WEBVTT 00:00:03.428 --> 00:00:04.560 <v Female>Webcast is now starting.</v> 00:00:04.560 --> 00:00:06.963 All attendees are in listen-only mode. 00:00:08.756 --> 00:00:09.589 (gavel rapping) 00:00:09.589 --> 00:00:10.422 <v ->Good morning.</v> 00:00:10.422 --> 00:00:11.710 This meeting of the Texas Water Development Board 00:00:11.710 --> 00:00:13.260 is hereby called to order. 00:00:13.260 --> 00:00:15.230 Time is 9:34 a.m. 00:00:15.230 --> 00:00:16.600 For the record my name is Peter Lake. 00:00:16.600 --> 00:00:19.380 With me today are Kathleen Jackson and Brooke Paup. 00:00:19.380 --> 00:00:21.283 Mr. Hardin, first item, please. 00:00:37.060 --> 00:00:40.060 It looks like we may have some difficulties with Mr. Hardin. 00:00:42.890 --> 00:00:43.723 But, 00:00:45.550 --> 00:00:48.560 nevertheless, I will go ahead and call the first item 00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:49.393 is considered. 00:00:49.393 --> 00:00:50.640 Huh? 00:00:50.640 --> 00:00:52.890 <v ->I can read them if you'd like me to, sir.</v> 00:00:52.890 --> 00:00:54.316 <v ->Sure, go ahead and lay up the first item for us,</v> 00:00:54.316 --> 00:00:55.149 please, Jeff. 00:00:55.149 --> 00:00:56.681 <v ->Actually, we've, woop.</v> 00:00:56.681 --> 00:00:59.431 <v ->There he is.</v> <v ->There he is.</v> 00:01:02.140 --> 00:01:03.920 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the first item is</v> 00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:06.560 consider approving selected applications 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:08.900 and authorizing the Executive Administrator 00:01:08.900 --> 00:01:11.710 to negotiate and execute contracts for grant funding 00:01:11.710 --> 00:01:16.710 in an amount not to exceed $44,693,945 00:01:17.290 --> 00:01:18.930 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:01:18.930 --> 00:01:21.770 for watershed flood protection claims studies 00:01:21.770 --> 00:01:24.470 and authorizing the transfer of $44,693,945 00:01:26.913 --> 00:01:28.568 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:01:28.568 --> 00:01:30.518 to the Research and Planning Fund 00:01:30.518 --> 00:01:35.518 as authorized by Texas Water Code Section 15.534(a)(8). 00:01:41.254 --> 00:01:44.004 <v ->I look forward to, there we go.</v> 00:01:45.936 --> 00:01:47.012 <v ->Good morning.</v> 00:01:47.012 --> 00:01:49.991 Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, and Director Paul, 00:01:49.991 --> 00:01:51.906 for the record, I'm Reem Zoun 00:01:51.906 --> 00:01:54.455 of the Executive Administrator's staff. 00:01:54.455 --> 00:01:58.060 This item for consideration before you today is to consider 00:01:58.060 --> 00:02:01.955 approving 17 selected Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:02:01.955 --> 00:02:03.963 Category One applications 00:02:03.963 --> 00:02:07.523 and authorizing the Executive Administrator to negotiate 00:02:07.523 --> 00:02:10.027 and execute contracts for grant funding 00:02:10.027 --> 00:02:13.194 in an amount not to exceed $44,693,945 00:02:17.364 --> 00:02:20.643 from the 2020 Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:02:20.643 --> 00:02:24.916 for Category One ownership flood protection planning studies 00:02:24.916 --> 00:02:28.583 and authorizing transfer of that $44,693,945 00:02:31.935 --> 00:02:34.230 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:02:34.230 --> 00:02:37.568 to the Research and Planning Fund as authorized 00:02:37.568 --> 00:02:42.568 by Texas Water Code Section 15.534(a)(8). 00:02:43.380 --> 00:02:45.320 Passed by the 86 Texas legislature 00:02:45.320 --> 00:02:48.920 and approved by voters through a constitutional amendment, 00:02:48.920 --> 00:02:52.990 the Flood Infrastructure Fund was created to provide funding 00:02:52.990 --> 00:02:55.000 for flood mitigation projects. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.550 The purpose of the FIF as applied in Senate Bill Seven 00:02:58.550 --> 00:03:01.690 is to assist in financing drainage, flood mitigation, 00:03:01.690 --> 00:03:04.020 and flood control projects. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:07.240 These projects and studies presented for consideration 00:03:07.240 --> 00:03:11.300 have been scored and ranked using prioritization criteria 00:03:11.300 --> 00:03:15.310 applied in the 31 Texas Administrative Code 00:03:15.310 --> 00:03:18.200 Number 363.404 00:03:18.200 --> 00:03:22.020 and further specified in the Flood Intended Use Plan. 00:03:22.020 --> 00:03:23.960 The prioritized list of the projects 00:03:23.960 --> 00:03:25.160 and the studies was approved 00:03:25.160 --> 00:03:28.233 by the Board on September 17th of 2020. 00:03:30.050 --> 00:03:32.780 These are studies who present those eligible 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:36.271 under Category One flood protection planning for watersheds 00:03:36.271 --> 00:03:39.620 of the 2020 Flood Intended Use Plan. 00:03:39.620 --> 00:03:43.020 This category of funding was designed to support studies 00:03:43.020 --> 00:03:45.890 that contact planning of entire watersheds, 00:03:45.890 --> 00:03:48.946 newer, smaller than hydrology code 10-digit 00:03:48.946 --> 00:03:52.400 to better inform the development of strategies 00:03:52.400 --> 00:03:55.100 using a structural and non-structural measures 00:03:55.100 --> 00:03:59.300 before a flood event, such as evaluating flooding locations 00:03:59.300 --> 00:04:00.620 and impacts, 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:04.300 identifying and planning solutions to flooding problems, 00:04:04.300 --> 00:04:08.660 and estimating the benefits and costs of these solutions. 00:04:08.660 --> 00:04:11.290 Category One studies are potentially eligible 00:04:11.290 --> 00:04:14.610 to receive a maximum of 100% grant funds 00:04:14.610 --> 00:04:19.110 based on criteria outlined in the Flood Intended Use Plan. 00:04:19.110 --> 00:04:22.240 Recipients of financial assistance may either use 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:26.130 their own local owned funds or borrow FIF funds 00:04:26.130 --> 00:04:29.520 at 0% interest for any portion 00:04:29.520 --> 00:04:31.783 of the remaining project cost. 00:04:32.670 --> 00:04:37.180 The 17 applicants before you today are Austin, 00:04:37.180 --> 00:04:38.640 Caldwell County, 00:04:38.640 --> 00:04:41.410 Cameron County Drainage District Number Three, 00:04:41.410 --> 00:04:44.680 Chambers County, Dallas County, 00:04:44.680 --> 00:04:47.580 Harlingen, Hayes County, 00:04:47.580 --> 00:04:52.580 Iowa Colony, Jackson County, Countywide Drainage District, 00:04:53.160 --> 00:04:55.753 Jefferson County Drainage District Number Six, 00:04:57.280 --> 00:05:01.870 Gaines County, City of Laredo, Lower Rio Grande Valley 00:05:01.870 --> 00:05:06.610 Development Council, Midland County, City of Stephenville, 00:05:06.610 --> 00:05:09.173 Wharton County, and Williamson County. 00:05:10.560 --> 00:05:11.960 These applicants have submitted 00:05:11.960 --> 00:05:14.440 complete financial assistance applications 00:05:14.440 --> 00:05:17.010 and are eligible to receive grant funding 00:05:17.010 --> 00:05:21.043 through the FIF for a portion of their total project cost. 00:05:21.980 --> 00:05:25.190 We have presented in the Table One in the Board memo 00:05:25.190 --> 00:05:28.463 a summary of funding sources for these 17 studies. 00:05:29.640 --> 00:05:34.640 The total requested grant amounts are $44,693,945 00:05:37.690 --> 00:05:41.540 with a total project cost of just over $64 million 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:43.690 for the 17 entities. 00:05:43.690 --> 00:05:46.560 One entity will also be using federal funds 00:05:46.560 --> 00:05:49.400 of a $1.2 million. 00:05:49.400 --> 00:05:52.570 All entities are matching with local contribution 00:05:52.570 --> 00:05:54.610 or in-kind services. 00:05:54.610 --> 00:05:56.740 The total amount of local contribution 00:05:56.740 --> 00:06:00.210 is just over $17 million and total local 00:06:00.210 --> 00:06:05.210 in-kind contribution amount is $1.1 to two million dollars. 00:06:07.090 --> 00:06:09.690 The Executive Administrator recommends approval 00:06:09.690 --> 00:06:11.720 to provide funding to these applicants 00:06:11.720 --> 00:06:13.790 and requests authorization to negotiate 00:06:13.790 --> 00:06:18.483 and execute contracts with the FIF Cat One applicants. 00:06:19.530 --> 00:06:21.560 I would also like to take this opportunity to 00:06:21.560 --> 00:06:24.600 acknowledge the reviewers of these client applications, 00:06:24.600 --> 00:06:27.540 Alexander Varner, Isa McDaniel, Kevin Smith, 00:06:27.540 --> 00:06:31.670 Lan (mumbles) Brown, Richard Bugg, and Robin Williams. 00:06:31.670 --> 00:06:34.680 The OGC staff, especially Kendall Cowell, 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:39.506 the office, the staff of the finance office, the WSI admins, 00:06:39.506 --> 00:06:42.520 specifically, Cindy Dupredo and Anna Gonzales, 00:06:42.520 --> 00:06:45.010 and my staff, specifically, James Frankowski, 00:06:45.010 --> 00:06:46.080 for providing support 00:06:46.080 --> 00:06:48.260 to both internal and external personnel 00:06:48.260 --> 00:06:51.030 regarding Category One projects. 00:06:51.030 --> 00:06:53.660 We look forward to working with these entities 00:06:53.660 --> 00:06:57.110 during the next phase of FIF Category One projects. 00:06:57.110 --> 00:06:58.980 This concludes my presentation 00:06:58.980 --> 00:07:00.757 and I'm happy to take questions. 00:07:03.367 --> 00:07:04.283 <v ->Thank you, Reem.</v> 00:07:04.283 --> 00:07:05.367 Do we have any questions? 00:07:05.367 --> 00:07:08.970 <v ->Mr. Chairman, we do have a visitor registration card</v> 00:07:08.970 --> 00:07:11.790 on this item as well from Mr. Kevin Shunk, 00:07:11.790 --> 00:07:14.690 who's the Floodplain Administrator for the City of Austin. 00:07:16.280 --> 00:07:18.900 <v ->All right, thank you, Mr. Darden.</v> 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:20.670 Well, we'll do Board comments 00:07:20.670 --> 00:07:24.000 and then recognize public comments. 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:25.850 Questions or comments from the Board? 00:07:27.410 --> 00:07:29.640 <v ->Well, I think it's tremendously exciting</v> 00:07:29.640 --> 00:07:32.090 that we're moving forward with Category One projects 00:07:32.090 --> 00:07:36.130 and I mean, what a great list and what a great commitment 00:07:36.130 --> 00:07:40.320 by the communities that are investing in planning. 00:07:40.320 --> 00:07:42.990 And of course, I think the vision of the legislature 00:07:42.990 --> 00:07:45.950 and putting together the FIF was to recognize that, 00:07:45.950 --> 00:07:48.560 you know, planning and doing it in the way 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:51.730 that Reem described, which is a basin-wide approach, 00:07:51.730 --> 00:07:55.300 a collaborative approach, was really kind of starting out 00:07:55.300 --> 00:07:58.350 with the way we should be doing flood planning, 00:07:58.350 --> 00:08:00.770 which is, again, a collaborative effort 00:08:00.770 --> 00:08:04.140 recognizing that a flood knows no boundaries 00:08:04.140 --> 00:08:06.750 and that people needed to work together collaboratively 00:08:06.750 --> 00:08:11.030 and use the best data and science that's available. 00:08:11.030 --> 00:08:13.760 This, I guess, group of projects 00:08:13.760 --> 00:08:16.700 is investing their own resources 00:08:16.700 --> 00:08:19.450 through in-kind contributions as well as, you know, 00:08:19.450 --> 00:08:21.340 making a financial commitment. 00:08:21.340 --> 00:08:25.070 But I think for the state this is a great investment 00:08:25.070 --> 00:08:26.840 because we've heard so many times 00:08:26.840 --> 00:08:29.180 that those communities that are successful 00:08:29.180 --> 00:08:32.540 have invested in basin-wide planning. 00:08:32.540 --> 00:08:34.350 They've gotten their plan in place. 00:08:34.350 --> 00:08:37.100 And then as resources become available 00:08:37.100 --> 00:08:38.860 either through the federal government 00:08:38.860 --> 00:08:42.740 or communities coming together and deciding to move forward 00:08:42.740 --> 00:08:45.030 with the flood infrastructure projects, 00:08:45.030 --> 00:08:49.020 the planning is the first important key element 00:08:49.020 --> 00:08:49.853 in all of this. 00:08:49.853 --> 00:08:53.930 So it's really exciting to see these Category One projects 00:08:53.930 --> 00:08:54.800 moving forward. 00:08:54.800 --> 00:08:57.150 The fact that, you know, it's, you know, 00:08:57.150 --> 00:08:59.410 they're drainage districts, they're cities, 00:08:59.410 --> 00:09:02.760 they're large areas, and they're also some small communities 00:09:02.760 --> 00:09:05.370 that are kind of taking up the torch and moving forward. 00:09:05.370 --> 00:09:06.990 So it's great to see the diversity. 00:09:06.990 --> 00:09:09.500 It's great to see the fact that, you know, the, 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:12.000 and I think you even put together a map, 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:14.174 it's out there in the Board packet that shows 00:09:14.174 --> 00:09:16.660 that this is all over the state. 00:09:16.660 --> 00:09:20.820 So great to see communities, you know, taking advantage 00:09:20.820 --> 00:09:23.810 of the FIF and just wanted to thank you so much. 00:09:23.810 --> 00:09:24.960 I mean, you mentioned before 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:27.180 in your kind of entering remarks, 00:09:27.180 --> 00:09:30.030 everybody from the agency kind of came together, 00:09:30.030 --> 00:09:34.280 pitched in, just a great effort by the staff, 00:09:34.280 --> 00:09:37.010 and so exciting to see this project moving forward 00:09:37.010 --> 00:09:39.610 and just really, really appreciate the work on this. 00:09:42.281 --> 00:09:46.610 <v ->Again, you know, Director Jackson says it all.</v> 00:09:46.610 --> 00:09:50.410 We have 17 great projects and, you know, data and science 00:09:50.410 --> 00:09:52.190 are really the backbone of this agency. 00:09:52.190 --> 00:09:55.740 And these 17 projects will facilitate that process 00:09:55.740 --> 00:09:56.870 and get it started. 00:09:56.870 --> 00:09:58.793 So we are really thrilled about that. 00:10:01.460 --> 00:10:03.410 <v ->Yes, planning is where it all begins.</v> 00:10:04.980 --> 00:10:08.713 At this point, we'll take public comment. 00:10:10.410 --> 00:10:12.010 Who do we have first Mr. Hardin? 00:10:19.195 --> 00:10:20.445 You're on mute. 00:10:22.610 --> 00:10:24.180 <v ->We have Mr. Kevin Shunk.</v> 00:10:24.180 --> 00:10:26.540 He's the Floodplain Administrator for the City of Austin. 00:10:26.540 --> 00:10:28.960 And he's indicated that he would like to address the Board 00:10:28.960 --> 00:10:29.793 on this item. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:34.230 <v Kevin>Thank you, Chairman Lake,</v> 00:10:34.230 --> 00:10:36.160 Directors Jackson and Paup. 00:10:36.160 --> 00:10:39.060 My name is Kevin Shunk and I'm the Floodplain Administrator 00:10:39.060 --> 00:10:41.001 for the City of Austin. 