SPECIAL MEETING - December 22, 2014
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 22nd day of December 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 CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING December 22, 2014 9:30 A.M. |
|
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:
1.
Roll Call
All members of the Court were counted present for the exception of Commissioner Joe Flores.
All members of the Court were counted present for the exception of Commissioner Joe Flores.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
Judge Garcia led the Court and Audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Garcia led the Court and Audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Prayer
Julia Sullivan led the Court and Audience in Prayer.
Julia Sullivan led the Court and Audience in Prayer.
4.
Open Forum
Ramiro Trevino was concerned over calls he received phone calls from County employees regarding senior administration transfers. He disagrees over the amount of pay increase and asked the Court to review the situation.
Ramiro Trevino was concerned over calls he received phone calls from County employees regarding senior administration transfers. He disagrees over the amount of pay increase and asked the Court to review the situation.
5.
County Judge's Office:
A.
AI-47878
1. Discussion and approval of new Guidelines and Criteria for Granting Tax Abatements in Hidalgo County and approve order on same.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Discussion and approval of Tax Abatement Agreement between Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Wind Farms LLC and approve order on same.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
A this time, Commissioner A.C. Cuellar, Jr. joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Discussion and approval of Tax Abatement Agreement between Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Wind Farms LLC and approve order on same.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, HECTOR “TITO” PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
A this time, Commissioner A.C. Cuellar, Jr. joined the meeting.
Attachments:
6.
Executive Officer - Valde Guerra:
A.
AI-47867
Approval of 457 plan hardship withdrawal request for employee #102717
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
Attachments:
B.
AI-47853
Planning Department:
Approval of Certificate of Plat and Utility Status under Texas Local Government Code Section 232.028 (b)
Approval of Certificate of Plat and Utility Status under Texas Local Government Code Section 232.028 (b)
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
C.
AI-47881
Discussion, consideration and action on expansion of duties to include Law Enforcement for Emergency Management and Safety Division Personnel
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
D.
AI-46968
Emergency Management:
Discussion, consideration and action designating Emergency Management vehicles as emergency vehicles
Discussion, consideration and action designating Emergency Management vehicles as emergency vehicles
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
E.
AI-47880
Co. Wide Admin./J.P. Pct 1 Pl 1/J.P Pct 1 Pl 2/Facilities Management (1100):
1. Discussion, consideration, and approval of the following personnel actions, effective 01/01/2015:
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
2. Approval of Inter-departmental transfers.
3. Approval of revised salary schedules.
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 Items 2 and 3.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Discussion, consideration, and approval of the following personnel actions, effective 01/01/2015:
| Action | Dept/Program | Slot No. | Current Position Title | Current Budgeted Salary | Proposed Position Title | Proposed Budgeted Salary |
| Delete | 115-002 | 0001 | Court Coordinator | $37,981.00 | - | -0- |
| Delete | 115-002 | 0002 | Court Assistant | $30,564.00 | - | -0- |
| Delete | 115-002 | 0003 | Assistant Court Coordinator | $30,564.00 | - | -0- |
| Create | 061-001 | 0007 | - | -0- | Court Clerk | $23,993.00 |
| Create | 062-001 | 0007 | - | -0- | Court Clerk | $23,993.00 |
| Delete | 220-001 | 0015 | Administrative Assistant I | $25,271.00 | - | -0- |
| Delete | 220-001 | 0060 | Inventory Specialist II | $26,014.00 | - | -0- |
| Create | 220-001 | 0114 | - | -0- | Administrative Assistant II | $29,100.00 |
| Create | 220-001 | 0115 | - | -0- | Administrative Assistant II | $29,100.00 |
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
2. Approval of Inter-departmental transfers.
3. Approval of revised salary schedules.
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 Items 2 and 3.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
County Clerk's Office - Arturo Guajardo, Jr.:
A.
AI-47847
REQUESTING APPROVAL OF 2015 ELECTED OFFICIAL BONDS:
Garcia, Ramon - Hidalgo County Judge
Garza, Federico "Fred" - Judge, County Court at Law No. 4
Garza, Homero - Judge, County Probate Court
Hinojosa, Laura - District Clerk
Garcia, Norma G. - County Treasurer
Garcia, Norma G. - Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1
Zamarripa, Alfredo - County Treasurer's Office Chief Deputy
Cantu, Eduardo "Eddie" - County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2
Morales, Jesse - Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 1, Place 2
Muñoz, Jaime "Jerry" - Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 2
Mr. Eufracio, County Auditor, had a concerns on bonds submitted by the County Judge, Commissioner Precinct No. 2, and Justice of the Peace, Precinct No.1, Place 2 in regards to them requiring corrections. He also noted that the bond for County Court at Law No. 4 was not attached to the agenda for his review, but Ms. Annette Muniz, County Clerk Chief Deputy, assured him it was submitted. He also informed the Court that the bond for Norma Garcia, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, should not be acted on because it requires action by the Drainage District.
