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AGENDA HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT EMERGENCY MEETING March 22, 2020 8:00 A.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551.045 (b)(1) (media has been contacted), Texas Government Code, that an EMERGENCY MEETING DUE TO EVENTS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE COUNTY (COVID 19 a.k.a. "Corona Virus" Health Emergency) WHICH POSES AN IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, a 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:
EMERGENCY MEETING
1.
Roll Call (Audio Reference :59s)
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 8:39 A.M.
All members of the court were present during the roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Flores, who joined the meeting at a later time.
Public Affairs Director, Carlos Sanchez offered the prayer. (Audio Reference 01m:16s)
The court proceeded into Item 3 - Closed Session at 8:41 A.M. (Audio Reference 2m:25s)
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 8:39 A.M.
All members of the court were present during the roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Flores, who joined the meeting at a later time.
Public Affairs Director, Carlos Sanchez offered the prayer. (Audio Reference 01m:16s)
The court proceeded into Item 3 - Closed Session at 8:41 A.M. (Audio Reference 2m:25s)
2.
A. Presentation, discussion, and necessary action to approve the Order Continuing Local State of Disaster and Emergency Commissioners Court Order(s) for the County of Hidalgo, Texas due to public health emergency of the COVID-19 virus which caused an imminent threat of widespread illness. (Audio 04m:05s)
Commissioner Flores joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 2.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Commissioner Flores joined the meeting.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 2.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
B. Presentation, discussion and authorization for the County Judge to sign the required documentation. (Audio Reference 05m:27s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 2.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Due to the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in Hidalgo County, Judge Cortez began to explain the plan of action to minimize the spread of the virus. Judge Cortez stated that a list of modifications will be implemented that would effect the operations of the courthouse, jail, and county offices. Judge Cortez also addressed the offense of price gouging and urged retailers to refrain from such participation. Lastly, Judge Cortez recognized the importance of maintaining open communication with the public, and provided a list of available outlets, in which the citizens of Hidalgo County can retrieve the latest information. (Audio Reference 06m:00s)
The Hidalgo County Commissioners advised the public that they are in close communication with local, state, and federal partners in efforts to successfully combat the spread of the virus. The commissioners advised the public to take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of the virus, to be considerate towards others when purchasing supplies, and to obtain information by official news and social media outlets. (Audio Reference 16m:20s)
Eddie Olivarez from the Health and Human Services Department, stated that the spread of COVID-19 will be minimized through collaborative efforts as a community. He further stated that only individuals with specific symptoms will qualify for a COVID-19 test. Lastly, Mr. Olivarez advised all residents feeling ill to isolate themselves from others and seek professional care. (Audio Reference 22m:47s)
Emergency Management Coordinator, Ricardo Saldana, advised the community to extend a helping hand to elderly neighbors or family members in efforts to satisfy possible needs that they may have such as, purchasing supplies or medication. Mr. Saldana also urged the community to work together and to refrain from excessive purchasing. (Audio Reference 28m:04s)
In closing, Judge Cortez stated that they would only utilize their best judgment to implement restrictions that would position the county to eliminate further spread of the virus.
The court proceeded to Item 5 - adjournment.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, JOE M. FLORES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 2.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Due to the first confirmed case of the COVID-19 virus in Hidalgo County, Judge Cortez began to explain the plan of action to minimize the spread of the virus. Judge Cortez stated that a list of modifications will be implemented that would effect the operations of the courthouse, jail, and county offices. Judge Cortez also addressed the offense of price gouging and urged retailers to refrain from such participation. Lastly, Judge Cortez recognized the importance of maintaining open communication with the public, and provided a list of available outlets, in which the citizens of Hidalgo County can retrieve the latest information. (Audio Reference 06m:00s)
The Hidalgo County Commissioners advised the public that they are in close communication with local, state, and federal partners in efforts to successfully combat the spread of the virus. The commissioners advised the public to take the necessary precautions to stop the spread of the virus, to be considerate towards others when purchasing supplies, and to obtain information by official news and social media outlets. (Audio Reference 16m:20s)
Eddie Olivarez from the Health and Human Services Department, stated that the spread of COVID-19 will be minimized through collaborative efforts as a community. He further stated that only individuals with specific symptoms will qualify for a COVID-19 test. Lastly, Mr. Olivarez advised all residents feeling ill to isolate themselves from others and seek professional care. (Audio Reference 22m:47s)
Emergency Management Coordinator, Ricardo Saldana, advised the community to extend a helping hand to elderly neighbors or family members in efforts to satisfy possible needs that they may have such as, purchasing supplies or medication. Mr. Saldana also urged the community to work together and to refrain from excessive purchasing. (Audio Reference 28m:04s)
In closing, Judge Cortez stated that they would only utilize their best judgment to implement restrictions that would position the county to eliminate further spread of the virus.
The court proceeded to Item 5 - adjournment.
3.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 2m:25s)
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
A. Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
The court returned from Closed Session at 9:51 A.M. and proceeded to item 2. (Audio Reference 04m:05s)
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
A. Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
The court returned from Closed Session at 9:51 A.M. and proceeded to item 2. (Audio Reference 04m:05s)
4.
Open Session:
A. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
The court did not proceed into Open Session.
A. Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
The court did not proceed into Open Session.
5.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 31m:01s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting at 10:18 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting at 10:18 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously