[00:00:14]
ONE.[00:05:03]
ONE.[00:10:18]
DUM DUM DUM. DUM.GO AHEAD. GOOD MORNING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
TODAY IS THURSDAY, JULY 18TH, 2024.
COMMISSIONERS COURT IS MEETING IN SPECIAL OPEN SESSION.
WOULD YOU PLEASE RISE AND JOIN US FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE?
[OPEN MEETING]
ONE TIME OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS.ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
JUDGE, DO YOU HAVE SOME OPENING REMARKS FOR US THIS MORNING? YEAH, JUST THANK YOU, AS ALWAYS, ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND OUR COMMISSIONERS, WE WELCOME YOU TO COMMISSIONERS COURT.
[PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE]
ALWAYS PRETTY EXCITED WHEN I SEE OUR YOUNG ADULTS BEING HERE AT COMMISSIONERS COURT.BUT WHEN YOU DEVELOP AND DO THE THINGS THAT YOU'RE ALL DOING PREPARES YOU TO TAKE ON THAT, THAT ROLE THAT I THINK THAT I'VE ALWAYS SAID THE VOLUNTEERS, THE OLDER VOLUNTEERS, HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED THROUGH A LOT OF THE PANDEMIC THROUGH, THROUGH THROUGH THE IMMIGRATION CRISIS AND ALL OF THESE.
SO WE'RE ASKING THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE STEP UP.
SO WE THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WE'VE GOT SOME GREAT ITEMS HERE THAT WE'RE GOING TO LOOK AT.
HOPEFULLY THOSE ONLINE THAT THEY DO.
STAY TUNED TO SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS.
SO ONCE AGAIN, WISHING YOU A GREAT DAY AND THE GREAT WEEKEND AS IT'S COMING UP.
THANK YOU. THIS MORNING WE'RE JOINED BY OUR ASL INTERPRETERS, TAMARA GASTELUM AND DARIO GARCIA.
ITEM NUMBER THREE IS PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAVE FOUR SPEAKERS THIS MORNING FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
WE HAVE FIRST UP, MR. MICHAEL GAGLIO. AND FOR THE AUDIENCE'S INFORMATION, JUST WANT TO LET THEM KNOW THAT THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION IS SCHEDULED FOR FIVE MINUTES PER PERSON.
JUDGE SAMANIEGO, COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR HAVING US HERE.
I'VE NEVER BEEN THE FIRST PUBLIC SPEAKER AT A COMMISSIONER'S COURT HEARING, SO THIS IS GREAT.
EXCUSE ME. I'M JOINED TODAY BY A WONDERFUL GROUP OF STUDENTS THAT HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH ME, AND I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE TO WORK WITH FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THEY ARE OUR INTERNS AT KEYSTONE HERITAGE PARK, AND THEY'VE BEEN DOING A LOT OF GREAT WORK WITH US.
[PUBLIC COMMENT]
THE FIRST THING I'D LIKE TO OPEN THESE KINDS OF CONVERSATIONS WITH IS IMAGINE A COMMUNITY WITH TREE LINED STREETS WITH SHADE AND, YOU KNOW, COOL, TREE LINED STREETS THAT ARE SAFE AND ENJOYABLE TO WALK DOWN.I'VE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNING, BUILDING, IMPLEMENTING, MONITORING, MAINTAINING, REBUILDING,
[00:15:10]
REDESIGNING, LEARNING FROM MY MISTAKES, AND MOVING FORWARD WITH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS IN THIS COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS THROUGHOUT THE SOUTHWEST.SO I KNOW A FEW THINGS ABOUT IT IN THIS COMMUNITY, IN THIS CITY IN THE SOUTHWEST UNITED STATES, AS AN ARID DESERT CITY, WE FACE A FEW PROBLEMS. ONE OF THOSE IS THE LACK OF THE LACK OF RAIN.
WE DON'T GET TOO MUCH RAIN, BUT WHEN WE DO GET IT, IT CAUSES FLOODING AND WE HAVE AN INCREASING URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT THAT, BASED ON ALL THE SCIENTIFIC MODELS THAT ARE OUT THERE, IS ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE AS TEMPERATURES RISE.
JAI CAN ADDRESS TWO OF THESE PROBLEMS THE LACK OF TOO MUCH RAIN.
WHILE WE CAN'T PHYSICALLY DO MUCH ABOUT THAT OURSELVES, BUT WE CAN CONTROL AND MANAGE FLOODING AND WE CAN MITIGATE THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT. BOTH OF THESE THINGS HAVE DIRECT, MEASURABLE IMPACTS TO THE PUBLIC WELFARE OF OUR COMMUNITY.
ANOTHER TERM FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IS RAINWATER HARVESTING CAN ADDRESS THESE IMPACTS OF FLOODING AND REDUCING THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT BY TAKING THE WATER OFF OF THE STREETS, WHERE IT IS CONSIDERED A NUISANCE.
AND OFF OF THE SPACES WHERE WE DON'T NEED THAT WATER, WHERE IT IS CONSIDERED A NUISANCE.
EVERY LANDSCAPED SPACE IN THE PUBLIC REALM IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE WHEN PROPERLY DESIGNED AND PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
I CAN REGALE YOU WITH LOTS OF FACTS ABOUT THE NUMBERS.
YOU KNOW I THINK I DID A QUICK CALCULATION THIS MORNING.
IT RAINS SOMETHING TO THE EQUIVALENT OF 150 BILLION GALLONS OF RAIN OVER THIS COUNTY EVERY YEAR, THOUGH WE DON'T GET MUCH RAIN.
IT'S 150 BILLION GALLONS OF RAIN.
ACCORDING TO THE LATEST ESTIMATES, WE USE ABOUT 130 GALLONS PER DAY.
WE USE SOMETHING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 40 BILLION GALLONS.
OUR PER CAPITA USAGE PER DAY WITHIN THE COUNTY, IT'S SOMETHING LIKE 40 MILLION GALLONS.
SO WHEN WE MAKE THE COMMENT THAT IT DOESN'T RAIN IN EL PASO, WELL, IT CERTAINLY DOES.
IT RAINS AT LEAST THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF RAIN THAT WE ACTUALLY USE.
30S WE SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THAT RAIN BY IMPLEMENTING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND SLOWING SPREADING AND SINKING THE WATER SO THAT WE CAN GROW SHADE AND TREES FROM NATIVE PLANTS, AND THAT WILL MAKE OUR COMMUNITY BEAUTIFUL.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. APPRECIATE IT.
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS ALFONSO GRIEGO JR.
WELCOME, ALFONSO. CAN I START? ALL RIGHT. GOOD MORNING. HELLO.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE.
MY NAME IS ALFONSO GRIEGO JUNIOR, A STUDENT AT EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDYING BIOLOGY.
I'M A CONSTITUENT OF ELENA HOLGUIN PRECINCT THREE.
I'VE BEEN DOING RESEARCH AT KEYSTONE HERITAGE PARK FOR THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
TODAY, I'M NOT HERE TO TALK ABOUT MY RESULTS IN THIS RESEARCH, BUT I'M HERE TO PRESENT TO YOU WAYS THAT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE CAN BE USED TO ACCOMMODATE OUR WILDLIFE, NEIGHBORS, AND FUTURE AND OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
I LIVE IN THE SPARKS AREA OF EL PASO.
RATHER THAN JOINING A GANG CARTEL OR GOING BLUE COLLAR BY ENHANCING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THESE LOW INCOME AREAS, WE CAN HELP PROVIDE NATIVE WILDLIFE HABITAT TO PRESERVE THEM, WHILE ALSO BEING AN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR CLUBS AND THE PUBLIC.
HAVING AREAS. HAVING THESE AREAS AVAILABLE CAN KEEP KIDS OUT OF DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
WE NEVER KNOW WHEN THE NEXT ZOOLOGIST, BIOLOGIST OR BOTANIST WILL BE ROAMING THE STREETS AND CAN HAVE A SPARK IGNITED IN THEM JUST BY VISITING A GREEN SPACE CREATED AND SUPPORTED BY GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US.
YOU GUYS DON'T MIND? I HAVE ONE OF MY POSTERS I'M WORKING FOR.
IT'S NOT COMPLETE YET, BUT I WANTED TO SHOW YOU SOME RESULTS.
[00:20:02]
THANK YOU.OUR NEXT SPEAKER THIS MORNING IS PAOLA PEDRAZA.
YOU'RE IN EL PASO, SO IT'S PART OF OUR CULTURE.
GOOD MORNING. GET A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE MIC.
JUST A LITTLE. SURE. LIKE THAT.
YOU CAN PULL IT THAT WAY. THERE YOU GO.
THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE.
I'M CURRENTLY STUDYING BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AT EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
I'M A CONSTITUENT OF LILIANA OLGUIN IN PRECINCT THREE.
GROUNDWATER MEANS MUNICIPAL WATER.
AS RAINWATER HARVESTING IS DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES PASSIVE AND ACTIVE HARVESTING.
IN THIS PRESENTATION, I WILL TALK ABOUT PASSIVE RAINWATER HARVESTING AS IT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED COUNTY WIDE THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RAINWATER HARVESTING LANDSCAPING. WICKED.
WE CAN HELP REDUCE HEAT AND MINIMIZE THE MONETARY IMPACT OF WATERING PLANTS.
THROUGHOUT MY RESEARCH, I HAD TO VISIT DIFFERENT SITES TO UNDERSTAND WHY RAINWATER HARVESTING LOOKS, AND I VISITED MANY PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY WHERE HIGH DESERT NATIVE PLANTS HAVE MADE THIS INVESTMENT.
INSTEAD OF CONSTRUCTING STORMING STORMWATER BASINS WHICH GENERATE ADDITIONAL HEAT DUE TO THE HEAT ABSORBING NATURE OF CONCRETE, WHICH HAS AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY NEARBY AS IT GETS TOO MUCH, LIKE IT'S TOO MUCH HEAT FOR THEM.
WE CAN WE COULD UTILIZE THIS SPACE TO CREATE PARKS THAT DIVERT WATER FROM THE STREETS WHILE ALSO CLEANING THEM, BECAUSE THE RAINWATER CLEANS THE STREET FROM THE OIL AND ALL THE THE DIRT AND ALL THAT.
FLOOD CONTROL HAS A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION AS IMPLEMENTS THAT FLOODS ARE NOT MANAGEABLE.
INSTEAD, IT SHOULD BE CALLED FLOOD MANAGEMENT.
WE DON'T KNOW THE WAYS TO TAKE THEM OUT OF THE STREET.
WHILE YOU HAVE TEN PROJECTS ADDRESSING FLOOD CONTROL, YOU HAVE NO UNAVAILABLE REPORTING, WHICH MEANS THERE'S A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER RAINWATER HARVESTING FOR THESE PROJECTS, AS RAINWATER IS OFTEN WASTED AND UNDERUTILIZED.
AS PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, ALL THE WATER THAT WE HAVE, I RECOMMEND CONSIDERATION CONSIDERING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF RAINWATER HARVESTING LANDSCAPING FOR PROJECTS RELATED TO REGIONAL AND LOCAL PARKS, AS RAINWATER BASINS DON'T LOOK AND DON'T FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE TO SEE BECAUSE MOST OF THE TIMES PEOPLE DON'T WANT RAINWATER HARVESTING SINCE THEY THINK THEY WILL LOOK UNCOMFORTABLE OR IT'S NOT GOOD LOOKING FOR FOR TO SEE.
MY COWORKER, I HOPE HE IS NEXT WILL PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS ON PLAN RELATED ASPECTS, BUT BASINS OR EVEN CURB CUTS COULD HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT COUNTYWIDE.
IT WILL ALSO CLEAN THE STREETS AS WELL.
THE RAINWATER WILL BE GOING TO ONE PLACE AND NOT JUST STAYING IN JUST ONE SIDE OF THE STREET.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
I WILL GIVE YOU MY PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT.
IT'S NOT FULLY FINISHED, BUT I THINK YOU HAVE GOOD INFORMATION FOR YOU GUYS TO ADDRESS.
THANK YOU. YOU DIDN'T MIX ANY SPANISH WORDS.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
[00:25:15]
OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS SEBASTIAN DE LEON.GOOD MORNING, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND JUDGE.
MY NAME IS SEBASTIAN DE LEON AND I AM A STUDENT AT UTEP STUDYING CIVIL ENGINEERING.
I AM A CONSTITUENT OF ILEANA OLGUIN IN PRECINCT PRECINCT THREE.
MY WORK OVER THE SUMMER IN KEYSTONE BOTANICAL GARDEN AND HIGH DESERT CONSISTED OF DETERMINING THE WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDSCAPE PLANTS AND SPECIFIC LOOKING OVER THE NEEDS FOR DESERT NATIVE PLANTS.
THIS PROJECT CAN HAVE AN IMPACT TOWARDS THE EFFICIENCY OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BY MANAGING WATER SUSTAINABLY, BY REDUCING STORMWATER RUNOFF, AND PROMOTING INFILTRATION.
NATIVE PLANTS ARE TYPICALLY ADAPTED TO LOCAL CONDITIONS AND THE WATER AVAILABILITY.
THIS WILL GO IN HAND WITH ONE OF THE GOALS WITH GOAL FOUR ON UPGRADING INFRASTRUCTURE.
OVERALL, UNDERSTANDING PLANT WATER NEEDS HELP IN CREATING A MORE EFFECTIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND COST EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND PARKS, AS MENTIONED IN LATER GOALS.
AND NOW I'LL ALSO GO AND HAND YOU SOME OF MY RESEARCH.
NEXT WE HAVE MR. DANTE MARTIN.
GOOD MORNING. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JURY.
I AM A CONSTITUENT FOR ILEANA AND PRESENT THREE.
MY NAME IS DANTE MARIN, AND I AM A STUDENT AT EL PASO COMMUNITY COLLEGE.
AND I AM STUDYING TO BE A ZOOLOGIST.
EVERY TYPE OF BEE IS IMPORTANT TO OUR PLANET, BUT ONLY HONEYBEES ARE MOSTLY RESEARCHED, MOSTLY BECAUSE IT'S FINANCIALLY BETTER FOR HUMANS. BUT EVEN THOUGH EVEN THOUGH OUR NATIVE BEES ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE HONEYBEES ARE.
SO THE REASON WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT IS BECAUSE PLANTS BLOOM ON THEIR OWN, AT THEIR OWN WILL, AND BEES COME OUT FROM HIBERNATION AT THEIR OWN WILL AS WELL.
POLLINATION IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT HELPS PLANT, FERTILIZE AND FERTILIZATION.
MORE PLANTS AND FLOWERS BEGIN TO BE BORN.
AND WITH THIS, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY DUE TO RESTORATION PROCESSES, BECAUSE WITH BEES AND FLOWERS YOU CAN CREATE A LUSH GREEN VALLEY WITH THE HELP OF POLLINATING.
HERE I HAVE THE POSTERS THAT I'VE DONE WITH MY RESEARCH.
IT INCLUDES THE FOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANTS THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED THROUGHOUT THE GARDENS, AND WITH IT, IT WILL HELP FUTURE RESEARCHERS LOOK BACK INTO MY RESEARCH.
BECAUSE BECAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING.
OUR PLANET IS HEATING UP QUICKER.
SO THAT MEANS THAT PLANTS ARE HEATING UP, PLANTS ARE BLOOMING SOONER THAN THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO BE, AND BECAUSE BEES ARE STILL IN HIBERNATION, THEY'RE GOING TO MISS OUT IN POLLINATING, IN THE BLOOMING OF THE FLOWERS.
[00:30:06]
AND HERE I HAVE POSTERS FOR MY RESEARCH.DO WE HAVE ANYBODY ELSE IN THE AUDIENCE THAT WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC COMMENT THAT HAS NOT SIGNED UP? OKAY. HEARING NONE. THIS CONCLUDES PUBLIC COMMENTS.
WELL THANK YOU. THANK YOU ALL.
SOMETHING THAT I KNOW, COMMISSIONER STOUT.
AND, YOU KNOW, EACH ONE OF US HAS CERTAIN LANES, BUT THE ONE ON ENVIRONMENT AND WHAT IT CREATES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE THINGS THAT WE DO TO SAVE OUR ENVIRONMENT.
SO WE, MIKE AND COMPANY, WE THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
AND WE'LL WE'LL TAKE IT VERY, VERY SERIOUSLY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU. THIS BRINGS US TO ITEM NUMBER FOUR. REGULAR AGENDA.
ITEM NUMBER FOUR A WE DO HAVE A CORRECTION TO READ IN ON BEHALF OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
[A. Receive a presentation from the Rafetlis and Public Works Department on establishing new water and sewer rates for the El Paso County Water System d/b/a East Montana Water System. Additionally, approve the water and sewer rates for the El Paso County Water System d/b/a East Montana Water System as presented and authorize the fees to take effect October 1, 2024. Norma Rivera-Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works, 915-273-3330]
EL PASO COUNTY WATER SYSTEM.DOING BUSINESS AS EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM.
COMMISSIONERS. NORMA RIVERA PALACIOS WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
AND JOINING US VIRTUALLY THIS MORNING IS OUR RATE CONSULTANT, ANDREW REAM FROM RATCLIFFE'S.
ADDITIONALLY, WE HAVE LIZETTE VELIZ FROM THE AUDITORS.
AND BOTH BARBARA AND I WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AFTER THE PRESENTATION.
AND I'LL HAND IT OVER TO ANDREW.
THANK YOU. AND I'M GLAD IT'S WORKING.
AND HOPEFULLY EVERYTHING'S COMING THROUGH.
COOL. WELL, MY NAME IS ANDREW REAM, AND AS WAS WAS REFERENCED HERE AGAIN? OKAY.
SORRY ABOUT THAT. THIS IS AN UPDATE OF WHAT HAS BECOME AN ANNUAL REVIEW FOR THE EL PASO COUNTY WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS, AND SOMETHING THAT EL PASO WATER HAS, HAS HELPED THE COUNTY PROVIDE.
AND SO WE'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH ANNUAL UPDATES.
I'M PRESENTING THE RESULTS OF THIS YEAR'S UPDATE.
SO CURRENTLY WE'RE PROJECTING THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 25 FOR THE 12 MONTH PERIOD THAT'S GOING TO START OCTOBER 1ST OF OF THIS YEAR AND RUNNING THROUGH THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 29.
CERTAINLY THIS CURRENT YEAR IS PART OF OF THE EVALUATION, BUT IT'S MORE LOOKING AT RATES OVER THIS MEDIUM TERM, AS WELL AS FOCUSED ON SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WATER AND SEWER RATE CHANGES TO BE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1ST, 2024.
AND SO I'M JUST GOING TO KIND OF WALK THROUGH ANDREW, ANDREW, ANDREW, JUST OVERALL RECOMMENDATION.
ANDREW. YES, SIR. JUST BEFORE WE START, JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND THE FIRM, JUST SO THAT WE CAN WE GET SOME STUDENTS HERE JUST TO GIVE THEM AN IDEA OF YOU AND YOUR PROFESSION, AND THEN WE'LL GET STARTED, IF YOU DON'T MIND.
SORRY. I JUMPED RIGHT, RIGHT INTO THE MEAT OF IT.
BUT TO BACK UP, MY NAME IS, AS I SAID, IS ANDREW RHEEM.
THE COMPANY I WORK FOR IS A CONSULTING FIRM, RAFTELIS, THAT IS A NATIONAL LEADER IN THIS AREA, AND SPECIFICALLY MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT AND UTILITY MANAGEMENT RATE AND FEE SETTING.
I'VE BEEN WORKING IN THIS FIELD AS A CONSULTANT FOCUSED IN UTILITIES IN THE WEST AND THE SOUTHWEST FOR A LITTLE OVER 20 YEARS, AND BEEN WORKING WITH EL PASO WATER OVER THAT SAME TIME PERIOD, GOING BACK TO ONE OF THE FIRST PROJECTS THAT I WAS ABLE TO TO WORK
[00:35:07]
ON. MY MENTOR AND FORMER BOSS, WHO'S SINCE RETIRED WORKED IN THIS FIELD FOR 40 YEARS AND FOR MUCH OF IT ASSISTED EL PASO WATER AS WELL. SO VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE AREA AND THE WATER ISSUES AND A FEW YEARS AGO AS THE SERVICE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND EL PASO, WATER WAS ENHANCED.EL PASO WATER INCORPORATED SOME ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR US TO HELP LOOK AND LOOK OUT OVER A MULTI-YEAR PERIOD FOR THE TWO UTILITIES AND AND COMPLETE THESE THESE EVALUATIONS FOR THE COUNTY.
SO THAT'S KIND OF WHAT HAS BROUGHT ME HERE.
AND I BELIEVE THIS IS THE FOURTH UPDATE IF I'M REMEMBERING, RIGHT.
GOING BACK TO 2021 IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE WERE ASKED TO TO LOOK AT THE COUNTY'S WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS. WELL THANK YOU. EXCELLENT.
AS I AS I'VE GOT UP, AND JUST AS A REFRESHER FOR THOSE WHO'VE BEEN THROUGH THIS PROCESS BEFORE, OR JUST AS A REMINDER FOR THOSE THAT ARE LESS FAMILIAR WITH THE CURRENT UTILITY RATES, THE WATER AND SEWER RATES ARE FOLLOW A VERY COMMON APPROACH THAT'S USED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, WHERE THERE'S A COMPONENT THAT HAS A FIXED CHARGE AND THEN VOLUMETRIC CHARGES THAT THAT INCREASE AS CUSTOMERS USAGE INCREASES.
AS YOU CAN SEE THAT THE MONTHLY CHARGES FOR BOTH WATER AND SEWER HAVE BEEN INCREASING OVER THE YEARS AND ROUGHLY $38 A MONTH FOR WATER AND $35 A MONTH FOR SEWER.
THIS INCLUDES SOME INITIAL AMOUNT OF WATER AND MINIMUM AMOUNT OF USAGE.
FOR WATER, THAT'S 3000 GALLONS, AND FOR SEWER, THAT'S 2000 GALLONS TIED TO THE WINTER WATER PERIOD USE OR THE BASIS FOR FOR THE SEWER VOLUME THAT IS ASSESSED.
THE VOLUME RATES, AS WE CAN SEE, STARTING WITH THE 3000 GALLONS, AS CUSTOMERS USE MORE, THE INCREMENTAL RATE FOR THOSE LARGER AMOUNTS OF USAGE OR THOSE BLOCKS INCREASES.
SO WE'VE GOT 296 FOR 3000 ALL THE WAY THROUGH TO 6000 GALLONS PER 1000 GALLONS.
AND THEN IT STEPS UP ONCE A CUSTOMER GOES OVER 6000 GALLONS TO 7000, THAT THAT NEXT THOUSAND OR THOUSANDS ABOVE THE SIX, OR AT THE HIGHER PRICE, IN THIS CASE, $5.59.
AND THEN LASTLY, IF A CUSTOMER GOES OVER 10,000 GALLONS THAT THEY'RE ASSESSED A DOLLARS AND $0.31.
IT'S PRIMARILY SET UP AROUND THE CUSTOMERS WE HAVE WITH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS THAT TEND TO BE MORE MODEST USERS, BUT WE DO HAVE A COUPLE USERS THAT GET INTO THESE HIGHER BLOCKS.
SO AS WE WERE LOOKING AND COMPLETING THIS UPDATE SOME, SOME OF THE DRIVERS HAVE HAVE BEEN IN PLACE AND CONTINUE COST INCREASES, INCLUDING THE EL PASO WATER CHARGES FOR BOTH WATER AND SEWER ARE PROJECTED TO BE HIGHER THAN THEY ARE TODAY, ALTHOUGH THIS THIS CAN FLUCTUATE A LITTLE BIT.
IT'S ROUGHLY $4 MILLION IN TOTAL, WITH THERE BEING A 20% LOCAL MATCH THAT WE'RE ANTICIPATING MEETING THAT THROUGH A LOAN AROUND THAT 20% OF THE $4 MILLION PROJECT.
AND SO THIS IS A NEW PROJECT THAT WE HADN'T IDENTIFIED WITHIN THE FIVE YEAR PERIOD PREVIOUSLY.
AND CERTAINLY LEVERAGING AVAILABLE GRANT FUNDS WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO CONSTRUCT AND IMPLEMENT THIS AT THE LOWEST POSSIBLE IMPACT TO CUSTOMERS OVERALL.
THERE STILL IS CONTINUED INCREASES IN BOTH OPERATING COSTS, CAPITAL COSTS, HITTING MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, LABOR AND OVERALL PROJECTS, AS WELL AS FINANCING COSTS.
WITH WITH INTEREST RATES ALSO HAVING INCREASED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND SOME OF THE AREAS THAT WE'RE LOOKING TO CONNECT CUSTOMERS, CUSTOMERS MAY BE A LITTLE SLOWER TO HOOK UP THAN WHAT WE HAD ANTICIPATED.
SO FACTORING THOSE LOWER HOOKUPS.
AND WHAT WE'RE PROJECTING MOVING FORWARD MEANS THAT WE DON'T HAVE AS MANY CUSTOMERS TO SHARE IN THE ECONOMIES OF SCALE, AND THAT PUTS A LITTLE MORE PRESSURE ON ON RATE INCREASES FOR THE TIME BEING.
[00:40:04]
EL PASO WATER RATES, WHERE THAT IS A BIG DRIVER, THE RATE OF INCREASE HAS BEEN LOWER THAN WHAT WE WERE ANTICIPATING OR PROJECTING IN PREVIOUS UPDATES.THAT'S HELPED TAKE SOME OF THAT RATE PRESSURE OFF, PARTICULARLY ON THE WATER SIDE.
BUT IN THE SHORT TERM, IT ALSO INCREASES OUR DEBT SERVICE.
BUT AS THAT CONTINUES AND THESE CUSTOMERS COME ONLINE, THEY'LL CONTINUE TO SHARE IN THE FIXED COST OF THE SYSTEM AS WELL AS PARTICIPATE IN THE RETIREMENT OF THE DEBT SERVICE THAT ENABLED THEM TO CONNECT THE BUCKWHEAT TANK THAT I HAD MENTIONED.
AND THEN ON THE SEWER SIDE, CERTAINLY, YOU KNOW, THE SIMILAR TYPE OF ARRANGEMENT WITH INCREASING COSTS WITH EL PASO WATER ADDING TO COSTS, BUT ALSO KEEPING, YOU KNOW, MORE CUSTOMERS TO PARTICIPATE IN ECONOMIES OF SCALE.
AND JUST IN CONTEXT, I SHOULD HAVE REFERENCED IT EARLIER.
THE SEWER SERVICE IS ONLY PROVIDED IN ONE OF THE AREAS THAT RECEIVES WATER SERVICE.
WE'VE GOT LESS THAN 300 SEWER CUSTOMERS WHO ARE ALSO WATER CUSTOMERS, AND THEN ANOTHER 2100, 2200 WATER ONLY CUSTOMERS THAT DON'T RECEIVE SEWER SERVICE.
SO THE SEWER FUND IS MUCH MORE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES THAN THAN THE WATER FUND JUST DUE TO ITS SIZE AND FLUCTUATIONS THAT CAN HAPPEN THERE.
SO I'M GOING TO SWITCH GEARS TO THE FINANCIAL PLAN ITSELF.
AND BEFORE I GET INTO THE DETAILS OF WATER, I JUST WANTED TO REMIND THE CRITERIA THAT WE USE AS WE EVALUATE SET THESE SEPARATE WATER AND SEWER FUNDS. AND THE FIRST STEP IS WE SEPARATE THE TWO FOR RATE AND FEE SETTING, AND WE'RE PROJECTING AND FORECASTING REVENUES, EXPENSES AND OTHER ITEMS AND REQUIREMENTS OVER THIS 5 TO 10 YEAR PERIOD.
THAT'S OUR FIRST GOAL IS, YOU KNOW, EACH YEAR WE NEED TO FUND OUR EXPENSES.
AND THEN THERE'S TWO ADDITIONAL THRESHOLDS OR METRICS THAT WE ALSO LOOK TO MEET AND EXCEED.
THE FIRST IS REFERRED TO AS THE DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO.
AND THIS IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR THE OUTSTANDING REVENUE PLEDGE DEBT AND THE NEW DEBT THAT WE'RE ANTICIPATING TO ISSUE, AS WELL AS THE HILLCREST DEBT THAT WAS RECENTLY ISSUED, WE'RE TARGETING A COVERAGE REQUIREMENT THAT IS A BIT HIGHER THAN THE LEGAL COVENANT.
AND WHAT THIS MEANS, BASICALLY, IS THAT FOR EVERY DOLLAR IN ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE THAT WE HAVE, WE WANT TO HAVE $1.50 AND USER CHARGE REVENUE AFTER WE PAY.
SO HAVING THIS THIS MORE CONSERVATIVE TARGET ALLOWS US A LITTLE PLANNING CUSHION AND FLUCTUATIONS.
AND LOOKING AT THAT OVER TIME.
AND THE SECOND SERIES OF TARGETS HAVE TO DO WITH END OF YEAR CASH RESERVES.
WE'RE PHASING BOTH SETS OF THESE OVER A MULTI-YEAR PERIOD AND HAVE BEEN INCLUDING THE CASH RESERVES.
THESE ARE BASICALLY CHECKING ACCOUNT OR WORKING CAPITAL FOR THE TWO UTILITIES.
BECAUSE EL PASO WATER CHARGES CHANGE ABOUT SIX MONTHS INTO THE FISCAL YEAR.
THE SECOND CUSHION GIVES THE COUNTY A LITTLE MORE ROOM IF, FOR EXAMPLE, THE RATE ADJUSTMENTS EXCEED WHAT WE FACTORED OR ARE PROJECTING WITHIN WITHIN THE COUNTY'S MULTIYEAR PLAN. THERE'S AN ADDITIONAL CAPITAL RESERVE TARGET FOR THE SEWER FUND.
AT 50,000 IS REALLY JUST SORT OF MORE AN EMERGENCY CAPITAL RESERVE.
BUT IF SOMETHING WERE TO HAPPEN THIS ALLOWS THE SEWER FUND TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF CASH TO DRAW ON FOR UNEXPECTED CAPITAL REPAIRS IN KIND OF SMALLER LEVEL.
WE ALSO HAVE SOME RESERVES THAT ARE TIED TO THE LOANS.
AND AND THIS IS BUILT IN INTO OUR OVERALL FINANCIAL PLAN.
SO THESE HELP PUT THE FLOOR FROM WHICH WE DON'T WANT TO FALL BELOW.
SO CAPITAL AND CAPITAL MAINTENANCE IS A BIG DRIVER FOR ANY UTILITY.
AND LARGELY, YOU KNOW, WE'VE GOT A COUPLE OF HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS A YEAR.
[00:45:02]
IN DIFFERENT PROJECTS IN 25 AND 26 AND ABOUT $200,000 A YEAR IN PROJECTED CAPITAL MAINTENANCE.AND THAT'S WHAT MAKES UP MOST OF THESE REQUIREMENTS OVER THE FIVE YEAR PERIOD.
THE BIG KIND OF SPIKE OR THAT BLUE BAR HAS TO DO WITH THAT 4 MILLION GALLON 1 MILLION GALLON TANK FOR $4 MILLION THAT I REFERENCED EARLIER.
THAT WILL BE FUNDING THROUGH A MIX OF GRANTS AND AND SMALL LOAN AS WE'RE PROJECTING WHAT WHAT THESE REVENUE REQUIREMENTS AND DRIVERS MEAN FOR THE NEED TO TO ADJUST AND IN THIS CASE, INCREASE WATER RATES.
WE'RE PROJECTING STILL A PRETTY, YOU KNOW, RECURRING ANNUAL NEED TO INCREASE RATES.
AND THAT'S LARGELY DUE TO HOW WATER IS BEING MANAGED AND USED MORE EFFICIENTLY.
ONE OF THE TARGETS THAT WE'RE TRACKING AND IS A DRIVER FOR RAID, IS THAT DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE RATIO A LITTLE BIT BELOW OUR TARGET IN THE FIRST YEAR AS WE'RE TAKING ON THIS ADDITIONAL HILLCREST DEBT.
BUT AS YOU CAN SEE, WE GO WELL ABOVE THE TARGETED MINIMUM, EVEN AS WE'VE GOT SOME ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OR SMALL AMOUNT OF DEBT SERVICE COMING ONLINE, ABOUT 50,000 PROJECTED FOR THE BUCKWHEAT TANK.
CASH RESERVES ARE ALSO HEALTHY.
AND THEN THE YEAR END PROJECTED CASH EACH OF THE FISCAL YEARS TRENDING TOWARDS AND MEETING THAT THAT TARGET IN THE FINAL YEAR IN FISCAL YEAR 29 AT ROUGHLY $2 MILLION.
AGAIN, THIS IS A FLOOR THAT WE WANT TO FALL BELOW.
IT'S AVAILABLE FOR WATER SYSTEM EXPENSES IS JUST A CASH TARGET THAT WE WANT TO KEEP.
AND SO THAT WE'VE GOT WORKING CAPITAL AND FUNDING FOR CAPITAL MAINTENANCE IF SOMETHING COMES UP IN TERMS OF WHAT THE PROJECTED AND PROPOSED RATES MAY DO FOR A TYPICAL MONTHLY CUSTOMER BILL THIS SHOWS JUST THE WATER PORTION OF A BILL FOR A CUSTOMER USING 8000 GALLONS WITH THREE QUARTER INCH METER, WITH THE RATES THAT ARE IN PLACE TODAY, THAT IS $58 A MONTH.
SO WHAT'S SHOWN HERE AT 65? AGAIN FOR THE WATER PORTION OF THE BILL? AND THEN AS THE RATES THAT ARE PROJECTED AND THE RATE REVENUE INCREASES, THAT TRANSLATES TO MAYBE A 6 TO $7 A MONTH INCREASE.
IF THESE ARE IMPLEMENTED AS AS CURRENTLY PROJECTED OVER THIS SUBSEQUENT FOUR YEAR PERIOD.
THE SEWER FUND I'M GOING TO GO THROUGH SOME SIMILAR INFORMATION AND RESULTS.
AND SEWER REPLACEMENT CAPITAL AND TREATMENT PLANT REHAB AND MEETING THE EXISTING AND THE COMING REGULATIONS, THAT'S PUT A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE SEWER RATES FOR EL PASO WATER, WHICH HAS COME THROUGH AS IS ADJUSTMENTS OR INCREASES TO SEWER CUSTOMERS, INCLUDING WHOLESALE CUSTOMERS LIKE THE COUNTY.
ONE OF THE REASONS A LITTLE BIT SOME OF THE CONNECTIONS WE HAVE BUT AS WE CAN SEE HERE, DEBT SERVICE COVERAGE WE'RE TRENDING TOWARDS, WE'RE PHASING IN THAT TARGET TO 1.5 TIMES ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE.
AND WE'RE GETTING THERE WITHIN THIS FIVE YEAR PERIOD, AS SHOWN HERE.
AND ESSENTIALLY BY FISCAL YEAR 27 CASH RESERVES, YOU KNOW, SIMILAR TO WATER, WE'RE PHASING THAT IN OVER A MULTI-YEAR PERIOD AND SHOWING THE END OF YEAR CASH RESERVES.
YOU KNOW, SEWER FUND IS MUCH, MUCH SMALLER.
[00:50:05]
$50,000 CAPITAL RESERVE FOR THE SEWER FUND.IN TERMS OF WHAT THIS MEANS FOR A TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL MONTHLY SEWER BILL WITH THE RATES IN PLACE TODAY, AGAIN FOR A TYPICAL CUSTOMER CUSTOMER USING 5000 GALLONS OF VOLUME AND HAS A THREE QUARTER INCH METER, THAT BILL IS $48.
UNDER THE PROPOSED RATES THAT WOULD GO INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1ST.
IF IMPLEMENTED, THAT INCREASES BY ROUGHLY $6.
I'M SORRY, $8 A MONTH TO $56 IS SHOWN.
AND THEN THAT SAME BILL FOR TYPICAL USERS PROJECTED AND SIMILAR TO WATER, IF WE WERE TO IMPLEMENT THE INCREASES AS PROJECTED, THAT'S WHAT IT WOULD MEAN FOR A TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER.
JUST AGAIN, AS I SAID EARLIER, MOST OF THE CUSTOMERS OF THE COUNTY WATER SYSTEM OR WATER ONLY WITH THE EXCEPTION OF OF ONE AREA WHERE WE'VE GOT ROUGHLY 300 WATER AND SEWER CUSTOMERS.
SO WHILE FOR FOR CUSTOMERS IN THAT PART OF THE SYSTEM.
THE COMBINED BILL, AS SHOWN HERE, WOULD INCREASE ROUGHLY $15.
UNDER THE PROPOSED RATES AND AS INDICATED FOR THE COMBINED BILL.
SO SWITCHING THE ATTENTION TO, AGAIN, THE PROPOSED RATES.
AND IN THE PACKET I MISSED, THERE WAS A TYPO AND IT SAID FISCAL YEAR 24.
WE GOT THIS CORRECTED THAT IT'S THIS UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR THAT STARTS OCTOBER 1ST.
AND WE'RE PROPOSING 11% INCREASE TO THE WATER RATES.
AND NO CHANGES THERE WITH THE MINIMUM CHARGE INCREASING BY 11%, AS WELL AS THE VOLUME RATES PER 1000 GALLONS SHOWN IN THE MIDDLE COLUMN. THE SEWER CHARGES, THOSE ARE PROPOSED AND PROJECTED WITH A 17% INCREASE, APPLIED A LITTLE BIT HIGHER ON THE PERCENTAGE SIDE, AND THE FIXED CHARGE FOR SEWERS CATCHING UP TO WATER FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS THAT RECEIVE SEWER, AND THE VOLUME RATE FOR USAGE ABOVE THAT 2000 GALLON MINIMUM IS ALSO PROPOSED TO BE INCREASED BY 17%, GETTING UP TO $5.21 PER 1000 GALLONS OF THAT WINTER PERIOD.
WATER USE AND AGAIN, JUST KIND OF SHOWING SIDE BY SIDE FOR THE WATER ONLY CUSTOMERS AND COMBINED WATER AND SEWER CUSTOMERS INCREASE OF $6 A MONTH FOR THE WATER CUSTOMERS.
AND THEN COMBINING WATER AND SEWER FOR FOR THAT SMALL AREA TRANSLATES TO ABOUT A $15 PER MONTH INCREASE, AGAIN WITH WITH THE RATES THAT ARE PROPOSED.
ANDREW. BETSY, FROM OUR BUDGET, FROM CAN YOU CONNECT IT OR MAYBE NORMA JUDGE.
SO THIS JUST TO BE CLEAR, WHAT THE COUNTY RUNS THIS WATER SYSTEM AS AN ENTERPRISE FUND, WHICH IS WHAT YOU'RE NORMALLY EXPECTED TO DO FOR THIS TYPE OF A UTILITY SERVICE FROM A LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
AND AS WAS MENTIONED IN THE REPORT.
THAT INCLUDES COVERING OUR COST OF BUYING AND SUPPLYING THE WATER TO THE AND THE WASTEWATER TO THE END USER, AS WELL AS PLANNING AND RESERVE AND PLANNING A CAPITAL REPLACEMENT FUND FOR THE THE SYSTEM, SO I APPRECIATE THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED.
IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT AND CRITICAL THAT WE CONTINUE TO TO KEEP UP WITH THESE RATES WHEN GOSH, I THINK BEFORE WHEN NORM AND I STARTED YEARS AGO, WE HAD A TIME FRAME WHEN WE HAD TO DO A CATCH UP BECAUSE WE HAD NOT KEPT UP WITH THE RATES AT AT THE LEVEL WE SHOULD HAVE.
AND YOU CAN SEE WHY IT'S SO CRITICAL WHEN WE HAVE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS IN MAINTAINING OUR EXISTING SYSTEM, NOT NOT COUNTING THE THE EXPANDING OF THE SYSTEMS AND THE EXPANDING OF SERVICES THAT WE'VE DONE BUT AND STILL NEED TO DO, BUT THE NEED TO BE ABLE TO LINE OR REPLACE
[00:55:01]
A TANK, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO FUND THAT FROM THIS ACCOUNT.THIS SHOULD BE ABLE TO OPERATE LIKE A STANDALONE BUDGET, IF YOU WILL.
AND THAT'S WHAT THE ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT DOES.
AND THESE RATES ARE SO CRITICAL TO THAT.
AND WITH THAT, I'LL TURN IT OVER TO NORMA TO SEE IF SHE HAS OTHER INFORMATION.
I THINK BETSY DID A VERY GOOD JOB OF EXPLAINING HOW THE ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT WORKS.
AND SO I AGREE WITH ANDREW'S RECOMMENDATION.
I THINK THIS WILL HELP US STAY CURRENT AND HAVE A HEALTHY BUDGET SO THAT WE'RE ABLE TO ADDRESS ISSUES AS THEY COME UP, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO COME TO THE COURT FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS.
WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT BECAUSE IT IS AN ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT.
AND JOHN, FROM BUDGETARY, DO YOU SEE ANYTHING THAT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND ON BY LOOKING AT THE RATES? I WILL HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THOSE SAW SLIDES IN DEPTH.
AND THEN I'LL GET BACK TO YOU WITH AN ANSWER.
THE IMPACT ON OUR BUDGET KIND OF THING.
SO BARBARA SHOULD BE ABLE ALSO TO TO ADDRESS THIS.
OKAY. SHE'S BEEN WORKING WITH US ON THIS.
YES. JUDGE BARBARA PARKER, COUNTY AUDITOR.
SO I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE BUDGET THAT THEY'RE SUGGESTING.
THANK YOU. AND GRANTS, BETSY, ARE THEY A BIG PART OF DO WE LOOK FOR ANYTHING THAT SUPPORTS THAT OR.
SO THIS PARTICULAR PART OF THE WATER SYSTEM IS MORE DRIVEN BY USERS AND THE USE.
