I'm going to ask the Mayor Pro Tim to preside.

The Chair recognizes Councilmember Martinez for a proclamation to Unite it against Human Trafficking Coalition in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tim.

Thank you, Mayor.

Colleagues, if I can have Tamika Walker and Titus Benton, they can both.

And they're with United Against Human Trafficking.

Before I get started on some human remarks, I just uh full disclosure, uh, one of my former bosses is up here.

Uh is Tamika Walker when I was a young 21, 22, 23 year old uh doing youth programming.

She was she really like poured a lot into me, so I definitely have to recognize you a point of personal privilege to say thank you.

Um so uh human trafficking is happening as we all know in our neighborhoods online and even within our school systems.

As we get closer to FIFA, uh, which we're all expecting to have uh a great time, but I think it's also important that we act now to strengthen our city before the challenges get ahead of us.

As leaders, we must continue to do our part to provide resources, make sure our constituents are informed and offer support through essential services.

Uh today I'm proud to recognize United Against Human Trafficking Coalition for their critical work supporting survivors.

They deliver education and prevention programs aimed at protecting our vulnerable uh populations, particularly Houston's youth from exploitation.

And this proclamation is a call to action for all of us to stay vigilant, informed, and united in the fight against human trafficking.

Um before I start the proclamation, I just want to remind my colleagues.

Uh I know some of y'all were down uh stairs at the legacy room just a bit before uh public session, but uh Department of Neighborhoods, which I want to say thank you to, uh, is hosting a uh a reception after the proclamation, so please uh stop by um after public session.

And so whereas human trafficking is profound is a profound violation of human rights that jeopardizes the safety and dignity of individuals across the globe, including the United States, where victims of all ages, backgrounds, and vulnerabilities are affected.

And whereas Houston is home to a network of dedicated organizations, including law enforcement agencies, advocacy groups, and service providers that work collaboratively to combat human trafficking by increasing awareness, delivering compassionate and trauma-informed care for to survivors, and holding offenders accountable.

And whereas throughout January 2026, Houston will host events and initiatives that foster a more informed and engaged and unified community working together to prevent human trafficking and enhance public safety.

Mayor.

Thank you, Councilmember Martinez, and uh thank you for bringing these heroes so we can recognize your good deeds.

Uh you know, we can pass a lot of legislation.

I've been involved in enhancement of penalties.

Uh no traffic zones.

We can put notices in our airports, our ballparks.

I think we need to focus on the FIFA World Cup games.

There's just a lot of work to do.

But all the laws will not be effective if we do not have you and your organization on the ground.

So thank you for collaborating with us and uh let us know what we can do at the city.

Therefore, uh John Whitmeyer, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim January 2026 is human trafficking awareness month in Houston, Texas.

Congratulations.

Councilman, thank you, Mr.

Mayor, thank you to the whole council.

Uh we appreciate so much your support, not just this year, but for many years now.

Lots of familiar faces, smiling faces every year, so we're very appreciative of that.

Before uh our CEO, Tamika Walker shares a few words.

Uh we did uh just speak to the collaborative effort that this takes.

And this is not a proclamation uh that is in honor of our organization, but our coalition.

And many members of that coalition are present here today, and I just wanted them to be recognized as well.

So if you all would please stand.

Uh dozen or so organizations represented here today working together year-round to combat this issue and the councilman's uh point recently uh actively working together on uh the World Cup uh coming up in July.

Uh we got a meeting about that in just a couple weeks.

So we'll continue the good work, but we continue we continue to appreciate your partnership as well.

And with that, uh I want to introduce you to our CEO, Tamika Walker.

Can I have one more time?

Oh wow, thank you, and Mayor, Mayor, thank you so much just for your love and support.

I appreciate you.

It means the world to us to be able to be here to stand before you uh in a in a very humble place as leader of the organization for almost 11 years.

We've seen a lot.

Uh and I think the biggest piece that has helped us as an organization is to have the support uh from the many mayors and also making sure that the council members understand that you too can have an impact on this issue in the city.

I think that for uh our survivors of human trafficking, knowing that folks are gonna always be advocates for them, that people are gonna always elevate their voices is critical to the movement.

We made a lot of beautiful strides over the past 20 years as an organization.

But I think the the what mark what I'm so proud of is the fact that we continue to unify the community.

Uh leading the coalition has been a blessing for an organization we started as a coalition, right?

And so having to work day in and day out to make sure we all stay on one accord to really elevate the voice of survivors has been key to our success as an organization.

So know that we love and appreciate you.

We're grateful for all that you do for the city, each and every one of you.

But as you think about what how you can best serve the community, think about how you can get engaged in your districts and really elevate the conversation around human trafficking.

Because it's happening here in our city.

We've done some great work and partnered with HPD and other uh providers in the city as well.

But the voices of each and every one of you in your uh respective um districts will really help elevate this issue.

So know that we love and appreciate you.

There are activities happening throughout the whole month to elevate the conversations in your districts, and we would love for you to be engaged and really elevate that conversation because the survivors of human trafficking will really, really benefit from that.

So thank you for all that you do.

Know that as an organization, we're about unity, and as a time, in a time like this, we have got to continue to come together and love on one another and show respect and dignity in everything that we do because as an organization we know that that it's a best thing to do to best serve survivors.

So know that I love and appreciate you.

Thank you for your commitment.

Thank you, Mayor, for uh being here for being here today and and supporting us and Joaquin, thank you for back in the day uh 20 years ago, because I'm 25, 20 years ago.

Uh Joaquin was a key member of the community in the East End, and we work closely together to do great work to support youth in the East End.

So to see him here today and in his role that shows you that commitment and leadership and focus and and really really pouring into the youth and people in the community really makes a difference.

So I love your brother.

Thank you for your support and thank each and every one of you for what for all that you do.

Uh and I think at this point we can get a hug.

You want a hug?

Are you good?

She's a hugger.

She's a hugger.

We do we do have any day.

Okay, okay, good.

Mayor, we do have council member in the queue.

If you'll hang on, we do want to um congratulate you and thank you for the work that you do.

We'll start with council member Thomas.

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem.

Councilmember Martinez and Mayor, thank you for presenting um not just this organization, but the collaborative effort uh that is uh demonstrated in the chambers today around human trafficking.

You know, Houston really pioneered human trafficking at a national level where many cities were unfamiliar with what was happening day to day, not just in human and sex trafficking, but also abuse during workforce trafficking.

What I learned particularly as um a natural disaster would happen, um how individuals would be exploited because of of wages and and loss and whatnot.

Um but as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, um, Delta Sigma Theta um uh adopted human trafficking um because what Houston was willing to do at a national level and and really challenge other cities to adopt this as well, other divine organizations.

Um and as the national chair of Social Action for the Lynx Incorporated human trafficking is one of our national initiatives because of what the Houston area chapters decided to do when it wasn't popular, it wasn't sexy.

Um so uh it the work is moving, the conversation is happening.

I'm happy to make sure that we can extend those relationships on the ground at a national level to elevate this work.

I see Kimberly in the chambers.

Uh she has done a whole lot of work um in her previous role with uh in the in the medical center.

So congratulations, this is wonderful.

And then shout out to HPD.

I will tell you, I would uh uh prior to being uh elected, I would go to PIP meetings and I would hear them give updates on human trafficking and educate residents on what to be aware of and a lot of what uh that that technical side that they provided really empowered residents to to you know see something, say something.

So thank you.

Uh we never get tired of of greeting and celebrating y'all every January.

Um, there's more work for us to do.

So congratulations and thank you, Councilmember.

Councilmember Thomas, I think uh Founders Day is the perfect day for them to be here, right?

Uh Miss Walker, thank you and the entire coalition for being here.

Um, your diligence and making sure that we never grow tired of this messaging really keeps Houston in the forefront um to combating human trafficking.

So congratulations to all of you, and we all can continue to get this message out on how important it is to combat human trafficking.

Thank you, and congratulations again.

Council come to order.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor, and uh colleagues.

I am certainly indeed honored today to bring a very good friend and like family today to present our us the invitation before our session.

Dr.

Mia K.

Wright is the co-pastor of the Fountain of Praise Church in Houston, Texas, where she serves alongside senior pastor Dr.

Remus E.

Wright.

Her leadership emphasizes congregational care, volunteer engagement, bridging faith with meaningful community impact.

Dr.

Wright holds a doctorate from USC, a master divinity degree from the Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Her professional career in the pharmaceutical industry brought her to Houston 35 years ago.

Today, Dr.

Mia speaks to corporate and faith-based audiences on organizational change, leadership development, and purpose-driven service.

A T, a TED X speaker, and senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum, Class 45.

Dr.

Wright is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and the Links Incorporated.

She also serves on the board of advisors for the Holocaust Museum Houston and participates in the United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, Houston, mother to three incredible sons, a doctor, a lawyer, and a pastor.

Dr.

Mia is a travel enthusiast who has visited sixty-nine countries to date and is looking forward to more global travel.

Dr.

Wright approaches this moment with humility, believing prayer invites wisdom, unity, and guidance as leaders seek the common good.

So I present to you my friend and sister, Dr.

Mia K.

Wright.

And before I begin this prayer, I really would like to just acknowledge the amazing leadership we have in the city of Houston to all of our council members, to our mayor, John Whitmeyer, Mayor Protein, Martha Castix Tatum.

Thank you all for your service and your commitment to the families and this great city, Houston, Texas.

Let's pray.

So today we ask, grant the wisdom that is clear, knowledge that is informed, and understanding that considers both present needs and future impact.

May every decision be guided by compassion, integrity, and sound judgment.

We also pray for those who influence leadership, advisors, staff, partners, and voices beyond this chamber.

Let their counsel be rooted not in self-interest, but in a sincere desire for the common good of the city of Houston.

God is resources are limited and demands are great.

We pray for wise stewardship.

Guide the fair and thoughtful distribution of finances and services so they are used effectively, responsibly, and sustainably, not only for today, but for generations to come.

We thank you, dear Lord, for Houston's rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds, perspectives, and faith traditions.

May this diversity continue to be our strength and a model for our nation.

Let it be reflected across government, civic life, business, community, and faith spaces, showing the world that our differences, when united with purpose, makes us greater together.

Finally, God, we pray for peace in our nation and in our world.

We pray for a greater unity amid differences, courage amid complexity and collaboration amid challenge.

May the work done here today advance justice, promote well-being, and serve the common good of all who call Houston home.

We offer this prayer with gratitude and humility in the mighty name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Thank you.

Will you please rise for the pledge?

I say one nation.

Mayor Wimmer.

Present.

Councilmember Peggy.

Here.

Councilmember Jackson will be absent.

Councilmember McCayman.

Councilmember Evan Shabbaz.

Here.

Councilmember Flickinger.

Councilmember Thomas?

Here.

Councilmember Huffman.

Present.

Councilmember Castillo?

Here.

Council Member Martinez?

Here.

Council Member Pollard.

Councilmember Castex Tatal.

Here.

Councilmember Ramirez?

Here.

Councilmember Davis.

Here.

Councilmember Carter.

Councilmember Salinas.

And Councilmember Alcorn.

Need a motion to adopt the minutes of January 6th and 7.

Cast Tato move.

Second.

Motion made and seconded.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Any procedural motions.

I don't have any.

If not, uh call our first speaker.

Dominique Mazat.

To be followed by Clevins Janot.

Good afternoon, Mayor and Horseshoe.

First things first, red line, I mean, excuse me, 96 red line and the tunnels here.

The next thing is, and because of the red line, it passes by the place I'm talking about today, which is Moody Park.

And part of the thing, and I'm going to split split this into two different modes here.

The idea of Harris County taking maintenance of the park.

I think that's good.

It's collaborative.

Right now, Harris County Sheriff's Department is working with MPV along that North End, so that that's a place where they can watch and use the restroom.

I I get that.

Adrian Garcia is a good person to work with.

I think Mario agrees with that.

So I think it's a good thing.

And I I think I think County County.

It's how we got to this, I have a problem with.

Is that if this was just a collaborative effort between county and here, the two horseshoes get together, we have an agreement.

That's one thing.

But part of the World Cup situation was something this complete horseshoe and you may uh adopted.

This council is not to blame for taking on uh that that episode or that event.

But my thing is FIFA is telling us to get this grant.

The city has to give something to the county.

Now, if this was just the city, the state, the federal government, I don't have a real problem with it.

But as far as this being a I'm gonna call it sovereignty issue.

I and uh and again, we can't change it now.

Anything going on now, it's been grandfathered.

But I think in the future, if we're gonna have events like this, I think the thing to do is okay, Houston first or whoever presents the event.

Then it presents before the horseshoe both here and commissioners court.

And I think before before either one of the other votes to have it, I think we need to have public hearings.

Because my thing is, yes, this is gonna bring money into the city.

But is it like the like the woman who was praying a while ago?

Is it gonna be in a way that is just for everybody?

Remember, the people are the city.

So again, I think, and two, think about this.

Metro had to have an election to have to put the red line in.

They the expansion.

And I think it's a good law.

I think it really is.

I'm I'm very much for that.

But I think from here on out, uh, I think council needs to really look at the possibility of uh opening up these books to see what's going on.

Also, too, with FIFA, you have we talked about uh sex trafficking.

I call it sexual slavery.

I think we need a stronger term on that.

It's something that we can from our our history that that and particularly from your community, uh Edward, that would be something that y'all can really understand.

So with that time has expired.

I'm gonna send it back to you, Gigi Mayor.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next Clevins Janot.

To be followed by Isidro Garza.

Good afternoon, y'all.

Hope you all are doing all right.

Uh mind body.

Oh my body and everything and everything in between.

Um I just have a couple of things.

Um about the community.

Uh I think you guys might be able to help.

Uh more specifically, District I.

I'm not sure who.

Um Fonday Park uh has really rusty water.

Um I'm not sure if you guys can do anything about that.

Um I don't think it's good for the kids and everything.

Like um, oh uh, yeah.

So Fonday Park uh in District I has very very rusty water, so I'm not I don't not sure if you guys can do anything about it.

I know you guys have whales and stuff like that.

Uh and also the bayou surrounding the park.

Uh I feel like uh could be retrofitted um too much surrounding neighborhoods, maybe uh a couple of trees running alongside it.

And uh my fault, uh I did have a whole speech, and I I figured I save you guys the time.

Um I'm trying to figure out how to concisely just tell y'all exactly what I'm here for.

Uh yeah, the horns um metro and BMF SF like that.

Uh have changed, and I've noticed that um well I perceive it to be somewhat of a hate speech, uh hate crime against against the surrounding neighborhood, just because they're so so loud and and and everything.

So I'm wondering if you guys can do anything about that as soon as we're gonna be able to do that.

Really appreciate it.

Uh yep, that's about it.

Thank you.

Be safe.

Next.

Councilmember Martinez.

Sorry, sir.

I'm sorry, sir.

Sir.

Come back.

Have a question or comment.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh so Fondee Park is in District I, and so I'm happy to step out and give you, you know, have a conversation about what's happening there.

Uh some of those are could be easy fixes, 311 for the the color of the water, um, but then also talking about some of the projects that are along the hike and bike trail along there, we can share with you what's what's happened and then what what what are some of the plans?

And then you speak to the BNSF the possibly a quiet zone, same thing.

I we can we can have uh further conversation about that.

So happy to step out and speak to you.

Yeah, sounds good.

One more, sir.

Councilman Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good afternoon to everyone.

Is this your second time here?

Have you been here before?

Yeah.

A couple times.

Yeah.

You you always give good insight.

So uh I want to thank you for for coming forward.

I'm gonna pass you my card as well.

Uh if there are things that you want to uh send us or just shoot an email, um, we'll receive those as well.

That way, uh, you always don't have to come in person, always welcome, but you have some good insight, and so I want to make sure that whatever ideas you have, we were able to capture.

So I'll give you my information.

Next.

Isidro Garza of Spring.

To be followed by Randall Callanan.

Good afternoon, Mayor.

Honorable counsel.

I am a classic 73 uh Texas Aggie uh mechanical engineer.

Uh and uh today I I come because uh uh uh about uh a few months back we met with the mayor in your office about about what we felt was an increasing fear in our community uh uh that was being generated uh through ICE.

Uh and my the our question was very simple.

What is the directive that these uh police the the police department has in in collaborating and working with with ICE.

Uh uh uh mayor, you pass that on to the the police chief to answer uh uh initially, and he stated that uh that they had to go ahead when they apprehend somebody that may not have documents, the proper documents, that they would that they would call ICE.

Uh and uh uh if you recall, I I I didn't think that that's what we we the community would want it.

Uh and he he he substantiated that position because he said that if they didn't, that they stood to lose 400 million dollars from Federal funds that are coming to the police department.

Uh then uh I asked you, Mayor, and you made a statement, uh, which was very correct at that time, but I think situations have changed since we met.

Your statement was you you see all of these rates all over the country.

You're not seeing these rates here in Houston, and I'm proud of that.

I'm proud that that's our community.

We love our community, and we we we cooperate and collaborate whenever we can.

But we've seen what happened in Minneapolis and here locally.

As a matter of fact, you mentioned you don't see any rates in the home Home Depot.

It came from your mouth.

Well, since then we've had rates here in Houston in Home Depot.

So I ask that maybe you reconsider.

Your time has expired.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Next, Randall Callanan.

To be followed by Jeff Reese.

Uh good afternoon, uh, Mayor.

Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council members.

Uh in Minneapolis, uh where I used to live.

I'm from Minnesota and lived here in Houston now for over 30 years.

Uh, Ms.

Good was killed by an ICE agent.

And the Minneapolis Police Department is investigating that crime.

Here in Houston, there are thousands of arrests of uh of immigrants and to and during these arrests, American citizens and people with legal immigration status are being assaulted, which is the crime of assault, and also they're being detained, which is the crime of official oppression.

These are Texas crimes.

And just like in Minnesota, where the Minnesota Minneapolis police are investigating the crime by ICE, the Houston Police Department should be investigating the crimes by ICE here.

Is that occurring?

I have not heard of one single instance.

Although I've heard of dozens and dozens and dozens of crimes by ICE.

Now one is being investigated by the Houston Police Department.

I can understand you have a law about cooperation and maybe call when there's a warrant, but these people have no warrants.

And regarding the people that at the Lowe's in the Home Depot who are just wanting to work, well, there's Americans there.

I know because I've used these people before.

And there's people there with legal status.

And sure, are there sometimes people there with uh not good status?

Yes.

But they stop everybody.

They detain everybody.

That is the crime of official oppression.

And the Houston Police Department needs to be looking into these dozens and dozens and dozens of crimes by ICE before they shoot and kill somebody, like they did to the mother of three.

Next.

Jeff Reese.

To be followed by Stephen Alvarez.

Hi.

Um my name is Jeff Reese.

I am a retired sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

And before I do anything else, I came here to thank you guys.

The mayor, especially, and Mr.

Pollard and all you guys, because you all did something, I don't know if you realize you saved lots of lives.

I wasn't aware that the Houston Police Department had a policy of stopping making one stop per shift.

Now, Sheriff's Department still does.

I uh you know they still have some policy like that.

But just by not being there, you solved a lot of problems.

And so, you know, before I say anything else, I think you deserved a pat on the back for that.

The situation with ICE in Minneapolis, uh, that's okay.

We we are all interconnected, all of us.

And I think what's happening now is um an abuse of the law, and unfortunately, everyone has different opinions.

We can have a video up here, and you have ten people, you have ten different opinions of what they just saw.

And a lot of it is you know, a predisposed bias that we have.

All of us have it to a point.

So I have only got two minutes.

I don't know that I'm gonna say anything that you haven't heard or that somebody behind me is gonna say.

So I don't want to hold you guys up.

I know you got a busy day, so I will end it here if somebody has any questions.

I'd be happy to answer them.

Okay.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Next, Stephen Alvarez.

To be followed by U.A.

Lewis.

Good afternoon, uh, fellow Americans.

Um I'm here to echo the voice of the Americans and the Houstonians around each and every one of you of our public servants here and around the nation, swore an oath to the Constitution to protect our constitutional rights, our civil liberties.

When we exercise our civil liberties, we should not be immediately impacted by aggression, by intimidation, and for Mrs.

Good's last and final movement was a was a violent one, and it was a violent one from our public servants, the people who swore to protect our civil liberties.

There were many other manners to address Ms.

Good.

But with a nine millimeter, that wasn't it.

That was that shouldn't have been the first response.

I say to the Americans, that the evidence of ill training is clear.

It is so clear that I would want every every American to tell those children why their mom is no longer here.

Explain to them how someone with the responsibility to protect your civil liberties is the one that took your mom.

You can see the ill training just here next door, Pasadena, Texas.

People go there and exercise their rights of freedom of speech.

Mayor Shanebein has them escorted out if they expose his corruption.

I'm one of I'm one of the victims of that.

I was incarcerated by Jeff Wagner for freedom of speech.

Johnny.

Johnny Mara.

Before you leave, up here, I want to recognize you for certainly some of our young participants today.

Uh you're an Icon in Houston civil rights effort.

So thank you.

And thank you.

I didn't I didn't see you signed up.

But I wanted you to appreciate uh or recognize, I appreciate you, the community does, uh, for your many, many years of uh representing those that have no voice.

Thank you, and take care of your health.

Thank you.

I appreciate it.

I have a memorandum of understanding HPD 2002.

The I was pleased after what's that comment started this case?

And I know you guys have a lot of weight, but I want to come back, sit down with a coalition members.

We will try to do that, and thank you for your recognition.

I do want to acknowledge when he was senator.

We wanted to change the grand jury after so many miscarriage.

Speak into the mic, Johnny.

This is worth over here on the other side.

That's what can you hear it?

Yes, sir, now you've got to acknowledge and thank the mayor when he was senator.

We changed the grand jury in Harris County because of the mis injustice that were carried out when police officers committed a crime.

And it worked to a certain extent.

But I also want to say that not all men and women in law enforcement are bad.

We just got to find systems to prevent what has happened in Minnesota, and thank you very much for allowing me to speak.

Sure, Johnny.

Thank you for your service.

Next.

Next, UA Lewis.

Diane Guzman.

To be followed by Robert Grove.

Good afternoon, Mayor and City Council.

I am Diane Olmus Guzman, President of the AB Almos East End Lulak Council 22503, and a member of the Greater Houston Coalition for Justice.

As I was sitting here and looking around the room, I noticed up here justice.

I noticed up here, the people are the city.

I am part of the people.

You remember that, Mr.

Whitmeyer.

We were part of the civil rights movement.

Not only that, I'm here to let you not to complain, but to plead to your better judgment and to your human consciousness that what is happening around this nation is unjust and terroristic.

And now it's coming here to Houston.

I witnessed one of those uh raids.

I saw for myself the fear in those people's eyes.

My people, the Latinos.

Not only that, I do after school process.

And when the deportation started last year, I lost out of 45 kids, I lost 15 children because of their fear to come to the after-school programs, and their parents too.

They were afraid to bring their children to us.

I had to secure buildings to ensure that these children were safe coming to the programs that you guys fund.

And with that, I want to let you know the fear is in me too.

I go around with my passport in my purse every single day.

Because I am afraid, because of the color of my skin and how I look, that I'll be stopped.

And like I said, I'm third generation native Houstonian.

And I plead y'all to your better judgment and remember Joe Campos Torres.

Thank you.

Just Diana, Diane.

Just a moment.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, and you're the last uh individual speaking about this topic.

Diane, uh just first of all, I want to recognize you for the work you've been doing.

As you know, I work with your dad out of the district office uh as an intern uh back then and appreciate the work that you continue to do in his name as well.

Um what you're bringing to us, and I think quite frankly, it's something that um we're all very concerned about.

I can say that.

Um I've been speaking to the mayor pretty much uh I would say daily, every other day about this conversation and how we can make sure that we prevent what is happening in other parts of the country.

And I think we've been very fortunate uh for different reasons, but I also believe that there's opportunities to ensure as as Johnny mentioned, how do we create systems where we can prevent what you know even more harm coming to us?

Um the focus for me continues to be how do we build trust with HPD and making sure that the distrust that is somewhat been created, and I just uh because of what law enforcement in general is kind of a broad stroke has been been put on as well across the across the nation, but uh specifically here in Houston, because we have communities, undocumented communities that have great relationship with HPD, but because of what's happening, it's creating more harm.

Um and I just want you to know that those conversations are continuing.

I've had several conversations with you as well, and want to make sure that you know that uh I'm looking forward to bringing you to the table to uh to those conversations soon.

Thank you.

I appreciate councilmember dialogue is everything.

It is very important to us, and I'd love to be a part of that committee.

Thank you.

Very good.

Thank you for your public service, Diana.

Thank you.

Next, Robert Grobe.

Bill Kelly.

Thank you, Mayor, and good afternoon, City Council members.

I've been in this room in this microphone many times, but I come here today as the secretary of the first ward civic club.

Having been a homeowner in the neighborhood for over a decade now, I'm very proud to serve on our exec committee and help better our community.

Specifically, I'm here today because I volunteered to help with a problem that I think we could fix pretty quickly.

There's some context.

Construction is all around our first ward neighborhood.

We've got the I-10 widening uh going on up north.

We've got various deals with I-45 on the east.

Uh we've got the resurfaced Washington Avenue on the south, uh, and then several construction projects on Studemont.

So we've had a lot of construction.

When the Houston Avenue bridge gets closed for uh repairs, traffic increases along Crockett Street as people cut across to Sawyer looking for another way to be able to get over uh I-10.

Crockett Street is the only east-west street that doesn't have stop signs at silver, right?

And the problem is that silver is a block and a half from Crockett Elementary, right?

Homeowners along Crockett have been concerned about this for a number of years.

We've been working very closely with our district council member and his staff and want to thank them as well as the staff at Public Works, but right now crash data doesn't justify adding a stop sign because and because of Crockett's use as the EMS uh street or artery, we can't apply for the speed cushions.

So this October, when the Houston Avenue bridge was again out because we've had repeated strikes on it, um a speeding car ran off the road at Crockett and Silver.

And Mayor, if you just envisioned they had their Halloween decorations up, they had a skeleton in the yard, and then they also had a SUV.

I mean it's it's it's it's very, very concerning.

So, Mayor, you you often talk about common sense, right?

You don't have to have a traffic engineering degree to know when that Houston Avenue bridge is closed, people are gonna be cutting across at Crockett, right?

Installing stop sign at this intersection, which again is the only Silver Street intersection that doesn't have a stop sign right now, uh, would would really help the residents, pedestrians, and the children that are going to Crockett Elementary.

Recently, the first Ward Civic Club passed a resolution uh urging the City of Houston to install stop signs at the intersection.

We're also able to get letters of support from our State Representative Christina Morales as well as our State Senator Carol Alvarado, both of whom have attended our meeting and always have staff there.

Um we are also able to pass a resolution at our Super Neighborhood 22.

Uh so big shout out to Stacy Fairchild there.

Mayor, we would like to invite you uh to see this for yourself because I know you have been out to actually see transportation projects.

I've been authorized to say I can buy you a burger from Stanton's.

My favorite burger there is the uh uh the holy cow, but they've also got a burger called a Miss Piggy and a Luke Sky burger, so uh a lot of good stuff.

Thank you, Bill.

I'm very familiar with the area, and we will share your information and have public works go to work.

Appreciate it.

Thank you very much, Mayor.

Thank you.

Councilmember Castillo, I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Mayor Bill, were you uh done with your remarks?

I I just had one more thing.

One of the uh uh uh and thank you very much, Councilmember.

Um when I bought my home in 2015, uh, bought it in May, and we had our first Halloween.

We're excited as homeowners to be able to do it.

We had three trigger treaters, so it was kind of a bummer.

This last year we had almost a hundred.

Right.

So there's a lot of young families that are moving in that area.

And that's why I know Councilmember Huffman had the situation on with uh Lamora High School where it was a simple kind of traffic to be able to fix a concern.

We really think if we just get some stop signs in there, that's gonna that's that'll solve the problem.

Just the only one that doesn't have them, and the street literally turns in five blocks down into that target shopping center.

So it's not like it's a big flow issue, it's just right there.

You really kind of need some folks to slow down a bit.

So thank you very much.

And thank you for all your work and Russell's work on always attending our meetings too, Councilman.

Absolutely.

Uh thank you for coming down here.

You know, you all have really advocated for this uh time and time again.

You've gotten letters of support, past resolutions.

Um, and you know, we get hit by the same roadblock, which is the crash data, the crash data.

And it's unfortunate, you know, we really don't want a tragedy to occur for the stop sign to get put in.

Um, but we are close to a school, we're in the middle of residential area.

Uh, if there's anything that we can do to look at this um that can qualify the stop sign, um I would absolutely support it because like you said, with that construction going on and then the bridge closing, we know it's gonna happen, the Houston Avenue Bridge.

It's gonna get uh more congested and there will be more traffic flowing down Crockett.

Thank you.

Next, Roland Curry.

To be followed by William Fowell.

Good evening, Council, Mayor.

My name is Roland Curry.

I live at 5911 Bent Bow Lane.

In 2023, my home my home life was abruptly disrupted when when my then spouse left without notice, taking our only vehicle and refusing to return it.

What followed was a pattern of unlawful entries into my home, vandalism, theft of personal property, harassment, and false police calls made against me.

The individuals involved have been identified to the Houston police.

Despite repeated reports, none of these incidents have resulted in meaningful follow-up investigations.

Each report was taken, recorded, and then effectively disregarded.

I have written to this council in an attempt to direct direct communication.

Those efforts received no response.

Why does access to basic city services appear to depend on where one lives?

I cannot believe that residents of Tanglewood, Austin Oath, Southampton, or River Oats would experience the same level of inaction.

I don't believe that.

I thought I I matter when my vote is fought for council seats, for barn elections.

I should matter equally when I need the protection and services of my city.

Equal service under the law should not be optional.

And the comment on this IC stuff.

I got pulled over several months ago, and I'm African American.

And handcuffed and thrown in the back of a police car.

The only thing saved me, I had a good friend told me, Roland, you better start carrying your passport.

Everywhere we go, people speak Spanish to you because they think you're Spanish.

Well, I'm not.

And I'm gonna I'm gonna take it back to the 1600s.

My grandmother came from Sierra Leone, my ancestor.

She got a land grant from King Ferdinand.

Okay, and she owned land when white women could not own land.

She's in the history books.

When George Washington died, uh they had to put Martha's property in one of her nephews' names, because she could not own property.

But yet still I got handcuffed, and the only thing saved me, my passport was in the glove compartment.

I shouldn't need a passport to keep from being threatened to be sent to El Salvador.

Okay.

Your time has expired.

Counselor and Polarick.

One, I just want to uh thank you for coming.

But two.

Thank you, sir.

Um I don't think anyone around this this horseshoe uh wants you or anybody else to believe that services are based on zip code.

So we we would we would do what you can.

I'll give you my card to make sure I get personally get that.

And just real quick, yeah.

Uh I have a Persian rug in my bedroom that is soaked with urine that belongs to the guy that's been coming in my home.

Yeah.

And I've I've left it in this to preserve the DNA.

Guess what?

They got a brother, the the one that folks all planted the bomb in DC.

Yeah.

They nabbed him because you know what?

They pinged his telephone.

Okay.

Guess what?

Ping this guy's phone, and we can find out who's been in my home for the last two years.

Come on.

I got you.

Yeah.

I'll pass my car too.

The technology is out there.

But is it just for the rich or can the poor get the same services?

Come on now.

Thank you.

All right, and guess what?

I'm I'm gonna say this and I'm done.

I'm not a big fan of the governor.

But maybe he's right.

Maybe he need to spend a little money to make this a little bit more red than blue.

I don't know.

Huh.

I'm not a red person, but uh Congresswoman told me that my late friend, Sheila Jackson Lee, she said, Mr.

Curry, did you know the FBI got a foul on you?

So guess what?

If she told me that, then if the FBI got a file on me, I'm sure HPD got one too.

Come on.

I'm done.

Thank you.

All right.

Next, William Sowell.

See, you're gonna learn getting in that mic trying to ask you.

To be followed by Crystal Rodriguez.

Yes, I would just like to say uh thank you, Mayor, for what you're doing for the homeless.

Uh because I was homeless through the rain and the cold and everything.

And y'all have a program through the Salvation Army that helps the homeless people come off the streets.

And um uh on Christmas Eve, an inspector came and my manager at the apartments came to my apartment on Christmas Eve, said they was gonna do a pop-up uh uh uh visit.

No 48-hour notice that they was gonna be coming to my apartment or anything, and they called me on the phone and said, and I told them I was not at home on Christmas Eve.

So they said if I didn't, I was gonna lose my apartment.

So the manager gave me eviction notice to move out within on the 29th of this month because I was not at home for them to come in and do my uh uh inspection to my apartment.

And this is a uh uh bad way to start the year off kicking people back off into the streets when I know other homeless people have told me that the mayor said he doesn't want us on the streets, or we're going to jail.

So I thank God for what you all have done for me and had got me an apartment, and I've been in mines for three years, and now they want to kick me out of my apartment, but they pushed a note up under my door that they was gonna give me uh uh 30 days to get out.

And my case, this money goes to the Salvation Army to help those homeless people come off the street.

And the caseworkers uh they come to the my apartment harassing me, come in my bedroom, taking pictures, video recording, video recording me.

This is what I need this is really hyping me up what you're telling me.

Well, you need to go get a job at this and that.

The government is giving you money to take care.

And you invaded my privacy.

You discussed it my personal business among residents that's passing through.

Right?

There's a red, you see that I'm just saying the staff have no right.

Y'all want to tell you that why you want to come into my house, invade my privacy, invade my privacy.

Okay, and hold on.

That doesn't give you the right to come in my house.

Okay, and uh last week issue a man.

And and and uh they like to say they they take pictures of my bedroom, uh come into my door with putting the cameras in my face.

Yeah, we're good.

No one has a right to do that.

All this hard work that you all are doing for the homeless people showing love because the word is out on the street that you you they're saying that you said you don't want them on the street, or they're going to jail.

Well, first of all, consider your source.

No one's going to jail for being homeless.

Okay.

But that's they scared.

They stay in there.

I understand, but more misinformation.

Why don't you meet with Miss Webbs?

She's very good, and we'll uh get your information.

See what authority is actually the so-called inspector working for.

Yeah, because the manager or my uh caseworker could not even wouldn't even give me a name.

Well, you don't know.

We'll get to the bottom of it.

Okay, thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

You look sharp today, too.

Well, that's because of you.

And God next.

Crystal Rodriguez.

Tremel Kokoy.

To be followed by Xavier Holmes.

Hi everyone, how are you doing?

My name is Tremel Kakoi.

I'm the owner of Pronto Shipping and Storage.

Um, I'm one of the largest commercial real estate owners in South Park.

I brought my business over there to grow the community.

I've made it gorgeous.

Well, I'm having a problem with South Park gas station.

The dumping.

Here's the dumping.

Here's the dumping.

I pay a landscaper $500 a week to pick up all the grass.

I mean, all the trash surrounding my nine and a half acres I own and the two buildings.

Guess what?

The trash comes back.

And it keeps coming back.

I'm tired.

I need help.

I am tired.

Um, okay, let's keep going.

Storm drains.

I have no storm drains on Van Fleet.

So when it rains, you get one hard rain, I'm trapped, and my employees are trapped.

We all are trapped.

Because I own both of the buildings on the corner and the other building behind.

So I'm just like, I'm doing my part.

I've made it gorgeous.

People come over there and they were like, you own it?

It's beautiful.

I've spent so much money making it beautiful.

South Park has the potential to be the next logistics hub.

Okay.

It's quietly becoming that.

I put my big I bought the real estate.

I moved my business over there.

Next HEB.

They moved their distribution warehouse over there.

And if you look at my permit, I just pulled a permit to build another warehouse over there.

MLK, there's another developer.

He built his huge uh warehouse logistics park.

So we all are in logistics and we are building warehouses.

We want to make it beautiful, but we need some help with the trash.

South Park gas station, the owner has already been indicted for guess what?

Field tax fraud.

Okay.

They sell drugs up there.

I need some help.

I need some help.

I need someone to help me.

Please, I'm begging.

Counselor Evan Shabash.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh, and thank you for coming down.

Uh there is a tremendous problem with with trash, certainly.

I would like for you to talk to the lady over there in the door.

Corey.

Corey, um, he's he, I mean, I call over there, they pick up the trash, the police come, they run the homeless people, then they come back the next day.

They have an illegal dumping business.

They you pay him five dollars their line of dump.

Here comes my landscaper.

I get 500 a week.

He's picking up all the trash.

I have to make it look beautiful because my business is there, and I don't want to run my customers off.

Right.

So I have to continue to.

It's a consistent problem.

And certainly uh have talked to Ingram over there.

We'll see what we can do.

I know it's very frustrating.

It's very frustrating because I'm making it.

I'm glad to know that we do respond and come and get it cleaned up, but you know, it's very hard to maintain if the gas station needs to be demoed.

I mean, are we demoing?

Can we demo the gas station?

Because they're not selling gas.

Boy, that's a serious question.

I mean, can we demo the gas?

I mean, seriously, you're gonna see demo.

Let's demo the gas station.

That's where they're trying.

I mean, they sell drugs out in the open, they're not doing anything.

But he blocks the drainage too.

It does.

So let's demo the gas station.

I mean, look, I'm just here.

I want to let's get rid of the gas station.

We will notify HPD of your location.

They've actually started doing some stings.

Uh on a select basis.

Hot spots that are continuing repeat violators.

Uh Cynthia, let's just turn this over to uh the chief's office.

I have a question.

Do you have a camera?

I'm sorry, Evans.

I have cameras everywhere.

I'm one of the largest.

And so you haven't been able to pick up any footage of anybody doing the dumping.

You know what?

We need their license plate number.

Uh I need a license, but I don't mean for you to be.

It's a group.

But have you viewed your cameras to see if you are able to see anybody that's doing the dumping?

It's a group of people, and they'll come, pull up.

That's amazing.

They'll just dump their trash and then keep going.

Ma'am, we're on it.

We'll work with a council member and do some video.

I've had people come.

You, it's beautiful over here, Tremail.

You've made this property beautiful.

I'm like, yeah, I have, but what about everybody else?

Right.

Thank you.

I'm tired.

Thank you for coming.

Okay.

Okay.

Thank you.

Stop and talk to Ingham over there.

Thank you.

We can just get the address, we'll call the chief.

Uh next.

Lee Perry.

To be followed by Brenda Rodriguez.

My name is Lee Perry.

I've been in here several times.

I filed a complaint in HBD.

Uh Financial Crimes Network two years ago.

And uh since that time period, I've been in civil court.

Just got both of these today.

I'm in the silver court.

But while in sewer court, the judge, district court judge right downtown, said that part of my complaint is criminal.

And you need to take it across the street.

When I filed my complaint with HP D.

The guy that's been handling the thing, he said, hey, criminal.

If you Google it, it says specifically you cannot buy property with a title fit check.

I signed my property over to him.

He gave me a check that was useless with the bank.

And that's criminal.

Yeah.

And if you Google it or Jack Chat E P D or any kind of way you want to.

Now we in court in civil court.

And the civil court, district court judge, specifically told both of us, that is criminal.

You need to take it across the street.

I could only handle the civil court.

Let's go further than that.

I wrote a demand letter to the company in November.

They paid me for every month for the past two years, the very next month.

That's right.

And I reminded them of the criminality of what they were doing.

Now, and this guy, oh first of all, I realize Donald Trump.

He dissolved the financial crimes network on a federal basis.

What I need to know from y'all is are you doing the same thing here on the state level?

Because it appears to me, you don't even have any reason why you not saying that.

Now the county clerk says it's criminal.

The district court judge says it's criminal.

I sent him a demand letter, they immediately paid me for the past two years, and this guy's still talking about something about he don't think it's criminal.

How long is somebody that could be doing that?

Is the second day Dark Club got in office?

He dissolved the financial crimes network.

That's on the federal level.

We're here on the local level.

Have our financial crimes network been dissolved.

When we get scams down here on this head here, I'm 74 years old.

I'm a U.S.

veteran, and I I hate to be getting scammed like that.

And then you got somebody, see you the first line of defense.

When you get scammed, the first thing they say do is report it to the HPD department.

I did that two years ago.

Two years later, he's still talking about the check.

No, I can't get to the day out.

The first he had to submit something to them saying, I do believe it's criminal.

Now everybody, the county clerk says criminal, the judges said it's criminal, even the company realized they got a second opinion that said they must have realized that they were doing criminal because they said it.

Two years worth of payment the very next month.

This could have been done a long time ago, and he's still up here talking about he don't believe it's criminal.

Okay anyway, because I'm still in civil court.

This could have been over with a long time ago.

He didn't even have to go here.

Okay.

It didn't have to.

We'll talk to the authorities.

Well, I hope somebody does because guess what?

If somebody don't talk to them, I'm let it be known that this is my intent to sue because I've been constitutionally deprived of my rights.

And I will be suing HPD.

Okay, you're counseling.

I'm letting y'all know right now.

It's been two years.

Councilman Evan Shabaz.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Mr.

Peary.

I know Mr.

Perry personally.

He is a very credible individual.

So if there's anything that we can do to assist him, I hope that we can.

Because he's been coming down here a few times.

I have.

I'm sure the statute has the statute of limitations told or look.

I sent them a demand letter in November, December, they paid me for two years of back pay immediately.

They got a second opinion from, I guess a criminal lawyer realized that they were doing what they were doing was criminal, and they immediately paid me.

But it goes on.

See, this oil and gas company.

They paid me all the back money.

And the only person still talking about it ain't criminal is a civil lawyer.

You see what I'm saying?

So you have a civil lawyer.

No, I don't I cater for it now.

I want to get social security.

That's the problem.

I'm gonna say this citizen.

They prey on us with that.

They send these false checks out.

They get our property.

And once they have HPD, take a look.

In fact, HPD is already in contact with the business lady that was here a moment ago.

So they're paying attention to counsel will make certain.

He needs to tell me something.

He needs to tell me something.

Because see, I just got just today.

I got it.

That's the best I can do at this point is have HPD look at it.

Huh?

And the best we can do right this minute is have HBD review your papers and see if, in their opinion, it's a criminal matter, then they can refer it to the DA.

I didn't heard that for two years now.

Councilor and Pollard.

Mr.

Perry, I'm gonna talk to you outside.

Somebody needs to do something.

Thank you.

Next, Brenda Rodriguez.

To be followed by Ashton Pope.

Good afternoon.

Uh Mayor Whitmire, Pro Tim, and all the City Council members.

Uh my name is Brenda Rodriguez.

I've been here a lot of times.

And it is said if you see something, say something.

I've heard to say a lot of people in Independence Heights are facing serious encroachment problems.

And to ensure no encroachment takes place, all lots in our area need to be surveyed at least three times before any uh buildings or businesses go up because these surveyors are not going by the original plat of our area.

And as a lot of people are paying taxes on property, they don't have all the property.

Another problem we're having our area is that a guy named Hadi Jafar about property that tax sale and the legal description of Heidi's property without conflict or controversy is located at 508 East 38th Street, lots 27, 2829, block 54, Independence Heights, uh zip code 77018, according to the HCAT map.

Someone is trying to make false documents saying that his property is located on 39th Street.

And if you make a false statement on paperwork, you could be found guilty of a class misdemeanor and a state jail felony under Texas Penal Code Section 317.

And uh and uh my family uh property had no prior delinquent taxes, and our family deeded the property to our church, Greater New Hope Baptist Church.

The deeds were filed by real estate lawyer Robin Harlan.

We hired a lawyer named Ann Ritchie, and back on February the 24th, 2012, she said that someone was trying to trick us out of our lots.

But she never told us how.

She did not represent us the way a lawyer is supposed to have had.

But later we found out no what really truly honestly happened.

And all we want now is for someone to address this issue and to stop this uh guy Hidi and his lawyer from uh harassing our church and us about our property.

Thank you, Mayor Brenda.

Hi.

Good to see you.

I want to first offer my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mom.

Um, we have uh gone back and forth uh with a few different things uh around this with y'all from uh my staff and really have been uh trying to get the county involved in this issue as it's really in their purview.

Um I know y'all want uh a site visit to on the property, and I'm absolutely uh willing to do that.

Um, but I do want to get that there as well, so we can all be there uh at the same time because that's that's really where this needs to be in terms of where y'all are working through the issues, but uh I am committed to to helping y'all in that process uh because I know this is something you've been uh trying to get some resolution on for many years.

And we have been.

Like I say, his property is on 38th Street, not our street, 39th Street.

And we've been harassed about this here since, like I say, back in 2012.

And this need to just stop.

Yeah, so we're all we'll continue to can communicate with y'all and get uh a meeting out there with my office in the in the county as well.

I appreciate it.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you.

Next Ashton Polk.

To be followed by Anthony Sloan of Katie.

Good afternoon, Council members.

My name is Ashton Pope.

I am a native of Louisiana and have lived in Texas for most of my life.

I'd like to talk about two topics, mental health services and the constitutional requirements for the presidency of the United States.

Firstly, my experience with the outpatient competency restoration program at 2505 Southbourne Boulevard in Houston was very positive.

Thank you.

Unlike other mental health institutions, I have experienced the program allowed a degree of freedom to go outside, which I found helpful for recovery.

I continue to voluntarily live at a mental health facility, and access to nature and outdoor spaces has been extremely beneficial for my well-being.

I encourage Louisiana residents to consider advocating for similar approaches.

I also encourage other Houston area mental facilities to provide outdoor spaces with greenery and adequate walking spaces, as is done at the OCR program and UT Health Psychiatric Hospital.

I would also like to note that Massachusetts provides additional procedural procedural safeguards in mental health care.

Individuals who are involuntarily hospitalized are offered a three-day notice period in some cases the option to convert to conditional voluntary status.

This approach supports continuity of care while giving patients greater advocacy and clarity regarding their legal status.

I would like to see this conditional voluntary admission option considered in Houston as part of broader efforts to support patient-centered mental health care.

Massachusetts has also consistently reported a lower suicide rate than the national average, which is often referenced in discussions of access to supportive care and procedural protections.

Secondly, regarding presidential eligibility, Article 2 of the US Constitution requires that a president have 14 years of residence within the United States.

This requirement has been in place since the nation's founding and reflects the framers' intent to ensure familiarity with the country and independence from foreign influence.

I believe that public figures, including Donald Trump, should provide public clear proof of having met this constitutional requirement.

I have previously contacted a congressional representative, Congressman Dan Crenshaw.

I do not have confirmation that correspondence was received or personally reviewed, and I have two current Houston mailing addresses in two different districts, and it's unclear which address is applicable for constituent correspondence.

While photographs or public appearances may suggest presence in the United States, eligibility is generally verified through official documentation.

I offer these remarks solely to provide context on constitutional standards and mental health policy considerations.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you, ma'am.

Councilmember Carter has a procedure motion.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'd like to make a procedural motion to add Marion Wright to the bottom of the three minute two-minute list.

Okay.

Motion may check three minutes.

Three minutes.

Three minute list.

Motion passes.

Next.

One second.

Anthony Sloan of Katie.

Michelle Aiganbore Mahley.

I don't see her.

Illy Montoya Reeves of Umble.

Good afternoon.

Mr.

John Widmeyer and City Council members.

This was my grandpa, my World War II grandpa and my grandmother.

I was told that some of you were under the impression that I was uh homeless.

I wasn't homeless.

We have been having some uh family issues.

I be honest with you.

Uh we were not very close to some of you uh the time that uh Sylvester Turner was uh here uh we're very rude.

Uh besides being politicians, you guys are human beings.

I'm a U.S.

citizen.

I was trained by Grandpa, we're two veteran.

I was run uh really old people uh all my life.

Um recently we have been playing a game among my friends, the Airbnb game, the hotel game, the I go shoot game, the I don't want to talk to you game, then you are being rude.

And as a U.S.

citizen, I have every right to abide by the Constitution, abide by the law.

Many times I address Arturo Michel.

I said, tell me about my legal rights.

Recently, uh last time I addressed you, Mr.

Polar, you were very rude.

I I couldn't believe those words were coming out of you since you are such a good guy, and you all all of a sudden, I don't know if you were possessed by demons, are very amber spiritual, or or what kind of meetings or people you are robbing against.

Uh, so I don't want to talk to you.

Okay.

Uh I think Sylvester, he will be here.

He will be ashamed of all the things that you have been doing.

The people that you haven't meeting and the pictures you haven't taken.

But that's okay.

I'm not gonna help you uh uh what is it called with medium work.

Um I haven't been homeless.

I would like to see my kids, I would like to see my grandbabies.

I'm in the impression that you are in communication with Josh, Dana, uh, Lupe, uh, Steve Truver and the family.

Uh I'm staying currently with some uh members from the term from the LDS uh this church.

I don't mind coming here to support you with no pay.

Um uh in the uh uh district on by Lee Road.

Um ranting with some members of a church.

Uh in the district of uh Tarsha Jackson.

I'm taking blood blood pressure medication, sir Trolling, that's for the pressure because you guys have too much drama, too much uh uh stuff that you guys cannot resolve when it can be a result one by one based upon the law.

I don't know why uh why you guys are paying our duro if you are guys are not gonna take him into consideration.

I don't like that kind of drama, John.

I have to take medication.

I have to take medication because if I don't take medication, I can have a heart attack.

After the accident, he was my attorney, and he dropped my case, and I think your time has expired.

I cannot remember a bunch of stuff.

Thank you, sir.

Mary and Wright.

To be followed by Jacob Newsom.

Hi.

Um, first of all, congratulations and a warm welcome to our newest council member.

So it's nice to have you here.

Secondly, I wanted to thank two of your employees.

Um City Council or employees that work for the city of Houston.

The first one is a Mr.

Van.

There was a big giant hole that was in the middle of the street at Columbia and 12th.

And um we were driving down the street, and it was just this big hole, it was like a sinkhole.

And um, there was a gentleman coming in a public works truck.

He worked actually, I believe he said in um inspections, electrical inspections.

His last name was Mr.

Van.

He had nothing to do with the hole, nothing at all, but he stopped and helped find cones to cone it off and told y'all he'd come out later that day to take care of it.

And he made a point of saying, I'm not supposed to repurpose these cones, but we need to.

He went and he did the job.

He did what had to be done.

He coned it off, and so I just told him that I would come and thank him at session, and he said thank you, because that's all we get is negative stuff.

So Mr.

Van, give him a promotion, do whatever you can.

Nothing to do with what he was supposed to do, but he took care of the situation.

I'd also like to highlight um your chief of staff, Miss Wilson.

There was a problem with Center Point that um tried to hold up a utility pole by blocking the street at JC Park.

I contacted Councilmember Kami Cayman's office and also Leslie Brionis' office, because Miss Brionis is now taking over the park maintenance.

They both said that they could do nothing about it because it was center point.

I asked for who could have contacted center point, nothing.

I got in touch with Miss Wilson.

Eight o'clock in the morning, by 2.30 that afternoon, the problem was taken care of.

It was just the edges of the brace had to be cut until they can, I guess, fix the poll properly.

This was Census Duratio.

It had been there.

We had made multiple calls, nothing got it done.

She got it done within less than 24 hours.

So thank you for cutting through the silly red tape and just doing what needs to be done.

So thank you and your administration for that.

Thank you.

Next Jacob Newsom.

To be followed by Joseph Amari.

Good afternoon, Council, and congratulations, Councilmember Salinas.

Um today I'll pick up where the founding fathers left off, which is we hold these truths to be self-evident.

However, no truth lives unless we embody it.

So this week, you're not just voting on contracts, parks, or drainage.

You're deciding what kind of legacy we leave behind.

And will these be just transactions?

Or will this week be the week that we live up to the highest ideals of our city?

So when you vote this week, you decide with truth become real.

And what story we will tell our children.

So let's make this chap let's make this a chapter that we can all be proud of.

Thank you.

And happy new year, by the way, y'all.

Next.

Joseph Amari.

To be followed by Jacob Clementich.

Uh talk is great to talk to you.

I mean, uh hold on your head for this conversation because it's gonna be some racism involved in it, but I don't it's my black American racism experience, uh, along with my global racism experience.

And um I know we're everybody have a little tribalism when no matter what country you come from.

But in the South, we know we got the Mr.

Clue Club Clan Robert Lee Messimo on property in Mendingo uncle to Mr.

Miss Field in Sambo neighborhood.

However, it's not legal or it's not American custom, it's just the ratification of 13th and 14th Amendment to follow American citizens place to place, them in the American citizens freedom of traveling without the government knowing where they are.

Whoever came up with this is uh have this uh behavior, they need behavior modification.

I know America National Immigration Department is not racism, it's our government civil duty, but the racism is a power to be that wore foreign undocumented labor jobs with covering benefits while the nine until they all America.

Your time has expired about it.

Okay, I just Mr.

Omar, go ahead and have another minute.

I don't even need another I need 10 seconds.

Go ahead.

No, we need another minute.

Go ahead.

I'm practicing see.

I used to I used to I'm a theater major.

Uh anyway, uh the immigration, the immigration immigration undocumented immigration governments are most likely have a similar ice cream policy under their international law and similar ice immigrate uh law enforcement program like the United States of America Ice Department deportation program.

Every government, including the United States of America, have best entered protect the value of the passport green clock work with the immigration policy system everyone cannot afford to allow black fish in the private public to be disrespected, devalued.

Thank you, Mr.

Mar.

We appreciate you being here.

Thank you again.

Next speaker.

Jacob Clemented.

Jacob Clementec.

Hello, Jacob.

Yeah.

Get up and scream.

Yeah, get up and scream.

Go Texans.

Uh you can't hear it.

Well, actually uh I'm gonna pick on uh uh Councilmember Selena's and Councilman America today also.

But first I'm gonna mention dementia, and that is I'm going on a medical trip to Austin and come next Tuesday.

There I'm gonna speak first here and then movie on to the bus stop to catch the bus there.

And so um I wanted to say this about the yeah.

I told the Heritage County Commission's course about me, my trip to Austin, and they they uh could help me and so yeah, I'm gonna ask y'all if y'all can help me with the trip to Austin and uh and and that's what I wanted to do.

Now I pick on uh uh council members and does your wife really uh like you being a council member she's thrilled that we have the opportunity to serve uh that's good and uh to Mario, have you heard the IEJ?

What's the agreement?

Okay, well, um this uh this uh architecture major and um uh decided not to design buildings anymore, but to design clothing, and you know who his favorite uh philosopher was, but Socrates can I have another minute?

They haven't rang the bell yet, Jacob.

You still have time.

Um, I I see you're saying all over the place and district uh Messie Paul, Thomas Paul, and so well, how's church misses out for my house?

Oh, St.

Teresa's on Haskell.

Um well uh well bye-bye, folks.

Jacob, uh you're the last speaker today, but I did want to tell you congratulations.

I saw your video when you came to um talk about the Texans and a lot of people across the city, across the state, and um across the internet, saw your uh when you came to talk about rooting for the Texans.

So congratulations.

I think you're becoming an internet sensation.

Yeah, but I don't just like that.

Oh, here's your brightness.

All right, Councilmember Pollard is in the queue.

He wants to address you as well.

I was gonna mention the same thing, Jacob.

Did you know that your video went viral?

It was all over the internet, and uh you all recall when Jacob came last week.

He played uh a song on his phone, and the artist was the rapper Slim Thug.

And Slim Thug reposted that video on his social media page that says everyone needs to be like Jacob.

And it went it went all over uh the country, and people saw that video of your support of the Texans, and because of that support, uh the team felt that and we had a good game yesterday.

So we're gonna need that same type of energy going into next week.

So that was pretty cool.

Well, Clay Walker today for y'all.

Thank you, Jacob.

And um, one other thing.

Did anybody go to Rice?

I got a Right University yoke.

It wasn't go to rights.

Go ahead.

I got the right university yoke.

Do you know why uh I believe that right uh from the bats had nine games because ours are nocturnal?

Owls are nocturnal, good one, but I'm fump.

Well, you get that one from the last week.

Council members, council members.

We stand in recess until tomorrow morning at nine.

Throw that on your own.

