSWERED UP FRONT SO WE COULD BE READY FOR THE NEXT MEETING.
THAT'S WHEN JIMMY AND I AGREED, IT'S BEST THAT WE DO THIS TOGETHER BECAUSE THINGS ARE GETTING BLOWN WAY OUT OF PROPORTION HERE.
IT'S SCARY. CHANGE IS ALWAYS SCARY.
BUT WE'VE HAD THESE DISCUSSIONS FOR AT LEAST THREE DECADES.
WE'RE NOT PLOWING ANY NEW EARTH HERE, EXCEPT FOR THE FACT THAT SOME THINGS HAVE CHANGED THAT MIGHT MAKE THIS A LITTLE BIT EASIER IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN.
>> WE HAVE ALEX, DAVID, AND BOB.
>> I KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE'VE HEARD ABOUT AND TALKED ABOUT FOR A WHILE, AND I THINK PREVIOUS COUNCILS TOO HAVE HEARD ABOUT IT.
I TALKED TO THE CHIEF ABOUT IT AND HIS CONCERNS RIVALED MINE, WHICH WERE MAKING SURE THAT THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES ARE AT THE SAME SERVICE LEVEL, AND GREATER.
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE'S JOBS AND THAT GETS PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE AND I THINK THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WITH JIMMY AND BRIAN IS IMPERATIVE AND ANYBODY INVOLVED.
WITH WHAT I'VE HEARD, I WOULD APPRECIATE THE TEMPERATURE TO GO DOWN AND MAYBE HAVE JUST I'LL HANDLE THAT TRANSITION AND NOT ANYONE.
>> THE PERSON THAT'S MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE OF IT NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED IN IT RIGHT NOW, AND THAT'S ROBBIE, BUT THERE'S NOT GOING TO BE ANY MEETINGS HAD WITHOUT CHIEF AND I THERE.
>> THEN WASN'T THE CHIEF OF POLICE ALWAYS OVER DISPATCHED UNTIL RECENTLY?
>> YEAH. THE DISPATCH IS A CIVILIAN OPERATION.
IT WAS HOUSED IN POLICE DEPARTMENT FOREVER.
BUT THAT WAS ONE OF THE THINGS WE'RE TRYING TO DO BECAUSE HE HAD TO DEDICATE OFFICERS TO THAT, AND WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST TO FREE UP AS MANY OF OUR OFFICERS AS WE CAN, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE WERE SO SHORTHANDED.
THERE'S NO PRIDE AND OWNERSHIP OF THIS.
WE'RE GOING TO WORK ON IT AS A TEAM TOGETHER AND TRY TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.
WE'RE GOING TO GET EVERYBODY'S INPUT.
>> I THINK, ANOTHER THING IS, AND I DON'T WANT TO GET IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR WORK ADMINISTRATIVELY, BUT HAVING COUNCIL UPDATED ON SOMETHING LIKE THIS BECAUSE IT'S A BIG MOVE RESIDENTS WILL BE IMPACTED.
BUT I THINK WE SHOULD BE UPDATED THAT WAY THERE'S NO MISCOMMUNICATIONS OR IT DOESN'T GET BLOWN OUT OF PROPORTION.
>> HAD WE HAD A MEETING BEFORE THIS, YOU'D HAVE ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT IT.
THIS WAS THE FIRST AVAILABLE TIME AND THAT'S WHY I WAS SHOCKED WHEN ALL THIS HIT.
BECAUSE WE HAD A 20 MINUTE MEETING, AND I THINK IF YOU REMEMBER, FIRST ASKED IF YOU TALK TO YOUR COMMISSIONERS COURT ABOUT THIS, AND I SAID, I'VE GOT TO TALK TO COUNCIL ABOUT IT TO SEE IF IT'S EVEN WORTH IT.
>> WE WANT TO PUTTING ANY WORK INTO IT.
>> YEAH, IT'S HARD FOR ME TO SAY.
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT IDEA BECAUSE I NEED DATA.
IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF WE COULD HAVE A JUST A BRIEF DESCRIPTION THAT SAYS, HOW ARE THINGS DONE CURRENTLY? WHAT'S YOUR BACKGROUND? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND OBJECTIVES WITH THIS? THEN WHAT ARE YOUR METRICS THAT YOU'RE MEASURING? FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU WANT TO HAVE EITHER, WHATEVER IT IS, CALL PERCENTAGES AND WHATEVER METRICS YOU'RE GOING TO USE FOR EVALUATING THIS.