I MEAN, WE DO LOOK FOR GRANT FUNDING, AS YOU KNOW, TO EXPAND OUR WATER SYSTEM.
BUT THIS IS MAINTAINING THE EXISTING SYSTEM EXISTING.
AND SO IT'S NOT AS GRANT DRIVEN QUALIFYING OR DRIVEN AS EXPANDING THE SYSTEM.
YES. I'VE GOT A QUICK QUESTION, NORMA.
DOES THIS AFFECT IN ANY WAY THE HUECO TANKS WATER DELIVERY IN THE LUJAN TRUCKING ISSUE THAT WE'VE HAD? YES, SIR. WE WILL HAVE A RATE FOR ANY BUSINESS THAT PROVIDES WATER TO NON COMMERCIAL RESIDENTS IN THE COUNTY AREAS.
SO IT WILL BE IT WILL SERVE CUSTOMERS LIKE LUJAN TRUCKING.
AND I KNOW I INTERRUPTED YOU, BETSY, AND I'M SORRY.
I WAS GETTING EXCITED. COMMISSIONER.
YES. AND THIS HAS THAT COMPONENT IN IT, COMMISSIONER.
AND SO SEPARATELY, WE WILL WORK WITH LEGAL TO HAVE A SEPARATE CONTRACT WITH ANY BUSINESS THAT WANTS TO USE OUR THAT WILL BE USING OUR WATER SYSTEM TO PROVIDE THAT TYPE OF SERVICE, LIKE THE WACO TANK CUSTOMERS.
SO WHAT WE'RE GOING TO PROPOSE JUST WE LOOKED AT A COUPLE DIFFERENT MODELS FOR THOSE KINDS OF SYSTEMS. SO NORMALLY JUST JUST TO KIND OF GIVE AN OVERVIEW.
NORMALLY ANY ONE USER WHO USES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF WATER, THEY MOVE UP IN THE TIERS.
TIER TWO RATE. TIER THREE RATE.
THAT ORGANIZATION HAS EXPERIENCED THAT SAME TYPE OF BILLING.
OF COURSE HE ALWAYS HITS THE TIER THREE RATE BECAUSE HE IS DELIVERING WATER TO 350 USERS.
AND SO WHAT WE'RE WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING IS A RATE.
BUT WE'RE PROPOSING TO AS LONG AS THEY'RE DELIVERING IT TO A LARGE NUMBER OF END USERS, WE'RE PROPOSING WE'RE GOING TO BE PROPOSING WHEN WE BRING THE RATES BACK ON MONDAY, I BELIEVE, I'M SORRY, ON THE 29TH, WE'RE BRINGING THE RATES BACK FOR ACTUAL ADOPTION.
WE'RE NOT ASKING THEM TO BE ADOPTED TODAY.
WE'RE PROPOSING THAT IN THAT SITUATION THAT THEY BE AT LEVEL TWO RATES FOR ALL WATER PURCHASED, WHICH IS ACTUALLY BETTER. AND THEN IT DOES STILL HELP.
IT'S IMPORTANT TO US. AND THE REASON WHY IT'S ADVANTAGEOUS IS THAT WE'RE NOW BEING ABLE TO GET WATER TO THOSE RESIDENTS WITHOUT US HAVING THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT. WE WILL EVENTUALLY HAVE TO LOOK AT THAT.
BUT AS YOU KNOW, IT'S RIGHT NOW COST PROHIBITIVE.
[01:00:06]
TYPES OF SERVICES. NOW THAT'S GOOD NEWS AND REALLY IN ON THE HORIZON.THERE'S A COMPANY THAT'S ALREADY IN EL PASO, AND YOU STUDENTS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THIS.
I CALL IT MAGIC WATER, WHERE BY USING SOLAR POWER THEY'RE ABLE TO DISTILL WATER FROM THE AIR.
AND THEY THEY EVEN HAVE IT PIPED INTO THEIR HOME.
AND THERE'S JUST DRINKING WATER AT THIS TIME.
WE'RE GOING TO GO LOOK AT THE THE SYSTEM IF YOU'RE INTERESTED.
BUT I SEE IT AS VERY PROMISING.
SO WE WILL BE BRINGING BACK THIS ITEM, LIKE BETSY MENTIONED ON THE 29TH, BUT ANY CONTRACT WITH ANY BUSINESS WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE COURT ONCE THE CONTRACT HAS BEEN DRAFTED BY LEGAL AND ALSO SIGNED BY THE BUSINESS.
WHO'S INTERESTED IN CONDUCTING THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS? THANK YOU. THAT WAY, IT'S AVAILABLE FOR ANYBODY WHO CAN PROVIDE THIS SERVICE TO OUR CONSTITUENTS.
SURE. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS FROM THE COURT? THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANK YOU ANDREW.
THANK YOU. ITEM NUMBER FOUR BE RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REGARDING THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION.
GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
MONTSERRAT WITH PLANNING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
I'M JOINED TODAY WITH MY COLLEAGUE, MISS DENISE RODRIGUEZ.
WE'LL GO AHEAD AND START THIS PRESENTATION.
WE ALSO HAVE MR. MICHAEL MCELROY IN THE BACK.
HE'S THE PLANNING DIRECTOR AS WELL.
[B. Receive a presentation from the Public Works Department regarding the Planning & Development Utility Infrastructure Development Division overview and updates. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330]
SO THESE ARE WE'RE GOING TO START THE SLIDE.THIS IS FOR OUR DIVISION THE UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE DEPARTMENT OR DEVELOPMENT.
AND THE SLIDES IN FRONT OF YOU ARE THE ORGANIZATION CHARTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT AND WHERE WE RANK OR.
AS YOU SEE HERE, WE'RE PART OF THE FOUR DIVISIONS UNDER THE FOUR DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE PUBLIC WORKS.
AND WE FOLLOW THE FOURTH, ALSO THE FOURTH DIVISION UNDER THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THESE ARE SOME QUICK PICTURES OF CURRENT PROJECTS, ONGOING PROJECTS IN EL PASO, AND THERE ARE PART OF THE ONES WE HAD A GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY ON YESTERDAY.
THE TOP ONE IS FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE WATER LINE AND LIFT STATION ALL THE WAY BY NORTH LOOP, AND THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER IS INSTALLING A WATER LINE.
THE MIDDLE ONE IS THE MASTER METER.
THAT PROJECT WE'RE ABOUT TO COMPLETE IN THE HILLCREST AREA AND THE FAR RIGHT.
BOTTOM RIGHT IS THE WASTEWATER SERVICE LINES IN THE ANGEL PARK SUBDIVISION IN COLONIA.
SO WHAT DO WE DO? MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF OUR.
DIVISION. BASICALLY, WE WORK ON PROGRAM MANAGEMENT FOR WATER, WASTEWATER AND STORMWATER PROJECTS.
WE ALSO WORK ON GRANT ADMINISTRATION.
WE DO OUR RESEARCH AND BASICALLY TRY OUR BEST TO ACQUIRE AS MANY GRANTS AS POSSIBLE FROM STATE OR FEDERAL FUNDING, AND WE'VE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE WITH THAT.
AND THE FOLLOWING SLIDE WILL SHOW EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
ONE OF OUR JOB DUTIES IS ALSO TO MONITOR EVERYTHING HAS TO DO WITH THE GRANT.
[01:05:05]
BASICALLY WE GET A GRANT.WE HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES AND REGULATION AND THE STIPULATION THE GRANT AND TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE AND WE HAVE NO FINDINGS AT THE END OF THE PROJECT.
SO SOME OF THE MAJOR DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE 2024, WE SUBMITTED A, I GUESS, A COMMUNITY APPLICATION TO TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
AND BACK IN APRIL, I BELIEVE, AND WE WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO RANK THE SECOND IN THE STATE.
AND WE WERE APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD BASICALLY WITH A $1 MILLION GRANT.
THOSE FIVE PROJECTS TO ADDRESS STORMWATER ISSUES WITHIN THE UNINCORPORATED AREA OF THE OF THE COUNTY, WITH A TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF $103 MILLION. WE ALSO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH ALSO TO SECURE TWO GRANTS FROM THE EPA, THREE GRANTS FROM THE EPA THAT.
TWO ON. TWO GRANTS ON THE WEST SIDE, ONE FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER.
AND THE THIRD ONE IS FOR THE SANDHILLS AREA FAR EAST.
THESE TWO GRANTS, OR THREE GRANTS, ARE PART OF THE CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATION FUNDS.
AND OF COURSE, THE COURT WERE VERY GENEROUS.
A FEW YEARS AGO, TO PROVIDE US OR HELP US OR ALLOCATE BASICALLY ALMOST $40 MILLION OF ARPA MONEY TO PROVIDE OR CONSTRUCT FIRST TIME WATER WASTEWATER TO 12 COLONIAS IN THE COUNTY HEALTH CENTER WATER PROJECT. IT WAS PART OF THIS PROJECT IS PART OF THE EAST MONTANA WATER SYSTEM.
AND WE RECEIVED $2.3 MILLION IN LOAN AND $1.6 MILLION IN GRANT TO CONSTRUCT FIRST TIME WATER TO AREA THAT'S SURROUNDED BY THE CITY RESIDENTS THAT HAVE WATER AND WASTEWATER.
WE ALSO WERE VERY FORTUNATE TO RECEIVE 500 GRANT FROM THE DIG DEEP FOUNDATION.
AND I GUESS THE BEST, BEST ACHIEVEMENT HERE IS THE EXPANSION OF OUR STAFF.
MY COLLEAGUE HERE, MISS DENISE RODRIGUEZ, THAT ALSO WANT TO.
INFORM THE COURT THAT YOU JUST PASSED ONE OF THE.
I GUESS I WON'T SAY I GUESS COMPLICATED OR AWESOME LICENSING, WHICH IS THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL AND HER RESULTS WERE ABOVE AVERAGE IN EVERYTHING.
AND I'M VERY PROUD OF HER ACTUALLY.
AND SHE'S A GOOD ADDITION TO OUR DIVISION AND DEPARTMENT.
AND I'M GOING TO GO AHEAD AND PASS THE MICROPHONE AND THING TO MISS DENISE RODRIGUEZ.
CAN I TAKE A LITTLE QUICK BREAK? COMMISSIONER JEAN, A LOT OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS PRESENTED.
YEAH. THEY ALL THEY SAID WERE CONSTITUENTS OF COMMISSIONER WAS VERY HAPPY TO HEAR THAT.
WELCOME. I LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ALL WHEN YOU HEAR THAT FROM YOUNG PEOPLE, IT'S HEARTWARMING.
SO THANK YOU DENISE. GOOD MORNING, DENISE RODRIGUEZ.
I'M THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ASSOCIATE WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.
I WANT TO START BY SAYING THAT ACCESS TO CLEAN AND SAFE WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR DAILY LIFE, HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN EL PASO COUNTY.
HOWEVER, WE STILL FACE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES.
47 COLONIAS STILL LACK POTABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE, AND WE HAVE ESTIMATED THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION AT 267,055,875. THE PROPER WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IS ALSO VERY CRITICAL FOR SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CURRENTLY 122 COLONIAS IN EL PASO COUNTY LACK AND SUFFER FROM INADEQUATE SEWAGE SYSTEMS. WE HAVE ESTIMATED THAT COST OF CONSTRUCTION TO BE 409,460,283, AND
[01:10:04]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT IS VITAL FOR MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF RAINWATER RUNOFF, PREVENTING FLOODING, AND PROTECTING WATER QUALITY. CURRENTLY, MANY AREAS IN EL PASO COUNTY LACK THE NECESSARY, NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE TO MANAGE THE AMOUNT OF RAINWATER RUNOFF THAT WE HAVE.THIS IS A IN 2017, THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR WATER AND WASTEWATER WAS UPDATED.
THE FIRST COLUMN THAT YOU SEE HIGHLIGHTED IS THE 2017 OVERALL COST, AND THIS WAS THE PROBABLE COST OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THOSE LIST OF WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS.
AND WHICH WAS AT 245 MILLION APPROXIMATELY.
TO FORECAST THE PROBABLE CONSTRUCTION COST.
TODAY WE HAVE UTILIZED CURRENT UNIT PRICING INFORMATION FROM OUR ACTIVE PROJECTS AND ALSO FROM BIDS THAT WE HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED.
AND WE HAVE ESTIMATED THE COST WITH 15% CONTINGENCY AT 409 MILLION.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE FROM 2017, THE COST HAS ALMOST TRIPLED.
THIS NEXT SLIDE IS WE HIGHLIGHT THE COLLABORATION AND THE VARIOUS PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SINCE YEAR 2000.
WE HAVE COMPLETED 12 WASTEWATER PROJECTS AND 16 WATER PROJECTS.
ONE OF THE GRAPHICS HIGHLIGHTS THE COLLABORATION AND THE AMOUNT ALLOCATED PER WATER DISTRICT ON THOSE PROJECTS FOR THE EAST SIDE WATER, MONTANA WATER DISTRICT, EL PASO WATER AND THE LOWER VALLEY AND TORNILLO.
DO WE HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS SLIDE OR ANY? YEAH. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
YES. AND AND YOU DID MENTION IT THAT THOSE COSTS TRIPLED.
AND I BRING IT UP BECAUSE FOR THOSE FOLKS LISTENING AT HOME, IT JUST GOES TO AMPLIFY THE CHALLENGES WE HAVE AS WE MOVE FORWARD ON ANY PROJECT, WHETHER IT BE WATER AND SEWER OR SOME STREET PROJECTS, THAT TIME IS SO IMPORTANT THAT IF WE DON'T GET IT DONE NOW, THEY NOT ONLY DOUBLE, THEY'VE TRIPLED SINCE 2017.
AND THE OTHER ITEM I WANTED TO BRING UP, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, IF I MAY, IS A LOT OF THESE GRANTS THAT WE GET HERE IN EL PASO THEY DON'T HAVE TO GO SOMETIMES THE EXTRA MILE, BUT BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE MUNZER THEY ADD TO IT, EVEN THOUGH THEY DON'T HAVE TO.
THEY ADD SO MUCH TO THE TO WHAT THEY DO HERE IN EL PASO.
AND A GREAT EXAMPLE WOULD BE SQUARE DANCE.
WHAT YOU DID THERE? MUNZER. WHERE THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THAT EXTRA MILE.
BUT BECAUSE OF YOUR PERSONALITY AND THE WAY YOU WORK WITH SOME OF THESE FUNDING AGENCIES.
IN THAT CASE, I THINK IT WAS USDA.
THEY THEY WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO HELP OUR CONSTITUENTS.
SO MUNZER YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.
MY PLEASURE. THANK YOU. COMMISSIONER.
COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE COMMISSIONERS COURT AND THE THE REST OF THE STAFF HERE.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. JUDGE, I'VE GOT A QUESTION.
JUST JUST WONDERING, IS THERE ANY DISTINCTION ON THIS LIST OR WHAT, AS TO WHETHER THESE PROJECTS ARE LOCATED IN WHAT WE CONSIDER COLONIAS AND DEVELOPER DRIVEN? OR IS IT ARE THESE ALL COLONIAS? GOOD QUESTION. COMMISSIONER.
CORRECT. OKAY. AND I KNOW IT MAY COME FURTHER IN THE PRESENTATION, BUT THERE WAS ALSO ON ONE OF THE FORMER SLIDES TALKING ABOUT STORMWATER OR PROJECTS.
THAT'S ANOTHER GOOD, GOOD QUESTION.
I LIKE WHEN WE SUBMITTED THE APPLICATION BACK IN 2000.
NO, LIKE IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR, I BELIEVE WE ADDRESSED THE FIVE FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND GRANTS THAT WE SUBMITTED, APPLIED FOR.
[01:15:02]
AREA IN EL PASO INSIDE THE CITY LIMIT.OKAY. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT OVERLOOKING ANY OPPORTUNITY THAT WE HAVE TO ALSO APPLY FOR GRANTS THAT THAT, YOU KNOW, EITHER THE CITY OR EL PASO WATER UTILITY IS NOT ATTENDING TO OR, OR CAN'T GET TO, AND THAT WE COULD POSSIBLY EL PASO WATER ACTIVELY AFTER THAT AS WELL.
WE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE MONEY FIRST IF POSSIBLE.
THANK YOU. SO JUST TO EXPAND ON THAT THAT COMMENT, COMMISSIONER STOUT BOTH I WOULD I WOULD PROJECT THAT BOTH THE COUNTY AND EL PASO WATER AND THE CITY THERE THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH FUNDS FOR THE AMOUNT OF STORMWATER NEEDS THAT WE ALL CURRENTLY HAVE.
AND SO WE'RE COMPETING EVEN AGAINST THEM IN THESE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS.
SO I KNOW YOU'RE YOU'RE INTERESTED FOR PRECINCT TWO AND THE RESIDENTS, BUT WE'RE NOT COMPETING LIKE INTENTIONALLY COMPETING LIKE, YOU KNOW IT'S NOT LIKE WE HOPE THEY DON'T GET THEIRS.
WE WOULD LOVE FOR ALL OF US TO GET ALL OF OURS.
BUT BECAUSE IT'S A COMPETITIVE PROCESS, IT IS.
WE EACH HAVE TO APPLY INDIVIDUALLY, BUT THEY ARE RANKED AND AND RATED AGAINST EACH OTHER.
SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES THAT MAYBE YOUR PRECINCT HAS IS THERE MAY BE AREAS WITH LARGER POPULATION DENSITIES THAT GET MORE BENEFIT BY THE PROJECTS, AND THAT IS ONE OF THE FACTORS IN EVALUATING THESE PROJECTS.
BUT JUST WE WE ARE NOT APPLYING FOR THOSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE A STORMWATER MASTER PLAN INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS, AND WE HAVE ONE OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS, BASICALLY.
AND SO WE HAVE NOT DONE OUR OWN INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS STORMWATER PLAN THAT I'M AWARE OF.
AND THEY DO PAY STORMWATER FEES TO THE CITY TO EL PASO WATER FOR STORMWATER PROJECTS IN THE CITY.
SO I IT IS A POLICY QUESTION AMONGST THE COURT IF YOU ALL WANT US TO ALLOCATE SOME FUNDING OR SOME OF OUR GRANT APPLICATIONS, OR EXPAND INTO THEIR STORMWATER MASTER PLAN.
COMMISSIONERS. YOU KNOW, WHAT I SEE IN ALL OUR WATER ISSUES IS THAT WE'RE NEVER GOING TO GET AHEAD OF THE GAME IF WE DON'T START GETTING AGGRESSIVE WITH IT.
AND I UNDERSTAND WE'RE DOING GRANTS.
OKAY. BUT PROBABLY EVEN MORE SO.
IT RAINS A LOT MORE DOWN THERE.
YOU KNOW, THEY'RE THEY'RE CONFLICTING.
AND IT MAY NOT IT MAY BE THAT WE EVEN EXPAND THAT TO HAVE A DRAINAGE DISTRICT.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID IN SOUTH TEXAS.
AND THEN THEY HAD A BOARD THAT DECIDES ON, YOU KNOW, HOW THEY'RE GOING TO APPLY FOR IT.
AND GUESS WHAT? AND THEY HAD A DEDICATED PERSON TO DO THESE GRANT WRITING.
AND GUESS WHAT? IT INCREASED THEIR GRANT AWARDS.
AND THEY WERE ABLE TO, YOU KNOW, THEY WENT THROUGH SOME ISSUES.
RIGHT? EXCEPT LIKE, EACH COUNTY WANTED TO DECIDE, WELL, WHO'S GOING TO DECIDE? AND, YOU KNOW, THEY WENT THROUGH THIS, BUT THEY SOLVED THOSE ISSUES AND THEY HAD A BOARD THAT EVENTUALLY DECIDED THOSE.
THE FIRST THING PEOPLE TELL US THAT I HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHEN WE'RE GOING OUT FOR BONDS IS, WHY DON'T YOU APPLY FOR MORE GRANTS? AND WE DO, BUT I THINK WE NEED TO STEP IT UP.
I THINK THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT NEEDS THAT HELP.
COMMISSIONERS NEED THAT HELP, I DON'T KNOW, CAN YOU USE THAT HELP?
[01:20:01]
LET ME KNOW THAT I'LL NEVER SAY NO TO HELP.EXCUSE ME. I WILL NEVER SAY NO TO HELP.
WELL, TO THAT END, YOU, I KNOW YOU'RE BUSY BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, I SEE THAT WE HAVE PROJECTS HERE THAT ARE SOME OF THEM ARE, YOU KNOW, IN JUST WATER AND WASTEWATER IS OVER 700 MILLION, AND I DIDN'T SEE AN ESTIMATE THERE FOR THE WASTEWATER FOR THE STORMWATER, BUT I THINK IT'S WELL OVER 500 MILLION.
SO WE HAVE BETWEEN 1.3 AND 1.5 BILLION IN JUST WATER NEEDS.
AND THIS IS PROBABLY A LITTLE OUTDATED, ISN'T IT? WHEN ARE THESE FIGURES FROM? PROBABLY A LITTLE BIT MAYBE.
WE HAD TO STAGGER THEM IN DURING THE YEAR.
BUT WE DO HAVE POSITIONS COMING ON BOARD AND YOU'LL SEE THIS IN ONE OF THE UPDATES.
BUT WE DO HAVE POSITIONS THAT WERE AUTHORIZED THIS FISCAL YEAR.
THEY WERE THIRD QUARTER START POSITIONS THAT YOU ALL AUTHORIZED TO HAVE US TO GIVE US THREE POSITIONS TO ASSIST WITH BOTH GRANTS AND PROCUREMENT PROCESSES.
SO YOU ALL HAVE GIVEN US SOME ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
BUT WHILE I DO THINK OUR TEAM IS DOING A GREAT JOB PULLING DOWN GRANT FUNDING OR ZERO INTEREST LOANS, WE ALWAYS WE AGREE LIKE WE, THE MORE WE CAN GET, THE MORE WE CAN DO TO HELP PROVIDE THESE SERVICES AND GET THESE SERVICES OUT TO OUR COMMUNITY, THE BETTER.
BUT YOU ALL GAVE US THE SAME MESSAGE.
WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE IS SOMEBODY REALLY JUST IN PUBLIC WORKS DEDICATED TO THESE WATER GRANTS.
WE CAN DEFINITELY FOCUS THEM ON LIKE AS MUCH AS THEY CAN DO.
BUT IF THEY HAVE ANY CAPACITY, WE NEED THEM ALL OVER.
WE ALL, WE ALL NEED THE RESOURCES.
THAT'S WHY WE DID THEM IN A CENTRALIZED WAY SO THAT IF LIKE WHEN THERE'S A GAP IN LIKE YOU'RE WAITING TO HEAR BACK, THEY CAN BE WORKING ON SOMETHING, ANOTHER GRANT OR ANOTHER PROGRAM, BUT IT'LL BE HELPING WITH WATER, WASTEWATER, STORMWATER ANY OF THE, THE INFRASTRUCTURE ROAD FUNDING.
THERE'S FUNDING OUT THERE FOR SIDEWALKS, TRANSIT.
AND SO ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE JUSTICE PROGRAMS ANY THE PUBLIC PROMISE PROGRAM.
EL PASO SHOULD BE LEVERAGING EL PASO COUNTY.
WE WANT TO BE LEVERAGING MORE GRANT DOLLARS PER CAPITA THAN ANY ANY OTHER COUNTY IN THE STATE, FOR SURE, BECAUSE WE WE DESERVE IT AND WE HAVE THE NEED.
ABSOLUTELY. BUT I REALLY THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, RIGHT NOW WE HAVE PROBABLY I THINK IF WE WOULD UPDATE THE FIGURES, WE HAVE PROBABLY 1.5 BILLION TO 2 BILLION TO $2 BILLION IN NEEDS IN JUST WATER ISSUES.
I REALLY THINK, YOU KNOW, I MEAN, THAT'S UP FOR THE COURT TO DECIDE, BUT I REALLY THINK WE NEED SOMEBODY IN WORKING ON GRANTS, ON WATER ISSUES IN OUR PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
I THINK THAT'S AND WE CAN HAVE OTHER PEOPLE WORKING ON OTHER GRANTS AND GREAT.
AND THEY CAN FILL IN AND HELP OUT, BUT I THINK WE NEED TO OPTIMIZE THE TIME OF OUR EMPLOYEES.
I MEAN, I HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR WHAT BETSY SAID.
THAT'S WHY, YOU KNOW, IN THE PAST, WE WE DECIDED TO CENTRALIZE THIS GRANT.
YOU KNOW, THE DEPARTMENT THAT LOOKS AT GRANTS.
THAT'S WHY WE, YOU KNOW, HIRED THE FERGUSON GROUP TO HELP US TRY TO FIND FEDERAL GRANTS.
IF WE NEED MORE, IF WE NEED MORE PERSONNEL TO TO WORK ON GRANTS, THEN, YOU KNOW, I'M OPEN TO HAVING THAT CONVERSATION, BUT I DON'T WANT TO TO LOSE. I DON'T WANT TO LOSE OUT ON OTHER OPPORTUNITIES JUST BECAUSE WE'RE CONCENTRATING ON ON ON THIS ONE.
RIGHT. SO, I MEAN, IF WE NEED MORE, LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT.
[01:25:01]
PLACE. AND, YOU KNOW, AND THAT'S FINE THAT WE CAN HAVE GRANT WRITING FOR OTHER AREAS.BUT I REALLY THINK WHEN WE HAVE ALMOST $2 BILLION WORTH OF NEEDS FOR THESE ISSUES.
MUNZER TELL ME, WHAT WOULD YOUR PREFERENCE BE TO HAVE WITH RESPECT WHEN YOU'RE YOUR DEPARTMENT IS WRITING FOR GRANTS FOR WATER ISSUES? WHAT'S YOUR PREFERENCE? I MEAN, THERE'S GOING TO PUT YOU ON THE SPOT.
SO I MEAN, SO EVEN IF WE TOOK SOMEBODY OUT OF THE THE CENTRALIZED AREA, THEY, YOU KNOW, THEY COULD ONLY WRITE FOR A CERTAIN NUMBER OF GRANTS AND THEN THEY'D BE WAITING AROUND TO HEAR BACK ABOUT THOSE GRANTS.
SO AGAIN, LIKE, IF WE NEED MORE GRANT WRITING CAPACITY, LET'S CREATE MORE CAPACITY.
BUT MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE NOT THAT WE'RE NOT, YOU KNOW, BEING INEFFICIENT.
AND COMMISSIONERS JUDGE COMMISSIONERS, WE WILL WE WILL REALLY WORK TO TRACK LIKE THE IMPACT OF EACH POSITION AND HOW MUCH IT'S ABLE TO ASSIST.
LIKE WHAT? WHAT IMPACTS DOES IT MAKE? WHAT OUTCOMES DO WE SEE? AND IT WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO TELL US THAT FOR EVERY POSITION WE ADD, WE'RE ABLE TO DRAW DOWN THIS MUCH MORE FUNDING SO THAT WE CAN SHOW THE VALUE OF THE CAPACITY.
WE WILL DEFINITELY WORK WORK ON THAT AND KEEP THE COURT APPRIZED OF HOW HOW WE'RE PROGRESSING.
AND ALSO IT DEPENDS ON FUNDING AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW.
THE LAST FEW YEARS WE HAVE SEEN HISTORIC AMOUNTS OF FUNDING AVAILABLE.
I TO MY POINT IS, I THINK WE NEED TO START GETTING MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH THIS.
THAT'S EXACTLY THE NUMBER ONE THING THAT THAT OUR COMMUNITY TELLS US WHEN WE'RE GOING OUT FOR BONDS IS WHY AREN'T YOU DOING MORE ABOUT GRANTS? AND WE NEED TO.
YEAH. I MEAN, YOU'RE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR.
I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR FOR YEARS, AND WE'VE AND WE HAVE RAMPED UP A LOT OF OUR CAPACITY, BUT IT'S IT'S UP TO US TO GIVE THE RESOURCES TO OUR ADMINISTRATION TO BE ABLE TO, TO, TO DO THAT. SO I MEAN, IF, LIKE I SAID, IF WE WANT TO TALK ABOUT HAVING ADDING MORE POSITIONS FOR GRANTS, I'M ALL ABOUT THAT BECAUSE THAT'S SOMETHING THAT I'VE BEEN PUSHING FOR FOR YEARS.
AND I THINK, COMMISSIONER, YOU'RE RIGHT.
AND WE NEED TO DO THAT BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WHEN WE SPOKE LAST YEAR ABOUT THE STRATEGIC PLANNING, WE WE DECIDED THAT INSTEAD OF JUST SAYING WE'RE GOING TO DO THESE THINGS, WE DECIDED THAT WE WERE GOING TO INSTEAD OF DOING A PRIORITY.
AND I THINK IT'S TIME THAT WE WE REALLY DO THAT.
BUT I ALSO LIKE THE YOUR IDEA OF THE BENCHMARK OF WHAT YOU SAW AND FOR US TO LOOK AT THAT.
YEAH. EVERYBODY'S PULLING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS.
AND I HAVE SAID, I'M GLAD I ENDED UP GOING TO THAT CONFERENCE.
IT'S IT'S IT'S A STARTING POINT FROM THOSE COUNTIES THAT FINALLY GOT TOGETHER AND DECIDED, HEY, YOU KNOW, AND AND LO AND BEHOLD, THEY GOT MORE FUNDING FOR THOSE AREAS AND THEY'RE ABLE TO COORDINATE IT BETTER.
AND I THINK MAYBE WE NEED TO INCLUDE SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTIES LIKE HUDSPETH AND, YOU KNOW, THE THE I DON'T KNOW IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD COLLABORATE WITH. MAYBE THE COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS OR WITH THE IB, THE INTERNATIONAL BOUNDARY AND WATER COMMISSION AREA.
I MEAN, I KNOW THEY HAVE SOME FLOODING ISSUES AS WELL, SOME STORMWATER PROBLEMS. AND I THINK, YOU KNOW, I THINK WE ALL SENSE THE PASSION THAT YOU HAVE TO SAY, YOU KNOW, WE JUST CAN'T SORT OF SIT ON OUR HANDS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS BUT BECOME MORE AGGRESSIVE.
SO I THINK THE THE MESSAGE IS LOUD AND CLEAR.
I'M SURE YOU WANT TO CONTINUE.
WE'LL GET WITH MICHAEL AND NORMAN AND BETSY AND WE'LL WE'LL DISCUSS IT FROM THERE FURTHER.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. BUT YOU CAN CONTINUE TO.
THANK YOU. DENISE. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? YOU WANT TO PROCEED? YES.
I MEAN, I THINK WE JUST NEED TO ANSWER.
WHAT, MORE OR LESS, YOUR PRESENTATION.
I JUST WANT TO SEE IF I COULD INTRODUCE A GROUP.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU THINK YOU'VE.
WE STILL HAVE A LITTLE WAYS TO GO ON THIS.
OKAY. SO IF YOU DON'T MIND, CAN WE GO INTO PUBLIC COMMENT JUST SO.
SURE. GOING BACK TO ITEM NUMBER THREE.
WELL, YOU KNOW, LET ME JUST OPEN UP THIS RULE.
PASTOR, DO YOU WANT TO GO AHEAD AND COME UP? I JUST WANT TO THIS GROUP FROM MICHIGAN.
WE'RE AT THE HEALING GARDEN ON ON SUNDAY AND I WAS VERY IMPRESSED.
[01:30:02]
YOU KNOW, YOUNG ADULTS GETTING TOGETHER TALKING ABOUT UNITY.[Public Comment II]
COMMUNITY. SO I WAS VERY IMPRESSED.THEY'RE GOING TO GET A TOUR OF THE OF THE COURTHOUSE.
OF COURSE, LINDA'S ALWAYS BACK THERE.
AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE GOTTEN MORE INDIVIDUALS COMING.
THE COMMISSIONERS ARE BRINGING IN INDIVIDUALS.
AND SO WE'RE VERY HAPPY, PASTOR, THAT WE'RE THAT YOU'RE HERE.
SO THE GROUP IS EVERY HEART MOVEMENT THIS SUMMER.
THIS FRIDAY WE HAVE A GATHERING REUNITING THE WHOLE CITY OF EL PASO AT THE FOUNTAINS.
AND WE'RE JUST GOING TO, YOU KNOW, LIFT UP THE NAME OF JESUS.
AND WE WE JUST THANK YOU GUYS FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
WE THANK YOU GUYS FOR FOR EVERYTHING YOU'RE DOING FOR THE CITY OF EL PASO.
AND WE KNOW IT TAKES WISDOM AND WE JUST WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOU.
THANK YOU. YES, WE WOULD LIKE TO PRAY FOR FOR YOU GUYS.
YEAH. FATHER GOD, I THANK YOU FOR THIS DAY.
LORD, I THANK YOU FOR THE ADMINISTRATION, FOR THE JUSTICE.
FATHER GOD, I THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER, THAT YOUR WORD SAYS THAT YOU APPOINT THE LEADERS.
BUT, FATHER, THE WORD SAYS THAT GOVERNMENT RESTS ON YOUR SHOULDERS.
LORD GOD, I THANK YOU THAT YOUR KINGDOM BREAKS THE CYCLICAL CYCLE.
FATHER GOD, THAT YOUR KINGDOM IS TRUE.
YOUR KINGDOM BRINGS TRUE INNER HEALING.
AND I PRAY RIGHT NOW, HOLY SPIRIT, THAT YOU WOULD COME DOWN AND USHER IN A WAVE OF YOUR KINGDOM.
FATHER GOD, I THANK YOU FOR THE LEADERSHIP THAT IS REPRESENTED HERE.
LORD, I PRAY THAT THEY WOULD SEE YOU, THAT THEY WOULD KNOW YOU AND THAT THEY WOULD LOVE YOU.
I THANK YOU FOR THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF CHRIST ON THE CROSS AND WHAT THAT HAS DONE IN MY LIFE, HOW THAT IS REPRESENTED IN PASTOR JOHNNY'S LIFE, FATHER GOD, AND HOW THAT IS REPRESENTED IN MANY WAYS HERE.
I THANK YOU FOR THE HONOR THAT IT IS TO BE HERE.
LORD GOD, I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD BLESS AND REVEAL YOURSELF IN THE SAME WAY THAT YOU HAVE REVEALED YOURSELF TO ME IN SO MANY OF MY FRIENDS HERE, TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LEADERSHIP HERE. JESUS.
LORD GOD, THE TRANSFORMATION THAT WAS IN THE HEARTS OF ALL OF THESE AMAZING LEADERS.
LORD GOD, WHEN THEY WERE YOUNG, THEY WANTED TO SEE THAT TRANSFORMATION THROUGH JUSTICE.
THEY WANTED TO SEE THAT TRANSFORMATION IN JESUS.
AND I PRAY THAT YOU WOULD AGAIN IGNITE THOSE YOUNG, YOUTHFUL FIRES.
JESUS. BUT THAT WOULD BE USHERED IN IN THE TRANSFORMATION, FATHER GOD OF SO MANY THAT THEY SEE IN COURT CASES, SO MANY THEY SEE TIME AND TIME AGAIN COMING BACK HERE, LORD GOD, THAT THROUGH YOU, JESUS THROUGH YOU, JESUS, THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THAT CYCLE WOULD EXPERIENCE FREEDOM, AND THAT WOULD ALL BE UNTO KNOWING YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LIVING GOD AND THE TRUE JUDGE, THE TRUE KING AND THE TRUE FATHER.
I WILL THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
THANK YOU GUYS FOR EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DO.
AND WE JUST BLESS YOU IN JESUS NAME.
AMEN. THANK YOU, PASTOR JOHNNY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. AND, LYNN, THANK YOU FOR FOR THE TOURS.
AND YOU CAN CONTINUE ON YOUR TOUR.
THE BEST OF LUCK TO ALL OF YOU.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
DID. YOU REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE THAT YOUNG? WE ARE BACK ON ITEM FOUR B.
[01:35:06]
THANK YOU. THANK YOU.COMMISSIONER, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS IS THE LIST OF PROJECTS, THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, LIST OF PROJECTS THAT WAS OR STILL ON THE 2017 WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICE PLAN.
THIS SLIDE SHOWS THE ACTIVE PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE CURRENTLY THROUGH THIS DIVISION OR DEPARTMENT.
AS IT SHOWS, WE HAVE A 34 ACTIVE PROJECTS IN VARIOUS STAGES SEVEN AND IN PLANNING.
PRE-DEVELOPMENT MEAN WE SUBMITTED AN APPLICATION OR TO THE FUNDING AGENCY, OR WE HAVEN'T RECEIVED THE FINAL GRANT DOCUMENT AND 12 IN CONSTRUCTION AS INDICATED IN THE GRAPHIC BELOW, SHOWS 15 OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE FOR WASTEWATER.
ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 51 MILLION.
THE BLUE IS EIGHT WATER PROJECTS.
THE TEN I MEAN THE ORANGE IS THE STORMWATER PROJECT OF 152 MILLION ESTIMATED.
THAT'S BETWEEN THE STORMWATER ARE THE FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND, ITS GRANT AND 0% INTEREST LOAN.
SO IT'S A IT'S A WE HAVE A INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH PRESIDIO COUNTY ON THAT ONE.
I'M SORRY. BEFORE YOU MOVE ON, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE I UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PREDEVELOPMENT IS.
SO THOSE ARE PROJECTS THAT WE'VE IDENTIFIED, BUT THERE'S NO FUNDING THAT'S BEEN AWARDED YET.
GOOD. SURE. COMMISSIONER, IT'S THE PROJECT THAT WE SUBMITTED APPLICATIONS FOR.
OKAY. SO WE'RE PENDING NOTIFICATION OF AWARD OR.
ANY QUESTIONS ON THIS SLIDE? AND THESE ARE THE LIST OF THE ACTIVE PROJECTS.
A LOT OF THE COMMISSIONERS ARE PROBABLY AWARE OF THESE PROJECTS.
SOME OF THEM WE JUST HAD A GROUNDBREAKING YESTERDAY.
THE RED ON THE BOTTOM ARE THE PRE-DEVELOPMENT ONE.
AS YOU SEE ON THE ON THE ON THE PRE-DEVELOPMENT YOU HAVE FIVE ARE THE ONES WE SUBMITTED FOR THE TEXAS WATER FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND TO INCLUDING THOSE.
NEXT SLIDE. IT SHOWS THE FUNDING SOURCE ON THE ACTIVE PROJECTS.
AS YOU SHOW AS IT SHOWS HERE, IT'S MAJORITY OF THE FUNDING CAME FROM THE ARPA MONEY.
THE ONES THAT WAS ALLOCATED BY THE COURT.
THEN THE DIG DEEP MONEY, THEN THE EPA, THE CONGRESSIONAL APPROPRIATION.
AND NAT'L BANK, OF COURSE, THEY GAVE US THE $1.6 MILLION GRANT FOR THE HILLCREST WATER.
TDA IS THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
ACTIVE WATER STORM WATER PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE CURRENTLY ONGOING, PLUS THE USDA THAT WAS 100% LOAN THE $2.3 MILLION FOR HILLCREST. CHALLENGES WE HAVE ON THE CURRENT PROJECTS THAT THE DELAYS WE HAVE FOR MATERIALS.
STILL, SOME MATERIALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ALL THE TIME.
PLUS THE COST IS GOING UP EVERY DAY, KEEPS GOING UP, AND THAT'S LABOR.
THEY CAN'T FIND LABOR TO WORK ON THESE PROJECTS AS WELL.
NOW WE GO BREAK THEM DOWN BY ACTIVE PROJECT.
BASED ON THE DATABASE WE HAVE, IT SHOWS THERE ARE 106 COLONIAS OUT OF 330 IN PRECINCT ONE.
AND CURRENTLY WE HAVE SIX ACTIVE PROJECTS IN THAT AREA WITH A TOTAL OF $37 MILLION.
ACTUALLY, I'LL GO BACK ON THAT ONE.
THERE'S FIVE ACTIVE AND ONE THE PRE-DEVELOPMENT.
THE MONTANA THREE IS IN PRE-DEVELOPMENT AS WE SPEAK.
AND THAT'S THE STORMWATER PROJECT FROM TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
[01:40:03]
PRECINCT TWO.THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT THIS ONE THERE'S NO ACTIVE PROJECT.
PLUS THEY HAVE STREETS AND DRAINAGE FROM THE CITY ITSELF.
AND YES, COMMISSIONER, WE WOULD LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU, PRECINCT.
AND WE'LL LOOK FOR SOME GRANTS TO WORK WITH THAT PRECINCT FOR SURE.
CURRENTLY, THERE'S A HUGE PROJECT ON DELTA, RIGHT? RIGHT IN THE HEART OF.
YEAH. I MEAN, I DON'T KNOW IF YOU'RE FAMILIAR WITH THAT, THAT PARTICULAR PROJECT, BUT I WENT THROUGH THERE THE OTHER DAY AND IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S A REALLY, REALLY ONE OF THE BIGGEST PROJECTS I'VE SEEN IN A LONG TIME.
I MEAN, I CANNOT SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE WATER, BUT I KNOW FOR A FACT THEY HAVE A LOT OF ONGOING PROJECTS UTILIZING THEIR CIP MONEY AND SOME FUNDING THEY RECEIVED AS WELL. SO THEY ARE ACTIVE AFTER THOSE GRANTS AND FUNDING TO ASSIST THAT COMMUNITY WITHIN THE CITY.
OKAY. THANK YOU. JUDGE, YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I THINK WE MIGHT, YOU KNOW, THAT AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE CITY IS LOOKING AT IN TERMS, BUT I KNOW THAT THE FIX THAT THEY DID ON I-10 OVER BETWEEN COPIA AND IN THAT AREA WHERE THE INTERSTATE FLOODS, YOU KNOW, IT'S BEYOND ME THAT A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY THROUGH A MAJOR CITY WAS NOT PLANNED WELL ENOUGH WHERE IT FLOODS.
AND THEN THEY DID A FIX BY BUYING HOMES ON EACH SIDE OF IT AND, AND DID THOSE PONDING AREAS AND THEY BOUGHT HOMES AWAY AND IT'S STILL NOT FIXED.