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 subject to any and all corrections.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
NO ACTION taken on Norma G. Garcia, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.
Garcia, Ramon - Hidalgo County Judge
Garza, Federico "Fred" - Judge, County Court at Law No. 4
Garza, Homero - Judge, County Probate Court
Hinojosa, Laura - District Clerk
Garcia, Norma G. - County Treasurer
Garcia, Norma G. - Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1
Zamarripa, Alfredo - County Treasurer's Office Chief Deputy
Cantu, Eduardo "Eddie" - County Commissioner, Precinct No. 2
Morales, Jesse - Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 1, Place 2
Muñoz, Jaime "Jerry" - Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2, Place 2
Mr. Eufracio, County Auditor, had a concerns on bonds submitted by the County Judge, Commissioner Precinct No. 2, and Justice of the Peace, Precinct No.1, Place 2 in regards to them requiring corrections. He also noted that the bond for County Court at Law No. 4 was not attached to the agenda for his review, but Ms. Annette Muniz, County Clerk Chief Deputy, assured him it was submitted. He also informed the Court that the bond for Norma Garcia, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, should not be acted on because it requires action by the Drainage District.
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 subject to any and all corrections.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
NO ACTION taken on Norma G. Garcia, Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.
Attachments:
8.
Human Resources - Esther Cortez:
A.
AI-47879
Precinct No. 1 Parks (1100)/ Road Maintenance (1200):
1. Approval of the following personnel actions, effective 01/01/2015:
2. Approval to waive Section 3.22 of the Civil Service Commission Rules and reclassify the following full-time position, as per sections 3.22-3.28 of the Civil Service Commission Rules, effective 01/01/2015.
3. Approval of transfer(s).
4. Approval of revised salary schedule(s).
NO ACTION taken on Items 1 - 4.
1. Approval of the following personnel actions, effective 01/01/2015:
| Action | Dept/ Pgrm | Slot No. |
Current Position Title |
Current Budgeted Salary |
Proposed Position Title |
Proposed Budgeted Salary |
Total Adjustment |
| Salary Adjustment (Increase) |
121-013 | 0010 | Heavy Equipment Operator III | $27,405.00 | Heavy Equipment Operator III | $30,324.00 | $2,919.00 |
2. Approval to waive Section 3.22 of the Civil Service Commission Rules and reclassify the following full-time position, as per sections 3.22-3.28 of the Civil Service Commission Rules, effective 01/01/2015.
| Action |
Dept/ Pgrm |
Slot No. |
Current Position Title |
Current Budgeted Salary |
Proposed Position Title |
Proposed Budgeted Salary |
Total Adjustment |
| Reclassify | 121-013 | 0007 | Clerk/ Receptionist | $29,150.00 | Accounts Payable Clerk | $32,150.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Reclassify | 121-005 | 0046 | Heavy Equipment Operator I |
$27,124.00 | Heavy Equipment Operator III |
$30,324.00 | $3,200.00 |
| Reclassify | 121-005 | 0109 | Heavy Equipment Operator III |
$30,342.00 | Crew Leader II | $33,542.00 | $3,200.00 |
3. Approval of transfer(s).
4. Approval of revised salary schedule(s).
NO ACTION taken on Items 1 - 4.
B.
AI-47871
Pct. 3 Sanitation (1100)/Pct 3 Rd. Maintenance. (1200):
1. Discussion, consideration, and approval of the following salary adjustments, effective 01/01/2015:
2. Approval to waive Section 3.22 of the Civil Service Commission Rules and reclassify the following full-time position, as per sections 3.22-3.28 of the Civil Service Commission Rules, effective 01/01/2015.
3. Approval of transfer(s).
4. Approval of revised salary schedule(s).
NO ACTION taken on Items 1 - 4.