00:10:41.001 --> 00:10:44.140 Thanks to the legislature, the Board, and the staff 00:10:44.140 --> 00:10:48.030 for approving, managing, and assembling this program 00:10:48.030 --> 00:10:51.150 that will flood risks statewide. 00:10:51.150 --> 00:10:53.130 Our flood control planning project 00:10:53.130 --> 00:10:54.560 that will be partially funded 00:10:54.560 --> 00:10:57.250 by the Flood Infrastructure Fund will benefit 00:10:57.250 --> 00:11:01.330 not only the City of Austin, but 17 other communities 00:11:01.330 --> 00:11:03.530 in the Central Texas area. 00:11:03.530 --> 00:11:05.470 Your staff has done an amazing job 00:11:05.470 --> 00:11:07.200 at assembling this program, 00:11:07.200 --> 00:11:10.400 in communicating with the applicants in a timely manner. 00:11:10.400 --> 00:11:13.710 They have, and will continue to be a significant part 00:11:13.710 --> 00:11:15.580 of the success of this program. 00:11:15.580 --> 00:11:16.413 Thank you. 00:11:18.140 --> 00:11:20.250 <v ->Thank you for your, for being here</v> 00:11:20.250 --> 00:11:22.130 and thank you for your kind comments. 00:11:22.130 --> 00:11:23.470 I appreciate our local partners. 00:11:23.470 --> 00:11:24.853 Couldn't do it without them. 00:11:25.780 --> 00:11:27.880 Any the other public comment on this item? 00:11:30.250 --> 00:11:32.103 If not, is there a motion? 00:11:33.050 --> 00:11:35.690 <v ->Chairman, I move we approve the selected applications</v> 00:11:35.690 --> 00:11:37.900 and authorize the Executive Administrator 00:11:37.900 --> 00:11:41.115 to negotiate and execute contracts for grant funding 00:11:41.115 --> 00:11:43.350 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:11:43.350 --> 00:11:45.710 for watershed flood protection planning studies, 00:11:45.710 --> 00:11:48.820 Category One, and authorize the transfer 00:11:48.820 --> 00:11:50.430 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:11:50.430 --> 00:11:52.300 to the Research and Planning Fund 00:11:52.300 --> 00:11:57.063 as authorized by Texas Water Codes, Section 15.534(a)(8) 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:02.600 and as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:12:02.600 --> 00:12:04.205 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:12:04.205 --> 00:12:05.630 <v ->I second.</v> 00:12:05.630 --> 00:12:07.172 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:12:07.172 --> 00:12:08.640 Aye. <v ->Aye.</v> 00:12:08.640 --> 00:12:10.190 Motion passes, thank you, Reem. 00:12:11.350 --> 00:12:12.183 <v ->Thank you.</v> 00:12:12.183 --> 00:12:14.160 <v ->Next item, please.</v> 00:12:14.160 --> 00:12:15.440 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item</v> 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:17.440 is consider approving an application 00:12:17.440 --> 00:12:19.040 from the City of Lyford 00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:22.030 and authorizing the Executive Administrator to negotiate 00:12:22.030 --> 00:12:24.150 and execute a contract for grant funding 00:12:24.150 --> 00:12:28.880 in an amount not to exceed $146,470 00:12:28.880 --> 00:12:31.120 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:34.870 for a federal grant award matching funds project. 00:12:34.870 --> 00:12:37.793 Kathy Hopkins will present to the Board on this item. 00:12:39.690 --> 00:12:41.230 <v ->Chairman, I'll be presenting on this item,</v> 00:12:41.230 --> 00:12:42.683 if you don't mind. 00:12:42.683 --> 00:12:44.520 So good morning Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, 00:12:44.520 --> 00:12:45.353 Director Paup. 00:12:45.353 --> 00:12:47.060 For the record, my name is Jeff Walker, 00:12:47.060 --> 00:12:49.410 the Executive Administer-, your Executive Administrator. 00:12:49.410 --> 00:12:51.730 The City of Lyford has applied for financial assistance 00:12:51.730 --> 00:12:54.530 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund under Category Three 00:12:54.530 --> 00:12:57.040 seeking assistance with meeting the local match requirement 00:12:57.040 --> 00:12:58.790 of a federal grant program. 00:12:58.790 --> 00:13:00.380 This category of funding was designed 00:13:00.380 --> 00:13:02.080 to leverage federal funds by assisting 00:13:02.080 --> 00:13:04.840 with the regional local match, required local match. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.810 The city has been selected 00:13:05.810 --> 00:13:08.010 by the Texas Division of Emergency Management 00:13:08.010 --> 00:13:10.020 and the Federal Emergency Management Agency 00:13:10.020 --> 00:13:13.300 for $562,000 in federal funding 00:13:13.300 --> 00:13:15.460 under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 00:13:15.460 --> 00:13:17.400 to construct a detention pond 00:13:17.400 --> 00:13:19.340 that will retain floodwater and prevent flooding 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:22.520 of residential structures, schools, and streets. 00:13:22.520 --> 00:13:24.770 The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program can provide 00:13:24.770 --> 00:13:27.500 up to 75% federal funding with the remainder of the project 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:29.770 costs covered by local match. 00:13:29.770 --> 00:13:30.737 The Executive Administrator recommends 00:13:30.737 --> 00:13:35.737 the Board approve $146,470 in matching funds for the FIF 00:13:36.400 --> 00:13:38.930 in the form of a grant for the city. 00:13:38.930 --> 00:13:40.273 That concludes my presentation. 00:13:40.273 --> 00:13:42.183 I can answer your questions if you have them. 00:13:43.560 --> 00:13:44.393 <v ->Thank you, Jeff.</v> 00:13:44.393 --> 00:13:45.226 Questions, comments? 00:13:46.080 --> 00:13:50.700 <v ->Other than a proven, I guess, way to mitigate flood,</v> 00:13:50.700 --> 00:13:52.230 put in detention facilities 00:13:52.230 --> 00:13:56.890 so that you can hold the high rate storm event floodwaters 00:13:56.890 --> 00:13:58.710 until the system can accommodate it. 00:13:58.710 --> 00:14:03.093 And then also looking to increase their ability to, 00:14:05.667 --> 00:14:09.400 to pump floodwaters away from, from neighborhoods. 00:14:09.400 --> 00:14:14.400 So a proven project and great that we're able to come in 00:14:14.930 --> 00:14:16.670 because that was one of the things that we heard 00:14:16.670 --> 00:14:19.810 across the state was that we have the federal money 00:14:19.810 --> 00:14:23.010 but we don't have enough of the local community 00:14:23.010 --> 00:14:25.410 just can't afford the rest of the cost share. 00:14:25.410 --> 00:14:28.051 So a great utilization of the FIF funds. 00:14:28.051 --> 00:14:29.810 Thank you. 00:14:29.810 --> 00:14:32.290 <v ->I said it last meeting, but it's always great</v> 00:14:32.290 --> 00:14:34.980 when we can leverage a small amount of grant funding 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:37.380 to unlock a larger portion of federal funds. 00:14:37.380 --> 00:14:40.230 We pay a lot of taxes to the federal government 00:14:40.230 --> 00:14:42.623 and it's good to get those dollars back to the state. 00:14:43.810 --> 00:14:45.910 <v ->Hard to get a better bang for your buck.</v> 00:14:46.870 --> 00:14:48.840 Is there a motion? 00:14:48.840 --> 00:14:51.410 <v ->Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the application</v> 00:14:51.410 --> 00:14:52.650 from the City of Lyford 00:14:52.650 --> 00:14:55.200 and authorize the Executive Administrator 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:58.220 to negotiate and execute a contract for grant funding 00:14:58.220 --> 00:15:00.600 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund from a, 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:03.530 for a federal grant award matching funds project 00:15:03.530 --> 00:15:06.670 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:15:06.670 --> 00:15:08.000 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:09.310 <v ->I second.</v> 00:15:09.310 --> 00:15:10.776 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:15:10.776 --> 00:15:11.609 <v ->Aye.</v> 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:13.813 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:15:14.840 --> 00:15:16.083 Next item please. 00:15:17.340 --> 00:15:18.950 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 00:15:18.950 --> 00:15:21.090 is considered approving the City of Bryan 00:15:21.090 --> 00:15:23.350 and Sabine River Authority's applications 00:15:23.350 --> 00:15:25.490 by authorizing the Executive Administrator 00:15:25.490 --> 00:15:28.940 to negotiate and execute contracts for grant funding 00:15:28.940 --> 00:15:32.440 in an amount not to exceed $354,000 00:15:32.440 --> 00:15:34.040 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:15:34.040 --> 00:15:37.013 for flood early warning system-related projects. 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:40.020 <v ->Thank you, again, good morning.</v> 00:15:40.020 --> 00:15:41.560 For the record, my name is Jeff Walker, 00:15:41.560 --> 00:15:43.160 your Executive Administrator. 00:15:43.160 --> 00:15:45.550 The City of Bryan and the Sabine River Authority apply 00:15:45.550 --> 00:15:47.940 for financial assistance from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:15:47.940 --> 00:15:50.990 under Category Four seeking funding assistance 00:15:50.990 --> 00:15:53.430 for flood early warning system projects. 00:15:53.430 --> 00:15:55.510 This category of funding was designed for projects 00:15:55.510 --> 00:15:57.080 that can be implemented quickly 00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.720 and are understood to be immediately effective 00:15:58.720 --> 00:16:00.720 in protecting life and property. 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:02.310 Proposed flood early warning projects 00:16:02.310 --> 00:16:04.730 consist of installation of high-water alerts sensors 00:16:04.730 --> 00:16:06.720 at flood-prone roadways, 00:16:06.720 --> 00:16:09.080 installation of automatic flasher beacons, 00:16:09.080 --> 00:16:11.740 development of texts, email subscriptions to warn drivers 00:16:11.740 --> 00:16:13.350 turn around, don't drown, 00:16:13.350 --> 00:16:14.540 and the addition of stream gauges 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:17.430 to eliminate existing data gaps to better warn the public 00:16:17.430 --> 00:16:18.263 of flooding risks. 00:16:18.263 --> 00:16:20.350 The Executive Administrator recommends the Board 00:16:20.350 --> 00:16:23.800 approve grant funding in the amount of $354,000 00:16:23.800 --> 00:16:25.040 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:16:25.040 --> 00:16:27.430 to assist the City of Bryan and the Sabine River Authority 00:16:27.430 --> 00:16:29.130 in implementation of these projects. 00:16:29.130 --> 00:16:30.680 That concludes my presentation. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.073 <v ->Thank you, Jeff</v> 00:16:33.073 --> 00:16:33.906 Questions, comments? 00:16:35.290 --> 00:16:37.490 <v ->I think what we heard from emergency management</v> 00:16:37.490 --> 00:16:41.490 officials that participated, and again, the process 00:16:41.490 --> 00:16:44.000 when we were, you know, out kind of finding out 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:46.330 what do we need to move forward and concentrate on 00:16:46.330 --> 00:16:47.163 for the FIF? 00:16:47.163 --> 00:16:50.110 And it was definitely early warning systems 00:16:51.707 --> 00:16:55.013 and putting in additional stream gauges 00:16:56.210 --> 00:16:58.813 and also assisting with road closure, 00:17:00.150 --> 00:17:03.910 particularly for the Sabine River Basin 00:17:03.910 --> 00:17:05.157 that I think he shared with me 00:17:05.157 --> 00:17:08.560 it was the second largest average watershed yield 00:17:08.560 --> 00:17:11.110 of any major river basin in Texas 00:17:11.110 --> 00:17:16.010 because of its hyper-precipitation, 00:17:16.010 --> 00:17:18.890 high rainfall, as well as the lowest average rate. 00:17:18.890 --> 00:17:20.950 So definitely something that's needed. 00:17:20.950 --> 00:17:24.370 And it builds on their existing system 00:17:24.370 --> 00:17:25.660 which is the Southeast Texas 00:17:25.660 --> 00:17:30.000 Regional Alerting Information Network, or RAIN. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:33.430 So good to see that we're putting in resources 00:17:35.100 --> 00:17:37.870 to start up some new early warning systems 00:17:37.870 --> 00:17:40.610 as well as to build on some past successes 00:17:40.610 --> 00:17:42.460 in these particular areas. 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:44.013 So thanks for the work on this. 00:17:45.800 --> 00:17:48.140 <v ->As Sabine River Authority is a great customer</v> 00:17:48.140 --> 00:17:50.960 of the Board and we're happy to see them come in. 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:52.660 And of course, as a proud Aggie, 00:17:52.660 --> 00:17:56.770 I'm always thrilled to see Bryan on the list of applicants 00:17:56.770 --> 00:18:00.183 and anything that helps our first responders is a win-win. 00:18:02.786 --> 00:18:05.630 <v ->Yeah, these kind of projects are all about saving lives.</v> 00:18:05.630 --> 00:18:06.530 Is there a motion? 00:18:07.660 --> 00:18:10.080 <v ->Chairman, I move we approve the City of Bryan</v> 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:12.340 and Sabine River Authority's applications 00:18:12.340 --> 00:18:14.300 and authorize the Executive Administrator 00:18:14.300 --> 00:18:17.286 to negotiate and execute contracts for grant funding 00:18:17.286 --> 00:18:19.530 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:18:19.530 --> 00:18:22.380 for flood early warning system-related projects 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:24.713 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:18:25.590 --> 00:18:27.040 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:18:27.040 --> 00:18:28.590 <v Brooke>I second.</v> 00:18:28.590 --> 00:18:30.131 <v Chairman>All in favor say aye.</v> 00:18:30.131 --> 00:18:31.620 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:18:31.620 --> 00:18:32.773 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:18:34.300 --> 00:18:35.693 Next item, please. 00:18:37.040 --> 00:18:39.250 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 00:18:39.250 --> 00:18:42.550 is approved by resolution a requests from Val Verde County 00:18:42.550 --> 00:18:45.870 for $500,000 from financial assistance consisting 00:18:45.870 --> 00:18:51.630 of $210,000 in financing and $290,000 in grant 00:18:51.630 --> 00:18:52.930 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:18:52.930 --> 00:18:55.763 for a flood early warning system-related project. 00:18:57.560 --> 00:18:58.393 <v ->Thank you.</v> 00:18:58.393 --> 00:18:59.973 Again, for the record, my name is Jeff Walker, 00:18:59.973 --> 00:19:02.010 your Executive Administrator. 00:19:02.010 --> 00:19:03.910 Val Verde County applied for financial assistance 00:19:03.910 --> 00:19:05.080 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:19:05.080 --> 00:19:07.710 under Category Four seeking funding assistance 00:19:07.710 --> 00:19:09.760 for a flood early warning system project. 