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Minutes for CC REGULAR AGENDA SPECIAL MTG

SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 3, 2023

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 3rd day of January A.D., 2023, 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
JANUARY 3, 2023
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 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 05m: 10s)

Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.

All members of the Court were present.
 
2.
 
Pledge of Allegiance (Audio Reference 05m: 30s)

Veteran, Julian Garcia Alderette led the Court in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
3.
 
Prayer (Audio Reference 06m: 33s)

Honorable Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2, Andre Maldonado, offered the prayer.
 
4.
 
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 09m: 03s)

The Court proceeded with the discussion and approval of the Consent Agenda.

See the Consent Agenda for the action taken.
 
5.
 
Approval of Awards/Recognitions:
 
A.
AI-89017
Requesting approval of Resolution and Order honoring and renaming a county owned facility known as the Field Operations Facility located within Hidalgo County Precinct 2 to the Hidalgo County-Precinct 2 "Jorge D. Hinojosa" Field Operations Facility. (Audio Reference 09m: 48s)

No action was taken on agenda item 5. A.
 
B.
AI-88951
Proclamation declaring January 2023 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  (Audio Reference 10m: 01s)

Victor Garza, with the County Judge's Office, read the Proclamation declaring January 2023 as National Human Trafficking Awareness 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 5. B.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously

Juan Cano, with the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, along with District Attorney, Terry Palacios, came before the Court to express their appreciation for the proclamation. 
 
6.
 
Open Forum (Audio Reference 18m: 37s)

There was only one participant for Open Forum.

Open Forum participant, Fern McClaughtery, came before the Court to express her concern about the Courts' administration of the tax payer's monies.

No action was taken on agenda item 6.
 
7.
 
District Attorney's Office:
 
A.
AI-88968
DA - Office of the Governor Various Grants (1281):
Approval for the Financial Officer - Hidalgo County Auditor, to update the "Project Director" and "Grant Writer" positions on the Office of the Governor website (egrants) with the new District Attorneys' information for the following grants:
#2537810 Region 3-Border Prosecution Unit
#2924305 Hidalgo County DA's Office Victim Assistance Program
#2931308 Domestic Violence Specialty Prosecutor
#3596505 Domestic Violence Unit
#4430801 Forensic Evidence Testing Grant (Audio Reference 22m: 05s)

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 7. A.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
8.
 
Sheriff's Office:
 
A.
AI-88950
Sheriff's Office - FY 2022 Body-Worn Camera Grant (1284):
Authorization and approval to submit a budget amendment in reference to the FY 2022 Body Worn Camera Grant. (Audio Reference 22m: 54s)

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 8. A.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
B.
AI-88966
1. Pursuant to Tx. Local Gov't Code, Subchapter D-263.151(2)(A) &/or (B), declaration of Asset No. 73184, 76757, 76592, 76512, 73199, 73176, 73183 & 76571 issued firearms [as further detailed in supporting documentation contained herein] as "Surplus" for the purpose of disposition [as permitted by Gov't Code 614]; 
2. Pursuant to Gov't Code, Section 614, [permitting a peace officer retiring from a government entity to purchase their assigned firearm] requesting that Hidalgo County Commissioner's Court approve the value of Deputy Rodney Castaneda, Estevan Caro, Sam Pena, Daniel Fuentes, Carlos Tamez, Ricardo Salazar, Abelardo Guajardo and Federico Perez's issued firearm at the Fixed Asset Value [supporting documentation attached] total of $1,362.50. (Audio Reference 23m: 29s)

Commissioner Fuentes came forth to clarify he had no known family relation to Daniel Fuentes; presented in agenda item 8. B.

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 items 8. B. 1. and 8. B. 2.

Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously 
 
9.
 
Human Resources:
 
A.
 
Requesting waiver of the following, if applicable, for personnel items listed:
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27 (Audio Reference 24m: 53s)

No action was taken on agenda items 9. A. 1. and 9. A. 2.

3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments (Audio Reference 25m: 18s)

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 9. A. 3.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
B.
AI-89007
Crim DA (1100):
Approval to award a discretionary step for the employees listed below in accordance with HR criteria certification as per Section 8.03 of the Classification and Compensation Plan, effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
Action Dept./Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Discretionary Step 5 080-002 0225 Assistant District Attorney V 21
Discretionary Step 2 080-002 0055 Executive Assistant II 13
Discretionary Step 2 080-002 0226 Executive Assistant II 13
(Audio Reference 25m: 28s)

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 9. B. 
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
C.
AI-88957
WIC Adm. (1292):
Approval of the following actions, effective next full pay period 01/16/2023:
Action Dept./Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Delete 350-001 0013 & 0212 Registered Dietitian I 12
Create 350-001 0278 & 0279 WIC Clinic Manager 12
(Audio Reference 26m: 10s)

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 9. C.

Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously 
Attachments:
 
D.
AI-88977
Classification and Compensation Plan:
1. Approval of the following change to the Classified Position Inventory List, effective upon Commissioners Court approval:
Action Position Title Current Grade Proposed Grade
Re-grade Laboratory Manager III 18 19
2. Approval to revise the Classified Position List. (Audio Reference 26m: 36s)

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 9. D. 1. and 9. D. 2.

Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously 
 
10.
 
Health & Human Services Department:
 
A.
AI-88964
Requesting approval for a no cost extension and submittal of a budget revision to realign available funds on the Covid-19 Health Disparities Grant program. (Audio Reference 27m: 01s)

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.

Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously 
Attachments:
 
B.
AI-88971
Requesting approval to submit an application for the U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce and Data Systems grant program.  The award amount is for $2,601,178.00 to use over a five-year period from 12/01/2022 through 11/30/2027.  (Audio Reference 27m: 35s)

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 
Attachments:
 
11.
 
Precinct #1 - Comm. Fuentes:
 
A.
AI-88993
1. Discussion, consideration, and possible action authorizing Hidalgo County to submit an application for RAISE FY 2023 Grant for the Nolana Loop Project and to authorize Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Commissioner David L. Fuentes to sign any documentation associated with this submittal.  (Audio Reference 28m: 22s)

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 11. A. 1.

Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously 

2. Discussion, consideration, and possible action to create the Intergovernmental Committee for the "Precinct 1 - Nolana Loop Project" and to appoint members to this committee. (Audio Reference 28m: 47s)

No members were appointed to the Intergovernmental Committee for the "Precinct 1 - Nolana Loop Project" at this time. 

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 agenda item  11. A. 2.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously

3. Discussion, consideration, and possible action to create the Citizen Committee for the "Precinct 1 - Nolana Loop Project" and to appoint members to this committee. (Audio Reference 29m: 18s)

No members were appointed to the Citizen Committee for the "Precinct 1 - Nolana Loop Project" at this time. 

 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 11. A. 3.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

4. Discussion. consideration, and possible action to schedule Public Hearings regarding the Nolana Project on January 19, 2023, and February 16, 2023. (Audio Reference 29m: 34s)

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 11. A. 4.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

5. Discussion, consideration, and possible action to authorize publication of notice in The Monitor regarding Public Hearings for the "Precinct 1 - Nolana Loop Project." (Audio Reference 29m: 49s)

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 11. A. 5.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
12.
 
Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres:
 
A.
AI-88985
Requesting approval to accept counter offer to purchase a tract of land known as Parcel No. 15 associated with the Russell Road Improvement Project (Rooth Rd to Mon Mack Rd) with authority for County Judge to sign the Administration Evaluation and Approval Form.  (Audio Reference 30m: 01s)

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 12. A.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
13.
 
Budget & Management:
 
A.
AI-88958
Approval to designate funds in 2022 for the expenditures related to the following program:
 
Program No. Program Amount
115-002 CO WIDE ADMIN - BUILDINGS         $4,289,000.00
 (Audio Reference 30m: 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 13. A.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
B.
AI-88944
Constable Pct. 3 FY 2023 STOP Truancy Program (1285):
Approval to deobligate lapsed cash match funds in the amount of $66,647.63 and appropriate into Co. Wide Adm.-Contingency in relation to the FY 2023 STOP Truancy Program due to Mission CISD funding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in full. (Audio Reference 30m: 55s)

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 13. B.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
C.
 
