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>> GOOD MORNING. IT'S 9:03 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 13TH AND THE MEETING IS CALLED TO ORDER. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CALL ROLL.
>> THANK YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE COUNCILMEMBER
CASTILLO TO INTRODUCE TODAY'S INVOCATER. >> I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME VINCENT ROBINSON TO THE PODIUM. HE HAS FAITHFUL LED SINCE 2021, RAISED IN THE BAPTIST CHURCH, HIS EARLY FOUNDATION WAS TESTED AS HE FACED GANG LIFE AND ADDICTION. THROUGH GOD'S GRACE HIS LIFE WAS TRANSFORMED ANSWERING THE CALL TO RETURN TO THE CHAPEL.
HE NOW MINISTERED IN A COMMUNITY HEAVILY IMPACTED BY POVERTY, ADDICTION, AND HOPELESSNESS. HE CONNECT DEEPLY WITH THOSE HE SERVES. UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE CHAPEL HAS BECOME A CENTER PROVIDING FOOD, CLOTHING, AND VITAL SERVICES THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, SAM'S MINISTRY, OPPORTUNITY HOME, AND MANY MORE. HARPER'S CHAPEL PROVIDES A YEAR-ROUND SUPPORT AND ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK YOUTH THROUGH POSITIVE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. THEIR GOAL IS TO CREATE A SAFE ENCOURAGING ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH GROW, THRIVE, AND REALIZE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. HE HAS SERVED AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER FOR MANY ORGANIZATIONS AND AS A YOUTH ADVOCATE.
HE IS SUPPORTING BY HIS WIFE THE 25 YEARS, MARIA, AND THREE DAUGHTERS AND ONE GRANDDAUGHTER. HE ENJOYS FISHING AND SPENDING TIME WITH HIS FAMILY. PASTOR ROBINSON.
>> LET US PRAY. HEAVENLY FATHER, WE COME BEFORE YOU TODAY WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS. THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSING OF ANOTHER DAY AND OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER HERE IN SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY.
LORD, WE LEFT UP OUR MAYOR, CITY COUNCIL, AND EVERY PUBLISH SERVANT IN THIS WORLD. GRANT THEM WISDOM THAT LISTENS WITH COMPASSION AND LEADS WITH INTEGRITY. WE ASK FOR YOUR GUIDANCE IN EVERY DECISION MADE TODAY, THAT EACH WORD SPOKEN AND EVERY PLAN FORMED WILL BRING UNITY, PEACE, AND PROGRESS TO OUR CITY.
HELP US TO SEE ONE ANOTHER, NOT AS OPPONENTS, BUT AS PARTNERS WORKING TOWARD THE SAME GOAL. A THRIVING, SAFE, AND CARRYING COMMUNITY. BLESS THE FAMILIES AND CITIZENS OF THIS CITY, PROTECT THOSE WHO SERVE, PROVIDE FOR THOSE IN NEED, AND REMIND US THAT ALL ARE STEWARDS OF THE PLACE WE CALL HOME. MAY YOUR PRESENCE FILL THE SPACE WITH GRACE AND CLARITY. IN YOUR NAME, WE PRAY,
AMEN. >> THANK YOU, PASTOR. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THE PLEDGE.
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>> MAYOR JONES: THERE ARE NO MINUTES TO APPROVE TODAY.
SO WE'LL GO INTO THE ONE PROKARYOTE POLICEMANNATION.
A TIME TO HONOR THE MILLIONS OF MEN AND WOMEN TO DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO THE CARE AND WELL-BEING OF OTHERS AND WHEREAS IN OUR COMMUNITY FAMILY CAREGIVERS PROVIDE FAR MORE THAN DAY-TO-DAY ASSISTANCE. THEY OFFER COMFORT, STABILITY TO LOVED ONES OR THE CHALLENGING OF AGING. WHEREAS, THROUGH THEIR COMPASSION AND COMMITMENT, THEY NOT ONLY SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES BUT REDUCE HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS, LOWER HEALTHCARE COSTS, AND CONTRIBUTE IMMEASURABLY OF THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH REMINDS TO US ACKNOWLEDGE THE QUIET SACRIFICES OF CAREGIVERS TO EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE AND TO ENSURE THAT ESSENTIAL SUPPORTS SUCH AS RESPITE CARE, WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY, AND TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL WHO NEED THEM. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GINA ORTIZ JONES, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, IN RECOGNITION THEREOF PROCLAIM NOVEMBER TO BE FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO THOSE THAT WE HAVE HERE IN ATTENDANCE.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO COME FORWARD AND SAY A FEW WORDS.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD MORNING, COUNCIL, MAYOR AND COUNCIL.
FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR THIS PROCLAMATION. FAMILY CAREGIVERS ARE OUR COMMUNITY'S SILENT HEROES. WITHOUT THEM, A LOT OF FOLKS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR ESSENTIALS. WITHOUT THEM A LOT OF FOLKS WOULD NOT HAVE EVEN THE MOST BASIC RIGHTS AND HUMAN AVAILABILITY TO THEMSELVES AND REALLY IT'S SOMETHING THAT IF WE -- IF WE THINK ABOUT IT, MOST OF US WILL AT ONE POINT EITHER RELY ON A CAREGIVER OR BE OURSELVES A CAREGIVER. SO WE REALLY APPRECIATE THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AND THIS PROCLAMATION AND, OF COURSE, ALL
CAREGIVERS. THANK YOU. >> I ALSO WANT TO THANK YOU. I HAVE BEEN A CAREGIVER.
I KNOW MANY CAREGIVERS, AND MOST OF THE TIME THEY'RE SO BUSY CARE GIVING THAT THEY DON'T GET ANY APPRECIATION FOR WHAT THEY DO.
IT'S SORT OF AN FAMILY EXPECTATION. TO A LOT WHEN YOU HAVE A PROCLAMATION AND US WITH AARP WILL MAKE THAT MESSAGE KNOWN ACROSS THE COMMUNITY THAT WHAT THEY DO FOR THEIR FAMILIES IS APPRECIATED AND IS
RECOGNIZED. SO THANK YOU. >> I'LL SEE IF ANY OF MY COLLEAGUES WOULD LIKE TO SHARE COMMENTS ON THIS. NO?
COUNCI COUNCILMEMBER VIAGRAN. >> VIAGRAN: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR COMING TODAY AND MAKING SURE WE ACKNOWLEDGE TODAY.
THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE AT HOME AND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS WE TAKE CARE OF OUR LOVED ONCE IN THE HOUSE AS THEY AGE. WE WANT THEM TO AGE IN PLACE WITH DIGNITY. SO THANK YOU FOR HAVING US RECOGNIZE THIS DAY AND I HOPE WE CAN PUT OUT RESOURCES OUT THERE AS WE SEE OUR POPULATION CONTINUE TO AGE. THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER MUNGIA. >> MUNGIA: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU'RE DOING. DISTRICT 4 IS HOME TO ROUGHLY ABOUT A THIRD OF SENIOR CITIZENS IN OUR DISTRICT. AND SO CARE GIVING IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THEM. MOST OF THE TIME IT'S THEIR OWN FAMILY MEMBERS THAT BECOME CAREGIVERS WITHIN THE FAMILY. MAKING SURE THEY HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED AND ALSO THE BREAKS AND TAME AWAY FROM WORK THEY NEED IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR THEIR OWN MENTAL HEALTH.
SO THANK YOU FOR RECOGNIZING THAT AND FOR WORKING ON THIS ISSUE.
APPRECIATE IT. COUNCILMEMBER ALDERETE GAVITO.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO. IT OFTEN GOES UNNOTICED. I'M GLAD WE'RE ALL STOPPING TO PAUSE TODAY TO BRING AWARENESS TO IT, TO RECOGNIZE IT, AND ALSO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR EFFORTS. THANKS FOR BEING HERE TODAY.
COUNCILMEMBER SPEARS. >> SPEARS: I, TOO, WANT TO ECHO WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID. THIS IS SOMETHING CLOSE TO ME, SOMETHING WE EXPERIENCED IN MY OWN FAMILY. MY MOTHER REQUIRED EARLY ONSET CARE GIVING FOR CONDITIONS THAT SHE HAD.
IT'S A LONELY SPACE, AND IT'S ISOLATING AND OVERWHELMING AND OFTEN UNEXPECTED. IT HAPPENS WITH CHILDREN AND VETERANS AND OUR
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SENIORS. THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN ADEQUATELY PREPARE YOU TO BE A CAREGIVER. I FEEL LIKE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS. I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BRINGING ATTENTION TO THIS AND LOOK FORWARD TO SUPPORTING THIS CAUSE. THANK YOU.COUNCILMEMBER CASTILLO IS RECOGNIZED FOR A POINT OF PERSONAL
PRIVILEGE. >> CASTILLO: I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL TRADE TEAM. IT'S BRYAN, JULIO, AND THEIR TEACHER, MR. GOMEZ, AND I'M GRATEFUL TO SEE THEIR PRINCIPAL AND STAFF HERE AS WELL. THE TEAM COMPETED IN THE TCCI COMPETITION. THEY READ BANKRUPTS, CUT STUDS, INSTALLED PLUMBING, CUT SHEETROCK AND INSTALLED WITHIN 4 AND A HALF HOURS.
