BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 19th day of January A.D., 2021, 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 RICHARD F. CORTEZ HONORABLE DAVID FUENTES HONORABLE EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
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:
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AGENDA CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING January 19, 2021 10:00 A.M. |
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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:
In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that require government officials and members of the public to be physically present at a specified meeting location. As a result, all or some government officials may participate via video conference. Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at: www.hidalgocounty.us/HClive
To participate in public comment, please call: (956) 292-7630 and you will be given further instruction and be provided with a toll free number at that time.
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:06 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during Roll Call.
Laurie Gonzalez led in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chief Castaneda with the Sheriff's Office offered the prayer.
The Court proceeded to the approval of the Consent Agenda.
Open Forum Participant, Fern McClaugherty came before the court to express her concerns on how the county is being operated under the court's administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as agenda items 16.C., 16.G. & 17.A.
Open Forum Participant, Gary Groves came before the Court to commend them on the County's patriotism and express his gratitude for Judge Cortez and his statement that was released upon the President's arrival to Hidalgo County.
Open Forum Participants, Marco Lopez, Kayla Montano, Flor Martinez and Brenda Bermudez from LUPE in Precinct 3, came before the Court to introduce themselves to Commissioner Villarreal and express their excitement to work with him on future projects in Precinct 3.
Due to technical difficulties, Open Forum Participants, Elizabeth Gonzalez Martinez and Sofia Guzman were both invited to re-join the meeting at a later time.
The Court proceeded to item 7.A. (Audio Reference 30m:34s)
Open Forum Participant, Elizabeth Gonzalez from the LUPE Organization in Precinct 3 came before the Court to introduce herself to Commissioner Everardo Villarreal.
The Court proceeded to item 14.A. (Audio Reference 46m:45s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 6.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Court proceeded to item 19. (Audio Reference 1h:05m:28s)
1. Requesting approval to apply for FY21 Victims Unit Court Advocate Project Grant (1281).
2. Requesting approval of resolution to designate County Judge as the grantee's authorized official and to sign documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 7.A.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Requesting approval to apply for the FY2021 Hidalgo County Domestic Violence Specialty Prosecutor Grant.
2. Requesting approval of resolution to designate County Judge as the grantee's authorized official and to sign documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 7.B.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Requesting approval to apply for the FY22 Domestic Violence Unit Grant.
2. Requesting approval of resolution to designate County Judge as the grantee's authorized official and to sign documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 7.C.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Requesting approval to apply for the FY2021 Hidalgo County DA's Office - Victim Assistance Program Grant.
2. Request approval of resolution to designate County Judge as the grantee's authorized official and to sign documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 7.D.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Discussion, consideration and approval to submit the four (4) part SF424 Application Form related to the ONDCP High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program FY 2021 (HIDTA) with authority for County Judge to sign required documentation. Application includes the following:
1. SF 424 General Application
2. SF 424A Budget Information Non Construction Programs
3. SF 424B Assurances Non-Construction Programs
4. SF 424 Lobbying Form
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 8.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) with the Office of the Governor-Homeland Security Division (HSGD), through e-grants for the period of March 1, 2021 through February 28, 2022.
2. Authorization and approval for the County Judge, as authorized official, to certify and e-sign the application form and related documents under e-grants.
3. Approval of Resolution for the FY 2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) to designate Judge Richard F. Cortez as grantee's Authorized Official and to sign required documents. (Audio Reference 34m:05s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 9.A.1, 2. & 3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
2. Authorization for County Sheriff to sign document. (Audio Reference 35m:20s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 9.B.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the FY 2022 Criminal Justice Program Grant with the Office of the Governor's, thru e-grants for the period of October 1, 2021 thru October 1, 2022.
2. Authorization and approval for the County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign the application form and related documents under e-grants.
3. Approval of Resolution for the Criminal Justice Grant to designate Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official and to sign required documents
Reference item 10.B.
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the Operation Stonegarden 2020 (OPSG) grant with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Division (HSGD), thru e-grants for the period of March 1, 2021 thru February 28, 2022.
2. Authorization and approval for the County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign the application form and related documents under e-grants.