I KNOW THAT BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW, A YEAR AND A HALF, TWO YEARS AGO, I WAS DROPPING SOMEBODY OFF AT THE AIRPORT AND LO AND BEHOLD, WHEN WE HAD THAT RAIN IN JULY IT FLOODED. THERE WAS EVEN A WALL THAT CAME DOWN FROM SOME OF THE APARTMENT COMPLEX THAT BLOCKED THE ACCESS ROAD AND THE AREA IN THE FREEWAY THERE.
BUT, YOU KNOW, THAT HAS NOT BEEN FIXED.
IT'S BEYOND ME THAT AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IS FLOODING IN OUR CITY.
I DON'T KNOW, BUT I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO SERIOUSLY TAKE A LOOK AT THAT.
AND IT'S IN YOUR PRECINCT, COMMISSIONER.
YEAH, THERE'S LOTS OF NEIGHBORHOODS THAT FLOOD, TOO.
YEAH, NOT JUST THE NEIGHBORHOODS.
AND THAT HAPPENS IN MY OFFICE COMING OFF THE MOUNTAIN RIGHT BEHIND ME.
COMMISSIONER STOUT, HAVE WE EVER TRIED TO JUST REACH OUT TO THE CITY AND MAYBE HAVE REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THEIR GRANTS TEAM, THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE, GRANTS TEAM, JUST TO TRY TO MAKE SURE WE'RE ALL KIND OF ON THE SAME PAGE, AND WE KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING AND THEY KNOW WHAT WE'RE DOING.
WE DO THAT IN A LOT OF OTHER AREAS WHERE WE REGULARLY MEET WITH STAFF FROM THE CITY.
AND I THINK THIS WOULD ALSO BE ANOTHER.
I DEFINITELY THINK WE CAN DO THAT AT THE STAFF LEVEL.
WE DO MEET WITH COUNTY ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN MEETING AND AND WORKING TO MEET.
WE'VE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ESTABLISH THAT MEETING YET, BUT I DO.
BUT I KNOW THAT JUST INFORMALLY, WE MEET PRETTY REGULARLY WITH CITY STAFF.
WE HAVE A COUPLE OF TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS, THAT WE'RE WORKING WITH THEM ON, PROJECTS ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL WHERE WE MEET VERY REGULARLY WITH CITY STAFF.
SO I'M JUST WONDERING IF IF EVEN THOUGH WE'RE STILL WORKING MORE ON THIS FORMAL MEETING EVEN JUST INFORMALLY INVITING THEIR STAFF TO JUST JUST SO THAT WE ALL KNOW WHAT WE'RE ALL WORKING ON AND WE DO THAT WITH SOME OF OUR WATER GROUPS ONCE A MONTH, ALL OF THE DIFFERENT WATER, ALL OF THE DIFFERENT AGENCIES THAT DEAL WITH WATER ISSUES, WE ALL MEET AND GET TOGETHER AND JUST YOU KNOW, TALK ABOUT WHAT EVERYONE'S DOING.
[01:45:04]
SO I'M WONDERING IF SOMETHING MORE INFORMAL FOR I HAVE STANDING MEETINGS WITH, WITH A LOT OF THE CITY COUNCIL PEOPLE THAT I OVERLAP WITH, AND THEY ALSO TALK ABOUT THESE THINGS AND, AND IN THOSE MEETINGS.OKAY. SO SO PRECINCT THREE ACTIVE PROJECTS AND PRECINCT THREE HAS THE MAJORITY OF COLONIAS.
IT. WE BELIEVE IT'S 188 COLONIES OUT OF 330 IN PRECINCT THREE ON ON THE EXHIBIT ON THE RIGHT THAT THE ONE WITH THE YELLOW, RED AND GREEN.
JUST LET ME EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT.
THE THE RED MEANS THOSE ARE COLONIAL.
WELL, THE RED IS A RED COLONIAL.
WITHOUT ACCESS TO TO TO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO WATER OR WASTEWATER.
THE YELLOW AREAS OR THAT'S ANOTHER COLONIAL THAT ONLY HAS ACCESS TO WATER.
THE GREEN COLONIAL ARE THE ONE THAT HAS BOTH WATER AND WASTEWATER.
JUST TO CLARIFY THIS EXHIBIT A LITTLE BIT, AND THOSE LITTLE PINK CIRCLES OR PURPLE CIRCLES ARE THE ACTIVE PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE LISTED THE LOCATION OF THE ACTIVE PROJECT.
SO AS I MENTIONED, THERE'S THERE'S CURRENTLY 14 PROJECTS, A TOTAL OF 101, $101 MILLION IN PRECINCT THREE THAT WE'RE WORKING ON. PRECINCT FOUR, IT'S ON THE WEST SIDE.
COMMISSIONERS CORONADO PRECINCT.
WE ESTIMATE 30 COLONIAS OUT OF 330 LOCATED IN THAT PRECINCT.
WE HAVE CURRENTLY 12 PROJECTS.
WE'RE WORKING ON 12 PROJECTS IN THAT AREA.
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST IS $79 MILLION FOR THESE PROJECTS.
LIKE THE PHASE OF THE PROJECT.
WHAT PHASE IS IT IN? IS IT LIKE SHOWS IN DESIGN, THE GREEN CONSTRUCTION PLANNING OR PREDEVELOPMENT? AND IT ALSO SHOWS THAT HOW MANY PEOPLE IS GOING TO BENEFIT AND WHERE THE FUNDING IS COMING FROM AS WELL.
AND THIS SLIDE IS THE COUNTY WIDE ACTIVE PROJECTS.
WHAT THAT MEANS IS IT'S GOING TO BENEFIT ALL THE IDENTIFIED COLONIAS WITHIN THE COUNTY.
WE HAVE AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT WITH PRESIDIO COUNTY ON THAT.
SO WE'RE PARTNERING WITH PRESIDIO COUNTY, WHO THEY RETURNED.
[(CONTINUED) B. Receive a presentation from the Public Works Department regarding the Planning & Development Utility Infrastructure Development Division overview and updates.]
A FIRM TO CONDUCT THIS ASSESSMENT.SO WHAT THEY'LL BE DOING IS THEY THEY HAVE PEOPLE IN EL PASO.
THE NAME OF THE FIRM IS COMMUNITY UNLIMITED.
THAT'S WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW.
DOES IT HAVE GAS? NO GAS STREETS, NO STREETS.
AND THE CONDITION OF THE HOMES IN THAT AREA.
THE OTHER ONE IS THE ONE OF THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD FLOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FUND.
AND. IT'S IT'S THEY'RE GOING TO LOOK AT ALL THE PROJECTS WE HAVE, AND THEY'RE GOING TO ANALYZE THEM, SEE IF THEY QUALIFY FOR TO BE ADDED OR AMENDED ON THE CURRENT PROJECTS ON THE MASTER LIST.
SO IN CONCLUSION, OUR DIVISION IS CURRENTLY MANAGING ALMOST 219 MILLION.
I MEAN, THESE ARE INCLUDING THE PRE-DEVELOPMENT AS WELL.
WATER. THESE PROJECTS ARE GOING TO BENEFIT.
WE ESTIMATE IT'S GOING TO BENEFIT 7600 HOMES OR 25,000 PEOPLE RESIDENT.
AND THAT CONCLUDES OUR PRESENTATION FOR TODAY.
AND WE'RE AVAILABLE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE.
DO YOU HAVE TIME TO SLEEP? MUNZER? YES.
HE FIGURES IT OUT. A LOT OF PROJECTS AND A LOT OF.
DENISE. I KNOW YOU, BUT WE'LL REPEAT IT EVERY SINGLE TIME IT WAS MENTIONED.
[01:50:04]
YOUR ABILITY TO TO BE ABLE TO PARTNER.WE'RE VERY IMPRESSED AT HOW THE PARTNERSHIPS.
EVERY TIME WE HAVE A GRAND OPENING.
GROUNDBREAKING THE PARTNERSHIPS THAT YOU'RE WORKING WITH.
YOU COULD TELL THAT WE GET SO MUCH MORE.
I THINK THAT IT MEANS A LOT TO US.
AND I KNOW IT MEANS A LOT TO NORM AND BETSY TO HAVE YOUR TEAM BE THAT DEDICATED AND FOCUSED.
THANK YOU. I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU ALL AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOUR INCREDIBLE WORK IN THIS AREA.
AND I THINK WE SAW THAT YESTERDAY AT THE GROUNDBREAKING THAT WE HAD WE WE WERE BLESSED THAT WE HAD CITIZENS THERE FROM THE COMMUNITY WHO I THINK STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY'RE GOING TO FINALLY GET THIS NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE AFTER SO MANY YEARS.
AND THEY WERE JUST SO HAPPY TO SEE THAT IT WAS FINALLY HAPPENING.
YOU PROBABLY DON'T SLEEP AS MUCH AS YOU SHOULD, AND YOU NEED TO.
BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU BECAUSE YOU YOU REALLY ARE CHANGING PEOPLE'S LIVES.
NORMA. MICHAEL, ALL OF OUR PUBLIC WORKS STAFF, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO.
SO IT'S SO I MEAN, IT'S JUST SO ENCOURAGING THAT THAT WE'RE ABLE TO TAKE THOSE LEAPS WITH THE ADDITIONAL MONEY THAT WE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO TO DO SO.
AND YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIPS.
I THINK THIS IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THAT.
BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING COSTS, WE WERE SHORT FUNDING.
SO THE COUNTY WAS ABLE TO PITCH IN MORE.
LOWER VALLEY WAS ABLE TO PITCH IN MORE.
YOU KNOW, EVERYONE IS TRYING TO PITCH IN TO MAKE SURE WE GET TO THE LEVEL THAT WE NEED.
AND I THINK THAT THAT'S A TESTAMENT TO THE RELATIONSHIPS THAT OUR STAFF HAS FORMED WITH THESE OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES, BECAUSE WE CAN GET SO MUCH MORE DONE BY WORKING TOGETHER THAN WORKING SEPARATELY AND INDEPENDENTLY FROM EACH OTHER.
SO I THINK THE POINT YOU MADE ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS IS REALLY, REALLY IMPORTANT.
EVERYONE LOVES WORKING WITH MUNZER.
I ONLY HEAR WONDERFUL COMMENTS ABOUT MUNZER WHENEVER WHENEVER WATER AND WASTEWATER PROJECTS COME UP.
WELL, THANK YOU COMMISSIONER AND JUDGE, BUT I ALSO WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY ELSE THAT WORKS WITH ME, JUST NOT JUST ME, THE WHOLE PUBLIC WORKS, COUNTY ATTORNEYS, COUNTY AUDITOR, COUNTY BUDGET, THEY ALL WE'RE ALL A TEAM HERE.
SO WE ALL WORK TOGETHER ON THIS.
I DON'T WANT TO TAKE THE WHOLE CREDIT, BUT YEAH, I'LL TAKE IT.
I DON'T MIND THAT. IT'S JUST I THINK THEY HELP US A LOT, TOO.
HE DEFLECTS EVERYTHING FROM FROM HIMSELF.
NO MATTER WHAT YOU THROW AT HIM, HE MOVES TO THE TEAM.
THE TEAM. SO WE THANK YOU FOR THAT.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK THAT YOUR DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ALL OUR ADMINISTRATION.
AND I THINK WE NEED TO GET YOU SOME MORE HELP.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH, COMMISSIONER. I APPRECIATE IT.
WE DO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL SPEAKER FOR THIS ITEM IN PUBLIC COMMENT OR FOR COMMENT.
AND AGAIN, JUST TO REMIND FOLKS THAT SPEAKING TIME IS LIMITED TO FIVE MINUTES.
WELCOME BACK MIKE. GREETINGS AGAIN.
AND YEAH, TO ECHO THE HARD WORK THAT THESE GUYS DO.
IT'S IT'S AN IMPRESSIVE ENDEAVOR FOR SURE.
I, I WAS INSPIRED TO COME AND GIVE ANOTHER PUBLIC COMMENT IN RESPONSE TO SOME OF THE DISCUSSION THAT WAS HAPPENING A MOMENT AGO WITH RESPECT TO GRANTS, COLLABORATION AND THE THE WORK THAT NOT KEEPING THINGS IN SILOS AND THINGS I.
WHAT I'VE OBSERVED IS THAT WE ARE SEEING A HISTORIC AND UNPRECEDENTED, UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF FUNDING COMING DOWN THE PIPE FOR GRANTS TO DO INFRASTRUCTURE AND STORMWATER RELATED WORK.
IT'S A REALLY EXCITING TIME FOR A BUSINESSMAN IN THIS POSITION.
WHAT I THE POINT OF MY COMMENT IS I'D LIKE TO POINT TO OUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS IN DONA ANA COUNTY WITH RESPECT TO THEIR COLLABORATION EFFORTS. MR. HOLGUIN, YOU MENTIONED YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU'RE PART OF A WATER GROUP THAT MEETS MONTHLY.
MAY I ASK WHAT THE NAME OF THAT GROUP IS?
[01:55:01]
SURE. WE JUST CALL OURSELVES THE MONTHLY JURISDICTIONAL WATER MEETING.OUR STAFF IS ALWAYS THERE AT THE MEETINGS.
THE LOWER VALLEY WATER DISTRICT, OBVIOUSLY.
SO IT'S JUST DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES THAT WORK IN DIFFERENT AREAS THAT OVERLAP.
SO IT'S JUST ANOTHER WAY FOR EVERYONE TO BE AWARE OF EVERYTHING THAT'S GOING ON.
NEW MEXICO HAS A THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT GROUP IN NEW MEXICO.
AND ALSO IN EL PASO, WE HAVE THE PASO DEL NORTE WATERSHED COUNCIL, WHICH WROTE THE WATERSHED BASED PLAN FOR THIS AREA, WHICH SET THE STAGE FOR FUTURE FUNDING TO COME THROUGH.
THAT COMES THROUGH EPA AND TCU AND NMED AND IN ADDITION TO THAT, THE SOUTH THE CENTRAL NEW MEXICO STORMWATER COALITION IS A GROUP THAT SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO THE GROUP THAT YOU JUST DESCRIBED.
IT'S A IT'S A GROUP WHERE THE COUNTY, DONA ANA COUNTY FOLKS GET TOGETHER.
DONA ANA COUNTY HAS A FLOOD COMMISSION.
THAT PERSON, THE LEADER OF THAT ORGANIZATION, IS VERY INVOLVED IN THE STORMWATER COALITION.
AND THE STORMWATER COALITION BASICALLY SPEARHEADED THE WORK TO GET TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS RELATED IN STORMWATER AND FLOOD MITIGATION WORK PUT TOGETHER THROUGH DOING UPPER WATERSHED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT AND AND RESTORATION PRACTICES HAPPENING IN THE UPPER WATERSHED.
SO STUFF THAT ISN'T EVEN ON THE RADAR OF LIKE THE DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY AND THAT KIND OF AREA REALM, BECAUSE IT'S HAPPENING IN THE UNDEVELOPED AREAS AND IN THE KIND OF IN THE OFF IN THE BOONIES, IF YOU WILL, BUT I.
MY POINT IS, IS THAT THAT THAT ORGANIZATION, THE STORMWATER COALITION HAS HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN BRINGING TOGETHER THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT ENTITIES TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOAL OF STORMWATER MANAGEMENT, BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MATTER.
THE POLITICAL BOUNDARIES DON'T MATTER TO THE STORMWATER SITUATION.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH. THANK YOU.
I'D LIKE TO JUMP AHEAD TO ITEM IF IT'S ITEM FOUR F RECEIVE A PRESENTATION AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE EL PASO COUNTY PAID PARENTAL LEAVE PROGRAM.
[F. Receive a presentation and provide feedback on the El Paso County Paid Parental Leave Program. Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources, 915-546-2218]
MORNING. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS.WE PROVIDE A ROBUST MEDICAL COVERAGE, WELLNESS PROGRAMS, AND VARIOUS FORMS OF PAID LEAVE.
THESE BENEFITS ALL PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING TOP TALENT TO OUR AGENCY.
TODAY, WE ARE PRESENTING A PROPOSED BENEFIT THAT ALIGNS WITH ONE OF THE COUNTY'S STRATEGIC GOALS, WHICH IS THE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE UNDER GOAL NUMBER SEVEN, WHICH IS VALUE.
THE EL PASO COUNTY FAMILY, THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE WITH COUNTY ADMINISTRATION, HAS PREPARED A BRIEF PRESENTATION ON THIS PROPOSAL.
WE HAVE ALSO DRAFTED A POLICY WHICH WE ARE READY TO PRESENT IN AN UPCOMING REGULAR COMMISSIONER COURT SESSION, DEPENDING ON THE FEEDBACK THAT WE RECEIVE FROM THE COMMISSION TODAY.
PRESENTING ON BEHALF OF HR IS NATALIA CHAPADO.
SO WITH THAT JUDGE, I'D LIKE TO CALL UP NATALIA CHAPADO.
[02:00:01]
WELCOME, COMMISSIONERS.NATALIA ZAPATA WITH HUMAN RESOURCES.
IT IS OUR PLEASURE TO BRING THIS PRESENTATION BEFORE YOU TO DISCUSS VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR THE COUNTY'S PAID PARENTAL LEAVE PROGRAM AND RECEIVE YOUR DIRECTION AND FEEDBACK. THE RESEARCH AND WORK ON THIS ITEM HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANT.
AND AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK OUR COUNTY ADMIN TEAM.
SO THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM TRULY IS FOR LEAVE TO FOR COUNTY MOTHERS AND FATHERS TO TAKE FOR THE BIRTH OR ADOPTION OR PLACEMENT OF A CHILD.
IN RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY UNUM, WHICH IS A TOP LEADING PROVIDER OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS.
STUDIES SHOW THAT THE TOP THREE NON-INSURANCE U.S.
WORKERS WANT ARE PAID TIME OFF, FLEXIBLE WORK OPTIONS, AND PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
SO NOT ONLY DOES THIS PROGRAM OFFER COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE TO THE COUNTY, ENABLING THE ATTRACTION OF TOP TALENT, IT GOES BACK TO THE HEART OF OUR STRATEGIC GOALS OF VALUING EL PASO COUNTY FAMILY.
SO A LITTLE BIT OF RESEARCH AND TRENDS.
THESE ARE THE SOME OF THE CURRENT ENTITIES THAT ARE OFFERING SOME TYPE OF PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
AND IN THIS NEXT SLIDE IT'S DRILLING DOWN ON THE ENTITIES THAT WE RESEARCHED.
AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE SLIDE, THE ELIGIBLE WEEKS OR THE BENEFITS RANGE ANYWHERE FROM 3 TO 12 WEEKS WITH AN AVERAGE OF SIX WEEKS OF PAID FAMILY LEAVE.
AND SO SPEAKING OF FMLA A LITTLE BIT, JUST A RECAP.
IT'S OUR FEDERAL STATUTE THAT PROVIDES UP TO 12 WEEKS FOR CERTAIN CRITERIA FOR CERTAIN ACTIONS, SUCH AS THE BIRTH OR ADOPTION OF A CHILD.
SO GET TO THE WHY OF IT, RIGHT? LIKE WHY OFFER PAID PARENTAL LEAVE AND THE BENEFITS? NOT ONLY IS IT GOING TO PROVIDE A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WHERE WE INCREASE THE TALENT POOL, WE HAVE INDIVIDUALS LOOKING AT US AS A GREAT EMPLOYER OFFERING GREAT BENEFITS.
IT BOOSTS THE EMPLOYEE MORALE.
IT IT PROVIDES A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, RIGHT, WHERE EMPLOYEES FEEL ENGAGED AND SUPPORTED.
IT HELPS STRENGTHENS THE COUNTY'S WORKFORCE BY SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND INCREASE IT.
AND SORRY. AND STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT IT DECREASES MATERNAL AND INFANT MORTALITY RATE BECAUSE IT ALLOWS FAMILIES TO BE AT THE CRUCIAL STAGES OF A CHILD'S LIFE. IT STRENGTHENS ECONOMIC STABILITY IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE IT ALLOWS FOR INCOME FOR THOSE WORKING MOTHERS THAT OR FATHERS THAT ARE TAKING TIME OFF.
AND TRULY, IT IMPROVES THE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN.
AND SO A LITTLE BIT OF OUR DATA, WE WENT BACK A COUPLE OF YEARS TO SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, HOW MANY EMPLOYEES ARE TAKING THIS LEAVE FOR SPECIFICALLY FOR BIRTH OR ADOPTION. SO ON AVERAGE, WE'RE SEEING ABOUT 34 EMPLOYEES TAKE AN AVERAGE OF SIX WEEKS PER YEAR FOR THIS TYPE OF SITUATION, FOR THIS TYPE OF BIRTH OR BONDING.
AND IT REALLY IS ELIGIBILITY FMLA ELIGIBLE AND QUALIFIED.
THE PROPOSAL IS 20 DAYS OR 160 HOURS.
AND A REALLY NEAT COMPONENT OF THIS IS THAT EACH PARENT, IF THEY'RE BOTH EMPLOYED BY THE COUNTY, RECEIVES A 20 DAYS EACH, WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM HOW FMLA IS STRUCTURED.
FMLA PER STATUTE ALLOWS IT TO COMBINATION OF THOSE 12 WEEKS.
SO IF THE BOTH PARENTS WORK AT THE COUNTY, THEY BOTH HAVE TO TAKE A COMBINATION OF THOSE 12 WEEKS.
AND SO THE THE LAST SLIDE THAT WE HAVE HERE ARE THE POTENTIAL IMPACTS.
RIGHT? WE ARE WE ARE PROPOSING RIGHT, BEGINNING WITH A 20 DAY BENEFIT PROGRAM, WE COULD ASSESS, ASSESS HOW IT'S GOING THROUGH A YEAR, BRING BACK DATA AFTER THAT IMPLEMENTATION TO PRESENT TO YOU ALL AND SEE HOW THAT PROGRAM IS GOING.
AND I ALSO WANTED TO MENTION SOME INDIRECT IMPACTS.
[02:05:02]
THE FIRST THREE ON THAT SLIDE, PRODUCTIVITY OVER TIME, COMP TIME OR TEMPORARY PERSONNEL ARE TRULY FROM ANY LEAVE.RIGHT. WE'RE SEEING THAT ON FMLA.
AS EMPLOYEES GO OUT ON FMLA, TASKS ARE DISTRIBUTED.
EMPLOYEES MAY HAVE TO WORK COMP TIME BECAUSE THERE'S THE FOLKS THAT ARE DOING IT ARE OUT ON FMLA.
SO THAT TRULY IS A COMPONENT OF JUST ON A LEAVE PROGRAM, FMLA LEAVE PROGRAM.
AND WHAT WE COULD SEE IN TERMS OF AN INDIRECT IMPACT IS POTENTIAL HIGHER VACATION PAYOUTS, BECAUSE THE EMPLOYEES ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED TO USE THEIR OWN LEAVES, RIGHT? THEIR OWN VACATION LEAVE WHEN THEY'RE TAKING TIME AWAY TO BOND OR FOR THE BIRTH OF THEIR CHILD.
IT MAY JUST ENCOURAGE VACATION LEAVE AT ANOTHER TIME.
HOWEVER, ONE CRITICAL POINT WE WANTED TO POINT OUT IS THAT TO MITIGATE ANY POTENTIAL IMPACTS, THERE IS FUNDING TO ASSIST DEPARTMENTS WITH TEMPORARY STAFFING IF NEEDED AS A RESULT OF THIS BENEFIT.
SO IF EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENTS WANTED TO HAVE TEMPORARY STAFFING WHILE EMPLOYEES ARE OUT ON PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, THERE IS A FUND THAT WAS ESTABLISHED AT FY 24 FOR THIS BENEFIT, FOR THIS PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
AND SO THIS IS REALLY A RECAP OF WHAT WE'RE PROPOSING.
WE'RE OPEN TO ANY SUGGESTIONS, ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU ALL HAVE.
AND THAT WAY WHEN WE COME BACK WITH A POLICY WE CAN INCORPORATE AND BRING BACK AT A REGULAR SESSION.
AND TELL US A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR THOUGHTS.
JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU.
SO I THINK IN ADDITION TO THE THE ADDED BENEFIT IT PROVIDES TO OUR EMPLOYEES AS AN EMPLOYER, I THINK WHAT'S MORE IMPACTFUL, EVEN MORE IMPACTFUL AND MORE IMPORTANT, IT RELATES MORE TO THE IMPACT TO OUR OUR EFFORTS FOR STRENGTHENING FAMILY AND STRENGTHENING EQUITY. SO JUST NOW, WHEN I WAS AT THE NACO CONFERENCE LAST WEEK, WE ATTENDED A SESSION AND IT TALKED ABOUT HOW PAID PARENTAL LEAVE IS SUCH A MAJOR IMPACT FOR MINORITIES AND THE THE DEATH RATE AMONG NEWBORNS AND, AND MOTHERS OF MINORITIES IS SO SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN NON-MINORITIES AND THAT BY BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, IT SHOWED ALSO LIKE THE THE THAT MOST PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE LEAVE WITHOUT PAY.
I'M SORRY. AND SO BUT THAT TIME IN A CHILD'S LIFE IS SO CRITICAL.
AND THE MORE WE INVEST IN CHILDREN AND NEWBORNS.
THIS IS ANOTHER THING I'VE LEARNED THROUGH NACO.
FOR EVERY DOLLAR WE INVEST IN EARLY CHILDHOOD, LIKE THE FIRST FEW YEARS BEFORE BIRTH AND THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF LIFE, SAVE US AS A COUNTY GOVERNMENT $3 LATER.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, BY BEING ABLE TO CREATE THAT TIME WHERE FAMILIES ARE ABLE TO SOLIDIFY, THEY'RE ABLE TO ESTABLISH GOOD ROUTINES AND BASELINES IN HEALTH, EVEN GETTING IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OR FIRST THREE MONTHS OF A CHILD'S LIFE, THE NEED FOR DOCTOR'S VISITS, VACCINES, AND AND JUST GENERAL HEALTH CHECKUPS AND IDENTIFYING THINGS EARLY, IT WILL.
I THINK THOSE KINDS OF RETURNS TO US WILL BE EVEN GREATER THAN THE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RETURNS.
THE OTHER ASPECT OF THAT IS THE HEALTH IMPACTS.
SO WE ALSO, I THINK HERE TAKE A VERY IMPORTANT LOOK AND INTEREST AT THE COST OF HEALTH AND THE IMPACTS OF HEALTH IN OUR COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE MANAGE THE BUDGETS FOR THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.
AND THESE ARE THE KINDS OF RETURNS THAT YOU CAN SEE BY ALLOWING THIS TIME EARLY ON IN A CHILD'S LIFE, TO HAVE THAT PARENTAL TIME AND ATTENTION, AND FOR OUR EMPLOYEES TO NOT HAVE THE THE BURDEN OF GOING WITHOUT PAY IF THEY WERE TO TAKE THIS AMOUNT OF TIME.
SO AND WHEN WE BRING BACK THE PROPOSED.
SO THAT'S, THAT'S I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT WHAT I THINK ARE THE RETURNS BY DOING THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS. AND I HOPE WE WOULD BE A MODEL TO OTHER BUSINESSES TO TRY TO DO THESE TYPES OF PROGRAMS. THE OTHER THING I THINK OUR WHEN WE BRING BACK THE POLICY, WE'RE GOING TO PROPOSE A EITHER 3 TO 4 WEEK PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.
AND WE'D LIKE TO TO START THAT KIND OF AS A PILOT FIRST COUPLE YEARS OR YEAR UNDER THE PROGRAM AND SEE WHAT THE IMPACTS AND HOW MUCH IT'S ACTUALLY UTILIZED TO MAYBE POSSIBLY EXPAND THIS BENEFIT TO LONGER PERIODS OF TIME.
[02:10:05]
WE ARE WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A TEMPORARY POOL TO HELP PAY AS, AS NATALIA MENTIONED, BUT TO HELP PAY FOR COVERAGE WHILE SOMEONE IS OUT FOR THAT TIME, WHILE FOR A DEPARTMENT, IF THEY HAVE A POSITION THAT THEY ABSOLUTELY NEED SOME COVERAGE.BUT BUT IT WOULD GIVE US SOME TIME TO GAUGE HOW WELL IT'S, HOW WELL IT'S WORKING, HOW MUCH THE FUNDING IS COVERING, AND THEN MAYBE BE ABLE TO EVENTUALLY HOPEFULLY EXPAND IT TO COVER A GREATER PERIOD THAN 3 TO 4 WEEKS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.
AND HOW MUCH FUNDING DID WE SET ASIDE IN THAT POOL FOR COVERAGE? SO WE SET ASIDE THAT POOL THIS YEAR.
AND WE IT'S COMBINED WITH OTHER OTHER THINGS ARE PAID OUT OF IT.
WE HAVE LIKE OUR A CAREER PROGRESSION PLAN INCREASES THAT HAPPEN DURING THE YEAR.
AND THAT FUND, WE HAVE SOME OTHER MID-YEAR CHANGES.
WE HAVE $500,000 IN THAT POOL THIS FISCAL YEAR.
IT IS ONE OF THE AREAS WE'RE PROPOSING TO REDUCE BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT UTILIZED IT TO ITS FULL.
IT'S ONE OF THE AREAS WE'RE PROPOSING TO REDUCE FOR FY 25, BUT WE STILL THINK WE HAVE ENOUGH FUNDING TO TO GET THROUGH A PILOT YEAR AND SEE HOW IT WORKS, AND POSSIBLY THEN RECOMMEND EXPANDING THE POLICY TO ALLOW A LONGER PERIOD OF COVERAGE.
SO I JUST I, I'M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT YOU ALL CONSIDERING THIS POLICY, AND I HOPE WE THINK OF THOSE BIGGER IMPACTS THAT WHAT IT WHAT IT COULD DO FOR FOR MINORITIES USE FOR CHILDREN AND FOR THE LONG TERM RETURN ON HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF OF BOTH THE FAMILY AND THE CHILD.
I MEAN, WE'VE TALKED A LOT ABOUT THE THE BONDING AT THAT PERIOD OF TIME.
THE BONDING A LOT HAS TO DO WITH THE CALMNESS OF THE MOM.
YOU KNOW, THAT THAT SHE'S SHE'S NOT GOING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT BEING AWAY BECAUSE YOU KNOW, HOW LONG HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE? I THINK THAT THE FAMILY OBVIOUSLY THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT THE COUNTY FAMILY, THE WHAT YOU SAID, BETSY, ABOUT BEING A ROLE MODEL.
IT'S REALLY OUT THERE NOW THAT THEY'RE LOOKING AT US AS A BENCHMARK OF THE THINGS THAT WE'RE.
AND, OF COURSE, IT MAKES IT EASIER FOR US TO PUSH HARD ON THE COMPANIES THAT COME IN TO BE ABLE TO SAY, YOU KNOW, THESE ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THAT WE DO AND THESE ARE THE EXPECTATIONS AS ZERO IS A COMPANY COMING IN TO EL PASO THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER THESE THINGS.
SO AS YOU KNOW, WHEN WE HAVE THESE DISCUSSIONS WITH COMPANIES COMING IN, IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT IF WE'RE ASKING FOR WHAT WE'RE NOT DOING AND LIKE THE INCREASE IN THE WAGE, THAT REALLY HELPS BECAUSE WE'RE, YOU KNOW, WE CAN SAY YOU NEED TO PAY AT LEAST WHAT WE'RE PAYING OR MORE.
AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS WE ALWAYS HAVE THESE DISCUSSIONS WITH COMPANIES COMING IN STILL A LOT OF OPENNESS AND DISCUSSIONS WE CAN HAVE WITH META ABOUT, YOU KNOW WHAT, WHAT'S THEIR EXPECTATIONS.
BUT I THINK IT'S A GREAT THING TO DO FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND FOR THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.
AND JUDGE COMMISSIONER LEON, PLEASE, NATALIA, CAN YOU GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SLIDE AND ON THE TEMPORARY STAFFING.
YOU KNOW, I STEPPED OUT FOR A WHILE.
NATALIA, CAN YOU GO THROUGH THE WHOLE PROGRAM AGAIN? YOU'RE ASKING TOO MUCH. NO.
ON THE TEMPORARY STAFFING, IS THAT BRINGING IN NEW PEOPLE HERE TO ASSIST DURING THOSE TIMES? CORRECT. SO WE WOULD DO A COUPLE DIFFERENT THINGS.
THERE'S A COUPLE DIFFERENT WAYS WE DO IT.
SO WE WOULD EITHER BRING ON SOMEBODY ON A TEMP BASIS OR WE MAY PULL SOMEBODY FROM WITHIN.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, IF I HAD A IF I HAD AN EMPLOYEE IN MY OFFICE GO OUT ON PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, I MAY THEN SAY, EILEEN, CAN YOU FILL IN THIS ROLE AND WE'LL TEMPORARILY BUMP EILEEN UNTIL THAT PERSON RETURNS? OKAY. AND SO SHE'D TAKE ON THOSE TYPES OF DUTIES.
THOSE ARE GOOD IDEAS. YOU KNOW, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THAT I HEAR A LOT IS RETIREES.
COULD WE ESTABLISH A POOL OF RETIREES THAT WOULD COME? I MEAN, THEY THEY KNOW THE SYSTEM.
WE'VE ALSO USED THEM AS A POOL TO TAP INTO FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS.
ONE OF OUR VOLUNTEERS OUT HERE IS A RETIREE.
AND SO WE WE ARE WE'RE TRYING TO MAXIMIZE THOSE RETIREES AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
[02:15:03]
YES, SIR. YES.SO ABSOLUTELY, WE CAN LOOK AT THAT.
YOU KNOW, I PROPOSE DOING THIS A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF THE BECAUSE OF THE WORK THAT I'VE DONE WITH LOCAL PROGRESS, WHICH IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT I HELPED START A CHAPTER HERE IN TEXAS FOR.
AND I UNDERSTAND THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT DOING A PILOT PROGRAM HERE, BUT I FEEL LIKE PILOT PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN DONE IN MANY OTHER COUNTIES AND CITIES, AND AND WE'VE SEEN THE BENEFITS. AND YOU KNOW, I, FOR ONE, WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE THAN THREE WEEKS.
AND I ALSO HAD A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONCURRENT FMLA.
IS THAT IS THAT SOMETHING THAT WE SEE VERY COMMONLY WITH, WITH WITHIN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS? YES. THAT THE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE AND ALL THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE RESEARCHED, IT RUNS CONCURRENTLY WITH THE FMLA.
SO IF IT'S NOT THE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE BENEFIT, THAT IS THE COMMON PRACTICE.
I MEAN, I THINK EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, IN THIS COURT IS IS PRETTY PROGRESSIVE.
AND AND, YOU KNOW, WE WOULD BE ON THE BOTTOM.
I MEAN, RIGHT NOW WE DON'T HAVE IT AT ALL, WHICH IS WHY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THIS.
BUT I DON'T WANT TO COME IN ON, YOU KNOW, AT THE LOWER LEVEL, YOU KNOW, LOOKING AT ALL THESE OTHER COUNTIES THAT WE TRY TO TRY TO COMPETE WITH WHEN IT COMES TO OUR, OUR VALUES AND OUR DEMOCRATIC AND PROGRESSIVE VALUES THAT WE THAT WE HOLD DEAR.
I THINK IT'S MORE BETWEEN 6 AND 8.
ARE THEY DOING EIGHT? I THOUGHT IT WAS 12.
OKAY. I BELIEVE IT'S EIGHT WEEKS.
WE'RE. AND WHEN WE SAY PILOT, WE DON'T MEAN THIS LIKE A PILOT.
LIKE, YOU KNOW, IT'S IT'S NOT WHAT I MEAN.
PILOTING IS STARTING WITH THE WHAT? ORIGINALLY WE WERE GOING TO PROPOSE THREE WEEKS BASED ON FEEDBACK.
AND WE WANT TO SEE IF OUR TEMPORARY POOL CAN COVER THAT BEFORE WE GO.
THAT'S THE PART. THAT'S THE PILOT.
I THINK IT'S MORE OF A PHASE IN A PHASE IN.
YES, MA'AM. THANK YOU. THAT'S A BETTER TERMINOLOGY.
AND THEN IF OUR TEMPORARY POOL CAN EITHER COVER OR WE HAVE FUNDING AVAILABLE TO INCREASE OUR TEMPORARY POOL SO IT DOESN'T IMPACT SERVICE AND OPERATIONS TO THE PUBLIC, THEN WE WOULD WANT TO CONTINUE LIKE.
WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO PHASE IN UP TO THE FULL 1212 WEEKS IF POSSIBLE.
YEAH. I MEAN, AND I THINK THAT THE MORALE AND THE PRODUCTIVITY THAT, THAT WE'LL SEE WILL WAY WILL OUTWEIGH HEAVILY THE LOSS IN PRODUCTIVITY THAT IS LISTED ON THE ON THE DOWNSIDES OR THE CONS.
IF WE I WOULD I, I WOULD LOVE TO START WITH MORE.
BUT IF WE CAN ONLY DO FOUR AND THEN WE CAN TRY TO SCALE UP.
I MEAN, I'VE BEEN ASKING FOR THIS FOR YEARS AND, AND YOU KNOW, AND I WANTED TO START HIGHER, BUT, I MEAN, I UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE CONSTRAINTS THAT WE HAVE AND, AND YOU KNOW, I WOULD ADVOCATE FOR MORE AT THIS POINT, WHATEVER THE COURT DECIDES.
BUT BUT I, YOU KNOW, I'M THANKFUL THAT WE'RE DOING THIS.
I REALLY AM HAPPY THAT THAT THIS IS FINALLY COMING TO FRUITION.
AND, YOU KNOW, OUR EMPLOYEES, MOTHERS AND FATHERS THAT ARE DEALING WITH RAISING, RAISING CHILDREN AND DEALING WITH ALL THE ISSUES THAT, THAT COME ABOUT, ESPECIALLY THOSE FIRST, THOSE FIRST WEEKS.
YOU KNOW, THEY THEY CERTAINLY DESERVE THIS TYPE, OF, THIS TYPE OF SUPPORT.
COMMISSIONER, I ALSO WANTED TO CLARIFY, TOO, THE STATE PROVIDES EIGHT WEEKS FOR THE BIRTH.
THEY ONLY PROVIDE FOUR WEEKS FOR OTHER THINGS LIKE ADOPTION PLACEMENT, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
[02:20:01]
IT'S EIGHT WEEKS, BUT WE SHOULD STRIVE TO.WE NEED TO WE NEED TO MATCH THAT AT LEAST.
YES YOU KNOW, AND I AGREE, I'M, I'M ALL FOR THIS PHASE IN.
AND THEN WE GIVE THEM 12 WEEKS OF, YOU KNOW, PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.
YEAH. I MEAN, I ACTUALLY LIKE WHAT, YOU KNOW, THAT THE HARRIS COUNTY MODEL, BECAUSE I, FOR ONE, AM OF THE MENTALITY THAT, YOU KNOW, YOU SHOULD YOU SHOULD I UNDERSTAND THE IMPLICATIONS ON ON PRODUCTIVITY AND COST FOR THE COUNTY.
BUT AT THE SAME TIME YOU KNOW, I, I WOULD I WOULDN'T MIND SEEING A TIERED APPROACH TO, TO THE AMOUNT OF TIME SERVED AND WHAT YOU'RE ENTITLED TO.
BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE ALL NEED WE ALL NEED TIME OFF AND MENTAL HEALTH DAYS.
AND, YOU KNOW, JUST BECAUSE I STARTED A JOB SIX MONTHS AGO AND, YOU KNOW, I'M I'M GOING TO HAVE A CHILD, WHY SHOULD I STILL I MEAN, I THINK EVERY EMPLOYER, WHEREVER YOU GO, FAIRNESS SHOULD, SHOULD PROVIDE AUTOMATIC PARENTAL LEAVE.
AND AGAIN, ALL OF THE SOCIAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS THAT WE TALKED ABOUT ARE NOT JUST, YOU KNOW AGAIN, HAPPENING HERE, BUT IT'S WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY. AND I MEAN, BETSY, I'M GLAD THAT YOU YOU MENTIONED THE THE INFORMATION THAT WE RECEIVE AT NACO AND, AND THE EVIDENCE THAT THAT HAS BEEN PUT FORTH WHEN IT COMES TO MINORITIES AND BIRTH.
BIRTH FATALITIES AND MATERNAL FATALITIES AND HOW THIS CAN CAN HELP CHIP AWAY AT THAT.
SO I MEAN, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE, YOU KNOW, EVEN THAT TIERED TIERED LEVEL SO SOMEBODY DOESN'T HAVE TO WORK HERE FOR A WHOLE YEAR AND, YOU KNOW, MAKE A DECISION ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO GET PREGNANT BECAUSE OF THEIR JOB.
YOU KNOW, I WAS ABLE TO SEE THE IMPACT.
HERE WE ARE, LAKE JUAREZ, WITH SUCH LITTLE RESOURCES, I BELIEVE IT'S SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO HAVING THE BABY, AND THEN SIX WEEKS AFTER HAVING THE BABY. AND I GOT TO SEE THE IMPACT OF THE THE MOM AND HOW THE EXCITEMENT ABOUT BEING GIVEN THAT OPPORTUNITY.
I GOT TO SEE WHEN THEY CAME BACK, THE MOTIVATION THAT THEY HAD.
I MEAN, IT JUST IT'S JUST VERY REWARDING TO SEE THAT A MOM CAN DO WHATEVER IT NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO, TO DO THE RIGHT THING BEFORE THE BIRTH AND THEN AFTER THE BIRTH.
SO WE'RE LOOKING AT A VERY LOW BENCHMARK IF YOU CONSIDER SOME OF THE OTHER COUNTRIES.
THANK YOU COMMISSIONERS. NATALIA.
YES. COMMISSIONERS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THAT FEEDBACK.
