Commissioners Court - Regular Meeting

Heat. Hey, Heat. Hey everybody. Heat. Heat. N. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Nat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Hey, Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hold up. Wait a second. Let me take that mic out.

Live from El Paso County, Texas, the veterans capital of the USA. From inside the Alicia Chicone Commissioner's Courtroom of the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse. You are watching the El Paso County Commissioner's Court Meeting.

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Today is Monday, May 4th, 2026. Commissioner's Court is meeting in regular open session. Today, we are joined by ASL interpreters Selena Salum and Katya Garcia. Commissioner Oin, would you like to introduce our pledge of allegiance group for today?

Yes. Good morning, everyone. We are very blessed to have with us the student council from East Letta Elementary School. So, I'd like to invite them all to go ahead and start making their way up to the podium. And while they do that, I definitely want to thank Miss Chavez, who is their teacher and helped organize their trip to the courthouse this morning. They're going to be taking a tour of the courthouse. So, if you see them, please stop by and say hello if you see them in the elevator in the hallway. Please rise for the pledge of allegiance.

Oh, right right in front of the podium in front of the microphone.

Couldn't counsel people here. We have lots of

Hey, we're ready. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible. Thank you all so much. Good luck today on your on your tour. I hope y'all do well on your pup quiz this morning. Just stress him a little.

And now we will receive an invocation from Rabbi Ben Zidman with Temple Mount Si. Welcome. Thank you for having me.

Nice to have you here. County Judge Simmenago, Commissioners Butler, Stout, Hogin, Coronado. We are born in El Paso and we come from locations around the globe. We are younger and we are elders. We are indigenous to this land and we are descended of every race and nation. You come together this morning to do the business of this remarkable county. In so doing, you represent the lives, hopes, dreams, worries, fears, and concerns of a broad array of individuals. As you do the work on our behalf this morning, may you do so with open minds and listening ears. May you find within you the strength, the focus, and the will to make the decisions that are difficult to make. May you not lose sight of the sacred purpose which brought you to this seat of leadership. May you maintain a sense of higher purpose as the weariness of business looms. May you be blessed. May you bless us. May the work of your hands and the legacy of your efforts lift us all during this difficult time when so many of us are struggling under the weight of hatred, racism, anti-semitism, bigotry, and divisiveness. May we see you see the way that you conduct yourselves as leaders and know that there is a force for goodness and unity that represents the divine potential in all of humanity. Eloham, we praise you, oh God, the source of wisdom and awareness. Amen.

Thank you, Rabbi. Always welcome here. Thank you. Thank you, Judge. Would you like to make some comments before we begin with

Please. Thank you so much. Um uh on behalf of myself and obviously our commissioners, we welcome you to Commissioner's Court. Uh we have some really exciting uh resolutions today. We just love the fact that we get to recognize those individuals that make us unique, those organizations that, you know, dedicate themselves. Uh so we're very always very fortunate to have you here and be able to recognize uh you know everything that you do for our community. I know it's a postBTS uh day and uh we will be addressing and and I have to say this because we had such a promotion for BTS and there was some things we'd like to do better um reaching out to the hotels, you know, to stick to their price. Uh transportation became a little bit of an issue and maybe we could figure out ways how to do that. Uh but uh we just want people to come to El Paso and really understand who we are. And uh you know, as I always say, uh El Paso to know us is to love us. And so once they get to know us, we're going to be very fortunate. They'll be coming back. So once again, God bless each and every one of you. Have just a wonderful Monday and a and a beautiful week. And uh like I said, thank you for being here at Commissioner's Court today and being part of all this celebration. Thank you,

Jessica. Item number four is the consent agenda composed of items 4 A through 4T. At the request of Commissioner Gin, we are asking to delete item 4F, which is pursuant to Texas Local Government Code section 381.004, 004 approve and authorize the allocation and use of public purpose funds to support transportation for the Chihuahua El Paso trade mission scheduled for May 6th through 8th, 2026 to Sakoro's commercial areas and the mission trail in an amount not to exceed $750 for the statutory public purpose of stimulating business and commercial activity in the county pursuant to El Paso County's Chapter 381 Economic Development Authority. Funds are available in general fund commissioner three public purpose operation expense general. Are there any items members of the quarter public would like to pull for further discussion?

No. Um I actually wanted to pull S, please. S. Okay. Thank you. As for Commissioner Oink, are there any others? No, Judge. I I just want to highlight item G. I I want to thank uh uh CDL Rapido Inc. for joining our promise program here at the county with the memorandum of understanding that we're about to approve. So, appreciate that. I'll move to approve. Judge, is there a second? I'll second. Don't run with my

I have a motion by Judge Samo, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. I vote I.

Commissioner Stout is absent. Motion carries. Item number five, resolutions. Judge, we'd like to begin with item 5F and take up all of Commissioner Butler's uh resolutions first if that's okay. Item 5F, approve and adopt a resolution proclaiming May 2026 as Huntington Disease Awareness Month in El Paso County, Texas. Good morning everyone. Thank you judge commissioners uh for the opportunity to to present this resolution which is incredibly important and um hits very close to home for me um uh but also I think um should hit close to home for everybody in El Paso. Um, I'll go ahead and read the resolution, but we have uh guest speakers here who um are going to talk a little bit about this disease and what this awareness month means to to them and to our community. If you want to um approach the podium now, I'll go ahead and read the resolution. Whereas Huntington's disease is a hereditary progressive neurog neuro degenerative brain disease that impacts approximately 41,000 Americans with an additional 200,000 individuals at risk of inherit inheriting the expanded gene that causes the condition. And whereas each child of a parent diagnosed with Huntington's disease has a 50% chance of inherit inheriting the disorder which most commonly develops between the ages of 30 and 50. though cases have been identified in children as young as two. And whereas often described as having ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's simultaneously, Huntington's disease currently has no cure and no effective treatment to halting or slowing its progression. And whereas the average

lifespan after onset of Huntington's disease is between five and 20 years, creating significant emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial challenges for affected families. And whereas the El Paso community, including the Mononttoya Conro family, the Huntington's Disease Society of America, and other Huntington's disease organizations are working to improve the lives of those affected through advocacy, support, and education to the public and medical community. And whereas the month of May is recognized as Huntington's disease awareness month to raise public understanding and honor those living with the disease and their families. Now therefore, be it resolved, the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby encourage med medical community, and all residents to join by learning, advocating, and educating others about Huntington's disease, and standing in solidarity by lighting county lights, homes, and businesses in blue and purple, the official colors used to represent Huntington's disease and juvenile Huntington's disease, and to bring awareness and support for the Huntington's community. Be it further resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby recognize and honor May 2026 as Huntington's disease awareness month. Signed this 4th day of May 2026. We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Butler, second by Judge Sango. The voting is open. Motion carries. Um before we hear from our guest speakers, I just want to say um thank you very much to the Mont Mononttoya Conro family. um for for bringing awareness around Huntington's disease um to to the El Paso community. I first heard about it uh early last year um when um Rebecca Mononttoya uh um was able to to to post her family

story and it got on FitFam. Um, and I saw it and I saw Justin Conroe, who I went to high school with, um, who, um, not just high school, I think elementary, middle, and high school together. Uh, we were in marching band together. Justin was an all-star uh, drummer um, at Mountain View High School. And, um, I knew that he had become a music teacher um, and then joined the fire the El Paso Fire Department. And so when I saw the news about um his diagnosis uh with Huntington's disease, obviously um um was able to connect with them uh pretty quickly and I've just been very inspired by your journey and your advocacy um and your work to to bring more awareness and fight for a cure. So I'll go ahead and hand it over to you. Thank you very much for being here.

Thank you, Commissioner. Welcome. First of all, I want to say thank you for the opportunity and the invitation to speak here with you this morning. Good morning everyone. My name is Justin Conro and I'm here to speak on getting diagnosed with Huntington's disease in March of 2025. I am a husband, a father, a son, and a brother. And I've been a public servant since I started my profession. I've been a music teacher. I have worked in the hospitals. And as of 2018, I have served in our community as a firefighter. In 2025, my wife began noticing physical changes. My stamina after my shift work was not the same. Normally on my days off, I only needed two to three hours of sleep to recover. As time went on, eight to 10 hours was not enough. Eventually, I would spend my full days off sleeping. At first, I thought the nature of the job was simply getting harder for me. But I reached a point when I realized that I could get hurt or someone in my community could get hurt. So, as a result of my physical and cognitive changes, I made the difficult choice of getting myself off of the line or requesting being removed from the fire station work. I went from carrying, lifting, and transporting 300 lb patients to not even being able to carry our seven-year-old son to his bed. Leaving on the line firefighting was a difficult choice. I had envisioned a lifetime of responding to medical calls

and putting out fires, but the demand that firefighting requires would definitely deteriorate my body at a faster rate. I have a difficult, excuse me, I have a different fire to put out now. And this type is the fire of my lifetime. My goal now is to live a long life for my family despite a grim diagnosis. Currently, I have mild cognitive decline, short-term memory issues, and I'm starting to stutter in my speech. Without medication, I choke on every meal and exhaustion and pain have become my norm. For most people, this is the most tragic diagnosis they could receive. But my hope is in God. With the support of my wife and my family and those who love us, we will not give up. I want to see my children grow up. I want to walk my daughter down the aisle. And no matter how fast or how slow this disease is progressing, I am going to fight. Thank you, Commissioner Butler, for this resolution. Thank you, Commissioners and Judge Sango, for giving me a moment to speak and by offering this resolution for our family. And on behalf of the Huntington's community, I also want to say thank you. Thank you. Good morning everyone. My name is Rebecca Montoya Conro. I am Justin's wife and on behalf of my family and the HD community, I want to say thank you to Commissioner Butler and to all of the commissioners present and to Judge Sango for allowing us to be here today. For those who have never heard about Huntington's disease, let the court know

that HD is categorized as a fatal neurodeenerative disease that can best be described as having ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's combined. HD is a genetic neurological illness that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This disease slowly destroys a person's physical, cognitive, and psychiatric abilities over time, robbing them of the lifetime they imagine they would live. There is no cure, nor any FDA approved disease modifying therapy. Those in the medical community and unfortunately in our HD community view this diagnosis as a death sentence, for there is medically no hope. HD is a familial disease for every child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting this disease. The generational trauma that is passed down not only genetically but mentally and emotionally foster the stigma of carrying this in your bloodline keeping families captive in fear. The fear of discrimination, the fear of losing your job, the fear of everything changing. As much as fear wants to grip us, we will not relent. Justin and I are here standing simply by the grace of God. He is our strength. And it is our faith, grace, and strength that we seek to advocate, create awareness, provide support, and network with medical professionals and the community for the HD community in our West Texas region. The Conro family, the Cvantes family here present today, families and other HD families who wish to remain anonymous ask for your help. Commissioners, Judge Sango, you have the power to effect change. You have the power to become allies and trailblazers in our bational

community to stand and support the Huntington's community. As Commissioner Butler has said, May is Huntington's awareness month, and I, along with many advocates across our state, ask you to stand with us. Governor Greg Abbott will be declaring May 15th as Huntington's disease awareness day. And while Mayor Rener Johnson is not present, I ask that you would seek for El Paso to do the same on May 15th. Additionally, I appeal to you to write our senators and state representatives to stand with the Huntington's community by sending a letter to the FDA in support of the most recent life-changing therapy called AMT130. In April of 2025, the FDA designated this clinical trial as breakthrough therapy and as regenerative advanced medicine therapy. Regretfully, in November of 2025, later that year, the FDA reverted it reverted its position. I call on you to write on behalf of your HD constituents in El Paso who simply want the FDA to fully uphold the previously agreed upon accelerated approval pathway for AMT130 and any further therapies that are granted accelerated approval to include the use of external control data and natural history studies. The urgency is dire. You may see my husband standing here today, but the truth is his neurons are slowly dying and the disease is progressing every day. Huntington's is in irreversible and currently has zero disease modifying therapies. But with AMT130, the difference between our HD loved ones

slowly dying or decor or decaying or having a quality of life is at hand. call the FDA to expedite the review and approval of AMT130. Once again, lastly, I ask you that you help us locally. We have to travel to Houston to receive comprehensive care. There are other HD families who I have met who have nowhere to turn to medically. Sometimes the financial means can be overwhelming. You have the power to network and to encourage the Paul Foster School of Medicine to become a trailblazer in HD care in the West Texas, New Mexico, and this bational community. HD families receive a lifealtering, often hopeless situational diagnosis. So much support is needed on every level, spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and financial. As an HD center of excellence, El Paso can bring so much peace of mind for families faced with this disease. This diagnosis has revolutionized our life. But the resolve to live today, to live with purpose, is becoming our mission. I know that I will never stop fighting for my husband, to have a quality of life. When he proposed to me, he told me he would give me 50 years. He still owes me 39. I will do all that I can to grow old with him. I will do all that I must for our two children who are at a 50% at risk of inheriting this disease. There might not be a treatment today, but with our advocacy, perhaps there will be a treatment tomorrow. Progress begins with conversations and resolutions. Change

happens when we resolve to do something. I ask you that you join us in bringing awareness, support, and hope to our HD families in the El Paso region. For more information, you can contact me. Thank you for your time and may God bless you all. Thank you very much.

Don't don't leave yet. Let let us be able to you could please stay here so in case you want to respond or just an opportunity to I I just want to thank you for your courageous testimonial. Uh you know it's bold and uh and thank you for the information that you gave us and I think we we we openly accept the challenge. Uh this is to me there's no better community that once they become aware of something they're very active and but we need that kind of awareness. Our relationship with Texas Tech and you know with with UMC I think gives us an that opportunity. We have a legislative you know agenda that we work on. Obviously that would be something very important. We also feel very confident with Commissioner Butler taking becoming the champion and us supporting us and giving us direction. But I thank you both. It it takes a lot of courage to do what you're doing. Sometimes individuals experience something and then they keep it to themselves. And in your case, you're not only dealing with your situation, but you're trying to help others deal with their situation. And that's very noble and admirable. And so we thank you for being here today. And like I said, we will take the the the challenge and we'll also follow uh Commissioner Butler. Like I said, you have a great champion and we'll follow her lead so we could do whatever it takes uh to get more people to recognize it. And like you said, just just the understanding and the compassion of what what you're going through from a community could be extremely helpful. So, I'll send it back to you, Commissioner Butler.

Thank you, Judge. Thank you for those kind words. Thank you um Rebecca and Justin for for your testimony. I am in awe of your bravery uh and your courage for standing up here today and sharing your story with with El Paso County as a whole. Um I I I I know it's kind of um a a a little sad way to start on Monday morning, but it's also a reminder that every day is a gift. And uh we get to decide what we do with each day that we have. And you all are deciding, as you said, to fight um through your faith and your strength together as a family. And so, thank you very much for for being here, for bringing awareness and and we'll do we'll do our part to support your efforts. Um, and um and congratulations on all of your success so far. Thank you very much.

Do would you would like to bring the family up for a picture? Okay.

Item 5G, approve and adopt a resolution designating May 17 through 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week, recognizing the El Paso County Public Works Department professionals for their epic service and urging all residents to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in recognizing the public service efforts of these professionals.

Yes. Thank you, judge and commissioners. This is a resolution that is very um near and dear to to all of us sitting up here and and to every um county administrator in the room. I know we have a big big chunk of our public works department here in the room. Do you all want to come up to and stand up here while we read the resolution? It's the whole room apparently. Yeah,

I am I am very honored to be able to read this resolution um recognizing all of you outstanding public servants. Thank you for the work that you do. I'll go ahead and read the resolution and then we can hear from you all. Whereas public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, parks, planning, development, and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, extraordinary quality of life and well-being of the people of El Paso County. And whereas these infrastructure facilities, parks, planning, development, engineering, and geographical information services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, and who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation's transportation, water supply, water treatment, and solid waste systems, storm water, public buildings, parks, and playgrounds like the Awad Dulce Gayos and Ruben skate parks where ribbon cutings were underway last year. And whereas it is in the public interest for the residents, business owners, civic leaders, and children in El Paso County to gain knowledge of and to maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities. And whereas El Paso County has over 300 public works employees under the leadership of Miss Norma Rivera Palasios, Melinda Benuelos, Fernando Ernnandez, Michael Maroy, Robin Sully, and Tim Fulton uninterrupted through their service, through their dedication to excellence, professionalism, integrity, and creativity, and who through their commitment and sweat equity sometimes in extreme weather and difficult conditions help provide an extraordinary quality of life for our residents. And whereas the year 2026 marks the 66th annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association. Now

therefore, be it resolved that the El Paso County Commissioner's Court and County Judge hereby designates May 17th to 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week, recognizing El Paso County Public Works professionals for their epic service and urges all residents to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies and activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees, and to recognize the substantial contrib contributions they make to protect protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life. Signed this 4th day of May, 2026. We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Butler, second by Commissioner Oolen. The voting is open. Motion carries.