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:14.100 This project proposes to create an early warning system 00:19:14.100 --> 00:19:16.080 for the county by installing flood monitoring equipment 00:19:16.080 --> 00:19:18.230 at eight sites and a communication tower. 00:19:18.230 --> 00:19:20.230 Upon completion of this project, the county will be able 00:19:20.230 --> 00:19:21.930 to disseminate messages to the public 00:19:21.930 --> 00:19:23.769 using multiple communication methods 00:19:23.769 --> 00:19:25.520 pertaining to the health, safety, 00:19:25.520 --> 00:19:26.600 and welfare of its citizens 00:19:26.600 --> 00:19:28.150 when a flood event is imminent. 00:19:29.020 --> 00:19:31.040 The Executive Administrator recommends $500,000 00:19:31.040 --> 00:19:33.940 in financial assistance from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:19:33.940 --> 00:19:35.660 for through the county to develop 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:38.000 a early flood warning system. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.550 That concludes my presentation. 00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:42.013 <v ->Thank you, Jeff.</v> 00:19:42.013 --> 00:19:42.846 Questions, comments? 00:19:44.028 --> 00:19:46.420 <v ->A great example of the flexibility of the fund</v> 00:19:46.420 --> 00:19:48.700 to be able to not only provide grant financing 00:19:48.700 --> 00:19:51.150 but also the 0% interest. 00:19:51.150 --> 00:19:54.640 And I think commendable that the leadership 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:57.040 in Val Verde County stepped to the plate 00:19:57.040 --> 00:19:58.230 and took advantage of this. 00:19:58.230 --> 00:20:01.095 And again, something that's going to, you know, 00:20:01.095 --> 00:20:03.360 Mr. Chairman, as you said many times, you know, 00:20:03.360 --> 00:20:05.723 save lives, so great project. 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.840 <v ->Absolutely.</v> 00:20:08.840 --> 00:20:10.390 <v ->I think the title says it all,</v> 00:20:10.390 --> 00:20:12.300 measures that are immediately effective 00:20:12.300 --> 00:20:14.460 in protecting life and property. 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:18.323 So we were very happy to have this item on the agenda today. 00:20:19.810 --> 00:20:20.643 <v ->Indeed.</v> 00:20:20.643 --> 00:20:22.330 Is there a motion? 00:20:22.330 --> 00:20:25.070 <v ->Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:20:25.070 --> 00:20:28.530 from Val Verde County from financing and grant assistance 00:20:28.530 --> 00:20:30.400 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:32.860 for a flood early warning system-related project 00:20:32.860 --> 00:20:36.030 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:20:36.030 --> 00:20:37.150 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:20:37.150 --> 00:20:38.140 <v ->I second.</v> 00:20:38.140 --> 00:20:39.500 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:41.280 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:20:41.280 --> 00:20:43.170 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:20:43.170 --> 00:20:44.553 Next item, please. 00:20:45.730 --> 00:20:48.050 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda is approved</v> 00:20:48.050 --> 00:20:51.650 by resolution a request from the City of Fredericksburg 00:20:51.650 --> 00:20:55.960 for $745,750 in financial assistance 00:20:55.960 --> 00:21:00.083 consisting of $633,000 in financing and $111,750 00:21:01.243 --> 00:21:04.630 in grant from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:21:04.630 --> 00:21:08.582 for a flood early warning system project. 00:21:08.582 --> 00:21:09.415 <v ->Thank you.</v> 00:21:09.415 --> 00:21:10.719 Again, for the record, my name is Jeff Walker, 00:21:10.719 --> 00:21:12.479 your Executive Administrator. 00:21:12.479 --> 00:21:14.399 The City of Fredericksburg applied for financial assistance 00:21:14.399 --> 00:21:17.386 from the, from the FIF under Category Four seeking funding 00:21:17.386 --> 00:21:20.410 for flood early warning system projects. 00:21:20.410 --> 00:21:22.670 To prevent both vehicular and pedestrian traffic 00:21:22.670 --> 00:21:24.590 from attempting to cross a flooded roadway, 00:21:24.590 --> 00:21:26.020 this project proposes to install 00:21:26.020 --> 00:21:28.310 a flood early warning system with automatic flood gates 00:21:28.310 --> 00:21:30.240 and warning flashers at low water crossings 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:32.680 that are overtop during storm events. 00:21:32.680 --> 00:21:33.930 Additionally, the proposed system 00:21:33.930 --> 00:21:35.940 will improve overall public safety 00:21:35.940 --> 00:21:37.860 by providing real-time flood information 00:21:37.860 --> 00:21:40.710 and allowing for advanced notice of flooding conditions 00:21:40.710 --> 00:21:41.960 in the upper end of the watershed 00:21:41.960 --> 00:21:44.290 and a more immediate response. 00:21:44.290 --> 00:21:46.167 Executive Administrator recommends the Board approve 00:21:46.167 --> 00:21:50.490 $745,750 in financial assistance from flood, 00:21:50.490 --> 00:21:52.690 from the Flood Infrastructure Fund to assist the city 00:21:52.690 --> 00:21:54.940 with developing a flood early warning system. 00:21:57.610 --> 00:21:58.903 <v ->Thank you, Jeff.</v> 00:21:58.903 --> 00:22:00.353 Questions or comments? 00:22:00.353 --> 00:22:03.400 <v ->You can see another Category Four project, again,</v> 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:07.480 not only grant funding available to this community 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:10.430 but also the opportunity to use a 0% loan. 00:22:10.430 --> 00:22:14.760 And for the City of Fredericksburg, again, 00:22:14.760 --> 00:22:18.140 commend their leadership for putting together 00:22:18.140 --> 00:22:21.090 and now executing their master drainage plan. 00:22:21.090 --> 00:22:25.220 So this was actually part of, 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:27.700 I guess they had seven weighted criteria 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:28.940 that they evaluated. 00:22:28.940 --> 00:22:31.310 And so this was a project that was an outcome of that. 00:22:31.310 --> 00:22:35.280 So great to be able to see the FIF actually moving forward 00:22:35.280 --> 00:22:38.130 and executing things that are in the community's 00:22:38.130 --> 00:22:39.453 master drainage plan. 00:22:41.310 --> 00:22:44.420 <v ->Yeah, Fredericksburg has been growing rapidly</v> 00:22:44.420 --> 00:22:46.930 in the past few years and they also have like 00:22:46.930 --> 00:22:48.950 a high tourist volume. 00:22:48.950 --> 00:22:53.310 So making sure that we have the flood early warning systems 00:22:53.310 --> 00:22:56.700 in place will help those individuals who might not 00:22:56.700 --> 00:22:59.130 be super familiar with the terrain 00:22:59.130 --> 00:23:01.890 and the actual inhabitants of Fredericksburg. 00:23:01.890 --> 00:23:03.090 So it's a great project. 00:23:04.180 --> 00:23:06.103 <v ->Very good point.</v> 00:23:06.103 --> 00:23:08.690 And there's all of these projects are the realization 00:23:08.690 --> 00:23:10.770 of the vision from the legislature and the Governor 00:23:10.770 --> 00:23:13.830 last session on SB7 and SB8. 00:23:13.830 --> 00:23:17.470 It's just extraordinary to be able to put them into action. 00:23:17.470 --> 00:23:18.503 Is there a motion? 00:23:19.490 --> 00:23:21.890 <v ->Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:23:21.890 --> 00:23:24.077 from the City of Fredericksburg for financing 00:23:24.077 --> 00:23:27.460 and grant assistance from the Flood Infrastructure Fund 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:30.180 for a flood early warning system project 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:32.480 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:23:33.500 --> 00:23:35.300 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:23:35.300 --> 00:23:36.880 <v ->I second.</v> 00:23:36.880 --> 00:23:38.586 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:23:38.586 --> 00:23:39.419 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:23:40.400 --> 00:23:41.330 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:23:41.330 --> 00:23:45.450 Jeff, thank you for handling those on the, on the fly. 00:23:45.450 --> 00:23:46.363 I appreciate that. 00:23:47.260 --> 00:23:48.473 The next item, please. 00:23:49.990 --> 00:23:51.790 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item is consider</v> 00:23:51.790 --> 00:23:54.300 amending by resolution the previously adopted 00:23:54.300 --> 00:23:58.070 Texas Water Development Board Resolution Number 16-123 00:23:58.070 --> 00:24:01.450 for Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 00:24:01.450 --> 00:24:04.330 Number 10 to amend the scope of its clean water 00:24:04.330 --> 00:24:06.530 state-revolving fund project. 00:24:06.530 --> 00:24:09.610 We have Jeff Taylor here today to present to the Board 00:24:09.610 --> 00:24:10.513 on this item. 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:13.290 <v ->Good morning.</v> 00:24:13.290 --> 00:24:16.720 My name is Jeff Taylor of the Executive Administrator staff. 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:19.300 Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 00:24:19.300 --> 00:24:22.500 Number 10 requests that the Board allow the district 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:26.070 to modify its clean water state-revolving fund project scope 00:24:26.070 --> 00:24:30.827 by amending the previously adopted TWDB Resolution 16-123. 00:24:32.410 --> 00:24:34.540 On November 30th of 2016, 00:24:34.540 --> 00:24:37.330 the Board approved one million dollars in financing 00:24:37.330 --> 00:24:39.560 for the district to design and construct 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:41.680 a chlorine disinfection system 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:43.900 and to perform a study of the district's 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:47.490 wastewater treatment plants, Rock Reed Filter System. 00:24:47.490 --> 00:24:50.250 Both items addressed wastewater treatment plant 00:24:50.250 --> 00:24:52.550 outfall discharge contaminant limits 00:24:52.550 --> 00:24:54.473 as required by TCEQ. 00:24:55.320 --> 00:24:56.790 The district completed the study 00:24:56.790 --> 00:24:58.290 and determined that the best option 00:24:58.290 --> 00:25:01.170 for addressing it's affluent discharge limits 00:25:01.170 --> 00:25:03.610 was to move its existing discharge outfall 00:25:03.610 --> 00:25:05.240 to the Naches River. 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:07.890 The requested amendment to the project scope 00:25:07.890 --> 00:25:09.700 will allow the district to use funds 00:25:09.700 --> 00:25:12.570 remaining from the original commitment for planning, 00:25:12.570 --> 00:25:15.070 acquisition, and design of improvements 00:25:15.070 --> 00:25:18.820 to relocate it's discharge outfall to the Naches River. 00:25:18.820 --> 00:25:21.750 The Executive Administrator recommends approval 00:25:21.750 --> 00:25:22.950 of this item. 00:25:22.950 --> 00:25:24.900 This concludes my presentation 00:25:24.900 --> 00:25:27.400 and I am available for any questions you may have. 00:25:29.285 --> 00:25:31.643 <v ->All right, questions, comments, or a motion?</v> 00:25:34.190 --> 00:25:37.160 <v ->I would just say that I think this is a great example of,</v> 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:40.280 you know, the communities kind of working on 00:25:40.280 --> 00:25:42.440 a Board project and, you know, 00:25:42.440 --> 00:25:43.750 during the course of the project, 00:25:43.750 --> 00:25:45.770 determining what is, you know, 00:25:45.770 --> 00:25:48.790 the best in terms of water quality for the area. 00:25:48.790 --> 00:25:52.230 And so, you know, this is a result of the study 00:25:52.230 --> 00:25:55.430 that was done as a as a consequence of moving forward 00:25:55.430 --> 00:25:57.160 with this wastewater treatment plant project. 00:25:57.160 --> 00:26:00.010 So definitely moving the discharge from previously 00:26:00.010 --> 00:26:04.240 where it had been for years to to have a direct discharge 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:07.350 into the Naches is tremendously important 00:26:07.350 --> 00:26:09.500 in terms of securing overall water quality 00:26:09.500 --> 00:26:12.520 for the area and a direct result of, I think, 00:26:12.520 --> 00:26:16.060 the work that the community did as a, 00:26:16.060 --> 00:26:18.080 as a consequence of this project. 00:26:18.080 --> 00:26:20.080 So I think it's, again, it's just a great example 00:26:20.080 --> 00:26:22.430 of good projects even getting better 00:26:22.430 --> 00:26:25.030 as they move forward and then having the opportunity 00:26:25.030 --> 00:26:29.050 of using the Board's resources to modify that scope, 00:26:29.050 --> 00:26:30.550 and in this particular case, 00:26:30.550 --> 00:26:32.903 enhance the overall water quality for the area. 00:26:38.140 --> 00:26:41.050 <v ->Well put, is there a motion?</v> 00:26:41.050 --> 00:26:43.900 <v ->Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:26:43.900 --> 00:26:45.560 amending the previously adopted 00:26:45.560 --> 00:26:50.030 Texas Water Development Board Resolution Number 16-123 00:26:50.030 --> 00:26:53.120 for Jefferson County Water Control and Improvement District 00:26:53.120 --> 00:26:55.620 Number 10 to amend the scope of its clean water 00:26:55.620 --> 00:26:57.030 state-revolving fund project 00:26:57.030 --> 00:26:59.330 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:27:00.388 --> 00:27:01.766 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:27:01.766 --> 00:27:02.683 <v ->I second.</v> 00:27:04.230 --> 00:27:05.664 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:27:05.664 --> 00:27:06.497 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:27:07.570 --> 00:27:08.403 Motion passes. 00:27:08.403 --> 00:27:10.030 Thanks, Jeff, good to see you. 00:27:10.030 --> 00:27:10.863 <v ->Thank you.</v> 00:27:10.863 --> 00:27:13.340 <v ->Next item, please.</v> 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:15.360 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 00:27:15.360 --> 00:27:17.510 is consider amending by resolution 00:27:17.510 --> 00:27:20.150 the previously adopted Texas Water Development Board 00:27:20.150 --> 00:27:23.180 Resolution Number 19-106 00:27:23.180 --> 00:27:27.270 as amended by Resolution Number 20-053 00:27:27.270 --> 00:27:30.980 to modify the FHLM Regional Water Supply Corporation's 00:27:30.980 --> 00:27:33.200 drinking water state-revolving fund commitment 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:34.850 expiration date. 00:27:34.850 --> 00:27:37.713 Tom Barnett is here to present to the Board on this item. 00:27:40.790 --> 00:27:43.770 <v ->Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson,</v> 00:27:43.770 --> 00:27:44.603 Director Paup. 00:27:44.603 --> 00:27:45.810 For the record, I'm Tom Barnett 00:27:45.810 --> 00:27:48.300 with the Executive Administrator's staff. 