Please come to order.

I'm gonna ask uh I could have your attention.

I'm gonna ask the uh Vice Mayor to preside while I join our friends recognizes Council Member Keenan for a proclamation recognizing unions in celebration of Labor Day.

Are you seeing are you?

Are you all right?

Sir Alwin?

We got it.

We got all our friends here, Mayor.

In honor of Labor Day, uh, we're bringing forward a proclamation to recognize all of our locals in Houston.

Um, how special is it that our very first evening council session, um, thanks in large part to Councilmember Castillo's leadership, uh, which is designed to give working families greater access to local government, is being held right before Labor Day, and the first proclamation we get to present is honoring those in labor.

So it is an honor uh to stand here with our locals, our frontline champions for everyday working folks.

And I'm gonna take a moment to recognize everyone standing with me, and it's gonna take a moment, but I think it's very important for us to recognize everyone in labor because they are our city.

Of course, we have Hanny with Gulf Coast AFL CIO who will be providing remarks in a moment.

We have our Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council, Plumbers Local 68, our painters, IUPAT, District 10, Pipe Fitters, IUEC.

I'm I'm skipping some of the numbers.

I apologize.

We have APOL, our firefighters, seafares, long shoreman, hope, and I gotta give a shout out to Hope for this awesome shirt, Mayor.

A woman's place is in her union.

So thank you for this limited edition.

We have SCIU Texas, IATSE, Houston Federation of Teachers, and as we go back to school, thank you to all our teachers.

CWA, am I missing anyone?

That's what I got.

All right, I got them all.

Great.

Thank you.

Uh, as many of you know, but for our public, uh, organized labor has very deep roots here in Houston, stretching back nearly two centuries, and without unions in our country, we would not have the 40-hour work week, minimum wage, paid time off, and I'll also shout out paid parental leave for all City of Houston employees, workplace health and safety regulations, employer-sponsored health insurance, and the list goes on.

And while we've made strides, there's still work to do when it comes to fairness in the workplace, especially here in Texas.

And for me, that means increasing our safety standards for workers, including at the city, ensuring fair wages and benefits for all employees, including contractors, health care across all sectors and more.

Workers across every trade deserve to be recognized because they have stepped up time and again for our city, and not just on the job, but as we all know on council and mayor through your work in times of disaster and recovery.

Folks through AFL CIO are removing trees and debris, and the list goes on, and they're also supporting our economy and making sure that Houstonians not only have living wages and health care, but access to jobs, and I encourage everyone to learn about all of the incredible apprenticeship and job training programs that our locals are putting forward.

They are absolutely incredible with state-of-the-art facilities at thank you, Paul, at no cost.

Houston's workers are the backbone of the city, and organized labor has made sure that that backbone remains strong.

So, with that, whereas Labor Day is a time-honored tradition in America, established to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and sacrifices of working people whose dedication and skill form the backbone of our economy and our communities.

Houston's proud and diverse labor movement dates back to as early as 1838, with organized labor unions now representing workers across hospitality, construction, public service, theatrical stage production, first response, countless other trades that keep our city strong, safe, and thriving.

Our unions have played a vital role in advancing fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections that safeguard not only their members, but all working families.

The collective voice of organized labor has strengthened our city by ensuring that the dignity of work is respected and that economic growth is shared by those whose efforts make it possible.

Labor Day is a celebration of these achievements and a reminder of the continued importance of solidarity, advocacy, and unity in the pursuit of justice for all workers.

The City of Houston is proud to honor the contributions of labor unions and their members whose commitment to excellence, fairness, and service reflects the very spirit of our city.

Thank you.

This is exciting.

Yeah, give it up for Councillor McCayman and the uh friends that are here today, but surely everyone knows there's thousands more, rank and file that are working as we gather here.

United here, our housekeepers, airport employees are at work, our city employees.

Oh, we wouldn't be having this evening meeting successfully without them.

So I could go through our firefighters, our certain teachers are preparing their lesson plan for tomorrow, custodians.

So we could go on and on.

This is just a great representation of the success uh of organized labor, not only in Houston, but you know our nation.

Uh we are a great nation, great state and city because of organized labor.

I certainly want to thank personally thank Labor for shape and molding me.

I can remember 1972, Amy.

Uh Rosa Walker, Don Horn, I can name Labor leaders who screened a 22-year-old college student and saw something that they could shape and mold.

And I want to thank you.

It's uh I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for organized labor.

And I'm proud to be a union member with the public employees.

So with that said, it's uh great that we come together.

I'll see you Saturday morning early.

And I would invite all of our colleagues to celebrate Labor Day with uh women in labor, and the morales certainly will get a kicked off, and then there'll be events all day long.

Paul and I were in meeting today trying to improve conditions for our employees.

So therefore, our John Whitmark mayor of the city of Houston, hereby proclaim August 28th.

As uh proclaimed September 1, 2025 is Labor Day in the City of Houston.

I've got a little ahead.

And I'm I'm gonna hand it off to Hanny Khalil.

Well, thank you, Councilmember Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor Whitmeyer, for this uh wonderful proclamation on behalf of um on behalf of the 60,000 union members, 75 unions in the Houston Gulf Coast region.

Thank you so much.

It's an honor to be able to receive this.

I think today you've just seen here the breadth of the labor movement, the um about who we represent, the industries that are here.

Everyone has access and should have access to a union.

And we, I think we're here in Houston, we're dedicated to ensuring that every person gets that so that they can have a better life.

Um, you know, we're we're facing at this point um I think one thing we have have been learning is that as much as we have been able to make progress in the United States on behalf of working people, progress is not guaranteed.

It can be taken away at any time.

And that means that while we should celebrate today, we have to rededicate ourselves to the struggle for lifting up workers' voices and the and the power of working people through coming into the organized labor movement.

Um, you know, just it's federal employees that have been bearing the brunt of this, but just even last week we had a court rule in such a way that may fundamentally undermine the National Labor Relations Act, which is the most important law that has guaranteed workers' rights and access to a union since the 1930s.

So we're in bad times, and we don't have a lot of help at the state level either.

So it is very good to have this city of Houston step forward and say we stand with unions, we stand with organized workers, and we want to continue to support that.

By working out good agreements with our city employees, but also extending and using the city's power to lift up workers through apprenticeship utilization requirements and health and safety requirements and making sure that workers at the airport that work in concessions are earning a living wage.

That's the kind of tools that this city can utilize to lift up workers and ensure that the promise of Labor Day continues to get extended to more and more working people in our region.

So thank you very much for this honor.

We look forward to seeing everybody on Saturday.

It's not in Pasadena.

It's going to be Labor Day Bar Cook Off Barbecue.

It's going to be in uh in Crosby Fairgrounds.

So I don't want anybody to get lost.

Thank you very much.

I think we have a few council members and federal aggressors.

Thank you, Vice Vice Mayor Pro Tim.

Um just first and foremost, thank you, Councilmember Mayor, for acknowledging uh our labor or labor groups, and to all of our friends that are out out in the audience, thank you for everything you've been doing.

And as as Councilmember Ken uh mentioned, there was a lot of work that's been done.

Um, but then to what you're saying, Hand, there's still a lot of work to be done.

Uh whether it's uh negotiations for hotels in downtown, whether it's a responsible bid ordinance, uh, just know that you have a council member that's here to support you all in in that pathway.

I'm glad we were able to see uh contract with with uh the firefighters, police officers, and hope.

Uh but again, uh this is about working families.

Uh my dad was a steel worker, uh, raised twelve kids, and so we understand what the importance it is that labor does for these uh for families, and so uh just want to honor you all.

Um, and as you continue your your your pathway, just know that you have friends here as well.

Thank you.

Councilmember Plummer.

Thank you, Mayor Pertem.

Congratulations.

Thank you for everything that you do.

Haney, I think you just mentioned that you have 60,000 members, but you have to also include their families, right?

I mean, what you're doing, making sure that people can go to work in a safe place, get livable wages, and make in the respect in their communities and their jobs is so important.

So, what we're doing today, thank you so much, Councilmember Cayman, for bringing this forward.

Thank you to the mayor.

Uh, this is really important.

You have my full support always, so please let me know.

But what you're doing is a lot more than just advocating.

You are changing the future for people's lives.

So thank you so much.

Thank you.

Councilmember Evan Chavaz.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tim.

Certainly, unions have always been very important, and I've always been a member as a former teacher.

And I see my friend over there, Jackie Anderson, who is one hard working woman.

She's active in the NAACP and she speaks up and she speaks out, and I have tremendous respect for her.

And certainly, Hanny, I've known you forever.

So certainly I Zev Capo invited me to the breakfast, and I can't come, but I promised him I would make a donation.

Okay.

Because certainly I do support, I do support union, and I'm also a union member, but y'all don't collect with two dollars a month, so I'm I'm real good.

We can change that if you need.

Because I'm a retired teacher if there's any such thing.

But certainly thank you, and thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Councilmember Cayman, for certainly acknowledging such a wonderful, wonderful group that makes life better for so many people.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmember Cayman and Mayor Whitmire for the proclamation.

I appreciate the remarks around all the work, all the help that's offered to Houstonians when there are disasters, when there are times of need, because we've we face those times somewhat frequently, and those are vulnerable folks that y'all are out there helping rebuild, recover, protect for the future, and and that's so important.

Uh and it just speaks to your values, it speaks to how much you care about the city uh beyond just what you're doing day to day, and it's it's very Houston-strong.

Um, and so I congratulate you all on your recognition.

Thank you, Council.

Thank you, congratulations.

Since there's so many of us, Mayor, can we step in?

Like to recognize another elected official.

I didn't see you, Correta.

I I just wanted to recognize another elected official.

We have Arneta Murray here.

Council member for Iowa Colony.

Um Chair recognizes Councilmember Castillo for a proclamation to Health Department Director Steven Williams on his retirement.

So I'm gonna go straight into the proclamation so that we can hear about his impact over his entire career.

And it will just say it is an honor to be here to be able to do this uh for someone that I have great respect for and has had such an impact on the city with respect to public health.

Stephen Lawrence Williams has dedicated over 45 years to public health, including more than 21 years as director of the Houston Health Department, where his visionary leadership has left a lasting impact on Houston.

Before joining HHD in 2004, he spent 24 years in public health leadership roles in Maricopa County and Austin Travis County.

At HHD, he oversaw 1,300 employees and managed a 180 million dollar budget, leading services in maternal and child health, access to care, disease prevention, environmental health, disaster response, and more.

Under his leadership, Houston became the first city in Texas, the second large city in the nation to be accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board in 2014 with re-accreditation in 2021.

In 2016, he led the department's rebranding, renaming it from the Houston Health Department and Human Services to the Houston Health Department.

He significantly strengthened HHD's financial capacity, securing millions in state funding and waivers for initiatives such as the Sobering Center, Ethan Project, Healthy Families, Nurse Family Partnership, C to Succeed, and Project Saving Smiles.

To ensure long-term sustainability, he also established the Houston Health Foundation as the department's nonprofit partner.

He led HHD's response to major emergencies, including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and Harvey, delivering critical services such as shelters, health care, and warming and cooling centers.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, he oversaw citywide testing, contact tracing, vaccinations, communications, and developed a nationally recognized wastewater surveillance system, expanded lab capacity to 1,300 tests per day, and established three public support call centers.

He's been a champion for employees, initiating a $10 minimum wage for HHD, which was adopted citywide in 2004.

He also founded the Office of Performance Management and introduced a training program for managers and supervisors.

In 2023, he launched the Office of Service and Integration, Program Quality and Effectiveness to improve HHD's accountability and service delivery.

An advocate for equity and collaboration, he helped launch My Brother's Keeper Houston, founded a sickle cell coalition, and championed public-private partnerships.

He has served as the chair of the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Foundation Funding and Policy Committee, and as a member of the National PHAB Accreditation Committee and the Big Cities Health Coalition, he was honored with the Marks of Excellence Award by the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.

On August 28th, 2025, Williams' family, friends, and colleagues will gather at the Cherry Flores Garden Pavilion to celebrate his career and contributions to the City of Houston and the Houston Health Department.

Proudly recognizes and thanks Stephen Lawrence Williams for his outstanding dedication and selfless service.

His legacy has greatly benefited Houstonians and will continue to for years to come.

Thank you, Councilman Castillo.

Members, public, there are a lot of outstanding public servants.

Walk through the halls of this building.

Come before council.

But none are more respected than Steve Williams.

If you Google public servant, you'll see his picture.

No, we we recognize the public servant.

So on behalf of 2.3 million Houstonians, thank you for getting us through challenges, whether it's storms or measles epidemic, monkey virus.

I can go on and on.

Time doesn't allow.

And on a personal note, I want to thank you.

I've represented you for over 50 years.

You've always been there for advising counsel and your calmness.

In the middle of uh crisis is what stands out in my mind.

And uh we wish you the best.

Uh you look great, your health.

So I therefore I John Wintmere, mayor of the City of Houston here by proclaim August 28, 2025, Stephen Lawrence Williams Day across Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh thank you, Mario, uh, Councilmember.

What he didn't tell you that is that he is an epidemiologist.

And of course, he worked in in the health department, but was also on the front line doing uh our enrollment uh doing the Obama administration.

We actually learned a lot from him because he was a lot younger and he was able to tell us exactly where where to go.

Uh I'm really grateful for the proclamation.

Actually, as he was reading it, I said somebody did their homework.

Uh because the first thing that I was gonna say before you read it was that it's really appropriate for this to happen at at this time following uh your recognition of unions and and labor day, because we in the Houston Health Department did establish a minimum wage for the city of Houston, and it was those health department employees that actually carry that championed that during the negotiations with with the union, and so I'm grateful.

All of the things that you mentioned could not have happened with the without the people that are standing around me.

These are the folks that direct the services, these are the the folks that direct the work, and they were willing to follow my lead, even though they didn't agree with me a lot of the times.

And then and I really appreciate that as a leader, that they were willing to.

But of course, when things turned out the way that they said they would, they would tell me I told you so.

But but I'm grateful for that.

I came here thinking that I was gonna work three and a half years because I didn't particularly like Houston.

And all I wanted to do was to prove to the the folks in my field that I could actually keep a job, and I thought the three and a half year mark will actually prove that, and then I could go some somewhere else.

But something happened when I got here.

This was an a a welcoming community.

People really were willing to listen to someone that had a different idea and and in a different way.

And so it seems like even through every administration, we were able to create.

And so it became intoxicating.

Uh and and it's really gonna be difficult leaving for leaving for from a psychological standpoint because this is fertile ground for creativity.

This city has a lot to offer.

I think that we have a long way to go, though.

I think that we have to figure out how we can pull together to really galvanize our energy and our resources about creating opportunities for the people that are in the city.

There's no reason that we cannot do that.

But I think key to that is really coming together with one or two goals in mind and working toward that, being focused on that.

I'm really thankful for the folks really, Mr.

Uh and the foundation that supported C2 Succeed because we know that y'all did not give me all the money that I wanted.

And you cut my budget 18 percent in 2011, 16 percent this year.

But because of the people that you see here, we were able to go out and find additional monies to make it work, and we will continue to I'm hoping that the department will continue to do that.

Uh I will still be in public health.

I'll still uh be a member of the public health accreditation board and on the National Health Law Program, because those are things that matter to me.

I thank you for the opportunity.

Uh 21 years is a long time.

I am tired, but uh not so tired that I won't keep my interest in public health.

Thank you.

First up is Councilmember Keeman.

You're not done with us yet, Director.

Okay.

Director, thank you, doesn't cut it.

Um for everything that was listed in the proclamation, there are dozens of more ways in which you and the department have saved the lives of Houstonians and set the precedent or the example for the rest of the country.

So when you talk about the wastewater testing, that's one example, but for every one of those, y'all implemented so many models for which other people do things because in Houston we show them how it's done.

And that's because of your leadership.

And there's not one moment in time where I can't think that you did not stand up for and look out for the employees of the health department.

And when you talk about 21 years, it's not just 21 years on on cruise control.

We dealt with a global pandemic.

And that's when we first got to interact.

And I can still remember we were still social distancing and figuring this whole thing out.

So I think we met up in a parking lot and you were on your way to go bike with someone, and you were always on call and always there.

And you got the city through what we went through.

We were the first major city to stand up, free testing on the scale that we did, pretty much, and vaccines.

We did everything in the way that it should be done.

And beyond that, the innovative programming that you have done and worked with all of us on Council.

I know Councilmember Jackson isn't here today, but I know that you have worked with every single one of us to move the ball forward.

So your legacy doesn't just end today.

It continues on.

And I know we'll be announcing some of the work we've been doing in the fall, but you're you're part of that.

So to you and to the entire family in the health department that has lifted up and carried on the work and will continue to my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tim, and uh good evening to everyone.

Mayor, uh Councilmember Castillo, thank you for bringing this forward.

Director, um I just want to say thank you, and uh I want to wish you well and and your next endeavors.

Um but what comes to mind for me is when we first got on council, as councilmember came and said a few months later, we get hit with this pandemic.

And I can tell you I didn't know what we were going to do, and it was a lot of uncertain times.

Uh but you were steady and you had a a calm about yourself and um you reassured us that we would be able to get through this if we all stuck together.

And we were having those daily press conferences every single day.

You know, um daily briefings.

But I think that was important because in uncertain times, we had to communicate properly to the public, and we had to show that as a city that we were trying to do everything we could to keep people safe.

And you cannot have a thriving city without a thriving public health department.

Uh and so to you and your entire team, I want to thank you all for your leadership.

Thank you all for your diligence.

We lean on you, the city leans on you as we go forward, and uh we hope to continue to lean on you even outside of your official capacity because your knowledge is something that will be valuable for us uh going forward.

So thank you very much and God bless you all.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you.

Um Director, I just want to uh just say that I was a staffer for a big majority of the time that that uh that I've been able to work with you.

But throughout that time, I do recognize that even under some very stressful meetings, you always were professional, kept your cool.

Um and then seeing the rest of your team here, um, I I just wish I could have worked with you a little bit longer.

Um there's a couple of things as you say, uh the the health department has a lot of things going on, but there's a couple things that I want to commit to you and to your team that I will continue to advocate for, uh the community centers, which really is uh a space for um neighbors who come for not just social services, but to you know, come and uh uh a cooling center, a warming center, uh, but to also celebrate community as well.

Um second chance is something that you know I've been able to go several graduations as a council member.

Uh the work that you're doing there to make sure that folks coming back uh can acclimate themselves back into society and then also uh hold us accountable as individuals that are to welcome them back.

Um and then the last one, which I was uh happy to see you.

I don't know if you're doing a tour this week, uh this last week, but uh my brother's keeper.

Um hearing you speak about that program uh just again just reaffirms how much uh how much you care about the city.