Good morning, judge commissioners. Welcome,

Norma Rivera Palasios with the public works department. Commissioner Butler, thank you so much for this resolution. We really appreciate it. I want to take some time to acknowledge my team. As you can see, a lot of them joined us, and this is not all of them. Some of them are out there working, right, to keep our community safe. I want to acknowledge our department heads, Fernie Hernandez, Tim Fulton, Michael Mackenroy, which unfortunately couldn't join us, and Robin Sulli. Additionally, I'd like to uh acknowledge our leadership uh project leads Melina Banuelos, Lydia Arias, and Moner Alsar. To all our staff members, your hard work, dedication, and daily contributions do not go unnoticed. The essential services you provide are vital to the well-being and quality of life of our community. Thank you for all your continued efforts and valuable work. I wanted them to know how much I care about them and they mean how much they mean to me and our community. Thank you so much. And to the court, thank you for your support. Without your support, none of the important work that we do would be possible. And to our behind thescenes leader, Betsy Keller.

Betsy, literally, your guidance and support is essential to our work and the work that we do for our community. Thank you so much. This means a lot to me.

You want to say something? Melina has a few words.

Uh, I had a backup. No. Uh, today we celebrate public works. Uh, the dedication to the men and women here who keep this county running. I know that we're very much hopefully behind the scenes. And I know we you only know our names when something went wrong, right? Just kidding. But with your support, we thank you for all your work. And ladies and gentlemen here that join me that are part of our team here. It is without countless appreciation and daily gratitude that we practice with you guys for all the efforts that you put together. I know in even in my niche of that world, um I can count on every part of this this division, this this department to make our projects happen and to turn any complaints, question, concern, anything, every single question, turn it around quickly and get get it corrected, responded or just, you know, moving pro projects forward. So, we thank everyone here from the court to the county administration to everybody in public works. Thank you again for all you do.

Thank you. Fernie, Tim, and Robin, you should start making your way anyway. Welcome, Fernie.

Good morning, judge, commissioners. Uh, I like to echo everybody's uh, sentiment up here. You know, uh, the hard work that all our staff u puts in in our daily effort uh is very grateful and it's not unappreciated. it goes notice. Um, I'd like to thank uh, of course, all your support, the court support, Betsy support, and of course uh, you know, without the backing of Norma Molina, uh, we we wouldn't be out here to be able to produce a product that that we take pride in for serving our community. Thank you all. Thank you, Fernie. Tim,

judge, and commissioners, it's times like this. I'm so proud to be here in El Paso County. It's it's great. Over the weekend, we had Mitchelada Fest and you know, it's just it's folks coming to have a great time. And I'm I'm so proud of my team because everyone stepped in. We had one person not feeling well. People stepped in. They did their jobs. We had lifeguards out there helping with the festival. We had maintenance. Bernie stepped in, helped us on some things. And also our our constables and our sheriff's office stepped in. And and it's just incredible how this team pulls everything together. I know when you look out here, Norma's a little shorter than me, right? But I'm always looking up to her and her leadership as well as Betsy as well as your leadership. My whole team, our hearts are out to you for your support and everything you've done, as well as the whole entire El Paso County community. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Tim. Appreciate that. Welcome.

Good morning, judge, commissioners. Robin Sully, facility maintenance director. I want to echo everything that uh the staff Norman and the staff has said, but I want to say that we couldn't have been successful if it wasn't for you all, the commissioners and you, Judge, uh Betsy Keller and Norma, the leadership, that's what makes us successful today. And I also want to take the time to thank each and every one of the the staff that's standing behind me because they work hard 24/7 and today is a great day to be they used to say a great day to be a soldier but today is a great day to be a member of the public works and thank you for your support. Thank you.

Well, thank you. Thank you. Thank you for making us look good. You know, we always show up at the groundbreaking and uh there's an expression, I hope you understand it in in Spanish, it says and so that's what we do a lot of times, you know, we we show up as elected officials and we take a lot of the credit, but behind all of that is that you have to get it to that point where we're able to to be recognized for that and and let the public know. But today's very special because I think the public will realize who's behind all the success that we have. And I can tell you when when people tell me that that you work at the level of text dot when you do the internal projects that they they qualify at the level of text dot that you reach all these standards that you have all of this expertise and I think the community needs to understand that every time that you take on these initiatives it's a lot of saving money of not having to use other resources. Uh we thank you. Like I said, it's we're very very very proud of who you are and what you do for us. I mean, I've lived through most of you somehow some way where there was a healing garden where it looked like an impossibility. Uh, you know, just that's a perfect example. I was told that if anybody tried to replicate that outside of what we did, it'd be in about the $3 million uh level of being able to do the healing garden at the level you guys did it. way way way below that kind of money. Uh so we thank you, Norma. We thank you for what you do. We thank you for your team. Betsy, I know you're some somewhere back there in in the back. Uh we thank you for that. And uh everybody that contributes, I mean, we just have such great experiences. Like I said, when we show up to the groundbreaking, I hope

that you feel that it is you that got it there and we just happen to be the ones sort of letting the public know what happened. But the real work and the real effort was each and every one of you. And as I always say, every time I have an opportunity, I don't want you to pass by a project of the county, anything that you in your heart don't feel that you have something to do with it because you did. And I don't want you to pass by a park that looks better and just sort of just pass by it without realizing that you've made people happier. You've given opportunities for people to live with more dignity. Every single project has been directed at people living better. And you know my motto, you know, no one should live different simply because they live somewhere else. And you are making that possible. And eventually, nobody's going. No more colonials, no more marginal situations, but every individual in the county lives the way they should be with dignity and pride. So to each and every one of you, we thank you with all our heart from our commissioners. And I know there's other individuals wanting to thank you as well, Commissioner Olim.

Thank you, Judge. Um, I just wanted to take an opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the work that you all do every single day. I I don't know if you realize it, but you all, every single one of you affects our residents lives every single day. Whether you're repaving our roads, you're connecting neighborhoods to water and wastewater, you're maintaining our parks, you're planning for our future development. Everything that you do helps improve the lives of the residents of El Paso County. And don't ever forget that. Don't ever forget what an impact you all have every single day on our community. So, I personally want to thank each and every one of you for all of the work that you do, for your dedication, for your commitment, and for your love for our community. Um, so please know we I'm sure don't thank you nearly enough, but please know that we appreciate you tremendously and the county could not do what it does without each and every one of you. So, thank you. Thank you,

Commissioner Guron. Thank you, Judge and Commissioners. You know, again, I just want to express my thanks to all of you because, you know, even, you know, we know that our resources are are tight, right? And and all of y'all do what it takes to make sure that the services that we provide are exceptional. Uh, from, you know, for any maintaining our roads and Michael, you guys do a fantastic job. And, uh, where's Monzer? Munzer,

Munzer, come on up. You know, when when uh when we met the new uh director of the Texas Water Development Board last year, uh she was very impressed with uh the entire organization, obviously with the information we had for them. Uh she was just in in awe of the information, the shovel ready projects that we had for our water infrastructure. She just got blown away. And that's thanks to everybody uh because that's really one of our focus. It's one of my focuses uh when I got onto Commissioner's Court as well as the parks, Tim. Uh the maintenance that you all uh have stepped up on our parks is just incredible. Um and of course when to thank Michael, Molina, Lydia, everybody who's uh you know, and and specifically uh and Mr. Sully, where's Mr. Sully? I I got, you know, I got to hand it to you because I know all the complaints start go up to you when we talk about our facilities. Uh but you guys have done a really really great job at at keeping us up there uh in terms of our services and our facilities. But you one of one of the biggest things though is that that I really want to give you thanks for is uh our bond projects at the uh that the community voted for. Y'all have really stepped up. we are way ahead of time and on budget and that's really what it takes to make sure that we keep the trust with the community and that's thanks to all of you and Betsy you're heading a lot but Norma you have a lot to do with it so uh I just want to again express my thanks to all of you for everything you do for our citizens here in the community so thank you all very mucho back to you

we got Betsy

I I I'll just say a comment and then I'll let Betsy have the last word. Um, but I I just want to echo the sentiments of the commissioners and the judge. Um, and thank thank all of you for the the hard work that you do every single day for El Paso County constituents. Our office um probably interacts with at least one of you every single day um whether it's parks or water or road um uh or facilities. And um and I hope that you you see that the reflection of your work is in the community. um that we live in that we all live in and um and how much we appreciate you all. We're extremely lucky at El Paso County to have such hardworking individuals um who care so much about the work that that you all do and the impact you have on the community. So, thank you. Um thank you, thank you, thank you all of you for for everything you've done and I I really have appreciated the opportunity to work with so many of you over the last year. So,

thank you. I want to remind the community that a lot of the individuals here were at the fiesta last night and and early this morning and you're still here. So, thank you for that, Betsy.

Thank you, Judge. Um, thank you, Commissioner Butler, for putting this item on the agenda. These are the dedicated professionals who make El Paso County run every single day, and whether they're on the front lines or behind the scenes, they make such critical essential impacts to the lives of our citizens. the quality of life that our citizens enjoy. And so, um, they are just deeply valued. Their their commitment, their skill, their pride. I see the pride that they take in their work. Um, I there not only is it sometimes more affordable for us to do it in-house, but the quality of work that comes out of these teams is just phenomenal. and what they do directly again it's so impactful so meaningful and they give so much of themselves you know storm water doesn't happen when it's convenient for for our families storm water issues or major infrastructure issues often happen in the middle of the night and these are our crews that respond um when we need something on the weekend drone flyovers or um parks projects those are happening all hours of the day and these are the people that we rely on and we're able to rely on them without fail. I also um just cannot emphasize what a critical part of our team, our county family each one of you, each one of you are. Um and I also want to say I've worked with several public works directors over my life and um there is none better than than Norma. Um I the way she's so responsive, she cares, she really she goes out herself. I could not be more proud of this whole team and of Norma's leadership. And so I just know that we all thank you. Um we thank you all for your hard work and for your unwavering dedication. Thanks so much,

Norma. Thank

Norma. Thank you for answering every call, every text that I ever send you. She she's back with me. So once again, this is a very special time for all of you. Like I hope you do feel it in your heart what you do. And every one of us have said here that their community is better and lives better and with more dignity because of the work that you do. And I hope that that you remember that. So thank you. We're going to take a picture, but this one other thing I just want a shout out to Norma. Every time I go to her, I'm all, you know, I'm all excited or kind of uh altered, I should say. All right. And she's always got a way when she talks to you about she's just very peaceful, polite, and just calms you down. We're taking care of it. This is the way we're going to handle it. But she does it in a way that's I mean, super tactful. Uh very professional. Norma, just my hats out to you. Thank you. You guys want to come this way? Then we'll stand behind you.

Gentlemen back here. Gentlemen back here, please. Fern give it to Yeah, my proud of you guys. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Item 5H. H. Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing May 3rd through 9th, 2026 as National Correctional Officers Week in El Paso County, Texas. Thank you, judge and commissioners. This is um last but not least resolution for me today. I am really excited and honored to be able to recognize our correctional officers both from the sheriff's office and from uh JPD. I know

we have Chief Gaye, Chief Medina here to speak on behalf of the item, but um uh we have the command staff and a lot of the team from JPD here, too. So, welcome everybody. Thank you for being here. Good morning, ma'am. Good morning. Chief Deputy Patrick Gayy with the sheriff's office. I oversee the detention bureau.

Chief, I'll I'll go ahead and read the resolution. I'm just waiting for um the team from JPT to come up and then we'll hand it off to you. So, okay. Uh good morning everyone. Thank you again for being here. Whereas the El Paso County Commissioner's Court recognizes the vital role that correctional officers, specifically those serving with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department, play in maintaining public safety and preserving the integrity of our criminal justice system. And whereas National Correctional Officer Week is observed annually in the first full week of May to recognize and honor the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of correctional officers across the nation. And whereas correctional officers serve on the front lines of our adult and youth justice systems, often working weekends, evening, and holidays, facing challenging and often dangerous situations with unwavering courage, professionalism, and compassion. And whereas these men and women work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our communities, often risking their own lives to safeguard others. And whereas the El Paso County Commissioner's Court wishes to express its deepest gratitude and appreciation to all correctional officers serving with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department for their unwavering commitment to public service and their exemplary con contributions to the well-being of our community. And whereas the El Paso County Commissioner's Court encourages all residents to join in expressing gratitude to correctional officers for their service and to recognize the importance of their role in maintaining public safety and upholding justice. Now therefore, be it resolved that the El Paso County Commissioner's Court and County Judge recognize National Correctional Officer Week and honors the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of all correctional officers serving with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department. signed

this 4th day of May 2026. We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Butler, second by Judge Sman. The voting is open. Motion carries. Welcome. Morning, Commissioner. On behalf of Sheriff Oscar Rugarte and the command staff and the men and women of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, uh we'd like to thank you for this honor and this recognition. I'll keep it brief. Anyone else that from CPD?

Good morning, judge, commissioners. Rosie Medina, chief juvenile probation officer. On behalf of my amazing staff, our detention officers, our community support officers that day in day out, seven days a week, 365 days a year, sacrifice not only time with their families, but they're also coming to work dedicated to make a difference in the lives of the people that we house within our facility, both in our pre-adjudication detention facility as well as in our challenge academy post adjudication facility. I'd like to share that in 2025 we housed 728 youth between our both our pre and our post facilities. And um I would re be remiss if I do not recognize the amazing support personnel that support our operations because detention as well as our jail do not work in a vacuum. They rely on our maintenance staff. They rely on our IT and SNR, our IT personnel, our culinary staff. Um, an amazing all the supports that our department has to provide in order to be able to get the jobs done. Um, I'd like to share that we serve over 6,000 meals a day in our detention facility. So, our culinary staff are very important making sure that our kids receive nutrition meals um daily. And we've had or we house over 55% of the population that we house in our facilities are moderate to high-risisk offenders, which they do pose definitely some safety and some security risks. Our officers endure a lot. Um sometimes verbal abuse, sometimes some physical assaults as well. It comes with the job, but they show up day in and day out and give with heart. They give with passion. And I want to extend my appreciation to all of their sacrifices. Thank you.

Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Commander. Appreciate that. Yes. Welcome. Good morning, judge commissioners. On behalf of the Paso County Sheriff's Officers Association, I want to thank you for recognizing National Correctional Officer Week. Your support means a great deal for the men and women who work tirelessly inside our detention facilities every day. Our correctional officers, excuse me, our detention officers perform demanding and often unseen work. and this acknowledgement reinforces that their service and dedication do not go unnoticed. Again, thank you for honoring their commitment for our community. Appreciate you. Thank you so much. Anybody else?

You know, uh, one of the, um, Oh, you got someone else. Thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you.

Good morning, county judge. I am Anna Ginka. I'm the interim director of detention at JPD. I just want to thank you all for having us here today. This is a very difficult job to do day in and day out. We couldn't do it without you. I want to personally thank my staff at JPD um pre and post. It's very difficult. We've had hard times, but we are grateful and we're a united front working with as well with our jail. Um it's aligned. We're always working as one making sure we're you know we just had training last week with Mr. Stra. So we're doing great. So, I want to thank you all and we'll continue to do what we are unsung heroes sometimes, but this is what we do and it takes special people to do this. Thank you. Thank you so much.

Just we got everybody else. One more. Good morning, commissioners. Judge, um I'm just here to basically thank everyone who is committed to, you know, serving the youth and serving the population. Um it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to do this day in and day out. um they're here 80% of their time uh really treating other people and servicing other people. Um so I really want to thank you for your collaboration, for all of our collaborations together. Um and just for your continued support as we go down the line because this job is a hard job. It involves not only the personnel that you see here, but it involves the back end, which is our families as well. So thank you very much for your support.

