SPECIAL MEETING - OCTOBER 24, 2022
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 24th day of October A.D., 2022, 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 EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 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 OCTOBER 24, 2022 10:30 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 551.127, NOTICE is hereby given that a physical quorum, including the presiding officer/member, will be present at the specified meeting location. Some members of the governing body and/or government officials may participate via videoconference.
Members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at: www.hidalgocounty.us/HClive
1.
Roll Call ( Audio Reference : 38s)
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:30 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call, except for Commissioner Eduardo Cantu.
Commissioner Cantu was absent.
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:30 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call, except for Commissioner Eduardo Cantu.
Commissioner Cantu was absent.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance ( Audio Reference : 53s)
The Court led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Court led in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Prayer ( Audio Reference 01m: 08s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, offered the Prayer.
Valde Guerra asked the Court to proceed to agenda item 5 - Closed Session. (Audio Reference 02m: 04s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, offered the Prayer.
Valde Guerra asked the Court to proceed to agenda item 5 - Closed Session. (Audio Reference 02m: 04s)
4.
Elections Administration:
A.
AI-88058
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding November 8, 2022 General Election Election Day Polling Locations. (Audio Reference 04m: 28s)
Valde Guerra stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 4. A.
The Court proceeded to address agenda items 8 and 9. (Audio Reference 04m:40s)
Valde Guerra stated that no action was to be taken on agenda item 4. A.
The Court proceeded to address agenda items 8 and 9. (Audio Reference 04m:40s)
5.
Closed Session:
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 02m: 04s)
The Court proceeded into closed session with a vote of approval at 10:32 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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 02m: 04s)
The Court proceeded into closed session with a vote of approval at 10:32 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
A.
Private consultation and advice of counsel concerning pending, potential and/or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client priviledge under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
Reference agenda item 7. A.
Reference agenda item 7. A.
B.
AI-88060
Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al
Reference agenda item 7. B.
Reference agenda item 7. B.
6.
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."
(Audio Reference 03m: 07s)
Specific to agenda item 7. B - Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al, the court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 6. A.
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 6. A.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
B. Engagement with the firm of Carlos Escobar for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" with the period of performance to being October 21, 2022 authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
(Audio Reference 03m: 39s)
Specific to agenda item 7. B - Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al, the Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 6. B.
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 6. B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court revisited agenda item 7. B. (Audio Reference 04m: 19s)
(Audio Reference 03m: 07s)
Specific to agenda item 7. B - Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al, the court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 6. A.
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 6. A.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
B. Engagement with the firm of Carlos Escobar for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" with the period of performance to being October 21, 2022 authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
(Audio Reference 03m: 39s)
Specific to agenda item 7. B - Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al, the Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 6. B.
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 6. B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court revisited agenda item 7. B. (Audio Reference 04m: 19s)
7.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 02m: 46s)
The Court returned from closed session at 11:09 A.M., and proceeded to the agenda items under Open Session.
Valde Guerra presented all agenda items under Open Session.
The Court returned from closed session at 11:09 A.M., and proceeded to the agenda items under Open Session.
Valde Guerra presented all agenda items under Open Session.
A.
Pending and/or potential litigation (Audio Reference 03m: 05s)
No action was taken on agenda item 7. A.
No action was taken on agenda item 7. A.
B.
AI-88061
Cause No. C-4049-22-A; City of Penitas et al vs. County of Hidalgo et al ( Audio Reference 03m: 07s)
Reference Agenda item 6. A. and 6.B for the action taken.
(Audio Reference 04m: 19s)
The Court returned to agenda 7. B for a vote of approval to proceed as directed as discussed in Closed Session.
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.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court proceeded to agenda item 4.A. (Audio Reference 04m: 28s)
Reference Agenda item 6. A. and 6.B for the action taken.
(Audio Reference 04m: 19s)
The Court returned to agenda 7. B for a vote of approval to proceed as directed as discussed in Closed Session.
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.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Court proceeded to agenda item 4.A. (Audio Reference 04m: 28s)
8.
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed ( Audio Reference 04m: 40s)
The Court did not proceed into Closed Session - agenda item 8.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed ( Audio Reference 04m: 40s)
The Court did not proceed into Closed Session - agenda item 8.
9.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed ( Audio Reference 04m: 44s)
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 9 - Open Session.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed ( Audio Reference 04m: 44s)
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 9 - Open Session.
10.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 04m: 49s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 11:11 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 adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 11:11 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 adjourn the meeting.
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 24th day of October, 2022
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Karina Esparza, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on October 24, 2022.
Signed this 24th day of October 2022
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Karina Esparza, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 24th day of October, 2022
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Karina Esparza, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on October 24, 2022.
Signed this 24th day of October 2022
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Karina Esparza, Deputy