Councilmember Huffman for the invocation.

Thank you, Mayor.

If you will, bow your heads.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with gratitude for the gift of community and the leaders who serve it.

We lift up our city council asking for your wisdom, guidance, and protection over each member.

Grant them the discernment to make decisions that honor truth, promote justice, and serve the common good.

Give them courage to lead with integrity, compassion, to listen with open hearts and humility to seek what's best for all people, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Lord, bless the work that happens at City Hall with clarity of mind and unity of purpose.

May the efforts today bring peace, prosperity, and hope to our city.

Shield the City Council and this mayor from division, selfish ambition, and discouragement.

Instead, fill this chamber with your spirit of cooperation, fairness, and love for neighbor.

We entrust this council, our city, and our future into your hands.

May everything done here bring glory to your name and lasting good to this community.

Amen.

Thank you.

Please rise for the pledge.

I pledge the flag of the United States of America.

And to the Republic of which one nation under God's world.

Mr.

Secretary, would you call the roll?

Mayor Whitmeyer?

President.

Councilmember Penn?

Here.

Councilmember Jackson.

Councilmember Cayman will be absent.

Councilmember Erwin Shabazz?

Here.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Councilmember Thomas will be absent.

Councilmember Hoffman?

Present.

Councilmember Castillo?

Here.

Councilmember Martinez?

Here.

Councilmember Pilot.

Councilmember Castax Tatum?

Here.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Here.

Councilmember Davis.

Here.

Councilmember Carter.

President.

Councilmember Plummer will be absent, and Councilmember Alcorn will be absent.

Need a motion to adopt the minutes of September 16th and 17.

Castex Tatum move.

Next second.

Motion made and signaling in favor, say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Members, um, bring to your attention that we lost several leaders last week, uh earlier this week.

Um let me first mention Hugo Mahika, Chief of Staff of Councilmember Carter, the beloved public leader that I know is such a personal loss for Councilmember Carter.

But we join her in our condolences to our council member, his family, and what a public servant.

And he's made a difference, certainly since we've been on council.

He brought a world of experience and integrity to this body.

So we'll uh we'll keep him in our prayers and memory.

And when you're I will yield to you, Councilmember Carter, when you're when you feel you want you want to speak.

If if not now, if you want to wait later.

I'm good.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, yeah, you know, um, cancer is a terrible thing.

And uh certainly uh Hugo many uh is very well known around the political world long before I knew him.

And uh he was kind of a quiet soldier.

Most people don't know that he came to this country at age eight with his parents and couldn't speak English.

Learned the language and he attributes it to uh the teachers that he had in the educators in HISD.

He held two master's degrees and a bachelor's.

Um I always have to read it because I'm not smart enough to maintain all of it.

But um it had a bachelor's of political science from the University of Houston, a master's in arts and international administration from the University of Miami, and a Masters of Public Administration from Florida International University.

He was truly just a silent soldier that enjoyed politics.

He you know, city government.

Very well respected, and certainly one that, as you are, you say often, Mayor, could work both sides, and he knew how to do it.

And we used to laugh.

He'd say, you don't understand because you are red.

And I said, No, you're holding your breath and you are blue.

So, you know, we joked a lot.

But he was uh he was of good spirit, a very kind, compassionate driven individual, uh, that certainly um many around the city will miss his leadership.

And so I I thank you for your kindness.

Um our office, it certainly is um is suffering a significant loss.

We certainly showed the strength of the immigrant community, and for that we recognize him.

And God does not allow us to choose when we lose a loved one, but he does allow us to celebrate their life, and that's what uh we will continue to do.

Also, members, uh, it's with sadness that I mentioned that we lost two of our hero uh first responders last week.

Last Wednesday uh Houston Police Department Senior Officer Alex Roberts was tragically killed while conducting a traffic escort.

Officer Roberts was assigned to the traffic enforcement division, solo motorcycle detail, and started with HPD in 2010.

His funeral service will take place Thursday, September 25th, tomorrow at 11 a.m.

at the Community of Faith Church on Becker Road in Hockley, Texas.

Also last week, Houston Firefighter Paramedic Stephen Scott passed away.

Following an on-duty medical emergency, the firefighter paramedic Scott started with Houston Fire in 1997.

He worked out of Station 102 in Kingwood.

His service uh will be Friday at the church at Jersey Village on Northwest Freeway.

I plan to represent the city at both of these services.

Please keep the families in your prayers and thoughts.

Mr.

Secretary, uh I believe that completes my comments if you want to start on our agenda.

On our speakers, I believe.

I can't go to speakers yet.

Not until 9.30.

I am informed.

Our rules say we can't start speakers till 9.30.

Man.

Sorry, Mayor, you can do anything with that.

Welcome to government.

We got to wait till 9.30.

Uh, yeah.

Let's go ahead and get on the uh if it's all right, the members will start on the uh council agenda and come back to speakers at 9.30.

Don't anybody let me go past 9.30 without calling the speakers.

Where in the world did that rule come from?

Same one that says if you work past noon, you've got to get permission.

Anyway.

We're making progress.

You want to call up the agenda.

Under the purchase and tabulation of bids category, need a motion for items one and two.

Castex Tatum move.

Motion made in second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Since your list was distributed under the resolutions category.

Items three and four have been removed for separate consideration.

Under the ordinances category, items 13 and 22 have not been received, but will be considered if they are received before the end of the meeting.

Items 15, 24, 28, and 29 have been removed for separate consideration.

Again, those numbers are 15, 24, 28, and 29.

Need a vote on the balance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Items removed for separate consideration.

Item three as a resolution.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Martinez.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'm supportive of this item.

It's cool with Oaks.

It's in the northeast part of the neighbor uh the district.

And it's an opportunity to rehab these apartments and then provide some affordable housing.

And so I just wanted to thank uh all the parties that are uh participating in this project and looking to create a safe space, clean environment for folks to live in that's affordable as well.

So I appreciate my colleagues' support.

Ramirez.

Very good.

Councilmember Ramirez.

I want to echo what my colleague, Councilmember Martinez, has said about this particular uh project.

Uh it reinforces the City's commitment to help provide affordable housing to Houstonians.

Housing costs have uh outstripped rises in income in the last few years.

And um this is where most of the affordable housing uh gets done.

Uh and so uh I fully support this item.

Thank you.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item four is a resolution.

Just need a vote.

All in favor, say Councilman Huffman.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I just wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the concerns that my residents are facing with these problematic PFCs.

There are public facility corporations in Houston that are receiving tax exemptions in return for providing affordable housing.

And under House Bill 2071 that was passed in the 88th legislative session, which became effective in 2023.

PFCs have to file audits to TDHCA.

And if a filing is missed, then TDCH TDHCA issues a 60-day notice to submit the filing.

And should they fail to comply, then HCAD has the authority to revoke this tax exemption.

We have PFCs that aren't complying with these new reporting requirements.

And not only have they failed to file audit reports, but some of these public facility corporations, they're bad actors.

They're harboring criminal activity.

They have numerous health um habitability code violations.

We have one owner right now in the district who has a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear before a judge to address some of these habitability issues.

So at what point are we going to get serious about revoking some of these tax exemptions in the city for these problematic PFCs?

Um it's completely unacceptable for the taxpayers in Harris County to continue to subsidize these slum lords, and HCAD needs to take action.

So I am I'm not going to tag this item today.

We can go ahead and take a vote on it.

But Mayor, I would like to have HCAD come before this body and discuss what is being done to revoke some of these tax exemptions when these PFCs aren't complying, when they're not filing this paperwork that is now required after HB 2071 passed.

And they shouldn't be afraid to go outside their apartment complexes.

Um that's facilitating some of this criminal activity and some of these terrible living conditions.

So thank you.

Council Flickinger.

Councilwoman Flickinger.

Yeah, I just wanted to dovetail on Councilwoman Huffman's comments.

Um several months ago, the uh taxing uh the appraisal district came in here and uh talked about this.

I brought this up as them not completing the reports they were supposed to.

I got some communication afterwards basically saying, well, you need to be careful because you know, without these tax abatements, some of these businesses are no longer viable, and we certainly don't want to end up with a bunch of homelessness.

I'm really confused as to how a report can be so critical to your business that it could mean whether or not you are able to continue in business and you fail to file it.

My guess is the reason number of these are not filing them is because they are not in compliance with what they were supposed to be doing in the first place.

Otherwise, they'd be filing them, certainly if they're that critical to their business.

Well, I think we ought to pursue it by having those officials before council.

I could use the mayor's report for that purpose and our uh again.

I keep emphasizing if we would do the committee system a little more intense.

Um that would be a good forum to hear from them.

So first, if you'll get me that address, I would be interested in it too.

If there's is there one you mentioned or more than one?

But we'll we'll discuss it.

We won't take counsel.

But we'll get HCAT over here.

Where do you have a discussion?

Where did you hear?

Um I forget which meeting it was that uh she came in.

I thought it was the past Sessor Letter, actually.

Must have been a committee meeting.

Yeah.

Okay.

Okay.

I see the difficulty.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I'll I'll echo what my colleagues, um, Councilmember Huffman and Councilmember Flickinger have talked about.

Um a number of these PFCs are problematic, and this was brought up last fall when three were brought before council.

I actually voted against one of them.

Uh since then, Jamie Bryant, the new director of the uh Houston Housing Authority, which is a separate entity from the city, uh has indicated that he's taking a hard look at these, and that's why we haven't seen any more of these PFCs come before council, because oftentimes they don't provide the amount of affordable housing uh that that they claim.

