My sentiments.

Good afternoon.

We are going to move into our proclamations.

The first proclamation will be Councilmember Martinez, recognizing the University of Houston's Hispanic Alumni Network.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

If I can have the President, Myra Castillo come up, and whoever you think should come up as well.

Thank you.

So my to the colleagues as Hispanic Heritage Month come soon in.

Powerful, impactful supportive.

Excuse me, lost my train of thought.

Very powerful and impactful uh moments in young cougars' lives, helping more students walk the stage at graduation and reminding us all what we can achieve when we lift each other up.

So I'm gonna read the proclamation now.

Whereas the University of Houston Hispanic Alumni Network is a distinguished social and philanthropical organization comprised of committed UH alumni who generously volunteer their time, energy, and resources to host impactful events, fostering community and raise funds to support student scholarships.

Whereas U of H Hispanic Alumni Network has continuous continually demonstrated its dedication to higher education by bringing together alumni and supporters to invest in students' cross success, ensuring ensuring financial barriers do not hinder the academic aspirations of deserving students.

And whereas on June 21st, 2025, the U of H Hispanic Alumni Network hosted its annual scholarship banquet for the 2024-2025 academic year, awarding $20,000 in scholarships and celebrating the growth of its endowment beyond $50,000, a testament to their long-term vision and dedication.

And whereas with this year's contribution, the U of H Hispanic Alumni Network has surpassed 105,000 in total scholarships awarded, making a significant achievement that reflects the strength and community, the power of giving, and shared commitment to uplifting the next generation.

And whereas the board members of the U of H Hispanic Alumni Network continue to inspire through their unwavering service using their talent, time, talent, and heart to create life-changing opportunities and expand the access to the education of U of H students.

Therefore, I, Martha Castex Tatum, Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston, on behalf of John Whitmeyer, mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim October 14th, 2025 as UH Hispanic Alumni Network Day in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

They didn't hear me.

I know.

Wait for it.

On behalf of the University of Houston Hispanic Alumni Network, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Mayor Whitmeyer, the Council, the City of Houston, and Councilman Martinez for this incredible honor.

For us to be recognized with a proclamation for our city, a city that is built on diversity, culture, and opportunity.

This is a very truly special moment for our organization.

This means so much to us because our organization was revived just a little under 10 years ago, but with by a small but passionate group of alumni who believed in rebuilding a community that ellipses connects and celebrates Hispanic Cougars.

In that decade, we've grown into one of the university's most vibrant alumni networks, raising thousands of dollars in scholarships, creating mentorship opportunities for our first gen students, and building bridges between alumni and the next generation of leaders.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, this proclamation reminds us of the vital role in our community plays not just at UH, a proud Hispanic serving institution, but throughout Houston.

Our culture, our resilience, and our commitment to education are woven into the fabric of this city.

To our members, this recognition, this recognition is a reflection of your dedication.

The long night's planning events, mentoring students, and finding ways to give back.

And to the city of Houston, thank you for seeing this value in what we do.

We are proud to stand alongside so many others who make Houston one of its most vibrant and inclusive cities in the nation.

Go Cougs, and thank you so much for this honor.

Yeah, we should be all right.

Good afternoon, colleagues.

Uh I'm excited today to recognize a vital member of the Greater Northside Management District and congratulate her on her retirement.

The management district's uh been a key partner for District H uh for many years, but it's the people behind the management district that make all the work happen.

And today um we're celebrating uh Ginger Bertran as she uh embarks on a retirement after 15 years of service, and uh not to just the management district but also to a number of other charitable organizations uh that we're gonna recognize.

So, whereas the city of Houston recognizes Ginger Burtrand on the occasion of her retirement and honors her contributions to the Greater North Side Management District and the Houston community.

Whereas for the past 15 years, Ginger has served as a vital member of the Greater Northside Management District, leading marketing and communication efforts that have strengthened local businesses, elevated community pride, and increased economic activity throughout the district.

Whereas Ginger is the founder of Burtrand Communications and has also worked at Exxon, a graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe with a degree in journalism, she combines her expertise in technical and nonprofit writing with editing and strategic communications.

And whereas Ginger has served in leadership roles in numerous nonprofit and civic organizations, including Mothers Against Cancer, the National Charity League, and the International Association of Business Communicators.

As a deaf individual, she has also contributed her time and experience to the Houston Ear Research Foundation, which helped with her coccular implant surgeries and to Camp for All, where she co-chaired the 2022 Gala, raising over 1.1 million to help bring children and adults with challenging illnesses and special needs to a barrier-free camp.

Whereas Ginger has been honored for her service to the community, including being named a family time crisis and counseling center, women of distinction, and IABC Houston Volunteer of the Year, and an Easter Seals Greater Houston hats off to Mother's Luncheon Honoree.

Whereas, as she retires from the Greater Northside Management District, Ginger Bertrand bequeaths a legacy of leadership, generosity, and advocacy that will continue to inspire the Greater Northside community and beyond.

And therefore, I, Martha Castex Tatum, mayor of the Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston on behalf of John Whitmeyer, mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim October 14th, 2025 as Ginger Burtrand Day in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Councilmember Castillo, and thank you.

And to my friend Toala Carter.

And I am just so honored to receive this from you.

I have been a Houston area resident for 50 years.

And I have had my cochlear implants here in Houston.

I have benefited from shopping at the gallery on many occasions.

I love Houston, and I've watched it grow and develop.

And I love the Grido North side.

It's the best team I've ever worked with.

So I thank all of you for recognizing me.

I am just overwhelmed and honored.

Thank you.

We have a few council members in the queue.

Council Murray Keeman.

And you have some very, very special guests with you today.

Did you want to introduce them?

I do.

I have my two daughters with me.

Amy Bertrand, who used to work here at City Hall, and also Rabaka Applars.

So Amy is small to stutter because my baby, they're 16 months apart.

So often was caring by the M at the same time.

But I'm so glad that they can be here.

Thank you.

I am too.

And you did a hell of a job with them because they are extraordinary women in their own right.

We love working with them, but it's really I know about family, and uh your family is very special.

So it's great to be here, Councilmember, thank you for the proclamation.

Thank you.

Councilmember Carter.

What an exciting day.

Councilmember Castillo, thank you for recognizing my good friend.

And I'm going to tell you, there are few people that I'm taller than, but Ginger's one of them.

All that to say that right there, even though you listed all of what some of the things she's done, she is small but mighty.

And I will tell you she gets things done and has an amazing reputation in my community for being the go-to.

If you want something done, you get ginger brewer trend on it.

And she's a pretty good travel buddy, too.

We've traveled across the country and back on a few occasions.

So love you so much and so happy that you're here, and congratulations on your day.

Thank you.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Congratulations, and you must have passed it down to the next generation.

I work with Amy quite a bit and thrilled to work with her, and nice job.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay.

The chair recognizes Councilmember Jackson for a proclamation to James J.B.

Thibodeau for his contributions in revitalizing communities through creative housing solutions, sustainable development, and culturally rooted design.

When James Thibodeau worked at Super Neighborhood, he was a volunteer.

I knew I already saw his commitment in making sure that our communities had exactly what their need and making sure that our communities were stronger.

And so it comes to no surprise all the great work that you've been doing, focusing on economic development, affordable housing, and just making sure that residents in District B have an opportunity to thrive.

So I'm honored to be able to present this proclamation to you today.

And it reads, whereas the city of Houston recognizes James Thibodeau, James J.

B.

Tibodeau, a Houston native, real estate developer, and community leader, born and raised in the historic Acres Homes neighborhood.

And whereas throughout his company, JB Tibetau Homes and Properties, JP has become a force for transformative change, revitalizing communities through Create Creative Housing Solutions, sustainable development, and culturally rooted design.

To date, his developments have exceeded a hundred million in sustainable housing, earning him the title The Duplex King for his innovative pocket um pocket development model.

And whereas JB works extends beyond construction and to empowerment.

His community first approach not only addresses the need for affordable housing, but also strengthens neighborhoods and creates pathways for generational wealth for Houstonians.

And whereas his most recent initiative, the Duplex Flex Giveaway, a groundbreaking collaborative with Pro Prosperity Bank and the NAACP, provides an inspired investor with a brand new income producing property and a six-week financial literacy and wealth building cohort at no cost, ensuring long-term success through education and opportunity.

And whereas James J.B.

Thibodeau exemplifies service, innovation, envisioned in action, inspiring a new generation of an entrepreneurs, developers, and community advocates throughout the city of Houston.

Mayor Pro Tim.

Therefore, I, Martha Castex Tate, Mayor Pro Tim of the City of Houston, on behalf of John Whitmeyer, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim October 14th, 2025 as the James J.

B.

Thibodeau Day in Houston, Texas.

Well, first off, uh, Councilwoman Jackson, I have a gift for you and thank you for all your work and your support over these years, your dedication on the ground, and here in the horseshoe.

I am a pre-step to say that I know you as a friend and just as a great councilwoman.

So thank you for our community and myself.

Yes, sir.

I have my father and my sister and my wife uh and our participants and all of my team.

I just want to invite y'all up here and just say thank you.

Yeah, give them a hand.

Y'all may work really, really hard.

Oh, you got to make it.

Mr.

Beer.

Where's my proclamation?

Where's working?

No.

Ms.

Ingrid.

This council member Thomas for the invocation.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

Um, colleagues and those who are joining us in chambers.

I want to introduce to you uh Pastor Ricky Bradshaw, uh, who will share the invocation on behalf of the city.

Please welcome him as he approaches the chamber.

He and I had the pleasure of uh acquainting um during my service as an A Leaf ISD trustee member, where he served as a board member of the A Leaf YMCA and continues to lead throughout the city and the region.

Happy to have you with us today.

Thank you, Councilwoman Tiffany Thomas.

Oh, sorry, thank you.

I shouldn't have a problem with microphones, right?

Very good.

It's a blessing to be here amongst you, our leaders in our city, and I know that God has a word for you today that I would like to share with you if you don't mind.

And you've probably heard this before, but it would be good today to be reminded why we should pray.

The letter of Paul to Timothy in First Timothy chapter two.

He says, Therefore, Timothy, I exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, and intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men and women too.

For kings and all who are in authority, that we in the city of Houston may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

For there is only one God between man and God, and mediator, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, everybody, to be testified in due time, for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle.

And I ain't lying.

I'm telling the truth in Christ.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, we thank you for this glorious day.

You, the creator of the universe, who said to pray for all men and especially those who lead in our city and our nation in authority.

Pray for them that they would be blessed and protected and prosperous in their role, and that they would submit to the authority and the ways of God and your holy word.

That they will come to the knowledge of the truth, that there's only one mediator between man and God.

And they would lead according to your word with honor, respect, wisdom, compassion, and godliness.

And they will use good judgment and pursue justice and love mercy and walk umbly before you of those who are in authority with them, and that they will walk in integrity and keep their promises and fulfill their commitments.

And that they would not get distracted or cower into passivity, but embrace responsibility.

That they would watch over, protect and lead and serve those in their care.

We pray that you will reward those who do not do wrong, but do right, and punish those who do do wrong, according to your word in Romans 13, 1 through 5.

We pray also, Lord, according to your word, that they would refuse to take a bribe or allow favoritism in their judgments.

We pray according to your word that they would become hard workers who faithfully fulfill their duties.

And we also ask you, Father, that they will make choices based upon the fear of God and not the fear of man.

And they will be good and godly examples in their roles and responsibilities for our families and our children.

We thank you, God, that we can lead a quite a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness because of these kinds of leaders.

Help them to do so.

And thank you for this city council and the mayor and all who are in authority in our city.

Your blessings be upon Houston, Texas.

Today we pray in Jesus' name.

Amen.

Thank you, sir.

Please stand for the pledge.

To the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Next, Councilmembers will move to the roll call.

Mr.

Secretary, if you'll please call the roll.

Mayor Whitmeyer.

Councilmember Peck.

Here.

Councilmember Jackson.

Councilmember Cayman.

Present.

Councilmember Evan Shabazz.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Councilmember Thomas.

Present.

Councilmember Huffman.

Present.

Councilmember Castillo.

Councilmember Martinez.

Here.

Councilmember Pollard.

Here.

Councilmember Castex Tatum.

Here.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Here.

Councilmember Davis.

Councilmember Carter.

Councilmember Plummer.

And Councilmember Alcorn.

Here.

Need a motion to delay the adoption of minutes.

Tech move.

Cayman second.

It's been moved.

And second.

All those in favor.

Any opposed, the motion carries.

I'll go back.

You good?

Okay.

Any procedural motions?

Councilmember Martinez.

Councilmember Martinez.

We'll start with you.

Thank you, Mayor Protein.

I move to suspend the rules to add Cesar Espinosa and Chris White to the bottom of the two-minute non-agenda.

Is there a second?

It's been moved and second.

All in favor?

Any opposed?

The motion carries.

Councilmember Davis.

Oh no.

Point of professor.

Oh, sorry, Councilmember Davis.

Councilmember Kamen.

Thank you.

I I withdraw my motion as Cesar Espinoza was just added, but it is very cool that we are using the new system just for the record.

Okay.

And Councilmember Ramirez, do you have a procedural motion?

I do, Mayor Pro Tim, thank you.

Uh move to suspend the rules to move Amy or add, excuse me, Amy Demby and Robert Gallegos to the bottom of the three-minute agenda list.

Three minutes.

Is there a second?

It's been moved and second.

All in favor.

Any opposed?

Motion carries.

Any other procedural motions?

We do have a point of personal motion there.

We do have a point of personal privilege from Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim and colleagues.

It's October.

And the combined municipal campaign, the city's workplace giving program is in full swing, and traditionally, city departments host a number of fundraisers during this month to raise money for the charity of their choice.

And I'm honored this year to have been asked to serve as chair of this year's city council combined municipal campaign.

The nonprofit organization that I have chosen to receive, the City Council CMC funds, we raise is no autism.

On offering a roadmap for diagnosis and intervention, raising awareness in our community, and working with schools and other organizations to develop programs that meet the evolving needs of children and families affected by autism.

And my uh 10-year-old uh grandson uh is artistic, and so uh I've worked much with autism and organizations in that effort, and so I chose that one to um thank those who volunteered to do this, but that's the one I chose, and all of those I want to thank those who volunteer those who support our fundraisers and especially Karina Vallasquares of the administrative office of City Council, who is really a superstar in organizing the City Council fundraisers.

With that in mind, Karina would like to announce that our next fundraiser, Mexican Corn in a Cup Day, uh, will be tomorrow, Wednesday, October 15th at 1215, uh at the ground level, the city hall, and please come out and enjoy and many thanks to elite bravos, which is generously donated the delicious food and keep an eye out for future events uh through the end of the month.

Please come out and enjoy and many thanks to elite Bravo, which is generously donated the delicious food and keep an eye out for future events through the end of the month.

Thank you all so much.

Councilmember Davis, thank you so much for highlighting uh the CMC program.

We all um are participating and we'll continue to participate to make sure we can donate to a very worthy organization, uh especially in support of your your dear grandson.

Absolutely.

Thank you so much, Mayor Pro Tim.

Council and uh members in the chambers, we do have a very long list of speakers signed up today.

Because we do have more than 150 minutes worth of speakers, our rules require us to only give each of you one minute to speak.

Even if you've signed up for three minutes or you have been scheduled for two minutes, uh you will be allowed to speak for one minute, and uh we will um try to address your concerns in a in a timely manner.

Uh Mr.

Secretary, if you will please call our first speaker.

Tina Brady.

Tina Brady.

To be followed by Karen Lancaster.

Hello, Ms.

Brady.

Either one.

This one?

Either one.

Okay.

Hello, all.

Hello, Mr.

Martin.

Councilmember Martinez.

Um, my name is Um Tina Brady.

I'm a fellow Houstonian and I live in Eastwood.

Um I'm here today to be sure that you know that I am opposed to the abandonment of Polk Street.

Houston First Corporation conducted zero public engagement during the design phase when input could have meaningfully shaped the project.

They revealed their plans only when seeking approval, presenting the community with a done deal.

That's not engagement, it's notification.

Real public engagement happens early when alternatives can be explored and designs modified.

Houston First has since refused meaningful input, declined to discuss alternatives, and won't commit to investing in infrastructure of impacted neighborhoods.

Back channel conversations with select individuals don't constitute public engagement.

Democratic governance requires transparency and genuine community participation.

If you vote yes tomorrow, you'll be endorsing this exclusionary process and telling your constituents their input doesn't matter.

When Mayor Winmeyer and the House has expired, he made a commitment to general public engagement.

That's process this project is a public and failure.

Ms.

Brady, we do have a council member that would like to address you.

Councilmember Kim.

Yes.

I hit the chat button out there.

Thanks.

If anybody, I'm just setting this so that as you're speaking, uh, we can hear from you.

If we have an agreement from Houston First and the City of Houston that Leland will be at two-way street up to Louisiana, for example, um, and other things that are in the works.

Um, what else is the ask?

Uh, for example, I know we had uh conversation about downtown Houston Plus, which is a terrific entity that focuses and understands mobility.

If they take over the community engagement in the mobility components of GRB expansion, things like that, um, I think that's a a good compromise.

That's a good path forward to make sure residents are engaged to make sure that we're finding um ways to make this work.

If I I don't want to put you on the spot, certainly, but as we hear other speakers for the sake of time, it would be helpful to know what are the asks that aren't being met specifically because I I think we're getting to some of those things that I hope will create a good resolution.

Thank you so much.

We'll make sure that we address those questions.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Karen Lancaster.

Karen Lancaster.

To be followed by Charles Watts.

Council members, thousands of Houston residents have voiced overwhelming opposition, not to the expansion itself, but to this specific design.

Over 230 comments were submitted to the joint referral committee, a process that typically receives two or three, nearly 600 petition signatures.

