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Agenda for CC REGULAR AGENDA REGULAR MTG

AGENDA
HIDALGO COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING
September 29, 2020
2:00 P.M.
                                          

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a REGULAR MEETING of the Commissioners Court will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Administration Building, 100 E. Cano, 1st floor, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:

In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that require government officials and members of the public to be physically present at a specified meeting location.  As a result, all or some government officials may participate via videoconference.  Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at:
www.hidalgocounty.us/HClive

To participate in public comment, please call: (956) 292-7630 and you will be given further instruction and be provided with a toll free number at that time.

1.
Roll Call
 
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
 
3.
Prayer
 
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
 
5.
Open Forum
 
6.
Budget & Management:
 
A.
AI-77409
1.  Public Hearing on the 2021 Proposed Budget as per Texas Local Government Code 111.067
2.  Discussion, consideration and action on changes and corrections to the 2021 Proposed Budget
3.  Approval to set salaries, allowances and other compensation for Fiscal Year 2021.
4.  Approval of Hidalgo County Pay Tables.
5. Adoption of the 2021 Annual Budget at the departmental level.
 
B.
AI-77408
Approval of order setting the 2020 Hidalgo County Tax Rates as follows:
1.  Total Maintenance and Operations Tax Rate
2.  Total Debt Service Tax Rate
3.  Total Ad Valorem Tax Rate
 
C.
AI-77521
CARES Act Relief Funds (1287):
Discussion, consideration, and action to approve the ratification of necessary CARES Act Relief Fund expenditures, as listed on Exhibit A, to cover costs not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded by line item, allotment or allocation in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency; the Court having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing, herein finds that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use.
 
D.
AI-77556
Adult Probation - Domestic Violence Court (1289):
Approval to continue the payment of Supplemental Pay for the employees currently being paid from the Domestic Violence Court grant, pending grant award for FY 2021, from the Office of the Governor-Criminal Justice Division (OOG-CJD).
 
E.
Budget Appropriations:
 
1.
AI-77536
Capital Projects Funds (13XX):
Approval of certification of revenues as certified by the County Auditor for revenues received from interest earnings and other revenue from various capital project funds and appropriation of certified funds and available fund balances of said capital project funds.
 
7.
County Judge's Office:
 
A.
AI-77531
Approval of Resolution honoring Sister Norma Pimentel for being named one of the 100 Most Influential Persons of the World.
 
8.
District Attorney's Office:
 
A.
AI-77525
DA-Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH-1281):
Approval to continue the payment of Supplemental Pay for the employee currently being paid by the Interlocal Agreement between the Tropical Texas Behavioral Health and the County of Hidalgo, by and through the Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office, pending extension/amendment agreement and funding for current fiscal year.
 
B.
AI-77321
DA-Domestic Violence Unit Grant (DVU-1281):
Approval to continue the payment of salaries for all employees currently being paid by the Domestic Violence Unit Grant pending award of the 2020-2021 grant.
 
9.
Constable Pct. #4:
 
A.
AI-77497
Requesting acceptance and approval for the purchase of employee recognition plaques for the Hidalgo County Constable Precinct 4 Department.
 
10.
Human Resources:
 
A.
Requesting waiver of the following, if applicable, for personnel items listed:
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27
3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments
 
B.
AI-77447
WIC ADM (1292):
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective 10/01/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Delete 350-001 0033 WIC Clinic Manager 12
Delete 350-001 0037 Registered Nurse I 11
Delete 350-001 0057 WIC Certification Specialist II 07
Delete 350-001 0060 Clerk IV 07
Delete 350-001 0132 Clerk II 03
Delete 350-001 0198 Nutritionist I  11
Create 350-001 0269 Nutritionist II 13
Create 350-001 0270 Nutritionist II 13
Create 350-001 0271 Licensed Vocational Nurse II 11
Create 350-001 0272 Licensed Vocational Nurse II 11
Create 350-001 0273 Custodian I 01
Create 350-002 0038 Peer Counselor II 05
Create 350-002 0039 Peer Counselor II 05
Create 350-002 0040 Peer Counselor II 05
Change in Funding Source 350-013 0002
(Create)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant 11
350-018 0001
350-017 0009
(Delete)
 
C.
AI-77474
Tax Office (1100):
Approval of backpay for employee listed below, effective 03/02/2020:
Dept./ Prg. Employee # Total Backpay Amount
140-001 023159 $1,048.65
 
D.
AI-77472
Classification and Compensation Plan:
Approval to revise the Classified Positions List as follows:
Action Current Position Title Current Grade Proposed Position Title Proposed Grade
Title Change Procurement Specialist 09 Procurement Specialist I 09
 
11.
Urban County:
 
A.
AI-77503
The Urban County Program is requesting approval to reject bids received for the Sullivan Public Facilities & Improvements Project (Library) Bid No. 5018/19-77-0300-5000-7700-UCP-GVG.
 