3. Approval of Resolution for OPSG 2020 Grant to designate Judge Richard Cortez as grantee's authorized official and to sign required documents (Audio Reference 36m:03s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 10.A.1., 2. & 3. and items 10.B.1., 2. & 3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Discussion, consideration and approval of the First Extension to Interlocal Agreement for Hidalgo County, on behalf of the Constable Precinct 1 Office, and Texas A&M-Kingsville, on behalf of its Police Department to commence upon court approval date and will remain in full force and effect as pursuant to section 25 or extended by written agreement of the parties with authority for County Judge, as authorized official, to sign Interlocal Agreement and related documents.
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 10.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Authorization and Approval to apply for FY2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Division (HSGD), thru e-grants for the period of March 01, 2021 thru February 28, 2022.
2. Authorization and Approval for the County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign the application form and related documents under e-grants.
3. Approval of Resolution for the FY2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) to designate Judge Richard Cortez, as grantee's authorized official and to sign related documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 11.A.1., 2. & 3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Authorization and approval to apply for FY2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) with the Office of the Governor's Homeland Security Division (HSGD), thru e-grants for the period of March 1, 2021 thru February 28, 2022.
2. Authorization and approval for the County Judge, as authorized official, to e-sign the application form and related documents under egrants.
3. Approval of Resolution for the FY2020 Operation Stonegarden Grant (OPSG) to designate Judge Richard Cortez, as grantee's authorized official and to sign related documents.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 12.A.1., 2. & 3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 12.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 12.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Approval of the 2021 Appropriation of the Hidalgo County Constable Pct. 3 Fed. Sharing DOJ - Unassigned Fund Balance in the amount of $10,000.00 pending the closing of FY2020 by the Auditor's Office.
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On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 12.D.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Approval to appropriate the budget for Constable Pct. 5's portion of the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) FY20 in the amount of 9,996.00
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 13.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Court proceeded to item 5 - Open Forum. (Audio Reference 44m:26s)
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27
3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments
The Court took no action on items 14.A.1. & 2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 14.A.3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Approval of the following classified position inventory list change effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
| Action | Position Title | Current Grade | Proposed Grade |
| Re-grade | Director, Victims Unit | 18 | 16 |
2. Approval to revise the Classified Positions Inventory List.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on items 14.B.1. & 2.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 02/01/2021:
| Action | Dept./ Prg. | Slot # | Position Title | Grade |
| Delete | 280-005 | 0001 | Criminal Research Specialist | 11 |
| Delete | 280-005 | 0002 | Criminal Research Specialist | 11 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 14.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 02/01/2021:
| Action | Dept./ Prg. | Slot # | Object Code | Position Title | Grade | Current Allowance | Proposed Allowance |
| Delete Supplemental | 250-001 | 0004 | 117 | Assistant Director, Urban County | 19 | $1,800.00 | $0.00 |
| Reduce Auto Allowance | 118 | $5,400.00 | $3,600.00 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 14.D.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Approval to award a discretionary step for the employee listed below after approval of HR criteria certification in accordance with Section 8.03 of the Classification and Compensation Plan, effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
| Action | Dept./ Prg. | Slot # | Position Title | Grade |
| Discretionary Step 3 | 080-002 | A120 | Assistant District Attorney II | 15 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 14.E.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Discussion, consideration and action to approve the ratification of a necessary CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund expenditure to cover the personnel costs not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded by line item, allotment or allocation, for the time-limited positions approved in AI-79035. The Court, having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing herein, finds that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use.
