Good morning. >> Okay. Sorry. It's okay. All right. Good morning. Welcome to the Tarant County Commissioners Court meeting for Tuesday, December 9th. Merry Christmas to all of you. I now call the
meeting to order. >> Tim O'Hara, County Judge, >> present. >> Rodri Miles, Jr., Commissioner Precinct One, >> here. Alisa Simmons, commissioner, precinct 2, >> here. >> Matt Krauss, commissioner, precinct 3, >> present. >> Manny RmIrez, commissioner, precinct 4, >> here.
>> Constitutes a quorum. >> Excellent. Today's invocation will be led by Pastor Doug Paige from Grapevines First. And then our pledges of allegiance. We'll have some special guests. Superintendent of Carol ISD, Dr.
Jeremy Glenn will lead us in our pledge to the American flag. and head football coach and athletic director Riley Dodge will lead us in our pledge to the Texas flag. Please rise for the invocation and pledges. God, there's so much we love about the Christmas season. The lights, the
presents, the decorations, but most of all, most of all, we celebrate your love for us by sending your son Jesus that we might understand hope, love, joy, and peace that comes from knowing you. We
pray God for the commissioners in this court. We pray for a blessing on them. We pray for Judge O'Hare. Thank you that he is a man who seeks to serve you with all of his life. As we gather, be glorified. And we pray all of these
things in the name of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Please join me in the pledge to the American flag. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and
to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Now the Texas pledge. Honor the Texas flag. I aliance to thee, Texas. One
state under God. One and indivisible. >> Thank you, gentlemen. You may be seated. All right, Mr. Merritt, we have some announcements here. >> Morning court members. Couple of announcements this morning. Uh
we have several items which we are pulling off the agenda completely today. Uh those items are under the consent agenda. Uh those items are P1, P2, and P3. Those are all public health
items. Uh item V is in Victor 1 under commissioner precinct one. And then under permission to take bid E1 I E1J. And then court members, uh we have several items to pull from the consent
agenda, but still looking to take action on today. So those are items F1, item G1, item G4, item J1,
item K1, items M2 and M3, item N3 under human resources, and finally court members, item Q3 and Q4. for.
>> All right. Thank you, sir. >> All right. Now, we come to the proclamations, resolutions, and presentation section. And we've got a couple of very special ones today. The first one I have the honor of doing the Carol ISD Lady Dragons won the UIL 6A
Division 2 state championship in volleyball. Was that I guess that was two weeks ago. uh an incredible group of young ladies and an incredible playoff run, but the actual state championship game was the most thrilling game I think
I have ever watched at any level of sport. The heart and resilience and determination for coach Jackson and her team was remarkable. They went up in the first set, I think it was something like nine to nothing, and then the other team
came back and took the lead in the first set. It looked, uh-oh, this team is good. They actually won the first set by two, then lost the next two sets, were down in set four, and all looked pretty grim. Hey, solid season, but then they just poured it on, came back, won the
fourth set, and then dominated in set five to bring a state championship back to South Lake and Tarant County. Pretty cool. I'll I guess I'll read this resolution then I'll ask everybody to come forward right up here inside the horseshoe. Uh the Carol Lady Dragons volleyball team
has demonstrated exemplary teamwork, skill, athleticism, and dedication during their 2025 championship run. Until this year, the Lady Dragons had not played in a state championship match since 1997. And despite trailing Austin High two to1 in the state final, the Lady Dragons came back to win the state
championship 3-2. Years of hard work, training, and diligence have delivered a historic victory for the Lady Dragons, winning their first ever state championship for the Carol volleyball program. The Lady Dragons volleyball team is led by head coach Lesie Jackson. Assistant coaches Madison Gregory,
Rosanna Barbosa, Jer Lacroy, and Cali Greset, and supported by Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Glenn, athletic director Riley Dodge, school board president Cam Bryan, and all of the trustees. And we have Mandy Reese, one of the trustees here with us today. The Lady Dragons volleyball team has brought great pride
to Carol, the city of South Lake, and Tarant County, and we celebrate this extraordinary athletic achievement. Now therefore be it resolved that we the Tarant County Commissioner's Court do hereby recognize the state champion Carol Lady Dragons volleyball team and we encourage the citizens of Tarant
County to acknowledge and congratulate the Lady Dragons on their UIL 6A Division 2 state championship. So I'll move to approve that proclamation. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Please cast your votes. All right, that passes unanimously. Now,
as I call you, please come forward. Y'all all come at once, but I'm going to read everybody's name. Uh, head coach Lesie Jackson. Uh, I know we have Coach Gregory assistant here. And I don't I did not see Coach Barbosa, Coach Lory,
or Coach Greset. Collins Alonzo, uh, Leila Austin, Tristan Carson, Abigail Clim, uh, Marielle Alzando, Teddy Ray Uers,
Emma, is it is it Easter? Emma Easter, Vanessa Glenn, Abigail, Abigail Huleston, uh Audrey Hughes, Llaya Hyde, Meredith Mloud,
Finley Orur, Hattie Peters, Giana Rodriguez, Chariss, Fiorella Smith, Lauren St. Charles Emma Van Tassel and uh I think the MVP of the
2025 playoffs and a future TCU Horn Frog, Kinsley Young. SO, also here we have Carol ISD superintendent as you met earlier, Dr. Jeremy Glenn. Uh we have trustee Mandy
Reese and of course uh head coach and athletic director Riley Dodge who has his own big game on Saturday in the state semi-finals. And then assistant director of athletics Jenny Sudter. And did Miss Lewis make it in? There she is. Come on. This is our
principal, Miss Lewis. Come on. All right. Let's give these ladies an incredible round of applause. Man, handing out a proclamation when they got that seems kind of We should set that over there somewhere here. Who wants to? You grab that one. And uh All
right. One, two, three. >> Good. All right. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Thank you. Oh yeah. Okay. I got somebody. >> Okay.
>> All right. Now, we get another very special recognition for another amazing group of state champions. And to present that, Commissioner Manny Ramirez. >> Yeah. So, uh, thank you first of all to the, uh, Chism Trail, uh, Lady Knights
for for coming out and not Chism Trail, Eagle Mountain lady knights for coming out, uh, and celebrating with us today. I think after this court meeting, we're going to have a a team on team to see who's ultimately the champion. Um, so, so Eagle Mountain uh, High School opened
up in 2024. Uh it's only been here for two years and that makes this accomplishment even more remarkable. It's incredible. Um the these ladies played their hearts out and they made Eagle Mountain Sagenol ISD proud. Um I'm happy to be a product of Eagle Mountain Sageno ISD, but I'm old. I was there
when there was only one high school that was Boswell. Um but in any case, we have some incredible folks with us today. I'm going to read your names. And if if you would please stand so we can give you a round of applause before I read this proclamation. Then we'll bring you all up. Uh with us today we've got Eagle
Mountain Sagenol ISD board members Paige Ring, Blake Mabberry, Ron Franklin, William Boaz, Craig Morgan, and Steven Nukem. We also have Eagle Mountain High School principal Dr. Ron Gatlin. We also
have Eagle Mountain ISD athletic department Brent Barker and Trisha Levit. We also have coaches Katherine Forester, Hannah Sigin, Aaron Jon, Michelle Cook, and Allesandre
Monttoayor. And from the uh Eagle Mountain volleyball team, we've got Lily Adams, Molly Albert, Sophie Berdock, Camry Chukes, Lily George, Maddie Haney,
Brooke Lwell, Isabelle Little, Abigail Moore, Lexi Nichols, London Roberts, Ryland Roberts. I think they're sisters. Avery Williams, Keani Williams, and Key
Williams. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me. Now, now let me tell you a little about what they did. Whereas on November 21st, 2025, the Eagle Mountain High School Lady Knights volleyball team through diligence and perseverance and with a
season record of 38 wins and only 11 losses, defeated the defending champion Wimberly by a score of three to one, thereby becoming the class 4A division 2 state champions for the first time in the history of the school and the history of the school district. And
whereas these exemplary young women, Lily Adams, Molly Albert, Sophie Berdock, Camry Chukes, Lily George, Venicia Gonzalez, Mattie Haney, Brooke Lacewell, Isabelle Little, Abigail Moore, Lexi Nichols, London Roberts, Ryland Roberts, Avery Williams, Keanone
Williams, Key Williams represented themselves, their families, their school, and Tarant County with honor, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Whereas this team distinguished itself with district 74A through numerous accolades, including 14
members named to the academic all district team, >> three members named to the district first team, three members to the district second team, and three members named to the district honor honorable mention team. Furthermore, Sophie Berdick was designated server of the
year. Molly Albert was designated setter of the year and Brooke Lacewell and Keanone Williams were jointly designated district co-vp. And whereas members of this team also garnered state 4A division 2 honors including Molly Albert, Kone Williams,
Brook Lacewell, and Mattie Haney named to the 4A division 2 state all all tournament team with Molly Albert further recognized as MVP of the all tournament team and the Nike 4A division 2 MVP Brook Lacewell named to the THSCA
academic allstate team. Sophie Berdock, Lexi Nichols, and Ryland Roberts named to the THSCA academic all-state honorable mention team. And Keanone Williams named the UA next all-American. And whereas head coach Katherine
Forester along with assistant coaches Hannah Sigin, Aaron J. John, Michelle Cook, and Allesandre Monttoayor, who provided steadfast support and guidance throughout the season, were collectively honored as the district 74A coaching staff of the year.
Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Tarant County, to hereby issue this proclamation to the Eagle Mountain High School Lady Knights volleyball team and their coaching staff in recognition of their extraordinary achievements, and we extend our congratulations. I move for
approval. >> Second. All right, we have a motion and a second. Please cast your votes. >> All right, it passes unanimously. Congratulations, ladies. >> Ladies, CONGRATULATIONS. >> Come on. Come on down.
>> Great job, ladies. Oh, that's where they played. >> Oh, okay. >> That works. No, no. >> Oh, I didn't know her. >> Ladies, congratulations.
>> Great job, Lady Knights. >> Congratulations. >> Thank you. Congratulations. >> Sure. >> Would anybody like uh from the Eagle Mountain board come up and say a few things? Not everybody jump at once.
>> Well, that's all right. We we uh we don't need to. Again, thank you very much for coming, ladies, and congratulations. >> Yeah, some remarkable volleyball. And if the two teams would like an extra hour to not have to go back to school, we got a big front yard down there. We can suspend court for an hour and go
watch a match. So, thank you all very much. God bless you and great job both of you. Phenomenal. Can I say something real quick? Yeah. >> So, one of the board members here is Blake Mabberry and he used to coach my kids when they were very little uh in
soccer and always did an incredible job. So, uh Blake, thanks for all the time you put into uh investing in my kids' lives. They uh are still better people for it. So, great to see you. >> All right. Next up on our agenda, congratulatory resolution for Ron Lewis, deputy director of Tarant County
Juvenile Services, who has announced his retirement. Commissioner Miles. >> Thank you, Judge. I think Commissioner Simmons had something she wanted to share about Ron briefly. I just wanted to say congratulations to you and personally thank you for um three
decades of service to Tarant County and to those youth who uh whose paths that you crossed and so um thank you so much for your dedication. I appreciate it and happy retirement.
Ron, if you would stand and come to the podium and you can bring your beautiful family with you if you would like to. With Ron uh this morning is his lovely wife and his sister. We're good. Before
I read this proclamation, I just want to take a point of personal privilege to say, Ron, thank you for the work that you have given, the service you've given to Taran County and youth across this county and across this
state. The work that we do, we are privileged and honored to do because it's our offering back to God. And I know that you approached this work as a call and ministry to young people.
You have changed the trajectory of the lives of so many young people we can't even count. And on behalf of them and their families in our community, I thank you for making Taran County better than when you found
it. I want to also thank you for every day saying yes to the call on your life to serve children. Thank you, brother. >> Thank you, Commissioner. Whereas
Ron Lewis was born in the great city of Texarkana, Texas, graduated from Coperis Cove High School in 1984, and earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 1989 from Texas
Christian University. >> No problem. No problem. >> And whereas I knew that was coming. Ron Lewis's career in juvenile justice began at the Fort Worth State School where he supervised group homes serving
justice involved youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And whereas Ron Lewis joined Taran County Juvenile Services as a detention officer, promoted to shift supervisor in 1995,
and in 2007 was promoted to deputy assistant director of institutional services, providing oversight of the detention cent's pre and post adjudication programs. And whereas Ron Lewis was promoted to
deputy director in 2017, assumed responsibility for the overall operations of the department, and has now served in the juvenile justice profession for 36 years. And whereas Ron Lewis has had the
distinct honor of representing the North Texas Chief's Association on the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Advisory Council, where he contributed to the rewrite of the Texas Administrative Code for pre and post adjudication
correctional standards. And for this work, the advisory council was formally recognized by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department board of directors for its leadership and statewide impact. And whereas
Ron Lewis has served on the Taran County Human Trafficking Advisory Committee, helping to establish the care coordination team and implement protocols to respond effectively to victims of human trafficking and currently serves on the board of
directors for Gil Children's Services and the TCU National Alumni Board. And whereas one of Ron Lewis's most valued accomplishments has been to foster an organizational culture rooted in
collaboration across divisions aligned with a mission of transforming youth, reducing juvenile delinquency, and strengthening community safety. And whereas Ron Lewis has provided invaluable leadership and guidance on
many significant projects and challenges. Taran County has faced and for whatever will be regarded as a respected member of our community whose impact will remain as a central element of the continued
success of the Taran County community. And whereas Ron Lewis has been married to his wife Kim for 36 years, are the proud parents of twin daughters, Jessica and Latasha, and are blessed with three
grandchildren, Stasha, Brooklyn, and Brilan. Now, therefore, be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Tarant County, do hereby recognize and congratulate Ron Lewis for 36 for 34
years of dedicated service to Taran County Juvenile Services, and for the numerous contributions he has made to the citizens of Taran County. In witness whereof, we have here unto set our hands, and caused the seal of Taran
County to be affixed. this ninth day of December 2025. Ron, we salute you. We thank you for your service and we wish you happy days as you venture into this next journey called retirement. Congratulations, my friend and my
brother. And before I come to present it, present this resolution to you, we have received from Judge Kim this flag. The honorable
The Honorable Alex Kim, 323rd District Court, has pres presented this certificate and Texas flag to Ron Lewis. This flag was flown over the 323rd District Court, Taran County, Texas on November 28th, 2025 to commemorate his
last day of employment after 12,413 consecutive days of faithful service to the youth and citizens of Tarant County, Texas. and witness thereof and pursuant to the authority vested in me, I have set my hand in seal of the office at
Fort Worth, Texas, on the 28th of November, in the 20125th year of our Lord, and in the9th year of the republic. Commissioner Miles, that was so stirring that I want to move to approve your
resolution if that's possible. >> Can I do that? >> That's right. Second. Okay. We have a motion and a second. Thanks. >> Great job, Ron. Thank you, Ron. Thank you to my colleagues on the court.
We'll make it official. >> All right, we voted. All right, passes unanimously. want to go. >> How you doing? >> All right. Good morning, Judge O'Hara. Commissioners, it's truly an honor to be
recognized by this dasis. appreciate it, Commissioner Miles. Known each other for a long time. You've always been supportive and I certainly appreciate it. Um, I want to recognize the most important person in my life and that's
Jesus Christ and God. But I want to recognize my wife who has been a part of our life. We've been together since we were 16 years old. >> I was fortunate enough to marry my high school sweetheart. Uh she has been very
supportive uh throughout my career. Uh put in some long hours. We have twin girls. Uh I work shift work and detention starting off. So it wasn't easy for her to navigate everything we had to do as a
family, but she's been my rock star. And uh anytime I needed anything, she provided encouragement and supported me throughout my career with Tan County. So, I just wanted to recognize her first. UM,
I want to share how I got started and wanted to get involved in juvenile justice. Um, I initially was going to go into federal law enforcement and God placed someone at TCU in my path. He was an adjunct profess professor named Jerry
Wood but he was also the assistant director for Taran County juvenile services for 38 years. He passed away in 2002 of Parkinson disease but he encouraged me to do an internship at juvenile justice center in the detention
center and it was lifechanging for me. I found my calling doing that internship. Um, I did what it takes to get some experience working for the state for two years in all efforts to just get on the uh hired by Turn County. Um, the
commitment that they had to kids and family has been ongoing for years. Uh, that commitment continues by the staff we have in place and the leadership we have in place. And I'm very part um very
happy and fortunate to be a part of that change and that commitment to our communities, our families, and our kids. So, I'd like to thank everyone for the support from the commissioner's court throughout these years. Y'all have always given us guidance, supported our
department for our needs that we have, both staffing programs and services. and I am very fortunate that we had that support for a number of years. So, thank you again and thank you for this
opportunity to come before the board and be recognized. I would, however, like to take one minute and recognize some of my staff that showed up, staff that are on my leadership team that have supported me throughout my career. Some of my long-term employees, and I'd like them
to stand up and just be recognized if I could. Shaw here, but I guess he stepped out. There you go. I'd like to also thank Riley Shaw, our chief juvenile probation officer, Taran County. It's been an honor to work for you for the past year,
and I wish you continued uh success and best wishes. Thank you. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, RON. >> A real humble servant right there. >> Indeed. >> All right, we'll take a brief little
pause while we give them the ability to go back to school. Congrats, ladies. Thanks for being here. Yeah. Were you shocked or was that were they not as good this year? >> I was They got big pretty good.
