SPECIAL MEETING - March 5, 2014
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 5th day of March 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:
 |
AGENDA DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS March 5, 2014 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 Joe M. Flores.
All members of the Board were counted present for the exception of Joe M. Flores.
2.
Open Forum
Opal Billman has been concerned that she feels her lake has been connected to the United Irrigation District System. She asked if it were possible to obtain plans of existing systems providing and draining water in those areas surrounding her property. She does not want her private property taken over by the Hidalgo County Drainage System.
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa made an short appearance and breifly discussed the Affordable Care Act. He announced that there will be a special enrollment event at the Mcallen Convention Center on Thursday and Friday, March 20th and 21st from 9 AM through 4 PM. This event is to assist the public in enrolling in obtaining an insurance plan.
Opal Billman has been concerned that she feels her lake has been connected to the United Irrigation District System. She asked if it were possible to obtain plans of existing systems providing and draining water in those areas surrounding her property. She does not want her private property taken over by the Hidalgo County Drainage System.
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa made an short appearance and breifly discussed the Affordable Care Act. He announced that there will be a special enrollment event at the Mcallen Convention Center on Thursday and Friday, March 20th and 21st from 9 AM through 4 PM. This event is to assist the public in enrolling in obtaining an insurance plan.
3.
Approval of Consent Agenda
The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
The Board moved to approve the Consent Agenda.
4.
AI -43398
Update on Rehabilitation and/or construction of river levee at Edinburg Pump Station, Irrigation District #1
Mr. Godfrey Garza announced that there will be a meeting scheduled with the Irrigation District at the Pump House. He stated he will have an update next week in regards to the result of the meeting.
Mr. Godfrey Garza announced that there will be a meeting scheduled with the Irrigation District at the Pump House. He stated he will have an update next week in regards to the result of the meeting.
5.
AI -43362
A.) Consideration and applicable action on the following option items in connection with Financial Advisory Services Provider for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1:
B.) Approval to exercise the District's option to renew the two (2) additional years under the same rates, terms and conditions with First Southwest Company for the provision of "Financial Advisory Services" in connection to RFP No. 11-008-04-27-Financial Advisory Services project; and/or
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
C.) Action for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to exercise the thirty (30) days written Notice of Termination to First Southwest Company as provided in the Agreement, more specifically under Section IV-Termination and thus agree that only services provided and expenses incurred to the date of termination will be due and payable; and, if applicable,
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
D.) Authority to advertise a Request for Proposals ( with qualifications) for the engagement and contracting of a Professional Financial Advisory Services Provider for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1, including approval of basic draft scope of services, requirements and qualifications used in the last solicitation of same.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B.) Approval to exercise the District's option to renew the two (2) additional years under the same rates, terms and conditions with First Southwest Company for the provision of "Financial Advisory Services" in connection to RFP No. 11-008-04-27-Financial Advisory Services project; and/or
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
C.) Action for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to exercise the thirty (30) days written Notice of Termination to First Southwest Company as provided in the Agreement, more specifically under Section IV-Termination and thus agree that only services provided and expenses incurred to the date of termination will be due and payable; and, if applicable,
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
D.) Authority to advertise a Request for Proposals ( with qualifications) for the engagement and contracting of a Professional Financial Advisory Services Provider for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1, including approval of basic draft scope of services, requirements and qualifications used in the last solicitation of same.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
6.
AI -43368
Approval to enter into an Agreement with Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council; as it pertains to 2011 Amendments to Region M Regional Water Plan. (Delta Watershed Development Program)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
7.
AI -43372
Approval of invoice #4 for FJW Construction, LLC for Mile 171/2 Road Improvement Project in the amount of $93,546.50.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
8.
AI -43405
A. Citizens Advisory Committee Report
Dr. Francisco Guajardo, Chairman, stated he would like thank the Board for appointing a committee, but would appreciate more participation by the committee members. The committee would like to recommend to the Board a new iteration of the Drainage District by including the committee and the public. Joe Phillips, committee member, stated that a concern of the committee is transparency. They would like to the Board to consider an independent auditor to serve the Drainage District. Judge Garcia thanked the committee for all of their service and appreciates their hard work.
B. Discussion and possible action on recommendation from Citizens Advisory Committee regarding Audit Services
Judge Garcia suggested, if it pleased the committee, to have Lora Briones report to the Drainage District Board directly. Mr. Phillips stated that suggestion would create the independence that they are seeking. Mr. Godfrey Garza stated he supported the idea. Commissioner Hector "Tito" Palacios would like the committee to submit a quarterly report to include absenteeism. The Board supported the idea unanimously. Ms. Briones stated the staff that is a part of her team besides her are two accountants, an accounts payable clerk and a buyer that joined them some time later.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for the preparation of the transition of Ms. Briones and her staff to report to the Drainage District Board.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Dr. Francisco Guajardo, Chairman, stated he would like thank the Board for appointing a committee, but would appreciate more participation by the committee members. The committee would like to recommend to the Board a new iteration of the Drainage District by including the committee and the public. Joe Phillips, committee member, stated that a concern of the committee is transparency. They would like to the Board to consider an independent auditor to serve the Drainage District. Judge Garcia thanked the committee for all of their service and appreciates their hard work.
B. Discussion and possible action on recommendation from Citizens Advisory Committee regarding Audit Services
Judge Garcia suggested, if it pleased the committee, to have Lora Briones report to the Drainage District Board directly. Mr. Phillips stated that suggestion would create the independence that they are seeking. Mr. Godfrey Garza stated he supported the idea. Commissioner Hector "Tito" Palacios would like the committee to submit a quarterly report to include absenteeism. The Board supported the idea unanimously. Ms. Briones stated the staff that is a part of her team besides her are two accountants, an accounts payable clerk and a buyer that joined them some time later.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval for the preparation of the transition of Ms. Briones and her staff to report to the Drainage District Board.
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:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
NO ACTION taken on Items 9.A and 9.B.
NO ACTION taken on Items 9.A and 9.B.
10.
Open Session:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
NO ACTION on Items 10.A and 10.B.
NO ACTION on Items 10.A and 10.B.
11.
Closed Session:
Board of Directors may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
Board of Directors may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
12.
Open Session:
Board of Directors may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
Board of Directors may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
NO ACTION taken on this Item.
13.
Adjourn
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
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 5th day of March, 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 March 5, 2014.
Signed this 5th day of March 2014
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 5th day of March, 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 March 5, 2014.
Signed this 5th day of March 2014
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Virginia Jones, Deputy