BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 6th day of April 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 HONORABLE 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:
![]() |
AGENDA CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING April 6, 2021 10:00 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:
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 10:18 A.M.
All members of the court were present during the roll call.
Veteran Daniel Marichalar led in reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, offered the prayer.
The court proceeded to agenda item 5 - Open Forum (Audio Reference 18m:02s)
Open Forum participants, Aurora Sanchez, Jannette Campos, Carmel Chavez, Carla Rodriguez, Janet Rodriguez, Eusemia Cardenas, Consuelo Duran, and Olivia Torres expressed their gratitude towards the court for their support and Commissioner Villarreal for his attendance at the Cesar Chavez March.
Last participant, Fern McClaugherty, came before the court to express her concerns on how the county was being operated under the courts’ administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for agenda item 9.A.
No action was taken on agenda item 5 - Open Forum.
Executive Director of the Texas Association of Counties Board of Directors, Susan Redford, came before the court to recognize District Clerk, Laura Hinojosa, for her outstanding service.
District Clerk, Laura Hinojosa, expressed her gratitude towards the association for the recognition.
No action was taken on agenda item 6.A.
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 agenda item 6.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Judge Cortez reappointed Juan Maldonado.
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 the reappointment of Juan Maldonado on agenda item 6.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Misti Palacios, with the Public Affairs Division, read the Proclamation declaring April 2021, as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
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 agenda item 7.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
District Attorney, Ricardo Rodriguez, came before the court to express his gratitude towards the court for their participation in prevention awareness. Furthermore, Mr. Rodriguez introduced the Special Crimes Division, Chief Palacios, Prosecutor, Nicole Rodriguez, Prosecutor, Marcela Saenz Salinas, Prosecutor Veronica Mccahan, Prosecutor, Laura Rodriguez, Investigator, Linda Greenwood, Advocate, Hilda Cifuentes, Admin-Supporter and Supervisor, Jessica Mae, that all work collaboratively to execute justice for sexual assault victims.
Misti Palacios, with the Public Affairs Division, read the Proclamation declaring April 2021, as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
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 agenda item 7.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
District Attorney, Ricardo Rodriguez, expressed the importance of prevention awareness on child abuse cases, and thanked the departments that have collaborated in efforts to involve the community on this issue. Mr. Rodriguez also introduced the Child Welfare Division; Prosecutor, Yvonne Rosa, Prosecutor, Ricardo Rodriguez, Prosecutor, Jose David Garcia, Prosecutor, Rachel Abby Miller, Admin-Support San Juanita Alarcon, and Legal Assistants Angelia Martinez and Teresita Gonzale, who work together in efforts to administer justice and awareness to child abuse victims.
Misti Palacios, with the Public Affairs Division, read the Proclamation declaring April 18th-24th, 2021, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
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 agenda item 7.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
District Attorney, Ricardo Rodriguez, expressed the importance of relating the message that victims have the right under the law for justice to be served. In continuation, Mr. Rodriguez introduced, Victims Unit Director, Serena Rios, Coordinators, Perl Guzman and Brenda Fuentes, Advocates Sandra Ruiz, Blanca Gomez, Jennifer Longoria, Amanda Garza, Clarissa Castaneda, Veronica Neirda, Hector Garica, Selena Sandoval, Ramona Garcia, Sandra Rodriguez, Yara Gomez, Angelica Gomez, and Director of Family and Friends of Murdered Children, Robert Garcia, who were in support of the proclamation.
Approval to ratify action taken on March 23, 2021 through agenda item #AI-79965, for a Budget Adjustment submitted to the Office of the Governor (OOG). (Audio Reference1h 01m:45s)
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 agenda item 7.D.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
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 agenda item 8.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Judge Cortez stated for the publics' knowledge, that the administration did everything in their power to preserve the canines' life.
Commissioner Fuentes stepped away from the meeting.
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 agenda item 9.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
The court returned back to agenda item 5 - Open Forum, to hear from participants, Karla Rodriguez and Eusemia Cardenas. Commissioner Fuentes returned during the Open Forum participation. The court returned back to agenda item 10.A after hearing from the participants. (Audio Reference 1h:03m 37s)
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27
3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments (Audio Reference 1h:07m 15s)
At the request of Erika Reyna, with the Human Resource Department, the court took action on agenda item 10.A.3. No action was taken on agenda item 10.A.1, nor on 10.A.2.
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 agenda item 10.A.3
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Approval to create six (6) temporary part-time positions for 12 weeks, beginning May 24, 2021 and ending August 15, 2021 :
| Action | Dept./ Prg. | Slot # | Position Title | Grade | Hourly Rate |
| Create | 122-008 | T060 | Head Lifeguard | Non-Classified | $15.00 |
| Create | 122-008 | T061 | Lifeguard | Non-Classified | $12.00 |
| Create | 122-008 | T062 | Lifeguard | Non-Classified | $12.00 |
| Create | 122-008 | T063 | Lifeguard | Non-Classified | $12.00 |
| Create | 122-008 | T064 | Attendant | Non-Classified | $12.00 |
| Create | 122-008 | T065 | Attendant | Non-Classified | $12.00 |
(Audio Reference 1h:07m 37s)
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 agenda item 10.B.
