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Minutes for CC - REGULAR

SPECIAL MEETING - May 1, 2018

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 1st day of May A.D., 2018, 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 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
May 1, 2018
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 in the Commissioners Courtroom of the Administration Building, 100 E. Cano, 1st floor, Edinburg, Hidalgo County, Texas. Discussion and possible action relating to the following business will be transacted:

 
1.
 
Roll Call

Commissioner Joe M. Flores was not present during the meeting.
 
2.
 
Pledge of Allegiance

Judge Garcia led the courtroom in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
3.
 
Prayer

Opening prayer offered by Virginia Townsand.
 
4.
 
Approval of Consent Agenda

The court moved to approve the consent agenda with the exception of Item.10.B. to be pulled for discussion.
 
5.
 
County Judge's Office:
 
A.
AI-64593
Consideration and approval of a Proclamation Declaring May 2018 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
6.
 
Sheriff's Office:
 
A.
AI-64566
Pursuant to Hidalgo County Cellular telephone Policy (AT&T, DIR-TSO-3420) presentation for consideration, acceptance and approval of Cellular Phone Request form (Data Connect Government) for the following:
Approval of requisition #369131 for 2 DataConnect Government Unlimited Data for sky cop license plate reader towers @ $40.00 per device. 

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
Attachments:
 
B.
AI-64565
Pursuant to Hidalgo County Cellular Telephone Policy (AT&T, DIR-TSO-3420) presentation for consideration, acceptance and approval of Cellular Phone Request form (Data Connect Government) for the following:
Approval of requisition # 370425 for 19 DataConnect Government Unlimited Data for new Patrol Units @ $37.00 per device.

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.
 
Constable Pct. #3:
 
A.
AI-64650
Constable Pct. #3 - NIBRS Grant:
1. Ratification of application submitted for the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS)Grant with the Governor's Criminal Justice Division, through egrants.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2.Approval of Resolution for NIBRS Grant to designate Judge Ramon Garcia as grantee's authorized official and to sign required documents.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
8.
 
Constable Pct. #4:
 
A.
AI-64598
Constable Precinct 4 (1284):
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the Operation Stonegarden 2017 (OPSG) grant with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Division (HSGD), through egrants.



On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2. Authorization for the County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign the application form and related documents under egrants.

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

3. Approval of Resolution for OPSG 2017 Grant to designate Judge Ramon Garcia as grantee's authorized official and to sign required documents (Grant Period: January 1, 2018 - August 31, 2019).

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
Attachments:
 
B.
AI-64595
Constable Precinct 4 CCP59 (1231):
Approval of 2018 appropriation of fund balance for Constable Precinct 4 Chapter 59 in the amount of $221,456.54.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously 
Attachments:
 
C.
AI-64596
Constable Precinct 4 US Treasury (1259):
Approval of 2018 appropriation of fund balance for Constable Precinct 4 US Treasury in the amount of $44,300.60.

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
Attachments:
 
9.
 
Executive Office:
 
A.
 
Presentation for discussion of the following:
1) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects

No updates reported on this item.

2) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting

Renan Ramirez updated the court on the emergency situation the county has experienced with the e-mail server. He thanked the entire court and members of the public for their patience, the e-mail service was resolved on Thursday of last week. Additionally, Ramirez asked for further tolerance while they still retrieve some archival data. He further explained that the previous e-mail was distributed among three platforms, if a particular account was in one of the more functional servers they'll have a harder time obtaining that data.

In addition, Ramirez disclosed that they are moving the current platform to the cloud.

Commissioner Cantu asked Mr. Ramirez to bring back to him options regarding the cloud, as he is under the understanding there might be some issues with it. Mr. Ramirez informed that they just received the purchasing order yesterday.
 
B.
AI-64685
Requesting approval to submit Application to Texas State Library and Archives Commission for Accreditation in State Library System with authority for County Judge to sign

Kate Horan, County Librarian, requested approval for accreditation to Texas State Library and Archives Commission. This is the first time in years they've had to send a report and asked for a letter of accreditation from the state library. 

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                               
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
10.
 
Human Resources:
 
A.
 