00:27:48.300 --> 00:27:50.128 FHLM Regional Water Supply Corporation 00:27:50.128 --> 00:27:53.240 received a commitment for $8.7 million 00:27:53.240 --> 00:27:55.070 in financial assistance from the drinking water 00:27:55.070 --> 00:27:57.060 state-revolving fund 00:27:57.060 --> 00:27:59.060 for a water system improvements project. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:02.670 The proposed project would decrease arsenic contamination 00:28:02.670 --> 00:28:05.690 in the two member entities' public water supplies 00:28:05.690 --> 00:28:08.440 by purchasing treated water from the City of Waco 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:10.840 and blending it with their existing groundwater. 00:28:11.830 --> 00:28:13.530 The two FHLM members that would benefit 00:28:13.530 --> 00:28:16.430 from this project Axtell Water Supply Corporation 00:28:16.430 --> 00:28:19.170 and Elk Oak Lake Water Supply Corporation 00:28:19.170 --> 00:28:22.540 are both in violation of the EPA's maximum contaminant level 00:28:22.540 --> 00:28:25.743 for arsenic and are under enforcement by TCEQ. 00:28:26.970 --> 00:28:30.603 FHLM has already been granted one extension in June, 2020. 00:28:33.080 --> 00:28:36.250 And since then, Waco has identified an alternate 00:28:36.250 --> 00:28:38.500 pipeline route to serve this project 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:41.053 and potentially other entities northeast the city. 00:28:43.690 --> 00:28:47.460 So they just need more time to execute that contract 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.293 with the city. 00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:52.920 This resolution would grant FHLM an additional six months 00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:54.170 to close on their commitment, 00:28:54.170 --> 00:28:58.043 extending the expiration date to June 30th, 2021. 00:28:59.110 --> 00:29:02.010 This, the Executive Administrator recommends approval, 00:29:02.010 --> 00:29:04.060 approval of this item. 00:29:04.060 --> 00:29:05.520 And this concludes my presentation 00:29:05.520 --> 00:29:07.223 and I'm happy to take any questions. 00:29:10.050 --> 00:29:11.680 <v ->Questions or comments</v> 00:29:14.810 --> 00:29:15.943 or a motion? 00:29:16.830 --> 00:29:19.140 <v ->Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:29:19.140 --> 00:29:20.830 amending the previously adopted 00:29:20.830 --> 00:29:25.268 Texas Water Development Board Resolution Number 19-106 00:29:25.268 --> 00:29:29.160 as amended by Resolution Number 20-053 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:34.150 to modify the FHLM Regional Water Supply Corporation's 00:29:34.150 --> 00:29:36.240 drinking water state-revolving fund commitment 00:29:36.240 --> 00:29:38.190 expiration date as recommended 00:29:38.190 --> 00:29:40.530 by our Executive Administrator. 00:29:40.530 --> 00:29:42.043 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:29:43.830 --> 00:29:45.906 All in favor say aye. 00:29:45.906 --> 00:29:47.239 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.363 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:29:50.198 --> 00:29:52.217 Thank you, Tom, good to see you. 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.203 Next item, please. 00:29:55.720 --> 00:29:58.140 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item is consider approving</v> 00:29:58.140 --> 00:30:01.360 by resolution a request from the City of Boyd 00:30:01.360 --> 00:30:03.830 to amend Texas Water Development Board Resolution 00:30:03.830 --> 00:30:06.570 Number 18-071 00:30:06.570 --> 00:30:09.560 as amended by the Texas Water Development Board Resolution 00:30:09.560 --> 00:30:14.300 Number 20-057 to extend the expiration period 00:30:14.300 --> 00:30:16.550 of the existing drinking water state-revolving 00:30:16.550 --> 00:30:17.710 fund commitment. 00:30:17.710 --> 00:30:19.750 Joe Cohen is here to present to the Board 00:30:19.750 --> 00:30:20.990 on this item today. 00:30:24.540 --> 00:30:25.373 <v ->Good morning.</v> 00:30:25.373 --> 00:30:27.320 For the record, my name is Joe Cohen 00:30:27.320 --> 00:30:30.520 of the Executive Administrator's staff. 00:30:30.520 --> 00:30:33.310 The City of Boyd received a multi-year commitment 00:30:33.310 --> 00:30:37.460 for the city's Phase One water System Improvements Project 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:41.290 in 2018 and closed on planning acquisition 00:30:41.290 --> 00:30:43.523 and design phases later that year. 00:30:44.710 --> 00:30:45.840 In June of this year, 00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:49.340 the Board extended the construction commitment 00:30:49.340 --> 00:30:53.380 to allow for completion of the planning activities. 00:30:53.380 --> 00:30:56.120 Later in August, the city was notified by text 00:30:56.120 --> 00:31:01.120 about the plans to widen FM 730 through the city limits, 00:31:01.250 --> 00:31:05.240 requiring the city to relocate several utilities 00:31:05.240 --> 00:31:06.643 within the right of way. 00:31:07.510 --> 00:31:10.770 The city is requesting another extension 00:31:10.770 --> 00:31:14.120 to close on the construction phase funding. 00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:16.970 This will allow the city to evaluate the effects 00:31:16.970 --> 00:31:21.730 of the FM 730 expansion on the Phase One Water System 00:31:21.730 --> 00:31:23.033 Improvement Project. 00:31:23.980 --> 00:31:26.680 The Executive Administrator recommends 00:31:26.680 --> 00:31:29.500 approval of this request. 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:32.217 This concludes my presentation and I'm available 00:31:32.217 --> 00:31:33.807 for any questions. 00:31:37.350 --> 00:31:39.253 <v ->Questions, comments, or a motion?</v> 00:31:41.980 --> 00:31:45.120 <v ->Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:31:45.120 --> 00:31:47.170 amending the Texas Water Development Board 00:31:47.170 --> 00:31:50.250 Resolution Number 18-071 00:31:50.250 --> 00:31:54.620 as amended by TWDB Resolution Number 20-057 00:31:54.620 --> 00:31:56.400 to extend the expiration period 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:58.640 for the City of Boyd's existing drinking water 00:31:58.640 --> 00:32:00.550 state-revolving fund commitment 00:32:00.550 --> 00:32:03.093 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:32:03.985 --> 00:32:05.394 <v Chairman>Is there a second?</v> 00:32:05.394 --> 00:32:07.000 <v Kathryn>I second.</v> 00:32:07.000 --> 00:32:08.626 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:32:08.626 --> 00:32:10.240 Aye. <v ->Aye.</v> 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:11.310 Motion passes. 00:32:11.310 --> 00:32:12.403 Appreciate it, Joe. 00:32:13.620 --> 00:32:14.453 <v ->Okay, thank you.</v> 00:32:14.453 --> 00:32:15.373 <v ->Next item, please.</v> 00:32:16.680 --> 00:32:18.810 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item is consider approving</v> 00:32:18.810 --> 00:32:20.510 by resolution a request 00:32:20.510 --> 00:32:23.360 from the Angelina and Naches River Authority 00:32:23.360 --> 00:32:25.440 financial assistance from the clean water 00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:28.560 state-revolving fund for planning, acquisition, 00:32:28.560 --> 00:32:32.900 design, and construction of wastewater system improvements. 00:32:32.900 --> 00:32:35.630 Nancy Richards is here today to present to the Board 00:32:35.630 --> 00:32:36.583 on the item. 00:32:38.114 --> 00:32:40.260 <v ->Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson,</v> 00:32:40.260 --> 00:32:41.093 and Director Paup. 00:32:41.093 --> 00:32:42.910 For the record, my name is Nancy Richards 00:32:42.910 --> 00:32:45.650 of the Executive Administrator's staff. 00:32:45.650 --> 00:32:48.760 The Angelina and Naches River Authorities main office 00:32:48.760 --> 00:32:51.740 is located in Lufkin, Texas and the authorities' 00:32:51.740 --> 00:32:56.210 territorial jurisdiction consists of 8,500 square miles 00:32:56.210 --> 00:32:59.650 that lie in 17 East Texas counties. 00:32:59.650 --> 00:33:01.170 The authority provides water 00:33:01.170 --> 00:33:03.760 and wastewater utility operational assistance 00:33:03.760 --> 00:33:06.140 to cities, industry, school districts, 00:33:06.140 --> 00:33:08.510 and other government agencies in its region 00:33:08.510 --> 00:33:11.900 including the Angelina County Freshwater Supply District 00:33:11.900 --> 00:33:13.310 Number One. 00:33:13.310 --> 00:33:15.600 The district's 60,000 gallon per day 00:33:15.600 --> 00:33:18.380 wastewater treatment facility and collection system 00:33:18.380 --> 00:33:21.130 are part of the assets that were transferred 00:33:21.130 --> 00:33:24.700 from Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District 00:33:24.700 --> 00:33:29.700 Number Three to the district by Senate Bill 2282-85R 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:32.810 to dissolve a WCID Number Three 00:33:32.810 --> 00:33:37.140 and consolidate its assets, liabilities, and territory 00:33:37.140 --> 00:33:40.273 to the district for environmental and public health reasons. 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:44.020 The condition of the acquired infrastructure 00:33:44.020 --> 00:33:46.840 does not meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's 00:33:46.840 --> 00:33:49.543 discharge permit requirements for water quality. 00:33:50.450 --> 00:33:54.583 The authority is requesting $795,000 in financing 00:33:54.583 --> 00:33:58.000 and $1,820,000 in principal forgiveness 00:33:58.000 --> 00:34:00.560 from the clean water state-revolving fund 00:34:00.560 --> 00:34:02.280 for planning, acquisition, design, 00:34:02.280 --> 00:34:04.530 and construction to address compliance issues 00:34:04.530 --> 00:34:07.970 in the former WCID Number Three system. 00:34:07.970 --> 00:34:10.320 The authority intends to install new lift stations 00:34:10.320 --> 00:34:12.341 and enforce many to transfer the wastewater flow 00:34:12.341 --> 00:34:15.300 from the previous WCIG Number Three service area 00:34:15.300 --> 00:34:18.510 to the authorities' North Angelina County 00:34:18.510 --> 00:34:21.120 regional wastewater facility. 00:34:21.120 --> 00:34:23.560 The Executive Administrator recommends approval 00:34:23.560 --> 00:34:27.030 of this request and I'm available to answer any questions. 00:34:27.030 --> 00:34:30.850 And I'd like to thank Jeff Walker for his assistance 00:34:30.850 --> 00:34:35.257 on this project, as well as Mike (mumbles) 00:34:35.257 --> 00:34:37.690 who are no longer here but, you know, 00:34:37.690 --> 00:34:39.160 we've all worked really hard 00:34:39.160 --> 00:34:41.030 and they've all worked really hard on this. 00:34:41.030 --> 00:34:43.860 So I'd like to say thank you to them as well. 00:34:43.860 --> 00:34:44.693 <v ->Absolutely.</v> 00:34:44.693 --> 00:34:47.573 A lot as a lot of heavy lifting is going into this one. 00:34:48.640 --> 00:34:51.290 Questions, comments, or a motion? 00:34:51.290 --> 00:34:56.040 <v ->Nancy, I would just like to reiterate my thanks to you</v> 00:34:56.040 --> 00:35:00.580 and for the leadership that you and Jeff and the team 00:35:00.580 --> 00:35:04.570 has shown in looking at various alternatives 00:35:04.570 --> 00:35:08.270 and coming up with, in my mind, what is, you know, 00:35:08.270 --> 00:35:12.230 absolutely the best regional solution moving forward, 00:35:12.230 --> 00:35:13.840 not just for 00:35:14.994 --> 00:35:18.300 the existing district, the combined district, 00:35:18.300 --> 00:35:21.810 but also for those that, those 80 customers 00:35:21.810 --> 00:35:24.190 that were in that original small district. 00:35:24.190 --> 00:35:27.930 This whole concept of regionalization, we talk about it, 00:35:27.930 --> 00:35:30.690 but I mean this is an example, 00:35:30.690 --> 00:35:33.680 a real life example of how, you know, 00:35:33.680 --> 00:35:38.130 bringing the wastewater flow from a facility 00:35:38.130 --> 00:35:40.540 that was no longer functioning, 00:35:40.540 --> 00:35:45.540 that was having a massive issues with maintenance concerns 00:35:45.670 --> 00:35:47.440 and being able to route that flow 00:35:47.440 --> 00:35:50.580 to a larger wastewater treatment plant, 00:35:50.580 --> 00:35:54.250 and then overall being able to provide longterm 00:35:55.580 --> 00:36:00.580 quality discharge and also at the same time 00:36:00.860 --> 00:36:05.030 kind of taking care of not just the existing customers 00:36:05.030 --> 00:36:08.990 within the fresh water supply District Number One 00:36:08.990 --> 00:36:12.530 but also the customers that they kind of brought in 00:36:12.530 --> 00:36:15.660 for when the two districts came together. 00:36:15.660 --> 00:36:19.870 So I think great leadership from the Board, 00:36:19.870 --> 00:36:23.760 really appreciate the Angelina County, or ANRA, 00:36:23.760 --> 00:36:26.610 the River Authority, for stepping up 00:36:26.610 --> 00:36:29.330 and also for the for the folks 00:36:29.330 --> 00:36:33.253 that were a part of the original district. 00:36:34.097 --> 00:36:37.250 I know Mr. Brooks for years and years was a champion. 00:36:37.250 --> 00:36:38.940 He worked with Mr. Stover 00:36:38.940 --> 00:36:41.180 and sometimes it's really hard to kind of, you know, 00:36:41.180 --> 00:36:44.440 in your heart, give up, you know, what you have control over 00:36:44.440 --> 00:36:46.700 for the betterment, but the overall betterment and good 00:36:46.700 --> 00:36:48.900 of the community and for everyone. 00:36:48.900 --> 00:36:51.560 And I think this has been a great team effort. 00:36:51.560 --> 00:36:55.900 It's been an effort, I think of love, which, 00:36:55.900 --> 00:36:57.210 and care and concern, 00:36:57.210 --> 00:36:59.480 which I think at the end of the day, it's, 00:36:59.480 --> 00:37:00.650 that's what it's really about. 00:37:00.650 --> 00:37:04.060 It's about providing for people who need the help 00:37:04.060 --> 00:37:08.760 and doing it in such a way that communities can afford it, 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:10.500 which of course is the role of the Board. 00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:13.560 So, you know, a great team effort by, you know, the Board, 00:37:13.560 --> 00:37:17.360 the River Authority and the communities that were impacted. 00:37:17.360 --> 00:37:18.380 So thanks for this work. 00:37:18.380 --> 00:37:20.183 It's been a long time coming. 00:37:20.183 --> 00:37:23.690 I mean, this was one of the first projects that, 00:37:23.690 --> 00:37:26.720 that kind of, I think came before us as an issue 00:37:26.720 --> 00:37:29.797 back when I first came on the Board almost six years ago. 00:37:29.797 --> 00:37:32.350 So, great work effort and looking forward, 00:37:32.350 --> 00:37:34.950 I don't know if Kelly Health is listening, 00:37:34.950 --> 00:37:37.390 but look looking forward for this coming in on time 00:37:37.390 --> 00:37:40.293 and on budget, which I think, you know, 00:37:40.293 --> 00:37:41.980 is their vision as well. 00:37:41.980 --> 00:37:44.750 So thanks for this work and a great, great job. 00:37:44.750 --> 00:37:46.230 Thank you so much. 00:37:46.230 --> 00:37:47.640 <v Nancy>Thank you.