Uh it's something that I appreciate, you know, Chaz being here as well, that I want to make sure that advocating for young folks creating a space for them to be empowered uh to have the right resources uh to be able to lead our city after we're gone as well is important to me.

And so I just wanted to make sure I share with you publicly that uh there's a lot of work that y'all are doing that you that are up, everybody that's up here with you.

But I I want to make sure that you know that I'm gonna commit myself to those three things for you.

Councilmember Plummer.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor Pro Town.

Um Wow.

Director Williams, thank you so much.

I I like Councilmember Pollard, just remember COVID happened.

We got elected and then COVID happened.

And after that, everything was as dust.

Um but you did, you were you guided the ship.

You really did.

We all came to you for advice.

We came to you for direction for transparency when a community millions of people had no clue what was going on.

You helped us make sure they were safe.

And um I'm just forever grateful for that.

You know, public health is a big thing, but what you understand is social health, and that's when that My Brothers Keeper program and that second chance program comes in, because you understand that public health is people being able to thrive.

And um, so I'm so incredibly grateful to you, grateful for your team.

We're going to keep all this stuff going for you.

So thanks for everything.

Thanks for your dedication and um and just giving your life to the city of Houston.

Councilmember Murray Thomas.

Thank you.

And because of that, District F had the first walk-up COVID testing site.

Um, because we we realized everyone didn't have a car, and we had multiple languages, and people had to get there, and we had a July 2020.

I remember that at an elementary school, and it was one of the longest lines of walk-ups.

I want to thank you for the innovation.

Thank you for those who um had barriers.

And um, I look forward to your leadership in the city to continue to help you know lead us in the right direction.

And then you have your lieutenants that will continue to continue with the vision of what you have implemented.

So I just want to thank you and thank you to everyone who supported him and his leadership, even when you disagreed, even when you disagree because you make us better as a city.

So thank you.

Congratulations on your retirement.

Councilmember Evan Chapaz.

Thank you, Vice Mayor Pro Tem.

And certainly, Director Williams, I echo the sentiments of my colleagues as to how calm and steady you were.

But I I I came to know you on a more personal note back in February when um one of your employees had a stroke.

You stepped up, and I'm gonna honestly say hopefully without crying.

I could not have done all the things I was able to do without your leadership and your guidance.

But without this man right here, I don't know where she would be.

Right now, she is getting the best of care.

And I'm just telling you, you and your team were just phenomenal.

I don't mean to be crying, but I'm just really, really, I just really am glad that I'm getting the opportunity to tell you personally.

You helped me to clean her apartment out, you helped me to get her things in order, you helped me to make sure that she had all of our medical coverage and all of the things that she needed, and I am so very thankful for that.

You and your team.

And the true mark of a leader is how they treat the people that work for them and with them.

And you have been stellar, and I thank you, Mayor and Councilmember Castillo, for giving us the opportunity to thank this wonderful man who we will certainly miss.

Thank you.

Thank you so much to your s for your service to our city.

We appreciate everything.

Thank you.

Yeah, I'm a good guy.

Councilman Davis, will you please lead us in the invocation?

Let us pray.

Gracious Father, we do thank you for this day, and we thank you for your mercy and covering of us.

We pray for this day in all those who are gathered here in this great city of Houston that we all love.

Bless us throughout this evening.

Let all of our concerns and comments be for the betterment of our city.

Thank you for mirroring our colleagues, bless each and every one of them individually and collectively.

Lead us and guide us in the direction that will be best served throughout this city for all of those constituents that make up the city of Houston, Harris County.

Councilmember Peck.

Councilmember Evan Shabbos.

Here.

Move to suspend the rules and move.

Benjamin Broadway to the top of the agenda.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed to a motion passes.

Anyone else?

No one else.

Mr.

Secretary, you call our first speaker, please.

Benjamin Broadway, to be followed by Dominique Mayvack.

Yes, hello.

Thank you, everyone.

Um I'd like to thank uh Solid Waste for finally picking up two weeks after.

I know they're running behind, but that's some of the problems in District B.

Is that some of our constituents don't know the rules and the regulations.

So I'd like to thank your staff for helping me out with that situation.

I mean, there's another situation that I need help with the water system.

I mean, this past weekend, my water got shut off.

I didn't know.

They left a flyer on my door.

If they can send my bill and it read it out to me, the city of Houston can find a median to help their blind constituents with this, Mayor.

Um I didn't know.

I had to get a family member, read it out to me.

Um, and I'm not the only home member in the city of Houston.

Thank you, sir.

Next Dominique Mazot.

To be followed by Kelly Sadler.

So I'm a little slow.

I wanted to weak her out.

I'm Dominic Maydock, and there's a couple of things I am very pleased about.

As you most of the council knows, I've been pushing, pushing, pushing for more citizens' participation.

One of the things I would suggest is nice court.

And with Morrow's proposition A, it worked.

It's working.

This is showing.

I fought C Hard one.

The thing is, the only thing I'm concerned about on uh actually, not just 51 and 52.

My thing is, and I mentioned this at the meeting earlier today.

You put the agenda and then you have a little piece of paper.

If you go to Transportation Policy Council, HTAC, you get a big packet where citizens can look through this, and you know, sometimes a citizen could get an idea, or it won't work in my neighborhood.

So my thing is we need more documentation on the agenda items for the committees and for uh items that are presented to the horse sheep.

With that, I'm over.

Thank you.

Next, Kelly Sadler.

To be followed by Ian Lavachik.

Hi, good evening, Council and Mayor Whitmire.

Uh, my name is Kelly Sadler.

I'm a resident of Edo.

I'm a member of the Houston uh Democratic Socialists.

I'm a member of the caucus and also people for Polk.

Uh please do not shut down Polk Street.

Uh that's a I'm a member of I love Edo.

I love my neighborhood.

Uh I we have a thriving community.

We have uh we've actually built a really good neighborhood uh community through this, through People for Polk.

Um we use Polk Street, all the businesses that are along Polk Street.

Um, but I'm also here because I'm afraid.

I'm afraid that a routine traffic stop uh could result in a neighbor's deportation.

And the fear is a direct result of Houston's complicity with ICE.

State Law Senate Bill 4, which you co-authored, uh Mayor, mandates that compliance with our jails, but we also have a choice.

We have a choice between being a city that fosters trust or a city that sows fear.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council.

At first, I'd say thank you for being here tonight.

This is an amazing show of democracy.

You've got a full house all around.

So thank you for this.

Um, I'm here today as a member of People for Polk like Kelly.

A long story short, Mayor Whitmeyer, we need your help in the East End.

Uh the GRB transformation could have been and will be, if we have the right leadership, be a uniting force for all of Houston.

But right now, Houston First is recklessly rushing forward in a way that will undermine its own success and countless Houstonians for decades.

This is completely unnecessary.

The GRB can be and should be transformed, but all other major convention centers in the United States do not close roads.

I have not found a single one.

They all build over it or they site, so they do not impact roads.

I will say people for Polk is not beholden to the name Polk.

This is so important for us that if we can get some help, I would be happy to rename it Whitmire Street.

So if one day we could be people for Whitmire.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Patricia Chen.

To be followed by Rob Block.

Hello, my name is Patricia Chen.

I live in District H.

I'm here to talk about the current collaborations between ICE and HPD.

You know, compared to the cumulative um number in the past four years.

HPD has called ICE three times as many times in this year alone.

But after that, the details are murky.

We don't know why ICE is being called, we don't know what is happening to people.

And that is very scary to me.

Mr.

Castillo, when you showed up at my door in 2023, you said you wanted to put more police officers in the streets, and that was supposed to make us feel safe.

And if we didn't feel safe, then we should just have more conversations.

But how can we have more conversations in any kind of meaningful way if we don't know any kind of big common basis of information from which we can have those which we can have those conversations?

So I'd like to ask the council members today is for more transparency around the agreements between HPD and ICE, maybe a dashboard tracking.

Why ICE is being called, what is happening to people, and what is happening to the people when they are called, and and and so we can have information.

Thank you.

Rob Block.

To be followed by Sarah Riemann.

Hi, good evening.

My name is Rob Block.

I'm a member of Houston Leeds, Houston DSA.

I'm a near Northside resident.

Um I spent a couple of years working with Super Neighborhood 51, which did a lot of work trying to get the community comfortable with calling HPD over crime concerns, which are often unreported, underreported in our neighborhood.

Um constant headlines of the ways that the city and HPD are collaborating with ICE are frustrating, and the quotes from city officials are frequently underinformed and discouraging people from who might want to report crime but are concerned about their immigration status.

It's urgent that the city of Houston take proactive action as recommended by Houston Leeds and create a transparency procedure that regularly discloses to the public the information that ICE is requesting of the city and what information Houston is giving to ICE.

City Council and the public should not learn from the front page of the Houston Chronicle that the city courts are giving information to ICE or that HPD is calling ICE on domestic violence survivors.

You should be compiling this information and explaining to the public what you are doing to protect your constituents.

Please work with Houston Leeds to enact these policy recommendations.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, hi there.

I just want to say that having an My name is Sarah.

I'm a teacher.

I live here in Houston.

And I just want to say that having an evening meeting, I hope that you see all the children that are here shows that like it's really important to have these evening meetings so that all of Houston can engage.

This is one way of keeping immigrant families safe, and traffic stops have been abused as a tool across all of Texas, as we all know, to racially profile, deport, and separate families targeting black and brown communities of Houston.

So otherwise, any continued contracts of HPD and ICE is just another part of the state's war on poor people.

And when immigrants should when immigrants have shouldered the burden making this country a heaven for the white man.

Thank you.

Next, Catherine Murza, to be followed by David Sons.

Hi, I'm Katie Merza with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center and the Houston Leeds Coalition, a group of over 30 organizations fighting for Houston, uh, in which we don't have to fear the deportation of our family, friends, and neighbors.

There's a lot of misinformation about Texas state law regarding local collaboration with ICE, so I want everyone here today to understand one thing that my organization has done extensive legal research on.

A huge amount of this collaboration in Texas is at the discretion of local government and law enforcement, meaning it goes above and beyond the requirements of state law.

What is true is that we do have to bring our experience together to find what will work best for our community under some existing limitations.

And that's why Houston Leeds works as a coalition.

We bring together member-based organizations, advocacy organizations, legal organizations, and individual impacted community members, all of which have something different to bring to the table.

So in that same spirit, I ask each of you to meet with our coalition to work out solutions that will best protect our community.

If Houston truly stands with immigrant community members, we must make it our utmost priority to put an end to any discretionary collaboration.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good evening.

I'm David Soames.

All Houstonians should be safe to live their lives.

If even one person has risk of being torn away by the community by deportation, we all live fearing that.

You have the power to prevent these tragedies occurring in Houston, and the collaboration between HPD and ICE and stop available airlines from operating in Houston, make Houston safer for all, and return dignity to everyone living here.

Thank you.

Alondra Andrade.

Just moment, good afternoon.

My name is Alonga Andrade, and I'm here as a proud Houstonian to express my strong opposition to our city's collaboration with ICE.

I was born and raised in the city.

Houston is my home, and it deeply pains me to see it play a role in supporting the harmful, often inhumane policies driven by our federal government, state government, and even at the local government level, as we're seeing right now.

These policies do not reflect the values of a diverse and resilient community that make up the city.

It's our communities that have always protected and uplifted one another, especially when bother systems have failed us.

And now I see reports of police calling ICE on survivors of domestic violence in my own city.

That's unacceptable.

We have a responsibility to protect our own, to prioritize the well-being of our residents over fear, over punishment, and over politics.

And then Houston's cooperation with ICE is not just a policy policy decision, it's a moral one.

Your constituents deserve better.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Zaitria Lofton, and I'm a business owner in Houston, Texas.

We have a homeless invasion, and I'm asking for the city to help.

I asked the council member Martinez, who advised me there's nothing he can do.

I've called HPD, I've called the constables, uh, called Hobby District, who's supposed to be a management team for our district.

I need help.

He's defecating, urinating, and uh ejaculating all around.

So I'm asking, please, can I get the city to get me some help out here for this individual?

That's a health hazard to me for the whole community.

And he's doing it every day, two and three times a day.

So I'm asking the city to please give me some help.

Thank you.

Catherine Martinez.

I'm sorry, Councillor Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Mayor.

Ms.

Lofton.

Yeah, Ms.

Lofton, uh, and you can you can still give uh Luis your contact as well.

Uh, but just you know, we've been having conversations.

You've been speaking with Juan Pablo, who's also here and step out as well with Louis.

Uh we've have Jerry Constable Jerry Garcia, who has a one-man hot team, homeless outreach team.

We're continuing to make sure that we're going out there.

They remove the bus shelter.

Ms.

Lofton, uh, we just I know it's uh it's a tough thing.

It's uh it's a hard, it's a difficult challenge whenever you're dealing with uh or you have religion customers behind when you're having uh work work to uh find that support for somebody that is mentally ill as well.

And so he's not mentally ill.

He doesn't have a problem.

He's just homeless.

So what we'll continue to do is we'll make sure that HPD is out there and make sure that their homeless outreach team is continue to provide the services that they they need to make sure that he for him to be able to uh be removed from that specific location as well.

So we've been through this uh a whole year now.

A whole year.

So I mean it's ridiculous.

And all I'm asking the city to do is give me some help with this.

We're continuously working on it.

We're continuously working on this, Ms.

Lofton.

You're not working on it, Martinez.

Ma'am, ma'am.

If you give this gentleman your address, you'll see a difference.

Next.

Reginald Reginald Lofton.

To be followed by Thomas Sutherland.

Uh good evening, council.

Good evening, Mayor.

Uh, my name is Reginald Lofton.

My name is Reginald Lofton.

I am uh Diasria's husband.

We are the owners of a retail center and a restaurant called Lord Have Mercy in Houston, uh, Southeast Houston.

Uh I kind of wanted to reiterate on what she was speaking of pertaining to uh trying to get some help.

We have the Houston Hobby District in our area, and every time we call them, uh uh from my understanding, they are supposed to be enhancing the community.

They're supposed to be there doing things like this.

They're receiving supplemental service, supplemental fees to do a supplemental service.

But every time we call them, they point at the city of Houston.

Call call 911, call HPD, call Metro.

We're trying to find out what are we paying you property taxes for?

What is it that you're gonna do?

They really don't want to do anything.

Um it has come to the point where they don't even want to hear you complain about it.

Okay.

Uh the executive director for Houston uh hobby district has taken it upon herself to hire a consulting firm that she owns, she pays this firm 363,000.

How is that not illegal?

How is it not a conflict of interest?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, Thomas Sutherland.

To be followed by Niloy Azad.

Good evening, Council members, Mayor Whitmer, members of the community.

I am a native Houstonian.

I was born in Councilwoman Castic's Tatum's district, and I currently reside in Councilwoman Hoffman's district.

From a young age, I was raised to believe that Houston's status as a center of global migration is a net positive.

Our immigrant communities are the lifeblood of this city.

I was appalled when I found out about ICE's relationship with HPD, and I am frankly disgusted by city council's complicity in this matter.

Not only does HPD's collaboration with ICE stand against everything I believe, it makes our communities less safe.

I am calling on this council to act in the interests of our immigrant population.

Match Harris County's contribution to the ILSF and Avellos Airlines contract at Hobby Airport.

Bring us some transparency between HPD and ICE and their relationship and work with community organizations like Houston Lee's to make our communities safe again.

Houstonians are being betrayed.

A woman in our city suffering from domestic abuse called the police for help, and instead of protection, HBT tried to hand her over to ICE.

Her bravery was met with punishment.

And now her neighbors live in fear.

And now when crimes are occur, victims stay silent.

Too many people don't dial 911.

Not because they don't need help, but because they believe HPD will treat them as substanti suspects for deportation instead of as members of the community who deserve safety.

These practices make our city less safe.

HPD already takes up an absurdly high slice of the budget, almost 50%.

And yet instead of focusing on solving crimes and building trust, they are driving families into hiding.

Whose safety are they serving?

I should not have a back door into our city.

I'm calling on this council to implement privacy protections to the extent not required by Senate Bill 4.

This means non-criminal records shouldn't be voluntarily handed over to target families, including school enrollments, medical visits, and certainly a cry for help.

With the resources the HPD is getting, we deserve a department that stands with the people, not against the government.

Okay.

Good evening.

My name is Jesus Nieto.

I am a community organizer in the Greater Houston area.

I'm here today in solidarity with the people of Houston, your constituents, to respectfully call on this body to end the collaboration between HPD and ICE.

Houston is known across the country as a diverse, welcoming city, a place where immigrants and refugees have built lives, raised families, and contributed to every facet of our community.

The city's strength lies in its diversity and inclusiveness, but the ongoing coordination between HPD and ICE undermines that very identity.

To those of you who have publicly identified as champions of progress and equity, especially during the campaign season, this is a moment to live up to those commit commitments.

Campaign promises mean little without follow-through.

Standing up for immigrants, immigrant communities is not a radical act.

It is a good moral obligation and reflection of our city's core values.

Mayor Whitmeyer, when I first met you at the Texas legislature, you spoke with deep conviction about building a better future for our city and state.

As fellow alumni of an institution that represents diversity and resilience, I urge you to carry that same energy.

Thank you.

Hi everyone, my name is Tom.

I'm an organizer with the Democratic Socialists of America.

I'm also a teacher in A.

Leaf.

I want to say I'm very thankful for a council member that stands up for Palestine, for immigrant rights, for the right to protest in this country.

Because across the country right now, we see cities coming under occupation.

DC is under occupation.

The same threats have been made to Chicago, LA, and New York.

There's a major city that stands out as an outlier, and that's Houston.

And I'd wager the reason why is because even without outright, even with its collaboration of ICE, John Whitmeyer refuses to even suggest that he ref will collaborate with ICE.

There's not even the insinuation to protect immigrants.

Whenever we call HPD, they throw us to the mayor's office.

When we call the mayor's office, they tell us to go to the HPD's office.

There is no clarity in this city.

In World War One, many cities adopted a policy of being open cities.

To avoid being conquered, they would simply let the enemy in and occupy the city.

And I'd like to ask John Whitmeyer, our mayor, is this an open city?

Are we already under occupation?

Because it seems that that's exactly what's happening.

HPD is collaborating above and beyond attacking Palestinian protesters.

When children's brains are on ground of Palestine, and the children are intagious, there is no answer but Justice John Binmeyer.

Thank you.

I'm here to talk about hypocrisy.

If I truly cared about legal documentation, then they would have records of the arrest available to the public.

They would have cars with license plates, faces without masks, and names which you could actually ask for.

If ICE had any respect for this country at all, they would operate in the same ways under the same jurisdiction as HPD.

As City Council, you should care and be concerned about these ICE thugs as they attempt to infiltrate your police forces and detain nonviolent people as they go about their days going to schools, hospitals, court hearings, and churches.

Yes, they have detained pastors at their own churches.

