Agenda for HISTORICAL COMMISSION

HIDALGO COUNTY
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 18, 2024
2:30 P.M.
Pharr Memorial Library
121 E. Cherokee Avenue
Pharr, TX

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551 Texas Government Code and Section 318.005 of the Texas Local Government Code, that a Meeting of the Historical Commission will be held. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:

Call Meeting to Order
Introduction of Members and Guests
Approval of Minutes from December 3, 2023
Public Comments

Members of the public are welcome to speak and raise issues that are not on the agenda during the public comments portion of Hidalgo County Historical Commission meetings. However, a limited amount of time of no longer than fifteen (15) minutes will be set aside during each regular or special meeting of the Commission. A member of the public who desires to address the Commission must request and be recognized by the Chair. The Chair may choose not to recognize the individual or may impose a time limit on the individual's comments. Commissioners may take no formal action on any matter discussed during public comments, unless it directly relates to a pre-existing agenda item. Commission members are not required to answer questions raised during public comments. No public comments will be allowed during any subsequent agenda item unless so recognized by the Chair.

Committee Reports:
1. Executive Committee………………………………………………Adela Ortega
  1. The Executive Board met on January 13 to discuss goals for the 2024 year.
  2. The CHC Annual Report is due to the Texas Historical Commission by March 1st
2. Preservation Committee…………………………………….……Gabriel Ozuna
  1. Report on Mercedes' new preservation ordinance and CLG application status
  2. Call for preservation priorities and endangered historic resources/buildings
  3. Potential projects: school buildings, irrigation districts, agricultural structures, and citrus-themed cultural landscapes
3. Marker Committee……………………………………………Alejandro Oyoque
  1. The Colegio Jacinto Treviño (Mercedes) undertold marker was approved by the THC.
  2. Austin Elementary (Edinburg) undertold RTHL marker was approved by the THC.
  3. There are several outstanding markers approved in previous years that have not been completed or installed.
  4. Call for volunteers to inventory current markers and report on their condition
4. Finance Committee..….………………………………………Alejandro Oyoque
  1. Report on proposed line items for budget to request from county (ongoing)
5. Collection & Archives Committee………………………………..Shannon Pensa
  1. Reminder: Please be sure to transfer copies of marker applications and research materials to the Collection & Archives committee–regardless of whether they are approved or unapproved. These types of materials are not only required to be preserved in our local repository (UTRGV), but they are also highly sought after by researchers.
  2. HCHC Collection Use Statistics (Jan. 1 - Feb. 15)
    1. Physical collection materials
    2. Digital collection materials
6. Cemetery Committee……………………………………………....Melissa Knerr
  1. Ongoing project to identify all missing cemeteries in the county on THC Atlas
7. Publicity Committee…………………………………………….René Ballesteros
  1. Facebook metrics: content engagement and followers
  2. Call for content: photos, video, marker stories, events. etc.
8. Section 106 Reviews……………………………………………...Gabriel Ozuna
  1. TxDOT/HC-P1 Mile 10 N project in Weslaco
State Historical Markers - Applications Due May 15
1. Consideration of applications for state historical markers
  1. RTHL for the Miller-Kelsey House (McAllen)
  2. Any other completed applications from the public
2. Discussion and possible action to approve state marker applications
County Marker Program
1. Discussion and possible action to approve a standardized design for county markers and recommend foundries to Commissioners Court
Other Business:
1. Reminder: the Texas Open Meetings Act training is required for all new members. https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government/governmental-bodies/pia-and-oma-training-resources/open-meetings-act-training
2. A reminder to Commission members to log their hours spent doing HCHC activities, including drivetime to and from meetings, etc.
Announcements, Events, and Upcoming Meetings:
1. From the Texas Historical Commission
  1. The THC has launched its new website: thc.texas.gov
  2. Real Places Conference (Austin, TX) on April 3-5, 2024
2. Announcements from Commission members…
3. Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 19 at a location TBD.
  1. Upcoming meeting dates for 2024 (subject to change) are:

May 19 / Sept. 15 / Nov. 17
Adjournment