>> Not what they had last year. >> State quarterfinal 51. That's It's >> hard hard to fathom. >> Okay. Next up on our agenda is a memorial resolution honoring Bishop Kenneth Bernard Spears.
Commissioner Miles. >> Thank you, Judge and Commissioners. Before I read this memorial resolution, my colleague, Commissioner Simmons, has some remarks and then I'll have some afterwards.
>> Yes. Um, you know, I I did not know Bishop Spears as long as you did, but um the three three and a half years that I've known him, um he's been amazing. It's um it was
like an instant friendship. U I could always count on big hugs and u prayers and encouragement and lots of laughs. He's a he's a comedian just like me. Uh so we we had
good times when we were together. I just want to um say we've lost a a giant in the faith community and extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife um his
sons Kenneth and Kyle uh and say thank you to them for allowing their husband to serve the Fort Worth and Tarant County community. So that's it. He will be missed. >> Yes, he will. Um,
Bishop Spears was a great man of faith and he was accessible to anybody who needed him. I think his son summed it up best at the funeral
when he said, "Since birth, I've had to share my dad." Mhm. >> Those words really resonated with me because I can attest to that. My father was a pastor and for as long as I can
remember, I always had to share my dad with whoever needed him. And it just speaks to the type of man Bishop was and the caliber of man he was. He was always available. Um,
I would always get these calls, especially when my dad died. You know, when you lose a loved one, the day of the funeral and before the funeral and a couple of days after, you're inundated with phone calls and messages and things
of that nature. But as the weeks go by and they turn into months, those calls diminish greatly. But I remember a couple of months after my father had passed, bishop called me and in his favorite way, hey bud, I'm
just calling to check on you to see how you're doing to make sure you're all right. And I know that it was the providence of God that he called me because that day I was really struggling missing my dad
and he obeyed God and called me just to check on me. He didn't have anything profound to say. He was just there >> and that's symbolic of who he was. He was always there for
our community. No matter what the need was, no matter what issue arised, Bishop was always there and he was always there with a steady hand. He never got too high or too low. He was always there to
provide wisdom and counsel for our community and for me. And the last memory that I will share is when I was considering running for this office. I had met with a lot of people and I
went to go meet with Bishop and we were at lunch and he said something that changed my life. He said, "Rod, I've met with a lot of people who wanted to run for office, and they've told me that they want to run for office, but
there have been very few, if any, who've who've come to me and said, "I'm praying about running for office." My advice to you is to take some time in consecrated prayer and seek God and ask God if this is what
you should do. You don't need my yes, >> you need God's yes. >> It's good advice. >> And I did that. And as a result of that wisdom that was shared with me, I sit here today to
represent my people and to represent my village and my community. And I'm so grateful to Bishop for pouring into my life, for being a mentor and a spiritual advisor to me, a shoulder that I could lean on, and a
voice of wisdom that I could draw from. My life has been forever changed and shaped by the sacrifice of Bishop Spears and his precious family. So I pay homage to Bishop Spears today, to his family,
and to the First St. John Cathedral for giving us such a gift for our community. And with that being said, I will read the memorial resolution. Whereas the family and friends of Bishop
Kenneth Bernard Spears were se were deeply saddened by his death on Monday, November 17, 2025. And whereas the passing of Bishop Spears took from our community an outstanding spiritual
leader, servant, mentor, father, and friend. And whereas Bishop Spears, a native of Fort Worth, has served as pastor of the First St. John Missionary Baptist Church since 1995
and by the guiding of the Holy Spirit has helped transition the 110year-old church into the 21st century. And whereas Bishop Spears attended Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, earned a bachelor's degree at United
Theological Seminary in Texarana, Texas. a master's degree from Servine Theological College in Denver, Colorado, and an honorary doctor of humanities degree from Louisiana Baptist University in Shreport, Louisiana.
And whereas Bishop Spears answered his call to ministry in 1981 at the age of 17 while a student in the Fort Worth Independent School District. And whereas Bishop Spear's leadership and vision was
evident not only through his ministry, but through his committed to his commitment to the community. And whereas Bishop Spears was the founder and CEO of My Community First Community Development Corporation, chairman of the Black
Voters Impact Committee, served on the McDonald Southeast YMCA board of managers, Fort Worth ISD Adopt School Program, JPS Health Network Advisory Board, 60 and Better, Baptist Ministers
Union, and the Black Ecumenical Leadership Alliance. And whereas Bishop Spears served as district overseer of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship in 2000, appointed state overseer for North Texas in 2004,
consecrated to the office of bishop in 2005, serving North Texas for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, and and elevated to the bishop's council in 2012 with the responsibility of promoting growth of the Full Gospel for
Baptist Fellowship. And whereas Bishop Kenneth Bernard Spears, a strong pillar of his community, leaves a legacy of love as he has survived by his wife Angela and their two sons, Kenneth Samuel and Kyle Brandon. Now therefore,
be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Taran County, pay tribute and celebrate the life and legacy of a beloved and honorable man of God, recognize the contributions he has made to the people of Taran County, and extend our deepest sympathy to the
members of his family and his many friends for their great loss. In witness whereof, we have here unto set our hands and caused the seal of Taran County to be affixed this ninth day of December 2025. And this is for ratification only.
>> Okay. >> Second. Do we move to ratify something? >> We do, don't we? >> Yes, that's correct. >> So, you have a motion to ratify. >> I motion to ratify. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion before voting?
All right. Please cast your vote. All right, passes unanimously. >> Thank you. His family is not here today. >> Okay. Uh let's see. All right. Thank you for that. Next, we have a resolution honoring the life and legacy of LZ Odum.
To present this, Commissioner Simmons. So, I want to acknowledge the passing of Arlington's first AfricanAmerican mayor, first and only African-American mayor, um, LZ Odum. He, um, I have lots
of stories about Mayor Odum, uh, because, um, his daughter, Dr. Dr. Barbara Odum Wesley. Uh, and I are sorority sisters. So, we've been close for decades.
She's lots older than me, but we've we've been close uh for a long time. our families. Um, she and her husband Curtis and um, their children and Elsie and
Ruby Odum have always embraced uh, my children, attended all of their events and mentored them. Um, so uh, the loss of Mayor Odum um, was uh, poignant for for my family
and and the entire community. Um, I remember when Elsie uh first ran for Arlington City Council and you know how uh candidates ask you to host a meet and greet for them at in
your home and I had to be about 24. Had a little baby on my knee. invited my neighbors and one neighbor showed up and I was like, "Well, sorry about that."
Uh, and I was, you know, I said, "I don't know." But he gave his speech >> to me, my neighbor, my husband, my baby, uh, like it was a a full crowd. >> And I was always embarrassed, uh, that I
couldn't draw, uh, more people out. But every time I went to hear him speak or present and he saw me in the audience, he would credit me for hosting his first meet and grief. And he I said, "Why do you do that?" He
says, "Because I really appreciated it." He did that for years. So that's just a little a little bit about Mayor Odum. He is very respected uh in Arlington and across Tarant County. So I have a
resolution um for him. It is for ratification. Um there was a a lying in state or public viewing in council chambers on November 26. The funeral was uh
Saturday, November 29th. The wake was Friday the 28th. So um our resolution has already been displayed and I am offering it up for ratification today. his son-in-law uh Curtis Wesley is here
to accept it. But I'll read this uh resolution Curtis before you come up. Whereas the Tarant County Commissioner's Court and the citizens of Taran County mourn the passing of former Arlington Mayor Elsie Delano ODM on November 17,
2025. Whereas Mayor ODM was born May 10th, 1929 in Newton County, Texas, and was raised in the historic Freedom Colony of Shankleville, Texas, grounding his life in the values of community, hard work,
and service. And whereas prior to his political career, he served his country with distinction as a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service for over three decades, notably becoming one of the nation's first African-American
postal inspectors in 1967. And whereas Mayor Odin became a true trailblazer, first by being elected the first African-American city official in Orange County in 1965 and later becoming the first
African-American elected to the Arlington City Council in 1990, where he served place four until 1997. As a councilman, he championed crucial civic projects, including serving as president of the Arlington Sports
Facilities Development Authority, overseeing the construction of the ballpark in Arlington, and successfully working to retain both the Texas Rangers and General Motors Assembly Arlington assembly plant within the city. And whereas on May 6th, 1997, he made
history again by being elected the first African-American mayor of the city of Arlington, serving with distinction until 2003. And whereas during his tenure as mayor, his administration's major accomplishments included advocating for
Arlington youth, supporting programs for seniors and cit seniors and citizens with disabilities, increasing minority representation on city boards and commissions, and prudently guiding the city to pay off the ballpark at
Arlington bond ahead of schedule. Whereas his legacy is defined by his integrity, his commitment to making local government reflective of its populace and his pioneering spirit that opened paths for countless others in
Tarant County. And whereas we recognize that Mayor Elsie ODM's lifelong dedication to public service, his family, including his wife, Ruby Lee Travillian ODM, and his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his community,
will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Taran County Commissioner's Court hereby expresses its profound gratitude for the life and immeasurable contributions of Mayor LZ Odum. Be it further resolved that this
court extends its deepest sympathies to the ODM family and directs that an official copy of this resolution be presented to them as a token of the community's high esteem. In witness whereof uh whereof we have here to set
our hands and cause the seal of Taran County to be affixed this 19th this 9inth day of December 2025. I move approval. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second on this item.
Uh, any discussion before voting? >> I I'll just add one thing. I remember >> second from commissioner. There we go. >> What uh when I was running for House District 93, part of it was North Worth, part of it was North Arlington. And so I was working the polls and uh it's the LZ
ODM uh community center. And I remember asking some people down there. I said, "So who is LZ Odum?" And I I thought, you know, usually name people things after people have passed and gone. They're like, well, he's the former mayor and all this, but he's still here, right? And so he's still in the
community center today. And it just made an impact on me like the the life you have to live where people honor you right then, right? That they felt so compelled to name something for you right then, let me know what an incredible pillar of the community he was for a long time. And so I instantly
had great respect for him. Then I learned more about him. But um that to me was a huge testament to the life that he lived and the impact he had on that community which I thought was pretty incredible. >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> All right, Curtis, come on up.
>> And it did pass unanimously. Okay. I first want to thank Alisa and the county judge and the register of the commission. My daddy, he wrote a book called Counting My Blesses.
He led a blessed life for 96 years. He was blessed with a devoted wife for 78 years. >> He was blessed with two children. He had six grandchildren and five great
grandchildren. I am his son-in-law, but he treated me from day one like his son. >> That's right. I know he accomplished a lot but he was a great family man.
He was he he did live a blessed life but at the same time he blessed a lot of people including myself. So I want to thank you for this honor and for my family. So So thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you Curtis. All right. Next, we have a resolution honoring the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department operations chief Richard Ward for his heroic actions on September 1st of this year. Commissioner Simmons.
>> Yes, sir. So, this resolution recognizing uh Crescent Volunteer Fire Department operations Chief Richard Ward. This is for uh recognizing him for his finest hour of firefighting which happened uh
last September. I've tried to present this recognition uh over the past couple of months. How however our schedules did not sink until today. So it gives me great honor to um celebrate Chief Ward for his
exceptional leadership on the scene of a deadly accident on Labor Day of this year. Um, and so, um, I think we've got some of the story in here. It's it's just, uh,
fascinating. Um whereas on Labor Day, Monday, September 1st, 2025, at approximately 8:24 p.m., the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle accident in the 8700
block of Farm toMarket Road, 1187 in southwestern Tarant County involving multiple vehicles, entrapments, and a vehicle fired. And whereas Crescent Volunteer Fire Department operations chief Richard Ward
responded immediately, arriving on the scene just 3 minutes and 53 seconds after dispatch to find a catastrophic and chaotic situation with debris and human remains scattered
across the roadway and one vehicle fully engulfed. And whereas upon arrival, Chief Ward quickly assessed the situation, stopping his vehicle away from danger, rushing to the burning vehicle and discovering a fatally injured passenger and a trapped
driver. and demonstrating remarkable composure, courage, and professionalism, Chief Ward cut away the passenger seat belt, removed her remains from the burning vehicle with the assistance of bystanders, and then risk his own safety
to rescue the surviving driver from the fire through the passenger side. Whereas within 1 minute and 15 seconds of his arrival, Chief Ward had tri triaged six patients, requested additional
ambulances, and launched air medical transport for the rescue driver, who later survived and was discharged from the ICU on September 27th, 2025. Whereas Chief Ward's decisive leadership
ensured all patients were treated, transported, or ready for transport within 32 minutes of the initial call, earning unanimous commendation from responding EMS agencies for his exceptional scene management. Now
therefore, be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Tarant County, with the deepest gratitude and respect for his service and heroism, hereby commend Operations Chief Richard Ward of the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department for his extraordinary bravery, swift
action, and dedication to saving lives under extreme and dangerous circumstances on September 1st, 2025. In witness whereof, we have hearing to set our hands and cause the seal of Taran County to be affixed this ninth
day of December 2025. I move approval. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion before voting? That's incredible. Is >> awesome. >> All right, please cast your votes.
>> All right, passes unanimously. Okay, Chief Ward, come on down. Chief Becker and Mrs. Ward, come on down. >> Wow. Thank you.
Just want to thank the commissioners and judge O'Hare for the recognition. It means a lot to have the support of Tarant County behind us. Um it was a great have that support because it helps us provide the best outcome for obviously a traumatic injury accident that we had to endure. Uh only other
person I really want to recognize is my wife Christina wherever she ran off to. >> Um run off. >> She is absolutely wonderful. Uh her support at home after these incidents is is >> amazing. >> Not only that, she also supports our department in ways that words can't
describe. >> Just want to say thank you. >> Great job. >> Thank you very much. Thank you, >> Judge Commissioners. I'm Ron Becker. I'm the fire chief for the Crescent Volunteer Fire Department. And we're sort of like Mayberry. If you recall
Andy Griffith, it would say sheriff and he would flip the thing over. It said he's justice of the peace. I'm also I'm also the mayor of the city of Crescent. Uh, thank you guys for recognizing Richard and our fire department. I know Richard would tell you that had it been
others that were there. Uh, 20 or 30 of our guys could have probably got close to doing the same thing, but he's an exceptional asset both to Tarant County uh and and and to us. This was a bad
wreck. It was serious. We lost four people in it, but uh uh due to him uh no more than that were lost even though several were injured and uh thank you all for your recognition of him in our department. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you, Mayor Chief. >> All right. Next on the agenda, we have a resolution uh in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of Tarant County 911. Commissioner Ramirez. >> Yeah, very exciting today. And we've got um 911 Director Rick Brunson uh and
Executive Director Sher Decker here uh to accept this resolution. Uh whereas the Tarant County 911 Emergency Assistance District is a communication district and political subdivision of the state of Texas established and operated pursuant to
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 772 subchapter C as amended. And whereas the district was created April 6, 1985 through state legislation and a vote of Tarant County citizens to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure that residents have reliable
access to emergency services. And whereas for 40 years, the district has served as a critical link between the public and emergency responders, managing advanced technology and systems that route 911 calls accurately and efficiently to the appropriate public
safety answering points. And whereas the district has continually embraced innovation, implementing text to 911, upgrading to next generation 911 technology, and maintaining redundancies to ensure uninterrupted voice service, thereby improving public safety for all
residents, including vulnerable populations. And whereas the district's mission remains steadfast to provide prompt, reliable, and effective emergency communication service that protect life and property throughout Tarant County. And whereas the commissioner's court recognizes the
dedication of the district's leadership, staff, and partners who have worked tirelessly to advance emergency communication systems and safeguard the community. Now therefore, be it resolved that we, the Commissioner's Court of Tarant County, to hereby celebrate the 40th anniversary of Tarant County 911
Emergency Assistance District, honor its vital contributions to public safety, and express profound appreciation for its continued commitment to excellence and innovation in emergency communications. Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution to be be
presented to the Tarant County 911 Emergency Assistance District as a token of gratitude and recognition for four decades of outstanding service to the residents of Tarant County, city of Irving, and Grand Prairie. In witness whereof, we have here unto set our hands and cause the seal of Tarant County to
be affixed this 9th day of December 2025. And I move for approval. >> I second it. And I second it because I was there half of those 40 years. I worked for Tarant County 911 District for 18 and a half years. So, uh,
congratulations to my people, Sherry, Rick Brunson. Um, you can have your proclamation back. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? >> What? second voted.
