AlaskanAg99 said:
Court adopts a resolution to condemn the Supreme Court. 3-2
Harris County Commissioner's Court
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Last: 8 mo ago by TJaggie14
Can we please get Dora indicted already?AlaskanAg99 said:
They also adopted a $53M plan called "Active Transportation Plan". No idea what that is, there was no discussion. 3-2
They're doing rapid voting.
Now discussing a pilot EV program. F150 Lightening's, eTranist and some other smaller vehicle.
$1.89M project. 4-0 vote
$1.89M project. 4-0 vote
If the earlier SC vote was 3-2, who abstained from this one?AlaskanAg99 said:
Now discussing a pilot EV program. F150 Lightening's, eTranist and some other smaller vehicle.
$1.89M project. 4-0 vote
Also, have Ramsey and Cagle not learned to vote against some of these things that sound nice and pretty? The devil is always in the details on these things and then when they get exposed, the dems turn around and throw it in their faces that they voted for it.
Cagle joined remotely for some of the votes. He was not present for this one.YellAg2004 said:If the earlier SC vote was 3-2, who abstained from this one?AlaskanAg99 said:
Now discussing a pilot EV program. F150 Lightening's, eTranist and some other smaller vehicle.
$1.89M project. 4-0 vote
Also, have Ramsey and Cagle not learned to vote against some of these things that sound nice and pretty? The devil is always in the details on these things and then when they get exposed, the dems turn around and throw it in their faces that they voted for it.
Once again a government bureaucrat not staying in their lane, pin intended. How about they use that money to finish converting the whole of Harris county toll roads to EZ Tag only and finish what COVID started. In the long run, save labor costs and protect against wage inflation and delay the inevitable toll increase. But there are no kickbacks if there are no new contacts.
I get why they would have a surplus. They have raised the tolls on the Grand Parkway by me no less than 3 times with some of them almost double from where they started. The Grand Parkway can KMA.
WhoopRAB said:
$53 Million for HCTRA bike path
https://abc13.com/harris-county-toll-road-authority-new-plan-unveiled-tollways-to-trailways-trails-for-walking/11838773/
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis showed maps of part of the Harris County Toll Road Authority's plan called, 'Tollways to Trailways', which connects about 236 miles of trails for walking or cycling in areas around the Harris County Toll Roads including the Sam Houston parkway. Ellis said the goal is to improve transportation, safety and accessibility.
"You have a number of connectors into various communities that are adjacent to the toll road," Ellis said, "and that's perfectly in compliance with the statute to be able to do that and then when looking at a long term possibility is creating a major outer belt where those toll roads were, so you have about an 80 mile loop around the region. I think it's a game changer."
He said the funds for the projects would come from surplus revenue from the tollways.
"This will be money that can be used that is on top of what it takes to service the debt for the toll roads, (to) keep the toll roads repaired and keep them running," Ellis said. "So the term 'surplus' can throw you off a little bit so there will still be tolls collected on a regular basis. This will be money in excess, I'm using that term broadly, in excess of what it takes to operate the toll roads."
Thus must be the Active Transportation Plan, which costs $53M.
StillNotAnAggie said:
I get why they would have a surplus. They have raised the tolls on the Grand Parkway by me no less than 3 times with some of them almost double from where they started. The Grand Parkway can KMA.
HCTRA doesn't manage any portion of the Grand Parkway
HCTRA also hasn't had a rate increase in like 5-7 years if I remember correctly.Thunder18 said:StillNotAnAggie said:
I get why they would have a surplus. They have raised the tolls on the Grand Parkway by me no less than 3 times with some of them almost double from where they started. The Grand Parkway can KMA.
HCTRA doesn't manage any portion of the Grand Parkway
In compliance with the statute... BS!!! As I recall the original language of the statute was to build the toll roads and the connectors. Arguing that hike and bike trails should be classified as "connectors" is pure bovine excrement! I can't hike or bike on the toll road, so no they are not connectors to the toll road.WhoopRAB said:
$53 Million for HCTRA bike path
https://abc13.com/harris-county-toll-road-authority-new-plan-unveiled-tollways-to-trailways-trails-for-walking/11838773/
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis showed maps of part of the Harris County Toll Road Authority's plan called, 'Tollways to Trailways', which connects about 236 miles of trails for walking or cycling in areas around the Harris County Toll Roads including the Sam Houston parkway. Ellis said the goal is to improve transportation, safety and accessibility.