Requesting waiver of the Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments (if applicable) for personnel items listed

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.
AI-64683
CCP Salary Schedule - Various Departments:
Approval of CCP Salary Schedule corrections, as listed on Exhibit A, effective 04/30/2018.

Silguero informed that the new salary schedule was effective Monday, April 30, 2018. These are just adjustments due to corrections.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
 
C.
AI-64677
Border Colonia Access Program (1200):
1. Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 5/14/2018:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Current Budgeted Salary Proposed Budgeted Salary
Create / Add Supplemental Allowance 125-028 0002 Clerk IV $0.00 $39,253.00
$0.00 $3,500.00

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2. Approval to transfer employee no.  81191 to slot# 0002 (125-028), effective 5/14/2018.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

3. Approval of interdepartmental transfer.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
D.
AI-64679
Pct. 1 Administration (1200):
1. Approval to extend the Temporary position listed below effective 5/01/2018 through 5/31/2018, as follows:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Position Grade Proposed  Hourly Rate
Extend Temporary Full - Time position 121-004 T034 Administrative Assistant I 04  $12.76 / hr.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2. Approval of intradepartmental transfer.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
11.
 
Health & Human Services Department:
 
A.
 
Health Care Funding District:
 
1.
 
Discussion and/or action, including but not limited to Health Care Funding District and/or Expenditures

No action taken on this item.
 
B.
 
Indigent Health Care Program:
 
1.
 
Discussion and/or action, including but not limited to Indigent Health Care Program and 1115 Waiver and/or Expenditures

No action taken on this item.
 
12.
 
Elections Administration:
 
A.
AI-64665
Discussion on Election updates.

Yvonne Ramon reminded the court that today is the last day of early voting for cities and school elections, all locations are open from 7 - 7. Cities include, Elsa, Hidalgo and Mission and school districts include Mission CISD, Sharyland ISD. Additionally, they are also running Agua Special Utility District Election, Donna Irrigation District and South Texas College districts 2 and 6.

Runoff starts Monday, May 14, with only for 5-days of early vote. The runoff is only for democrats, there are no republican runoffs. Only those who voted democrat will be able to vote, people cannot change parties during a primary. 

Ramon informed that on Friday, April 27, 2018, the 5th circuit court of appeals upheld the Texas voter ID law, which originated as SB 100 back in 2011. This means that if someone posses one of the original seven identifications, they must show that ID. However, if someone does not possess any of them, they can still be permitted to vote with any document that has a name and address. Along with it, the person must show a declaration of impediment, explaining what's keeping them from obtaining one of those seven identifications. Moreover, making a false statement on the declaration of impediment carries a maximum of 180 days to 2 years of jail and a fine of up to $10,000

The administrator noted that it is very important to show an ID when voting but not when someone registers to vote or makes changes to the voter information. She also advised that according to election code sec. 1.05 as the elections administrator she cannot question residents. However, they can send a confirmation allowing the voter 30 days to respond but this only places the voter on suspension.  

Commissioner Palacios asked Ramon if the elections department has sent out any confirmations regarding addresses. On that regard, Ramon stated that they are working with legal entities and are following their advise. Commissioner Cantu questioned Ramon if she is allowed to send out confirmations on her own without the district attorney's permission. Ramon explained that once they receive notices, they do send out confirmations and unless they receive calls or questions regarding changes they do not send confirmations. Again, Ramon noted that she is not allowed to do a letter of examination on residents. On the other hand, a confirmation is only send out when there is a question of the resident's address or changes, as stated by statute. 

Commissioner Palacios emphasized on the importance of making sure the electoral process is not disfranchised. Yvonne Ramon assured the commissioner that the election department does its best within the law. 
Attachments:
 
B.
AI-64664
1. Approval of the 2018 May Uniform Election Services Contract between Hidalgo County and the City of Elsa for their election to held on May 5, 2018.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2. Approval of the 2018 May Uniform Election Services Contract between Hidalgo County and the City of Hidalgo for their election to held on May 5, 2018.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

3. Approval of the 2018 May Uniform Election Services Contract between Hidalgo County and the City of Mission for their election to held on May 5, 2018.

