WEBVTT 00:01.200 --> 00:02.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: On the record is 00:02.466 --> 00:05.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% presented by launch essay, San 00:05.600 --> 00:07.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Antonio, small business owners. 00:11.633 --> 00:13.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% San Antonio is a fast growing 00:14.000 --> 00:15.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% fast moving community with 00:15.633 --> 00:17.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% something new happening every 00:17.700 --> 00:19.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% day. And that's why each week we 00:19.766 --> 00:21.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% go on the record with the 00:21.666 --> 00:23.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Newsmakers are driving this 00:23.900 --> 00:26.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% change. Then we gather at the 00:26.000 --> 00:27.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% reporters round table to talk 00:27.600 --> 00:29.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about the latest news stories 00:29.300 --> 00:31.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with the journalist behind those 00:31.466 --> 00:34.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% stories. Join us now, as we go 00:44.033 --> 00:44.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Welcome to on the 00:44.766 --> 00:46.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% record. I'm TJ Mays. If there's 00:46.866 --> 00:48.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% one issue that grabs the 00:48.133 --> 00:49.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% attention of San Antonio, it's 00:49.633 --> 00:51.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the tree ordinance for years, 00:51.533 --> 00:52.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the city has struggled to heat 00:52.733 --> 00:54.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% developers from clearing lots of 00:54.333 --> 00:55.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mature Oak trees that define 00:55.933 --> 00:57.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that San Antonio tree canopy 00:57.833 --> 00:59.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% many would say the effort has 00:59.366 --> 01:01.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% failed just this week. A report 01:01.800 --> 01:02.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in the express news showed how 01:02.900 --> 01:04.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% developers can easily get around 01:04.466 --> 01:05.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the tree ordinance. By asking 01:05.833 --> 01:07.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for variances, the report 01:07.866 --> 01:09.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% resulted in a change in how city 01:09.433 --> 01:10.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% staff and city council will 01:10.800 --> 01:12.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% handle variance requests in the 01:12.266 --> 01:14.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% future district nine. Councilman 01:14.666 --> 01:15.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% John courage is here. He 01:15.833 --> 01:17.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% represents the North central 01:17.400 --> 01:19.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% section of San Antonio. Welcome 01:19.266 --> 01:20.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Councilman. Thank you, TJ. It's 01:20.966 --> 01:22.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a pleasure to be here. So how 01:22.333 --> 01:23.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% should the tree ordinance 01:23.666 --> 01:25.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% variance process be handled in 01:25.233 --> 01:25.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% your view? 01:26.133 --> 01:26.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Well, you know, I 01:26.700 --> 01:28.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% think that we have to have the 01:28.366 --> 01:29.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ability to go ahead and manage 01:29.833 --> 01:31.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our tree canopy. We have, I 01:31.700 --> 01:33.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% think very strong tree 01:33.100 --> 01:35.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ordinances in effect. Uh, we've 01:35.033 --> 01:36.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% worked on them over the years to 01:36.333 --> 01:38.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% improve them. Uh, I think 01:38.100 --> 01:39.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they're in a good place where 01:39.100 --> 01:41.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they are now. Uh, but like any 01:41.333 --> 01:43.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% policy, there's probably always 01:43.500 --> 01:46.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a place for there to be some 01:46.466 --> 01:48.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% kind of a variance. And we have 01:48.833 --> 01:50.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it laid out in our tree 01:50.066 --> 01:52.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ordinance that there is an, uh, 01:52.100 --> 01:53.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there is the authority for the 01:53.866 --> 01:55.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% head of development services 01:55.233 --> 01:57.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% department to grant those kinds 01:57.133 --> 01:58.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of variances. But I think the 01:58.733 --> 02:00.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% concern is now how many 02:00.833 --> 02:04.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% variances when Y uh, should it 02:04.633 --> 02:06.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% be a little more publicly known 02:06.633 --> 02:08.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% when these occur? Uh, and so one 02:08.700 --> 02:10.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of the things I've asked for is 02:10.400 --> 02:11.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for the head of developmental 02:11.700 --> 02:14.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% services to let me know what 02:14.566 --> 02:15.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have been, what has been the 02:15.933 --> 02:19.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% history of those variances in my 02:19.200 --> 02:20.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% district since I've been on the 02:20.666 --> 02:22.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% council, because I think it's 02:22.700 --> 02:24.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% important for me to be able to 02:24.166 --> 02:25.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% do my best in protecting the 02:25.733 --> 02:27.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% canopy, just like I try to 02:27.466 --> 02:29.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% protect everything else when it 02:29.266 --> 02:30.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% comes to development in our 02:30.566 --> 02:31.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% district and around the city. 02:32.200 --> 02:33.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: So an ordinance that 02:33.600 --> 02:36.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was passed years ago gave the 02:36.133 --> 02:37.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% DSD director, Michael Shannon, 02:37.900 --> 02:39.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% he'll be on the same show with 02:39.133 --> 02:41.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% us. Um, the unilateral authority 02:41.266 --> 02:42.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to grant these variances without 02:42.800 --> 02:44.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% notifying council. And what 02:44.633 --> 02:46.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you're asking for is for council 02:46.600 --> 02:48.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to be notified perhaps in the 02:48.133 --> 02:49.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% future, if these variances are 02:49.900 --> 02:50.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% requested. Yeah. 02:50.600 --> 02:51.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Yeah. I think it's a 02:51.400 --> 02:52.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lot like zoning or other 02:52.933 --> 02:54.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% planning and development. Uh, 02:54.866 --> 02:56.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% people in my community have 02:56.266 --> 02:58.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% asked me to let them know what's 02:58.266 --> 03:00.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% going on, if going to be some 03:00.066 --> 03:01.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% kind of a development, if 03:01.166 --> 03:02.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's going to be certain 03:02.733 --> 03:04.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% parts of that development that 03:04.166 --> 03:06.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are outside of the normal 03:06.100 --> 03:08.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% bounds. And I think any kind of 03:08.433 --> 03:09.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% real variance from the tree 03:09.633 --> 03:10.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ordinance is the kind of thing 03:10.933 --> 03:12.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that people in our community 03:12.433 --> 03:14.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% would like to know about. It's 03:14.100 --> 03:16.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% not to say it would prevent or 03:16.066 --> 03:17.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% stop any kind of a development. 03:18.066 --> 03:19.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% But what I've found is when we 03:19.833 --> 03:21.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% tell the public what's going to 03:21.333 --> 03:23.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% happen, it's a lot easier for 03:23.600 --> 03:25.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% them to understand how it works 03:25.833 --> 03:27.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and to be acceptable to it than 03:27.766 --> 03:29.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it is for them to just see 03:29.033 --> 03:30.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% something going on, not know 03:30.533 --> 03:33.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% why, or have it be known after 03:33.133 --> 03:35.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the fact. And so that's, that's 03:35.000 --> 03:37.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% why I think it's important that 03:37.100 --> 03:38.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we as council members now be 03:38.766 --> 03:40.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% informed of any kind of variants 03:40.433 --> 03:42.