70% of detainees have committed no violent crimes, no crimes at all.

Therefore, city council should be working towards severing ties with ICE and discourage police chief Diaz from working with this corruption.

Furthermore, we need a velo airlines removed from Houston Airports.

We need to focus more funding towards things that actually benefit the city, such as combating homelessness with Mayor Whitmeyer, rather than further displacing hardworking immigrants.

To be followed by Marissa Bosley.

Dear Council members, Mayor Whitmire, my name is Mikhail Cole.

I'm a Houston resident and faculty in the College of Education at the University of Houston.

Although tonight I'm here to speak as a private president.

Houston is beautiful precisely because of its flourishing diversity, and immigrants are a crucial part of who we are.

Roughly 25% of Houston residents are foreign-born.

Thirty percent of all working age citizens are foreign-born, and 35.5% of all STEM workers in Houston are foreign-born.

In 2021, immigrant families in Houston contributed 50.2 billion dollars to collective spending power and together paid 5.2 billion dollars in taxes at the state and local level and 11.1 billion in federal taxes.

To say the very least, immigrants represent a crucial part of the beating heart of our community.

And now masked individuals harmed with machine guns are terrorizing our schools and churches and other formerly safe spaces.

They assault people on the streets, take them to jails and immigrant detention centers, and increasingly our time has expired without due process.

Thank you.

Marissa Bosley.

Thank you all very much.

Virginia Duke.

To be followed by Ryan Anderson.

I'm Virginia Duke.

I am a resident of Lindell Park.

I have lived there for lots of decades.

Lyndale Park is one of the neighborhoods in the city of Houston that is protected by special minimum lot size.

When minimum lot sizes were established, any piece of property that was designated residential was to remain residential.

We have had a couple of cases where they have become commercial type developments, i.e.

law offices, photo studios, etc.

There is no legal enforcement for special minimum lot size.

Why is not a business that comes under special amendment lot size created the same as a deed restriction violation by the legal department?

It currently, if we have a problem, we it is turned over to permitting.

With one of our situations, the previous administration allowed the guy kept applying for a permit so they gave it to the case.

Thank you.

Mayor Mayor, one second.

Mayor.

Councilman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And uh Virginia, thank you for for coming down here.

I know this is something you've been working on for some time.

And Mayor, we run into this problem where inspectors are not working at night or on the weekends, and a lot of violations are occurring in this situation and in others, uh, with special minimum lot sizes being used as parking lots uh in other neighborhoods near the wide oak music hall.

So I I do have a meeting with the director in a couple weeks.

This is uh topic I want to discuss with him with uh Director Mackay, but it is something that we're seeing across the district with the enforcement not being able to take place in uh on the weekends and at nights when we're seeing violations pop up.

Okay.

Okay, let's talk about next Ryan Anderson to be followed by Camille Burrow.

Hello, my name is Ryan Anderson.

I am a member of DSA and a constituent of District C.

I'm speaking because I care deeply about due process and thus the safety of our community.

But I fear there are steps being taken to ensure many Houstonians do not get due process in their legal affairs.

HBD currently states it must call ICE when HPD identifies an ICE administrative warrant in the NCIC database.

Everyone here should know this is false.

ICE administrative warrants are not the same as nor demand the same response as an ICE detainer.

Regardless, the HPD has signaled they would rather capitulate to these unnecessary demands rather than stand up for the community by simply not making a phone call when helping a victim of domestic abuse.

So now I turn to you as leaders of this city.

Our neighbors are being kidnapped, kidnapped at traffic stops over civil infractions.

Because these are civil infractions, defendants are not guaranteed a lawyer.

Therefore, denying these people the right to the lawyer, all but guarantee there will be no due process, there will be no fact finding, there will only be deportations.

As this council is composed of residents of the most diverse city in the station nation, I hope you can see the injustice in this.

It's for this reason I ask this council to match Harris County's contribution to the ILSF.

Good evening.

My name is Camille Brough, and I'm the mother of two children in HISD.

Right now, 186 HIST schools have no functioning libraries.

My children's library has been turned into a team center where children sit in silence, completing worksheet after worksheet.

This is just one third grader sack of worksheets.

This is just from last year.

One child.

What does it mean for Houston's children to lose access to books to spend their days filling out worksheets with success rewarded by more of the same?

What does it mean for the future of teaching when children see it reduced to something robotic and joyless?

Last fall, Houston voters rejected a desperately needed bond to repair our schools because they did not trust Mr.

Miles and his administration with taxpayer dollars.

Our children cannot afford more time, more silence, and more shuttered libraries.

I urge this council to put renewed pressure on Mr.

Miles.

Bring him back here and ask the hard questions our families need answered.

Thank you.

Roquel via Stokely.

To be followed by Joseph Panzarello.

Good afternoon.

Much more.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

My name is Varkelvia Stokely.

I'm a proud African American mother of five and a homeschool educator in Houston Inner City.

Sports are lifelines in our neighborhoods.

They keep our kids engaged.

They teach discipline and open doors to scholarships.

But homeschool students are locked out of public school sports, even though our families pay the taxes that fund them.

And that is not fair.

That is not good for Houston.

I've seen this with my own kids.

They dream of representing a team and wearing school colors, but that door is closed.

I urge our leaders to create a pathway through partnerships and UIL programs.

This is about equity, opportunity, and community.

Thank you all.

Joseph Pantarello.

Lee Perry.

Thank you.

I've seen me coming here.

I've been coming for about the past year now.

Uh I uh was sent this deed and a check for $21,000 to purchase my mental rights.

Now I signed a D, as you can see on the back.

So I signed my uh uh mental uh sign I sold my mental rights to this company.

I took the check to the bank, and they said it wasn't worth one penny.

So it's fraudulent.

Now, if you Google Chad GPT or I ask any attorney is a criminal to purchase real estate with a fraudulent check, and it would say yes.

So you got to do.

And when I appear, we're we both appeared in civil court.

Yeah, I follow up a civil lawsuit.

The judge in civil court.

When I presented this in civil court, she said you need to work out the street to criminal court.

Now, the first thing you're supposed to do when you've been scammed.

Now I've been talking to the police for since September and the sixth of last year.

Now, if it took you a whole year to figure out that I've been scammed, and then you called me and say, I don't think you've been scammed.

Wait a minute.

What's wrong with you?

We got a problem.

Because I'm not the only one to get these checks.

They said I had a thousand every month.

And if the checks are fraudulent, you ain't just scamming me.

You scamming the county clerk, too.

Don't you know that side is on the wall at every county, every courthouse in the whole United States of America.

And it's there for the clerk.

That's what it's there for.

To make sure you don't be brilliant, nothing fraudulent off in here.

But that bird sent us in every D by Cell D specifically says.

Okay, thank you.

Huh?

I said thank you.

Okay.

Well, I'll be following.

Thank you, sir.

Wanna hope?

To be followed by Johnny Jeremiah.

Good evening, Mayor and Council.

My name is Wana Hawk, and I'm coming before you because for the past nine years since I've lived in my home, I've been harassed by my next door neighbors, threatened, bullied, victimized, including people who come to visit me.

I reported it to my city council member, Martha Castex Tatum.

I've been falsely arrested twice by her.

We went to trial.

She committed perjury during trial and was not arrested by the Ford Ben DA.

I'm here because I wrote a letter to you.

I sent it certified mail.

No one responded.

I wrote a letter to each entity in the state of Texas.

Nobody responded.

The only person that responded to me was Donna Brazil, the former DNC chairman, who represented several of our presidents.

She wrote a handwritten letter to me, which I can give each of you all a copy, taking an interest in my case because I'm elderly.

I just had knee replacement surgery and I'm in fear of my life.

My time has expired.

I don't feel safe in my home.

That's why I brought this to you.

Johnny Jeremiah.

To be followed by Robin Underwood.

I do, Mayor.

I like I have a family here that's their family member been murdered.

I shook your hand the other day with uh Kathy Griffin because I think we can work together.

Because I know for a fact Houston is one of the best places to live.

We have a bunch of good police officers in the city, but we got about five to seven percent that cannot do what they did.

His name's Sean Palin.

I want the underwood family to stand up, please.

The Underwood family, stand up.

We are very upset.

We just did his funeral.

He was laying on the ground, Mayor.

I know you don't know nothing about it, like this.

Hands down.

There's no reason to shoot nobody because your life is not in fear.

His hands down, head to the ground.

All the other police officers did not shoot him.

But just one happy police officer that got that racism, systemic racism, shot the boy in the back.

He lived 79 days in Ventor, Mayor.

Then he died.

His mama been wanting to commit suicide.

We have to watch her every night because she don't want to be alive.

She's trying to figure out did this happen in Houston?

The boy didn't do nothing.

Illegal use of a car of his girlfriend.

Are you going to use a car of a girlfriend?

And they shot him in the back, Mayor.

I know you didn't know.

I ain't been down there because you've been doing a good job.

So I'm asking you, let's take this one police officer, pay uh Sean Palin, and investigate him.

And if he's guilty, we got to get rid of him, Shebad.

We cannot let one police officer create a problem in Houston.

Well, Houston has been taking care of their business, all of us.

And we can't let me or nobody pay tax in this city.

He shot him in the back, mail.

His hand was out like this here.

It was no reason to shoot him in the back.

And he lived 79 days.

They wouldn't let the mommy in for 30 days.

Told her she'd come back to venture, they was gonna arrest her, ma'am.

And I know you wouldn't do that.

That she was right there.

Miss Robin, and she damn it, she's suicidal.

Because she understands why I'm still out here and all this children, all the children stand up.

Stat up!

That was children right there.

And son is a firefighter.

He don't even want to be a firefighter no more.

So his head is crazy.

So, Mayor, I'm asking you to help us get rid of that dirty cop.

We don't need dirty cops in Houston.

Houston is not like that.

Okay.

Please, Mayor.

Thank you.

You've made made your point.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Robin Underwood.

I'm the uh of Tony Underwood.

I'm the aunt of Tony Underwood.

Let's take a moment to reflect on the phrase protect and serve.

It's not just a motto, it's a promise.

It's a commitment, a responsibility.

From what I've learned, it takes 18 to two years to become a fully trained police officer in Houston.

There's a long application process followed by six months of uh academy training, and then you have to go up under a field training officer.

I ask y'all today.

Why do people on the street have more uh tactics and de-escalation of problems than police officers?

Why is it that police officers are able to go into extensive training and get trained on this but still able to shoot somebody in their back?

And it is okay.

Um the truth is hard to say, but I must it must be said.

When someone cares hate, whether it's etched in their skin through racist tattoos or rooted in their ideology, they are not fit to wear a badge.

When the alpha says the black man is immediately assumes that he is a strip, he is not protecting anyone.

He's hunting, and that's exactly what happened to my nephew Tony Underwood.

He was laying face down on the ground with his hand spread out.

He respected the commands.

He did what the Alpha said, and yet he was still shot.

You're quite expired.

Ethan Hale.

To be followed by Jerry Restrapo.

My name is Ethan Hale, and I'm running for city council.

On August 19th, 27 peaceful protesters were arrested for standing against the genocide outside the Israeli campman at the an as al-Sharif camping outside the Urazali consulate.

During this event, a number of their supporters across the street were trampled by HPD officers on her horseback.

I'm here today to call for the suspension and investigation of the offers, officers that escalated this force.

No other protest in the city I've been to has been met with the same level of force.

Is this really about public safety or protecting your Israeli bonds?

Just as we told you.

Just as we've told you, when you gave a bill about a billion dollars to HPD, you were gonna turn our city into a fascist police state.

And that's just what's happening.

You are all complicit in the rise of fascism here.

My name is Jerry Truffle, and I'm a constituent of Mary Nan Huffman.

Houston is by far one of the most diverse cities in the US, and a large portion of our population is foreign-born.

Anyone who is in Houston can attest to this.

Many of our hardest working, uh many of our hardest workers, ranging from entry river laborers to highly skilled and well-educated professionals, are either foreign-born or belonged to immigrant families.

With that being said, HPD has been calling ICE in response to phone calls entirely unrelated to immigration, even calling ICE on a woman who called the police to appropriate domestic abuser.

The problem is made even worse by what can be assumed to be intentional lack of transparency regarding any information uh regarding HPD's cooperation with ICE.

I therefore propose that Houston City Council encourages police chief Diaz to have at minimum uh publicly accessible information about phone calls made by HPD officers, or more ideally, that HBD stops calling ICE entirely.

Thank you.

Solomon Lee.

Diego Castillo.

To be followed by Gerard Lynch.

My name is Diego Castillo, proudly born and raised in Southwest Aleaf, Texas.

And I'm here to demand that John Whitmeyer stop lying about HPD collaboration with ICE and that the city seize all HBD collaboration with ICE.

With ICE now having funding on Paul with the world's largest militaries, and with Trump talking about suspending people's right to trial, I'm here to ask when will the city council put their foot down?

58 calls were made by ICE to HPD, and with my lied about it while getting donations from private prisons that profit from ICE attentions.

When will the city council put their foot down?

Twelve people have died in ICE custody this year.

When will the city council put their foot down?

65% of those in ICE detection have no criminal convictions.

When will the city council put their foot down?

End all collaboration with ICE.

Release transparent data collaboration and use the Houston Airport system to force Harby Airport to cut out a vela airlines, which makes bills with deportations.

We are a city of immigrants.

We are a city of love.

We must refuse to give in to Trump's fascist takeover and the secret his racist secret police.

A leaf would not be alive without Chinatown.

With those paraphernalies now, with those Nigerians, my Ghanaids, my Dominicans, my Mexicans, all my people.

Gerard Lynch.

To be followed by Aubrey Contreras.

Yeah, my name's Gerard Lynch.

I'm an attorney and a longtime DSA member.

I know there's some good people on here.

I know you're you know you all there's been a lot of reasons why ICE is criticized, and they're all valid.

But what I want to talk about is your own individual consciences.

Don't be afraid.

I know you're afraid, but I want to tell you as a piece of actually advice.

30,000 or 40,000 HISD students, many of them immigrants are aging up, and they're citizens.

And they're gonna vote, and they're gonna remember this against you as long their families, even the ones that have been deported with along with their families.

They're gonna come back as citizens, and they're gonna remember and they're gonna take the names of people here, and I know you're scared, and I know many of you have good moral background.

Don't be afraid.

You will actually probably and you're gonna be term limited.

If you think you're trying to gonna have a long time political career in Houston, you're making a mistake by not being halfway bold and going to your own consciences.

Hello, hello today.

Hello, City Council members.

My name is Robert Contreras.

I'm here to talk about why I should not work with uh why our cities should not work with ice, and our officers should not should commit to not take contracts with ICE, especially after the big waves they're getting.

First, IC is taking innocent innocent people and little kids ripping their families apart from each other.

As a part of the Latino community, I'm scared for humanity, which should not happen at my age.

I'm still young, and I know a lot about injustice.

For the record, I'm only 11 years old.

I know I know what some of y'all might be thinking.

This is just another kid.

She doesn't matter.

But no, kids matter just as much.

We have a voice to give our rights.

We deserve them.

Julia Bustos.

To be followed by Irani Trevino.

Can you care about this?

You told me.

You tell them what you told me to do.

Come on.

Tell them who you are.

Tell them what your name is.

Tell them who your name is.

Okay.

You want to say anything?

You want to tell them something?

How you feel?

You could talk to us.

Don't be afraid.

See, they're friendly.

Yeah, you can do it, see?

We will come out here.

Okay.

Just be quick.

Okay.

Come on down.

Tell them what your name is.

How old are you?

Six.

Houston tax.

Tell them what happened.

Whatever done.

Whenever they were taking people and killing them, done that.

Just redoing it.

Okay.

It will I take no.

She wanted to, so we wanted to give her a chance.

Yeah.

Oh, it is, it is.

This is the same thing.

Okay.

She's only six.

By the time she's 21.

Imagine.

Thank you.

Councilor Knight.

Um, Mom, what's her name?

Oh.

Her name's Leah.

We sorry, say that one more time.

Julia?

Julia?

Julia Sweetheart.

It's really special to have you here.

Hi.

Thank you for coming today.

And whenever you're ready to talk with us, we're gonna listen, okay?

Okay, you take your time, and if you want to go sit down, you can.

Say thank you.

Hi, good evening.

My name is Erandi Treviño, and I'm the executive director of the Raices Collab Project, a grassroots organization born out of Southeast Houston, as a response to the oppressive realities that a lot of communities face across Texas.

A lot of those communities are here in Houston.

And a lot of those burdens are carried by undocumented people.

And so I want to talk about a little bit about my story and why I think um it's relevant.

So when I was growing up, I was taught about the Berlin Wall, and we were taught about how overnight essentially there was a wall in between the home of families and people had sisters and brothers and aunts that were on the other side and they couldn't see them anymore.

That's the reality I grew up with.

It wasn't a wall, it was a river, but it was always the conversation of oh, they're on the other side.

But they're still the same people.

I immigrated here when I was seven years old, but I'm from Northern Mexico, and I'm also from southern Texas.

I'm both.

You know, um that was fast.

Your time has expired.

Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you.

Nick Nicholas Lemer.

To be followed by Jesus.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Nick Lemmer.

Thank you for letting me speak here today.

Uh I can disc for some of you.

Uh even as members of one of the largest cities in the U.S., us Houstonians still have pride in the community we built together, just like we're a small town.

From neighborhoods like Montrose, Northside, Third World Moore.

Close-knit kinships can be found within and between Houstonians from these areas.

The mutual respect and trust are what make Houston feel like home to so many communities.

However, through the flagrant overreach of our federal government via militarized abuse of orgs like ICE, these communities are being destroyed.

Furthermore, the already shaky trust in the HPD is being eroded by their collusion with ICE.

In just one of May cases, a woman called HPD to protect herself from domestic violence.

Instead, HPD prioritize reporting her to ICE for deportation.

Ask yourselves, does this foster trust?

Does this make our city safer?

Would you cooperate with authorities if you knew doing so would endanger you and your family?

Your time has expired.

As city council members, you have direct power.

Will you stand up for our city?

Will you draft a resolution to end HPD cooperation with ICE?

Thank you so much.

Anthony Hubbard.

Are you Anthony?

To be followed by Jeff Harman.

When do we become afraid?

Used to be a nation of immigrants.

We used to be proud of the fact that we stood on Ellis Island.

No matter where they came from.

Our neighbors, community members, not Bell Houstonians, are leaving a fear because y'all let ice into our neighborhoods, into our backyards, into our homes, and here in our city.

We know it's not because they commit more crimes.

All of y'all know that.

There's no good reason to allow ice here.

It's nothing but fear.

How many Democrats here are going to stand up for this?

You all allow ice into our neighborhoods.

Y'all let anything happen.

Y'all know what Trump is going to do.

Your time has expired.

Well, having underwood is a tragedy.

That family was a tragedy.

What are you inviting here to us?

Hi, I'm Jeff Harmon.

I live in Midtown.

And I'm here to speak about uh ending the cooperation with ICE.

Uh I think you've heard enough reasons.

I don't need to go into any of that.

Uh my two biggest reasons.

Um, I'm gonna count it.

So the first one I look with is money.

It just seems like it's a lot of waste of time and money uh to have them call ice every time they stop somebody for manor on your traffic uh offense, and then the other is just intimidation.

So anyway, I'd ask you to end all the agreements, change the rules, stop the police from calling ice immediately.

Thank you.

Richard Gilmore.

To be followed by Christopher Cato.

Good evening, Council.

Thank you for allowing for the evening session, giving working professionals like myself a chance to have their voices heard in person.

I'd like to introduce myself.

I'm Richard Gilmore, a proud resident of second ward and a strong proponent for keeping Polk open.

Since the signs went up in February, we've asked simple and straightforward questions, only to be met with unclear answers and a lack of transparency, such as have you done a traffic study?

Houston First waited to release its traffic study that did not effectively capture the impact on the East End until after the JRC process closed on June 27th.

We've asked multiple times why can't the convention center expansion build over Polk rather than abandon it?

The answer provided by multiple times by CEO Mike Heckman has stated it is not an option as it does not work with our business model of contiguous space.

This answer falls short and is not satisfactory.

Residents do not have to accept this poor excuse of an answer when a list of cities that have expanded over the major roadways include such examples as Los Angeles, Kansas City, Pennsylvania, and Walter E.

Washington up in DC, spanning multiple streets and additional examples around the country.

Why should connectivity to my neighborhood be sacrificed?

What is so unique about Houston's first business model where Polk abandonment is vital for the city?

Your time has expired.

We demand meaningful transparency and answers.

Thank you for your time.

Christopher Cato.

Deborah Eldridge.

Rosa Trevino.

Um, Mayor and Council members.

My name is Rosa Trevino.

I'm a resident and a community leader in the second ward.

I am here to urge immediate action on the Harrisburg Sunset Hike and Bike Trail.

The recent tragedy on the trail underscores how urgently we need lighting.

The TARS funds have already allocated for the trail, but they are still sitting in the account that we ask these funds be used immediately to install proper lighting to protect our families and prevent further tragedies.

We need to team up with parks and public works in a partnership agreement to get the tourists the money to spend allocated funds for the trail.

It is crucial, Mayor, for the safety of our community.

We also need attention to our streets, the 5700 block to the 6300 block of Sherman at Oldham near the railroad tracks, requires milling paving overlay, curb appeal for area three, just as it was done in area one at Sherman and York.

Finally, I would like to thank Lorena Torres, Marta Escalante, Parks with Parks and Armando Pena.

Your time is a good idea.

Um you didn't know where you were on the trail.

So it's a huge safety concern.

Mario, please, we need to like get lighting.

And if we can get an agreement with parks and public works to get this light, we have funding.

Thank you, Rosa.

I was gonna let you uh continue your your thanks there because I know a lot of folks helped out.

Uh Sayera Lee, please thank him.

Yep.

Thank him.

He gave us 17 signs, Mayor.

17 signs that we needed on the trail for east to west.

Thank you for flagging the uh the lights and the funding, because that is something um that we need to keep pushing on, and I will be meeting with Director Allen on Thursday to discuss the the trail maintenance.

So we'll be keeping you posted on that.

But thank you for for all your advocacy and the work you do in the second board.

Thank you.

I appreciate you guys.

Thank you, Mayor.

To be followed by Willie Kingney.

I bought these copies if you guys wanted them.

I could put them here.

Honorable Mayor John Whitmaire and the Council King.

I'm gonna cut my letter short.

The purpose of me being here today is to ask the city of Houston for help toward bringing a solution to better serve our homeless population.

One of my my proposals is that the city would allow organizations to apply for resources to create an area that would help the whole person.

We can work with the Lower Lots or Houston Land Bank to locate a piece of property across the city.

We don't need, we don't, we do not believe the police is the answer.

We know and understand that they have a shortage, and besides, most of these populations are not criminals.

I was once one of them, homeless in Los Angeles in 1988.

I believe what saved me was that the fact that they had a shower, soup line, clothing, church, and much more.

Now I managed to get over what my what my problem, what my what was troubling me.

And I saved $3,000, got a place of my own.

I went on to become a culinary certificate, got my culinary certification, became a head chef at 22 years old.

Your time has been a good time.

With over 30 employees.

I just want to close.

I even preached my first sermon on Skid Row.

We strongly believe that this mission should be the hands of the church.

Every dollar should be accounted for just like any other funding.

We know it costs, but this pathway would be a permanent versus temporary solution.

Mayor John Widmaier, we ask that you strongly consider having a dialogue with the groups such as ours and churches that support outreach ministry.

The community needs to step up to the presentation.

Sir, we do have a council member in the queue.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, uh Vice Member President.

Mr.

Mr.

Lyons, just wanted to, I know my staff reached out to you earlier today.

Uh want to set up a meeting so we can discuss uh a little bit of more of what you want to work on, uh, specifically in this space.

Um it's something that we know across the city.

It's a challenge.

We had the speaker come up uh that is you know also seeing homelessness um across the street from her business.

So I appreciate your willingness to work with us.

Thank you.

Um look forward to sitting down with you shortly.

I think uh Juan Pablo from my office is here if you can uh meet with them outside and just figure out when we can meet.

Thank you.

Thank you for calling as well.

Next speaker.

Good afternoon, Mayor.

Uh good afternoon, uh, council members.

My name is Willie Valdez Kenya, and I'm originally from Cameroon.

Uh I recently became U.S.

citizen.

And I'm honored to call this vibrant and diverse city of Houston my new home.

And I thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

So, as a new citizen, my first question is to know what are the opportunities the city of Houston provide to new citizens, you know, to support their integration and active participation in the social, cultural, and economic life of the city.

In addition, ourselves as a resident representative of an organization called Organization for African Development that works uh to build bridges between African community and the diaspora.

Our mission is to strengthen collaboration in areas such as health, education, cultural exchange, and young young uh youth entrepreneurship by connecting resources, knowledge and opportunities between African and the diaspora.

We seek to foster in my simple question if I go.

Your time has expired.

Does the city of Houston currently have a platform or initiative that foster collaboration with the municipalities in Africa, particularly in area of health education and cultural?

Council Murray Thomas.

Uh thank you.

Uh, thank you for your your comments on two things.

The Department of Neighborhoods.

I did see Director Herbs.

Okay, Rashad Rice there.

They have uh uh a division of new Americans to uh to assist you with um uh Houstonians that are new Americans, so that's one.

And then secondly, as your council member, we recently hosted an um African immigration round table.

Um so my chief of staff is in the back.

She will um meet you out there to make some connection so we can connect you to what we're doing in the district to connect with the diaspora and some other um African centered uh community groups on the west side.

So we can do that for you.

Thank you so much.

Next speaker, Daniel Aragon.

To be followed by Jerry Solis.

Good evening, Council members.

I feel uh that I needed to come because last week, I know if you maybe saw the news, you saw that a student was hit crossing the street to go to his high school.

We uh our city is in crisis, and whenever there's a crisis of health, a crisis of crime, the city acts.

Right now, people are dying.

People are being hit by cars, people are being seriously injured.

And you have people like the mayor and and his people, counseling projects, altering projects that uh are meant to increase our safety.

Shepard, Montrose, Telephone, uh, Austin, uh, 11th Street, uh equipment, uh, the bike lane though that's gonna be put there.

We we are in crisis, and we need to do something about it.

And I know some of you council members might be scared to confront the mayor because he might threaten you with all your money or not allow you to speak or whatever.

You need to speak up.

Your time has expired.

And one more thing, two seconds.

I know the mayor's not here, but I hope he can hear me.

We want him to stand with us, not with ice, not with MAGA politicians like Dan Crenshaw.

We want a mayor that marches with us, and thank you to the our council members who were at the No Kings protests a few months ago.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

My name is Jerry Selease.

Um, I'm here to talk about pedestrian safety.

I've got 40 years combined experience in residential construction, hence, I worked all over Houston, Harris County, Galveston, and through uh local union twenty-two.

I've got a lot of experience in the petrochemical industries, and I wanted to let you all know that uh a safety vest, which is a high visibility vest that has reflective uh materials, it only costs five or ten dollars.

Well will definitely save the life of all of these children or even adults.

I see it all over Houston that uh whether it's the break of dawn or or at uh later in the evening, you can't see them sometimes because of the weather.

And if they would just wear that little vest, it would help you know, uh save them from uh from either of okay.

Your time has expired.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Next speaker.

Laura Conley to be followed by Kevin Strickland.

Good evening, members of council.

Um, last year, a record number of 345 Houstonians died in car crashes.

To put that number in perspective, even when the um council chamber was overcrowded earlier tonight, that wouldn't have held all of those people who died in car crashes last year.

Um this chamber seats about half of that.

The people left now in the chamber, it's about the number that were pedestrians that were killed outside of cars, which was a hundred and nineteen people.

So I challenge you sitting here and those of you in the chamber to look around you.

Look at the person you're sitting next to, and imagine them not getting home because they were walking to the bus, they were walking to school, they were walking to their job.

This happens to people of all ages, of all races, creeds, and socioeconomic levels.

There are our parents, our siblings, their children, their friends, and our neighbors.

They're not statistics, they are human beings who are loved.

One of those was two-year-old Emmanuel Molina, killed in a stroller while being pushed by his grandmother in a school zone in a parked classwalk.

It was a mid-morning trip to the grocery store.

He was going to get a birthday cake for his brother.

I attended the memorial today.

I wrap up your comments.

Your time has expired.

And we'll never forget the screams and cries of his mother having lost her two-year-old child.

I implore you to think about pedestrian safety over speed of vehicles and this mobility thing in town.

My safety, my children's safety, the safety of all of my friends and neighbors here.

Fire, your time has expired.

We need to move on to the next speaker.

Thank you for being here today.

Please prioritize pedestrians and people over speed.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Thank you, Councilmember Castillo, for making this happen.

This is what democracy looks like.

On December 19th, Emmanuel Molina, two years old, and his grandmother were hit in a crosswalk.

Emmanuel Molina died.

We organized a press conference.

We invited the council member for District K who is not here.

Several news stories were done.

We discussed with the city council member.

We emailed her office twice.

I mentioned it here at City Council.

Nothing.

On the same day that the council member for River Oaks mentioned a Lamar student was hit in a crosswalk, the mayor raced over there on the same day to do something about it.

The mayor is not a traffic engineer.

There's already a hawk two blocks away where runner was hit just in April of 25.

Remember his name, Emmanuel Molina.

His father is an immigrant.

His father told the media he didn't expect or justice for his son.

When is that community going to get their needs addressed?

Thank you.

Thank you, Nick Speaker.

Vivian Song.

To be followed by Jasmine Katamakbari.

Thank you for opening up a public comment session after work.

I'm here today to talk about vision zero and safety.

I was just on site at a manufacturing facility and in manufacturing safety for employees and people is an obvious priority.

Any quote unquote accidents are not accidents, there are failures of an ineffective process.

This past week, there were two bicycle bicyclists' deaths, and there was also a kid who is hit on his way to school.

I want to call out where I've observed inefficiencies in our current infrastructure.

First, on Louisiana Street, there are four one-way lanes.

I've only lived in this area for two years, but I've counted at least five accidents.

There's street parking on the outer two lanes, and the problem is if you live on a side street, you can't see the vehicles coming off from the highway.

I'd recommend you eliminate the street parking here.

At least take out one parking space from side streets so people turning onto Louisiana can see the oncoming traffic.

Second, despite our city budget deficit, the city has wasted tax dollars on ribbing out safety bike infrastructure.

One recent example is Austin Street.

Another more insidious example is replacing the Montrose Tours board members in an original design of Montrose Boulevard, which had already been paid for and included a separate walking and biking path.

Now with new the new board members in place, the new design of Montrose Boulevard has deprioritized safety.

So please consider safety a priority.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman Martin Burr.

Thank you, Vice Member Pro Tim.

Um wonder move to suspend the rules to move up Garoline Bustos after the next speaker.

It's been moved and seconded.

All in favor of those opposed.

Motion carries.

Next speaker.

Every day, Houston profits off the labor of immigrants.

Our fathers built your skyline, and our mothers took care of your families.

My mom didn't just take care of me.

She took care of your kids.

She kicked, she cooked your meals, and she cleaned your homes.

And tonight, someone's mother will clean these chambers too while we sleep.

But now the people who built Houston are being hunted.

Treated as expendable by the same systems that profit off their labor.

I'm here today to name one of these profiteers, Avello Airlines.

They get rich by abducting our family members in the night.

And by allowing them at Hobby Airport, you make us complicit.

Condemn a fellow airlines and deny them our airports.

It's sad because even if you meet our demands as Houston leads, I know that that's not going to stop our neighbors from being hunted.

That job will always fall to us, the people.

Avelo holds a contract with ICE and operates deportation flights directly out of Houston.

No company that receives tax breaks, uses our airports, or does business in our city should be profiting from the separation of families.

Houston should not be complicit in deportation.

As our mayor and city council have the power and responsibility to say so and to protect us because, like Councilmember Shabbaz stated earlier, a leader's true mark is in how they treat the people.

Thank you.

Yeah.

You want to say hi.

Hello.

My son Fausso and I are here to give this uh comment on behalf of my friend.

Some weeks ago, my partner ran to me because she saw a stranger approaching our house.

She was terrified.

I looked through the window and breathed out a sigh of relief when he was just a delivery guy.

But the emotions we both shared stayed with me.

Both my partner and I are undocumented.

I still remember the feeling when I picked up our newborn and I wept.

Sometimes we don't know what we carry until we are faced with it.

And now we are faced with this threat every day, no matter where we go.

We are looking over our shoulders, never sure where ice is lurking.

The fascist desires from this administration are at our city doorsteps, and the people sitting in leather chairs have a responsibility to the people that live here.

I hope that one day my child can look at me without worry.

He's only a few months old, and I dread the day the brightness in his beautiful eyes fade away because his parents were taken.

One day my son will grow up and hear about our struggle.

That people stood strong and spoke for his father when he couldn't.

Your time has expired.

Stop the collaboration with ICE.

Woo.

To be followed by Charles Vaughan.

Good evening.

My name is Carolina Bustos.

Um I am here with the Racist Collaborative.

Um I do community outreach, but not only do I do community outreach, I am also a member of the community.

Um I just want you all to know that um it is a very important that um that Houston does not uh renew or uh maintain the uh contract with ICE.

Um not only will it hurt our community, but it'll also hurt our fellow community members.

Um, you know, I am a first generation Mexican American.

Um and so my duty is to be here to be able to um fight for those who do not have the same rights as I do.

Um it is our duty as um as part of our community, and please um respect us.

You know, everyone is a human being.

We all deserve um rights, and um I hope that you all can take something from everyone that has came here and spoken up.

Um thank you so much.

Charles Vaughn.

To be followed by Gia Longsworth.

Good evening, Council.

I come to you today as a native Houstonian of 33 years, about 11 years ago, my car broke down, and I had to figure out how to get around this city for nine of those years so far.

That's been by bicycle.

It feels now more than ever as if the city of Houston is actively adding to the burden of traveling around the city.

People ask me every day, why do I ride a bicycle everywhere?

I ride a bicycle everywhere, one, because I need to get places, but two.

I tried my best.

The bus as it currently exists isn't enough.

And also, I believe that it can be easier to live a life without a personal automobile because I put my faith in city projects like the telephone road redesign, Austin Street Bike Lane, Polk Street, 11th Street, Houston Avenue, all projects designed with the safety of the most vulnerable users around, pedestrians and bicycles as a priority.

We've seen what's come over the past year, work paid for undone, bike lanes destroyed, access points threatened, plans changed.

Your time has expired.

Do better, please.

Good evening.

My name is Gia, and as a soon-to-be mother, I felt the need to speak today on street safety after a student was hit by a car on the way to school.

Here's the thing.

I don't dream about sitting in a carpool line because the roads are too dangerous for my kids to walk to school.

But we won't solve the issue of traffic injuries using flashy hawk signals as band-aids.

I've seen someone get this close to being killed right in front of my eyes twice.

Drivers just don't respect hawks.

So here's an idea.

What if we design streets in a way that actually results in safer driving?

Only this administration has done exactly the opposite.

Insisting that we keep lanes highway sized makes us less safe.

Ripping out pedestrian islands and elevated crosswalks makes us less safe.

The mayor's weird crusade against bike lanes and lane reductions makes us less safe.

It should go without saying that scuff marks on concrete barriers are not a bigger deal than pedestrian injuries.

You can see scuff marks on the sidewalls of any freeway interchange, and I don't think even the mayor would argue for their removal.

But it appears that the mayor's guiding mobility principles values paint jobs over people, cars over kids, and it's not right.

There will always be people too young, too old, or unable to drive, and they deserve safety too.

Alex Kalen.

To be followed by Ryan Lester.

Good evening.

Uh my name is Alex Kalen.

I live and work in District H between the Heights and Second Ward every day.

Um thank you all for this evening.

This is phenomenal.

Uh I wanted to speak tonight to add my frustration to the direction the city's headed with regards to our pedestrian bike infrastructure.

Mayor, I've heard you speak about improving quality of life here in the city.

Um, but when I hear news stories about kids getting hit crossing the street going to their high school or the cyclist that was killed on Quitman this past weekend, um, that is the opposite quality of life that anyone in the city deserves.

Uh and I feel that very personally because I grew up walking to school along four-lane roads, so I understand how sketchy that can be.

Um while I appreciate uh changes on West Timer to make crosswalks more safe, the exact same street design on Westheimer is now being implemented on telephone.

And there are schools there as well.

KIP is over there, there's elementary schools over there.

So I don't understand the logic behind pushing that uh when the safety of those kids should be the thing that this city prioritizes above all else.

Thank you.

Ryan Lesnar.

Bindu Jose.

To be followed by Lydia Davies.

Good evening.

My name is Bindu Jose.

Um, good law-abiding non-criminals are being kidnapped from our communities with no access to due process.

Everyone has a right to due process, even undocumented people.

We all should be concerned because it's immigrants now.

Next, it will be all of us.

Even if you don't care about immigrants, I know you love someone.

Fight for that person's rights, because it's their rights which will be violated next.

I'm asking City Council to match the two million Harris, two million dollars Harris County allocated for ILSF.

There's a serious scarcity within the pool of immigration attorneys, and the immigration legal service providers we have are maxed out in their capacity due to the overwhelming number of immigrants whose rights are violated.

The allocation of funds will tremendously equip our legal service providers with the ability to hire more immigration attorneys and dedicate more time to mentoring non-immigration attorneys to fill the void.

Please remember your humanity and empathize with those who are suffering.

Thank you.

Lydia Davies.

To be followed by Chris Mullins.

A few months ago, I spoke on Houston's ability to lead or lag in the fight for justice, and how the same systems that deny Palestinians freedom are testing grounds for tools that can strip our own.

Yet since then, we've made it clear that we will do more than just lag in the fight for justice.

You've decided to turn our city into a martyr.

Just like the ones you won't acknowledge abroad, we have a city over 14 billion in debt, criminalizing homelessness, infrastructure with a need for renewal.

Yet we have more plans made for the World Cup than our crumbling communities of the East and Houston as a whole.

And finally, the worst of it is not your fiscal irresponsibility with the city, but is bringing the same systems, technologies, and traumas to families here at home.

The child whose immigrant fathers that leave for work here feel no different than those whose fathers leave for bread in Gaza.

So again, if you will not fight for those abroad, we fight for those at home.

Will we use the resources we actually have to protect those who feed and build our cities, stop the capitulation and contracts between ICE and HPD?

We have a right to protect the data, whether financial, medical, or biometric of our immigrant workers.

There is no workers' rights without immigrants' rights.

There is no freedom until we are all free.

Thank you all.

Um hi everyone.

I want to start off by saying thank you for letting me speak.

This is my first time speaking at City Council.

That's all due to your good work here, allowing us to have one evening or a few evening sessions to try.

Uh so thank you very much.

Um, I also want to say thank you to CM Cayman.

She's my CM.

I'm in District C.

Uh, her office has demonstrated nothing but patience and due diligence with all the requests that um I have sent her on behalf of myself, my husband, and my neighborhood.

Um that being said, I'm primarily here to talk about the CIP amendments introduced by uh CM Ramirez.

Um we're in support of these.

Basically, um a lot of the conversation today in today's committee meeting talked about how um is the current system enough, uh, what can be done better?

And essentially that's kind of what we're looking for here.

We're kind of looking for a way to set a kind of statutory minimum to make sure that uh when changes happen, feedback uh gets passed to those who are likely to be held accountable, such as our CMs, and they in turn can be held accountable by their citizens.

Thank you very much.

Ruben Garza.

To be followed by Annette Frank.

Good evening, Mayor and City Council.

I first want to say uh uh sorry, my name is Ruben Garza.

I am a local conversation leader for Strong Towns Houston.

Uh I would like to echo uh my colleague Chris's comments as well as first thank everyone here.

Uh without your support and without your initiative, we wouldn't have a 6 p.m.

evening session, so quite honestly, give a round of applause for yourselves.

Um I would I would definitely do that.

But you know, I understand there's a lot of uh a lot of finger pointing and naming and a lot of uh tough conversations to be had, but thank you guys so much for having this session.

Uh Strong Towns Houston uh believes in a productive development pattern.

We have many priority campaigns, two of which I want to emphasize.

One of them is parking reform, and another one is uh safe and productive streets.

With respect to parking reform, there is no need to have minimum parking standards throughout the city of Houston.

Uh we've seen exemptions uh take place in downtown, midtown, and Edo, and it's brought a lot of economic development and prosperity in those regions.

That should be expanded citywide.

Our organization has a lot of literature.

I have three books up here.

If you'd like to come talk to me about it, more than welcome to, and I know my time is up.

Annette Frank.

To be followed by Izzy Lopez.

My name is Annette Frank.

I live in the East End, Councilman Goncia's uh district.

This is my safety vest.

I wear it when I bike about town.

I drive, I take the metro, I bike uh from the east end to the medical center.

Because parking is really expensive, traffic is terrible, 30 minutes home to hospital, perfect.

I can do that because I have trails and I have separated um protected um trails from cars.

Even when I wear the safety vest, really the safest thing, the safest thing is to have on-street infrastructure that makes it so I don't have to compete with cars.

I also walk and I use a hawk on the montrose by the MFAH.

I count the amount of cars that just go by.

I wear my vest, I wave, they don't care.

The best you can do is give pedestrians and cyclists on-street safety infrastructure.

It is demonstrated to work.

Did data says the expert says it's works, it works.

Trust the experts, not whatever guiding mobility principles are.

Thank you.

Hello, I'm here to talk about continued cuts to public services as police funding continuously increases, and how it relates to Metro's funding.

Since last year, the city administration has worked to undermine Metro Next, which Harris County voters approved by two-thirds majority.

Meanwhile, Metro Police funding has skyrocketed.

The agency has also increased collaboration with HPD, which is many people have brought up, has been collaborating with ICE.

Instead of more frequent buses, will residents in neighborhoods like Gulfden be terrorized by ice at bus stops.

I worry because last year when discussing Metro next plans in Golfton, their mayor was quoted as saying they're largely undocumented immigrants.

You think they're going to be welcome in the galleria?

Houston deserves better than this.

Council members use Prop A to take a stand against this.

Stop the cutting of public services and using of transit dollars as a wallet for a bad agenda.

Stop collaborating with ICE.

Randall Baxley.

Thank you.

My name is Randall Baxley.

Thank you, uh Councilmember for and staff for and those of the others that uh have brought us to be able to be here tonight.

And hello there.

Uh just want to put on the record that uh things that are already being worked on.

Hardy Street between I 610 North, between six not I 60 610 north and downtown is a mess, and the attempts to repair it are not working, and I know that y'all are working on it.

I know that the commissioner's office will be trying to help y'all, and that y'all will reach out to them, and everybody will get together, and also the state uh will try to do what they can.

Our in on the other piece that I have to put on the record tonight is that over the last 10 years I have turned in water mains many times that were leaking.

Your time has expired.

Are we are returning?

The re the water is returning to those places repaired.

Sandra Weimer.

Stacey Fairchild.

Good evening, Mayor and Councilmembers.

On behalf of Super Neighborhood 22, thank you for piloting evening public sessions.

It makes a real difference in allowing working Eustonians to participate in city government.

And it's evident by the number of speakers here tonight.

So it's very much appreciated.

And I know the District H office and Councilmember Castillo have done a lot of work in order for us to be able to come here tonight.

So thank you, thank you.

And I see you're tired, but I appreciate your commitment to seeing this to the end of tonight and hopefully more to come.

Um just a couple of other thank yous.

Uh Mayor, thank you for the efforts on Washington Avenue.

It's very much appreciated.

We know that more work can be done there.

Uh, but we do recognize as residents along the corridor that things are improving in terms of bar noise.

Um, as it pertains to the Boost 85 project, we very much appreciate it.

Great improvements, but I did send uh through Metro a letter to you requesting a few more improvements to be added.

Your time has expired.

It was a couple of weeks ago, and I'm happy to send it to you again if you haven't seen it.

But Metro says that they can incorporate the improvements now, but they're waiting for your approval.

Councilman Cayman.

I Stacey covered it.

Mary just wanted to hear the rest of her ask in case there's anything we can do to support.

So thank you.

Yes, so um, it's laid out there are four items.

Uh we're just looking for your yes.

And lastly, um the director of solid waste.

He did a phenomenal job at our last week's meeting.

Uh, we had three other super neighborhood presidents there, and they were in awe of uh how of his candor, his willingness, his honesty to make sure that residents trash uh were you know was being picked up, that their voices were heard, uh, that uh their problems, their concerns in detail were heard, and he responded.

He was a good listener, and uh as a result of that, we've seen uh an incredible change uh to at least along the the neighborhoods along the corridor.

So thank you for that.

And one last thing, Mayor.

This concrete batch plant at 1100 Northwest Freeway.

Anything you can do to help us get that relocated would be much appreciated.

So, you know, calling the governor would be helpful.

Thank you.

Margaret Poisson to be followed by Marie Carlisle.

Good evening, Mayor Council.

First of all, I want to thank all my fellow residents for speaking up tonight.

As the black activist Barnyard Russell stated in 1942, it is important to speak truth to power.

And you all have a lot of power, and you have the power to make this a better city.

I am here, Mayor, as you know again, probably regarding the crime on the north side of Washington Avenue.

We are always one weekend away from the next homicide or the next shooting.

On Sunday night alone, next to my home, there was a fight, multiple people involved.

There were cars broken into and guns stolen, because it seems like when people go to bars, that's what they do.

They bring their guns with them and leave them in their cars.

And also the house next to me was there was an attempted break in all in the space of an hour and a half.

The crime has not abated on the north side of Washington, especially from 1 a.m.

to 4 a.m.

in the morning.

And before my time runs out, I want to thank Councilmember Ramirez.

I want to thank Councilmember Alcorn.

I want to thank you.

I want to thank their staff and Captain Kennedy, because I know how hard you all are working to solve this problem.

But we need help between 1 and 4 a.m.

when people leave the bars and stay in the neighborhood and commit these crimes.

Thank you.

Really quickly, Judge, I wanted to thank you.

Judge, I wanted to thank you for continuing along with Stacy to advocate for the quarter and mayor.

In addition to the crime we saw, we did have a resident's home with uh more bullets through them over the past weekend.

Um, and that is a very, very big concern.

Um we're continuing to see this happen.

Uh and then on council tomorrow, I did want to flag um the state, it appears has preempted us when it comes to some of the regulations around food trucks, and that has been another huge issue that we've been talking about.

So we'll talk more about that tomorrow.

But Judge, I did want to recognize you and Stacey and the neighborhood as a whole.

And I know we have Marie coming on something totally different, but thank you all for continuing to be the voice.

Well, I appreciate that very much.

And as you all know, I have hollow point bullets through the side of my house where I sleep and a nine millimeter through my guest room.

The problem is serious, but I I thank all of you so much.

Thank you, Abby, for making this effort.

Marie Carlisle.

Good evening, Mayor Whitmeyer and Council members.

Um, my name is Marie Carlisle, and I'm president of Super Neighborhood 14, Lazy Brook Timbergrove, which is in District C.

And in that capacity, I want to first thank Councilmember Ramirez for coming to our meeting last week.

And I also want to thank you all and all the city employees who are here this evening for having an even an evening session.

I know it does provide allow access and opportunity for a lot of my community members to speak.

So I appreciated that.

But I'm here primarily this evening in a different capacity.

I also serve as the board chair for open door mission.

It's a shelter for homeless men on the east side of town.

It's in actually in Castillo's district.

Um we help those those homeless men overcome addictions and recover their lives.

And I'm here to formally introduce you to our new CEO, Brandon Thomas.

He came to us from the City Gate Network in a leadership development role and has 10 years of boots on the ground experience in in mission leadership in West Winchester, Virginia.

And I know I have some of you on our calendars to come out this Thursday.

I've got Council Member Alcorn, Councilmember Davis who has left, and Councilmember Ramirez.

But we would love the opportunity to invite each of you to come to one of our upcoming events, or if that those don't work, a private meeting and tour with Brandon so that you can learn more about what we do and how we can work with you.

We have an open house this Thursday.

Our annual gala on September 25th, and then a third opportunity that I'm gonna allow Brandon to speak about.

Once again, thank you all for everything.

Awesome.

As Marie said, my name is Brandon Thomas, and I get the privilege now of serving as the uh CEO at Open Door Mission.

Uh and I'm really excited to be in Houston.

I've already felt a great welcome.

The last two years I got to spend working with a national organization, serving large shelters all across the country.

Uh in fact, I got to meet Minister Saddle White just last week and introduce him to my friend Robert Marbutt, who just uh entered the White House working on homelessness.

Uh on October 9th and 10th, I'm going to be sitting on a bench in front of our mission for 24 hours and inviting uh the community to come and speak to me about how we can better serve our community and uh we'll live stream the whole thing as an opportunity for me to hear from the community as well as get to know you guys and would love for you at some point in that 24 hours uh to come and sit with me.

And uh we'll live stream the whole thing as an opportunity for me to hear from the community as well as get to know you guys and would love for you at some point in that 24 hours uh to come and sit with me.

I'll leave information about that.

Uh and uh I've done this in previous communities, and I'll be joining uh 75 other um CEOs all across the country doing this in Dallas, Seattle, uh DC, New York City, LA, uh, all at the same time.

So we'd love for you to come and join me on uh the 9th and 10th.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Brandon, for coming down here to extend this invitation to everyone.

I have had a chance to tour your facility.

Um you all do some great work out there, and um I really uh I'm glad that you know you're reaching out to others and also uh introducing yourself to to the city.

Thank you.

Sister Mama Sanyo.

To be followed by Tiffany Vail.

Greetings, I'm Sister Mama Sanya, a proud member of District D.

Councilwoman Carolyn Evans and Baz.

You know, we bleak crypton and go going to Yates.

When he first came to Houston, you had Mike Miles, the takeover Kingpin of HSD, to discuss his plans for a school district.

Since he's been here, the scholars, teachers, school employees are all suffering at the hands of F.

Mike Miles and the Board of Managers.

We're asking that you have him back to explain why custodians were laid off and we had at lower salaries and no benefits, while the shutdown wraparound services, social services to our scholars were dismissed.

Why data is manipulated to show the progress of HISD, and that is a lie.

Why scholars, teachers, school personnel, everyone in HISD is disrespected, devalued, dominated, disregarded, and decimated by F.

Mike Miles.

Please bring him back to the city council like you did before and ask him these questions and others I would be glad to tell to you.

It's because this is how we feel in HISD.

Also, we we want to ask you to please come by.

Please, please, please have him back.

There's a song that I sing at the end of every council meet at every HISE meeting.

Monsieur that's disregard us, you never listen to us.

I hope y'all really care about us.

Hello, my name is Tiffany Vaya, and I'm an Eastwood resident.

Yesterday the Harrisburg Tears voted to approve a redesign of telephone road between Lockwood and Lawndale, a redesign prompted by new guidelines for road design that were introduced by this administration.

At a community meeting held last week.

Thank you, Councilmember Martinez for being there.

Regarding this change from a design that the community approved to a more dangerous design, we were informed that the guidelines came from the mayor and no other information about the authors or the data in the guidelines to support such measures were given when asked.

We have already heard from many others before me pleading for safety on our roads.

Please don't forget that the people are the city.

And we deserve full transparency.

Thank you.

Samuel Wagner.

Hi, I'd like to start by saying thank you to Councilmember Castillo for getting the uh Prop A amendment passed to allow for us to have a chance to speak late at night.

Um I'm here to advocate for the return of the Austin Street bike lane, um, converting it back to what it was before it was unceremoniously ripped out and left as an open ditch, basically for the whole summer.

Um thanks to the the reporting by Cron, it was clear that there's some decisions, weird decisions being made by City Hall right now, and I don't know what feud the current mayor has with Commissioner Ellis, but please stop taking it out on Houstonians.

Uh it's you know, someone died today, someone died last week.

People keep dying, and we're being told we can't do anything about it because of guiding mobility principles that aren't really based in facts or science or data or anything.

They're just made up.

There's no numbers attached to these things.

So I just please reconsider it and make use of it.

Thank you.

I have no uh excuse me.

Um I have uh Saura Hernandez, she's part of uh my team.

Can she join me so we can be back to back to the same subject?

We ask to be present both of our case together.

Came it came and moved to suspend the rules to move up.

Um just I'm going to talk about the subject, and she's what's her name?

Okay.

No, what's her name?

Uh Sarah Hernandez.

To move Sarah Hernandez to follow the current speaker, not at the same time, but to be after.

Yeah.

All in favor say yes, I was supposed to name motion.

Okay.

Uh my name is Isaac Afik, a power Estonian for the last uh 14 and a half years, co-owner of Evita Cabinet's a milwork manufacturer.

Vita Cabinet is a is a woman-owned minority business certified by the city of Houston and state of Texas.

Beckett 2022, Evita Cabinets decided to go on on the route of governmental jobs or uh in order to have the opportunity to participate in building Houston and Texas and gain significant growth with the support of the city of Houston.

After two years, we received uh two jobs.

One is uh true technology technology center, the fifth ward 76,000 dollar project, no-down payment.

We funded at the beginning of October 2024, finished the installed November 24.

Uh March 25th was the first payment that we received.

Still we are owed 27,000.

Since April May uh 25, we had been trying to receive answers from the City of Houston representative Katie Tor Torenago Torregano and Kathy Flanagan from the fifth ward couldn't provide us a straight answers since April 25.

Uh the general contractor completely ignoring us.

Um right now uh it's been going for like 10 months.

Second job 16,000, and no down payment, the same thing.

Your teacher time has expired.

Okay.

My I'm just wondering my question is why do we have a subcontractor, a woman owned minority have to come to the city council to get paid.

Thank you.

Sarah Hernandez.

Good evening, Mayor and Council members.

My name is Sarah Esther Hernandez, and I'm the owner of IVITE Cabinets.

I'm a certified MBE, SBE, WBE, Section 3, and HOP business.

I pursue certification because I had the city promise that I would be helping for my business in a small business like mine.

Instead, it has left me financing city projects without payment.

In 2024, we got award two projects, one for two FIFA Ward Technology Center under the prime contractor GSD.

We completed the job and they still all owe us 26,446.

Then we have the other project on third jobs uh workforce training on their patriot contract contracting.

The executive director, Alma Perez, she referred herself as the owner of this project.

And she decided to change to make a change order, use a third party contractor, and then deducted from my balance, and she doesn't want to pay the balance.

Due to the lack of communication, I reach out.

Is this been three minutes?

Time has expired.

I just don't get support from the from the departments on the city that they support minority women own a small business like myself.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh, and thank you both for coming forward.

I think my office has reached out to you all since your business is located in uh my district.

Um I have a memo and mayor, you probably have the sign because I think we got it from your administration that does say that the fifth ward community redevelopment corporation successfully closed on a loan on August 14th and has been since uh given notice to your business that due to GSD using funds control a funds control company, it takes a bit for funds to be distributed.

However, it is my understanding that your check should be available this Thursday, August 28th.

All right.

So hopefully uh you should be getting contact uh from the city or payment received this week.

If that is not the case, you can reach back out to my office and we will follow up on this to ensure that you do get paid.

Uh I do want to apologize to you for uh whatever was done uh without our knowledge that dropped the ball and and has brought you to this point that you have to come to us and ask for payment after an extended period of time.

That dropped the ball and and has brought you to this point that you have to come to us and ask for payment after an extended period of time.

That's not how we want to do business.

Thank you, Mr.

Edward.

I just want to highlight accountability for the prime contractors in communication with the city departments.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Will heel Steve Williams?

Haley Rogers.

To be followed by Lizette Prestwich.

Hello, my name is Haley Rogers.

I am an organizer with the Democratic Socialists of America.

I'm also an organizer with Houston Leeds, and I live in A.

Leaf.

I just want to say that the complacency that I see on this body today is absolutely disgusting.

Of this body.

Well, the people are here.

And the people are here telling you today what is happening in our communities and what HPD's collaboration with ICE using the NCIC database is doing.

They are terrorizing our communities, and you sit here and do nothing.

All I see on this body today are do nothing Democrats and fascist sympathizers who do not have any courage to stand up.

And do what is right.

If you do not have the courage to stand up and do what is right, then you need to prepare yourself to step aside and be replaced.

To be followed by Christopher Rivera.

Hello, my name is Cody Zell, and I'm a senior at the University of Houston.

Uh currently the residents of Houston are living in a state of fear because of the city's collaboration with ICE.

Routine traffic stops run the risk of unjustly tearing residents away from their families, and the city is complicit in these predatory operations.

Houston City Council, please end all crowd collaboration with ICE.

Not only that, but in the contract with the Houston headquartered of Allo Airlines that has a contract with ICE at a hobby airport.

I attended the last city council meeting and the crowd has only grown.

So I expect this pressure to continue so long as you remain complicit.

City Council members, you individually have great sway over what happens with our city.

Please use it to defend our city's vital residents.

And I wanted to talk to my representative Joaquin Martinez.

One of the meetings at UH, and you said that you uh believe that you truly represent the residents of uh you know, second word in East End.

I truly genuinely hope that you use your ability that Prop A has given you to speak out has expired and push a resolution to stop this collaboration.

Thank you.

Christopher Rivera.

How's it going?

My name is Chris Rivera.

I work with the Texas Rights Project.

Um here in support of Houston Leeds demand to stop the ICE HPD collaboration.

Police departments across the nation have been using traffic stops to help ICE with deportation efforts.

The Houston Police Department is no different in using traffic stops to separate families.

Reports as early as March revealed the coordination between ICE and HPD.

One specific report stated that a man stopped for a broken windshield, which resulted in his deportation.

This is not promoting public safety.

Police need to stop using non-safety traffic software busted tail lights or broken windshields to deport people.

Our coalition have met with several city council members and warned of this growing problem.

The proposed solutions are ending the collaboration with ICE, funding immigrant legal services, and accepting the Harris County and uh enhanced library card.

Another solution is to limit non-safety traffic stops.

City Council can pass an ordinance that prevents police from patrolling for these low-level non-safety traffic stops.

We can reduce the racial disparities tied to traffic enforcement and help lower the chances of the deportation.

To be followed by Teodoro Aguilis.

Is that this is happening because of low-level traffic enforcement and by reducing the number of those stops?

HPD can move to curb the even if you can believe that HPD has to do this kind of enforcement.

And I'm really excited to join you for that process.

Thank you.

ICE out of Houston.

To be followed by Illy Montolio Rivas.

Hi, um I want to thank you for addressing the Hawk and putting it above the high school.

We really needed that.

And I'm very proud that you did it as quickly as you did it.

Um I know you're getting a lot of heat for putting hawks up.

Why?

I don't know.

I can't answer that.

I think it's kind of silly.

And I think that it is a safety measure.

I know that on 11th Street it's working.

I drive back and forth two and three times a day.

My mom lives in Councilmember Abby Cayman's right off of 11th, and I live in the Woodland Heights.

I'm up and down that corridor every day, and people are stopping, and people are crossing safely, and it has made a difference.

And um, I want to as far as the evening sessions, it's the regular suspects that are here.

I went to commissioners court.

Half the people that were at commissioners court are also here.

I can come during the day or at night, but I really do a roll check and see how many new people.

Your time has expired.

You might be interested in finding that out.

To be followed by Jacob Klementech.

Uh good evening.

Um I have dual citizenship.

Uh most recently they contact me from the commissioner's court.

And basically they want me to attend due to past situations.

I don't think it's safe.

Because some of them you were in that color uh measure uh with my uh because we have a situation with Escobar.

Um Pablo Escobar on Hidalgo has Nexus with uh the Colombia Cartels and other stuff from the past.

So basically, it's not that I don't want to go.

Is that I don't think it's safe uh due to situations uh took place many years ago.

Uh I don't want to lose my driver's license, my license to carry, and I don't want to lose my U.S.

passport.

And according to them, uh constituents are not welcome even to bring their weapons to live in council in the parking lot, blah, blah, blah, blah.

I understand when we are in federal building, and when there are certain sites, I do the course.

I mean, I don't understand what is the situation that's a good idea.

Your time has expired.

Jacob Clementec.

Hi, guys.

I'm going to bring to y'all some good news.

I mean, what lot of complaints were made right now, but I'm gonna always in Austin earlier today, and then I got them on my bus uh from Austin, and I picked up this letter from uh State Senator Kell of Alvarado, and he says I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your thoughtful astro ceremony gifts.

It is always great to always have a proud Houston in the building that is state capital, since Jellicaro, Alvarado, and this comes from an IG named Peter Flores.

He said, Jacob, thank you so much for the IG Pellowcase.

I trust that God will bless you all the days of your life.

Time Peter Flores.

And he says that Mayor Wilmar is one of the best mayors Houston has ever had.

Oh, and he gave me this.

This is an official State of Texas Bible.

It's got the more time.

No.

Oh, I can joke.

We gotta go home, Jacob.

It's been a long day.

Go get some rest.

Thank you, Jacob.

Go on with the I can joke.

Okay, you know why the evening sessions aren't too aggy ish because they're not a.m.

Um they're PM.

And we gotta wrap it up.

Aggies are AM.

Thank you, Jacob.

Go get some rest.

Next Joseph Omari.

Don't see him.

One more time.

Joseph Omari.

He walked out.

Okay, we stay in uh recess until nine o'clock in the morning.

For Houston Health Department.

Item 29, ordinance appropriating $5,744,000 for Holcomb Lab Expansion Project.

Item 30, ordinance approved and authorizing parking license agreement between Wind Park Management LLC.

Item 31, ordinance award and contract to Odigo Services LLC, Southern Brothers Properties, LLC, NL Concrete Services, LLC, Hogan Construction and Concrete LLC, Ex Circuit Mechanics LLC, Roman Impure, Roman Emperor's Road, LLC, TrueCon Contractors LLC, Skilled Construction Subs Unlimited, LLC, Caney Creek Capital LLC doing business as Caney Creek Land Services and Zeta Engineering LLC for Small Contractors Rotation Program 3.0.

Item 32, ordinance approved and authorizing contract with hometown veterin veterinary hospital PLLC doing business as Virgy.

To provide veterinary veter veterinary services.

Item 33, ordinance approved and authorizing contract between the City of Houston and Highway 6 Transmission Center, Inc.

Item 34, ordinance approved and amending ordinance number 2024-776 to increase their maximum contract amount authorizing First Amendment with University of Houston on behalf of his College of Optometry and Optometry and Vision Services.

Item 35, ordinance approved and awarding interlocal agreement between the City of Houston and Lone Star College.

Item 36, ordinance approved and authorizing derivative agreement between the City of Houston and Amoresco, Inc.

Item 37, ordinance approved and authorizing derivative agreement between the City of Houston and TDI, TD Industries, Inc.

Item 38, ordinance approved and authorizing interlocal agreement between the City of Houston and North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Item 39, ordinance amending ordinance number 2024-598 to set maximum contract amount, approving and authorizing First Amendment to contract with EFI Global Inc.

Item 40, ordinance approving and authorizing derivative agreement with Otis Elevator Company.

Item 41 ordinance approving and authorizing agreement among the city of Houston, Texas, tax increment reinvestment zone number 28, City of Houston, Texas, and Medical Center Area Redevelopment Authority.

Item 42, ordinance approving and authorizing in local agreement for multi-street mobility and safety improvements, buying between the City of Houston, Texas, and Old Spanish Trail, Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority.

Item 43, ordinance approving and authorizing the submission of grant application to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for eight home elevations.

Item 44, ordinance approving the acceptance of funds through a grant agreement between the City of Houston and the Texas Water Development Board for the reimbursement for the elevation of seven flood prone structures as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agencies Flood Mitigation Assistance Program.

Item 45 Ordinance approving the acceptance of funds through a grant agreement between the City of Houston and the Texas Water Development Board for the reimbursement for the elevation of 24 flood prone structures as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood mitigation program.

Item 46 ordinance approving and authorizing the submission of grant applications to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for Drainage Improvement Projects.

Item 47, ordinance approved and authorizing the submission of grant application to the Texas Water Development Board for Federal Emergency Management Agencies Fiscal Year 2024 Flood Mitigation Assistance for the Freeway Manor Gulf Terrace Neighborhoods Flood Risk Reduction Project.

Item 48 ordinance appropriating $5,400, $849.

Awarding contract to Vortex Lining Systems LLC for West Ridge and Braze.

Brace Terrace Area Drainage and Pavement Improvements.

Item 49 motion to receive nominations for positions 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Board of Directors.

Item 50, motion to receive nominations for position 8 of the Board of Directors of the Houston Civic Events Inc.

City of Houston, Texas.

Item 51, ordinance approved and authorizing interlocal agreement between the City of Houston and Harris County, Texas for operation and maintenance of various parks.

This item was tagged by Council Members Kamen, Huffman, and Pollard, and with item 24 on the agenda of August 20th.

Item 52 is an ordinance amending Chapter 45.

Adding Section 45-11, prohibiting sitting, standing, and walking on median strips measuring six feet or less in width, and on divided roadways where no medium strip exists.

This completes the reading of the captions for the agenda of August 27, 2025.

Stay tuned for the next session of Houston City Council.

Schedule to begin at 9 a.m.

And with that, I wish everyone a wonderful and blessed Wednesday.

Please come to order.

Under the miscellaneous category, item one needs a motion.

Castex statum move.

Next second.

Motion made the second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passed.

One.

You can come forward, Mr.

Garcia.

I can't say enough.

You are the right person at the right time.

The lead the sports authority.

You've been such a breath of fresh air.

Uh, working with the city, uh, the county, the host committee for the World Cup.

And just thank you for your public service, but also what you bring to the table, some common sense and let's get it done attitude.

So I'm so proud for you to be an appointment of this body.

And uh anything you want to say, uh I understand.

This is a good little moment to give a report on the uh World Cup.

FIFA, who we meet with regularly says we're ahead of all the other cities.

And uh Ryan Walsh and your team uh keep us informed, but all I have to say is ch charge on, but thank you.

I know you have a real life, a beautiful family and a law practice, but we're so fortunate and uh thank you for what you do at the rodeo too, by the way.

So any comments from you other than you want me to keep talking about you, I will no.

Of course.

But also let's just go to work.

Let's just go to work.

The judges on your side, you leave them keep talking, right?

So uh that's what we do.

But no, thank you for the appointment.

Thank you for the trust and confidence to the mayor and the council members.

Uh we do have a little soccer tournament coming uh next summer here to the uh city of Houston.

And and as the the you mentioned, Mayor, we are the example of North America.

The city of Houston is the example of North America.

FIFA uses Houston to compare it to the rest of the cities, and frankly, we are no comparison.

Uh we are with the standard here.

Uh for example, on our fanfest that we're handling at the East End.

We are having 39 days of a fan fest for our community where other cities are not even having it.

Uh or they're having it only on days that they're having a soccer tournament.

We're having it every single day.

But it couldn't have happened without your assistance, Mayor, and to the council members, because the collaboration with the city, the county, the the Houston Police Department, the fire department, Metro, the airport system, all of that working together with the Sports Authority, Ryan Walsh, Chris Kennetti, and the team here has been a tremendous effort along with the rest of our board.

So I wanted to thank you, Mayor, Council members, your staff, because you all have been tremendous in making sure that that has happened, and we are ready to go.

Now we have to execute.

So we we are prepared.

We are more prepared than anybody, but now we have to execute.

And I will tell you, it's not just FIFA.

A few weeks ago we hosted the AAU Junior Olympics.

We had 60,000 people here.

We had an economic impact of almost 90 million people.

Again, they would love to have it here every year because we are the example of the nation.

Just this weekend we had the national battle of the bands here, uh, where we hosted eight uh eight, you know, historically black colleges and universities at NRG.

What an amazing event.

And that's what the Sports Authority does.

Bring our community together, and that was what the staff does.

So again, I wanted to thank you for the trust and confidence.

But more importantly, thank you for working with the Sports Authority and allowing us the opportunity to be successful because of your collaboration uh and your assistance as well.

Do you want to repeat everything you've said?

Well, you want to start over.

I'll give you time to repeat it.

Because it was a bold move.

Uh looking at the counter of FIFA coming next summer, but we were responding to the venues, the sports authorities, that something had to be done in terms of that can-do attitude.

Instead of traveling the world, you buckle down with your leadership team, and uh we're getting great reviews, as you just mentioned.

Yes, sir.

Again, thank you.

And I, you know, the the credit obviously goes to Ryan Walsh, his team, Chris Kennetti, John Arnold, and his team with FIFA, and as you mentioned, we started talking to the Rockets and the Astros on the facilities because we should be second to none in our facilities for those fans, the city, the citizens of Houston and the county that go and visit those, and to our sister organizations with Houston First and the Greater Houston Partnership, so we can attract these uh conventions to come to Houston.

We need to get our facilities where they need to be, and we need a partner with these organizations.

So we started working with that as well, which is our core mission there at the authority.

So while we're still bringing these events to Houston, we're also working on our core mission to make sure our facilities are where they need to be.

Well, we know that we had, well, actually, it's for you came on board.

You're the result of a meeting of every stakeholder.

Say we're not getting ready, we're not keeping up with the other cities on FIFA, we're not focusing on our venues.

You have to do something, Mayor.

And uh we had friends that were in some leadership positions, but quite frankly, you make the city, you make my decision look good, and I appreciate it.

And thank you for including our communities, taking the World Cup experience into our communities with our young people and the uh the potential teams to understand.

Now they want to uh camp on 288 for the uh the uh other countries' teams are looking to Houston to base out of, folks.

So turn that damn thing on.

Uh now we're looking down 288 for eight more soccer fields.

Uh because of our central location, they want to base out of Houston.

So it's an exciting time uh to be a Houstonian and the region and the world.

And uh, you know, I I started out giving you uh uh a shout out, but man, you are you and Ryan are making it happen.

Well, thank you.

And our county partners are so pleased, and the sports stakeholders, our community.

So it's a great way to start a council meeting.

Thank you very much.

Um, congratulations again, Juan.

Uh, thank you for your service and your volunteerism.

Um Houston sports economy is so critical to what we do as a city, so we definitely want to make sure that we are having people on the board that can help us to amplify the importance of our our sports economy.

Um but I did want to uh recognize Ryan Walsh and Holly and the entire team who work so diligently to make sure that these events that we are hosting are stellar for not only um the City of Houston, but for each of the residents and the visitors that come through to participate in those events.

So congratulations on uh incredible battle of bands this weekend and all of the other events that you um lead on and help us to host as a city.

Yeah, I I agree that the it we house these events, but after what we don't see is the legacy that they leave, and Ryan and Holly make sure that happens.

Uh the they other cities are taking our stuff, cutting out the city of Houston, and using our material that Holly and the team designed.

That's how good this team is.

Uh and so they continue to do that, and the legacy that we will uh showcase for FIFA after for years to come will be amazing, and what this team is doing, I just it's it's it blows me away.

The other thing, Mayor and colleagues, the um FIFA will give an update at one of our upcoming uh economic development committee meetings.

So when we schedule that, we will let everyone know so we can get um the latest update from the organization and how things are progressing for the city.

Councilman Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Juan, good to see you again.

And listen, it it you know, I can't say enough.

I'm gonna leave uh the opportunity to congratulate you.

It's been several times, seemed like almost every two or three events that you promoted or appointed to, I'm there to uh congratulate you and even now, and you you definitely add a lot to the sports authority.

Those of us who are native Eustonians, we brag on our city.

And uh you are good reasons why we brag on it, whether it's the rodeo or Houston Sports Start, and I agree with the mayor.

You couldn't have put a better person.

I'm just happy to be here on council at the time uh when you guys are here and some of the work that you are doing, and uh it's been just great, and I look forward to what's coming in Houston, especially during uh the World Cup, uh, because I got some other investment into that myself.

But uh congratulations and uh God bless you.

Thank you very much.

Welcome.

Thank you.

Councilman Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor, and congratulations, Juan, on your reappointment, and thank you for agreeing to serve another term.

You have been providing fantastic leadership uh in this role, and I appreciate that you highlighted all the city departments that are involved and mentioned all the other signature events that are happening between now and the World Cup, because we all are getting excited about the World Cup, but there are a number of things that you all are ensuring go off without a hitch and are successful between now and then.

And so uh thank you for you to you and your to your team and and all the partners that you work with because it is a big effort, and uh we are glad that you are in the position you are.

Appreciate it.

Thank you very much.

Councilman Kamen.

Good morning.

Uh Juan, I you know, all my colleagues said it best, whether it's the economic impact or just the spotlight on Houston or the fact that this gives us yet something else to be proud of Houston for.

We have so much that we love about our city, but to be able to spotlight it.

Um gives all of us that extra sense of pride.

Uh I want to thank you, and I appreciate you recognizing the entire team that works through this.

Ryan, you and your team, uh, Chris has been doing yeoman's work, um, the entire board, John Hawley, the list goes on.

Um, but your level of communication and engagement with not just council, but the community uh makes all the difference in the world.

And I know that in addition to all the good things, y'all are also tackling some of those real challenges that we have when you mentioned facilities and working with our partners at the county.

Keep going.

You we are right there with you, and we just are grateful for everything.

Thank you.

And congratulations.

Please thank your family uh for lending you to all of us in the city.

Thank you.

If not, go to work.

Thank you, Ryan.

Great job.

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Call us if you need us.

Thank you.

Uh Mr.

Secretary, the consent agenda.

Under the purchasing and tabulation of bids category, items six and nine have been removed for separate consideration.

Need a motion for items two, three, four, five, seven, and eight.

Cast next say to move.

Hex second.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those nay.

Motion passes.

Under the resolutions category, item 10 has been removed for separate consideration under the ordinances category.

Since your list was distributed, item 40 has been pulled by the administration with and will not be considered.

Items 29, 31, 47, and 48 have been received.

Items 12, 13, 19, 25, 26, 31, 36, 37, 39, 43, 44, 46, and 48 have been removed for separate consideration.

Again, those numbers are 12, 13, 19, 25, 26, 31, 36, 37, 39, 43, 44, 46, and 48 need a vote on the balance.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Items removed for separate consideration.

Item six needs a motion.

Cast X say to move.

Motion made in the second.

Councilman Helpman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And um I'm excited about this item.

We have some areas in District G where we could really benefit from lane striping at Kirkwood Memorial on Kirby Lane, north of San Philippi, up to Shepherd.

There's ling confusion, and so we're really excited to have this.

Thank you.

Councilman Albert.

Great.

Councilmember Alcorn.

My favorite agenda item of all time.

We're very excited about this.

Thank you very much.

Much needed public safety.

I live in District G.

She's right.