BASED ON THE STUDENT'S AMAZING CLEAN WILL HENESS, ACCURACY, AND SAFETY SKILLS, THEY PLACED THIRD OUT OF ALL OF THE LOCAL TRAVELING HIGH SCHOOLS IN ATTENDANCE. I WANT TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO THE UNION OF NORTH AMERICA AND MATT IS HERE TODAY, AND SEI TEAM FOR WORKING TOGETHER TO DEVELOP THE LEARN CONSTRUCTION CRAFT LABOR HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM. I COMMEND THE INCREDIBLE FORSYTH TO HIRE MR. GOMEZ WHAT IS A JOURNEYMAN AND INSTRUCTOR FOR THIS PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDING A FOUNDATION TO MEET THE CURRENT AND FUTURE WORKFORCE NEEDS OF THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO AS WELL AS OFFERING A MEANINGFUL CAREER PATH TOWARDS FAMILY SUSTAINING WAGES AND BENEFITS. THE DOOR IS WIDE OPEN FOR YOU AND OTHER STUDENTS LOOKING FOR CAREERS IN THE BUILDING TRADES. CONSTRUCTION JOBS IN TEXAS ARE EXPECTED TO GROW BY 82,000 NEW POSITIONS BY 2032. MORE THAN -- WITH MANY MAJOR PROJECTS COMING ONLINE WITHIN THE NEXT DECADE.
ADDITIONALLY, TEXAS COCONTRACTORS ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING SKILLED WORKERS AND 40% OF THE CURRENT CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE IS NEARING RETIREMENT. THE FOUR OF YOU ARE IN A GREAT POSITION TO BE CAREER READY RIGHT OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL WITH THESE TRAINING AND A PENT SHIP OPPORTUNITIES. THERE IS ALSO AMPLE ROOM FOR TO -- EAST SIDE, BUT TODAY WE'RE PROUD OF YOU. AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, I GOT MY OFFICIAL START AS A TEACHER AT SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL, AND I ALWAYS TALK ABOUT HOW BRILLIANT AND TALENTED AND HOW HARDS WORKING OUR STUDENTS ARE. THE FAMILIES OF DISTRICT 2 HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF BUILDING SAN ANTONIO AS WE KNOW IT TODAY WHETHER IT'S THE STADIUMS OR HOMES OR REPAIRING OUR STREETS AND DRAINAGE. IT'S OUR FAMILIES THAT GET IT DONE. AND IT ALL STARTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY THAT PROGRAMS LIKE THIS ONE BRINGS. I'M SO PROUD OF THIS PROGRAM, OF COURSE. I LIKE FORWARD TO CELEBRATING EACH OF YOU WHEN YOU GRADUATE AND WHEN YOU EMBARK ON YOUR FUTURE CAREER.
THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING, AND AGAIN, TODAY WE'RE CELEBRATING THIS VICTORY, BUT ALSO THE TALENT AND THE HARD WORK YOU PUT IN BECAUSE I KNOWS IT'S A COMMITMENT AND DEDICATION.
THERE'S SOMETHING DEEP WITHIN YOU THAT ALLOWS TO YOU SUCCEED AND BE VICTORIOUS. CONTINUE TO CHERISH THAT AND TO UPLIFT IT AND KNOW WE'RE RIGHT HERE ALONGSIDE YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND
CONGRATULATIONS, AGAIN. >> MAYOR JONES: ONE OF THE STUDENTS WOULD LIKE
TO SHARE A COUPLE WORDS. >> HI.
I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING US HERE AND IT'S INCREDIBLE SEEING HOW YOU GUYS WORK. IT'S REALLY INSPIRING.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> MAYOR JONES: WONDERFUL. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND
THANK YOU, MAYOR. >> MAYOR JONES: WOULD ANYBODY ELSE LIKE TO
CONGRATULATE THESE YOUNG FOLKS? >> THANK YOU, MAYOR AND ALL FOR BEING HERE AND THE HARD WORK YOU'RE DOING BOTH IN THE CLASSES AND THEN WITH THE WORK YOU'RE DOING WITHIN THIS PROGRAM.
AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS OPPORTUNITY POSSIBLE.
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OF COURSE, COUNCILMEMBER CASTILLO AND MCKEE-RODRIGUEZ.I THINK THE POINT -- EXACTLY WHAT YOU SAID -- FOR BEING HERE.
KNOW THAT YOU BELONG HERE. KNOW THAT THIS IS WHAT OUR CITY SHOULD BE DOING ALL THE TIME AND KNOW THAT WE ARE WORKING EVERY SINGLE DAY TO MAKE SURE IT'S NOT JUST YOU ALL BUT EVERYBODY HERE IN OUR CITY HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE HERE.
PARTICULARLY IN THIS ROLE. WE TALK ABOUT BUILDING TRADES. WE KNOW THERE'S A SHIFT IN THE LABOR FORCE HERE AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THIS WORK IS SOMETIMES LOOKED AT DIFFERENTLY THAN IT SHOULD BE, BUT IT'S YOU ALL, AND IT'S THE FOLKS WHO DO THIS WORK CURRENTLY WHO ARE MAKING THE CITY WHAT IT IS.
YOU ARE LITERALLY BUILDING THE CITY, BUILDING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS AND KEEPING THEM IN QUALITY CONDITION.
SO ALLFUL OUR FOLKS CAN ENJOY LIVING HERE AND BE PROUD OF THE CITY WE CALL HOME. I'M PROUD OF YOU ALL AND CONTINUE DOING THE HARD WORK YOU'RE DOING. IF THERE'S ANYTHING YOU NEED, KNOW YOU HAVE THIS TEAM AROUND YOU TO SUPPORT YOU ALL. COUNCILMEMBER VIAGRAN.
>> VIAGRAN: I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING HERE.
I THINK COUNCILMEMBER CASTILLO AND I HAVE A COMPETITION ABOUT WHICH CREATIVE GROUPS WE CAN HONOR FROM THE DAIS. CONSTRUCTION, WELL DONE. YOU GUYS ARE LIKE AN A TEAM, AND I ALWAYS SAY THAT. WHEN SOMETHING'S NOT DONE WELL IN THE DISTRICT OR EVEN AT MY HOME, I'M LIKE, IT'S BECAUSE OF THE B TEAM CAME OUT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION JOB. SO CONGRATULATIONS ON BEING THE A TEAM AND DOING SO WELL. I'M EXCITED AS COUNCILMEMBER GALVAN MENTIONED, WE ARE BUILDING THIS CITY.
WE CONTINUE TO BUILD THIS CITY. IT IS -- IT'S ABOUT INVESTING INTO OUR WORKERS AND INVESTING IN -- PUTTING FORTH THE EFFORT. THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER KAUR. >> I WANT TO THANK MY COLLEAGUE FOR BRINGING YOU ALL HERE TODAY. WE LOVE SEEING THAT REPRESENTATION FROM THE COMMUNITY AND FROM OUR SCHOOLS. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WANT YOU TO KEEP DREAMING. YOU'RE THE NEXT OWNER OF THE NEXT BIG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY THAT'S GOING TO KNOW HOW TO DO THINGS BETTER AND STRONGER IN OUR COMMUNITY. KEEP WORKING HARD AT IT. THANKS. THANKS, MAYOR.
COUNCILMEMBER ALDERETE GAVITO. >> THANK YOU.
YOU WANT TO THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE. THANKS SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE AND YOUR PART IN MAKING THIS HAPPEN. ALSO, TOO, I JUST WANTED TO PAUSE AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE GOOD INFLUENCE THAT YOU ALL ARE HAVING ON OTHERS WHO ARE LOOKING UP TO YOU ALL. YOUR FAMILIES, SIBLINGS, COUSINS, SO THANK YOU SOR INSPIRING THEM, KNOWING THIS IS GOOD, NOBLE WORK AND LIKE COUNCILMEMBER GAVEL AN SAID, YOU'RE BUILDING THE CITY. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING US MOVE THE CITY FORWARD AND FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN IT. THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER SPEARS. >> SPEARS: I JUST THINK IT'S A REALLY COOL PROGRAM. I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO TRAIN FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS. THIS IS AMAZING AND REALLY COOL.
I HOPE WE CAN EXPAND THIS TO OTHER SCHOOLS AND WELL DONE.
I HOPE Y'ALL ARE GETTING SOME -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT'S A GOOD PRIZE AT SCHOOL. PIZZA PARTY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY DO. MY KIDS ARE STILL SMALL.