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% like that. And I think the city 03:42.266 --> 03:43.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% manager has really stepped up 03:44.266 --> 03:45.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and said he wants to be 03:45.566 --> 03:47.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% notified. Uh, for example, if 03:47.900 --> 03:49.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's an elected official or 03:49.700 --> 03:51.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% an important member of a board 03:51.433 --> 03:53.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% like CPS or saws or something, 03:54.000 --> 03:55.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and they request some kind of a 03:55.800 --> 03:57.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% variance, uh, I think that's 03:57.866 --> 03:59.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% another interest that the public 03:59.666 --> 04:00.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% would probably have in that 04:00.866 --> 04:02.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process. And the city manager 04:02.666 --> 04:03.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% said he wants to know about 04:03.900 --> 04:05.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% those things. And certainly I 04:05.266 --> 04:06.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% think the rest of the council 04:06.300 --> 04:06.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% would too. 04:06.733 --> 04:07.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: So that's about 04:07.266 --> 04:08.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% avoiding impropriety or the 04:08.766 --> 04:09.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% appearance of impropriety 04:09.833 --> 04:11.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% parents have it? Yes, I would 04:11.000 --> 04:12.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% say so. So when there's a big 04:12.033 --> 04:13.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% development coming, and I know 04:13.200 --> 04:14.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in district nine, there've been 04:14.066 --> 04:15.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% plenty over the years, there are 04:15.600 --> 04:16.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lots of different kinds of 04:16.966 --> 04:18.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% obstacles for a developer to go 04:18.366 --> 04:19.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% through. One is the tree 04:19.133 --> 04:20.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ordinance. Other are zoning 04:20.400 --> 04:22.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% processes is your job as a 04:22.066 --> 04:23.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% council member to be kind of a 04:23.300 --> 04:24.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% good faith, honest broker 04:24.466 --> 04:25.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% between the neighborhoods and 04:25.500 --> 04:26.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the development community and 04:26.400 --> 04:27.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city staff, as we navigate all 04:27.933 --> 04:29.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of these kind of minefields that 04:29.833 --> 04:31.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are there, political and legal 04:31.600 --> 04:32.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and otherwise sure. 04:32.866 --> 04:33.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: There's the 04:33.166 --> 04:34.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% responsibility of a council 04:34.466 --> 04:35.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% member. We're kind of like the 04:35.766 --> 04:37.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ombudsman that are representing 04:37.933 --> 04:39.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the interests of the consumers, 04:39.766 --> 04:41.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the constituents we have when 04:41.966 --> 04:43.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% things are happening in their 04:43.133 --> 04:44.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% neighborhood, in their community 04:44.300 --> 04:45.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that affect their lives. 04:45.766 --> 04:46.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: So one of your 04:46.800 --> 04:48.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% council colleagues, he sits 04:48.000 --> 04:48.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% right next to you on the 04:48.766 --> 04:49.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% council. We just learned, he 04:49.866 --> 04:51.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% tested positive for COVID. He's 04:51.233 --> 04:52.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a frequent guest on the show. 04:52.400 --> 04:54.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% He's a friend of. Do you have 04:54.133 --> 04:54.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% anything you want to say to 04:54.966 --> 04:56.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Councilman Clinton? Perry? Yeah. 04:56.100 --> 04:57.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Yeah. I, I wrote to 04:57.300 --> 04:58.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% him, uh, yesterday when I found 04:58.933 --> 05:00.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% out I hope he's doing well. Uh, 05:00.933 --> 05:02.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we do have a great working 05:02.066 --> 05:03.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% relationship. He shares a lot of 05:03.833 --> 05:05.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the North side, like I do, and 05:05.533 --> 05:07.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% shares, I know this interest in 05:07.366 --> 05:09.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% protecting the tree canopy and I 05:09.300 --> 05:10.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% hope he's going to get well 05:10.266 --> 05:12.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% soon. He's a good city council 05:12.000 --> 05:12.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% member, John 05:12.800 --> 05:13.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Courage, Councilman 05:13.633 --> 05:14.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% district nine. Thank you for 05:14.433 --> 05:14.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% joining us. 05:14.966 --> 05:15.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Oh my pleasure. Thank 05:15.933 --> 05:16.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you, TJ. 05:20.133 --> 05:20.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: We just heard from 05:20.933 --> 05:22.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city Councilman, John courage 05:22.166 --> 05:23.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about the tree ordinance. Now 05:23.266 --> 05:24.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% joining us as director of 05:24.266 --> 05:25.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% development services for the 05:25.233 --> 05:26.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city of San Antonio, Michael 05:26.300 --> 05:27.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Shannon. Thanks for being here, 05:27.200 --> 05:27.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Mike. 05:28.700 --> 05:29.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Great to be here. Thank you. 05:30.633 --> 05:32.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The process before on the tree 05:32.500 --> 05:33.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ordinance waivers, that kind of 05:33.866 --> 05:34.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% got everybody stirred up 05:34.833 --> 05:35.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% recently. 05:37.166 --> 05:38.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Well, there was an article and 05:38.266 --> 05:40.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they asked about, um, our tree 05:40.066 --> 05:42.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% code and, and variances to the 05:42.600 --> 05:45.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% tree code. Uh, and, uh, over the 05:45.333 --> 05:46.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% past couple of years, uh, there 05:46.966 --> 05:49.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have been a 200, a little over 05:49.066 --> 05:51.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 200 variances to the code. Uh, 05:51.266 --> 05:52.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% now variances are not waivers. 05:52.766 --> 05:54.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% They're not exception. Uh, 05:54.600 --> 05:56.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they're a part of the code, uh, 05:56.100 --> 05:57.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% when a project has a hardship 05:57.700 --> 05:59.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and, uh, we work with, uh, the, 05:59.833 --> 06:02.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the applicant and we find a way, 06:02.100 --> 06:03.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, to, if we don't meet the 06:03.466 --> 06:04.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% letter of the code, we meet the 06:04.833 --> 06:06.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% intent and spirit of it through 06:06.866 --> 06:08.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% additional plantings and 06:08.100 --> 06:10.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mitigation. So, uh, but, but 06:10.366 --> 06:11.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the, the, the important piece to 06:11.800 --> 06:13.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% remember is, you know, in two 06:13.600 --> 06:16.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% years, 200 variances, we issued 06:16.333 --> 06:17.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% over 10,000 permits. So it's, 06:17.933 --> 06:20.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% again, it's a very small number 06:20.300 --> 06:22.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of projects that don't follow 06:22.166 --> 06:23.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the letter of the code, uh, that 06:23.900 --> 06:25.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have some sort of unique 06:25.000 --> 06:26.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% hardship. We have a lot of 06:26.000 --> 06:27.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% different terrain here in San 06:27.166 --> 06:29.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Antonio. So again, um, it's been 06:29.733 --> 06:31.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% reported accurately about the 06:31.600 --> 06:33.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 200 variances, but, but it's a 06:33.133 --> 06:34.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% real small portion of what we 06:34.333 --> 06:34.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% do. 06:34.800 --> 06:36.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% So before you had the unilateral 06:36.633 --> 06:38.