THEN WHAT'S YOUR INTENDED OUTCOME? YOU SAID, THERE'S POTENTIAL SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS, BUT ROUGHLY DON'T PUT DOLLAR VALUES TO IT, BUT TELL ME WHERE YOU'RE EXPECTING TO SEE THOSE.
THAT'LL BE A LOT EASIER FOR US TO EVALUATE.
THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD THING BECAUSE I KNOW IT HAS BEEN SWIMMING AROUND MY HEAD.
YEAH, IT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT THING, BUT IT WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO ACTUALLY HELP DO THIS TRANSFORMATION OUTLINE WHAT THE WHAT GOALS ARE.
>> ALSO THE IMPACT ON THE ACTUAL PEOPLE WHO ARE THE DISPATCHERS.
>> WHAT'S GOING TO CHANGE FOR THEM?
>> I'LL SAY THIS. I THINK THAT WHEN YOU LOOK AT WHAT OUR CURRENT STAFFING LEVEL.
[06:05:04]
I DON'T BELIEVE, I KNOW IT'S 21 COMMUNICATION OFFICERS WILL FULLY STAFF THE COMMUNICATION CENTER FOR GALVESTON BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST THE PD, THEY DISPATCH FOR FIRE, EMS, ETC.OUR CURRENT STAFFING LEVEL'S 10.
THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR CURRENT STAFF IN THE COMMUNICATION CENTER, THAT'S A TOUGH THING TO HAVE TO WORK.
>> THEY'RE SUBJECT TO BURNOUT.
>> THEY'RE LIKE AIR TRAFFIC STAFFED, AND SO THEY ARE WORKING AND WORKING.
THEY DO A GREAT JOB. THEY'RE AMAZING.
THAT'S WHY WE'RE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT ENSURING THAT THERE'S A PLACE FOR THEM AND THAT THEY'RE HAPPY BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN A PART OF OUR FAMILY FOR EVER.
BUT I WOULDN'T KNOW HOW TO RUN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AT LESS THAN 50% STAFFING.
I DON'T THINK WE'D HAVE MUCH OF A DEPARTMENT LEFT. THEY WOULD JUST GO.
THAT COULD BE SOME OF THE REASON FOR THE TURNOVER IS WE GET THEM IN, WE GET THEM TRAINED, AND THEY BEGIN WORKING, AND WE'RE WORKING THEM TOO MUCH, AND WE'RE WORKING THEM RIGHT OUT OF THE BUILDING, AND THEY'RE JUST SAYING, I'M GOING TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE, AND WE'VE TRAINED THEM AND PUT A LOT OF EFFORT AND TRAINING AND TIME INTO THEM, AND THEN THEY'RE GOING ELSEWHERE.
THIS COULD LEAD TO A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR DISPATCH CENTER OR OUR DISPATCHERS THEMSELVES.
I THINK IT'S ALSO IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT OFFICER SAFETY AND ENSURING THAT THE SERVICE FOR OUR OFFICERS WILL NOT GO DOWN AT ALL.
THE SERVICE FOR OUR CITIZENS AND VISITORS WON'T GO DOWN AT ALL.
THESE ARE ALL IMPORTANT THINGS AND QUESTIONS WE JUST CAN'T ANSWER YET.
BUT I THINK IT'S WORTH TAKING A LOOK AT. I REALLY DO.
>> WELL, SURE. IT'S NOT THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE THESE FULLY DEFINED, BUT IN TERMS OF WHAT ARE WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS? HERE ARE YOUR OBJECTIVES. THEN HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MEASURE THAT?
>> THE GOALS HAVE SOMEWHAT CHANGED SINCE WE TALKED ABOUT THIS THREE DECADES AGO BECAUSE WE HAVE ENTIRELY DIFFERENT DISPATCH SYSTEMS NOW AND HOW THEY'RE HANDLING IT AND OF COURSE, OUR CALL VOLUME IS A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN IT WAS THREE DECADES AGO.
>> I'LL FINISH I PROMISE. HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THE CONSOLIDATED DISPATCH DISCUSSION THAT WE'VE TALKED ABOUT RELATED TO NON EMERGENCY?