And they end up taking hundreds of millions of dollars off the tax rolls, uh and and they profit from these abatements and and the tax burden for the rest of us is increased.

So uh my colleagues' comments are well taken in in this instance.

Uh but to bring it back to this particular item, this is actually for the nomination of Melissa Noriega uh's reappointment to the HCAD board.

Um I have inquired about how uh Ms.

Noriega has been doing on the board and have been told she's been doing a great job for the city.

And so I fully support uh voting yes on this item and uh Melissa Noriega's renomination.

Very good.

We don't have any other speakers, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay, motion passes.

Item 15 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes, those opposed nay, motion passes.

On 15?

Yes.

Councilmember Martinez.

Uh just want to uh thank the Gulfgate Tours Mayor.

Uh this is Park Talton Park has been needing some uh some love.

And uh we're we're looking at uh moving forward on on a lot of renovation.

So also just give a heads up to the park place uh neighborhood um as construction begins.

Um we have a new playground already, but as construction begins, uh just be mindful.

Uh and and of course construction is uh usually pretty ugly, but be patient, and then you'll have a beautiful park to celebrate uh once we're done.

Thank you.

Very good.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Yes, I want to echo what my colleague, Councilmember Martinez said.

This is an example of TURS is doing good work.

Certainly a lot of our our parks in Houston are in bad condition, and so one way uh they can be improved is through the use of these TURS that exist.

Uh the plans for this park will make it uh a lot more attractive and walkable, which is important to our seniors and to all Houstonians.

So thank you.

I'll support this.

Very good.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Members, let's move to uh public speakers.

I think we're close enough to 9.30.

I'm on my watch anyway.

It's 9 30 somewhere, I know.

All right, Councilmember Castillo.

Procedure.

Thank you, Mayor.

I move to suspend the rules to add Linda Morales to the three-minute non-agenda speaker list to follow Travis McGee, and also move Willie Gonzalez up to follow Hanny Khalil on the speaker's list.

Absolutely.

Motion made in a second.

All in favor say yes.

Second.

Those opposed nay, motion passes.

Next, Councilman Romares.

Martinez.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

I move to suspend the rules to add uh three speakers, Ian Havlichek, Christina Galvan, and Scott Singleton, to the top of the one-minute non-agenda list.

Very good motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

You ready?

Call our first speaker, please.

Ian Lavachek.

He's at the top of the top of the one minute.

Ian Lavachek.

I think he's still downstairs.

Christina Galvan Galvon.

To be followed by Scott Singleton.

Christina.

Oh.

Is she here?

Oh, I'm sorry.

Excuse me.

Good morning.

My name is Christina Galvan.

Take a deep breath.

All right.

Good morning.

My name is Christina Galvan, and I have proudly served for years as both a volunteer and employee at the GRBCC.

I have seen incredible energy our events bring to Houston.

Yet I must strongly urge you to please deny the abandonment of Polk Street.

The GRB already offers almost just a little bit.

Almost two million square footage of space.

In all of my experience, no event has ever come close to filling it.

Expanding not only is unnecessary, it risks the harm, it risks harming the very people who keep the center thriving.

Closing Polk Street would disrupt the lifeline that connects us.

The 40 bus line and the Uber and Lyft pickup zone sit right at Polk and Avenida.

Volunteers, employees, vendors, and visitors rely on that corridor every single day.

Losing it would mean delays, confusion, and real financial strain for workers in the downtown economy.

Houston's growth is not is not measured by how many square feet that we build.

It's measured by how well we care for the people and jobs that make our city vibrant.

We can grow smarter without sacrificing a critical street.

Protect Polk Street and protect the livelihoods that depend on it.

Please deny the abandonment of Polk Street.

Thank you.

Next Scott Scott Singleton.

To be followed by Ian Lavache.

Good morning, Council.

Mayor, thank you for having me up here.

Mayor Whitmeyer, the George R.

Brown Convention Center expansion could be your signature achievement.

But unless you act now, Houston First will turn it into a reputational disaster.

One that defines your administration for all the wrong reasons.

The problem is simple.

Not San Antonio, not Dallas.

This is Houston's first uniquely reckless approach, and it's about to become your legacy problem.

Next Ian Lavachek.

To be followed by Jandon Peterson.

Good morning, City Council.

Thank you all again for having me.

Good morning, Mayor Whitmeyer.

So I'm following up with Scott because I wanted to follow up that with a little bit more.

By the wrong one.

This is the right one.

There we go.

All right.

Next year, as you as we all know, FIFA's gonna come into town.

But what I'm concerned about is it was with Houston First schedule, they're gonna have all that torn up right when the world is watching us.

And Polk is the street that those people will take to get from Edo into downtown.

The whole world will be watching when that street is closed and their construction barricades up.

Uh that's not gonna reflect poorly on just Houston first.

That's gonna reflect poorly on on our count our our city.

The whole world will be watching.

So I beg if you please pick up the phone, call Houston First and say, let's slow this down.

Let's keep Polk open at least through the world.

World Cup.

Everybody will be watching us.

Do we want road closed signs where people are trying to walk?

So that's all.

Thank you for your time.

Jandon Peterson.

Are you Jandon?

Jaden.

My apologies.

To be followed by Ed Pettett.

I'm here for uh city community value and city value.

Good morning, Council.

My name is Jaden Pearson.

I'm a Houston Barber dad and aspiring community activist.

I'm here because our city value isn't just in the buildings, but it's in the people.

When we invest in the people, blocks rises, business opens, and kids want to believe again.

Every day I see young men and young women with skills but no lane.

They can cut hair, fix ACs, design logos, and even invent.

But they don't see the bridge where talent can go into ownership.

Here are three ways that I feel like that we can build and have that bridge.

One, we can open the doors and make it easier for business ideas without the red tape.

Perhaps just giving a one-day vendor's permit so they can test their businesses.

Two, we can build a pipeline by using barbershops, churches, libraries as neighborhood opportunity hubs where people can learn the basics of licenses, EINs, and business tools.

Three, see the first concept.

Connect the community mentors with smaller starter opportunities that give direction, whether that's guidance, partnership, or city support.

Your time has expired.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Council Member Davis.

Sir.

Jaden.

Sir.

Jaden.

Jaden.

Councilmember Davis has the floor.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr.

Peters, for coming down.

And I'm very encouraged by some of the statements you made in terms of businesses, creativity of businesses.

And I do want to commend you.

I also want to uh give you my information because we are going to put together a financial symposium next month.

Which is going to uh address some of the things you're talking about, and we're looking to join together with about 20, 30 banks.

And I like to make sure that you be there so that you can speak to them about some of the things that you're talking about.

Uh so just want to commend you for coming and certainly your interests in the community and especially with young people in advancing that business.

I want to change the whole image for our community.

I want I want people to be more inspirational so everyone comes more with the younger generation of Gen Z.

So thank you.

I'll actually get your creation.

One more councilman Flickring.

Sure.

I'm just curious, can you elaborate on what you're talking about?

The churches and the barbership, and you mentioned something about EINs, or you basically kind of want to give people instructions on how to start a business.

I feel like a lot of people in our generation don't have like the like they don't know about the business like tools that we can get.

And I'm actually a barber myself.

So I already done my whole barber business and everything, but I mean my business partner and exclusive fades, we actually preach all of this already, and we already have it in a movement.

But I feel like that we can get it into a wider aspect, and I want more of my people in my generation and even older people to what's it called, take on these tools that we can actually just improve the city more, if that makes sense.

We put more money into the we put more money into the dollars and everything into it.

This whole city comes.

Sounds like a great idea.

Thank you.

Mayor approach him.

Cat speaks, Tatum.

Hey Jaden, how are you?

Thank you for coming and speaking today.

Are you familiar with the Office of Business Opportunity and Director Hoard?

Um, I'm not.

I'm actually an open book, so I'm down to learn everything.

That's great.

Um I would suggest that um if when you get on uh line to go to the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity.

Uh the director, uh her name is uh Celynthia Hoard, and they host a lot of programming for startup businesses and opportunities for you to meet with lenders, opportunities to expand capacities for startup businesses.

Um I would definitely engage with the Office of Business Opportunity.

Um I think you'll find that very uh much value added for what you're trying to do.

Some there'll be some synergies there, um, and you can find a community of people that would be willing to work with you as well.

Thank you.

All right, best wishes to you.

Very good.

Thank thank you, Mayor.

I just wanted to remind, I did I fail to mention, I want to thank Mayor Pro Tim for bringing um the uh OBO office up because she is partnering with us for the for the financial symposium.

Thank you for reminding.

Thank you.

Next Ed Pennett.

Karen Lancaster.

No Ed.

To be followed by James Chambers.

Good morning.

My name is Karen Lancaster.

I've lived in the East End for 60 years and worked my entire 40-year career in downtown Houston.

One of the best parts of living here has always been the quick, easy commute to downtown using the back streets.

Polk, Leland, Lamar, McKinney Walker, Rusk and Capitol.

I could get from my front door to my office in 10 minutes, never touching a freeway.

That's a major quality of life benefit and a big selling point for our neighborhood.

But over the years, those streets have been cut off for Discovery Green, for Toyota Center, for Dakon Park, for the Dynamo Stadium.

Of the seven I just mentioned, only two remain.

And now there's the request to close Polk for the George R.

Brown expansion.

That expansion may benefit out-of-towners for a few days.

But what about Houstonians who live and work in this city every single day?

We pay the taxes, we raise our families, we keep this city running.

Even today, to get to this meeting, my GPS told me to come straight up Polk.

Closing it will cause major disruptions and isolate an entire area of our city.