Town halls overflow with concerned citizens.

Yet Houston First Corporation has refused to meaningfully engage with these concerns.

They've declined to sit down and discuss alternatives.

They've ignored requests for community input during the design phase.

When did Houston's government stop listening to Houstonians?

Your constituents are begging to be heard.

Tomorrow's vote will show whether their voices matter.

We urge you to represent the people who elected you.

Respectfully remind that the people are the city.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Pollard for a procedural motion.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, and good afternoon to everyone.

I move to suspend the rules to move the former HPD chief Charles McQuellen up to be at the top of the one-minute non-agenda list.

It's been moved and second.

All those in favor, any opposed?

Item carries.

Hello, Mr.

Watts.

Good afternoon, esteemed members of the Houston City Council.

My name is Charles Watts, and I represent the Marriott Houston South at Hobby Airport, and I'm also a member of the Hobby Area Business District.

Today I urge you to champion the expansion of the George R.

Brown Convention Center.

It's a generational investment that will cement Houston's status as a premier global destination for meetings, conventions, and major events.

Imagine a more vibrant convention center, drawing thousands of visitors, filling our hotels to capacity, building boosting spending at local restaurants attractions, and generating vital hotel occupancy and sales tax revenue.

This isn't just an economic uplift.

It's fueled to our arts, our sports, and our essential city services that makes Houston thrive.

But hesitation means falling behind.

Austin and Dallas are already pouring resources into massive renovations, luring planners who demand modern, flexible, and connected spaces.

Without action, we'll will watch high value conventions slip to competitors, eroding our edge.

This project changes that.

The new South Building alone promises 20 billion dollars in additional spit spending, $6 billion and new payroll across 30 years.

Closing Polk Street is essential.

It's a linchpin connecting the new structure to the George R.

Brown.

Your time has expired.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Michael Schein.

Michael Schein.

To be followed by Susan Susan Wingfield.

Good afternoon, Council.

Mayor Pro Tim, thank you so much for being here.

I am Michael Schein.

I am the executive director of the Houston region of the Texas Restaurant Association.

Many of you know me and I know you.

Thanks for the opportunity.

On behalf of the Greater Houston chapter of the Restaurant Texas Restaurant Association, I am pleased to express our strong support for the planned expansion of the George R.

Brown Convention Center.

This project represents a significant and strategic investment in Houston's convention district and broader regional economy.

The proposed expansion will enhance Houston's ability to attract greater number and higher caliber of conventions, trade shows, and corporate events.

These gatherings are vital to exposing global business leaders to Houston and generating both immediate economic activity and long-term investment.

We know that progress is painful.

We recognize there are decisions that have to be made regarding streets and citizens and access.

We understand that.

Progress is painful.

Finally, the broader vision for the convention district, including future renovations and enhanced connectivity, will strengthen the link between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, delivering benefits that extend across this city.

The Greater Houston chapter of this restaurant association is proud to adjust.

Thank you.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Susan Wingfield.

Susan Wingfield.

To be followed by Hank Riley.

Good afternoon, Councilmembers.

I'm I've been a uh homeowner.

I'm sorry, I had a two-minute prepared, so this is off the cuff.

I am totally against closing Polk.

We don't, as an as a homeowner on the from the East End.

I've been trying to get through Polk and through Leland, and right now it's practically impossible.

Why not go over?

Why not build something walkways above the street?

Why close off a major intersection and cut off that many thousands of residents from the East End?

I think there are better alternatives, and I think closing Polk is not one of them.

We had very few streets left, and it's one of the only streets that goes through that also we can go around the railroad tracks on the other end.

We need that street.

Thank you.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Hank Riley.

Hank Riley.

To be followed by Jelly Van Debra.

Mayor Pro Tem, City Council members, thank you for allowing me to speak.

I'm Hank Riley.

I am the General Manager of the Laura Hotel.

I'm here to express our strong support for the proposed expansion of the George R.

Brown Convention Center and the broader convention district transformation project.

You've heard from some of my colleagues today.

This is a generational investment.

It will strengthen Houston's position as a premier global destination for meetings, for conventions, major events.

A more active convention center means more guest-filling Houston hotels, which is a direct impact for the hours for my hotel staff as well.

If Houston doesn't move forward, uh we risk falling behind our competitors in Austin, Dallas, they're currently investing major convention center expansions.

You've also heard that the new South Building alone is projected to generate more than 20 billion in additional spending and six billion in new payroll over the next thirty years.

Your time has expired.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Yeli Vandenbrock.

To be followed by Cynthia Singleton.

Good afternoon, City Council members.

Thank you for allowing me to speak.

I am Yela von der Brucker, General Manager at the JW Merritt Houston Downtown on Main Streets.

I am here to express our strong support for the proposed expansion of the Georgia Brown Convention Center and the broader convention district transformation products.

This expansion of the Georgia Brown Convention Center is a generational investment that will secure Houston's place as a premier global destination for meetings, conventions, and major events.

But the reality is this if we don't move forward, we risk falling behind.

Both Austin and Dallas are investing heavily in their convention centers to attract major events.

Meeting Planastella's day choose cities with modern, flexible and connected facilities without comparable upgrades.

Houston will lose valuable convention business to markets, offering newer, more integrated spaces.

A critical piece of this plan is the closure of Polk Streets, which allows the new building to connect directly to the existing ones.

This seamless design is exactly what meeting planners want, and Houston Hotels community strongly supports us.

Beyond that, this investment will catalyze new growth on the east side of downtown, from hotels and retail to restaurants and entertainments.

Thank you.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Cynthia Singleton.

Cynthia Singleton.

Next speaker.

Robert Gallegos.

Robert Gallegos.

To be followed by Amy Dimby.

Hello, Councilmember.

Hi, how are you doing?

Good afternoon.

Thank you for this opportunity.

Um I was asked by State Representative Jolanda Jones to read her letter uh to the mayor and city council.

Dear Mayor Whitmire and members of the Houston City Council.

As a State Representative for House District 147, I am joining my colleague in expressing concern regarding the proposed closure of Polk Street for the George R.

Brown Convention Center expansion, the North Houston Highway Improvement Project.

Residents from the East End and surrounding communities have raised valid concerns about the lack of transparency, limited public input, and the negative impacts this closure could have on mobility, safety, and equitable access across our city.

Polk Street serves as a vital east-west corridor, and any decision to abandon it warrants careful consideration and community engagement.

I attended a public meeting with residents where my can where many came prepared with thoughtful questions and concerns.

What unfolded, however, was deeply disappointing.

City representatives were dismissive and arrogant.

Your time has expired.

Councilmember Kiman.

Councilmember, it's great as always to have you back in chambers.

If you want to finish up the letter out of respect for you and the representative, please proceed.

Thank you, Councilmember.

What unfolded, however, was deeply disappointing.

City representatives were dismissive and arrogant, refusing to answer questions and disregarding the voices of the very people who will be most affected by this project.

I do not consider that event a legitimate public meeting as a as it lacked transparency, respect, and meaningful dialogue.

For months, my office has made multiple attempts to coordinate a genuine public meeting to ensure that constituents have an opportunity to be heard and to receive clear information.

Despite these repeated efforts, that meeting has yet to be scheduled.

Therefore, I respectfully urge the Council to delay any vote until a comprehensive traffic and community impact plan is completed and publicly released.

One that includes pedestrian, bicycle, and transit alternatives, updated traffic studies, and clear community benefits for affected neighborhoods.

Only after this information is made available should a transparent and inclusive public meeting be held.

One where residents' questions are answered and their concerns are meaningfully addressed.

Large scale projects must be guided by equity, transparency, and accountability to ensure they truly serve all Houstonians.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Jolanda Jones, State Representative, Howard's District 147, Houston, Texas.

And again, she represents downtown Houston.

So thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Next speaker.

Amy Dimby.

Amy Denby.

To be followed by Charles McClellan.

Hello, my name is Amy Dimby.

I'm a resident of Magnolia Park, and I'm asking that you vote no or postpone the vote for Houston First tomorrow.

I am for the expansion of the George Irvine Convention, but I'm also for keeping Polk Street open.

Houston First has admitted that a bridge over Polk Street is feasible.

And that solution sounds like a win-win for everybody, and so I don't understand why that is not being explored more.

There's a lack of transparency between Houston First and the residents or citizens of Houston.

You know, Houston First says they're that putting people first is their top core value, but this whole process has shown us that that is absolutely not their top core value.

I don't even think it's a part of their core values at all.

So again, I'm asking you guys today to please vote no or postpone the vote on Houston First plans uh regarding Polk Street, and we ask that you explore the alternative of keeping Polk Street open with the bridge.

Thank you.

Thank you for your comments.

Next speaker.

Charles McClellan.

To be followed by Tar Shea Wright.

Good afternoon, uh Mayor Pro Tim and Council.

It's an honor to our speech to speak before you today.

Uh I'm going to try to be here as quick as I can and do justice to the subject.

I'm here today.

Uh I want to applaud you for approving the uh purchase of a new building for HPD.

But I also want to remind you that when they transfer and leave 1200 Travis, that Senior Police Officer Edward A.

Thomas' name transfer to the new building.

Um Mr.

Thomas joined uh the Houston Police Department in 1948.

Uh he was the first one African American that could keep his job after reconstruction, uh, faced extreme discrimination.

He couldn't attend roll call with his white counterparts, couldn't arrest a white person, wasn't allowed to drive a vehicle, couldn't drink out of the same water fountain, couldn't go in the police cafeteria.

But let me tell you what he could do.

He served two years, three and a half years in World War II.

He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the longest battle of World War II.

He worked for the United States Postal Service in Los Angeles, California for two years, and after joining HPD in 1948, he wore that uniform for 63 years.

Your time has expired.

The only person that out lasted him was Miss Anna Russell is 68 years.

So I hope that you follow the city ordinance that says that any building that contained police headquarters must bear his name.

Thank you, Chief.

We do have a couple of council members in queue that would like to address you.

We'll start with Council.

So Member Ramirez.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Uh great to see you again, Chief.

Thank you.

Thank you.

You look like you uh just retired.

Well my eyesight is failing, but my mind is sharper than ever.

Well, thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we will certainly give it uh good consideration.

Good to see you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Evans Shabbat.

Thank you, Mayor Potem.

And thank you, Chief McClellan.

It's always good to see you.

I miss you on the executive committee of the NAACP, but I do understand.

Certainly, you have hit on something that is very, very important to me.

I have uh witnessed names changing for people who were very worthy, such as E.O.

Smith was changed to Mickey Leland.

Um my elementary school was was changed from Turner to Lockhart.

Uh and certainly I I I agree with you.

Once those names are fixed, I see no reason to remove those names, and so I fully support what you're here to speak about.

Thank you.

Well, thank you very much.

Mr.

Thomas was in Cadet Class No.

Monday, Cadet Class No.

274 will start.

Since he was the first.

There would if he wasn't the first, there would be no second, third, or fourth.

So my feet are firmly planted on Mr.

Thomas's shoulders.

Thank you.

Councilmember Pollard, we do have two more speakers.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

And Chief, thank you for coming forward.

Thank you for uh the call that we had yesterday and your leadership in this city.

Uh I to agree with you that that name should be transferred and there should really be no uh I think pushback on that.

Is there anything that would lead you to believe that there would be any pushback on that?

Well, I hope not, but I I know that this is a new council and people may not be aware why Mayor Nees Parker and the current council members at that time style the ordinance the way that they did.

They anticipated that 1200 Travis would not be the final home for the Houston Police Department headquarters.

So they did not want his history and his legacy to be erased.

Thank you, Chief.

Thank you.

Councilmember Kman.

Chief, I do want to thank you as well.

Um, not only for holding us accountable, but sharing the history for the rest of the city of Houston uh because it's incumbent upon all of us to educate about that history of who came first, who blazed those trails, and who stood out and stood strong in the face of discrimination and the relics of Jim Crow.

Um so again, thank you.

I believe you have our commitment um to make sure that that happens, but I appreciate you being hearing your voice on this.

Well, thank you very much.

He's a great American hero.

Thank you.

Appreciate your comments and being here today.

Next speaker.

Tarce Wright.

Tarshay Wright.

Toshay Wright.

Next speaker.

Cesar Espinosa.

Cesar Espinosa.

Go ahead and call the next speaker.

Randall Kallanan.

Randall Kallanen.

Randall Callanan.

Next speaker.

Karen Knapp.

Karen Knapp.

To be followed by Michelle Steele.

Hello, Ms.

Knapp.

Hello.

Um, my name is Karen Knapp, and I'm a resident of District H, and I'm so pleased that U.S.

Secretary of Transportation Duffy and Governor Abbott want to improve safety and mobility for our traffic.

Houston consistently ranks high on lists of U.S.

cities with the worst traffic congestion, road raid shootings, and drunk driving incidents.

But elected officials demand to destroy the rainbow crosswalk will make no difference at all because the intersection of West Timer and Taft is not on any list of the most dangerous intersections in Houston.

The city's instant and unquestioning compliance with that demand is unacceptable.

Houston taxpayers expect the agencies we fund to stand up for this community.

And I would add that disruption from massive traffic or massive construction projects is going to just make all of these problems worse.

I'm a member, um I'm a resident of second ward, and no one has told Edo and Second Ward what's going to happen with traffic when the reroute starts in the construction starts in earnest, and hundreds of cars are driving through our neighborhoods every day trying to get a workaround.

So I would ask that um you guys tell us what you are going to do.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

Um my name is Michelle Still.

I'm a resident of Montrose.

I was deeply disappointed to hear a plans from the Pride Crosswalk at the intersection of West Timer and Taft Streets.

This crosswalk has deep meaning since it was the first pride crosswalk created in Texas and was installed to honor the memory of a community member who was killed near the intersection.

I am also angry that this is being done using public safety as a cover for blatant homophobia.

I have a hard time believing there's clear data that shows that this crosswalk is more dangerous than others because a rainbow is painted on it.

If that is the case, then maybe we use taxpayer dollars to remove all the public art in our city.

Murals downtown, electrical boxes painted throughout neighborhoods, because they too are a distraction to drivers.

This is performative politics to design to harm the LGBTQ plus community.

Although I have doubt there is any clear data that shows that this is a particularly dangerous crosswalk.

Montrose has historically been a safe haven for them, a welcoming place for them to be their true selves.

This stun has nothing to do with public safety and is more about cruel political.

Your time has expired.

Council Member King.

Um, Michelle, sorry.

As you're coming up, um I know both I think Councilmember Castillo was also in cue for Karen.

I wanted to thank y'all.

We do have additional speakers on the Rainbow Crosswalk because of the extent uh the limited time we have today.

I'm not going to comment on it.

We did hold the press conference there today.

Uh, we will continue to speak out about this.

This is um, in my opinion, complete state overreach.

They have no business getting involved in local communities.

And we have a responsibility to not only speak out, but do something to make sure that the community knows we are standing with them and will continue to fight for not only our LGBTQIA plus community, because this is not just about the pride flag.

And I want to be clear, although that is a just and worthy cause alone.

This is about our black community, our immigrant communities, every community that Trump and Abbott are trying to erase and erase the history of.

So we will continue to stand and fight, but I want to thank you for the community's voice in this because this was a community-led project that is trying to be removed.

Thank you.

Just the hypocrisy when Governor Abbott doesn't want the Federal Government to tell him what to do, why he thinks he can tell local government what to do.

Just one second.

Councilmember Alka.

Michelle Michelle.

This is my first time it's really good to see you.

I know Michelle.

And thanks for what you said, and I agree with you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

No.

We're good.

Next speaker.

Art Wager.

Art Wager.

To be followed by Laura Gallier.

Thank you, Council.

My name is Art Wager.

I'm a resident, homeowner, taxpayer of Houston, Texas.

I'm here to talk very briefly about the uh acquisition of 419 emancipation as the homeless superhub.

It's going to be located.

It's going to be located right behind my house.

I live on the other side of the tracks on Spurber.

First, the cost 16 million, two lots.

It's been appraised at 6.7 million as recently as January of 2025 by the county.

Where the 60 million comes from, we don't know.

The city is broke.

227 million in debt by the year 2027.

We I don't think we can afford 16 million for this project, although we do need some type of homeless outreach.

I am not saying that we don't.

There's also this is uh assigned as a no barrier facility.

I am a retired lieutenant with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

I retired here a couple of years ago.

Oh.

Your time has expired.

Councilmember Pollard.

You have my time.

Oh, thank you.

Uh uh no barrier facility, which means the intent is very altruistic and inclusive.

Um I argue that the barriers are for safety.

When you don't have barriers, you allow people in that are going to cause issues.

Uh I argue that uh no background checks, no sobriety requirements, no time limitations at check-in, and no uh rules against pets and partners is a clear recipe for chaos.

Admitting individuals actively under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or those that are uh have mental current mental health crises going on, heightens the potential for violence, theft, sexual assault, and harassment within the facility.

This is clear throughout the nation that hosts these type of intake facilities.

Uh I can send you some some uh uh documentation on that.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

You can send that documentation to our offices if you would like.

I will, thank you.

Thank you.

Next speaker.

Laura Gallier.

Laura Gallier.

Laura Gallier.

Next speaker.

Andrew Strother.

Andrew Strother.

To be followed by Juan Halls.

Good afternoon, Council members.

My name is Andrew Strother.

I'm a lifelong Houstonian, small business owner, resident of District D, and an avid golfer.

Given that, I was beyond excited when I saw the plans for the new and improved course layout at Herman Park Golf Course.

Um, and even more thrilled to hear that the Astros Foundation would be generously funding the project to the tune of over 30 million dollars.

Um a win for everyone, and the taxpayers wouldn't even have to fund it.

So I was incredibly confused when these fantastic plans had been placed on definite hold.