I WONDER WHERE DID THAT COME FROM? I DON'T KNOW. AND I'M SAYING THAT AS INTERIM TRYING TO BECOME DIRECTOR, SO JUST WANTED TO MENTION THAT TO YOU.
JUDGE. APPRECIATE ALL THE THE INPUT.
AND WE'LL BE BRINGING UP POLICY SHORTLY.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. GREAT JOB.
SEE. RECEIVE A PRESENTATION AND UPDATES ON THE COUNTY'S 2024 TO 2028 STRATEGIC PLAN.
GOOD MORNING. JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS BETSY KELLER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR.
[C. Receive a presentation and updates on the County’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215]
ADMINISTRATION AND USING THE POSITIONS ALREADY IN MY OFFICE.[02:25:03]
QUALITATIVE INFORMATION ON OUR STRATEGIC PLAN.TODAY, WE'LL WILL PROVIDE OUR FIRST COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE 2024 2028 STRATEGIC PLAN.
AND FOR THE INTEREST OF TIME DURING THE PRESENTATION, YOU ALL HAVE A COPY OF THE REPORT.
IT'S IN THE BACKUP FOR THE PUBLIC.
AND EVEN MORE DETAIL IS AVAILABLE ON OUR COUNTY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE.
MIGUEL, COULD YOU OR ALEXIS, COULD YOU ALL SHIFT OVER TO THE WEBSITE? SO IF ANYONE VISITS OUR COUNTY WEBSITE, WE DO HAVE A PAGE DEDICATED TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN.
AND INDIVIDUALS CAN SEE OUR UPDATES ON THIS DASHBOARD.
SO AT THE TOP, IF YOU'LL GO BACK UP JUST A LITTLE BIT.
MIGUEL THANK YOU. OR ALEXIS, WHOEVER'S DRIVING DOWN, I'M SORRY.
JUST A LITTLE BIT TO THE GRASS SO THEY CAN SEE, LIKE, RIGHT HERE WE ARE AT 17% INTO THIS FIVE YEAR PLAN, AND WE HAVE 39% PROGRESS.
AND THEY CAN SEE WHAT IS ON TRACK, 65.7%.
WHAT DO WE HAVE SOME DISRUPTIONS ON OR MAJOR DISRUPTIONS ON.
AND THEN THEY CAN ACTUALLY GO DOWN INTO EACH GOAL AND THEY CAN GO IN AND SEE THE ACTIVITIES AND THE OBJECTIVES UNDER EACH GOAL AND THE PROGRESS ON THOSE.
AND THE COLORS UNDER THESE PICTURES ACTUALLY ACTUALLY REPRESENT THE DATA WHEN YOU DIVE IN.
SO LIKE THE GREEN IS THE PROGRESS, THE YELLOW IS WHERE THERE'S SOME DISRUPTION.
ANYTHING WITH BLACK HAS MAJOR DISRUPTION.
BLUE ARE THINGS THAT ARE COMPLETE.
BUT WHEN YOU DIVE IN YOU CAN ACTUALLY BREAK IT DOWN AND SEE ALL THAT INFORMATION.
SO THIS THIS WEBSITE IS ALSO UPDATED ON AN ONGOING REGULAR BASIS.
WE ARE CONSTANTLY UPDATING IN THIS INFORMATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT'S.
THE LATEST UPDATES ON THE PROGRESS ON THE ACTIVITIES IN EACH ONE OF THESE GOALS.
I DO WANT TO THANK OUR TEAM, LORENA, RAMONE AND EILEEN FOR THEIR WORK LEADING UP TO TODAY.
AND BEFORE WE DELVE INTO EACH GOAL, I WANT TO PROVIDE A VIEW OF OUR OVERALL PROGRESS.
SO AS I MENTIONED, WE ARE 17% OF TIME LAPSED IN THE FIVE YEAR PERIOD AND 39% OF THE TASKS ARE COMPLETE UNDER THE ACTIVITIES IN THE PLAN. 66% ARE OF THE ACTIVITIES ARE ON TRACK.
AND I'M PLEASED TO TURN THE PRESENTATION OVER TO OUR TEAM TO PRESENT UPDATES ON OUR NINE GOALS, 51 ACTIVITIES AND 105 ACTION ITEMS AND SOME SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES THAT THEY'RE GOING TO CALL OUT ON EACH GOAL.
OVERSEAS GOALS ONE THROUGH THREE.
AND SHE'S GOING TO REPORT ON THOSE RAMON BRACAMONTES.
OVERSEAS GOALS FOUR THROUGH SIX AND LORENA RODRIGUEZ.
OVERSEAS GOALS SEVEN THROUGH NINE.
SO THEY'LL BE TAKING SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PRESENTING ON THEIR GOALS.
WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO CALL UP EILEEN.
OR GOOD MORNING? YES. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
EILEEN FLORES WITH COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.
I WILL BE PRESENTING AN UPDATE ON GOAL GOALS ONE, TWO AND THREE.
SO OUR FIRST SLIDE SHOWS GOAL NUMBER ONE, WHICH IS LEAD JUSTICE REFORM.
THE EVALUATION OF DATA WILL START AFTER THE END OF FISCAL YEAR 2024.
UNDER THIS GOAL, WE ALSO HAVE THE UTEP CRIME IMMIGRATION STUDY.
SO THE PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE STUDY ARE READY.
BUT SOME OF THE DATA NEEDED FURTHER ANALYSIS.
SO STAFF WILL PRESENT THE RESULTS ONCE THE ANALYSIS IS COMPLETED.
[02:30:07]
SPACES AND IMPROVE THE SECURITY ON THE MAIN ENTRANCE.THE FINAL DESIGN PLANS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON JAIL STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL, AND CONSTRUCTION IS SET TO START IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR. THEN WE CONTINUE WITH GOAL NUMBER TWO.
SO GOAL NUMBER TWO IS TRANSFORM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
AND UNDER THIS GOAL WE HAVE THE FIRST ACTIVITY WHICH IS THE THE BROADBAND IMPROVEMENTS ACROSS THE COMMUNITY.
WE ALSO HAVE THE COMPREHENSIVE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY.
SO THIS WILL CONSOLIDATE ALL INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES IN THE COUNTY.
AND THIS POLICY IS BEING DRAFTED RIGHT NOW.
THIS POLICY SUPPORTS SEVERAL OBJECTIVES UNDER THIS GOAL, SUCH AS REDUCING BLIGHT AND MAKING EL PASO MORE ATTRACTIVE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS ATTRACTING HIGHER WAGE INDUSTRIES.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL BRIEFLY ADDRESS THIS ACTIVITY DURING THEIR PRESENTATION LATER TODAY.
UNDER THIS GOAL, WE ALSO HAVE EL PASO PROMISE PLAN.
A NEW COORDINATOR IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN HER DUTIES LATER THIS MONTH, AND COUNTY STAFF IS ACTIVELY PURSUING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES TO ASSIST IN THE PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS.
A BIG PART OF THIS GOAL ALSO IS THE PORT TO PORT COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
THIS PLAN WILL IDENTIFY FUTURE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE TRADE, MOBILITY AND AEROSPACE GROWTH AT THE TORNILLO PORT OF ENTRY AND THE FABENS AIRPORT.
AS YOU MAY BE AWARE, THIS IS A COMMUNITY FUNDING PROJECT AWARDED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STAFF STILL PENDING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SENDING OUT THE GRANT MATERIALS PACKAGE, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE COUNTY TO FORMALLY SUBMIT THE FUNDING REQUEST AND BEGIN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS OF SECURING THE GRANT FUNDING.
YES, BETSY. I WAS WONDERING IF WE COULD SORT OF ESTABLISH THIS.
AND AS A COUNTY, I THINK, YOU KNOW, MAYBE WE COULD MAKE THAT CHANGE.
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT THAT IS? I IT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE WE JUST HAD A CONVERSATION.
WELL, WE TALKED ABOUT THIS YESTERDAY ABOUT USING THE OFFICIAL TITLE, THE MARCELINO SERNA TITLE.
RIGHT. SPECIFICALLY, WE WERE TALKING ABOUT ANOTHER ISSUE AND ANOTHER, ANOTHER INCIDENT AND SAYING, WHY DON'T WE MAKE SURE WE ALL ALWAYS, LIKE, CONSISTENTLY CALL IT THIS? SO I THINK THAT'S SOMETHING WE JUST NEED TO PUT OUT INTERNALLY WHERE WE USE IT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE USING THE OFFICIAL APPROPRIATE NAME AND MAYBE ENDURING STRATEGIC PLANNING OR SOMETHING, BUT THAT WAY WE CAN ALL SAY THE SAME THING.
LIKE I SAID, I THINK GUADELOUPE COMES UP, TORNIO COMES UP.
DO I HEAR THAT? SO WHAT DO WE WANT IT TO BE? AND THEN WE COULD ALWAYS CORRECT, RIGHT.
WHEN THE CHAMBER PUTS IT OUT THAT WE COULD SAY, WELL, YOU KNOW, IT'S.
SO LIKE IF YOU'RE EVER WONDERING WHAT WHAT ARE WE SUPPOSED TO REFERENCE.
AND THEN TO MARCELINO, WE'RE HONORING A VETERAN, CORRECT.
YOU KNOW, AND THEN WE DON'T USE IT.
AND SO I JUST IF WE COULD JUST I MEAN, JUST ON A SIDE NOTE.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
SO THE PORT TO PORT COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN ALSO SUPPORTS SEVERAL OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDER GOAL TWO, WHICH INCLUDE THE PORT OF ENTRY CROSSING, EXPANDED USE AND FABENS AIRPORT AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
[02:35:07]
GOAL NUMBER THREE IS INCREASED TOURISM.SO UNDER THIS GOAL, WE HAVE THE COUNTY WIDE HISTORIC ASSET MASTER PLAN, WHICH IS INTENDED TO IDENTIFY EVERY HISTORIC ASSET IN THE COUNTY, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP, AND THEN CREATE A COORDINATED MARKETING AND PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN.
THE SCOPE OF WORK IS BEING DEFINED TO EVALUATE THE COST AND THE COST OF THIS EFFORT.
ALSO UNDER THIS GOAL, COUNTY STAFF IS WORKING TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOP A ROBUST SPORTS TOURISM STRATEGY THAT WOULD OUTLINE POSSIBLE INITIATIVES TO INCREASE SPORTS TOURISM IN THE REGION.
A DRAFT OF THE PLAN IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 2024.
ALSO UNDER THIS GOAL, WE HAVE THE MISSION TRAIL MASTER PLAN AND UNDER THIS THIS ACTIVITY, STAFF IS DEVELOPING ECONOMIC AND INFILL INCENTIVES FOR VALUABLE DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS.
A PRESENTATION IS EXPECTED BY DECEMBER 2024.
AND I NOW WILL HAND IT OVER TO EILEEN.
JUST SO YOU KNOW, AND YOU AND I HAVE TALKED ABOUT IT, BETSY, THAT THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA SORT OF OVERLAPS A LITTLE BIT, AND I'M WONDERING HOW WE COULD CAPTURE MORE VETERANS MORE AND MORE ARE INTERESTED THAT WE'RE THE VETERANS CAPITAL OF THE USA.
ONE OF THE UNDERLYING OBJECTIVES THAT I HAD WAS THAT THE LOYALTY OF VETERANS.
SO WHEN VETERANS ARE COMING THROUGH, IF WE PROMOTE IT PROPERLY, THEY MIGHT WANT TO STOP BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, THEY'RE VETERANS, THEY'RE VERY LOYAL AND THAT WE GET THAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO MAYBE.
BUT BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO THAT.
BUT THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAIN OBJECTIVES, NOT THE MAIN OBJECTIVES.
BUT WE KNEW IT WAS SOMETHING, A COLLATERAL THING THAT WOULD HAPPEN IS THAT WE WOULD GET THAT LOYALTY FACTOR THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY AND JUDGE, I THINK WE WE DO HAVE AN ITEM ON THAT.
AND I DO BELIEVE IT IS I UNDERSTOOD THAT THERE WAS A GROUP MEETING REGULARLY ON DOING THAT, LIKE WHAT WE CAN DO TO PROMOTE AND BRING AND HAVE SIGNAGE.
I, I, I UNDERSTOOD THAT COMMUNICATIONS WAS HAVING A REGULAR MEETING, INCLUDING YOUR OFFICE.
I'LL FOLLOW UP ON THAT, BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT WAS ONE OF THE GOALS AND INTENT OF THAT MEETING IS TO FIND OUT HOW CAN WE DO THINGS LIKE GET SIGNAGE AS YOU'RE ENTERING THE COUNTY THAT SAYS WELCOME AND KEEP IT SEPARATE.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE MUSEUM AT ZANELLI.
THAT'S RIGHT. PEOPLE LOVE THAT, YOU KNOW, FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA.
IT'S JUST SO AMAZING WHEN YOU'RE THERE.
AND THE THINGS WE'RE TRYING TO DO FOR THE GOLD STAR FAMILY, THAT WILL BE ANOTHER PART OF IT.
BUT WHATEVER YOU COULD DO THAT, IT DOESN'T SORT OF BE JUST UNDER THE VETERANS CAPITAL, BECAUSE THOSE ARE A LOT OF OTHER THINGS WE HAVE TO DO, LIKE THE GAPS, THE BENEFITS AND ALL THAT.
AND IT MIGHT GET LOST IN THE THE TOURISM MIGHT GET LOST IN THERE.
SO JUST JUST WANTED TO EMPHASIZE THAT.
SO NOW I HAND IT OVER TO MR. RAMON MONTES.
WELCOME, RAMON. I CAN GET THIS TO WORK.
RAMON BRACAMONTES FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.
I WILL BE PROVIDING GOALS FOR FIVE AND SIX.
AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS DURING THIS, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO ASK.
GOAL FOUR DEALS WITH UPGRADING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE UN BUILDING NEW PARKS, WHICH IS ACTIVITY 4.1.1.
THE THREE ALL ABILITIES PARKS ARE BUILT AND RUNNING A MASTER PARK.
A MASTER PLAN FOR THE OFF ROAD PARK IN SAN FELIPE IS UNDER DEVELOPMENT.
AND ON MILAGRO PARK WE ARE GATHERING INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY ON ACTIVITY 4.1.5.
THE CAMINO REAL REGIONAL MOBILITY AUTHORITY IS CONDUCTING A COMPREHENSIVE SIDEWALK STUDY FOR US.
[02:40:06]
THIS PAST YEAR, WE DID THREE MILES WORTH OF SIDEWALKS IN TORNILLO, AND THERE IS A PRETTY MASSIVE PAVEMENT SIDEWALK PROJECT UNDERWAY RIGHT NOW.IS THERE ANY IS THERE ANY OF THAT ANALYSIS GOING ON IN PRECINCT TWO FOR SIDEWALKS? NO, SIR. NO.
I'D LIKE TO THINK THAT THERE ARE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT LACK SIDEWALKS AND INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS, TOO.
EXACTLY WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.
COMMISSIONER, I HEAR YOU, BUT BUT THERE ARE SOME PARTICULAR CHALLENGES WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT.
I MEAN, WE WOULD HAVE TO PARTNER WITH THEM AND, AND TO, TO IDENTIFY AND TO IDENTIFY NEEDS.
BUT I DON'T WANT THAT TO BE OVERLOOKED OR PROVIDE FUNDING TO THEM TO DO CERTAIN AREAS FOR US.
COMMISSIONER, BEFORE WE GET OFF NUMBER FOUR UNDER THE PARKS.
I'D LIKE TO SEE US ALSO DO SOME KIND OF EFFORT ON OUR ON THE TRAIL ALONG THE RIVER. WE WE HAVE SOME PROJECTS AND EFFORTS, ESPECIALLY AS ALSO PART OF THE PARKS MASTER PLAN.
OKAY. AND ALSO JUST AS WE GO THROUGH THE UPDATE, I WE ARE RIGHT NOW HAVING PRE MEETINGS WITH THE STRATEGIC PLANNER ON THE THINGS THAT YOU ALL WANT TO SEE IN THE UPCOMING PLAN AS WELL.
AND I'M TRYING TO KEEP A RUNNING LIST OF THINGS I HEAR FROM YOU ALL.
WE HAD AN EARLIER MEETING, A MEETING EARLIER THIS YEAR WHERE YOU ALL IDENTIFIED SOME PRIORITIES.
ACTIVITY 4.1.6 DEALS WITH THE NEW MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE THAT WE ARE EXPECTED TO BUILD.
CITY COUNCIL IS EXPECTED TO APPROVE THE REZONING OF THE LAND THERE ON APRIL 16TH, AND THIS PROJECT IS ALSO PART OF OUR MULTI YEAR CAPITAL PLAN AND ON ACTIVITY 4.2.6.
THE GOAL WAS TO HELP IMPROVE THE DOWNTOWN SKYLINE AT NIGHT BY BEING ABLE TO PUT A DISPLAY ON OUR ON OUR 12 STORY BUILDING, SUCH AS THE FLAG OR A CHRISTMAS TREE.
AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURE THERE, WHEN WHEN DONE, IT LOOKS PRETTY GOOD.
I MEAN GOAL, GOAL FOUR I'M LOST HERE.
AS OF MID-JUNE, 285 CARDS HAD BEEN ISSUED, WITH 135 OF THOSE GOING TO COUNTY RESIDENTS AND ON 5.1.5. WE ARE DEVELOPING A SURVEY, WHICH WE WILL SEND IN AUGUST TO AREA NONPROFITS, ASKING THEM HOW THE COUNTY CAN BEST SUPPORT THEM AND THEIR MISSION. AND AND ON THE LAST ITEM ON THE SLIDE HERE, AS YOU KNOW, THE WOMEN'S COMMISSION HAS BEEN MEETING REGULARLY FOR A YEAR NOW, AND THEY WILL BE PRESENTING TO THE COURT IN THE FALL.
GOAL SIX IS ADVANCING COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES AT AND AT THE END OF AUGUST, WE WILL PRESENT TO THE COURT A PILOT PROGRAM FOR THE COUNTY ARTS COMMITTEE THAT WILL HELP US SUPPORT SEVERAL ART INITIATIVES.
AND IN APRIL, THE COUNTY GAVE $1.4 MILLION TO EL PASOANS FIGHTING HUNGER TO HELP THE COMMUNITY.
AND AS FOR THE CORBIN ZAMBRANO PROJECT, WHILE IT IS ONE OF THE PROJECTS ON THE MULTI-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN, THE COURT ON MONDAY APPROVED FUNDING TO PROCEED WITH THE DESIGN USING ARPA FUNDING AND OPIOID FUNDING, AS WELL AS FEDERAL GRANT.
[02:45:04]
SEPTEMBER 2026.YES. I WILL NOT HAND IT OVER TO LORENA.
WELCOME. GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, LORENA RODRIGUEZ, CHIEF AIDE.
I WILL BE GIVING YOU AN UPDATE ON GOALS SEVEN, EIGHT AND NINE.
GOAL SEVEN IS VALUED THE EL PASO COUNTY FAMILY.
7.11. THE COMMUNITY SERVICE STAFF HAVE DRAFTED A POLICY PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO BECOME US CITIZENS, AND WILL BE WORKING WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FOR LEGAL REVIEW.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURE DOCUMENT IS IN PROGRESS AND WILL BE FORTHCOMING.
7.1.3. THE COUNTY'S IMPLEMENTED.
THE COUNTY IMPLEMENTED AN ONGOING PLAN TO ANNUALLY INCREASE THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024.
STAFF WAS CHARGED WITH IDENTIFYING AND ANALYZING EXISTING POSITIONS THAT FALL BELOW THE $15 AN HOUR, AND DEVELOPING PLANS TO INCREASE THEIR PAY THROUGH ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND RECLASSIFICATIONS.
THESE EFFORTS HAVE RESULTED IN INCREASES TO SEVERAL POSITIONS MIDYEAR IN FISCAL YEAR 2024.
THIS ACTIVITY IS COMPLETE AND WILL BE AN ONGOING OPERATIONAL ACTIVITY, AS YOU JUST HEARD ABOUT THE PAID PARENTAL LEAVE, ALSO KNOWN AS PL.
HOWEVER, THE FINAL POLICY WILL BE BROUGHT BACK AND PRESENTED NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 2024.
HOWEVER, BUT I BELIEVE HR IS WORKING TO GET IT DONE EVEN AHEAD OF THAT THAT TIME FRAME.
AND IF IT'S NOT, THEN YOU CAN GET MAD AT SAM.
WHERE IS HE? GOAL EIGHT IS STRENGTHEN FINANCIAL HEALTH 8.3.1.
THE TEAM HAS COMPLETED ITS IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD PER THE CONTRACT OF SERVICES, AND ARE WORKING TO HAVE THE PUBLIC FACING INTERACTIVE DASHBOARD COMPLETED AND AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC BY OCTOBER 2024.
8.6.1. AS YOU HEARD THIS MORNING, THESE POSITIONS FOR THE CENTRALIZED GRANT SECTION ARE PROCEEDING.
GOAL NINE OPTIMIZE INTERNAL PROCESSES.
WE HAVE THEM REVERSED IN IN VISIO, 9.1.1 IS SUPPOSED TO BE 9.3.1, AND 9.3.1 IS SUPPOSED TO BE 9.1.11 DEALS WITH INTERNAL AND THE OTHER DEALS WITH PUBLIC ENHANCING SERVICES THROUGH TECHNOLOGY.
WHEN IT'S PUBLIC FOCUSED AND THE OTHER IS INTERNAL EFFICIENCY FOCUSED.
HOWEVER, IN THIS UPDATE I WILL UPDATE YOU A LITTLE ON BOTH OF THEM.
WE HAVE ALSO COMBINED THE UPDATE, WHICH APPLIES TO BOTH ACTIVITIES 9.1.1 AND 9.3.1.
SO FROM A PUBLIC PERSPECTIVE, IT HAS IDENTIFIED TWO SOLUTIONS TO BENEFIT CONSTITUENTS AN ONLINE TAX OFFICE PORTAL AND A MEDICAL EXAMINER SEARCH PORTAL PORTAL. BASED ON FEEDBACK FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS AND PUBLIC SURVEYS, AND THEN A SURVEY FOR FURTHER INPUT IS GOING TO BE AVAILABLE TO CONSTITUENTS ON THE TYPES OF SERVICES THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE AVAILABLE ONLINE.
WE WILL BE MAKING THAT CORRECTION IN VISIO 9.3.2.
THE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF SELECTING A CONTRACTOR TO SUPPORT THIS UPGRADE.
THIS CONCLUDES OUR STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS.
2024 2028 UPDATE TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
AT THIS TIME, WE WOULD LIKE TO OPEN UP THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ANY ANY QUESTIONS THE COURT MAY HAVE.
WE THANK YOU. I KNOW WE'VE GOT SOME THINGS COMING UP TO START MEETING AND HAVING THESE DISCUSSIONS.
THANK YOU, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.
THANK YOU. BETSY, IS THERE ANYTHING.
DO WE START EARLY ON OUR LUNCH BREAK, OR DO YOU THINK SOMETHING WE COULD.
I DON'T THINK WE HAVE ANYTHING THAT WE COULD DO IN TEN MINUTES.
LET ME. JUST BECAUSE I'D HATE TO BREAK IT UP IF THERE'S ANY OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE THE FULL.
WE TAKE A LITTLE EARLIER LUNCH AND THEN WE'LL BE BACK.
[02:50:05]
THAT WOULD BE, I THINK IF WE BROKE FOR LUNCH, THAT WOULD BE.AND THEN RIGHT AFTER LUNCH, WHEN WE RETURN, WE'D LIKE TO START WITH THE EXECUTIVE SESSION ITEM.
SURE. BECAUSE OUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR, WE'D LIKE TO HAVE OUR FINANCIAL ADVISER THERE, AND OUR FINANCIAL ADVISER WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AFTER 230, SO WE'D LIKE TO DO THAT RIGHT AFTER LUNCH. THANK YOU. SO WE'LL TAKE THE BREAK NOW AND THEN BE BACK AT TEN TILL ONE.
COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS FOR ONE HOUR.
[Meeting Recess]
DO. YOU THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES ALSO? CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
[02:55:04]
VACCINATE AS IMPORTANT SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH.COM SABEMOS CUANTO A MAS DE TUS HIJOS? ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVE TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
HEY, WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAD MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW AND A SCOUT AT THE PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES.
I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
INDEPENDENCE. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.
AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
THE FLOORING IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES.
AND SO YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES.
I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
READY. THE AMENITIES AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE THIS ONE OVER HERE THE SWAY FUN.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO IS USING A WHEELCHAIR.
A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
[03:00:01]
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD, OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION, BECAUSE THIS IS AN INITIATIVE THAT THE COUNTY STARTED WORKING ON, ALONG WITH BORDER NETWORK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, NINE, ALMOST TEN YEARS AGO.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
ON ANY GIVEN WEEKEND, YOU CAN STILL SEE WEDDINGS BEING PERFORMED QUINCEANERAS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
IF YOU LIKE ART, WE'VE GOT GREAT RESTAURANTS, A BREWERY, CAFES AND OF COURSE, THE SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHICH OFFERS FREE CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL OF SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
[03:05:05]
WELL, ON ANY THIRD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, FOLKS CAN COME DOWN TO SAN ELIZARIO WHERE WE HAVE AN ART MARKET.WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, NEAR THE SOCORRO MISSION IN SOCORRO, TEXAS.
WE HAVE SOME GREAT RESTAURANTS.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE.
YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF TEGUA POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME? WELL, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, FOLKS KIND OF DRIVE THROUGH EL PASO ON THEIR WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION.
CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
[03:12:11]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
Q SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH.COM SABEMOS CUANTO A MAS DE TUS HIJOS? ASI Q RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
HEY, WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAD MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW AND A SCOUT AT THE PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
[03:15:05]
YEAH. HIGH FIVE.TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES.
I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
AS A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO, I'M QUITE IMPRESSED.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
I CAN'T ASK FOR MORE THAN A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.
AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
THE FLOORING IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES.
AND SO YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND SWINGS.
READY. THE AMENITIES AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, THIS ONE OVER HERE, THE SWAY FAN, IT'S A IT'S A SEESAW.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
WE WALK AROUND A DAY WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFICATION AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU REACH FOR YOUR WALLET.
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO BE ENHANCED AND FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
[03:20:03]
SO NOW HAVING THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD WILL GIVE THEM THAT SECURITY THAT THEY KNOW THEY CAN CALL AND ASK THE POLICE FOR HELP.THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
IF YOU LIKE ART, WE'VE GOT GREAT RESTAURANTS, A BREWERY, CAFES AND OF COURSE THE SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHICH OFFERS FREE CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL, SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, NEAR THE SOCORRO MISSION IN SOCORRO, TEXAS, WE HAVE A NEW BREWERY.
WE HAVE SOME GREAT RESTAURANTS.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS. YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF TEGUA POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME? WELL, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, FOLKS KIND OF DRIVE THROUGH EL PASO ON THEIR WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION.
[03:25:02]
CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.
ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
[03:30:02]
AND IF YOU'VE ALREADY GOTTEN THE VACCINE, YOU SHOULD GET YOUR BOOSTER FOR YOUR CHILD'S ROUTINE VACCINES.WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
VACCINATE AS IMPORTANT SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH COM SABEMOS CUANTO A MAS DE TUS HIJOS? ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACCINATE.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAD MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW AND A SCOUT AT THE PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES, I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT. THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
FOR A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.
AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
WOOHOO! THE FLOORING IS IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES. AND SO YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES.
I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, THIS ONE OVER HERE, THE SWAY.
[03:35:03]
FUN. IT'S A SEESAW.BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
WALK AROUND THE DAY WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFICATION AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU REACH FOR YOUR WALLET.
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
IF YOU LIKE ART, WE'VE GOT GREAT RESTAURANTS, A BREWERY, CAFES AND OF COURSE, THE SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHICH OFFERS FREE CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL, SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY
[03:40:07]
USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS. YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF TEGUA POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME? WELL, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO.
WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
[03:47:20]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
Q SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH.COM SABEMOS CUANTO A MAS DE TUS HIJOS? ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH THIS YEAR.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAVE MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW AND A SCOUT AT THE PARK, COME ON OUT.
[03:50:07]
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
I CAN'T ASK FOR MORE FOR A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED. YOU KNOW, THIS IS A GREAT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION MOMS ON BOARD, THE NONPROFIT, THE COUNTY OF EL PASO, THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT. TOGETHER, WE CREATED THE PLAN OF HAVING THREE ALL ABILITIES PARKS INSTEAD OF JUST ONE, SO THAT WE COULD HAVE REACH ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTY.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.
AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE ONE TWO, THREE.
AND SO, YOU KNOW, WE'VE GOT SLIDES I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE THIS ONE OVER HERE THE SWAY FUN.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT, HAVE FUN, HAVE FUN.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
IT JUST OPENS UP THAT THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
WALK AROUND THE DAY WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFICATION AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU REACH FOR YOUR WALLET.
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THAT THIS PROJECT IS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
[03:55:04]
YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO MAYBE DON'T HAVE AN ID AND SO ARE AFRAID TO REPORT THAT THEY'VE BEEN THE VICTIM OF A CRIME TO POLICE BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THE POLICE MIGHT ASK THEM FOR ID.THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, HOGAN JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
EL PASO I'VE HEARD ABOUT EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU.
EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
IF YOU LIKE ART, WE'VE GOT GREAT RESTAURANTS, A BREWERY, CAFES AND OF COURSE THE SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHICH OFFERS FREE CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL OF SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT.
AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS. YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF TEGUA POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME? WELL, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM, SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
[04:00:07]
TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION CITY.COMMISSIONER ELIANA HOGAN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO REGULAR OPEN SESSION.
ARE WE DOING EXECUTIVE? YES, PLEASE. AT THIS TIME, WE'D LIKE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
SURE. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEMS FIVE A AND FIVE B PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 5,051.071 AND 551.0725.
COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECONVENE TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION.
RIGHT. HOW MUCH AM I? WE'RE BACK ON. OKAY.
YES. FOR ITEM NUMBER FIVE, B, I'D LIKE TO READ THAT IN QUICKLY.
QUICKLY. PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071 AND 551.0725.
DISCUSS AND RECEIVE LEGAL ADVICE CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 302 AND THE NEGOTIATION AND NEGOTIATION OF THE ENERGY CONSTRUCTION SERVICES CONTRACT AND THE EQUIPMENT LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN EL PASO COUNTY AND CORRESPONDING SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC BUILDING AMERICAS INCORPORATED.
THANK YOU. ANNA SCHUMACHER, ASSISTANT COUNTY ATTORNEY.
[A. Discuss findings regarding persons necessary in Executive Session. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215]
THOSE ISSUES WITHOUT UNDERMINING THE COUNTY'S POSITION.FOR THAT REASON, AS YOUR LEGAL ADVISER, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT DELIBERATION AND OPEN MEETING CONCERNING THESE BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL ISSUES RELATING TO THESE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN NEGOTIATIONS.
THUS, I AM REQUESTING THAT COMMISSIONERS COURT UNANIMOUSLY VOTE THAT DELIBERATIONS IN AN OPEN MEETING WOULD HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT IN THE NEGOTIATIONS, AND THAT ALL SAID DELIBERATIONS TAKE PLACE IN A CLOSED SESSION.
AND A COPY OF THIS LEGAL MEMO WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE COUNTY CLERK.
TO BE PART MAY BE MADE PART OF THE OFFICIAL RECORD.
THANK YOU. IS THERE A MOTION? WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER LEONE AND A SECOND FROM COUNTY JUDGE SAMANIEGO.
MINE'S NOT PULLING UP FOR SOME REASON.
THERE IT IS. COULD WE HAVE YOUR ORAL VOTE? THERE IT IS. I GOT IT.
COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL NOW RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEMS FIVE A AND FIVE B PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 551.071 AND 551.0725. COMMISSIONERS COURT WILL RECONVENE TO TAKE OFFICIAL ACTION.
[EXECUTIVE SESSION Only the members of the Commissioners Court have a right to attend an executive session, except that legal counsel must be present if the executive session is held pursuant to Government Code section 551.071. In addition to legal counsel, Commissioners Court may include in executive session certain officers and employees if it finds that (1) their participation is necessary to the matter under consideration; (2) their interests are not adverse to the county, and (3) their presence will not waive the attorney client privilege. Generally, the Chief Administrator, Budget Executive Director, County Clerk's representatives, and County Auditor's Office representatives attend the closed session items based on the enumerated criteria, and certain other persons may attend based on the above-listed criteria or as otherwise provided by law.]
[04:07:53]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
Q SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS.
HEALTH. COM SABEMOS CUANTO ALMORZAR TUS HIJOS.
ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
[04:10:01]
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAD MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW IN A SKELETON PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES.
I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
AS A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO, I'M QUITE IMPRESSED.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW, WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
I CAN'T ASK FOR MORE FOR A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED. YOU KNOW, THIS IS A GREAT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE ORGANIZATION MOMS ON BOARD, THE NONPROFIT, THE COUNTY OF EL PASO, THE TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT. TOGETHER, WE CREATED THE PLAN OF HAVING THREE ALL ABILITIES PARKS INSTEAD OF JUST ONE, SO THAT WE COULD HAVE REACH ALL CORNERS OF THE COUNTY.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISING IN FABENS.
THE FLOORING IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES.
AND SO, YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE THIS ONE OVER HERE THE SWAY FUN.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD, OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
WALK AROUND A DAY WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFICATION AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU REACH FOR YOUR WALLET.
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION, BECAUSE THIS IS AN INITIATIVE THAT THE COUNTY STARTED WORKING ON, ALONG WITH BORDER NETWORK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, NINE, ALMOST TEN YEARS AGO.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
[04:15:02]
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO BE ENHANCED AND FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW, AND IT WILL HELP ALL OF US.YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTH CARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE, IF YOU LIKE ART.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL OF SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS. YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN.
SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
[04:20:01]
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, FOLKS KIND OF DRIVE THROUGH EL PASO ON THEIR WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION.
CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
[04:25:27]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
Q SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
ADEMAS DE LAS VACUNAS LOS NINOS MAYORES DE CINCO ANOS, AHORA SON ELEGIBLES PARA LA VACUNA DE COVID 19, LA VACUNA COVID-19 NUEVAS GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINA DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH PUNTO COM SABEMOS CUANTO MAS A TUS HIJOS? ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
HEY, WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH, PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAVE MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW AND A SCOUT AT THE PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES.
I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
FELICIDADES A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING, BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS
[04:30:05]
RISINGER IN FABENS.AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
123. WOOHOO! THE FLOORING IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES.
AND SO, YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES.
I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE THIS ONE OVER HERE THE SWAY FUN.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION, BECAUSE THIS IS AN INITIATIVE THAT THE COUNTY STARTED WORKING ON, ALONG WITH BORDER NETWORK FOR HUMAN RIGHTS MANY, MANY YEARS AGO, NINE, ALMOST TEN YEARS AGO.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
[04:35:08]
CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SO FOR 2023, TEXAS TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMED THE MISSION TRAIL THE BEST HISTORIC SITE IN TEXAS AND ONE OF THE SMALL COMMUNITIES LOCATED ALONG THE MISSION TRAIL, SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
SO, FOR EXAMPLE, NEAR THE SOCORRO MISSION IN SOCORRO, TEXAS, WE HAVE A NEW BREWERY.
AFE. WE HAVE SOME GREAT RESTAURANTS AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS.
YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS, WITH OUR MISSIONS, THEY'RE STILL VERY ACTIVE.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME? WELL, WE HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, FOLKS KIND OF DRIVE THROUGH EL PASO ON THEIR WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION.
CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
[04:43:02]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
Q SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
ADEMAS DE LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS LOS NINOS MAYORES DE CINCO ANOS.
AHORA SON ELEGIBLES PARA LA VACUNA DE COVID 19.
LA VACUNA COVID 19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINAS DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH COM SABEMOS CUANTO ALMORZAR TUS HIJOS, ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACCINATE.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
HEY, WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
[04:45:01]
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS.
AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAVE MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW IN A SKELETON PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES.
I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT.
THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE. I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
I CAN'T ASK FOR MORE THAN A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT.
AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.
AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
THE FLOORING IS ALSO SPECIALLY MADE AND CONDUCIVE TO FOLKS WITH WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABILITIES.
AND SO YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES.
I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND.
READY. THE AMENITIES AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE THIS ONE OVER HERE.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD, OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
KIDS WITHOUT DISABILITIES WILL NOT.
THEIR PLAY ISN'T IMPACTED WITH NOW HAVING KIDS WITH DISABILITIES COME AND JOIN THEM.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THAT THIS PROJECT IS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKS SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
[04:50:04]
UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO BE ENHANCED AND FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
BUT NOW I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU EVERYTHING I CAN ABOUT EL PASO.
BECAUSE WE WANT TO INVITE PEOPLE TO COME AND GET TO KNOW EL PASO.
THESE MISSIONS REPRESENT ABOUT 350 YEARS OF OUR CULTURE, OUR HISTORY, OUR TRADITIONS.
SO THESE ARE STILL ACTIVE MISSIONS THAT ARE VERY MUCH A PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
WE HAVE WONDERFUL ART GALLERIES THERE.
IF YOU LIKE ART, WE'VE GOT GREAT RESTAURANTS, A BREWERY, CAFES AND OF COURSE, THE SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHICH OFFERS FREE CONCERTS EVERY SINGLE WEEKEND.
THERE'S A DOCUMENTARY THAT WAS JUST MADE ABOUT EL PASO.
YEAH, WE'RE VERY PROUD OF ALL OF THE NATIONAL ATTENTION THAT EL PASO IS RECEIVING.
AND JUST TO MENTION SOME MORE RECOGNITIONS THAT WE'RE VERY, VERY PROUD OF.
SAN ELIZARIO. THE CITY OF SAN ELIZARIO, WHICH IS HOME TO THE PRESIDIO CHAPEL OF SAN ELIZARIO, WAS NAMED THE BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA FOR 2023 BY USA TODAY. AND WHAT'S SPECIAL THAT YOU GOT? I'M SURE YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE GOING TO BE HAPPENING OVER THE SUMMER, BUT THERE'S SOME SPECIAL STUFF THAT WILL BE HAPPENING THIS SUMMER.
WE HAVE A LOT OF WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL LOCAL ARTISTS WHO WILL SHOW OFF ALL OF THEIR ARTISTRY.
WE ALSO HAVE A REENACTMENT OF BILLY THE KID BREAKING INTO THE WHAT WAS THEN THE EL PASO COUNTY JAIL TO BREAK OUT A FRIEND OF HIS FROM JAIL. SO WE HAVE SOME LOCAL ACTORS WHO DO A REENACTMENT, AND IT'S JUST A VERY FUN ENVIRONMENT.
THERE'S A LOT TO DO, A LOT TO SEE.
YOU CAN WALK AROUND, OF COURSE, EXPLORE THE CHAPEL.
AND WE ALSO HAVE A LOT OF GREAT RESTAURANTS AND NEW BUSINESSES THAT HAVE OPENED UP.
SO, FOR EXAMPLE, NEAR THE SOCORRO MISSION IN SOCORRO, TEXAS, WE HAVE A NEW BREWERY.
WE HAVE SOME GREAT RESTAURANTS.
AND THEN IF YOU WANT TO GO TO THE YSLETA MISSION, THAT'S WHERE WE IT'S LOCATED RIGHT NEXT TO SPEAKING ROCK ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, WHERE, AS I MENTIONED, THEY HAVE A LOT OF FREE CONCERTS. YOU ALSO HAVE A LOT OF TEGUA POTTERY.
SO THAT'S THE HOME OF THE YSLETA DEL SUR PUEBLO.
SO YOU HAVE A LOT OF NATIVE POTTERY THERE.
THEY BAKE THEIR BREAD FRESH IN THE OVEN, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW BREAD IS BAKED IN THE OLD TRADITION.
THERE'S PLENTY FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY.
DEFINITELY. SO WE'RE REALLY PROUD OF OUR HERITAGE AND OUR TRADITIONS.
[04:55:05]
SO A LOT OF TIMES YOU GO TO HISTORICAL PLACES AND.YOU KNOW, THEY'RE ROPED OFF AND YOU CAN'T REALLY GO IN.
YOU KIND OF HAVE TO. SEE THEM FROM AFAR.
AND THAT'S NOT THE CASE WITH OUR MISSIONS.
SO MASS IS STILL HELD THERE ON SUNDAYS.
OKAY. SO FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER BEEN TO EL PASO, WHAT'S THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT TO.
REALLY ENJOY EL PASO FOR THE FIRST TIME.
SO DEFINITELY YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO START WITH THE MISSION TRAIL.
WE WANT TO INVITE EVERYONE TO COME OUT TO THE MISSION TRAIL, BUT WE ALSO HAVE WATER PARKS.
WE ALSO HAVE A BASEBALL STADIUM.
SO WE HAVE A LOT TO DO IN EL PASO.
AND I THINK A LOT OF TIMES EL PASO IS, YOU KNOW, FOLKS KIND OF DRIVE THROUGH EL PASO ON THEIR WAY TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, BUT IT'S JUST SO WORTH IT TO STOP FOR A FEW DAYS AND SPEND TIME IN EL PASO. WE DEFINITELY WANT EL PASO TO BECOME A DESTINATION.
CITY COMMISSIONER ILIANA HOLGUIN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING ME THIS MORNING.
YOU CAN GO TO THE WEBSITE YOU SEE ON YOUR SCREEN.
[05:00:36]
IT'S IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILDREN TO STAY CURRENT ON ALL THEIR ROUTINE VACCINES.ALSO, CHILDREN FIVE AND OLDER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID 19 VACCINE.
YOU AND YOUR KIDS SHOULD GET THE VACCINE TOO.
WE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE YOUR CHILDREN, SO REMEMBER DON'T HESITATE.
VACCINATE AS IMPORTANT SUS HIJOS TENGAN TODAS SUS VACUNAS.
LA VACUNA COVID-19 ES GRATIS PARA LAS VACUNAS RUTINA DE SUS HIJOS.
VISITA EP HEALTH.COM SABEMOS CUANTO ALMORZAR LOS HIJOS, ASI RECUERDA NO LO DUDES VACUNA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY. WE ARE FRECUENCIA.
SO TODAY WE ARE CELEBRATING THE 4TH OF JULY HERE AT ASCARATE PARK.
ONCE IT GETS DARK, WE'LL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FIREWORKS DISPLAY FOR THE COMMUNITY.
YOU KNOW, ASCARATE PARK IS THE HEART OF EL PASO COUNTY.
THIS IS OUR COUNTY PARK WHERE FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS HAVE LOVED TO COME AND PLAY AND FISH.
SO WE'RE REALLY HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO OPEN UP THE PARK ON THE 4TH OF JULY.
HEY, WE'RE GETTING OUR 4TH OF JULY GLASSES.
YEAH. PUT THEM ON. IT'S JULY 4TH.
IT'S THE FIRST TIME WE'VE DONE IT HERE.
SO IT'S WHERE YOU GET YOUR OWN PERSONAL TABLE.
YOU HAVE AREAS WHERE YOU CAN PLAY GAMES.
WE HAVE BLOW UP SLIDES FOR THE CHILDREN.
WE EVEN HAVE A MOVIE INDOORS IF THE KIDS WOULD PREFER TO WATCH A MOVIE OVER FIREWORKS.
BUT THE TICKETS FOR OUR VIP AREA THIS YEAR WERE $45 FOR ADULTS, AND THAT PROVIDED A BRISKET DINNER.
AND THEN FOR THE REST OF THE PUBLIC, NOT AT THE VIP EVENT.
WE HAD MULTIPLE FOOD TRUCKS OVER HERE AT THE SPECIAL EVENTS AREA AND ON OUR LAWN.
IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO A FIREWORKS SHOW IN A SKELETON PARK, COME ON OUT.
SO THAT'S KIND OF THE BEAUTY OF IT HERE ON INDEPENDENCE DAY.
YEAH. TODAY IS THE 4TH OF JULY OF THIS YEAR, 2024.
I WAS NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO HERE IN EL PASO AS A NEW RESIDENT, AND I LOOKED INTO SOME RESOURCES, I WAS ABLE TO DISCOVER THAT HERE IN ASCARATE PARK THEY HAD A GREAT FIREWORKS EVENT. THERE'S A NEW RESIDENT HERE TO THE COUNTY OF EL PASO.
I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS EXISTING.
YOU KNOW WHERE I'M HERE WITH MY THREE BOYS.
YOU KNOW, WE'RE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
FELICIDADES A HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, EL PASO.
WE ARE AT EL PASO'S LARGEST ALL ABILITIES PLAYGROUND.
THIS IS A PROJECT THAT HAS BEEN MANY YEARS IN THE MAKING.
BUT I JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU AGAIN.
AND THIS HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT AND EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY IS SO EXCITED.
[05:05:04]
WOW. SO THERE'S THE FIRST ONE THAT OPENED WAS GALLEGOS PARK IN THE FAR WEST AND FAR EAST WAS RISINGER IN FABENS.AND THIS ONE FINALLY TODAY, CENTRAL ASCARATE.
AND SO YOU KNOW WE'VE GOT SLIDES.
I MEAN IT'S A GREAT PLAYGROUND SWINGS.
READY. AT THE AMENITIES AND THE PLAY STRUCTURES ARE MORE INCLUSIVE.
THEY ALLOW FOR WHEELED DEVICES TO BE UTILIZED.
SO FOR EXAMPLE, THIS ONE OVER HERE, THE SWAY FUN.
BUT A CHILD OR A PERSON WHO'S USING A WHEELED A WHEELCHAIR DOES NOT NEED TO EXIT THEIR WHEELCHAIR.
THEY CAN WHEEL INTO IT AND EXPERIENCE THE THE FUN.
AND I REALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR MAKING THIS HAPPEN.
WELL, THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
WELCOME. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PARK? IT'S VERY GOOD OBVIOUSLY.
GREAT. WELL, ARE YOU GOING TO GO PLAY? YEAH. ALL RIGHT.
HAVE FUN. HAVE FUN. THANK YOU.
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS ALL ABOUT, RIGHT? CADEN AND HIS CLASSMATES AT RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY WHO JOINED US TODAY.
THAT COMMUNICATION AND THAT COMMUNITY.
WALK AROUND A DAY WITHOUT YOUR IDENTIFICATION AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU REACH FOR YOUR WALLET.
AND IF YOU DON'T HAVE IT, WHAT YOU CANNOT DO.
VERY EXCITED, HAPPY AND PROUD THAT THAT THIS PROJECT HAS FINALLY COME TO FRUITION.
I KNOW THE GOVERNMENT WORKED SLOW, BUT, YOU KNOW, WE PERSEVERED AND WE WE WE DIDN'T GIVE UP.
WE DID HAVE TO TALK TO ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THIS LIBRARY CARD WOULD BE ACCEPTED AS A FORM OF ID, AND I'M REALLY HAPPY TO REPORT THAT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT.
IT'S A VERY GOOD PROGRAM THAT CAME OVER HERE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN FABENS.
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO BE ENHANCED AND FOR EVERYBODY TO KNOW.
YOU HAVE A DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES WHO JUST CAN'T GET THAT STATE ISSUED ID, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THIS ENHANCED LIBRARY CARD, THEY'LL BE ABLE TO ENGAGE IN A LOT OF ACTIVITIES THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO OTHERWISE.
THIS IS GOING TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS BANKING SERVICES, HEALTHCARE, MEDICAL SERVICES.
IT WILL HELP FOLKS WITH SCHOOLS, WITH LIBRARIES.
THIS IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP THAT WE HAVE WITH THE CITY, WE CAN DO MORE OF THESE.
THAT'S WHAT I THINK THE COUNTY HAS ESPOUSED, THE VALUE OF BEING INCLUSIVE.
AND THIS, I THINK, EMBODIES THAT.
I BET YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT ROUTE 66, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MISSION TRAIL? IT MAY BE ONLY NINE MILES LONG, BUT IT'S A VERY SPECIAL PART OF THE AREA NEAR EL PASO, AND IT MIGHT JUST BE A FUN VACATION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY.
EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF PRECINCT 13, ILIANA HOLGUIN, JOINS ME THIS MORNING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.
THANK YOU FOR THE INVITATION, EL PASO.
COMMISSIONERS COURT HAS RECONVENED INTO SPECIAL OPEN SESSION.
[05:10:03]
PROJECTED SELECTIONS, PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT, CORRESPONDING FINANCIAL PLANNING RELATED TO CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS, AND GENERAL CAPITAL DIRECTION.GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE. COMMISSIONERS, WE PLACE THIS ITEM ON AGAIN TODAY FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING.
WE WANT TO GIVE THE COURT AND THE PUBLIC EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK.
WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO OUR TEAM LED BY JOSE LANDEROS.
THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS AND THOSE WITH COUNTY ADMINISTRATION.
[D. Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the development of the FY2024 Multiyear Capital Plan for El Paso County, including: project selections, performance objectives and outcomes, performance management, operational management, corresponding financial planning related to capital investments and operational needs, and general capital direction. Jose Landeros, Director, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2215]
PART OF IT WILL BE PROJECT SPECIFIC.THE FIRST HALF OF THE PRESENTATION, AND THEN THE SECOND HALF OF THE DISCUSSION WILL REALLY BE FOCUSED ON THE ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION AND THE OUTREACH PLAN FOR THE THIRD PHASE. IF YOU WANT TO THINK OF IT IN THOSE TERMS, THE FIRST THE FIRST TWO PHASES WERE COMPLETED TO GET US TO THIS POINT IN TERMS OF PROJECT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT. AND THE THIRD PHASE WILL REALLY BE SHARING INFORMATION WITH THE PUBLIC ON WHAT THE COURT'S FINAL DECISION WAS, WHAT THAT STRUCTURE LOOKS LIKE, WHAT THE FINANCE AMOUNT LOOKS LIKE, AND AND WHAT THE THE MONTHS AHEAD WILL LOOK LIKE.
WE STILL REMAIN IN THAT ON THAT YELLOW ARROW IN BETWEEN EVERYTHING.
THESE DATES STILL REMAIN THE SAME.
WE'RE ON THE SECOND OF THREE WORKSHOPS.
THE LAST ONE THAT THE COURT WILL HAVE SCHEDULED IS ON MONDAY, MAY 20TH, JULY 29TH.
AT THAT MEETING, A LOT OF THE PRESENTATION, THE DISCUSSION WILL ALSO BE FOCUSED AROUND A SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION FROM PUBLIC WORKS WITH REGARD TO SPACE, THE SPACE ALLOCATION STUDY THAT WAS COMPLETED RECENTLY TO DISCUSS SOME OF THE SPACE NEEDS THAT HELP INFORM A LOT OF THE PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN YOUR PROPOSED PROJECT LISTING FOR THE CERTIFICATES OF OBLIGATION AND THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS.
AND SO THE SPREADSHEETS THAT WERE ACTUALLY ATTACHED TO THE AGENDA ITEM ARE THE MOST UP TO DATE, AS YOU ALL RECALL, THE THE ONLY REVISION THAT THE COURT MADE TO THE BOOK'S RECOMMENDATION WAS TO SWAP THE PARK PROJECTS THAT WERE IDENTIFIED AND MOVE IN THE SHELTER PARK INTO THE CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGATION, AND THEN MOVE THE VETERANS PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT BACK INTO THE GEO.
SO OTHERWISE THE PROJECTS REMAIN THE SAME.
THE COURT HAS BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATION.
5 MILLION A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND THAT IS CURRENTLY AT 292.2 MILLION TOTALING 482.4 MILLION.
AS YOU ALL KNOW, YOUR MAXIMUM CAPACITY WITHOUT AFFECTING THE BOND RATING IS 500 MILLION.
AND SO THERE'S CURRENTLY 17.6 MILLION IN CAPACITY.
AND SO ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION OR CHANGES THAT THE COURT MAKES TODAY, THAT THOSE NUMBERS MAY ADJUST.
AND WE'LL BE READY TO DISCUSS SOME OF THOSE.
BUT BEFORE DOING SO AND OPENING IT UP TO TO SOME DISCUSSION ON THE PROJECT SIDE, WE DID WANT TO GIVE YOU ALL SOME INFORMATION WITH REGARD TO QUESTIONS THAT WERE DISCUSSED BY THE COURT DURING THE WORKSHOP LAST, LAST WEEK.
STARTING WITH COMMISSIONER LEON.
COMMISSIONER, YOU HAD RAISED SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ELEVATORS, AND SO WE DID COORDINATE WITH WITH MR. SULLY AND FACILITIES, AND WE ASKED FOR A NUMBER OF THE TOTAL ELEVATORS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA.
AND EFFECTIVELY SAID HOW MANY HAVE BEEN MODERNIZED AND WHAT IS PENDING.
AND SO THE SIX COURTHOUSE ELEVATORS AND THE TWO IN THE PUBLIC GARAGE HAVE ALREADY BEEN MODERNIZED.
AND THERE ARE SIX ELEVATORS THAT ARE CURRENTLY SCHEDULED TO BE MODERNIZED USING THE CURRENT FUNDING.
TWO OF THEM ARE GOING TO BE AT THE MDR BUILDING, ONE OF THEM AT A SITE AT THE PARK.
ONE OF THEM AT THE SPORTS PARK, WHICH IS OUTSIDE OF LIKE THE IMMEDIATE DOWNTOWN AREA.
AND THEN TWO AT THE EMPLOYEE GARAGE.
AND SO THE EMPLOYEE GARAGE ELEVATORS ARE TWO ELEVATORS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN BEEN MODERNIZED, BUT ARE SCHEDULED TO BE DUE FOR MODERNIZATION IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, AS DETERMINED BY FACILITIES.
[05:15:02]
OKAY. AND, BETTY, I UNDERSTAND ON THE EMPLOYEE GARAGE, ONE OF THEM HAS BEEN DOWN FOR MONTHS.I GUESS IF YOU ADDED ALL THOSE MONTHS UP WHEN IT'S BEEN DOWN, UP, UP, IT'S BEEN DOWN FOR YEARS.
I GUESS THAT'S PART OF THE ONE OF THE ONES THAT IS SCHEDULED TO BE MODERNIZED.
THAT ONE IS SCHEDULED AS ONE OF MANY THAT ARE THAT ARE DUE FOR MODERNIZATION.
WE DO CONTINUE TO WORK ON THOSE REPAIRS.
WHAT THE ISSUE WE HAVE RUN INTO, BECAUSE I'VE HAD THE I'VE HAD FOLLOW UP CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THOSE ELEVATORS AND THE THE TIME THAT THEY'RE DOWN AND EVEN HAVE ASKED, LIKE, IS THERE A WAY FOR US TO GET ONE SET OF PARTS FOR EVERY ELEVATOR TO BE LIKE WHERE WE WAREHOUSE THEM? AND IT'S EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE AND IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE THOSE PARTS.
I DON'T KNOW, NORMA, IF YOU WANT TO ADD ANYTHING TO THAT, BUT I HAVE I'VE INQUIRED ON THIS AS WELL.
LIKE, WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG WHEN THEY GO DOWN? AND I UNDERSTAND IT'S A SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUE.
IT HAS HELPED IN SEVERAL CASES WHERE I'VE SEEN IT GO DOWN AND BE BACK UP WITHIN LIKE LESS THAN AN HOUR, BUT THAT THERE'S ONE PARTICULAR ELEVATOR IN THE EMPLOYEE GARAGE THAT HAS BEEN DOWN FOR A LONG TIME.
AND SOMETIMES WHEN WE HAVE BOTH OF THEM DOWN, WHAT HAPPENS WITH OUR ADA DRIVERS? SO WE'RE BACK TO SQUARE ONE YEAR AFTER YEAR.
YES. SO WHAT HAPPENS IS WE ACTUALLY HAVE OUR STAFF WORK TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ADVISE THE PEOPLE COMING IN TO COME AROUND AND USE THE PUBLIC GARAGE, WHICH IS, YOU KNOW NOT WHAT WE WANT TO HAVE, BUT THAT'S THE OPTION THAT'S AVAILABLE ON THIS CURRENT ONE THAT'S DOWN.
WE'RE WAITING ON PARTS FOR IT TO.
IT WAS INSTALLED WHEN THE THE FACILITY WAS BUILT.
SO THAT'S WHAT'S PENDING ON THAT ONE.
AND THERE WAS WATER DAMAGE TO THAT ELEVATOR WHEN IN A RAINSTORM.
AND I KNOW I'M NOT BLAMING ANY OF OUR PERSONNEL BECAUSE I KNOW IT'S GOOD.
BUT IT SEEMS LIKE WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN WAITING FOR PARTS.
WELL, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHICH ELEVATOR.
WE'RE WAITING FOR PARTS, AND IT'S AGAIN, IT'S NOT OUR PERSONNEL'S FAULT.
WOULD IT NOT BE BETTER? I GUESS WE'RE GOING IN THE DIRECTION TO JUST REPLACE IT TO TO REBUILD THE ENTIRE MECHANISM SYSTEMS. AND, COMMISSIONER, I MEAN, IT DOESN'T MAKE IT LESS PAINFUL BY ANY MEANS, BUT I'VE SPOKE TO OTHER BUILDINGS, BUILDING OWNERS DOWNTOWN OR BUILDING MAINTENANCE DOWNTOWN THAT HAVE ELEVATORS AS WELL AND BEEN TOLD VERY SIMILAR.
AND ONE THING THAT WE'RE LOOKING AT RIGHT NOW, THERE'S THERE'S BASICALLY ONE MAJOR PROVIDER.
AND IN DEFENSE OF THE PROVIDER, THERE'S MORE WORK PROBABLY THAN THAN THEY CAN COVER.
BUT MAYBE OTHERS GO WITH THEM AND IT WILL BALANCE SOME OF THE WORKLOAD.
I FOUND OUT ABOUT THIS OTHER COMPANY COMING INTO EL PASO COUNTY, ALSO THROUGH NACO, BECAUSE THEY'RE DOING A CO-OP PURCHASING PROGRAM, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE ANOTHER ELEVATOR VENDOR.
SO WE CHECKED IN TO SEE WHETHER THEY HAVE ANY RESOURCES COMING TO EL PASO COUNTY.
THEY SAID THEY HAVE SOME HERE NOW AND THEY'RE PLANNING TO EXPAND.
BUT THOSE THOSE ARE SOME OF THE ISSUES.
BUT WE CONTINUE TO BE TOLD PARTS ARE ON ORDER.
AND IT'S YOU KNOW, LIKE I SAY, WE'VE GOT A GREAT PERSONNEL, BUT IT'S SO EMBARRASSING FOR ME EVERY TIME I WALK INTO THE EVERY DAY AND I SEE THAT CONE IN FRONT OF THAT ONE ELEVATOR, I THINK TO MYSELF, WHAT ARE THOSE COMMISSIONERS DOING? YOU KNOW, IT'S US.
WE CAN'T POINT THE FINGER AT ANYBODY ELSE.
IT'S US THAT CAN'T GET IT DONE.
SO WE ARE WORKING WITH MR. SULLY AND MISS PALACIOS TO SEE IF THERE MIGHT BE SOME SAVINGS ON ON SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT ARE UNDERWAY TO SEE IF THOSE PROJECTS CAN BE ACCELERATED TO MEET THAT, TO GET THOSE FACILITIES UP AND RUNNING AND MODERNIZED SOONER THAN THAN EXPECTED.
BECAUSE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT BOTH MISS PALACIOS AND MISS KELLER JUST DESCRIBED.
THE SECOND ITEM, PARK BATHROOMS. SO STAFF IS GOING TO LOOK ON EVALUATING AND ESTABLISHING A POLICY TO IDENTIFY SOME STANDARDS ON WHERE THAT COULD MAKE SENSE, WHERE PARK BATHROOMS WOULD BE REQUIRED. AT THE SIZE OF THE FACILITY AND ALSO STANDARDIZING THE EXPECTATION OF IF A PARK DOES NOT HAVE IT BECAUSE IT'S A SMALLER POCKET
[05:20:09]
PARK. THAT WE ENSURE THAT WE HAVE WHEN WE HAVE LARGE SCALE EVENTS, SUCH AS THE ONES THAT OCCURRED DURING THE SUMMER, ESPECIALLY THAT THERE ARE FACILITIES THERE THAT ARE PORTABLE FOR THOSE EVENTS SO THAT PEOPLE AREN'T HAVING TO TO TRAVEL BACK AND FORTH TO GAS STATIONS OR RESTAURANTS OR BUSINESSES OR EVEN HOMES IN THE AREA.AND EVEN ON A, ON A REGULAR BASIS, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY KIDS THAT VISIT THESE PARKS.
JUST MINUS THOSE EVENTS THAT MAYBE WE CAN LEAVE THEM THERE ON A PERMANENT BASIS AND HAVE THEM SERVICED CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL WE HAVE A PERMANENT BATHROOMS IN THERE.
AND TO TO WAIT FOR FOR AN EVENT.
I THINK IT'D BE IT WOULD BEHOOVE US TO, TO HAVE THEM THERE ON A PERMANENT BASIS UNTIL WE HAVE PERMANENT BATHROOMS. YES, SIR. SO PUBLIC WORKS WILL BE LOOKING AT THAT AND AND BRINGING BACK POLICY FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER.
COMMISSIONER STOUT, OVER THE LAST WEEK TWO ITEMS THAT CAME THAT HAD COME UP.
THE COUNTY COLISEUM. SCOPE OF WORK VERIFICATION.
AND SO THE NATURE OF THIS POINT IS THE SPORTS COMMISSION HAS EXPRESSED THAT MAYBE SOME OF THE ELEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE MAINTENANCE PORTION OF THE COLISEUM PROJECT, IF YOU ALL RECALL, THAT TOTALS 29 MILLION.
THEY MAY NOT BE AS EMERGENT AS THEY WERE WHEN THE STUDY WAS WAS ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED.
THERE'S BEEN A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP IN OUR HIGH LEVEL LOOK AT THE PROJECT.
THERE MAY BE SOME ELEMENTS THAT ARE IDENTIFIED IN THE 29 MILLION THAT ARE RELATED TO A PRESUMED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FOR THE ON THE BALANCE OF THE PROJECT.
WE CAN MAYBE FOREGO SOME OF THE MAINTENANCE.
BUT IF WE ARE NOT GOING TO DO THAT, WE WOULD NOT PROPOSE REMOVING THAT.
AND SO PUBLIC WORKS IS WORKING TO SCHEDULE A MEETING A SCOPING VERIFICATION MEETING WITH M AND K, AS WELL AS WITH THE SPORTS COMMISSION ADMIN AND OPERATIONS.
AND COMMISSIONER STOUT'S OFFICE WILL BE IN THAT MEETING JUST TO DISCUSS WHAT THE OUTCOME IS SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT IF THERE ARE ANY REVISIONS THAT NEED TO BE MADE TO THAT PROJECT AMOUNT, WE CAN WE CAN SHARE THAT WITH THE COURT, SHARE THAT UPDATE.
BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT 29 MILLION WAS FOR MAINTENANCE.
THAT LEAVES APPROXIMATELY 31 FOR SOME OTHER IMPROVEMENT.
BUT WE NEED TO ENSURE THAT WE'RE IDENTIFYING WHAT THAT IS SO THAT WHEN WE HAVE OUR FINAL CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COURT, AND AS WE START TO GO OUT TO THE PUBLIC WITH ANY INFORMATION, WE CAN LET THEM KNOW WHAT THOSE IMPROVEMENTS, THOSE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE.
ANOTHER ITEM THAT HAD COME UP WAS JUST ENSURING THAT THE COUNCIL OF JUDGES ARE UPDATED ON WHERE WE STAND WITH REGARD TO THE PROJECT LIST. AND SO I DID PROVIDE AN UPDATE TO MR. COCCARO THIS MORNING PENDING A FORMAL MEETING WITH HIM TO LET HIM KNOW ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS THAT WE DISCUSSED LAST WEEK.
WE'RE PENDING SOME INFORMATION BACK FROM FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES WITH REGARD TO THE JURY TRIALS AND THE DISCUSSION THAT WE WERE HAVING ABOUT SPACE, I AND I ACTUALLY HAVE THAT JURY TRIAL INFORMATION.
OKAY. SO THEN I'LL TURN IT OVER TO MISS KELLER, TO WHO CAN PROVIDE SOME INFORMATION ON THAT.
WE ARE STILL GOING THROUGH THIS DATA, SO WE DIDN'T JUST LOOK AT.
IT'S A VERY COMMON LEGAL STRATEGY.
AND CORRECT ME IF YOU DISAGREE, BUT WHERE THEY CALL THE JURY AND LIKE THE JUDGE IS NOW READY TO GO, AND THEN THAT CAUSES THE PARTIES TO SETTLE OR LIKE THEY'RE AT THE LIKE, OKAY, I'M READY.
WE'RE EITHER GOING TO HEAR IT OR YOU ALL HAVE MAKE AN AGREEMENT.
AND SO THE SEVERAL DO GET CANCELED THE DAY OF TRIAL.
BUT THE JURORS HAVE BEEN CALLED.
AND SO AS FAR AS THE NUMBER OF JURY TRIALS THAT HAVE BEEN HELD IN 2021 OR, I'M SORRY, HELD OR CANCELED, POSSIBLY THE DAY OF IN 2021, 856, IN 2022
[05:25:03]
1894 AND AS YOU MAY RECALL, 2021, WE WERE STILL COMING OUT OF THE PANDEMIC.SO 2022 IS MORE THAN DOUBLE AT 1894.
AND AS OF ABOUT, I BELIEVE THESE ARE CALENDAR YEAR, NOT FISCAL YEAR.
AS OF THIS MONTH, THIS YEAR WE'RE AT 1469.
SO THEY'RE DEFINITELY INCREASING AND COMING BACK TO TO HIGH LEVELS OF NUMBERS OF TRIALS AND JURORS BEING CALLED. BUT IF I MIGHT ADD TO THAT, THERE IS A SUPREME COURT ORDER IN PLACE THAT NOW HEARINGS AND TRIALS MUST BE IN PERSON, AND THEY REQUIRE THE JUDGE TO BE HERE IN PERSON.
FOR SOME HEARINGS, THE JUDGE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN PERSON.
BUT FOR TRIALS AND STUFF LIKE THAT, THEY GOT TO BE HERE.
SO AND DO WE USE THE I MEAN DO THEY USE THE LIBERTY HALL BUILDING.
SO I WHEN I, SO I, WHEN I'VE GONE THEY LIKE WE SIT IN LIBERTY HALL IN THE MORNING WHEN YOU GET CALLED AS A JUROR THEY SECTION YOU OFF INTO PANELS IN IN LIBERTY HALL.
LIKE YOU SIT IN THIS SECTION OF HERE WITH THIS PANEL AND THEN THEY DIVIDE YOU UP.
PANEL A, YOU GO TO WAIT AT COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM.
PANEL B YOU GO TO CEREMONIAL COURTROOM PANEL C AND D, YOU STAY HERE IN LIBERTY HALL.
PANEL E, WE'RE GOING TO TAKE YOU TO THIS LARGER COURTROOM IN THE COURTHOUSE.
SO I MEAN, THEY DO THEY DO UTILIZE LIBERTY HALL AS WELL.
THEY USE IT FOR THE THE STAGING AND THEN THEY USE IT AFTER SOME OF THE PANELS STAY IN LIBERTY HALL.
WE ARE LOOKING AT ALSO JUST VERIFYING THE SCHEDULING AND THE USE OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURTROOM AS WELL AS THE COURT, THE CEREMONIAL COURTROOM ON THE 12TH FLOOR, JUST TO LOOK AT WHAT THAT SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE, BECAUSE I KNOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN WE'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR MEETING SPACE FOR OTHER BOARDS, OTHER AGENCIES, AND WE'RE TOLD THE COMMISSIONERS COURT ROOM IS IS UNAVAILABLE.
AND BECAUSE THERE'S A JURY TRIAL.
BUT TO MISS KELLER'S POINT THAT MORNING, WE COME AND WE SEE THAT THE FACILITY IS EMPTY.
BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE NEED ISN'T THERE.
AND JOSE BETSY BORDER TOBACCO, COULD IT BE MAYBE TEMPORARILY MAYBE SET UP FOR, FOR THAT KIND OF ASSEMBLY? POSSIBLY. LET ME LET US LOOK AT IT.
COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER OLGUIN.
I THINK IT'S GOING TO BE SOME ANECDOTAL INFORMATION.
ALSO, THOUGH, RECOGNIZING THAT THESE IMPROVEMENTS DON'T COME ONLINE AT THE EARLIEST UNTIL IF THEY'RE FUNDED THROUGH THE GO BOND, FOR EXAMPLE, DESIGN STARTS. YOU KNOW, MAY OF 25 DESIGNS COMPLETED IN MAY OF 27.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS FALL OF 27, CONSTRUCTION IS COMPLETED FALL OF 29.
AND SO SOME OF THE ESTIMATES MIGHT BE.
IT MIGHT BE HARD TO FORECAST WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.
ONE ITEM THAT CAME UP WAS THE GALLEGOS TRAIL PATH.
AND SO PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING HAS REVIEWED THE PATH AND CAN SPEAK TO THE ALIGNMENT OF THE PATH.
I THINK AN IMPORTANT THING THAT THAT WE HAVE SEEN IN EXISTING AREAS WHERE WE'RE PUTTING IN A TRAIL OR A SHARED USE PATH AND THERE'S ALREADY EXISTING RIGHT OF WAY CONSTRAINTS, IS THAT IF THE TRAIL NARROWS, WE JUST SIGN IT TO SAY PATH NARROWS AHEAD.
WE SAW THAT EVEN ON EAST LAKE, RELATIVELY NEW DEVELOPMENT.
AND SO YOU DO SEE SOME AREAS WHERE THE PATH NARROWS AND YOU HAVE SIGNAGE TO REFLECT THAT.
[05:30:01]
AND SO I BELIEVE LYDIA, WITH WITH PUBLIC WORKS ENGINEERING IS ON AND SHE CAN SPEAK A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THAT IN FOR TO TO THAT ITEM.OKAY. GOOD AFTERNOON, COMMISSIONERS.
LYDIA, WITH PUBLIC WORKS, I WANT TO QUICKLY JUST SHARE A SMALL AN EXHIBIT.
REGARDING BOSCA ROAD, WE CURRENTLY HAVE A 45 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY.
ALSO, WE ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 25FT OF, OF ROADWAY.
THEREFORE, WE COULD SHIFT THE ROADWAY IF NEEDED.
ANOTHER POSSIBILITY THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED IS GETTING AN EASEMENT FROM EL PASO WATER AND POSSIBLY CHANGING THAT PATH OF THE CONNECTION TO THE THE RIVER TRAIL.
EVERYTHING ELSE IS PRETTY MUCH OWNED BY EL PASO WATER.
SO WE COULD ALSO MAYBE TALK TO THEM AND SEE IF WE COULD POTENTIALLY GET AN EASEMENT AND WIDEN THAT HIKE AND HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL TO ADD MAYBE EVEN SOME LANDSCAPING.
BUT LANDSCAPING IS WOULD DEPEND ON BUDGET.
OKAY. THE QUESTION I HAVE IS THAT EXACTLY THAT PICTURE THERE, THERE'S THAT STRETCH OF ABOUT FOUR STREETS IN THAT SUBDIVISION ON BOTH SIDES, ROUGHLY.
ARE YOU TALKING THAT IT WOULD BE THAT WE COULD STILL ADD THE THE TRAIL ON ONE SIDE? YES. WELL, YES.
THE THE TRAIL WOULD, WOULD BE ABOUT TEN FEET WIDE.
SO NOW WE HAVE IF WE DO THAT, WE, WE WOULD STILL HAVE 35FT OF OF A ROADWAY.
IS THERE IS THERE ARE YOU TALKING THE ROADWAY? THE ROADWAY NOW IS 25FT.
THE ROADWAY NOW IS PROBABLY AROUND THE FROM EDGE TO EDGE OF PAVEMENT.
BUT I'M TALKING ABOUT THE ENTIRE WIDTH THAT WE HAVE ARE OUR BOUNDARIES IS 45.
NO, I KNOW THAT. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW.
THE PAVED AREA RIGHT NOW IS 25FT ROUGHLY.
I COULD QUICKLY ZOOM IN HERE AND GET YOU THAT WIDTH, MAKE IT THAT REALLY QUICK.
BECAUSE IF IT IS, THEN WE'RE TALKING.
IF WE DO A TEN FOOT TRAIL ON ONE SIDE OF IT, THAT THE TRAIL BUTTS RIGHT UP TO THE ROADWAY.
22FT. SO THE WAY, COMMISSIONER I'M SORRY, LYDIA.
SO THE WAY IT WOULD, IT WOULD BE THE ROAD AND THEN A SCREENING LIKE LIKE TREES AND SOME KIND OF GENERALLY LIKE A FINE ROCK SCREENING FOR TWO FEET.
SO KIND OF WHAT YOU SEE IN THE DISPLAY ON THE PICTURE ABOVE.
YEAH. THAT SMALL BUFFER FOR SECURITY ALSO.
THE TRAIL ITSELF IS I THOUGHT IT WAS.
THAT'S WHAT I HEARD. I THINK THE TEN INCLUDE THE BUFFER.
BUFFER? THE TEN FEET INCLUDES THE BUFFER.
YES, SIR. YES, THAT'S THE EIGHT FEET.
SO THEN WE HAVE TEN FEET AND THEN WE HAVE 22FT.
OR IS IT 22 OR 23FT? ON THE PAVED ROAD IT'S 22.
IS 13FT OF RIGHT OF WAY ON THE OTHER SIDE? EXCUSE ME. THAT STILL LEAVES APPROXIMATELY 13FT OF RIGHT OF WAY ON THE OTHER SIDE.
RIGHT. AND IF THERE'S IF THERE'S ON STREET PARKING ON THE OTHER SIDE FOR THAT.
WHAT, THAT WHAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS WILL DO IS CREATE THE PERCEPTION OF A NARROWING ROAD.
AND AS A MATTER OF INSTINCT, PEOPLE SLOW DOWN WHEN STREETS NARROW, AND SO IT MAKES IT MORE SAFE FOR THE PEDESTRIANS OR THE CYCLISTS OR THE FOLKS THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY BE USING THE TRAIL. AND SO EVEN THOUGH NOTHING WILL CHANGE WITH REGARD TO THE THERE MIGHT BE SOME SLIGHT MODIFICATIONS TO THE PAVEMENT, THE ASPHALT BUT THE INTRODUCTION
[05:35:06]
OF THAT TRAIL WILL START TO CREATE VISUAL CUES FOR DRIVERS GOING THROUGH THE AREA TO JUST SLOW DOWN YOU KNOW, MOST, MOST REASONABLE PEOPLE AT LEAST.AND SO BUT THEY'LL STILL BE THERE STILL BE ENOUGH ROOM IN THAT AREA.
OKAY. AND DID DID I HEAR YOU RIGHT THAT THE ROAD, THE PAVED ROAD HAS TO BE 25FT? NO. LYDIA, WE CAN'T HEAR YOU BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE MUTED I'M SORRY.
BUT THIS ROAD WAS PUT IN AND EITHER WAS PUT IN OUTSIDE OF OUR REQUIREMENTS.
THAT'S OUR REQUIREMENTS TODAY.
BUT IT WAS EITHER PUT IN BEFORE OUR REQUIREMENTS OR WITH SOME KIND OF VARIANCE.
IS THAT CORRECT, LYDIA? YES. AND WHEN I'M TALKING ABOUT THE THE 25FT, IT'S JUST THE SPACE THAT'S ALLOCATED.
THAT THAT WOULD INCLUDE RIGHT NOW WE HAVE THE SHOULDER.
SO WHAT I MEASURED RIGHT NOW, I ONLY WENT FROM THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT TO THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT.
SO THE 25FT WOULD INCLUDE THE SHOULDERS.
THE 25FT THAT'S REQUIRED TO ROADWAY INCLUDES THE SHOULDERS.
SO, COMMISSIONER, I MET YESTERDAY WITH A DEVELOPER AND WITH NORMA AND THE STANDARDS.
I MEAN, THAT'S THE RIGHT OF WAY THAT HAS TO BE SOME OF.
SO THERE'S THERE'S THIS 45 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY AND THAT INCLUDES THE 20, IN THIS CASE 21FT OF PAVED ROAD, TWO FEET OF SHOULDER, AND THEN ADDITIONAL RIGHT OF WAY FOR UTILITIES, SIDEWALKS, STREET LIGHTS, THINGS THAT YOU MAY ADD TO THAT.
AND SO A 45 FOOT ROADWAY IS A COMMON A COMMON RIGHT OF WAY FOR A ROAD.
THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STANDARDS FOR DIFFERENT ROADS.
JOSE, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO SPEAK EVEN MORE TO THIS THAN I AM ABLE TO, SO GO AHEAD.
SO RESIDENTIAL STREET BY STANDARD.
RIGHT NOW THE MODEL SUBDIVISION RULES REQUIRE 60FT OF RIGHT OF WAY.
AND SO THE CITY OF EL PASO IN 22,008, WHEN THEY REDEVELOPED THEIR SUBDIVISION CODE, WENT TO A 52 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY CROSS SECTION, AND THAT INCLUDES 32FT OF PAVEMENT AND THEN TEN FEET OF OF PARKWAY AND SIDEWALK ON BOTH SIDES.
AND SO THAT GETS YOU UP TO 52.
AND IT'S, IT'S TWO FEET OF IT'S TWO ADDITIONAL FEET OF PAVEMENT.
AND SO IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS, YOU'LL SEE FIVE FOOT PARKWAYS, FIVE FOOT SIDEWALKS, 34FT OF PAVEMENT.
THAT WAS THE RESULT OF THE EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT MAKING A REQUEST THAT THEY HAD ONE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT THAT NEEDED THE ADDITIONAL WIDTH TO TO BE DEPLOYED IN ANY GIVEN NEIGHBORHOOD.
BUT YEAH, SO WHAT WE SEE MOSTLY TODAY IN MODERN SUBDIVISIONS IS 34FT OF PAVEMENT, AND THAT INCLUDES ABOUT 11 TO 12FT FOR TRAVEL LANES IN THE MIDDLE.
AND THEN YOU HAVE TEN FEET FOR FIVE FEET FOR PARKWAY AND THEN FIVE FEET FOR SIDEWALK.
THAT'S THE CROSS SECTION THAT WE MOST COMMONLY SEE IN SUBDIVISIONS TODAY.
OKAY. SO SO WE COULD FIT THE, THE THE TRAIL THROUGH THERE AND IF THERE WAS ANY ADJUSTMENTS.
AND I THINK THE PHOTO THAT YOU SHOWED HAS THAT PATH.
NARROW SIGN, IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.
I DON'T SEE A PROBLEM GETTING ADDITIONAL RIGHT OF WAY FROM THEM.
THERE'S NOTHING BUILT ON THAT ALL THE WAY ON EITHER SIDE OF THE SUBDIVISION.
AND WE CAN LOOK AT OTHER OPTIONS, COMMISSIONER, AND WORK WITH EL PASO WATER AND AN EASEMENT.
SO THERE'S OTHER OPPORTUNITIES SO THAT WE CAN MAKE SURE WE HAVE THE TRAILS THERE.
[05:40:02]
YEAH. I WAS JUST SAYING, IF THAT WAS GOING TO PRESENT AN ISSUE, THAT WE'D JUST GO UP TO THE SUBDIVISION AND HAVE EL PASO WATER GIVE US AN EASEMENT TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE RIVER.RIGHT. IS THAT WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT? YEAH. YES, SIR. WE CAN HAVE.
THERE'S AN URGENT NEED THAT'S COME UP.
AND THAT'S THE THE SEPTIC TANK.
BEING UNDERSIZED FOR THE FACILITY.
AND SO THERE'S, THERE'S A NUMBER OF ISSUES THAT HAVE COME UP.
AND SO IT'S ESTIMATED THAT THE COST TO IMPROVE THAT MAY BE WE'RE STILL WORKING ON, ON PUBLIC WORKS PROVIDING A NUMBER, BUT IT COULD BE ANYWHERE UP TO 180,000. AND SO IT'S A REALLY URGENT NEED.
LISTING. BUT GIVEN BOTH OF THOSE DETAILS I JUST MENTIONED, WE'RE ACTUALLY GOING TO RECOMMEND THAT THIS GO THROUGH AN INTERIM SIP REQUEST BECAUSE IT IS A SOMETHING THAT NEEDS TO OCCUR SOONER RATHER THAN LATER, SO THE FACILITY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL.
AND SO WE'LL BE WORKING WITH MISS CHAVEZ AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND PUBLIC WORKS TO IDENTIFY THE FUNDING AND BRING THAT AMENDMENT BEFORE THE COURT FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. YEAH.
I THINK, YOU KNOW, IT WAS BROUGHT UP TO ME.
THAT IS SOMETHING THAT IT'S REALLY URGENT.
RIGHT. YEAH. THAT'S THAT'S WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING QUICK WITH THAT.
ANOTHER CONVERSATION ABOUT GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING FOR FOR, FOR TREES.
AND SO THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THE PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN SO ON.
THOSE ARE THOSE THAT IS A SOURCE OF FUNDING THAT MIGHT BE AVAILABLE FOR THAT.
THE MAJORITY OF THE PROJECTS HAVE NOT BEEN DESIGNED.
AND SO THERE ARE ELEMENTS THAT THE COURT REALLY WANTS TO SEE INCLUDED IN THOSE PROJECTS, WHETHER IT BE SHADE STRUCTURES OR WHETHER IT BE LANDSCAPING OR OR IN THIS INSTANCE, YOU KNOW, DEPLOYING GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE, ALL OF THAT CAN STILL BE CAPTURED THROUGH THE DESIGN PROCESS.
AND IN FACT, A LOT OF THE THE PUBLIC'S PARTICIPATION WHEN WE'VE WHAT WE'VE HEARD FROM OUTREACH STRATEGISTS HAS BEEN INVOLVE THE PUBLIC BUILD THAT CAPITAL, THAT POLITICAL CAPITAL AND THAT TRUST WITH THE PUBLIC.
IT'S GOING TO BE INCUMBENT UPON US TO GO OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY AND HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS INFORMING THE PUBLIC, SOLICITING FEEDBACK ON WHAT THE DESIGN ELEMENTS OF A LOT OF THESE PROJECTS ARE GOING TO BE.
AND SO THE DISCUSSION HAS BEEN THAT A LOT OF PROJECTS COULD HAVE ALTERNATIVES DESIGNED INTO BUILT INTO THEM SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THAT WE CAPTURE ENHANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
ALL OF THAT COULD CERTAINLY BE DONE.
AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH CONSTRUCTING AND DESIGNING THIS NEXT ROUND OF PROJECTS, WHICH ARE GOING TO INCLUDE MOSTLY EVERYTHING THAT IS ON THE COMBINED CO AND GEO LISTING, THAT IS BEFORE THE COURT AT THIS TIME.
YOU'D ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE WI-FI IN THE COURTHOUSE.
CARRILLO CONFIRMED WITH MR. NEVAREZ, AND I CONFIRMED WITH MISS CAMPOS THAT IT HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF UPGRADING THE WI-FI ACCESS POINTS FOR THE PUBLIC THROUGHOUT THE COURTHOUSE BECAUSE THE EXISTING LOT OF THE EXISTING ONES ARE OBSOLETE AS THIS IS DONE.
[05:45:02]
BUT THE ONE THING OPERATIONALLY, IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS THAT AT TIMES, THAT PUBLIC WI-FI SPEED MAY BE THROTTLED BACK TO ENSURE THAT COUNTY STAFF HAVE PRIORITY ACCESS TO THE WI-FI.AND SO THAT'S JUST GOING TO THAT'S JUST SOMETHING FOR FOR THE COURT TO BE AWARE OF.
AND THE LAST TWO ITEMS THE REQUEST TO SEE IF SOME OF THE AS YOU ALL KNOW, THE COURT HAS ALREADY APPROVED THE DREDGING OF THE OF THE LAKE WEIR PENDING.
YOU ALL HAVE RECEIVED SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THAT PROJECT.
WE'RE PENDING A LARGER DISCUSSION WITH THE COURT ON THAT.
BUT IS THERE A POSSIBILITY OF USING ANY OF THE EARTH THAT IS.
AND THE AND THE SEDIMENT THAT IS RECOVERED THROUGH THE DREDGING TO ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL NEW ISLANDS WITHIN WITHIN THE THE PARK FOOTPRINT? FOR THAT, I WOULD TURN IT OVER TO, TO MISS PALACIOS OR MISS ARIAS.
AGAIN WITH, WITH PUBLIC WORKS FOR THEM TO SPEAK A LITTLE BIT TO THAT.
WE ARE STILL DOING SOME OF THE TESTING.
WE'RE STILL PENDING THE RESULTS OF THE SOIL.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS SHOW THAT WE COULD DISCARD THE THE.
WE DON'T WE DON'T NEED SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION TO DISCHARGE THIS.
SORRY TO DISCARD THE DREDGING.
HOWEVER I DON'T WE DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S SUITABLE MATERIAL TO CREATE NEW ISLANDS.
FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE SOIL WOULD HAVE THE BEARING CAPACITY TO BE USED FOR AN ACTUAL ISLAND.
SO WE DEFINITELY COULD BRING THAT INFORMATION BACK IN OUR PRESENTATION FOR THE LAKE.
YEAH. AND MY POINT WAS JUST THAT RATHER THAN SPENDING MONEY ON TRANSPORTING THAT MATERIAL THAT'S INSIDE THE LAKE THAT WE HAVE TO DREDGE OUT AND INCURRING THAT COST, I THINK WE WERE TOLD IT WAS GOING TO COST, WHAT, 27 MILLION? I THINK, COMMISSIONER, THAT COST WAS ACTUALLY NOT IT WASN'T THE 20 MILLION OR MORE IS FOR TYPES OF LINING THE LAKE.
SO WHAT? SO THEY HAD SEVERAL OPTIONS ON HOW TO LINE IT.
RIGHT? RIGHT. WE'RE STILL WORKING ON THAT.
RIGHT. BUT THE MATERIAL, THIS IS MATERIAL THAT HAS SEDIMENT THAT HAS ACCUMULATED AND FLOWN EITHER THROUGH FLOW OR BLOWN INTO THE LAKE OVER SEVERAL YEARS. AND WHAT IS THE COST OF TAKING THAT OUT? WELL, THAT'S THE DREDGING.
THE DREDGING ITSELF IS THAT'S INCLUDED IN THE THAT'S THE IDEA.
THERE'S PLACES IN THE WHAT THE REPORTS I'VE SEEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE IS THAT SOME OF THE MOST ACCUMULATED, THERE'S LIKE 6 TO 7FT OF THAT IS CORRECT AMOUNT OF ACCUMULATION.
WHAT IS GOING TO BE THE COST OF TAKING IT OUT IS THE IT'S THE COST OF DREDGING THE LAKE.
I'M SORRY. WHAT IS OUR DREDGING COST.
LYDIA, LET ME GET THAT REALLY QUICK.
DREDGING. I THOUGHT THE DREDGING WAS 8 MILLION, BUT I MAY BE WRONG.
WHAT WAS HER ORIGINAL? I JUST HAVE THE COST FOR THE THE LINERS.
I WILL DEFINITELY GET THAT INFORMATION, BUT THAT'S THE.
BECAUSE WE WE'RE WORKING ON A PRESENTATION THAT'S A LITTLE BIT MORE COMPREHENSIVE THAN WHAT WE HAD PREVIOUSLY, AND IT WILL HAVE THE TOTAL COST, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE ALL OF THE I THINK THE WHAT I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS JUST THE COST OF THE LINERS.
I DON'T THINK I'VE BEEN PROVIDED THE UPDATED COST OF THE DREDGING.
THAT'S THE SILT THAT'S IN THERE THAT EVEN IF, IF, IF BY ITSELF IT CAN'T BE USED, WE CAN STILL MIX IT UP WITH SOME OTHER KIND OF ROAD SUBSTRATE TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.
WHAT AT ONE POINT WE WOULD REDUCE THE COST OF TAKING OUT THE MATERIAL? NUMBER ONE. NUMBER TWO, WE WOULD REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WATER OUT THERE.
I WAS JUST TAKEN ABACK BY HOW MUCH WATER WE WE HAVE TO PUMP INTO THE LAKE.
[05:50:07]
SOME OF THE EVAPORATION, AS WELL AS ALSO PUT LINING TREES AROUND THE LAKE ITSELF WHEN WE DO THE LINING OR WHATEVER, THAT WE'RE ABLE TO ALSO GET MORE SHADE TO THE SURFACE AREA OF THE WATER AND REDUCE THAT WATER CONSUMPTION.BECAUSE TO ME, THAT'S THAT'S AN ISSUE.
NOT ONLY THAT, WE WE'D HAVE MORE PARTICIPATION PEOPLE BEING OUT THERE UNDER THE SHADE BY THE LAKE.
AND COMMISSIONER, I JUST WANT TO I DO WANT TO CLARIFY.
SO THE DREDGING IS IN IS NOT FUNDED AS PART OF THE BOND PROPOSAL.
THE DREDGING WE HAVE FUNDING SEPARATELY ALREADY IDENTIFIED TO DO THE BASIC DREDGING.
IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE RELINING.
IT DOES NOT INCLUDE LIKE BUILDING ANY ISLANDS.
AND WE HAVE NOT INCLUDED THAT IN THE BOND PACKAGE.
SO IF WE'RE GOING TO DO I MEAN THAT WOULD BE A NEW PROJECT.
BUT SO AND MY POINT AGAIN IS HOW MUCH HAVE WE ALLOTTED FOR THAT DREDGING.
THAT'S ALREADY MONEY ALLOTTED FOR IT.
SO BUT THAT I BELIEVE I NEED TO GET THE EXACT NUMBER WE NEED TO GET CONFIRM THAT UNDER UNDER TAX UNDER SIR, THE CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGATION 2023 SERIES B, WE ALLOCATED APPROXIMATELY $6 MILLION FOR THE DREDGING OF THE LAKE.
AND THAT WAS JUST FOR THE FOR THE DREDGING.
AND SO THE ADDITIONAL COSTS THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE PROJECT'S FEASIBILITY HAS BEEN ASSESSED WILL BE COMING BACK TO THE COURT, AND THERE MAY NEED TO BE ADJUSTMENTS TO THAT ORIGINAL BUDGET TO FULLY IMPLEMENT THAT PROJECT.
AND A BIG COST TO THAT IS TO TAKE THE MATERIAL OUT AND DUMP IT SOMEWHERE ELSE, RIGHT? IF WE HAVE A VENDOR DO THAT.
YES, THERE WILL BE A COST FOR TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL.
SO MY POINT IS, WHY DON'T WE LOOK AT THE ALTERNATIVE OF KEEPING THAT DIRT THERE TO AN ISLAND AREA, EVEN IF WE HAVE TO MIX IT WITH OTHER SUBSTRATE AND SAVE THAT COST? HOW MUCH SAVINGS WOULD WE REALIZE IN NOT HAVING TO TRANSPORT ALL THAT MATERIAL OUT AND REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE LAKE? BUT, BETSY, YOU'RE SAYING THAT WE DON'T KNOW THE CONTENT OF THAT MATERIAL AS TO WHETHER IT'S.
WELL, SO I MEAN, WE DON'T I MEAN, IT'S A IT'S A MIX, RIGHT? IT'S MOSTLY SEDIMENT THAT HAS SETTLED.
AND, AND THERE ARE PLACES IN THE LAKE WHERE THERE IS OVER SIX FEET DEEP OF SEDIMENT.
I DON'T KNOW, LIKE AS LYDIA WAS SAYING, WE DON'T KNOW THE WHAT I, WHAT I HEAR COMMISSIONER CORONADO SAYING IS LIKE, MIX IT WITH SOMETHING TO SOLIDIFY IT AND MAKE IT STRONG ENOUGH, OR REUSE IT FOR SOME OTHER PURPOSE, VERSUS HAULING IT OUT OF THE LAKE AND HAULING IT AWAY.
WE WE DO HAVE TO GET IT OUT TO MAKE THE LAKE BACK TO BETTER, BETTER ORIGINAL DEPTH AND CONDITION.
BUT IT IT'S THE QUESTION OF WHAT DO WE DO WITH IT WHEN WE GET IT OUT? DO WE PUT IT BACK IN TO BUILD WITH, MIX IT WITH SOMETHING AND PUT IT BACK IN? I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH SEDIMENT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.
THAT IS NOT IN OUR PROJECT LIST RIGHT NOW.
IF WE IF WE WANT TO ADD A OTHER PARK PROJECT, I MEAN, WE WOULD HAVE TO IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL FUNDING, BUT WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO REALIZE SOME SAVINGS FROM THE 6 OR 8 MILLION INSTEAD OF HAVING TO HAUL IT OUT THE TRANSPORTATION ALONE IN THE PROPOSAL THAT AECOM SHOWED US.
BUT WE HAVE NOT, LIKE, COMPETITIVELY ANALYZED THIS FOR JUST THE TRANSPORTATION WAS 12 MILLION.
SO THE THE DREDGING I JUST FOUND THE THE PRESENTATION THAT THEY GAVE THE DREDGING WAS NOT.
AND JUST TO ADD TO THAT, BETSY, THE 12 MILLION THIS IS BEFORE FIGURING OUT BEFORE WE DID THE TESTING, ASSUMING THAT IT WOULD BE IT WAS CONTAMINATED SOIL.
OKAY. SO SO WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO SAY THAT IT WOULD COST 12 MILLION.
WE DON'T WE DON'T HAVE FUNDING IN THE BOND IDENTIFIED FOR THAT.
OKAY. SO WE'LL CONTINUE TO GATHER.
SO WE'RE SO WE HAVE MONEY TO DREDGE THE LAKE BUT NOT TO MOVE, NOT TO LIE.
WHEN WE GOT TO FIX THE, THE THE THE THE STRUCTURE AROUND THE LAKE, LIKE, WHAT DID WE DO THEN? WHAT WAS THE POINT OF SETTING ASIDE $8 MILLION THEN IF WE DON'T HAVE THE WHOLE PROJECT INTACT? SO THAT WAS TO DREDGE THE LAKE.
SO WHEN A AECOM CAME AND PRESENTED AGAIN, WE HAVE NOT BID THAT OUT COMPETITIVELY.
[05:55:02]
WE HAVE NOT LOOKED AT WHAT THEIR.SO THEY GAVE US PRICING OF A CEMENT LINER.
RIGHT NOW THE LAKE HAS A CLAY LINER.
AND SO THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN LINE IT AND, AND DIFFERENT COSTS FOR DOING THOSE.
WE HAVE A AECOM PRESENTED INFORMATION THAT WE HAVE NOT VETTED.
THAT'S THAT'S ALL PART OF INFORMATION WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO HAVE.
THE TEAM IS WORKING ON A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT TO YOU ALL.
I BELIEVE IT'S GOING TO BE NEXT WEEK OR TWO WEEKS.
THEY'RE PRESENTING TO YOU ON THE INFORMATION WE HAVE FOUND TO BRING BACK TO YOU ON OPTIONS.
OKAY. I MEAN, I GUESS I'M I GUESS I'M CONFUSED BECAUSE I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT WE WERE JUST SETTING ASIDE MONEY TO TAKE STUFF OUT OF THE LAKE, BUT NOT FIX UP THE LAKE AND DO EVERYTHING THAT'S NEEDED TO.
I MEAN, I THOUGHT THE WHOLE POINT OF DOING THAT WAS TO.
BECAUSE IF WE DON'T HAVE ANYWHERE TO PUT THE SILT OR THE SEDIMENT OR WE DON'T HAVE, WE DON'T HAVE, WE BELIEVED THAT THE PRICE WE HAD FOR DREDGING, WHEN WE WHEN WE PUT TOGETHER AN ESTIMATE TO DREDGE THE LAKE, WE BELIEVED THAT THAT WAS REMOVING THE SEDIMENT AND GETTING RID OF THE SEDIMENT THAT WE REMOVED.
AECOM IS NOW REPORTING THAT THERE'S OTHER THINGS THAT WE MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER TO REDUCE OUR WATER LOSS, BECAUSE THEY'RE SAYING THE MORE SOLID LINER YOU PUT IN, THE LESS WATER YOU WILL USE. YOU'LL LOSE TO SEEPAGE INTO THE GROUND FROM THE LAKE.
AND SO THOSE ARE OPTIONS THAT WE HAD NOT BEEN AWARE OF OR CONSIDERED PREVIOUSLY.
WE HAD JUST LOOKED AT DREDGING THE SEDIMENT OUT OF THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE.
I DON'T KNOW THAT AECOM GAVE US THAT ESTIMATE.
WHERE DID WE GET THE ESTIMATE THAT WE USED FOR THE.
FROM MAKEUP, BUT I THINK IT CAME FROM MAKEUP.
BUT I BELIEVE THEY GAVE US THREE OPTIONS AFTER DREDGING THE LAKE.
THIS IS A POSSIBLE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO ANOTHER CLAY LINER.
A MEMBRANE LINER OR THE LAST LINER IS ALMOST LIKE BUILDING A POOL.
INITIALLY IT WAS DREDGING OF THE LAKE THINKING THAT THAT WOULD TAKE TAKE THEY WOULD THAT WOULD FIX SOME OF THE ISSUES WE HAVE WITH THE LAKE. WE'VE LOST THE DEPTH.
RIGHT. WELL, BECAUSE IT WOULD MAKE IT WOULD MAKE NO SENSE TO ONLY HAVE MONEY TO DREDGE THE LAKE AND NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE SEDIMENT, OR DO ANYTHING WITH THE MOVEMENT, OR DO ANYTHING WITH THE LINER, OR DO ANYTHING WITH THE, YOU KNOW, WHAT I THOUGHT WAS LIKE THE SHORELINE REINFORCEMENT IN THE PAST AROUND THE LAKE.
I THOUGHT THAT THAT WAS THAT PART OF THE, YOU KNOW, THE PROJECT THAT WE THAT WE HAD TALKED ABOUT.
BECAUSE IF WE'RE I MEAN, IF WE DON'T HAVE MONEY IN THE BOND TO DO THAT OTHER STUFF.
WHAT IS THE POINT OF DOING THE DREDGING? THE DREDGING? AT A MINIMUM, WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO PAY TO GET RID OF WHATEVER GETS TAKEN OUT OF THE LAKE.
AND SO THIS WAS A PROJECT THAT WAS CONSIDERED A LONG TIME AGO, I THINK.
AND ALSO, YOU KNOW, WE'VE SEEN WHAT THE MARKET HAS DONE NOWADAYS.
SO THAT'S PROBABLY WHERE WE'RE ALSO SEEING THE SHORTFALL.
AND I DO BELIEVE THOUGH FROM THE BEGINNING, COMMISSIONER, WHEN WE WERE ASKED TO LOOK AT DREDGING THE LAKE, IT WAS RESTORING THE DEPTH AND ADDRESSING THE ISSUES THAT CAUSE ALGAE IN THE LAKE.
AND THAT'S THAT'S WHAT WE LOOKED AT, REMOVING THE SEDIMENT.
I DO THINK THE PARK'S MASTER PLAN INCLUDES THINGS LIKE IMPROVING THE WALL AND THE THE BARRIERS AROUND THE LAKE, BUT NOT SPECIFICALLY PART OF THE DREDGING PROJECT. OH, WELL, I WAS I MUST BE WRONG THEN.
THAT'S THAT'S WHAT I UNDERSTOOD.
I GUESS MY SUGGESTION IS SOMETHING ELSE, IF I MAY ADD.
IF I MAY ADD JUST SOMETHING ELSE TO CONSIDER IS BEFORE WHEN WE WHEN WE HAD THAT BUDGET, WE DIDN'T WE DIDN'T KNOW ALL OF THE THE ISSUES WE HAD WITH THE LAKE UNTIL AFTER WE STARTED DOING ALL OF THE TESTING.
SO WE WEREN'T SURE IF OUR LINER WAS FAILING OR NOT.
SO A LOT OF THE INFORMATION THE COSTS ARE COMING AFTER THE FACT.
AFTER ALL THE TESTING THAT WE'VE BEEN DOING.
WELL, I MEAN, POINT AGAIN IS WHY WOULD WE DO A IF WE CAN'T DO B? DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO ME? I MEAN, AND B IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE BOND AND AND TO PUT IT IN THE BOND IS NOT GOING TO BE I MEAN, I DON'T THINK IT'S POSSIBLE AT THIS POINT UNLESS WE PUSH SOMETHING ELSE OUT.
BUT COMMISSIONER IN OUR DISCUSSION ARE VERY PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS WITH PUBLIC WORKS.
[06:00:07]
GROUND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT HERE IN THE IN THE GO BOND PROPOSAL NOW.AND SO YOU CAN CORRECT ME IF I'M IF I'M WRONG IN MY ASSESSMENT ON THIS, BUT IN WHAT WE WERE LOOKING AT NOW IN THE NUMBERS, THERE SHOULD BE ADDITIONAL FUNDING AVAILABLE UNDER THE EXISTING CERTIFICATE OF OBLIGATION ISSUANCE TO COVER THE FULL COST OF WHAT WE'RE DISCUSSING TODAY.
BUT WE NEED TO. THAT IS CORRECT.
BUT EFFECTIVELY, WE'LL STILL BE PROCEEDING.
WITH THIS, THE OUTCOME WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
WE JUST NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE INFORM THE COURT OF WHAT ALL OF THAT LOOKS LIKE.
SO AS WE CONTINUE TO TO GAIN THAT, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE AND THOROUGH SET OF DETAILS AND INFORMATION FOR THE COURT TO CONSIDER AS YOU CONTINUE TO MAKE YOUR DECISIONS RELATED TO THIS PROCESS.
JUDGE LYDIA, ARE WE ABLE TO DETERMINE FROM TEST BEFORE TAKING THE WATER OUT OF THE LAKE WHETHER THAT SEDIMENT CAN BE USED OR MIXED WITH ANOTHER SUBSTRATE TO BE ABLE TO BUILD AN ISLAND? CAN WE WILL.
WILL YOUR TEST BE ABLE TO DO THAT BEFORE WE TAKE THE WATER OUT? I BELIEVE YES, AFTER WE DO THE EXAMINATION, LIKE I SAID, I KNOW THAT FOR THE PRELIMINARY INFORMATION THAT THE CONSULTANT GAVE ME WAS THAT WE WOULDN'T HAVE TO DO SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION FOR THE SEDIMENT.
HOWEVER, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.
BUT I CAN DEFINITELY BRING THAT INFORMATION TO THE COURT FOR DURING OUR PRESENTATION AND PROVIDE OPTIONS OF WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THE SOIL AND POSSIBLY SOME COST SAVINGS.
OKAY, BUT I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WE HAVE TO TAKE THE SOIL OUT, RIGHT? YES. SO WHERE WOULD WE PUT IT IF WE CAN'T, IF WE SOME OF THE DISCUSSIONS THAT WE'VE WE'VE LIKE I SAID, PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS IS POSSIBLY, YOU KNOW, IF IT'S NOT A SOMETHING IF IT'S SOMETHING THAT COULD BE DONE, WE WOULD JUST LET IT DRY OUT ON THE SITE.
LIKE THERE'S, THERE'S LIKE I SAID, MANY OPTIONS ON DREDGING.
I KNOW WHEN WE HAD SOME CONVERSATIONS WITH TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE, THEY TALKED ABOUT PROBABLY USING IT FOR, YOU KNOW, PLANTING TREES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT, SOMETHING THAT WE COULD GIVE OUT TO THE COMMUNITY.
SO THERE'S BEEN DIFFERENT CONVERSATIONS ON WHAT WE COULD DO WITH THAT SOIL, BUT WHAT WOULD WE DO IT WITH IT IN THE MEANTIME? I DON'T. AND WHERE WOULD IT SIT? A PLACE THAT WE WOULD HAVE A PLAN BEFORE WE DREDGE.
WE WOULDN'T JUST LET IT SIT THERE WITHOUT A PLAN.
WE WOULD HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE BEFORE WE ACTUALLY START THE DREDGING.
WELL, BUT YOU'RE SAYING THAT THAT THAT WE CAN, WITH TESTING, FIND OUT IF IT MIGHT BE USABLE TO DO AN ISLAND EITHER BY ITSELF OR MIXING IT WITH SOME OTHER SUBSTRATE? WE CAN DETERMINE THAT FROM THE TEST.
YES, MAYBE THEN MAYBE THAT'S PART OF THE PRESENTATION SHE'LL SHE'LL BRING.
YOU'LL BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT LYDIA, BY THE PRESENTATION ON THE 29TH.
CAN YOU CONFIRM IF THEY CAN EXPEDITE SOME OF THIS TESTING? AND BUT I DON'T THINK THAT IT SHOULD BE AN ISSUE.
I THINK WE WAIT ON THAT PRESENTATION FROM THE TEST.
AND IF WE'RE ABLE TO USE IT, THEN WHY TAKE IT OUT AND LET IT DRY OUT? LET'S MIX IT UP AND AND LEAVE IT THERE.
LESS. WE'LL SAVE A LOT OF COST PROBABLY.
AND MAYBE LET US DO PART OF THE ISLAND.
SO WE WOULD SAVE ALL THAT MONEY FROM HAVING TO TRANSPORT THAT MATERIAL OUT.
AND IF IT IF FOR SOME REASON IT WAS AN ISSUE ON TAKING IT OUT OR, OR FROM THE ENTIRE PARK SOMEWHERE ELSE, THAT'S GOING TO BE A SUBSTANTIAL COST, BECAUSE I WOULD IMAGINE THERE'D HAVE TO BE SOME ENGINEERING OF HOW TO PUT AN ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LAKE AS WELL.
I DON'T THINK YOU CAN JUST DUMP THE SILT THERE AND EXPECT IT TO BE AN ISLAND, RIGHT? WE'D HAVE TO PUT NO, BUT I THINK IT WOULD PROBABLY OUTWEIGH THE COST OF TRANSPORTING IT.
[06:05:02]
I MEAN, AND IF WE SAVE THAT MONEY, I'D RATHER SPEND THAT MONEY THAT WE SAVE INTO DOING SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE THERE THAN JUST THROWING MONEY AWAY TO TRANSPORT IT.SO WE'LL, WE'LL CONTINUE TO ANALYZE AND LOOK AT THAT PROJECT AND ALSO IDENTIFY OTHER FUNDING AVAILABLE TO MOVE THAT TO MOVE THE PROJECTS FORWARD.
JOSIE, DID WE HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS WE WERE GOING TO FOLLOW UP ON TODAY? NO, THAT WAS IT ON THE ON THE PROJECT DISCUSSION.
I WOULD SUGGEST THAT YOU KNOW, THAT WE WE SHOULD HAVE SOME KIND OF A INITIATIVE TO PLANT EITHER DROUGHT RESISTANT TREES, NATIVE PLANTS, NATIVE TREES IN OUR PARKS, AND EVEN ON THE RIVER TRAIL.
AND I THINK WE SHOULD PROBABLY DEDICATE, EVEN IN THE GEO BOND PUT IN THERE LIKE $1 MILLION TO DO PLANTING OF NATIVE TREES, NATIVE PLANTS, DROUGHT RESISTANT TREES, IN ADDITION TO WHAT WE HAVE JUST DEDICATED TO THOSE KINDS OF PLANTS IN ALL OUR FACILITIES, I THINK I THINK PEOPLE ARE READY FOR THAT.
AND I THINK WE NEED A LOT OF SHADE AT OUR PARKS.
APART FROM SHADE STRUCTURES, I THINK WE NEED NATURAL SHADE.
AND I THINK THAT WOULD IMPROVE AND INCREASE THE USE OF OUR PARKS.
AND I THINK PEOPLE WOULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM THAT AND THE ESTHETICS AND THE ESTHETICS OF IT.
EXACTLY. I MEAN, IT'S NOT A TON, BUT IT'S A GOOD START.
IMAGINE MAYBE DEDICATING A COUPLE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS TO EACH PRECINCT TO DO TREES AND PARKS.
WE WERE ABLE TO PLANT 80 SOME TREES JUST WITH $10,000, OR RATHER, $20,000.
WE DID 80 MATURE TREES OUT AT GALLEGOS PARK, AND IT SURE MADE A DIFFERENCE.
AND I THINK WE OUGHT TO DO THAT TO THE REST OF OUR PARKS.
AND I THINK THE PARK IS A PRIME, YOU KNOW, SITE THAT WE REALLY OUGHT TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TREES AND SHADE FOR PEOPLE TO BE OUT THERE. AND, COMMISSIONER, I'D ASK THAT YOU CONSIDER EXPANDING IT TO BE TREES AND IRRIGATION, BECAUSE IF WE ADD TREES, WE'RE DEFINITELY GOING TO NEED IF WE DON'T ALREADY HAVE IRRIGATION IN THE AREA, WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE IRRIGATION TO THE TREES SO THAT THEY'RE SUCCESSFUL.
YEAH, THAT KIND OF FALLS IN LINE WITH WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT.
WHEN THERE'S THE ITEM IN THE IN THE GEOS TO MODERNIZE SHADE STRUCTURES.
AND I'M GLAD JOSE MENTIONED THAT.
I THINK WE OUGHT TO MODIFY THOSE AND GET THE PUBLIC INVOLVED.
THEY LOOKED LIKE THEY'RE FLAT.
I THINK WE OUGHT TO DO GABLED TYPE, BECAUSE IT'S.
THOSE HAVE NOT GONE THROUGH A DESIGN.
AND I'D LIKE TO INVOLVE THE PUBLIC WITH THAT.
THEY'RE DOING RESEARCH ON THESE NATIVE PLANTS AND HOW THAT HELPS.
MAYBE WE CAN GET THEM INVOLVED IN THIS TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE, IF WE INCLUDE THAT IN THE GEO BOND.
AND MAYBE THEY CAN GET EXCITED ABOUT TELLING THE PUBLIC OUT THERE ABOUT THAT.
YEAH. JUST LIKE THEY DID FOR THE HEALING GARDEN.
HOW WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT FROM THE.
I WAS PRETTY AMAZED AT THE ROTARY.
WHAT'S THAT NUMBER? DO YOU KNOW OR NORMA? I THOUGHT THERE WAS 80 OR SOMETHING.
AND I THINK THEY'RE COMMITTED TO DO MORE.
SO I MEAN THAT THAT'S SO AMAZING, RIGHT? THAT YOU IT'S NOT US DOING IT, BUT, YOU KNOW, ORGANIZATIONS HELPING OUT LIKE THAT, THAT'S REALLY TAP IN A LITTLE BIT MORE TO THAT.
[06:10:08]
I KNOW THAT THEIR PROJECT IS IS GETTING SCATTERED TO BETTER FIGHT FOR TREES, FOR EXAMPLE.DEFINITELY THE NONPROFIT OPTIONS OF USING OF DOING TREES.
THE OTHER ANOTHER OPTION TOO IS AS WE LOOK FOR THIS MAY BE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK FOR GRANT FUNDING FROM A CLIMATE ACTION PERSPECTIVE BECAUSE, I MEAN, IF ANY OF US IN THIS AREA HAVE EVER DRIVEN ON INTERSTATE TEN VERSUS DROPPING DOWN AND DRIVING THROUGH THE THE BACK ROAD YOU LIKE IT'S TEN DEGREES LOWER MINIMUM BACK THERE BECAUSE OF ALL THE PECAN TREES.
SO OR TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE GRANTS.
SO THAT'S ANOTHER OPTION AS WELL.
AND TO THAT END, I THINK MAYBE WE DO LIKE A MILLION AND A HALF TO DO THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR IRRIGATION AND WHATEVER ELSE IS NEEDED AND PLANTS AND YOU KNOW, AND EVEN THAT I DON'T THINK IS GOING TO BE ENOUGH, BUT TO REALLY GET SOME SHADE.
BUT I THINK WE REALLY NEED TO INCLUDE THE, YOU KNOW, THE COMMUNITY ON THIS AND ALSO MAKE SURE THAT I THINK THE IMPORTANT THING IS ABOUT DOING THE MATURE TREES AND NOT THE REAL SMALL SEEDLINGS, BECAUSE THAT THOSE ARE TANTAMOUNT TO BE ABLE TO, YOU KNOW, THEY DON'T TAKE THEY DIE OFF OR, YOU KNOW, WITH WITHOUT GREAT CARE AND MAYBE GET TREES THAT FOR SURE, WE KNOW HAVE A HIGH PERCENTAGE THAT THEY'RE GOING TO TAKE.
I THINK THAT WOULD BE A BETTER INVESTMENT.
PERSONS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN FUNDING.
SO IF THE IF THE COURT IS IN AGREEMENT WITH WITH THAT RECOMMEND THAT WE WORK ON ADDING THAT TO THE EXISTING PROJECT ENHANCEMENT FUND AND NOT NECESSARILY A STANDALONE PROJECT WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT INTERNALLY WE WILL DESIGNATE THIS FOR THOSE PURPOSES, BUT ACTUALLY FOR PARKS, NOT NECESSARILY FOR THE WATER PROJECTS, FOR THE PARKS.
RIGHT. YES. SO THIS WOULD BE ON AND WE AND THE REASON WHY I'M SUGGESTING THAT IS JUST THERE MAY BE WE CAN WE CAN CERTAINLY ENGAGE BOND COUNSEL TO ASK, BUT THERE MAY BE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER TREES OR OR CO OR GEO ELIGIBLE.
IMAGINE THEY ARE WHEN THEY'RE PART OF A PROJECT.
AND THAT'S BEEN HIS GUIDANCE TO US PREVIOUSLY WITH RESPECT TO TO THIS THESE PROJECT ENHANCEMENTS.
AND SO WE WOULD ADD THAT AND JUST MAKE SURE OUR GREENWORKS PROJECT THAT WE HAVE THAT WE'VE.
RIGHT. AND THEN AND THEN WITH THAT UNDERSTANDING, THEN WE CAN, AS COMMISSIONER MENTIONED, SEE IF WE CAN LEVERAGE OTHER RESOURCES AND MATCHING FUNDS FROM, FROM OTHERS. SO IS THERE IS THERE AGREEMENT ON THE COURT TO TO ADD THAT TO THE MAKE THAT MODIFICATION? I'M I'M IN FAVOR.
THANK YOU. THEN SO ARE THERE ANY OTHER DISCUSSION POINTS THAT THE COURT HAS WITH RESPECT TO THE PROJECTS AND THE DETAILS ASSOCIATED WITH THEM? WELL, I JUST WANTED TO TO MAKE A COMMENT AGAIN THAT ESPECIALLY ON THE CEO SIDE OF THE LIST.
AND SO, I MEAN, I THINK YOU KNOW, THERE THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE CAN TALK ABOUT IF PEOPLE WANT TO TALK ABOUT THEM THAT THAT WOULD PUSH ME TOWARDS SUPPORTING IT.
BUT ESPECIALLY SINCE WE, YOU KNOW, ARE HAVING TO PUSH NOW EVEN THE, THE ASCARATE SHELTERS, SHELTERS OR THE PROJECT THAT WAS GOING TO BE ON THE COE THAT NOW WE HAVE TO PUSH BACK TO THE GEO.
THERE'S NO GUARANTEE THAT ANYTHING WILL GET DONE IN PRECINCT TWO AT ALL.
AND YOU KNOW, I'M, YOU KNOW, I'M A LITTLE BIT DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE THAT THERE AREN'T ANY TANGIBLE THINGS THAT I CAN GO AND TELL MY CONSTITUENTS.
LOOK, YOU GUYS ARE GETTING THIS OUT OF THE $200 MILLION THAT WE'RE NOT ASKING.
WE TALKED ABOUT EQUITY, AND IT'S NOT THERE.
[06:15:07]
OKAY. WELL, BUT THERE ARE PROJECTS IN YOUR PRECINCT THAT ARE BEING DONE AND QUITE A BIT, AS A MATTER OF FACT, IN THE GEO BOND, PROBABLY A THIRD OF IT.I MEAN, IF WE LOOK AT PROJECTS THAT ARE JUST FOR PRECINCT TWO, THERE AREN'T THERE AREN'T.
YES, BUT THE COLISEUM PROJECTS WHICH MOST OF OUR ARE JUST, YOU KNOW, DEFERRED MAINTENANCE AND THAT REALLY I DON'T THINK PEOPLE ARE GOING TO THEY'RE NOT, YOU KNOW, THAT EVIDENCE, RIGHT? THEY'RE THEY'RE THEY'RE PROJECT PROJECTS THAT NEED TO HAPPEN THAT JUST LIKE HERE, YOU KNOW, WITH, WITH SECURITY UPGRADES AND, AND YOU KNOW, THE IT AND ALL THOSE TYPES OF THINGS WHICH, WHICH AREN'T AS EASILY, YOU KNOW, EXPLAINABLE AND TANGIBLE AND SEEABLE BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
BUT AGAIN, ASCARATE IS A REGIONAL PARK.
SO IT'S IT'S NOT JUST SOMETHING THAT I CAN, YOU KNOW, GO AND TELL MY MY CONSTITUENTS.
YOU KNOW, I MEAN, CARMEN ZAMBRANO.
YES, BUT IT'S ALSO ARGUABLE THAT THAT IS GOING TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR FOR COUNTY WIDE.
SO, YOU KNOW, I MEAN, PUT YOURSELF IN MY SHOES.
YES. THE COURTHOUSE IS IN MY DISTRICT.
YES, THE JAIL IS IN MY DISTRICT.
BUT PEOPLE AREN'T GOING TO WALK INTO THE JAIL TO TO, YOU KNOW, SEE WHAT'S WHAT'S BEING DONE THERE.
I MEAN, AND BUT THEY ARE PROVIDED SERVICES THAT THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THAT ARE CLOSED.
AND SOME OF OUR OUTLYING AREAS, LIKE IN COMMISSIONER GOLDEN'S PRECINCT, SOME OF THEM DON'T HAVE THE ACCESS TO COME DOWN TO THE COURTHOUSE TO GET THEIR STUFF. AND IT'S NEEDED OUT THERE.
THEY HAVE TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY DOWNTOWN.
MY PRECINCT ISN'T JUST DOWNTOWN.
NO, IT'S IT'S HALF OF THE NORTHEAST.
SO PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO DRIVE MILES TO GET HERE AND JUST LIKE ANYBODY ELSE WOULD.
MY PRECINCT EXTENDS ALL THE WAY INTO THE MISSION VALLEY TO ALL THE WAY TO LEE TREVINO.
THOSE PEOPLE ARE IN THE SAME POSITION, RIGHT AS YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT.
SO IT'S NOT A IT'S NOT THAT DIRECT OF A BENEFIT TO THEM.
SO, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE STILL HAVE TO TRAVEL, WHETHER IT'S PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR GETTING THEIR CAR TO COME DOWN HERE AND, AND ACCESS OR ACCESS THOSE SERVICES. SO I, I UNDERSTAND AND I'M, YOU KNOW, I'M GLAD YOU'RE ADVOCATING FOR THAT.
THEY TELL ME, WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR US? WELL, WE DON'T HAVE ANY COUNTY FACILITIES OUT IN THE NORTHEAST.
I SAID WE WILL WE'LL WE'LL DEDICATE TREES.
AND WE ACTUALLY WORK WITH THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.
WE DID A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, AND WE'RE GOING TO DONATE SOME TREES TO FLAGS ACROSS AMERICA.
AND THEY ALSO HAVE SERVICES THAT THE CITY PROVIDES.
I MEAN, YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND MY CONSTITUENTS IN THE NORTHEAST, THEY HAVE FACILITIES AND THEY HAVE SERVICES THAT SOME OF THE OTHER AREAS IN COMMERCIALLY OWNED AND MINE DON'T HAVE IT ALL LIKE WATER AND SEWER, BASIC STUFF.
THAT'S BECAUSE THEY PAY TWICE AND THEY STILL DON'T HAVE IT.
RIGHT. WHETHER IT'S LIKE ROADS, WHETHER IT'S, YOU KNOW, I MEAN, ALL OF THOSE THINGS, I MEAN, THOSE PEOPLE ARE PAYING COUNTY TAXES AND THEY'RE NOT SEEING, YOU KNOW, THEIR COUNTY TAXES BEING INVESTED IN THEIR COMMUNITY, THE CITY TAXES, MAYBE, AND NOT EVEN TO THE EXTENT THAT THAT'S NECESSARY.
BUT, WELL, WE DO PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE ENTIRE CITY AS WELL.
THE JAIL, OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT.
I MEAN, WHEN THE CITY ARRESTS SOMEBODY, THEY DON'T PUT THEM IN A CITY JAIL.
AND IT'S SAFETY AND IT'S FOR EVERYBODY.
IT'S NOT JUST FOR THE OUTLYING AREAS.
IT'S FOR THE SAFETY OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
THE CITY DOESN'T HAVE A JAIL FACILITY.
RIGHT. THAT'S EXACTLY MY POINT.
SO THAT IS FOR THE ENTIRE COUNTY.
[06:20:02]
NOT JUST FOR A CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOOD OR A CERTAIN A CERTAIN REGION OR A CERTAIN, YOU KNOW, PART OF OF OF THE CITY.LIKE, FOR EXAMPLE, THE THE ROADS AND THE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT'S BEING INVESTED, THAT'S ONLY GOING TO DIRECTLY BENEFIT 38 PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, IN X OR Y DISTRICT, YOU KNOW, NEIGHBORHOOD, OR WHETHER IT'S 200 OR 30 8 OR 2000.
I DON'T, YOU KNOW, PEOPLE IN MY IN MY DISTRICT DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THAT.
MY POINT IS, IS THAT THAT THE CITY DOES THINGS THAT BENEFITS, FOR EXAMPLE, CONSTITUENTS IN YOUR PRECINCT THAT ALSO PAY COUNTY TAXES, BUT THE COUNTY DOES SERVICES THAT BENEFITS EVEN THE PEOPLE INSIDE THE CITY WITHOUT EVEN THOUGH THEY'RE PAYING FOR IT.
BUT IT DOES IT FOR EVERYBODY, BUT THEY'RE PAYING FOR IT.
WELL, I GET IT. THEY'RE ALL PAYING FOR IT.
BUT THAT'S WHY I THINK WE NEED TO WORK AND DO MORE COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY.
AND, I MEAN, I'M TRYING TO REACH OUT AND WE'RE TRYING TO DO PROJECTS WITH THEM.
WE'VE DONE SUPPORT FOR SOME OF THEIR PROJECTS THAT ARE ALSO WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND THINGS.
AND I THINK THOSE ARE LITTLE THINGS THAT WE CAN START DOING.
THEY'RE WORKING ON THEM. BUT HOW DO WE KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, THEIR PROGRAMS ARE GOING TO MESH WITH WHAT OUR STORMWATER PROGRAMS ARE? FOR EXAMPLE, TWO THIRDS, PROBABLY TWO THIRDS TO THREE FOURTHS OF THE MOUNTAIN RANGE IS IN PRECINCT FOUR.
AND THE CITY HAS A GOOD CHUNK OF THAT.
HOW DO WE WORK WITH THEM TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE ISSUES, IN TERMS OF STORMWATER MESH WITH WHAT WE WANT TO DO AND WHAT THEY'RE DOING OR THEY'RE PLANNING ON DOING? I THINK IT BEHOOVES US TO REACH OUT AND START DOING THIS AND COLLABORATING ALL TOGETHER AND WORKING ON HOW WE CAN HELP EACH OTHER OUT, AND NOT JUST CITY AND COUNTY, I MEAN ALL THE OTHER MUNICIPALITIES AND EVEN BEYOND INTO THE NEXT COUNTY.
IT'S JUST A WORK IN PROGRESS THAT WE NEED TO DO.
RIGHT? NEXT TIME. AND I GET IT THAT WELL.
WELL, BUT YOU KNOW, BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE LIMITS THAT WE HAVE.
NO, I DO, BUT THERE SHOULD BE EQUITY.
FACILITIES INSIDE PRECINCT TWO, I'D BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO DO THAT.
NEXT, WE WANT TO TURN IT OVER TO MELISSA AND LAURA, CORRECT? YES. SO IF THEY COULD PLEASE TALK.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE PROCESS GOING FORWARD.
AND THEN IN THE INTEREST OF TIME, WE ARE GOING TO.
POSTPONE. I BELIEVE ONE OF THE ITEMS ON YOUR AGENDA, THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ONE.
BUT WE DO REALLY NEED TO DO THE.
BETSY. GOOD AFTERNOON JUDGE COMMISSIONERS MELISSA CARRILLO COUNTY OPERATIONS.
BUT AS WE CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WHAT THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL LOOK LIKE.
AND SO HISTORICALLY YOU'VE SEEN THAT WE'VE HAD TWO PHASES, 12 MEETINGS, EACH THREE PER PRECINCT.
AND WE'VE DONE WELL SEEKING THAT FEEDBACK FROM OUR COMMUNITY AS WELL AS ALTERNATE COMMUNITY PARTNER MEETINGS DURING LUNCH, DURING MORNING ROTARY MEETINGS, THINGS OF THAT NATURE. SO OF COURSE, NOT GAUGING ANY DECISION AT THIS POINT.
REALLY WHAT'S IMPORTANT IS THAT WE HEARD FROM OUTREACH STRATEGIES, WE'VE HEARD FROM FROM OUR COMMUNITY THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE IS GOING TO BE THE EDUCATION FACTOR BETWEEN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER, ELECTION DAY.