I'm nearly 70 years old, and it will force elderly people like me to use the freeway to get downtown.

Believe me, you do not want me clogging your freeways.

With no way for with no way for me and others like me to get downtown to attend the symphony, the theater, dine at outstanding restaurants or visit museums, it will mean staying at home rather than risking the freeway.

Council members, this is your chance to put Houstonians first.

Like the words over your door.

The people are the city.

Please put people first and keep Polk Street open.

Thank you.

Just a sec.

Ma'am.

Ma'am.

Ma'am.

Ms.

Lancaster.

Councillor Ramaris.

Thank you, Mayor.

Karen, uh thank you for sharing that.

I share your concern that over a period of years, unintentionally, I'm sure a wall has essentially been created between uh East Houston and downtown.

And I've asked for a few months now for public works and Houston First to investigate seriously other streets that might be turned into two-way streets to allow for more access.

I understand that Leland, turning Leland into two-way is is the plan right now.

And last I heard, it was probably going to be feasible, 90% feasible.

Maybe that's been been updated.

But I think residents on the other side should have at least another option to get from East of Down into downtown.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, James Chambers.

Valencia Landrum.

Sylvester Jones.

To be followed by Amos Sims.

Good morning.

I came before you approximately uh six months ago about an issue with Metro involving Thomas Jason, the entrance president and CEO of Metro.

He told me uh suggested I get a lawyer.

Uh I make several attempts.

Here's my um list of papers of making attempts to contact lawyers.

Um I filed with the EEOC and they could do nothing about it.

They gave me a notice to sue.

So in the process of seeking legal counsel, I was doing my research.

And I come to understand first EEOC filed it as a charge of discrimination, and it wasn't that.

Then I thought it was Torch's interference.

And as I kept doing my research, I come to find out that it is administrative ultra virus that define the act of the actions of Thomas Jason that was inflicted upon me.

I moved on with my life.

I was working for Transdev.

Transdev has a contractual relationship.

And I'm saying that Thomas Jason induced Transdev to terminate me to dissuade me from seeking reimbursement.

A reimbursement that has merit.

And I do have a couple of facts that I want to present.

There's an email that Mike Mankin, who is the director of uh human relations, in this email, he says you you you need to successfully complete the DOT SAP program in order to be eligible for rehire with Metro.

Okay.

Then as I stayed in communication with them, other emails that that was sent indicating the same, that I that I had a possibility of returning to Metro.

Then that's three.

Your time has expired.

Please wrap up.

I'm sorry.

Finish your remarks.

Okay.

Um so the um so that but just going off that one email saying that I would be eligible to return to Metro if I take this DOT, then that's in 2022.

Then in 2025, because I stayed in contact with them, Mike Mankin tells me emphatically that there is no coming back to Metro once you have um it's I'm gonna quote him.

He says a negative test, a failure to test, anything along those lines is a one-strike and you're done at Metro.

You don't get to come back.

And that's fine.

I have no problem with that.

But if you tell me that I can't come back to Metro, and if I take on under certain conditions of taking this deal, this SAP program, then tell me later I can't come back.

I think that warrants at least a request for um a reimbursement.

And I'm saying through that process of asking for that reimbursement, going to Metro Board of Directors twice.

That second time I met with Thomas Jason after meeting with him, returned back to work, I'm terminated for no just cause.

Yeah.

I'm appealing to you all because I want some legal counsel.

Sure.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Quick question, what test are you referring to?

This this was um the essay the um a drug and alcohol test.

Drug and alcohol test.

Right.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, sir.

No other speakers.

No other speakers?

Really?

No, no, the members.

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, my question is.

I think again your resolution is gonna be through an attorney.

There's no way we can resolve it here.

You've appeared before the Metro Board.

You've had access, it's been gone on since 22.

Uh many of us only got here in 24.

Right.

Uh and I'm I'm sorry about your challenge, but it is a legal matter that you're gonna have to resolve.

Certainly, we can't resolve it at City Council.

So I would I would urge you to seek the counsel, legal counsel.

Okay.

Thank you, sir.

Next, Amos Sims.

Ashton Pope.

Annie John Annie Johnson, Cynthia Farms.

To be followed by Doris Martinez.

Good morning, Council.

Mayor.

Thank you all for allowing me to speak today.

My name is Cynthia Forms.

I am the uh vice president of uh Council No.

72 Super Neighborhood, and I'm also the uh president of Precinct 239 Civic Club.

First of all, I wanna thank you all for uh your help with Edgewood Park Center.

We did have the architects that come out.

They came and they uh showed us how the building would be with everything, and it is beautiful.

So I wanna I wanna thank you all for your support for that, first of all.

Uh secondly, we just have a major concern.

We're getting a beautiful building, but the parking lot is terrible.

We don't have no funding for the parking lot.

And the parking lot has big big major potholes, uh, which would tear your car as you're going in the parking lot.

So it don't make no sense to have a beautiful building and not have a parking lot done.

So I did speak with somebody from the general management office.

I think her name was Yvette on yesterday, and she said something about they were looking at doing an overlay, but that I don't think that would do it for that parking lot because it is really terrible.

I mean, it is horrific.

Um like I said, thank you all for your support.

We do need that parking lot.

Uh they did say that it wasn't in the budget with the CIP, so we want to see maybe if you all can find some funding somewhere or or somebody to help get us that parking lot fixed.

Also, uh the second concern is we need a generator for our new center doing uh natural disasters or something for cooling and warming for the people in the neighborhood when our lights go out.

We was just asking, you know, if we can get a generator for our center and probably get some sponsors or someone for that as well.

Then my other concern is I'm still concerned about the illegal dumping on Vassa Road and on Wayside.

Now, National Night is coming up, and I don't know how we're gonna resolve this problem, but every time that we have somebody to clean it up, they put some stuff right back out the next day.

Um, and then so we need that, you know.

I don't know if we have to get cameras or anything over there on Wayside on Wayside between Vassa and Belfort and on Vassal Road, but that is a beautiful park over there at FM Law Park, and that's where we're gonna have our national night out.

It's very embarrassing for you all to come and look at our beautiful park, but have to look at all this trash to get there.

So that was my my other concern.

Uh, and the grass need to be cut again because it's still taller than the kids right now, and they're still going to school every day.

And lastly, um the the the the well, we we we said it was a junkyard.

We don't we don't know if it's gonna be a junkyard or import export, but we had a major, this guy that put the uh the the fence up on on wayside the guy that put the fence up on wayside that's buying the property because the community is concerned because uh we met with the owner, and first he told us that it wasn't our business what he was gonna put there, then they said that they it wasn't gonna be a junkyard, it wasn't gonna be a storage yard.

Then they said it was gonna be an import export, so we really don't know what we're gonna have in our community.

But we are made we are concerned about the property at 6053 Belfort as well.

Uh we had met he met with us in the community, was probably about 60 residents that came out that was concerned.

So that's my other concern as well.

Councilor Eric Shabazz.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Cynthia.

And uh most of those concerns that you're speaking of, we have addressed.

And I'm gonna start with the parking lot.

We are we heard you, and you are absolutely correct.

Have a beautiful building, even if it wasn't a beautiful building, nobody wants to go into a raggedy parking lot.

So I think we have identified a resource to be able to take care of that issue.

Uh we have not found anybody in regards to the generator, but we'll, you know, when you text and call, we really try to get it done.

And so you have been engaged in in some a lot of meetings, and we are looking at a resolution in regards to that that property on Belfort as well.

And so uh I I think you can be encouraged at uh because we are working, we do hear you first and foremost, you and the community, and we are trying to work out.

I mean, you had a grocery list here, but I'm gonna try to get as much done as I can.

But I always thank you for your engagement and uh certainly I thank you for your invitation to the National Night Out as well.

Thank you.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh, thank you, Cynthia, for coming.

I want to just reiterate uh what Councilman Shabbos has said.

We we she and I both have had several conversations about you know the actions on the list of things, and you and I have talked about it as much.

Let me just kind of add a little to it.

I was gonna ask Councilmember uh Martinez if be on the issue of the parking lot, and I know Councilman Shabaz and I, she started the process of trying to rectify the parking lot issue.

The Govegate tourist development, do they come as far?

I think they do down uh Belfort.

They do actually that they're part of a funding source for the community center.

So they've been engaged at the park for years.

Yes.

Are you familiar with the Gulfgate development?

You gonna let the cat out the bag.

We are working with them.

Okay.

Okay.

What what we're good on?

I I just well, I I just want to make sure that we well, the reason I'm saying, and thank you for that, Councilman.

The reason why I'm saying it is because the community needs to know so that way they are aware of what is taking place in order to solidify that.

And uh, and of course, uh, I just want to say that I try to, you know, my job basically is to help out with the district, council, to do whatever that we can to help them move that process on.

So uh I will tell you that we are doing everything possible to do that and don't don't fail to reach out.

We we hear that.

I know I know I call you guys a lot and text you guys a lot, but I have a lot of people to answer to as well.

So uh you know, and I just want to make sure that we we continue to get communication back and forth to make sure that I'll be able to respond back to the community to give updates.

Absolutely.

But I do appreciate that everything, like I said, but the building is gonna be beautiful.

And I appreciate I really appreciate uh what you are doing for our community.

Good job.

Thank you.

Next uh good morning, everyone.

I am a concerned community member from the Sharpstown area, and I am here to ask for assistance in resolving a problem that is affecting my community in a very negative way.

Homeless men urinate in public with no regards on whom is around.

They do it in the morning, in the afternoon, and even after on hours that were children are coming out from school.