>> Oh, yeah. >> All right. Passes unanimously. >> And before you come down to accept the resolution, I I will say for most citizens out there, um they'll ask what is county 911? What is this district? And the clearest and most succinct answer is when you press 911 on the
phone, >> it's the group that makes sure that you get emergency response immediately and as quick as possible. So, they make it all possible. Uh Rick and Sher, please come down. >> You got this. CFL.
>> Got it. Perfect. Ladies first. >> You know, I think uh Alisa said it all. Uh, you know, we're all about relationships and we didn't have y'all as part of our family and supporting us and guiding us every step of the way.
Whether it be through emergency trends of 911 or making sure a call got where it's supposed to be, we couldn't have done this without the support of the commissioner's court. And while I know Manny from his work with my husband at Fort Worth PD and Alisa in 911,
those types of relationships have made us who we are and made us excellent. And our one goal is to make sure no call is ever lost. So we're here for you and we appreciate you being here to support us. Thank you. >> Thank you, Shar.
>> Thank you. One of the advantages of having this much gray hair is that you remember things. And uh thank y'all for 40 years of of support, but more importantly,
Tarant County government commissioner's court was supportive of Tarant County 911 before we were even the district. >> So, thank y'all. Thank you. Thank you, Rick. Thank you, RICK.
All right. Before we get to employee recognition, I missed calling on a speaker on one item. Bishop uh the memorial resolution for Bishop Kenneth Bernard Spears. Bishop Kirkland, would you like to address this? >> Thank you.
1993 a hip hop trio Salt and Pepper recorded a song titled What a Man. Dr. Bishop Dr. Kenneth B. Bernard Spears was What a Man, what a man. What a mighty good man. Bishop lost his entire family,
his first family in an automobile accident. >> Oh wow. >> And he struggled to walk again. But with his determination, he did walk. And not only did he walk, but he walked this city through some dark days. Bishop
reminded me of the last stanza of Roy Keipling poem. If if you could talk with crowds and keep your virtue, of you could walk with kings nor lose your common touch. If neither foe nor living friend could hurt you. If all men count
with you, but none too much. his grace. The most reverend Kenneth Bernard Spears was my covering and my bishop. He could uh he would always pray for me fervently. I could call him no matter where I was
in the world. He talked to me like a father does to a son. Like my biological father, I could trust his wisdom. He was a gatekeeper by village. His grace was a trailblazer in the Lord's church. He dared to take a traditional Baptist
church and transform it and lead it into uncharted territory. Many faith leaders in the city told him he was making a monumental mistake. Yet he treaded the onward path. Many shawned him and deserted him only have to come full
circle and once again embraced his knowledge and his wisdom. His grace was a product of the east side. He was a proud product of stop six. Like Yeshua, some good things could come from a
challenged place. Yes, there are some good things on the east side. Um thank you uh first St. John, Lady Spears, Kenneth Jr. and Cal for sharing
bishop with us all. His grace knew more about politics in the city than most of us. He often reminded us how easily the fabric of Taran County could change if we'd only participate. He knew how to rally the troops like none other.
>> Um well, Bishop, as a tribute to you, I plan to work hard to work my behind off to in wake of your memory. So I pledge to turn Taran County blue starting with the judge seat of this council. God rest
the memory of our bishop. Thank you. All right. Next we have employee recognition and we don't have as many employees who celebrate their anniversary in December. Uh so if you are here today as I call
your name, please rise. We'll do it in our normal order. Uh, five-year employees Sasha Anderson, Austin Bridges, Matthew Casease, Sheree Coulter, Luis Nvas, Rosado,
Sahed Ransawe, Morad Sahaja, Hector Siggoia Jr., Sandra Torres, Bonia, Trevor Vanderpool, and Jennifer Weaver. Thank you all for
five years. We appreciate you. Now, we have our 10-year employees. There are five of those. Uh, Wana Brinley, Gary Champagne, Darren de la Cruz,
Lyanna Kirk, and William Redmond Jr. Thank you. Thank all of you for 10 years. We have no 15-year employees. They got to 14 years, 364 days, and quit. So,
next we'll go to the 20-year employees. Ashley Barnes, Michael Blandford, Malikica Gonzalez, Raquel Harmon, Irma Himez,
Lorenzo MS, and Elizabeth Wall Johnson. Thank you all for TWO DECADES. ALL RIGHT. NOW, we have three 25-year employees. Is Maria Esther Perez with
us? Hello there. 25 years. You're an assistant court manager, born and raised in Fort Worth, went to Lakeworth High School, three sons, six grandchildren, and you have been in your entire 25 years with the county with JP6, which is
pretty remarkable. and the most memorable moment today for being able to reach such a prestigious milestone. Well, we're thankful for your 25 years. May you have as many more as you wish. And congratulations, MARIA. UH, next we have
Dana. No, no, we don't have Dana yet. Dana's saved the best for last, they say. Uh, Georgia Kittinden. Is Georgia here? Okay. Georgees with Criminal Court 7 and she has also been with us 25 years. Let's give Georgia a big round of
applause. Uh Jennifer Hicks is not attending. She's been with Juvenile Services and she is celebrating her 25th anniversary also. Let's give Jennifer a big round of applause. And now we get to Dana. Is Dana here with us?
Hello Dana. How are you? Dana Vickerson is celebrating 30 years, three decades with Tarant County. A juvenile probation officer. Uh born in Detroit, Michigan, but got to Texas as fast as he could. He said that. Uh went to high school at Thomas Jefferson Senior High School in
Bloomington, Minnesota. I went to college at is it how do you pronounce that? Bamichi. >> It's Bamiji State University. >> Bamiji State University in Minnesota. and uh you graduated from with a bachelor's degree. Uh one child, 18
years old. Fact, no one knows about him. Allegedly, he is distantly related to Swedish royalty. >> It's cool. >> What he likes to do for fun, play golf, martial arts, and eat barbecue or cook barbecue or both? >> Yes, sir.
>> Both. Okay, good. >> Um no other job tiles with county. 30 years as a juvenile probation officer. Wow, that's incredible. uh most memorable moment being on the hot seat during testimony with Judge Kim and what he likes the most working with
the families and guiding them through the court system and says he has the best co-workers ever. So you look far too young to be celebrating your 30th anniversary but thank you for 30 years with Tarant County. We appreciate you. All right, that is our employee recognition. And I will move to receive
and file this. >> Second. >> Have a motion and a second on employee recognition. Uh any discussion? All right. Seeing none, thank you to all of our employees for all that you do. Merry Christmas and happy new year to
all of you. And passes unanimously. you uh we're going to do commissioner's court announcements right now and then uh you are certainly excused if you want to go now, but if you'll wait here just a couple of minutes, uh there's a reception for you on the fourth floor.
Uh and with that, before we take our break, uh commissioner's court comments. Oh, I say that. No, we do. Why do I keep forgetting these things that pop up? Because they're not in the normal order. We do have one more thing that's probably way more enjoyable than any
commissioner's court comments you're gonna get, but let's go with that and then we'll go to the highlight of today, I believe. >> Thank you, Judge. Uh, we have a treat for all of the court members and those who are in attendance and a tradition that was set by my
predecessor, Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks. During the holiday season, we always have a choir to come and provide Christmas carols for us. This year we have the David L. Walker Elementary School under the leadership of coral
director Anita Lewis and the um fine arts director Stacy Lton. And we have a representative from the Crowley Independent School District Board of Trustees, Dr. Nedra Robinson. So please
let's receive the David L. Walker Elementary SCHOOL CHOIR. GOT A microphone and everything. Look at that set up. >> Love it. We are getting the sound ready. So bear with us for just a few minutes, a few
moments rather. There we go. >> Our elf needs to help. I We need the elf. The elf's help. You know dash and dancer dancer and mix commoner.
Do you do you know do you know he's a boogie boogie ranger and he boogies all day. You know dasher and dancer a mixer.
But do you do you know? Do you know? He's a boogie boogie ranger and he boogies all day. He's so kind and cool. When the season is you
Hey s and his are the last you know dasher and dancer and mix. How did you do? Do you know?
Do you know he's a boogie boogie? Any boogies all day. He's a boogie boogie. Any booies all day. By
anybody, do you know? >> Great job. >> Great job, ladies. >> Great job. and gentlemen, >> just a couple of dudes. >> Thank y'all. >> They're behind you.
Two steps to the right. >> One hop this time. Hello. If I were a reeer, where would I be? Living at the North Pole naturally.
If I were reeer, what would I do? I fly my true way. If I were a reeer, what would I see? Lots of other reeer naturally.
If I were a reeer, what would I fly with Santa? Oh my go ready TO FLY NIGHT OR day with our reeer. Here I fly away.
If I were rear, I'll be fly away. If I were a reeer, I'LL BE FLY AWAY. I'LL BE FLY AWAY. OH YEAH. GOOD JOB.
Thank you, David L. Walker Elementary School Choir. >> Well done. >> Now, we will have a special Christmas duet from Tom Wilder and Rick Barnes. So, um the >> recess, please. Recess. Recess.
>> So, do you have any more? Yeah. >> No. >> Yeah. >> You want some? Yeah. Uh, one quick announcement. We have our free prostate cancer screening event coming up on February the 28th of 2026. For more information, please call our
office 817370-4500 or you can go on the Taran County website and look at precinct 1. There's registration information there available as well. Thank you so much. >> Okay. Thank you, Commissioner Simmons. >> Yes. I have two announcements.
Uh the first is a big thank you. Um on November 15th, I held a um food distribution. Um Saturday, December uh November 15th
at the Arlington Subcourthouse um with the assistance of course of the Terrier Food Bank. um and Arlington Charities. We gave away enough food, 30 pounds of
food to 500 families. >> The line snaked through both of our uh parking lots at the Arlington subcourthouse and uh west on Abram past far past UTA.
the need is great and we need to be reminded of that. Um, so I'm thankful to the Tarant area food bank, Arlington Charities, the Arlington Police Department who uh we we worked on
a traffic plan in advance. Um, but we needed to amend that on the fly um for their assistance. And uh when I had this bright idea, the food bank said, "Yes,
but you need to find 75 volunteers." And this was on a Monday before. And I went, "Oh, God." So I put out uh the call to the African-American uh fraternities in Arlington,
and they showed up. So, I'd like to thank uh Omega Sci-Fi Fraternity, uh the OG chapter in Arlington, uh the Cap Alpha Sai fraternity, Arlington Grand Prairie chapter, and Alphafi Alpha
Fraternity, uh the Arlington chapter, New Pilanda for showing up and a few of my sorority sisters, but um and we had some folks from the Young Democrats and just um a number of people that showed up to help
us uh separate the food, put the food in bags and get the bags into the cars. And special thanks to Conible Sandra Lee, whose staff uh helped out. Um, uh, Coswell Lee was not supposed to be, uh,
she she was just getting me some staff, but she ended up staying there from, uh, 6:00 a.m. in the morning herself until it was over, working the parking lots, uh, being told there is a better way to
do this. Uh, but she she took it all in stride and, uh, she's just an angel. So, uh, thank you. and we met so many families with uh all sorts of needs and so we have connected my staff has connected with them and tried tried to
get them the help that they need. So thanks for uh to everybody including my staff because this was um just it was kind of like that and um Valerie Hill um thank you for pulling all of this
together and the rest of my staff. So, thank you. Uh, up next, I have a um partnering with the Kappas again, uh, the Arlington Grand Prairie uh, al Cap Alphasai fraternity uh, with their
uh, toy collection. So, that is I can't get to it fast enough. >> This Saturday, December >> 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the Arlington Subcourthouse. So, if you have uh toys you can drop off, we would much
appreciate that. We'll get those out to children who need them this holiday season. Thank you. >> That's it. That's all I have, Judge. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I've got one. Uh December 19th, uh week from Friday, we're having our Coco with
the commissioner in precinct 3. And so, would love for you to join us. We're inviting all the city leaders, uh all the civic organizations, everybody interested, citizens. would love to have you there just to interact and enjoy some of the Christmas season with us. But again, uh December 19th, Coco with
the Commissioner from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 at the Gary Ficus Northeast Courthouse. So, we'd love to have you there. Uh we'll have an appearance by Santa, I believe, and maybe some other fun uh treats as well. So, would love to have you there. >> Uh yes. So, mark your calendars.
February 2nd uh 12 pm will be the next the third annual Tarant County salutes veterans event in partnership with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Uh we have thousands of veterans come through and remember it's free admission to the grounds that day at the stock show. Uh
and pretty much every resource you can imagine for our veteran community. Uh so please come out if you know a veteran, if you are a veteran, or if you just want to support veterans, please come out. >> Thanks, sir. And last but not least, uh, tonight is our toys for tots toy drive
in front of South Lake Town Hall. Uh, we have a lot of folks planning on to come drop off toys for kids, which is wonderful. Including this morning, Helen and her band of Mary elves from Budget dropped off what's at least two
boxes full, I would say, uh, to our office. So, thank you, uh, Helen and all your staff for doing that and hope people will come out tonight. It's 4 to 9 South Lake Town Square. There's going to be a hot cocoa bar and a uh what else are we doing? Oh, the the there's a community band going to be there from
7:00 to 9. So, it should be a fun time. Uh everyone everyone is invited. Uh and with that, we are going to take a recess. I show it is 11:32. So, we will be back in here at 11:45 to
resume the meeting. We are now in recess. They're playing. something totally. All right, we're back from recess. Now we will start the regular portion of the meeting. First item up is the
consent agenda. Do we have a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended? >> Move approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion to second to approve the amended consent agenda. Any discussion? All right. Seeing none, please vote.
All right. The amended consent agenda passes unanimously. Now it takes us to item F1 which has been removed from consent. F1
budget and risk management consideration of an interlocal agreement between Tarant County and MHMR of Tarant County for the operation of the mental health jail diversion center. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second
to approve this item. Any discussion before speakers? All right. Reed Bills, Bishop Kirkland, Lon Burnham, Paul David Williams. Well,
>> that >> again I am here to applaud and thank you for considering entering into this agreement with MHMR for continuation of the jail diversion center. Since opening in 20 2023, this resource has helped alleviate
overcrowding in the county jail and offered an alternative to treatment with treatment for individuals with mental health needs which they do not get in the jail. The obligations of MHMR
outlined in the contract are extensive and cover the requirements for medical and psychiatric assessments, treatment, and referrals. The obligations of Tarant County, however, are limited to providing, maintaining, and securing the
property. In order to succeed, the program needs more from the county. In order to take full advantage of the services the center offers, all law enforcement officers and personnel involved with jail intake need to be
aware of the purpose and availability of the diversion center and be trained to recognize behavior that meets the criteria for transfer to the facility instead of incarceration. Also, the number of clients served each
month should be reported as required and made available for the public to see. Please encourage MHMR to improve the mission to include more patients and fully fund these efforts when necessary.
If we are to overcome the challenges in our jail system, we must continue to fund and support good programs like the MHMR jail diversion center. All right, Bishop Kirkland, then Lon Burnham.
>> Lord, I live in America where people cannot clap. That is insane to me. >> Uh, you can sit down if you would like to sit down. Your time is done. Sit down. Go. You're It's not commentary on how we run the court. Your comments are limited to
this item. Take a seat. You're not talking on this one. Next up is Lon Burnham. >> There's not going to be commentary from you on everything out of the audience. I'm I'm the one talking now. There's not going to be >> There's not going to be commentary from you or
>> remove him from the the room. All right, Mr. Burnham, you may go. >> Excuse my sinuses, please. Uh, first, I want to thank county staff uh for working closely with MHMR. Uh, this is
an incredibly wonderful program. It's inadequate. Um, it's underfunded. I want to uh second everything that Miss Bills said and everything that the bishop would have said had his First Amendment
rights not been denied in support of this program. I just have to say that it's too little too late for too many people and why isn't this funding doubled?
Thank you very much to the MHR staff. I know they do what they can with the limited resources they have and thank you to the county staff, but no thanks to the commissioner's court because you're just not doing this program justice. All right, Paul David Williams.
Um, this should be on consent. There should be a full discussion of all the problems in the administration on this topic. All right, those are all the speakers on this item.
Any discussion before voting? All right, there's four present, so it passes four to zero. Next item is item G1. You can close the vote. All right. Next item is G1, which is community development request for public
hearing Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 10 a.m. to consider amendment number one to the Tarant County 2025 to 2029 consolidated plan and program year 2025 action plan. Move for approval. We have a motion to approve. Do we have a
second? >> Second. >> All right. Motion a second. Any discussion from the court before speakers? All right. On item G1, is this G1 that you have in front of me?