"You have a number of connectors into various communities that are adjacent to the toll road," Ellis said, "and that's perfectly in compliance with the statute to be able to do that and then when looking at a long term possibility is creating a major outer belt where those toll roads were, so you have about an 80 mile loop around the region. I think it's a game changer."
He said the funds for the projects would come from surplus revenue from the tollways.
"This will be money that can be used that is on top of what it takes to service the debt for the toll roads, (to) keep the toll roads repaired and keep them running," Ellis said. "So the term 'surplus' can throw you off a little bit so there will still be tolls collected on a regular basis. This will be money in excess, I'm using that term broadly, in excess of what it takes to operate the toll roads."
And even if some creative writing winning lawyer can say the language doesn't dis-allow for it, noone with two functioning brain cells would argue that it should!
Will tolls be charged on these "connectors"?Kenneth_2003 said:In compliance with the statute... BS!!! As I recall the original language of the statute was to build the toll roads and the connectors. Arguing that hike and bike trails should be classified as "connectors" is pure bovine excrement! I can't hike or bike on the toll road, so no they are not connectors to the toll road.WhoopRAB said:
$53 Million for HCTRA bike path
https://abc13.com/harris-county-toll-road-authority-new-plan-unveiled-tollways-to-trailways-trails-for-walking/11838773/
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis showed maps of part of the Harris County Toll Road Authority's plan called, 'Tollways to Trailways', which connects about 236 miles of trails for walking or cycling in areas around the Harris County Toll Roads including the Sam Houston parkway. Ellis said the goal is to improve transportation, safety and accessibility.
"You have a number of connectors into various communities that are adjacent to the toll road," Ellis said, "and that's perfectly in compliance with the statute to be able to do that and then when looking at a long term possibility is creating a major outer belt where those toll roads were, so you have about an 80 mile loop around the region. I think it's a game changer."
He said the funds for the projects would come from surplus revenue from the tollways.
"This will be money that can be used that is on top of what it takes to service the debt for the toll roads, (to) keep the toll roads repaired and keep them running," Ellis said. "So the term 'surplus' can throw you off a little bit so there will still be tolls collected on a regular basis. This will be money in excess, I'm using that term broadly, in excess of what it takes to operate the toll roads."
And even if some creative writing winning lawyer can say the language doesn't dis-allow for it, noone with two functioning brain cells would argue that it should!
https://reduceflooding.com/2022/05/01/editorial-chaos-in-harris-county-government/
Not going to quote because there's just too much going on. This is worth a read.
Not going to quote because there's just too much going on. This is worth a read.
AlaskanAg99 said:
https://reduceflooding.com/2022/05/01/editorial-chaos-in-harris-county-government/
Not going to quote because there's just too much going on. This is worth a read.
Incompetence, cronyism, corruption and waste.
I'm shocked… shocked, I tells ya.
Whoever is voted in next is going to unravel a complete shot show.
Record high inflation
Record high gas prices
Surging crime
Rising food prices
How do we solve it? Adrian Garcia has a good idea...lets raise taxes! The last bonds weren't enough. Let's go for another $1 billion bond.
Harris County leaders will weigh a bond election for the fall ballot Houston Public Media
Record high gas prices
Surging crime
Rising food prices
How do we solve it? Adrian Garcia has a good idea...lets raise taxes! The last bonds weren't enough. Let's go for another $1 billion bond.
Harris County leaders will weigh a bond election for the fall ballot Houston Public Media
Judge Hildago is attending remotely. As is Ellis, but why I don't know.
Yesterday's meeting on Elections Administrator was canceled because A.
Items
306.In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the impending near-total ban on abortion in Texas, the County Judge's Office requests approval to direct the Commissioners Court's Analyst's Office to work with the County Attorney's Office and relevant departments to identify and recommend ways for Harris County to promote and expand access to affordable and no-cost contraception, sexual education, family planning, and other programs critical to the safety and wellbeing of Harris County women and families, including access to safe abortions where possible under the law. 22-4066
307.Request by the County Judge for Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to identify and recommend proactive legislative efforts Commissioners Court could pursue to mitigate the impacts of Texas's impending near-total abortion ban, including by promoting the expansion of women's access to safe, reliable, and affordable contraceptive options and family planning services.
311.Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 1 for approval of a resolution regarding the United States Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. 22-4056
All taken first, lot of speakers. Split vote on them 3-2, you can figure out why.
17. Request for discussion of ballot initiatives for a potential increase to bond authority available to Harris County.
Rumored to be around $1B for infrastructure mostly.