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 agenda item 11.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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 agenda item 12.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
2. Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue as certified by County Auditor in the amount of $592,548.00 and to appropriate the same and the appropriation of the local match in the amount of $59,255.00. (Audio Reference 1h:09m 59s)
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 agenda item 12.A.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
The court proceeded to agenda item 13.A. (Audio Reference 1h:10m 27s)
Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue as certified by the County Auditor in the amount of $72,669.80 from the Medicaid Administrative Claiming (MAC) program income generated during 2020 and appropriation of the same. (Audio Reference 1h:11m 14s)
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 agenda item 12.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
The court proceeded to agenda item 14.A (Audio Reference 1h:11m 53s)
Melanie Esparza, with the Elections Department, gave an update on the upcoming city and school elections.
No action was taken on agenda item 13.A.1.
2. Approval of the May 2021 General Election Service Contracts between Hidalgo County and the following entities for their elections to be held on May 1, 2021:
a. City of San Juan
b. McAllen Independent School District
c. Progreso Independent School District
d. Sharyland Independent School District (Audio Reference 1h:10m 50s)
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 agenda item 10.A.2 a through d.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
The court proceeded back to agenda item 12.B (Audio Reference 1h:11m 14s)
- Contract Executed - City of San Juan
- Contract Executed - McAllen ISD
- Contract Executed - Progreso ISD
- Contract Executed - Sharyland ISD
- City of San Juan May 2021 General Election Contract
- McAllen Independent School District May 2021 General Election Contract
- Progreso Independent School District May 2021 Special Election Contract
- Sharyland Independent School District May 2021 General and Special Election Contract
Teresa Flores, with the Head Start Program, gave an overview of the application. Furthermore, Ms. Flores noted an error that had been corrected, which is the positions of "Part-Time Bus Aides". The application should have stated 4 hours of work with a total amount of $9,420.36, and not the doubled amount.
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 agenda item 14.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
a. 3-R Ranch Subdivision- Pct. 1 (Rodolfo Rodriguez) (Mel C. Gray Road & Mile 12 ½ North Road)
No. of Lots: 2 Single Family
Flood Zone: X
Estimated Number of Streetlights:N/A
Filling Stations:N/A
Drainage: Yes, Drainage will be provided by natural perculation within the proposed lots and surface runoff will drain into Mel C. Gray Road.
ETJ: Yes, approved by the City of Weslaco.
Water: Yes, provided by North Alamo Water Supply Corporation.
Sewer: Yes, OSSF’S
Paved: Yes, Mel C. Gray Road is paved. (Audio Reference 1h:15m 33s)
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 agenda item 15.A.1.a
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
2. Preliminary Approval
a. Stone Oaks Subdivision- Pct. 1 (Albert Hanks) (Mile 6 ½ West Road & Mile 11 North Road)
No. of Lots: 54 Single Family
Flood Zone: X
Estimated Number of Streetlights:9
Filling Stations:8
Drainage: Yes, Drainage will be provided by storm sewer system and detention will be provided by widening the existing drain ditch.
ETJ: Yes, approved by the City of Weslaco.
Water: Yes, provided by North Alamo Water Supply Corporation.
Sewer: Yes, OSSF’S
Paved: Yes, Mile 6 ½ West Road is paved and Mile 11 North Road and 2 internal streets are to be paved. (Audio Reference 1h:16m 05s)
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 agenda item 15.A.2.a.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Final Approval
a. RBR No. 2 Subdivision- Pct. 4 (Roel A. Rodriguez Jr.) (Mile 21 North Road & Valverde Road)
No. of Lots: 34 Single Family
Flood Zone: X
Number of Streetlights:5
Filling Stations:2
Drainage: Yes, Drainage will be provided by storm sewer system and detention will be provided by widening the existing drain ditch.
ETJ: No, Rural Area.
Water: Yes, provided by North Alamo Water Supply Corporation.
Sewer: Yes, OSSF’S have been installed.
Paved: Yes, Mile 21 North Road and 1 internal street are paved. (Audio Reference 1h:16m 28s)
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 agenda item 15.A.3.a
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Commissioner Cantu stepped away from the meeting.
Chief of Staff of Internal Affairs for Precinct No.4, Dr. Jennifer Culbertson, read the Resolution in support of joint request by Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 for FY22 Community Project Funding for the North Main Drain Expansion Project.
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 agenda item 16.A.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 16.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Diana Huallpa, with the Wellness Program, presented the Status Update on the Wellness Programs. Ms. Huallpa gave an overview on the Diabetes Management Plus Program, Livongo Utilization Report, Vera Whole Health Utilization Report, Teladoc Health Utilization Report, upcoming events, and the active Facebook group.
No action was taken on agenda item 17.A.