All right. Mr. Burnham. Again, I want to thank staff for working on this. It's a really important step in the right direction. Uh, but at the risk of sounding petulant, at the risk of sounding petulant, I'm
going to say once again, the commissioner's court is failing to adequately fund this program. the we're in a crisis mode here created or worsened by the national government and you need to step up to the plate and try
to address this problem. Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. Uh any discussion before final vote. All right. Passes unanimously. brings us to item G4, which is consideration of program year
2025, emergency solutions grant program subreient agreements between Tarant County and nonprofit agencies in Tarant County for emergency shelter operations. >> Move approval. >> Second. >> Motion to second to approve this item. Any discussion before speaker Deborah
Kratkkey? Good morning. The work Tarant County staff have done through the ESG funding has been exemplary. They should be praised for their insight and assistance to providing services of homeless uh to homeless providers. However, there is a
bigger issue that needs to be addressed by this court. Yesterday, HUD removed the FY25 continuum of care notice of funding opportunity called NOFO from their website and from grants.gov.
The COC continuum of care uh for year 2025. NOA, which was released on November the 13 of 2025, would require grantees to reapply for FY funding 25 funding with new rules and regulations.
HUD has since provided an update on the NO which states, "The department has withdrawn a notice of funding opportunity with respect to the continuum of care grant program. This withdrawal will allow the department to make appropriate revisions to the NOFO
and the department intends to do so." Now, here's where we need you. The changes in that November 13th funding were stark. Funding for permanent supported housing was cut by up to 70%. Changes were designed to redirect funds
from permanent supported housing to transitional housing and support services. This would lead to the eviction of literally hundreds of families who are now living in units paid for through permanent supported housing. Since this
could lead individuals and families to face evictions, this could have a really negative impact on Tarant County residents. Local organizations, including the county, have done great work in addressing this challenge. We are one of the leaders in the nation
when it comes to homeless services, but this could be serious. There are currently approximately uh 5,797 evictions in October and November alone here in Tarant County. There are
currently approximately 2,175 individuals over 25 who are homeless and 102 young adults between 18 and 24 who are homeless. There are 160 families also homeless. In my opinion, now is the
time for you to let HUD know just how destructive cutting cut funding uh cutting these funds would be. Now is the time to oppose slashing the amount of grant funding that could be spent on permanent housing. These house many of these people are disabled. Many have
been on the on the streets for a long period of time. These changes could shift over twothirds of the $3.9 billion dollars toward transitional housing and other short-term interventions. I would beg you to please act.
All right, we have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? All right, please cast your votes. All right, passes unanimously. Now we go to item J1. J1 is consideration of a memorandum of understanding between Tarant County
>> DA's office and Tarant County College District for use of the firing range. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to approve this item. Any discussion before speakers? Uh Nan Terry, Lon Bnham, and Paul David Williams.
I just want to thank the DA's office for using an existing facility at the Taran County Community College for their firing range. Um, I support this program unlike the building the law enforcement training center and I'm not I'm still not sure why the sheriff can't use
existing facilities. Thank you. >> Thanks, >> Mr. Burnham. >> Mr. Burnham. Once again, I appreciate the collaboration between the DA's office and the community college district, but one I would second uh Nan's questions
about why it wouldn't be prudent to encourage the sheriff's office to use this facility to the greatest extent possible. Um, this is an example of where we should be having public discussion about the training in the
sheriff department and the DA's office. and its total inadequacies in meeting the name needs of our community. So that's the reason I think it didn't belong on the consent agenda just like the other two items that I spoke to didn't belong on the consent agenda. I
didn't have time to review over 1,500 pages on today's agenda. But I did have time to review these and say they should not be on the consent agenda. >> Mr. Williams, >> you got to step up to the microphone if
you want to speak. I don't know which topic you're speaking of. >> This is J1. >> What's it? What's the wording? >> A memo of understanding between Tarant County DA's office and Tarant County College District for use of the firing
range. >> Oh, I'm going to pass on that. >> Okay. All right. Any other discussion before closing the vote? All right. Passes unanimously. brings us to K1 elections administration. This is consider authorizing the
elections administrator to send written notifications of proposed voting precinct boundary changes, approve and implement voting precinct boundary changes, and publish notice of voting precinct boundary changes under election
code chapter 42 as necessary to comply with future court orders issued in LUAC uh versus Abbott. >> Move for approval. >> Second. Uh we have a motion and a second to approve this item. Any discussion before speakers?
All right. Mr. Burnham and Mr. Williams. Once again, at the risk of sounding petulant, I can't help wonder why this is even necessary, much less on the consent agenda. We know that this item would not
be necessary at all had it not been for the immoral and racist uh mid decade redistricting that this commission court approved and the Texas legislature approved. So why is it even on the agenda today much less on the consent
agenda? Thank you for your time, >> Mr. Williams. >> All right, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? All right. Passes unanimously. Brings us to M2, HIV Administration
consideration to submit the Texas Department of State Health Services fiscal year 2627 Ryan White Part B services grant renewal application. >> Move for approval. >> All right, I'll second it. We have a
motion in a second. Any discussion here? >> Yes. And that's M3. >> M2. >> Oh, M2. I'm sorry. >> No discussion on M2. >> No. >> Okay. All right. Please cast your votes.
Any fur any discussion at all? Seeing none, passes five to zero. Next, we have item M3, which is consideration of amendment number two to the fiscal year 2526 Health Resources and Services Administration Ryan White Treatment
Extension Act Part A Provider Contract with Harvesting International Ministry Center, Inc. Um, I will move to approve. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Uh, discussion.
>> Okay. So just who um who's going to speak to this? Um >> what are your questions? >> I have about eight of them. Um so him so is it him? Is it called is that the acronym or is it HIM? >> Do you know how it's does anyone know?
>> Okay. Harvesting International Ministries. Um, so, uh, the ministry received partial funding on April 2nd, not to exceed $13,72 it sounds like. Then on August 5th,
they received the balance of their full funding in the amount of $19,59 for a to for total funding of $32,298 is what I figured. So now on December
9th, him or HIM is requesting a decrease in their contract of 19,599 for a total of $12,699 essentially giving back the 19,599.
So, has has the organization specifically provided food bank services to people living with HIV and AIDS prior to receiving this contract? >> Renee, you want to address this?
>> Good afternoon. I guess it is. Uh, yes. Uh, I'm sorry. Can you repeat your question? >> Yes, ma'am. So has him specifically provided food bank services to people with uh HIV and AIDS >> uh
>> prior prior to receiving the contract? >> Since receiving this contract they have I don't know about prior to that. >> So is are food banks food bank services this is what they do? >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Yes. And can I just say that they're a
new vendor with us? >> Okay. and their location in Mansfield is does make it geographically challenging for clients to access their services. However, we have um surveyed all of the clients that have received services there. They're very happy with the
services they're receiving, but they do explain that one of the barriers is the location. >> Sure. >> We are looking to do mobile um delivery of their services in future. um about how many clients have received
food bank services from them uh since the inception of this contract? >> I don't have that number handy, but I'm happy to give it to you. >> Okay. Um do you know how many clients received
food bank services in November? Just the last month? >> I'm not prepared to to answer that question, but we can certainly get that information to you. >> All right. Um, did did you receive a list of eligible clients from Ryan
White? >> Well, I'm not sure what you mean by that. So, >> so the the contract states in part under scope of services will include eligibility will be established through
a referral process from Ryan White subreients and clients or household members must be living with HIV. >> Correct. So that's that's why I asked did you get your eligibility list >> from the clients who access excuse me
access services at other subreient agencies have been referred to the hymn food payment. >> Does that answer your question? >> So but it's it's they meet the Ryan White eligibility. >> Yes, they make the eligibility for
receiving the services funded under under this contract. But eligibility, it says eligibility will be establish your referral process from Ryan White subreients. >> Correct. >> So does it go through the Ryan White process?
>> It goes through our client level data system from an existing subreient where that client receives services then there may there is a referral made to the HIM food bank. >> Okay. I think when you were saying it goes through R, you mean R. Ryan
White, >> correct? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um, do you So, you don't have it there. There was no backup here. That's that's why I have the questions. Where where is the service report for the awarded funds in including the
number of clients served number in the household region and what type of provision was it actual food prepared meals or food vouchers. >> So that information is not generally provided with an amendment but we're happy to provide additional to you. If you look on your amendment number two
you can see the total number of clients that are the goal okay that will be served with the remaining funds. All right. So, if we are all aware that agencies need additional funding to support the
number of Tarant County residents experiencing food insecurity, why is it him >> unable to expend the funds that were awarded? Have they explained that to you? >> I think again the challenge is their
geographic location. it's hard for clients to get to where they're located in Mansfield and so there has been low utilization. So thus in order to meet the um obligation of this contract which ends in February we want to assure that
him can be successful in expending the funds and if they can't then those monies will go elsewhere to another agency that has a need for uh delivering another service. So so we want him to be successful. We're also working with them very diligently to ensure that we have
increased utilization going forward. >> Okay. Uh what's the deadline for them to return the monies >> uh now? >> Okay. >> This Yeah, with this amendment. >> Now, have they they've been able to
spend the 12,000? Yes, ma'am. >> 699. So, they Okay. Good. Good. Good. Um and then what other subreient agencies are available to receive and spend these funds before the contract deadline on >> and that is a process that's done
through our um reallocation and using data. So I don't know exactly where the dollars of that the HIM contract went. I could I could point it to you but I don't know right in front of right now this moment to say care. >> Okay. Outpatient ambulatoratory health
services. So there are several agencies that do deliver the medical services. >> Okay. So the funds are they coming they're coming back to the county? I would like to see the funds go to like you just said >> they do they come back and then they're
reallocated to another agency. Okay. And to the service category of outpatient ambulatory health services. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. That's all I have. Of >> course. I just want to say that it's very common under the Ryan White grant because it's kind of use it or lose it
on the funds when they have a slow um spin down process to have the um both the AA make a data-driven recommendation to reallocate those funds and those on the planning council to um make a recommendation on how to spend those funds. This is one of those unique
county boards that um you know makes recommendations for where the allocations need to go based on a a datadriven model for needs assessment from prior years and how the funding was money was spent. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you both. >> All right. We have a motion and a
second. Any other discussion on this item? >> All right. Seeing none, passes unanimously. brings us to item N3, consideration to authorize the reassignment of certain chapter 54
magistrates to chapter 54A criminal associate judges. >> I'll move for approval. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second to approve this item. Any discussion before speaker?
>> Ye. Yes. Um I would love for somebody to um I I did some research, but I would love for somebody to get up and explain tell us what is SB9. Define that not just for me but for
everybody. Good afternoon and may it please the court. I'm Steve Jumis, the judge of the 485th District Court. Um SB9 was legislation that passed um in this last legislative session that transferred a
significant amount of bond responsibility away from what we would call 54 magistrates to either 54 a associate judges or elected district judges. And so basically
um for folks there are two categories I think is the easiest way to put it. Either you have an offense that on its face is extremely um serious such as murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery, weapons where people are ser or cases where people are
seriously injured. Those we would call the enumerated offenses that are to have more serious bond condition by a higher level magistrate. The other type would be lower level offenses where there may be a significant amount of criminal
history or they may be on a misdemeanor probation at the time. And so I don't want to go too far into it, but Tarant County sets about a 100,000 bonds a year. There are 20,000 felonies and
20,000 misdemeanors. Um, but each of those misdemeanor cases can involve several bonds. And so this transfer of responsibility has fallen to both the elected district judges as well as a significant amount of
administrative problems for the magistrates who have to identify the cases which now have to be viewed by the elected judges. This proposal is simply to ask that some of our magistrate judges who no longer are assigned are
setting lower level bonds to allow them to set lower level bonds on the non-enumerated cases so that the elected judges can do our day job which is running dockets which I came from today to do which I'm happy to be here because my primary responsibility is to the
public but also to make sure that I can try my cases and so forth. And so we are asking for the permission to allow some of our magistrates to be designated associate magistrates so they can set
bonds on low-level cases but have some criminal history that the legislature doesn't allow 54 magistrates to accomplish. I hope that answers the question that you asked. >> I think so. That was a lot. >> Okay. Sorry. >> No, but yeah, that's what you do. Yeah.
Um, so what session did this pass? SB9. >> I believe SB9 did not pass in the special session. I think it passed in the regular session that just occurred. >> Okay. >> So, it went into >> That's right. 2025 regular session.
Okay. >> Um, it was part of the bail reform package that the governor and others were were pushing. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you, judge. So, isn't it correct that SB9 intended elected district judges to make these
elevated bail decisions? >> SB9 allows for associate judges or elected judges to make the decisions on all of them. Um it is the judgment of the judiciary because we've had a meeting on this recently that the elected judges will retain the
enumerated offenses, the serious offenses, but it is there is legitimate authority under SB9 for associate judges to set um they could set the higher bonds. We're not comfortable with that. We we hear the legislature loud and clear. So, so does SB9 prohibit chapter
54 magistrates from handling these cases? >> From handling both the enumerated offenses and the other felonies where they're minor, they're lesser felonies but significant criminal history. The 54 magistrates are prohibited from setting
those bonds. Have the elected judges implemented any duty schedule or on call rotation to absorb these responsibilities? >> We have. Um, as a matter of fact, all of the elected felony judges have already had their duty week because it's been
more than 10 weeks as it's gone on. We take a week at a time. And so, to give you an example, during my duty week, I spent three to four hours a day working on bonds. And luckily, I wasn't in trial that week. There have been other judges like Judge Knight was in trial one week
on a murder and he was setting bonds three four hours a day. We gave him some overflow help and just for example um Judge Hill gave me information on my way over here. There are 16 bonds that are to be set right now. 13 of them are for
lowlevel I say lowle not to disparrage anything but for things that do not involve weapons. 13 of them would be lower level drug cases. and three of them are higher level cases. So if this were to be implemented, the associate judges would be able to handle the 13
and we would continue our duty weeks and our rotation schedule to handle the higher level bonds. >> How does this impact the jail population, the daily jail population? I would say that if we don't have more
bodies looking at the lower level bonds, I cannot imagine there being faster magistration and we want bonds set within 48 hours because SB9 and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure require it. And so this idea we believe would contribute to bonds being more quickly
set and bonds being more quickly made. >> So why are there no backup court document associated with this item? I didn't see >> I I didn't prepare and I'm happy to get you whatever you would request from us. I couldn't answer that accurately.
>> Okay. How are we going to ensure the uh timely release and magistration of those detained in jail? How are you >> well ensuring that? >> Okay. We have adjusted the tech share system which gives notification and
every morning and several times a day each of the judges get a notification of which bonds they are to set. The problem for the magistrates that we have currently is that there's no existing infrastructure to identify those cases. So where they might have set under the
old system a bond in 10 or 15 minutes. Sometimes I've heard stories of taking an hour or 90 minutes to go through the NCIC, which is a national database of someone's criminal record. It takes a tremendous amount of data intensitivity that we could eliminate on these lower
level cases if the named associate judges were to be able to set the bonds directly. >> Okay. >> So, the legislature places these duties on elected judges, correct? and associate
judges. But yes, I'm not I the spirit of what you're asking is accurate. >> Okay. But because they have not taken them on, we must reassign magistrates under chapter 54A to maintain compliance. Is that correct? >> Yes. But the system would be to ensure
that there are most qualified magistrates and they would be appropriate for the transfer. >> Yeah. I I think I would push back on they haven't taken them on. think they're willing to do that, but they're trying to figure out the most efficient and effective administration of justice. And if the law allows the associate
justice or judges to do that, why not have them do that so the judges dockets don't get so backed up, bagged locked and all that. Is that correct, judge? >> Yes. The design of this is to make sure that I'm trying cases and that I'm running my dockets. Um, and so it can
start to interfere. I was lucky in my duty week it did not. I'm not going to say something that's inaccurate, but there have been judges that it has interfered with them doing the job I think the voters expect us to be doing daytoday. And I do believe the voters expect us to be setting the bonds on
these higher cases. A lot of us were doing that already. This is just formalized that process. And so I am happy to set as many bonds as the voters demanded I set, but I want to make sure it's not at the cost of trying cases or running my docket.
>> Okay. And Judge, I'll say I appreciate the work that y'all have done. I know legislature every time they act, uh there's moving parts with that. I think y'all have done a uh really good job here in Tarant County to make sure you're handling everything the legislaturator's asked you to do while continuing to do everything, as you
said, the voters have elected you to do. So, thank you. I know there's going to be some hiccups. I know there's going to be some spits and starts, but I think for the most part, y'all have done a really good job. So, appreciate that. >> I appreciate that, Commissioner. >> Yeah. So, in my mind, SB9 is going to incarcerate
people without due process. I I have a problem with it. I think it's unconstitutional. Um, but I want the record to show that I support law enforcement, safe communities. I don't I don't have to say that over and over again. Um, however, I balance that support with the
constitutional rights of people. Uh, so I just wanted to say that and and that the people detained behind bars deserve due process and their right shouldn't be infringed upon. Um, okay. So, when do you expect this
all will level out? >> When you say level out, I mean we're going to >> implement it. >> Okay. If we were if we were to receive permission, we expect in January to get an idea as to how many associate judges we would actually name and what would be
necessary to cover the nonviolent bonds, but we would expect within 30 to 60 days to be able to make that designation. >> Okay. Thank you, sir. >> Thank you, Judge. >> All right. Any other questions for Judge Jumus or any other discussion on this
issue before a speaker? All right. Miss Terry, >> I want to thank the judge for those comments. Thank you. Um, I included in my guidance in my when I signed up to speak a citation of the frequently asked questions about SB9 put out by OCA. Um,
I don't know if that, you know, this is a new system. I don't know if by submitting that that gets to you. Uh, but there is those frequently asked questions. Um, nowhere in the frequently asked questions doesn't mention converting magistrates to judges. However, it's a good idea and it seems
efficient. U, there's one clarification. I think that the judge misspoke when he said we was going to do associate magistrates. It's associate judges, magistrates to associate judges. And I do believe he corrected that later, but early on he said that. Um, this
document, the frequently asked question does mention visiting judges. And last month we had what I thought was peculiar uh change in funds from the budget office to add more visiting judges to various courts. And I didn't speak on it, but I wonder were those visiting
judges also a part of this uh attempt to comply with SB9? And if that's so then we do have a cost to compliance with SB9. And and that's what I'm really trying to figure out. What are the costs? visiting cost have a fee we paid
last or a cost. uh will the 54 magistrates need to be replaced or they can can they do double duty as associate judges and the magistrate duties they were do they're currently doing and I believe staff has uh Tar County has
great staff that estimates the impacts of different bills that go through the legislature system and I believe staff probably has an estimate of the increase to the jail population due to SB9 because it it's those people who won't be uh granted bail. It's those people
who will be delayed getting bail. Um and my last question is do we need more elected judges? And it may be too early to know, but is that something you should be looking at to then tell the legislature that what we should do, but what is the full cost of SB9? Thank you.
>> Thank you, >> Judge. Um I have a last question. Uh, how does SB9 impact I'll wait till you get up here. How does SB9 impact the undocumented
community? >> Um, some folks that are undocumented have been identified by the jail. We're going to set the bond the same. Uh, when I say the same, the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure does allow an immigration status to be a bond consideration, but I
am not going to not set a bond for someone simply because they're undocumented. Whether they're able to get out of the jail if they make that bond is a jail question, and that's up to the sheriff. My gut is telling me they couldn't bond out anyway because
there would be a separate ICE detainer or hold. >> Okay, that's that's my gut. I'm not in charge of the jail, but I'm almost positive that's the answer. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Any other discussion from the court?
All right. Seeing none, please cast your vote. All right, it passes 3 to two. Next, we go to item Q3. Q3 is an RFP for the annual contract for inmate commissary banking and deposit
release services in the sheriff's office. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> Uh we have a motion and a second on this item. Any discussion before speaker? >> Yes, I do. Let me pull up my notes.
All right. So, um I pulled this item from consent because I I just I want to watch dog this um keef vendor um keef commissary contract. Uh
my first year, first couple of months, I think it was February of 2023, there was an uh internal audit report that showed controls were not in place that oversaw
uh and required this vendor to live up to his contractual obligations. That is uh to remit payments to the county on time or be assessed late fees. Um, I've addressed this uh issue since February 2023. Um, I continue to be told that
improvements are being made. Um, I've approve I've approved uh subsequent contracts. Um, but when when this showed up today or uh on the draft agenda on consent, I realized that this court
um has not been provided proof of such improvements. um staff will go to the mic and say yes. Um things have gotten better. Uh and so I went back this morning about
4:00 and watched about four previous meetings in which we discussed the uh KEF contract. And so, um, I just really want to say when you present this contract for renewal,
um, please show us, please ensure that we know that everything from that 20 I think it was 2023 or 2021 Kim um, audit report. U, I think it was
Miss Tidwell's audit report. Yes, ma'am. And all those control issues had been addressed and they were system related controls and we're currently in our we have to audit the commissary every year. And so it'll probably be Februaryish when that report comes to court.
>> Okay. Make sure it is a comprehensive report that that where it where it shows that you know we're 50% cured in this area or 90% cured and Yes ma'am. Let us let us know. >> Yes, ma'am.
>> All right. Thank you. >> Uh All right. Any other discussion? I believe we have Mr. Burnham to speak to this item. O MG.
If ever there was an agenda item that should not have been on the consent agenda, it's this one. Uh I'm just kind of appalled at the lack of creativity, the interest in solving the problem in
the first place. What do people not understand about defendant paid substance abuse? Most of these defendants don't have the funds to pay it. Why is the staff not being more
creative about finding another source for funding this? I mean, there are lots of 501c3s out there would that would be willing to help if they weren't precluded from helping. There's lots of other ways to attempt this.
The in the staff report, the awards were based upon evaluation criteria set forth in the RFP speculation and continued options to renew for two additional 12-month periods. >> I I think you're talking about Q4.
>> I'm sorry. Which one are you talking about? >> We were talking about Q3. >> Did I start off on the wrong one? >> Well, this counts against his time for Q4, too, right? Yeah. >> Say what? >> Nothing. >> Just a joke. >> Well, okay. I guess I'm a little out of
turn here. Uh, I'll be right back. Thank you. >> Okay. >> So, >> sorry. >> All right. So, >> well, no, that's what I'm talking about. >> Oh, no. I brought the wrong thing up because I don't have the commentary thing. Listen, this is the only one that
I just think is outrageous. just outrageous for to because there have been so many problems with the commissary not just while this court has been meeting but over the decades the abuses here trickle down to the
families. This should not be on the consent agenda. There should be a thorough discussion of what is going on and there should be more public um understanding of what can be done to
address this problem. And I apologize for getting mixed up on my notes, but I'll be back obviously. >> Well, okay. >> Any other discussion from the court members? >> Yes. I So, Mr. Burnham, I 100% agree
that um a lot of stuff can go on consent, but uh contracts like these that have had um that have been problematic, um since I've been here and I'm hearing
decades before, um I don't think that these should be on consent. uh especially if we're not 100% clear as a court on um that that the issues with this vendor
have been 100% cured. And just just as a reminder um some of the issues were procedures related to the oversight of system roles and permissions did not exist. Um
the commissary vendor did not pay payments to the county in accordance to the contract. Um there were multiple recommendations from the previous auditor from all the way back from 2014 that the um sheriff's
office um had not adhered to. And so I appreciate the new auditor and her staff working to cure this. We just we just need to be updated um to make sure we're not just approving
this uh because we like this vendor. Are they doing what this contract says they should do per the audit? So all right. Thanks. >> Is isn't this for an RFP? >> Believe this is a contract renewal.
Yeah, it's a contract renewal, >> but my issue is with the the issues we've had with this vendor. >> Got it. Got it. >> I would like to see I'd like to recommend that we do a um a special work session for year-end reporting from the
different departments so we can hear, get updates like Commissioner Simmons is uh referencing so we can make sure that everybody's doing what they're supposed to be doing and those vendors that we're using >> are actually performing the duties that
they were uh contracted to perform. >> All right. Any other discussion on this item? >> All right. Please cast your votes. All right. Passes unanimously. Now we go to Q4.
Annual contract for defendant pay substance abuse outpatient treatment services community supervision and corrections department. Move for approval. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second on this item. Any discussion here before
speaker? >> All right, Mr. Burnham. I had intended to say a thank you to uh the um administrator's office because they were very very helpful yesterday, but I misplaced the previous item. What I do want to talk to about this today is
once again should not have been on the consent agenda in the first place. Once again, it's like a reality disconnect. These defendants by and large don't have the capability to pay for these
programs. The money should be come up with someplace else, including the possibility of a 501c3. And I do want to just suggest that these contracts are too long given the problems that they've had. They should
be coming under greater scrutiny. Uh I mean, I may be wasting my breath. I may just sound petulent, but you guys are not doing a good enough job at monitoring what's going on with county government, which means the services
that are being paid for are not being adequately provided. And obviously we're not going to have an opportunity to visit in person again this year, but I'll be calling all of you next year to talk about how the court can do a better
job and making these services better provided. >> All right, we have a motion and a second on this item. Any further discussion? Okay, no further discussion. passes unanimously.
Now we come to the non-consent portion. The first item is a public hearing item 81 to consider authorizing a stop sign on Mustang Wells Drive at the intersection with Benday Mirren Road precinct 2. So
this is a public hearing. I don't have anyone signed up to speak to this item. Is there anyone who would like to speak to this item? All right. Seeing none, um, do we do we we we're going to move
we can move to close public hearing and move to put the stop sign in. Right. >> Correct. Two. >> All right. So, I'll move to close the public hearing and put the stop sign in as requested. >> Second. >> We have a motion, a second on that item. Any discussion?
>> Okay. Please cast your votes. All right. Passes unanimously. Next item is a public hearing to consider establishing a speed limit of 35 miles per hour on Eagle Mountain Circle in Precinct 4.
All right. I don't have anyone signed up to speak to this item. Is there anyone who would like to speak to this item? All right. Seeing none, I'll move to close the public hearing and establish the requested speed limit on Eagle Mountain Circle. Second. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion or
discussion of any kind? All right, seeing none, passes unanimously. Next up, we come to nine, reports and business A1 under the
administrator section, consideration of a resolution to nominate an individual to the Tarant appraisal district board of adviserss. Anybody want to take any action on this? I think there's a bunch of them already been nominated. If nobody's going to make a motion, we
will move to item two, consideration of outofstate travel requests. Do we have any discussion or motion on this item? >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second to approve the out ofstate
travel budget, which is item A2. All right, any discussion? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. All right, next up we have item three, consideration of an exception to the travel policy.
>> I will move to approve this exception. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second to approve the exception of the travel policy. Any discussion? >> Why? What's the except what's the exception? I believe there
was a memo attached. Uh, basically >> Greenville is where this officer is going for training. It's a two-hour drive, >> one way. Uh, and with the agenda that they have, basically they would be leaving at, you know, 5 6 in the morning every morning, driving all the way home, and then going back because technically
Greenville is within our council of government's region. Oh, that that explains it because I saw that and I was like, well, it's instate travel >> technically in our region, >> but it's in our >> it's in our region. So, the policy defers that we have to ask the court for an exception if we're doing
>> Yeah. I was like, he's going two hours. Why are we doing this? >> Because we need the court to approve it now. Thank you. >> Just let him go. >> All right. Any other discussion? Okay, passes unanimously. Next up, item four, consideration of
initial guaranteed maximum price amendment number two between the hospital district and J Dunn construction for services related to the central utility plant project. >> So, judge, if I may on this just really quick, uh on items four and five, we had a clerical error uh with regards to the
contractors. Uh the central utility plant is actually the Jed Dunn source contractor and the Jed Dunn construction is for the medical outpatient building. We have checked with legal. Legal is uh fine with allowing the court to proceed on this with the intent uh and exempting
the clair. >> Move for approval with Chandler's exception for the clerical error. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second on item four. >> I'm vote no on the clerical. >> Any discussion on this? All right,
seeing none, please cast your vote. All right, it passes unanimously. Next up is item five, consideration of the initial guarantee maximum price a movement number two between the hospital district and listed as Jun source, but should be Jun construction. Move
>> approval. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second to approve this. Any discussion there? All right, please cast your vote. You're out. >> All right. Passes unanimously.
Next up, consideration of the third amendment to a lease agreement between Tarant County Hospital District and Oral and Maxelo Facial Network PLLC for clinic space located at 1625 St. Louis Street. I'll move to approve this. >> Second.
>> We have a motion and a second. Any discussion on this one? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. All right, passes unanimously. Next up is elections administration consider consideration to approve an order
calling a special runoff election on January 31st, 2026. >> Move for approval. >> Second. We have a motion and a second to approve this item. Any discussion? All right. Please cast your vote. All right, that passes unanimously.
And next item is consideration to approve proposed election day polling locations for the January 31st, 2026 special runoff election for Senate District 9. >> Move for approval. >> Second. >> We have a motion, a second to approve this item. Any discussion before speakers?
>> Um, yes. I I if I would have been quick enough, I would have made a motion to restore all election day voting locations that were used during the previous SD9 special election. Is that an option?
>> Well, making a motion to do that is a is a legal option you can make, but there's a motion on the floor. >> I understand. I'm asking him if we How many polling places were there in the previous election? Are you talking about the November 25
countywide? >> Yes. Uhhuh. >> The countywide election I think was 142 >> off the top of my head >> in the general. >> In the general, >> but the the list that you have does
include every location that was in that election that was within the district of SD9. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. All right. Any other questions for him? All right. We have a motion and a second and
two speakers, Michael Bell and Lon Burnham. >> All right. Mr. Bell not present. Come forward. >> Well, with a 1500page agenda, it's easy to understand how some mistakes can be made. Um, I signed up for B2 as well as
B3, and I thought I had successfully done so. The young woman that I worked with yesterday assured me I was. >> This is B2. >> I'm not signed up for B2. >> Yeah, you are. >> Okay. Did you already vote on it?
>> No. >> No. >> Is that what we're on? >> Yes. >> It must be my confusion. Okay. So, here's >> I've been there with you this morning. So, >> pardon? >> I've been I've been in the same spot this morning multiple times already. >> Okay. So, here we go. Um, I think I signed up in opposition to this one,
mainly because of previous actions of this court. Cutting the number of polling places seem to have a disproportionate impact on people like me who live in Central City Fort Worth. And I don't know what the polling places
are. So, not knowing what they are and being very suspicious of how things were done last time, I just want to call to people's attention that I think they were done inappropriately. this last time and they're probably done inappropriately this time. Um, however,
I encourage everybody to vote before January 31st because it will be the worst winter storm of the year if you don't. So, go vote starting January 21st and don't wait till the last day to vote. So, um, thank you for
your time, commissioners, and, um, I really wish I had been able to get access to the listing before the fact, and for some reason or another, that didn't get printed out. I'm not complaining about that staffer. She was real patient with me for about an hour yesterday. All right. Thank you, sir.
Mr. Bell is not present. All right. So, we're about to vote on this, but I had some questions that I I wanted to know the answer to, and so I got the answer. I'm going to I'll share them here. I can either tell you the answers or I'll ask you the answers, whichever. What that what was the average distance between
the early voting locations during the November constitutional amendment and special election? >> 4.4 miles. >> Okay. What was the average wait time during the 12 days of early voting? >> A minute and 24 seconds. >> And how did you come up with that info?
We had almost 18,000 data points that we had collected during early voting about the weight times at all the different locations and then com used it. They were a tremendous help in doing all this. Um they compiled everything and we were able to determine the average weight times for the days and the locations.
>> Okay. What was the average wait time on election day in November? >> 7 minutes and 52 seconds. Okay. >> Um countywide November election day turnout. What was that? Um, election day 108,91.
>> What was early voting? >> 111,291. >> What was 2024 presidential election day turnout? >> That one I don't have off the top of my head. Presidential. I I've got >> what I showed we got from your office
was about 163,000. So it that one if I did my math right 80% of the presidential election vote came in early 20% was on election day and it was a drop of about a third which
is actually was a much smaller drop than what would normally be surpris >> um early voting turnout for the 24 presidential was 635,000 So, um, your the locations you have on
here, Tarant County has 2.2 million residents. There's only 1 million residents inside SD9. And there's a there's a law that requires there to be ha at least half the number
of polling locations in a commissioner's court precinct as in another commissioner's court precinct even if that senate district doesn't have spots there. >> Correct. That's why we ended up uh with
25 in precincts one and two was uh precinct three I believe had 49 or yeah 49 so half would have been 50 so we got to the 25 for precincts one and two was the minimum that we could do even though SD9 there's only a few precincts that
actually reside within precincts one and two. So, I don't know the answer to this, Bob. I'm curious. SD9. I know there are parts of precinct 3 that are not SD9. >> That's right.
>> Are there multiple SDS in precinct 4? >> No, there's there's a little sliver on the southern end, but but we're probably 90% SD9. >> All right. And what about precinct two? >> Is there part of SD9
>> part up in the north? I think the I'm trying to remember this. North eastish portion of precinct two. >> All right. What about precinct one? >> That would be uh the west I believe it's the west side
of precinct one. Gotcha. >> There's some that falls in there. >> Okay. All right. All right. Uh I think we've gone through the speakers. We've got a motion to second. Further discussion. >> Yeah. Just sound like you were in the lightning round of a game show. So, I'm
gonna see if I if you can answer a couple questions for me. Um, what was the average wait time at the Mansfield subcourthouse on election day? >> I don't have the data for all the
locations on me, but I do have it. >> Okay. >> I just don't have it with me. >> So, did you all Next question. Did you all fix figure out the I can't even call it a snafu.