WE WOULD MIMIC THAT SAME FORMAT.
WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE 12 MEETINGS? THREE PRECINCT? OF COURSE, IT WOULD BE SPREAD OUT DIFFERENTLY INSTEAD OF BEING SO COMPACTED.
IT WOULD BE BETWEEN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER.
BUT WE COULD FOLLOW THAT SAME PLAN SO THAT WE INTERNALLY CAN LOGISTICALLY START COORDINATING LOCATIONS, TALKING POINTS, CREATING VIDEOS AS NECESSARY, WHATEVER WE NEED TO DO TO SUPPORT YOU ALL AS WE GO INTO THAT EDUCATION PHASE, WHICH I THINK IS DEFINITELY GOING TO BE CRITICAL POST AUGUST.
AND SO WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE ON TRACK WITH THAT EXPECTATION.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SEE US DO DIFFERENTLY? YOUR DIRECTION TODAY WILL HELP US GO BACK, WORK WITH OUR CAPITAL PLANNING TEAM, AND JUST REALLY SOLIDIFY A PLAN THAT HELPS US DRIVE HOME THAT EDUCATION PIECE THAT WE HEARD WAS GOING TO BE VERY CRITICAL FOR THE SUCCESS OF A GEO BOND ELECTION, IF THAT IS WHAT YOU ALL DECIDE.
[06:25:05]
ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WOULD WANT TO MAKE SURE IS INCLUDED IN THAT, BECAUSE I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR THE RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THE TOTAL COST OF THE GEO BOND.SO I THINK IN ANY PRESENTATION THAT WE GIVE WHEN WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE FINANCIAL PIECE OF IT IS TO INCLUDE THE TOTAL COST, INCLUDING INTEREST, BECAUSE I THINK THAT THAT'S SOMETHING THAT THE RESIDENTS NEED TO UNDERSTAND.
AND, MELISSA, THE MEETINGS THAT WE HAVE, THE THE LOCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT.
THE ONE WE HAD AT TXDOT THAT WE HAD TO GO INTO A COUPLE OF ROOMS MADE IT VERY CONFUSING FOR OUR VISITORS TO GO FROM ONE ROOM TO THE OTHER.
SO I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE GET THE RIGHT LOCATION.
I KNOW IT'S HARD, BUT THOSE HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES SEEM TO WORK JUST RIGHT.
AND THEN PHASE TWO, WE STARTED GETTING JUST SOME PUSHBACK GIVEN THE TIMING.
AND THEN OF COURSE, KEEPING YOU ALL POSTED.
SO LONG AS THE COURT IS IN FULL AGREEMENT.
SCHOOLS ARE IDEALLY BETTER LOCATIONS, BUT IT'LL BE MORE DIFFICULT FROM AUGUST TO NOVEMBER TO USE SCHOOLS, RIGHT? DID WE USE ANY LIBRARIES? BECAUSE WE DID EASTWOOD MIDDLE, WE USED SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
WE DID LIKE THREE CITY CITY LIBRARIES.
AND THEY USUALLY HAVE LIKE KIND OF MEETING SPACE, COMMUNITY MEETING SPACE.
SO I'M WONDERING IF CITY LIBRARIES MIGHT WORK BETTER THAN SCHOOL LIBRARIES.
WE'LL JUST GO BACK AND CONFIRM.
BUT WE HAD LOOKED AT THAT THE AREA, THE AGENCY I THINK THAT WAS VERY EASY TO WORK WITH WAS EPC.
AND LUCKILY THEY HAVE FACILITIES ACROSS THE THE COUNTY.
AND SO THEY HAVE LARGE MEETING SPACES, THEY HAVE LARGE MEETING SPACES.
SO THAT MIGHT BE ANOTHER AREA TO TO LOOK AT.
ANY I MEAN IS IT A GOOD PLACE TO HAVE.
AND SO I CAN THINK OF A LOT OF SPACES IN THE AIRPORT AREA TO, TO, TO THINK ABOUT.
EL PASO WATER EPC ADMIN REGION 19.
BUT THEN AS WE START GETTING OUT AND THE PUBLIC SPACES BECOME, THEY START TO DWINDLE IN NUMBER.
THAT'S WHEN WE START RUNNING INTO SOME CHALLENGES.
AND THAT WAS WHAT HAPPENED WITH THE TEX DOT FACILITY PROJECT.
BUT I THINK AS MR. CARRILLO MENTIONED, THIS GUIDANCE IS HELPFUL FOR US TO GO BACK AND START PUTTING THAT TOGETHER AND THEN GETTING CONCURRENCE FROM YOUR OFFICES ABOUT THE MEETING LOCATIONS.
AND JUST TO EMPHASIZE WHAT MELISSA SAID WE REALLY NEED AND WHAT OUTREACH STRATEGIES FOUND FROM THEIR POLLING OF THE COMMUNITY THAT THE COURT HAS A FAVORABLE RELATIONSHIP FROM THE PUBLIC, A VIEW FROM THE PUBLIC.
THANK YOU. IF THAT'S THE DIRECTION WE GO.
WELL, THANK YOU ALL. JUST ANOTHER THOUGHT ABOUT MEETING SPACE, MELISSA, REAL QUICK, THE ESD NUMBER ONE, THEY HAVE REALLY NICE MEETING SPACE IN HORIZON AND THE HORIZON AREA.
THANK YOU FOR THAT. WE'LL KEEP YOU ALL POSTED.
THAT CONCLUDES THE THE WORKSHOP ITEMS FROM STAFF.
UNLESS THERE'S ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR DIRECTION OR COMMENTS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS COURT.
THAT'S THAT'S MY UP ON MY UP ON MY QUEUE AT 5:01 P.M., SIR.
JUST TO BE CLEAR, ON THE ON THE, ON THE LIST THAT WE HAVE AT THIS POINT.
IT'S NOT 60 MILLION. IT'S ONLY 30 MILLION.
NO. SO IT'S IT'S 60 MILLION TOTAL.
29 MILLION OF THAT IS PRESUMED TO BE MAINTENANCE.
THE OTHER 31 WOULD BE TOWARD ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENT.
CONFIRM THAT IF THAT NEEDS TO BE REVISED.
SO AND THEN FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ADDITIONAL ENHANCEMENTS WILL BE.
ALL RIGHT. I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE STILL AT THE 60.
YES, SIR. YEAH, IT'S STILL AT THE 60 TOTAL.
I THINK I THINK ALSO THE COURT NEEDS TO HAVE A LONGER A DISCUSSION OF A LONG TERM OF WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO IN TERMS OF THE MASTER PLANNING FOR THE COLISEUM AREA AND WHETHER WE'RE GOING TO GO IN AND INVEST ANOTHER 100 OR 200 MILLION INTO THAT TO MAKE IT A GREAT FACILITY OR TO DO SOMETHING
[06:30:10]
ADDITIONAL AT A GREAT.THANK YOU. I THINK THAT'S I THINK THAT'S THE THE DECIDING IS WHETHER WE INVEST SO MUCH MONEY IN THE COLISEUM OR WE WAIT AND WE DO SOMETHING REALLY NICE MODERN AT ASCOT RATHER THAN I THINK THAT'S A DISCUSSION POINT THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE DOWN THE ROAD. LOOKS LIKE THE CITY IS NOT GOING TO BUILD THEIRS.
COMMISSIONERS. THANK YOU JUDGE.
REAL QUICK I WANTED TO SEE IF WE COULD, IF WE COULD, BEFORE WE GO TO THE NEXT ITEM, IF WE COULD OPEN UP PUBLIC COMMENT AGAIN, IS THAT A POSSIBILITY? REALLY QUICKLY. I'M FINE WITH IT.
YEAH. MY MY STAFF HAD HAD SOMETHING THAT HE WANTED TO MENTION IN IN OPEN COMMENT.
COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER STOUT, DO YOU WANT TO DO IT UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT OR UNDER A SPECIFIC ITEM? NO, JUST JUST JUST REGULAR PUBLIC COMMENT.
THANK YOU SIR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
FOR THE RECORD, MY NAME IS CITO NEGRON.
I'M ON STAFF WITH COMMISSIONER DAVID STOUT.
[Public Comment III]
I HAD TO WRITE THIS DOWN.I WANTED YOU TO KNOW HOW THIS MORNING'S PRAYER GROUP MADE ME FEEL.
THEY DID NOT COME HERE TO DISCUSS THEIR WORKS IN THE COMMUNITY, WHY THEY CHOSE EL PASO TO VISIT, WHAT THEY'VE DONE TO HELP PEOPLE HERE, WHICH I ASSUME THEY DID, AS MANY DO COME HERE BUILDING HOMES, TENDING TO MIGRANTS, AND I HOPE THEY PERFORM THOSE WORKS WHILE THEY WERE HERE.
BUT IN THIS SPACE, WHICH IS DEDICATED TO EVERYONE, THEY CHOSE TO PROSELYTIZE.
I WAS APPROACHED NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES.
THE FIRST WAS WALKING BACK AND FORTH TO CHAMBERS, WHERE ONE OF THEM ASKED IF I KNEW JESUS.
I REPLIED POLITELY BUT FIRMLY.
BUT THAT I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN BEING PROSELYTIZED.
HE CONTINUED, WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HIM? WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE? AGAIN, I DECLINED, BUT LITERALLY HAD TO CUT HIM OFF AND WALK AWAY.
AGAIN IN CHAMBERS, THEY WENT TO EVERY OFFICE AGGRESSIVELY PROSELYTIZING.
I WAS NOT IN THE P2 OFFICE WHEN THAT HAPPENED, BUT THEY HIT ME UP AS I WAS WALKING BACK AND FORTH.
DESPITE MY VERY CLEAR, FIRM OBJECTION TO BEING PROSELYTIZED, THEY CONTINUED.
THIS EXTENDED NOT JUST TO THE YOUTH, BUT TO THEIR LEADER.
I THINK THAT CROSSED THE LINE.
I'M GRATEFUL FOR OUR ASPIRATIONS, FOR THE GOAL OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP OF THE COURT AND COUNTY STAFF, AND FELT LIKE THIS PERSPECTIVE FROM A JEWISH KID WHO LOVES THE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY THAT IS AMERICA'S PROMISE, AND THAT EL PASO COUNTY STRIVES TO LIVE EVERY SINGLE DAY, WAS WORTH SHARING.
AND EVEN IF THESE FOLKS WERE WERE GOOD INTENTIONS I REALLY HOPE THAT THEY DID NOT GO TO OTHER OFFICES TRYING TO PROSELYTIZE OTHER STAFF. AND AS THEY WERE GOING THROUGH THE THE COURTHOUSE, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE PLACE.
[06:35:06]
YOU KNOW, THIS IS THIS IS A PUBLIC BUILDING AND YOU KNOW WHO WHO IS OF THE JEWISH FAITH.IT'S, IN MY OPINION, CAN CAN BE CAN BE DISCRIMINATORY.
AND WE NEED TO BE REALLY CAREFUL ABOUT HOW THESE THINGS COME AND MAKE SURE THAT THEY, THAT THEY DON'T HAPPEN. YOU KNOW, WE HAVE WE HAVE PEOPLE FROM ALL FAITHS THAT WORK IN THIS BUILDING.
AND, YOU KNOW, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT THEY FEEL, YOU KNOW, COMFORTABLE WHILE THEY'RE HERE.
AND AND IT SADDENED ME TO HEAR THAT ONE OF MY STAFF, OR ACTUALLY MORE THAN ONE OF MY STAFFERS, WAS NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THE WAY THAT THEY WERE APPROACHED BY THIS GROUP.
SO REALLY QUICK, JUST NOT TO DISCOUNT WHAT'S BEING SAID.
I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE NOT RESPONDING TO PUBLIC COMMENT EARLIER.
IT HAPPENED DURING PUBLIC COMMENT.
AND IT WAS NOT INTENTIONAL OBVIOUSLY.
THEY WENT TO THE HEALING GARDEN.
THEY DID TALK ABOUT, YOU KNOW, HELPING YOUTH AND STEPPING UP, HELPING COMMUNITIES UNITE.
AND YOU KNOW, SOMETHING? IT'S A LEARNING FOR ME BECAUSE I HAD THERE WAS NO INTENTION FOR THAT.
THEY WANTED A YOU KNOW, THEY ASKED ME IF THEY COULD VISIT THE THE COURTHOUSE.
THEY WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GOVERNMENT.
AND SO IT'S REALLY DIFFICULT TO TELL SOMEONE.
AND THEN WHAT DO YOU TELL THEM? DON'T TALK ABOUT RELIGION.
I DON'T KNOW IF WE COULD DO THAT.
SO I THINK IT DIDN'T OCCUR TO ME, TO BE HONEST.
SO IT IS SOMETHING WE DID DISCUSS.
BUT WITH THAT, I THINK THAT THIS IS A LARGER CONVERSATION WE'RE NOW HAVING.
RIGHT. SO AND IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT'S POSTED FOR ACTION.
SO MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE IF WE DO WANT TO HAVE DISCUSSION ABOUT THIS MORE FULLY, THAT WE DO POST A SEPARATE ITEM, BECAUSE I'M THAT'S MY ONLY WORRY IS THAT WE'RE STARTING TO NOW DISCUSS THE ITEM. THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS SAID IN PUBLIC COMMENT EARLIER.
OKAY. THANK YOU ANNA. APPRECIATE THAT.
THE SCOREBOARD TO SEE WHO'S MOVING ON TO ITEM NUMBER.
ITEM NUMBER FOUR E BUDGET HEARING.
PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE, SECTION 114.023114.02411, 4.025 AND 114.026.
THE INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT IS LOCATED ON THE INTERNET AT HTTP COLON FORWARD SLASH FORWARD SLASH W WW DOT EP. COUNTY, TX EX-GOVERNOR FORWARD SLASH AUDITOR FORWARD SLASH PUBLICATIONS FORWARD SLASH MONTHLY REPORTS DOT HTM. GOOD AFTERNOON, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS AGAIN, BETSY KELLER, CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR FOR EL PASO COUNTY.
FROM THE TIME THE COURT ADOPTED ITS FY 2024 BUDGET, I BEGAN WORKING WITH MELISSA CARRILLO, OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, OUR BUDGET TEAM, AND OUR AUDITOR'S TEAM TO BEGIN WORKING ON THE FY 2025 BUDGET.
AND AS YOU KNOW, WE'VE BEEN PRESENTING REGULAR UPDATES TO THE COURT OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS AS WE HEAD TOWARDS OUR BUDGET MEETINGS, WHICH FOR ALSO WANT TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE ARE ON AUGUST 13TH AND 14TH.
WE ARE FINALIZING THE PROPOSED FY 2025 BUDGET.
BASED ON YOUR FEEDBACK AND THE CONDITIONS THAT ARE IMPACTING OUR FINANCES.
AND AS YOU KNOW, WE HAVE FACED SOME SERIOUS CHALLENGES THAT ARE IMPACTING OUR OPERATIONAL FINANCES.
THESE INCLUDE, TO NAME JUST A FEW.
INFLATION, WHICH EVEN AT A STEADY LEVEL OF OPERATIONAL COST, IT'S COSTING US MORE TO PROVIDE THE SAME SERVICES AND MAINTAIN OPERATIONS. A DECLINE IN OUR SALES TAX REVENUE GROWTH, WHICH WE HAVE RELIED ON HEAVILY IN THE PAST TO HELP OFFSET SOME OF THE COST
[06:40:06]
GROWTH. A POLICY DECISION BY THE STATE, KNOWN AS OPERATION LONE STAR, THAT HAS SURGED RESOURCES TO THE REGION THAT HAS IMPACTED OUR JAIL OPERATIONS AND COST, WHICH IS ALSO IMPACTED OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE JAIL BEDS THROUGH OUR CONTRACT WITH U.S.MARSHALS, WHICH HAS REDUCED OUR REVENUES SIGNIFICANTLY.
BUT DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES, YOUR PRIOR PRUDENT FINANCIAL PLANNING HAS PROVIDED A FOUNDATION THAT HAS ENABLED US TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS, BUT ALBEIT WITH A NEED TO FOR US TO IDENTIFY OTHER RESOURCES TO HELP WITH THESE IMPACTS, WHICH WE WILL BE BRINGING AN ITEM ON MONDAY.
AND WITH REDUCTIONS FOR THE FY 25 2025 BUDGET AND SOME OF OUR CONTINGENCIES, ECONOMIC IMPACT FUND AND EQUIPMENT FUNDING, AMONG OTHERS, AND JUST AN OVERALL PHYSICAL FISCAL CONSERVATIVENESS THAT WILL NEED TO HAVE GOING INTO FY 2025.
WHILE WE MANAGE THROUGH THESE CHALLENGES AND WHILE WE FIND OTHER SOLUTIONS WITHOUT COMPROMISING OUR CORE, OF COURSE, MISSION AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE COUNTY. TODAY'S UPDATE IS CRUCIAL, AND WE BELIEVE IT WILL HELP US AS WE PLAN AND PREPARE FOR THOSE BUDGET HEARINGS IN ADVANCE.
I DO WANT TO THANK BARBARA, JOHN, JESSICA, MELISSA, AND OUR ENTIRE BUDGET AND AUDITOR'S TEAM FOR THEIR WORK IN PREPARING TODAY'S PRESENTATION AND TO OUR DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR CONTINUED FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY.
I WANT TO EMPHASIZE THAT LAST PART A LITTLE BIT, BECAUSE WHEN WE WENT TO TO THE DEPARTMENTS AND WE SAID, THIS IS GOING TO BE A A YEAR WITH WHAT, YOU KNOW, WE'VE SHARED THE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT WE'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH.
WE ASKED THEM TO PLEASE REALLY WORK ON HOLDING THE LINE, LOOKING WHERE THEY CAN TRIM THINGS UP.
AND SO WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO TURN IT OVER TO BARBARA PARKER, OUR COUNTY AUDITOR.
TODAY'S PRESENTATION IS FOCUSES ON THE JUNE INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT.
IT'S NORMAL TO SEE THIS TYPE OF GAP AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.
AND THIS SLIDE PRESENTS ALL THE REVENUES COLLECTED WITHIN THE COUNTY, BROKEN DOWN BY FUND TYPE.
AS YOU KNOW, WE'LL BE FOCUSING ON THE GENERAL FUND DURING THE MONTH OF JUNE.
GENERAL FUND COLLECTED APPROXIMATELY $11.4 MILLION.
THE TOTAL PROPERTY TAXES COLLECTED AS OF JUNE INCREASED BY $45 MILLION COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR 23.
THE PROPERTY TAXES FOR GENERAL FUND INCREASED BY 41.3 MILLION IN TOTAL.
THE GENERAL FUND REVENUE COLLECTIONS HAVE INCREASED COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD PRIOR YEAR.
AS OF JUNE 2024 IS MENTIONED, 75% OF THE YEAR HAS EXPIRED.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, WE'VE COLLECTED 90.2% OF BUDGETED REVENUES.
OF THE TOTAL YEAR TO DATE REVENUES COLLECTED, TAXES COMPRISED APPROXIMATELY 87.9%, AND 70.8% OF THOSE REVENUES WERE PROPERTY TAXES.
[06:45:10]
PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS ARE AT 100.33% OF BUDGET.HOWEVER, BOTH ACTUAL COLLECTIONS HAVE INCREASED COMPARED TO THE PRIOR YEAR.
AS WE'VE MENTIONED BEFORE, IN RECENT YEARS WE SAW DOUBLE DIGIT INCREASES IN SALES TAX COLLECTIONS.
HOWEVER, THAT'S BEEN DECLINING, AND WE BUDGETED A 3% INCREASE FOR FISCAL YEAR 24.
CURRENTLY WE'RE ONLY AT A 1.5%.
AS FAR AS BEING HIGHER THAN THE PRIOR YEAR.
THESE ARE THE MAJOR FOUR INDUSTRIES THAT WE COLLECT SALES TAXES ON.
ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD SERVICES 2.6%.
REGARDING EXPENDITURES, THIS SLIDE SHOWS ALL THE EXPENDITURES FOR THE COUNTY BY FUND TYPE.
GENERAL FUND RECORDED TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF 27.4 MILLION AND A YEAR TO DATE TOTAL OF 280 9.3.
THE TOTAL GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES DURING THE YEAR ARE BROKEN DOWN ON THIS SLIDE.
EXPENDITURES ARE HIGHER WHEN COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.
THE PERCENTAGE OF THE YEAR EXPIRED IS 75%.
OUR CURRENT PROJECTIONS FOR YEAR END FOR EXPENSES ARE 88.9% OR ALMOST 90%, AND THE RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT BUDGET, WHICH SHOWS HERE IS THE LOWEST PERCENTAGE OF BUDGET EXPENDED, INCLUDES THE ECONOMIC IMPACT FUND, THE HFFI PROPERTY TAX REBATES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. LOOKING AT THE ACTUALS BY CATEGORY.
ALL CATEGORIES ARE HIGHER THAN LAST YEAR FOR AN OVERALL TOTAL OF 9.9%.
AS OF JUNE, REVENUES HAVE GROWN BY 14.1% IN TOTAL BY YEAR END.
WE'RE EXPECTING THAT REVENUES WILL HAVE GROWN 12.6% AND EXPENSES BY 11.9%.
TOP THREE AREAS ARE GENERAL GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE.
THE TOP DECREASING AREAS ARE PUBLIC WORKS AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT.
THIS CHART BREAKS DOWN THE EXPENDITURES BY FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT.
YOU CAN SEE THAT PUBLIC SAFETY WAS THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE AT 39.6%, AS USUAL YEAR TO DATE EXPENDITURES AND GOVERNMENTAL GENERAL GOVERNMENT WAS 31.4%, ADMINISTRATION WAS 22.9%.
THEY CURRENTLY INCLUDE GENERAL REVENUE FUNDS OF 344 MILLION AND EXPENDITURES OF 361, WITH A PROJECTED GENERAL FUND BALANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 98.2 MILLION. THIS GIVES US AN UNCOMMITTED FUND BALANCE PERCENTAGE OF 5.78.
THE FISCAL YEAR, 24 PROJECTED BUDGET, OR PROJECTED FUND BALANCE.
THE AUDITOR'S PROJECTIONS INCLUDE REVENUES OF 387.5 AND EXPENDITURES OF 404.9.
A PROJECTED FUND BALANCE OF $80.8 MILLION.
WE WILL ADJUST THE FY 25 PROJECTIONS MORE ONCE WE HAVE A BUDGET.
RIGHT NOW THE BUDGET HASN'T BEEN ADJUSTED.
SO WE'RE WE'RE ONLY USING THE PROJECTIONS THAT WE HAVE FROM OUR OFFICE.
WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING FROM BUDGET YET.
OKAY. AND THEN THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE OR DOES INCLUDE THE BUDGETED RESERVE.
IT DOES BECAUSE WE DIDN'T SPEND THAT MONEY.
SO IT'S INCLUDED IN THE GENERAL FUND BALANCE.
[06:50:02]
IF YOU LOOK AT THE AT THE EXPENDITURES, WHICH ARE THE BLUE LINE AND THE REVENUES, WHICH ARE THE GREEN LINES, YOU CAN SEE THAT THEY ALIGNED IN 2020 AND 2021.SO THE FUND BALANCE REMAINED FAIRLY STEADY.
WE HAD A $4 MILLION RECEIVABLE FROM FEMA IN 2022.
SO WE SAW A REDUCTION IN IN FUND BALANCE FOR 2023.
CURRENT PROJECTIONS FOR 2024 ALSO SHOW EXPENSES GREATER THAN REVENUES BY $17 MILLION.
BARBARA. I'M SORRY. CAN YOU GO BACK? YOU SAID THAT WE HAD A PAYMENT FROM FEMA, BUT THEN IT WAS REVERSED.
OR WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FEMA SAYING THEY WERE GOING TO GIVE US MONEY.
AND THAT'S THE SAME INSTANCE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IN THE PAST WHERE IT GOT MOVED TO TATUM.
AND TATUM SAID, NO, WE'RE NOT PAYING YOU.
BUT WE HAD ALREADY MADE THOSE EXPENDITURES.
YES, THE COUNTY'S ALREADY DONE THE EXPENDITURES.
WE WERE ASKING FOR REIMBURSEMENT.
AND I KNOW THAT IT'S BEEN APPEALED TO FEMA, BUT WE DON'T HAVE ANY ANSWERS FROM THEM YET.
SO THESE WERE THESE WERE PANDEMIC RELATED EXPENSES.
ORIGINALLY WE THOUGHT WE WERE WE WERE GOING TO GET THE FUNDING DIRECT.
AND FROM WHAT WE UNDERSTAND, FEMA IS WAS OKAY WITH US WITH WHAT WE HAD TO BACK UP THE EXPENSES.
THEN WE THEY MOVED THE FUNDING TO RUN THROUGH THE STATE.
AND THAT'S WHERE THE APPEAL IS.
THIS IS WE'VE BEEN WORKING ON THIS NOW FOR TWO YEARS.
SO NOW I WOULD TURN IT OVER TO JOHN.
THE MORE DETAILED FINANCIAL REPORT IS ONLINE.
THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON COMMISSIONERS.
I APOLOGIZE. WHAT? ASSUMING THAT THINGS GO WELL IN THE COURT, DECIDES TO VOTE FOR GEO AND CO BONDS COMING UP, AND WE HAVE RATINGS MEETINGS WITH OUR RATING AGENCIES.
WHAT WOULD BE THE REPORT THAT WE GIVE THEM SAY SOMETIME IN DECEMBER OR JANUARY RIGHT AFTER THIS BUDGET YEAR, AS FAR AS THE PERCENTAGE OF OUR RESERVES AND WHETHER THEY MEET OUR POLICY UNTIL WE HAVE A BUDGET FOR FY 25. WE DON'T HAVE A PERCENTAGE FOR FY 24.
WE DO HAVE A MEETING SCHEDULED WITH FITCH TOMORROW MORNING.
AND SO WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THAT ONE, WE'LL BE TALKING ABOUT THE FY 23 NUMBERS AND WHAT OUR EXPECTATIONS ARE FOR FUND BALANCE FOR 24, WHAT OUR PROJECTED EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES ARE GOING TO BE.
BUT WHAT IS THAT GOING TO BE? WHAT ARE WE GOING TO TELL THEM? JUST WHAT I TOLD YOU TODAY IN THE PRESENTATION ON OUR FUND BALANCE, WE'RE PROJECTING AN $81 MILLION FUND BALANCE.
YEAH, BUT WHAT IS THAT IN RELATION TO OUR POLICY? IT'S NOT WITHIN OUR POLICY.
WHAT IS THE DEFICIT. I DON'T HAVE I DON'T HAVE THE FY 25 BUDGET YET, BUT BECAUSE IT'S DECREASING AND OUR EXPENSES HAVE INCREASED, AND UNLESS WE DROP THE BUDGET FOR FY 25 SIGNIFICANTLY, IT'S NOT PROBABLY GOING TO BE WITHIN THE 10%.
BETSY, YOU MIGHT HAVE SOME OTHER IDEAS TO AIM.
WE'RE BUDGETING FOR AN 8% RESERVE.
SO WE WE BUDGET FOR WE'VE BEEN BUDGETING THE LAST OR WORKING TO BUDGET TOWARDS 8%.
AND THEN WHEN THE FUND BALANCE ACTUALLY CLOSES AND WHEN THE WHEN THE BOOKS ACTUALLY CLOSE, IT GENERALLY COMES IN SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN WHAT WE PROJECTED, BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME EXPENSES THAT DON'T COME TO FRUITION, OR THERE'S SOME LINE ITEMS THAT SOME EXPENSES THAT DID NOT GET EXPENDED OR SOME REVENUES THAT COME IN BETTER OR BUT GENERALLY IT COMES IN SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN WHAT WE PROJECT ON THE, ON THE BUDGET SIDE FOR FUND BALANCE.
AND THAT POLICY IS SELF-IMPOSED.
BUT I DON'T BUT I THINK IT'S A GOOD POLICY.
I WANT TO BE CLEAR. I DO THINK IT'S A VERY GOOD POLICY.
BUT IN OUR THAT'S ONE FACTOR OF MANY IN OUR, IN OUR RATINGS WITH FITCH AND MOODY'S, THE 10%, THE 10 TO 15% WAS ARRIVED AT, BECAUSE THAT'S A GOOD NUMBER TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN COVER ALL OF OUR EXPENSES BETWEEN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER,
[06:55:06]
BEFORE OUR PROPERTY TAXES START COMING IN.WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE WHEN WE DO MAKE A PRESENTATION, IF, FOR EXAMPLE, WE DO, IF EVERYTHING GOES, IS WHAT HAPPENS IF THE COURT DECIDES TO VOTE FOR THE BONDS AND THEY PASS IN NOVEMBER? I'D LIKE TO SEE THAT IN THE PRESENTATION WITH THE RATING AGENCIES, THAT THERE'S AN ITEM INDICATING THE EXACT IMPACT OF THE OPERATION LONE STAR TO THIS COUNTY, AND WHAT THAT DIMUNITION CAUSED IN OUR NOT MEETING OUR OWN POLICY WITH RESPECT TO OUR RESERVES.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE AN ITEM JUST ON THAT.
AND AS WE MOVE FORWARD TO THE TO THE BUDGET, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CONTINUE TO, YOU KNOW, ANYTIME WE ANNOUNCE SOMETHING IN THE PAPER ABOUT OUR TAX RATE AND OUR IN OUR IN OUR BUDGET, WE CONTINUE TO PUT ON THE OPPOSITE PAGE.
THIS IS HOW MUCH STATE UNFUNDED MANDATES ARE BEING SPENT ON.
YES, SIR. AND YOU'RE GOING TO SEE IT IN YOUR PRESENTATION TODAY AS WELL.
OKAY. I BELIEVE JOHN HAS THAT INFORMATION.
I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO JESSICA TO PRESENT THE FIRST PORTION OF THIS PRESENTATION.
BUT LET ME EXPLAIN A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE FLOW.
WE'RE GOING TO GO OVER THAT REAL QUICK.
AND THAT'S WHAT JESSICA IS GOING TO DO.
AND THEN WE'LL TAKE IT FROM THERE AND TALK ABOUT 25 AND ALL THE IMPACTS ON FY 24.
AND THEN ALL THE ITEMS THAT ARE GOING TO INFLUENCE FY 25 AS WELL.
SO WITH THAT BEING SAID, I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO JESSICA GARZA.
GOOD AFTERNOON, JESSICA GARZA, BUDGET AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT.
SO THIS FIRST SLIDE PROVIDES YOU WITH AN OVERVIEW OF OUR FY 24 ALL FUNDS BUDGET.
IT WAS A TOTAL BUDGET THAT WAS SET AT 601.7 MILLION.
AND OUR GENERAL FUND REPRESENTS THE LARGEST FUND WITHIN THIS AT 79%, WITH 476.6 MILLION.
OUR GENERAL FUND BUDGET, AS YOU KNOW, IS BROKEN UP BY THESE VARIOUS PROGRAMS, AND WE'VE DONE SOME CHANGES TO SOME OF THE NAMES OF THESE CATEGORIES TO MAKE IT A LITTLE BIT MORE.
THE PUBLIC SAFETY CATEGORY, AGAIN, IS OUR LARGEST CATEGORY OF SPENDING WITHIN OUR GENERAL FUND BUDGET, AT 33%. INTERNAL SERVICES COMES IN SECOND AT 26%.
AND ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IS THIRD AT 20%.
YES. MR. NEFF, THERE'S A PRETTY BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT OUR AUDITOR SAID IN SO FAR AS PUBLIC SAFETY, OUR PERCENTAGES.
SO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND WHEN WE BUDGET PUBLIC SAFETY, THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING THAT INCLUDES THE CONSTABLE'S, SHERIFF, JAIL, JAIL OPERATIONS, ANYTHING RELATED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT IS WITHIN OUR PUBLIC SAFETY CATEGORY.
BUT MY QUESTION, I GUESS, IS WHY IS THERE SUCH A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE AUDITOR'S REPORT AND YOUR REPORT? SO SO MINE IS BUDGET.
WE'RE BUDGETING THIS PORTION, AND I THINK WITH THE AUDITORS GIVING YOU IS MORE OF ACTUAL EXPENSES.
IS THAT CORRECT? ONE OF ONE OF HER SLIDES SHOWED SO FAR THIS YEAR.
I THINK IF IT'S THE ONE IT SHOWED SO FAR THIS YEAR, WHAT WHAT PUBLIC SAFETY HAS EXPENDED.
YES, 39.6% OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURES.
PUBLIC SAFETY THAT HAVE BEEN SPENT SO FAR THIS YEAR.
IT'S NOT THE TOTAL FOR THE WHOLE YEAR YET.
SO AT THE END, AT THE END OF THE YEAR, IT MAY COME DOWN A LITTLE BIT.
[07:00:04]
THE PERCENTAGE MAY COME DOWN A LITTLE BIT.BUT PART OF IT I WOULD SAY PART OF IT.
COMMISSIONER TO IS SO THEY EQUAL 33% OF THE BUDGET, BUT THIS YEAR THEY ARE EQUAL TO 39% HAVE OF WHAT HAS BEEN EXPENDED.
RIGHT. WE DON'T PROJECT IT TO BE SPENT.
SO IT MAKES THEIR EXPENSES LOOK LARGER.
SO IT'S IF IF YOU AND I BOTH HAVE $50 AND YOU DON'T SPEND YOUR $50 AND I SPEND ALL OF MINE.
SO THEY'RE BUDGETED AT 33%, INTERNAL SERVICE IS BUDGETED AT 26%.
AS AN EXAMPLE, INTERNAL SERVICE WILL NOT SPEND THAT ENTIRE 26% BECAUSE IT'S IT ALSO INCLUDES THINGS LIKE CONTINGENCY FUNDS RESERVES, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.
SO AT THE END OF THE YEAR, I GUESS WE MATCH UP A LITTLE BIT CLOSER.
OKAY. AND I AND I WILL ADD THAT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING AT OUR JAILS AS FAR AS CAPACITY WE ARE SEEING THE EXPENSES FOR SALARIES AND OVERTIME REALLY GO GO ABOVE WHAT WE SPENT LAST YEAR AND THE YEAR BEFORE.
THIS SLIDE GIVES YOU THE BREAKDOWN OF OUR GENERAL FUND BUDGET BY PERSONNEL.
OPERATING EXPENSES, CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND TRANSFER OUT PERSONNEL COSTS, AGAIN, BEING OUR HIGHEST AREA OF EXPENDITURE AT 63%.
OPERATING EXPENSES ARE 29% OF OUR BUDGET CAPITAL AT 1.5%.
AND THEN THE REMAINDER IS TRANSFERS OUT.
AND THAT IS MAINLY THAT THAT AMOUNT IS MAINLY MADE UP OF OUR GRANT MATCHES, THE ACCOUNTS THAT WE THE FUNDING THAT WE PUT INTO ACCOUNTS TO SAVE FOR GRANT MATCHES AS THEY AS AWARDS ARE MADE.
WE'RE GOING TO FOCUS HERE ON THE HISTORICAL LOOK OF OUR BUDGET GROWTH.
AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT HOW WE HOW WE'VE BUDGETED FOR THE YEAR, OUR AVERAGE BUDGET GROWTH OVER THE LAST EIGHT YEARS HAS BEEN 7.38%, WHICH IS 2% HIGHER THAN WHAT OUR REVENUE GROWTH HAS BEEN.
SO EACH YEAR, WE'RE BUDGETING A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN WHAT WE EXPECT TO SEE IN OUR REVENUE.
THIS SLIDE GIVES YOU THE ACTUAL GROWTH.
SO WHEN THE YEAR ENDS AND WE LOOK AT WHAT WE'VE ACTUALLY EXPENDED, THIS IS WHERE IT IT COMES IN.
AND SO WHILE OUR BUDGET GROWTH WAS 7.38% OUR ACTUAL GROWTH IS 5.36%.
AS WE BEGIN TO LOOK AT OUR REVENUES FOR THIS PAST YEAR.
SURE. GOING BACK TO THAT SLIDE.
SO SO THAT THAT'S A AN EFFECT OF I MEAN, WE JUST DIDN'T THAT WE, THAT WE BROUGHT IN MORE THAN WE EXPECTED OR, OR IS IT BECAUSE WE RAISED TAXES OR LIKE, WHAT IS WHAT IS BEEN THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THAT, THAT DISCREPANCY BETWEEN, LIKE, WHAT WE THAT FIVE AND 7% THAT YOU WERE TALKING FIVE AND SEVEN.
SO I THINK THIS GOES BACK TO WHEN BARBARA PRESENTS HER FINANCIAL REPORT AND SHE TALKS ABOUT AT THE END OF THE YEAR, WE KNOW THERE'S A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF OUR BUDGET THAT WE DON'T EXPEND.
AND THEN IN THE END, OUR REVENUES WILL COME IN HIGHER.
THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BECAUSE WE'RE BEING CONSERVATIVE WITH OUR OUR REVENUE PROJECTIONS.
RIGHT. SO WE GET OUR CERTIFIED VALUES IN JULY AND WE BASE OUR BUDGET ON THOSE VALUES.
AND MORE TIMES THAN NOT, THE VALUES WILL INCREASE BETWEEN JULY AND WHEN THEY'RE BILLED IN OCTOBER.
RIGHT. AND THEN AND THEN ALSO SALES TAXES TYPICALLY IT'S YEAH THEY'RE A LITTLE BIT BEHIND.
[07:05:03]
OKAY. IF I MAY IF I MAY ADD SO THOSE TWO SLIDES ARE EXPENSES ONLY.AND AS A, AS A METHODOLOGY OR PHILOSOPHY WE, WE PUT CONTINGENCIES THERE.
IN CASE DEPARTMENTS NEED THEM THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
AND HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, SOME OF THOSE CONTINGENCIES WERE USED ONCE IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.
BUT NOT ALL OF THEM WOULD BE SPENT.
SO THAT'S WHY YOU SEE THAT DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE SEVEN AND AND FIVE.
AND BASICALLY WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE ACTUAL VN5 THAT IS IN LINE WITH OUR REVENUE.
SO THAT'S HOW WE'RE SORT OF BREAKING EVEN AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
OKAY. COMMISSIONER, IF I CAN JUST INTERJECT AS WELL, ONE THING, WHEN WE MEET WITH THE TEAM THAT I CONSISTENTLY HEAR IS, IS EXACTLY TO BETSY'S POINT EARLIER, WHEN WE BUDGET, WE BUDGET AS THOUGH EVERYTHING'S GOING TO BE SPENT.
WE BUDGET BUDGET 3000 EMPLOYEES AS THOUGH WE'RE GOING TO PAY THEM 100% OF THE TIME FOR 2080 HOURS.
ON AVERAGE, WE'RE SPENDING 86% OF OUR BUDGET.
SO THE PREVIOUS SLIDE TALKS ABOUT WHAT WE BUDGET.
AND WHEN WE CLOSE OUT WE ACTUALLY SPEND FAR LESS.
SO A LOT OF THAT ALSO TALKS ABOUT WE JUST DON'T SPEND WHAT WE ACTUALLY BUDGET.
AND THAT 13% DIFFERENCE IS WHAT SETS UP OUR FUND BALANCE EACH YEAR.
WHAT PERCENT DID YOU SAY? 86%. RIGHT NOW IT'S AN 86% AVERAGE.
WE RELY ON THAT UNSPENT AMOUNT TO HELP FUND THE NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET.
RIGHT. AND THIS THIS SLIDE AGAIN IS LOOKING AT OUR REVENUES OVER THE PAST YEAR.
SALES TAX STILL ARE OUR SECOND HIGHEST REVENUE SOURCE AT 21.8%.
AND ALL OTHER REMAINING SOURCES OF REVENUE COME IN AT 14%.
SO EARLIER IN THIS IN THE PRESENTATION, OUR COUNTY AUDITOR PRESENTED THESE SAME NUMBERS BASED ON WHAT WAS BUDGETED VERSUS WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING CONCERNING OUR FY 24 REVENUES.
AS YOU CAN SEE ON THIS SLIDE, WHILE OUR REVENUE BUDGET FOR FY 24 BEGAN AT 384 384 MILLION, WE'RE NOW PROJECTING THAT OUR REVENUES WILL CLOSE CLOSER TO 387 MILLION, OR APPROXIMATELY 3 MILLION MORE THAN WHAT WE ORIGINALLY BELIEVED WOULD HAPPEN.
AS WE GET READY TO CLOSE OUT FY 24.
THIS SLIDE HIGHLIGHTS A FEW IMPACTS THAT AFFECTED OUR FY 24 BUDGET POSITION.
THE FEDERAL INMATE REVENUE REDUCTION.
THE SALES TAX. REVENUE GROWTH RATE SLOWING.
THE INMATE POPULATIONS RESULTING IN OVERTIME COST.
THIS YEAR WE'VE USED 90% OF OUR GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MATCH ACCOUNT FUNDS, WHICH IS A GOOD THING. WE'RE GETTING MORE GRANTS, BUT WE'RE THIS WE'RE THIS USED TO BE KIND OF A CONTINGENCY ACCOUNT IS NOW BEING UTILIZED AT A HIGHER RATE. AND THEN THE UNSEEN CONTINGENCY FOR JAIL MEDICAL WILL ALSO BE USED AGAIN, GOING BACK TO THE INCREASING COST OF THE JAIL OPERATIONS ON THE HEALTH SIDE, THE MONEY THAT WE NORMALLY SET ASIDE AS CONTINGENCY TO PAY UMC AND EVEN WE WE WILL BE UTILIZING PROBABLY 97% OF THAT THIS YEAR.
AND SO WITH THAT I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO JOHN.
SO. YEAH, TOTALLY DIDN'T WORK.
WE'RE GOING TO NOW GO OVER THE FY 25 BUDGET REVIEW.
AND WITH WITH OUR BUDGETS, TYPICALLY WE HAVE THREE MAIN SOURCES OF REVENUE.