That was good though.

That was good.

Way to go, Jacob.

Authorizing submission of electronic application for grant assistance to U.S.

Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services for FY25 COPS Hiring Program Grant for the Chief of the Houston Police Department.

Item 37, ordinance consenting to the addition of 1.0568 acres of land to Grant Row Public Utility District.

Item 38.

Ordinance consenting to the addition of 56.3248 acres of land to intercontinental crossing municipal utility district.

Item 39, ordinance finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interest in connection with the public improvement project known as the Lift Station Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Design FEMA CD Woodland Ridge Lift Station, Benz Branch, Lift Station, Elmwood, Hills Lift Station, Trail River Lift Station, Forest Shores Lift Station, River Lawn Lift Station Project.

Item 40, ordinance finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interest in connection with the public improvement project known as the 54-inch water line along Genoa Red Bluff and Easements from SEWPP to Grayson Street SETL project.

Item 41, ordinance finding and determining the public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the Turkey Gully Drainage and Paving Project.

Item 42, ordinance finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interest in connection with public improvement project known as the Gravity Sewer Line Adjustment Project.

Item 43, ordinance approving and authorizing joint participation in a local agreement between the City of Houston and Memorial Heights, redevelopment authority for wall drive and heights boulevard safety improvements.

Item 44, ordinance approving and authorizing joint participation in a local agreement between the City of Houston and Energy Corridor District for Highway Safety Improvement Project.

Item 45 ordinance appropriating an additional $3 million 87,246.30 cent for agreement to contribute funds between City of Houston and Texas Department of Transportation.

Item 46 ordinance appropriating 1 million 50,000.

Approving and authorizing second amendment to professional construction management and inspection services contract between the City of Houston and Sales Consulting Engineers Inc.

LLC.

Item 47 has been pulled by the administration and will now be considered.

Item 49 ordinance appropriating 5 million 279,965 76 cent.

Award and contract to Traffic Systems Construction Inc.

This completes the reading of the agenda for January the 14th, 2026.

Stay tuned for the next session of Houston City Council schedule to begin at 9 a.m.

And with that, I wish everyone a blessed and happy hump day.

Council come to order.

A little departure of our agenda.

I'm going to recognize Representative Armando Wally to give us a legislative report, certainly on the collaboration with the legislature, which is benefiting the city.

Amanda Wally, Representative Wally, you want to come forward.

I'll get us started by saying we had the best legislative session from a city perspective in anyone's memory.

Having been a member of the Harris County delegation, I've watched the city.

City didn't have much of a relationship with the leadership in Austin and even members of our delegation, which happens to be the chair of the Finance Committee, Senator Huffman, other members, but let me just from years of experience, having been on the conference committee at one time.

The budget is written in the closing days of the session by the five senators, five House members that serve on this conference committee to come up with a final version, which ultimately is approved.

One of the real pleasures in my public service has been watching young people enter the system.

Representative Wiley, I want to call your Amondo so bad.

I watched you be an aide to Gene Green, leaving your family going to Washington during the session, coming back.

You got elected with the support of a lot of us.

And for you to be now, several sessions as one of the five drafters of the final budget is so rewarding, certainly to the city, your district.

These are these are positions that everyone would like to serve in because I've been there.

You get items owned as a final consideration for your community, for your city, your county, and this session, and thank you to Josh and our governmental team.

We got 260 million dollars.

People say, how are you going to balance the budget?

How are you going to improve Houston?

Collaboration.

And we'll talk about county participation later this morning.

But I can't say enough.

I could I've asked staff to hand it out.

17 million for 12 parks.

We're short on park money.

We're improving our parts.

A total of 270 million.

City of Houston water structure, 215 million, our lift station, 100 million.

Roads and infrastructure, 20 million.

Here's one that is very unique.

Never would the state in previous years consider giving money for public safety in the form of 200 police cars.

In Austin, the attitude is cities can take care of themselves, certainly the largest.

We know better.

We need the partnership.

The state sitting on $32 billion surplus.

That belongs to all the citizens of Texas.

So let me just thank you.

I wanted you to give this report.

And the relationship that we have with the governing body in Austin.

While we fight over many issues, I know you fight.

But when it gets to resources and getting Houston its fair share, uh, we're doing we're on the right path.

So thank you.

I will yield to you anything we can do for your office.

Uh we stand ready.

But members, this is how we're moving Houston forward with infrastructure, parts, streets, and certainly water treatment.

So I yield to you, but I I will repeat, watching your development as a public official, public servant, is very rewarding for certainly me and so many of your friends and supporters.

So thank you for being here this morning.

Thank you, uh Mayor Whitmeyer.

Thank you to uh Mayor Pro Tim uh K6 Tatum and the rest of the City Council uh appreciate the opportunity to be here.

I I initially uh came to talk about parks, uh Commissioner Garcia uh and I and actually your administration, legal department, parks department been working together on several parks uh over the last six, seven, eight years uh to try to beautify.

That was the initial uh reason I was here, but uh since you you mentioned um just the uh the collaboration between your administration, Josh, uh, and and many of your council members that that came uh to to the legislature to advocate on behalf of the City of Houston.

Uh it was gratifying to see that advocacy.

Um that that advocacy, including uh working with our office.

Uh look, I I've been in office now uh going 18 years.

I was elected.

Uh uh you mentioned um Congressman Gene Green and he's a great mentor um and somebody that I I I admire deeply because he was he was from the north side.

Uh he grew up in in uh in the Bennington Cross Timbers area.

Uh his wife went to Helen went to Sam Houston.

He went to uh what is now uh uh Northside High School.

Uh and so um I worked for him for many years, learned about collaboration, uh learned about just doing the work uh and not seeking the the limelight.

Uh but uh to be fair, I I did work for uh Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as well.

She was a great mentor, uh God rest her soul.

She was somebody that I looked up to.

Uh she she worked us really hard.

Uh but but it was a great experience for me.

But to be fair to those two folks, uh uh respectfully to them, I actually started my public service career uh in this uh in this chamber.

Uh I was a um TLUP intern.

Uh I was placed in in an off-session year in 2000, near now 20 plus years ago, uh in District B in uh newly elected uh Carroll Mims Galloway's office.

And uh it was a great experience.

I got to uh field many calls on on public works, on heavy trash pickup, on uh police protection, fire protection, um uh potholes, capital improvement projects, and I went to all the committee hearings that that I could go to, went to civic clubs, uh went to Pleasantville to Acres Homes, Cashmere Gardens, Trinity Gardens, uh Cynic Woods, Calgary Woods, uh East Tex Gensen community, and matter of fact, that's that's where I grew up, and that's uh to transition.

That's that's the area that that we're here uh to talk about.

Uh and part of that is uh having been elected, having been on the conference committee to the State Budget.

It's an awesome experience uh when you're there, when you're in the room in making these final decisions, and being in the room to be able to advocate for your city and your county is an awesome experience.

Um I've had that role for the last three sessions.

Uh it's it's been great.

Uh it's been great to be in the room uh to be able to deliver for your city and deliver for the people uh of of the city of Houston, but of of Harris County, of the five million people that live in Harris County, but also obviously the uh 2.3, 2.4 million people that live in Harris County, uh live in the city of Houston.

So many of the parks that you see here, um, those were just for this session.

Uh and and it very it it ranges from Southeast Houston in Dr.

Allen's district uh to Northeast Houston and in Mrs.

T's district to uh uh Lacey Hole's district.

It was a bipartisan effort.

Uh these these parks here uh will get an infusion of, you know, at at minimum a million dollars, and it's up to three million dollars.

Um these are these are nice uh infusions of dollars for these parks.

The only thing I would caution uh City Council and the administration is to to have a develop a plan for these parks, and I know that you will.

Uh I've worked with uh with the director uh for many years now at Parks Department, uh the staff there uh work with them intimately uh because this these are not the first parks that we have gotten money for.

Uh the last two or three sessions, we've gotten money um for Mason Park and in the council uh in Councilmember uh Martinez's district.

Um I know in Councilmember Castillo's district, we we you know we're trying to get Clark Park, but but Melrose is the one uh that that's kind of near another park that's this a beautiful park, Monty Beach Park is going to get some money.

Uh so uh I know a million dollars for these parks is not enough, to be frank, is not enough to to do all what you want to do in particular communities that that need the dollars for quality of life dollars.

But um if you look at the lift station, uh the dredging, so the Lake Houston dollars, those these dollars are not the first dollars that Lake Houston has gotten in the in the Kingwood area.

Um it's it's it's been great to to work with folks in Kingwood uh to get those dollars as well.

Um one of the one of the uh you know look, um I don't represent Southeast Houston or Millby High School community, um, but when the when this young man passed away as a result of the train traffic and going over in over and under, unfortunately for many of our communities, um uh the state legislature uh appropriated just appropriated 250 million dollars for rail safety measures statewide.

Now how they develop now how Text dot develops those dollars uh for communities to be able to apply for we'll we'll have to work with Text Ot.

However, in a separate item related to that, there was a $10 million special item that was included in the budget.

It was included by both chambers, uh Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker, and obviously the advocacy of uh Senator Alvarado, uh the Sergio Ivan Rodriguez Memorial Pedestrian Bridge, 10 million dollars special item for that community.

Um Mrs.

T and I work uh for that rail that's uh that hugs Hirsch Road uh in the northeast part of the community uh of the city, five million dollars each for rail crossing bridge uh planning at Little York and at Tidwell at Hirsch.

Uh there's a railroad that crosses there and it's a pretty active railroad.

So these are dollars that are coming to the city of Houston, uh just to the city of Houston, let alone the dollars that we we that my office has been able to secure at the county uh with flood control dollars.

We we're we got some flood control dollars, probably in the hundreds of millions of dollars as well to be able to do.

I know you you're in charge of the drainage, getting the water to the channels, uh that those things just have to work hand in hand.

But I I do want to um uh end by saying that thank you for this collaboration.

Thank you for particularly for items.

Uh I know you have 33 for Tidwell Park, the um the acceptance of those millions of dollars, about three three to five million dollars for uh Tidwell Park that already has a uh um an aquatic center, has a pool, but I think it needs some upgrades.

Uh Moody Park as well is is going to be um Moody Park and Keith Weiss Park, Moody Park uh historic park in the near north side.

Um that transfer over to maintenance to precinct two, uh what uh Commissioner Adrian Garcia's office.

And finally, item 35, uh which is Keith Weiss Park.

If you don't know about Keith Weiss Park, uh it's a beautiful park.

Uh the unique thing about uh Councilmember uh Davis is uh is this park is a city park in the county.

So I have a district that's half my district unincorporated, the other half is in the city limits.

The unique thing about this park is the only thing that connects the city to this property is Aldean Westfield.

So Aldean Westfield begins at Jensen Drive and it goes all the way north, and that's a city road that runs through the city from Jensen to Tidwell, beautiful.

You guys did a great job.

Public works did a great job.

It's a boulevard.

Uh two late four lanes in the median turnaround, it's beautiful.

As you go north on uh past Little York, Tidwell, or I'm sorry, Alding Westfield goes constricts back to just two roads or two lanes and ditches.

And it it goes that way all the way to you get to Aldean Bender, FM 525, where it opens back up to go get to the airport.

Uh and so this park sits on the unincorporated part of the city of the county, uh, but it's a city park.

It's 500 acres of green space.

Now, this park also uh we the county and the corps of engineers built a detention basin in there.

So there's hike and bike trails that are already existing there.

It's a beautiful park.

Um our management district, the East Alding Improvement District, um we assess a one penny sales tax out there uh to be able to do this type of work.

And what we're doing with those dollars is doing some quality of life.

We have a folks in that community that don't have sewer and water connections, so the management district pays for has paid for sewer and water connections for that community, but we don't have uh quality parks.

And so the collaboration between precinct two and the transfer of Keith Weiss Park to Precinct 2 is going to be great for us in that we also, if y'all haven't gone out here, so we have the management district, we we purchased 60 acres to develop um a private nonprofit uh development.

So Baker Ripley, many of you guys are very familiar with Baker Ripley, built 20 to 30 million dollar facility, community center, senior center clinic on this on this site.

Lone Stark College built the satellite campus and a high school.

Harris County 911 built their 911 center.

Um this 60 acres abuts Keith Weiss Park.

Uh I'm not sure if any of you guys have gone.

I know the mayor, you've gone out there.

Uh I think that some of our council members have gone out there.

So the plan is several sessions ago when I first got on the conference committee, was I got six million dollars for Keith Weiss Park to do nature center, rec center to do hike and bike trails.

So the plan is right now is our 60 acres where now our management district has an office.

I have an office there.

There's a road that dead ends at the tree line where Keith Park Weiss Park uh uh begins.

What we want to do is um we want to protect the as many trees as we can in that park, uh, but we want to go through there and be able to enhance the park.

Part of that enhancement is to include more hike and bike trails, more lighting.

Uh the security component has been a big challenge for us because when we would have issues at Keith Weiss Park, um the Sheriff's Department would say, Hey, no, this is a city park.

HBD, you need to go out there, and vice versa.

HBD would say, No, the park is in the county sheriff's department needs to go out there.

So it was it's been a challenge, um, but we're trying to meet the challenge you're trying to try to meet, uh navigate the bureaucracy of city and county government.

But in this case, in this case, uh, Councilmember Alcorn, this is a good thing, the transfer of the of this of a city asset.

I know that's you don't want to do that.

I mean, this this is I'm sensitive to that, having worked here before, that you don't want to in essence give up 500 acres of green space, but in this case it works because you have a willing taker in precinct two and uh Commissioner Garcia, that he will also our commitment is that, or their commitment is that um precinct two, Commissioner's precinct staff is gonna infuse this park with dollars along with the management district dollars and the dollars that I got from the stakes from the Texas Parks and Wildlife uh six to seven million dollars to enhance this park to make it a a destination park.

It's a beautiful park.

Uh beautiful park, and another park that's in the county, uh kind of in the county as well, Squatty Lions Park.

Now, this this council, when uh Mayor Turner was here, the legislature infused it with a million dollars, the city put another two million.

So that park got a new ball fields, another park, City Park in the county down the street from Keith Weiss.

And so uh I'm proud to be here, proud to represent this this community.

Uh sorry it went a little bit long, but I just wanted to give you that history.

Uh and congratulations uh uh newly sworn in uh councilmember Salinas.

Really happy to be here.

Uh just wanted to give you a little bit of information about my community uh and and working with with the city and and out to the extent that uh uh the speaker, glad both speak all three speakers that I've served under, have uh kept me in the conference committee.

We'll see what happens next session.

Every session is new.

Uh but uh I I certainly will advocate for this city.

Uh every time that I'm in any room at the Capitol, they know where Armando Wally is from.

Uh I'm from Houston, Texas.

Love being uh a member of from Harris County, and love being able to deliver for this city on a daily basis.

Well, let me thank you.

And when you were naming your mentors, uh certainly that had a huge impact.

I met you when you were working for Gene Green, certainly is the reason I highlighted Gene.

Uh but you did not mention the county judge, Hidago, who asked you to be kind of the resiliency czar, and I'm trying to think which flood.

Was it Harvey or the tax?

No, it was uh it was um during COVID.

COVID.

Yeah.

But anyway, thank you for your public service.

Um Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh and uh Representative Wally, uh, just want to say thank you for being here first and foremost.

Um I think uh as you kind of just laid out everything that y'all have been doing.

It's it's uh it's definitely important to make sure that we have these conversations and people in the public know the work that is being done.

Um I I can't, you know, I I try to yell off the top of the highest cliff that the relationship that we have with the State, uh specifically with you and some folks that overlap over uh and district I.

Uh, we've seen a lot of improvement um coming financially, but then all that, all those dollars actually uh turn into projects.

Uh you talked about the bridge at Millby High School, uh, something that we know when we are talking about um at Great Crossings, we need to find ways where we can uh ease up uh a lot of the blockage.

Um the the parks, uh just uh the work that you have been doing.

I'm um I'm uh glad to call your friend as well, uh, to be able to pick up the phone and just text and talk to you about what we're doing here at the city and and to be able to rely on that support as well.

And so I just want to say um thank you, congratulations on Keith Weiss Park.

That's actually my in-laws with us where they live in that area.

So very familiar with Keith Weiss Park and the Alding uh area.

Um look forward to more partnerships, look forward to uh this is uh sustaining uh for future opportunities for the entire city, uh specifically in District I.

And since you mentioned uh Commissioner Garcia, I want to also make sure that we highlight the work that he is doing um in that area, um, whether it's infrastructure, there's more lighting in the Alding area that uh has never been seen before.

Uh so safety is uh you know a top priority for everyone.

Um then I'll just close with this.

Uh you know, again, just want to say thank you.

Uh thank you to Debbie and the kids for the sacrifices that they um also uh take on for the the role that you that you are in now um and you've been in.

So uh again, uh you know we're in it together, so gracias.

Thank you.

You're you're uh thank you, Councilmember Martinez.

We know each other since our U of H days, and so uh when you worked at what is now Baker Ripley, NCI neighborhood centers, Inc.

And so I knew you were you were an advocate for the for your community, and I appreciate uh uh uh the shout out and and look forward to working with you and Mason Park, I know is near and dear to your heart.

Um if you don't know Mason Park um got a separate uh allocation from the Texas Parks and Wildlife uh local parts grants uh dollars.

Uh I think they got two million dollars to do to do some some beginning work there.

But look, two million dollars, million dollars at each of these parks is really not enough, but they're at least a shot in the arm uh to try to try to get some some folks some help.

Before we give you any more shout-outs, I am going to uh get you to comment.

First of all, everyone you have to work with, the Speaker, Lieutenant, and then the Governor gets to oversee the final version.

The majority of both bodies are Republicans.

That's correct.

You have certainly mastered the legislative skill.

Of course, you had a good mentor of how to work with the opposition party and fight them sometime on a daily basis on social issues, immigration.

I could go through a list that you're also one of the best fighters for Houston Harris County and our people.

But then also meet them halfway and get your share of the budget for Houston Harris County.

It has gotten better each and every year.

We didn't mention Denver Harbor uh is being transformed from previous budget items.

So I just think for my colleagues and the public to understand how things really work in Austin.

Uh you're at the table, but when you leave the budget table, you go back and fight for human rights, health care, higher ed.

I can't begin if I had my U of H hat on, what you have done for U of H downtown and the main campus.

So I just think it's worth emphasizing how you maneuver and continue to work with the opposition party, a majority of the legislature, and able to people skills, legislative skills, legal skills, and get it done.

And that's that's very rewarding for all of us.

Well, Mayor, I I learned I learned from you at the time when you were in the legislature.

There were many battles that you helped me uh navigate, and I sought your your guidance.

Uh I I recall one particular uh instance where some of the police union folk were uh trying to kill one of my bills to actually help young people in being able to um uh school resource officers.

I had a bill to provide more training for school resource officers.

