Harris County Commissioners Court today voted unanimously to approve a grant award to the District Attorney's Office by the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor's Office. District Attorney Pat Lykos thanked the commissioners court for its support of the program.
“The Texas Anti-Gang Tactical Operations Center is unique, the first of its kind in the nation to co-locate the region's most knowledgeable and experienced federal, state and local anti-gang investigators, intelligence analysts and prosecutors within a single facility, equipped with a vast array of the most advanced information technology,” Lykos said. “To gangs here, the warning is: leave or retire.” Statement
The commissioners court voted unanimously to enter into sub-grantee award agreements with various recipients of funds through the Port Security Grant Program.
Harris County is acting as fiduciary agent for the grant program. The agreements include awards from the program’s FY2008 cycle of $1,778,100; FY2009 awards of $2,656,201; and FY2011 awards of $280,500.
The commissioners court voted unanimously to amend an agreement with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to extend the end date of the agreement to January 23 to facilitate the completion of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program project in connection with the Hurricane Ike Fast-Track Program.
The commissioners court voted unanimously to reappoint Carole Lamont to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Natural Resources Advisory Committee.
The commissioners court voted unanimously to reappoint Dr. Herminia Palacio to the Houston-Galveston Area Council’s Regional Health Services Policy Council.
The commissioners court tabled action on several items, including:
- A request for approval of agreements between the county and Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation, Economic Alliance Houston Port Region, Greater Houston Partnership, Katy Economic Development Council, Inc., and Lone Star College for economic development services in the total amount of $456,000;
- A request for approval of an order authorizing Harris County to continue the suit and/or to file new or additional suit(s) against various defendants arising out of the San Jacinto waste pits in Precinct 2;
- A request for approval of an order authorizing Harris County to enter into an amended and restated fee agreement or additional fee agreement with Connelly Baker Wotring, LLP, as special counsel for Harris County to assist in prosecuting the existing suit or new or additional suit(s) against various defendants arising out of the San Jacinto waste pits in Precinct 2. Commissioner Jack Morman had questions he wants to resolve before voting on the item dealing with the waste pits; and
- A request for approval of an order authorizing Harris County to enter into an amended and restated fee agreement or additional fee agreement with Malouf & Nockels, LLP, as special counsel for Harris County to assist in prosecuting suit(s) against various defendants arising out of the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., matter.
Morman abstained from voting on the item concerning the agreement with Malouf & Nockels, LLP prior to it being tabled.
A request from the Public Infrastructure Department to participate in the Microsoft Reference Program to feature a case study highlighting the country’s mapping information system for release through various publication formats was withdrawn from the agenda. Therefore, no action was taken on the item.
An interlocal agreement with the Harris County Flood Control District in connection with construction of recreational facilities within the Addicks Reservoir regional detention basin was withdrawn from the agenda and was not considered for action by the commissioners court.
A request for authorization to renew excess workers compensation and employers liability insurance with McGriff, Seibels & Williams of Texas, Inc., for one year at an annual cost of $421,646 was referred to the Purchasing Department.
A request for approval of an agreement with The Greater Houston Partnership to manage and provide oversight for a study of the best nationwide law enforcement practices was referred to the Purchasing Department. The proposed study is to be conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby Center for Public Policy at a cost of $48,000.
A request by the Sheriff’s Office for authorization to accept certain computer software equipment donated by TISA Software, Inc., for use in the Criminal Investigation Bureau was referred to the Purchasing Department and Law Enforcement Commission.
A request for approval of the Law Library’s Westlaw patron select subscriber renewal agreement and controlling addendum was referred to the Purchasing Department.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued several proclamations, which were adopted by the commissioners court, including:
- Declaration of May 26 as Empty Bowls Houston Day;
- Declaration of May 27 through June 2 as Hurricane Preparedness Week; and
- Declaration of September 5-6 as Houston Minority Business Council Expo 2012 Days.
All other items were approved by unanimous vote. All members were present. Agenda