12.
Health & Human Services Department:
 
A.
AI-77560
Pursuant to Chapter 121 Local Public Health Reorganization Act;  Sec. 121.006, requesting approval of the Schedule of Fees for the Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department Title V Child Health and Prenatal Medical programs to be effective October 1, 2020.  
 
B.
AI-77524
To inform Commissioner's Court of the automatic renewal of one year term under the same terms and conditions of the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement Between County of Hidalgo and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for use of the John Austin Pena Memorial Center.  Original term is set to end on October 8, 2020.  
 
C.
AI-77522
Requesting approval for County Judge to sign the On-Site Activity Reporting System (OARS) Designee form.  The purpose is to delegate the responsibility of submitting monthly activity report information in TCEQ's OARS program on behalf of Hidalgo County.  
 
D.
AI-77402
Approval to extend the temporary Federal Poverty Guideline Level to 100% for the Pauper Funeral Services through 12/31/20.
 
E.
Health Care Funding District:
 
1.
AI-77390
A. Discussion, consideration and approval to draw down funds for Demonstration Year 4 Withheld UC Payment in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions from the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) with a transfer date of 10-02-20 and a settlement date of 10-05-20.
B. Approval of Certification of Revenues as certified by the County Auditor from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
C. Approval of Appropriation of funds from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
 
13.
Community Service Agency:
 
A.
AI-77505
Discussion, consideration, and authorization for Community Service Agency to apply for the 2021-2022 Texas Veterans Commission General Assistance Grant (Operation Bravo Zulu). 
 
B.
AI-77489
Discussion and action to authorize the surplus of obsolete items from the permanent inventory of the Community Service Agency and transfer to Buildings and Grounds. (list attached)
 
14.
Elections Administration:
 
A.
AI-77519
1.  Discussion on Elections updates
2.  Approval of the November 2020 General Election Service Contracts between Hidalgo County and the following entities for their elections to be held on November 03, 2020:
     1. Agua Special Utility District 
     2. Donna Irrigation District No. 1 
     3. City of Donna
     4. City of Edcouch
     5. City of Hidalgo
     6. City of La Villa
     7. City of Palmview
     8. City of Sullivan
     9. South Texas College
    10. Valley View Independent School District 
 
B.
AI-77554
Elections Dept- Center for Technology & Civic Life (CTCL) (1283):
1. Approval to accept grant award received from the Center for Technology & Civic Life (CTCL) for FY 2020 (period of June 15, 2020 - December 31, 2020) in the amount of $196,500.00.
2. Approval of certification of revenues, as certified by the Co. Auditor, in the amount of $196,500.00 and appropriation of the same.
3. Approval to create ten (10) full-time temporary positions, effective 10/01/2020 thru 12/31/2020 with authority to waive hiring and posting procedures:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Create 130-028 T220 - T229 Clerk I 01
 
C.
AI-77506
Authorization and approval to purchase additional wireless device data service through the County's membership/participation with CONTRACT: DIR-TSO-3415 with VERIZON WIRELESS for the following:
Qty: Department: Service Plan:
70 Elections Mobile Broadband 2GB Acct Share $10/GB @$23.00/ea.per month
 
15.
Precinct #1 - Comm. Fuentes:
 
A.
AI-77513
PCT. 1 - GameTime Cares Playground Grant
Approval to accept GameTime Cares Playground Grant in the amount of $73,085.35.
 
16.
Precinct #3 - Comm. Flores:
 
A.
AI-77504
Requesting approval to accept the counteroffer to purchase a tract of land known as Parcel 1 associated with Liberty Road PH II Project from Mile 3 to FM 2221 (ROW CSJ:0865-01-111)with authority for the County Judge to sign the Administrative Evaluation and Approval Form.
 