These folks are basically your PDs, your your ISD PDs.

We're trying to, because we had a high instance of young people, particularly young men of color that were being assessed uh uh Class C misdemeanors when they would get into some some issues on campus, and the first folks that would call that the that the administration, school administration would call would be their PDs.

And so the first interaction that that some of your young people, particularly black and brown kids, uh but particularly black kids, uh were were being uh over policed.

And so what we wanted to do uh with the help of Helen Giddings, who was uh on the appropriations committee, uh senior member, I was a junior member, actually.

I was a new member, first second-term member trying to navigate.

I didn't know the certain police union folk, and I say this publicly didn't like each other.

I didn't know that Cleat and TNPA couldn't stand each other.

And so when I had the bill to try to help provide more training for them folks, I didn't know who was sabotaging my bill.

So who did I call?

I called Senator Whitmire.

I said, Senator Whitmire, I'm having this issue.

I need help, I need help navigating this.

I I don't know what's going on.

And so the Senator at the time, mayor, opened up his office.

He said, Well, why don't you meet in my office?

Bring everybody in, let's talk about this, let's get, let's hatch this out, and that's what happened.

So a lot of times, um, unlike Congress, where members of the opposing parties sometimes don't even talk to each other.

Um, in the legislature, I've been it's been hard.

It's been hard uh to be able to navigate some of the anti-Hispanic, anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Um I've been very vocal about that.

Um, been very vocal about voting rights and breaking quorum twice, uh breaking quorum.

Um, but still uh you know, fight them Death Star bill.

I heard it earlier, heard the bill earlier, uh pretty much neutering local trying to neuter local county governments from the legislature.

Look, it's hard to navigate those waters.

But I am a Democrat and a Republican-controlled legislature.

And until the voters decide who they want to elect as their governor, their lieutenant governor, statewide elected officials, this the Speaker of the House is elected by both Democrats and Republicans.

Uh has been since for years.

Um for me, it's it's I'm gonna fight them tooth and nail where I'm gonna fight them.

That's not that's not a uh uh not not ashamed of that.

Uh I'm proud of that.

But I'm also going to work with them, work within the confines of what I can do for my community, and whatever I can do to get for my community, I'm gonna do.

Uh and I and I sleep I sleep well at night for doing that.

Very good.

And thank you.

Councilmember Alcorn.

Thank you, Mayor.

And as chair of the budget and finance committee, thanks for the money.

Yes, Mayor.

Thanks for the money.

Uh Mayor, great job, your team, Josh, Alexa, Carla, um, just a great job.

Who else?

Andy, sorry, Andy.

Um really want to thank you guys for your hard work and and I'm so glad you're in the room where it happens, Rep Wally.

So the I I'm speci uh particularly interested in the parks funding, getting that money in is so important.

Thank you for bringing up Keith Weiss and Aldean Westfield.

I've been working with Councilmember Castillo and your office has been involved, Silver Garcia's office.

We've had a big group involved in trying to get um through TPC and HGAC additional funding for that stretch of road.

I've driven that stretch of road.

It's a disaster, a big bottleneck over there.

But really appreciate your highlighting that, and and this infrastructure money is huge.

It it's uh it all matters, and and Mayor, you do get a lot of flack for you know, where's you know, lot the money stuff.

I've read the editorial today.

But but you're bringing in you're bringing in money through the State, and they're sitting on gobs of cash, as you said, which is which belongs to us.

I mean, we're paying that money in, that surplus, part of that surplus belongs to us.

And thank you for your um hard work in bringing it home.

Thank you for your advocacy, represent uh representative council member.

So when you say this money is ours, it is our money.

Sure.

Right?

Because the state budget is derived mostly by State sales tax.

And so it's a consumption tax, right?

Uh a regressive tax, but it's a consumption tax.

Sure.

And what happens is the pop the the golden triangle of Houston Harris County, Central Texas Bear and Travis, and the Metroplex, uh, Tarran and Dallas counties and the surrounding counties around Dallas and uh Fort Worth.

We're the largest we're we're where the people are.

And so we're the largest contributor of the State budget, the big the big population centers.

So we deserve that money back.

Uh and so I I'm proud to to be able to do this and and be here with you.

I know um Commissioner Garcia is is behind me and and appreciate his collaboration with this park.

But in general, uh because we we we infused some some county uh some money at the county for some of their parks as well, uh over off of Frick Road, uh Dos Dow 2.

I forget it's Daws or Dow.

It's it's uh confuses me over there.

But um it's it's a collaboration, and I appreciate the city and our local commissioners continuing to collaborate.

Great.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor and Representative Wally, thank you for being here and for all the hard work you have put into to delivering these dollars for the city.

We saw this presentation a few months ago, and we were all really impressed about uh the dollars that were coming in for parks.

And now to have you here and to be able to thank you personally uh is a great opportunity.

You know, uh all the folks that you worked with to make this happen from the mayor's government relations team to the Houston legislative delegation, the folks at the county that have been willing to partner on the park side, Commissioner Garcia, who who is here now, um it all has made a huge difference and an impact.

And these dollars are vital.

You know, we have conversations around the horseshoe about resources, and when we go into our budget season and our budget workshops, uh we learn about all the things that our parks department is doing with limited resources.

And so these dollars coming in are going to help in uh in a big way, and especially on the infrastructure side as well.

So it shows what can happen when folks are coming together uh for a common goal.

And so uh thank you for the hard work that you have put into it.

It definitely benefits District H as we have got three parks that are on this list, uh, and I appreciate you mentioning Clark Park as well.

Uh but it benefits the city as a whole, and uh I appreciate all all your hard work to uh to making it happen.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

And uh it it's it's great to work with you, continue to work with you and and your staff, and uh when a lot of the um uh hurricanes and natural disasters, I know our teams have been you know literally delivered ice to people over at Dotson Park.

You and I were there uh handing out ice to folks.

Uh so you uh Bear, you have some council members in the city is uh has very good advocates, uh, and so I'm proud to work with each and every one of them.

Some I work closer than others, uh, but I look forward to working with each each one of you, whether it's in Southwest Houston or uh West Houston, uh uh always willing to lend my my uh my guidance, whatever and whatever I can do.

And and look, it it it is important too that to note uh the chair of appropriations, Dr.

Bonnet is from the Houston area.

Uh that the Chair Senate Finance, uh Senator Huffman is from the Houston area or has Houston ties.

Uh and so uh and then you have myself uh on the budget committee.

So it and then you you have a delegation.

So I do want to shout out our delegation.

Uh there's 24 strong members of the Harris County delegation, both Democrat and Republican.

Um we have we have a delegation uh chair.

I think it's uh Mary Ann Perez uh is our delegation chair.

Um she she got a little she got a little love in here too as well at Meadow Creek Park, so I want to show her some love.

Um this is this is great.

It's a great day uh for the City of Houston to be able to accept these dollars but also collaborate.

Um Mayor Pro Tim Castric Statum.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um colleagues, we all know that Councilmember Jackson is out, um, but she did send me a text, Representative Wiley, and she wanted me to let you know that she appreciates the partnership and the uh securing of the millions of uh dollars, including the five million for Keith Weiss Park.

Um she also wanted to give a shout out to Ms.

T, who secured over 15 million, 15 million for uh Tidwells.

So on behalf of Councilmember Jackson and District B, uh thank you for the great partnership and the work that you are doing.

And I also wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you um talking about how you built up your body of work and the people that have mentored you and work with you.

Um it's important to know that um, you know, we all have a first day, and it and it takes great mentorship and working with people who pour into us so that we can continue to do the service for the people.

Thank you for choosing public service.

Thank you.

Thank you, ma'am.

I I started as an intern here and answering phones and when they had fax machines, we'd fax request over to public works when people's sewer lines are trash wouldn't pick up.

So it it's it's important to recognize um, you know, Senator Rodney Ellis as well.

He's the one who gave me a shot in T-Lup, so I do got to give him a uh little love as well.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Jackson is actually she she came to visit us in the legislature many times, many times, and so uh there is a reason also why some of these, you know, some of these parks got a little bit more love.

Uh the stars aligned.

When you have Ms.

T, myself, and folks coming in to advocate, it's it's important.

Councilmember Kamen.

Good morning, representative.

It's so great to have you here.

Um and I appreciate the work that you are doing.

We have talked a lot about the park funding, and I know Commissioner is also here to speak on that, so I'll withhold my remarks on that, but I'll say thank you.

And I do want to recognize uh you not only represent your district so well, uh, and we go back to when I was working at the State Legislature, but from council, even uh over the past few months, you haven't just been focusing on your district, and you serve them so well, you've been looking out for the entire community.

Uh during the government shutdown, the risks to SNAP, you stepped up in a statewide capacity and in a regional capacity to lead those conversations to make sure that residents who need it most are being taken care of.

So I I wanted to give you the recognition for that because there's so much that goes on behind the scenes that people don't often get to see, and you show up every single time.

So I appreciate those partnerships as much as uh the critical dollars that you and our uh uh State delegation in partnership with this administration and our government relations team uh are delivering for Houstonians.

And I also want to thank when we talk about city employees, our parks department as well, uh, who has been combing every which way to try to find dollars because we know that our parks matter.

So we appreciate just this collaboration, this team effort, but I do want to make sure that folks know how hard you work every single day.

Uh and I take a lot of my lessons from you, especially when it comes to uh your kids.

You show up for your family.

All I mean, you're so dedicated, and you show that love and compassion to your residents, and we have the utmost respect for you for that.

Thank you.

I appreciate that.

Uh and um our our kids, uh my my oldest son uh was playing with your son the other day at an event, and uh it was a good feeling to be able to see young people.

My son's 14.

No, he's 15.

I dropped them off.

Uh he attends Strict Jesuit uh so over in the Southwest side of town and um and uh uh love being able to drive down there, uh, which I you know get better familiar with, but being able to see my boy and your boy playing uh together, it was it was a good feeling to be to see Houston's in good hands in the future.

Well, we just had our first T-ball practice and we're taking notes on all the tips you have been giving your kids.

Thank you.

And and your son's been beating my grandson's team for the last several years, but he's catching up.

No, thank you.

And and and and mayor, if y'all don't know our our his grandson uh Brooks and my youngest son uh Joaquin have played together and played against each other in baseball.

Yeah.

Uh so we we we get to see the mayor and the mayor's.

They root for each other until they don't.

Yes.

Thank you.

Councilman Ramirez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you, Representative Wally.

It's great to see you.

Thank you.

Good to see you too.

Thank you in person for your service, not just to your district, but the entire City of Houston.

In your position on the appropriations committee, you are well positioned to help get resources for all Houstonians.

We see that.

We appreciate that.

And it goes beyond parks, as you have pointed out.

And uh, Councilmember Kamen alluded to this as well.

But you have sponsored uh the last few sessions, some bills having to do with concrete batch plants.

That's correct.

Which are an issue here in Houston, and we appreciate you advocating for us and for better air quality and quality of life here.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Concrete batch plants are a big problem in our in our community.

Um the house housing is a big problem or affordability is a uh housing affordability and working with uh uh Councilmember Thomas.

Uh we had some issues with FQH or not FQACs uh PFCs, FQACs are the clinic, sorry.

Um we got them some money as well uh for Harris County.

But uh uh many issues that that we care about, um, not just the parts, but a lot of the policy that that harms our communities.

We're we're gonna we're gonna work with you.

Uh and our office is open to anybody on this in this horseshoe that wants to work with us uh and to the extent that we can help, we'll be there.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um Representative Wally, thank you so much first and foremost, because um being on the appropriate committee understandably represents collaboration.

That's correct.

And the role in which you play, and I am always an advocate for all of Houston, you know, no matter where it is, but it represents the city, and I think this administration in contacting and working together with others, because we've seen on this council, especially for me as a newcomer, the fact that collaboration produces value, production, where we get money is where needed be.

And uh, as an at-large, I'm concerned about all of Houston, no matter what part it is.

And so I want to thank you personally and you know, and congratulations for that objective and reaching that goal, because that helps all of us who love Houston.

We love Houston.

And um, and so thank you for the efforts and what you have done in getting this done.

Thank you.

Appreciate it.

Thank you, Councilmember.

Thank you, Mayor, and thank you, Representative.

I also wanted to thank you for your work and for bringing home money for these important projects in areas all over Houston, even outside of your district.

So um I specifically wanted to thank you and Representative Hole for the funding for Hayden Park, Agnes Coffee Park, and the Spring Shadows drainage and paving projects.

Thank you so much.

Yeah, I think there's about uh four to five million for that for that drainage project.

Yes, five million dollars.

We are very excited about it.

No, that's great.

Great for that community.

Thank you.

Thanks for being here.

The bottom line is we all represent the same people.

That's correct.

So just a shout out to Warren Park, Warren Park.

Remember that park again.

Aside from Keith Weiss, it's the park that I grew up in.

Uh it's it's it's needs some help, needs some love.

Uh but the sit the parks department has been good when there's a lot of tires that get dumped over there.

Uh I drive by there almost weekly.

Uh and the team, the city team is always there picking up tires because we get a lot of dump illegal dumping out there.

Uh but Warren Park got two million dollars.

It's the park where I I grew up in.

So just remember that part.

Go to work.

Thank you.

Thank you, Mayor.

Thank you.

Commissioner Garcia.

You know, Commissioner, when you stand before us, I can't keep from thinking.

You demonstrate experience matters.

Uh HPD.

Uh one of our first responders, City Council.

Sheriff's Office.

Commissioner's office.

So thank you for your long honorable career of public service.

I know there's a lot left in the tank, and you're here to demonstrate what you can get done if you work with all levels of government.

And uh certainly I have learned a lot from you, and uh thank you for your public service.

Uh I do want to emphasize one or two items to my colleagues uh as you described the responsibility that that you are uh offering us, is there's been some questions about the the uh the length of the agreement, the uh safeguards for the city.

You and I have met, our staff meet regularly.

Um iconic park.

And uh you had resources, suggestions, and a commitment to partner with the city.

Uh there was a little question from the parks department, Kenneth Allen, who does an outstanding job, wanted to protect his city programs, specifically a soccer program.

You accommodated that.

Um, we are consulted.

So it's just one heck of a demonstration of relationships and uh collaboration.

And as I mentioned to the representative when he left, we represent the same people.

And we've involved your district council members.

So I'll yield to you.

But this is uh oh not to mention the wise part.

And you and you're so involved.

So if you would walk us through how we got to this point, but it's really a testimony to uh to relationships, collaboration, and the best use of taxpayers' dollars.

Good deal.

Good morning, Mayor and members of council.

Thank you for allowing me a few minutes.

And I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of State Representative Wallet.

Uh we've been the city, the state, the county, uh we are partners uh in every endeavor, and so I am so so excited.

I want to acknowledge Councilmember Castillo uh in particular uh for the Moody Park uh piece of this and also uh Councilmember Jackson as well.

But uh as you mentioned, relationships matter and experience matters, and I just want to applaud you and thank you for your willingness uh to uh listen, uh hear the ideas and understand uh the value and this uh collaboration that uh can come to the city, to the county, uh, but most in particular, as you just said, uh the people that we both represent, uh the citizens of the near north side and district H in particular, uh as well as the folks up in the Northeast uh area.

I can't tell you, I can begin to tell you just how excited I am.

Um this hit this park is historic in many regards.

Uh it's the park when I ride my bike, I ride by there every day.

I drive by there nearly every day.

Uh when I go get my delicious tacos at Taco Nasso, I am uh I drive by there every time.

Uh when I uh just you know it's just it's just been family to me.

And uh and then Keith Wise, uh it's really in the county.

Um and so it's sitting out there by itself, and I want to make sure that it has uh a good friend and a good supporter uh and to be a partner with uh the representative uh because that's his that's his Moody Park, that's his neighborhood park.

He's got a lot of personal history there, and so I just am very excited.

Um I do want to also uh indicate uh that uh Councilmember Castillo has been instrumental with the friends of Moody Park, who have been a big part of the conversation in this regard, and so I want to applaud uh the community's leadership in this regard as well.

Uh but with all that being said, uh Mayor, uh your work uh along with your department heads uh have helped us get to this particular point.

And again, for that I thank you and I appreciate the the work, the conversations that we've had along the way.

Um I want to thank my staff for working through all the details to ensure that this is beyond a win-win for everybody involved.

And so you you have my word today uh that uh this will be a incredible example uh for your administration but to the citizens in general uh of the phenomenal uh relationship that can happen when two levels of government who represent the same people actually in terms of Keith Wise three.

Uh when we come together and understand uh you know what is most important, and the way I tend to govern is I look at the issues as what matters most to most.

And so this is an item where uh it's bringing us all together, it makes sense, it makes financial sense, uh, and the collaboration is something that the citizens want to see.

They want to see us all working together.

Uh so I I again I can't thank you enough.

And also uh to highlight Commissioner, the four new soccer fields, which will be uh a part of the legacy program as a result of the World Cup.

So you're gonna be responsible for four new soccer fields, and so let the word go out.

Things are really gonna be exciting.

Uh absolutely in Moody Park.

Yeah, absolutely.

And you know, it's uh I was just talking to somebody, and and you can uh you can appreciate this.

Um when you've been around a little bit, uh that experience uh kind of kicks in, but this whole thing with the World Cup is just bringing uh together just a little bit of history.

Before I joined council, uh they had the um exhibition game between Mexico and the U.S.

at NRG, right after NRG had opened.

And uh so I was hired by our local radio station to actually protect the World Cup trophy.

And so I was on on the floor uh of NRG.

Been around.

The electricity of the fans was incredible, and actually it was Oliver Luck, who was uh the chair of the sports authority at the time, and I leaned over and I told Oliver and I said, look, when the stadium comes crashing down, I'm gonna grab the trophy and I'm gonna run that way.

You can run with me or not.

Uh but that was the energy, and I I make that point because at that time there was an incredible public conversation about whether soccer actually fit in Houston's uh, you know, uh uh you know, attitude.

Um and uh that particular game shut the conversation down to demonstrate that the fans for football, as they say to it in Mexico, uh are here.

And uh, and then when I joined council, um I got to meet all of the or many of the neighborhood soccer leagues uh that were really at that time functioning without the support of the city.

Uh a lot of clandestine fields that were just popping up in softball fields or baseball fields, and there's a lot of community tension.

And so we uh worked through the uh the uh the the council committee on on uh parks, uh can't remember the actual name of it, but uh Pam led us through that conversation, and we ultimately came with a plan to build many more soccer fields.

And so as it comes to this particular item, with that background in mind, with the World Cup and our uh front wheel uh windshield, uh absolutely those parks are gonna be a reminder that something incredible happened here uh that uh and and that that that world cup by virtue of your commitment, my commitment, Commissioner Bedonis' commitment and others, that the financial uh and social impact of the World Cup is gonna be felt throughout the region.

But I'm just very excited that it it is also touching uh Moody Park and the near North.