2. Discussion, consideration, and approval of MVEC Agreement for the installation of 4 streetlights in Owassa Acres Subdivision located in Precinct #4. (Audio Reference 1h:24m 13s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 17.B.1 and 17.B.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of 2021 interfund transfer from Pct. 1 CO2017 (1351) & CO2019A (1355) into Pct. 1 TXDOT FM493 (US281-BUS83) (1315) in the amount of $7,928.45 to fund road expenditures. (Audio Reference 1h:24m 44s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 17.C.
Vote: 4 - 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).
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 agenda item 18.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.B.1.A
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Appointment/Designation of an Evaluation Committee to review, score and grade the submitted RFP pursuant to the criteria set forth in the RFP. (Audio Reference 1h:26m 15s)
| 1 Commissioner Villarreal appointed Martin Garza |
| 2 Commissioner Villarreal appointed Leo Longoria |
| 3 Commissioner Villarreal appointed Gabriel Gonzalez |
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 agenda item 18.B.1.B appointees.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.C.1.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
B. Approval of construction contract (C-21-331-04-06) between County of Hidalgo and Texas Cordia Construction, LLC. (Audio Reference 1h:27m 20s)
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 agenda item 18.C.1.B.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.C.2.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.C.3.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.D.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
| Requisition # | DIR Contract # | Product/Service | Amount |
| 431533 | DIR-TSO-4167 | Cisco Transceiver Module | $ 10,115.20 |
| 431534 | DIR-TSO-3863 | Tripp lite Cabling | $ 311.30 |
| 429992 | DIR-TSO-3763 | Dell Equipment | $ 548,530.37 |
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 18.D.2.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.E.1.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.F.1.A.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.F.1.B.
Vote: 4 - 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 agenda item 18.G.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects
2) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting (Audio Reference 1h:31m 36s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 19.A.1, nor on 19.A.2.
The court proceeded to agenda item 20 (Audio Reference 1h:32m 03s)
1. Presentation and approval of officers for 2021-2023 term. (Audio Reference 1h:32m 03s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, read the executive board members, as well as the new members for Precinct No. 3.
*Please see attachments for the Hidalgo County Historical Members list attached to the agenda.
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 agenda item 19.B.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
2. Presentation and approval of members to the Hidalgo County Historical Commission. (Audio Reference 1h:33m 06s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, read the members for Precincts No.1, 2, 3, & 4.
*Please see attachments for the Hidalgo County Historical Members list attached to the agenda.
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 agenda item 19.B.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
The court proceeded to agenda item 21 - Closed Session (Audio Reference 1h:34m 41s)
(Audio Reference 1h:37m 17s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, clarified that the new appointees for Precinct No. 3 were as he read: Adela Ortega, Cynthia Iris Gonzalez, Carina Garza de Luna, Irene Berera Townsend, and Cynthia Lstojanovic'.
The court proceeded to agenda item 20. (Audio Reference 1h:37m 56s)
A. County response to disaster/health emergency:
1. CARES Act Funds (Audio Reference 1h:37m 56s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 20.A.1.
B. Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety (Audio Reference 1h:38m 05s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 20.B.1.
C. Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions (Audio Reference 1h:38m 12s)
Excutive Officer, 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.
No action was taken on agenda item 20.C.
The court proceeded to agenda item 24 - Closed Session (Audio Reference 1h:38m 47s)
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: (Audio Reference 1h:34m 41s)
The court proceeded into Closed Session at 11:38 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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Reference agenda item 23.A.
Reference agenda item 23.B.
Reference agenda item 23.C.
Reference agenda item 23.D.
Reference agenda item 23.E.
Reference agenda item 23.F.
Reference agenda item 23.G.
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:37m 11s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated for the record that no action was to be taken on agenda items 22.A, nor 22.B.
The court proceeded back to agenda item 19.B. (Audio Reference 1h:37m 17s)
The court returned from Closed Session at 12:20 p.m., and proceeded to agenda item 23.A.
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 23.A.
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 23.B.
Reference agenda item 20.
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that the department would proceed as directed.
No action was taken on agenda item 23.D.
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, requested that the court entertain a motion assigning the case to Josephine Ramirez's Office.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 23.E, as requested.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, requested that the court entertain a motion to assign the claim to Josephine Ramirez's Office for defense handling.
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 agenda item 23.F, as requested.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, requested settlement authority to make an offer in the amount of $9,370.94.
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 settlement amount of $9,370.94 on agenda item 23.G.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
The court returned back to agenda item 22. (Audio Reference 1h:37m 11s)
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 1h:38m 47s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that the court had no need to go into Closed Session under agenda item 24, and proceeded to address agenda item 25.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 1h:38m 49s)
Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was needed under agenda item 25, and requested that the court recess until 2:00 p.m. to take action on the Consent Agenda.
Judge Cortez recessed the meeting at 12:24 P.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 recess the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The court resumed at approximately 2:00 P.M. to address the April 6, 2021 Consent Agenda. (Audio Reference 1h:39m 15s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the at approximately 2:05 P.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 adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners' Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 6th day of April, 2021
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Carolyn Thornton, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners’ Court held on April 6, 2021.
Signed this 8th day of April 2021
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Carolyn Thornton, Deputy