(My comment, not sure how they're going to ask for a billion bucks in debt when costs are skyrocketing, that'll be a tough sell).
MONKEYPOXS!!! It's alarming to look at, but virus is weak, Garcia.
Yesterday's meeting on Elections Administrator was canceled because A.
Items
306.In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and the impending near-total ban on abortion in Texas, the County Judge's Office requests approval to direct the Commissioners Court's Analyst's Office to work with the County Attorney's Office and relevant departments to identify and recommend ways for Harris County to promote and expand access to affordable and no-cost contraception, sexual education, family planning, and other programs critical to the safety and wellbeing of Harris County women and families, including access to safe abortions where possible under the law. 22-4066
307.Request by the County Judge for Intergovernmental and Global Affairs to identify and recommend proactive legislative efforts Commissioners Court could pursue to mitigate the impacts of Texas's impending near-total abortion ban, including by promoting the expansion of women's access to safe, reliable, and affordable contraceptive options and family planning services.
311.Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 1 for approval of a resolution regarding the United States Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. 22-4056
All taken first, lot of speakers. Split vote on them 3-2, you can figure out why.
17. Request for discussion of ballot initiatives for a potential increase to bond authority available to Harris County.
Rumored to be around $1B for infrastructure mostly.
(My comment, not sure how they're going to ask for a billion bucks in debt when costs are skyrocketing, that'll be a tough sell).
MONKEYPOXS!!! It's alarming to look at, but virus is weak, Garcia.
151.Request for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective June 28, 2022 until the earlier of 90 days after the date of adoption or a determination is made by the Texas Forest Service that drought conditions no longer exist within Harris County.
Vote 5-0 on a burn ban. Not real clear what this means for fireworks.
Vote 5-0 on a burn ban. Not real clear what this means for fireworks.
Can fireworks be sold in the county if a burn ban is in effect?AlaskanAg99 said:
151.Request for approval of a countywide burn ban in unincorporated areas of Harris County effective June 28, 2022 until the earlier of 90 days after the date of adoption or a determination is made by the Texas Forest Service that drought conditions no longer exist within Harris County.
Vote 5-0 on a burn ban. Not real clear what this means for fireworks.
I have no idea. I was listening to them discuss it and they said that people would have to watch their fire work use. But a burn ban isn't a firework ban?
I thinl they're allowed but beats me.
I thinl they're allowed but beats me.
Item 17 is up now, They're discussing increasing the bond and increasing it from $1B to $1.2-1.5B in order to partner with incorporated cities.
Little disingenuous for someone to state that the tax rate will fall. It has to, home values have increased beyond the 3% cap for new revenue. So it's possible to lower the tax rate and still haul in more revenue. In the end the individual payments will increase even if tax rates decrease.
This is for discussion only, no votes at this time for this Bond in order for it to be put on the Nov ballot.
Average homeowner would pay an extra $30 annually in taxes for this bond.
Garcia "We need this bond."
Ramsey "Why didn't we start this a year ago?" He's in favor of it, but concerned not enough time to communicate and sell the need.
Ellis "I'm a yes".
Earlier reporting: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2022/06/13/426878/harris-county-leaders-will-weigh-putting-a-bond-election-on-the-fall-ballot/
But no details on specific projects.
County Engineer, Dr. Rahman, may speak to this.
Little disingenuous for someone to state that the tax rate will fall. It has to, home values have increased beyond the 3% cap for new revenue. So it's possible to lower the tax rate and still haul in more revenue. In the end the individual payments will increase even if tax rates decrease.
This is for discussion only, no votes at this time for this Bond in order for it to be put on the Nov ballot.
Average homeowner would pay an extra $30 annually in taxes for this bond.
Garcia "We need this bond."
Ramsey "Why didn't we start this a year ago?" He's in favor of it, but concerned not enough time to communicate and sell the need.
Ellis "I'm a yes".
Earlier reporting: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2022/06/13/426878/harris-county-leaders-will-weigh-putting-a-bond-election-on-the-fall-ballot/
But no details on specific projects.
County Engineer, Dr. Rahman, may speak to this.
$100M public safety
$200M general road
$200M neighborhood street drainage (thought this was more part of the Harvey Bond)
$100M road rehab, 21% of roads (6,600miles total roads) are graded C or lower via the pavement condition index
$50M Vision Zero
$50M multimodal transportation, includes sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps.
$200M parks/trails
---this is only $900M...not sure where the other $100-300 million are going.