</v> 00:37:47.640 --> 00:37:49.860 <v ->Nancy and Jeff, it was a huge lift to come up</v> 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:52.867 with the right size project, the right fit project 00:37:52.867 --> 00:37:55.780 and the fiscally responsible project 00:37:56.850 --> 00:37:58.870 that made sense for this community. 00:37:58.870 --> 00:38:01.880 And it took a lot of effort, but we're here today. 00:38:01.880 --> 00:38:03.750 So it's a great day. 00:38:03.750 --> 00:38:04.830 Thank you. 00:38:04.830 --> 00:38:05.780 <v Nancy>Thank you</v> 00:38:06.920 --> 00:38:08.060 <v ->Well put.</v> 00:38:08.060 --> 00:38:09.760 Is there a motion? 00:38:09.760 --> 00:38:11.990 <v ->Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:38:11.990 --> 00:38:14.650 providing the Angelina and Naches River Authority 00:38:14.650 --> 00:38:16.450 financial assistance from the clean water 00:38:16.450 --> 00:38:19.030 state-revolving fund for planning, acquisition, 00:38:19.030 --> 00:38:22.260 design and construction of wastewater system improvements 00:38:22.260 --> 00:38:25.390 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:38:25.390 --> 00:38:27.180 <v ->Is there a second?</v> 00:38:27.180 --> 00:38:28.013 <v ->I second.</v> 00:38:29.190 --> 00:38:31.076 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:38:31.076 --> 00:38:33.110 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:38:33.110 --> 00:38:34.283 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:38:35.700 --> 00:38:36.623 Thank you, Nancy. 00:38:38.810 --> 00:38:40.033 Next item, please. 00:38:41.360 --> 00:38:43.160 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 00:38:43.160 --> 00:38:45.690 is consider approving by resolution 00:38:45.690 --> 00:38:47.570 a request from the City of Seagraves 00:38:47.570 --> 00:38:49.050 for financial assistance 00:38:49.050 --> 00:38:51.350 from the Texas Water Development Fund 00:38:51.350 --> 00:38:54.070 and from the Water Infrastructure Improvement, 00:38:54.070 --> 00:38:57.350 Improvements for the Nation Grant for planning, design, 00:38:57.350 --> 00:39:00.930 and construction of a water system improvements project. 00:39:00.930 --> 00:39:03.890 We have Jesse Milonovich here to present to the Board 00:39:03.890 --> 00:39:07.900 on this item, and we also have a registration card 00:39:07.900 --> 00:39:10.060 from State Representative Dustin Burrows, 00:39:10.060 --> 00:39:11.810 who wishes to voice his support 00:39:11.810 --> 00:39:13.740 for funding agenda item Number 10 00:39:13.740 --> 00:39:16.450 concerning the request from the City of Seagraves 00:39:16.450 --> 00:39:19.043 but does not wish to address the Board today. 00:39:21.030 --> 00:39:23.250 <v ->Good morning, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson,</v> 00:39:23.250 --> 00:39:24.083 Director Paup. 00:39:24.083 --> 00:39:25.880 For the record, my name is Jesse Milonovich 00:39:25.880 --> 00:39:28.660 of the Executive Administrator's staff. 00:39:28.660 --> 00:39:31.330 The City of Seagraves is located in Gaines County, 00:39:31.330 --> 00:39:34.460 approximately 60 miles Southwest of Lubbock, Texas. 00:39:34.460 --> 00:39:37.400 That's about halfway between Lubbock and Odessa. 00:39:37.400 --> 00:39:40.100 The city provides water and wastewater services 00:39:40.100 --> 00:39:45.100 to a population of approximately 2,425 residents. 00:39:45.150 --> 00:39:47.610 The city is requesting financial assistance 00:39:47.610 --> 00:39:50.300 from the Texas Water Development Board 00:39:50.300 --> 00:39:54.040 and a Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation 00:39:54.040 --> 00:39:56.800 grant for the planning, design, and construction 00:39:56.800 --> 00:39:59.150 of water system improvements. 00:39:59.150 --> 00:40:02.010 The WIIN grant program 00:40:02.010 --> 00:40:04.900 funded through the Environmental Protection Agency 00:40:04.900 --> 00:40:07.440 is designed to help public water systems 00:40:07.440 --> 00:40:10.650 in underserved, disadvantaged communities 00:40:10.650 --> 00:40:12.700 to meet and comply with Safe Drinking 00:40:12.700 --> 00:40:14.630 Water Act requirements. 00:40:14.630 --> 00:40:16.650 Funds from the Texas Water Development Fund 00:40:16.650 --> 00:40:20.310 will fulfill the WIIN grant's 00:40:20.310 --> 00:40:25.190 required cost share of 45% of the total project costs. 00:40:25.190 --> 00:40:29.463 The proposed project will allow the city to optimize 00:40:29.463 --> 00:40:32.350 its existing water treatment system 00:40:32.350 --> 00:40:35.090 to consistently remove arsenic and fluoride 00:40:35.090 --> 00:40:37.600 and comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. 00:40:37.600 --> 00:40:41.280 In addition, the city will replace its chlorination system, 00:40:41.280 --> 00:40:44.550 approximately 1.8 miles of water line, 00:40:44.550 --> 00:40:48.070 and elevated storage tank and two ground storage tanks 00:40:48.070 --> 00:40:50.830 in addition to making other improvements. 00:40:50.830 --> 00:40:54.720 These enhancements will reduce water loss, 00:40:54.720 --> 00:40:57.800 enhance storage capacity and improve water pressure 00:40:57.800 --> 00:40:59.530 to the service area. 00:40:59.530 --> 00:41:02.270 The Executive Administrator recommends approval 00:41:02.270 --> 00:41:03.180 of this request. 00:41:03.180 --> 00:41:05.350 This concludes my presentation 00:41:05.350 --> 00:41:08.530 and I'm available if you have any questions. 00:41:08.530 --> 00:41:13.120 And I would also like to thank Lee Huntoon for her effort 00:41:13.120 --> 00:41:15.460 coordinating the WIIN grant 00:41:15.460 --> 00:41:19.293 and Kia Caballero, Caballero, excuse me, 00:41:20.150 --> 00:41:21.744 as well. 00:41:21.744 --> 00:41:25.333 They worked very hard to line that up. 00:41:28.490 --> 00:41:29.323 <v ->Thank you, Jesse.</v> 00:41:29.323 --> 00:41:30.950 Any questions, comments, or a motion? 00:41:31.810 --> 00:41:34.133 <v ->I did want to mention one thing and that was that</v> 00:41:34.133 --> 00:41:36.660 I think he shared with me that the community 00:41:36.660 --> 00:41:41.390 is contributing local funds up to $75,000 00:41:41.390 --> 00:41:44.030 to prepare an asset management plan. 00:41:44.030 --> 00:41:45.940 So I think that is, you know, 00:41:45.940 --> 00:41:48.730 a huge testament by this community that, you know, 00:41:48.730 --> 00:41:50.430 there's an investment by the state 00:41:50.430 --> 00:41:54.700 through the defund investment, through the EPA, 00:41:54.700 --> 00:41:56.130 through their grant financing, 00:41:56.130 --> 00:41:58.790 and marvelous job by the staff in pulling that off, 00:41:58.790 --> 00:41:59.714 by the way. 00:41:59.714 --> 00:42:02.870 But recognizing that they're addressing the issues today 00:42:02.870 --> 00:42:04.450 but again, that it's all about 00:42:04.450 --> 00:42:06.210 operational integrity moving forward 00:42:06.210 --> 00:42:08.880 and planning for the future and not waiting 00:42:08.880 --> 00:42:11.090 for things to kind of, you know, get in disrepair 00:42:11.090 --> 00:42:13.210 but staying on top of it and being proactive. 00:42:13.210 --> 00:42:16.700 So I did want to recognize that, in my mind, 00:42:16.700 --> 00:42:20.170 that's a that's a huge commitment by the community, 00:42:20.170 --> 00:42:22.010 very insightful on their part, 00:42:22.010 --> 00:42:25.410 and I think it's going to reap rewards in future years. 00:42:25.410 --> 00:42:27.090 So thank you, again, for working on this. 00:42:27.090 --> 00:42:29.830 Thank you for this very, you know, 00:42:29.830 --> 00:42:33.120 excellent being able to kind of leverage 00:42:33.120 --> 00:42:35.390 some of the federal dollars to help out 00:42:35.390 --> 00:42:36.850 a small community. 00:42:36.850 --> 00:42:40.870 And, again, moving forward, enhancing their water supply. 00:42:40.870 --> 00:42:42.870 So, thank you, thank you so much, Jesse. 00:42:43.820 --> 00:42:47.480 <v ->And Jesse and Lee, just a great job identifying this</v> 00:42:47.480 --> 00:42:50.270 as a project that would actually qualify 00:42:50.270 --> 00:42:52.736 for the WIIN grant funds. 00:42:52.736 --> 00:42:57.360 It's not always apparent which projects can draw down 00:42:57.360 --> 00:42:59.160 these federal grant funds. 00:42:59.160 --> 00:43:02.100 So a fantastic job identifying that. 00:43:02.100 --> 00:43:04.423 It'll make a huge difference in a small community. 00:43:06.030 --> 00:43:07.900 <v ->Absolutely and a good point, Kathleen,</v> 00:43:07.900 --> 00:43:10.900 that the future operational management of this 00:43:10.900 --> 00:43:13.113 will be a key element of its success. 00:43:14.490 --> 00:43:15.403 Is there a motion? 00:43:16.600 --> 00:43:19.640 <v ->Mr. Chairman, I move we approve the proposed resolution</v> 00:43:19.640 --> 00:43:22.430 providing the City of Seagraves financial assistance 00:43:22.430 --> 00:43:24.590 from the Texas Water Development Fund 00:43:24.590 --> 00:43:26.780 and from the Water Infrastructure Improvements 00:43:26.780 --> 00:43:29.230 for the Nation grant for planning, design, 00:43:29.230 --> 00:43:31.380 and construction of water system improvements 00:43:31.380 --> 00:43:33.933 as recommended by our Executive Administrator. 00:43:34.820 --> 00:43:36.130 <v ->Is there a second?</v> 00:43:36.130 --> 00:43:36.963 <v ->I second.</v> 00:43:38.830 --> 00:43:40.530 <v ->All in favor say aye.</v> 00:43:40.530 --> 00:43:41.990 <v ->Aye.</v> <v ->Aye.</v> 00:43:41.990 --> 00:43:43.000 <v ->Motion passes.</v> 00:43:43.000 --> 00:43:44.063 Well done, Jesse. 00:43:46.610 --> 00:43:47.443 All right. 00:43:48.520 --> 00:43:49.823 Okay, 00:43:50.750 --> 00:43:53.960 next item, please. 00:43:53.960 --> 00:43:55.900 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 00:43:55.900 --> 00:43:57.690 is the Executive Administrator's 00:43:57.690 --> 00:44:01.513 presentation of recognition to staff. 00:44:04.050 --> 00:44:05.503 <v ->Okay, thank you, sir.</v> 00:44:06.560 --> 00:44:09.543 We're waiting on Carmen to come on screen. 00:44:10.620 --> 00:44:13.033 <v ->Yeah, I was thinking about just not calling the item.</v> 00:44:14.720 --> 00:44:16.560 Just not going to let it happen. 00:44:16.560 --> 00:44:18.950 <v ->Yeah, that, that would, that would help.</v> 00:44:18.950 --> 00:44:20.380 Okay. 00:44:20.380 --> 00:44:23.410 It's a bittersweet day for me, the agency, and more so 00:44:23.410 --> 00:44:24.263 for the State of Texas. 00:44:24.263 --> 00:44:26.530 This is more sweet than bitter though. 00:44:26.530 --> 00:44:28.750 Our friend and colleague is hanging up her hat 00:44:28.750 --> 00:44:31.500 and headed to greener pastures, literally. 00:44:31.500 --> 00:44:33.590 Carmen Lena Cernosek has served Texas 00:44:33.590 --> 00:44:34.960 for more than 30 years. 00:44:34.960 --> 00:44:38.190 During her career, Carmen served in a congressional office, 00:44:38.190 --> 00:44:40.550 both chambers of the Texas legislature, 00:44:40.550 --> 00:44:42.380 the offices of two Lieutenant Governors 00:44:42.380 --> 00:44:44.880 and numerous positions in four natural resource agencies, 00:44:44.880 --> 00:44:46.870 including Parks and Wildlife, 00:44:46.870 --> 00:44:49.667 Natural Resource Conservation Commission, now TCQ, 00:44:49.667 --> 00:44:51.930 the General Land Office, and the best for last, 00:44:51.930 --> 00:44:53.810 the Water Development Board. 00:44:53.810 --> 00:44:55.840 Carmen played a significant role in every piece 00:44:55.840 --> 00:44:58.300 of landmark water legislation to be enacted 00:44:58.300 --> 00:45:00.800 by the State of Texas in the last quarter of a century. 00:45:00.800 --> 00:45:02.860 I do not say significant lightly. 00:45:02.860 --> 00:45:04.390 My favorite and most enlightening moments 00:45:04.390 --> 00:45:05.520 have been private discussions 00:45:05.520 --> 00:45:08.080 about how legislation has really done. 00:45:08.080 --> 00:45:10.030 These landmark pieces of legislation 00:45:10.030 --> 00:45:13.190 include Senate Bill One of the 75th Legislature, 00:45:13.190 --> 00:45:15.480 which turned the water planning process upside down 00:45:15.480 --> 00:45:18.710 by going from top-down to the regional bottoms-up approach 00:45:18.710 --> 00:45:19.543 we have today. 00:45:20.860 --> 00:45:23.120 Senate Bill Two of the 77th Legislature 00:45:23.120 --> 00:45:25.210 was a major groundwater and surface water bill 00:45:25.210 --> 00:45:26.840 which created groundwater management areas, 00:45:26.840 --> 00:45:28.230 groundwater availability models, 00:45:28.230 --> 00:45:30.290 and the in-stream flow programs. 00:45:30.290 --> 00:45:32.400 Senate Bill Three of the 80th Legislature 00:45:32.400 --> 00:45:34.370 gives the environmental flow standards, 00:45:34.370 --> 00:45:36.320 the Water Conservation Advisory Council, 00:45:36.320 --> 00:45:38.450 and that session's budget also included funding 00:45:38.450 --> 00:45:40.540 for the Water Infrastructure Fund, 00:45:40.540 --> 00:45:42.500 was a precursor to the SWIFT. 00:45:42.500 --> 00:45:45.310 Which leads us to House Bill Four, the 83rd, 00:45:45.310 --> 00:45:46.540 which was legislation 00:45:46.540 --> 00:45:47.960 that changed the structure of the Board, 00:45:47.960 --> 00:45:50.950 created SWIFT and swerved, which has fundamentally changed 00:45:50.950 --> 00:45:54.240 the agency and the water supply financing in Texas. 00:45:54.240 --> 00:45:57.660 She most recently led the Water Development Board GR Team 00:45:57.660 --> 00:45:59.360 through the 86th Legislature 00:45:59.360 --> 00:46:01.680 when Senate Bill Seven and Eight entrusted the agency 00:46:01.680 --> 00:46:04.280 with the new groundbreaking statewide flood science 00:46:04.280 --> 00:46:06.600 planning and mitigation initiative. 00:46:06.600 --> 00:46:08.190 Throughout her career, Carmen maintained 00:46:08.190 --> 00:46:11.240 that she's not political and does not do politics. 00:46:11.240 --> 00:46:13.010 Yet consistently she demonstrated balance 00:46:13.010 --> 00:46:14.930 and savvy political instincts that were instrumental 00:46:14.930 --> 00:46:18.550 in water policy that has shaped the Water Development Board. 00:46:18.550 --> 00:46:20.940 Carmen concludes her public service at the TWDB, 00:46:20.940 --> 00:46:23.590 an agency and position she has described as her dream, 00:46:23.590 --> 00:46:25.840 a fairytale ending for an exceptional career. 00:46:26.750 --> 00:46:28.297 I personally benefited from her expertise 00:46:28.297 --> 00:46:30.240 and her knowledge of how things really get done 00:46:30.240 --> 00:46:31.073 at the Capitol. 00:46:31.073 --> 00:46:32.870 Her candor, honesty, and friendship 00:46:32.870 --> 00:46:34.520 are a rare commodity in this world 00:46:34.520 --> 00:46:35.870 and I'll miss them greatly. 00:46:37.620 --> 00:46:38.820 I recently came across a quote 00:46:38.820 --> 00:46:40.437 that I believe captures Carmen. 00:46:40.437 --> 00:46:43.490 "What is a person if not the marks they leave behind?" 