Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Are we on? Ron? Oh, okay. Let's go. Alright. I know we got we got a lot of people here for Fiesta. Right? Alright. We gotta go get through this. So we have a lot of ceremonial items, so please please bear with us. Alright. Good morning. Welcome to the commissioner's court meeting, Tuesday, 04/14/2026. Please note that we may be calling in the court. I'm alerting that we may call executive session early in light of the accommodations and the issues that we need to talk about.

Alright. With that, commissioner Moody, who is present and I believe is by Zoom. Commissioner, do you wanna open with the invocation and the pledge, or do you want somebody at the court to do that? I yield to you.

No. I got it, judge. I believe we have pastor Godwin with us today.

Pastor Rick Godwin. Good morning.

And just a quick background on pastor Godwin. Thank you for coming to commissioners court. He's the senior pastor at Summit Church on the North Side Of San Antonio, a contemporary multicultural congregation. Rick's a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He's the author of five books.

He travels both nationally and internationally speaking in business and church leadership seminars and conferences. His combination of solid biblical principles mixed with practical application appeals to leadership in every area of life. Rick's passion is to challenge people to pursue their dreams and live life at the highest possible level. He believes that influence comes through service and is dedicated to helping people see how they can positively impact the communities in which they live. Rick's married to his lovely wife, Cindy, and they have two daughters, Kristen and Alicia. Welcome pastor Godwin.

Thank you,

commissioner Paul Wright. And good morning, commissioners. Wright. Almighty God, we come before you this morning with gratitude and for the opportunity to serve the people of San Antonio. We ask for your presence to be with all members of this court as they carry out their responsibilities.

Grant them wisdom to make just decisions, courage to stand for what is right, and humility to listen with an open heart. May their work be guided by integrity, fairness, and a sincere desire to promote the well-being of all citizens of this great city. Lord bless San Antonio and its people. Strengthen our unity, protect those who serve, and help us to care for one another with compassion and respect. May everything done today bring honor to you and contribute to the welfare and good of our community. We ask this in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit.

Amen.

Amen.

Pastor Godwin. Thank you. You'd all join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America.

Alright. We'll take up agenda item number three. Request the commission court to identify items from the consent agenda for additional discussion and approve remaining consent agenda items. Commissioner Clay Flores, any matters to pull?

Nothing to pull, judge.

Commissioner Rodriguez? I'm good, judge. Commissioner Moody?

Nothing to pull, judge.

Commissioner Calvert? Alright. Motion approved. Motion by commissioner Rodriguez. Second by commissioner Clay Flores. Judge. Yes. Okay.

We do have to pull a consent item. Alright. And make a correction on one other.

Alright. Would you please make the let's go with the items to pull for the record and we'll probably need to amend the motion to reflect.

Correct. We will be pulling number 25 under public works.

25.

Pull. Let me just I need a point of clarification. Why is it being pulled?

Just outstanding issues with the real estate transaction.

K. Alright. Is there any other matters to pull?

No matters to pull, but number 47 needs a corrected there's gonna be a correction on the order for that item.

Alright.

The order currently states that this appointment is effective immediately, but the updated motion will reflect that the order shall take effect on 05/01/2026.

If I

can, judge, I'll amend my motion then to exclude item 25, which has been pulled Second. And to, make item 47 appointment effective May 1.

Alright. There's a motion to amend with the matters pulled and

the matters amended. Judge judge, without objection, because we have the, you know, Beacon Hill neighborhood in support of item 25, if if Dave Wegman or someone from real estate can speak to the real estate issues, I'd like to hear what those are.

Alright. Well, let's get the motion Yep. And and we also have some citizens to be heard off the consent. So at this time, let's go ahead. As a point of personal privilege, commissioner Calvert has asked that is mister Wegman present? Or the real estate person for the county here?

Whenever they come. They're probably Yeah.

Well, let's are they in the back? Can somebody check so that we can alright. Also, two, before we vote on consent, we do have citizens to be heard, and I wanna make sure they're heard. So at this time, I wanna let the record reflect that you have three minutes to speak. And in regards to item 47, Glenn Brooks, you are can come forward.

Good morning.

Okay. In reference to the 47, the appointment of the justice of peace precinct four. I want to the first thing that I wanna identify is that the fairness of this decision that is opposed before us. I believe that being in the service for twenty four years, I followed rules that was applied to us no matter what it is that made us do our best to accomplish our mission. So this is the same thing that I look at at item 47.

We did everything the right way. We did the petitions. We did everything that's necessary to make sure that the voices are heard from the people to make sure that Veronica Brooks had the opportunity to support and to allow people to force their opinion for her and to vote in the right way. Fairness to me means that everybody gets the opportunity to do that. She wasn't given that opportunity.

And we we one thing about it, I believe that each time that we allow people to vote for a person that we want to represent us, I think it should be fair. And she never got that opportunity. And there's reasons why that opportunity wasn't given. We didn't never get that due process because January 1, that decision was made when the secretary of state was shut down. So that tells me that she was removed from the ballot prior to us meeting the bare crowning Democratic Party on 01/01/2026.

So my what I'm asking today is to consider to remove number 47 item so that due justice could be served, that the people's voice would be heard. And that's what my that's my cry for the people.

Thank you, mister Brooks. Okay. Doctor Veronica Brooks.

Good morning, judge and commissioner. Yes. My name is doctor Veronica Brooks, and I am a write in candidate for the Justice Of The Peace Precinct 4, Place 1. I stand here before you today not just as a candidate, but as someone who has been directly impacted by a process that has not been fair. I was removed from the primary ballot, and that was not due to my mistakes.

It was due to the Bexar County Democratic Party's mistake. They accidentally typed in wrong names, wrong birth dates, and they left out my military people. So therefore, they said I was three signatures short, and they took off a 130 of my voters, and it was incorrect. So I gave them 380. They had two and I only needed 250.

So they took out the 130 votes, and actually, that was my military. And like I said, they misspelled names. So I took all the legal steps. I went to court. And what happened, county elections, they took the stand.

He needed a professional opinion. They had already started printing the ballots on the eighth. So he couldn't vote in my favor. He couldn't get in my favor of that actual thing for the when I went to court. So now this is here.

The secretary of state actually said that the ballots were the logic and the accuracy testing was not until January 14, but there was a conflict there. The elections office said they had started on the eighth. So now I see that number 48 47 item number 47 proposes appoint appoint appointing my opponent, which that is not even fair to me because I'm currently running in the same race into this very same seat that is being contested. This creates an uneven playing field and undetermined public trust in this electorial process. This is not about one candidate versus another.

This is about whether the people of Precinct 4 will have a fair opportunity to choose their judge. I respectfully ask that this court remove or vote no on item number 47 and allow the voters to decide the election fairly. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor Brooks. Chuck Slaughter, you've signed up for this particular item.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Judge Peter Sakai

Mhmm.

And the Commissioner's Court. My name is Chuck Slaughter. I'm the organizer and founder of the Black Independent Boaters Association, a grassroots movement here in San Antonio. We rise today in the name of fairness, for which each one of you guys up there got elected under a fair rule. This is unprecedented for a candidate that is on the ticket who I'm sure she's well qualified to be in the position as the other candidate is as well.

So the fairness is what we're here to speak about today. It's unfair to put a candidate that is on the ticket as a as a candidate to be elected to the office to appoint them to the office before the election. This sends out a message to the to the customer today, I'm sorry, to the constituents that this person is better qualified and we're gonna put them in that position against the will of the people. We do not wish to have our vote disenfranchised in Precinct 4. We will not tolerate it.

In the interest of democracy and fairness, I want to address this this this situation now. And we ask that you respectfully respect our right to vote on this issue. We ask that you remove item 47 from the agenda. I'll vote no against it. Okay?

This is seem to be a pattern that's developing. Just recently in Houston, they did the same thing to a candidate there when they removed a person for a criminal issue and filled it with a candidate that's on the on the ballot for the election. So this is a trend that's developing. We do not wanna lose our right to vote. To me, this appears to be anti DEI on steroids, and we need to do something to stop it. So with that, I respectfully ask you all to remove that item 47 from the agenda or vote no against it

or we will remember.

Thank you.

Thank you, mister Purdue. Let me have John Purdue. You signed up. John Purdue. Did I say that right? Mister Purdue. Alright. Okay. Let me put on record that other people have signed up, but she signed up under citizens to be heard. If you're trying to address a consent agenda item, you need to let me know. Otherwise, I will call you on Citizens to Be Heard. We also have one on the mister Perdue? Yes. Alright. Mister Perdue, you have three minutes.

Good morning. Good morning. My name is John Derek Purdue, and I am a citizen here in Precinct 4. And I rise in support of Doctor. Brooks and the the candidate so that the this particular item can be removed or voted no.

Preferably, you'll vote no right now. The my rationale is the same as Mr. Slaughter's, in that the the barriers that doctor Brooks had overcome in order to be listed as a write in candidate qualifies her as much as miss Campos to be appointed as an interim justice appeals for District 4, Precinct 4. And I rise to in support, full support of my fellow citizens, and I look forward to a favorable response.