There's a ton of area in District G that uh need striping as far as also across the city.

So thank you to the administration for getting not just one but two lane striping machines.

We are still working on lane striping from 2023 requests from 2023, and uh we uh have determined that it's much cheaper for us to do it in-house with our own truck than it was to contract out.

So thank you.

Mayor Pro Chairman Cash State.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh I think that we can all agree that we need lane striping across the entire city.

Councilmember Alcorn, I know you have been advocating for this for years, and I know your budget amendment for the lane striping uh machine.

Um, but I wanted to give a special shout out to Director Mack eye for um not only one lane striping machine, but for uh two lane striping machines.

And um, even though it seems like um we could probably use 10 in the city of Houston, we are grateful for the two that will be um utilized to make sure that we are keeping our roads safe.

So congratulations to everyone that was involved in it.

Thank you.

You beat me to it.

I was gonna say Randy's done an outstanding job of listening to you uh council members, and like I said, not one but two, and I know he has others uh in the planning.

So good job, Randy, and members.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item nine is a mo.

Item nine needs a motion.

Cast X say to move.

Hex second.

Councilman.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor.

This item is for a janitorial contract for one year with a one-year extension.

And mayor minus support this item because if we don't uh this week, the current contract ends, so it's extremely time sensitive.

But I would ask when it becomes time to look at this again to make sure all the stakeholders are at the table, including those that represent our janitors like SCIU.

In addition to that, we don't require in our RFPs disclosure of things like what the actual wage is that they are paying.

So we set a floor that we're required to that they are required to meet, but we don't know what they're actually being paid.

We don't know what their benefits are.

So how many vacation days are they getting, or sick days more important?

Well, it's all important.

The benefits we should be aware of, and that should be a part of the RFP process.

So again, I'll support this today, but I would really hope that we can have a much a collaborative approach for those long-term contracts.

Yes, thank you for your words, and uh I'm very interested in it.

Um, because it's um handled by the Harris County Department of Education.

I did not know that they were as diverse with their responsibilities and they're really running a business.

Uh we've discussed in years past in the legislature about the purpose of the Department of Education.

And uh they do a good job of describing their responsibility to all the area school districts, but they always left out that they were also a business enterprise.

So that means we need to get involved, you and I and anyone else on council that wants to review the process and see that they're treating these employees properly.

Um certainly we will make that an agenda item work in progress.

So thank you.

Just need to vote.

All in favor say yes, those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item 10 is a resolution.

Just need a vote.

Councilmember Cayman.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you.

Uh normally I know Councilmember Flickinger um would want to spotlight uh the fact anything about the spaceport and how big it is for Houston.

So this is just a um correction in some of the language in the contract.

Um, but again, that we have spaceport that we're commute continuing to invest, I know means a great deal to the entire city.

Totally agree.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 12 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

Councilman Alkorn.

Councilman Alkorn.

Thank you, Mayor.

Well, I'm don't think there's anything we can do about it.

I am um pretty disheartened that this state law now will not allow us to enforce our sound regulations, decibel levels, anything from a food establishment.

We don't get a whole lot of comp uh of complaints about restaurants, um, brick and mortar restaurants that about sound.

It's mainly about nightclubs and bars, but but we sure do get a lot of complaints from food trucks and the loud noise and and basically this just ties our hands.

We we can't even go there and say you're playing above the decibel level.

So I do have concerns about this.

Maybe things can be worked out as the rules are developed, and uh, but I'm not sure.

But I did just want to voice that concern.

It's a pretty broad brush to just say we can't permit, we can't inspect, we can't enforce ordinances on uh food trucks and and thank you.

I I totally agree.

It's uh disappointing we were making progress.

We're all familiar with the uh noise violations, challenges, enforcement, whether it's uh Washington State's Fairchild will give us a good report that we were making a difference.

She did it last night.

Uh Shady Acres is a challenge.

I can't believe the 19th and 20th Street explosion for uh entertainment venues.

And then of course, emancipation.

Uh we've made progress there working with the community.

So now we're gonna have to deal with this.

Uh it's another example of Austin getting in local government's business.

When I went to legislature many years ago, local control was the doctrine that everyone ran on, looked out for, whether it's a school district or municipal government.

So elections matter.

We have got to speak out and get people to register and vote and protect our neighborhoods.

But this is a state effort to dictate to local communities across the State.

So it is what it is, but that don't mean we we like it.

Councilman Cayman.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And um I too add my concerns to this.

One of the things that I would like if legal is able to look into or in our IGR is when you bring up Washington, we have had instances where bars that are operating as nightclubs.

I think one in particular has opened up a portion of their club as a restaurant.

And what is does this create a further loophole where nightclubs and bars are starting to say no, they are a food establishment.

And can we add something into our ordinance that isn't preempted relating to how we define a food establishment or a night club so that more bars are in nightclubs aren't just saying, oh no, we're a food establishment.

When the police chief uh has one of his surges and I'm riding with him, he has a health department, the fire department, TABC, fire marshal.

It's unbelievable.

And they're looking to see if people have permits.

They have shut down several in Washington, certainly the food trucks.

Jimmy Rock and Westheimer, we were out one night, and the gentleman running a food truck left food being cooked and took off, and uh probably left his largest asset in his life, but he was operating without these permits.

So there will be an opportunity to explore other opportunities to deal with this intervention, but it will involve the health department, TBC, fire, and the entire city government.

So it is also a three million dollar budget hit, which is uh significant.

Mayor Pro Tim can't dictate him.

Thank you, Mayor.

That's exactly what I was also going to lift up that this Senate bill also preempts the City of Houston from uh continuing to collect our alcohol fees, um, which is going to be an estimated $3 million loss for the City of Houston, and that we need to continue to advocate for local authority with the legislature because every time we have these Senate bills or um House bills that pass that usurp our authority as a city, um, it's you know, these are unfunded, unfunded mandates.

These are opportunities for our ordinances to be preempted.

Um we've we've got to stay, try to stay a step ahead of this.

Um, and I agree with Councilmember Cayman that we have got to add something to our ordinances to protect um the food service establishments so we can continue um to regulate that that sound.

I neighborhoods will be just up in arms if we don't have some type of enforcement.

And I know for the um district council members that are um getting those calls and those complaints, it it is going to exacerbate.

So we we must um figure out how we can put it in our ordinances to still um enforce the sound decibels in favor say yes, those opposed to nay, motion pass.

Item 13 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes, those opposed, nay, motion passes.

Item 19 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay, motion passes.

Item 25 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

Uh mayor for Tim Peck.

Thank you, Mayor.

This is relating to um air quality monitoring equipment at two locations.

And since we're talking about the TCQ and air quality, I just wanted to use this as an opportunity to mention you know the other locations around the city that also need air quality monitoring, including the concrete match plant situation by the Audi School.

So and I know that that's not the only location in the city of Houston, but it's the newest one that has come up.

So anything we can do to get other um long-term air quality testing in certain locations would be appreciated.

Very good.

Councilmember Plummer.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I kind of want to chime in as well.

This is a good example of just getting the data that we need to support the disparities in health, the health disparities in a lot of these communities.

What we see oftentimes is the cumulative effect of having multiple facilities.

And that's another piece that we have to kind of keep in mind.

But this is definitely a step in the right direction, especially as we know that these um PM 2.5s and PM 10s and many other carcinogens really do cause challenges in people that are already suffering from comorbidities in health care.

So I'm excited to see this happening, and I really want us to do what we can to get more of these these monitors in place and also to let community understand too that we don't have control of the permits.

TCQ does, and state mandated, and so a lot of folks think that we as a body can um can prevent these folks from coming in in our communities, and we really can't.

But what we can do is things like this.

So thank you, Mayor, for for getting this done for us.

Very good.

Well said.

Just need to vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay, motion passes.

Next.

Item 31 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay, motion passes.

Item 36 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 37 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 43 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 44 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 46 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

Councilmember Plummer.

Mayor, I apologize.

May I please take a point of personal privilege and make a comment on item number 31.

I apologize.

It kind of moved a bit swiftly on me.

This is just amazing.

And I want to just commend um Director Mackai and um and Jed for making this happen.

This awards 10 small firms.

Um its contracts that are $50,000 or less.

It gives them an opportunity to get bonded and big for larger contracts, which has been such a big issue in terms of small to mid-sized businesses.

And also that this program is designed to expand opportunity for small contractors to compete for city work, particularly in public infrastructure maintenance and repair.

I just wanted to give huge kudos to making this happen.

This is definitely a move in the right direction when it comes to our minority small businesses and mid-side businesses.

Thank you for allowing me to chime in on that item.

Thank you.

So back on 46.

30 46.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

46 passes.

Item 48 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay, motion passes.

Thank you, Mayor.

Just wanted to let the residents in West Ridge embrace Terrace Air Area know about this project.

They have been advocating for this project since 2017 when it got on the capital improvement plan.

So thank you, colleagues, for the support of this.

This is going to go a long way for the drainage and preventing structural flooding in this area.

So they have been calling and they had a civic club meeting on yesterday.

So I think that they will be pleased that we, you know, the process may be slow sometimes, but these projects are big and it is moving in the right direction.

So I appreciate your support on this item.

Thank you.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 49 is a motion to receive nominations for positions 10, 11, 12, and 13 of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Board of Directors.

Just need a motion.

Motion made in second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Council Mayor Christill.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you.

Mayor distributed a memo and a resume is going around now to nominate Robert Browning to position 10 on the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

Councilman Alcorn.

Thank you.

I nominate Josh Broadbeck to position 11 of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

Very good.

Mayor and Council, I'd like to nominate Craig A.

Garcia to position 12 to the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

We have passed out a memo and attached to his resume for your review.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you.

I move to nominate Becky Davis Steindridge to position 13 of the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission Board of Directors.

You have those items before you, and I want to thank Councilmember Castillo for the recommendation on that.

Very good.

Anyone else?

Is there a motion to close the nominations?

Cast next to tell you to move to close the nominations.

Motion made and segment closed nominations.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item 50 is a motion to receive nominations for position eight of the Board of Directors of the Houston Civic Events Inc.

City of Houston, Texas.

Councilmember Carter for the President.

Thank you, Mayor.

I nominate Teresa Trent for uh position eight for the Houston Civics Events Board on behalf of Councilmember Flickinger who is absent today.

You have the uh resume and memo in front of you.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Cast X Tate to move to close nominations.

Motion made and segregated closed nominations.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item 51 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

Thomas Tagg.

Uh 51 is tagged by Councilmember Thomas.

Next.

Since the meeting, items 26 and 33 have been received.

Item 26 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item 33 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

And then we have the prop A item.

52.

Item 52.

Councilmember Hopkin.

Thank you.

Uh Mayor.

Public safety has to be a top priority in our city.

And that's why I, along with my colleagues, Councilmember Flickinger and Vice Mayor Pro Tem Peck have drafted this ordinance to prohibit sitting or standing on medians that are less than six feet wide.

By enacting this ordinance, we can take a proactive step towards preventing avoidable injuries and fatalities.

Every year in Houston, too many people, their lives are lost on streets.

And despite progress that was made, we've regressed a little bit.

And so in 2024, Houston recorded its highest number of traffic fatalities, which was over 300.

HPD reported that 33.9% of those killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation officials developed a standard which basically provided that medians and urban areas that were intended to serve as pedestrian refuges should be at least six feet wide.

Narrow medians were never meant to be a place for people to walk, sit, stand.

They leave individuals inches away from fast moving traffic with no protection.

These are some of the pictures that we've taken throughout the district and throughout the city of examples of narrow medians.

This picture was taken on a Sunday morning, and you can still see that that there's a lot of traffic.

This council has prioritized sidewalks in the past with things like the Safe Sidewalk Program.

Many of us use our council district service funds to build sidewalks as well.

And we want people to utilize sidewalks.

Medians aren't designed to be walkways.

This concern was brought by multiple residents, by HPD officers on the front lines.

And the language before you in this ordinance has been vetted by the city's legal department and is supported by the Houston Police Officers Union.

And for those of you that may have concerns about this ordinance, let me assure you that this ordinance isn't about limiting anybody's freedom.

It's about protecting it.

And this is what the courts have said too in both Wagner via the City of Dallas and Brown v.

the City of Hearst, which have been distributed to all of you via the legal department's memo regarding this item.

The proposed ordinance language before us today has been carefully tailored to mirror these previously upheld ordinances in these cities, Dallas Hearst, and not just cities in Texas, but we've seen ordinances passed like this in Raleigh, North Carolina, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Arizona, because these cities are recognizing that safety is important.

Also, I would like to point out that this item was laid out and discussed at the Proposition A committee that I chair along with Vice Chair Evan Shabazz.

That meeting was held on May 27th, and during that discussion, um there were no council members that raised concerns or objections or expressed um pushback.

And I think that this just demonstrates the common sense nature of this measure, that residents, council members, first responders recognize this necessary for public safety.

We know that this ordinance isn't going to solve the problem 100 percent, but it's a step in the right direction.

And for that, I move that this ordinance be adopted.

Thank you.

Councilman Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I certainly support this.

I think it certain it uh not only public safety is extremely important, but also to, you know, often, you know, in communities you hear, oh, you know, the homeless people on the corner and there are homeless people, you know, via the panhandlers.

And I know that this uh part of this uh ordinance allows us to um really address the the folks who are out there.

Um public safety, you know, when you've got someone walking up to a car window, you know, selling flowers with a child, and the traffic, the light turns green and everybody takes off.

That that child is in danger, and you see it all the time.

So I certainly support it, and you know, the other cities that you've uh you have mentioned who pet uh Dallas in 2022.

I think that you know we're certainly long overdue on doing this, so I certainly support it, and thank you all for bringing it forward.

Councilman Pollard.

Councilman Carl.

Oh.

Thank you, Mayor, and good morning to everyone.

Uh I appreciate the thought of this uh measure, and um I do think it is uh a benefit to the City of Houston to have something like this on the books.

Um with this uh proposal, it is not limiting, and I'm asking the question.

It is not limiting a person's ability to uh try to cross the street and have to stand on the medium for a short period of time just to get to the other side, correct?

And my other question is from an enforcement standpoint, what has law enforcement um mentioned to you all on how they would enforce what is the consequence of someone who is in violation of this proposal and and how does this how does that impact the city as well?

The ordinance um is a Class C misdemeanor uh with a fine up to $500.

Um, although when we look at other cities like Santa Fe and Raleigh, North Carolina, the mayors in those cities said, you know, once the ordinance is in effect, um, there is a grace period to educate the public about these ordinances.

So people know that it's it's on the book, and officers have discretion.

You know, so I think the first piece of this is educating the public that this ordinance is now in effect.

Um and then after that, um, once people know, then fines could happen.

Councilmember Maris.

Thank you, Mayor.

And uh to your point, Councilmember Pollard, um, it does not prohibit folks from standing on a median momentarily as they're crossing a divided roadway in the most direct route possible, according to the language uh that would be adopted in this ordinance.

So there are exceptions.

That is one.

Emergency situations where someone is rendering aid or is a victim or is otherwise complying with uh directions of a peace officer would be another.

And I had a question about uh whether the defense of necessity in the penal code would apply in a case like this, and uh our legal department has told me that it would.

So in dire circumstances where somebody believes uh they have to stand on the median in order to avoid, for instance, being struck by a car or something like that, some sort of imminent harm, it would be legal uh even if we pass this ordinance as well.

So I I think it's uh a good safety measure.

We hear a lot about how unsafe our roads are for pedestrians, and this uh could potentially save lives if folks knew this was a new rule and were in compliance.

So I support it.

And just to clarify, this applies to only to medians that are less than six feet wide.

We have medians throughout the city that some are more than than six feet wide.

So this is really narrowly tailored to narrow medians under six feet.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I I do I do see the piece in this in terms of the safety perspective.

My only concern is many of these people that are here are low-income, probably potentially homeless.

Um they get a class, you know, I mean they get a misdemeanor, don't have an address, turns into a warrant, now they are arrested.

I think the unintended consequence could potentially be people that just don't have the means to be able to go to court and to represent themselves.

So I think that's going to be one of the unintended consequences.

Do you have any solutions to that?

Well, and then let me say one more thing, too.

And then in terms of the outreach and giving people an opportunity to know about it, these folks aren't on social media, they're not, they're not keeping track, they're not going to get mail.

You know, these are the people that are not going to know anything that's going on, and so the folks that are directly affected are not going to know the outreach.

Um so I would love to see what your thoughts are on that.

Well, and this doesn't prohibit panhandling.

We know that some people make their living that way.

But we want people to do it in a safe manner.

We want them to be in spaces that are sidewalks that are meant for people to be on, um, or in safe spaces that are bigger than six feet.

If you're on a two-foot median and a car crosses that divider, there's really nowhere to go.

You're falling into traffic either one way or the other.

So we want to encourage people to utilize safe spaces to be.

I might add uh there's no doubt there's some hardship cases, but if you get have the opportunity to discuss it with some of the uh people collecting funds, to some it's a business.

And they stake out uh the corners if you go to uh I've been told by those on intersections.

Heights is uh an I tend to $300 a day take home.

If you go down to Washington and I attend a little slower corner, uh it's a $200 a day uh session.

So you visit these folks, they go home, uh they click SSI.

It's just literally an occupation of some.

And let's let's give HBD some credit.

They will use their judgment and address hardship cases, and uh not only rely upon them and their training to be uh stewards of uh all of us, and let's don't forget the travelers.

Some of the panhandlers uh are becoming more aggressive.

Reports of them banging on windows.

Uh they're having a bad day.

Uh some mental health is a factor.

So this is a good reasonable proposal, and certainly we can always uh adjust it, but uh there's gonna be some hardship cases that there again will uh monitor it very carefully.

But it exposes young people, uh the kids, the dangers, the travelers.

I do think uh Turo will monitor it very carefully.

The the Dallas ordinance that I know we monitored uh and modeled this after is still being litigated.

So it's probably not the last time we'll have this discussion, but it's certainly a a great start.

Uh Councilmember Alcorn.

Thank you.

And thank you, Councilmember Huffman.

You've done your homework on this, and this does sound like a very reasonable uh proposal.

I guess my I'm a little confused about, and maybe the City Attorney could weigh in on what current panhandling rules are.

It's my understanding that the Texas Transportation Code disallows uh you know standing in a roadway to solicit funds, and also the City of Houston itself has an aggressive panhandling ordinance, which which basically uh you aggressive panhandling like following someone, blocking their path or continuing after being told no is illegal.

So what what exactly are our current rules on the books regarding panhandling?

Well, the the practical distinction is you under the Transportation Code, the State Transportation Code, you cannot be in in the roadway.

I mean that's the So the median doesn't count as the roadway?

Correct.

Okay.

And so that's this is going to set up uh for these narrow uh medians the inability to stand there uh other than passing through or necessity or some of the other exceptions.