>> IT RELATES TO IT AND THAT PART OF THE REASON WE STOOD THAT CALL CENTER UP WAS TO TRY TO GET SOME OF THOSE NON EMERGENCY CALLS OUT OF OUR DISPATCH CENTER.
>> I'VE BEEN WORKING MY BEST TO TRY TO GET THAT THING.
WE'RE WORKING THOSE PEOPLE TO DEATH UP THERE AND WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST TO GET THAT VOLUME DOWN AS BEST WE CAN.
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH THE CHIEF ON TO TRY TO GET AS MUCH NON LAW ENFORCEMENT STUFF OUT OF THERE AND OUT OF HIS HAIR SO WE CAN TRY TO GET THINGS BACK ON AN EVEN KEEL.
THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE'RE GOING TO MAKE IT BECAUSE WE'RE GETTING CLOSE ON STAFFING FOR OFFICERS.
BUT EVERY TIME I THINK WE'RE GETTING CLOSE.
>> I JUST REVIEWED AND FELT LIKE I HAD A HANDLE ON THIS, BUT CAN YOU CLEAR THE AIR ON WHAT, AS FAR AS SOMEONE FROM OUR STAFF ACTUALLY REQUESTING THAT OUR DISPATCH.
>> NO. WE WENT OUT THERE. WHAT WE SHARED WITH THEM IS IS THAT THE SHERIFF HAD AN AGGRESSIVE DEADLINE.
HE WANTED TO DO THIS BY JANUARY.
IF THAT WERE TO OCCUR, AND I THINK IT WAS SOMEBODY FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CAME OVER AND DROPPED OFF APPLICATIONS AT SOME POINT.
THAT'S WHY JIMMY AND I SAID TIME OUT, THIS IS GETTING CRAZY.
>> THAT DIRECTIVE WOULDN'T ISSUE?
>> NO. WE WOULD NOT TELL HIM TO APPLY WITH THE COUNTY BECAUSE WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE'RE EVEN APPLYING FOR. WE DON'T KNOW YET.
>> THERE'S THE NUTS AND BOLTS HAVE NOT BEEN TURNED ON THIS, NO.
>> NOT AT ALL. PEOPLE ARE EXCITED ABOUT IT.
OBVIOUSLY, AT THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS BECAUSE I THINK THERE'S OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH SIDES.
BUT I THINK WE GOT TO SLOW IT DOWN AND GO THROUGH IT.
THAT'S WHAT WE KEEP SAYING. JIMMY LIKES TO GO REALLY FAST.
UNFORTUNATELY, HERE AT THE CITY, WE GOT ONE SPEED, AND WE'RE GOING TO MOVE AT THAT SPEED.
>> I WANT TO CLARIFY SOMETHING, YOU SAID CHIEF.
YOU SAID, OUR DISPATCH IS 10 PEOPLE.
HOW DOES IT WORK ON 911 CALL AND ALL 10 PHONES ARE BUSY DOESN'T ROLL TO THE COUNTY NOW? WE'RE ALSO DOING JAMAICA BEACH.
[06:10:01]
>> WE'VE BEEN DISPATCHING FOR JAMAICA BEACH FOR QUITE SOME TIME.
WE USED TO DISPATCH FOR HITCHCOCK.
HITCHCOCK, I THINK, IS WITH THE COUNTY NOW.
ACCORDING TO THE SHERIFF, I BELIEVE THE COUNTY DISPATCHES FOR 30 DIFFERENT ENTITIES, INCLUDING ALL OF THE CONSTABLES OFFICES AND SMALLER AGENCIES.
>> YES. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE SHEER VOLUME THAT GALVESTON WILL BRING IS CONCERNING FOR ME, BUT I THINK THAT WE HAVE TO REALLY LOOK AT THAT AND HOW THAT'S GOING TO BE HANDLED.
I THINK THE ONLY WAY IT CAN BE HANDLED IS WITH THAT STAFF MOVING OVER.
BECAUSE IF NOT, THEY'RE JUST [OVERLAPPING].
>> NONE OF US ARE FULLY STAFFED.
I CAN'T IMAGINE ANYBODY SHAKEN OUT OF THIS DEAL, BECAUSE IT'S NOT LIKE WE GOT PEOPLE LINED UP TO DO THIS ON EITHER SIDE TO SHARE FOR US.