Thank you, mister Perdue. Alright. We had also somebody signed up for item 54. That's an individual agenda item. I'll call you up when we have citizen to be heard. Are there any other citizen to be heard on the matters of the consent agenda item that we will now vote upon? Hearing none, is there any further discussion? Commissioner Calvert, you have the floor.

Thank you, judge. I wanna thank everyone who just came to commissioners court. From what I have learned about the court case and judge, I think, Robertson, Ben Robertson's courtroom, unfortunately, there was errors that were made by the Democratic Party in terms of checking the checking the voter registrations and names as you stated here today. I don't I don't have firsthand transcripts, but I understand that there were some errors made, that is that is a very sad travesty that that has has happened. In in the case of the appointment, I think it's a different scenario.

The the the staff did some vetting in terms of whether or not there was anyone running, and this this case was missed. There wasn't an awareness up until very recently that there was a write in candidate. But I did some research on write in candidates last night and learned that Senator Strom Thurman actually came into his senate or congressional seat rather, after a state senator was appointed for that congressional position, that congressman was later defeated by senator Thurman. Senator Murkowski recently won a write in contest. So having an incumbents are defeated in elections all the time.

So you've got an opportunity and you've got other case studies where write in candidates were successful. And so the train had basically left the station in this case. And folks have made arrangements to be in this position, so we're going to have to move forward at this point because it's just too late in that process. And so there has been, you know, there's obviously been a calamity of errors that have put us in this position. But I think if we'd known a bit earlier, you know, things could have come across differently.

But the assumption was that there was no other there was no Republican person and that it was time to get the court back into a regular flow. So I just wanted to give that perspective. I know it's maybe not ideal and it's unfortunate, and we have to do a whole lot better in terms of the party and some of that research in the future. So judge, thank you very much.

Judge?

Go. Commissioner Moody, did you I'll review to you.

Just a a quick comment here. For the record, I'm gonna abstain on this item. I'm referencing item 47. This is regarding Democrat primary, and, obviously, there's internal questions about process and everything else. But with no Republican candidate, I don't think it's my place to, to weigh in on this, and, I'll abstain.

Alright. And David Wegmans.

Well, let's get the vote. Okay. I'll call for a vote. Note commissioner Moody's abstention. All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Commissioner Moody, for the record? Okay. Well, he's already noted his extension. Motion carries. Passes. Alright.

I just I just wanna make a comment. So, of course, I voted in in favor of that. I just wanna say to the people who came to speak, like, this person is still gonna be on the ballot in November, so you can still do your thing and be on the ballot in November. She is appointed as an interim because that's just legally how it goes. She will still have to be on the ballot for November. So thank you.

So noted. Alright. We'll now go to ceremonial, and we will now proceed. David. Dave Wakeman.

Thank you, judge and commissioners. Regarding item 25 that we had pulled from the agenda, there were still some remaining administrative issues that needed to be resolved on that struck off property. On item 25, after discussions with the DA's office and our asset management group, There are still some ongoing coordination with the tax office, with our third party attorney Linebarger that we utilize for these type of items and for the execution of the resale deed. Our public works office and the DA is meeting on Monday next week to resolve these issues, and it should be on a subsequent court.

I I just would like to because I understand there's a a judicial ruling related to this particular parcel. There was a a court hearing about this parcel. Is that right?

I am unsure of that, commissioner.

That was in the background that I that I received. But I don't know. Larry, do you wanna illuminate what those specific issues are?

So there there needs there's accrued taxes, so they need a way of need the execution of a resell deed, and we need to coordinate that through Linebarger. It's just a technical issue. There's no real issue other than the technical requirements that need to be coordinated through the tax office and the line barter.

Well, isn't that what the struck off process levels out? I mean, isn't that kind of why we move these things forward? Mean, I just

That's part of the process. It's just they put it on the agenda before the final kind of dotting the i's and crossing the t's. So I think it was a little premature to put it on the agenda before those final items could occur. I didn't know it was on the agenda, commissioner, so I apologize for that. So when I saw it on the agenda, Peter from my office reached out to Dave's, and I think it was just premature to put it on there before those final items. So you're correct. That is part of the process. Alright.

Thank So

I apologize for that.

Thank you very much, judge.

You're

welcome. But we should get it on the next agenda for the twenty eighth, I believe. Is that what it is?

Alright. Just everybody make sure it gets on the docket. Alright. We're gonna do the ceremonial. And obviously, we have a lot of people here for Fiesta. And so to help you all out, we're gonna start with the and I've I've got most of the proclamations in front of me. Commissioner, y'all have cert or do y'all have Oh, I got them all? Well, I need I

have one.

I have a couple.

Okay. Let's I wanna hand them out because I I don't wanna read all of them. So Alright. Which which one do you want?

I'll do the Ray Fail.

Ray Fail? Okay. Ray Fail? You got Taste of New Orleans or Nyosso? Oh, you got you already get Where is it? Where where is it? I think you got it.

Just toss them out.

Here you go.

Thank you.

Here we go. Alright. Somebody got one? Alright. Okay. We're gonna start with the, recognition presentation proclamation on behalf of commission court to set the Fiesta San Antonio Commission Inc. So San Antonio Commission Inc tee it up, recognizing 04/16/2026 through 04/26/2026 as Fiesta Week. Next will be Battle of Flowers. After that will be Fiesta Fam Fambo. So if y'all will line them up, I'm gonna be honest with you.

We have a lot of ceremony. I'm gonna ask that one person be designated to speak, and we'll take a picture and give out your medals, and then I gotta get you going, get the next one going. You I hope you all understand. We were trying to get to the business of the county. So at this time, commissioner, I think I yielded the first one to you. Fiesta week.

Whereas Fiesta San Antonio started in 1891, it's a one parade event and it has evolved into one of the nation's premier festivals with an economic impact of more than 340,000,000 for the Alamo City. And whereas Fiesta San Antonio's promoted regionally, nationally, and internationally. And whereas Fiesta San Antonio brings together people from all walks of life to join spirited celebration of San Antonio's rich history, culture, and traditions. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes and proclaims April 6 through April 26 to be the hundred and thirty fifth Fiesta San Antonio.

Yeah. Viva. Viva.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak. I it's great to see friends that are actually within this, commissioner's court. I've seen you all in uniforms. And, you know, I've got my people here, but this is my immediate family. All my cousins are around in the back, and, very exciting to see all of our friends here together. Sir,

what'd you say?

I said they're primos too.

That's right. Primos. Primos. Yep. I'm getting a little long in the tooth to claim a primo and a prima.

So

we know that the county and Fiesta are absolutely connected. We could not do what we do without your help. And now we are seeing all of our our festivals, our participating member organizations going throughout the county and even into our adjacent counties. We are spreading the word. We are growing every year with our participating member organizations.

But along with that, we need your help with the legal issues, with the sheriff's department, with all of those people who keep us safe, we know that this year is Fiesta Together. And so one of the things that we set when we set that that particular theme was to understand if we truly Fiesta together, if we truly work as a family, then everyone is going to benefit. One of our goals was to stretch the awareness of, Fiesta past literally loop 16 o four. We know that's part of our problem is we have this wonderful festival, and it feels like nobody seems to know about it across The United States. We're working to our goal was to work to fix that.

We worked with Visit San Antonio and agreed that if we could bring in travel writers, this would be helpful. Our goal was if we could get seven travel writers, we'd be very happy. That would be a great opportunity. We have 26 travel writers who will come to San Antonio, Fiesta with us, Fiesta together, and learn about this fabulous city, learn about our fabulous festival, and take that story back to their countries, back to their homes in The United States. We're so excited.

I can barely tell you. Because we know that we have a special story. This is such an extraordinary city, and this is an extraordinary festival. And we need to spread that word, and we know once people are aware of it, then it's gonna solidify our position. And when each of us grows, all of these participating member organizations will also grow. And each one of those is going to be putting funds, putting support back into our city. So altogether, Fiesta together is a very good thing. Viva. Fiesta.

Viva.

Alright. Here we go. Lady, you're take care of Lady. Right? Alright. Let's just get in. I'll look

right here. 123.

1123.

Alright. Thank you, guys. Alright. We're moving on. We're gonna do the presentation of proclamation on behalf of commissioner's court recognizing 04/24/2026 to be battle of flowers, parade day battle flowers, flamboyant deck.

The proclamation reads as, whereas Fiesta San Antonio began in 1891 with the inaugural battle of Flowers parade honoring those that fought the Texas independence as at the Alamo, Goliad, And San Jacinto. This year, 2026, marks the one hundred and thirty fifth Battle of Flowers parade, continue the rich heritage of passing and procession past the Alamo and through the downtown streets of San Antonio. Whereas, this year's theme, from pages to possibilities, is a tribute to books, storytelling, imagination, and dreams, symbolizing the magic of reading and the creativity that come from stories. And whereas the Bell of Flowers is a civic minded, all women, and all volunteer nonprofit organization that has created and sustained a San Antonio Fiesta tradition whose mission is to teach the history of our state and keep the patriotic traditions of Texas and San Antonio alive. Now therefore be resolved that Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby recognize and proclaim Friday, 04/24/2026 as Battle of Flowers parade day witness is signed by all members of the court.