Also Vision Zero, eliminate interactions between vehicles/pedestrians or cyclists. But there was no money attached to this resolution in 2019. 430 average fatalities due to poor intersections. 150 miles of high-injury corridors.
$200M general road
$200M neighborhood street drainage (thought this was more part of the Harvey Bond)
$100M road rehab, 21% of roads (6,600miles total roads) are graded C or lower via the pavement condition index
$50M Vision Zero
$50M multimodal transportation, includes sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps.
$200M parks/trails
---this is only $900M...not sure where the other $100-300 million are going.
Also Vision Zero, eliminate interactions between vehicles/pedestrians or cyclists. But there was no money attached to this resolution in 2019. 430 average fatalities due to poor intersections. 150 miles of high-injury corridors.
I'm afraid Ramsey may need some help playing the political game.
This didn't start last year because Garcia and Hidalgo didn't anticipate Biden being such an absolute train wreck that their re-election chances would be in jeopardy due to the economy going in the toilet. Now that it's abundantly clear that hard times are coming, those two need a new sales pitch. So now expect them to be out screaming about how they are champions of infrastructure. Pay no attention to how much money they have lit on fire for the past 4 years that could have easily gone to all of these things they want a bond for.
This didn't start last year because Garcia and Hidalgo didn't anticipate Biden being such an absolute train wreck that their re-election chances would be in jeopardy due to the economy going in the toilet. Now that it's abundantly clear that hard times are coming, those two need a new sales pitch. So now expect them to be out screaming about how they are champions of infrastructure. Pay no attention to how much money they have lit on fire for the past 4 years that could have easily gone to all of these things they want a bond for.
Here is to Alaskan for the the updates and exposing the happenings at the kangaroo court!
Azul88 said:
Here is to Alaskan for the the updates and exposing the happenings at the kangaroo court!
Not really exposing anything. It's a matter of public record.
You can see the powerpoint presentation on the bond here: PowerPoint Presentation (north-houston.com)
They start discussing it around 3:32:18 on the court video: https://harriscountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/176416
They start discussing it around 3:32:18 on the court video: https://harriscountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/176416
Fair enough. A lot of us don't keep track of that, that is all. Again thanks for the assessment.
No problem, just wanted to be clear, I have no inside info. Most people don't have time to watch court. And generally I don't watch it if it's after 5pm.
Statement issued by Harris County Democratic Party:
Quote:
"Following a nationwide search, the election commission is thrilled to select Clifford D. Tatum as the county's new elections administrator. The commission worked well together to reach our decision, and Mr. Tatum was unanimously selected in a 5-0 vote. Mr. Tatum has an impressive background in leading elections currently with the DC Board of Elections and prior to that as general counsel for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission. We are excited to bring him on board. Mr. Tatum's elections experience combined with a background in information security and elections law make him perfectly suited for the Elections Administrator position, and we look forward to welcoming him to Harris County." -- Odus Evbagharu, Harris County Democratic Party Chair
https://aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com/2022/07/something-stinks-really-bad-with.html?m=1
Not the most polished piece, but some interesting information about the gentleman from Georgia.
Not the most polished piece, but some interesting information about the gentleman from Georgia.
Take a shot every time you read "Former FBI Investigative Specialist Charles "Chuck" Marler"
No way, I'd be way too drunk.Sea Speed said:
Take a shot every time you read "Former FBI Investigative Specialist Charles "Chuck" Marler"
It's very poorly written, but if there's merit to this, then expect further news reports. It will be interesting to see how closely the state law is followed.
Counties are governed by state laws, not city. There was a LOT of schennagians in the last few elections skirting state law. Not only in TX but across the nation. I think SCOTUS has agreed to take up a case over legislators and elected officials skirting state election laws. It won't impact the midterms, but has huge ramifications for '24. I think it originates out of PA.
Court is on.
https://www.harriscountytx.gov/Government/Court-Agenda/Court-Videos
Current discussion is the backlog of cases and why the county is spending millions to send inmates to La because local jails are too crowded. Sherriff's are blaming the courts, no one from the courts (so far) have spoken about this.
Some discussion on which courts are processing cases at a high rate, and those that are under performing.
Edit:
An hour and a half later, still discussing this.
https://www.harriscountytx.gov/Government/Court-Agenda/Court-Videos
Current discussion is the backlog of cases and why the county is spending millions to send inmates to La because local jails are too crowded. Sherriff's are blaming the courts, no one from the courts (so far) have spoken about this.
Some discussion on which courts are processing cases at a high rate, and those that are under performing.
Edit:
An hour and a half later, still discussing this.
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