BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 11th day of May 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:
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AGENDA CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING May 11, 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 10:10 A.M.
All members of the court were present during the roll call.
Veteren Valencio Suarez, Jr. led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Honorable Justice of the Peace for Pct.5, Jason Pena, offered the prayer.
The court proceeded to the approval of the Consent Agenda.
First participant, Alberta Ramirez, expressed her gratitude towards Commissioner Torres for her support of more street lights.
Second Participant, Fern McClaugherty, came before the court to express her concerns on how the county distributes the taxpayers monies, as well as for agenda items 8.C,10.A, 10.B, 10.C, and 14.E.
Last participant, Gary Groves, expressed his support for law enforcement agencies.
No action was taken on agenda item 5 - Open Forum
Commissioner Cantu read the Resolution Honoring South Texas Health Systems for their Commitment to Mental Health Services.
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 6.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
CEO of South Texas Health System for McAllen, Todd Mann, and CEO of South Texas Health System Behavioral, Sharon Pendlebury, expressed their gratitude towards the court for the resolution, and the importance of mental health services for the community.
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 7.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
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.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27
At the request of Katia Garcia, with the Human Resources Department, no action was taken on agenda items 8.A.1, nor on 8.A.2.
3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments (Audio Reference 28m:58s)
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 8.A.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
| Action | Dept./ Prg. | Slot # | Position Title | Grade |
| Delete | 080-018 | 0005 | Assistant District Attorney IV | 19 |
| Create | 080-018 | 0006 | Assistant District Attorney III | 17 |
(Audio Reference 29m: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 8.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Approval to create positions as listed in Exhibit A in accordance with COVID-19 Immunizations Grant, effective upon Commissioners Court approval.
2. Approval to revise the Classification and Compensation Plan Classified Positions List to include the new titles as listed in Exhibit B. (Audio Reference 29m:43s)
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 8.C.1 and 8.C.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
At the request of Urban County Program Director, P.R. Avila, no action was taken on agenda item 9.A.
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 9.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue in the amount of $10,250.00 and to appropriate the same. (Audio Reference 31m:09s)
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 10.A.1 and 10.A.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 -Unanimously
Commissioner Fuentes rejoined 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 10.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
2. Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue in the amount of $905,346.00 and to appropriate the same and the appropriation of $181,069.00 in local match funds.
TB Control Program Income:
3. Requesting approval of the Certification of Revenue in the amount of $10,000.00 for the TB Control program income and appropriation of the same. (Audio Reference 32m:39s)
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.C.1 through 3.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
(Audio Reference 33m:44s)
At the request of Judge Cortez for further review of the agenda items, no action was taken on agenda items 11.A.1, nor on 11.A.2.
Commissioner Villarreal discussed the plans of how the local and federal government are working in collaboration to repair the breaches in a timely manner.
No action was taken on agenda item 12.A.
1. Luis Mendoza Street (north to south road)
2. Domingo Ramirez Street (east to west road) (Audio Reference 37m:30s)
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 12.B.1 and 12.B.2.
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 13.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 13.B.1
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Approval of 2021 unappropriation of funds in the amount of $224,834.70 for the Justice Court Assistance & Technology Fund. (Audio Reference 39m:06s)
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 13.B.2.
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).
A.) RFB 2021-065-TDL-Roadway Light Fixtures and Maintenance;
B.) RFB 2021-061-TDL -Lease/Rental of Vehicles. (Audio Reference 39m:25s)
Dina Trevino, with the Purchasing Department, stated a typographical error to the agenda items; In which 14.A.1. should state RFB 2021-061-TDL, and 14.A.1.B should state RFB 2021-065- TDL.
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.1, with stated corrections.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
- Procurement Overview 2021-061
- Procurement Overview 2021-065
- Requirements/Specifications 2021-061
- Requirements/Specifications 2021-065
- Appendix B 2021-065
- Appendix B 2021-061
- Pct. 3 Approval
- Draft Contract 2021-061
- Draft Contract 2021-065
- Legal Approval 2021-061
- Legal approval - 2021-065
- Pct. 1 Approval
Dina Trevino, with the Purchasing Department, stated approval subject to receipt of ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance from vendor before the execution of the 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 agenda item 14.B.1, subject to comment stated above.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
Dina Trevino, with the Purchasing Department, stated approval subject to receipt of ACORD Certificate of Liability Insurance from vendor before the execution of the 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 agenda item 14.B.2, subject to comment stated above.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
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 14.C.1.A
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
B.) Requesting authority to purchase playground equipment from Game Time c/o Total Recreation Products, Inc. an authorized reseller awarded vendor through OMNIA Cooperative Purchasing Program contract #2017001134 in the amount of $436,863.14 for Precinct 4 including authority for Commissioner Ellie Torres to sign any required documents. (Audio Reference 41m:54s)
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 14.C.1.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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.D.1.
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 14.E.1.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
B) Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements, pursuant to Texas LGC 262.024(a)(1): an item that must be purchased in case of a public calamity if it is necessary to make the purchase promptly to relieve the necessity of the citizens; (2) an item necessary to preserve and protect the public health and safety of the citizens; (Audio Reference 43m:31s)
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 14.E.1.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
C) Requesting authority to purchase biohazard containers from Grainger, under TXMAS awarded contract # 18-51V06, with a total cost of $59,670.00. (Audio Reference 44m:01s)
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 14.E.1.C.
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 agenda item 14.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 (Audio Reference 45m:01s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda items 15.A.1, nor on 15.A.2.
The court made a motion to vote against agenda item 15.B, and not support the additional district court.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU to vote AGAINST agenda item 15.B., seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of disapproval on agenda item 15.B.
Vote: 0 - 5 -Unanimously
The court proceeded to agenda item 17 - Closed Session (Audio Reference 47m:04s)
A. County response to disaster/health emergency:
1. CARES Act Funds
a. 2nd Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hidalgo County Boys and Girls Club organizations (Audio Reference 50m:11s)
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 16.A.1.a
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
B. Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety (Audio Reference 50m:38s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 16.B.
C. Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions (Audio Reference 50m:53s)
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 16.C.
The court proceeded to agenda item 22 - Adjournment (Audio Reference 51m:22s)
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 47m:10s)
The court proceeded into Closed Session at 10:47 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: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Reference agenda item 19.A.
Reference agenda item 19.B.
Reference agenda item 19.C.
Reference agenda item 19.D.
Reference agenda item 19.E.
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 50m:00s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda items 18.A, nor on 18.B.
The court proceeded back to agenda item 16. (Audio Reference 50m:11s)
The court returned from Closed Session at 12:06 P.M, and proceeded to agenda item 19.A.
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 19.A.
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 19.A.
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 19.B.
Reference agenda item 16
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that the administration will proceed as directed.
No action was taken on agenda item 19.D.
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, stated that the administration will proceed as directed.
No action was taken on agenda item 19.E.
The court proceeded to agenda item 18. (Audio Reference 49m:54s)
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The court did not proceed into Closed Session - agenda item 20.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The court did not proceed to agenda item 21 - Open Session.
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting at 12:09 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, 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 11th day of May, 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 May 11, 2021.
Signed this 12th day of May 2021
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Carolyn Thornton, Deputy