00:46:43.490 --> 00:46:45.380 There's no doubt that she leaves a lasting legacy 00:46:45.380 --> 00:46:47.340 in Texas and we're all better for it. 00:46:47.340 --> 00:46:48.173 Thank you, Carmen. 00:46:48.173 --> 00:46:50.540 We wish you all well in your adventure. 00:46:50.540 --> 00:46:52.940 Now we have a short commemorative slideshow this time 00:46:52.940 --> 00:46:54.490 if you'd roll the show, please. 00:47:08.772 --> 00:47:12.189 (energetic string music) 00:47:15.456 --> 00:47:17.926 ♪ Bright light city gonna set my soul ♪ 00:47:17.926 --> 00:47:21.480 ♪ Gonna set my soul on fire ♪ 00:47:21.480 --> 00:47:24.541 ♪ Got a whole lot of money that's ready to burn ♪ 00:47:24.541 --> 00:47:27.888 ♪ So get those stakes up higher ♪ 00:47:27.888 --> 00:47:31.834 ♪ There's a thousand pretty women waiting out there ♪ 00:47:31.834 --> 00:47:35.009 ♪ And they're all living the devil may care ♪ 00:47:35.009 --> 00:47:37.907 ♪ And I'm just the devil with love to spare ♪ 00:47:37.907 --> 00:47:41.509 ♪ So viva Las Vegas, ♪ 00:47:41.509 --> 00:47:45.034 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:47:45.034 --> 00:47:47.938 ♪ How I wish that there were more ♪ 00:47:47.938 --> 00:47:51.413 ♪ Than the 24 hours in the day ♪ 00:47:51.413 --> 00:47:54.350 ♪ Even if there were 40 more ♪ 00:47:54.350 --> 00:47:57.637 ♪ I wouldn't sleep a minute away ♪ 00:47:57.637 --> 00:48:01.406 ♪ Oh, there's black jack and poker and the roulette wheel ♪ 00:48:01.406 --> 00:48:04.668 ♪ A fortune won and lost on every deal ♪ 00:48:04.668 --> 00:48:07.577 ♪ All you need's a strong heart and a nerve of steel ♪ 00:48:07.577 --> 00:48:11.264 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:48:11.264 --> 00:48:14.540 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:48:14.540 --> 00:48:17.352 ♪ Viva Las Vegas with your neon flashing ♪ 00:48:17.352 --> 00:48:19.401 ♪ And your one-arm bandit's crashing ♪ 00:48:19.401 --> 00:48:22.890 ♪ All those hopes down the drain ♪ 00:48:22.890 --> 00:48:25.919 ♪ Viva Las Vegas turning day into nighttime ♪ 00:48:25.919 --> 00:48:27.497 ♪ Turning night into daytime ♪ 00:48:27.497 --> 00:48:32.497 ♪ If you see it once, you'll never be the same again ♪ 00:48:34.494 --> 00:48:35.873 ♪ I'm gonna keep on the run ♪ 00:48:35.873 --> 00:48:37.576 ♪ I'm gonna have me some fun ♪ 00:48:37.576 --> 00:48:40.839 ♪ If it costs me my very last dime ♪ 00:48:40.839 --> 00:48:42.647 ♪ If I wind up broke, oh well, ♪ 00:48:42.647 --> 00:48:47.514 ♪ I'll always remember that I had a swinging time ♪ 00:48:47.514 --> 00:48:51.209 ♪ I'm gonna give it everything I've got ♪ 00:48:51.209 --> 00:48:54.527 ♪ Lady Luck, please let the dice stay hot ♪ 00:48:54.527 --> 00:48:57.978 ♪ Let me shoot a seven with every shot, ah, ♪ 00:48:57.978 --> 00:49:01.128 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:49:01.128 --> 00:49:04.309 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:49:04.309 --> 00:49:07.612 ♪ Viva Las Vegas ♪ 00:49:07.612 --> 00:49:09.491 ♪ Viva ♪ 00:49:09.491 --> 00:49:10.797 ♪ Viva ♪ 00:49:10.797 --> 00:49:13.130 ♪ Las Vegas ♪ 00:49:35.723 --> 00:49:37.280 I think everybody that knows Carmen 00:49:37.280 --> 00:49:40.150 knows why we picked that background music there. 00:49:40.150 --> 00:49:43.890 So I want to thank Gabby Garcia for putting that together, 00:49:43.890 --> 00:49:44.920 my assistant. 00:49:44.920 --> 00:49:46.030 I have a couple of resolutions 00:49:46.030 --> 00:49:48.140 I'd like to read some excerpts from here. 00:49:48.140 --> 00:49:50.090 So the first one is from the Governor of Texas. 00:49:50.090 --> 00:49:52.617 It says, "Public service is an honor for its foundation 00:49:52.617 --> 00:49:54.037 "in the public trust. 00:49:54.037 --> 00:49:55.917 "On a daily basis, State employees earn this trust 00:49:55.917 --> 00:49:57.657 "by demonstrating dependability, initiative, 00:49:57.657 --> 00:50:00.027 "and wise stewardship of public resources. 00:50:00.027 --> 00:50:02.117 "Their endless dedication highlights that this state's 00:50:02.117 --> 00:50:05.237 "greatest assets lies in the people who call it home. 00:50:05.237 --> 00:50:07.007 "The First Lady Cecilia Abbott joins me 00:50:07.007 --> 00:50:08.657 "in sending best wishes for an enjoyable 00:50:08.657 --> 00:50:09.820 "and fulfilling retirement." 00:50:09.820 --> 00:50:10.870 Governor Greg Abbott. 00:50:12.540 --> 00:50:15.353 And then I have one from the, from the Senate. 00:50:16.477 --> 00:50:19.027 "Over the years Ms. Cernosek has collaborated fruitfully 00:50:19.027 --> 00:50:20.937 "with colleagues from both sides of the aisle 00:50:20.937 --> 00:50:22.770 "and her self-deprecating humor has often 00:50:22.770 --> 00:50:24.467 "helped put others at ease. 00:50:24.467 --> 00:50:26.227 "Retirement will allow her to spend more time 00:50:26.227 --> 00:50:28.667 "sharing laughs with friends, pampering her three cats, 00:50:28.667 --> 00:50:31.230 "and relaxing with family in her native La Grange." 00:50:31.230 --> 00:50:33.830 It's signed Sir Eckhart, State Senator, District 14. 00:50:36.970 --> 00:50:39.020 So that's my comments right now 00:50:39.020 --> 00:50:40.760 and I think I'll invite the Board 00:50:40.760 --> 00:50:43.760 if you'd like to have some comments from Board members. 00:50:43.760 --> 00:50:44.793 <v ->Absolutely.</v> 00:50:46.100 --> 00:50:47.873 Tremendous slideshow. 00:50:49.070 --> 00:50:51.060 Love the, love the background music. 00:50:51.060 --> 00:50:53.060 I will do Board comments at this point 00:50:53.060 --> 00:50:54.460 starting with Director Paup. 00:50:56.330 --> 00:50:58.153 <v ->Of course you have to start with me.</v> 00:51:03.060 --> 00:51:07.000 Carmen Cernosek, you have been the Board whisperer, 00:51:07.000 --> 00:51:12.043 you have kept us going as a Board. 00:51:14.080 --> 00:51:17.253 You have been my confidant and my friend, 00:51:18.610 --> 00:51:20.030 my advisor. 00:51:20.030 --> 00:51:23.160 You're never afraid to tell me when I'm wrong. 00:51:23.160 --> 00:51:27.140 And I think sometimes you take particular joy 00:51:27.140 --> 00:51:28.963 in telling me when I'm wrong, 00:51:30.040 --> 00:51:35.040 but you have just been a fantastic mentor and such a friend. 00:51:35.370 --> 00:51:38.000 And one quick note about Carmen. 00:51:38.000 --> 00:51:39.630 You know, I have a very unique son 00:51:39.630 --> 00:51:44.630 and not a lot of people get Henry and Carmen gets Henry 00:51:44.920 --> 00:51:47.390 and he is always, she is always the first person 00:51:47.390 --> 00:51:50.260 he comes to visit when he comes to the agency 00:51:50.260 --> 00:51:51.743 because he just loves her. 00:51:53.150 --> 00:51:54.740 And it's just really special to me. 00:51:54.740 --> 00:51:57.190 You've had a very vaulted career 00:51:57.190 --> 00:52:02.190 and you have a fan club that just spans years and agencies. 00:52:03.260 --> 00:52:07.440 And I only hope I have that career and those many people 00:52:07.440 --> 00:52:11.150 that just love me at the end of my tenure 00:52:11.150 --> 00:52:12.910 at state government. 00:52:12.910 --> 00:52:14.563 I will miss you and. 00:52:18.030 --> 00:52:18.863 I'm muting. 00:52:20.620 --> 00:52:22.780 <v ->Well put, we definitely shouldn't have started with you.</v> 00:52:22.780 --> 00:52:24.590 That was really nice. 00:52:24.590 --> 00:52:25.743 Director Jackson. 00:52:26.810 --> 00:52:30.320 <v ->Well, you know, exactly everything that, that Brooke said.</v> 00:52:30.320 --> 00:52:32.470 She said it so well. 00:52:32.470 --> 00:52:35.010 I think from my standpoint 00:52:35.010 --> 00:52:39.940 and our dealings with Carmen and, 00:52:39.940 --> 00:52:41.770 you know, I'm just really, really glad 00:52:41.770 --> 00:52:45.910 that she came when she did to the Water Development Board. 00:52:45.910 --> 00:52:48.710 A lot of our success, I think, is attributable to her, 00:52:48.710 --> 00:52:52.160 to her ability to, 00:52:52.160 --> 00:52:55.660 to kind of reach out through her relationships, 00:52:55.660 --> 00:52:58.450 her ability to kind of look at issues 00:52:58.450 --> 00:53:01.490 and really narrow them down into things that are, 00:53:01.490 --> 00:53:03.670 that were very understandable, 00:53:03.670 --> 00:53:06.700 and that we could kind of get our arms around 00:53:06.700 --> 00:53:10.710 and approach in a very kind of systematic way. 00:53:10.710 --> 00:53:13.120 The one thing I've kind of always noticed about Carmen 00:53:13.120 --> 00:53:16.250 is that, you know, she was the same to everybody. 00:53:16.250 --> 00:53:19.470 I mean, whether she was talking to, 00:53:19.470 --> 00:53:21.400 to the Governor of Texas 00:53:21.400 --> 00:53:23.680 or whether she was talking to somebody who was 00:53:23.680 --> 00:53:28.400 out in the community who had a care or a concern, 00:53:28.400 --> 00:53:31.000 any member of our staff, I mean, everybody felt like 00:53:31.000 --> 00:53:34.120 that Carmen, in my mind, was the same to everyone. 00:53:34.120 --> 00:53:38.120 And you know, just a great resource for the Board. 00:53:38.120 --> 00:53:41.140 Somebody that we are tremendously going to miss 00:53:41.140 --> 00:53:43.090 but we wish you the best. 00:53:43.090 --> 00:53:46.590 And gosh, if there ever was somebody, in my mind, 00:53:46.590 --> 00:53:49.920 who represented, I mean, the Texas woman 00:53:49.920 --> 00:53:54.260 and what the Texas women have contributed to Texas 00:53:54.260 --> 00:53:57.220 over time, I mean, just, just look at Carmen. 00:53:57.220 --> 00:54:01.390 And for some of those, you know, women who are out there 00:54:01.390 --> 00:54:04.650 and are thinking about their careers, you know, 00:54:04.650 --> 00:54:07.670 certainly somebody that can be a role model 00:54:07.670 --> 00:54:10.890 and it just so much that you've done to help the State, 00:54:10.890 --> 00:54:13.030 so much that you have done to help 00:54:13.030 --> 00:54:15.400 the Texas Water Development Board family, 00:54:15.400 --> 00:54:18.230 and so much that you've done to help me personally. 00:54:18.230 --> 00:54:19.940 So, thank you, thank you. 00:54:19.940 --> 00:54:22.973 And we wish you the best on your, on your retirement. 00:54:25.500 --> 00:54:27.153 <v ->Oh, nicely, it's nicely said.</v> 00:54:28.640 --> 00:54:31.160 As most of you all know, I've never, 00:54:31.160 --> 00:54:33.270 came to the Board never having worked in public service 00:54:33.270 --> 00:54:35.740 or in state government and when I got here, 00:54:35.740 --> 00:54:37.770 holy hell, what a dose of state government 00:54:37.770 --> 00:54:38.723 I got with Carmen. 00:54:40.760 --> 00:54:42.200 There's, there's nothing I can say 00:54:42.200 --> 00:54:44.167 on top of the kind words of Director Jackson 00:54:44.167 --> 00:54:45.300 and Director Paup. 00:54:45.300 --> 00:54:50.130 But Carmen, you have been a joy and absolutely invaluable 00:54:50.130 --> 00:54:51.963 and you will be missed terribly. 00:54:54.040 --> 00:54:57.980 But wish you nothing but the best and happy, happy trails. 00:54:57.980 --> 00:55:01.890 At this point, we will open up to public comment. 00:55:01.890 --> 00:55:04.150 We will start with submitted public comment. 00:55:04.150 --> 00:55:08.270 And then I know we have a few people who will be present 00:55:08.270 --> 00:55:10.100 for live comment. 00:55:10.100 --> 00:55:13.390 I will start with a statement from the Senator, 00:55:13.390 --> 00:55:14.423 Charles Perry. 00:55:16.650 --> 00:55:18.097 Senator says, "I wanted to express 00:55:18.097 --> 00:55:21.207 "my heartfelt congratulations to Carmen on her retirement. 00:55:21.207 --> 00:55:22.617 "Her service to the State of Texas 00:55:22.617 --> 00:55:24.347 "has yielded countless contributions 00:55:24.347 --> 00:55:27.637 "for water and flood planning for decades to come. 00:55:27.637 --> 00:55:29.767 "I wish her the time to spend with loved ones 00:55:29.767 --> 00:55:33.047 "and relax but never to be a stranger." 00:55:35.004 --> 00:55:38.650 I know we've got a variety of other submitted comments. 00:55:38.650 --> 00:55:42.340 I'll turn it over to Jeff to read those at this point. 00:55:42.340 --> 00:55:44.120 <v ->Okay, thank you, sir.</v> 00:55:44.120 --> 00:55:45.100 So the first one I have is from 00:55:45.100 --> 00:55:47.280 the Honorable David D, David H. Dewhurst, 00:55:47.280 --> 00:55:48.587 former Lieutenant Governor of Texas, 00:55:48.587 --> 00:55:50.730 "Congratulations, Carmen." 00:55:50.730 --> 00:55:52.000 Walt Sears, General Manager 00:55:52.000 --> 00:55:54.150 of Northeast Texas Municipal Water District 00:55:55.220 --> 00:55:57.067 says, "To acknowledge the significant contributions 00:55:57.067 --> 00:55:59.267 "Carmen has provided the Northeast Texas Region. 00:55:59.267 --> 00:56:01.367 "Her years of service are to be commended. 00:56:02.397 --> 00:56:04.027 "The Water Development Board is a premier organization 00:56:04.027 --> 00:56:04.860 "and blessed with great leadership 00:56:04.860 --> 00:56:07.377 "and Texas is fortunate to have dedicated folks 00:56:07.377 --> 00:56:09.697 "who bring energy and focus to the water topics of Texas. 00:56:09.697 --> 00:56:10.767 "Thank you for enabling Carmen 00:56:10.767 --> 00:56:13.040 "to be recognized in this way." 00:56:13.040 --> 00:56:14.520 Jace Houston representing the Office of 00:56:14.520 --> 00:56:16.717 State Representative Robert Saunders. 00:56:16.717 --> 00:56:19.057 "Carmen, thank you for introducing me to Texas politics. 00:56:19.057 --> 00:56:20.357 "You're way too young to retire 00:56:20.357 --> 00:56:21.547 "but if you're happy, I'm happy. 00:56:21.547 --> 00:56:22.747 "Congratulations." 00:56:24.330 --> 00:56:27.357 Liz Fazio Hale from Gulf Coast Authority. 00:56:27.357 --> 00:56:29.417 "Congratulations on your many years of accomplishments 00:56:29.417 --> 00:56:30.267 "and state service. 00:56:30.267 --> 00:56:31.817 "Our water feature is much brighter 00:56:31.817 --> 00:56:33.327 "because of all that you've done. 00:56:33.327 --> 00:56:35.697 "On a personal note, thank you for being an amazing mentor 00:56:35.697 --> 00:56:36.530 "and friend. 00:56:36.530 --> 00:56:38.047 "Your friend, Blackjack Liz." 00:56:39.250 --> 00:56:41.650 Gary Westbrook from Post Oak Savannah 00:56:41.650 --> 00:56:43.237 Groundwater Conservation District. 00:56:43.237 --> 00:56:45.277 "It is with greatest, deepest appreciation 00:56:45.277 --> 00:56:46.877 "and support that I pen this message. 00:56:46.877 --> 00:56:48.463 "Although someone may be hired to fill the position 00:56:48.463 --> 00:56:52.317 "Carmen will vacate, no one ever, will ever replace Carmen. 00:56:52.317 --> 00:56:54.667 "Thank you, Carmen, for so many wonderful acts of service 00:56:54.667 --> 00:56:55.817 "to our great state. 00:56:55.817 --> 00:56:57.857 "Your service at all levels will be missed. 00:56:57.857 --> 00:56:59.703 "May God's richest blessings rest upon you 00:56:59.703 --> 00:57:01.320 "and all that you do." 00:57:01.320 --> 00:57:03.483 Gary West, Westbrook, excuse me. 00:57:04.540 --> 00:57:06.937 From former Senator J.E. Buster Brown, 00:57:06.937 --> 00:57:07.887 "Congratulations, Carmen, 00:57:07.887 --> 00:57:09.357 "on a wonderful career at the Capitol. 00:57:09.357 --> 00:57:11.157 "You were so helpful in the development and passage 00:57:11.157 --> 00:57:13.717 "of the water plan for Texas, Senate Bill One 00:57:13.717 --> 00:57:14.697 "that I thought you were the member 00:57:14.697 --> 00:57:16.567 "of my staff instead of bullets. 