The floor is yours.

Thank you, judge. Commissioners, good morning. My name is Kathleen LaFleur, and I'm Battle of Flowers president. On behalf of our entire organization, thank you for including us in today's meeting and the opportunity to share our story with the commissioner's court. Joining me today is Helen Meyer, president vice president of the parade.

And also behind me are all of the officers of the bore of the Battle of Flowers Association. This April 24, when our first fiesta float winds its way onto the streets of San Antonio, the battle flowers will proudly mark its one hundred and thirty fifth year of producing this beloved springtime event in our city. What began in 1891 as a single parade to honor Texas independence has now evolved into a dynamic force for civic engagement, education, and cultural heritage. This year's From Pages to Possibilities parade will feature 200 entries and 10,000 participants representing all facets of San Antonio's many cultures. As a nonprofit, all volunteer organization, we remain true to our mission to celebrate Texas history and remain committed to commemorating our past while championing education, service, and community.

Thank you for the honor of speaking with you here today and Viva Fiesta.

Viva. Won't y'all come forward?

Ladies, ladies, turn around.

Turn around. Turn around.

Turn

Wonderful. Thank

you.

Alright. We're gonna do the presentation of pro proclamation behalf of commissioner who are recognized in 04/25/2026 to be Fiesta Flambeau parade day. And Nielsa, you're on deck. You're next after Fiesta Flambeau. I think,

mister Rodriguez. I've got it. Yes. Welcome, everybody. Welcome.

I'm gonna read the proclamation. It reads whereas the seventy eighth annual Fiesta Flambeau night parade organized by over 100 volunteer members of the Fiesta Flambeau parade association will take place on Saturday, April 12. The nonprofit orchestrates and stages America's largest illuminated parade ensuring the sense of civic pride, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Whereas the theme for the twenty twenty six parade is Fiesta Flambeau Adventures in Toyland. And with over 75 excuse me, seven seven hundred and fifty thousand spectators and another 1,500,000 watching the live stream, this 3.2 mile parade through downtown is the parade of all parades showcasing true Fiesta spirit, whereas known as the people's parade, the Flambeau night parade illuminates its way through the final weekend of Fiesta in San Antonio.

Now therefore be it resolved, the Bear County commissioners court recognizes today, proclaims, excuse me, Saturday 04/25/2026 as Fiesta Flambeau Parade Night signed by your commissioners court. The floor is yours. Let's give them a round of applause.

Thank you, and good morning. My name is Erwin Del Luna. I'm the president for the twenty twenty six Viese Flambeau Parade Association. I'm here with the members of our board of directors, Sebastian, our parade director, Dolores, our public relations, Casey, our marketing, Bonnie, our tickets, Cecilia, our compliance, Madeline, our treasurer, and Gloria, our disbanding. Since 1948, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association purpose is to plan, organize, and produce and stage the Fiesta Flambo Parade annually during Fiesta San Antonio.

The parade enhances the celebration of Fiesta for the San Antonio community and its visitors. The Fiesta Flambeau has been recognized as America's largest illuminated night parade and has been recognized as the best parade by the International Festivals and Events and the Texas Festival Events Association. The countdown to this parade is the seventy eighth parade is only eleven days away. It's a very short time. This year parade, will be televised viewers, and those watching on television will hear and see both in English and Spanish simultaneously, which is a great event for us to have this year.

We're excited and well to welcome this year's grand marshal, SeaWorld, Shamu, and his crew, as well as our honorary grand marshal, Ronald McDonald, and his friends, as well as well as all of Fiesta royalty. The Texas Longhorn Band will lead the parade this year, which will include 37 additional local, regional, state, and other bands from across Texas. I'm also excited to welcome the nationally recognized Houston County Schools All Star Band from Alabama, as well as an additional five nationally recognized bands from other states, as well as one entry from Mexico. Additionally, there will be 63 floats in this year's parade and groups and organizations from around the state of Texas. Locally, this year's Fiesta Flambeau floats are being built by Creative Parade Studios and will bring a new wow to our parade.

Special banners banners have been produced and lights have been added to each. We are thankful to all the Fiesta Flambeau members and all our volunteers who are working to have a successful and great parade this year. We wanna thank Bexar County for all your support as well as to to produce the this year's national largest night parade. We also look forward for George Sakai to be in our parade this year, and we appreciate you, sir. And Viva Fiesta and Viva Flambeau. Viva.

That's a best ride, baby.

One, two, and three. One more. Okay.

Thank you, guys. Alright. Yes, sir.

We'll be

in touch. Okay. We're gonna do the proclamation on behalf of commission court recognized in April 2126 through 04/24/2026. It's night in Old San Antonio Week. Commissioner Calvert, you got the proclamation? Yes. I do. Alright.

Thank you so much. The proclamation reads, whereas a night in Old San Antonio or Nielsa began in 1936 as a harvest festival on the grounds of Mission San Jose and is now a four night festival in the heart of downtown San Antonio that celebrates the city's diverse cultural legacy. And whereas the Conservation Society of San Antonio, one of the oldest and most active community preservation groups in The United States is proud to sponsor the seventy eighth presentation of NIOSA. And whereas NIOSA will continue to feature savory foods and beverages, musical entertainment, and souvenirs with the help of many dedicated volunteers. And whereas funds raised at NIOSA enabled the conservation society to continue its mission of preserving historic buildings, objects, places, and customs relating to the history of Texas and all that is admirably distinctive to the state.

Nielsa is the top fundraiser for historic preservation in the nation and truly lives up to its motto as a celebration for preservation. Now therefore be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes night in Old San Antonio 2026. Witness our signature civil offices April 2026. You have the floor.

Niva. Go ahead.

Jessica and commissioner's court, we welcome your offer of this proclamation for the night in Old San Antonio. The San Antonio Conservation Society is honored to be able to bring this heritage of fun and preservation. Again, it is a celebration for preservation. And with me today is Julie Terrell, the chairman of the NEOSA committee and our fourth vice president. And also, we have with us, Deanna Kesey, our NEOSA treasurer, to really bring forth the things that we've accomplished.

It's gonna be a wonderful four days. It's gonna start on Tuesday the twenty first and run through Friday, and it's the best celebration that you can imagine, as well as a very family oriented event. I thank you for your time. I thank you for this opportunity. And.

Thank you,

Okay. This is presentation of proclamation commission court recognizing his royal majesty, El Rafael. Which one? 77. 77. I'm gonna have to get a few still though by Roman numerals. Doctor Damasso, Andres Oliva Junior, and coordination be on deck. Y'all are next.

Thank you.

Alright. Judge, I have the honor as a consent home member to read this proclamation. Doc, it's great to see you and your and your fabulous court representative Campos, a fellow Antonia and alone by the way. So let me read the proclamation. It reads, the legend of Ray Baio dates back to medieval times during which the king of Spain had distanced himself from his subjects choosing to fill his court with only the beautiful rich and aristocratic.

Ordinary citizens were never invited to the palace and rarely saw the monarch. The common people resented the king and one day a rebellious crowd gathered in the plaza and proclaimed one of their own to reign as the ugly king or the people's king. And whereas throughout his reign during Fiesta, Rayfael in his court will visit numerous nursing homes, hospitals, over 60 elementary schools, and thousands of young people to preach about staying in school and being good citizens and being respectful civil servants. Whereas now Rafael merits Fiesta royalty status and participates in the ten day Fiesta day Fiesta festivities in addition to serving as a goodwill ambassador through scholarship and trade efforts. The Rafael scholarship foundation has become an economic development enhancement program based on the hundreds of students that have received a college or university degree or a trade degree to the betterment of themselves in the community.

Whereas doctor Damaso Andres Oliva junior has been chosen as the seventy seventh Rafael and will continue his commitment to assist deserving students in our community, helping them fulfill their dreams. Now therefore be it resolved, the Bexar County Commissioners Court recognizes doctor Oliva, his court, and certainly with the title of El Rey Feo 77 witness I say that every year, El Rey o. El Rey because I think it's a new title, but El Rey Feo 77 witness our signatures and celebrate it on this day. Congratulations. Judge

Sakai, you know, and the rest of the county commissioners, thank you very much. It's a great honor. You know, Ray Fail started in 1947, and you know, we've raised millions and millions of dollars for scholarships. You know, we're we need to amend that. I think we're we're up to a 100 schools, but you know, so that's a new tradition. But the other thing is that we use Fiesta as our platform, right, to raise this awareness. We have our Consejo brothers, which we have our our DA, our our our sheriff. We we have our county tax assessor, you know. We we have yourself. We have a recipient here also on on the council.

So you know, and and that's what we do. Right? It's about education. It's about really elevating San Antonio, and we're seeing what scholarships can do. You know, the our other purpose is Fiesta. Right? To bring out the awareness, and that's what why going to senior care homes, you know, they they can't enjoy Fiesta, so we bring Fiesta to them. And then our other purpose is, again, you know, raising money and getting awareness to schools. I also want to recognize we have our honorable Liz Campos as our Reyna Linda, and she's with us today. And so I want to say, you know, Viva Commissioners Court, Viva Rafael, Viva Fiesta.