And I was shocked to hear that my own council member was, quote, elated about the pause and was, quote, totally in favor of squashing the renovations.

The reasons given were that residents and golfers were not given the opportunity to provide input into the changes, and yet over six weeks now since the plans were paused, no efforts have been made to engage the community to generate feedback.

And according to a member of the Parks Department I spoke with yesterday, no plans have been made to facilitate that feedback.

This update to the course would be nothing but a net positive for the city and the community that uses these facilities, all while being generously funded by the Astros Foundation.

I strongly encourage the council to move forward with these plans for the betterment of our community.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I appreciate your comments.

Just curious, uh, you're a golfer.

Did you have you played Memorial Park after the Astros Foundation renovated it?

Yeah, actually go every week.

I drive 20 minutes there because for the same price, it's a significantly better course.

And can you talk about what what it was like before and what it was like after?

Yeah, both myself and the uh pros who work there have commented on the uh conditions before significantly better managed, the quality of the driving range, um it's better face, so you're not facing into the sun at the end of the day when you try and come in after work, the courses are kept in better condition.

Parking is improved, the general feel of the course is like you're walking into a high quality facility you would never guess it's a municipal course.

And what how does it compare to the experience at Herman Park right now?

How do you compare McDonald's to Perry's?

Um quite frankly, uh the course at Herman Park is overcrowded.

You're as likely to find another golfer's ball on your fairway hitting from the 17th hole when you're on the sixth as you are to find your own.

It's too crowded, it allows for no night play, it doesn't allow for um children at the local hospital to come and play.

It doesn't even recognize the fact that it was the first uh fully integrated municipal course in the city of Houston.

There's no acknowledgement of that.

I know the new plan specifically allow for that.

So some have complained about uh taking nine holes and making them three-par.

Uh you have any thoughts on that?

The fact that it's going to be an illuminated three-par, it increases the amount of time that uh people can play after work.

That's a huge limitation.

It increases the accessibility for people in the community who would not be able to play otherwise.

Quite frankly, um, golf has become a little inaccessible as of recent years, in my opinion, and this would actually lower the barrier of entry for people to come and play an easier course, have a great time, and for those of us who want a full 18, you can still play that.

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate it.

I do want to quickly say uh Councilwoman Peck, uh, you were previously my representative when I lived in your district.

Your office was fantastic.

I always appreciated the uh effort they put into communication and outreach, and so I just want to thank you personally for the work that you do.

Next.

Juan Haas.

Doris Pennington.

Ty Smith.

Valencia Sanders.

Anthony Hubbard.

Are you Anthony?

To be followed by CSR Espinosa.

Um a rainbow is not a political ideology.

It is a symbol.

Symbol of occlusion and of acceptance.

I appreciate your show of support at City at the crosswalk today.

And I hope that this council will continue their support, and more members will voice their support.

This issue that affects all of us and our community.

Abbott has targeted not only the LTBT community, but also many others in our community.

HPD is aligning themselves with ICE.

And HPD is also trying to limit the amount of free speech at this crosswalk.

When we are just trying to voice our support, voice our opinion, and voice our acceptance of people in the community.

It shouldn't be a fight to say that we stand with others.

Shouldn't be a fight to say that we can accept people in a community.

Your time has expired.

Thank you.

Yes.

Good afternoon, Council.

Mayor.

We are here with Emmanuel Gonzalez's mom.

Manuel Gonzalez is an autistic 15-year-old that went missing in Northwest Houston last Saturday, October 4th.

Mom began looking for him and really quickly contacted the Houston Police Department to file a missing persons report.

We had been looking for Emmanuel for eight days as of Friday.

All to get a call from a detective from HPD saying that Emmanuel had been over turned over to federal authorities.

Under the apartment the organization of refugee and resettlement, Office of Refugee Resettlement.

So instead of looking for the missing persons report, instead of trying to find his mom, because Emmanuel is not an unaccompanied youth.

His mom is right here.

Your office, your department, your police department, Mayor Widmeyer, decided to call ICE.

Instead of just making the call to the missing prisoners report, instead of issuing an amber alert, what is it gonna be?

Are you gonna bow down to Donald Trump and continue to work with ICE?

Why are you gonna stand up and show true leadership and protect Houstonians?

We just got a call because Emmanuel went into emergency surgery for appendicitis.

And he is now under ORR custody again.

Thank you.

Look at her in the eye.

Tell her you did this.

Councilmember Huffman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I have I have children myself, and so if any of my kids went missing, um, I can't imagine what that what that feels like.

Although I feel like uh you're being a little disingenuous when you know when you're saying the facts here.

No, there's no disingenuity when uh when he was reported missing, the name that was put into the system um didn't necessarily match the name when they found her son.

That's a first mistake by HPD.

Strike one.

So the names didn't match up, it didn't come up.

It's not like they found this kid and immediately took him to the office of um refugee settlement.

Okay.

Um so that didn't click.

I believe that when the human and um the health and human services department got involved, they too looked through the the missing people's report and still didn't make the connection.

Was it missing a picture?

And was there not a picture there?

It wasn't necessarily that HPD found this kid and immediately didn't try to reconnect him with his mother.

Um that would always be the first dot.

Thank you.

You need to talk to HPD and everybody involved because HPD said it themselves that they called federal authorities on this unaccompanied minor.

Sure, you've done a good job.

Let the council member lies here with her.

I don't like lies.

Well, I don't either, and so that's why I'm trying to put it out here.

They didn't say that they talked to him for four hours.

They said that they spent four hours um tracking down leads, watching body camera, all sorts of things.

Officers did talk to her son.

Um, for a long time.

Okay, we're not gonna be successful if you don't allow her to do her role, and then you can have your role.

So I'm just saying that we want everyone to have the the full picture.

HPD didn't find this kid and turn him over to ICE.

Um that's not how it went down.

So I just wanted to put that on the record.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, and I also have spoken with HPD about this.

Um, and got the same information it sounds like from that Council Mr.

Huffman has as well.

This um it sounds like he went missing from uh my district.

I don't know if if she lives in my district or not, but we're happy to help facilitate between her and HPD some more information.

So my office is happy to work with you on that.

So if you want to reach out to our office, we'll help navigate that with you.

We in the name of transparency, we would love to see a report.

We would love to see body cameras.

If they did talk to him for four hours, we would love to see him saying I'm homeless and I'm not from this country.

Because he cannot articulate that.

Councilman Martins.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, and and that asked that ass is not a heavy lift.

I think that's we should do that.

Um this is definitely disturbing to hear.

I understand that there's some protocols.

I haven't spoken to HPD, so I'm gonna lean into some of my colleagues, but also challenge uh Chief Diaz to ensure that these types of situations don't happen.

Um a child, especially those that are you know uh it's a lot more challenging.

He has autism.

I think we need to do a better job as a city.

Um so I'm gonna lean into Councilmember Peck and see what I can do to be helpful as well.

Thank you.

So my son needs me at this moment.

He is not a homeless I'm his mom here.

Maybe this happened, but it's not that I wasn't there with him.

Kindly ask you as a mom.

To put yourself in my place.

In esta situation.

In this situation.

My son just left surgery.

He must be taken care of.

And I would ask kindly that.

All I want to do is give myself my son the love and care that I did that I deserve his mom.

And he was just recaptured by OR.

Make no mistake about it.

ORR is of children's detention center because he is not allowed to even visit with mom.

And up until yesterday, we didn't know where he was.

Sure.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Let me just say to you, ma'am, I'm sorry to of your incident of your son.

I got a couple questions.

Your son autistic autistic.

Yes.

Her son is autistic.

How old is he?

He is 15 years old with the cognitive uh capacity of a four or five-year-old.

I I know it very well.

My grandson would be to live.

It's autistic.

And he's 10 going on 11.

And one of the major concerns is particularly with law enforcement to identify children who are autistic.

Myself and Councilmember Huffman.

Participate with a group of mothers and fathers who have autistic kids.

So were your son in your possession?

What was the question?

I was asking, was her son in her possession with this?

I'm I'm apologizing I'm not familiar with the issue.

Of course, of course, of course, Councilmember.

Her family was um she was selling fruit at the corner of Clay in Hempstead.

Um and her son asked to go to the restroom.

She turns around to finish handing the fruit off to somebody when she turns around.

So she was with him when this incident occurred.

Okay.

Well, I'm I'm sorry of that, but I'll look into the facts and certainly we'll be praying that this get resolved.

Thank you.

Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for understanding me, for understanding my plea.

And I'm a firm believer in God, and I will leave it up to him.

And I know that deep down my son will return to him.

And thank you for listening to me.

I know that all of you are good hearted people.

This moment.

Councilor Plummer.

Thank you, Mayor.

So why hasn't maybe maybe Councilmember Huffman since you've kind of done a little bit of research on this?

Why hasn't the son been given back to his mom?

I I'm not sure about that, but I know that because he did have to have surgery.

But why but why didn't she why did he go back in the same way that my kid would go home with me?

Why wouldn't why wouldn't her son go home with her?

We were just we were just at the hospital and they waited for us to leave to take Emmanuel back.

She just backed there.

She literally just got a call right outside of chambers uh telling Emmanuel was saying goodbye to her once again because they were taking him back to the detention center where he's at now she has to undergo an entire process, including attorneys and all these legal things that she has to jump through in order to be able to get her somebody.

Have they explained?

Has they have they given a reason why they're holding him?

He's because they cla misclassified him as an unaccompanied minor after HPD called ICE, and I deferred him to OR.

I really want to look and try to figure this out because there's a incredible misstep.

Okay.

I mean, I don't know.

I think instead of ice being called, there should have been an amber alert put out for this child who was in danger.

I just can't imagine the level of fear that he's in that he can't even express.

So when when we left Emmanuel just a few minutes ago, he looked up at mom and kind of said, like, Mom, don't leave, but uh then he put his head down and we just got a call literally, we just got a call outside that Emmanuel has been picked up by the office of refugee resettlement again.

I spent the night with him last night.

When he would go to the restroom, but in a certain time, he fell asleep.

And I would say, Mommy, yes, and he woke up.

He uncovered his face and he said, Mom, why are you leaving?

Where are you going?

And he said, Mom, I'm going, I'm son, I'm going to the restaurant.

I'll be right back.

I stayed with him and I didn't I know I didn't even go use the restroom.

Mayor, I have a question.

If there's any way that we I mean, until we figure all of this out, is there any way that you could have a conversation with leadership just to make sure that he is try you know protected in a way because he can't communicate, just that he gets a little bit more care until we can all figure out what's going on, but I can't imagine him being coming out of surgery, can't communicate verbally and having a a mental capacity of a four-year-old.

I think that's a really tough situation for any child to be in.

I mean, we're all mother, I mean we're all of us are parents on this horseshoe pretty much, and I cannot imagine what they're experiencing right now.

Uh and I do want to point out that Emmanuel's uh uh student was a former student of Las Americas, he's a current student in Norfolk High School, so even looking to his school records, they would have found out that he was not in fact an unaccompanied minor.

He does know his mom's name, by the way.

It's not because it's not personal that knows the prime moment that he came into her first year.

They know that I've never left.

I've always worked for them.

I always make sure to work when they're at school.

If I don't have a job at a restaurant, or another job, become an entrepreneur and sell fruits and make food.

But I've never left my kids without a roof or food.

Uh, because I have two kids here.

Councilman Jackson.

Thank you, Mayor.

And um I just want her to know my heart, my heart goes out to you.

As a mother, I know exactly what you're dealing with to have a system pull your child from you.

And then once they get your child, they want to blame you for the situation.

And so I just want to know, like, Fetha, what is happening?

I know um Councilman Plummer meant uh asked the question, but what's happening to get this child home?

Um because at the end of the day, if he does not belong in a system, we need to get him out of the system immediately because the longer he is in there, the harder it is to get him out.

And so, I mean, he doesn't deserve to be there.

Thank you, Councilman.

Councilman Pollard.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh well, I'm still talking.

Oh yes, yeah.

I'm I'm I was gonna answer your question.

That's all right.

So what needs to happen now is um is uh and we've been told, um, I mean, can you imagine this mom being told uh, you know, we're we're ready to we have all her paperwork, our office has done the the job of getting the paperwork, uh birth certificates, you name it.

You tell me go get it right now.

I'll we will go get it right now.

I know.

And uh we still don't even know who's social worker is she's on vacation since Friday.

So let me know when I can't.

So we need to know we need to go through that stuff, but even the social workers in the center have told us it could take weeks or months for this child to be returning.

He's not getting the care.

One of the things you talked about is the care that he needs.

He's not getting the special education classes and detention.

He's he's just been sitting there.

Yeah.

And then he needs to go back to Northbrook.

They're waiting for him at Northbrook.

Yeah, and he haven't committed a crime.

He was not a kid.

Not at all.

He's just in a fun-loving kid.

Yeah.

But we were supposed to go back right now and bring him chicken nuggets.

Thank you.

May I know usually when we don't look at so anything.

May I know what usually when we have um issues with children and their parents are present and we're trying to figure out a resolution, you assign someone in your office to be able to look into that.

Is can we ensure that someone in your administration that can work directly with the the mother uh and uh those who are looking into this matter to ensure that not only um they're getting the resources and communication that are necessary, but we as a council are getting feedback on what is happening with the situation.

It would be good to get some feedback from you on what you've been hearing uh regarding this matter so that we can be aware.

Thank you.

Thank you.

We will immediately put a team together.

Uh legal and uh chief of staff.

I'll be involved and we will uh discuss what options are available for this uh obviously a tragedy.

Um I think, and I'm not going to debate the issue right now, but there is a lot more circumstances that we just haven't been made available at this time.

But it's a tragedy.

We all have children, we empathize.

Uh it's a terrible time for our community to have to go through these circumstances.

But uh, we'll hold everyone accountable and uh be very transparent.

So thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Power.

Councilman Cayvin.

Councilman Cayvan.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, and as we you know, await that information and those answers.

Uh say just want to say to you, to the entire community, but really to to you, ma'am, uh, that we are thinking of you, we're with you.

Um I'm personally cannot imagine what you're going through.

I have a little boy.

But you are his voice right now.

And your strength.

We'll get your entire family through this, and we're here to help.

Thank you.

Councilmember Cayman.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next Robert Campbell.

Robert Campbell.

Ingrid John Ingrid Robinson.

Nicole Raina.

To be followed by Andrea Hoxie.

Good evening, Council members.

My name is Selena Reina, and I'm here once again to address an ongoing concern about speedbumps in our neighborhood, Songwood.

I raised this issue before, and unfortunately, my concerns have been ignored.

Despite my earlier communication, I have not received a response or seen any progress on this matter in our neighborhood safety.

February earlier this year, I stood in front of you, spoke to Joaquin Martinez, where you assured me that you would see that I would receive an immediate response.

After we left this meeting, I had received I had received an office, I mean a phone call from your office stating that we were next in queue, that the speed bumps would be there implemented by July.

We're already in October, they're still not there.

You showed up to our HOA meeting where we discussed it, where once again you ignored our issue again.

Or I have a video interaction with you and you continuously to ignore the situation.

So being a former school teacher, I would like to know what's going on and what's the status of that.

Thank you.

Next Andrea Hoxie.

Robin Underwood.

Tom Underwood.

Jalen Blocker.

To be followed by Kyrie McCullum.

Good afternoon, everyone.

I am Jalen Blocker, and I've lived in Houston.

Oh two.

Should I sing a song?

No, not quite.

Good afternoon, everyone.

My name is Jalen Blocker.

I lived in Houston for about four years now.

Um I came here today to call for some greater transparency regarding the bodies that have been discovered in the bayou.

Too often these deaths are vaguely attributed to accidents, intoxication, or mental health issues, uh, each of which are explanations that do not give the public clarity or peace of mind.

And without this detailed information, uh Houstonians cannot have a full understanding of what's happening.

We cannot protect ourselves, uh, nor can we work with officials to improve safety here in the city.

Um if these accidents, for instance, um maybe we want to talk if they are just accidents, maybe we want to talk about a need for uh stronger patrol fencing or public water safety education uh in our schools and our city.

Um if drugs are intoxication are involved, we need to know what substances are circulating.

Likewise, as a mental health professional here, um I want us to be very weary about just uh uh attributing these issues to mental health issues or also homelessness, and if I could have 30 more seconds, I'm the only one I believe talking on this issue.

I would appreciate it.

Is that okay with you all?

Go ahead.

Thank you so much.

Um and I just want to urge us to really be aware of that because uh mental health is not something that we say um can just say just because someone has a mental health disorder, they're immediately uh violent.

And so I really um urge some transparency on this issue uh so that we can all work together to make our city safer for ourselves and of course for the people that we love the most.

Very good.

Thank you.

Next, Kyrie McCollum.

To be followed by Robert O'Keasy.

Hey, how are you guys going?

Um I'm coming here about a uh matter that I came and spoke with you guys back in April about.

Uh me and my family.

Um I'm a resident of uh Houston.

Uh I went to Texas Southern University in 2008.

Um I just currently moved back here last year, and uh it was a situation where um I was on a housing section eight voucher, me and my family, and we was wrongfully stripped from that.

I came here in April and spoke with you all before, and it was supposed to be something done, some type of justice that was done because I provided all type of evidence that um my case was dismissed in court by a county judge, and um I had evidence proving that um that it was uh uh it was fraudulent uh documents submitted from my landlord to the Houston Housing Authority and Houston Housing Authority, uh lady over there um by the name of Nicole went on and accepted the uh I mean the uh fraudulent lease and from there I basically got uh kicked off the program.

Your time has expired next to the I'm sorry.

Sure.

Come back up.

Sorry about that.

Councillor Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh I want you to for one know that we were listening to you and uh we understand your can concern and your need.