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

4. Approval of the 2018 May Uniform Election Services Contract between Hidalgo County and the Mission Consolidated Independent School District for their election to held on May 5, 2018.

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
 
13.
 
Head Start Program:
 
A.
AI-64543
Presentation of Nutrition Contest Winners 2018 Winners

Teresa Flores, Head Start Program Director, announced the Nutrition Contest winners for 2018: two - three classroom centers (category 1) 1st place Progreso, 2nd place UTRGV, 3rd place Hidalgo. Under two - three classroom centers (category 2) 1st place Western Rd., 2nd place San Juan I, 3rd place McAllen IV. Four - five classroom centers, 1st place Sullivan City, 2nd place Carmen Anaya, 3rd place McAllen IV. Six - seven classroom centers, 1st place Farias, 2nd place Mission II, and 3rd place Aton. Eight - ten classroom centers in 1st place Edinburg V, 2nd place Edinburg IV, and in 3rd place Palacios.

Commissioner Palacios stepped away from the meeting.

Flores thanked all the staff and parents for participating.
 
B.
AI-64542
Presentation of the Blue Ribbon Centers

Commissioner Palacios joined the meeting.

Teresa Flores informed that the Blue Ribbon is identified after the self assessment to recognize excellence performance. The assessment is required by the office of Head Start to make sure they're in compliance with all standards. The Blue Ribbon Centers for 2017 - 2018 are U.T.R.G.V. (Dalia Gutierrez), Mercedes I (Veronica Zamora), Mission IV (Diana Anzaldua), Progreso (Marisela Infante), Western Road (Maria Rosales), Placios (Virginia Montañez), McAllen V (Evelia Montiagudo), Edinburg II (Dalia Gutierrez), Farias (Alama Zepeda), Palmview II (Cynthia Gonzalez). 
Attachments:
 
C.
AI-64544
Recruitment Report for Program Year 2018-2019

The recruitment numbers have increased up to 3,401 
Attachments:
 
D.
AI-64541
Discussion/Approval of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program Self-Assessment Report

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
E.
AI-64540
Discussion/Approval to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Hidalgo County Head Start Program and the Hidalgo Independent School District for the Implementation of the School Readiness Partnership Model (SRPM)

Flores informed that they already have an active partnership with Hidalgo ISD, they have been asked to move in to Hidalgo Elementary School. They'll be adding one more classroom.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.
                                                                              
 Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
F.
AI-64539
Discussion/Approval of Relocation of Classrooms

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously 

Court proceeded to Item.15.A.
 
14.
 
Public Defender's Office:
 
A.
AI-64545
Public Defender's:
Discussion, Consideration and Approval to appoint Asma Faisal Saleem, as volunteer Public Defender Intern for the period of May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 -Unanimously

Court proceeded to Item.18.A.1.
 
15.
 
Precinct #1 - Comm. Fuentes:
 
A.
AI-64676
Appointment of member to the Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Board

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
16.
 
Precinct #4 - Comm. Palacios:
 
A.
AI-64661
Discussion on the 84th Annual South Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association Annual Conference to be held June 11-14, 2018 at the McAllen Convention Center

Lizbeth Gonzalez reported to the court about the upcoming 84th Annual South Texas County Judges' & Commissioners' Association Conference. This year marks the second time Hidalgo County hosts the event, there are 1,200 active members and 63 participating South Texas Counties. The association counts with 4 sub committees, site selection, resolution, nomination and scholarship committee. The association is brought in conjunction with Texas A&M University, and V.G. Young Institute of County Government & County Progress Magazine.  The conference will be held at the McAllen Convention Center from June 11- 14, 2018 at no cost to the county. There will an array of education courses for the elected officials.

Fern McClaugherty asked about the cost to the county and why the conference will be held at the McAllen Convention Center. Commissioner Palacios explained to McClaugherty that the City of McAllen presented a bid and won over several other cities. 
 
17.
 
Budget & Management:
 
A.
AI-64692
Tax Assessor/Collector-Motor Vehicle Division:
Approval to reimburse the Tax Assessor/Collector Motor Vehicle Division for an IRS tax levy withheld in error in the total amount $2,925.50 with authority for County Treasurer to issue check after auditing procedures have been completed by the County Auditor.