They literally loiter and are lowering the standard of living in my community.

I have nothing against them.

I even try to help an elderly lady to get her off the street, but she refused to help.

I first reached out to the office of Mr.

Pollard back on March of 2024 about this issue, and I was told I could report this through the District J Patrol website, which I've been doing.

I also reached out to the mayor's office back in October of 2024, but got no reply.

Even though the District J Patrol and the DRT teams are being working very, very hard to stop this problem, they cannot be there 24-7.

There's one important part missing, and it is the involvement of commercial property owners.

They should do their best to prevent and not allow activities that disrespects and creates unsanitary conditions for the community.

Most recently, not only homeless men gather to drink on parking lots and sidewalks, but non-homeless men as well.

Bad behavior attracts more bad behavior and trash attracts more trash.

The only people benefiting from this is this two stores that keep selling the alcohol throughout the day to the same men.

And I read something on the Sutwit Management District website that I like very much, and I would like to share with you.

By investing in cleanliness in cleanliness, we enhance the quality of life.

And that's very true because I've seen it with my own ice.

Uh my this street is is just getting worse.

This I brought this.

If I may leave this to the mayor, and I'm just said that Mr.

Edward Polder is not here.

This trash, and I will leave it with you.

It's been there for more than a year.

Um it may not seem not a lot to you, but if you have to walk the streets like I used to go to work, it's disgusting across that man urinate there.

And when you're walking, you can smell the urine.

There's also glass because they I guess throw their beer containers on the sidewalk.

And further down the street, I mean, it's uh it's a really big problem.

It also includes a public library.

I chose not to walk anymore because I've seen several men doing this, like plain sight, they don't even try to hide.

So now I'm spending money in Uber so that I can just get to work.

And I left details and addresses, if I may leave this to Mr.

Edward and the mayor, or whoever's whoever is interested in getting involved in trying to solve this.

As I may as I mentioned, I I brought this up since back of March 2024.

So it's been more than a year, and the trash is just growing and growing.

And that's all.

Thank you very much.

Hold on.

Mayor Pro Kim.

Ms.

Martinez, what's the address of the uh the location where the trash is?

Do you have that address?

It belongs to a parking lot.

It's a big parking lot.

I think reaching out to different people, but one says that it belongs to the other.

I don't know who the real owner is.

Do you know the location?

Right across 7604 Clarewood Drive.

Seven six zero four Clare Wood Drive.

Claire Wood Drive.

That's just one thing, but that street is just and it's getting the trash is located.

Yes, and it's getting worse.

I tried reaching out to even 311.

No, no problem.

Where's the homeless located?

I'm sorry.

Where is the homeless located?

All along this street.

This entire street.

Oh, yes.

And I leave something here for you so that you can see their different places they're urinating.

Okay.

But as I mentioned, they just like I'm I'm walking, I've seen like three of them, even waiting for Uber right across me.

So it's on Clarewood Drive.

Yes.

Okay.

We'll make we'll make sure.

And I know that um the council member staff is listening and we'll we'll try to get some help.

And the mayor's um team will also try to send some help out there.

Um you are you are not alone, unfortunately, with this type of complaint.

I know and we will continue to try to address it.

I know, and and I just want to thank again.

I'm very grateful for the District A Patrol team and also the DRT team again.

I recently met uh uh like two months ago, Sergeant Smores, I think, and they've been you know working very hard.

I do see an improvement, but the thing is that you know, once they leave, where it goes back to something.

And this is where we're where the property owner can do something about it.

Actually, one of them got involved, and he hired a security guard, and the the area was just really nice clean.

But apparently three months ago he got rid of of the security guard and it's just going back to the same thing.

Starts with one man drinking and then two, and then and that's how he goes.

So may I leave this?

Sure.

And uh Paul Young is the chief of staff for District J, and he said he'll take that information and thank you.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you.

Nick Matthew Dietrich.

To be followed by Travis McGee.

Good morning, Mayor and distinguished members of the City Council.

My name is Matthew Dietrich, uh founder, director, and violinist of Apollo Chamber Players.

Now on our eighteenth season, Apollo's mission is to connect communities and cultures through globally inspired music, and our vision is to create cultural harmony here in Houston and beyond.

This year we are honored as Chamber Music America's ensemble of the year, a national recognition for our bold innovative programs around censorship and democracy.

We've also performed for sold-out audiences at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

While here at home, we've launched community projects like Library Voyage and Holiday Voyage, an interfaith program which raises funds for local charities like Healthcare for the Homeless Houston.

First, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the city's continued support of the Houston Arts Alliance.

Apollo's growth has been profoundly shaped by HAA funding and capacity building programs.

I also thank you for supporting Harmony in the Air through the Houston Airport system.

Uh Apollo has been part of this program since 2015, performing over 500 concerts for thousands of travelers from around the world.

We were even featured in the New York Times for this work, an incredible way to showcase Houston as a world-class art city.

Second, I'd like to highlight our new album, Ban Stories of Censorship, released last month.

It speaks directly to today's moment and features Houston artists, composers, and poets, including former poet laureate Deborah Deep Mouton, alongside Star Trek actor and activist George Decay.

Since its release, Ban has been featured on more than a hundred media outlets worldwide, and I invite you to experience it on any streeting streaming platform, and also have some CDs for you if you like.

The stubbornness of dissent is not bolder.

It is more avalanche, overwhelming the scales.

These words from Houston's Poet Laureates capture the spirit of our season opening program, declare.

For the first time ever, all Houston Poet Laureates, past and present, will share one stage, collaborating with Apollo, uh Houston composers, Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez, and visual artist Marlo Sosedo.

Together we explore America's founding ideals and their resonance today, culminating in a new declaration.

Declare will take place Saturday, October 4th at 7 p.m.

at Zilka Hall over here at the Hobby Center.

And in support of this historic program, we respectfully request that the city of Houston underwrite the event by waiving our rental fee for Zilka Hall.

We understand the city receives a number of free days each year, and we hope this can be applied to spotlight this very Houston affirming program.

We hope to see you at Declare and thank you sincerely and galactically for your support of Houston's vibrant arts community.

Thank you.

Counselor Davis.

Counselor Davis.

Good to see you.

Good to see you too.

Absolutely.

I I just wanted to uh thank you for coming and making your presentation and thank you for the invite.

I've attended a couple of your programs so that I could at least get a good look and thank you for the uh uh upcoming event that's gonna be held and thank you for the city proclamation.

Certainly for your actions and what you do with a lot of uh high school and students and uh which was at the church that Sunday and the program.

Uh so uh certainly I would encourage that you know we try to do what we can in order to enhance it uh uh from my standpoint.

But thank you for what you do and what you're doing to enhance the uh the Houston Alliance.

Thank you.

I know a lot of people here are here for infrastructure and public safety, and I feel the arts are a part of the infrastructure of Houston, uh, you know, not only here in Houston, but on the global stage.

So thank you so much for your support of all these.

Yes.

Thank you.

Councilor Evan Shabbos.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you so much for coming and really appreciate the arts and culture community.

But what I'd like for you to do, the lady at the door, I want to make sure that she has that announcement about the event, and we will work on that ass for you as as well.

Thank you so much.

Uh, but certainly appreciate you coming today, and we'll try to get it out and uh through social media so that people can come to support, because they will be blessed with what they hear and see.

So thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

And again, all the poet laureates of Houston.

It's the this is the gem of Houston and what they have to say about what's going on here and around our country right now.

It's it's so meaningful.

So I hope that everybody can join us.

So thank you.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Am I allowed to take a selfie?

Thank you so much.

Am I allowed to take a selfie?

You know, gotta do it, everyone.

Thanks.

Okay, you can take it.

Thank you so much for for everything.

Say, uh, let me take a moment.

Rebecca, would you get Martin Miss Martinez's number off the agenda sheet?

Caller, let her know that the DRT team.

Chief Diaz was watching council, they're on their way.

Would she please stay in contact with you to give us a timely report?

But the DRT team is there.

Or headed that way, I should say.

And uh keep me keep me posted.

Next.

Evan Travis McGee.

Councilman, you need something, Evan Shabbos.

Uh just to hold on.

I just wanted to suspend the rules to to uh move Charles Brandyburg right after Travis McGee.

Okay.

Motion made in second.

Can we already have something like that?

I think they already moved me in the morale about an hour after him.

So it'd be well, as closely as you can behind Travis Wicke.

Thank you.

All right, good morning.

I'm Travis McGee, the president of the South Park Super Neighborhood and the civic leader in the Sandy Side area as well.

Um I want to pig it back off uh Ms.

Forms.

We also need an update on the possible uh amendment to the junkyard ordinance, which I think it was very simple to put that, just add the containers in there.

We hadn't got an update on that.

But I'm here to talk about public safety.

Uh I'm just one of many Houstonians that are very concerned on what's going on in our bio's right now.

I don't think it's smart for us to assume that everyone is homeless, everyone is suicidal, everyone is down of natural causes and things like that.

Uh, we really don't know.

We keep saying we shouldn't be alone, but when should we be alone?

It's 14 bodies now.

It was 24 last year.

Um I think cleaning the bayo should be a part of hurricane preparedness, and we might find some of these bodies and things like that.

But as a father, a pawpaw, a husband, a brother, sister, to hear anybody get on there and say we shouldn't be alarmed about it.

I have a daughter at TSU right now, and she's been kind of shaky about going back to school.

Even though we we encourage her to everything is going to be alright.

And when we see the bio on the news, they take the pr the pictures of the uh the pretty bios that have the concrete walls and stuff, not the ones with the six feet of grass, the ten feet of grass and things like that.