What feedback have you you received from the the housing authority?

I haven't got any feedback.

Um I came here and I um submitted the uh paperwork that you all requested for as on my end.

Um who who are you speaking to?

Uh Miss Michelle Ingram Ingram Michelle or something like that.

Oh, Mitchum.

Yeah.

Okay.

All right.

So let's do a follow-up since she's here to see what could be the next steps.

Okay.

Uh, and then we will follow up with her to see how we can assist.

Okay.

All right.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

All right.

Thanks.

Next.

Robert O'Keefe.

Julia Arduna.

To be followed by Yisri Venturo.

Good afternoon, Julia Arduña, Texas housers.

I stand before you today to ask about the apartment inspection ordinance.

Landlords continue to evict their tenants in tranches while breaching their own lease.

The city has the duty to protect people.

Tenants cannot be forced to pay rent and be fighting for their health and wellness.

The reality is that thousands of tenants live in Class C and D apartments across the city.

Mold, pests, rats, broken elevators, no air conditioning in Texas heat, and the entitlement to retaliate by property management and landlords themselves.

Uh keep tenants from advocating for the fear of losing the one place that should be their safe haven, their home.

Properties in every district are in the news reported for their unlivable conditions and how the property is abusing of their tenants.

How long are you going to allow these con your constituents to live in deplorable conditions?

We've been waiting on this promise for four years.

How long are tenants going to continue to wait for appropriate code enforcements in this city?

What is it going to take for you to stand up and stand up against the slumlords that are running housing schemes in profits to exploit the thousands of renters that are cost burdened and deserve dignified housing?

Over 58% of the population are renters, with 50 percent of them cost burdened.

Please bring this ordinance to a vote.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you back.

Mayor Bartham.

Thank you, Julia, for being here.

Um, just to give you a quick update.

We did submit it to legal.

I want to acknowledge Councilmember Shabbaz, Councillor Pollard, and Councilmember Martinez were signing on to the ordinance.

And so today is day seven.

So they have typically seven days to review the document to ensure that it's legal, and then it should go on the agenda.

Should we expect to see something by today?

I sure hope so.

I don't want to overpromise, but you know, we're in direct communication, so we will at five o'clock, I will double check and see what's going on, and then we'll see if we can get on for the agenda for next week.

Yes, we would appreciate that.

Thank you, Haley.

I appreciate you.

Yesri Ventura.

To be followed by Luz Sanchez.

Good afternoon.

My name is Yaseri, and I'm a proud Histonian and DACA recipient.

Right now, thousands of drummers like me are living in uncertainty.

We grew up in this country.

We work here, we pay taxes, and yet we treat as temporary guests and the only home we've ever known.

Did you know that over 80,000 DACA recipients live in right here in the Greater Houston?

That's 80,000 people who are contributing to the very communities that make the city thrive.

And here in Texas alone, we contribute to more than 58 million in state and local taxes annually.

We're not just part of the system.

We are helping sustain it.

To our leaders, I'm asking you to use your platform and publicly ask to protect and push for permanent legalization of DACA.

This program isn't just policy, it's people.

It's young prophets who call Houston home.

It's time for our leaders to be bold and show that Houston is not for uncertainty.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Councilman Christmas.

Ma'am.

Councilman Cristiano.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you very much for being here to speak up for DACA recipients.

Um I know you're a district age resident, and I appreciate you and your comments.

I do have somebody from my team that's going to come visit with you to see how we can work together and get more of your ideas.

Yes.

Thank you.

To be followed by Lucretia Wien.

Good afternoon, everyone.

My name is Lupe uh Lu Sanchez.

Our city boasts itself as the energy and health care capital of the world while also being one of the most diverse across the nation.

But how can we be proud of this while simultaneously going after the members of our diverse community?

This is clearly a racial profiling under the guise of enforcing immigration law.

But let me be clear, there's nothing legal about what our HPD officers are sometimes assisting in.

No federal law obligates our local police to report subjects with an administrative warrant, which is not the same as a criminal warrant.

There's a deep disconnect between rhetoric and reality.

U.S.

citizens are actually more than twice as likely to be charged with a crime in Harris County than adults who don't hold U.S.

citizenship.

The Federal Administration consistently lies about only going after the worst of the worst, yet overwhelmingly the people they're targeting for arrest have zero criminal history.

If the data doesn't appeal to you, then let me share Houstonians' public opinion.

Nearly 10,000 Houston area residents were surveyed this year, and majority are against mass deportations.

The record shows that in a police force of more than 5,200 officers, just a dozen officers are responsible for roughly one-third of the calls that the Department of State.

Can I have 30 more seconds?

Please.

One officer alone has called immigration agents at least eight times since January.

None of the incident reports that he has filed include any details about why he stopped the subject.

So it is very clear that this is more of the same rhetoric that we're hearing from the federal government coming down to our local government, and we need to oppose this.

And we need to step up and be you know supportive of all of our diversity that we have in our community.

And I would truly appreciate everyone's buy-in on this because we should not be guide guided by what was happening federally.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Nick Lapretia Wien.

That's me.

Hi, I'm Lucretia Alan Wen.

Um I was hoping to speak while my councilman was in the room, but he's MIA as usual.

Um I'm a resident of the East End and placed in a super hub homeless shelter that serves severely addicted individuals and mental ill and sexual offenders just a fourth of a mile from Baylor College of Medicine, Russell Middle School.

It's not just irresponsible, it's dangerous.

You're creating a situation where the citizens of the East End will become prey to predators.

This community has carried more than its share of the city burdens.

Less than 10 years ago, the East End was overrun by homeless, and now this city seemed determined to take us backwards.

We've already witnessed tragedy.

An elderly man in the area was stabbed to death by a mentally ill homeless man despite repeated complaints from residents about the growing homeless population.

The only solution being offered is to add more.

How does that make sense?

The mayor campaigned on a promise to support the Hispanic community to lift up neighborhoods like the East End, but instead of helping, these plants would drive down property value and strain our limited resources and make our streets unsafe for mothers walking their children and students biking to school.

Thank you.

And no response.

Rebecca Jones.

To be followed by Alma Harris Thompson.

Good afternoon.

I would actually like to propose an alternative to the um homeless shelter in the East End.

Uh I know up in Austin, there's a group called Community First, which has actually established a homeless village miles out of the downtown area and out of the sea where all their they can have all of their homeless people with uh community housing, uh residential, like for uh mental to help them deal with their mental issues.

Um they can have their pets and their partners.

They do like allow them to do, I guess pretty much what they want to do, but since it's af the sea, it would be kind of you know of our problem.

And I think a solution like that would be a good thing for Houston to consider adopting, uh, especially since having the homeless in uh like in around the downtown midtown areas makes it difficult for regular tax paying Houstonians to walk in the streets, drive properly without people harassing them by coming out.

Sorry, thank you.

Councilman Carter.

Ma'am.

Sorry.

Councilman.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh just want to speak to the super hub for just a minute.

Um you know data shows, and and you live in the East End that the largest concentration of homeless individuals in the city of Houston is in your area.

Is that correct?

Uh I encounter them every day.

I see feces and other detritus on the side.

In order to uh solve a problem, we have to try to provide solutions.

Yes.

So uh uh I talked to some of your community members this morning and happy to talk to you offline and go into further detail with anyone who is interested.

Um within a less than a half mile radius where this proposed super hub is at 419 emancipation.

You have the county jail, the beacon.

You familiar with the beacon?

Uh my mom is, she works with uh so the beacon serves 250 to 300 per day on meals, they go and take showers there, they get mail there, they can do laundry there.

Now keep in mind within a half mile radius, okay?

So the beacon, we've got the jail, we've got the sobering center.

Are you familiar with that?

We have career in recovery, we have Lord of the Street right within a half a mile of this of the of the 419 emancipation.

Sobering Center, we've got uh the hot team works right out of that same facility.

Uh we've got search homeless.

Um, you know, no one's failed to to acknowledge that loaves and fishes stopped their uh service on April 1st.

That was kind of the first domino in addressing the street homeless.

You know, this project has been you know, finding the right place has been in the works for a long time.

It's one of many locations.

You can't very well address a problem in a community unless you go into the community.

We can't take homeless out of your community and take them out to Fort Lynn County or to Katie or something to solve that.

We've got to address that to get them off the streets, those and get them to the right resources, right?

It's uh this is the proposal is not a shelter, it's a navigation center.

It's a compass for people to find the way, to find to try to direct people and to where they need to be to seek help, whether it's mental health, whether it's substance abuse.

Security is the number one priority for this facility.

And this is one of many facilities.

If we're going to address respite care, we need to go to the medical center where they're turned out every day, right?

So, you know, clearly I can probably talk all day about it because I'm very passionate about it, because I know that in your community it is a problem.

You just detailed what you walk through, what you walk around, and we are desperately trying to address that one step at a time.

I know that the mayor is committed and Director Nichols, Chief Satter White, and many others working together to get this solved.

So I think if rather than, you know, we we tend to see what the media posts and what the media shares, but we really need to take a hard look at to what we're as to what we're trying to do versus what the perception may be based on media coverage.

Thank you for being here.

Thank you.

Um may I respond to that or of course.

Uh so what what I was like hoping to propose was also moving all of those social services out of the downtown midtown area because that's the reason why they're there, because they have all those social services, like right down Main Street, Caroline Street, teeming with homeless people.

They don't want to go in the shelters because they can't do drugs there, or you know, everything else that they want to do.

But if we move all of that out into a like the boonies kind of, it doesn't necessarily have to be in a different county, just out of the heart of the city where people like me pay extra taxes to live where I live and still have to deal with all of this.

If we move all of that out, all those social services, all those things that you know that they need to and have it as a community just for them away from our public transport, so that those of us who do live in the city can actually enjoy living in the city and feel like the extra taxes that we pay to live in proximity to downtown are actually worth it.

That would be a very nice thing to do.

Well, well, I uh I would imagine that if we could move all the services elsewhere, we could choose to do that, but I think the communities wouldn't like that either.

But I think you know, we're we're looking at dealing with homelessness around the city.

We've got to start somewhere.

Yeah.

And we start where the concentrated problem is and try to address that as we can.

And so understanding your suggestions are all fine and well, I see Councilmember Thomas over there is kind of concerned about her neighborhood a little bit because you can't just move people out and move resources out.

Um I'm happy to John to take too much time.

I'm happy to I don't think anybody is going to change your mind today.

But thank you.

You're entitled to your opinion.

But having spent literally hours I can almost guarantee you that you will like the outcome of creating the lifestyle residences that we are.

You won't be dealing with your nation on the street.

You won't be dealing with nudity.

These folks are going to get the help that they so badly need.

And I would hope you'd come back in six months and tell us we were right.

Public safety will be the highest priority.

We have talked to residences, but I don't know if you are part of the initiative, but disruptors have been hired to come and spread misinformation.

If it was the way you are describing it, Councilmember Carter, I and others would not be proposing this.

It's going to make the community cleaner, safer, and we're going to be helping the homeless population.

I I do hope that that um that that happens.

I just um, you know, I know uh like a great thing that you were talking about was like moving a bunch of people.

But the thing is we do manage to move people.

Every time we have a major event like the Super Bowl or like just Mass Hope, we manage to move them out.

This is not a part of that.

No, ma'am, this is a lifestyle residence.

And as the council member mentioned, there's going to be several more.

We're being very deliberative about where they're located.

This was a shelter when it was brought to our attention.

And now it's going to be a lifestyle residence.

And I think you'll see a positive outcome.

Oh, I I have to do that.

And if not, come tell me I was wrong.

Oh, we'll do that.

But we're doing all types of safety nets, public safety, professional help, and they're going to be inside, getting the care they need, and also it will improve the quality of life of Houstonians.

Okay.

Thank you.

I respect I respect you.

Of course.

Oh, Councilman Cayman, just a second.

Thank you, Mayor.

I know there's been a lot of back and forth.

I just want to address the perception in the room that low barrier housing creates more people on the streets.

Because, and Mayor, you have heard me advocate time and time again for the need for more zero barrier and low barrier housing.

Why?

If somebody is using drugs, and we know that that is a medical addiction that needs help, and an ins uh a nonprofit that we love and respect says, nope, you can't be in here.

They don't go there.

They end up on the street.

When we have no barrier housing, and we're getting people into housing first.

We know that that works, and that's how the City of Houston has been able to lead the country in reducing homelessness 60 percent since I believe 2011, and we have a hell of a lot more to do.

But when it comes to low barrier housing, that is the type of model that we need to get people off the street.

When we say no, you can't bring your pet, or no, you need to go to X number of religious services, and that individual may not abide by that particular uh method of faith.

That is a restriction to them getting into housing and off the street.

And this is the model we know works.

So, and I I hear the concerns of the community.

I'm going to defer um to those that have been very involved in these conversations for over a year, I believe, on this particular property.

But when we're talking about the types of housing that we need, I want to make sure we're responsible with our words because low barrier and zero barrier housing is critical to addressing the root problems of homelessness to get people off of the streets into homes and stabilized.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Uh next.

Alma Harris Thompson.

To be followed by Han Wynn.

Good afternoon, everyone.

It's an honor to come before you, Mayor Whitmargo Coogs, huh?

All right, yes.

I've seen you at Reliant NRG, I've seen you at University of Houston, and I said that to say this.

I am a security guard.

I am also a Uber driver.

I am also a former homeless individual.

I am the person that former mayor Anise Parker chose me to talk about her in her last State of the City address.

Uh being that I was homeless, I was a sister to a senior vice president.

Everybody had their story.

I got laid off.

That the merger, I got laid off.

I ended up lost everything I own.

At sixty-three years old, being black with dreadlocks, I could not find a job, so I lost everything I ended up homeless.

I was at the store of hope.

Where you're talking about having this facility at, I saw the circumstances there.

That is not going to work because it's right there by the soccer stadium.

They have rules at these shelters that say you have to be so many feet away from the shelter, right?

These people would go two blocks this way or two blocks that way.

The model you're describing is not the model that we're introducing as part of the solution.

There's never been anything like what we're proposing.

You so if you feel that it's gonna work, then I'll come back and apologize, and I hope and pray that it does work.

I'll stay in touch with you.

I'll give you a tour of it.

Uh-huh.

I would like to have to do that.

Like to have your feedback.

I'd be glad to do that.

Professionals.

We got the best professionals in the med center helping us.

That's a good thing.

Yes, because you got to do that.

Yes, because it looks like y'all say you've got to get.

So but anyway, like I said, I hope it works, and I hope y'all can come back and say that I'm proud of what you've done.

Okay?

My other issue was the filth that's in our street.

If y'all don't get this city cleaned up, Houston is in for a major flood.

You've got enough mattresses on the street in Houston, and if they worked anything, we put mattress max out of business.

Next.

Han Wynn.

Oh Joseph Ballard.

Christopher Jenkins.

Annette Jefferson.

Manisha Gade.

To be followed by Chanel Threadgill.

So they can hear you.

Good afternoon to all.

And Honorable Mayor.

Just I want to myself, Manisha Garde.

I just want to introduce myself as a just now I'm a legally blind because of the surgery was done in the 2021.

And because of that, I lost my eyesight.

And the thing is, Dr.

Messed up my surgery with the reason of the spread oil in my eye.

From that time, I'm not able to see in my left uh right eye and uh left eye, I have 20 percent vision.

But I'm looking forward to opportunity for mister Vy myself on my feet.

So I'm looking forward for a small job and the opportunity to live a similar life with others as a social member of the community.

And the thing is, the issue was happened on the month of March with my husband, was deported from second time with the abuse of the CBP officer, and he has an approved visa, and just for he wanna your time has expired.

I think this for one minute only, the last point I want to cover.

Just uh he abused with that, and the uh officer uh deny his entry with the approved visa, and he has a return ticket too.

So everything was there, and he is deported his entry and he was home back.

So I really legally want his help with the approval, and because I respect the law and everything, so always he comes within a time period, he followed the rules and regulation, and they deny his entry.

So the reason I request to Honorable Mayor, just give me a particular direction and a small part-time job or to survive myself.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Chanel Threadgill.

Cynthia Singleton.

To be followed by Shedrick Patterson.

I have sorry.

I believe I have do I have a minute or three minutes?

Okay.

So I'm here to speak against uh abandonment of Polk Street.

And my question is to see whether the council has actually done an analysis on current GRB attendee numbers and conference contract revenue for the periods of 2016 to 18 and 22 to 24.

I did some research, and of the 14 GRB events that I researched and documented in the chart that I provided from publicly available data, it shows that five events either have flat or decreasing attendance, and only three events show modest increased attendance, and only one event, which is a small one, doubled its numbers to 3,500 participants.

Projected attendance numbers for events at the GRB are consistently inflated by both Houston First and event promoters.

Most clearly we saw this with the Autorama in 2024 when they said 140,000 were coming when only 80,000 were reported, but that's not confirmed reported attendees.

For example, the quilt show is regularly predicted to have thir 55,000 people when only the attendance is 35,000.

So unless the council has actually looked at real numbers of attendance for past events and the amount that those events paid in the contract to rent the GRB, there's no justification to saddle the city with 2.9 billion dollars.

Thank you.

Next patterns.

Tamara Page.

Marion Scott.

Christopher Cato.

To be followed by Steve Williams.

Good afternoon, y'all.

Um everyone here.

Oh, such an honor to be here.

Umbody have been following up with me.

I've seen HPD cars illegally parked, which have pictures of it, illegally parked in a sidewalk.

And I'm just welcome.

I'm a resident uh in midtown.

And so I call it kind of a little bit now and one because that is a com major concern around the city.

Because you never know if an uh uh an officer even violated the department's policy because the keys were inside.

That's a violation of the department's policy.

What if somebody stole the car?

That is that is a violation.

That needs to be addressed.