I DON'T KNOW. BUT Y'ALL DESERVE SOMETHING.
RIGHT? I DON'T KNOW. THAT'S REALLY COOL.
BUT Y'ALL ARE THE MOVERS AND SHAKERS. I'M EXCITED AND ENCOURAGED TO SEE YOU AS THE FUTURE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
GOOD WORK. >> MAYOR JONES: LET ME ALSO OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER CASTILLO FOR BRINGING THIS FORWARD AND RECOGNIZING THESE YOUNG FOLKS.
LET ME ALSO JUST SAY THIS COUNCIL HAS WE LOOK AT NOT ONLY THE WAYS IN WHICH YOU'RE APPLYING YOURSELF TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT TRADE TO THIS VERY IMPORTANT CAREER, ALSO VERY THANKFUL FOR THE WAYS IN WHICH THE COUNCILMEMBERS ARE -- THERE'S A CCR, IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT IS, GOOGLE IT, BUT THERE'S ONE CALLED THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD.
THIS IS A REALLY IMPORTANT FUNCTION, I THINK, AS WE GET THIS STARTED THAT WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE TAKING INTO ACCOUNT NOT ONLY THE PIPELINE OF TALENT BUT MAKING SURE YOU ALL ARE EARNING A LIVING WAGE AND MAKING SURE THAT YOU ARE PAID, ARE TREATED FRANKLY ARE ABLE TO WORK IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT SO THAT YOU CAN, AS WAS JUST MENTIONED, THE GOAL OF YOURSELF HAVING YOUR OWN BUSINESS ONE DAY.
BUT I THANK THEM FOR BRINGING YOU ALL TO US TODAY AND ALSO THANKFUL FOR THEIR WORK TO MAKE SURE WE'VE GOT A STRONG PIPELINE INTO THIS VERY IMPORTANT CAREER FIELD. SO MANY CONGRATULATIONS, AND AS YOU ALL ARE READING, WE'VE GOT SOME THINGS TO BUILD DOWNTOWN.
I'M SURE YOU'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT AS WELL. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
THERE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA?
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KAUR AND VIAGRAN. IT IS MOVED AND SECONDED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. COUNCILMEMBERS, ARE THERE ANY HIGHLIGHTS ORQUESTIONS ABOUT THE CONSENT AGENDA. >> YES.
YOU'VE GOT A HIGHLIGHT. >> MAYOR JONES: WHICH ONE WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT, COUNCILMEMBER. HOLD ON ONE SECOND.
JUST 13 AND 14. JACK FINGER, YOU'VE GOT THREE MINUTES, SIR EDISCOVERY FOR OVERLOOKING YOU. YOU ARE A STAPLE HERE.
>> MAYOR JONES, OTHER MEMBERS OF OUR SAN ANTONIO COUNSEL, FORT RECORD MY NAME IS JACK M. FINGER. WELL, A COUPLE ITEMS TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS PORTION OF THE AGENDA.
ITEM NUMBER 13, SEE WHAT THE UNDERLINED AREA HAS TO SAY ABOUT THAT.
IT'S ABOUT APPOINTING PERSONS TO VARIOUS BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS HERE. WHAT DOES IT SAY? IT'S ABOUT APPOINTING, REA OPERATING ANTONIO GONZALES MARTINEZ FROM DISTRICT 10.
THAT'S MARC WHYTE'S DISTRICT TO THE LGBTQ ADVISORY BOARD.
HERE'S A QUESTION. WHAT DOES THAT -- WHAT IS THIS MISSION, THAT ADVISORY BOARD? BASICALLY, IT SAYS -- I LOOKED IT UP.
LGBTQ BOARD, ITS MISSION IS TO SERVE AS AN ADVISORY BODY TO THE CITY AND CITY COUNCIL REGARDING ISSUES AFFECTING PERSONS WITHIN LGBT COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. AND VARIOUS OTHER THINGS LIKE NUMBER FOUR, FACILITATING GATHERINGS AND CRAFTS SOLUTIONS FOR ISSUES CONCERNING LGBTQ AND SAN ANTONIANS AND IT WORKS WITH OTHER CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES. YEAH.
I LOOKED AT THAT AND THOUGHT, WELL, THAT'S ONE THING TO DO THAT, BUT I SEE SOMETHING OF A CONTRADICTION. YOU SEE, A FEW MINUTES AGO, Y'ALL -- I INVOCATED FOR -- YOU PRAYED TO A -- THE ONE TRUE ALMIGHTY GOD WHO IS IN CHARGE OF ALL THESE THINGS.
