BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 14th day of January A.D., 2014, 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-OFFICIO CLERK OF THE COMMISSIONERS’ COURT of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following proceedings were had, to-wit:
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AGENDA CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING January 14, 2014 9:30 A.M. |
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NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Commissioners' Court 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:
All members of the Court were counted present for the exception of Commissioner Joe Flores.
Judge Garcia led the Court and Audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Virginia Townsend led the Court and Audience in Prayer.
The Court moved to approve the Consent Agenda for the exception of Item 10.E to be pulled for discussion.
Joseph Cyrus spoke of his concern over the lack of training to be honest and stated he has witnessed corruption within the county.
Virginia Townsend stated that county employees should not be electioneering while on the job.
Opal Billman feels the judge of the 275th District Court stole their property and stated the county and state should be responsible to ensure the courts function within the realm of the law.
Judge Garcia requested a moment of silence for a man whom he described as a pilar of the community, Mr. Ciro Trevino.
Hilda Salinas, Public Affairs, introduced Mr. Donovan and read the Resolution in his honor. Mr. Donovan, a Boys Scouts of America member for the past six years, has earned the highest rank attainable, Eagle Scout. Alex Rios, representative for State Representative Terry Canales, also honored Mr. Donovan with a Resolution. Mr. Donovan thanked all for the recognition.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval as it pertains to Item 14.C: C-6392-13-I; San Juanita Saldana, et al v. Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Elections Administrator.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Requesting engagement with the firm of Preston Henrichson for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval as it pertains to Item 14.C: C-6392-13-I; San Juanita Saldana, et al v. Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Elections Administrator.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1) Renovations to Former Administration Building 1st and 2nd Floors
2) Update on other ongoing county owned building construction and renovation repair projects
3) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
NO ACTION on Items 1, 2, and 3.
Approval of appropriation of the 2012 Operation Stonegarden Grant funds tactical phase 3 for the Constable Precinct No. 4 in the total amount of $5,900.79.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Requesting approval for County Judge to sign the Fiscal Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Certification.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue in the amount of $89,999.00.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
4. Requesting approval of the budget appropriation in the amount of $100,000.00.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
At this time, Commissioner Joseph Palacios stepped away from the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Joseph Palacios joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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 FOWARDED 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).
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval of contract with Roy's Hauling.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
A. Final construction contract (CC previously approved to award on 10/22/2013) in the amount of $297,936.13;
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Pursuant to TXLGC262.031 and in the interest of expediting a project's progress, requesting authority/approval for the Precinct Commissioner or designee to execute change orders that involve ...'an increase or decrease in cost of $50,000.00 or LESS...' The original contract price may not be decreased by 18% or more without the consent of the contractor.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Eufracio questioned the commencement dates. Mr. Crain, Legal Counsel, explained that there is only one commencement date and stated that the commencement date is when Hidalgo County finally accepts the premises after remodeling takes place.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR. , the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioners' Court 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. 2, HECTOR PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
NO ACTION taken on Items 13.A - 13.J.
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for recommendation to settle.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval of settlement from the county's insurance carrier, Travelers Insurance Company, for Iris Judith Serna and her attorney of record in the amount of $27,000, $30,000 to Rogelio Castillo Saldana and his attorney of record, and property damage in the amount of $5,558.00.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for authority to execute settlement documents.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to accept partial payment in the amount of $400.00 and to accept the balance of the claim through a Promissory Note.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for settlement authority to make an offer in the amount of $15.00.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for settlement authority to make an offer in the amount of $20.00.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to assign Josephine Ramirez's from the D.A.'s office to this case.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioners' Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
Commissioners' Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 14th day of January, 2014
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 January 14, 2014.
Signed this 14th day of January2014
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Virginia Jones, Deputy