And so, yeah, I just filed a lawsuit on the city, and I'm requesting body one cameras because I requested um sorry about that.

But I requested to the records.

They're over the you guys need to check over the you know the records.

They're over exceedingly charging me and waiting 220 days just to get a delay.

And I'm sure I I mean I need to go with a senior attorney to get this resolved.

And good luck.

This is not right.

I see everyone, the rights are being violated.

That is uncorruptible.

That's not right.

Our rights are needs to be protected.

You're okay.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Keep the citizens' rights the right way.

And protect them.

Next, Steve Williams.

That I don't think is here, Sarah Hirsch.

To be followed by Marcy Heisinger.

Hello, my name is Sarah Hirsch.

And I want to express my support for the speakers today who spoke against HPD's cooperation with ICE.

We are the most diverse city in the nation, and we should be standing together against what ICE is doing on principle alone.

Besides that, um the point of my prepared remarks was that TechStot is publicly stating that they intend to keep Polk open despite Houston First claims that they are uh having weekly meetings with TechSot.

We support the GRB transformation, but only if Polk stays open.

Uh you guys also got handed maps.

Those are official maps from TechSot.

Um Mike Zenteg is a contact and public liaison for TechSot, if you want to check up and see if you're real.

Um they are literally titled uh text dots reroute of Polk.

Sockinger.

Looking at the map, this confirms what I was told.

So Polk will no longer be a thoroughfred the way it is, according to TechSoc, correct?

Polk you'll have to you'll have to detour back on the Polk.

Go go to the east, go back north, and then go further to the west.

Well, you have to go where Polk is.

U turn and then continue where Polk is.

But it does close at the new expansion, the text outs complete.

I mean the the street is closing underneath the existing freeway.

Correct.

And a block east from that.

But that is not where uh Houston First wants to be closing Polk.

Understood.

It's this is essentially a question of timing and the location where you would be able to pick both Polk back up at.

I mean, are you going to build a bridge over GRB if we if they build there?

No.

What I'm saying is that they you would have to pick Polk back up a block later than what you would do according to the own map that you have shown us.

I don't understand what your point is.

What I'm saying is Polk is not going to be a thoroughfare, regardless of what happens at GRB.

No, he's correct.

He's saying that there was an agreement between Text Dot and the City.

But to keep Polk open.

Yes, ma'am.

Just like the map says.

Text dot is keeping Polk open.

The only people who are trying to close Polk is uh Houston First and the Mayor.

Sure.

Well, that's not what the facts show as the council.

I am literally showing you facts, official maps from TechSot.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you.

Next one.

Marcy Heisinger.

Hi, everyone.

I'm Marcy Heisinger.

People for Polk has shown factually how the plan fails to address transportation access and also how the legal requirements are not yet complete.

Voters have spoken out too.

Instagram shows a whopping 60,000 social media engagements in just the last 30 days.

Reddit posts on this topic average 25,005 each.

And of course, you guys know there were over 200 JRC comments against the plan.

State rep Jolanda Jones, Senator Boris Miles, and rep Christina Morales have weighed in on our side as well.

Public Works has acknowledged that the JRC process was not designed for a project of this scale.

Michael Heckman himself said, and I quote, people keep asking me if we can build over Polk Street.

And the answer is yes, of course we can.

Please put Houstonians first and keep Polk open.

Amy Erickson.

To be followed by Ian Lavacheck.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Council.

Special interest in suits were lured here today with canned talking points because they stand to gain from the recommended 800 room hotel, and the feasibility study assumes will be operational in three years.

That projected 20 billion dollars in spending depends on both the GRB South building and the 800 room hotel.

What happens if that hotel doesn't materialize?

The city and uh to further highlight the distinction between the haves and the have nots, the city and tech stot were previously sued over I-45 expansion impacts on minority communities.

A consent decree resulted preserving Polk Street access.

Abandoning Polk contradicts that legally binding agreement and exposes the city to litigation risks.

These same communities already bear the brunt of highways and industrial facilities.

This is environmental injustice.

A redesigned GRB that builds over and or under Polk would be a win for Houston First in the community.

Um to address Council Member Kamen's question earlier, are asked that uh Polk would not be closed until there's meaningful compromise for Houston communities.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, Ian Lavachak to be followed by Lisa Hunt.

Good afternoon.

Uh recently, a number of my professional colleagues in transportation and public safety have reached out personally, thanking me for speaking up publicly about the Polk closure.

They uh can't see any reason why this closure is even on the table.

Unfortunately, they can't speak out because they are fearful of losing their jobs or their contracts with all the government associations.

So this is the professional organizations, and the reason I've come out against this is that this will cause so many problems for Houston for the East End.

And the traffic study of which I am an expert currently is in a review with public works, mayor.

I'm a traffic engineer certified by Texas.

Um is in review, and it did not cover the East End.

We want the transformation to happen.

We want this to be a good thing for Houston, but Houstonians have to get to it.

With all of I hope you'll caught the video we posted today that outlines how this will cause major problems for Text Dot.

You've also heard these letters from State Representatives.

This is causing unnecessary friction with our state government.

We need a little bit more time to work all of this out.

There's no reason to rush this.

Thank you.

Good afternoon.

I'd like to my name is Lisa Hunt, and I'd like to read a letter from Senator Boris Miles, who represents this district.

Mayor Whitmeyer and members of the Houston City Council.

As the State Senator representing Senate District 13, I'm writing at the request of community leaders who have expressed deep concern over the proposed closure of Polk Street tied to the George R.

Brown Convention Center expansion and the North Houston Highway Improvement Project.

These neighborhoods have made it clear that they are not against progress, but they have felt that the process has not been transparent and that their voices have gone unheard.

Polk Street is not just a roadway, it is a vital east-west connector for workers, families, emergency access, and small businesses throughout the East End and surrounding communities.

Respectfully urge the council to delay any vote on the abandonment of Polk Street until meetings can be held with those from the affected community, allowing for their input.

It is imperative the community must be included in the process.

On projects such as this, public engagement is a must.

Thank you.

Ma'am.

Council Jackson.

Thank you, Mayor.

I have a um question maybe for Councilmember Martinez.

Um I keep hearing that there has been no community engagement.

And so from conversations that I've had with you and Houston First, that they have they have had conversations with the community.

And there was an agreement to the community basically said if you know, with the Leland that can be if they can get that running both ways.

That was one of the um suggestions that they made.

And so can you just clear up?

Because I keep hearing no community engagement.

And so there has been uh community engagement.

I've been in three large public meetings.

Actually, uh Lisa who's with us right now has sat at the GRB as well with Houston First, um, at least two times, maybe three, uh, with multiple folks that have been here as well that have been speaking.

Um I've had several coffees as well with some several of the folks that have been here that have spoken today.

Uh there's been several common community engagement, and what I've been very clear on uh from the get-go is that East West Connection is a priority.

Leland is a priority.

Uh we're also looking at ways to uh address grade separation.

Um I think I spoke to uh Ian not uh uh a couple weeks ago.

Uh we have the TERS 24 that is going to look at a study to look at what grade separation at Lee Lin uh looks like.

Um this is not the last of uh community engagement.

Um I'm working on something with the mayor and his team uh to address several of the um uh next steps when it comes to Leland, whether it's East West Connection, Downtown Plus, who I've spoken to uh Chris Larson several times, uh, to also um you know uh be at the table when it comes to mobility study for East West Connection.

I've spoken to several of my colleagues, so um uh I think it is perspective as far as what what um how much community engagement, what type of community engagement.

Um I have not shy away from it.

I've added I added Chris White uh right to the to the speaker's list.

I've added several people for Polk to the speakers' list.

Um so we're not stopping any of this conversation.

So I I appreciate you asking.

And there are several folks that are coming that have been knocking on my door that I've spoken to.

Um I know this is a tough decision, but uh also um have been very clear and transparent about where I stood and what are those steps to make sure that where are those steps to make sure that we are seeing East-West connection and great separation.

Okay, thank you.

Next Scott Singleton be followed by Savant Moore.

Mayor and Council, thank you for allowing me to speak today.

I am not speaking on Polk Street, despite what it says on the list.

I live less than half a mile from 419 emancipation, which too many people know as the baby jail.

A pattern has become painfully apparent.

Significant develops adversely affecting the East End or negotiated in backrooms with people who financially gain from these developments.

The community is informed late, and those developments are served up as done deals.

The East End is told sorry, the plans can't change at this late date.

I'd like to focus on the financial aspects of the proposed transaction.

419 Hope Partners LLC stands to almost triple its money in the seven years it's held the property.

To outside viewers, HCD is using the stalking horse bidder as justification for buying the property right now for 60% higher than its initial offer.

At the proposed 16 million dollar offer, the way it stands, the city is going to leave money on the table.

The city is going to reward the owner for almost participating in human rights abuses.

There's a community meeting by the gas park tonight.

Chief Satterwhite has graciously agreed to be there to address other community concerns.

Thank you for the time.

Thank you.

Oh, Councilmember Mayors.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh thank you, Scott.

Just uh question.

What what do you believe is the value of the property?

I believe the value of the property is six point seven million dollars the way the HCADs got it.

The three point five million dollars that the federal government threw in for the uh improvements was money that 419 emancipation partners didn't even pay.

So why should the city be paying them for improvements that they didn't pay for?

All right, thank you.

Thank you.

Next savant more.

To be followed by Roy Hirsch.

Buenas tardes, me nombre is Savanmoore, K.

Emanuel Gonzalez Garcia Regresado, is sumadre and el Nombre de Jesus, Felice Mesdela and Resa is her Pamia.

May Emanuel Gonzalez Gonzalez Garcia be returned to his mother in Jesus' name.

Good afternoon.

My name is Savon Moore, happy to spend the Heritage Month.

I want to thank you for last week for tagging this Councilmember Martinez.

I got calls, I got text, they were so surprised.

And I said that you actually do care about your district.

I want to thank our state leaders, Representative Morales, Representative Jones, Senator Miles, for not standing silent, even though it's not popular.

Let us be clear.

We do support progress, but not at the expense of access.

In 1978, there were eight ways to get into Houston.

And now we only have three.

We cannot afford to lose another.

Polk Street must be open.

And with full respect, we must not disregard the hard work of Tex Doc.

There are people and workers who make Houston run.

And lastly, I'd like to thank the mayor and my council members for Bass because my church is in Sunnyside.

We'll celebrate 79 years this coming up Sunday.

Two children had got hit by a car, and because of them with Houston Public Works, there is now a school zone beacon.

And so when we're up here and we're advocating, it's the partnership between the government and us as constituents.

Thank you.

Nick.

Roy Hirsch.

To be followed by Richard Gilmore.

Mayor, Council members.

The hundred uh economic feasibility study provided you uh to you assumes Polk Street is closed.

But what if it remains open?

Has anyone studied the economic impact of keeping Polk accessible?

Of course not, because Houston First only wanted one answer.

A legitimate feasibility study examines multiple scenarios comparing options objectively.

This study was designed to justify a predetermined conclusion.

We urge you to direct Houston First to commission an independent feasibility study examining the economic impact of keeping Polk Street open, building over it, and pursuing other alternatives.

Without comparative analysis, you're making a multi-billion dollar decision without with incomplete information.

Good governance requires examining all reasonable options, not just rubber stamping the first proposal presented.

Demand better analysis with more comprehensive information available before voting.

We support the GIV GRB transformation, but only if Polk remains open.

Thank you.

Richard Gilmore.

Alexander Carranza.

To be followed by Michelle Igenborough.

Talk about the closure of Polk Street.

Just don't do it, vote no next week.

Um is that simple really like uh came in council member Kimman uh mentioned what are we asking?

That's it.

It's that simple.

Really?

And uh you've heard like weeks on weeks on why that is, right?

And I mean it they seem like pretty important reasons, and it just doesn't make any sense.

I work, I'm an engineer in the in the public sector, um, and uh I'm constantly attending these meetings, and communication means listening to the people, literally showing them the design, not just the PowerPoint and laying out, oh, you can speak for a little bit, but actually showing them the design, taking in their uh feedback, and then going back to the drawing board and saying, Oh, this is what people want, this is what people don't want, this is how we're gonna be affected.

But the fact that they're just y'all are just gonna accept closing Polk Street is unfathomable to me.

Like uh like how could you how could you do that without actually listening to us and giving us alternatives to and an alternative is not just oh Lulin is gonna be a two-way street.

No, that's not how it works, right?

Like there needs to be traffic impact analysis, right?

There needs to be design considerations.

So many things.

Also, uh customer's um, if you could meet me outside later, I want to talk about uh Sunnyland Um Civic Association.

Um Thank you.

Thank you.

Next Michelle Iganbore Jacob Klemenich.

Today I begin with an I joke, and that is and I was with the pro Pulk Street people, and then he says, Don't turn poke into a joke.

You didn't hear what I said?

Hey, I said nothing.

Don't take don't turn poke into a joke.

At any rate um, I wanted to talk about NRG right now because um well the hotel workers they got a pay raise, but we're in the hospitality and also being a host also, us gatekeepers, um gate attendance, and um well we we would like to see some actually green also.

Thank you, Jacob.

It's coming, it's coming.

Thank you.

Thank you, word.

Have a good day.

You your time has expired.

Hats off.

Well, if you as hairs off I like your shirt.

All I can do is cut the Joe Joseph Amari.

Uh just a fashion comedy.

Breast, buy a new design concept are used by many brand names and have many sayings, but just the fashion concept they love the most.

Also in our design product.

Uh anyway, you can black ball, blue ball, grey ball, don't care.

You don't pay me money, but all and you can't have it.

Anyway, uh, sometimes my biggest fans are my biggest haters and my haters of my biggest fan.

Uh I end up with a Genesis 19 problem.

But when it comes to global creative exchange, America stands the law must be kept when it comes to copyright infringement, intellectual property, trademarks, and trade secrets.

We all know old RB hip songs and phone songs could be transformed into a hip, hip hop, rap, gangster rap song that must get permission and a contract agreement for anyone that could duplicate the original art of work.

They all know in the black American Austin Entertainment Business Community that every starving artist community.

Your time has expired.

We got thin time.

Twenty seconds.

Okay.

Twenty seconds, thirty seconds the most.

When it comes, just the fact that comes out, it's like the book, one 101 sexual position, but at the end of the day, I already did a 1000 diff and very wretched.

I don't need no help with that.

Okay, hurry up.

We're we've got to be able to do that.

But when it comes to when it comes to when it comes, no matter how many tech position you and your wife do it, shouldn't maybe she's the same woman with or without the makeup the next day.

Thank you.

We're saying research to nine o'clock in the morning.

I'm sorry, what you know?

Who?

You've been through the list.

She's not on the list.

Yeah, come on down.

Please, one minute.

Okay.

Or 30 seconds.

Who are you?

My name is Chris Wright.

Uh I leave I live over in the East End.

Okay, go for it.

Thanks.

Uh so good afternoon.

My name is Chris.

Uh, and I'm here to remind us of one simple truth.

Citizens should always come first.

This Polk Street situation is a prime example of what happens when residents are not meaningfully considered before major plans move forward.

We're left with confusion, frustration, and mistrust, not because people don't support growth or progress, but because they were never invited into the process early enough to shape it.

When decisions like street closures, reroutes, or redevelopment happen without deep community engagement, the very people who live, work, and travel here end up paying the price for a plan they didn't help design.

And that is what we're talking about to your question.

It's not about progress.

It is about the fact that the people were not at the table meaningfully in the beginning.

And so now the confusion that y'all face is about that and nothing more than okay.

Have a good evening.

We stand recessed to nine in the morning.

Council, please come to order.

Mayor Pro Tim for a motion.

Good morning.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'd like to uh suspend the rules and uh take item four, five, and six out of order.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, no.

Motion passes.

Is uh the confirmation of Mr.

Secretary.

Is he gonna call his own eye?

I am I am item four.

On item four, is there a motion?

Castax Tata move.

Hex second.

Motion made and seconded by all of us.

Uh all in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Where did Pat go?

Troy.

Troy, you'll you'll never be a Pat because those are big shoes to fill.

But I we've all been so pleased.

You have a tough job, a lot tougher than you make it appear.

And I want to personally thank you for your public service on behalf of all of us, and uh the best is yet to come.

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Council.

We're there.

Congratulations.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor, and good morning to everyone.

Troy, I just want to uh congratulate you on a well-deserved appointment.

Uh I know this is something that you were hoping would come to pass.

Uh, you have an incredible staff.

I see Pat Daniels out there as well.

I want to give you a shout out.

Um, but this is something, Mayor, that I think uh needed to be done.

So thank you for making it happen.

Uh Troy, you've been um a supreme professional in everything that you've done.

Uh the way that you carry yourself, the way that you move these meetings, the way that you communicate, it's a value to us all.

So congratulations, and I think this makes you the first African American male, only the second male to ever have this position.

Someone a long time ago uh was uh the first male, but you're the first African American male, so you're making history today, and congratulations.

God bless you.

Councilmember Catistics Tatum.

Thank you, Mayor.

First of all, let me just say to our former city secretary, Pat Daniels, you set the standard because I watched you prepare Troy.

We would come in and uh even when he didn't want to do it, you would tell him, no, you're doing it today.

And he would get there and you would you would lovingly be behind him and making sure he knew every single thing to do, and that speaks to the importance of secession planning, because this position is so important to us in the city of Houston that we needed someone who had the experience uh not only to lead a team but also to handle the workload that comes with being our city secretary.

And so to you, thank you for having the foresight to prepare someone because you knew you were planning to retire.

And to Troy, thank you for being willing to step up and step into that position.

You definitely have what it takes to do the job.

And we are very excited about your role as our Mr.

Secretary here in the City of Houston.

Congratulations to you and the entire uh team.