If you go to Buffalo bio, which is the biggest one, the deepest one, all the stuff from the previous storm, they just pushed into the bio.

But we have enough resources in Houston to start going through these bios versus just saying that it's a homeless person.

That's another thing.

Well, it's it's just a homeless person.

They still are human.

They still are human.

That could be me, that could be anybody up here in those same bioes.

And people going towards the bio don't mean they're supposed to end up in the bio.

So is something going on wrong?

I mean, we don't understand.

I don't know what we just had two people to be identified this year.

This has been going on since April of this year.

The communication has been very vague to the public.

No who, what, when, where, and how.

You know the thing we learned in elementary school.

We just sometimes we just see a male or female.

So everybody should be concerned about it.

I don't think we should rule that.

We we everything should be on the table.

What is serial killer, whether it's killer, but we just need to find out.

First of all, that's that wild speculation is what is harming the community.

If we had a press conference yesterday, I don't know if you saw it, I'll get you the information.

No, I saw the press conference, Mayor.

Okay.

But what I'm saying.

There is no serial killer loose in Houston.

We don't know that.

Yes, there's no evidence.

I I know we don't know that.

And we don't we don't know what to say.

I'm not gonna argue with it, but I'm not gonna argue.

But I thought it was my time to do that.

And misinformation harms the community.

I thought it was my time to speak, though, Mayor.

It is your time.

But it's also my time to set the record straight.

Right.

I mean, that's your opinion, though.

No, it's the police.

It's what the ev it's what the evidence shows.

I don't know what a uh serial killer expert looked like.

But what I do know is 14 bodies that have been found in these bodies.

There was 26 last year and even more than next year.

I know.

And we and that needs to be communicated to the community as well.

All of those bodies should be poured out.

They have families too, but we can't assume that they are homeless, they were suicidal, they was down on their luck.

We can't assume that.

We we can't assume that they was uh drowned.

Travis, they've talked to the families.

They have talked to the families.

Again, I'm going by what's been on our local channels.

No information has been forthcoming at this particular point.

No who, what, when, where, and how.

Yes, you had a uh a press conference yesterday, but this has been going on since April this year.

I'm not here to argue or fuss and fight with you.

It's just a concern that everybody has.

Even people on council have this concern.

Sure.

That's all I'm here to say.

Thank you.

But at the end of the day, we have to find out what's really going on on these bios and stuff like that.

But it's it's not normal for people just keep popping up in five within five days span.

Please normal.

Thank you.

Councilman Rares.

Uh, thank you, Mayor.

And thank you, Travis, for your comments.

I I do want to point out that it is uh it is alarming, however, as as the mayor has pointed out with the statistics.

Uh sadly, this happens every year.

And um I do also want to note that state law requires every uh body that is found in those kinds of circumstances goes to the medical examiner's office, and they determine what the cause of death is.

They also try to identify the body because oftentimes the body doesn't have any identification on it.

Um where foul play is involved, obviously the police do an investigation.

If they need information from the public, then uh they'll certainly approach the public.

That that happens commonly.

But sometimes uh the medical examiner's investigation will answer a lot of the questions.

And um when next of kin is identified as well, uh then the police can uh find out what the circumstances were.

And so when the mayor says um there is no reason to believe at this point that there is a serial killer involved, that's based on uh information that they have from the medical examiner's office and uh whatever police investigation has occurred and and whatever next of Kin has been identified.

And when they believe a serial killer is involved, not necessarily in this circumstance, and information is needed, then they will seek that information from the public if necessary.

But my belief is that these situations are being investigated thoroughly.

And that's what this is all based on.

But thank you for your comment.

Councillor Evans.

Thank you, Mayor.

And thank you, Travis.

Certainly I want to take this time to give my sincere condolences to the family of Jade McKissick, who was the most recent body that was found, a University of Houston student.

I um live within blocks of the bayou myself.

And just as any other crime, we have to be cautious and aware of our surroundings.

But again, we do not know.

But one of the most important things is to let people know that things are going on, and I appreciate you in that respect.

But I really don't know, and I'm always willing to listen to the solutions that may be available.

But I I just don't know how we can stop people's bodies ending up in the bayou or people being killed on a daily basis, other than trying to get a mindset of people to change those behaviors.

And so again, I thank you for coming.

Uh but I I didn't want I thought I would be remiss if I at least didn't give I give condolences to all of the the people who have lost their loved ones, regardless of whether they are homeless or whatever, because again, as you said, they are human beings.

But I particularly have a uh uh a real concern uh when you hear that it's a student.

And so um and and we also need to be mindful that it may be some some problems that they are having, some some some suicidal issues.

So we have to stay on top of our mental health and and encourage our young people.

Sometimes we assume that, oh, they are young, they don't have a problem, and they are really, really struggling.

And so we really have to be mindful of those things to make sure that they can access those services to that they have.

And I think you wanted to say something else, so you could go on to that.

I I will also thank you for being here.

Uh I can clearly categorically tell you that the five drownings are not connected, two have been identified.

HPD has been in contact with the family out of respect for the family and their privacy.

I can only say it's an active investigation if you will continue sounding the alarm if you want to, but uh HPD is on it, active investigation, and uh.

I think you will understand if you allow the police to do their work and let the morgue and the medical examiner complete their work, you will see clearly what the situations were.

And so there is no reason for alarm by your daughter or other U of Age students that will be forthcoming and be very clear that this was an unfortunate tragedy as well as the other that were discovered last week.

Very unique individual circumstances that you have to allow homicide to do their work, and that would be very transparent.

I wish I wish I could reveal the early stages of their investigation, but I can't, and I will tell you putting my word on the line that you'll understand if you allow them to complete their work and reveal all the elements of the tragedy.

I am a father, I understand the concerns, the other individuals unfortunate also, and you'll see circumstances that tragically led them to the bow.

That's what I'm going to say, and I would just say the wild speculation, social media, misinformation by the media serves no good purpose.

But everyone does have First Amendment rights in Houston, Texas.

Right.

Mr.

McGee.

Councilor Flickinger.

Yeah, just wanted to remind you.

I mean, you said that it started back in April, yet we had a couple of dozen last year.

Had them before that the year before that.

Right.

The year before that.

So it didn't start in April.

And obviously, any unnatural death, whether it be murder or suicide is a tragedy.

Obviously, I'm grateful that it appears this year we're going to have considerably less than we did last year.

We'd all like that number to be zero.

But you know, and they can't go and look for something unless they know something's missing.

Uh so no, I mean, they're not gonna dredge the the bayous throughout the city every year looking for something that they don't know is missing.

Obviously, if they know someone's gone missing and they've gone into the bayou, then they look for it.

But but they're not gonna look for something unless they actually know it's missing.

So hopefully we can continue on a trend with less murders, and you know, we can have less bodies show up, but unfortunately, I mean, this is something that uh is is a piece of society.

So Councilor McCarter.

Well, I'm saying I never got to him.

I'm gonna get to you.

You'll have all the opportunities you need.

Thank you.

Counselor.

Thank you, Mayor.

Mr.

McGee, thank you for coming down.

You know, I just wanted to add as I sit here and listen, you know, one death is one death too many.

Right.

But you know, with our street homeless and it's not just a homeless person.

I I heard you say just a homeless, it's not just a homeless person, but these individuals also, you know, they deserve their dignity.

That's right.

But when you know, when when they're sometimes that the street homeless are not identified as to what their problems are, or even that they're out there and that they're holed up somewhere.

And um, you know, we have to pee pa to be patient with HPD and and let them reveal their findings.

Um, quite frankly, when you know, with the numbers, I'm not surprised that there's I mean, I was surprised that there's not more.

Because when you go out to on the streets and you see some of the ways that these individuals are living, and that's why we need to continue to work towards solving the problem of the homeless.

And you know, I don't look at them as just a homeless individual, nor does HPD nor anyone around this horseshoe.

Um, I thank you for bringing, you know, your thoughts to to us.

But I I you know, I believe that that the evidence will come out soon, and and you know, we just have to all work together to continue to stay safe, keep our families safe, but also to to realize that things happen out there every day that you know that we just don't have any control over until we learn the problem, then we can address the problem.

That's all you want to wrap it up.

Okay.

You it you I never got back to you.

But in in other words, I all I'm saying is that we just can't assume we're not uh if they happen in every year, that's more reason why we shouldn't just assume that their homeless their suicide or they this their data um they like I say they it's still human life, and when we talk about the evidence, we've been having evidence sitting in the crime lab for years now.

So that doesn't make me feel too good when we always want to say, well, what evidence we have.

Well, we've been having evidence for the last 10, 20 years.

Thank you, Travis.

You've done a really good job of making your point and bringing it to the discussion.

Thank thank you.

Thank y'all.

Next Charles Brandyburg.

To be followed by Linda Morales.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for allowing me to come up today.

Okay.

Thank you, everybody for letting me be up here today.

Uh I'm part of Edgewood Park.

Get a little bit closer to the bent down.

That work.

Can you hear me?

Yes, that's fine.

Uh my thing is uh we get in the new building and everything, and they're redoing the park.

Uh I have a problem with the detention pond that they're supposed to be digging in for the kids.

We have kids six and twelve years old, play football in that park, over 200 something kids.

They don't want to put a barrier around that.

Keys do wonder off.

I don't want none of our kids in our neighborhood to get drowned when they start this pond.

So if we don't address it now, we're not gonna get nothing done after it's dug.

And I know none of y'all want your children or grandchildren in those predicaments.

And I live one block from the park.

And I'm over there all the time.