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% authority, given your position 06:38.000 --> 06:40.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to grant these variances, and 06:40.100 --> 06:40.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what are the changes in the 06:40.933 --> 06:42.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process that are going to occur 06:42.533 --> 06:44.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% now, um, and the recent week or 06:44.633 --> 06:45.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% so. Okay. 06:46.633 --> 06:48.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Uh, sure. Um, so again, the 06:48.766 --> 06:50.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process dictated in our code 06:50.500 --> 06:52.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% says if there's a hardship, um, 06:52.966 --> 06:54.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that an applicant, uh, if they 06:54.633 --> 06:55.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% can't meet the exact letter of 06:55.800 --> 06:58.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the code, uh, they can apply 06:58.266 --> 07:00.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% administratively to my office, 07:00.700 --> 07:02.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, the city arborist, and I, we 07:02.466 --> 07:03.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% can review that we have a team 07:03.800 --> 07:05.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of licensed arborist and team 07:05.200 --> 07:07.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% members. Uh, we verify this is 07:07.166 --> 07:09.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% actually a hardship, and if we 07:09.533 --> 07:10.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% believe there's a, there's a 07:10.800 --> 07:12.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% true hardship and a way to 07:12.166 --> 07:14.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mitigate and meet the spirit of 07:14.033 --> 07:15.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the code, we can approve that. 07:15.200 --> 07:17.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Now, some of them, uh, would 07:17.066 --> 07:17.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have to go to planning 07:17.900 --> 07:19.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% commission. So I don't have the 07:19.200 --> 07:21.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% approval authority there. Uh, 07:21.100 --> 07:22.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% but again, there ha we have to 07:22.166 --> 07:24.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% verify that hardship, the, the, 07:24.400 --> 07:26.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the process will not change. So 07:26.333 --> 07:27.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there really is no change in the 07:27.433 --> 07:30.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process. However, uh, based on 07:30.133 --> 07:32.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the recent, uh, article and 07:32.166 --> 07:33.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% information out, uh, the city 07:33.833 --> 07:35.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% manager has asked us, I think, 07:35.166 --> 07:37.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% rightfully so, uh, to report out 07:37.733 --> 07:40.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% monthly and track those, uh, 07:40.200 --> 07:41.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% just to be more transparent, 07:41.766 --> 07:43.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% right? Uh, people are really 07:43.100 --> 07:44.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% care about our tree ordinance 07:44.266 --> 07:46.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and development. So I think it's 07:46.100 --> 07:47.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a good, a monthly report. We'll 07:47.833 --> 07:50.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% report out, uh, the small number 07:50.033 --> 07:51.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of variances that come out. W 07:51.633 --> 07:53.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we'll we'll have a discussion 07:53.033 --> 07:54.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with the city manager's office 07:54.166 --> 07:56.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about, uh, what those hardships 07:56.000 --> 07:57.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are that we're seeing. And we'll 07:57.433 --> 07:59.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% just track it moving forward to 07:59.000 --> 08:00.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% see what, if anything needs to 08:00.900 --> 08:02.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% be modified. But right now, 08:02.066 --> 08:03.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% again, I will just be reporting 08:03.900 --> 08:05.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that out monthly to our city 08:05.833 --> 08:07.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% manager's office. Uh, again, 08:07.733 --> 08:08.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% just to increase our 08:08.800 --> 08:10.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% transparency and documentation 08:10.700 --> 08:12.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Kind of input to city council 08:12.400 --> 08:14.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have on this process. 08:15.933 --> 08:17.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Well, right now, I mean, city 08:17.200 --> 08:18.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% council sets policy, so they 08:18.800 --> 08:20.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% adopt the tree code. So the 08:20.366 --> 08:22.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% last, uh, the last real big 08:22.133 --> 08:23.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% revision to the tree code was in 08:23.566 --> 08:26.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 2010. Uh, but ever since we've 08:26.100 --> 08:27.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% had a tree code here in San 08:27.466 --> 08:29.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Antonio in 19, 1997 was the 08:29.666 --> 08:32.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% first city council has adopted 08:32.000 --> 08:33.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the code. And in that code, 08:34.033 --> 08:35.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there is this variance process. 08:35.733 --> 08:37.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% So if on those small number of 08:37.433 --> 08:38.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% projects, there's a various, 08:39.500 --> 08:40.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that that process is spelled 08:40.800 --> 08:42.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% out. As I just mentioned it now, 08:42.700 --> 08:44.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, city council, we will, uh, 08:44.433 --> 08:45.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we'll share with them any of 08:45.633 --> 08:47.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% this information, uh, right now, 08:47.533 --> 08:49.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% though they do not, uh, they're 08:49.033 --> 08:50.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% not part of the approval prophet 08:50.700 --> 08:53.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process, uh, of that. Um, I 08:53.366 --> 08:54.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% think there was some comments 08:54.300 --> 08:55.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about trying to make it like the 08:55.566 --> 08:57.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% zoning change process. Well, 08:57.033 --> 08:57.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that's a completely different 08:57.900 --> 08:59.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% process. Uh, state laws are 08:59.833 --> 09:01.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% different for zoning and, and 09:01.500 --> 09:02.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% certainly treat preservation, 09:02.733 --> 09:05.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% but, but again, um, city council 09:05.033 --> 09:06.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% sets the policy by adopting the 09:06.533 --> 09:08.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% code. And then we as a city 09:08.566 --> 09:09.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% staff or the city manager's 09:09.666 --> 09:11.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% office apply that code and 09:11.533 --> 09:13.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% verify compliance with it or 09:13.166 --> 09:13.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% not. 09:14.233 --> 09:15.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% I'm hearing you say that you 09:15.266 --> 09:16.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have state laws that you have to 09:16.266 --> 09:18.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% comply with for planning, zoning 09:18.133 --> 09:19.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% tree ordinances. Then you have 09:19.733 --> 09:21.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city council directed policy. 09:21.566 --> 09:22.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Then you have a process 09:22.600 --> 09:24.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% internally to seek variances 09:24.566 --> 09:26.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% when maybe the letter of that 09:26.466 --> 09:28.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city council policy, it can't be 09:28.533 --> 09:30.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% met, but there's a hardship. And 09:30.433 --> 09:31.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that, that is all kind of a 09:31.900 --> 09:33.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% transparent process. And then 09:33.000 --> 09:34.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the steps you're taking are to 09:34.200 --> 09:35.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% make it more transparent. Am I 09:35.366 --> 09:36.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% stating that correctly? 09:37.466 --> 09:38.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Absolutely. So all of our 09:38.933 --> 09:40.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% variances right now, uh, you 09:40.700 --> 09:43.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, we created a process over 09:43.100 --> 09:44.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a decade ago to track all these 09:44.966 --> 09:46.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% variances as they come in. 09:46.666 --> 09:48.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% They're documented they're part 09:48.466 --> 09:49.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of our records. They're part of 09:49.800 --> 09:51.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% public records, et cetera. Um, 09:51.900 --> 09:52.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% but what we're going to do is 09:52.833 --> 09:54.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% proactively, uh, produce a 09:54.666 --> 09:56.