Thank you, Queen. Thank you, Reina.

Oh my god. Oh my gosh. Yeah. I'm gonna put it on here. Right?

Alright. We're gonna do the presentation of proclamation behalf of commission court recognizing the seventy fifth anniversary of Fiesta Coronation founded in 1951 by Joe Salick, Russell Hill Rogers, and as as a satire, the coronation of the queen of the order of the Alamo. Commissioner Calvert, is that yours?

Alright. You so much. Okay. Good to see everybody. Good morning.

San Antonio Zulu, you're up next.

The proclamation reads, whereas in 1951, Russell Hill Rogers, Joe Salick, and many others introduced coronation at the Arneson as part of San Antonio's night in Old San Antonio. PS, the event. After a hiatus beginning in 1964, Coronation was revived in 1982 in its current form by Ray Chavez, Bob Jolley, and Friends of the Bottom friends of the bottom exchange. And whereas, since its inception, as a spoof of the city's traditional formal fiesta events with reigning king anchovy, coordination's answer to king Antonio Andre Feo, coordination continues to provide satire, extravagance, inclusiveness, and representation becoming one of BS' most popular events. And whereas the volunteer run organization has long supported HIV and AIDS education and other LGBTQ plus causes.

The annual performances have raised more than $3,000,000 for San Antonio's AIDS Foundation, B AIDS, and Thrive Youth Center and scholarship recipients from area high schools. And whereas, Corneation has begun its current run at the Charlene McCombs Empire Theater with new leaders, including Jesse Mata, Mindy Miller Hill, veteran designers, former anchovies, and many others shaping the show into the creative and fundraising powerhouse it is today. Corneations continuing impact is not just on health of our on the health of our community, but its culture and identity as well. Now therefore be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and proclaims the city of San Antonio in Bexar County as the home of the official Fiesta event of coordination. Congratulations.

Reba.

Thank you, judge. Thank you, commissioners. We would like to thank everyone for the recognition of Coronation, not just for Coronation itself, but the hundreds of volunteers who make our show possible to support the well deserving charities who work with us every year, the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, Beat AIDS, the Thrive Youth Thrive Youth Center, the Kind Clinic, the Pride Clinic, and of course, our Robert Rheem Theater Scholarships wherein we provide four renewable $10,000 scholarships to local theater students. What began seventy five years ago as a lark, as a satire of royalty and kind of elitist culture, has become one of the central core events of Fiesta, one of the most popular and sought after tickets. Hey, I know.

I've seen you in the front row. So we're very very appreciative for the recognition. We want to once again recognize the efforts of all of our volunteers and nonprofit partners as well. And we would like to say two things well, three things really. Please enjoy your depictions on stage if you happen to be there. Viva Liberta and Viva Corneation.

Our next presentation is proclamation on behalf of commissioner's court recognizing and celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the Santonio Zulu Association annual event. A taste in New Orleans commissioner Calvert, Law Week, you're on deck. You're next.

Thank you, judge. Thank you, judge. Good to see everybody from the Zulu Association. The proclamation reads, whereas the San Antonio Zulu Association and a taste of New Orleans have served the community for forty remarkable years, bringing the rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture of New Orleans where I just came from last week to our area. Yeah.

And whereas for four decades, this beloved institution has united neighbors, families, and friends through the shared joy of authentic cuisine, live music, and cultural celebrations. And whereas the taste of New Orleans has contributed to the cultural richness and economic vitality of our community, creating a gathering place that honors heritage and fosters togetherness. And whereas the dedication, passion, and perseverance of the founder's staff and patrons have sustained this cherished establishment through forty years of service. This milestone anniversary is a testament to the enduring power of community, culture, and cuisine to bring people together. And whereas the taste of New Orleans has been recognized by the city of San Antonio as an official Fiesta event for over thirty nine years, now therefore be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes the San Antonio Zulu Association and celebrates four decades of outstanding service, cultural enrichment, and the community of spirit, a taste of New Orleans, signed by your commissioner's court.

We'd love to hear from you. Thank you.

Well, thank you, judge Sky. Thank you, commissioner's court, for for for this proclamation. It's deep and indeed an honor for us to be here today to to accept this presentation. My name is Jasper Blake. I am the president of San Antonio Zulu Association.

And with me, have the vice president of our foundation, mister Byron Miller, and our board of commissioners for the fiesta commission, mister Daryl Daryl Lynch. Join us I would like you to ask you to join us for the fortieth annual Taste of New Orleans, the ultimate fiesta event. We're a weekend for food, family, and fun. For four decades, the Taste has been one of our Fiesta San Antonio's go to parties, and this year we are celebrating bigger than ever. Grab the kids, round up the whole family.

Yes, Greek mom and pop too. And come spend the day enjoying New Orleans vibes right here in San Antonio. Food and music with Nola flavor, Stroll the grounds to the sounds of New Orleans style live music. Dive into fan favorites like assorted gumbo's, red beans and rice, shrimp egg toffee, shrimp peel, jambalaya, boudin, Cajun catfish, fresh crawfish broil, alligator, crab dishes, more. You'll also find a wide variety of ice cold beverages to cool you off during the heat.

It was fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy rides, play areas, clowns, and face painting, making it the perfect outing for the whole family. Come celebrate forty years of flavor, music, and members memories with us as a taste of New Orleans. Thank you.

Beebok. Beebok, pastor. Watch y'all come forward. Yes, Man, because I'm hungry. A proclamation on behalf of Commissioner Court recognized in April 20 to 05/01/2026 is law week.

Whereas law week will commence law day through community activities to celebrate the vital role of law in our society, and whereas law day established by Congress in 1961 and observed early on May 1 affirms our nation's enduring commitment to the rule of law, and whereas the San Antonio Barr Foundation advances this commitment through civic programs that inspire understanding of democracy, including the elementary school reading program where volunteer attorneys share lessons on civics with young students, the distribution of pocket constitution to jurors, and the salawhelp.org, a trusted resource serving over a 100,000 residents each year. And whereas, Law Week culminates in a gathering where attorneys renew their oath, reaffirm the law Texas lawyers' creed, demonstrating their dedication to integrity, professional, and ethical service. And whereas the twenty twenty six Law Day theme, the rule of law in American dream reminds us that the promise of opportunity and justice depends upon system where all the where all are equal under the law and whereas attorneys as stewards of justice are called upon to uphold those principles with courage and integrity, recognizing that safeguarding the rule of law and the democratic ideals it sustains may at times require perseverance, especially in moments of challenge and uncertainty.

And whereas Law Week is the time to reaffirm our shared belief that justice, liberty, and the respect for the law are the foundation of a strong and enduring community. Now, therefore, be resolved that the Bexar County Commission's Court hereby recognizes, proclaims 04/20/2026 through 05/01/2026 to be law week signed by the court. Mister Gwyn, good morning. Give him a hand. And we'll also say, viva fiesta.

Viva fiesta. Your honor, esteemed commissioners, may it please the court, and good morning. I'm Nick Gwyn, president of the San Antonio Bar Association, and it is a privilege to accept this proclamation on behalf of San Antonio's legal community. Before I move into prepared remarks, I'd like to, introduce, my compadres. Our president-elect Jaime Vasquez, our executive director, June Moynihan.

We're also joined by Amy Bird and Nina Hudson. Nina recently learned that she's going to be attending law school next year. She has several options. We hope that she chooses Saint Mary's. I'd also like to say that for some time, I've I've come to this conclusion that perhaps the most diverse and interesting cross section of our community can be found daily in the Central Jury Room.

But I think today, here in commissioner's court, we haven't beat. And any and an even bigger and more important thing is that everyone here is truly happy and excited to be here. This year's Law Day theme, the rule of law and the American dream reminds us that the American dream depends on a legal system that protects rights, ensures equal justice, and gives every person a fair opportunity to pursue their future. A strong democracy is not measured only by who wins. It is measured by whether rights are protected, whether laws are applied fairly, and whether people trust that justice does not change based on power, politics, or popularity.

That is why an independent judiciary matters. That is why respect for the courts matters, and that is why civility matters. We do not have to agree on every outcome to agree that the rule of law is what keeps disagreement from becoming division. Here in Bexar County, law week comes to life through civic outreach. From elementary school readings reaching over 600 students to distributing 2,000 pocket constitutions to jurors, to hosting a luncheon where lawyers renew their attorney oath as a reminder of our promise as officers of the court.

We also invite the community to visit our booth at the King William Fair, where we share salawhelp.org, a free legal resource curated for Bexar County residents. On behalf of the San Antonio Bar Association, thank you judge Sakai and commissioners for your steadfast support. Together, let us reaffirm a truth worth defending. When we protect the rule of law, we protect the dignity of every person, the future of our democracy, and the promise of America. Thank you. Viva law week and Viva Fiesta. Viva.

We jump on board except the proclamation. Alright. Good to see you. Thank you.

Thank

you.

Oh, wait. Hold on.

Hold on. There's still more. There's still more.