Okay.

And are are there are our standard median, I mean, is there like a I don't know what our standard median size is, or you know, we've got 7,000 medians, I think.

And is this are there many that are then that might be a public works question?

Doesn't matter.

I mean I'm supportive of this, but it it would be interesting for me to know kind of what the what our universe is of these you know, kind of more narrow medians.

Yeah, I'm not sure.

I don't know the answer to that, you know what percentage are um less than six feet wide, but really what I think when we're talking about a median that is smaller than six feet, these are really medians or traffic dividers, right?

They're not really even medians, I would say.

They're traffic dividers to keep people safe.

Got it.

Thank you.

Mayor Pro Tim.

Thank you, Mayor.

My question, um, Councilmember Huffman, uh, some of these other cities that you did this research in, how did they get the message out to the folks to advertise this?

Because similar to um a comment that Councilmember Plummer made, the the folks that are standing on these traffic dividers probably won't be watching the news.

They probably won't get our newsletter, they probably won't see this communication on social media.

So I'm curious to know during the um grace period, how do we get the message to them?

So in some of these other cities, it was a proactive approach.

It was officers approaching people that were on narrow mediums, letting them know that this ordinance now exists.

Because like you said, they're not on social media, they're not watching the news, they're not getting the newsletter.

So it really was a proactive approach of education.

So do we anticipate that that's gonna happen in Houston?

Do we have a plan of implementation?

Because I'm just thinking about enforcement uh of this and making sure that we use the grace period to get the message out.

Absolutely, and um the Houston Police Officers Union is supportive of this ordinance, and it's definitely something that um you know we can talk with HPE about that education piece.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor Pro Tempac.

Uh Vice Mayor Pro Timpeck.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, I just wanted to thank Councilmember Huffman for her leadership on this ordinance.

Um it's definitely important for public safety, not only for the people standing in the medians, but also drivers as well.

There are many times where um people are driving and they can't see past someone who is standing in a place where they shouldn't be, and it causes traffic concerns and safety issues.

So thank you for bringing this forward very good.

And in uh Mayor Pro Tim, I think HPD should use warnings to it's well broadcast and accepted as a new ordinance.

So there again, we'll be in contact with HPD and their training.

Anyone else?

If not, uh all in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Uh just do a roll call.

Okay.

Mayor Webmeyer.

Yes.

Councilmember Peggy.

Yes.

Councilmember Evan Shabazz?

Yes.

Councilmember Thomas?

No.

Councilmember Huffman.

Yes.

Councilmember Castillo?

Yes.

Councilmember Mara Tinez.

Councilmember Pollard?

Yes.

Councilmember Castax Tatum?

Yes.

Councilmember Ramirez?

Yes.

Councilmember Davis?

Yes.

Councilmember Carter?

Yes.

Councilmember Plummer.

No.

Councilmember Alcorn.

Yes.

112.

Everybody.

11.

Yes, it's two no's motion passes.

Councilman Thomas, did you want a comment?

Yes.

Councilman Thomas.

Councilman Thomas recognized.

Thank you, Mayor.

It's clear that there's clearly been discussion around this item, and I I want to uh share my no vote.

The item definitely has merit.

Um and I've often mentioned how I exit on my way home, I exit Bissinet and Beltway 8.

So if you know anything about that side of town, that's why I exit to go home.

And I'm I have experienced individuals walking upon my car at night.

Um you see this on Bel Air and Wilcrest, Cook and Beechnut, West Timer and Stony Brook.

Um so I think it's something that uh definitely has merit.

However, um the chilling effect of the civility ordinance that we uh passed a couple of weeks ago.

My office has received a matter of fact, while I was sitting in this seat, I received photos and uh an email uh in my Facebook messenger about residents saying that they're seeing increased um activity within residential neighborhoods because of what we're putting on the books and what we are uh how we are directing HPD's times around the unhoused.

Um I also think that we can't police our way out of poverty and we cannot police our way out of pu in into public safety.

That is not the exclusive way that we do this, uh especially when we have um, at least in in on on the west side, uh apartment complexes that have young people um dying by random gunfire.

So there's there's merit to it.

Um I think if we want to talk about pedestrian safety, we have a cure for that.

It's called Vision Zero.

I think if we want to talk about um uh making sure that those who are unhoused and homeless, there's a cure for that.

The 40 million dollars that we passed in the DR24 package, that 40 million dollars had individualized case management, short-term rental assistance, um, to make sure that these individuals have the actual the the resources.

And so I think it's you know uh it it's interesting that we had 40 million dollars, and the authors of this voted against the 40 million dollars for the unhoused um to move forward to to respond to the needs at the intersection.

So if there's an opportunity, it's rare that ordinances come back up for review, but if there's an opportunity, I do think we need to offer feedback once this thing hits the street, because I do think that there's going to be an expectation in our neighborhoods that HPD will enforce this.

We'll continue to see um these incidents at the intersections, and then um council members will be left help holding the bag about an unmet expectation.

So uh if we can continue to work through that, Mayor, if you if you're willing to bring this back up, um uh I would love to make sure we have feedback after this goes live.

Thank you.

Certainly.

Anyone else?

Uh that completes our agenda.

Bop off.

Councilman Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Labor Day is Monday.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable uh Labor Day weekend.

HPD is busy, so keep keep on your best behavior.

Thanks.

I'll try.

Thank you, Mayor.

That ain't happening.

On Monday, the announcement of the My Brothers Keeper Houston 2025 local action plan was held at the Mass and Patient Park Cultural Center.

The plan shaped by community voices and leaders sets bold actions that will guide MBK Houston through 2030 and reflects the partnership of government, nonprofits, educators, businesses, and residents to expand opportunities for boys and young men of color.

Uh today, District D is proud to join the seniors, Cinderella of Fairball and Royal Court 2025, hosted by the honorary mayor of Sunnyside, Sandra Massie Hines.

Of course, she did tell me she's gonna miss her prints this year, but I'm certain that it's going to be a festive affair, and she is certainly due all honor for all of the work that she puts in, particularly for the seniors in Sunnyside.

And it's uh today starting at 10 a.m.

and ending at 2 p.m.

at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road.

Uh later this week, Wesley AME Church will host its annual Greek Sunday service, a fellowship honoring the legacy and service of black Greek letter organizations.

It will be Sunday at 9 45, Wesley AME Church.

I'm glad it says 9 45.

I thought it said 8 30, and I was like, oh my God.

Anyway, 12850 Cityscape Avenue, uh 77047.

And Mayor, I am so very happy to announce that on Friday, a hundred percent of the apartments in Cullen Park and Wesley Square would have been inspected.

And so I plan to be there on Friday to see what they found, to see how and when they will abate it, and also to let them know that if it's not a safe condition for the tenants to be there while they do it, that it is their responsibility, the the complex rather to make sure that they are in safe housing while this is getting done.

And so I'm I'm really elated about that.

And I have to lift up Dr.

Candace Matthews, who brought this to my attention with those horrible videos of all of those rats, and we have seen a lot, and certainly you all I'm sure saw my engagement with the rat.

You all see I can lift my legs pretty fast if I need to.

But certainly uh it was, you know, just apropos that he showed up to to his meeting uh because he knew we were trying to get rid of him and his family, so he thought he would come and speak up and he did.

And so um District D also looks forward to continued work with the administration on improvements, and I want to put that in quotes improvements at Herman Park Golf Course included needed upgrades to facilities and grounds that will make the course more accessible and welcoming for residents, and just very, very clearly I have been engaged with a lot of golfers, and they do not want that course changed.

Just want to make that public.

And so I certainly am uh believe that it can always be upgraded, but this is the first park that African American golfers were allowed to engage.

And so certainly I want them to continue to engage as well as all others.

I spoke with Councilmember Huffman, and she said that her constituents also use Herman Park and so the golf course.

And we want to keep it active and accessible, and we want the golfers to continue to enjoy it.

And I may even take up the game.

Uh-huh.

And I thank you, uh Mayor Whitmire for your commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that this historic space continues to serve the community well.

And thank you.

And that concludes what's going on in the District of Destination.

Thank you, Mayor.

I want to start by congratulating Thomas Faraday on his Eagle Scout service project, which was a pedestrian bridge installed in Woodland Parks wooded area that uh helps folks get uh and access the trail.

Um it took some work with Parks Department and with public works to get that through permitting and approved, but it was able uh to get done and completed on time, and we held the ribbon cutting last Thursday, and now it's gonna help folks utilize um a really neat part of the city.

Just just a stone snow from downtown.

If you haven't gone back into the woods of Woodland Park, I encourage you to do it.

Um now there's a pedestrian bridge back there that helps you get through the trail and will be part of a larger expansion uh as we look at uh connecting Woodland Park to Moody Park through the little White Oak Bayou and and uh potential future Bayou Greenway.

I also uh want to thank everyone for coming last night for our first evening public session.

Um I want to thank Councilmembers Alcorn and Vice Mayor Pro Tempeck for signing on to that uh Prop A ordinance and uh think that you know we we saw a lot of engagement um from Houstonians and look forward to the the remaining evening session meetings uh and hope that they're uh highly utilized and well attended.

And then uh everyone have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember David.

Councilmember Kaman.

Uh first and foremost, uh I want to thank HPD's bomb squad.

Um at Memorial Park, I'm sure some of y'all saw the headlines.

Um, as the Conservancy continues to create this incredible space called Memorial Groves, right?

Which, and again, the reason why we call Memorial Park Memorial Park is to honor that this was a military site and training camp.

And uh so over uh earlier this week, uh there's lots of artifacts around, and of course, some crews uncovered uh a World War One era.

Uh HPD calls it an ordinance, I say bomb, uh, but it again was not necessarily a threat, but HPD obviously took it very seriously.

Uh there was a controlled detonation and uh work was able to continue.

So uh again, I want to thank HPD for their quick response, but also just lift up the history of Memorial Park, and that's why Memorial Groves is so important in commemorating all of this history as well.

Uh there's a few other things.

Um I do want to recognize um since Councilmember Huffman raised the issue of the student that was struck, thank God not killed, last week in front of Lamar, and I appreciate you, Mayor, heading out there.

Um we've had at least three people, I believe, killed in this past week alone.

Uh just yesterday in District C, a 70-year-old cyclist was struck and killed by a truck that failed to yield, the vehicle failed to yield to right of way and killed the 70-year-old cyclist.

This was near Watonga Park.

It's a very um heavily used pedestrian and cyclist area along those trails.

Uh so I will continue to advocate and push for safety for all Houstonians on our roads.

Uh Mayor, I did want to bring up I know we are continuing to work through the challenges related to solid waste.

Um our office is continuing to get an unprecedented amount of calls uh related to trash bins that are not being delivered timely.

Uh in District C, we pulled from 311.

There are 1,517 open solid waste container cases.

These have been open for this year.

Um I'm continuing to speak with other council members.

We appreciate the work of the department.

I'm not pointing fingers, but we have a problem when people cannot get a trash bin.

Um it's honestly it's a health safety issue as well as absolute inconvenience and struggle uh when you can't dispose of your trash.

Uh Councilmember Peck and I are discussing options for how we can also help.

We don't want to just say there's a problem and not do something about it, so we are continuing to, but I did promise residents that I would raise the issue today because over 1,500 open cases in District C alone is is just it's not okay right now for our residents.

Um there could be some duplications in that system.

I want to point that out as well.

Uh but again, we're hearing from residents that they're not getting their trash bins.

Lastly, uh I do want to say happy Labor Day, and again thank all of our um folks in labor and unions and everyday workers in Houstonia in Houston.

Uh also, though, I want to recognize the anniversary.

It's been eight years since Harvey and 20 years since Katrina.

And uh both of those storms had a profound impact um on Houston and on our sister city of New Orleans.

Um I evacuated.

I know others around the horseshoe were impacted during Katrina.

Um, far too many lives lost.

Recovery was a struggle.

Um, so I I just want to remember everyone that was lost during Katrina and everything we have gone through in Harvey as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I give you a report on the containers.

He will be caught up very soon.

We all know the work he's doing, but also most of the backlog are new residences, the new condos, the new, which are important, but uh he's committed to it.

39.

Yes, item 39 came in.

Uh new discussion.

Item 39 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passed.

Thank you.

Next would be Councilmember Hope.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, there's a project that is anticipated to start soon.

It's not in District G, but it's um just south of West Timer on Hillcroft.

And the project is going to be done by Metro.

It includes milling the existing surface of the road, cleaning and sealing the pavement, laying and leveling course, which is definitely needed on Hillcroft.

However, just north of West Timer, that Hillcroft becomes Voss, which is also in need of the same type of work.

And so I would love for Metro to extend their project just once they are done with the southern portion of Hillcroft to to move north and continue Metro.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Maris.

Thank you, Mayor.

A few items I would like to highlight.

One is the Maiachi Festival, Sixth Annual, which was held this past weekend at the Wortham Center.

Just want to give a shout out to Ben Mendez, the Mendez family, the directors of the Maiachi Festival, and Performing Arts Houston, especially Meg Booth, the President, for an outstanding show.

This is the sixth year.

They started in very humble circumstances, and for the last three years they have been in the Wortham Theater.

A wonderful place to showcase this music that is part of part of our heritage, frankly.

We saw some wonderfully talented performers, professional, elementary school kids.

We saw some high school kids.

You may be surprised to know that a number of our high schools have Mariachi programs, and there was an All-Star High School band that performed Friday night and again on Sunday and just did a wonderful job.

I know you were there Sunday afternoon, Mayor, so you got you got to enjoy that.

So look forward to that continuing and becoming even more successful in the future.

Second, yesterday we took up the capital improvements process and amendments that had been offered.

I appreciated that whole process yesterday.

I understand it is an ongoing thing.

We will continue to discuss the amendments that have been offered and the process in general.

I want to say I understand that it does cause public works to sort of stretch and possibly do things differently than they have in the past, but I am very respectful and appreciative of the job that Public Works does.

They have a lot on their plate, they work very hard under different difficult circumstances, and I appreciate the job they do.

We have two items on the agenda today that we passed that will help us that really go back to public works.

One was the lane stripers that we we talked about, two lane stripers, and then another one that didn't get talked about was the water meters that we're going to be replacing.

And so both of those will help us tremendously, but uh I do appreciate public works and look forward to their collaboration in the near future on these on these amendments that we have been talking about.

Umtion was made by Councilmember Evan Shabazz about uh changes coming to the Herman Park golf course, and I want to continue uh encourage the public to continue to speak out about how they feel about these proposed changes.

Uh it is it would be a major change to change the golf course from an 18-hole course traditional to a nine-hole course plus a three-par nine holes as well.

Um the reality is it's really hard to fund our parks adequately and and uh uh the golf course in particular, and um the challenge is where does that money come from?

And so I know the proposed changes come from uh a realization that we need a source of funding to take care of the golf course.

And so I would just continue uh continue to urge folks to offer their input.

Process is ongoing as I as I understand it.

Also a shout out to the leadership of the Herman Park Conservancy, which does uh an excellent job of maintaining that park while while dealing with uh some significant headwinds.

And finally, um earlier this week we talked about uh or was it last week, we talked about a couple of um campaign finance proposals uh and specifically with regard to those folks who who don't file on time or don't file at all and what we do about that.

Uh that same day we had that discussion committee, uh, an important case came down from the court, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which is our highest court in the State for criminal matters, that according to my reading will allow counties and cities to prosecute campaign finance violators.

So the way I read that case, it would be possible for the city in the future to prosecute in municipal court folks who violate campaign finance uh rules.

So uh I expect and hope that we will have conversations in the near future about uh what will happen in those situations.

Thank you all.

Councilmember Thomas.

Thank you.

Thanks, Councilmember Huffman, for uh sharing about the Metro project.

Uh Metro is leading the uh reconstruction of Hillcroft at West Timer Till to West Park.

The project is slated to start August 25th.

Uh there is another project that's on Richmond from Hillcroft to Dunville.

That's a $15 million project.

It is extremely delayed.

This project uh uh the notice to proceed started in the spring.

We were should have been done at this time, and we are not, and so my office has received a series of inquiries about the delay.

Richmond between Dunvale and Hillcroft is a major thoroughfare.

And so I'm looking forward to discussing that with HPW during my quarterly report.

I also want to highlight that we had a major water leak in the zip code of 77072 on Sunday, actually on Saturday evening.

My office was notified on Sunday.

I live in the zip code of 072.

Um and I wasn't notified by public works.

I was notified from an email on a Sunday morning and on social media by residents.

And so my ask to public works is is when there's an emergency happening over the weekend or overnight for council offices to be included in the protocol so I don't have to on a Sunday uh bird dog and track down information uh that disrupted three subdivisions, commercial businesses, uh, and potentially schools, as families were getting ready to uh prepare for the new school week.

Um but I appreciate Houston Public Works' uh uh prioritization of making sure that the water was turned on late Sunday evening.

So I appreciate your diligence around that.

Um speaking of public safety, um uh uh Houston Chronicle and other media sources has uh covered the closing of FunPlex.

And I know for for many it is a feel-good nostalgia story, but really it's a public safety issue.

Um the uh the uh issue around FunPlex was brought to my office by our skating crew um because they were concerned that this location would be turned into a data center.

Uh and we um are already seeing the complicated nature around data centers in communities.

Uh that area has a low to moderate income uh community.

Uh they are concerned about the possible um environmental impacts to our water infrastructure, our uh electrical infrastructure, and our power infrastructure.

Um although this is a uh a private property issue, and they're waiting to see what the market informs them of.

I think we have a responsibility as third spaces continue to close in our community from Astral World, Waterworld, Celebration Station, you name it.

Uh, many of our young people don't have places to go.

And when our young people don't have places to go, we'll see upticks of crime with our young people uh in our community.

So we have to work to make sure that our city programs um we can expand those wait lists so those young people have somewhere to go where those neighborhoods are safe.

In keeping with the same vein of our young people, uh, many of you probably um heard the news that there was a 13-year-old boy shot on South Derry Ashford two weeks ago, the Sunday before school was supposed to start in A.

Leaf ISD.

It was a random gunshot.

Uh, he was sitting on his couch, he was shot in his thigh, he went to the hospital and later passed away.

Uh the leadership and the focus of Westside HPD was able to apprehend the suspect within five days.

Um, my office has been working with law enforcement on those types of crimes uh and incidents in our neighborhood, and we are coordinating a community meeting um with the uh subdivision um immediately behind the apartment complex and the other stakeholders because this uh corridor um is under a public safety crisis.

Uh and so where we know there's gunfire, there's also lack of resources and other information.

So we're working to do that, and that is pending.

And so um I will be at Super Neighborhood 17 October 8th to provide an update uh with you, and we have a scheduled meeting with our West Side Commander to talk about that.

Uh we continue to have incidents of crime in our multifamily projects.