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% report and go over that with our 09:56.000 --> 09:58.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% city manager. Uh, just so that 09:58.033 --> 09:59.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% again, um, you know, this is a 10:00.166 --> 10:01.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% important item, our tree 10:01.400 --> 10:02.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% preservation and how it's 10:02.733 --> 10:05.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% balancing, uh, good construction 10:05.400 --> 10:07.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and the need for development and 10:07.466 --> 10:08.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% housing in our, in our 10:08.766 --> 10:10.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% community, our ever-growing, uh, 10:10.266 --> 10:12.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% San Antonio. Um, so I think 10:12.433 --> 10:13.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we're just going to add that 10:13.333 --> 10:14.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% level and additional level of 10:14.600 --> 10:16.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% transparency because it's, it's 10:16.700 --> 10:18.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% good that everybody is, you 10:18.333 --> 10:19.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, a little bit excited about 10:19.500 --> 10:20.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% this. They care about our 10:20.833 --> 10:22.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% environment, but they also care 10:22.333 --> 10:23.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about our development process as 10:23.600 --> 10:25.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% well. And so I think it's good 10:25.166 --> 10:26.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to share that, uh, more 10:26.433 --> 10:28.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% proactively than just giving it 10:28.800 --> 10:30.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% when we requested it. All right, 10:30.333 --> 10:31.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Mike Shannon, thank you so much 10:31.300 --> 10:33.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for joining us. Good to see you, 10:33.333 --> 10:34.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% man, take care. Thanks. 10:38.166 --> 10:39.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The pandemic is a public health 10:39.466 --> 10:40.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% crisis, but there's also a 10:40.500 --> 10:42.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mental health crisis associated 10:42.033 --> 10:43.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with it. Jessica Knutson is CEO 10:43.766 --> 10:44.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of the clarity child guidance 10:44.866 --> 10:46.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% center, and she joins us. What 10:46.166 --> 10:47.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are you hearing from parents 10:47.000 --> 10:48.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about behavioral changes with 10:48.066 --> 10:48.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% their kids? 10:49.066 --> 10:50.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: So we're seeing a 10:50.266 --> 10:52.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% real increase in anxiety with 10:52.100 --> 10:53.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our kids. And, and I think we've 10:53.633 --> 10:54.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% kind of called it the perfect 10:54.533 --> 10:56.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% storm of anxiety because we've 10:56.133 --> 10:57.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% had kids that have had some 10:57.166 --> 10:58.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% anxiety issues because they've 10:58.800 --> 11:00.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% been at home and they've been 11:00.133 --> 11:01.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% removed from their peer group, 11:01.400 --> 11:02.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% which is such a huge part 11:02.733 --> 11:04.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% developmentally for our kids. 11:04.600 --> 11:05.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% But then we're also seeing some 11:05.866 --> 11:07.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% new onset of social anxiety from 11:07.600 --> 11:08.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% kids that have been removed from 11:08.666 --> 11:11.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% school and are now going back is 11:11.033 --> 11:12.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a combination of that fear of 11:12.200 --> 11:13.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that social interaction again, 11:13.500 --> 11:14.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% but also fear of exposure to the 11:14.933 --> 11:15.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% virus. 11:15.700 --> 11:16.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Are there issues 11:16.633 --> 11:17.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% where they're in abusive 11:17.566 --> 11:19.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% households or parents are using 11:19.166 --> 11:21.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% drugs? I know drug overdoses and 11:21.066 --> 11:22.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% relapses are way up. Are you 11:22.433 --> 11:23.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% seeing that in your patient 11:23.766 --> 11:24.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% population? 11:25.133 --> 11:26.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Our and our, our fear 11:26.433 --> 11:27.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% is that we don't even know the 11:27.866 --> 11:29.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% tip of the iceberg on that 11:29.100 --> 11:30.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% because, you know, schools are 11:30.966 --> 11:32.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the primary source. We find out 11:32.566 --> 11:33.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% those types of things. They're 11:33.500 --> 11:34.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the ones that notice that a 11:34.366 --> 11:36.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% child has bruises, that there 11:36.166 --> 11:37.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% might be a potentially dangerous 11:37.433 --> 11:39.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% situation at home. And 11:39.100 --> 11:40.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% especially with the remote 11:40.066 --> 11:41.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% learning, we don't have that 11:41.666 --> 11:43.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% access anymore. So I think 11:43.333 --> 11:45.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's an underlying additional 11:45.833 --> 11:47.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pandemic of that, of, of just 11:48.166 --> 11:49.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% untapped issues that we don't 11:49.433 --> 11:49.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know about. 11:49.866 --> 11:50.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Yeah. Parents, 11:50.800 --> 11:52.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% grandparents, aunts, and uncles 11:52.100 --> 11:53.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% who are watching, who be a 11:53.200 --> 11:54.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% little concerned about their kid 11:54.666 --> 11:55.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% under what circumstances should 11:55.866 --> 11:56.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they really reach out for him? 11:57.633 --> 11:58.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: So I think be 11:58.400 --> 12:00.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% observant to any change, but if 12:00.166 --> 12:01.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a child ever makes a statement 12:01.733 --> 12:02.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of wanting to harm themselves, 12:02.966 --> 12:04.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% always take that seriously. Even 12:04.900 --> 12:06.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% if you're not sure if it's just 12:06.866 --> 12:08.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a joke or that they don't mean 12:08.400 --> 12:09.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it, even if it's something 12:09.800 --> 12:10.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% subtle, like I wish I didn't 12:10.833 --> 12:12.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% wake up tomorrow or, uh, you'd 12:12.933 --> 12:14.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% be better off if I wasn't here 12:14.633 --> 12:16.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% always seek help immediately in 12:16.200 --> 12:17.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% those situations, right? 12:17.133 --> 12:17.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: There are several 12:17.833 --> 12:19.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% services they can use. There's a 12:19.000 --> 12:20.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% center for healthcare services, 12:20.266 --> 12:22.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mobile hotline. They can call 12:22.266 --> 12:23.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's clarity child guidance 12:23.533 --> 12:24.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% center. There are several other 12:24.533 --> 12:26.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% services. Um, black lives 12:26.800 --> 12:30.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% matter, 2020 election economic 12:30.066 --> 12:32.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% crisis pandemic. What is your 12:32.433 --> 12:34.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% view as a professional about the 12:34.233 --> 12:35.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% long-term ripple effects of what 12:35.500 --> 12:36.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we're seeing right now? 12:36.666 --> 12:37.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: You know, we have 12:37.766 --> 12:39.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% really focused in the last 10 12:39.533 --> 12:41.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% months on a very simple 12:41.166 --> 12:42.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% statement of being kind, because 12:42.900 --> 12:44.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that has really been lost in a 12:44.200 --> 12:45.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lot of the collective 12:45.866 --> 12:47.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% conversation that we've had the 12:47.466 --> 12:49.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% last year. Uh, our kids are 12:49.433 --> 12:51.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% looking to us to see how we 12:51.266 --> 12:52.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% navigate those and how we 12:52.633 --> 12:54.