Primary Department: Fire Marshal
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Laurie L. Christensen
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Executive Session
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Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
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Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by the Fire Marshal’s Office - Threat Management Group for an executive session pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.089(3) for discussion and possible action regarding security measures and actions for 1001 Preston St and other County Buildings.
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Background and Discussion:
On June 26, 2025, Commissioners Court directed the FMO to return to court with discussion and possible action related to security updates at County Buildings along with the below specific request for security enhancements at 1001 Preston St.
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) Threat Management Group has concluded its review and discussions with both the Steering Committee and the Leadership Committee regarding security concerns at 1001 Preston Street. Based on those collaborative discussions, there is consensus and support to move forward with a total security recommendation. These proposed actions are now being submitted to Commissioners Court for formal discussion, direction, and approval. The goal is to improve physical security and employee safety at the facility in a manner that is both effective and minimally disruptive.
The following items are being requested for implementation, with associated recommended actions for relevant County departments:
1. Recommended Action: Direct Harris County Universal Services and Harris County Engineering to immediately implement badge access controls at the north entrance.
2. Recommended Action: Instruct HCFMO, Harris County Engineering, and the Office of County Administration’s Language Access and Accessibility Team to collaboratively design and install signage that meets both functional and aesthetic requirements of the building.
3. Recommended Action: Assign HCFMO to lead coordination with Harris County Universal Services and other appropriate stakeholders to research the feasibility of developing a comprehensive plan with existing technology for implementing a monitored employee alarm notification system.
4. Recommended Action: Direct HCFMO to initiate with Harris County Universal Services and other stakeholders to affirm the 2024 quote(s) for the installation of access control, card readers, and security cameras through CIP process.
5. Recommended Action: Direct HCFMO to initiate with Harris County Engineering and other stakeholders for the construction of an entry kiosk through CIP process.
These initiatives reflect a coordinated and practical approach to enhancing the safety and security of County personnel and visitors at 1001 Preston Street. We respectfully request Commissioners Court’s approval and direction to proceed with these actions.
Expected Impact:
Enhanced security for employees and the public.
Alternative Options:
None
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: H: Improve the condition and resilience of County transportation, flood control, and other infrastructure.
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Action Taken |
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6/26/2025 |
297 |
Request to bring back to next Commissioners Court |
Location:
Address (if applicable): 1001 Preston St. Houston, TX and other County Buildings as necessary.
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 7/10/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date)
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Rodney Reed, Executive Assistant Chief, Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office
Attachments (if applicable):