Thank you. you know, this is one of the um where the community has very very little understanding uh what you do, how you protect them, what you know, all the things that you have to go through. And I know one of the things that I always hear is that what you see you can't unsee and you have to live with a lot of difficult difficult situations. But I hope that by understanding that that you feel a little bit more comfort that people do recognize your work. Um I I was able to appreciate more and more commissioner Leon having been a chief and having been in the police really focused a lot on that and I got to learn about he would make comments for example one time he made a comment he said you know there was times I couldn't stand the person for 20 minutes and you guys had to deal with that individual week in week out and somebody just sort of you were like here like now you got to take care of them, he says. And I never I never understood that. But then he made a a huge point about that. And so we're very thankful for what you do. Uh like I said, it's one of the I wish that more and more the community could understand everything that you have to go through and everything. And also not just I know that people just think it's all about you know inmates and you know you know making sure that they're they're doing the right thing but also what I have seen is the dignity that you give the people that come in there and we know for a fact that the more difficult the situation is for an inmate the more likely he's going to come back which is pretty crazy. And the better you treat them, the less likely because they go in there not feeling good about themselves and then if you make them feel worse, then it sort of, you know, it sort of aligns with what they're feeling and what they're thinking. So, it's a crazy phenomenon, but the better you treat

them, the less likely they'll come back because they feel a sense of respect that you were able to respect who they were as human beings. And I hear that a lot a lot from people that the way you treat them, the way you deal with these situations, uh you don't stigmatize them, you try to re you make sure that they feel that they belong and that they need to go back into community and do something for for that community. So we thank you for the over and above because you could just be detention and correctional officers. Definitely definitely that's not what you do. You go way beyond that. And I hear that from a lot of different individuals. So, thank you for that. We appreciate everything that you do and I'll send it back to well this way. Go ahead.

To reiterate, thank you, judge. Just to reiterate um what the judge said, uh we are incredibly grateful for not only the work that you do and the commitment that you have to our community, but um how you treat everyone who is within housed within your facilities with the utmost dignity and respect. We're incredibly proud of um of of our facilities here at El Paso County, and that's because of the care and dedication of each and every one of you all. So, I just wanted to thank you to thank you for that and make sure that you know that you're very much appreciated. Uh we can't even imagine um what uh working as a correction officer is and how difficult that is every day, but please know that you're appreciated.

Thank you, Commissioner Gordon.

Judge, thank you, Commissioners. Um you know, I I just want to thank you. you know, having worked in the system for, you know, over 40 years, uh, on both sides, I I know the difficulty and, you know, and firsthand when I sat on the jail population review board with Sheriff Sango back in the day, uh, the challenges we had with with our downtown jail and how crowded we were and the what you all had to put up with. and not not just that with the pay that a lot of the detention officers were getting uh just didn't sit right not just with Sheriff Sango but with me and everybody else uh in the county and slowly uh we know we we we brought that up and you know little more dignified pay for y'all and we're happy that you know we're continuing to do that. I wish we had more resources to dedicate to special programs for rehabilitation, even more rehabilitation. Uh, and I know firsthand of some of the challenges y'all face in having to, you know, some of the people that that we house there. Uh, but you know, we we we just can't give up on these people. We have to try and make sure that, you know, we help them along and become uh better members of society than some of the wrong choices that they make. And so again, I ju I just want to thank you all for the work that you all do. It's uh super hard. Um I know that I've been on ride alongs, not just with DPS, but in in Austin, the sheriff's department. Uh it's just uh it's a challenge and you know, it's really super hard work. Thank you all for the dedication you have uh to the community uh for, you know, these services that you provide for us. So, thank you all very much. go to no.

Thank you, judge. Thank you, commissioners. It's really um my my honor, my privilege to to be able to carry this resolution for you and in recognition of your hard work. I I'm also very privileged to to have a small window into the work that you do every single day. Um thank you each of you for taking the time to to take me to your facilities to to show me the work that you do. Um, most people, if they're lucky, never have to see the inside of a jail or of JPD. Um, uh, those of us who who, um, who are here at the county understand the critical role that you play, um, in our community, in keeping El Paso County safe, but also taking care of the most vulnerable in our community. So, thank you for your service and your sacrifice and for honor honorably taking care of um the most needy and vulnerable in our community. Um and just to echo the the sentiments of the court, uh I wish we had unlimited resources to get you new facilities, which I know are desperately needed, and more staff. And uh I know that you have the commitment of this court to do everything we can to support you. So, thank you very much. I hope that you uh have a great week in recognition of your work.

judge. We'd like to go to item uh 5B. I Yes. Item 5B. approve and adopt a resolution declaring Thursday, May 7, 2026 as the National Day of Prayer 2026 in El Paso County, Texas. Good morning, judge.

Good morning. Let me I'll read the resolution and then we'll we'll get going. But this is it's a big privilege really for me and an honor to read the resolution because I know what you do. I believe in the power of prayer. And so you've been extremely kind to me. I know I've gotten a lot of prayers from all of you and some very difficult times during the pandemic uh the healing garden and and some other areas. So, it's it's an honor for me to read the resolution. Whereas, Thursday, May the 7th, 2026 is officially National Day of Prayer in El Paso to unite the city and community in prayer, meditation for immedi I'm sorry, mediation for our nation and our government. Where is days of fasting and prayer for our nation have been called for over the decades by many presidents including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. and was the official bill was signed by President HS Truman in 1952 to declare the first Thursday of every May as the official day of prayer for the United States of America. Whereas in accordance to this bill submitted by President Truman and signed by Congress, the National Day of Prayer is a day on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals. El Paso also officially commemorates this day for our city and community to turn to God for his protection, provision, wisdom, and guidance for all those in authority, and for all constituents and residents of El Paso, our state of Texas, and the nation of United States of America. Whereas in 2 Chronicles 7:14, God declares, "If my people which are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their

land. Now therefore, be it resolved by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court, hereby recognize Thursday, May 7th, 2026 as National Day of Prayer 2026 in El Paso County, Texas. Signed this 4th day of May 2026. We have a motion to approve by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Commissioner Butler is absent. Motion carries. Welcome.

Uh, God bless you all. Amen. Thank you for allowing us to be here. Thank you for this resolution. And to all the moms in the building, happy Mother's Day this Sunday. Amen. And if you're married, well, happy Mother's Day to your wife. Amen. So anyway, uh, Pastor Bobby Garcia, Grace Christian Center. Uh, uh, together here with the board of the National Day of Prayer of El Paso. Uh, this is Lily Rubio. she's board member of course. Amen. And then Luis, he's the he's he's our our director and he's also our regional director for the area and uh we're glad to be here and thank you so much for just always having open doors and judge. You've come up several times to the National Day of Prayer and it's always been an honor to have you there and thank you. Thank you for showing up and showing your support all the time. Thank you so much.

Go ahead. Good morning judge. Our purpose of be here is to thank you for the godness that our nation grants us in which prayer has been inherent to our society and a key factor in the development of our nation. Thank you so much judge for your support to each year that we invite you to the national day of prayer. Prayer is present in the independent movement, in the civil war, in the World War II, in the struggle for the civil rights with Dr. King. Prayer make us strong in the difficult times of our community like the shooting in Walmart in 2019. The prayer is still present and vibbrant today. Today, more than ever, we need prayer to unite us again like a nation under God. This year we have a greatest celebration. We celebrate 250 years as a nation. The 75th anniversary of the national day of prayer in the US and the 30 years celebrating like the community of El Paso. We will celebrate it on this occasion and this Thursday May the 7 at 7 p.m. we will celebrate it at Centro Cristiano at the at 11530 Pelicano Drive in the east of El Paso. You are currently invited. We will have a special place for you and the local authorities. Thank you for this opportunity, Judge Tomgo, and thank you for your attention to everyone. God bless El Paso. God bless our county. And God bless the United States of America.

Thank you so much. Welcome.

You My name is Lily Rubio and uh I've been with the National Day of Prayer for a long time. We've been praying for you all the time. And uh maybe you don't know us by by name, but we always pray for you. So, you are welcome to come to our meeting uh that we're going to have on May the 7th. And we thank you for having us here. And God bless El Paso. God bless you all. All of you. Thank you. And again, thank you very much. And you have a wonderful wonderful time. Thank you for serving the the city of El Paso, the best city in our nation.

Thank you. And if you have a chance to go, it's such a moving event, the just the vibrant situation and how you feel and being able to stop for a moment and forget all of the things that are happening. It's it's always about unity, about coming together, and about bringing our beautiful nation together. And I don't think there's a better way than the power of prayer to make us feel good. El Paso, you said it, one of the best communities in the country. And a lot of it has to do with our values, family values, but also our faith and belief in God. So, we thank you. We'll go downstairs very much.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Going back to item 5A, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing the contributions of Jacob Senna to the motion picture industry and his dedicated efforts in promoting El Paso County as a premier destination for film and media. A production.

Good morning. Th this is um to me really an honor. I got to witness what one individual can do and make something happen. And all he had inside of him was El Paso's important. Uh we got to bring El Paso and put him on the map. And he went against all odds. I mean all odds. I mean there was no chance that uh some the movie would take place as one battle after the other. And so a lot of people have recognized it and uh but we still need to continue to recognize Jacob for his work. And Troy, thank you for the support that that you give him. Uh, but this is very special. U and I think more people need to understand because we're always trying to call others to sort of come forward and and and make a difference. Uh, but I think uh, Jacob is a perfect example of someone that exemplifies being an El Pasan. And of course, being that he's from Jefferson High School makes him additionally additionally uh important. So, let me read the the resolution. who is born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Jacob Senna has spent 25 years working in the motion picture industry, beginning his career in location management and transportation and contributing to film, television, commercials, and editorial productions across the United States and internationally. Where Senna has supported production activity throughout the borderland while working with county and city officials, property owners, and local businesses. His work with visiting production teams has contributed to El Paso's reputation as a welcoming and dependable film destination. Whereas from the early stages of his career, Senna worked in location management while also supporting transportation and picture

car coordination for major productions. One of his early large-scale uh projects included coordinating 155 picture vehicles for the feature of film Glory Road produced by Walt Disney Pictures and directed by James Gardner star starting starring Josh Lucas. He later served as a picture car coordinator on the burning plane directed by Guemo Mariaga and starting starring Charice Thuron, Kim Bessinger and and Jennifer Lawrence and where is the exclusive location manager for the Indian Cliffs Ranch and Cattleman Steakhouse property encompassing approximately 40,000 acres. Senna has supported numerous film commercial and and photography productions hosted at that site where Senna also played an instrumental role in scouting and served as a key location assistant on the feature film one battle after another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The production generated significant economic activity in a region with over 6 million in economic spending reported in El Paso during filming. In addition to his production work, Senna was instrumental in organizing the El Paso community screening of one battle after another, recognizing the region's involvement in the project. In recognition of his work on the film, Senna was named as honorary member of the location managers guild international and whereas Senna has supported editorial and commercial photography projects connected to nationally recognized publications including Vanity Fair, Vogue and Variety. He has also supported national commercial campaigns including projects for Coca-Cola, working with production teams representing major studios and international partners. Whereas beyond production work, Senna has remained

involved in industry development. As a former founding member of the Texas Motion Picture Alliance, he worked with industry and professionals and community leaders to help lay the groundwork for legislation supporting the film industry, including initiatives such as Senate Bill 22, which allocated 300 million to strengthen film production incentives across Texas. and where through 25 years of industry involvement, Jacob Senna has contributed to the presence of film and media projects in El Paso and surrounding communities and has continued growth of the regional production activity. Now therefore, it be resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby recognize the outstanding contribution of Jacob Senna to the motion picture industry and his dedicated efforts in promoting El Paso County as a premier destination for film and media production. Signed this fourth day of May, 2026.

We have a motion to approve by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Jacob, motion carries. Thank you,

Jacob. I I don't have a speech prepared. I didn't know I could, you know. Thank you all very much for uh the recognition and uh thank you, Judge, for your help um on the on the one battle after another movie. Couldn't have done it without you, judge. Thank you, Troy, for helping me. Um, I just wanted to say, um, first of all, I wanted to just say thank you very much for uh uh uh recognition of my work. I've been doing this over 25 years. I'm still trying to bring more films to to the to our community and it creates local jobs and I'm not going to stop. I have to keep going. I represent El Paso and uh we're we're we're still trying to push forward and uh I'm just we're just beginning here. So, as long as God gives me will and strength, I will do everything I can uh to do the best I can to represent El Paso and the county and and the state of Texas. Okay. Um so, we're getting there. $300 million is good. We still got a long ways to go, guys. But thank you very much. Thank you the county commissioners, Betsy Keller. I mean, everybody here, thank you so much. I uh thank you for the recognition, Judge. I couldn't have done this without you. So, thank you, Judge.

Thank you. Well, Jacob Jacob you I I think we all understood that when Coldplay came in, they broke a barrier, right? It was a paradigm shift. He did the same thing for the film industry. Now, we all recognize, you know, we got BTS and all these great companies are coming, great or concerts are coming to El Paso because we were able to show if you could handle coal play, you could handle anything. Same thing for Jacob. I think there's a lot of attention now that people know about us, people understand how we treated them, you know, how what we did, but also the incredible this idea that El Paso wasn't ready for a film of this nature. It broke that paradigm. And thanks to you, Jacob, I think we're going to have a lot of more uh movies that are interested in El Paso. and as a good friend. Troy, you want to say a few words for our

friend tell you one story. So, I can't walk by a microphone without, you know, saying a couple words. I'm Troy Scoutton, PRC Productions, and uh also a a member of the Producers Guild of America. I want to tell you a story about this guy. So, these guys came by Florencia and Michael Glacier and this Paul Thomas Anderson guy. I don't know who these guys are. and they wanted all these locations. Jacob would not quit. They could have very easily shot this whole movie in California. Matter of fact, they had it all set up to shoot the whole movie in California. Jacob would not quit. He showed him every available building in downtown El Paso. on the tops of the building up there with the blue flame all over the place. They wanted to have a dojo studio for one of the scenes in the movie. He found him that studio. Exactly. Perfect. Then they wanted real trophies in the studio. What did he do? He went over and borrowed Jessica Hans trophies. Had to ask her dad permission. Okay. This guy's a karate expert, okay? Borrowed all those trophies so they could put them up in there. And the man said, "You better make sure I get them back, right?" But that's what he does. He's a locations manager. That's why he's in the international locations manager's guild because he made sure those trophies were returned and they were in perfect condition, probably even dusted off. And that's the whole idea is you return the property in exactly the same condition, maybe even a little better. That's what Jacob did. He would not give up. They kept asking for this and this and this and this and he provided it all. And what was the end result? Oh, I don't know. How about six

Academy Awards and it should have been seven because the art director should have won an Academy Award also. And it was done, I would argue the best part of it was done right here in El Paso. And my best friend, Jacob, is the reason why. Now, thank you.

You The only the only thing that he's going to have to deal with is that he was named he was at at one of the recognitions. They said the real mayor of El Paso. So, so him and Johnson, I'm going to invite him to lunch so he could make up for that little comment. So, Jacob, once again, thank you so much. I know Betsy, you got to see some of his work and us walking around here with zero. I mean, there was no chance at all and he made it happen. And we keep hearing that. I mean we keep hearing that throughout the you know every time that movie comes out something is said about El Paso and they were very favorable. He gave them the opportunity to really know who we were and that could have been shut down completely. They would have said no they don't have uh you know the locations they don't have the skills of the people. I mean he found everything to make that movie happen here in El Paso. And I hope that you appreciate him as much as we do. So, Jacob, thank you. And I would love to take a picture with you and and your friends.

Thank you. Thank you all. Come on. You item 5C, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing plant a seed for its outstanding leadership and dedication in organizing the third annual race against human trafficking.

Welcome. Hi. Good morning. Thank you for your patience. Thank you for having us.

Well, thank you. and I'll read this into the record, but I'm very very proud of this one in particular because of the awareness that you have brought uh in in just a few years. I mean, people really understand and and are now getting the sense of what we have to do as a community. Thanks to both of you where El Paso County is committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals and acknowledges the critical importance of raising awareness and taking action to prevent human trafficking in our region and beyond. Whereas human trafficking remains a pervasive issue affecting vulnerable populations, including children and families, and requires a united communitywide response grounded in education, prevention, and collaboration. Whereas Plant a Seed, a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in addressing community needs by creating initiatives that empower individuals, remove barriers, and connect families and essential resources. where it's a race against human trafficking was established by plant a seed as a community-driven movement to bring together residents, organizations, business, and public officials in a collective effort to raise awareness, support survivors, and inspire meaningful action. where is the third annual race against human trafficking will take place on May 17th, 2026 at Sunland Park Race Track and Casino, serving as a regional platform that unites runners, walkers, families, advocates, and community partners in solidarity against human trafficking. Whereas through education, outreach, and engagement, the race against human trafficking continues to elevate awareness, strengthen prevention efforts, and foster a culture of

vigilance and compassion throughout the borderland region. With the continued growth and impact of this event reflect the shared responsibility of community members, leaders, and organizations to stand united in protecting the most vulnerable and building a safer future for all. Now therefore be resolved by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby recognizes and commends Plant the Seed for its outstanding leadership and dedication in organizing the third annual race against human trafficking and applauds all participants and supporters who contribute to this vital cause. Signed this fourth day of May 2026.