00:57:16.567 --> 00:57:19.460 "Best of luck and happiness in your retirement." 00:57:19.460 --> 00:57:20.747 From Carol Maghera. 00:57:20.747 --> 00:57:22.427 "Carmen is the best of the best. 00:57:22.427 --> 00:57:23.607 "Texas is a better place today 00:57:23.607 --> 00:57:25.537 "because the Carmen's 30 years of service 00:57:25.537 --> 00:57:26.431 "and I'm a better person 00:57:26.431 --> 00:57:28.507 "because of her 30 years of dear friendship. 00:57:28.507 --> 00:57:29.950 "Thank you." 00:57:29.950 --> 00:57:31.557 And David Montagne. 00:57:31.557 --> 00:57:32.577 "Carmen it has been, 00:57:32.577 --> 00:57:33.787 "it has been my pleasure to work with you 00:57:33.787 --> 00:57:35.527 "for the past 20 years on water issues 00:57:35.527 --> 00:57:37.037 "that have been vital to the Sabine River Authority 00:57:37.037 --> 00:57:38.307 "in the State of Texas. 00:57:38.307 --> 00:57:40.107 "On behalf of myself and Sabine River Authority, 00:57:40.107 --> 00:57:41.767 "thank you for your commitment. 00:57:41.767 --> 00:57:42.947 "Enjoy retirement." 00:57:43.810 --> 00:57:45.137 From Mitchell Page. 00:57:45.137 --> 00:57:47.797 "My friend, my firm would like to express its sincere thanks 00:57:47.797 --> 00:57:50.937 "to Carmen for decades of service at the State of Texas 00:57:50.937 --> 00:57:52.537 "and significant contributions she's made 00:57:52.537 --> 00:57:54.737 "to advance water policy during her tenure." 00:57:56.200 --> 00:57:57.427 From Hope Wells. 00:57:57.427 --> 00:57:59.217 "In support of the recognition of Carmen Cernosek 00:57:59.217 --> 00:58:01.367 "in retirement, I have truly enjoyed working with Carmen 00:58:01.367 --> 00:58:03.267 "over many years and appreciate all she has done 00:58:03.267 --> 00:58:04.747 "for water policy in Texas." 00:58:05.760 --> 00:58:06.847 Kelly Richardson. 00:58:06.847 --> 00:58:08.537 "Carmen, congratulations on your retirement. 00:58:08.537 --> 00:58:09.517 "I'm so happy for you. 00:58:09.517 --> 00:58:11.727 "I've always admired your loyalty, your family, friends, 00:58:11.727 --> 00:58:12.627 "and work. 00:58:12.627 --> 00:58:13.737 "Bravo, Carmen Lena. 00:58:13.737 --> 00:58:15.400 "I love you dearly." 00:58:15.400 --> 00:58:18.487 And from former State Representative Robert Saunders, 00:58:18.487 --> 00:58:19.807 "Congratulations Carmen. 00:58:20.817 --> 00:58:23.037 "During your 30 years of Texas government, 00:58:23.037 --> 00:58:25.127 "you left a mark that cannot be matched. 00:58:25.127 --> 00:58:26.277 "Starting out in the Texas House, 00:58:26.277 --> 00:58:27.867 "you worked at the Parks and Wildlife Commission 00:58:27.867 --> 00:58:30.437 "of Environmental Quality, General Land Office, 00:58:30.437 --> 00:58:32.157 "Texas Senate, and now the Water Development Board. 00:58:32.157 --> 00:58:33.767 "That does not include the years that you worked with me 00:58:33.767 --> 00:58:35.027 "in Congress. 00:58:35.027 --> 00:58:36.907 "I can just imagine that your resume is too long 00:58:36.907 --> 00:58:38.217 "to read as one-pager. 00:58:38.217 --> 00:58:40.257 "Your experiences are historic and countless. 00:58:40.257 --> 00:58:41.617 "The best part is that you've always kept 00:58:41.617 --> 00:58:43.077 "that beautiful smile. 00:58:43.077 --> 00:58:44.417 "Thank you for jobs well done 00:58:44.417 --> 00:58:47.550 "and wishing you the best in future retirement for Texas." 00:58:47.550 --> 00:58:49.660 We have also congratulations but not, 00:58:49.660 --> 00:58:52.780 nothing no speaking or items. 00:58:52.780 --> 00:58:55.980 Senator Kenneth Armbrister, Captain Thigpen, 00:58:55.980 --> 00:58:57.220 Committee Director for the Senate Committee on 00:58:57.220 --> 00:58:58.710 Water and Rural Affairs, 00:58:58.710 --> 00:59:01.014 Aaron Cochang from the Lieutenant Governor's Office, 00:59:01.014 --> 00:59:04.540 Deb Mamila from the Office of Lieutenant Governor, 00:59:04.540 --> 00:59:08.623 Barry McBee, former EA, Lieutenant Governor Rick Perry, 00:59:09.460 --> 00:59:11.940 Janet Adams, the GM of Fort Davis Water Supply 00:59:11.940 --> 00:59:15.200 and Jeff Davis Underground Water Conservation District, 00:59:15.200 --> 00:59:19.150 Adeline Fox at TWCA, Sarah Kirkle of TWCA, 00:59:19.150 --> 00:59:21.240 Jennifer Woodward with AGC, 00:59:21.240 --> 00:59:22.310 Zach Holland with Blue Bonnet 00:59:22.310 --> 00:59:24.090 Groundwater Conservation Districts, 00:59:24.090 --> 00:59:27.830 Matt Phillips with BRA, Wayne Brunson with Morgan Stanley, 00:59:27.830 --> 00:59:29.750 Richard Weiss with Morgan Stanley, 00:59:29.750 --> 00:59:31.750 Dean Robbins with Robin's Advocacy, 00:59:31.750 --> 00:59:35.190 Brian Hebert with General Counsel Delisi Communications, 00:59:35.190 --> 00:59:37.370 Blair Parker with SAWS, 00:59:37.370 --> 00:59:39.650 Lisa Craving with the Comptroller's Office, 00:59:39.650 --> 00:59:41.240 Ripton and Mary Gonzalez, 00:59:41.240 --> 00:59:43.080 former Senator Kip Abrich, 00:59:43.080 --> 00:59:46.310 CJ Treadway, Bailey Steinhauser, Carolyn Britain, 00:59:46.310 --> 00:59:48.860 Clay Pope, Virginia Stevens, Maya Ingram, 00:59:48.860 --> 00:59:49.993 and Andrea Sheridan. 00:59:54.924 --> 00:59:57.020 <v ->That's quite, quite a list.</v> 00:59:57.890 --> 01:00:00.600 At this point, I think we've covered 01:00:00.600 --> 01:00:02.680 all the submitted comment. 01:00:02.680 --> 01:00:04.920 We will now move to 01:00:06.070 --> 01:00:08.860 live comment from the public 01:00:08.860 --> 01:00:12.290 starting with, I'll call Stacy Steinbach 01:00:12.290 --> 01:00:13.340 to address the Board. 01:00:17.737 --> 01:00:18.913 <v Stacey>Can y'all hear me?</v> 01:00:19.860 --> 01:00:21.050 <v ->Yep.</v> 01:00:21.050 --> 01:00:22.827 <v Stacey>Thank you, Chairman Lake, Director Jackson,</v> 01:00:22.827 --> 01:00:23.830 and Director Paup. 01:00:23.830 --> 01:00:25.740 For the record, my name is Stacey Steinbach 01:00:25.740 --> 01:00:26.920 and I'm the General Manager 01:00:26.920 --> 01:00:30.240 of the Texas Water Conservation Association. 01:00:30.240 --> 01:00:32.700 On behalf of TWCA, I just, I want to echo 01:00:32.700 --> 01:00:34.097 what's already been said about Carmen. 01:00:34.097 --> 01:00:36.250 I want to thank her for her leadership, 01:00:36.250 --> 01:00:38.460 her wisdom, and her dedication to Texas water 01:00:38.460 --> 01:00:41.930 over the course of a very, very successful career. 01:00:41.930 --> 01:00:45.870 As you all know, Carmen is a light in this industry 01:00:45.870 --> 01:00:48.110 and whether you found her at a TWCA meeting 01:00:48.110 --> 01:00:51.050 or at the Capitol, she has always been a helpful, 01:00:51.050 --> 01:00:53.400 insightful, and talented voice who is passionate 01:00:53.400 --> 01:00:55.220 about water for the state. 01:00:55.220 --> 01:00:57.420 She leaves an important legacy in the many bills 01:00:57.420 --> 01:00:58.570 she helped to craft, 01:00:58.570 --> 01:01:01.360 in many relationships she helped to forge. 01:01:01.360 --> 01:01:02.210 On a personal level, 01:01:02.210 --> 01:01:04.650 I'd like to thank Carmen for her friendship and mentorship 01:01:04.650 --> 01:01:06.360 for over the past 10 years. 01:01:06.360 --> 01:01:08.334 Her retirement leaves a huge void 01:01:08.334 --> 01:01:10.000 but I know she won't be a stranger. 01:01:10.000 --> 01:01:12.000 We will not let her be. 01:01:12.000 --> 01:01:14.240 Carmen, we are wishing you all the health, fun, 01:01:14.240 --> 01:01:16.590 and travel in your well-earned retirement. 01:01:16.590 --> 01:01:17.750 As Director Paup said, 01:01:17.750 --> 01:01:20.573 we are all huge members of your fan club. 01:01:21.440 --> 01:01:23.240 Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this item. 01:01:23.240 --> 01:01:25.850 And more generally, to the three of you Board members 01:01:25.850 --> 01:01:27.710 and to Jeff Walker as well as the staff 01:01:27.710 --> 01:01:28.910 of the Water Development Board. 01:01:28.910 --> 01:01:31.090 Carmen is a shining example of the many, 01:01:31.090 --> 01:01:34.100 many talented people and strong leadership at this agency. 01:01:34.100 --> 01:01:36.660 And we are so proud and happy to work with all of you. 01:01:36.660 --> 01:01:38.650 Thank you. 01:01:38.650 --> 01:01:39.483 <v ->Thank you, Stacey.</v> 01:01:39.483 --> 01:01:42.970 And I think it's safe to say that TWCA conferences 01:01:42.970 --> 01:01:44.423 will never quite be the same. 01:01:45.600 --> 01:01:47.549 Unless we can get Carmen to show up. 01:01:47.549 --> 01:01:48.823 <v Stacey>Your place is (mumbles).</v> 01:01:48.823 --> 01:01:50.241 <v ->Next up.</v> 01:01:50.241 --> 01:01:51.074 Good! 01:01:52.430 --> 01:01:55.073 Next up, the Board will call Mr. Robert Fuente. 01:02:08.177 --> 01:02:09.400 <v Male>Hey there, Robert,</v> 01:02:09.400 --> 01:02:11.333 you can go ahead and unmute your mic now. 01:02:16.600 --> 01:02:18.750 <v Robert>I'm sorry, technology.</v> 01:02:18.750 --> 01:02:20.300 Chairman Lake, can you hear me? 01:02:21.710 --> 01:02:23.510 <v ->Yes sir, yes sir, we've got you.</v> 01:02:23.510 --> 01:02:26.070 <v Robert>Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, Director Paup,</v> 01:02:26.070 --> 01:02:29.760 thank you for the opportunity to address you this morning. 01:02:29.760 --> 01:02:32.020 I am so honored to be part of a group 01:02:32.020 --> 01:02:35.880 that has a feeling about what's going on today 01:02:35.880 --> 01:02:37.863 and that is Carmen's retirement. 01:02:38.995 --> 01:02:40.880 All the way back from my early career 01:02:40.880 --> 01:02:43.550 as a state legislature, legislator, 01:02:43.550 --> 01:02:46.220 I remember Carmen just being there, 01:02:46.220 --> 01:02:49.490 always around these water issues, 01:02:49.490 --> 01:02:54.490 providing valuable advice, providing valuable work product 01:02:54.620 --> 01:02:57.140 to whatever agency did, she worked for 01:02:57.140 --> 01:02:58.380 throughout these years. 01:02:58.380 --> 01:03:00.760 And not just the agencies, not just her employer, 01:03:00.760 --> 01:03:02.350 but the other individuals. 01:03:02.350 --> 01:03:04.840 I never had the opportunity to hire her. 01:03:04.840 --> 01:03:07.040 I never had the opportunity for her to work for me, 01:03:07.040 --> 01:03:10.510 but I still was the beneficiary of that type of advice, 01:03:10.510 --> 01:03:12.540 of that type of work product. 01:03:12.540 --> 01:03:15.030 What I can say is that I did employ 01:03:15.030 --> 01:03:16.560 one of the water witches. 01:03:16.560 --> 01:03:18.500 Nobody has mentioned the water witches yet, 01:03:18.500 --> 01:03:21.690 but I think she was one of the charter members. 01:03:21.690 --> 01:03:23.250 And I don't know if they still exist, 01:03:23.250 --> 01:03:26.910 but they are just a group of women 01:03:26.910 --> 01:03:29.140 that this state would not be in the position it's in 01:03:29.140 --> 01:03:32.870 on water policy if it was not for their input. 01:03:32.870 --> 01:03:35.430 And Carmen was right there in the thick of this. 01:03:35.430 --> 01:03:39.600 So Carmen, I thank you for the advice you've given me. 01:03:39.600 --> 01:03:41.820 I thank you for being part of this. 01:03:41.820 --> 01:03:44.870 We in the State of Texas are going to be at a loss 01:03:44.870 --> 01:03:46.540 in not being able to count on you 01:03:46.540 --> 01:03:48.080 for what you've done for us. 01:03:48.080 --> 01:03:49.930 On a personal level, thank you very much 01:03:49.930 --> 01:03:52.860 for being part of the group that advised me 01:03:52.860 --> 01:03:54.730 throughout my career. 01:03:54.730 --> 01:03:57.930 Good trails and I hope you have an enjoyable afterlife 01:03:57.930 --> 01:04:00.330 after this development, Water Development Board. 01:04:01.360 --> 01:04:02.193 Thank you. 01:04:03.806 --> 01:04:04.720 <v ->Thank you, Mr. Fuente.</v> 01:04:04.720 --> 01:04:06.743 Next we'll call Michelle Wittenberg. 01:04:10.050 --> 01:04:12.560 <v Michelle>Hi, Carmen, quit crying.</v> 01:04:12.560 --> 01:04:13.990 It's gonna make me cry. 01:04:13.990 --> 01:04:15.246 I, you know, at this point, 01:04:15.246 --> 01:04:17.570 I've listened to what everybody's had to say 01:04:18.676 --> 01:04:22.401 and all I can really mostly do is echo it. 01:04:22.401 --> 01:04:25.510 Carmen, you're an amazing woman. 01:04:25.510 --> 01:04:27.900 You're an amazing professional. 01:04:27.900 --> 01:04:29.070 You're an amazing human. 01:04:29.070 --> 01:04:30.493 You're an amazing friend. 01:04:31.440 --> 01:04:34.160 Everybody doesn't touch people personally 01:04:34.160 --> 01:04:35.960 that they work with. 01:04:35.960 --> 01:04:38.250 There is no place that you have gone, 01:04:38.250 --> 01:04:40.270 not a day in your life 01:04:40.270 --> 01:04:43.490 that you have not made such an impression, 01:04:43.490 --> 01:04:46.420 definitely professionally, but also personally. 01:04:46.420 --> 01:04:47.790 And I'm one of those people, too, 01:04:47.790 --> 01:04:51.320 and I'm fortunate for it and I'm better for it. 01:04:51.320 --> 01:04:54.933 And I, as much as I envy your retirement, 01:04:54.933 --> 01:04:59.103 because I cannot be right there alongside with you retiring, 01:05:00.326 --> 01:05:04.830 I'm so excited to see what this phase brings to you. 01:05:04.830 --> 01:05:07.160 And I know that you're not really retiring. 01:05:07.160 --> 01:05:08.420 It's impossible. 01:05:08.420 --> 01:05:11.840 You will still be giving because you're a giver 01:05:11.840 --> 01:05:14.530 to your friends and your family and your community 01:05:14.530 --> 01:05:17.250 and your state and anywhere that you are needed. 01:05:17.250 --> 01:05:19.050 So I know we're all free to call on you 01:05:19.050 --> 01:05:21.633 anytime that we need something, right? 01:05:22.500 --> 01:05:24.020 And I want to leave you with one thing 01:05:24.020 --> 01:05:25.940 and you'll know where this comes from, 01:05:25.940 --> 01:05:28.360 but it's a quote from someone that we both think 01:05:28.360 --> 01:05:29.860 is very quotable. 01:05:29.860 --> 01:05:32.867 And it says, and I think this emulates you, 01:05:32.867 --> 01:05:37.157 "I'm waking up thankful that from the tiniest seed of faith, 01:05:37.157 --> 01:05:40.847 "I can grow an orchard of hope and spend my days 01:05:40.847 --> 01:05:43.477 "swinging from the branches of all the good 01:05:43.477 --> 01:05:44.950 "that is to come." 01:05:44.950 --> 01:05:46.380 Happy Thursday. 01:05:46.380 --> 01:05:48.580 I hope your spirits are light today. 01:05:48.580 --> 01:05:51.350 And Carmen, I hope your spirits are light every day. 01:05:51.350 --> 01:05:52.200 I'm proud of you. 01:05:54.630 --> 01:05:55.623 <v ->Wow, thank you.</v> 01:05:56.985 --> 01:06:01.985 Next we'll call C.E. Williams. 01:06:05.700 --> 01:06:07.610 <v C.E.>Well, Carmen, I want to congratulate you</v> 01:06:07.610 --> 01:06:11.010 on your retirement but I also want to tell everybody 01:06:11.010 --> 01:06:14.380 she's got a little bit of a ornery streak in her. 01:06:14.380 --> 01:06:17.520 And she's been known to flash some stuff 01:06:17.520 --> 01:06:21.520 from the dies to some of us out in the audience 01:06:21.520 --> 01:06:23.970 could be a little compromising. 