And then the alcohol awareness, you're on deck. Presentation proclamation on behalf of Community Court recognized in April 12 through the eighteen twenty twenty six as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. I'll read the proclamation. Whereas public safety telecommunication service, a vital link between the public and emergency services providing calm, compassionate, professional assistance during moments of crisis, and whereas these dedicated individuals are trained to quickly assess emergency situations, gather critical information, dispatch the appropriate response, offering serving as a first responder in times of need, and whereas public safety telecommunications demonstrate unwavering commitment, resilience, and composure while handling high stress, life threatening situations, offering reassurance and guidance to callers in their most vulnerable moments. And whereas their work often goes unseen by the public, yet their contributions are essential to the safety, security, and well-being of our communities, working tirelessly around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays, ensuring that health is always just a phone call away.

Thou, therefore, be resolved that the week of April 12 to 04/18/2026 be set aside to acknowledge and celebrate the National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week in Bexar County, Texas as we recognize and honor their invaluable service and dedication, and we extend our deepest gratitude for their professionalism, sacrifice, steadfast commitment to public safety. Witness our signatures signed by the court.

You, sir.

Good morning, judge. Good morning, commissioners. Thank you for recognizing our folks this morning. I can remember when I got into law enforcement thirty six years ago, my FTO told me that patrol is the backbone of every law enforcement agency. All your intelligence comes from the streets and it trickles to CID and all the others.

What he failed to do is to explain, and I had to learn it over time, the true backbone of our agencies is our communications. When those nine one one calls come in, the information that is gathered by these folks and pushed out to our people who are on patrol, who are at the fire stations, who are out here, ready for EMS calls, that truly is the backbone of our agencies and of our public safety network. I hold in my heart a very sincere and heartfelt gratitude for everything that they do. We have the sheriff's office team who get those they take those calls in. And if it's a law enforcement thing, they get pushed to the the right person.

If it's a fire thing, it gets pushed over to our side and even for EMS. So I'm very proud of the teams that we have together, that work together in one roof, under one roof. I love these folks and I appreciate everything that they do for not only the citizens of Bexar County, but our region and our visitors to our great communities. And thank you all so much for this proclamation and recognizing the hard work that they do. Thank you.

One one. Over at the quarry run?

Yes, sir. This is We've

taken care of y'all, haven't we? They have. Alright. The court has taken care of them. Alright. Come forward.

Judge, commissioners, thank you all so much, for this recognition. You know, these folks are our lifeline. They're our friends. They're our counselors. On dog watch, sometimes they're the only person that we get to have a real conversation with.

And I also, Chris, learned very early on in my career, don't make your dispatcher mad. Because if you do, you hope you pack the lunch and get ready to not get a bathroom break or a lunch break because you're gonna be running from one side of the county all the way to the other and back the whole rest of the night. But they are they are so much more than friends. Years ago and thankfully, there was finally a push and a recognition to recognize them officially as first responders. Because everything that we're going through out on the streets, they're going through as well, but they have the frustration of not being able to be out there and physically see, they have to rely on the information that's being given to them and fed to them and to help us resolve the situation. And so I thank them. I wish we could afford to pay them more. And they're like, well, you could try. Right?

Okay. Awesome. Okay, sheriff. Okay. Okay. Not a bunch of time.

I wish we could afford to pay them a million dollars a year because that's certainly what they're worth. But we really appreciate this recognition, for them, and we continually thank them for their service to us all.

Thank you. Thank you, guys. Come forward for your recognition. Thank you, guys. Alright.

Thank All you do. Appreciate it.

Alright. We're gonna do the presentation proclamation behalf of commission court observing April 2026 as alcohol awareness month to highlight the importance of preventing excessive alcohol consumption, reduce drunk driving incident, addressing alcohol related harms within our community. Commissioner Clay Flores, that's yours. And then the National Community Development Month is next after that. Commissioner?

Whereas, Fiesta San Antonio is a cherished annual tradition bringing together Bexar County residents and millions of visitors for ten days of cultural celebrations, music, food, pageantry, patriotic observances, exhibits, and parades. Fiesta also correlates with measurable increases in alcohol related crashes and injuries. We always think that it's kind of icon like ironic that we do all these fiesta ones, and then we also do you guys, but because people need to stop drinking and driving, not only during fiesta. That wasn't in there. That was my 2¢.

Whereas during fiesta, Bexar County experiences an average of seven point o eight alcohol related crashes per day compared to the usual 5.88 crashes per day, underscoring the high end frequency of impaired driving incidents during festival activities. Whereas despite strong law enforcement efforts, DWI arrests in Bexar County have recently increased by 18% between 2022 and 2023, as impaired driving is a 100% preventable. The San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness in circles of San Antonio community coalition continue their commitment to educate and outreach. Now therefore, be it resolved that Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby urges all Fiesta participants to celebrate responsibly and to join our community partners in preventing alcohol impaired driving during justice San Antonio and throughout the year and proclaims April 2026 to be Alcohol Awareness Month. And because we have so many proclamations, we're gonna ask just one person to speak per organization.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Thank you. I'd like to thank you all for this proclamation, and I very much appreciate your side. It can feel a little bit like a downer getting up here in the midst of all the joy and celebration of Fiesta to talk about drunk driving, but I agree. It's a super important issue. You heard the statistics.

I think that's about a 100 alcohol related crashes every year during Fiesta alone. Hundreds of injuries the last couple of years, thirteen deaths just in the last six years. One thing I wanna point out, I've I've been at University Hospital for nearly twenty years. This will be my twentieth fiesta there, and every one of those numbers, every one of those statistics is an individual, a person, a life that we've seen treated, a life cut short, or a life now living with permanent scars and permanent injuries. And the one point I'd really highlight is every single one of those is preventable.

So we're not really here not at all to discourage celebration, but rather to encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly to make sure that if people are drinking, that they don't get behind the wheel of a car. There's more options than ever now to get home safely, designated drivers, rideshare options. So not some of the time, not most of the time, but every time people are drinking, to get find a ride home, not get behind the wheel of the car. I really don't think anything could be more in the spirit of Fiesta than celebrating responsibly and making sure everybody gets home to their families safely and alive. So thank you very much for the support and attention to this important issue. How

are you all doing? Stop. Bebop for CF's safe. Hey, buddy. How are you?

Hi. How are you? Good. Good to see you guys. Alright. Thank you. We'll do the presentation proclamation on behalf of commission court designated in April as National Community Development Month in recognition of the Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, commissioner Clay Flores. And then the next one is sexual assault awareness and prevention month is on deck.

Whereas the month of April has been designated as National Community Development Month to celebrate the Community Development Block Grant. For over fifty years, CDBG program has played a vital role in improving the quality of life for low and moderate income residents by supporting infrastructure, public facilities, housing real rehab, and public services. And whereas Bexar County remains committed to continuing efforts that promote safe, sustainable, and thriving communities for all residents. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby proclaims the month of April 2626 as National Community Development Month. I wanna thank so much.

This is under, economic development community economic development. Thanks so much for the work you guys do. We know that some of the communities in our precincts and, the unincorporated areas wouldn't be able to have the infrastructure that they have without you guys. So I know it's a lot of legal paperwork back and forth. So thank you so much for working with our constituents. The floor is yours.

Good morning, judge and commissioners. Alexandra Alvarez, infrastructure manager with the community development division. On behalf of our community development division, I would like to thank you all for your support. Our HUD entitlement funds, they allow us to invest in infrastructure, housing, public services, which improve the quality of life for our Bexar County residents. From any entails projects from solar street lighting, street infrastructure, parks, playgrounds, nutrition, assistance, and also owner occupied rehab. We appreciate your continued commitment to all of our efforts and the difference that they make for all of our families across Bexar County. Thank you so much.

Thank you. Thank you, Robert. Thank

you. Thank

you, Jack. Alright. Presentation proclamation behalf of Beret County Commission's Court recognized in April 2026 as sexual assault awareness and prevention month. Commissioner Rodriguez and then National Donate Life Month, you're up next.

Hi there. Good morning. Thank you for being here. I'll read the proclamation. It reads, whereas this April marks the twenty fifth anniversary of sexual assault awareness and prevention month, a time to reflect on the progress we've made and recommit to the work that lies ahead.

Whereas 33% of Texans have experienced some form of sexual violence their lifetime and this public health problem continues to impact individuals and families across Bexar County. Whereas the Rape Crisis Center is working in collaboration with Bexar County sexual assault response team and other community partners to help survivors seek justice. Whereas to prevent sexual violence, we must engage our community in promoting healthy, respectful relationships and speaking out against harmful attitudes and behaviors. Whereas, we honor the survivors who have shared their stories and the advocates who have led the way reminding us that every community member has an important role to play in building a future free from violence. And whereas, as we look to the next twenty five years, we renew our commitment to strengthen prevention, support healing, and create a community where everyone feels safe and valued.

Now therefore be it resolved, Bexar County Commissioners Court hereby recognizes April as sexual assault awareness and prevention month signed this fourteenth day of April by your commissioner's court. Let me also acknowledge my friend, representative, Ine Minjadas, who I think is chair of the the board, there, and and has always asked every year to have this sponsored. So I'm honored to do it. The floor is yours. Thank you for being here.