We have a motion to approve by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Motion carries. Welcome. Thank you so much for being here today.

Good good morning, judge, and thank you for your continued support and advocacy that you lead not just in our initiative, but in all the initiatives that we've heard today and that you've continued to do while you're serving in this community. I want to first extend my sincere gratitude to the Commissioner's Corp for recognizing this event, supporting a cause that truly matters. Your leadership and commitment help bring visibility to an issue that too often goes unseen. I want to take a moment to congratulate others who are being recognized today with their own resolution. Your work across different causes and efforts is making a meaningful impact in our community. It's an honor to be recognized alongside individuals and organizations who are also committed to making a difference. This is our third annual race against human trafficking and every year it continues to grow. Not just in numbers but in impact. Events like events like this bring the community together in a powerful way. Today, every step taken, every person here sends a message. We will not ignore this issue. Human trafficking is not a distant problem. It exists in our communities and in our cities and it impacts real people and families. It is one of the fastest growing crimes yet also one of the most under reportported. That's why awareness is critical because awareness leads to prevention and prevention leads to lives being saved. This race is about more than running or walking. It's about standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. It's about supporting organizations like Paso de Norte Center of Hope that are doing the real work on the ground. And it's about creating a ripple effect, educating others, staying alert, and being part of the solution. Thank you again to the commissioner's court, the judge, the organizers, the volunteers, and every participant here

today. Today, we are not just raising awareness, we are driving change. Let's continue to show up, speak up, and take action. Thank you guys. Thank you, Miguel. Appreciate that.

Good morning. Just wanted to say a little bit about what plant a seed is. We're here not because we plant trees or flowers like a lot of people when they hear the name plant a seed. We're here to plant that beautiful inner seed that gave us all because we can all make a difference. And so when I tell everybody, no, this nonprofit is yours too. This race is yours. I mean it. We all have that power to make something beautiful, to help each other grow. And that's what Plano seed is about. It's about helping the underserved with resources. And we do it through events. We do it through programs. It's all about building awareness when it comes to the race against human trafficking. And so this means a lot. So thank you so much for for this resolution. We really appreciate it.

Thank you, Wendy. And thank you for what you do. I um had that personal contact as a juvenile probation officer, worked in prisons and mental health and I don't think I've ever seen the human suffering that takes place when someone is captivated when someone is taken away from their family and they separate from the family and it just so somewhere that's it's happening but it's happening and you've been able to bring that out to light and I think the more awareness that we have, the more people can become aware when the situation is taking place. It could be your neighbor. It could be someone that that u you know that you might know that is going and struggling through this very difficult the human suffering. Like I said, I've never seen something as difficult as that. Um I had one experience to just to tell you how subtle is as a probation officer. I took a young lady, young girl all the way to the entrance of the of the plane all the way. I waited there. When she got on the plane, I left and somebody took her and took her and got her out of the airport and took her somewhere else. A young lady maybe 15, 16 years old. So that that's how incredible and how they work. Uh they're there. They pray on people and they these things are just something we have to bring about. I mean, we just have to let our community know that it can continue to happen. And I always say over and over, this is a community that could be a role model for the rest of the nation. And I think you're you're creating that situation and raising that bar so that other communities can do the same because this is not a local thing. I mean this is a bational it's a national situation and once again we thank you for that awareness. We really

believe I know this commissioner's court believes that the first step of doing something is awareness. Once you have the awareness and people start stepping in that you might never would have expected to come in and me being one of those, right? Because you introduced me to the program and then I realized that that I could help that I had a platform that I could use and all of you have a platform that you could use to make sure that that you make a difference. So to the both of you, Wendy, Miguel, thank you so much for what you do. And I hope the community does show up on that day there at Sunland Park Racetrack and support. And like you said, it's not the race, it's not that, it's that coming together as a community and then meeting some of the victims and hearing some of their testimonials. Uh they'll move you and they'll get you in the right track. So once again, thank you both and we appreciate what you do. Thank you. Thank you.

I Item 5D, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing May 6, 2026 as interpreter appreciation day in El Paso County, Texas. My beautiful friends that that hide over there in that corner. This is another kind of awareness that people don't realize that people get to get that communication they wouldn't normally get and that you're there to make sure that no one is left out. You know, the county, one of the most important things that we do is accessibility and it's transportation, it's health care, but even to be able to get information that you normally wouldn't. Uh, and thank you for that. There's so many people that are so much better off because of all of you. So I'll read this into the record. Whereas May 6, 2026 is recognized as National Interpreter Appreciation Day, a day to honor and celebrate the vital role that interpreters play in ensuring equitable communication access for deaf and heart of hearing individuals. where El Paso Sign Language Interpreters is a woman-owned business rooted in the deaf community founded by a child of deaf adults with a lifelong connection to language access and communication equity and is dedicated to providing professional highquality interpreting service that bridge communication gaps and promote inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity throughout El Paso community. where El Paso Sign Language Interpreters LLC has provided interpreting services throughout El Paso County for over a decade supporting

government entities, educational institutions, healthc care providers, and community organizations and where signed language interpreters serve in a wide range of settings including education institutions, medical facilities, legal environments, community events, and workplaces ensuring that the deaf and heart of hearing Individuals have full access to information and services while also fostering and understanding breakdown communication barriers and advocating for accessibility for all. Whereas the work of interpreters require a high level of skill, cultural competency, ethical responsibility, and ongoing professional development in order to facilitate accurate and meaningful communication effectively. and whose National Interpreter Appreciation Day provides an opportunity to formally recognize and honor interpreters for their dedication, professionalism, and essential role in supporting equitable communication access within the community. Now, therefore, it be resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court do hereby recognize May the 6, 2026 as Interpreter Appreciation Day in El Paso County. signed this 4th day of May 2026.

We have a motion to approve by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Motion carries. Welcome. Thank you.

Morning. Mara Marquez and I'm the founder of El Paso SLI. This touches home for me because my parents are both deaf. And um I just want to say that interpreting is not just a language. It gives access. It gives equity and connection for all. We have a fabulous team. They're not all here today because it's Monday and we work. A lot of them are freelancers. So they work se some of them are seasonal, some of them are full-time, some of them are part-time. And um but we do have some individuals here that I would love to have them introduce themselves. I want to thank the county. We've had the privilege of working with you guys for over 5 years and I love that you guys support us our services and stay local because we're a small business. Um we did a little token of appreciation and we have um prepared a little gift. It's a little glass and it has our logo on it which is my hand painted by a local artist and it's the only only universal sign which is I love you. So um and one more thing we have a picnic that we have. It's annually we do it every year and this year is going to be our sixth year. We have it at Album Park. It's on June 6 from 1 to 5:00 and we welcome anybody from the deaf community or anybody that's just interested in knowing more about the culture. We provide pizza and we do a t-shirt reveal um the day of. Nobody gets to see it and um so we would like to welcome you and if you want to tell any of the community members that are interested, they're welcome to.

Thank you. Thank you again. You're welcome. Ready? Welcome.

Thank you. Um, hi, good morning, judge and commissioners. Uh, my name is Dario Garcia. Um, typically I'm not in a spoken language um, role here. Um, but, um, I wanted to say a little bit about myself. I'm a triilingual interpreter here in El Paso, American Sign Language, English, and Spanish. Um, I've had the honor of working with the Tamara for God, it's been years. I'm not even going to say. Um but I want to thank the court for recognizing interpreter appreciation day and um also for acknowledging the work that we do. So um especially in a community like ours, the English and Spanish are just everywhere. So it h it just so happens that um it seems that communication just happens but it's not automatic and that's thanks to you guys. So thank you.

Thank you. Appreciate you. You want to introduce yourselves please? Hi. Um, my name is Melody Mkeis. I'm uh Tamara's daughter. I just recently started working in the field. It's a little new to me, but so far um I've been enjoying providing the access and being a part of the community more. Thank you. Morning. My name is Sophia Diaz and I've recently started working with Tamara in marketing and communications and I just think that it's a really good opportunity to learn about our city and then how we can reach that contact with the community. Thank you.

Hi, good morning. My name is Jasmine Montangz and I have the pleasure and honor to work with Tamara in her agency and to provide access to communication to many individuals. Thank you so much Judge Sango and everybody here. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, my name is Naelli Cabrell and I've also had the privilege and honor to um work with Tamara for for a long time too and um I just wanted to thank uh Tamara also for giving all the interpreters here the opportunity to work with her. Thank you so much. You guys are so dedicated. I had asked the two interpreters back there to come to the front and they said no because they have to keep the show going.

They have to. We have Selena Salum in the back and Gatya Garcia and we've all been together for nobody wants to say a number of years but it's been 17 wonderful years. Thank you Betsy. You've got a sort of an insight to you want to say a few words for interpreters.

I almost needed interpretation like myself right there. Uh thank you all so much for the work you all do. I do think it makes us just um our values of being an inclusive community and working with you all has been such a pleasure. All of you who come, I feel like you're part of our team. Um there's times where we never know how long the meetings are going to go and they're here with us through thick and thin and long and short. Um and also a lot of times they have to wait. You're waiting while we're in executive session which can sometimes be really long. But you all are extremely professional, always on the ready, and just I I've never seen like if you're having a bad day, we don't know it. I mean, you're just always professional, always here to provide the service, and it's really impactful and we appreciate it.

I'm so impressed. And when you especially when you say Spanish and English, I forget that that changes, right? It's not the same. And I'm always thinking, well, you know, you're expressing yourself in one language the same as the other. But you do such a great job and we feel so good about you being here and I I've just become your friend. I hope that I've become your friend because I just admire what you do and that once again accessibility

no one should be denied accessibility of information or anything else. So we thank you with all our heart tomorrow. Thank you. This is it.

camera. May the fourth be with you.

Where's Princess Leia? There she is. Item 5E, approve and adopt a resolution recognizing May 2026 as internal audit awareness month in El Paso County, Texas. our very own all stuff my doctor recommended. Well, thank you. Thank you. Oh, I didn't I didn't see you. I said, "Why are you coming so slow?" But I couldn't see her. Be careful. Thank you. you know just uh recognizing our own family is very special. So I thank you for that. Where's internal auditing is a vital part of strengthening organizations and protecting stakeholders of both the public and the private sectors. Where's internal auditing helps in identify and manage the organization's risks and ensure policies, procedures and controls are in place and working appropriately. And where's internal auditing is an increasingly sophisticated and a complex activity requiring specialized knowledge, training and education. Where's internal auditing is an established profession with a globally recognized code of ethics, an international standards for the professional practice of internal auditing. Whereas the Institute of Internal Auditors, the Internal Audit Profession's most widely recognized advocate, educator, and provider of standards, guidance, and certification, celebrates the 85th anniversary in 2026. Whereas historically, the global

internal audit profession promotes awareness about its value during the month of May each year. Whereas the contri contribution of internal auditors to the success of organizations and the global economy at large deserves a recognition and commendations. Now therefore it be resolved by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court of El Paso County, Texas that the month of May shall be known as internal audit awareness month signed this fourth day of May, 2026. We have a motion by Judge Sango to approve, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Motion carries. Welcome Barbara and team.

Thank you, judge and commissioners for the support that you give us and for recognizing us in the resolution. Um, I'd also like to thank the county administration and county attorney's office for the relationships and support we received from them. And also last but not least, the district judges. I would like to say that internal audits play a critical role in strengthening the county's governance and operational effectiveness. They help ensure robust internal controls. They protect against errors, fraud, and mismanagement and provide independent validation of departmental activities by enhancing transparency and public trust. Internal audits serve as an early warning system for potential risks and offer valuable guidance to improve processes and operations. A well-managed internal audit function supports departments by reinforcing integrity, strengthening financial management, preventing reputational harm, and ultimately improving service to residents. James O'Neal is the manager of our internal audit division and he has that kind of team. His team is mostly comprised of internal auditors who have certifications. They may have one or more such as certified internal auditor, certified control auditor, certified information services auditor, and certified fraud examiners. These this team delivers exceptional service throughout the year and I'm proud to support them and recognize their contributions through this resolution. I'd like to turn it over to Michael Llamas, my first assistant. He has a little bit longer speech to me.

Thank you. Welcome, Michael. Good morning, judge and commissioners. Um, again, Michael Lamas, first assistant county auditor and prior member of the internal audit division. Very proud of that. May is recognized internationally as internal audit awareness month, as you said before, judge. And I'd like to briefly highlight why internal audit plays such a vital role in protecting the county operations and improving our service to the public. Internal audit exists for one purpose and that's to provide independent and objective assurance that our processes are working effectively and in the best interest of the county and the public. Every audit the division conducts helps answers important questions such as are they complying with laws or regulations. Are the programs that we're performing achieving their intended results? Are financial resources being accounted for accurately? And most importantly, how can we do things better? However, internal audit goes further than just internal improvements. It also reassures the public. When residents trust that their government is operating with integrity and accountability, that trust strengthens our entire community. Our work helps maintain the trust by offering clear facts fact-based insights onto how county departments are functioning. I want to acknowledge the employees across all departments who work with us throughout the year. The quality of the audits depends greatly on the open communication and cooperation and we appreciate the professionalism and dedication that we see every day even when we give one or two findings. Internal audit is most effective when it's a collaborative effort. I would also like to recognize the support of our local IIA chapter. This chapter plays a vital role in advancing the profession by offering highquality training, fostering collaboration among audit professionals, and promoting strong ethical standards within the community. We are grateful for their

dedication and for the opportunities they create for to help us continuously grow, learn, and uphold the highest standards of public service. Finally, as we recognize internal audit awareness month, I encourage everyone to view internal audit not as a checkpoint, but instead as a resource. a resource and a source of guidance and support as we work together to deliver the best service we can. Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to transparency, accountability and accountability in public service. I will now like to turn it over to James O'Neal and the rest of the audit team to introduce themselves and maybe say one or two one or two few things about themselves. Thank you. Welcome.

Hi, my name is Daisy Cavayto. I'm the internal auditor senior. I'm uh I've been with the county for 12 years and I'm a certified internal auditor. Thank you. Hi, good morning. I'm Lati Dominguez. I've been with the county for six years. Uh internal audit over two years. Thank you. Thank you. She's a certified pro. Good morning, judge, commissioners. My name is Patrice Hills and I've been with the county for six years. I am a certified internal auditor and a certified fraud examiner. Thank you.

Good morning, county judge and commissioners. My name is Philip Traviso. I've been with the county for 15 years and I'm a certified internal auditor. Thank you. Good morning, judge and commissioners. My name is James O'Neal. I am the uh audit manager and I just want to take this opportunity to thank my team for their hard work and dedication and I've been with the county for 30 years. Wow. Great. Thank you, Betsy. Of course, your partner.

Thank you for this opportunity, judge. Um, I just want to say to Barbara, Michael, and the internal audit team, there's probably no group that I probably sometime, well, I guess sometimes I argue with more like we push back, we question, but I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate the work you all do because what you can tell the care for our organization and our community. We're we're all looking out for like protecting our organization and ensuring that the controls are in place. And this team really like James when we discuss something I mean he listens and takes back the feedback and looks at it from from those perspectives but then make sure he's not afraid also to bring back like what is it needed what do we need to make sure that despite who's in any seat that our organization is protected and I really respect and admire the work this team does. As a matter of fact, I can't wait to see us even continue the work on um advancing internal control policies and looking at what else we can do to continue this work. I think we have a reputation as being a um well-managed organization as far as our fiscal controls and our fiscal management. And really, a lot of that credit goes to this team. They're they're constantly looking and evaluating across our departments um what we can do to ensure we have those controls in place. Um I read every single audit that you all write and I appreciate the work you put into it. Um and Barbara, your leadership and partnership, Michael, the same. Um it's just it's it's really a a joy to work with you all. I mean, a lot of people may not feel that way about internal audit, but I really really strongly feel that way. They do an excellent job looking out for the best interest of the county.

