SPECIAL MEETING - September 15, 2015
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 15th day of September A.D., 2015, 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 EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE JOE M. FLORES HONORABLE JOSEPH PALACIOS |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 3 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 September 15, 2015 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 in attendance for the exception of Board Member Joe Flores.
All members of the Board were in attendance for the exception of Board Member Joe Flores.
2.
Prayer
Mr.Sesin led everyone in Prayer.
Mr.Sesin led everyone in Prayer.
3.
Open Forum
No comments under Open Forum.
No comments under Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
The Board moved to approved the Consent Agenda.
The Board moved to approved the Consent Agenda.
5.
Discussion on Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Drainage projects, maintenance and operations
Raul Sesin discussed the matter of maintaining the shredding for different parts of the county, he stated that so far they maintained and shred about 370 miles of ditches. According to Mr. Sesin this accumulates to about 10.9 miles per shredder, their cleaning schedule is about four to five months depending on the weather. He added that out of the 370 miles, 256 miles are drainage district owned or easement ditches and that the other 114 miles are ditches they have taken over since 2010 from precincts one to four. In addition to the current miles they already maintained, he explained that after obtaining and completing other ditches they will be gaining about 600 miles. Therefore, the drainage district will be going from thirty-four to sixty shredders in order to sustain the current cleaning cycle of every four to five month.
Board member Joe Flores joined the meeting.
Raul Sesin discussed the matter of maintaining the shredding for different parts of the county, he stated that so far they maintained and shred about 370 miles of ditches. According to Mr. Sesin this accumulates to about 10.9 miles per shredder, their cleaning schedule is about four to five months depending on the weather. He added that out of the 370 miles, 256 miles are drainage district owned or easement ditches and that the other 114 miles are ditches they have taken over since 2010 from precincts one to four. In addition to the current miles they already maintained, he explained that after obtaining and completing other ditches they will be gaining about 600 miles. Therefore, the drainage district will be going from thirty-four to sixty shredders in order to sustain the current cleaning cycle of every four to five month.
Board member Joe Flores joined the meeting.
6.
AI -51144
Second Public Hearing to discuss proposed 2015 Tax Rate. (Adoption of the 2015 Tax Rate and Approval of the District's 2016 Annual Budget will be held on September 29, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. in the Hidalgo County Old Administration Building, 100 E. Cano, Edinburg, Texas.)
Judge Garcia opened Public Hearing.
Mr. Sesin stated once more that the current proposed rate is of .0591 in comparison to last year’s rate of .0597 the rate is significantly lower for the new year.
No one came forward with comments.
Judge proceeded to closed the Public Hearing.
Judge Garcia opened Public Hearing.
Mr. Sesin stated once more that the current proposed rate is of .0591 in comparison to last year’s rate of .0597 the rate is significantly lower for the new year.
No one came forward with comments.
Judge proceeded to closed the Public Hearing.
7.
AI -51361
Presentation of the Drainage District Annual Collections Report
Pablo Villarreal, Hidalgo County’s Tax Assessor and Collector, presented to the court a summary in regards to the Drainage District Annual Collections Report. He mentioned that for the Drainage Department they were able to collect $27,949,362.81 Mr. Villarreal added that under the 2013 - 2014 collection for last year there was a percentage increase from 93.38% to 93.80%.
Pablo Villarreal, Hidalgo County’s Tax Assessor and Collector, presented to the court a summary in regards to the Drainage District Annual Collections Report. He mentioned that for the Drainage Department they were able to collect $27,949,362.81 Mr. Villarreal added that under the 2013 - 2014 collection for last year there was a percentage increase from 93.38% to 93.80%.
Attachments:
8.
