SPECIAL MEETING - October 2, 2013
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 2nd day of October A.D., 2013, there was begun and held a SPECIAL MEETING of the Honorable Commissioners’ Court of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following members thereof were present, to-wit:
| HONORABLE RAMON GARCIA HONORABLE A.C. CUELLAR, JR. HONORABLE HECTOR "TITO" PALACIOS HONORABLE JOSEPH PALACIOS |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 4 |
and ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., COUNTY CLERK & EX-OFICIO CLERK OF THE COMMISSIONERS’ COURT of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following proceedings were had, to-wit:
 |
AGENDA DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS October 2, 2013 9:00 A.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Drainage District #1 Board of Directors will be held at the Edinburg Council Chambers 415 W. University Drive, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:
1.
Roll Call
All members of the Board were counted present for the exception of Commissioner Joe M. Flores.
All members of the Board were counted present for the exception of Commissioner Joe M. Flores.
2.
Open Forum - No open forum discussions.
3.
Approval of Consent Agenda
The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
4.
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Presentation and discussion by Hollis Rutledge & Associates on the recapturing of funds through federal and state agencies and other sources.
Godfrey Garza delivered a status presentation on the levee system in Penitas. He expressed to the Board that the IBWC mislead them into believing the Penitas pump levee project was completed. His main concern is the section that was left unfinished, which endangers the community from flooding. Godfrey stated he has asked that Region 6 FEMA Director and the IBWC Commissioner come to make a presentation to general public including Drainage District Board, Drainage Advisory Board, and the Tri-County Advisory Board to inform them of the specifics of the project. Mr. Rutledge explained that they discovered the unfinished project and addressed it to the IBWC, in turn, admitted they had not finished due to problems that arose. During the acknowledgement of the incomplete project, IBWC said they needed to issue a new set of plans and that it would take them two years to complete the project. He explained that it is the Federal Governments responsibility to stay informed and keep the County informed. Louie Jones, representing Dannenbaum, explained the difficulties that Mcallen Construction was having in de-watering the channel, resulting in the inability to complete the project. Mr. Jones believes that Dannenbaum could have had plans to fix the project within 90 days, yet they were not contacted by the IBWC.
The Court urged to set up a meeting as soon as possible due to the repercussions the delay could have the community. Godfrey stated he would arrange a meeting and advise all parties involved.
Godfrey Garza delivered a status presentation on the levee system in Penitas. He expressed to the Board that the IBWC mislead them into believing the Penitas pump levee project was completed. His main concern is the section that was left unfinished, which endangers the community from flooding. Godfrey stated he has asked that Region 6 FEMA Director and the IBWC Commissioner come to make a presentation to general public including Drainage District Board, Drainage Advisory Board, and the Tri-County Advisory Board to inform them of the specifics of the project. Mr. Rutledge explained that they discovered the unfinished project and addressed it to the IBWC, in turn, admitted they had not finished due to problems that arose. During the acknowledgement of the incomplete project, IBWC said they needed to issue a new set of plans and that it would take them two years to complete the project. He explained that it is the Federal Governments responsibility to stay informed and keep the County informed. Louie Jones, representing Dannenbaum, explained the difficulties that Mcallen Construction was having in de-watering the channel, resulting in the inability to complete the project. Mr. Jones believes that Dannenbaum could have had plans to fix the project within 90 days, yet they were not contacted by the IBWC.
The Court urged to set up a meeting as soon as possible due to the repercussions the delay could have the community. Godfrey stated he would arrange a meeting and advise all parties involved.
5.
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A. Presentation on existing drainage improvements at and around San Carlos area.
Mr. Garza showed pictures of Dickerson Pond, Aguilar Pond, drains, ditches, channels, and pump houses revealing the progress. He suggested the Aguilar Pond to be leased for grazing to create some revenue.
B. Discussion and direction as it relate to a request by Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority; on off site drainage components for SH 365 and International Bridge Trade Corridor projects.
The RMA requested to partner up with the Drainage District in order place ditches where the district needs them. The RMA would incur all the costs associated with the development of the project. The RMA could then use the soil removed to create the ditches to build the overpasses. The RMA has requested, in writing, for this partnership. Louie Jones, Program Manager of the RMA, feels the partnership helps both entities. With direction from the Court, the appropriate procedures will then take place to begin such partnership.
Mr. Garza showed pictures of Dickerson Pond, Aguilar Pond, drains, ditches, channels, and pump houses revealing the progress. He suggested the Aguilar Pond to be leased for grazing to create some revenue.
B. Discussion and direction as it relate to a request by Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority; on off site drainage components for SH 365 and International Bridge Trade Corridor projects.
The RMA requested to partner up with the Drainage District in order place ditches where the district needs them. The RMA would incur all the costs associated with the development of the project. The RMA could then use the soil removed to create the ditches to build the overpasses. The RMA has requested, in writing, for this partnership. Louie Jones, Program Manager of the RMA, feels the partnership helps both entities. With direction from the Court, the appropriate procedures will then take place to begin such partnership.
6.
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Approval of Utility Joint Use Acknowledgement Utility Adjustment, between HCDDI and United Irrigation District (UID) as it related to TxDot Highway improvement to FM 681 & acceptance of Special Warranty Deed
On motion by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 1 A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2 HECTOR PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
7.
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Approval of Application For Payment #4 for Asago LLC, dba Asago Construction as it relates to Edinburg WWTP Effluent Line Road Crossings in the amount of $50,833.73, PO# 622338.
On motion by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 4 JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2 HECTOR PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
8.
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2013 Bonds
Request Approval of Purchase of the Master Drainage System (MDS) Phase II which is compromised of the Design and Expansion of the Raymondville Drain Outfall System as per the Assignment of Contract and Engineer Product from Hidalgo County to Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. - $5,518,883.00
Request Approval of Purchase of the Master Drainage System (MDS) Phase II which is compromised of the Design and Expansion of the Raymondville Drain Outfall System as per the Assignment of Contract and Engineer Product from Hidalgo County to Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. - $5,518,883.00
On motion by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 1 A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2 HECTOR PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
9.
Closed Session:
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 & 551.072 to discuss the following:
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 & 551.072 to discuss the following:
On motion by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 1 A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 4 JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed to Executive Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
C.
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Claim of Dannenbaum Engineering
NO ACTION taken on Items 9.A. - 9.C.
NO ACTION taken on Items 9.A. - 9.C.
10.
Open Session:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
C.
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Claim of Dannenbaum Engineering
NO ACTION taken on Items 10.A. - 10.C.
NO ACTION taken on Items 10.A. - 10.C.
11.
Closed Session:
Board of Directors may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
Board of Directors may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
12.
Open Session:
Board of Directors may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
Board of Directors may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
13.
Adjourn
On motion by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 2 HECTOR PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER, PCT. 1 A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to Adjourn.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
There being no further business to come before said
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 2nd day of October, 2013
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Virginia Jones, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on October 2, 2013.
Signed this day 2nd of October 2013
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Virginia Jones, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 2nd day of October, 2013
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Virginia Jones, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on October 2, 2013.
Signed this day 2nd of October 2013
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Virginia Jones, Deputy