Um, but the issue at Athetherton Elementary on the Secretary of State site, if people went to the Secretary of State site to find their polling location in
Arlington, one site appeared and it was Athetherton Elementary. Well, wait a minute. It wasn't even Arlington. It was the >> the whole county one sites showed for the whole county.
>> You went to Tarant County to a secretary of state site to find your Tarant County polling location. Only one site came up. >> Correct. >> You can talk to him about the complaints
you got and I can talk about complaints. >> So the Secretary of State, they implemented a new software this year. Um part of that turns out was this. So, we upload our list to the Secretary of State's office, but we don't control what they post, how they post, or their IT. So, when we were made aware of this
issue, we contacted their office. They had us attempt to upload them again. It did not work again. So, we finally after it was probably an hour or so back and forth, we were able to get the list directly to their IT folks and they went in through the back end and were able to
upload the locations. Um but they didn't get that fixed until it was I think it was close to noon 1:00 in the afternoon um before they fixed it on their side. >> Yeah, it was it was pretty bad. And I find myself sitting up here a lot asking
has that been fixed? Has that been corrected? Has that been cured? Has that been And then we never get proof of that. Y'all say yes from the mic. But you know, we we need a report. We
need afteraction. We need something um because >> it's working for the election that we're in right now. Early voting closes today. >> Um but again, that was only three early voting sites. >> So, it's it's a small one. What we are yet to test against a big one and we
won't see that test again until SD9 when we upload the full list. But from what we have and what we've entered, it is functioning now. >> Okay. If you say so. Thank you. >> All right. Any other questions or
comments on B2? >> I I can, ma'am, for you. Um, for reference, the Mansfield subcours, I did bring with me the top 10 locations that had the highest weight and Mansfield didn't even make the top 10 uh as far as the average weight time. Um, so it
wasn't as bad as as we had a few that had an average weight time. >> Was that early or election? >> Election day. >> Huh. I I left and went somewhere else to vote because I refused to stand in that line that was wrapped around the building. Um you can't tell me that wait
time was 7 minutes, 15 minutes or anything. >> Well, there were a few locations, our bigger locations we saw that issue. Um >> I saw with my own eyes the >> I refused to vote there >> and it it came across one KO Community Center on election day. Average wait
time was 25.26 26 minutes, but within 1.7 miles was a Baptist church that had an average weight time of 1.15 miles all day long. It's people did not choose to use the app and the features that we have available to find locations. They just went to the main ones that they
know. And so I would encourage everybody to use the tools that we have because there was no need to wait in line. We had 35 locations across the county that had zero wait time all day. No wait time at all on election day. Um, and that's because people weren't showing up to
them. We have they're on the map. The locations are there. They're easy to find. People just need to use the tools that we have for them. Um, we're working on some solutions to try to make that more accessible at the polling locations, but I'm awaiting Secretary of State approval before we can we can roll
that out. But it's there for the voters and there is no need to wait in that line. Like you said, you could go somewhere else. Yeah, that well that's easy to say for, you know, if you live in Mansfield that doesn't have, you know, public transportation or whatever.
Um, that's that's that's real easy to say. Yes, I could hop in my car. And I went to three sites before I said, "Okay, this is the one." Uh, but I worked in the Mansville sub courthouse that day from 8 to 7 and that line was
wrapped. Um so um we it's always going to be my belief that we need to be providing as many polling locations as possible so people can have their
constitutional right. They pay their taxes. They should be able to have polling places like they have been able to have in Tarant County um until a few votes ago. um have the polling places
um that they are accustomed to. The polling places that you sir have you've you've since I've been here you said you could always use more not less. So that that has changed in recent months um from you. Um, but
I don't I have no idea why it is our aim, seemingly our aim to make it more difficult for people to vote uh especially in communities of color. So, >> well, I I mean, I've been a part of a lot of election cycles and election days
and there's always a huge rush on election days. Is that is that right, Clint? There's always lines. I know up in the north northeast part of Tarant County there's always lines where you have to wait longer and so I don't think that's an anomaly or that means we didn't have enough polling places or not. I think you look at the average and
if it's 7.52 minutes uh on election day that's a pretty good efficient process. >> The uh looking at the data um basically from opening of polls till 4:00 there was no really any weight anywhere in the county. at four o'clock is when the
weight times jumped and then it went up again another 50% at five and now up again almost another 50% at six and so by waiting to the last few hours of election day and then only going to the large location that you know you're going to run into a line there is a line
at Mansfield subcourthouse when we had 340 polling locations that >> that's just what happens >> what happens at Keller Town Hall there's a church almost across the street almost vacant Everybody wants to go to Keller Town Hall. Every election I've ever been to, which has probably been 10 of them.
At Keller Town Hall, the last hour election day, it's always a line wrapped around the building. Right. >> And I can't explain the psychology behind it either. I I I don't get it because I went I went to vote. I came back, >> went outside to the line, just picked a
picked a spot toward the back and said, "Hi, my name is Alisa Simmons. I'm the county commissioner here. There is a polling location right there that you can go to. And >> they still won't get out of line. >> They won't they won't do it. I can't
explain the psychology, but they should have >> they they should have options. >> And and we should listen to my former colleague Lon Burnham and vote early. Uh you don't have to do that. >> And I'm problematic. I'm an election day voter. Don't don't even ask me why. It
just doesn't make sense. But traditional >> I do it. Um, so I I I have an amendment to the motion. I'd like to move to amend the motion to restore all election day polling locations, including the 72. Is it 72
that have been removed? >> I'm I don't have the number in front of me. I pull it up. >> Well, all all that have been removed. >> Is that mo is that a ger Well, we have a motion on an amendment an amending motion on the floor. Do we have a second? >> Second. We have a second. Is that a
motion, Germaine, to remember the motion of I think we did this last time where it was a motion to just totally change the motion. Does that qualify here or is this a valid motion? >> Judge, in this instance, that would be a
valid amendment because it doesn't totally nullify the underlying motion that was made. So, we have a motion to amend the original motion to restore all voting locations
from the last election, which you mean is the November of 26 >> five. Okay. So, we need to repopulate the screen >> or do I have to Is this one where I have
to do it by hand because of the system? >> I need to do it by hand. Okay, we have a motion and a second to amend the list submitted by elections to put all the ones that were in November of
25. If you are for that motion, raise your hand. If you are against that motion, raise your hand. Okay, so that motion fails two to three, which returns us to the original motion to approve the proposed
election day polling locations. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion before casting your vote? All right, please cast your vote. All right, that passes unanimously. Next, we have item something another
three B3 consideration to approve proposed early voting dates, times, and polling locations for the January 31st, 2026 Congressional District 9 runoff election. >> Judge, on this one, that was a clerical
error. Yeah, clearly had the congressional districts on my mind at the time when I was typing. >> We know it's Senate district, but that's I'm reading how it was read. So, we have a motion to approve the proposed early voting dates. Did I hear a second? >> Second. >> We have a second. >> Any discussion on this before speakers?
>> Uh, one thing I'd like to add, judge, after we submitted the materials, um, Grapevine Public Library, we had reached out to them, but we hadn't heard from them. they now have have agreed to also be an election day or a early voting location, not just an election day. And that was a site that we were looking to
achieve up there in that northeast corner because of where SD9 is located. It was not on the list of 21 submitted. Um, but it is one that has agreed. Um, and if you'd like to add would would recommend that we add that that location to the list of 21.
>> Okay. So, I guess I will move to amend the motion to add the Great Vine Rec Center >> Public Library. >> Great Vine Public Library. >> Second. >> We have a motion and a second on that. Any discussion before I bring up
speakers? >> Um, Mr. Katville and Chair, I too would like to amend the motion to add to add a couple. You can make an amendment to amendment.
>> Okay. Um, so I move to amend the motion to add Northside Community Center in precinct 4, Diamond Hill Jarvis Center
in precinct 4, Brookside Center in precinct 3, the Ulis Family Life Senior Center in Precinct 3, the Dion Backsby
Southwest Courthouse Precinct One and the Mansville Subcourthouse Precinct 2. >> All right, we have a motion >> second >> to amend the amendment and we have a second on that. Any discussion before
bringing up speakers? Okay. Bob Harper, Lon Burnham, Carla Palomarus, and Paul David Williams. >> Thank you, uh, judge and and commissioners. First of all, I want to
thank you for your service and you do a great job for our our county. I live in uh Hurst and I am the election judge at Brookside Center and I was glad to see the amendment to add it to the list and that's mainly what I wanted to talk
about and tell you my experience on November 4th. Uh on that day we had 997 people vote at that day with 11 voting machines. U needless to say my six
workers were overwhelmed by this turnout and as the day progressed I I began to consider the possible reasons for the heavy volume that we had and I came up with the following. Number one, the oddyear constitutional amendment
election was definitely enhanced by the fact that we had the special election for Senate District 9. We had a tax increased proposal by the HBISD. We had a city of Hurst proposal regarding collective bargaining for the
firemen. And back to the amendments, we had several that were critical to property taxes that had been worked on in the legislature. Secondly, and I come to my main point, early voting was not conducted at the
Brookside Center prior to the November 4th election. In fact, the only voting location Hurst for that uh election was the courthouse on Grapevine Highway. And I concluded that many voters who were
accustomed to voting at Brookside waited until election day rather than try to find an alternate early voting location as you've been discussing. Third, the 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot that created a perfect
storm at the end of the day as the voters snowballed. Uh many of those who who were reading the proposals for the first time, a lot of extra time was required. We even had um people that we
had assigned um the voter codes had them time out before they could get to a voting machine. we had to reissue uh voter codes because that they had timed out. >> So, what I think would have mitigated many of our issues is if Brookside
Center had been on the early voting list. And uh I I commend you for considering that. And I would just say that I would propose that Brookside Center be on the early voting list for any election that affects Hurst. and I
thank you for your time. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you, >> Mr. Burnham. Given my mistakes today, I was going to point out the Congress 9 runoff mistake, but maybe I would be totally inappropriate and it's already been corrected. Um, but I I do want to
express uh my gratitude and thanks to Commissioner Simmons for suggesting that we have more polling places. Uh, I'm not speaking on behalf of any organization, but I'm probably a member of a halfozen different organizations that actively
advocate easier uh access to polling and elections in general. Uh, some of these organizations are involved with the baseline teaching. Some of them focus on high school groups because they've never voted before. Uh but anytime a public
body vote to undermine easy access to voting, I am particularly disappointed in that decision. So I would encourage all of you to vote for Commissioner Simmons recommended amendments and ask you to be more proactive on behalf of a
functioning republic and a well-run democracy. All right. So, Miss Paula Morris present. All right. Mr. Williams, we need you to not close the River Oaks polling place. It's the leading majority
of Democratic voting polls. The Republican court system has approved the redistricting change that is closest that the closest thing to jury rigging that I have
that I have been able to think of. I believe it is unamerican. Some Republicans are being led by a long-term criminal. He has been convicted of multiple felonies, rape,
and has withheld payments for many services of many of his workers. Some Republicans are following him. Knowing all of these facts, our Republican leaders are leading our country down a road that Adolf Hitler
rode that Adolf Hitler led the Germans down at the beginning of the rule of his rule in his country, reducing people's opportunities to vote. >> All right, we have uh those are all of
our speakers. We have an amendment to the amendment. Does anyone need me to restate the amendment to the amendment or her to restate it? All right, seeing none, raise your hand if you are in favor of the amendment to the amendment.
Okay, that's two. Raise your hand if you're against the amendment to the amendment. All right, that's three. The amendment to the amendment fails. The next vote is the amendment to the original motion, which is to add the Greatvine Public Library. Raise your
hand if you're in favor of that motion. >> Okay. Raise your hand if you're against that motion, that amendment. Are you two abstaining? >> Is that how we're doing that? Okay. >> All right. So, it passes three to zero with two abstensions. Now we go to the
original motion which is now amended. So the original motion is to approve the locations, dates, times for the early voting on this runoff election adding Greatvine
Public Library. So with that, you can now cast your vote over here. Okay. So, that passes three to zero with two abstensions. All right. Next. Can Can I just say real quick, Clint, thank you for all the work y'all are doing. As you just said, I
don't think a lot of people know you're in an election cycle right now. Uh you're going to have runoffs coming up. You could have a runoff from the special election that's today. That that's all coming up. So, you guys do so much behind the scenes that we don't even know or fully appreciate or understand. So, I know it's a lot of work. I know your staff does a lot of work. you're
probably burned out and you still got the biggest part of the election cycle coming up. So, thank you for what y'all do. I really do appreciate it. >> Appreciate that, Commissioner. And we we do we have a great team. >> Yeah. >> And let let me add for our constituents who are here and
who are watching this. Um this is classic voter suppression. These three gentlemen just made the decision
for an entire county voting population on which vote centers to add, where to add add it, and which ones not
to add. And so, um, you really have got to pay attention to the people you put in these offices. Three people just said the north side
could not have polling locations. They've got one over there for early voting. Uh, could he use could he use two others? North Side Community Center, Diamond here, J Diamond Hill Jarvis. three people.
Um so and don't don't know who the opposition is, but um it's unfortunate. >> Well, I'm I'm just curious because I know the elections administrator sent us a list of sites beforehand and said, "Do you want to add any? Do you think we ought to make any changes?" Were all
those sites that you tried to amend today? Did you give those to uh Mr. Lugwe? >> His office I went by his office uh Friday. he was not there and his assistant didn't didn't know what to do. So, I just said I'll do it from the day.
>> Um, but you know, you look at the early >> because we got that list way before Friday. So, maybe a little earlier we could have incorporated some of those. So, there was an opportunity. I know it was one of our uh feedback and critiques from the last time. Could you give us the list beforehand so we can have some
feedback and interaction? He did that. I don't feel like anybody took advantage of it. And when we're trying to amend it today and making him look like he didn't take any of that into account, I think we ought to at least let the people know he gave us an opportunity to do that. >> I was addressing the court. Guys, we've voted on this. So, there's commissioner
court comments we can all make at the end if we want. Let's move on to the next item. C1, facilities management, consideration of a building renovation of the records room of 350 West Bellnap building for the city of Fort Worth video magistrate court. >> Move approval. >> Second.
>> All right. All right, we have a motion and a second to approve this item. Any discussion before speaker? All right, Miss Terry. Thank you. In years past, we've had numerous discussions on the agenda about
video magistration, and I I am pleased to see that we're adding video magistration for the city of Fort Worth. But what I question is, it will this help the backlog with um some of the issues with video magistration? Will
more detaines uh have that ability to have video magistration, which will then decrease the population of the jail? And I, you know, I wish that we had more discussions on the video magistration to see if it's actually working the way we hoped it would work when we implemented
it a few years ago. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. All right. We have a motion and a second. Looks like there's no further discussion. Votes are in. All right. Passes unanimously. All right. Next up is item D1, consideration of options regarding the Tarant County 457B
deferred compensation plan agreement with Lincoln Financial Group. Uh I have one question over this. Uh who is going to address this? Okay. So
the potential surrender charges when I hear surrender charges that doesn't mean that doesn't sound like liquidating mutual funds. There's fees or taxes. I believe all of the mutual funds that are held or all investment
vehicles held can be transferred over from this without people having to incur taxation or fees if I'm not mistaken. That's correct, isn't it? >> That is correct. >> So, what's the what are the surrender charges? It's an administrative fee that they're would be charging us to move all
of the funds and a and a lump sum to a new deferred comp plan >> and >> and it's it's a different company that would be handling it, >> right? We would basically be transitioning from Lincoln to one of the other 457 points.
>> So, what what contractually allows them the ability to charge us that? >> Well, this is Yeah, I was going to say this would be a good question for James. So, the issue actually with that is Lincoln, we don't actually have a
contract with them to offer the 47B plans. Uh, this predates me or Roxy. >> Uh, I don't know how that actually occurred. So, unfortunately, without that contract, I don't know how this could happen.
>> And they don't have a copy of the contract. This is one of our big issues that we have legally and why we are in front of the court. You're making that up, right? >> So, here's the here's the question. >> If there isn't a contract that anyone can find,
>> um, is is it their position that if we say we're not paying the transfer fees or whatever these surrender charges that they're going to hold other people's money hostage? >> No. And this goes back to option number two, which would really be my
recommendation, is is that we would just essentially end our service agreement with them. We would no longer be doing a payroll deduction into those accounts, but every employee who has an account with Lincoln would still have their money in that account, and they're free to move that money wherever and however
they like. And that really would be our our recommend. >> Right. So So going with option two, you're saying would not incur these charges. That's correct. >> So, how does an employee How many employees are we talking? Is it like 30? >> It's actually 80.