Well, thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

And thank you for um you said the magic word about public trust. Uh I don't think there's anything more important if the public thinks that we're not utilizing our taxpayer money properly. Um, you know, we we promote as commissioners and and myself as county judge transparency and that public trust and we want them to understand that we're doing everything possible to use their money in the best possible way in the most with the most responsibility. But you're the ones that make sure that we do that. At the end of the day, if we step out of line, you're the ones that are going to call it and then we have to get back in line. And like like um Betsy was saying, sometimes it's difficult, right, to get that uh that you know that comment or that that we're not doing everything that we should be doing. But we also very responsive. So I thank you Barbara. You have a great team and I thank you Michael. Thank you for everything you do as well and and every each and every one of you. Thank you.

This is not the entire team. We have three other members that were not able to make it to the meeting this morning. Okay. Thank you.

I think uh Barbara you I think Barbara wanted to mention the other team uh Kimberly Bill and Hottie, right? Um so that that prays to them too. it item 5 I. Approve and adopt a resolution to designate May 11 through 17, 2026 as National Police Week in El Paso County, Texas.

All right. Good morning. Well, because it's not possible to uh recognize our sheriff's officers too much, we have another resolution um recognizing the incredible work of all of our dedicated law enforcement officers here in El Paso County. So, I'm going to go ahead and read the resolution and thank you all to the sheriff's command staff for for staying here with us and letting us recognize you yet again for all of your incredible work and dedication. Whereas the El Paso County Commissioner's Court acknowledges the vital role that peace officers play in safeguarding our community and upholding the rule of law. And whereas peace officers risk their lives daily to protect our citizens, maintain public safety, and ensure the well-being of our neighborhoods. And whereas National Police Week observed annually in May and National Peace Officers Memorial Day observed on May 15th provide an opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by these brave men and women in the line of duty. And whereas it is fitting and proper to honor and pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our community and to express our deepest gratitude to all peace officers for their unwavering dedication and service. Now therefore, be it resolved by the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court that we do hereby recognize and honor National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and we encourage all residents to take a moment to remember and honor the fallen officers who have given their lives in service to our community. And be it further resolved that we express our sincere appreciation to all peace officers in El Paso County for their selfless commitment to protecting and serving our community. and we pledge our continued support for their important work in keeping our neighborhoods safe. Signed this fourth day of May, 2026 in El Paso County, Texas.

We have a motion to approve by Commissioner O'Ne, second by Judge Sango. The voting is open. Motion carries. Welcome.

Good morning, judge and commissioners. Chief uh Deputy Manuel Sio with the Law Enforcement Bureau. Uh on behalf of the sheriff's office, I'd like to thank Commissioner Yin for sponsoring this the resolution proclaiming National Police Week. National Police Week is a time to honor courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of law enforcement officers, past and present. Let us carry that gratitude forward, supporting our officers mental and physical well-being, strengthening the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve with integrity and courage. We solemnly re remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in the line of duty. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten and their legacy continues to inspire all who serve. To the fallen, we honor you. We remember you. We carry you your memory forward. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the officers who continue to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage each and every day. Your commitment to protecting our communities does not go unnoticed, and your work makes a difference. To the men and women of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, we say thank you. This week and always, we stand united in respect, remembrance, and appreciation for the law enforcement family. Thank you. Thank you, Judge.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Morning, judge, commissioners. Uh, Omar Gonzalez, OG, president of the Paso County Sheriff's Officers Association. On behalf of the EPCSOA, I want to thank you, Commissioner G, Commissioners, and Judge for recognizing uh recognizing National Police Week. This this acknowledgement means a great deal to the deputies who serve our community with car courage and integrity. Every day our deputies put on the badge and stand ready to protect the people of El Paso County. Your recognition today reinforces that their service and sacrifice are valued and appreciated. We also pause to remember the officers and deputies who lost their lives in the line of duty. This courage, dedication, and ultim ultimate sacrifice will never forgotten be forgotten. Again, thank you for this resolution. Appreciate it.

Thank you. You guys want to introduce yourselves, please? Morning, Commander Jerome Washington. I lost my voice at the BTS, but thank you. Thank you all. Go ahead and introduce yourselves, please. Good morning, judge, commissioners. Once again, Chief Deputy Patrick Gayy, detention services. Thank you. Good morning, Judge. Good morning, Commissioner. Ruben Sia, commander for the patrol division, and thank you for the resolution. Thank you.

Good morning, judge. Commissioners, Daniel Vosquez, the vice president, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Association. I'd like to say thank you for this resolution.

Thank you. I want to personally thank you uh because of the community type law enforcement that that you do and the relationship you have with our community. Uh it's also so nice to see the difference between the way you handle situations and how other communities handle them and even law enforcement now outside of the county. Uh it's really hard for us as a county judge or as a commissioner to pick up the the uh the newspaper or see it in in in the media that it wasn't handled properly or that there was abuse or there was and I'm just so proud of how you use your discretion because that's what it is. you know, you use your discretion every single time, but I've always felt that you use it to the best interest of the county and the best interests of our community. So, we we thank you for that. I mean, it's such a a privilege to know that that confidence that we have that if you're going to address something, it's going to be addressed at the highest level and the highest standard and value. So, thank thank you for that. Make makes our life a lot easier. Commissioner Gim, Commissioner Coronau.

Yes. Uh, Judge, thank you. You know, I I just want to thank y'all progressively because, you know, I've been involved in the justice system for many, many years, over 40ome years. And I I've been able to see um the development of our law enforcement associate or organizations here in El Paso in this region. And and I've got to say that over the years, Sheriff's Office has become, I think, the best law enforcement agency here in this region. And you know, I'm glad that uh you all have over the years have gotten the support to be able to do that. And we want to make sure that that continues. And so we appreciate your dedication, your service, and we know that especially, you know, in the patrol division that everybody that's out there, they understand that uh though there come come times when they're going to be, you know, faced with these, you know, life um situations, death, life and death situations, and you know, it's it's really um really tough to be able to, you know, stand up to that and say, "Yeah, I want to be there even when that happens." And so, you know, it's it's really credit to the service that y'all undertake. And so, my thanks go out to y'all on behalf of our community. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you, judge. Thank you, Commissioner. Um I it's my honor to bring forth this resolution celebrating National Police Week, but please know that we are incredibly grateful for your service, not just during National Police Week, but every single day of the year. and you deserve to be recognized and honored every single day of the year. Um, but thank you for letting us um, honor you in this way and honoring uh, National Police Week. Um, and just thank you for everything that you do for our community. Please know that we appreciate it tremendously. Thank you. Thank you. Yes.

I just want to say uh, a few things. Uh, I want to thank my command staff right behind us. Uh, over this weekend we had two major concerts, right? BTS and uh the Mishila Fest. I worked both days at Sky Park and just uh the other agencies that helped us out from Horizon, Soooro, SISD, constables and everything that uh we just came together and it was it it was good just to see the the amount of officers that we had there to protect the community, all the the people that were having so much fun and without this command staff, Sheriff Oscar too, supporting us and everything, we wouldn't have those numbers. And I just want to thank the command staff for their outstanding outstanding service that they give back to us and we're just we're just blessed to have them in in our end.

Thank you very much for recognizing the collaboration. Thank you. Thank you.

All right. One more round of applause. Answer blue book. Item 5J, approve and adopt a resolution to commend the city of Sakoro during during historic preservation month in 20 2026 in El Paso County, Texas.

Okay, we saved the best for last. Thank you all so for being here with us today and for letting letting us honor honor you in this way. So, I'll go ahead and read the resolution and then we'll pass the mic over to you all. Whereas, National Preservation Month began in 1973 to provide an opportunity to celebrate the spectrum of cultural richness that makes our nation's large and small communities vibrant and distinct. And whereas El Paso County proudly recognizes the city of Sakoro for its outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment to preserving and promoting the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. And whereas the city of Sakoro has achieved national distinction through its efforts to preserve Rio Vista, including its designation as one of preservation Texas's most endangered places and its recognition as a national historic landmark by the National Park Service, marking the first building specific designation of its kind in the county. And whereas the city of Sakoro has demonstrated innovation and dedication through the creation of the first Brasero Museum in the region, ensuring the preservation interpretation of an essential chapter of shared history. And whereas the city of Sakoro has played a vital role in regional collaboration through the organization of the mission trail alliance, strengthening partnerships to enhance and protect the historic mission trail corridor. And whereas the city of Sakoro has successfully secured more than $3.57 million in grant funding and federal and state appropriations to advance historic preservation efforts. And whereas these resources have supported meaningful improvements along the historic mission trail, enhancing pedestrian and cycling safety for residents and visitors alike. And whereas the city of Sakoro has further enriched the community through the establishment of the only veterans memorial along the mission trail honoring those who have served our nation. And whereas the city of Sakoro continues to celebrate its legacy and progress marking the proud milestone of

its 40th anniversary of incorporation. Now therefore, be it resolved that the El Paso County Judge and Commissioner's Court hereby commend the city of Sakoro for its exemplary achievements in historic preservation, cultural stewardship, and community enhancement, and extends its sincere appreciation for the city's ongoing dedication to preserving the heritage of our region for future generations. Signed this fourth day of May, 2026. We have a motion. We have a motion to approve by Commissioner Olen, second by Judge Sango. The voting is open. Motion carries.

Another round of applause. All right, Isabella. Welcome. Welcome.

Good morning. Good morning, judge and commissioners. My name is Isabella Perez. I am the community leaison coordinator and historic landmark commission secretary for the city of Sakoro. On behalf of the city of Sakoro, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the El Paso County for this recognition during historic preservation month. It is truly an honor to have our community's history and heritage acknowledged in this way. Sakoro is one of the oldest communities in the region with roots that reflect the rich cultural and historical legacy of our area. Preserving that history is not just about protecting buildings, but it's also about honoring the stories, traditions, and people who have shaped our community over generations. We are committed to continuing the these preservation efforts so future generations can understand and appreciate where we come from. Thank you again for this recognition and for your continued support of historic preservation throughout the county.

Thank you. Thank you. Welcome commissioners. Um thank you so much. I'm honored to serve the city of Sakoro. I'm the large representative for the city of Sakoro. We have amazing staff. Uh they're amazing. There were many hats and that's what's continuing to move our city forward. Commissioner Yin, I really appreciate the resolution and for always keeping an eye on on our beautiful city. Thank you. Thank you.

Hello, I'm Soi Marquez. I'm the multimedia specialist for the city of Sakoro. Um so I just wanted to highlight that this month is, you know, historical preservation month. And if you guys um follow our socials, every Monday we'll be highlighting um something a little different about historical preservation in the city of Sakoto. So today we actually highlighted um the new museum that's about to open up, like a little sneak peek for everybody. So I know everyone's excited for it to open. We are too. So um yeah, if you guys want to follow us and you guys will see us every Monday. Thank you. Thank you,

Betsy. Judge, my comment was actually about an earlier one, but I do want to say one thing. I'm so proud of Sakoro. When I look at our municipalities and the work that they're doing, I think the work that you all are doing in historic preservation is a way of telling our story and telling your story. And it's really admirable because I don't think our stories get told enough about our community and what how amazing and beautiful and the history we have and our culture and how Sakoro has really embraced and protected that. And so just want to tell you all I'm always proud of you in the historic preservation you do. And I think that's all all of us feel that way here at the county. So thank you for continuing to do that work.

Yeah. Yeah. We're so we're so proud of Sakoro because somehow someway you have kept that that history for us. And I know I mean I can't I know Selli if you're hearing me I'm I'm going to say some nice things about Selli also but Soro I mean it does I mean every time I have guests coming from out of town I feel very comfortable that I'm going to be able to take them to Soro and that they're going to be received properly and they're going to get excited about uh about being there. So, I really thank you for uh I I believe and I'm going to stick to it that our historic preservation is probably one of the most important things that we could do for our community because it reminds us of where we came from. It reminds us of our values and our family traditions. And without that, we're not that unique place that we talk about. And so thank you for enhancing uh you know such a beautiful uh you know history about who we are, where we came from, how it all happened and thank you for that preservation. So I don't know if you want to

Dr. Ria Karine Corine Cynthia. Hi Judge and Commissioner Cynthia Rea with economic development for the record. Thank you so much for for this resolution but also for all your support of historic preservation countywide. My colleague Karin Chakan's also here. Good morning judge and commissioners. Uh so is indeed unique, powerful, innovative and really creating a new asset for the entire uh region. It's extraordinary work

and thank you for what you both do to make sure that that happens. It's just uh like I said, I think our future really lies in maintaining our history. I mean, that's what really keeps us that unique component of who we are. I just wish we could figure more ways to get people to have that same level of appreciation. And I've always said if our community doesn't appreciate it, it's hard to sell it to the rest of the world. So, our first big step is to make sure that all of El Paso visits Sakoro and make sure that they appreciate that. And once that happens, it's going to be easy. Then they'll Latia next week will know about it instead of telling them about, well, there's not much to do in El Paso, you know, to let them know there's some beautiful things to do in El Paso. So, thank you.

Thank you, Judge. I just want to thank you all for being such an invaluable partner to the county of El Paso and not just in the area of historic preservation, but economic development, transportation. Um it's been such an honor um and a pleasure to work with the city of Soooro. Um there are great things coming and I'm really really really excited to see what um the future of Soo turns out to be. It's really great and I'm just greatly uh just um so thankful for all of your work. So please pass that message on to um the mayor and all of council and all of your staff. Uh we are incredibly proud to be able to partner with you all in so many endeavors and I look forward to continuing to do that well into the future.

Thank you. You're in the hospital.

Matthew, you can take the photo. a picture for me. Item number six is public comment. We do have several speakers signed up for public comment. First up, we have Mr. Mike Barnes.

Hello, Mike. Welcome.

Welcome, Mike. I know I stand between you guys and lunch so make this quick. Uh a resol in regards to resolutions. Uh it's a privilege to be here to to witness those. It's a true testament between the court's leadership and the great citizens of uh our county. So when it come but one of those was with the language guys. So, I just want to say thank you to Tamar and Alice and her team because uh when within our community, we have a deaf couple that was kind of ostracized because they have never heard a spoken word and we used their team and their their amazing talents. We brought that family into our community meeting and uh now they're part of the herd and uh we're glad to have them and thank you to uh again to Mayor and her team. All right, sir. This is an issue I want to talk about today has been brought to my attention and I wasn't going to say anything but seems like we have plenty of of folks outside this court seem to be riding that horse. So uh I want to thank you for the opportunity uh to speak today. I want to begin by saying I have the utmost respect for this court and those who serve this great community. I strongly believe in local government and I recognize the work it takes to support this county. With that respect, if you permit me, I would like to bring an attention an issue that I believe needs to be discussed. Freedom of speech protected under the first amendment is one of our most important rights. But in this setting, it becomes the responsibility to be respectful, relevant, and constructive. There appears to be a pattern during the past meetings where members of our community are using this form to direct personal criticism at commissioners and staff questioning character, assigning motives, and making unsupported claims.

We all know under the Texas Open Meetings Act and this court's rules of decorum, there is a requirement to maintain order and prevent personal attacks. When this conduct is not addressed, it kind of lowers the standard of the court and it shifts focus away from productive discussion. It also does not stay here. Comments are recorded, shared, amplified online, and sometimes turning into unnecessary harassment to those is directed to and those they're related to. I believe if it allows to continue, it creates an environment that is more adverse than constructive and that affects how others may engage. But I believe there's a solution. I humbly ask the rules of decor be applied consistently and without exception. When a speaker moves from addressing issues to targeting individuals, rule the comment out of order. And if it becomes, I'm sorry. If it continues, stop the speaker and if necessary, enforce removal under established protocols. Clear consistent enforcement will reset the tone immediately. This is not limiting free speech. It is upholding the structure that allows the court to function with professionalism and respect. If this I believe this pattern continues without action, it sends a message that the standard is set by the loudest voices versus the rules we have. Court, its staff, their families, the public deserve an environment that is professional, respectful, and focused on the work at hand. I truly want to thank you for your time and the opportunity to speak here today. And may God bless this great county, you judge, all you commissioners, all the staff that support it and make El Paso what it is, the veterans capital of the

USA. Thank you. We appreciate your time. Thank you. Oh, thank you, coach. Thank you, guys.