[07:10:01]
PROPERTY TAXES, SALES TAXES AND THE FEDERAL INMATE REVENUE.SO THE THE SLIDES ARE DESIGNED TO GO OVER THESE MAIN SOURCES.
AND SO THIS IS OUR FIRST ONE WITH I THINK WE SHARED THIS TABLE WITH YOU THE LAST TIME WE PRESENTED.
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE HERE IS WE'RE BEING A LITTLE MORE CAUTIOUS.
WE ESTIMATE 5% REDUCTION BETWEEN PRELIMINARY AND CERTIFIED.
OF COURSE, WE'RE GOING TO GET OUR CERTIFIED NUMBERS ON JULY 26TH.
HISTORICALLY SPEAKING THE DIFFERENCE, THE VARIANCE IN THE LAST TEN YEARS HAS BEEN 3.55.
BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAST FOUR YEARS, IT'S BEEN OVER 4%.
WE ARE BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS ABOUT $20 BILLION BEING CONTESTED RIGHT NOW.
AND SO WE WE WANTED TO BE A LITTLE MORE CAUTIOUS, A LITTLE MORE CONSERVATIVE, AND BASICALLY, EXCUSE ME, WE ADJUSTED FOR 5%.
SO THAT LEAVES US WITH $68 BILLION IN TAXABLE VALUES.
AGAIN, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW IT'LL ACTUALLY PAN OUT TEN DAYS FROM NOW.
BUT THAT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR FACTORS THAT AFFECT OUR PROPERTY TAXES.
BETWEEN FY 15 AND FY 19, WE HAVE BEEN AT AROUND $0.45.
TODAY WE ARE AROUND THE SAME LEVEL.
SO THERE HAS ONLY BEEN THREE CENT INCREASE.
BUT THEN THE TAX RATE WENT DOWN TO ACTUALLY THE LOWEST VALUE IN THE LAST TEN YEARS.
ALTHOUGH IT CAME BACK UP AGAIN.
BUT WE'RE, WE'RE AGAIN WE'RE VERY CLOSE TO PRE-PANDEMIC TAX RATE WHICH IS VERY ADMIRABLE. AS A COUNTY, WE'RE NOT RAISING OUR TAX RATES SIGNIFICANTLY.
SO WE'RE NOT WE'RE NOT AFFECTING THE TAXPAYERS.
IS THERE GOING BACK TO THAT, TO THAT SLIDE? I MEAN, I KNOW THAT IT'S IT'S GREAT INFORMATION FOR US TO HAVE TO LOOK AT WHAT OUR TAX RATE IS, BUT WE CAN'T ALWAYS SAY THAT WE, WE HAVEN'T AFFECTED THE TAXPAYER BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE IN PROPERTY VALUES.
RIGHT. SO WE'RE WE'RE BEING WE'RE BEING FAIR WITH OUR WITH OUR.
SURE, WE COULD TAKE THE INFORMATION FROM THE EARLIER SCREEN ABOUT THE CERTIFIED VALUES AND ADD A BAR FOR EACH YEAR FOR THOSE CERTIFIED VALUES? YEAH. I MEAN, EVEN I MEAN, NOT JUST THE THE CERTIFIED VALUES AS A WHOLE, BUT BUT JUST LIKE THE AVERAGE INCREASE THAT WE HAVE SEEN, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT JUST PROPERTY.
THIS IS BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL.
RIGHT. ALL OF THE CERTIFIED VALUES INCLUDE THOSE THREE CATEGORIES.
SO I MEAN I'M MORE I WANT TO CONCENTRATE MORE ON KIND OF LIKE THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TAX BASE.
AND YOU KNOW, THE AVERAGE THAT IT'S GONE UP EVERY YEAR.
RIGHT. HOW MUCH THEIR VALUES HAVE INCREASED.
WE CAN DO THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE HOME VALUE OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS FOR YOU.
OKAY. OUR NEXT MAIN SOURCE OF REVENUE IS SALES TAX.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE WE TRY TO BE VERY SPECIFIC HERE.
REVENUE IS NOT DECREASING YEAR OVER YEAR, BUT THE GROWTH RATE HAS BEEN DECREASING.
SO ON THIS SLIDE, YOU'LL NOTICE THAT OUR ORIGINALLY BUDGETED SALES TAX FOR FY 24 WAS 84 MILLION.
THE AUDITOR'S ADJUSTED ESTIMATE WENT DOWN TO 81.7.
SO IT'S HIGHER THAN THE ESTIMATED OR THE REVISED ESTIMATED, BUT IT'S LOWER THAN THE PREVIOUSLY BUDGETED AMOUNT. SO AGAIN THE SALES TAXES THEMSELVES ARE NOT AS REVENUE.
[07:15:02]
THEY'RE NOT DECREASING.THE GROWTH RATE IS JUST SLOWING DOWN.
AND DO WE KNOW WHAT THAT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO.
IS THERE ANY ANALYSIS THAT WE'VE SEEN IN, YOU KNOW, IN THE MARKET AS TO WHY WHY THAT IS.
OH I WAS JUST GOING TO SAY THAT INFLATION WHEN WE WHEN WE LOOK AT INFLATION YEAR OVER YEAR, IT MEANS THAT, YOU KNOW, SPENDING FOR ITEMS OTHER THAN FOOD IS REDUCING.
AND SO THAT'S WHERE SALES TAX IS USUALLY THEIR GROWTH WOULD SLOW DOWN.
AND I THINK THOSE THIS SLIDE HERE SHOWS THIS PERFECTLY.
BUT ALSO I WANT TO MENTION ON BARBARA'S SLIDE AND SEE I'VE BEEN ASKING THE SAME QUESTION.
I ACTUALLY HAVE ASKED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE IT'S WHOLESALE.
IT'S IT'S WHOLESALE SALES THAT ARE DOWN THE MOST.
AND SO I'M IN THE DATA THAT THEY'RE GETTING FROM THE THE STATE AND I'M TRYING TO CONTROLLER.
IT'S SHOWING THAT THE, THE LARGEST DECLINE BECAUSE RETAIL IS ACTUALLY UP 6%.
PERCENT. SO BUT IT'S WHOLESALE THAT IS DOWN.
AND SO I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF WE CAN GET ANY MORE DETAILS OR TELL WHERE IS THAT COMING FROM.
THAT'S WHEN WE STARTED SEEING THE DOUBLE DIGIT INCREASES.
AND SO, YEAH, THE SUPPLY CHAIN.
AND SO IF THE GOODS AREN'T AVAILABLE, THE SALES AREN'T BEING MADE.
RIGHT. AND SO THAT'S PART OF THAT MAY BE PART OF THE WHOLESALE ISSUE AS WELL.
YES. AND SO BECAUSE IF YOU LOOK AT LIKE, I MEAN THE OTHER THING TOO, WHAT PEOPLE CUT OUT WHEN THEY'RE WHEN WE START HEADING INTO A RECESSION IS RETAIL ACCOMMODATION, FOOD SERVICES, THINGS LIKE THAT.
AND I'M TRYING TO FIGURE OUT, LIKE, HOW WHAT EXACTLY IS THE INFORMATION? WHAT DOES THAT INCLUDE? I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED THAT CLARIFICATION.
I'M I'M BELIEVING THAT IS LIKE DATA DATA CENTERS, MAYBE EVEN TECHNOLOGY RESOURCES.
I DON'T KNOW, BUT WE NEED TO FIND OUT THAT.
SO I HAVE ASKED JOSIE IF THEY HAVE ANY DATA, WE MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET SOME INFORMATION FROM THE FEDERAL RESERVE AND FROM UTEP ON THE ECONOMY AND WHAT'S IMPACTING THESE PARTICULAR CATEGORIES.
BETSY. SOME OF THE INDUSTRY AND BARBARA, OF COURSE, YOU CAN CHIME IN, BUT SOME OF THE INDUSTRIES THAT IMPACT OUR INFORMATION INCLUDE WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS, DATA PROCESSING, HOSTED AND RELATING SERVICES OR RELATED SERVICES, SOFTWARE PUBLISHERS, CABLE AND OTHER SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAMING AND OTHER.
SO IT IS INTERESTING AND BETSY HAS ASKED US I WANT TO KNOW MORE WHY.
LIKE WHAT IS CHANGING BEHAVIOR WISE FROM OUR OUR COMMUNITY.
YEAH. AND AND THE WHOLESALE CATEGORY IS MEDICAL, DENTAL AND HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT SALES, CONSTRUCTION AND MINING, EXCEPT FOR OIL WELLS, MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, PUBLIC PLUMBING, HEATING EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS NONDURABLE GOODS AS WELL AS INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY. AND IT'S AN INTERESTING CURVE THIS YEAR.
I MEAN, YOU KNOW, IF YOU LOOK AT THE IT'S NOT EVEN FOLLOWING A NORMAL YEARLY PATTERN.
WHOLESALE, IT STARTED OFF REALLY LOOKING GREAT IN OCTOBER.
AND IT'S, IT'S DOING THIS LIKE KIND OF LIKE A, LIKE A BOWL CURVE A NEGATIVE BOWL CURVE WHERE THE OTHER YEARS YOU'VE SEEN, LIKE ZIG ZAG UP SOME MONTHS OR UP AND DOWN, BUT IT'S DOING IT.
SO I'M, I'M CURIOUS WHAT WHAT IS HAPPENING.
WE'LL KEEP LOOKING AT MORE INTO THAT BETSY.
OKAY. GOING BACK TO THIS SLIDE.
NOW WE DO WANT TO PUT THIS OUT AS A REMINDER.
WE DO NOT KEEP 100% OF OUR SALES TAXES.
USUALLY THE STATE CALCULATES THE SALES TAXES, AND THEN ANY EXCESS GOES TO THAT SERVICE.
[07:20:03]
AND WE HAVE SOME GREAT DATA HERE.FROM 2019 TO 2023, $13.4 MILLION DOLLARS WAS APPLIED ACTUALLY TO THAT SERVICE.
LAST YEAR 2.5 MILLION WAS APPLIED TO THAT SERVICE.
AND IN FY 25, WE EXPECT $1 MILLION IN EXCESS OF SALES TAXES WILL WILL BE APPLIED TO 1 MILLION, 1 MILLION.
SO AGAIN, IT'S SLOWING DOWN, AS YOU CAN SEE.
BUT THERE'S STILL AN AMOUNT GOING TO DEBT SERVICE TO THE PAYEE PAY DOWN OF OF OUR PRINCIPAL.
BUT THAT COMES BACK. THAT COMES ACTUALLY FROM THE LAST THREE YEARS.
IS IT 12 MONTHS? I UNDERSTAND IT LOOKS BACK THREE YEARS.
ANYTHING WE COLLECT IN THE NEXT 12 MONTH PERIOD, THAT'S IN EXCESS OF THAT IS WHAT WE TRANSFER TO DEBT SERVICE AND WE WON'T KNOW THAT FULL AMOUNT FOR FISCAL YEAR 24 UNTIL DECEMBER OF THIS YEAR.
SO THAT TRANSFERS MADE ALL AT ONCE.
YES. AND IT STAYS WITH THE COUNTY, BUT IT GOES TOWARDS DEBT SERVICE.
YOU KNOW, REGRESSIVE SALES TAX.
YEAH. OUR NEXT SLIDE IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING SLIDES.
THIS IS OUR DAILY JAIL POPULATION.
THE LIGHT BLUE LINE YOU SEE HERE IS THE TOTAL.
AND THEN THE ORANGE IS OUR FEDERAL.
AND YOU CAN SEE A CONSTANT DECLINE IN, IN OUR FEDERAL INMATE POPULATION.
YEAH, I KNOW IT DOESN'T LOOK PRETTY.
SO IN FY 24, THE ORIGINAL BUDGET WAS $11 MILLION.
THE REVISED ESTIMATE BY THE AUDITORS GOES DOWN TO 5.4 OR 5.5, ALMOST.
IN FY 25, THE PROJECTION NOW GOES DOWN TO 1.8.
AND SO THIS SLIDE SUMMARIZES THE THREE CATEGORIES WE TALKED ABOUT EARLIER.
THE THREE REVENUE CATEGORIES I MEAN AND YOU CAN SEE HERE OUR FY 25 PROJECTIONS FOR PROPERTY TAXES ARE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN 24 HOUR SALES TAXES IS AGAIN HIGHER THAN THE UPDATED ESTIMATE, BUT NOT HIGHER THAN THE ORIGINAL BUDGET.
BUT THEN OUR MAJOR HIT COMES FROM THE FEDERAL REVENUE.
HERE WE HAVE A FULL BREAKDOWN FOR OUR REVENUES BASED ON THE JUNE FINANCIAL REPORTS.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE HERE, WE WENT OVER THIS IN THE PREVIOUS SLIDE, 252 MILLION IS PROJECTED FOR OUR PROPERTY TAXES.
NOW THAT IS AGAIN PENDING OUR CERTIFIED VALUES, WHICH COME IN LATER THIS MONTH.
SO WE'LL SEE. HOW WOULD THAT LOOK LIKE BY THE END OF THE MONTH? WE ARE ESTIMATING ABOUT $5 MILLION ADDITIONAL ON TOP OF.
SO LET ME CLARIFY THE THE COLUMN BEFORE LAST IS THE AUDITOR'S PROJECTIONS.
AND THEN THE LAST COLUMN IS OUR PROJECTIONS.
AND YOU WILL SEE THEY'RE EXACTLY THE SAME EXCEPT WHEN IT COMES TO THE PROPERTY TAXES.
IF EVERYTHING IS THE SAME, WE ARE PROJECTING ABOUT $5 MILLION MORE ON PROPERTY TAXES.
SO OUR REVENUE THEREFORE IS $388 MILLION.
I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT SOMETHING THAT FROM FROM THESE FIGURES THAT YOU GAVE US THE DROP IN, IN WHAT WE'RE GETTING FROM THE FEDERAL INMATE POPULATION THAT WE DON'T HAVE USED TO BE 60 MILLION. IT'S NOW ONE POINT, WHATEVER.
THAT'S ABOUT A $15 MILLION DIFFERENCE.
NUMBER ONE, IT ACTUALLY PEAKED AT 20 MILLION.
20 MILLION, IF YOU LOOK 20.5 MILLION.
YEAH, BUT I'M JUST SAYING TALKING FROM FROM FISCAL YEAR 20.
[07:25:03]
RIGHT. RIGHT. 22 IS 20 MILLION.BUT THE AVERAGE. YEAH. SAY LET'S LET'S SAY IT'S 20.
LET'S SAY IT'S, YOU KNOW, 15 MILLION OR 16 OR 17 MILLION.
AND IT'S DROPPED DOWN TO ONE POINT.
WHATEVER IT IS, THAT'S ABOUT A $15 MILLION DIFFERENCE AVERAGE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
AND IT'S COSTING US ABOUT AN EXTRA 12 MILLION A YEAR JUST TO HOUSE THE INMATES FROM THE STATE THAT ARE OPERATION LONE STAR.
SO YOU ADD THAT PLUS THE REDUCTION IN REVENUE OF 15, THAT'S 27 TO 30 MILLION JUST IN THAT ALONE.
THAT'S OUR BUDGET DEFICIT THIS YEAR.
OPERATION LONE STAR STARTED IN FY 21.
YEAH. AND IT'S SLOWLY BEEN DECREASING OUR POPULATION OF INMATES FROM THE FEDERAL THE END OF FY 21.
IT'S. IT'S A CHALLENGING YEAR.
YOU HEARD MISS KELLER MENTIONED EARLIER THAT IF ALL THINGS STAY THE SAME BY INFLATION ALONE THE SAME IS ACTUALLY A REDUCTION.
SO IF WE'RE GETTING THE SAME REVENUE, IT'S ACTUALLY A REDUCTION BECAUSE OUR EXPENSES HAVE INCREASED.
RIGHT? EVEN IF WE DON'T ADD ANYTHING, ANY ADDITIONAL EXPENSES.
SO IT IS A CHALLENGING YEAR WHERE REVENUE IS IS DOWN, EXPENDITURE IS UP, AND WE STILL ARE TRYING TO FIND ADDITIONAL AREAS.
AND WE'RE GOING TO GO OVER THAT IN A IN A DIFFERENT SLIDE.
BUT WE'RE STILL TRYING TO PRESENT A BALANCED BUDGET.
THAT IS PROBABLY JUST IN MY MIND, BUT SLIGHT 2031 IS COMPARED TO 38 IF YOU CAN GO TO 31 FIRST.
AND YOU LOOK AT THE PROPERTY VALUES FOR 2023 IT SHOWS A -4.44%. BUT YET YOU GO TO SLIDE 38.
IT MIGHT BE ANOTHER ONE. CAN YOU GO BACK ONE.
OKAY. AND YOU LOOK AT THIS ONE.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 23 AND 24, TO ME NOT BEING AN ACCOUNT, IT SEEMS LIKE A BIG INCREASE, RIGHT? NOT A DECREASE.
[E. BUDGET HEARING: Receive a presentation regarding various financial and budget information for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. This presentation includes the County Auditor’s monthly interim financial report for the month ended June 30, 2024, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code § 114.023, 114.024, 114.025 and 114.026. The interim financial report is located on the internet at http://www.epcountytx.gov/auditor/publications/monthlyreports.htm. John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262]
AND I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ALL REMEMBER, BUT WHEN WE MET I SAID THIS IS ACTUALLY WE SHOULD ADD THIS IS WHERE I SAID WE NEED TO SHOW THE DIFFERENCE RIGHT FROM YEAR TO YEAR HOW MUCH IT'S GROWN. SO COMMISSIONER, THIS IS THE TAX ASSESSED VALUE.SO THIS SLIDE SHOWS WHAT PRELIMINARY TAX VALUES ARE.
A FEW MONTHS AGO MARCH OR APRIL.
BUT BY THE TIME THEY TRULY COME IN AT THE END OF JULY, WHICH IS WHEN WE HAVE TO WAIT TO GET THEM EVERY YEAR TO BE CERTIFIED, THEY TYPICALLY COME DOWN FROM THAT PRELIMINARY ON AVERAGE BETWEEN TWO, THREE, 4%.
AND SO THIS SLIDE RIGHT HERE, WE'RE NOT ON JULY 26TH YET.
THAT SHOWS THE DECREASE OF PRELIMINARY TO CERTIFIED.
AND THEN THAT'S WHAT WE BASE OUR TAX RATES OFF OF.
THE ACTUAL INCREASE WAS AN INCREASE.
SO THE BETTER THE BETTER THING TO LOOK AT.
IN REALITY IT'S GOING TO COME DOWN.
BUT IT'S IT'S GOING TO COME DOWN FROM THE NUMBER THAT THEY GAVE US A FEW MONTHS AGO.
WE'RE PROJECTING IT WILL GROW $8 BILLION, 8.5 BILLION.
SO YOU SEE THE 61, 61, 60 BILLION.
AND THEN FOR THE YEAR 24, WE'RE PROJECTING 68 BILLION IN VALUE.
[07:30:02]
SO WE WERE DOWN ON OUR PROJECTIONS, BUT YET ON THE ACTUALS.WE BUDGET OFF OF THE CERTIFIED VALUES.
GO AHEAD BARBARA. THAT'S BARBARA'S.
YES. WE BUDGET OFF THE CERTIFIED VALUES.
I DO MY CERTIFIED REVENUES OFF THE CERTIFIED VALUES WHEN THEY ACTUALLY BUILD LAST YEAR IN OCTOBER.
THEY BUILD IT 61 BILLION, NOT 60 BILLION.
SO THEY ACTUALLY BUILD MORE THAN THEY HAD CERTIFIED.
WHICH HAPPENS. WHICH IS WHY WE'RE OVER BUDGET ON PROPERTY TAXES THIS YEAR.
WE PROJECTED LESS AND COLLECTED MORE.
BECAUSE WE RAISED THE TAX RATE LAST YEAR AS WELL.
SO SO OUR PROPERTY VALUE REVENUE IS HIGHER.
THOSE ARE PERCENTAGE OFF A LITTLE BIT.
BUT THAT'S BECAUSE WE DID RAISE THE PROPERTY VALUE.
YEAH. I MEAN, I FEEL EVERYBODY TRY TO EXPLAIN.
SO MAYBE IT'S USELESS IF I TRY, BUT LET ME TRY.
YEAR OVER YEAR, OUR PROPERTY VALUES.
AND IF YOU LOOK AT THE CERTIFIED COLUMN YEAR OVER YEAR, WE'RE ALWAYS INCREASING.
THERE'S ALWAYS A POSITIVE INCREASE IN THE CERTIFIED VALUES.
BUT BASICALLY THE PERCENTAGE, THE REDUCTION YOU SEE HERE IS BETWEEN THE PRELIMINARY AND CERTIFIED.
SO THOSE TWO PERCENTAGES YOU'RE NOTICING, COMMISSIONER? THEY'RE NOT THEY DON'T CORRELATE TO ONE ANOTHER.
SO, COMMISSIONER, WE'LL WORK TO AMEND THIS CHART.
ALL RIGHT, SO THIS IS THE SLIDE THAT COMMISSIONER STOUT HAD REQUESTED.
THIS SHOWS OUR MANDATED AND NON MANDATED COSTS.
SO WE HAVE HERE THE VALUES AND PERCENTAGES FOR COMPARED TO OUR TOTAL BUDGET.
THIS WILL HELP REMIND THE PUBLIC THAT OUR MANDATED COSTS OVER THE YEARS HAVE GROWN FROM 51% OF OUR TOTAL BUDGET TO 54% IN 23, AND IT'S HOLDING STEADY IN, IN 24.
WE'RE STILL LOOKING AT HOW WOULD 25 LOOK LIKE, BUT WE ESTIMATE IT'S GOING TO BE AROUND THAT RANGE.
AS FOR THE NON-MANDATED COSTS, WHICH ARE IN ORANGE, THOSE ARE COMING IN AT 44 TO 39%. THAT'S THE MOST RECENT ONE.
SO WE'VE BEEN WE'VE BEEN MORE FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE WITH OUR UNMANDATED COSTS, AND THEY'VE COME DOWN AND THE MANDATED COSTS HAVE GONE UP. SO THE NARRATIVE AT THE CAPITAL THAT COUNTIES, ESPECIALLY OUR COUNTY, ARE RUNAWAY THIEVES WHEN IT COMES TO TAXPAYER MONEY, DOES NOT DOES NOT BEAR OUT IN THIS DATA.
YEAH. I MEAN, I MAY BE BIASED, BUT I WOULD SAY THAT OVERALL WE ARE VERY FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE.
SO THAT 54% YOU KNOW, I IN YEARS PAST, WHEN WE'VE GONE AND TALKED AND TESTIFIED AT THE, AT THE STATE LEGISLATURE 54% IS LIKE THE DIRECT EXPENDITURES, BUT THERE'S ALSO ANOTHER PERCENTAGE THAT'S THAT'S SUPPORTIVE TO THOSE DIRECTORS THAT MAYBE, I MEAN, THAT WE ALSO HAVE, HAVE HAVE PROVIDED INFORMATION TO THE LEGISLATURE ABOUT ADDITIONAL THAT HAD BROUGHT IT CLOSE TO ALMOST 70% OF THE COUNTY'S BUDGET.
THAT WOULD BE OUR COST ALLOCATION STUDY THAT WE DO THROUGH AUDITORS, WHERE THEY LOOK AT LIKE, HOW MUCH? SO WE BASICALLY USE THE WHEN WE SAY THAT WE'RE USING THE SAME CONCEPT THAT WE USE WITH GRANTS SO THAT WE CAN CHARGE THEM FOR SERVICES LIKE IT'D AIR BUDGET AND THOSE INTERNAL SUPPORT.
I KNOW THIS SAYS SUPPORT LIKE FIVE, SIX, 7% OF THE TOTAL, BUT I THINK MOST OF OUR COST ALLOCATION STUDIES, ALL THE ONES I'VE SEEN, RUN THOSE COSTS AT ABOUT 17%, 16 TO 17% OF THE GRANT COST IS ALSO INTERNAL SERVICE, THE SUPPORT COSTS.
[07:35:01]
SO THAT'S WHERE YOU GET ANOTHER 16 TO 17% ON TOP OF THE 54%, I BELIEVE, BECAUSE THAT INCLUDES INDIRECT COSTS THAT WE THEIR THEIR DIRECT SUPPORT COSTS RIGHT TO THOSE NON SO LIKE ARE THOSE MANDATED SERVICES.SO FOR EXAMPLE A MANDATED SERVICES THAT WE RUN A GEL.
AND TO RUN THAT GEL WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO HIRE PEOPLE.
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE TECHNOLOGY.
SO I THINK THAT NUMBER IS IMPACTFUL.
I MEAN, THIS NUMBER IS IMPACTFUL JUST IN AND OF ITSELF, RIGHT? BUT LIKE FOR PEOPLE, FOR THE PUBLIC AND FOR FOR OTHERS TO UNDERSTAND, JUST LIKE WHERE YOU KNOW HOW.
WE ARE NOT MANAGING THE LARGEST PORTION OF OUR BUDGET.
THE OTHER ONE IS SUPPORTIVE COSTS AND BRING IT UP TO WHERE WE'RE MANAGING IT.
BUT BUT THEY'RE FORCING US TO TO TO SPEND IT.
IN THIS LAST SECTION WE'RE GOING TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPACTS AND CONSIDERATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS AS WELL, THAT WE TAKE IN FY 25.
AND I'LL START WITH THIS SLIDE.
AND THERE IS A CORRECTION HERE.
I DID THIS SLIDE BASED ON THE NUMBERS FROM FM EIGHT.
WE RECEIVED THE FM NINE NUMBERS FROM THE AUDITORS.
IN THE LAST MINUTE, AND WE UPDATED THOSE SLIDES.
I DIDN'T UPDATE THIS SLIDE THOUGH.
SO THIS ONE IS SHOWING THAT THE REVENUE PROJECTION HAS A DECREASE OF 1.3 MILLION.
AND THE PERCENTAGE WHICH IS 0.34% IS ACTUALLY 0.22%.
SO THAT IS THE CORRECTION THAT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ON THIS SLIDE.
THAT IS COMPARED TO FY 24 BUDGET.
THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES FROM FY 24, WE HAVE AN INCREASE OF PROPERTY TAXES OF ABOUT $8 MILLION.
OUR SALES TAXES ARE GOING DOWN FROM, AGAIN FROM THE ORIGINAL BUDGET, NOT FROM THE UPDATED ESTIMATE BY HALF $1 MILLION. THE MAJOR HIT TO OUR REVENUE CONTINUES TO BE THE FEDERAL INMATE REVENUE, AND THAT IS $9 MILLION IN ONE YEAR.
AND FINALLY, WE ARE PROJECTING THAT INTEREST REVENUE WILL DECREASE BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, WE'RE EXPECTING THE FED WILL REDUCE THE INTEREST RATE NEXT YEAR, AND WE'RE GOING TO HAVE A LOT LESS MONEY IN THE BANK TO BE EARNING INTEREST ON BECAUSE WE'RE DOING THESE MAJOR ARPA PROJECTS.
AND AS THAT MONEY GOES DOWN OUR INTEREST, THERE'S NOT AS MUCH MONEY THERE TO TO EARN THE INTEREST.
ALL RIGHT. THE MAJOR FY 25 BUDGET PRESSURES OR BIGGEST IMPACTS THAT WE HAD, WE HAVE THE FLEET INCREASE THE SERVICE FEES.
I'M NOT GOING TO, YOU KNOW, READ THEM TO YOU THAT ARE THAT ARE IN FRONT OF YOU.
BUT WHAT WE HAVE HERE ACTUALLY IS ANYWHERE BETWEEN 15 TO $17 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL COST TO OUR EXPENSE TO OUR FY 25 BUDGET.
AND THAT IS ABOUT $0.03 OF THE ANNUAL RATE.
HERE WE HAVE THE BUDGET REGISTER.
WE ACTUALLY CAME TO YOU PREVIOUSLY LAST MONTH, AND WE PRESENTED IT.
I THINK NOT LAST MONDAY, BUT THE MONDAY BEFORE.
AND THAT WILL PUT US AT $6.2 MILLION.
THAT'S ANOTHER BUDGET PRESSURE THAT WE ARE FACING.
SO WITH THAT, THERE'S OTHER BUDGET THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED DURING THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR, RIGHT.
SO WITH THAT, THIS IS WHERE WE'RE STARTING FROM.
BUT THIS IS WHERE WE'RE STARTING FROM.
[07:40:04]
OUR TOTAL AVAILABLE RESOURCES IS $469 MILLION, WHILE OUR FY 25 EXPENDITURES BEFORE ANY ADJUSTMENTS ARE 476.SO OBVIOUSLY WE ARE ABOUT $70 MILLION BELOW.
AGAIN, I WANT TO LIKE KEEP STRESSING THAT THESE ARE NOT THE FINAL NUMBERS, BUT THIS IS WHAT WE ARE STARTING WITH, AND WE'RE DOING EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO TO ACTUALLY PRESENT THE BOARD WITH A BALANCED BUDGET.
SO WHEN YOU SAY BEFORE ADJUSTMENTS, THAT MEANS BEFORE ANY OF THE THINGS ON THE PRIOR SLIDE, KNOW THAT THAT INCLUDES EVERYTHING ON THE PRIOR SLIDES, BUT THAT'S BEFORE OUR INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS TO REDUCE THOSE EXPENDITURES.
SOME OF THE THINGS WE'RE DOING THERE.
THINGS THAT WE'RE TRYING TO OFFSET OR CAN WE DELAY OR DEFER? AND I WILL TELL YOU I THINK THIS NUMBER IS ACTUALLY MUCH BETTER THAN WHAT JOHN AND I REVIEWED YESTERDAY.
BUT KEEP IN MIND THE NUMBERS WE REVIEWED YESTERDAY.
WE ALSO HAVE TO PLAN FOR THAT 8% FUND BALANCE.
AND SO RIGHT NOW THIS DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR THAT.
SO THAT PROBLEM STATEMENT GROWS.
SO WHEN YOU LOOK AND YOU SEE OH WE'RE ONLY OFF BY 7 MILLION, WE'RE NOT, IT'S FAR GREATER BECAUSE WE STILL HAVE TO ENSURE THAT WE HIT OUR POLICY GOAL OF 8% IN TERMS OF FUND BALANCE TO START US NEXT YEAR.
SO THIS DOESN'T EVEN ACCOUNT FOR NEXT YEAR'S FUND BALANCE.
THAT'S WHERE THAT GAP IS LYING.
SO I FEEL LIKE THE GAP THAT WE'RE WE'RE LIKE WHAT WE'RE WORKING ON BEHIND THE SCENES WHERE I'M LOSING SLEEP IS I'M THINKING WE HAVE TO COVER A $45 MILLION GAP.
AND THAT'S WHERE WE'RE MAKING THESE REDUCTIONS IN OUR PROPOSED BUDGET TO THINGS LIKE OUR CAPITAL PLAN FOR THIS YEAR, WHICH, AGAIN, THAT REALLY WORKS AGAINST WHAT THE COURT HAS WORKED REALLY HARD FOR, FOR A LONG TIME, BECAUSE, COMMISSIONER OLGUIN, I'VE HEARD YOU SAY LIKE, CAN'T WE FUND SOME OF THIS STUFF AS WE GO? WELL, WE'VE BEEN WORKING.
WE CREATED THAT CAPITAL FUND TO HELP DO THAT.
AND AGAIN, WE'RE BRINGING THAT AGENDA ITEM ON MONDAY TO TO ADDRESS SOME OF THIS AS WELL, TO SEE IF THERE'S ANY WAY WE CAN GET SOME HELP TO HELP, ANY WAY WE CAN GET SOME HELP FROM THE STATE TO HELP COVER SOME OF THESE EXPENSES THAT WE HAVE BROUGHT THAT HAVE BEEN BROUGHT ON TO US BY SOME OF THEIR POLICY DECISIONS.
SO ANYWAY, I JUST I FEEL LIKE WE'RE TRYING TO COVER A $45 MILLION GAP AS WE'RE WORKING THROUGH BUDGET, AND I THINK WE'RE GOING TO BE ABLE TO COVER A LOT OF IT FOR A SHORT TERM, BUT IT'S NOT SUSTAINABLE.
WHAT IS THE 8% OF FUND BALANCE COME OUT TO? DO WE HAVE THAT FIGURE? DO WE KNOW? WELL, THE ONE THAT'S NOT ACCOUNTED FOR HERE, SIR.
RIGHT NOW ON THIS ONE IT WOULD BE ABOUT 38 MILLION.
THE 45 TO $48 MILLION THAT WERE TRYING TO REDUCE THEIR USE.
NO, NO. GO AHEAD. AND YOU'RE USING THE CURRENT RATE.
NO. WE'RE WE'RE SO FOR THE RATE WE'RE GOING OFF OF WHAT THE AUDITORS HAVE PROJECTED.
AND SO WE I THINK IT IS IT'S THE NO NEW REVENUE, NO NEW REVENUE RATE PLUS 2%.
NO, I THINK IT'S THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE.
THE. BARBARA'S IS AT THE CURRENT RATE.
AND THE AUDITORS PROJECTIONS, WE'RE PROJECTING A 2% INCREASE AT THIS POINT, A 2% INCREASE IN THE IN THE PROPERTY TAXES AT THE NEW AT THE CURRENT RATE, AT THE CURRENT RATE, WE'RE WE'RE LOOKING AT A 2% INCREASE IN VALUES AND AT THE CURRENT RATE.
BUT LIKE I SAID, THAT'S UNTIL WE GET THE CERTIFIED VALUES.
THERE'S A LOT MORE THAT GOES INTO THE PROPERTY TAX CALCULATIONS THAN JUST THAT.
SO THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE WOULD BE LOWER, RIGHT? YES. CORRECT. I THINK THE VA WILL ACTUALLY THE ROLLBACK RATE WOULD BE LOWER TOO.
I DON'T THINK SO, COMMISSIONER.
WE'RE WE'RE ESTIMATING I DON'T THINK IT'S LOWER BECAUSE FOR UMC IT IS.
[07:45:03]
YEAH. WELL IF IT'S LOWER FOR UMC THEN IT'S GOING TO BE LOWER FOR US.BUT THE PRESENTATION WE LOOKED AT SOME NUMBERS.
IT'S LOWER THEN IT'LL BE LOWER FOR US AS WELL.
AND THAT'S AND THAT'S THE ROLLBACK RATE.
SO WE CAN'T EVEN LIKE UNLESS WE GO TO A VOTE OF THE PUBLIC, WE CAN'T EVEN STAY AT THE CURRENT RATE, WE WOULD WE WOULD HAVE TO GO DOWN TO THE VOTER APPROVAL RATE AT LEAST, WHICH WOULD STILL BE IT'S ABOVE THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE, BUT IT'S THEY'RE BOTH LOWER THAN THAN THE THAN THE CURRENT RATE.
WHEN IT COMES TO THE EMERGENCY RESERVES THAT WE HAVE, CAN YOU EXPLAIN THAT? BETSY OR MR.? SARAH. OR.
THE RESERVES WE HAVE BUDGETED.
NO. SO THERE'S THERE'S A THERE'S A THERE'S AN EMERGENCY.
THERE'S AN EMERGENCY RESERVES FUND.
RIGHT. AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT 27 MILLION IF I CAN JUST BACK UP.
SO THAT'S PART OF OUR THAT'S PART OF OUR RESERVES.
SO AND THAT'S PART OF THE 80 MILLION THAT YOU HAVE THERE IN THE FUND BALANCE.
YES, SIR. AND SO THE GOAL IS TO BUDGET.
SO WE NEVER USED TO BUDGET IT.
WE ALWAYS USED TO JUST LET IT BE WHAT'S CALLED UNBUDGETED UNALLOCATED.
AND SO YEARS AGO WE CHANGED THE PRACTICE TO BUDGET A PORTION OF IT.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOUR FUND BALANCE IS GOING TO BE, SO YOU CAN'T BUDGET ALL OF IT.
BUT WE WENT TO THE STATE TO BUDGET A PORTION, OR WE WENT TO A PRACTICE TO BUDGET A PORTION OF IT SO THAT IF WE EVER NEEDED IT, WE DIDN'T HAVE TO SEEK THE STATE'S APPROVAL OF OUR EMERGENCY.
AN EXAMPLE WHEN WE USED IT WAS WHEN WE USED 10 MILLION OF IT FOR THE FASTER PROGRAM DURING THE PANDEMIC TO HELP BUSINESSES THAT DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR THE PPE OR SO REALLY, OUT OF THIS 80 MILLION THAT WE HAVE A PORTION OF IT IS BUDGETED, 50 MILLION OF IT OR IS IS WHAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE TO FOR FUND BALANCE.
SO OUT OF THE. SO REALISTICALLY BECAUSE IT HAS 27 MILLION IS IS THE IS THE EMERGENCY RESERVE PART.
SO 60,000,027 IS THE BUDGETED PORTION.
BUT WE STILL NEED MORE THAN THAT LEFT IN FUND BALANCE.
SO BETWEEN WHAT WE BUDGET AND WHAT WE LEAVE, WE NEED TO LEAVE AT LEAST OUR GOAL IS THE 8%, RIGHT? EVEN THOUGH THAT'S THE OUR GOAL IS THE TEN, EVEN THOUGH THE GOAL IS THE TEN, WE'VE ALWAYS NEEDED TO LEAVE AND ALLOW A LITTLE MORE FUND BALANCE TO EXIST TO GET US THROUGH THAT FIRST QUARTER, RIGHT. THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE TO HAVE CASH FLOW.
YEAH. YEAH. I MEAN, I DON'T I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYBODY IS CLEAR ON, LIKE, WHAT THAT DIVISION IS AND, AND, AND THAT 8% FUND BALANCE OR THAT 10% FUND BALANCE THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT ATTAINING IS ALSO INCLUDING THE 27 MILLION THAT WE HAVE SET ASIDE FOR THE EMERGENCY.
YES, SIR. YES. IT'S NOT ABOVE AND BEYOND THE EMERGENCY.
IT'S IT'S INCLUDED IN THAT NUMBER.
SO WE WENT WE WENT OVER THIS ON PREVIOUS SLIDES.
WE ARE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT THE AT THE RATES, THE TAX RATES.
HOW WOULD THAT AFFECT OUR REVENUE? WE'RE ALSO LOOKING AT POTENTIAL DECREASES THAT WE CAN DO TO OUR EXPENDITURE TO EVENTUALLY PRESENT THAT 8% BALANCED BUDGET FOR TO THE COURT.
NOW HERE WE HAVE THE SOME UPCOMING DATES THAT ARE THAT ARE KEY DATES FOR THIS BUDGET PROCESS.
THAT WILL LET US KNOW WHAT THE VALUES WOULD LOOK LIKE, WHAT THE NO NEW REVENUE RATE WOULD LOOK LIKE.
AND THAT MIGHT CHANGE OUR REVENUE PROJECTIONS.
SO JUDGE COMMISSIONERS WE HAVE WORK TO DO.
WE WE KNOW THAT, YOU KNOW, THE CRITICALNESS OF YOUR BUDGET.
WE'VE BEEN WORKING REALLY CLOSELY WITH OUR COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE.
[07:50:04]
WE'RE TALKING ABOUT SOLUTIONS THAT WILL CARRY US THROUGH FY 25.BUT AS JOHN CONTINUES TO MENTION, OUR GOAL IS TO BRING YOU A BALANCED BUDGET.
IT'S WHAT WE HAVE TO DO. IT'S WHAT WE WILL DO.
SO IF IT'S 3.5%, YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU WORK THAT WORKSHEET.
THANK YOU ALL. THIS HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A TOUGH YEAR FOR OUR BUDGET.
WHY IS THAT THE STATE MY UNCLE.
ITEM NUMBER FOUR G DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF EL PASO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND PROCESSES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POLICY DEVELOPMENT, PROCESS IMPROVEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT STRUCTURING INDUSTRY SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS AS FUNDED BY VARIOUS FUNDING SOURCES, INCLUDING, BUT
[G. Discuss the development of El Paso County Economic Development policies, procedures and processes, including, but not limited to, policy development, process improvement within the Department, structuring industry-specific development and support programs as funded by various funding sources, including, but not limited to, the County General Fund, County Economic Impact Fund, County tax abatements and rebates, and Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenues, to foster collaboration, identify key priorities, and enhance the overall effectiveness of County economic development efforts. Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development, 915-546-2177]
NOT LIMITED TO THE COUNTY GENERAL FUND, COUNTY ECONOMIC IMPACT FUND, COUNTY TAX ABATEMENTS AND REBATES, AND HOTEL OCCUPANCY TAX REVENUES TO FOSTER COLLABORATION, IDENTIFY KEY PRIORITIES, AND ENHANCE THE OVERALL EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS.WE'RE ASKING THAT WE POSTPONE THIS ITEM OR DELETE THIS ITEM, AND WE'LL PUT IT BACK ON.
OKAY. COULD WE PLEASE GET A MOTION TO DELETE? WE HAVE A MOTION FROM COMMISSIONER CORONADO AND A SECOND FROM COMMISSIONER LEON.
I'M VOTING I BUT STILL WAITING FOR IT TO COME UP.
WELL, YOU CAN JUST MARK ME DOWN AS I.
OKAY. BECAUSE IT'S NOT PULLING UP.
AND THIS COMPLETES ALL THE ITEMS ON OUR AGENDA.
ALL OF YOU. WHO HAD 5:00? I SAID 430.
445. WHO SAID TWO? SOMEONE SAID TWO SOMETHING.
I OWE EVERYBODY ICE CREAM OR SOMETHING.
YEAH, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF US THAT WEREN'T EVEN INVOLVED.
SO BACK HERE, PRODUCTION TEAM.
THANK YOU. REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.
COMMISSIONERS. EVERYBODY HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.
MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THAT ON YOUR INCOME TAX.
YEAH. FILE IT ON YOUR INCOME TAX.
THIS CONCLUDES TODAY'S MEETING AT 4:53 P.M..
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.