Commissioner Fuentes stepped away from the meeting.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 -Unanimously
 
B.
AI-64647
TXDOT - Pct 4 FM2220 (Mile 5 to FM1924):
Approval and concurrence of the Plans of Proposed State Highway Improvement for FM2220 (Mile 5 to FM1924) CSJ:2094-01-038, with authorization for County Judge to sign title sheets for the plan sets for this project.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
C.
 
Budget Appropriations:
 
1.
AI-64607
Elections (1100):
A. Approval of certification of revenues by the Co. Auditor in relation to insurance settlement proceeds.
B. Approval of 2018 appropriation of funds into Elections in the amount of $2,177.82.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on A and B.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously

Court proceeded to Item.14.A.
 
18.
 
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.
 
Hidalgo County
 
1.
AI-64422
Presentation, acknowledgement and action for HCCC of Notice of Acquisition of company, MILLER UNIFORMS & EMBLEMS  by GALLS, LLC of the assets including (existing Hidalgo County contract as of January 31, 2018 pursuant to the Date of Bill of Sale).

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 -Unanimously
 
B.
 
Pct. 1
 
1.
AI-64630
A. Requesting approval of final negotiated Professional Services Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. as it relates to Professional Engineering Services for Precinct No. 1 Sunrise Operations Facility [approved for negotiations by HCCC on October 31, 2017 ai # 62329 ( r )];

Correction: should be Sunset and not Sunrise, all three items would be Sunset Park Operations Facility.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously

B. Pursuant to HCCC approval of Professional Services Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc., requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $112,100.00 as it relates to Professional Engineering Services for Precinct No. 1 Tax Substation Construction Project;

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously

C. Pursuant to approval of Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. (Article 14) C-17-309-05-01, a request for approval by engineer to permit the subcontracting of Chanin Engineering to provide structural engineering services for the Pct. No. 1 Tax Substation Project. 

Commissioner Fuentes joined the meeting.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
 
C.
 
Health & Human Services Dept.
 
1.
AI-64568
Requesting approval to reject proposals received for the project: "Online Pharmacy Billing Services" - 2018-078-04-04-HGO for Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department due to limited participation so as to re-advertise and encourage more participation by vendors.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously

Commissioner David L. Fuentes abstained from any actions on this item.
 
19.
 
Open Forum
  • Fern McClaugherty petitioned the court to move open forum to the beginning of the agenda. She also encouraged the public to dispute their property taxes. Additionally, McClaugherty stated support for the election of someone who cares for the Hidalgo people. Finally, she asked the court to remove the health care funding district item as it is never discuss.
  • Commissioner Joseph Palacios informed the court that he and Bobby Villarreal attended a TxDOT commission meeting that dealt with the minute order. The commissioner thanked TxDOT for partnering with the county.
Attachments:
 
20.
 
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. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
A.
 
Real Estate Acquisition

No action taken on this item.
 
B.
 
Pending and/or potential litigation

No action taken on this item.
 
C.
AI-64690
Hidalgo County v. U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census

No action taken on this item.
 
D.
AI-64695
EEOC Charge No. 31C-2018-00896C; Georgina C. Bermudez v Hidalgo County

No action taken on this item.
 
21.
 
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. 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.21.A. and B.
 
22.
 
Open Session:
 
A.
 
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same

No action taken on this item.
 
B.
 
Pending and/or potential litigation

No action taken on this item.
 
C.
AI-64691
Hidalgo County v. U.S. Department of Commerce - Bureau of the Census

Proceed as Directed.
 
D.
AI-64696
EEOC Charge No. 31C-2018-00896C; Georgina C. Bermudez v Hidalgo County

Proceed as Directed.

Valde Guerra disclosed they'll be participating in a mediation. 
 
23.
 
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed

No action taken on this item.
 
24.
 
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed

No action taken on this item.
 
25.
 
Adjourn

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, JOSEPH PALACIOS, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 May, 2018

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 May 1, 2018.

Signed this 1st day of MAY 2018




ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County


By: ____________________________
(Seal) Norma G. Cantu, Deputy