01:06:23.970 --> 01:06:26.150 But I want to wish you the best, Carmen, 01:06:26.150 --> 01:06:28.383 and hopefully our paths will cross soon. 01:06:33.040 --> 01:06:34.103 <v ->Thank you, CE.</v> 01:06:35.570 --> 01:06:37.220 Next, we'll call Heather Harward. 01:06:53.670 --> 01:06:55.780 <v Male>Hi, there, Heather, I've unmuted you just now.</v> 01:06:55.780 --> 01:06:57.613 So you can unmute yourself. 01:07:13.260 --> 01:07:16.620 <v ->Sounds like Heather's having a few technical difficulties</v> 01:07:16.620 --> 01:07:19.220 so we'll come back to her once those are sorted out. 01:07:20.460 --> 01:07:22.223 Next we'll call Sabrina Brown. 01:07:31.500 --> 01:07:33.350 <v Sabrina>Hello, can y'all hear me?</v> 01:07:34.670 --> 01:07:35.880 Hi, Carmen. 01:07:35.880 --> 01:07:37.240 I'm so proud of you. 01:07:37.240 --> 01:07:40.150 I'm so sad, obviously, for your retirement. 01:07:40.150 --> 01:07:43.230 You're going to be missed so much, but you know, 01:07:43.230 --> 01:07:44.960 I felt like everything that they've talked about 01:07:44.960 --> 01:07:47.160 I've worked with you all these years, Carmen, 01:07:47.160 --> 01:07:49.300 and I'll think every single facet 01:07:49.300 --> 01:07:52.130 of all the places you've been and you've been nothing 01:07:52.130 --> 01:07:55.050 but professional and more importantly, a friend. 01:07:55.050 --> 01:07:57.850 And I'm certainly, certainly sad 01:07:57.850 --> 01:07:58.683 that you're going to be gone 01:07:58.683 --> 01:08:01.700 but so happy that you're going to retire. 01:08:01.700 --> 01:08:02.990 I want to retire with you, Carmen. 01:08:02.990 --> 01:08:04.200 Can I go, too? 01:08:04.200 --> 01:08:06.850 And I look forward to lots more years together. 01:08:06.850 --> 01:08:10.480 And some Vegas trips and I'm so happy for you, Carmen. 01:08:10.480 --> 01:08:12.230 Thank you for everything for all these years. 01:08:12.230 --> 01:08:13.403 You've been amazing. 01:08:17.203 --> 01:08:18.270 <v ->Thank you.</v> 01:08:18.270 --> 01:08:19.770 Next we'll call Steve Bresnon. 01:08:28.908 --> 01:08:30.358 <v Steve>Unmute, how's that?</v> 01:08:32.530 --> 01:08:34.030 Thank you. 01:08:34.030 --> 01:08:36.650 I left Governor Bullock's office in '96, 01:08:36.650 --> 01:08:40.160 about the time that CJ Treadway was rolling out 01:08:40.160 --> 01:08:41.800 what would become the Senate Bill One 01:08:41.800 --> 01:08:44.230 water planning process. 01:08:44.230 --> 01:08:49.550 And as I thought about Carmen today, I realized 01:08:49.550 --> 01:08:53.450 that she's been there for all this time 01:08:53.450 --> 01:08:55.520 at every critical juncture 01:08:56.820 --> 01:09:01.820 advancing the most important issue facing Texas. 01:09:02.570 --> 01:09:05.830 And it caused me to think about my own career 01:09:05.830 --> 01:09:10.600 and the career of so many other state employees 01:09:10.600 --> 01:09:14.980 who are really what make the place run. 01:09:14.980 --> 01:09:18.870 And they do it without really seeking public recognition 01:09:18.870 --> 01:09:21.440 all the way but they're then, 01:09:21.440 --> 01:09:24.100 they're there day in and day out 01:09:24.100 --> 01:09:26.803 making good things happen for the people of Texas. 01:09:27.740 --> 01:09:32.563 And nobody is a better example of that than Carmen is. 01:09:34.946 --> 01:09:36.360 I've never been accused 01:09:38.416 --> 01:09:40.600 of having an abundance of humility 01:09:41.740 --> 01:09:44.480 but I do realize that it's not, 01:09:44.480 --> 01:09:47.313 not for me to speak for Texas, 01:09:48.530 --> 01:09:53.263 but if I could for a day, I'd say thanks for all of us. 01:09:58.000 --> 01:10:00.100 <v ->Nicely said, Steve, thank you very much.</v> 01:10:01.700 --> 01:10:05.170 Finally, we'll try Heather Harward again. 01:10:05.170 --> 01:10:09.437 If she can, see if we can get those audio issues worked out. 01:10:17.920 --> 01:10:19.343 Heather, are you there? 01:10:27.400 --> 01:10:29.600 <v ->It's just like Heather to keep us waiting.</v> 01:10:30.690 --> 01:10:35.530 <v ->Yes, but we'll, as always, the suspense will be worth it.</v> 01:10:35.530 --> 01:10:38.783 At this point, we will also recognize Brian Sledge. 01:10:51.452 --> 01:10:53.535 <v Brian>Trying, trying.</v> 01:10:55.320 --> 01:10:56.650 <v ->We got you, Sledge.</v> 01:10:56.650 --> 01:10:57.800 <v ->We got you, John Boy.</v> 01:10:58.737 --> 01:11:00.470 <v Brian>Can you hear me?</v> 01:11:00.470 --> 01:11:01.440 <v ->Yes, sir.</v> 01:11:01.440 --> 01:11:04.020 <v Brian>Oh, there you are, sorry.</v> 01:11:04.020 --> 01:11:05.060 Well, I've worked with Carmen 01:11:05.060 --> 01:11:07.760 for about a quarter century now, 01:11:07.760 --> 01:11:10.030 like many of those calling in. 01:11:10.030 --> 01:11:12.850 And I won't belabor 01:11:13.940 --> 01:11:17.490 all the recognition that is rightfully earned 01:11:17.490 --> 01:11:19.450 and the comments that have previously been made, 01:11:19.450 --> 01:11:23.940 but I can't think of anyone who's worked in all facets 01:11:23.940 --> 01:11:25.820 of the water business in Texas 01:11:25.820 --> 01:11:29.250 and left a bigger imprint than Carmen has. 01:11:29.250 --> 01:11:33.597 And as Augustus McCrae said to Woodrow, 01:11:33.597 --> 01:11:35.450 "It's been one hell of a party." 01:11:35.450 --> 01:11:36.653 Congratulations, Carmen. 01:11:40.850 --> 01:11:42.040 <v ->Thank you, Sledge.</v> 01:11:44.023 --> 01:11:48.130 I think that concludes our portion of public comment 01:11:48.130 --> 01:11:49.060 on this item. 01:11:49.060 --> 01:11:54.060 And, of course, we want to hear from the lady herself. 01:11:54.390 --> 01:11:55.740 The floor is yours, Carmen. 01:11:57.280 --> 01:11:58.113 <v ->Do I have to?</v> 01:11:59.440 --> 01:12:01.100 All I can say is thank you. 01:12:01.100 --> 01:12:05.224 And for me it's been the greatest honor 01:12:05.224 --> 01:12:08.663 and to do what I've been able to do in my career. 01:12:12.340 --> 01:12:14.913 I promise not to be a stranger, I promise. 01:12:16.730 --> 01:12:18.543 <v ->We're going to hold you to that.</v> 01:12:20.368 --> 01:12:21.201 <v ->Thanks.</v> 01:12:22.130 --> 01:12:22.973 <v ->Yes, ma'am.</v> 01:12:24.060 --> 01:12:28.313 There is no formal action required on this item. 01:12:30.020 --> 01:12:32.420 Next item, please, Mr. Hardin. 01:12:32.420 --> 01:12:33.313 What an item. 01:12:35.260 --> 01:12:38.010 <v ->Mr. Chairman, the next item on the agenda</v> 01:12:38.010 --> 01:12:39.243 is public comment. 01:12:41.580 --> 01:12:42.830 <v ->I can't imagine anybody</v> 01:12:42.830 --> 01:12:44.430 trying to follow that sequence, 01:12:44.430 --> 01:12:45.940 but if any member of the public 01:12:45.940 --> 01:12:48.833 would like to address the Board, now would be the time. 01:12:49.950 --> 01:12:53.500 Please indicate your desire to do so digitally 01:12:53.500 --> 01:12:57.595 and our IT team will accommodate you. 01:12:57.595 --> 01:12:59.250 In the meantime, the Board will not meet 01:12:59.250 --> 01:13:01.423 in executive session today. 01:13:05.150 --> 01:13:06.550 Unless IT tells me otherwise, 01:13:06.550 --> 01:13:08.993 we'll assume there are no other public comment. 01:13:09.830 --> 01:13:10.700 <v Male>Yes, sir.</v> 01:13:10.700 --> 01:13:13.278 I've got Heather Harward unmuted here. 01:13:13.278 --> 01:13:14.210 <v ->Ah!</v> 01:13:14.210 --> 01:13:15.043 <v Male>Heather, are you there?</v> 01:13:15.043 --> 01:13:16.333 Did you want to speak? 01:13:18.750 --> 01:13:20.980 <v Heather>Chairman Lake, can you hear me?</v> 01:13:20.980 --> 01:13:21.920 <v ->Yes, ma'am.</v> 01:13:21.920 --> 01:13:24.550 We got her, I told you that she, 01:13:24.550 --> 01:13:26.430 make an entrance as always, Heather. 01:13:26.430 --> 01:13:27.780 <v Heather>Oh my goodness.</v> 01:13:28.730 --> 01:13:30.433 Could this be more appropriate? 01:13:33.910 --> 01:13:36.990 Chairman Lake, Director Jackson, and Director Paup, 01:13:36.990 --> 01:13:39.140 for the record, my name is Heather Harward. 01:13:41.150 --> 01:13:44.120 On behalf of myself registering whereas 01:13:44.120 --> 01:13:46.780 I'll need support for agenda item Number 11, 01:13:46.780 --> 01:13:48.893 support of Carmen Lena's (mumbles). 01:13:55.939 --> 01:13:59.593 Carmen, your professional career cannot be overstated. 01:14:02.198 --> 01:14:05.930 You've given almost over a quarter of a century 01:14:05.930 --> 01:14:08.770 of your life in service to the State of Texas 01:14:10.730 --> 01:14:15.730 and touched every piece of landmark water legislation 01:14:16.700 --> 01:14:20.363 that has ever been enacted in the last quarter of a century. 01:14:23.920 --> 01:14:27.710 You've worked for almost the majority of the 01:14:28.630 --> 01:14:31.640 natural resources agencies in the Article Six budget. 01:14:31.640 --> 01:14:34.863 You could write the entire Article Six budget. 01:14:37.050 --> 01:14:39.530 I truly, I was just saying this last week, 01:14:39.530 --> 01:14:42.520 I don't know of anybody in the business 01:14:43.530 --> 01:14:47.910 that has more experience in the natural resources arena 01:14:49.380 --> 01:14:50.369 than you do. 01:14:50.369 --> 01:14:52.923 It's truly remarkable. 01:14:54.780 --> 01:14:59.660 You've made every office, every piece of legislation, 01:14:59.660 --> 01:15:01.933 everything you've touched better. 01:15:02.957 --> 01:15:04.107 And on a personal note, 01:15:07.290 --> 01:15:08.853 you've made me better. 01:15:10.440 --> 01:15:13.343 I met you for the first time in 1997 01:15:13.343 --> 01:15:18.343 when I was taking a nap while working for Senator Sibley 01:15:18.800 --> 01:15:22.403 on a Texas Parks and Wildlife satellite office couch. 01:15:23.470 --> 01:15:27.810 You walked in with Andy Sansom and your Rocky Mountain jeans 01:15:27.810 --> 01:15:32.800 and Joey Park had to like kick me off the couch. 01:15:32.800 --> 01:15:36.380 That was our first encounter, ha ha. 01:15:36.380 --> 01:15:39.030 Who would have thought that we would ever, 01:15:39.030 --> 01:15:42.280 or you would ever establish any professional respect 01:15:42.280 --> 01:15:45.733 for me for that part but from that point on. 01:15:46.773 --> 01:15:49.800 But literally from that day forward, 01:15:49.800 --> 01:15:51.810 one of the things I'm most proud about 01:15:53.344 --> 01:15:55.573 is that we've built a friendship, 01:15:57.130 --> 01:16:00.250 a female friendship, which doesn't, 01:16:00.250 --> 01:16:03.230 it's hard to build lasting friendships 01:16:03.230 --> 01:16:06.035 that build and build and build in this relationship. 01:16:06.035 --> 01:16:09.643 But, between two women, 01:16:10.720 --> 01:16:15.093 I hate to admit it, it is even less common. 01:16:16.000 --> 01:16:19.100 I'm so proud of what we've done professionally 01:16:19.100 --> 01:16:22.703 but I'm even more proud of our relationship. 01:16:24.050 --> 01:16:25.350 I have literally 01:16:26.530 --> 01:16:27.590 not worked 01:16:28.890 --> 01:16:32.337 on any piece of water legislation without you. 01:16:34.703 --> 01:16:35.870 When you called and told me 01:16:35.870 --> 01:16:39.620 that you were retiring officially, 01:16:39.620 --> 01:16:43.650 I felt like when my dad took the training wheels 01:16:43.650 --> 01:16:46.170 off my bike and was running behind my bike 01:16:48.780 --> 01:16:50.957 saying pedal and I did. 01:16:52.033 --> 01:16:54.933 I feel like you just took the hand off the back of my bike 01:16:57.210 --> 01:16:58.470 and I'm scared, but so grateful 01:16:58.470 --> 01:17:02.063 because I know how to pedal because of you. 01:17:04.070 --> 01:17:06.973 And then the next day you told me, 01:17:08.287 --> 01:17:10.007 "I'm as scared as you are." 01:17:12.700 --> 01:17:13.533 Because you're going into retirement. 01:17:13.533 --> 01:17:16.790 This is a huge chunk of your life kid, 01:17:16.790 --> 01:17:17.633 big transition. 01:17:18.540 --> 01:17:22.360 And I just want you to know that all of us 01:17:23.600 --> 01:17:26.590 are going to hold your bike up into retirement 01:17:26.590 --> 01:17:28.040 until you're ready to peddle. 01:17:29.000 --> 01:17:32.892 And then we're all going to toast you in Las Vegas. 01:17:32.892 --> 01:17:33.880 I love you. 01:17:33.880 --> 01:17:37.282 I appreciate you, I admire you. 01:17:37.282 --> 01:17:40.260 Thank you for your service to the State 01:17:40.260 --> 01:17:42.200 and for touching so many lives. 01:17:42.200 --> 01:17:44.329 God bless you and your family. 01:17:44.329 --> 01:17:47.324 From the great State of Texas and Texas Water, 01:17:47.324 --> 01:17:48.937 we love you Carmen Lena. 01:17:52.230 --> 01:17:53.320 <v ->We knew it'd be worth the wait.</v> 01:17:53.320 --> 01:17:54.670 Thank you so much, Heather. 01:17:56.499 --> 01:17:59.430 We have one more member of the public 01:17:59.430 --> 01:18:00.630 who would like to address the Board. 01:18:00.630 --> 01:18:03.570 We'll call Mr. Bailey or call Bailey Steinheiser. 01:18:07.120 --> 01:18:08.340 <v Bailey>Thank you so much to the Board</v> 01:18:08.340 --> 01:18:12.170 for letting me jump in, in support of agenda item Number 11 01:18:12.170 --> 01:18:14.313 for my Aunt Carmen Cernosek. 01:18:16.370 --> 01:18:18.137 Oh, I've been sobbing this whole time 01:18:18.137 --> 01:18:19.943 but I finally pulled it together. 01:18:20.890 --> 01:18:22.710 I just want to say how proud I am of you. 01:18:22.710 --> 01:18:24.120 This has been amazing to watch. 01:18:24.120 --> 01:18:26.670 And, of course, I know how incredible you are 01:18:26.670 --> 01:18:29.040 but it's amazing to hear all of the wonderful stories 01:18:29.040 --> 01:18:30.080 from all of the colleagues 01:18:30.080 --> 01:18:32.960 and people that you've touched in their lives. 01:18:32.960 --> 01:18:36.750 I am so proud of you and I'm so lucky to be your niece. 01:18:36.750 --> 01:18:39.580 You've helped make me into the woman I am today. 01:18:39.580 --> 01:18:41.060 And I so look forward 01:18:41.060 --> 01:18:43.970 to seeing what the next chapter in your life holds for you. 01:18:43.970 --> 01:18:45.263 I love you so much. 01:18:46.130 --> 01:18:46.963 Thank you. 01:18:50.980 --> 01:18:51.980 <v ->Thank you, Bailey.</v> 01:18:56.220 --> 01:18:58.560 Of course, Carmen would have an overflow room 01:18:58.560 --> 01:19:00.200 for public comment. 01:19:00.200 --> 01:19:02.153 We had to roll into the next item. 01:19:05.780 --> 01:19:08.900 The, no more, 01:19:08.900 --> 01:19:13.223 I guess no, no formal action is required on this item. 01:19:15.054 --> 01:19:17.320 There being no further business 01:19:17.320 --> 01:19:19.000 of the Texas Water Development Board, 01:19:19.000 --> 01:19:22.713 this is our last meeting of the year. 01:19:23.600 --> 01:19:27.083 What has been, for better or worse, a remarkable year. 01:19:28.490 --> 01:19:30.220 And wrapping up our last Board meeting, 01:19:30.220 --> 01:19:33.460 I'll just say thanks to everybody 01:19:33.460 --> 01:19:35.240 on the Texas Water Team. 01:19:35.240 --> 01:19:38.080 Wouldn't want, wouldn't have wanted to spend 2020 01:19:38.080 --> 01:19:40.120 with any other group of folks. 01:19:40.120 --> 01:19:44.930 Happy holidays to all and wish you the best for 2021. 01:19:44.930 --> 01:19:46.590 This meeting of the Texas Water Development Board 01:19:46.590 --> 01:19:47.710 is hereby adjourned. 01:19:47.710 --> 01:19:49.943 The time is 10:53 a.m.