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% navigate disagreements and, and 12:54.333 --> 12:55.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% how we treat even the political 12:55.700 --> 12:57.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% disagreements. Uh, and there's 12:57.633 --> 12:58.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% been a lot of bad behavior on 12:58.766 --> 13:00.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the adult side. So our, our kids 13:00.466 --> 13:01.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are mimicking that they, they 13:01.933 --> 13:04.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% look to us as a role model, uh, 13:04.133 --> 13:05.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to how to carry ourselves. 13:06.033 --> 13:07.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: I have the fortunate 13:07.066 --> 13:08.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% experience of being on the board 13:08.100 --> 13:09.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of clarity. It's been a really 13:09.333 --> 13:11.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% great treat for me. Um, I'm 13:11.133 --> 13:12.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% become aware of the COVID 13:12.833 --> 13:14.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% protocols you've put in place. 13:14.100 --> 13:14.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And I know parents may be 13:14.966 --> 13:15.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% concerned about sending their 13:16.100 --> 13:17.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% children to treatment facilities 13:17.366 --> 13:19.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% because of the Corona virus. Are 13:19.366 --> 13:20.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you taking all appropriate 13:20.666 --> 13:21.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% measures to prevent the spread 13:21.666 --> 13:22.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of the coronavirus in your 13:22.433 --> 13:22.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% facility? 13:23.666 --> 13:24.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Uh, the patients are 13:24.533 --> 13:26.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mass, uh, when they're there in 13:26.200 --> 13:27.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our congregate care setting, the 13:27.400 --> 13:28.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% staff are masked and we're face 13:28.733 --> 13:31.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% shields. Uh, we have a lot of 13:31.033 --> 13:32.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% other, uh, safety protocols that 13:32.700 --> 13:33.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are in place to keep everyone as 13:33.866 --> 13:34.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% safe as possible. 13:35.100 --> 13:35.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: The COVID does not 13:35.966 --> 13:36.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% discriminate. I understand the 13:36.900 --> 13:38.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% clarity employee who is really 13:38.400 --> 13:39.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% good with the children, very 13:39.366 --> 13:41.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% young passed recently from the 13:41.333 --> 13:42.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% coronavirus. Can you discuss 13:42.500 --> 13:42.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that? 13:42.800 --> 13:44.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: We did a 32 year old, 13:44.600 --> 13:46.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, young man, Rick Pardot, who 13:46.033 --> 13:47.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was with us for about five 13:47.100 --> 13:49.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% years, uh, did pass away a few 13:49.100 --> 13:50.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% weeks ago from COVID. Um, we're, 13:50.933 --> 13:52.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% we're still keeping his family 13:52.033 --> 13:53.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and our thoughts, uh, his 13:53.200 --> 13:55.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% brother remains in the ICU. Um, 13:55.633 --> 13:56.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% so that, that family has had a 13:56.766 --> 13:58.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% really tough COVID experience. 13:58.700 --> 14:00.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And so we're, we're just keeping 14:00.066 --> 14:00.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% them in our thoughts and hope 14:00.933 --> 14:01.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that his brother does pull 14:01.833 --> 14:02.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% through, 14:02.366 --> 14:03.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Especially skilled 14:03.200 --> 14:04.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with dealing with the kids. He 14:04.300 --> 14:04.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was, 14:04.766 --> 14:05.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: He, uh, always had a 14:05.800 --> 14:07.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% smile and a hug and, and really 14:07.666 --> 14:09.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% did have a gift with the kids. 14:09.633 --> 14:11.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: So on February 5th, 14:11.000 --> 14:12.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% which is this coming up Friday 14:12.333 --> 14:13.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in this studio, we're doing 14:13.533 --> 14:15.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% clarity con what is clarity con 14:15.333 --> 14:16.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and anybody who's interested, 14:16.433 --> 14:17.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what could they expect to learn 14:17.733 --> 14:18.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% through Cara clarity con 14:18.766 --> 14:19.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Under normal 14:19.366 --> 14:20.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% circumstances? Clarity con is a 14:20.933 --> 14:22.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% large two-day conference. That's 14:22.766 --> 14:23.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% focused on children's mental 14:23.833 --> 14:25.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% health. Uh, we had to pivot a 14:25.400 --> 14:26.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% little bit with the pandemic. So 14:26.733 --> 14:28.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% now we're doing a series of 14:28.033 --> 14:30.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% four, uh, distance learning, uh, 14:31.100 --> 14:32.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% recordings for clarity con and, 14:32.966 --> 14:34.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, the third in the series. 14:34.200 --> 14:36.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% This is coming Friday. Uh, it's 14:36.566 --> 14:38.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a combination of lectures and 14:38.766 --> 14:40.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% educational series. We've got a 14:40.433 --> 14:42.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% guest speaker this Friday, uh, 14:42.133 --> 14:43.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Kate Fagan, who wrote a book, a 14:43.800 --> 14:45.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% book, what made Maddy run, which 14:45.600 --> 14:47.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% is about, uh, kind of the, the 14:47.566 --> 14:49.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pressure on those over-achieving 14:49.033 --> 14:52.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% sports, uh, responsibilities 14:52.366 --> 14:54.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for, uh, she was a track and 14:54.300 --> 14:56.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% cross country really superstar, 14:56.766 --> 14:58.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, who ended up taking her own 14:58.000 --> 14:58.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% life. 14:58.600 --> 14:59.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Well, I know as a 14:59.233 --> 15:00.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% parent of a three-year-old, I'm 15:00.333 --> 15:01.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% interested in the clarity con 15:01.966 --> 15:03.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lectures, I'm sure if some of 15:03.033 --> 15:04.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our viewers will be thank you so 15:04.433 --> 15:05.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% much for taking the time to join 15:05.333 --> 15:05.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% us. 15:05.433 --> 15:06.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Thank you so much for 15:06.000 --> 15:06.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% having me. 15:09.900 --> 15:10.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: And now for the 15:10.533 --> 15:11.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% reporters round table, Greg 15:11.800 --> 15:13.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Jefferson, business editor and 15:13.033 --> 15:14.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% columnist San Antonio express 15:14.100 --> 15:14.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% news. Thanks for being here. 15:15.166 --> 15:16.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Thanks for having me. So you had 15:16.133 --> 15:17.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a big story recently about some 15:17.733 --> 15:19.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% conflicts of interest or the 15:19.066 --> 15:20.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% appearance of some conflict of 15:20.200 --> 15:21.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% interest with some public 15:21.433 --> 15:22.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% officials and the business they 15:22.933 --> 15:25.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% do kind of to help it's actually 15:25.233 --> 15:25.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% more 15:25.733 --> 15:27.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The potential of conflict of 15:27.300 --> 15:28.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% interest. So yeah, the, the 15:28.500 --> 15:30.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% columns centered on a County 15:30.533 --> 15:31.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% commissioner, Justin Rodriguez 15:32.400 --> 15:35.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in precinct two. So he, uh, in 15:35.700 --> 15:37.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% addition to his full-time job as 15:37.833 --> 15:39.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a commissioner, uh, for which 15:39.566 --> 15:42.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% he's paid about $131,000 a year 15:43.333 --> 15:45.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with a $9,000 auto allowance, 15:45.866 --> 15:47.