WHAT DOES HE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT? WELL, I LOOKED AT THE CHURCH CATECHISM AND IT SAYS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS A GRAVE DEPARAGRAPHITY. IT IS AN ABOMINATION. YOU CAN CHECK IT OUT FOR YOURSELF THERE. AND I SEE A CONTRADICTION.
ESPECIALLY WHEN I REALLY HAVE TO TAKE ISSUE WITH, MR. MARC WHYTE WHO IS NOT IN HIS SEAT AT THIS TIME, HE'S APPOINTING SOMEONE TO THIS COMMISSION. HE'S NOT ONLY APPOINTING. HE'S REAPPOINTING A PERSON WHO WE HAD ISSUES WITH A COUPLE YEARS AGO WHEN HE FIRST DID SO. THAT PERSON IS VERY MUCH IN LINE WITH THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA AND -- BUT MR. WHYTE, THAT WOULD BE SOMETHING IF HE WERE CLAIMING TO BE A -- THE IDEALS YOU CLAIM TO HAVE. HE CLAIMS TO BE A TRUE CONSERVATIVE, A CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE WHO IS AGAINST THESE THINGS. HE'S A MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY WHO, WELL, REELS AGAINST THESE ITEMS. SO YEAH.
WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL MR. WHYTE THAT WE NOTICED WHAT HE IS DOING AND THAT WE AND THE CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE COMMUNITY DON'T LIKE THESE THINGS. QUITE FRANKLY, WE WONDER WHEN THE -- SOMEONE IS GOING ESTABLISH THE STRAIGHT HETEROSEXUAL ADVISORY BOARD FOR YOU, THE CITY COUNCIL. THANK YOU. COUNCILMEMBER VIAGRAN.
>> VIAGRAN: I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT 6 AND 7 WHICH AUTHORIZE KCI TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADDITIONAL DESIGN ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION PHASE SERVICES RELATED TO THE ROOSEVELT AVENUE PROJECT AND THE VFW BOULEVARD TO HARDING BOULEVARD PROJECT TO DEVELOP A SCHEMATIC DESIGN AND PERFORM A TRAFFIC STUDY FOR VFW BOULEVARD TO HARDING BOULEVARD WHICH INCLUDES SERVICES FOR JOINT BID UTILITIES FOR SAWS AND CPS ENERGY SERVICES. THIS ITEM 6 STEMS FROM MAY 6TH, 2017, WHICH WAS A VOTE ERA PROVED BOND.
THIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES
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TO TALK ABOUT THE FEW THINGS COUNCIL HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT, WHICH IS THE COORDINATION WITH SAWS AND CPS. THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN POSTPONED BUT WITH OUR NEW BOND COMMITTEE AND MIKE SHANNON AT THE LEAD, I FEEL LIKE WE'RE GOING TO SEE THE NEED AND THE ADDRESS OF ROADWAY, PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS, AND AMENITIES FOR THIS AREA: THEN ITEM 7 ALIGNS WITH THE 2017 BOND PROJECT ON ROOSEVELT WHICH WAS VOTE ERA PROVED ON MAY 7TH, 2022 FOR ADDITIONAL THINGS.WHILE THIS HAS BEEN MY DISTRICT HAS BEEN VERY PATIENT WITH THIS PROJECT, THE CITY HAS BEEN VERY PATIENT. I THINK NOW IS THE TIME TO WORK WITH TXDOT TO MOVE FORWARD AND TO SEE THIS PROJECT COMPLETED AND USING THE INITIATIVES THIS COUNCIL HAS TALKED ABOUT WITHIN THEIR FIRST FEW MONTHS AS A NEW COUNCIL TO SEE THAT HAPPEN THROUGH THIS PROJECT. SO I LOOK FORWARD TO IT, AND I THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. THANK YOU, MAYOR. COUNCILMEMBER CASTILLO.
>> CASTILLO: I WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT ITEM TEN WHICH IS RECOGNIZING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF TERI KILL MER AND TED ON THEIR BOARDS.