Erika Reyna with Hidalgo County Human Resources Department stated that item 14.F. is the funding item for the COVID-19 Clerks and Deputy EMC that was presented at a previous Commissioners Court 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 14.F.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Commissioner Villarreal appointed Joaquin Spamer to be a member of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) Board.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to appoint Joaquin Spamer as member of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) Board.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Sergio Cruz with the Department of Budget and Management stated that Chief Fire Marshall, Deputy Fire Marshall & Fire Investigator would also be included in the Law Enforcement COVID-19 Compensation Program. Cruz also clarified that this would come out of the General Fund as a one time pay out for the specified public safety employees.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Discussion, consideration, and action to approve the Amendment to Master Agreement between Hidalgo County and Peoplefund extending the term of original agreement.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Discussion, consideration, and approval of the First Amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo County and the RGV Livestock Show providing CARES Act Funds for emergency relief relating to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
| FROM | TO | ||||||
| Dept/Prg | Slot | Position Title | G/S | Dept/Prg | Slot | Position Title | G/S |
| 250-006 | 0005 | Program Specialist I | 09/02 | 250-002 | 0010 | Program Specialist I | 09/02 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.D.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Approval of 2021 interfund transfer from Co. Wide Adm.- Contingency (prog. 002) to Transfers Out VAP & VUCAP (prog. 017 & 020) in the amount of $159,161.18 to partially fund the cash match portion in relation to the year 2021 for the Victim Assistance Program and the Victim Unit Court Advocate grants.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.E.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Approval of 2020 de-obligation of funds for the AIP Program (prog. 034) in the amount of $32,248.44 and appropriation into the Countywide Adm.-Contingency account.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.F.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Discussion, consideration, and action to approve the ratification of necessary CARES Act Relief Fund expenditures, as listed on Exhibit A, to cover costs not accounted for in the current budget and cannot be lawfully funded by line item, allotment or allocation in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency; the Court having reviewed the Agenda Item Briefing, herein finds that such expenditure is reasonable and necessary for the intended use.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.G.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Approval of 2020 unappropriation of funds from Fund 1351 in the amount of $1,334.00 due to correction posted by the Auditor's Office.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 16.H.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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).
2. Hidalgo County Tax Office- 2 units #'s 71 & 93;
3. Juvenile Probation Department- 4 units #'s 83,84,85,and 86;
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.B.1.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
B. In accordance with Section 791.014 of the Texas Government Code, requesting approval of a road improvement project to a portion of Ponciano Rd. (from FM 493 to Old River Road.) (Audio Reference 56m:43s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.B.1.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.C.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.D.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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 17.D.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.D.3.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
B. Pursuant to procurement packet, action for appointment/designation by Commissioner's Court of an evaluating committee to score, grade and review responses received for the Hidalgo County RFP 2020-551. (Audio Reference 59m:18s)
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Dina Trevino with the Hidalgo County Purchasing Department stated that the last three members selected from the Sheriff's Office were Viriginia Rodriguez, David Friedlein and Raul Cantu.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.D.3.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.E.1.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Accept and approve the invoices from Spectrum totaling $560.19 with authority to process Req. #421247 to cover current and month to month costs; (Audio Reference 1h:00m:37s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.E.1.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
C. Requesting authority to enter into a month to month agreement as needed with Spectrum Enterprise for (Spectrum Business Premier) services, as well as to include three (3) digital receiver for the Hidalgo County Juvenile Justice Center Installation will be included with authority for the County Judge to sign all required documents.(Audio Reference 1h:00m:59s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.E.1.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 17.F.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
1) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects
2) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on items 18.A.1. & 2.
Discussion, consideration, and approval to update the Hidalgo County Title VI/Nondiscrimination Policy Statement and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Standard Title VI Assurances to establish full and affirmative compliance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other nondiscrimination authorities due to a new elected member of Commissioners Court.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on item 18.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to item 20 - Closed Session. (Audio Reference 1h:03m:05s)
A. County response to disaster/health emergency:
1. CARES Act Funds
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 19.A.1.
B. Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 19.B.
C. Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions
Valde Guerra stated that the county will continue to follow CDC guidelines to ensure the safety of all the constituents and county employees conducting business at county facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Court proceeded to item 23. (Audio Reference 1h:06m:24s)
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:
The Court retired into Closed Session at 10:58 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to retire into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Reference 22.A.
Reference 22.B.
Reference 22.C.
Reference 22.D.
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 21.A.
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) (Audio Reference 1h:04m:44s)
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 21.B.
The Court proceeded to item 6.A. (Audio Reference 1h:04m:52s)
The Court returned from Closed Session at 11:30 A.M.
The Court proceeded to item 22.A. (Audio Reference 1h:03m:56s)
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 22.A.
Valde Guerra stated that there was no action to be taken on item 22.B.
Reference item 19.
Valde Guerra requested authority to make an offer in the amount of $4,652.59. Valde Guerra stated that if the amount were to be accepted it would be payable to Margarita Reyna.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on the offer in the amount of $4,652.59.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Court proceeded to item 21.A. (Audio Reference 1h:04m:44s)
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed into item 23 - Closed Session.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed into item 24 - Open Session.
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting at 11:34 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 19th day of January, 2021
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Victoria Brewster, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on January 19, 2021
Signed this 20th day of January 2021
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Victoria Brewster, Deputy
