SPECIAL MEETING - August 1, 2017
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 1st day of August A.D., 2017, 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 DAVID FUENTES 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 CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING August 1, 2017 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
Commissioner Flores was absent during roll call.
Commissioner Flores was absent during roll call.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
Judge Garcia led the courtroom in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Garcia led the courtroom in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Prayer
Julia Sullivan led the courtroom in Prayer.
Judge Garcia asked for a moment of silence in honor of Purple Heart Day.
Court offered a moment of silence in honor of Dr. Celestino Avila, Sr.
Julia Sullivan led the courtroom in Prayer.
Judge Garcia asked for a moment of silence in honor of Purple Heart Day.
Court offered a moment of silence in honor of Dr. Celestino Avila, Sr.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
The court moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item.8.A.1. & 2. and Item.9.A. to be pulled for further discussion.
Commissioner Flores joined the meeting and Commissioner Palacios stepped away.
The court moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item.8.A.1. & 2. and Item.9.A. to be pulled for further discussion.
Commissioner Flores joined the meeting and Commissioner Palacios stepped away.
5.
County Judge's Office:
A.
AI-60909
Requesting approval of letter of support for the proposal being set forth to establish to US Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
Dr. Hiram Moya from UTRGV spoke regarding the Center of Excellence for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense Lead. It was informed that there are several Centers of Excellence throughout the country, but not in our area. The program will research and develop solutions to support DHS operations to detect, assess, and respond to biological threats, either, by sea, air, and land.
According to Dr.Moya, they'll be submitting applications by August 4, 2017, if awarded, they can receive up to $35 million over 10 years; which will help the Supply Chain. It was stressed, that this region has the advantage due to the significant cross border commercial trade.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
Judge Garcia stepped away from the meeting.
Dr. Hiram Moya from UTRGV spoke regarding the Center of Excellence for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence for Cross Border Threat Screening and Supply Chain Defense Lead. It was informed that there are several Centers of Excellence throughout the country, but not in our area. The program will research and develop solutions to support DHS operations to detect, assess, and respond to biological threats, either, by sea, air, and land.
According to Dr.Moya, they'll be submitting applications by August 4, 2017, if awarded, they can receive up to $35 million over 10 years; which will help the Supply Chain. It was stressed, that this region has the advantage due to the significant cross border commercial trade.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
Judge Garcia stepped away from the meeting.
B.
AI-60908
Appointment of board member to represent the County of Hidalgo on the La Villa Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board of Directors.
Michael Leo recommended Valde Guerra as member.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Michael Leo recommended Valde Guerra as member.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
6.
Human Resources:
A.
AI-60900
Requesting approval for Ruby Garcia, a Texas WIC Diatetic Intern, to complete 16 hours of supervised practice at the Hidalgo County WIC during the period of August 2-4, 2017.
Commissioner Palacios joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Palacios joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
Precinct #2 - Comm. Cantu:
A.
AI-60907
1. Approval and authorization to set up a collection site at the Alamo Community Resource Center for the Pct 2 Sanitation Program.
Mr. Garza informed that they want to be able to issue permits at the Alamo Community Resource Center.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Approval and authorization for a change fund in the amount of $200.00 in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 130.902.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Garza informed that they want to be able to issue permits at the Alamo Community Resource Center.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Approval and authorization for a change fund in the amount of $200.00 in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 130.902.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
Purchasing Department - 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 FORWARDED 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).
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 FORWARDED 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).
A.
Pct. #2:
1.
AI-60910
a. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024 (A) (4) a professional service;
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
b. Presentation of scoring grid (for the purpose of ranking by CC) of the firms graded and evaluated through the County’s approved “pool” of professional engineering services required for Precinct No. 2 "ON CALL" Projects (on an as needed basis):
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
c. Authority for the Purchasing Department to negotiate a professional services agreement commencing with the No. 1 ranked firm of B2Z Engineering, LLC. for professional engineering services required for Precinct No. 2 "ON CALL" Projects (on an as needed basis).
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
b. Presentation of scoring grid (for the purpose of ranking by CC) of the firms graded and evaluated through the County’s approved “pool” of professional engineering services required for Precinct No. 2 "ON CALL" Projects (on an as needed basis):
| SOUTH TEXAS INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP, LLC | JAVIER HINOJOSA ENGINEERING | B2Z ENGINEERING, LLC | |
| EVALUATOR NO. 1 | 97 | 95 | 98 |
| RANKING | 2 | 3 | 1 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
c. Authority for the Purchasing Department to negotiate a professional services agreement commencing with the No. 1 ranked firm of B2Z Engineering, LLC. for professional engineering services required for Precinct No. 2 "ON CALL" Projects (on an as needed basis).