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% That's a nice car. That's nice 15:48.866 --> 15:49.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% anyway. 15:49.600 --> 15:51.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And did that, he works part-time 15:51.133 --> 15:53.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for a pretty prestigious law 15:53.166 --> 15:55.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% firm called lock ward. Uh, 15:55.733 --> 15:57.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% technically, uh, commissioner 15:57.600 --> 15:58.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Rodriguez works out of their 15:58.966 --> 16:01.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Austin office. Uh, but of 16:01.566 --> 16:02.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% course, nobody really works in 16:02.833 --> 16:04.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% an office these days. So he's 16:04.200 --> 16:05.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% putting in about 10 hours a 16:05.400 --> 16:06.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% week, mostly remotely. 16:06.966 --> 16:09.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% So he does bond work. And so for 16:09.100 --> 16:10.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our viewers who may not know 16:10.066 --> 16:11.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% every entity, school districts 16:11.733 --> 16:12.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and so on, they have to issue 16:12.833 --> 16:14.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% bonds and these law firms help 16:14.033 --> 16:16.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% facilitate that. Yeah. So, uh, 16:16.533 --> 16:17.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% if, if 16:17.400 --> 16:19.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The government entity has taxing 16:19.433 --> 16:20.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% authority, they can, they can 16:20.766 --> 16:23.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% issue sell bonds, uh, for that 16:23.333 --> 16:25.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they need attorneys to do all of 16:25.700 --> 16:27.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the dry, highly technical legal 16:27.933 --> 16:30.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% work. Uh, that's the basis for 16:30.200 --> 16:31.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% these bond issues. Uh, so you've 16:31.966 --> 16:33.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% got, I mean, there are a couple 16:33.466 --> 16:35.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of, uh, you know, there, there 16:35.466 --> 16:37.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are two varieties of bond 16:37.066 --> 16:38.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% attorneys. One is a bond counsel 16:39.033 --> 16:39.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% who does all of the heavy 16:39.900 --> 16:41.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lifting for, you know, city 16:41.433 --> 16:43.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% councils or County commissions, 16:44.266 --> 16:46.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, school boards. Uh, and then 16:46.166 --> 16:48.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you have those like commissioner 16:48.100 --> 16:49.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Rodriguez. This is his job. He 16:49.666 --> 16:51.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% works directly with the bond 16:51.766 --> 16:52.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% underwriters. These are the 16:52.866 --> 16:55.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% investment bankers that actually 16:55.200 --> 16:56.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% put the deals together and go to 16:56.900 --> 16:57.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the, 16:57.433 --> 16:58.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% So these bonds are pretty 16:58.300 --> 17:00.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% complicated. They are highly 17:00.033 --> 17:01.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% complicated and you need people 17:01.033 --> 17:02.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with subject matter expertise to 17:02.100 --> 17:04.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% do, but that creates a situation 17:04.300 --> 17:05.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% where you could have a revolving 17:05.233 --> 17:06.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% door between public officials 17:06.866 --> 17:09.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and people who are, I mean, you 17:09.533 --> 17:10.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have, I mean, 17:10.966 --> 17:12.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% It, it helps to have public 17:12.266 --> 17:14.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% officials who are really well 17:14.500 --> 17:16.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% versed in public finance. They, 17:16.800 --> 17:18.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they, especially if they have 17:18.666 --> 17:20.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% law degrees, they, they get all 17:20.266 --> 17:22.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the nuances that go into a bond 17:22.766 --> 17:25.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% issue. Uh, but there's also a 17:25.833 --> 17:27.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% political side to it too. Uh, 17:27.700 --> 17:30.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% bond work is highly lucrative 17:30.300 --> 17:32.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% work. It's no, there are a 17:32.333 --> 17:33.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% number of firms that compete 17:33.900 --> 17:35.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% fiercely for this work, you 17:35.333 --> 17:37.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, with city councils, with 17:37.633 --> 17:40.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% school boards, uh, it's, it 17:40.266 --> 17:41.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% mostly goes under the public 17:41.600 --> 17:42.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% radar. We just don't pay that 17:42.966 --> 17:44.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% much of a pay that much 17:44.466 --> 17:45.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% attention to it. 17:46.166 --> 17:49.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Is that complicated? Yeah. The 17:49.300 --> 17:50.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% radar is too complicated to 17:50.533 --> 17:52.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% follow exactly. I mean, 17:52.166 --> 17:53.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% No, we prefer to think about 17:53.766 --> 17:55.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% bonds only when it pertains to 17:55.766 --> 17:57.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% our property tax rates, 17:57.866 --> 17:59.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Whether a bond issue is going to 17:59.166 --> 18:00.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lead to higher rates or whether 18:00.700 --> 18:01.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it's going to build us a new 18:01.466 --> 18:02.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% school. Yeah, exactly, exactly. 18:03.166 --> 18:04.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% You know, if it's going to build 18:04.933 --> 18:06.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a new senior center or school 18:06.566 --> 18:08.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Or a library, then we care. And 18:08.566 --> 18:10.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% even at that kind of marginally 18:10.400 --> 18:12.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and, and uh, most people just 18:12.666 --> 18:14.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% don't think, uh, too much about 18:14.700 --> 18:16.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what goes into it. It is a lot 18:16.200 --> 18:17.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of technical stuff. There's a 18:17.866 --> 18:19.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% political side to it, too, 18:19.766 --> 18:20.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% That, so I'm going to ask you 18:20.800 --> 18:21.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about that directly, the 18:21.700 --> 18:23.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% potential for conflict and sort 18:23.466 --> 18:26.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of what steps are taken to 18:26.133 --> 18:27.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% shield a public official from 18:27.633 --> 18:29.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that. And is there still an 18:29.133 --> 18:30.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% appearance of conflict, even if 18:30.200 --> 18:30.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% those steps are taken 18:31.900 --> 18:33.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Is, uh, well, let me, let me 18:33.966 --> 18:36.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% start with what, uh, what steps 18:36.266 --> 18:38.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you take to avoid conflict. So 18:38.300 --> 18:40.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it is kind of the wild West. 18:40.333 --> 18:41.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% When it comes to County 18:41.100 --> 18:43.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% government in Texas, there are 18:43.066 --> 18:44.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% very few, uh, rules or 18:44.900 --> 18:46.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% restrictions on what 18:46.466 --> 18:48.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% commissioners can do outside of 18:48.400 --> 18:51.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% their full-time jobs. Uh, it's, 18:51.633 --> 18:54.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it is totally within, uh, within 18:54.333 --> 18:56.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the law for County commissioners 18:56.100 --> 18:57.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to have second jobs, even if 18:57.966 --> 19:00.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they pose the potential for a 19:00.366 --> 19:02.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% conflict of interest like bond 19:02.433 --> 19:04.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% work, for example, uh, totally 19:04.933 --> 19:07.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% illegal. Uh, but you have to, 19:07.866 --> 19:08.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you know, if you're a County 19:08.666 --> 19:10.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% commissioner and you're working 19:10.533 --> 19:11.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for, you know, doing bond work 19:11.633 --> 19:14.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for a law firm, if you have a, a 19:14.533 --> 19:15.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% vote coming up on a 19:15.800 --> 19:17.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% commissioner's court that 19:17.066 --> 19:19.