IT MAY ACTUALLY HELP BECAUSE AGAIN, I THINK LOOKING AT THEIR PAY SCALE, THEY PAY A BIT MORE AND CERTAINLY THEIR BENEFITS ARE WAY BETTER THAN OURS.
WE'RE THINKING OF FUNNELING NON-EMERGENCY POLICE CALLS TO THE OTHER CALLS?
>>NO. NOT NON-EMERGENCY POLICE CALLS.
THEY USED TO GET CALLS IN THERE FOR EVERYTHING.
THEY WERE GETTING CALLS IN THERE FOR MY TRASH, AND SO THAT'S WHY WE STOOD UP THE 24-HOUR PUBLIC WORKS.
THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS DOWN AT 10:00 O'CLOCK AT NIGHT, THERE WAS NO PLACE ELSE TO CALL BUT THEM.
THEY WERE DISPATCHING, I GOT NO WATER PRESSURE AND ALL THAT STUFF.
NOW WE HAVE ALL THAT STOOD UP IN ADDITION TO THE SHORT TERM RENTAL HOTLINE STOOD UP OUTSIDE OF DISPATCH.
I THINK THERE'S JUST A WALL BETWEEN THEM.
>> IT'S A WIDE OPEN [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE'RE TAKING IT, I'M TALKING ABOUT THE CIVILIAN SIZE.
IT'S SET UP OVER IN THE IN THE EOC, WHICH IS RIGHT BEHIND THE DISPATCH CENTER.
THAT WAY, THEY'RE DEALING WITH TRUE LAW ENFORCEMENT STUFF AND NOT DEALING WITH [OVERLAPPING].
>> I KNOW, BUT SOMETIMES I'VE SEEN MULTIPLE SITUATIONS WHERE IT REALLY WAS A POLICE ISSUE, BUT EVERYBODY TRIES TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE POLICE AND THEY CALL THE NON-EMERGENCY.
>> THEY CAN STILL DO THAT. THE DISPATCHER CAN IMMEDIATELY ASSESS, AND IF IT'S NOT TRULY A POLICE ISSUE, THEY'LL TRANSFER HIM OVER TO HER.
>> VICE VERSA. THE NON-EMERGENCY POLICE WOULD STILL GO INTO THE POLICE.
>> YES. THAT NUMBER HAS NOT CHANGED.
>> THE SERVICE WOULD NEED TO REMAIN THE SAME.
IT WOULD JUST BE UNDER THE SHERIFF.
IT'S THE SAME ROOM. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THEY'RE ALL TOGETHER [OVERLAPPING].
>> DISPATCHING FEET AWAY FROM EACH OTHER RIGHT NOW.
OUR DISPATCHERS AND THE SHERIFF'S DISPATCHERS.
THEY'RE FEET AWAY FROM EACH OTHER IN THE SAME ROOM CAN SEE EACH OTHER, TALK WITH EACH OTHER. [OVERLAPPING].
>> HOW WOULD THAT WORK WITH [OVERLAPPING].
>> YOU CAN REACH OUT AND TALK TO EACH OTHER, YES. [OVERLAPPING]
>> HOW WOULD THAT WORK WITH THE EMS?
>> WITH THE EMS. IT WOULD JUST AS IT WOULD NOW.
>> THEY DISPATCH FOR EMS, AND WE DISPATCH THE SAME EMS.
>> [OVERLAPPING] THEY WOULD BE ON THE SAME CHANNEL.
EVERYTHING WOULD REMAIN THE SAME OTHER THAN WHO WAS EMPLOYING THE COMMUNICATION OFFICER.
>> CONSOLIDATION MAKES SENSE, BUT I'M JUST THINKING OF A FLOOD OF ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED OVER THE YEARS.
MY CONCERN WOULD BE THAT WE'RE DOING SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE THAT BETTER.
>> BRIAN AND I HAVE LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND SAID, WELL WE HAVE TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION.
WHAT ABOUT THIS QUESTION? THERE'S SO MANY OF THOSE.
THERE ARE SO MANY UNKNOWN VARIABLES RIGHT NOW THAT IT IS REALLY [OVERLAPPING] WE ARE JUST OUT OF SURFACE.
>> FOR EXAMPLE, ONE OF THE THINGS WE DO DIFFERENT IS OUR DISPATCHERS INNER WARRANTS.