1. Discussion, consideration, and approval of the following salary adjustments, effective 01/01/2015:
| Action | Dept/ Program |
Slot No. | Current Position Title |
Current Budgeted Salary | Proposed Position Title |
Proposed Budgeted Salary |
Total Adjustment |
| Salary Adjustment (Increase) | 123-001 | 0006 | Supervisor | $30,900.00 | Supervisor | $32,000.00 | $1,100.00 |
| Salary Adjustment (Increase) | 123-005 | 0030 | Mechanic II | $29,660.00 | Mechanic II | $33,000.00 | $3,340.00 |
| Salary Adjustment (Increase) | 123-005 | 0074 | Heavy Equipment Operator III | $28,840.00 | Heavy Equipment Operator III | $33,000.00 | $4,160.00 |
2. Approval to waive Section 3.22 of the Civil Service Commission Rules and reclassify the following full-time position, as per sections 3.22-3.28 of the Civil Service Commission Rules, effective 01/01/2015.
| Action | Dept/ Program |
Slot No. |
Current Position Title |
Current Budgeted Salary |
Proposed Position Title |
Proposed Budgeted Salary |
Total Adjustment |
| Reclassify | 123-005 | 0037 | Maintenance II | $29,217.00 | Traffic Safety Specialist I |
$31,000.00 | $1,783.00 |
3. Approval of transfer(s).
4. Approval of revised salary schedule(s).
NO ACTION taken on Items 1 - 4.
9.
Precinct #2 - Comm. Palacios:
A.
AI-47877
Pct 2 Administration (1200):
Approval of 2014 interdepartmental transfer from Pct Rd Maint to Pct 2 Administration in the amount of 65,000.00.
Approval of 2014 interdepartmental transfer from Pct Rd Maint to Pct 2 Administration in the amount of 65,000.00.
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
Attachments:
B.
AI-47852
Approval of Agreement between the San Juan Cemetery Association and the County of Hidalgo, TX to overlay the roadways within the cemetery.
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
Attachments:
10.
Budget & Management - Sergio Cruz:
A.
AI-47864
CO2014 (1345)
1. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $750.00.
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
2. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Certificates of Obligation, Series 2014 in the amount of $22,272,996.05.
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
Refunding Bonds 2014C (1446)
3. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $2,550.00.
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
4. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Refunding Bonds, Series 2014C in the amount of $26,672,364.40 and $26,367,451.35 (respectively).
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
Tax Notes 2014 (1304)
5. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $750.00.
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
6. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Tax Notes, Series 2014 in the amount of $6,102,262.85.
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
1. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $750.00.
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
2. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Certificates of Obligation, Series 2014 in the amount of $22,272,996.05.
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
Refunding Bonds 2014C (1446)
3. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $2,550.00.
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
4. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Refunding Bonds, Series 2014C in the amount of $26,672,364.40 and $26,367,451.35 (respectively).
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
Tax Notes 2014 (1304)
5. Approval of 2014 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $750.00.
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
6. Approval of estimated revenues and appropriation of funds for Tax Notes, Series 2014 in the amount of $6,102,262.85.
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
Attachments:
B.
AI-47876
HIDTA US Treasury Asset Forfeiture (1252):
1. Approval of 2015 HIDTA US Treasury Asset Forfeiture Fund Budget (1252).
2. Approval of appropriation of the HIDTA US Treasury Asset Forfeiture funds.
Mr. Cruz informed the Court and Auditor that these funds were only for the Operating Budget that needed approval for 2015 in the amount of $455,000.00.
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 of Items 1 and 2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Hector "Tito" Palacios addressed the Court and public to bid farewell at this, his final Commissioners' Court meeting. He expressed his appreciation for all those he has worked with and the residents of Precinct 2.
1. Approval of 2015 HIDTA US Treasury Asset Forfeiture Fund Budget (1252).
2. Approval of appropriation of the HIDTA US Treasury Asset Forfeiture funds.
Mr. Cruz informed the Court and Auditor that these funds were only for the Operating Budget that needed approval for 2015 in the amount of $455,000.00.
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 of Items 1 and 2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Hector "Tito" Palacios addressed the Court and public to bid farewell at this, his final Commissioners' Court meeting. He expressed his appreciation for all those he has worked with and the residents of Precinct 2.
Attachments:
11.
Adjourn
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
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 22nd day of December, 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 December 22, 2014.
Signed this 22nd day of December 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 22nd day of December, 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 December 22, 2014.
Signed this 22nd day of December 2014
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Virginia Jones, Deputy