Councilmember Alcorn.

Mr.

Secretary, I've worked with you for a long time, and you are awesome, and this is so well deserved.

Pat, great to see you.

Thank you for your service.

Councilman Plummer.

Thank you, Mayor.

Congratulations, Troy.

Really proud of you.

And it's been great, great working with you.

And you, Ms.

Pat, you definitely set the standard.

And you taught him well.

Councilmember Cayman.

Mr.

Secretary, congratulations.

We love working with you.

And I just want to shout out the entire team in the office.

I know everyone is decked out in blue right now.

Y'all are one big family.

And it is so inspiring to see the type of teamwork, the type of leadership that you bring, Ms.

Pat.

It is so good to have you back.

Really, it's wonderful to see you.

But thank you to everyone, because without you all, he can't do what he does.

So really thank you to each of you and Mr.

Secretary.

It's official.

Thank you, Mayor.

Troy, I I must say, you know, being new on council to see the historical moment is certainly worth it.

And uh you're such an assistance to everybody.

Every time we come, you're always helpful.

You always uh helping out everybody no matter what the issues are, because you were trained by the best, so uh you can't expect nothing else.

But I'm just happy to be here on council at the time when this history moment is being made.

Congratulations to you, my friend.

Yes, Chairman Evan Shabar.

Thank you, Mayor, and congratulations, Troy.

I never knew your last name was Lemon, but now you are Mr.

Secretary.

So now you just need to move to District D to go full circle, just like the former uh city secretary.

So good congratulations.

Very good.

Congratulations.

Congratulations.

Next item.

Next item.

Item five, is there a motion?

Catholics Tata move.

Motion is made in the second.

All in favor.

Say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

I would ask our appointees if they're present.

Uh Claude Cummings, the third, uh Shelley Kennedy, Charles Cave, and Justin Mitchell.

We appreciate your public service.

And uh go to work.

Thank you.

Council Mayor Evan Shabazz.

Thank you, Mayor, and I certainly thank everyone for their service.

But I certainly have to highlight Charles Cave, who is a district D constituent, who is just everywhere, and he does so much for not only his area, but for the entire district D.

So I certainly wanted to give him a shout out.

Thank you.

Councilmember Castillo.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor.

I also want to congratulate those for serving and recognize one of our district H constituents, Shelley Kennedy out there, who has served in multiple capacities for city boards and commissions and appreciate her dedication to service.

Next.

Item six is there a motion.

Cas Tate a move.

Motion made in second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Our parks board appointees.

Understand Domingo Barrios is present.

Mr.

Williams, Elijah.

Thank you.

Margaret Elkins Davis, Alberto Cardenas, and Taylor Chapman.

All fine public servants.

And uh thank you.

This is a critical board.

Uh we're making exciting things happen, and you're to carry out our uh our opportunity.

Thank you.

Uh for being here.

Councilmember Alcorn.

Thank you, Mayor.

Great appointees.

Great to see the next generation coming up, Taylor and Margaret.

Elijah, I don't know how old you are, but you seem kind of young.

Um this is such an important board.

I see Beth Wyatt out there.

Um, what a great luncheon yesterday.

What a huge contribution you've made to the City of Houston over the last decade.

I know we'll continue to honor you for the next couple months, but but thank you to the Parks Board.

We have to figure out ways to create more sustainable funding for parks.

We need more public.

We certainly have a lot of private investment in parks.

We need more public investment in parks.

You guys are so key in this and uh really appreciate your service.

It's a working board, I know, so thank you very much for for stepping up.

Thank you.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor, and congrats to our previous appointees who were recognized as well.

But I I do want to thank you all for your service on the Parks Board.

Um you all play an instrumental role in the not only quality of life, but economic vitality of our city.

Um our green spaces are what make Houston so incredible.

Um Beth, if you don't mind standing.

I want to recognize you.

I know Councilmember Alcorn has too, um, for everything you've done, the vision that you have brought to our city, and it has been an honor to work with you.

Uh your legacy continues uh throughout the generations, but really to all of you, congratulations.

Uh, we're really excited to work with our new appointees.

We have a lot of great folks coming back as well.

Thank you, Councilman Kamen, for recognizing Beth.

Like I was telling Troy, there's some big shoes that you've left behind.

I'm confident Miss Nagel that was with us yesterday, had such knowledge already of Houston's park systems, pathways, our waterways, so things are going forward very successfully.

Thank you for your public service, and don't go far because we're going to still use you in an advisor capacity.

Martins.

Thank you.

Martinez.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I just also want to publicly thank you all, uh Bethel, Taylor, Margaret, and Elijah, for your commitment to green space in the City of Houston.

Uh Beth, we've worked alongside for several years.

I want to say just thank you, you know, publicly and to your team for all the work for creating more green spaces in District I along the bayous.

We've completed all of the Greenway Bayous.

We have about five of those projects in District I.

Um, but also um just uh put this task on you all.

I know we we utilize you all for support on major uh public park um rehabs, restoration.

Uh Mason Park is is uh on its way to seeing great things happen, and I would love to have the Houston Parks Board be a part of that process as well.

So thank you.

Thank you for your service.

Thank each of you.

Councilmember Hoffman.

Oh, Councilmember Hoffman.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Beth, for everything that you have done in your years of service.

And congratulations to the new appointees, especially you, Margaret Davis, District G resident.

If you don't know Margaret, it is time to get to know this woman.

She is a woman of action and has done so much already to improve our park spaces.

So thank you so much.

Congratulations to everyone.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor, and congrats to the appointees and those that are coming back to serve the city in such a vital role.

The luncheon yesterday was uh a fantastic tribute to to you, Beth, and all the contributions that have been made to the city and to District H parks in Green Space.

And I want to uh highlight Taylor Chapman, a district H constituent, who uh is very dedicated to the work, uh very passionate and does a lot for Woodland Park as well.

If you ever want to go walk through the forest in the back of Woodland Park, he will take you.

Uh he will also take you on a kayak down the bayou.

Uh so take him up on that offer.

Uh I haven't yet, but I I will one day.

Congrats to you all.

Well, I promise to do it too.

Maybe we can arrange we do it together.

That'd be fun.

That's all right.

Thank you all for your public service, and uh you can go to work now.

Members, uh a lot of activity in the city that have kept us busy and successful.

Something I'd like to bring before council this morning is the issue that quite frankly was man-made.

There was nothing broken.

We were always always gonna replace the rainbow stripes.

They'll be GBTQ plus recognition on West Timer when it was finished.

You know, I ran on a campaign of diversity and inclusion.

And obviously it won significantly and will do again, all indicators.

But diversity inclusion means our face, our ethnicity, and our sexual orientation.

And I want to publicly thank some community leaders, city leaders.

I can't say enough about Tammy Wallace, who's met with me in my office to discuss the seriousness of resolving this successfully for the community.

Avery Bellue with the Montreal Center is making such progress depends on large amounts of federal funding.

The chair, Clay Melder, has been a valuable advisor.

So we've come together and discuss how we can have a grown-up public discussion of why the stripes were placed there, why they're important, while we replaced them after the construction, and then we were handed this man-made challenge to part of our success for the LGBTQ plus community, and in quite frankly, all of Houston, all of Houston.

Montrose gets the recognition, but it's really Oak Forest and Garden Oaks and Mareland, this entire city, acres home.

Also, I'd like to thank Michael Gott, who's a pastor at Unity Church where I attend, openly gay minister that brings people together, preaches love.

Recent arrivals to Houston in the press and in our community.

Even I enjoyed talking to my advisory board about why their advice and this issue is so important.

Fifty years of being the voice for equality with the Equity Center, using my office to organize.

Didn't deter me.

I knew I was doing the right thing.

The community, asking senators from West Texas, would they please sit down and talk to these families?

Reading a letter from a family that made all 31 senators hear it, and the leadership.

Inclusion works.

Metro is going to get over a billion in the next five years.

We have ongoing projects.

Nothing was broken.

Governor Abbott joined because he's a very ambitious governor looking at the presidential race.

I've had contact with him.

It's never been an issue.

It was a manufactured issue, but it's a real one in terms of federal and state funding.

Our health department gets 98 million dollars in grant funding from the feds and the state.

They spend 18 million of federal funding on HIV prevention and treatment.

This was all at jeopardy.

I'm not a legislator anymore.

I talked about my legislative record, but now I'm responsible for this entire city, even those that disagree with the rainbow strikes.

In fact, I'm going to reach out to them this morning.

Try to understand the passion that some members of our community bring to this issue.

It's a symbol of so much for so many.

What was the origin of the stripes?

Ellen Cohen, such an outstanding wise public official, stepped up when we lost a young man to a hit and run at this location, and to try to bring healing to the community, enclosure for his family, with private money.

She had the stripes painted.

And when she did it, it was a non-issue in this great city.

As I said, this issue's been manufactured.

That was eight years ago.

Ellen helped us since I've been in office with the police scandal, chairing the review, helping us run a program of holding dangerous people accountable that had been placed in a suspended police file.

So I want everyone to know that we have a lot to be proud of in the city.

My campaign and everything I've done, even through my appointments, is to bring unity to this great city.

I know people that support me disagree with my position, but they still want their garbage picked up.

But in an effort to unify the city, even over an issue such as painting rainbow colors on Westheimer, that it means so much to so many, even if you don't understand.

Try to understand.

That's what unity is about.

And not only the Montrose community, but I've already said it crosses the city, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks.

I can name all of our communities.

There are symbols in all these communities that we respect that are symbols of our society, and we respect those symbols.

But to politicize something, so unfortunately, it's just counterproductive.

A gay young man that hasn't come out of the closets.

So it's not just the Montrose community.

It's our region, it's our state, it's our society.

But I know from meeting with these advisors.

How do we still represent the importance of the stripes?

I'm welcome to any suggestion.

I think we definitely have to stay away from public property to not jeopardize most of our departments funding because they will come after it.

Our health department, criminal justice, housing.

So let's work together.

Let's reach out to people that don't understand our position.

Ask them perhaps to talk to their gay or lesbian children.

See what it means to them.

And grow from this.

Through leadership, we were able to bring the groups together and have a pride parade that's more significant than when you divide the attendance.

Same as we're going to do with the MLK, by the way, but that's another discussion that we're celebrating.

The lighting of City Hall come June 1st, making it a Pride Month.

There's just so many things that we're going to attempt to do to keep the rainbow colors alive and well.

You can do away with the stripes, but you're not going to do away with the issue or the people that are valuable citizens of Houston.

I regret that this issue has been brought up unnecessarily.

But it does give me an opportunity to talk about the progress we're making in the city of Houston through diversity and inclusion.

We're doing well.

A fair resolution, which always knew would occur if we would keep everybody at the negotiating table.

Houston Center yesterday.

Cut the ribbon on a residential facility.

Solid waste, I started at 6 o'clock yesterday morning, rolling out 19 new heavy-duty trucks.

We got a great public works director, by the way.

Our response time is below six minutes for code one.

It's first time in recent memory.

We're at 5.7 minutes for response on code one.

Dallas is at 12.

Homeless issue, which we're discussing.

Certainly we're making strides and getting residential facilities for them.

We just did the groundbreaking on Eli Lilly's pharmacy manufacturing.

They depend on Houston water.

So there is a long list, too many to name today, that people recognize.

We're fixing roll out of sidewalk plan initiative.

Randy Public Works continue to do amazing work.

So anyway, it's a great opportunity.

I'm disappointed I didn't get to do the state of the city as was scheduled in October, out of respect for the hotel workers, but I look forward to doing that in January.

There will be so much to talk about.

And yes, the budget and finances will be a top priority.

We do have a plan.

But we'll do it without raising taxes because I understand the pain that our residents have over affordability, taxes, harm affordability, renters, rent will go up if you raise property taxes.

There will be a time and place for going after more revenue from some of the sources that people at the horseshoe propose, but I'm still committed to cutting out waste duplication, conflicts of interest, and when we can tell the public we've done everything we can, then we will deal with additional revenue.

Right now, it's efficiency.

I think solid waste is doing an amazing job, and we'll tell you right now they're headed in the right direction.

So I will conclude by telling you it's a great day to be a Houstonian.

I'm honored to be the mayor.

Recognize our diversity and certainly walk away from our job today.

Unified that we're going to work together to solve our problems.

But it is frustrating when we're trying to address quality of life issues.

That the leadership at other levels of governance bring us an issue that was not necessary.

But we're going to address it like we always do.

We're going to fix it.

Councillor McCayman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I I really appreciate your words as somebody that has been fighting this fight for the LGBTQIA plus community.

I think that, and I'll get to, you know, you asked what are things that the city can do, and I appreciate the engagement on that.

I appreciate Councilmember Castillo working with me.

I appreciate all the community leaders that you have been speaking of, that we have been working with, the neighborhood groups that have been coming together, again, in the face of what I believe is inappropriate state overreach into local control, which I challenge the authority of the governor to do that.

That so many people are coming together, I speak think speaks to the true spirit of Houston.

I do want to make sure it's clear because we have heard, well, it's just paint.

Well, one, I don't know why the governor is obsessing about paint or Trump is obsessing about paint.

But to so many, this is not just about paint.

And while it is about the pride flag, and that alone would be a just and worthy cause, this is about all of our communities.

What's going to happen to the murals on our streets that honor George Floyd, or the even the basic paw prints that are painted that Mayor Parker had put in leading up to BARC.

There are examples throughout the city.

And if we do not find ways as a city to take a stand, what's next?

Because we have seen the overreach, we have seen the usurpment of local control over and over again, and it continues to get worse as they continue to target some of our most vulnerable communities.

And I know you saw the email.

When something is a race like this that means so much to so many, there is a real toll on the community.

We have people reaching out to us, and I want to emphasize the resources that are available for the community at this time, because it's not just about the paint, there are other attacks right on our LGBTQIA plus community.

So please reach out to groups like the Montrose Center or Harris Health if you do need support right now.

But I do think, Mayor, it's incumbent upon all of us to look at ways to challenge the threats of withholding funding when they are not affiliated with that funding.

So the these are not tech stop-based projects.

These are not federally funded projects.

These are private dollars that the city allowed the community to come forward with.

So I hope that we can work with Metro to actually seek those exceptions.

We have a banner district for Montrose.

It kind of went dormant when we lost the management district, but the civic clubs and super neighborhoods are willing to step in.

We laid the groundwork for that in Fourth Ward Freedmanstown.

Anything that we have done in other communities should be able to apply to our LGBTQIA plus community as well as other communities.

So there are many options, but I think it's important.

Yes, we are talking with businesses.

Yes, we want to see the entire Houston community stand up, and we will continue to call on residents and businesses, whatever your flag may be, whatever is in your heart, show that right now.

Show your pride flags, show your heritage.

We should not be backing down.

And at the same time, I do think it is important as a city that we are looking at what can be done on city property.

The state does not have a right to say we cannot do something on our own property.

And if we do, we should be legally challenging that.

So again, Mayor, I want to thank you for speaking out today, because I think it's important that the community hears from us as leaders of the city so that they know they are not alone, so that they know we see you.

We are in this fight with you, but we as Houston, the most diverse city in the nation, we celebrate our individuality.

We celebrate what makes each and every one of us so special because we welcome all here.

And that includes our immigrant community, that includes other groups that are being marginalized and targeted.

Um, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue to work with you, with Councilmember Castillo, with our commissioners, with other elected.

I spoke with Congresswoman Fletcher about this.

We're speaking with other cities about what they are doing, but I hope that we will join together, united with other cities because together, we are strong, and this is about local control.

Uh, and this is about the people in our communities that need us now more than ever.

Well, thank you.

That certainly respect your opinion and know of your background and your passion.

I disagree with you.

That's a battle we would lose.

And it's not so much the specifics that you mentioned on being on city property, we can do what we want to.

Abbott has a veto, line item veto.

So everything we were successful in getting this year and plan to get in the future would be in jeopardy, and beyond jeopardy, they would be cut.

And that's health department money, it's transportation money, public safety.

So it's my responsibility to bring a resolution of this together that will keep Houston protected, safe, and improve our quality of life.

We got more park money this year than ever before.

I'm not going to jeopardize that when we can use other means to show our support for those that support and are passionate about the symbol of the rainbow.

That diversity that we celebrate means people that disagree with us.

And some people right here this horseshoe disagree.

I've been very proud that we were able to reinstitute the mayor's ministers at visors.

To show our unity, I really haven't heard from them because they respect our diversity and the effort to unify this great city.

But it's not just Montrose.

I've already documented.

It's the entire city.

LGBTQ plus community that you proudly represent along with me.

So that's a legal battle.

Austin, the most liberal city in Texas, has already begun pulling up their rainbow stripes.

They have a George Floyd memorial up at UT.

They're making plans to bring it up.

So you have to be smart.

You have to look out for the common good, make your position known, your convictions known.

I don't retreat from that at all.

I raised my daughters and are proud of their character and support on this issue.

I could go on that I've already expressed this morning.

So all I can say is we're not going to get an illegal battle with the feds or the state, one that would harm the city.

Certainly all of us.

And there will be other issues that we don't want to go to battle with the feds over.

Elections matter.

We ought to use this, and I would urge you to leave, lead the effort to increase the membership of the LBGTQ plus chamber.

The caucus has lost so much of its influence.

There's ways that you can bring the community together and protect your views without going to the courthouse.

It could be done with membership drives, it could be done with other symbols, other activities, and that's what I plan to work with this outstanding group of advisors that I mentioned that have been with me.

And uh really coming up with some very appropriate measures.

And Mayor, may I respond?

Sure, I don't intend to debate this morning.

But I respect you, but fifty years of doing legislative battles, that's not what this is this morning.

This is about bringing Houston together, respecting people that disagree with the strikes, representing all of Houston, but protecting our resources, and I can't begin to tell you all the resources we have gotten from the State, the health department cannot run without Federal grant money.