CHIEF AND I HAVE TALKED ABOUT THIS AND I'D LIKE TO DO IS WE'RE ONE OF THE ONLY PLACES THAT DOES IT THAT WAY.
>> I'D LIKE TO GET SOMEBODY IN RECORDS TO HELP WITH WENDY AND INPUT WARRANTS FOR PD SO THAT GETS OUT OF DISPATCH.
THAT'S JUST ANOTHER THING THAT THEY'RE DOING THAT WE DO DIFFERENTLY HERE IN GALVESTON.
BUT THE PROBLEM IS THAT IF WE DO THIS AND THEIR SAVINGS, THAT'S EASY TO PAY FOR IT, AND EASY TO MAKE THESE CHANGES AND TO ENHANCE WHAT WE'RE DOING IN PD AND OTHER AREAS.
>> I'M GOING TO GO BACK TO THE EMS QUESTION WHERE YOU'RE OMAN.
WE CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY FOR EMS. WE HAVE THE FIRE WHO MAKES THAT UP, BUT WE STILL HAVE OUR DESIGNATED EMS, SAME AMOUNT OF NUMBER, WHICH NOW A LOT OF TIMES [OVERLAPPING].
>> IT IS NOT ENOUGH AND OUR FIRE DOES A PHENOMENAL JOB AS DOES OUR POLICE.
BUT WE HAD A WORKER GET HURT AT OUR HOUSE AND THERE WAS NO EMS.
[06:15:06]
FIRE CAME OUT AND DID A GREAT JOB UNTIL 20 MINUTES LATER WHEN EMS CAN GET THERE.>> NOTHING CHANGES. THIS IS STRICTLY A DISPATCH ISSUE.
THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANY SERVICES.
THAT'S PART OF THE OTHER THING TOO, IS THAT WHEN HAVING A FULL-TIME FIRE DEPARTMENT LIKE WE DO, WE WANT TO DO A GOOD JOB OF TRIAGING THOSE CALLS BECAUSE I KNOW THE CHIEF IS REALLY INTERESTED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT SIDE OF IT, BUT THERE'S THE OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY SIDE OF IT TOO.
WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT'S GETTING THE RIGHT ATTENTION.
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE GOING TO TALK TO THE SHERIFF ABOUT IS MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE SOME REAL GOOD SEPARATION AND DESIGNATION FOR FIRE AND EMS, AND THERE IS GOOD TRIAGE OCCURRING, SO WE KNOW WHAT'S GOING.
IF YOUR WORKER HAD BEEN HURT WORSE THAN THE JELLYFISH STING THAT THE BOX MAY HAVE BEEN OUT ON SOMEPLACE ELSE THAT THOSE PRIORITIES ARE TAKEN. [OVERLAPPING].
>> THEY WERE ACTUALLY AT EMS, THEY WERE AT UTMBS. [OVERLAPPING].
>> REMAIN IN THE DISPATCH CENTER? [OVERLAPPING]
>> YES. EXACTLY. [OVERLAPPING]
>> TELEMEDICINE THAT WE'RE WORKING TOWARDS, TELEHEALTH, REMAINS.
THESE ARE ALL QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED, AND THESE ARE THERE'S SOME SERVICES THAT [OVERLAPPING].
>> THIS WAS SIMPLY THERE WAS NO AMBULANCE AVAILABLE.
>> THE MEETING THUS FAR WAS SIMPLY TO SIT DOWN AND DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT BOTH SIDES WERE WILLING TO DIG DEEPER ON THIS.
THAT'S WHERE WE'RE AT. WE'RE JUST SCRATCHING.
>> THESE ARE WORKS YOU WERE DONE AND IT'S GOT TO WORK AND [OVERLAPPING].
>> ACCORDING TO THE TV SHOW 911, IT WORKS.
>> ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THERE'S OTHER CONSOLIDATED DISPATCHES SO IT CAN WORK.
BUT EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE IS DIFFERENT.
WE'VE GOT TO LOOK AT IT AND SEE.
WE'RE NOT DOING THIS JUST FOR THE HELL OF IT.
IF THERE'S NO BENEFIT TO IT, WE'RE NOT GOING TO DO IT.
BUT THAT'S THE OTHER THING WE'VE GOT TO FLESH OUT IS AS DAVID PUT, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DOING THIS? WE'RE NOT DOING THIS JUST FOR GIGGLES.
WE WANT TO SURE WE DO IT FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.[OVERLAPPING].
>> ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS IS YOU GET DISPATCH TO DO THE WORK OF THE TWO PEOPLE.
THE OTHER ONE IS THAT WE COULD SAVE SOME MONEY BY DOING THIS.
CONCEPTUALLY, HOW DO YOU TAKE THAT WORKLOAD OFF OF 10 PEOPLE? HOW DOES THAT [OVERLAPPING].
>> KEEP IN MIND, IN THEORY, WE'RE NOT SHORTHANDED IN DISPATCH ON A SHIFT.
THE PEOPLE ARE JUST WORKING MORE HOURS. WE DON'T RUN SHORT.
JUST LIKE WE DON'T OWN FIRE DEPARTMENT OF PE.
>> HOW WOULD THIS PLAN RELIEVE THAT BURDEN?
>> HOPEFULLY, WITH EFFICIENCIES CREATED, BECAUSE WE ARE WAY BUSIER THAN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS EVEN WITH ALL THEIR CONTRACTS PROBABLY.
YOU'RE ACTUALLY ALLOWING MORE PERSONNEL TO SERVICE THE CALLERS AT THAT POINT IN TIME.
>> BE ABLE TO USE SOME OF THEIR OTHER SHERRIFS.
>> THE SHARED TIME, THE SHARED RESOURCES AT THAT POINT, AND THERE'S THE ABILITY TO GROW.
THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE TO ADDRESS TOO IS IF WE GET INTO THIS, WE'RE LIKE, WE DON'T NEED ENOUGH, WE NEED TO GROW MORE.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR US? WHAT DOES THE COST MEAN? HOW DOES THAT WORK? THERE'S A WHOLE LOT WE'VE GOT TO DISCUSS? [OVERLAPPING]
>> THE COST SAVINGS WOULD COME, I GUESS, AS YOU'RE SAYING, SOME EFFICIENCIES FROM NON-DUPLICATION OF RESOURCES [OVERLAPPING].
>> YEAH, IN SOFTWARE AND THERE'S A WHOLE LOT OF THINGS.
>> I THINK, IF WELL-ORCHESTRATED, IT CAN BE BRILLIANT.
>> SAM, BO HAS BEEN WAITING. BO.
>> LET ME MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND. CURRENTLY WE HAVE TWO DIVISIONS, EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY.
IS THAT BASICALLY THE WAY IT'S DIVIDED?
>> FOR YEARS, WE HAD A NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER, BUT IT WENT TO THE SAME DISPATCHERS THAT WERE DISPATCHING ALL THE CALLS.
WHAT WE'VE STOOD UP NOW AS A 24-HOUR CALL CENTER FOR BASICALLY PUBLIC WORK, SHORT TERM RENTALS, NON LAW ENFORCEMENT RELATED ISSUES.
>> I'LL CALL THAT NON. BUT [OVERLAPPING].
>> NO, I DON'T WANT TO CALL IT NON-EMERGENCY BECAUSE. [OVERLAPPING] [LAUGHTER]
>> BECAUSE WE HAVE SOME EMERGENCY LINE FOR POLICE.
>> THERE'S A NON-LAW ENFORCEMENT.
>> WHAT'S THE NON-LITERAL TERM OF NON, BUT I GET IT.
>> IT'S A STAUNCH. [LAUGHTER] IT'S A NOODLE STAUNCH.
LET'S JUST SAY WE GET THIS PRESENTED AS FAR AS SAVINGS OR EFFICIENCIES, POSSIBLY INEFFICIENCIES, LOSS OF CONTROL OF OUR DISPATCH, WHATEVER WE WEIGH THE OPTIONS ON WHEN WE GET SOME DATA.
WHAT DOES SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORING CITIES, MUNICIPALITIES DO? IS IT UNDER THEIR CHIEF OF POLICE, IS DISPATCHED UNDER THEIR CHIEF OF POLICE, OR IS DISPATCH UNDER SOMEONE ELSE?
>> I CAN'T ANSWER THAT QUESTION.
I KNOW WHEN I WAS AT THE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION DISTRICTS, A LOT OF PEOPLE HAD COMMUNICATION OFFICERS THAT RAN DISPATCH THAT MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE SOME OF THEM, A LOT OF TIMES IT'S RUN BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.