And you've been in meetings with me with the FIFA officials that say because of our collaboration that Houston Harris County is ahead of any other major metropolitan area in our preparation.

In fact, you've heard them call us the grown-up city.

That's right.

An adult city because of our uh ability to get things done.

That's right.

So thank you.

And I I yield to you, and we're willing to listen to you, but we share your excitement and I'm just excited, so thank you, and and again, thank members of council for uh their support and their leadership in these particular items.

Very good.

Councilman Kamen.

Thank you, Mayor.

Commissioner, it's great to have you back at City Hall.

Welcome.

Um another really important example of City County collaboration.

Uh the first round of these we actually had in District C in partnership with Commissioner Brionis, and there were a lot of questions that came up.

Uh, does the city retain the right to these parks?

And the answer is yes.

But the county is stepping up for really critical improvements and above all these partnerships.

So I want to thank you for your leadership.

I want to thank the county, all of our commissioners for really stepping up to work with the city of Houston.

Uh, because who benefits is the people.

That's right.

Uh District C at JC Park, I know Commissioner Brianis was already setting up some terrific programming.

Uh we've been seeing crews from the county coming out to clean up the parks.

So for you to step in in this way make such a profound difference.

Again, I want to recognize our parks department too.

Because this is a partnership.

Uh, but I want to lift up the work that is happening between the city and the county right now.

And I also wanted to give you an opportunity, because I know that for so many of us, our parks uh aren't just parks, they mean something to Houston, but they also mean something to each of us personally, and I think for some of these parks, uh, you have an incredible story as well to share, and uh not to put you on the spot, but I think it's a great story about what future how future generations can be impacted.

Yeah.

Well, I uh thank you, uh Councilmember, and uh I appreciate it.

You know, reflecting on you know, uh uh God is good, you know, to give a kid who grew up in the near North Side uh the opportunity to be in these particular halls and to help make these particular decisions and to work alongside incredible leaders.

God is good.

And uh and growing up in the near North Side, I always tell people, you know, I grew up in a tough neighborhood where tough things happen.

Um but Moody Park was a haven uh for my brothers and I and friends, and uh had a lot of friends that uh I hung out with from the Irvington Village uh housing uh project, and the swimming pool that we know today used to be right across the street from Irvington Village.

And so we just used to hang out there, have a lot of fun.

Uh but here's a little fun fact, uh, mayor.

I actually grew up Presbyterian.

And Juan Marcos uh Presbyterian Church is right across the street from Moody Park.

And uh until I realized I was gonna marry a young lady, uh I I realized uh well, my mom was the one that said you can't have a divided house, son, you know, you go go and become a Catholic.

And so I did.

Um but I was at Moody Park on that uh terrible day after the murder of Jose Campos Tortas, uh, where they were having the single MIO festival, uh was helping the support the hot dog stand or food stand that the church was running.

And so I got to see I didn't have to become a cop to read the report of what happened in Moody Park.

Uh I saw how things transpired.

I saw uh the uh effort of uh the park police department at the time and their response, uh then HPD.

My older brother, Ignacio was a Houston police officer at the time and was part of the response to the uh to the incident.

Uh so I remember that situation very vividly.

Uh but it was also that event that uh I didn't know at the time, but created a particular perspective on Hispanics, the Houston Police Department, the community, and the relationship that needed to be built.

And um and my friends, as we were watching the the chaos, the cars burning uh and everything that was taking place.

Uh remember them saying, you know, that those cops, uh, the Hispanics in particular were sellouts.

And I remember thinking, well, my brother is not a sellout, and he's not uh how you're transpiring them uh or describing them to be.

And uh so it just made me realize that something was broken, and I when I decided to join the Houston Police Department, I said my commitment was to change it from the inside out.

So I hope that my time there uh helped to contribute uh moving the department a little forward.

So for all those reasons, the park has a lot of uh special meaning to me.

I I appreciate you sharing that story and again your commitment uh not just to your precinct, but we're paving the way for this to be happening city and countywide, these partnerships.

So thank you again.

Thank you.

Councilman Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Commissioner, uh good to see you.

Congratulations on Moody Park specifically.

I know that's something that you and I've been speaking about as well.

Um look forward to the hobby in East End now.

Um, if not, then I'm gonna tag you.

I'm kidding.

Please.

I'm kidding.

Uh no, uh but in all sincerity, just want to say thank you for for being here.

Thank you, uh, of course, uh uh Representative Wally.

It's it's great to be able to share these these um these stories of how things are getting done.

Unfortunately, we don't get to do that a lot, uh, whether it's the media, whether it's on social media, we don't have a lot of opportunities to really speak to these kinds of uh uh partnerships, and they're really important specifically to the city of Houston, where we know we we've um decreased the tax rate over the last you know, or kept it the same in the last 12 years.

We know that resources are strapped.

Um and so whenever um these partnerships come to fruition, uh it's important to highlight as well.

Um and and I want to take a point of personal privilege to also thank you for the work that we're gonna be doing in Magnolia Park, the drainage project, uh, over 20 million dollar project there.

Uh you know, and this is to a community that's been overlooked as well, and so uh it's it's important to continue to uh highlight these these partnerships and then also bring you all to to the around the horses to share uh what that process was like because I think um like most of my colleagues were on the horseshoe.

We really want to see more of these types of uh um partnerships.

Um not just again for City of Houston because we do represent the same folks, uh, but for the county in that unincorporated area.

Um and so uh just wanted to thank you as well um you know for everything you've been doing um at the city but also at the county.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember, and thank you for your leadership.

And in fact, you made me think about something uh because of where you represent.

Uh mayor, uh we remember our dear friend Senator Mario Gallegos.

Uh I remember when Mario came to commissioner's court uh complaining about the lack of county investment inside the city.

Uh and regrettably uh the folks who were sitting in that particular horseshoe said uh you ought to be happy.

You got a county jail and you got bent top.

Uh what more do you want?

And so uh it is exciting, again, for reasons like that for citizens to know that uh they have a partner in the county.

The partner has uh this the county has a partner in the city.

Uh and I'm just excited about uh the partnerships that we're bringing together to benefit our communities.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Alcourt.

Thank you, Mayor, and I'll tell you what I told Rep Wally, thanks for the money.

Um Kenneth uh you we've discussed a lot of about green about maintenance of our parks and uh at uh Moody, you're taking over almost 35 acres.

That costs the city a hundred thousand dollars to to mow and maintain at Keith Weiss, it's 75 acres.

That's about 200,000 dollars.

So you know you spread that out over 20 years, that's six million dollars.

Um so thank you for the money.

Um we need it and appreciate the partnership.

I'm excited.

I'm excited to bring that money.

Councilman Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor, Commissioner Garcia.

It's great that you are able to be here today as as we consider this item.

You know, there were a lot a lot of hard work that went into to getting to this point.

Uh I definitely want to acknowledge that and all the parties that made it possible from the mayor and his team to our parks department, Director Allen, you and your staff.

Um it's not easy for governments to collaborate in this way, but the community really is the one that that benefits.

And so uh it's it's great that you're able to be here while while this happens.

Um I share a personal connection to the park like you.

Uh you know, I grew up right behind Moody Park and I walked to Taco Naso plenty of times myself.

Uh spent a lot of time at Moody Park when I was a kid.

And so to see it receive this type of investment uh at a time when the community is also stepping up to play a bigger role in the park, to take more ownership and bring more programming and activity.

Uh and Friends of Moody Park has been doing a fantastic job.

I'm I'm glad that y'all are open to continuing to to work with them.

Um this is a very, very exciting time.

And uh the near North Side community and and District H overall, uh they're gonna stand to to benefit from a a county-maintained Moody Park.

So uh thank you for uh your willingness to do this.

I I don't think I was on council a week and you started talking to me about Moody Park.

So I don't know how much this means to you.

Um but uh really appreciate working with you on this and uh Mayor, you and your team making this happen along with our parks department.

Good deal.

Councilmember, I I I need to thank you.

Uh because this has been a long endeavor for me uh since I joined the county.

I've been uh I've had this idea in mind.

It was not until your administration that the door to the possibility uh was opened.

And so I want to thank you for that.

Um and I appreciate your willingness to also keep an open mind and listen to the ideas uh and and work with us to get us to this point.

So I I really want to thank you.

If not for you, we probably uh wouldn't be in these conversations because I know that the mayor likes to also defer to district council members on issues of this nature.

And so again, thank you, thank you for your leadership and your commitment to the community as well.

Um and I and I will tell you that I want to put a caveat to the maintenance because it's for me it's not just about the maintenance, it's about the improvements.

Uh it's the investment uh beyond maintenance uh that I am so hungry and excited uh to be a part of.

Uh so uh maintenance is a commitment, but uh the improvements and the enhancements uh to make it a destination park uh to make it something that uh the residents of Near North Side can be immensely proud of.

Uh that's what I'm gonna be working for every single day.

So thank you.

Very good.

Councilmember Amaris.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh Commissioner, thank you.

Welcome back.

And uh I I want to express my appreciation as well for these uh maintenance and improvement agreements.

Uh I know you'll take very good care of Moody Park.

Uh I also want to thank you for as you pointed it out earlier.

There was a time, and actually it's been most of history when the county spent very few dollars in in the city.

Most of uh the county dollars were spent in unincorporated Harris County.

Um obviously we all pay taxes in the city to the county, and so uh that's an important aspect.

I also want to thank you for um having the hospital district uh do engagement on the issues surrounding the Ben Tob expansion and uh the proposed condemnation of part of Herman Park.

Uh those there are very important issues surrounding that.

And uh it it is uh right and appropriate that commissioners uh including yourself stood up and said, hey, we need more public engagement on this so that the public understands everything that's going on.

We truly appreciate that.

I saw you uh uh last week at at the one that was um uh put on in in your uh precinct.

So we appreciate that.

And thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember.

And uh I'll tell you that the best training I think I've gotten in this particular work is actually at this at this uh short hoop short uh horseshoe, uh because the citizens have access to you to us.

Uh you listen to them, and uh so I I'm working to see how we I can make sure that our county uh uh directors and the like also learn to listen as well.

And I think that's a critical to make sure we get things right and uh to make sure that the citizens also have a uh a seat to participate and help uh shape policy and ideas in the future.

So thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

Good to see you always, Commissioner.

Um as I'm listening around the horseshoe, I can't help but think I look over and see Parks Department here and back um 15 years ago now we started that that private public partnership, and uh I think about the after we finished at Moody, um every year you showed up for that little league out there, and it was always great to be there because you could see the real impact.

And um, you know, to to really partner with the county, I can't help but recall my good friend Judge Emmett used to tell me, remind them that the city of Houston resides in Harris County.

And uh that is something I always always keep in mind because certainly as residents of the city and the county, we should work together because it is our tax dollars at work.

So thank you for that commitment.

But also on the improvement side, that's one thing, but the long-term commitment on the maintenance is critical.

And thank you for all you do and have done for so many years.

Thank you.

Thank you, and and and thank you as well for your work with the Astros.

Uh your work in bringing resources to community didn't start when you got elected.

You've been doing it, and so thank you for that partnership as well.

Councilmember Pollard.

Thank you, Mayor, and good morning to everyone, Commissioner.

Good to see you.

Um you brought up Benthab, you brought up discussing parks, and Councilmember Ramirez brought up uh a lot of the discussion that's going on with the proposed expansion.

Uh since you are before us, can you uh um give us some insight on what you are hearing uh from constituents, stakeholders, um, things that were discussed at the meeting, uh discussions that are happening around the county level regarding that expansion and what we can foresee having to uh ponder going forward.

Good deal.

I think the citizens are speaking very loudly.

Number one, uh that they uh have a particular interest in uh in the protection and the uh support of Herman Park.

Uh but by the same token, everybody is understanding and appreciating a greater value for the things that happen in Bentop.

And uh too often Ben Tob is seen as other people's hospital system.

Uh but I remind them that if one of our Houston officers, firefighters, is injured, it's Ben Tob that you want to get them to as quickly as possible.

Uh and being uh having been a young cop, I've spent many a time at Ben Tob uh watching uh the magic of those medical professionals saving lives in hallways, and that is absolutely ridiculous.

And so uh the improvements need to be made.

But uh as I was sharing with uh council member uh Dormites that uh in spite of the improvements, it also is not permission to move forward without engaging the public.

And I do believe uh by virtue of some of the things that I'm hearing, uh, that the uh if the appropriate if the improvement is ultimately uh supported by Commissioner's Court, that it will come with uh some adjustments that uh not the hospital district, not Commissioner's Court, but the put that the people will have made.

And uh and so I'm looking forward to that.

But people are there's there's a conversation about the parking.

There's a conversation about uh uh whether it it actually needs to be there or can it go up?

And so all of that is being uh really uh regurgitated and understood better.

Uh and so I just uh I'm I'm glad that I forced that conversation uh because again, there's a lot of things we got to do, we've got to do them yesterday, but we also have to be cognizant that the public that we work for the public and they deserve a seat at the table.

Is there a timeline on all this that you can give us?

Um I think we'll be uh there's still uh some more town hall meetings to be had, and so I think we'll probably be uh seeing some more uh seeing something come before court, probably within I think maybe a couple months or so, two, three months.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner.

I give a little bit of history.

I've actually early in my legislative career had eight commissioner tell me that the county starts at Houston City limits.

That's how bad the environment was years past.

Uh Robert Eccles, when he was county judge and I got into tango over more county programming inside the city.

He said, Well, Senator, you've got the jail.

You've got Ben Top.

I said Robert, judge, next time you want to build a jail annex, put it on 1960.

We want parks, libraries, and I'm excited to uh recognize that not only your collaboration, but all the commissioners, each and every one of them now, in their own manner are sharing resources inside the city, which happens to be Harris County.

Your participation in debris pickup during the storms, uh Senator Ellis has so many uh infrastructure improvements, Brionis, parks, drainage, flooding, and Tom Ramsey working across the aisle said, Mayor, I will pay for half of the road improvements in my precinct, which are in the city of Houston.

So it's a great demonstration today, but whether it's homelessness, infrastructure, uh, we're really true partners with the county.

And for that, I thank you for sharing your projects with us this morning.

Good deal.

Thank you, Mayor.

And again, happy new year and go Texans.

Oh, but by the way, uh when I used to serve at this horseshoe, uh Bill White used to have uh a lot of uh reason to laugh at me because I would use my five minutes uh to do some color commentary on the previous game.

Uh so I'll just say CJ, do something with them hands, catch that football, don't fumble.

We're gonna win this game as long as we score.

Thank you.

All right, thank you.

Members, uh, while we're on the item of these uh collaboration, I would ask is our motion take items 34 and 35 out of order.

Casticum move to move items 34 and 35 up next.

Hex I can motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Thank you, Amanda.

Uh Ms.

Secretary.

34 and 35.

Item 34 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Good work.

Item 34 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Yeah.

I'm sorry, item 35 is an ordinary.

Just need a vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Our first hearing.

Item one is a public hearing regarding the designation of a landmark protected protected landmark or change of designation.

Uh Mr.

Williamson.

Yes, sir.

Please proceed.

All right, good morning, Mayor Whitmore.

Either one.

Good morning, Mayor.

Uh Whitmark Council members and members of the public.

Thank you for the opportunity this morning to speak.

I'm Robert Williamson, Deputy Director of the Planning and Development Department.

With me this morning in the audience is Yasmin Arlson, who is our interim historic preservation officer.

Okay, I'm sorry.

The purpose of today's hearing is to receive public comments on the proposed designation of two landmarks, four protected landmarks, and the change of designation of two contributing structures in historic districts for a total of eight properties under consideration.

Under Houston's historic preservation ordinance, property owners or the Houston Architectural and Historical Commission may submit applications for designation as a landmark.

However, for protected landmark status, only the homeowner, or the property owner, rather, may apply.

Before any recommendations are brought before this council, they must have been approved by the Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission.

All eight of the properties today have been recommended by the respective owners and approved by the Historical Commission.

Since the landmark ordinance was originally passed in 1996, the city has formally designated 308 landmarks, 203 protected landmarks.

And of these 511 properties, 17 are owned by the City of Houston, and one, all protected except for one.

The landmark designation means alterations, additions, and certain maintenance of the building structure or site must follow the Houston Preservation Ordinance.

Landmark designations may also qualify properties for limited tax exemptions that have been authorized by City Council and are administered by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development.

To date, there are only 58 of the 511 designated landmarks have applied for historic tax exemptions.

For a property or site to be considered for landmark designation, it must meet at least one of eight specific criteria.

While noteworthy, the designation does not exempt a property from demolition.

Only a protected landmark designation prevents a property from demolition.

For a property to receive landmark designation, it must meet one of four additional criteria.

For the two properties seeking a change of designation today, the process may be initiated only upon finding that the properties were incorrectly classified, which is the case here.

This map shows the location of the eight properties, and they are spread across three council districts.

In District C, we've got two landmarks and one protected landmark.

The first property is the Greater Pleasant the Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church at 828 West 20th Street in the Houston Heights subdivision and is seeking a landmark designation.

The building was constructed circa 1953 and is a one-story wood frame structure.

The church was organized on January 1st, 1931, under the direction of Reverend Henry Thompson.

Over the years, the church has served the church has several notable pastors, including Benjamin Meredith B.

M.

Jordan, father of the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan.

The church continues to operate today and maintains an active congregation.

Next slide.

The second property is the Allen and Hattie Green House at 5319 Institute Lane in the Jander Gardens Subdivision near Rice University.

It is also seeking a landmark designation.

The two-story brick veneer residence was constructed circa 1929 in the colonial revival architectural style.

The house was among the first to be built in the subdivision, which in 1925, the Houston Post described as being one of the most select home centers in South End.

5319 Institute was named in honor of its first residents, Alan and Hattie Green, who lived there from 1929 until the early 1950s.

The third property is West Edgemont's Dream Home at 1707 Milford in the Edgemont Ormond Place subdivision, also near Rice, and they are seeking a protected landmark designation.

The two-story brick and shake shingle veneer tutor-style house was designed by Bonita Building and Lumber Company for a Houston Post Dispatch newspaper contest in 1927.

The newspaper partnered with the Lumber Company to sponsor the naming of the new two-story residence on Milford to promote development in the subdivision.

And the winner won a prize of a whopping $25.

Next slide, please.

In District D, we have one protected landmark.

This property is the Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church at 3029 Holman Street in the third ward and is seeking protected landmark status.

The two-story mid-century building was completed in 1962 and is a historic black church that houses a 123-year-old congregation.

The Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1902 and moved to its current location in 1925 under the direction of Reverend W.

M.

Sykes, who was pastor of Rose Hill for 46 years.

The original Rose Hill Sanctuary was demolished and rebuilt in 1962.

Over the years, Rose Hill has continued to remain as a central pillar in the Third Ward community as an active congregation.