>> Is it 80? >> Sorry. I have We have a little 80 that are active employees and then I just don't have the total right. >> Okay. So, so let's just say it's 80 to 100. >> If if they don't have money deducted >> uh >> and they keep the accounts that they
have and they choose to move it somewhere else, how does that affect them? I understand that if Tarant County says cutting the whole thing out so long they want to try to charge us something that's not contractual but this is just what they're coming up with. What
happens to Commissioner Miles who says I'm moving mine over to here. What happens? >> It depends on the amount of money that he has in his account and there would be an administrative fee for him to move from that account into an individual account but the dollar amounts would be
unique dependent on each person. >> Roxy, quick question. So, we dealt with the exact same thing in the city of Fort Worth a dozen years ago. Um, and I don't think there was any fee associated so long as you went from 457B to 457B that
was sponsored by So, whatever the county sponsors, let's use Commissioner Miles, if he wanted to to not incur any fees, he could just transfer that into the county sponsored plan and should not have any. >> That is correct. But there is also another option where people can move
those funds into other types of accounts and that's where that fee would >> but you would have that exact same fee if you chose to do that on your own today anyway. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Okay. Okay. >> So you can move it into the county the the new one or any participant can move it into the county sponsored plan which
is nationwide. >> Nationwide and Corbridgeidge are two other vendors. So, so you could move it in a nationwide or core bridge and not have any fees associated because it's 457 to 457. >> And I and we would assist with that. I don't want any employee who may be impacted by this to think that they're
on their own. We do have a very specific process for doing that and we would definitely facilitate that with you. >> Okay. >> So, if he left it there, he's he couldn't continue to contribute to it. >> Not a payroll deduction. That is true. But those funds would live there and he would be able to use them at a future retirement date. that that's how it
worked is we let it essentially, >> you know, it it went out through attrition. The plans did, but folks, some of them didn't want to move it. They just had that set amount in there and they said, "I'm going to keep it there. I like how it's managed with this group and I'm going to keep it there." But they incurred no fees. And I think
the same rules apply when they leave employment um from from their government employer, they can take the same exact rules apply for that. >> That is true. >> Yeah. So, I understand the having it deducted is easier.
An HSA account does not require a deduction. It can be deducted currently under our system, but you can also cut a check to an HSA and get the same exact tax benefits. Do we know in this scenario if they keep these accounts and they just cut a check directly there, do
they still get the same benefit or does it have to be deducted? >> They cannot because it's a 457 employer plan. If you moved your funds into a different type of an IRA account, you would be able to do that. But these are very specific to the employer accounts. >> Okay. Once we take action two, if that's
what the court chooses to do, Lincoln is cut off for any future additions for these 80 plus and the retirees. >> Okay. So I am completely puzzled as to how you cannot have a contract
with a vendor and you're doing business with this vendor there. There's no contract. You said that you can't find it. So, how are we how are we even offering their services if there is no contract?
>> That that completely baffles me. I don't get that at all. If I would have known that there wasn't a contract, I wouldn't have put my money with him. >> Yeah. >> So, >> help me understand that. >> So, confused. >> Shock for me as well. Um, my understanding is is that we entered into
the relationship with Lincoln in 1973 approximately. Um we have we have been diligent about requesting for the guiding document. The plan document is the rules that we should be operating by. When I came into this role, I
requested that information and we did not receive that. That is when I asked James and the DA's office to get involved because this is obviously I was one when we entered into that contract. Um, I don't have those answers, but what
is really important to me is is that I'm doing my due diligence and ensuring that when we are in a relationship with a vendor that we are doing everything to keep us compliant. Not only do we not have a contract, but also Lincoln is unable to meet the requirements of the Secure 2.0, which is what has caused me
to bring this issue now in December because this is will be another uh compliance. >> That was going to be my one question. you you'd already answered it, but but that was the question was had we made an attempt to get Lincoln into compliance and could they have rolled this plan
into compliance? Your answer was no, they can't. >> That's correct. And the other thing I do want to share with the court is prior to me getting here. This had been an ongoing um negotiation, if you will, with Lincoln for twoish years. >> 22. We've been in negotiations with them
and they've broken down several times. >> Yeah. So what so well I think you might have answered my question like why are we just presenting these options when the secure act 2.0 legislation was approved in 2022 wasn't it?
>> Yes. >> So why why is it just here today in 2025? >> Because January 1 of 2026 is the requirement that will impact Tarant County which means that we have to offer a Roth option. So that's the reason why
we ha we need to actually take action now. >> And to be fair, you've just been here >> a year. >> A year. >> A year. >> Have you already been here a year? Holy cow. >> So yeah, I'm still trying to figure out >> and my comments are not directed to you,
Roxy. >> Right. I'm just >> No, you have they have fiduciary responsibilities to you, but yeah, I get that. How how long has uh HR and D8's office been in communication with Are
y'all in communication with Lincoln? Obviously. >> Yes. >> And how long have y'all been in communication with Lincoln? >> I think I started working on this uh uh the new plan project in 2022. >> Shut up. Okay. >> Wow.
>> Wow. >> All right. Any other questions? If not, we need a motion of some for something. >> I would move that we >> I've got a question of what what what form of communication are y'all because
I hear from retirees. Don't know about these other folks. So, before I get jacked up, >> what form of communication are y'all going to utilize to to talk to employees, retirees
about about these moves and changes? And you know, people complain they can't get anybody pick up in HR anymore. And I guess some couple few retirees are used to just walking in. >> I think that's prohibited now. So So please explain that.
>> Yes. One once the court takes action that allows me to actually begin the communication with both activives and retirees. Um we have done a couple different things. We have initiated newsletters specifically for retirees. We have about 65 retirees that we have
no email, no mechanism for actual communication. We have created a public-f facing page on our Tarant County website specifically for retirees. We have been sending out for our open enrollment. It'll be including this as well once we have the court's
decision. Um we have some postcards that we send out to the group that we we are struggling to communicate with. And then in addition to that, we will be hosting some town halls. We do find that that's very helpful for our retirees. So, we've learned a lot through the OEE, your office has been helpful in that,
Commissioner Miles's office in giving me feedback. And so, we have a number of mechanisms that we are utilizing to communicate with them. >> Might I suggest because there is a retiree Facebook page, they told me, and
so um >> I'm aware too. >> Okay. So, I don't know if they'll let your staff in, but if you could if you could communicate with an administrator, maybe to push stuff to them because it it appears to be a very active page
because they call I gave somebody my number. Haha. >> I understand. >> So, they're active. One other little thing I do want to share with the court as well is is that we have also implemented a feature um a chatbot feature on the public page so they can ask questions, but we will also have a
live chat so they can talk to a person. And we're working really hard right now to be able to give them the opportunity to set up appointments. So if they need to talk about retirement stuff, they can. Benefit stuff, they can't. And we also offer that on our loop page for active employees. So I know you made the
comment people have a perception that they can't come in. It's not they can't come in. We just want it to be very productive and we want to know what you're coming to see us about so that we're prepared when you come in there. So, we are working on a lot of different mechanisms for us to be able to communicate. Well,
>> thank you. >> All right. Any other questions, comments, or do we have a motion? >> I move that we move Commissioner Miles 457D. No, I I I move that we discontinue new contributions to Lincoln Financial beginning January 1, 2026 while allowing participants to maintain existing
accounts or voluntarily transfer funds to another approved vendor as a planto transfer. >> Second. >> Second. >> All right, we have a motion and a second as described. Any further discussion before voting? >> All right, please cast your votes. Passes unanimously.
Next up, we have purchasing. Um, I don't believe there are any public speakers for E one through 10. There's no objection from the court. I will move to approve E1 through 10.
>> Second. >> We have a motion and a second on E1 through 10. Any discussion? All right. Seeing none, cast your vote. All right. Passes unanimously. Now we come to permission to take bids, RFPs.
So there was a what is this? It's the different items are 11 A through L. And two of these items were removed from the agenda.
One of them is a subcourthouse at Mansfield chiller replacement and one is a subcourthouse at Mansfield emergency generator system. This was on last week's or last month's I should say agenda. Now it's on this agenda both times pulled. Why is this getting
pulled? I am pulling uh this item uh because I am not interested in um sinking this amount of money in into the Mansville subcourthouse um for a
variety of reasons. Mainly um it needs to be we we need to relocate. Um, so they have uh this Mansville subcourthouse um already has a
plan um for an emergency generator system and so we can just uh continue doing what we're doing. Uh this this does not make good fiscal sense to me. So >> okay, so
this is getting put on the agenda. Who is putting it on the agenda? facilities. >> Okay. And why are we putting these two things on the agenda? >> Well, the children >> were these approved in the budget? >> Yeah, it was approved in the FY25 budget. It's a 25-year-old system
original to the building. That's why we're having heat issues during the summer. We'll have heat issues again if we don't do this. So, it's necessary. >> And is is it your opinion on this subcourthouse chiller replacement that it's needed due to the age? >> That's correct.
>> What happens if it fails? Uh if it fails, it would be some type of emergency catastrophic and we would need to get purchasing to allow us to replace it immediately. And at least this way, we're doing it through the procurement system. >> Okay. What about the generator system?
Why is that one on there? >> Yeah, generators on there because all of our other subs have generators. So, it's kind of in the practice now. >> All of our other subscouses, I'm sorry. >> All sub courouses have generators. >> That's correct. >> And I mean, I know what a generator is. What happens if a generator if the there
is no generator at the moment? >> Uh if there was some kind of catastrophic failure. >> No, no, no, no. I'm sorry. I I threw two questions in at once. >> I'm sorry. >> There is not currently a generator there. >> No. >> So, this is not replacing a generator. >> That's correct. This is not replacing. What we've been doing is rentals, but
rentals is does add up. It It is. >> How much does it cost to do the rentals? >> Oh, man. 30 I think 30 to 40,000 somewhere around there every time we put >> per year >> something like that. Yes sir.
>> Okay. Forget the chiller for a minute on the emergency generator system like when you say I think it's 30 I mean like is this it might be 31 or is it I really don't know. text and chat. We'll give you some numbers. >> I mean, if we if we have a $30,000
generator >> that would cover the any problem if there was a power failure, >> the amount of time it would take to recoup our money to buy a $1.2 million generator system. Somebody would have to walk me through
why that's a better way to do it. >> Sure. and and it would be several times throughout the year depending on, you know, whether they're having elections or what. >> So, this is rent a generator as there's a power failure.
>> No, it would be a looking ahead to see a possibility, you know, >> during the time of a winter storm, you know, we'd have something out there. >> Okay. Can anybody in this room tell me how many times la in the year 2025 we rented a generator at for the Mansfield
subcourthouse? >> Let's see. We did it last year. We did it last year. And um John is checking on that for me right now, but it was over a period of I think three months. And so that's that's kind of in the practice here.
>> So let me let me ask it again. This year, have we rented a generator at the Mansfield subordinates? >> No, we have not yet. >> Okay. When we rented it for three months, >> your your your best guess sitting here today is that it cost $30,000.
>> Yes. Are you are you getting an answer there? >> Okay. >> It's Yes, that is a best guess right now. >> Okay. And >> and can anyone in facilities explain to me?
>> Uh here we go. 30K for three months in the winter. Yes. 30K. >> Can anyone in facilities explain to me? I think I agree with her on half of it. Mhm. >> And I don't and I don't agree, I don't think, on the other half, but on the if
if we spent $30,000 a year ago for a generator, what justification is there to have a generator for $1.2 million there? >> Well, from an ROI perspective, I see where you're coming from. This would be
nothing more than just making sure that services are continuing if there were some type of catastrophic power failure. Um, is there like have we ever run into a scenario where we can't rent a generator when we need it? >> Um, no. Well, sometimes it's difficult
because sometimes you don't know exactly when that's going to happen. >> So, it's supply and demand and there is a lot of times and especially when there's an emergency situation, usually FEMA or TDM will come in and swipe up all the generators. Same thing happens potentially in winter storms. Okay. >> Uh, the first one to get there
>> gets the generator. >> Uh, quick quick question. I mean, I think I know exactly where this is going. Um, adding I and keeping Jay off. But quick question. How much is an Obviously, an emergency generator can service this building because we've rented them to service this building. >> How much is an emergency generator? If
we don't have one in county inventory, I'd be in favor of just buying one of those, which I guarantee you far less than $1.2 million. I bet this is like hospital grade integrated system, 99.9% uptime emergency generator. That's what
this quote's probably for. So, I'm assuming you can get an emergency generator if they're charging you $30,000 for for three months. You can buy one for quarter million dollars if not way less. >> Sir, we correct. We've actually talked about that in facilities would be we would love to do that. We would love to
buy one that way we'd have one on. >> Perhaps that's the solution so we don't have to rent anymore. >> Go ahead. Um, >> so how how many years Have have you been doing a renting ha
has the Mansville subcourthouse been without a generator system and a chiller? >> So we've been without a generator since we purchased the building and that was way before me. So >> okay we >> it's way before us
>> and I've been here 18 years. So um the chiller the chiller is just old. It's it's it's ran its life. So that's why we're having the heat issues during the summer. So it does need to be changed out. We It's beyond repair much.
>> Okay. So we can send them back to to to do some research because I did in fact pull these off the agenda. So they're off the agenda, right? >> No, they're not off the agenda. When it's publicly posted, if we want to talk
about it, we get to talk about it. Is that how that works? >> Generally correct. Yes. Uh, so any member of the court can add something to the agenda. It doesn't necessarily work in the converse where a member of the court can unilaterally move something. So the court can act on it.
>> Say, wait, say again, Mark, I I can't hear you. >> Sure. So a member of the court can add an item onto the agenda. A member of the court does not unilaterally have the power to remove something. So the court cannot act on it. However, there is a practice in the county where members of
the court and heads of departments do do that when they seek to have the court take no action. What I would recommend in a scenario where a member of the court has exercised that practice of removing an item from the agenda if the court wants to proceed on an item that
has been held uh to simply take a vote to proceed on that item. Mark and I'm assuming the practice as I understand it is we remove items that we've placed on here but facilities is the one that placed these on here. Correct. >> That is my understanding.
>> The practice has been to move other things that we didn't add on. I've I've done it before. I'm sure you've done it. You've removed things that you didn't add. It could be facilities or elections or something. We we sit up here at the beginning of every
>> meeting. I'm not and we never really know who pulled something. Um but we we do it. I know. I guess you have it. >> No, I don't I don't pull anything I discussed. It's on the agenda. >> Yeah. >> All right. So, here I'm going to make a
motion then. And here's the motion I'm going to make. I'm going to make a motion to grant permission to take bids and RFPs on items A through I
K and L. That's the motion. >> Second. >> All right. So, there's a second on that. And then as a not part of the motion, I would encourage you to bring us at a future meeting options
and cost estimates, not with a full-blown RFP yet, of what Commissioner Ramirez stated, uh, about what it would cost to have a generator that the county owns, has, and can use at its disposal, including for here. >> Okay. But that's not part of the motion.
So, all right. We have a motion and a second. Any further discussion on this item? All right, seeing none, please cast your vote. Oops. All right, it passes unanimously.
Brings us to board and commission appointments. Do we have any board or commission appointments? >> I have a couple. Um, I'd like to appoint Mike Garcia to the city of Fort Worth, TIFF number 14. And then Katherine Roder uh has resigned from the city of Ulysis
Tur number four. And I'd like to appoint Mike Garcia to fill her unexpired term. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and a second to appoint those folks. Uh, any discussion? All right. Please cast your vote. How do I do that? Passes unanimously.
Any other board or commission appointments? Okay. Next, we have public comments. Where is that? Public comments. All right. We have Chris Wood, Buff Kaiser, and Harriet Harrell are the first three.
I'm Chris Wood. During my recent experience under bond conditions in the Tarant County justice system, I encountered a troubling practice. Random urine drug tests. I have a bladder condition which affects a third of all people. Each test caused immense
discomfort, forcing me to gulp down a 20 ounce Coke to comply. The muscles that control urination are not completely voluntary. For those with bladder conditions, the ordeal can cause real physical harm before they are able to urinate. The medical term for shy
bladder is peruresis. A social anxiety disorder that makes it impossible to urinate in the presence of others. I was fortunate enough to complete my tests, but some were not so lucky. I witnessed a young woman fail
her drug test not because of drug use but because she physically could not urinate. She was deemed to have violated her bond conditions and faced rearrest and detention until trial. The United States justice system is based on the
fundamental concept of innocent until proven guilty. But the person who is unable to produce a urine sample is presumed guilty in the absence of any evidence. There are other ways to test for drugs, such as saliva tests. Falsely
presuming guilt is creating criminals out of innocent people. Wrongful incarceration destroys lives leading to anger, loss of social support, barriers to employment and housing and trauma. This cycle increases the likelihood of
future criminal behavior. Please take action to correct this injustice by reforming drug testing. Needless suffering of innocent Americans will be lessened and the integrity of our justice system will be strengthened. Let us ensure that no one is sent down the
wrong path by a system that is meant to protect them. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Kaiser. >> Then Miss Harrell. >> Howdy. Buck Kaiser, a resident of Fort Worth, and three points for you today.