B.
AI-77488
Requesting approval to accept counteroffers to purchase tract of land known as Parcels 23 & 29 associated with Liberty Road PH. II Project with authority for the County Judge to sign the Administrative Evaluation and Approval Forms.
 
17.
Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres:
 
A.
AI-77495
Proclamation Declaring October 2020 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 
B.
AI-77510
Requesting approval to name a 50' private road to Guerra Service Road A/K/A Guerra Lane for 911 purposes.
 
18.
Purchasing Department - Notes:
A. FOR ANY CONTRACT(S) AWARDED AND APPROVED UNDER THIS AGENDA, EXECUTED COPIES OF THE CONTRACT(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY INTRA-NET WEBSITE AND WILL BE FORWARDED VIA E-MAIL, FAX OR HAND DELIVERED TO HIDALGO COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
B. ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT(S) APPROVED WILL BE SUBJECT TO COUNTY AUDITORS PROCESSING PROCEDURES INCLUDING AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT(S)/CHECK(S).
 
A.
Hidalgo County
 
1.
AI-77528
Presentation for discussion, consideration and applicable action on the presentation of "Recommendations" for the allocation/distribution for various expenditures in connection with a Communication Strategy/Campaign through multi-media platforms [CC 08-25-20 approved monthly cap of $75K].
 
2.
AI-77520
Approval of the following change order in connection with the construction of the Hidalgo County Courthouse from contracted vendor, Morganti Texas, Inc.: Subject to compliance with 1295 Form.
Change Order # Description Amount
55 Modifications to Jury Box & Judge's Bench per CPR 32 $118,005.00
 
3.
AI-77523
Authority to advertise and approval of procurement packets (i.e., Legal Notice, HDR Project Manual Construction Documents, Specifications, Draft Contract, etc.) as attached hereto for the New Hidalgo County Courthouse Project to include the re-advertising if/when applicable/necessary] for the following components:
  • Procurement and Installation of moveable furniture and other items;
  • Procurement and Installation of signage and other items;
  • Procurement and Installation of AV/Court Technology and other items;
  • Procurement and Installation of digital signage and other items;
 
4.
AI-77578
A.  Restatement of approved lease agreement between HC and WILLSCOT [CC 03-12-19 R.AI#69353] which permits a month to month provision [unless terminated by County pursuant to terms & conditions of document] located on site of Pct. #1 offices on Joe Stephens in Weslaco, Tx;

B,  Acceptance and approval of invoices from WILLSCOT [as attached herein] for the months of August and September 2020 with authority for County Treasurer to issue payment after HC Auditor completes the review/audit process;

C.  Acceptance and approval of cost proposal [as reviewed by Facilities Management] in the amount of $10K submitted by WILLSCOT due to damages sustained and caused by Hurricane Hanna with authority to process and issue a Purchase Order of a submitted Requisition for same;

D. "Discussion, consideration and action to approve a necessary CARES Act Relief Fund expenditure to cover cost not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded by line item, allotment or allocation, for the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency in order to assist with County functions related to the public health measures by providing Public Assistance to affected/eligible residents with mortgage and rental payments, food, temporary shelter, transportation costs, internet services, utilities and medication costs due and caused by the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency; the Court having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing herein find that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use.";

E. Approve an exemption from competitive bidding requirements, under Tx Local Gov't. Code, 282.024(a)(1)&(2) as attached herein;

F. Approval to continue month to month rental with WILLSCOT to house staff of the Hidalgo County Community Service commencing upon occupancy through end of 2020 [unless CARES Act Relief Act extended by US Treasury]; 
 
5.
AI-77491
A.  Discussion, consideration, and action to approve a necessary CARES Act Relief Fund expenditure to cover cost not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded by line item, allotment or allocation, for the [engineering services for a generator addition, make modifications necessary for the installation of new x-ray machine, and consolidate two existing electrical services into one at the Hidalgo County Forensic Center], in order to assist with County functions related to medical and Public Health expenses addressing the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency; the Court having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing, herein finds that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use;    
 
B.  Request to approve an exemption from competitive bidding requirements, pursuant to Texas LGC 262.024(a)(1): an item that must be purchased in case of a public calamity if it is necessary to make the purchase promptly to relieve the necessity of the citizens; (2) an item necessary to preserve and protect the public health and safety of the citizens; (4) professional service; 

C.  Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 2 (with an estimated cost of $42,512.00) as submitted by the project engineer, Halff Associates, Inc., to provide MEP engineering services for the "Installation of Generators at various County Facilities," through Contract # C-20-185-06-30;

D. Pursuant to contract with Halff Associates, Inc., (Article 15) C-20-185-06-30, a request by engineer for CC to permit the subcontracting of The Warren Group Architects, Inc. to provide architectural services for the "Installation of Generators at various County Facilities". 
 