IT'S APPROPRIATE THAT THE TWO DISTRICT 5S MOST VOCAL ADVOCATES ARE BEING APPOINTED TOGETHER TODAY. I RAL VALUE YOUR CONVERSATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES, AND I KNOW YOU'LL MAKE SAN ANTONIO A BETTER PLACE. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT WE HAD A DINNER TO GIVE THANKS TO OUR APPOINTEES AND IN DISCUSSION, WE HIGHLIGHTED HOW MARIA SALAZAR IS THE CHAIR OF THE LGBTQ PLUS BOARD AND JOHN IS THE CHAIR OF PLANNING, THE BUILDING AND STANDARDS BOARDS, HIGHLIGHTING THE ROLE THAT DISTRICT 5 RESIDENTS HAVE AND HOW MANY OF THEM ARE STEERING THE CONVERSATIONS. IT'S EXTREMELY GRATEFUL TO HIGHLIGHT THESE AND THE DISTRICT 5 RESIDENTS. THANK YOU, MAYOR. COUNCILMEMBER ALDERETE GAVITO.
>> I'M EXCITED BECAUSE THIS MORNING I'M GOING TO HIGHLIGHT THE A APPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT 7 TO THE SAN ANTONIO PUBLIC LIBRARY.
MICHELLE, IF YOU WILL COME TO THE PODIUM TO BE RECOGNIZED. SHE'S A IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT 7 COMMUNITY. I'LL REMEMBER AFTER I LAUNCHED MY FIRST CAME PAIN, SHE WAS THE FIRST MEETING I HAD AFTER THAT. SO SHE'S BEEN SERVING ON THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES SINCE DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR, AND SHE IS ALSO SERVES AS THE COMMISSIONER ON THE BEXAR COUNTY SHERIFFS SILVER SERVICE COMMISSION. IN HER TIME ON THE LIBRARY BOARD SHE HAS SERVED ON THE AD HOC POLICY COMMITTEE AND BOND COMMITTEE.
SHE HAS BEEN A LONG ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY AND WITH A TRUE SERVANT'S HEART. SHE STAYS WELL-INFORMED ABOUT ISSUES AND SHE'S SPENT YEARS ADVOCATING FOR RESIDENTS OF SAN ANTONIO IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. RECENTLY SHE JOINED COUNCILMEMBER MEZA GONZALEZ TOURING A PROPERTY NEAR THE RANCH DEVELOPMENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPACTS OF THIS PROPOSAL ON OUR DRINKING WATER.
SHE AND HER HUSBAND RICHARD WHO IS ALSO HERE TODAY HAVE BEEN FIERCE ADVOCATES FOR OLDER ADULTS, EVEN INSPIRING MY C CR TO EXPAND TRANSPORTATION TO SENIOR CENTERS. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING ALL THAT SHE WILL ACCOMPLISH ON THE LIBRARY BOARD.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY AND CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR REAPPOINTMENT. THANK YOU.
>> MY PLEASURE. THANK YOU. COUNCILMEMBER SPEARS.
>> SPEARS: THANK YOU, MAYOR. I JUST WANT TO HIGHLIGHT ITEM 12. I'M VERY PROUD TO APPOINT CATHERINE TO REPRESENT DISTRICT 9 IN OUR CITY'S COMMISSION ON EDUCATION.
CATHERINE'S BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED IN OUR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY AND SHE BRINGS HEART AND EXPERIENCE TO THIS ROLE.
SHE'S PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED AND ABOUT STRENGTHENING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN FAMILIES, EDUCATORS, AND CITY RESOURCES AND I KNOW SHE'S GOING TO REPRESENT DISTRICT 9 WELL WITH DEDICATION AND HELP MOVE THE COMMISSION'S WORK FORWARD IN VERY MEANINGFUL WAYS. I'M GRATEFUL TO CATHERINE, A GOOD FRIEND OF MINE, FOR SAYING YES TO SERVE OUR CITY. THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER KAUR. >> KAUR: THANK YOU, MAYOR.
I JUST WANTED TO HIGHLIGHT ITEM 15 WHICH IS AN ORDINANCE APPROVING A ONE YEAR EXTENSION TO OUR PROGRAM DOWNTOWN.
WE TALKED ABOUT THIS AT TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE LAST MONTH, AND JUST WANTED TO REITERATE AND ENCOURAGE ALL FOLKS LISTENING TO GO OUT, USE THE VEHICLES DOWNTOWN AND ALSO ALLFUL OUR OTHER OPTIONS INCLUDING OUR ELECTRIC VEHICLES OPTIONS. THANKS, MAYOR.