Um, first of all, congratulations for the good progress this year and are having a well-led, conservatively run county. Uh, secondly, in 2026, we could further advance this progress by joining Colin
and Denton counties in using handmark paper ballots. and now Dallas County using handmarked paper ballots and h and hand counting for their Republican uh primaries. Each of these uh now have
more transparency and auditability at less cost. And it's very interesting that in both Colin and Denton counties, both Republicans and Democrats have sung the praises of their
new way of doing their elections. So, it's a jointly supported bipart bipartisan support in Denton and Collie County. You can go up and talk with them and hear it. Uh finally, um even better government will be provided by us being
more curious about and addressing the uh 5,000 duplicate registrations introduced into Tarant County um voting roles in 2024 and now continuing to be added. So,
let's continue the work done by Clint, the DA, and our Secretary of State to find out who is doing this and uh and stop them. I think this could be or should be a priority uh with public
reporting before next year's midterms. We need to understand who is attacking us purposely to add these duplicate records to our voting roles. And we have plenty of documentation for this. But we
can we we've gotten started, but let's finish the job and publicly report who's doing this. I mean, it should make us all curious. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Herrell. >> Following Dr. Herald, we have Lon
Burnham, Charles Bills, and Nan Terry. >> You all have justified holding only one commissioner's court meeting per month by saying that it's easier on staff. I'd like to know if you consulted them in advance about this and if you've
asked them now how well this change schedule is working for them because the agenda for this meeting which they accumulate all the material for with the attachments is 1,564
pages long. Somehow I find it difficult to believe that it was an easier burden on staff to have to compile all of that at once. And what about the staff in your offices? You get the agenda three work days in
advance. Did staff study all 1564 pages in those few days? Did you? I think it's highly unlikely. It's your it's your job to be prepared and make
good decisions on the part of this county. The huge consent agenda seems to be a way to streamline the meetings, but the items on consent are important, too. I'd like to see a lot more attention be
given by those who are putting the agenda together and by you all to be sure that important items are put on for discussion and not consent. It's also your responsibility under the law to provide citizens the court agenda
in advance so that citizens can study it and come informed to speak to you about items of concern. I know that it is not possible for me to study 1,564
pages in three days. That means that you are not meeting the intent of the law. It is time to go back to at least two meetings a month and one of those should be in the evening so that people who
work can attend. In the meantime, the People's Commissioner's Court is offering Zoom educational sessions on your agenda on the Thursday before your court meetings to help citizens be as
informed as possible. Perhaps you and your staff would like to attend. I have flyers. Chandler, if you would share these with uh about our next meeting. And there are flyers out on the table for any of you who would like to pick
one up. Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Burnham. >> And thank you, uh, Miss Herold, for what the People's Commissioner's Court is doing. Um you have so many engaged people and so many folks that don't
understand the the process even just to sign up and um submit comments and how to speak and how how to reach us. >> Would you be kind enough to do this during the announcements and comments section as we agreed to
>> in my office several months back? >> I wanted to address Miss Herold while she was there. >> Uh Mr. Burnham. >> Well, thank you, Madame Commissioner, for standing up for voting rights. It's
um really been a very disappointing commissioner's court meeting and and I'll second everything that Miss Herrell had to say before I started in on my comments, although I'm 15 seconds in. So, years ago, I told a previous uh county judge in court that I would not
come and comment at every meeting of the court. That is back when the court met weekly and earned their salary. But this court first cut public access in half. But you not only cut it in half, you cut
it in half a second time. But you never cut your salary. The the first time you did this, I was just dismayed. The second time I was disgusted. This court does not uh appear to be
working in public or behind the scenes to address the many problems that afflict the management of our jail, nor the distress caused by the growing homeless population. Uh nor have you stepped up and insisted
that judges start consistently working at least 40 hours a work week. I mean, I think that's pretty reasonable, but they don't. So given all this, I can't afford the luxury of only coming to commissioner's court uh when there's an
unnecessary death in the jail. My New Year's resolution is to come to and speak at all 12 of your commission court meetings next year and continue to point out that an over,500
page agenda is outrageous. There's no way anybody is adequately studying this material before the commissioner's court. So, I can't blame you for making really bad decisions on a regular basis because you just haven't had time to read the facts. Thank you
for your time. >> Thank you, >> Mr. Bills. Following Mr. Bills, we have Nan Terry, Charles Weedmire, and Joe Palmer. >> Okay. I two things. First thing is uh we my mother and I came wanted to come last
month to the uh meeting and found the roads were closed off for the uh uh Veterans Day parade. That also closed off access to the two nearby uh parking garages. We determined we were not going to be able to park anywhere close enough
to make the trek. So, we went home. So, I'd like in the future to when you schedule something to consider things like that. The second is I reiterate that our uh district attorney has not
yet indicted the man who sprayed pepper spray in Anthony Johnson Jr.'s mouth during his murder. And also, though, no indictments for anyone who was standing around doing nothing. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Hello. I'm troubled by the lack of what appears to me the lack of transparency in the agenda. For example, items both items Q3 and Q4 were renewal of two contracts and although one of them stated there was no
cost to Taran County, just cost to the defendants and you voted to approve those contracts which is you're right and but it's are you doing your fiduciary responsibilities without knowing the cost to the individuals using those services? like what are the
costs to the inmates or the detainees in the jail for the items on the on that KEE contract? And I've heard that the Better Business Bureau has numerous complaints against the Keefe uh KE corporation or LLC or
whatever they are. Uh does purchase even look at BBB better business bureau issues during contract renewals regarding cure 4. I was struck by the comment on fiscal impact and I know that staff is thinking Tarant County is
Tarant County this body but the casual reader really thinks Tarant County means more like the residents the taxpayers and those people using the services and paying those fees they're all probably Tarant County residents too. It struck me especially difficult because
yesterday's Fort Worth Star Telegram reported more than half, 57% of Tarant County families with children three years old and younger struggle with affording diapers. How many of these families who can't afford diapers have a family member in
the substance abuse program? What are the costs? You've approved the contract. Are we forcing defendants to pay for diapers or go to jail so that they because they realize they can't afford the cost of the substance abuse program?
As of Monday, the cost to house an inmate in Taran County jail was $101 a night a day. $4,489 detainees in custody as of yesterday. It used to be we could file an open record draft. We could still and get the number of
detainees awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Corrections or the number of waiting competency restoration. The public dashboard doesn't have that information. And so I don't really think you want me to file an open records act to get the number of detainees waiting
transfer. Can you just add that to the dashboard? And let's go back to the cost on an individual perspectives. Um, how many defendants will look at the costs and realize it's in their best financial perspective for their family
to go to jail and not pay those costs for the substance abuse. But we can't know this information. It's not on the agenda. And my concern is it's not on your agenda and you're voting for something and you don't know the true cost to the residents of Taran County.
>> Thank you, >> Mr. Weedmire. Good afternoon. I'm Charles Weedmire. I live in Fort Worth and I'm I'm here to talk about the fact that the US government has been the target of an overt sedicious conspiracy for at least
the last nine years. Much of it's been financed by grants from the US government. Our own Catholic Charities Dascese of Fort Worth received $41 million for migrant assistance in 2023.
They used it to import and support illegal aliens. Now, what does that have to do with us here in Tarant County? Tarant County administers elections. Our heart interc equipment and its smartmatic software were developed in
Venezuela which is an abow enemy of the US. We are subject to the whims of our enemies. Venezuela works with China, Russia, Iran to damage the US. Our election administrator for the 2020
election was Haidider Garcia. He graduated from Simon Balabar University in Caracus in 2003 with a degree in computer engineering. He immediately started work with Smartmatic and
continued with them until 20 2016. He brought with him Troy Hayward as his assistant. Hiner is now vice president with Hart Inner Civic and Troy is still our assistant election administrator. I
believe this is a ho a huge vulnerability for us. I further believe that Hart Inner Civic controls the vote count in our elections. Tarant County has no objective employee who has access to or
understands the inner workings of the election equipment and its software. I've seen no way to audit the results. Tina Peters is in prison in Colorado because she copied the internals of their Dominion
equipment. You commissioners have the authority and responsibility to free us from the vulnerability of foreign developed and controlled election systems. It requires the will to act and stand the heat like
you've done on other important issues. You've shown your willingness to tackle difficult and important issues. We voters depend on you to tackle this one and if you'll explain it to the voters, I think you'll get a lot of support on
that one. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. I do not see Joe Palmer here. Is Mr. Palmer present? All right. There's two litigation matters or or legal matters where there are speakers. The first is the Zomnir
versus Aoyo case. Uh, can somebody get the speakers? There it is. Uh, Harriet Harold, Nan Terry, and Mr. Williams. I do want to speak to the case regarding Timothy's Omnir versus Lieutenant Jose
Aoro. According to court documents, a panel of the fifth circuit has already clarified that violently slamming or striking a non-resisting individual constitutes excessive force.
According to facts, which must be accepted as true, that is precisely what happened. Jailer Lieutenant Aoro slammed Zomir's body against the wall before slamming his head against the wall while he was
not resisting, not violent, and was stationary. The court concludes that Auroro's conduct was objectively unreasonable. For the foregoing reasons, there was no justification for the force used against
Timothy Zumner and thus a constitutional violation occurred in our jail. Once again, we see a lack of professionalism on the part of some jailers and a readiness to move toward
excessive force. Policy and protocols in the jail should prevent this kind of behavior. We are demanding a culture of respect for human beings in the jail instead of the kind of behavior we've seen growing
from a mission statement that sees inmates as evil. I'm requesting a report or a briefing from the sheriff's office to explain what happened in Timothy Zomner's case and what the sheriff is doing to prevent
such inappropriate behavior. I also want to know when and how you, the court, are going to take responsibility for assuring that such incidents
stop occurring in our jail. And to that end, I'm asking for a report from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Some months ago, Mr. Merritt said here in court that the council was starting
to meet I hope so. The Zomner incident is one that should certainly trigger attention from the council. Please provide a briefing saying what the criminal justice coordinating council is working on, any improvements
they have agreed upon, and how they are addressing this Zomner case. It is past time to see systemic change in the jail. And I have uh Chandler a copy of those requests so that they don't get lost.
Thank you, >> Miss Terry. >> Chandler, has the criminal justice coordinating committees start it back up? >> No, ma'am. They have not. >> Okay. If the county has stated anything about
this case or Jose Royo or Timothy Zom, I haven't found it. But when I researched the case number, I did find the memorandum and opinion and order signed by Reed Connor. Reed O' Connor, United States District Judge on August 5th, 2025. And what struck me as I read the judge's
order to deny the motion to dismiss this case was we aren't teaching anyone anything. People learn from examples. Examples of what not to do and examples of consequences of things we shouldn't have done. I'll share excerpts.
Actually, Harriet shared those excerpts. Uh but the judge ruled that the defendant was not entitled to qualified immunity and therefore he denied the defendant's motion to dismiss. So my question is
what could have been done? Could the DA have brought assault charges against Senator Royo after the event happened or even after the judge ruled he didn't have qualified immunity if there were qu consequences for his actions? Remember
his actions were done in February of 23? If there were consequences to Aoyo's actions resulting in the injuries to Mr. Zom, would Mr. Anthony Johnson still be alive? Let's go further back. If there had been
consequences in the beatings of Robert Miller and Corey Rodriguez, would these incidents with Mr. Zomnner or Mr. Johnson even occurred? You have responsibilities. The district attorney's office has responsibilities. People learn through
the examples of other. And what are we teaching right now? Thank you. >> Thanks, >> Mr. Williams. I did not see any information on this topic. All right. The next legal matter is the
Johnson versus Tarant County matter. Uh is Mr. Anthony Johnson here? How about Jacqueline Johnson also? I don't see Joe Palmer. So Nan Terry and Mr. Williams.
>> I'd like to ask the court once again to release the tapes of the Anthony Johnson murder. And it was a murder. Two cases. Someone else has already asked where the DA's office is and filing charges against the uh person who sprayed the
jailer who sprayed the pepper spray in his mouth. And the reason that's important is because the autopsy called two types of a asphyxiation. One is chemical and one was physical. And the physical is being charged. I hear the
trial will be begin this spring. Um, we're waiting for justice on the second, but you have responsibilities here. You can do something. And what are you doing? What What will be the next Mr. Zomar? What will be the next Who will be the next Mr. Zomar? Who will be the next
Yansy? Who will be the next? You have responsibilities. I wish you would act. >> Mr. Williams. The Johnson family spoke at the people's commissioner's court about the fact that the complete video
has not been released to the news media. The public needs to be able to see what has happened in our jail system which has which has been shrouded from public view. Because of this cover
up, the family has unnecessarily been suffering to in excess for more than a year and a half. >> All right. Thank you. Those are all the speakers that we have. Have do we have any announcements or comments from the
court members? >> I have comments. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. Submit. Did you >> Commissioner Kra? >> Okay. You can go ahead, Mr. Krauss. >> Oh, I was just going to say I know we've had a few uh staff promotions uh lately
and so I just wanted to uh congratulate Joseph Jackson uh on his appointment or his new position as director of engineering uh for the county which is awesome. Travis Yarro, who's now a uh assistant county administrator. Very welld deserved. And I don't see John Hendrickson, but he's our new director
of facilities. So, uh, all great promotions. You guys are going to do fantastic, but I just want to say congratulations and we're thrilled y'all are in your new positions. >> My my comments were going to reflect the same. Just a general thank you to every county employee who's worked so hard throughout the year. Um, you know, our
sheriff's office often times has a magnifying glass on it, but I'll say this. Um, you know, there's been almost a 100% decrease in jails in 2025 versus 2024. And I think that merits um some recognition. And so I appreciate the
efforts from everybody who's working on it. I don't think it's a coincidence that we got Shannon Herklots January 9th, 2025 >> as the new jail administrator and we've seen remarkable progress. So uh those things matter and talking about successes matter. Um, but for every
success that our folks have had in Taran County, all of the employees, thank you. I know the job is sometimes thankless. Uh, and we appreciate you and merry Christmas. >> Absolutely. >> So, Commissioner, if that is good news and if we could if you because I can't,
he won't come. If you could schedule a briefing, uh, that would be great information to hear the progress since um, uh, Chief Herclots got here. It would it would >> 100%. >> Yeah. Well, you know it. I can't get the
information and I think our constituents should should should hear that uh there are improvements happening. um uh if there are um again I want to um commend the people's commissioner's
court um because what does not happen there is what happened today with Bishop Kirkland. Uh we we are accustomed um
to uh frequent speakers styles. There's no reason in the world he should have been tossed out for using I think the clock started using his time to say
what he wanted to say until he got to the agenda item. Um, that's disrespectful. That is our constituent who takes the time to come down here,
takes the time to go through the agenda and come down here and tell us what he wants us to do because we in fact work for the taxpayers. And so because we're thin skinned or got
our feelings hurt by a couple of words um does not necessitate the ejection of um a respected leader in this community. Um so I apologize to Mr.
Kirkland because he really didn't do anything. Um and he is sitting in my office. he would have liked to speak on all of those things that he signed up to speak for um save the county judge um
got his feelings hurt. Um and in the Johnson case, we'll we'll talk about this in close, but I just want to go on the record and say we need to put this to bed. We we had some detention officers
that took some actions that killed this man. It's just point blank period. That is it. Um and so we can
admit wrongdoing. It you know in an operation this size something like that could happen. So admit wrong to if we if if this was
Coca-Cola and one of their drivers hit a little kid going across the road, they would not fight this and expend as much of your taxpayer
dollars as we will fighting what we know should not have happened here. We are guilty. Um, but we we're going to fight it. We're going to fight it to the end, I guess,
and waste all your money. Coca-Cola would pay out. They would settle that case and take care of that family. Um, and that's that's how that would be handled. Uh, and so we need to be
responsible here, not try to win or one up. Just do what's right. >> All right. Anybody have anything else? So, I'm going to read this close session
statement and then a after I read it, we will bring up a special guest to close us out of this regular session before we go to closed. the statement that we will recess at the conclusion of this uh the
open session and proceed to close to discuss items exempt under sections 551, 071, 072, 074, 076, 087, and 0725 of the Texas Government Code. Executive session will begin at 1:30
>> two >> two >> 232 >> uh 1:32 2:32 2:32 p.m. And so we will be in recess at the conclusion of the following. our uh newly promoted county
engineer, Joseph Jackson, a a renowned fiddle player, is going to close us out with some tunes that he was uh he did last year, and we uh didn't let him do it before close, so we're going to do it now. Please welcome Mr. JACKSON.
The name Heat. Heat. Mhm. Heat. Heat. Hallelujah. Well done. We are in recess. Welcome back. Uh, no action to take at this point. Uh, is an announcement. There is no commissioner's court meeting
on December the 16th. So, merry Christmas to everyone. Happy new year and we will see you back here in January. We are now adjourned.