6.
AI-77527
A. Authority to re-advertise and publish a Request for Qualifications for a Forensic Pathologist to provide Turnkey Autopsy & Related Services for Hidalgo County with approval of procurement packet [to be reviewed and finalized as drafted and developed in coordination with HC/DA/Civil Section and Purchasing Department] since "No Statements of Qualifications" were submitted/received [on acceptance date of 09-24-20] including the re-advertisement if and when applicable;

B. Confirmation of the original Designation of Evaluation Committee to review, score and grade the submitted Statements of Qualifications to remain the ones presented and approved through R/AI #77121 presented on 09/01/2020.
 
7.
AI-77530
A.  Discussion, consideration and action authorizing Valiant Energy Sources to solicit information from awarded vendors in connection with the provision of Energy to assess, recommend and demonstrate savings initiatives/programs, etc. through the use of a Letter of Authorization Form and a Designation of Representation and possible implementation;

B.  Authority for the County Judge to complete and execute the Designation of Representation and Authorization Letters/Forms for Valiant Energy Sources.
 
B.
Health & Human Services Dept.:
 
1.
AI-77552
A.  Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Texas Local Government Code, 262.024(a)(7), an item that can be obtained from only one source, (7) items from which competition is precluded because of the existence of patents, copyrights, secret processes, or monopolies;

B.  Approval of a Sole Source Declaration for vendor, Emocha Mobile Health, Inc. for the purchase of single web user monthly subscription, which enables healthcare providers to manage patient reported dat suing the Emocha interface, including but not limited to, HIPPA compliant cloud hosting, maintenance and support, video DOT [directly observed therapy] implementation for system web users as well as assistance with initial deployment of smartphone application to patients;

C.  Approval to purchase from the sole source vendor, EMOCHA Mobile Health, Inc. the services described above and herein in the amount of $8,160.00 through the processing of submitted Requisition #421239 into a Purchase Order.
 
C.
County Judge's Office
 
1.
AI-77540
Discussion on Hidalgo County's current Disaster Recovery Debris Management Contracts.
 
2.
AI-77546
Emergency Management:
A.  "Discussion, consideration and action to approve a necessary CARES Act Relief Fund expenditure to cover cost not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded y line item, allotment or allocation, for the Hidalgo County Office of Emergency Management for the relocation [due to lack of space at present location] to two county-owned buildings in need of renovations and/or repairs to serve as Emergency Operations and Call Centers in order to assist with County functions related to the public health measures addressing the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency;  the Court having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing herein finds that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use;"
 
B.  Discussion and applicable action on the Renovation of two buildings B & C [located on corner of Mahl & 10th Sts., aka, HC Annex IV) for the housing of "Emergency Management Operations and Call Centers" through the CC approved/selected construction option of cooperative purchasing programs awarded Job Order Contractors including, but not limited to, the following:

    a.  Presentation of the two submitted proposals received for the project from two of three JOC provided packets:
        1.  Noble Texas Builders, LLC;
        2.  Herrcon, LLC;
with action to accept and award [base bid an/or Alternates], issue Notice to Proceed and process a Purchase Order;   OR, in the alternative,

C.  Reject the two proposals received and discuss other options to include setting a not to exceed per square foot price or any other alternatives that CC may want to adopt or implement.
 
3.
AI-77558
Emergency Management:
A. Authorization and approval to purchase through the State of Texas Federal Surplus Program under Chapter 2175.001 of the Texas Local Government Code and Sec. 262.024(9)
  1. One (1) Mobile Ramp, ID# 48-019-7075-22-001;
  2. Two (2) Tool Kit, General Mechanics, ID# 48-020-7152-37-013;
  3. Two (2) Tool Kit, General Mechanics, ID# 48-020-9448-20-001
B. Authorization for the purchasing department to issue a purchase order along with the County Treasurer's office to issue a check made payable to Texas Facilities Commission in the amount of $2,350.00 after the review and approval of the County Auditor's office.
 