COUNCILMEMBER MCKEE-RODRIGUEZ. THANK YOU, MAYOR. I WASN'T GOING TO HIGHLIGHT, BUT SINCE COUNCILMEMBER WHYTE IS NOT HERE, I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ANTONIO WHO IS HERE IN THE
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AUDIENCE. IF YOU WOULDN'T MIND. HE IS BEING REA ABOUT THED TO THE LGBTQ PLUS ADVISORY BOARD. NORMALLY I WOULD BE MORE DEM YOU'RE, BUT I CAN'T LET HATE GO UNCHECKED. I WANT TO BE CLEAR.WE THANK YOU, MR. FINGER, FOR DEMONSTRATING YOU HAD AN ABILITY TO READ. I WOULD DEFINITELY ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO READ MORE OF THE BIBLE RATHER THAN SELECTED PASSAGES.
I KNOW THAT THERE IS MUCH TO BE SAID ABOUT FEETING THE HUNGRY AND WELCOMING THE IMMIGRANT AND LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR, BUT INSTEAD IT SEEMS THAT THERE IS A PROCLIVITY FOR STARVING THOSE WITHOUT FOOD, SHUNNING AND DEHUMANIZING MIGRANTS AND HATING THOSE DIFFERENT FROM YOU. SO I ENCOURAGE ALL TO DO YOUR READING AND CHOOSE LOVE AND THANK YOU FOR THOSE WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO SERVE INCLUDING YOU,
ANTONIO. THANK YOU, MAYOR. >> MAYOR JONES: THANK YOU. AND I ALSO NORMALLY WOULD NOT HIGHLIGHT, BUT ANTONIO, IF YOU WOULD COME UP, PLEASE. I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMEMBER MCKEE-RODRIGUEZ FOR HI COMMENTS.
I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMEMBER WHYTE FOR HAVING THE COURAGE TO RECOGNIZE GOOD PEOPLE AND THE IMPORTANCE FOR THEIR VOICES TO BE HEARD. ON ALL COMMISSIONS AND CERTAINLY THIS ONE.
SO FOR EVERYONE'S EDIFICATION, ANTONIO IS A VETERAN WITH OVER 23 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE. HE IS CURRENTLY AN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR WITH UNITED HEALTH CARE AND SERVES ON MULTIPLE COMMITTEES. UP WITH OF HIS GOALS IS TO REACH OUT TO THE LGBTQ PLUS MILITARY MEMBERS ACROSS ALL THREE INSTALLATIONS, JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, FORT SAM, LACKLAND, AND RANDOLPH AND INFORM VIED THEM A SAFE SPACE TO GROW THEM ENTREPRENEUR GOALS.
HE'S A LEADER WITH OUR CHAMBER. HE HAS BEEN BEHIND THE SCENES WHILE SERVING IN THE MILITARY FOR 14 OUT OF THE 17 YEARS UNDER DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL. HOWEVER, NOW BEING ABLE TO FULLY ENGAGE OUR LGBTQ PLUS MILITARY MEMBERS BY PROVIDING THEM WITH EDUCATION, DIGNITY, INCLUSION, AND SENSE OF BELONGING, THAT WASN'T AFFORDED TO I AM HAD DURING HIS TIME IN SERVICE. THIS MISSION IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO HIM. HE HAS DEDICATED HIS LIFE TO GIVING BACK AND ENSURING THAT THE LGBTQ PRODUCE COMMUNITY UNDERSTAND THEIR OPTIONS AND KNOW THEIR RIGHTS. HE IS HERE TO ASSIST AND AID OUR COMMUNITY. SO TO MY FELLOW COMBAT VETERAN WHO ALSO SERVED UNDER DON'T ASK DON'T TELL, THANK YOU ANTONIO FOR CONTINUING TO SERVE. MY CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND TO YOUR
HUSBAND. THANK YOU. >> APPRECIATE IT.
DISCUSSION, THERE'S A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. PLEASE VOTE. THE MOTION CARRIES.
WE WILL NOW RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION. I WILL ASK MY COLLEAGUES TO REMAIN SEATED. IT'S 9:35 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 13TH, MY APOLOGIES. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO WILL NOW MEET TO CONSULT WITH THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE AND TO DELIVER OR DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING ITEMS. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PURSUANT TO 551.087, PER EXCHANGE LESS AND LEGAL ISSUES RELATED TO LITIGATION INVOLVING THE CITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING PURSUANT TO >> MAYOR JONES: THE TIME IS NOW 11:57 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 13 AND THE SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL WILL NOW RECONVENE IN OPEN SESSION. NO OFFICIAL ACTION WAS TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. THE TIME IS NOW 11:57 AND THIS MEETING IS ADJOURNED.
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.