So I appreciate it if y'all could put it in your budget or find a way to fix it to where these kids won't wander off and get into that fund.

Very good.

Thank you.

And I have one other suggestion.

They have already dressed it at the parking lot.

They've said everything about the parking lot.

What about the pavilion that's we're going to have for our building besides help get us a generator for the elderly?

I'm 71.

So, you know, it's a lot of seniors right there in our area.

So when the lights and stuff do go out and we have a storm, where would they go?

That would be the ideal place, right in our own neighborhood.

So we'd appreciate it if y'all could help us.

Thank you.

Next Linda Morales.

Good morning, Mayor and City Council.

Linda Morales representing the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, also board member with Harris County, Houston Sports Authority, but not representing their views.

Houston, we know is set to host some pretty big events.

The Kenders Texas Bowl, the World Baseball Classic, and 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The last thing we need is to showcase a labor dispute.

Right now, as you know, Hilton America's Houston First owned flagship host hotel is on strike.

The workers are not asking for the world or for the moon.

They just want fairness, a living wage, safe conditions, and dignity on the job.

And instead, Hilton Americas has dug in.

And Houston First is denying responsibility despite the fact that they own the hotel.

So let's be clear that without these workers, there is no Hilton Americas.

Without these workers, there is no Houston First success story.

This isn't a contract fight.

It's a test of Houston's values.

Do we stand for dignity and respect, or do we let exploitation define our city?

Houston first must step up.

Health in America must come to the table with real offer that shows workers the respect they've earned.

When workers win, Houston wins.

Tell Houston first to give workers what they deserve, and let's end this strike.

Thank you, sir.

Council Member Martina.

C CIP weather.

Thank you, Mayor.

Linda.

Linda, right here.

Just want to say thank you for all the advocacy you've done.

You've been a pillar in the labor community for decades.

I'm not that old.

No.

Just just two.

You're like 21, so two decades.

But but I really appreciate solidarity as well.

You know, we had a labor committee last week where we're talking about what livable wage means.

I appreciate your leadership and I lean into you as well as on the as a mentor.

And so uh just hearing your voice uh reaffirms my commitment and dedication to ensure that a livable wage would some which is interesting because some folks don't understand uh why, right?

Uh you have folks that get paid um, you know, salary and even then we're struggling, right?

With insurance increasing, grocery prices increasing, and so on.

And so um just just want to say thank you.

Thank you for your voice and you know, continue to support Unite here and the work that they're doing to welcome folks in Houston uh and make sure folks here in Houston uh have a great experience as well, and they come back and continue to spend those dollars.

So thank you.

Absolutely.

Thank you for your leadership, sir.

Appreciate you.

Councilman Rev and Shibans.

Thank you, Mayor and Linda.

It's always the pleasure to see you.

Your face is one that has been seen for many, many years fighting very, very hard for the rights of people uh in terms of their being fairly treated on in the job and work environment.

So I just want to thank you personally.

Um, you know, I consider you to be a friend as well.

And so I can't always contribute every time you send me an email, but I do try.

You do certainly your your face and your activism is so appreciated.

And we know without your hard work and others, such as Hanny, uh, there would be a lot of people whose voices would not be heard.

So thank you so very much.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

I look up to you as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Jackson.

Thank you, Mayor.

Highland uh Henny and Willie.

Thank you all for just your leadership.

Um, Unite here, thank you for what you're doing for your commitment and your dedication and your sacrifice for fighting for fair wages.

Um I was part of the fight for 15, so you know we got it to 15.

Just keep staying courage and know that we will get exactly what you want and what you need to be able to live a successful life.

And so I support you 100%.

Thank you.

Um don't give up the fight because with these type of fights are how we get to the next level.

So congratulations in advance.

Thank you for your victory.

Good morning, Mayor, and good morning, Council members.

Uh Hanny Khalil, I bring you greetings from the 85 unions and 60,000 union members affiliated with the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation.

Um, you know, yesterday our executive board sent a letter to Houston First, affirming our support for striking Hilton workers and urging them to resolve the strike now.

And I forwarded that letter to you this morning.

As the owner of Hilton America's Houston First can end this strike today by ensuring workers get the contract they deserve, fair wages, benefits, and respect on the job.

I've heard stories from these workers about how they've enabled Hilton and Houston First to be successful, yet their families still struggle.

And those stories, frankly, have angered me.

As I know they've angered many of you.

But mostly it's their bravery and their determination to stand up and fight for justice that have inspired me.

I know most of you or many of you have spoken about your commitments to unions and working people in our halls or in our events.

You've spoken about your commitment to ensuring the city uses its power to ensure that all working people have a fair shot.

And so I'm here today to join Linda, join Willie and these workers in asking you to act now upon that commitment.

Call Houston First.

Tell them to end this strike.

Give workers the respect that they have earned over their many, many decades of service.

Let me say a little bit in upon poco in Espanyon.

La Federación Laboral de Houston está aquí para upuiar estas familias, estes trabajadores y sus familias, y la union.

Thank you.

Next Willie Gonzalez.

To be followed by Martin Alamazon.

Good morning, Mayor and City Council.

So I just want to point out a whole lot of our members are actually downstairs in the overflow room.

There's a lot of red out there waiting.

They just didn't fit in and we couldn't get them all in here.

Umfortunately, I'm here to talk to you today about day 24 of a strike at a Houston First owned hotel.

One of the longest strikes in Houston history, and still ongoing.

Fortunately, for these workers, and I make no mistake about it, the community is with them.

I just want to point out we are getting donations to the strike fund from citizens of Houston.

Non-union members, our picket lines in the evening are being staffed by volunteers from the community.

Okay.

Um so this is not any more a unite here issue.

People in this city, and please don't misunderstand this.

People in this city are not making it.

And if you don't think so, as we walk in this building, people who work in this building are telling us go fight, go win.

They're telling us that go fight, go win.

And you all have to understand that I under you know.

So for us, it's important as all these events, and I've said it many times.

The expansion of the convention center, bringing more tourism business is a good thing, can be a very good thing.

But only if it's done in partnership.

Only if it's done sitting down and saying everybody wins.

No, only one side wins.

And I will reiterate, while Houston First does not negotiate the contract.

It is a fact.

It is a fact of law, and it is a fact.

Undisputable.

As the owner, they can push and make the decision on those wages.

Other owners have done it.

Other owners in this city that have contracts with the city have done it.

Houston First has that ability.

Because I just want to be clear.

Some people may have thought, oh, this was going to be nine days, and we said eleven days.

People have been donating to the strike fund.

We have plenty of money to last for a long time.

And now I will end it with saying this.

Our goal, our goal is to sit down, reach a fair agreement, and work in partnership with Houston First.

But they cannot deny that they are the owner and they're responsible.

Because when we have other hotel conflicts, the owners of those hotels get involved.

I've dealt with it myself.

It's happened in another hotel in this city, and the owner says, I own it, I want to resolve.

So we just want to end with thanking you.

Everyone who's given us support.

Many of you have come out, brought water, brought food, done a lot of great things.

We want to thank the Houston Police Department.

Because all 24 days, it's been taxing on them.

They've been very professional.

We've worked cooperatively with them.

They've been professionals.

You hear from the members, they understand.

So that's our call is we got to find a way so these people can make a wage they can live on.

Because at the end of the day, for all those big events that are coming, they're the ones you're going to count on.

These are the people you're going to count on to make those events a success.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Martin.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um and Willie and Hanny just want to say thank you all for your continued support and and voice.

I just want to make it perfectly clear around this horseshoe.

Uh we had a Houston First board meeting last week, and I shared with them uh what I was have been sharing around this horseshoe uh for the past almost almost a month.

Um and let them know that I stand with with the service industry, specifically the hotel workers.

Um it was great and comforting as well to hear a few of my colleagues, my board members members that I sit with on Houston First, uh Ryan Martin and Elizabeth Brock also uh find empathy and and share their support as well.

And so I I just want to let you all know that um continue to uh advocate for a livable wage.

I think it's important that we really start having a real dialogue of what livable wage means here in Houston, where for a long time several folks have been moving here because it's more affordable.

We're seeing that become less affordable.

We've gotten the Kinder uh Institute that had a report that is sharing just some very um some things that we probably don't even talk about home insurance, you know, the price of uh rent uh more and more um when we start talking about uh what it is to have a successful uh community here in the city of Houston.

And so um we know Houston First is not at the table, and I mentioned this last week, but we also know that there's influence in words that we use as well.

And so my hope is that we can see the value of the folks that are standing here, uh, and I speak to my colleagues, uh the work that they have uh in making this city what it is and stand with them as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, really, Martin Almazon.

Martin Almazon to be followed by Arlise Green.

Can you all hear me?

Can you all hear me?

Okay.

All right.

All right.

Good morning, Mayor Whitmeyer, Council Members and Houston.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak today.

My name is Martin Almazan, and I'm a resident of Houston's West Chase District.

And I'm here to speak to you about one of the most pressing challenges facing our city.

And it is the embarrassing inadequacy of our public transit system.

Nearly eight million residents call this metro home, and Houston has a GDP of six hundred and ninety-seven billion dollars larger than many other countries.

And yet our transit system search our rail system stretches only twenty-two miles.

And yet, how can we make this claim when our public transit system is so limited?

How can we call ourselves a global city when our infrastructure fails to meet the needs of our residents here at home?

Houston is the fourth largest city of the wealthiest nation in the world.

This is an issue of choice.

So I must ask this mayor and this council directly, when will you take action to develop and build a public transit system worthy of Houston's size, wealth, and global standing, and one that serves its residents.