This designation will ensure that the church continues to operate and serve as both a physical and spiritual representation of African American heritage and history of the Third Ward.

In District H.

We have two protected landmarks.

These properties are the Valente Dyson houses at 1505 and 1507 Alamo Street in the first ward, and both are seeking protected landmark designations.

The two properties are neighboring one story or neighboring one-story craftsman bungalows.

These two houses represent some of the last surviving bungalows in this former working-class neighborhood that was originally settled by German and Italian immigrants.

They are being designated as protected landmarks since both properties are located just outside the high First Ward Historic District and have no other protections.

The new owners completed a houses were in the Dyson family for nearly nine decades and before they were sold in 2021.

The new owners completed a full renovation that earned a good brick award by Preservation Houston in 2024.

The change of designation for two properties located in historic districts, one in District C and one in District H.

Both are being changed from contributing structures to non-contributing structures.

In District C, 320 East 20th Street in Houston Heights East Historic District.

A change of designation was requested due to the incorrectly listed construction date in the original Heights East End Historic District Inventory.

The actual construction date was 1945 rather than 1930, which was listed in the inventory.

The architectural style and integrity have also been compromised over the years, and the site is inconsistent with others in the context area with no enduring community value.

The next is in District H, it is 3109 Morrison Street in the Woodland Heights Historic District.

This change of designation was also requested due to an incorrectly listed construction date in the original Woodland Heights Historic District Inventory.

The actual construction date was 1940 rather than 1930.

In addition, the building's architectural style and scale, building materials used, and dense five-unit layout is not in keeping with other contributing structures in the context area.

This concludes my presentation, and I'm happy to answer any questions.

Thank you.

Councilor McCayman.

It takes a lot to bring these items forward.

There's a lot of work, as you explained, that happens before it even comes to council.

So I just I want to thank the residents in District C that have been working on this, and I especially appreciate with uh Greater Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

It's just a few blocks away from me.

We have seen an explosion of development all around.

We've lost some homes that were the original timber from that neighborhood in terms of how those homes were built.

And so to have the church right in the heart of this that is recognized for what it means, not only in significance of the building itself, but the significance of the congregation, the members, and the pastoral leadership, uh really happy to see that come forward.

So again, just thank you all for the work citywide that you do.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Pretty fair job.

We have four public speakers.

Public speakers.

Nisha Harris.

To be followed by Emily Ardwan.

Good morning to all.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today.

My name is Nisha, and I have been serving as the church historian on this project.

I'm here to strongly recommend that the Greater Ho Greater Rose Hill Ministry Baptist Church under the current leadership of Dr.

Valjean Holmes, which is a faith community that has stood in our city for more than 120 years, be formally placed into Houston's historic preservation program.

This will ensure that it will never be subject to demolition and that its legacy will remain protected for generations to come.

This church is more than just a building.

It is a living landwork.

So for over a century it has witnessed the growth, the challenges, and the triumphs of our city.

While the skyline has changed and neighborhoods have transformed, this church has remained a constant, a reminder of where we've come from and who we aspire to be.

But its value isn't only historical, is deeply actively woven into the fabric of our community today.

Throughout the year, this church hosts Food Drives, we use mentor youth programs, community meetings, we give clothes away.

We have senior support services, and we partnership with local schools.

Dozens of families rely on its programs every single week.

And in times of crisis, whether storms, economic hardship, or even personal emergencies, the church opens its doors without hesitation.

It is often one of the first organizations of our residents to turn to for help, and it never turns them away.

We all know that once a historic building is gone, it's gone forever.

We cannot reclaim its architecture, its stories or the generations of memories held within its walls.

Losing this church would mean losing an irreplaceable piece of our city's identity.

By placing it in the city's preservation program, we affirm that our history, our culture, and the institution serve our people that matter.

It has been an honor to be a part of such a remarkable church and community.

On any given day, like a random Susie, you may see a man less fortunate, pushing a shopping cart past the church to ask the pastor for prayer.

And without hesitation, the pastor not only stops and prays with him, but sometimes he reaches in his own pockets to offer help without ever being asked.

That spirit of generosity that I have witnessed myself and compassion is what defines and leads this church.

Week after week, the members welcome with open arms their kindness to the members.

They genuinely warm their hearts.

And being located down the street from historic landmarks such as the Texas Southern University, the developing Columbia Tap Trail, the El Dorado Ballroom, Emancipation Park, and Project Row Houses are just a few number things to only deepen significance of this place.

To be recognized such an iconic institution as a cornerstone of this community would truly be an honor.

I once again respectfully ask the council to designate this church, Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, as a protected historic site through the preservation program.

Let us safeguard this remarkable institution, not only because of its past, but because of the vital role it continues to play in shaping our future.

Thank you.

We appreciate it.

Next speaker.

Emily Ardon.

To be followed by Daryl Mickins.

Good morning, members of City Council.

I'm Emily Ardwan representing Preservation Houston, a nonprofit organization that helps people save the places that are meaningful to them.

I'm speaking this morning in support of the landmark and protected landmark nominations presented this morning.

Preservation Houston wrote four of these nominations at the request of the property owners.

These designations matter because they help Houston grow without losing itself.

We have such a rich, multifaceted history, and these designations help us to keep passing that story on to future generations of Houstonians.

Landmark designations let the city evolve while ensuring we keep a critical mass of the buildings, stories, and cultural touchstones that give Houston its identity.

Our historic places are a big part of what makes Houston look like Houston, not just any other city.

Landmarks also give us something that's increasingly rare in a city that's growing so fast.

A sense of continuity that helps people stay connected to where they live.

The properties you're voting on represent five of Houston's historic neighborhoods and range from humble bungalows to grand tutor revival houses, plus two historic black churches that have served as community anchors in their neighborhoods.

I want to highlight the Greater Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in particular.

The congregation has occupied the same corner of Holman Street for more than a hundred years, but its surroundings look very different today than they did just 20 years ago.

The small single family homes that once framed the church were replaced first by vacant lots and more recently by new multi-story townhomes.

This stretch of Holman is fortunate to retain a few of its historic places, including the John Chase designed medical clinic across the street, nearby Blackshire Elementary, Riverside Hospital, and this church, which together help preserve the neighborhood's character and story as it changes.

As a reminder, protected landmark nominations can only be initiated by the property owner.

The review process applies only to exterior changes visible from the public right of way.

Routine maintenance and repairs are exempted, as is all interior work.

This is designed to protect the public realm while giving owners flexibility, a balance that allows Houston to move forward while keeping the places that make it so distinctive.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Thank you, ma'am.

Next.

Darrell Mickins.

To be followed by Lois Zamora.

Good morning to all.

For generations, this House of Worship has served as a sanctuary of prayer, a center for fellowship, a beacon of hope.

Within these laws, uh lives have been transformed, families have strengthened, and the gospel fatally proclaimed.

The physical presence of this church bears silent witness witness, countless acts of faith and preservation and sacrificial love.

The preservation of this historical church is not merely an act of converse conservation, it is the acts of stewardship.

The scripture reminds us that it is moreover requires us to be stewards of that.

We are entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard this place.

We have been handed down not merely solely for our benefit, for our benefit of our community.

The billing reflects the labor and vision of those who came before us, men and women who invested their uh time and resources in prayers to establish the lasting uh spiritual foundation.

Their commitment ensure that this church would endure through seasons of change, challenging, and continue mission without compromise.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Anyone else would like to testify?

Oh, we have one more.

Lois and Zamora.

One more.

No, Ms.

Samora.

Lois Zamora.

Ms.

Samora.

If not, is there a motion to close the hearing?

Castigate a move to close the public hearing.

Motion made in second.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposing the motion passes.

Now we will move to consent, but before we do, I want to ask the Secretary, and we can have a little dialogue if you choose.

I have asked him to pull item 11 and 24.

Arturo is not present today, a little under the weather.

I know several members have questions.

Councilmember Salinas certainly is reviewing the legalities of this.

Legal brought it forward.

Public works brought it forward.

And we have reviewed it carefully.

I said at the time I wouldn't give Mr.

Neary any monies.

I didn't vote for the original contract.

He is a bad actor.

But legal strongly believes that if we do not return to him the retainage of about 400,000, which the contract provided for that HUD, here's our exposure.

Not that if he wants to sue, he could get after it.

But HUD is very clear that we have to follow the terms of what the money was intended for for disaster recovery.

It's an agreement with HUD.

And if we don't comply, our dialogue with HUD is that it would expose $9 million that we potentially would have to return.

We could play chicken with them.

I don't think it is wise.

Certainly I listened to our city attorney and public works, Jed, but I do respect certainly a new member and others that would like to have a legal discussion.

Also, there is discussion about item 24, which contains another legal settlement that I think Artur should be present to provide his advice and counsel.

So with those that consideration, I would ask to pull those items and let everyone do their due diligence between now and it will be back on counsel next week.

Councilman Cayman.

Thank you, Mayor.

And I appreciate Councilmember Salinas and I have spoken.

I know Councilmember Castillo has been raising concerns about this as we look at the contract.

So I want to thank you for pulling this item because I do think it requires a lot more conversation in the context of the legality of this, the liability to the city, potential precedent, et cetera.

So I'll re withhold my other comments until we have that discussion, but I do uh want to recognize how stringently many of us, including yourself are looking at the terms of this contract specifically.

Well, thank you.

If anyone has any more suggestions about providing transparency, uh, I am open to that.

Uh if I thought a hearing would be uh appropriate, I do that.

But Arturo, Randy, Jed, the ones that asked to put this item on the agenda, uh, make themselves available, and particularly Arturo.

But thank you for your comments.

Councilmember Salinas.

Mayor, I just want to echo, I commend your commitment to public integrity, and I very much appreciate the opportunity to kick the tires on this.

I know that we have the same goal, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with your team.

Your team has been nothing but accessible and supportive in this process, and I just look forward to working with you to get the best outcome possible.

But thank you for your commitment to public integrity on this issue.

Thank you.

And I respect your legal skills and your uh transparency and and uh when I heard you had some uh questions, it was pretty clear to me that you should have additional time as well as all the uh members.

I just you know it's frustrating to me.

I don't want to own this, but I've learned members.

I own other items that come on the agenda that um were starting and created before I got here, but uh we need to do the responsible thing in something that would hold up in court, and uh really it's the HUD, the HUD uh exposure is is kind of directing this.

Uh Mr.

Neary is a bad actor, and uh we need to safeguard the public from bad actors, but uh this is actually complying with a HUD requirement, which we need to uh have a good working relationship with them and also follow their guidelines.

Councilmember Amarais.

Thank you, Mayor.

I want to applaud you for pulling this and also um thank Councilmember Salinas for raising questions.

Um I look forward during this break to visiting with legal and seeing what HUD says about situations where a vendor engages in in bribery and and what ramifications that has with the contract.

But I welcome the additional time to delve deeper into this.

Thank you.

Very well.

Councilmember Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor, for pulling this item, and I I want to uh offer my appreciation to Councilmember Salinas for raising the concerns, uh bringing her perspective to the horseshoe and immediately scrutinizing something uh that has now brought a different light to it.

So I look forward to uh the time to further dig into this uh with uh your team and her as well.

Thank you for your comments.

With that understanding, I would ask the Secretary to move now to the consent calendar.

Under the miscellaneous category, is there a motion for items two through six?

Cas six titum move.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion pass it.

Councilmember Thomas and Councilmember Thomas.

Thank you, Mayor, and colleagues.

I just want to I know we uh voted on consent for number five.

I just want to highlight the appointment of Dr.

Anthony Mays, the A.

Leafy is D superintendent, and then also the reappointment of Jay Shawnee with the International Management District.

They do incredible work on the West Side and District F and in J and appreciate uh the slate of candidates coming forward.

Thank you for the uh nomination and the approval Thank you.

And uh we appreciate our public service.

Um category is there a motion by items 7 through 10.

Cast X data move.

Motion made and seconded, all in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay, motion pass.

Under the property category is there a motion for item 12.

Cast X teta move.

Motion made and seconded.

All in favor say yes, those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Under the purchase and interpolation of bids category, item 15 has been pulled and would not be considered.

Item 13 has been removed for separate consideration.

Is there a motion for items 14, 16, and 17?

Cast extended move.

Text second.

Motion made and second.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Under the resolutions category, item 18 needs a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Under the ordinances category, essential list was distributed.

It has been one minor change.

That being item 19, removed for separate consideration.

Item 47 has been pulled and will now be considered.

Items removed for separate consideration are 19, 20, 25, 29, 36, 41, and 43.

Again, 19, 20, 25, 29, 36, 41, and 43.

Is there a vote on the balance?

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Items removed for separate consideration.

Is there a motion for item 13?

Cast extate to move.

Motion.

No.

19.

Councilmember Thomas.

No.

No.

19.

All in favor say yes.

Motion made and seconded.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Item 19 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Councilmember Thomas.

Thank you, colleagues.

This item on the agenda has come before committee, and this is an increase of affordability, which is really important in our CHOTO program, our community development single family program.

And so this is a step in the right direction, increasing affordability in the investment that we make towards these projects.

Hopefully to have your support on this, as it's a good move for the city.

Very well.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Thank you, Mayor.

I'll be supporting this item.

I want to thank our housing department leadership and my colleague, Councilmember Thomas, Chair of the Housing Committee for their work on this.

I would note that at the Quality of Life Committee last week, uh Director Nichols gave an update on the process to come up with a comprehensive housing plan with City Council's help.

We're excited to be a part of those discussions.

Hopeful that that process will include a review of policy for items like this one.

This item pertains to the guidelines for uh housing uh as it relates to single family homes.

Um housing dollars are scarce, so we have to be very good stewards of uh the dollars that we get and make sure we're helping more than just a handful of families when it comes to single family homes.

There are a number of strategies I hope we'll consider going forward, uh, including those relating to down payment assistance, such as a land trust model, which Director Nichols has endorsed in the past, looking at single family rentals and considering loans that will actually be repaid instead of entirely forgiven.

So look forward to being a part of those discussions going forward.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All in favor of item 19, those opposed, say nay.

Motion passes.

Item 20 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, say no.

Motion passes.

Representative Kman.

Thank you.

I just wanted to shout this item out.

Um it's a 100,000 dollar grant fund that is actually going to be going to Covenant House and the Child Care Council of Greater Houston to support infant and early child care programming.

Uh for parents, low and moderate income.

Uh, we have a lot of unhoused youth at Covenant House that are parents.

And uh I they're doing such a great job over there.

Uh, and to see this money going towards programming that not only supports the parents but those little children as well is very meaningful.

So appreciate all the work being done uh over at Covenant House right now.

Very good.

Thank you.

Next.

Item 25 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

Councilmember Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um, just want to highlight this item.

This is the McNodia Multiservice Center.

Uh some folks might not realize, but district I is furthest north uh point is Greens Bayou and Highway 90, and then our further southern point is about Beltway and um and 45.

And within that region, we have one multi-service center.

So it's it's important that we uh do our best to invest specifically in this one.

When we have uh you know those cold nights or those those night those days that are very warm, this is our location where folks can um come and visit a city of Houston facility.

Other than that, we depend on several churches, uh partnerships in that sense.

So I'm I'm happy to see that we're moving uh funds into some renovations at the Magnolia Multiservice Center and look forward to seeing uh more happen at that uh uh that the center as well.

So appreciate everyone's support.

Very good.

All in favor of Item 25, say yes, those opposed nay.

Motion passes.

Item 29 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in.

Councilmember Ramirez.

Oh, sorry, Mayor.

Thank you.

Uh yes, uh I just want to uh offer some general com comments, but first let me be specific.

I noticed that Chris Larson is here, so we certainly appreciate everything he is doing with with the downtown TURS.

Um but just a general comment.

Uh 29, 30, 31, and 32, the three of which have have already passed, all relate to TURS.

Uh three of these items came before committee.

Uh one did not.

Item 30 did not come to committee.

My my suggestion that I would offer going forward is that each of the TURS budgets come before a committee uh so that council can uh scrutiness well, 30 actually did not can scrutinize these a little more this coming year, the city will um um direct 200 million dollars to our TURS, and so uh I think it would be a good idea for us to more closely consider these in committee, but I will be supporting uh this item.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilor uh Martinez.

Thank you, Mayor.

Uh and you know, Chris has already been acknowledged.

I want to say uh thank you, Chris, for all the work that you continue to do for uh downtown Houston.

Um, you know, the the work from the the Main Street 2.0, the promenade, um, and and I I always have to do this because uh I think uh um as a former staffer, we appreciate uh all uh all the folks that do the good work.

Um and one of my former colleagues who was really uh help uh lead uh within the district office, Daniel Santamaria.

I just wanted to make sure that he's excited to see this come to fruition.

I know this uh it's also huge for FIFA that's coming, uh but just quite frankly for all of uh Houstonians that uh that we'll be able to enjoy um downtown in a safe way, um, in a way where you know we're having to see some uh we're able to see tree canopies now.

We know is it is usually hot in Houston, but uh everything that that we can do to make sure that um downtown continues to be that destination.

Um also wanted to highlight the Edo Cat Park.

Uh I know one of my colleagues is going to speak to it as well, but um your leadership in this space as well is is is greatly appreciated.

Um we know that this project won't be for at least another six, seven, eight years at least when we start looking at some possible designs.

Um but uh being able to allocate funding towards uh this uh this cat park will really help us you know uh identify or see it come to fruition.

It's uh it's a small bucket that ultimately we continue to uh set aside some dollars, roughly about 30 million.

Um I think estimated is 150 million dollars.

Uh but it'll it least allows us uh as a city to take that that lead in the conversation.

We know that there is community engagement that we're gonna be having as well because of your leadership.

Uh so just want to uh you know let my colleagues know this is uh, you know, I know we we highlight TURS on so several conversations, but this is an example of TURS that uh is really doing uh uh a heavy lift for the City of Houston, and then we really get a return on our investment as well.

So I just want to say thank you and appreciate everyone's support.

Councilman Alcorn.

Thank you.

And to Councilmember Ramirez's point, this is uh a lot of money goes into TURSAs, and I know um Mayor Pro Tem br does bring these to committee.

We we really scrutinize these budgets in our office, and I appreciate the economic development team got back to me with a lot of questions.

Chris Larson, you personally answered a lot of questions.

I walked down Monday on a beautiful day to see the progress on the main street.

It's so exciting.

That big blue tile main street is my favorite thing of all of Houston right now.

It's really great.

It's just really fun to see.

Um mid-May, I guess you said that was going to be all completed.

So looks like there's still a lot of work to do.

So I hope we have a lot of sunny, sunny, good construction days until then.

And um, Councilmember Ramirez brought I mean Martinez brought up the uh the CAP park.

I asked a bunch of questions about that.

You know, we are setting aside um until 2030, about 30 million dollars.

And and to me, this looks like it looks like we're the only the Tours is the only group setting aside funding right now for this.