Thank you. During this twenty fifth anniversary of sexual assault awareness and prevention month, the Rape Crisis Center has been inspired by our community's efforts to acknowledge the impact of sexual violence, increase support for survivors, and work toward our shared vision of a safe and healthy Bexar County. As RCC staff meet with partners and attend events, we celebrate the energy and creativity of all the advocates who are mobilizing for change. From University Health's participation in the Start by Believing campaign to resource fairs at Our Lady of the Lake University and Texas A and M San Antonio, our community is taking action to prevent harm and promote healing. Every day, the Rape Crisis Center witnesses the strength and resilience of survivors who are seeking justice, regaining control of their lives, and finding ways to cope with trauma.

We also honor the courage of those who may be struggling in silence. This April, we thank the commissioner's court for standing in solidarity with survivors and their families. We thank you for your support and oversight of the Bexar County sexual assault response team. We all deserve safety in our community and respect in our relationships. Together, we affirm that sexual assault, like all other forms of violence and abuse, can be prevented. Together, we can end sexual violence in Bexar County.

Would y'all come forward, please? Accept your acclamation. Presentation proclamation on behalf of commissioner's court recognized in April as National Donate Life Month. Commissioner Moody, I'm just teeing you up. I will read it in behalf of commissioner Moody.

Whereas during the month of April 2026, South Texas Blood and Tissue, a subsidiary of BioBridge Global, will join the nation and celebrate the National Donate Life Month, which was established by Donate Life America in 2003. National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors past donors for their selfless gifts. And whereas in honor of National Donate Life Month, South Texas Blood and Tissue will promote and host various activities the entire month to raise awareness to this cause and honor past donors that have saved and healed lives through the gift of donation. And whereas a single donor has the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation, and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation, and whereas more than one hundred thousand people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant in United States. Every eight minutes, another person is added to the national transplant waiting list.

These individuals rely on the generosity of organ, eye, and tissue donors, and there are not enough donors to meet the urgent need. And whereas people of all ages and medical history should consider themselves potential donors and encouraged to register to help patients in need now therefore be resolved that the Bexar County Commissioner's Court hereby proclaim April 2026 as National Donate Life Month in Bexar County encourage all citizens to register with Donate Life Texas to help save and heal lives witnessed by our signature of the members of the court. And for the record, I believe our driver's license, I too have signed off on the, organ. Is that is that how you do it?

Yep.

Alright. You have the floor.

Good morning, judge and commissioners. Thank you for this recognition and for for your continued support of Donate Life Month. On behalf of South Texas Blood and Tissue, I'm honored to accept this proclamation. Every day, we have the privilege of working alongside the Bear County Medical Examiner's Office, University Health, and over a 100 other hospitals and across 25 counties of South Texas to ensure that the gift of donation is honored with dignity, compassion, and professionalism. Because of these partnerships, families in our community are given the opportunity to create something meaningful in moments of loss, and those gifts go on to heal and improve the lives of countless others.

Tissue donation doesn't always get the same visibility as organ donation, but its impact is profound, helping burn victims, restoring mobility, repairing injuries, and improving quality of life for thousands of patients each year. We're grateful to Bexar County for recognizing the importance of this work and for helping raise awareness. Together, we can continue to honor donors, support families, and expand the life changing impact of donation in our community. Thank you.

Thank you. Would you come forward for your proclamation? Yes. Okay. Testimony will take up agenda item number five, filing for the record for following legal and administrative documents and directing the criminal district attorney's office to take action if necessary for those items listed under a.

Item six, commissioner's court minutes for Tuesday, 03/31/2026.

Motion to approve. Motion. Second.

Motion by commissioner Rodriguez, second by commissioner Clay Flores. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries. Court and, let me alert you and staff. We're gonna go ahead. Our next, we'll do citizens to be heard. So citizens to be heard, I'm team you up. But we're gonna go out of order immediately thereafter. I'm asking to take up first item 54. Item 54 will be first to take up for a vote. Item 57 after that.

Item 58 after that. And then I will ask that we go to executive. And then we'll finish the agenda. Alright? So with that, we are going to go to agenda item number seven, citizens to be heard. First, Ananda Thomas. Ananda. Also have Erica Kudos. Erica Kudos. Now, Ananda, how are you?

Doing good.

Is Erica going to speak separate or do you wanna yield time in this situation?

I think we're all speaking separately.

Go ahead, Amanda.

My name is Ananda Thomas, executive director of Act for SA and a proud member of the SA Stands Coalition. For years, the SA Stands Coalition fought for an immigrant legal defense fund in Bexar County. Since its passage, this fund has helped hundreds of families and children impacted by ICE arrest, get their due process in court, protect their constitutional rights, and ultimately keep families together from being unjustly separated. Despite frivolous and baseless lawsuits by attorney general Paxton to attack this fund, judges have ruled in favor of its constitutionality. Yet the renewal of the ILDF has lapsed, and the fund is currently expired, putting hundreds of families at risk at a time when San Antonio ranks in the top five cities for most ICE arrests.

Research has proven just how important our immigrant families are to our economy, our success, and our culture. It is critical that we stand with these families and protect the right and ability for due process at all costs. Three times now, we have been told that the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund would be on the agenda for commissioners court, and three times now, we have been let down. We are here today to demand that the ILDF be put on the next agenda and that you each vote for its renewal. At a time when immigrant communities are being terrorized by ICE, when parents are afraid to send their kids to school, and families are afraid to go to the grocery store for their most basic needs, it has never been more critical for the county to show that you stand with immigrants and that you support the right to representation for indigent people no matter what their status.

We are not asking, but demanding that the ILDF be put on the agenda and renewed immediately. Thank you.

Thank you, Nanda. Erica Quiroz.

Hello. Good morning, commissioner. My name is Erica Quiroz. I've been in San Antonio residence for sixteen year, working as an insurance agent and a certified accepting agent for the IRS. Every day every day, I see how much our undocumented neighbors contribute often more than residents with full status. But lately, they're living in fear. I think of Francisco, a 20 year old doctor recipient who has been my client since he was 16 years old. He pays hundreds in insurance and taxes. I told him things would get better, but a week later, he was detained just one block from his job. I think of one, a homeowner, a taxpayer for eleven years.

He was detained by ICE while simply getting as gas as at a QT. As as ICE agent force men increase and they expand their footprint in our city with new warehouses and communities under threat, we need the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund, LDF, to be protect to protect due process. I or I urge this court to put the LDF renewal on the agenda immediately. Please say no to the unlawful ICE enforcement and yes to protecting our neighbors' rights. Thank you.

Thank you.

Krista Christy Kristian? Kristian. Yes.

Thank you. Thank Thank you. Judge Sakai. Mhmm. Good morning. Good morning, commissioners and county judge. My name is Christian, and I am a resident of Prison 1. I stand before you as a community organizing working alongside immigrant families in Burke County, and I'm here to deliver an urgent message. The immigrant legal defense for contract has expired, and it has been unfunded for over a month, and it needs to be renewed. Let that sink in.

For over thirty days, immigrant families in this county have had no guaranteed access to legal defense, no safety net, no protection when ICE comes knocking, no assurance that a parent, a worker, a neighbor will get their day in court. Now while a judge ruled strongly against attorney general Paxson Baseless lawsuit, this fund remains remains in limbo, and our neighbors are paying the price. Now we know why this matters. Immigration enforcement has been increasing in San Antonio. We now rank ninth in the nation for ICE arrest.

ICE is arresting people at immigration court, check ins in our neighborhoods, and even in our schools. And then there's the other also whole topic about the purchase of the warehouse in the San Antonio's East Side. Every day the immigrant legal defense remains unfunded, more families face deportation without legal representation. Because there is no legal is no legal counsel in immigration proceedings, the ILDF is a lifeline. Since its creation in 2022, it has protected due process right for immigrants, kept families together, provided critical legal representation to those who cannot afford it.

We thank County Judge Peter Sakai, Commissioner Clay Flores, Rodriguez and Calvert for their consistent support, but we need action now. Now, we just have a couple of a couple of ask and it's pretty simple. We really would like for you to put this on the agenda and we would like for you to put to vote yes on renewing the ILDF. This is not about politics. It's about the people.

It's about the mother who needs a lawyer to send to stay with her children. It's about the worker who contributes to our economy and deserves due process. It's about San Antonio living up to its values. We hope you don't let another month pass without renewing this critical fund. Our community is watching and we will continue to mobilize until the immigrant legal defund defense funds is restored. Think.

How do you is it the

last name? Olivarez.

Olivarez. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Yes. My name is Priscilla Olivarez with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Our organization is a member of the SA Stands Coalition, and we're here again asking commissioners to renew the legal defense fund and remain steadfast in their commitment to uphold our constitutional right for due process. If you value due process commissioners, if you value keeping families together, you will renew this fund. Today, we heard from the San Antonio Bar Association on the rule of law and the importance of protecting the rights of all.

Let's be clear. The rights of residents in the county are not being respected. The rule of law is not being protected, and the Bexar County community is watching and waiting for you to act as our rights are continuously being violated. Shockingly, as you know, individuals in deportation proceedings have no right to legal counsel in Bexar County. That means nearly 84% are without legal representation in deportation proceedings.