D.
Pct. 1
 
1.
AI-77549
A.  Recommendation by project engineer, Halff & Associate for CC to award to Camacho Demolition, LLC, the responsible vendor submitting the lowest and best bid for the project titled: Demolition of HC Juvenile Youth Village located in Precinct 1;
 
B.  Approval of construction contract (C-20-372-09-29) between County of Hidalgo and Camacho Demolition, LLC.
 
E.
Pct. 2
 
1.
AI-77567
Acceptance and approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 2 for services under Work Authorization No. 1, through Contract No. C-16-199-07-19 with L&G Consulting Engineers, to reallocate funds for Archeological and Historical Research work performed by the engineer resulting in no increase to the work authorization for the "Roadway and Drainage Improvements associated with the BUS281/SH107 Intersection Project;
 
F.
Pct. 4
 
1.
AI-77586
A.  Requesting an exemption from competitive bidding requirements, under Tx.LGC, 262.024(a)(4), a professional service;

B. Presentation of the scoring grid of firms graded and evaluated from the County's current/approved "Pool" of pre-qualified professional engineers for the purpose of ranking by HCCC in connection with  the Design, Renovation, & Construction of the Pueblo de Palmas Park in Precinct 4;

C. Requesting authority for the Purchasing Department to commence negotiations with the number one (1) ranked firm, ___________________________________ for a professional services contract for the Design, Renovation and Construction of the project titled:  Pueblo de Palmas Park in Pct. #4.
 
2.
AI-77551
A. Discussion, consideration and approval of a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] with the Hidalgo County Head Start Program for providing [procurement process] assistance for the: "Construction of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program V Parking Lot Improvements Project [the HC/Head Start Center V is located at 3500 E. FM 2812, Edinburg, TX 78542];
 
B.  Discussion, consideration and approval to advertise the construction of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program V Parking Lot Improvements Project [HC/Head Start Center 3500 E. FM 2812, Edinburg, TX 78542] with compliance and adherence to all applicable federal/state & local Head Start guidelines/requirements and subject to final review and approval of procurement packet [drafted and developed in collaboration with HCDD#1 engineer] by HC/DA/Civil Section in order to release bid packets to interested vendors.
 
G.
Sheriff's Office
 
1.
AI-77587
Presentation of the sole qualified vendor, O.E Investments, LTD,  submitting the bid [meeting specifications/requirements] for award and approval of  contract for project numbered/titled: "RFB #2020-220-09-02-JJR- Lease of Tower Space-Weslaco"- HC/Sheriff's Office.
 
2.
AI-77581
Authority to advertise and approval of procurement packet (i.e., Legal Notice, Specifications, Draft Contract, etc.,) as attached hereto for Hidalgo County for "RFB: 2020-494-10-21-JAG" for project titled: "Purchase of a Prisoner Transport Bus" - including the re-advertising if/when applicable/necessary and subject to final review as to legal form by HC/DA/Civil Section.
 
H.
Juvenile Probation
 
1.
AI-77547
Requesting authority to purchase security camera system, licenses and installation (through HC membership with TIPS 200105) awarded vendor, Telepro Communications in the total amount of $128,654.01 to remove existing and replace with a new security camera system located throughout the Juvenile Probation Facility/location
 
19.
Executive Office:
 
A.
Presentation for discussion of the following: 
1) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects 
2) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
 
20.
AI-77577
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding:
A. County response to disaster/health emergency:
1. CARES Act Funds
    a.   Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Sharyland ISD
    b.   Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with La Villa ISD
    c.   Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IDEA Public Schools
    d.   Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
    e.   Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Food Bank RGV
B. Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety
C. Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions
 
21.
Closed Session:
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
 
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
 
B.
Private consultation and advice of counsel concerning pending, potential and/or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client priviledge under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
 
C.
Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
 
22.
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024(A) (4) "a Professional Service" for the "provision of legal services/representation in connection with litigation."

B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
 
23.
Open Session:
 
A.
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same
 
B.
Pending and/or potential litigation
 
C.
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
 
24.
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
 
25.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
 
26.
Adjourn