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
B.
Health & Human Services Dept.
1.
AI-60896
Recommending approval to authorize Eddie Olivarez, Chief Administrative Officer to appoint three (3) members of the Health & Human Services Department who are most qualified to review, evaluate and qualify proposals received for the Pilot Program RFP No. 2017-189-07-19-HGO - "Laboratory & X-ray Provider Services Network" including any other designees as named by HCCC.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
2.
AI-60895
Approval on a recommendation to authorize Eddie Olivarez, Chief Administrative Officer to appoint three (3) members of the Health & Human Services Department who are most qualified to review, evaluate & qualify proposals received for pilot program RFP No. 2017-188-07-19-HGO - "Primary Care Provider Services Network" including any additional designees desired by HCCC.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Open Forum
Judge Garcia joined the meeting.
1) Fern McClaugherty informed that she's running for City Councilmember with the objective to lower the tax rate. She acknowledged the county's minimum wage increase but commented that this increase will only benefit county employees. On the other hand, if the entire tax rate is reduced more people will benefit. Additionally, McClaugherty disclosed that she asked for an open record request regarding time-clocks.
Judge Garcia joined the meeting.
1) Fern McClaugherty informed that she's running for City Councilmember with the objective to lower the tax rate. She acknowledged the county's minimum wage increase but commented that this increase will only benefit county employees. On the other hand, if the entire tax rate is reduced more people will benefit. Additionally, McClaugherty disclosed that she asked for an open record request regarding time-clocks.
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session:
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. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 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. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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.
C.
AI-60890
Potential Litigation related to possible causes of action against drug manufacturers and/or distributors of opioids
No action taken on this item.
No action taken on this item.
D.
AI-60904
C-5144-15-A; Joel Casares and Debbie Casares v. County of Hidalgo
No action taken on this item.
No action taken on this item.
E.
AI-60902
1. Claim of Benjamin Morales
2. Claim of Fernando Reyna
3. Claim of Bobby Casares
No action taken on this item.
2. Claim of Fernando Reyna
3. Claim of Bobby Casares
No action taken on this item.
11.
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024(A) (4) "a Professional Service" for the "provision of legal services/representation in connection with litigation."
B. Requesting engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
No action taken on Item.11.A. and B.
B. Requesting engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
No action taken on Item.11.A. and B.
12.
Open Session:
A.
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same
Proceed as Directed.
Proceed as Directed.
B.
Pending and/or potential litigation
No action taken on this item.
No action taken on this item.
C.
AI-60891
Potential Litigation related to possible causes of action against drug manufacturers and/or distributors of opioids
No action taken on this item.
No action taken on this item.
D.
AI-60903
C-5144-15-A; Joel Casares and Debbie Casares v. County of Hidalgo
Valde Guerra informed that this case has been settled in a mediation, solved by the county's insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will issue a check to Hidalgo County in settlement of the claim. Therefore, the County of Hidalgo will disburse payment with the appropriate documents.
Disbursement will be to Joel Casares and Debbie Casares and their attorney of record in the amount of $93,500 and $93,500 respectively.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4- 0 – Unanimously
Valde Guerra informed that this case has been settled in a mediation, solved by the county's insurance carrier. The insurance carrier will issue a check to Hidalgo County in settlement of the claim. Therefore, the County of Hidalgo will disburse payment with the appropriate documents.
Disbursement will be to Joel Casares and Debbie Casares and their attorney of record in the amount of $93,500 and $93,500 respectively.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4- 0 – Unanimously
E.
AI-60901
Valde Guerra informed that these are all related in that, it is part of the overall claim. The insurance carrier will issue a check to Hidalgo County for them to disburse.
1. Claim of Benjamin Morales and the attorney of record in the amount of $50,000
2. Claim of Fernando Reyna and the attorney of record in the amount of $32,500
3. Claim of Bobby Casares and the attorney of record in the amount of $7,500
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Steve Crain stated that this action supersedes the previous action.
13.
Closed Session:
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 Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
No action taken on this item.
14.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open 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.
15.
Adjourn
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE FLORES, 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 1st day of August, 2017
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 August 1, 2017.
Signed this 1st day of AUGUST 2017
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 1st day of August, 2017
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 August 1, 2017.
Signed this 1st day of AUGUST 2017
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Norma G. Cantu, Deputy