The Legal Defense Fund has represented a shared commitment between our local government and community to ensure due process and fairness are not only reserved for those who can afford them. As has already been mentioned, we continue to observe the alarming trend of ICE related arrests in our community. I want to share some updated information because as of a few weeks ago, San Antonio now ranks fourth, not ninth, fourth in the county regarding the most ICE arrests in the nation. We are seeing arrests at the immigration court, at ICE check-in appointments in our neighborhoods, and even our elementary schools. We need this legal defense fund to continue to protect our communities.

Since its inception, at least 95 children represented by this program have been impacted, either as clients or children whose parents are represented through the Legal Defense Fund. Over 50% of adults represented under the program have children in the household, and 65% have spouses in The United States. Nearly 70% of the adults represented under the fund are the primary breadwinners for their families. And as Vin mentioned, as of February, the fund has expired. This means more families are at risk of being deported.

This means we are at risk of losing the benefits these immigrants provide. Beyond its moral imperative, the legal defense fund makes economic sense. San Antonio immigrant households earned nearly 13,000,000,000 in income with nearly 10,000,000,000 in spending power that can be reinvested back into our local communities. Deportations destabilize our local economy, leading to lost wages, foreclosed homes, and shuttered small businesses. Keeping families together keeps Bexar County thriving.

And again, as ICE enforcement increases, we need the county to remain steadfast in its commitment to due process for all. If you believe in our constitutional right to due process, if you believe in keeping families safe and together, if you believe in doing what is just, you will renew the fund. Thank you.

I'll keep this short and sweet. I'm just here to ask that you schedule and approve the renewal of the Immigrant Legal Defense Fund.

Thank you. Monica Pepping.

Good morning, commissioners. My name is Monica Pepping, I'm the executive director of Rice for Immigrants. I'm here today to urge you to increase funding for immigrant legal defense in our city. Every day, families in San Antonio face complex immigration proceedings without legal representation, and we know that access to counsel can make the difference for many families in this process. Therefore, we urge you not just to renew, but to consider increasing the funding to be able to better meet the needs of our community.

Our organization does not receive legal defense funds, but through our work, we firsthand we see firsthand how overwhelming the system is for families who are trying to do the right thing but simply cannot navigate it alone. San Antonio has long been a city that values community, fairness, and opportunity. Investing in legal defense funds is about due process, about ensuring that every everyone in our community has a fair chance to be heard. It's about protecting our city. I respectfully ask that you renew and increase funding for legal legal defense services to tackle the real legal needs of our community.

Thank you for your time and for your service.

Thank you.

Alright. Thank you all very much. Patricia Vella, you signed up for fifty four. I'll let you go ahead and speak if you wish. We're gonna be taking that matter up shortly. What did you Good

morning, judge Sakai and commissioners. My name is Patty Vella, and I serve as vice president of development at Vibrant Works, formerly known as Lighthouse for the Blind. We're located at Precinct 1. Every day, I have the privilege of meeting individuals in our community who are navigating vision loss and working to maintain their independence. On behalf of all of my colleagues at Vibrant Works, I'm here today to thank you for your consideration of funding our seniors program through FY twenty six countywide outside funding.

I'd like to share a brief story about Sharon, one of our participants in our senior key to independence program or skip as we lovingly call it. When Sharon first came to us, she described feeling scared and intimidated. She was losing her vision and did not know how she would navigate the world around her. She talked about how hard it was to keep up in a world built for people who can see. But what struck me the most was her isolation.

Sharon shared that she often felt completely alone. She had to wait for someone to explain even simple things like photos that her grandson was sending her from his home in Hawaii. She could not see them. She could not respond, and her family didn't realize why. Through our program, that began to change.

She found community with others who understood her experience. She learned how to use assistive technology to reconnect with her family and see those photos of her grandson in Hawaii. She told us, quote, now I can be more in the world and more engaged. This is what this funding supports, not just services, but independence. Not just training, but connection.

It helps older adults in Bexar County move from isolation to engagement and from dependence to confidence. Sharon's story is one of many, and with your support, there will be many more. In this past year alone, Vibrant Works served 3,281 unique clients through nearly 12,000 services across our community. Again, thank you for your consideration. Viva.

Viva Fiesta, Patty.

I have no medals, but you know what? I'll send them to you. Thank Patty. Thank you.

You're welcome. Alright. Alright. I'm gonna adjust, in light of the accommodation. I wanna go to executive session if there's no objection from the court. Alright. Commissioner Moody, we're gonna go to executive in order to be able to discuss. And I would think the first one we'll take up after executive is item 57. So staff, I'm gonna take up item 57 after the executive session, and then we'll go back and and finish out the individual agenda items. Alright?

So at this time, let me go ahead and recess at 10:43AM and read into the record. Okay. Pursuant to five five one Texas government code, executive section items may be discussed and act upon if appropriate in open session. Five five one zero seven one consultation with attorney for advice regarding a pending or contemplated litigation settlement offers in the matters of Campbell versus Bexar County, Cloud versus Bexar County, and Martinez versus Bear County. Also, deliberations regarding economic development negotiations, deliberations regarding economic development negotiations, activities related to the facilitation of the development in and around involving a multipurpose recreation and civic facility to be used in part for professional minor league baseball or the area adjacent thereto.

This time, the court's in recess and in executive session. If we could close the room, staff that needs to be in. We got people at the top. I need security. Make sure we got people not up there. There we are. We got somebody up there. And then we will come back in open session. So it looks like we're getting we'll we'll be able to fin hopefully, hopefully, finish.

Are we waiting just to get the

Yeah. We're just I'm right back. Okay. Time's 11:47. We're back into open session. Let's take up executive or item agenda item 57. Discussion appropriate action related to granting the exception of administrative policy 1.2 to authorize the consideration of following the late file agenda item 57 a. Is there a motion to consider late file? Motion by commissioner Calvert. Second. Second by commissioner Rodriguez. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions?

Alright. Motion carries. We'll now take up 57 a. Discussion appropriate action related to, and I'm just gonna go a subsection one, two, and three, and make note of the language. Mister Curry or commissioner Rodriguez, I I think

I'll let Dan explain it briefly

and Commissioners, Dan Curry, director of facilities management for the record. We have a really short PowerPoint to summarize the action today. This is related to the property at 4715 Fredericksburg Road. We're bring that PowerPoint up for 57. So again, we're asking for three different separate actions from you today. Acknowledgment of the final award from the condemnation process, authorizing staff and county manager, based on legal counsel to find the appropriate time to deposit those funds and owners take ownership of the building, and approval of the budget amendment to fund the transfer of that money into the project account.

So we are moving forward. I'm sorry, judge, if I can have the floor. We are moving forward, Dan, with, it sounds like somewhat of a friendly condemnation.

Yeah. Without without that, it's been cooperative. Yeah. Again, the the owner and the county have been in multiple communication. We went through this process together, and we believe we have an equitable arrangement.

Great. Okay. I'm gonna go ahead and make a motion, judge. I I guess we need separate motions for this. So let me make a motion for to approve 57 a one. Second.

Moved by commissioner Arderga, second by commissioner Calvin. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, second by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries.

And then I'll make a motion for 57 a two, which is the authorization for the county manager to proceed.

Motion by commissioner Rodriguez, second by commissioner Clay Flores. Any further discussion? Hearing none. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye.

Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. And then finally, a motion for 57 a three, which is the budgetary amendment for the additional amount to cover the cost of the project.

Second.

Motion by commissioner Rodriguez, second by commissioner Clay Flores. Here, any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor, signal by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Alright. Commissioner Moody. You have the floor.

Hold on one second, commissioner. Your volume's down. Can you start over, please?

Alright. Commissioner Moody, you have a question or a comment on the third motion by commissioner Rodriguez, second by commissioner Calder?

Yeah. The discussion, I thought Dan was gonna pull up slides, and we're just gonna talk a little bit about the the plans for consolidation of leases. I thought you had a couple slides.

Okay. All right. Did you hear the question or comment?

We do. So again again, we don't we haven't determined exactly what functions are going in this building besides the ones that we know that are collapsing existing leases. There's a small mention of those here this slide here that talks about the Precinct 2 JP, constable, and a satellite officer, the tax collector will be or planned for this building. The building will have some additional space, which we will work with the court on allocating to the appropriate county department.

Questions for These Mr.

Weren't the slides that we had talked about with that kind of had the proposals for the relocation of other county departments. Because I know we've previously had the conversation between Precinct 2 and other new potential facilities, what that might look like, and what the the cost savings in terms of those leases might be by being able to consolidate into to this location and or other locations.

Yeah. I can speak to that, commissioner Moody. I don't know that we've gotten that far in the process. I think the initial conversations on on the acquisition, because Precinct two did not have a consolidated county owned facility yet, was to focus on that. But I think there is opportunity. They just not I don't think you've done a evaluation on what other offices, for example, I know, you know, the county clerk, you know, we've had discussions about, you know, maybe an office there. So I think those are forthcoming, but I think we've been focusing just on the consolidation of the constable's office, the JP's office and saving on those leases into a county owned facility.