Ninety-eight million dollars.

And I was there last week, and they were so active with their HIV prevention treatment.

And it's our job to let the straight community know how important those services are, because it's a public health issue.

So I'm not going to jeopardize the good things that are coming through collaboration with the State, the County, and the Federal Government.

I yield to you.

No, and I appreciate that.

I wanted to make it clear, yes, this particular fight is about I said I want to be clear, as I said previously, that this yes, this particular fight is about Montrose, because this was the knee-jerk reaction to the paint being restored in Montrose.

But it is about the entire city, and that's why I talked about other vulnerable communities or our monuments, not our monuments, our recognitions and honorings to uh individuals like George Floyd that matter.

But to say that because we're getting money, we are not going to challenge something that is illegal.

I do believe there are it is important to fight in the courts.

I do believe it is important to stand up for the city, and whether it's on this or something else, just because we're getting something that we need doesn't mean we don't stand up for what is right.

And I'm not inferring that you are not, but I want to make sure it's clear to the people of Houston that things are done either by the law or not.

And when they're not, and we are seeing that happen more and more and more.

We are responsible because we took an oath to upholding the law and upholding and holding those accountable that do not follow the letter of the law in bad faith with hate in their heart and bigotry.

I do want to, on a positive note, if people are looking for a way to lift up the community and stand in support right now.

We do, in this just timing uh wise, I want to invite everyone again to join us for families with pride this Saturday at Discovery Green to lift up our communities as allies as friends, and that is a great family-friendly opportunity to show your support right now.

So I want to encourage uh my colleagues on council, please join us.

Um it should be a wonderful event.

And we do want to, I do want to thank our law enforcement partners because it's such a heightened time.

HPD and all of our law enforcement have been there every step of the way to make sure that our communities in the LGBTQIA and our LGBTQIA families are safe right now.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you for your your words this morning and and your commitments to supporting the community.

I know it goes a long way to have the mayor say what you said at this time.

The rainbow crosswalk at West Timer and Taft was more than just a crosswalk.

You, you know, you you talked about the fact that it was there as a memorial for a young man that tragically lost his life uh at that intersection.

It's also where the pride parade used to end at Westheimer and Taft.

And that was a parade that we fought really hard to get.

And we faced setbacks.

We faced attacks, but we got it in the heart of Montrose, right down Westheimer, ended right there.

And these tributes to the community that are now being targeted, they have so much more meaning than just paint.

I mean, you hinted at it, but to the folks that are not even comfortable with their identities, to the people that can't even say to their friends and to their family, I'm gay, I'm a lesbian.

These things mean so much to them.

In fact, they save lives.

They do.

We lose lives every year to people who cannot say those words to the folks that are the closest to them.

And to have our elected officials attack us, rip these things up, withhold our funding, it's a kick to the gut.

And this year has been full of kicks to the gut for the LGBTQ community.

So to have your support and to have your words, it means a lot.

It goes a long way.

Well, thank you for your responsible leadership.

It's needed right now to be responsive to the community, but also understand and be looking for alternatives that will represent the community short of risking or losing our funding.

And I was proud to have been in the very first pride parade in 1981.

I still miss it down West Timer, but it's really taken off downtown.

But it's it's been fixed.

And uh thank you for your leadership.

Councilmember Evans Shabbos.

Thank you, Mayor.

Certainly we are being strong armed and there is a lot at stake, but I wanted to say that when you delete something on a computer, it never goes away and remains on the cloud.

And removing these symbols of love from the sidewalks or the streets will never remove them from the hearts and minds of those who created them.

And what also will not go away is the insecurities of those who ordered them removed, which will always remain until they are faced and addressed.

And I don't know what the outcome is going to be, but our story is not written in paint.

It's written in the people.

And so certainly in good conscience, they they have to know that this is not a good thing.

But the time to really let them know is when we go to the polls.

And so I implore people to use that means regardless of the outcome.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Thank you, members.

Members, uh another thing heavy on my heart, and here's my full attention, is a report that we heard on the young man yesterday afternoon.

The version we heard would upset anyone.

And I've been wanting to say this to you for probably since I got here.

We have such a tendency to want to believe individuals in their cause.

But I knew better.

It's so frustrating to sit here when I have the data, even some of you have the information, and know that someone for political purposes and building a following stands there and tells us something that they know is not true.

It inflames the community, violates the unity that I stand for.

It increases the paranoia, the anxiety of our immigrant community.

Why could unload to use a crying mother who has extreme exposure and I won't go into her status for political gain and then leave here after misrepresenting a fine police department that I'm going to ask each of you to look at the tape.

A department that treated him like their son, their child.

He could communicate.

But to misrepresent it, how he was treated and handled.

You never heard to mention the CPS, did you?

Who our fine department approached first.

Then the resettled department.

Worked with him for four hours.

I asked the police chief to come here today, and I don't want to I don't want to speak for him.

But it is so disgusting on such an emotional serious issue that we're handling smarter than any major city in America.

The way HPD handled this young man should become the model for the United States.

And it's all documented.

The mayor approached him and I saw it this morning.

And then to leave here after inflaming things and jeopardizing the mother and the young man, quite frankly.

He's in the hospital for a pectum health appendicite.

Being given the same care that we would any Houstonian.

And then leave and go on the steps of City Hall and have a political campaign for a candidate for city council.

So mishandled because it just feeds into my belief there's always the rest of the story.

And it's not just on this issue.

It's infrastructure issues.

That we want the facts.

With that said, I've asked the police chief, who I am so proud of.

I know how responsible and smart and compassionate they're dealing with the immigration issue.

Same thing we said in January.

We're not immigration, we're not ICE.

We're enforcing state and city laws.

And I can't say enough of you publicly.

I don't know if the media report it, but you're one fine honorable police chief, a man of faith, a father, and what you're going to document for the members should be the national model for dealing with a very, very delicate subject.

Would you like to show it to the members and then you can describe, or you want to tell them what they're going to see?

Maybe that would even be a good order.

I'll tell them and then show them our video.

Yeah, why don't you?

Because I know I know your passion, your emotion, and also know your facts.

So why don't you describe because I asked you to come here today because I had been told the speaker was totally misrepresenting this fine department in this great city.

So I yield to you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh counsel, thank you for for all that you do.

Sorry.

Thank you for all that you do for this great city.

Your decisions here are very important to us because we work collectively with each of your districts every single day.

This office has boots on the ground serving the people that you represent.

Day shift, evening shift, night shift, holidays, storms, the Houston Police Department is here to go to work.

So I'm just going to give you a brief overview of what transpired, and then I'll show you as council members, council persons, the actual video.

So just bear with me.

I'm going to give you a timeline of what actually happened.

The Houston Police Department responded to a call for service regarding a missing person juvenile in the 3900 block of Hollister Street in Houston, Texas, on Saturday, October 4th.

We were dispatched at 8 51 p.m.

Units arrived at 8 56 p.m.

because of the importance of a missing kid.

The report is 1301 943-25.

It's an original missing person report.

The reportee, Maria Araceli Garcia Candia, the mother of the young man that we're discussing, informed officers that her son Emanuel González Garcia was last seen at approximately 3 p.m.

So you can gauge the hours when she decided to call us at the intersection of Clay Road and Hempstead Road.

She advised officers that Emmanuel had wandered off in the past and was recovered by HPD.

The reporting made statements that Emmanuel did not take medication but was special needs and perhaps autistic.

The lady provided the photo.

For the mother.

The missing persons bureau, our patrol bureau, went around the area posting the flyers, knocking on doors, trying to find this young man with no success.

Again, he had a head start from 3 p.m.

to 8 45 when mom called us.

The missing person detectives responded to the scene at around 10 30 and assumed the entire responsibility of the investigation.

They met the reportee at the scene, searched the area and placed flyers at close to a dozen nearby locations.

This research also included available databases for us that included locating and reviewing several previous HPD reports involving Imanuel.

This included one runaway report in 2024 and two missing persons report in April and May of this year.

Although the mother stated in this incident that Manuel was autistic, detectives reviewed the prior incidents and identified Emanuel as not being autistic with any medical or cognitive issues.

Furthermore, the mother could not produce any medical records or documentation of a treating physician to confirm his diagnosis of special needs.

Fast forward, we the Houston Police Department, 10 miles away on airline on Sunday, October the 5th at 4 30 p.m.

We get a meet the firefighter call at a McDonald's.

HPD is has located HF delated a 15-year-old juvenile who claimed to be homeless from another country, had no parents or family in the area, and could not provide contact information for anyone.

Officers worked for four hours, a supervisor, four patrol cars, we reviewed the body cam footage.

These young men and women were pulling our general orders, our processes to make sure that they did it right.

Once we were not able to confirm the identity provided by the juvenile scene and to find an acceptable party to leave them with for their safety after exhausting all options.

And CPS told us since the young man has told you that he has no parents here.

We can't hold someone that is not from here indefinitely.

That's the rule at CPS.

They referred us to the Department of Health and Human Services or the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

HPD patrol officers have right at 4 43 p.m.

and released the young man after hours after fingerprinting him, after giving him care, after talking through his processes, what we believed we needed to identify him.

At 8 45 p.m.

Because of the federal situation, they didn't have an acceptable means of transportation to take him to the facility.

So HPD took him to the facility at 8 45, he was released to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

On October 10th, 2025 at 1027 a.m.

juvenile intake received a phone call from a female caller, Alexa Sandukas, who was an adlitum representative for the kid.

Stating she is an attorney for the Office of Refugee Resettlement and representing Emanuel in the facility.

The attorney informed us that Emmanuel did not want his mother to know where he was.

So the attorney did not advise the mother of Emanuel being in custody.

Intake officers notified Detective De Leon of the findings.

We, the Houston police department, decided, no, mom's got to know where the young man is because she's concerned.

So we notify the mother of where Emmanuel is being cared for.

Detective Detective DeLion noted that Emmanuel was inside the Office of Refugee Resettlement and communicated the information with the mother.

However, he gave us a different name.

And it didn't hit on any of our systems.

This all occurred at approximately 11 a.m.

The press conference that the mayor referred to was in progress at the same time.

Detectives notified the mother that Emmanuel was located shortly after their press camp conference.

She was thankful and detected detectives connected her to the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

Neither HPD or the Office of Refugee Resettlement received a missing persons hit when they ran the name provided by the missing juvenile.

So that's just that that's actually what happened, and that's where we're at today.

While in the care of the facility, the young man has a medical episode, and they have staff, medical staff at that facility.

And they made the determination that he needed to go to the hospital to have an apodectomy.

And they took him to Texas Children just like they would have taken my son.

And he was cared for.

The tremendous, terrific job that you do for the great city of Houston.

Thank you.

Thank you, Norway, before we review the tape.

Excellent report documenting it.

One thing I heard left out was you were waking detectives up at 3 30 in the morning at their residence, yes, to go assist with this case.

Mayor, the the work never stops, right?

Our teams are doing yeoman's work with uh 5300 man department.

Right?

The calls for service or holding.

So the call may be a we may be a little late to a number uh level two or level three call, but we're working with the and this is a priority to us.

Kids are a priority because we all have kids.

Every one of those men and women dealing with this young man felt the same way.

You know, so it it it is uh uh it's a travesty for me that someone would come up here before this audience and tell half-truths, misinformation when in fact uh they don't have the information.

So we're here to help.

We're here to help the community and work through these processes because they're difficult.

Everybody here feels the same way.

Um I don't know if everybody has kids, but you all have kids.

So our priority is to make sure that this young man is cared for.

Now he's not in our care.

Now he's in a federal agency's care.

So that's what we're at, Mayor, and we're working through it, and we will continue uh to do this very same thing, follow our processes, follow our guidelines to ensure that the office is providing exceptional police services and caring for the community.

We're we are a community-facing police department.

Thank you, Councilmember Davis.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Mayor.

I Chief, I want to first thank you for coming at the request of the mayor and clarifying this situation and it's and all that you do because there's never an opportunity whenever we ask you that HPD, and you particularly, well, you know, for me, I've held like almost eight town hall meetings.

You've been at every one of them, along with our fire chief and other department heads.

Um, and I want to thank the mayor for bringing this to the light.

It's very disturbing because yesterday I asked specific questions to this mother and the person representing her.

One about the issue of autism, because I take that very seriously.

My grandson is autistic.

Yes, sir.

He walked on the stage with me when I got sworn in in this council.

I support that situation.

I would think it really dis really disrespectful for someone to take advantage of that type of issue going on in our world in the lives of many parents.

As I said on yesterday, uh Councilmember Huffman, uh, and I both work with crime stoppers with the needs program that identify autistic people.

So let me just say here is a double issue, because this type of stuff creates a fear and uh and an unwanted and not justifiable free in our community, and I think this is the type of thing that and everyone around this haunts you had compassion for the situation, but not to disrespect our police department.

And I take that very seriously, and I feel very upset about that fact because our police department do an excellent job.

I reached out to you on Friday night to the department of an issue that was going on uh in one of our pastor churches, was a threat to the congregation, and immediately, Chief, you got on it, got detectives on it.

We we dealt with the situation.

And I just want to say this publicly that we need to be very mindful of people come here.

There's no one around this you work more in compassion than I am, but a lot of times we elevate issues that really does not warrant disrespect, especially to our five men and women of HPD.

And I just think, Mayor, I want to thank you for bringing this to light, because this is something that I think that we need to be very mindful in the future.

But thank you for your time, Chief coming and giving us an explanation on this matter.

Thank you, Pastor Davis.

Thank you.

Councilmember Kamen.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um chief, I and I I appreciate a public dialogue and presentation about timeline and facts, and you know.

Making sure it's clear that HPD did everything that they could.

I think everyone recognizes the very unfortunate and tragic situation that is unfolded.

Right.

We're not saying, or I am not saying I don't want this child with this mother, and I want to be very cautious about us going into too many details to put at risk, right?

Whatever defense the mother has in terms of a custody issue, immigration issues.

So I'm I'm hesitant to ask all of the questions that I have, and that's why I appreciate we may have an opportunity as well behind chambers or afterwards.

Because again, our job is to protect families right now.

Absolutely.

So when it comes to reporting missing persons, right, there's a myth out there that you have to wait 24 hours or you have to wait a certain time period.

In the City of Houston, if there is a missing individual, is there any time period whatsoever that you have to wait to report somebody missing?

Every circumstance is different to your need as you call.

So to try and box us into something, if you have a teenager that's running away frequently, and we probably already have dealt with that teenager, then we will obviously do the very same thing we do for the next person.

Right.

We're going to respond accordingly to make appropriate di uh uh make appropriate decisions to help the parent.

Like in this case, the mom gave us the photo, and we went back to the office and produced the image so that we could help.

Right.

Uh so there isn't uh you can report a missing person.

We have a missing persons uh detective bureau that can take care of all that stuff.

So for us it's just constantly trying to protect the community.

And I understand uh it's more so I understand there's hesitancy to reach out in some there's hesitancy in some communities right now to reach out to law enforcement.

I'm not saying that that's let's just say that there is hesitancy for some in reaching out to law enforcement, but I want to encourage if there is a missing person for people to reach out immediately.

I encourage everybody to call the police department for any need.

That's that is what I'm saying.

But I also recognize that there is hesitancy.

There is fear in reaching out right now because of what is happening at the national level, because of what is happening in other cities.

Uh when you uh just a technical question, because again, mom reaches out, y'all have the missing person, I'm assuming there's a bolo, we have the images and things like that, and we had the young man, this woman's child.

Even though he said there's no I don't know anyone's numbers, I don't have any information, I don't have any family here.

Do our systems allow us to cross-check because right, we knew that there was a kid that was missing, like how many missing children at a time or within a 24-hour period is HPD dealing with?

Was there an opportunity to match that up to say, oh, he may not have information, but the system has that information.

How does that work?

If you input your name, for example, and you as a missing person or your child, and then your child gives us a different name, somewhere else 10 miles away, it's not going to connect.

Our systems will not connect.

We we actually APHIS the young man to as a as a third check to make sure if anyone had come in contact with him, nothing.

So I understand what you're saying.

Uh and we as an organization have to always be on top of these kinds of things because we can't we we can't mess up.

This time it did not check because forgive me, he gave the wrong name.

Right, and I get that.

And uh again, I'm not pointing a finger, I'm trying to flush out some of the processes.

The you know, if when my son was two, he may not have been able to say what his name was.

But if you have a uh I called, God forbid, and said I have a two-year-old, this is his description, hopefully those would would match.

So if there's a system improvement that we need, um I want to be supportive of that.

And we're working with our new RMS system.

Hopefully that will fix itself, but we're not there yet with the system that we have now.

And then lastly, just because we keep talking about um someone that may or may not have a disability, and I want to be very sp uh sensitive to that uh with individuals that are on the spectrum.

Um you had mentioned that officers had engaged with him and made a determination that he did not have a disability.

But are our officers licensed to make a medical determination of that nature?

We didn't make a medical determination, he could communicate.

He was seen by our medics, and they too uh communicated with a young man in a f in a Spanish language, obviously, but everybody he could communicate communicated with everyone.

So they were.

But just because someone communicates, I just want to be careful that we're not saying that someone doesn't have if you don't, as a parent of a special needs child, have a bracelet, something sewn into their clothes, or let us know at the police department that on your street there's a special needs child, and we don't know.

So we're not clinicians.

We're just here to recognize when there's a need.

I understand, but just because again, I have I have cousins who are on the spectrum.

They do not have anything in in their clothes.

They just want to make sure that if we're presenting public information, we're not saying no, this this young person is not does not have a disability.

Right.

We don't have access to that information.

We do not.

There's HIPAA rules, yeah.

Okay.

Chief, thank you very much.