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pertains to your wall firm, uh, 19:19.533 --> 19:20.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% then you have to file an 19:20.900 --> 19:23.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% affidavit with the, uh, DA's 19:23.766 --> 19:24.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% civil section, which is 19:24.900 --> 19:26.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% basically County commissioners, 19:26.400 --> 19:28.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, general, general counsel, 19:28.733 --> 19:30.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, and then not vote on it. 19:30.000 --> 19:32.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% This is a process known as re 19:32.666 --> 19:35.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% recusal, uh, in commissioner 19:35.233 --> 19:37.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Rodriguez case, uh, local ward. 19:37.866 --> 19:39.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% They do, uh, a ton of work 19:39.900 --> 19:42.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% across Texas, but not so much in 19:42.500 --> 19:44.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% San Antonio, at least as far as 19:44.233 --> 19:46.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% public finance. So, uh, you 19:46.866 --> 19:48.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, he's, he was appointed, 19:49.066 --> 19:51.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, to the County commission in 19:51.266 --> 19:52.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% her commissioner's court 19:52.333 --> 19:54.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% policies, uh, in January of 19:54.800 --> 19:56.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 2019, he hasn't had to recuse 19:56.933 --> 19:58.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% himself one time, which means, 19:58.866 --> 20:01.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, no issue involving lock 20:01.100 --> 20:02.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% hoard has come to the court. 20:02.633 --> 20:03.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% So you're calling them, just 20:03.400 --> 20:04.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% brought attention to the fact 20:04.366 --> 20:05.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that there could be an 20:05.200 --> 20:06.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% appearance of conflict in other 20:06.500 --> 20:08.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% circumstances. The problem is 20:08.200 --> 20:08.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% whenever you, 20:08.633 --> 20:09.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% You have to say of the public 20:09.800 --> 20:12.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% official, well, what he's doing, 20:12.400 --> 20:14.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, outside of his official 20:14.100 --> 20:15.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% duties as a County commissioner 20:15.433 --> 20:18.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% is totally legal. That in itself 20:19.133 --> 20:20.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% means, you know, your, there is 20:20.566 --> 20:21.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% some suspicion 20:21.466 --> 20:23.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% That's built into that, and we 20:23.133 --> 20:24.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% just want to have systems to 20:24.433 --> 20:25.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pass the smell test. Exactly. 20:25.866 --> 20:28.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Yeah. Total transparency. Thank 20:28.400 --> 20:29.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you so much for joining us. We 20:29.433 --> 20:30.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% all want transparency in our 20:30.800 --> 20:31.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% government. We appreciate it. 20:32.233 --> 20:32.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Amen. 20:36.433 --> 20:37.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Next on the reporters round 20:37.500 --> 20:38.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% table, Sanford now, and editor 20:38.866 --> 20:39.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in chief San Antonio, current, 20:39.866 --> 20:40.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% thanks for being here. Great to 20:40.833 --> 20:42.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% be here on Monday. Governor 20:42.200 --> 20:43.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Abbott gave his state of the 20:43.266 --> 20:44.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% state address, which I think 20:44.300 --> 20:45.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% flew under the radar. What were 20:45.333 --> 20:46.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% your takeaways from that 20:46.066 --> 20:48.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% address? Yeah, I 20:48.166 --> 20:49.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: Don't think he wanted 20:49.000 --> 20:50.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it to fly under the radar 20:50.233 --> 20:51.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% because it was scheduled for 20:51.266 --> 20:53.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 7:00 PM. It was, you know, uh, 20:53.066 --> 20:55.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% broadcast on TV. Uh, and, and 20:55.466 --> 20:56.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% generally that state of the 20:56.566 --> 20:57.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% state address has done in front 20:57.866 --> 20:59.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of the legislature during the 20:59.000 --> 21:00.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% daytime. I can't remember 21:00.700 --> 21:01.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% another one that's been during 21:01.633 --> 21:03.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% prime time. Uh, and, you know, 21:03.833 --> 21:05.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% obviously I think he, he wanted 21:05.666 --> 21:07.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to present a, an image of 21:07.866 --> 21:09.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% strength to Texans and, and to 21:09.800 --> 21:11.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% sort of, you know, share what 21:11.466 --> 21:12.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% he, what his agenda is for the 21:12.800 --> 21:16.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% ledge. Um, and basically it was 21:16.266 --> 21:18.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% sort of a retread of a lot of 21:18.700 --> 21:21.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% right-wing talking points. Uh, 21:21.133 --> 21:25.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and I think largely, probably 21:25.033 --> 21:28.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to, to that audience, um, I 21:28.466 --> 21:30.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% think a lot of average Texans 21:30.066 --> 21:31.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% who were watching the thing were 21:31.033 --> 21:32.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% probably wondering, Hey, what's 21:32.733 --> 21:34.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% going on with the vaccines 21:34.233 --> 21:35.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what's going on with this 21:35.166 --> 21:36.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pandemic that we've been 21:36.166 --> 21:37.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% struggling through for a year. 21:38.033 --> 21:39.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Um, you know, and instead, you 21:39.700 --> 21:40.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, he sort of had a lot of 21:40.800 --> 21:41.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% platitudes about more 21:41.933 --> 21:44.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% vaccinations are coming, but not 21:44.200 --> 21:45.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% a lot of detail about how that's 21:46.000 --> 21:47.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% happening, how that is being 21:47.666 --> 21:49.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% accelerated. And that came as 21:49.633 --> 21:51.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% you know, on the same day that 21:51.566 --> 21:53.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% San Antonio basically had to 21:53.433 --> 21:55.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% reschedule appointments for 21:55.100 --> 21:56.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% several thousand people for 21:56.333 --> 21:57.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% their second vaccine, because 21:57.600 --> 21:59.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the state screwed up, uh, you 21:59.900 --> 22:01.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, and it made a clerical 22:01.233 --> 22:02.466 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% error that meant that the 22:02.466 --> 22:03.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% vaccines weren't getting 22:03.366 --> 22:05.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% delivered. Um, you know, the 22:05.000 --> 22:06.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% interesting thing is if you look 22:06.900 --> 22:08.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% at it, it was basically Abbott 22:08.700 --> 22:10.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% doubling down on law and order, 22:10.900 --> 22:12.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% right. Which he, I think, 22:12.066 --> 22:13.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% perceives to be a winning issue 22:13.966 --> 22:16.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for the Republican party. And 22:16.100 --> 22:17.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that was certainly what we saw a 22:17.166 --> 22:18.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lot of people running on in 22:18.200 --> 22:20.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% 2020. Um, you know, again, he 22:20.500 --> 22:22.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was sorta promising to punish 22:22.366 --> 22:24.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% punish municipalities that cut 22:24.066 --> 22:25.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% police funding and move it over 22:25.333 --> 22:26.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to social programs. They talked 22:26.933 --> 22:27.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% about taking over 22:27.666 --> 22:28.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: Austin PD because of 22:28.833 --> 22:29.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% their defund, the police. So is 22:29.866 --> 22:31.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there any traction on that or is 22:31.233 --> 22:32.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that kind of, yeah. 22:32.100 --> 22:32.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: And there wouldn't 22:32.600 --> 22:33.