SOME OF THE OTHER CITIES, WHEN I WAS ON THE 911 BOARD AND WE WOULD GO TO THE CONFERENCES.
[06:20:01]
IT WAS ACROSS THE BOARD ON HOW THAT WENT.>> I WOULD SAY THAT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> WHAT CAUSES US TO MAKE THAT CHANGE?
>> TEXAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, THEIR DISPATCHES INSIDE THEIR POLICE DEPARTMENT, JUST LIKE [INAUDIBLE] IS INSIDE HIS HOUSED WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
>> PART OF THE REASON WAS [OVERLAPPING].
>> TWO THAT ARE UNLIKE [OVERLAPPING].
>> IN THE SMALLER DEPARTMENTS, THE REASON THEY DID THAT TOO IS BECAUSE THEY OPERATE HOLDING FACILITIES, AND THE DISPATCHERS ALSO THEIR HOLDING OFFICER AS WELL.
THAT WAS ALWAYS ONE OF THE CHALLENGES OF COUNTY WIDE CONSOLIDATED DISPATCHES THAT SO MANY OF THE DISPATCHERS IN THE SMALLER CITIES HAD MORE DUTIES.
THEY WEREN'T BUSY LIKE US. THEY HAD OTHER DUTIES.
>> THEY WERE ACTUALLY JAILERS.
>> JAILERS AS WELL. [OVERLAPPING].
>> IF WE DON'T DECIDE TO PARTNER UP WITH THE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT, IS THERE A CONSIDERATION OF PUTTING WHAT WE WOULD CONSIDER EMERGENCY OR POLICE CALLS UNDER THE CHIEF AND THE 24-HOUR UNDER HER COMMUNICATION?
>> CHIEF AND I COULD CERTAINLY TALK ABOUT THAT, BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH POLICE OFFICERS RIGHT NOW, I DON'T KNOW THAT I'D WANT TO TIE UP OFFICER SUPERVISING THAT.
I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE BENEFIT OF THAT WOULD BE.
>> WHAT'S THE DISADVANTAGE OF DOING IT?
>> TYING UP POLICE OFFICERS WHO HAVE TO SUPERVISE IT.
>> YES, THE POLICE CHIEF IS HELD RESPONSIBLE BY TCOLE FOR ANYTHING THAT OCCURS WITHIN THE DISPATCH CENTER ITSELF.
FROM THAT STANDPOINT, YOU WOULD WANT IT COMPLETELY UNDER YOUR COMMAND.
HOWEVER, TYING UP POLICE RESOURCES, ESPECIALLY WHEN WE WERE 32 OFFICERS DOWN AT ONE POINT WHEN I INHERITED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND THE FOCUS HAS TO BE OUTSIDE MOST OF THE TIME.
THE FOCUS WASN'T INSIDE BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS NEEDED TO ANSWER CALLS.
SOMETHING WAS ALWAYS NOT GETTING THE ATTENTION IT DESERVED.
IF YOUR FOCUS ISN'T ON GOING OUT AND REALLY RECRUITING AND HIRING FOR THE COMMUNICATION CENTER, AND IT'S ALL ABOUT HIRING TO PUT OFFICERS IN CARS AND GET THEM OUT ON THE STREET, THE COMMUNICATION CENTER WILL FALTER.
WE'VE RUN SHORT FOR A LONG TIME IN COMMUNICATIONS BECAUSE IT WASN'T REALLY GIVEN THAT FOCUS.
ULTIMATELY, IN A PERFECT WORLD, I'D LOVE TO HAVE IT FULLY STAFFED, AND THOSE PEOPLE LOVING THEIR JOBS AND EVERYTHING WORKING REALLY WELL AND THEM HAVING SOME QUALITY OF LIFE AND BEING FULLY STAFFED AND HAVING THE STAFF THAT WE NEED FOR SOME OVERSIGHT THERE.
BUT ULTIMATELY BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING THAT OCCURS THERE AND KNOWING THAT I CAN BE DISCIPLINED BY TCOLE FOR ANYTHING THAT OCCURS INSIDE THAT CENTER.
MAKES ME WANT TO HAVE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OVER IT.
HOWEVER, I DON'T FALTER THE DECISION THAT BRIAN MADE AT THE TIME THAT HE MADE IT BECAUSE IT MADE SENSE AT THE TIME.