Our second speaker was Miss Elizabeth Crawford who has submitted a written comment for us to read in. Public comments states, "I would like to simply express appreciation. I apologize for the background background noise last week when I spoke by phone. When I am back in New Jersey, I often don't have ministry partners with me on the sidewalk. And I'm faced with the dilemma of how much time is justified leaving the sidewalk and the opportunity to plead with moms going into the abortion center to do other things of significance, too. I try to find a quiet side street when the call comes in from El Paso County, but that hasn't been working. Again, I apologize for the excessive background noise last week. I would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the courtesy shown to me. I realize that many, probably most, in the El Paso County government have views that are completely opposite on many issues. But from you as the county judge to the court to the court administrative clerks who helped me get signed up each week, I am truly grateful for the level of courtesy and professionalism and respect of First Amendment free speech rights that is honored. My friends in New Jersey are amazed when I describe it to them because we are accustomed to getting cursed out for publicly expressing what we believe. Again, thank you. I'm truly grateful and I hope you have a very good day. End of public comment.

Thank you, Jessica. That completes all the speakers for public comment. Judge, thank you. Would you like to go ahead and take the afternoon recess at this time? Please. Uh-huh. Okay. Commissioner's Court will now recess for 1 hour. It is 12:12 p.m. 12:12. Okay.

Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County, and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a Veterans Resource Fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso Countyy's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Torneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing tornado area veterans who served. The site will also include a Torneo Veterans Memorial Dedication Monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County neighborhood improvement grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estraa Park improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions,

and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Asa Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods. That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy, clarity, and a commitment ment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers, financial

specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation changes significantly. Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation

or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 915-2733533 or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County, and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a veterans resource fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso Countyy's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and

recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Torneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing tornado area veterans who served. The site will also include a tornado veterans memorial dedication monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County neighborhood improvement grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estraa Park Improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions, and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Asa Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods.

That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Mhm. Hey Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated

to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy. clarity and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers, financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation changes significantly.

Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adal item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 915-2733533

or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward. Hey, hey, hey.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey, heat. Hey, heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County, and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a Veterans Resource Fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso County's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and

recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Tornneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Tornneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing torneo area veterans who served. The site will also include a tornado veterans memorial dedication monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County neighborhood improvement grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estraa Park improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions, and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Asa Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods.

That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. He hey ah hey ah Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated

to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers, financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation changes significantly.

Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 9152733533

or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward. Ah, hey. D. Aha.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a veterans resource fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fable's Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso County's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and

recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Torneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Tornneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing torneo area veterans who served. The site will also include a Torneo Veterans Memorial Dedication Monument. This community-driven project requested by the Toronto Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County Neighborhood Improvement Grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Esta Park Improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions, and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Esa Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods.

That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated

to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy. clarity and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers, financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation

changes significantly. Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 915-2733533

or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward.

Heat. Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a veterans resource fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso County's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and

recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Torneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing tornado area veterans who served. The site will also include a Torneo Veterans Memorial Dedication Monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County Neighborhood Improvement Grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estraa Park Improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions, and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Esterea Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods.

That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Hey, hey, hey. He a m a Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated

to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers, financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation

changes significantly. Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development.

Go ahead.

Commissioner's court has reconvened to regular open session. We are on item seven from the regular agenda. 7A received a presentation from the El Paso Sports Commission regarding its quarterly status report. Good afternoon, judge commissioners. Melissa Cio with County Operations. Today, as we do every quarter, we just have a short presentation from you from the El Paso Sports Commission, and we have our team here with us in the audience. So, I'm going to turn it over to our CEO, Miss Janet Vargas. Good afternoon, Judge Sango and commissioners.

So, here is our quarter 2 report January through March 2026. We're going to start off showing you improvements that we've done to the building. We started by adding colors throughout the building. We started on the east side hallway. Um, I don't know if you guys remember, but the building has been beige for a couple I don't know how long, but it's been a while. And we've been experimenting with different colors. Uh, last presentation, we showed you guys blue and white and it still seemed a little lifeless. So, we experimented. We added red and black and we got a lot of compliment. Or is that burnt orange? It's red.

Um, it's burnt orange to them. It's orange. It's It's orange to Commissioner and I.

Um, we actually got a lot of compliments on it. We really liked it. And then we topped it off with different artist pictures that have performed at the coliseum. And then going backstage, these are the hallway stairs that lead us up to the five dressing rooms. We we're it's still a work in progress. We added vinyls and we also got a lot of compliments. It's something different. Then we go back downstairs to the VIP room. We decided to keep this one light colors since they have we hold meetings in that room and we also got a lot of compliments on on that room. Then going back upstairs, this is the first hallway that leads to our upstairs dressing rooms. It was completely white. We decided to go with blue. We added pictures and then we added some of the lamps to give a cozy vibe for the tour. Then here we have our upstairs dressing rooms. We have a before and after. The before is how it looked right now. We added carpet. We added um a warmer brown, red, and then black furniture. It's

a huge difference.

Yes. And this is a closer look to it. Yes. And it's still work in progress. We're still adding pictures so that it doesn't feel so empty, but we're excited. And then this is the second hallway upstairs that leads to the three other dressing rooms. We haven't we didn't paint this wall, but we just decided to add mirrors, tables, foliage. Yeah. And then this is another angle of the second hallway. And then going outside to the judging arena, we did have maintenance do a deep clean. We painted the bleachers and the walls. We added some signage. It's still a work in progress, but it's getting there. We're adding some artwork. We're going to have a spray painter go and add some maybe gloves, some boxing gloves, lucha masks, um skates.

Yeah. All right.

All right. We'll go through these kind of quick. Uh so events that we had at the coliseum starting for in January was first one we had the county coliseum mural meeting. So the artists were there to present their uh their vision for what they want to put out the murals there at the county coliseum. So definitely great on that. Uh January 17th we had best of the city. So they continue to come to the Paso County Coliseum. It's always a great event to have uh to show what else we can do there at the at the county coliseum. God of the ring is local lucha. So we had that uh there inside the judging arena. Uh, and so this was before we did the painting and the lighting, but now they they love it cuz it's more it's lit, there's color, and just improvements uh as we go along. Sun City Aerial. Uh, this used to be like a 4-day competition, but we divided it up. So, one day we do just aerial competition they do there at the county coliseum. Local uh local kids anime con. Uh, we did that outside in the pavilion. So always working with Kaleidoscope Art Space who does our markets for the Saturday and Sunday and their theme was anime con sun city dance. So we did that for three days local dancers all from just singles group uh just local dance competition for all those kids here in the El Paso Los Cruus area. Tough and bull riding 21st anniversary that always gets sold out and so definitely another soldout night for tough and bull riding. Um, and it's always a great event to have and we'll do it again next year. Uh, our Saturday art market. Uh, and so we had that uh with Kaleidoscope doing art market in the pavilion. And then one of the best concerts that I've seen so far since working there was heart. Uh, they still got it. Uh, the sisters came in and they rocked the soldout crowd at the coliseum and so hopefully they'll be back. But it was a it was a great night with heart

rings and so continuing our uh promotion our our um with our with Kings promotion working with them. So bring ring wars back and they'll be back again too. Borderland roller derby their season started March 15th so out there in the judging arena I tell you if you've never been to a roller derby you got to check it out. It's pretty cool event. Uh we did the animal shelter meeting. You guys used the VIP room to host a meeting there. talking about the animal shelter. So, we did that on did that on the 18th. Uh March 21st, we had Battle of the Bands outside in the pavilion. And then on the 22nd, we had a retreat alert Jesus. So, that gets about four or 5,000 people that come right at 5 in the morning and stayed till 8:00 p.m. at night. Uh so, definitely a long day, but it's definitely like you can see all the people there for that event. Uh the next day we did an old school car and bike show out there in the pavilion uh and concert. So that was a good thing. Weather was nice. So it turned out great. And so kind of things just put everything in perspective to kind of put uh you have it in a list there about rooms occupied uh by production, stay of nights, total tickets sold outside of El Paso. Again, I was able to show you guys that how we calculate that uh through ticket master. And then the attendance of total is always calculated through ticket master on on events that we can get um that form. So you have the total there with all the shows. Now the sports tourism side uh I put I just put all the hockey right in one uh for January. So you see all the games that we had there with the Rhinos. They have two teams, the NAHL and the NA3HL I think, but Cory will explain more on that. Um and then we started with the Hispanic Heritage Qualifier. Uh we helped with sponsorship and hotel referrals and venue arrangements. Uh and so we had teams from Deming, TRC, and Los Cusus. And so there and we put the link there. So you you want to see what teams exactly where they're from,

they're right there. We had to re winter regional USSA baseball. That was with Victor Fabby. So we continue to work with him. He brings in great tournaments to the to the city. And so you had teams from Albuquerque, Carl'sbad, Silver City, Sioes, Roswell, and Los Cusus. the same as we helped with the UIL 5A district wrestling tournament that brings teams from all over the state of Texas. They do their UIL tournament here uh in El Paso. So that this was at Bair. So you had teams from Friendship, Amarillo, Midland, Port Stockton. And in February, we had three Rhinos games uh well three openers. So we had the El Paso Rhinos with West Texas Rangers for the 5th through the 7th, Rhinos versus Oklahoma 13th 14th and then the Rhinos versus Odessa for the 27th and 28th. Then we get the heart of the diamond softball and so we help with hotel referrals there. Uh you have Demi, Silver City, Alpine, Chihuahua, Huades and Los Cruuses that came in for this event. Always good time. That's the Cororo Independence uh school district baseball tournament. They bring in teams from all over. So it's always good to have that tournament. they and big enough that they even use Southwest University ballpark. So, it's always a good tournament to have. And this one was pretty cool to have uh and working with Victor Bobby too. The Rawlings Eastn I mean it's very these uh tournaments with Rawlings especially Eastston. They're very well-known brands. So, they go to San Antonio, Houston. So, to get a tournament like this was pretty good and have them come down. So, we had teams from Artisia, Silver City, Carlsbad, Chihuahua, Deming and Los Cusus. And then the Southwest Youth Youth Football Showcase um youth flag football that's taking off, especially now that it's an Olympic sport, but we also have the which is still going on is the region 19 female flag football. So we'll have the championship in May. And then for March Rhinos games, Rhinos versus New Mexico Ice Wolves and then Rhinos again versus

the Ice Wolves. This two battle at the border youth black football. And so this was mainly an all girls one uh but also co-ed too. And so uh this was taken uh we helped with sponsorship and hotel referrals. The Shamrock Showdown for St. Patrick's Day. So Cool Tournament Institute played at the sports park helped with hotel referrals sponsorship uh and venue scheduling. Silver City teams from there Los Cruus, Alamorro and Albuquerque. And then the pot of gold. Again, we had teams from Los Cruus, Cloudcraftoft, a little smaller one, and Rio for that one. And Chili Pepper Classic. Uh that's al also a big tournament too that's coming along. So you had teams from San Antonio, Houston, Clovis, Albuquerque, Los Cusus, and even Phoenix. So that was good tournament to do. And Tipup Texas uh volleyball tournament. Uh we helped there with hotel referrals, sponsorships. Again, teams of Albuquerque, Farmington, Santa Fe, Phoenix, and Midland. So you put all those together. Uh the stay of nights, the rooms occupied, the total number of outside teams that are coming in. You can count those. When you go to the link, you can it shows every team that's coming in. So you just count it. That's what we do. Um and then the total reg uh teams registered or players that are there. So you definitely have that. And then especially with the Rhinos, it it helps having the games, too. So they're always the out of town teams come in uh and and stay at the hotels. And then we'll go to Janet with financials. Our

quarterly financial report for January, February, March. In January we had a total revenue of 213673. February 191,404 and March 54,795 which gave a quarterly total of 459,873. Then down at the bottom in red, the total for October through March is 604 347. Do we know why this March was so much lower than last March? Is there some something big that happened last March that maybe didn't happen this March or It it just depends on the tours. Um what did we have last year? Last year we had TNA res.

There you go. And they moved to December. So,

so yeah, there's a couple events that a couple events that just moved and so like said TNA wrestling came March and December and so instead of this year, they're just going to focus on December and kind of do like the whole Christmas thing again. So, get that back. And then we talked about what's next and I think there was another attachment that I was um I submitted. If not, I I'll let you guys I'll send it over again. But there's attachment what I talked about our quarterly uh report for last year of how many events we have uh what we do at the what we do at the Rhinos rings besides uh just hockey there's figure skating all these clubs and so it breaks it down to each event how many days attendees and things like that. It's a big old Excel sheet. Um so definitely can um

I don't think that we got that Betsy. It's not in the backup. That's fine. and I'll send it to you guys so because that's why we brought Corey here because he wanted to kind of explain some stuff that's going on and and what's next I know we talked about like unfortunately the bond didn't pass but in working with Jan and I working with Corey is trying to figure out what can we do and because once you see that sheet and you see everything that takes place in the events arena I mean you you get a second sheet of ice and it's just it's a different ball game but I'll let him explain that part. Welcome, Corey. Hello. Thank you for having me, Judge County Commissioners. Thank you.

So, I wanted to uh talk to you about, you know, the Rhinos and the El Paso Hockey Association. It's it's um so the El Paso Hockey Association was formed in 2001, so next year is our 25th anniversary. It's pretty incredible that uh we started off in the Coliseum and the Rhinos will turn 20 next year which is uh absolutely incredible as well and we cannot like we are so fortunate with the with the support we get from the county from the El Paso with our fans. We we we lead attendance every single year. So, the upgrades that we've done over the over the years we've been in the event center and this is completely we have never ever got a penny um from the county or taxpayers to do all so all this we've done through sponsorship fundraising and different donations. So, we we put in a new scoreboard. Um the dehumidification and air handlers, those are just to basically control the environment of the rink so we don't have too much humidity, not enough humidity. Um a new set of uh dasher boards. um in the rink. Um they're the boards that go that the ice surface is played inside with the the glass around it. Um obviously we painted the place. Um we updated all the bathrooms, updated the breezeway, um updated all the LED lighting, we put a new roof on, new Zamboni, new ice floor, uh a new balcony, seating and viewing area, um and just miscellaneous upgrades and maintenance. And roughly that came up to just a little over $3 million that we put into the event center. Um it's pretty every every year when we started uh the El Paso Hockey Association back in 2001. We always had a vision, you know, when we first started, our vision was to build a a like not just a hockey program, but to to build a program for

all iceports to eventually that we'd have a rink that we could be in 24/7. We started in the Coliseum. We had a vision and and oops, 21 years ago, I remember I was sitting right there and we asked the county judge and the county commissioners if we could move in to the event center and renovate that. That was 20 years 21 years ago. We had that vision to move in there. So our next vision because all of our programs are growing faster than we have ice time and our next vision if you turn the page and this will be solely done by the El Paso Rhinos. We're not asking for one penny. All we're at what we want to do is build another sheet of ice which is attached to the event center and the overall plan is to build a ice a second sheet of ice and then attach after a a fieldhouse. Now the amount of tournaments and figure skating competitions we go from our normal tournament right now is between five and six teams. We build a second sheet of ice. Now we're attracting attracting 40 plus team tournaments in Amarillo, Texas. They have two sheets of ice in Amarillo and they just had a a youth hockey tournament that had over 40 teams and a team consists of 20 players. So it was massive and we're willing to do that. Now to do that, we need a long-term contract of like 30 years, but that's what we're willing to do. And it's 100% on the rhinos. And there's a rendering on the last two pages, but obviously that's subject to change and to scale, but that's what eventually what it it would potentially look like.

And by doing this, we could have dual programs. When we have a Rhino game and we're sold out in the Rhino stadium, we can also have figure skating in youth hockey. Right now we have 600 youth hockey players and we have two figure skating clubs and an adult program. We do learn to skate, learn to play. So the rink we average six 16,000 people through there a year uh pardon me through a week. For us to grow we we would need to build another sheet of ice. And on the other side of the rink, those are just like multiport courts or

Yeah. So that would be like our priority right now would be to build a second sheet of ice. The the next vision would to be would be to build a fieldhouse that's attached to the rink that would share the same locker rooms, but then we attract indoor soccer, indoor lacrosse, volleyball. It could be changed to turf to sport court, anything like that.

But the first phase is the rink. The first phase, the number one priority would be the would be the um the ice rink. Yeah. And for us to grow um we really need to to build an ice rink and that's why we're willing to do it 100%. Any more?