We have a program for the renters that were affected by the fires, and we have a program for the business owners that has businesses in their area.

Um they do not have to have any physical damages.

The damages comes and loss of revenue.

Of course, with the renters, they must have physical damages to be eligible to apply for this low interest rate loan.

Now the deadline to apply for physical damage is going to be November the 10th, 2025.

And for the business which is called the economic injury, we give them June 11, 2026.

Because it takes a little time before they know they have been impacted.

Now they can apply in person at Ma'am, and that's located at 1625 Bullock Road.

I hope I'm not butchering it name.

And that's Houston, Texas.

Um that's Monday through Friday, 12 p.m.

to 6 p.m.

And on Saturday, 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

Now for the renters, they can borrow up to 100,000, 50,000 of who there's no collateral with the businesses.

They can borrow up to 2 million, and that's 50,000 with no collateral, no payments for the first 12 months, no interest occurred for the first 12 months.

And we have uh really great interest rates.

Um, if they want to apply online, they can go to SBA dot gov slash disasters, or again, they can go to uh the memes uh location that I presented.

And also they can call the 1-800 number, 1 800 659-2955.

At this time, I will open the floor for any questions that you may have for me.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Ms.

Green, um, for highlighting this.

Um, this apartment complexes in my district.

Um, and I know a lot of people are um going to be very happy with this information, being able to apply a lot of people lost everything, so this is going to be really helpful for a lot of families.

Um, and thank you so much for everything that you do.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

Next, Christopher Cato.

Paulino Keitelon.

Joseph Smith.

Steve Williams.

Roy Hirsch.

Jacob Clementej.

Okay.

Oh.

Houston First is following the convention center playbook.

Rush the decision, ignore the analysis, promise everything will work out.

Other cities are pushing back.

San Antonio's Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones demanded analysis of their $2 billion expansion despite pressure from the Spurs.

She said, due diligence is not anti-progress, it's anti-poverty.

Houston won't lose an anchor tenant or a professional sports team uh sports team, yet Houston First calls this a done deal.

Mayor Whitmeyer.

You've prioritize emergency access, but Houston First has ignored it.

Their failure to coordinate with TechSoup, whose plan show Polk open will force costly redesigns and damage your relationship with the state.

You owe Houstonians mindful leadership.

You don't owe Houston first blind loyalty.

Show Houston first and the state who's in charge here.

Keep Polk open, design around it.

Your credibility is on the line, and Houstonians are watching.

Thank you.

Jacob Clementej.

I don't see him.

Richard Gilmore.

To be followed by Joseph Amari.

Good morning.

I'm Richard Gilmore.

Mayor Whitmore, the expansion should be a celebration.

Instead, it feels like damage control.

Houston First knows closing polk is unpopular, so they're trying to slip through quietly, but it's too late opposition is growing.

Twenty-three residents spoke against it last week.

Neighbors, business owners, people who live this reality.

The reason we're here is because Houston First published a design that assumed the abandonment of public roads.

You can fix this today.

Say the words.

Keep Polk open and design around it.

It's not a retreat.

It's leadership.

Picture of the ribbon cutting.

You standing along with East End Neighbors, proud of a convention center that connects communities instead of dividing them.

That's the legacy that you still have time to build.

That's the Houston the world deserves to see.

The choice is yours.

Lead now or let Houston First Mistakes define your administration.

We're counting on you.

And we're ready to stand with you when you choose a better path.

Keep Polk open.

Next.

Joseph Amari.

Who I don't see.

This completes the list of speakers.

Now to return to the agenda.

Item 24 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor I just wanted to celebrate the this Eastwood neighborhood.

They submitted their minimum size building line and size and lot size as well.

This is one of the first applications that we've been able to pass in a lot of years, actually.

And so I encourage uh not just East End residents, but uh any other district guide neighborhoods if they're interested in the building line and minimum size lot uh application, please reach out to my office.

Thank you.

Item 28 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed name.

Motion passed.

Martinez again.

Council Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh this one I just want to thank the administration, public work for uh providing some some additional funding.

This is uh project that we're in partnership with uh Commissioner Garcia's office.

It's uh a huge drainage project that it will continue to um uh be an added addition for the Magnolia Park area.

We're currently wrapping up uh Section 2A, and this will go up north of Harrisburg, and so uh just thank thank everybody for the support.

Thank you.

Item 29 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, no.

Motion passes.

Item 37 needs a motion.

Councilmember.

Councilmember.

Thank you, Mayor.

Tagged this item yes uh last week just to get some more information.

Um this uh item proposes to save water um through the installation of shower heads and toilets in strategic locations.

Um I was able to learn that uh labor for the installation of these devices is going to be uh done by the vendor through this contract and that uh each the installation um uh each device will come down to about a hundred dollars a piece.

So um I'll support it.

I still have questions about it.

We'll see how this program uh goes uh going forward.

Um, but it's not uh a huge sum of money, and so I'll I'll support it.

Council Ross Mayor Pro Team Peck.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, I've had some concerns about the selection criteria for which um units are going to receive the shower heads and toilets.

So I just want to make sure that we're really taking a look at the selection criteria, um, because this is a lot of money, and so um it's while it's going towards a good cause.

If we aren't targeting the right units here, then we're wasting a lot of money.

So um I want to make sure that we're focusing on the units with the most consumption and the oldest shower heads and toilets and not necessarily just units where you know people are using where it's because of the end user, because if they move, then we're really not helping the situation.

So I'm going to vote yes on this, but just want to make sure that we're really focusing on the correct units here, and I would like to see a report once this program is done about you know what we're actually able to accomplish.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Uh all in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

This completes the items on the agenda.

Flickinger for pop up.

Oh, pop off.

Council Fleckinger.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh, this past week I was able to attend several events that were quite the contrast.

Um, showing both the the worst of our problems and the best of our our future.

Uh Sunday went to the National Day of Remembrance that the uh crime stoppers had.

Uh was also attended uh Councilman Davis, Councilman Remares, Councilman Peck, Chief Diaz were all out there.

And this is a day to remember the people who have lost their lives violently over the previous year.

Uh chance to to support these people and hopefully uh help lift them up a little bit uh in their time of need.

Uh I spoke with uh one of the people, April Geary.

Uh not sure if everybody is familiar.

She's a regular uh panelist on what's your point.

Um, and there was kind of an odd thing that happened with her and her loved one.

The defense attorney actually listed her as a witness, even though she has no knowledge of the crime, no information as to what happened, and it was done simply to keep her out of the courtroom.

Uh so I think we need to really focus on the victims of crime and do everything we can we can for them.

Uh also had the opportunity in Monday to uh see the uh 2025 Astronaut Cadet class uh that that is coming in, ten new uh astronaut candidates that will be going through the training.

And uh two of them were from Texas.

Uh one of them, in fact, was from Houston, so that was very nice to see.

Uh and these people were selected out of 8,000 applicants.

So you know that uh they have really uh met the criteria in order to be able to hit that.

And then uh yesterday I was out at uh the Eli Lilly announcement with the you mayor, uh a six and a half billion dollar investment into uh the northeast part of our community, just outside of the city limits in the ETJ.

Um it was really good to see that.

And actually, that is phase one.

Uh if things go well, that uh there's going to be more that's brought out uh to us, more investment, and this is uh a huge deal, not just for uh our area and the State, but actually in the entire country as this looks to onshore pharmaceutical production to where we're no longer uh manufacturing these components uh overseas and in China and that type of thing.

So it's uh a really big deal.

So you know uh a great thing for the future of the the area.

And then uh lastly I'll wrap up with uh we've got our town hall slated.

Uh King One is going to be next Tuesday at the community center, and then uh Clear Lake, October 14th at Space Center Houston, and then the 21st at Edgebrook at the One Movement Bible Church.

So everybody's welcome.

Uh come on out and uh hope to see you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Uh Councilman Jackson.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um wanted to remind people about the job fair, the District B Integra Mission Job Fair this Friday, September the 26th at 10 a.m.

to 2 p.m.

Um the address is 1550 Minor Road.

If you want more information, contact our office at 832-393-3009.

Um folks need to be at least 18 years or older, have a GED.

Um it's entry-level jobs, but they're hiring on the spot.

So if you're looking for employment employment, um come on out to the Integra and District B job fair this Friday.

Thank you, Mayor.

Councilman Helpman.

Thank you.

I just want to give a huge thank you to Houston Public Works.

Yesterday, uh after some of the buses departed for school, there was a a tree that fell over an entrance to one of the neighborhoods, and it was going to affect buses coming home from HISD schools and Spring Ranch, independent school district schools.

And Public Works got out there.

This tree was enormous.

It was blocking both sides of the street.

Um if you were standing on the street, you couldn't even see to the other side because this tree was so big.

And they got it taken care of.

All the school buses were able to get in in the afternoon.

And so I just want to say thank you so much for being so responsive every time we need something, you are there, and the schools, the parents, everybody really appreciates it.

So thank you.

Thank you.

It's nice to recognize him.

Councilman Mayors.

Thank you, Mayor.

I just wanted to talk for a moment about a tragedy that occurred recently, and that was the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Um, regardless of what you thought of his politics, I think we can all agree that no one deserves to be murdered for exercising their freedom of speech, and yet that's exactly what happened.

And to me, it's a sign that our political discourse in these times has gotten out of control in some respects.

Uh, and that's very disappointing and alarming to see.

And this is just the latest in a number of violent incidents where uh people active in politics, elected officials, public officials have been murdered because someone didn't agree with their politics.