Thank you.

Thank you for the concern.

Chief, one point you might want to share is the mother's photo was several years old.

We believe it's uh when the child was 10 years old, and the children because his information is 15 now.

Sure, but that's relevant.

Uh the mayor pro Tim Casting Statement.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Chief, thank you for bringing the video.

I did have an opportunity to see the video.

It was disturbing to me this morning because I watched what was presented to us yesterday, and part of my struggle was the language barrier, and I was depending on someone who was translating that information.

And I thought the person said that this young man was nonverbal.

Um I also thought um there was several things that was said that we didn't see in the video.

Um and so I'm concerned that the story had some mishaps.

Um and so it's hard for people to trust what actually happened because the mother also said she spent the night with her son, and the son was saying goodbye to her.

I mean it was a it was a uh a pull on your heart strings story.

Um did the mother spend the night with her son?

I didn't hear any of that in the in the timeline.

Um is that a different scenario?

And uh and and none of that is shown on the on the video, but she stood here and said she spent the night with her son, and her son said goodbye to her.

That that was the translation that I did not hear her say that.

Uh I know that when he was in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement, she did not spend the night there.

So he went, she he did go to the hospital.

I've seen photos that people have shared with me where she brought some sort of gift to the young man at the hospital.

I am not sure if she spent the night at the hospital.

I doubt it.

But I'm not I'm not positive.

Okay.

Maybe she maybe she visited him, maybe maybe at the hospital, and then they said they called him and then they released him, but they released him once she was gone instead of when they were there.

So the the timelines kind of uh are are a little different, but I appreciate I appreciate the timeline that that you gave.

But I think the the thing that stood out the most to me was I couldn't figure out how if we had a missing person's report that we didn't make the connection.

But you explained that very clearly to us when we watched the video this morning.

The young man's name is Emmanuel.

But when we asked him what his name was, he said manual.

And it's a hyphenated name.

So Garcia Gonzalez, so he it was a reverse order.

Right.

And so there was no way that the system picked up similar names, but not the exact.

Right.

Yes.

Yeah, I everyone's gonna get a chance to see it.

Absolutely.

That's why I'm here.

I just wanted to point out that name thing, because that's what stood out to me yesterday was why couldn't we make that connection?

But there's a very good explanation as to why that was not done.

Um and the names were similar but not the same.

Thank you.

Vice Mayor Pro Tim Peck.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Chief.

Um it's a very sad situation.

As a mother, I can't imagine not knowing where my child is.

But also as a mother, I can't imagine using somebody else's child to disparage HPD and for media attention.

I appreciate HPD's work, um, the professionalism of the officers that went out to the scene that put in all of the effort trying to find him and working with him.

Um this did occur in my district, so I am happy to continue to, you know, any support that they need.

Um, we will provide that.

But again, I want to thank HPD for everything that you do each and every day.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, Chief, I appreciate you being here and sharing these words and the timeline.

I'm looking forward to watching the video as well.

Um I think it's it's definitely well noted that we're in some complex and sensitive times at the moment.

Uh, the mayor spoke to you know the LGBT communic commun community as well.

And as uh temperature keeps continues to hiden, right?

Um I think it's important for opportunities like this to continue to happen.

I know this could be exhausting to try and explain every situation, Chief, but I think it we need to get ahead of these these stories a lot a lot faster.

Um folks are are scared of you know uh traffic stop turning into a nice call, turn into deportation and life.

I feel I felt it already.

My neighbor, quite frankly, has been picked up and deported.

So the more that we can get ahead of these conversations, um, not allowing for any any uh and I don't want to say misinformation because I want to see for myself as well, but not allowing for these um uh these situations to get the full transparency that it deserves, folks will continue to be scared in our city.

Folks that look like me, folks that look like my mom.

I appreciate the work you're doing and the work that all HPD officers are doing.

Um to you, and I appreciate again the work that you are doing is how do we get ahead of these conversations?

How do we make sure that we're holding other folks accountable to what they're saying as well?

Um I don't expect that we have you showing up every council meeting to do these kind of debriefs.

Um, but the priority should be the safety of everyone, and I know that y'all y'all are doing that as well.

Um just want to say thank you to the officers that were there.

Uh thank you for your work.

Um I appreciate Councilmember Peck continue to follow up, and I'm here to also be supportive in whatever way I can.

Councilmember, we do we don't live in the shadows.

This office is community facing.

We're at every meeting that you have, we show up, I show up, and the mayor won't admit it, but sometimes it's a seven-day a week job.

And it's a grind, right?

But because it's passion driven, we want to be responsive to the community and solution driven, not uh tell people half truths.

The truth is this is the times that we're in, and the truth is that this office has to follow the law, and we will continue to follow the law.

So I appreciate the connection that we have, because it is a difficult time, a different time, and this isn't going to go away anytime soon.

Right?

So we are focused as an organization to provide the very best services.

We track twice a week in the office with these concerns.

It takes up a lot of time for us because it's important.

It's important to the good pastor, it's important to the mayor, obviously, who is out with us a lot, and it's important to you, to your family, my family.

It's very important that we as an organization get it right and do our very best to make sure that the community I can assure you people are still calling us.

This lady is a perfect example.

She called us, we responded.

You know, so and that's happening all over the community every single day.

And if you don't know, I'm sure you do.

This community speaks eighty different languages.

Right.

So that it's not just Spanish speaking people that are going through these stresses.

It's it's it's everywhere in our community.

Different languages.

Thank you for your comments.

And thank you for all you do for us.

Thank you for your comments.

Uh the Chief is correct.

We visit each and every day to be transparent.

When we do the after-hour club surges, where there is human trafficking, drugs, abusing the immigrant community.

When undercover makes the contact and we go in, and there are a large number of immigrants.

HPD is not concerned.

That's not their job.

They're after the drugs and human tract victims.

And they do their job as we've stated since the Washington issues develop.

We are enforcing state and city laws.

Domestic abuse cases, we encourage people to call HPD.

And we're not there to enforce immigration.

Yeah.

Let me quickly say we have to be smart.

Even having this conversation.

Because it cannot appear that we're not following best policies.

But the reason I just may become a common occurrence to have the chief come clear up.

Obvious direct misleading information.

And it's unbelievable that they would expose this mother who has issues of her own.

It's just dumb to do what was done yesterday.

To try to build some kind of movement, which we're actually trying to be respectful of and keep the lid on.

So these are challenges at times.

We know people are scared.

The anxiety is terrible.

Bless you.

But you're not going to get there by playing politics with it or inflaming the community.

Wait till you see this tape.

It's the way you'd want them to treat your son.

So anyway, it just really is disgusting while we're trying and or doing the right thing that we've got disruptors in the community with a separate agenda.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

Chief, I just wanted to say thank you.

And you know, I have such great respect for law enforcement and what you guys do every day.

I truly can't imagine.

You know, I think that certainly to be uh too fearful to call, and your child is missing for several hours, and if fear keeps you from calling, that's one thing, but yet to be made secure enough by your own community member to come in front of council, and you know, uh yesterday he was verbal, nonverbal, they went back and forth.

I mean, that was clear in the conversation.

And the real crime here is what was done to that mother and that child in front of us yesterday, and God bless you for the work that you all do out there on the streets every day, and to come here to explain something to this level and in this time that we bantered back and forth, you know, with what was done and what was not.

You do your job and you do it well, and so do the men and women who work for you, and God bless you for what you do every day to keep this entire community safe and to deal with everyone respectfully and in the way that they should be, and that that you that you would want your own family and I would want mine to be treated.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

With something that we push every day, from Travis to uh Woolcrest, right?

So the kids, the people that we serve are getting the very best out of our young people doing this job without judgment of the community and without bias.

We're here to follow the law and take care of the community who takes care of us.

Councilmember Jackson.

Oh, thank you, Mayor.

Um, and thank you, Mayor, for allowing Chief to come in and um explain the situation.

Thank you, Chief, um, for the explanation.

But I really want to look at the video.

Um, just listening to Vice Map Pro Tim, she mentioned um the name, and she said his name was, he said his name was manual, and my dad's name is Manual Emanuel Emanuel, and so you know, just doing a different search, especially when it's a kid that you have in custody or a kid that is missing, you know.

I just thought, you know, think that that would be, you know, we we could have looked a little bit further.

It sounds simple.

We're in a vast city.

Yeah, yeah.

And so I really would like to see the video if that was would be great.

That's why we brought it.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember, for your for your time.

Very good.

Members, I'm gonna call it 20-minute recess.

Why do you lie?

Why do you lie?

Why do you lie?

Chief Diaz, we've been trying to meet with you.

You haven't yet to meet with us.

Why do you like why do you all like no?

It's not respectable.

Why do you why do you like this time is autistic?

20 minutes to review in the conference.

Because the fending administration is at the federal county at different levels.

Don't lie to open fire.

Oh my god.

Council come to order.

Members, uh thank you for doing your job this morning.

Uh, another piece of misinformation that I've sat here and listened to and would like we had a great hearing in finance, I believe, with uh Michael Heckman over the expansion of George Brown.

Michael, you come forward and give us a condensed version of the facts and figures and considerations, the collaboration that's gone into this proposal.

Sure, Mayor B.

Glad to do so.

Thank you for having me this morning.

Council members, um great to see you.

Uh I appreciate you making time for us this morning with all the vital work that you undertake every single day for this community.

Um I want to rewind a little bit back to March, um, a beautiful day uh down in our convention district where um uh Mayor Whitmeyer rolled out the vision, really a 15-year vision for transforming not just our convention campus, but the eastern edge and redefining the eastern edge of downtown, connecting it to the East End, creating a space that will make Houston at the top of the pack, which is where we deserve to be.

What we will be developing and are developing with the transformation of the George R.

Brown, with the addition of an adjacent entertainment district, with the eventual work that's going to be done at NHHIP for the Highway Project I 69 I-45, with eventually a CAP park that will be on top of that work.

What we will end up with is something that there is nothing like it in the United States from the Dynamo Stadium, Astros, Rockets, convention campus, connected green spaces.

Was our deliberate work with public works and the city through the JRC process, which you will consider today, this item, about what is required to be done to get there in abandoning Polk Street for a two-block section.

Important to go back that the city and TechSdot and others agreed to what that plan would be years ago.

We conceived our planning after the tech stoc planning had been put in place.

Under that planning, Polk would no longer cross over the freeway.

We understand the passion from the community, uh, thanks to Councilmember Martinez and working through his office.

We have engaged with the public for six months in exceptionally good faith to listen, to hear, and we made adjustments based on what we heard from the community.

That is where the addition of Leland into a two-way came out of those discussions.

I think it was in part of our early conversation recommendation by Councilmember Martinez.

And the city readily endorsed that plan.

So we recognize that.

I'm also here to tell you that Houston First takes very seriously our mission and our role in creating value for this community.

When Houston First succeeds in its job, this community benefits through jobs, economic expansion, quality of life items.

And we take that so seriously every day.

As part of this project, I mentioned to the committee, will be done at the highest safety standards as a requirement from our board all the way down to our development team and our construction firm.

We established a minimum 30 percent MWBE goal for this project, which we are currently exceeding, and I am here to tell you that we will exceed when the project is complete, particularly for phase one, which is which is what we are uh in the process of today.

Um it is a competitive landscape.

Tourists, conventions have a choice where to spend their money.

Companies have a choice as to where to expand businesses and relocate businesses.

The mayor reported this morning great progress that the city is making.

Houston has been my home for 23 years.

I am proud to live here.

I'm proud to promote it every single day.

And there is part of what I do every day.

I am proud to talk about the people here, our diversity, the power of together, which is what we talk about as our brand.

It's not a monument, it's not the Golden Gate Bridge, it is the power of together, and that's our people.

But we have to invest.

If we're not investing, we're not building for the future, we will fall behind.

Other communities around this country are investing billions of dollars to try to put them ahead.

Thanks Senate legislation, and then Dean of the Senate, we received a funding stream for this project.

And I am proud to say that no general fund dollars will have to go into this project, be funded by the increment of State hotel occupancy tax.

And the outflow of that, as we reported, will be a $20 billion economic impact over the next 30 years.

And in my view, that is just the beginning.

That is only for Phase One, which is the GRB South building.

We will be creating a 100,000 square foot pedestrian plaza.

We hear so much from people, whether they be Houstonians, visitors, I want walkability.

We want connected spaces.

We want gathering places where we can get together.

That is what Houston first did when it did the improvements to the George R.

Brown finished back in 2016 and created the plaza in front of the GRB.

Went from eight lanes on Avenue de los Americas to two lanes.

That has been an unqualified success.

We host free events, community events on that plaza.

We will do the same at the GRB South Plaza that will connect Toyota Center and the GRB and be a gateway to what will eventually be an adjacent entertainment district.

I want to thank the mayor for his leadership to drive this project ahead.

I want to thank every one of you for your time, meeting with us, listening, hearing your feedback, not just on this topic, but the work that we do every day on behalf of Houston.

Your support is vital.

Hopefully we're always responsive.

You can always reach me and my team, but we're very proud of the work that we are doing, and more importantly, what we have ahead of us for Houston, because I believe this is a this is a critical project that will help us build the future for Houston.

Councilman Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor.

And Michael, thank you for coming before us and your leadership.

You have brought us through some challenging times.

And when I first got here, the COVID pandemic hit, and the entire convention and tourism space felt a lot of uncertainty, and there was a lot of budget deficits and budget gaps that we had to get through, rescheduling, rebranding, and ensuring that people felt safe in this new modern post-pandemic world.

And a lot of that credit goes to you and your team for ushering us through.

And so I want to point that out.

On this matter regarding Polk Street, I think we all up here are excited about the future of Houston, the future of how we can brand Houston, how we're maximizing this space, and how we're making improvements to the convention center.

The issue that I think is getting the most talk is the engagement piece, ensuring that we reach out to communities that will be impacted by these changes so that their voices are heard.

Now, you mentioned in your talking points just now that back in March there was a rollout of this new convention center.

Up until that point, I don't think there was much engagement with the community on what was forthcoming.

And so it left them out of the discussion on what their perspectives may be on it.

And then subsequently, there started to be more engagement, but the plans were already pretty much done.

And so it left a lot of people who are very much interested in how this is going to impact their daily lives outside of the ability to put forth their voice in their perspective on this new plan.

And that is something that not only with this particular issue, but across the board, it seems as if we're getting away from doing the pre-work with the community before we actually come out and unveil what Houston has in store.

And because of that, I think we have to really shift our mindsets on how we view community engagement, how we look at bringing forth these new plans and ensuring that the communities that will be impacted are at the table on the forefront.

And they deserve to be heard.

And their their comments and their efforts are meritorious.

They have a lot of merit in what they are saying.

They have a lot of perspective based on them being the ones that live there.

We had public testimony yesterday from a lot of folks that came before us, but most of them represented entities and corporations.

The folks that are coming by saying that we have an issue with this, live there every single day.

And I think we have to carry their and and hold their voices at a at a at a high level.

And so I want them to know that I do hear you.

And I want you to know that I do hear you.

And I understand the benefits that this could bring to the City of Houston.

And hopefully going forward, we will see some of the missteps I think we made in the roll-out or the engagement piece of this and ensure that we hold more engagement meetings beforehand with the community.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman.

Thank you, Mayor.

I was would you prefer, Mayor, that we ask questions?

I don't want to put Michael on the spot.

I know a lot of us were planning to have discussion on this on the item itself when it comes up.

So we how would you like to?

I think this is a great opportunity.

The best resource we have is right there.

Great.

Hi, Michael.

And then we will.

Hi, Councilmember.

So first and foremost, I Michael, I appreciate we received this morning an MOU proposal between Houston First and the City of Houston.

Is that accurate?

Okay.

And I know that that is also now thanks to the Councilmember being circulated to the community.

I appreciate I am just skimming it because again, we just got this that y'all will evaluate and implement how to ensure safe pedestrian access, pedestrian access on Polk Street, which is a good thing, that there will be a 13-member community advisory board appointed by Council offices IH and D, and it lists a bunch of other parameters for those appointments.

So there will be a community-based board.

The one question I had, um, again, we have been talking a lot, and one of the things I have heard from the community is if we don't have Polk Street, we need Leland to be two-way all the way to Louisiana.

And I uh I trust your word, I trust the city's word.

Uh we had requested that this be uh memorialized in writing, so that there's something we can point to on that.

The language, however, just says to develop finance and implement a plan to evaluate the best utilization of Leland as a thoroughfare, including possibilities of a two-way or reversible law street.

Are we able, can you speak to the commitment, like is this happening?

Do we know that this is happening?

Yeah.

I don't want to speak for Director of Public Works, but I can tell you that we have been working with the City for some time on this issue.

Um it is uh a line item in the project budget.

Okay, and that it is in engineering right now.

So we are working as expeditiously on that on that item as you described it the two-way condition for for Leland.

Okay, understood.

And I may ask a uh question of city legal, then if I may, because again, it's sure.

It's contract language.

Um, City attorney, was there some way to create more concrete language that identifies that this is moving forward as a two-way for Leland Street up to Louisiana?

I think at this time practically no.

What you are going to have to need is some flexibility in this and what this document provides is an agreement to collaborate and involve the public.

But I am not sure that there is enough knowledge of what can and can't be done to have something more concrete at this point in time.

And if something was not able to be done, it is my understanding that the item we are going to vote on today is the first step, but there will be another vote that comes before council at a later time to finalize the street condemnation pertaining to POLK.

Is that correct?

That is correct.

It is in the RCA.

Not until the second vote does the abandonment become effective.

So if there are problems as it relates to the implementation of this MOU, is again I think this is what I don't want to speak for the community.

I want to be clear about that.

But there will be another opportunity if something goes astray of what we believe is feasible to address that prior to it coming back to Council.