Wanted to add a few words. Um, as you heard, what our partners, the Rhinos will do if 30 years were accepted would be the second ice rink, which would in turn give huge tourism and a huge economic impact. Um, the sports commission would also guarantee to put $12 million into the facility without using property taxes. Plus, we would commit to being to still keep being the community building that we are for El Paso.

And so that so that's why you hear kind of this submitting going to submit an unsolicited proposal. It can't be done. Um, and the reason being, and it's kind of figuring out just how to say this because when you hear from one or two people, it's different. When you hear the same thing from four people, it's not a it's not a coincidence. There are four different people. And I I'll give you an example. The last one was on April 13th. Uh, this guy came in to we sponsor one of his big events. After the interview he did at at the station, he pulled me aside. He was told, "Hey, I'm considering talking to this guy for sponsorship." I was like, "Why would you do that?" I go, "Are we not helping you enough?" He goes, "Well, no. I heard that UTEP's going to be taking you over next year and we're not going to get sponsored." Or people have already told us that that this has already been promised to UT from four different um organizations, not even just one organization, four different ones. And so that's concerning especially I know you guys are going for we don't oppose the RFP but now it just doesn't seem it's fair and that's why bringing Cory in to show this what we can do and proposing this because it doesn't seem like it's it's I mean it's our jobs too right I mean if it's if we're not going to get a fair deal and people are already saying this it doesn't make sense and so that's why we're bringing it again if you go for it cool if not we go for the RP that's fine too but I needed to speak up and say something and let you guys know this is what's happening This is what I'm hearing and it's four people two I could see like all right but four saying the same thing is a whole different ball game

I had not did you anything I'm kind of uh taken aback I'd heard rumors about it but I don't know who was and whether Betsy any comments on that so Miss Keller is saying that that she believes that this discussion should be held in executive session Um, I am messaging the attorney that normally advises purchasing, right? Because there is an active RFP that is currently open under this this issue. Oh, it's not in Oh, it's being written. Okay. So, I I'm what? Like it'll be open within I at this time move that we take this into executive session. Judge,

I'm just trying to think of under what basis. Um Tony, while they're discussing that, do you know what the timeline would be for the second sheet of ice? Like if if we were to tell the rhinos we want them to go forward, do you know what that timeline might be? I think Cory had always said we'll start tomorrow, but he had to go pick up his son, but I can we can definitely ask them and and get back to you with that. But it's something in the imminent Oh, yeah. No, it's not going to take Yeah, for sure. And and so the well I I guess we can talk about what the long-term contract they're asking and all that related to it. So are are are we is that the plan then Anna to move into executive or

So I'm still discussing with the attorney since the RFP isn't yet published. Um it seems that there isn't a procurement violation yet to discuss. Um so I'm if there is a legal issue then we can move into executive session if you all have legal questions that we can answer under 0071. So I think the the issue would be is if we discuss it in open we would be revealing some of the um positions of us for evaluating RFPs that would come in and I don't think we'd want to do that. So, I don't know if we um have any other ways of discussing it further.

Anna know the fact that we didn't know anything about it and it's out there. Uh is is that something we could discuss at executive because that sort of throws us off to say if there's been a discussion about that but it's never come through commissioner's court. If you all are seeking legal advice with regards to a matter uh and ask legal questions then we can move into executive session judge but if it is a more broad discussion um then we would not be able to have that discussion. So if there's legal questions we definitely can. Um but because there's currently no negotiations in place the RFP hasn't been issued. There could be an issue with us going in under 551.0725 which uh requires a legal memorandum and finding. However, if there are questions, then we can if you all have legal questions, we can go in under 55701 to receive legal advice um for this item. If there are specific legal questions,

I do have some legal questions regarding the RFP that's being developed. Right. So, then the motion would be to move this item into executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code section 55.071 to receive uh information with regards to legal rights and responsibilities. Thank you all. We have a motion by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. I vote I I don't know why my um little Commissioner Oain motion carries. We'll go ahead and move this item to executive. Would you like to continue with the following item? But we're not normal. We're not taking it now. No.

Yeah. We'll we'll compete. You know, you guys can present. Michael, you guys can present and then when we finish the regular agenda, we'll go into executive. We'll go ahead and go to item 8, judiciary and corrections 8A. Receive a presentation from the Council of Judges and take appropriate action regarding an update on court clearance rates for 2025 and jointly report on the implementation of the new jury plan and management software. Good afternoon, Judge Sango and commissioners. Welcome, Michael.

My name is Michael Caker. I'm the executive director for the Council of Judges and reporting on behalf of the Council of Judges. As I've discussed with you individually, uh we the Council of Judges are restarting regular reports u on our efforts uh for the county district and probate courts. And it's nice to be back. With me today is Norma Fabel of Barcelo, our elected clerk, who was honored this weekend by the El Paso Bar Association and the Young Lawyers with the Liberty Bell Award. The Liberty Bell Award is presented to a non-awyer who has made outstanding contributions to the community, strengthened the American system of justice and and fosters respect for the rule of law. The award typically highlights advocacy, civic engagement, and community service. Together, we will update you on the implementation of the new jury plan along with a new jury management software application. First, though, I'd like to report some really good news. Uh, the county and district courts are disposing of more cases than are being filed. These are 2025 numbers on the screen. Now, for the public, we measure the incoming and outgoing cases with a percentage called the clearance rate. The goal is generally to dispose of more cases than are coming in. If the percentage exceeds 100%, the county's backlog of cases or the court's backlog of cases will be shrinking. If the percentage falls below 100%, this is an indication that the backlog is increasing, which may lead to delays. You will see that for all civil, criminal, and family cases in 2025, the courts resolved roughly six cases for every five that were filed. This is a very healthy clearance rate. That rate accelerated through December 2025. Fiscal year 2026 so far, uh you see the first quarter there, uh with a 114% clearance rate and then March with 107%

clearance rate. These are still good numbers exceeding 100%. All totals and percentage All totals and percentages are aggregate measures that combine the performance of all county and district courts and the numbers are taken from the judicial management report which is available online. Although these are strong numbers, the council of judges administration is not resting on its laurels and we are currently working with county administration to look at ways to trim stays in jail and time to disposition. At this time, I would like to to ask if there are any questions on the clearance rate before we move to our next subject, judicial management or jury management.

Good news. Very good news. Norma, would you like to come up? In late 2024, the Council of Judges transmitted a new jury management plan to the commissioners, which you approved. This plan is managed by the district clerk and the council of judges administration, and we both have staff that support jury management. Good afternoon, judge, commissioners. Welcome.

May the fourth be with you today on Star Wars Day. Was a very special day for my son who passed away six years ago. He was a bonafide scout trooper um for uh the group of of folks that we have in El Paso that dress the part for Star Wars. And so it's a special day. Um, Norma Fabella Barcelo, your district clerk. We are happy to share good news. We want to share them with you and our citizens um, here in El Paso County. What's new is that through a joint collaborative effort between the district clerk and the council of judges, we will be going live on or about the last week in June with the much anticipated new Genesis juror system. We are going from the current two-step process to a onestep process. Uh that'll be the onestep process to call our jurors. The two-step system separates qualifying prospective jurors first and then summoning them while the one-step combines them into a single mailing. with the one-step generally being more efficient, cost-effective, and it yields more jurors. Attorneys will note that some questions about the jurors have been omitted from what will be the old summons to the new summons. But this new summon does adhere and conforms to the model that's approved by the Texas Office of Court Administration. So quickly, a two-step system. Prospective jurors receive a qualification questionnaire to determine eligibility. Only those who meet the statutory criteria are placed on a qualified list.

The court then summons those qualified individuals for jury duty. So let's look at the one-step program. The one-step system, the same mailing sends both the qualification questionnaire and the juror summons in one. Jurors return the questionnaire before reporting. If they are ineligible, they receive an excusal notice instead of being summoned. This eliminates the need for a separate qualification phase. So key differences are efficiency-wise. We're looking at two-step systems often having lower jury yields, juror yields versus a one-step system reduces the duplication of work, and there's no need to reverify eligibility when jurors report. Costwise, the two-step system requires two separate mailings, questionnaire and summons. increasing the printing and postage cost from anywhere from 25% up to 50%. Depending on how many panels the courts need systems have save, I'm sorry, on mailing expenses and administrative labor. The administrative burden is phenomenal. It it's it's huge. two-step system leads to more undeliverable summones and more work verifying disqualified or exempted jurors. One-step systems will streamline the process by combining the steps. So, the pilot life test will target two to three um county court civil panels during the last week of June. These prospective jurors will be summoned in miday, which is not too far away, at

which time the new Genesis juror system will be ready for inbound juror portal responses. During the pilot phase, we will draw exclusively from the current qualified pool of jurors in our current jury plus system. current jury plus system and Genesis are going to run concurrently with a clear division of responsibilities on each side of the system until we do the complete switch over to the new juror system. So, we have planned a rollout campaign uh in the next few days. We will be um sending out to our prospective jurors. They'll be receiving an insert in their juror summones letting them know of the upcoming changes. We will be adding updates to the very new and exciting new county website. I think it it looks awesome. And so we're going to use that to full advantage to put that information out with respect to the upcoming new Genesis system and of course what the updated summons looks like. Of course, we will be looking to our county public relations department inhouse to help us reach out to our news and print media partners and hoping that they will be able to help get this exciting news out to our citizens. Any questions?

I I do, Judge. Commissioner, uh Norman, Michael, uh I you know, I like this process. I also down the road, I imagine we're also going to be looking at doing a pool rather than designated pools of potential jurors to each court and rather doing it as a pool for various courts. I know there might be some hesitation from some people, but especially for the misdemeanor stuff, I think that would be, you know, obviously because there's a lot less jurors in the pool or the designated jurors once assigned to be able to have those, you know, with plenty of time ahead of time getting any

I won't speak for for Michael, but that's already been uh uh in working the the county the county courts, they're they're working as if you bring you 200 jurors and um they are there to see which court can can utilize. So there's already efforts. It's not a fullblown uh system of pooling the jurors, but that's certainly been talked about and it's in the works and they have they have been doing that. Uh so Michael, do you want to tell them a little bit about it?

Yes. Uh Norm is correct. uh some county court judges by agreement do what they call uh panel sharing policy uh which does help. What we really need to do to impact the courts is really look at the large panels that we're bringing in uh for felonies and that's where we'll see an impact. Uh Norman and I were talking this morning. Uh we're kind of excited to see that there's been about an 8% reduction in uh the number of jurors that we brought in in 2026 as opposed to 2025. So, we're we hope we're heading in the right direction. We have a number of ideas to present to the judges. The judges have asked us to complete the switch over to the new plan and the new software um and then look at next steps.

Okay. And then and the other question I had is how soon after your request for qualifications and the confirmation of the uh qualified jurors, right? That they're not exempt, deferred, or whatever that you do that. And what's a time period after you confirm them and summon them? And do you up currently update? Because I could see some people being disqualified after your confirmation and before they serve, but I think that could get taken care of again by whoever the judges are designated. It shouldn't be a ton of people, but how soon after is there a reconfirmation or recheck? So, so what we're hoping for is under the new one-step process that that those jurors who respond online to their questionnaire and check off or don't check off the boxes um whether they are eligible or not. Now, we may get some jurors that are going to show up and that of course will be uh upon the the courts um to get get those uh folks. And I don't know if you've ever I've been to, believe it or not, the system randomly has called me every year for the last three years. How random is that? And uh they usually the the three courts that I've reported to in a word dire capacity um take care of all of those things first. All of those folks that may have those exemptions. So, I think that once the thei the system of the one one call system um it'll get a lot better um to not hold up the process once once the jury jury trial day. Um but um I I think it's it's a positive direction that we're going to go in. Yeah, I'm glad they're doing that. And I think we really need to work on the larger panels to, you know, that to make

sure that there's a pool there because not only that, you know, that that uh prevents more um less people from being like you claim that, you know, you're you're being notified every year, right? Yeah. I've gone I've gotten called Yeah. every year. And so we we don't we want to try and minimize as much as possible those because we do have a lot of jurors that get summoned and show up and they don't serve because they get cancelled. So my other question is how's our system working with respect to notifying those people when they're canled or not and how how has that been the courts are pretty diligent

to get that quickly out. the courts and their staff are pretty diligent about as soon as they know. Um, as as attorneys on commissioner's court, um, you're very familiar with the process of if the defendant wants to plead out, wants to or the parties settle. Um, usually the courts and their their court staff will notify us immediately and we we will text, we will email, uh we will call and we've got the robocalls and everything is kicked into into gear to uh let people know it do not show up. And that's my question. Are people getting those notices and you have less people showing up now or how's that going? That's what I'm asking.

People are are getting the notices. Uh but then you know the life people don't check their email uh or don't recognize the text number or are not going to answer the call and they're going to show up anyway. I I think we're doing everything possible to let uh the the prospective jurors know if there's been a change in the plans. Um but um I think as as uh technology keeps getting smarter, I feel like sometimes it's getting smarter than us. Uh but you know, we're doing everything possible.

Okay. And the other question is for the larger pools. So I mean rather the larger panels that are required on some of the courts, what are we what's in process right now to be able to try and do you know pulling do a pull kind of like San Antonio does? what what are we yeah you know instead of having assigned u jurors to each court have them through a poll and then draw from there

we've talked with the judges a couple of times over the last few years about doing that u and again the last time we talked about making reforms like that that need to consent of the judges uh we were asked to complete this before moving to that phase uh we can do a pool we can run we have algorithms that'll show us what we should project to be able to need based on the number of courts going uh you know one of the things that uh as you've pointed out we're we're specially c summoning every panel and each of those panels includes a risk factor and if even if we could just pull that risk factor we could call a smaller number of jurors. Okay.

So we we've got the numbers we know how to pretty much know how to run them. Uh it's just uh you know it's not just the judges but also the bar and making sure that everybody's comfortable that if we make a change it will not impede uh trials here in El Paso.

All right. And and Judge I just want to make a comment with respect to the clearance of the cases your your first few slides that you presented. One of the thing that that I think we need to recommend to the judges and to maybe the family law bar is that when we have in because we have a lot of those cases in terms of the family law cases in in our in the civil side and you know like for example the entire state of New Mexico does this and somebody files for a temporary restraining order on a family law case. uh we need to make sure that those are, you know, that the courts do those and say, "Okay, these are going to be mutual." That prevents us from having to have another the the other side once they're served try to do their same thing, get another hearing. If we do those mutual, that would reduce some of the settings in the courts and move that case quicker. I know our jurisdiction next to us, um, Hudsmith County, the judge does that on their own. So we might do something to recommend to our either the family law bar and the judges here that we ought to take that on and get our legislative delegation to maybe do this statewide. This would be something that I think would help the you know uh the process in terms of reducing uh the number of hearings we have on these cases initially when they're filed. Uh and so I think you know we're over booked as it is on on our family law cases. these judges are really, you know, uh, they do a lot of work and because there's a lot of cases related to family law. So, I think maybe that's an area that we and I know I spoke with this with you about this, Michael. I think that would be a great thing for us to spearhead, not just for our county, but for statewide to be doing that. And I mean, save a lot of time, you know, not just for us, but statewide.

Thank you. Thank you, judge. Any other questions? Thank you for having us. Thank you, Michael. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay, we'll take no action or are would you like for us to accept the report or the update? Yes. Okay, let me the report. Yeah, we have a motion to accept by Commissioner Coronado, second by Commissioner Oline. The voting is open. Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you very much. Congratulations again, Norma. Thank you again. Thank you.

Item nine, budget and finance 9A. Approve budget amendment 24A to the El Paso Countyy's 2025 through 26 operating budget. This budgetary amendment is to transfer appropriations within the detention center department general fund in the amount of $20,000 to cover departmental expenses up to year end. This budgetary amendment will not increase or decrease the county of El Paso's 2025 through 26 overall operating budget of $660,900,413.3.

Good afternoon. Carmen Arieta Candelaria, director of budget and finance. This is a budget amendment that was submitted to us uh by the county's um the sheriff's office and it is for $20,000 to transfer from maintenance uh repairs to operational supplies. Um and it is um it is an cost neutral or budget neutral transfer 20,000 from one um line item to the other. uh based on our review from our office um we have noticed that this account um that it is going into the operational supplies is uh has $125 remaining and therefore we believe that this budget amendment is appropriate at this time to be um and we recommend approval. Are there any questions with regards to this amendment? We have a motion to approve by Judge Sango, second by Commissioner Ogin. The voting is open.

Motion carries. Thank you. Thank you, Carmen.