So I asked a bunch of questions like who is taking the lead, is this going to be a city project?

Is this a tourist project?

And I know like you said, you've got six years.

I mean, it's not like this is cat parks going up, but I think with the Polk discussion and the GRB, there's a lot of interest in what is going on for the Edo Cat Park.

So to the extent um we can have more to talk about, more information about kind of any organization around and support around what the what the plans are for that area, even though it is in the in you know a few years off.

Um I would really appreciate it.

But thanks, Chris, for all your good work.

It's really exciting and and appreciate all y'all are doing.

Very good.

Chris, thanks for your partnership.

No one's mentioned that 85 downtown blocks you are fixing to join the city in repaving.

Uh I'm not going to ask for a progress report this morning, but we got to be done by FIFA.

So you have got a lot on your plate as we do.

So thank you for being a part of our uh progress.

Thank you.

All in favor, say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Very good.

Item 36 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

Thank you.

Mayor, I wanted to speak before the item.

I apologize.

I didn't see your light.

Thank you.

Um because our city attorney isn't here.

Um I would respectfully like to tag this item.

It's a very important item uh that we have supported the past 12 years.

It's additional grant funding for uh our police officers.

Uh but there's some language that the DOJ has put out.

Um, and I would just like clarification uh from City Legal as to whether or not this is the same language uh that the Department of Justice has included in this grant in years prior, especially as it relates to the exchange of information regarding citizenship and immigration status, including lawful status.

Uh so if we could just get an answer on that.

Sure, you want to move to reconsider because I would already gathered it through.

That would be terrific.

Second.

Yeah.

Motion makes reconsider item 36.

36.

36.

All in favor say yes.

All opposed, nay.

Motion back before us, and councilmember Cayman tags it.

Respectfully.

Yeah, sure.

Thank you.

Everything we do is respectfully.

We want to make sure, we want to make sure our law enforcement is getting this.

I understand the the uh the challenge is is the funding is for our cadet classes.

So we are having all-time uh large cadet classes, so we need to continue to protect that funding.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

Next item 41 is an ordinance.

Just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed nay.

Okay.

After?

Okay.

After the vote.

After the vote.

All in favor.

Motion passes.

Council Ken.

Councilman Cateman.

All right.

Turkey Gully.

Uh I wanted to lift up this item.

Colleagues, you know, I have been working on the Turkey Gully uh drainage improvements for years.

Uh we secured $16 million utilizing $14 million of HUD CDBG funds for this.

Uh I want to thank public works and flood control for the partnership on this.

This project removes 171 properties out of a flood risk area during a two-year storm event.

It removes 238 properties from flood excuse me, from flood risk in a 10-year storm event, and removes 157 properties.

These are homes and businesses out of flood risk in a 100-year storm event.

What this item does is it helps expedite the process of acquiring certain land and rights of way or easements in support of the drainage project if that is necessary.

Uh I continue to say we're on borrowed time when it comes to storms and flooding, and this is one of those projects that is going to make uh a real impact for our neighborhoods.

It's at 90 percent design right now.

And uh this item specifically is a great mechanism to help move the process along faster.

So again, just want to give a huge shout out because Turkey Gully Drainage and Paving Project is moving forward.

Item 43 is an ordinance, just need a vote.

All in favor say yes.

Those opposed, nay.

Motion passes.

And this completes the items on the agenda.

Members, uh the mayor's report was kind of taken over by our guest, uh Amanda Wally and uh Commissioner.

I had two important items that I wanted to mention if I would like to start out a pop off.

Uh first, obviously the Texans surely on everyone's mind for two o'clock Sunday.

Uh plan New England.

We wish the best for uh the team and Taro and invite all Houstonians to get behind the Texans because it's an event that brings all Houstonians together.

They uh sports events when I leave a ball game, I always reflect on what a great opportunity for all Houstonians to come together and be Houstonians.

So thank you to the Texans, wish them well, and hope the quarterback has a great game, and I'm sure he will.

Uh African American mayors have never been able to pull off the unity of the two parades, and the other Anglo mayors have never tried.

And of course, I got elected to make things improve.

So we started working with both groups.

Rebecca Williams played a critical role.

Um, but Mr.

Stamps, I uh I told you yesterday at lunch, uh this is really special.

For over 40 years, we've had two parades for the same purpose.

In my judgment, it was not the best way to honor Dr.

King.

Uh it was stretching resources after the New Orleans tragedy of a car driving through a crowd.

Uh to stretch HPD to two routes at the same time, we're just not smart.

So you've really been a leader in this effort, and I want to publicly thank you.

Ms.

Brewer couldn't be here, but uh it's a I think it's a great celebration.

I've heard from across Houston, certainly our African American committee to say it should have been done a long time ago.

You knew it, Ms.

Brewer knew it, I knew it, and it's happening.

Uh Monday, there's a nine o'clock reception, 10 o'clock parade, 36 bands, three grand marshals, Mayor Whitmire, Charles Stamps, and a radio personality, Matt Hatter.

So just let's celebrate this occasion, honor Dr.

King, and demonstrate how Houston is a united city.

It's a unity parade.

The weather is supposed to cooperate, although it will be cold.

But thank you, Mr.

Stamps.

I yield to you.

You want to tell us uh a little history and the status report.

Speak into the mic on the other side.

Either one.

Well, thank you, Mayor.

And City Council, uh Mayor Pro Tem from having me out this morning.

Um the solution uh to the dual parade was very simple, and was always contained and uh city ordinance.

But for 30 years, no council member nor mayor ever thought to look at it until now.

And when they did, they found a solution, and that solution was exercised.

And as a result, uh you have a combined parade.

Um I'm very grateful that I live long enough to see it come to fruition, and um the mayor encourages me because him and I were the same age, and when he tells me that he can do it another year, it encourages me that I can do it another year as well.

And when he tells me that he can do it another year, it encourages me that I can do it another year as well.

But I think you're gonna be very proud of what you're gonna say on Monday.

The mayor is correct.

We've been in calls from all over the state and all over the country.

What other cities are doing as we speak is that they're using our efforts as a template to implement a similar event moving forward.

Which is a mirror image of what we're doing here in Houston.

We're expecting record breaking uh crowds.

Uh our best estimates is that it's going to exceed 400,000, depending on weather.

But what we can engage and calculate personally, there have never been an event, parade or any otherwise, in the city of Houston that's had this number of entries.

Um paper, it's well over 300 entries.

That's on paper.

But when you take it off paper and put it on the streets, it's gonna be larger.

Uh we anticipate that each 100 parade entries are going to exceed uh a duration of one hour.

So if you have 300 parade entries, you have a three hour production.

Um 300.

Um we're proudful that the weather holds up long enough that the parade will end before it gets dark.

But I think you're gonna be very proud, uh, very encouraged, and you can look forward to what's gonna happen in years to come.

Again, thank you for your time, and I appreciate the recognition.

And uh Councilmember Davis, let me before I call on him, a key component, a critical involvement of uh councilmember Davis, Pastor Davis, through your friendship relationship with him.

Uh it assisted us numerous times when we had issues coming up.

So, Councilman Davis, thank you for your leadership, and uh we're gonna be together celebrating on Monday.

Thank you, uh Mayor, and thank you, Charles.

Um my contribution was you know really small and in respect of this idea.

But let me first start with Mayor, thank you for taking the action of stepping up as a leader and doing what you know is to be right because of your work as a senator and uh and uh representative, legislative representative, and now the mayor of this city.

We are a phenomenal city.

I believe that in divine intervention, if I may, to many of us, everything is by timing.

Timing.

People said to the mayor, don't do it, that it would be chaos to do that, and the mayor said, Well, I'm I'm the leader, so I'm gonna do it.

How can we, as a community, so many issues we talk about around this horseshoe.

We hear so many protesters who come to this city and always talking about things that divide us.

This is an opportunity and a time to unite us.

I cannot begin to tell you, colleagues, how many faith leaders of all cultures and races that are calling and excited about participating in this parade.

Uh the mayor indicated that he wanted this parade to be the largest in the state of Texas, and it is that it is going to be in a phenomenal amount of people that's gonna come downtown of all our cultures.

We're gonna have a major participation of the Latino Hispanic community in this parade.

Mrs.

Stamp has done a phenomenal job.

Ms.

Brewer's done a great job, and I think it would be remiss of us that we would not show our unity by coming together as we represent Houston and to support what this administration has done to bring the city together, but celebrating a leader who submitted his life, his time, and everything to uniting people, not dividing people.

And so that was my I hear these people talk about all these different things coming from different people about certain groups.

But here's a group, here's an opportunity for the city to come together and show the city that we're united.

We come to Livestock Show and Rodeo.

We go to Thanksgiving.

We go to veterans, we go to everything.

But this is an effort beyond all efforts.

This will probably go national by cause of the participation.

Mr.

Snap, let me thank you for uh in the meetings that we had.

Uh it was a tall hill to climb, but we did it.

Uh both sides came together and agreed, and it went forward.

Ricardo's participation, Rebecca Williams' participate participation, and um it could not have been done.

So I want to thank you, uh, Mrs.

Stamps and then Ms.

Bruyne, our absence, and all of those involved.

It's very little about me, but sometimes if we all think about it, divine intervention is so important.

And so thank you, Mayor, for taking the leadership.

Your role was to think about the safety of the city.

At the same time, you also felt that it was right for after 30 years of division to come together as one.

And I commend you for it, and I commend you, Brother Stamps, and Ms.

Wilner Absen for deciding that it was time for no longer to be divided, but to be united.

Thank you.

Okay.

Councilman Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

Mr.

Stamps, uh, while I've not had the the pleasure to meet you, it's great to see you here today.

Um back in 2011, I had the pleasure to meet Mr.

Ovi Dunkentel.

And we used to sit across the table and talk about why isn't there just one parade?

And so to see you here today, and Mayor, for you making this happen, it's long overdue.

Councilmember Davis, thank you for your comments because I think that that certainly that's spot on in that when you're divided just on a front of honoring someone, then what honor is that?

You know, what what honor are you placing?

So thank you for your efforts and your willingness and your leadership in that.

And I know for for many years, this is something that the entire city has probably wanted to uh see come to fruition.

So thanks for all the efforts involved in it.

God bless you.

Thank you.

And Mr.

Stamps, you and I have discussed how we're going to build upon this year's event because there's so much enthusiasm, and we're already discussing next year how to even be bigger and better.

Well, um, I think you described we're on a sugar high right now.

So when we come down off of it, we need to get ready and build.

Right.

We joke and referred to as a sugar high because when we initially talked about this, uh we discussed a prospect that it had to be in two phases, if you will.

The first phase would be to overcome the appearance, the optics.

Why, why, why?

I think we've done that.

The second phase, which is more most importantly, it's the message.

And you begin by understanding, Ms.

Carter, that when Dr.

King was talking about unity, he was talking about world unity.

He wasn't talking about unity in a community, or for one specific ethnicity.

The parade is on my birthday, January 19th.

I'm gonna take one day off, and on January 21, we're going to continue the second phase, which is messaging, inclusion, making our differences work for us as opposed to against us.

We do it every day.

We just don't realize it.

It takes something major for us to snap, like uh the World Trade Center or Natural Disaster, and we all come together.

We come together every day, working on the things that we have in common, the things that we don't have in coming, we'll just work on it.

Willie and I share the arm together, and we had a macho, and the macho was that the difficult we do first.

That's what we're doing.

But the impossible takes a little longer.

So it takes it may take us a while to get to that second uh complete that second phase if we ever complete it at all.

But the fact that we are working on it, um striving for a more a more perfect union.

It may not ever be perfect, but as long as you're working on that idea, that concept, then there's hope.

And that's what the mayor and I discussed.

And uh Mayor, you're very sharp, you know that to be 75 years old.

Well, you've bounced that enough.

Hey, listen here.

Hey, listen here, I agree with you.

And uh in fact, I really agree with you.

Um we need to thank our our police chief Diaz and Fire Chief Minos, because we couldn't do this without our first responders.

And in the past, they've been able to manage it, but it was becoming a real challenge.

So they were at the table to make certain that safety is one of our highest priorities for the participants and the uh observers of the parade.

So let's let's have fun.

I know you have a Gale of Sunday night, and there's a uh gospel singing Saturday night.

So you know, as Councilmember Davis said, we have a lot of critics come before us, and unfortunately, we don't discuss enough about what a great city this is in terms of bringing people together.

We have great people.

We're meeting our challenges, and we can say now we've got one unity parade honoring Dr.

King.

So thank you for your vital role.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

Member, shout out uh Dr.

Carter.

Councilmember Carter.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um I just wanted to say thank you for coming out to uh our neck of the woods.

Uh Councilmember Flickinger had uh set up our fifth median madness, and I'm sure he'll talk a lot about it.

But thank you for actually spending time out there, not just passing through, but getting in and getting your hands dirty and you and your feet a little wet, probably.

But it matters to the community, you know, uh uh across the city when your presence is there, they know it matters to you, and it certainly matters to us.

And I look forward to working with you uh on some collaborations to get things moving along on that front.

So appreciate your help.

I should have mentioned it, Councilmember Fleckinger, you're a successful model for community engagement, getting those high school students out on a Saturday morning in a cold weather, 8 o'clock to cut debris off of the Kingwood Drive.

Is uh it was it was great to be a part of it.

Thank you for your leadership, and we should take that across Houston for sure.

Councilmember Shabazz, Evan Shabazz.

Thank you, Mayor.

Go Texans.

Uh I want to begin by sharing a brief recap from District D.

Last week, residents came together for the Harris Health Town Hall at Herman Park to discuss the proposed Benthab hospital expansion and its potential impact on our community.

This was an important and necessary conversation, and I want to sincerely thank Councilmember Ramirez, Councilmember Davis, and Councilmember Alcorn for taking the time to be present and listen to the community.

I also want to thank the Herman Park Conservancy for hosting and facilitating a space that allowed residents to hear directly from stakeholders, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.

Community engagement matters, and this town hall reflected our shared commitment to transparency, public input, and reasonable planning.

As we continue this process, I remain committed to ensuring that the voices of District D residents are heard and respected every step of the way.

Health care and park space are both vitally important.

So we want to work towards a win-win decision.

Looking ahead, I want to highlight two upcoming events.

First, on Wednesday today, uh I will attend the Houston City College Board of Trustees swearing-in ceremony honoring uh Monica Flores, Reichhart, Renee Jefferson Patterson, and Cynthia Linton Geary.

This ceremony recognizes leadership and service in higher education, and I look forward to celebrating these trustees as they begin and continue their terms.

On Monday, January the 19th, I want to highlight the Houston Texans YMCA Legends breakfast, marking the YMCA's 15th anniversary, and serving as a prelude to the Martin Luther King King Day of Service.

This event celebrates legacy leadership and the continued importance of service and strengthening our neighborhoods.

The breakfast starts at 9 a.m., followed immediately by the beautification of facility and grounds in keeping with the theme, built on service, grounded in community.

And the address of the Houston, Texas breakfast is 5202 Griggs Road.

Again, it begins at 9.

But due to the parade, I will not be able to attend the breakfast and service event event, but I will be there in spirit.

And that concludes what's going on in the district of destination.

Thank you.

Councilman Castillo.

Thank you, Mayor.

I want to start off by thanking everyone who attended the first District H Town Hall of 2026 this past Saturday, including uh Councilmember Alcorn and Chief Diaz were present along with a number of city departments and resources.

I will hold our next town hall January 24th, Saturday at Clark Park.

This is going to be in the North Line area at 10 a.m.

And uh look forward to seeing y'all out there.

I want to also highlight the significance again, I know we talked about earlier of the agreement with Precinct Two for Moody Park.

Um and thank uh all the the stakeholders that made that happen.

You know, this partnership uh means that the city keeps the ownership, the county will maintain and operate the park.

This includes mowing, litter removal, security, tree care, field improvements.

There's also improvements coming to the park tied to the World Cup, as well as commitments from Commissioner Garcia, which we heard today for for further enhancements and improvements to Moody Park.

Uh, with the community continuing to play a role uh in the activities there with the Friends of Moody Park Group.

Uh this will support the free kicks soccer, low cost to no cost program for youth and uh current Houston Parks departments, youth soccer participants uh will also be a part of that.

And no city funding is going into this.

This is actually saving the city money.

So it's a great uh model that has been applied at other parks across the city.

This is now uh coming to Moody Park, and I want to again reiterate uh all the work that went into making it happen and how this will benefit uh the district and the park in the long term.

And finally, um we have been working with the seniors that live at Independent Heights, uh senior living facility.

They've been dealing with a broken elevator.

Uh it's the only elevator in their apartment complex.

And it was out for a week.

Um so you had some folks that were living on the top floors that had mobility issues that couldn't uh couldn't get out of there.

Uh it is back up and running, but it just highlights, you know, how vulnerable our seniors can be when when these things happen.

And it is something uh that public works was was assisting with.

Um, but I do want to look at uh Mayor, what else we can do uh to hold the owners of the buildings uh accountable to incentivize or to to get these repairs done quicker so that folks that are in those positions aren't aren't left uh waiting weeks, you know, for an elevator to get fixed.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Davis.

Thank you, Mayor.

Um let me begin by first of all, I want to thank Councilmember Cowan Shabazz for the invite to us in regards to the meeting that was held at the Conservancy, I think was very uh great information that we got on both sides.

Um certainly that's the concern earlier when it was the question was asked by one of our colleagues about where it is as it relates to the county, and it will come back to us.

But uh, and I didn't want to further that discussion, but there is a concern that I have uh in attending the meeting, and that was that the Conservancy who is going to be affected by this and where the no matter where and what side people are on.

But the concern is this the Harris County Hospital District are holding meetings, but they're not inviting the Conservancy and their meetings to bring up the issue.

If it's going to represent all of Harris County and the city, then I would think uh that there ought to be some expressions from the Conservancy at their meetings.

They invited the hospital district to their meeting.

So that's something that brought was brought up by some constituents who expressed to me that they were not uh given the invite to the meetings that the Harris County Hospital District was doing.

So I don't know, but there will be following discussion about it.

Uh also uh just wanted to shout out that I'm always grateful to my staff.

As you know, we started uh last year making four town hall meetings a year.

Our goal across the city.

We've gone north, south, east, and west, and uh we're excited about we're gonna be in the metropolitan uh multi-purpose on Gray.

We'll be there.

We would have done it this month, but due to some of the elections, we're gonna do it in February.

And we hope to have uh robust participation of um some of our department leaders as well as we want to have uh many of the community associations and civic clubs to participate.

We have had successful, been very successful that for the past two years uh with at least eight of those already.

So we looking forward to starting the year off the same way and bringing that to the due republic.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

And we can fix that issue of the Conservatives not being engaged enough.

Uh I know for a fact they are talking a lot, but maybe not in public.

But that's probably a phone call solution.

Sure.

Sure.

Thank you.

Thank you.