AI -51318
Discussion, consideration and action on Amended and Restated Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 1 and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1
Mr. Sesin explained that this interlocal is related to the Peñitas pump house project that is being done for FEMA and for the IBWC in regards to the levee and border wall upgrades. He mentioned that the interlocal is being examined by legal counsel and irrigation district in order to meet the criteria. The monetary commitment continues to be the same for both districts; it is just a matter of fast tracking the project. Raul Sesin explained that due to the previous issues the projected had been delayed. However they are currently working with an engineer in order to raise the wall and comply with FEMA regulations.
In regards to these issues Virginia Townsend expressed her concerns and mentioned that it will be better to have engineers working on it and that in her opinion the project has been taken too long to complete.
Board member Joseph Palacios stepped away from the meeting.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Sesin explained that this interlocal is related to the Peñitas pump house project that is being done for FEMA and for the IBWC in regards to the levee and border wall upgrades. He mentioned that the interlocal is being examined by legal counsel and irrigation district in order to meet the criteria. The monetary commitment continues to be the same for both districts; it is just a matter of fast tracking the project. Raul Sesin explained that due to the previous issues the projected had been delayed. However they are currently working with an engineer in order to raise the wall and comply with FEMA regulations.
In regards to these issues Virginia Townsend expressed her concerns and mentioned that it will be better to have engineers working on it and that in her opinion the project has been taken too long to complete.
Board member Joseph Palacios stepped away from the meeting.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
9.
AI -51317
A.) Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 262.024, (a)(7)-"Items for which competition is precluded because of existence of patents, copyrights, secret process or monopolies" in connection with the "Maintenance and Support Services Agreement" with Weidenhammer Systems Corporation.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B.) Approval of "Sole Source Declaration" with authority to purchase and enter into a maintenance and support services agreement with Weidenhammer Systems Corporation as required by the Hidalgo County Treasurer's office to provide payroll services to Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 in the amount of $24,124.00 for first year investment and $4,040.00 for Year 2 annual subscription.
Mr. Sesin updated the amounts from Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to $20,958 and for Year 2 $3,524 of annual subscription.
Board member Joseph Palacios joined the meeting.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
C.) Approval of Budget Amendment from the District's unreserved fund balance for the purchase of above mentioned software & equipment.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
D.) Requesting approval to purchase (1) Power Edge R730 Dell Server through the District's membership with DIR Contract No. 42AFU in the amount of $11,340.79.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B.) Approval of "Sole Source Declaration" with authority to purchase and enter into a maintenance and support services agreement with Weidenhammer Systems Corporation as required by the Hidalgo County Treasurer's office to provide payroll services to Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 in the amount of $24,124.00 for first year investment and $4,040.00 for Year 2 annual subscription.
Mr. Sesin updated the amounts from Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to $20,958 and for Year 2 $3,524 of annual subscription.
Board member Joseph Palacios joined the meeting.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
C.) Approval of Budget Amendment from the District's unreserved fund balance for the purchase of above mentioned software & equipment.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
D.) Requesting approval to purchase (1) Power Edge R730 Dell Server through the District's membership with DIR Contract No. 42AFU in the amount of $11,340.79.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
10.
AI -51335
Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 3 for Professional Agreement Pharr McAllen Drain & South Flood Water channel Watershed Improvement Project Pct. 2 in the amount $143,704.30. L&G Engineering.
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 1, A.C. CUELLAR, JR., the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
11.
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:
No Action taken on this Item.
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071 & 551.072 to discuss the following:
No Action taken on this Item.
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
No Action taken on this Item.
No Action taken on this Item.
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No Action taken on this Item.
No Action taken on this Item.
12.
Open Session:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
No Action taken on this Item.
No Action taken on this Item.
B.
Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No Action taken on this Item.
No Action taken on this Item.
13.
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.
14.
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.
15.
Adjourn
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by BOARD MEMBER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 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 15th day of September, 2015
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Norma G. Cantu, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on September 15, 2015.
Signed this 15th day of SEPTEMBER 2015
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Norma G. Cantu, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 15th day of September, 2015
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Norma G. Cantu, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on September 15, 2015.
Signed this 15th day of SEPTEMBER 2015
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Norma G. Cantu, Deputy