>> BUT THE RECRUITMENT SEEMS HAND IN GLOVE, THOUGH.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS THAT WOULD WANT TO SEEK A LAW ENFORCEMENT MIGHT NOT HAVE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A POLICE OFFICER AT THE TIME, BUT THEN [OVERLAPPING].
>> WE DO. BUT MOST OF THE EVENTS THAT WE ARE RECRUITING AT FOR SWORN OFFICERS WILL NOT BRING IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN [OVERLAPPING].
>> IT'S A RECRUITMENT THING THAT WE [OVERLAPPING]
>> YES. BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT IN ATTENDANCE.
WE TRAVEL AROUND TO VARIOUS LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMIES WHILE THEY'RE IN THE COLLEGE, LEARNING INSTITUTES.
WE GO AND GO AND GO, AND I THINK THE PUSH HAS DONE US WELL BECAUSE HERE WE ARE.
WE'RE GOING TO BE FULLY STAFFED OR PRETTY DOWN CLOSE TO IT BY CLOSE OF THE YEAR AND GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR.
NOW THE ISSUE THERE IS IT TAKES ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF HIRE PRETTY MUCH TO GET THAT OFFICER OUT ON THE STREET ON THEIR OWN.
WE STILL HAVE SHORTAGES THAT WE'RE SHORING UP.
WE STILL HAVE TO COVER SHIFTS WHERE THERE'S VACANCIES, BUT IT'S GETTING BETTER EVERY DAY.
>> BRIAN, I THINK YOU'VE GOT THE FEELING OF COUNSEL FOR YOU TO PURSUE THIS.
IF YOU AND THE CHIEFS COULD BRING THAT BACK TO US ONCE YOU GET MORE [OVERLAPPING]
[06:25:03]
>> IT'S OPERATIONAL, BUT THERE'S GOING TO BE AN AGREEMENT THAT HAS TO BE STRUCK WITH THE COUNTY.
>> WE CAN UPDATE YOU NEXT MONTH. [OVERLAPPING]
>> IF WE'RE FOLLOWING THE SHERIFF SCHEDULES, IT'S GOING TO BE PRETTY AGGRESSIVE IF IT GOES [OVERLAPPING].
>> HAS IT GONE TO COMMISSIONER COURT YET?
>> YOU COULD FOLLOW [OVERLAPPING].
>> I DON'T KNOW. I THINK WE MAY ASK THE SHERIFF.
I CAN'T REMEMBER IF I DID IT OR NOT.
>> WE DEFINITELY NEED SOME INFORMATION TO MAKE A DECISION.
>> NO, WHAT YOU NEED IS A DOCUMENT IN FRONT OF YOU THAT OUTLINES THE WHOLE DAMN THING.
>> WE NEED TO SEE THIS [OVERLAPPING].
>> CHIEFS THANK YOU VERY MUCH. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THANK YOU, APPRECIATE IT. [OVERLAPPING]
>> THANK YOU GUYS. [OVERLAPPING]
[4 EXECUTIVE SESSION]
PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE 551.087, 551.071, THE COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT AN OBJECTIVE SESSION, YES, MA'AM, TO DISCUSS OR DELIBERATE REGARDING COMMERCIAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION THAT THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY HAS RECEIVED, FROM A BUSINESS PROSPECT.THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SEEKS TO HAVE LOCATE, STAY OR EXPAND IN OR NEAR THE TERRITORY OF THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY AND WITH WHICH THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY IS CONDUCTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEGOTIATIONS OR TO [NOISE] DELIBERATE THE OFFER OF A FINANCIAL OR OTHER INCENTIVE TO A BUSINESS PROSPECT DESCRIBED BY SUBDIVISION 1 RELATED TO THE PROJECT BOUNTY DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON RELATED TO THE PROJECT JUNEAU DEVELOPMENT IN THE CITY OF GALVESTON.
4B, PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, 551.071, CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY, AN EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE CONDUCTED TO DISCUSS AND RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE CONCERNING PENDING LITIGATION AND/OR A SETTLEMENT OFFER OR ON A MATTER IN WHICH THE DUTY OF THE ATTORNEY TO THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY UNDER THE TEXAS DISCIPLINARY RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS CLEARLY CONFLICTS WITH THIS CHAPTER RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING.
ONE, DISCUSSION OF THE STATUS OF THE NEW PELICAN ISLAND BRIDGE.
WE ARE IN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.