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% be, I think, I think that's a 22:33.866 --> 22:35.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% lot of hot air, frankly. I think 22:36.166 --> 22:37.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% he, I think his rhetoric and 22:37.900 --> 22:39.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what, and what he can actually 22:39.266 --> 22:41.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% do are two different things, you 22:41.200 --> 22:42.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, and the other thing is he 22:42.000 --> 22:44.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% brought up bail reform. And 22:44.200 --> 22:45.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% instead of talking about how to 22:45.533 --> 22:47.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% keep, you know, indigent people 22:47.033 --> 22:48.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% from languishing in jail, which 22:48.500 --> 22:49.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% is what most people mean when 22:49.800 --> 22:51.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they talk about bail reform, he 22:51.566 --> 22:52.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was talking about, you know, 22:52.833 --> 22:54.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% making sure that these violent 22:54.533 --> 22:56.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% people get locked up and they 22:56.400 --> 22:57.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% can't get out on bail and kill 22:57.666 --> 22:58.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% cops. 22:58.500 --> 22:59.133 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 2: And that's not 22:59.133 --> 23:00.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% necessarily inconsistent with 23:00.533 --> 23:01.700 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% what the activists are saying 23:01.700 --> 23:03.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% who want bail reform. So what my 23:03.533 --> 23:05.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% understanding is there's this 23:05.033 --> 23:06.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% sense that people who are 23:06.200 --> 23:07.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% indigent are committing suicide 23:07.866 --> 23:09.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in jail and that's happened here 23:09.833 --> 23:10.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% and that maybe they shouldn't 23:10.866 --> 23:12.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% have been in jail for 50 days. 23:12.733 --> 23:13.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% And if somebody with resources 23:13.966 --> 23:14.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% would have been in jail for 50 23:14.966 --> 23:16.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% days, so it seems like people 23:16.666 --> 23:17.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% are talking past each other on 23:17.833 --> 23:19.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the bail reform issue just as 23:19.166 --> 23:19.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% they are with other issues. 23:20.866 --> 23:21.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Speaker 1: I believe you're 23:21.333 --> 23:22.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% correct there. Yeah. The other 23:22.500 --> 23:23.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% one that was very interesting to 23:23.533 --> 23:25.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% me with, with Abbott was he, he 23:25.233 --> 23:26.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% kept going back to, he, you 23:26.800 --> 23:28.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, he was do, you know, 23:28.600 --> 23:29.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pushing for these measures in 23:29.766 --> 23:31.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the legislature, uh, this 23:31.500 --> 23:32.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% session for, to benefit 23:32.833 --> 23:34.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% hardworking Texans. And one of 23:34.866 --> 23:37.400 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the most glaring sort of, uh, 23:37.933 --> 23:39.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% contradictions, there is one of 23:39.600 --> 23:40.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the things he said he wanted to 23:40.900 --> 23:42.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% accelerate was a legislation 23:42.966 --> 23:44.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that would basically shield 23:44.166 --> 23:46.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% businesses from liability, uh, 23:46.833 --> 23:47.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% in case, you know, their 23:47.900 --> 23:49.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% negligence caused workers or 23:49.633 --> 23:51.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% customers to come down with 23:51.333 --> 23:52.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% COVID-19 and Senator Mitch 23:52.666 --> 23:53.933 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% McConnell was insisting on 23:53.933 --> 23:55.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% similar provisions in the 23:55.100 --> 23:57.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% national bill. So it seems like 23:57.033 --> 23:58.600 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's a national partisan push 23:58.600 --> 24:00.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to prevent those kinds of loss. 24:00.500 --> 24:01.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Absolutely. But, you know, that 24:01.733 --> 24:03.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% was a non-starter we Democrats, 24:03.600 --> 24:04.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% uh, you know, in Congress, it 24:04.833 --> 24:06.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% just wasn't going to be attached 24:06.166 --> 24:08.233 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% to the bill. Um, and you know, 24:08.300 --> 24:09.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% frankly, I think that that's 24:09.566 --> 24:11.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% probably a very popular idea 24:11.366 --> 24:13.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% with a lot of Abbott's, uh, deep 24:13.500 --> 24:15.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pocketed corporate donors, but I 24:15.433 --> 24:16.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% don't think that's something 24:16.366 --> 24:18.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that, uh, that working Texans 24:18.033 --> 24:19.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% whose, you know, whose name he 24:19.766 --> 24:21.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% evoked are pushing for. 24:21.966 --> 24:24.000 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% The, the interesting, uh, one 24:24.033 --> 24:25.833 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that sort of stuck out to me 24:25.833 --> 24:28.333 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% also was a rural broadband. In 24:28.333 --> 24:29.100 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% addition to sort of these 24:29.100 --> 24:30.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% right-wing talking points, 24:30.333 --> 24:32.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% cultural war stuff like gun, you 24:32.300 --> 24:33.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% know, uh, gun rights and 24:33.866 --> 24:35.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% abortion. He also mentioned 24:35.533 --> 24:37.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% rural broadband being a priority 24:37.266 --> 24:38.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% for him, which is funny because 24:38.633 --> 24:39.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that's something that they've 24:39.366 --> 24:40.866 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% been working on for almost a 24:40.866 --> 24:43.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% year now. Yeah. And broadband 24:43.166 --> 24:44.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% has become an even more 24:44.033 --> 24:44.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% important issue with the 24:44.900 --> 24:46.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% pandemic. Kids were being 24:46.366 --> 24:47.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% educated at home. The digital 24:47.633 --> 24:49.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% divide is, is accelerating 24:49.666 --> 24:51.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% inequities in our society. And 24:51.900 --> 24:52.733 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% it seems like that's something 24:52.733 --> 24:54.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that people could wrap their 24:54.700 --> 24:56.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% arms around. Do we think that 24:56.366 --> 24:57.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% there's going to be any traction 24:57.166 --> 24:59.066 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% on that? Well, I mean, that's 24:59.133 --> 25:00.766 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% already underway. I mean, that, 25:01.000 --> 25:02.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% that has been a project of the 25:02.366 --> 25:03.533 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% governor's office that has been 25:03.533 --> 25:04.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% something, uh, you know, 25:04.666 --> 25:05.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% multiple people in the 25:05.433 --> 25:06.900 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% legislature have talked about. 25:07.233 --> 25:08.166 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Uh, and I think we're going to 25:08.166 --> 25:09.266 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% see something there. Is there 25:09.266 --> 25:10.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% going to be any money for urban 25:10.366 --> 25:13.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% broadband that I don't know, 25:13.700 --> 25:15.300 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% urban rural divide is always in 25:15.300 --> 25:16.666 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% the Texas legislature, Sanford. 25:16.700 --> 25:17.633 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Thanks for joining us. Good to 25:17.633 --> 25:18.566 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% see you. And thank you for 25:18.566 --> 25:19.433 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% joining us for another edition 25:19.433 --> 25:20.800 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% of on the record. As always, you 25:20.800 --> 25:22.500 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% can go to dot org, have you this 25:22.500 --> 25:24.200 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% episode or previous episodes and 25:24.200 --> 25:25.966 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% video or podcast format, we will 25:25.966 --> 25:26.366 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% see you next time. 25:26.666 --> 25:27.033 align:left position:10% line:84.67% size:80% Thank you..