Okay. Well, I I I understand that I'm not part of it, and I'm supportive of it. I I think we should have those within each of the precincts. But I do hope that, you know, I've already seen some of this. So, you know, I don't know what what kind of concerns there are about diving into it on both both this location and other locations as we think about cost savings with these leases.

I know we had some discussions previously in executive session, and I know that there's been some suggestions about what could go into the Precinct 2 Building there, which, you know, again, only helps the argument for this investment. Because when you can see that we're gonna use that additional square footage to reduce annual costs on our operating budget in these leases, then I think it only strengthens the argument. I was just hoping that that we'd be able to to see that talk more about it today, but supportive of the the baseline investment.

Alright. Is there any further discussion? I think we've got a motion on the floor. All those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstentions? Carries. Alright. Let's move on to the other late file, agenda item 58. Discussion appropriate action related to granting an exception to administrative policy 1.2 to authorize the consideration of the following late filed agenda item 58 a. Is there a motion?

Move for approval.

Motion by commissioner Clay Flores. Second. Second by commissioner Calvert. They'll take up now all those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. We'll take up now 58 a. Discussion of appropriate action regarding approval of a request from commissioner Rebecca Clay Flores, Precinct one to allocate outside funding agency funding in the total amount of $1,000 for the agency's amount listed as part of precinct one's contribution outside agencies from the general fund. Alright. Is there a motion there's a there was a motion?

Yeah. Yeah. We already

passed it. Thought we did.

No. We moved for the, late file.

Oh, right.

Is there a motion

Move for approval.

Motion by commissioner Clay Flores. Second. Second by commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Let us now go back to

Thank you, judge.

Let's go to item 54. Presentation discussion appropriate action regarding approval of the following 22 applicants recommended by staff with FY '26 countywide outside agency funding program as follows a through b. Is there any presentation, mister Huard or miss Nicole? Good morning.

Good morning.

So for the record, I'm Nicole Erford, office of county manager. I'm presenting the staff recommendations of the funding awards for the f y 26 countywide out to the agency funding program. So a little background is during the budget, commissioner court has set aside a million dollars for this program. We've, released a NOFA, notice of funding availability, to the public through a variety of means, you know, email, press releases, social media posts, even the commissioner's court offices. We had two levels that were options for this program for their funding requests, either 25 or 50,000.

And it opened January 5, and it closed February 27. So we received 243 applications for a total amount of over 10 and a half million dollars. For comparison, last year, we received about 80 applicants for about $12,000,000. I think if we would have allowed them to just have any amount that they wanted to request, like this year's amount would have likely been like at least three times what we have now. We received majority of the applicant for 50,000 as shown on the breakdown.

And so this is the breakdown of the categories that we received from the applications. There are high numbers in arts and culture, economic development, education, human services, and public health. So for the staff review of all these applications, we did a scoring matrix, which went into, a look over the organization, through the program that they're requesting funding for, the community impact and needs of the program, and then also the budget and, the performance measures that they're showing for that program. We also looked at, you know, prior funding history from the county, whether the program met, eligible public purpose, the types of categories for that program, and then target populations served. Our recommendations today focus on, programs that address the need in Bexar County, and that also provides a direct service to the citizens of Bexar County.

We also, provided, documentation and, background for the commissioners, and we tried to conduct us commissioner's court staff briefings. So at this time, we're recommending 22 out of the 240 applications received for for the total amount of $1,000,000 that the court set aside for this program. This, in alphabetical order, are the award recommendations that staff is recommending. You can see the different types of organizations. Majority of them are at 50,000 level just because we had a majority in that amount.

And so once commissioner's court approves these awards, then staff will notify all organizations of the funding decision, and then we'll work with the ones that are awarded funding to get the agreement executed. So this is my recommendation, approval of the 22 applicants for approval by staff for the FY '26 countywide outside agency funding program as listed in the caption, an authorization for the county manager or his destiny to execute a final grant agreement with each recommended applicant on behalf of the court once the agreement is approved by the attorney representing Bexar County.

Commissioner Clifford?

Yeah. I just have a question. So, you also did you also break up to see which precincts they're affecting or if they're working with people countywide?

We I did. I think that had it in, but this was more of a countywide. Okay. So we tried to focus on those that had operations throughout Countywide.

Okay. So I just wanna thank you and your team. I know it's a lot of work to go through all these applications. And obviously, we have a lot of, great nonprofits in Bexar County. We're not able to, approve all of them. So unfortunately. But we will continue to work together to, to continue to to get good things done in Bexar County. So I'd like to make a motion for approval.

Second. Motion by commissioner Clay Flores, second by commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? Alright. Nicole, let me just close with, we've gotten some calls. Obviously, there are going to be people that will call us to those that did not Mhmm. Get an award. Would could we please refer them to you or Yes.

I've I've received, messages, so I'm responding to them as I

get And out of fairness, I believe a lot of them just want feedback.

Yeah. And I have a a the scoring matrix that we went through, and so I'll I'll provide those that are requesting that feedback. I'll provide that information to them.

Because I think in that matrix, there was some policy considerations that the team for the record, it was what? Was a panel of three is what I For

the county manager's office. Yes.

Alright. And so

yes. Unfortunately, we just didn't have enough funding to pass around to everybody. And we had just three times as much response this year than we did last year too.

But I also want to thank the budget office. You all opened up and extended the time period, which was we got a lot of positive response from nonprofits, understanding that the initial time period was a bit short for them. So thank you for doing that. Alright. I'm calling for a vote. All those in favor of the motion, signal by saying aye. Aye. Any opposition? Any exemption? Alright.

Motion carries. Thank you. Alright. Now we go to, item 55, discussion appropriate action regarding approval execution of an agreement amendment between Bexar County Tyler Technologies to continue support maintenance and software as a service hosting for Odyssey associated application including Tyler jury for the period beginning 05/01/2026 and ending on 04/30/2028 for a total of two years amount of $7,650,861.63. Mister Gate, juror.

I'm sorry to be so out of order, but if I could just recognize former councilwoman Rocha Garcia because she needs to leave. She's been with us this morning. I just wanna recognize her and acknowledge her. So she's now doing work for all over Bexar County, but specifically in the Southern sector on social determinants of health with an organization called CHEST. So, you for being here. Alright. Sorry, Mark. Thank you, Adriana.

You're good. Good afternoon, judge and commissioners. So, I don't have a presentation. This item is fairly straightforward. In 2019, we signed our initial contract with Tyler for our Odyssey products that cover the sheriff's office. So as a jail manager product, DA is an attorney manager product for the courts, it's a court management product, as well as juvenile probation. We have a juvenile detention and supervision product. So this is our well, that initial contract was five years with two two year extensions. We've already or we've already surpassed our initial five year, and we're currently in the middle of our existing two year or our first two year extension. So this is for the second two year extension to continue using those products.

As you can see, the total amount here is just over $7,000,000 It's about $3,700,000 for fiscal year twenty six-twenty seven, and that goes up to about 3,950,000 for fiscal year twenty seven, twenty eight all in. That includes a 5% price escalator that's allowable for the contract year over year. So we're looking for your approval today so that we can continue using those products. And then we're also working with Tyler just as a side on what in a renewal contract would look like with new SLAs and try to negotiate the best favorable pricing we can for a follow on, you know, contract past these two years. But this is for the last two year, really.

Okay.

Is there a motion? Move forward. Motion by commissioner Calvert.

Second.

Second by commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Aye. Any abstentions? Motion carries.

Thank you very much.

Item 56, discussion appropriate action related to contemplate a litigation or settlement offer in the matter of Martinez versus Bear County. Mister Roberson? Is there a motion? Move by Clay Flores. Motion by Commissioner Second by Commissioner Calvert. Any further discussion? Hearing none, all those in favor of the motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Any abstention? Motion carries. Kate, have we cleared the agenda?

Yes. We're good.

Oh, we're good. Right? Alright. Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion by commissioner Calvert? Second. Second by commissioner Clay Flores? Commissioner Clay Flores. Is there any

Yes. I'd like to adjourn in memory of Dennis Ortiz. For those of you who know about Little Leagues, he was over, five diamonds and who who was the former, now former husband of Elaine Ortiz, who is on the Harlendale School Board. So those are just a huge loss to the community. Also, Liatris Erfirth, which is Nicole's mother. So Nicole, I hope you take off some time soon. I don't see you here anymore. Gregory Gambola, and also in memory of Valerie Renee Bruno.

Commissioner Rodriguez has passed. Commissioner Moody, are you still with us?

I don't have any names today, judge.

Commissioner Calvert? I'd like to adjourn in honor of Barbara Myrtle Robertson, Deacon Odell Johnson Junior, Angeline Davis Shelf, Verette Outlaw, master sergeant Milton Mac McKenzie, doctor Herbert j Robinson, and Theodore Ozuna.

And I would like to just join in with commissioner Clay Flores with Dennis Ortiz, who is a very good friend along with, his spouse, Elaine, and also to with Nicole's also mom, who I would like to recognize. All those in favor of the motion adjourned, second by saying aye. Aye. Motion carries. Y'all have a good day. We finished on time. Need a fat