We'd like to go ahead and go to the item from consent that was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Oine, which is item 4S, grant award. approve and authorize the county judge to accept the FY25 Department of Justice Violence Against Women LO L local law enforcement grant for enforcement of cyber crimes program in the amount of $700,000. The project titled El Paso County Cyber Crime Programs per uh performance period is from May 1st, 2026 through April 30th, 2029. No county matches required. Contract number 2026323. Commissioner.

Hi, Katherine. I just had a couple of questions because I don't recognize this grant. Is it a new grant that we applied for or have we had it previously? Katherine Jones, criminal justice director with your criminal justice coordination department. Good afternoon, county judges, commissioners. Commissioner Oeen, you were correct to not recognize it because it is brand new. And when we applied for it, we applied for it earlier in 2025 and just didn't hear anything with everything that was going on with with grants. Um, so yes, we just received word that we did get this. It is brand new.

And is it is the focus mostly on training? It seemed like in the backup it talked about training, but in the narrative it says um available to units of government to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cyber crimes. So go ahead.

Yes. Yes, ma'am. Um this is a very unique program and this in particular is a very very competitive grant. I'll be honest with you, I was a little surprised we got it. Excited but surprised. Um, this one is a partnership. We are doing this with the district attorney's office and with Cassby and with the sheriff's office. We are all going to work together on this. And what we are planning on doing there there are two personnel who will be hired from this. One is a cyber crime um supervision officer. This will be an officer not unlike our um gang officer who will be Tiko certified and will serve in a capacity supervising individuals who and this is mainly in the outlying areas of the county in the smaller cities where the jurisdictions don't have the equipment they need to do data drops on phones and such to ensure that the individual is abiding by the terms of their bond condition. Um, and so, um, we'll be working with the smaller municipalities and the sheriff's office will be leading investigations. So, so our cyber crime, um, supervision officer will be working directly with the counterpart at the sheriff's office and they'll be working together to um, view phones and ensure that the individual is is abiding by those conditions. you know, we have seen a very stark rise in um cyber stalking, right? So, it's an easy thing to do and and you're also seeing a rise in deep fakes that people are putting out there. I think that that's received a lot of uh

national attention and and Texas is developing some pretty strong cyber crime laws. And so we we kind of want to be here on the front end. Um, since I've been here, we've had requests from judges, particularly when we supervise online solicitation of minors to look into their phones. I have up until now refused because it my staff doesn't know how to do this, right? and and I also don't want them to come in contact with child pornography. If that is the case, this officer will then be doing all of that. Um and and if he becomes aware of something, he'll immediately be able to notify the judges and submit a revocation um on behalf of of of the bond for that individual. So um it's it's it's exciting. The DA's office is going to be getting an admin specialist whose focus is going to be on these cases and ensuring that the DA's office is um is looking into that. We're starting a work group with this grant. We're going to be providing CASV with money to provide specialized victim services for the victims of these crimes. Um that's often times, you know, you don't realize how frightened the victims of these horrific crimes become. So, we're going to be able to provide them with with special um services and um you know, hopefully um it'll be it'll be successful. We we will see. This is kind of a one-of-a-skind pilot program and we're excited that we're going to be able to do it. Wait. So, the two personnel, one is going to be the cyber crimes officer in CJC and the

other one is going to be the administrative assistant at the DA's office. Yes, ma'am. Okay. And and for the for the three years, that totals $474,850 of the grant. 474. Yes, ma'am. And then um it's a three-year grant. Do we know if it's renewable or will we have to have discussions about those two positions?

So, it it it is renewable. Um, and if we deem that this grant is actually achieving any form of measurable success, I will attempt to renew it. Beyond that, Commissioner, my personal philosophy is I I I tell people when I hire them on grants, you are working on a grant. this grant will come to an end. If we are doing a good job with this grant, we will reapply to see if we can continue it. But I I don't believe in coming to you to make permanent positions for things that um you ultimately did not ask for. You know, a lot of these grants are are programs we create because we see a problem and we want to see if we can if we can achieve success. So, um I I I would not anticipate ever coming to you asking for permanency.

Okay, great. Well, I mean I I think unfortunately like you said, this is a problem that we're going to see more and more often with these cyber crimes. So, congratulations on the grant. Oh, thank you, Judge. Judge. Yes. May I?

You know, I'm glad you're doing it. One of the great reasons about this is because we do have situations out there where these things are happening. People are you stalking the victims even when they're probation or on supervised uh you know pre-trial and they use other numbers and they use other ways to communicate rather than their identification. So, and sometimes law enforcement finds it difficult to do that. So, I'm glad that we're going to have somebody dedicated to doing this. It might speed up and in some situations help that from, you know, becoming a real problem and maybe get it nipped quickly. So, good good job. Thank you. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Kathleen. We have a motion from Commissioner Oeen. If you want to. Sure. Would you like to sign up for a public comment? You could sign up for public comment and then come. Yeah, you just need to sign in with them and then you can give public comment. We had a motion to approve by Commissioner Ge, second by Commissioner Gonado. Would you like to take the vote now or until after public comment? Yes. Okay.

Okay. Welcome.

Me. My name is Jorge Almeida. I am a physician. I served for years in the army and I work for the departments of the justice 20 years. And I was just uh listening to this and before I think you can approve $700,000 for 30 days is going to be over $22,000 a day for something that I would like to have like uh on a schedule where are they going to spend all this money before they can approve something like that because it's a lot of money just to say u we need to do this and that but uh you know in black and white you you know, as uh the experience that I had with the government, you have to put in black and white that we are going to spend uh $5,000 and all this equipment and we are going to pay such as this person uh $20,000 for this and for that we are going to hire two or three people and uh and I I think this is like uh shooting a blanket for you know in the air for to see what they can catch. So I think we are okay the the intention is okay but the justification for the $700,000 I think it is too much for just being approved without any background investigation or what they are going to spend the money on it. I'm not I'm not clear because uh I'm just walking and I never knew you you had this kind of meetings. I was here for something else. But the thing is uh I pay too much taxes to just uh seeing that they they uh I am from Mexico and I become naturalized and we we call them in Mexico finger lifters politicians that they go just and and they are we going to approve this? Yes.

And everybody lift the fingers and nobody knows nothing about this situation. So, uh, you know, I just walk in and I notice that, uh, you know, the first thing that I see is $700,000 going for something that I have no idea what is going to be, how much is they're going to spend for this, for that, for salaries. And uh, that's why um, the same thing happens when I was in the army. The same thing happens when I was in the Department of Justice. And uh and this is my point that I don't see here anything clear what is this money going to be exactly for what reason and for what and this is only for 30 days for what the month of May

300 I'm sorry it's three years sir it says uh from May of 2026 to April I'm sorry I made a mistake it's going to be three years I'm sorry I was uh I I was carried out for uh from May to 20 to 26 if it is going to be for three years anyway. I would like to they can present how they are going to spend every every penny especially that now that they don't make pennies anymore but every dollar and on something. I'm sorry. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for

um Katherine perhaps you can maybe break down the budget a little bit. I know you gave us the figure for salaries but for the remaining for the public's benefit.

Absolutely. Very happy to do that sir. So um we have the salaries and what the figure I gave you is both salary and fringe for a total of three years. We are mandated to include in this $15,000 for training and technical assistance. Um, we have $60,150 toward forensic workstations which include right blockers, external storage devices, mobile device acquis acquisition kits, network monitoring tools, software to include disk analysis, forensic toolkits, mobile device data extraction and digital evidence recovery and analysis. We also have uh $19,500 that will um provide digital course licenses and certifications for the officers involved in this. And we also have supplies which will include um camera, a digital notebook. We're also um and with that we're also putting aside um approximately $10,000 for the sheriff's office to do PSAs for us. So that comes to $30,500 and we have a sub award of $100,000 to CAS and I believe if we add all of that up it should come to $700,000

and just for the public's knowledge CAF is the center. Oh, CASPY is is just so the public some people don't. Yes, you're you're absolutely correct. Is the center um for they're against sexual and family violence. Yes. Thank you for the save, Betsy. Yes. Thank you. And then also just to clarify, these are federal funds that are being awarded by the federal government. Yes, ma'am. These are 100% federal funds. The county will not be spending any money on this.

Thank you. We had a motion to approve by Commissioner O'Ne, second by Commissioner Coronado. The voting is open. Motion carries. This now brings us to executive session. Before we move into executive session for item 10D, discuss the pending claim submitted by Leopoldo Aguilad County Attorneys file number 019125LC pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.071 along with its corresponding regular session item which is 11C. discuss and take appropriate action on the pending claim of Leopoldo Aguilad County Attorneys file number 019125LC. We are requesting a motion to postpone these two items. Uh they will be brought back to the court um next week. And we have a motion by Commissioner Coronado, second by Judge Sango. The voting is open. Motion carries. Commissioner's court will now recess into executive session to discuss items 10 A through C and 10E as well as items 7A pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.071. Commissioner Court will recommit to take official action. It is 2:26 p.m.

Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso

County and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a Veterans Resource Fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso County's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Tornneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Torneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing tornado area veterans who served. The site will also include a Torneo Veterans Memorial Dedication Monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County Neighborhood Improvement Grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estrea Park Improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions, and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Estrea Park project is one of 19 park

projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods. That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities ities of family law with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers,

financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation changes significantly. Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation

or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 915-2733533 or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward.

Hey, hey, hey. Heat. Heat. Okay. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. Heat. N. Heat up here. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat.

Hola, Al Paso. April was a busy month here in the county. From honoring our veterans to beautifying our parks, we tell you what is happening in this month's county connects. Every day is Veterans Day in El Paso County, and several communities celebrated our heroes in April. First, we celebrated the completion of the Fabins Veterans Memorial at Fabins Veterans Park. The celebration featured a Veterans Resource Fair, a flag raising ceremony, and a memorial ribbon cutting ceremony. The Fabins Veterans Memorial honors all six branches of the United States Armed Forces, the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard, and stands as a lasting tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who have defended our nation. This project reflects El Paso Countyy's continued commitment to honoring veterans and was identified as a key initiative in the county's parks and recreations master plan. Thank you to our veterans. Just down the road at Coyote Park in Torneo, the local neighborhood association, Torneo Independent School District, and Tornneo Alumni Association held an unveiling ceremony of the Torneo Veterans Memorial. The memorial features six metal cubes representing each branch of the United States Armed Forces. Each cube displays the branch's emblem and includes a nearby plaque listing tornado area veterans who served. The site will also include a tornado veterans memorial dedication monument. This community-driven project requested by the Torneo Neighborhood Association and presented by the county's planning and development department was approved by Commissioner's Court in March 2025 and funded through the El Paso County neighborhood improvement grant. Our voter approved bond projects move forward in precinct 1. Montana Vista residents attended the first community meeting for the Ruben Estraa Park improvements. The public was encouraged to offer their suggestions, opinions,

and questions throughout the course of the meeting. Residents had an opportunity to share feedback on design concepts and amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, and lighting. The Esta Park project is one of 19 park projects approved by the voters through the 2024 capital improvement bond. A popular eastside park is looking a lot shadier thanks to volunteers who came and planted trees at the El Paso County Sports Park. These trees were part of a total of 155 trees planted across the various parts of the county. These were made possible through a $20,000 community forestry grant that was awarded to the county by Texas A&M Forest Service. This project allows El Paso County to invest in tree planting efforts that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce urban heat, and support healthier neighborhoods. That does it for this month's county connects. Until next time, make sure to stay connected with El Paso County. Hey, hey, hey. Hey, hey, hey.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. Welcome to the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, where we're dedicated to helping families navigate the complexities of family law with empathy, clarity, and a commitment to excellence. As an integral part of the El Paso County Civil Court system, we strive to provide support during challenging times. We are dedicated to supporting parents, guardians, and children in navigating complex issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and beyond. Whether you are recently divorced, in the midst of a custody dispute, or facing challenges with child support, we stand ready to offer compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Our mission is to assist children and families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives, ensuring they have the resources and assistance they need to move forward confidently. We provide services both in person and virtually, collaborating closely with judges, attorneys, and service providers to address each family's unique needs. Our child support enforcement unit plays a vital role in ensuring that children receive the financial support necessary for their well-being. When a court orders child support, it represents not just a figure, but a commitment to a child's future. This unit consists of a team of attorneys, enforcement officers,

financial specialists, legal engagement officers, parillegals, and administrative staff who assist with the collection and enforcement of child support and medical support. Domestic relations office attorneys decide what enforcement remedies will be used based on the particular facts of the case. We help enforce court orders by monitoring payments and maintaining accurate records, working with parents who have fallen behind, helping them understand their obligations and options, filing enforcement actions with the court when necessary, and helping parents modify orders if their financial situation changes significantly. Because we know life happens and fairness matters. We know that every family's situation is different. That's why our staff works with compassion, confidentiality, and professionalism, helping both custodial and non-custodial parents understand the process, meet their obligations, and keep the focus where it belongs, on the children. Another one of our core responsibilities is through our family court service unit, where we support the courts in making informed child- centered decisions in custody and visitation cases. In contested custody matters, when parents can't agree on who should care for the child, judges often rely on our skilled professionals to provide objective and detailed assessments. Family court services social workers or guardian adult items are appointed by judges to conduct thorough investigations and provide reports to the court based on the interests of the children involved. Either party may request the appointment of a guardian adel item for their case. In addition, family court services staff are appointed on some adoption cases to conduct evaluations. Our cooperative parenting program provides co-parenting classes which focus on the needs of children and parents in the aftermath of separation

or divorce. Topics include parent, children and the involvement in the court, positive co-parenting practices, impact of divorce and separation on child development, communication, conflict resolution and anger management. Classes are offered both in person and virtually and are open to everyone. No court order needed. Co-parents take the classes separately to ensure participants are comfortable discussing the topics. Individuals may register for classes by either visiting the domestic relations office website or by calling the office at 915-2733533 or by picking up the form inside our office. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator to discuss attendance and answer questions via email or phone. Class schedules can also be found on the website. Once the registration is received, the individual will be contacted by the program facilitator. Our office is dedicated to providing essential legal assistance tailored to family law issues. We empower parents to effectively enforce and modify access and possession time with their children, ensuring that their rights are upheld. For those seeking to formalize agreements, we facilitate parenting negotiation conferences that transform your arrangements into legally binding court orders. At the El Paso County Domestic Relations Office, we're committed to helping families find solutions that work. So, please visit our website or give us a call today to learn how we can help you move forward. Heat. Heat.

Heat. Heat. Okay. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. Hey,

Heat. Heat. quick. I just realized that the items were postponing the claims, not deletion. Sorry if I confused you.

Go ahead.

Commissioner's court has reconvened to regular open session. Item 10E was um not heard in executive session. We are asking for item 10. Discuss the pending claim submitted by Alejandro Gutierrez County Attorneys file number 006726 LC LC pursuant to Texas government code section 551.071 071 to be postponed for one week along with its corresponding item item 11D which is discuss and take appropriate action on the pending claim of Alejandra Gutierrez County Attorneys file number 006726LC just get this have a motion by Judge Sango to postpone second by Commissioner Coronado the voting is Open. Motion carries. Item 11 A, discuss and take appropriate action regarding pending litigation styled United States of America versus state of Texas at all. Number 2450149, County Attorneys file number 014125LA.

Good afternoon. Anisha, county attorney. We're not requesting any action on this item today. Thank you all. Take no action for 11A. Item 11B, discuss and take appropriate action of pending litigation styled Juan Gi Coral at all versus El Paso County, Texas at all. Cause number 322 CV 00160, county attorney case number 006322 LD. Good afternoon, Anisha Marcus County Attorney. So the motion for your consideration would be to accept the offer to settle as discussed in executive session and authorize the county judge to sign the settlement documents. We would just need a motion for that. Please have a motion by Judge Samgo, second by Commissioner Oli. The voting is open. Motion carries. And would you like for me to go back to item 7A for the coliseum?

Yes, please. Thank you. Okay. Item 7A, receive a presentation from the El Paso Sports Commission regarding its quarterly status report. Good afternoon, uh, an county attorney. Just for the record, this item was not discussed in executive session. This item will be po will be posted for executive session next week for your discussion. Thank you all so much. This completes all the items on today's agenda. Judge.

No, it was just a presentation. Thank you. We're We've completed the items. Interpreters back there. Felicades again. Everybody are legal. Have a great great week. Mr. K back there hiding in the back. Thank you for everything you do. Thank you. This concludes today's meeting at 3 p.m.