It's happened to Democrats, it's happened to Republicans, and uh it's not reflective of who or what this country should be.

And last year I started along with my Chief of Staff, Leah Wolf Thal, an initiative called Bringing Houston Together.

Earlier this year, we had an event at the Holocaust Museum where we brought Houstonians from across the political spectrum to talk about difficult subject.

Immigration was the topic of that event.

And civil discussion at each table was had.

And that is what we need in order to confront the issues that we face in this country today.

And so we're going to continue this by having a second event, November the 10th, in connection with Compassion Week, which is sponsored every year by Compassionate Houston.

This will be the 10th anniversary of Compassion Week.

It will be held November the 10th through the 16th.

And our event will be held on November the evening of November the 10th at Interfaith Ministries Great Hall.

And I would invite Houstonians, if you are interested in participating, to go to the website, Bringing Houston Together dot com.

I am also pleased to say that one of my colleagues, Councilmember Sally Alcorn, has signed on as well and will be collaborating with us on this next step in this initiative.

But again, we will gather on the evening of November the 10th, Interfaith Ministries Great Hall.

If you'd like to register, please go to Bringing Houston Together.com.

Thank you.

Pro Tim.

Yes, take A.

Thank you, Mayor.

Wanted to give a shout out to Public Works, HPD, your team, Mayor.

Many of you may be saw the story on Channel 2 and 11 about the 1,022 tires dumped on the lot uh in District K last week.

Uh we were swift in getting these tires picked up.

Uh there has been an investigation by HPD on the site.

Uh we are looking uh working with Public Works in the Department of Neighborhoods to put a lien on this property.

Uh Mayor, and it just really amplifies what we have been talking about, the illegal dumping throughout the entire city of Houston, and really starting a stop trashing Houston Citywide campaign because we hear it from constituents that come to talk to us each week.

We see it in our neighborhoods.

I mean, we can ask any council member, you know, where are those locations in your district, and they know right offhand where people tend to just illegally dump throughout our city.

And um this was just another example of trash begets trash.

Uh it was out there for two days, and we saw a bathtub join the tires.

We saw other car parts and other trash just illegally dumped on that particular lot.

So I did want to thank Public Works, HPD, um, your administration, mayor, and our our district K hot team and everyone who worked expeditiously to get those 1,022 tires picked up so quickly for the betterment of our community.

So again, we are encouraging residents to utilize our neighborhood depositories to put your trash out and dispose of your debris properly.

And then want to really amplify an exciting announcement that we are moving towards our West Ridge and Brays Terrace drainage improvement project.

Residents in those neighborhoods have been looking forward to this project for a while.

Um so in late October, early November, um we will start that project, and it's anticipated to be complete by the fall of 2026.

Uh it will be done in five phases.

Um it includes the installation of a 120-inch stormwater pipe to realign existing drainage systems.

So uh very excited to keep residents up to date on that project.

And then finally, I want to give a special shout out to Councilmember Willie Davis, who came to our Meet the Team event uh that we had on last Saturday.

It was definitely a joy to engage with our residents and introduce our new team members.

Be kind to each other and make it a great day.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, I want to invite everyone to the next Cigna Sunday in the park.

It will be this Sunday at Schwartz Park, 8203 Vogueen from noon to four o'clock.

It's a free celebration in the community, music, dancing, free food and games.

So please join us on Sunday.

Thank you.

Thank you, Ma'am.

Councilman Martin.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I'll pass with uh my prayers going towards Hugo Mohica, his family, friends, and of course, Councilman Carter and the at large three staff.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Councilmember Martinez.

A couple of things.

So uh this Thursday at 4 p.m.

in the legacy room, we will be hosting a reception to honor Hugo Mohica.

And if you're available, please join us.

It will consist of community members and many of our Astros friends and folks that you know want to come by and just uh to talk about what the their experiences in life of Hugo and certainly we're we're happy to celebrate his uh his legacy.

Um additionally, uh Councilmember Ramirez, I wanted to say thank you for the work you're doing regarding you know conversations and and really trying to get along.

I I have to share that uh we've had a lot of outreach this week, as you can imagine from across the city regarding uh the loss of Hugo, and I received a uh an email from someone in District C and her comment, and she was bold enough to give her name, I'll save her the embarrassment of doing so.

But uh her response to the announcement of Hugo's death was dying young to avoid investigation.

And uh, you know, when I saw that, first reaction is you know, you just want to I I can't even imagine.

Anyway, I responded gracefully to her, but all that to say, you know, what is wrong in this country when we are so emboldened behind a screen to say things and and to uh I mean I I can't even imagine how subhuman that is.

You know, someone you don't know, someone you don't know the circumstances, and you know uh my my prayer is that no one is ever impacted by cancer, an innocent child or an elderly you know person, anyone.

You know, it's a horrible, terrible thing.

But to to come back with responses such as that just shows the um, you know, kind of the divisiveness in our country, and thank you for your work, Councilmember Ramirez, and and certainly uh I'd like to learn more and happy to support on that.

I think it's very important.

Um on September 30th, uh hosting a back on what we're calling back on track Houston, and it's approximately uh 50 organizations that work in re-entry, homelessness, and um domestic violence and really resources to come together for a round table discussion to talk about how we can work together and really um make sure that we're not doubling up and and uh you know overlapping on on uh resour um on what we're providing, but also to identify resources and how we can work together.

And then um uh next week, uh October 1st, certainly we're kicking off domestic violence awareness month from 11 to 2.

I'll be co-hosting the Crime Stoppers panel discussion um you know, surrounded by teen dating violence and domestic violence.

Invite anyone to join again that's Crime Stoppers 11 to 2.

And then we'll be at the Texas Tribune on October 3rd, kicking off domestic violence awareness month with Texas Council on Family Violence and the partners for the Texas Outdoor Advertising Agency and Houston Area Apartments Association, and we're taking my uh statewide uh taking statewide my domestic violence awareness campaign.

And so I'm very uh much looking forward to to doing that.

And um anyway, and thank you for your outreach, your prayers, your condolences regarding Hugo and um your kindness, and I'm not gonna cry.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Edwin Shabbaz.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'm appalled at that comment, but I guess you know with the times as they are, those things ignorance and just abounds.

But certainly I want to thank you, Mayor and colleagues.

This past week in District D, we celebrated Grandparents' Day at St.

John's downtown, where I was proud to present a certificate recognizing the importance of grandparents and our families and communities.

On Monday, we recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Day at the Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center.

This effort is so vital to keeping our seniors safe, healthy, and independent.

And for hosting this event in District D.

I want to thank Councilmember Davis and Councilmember Pollard who came out to support as well.

I also want to thank Councilmember Davis for his help and assistance and partnership and working with Edgewood Park.

I really appreciate the interaction and what you bring to the table.

Upcoming events in District D, the Agape Development and Camillo Company's ribbon cutting ceremony will be Tuesday, September the 30th from 10 a.m.

to 11 a.m.

6809 Liverpool in 77021.

So if you want to come out and enjoy that wonderful uh community, uh please do.

Uh there will be a virtual design update meeting at Edgewood Park Hill Detention Basin Project, also on Tuesday, September the 30th, from 5 30 to 6 30, and it will be virtual and hosted by Houston Public Works.

Upcoming uh in District D, uh passing the torch, a Civic Justice Arts Experience, which will be tonight.

Uh the doors will open at 5 30 p.m.

at the El Dorado Ballroom 2310 Elgin.

It's hosted by the Houston Area Urban League and partners, including District D.

This event fuses performance policy and community voice to spark civic engagement, particularly with our young people, creative expression, and multi-generational dialogue.

I also want to give my condolences to the family of Hugo Mohica, who I've known for many years.

Certainly the only thing I could think to do was give Councilmember Carter a hug this morning because I know how closely she worked with him and how she had him at a place where he wanted to be.

So he ended his life in in public service, and certainly uh that's where Hugo honored to be because that's what his heart was about.

Uh I also want to congratulate Bishop James Dixon on his 44th pastoral anniversary at the Community of Faith Church.

Now, I may need some tissue, but today I rise with both gratitude and emotion to honor someone who has meant so much to me personally, and to District D.

My Chief of Staff, Mr.

Stephen James, who is retiring.

Stephen has been the heartbeat of our office.

His steady presence, his quiet strength, and his unwavering commitment to serving the people of District D have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Through challenges and victories alike, Stephen has been right by my side, offering wisdom, encouragement, and always putting the needs of our residents first.

We always had this joke.

He used to work for Sheila Jackson Lee.

She trained him well.

And he brought all of those skills to District D.

He is not only my chief of staff, he is my partner in this work, my confidant and my friend.

Stephen has poured his heart into this job, and his impact will be felt for years to come in the lives he has touched, the relationships he has built and the difference he has made.

While I'm sad to see this chapter closed, I am filled with joy knowing that he begins a new journey, one that is so well deserved.

On behalf of District D, and with my deepest personal thanks, I want to say Stephen, we love you.

We honor you, and we will never forget the legacy of service you have you leave behind.

And I'm also elated that he's getting ready to move into District D.

I guess he didn't do that at first.

He didn't want to be bugged after death, but he's gonna be my constituent as well.

And so thank you, Stephen.

And we will celebrate uh Stephen on next Wednesday, I believe at the leg at the legacy room, uh, and we will talk more about those details uh next week.

Thank you so very much.

Thank you.

And thanks, Stephen.

Thank you.

Appreciate your service.

Councilmember Davis.

Councilmember Davis.

Pass.

Just arrived.

We have item 22 command.

Item 22 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Thank you.

Anything else?

We stand adjourned.