American Rescue Plan Act:
 
1.
AI-88921
Discussion, consideration and action to approve the First Amended Memorandum Of Understanding between the County of Hidalgo and Valley Grande Institute clarifying stipulations for evidence of expenditures prior to disbursement of recurring payments. (Audio Reference 31m: 25s)

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 13. C. 1.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
2.
AI-88975
Approval to set the budget for the following ARPA Project numbers:
A. Project number ARPA-21-123-008 Precinct 3 Stormwater Improvements to Tierra Dorada in the amount of $ 127,862.00 (Audio Reference 31m: 47s)

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 13. C. 2. A.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously

B. Project number ARPA-21-123-009 Precinct 3 Stormwater Improvements to Glasscock Road in the amount of $ 800,000.00 (Audio Reference 32m: 12s)

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 13. C. 2. B.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
3.
AI-88981
Discussion, consideration and action to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between Hidalgo County and Proyecto Azteca, to provide minor repairs and rehabilitation of homes for income-eligible applicants, with the authority for the County Judge, as authorized official, to sign the Memorandum of Understanding subject to legal review. (Audio Reference 32m: 25s)

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 13. C. 3.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously 
 
4.
AI-88982
Action to approve a budget amendment for the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Lopezville Park Improvements Project (ARPA-22-122-1040) under the Hidalgo County American Rescue Plan Act Recreational Development Project to $975,000.00. (Audio Reference 32m: 49s)

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 13. C. 4.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
D.
 
Budget Appropriations:
 
1.
AI-88954
Economic Development (1100):
Approval of 2022 appropriation of funds into Economic Development (110-081) in the amount of $20,000.00 (Audio Reference 34m: 29s)

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 13. D. 1.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
2.
AI-88955
Economic Development (1100):
Approval of 2023 appropriation of funds into Economic Development (110-081) in the amount of $245,000.00 (Audio Reference 34m: 50s)

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  13. D. 2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously 
Attachments:
 
3.
AI-88961
Pct 3 Rd Maint. (1200):
A. Requesting approval of Certification of Revenues by County Auditor in the amount of $120,147.02 from Drainage Improvement Project Reimbursements in 2022. (Audio Reference 35m: 04s)

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 13. D. 3. A.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously

B. Requesting approval of appropriation from the fund balance in the amount of $120,147.02 in 2023. (Audio Reference 35m: 27s)

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 13. D. 3. B.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
4.
AI-88965
Approval of 2023 appropriation of funds for the following budgets:
A. Sheriff CCP59 (1227) - $35,250.00
B. Sheriff Federal Sharing-Treas (1228) - $28,350.00
C. Sheriff Federal Sharing-DOJ (1229) - $111,000.00
D. CC Rec Mgmt/Presrv (1237) - $754,900.00
E. TAC Special Vehicle Inventory (1246) - $405,652.92
F. Contributions Fund (1243) - $67,130.00 (Audio Reference 35m: 40s)

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 items 13. D. 4. A through 13. D. 4. F.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
14.
 
Purchasing Department - Notes:
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.
AI-88984
Requesting approval of revised [as recommended through HC-DA-Civil Section] Hidalgo County Purchasing Policy and Procedures Manual. All procedures and statutory requirements are still to be followed. (Audio Reference 36m: 49s)

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 14. A.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
B.
 
Pct. 1
 
1.
AI-88996
Requesting authority to advertise the procurement packet for "Purchase of Inline Check Valves", including re-advertising, if applicable. (Audio Reference 37m: 28s)

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 14. B. 1.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
2.
AI-88848
Requesting approval of On-Call Professional Surveying Services Agreement with Quintanilla, Headley & Associates, Inc., for projects located within Precinct No.1, as ranked & approved to negotiate by CC 12/13/22 [AI-88712]  (Audio Reference 37m: 40s)

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  14. B. 2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously 
 
3.
AI-88846
Requesting Approval of On-Call Professional Engineering Services Agreement with Javier Hinojosa Engineering, for projects located within Precinct No.1, as ranked & approved to negotiate by CC on 12/13/2022 [AI-88716]  (Audio Reference 37m: 59s)

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. B. 3.
 
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
C.
 
Pct. 2
 
1.
AI-89020
Approval to purchase one (1) CAT CS56B 84' Vibratory Compactor through the County's membership/participation with Purchasing Cooperative of America under Contract # PCA OD-328-20 [Expires 8/16/2025]: 
Requisition# Vendor Model Amount
TBD Big D Tractor, LLC (1) CAT CS56B 84' Vibratory Compactor $179,600.00
(Audio Reference 38m: 15s)

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.

Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
2.
AI-88953
Requesting approval of the following items for the Pct 2 Dicker Road (23rd - Jackson Rd) Project as submitted by the contractor, 2GS, LLC and as reviewed by project inspector, Saul Munoz, P.E. through contract #C-19-017-11-05: 
A.  Acceptance of the Certificate of Substantial Completion, reflecting the date of March 9, 2022. 
B.  Acceptance of the Certificate of Construction Completion, reflecting the date of September 23, 2022. (Audio Reference 38m: 42s)

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 items 14. C. 2.  A . and 14. C. 2. B.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
D.
 
Constables
 
1.
AI-88201
Requesting approval to enter into a three (3) year Software as a Service (SaaS) Agreement with Kologik, LLC. through sole source declaration dated 11/01/2022, for HC Constable PCT 1 for read only licensing and execution of any additional required documents. (Audio Reference 39m: 17s)

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. D. 1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
E.
 
Health & Human Services Dept.
 
1.
AI-88891
Requesting approval to purchase Health Supplies through Hidalgo County's membership with OMNIA Partners Cooperative, Contract No. 192163, awarded vendor W. W. Grainger, Inc., in the amount of $221,003.40. (Audio Reference 39m: 40s)

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. E. 1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
F.
 
Co. Wide
 
1.
AI-88949
Acceptance and approval of Amendment No. 1 to contract C-22-0402-09-20 between Hidalgo County and Triple R Fire & Safety, LLC to increase the monthly fire monitoring rate to $39.99 for all buildings due to the conversion to cellular communication for all fire panels and the addition of new buildings in appendix "B" - bid page.  (Audio Reference 39m: 59s)

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 14. F. 1.
            
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
 
15.
 
Executive Office:
 
A.
 
Presentation for discussion of the following:
1) New Courthouse Project Updates
2) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects
3) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting (Audio Reference 40m: 35s)

No action was taken on agenda items 15. A. 1., 15. A. 2., and 15. A. 3.

The Court proceeded to agenda item 17 - Closed Session. (Audio Reference 40m: 43s)
 
16.
 
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding:
A. County response to disaster/health emergency:
1. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds (Audio Reference 41m: 37s)

No action was taken on agenda item 16. A. 1.

B. Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety (Audio Reference 41m: 46s)

Commissioner Fuentes joined the meeting

No action was taken on agenda item 16. B.


C. Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions (Audio Reference 42m: 00s)

Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting.

Valde Guerra stated that the County will continue to collaborate with the Health Department, Human Resources Department, and Facilities Management Department, to ensure the safety of the constituents and employees conducting business at county facilities, and encouraged the constituents and employees of Hidalgo County to continue to exercise caution in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and the variants.

The Court proceeded to agenda item 19. A. (Audio Reference 42m: 35s)
 
17.
 
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 40m: 43s)

The Court proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 10:36 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
 
A.
 
Real Estate Acquisition

Reference agenda item 19. A.
 
B.
 
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 19. B.
 
C.
 
Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation

Reference agenda item 19. C.
 
D.
AI-89004
Guadalupe Montalvo III v Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office TWCCRD No. 1A22622 EEOC No. 31C-2022-00620

Reference agenda item 17. D.
 
E.
AI-88990
Claim of Rodolfo Rivas 

Reference agenda item 19. E.
 
18.
 
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 43m: 19)

No action was taken on agenda item 18. 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 43m: 23)

No action was taken on agenda item 18. B.

The Court proceeded to agenda item 20 - Closed Session. (Audio Reference 43m: 25)
 
19.
 
Open Session: (Audio Reference 40m: 43s)

Commissioner Cantu and Fuentes did not return from the Closed Session, they will join the meeting at a later time.

The Court returned from Closed Session at 11:09 A.M., and proceeded to agenda item 16.
 
A.
 
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same (Audio Reference 42m: 35s)

No action was taken on agenda item 19. A.
 
B.
 
Pending and/or potential litigation (Audio Reference 42m: 40s)

No action was taken on agenda item 19. B.
 
C.
 
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency (Audio Reference 42m: 44)

No action was taken on agenda item 19. C.
 
D.
AI-89005
Guadalupe Montalvo III v Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office TWCCRD No. 1A22622 EEOC No. 31C-2022-00620 (Audio Reference 42m: 54)

Valde Guerra stated that the administration will proceed as directed.

No action was taken on agenda item 19. D. 
 
 
E.
AI-88991
Claim of Rodolfo Rivas  (Audio Reference 43m: 10)

No action was taken on agenda item 19. E.

The Court proceeded to agenda item 18. A. (Audio Reference 43m: 18)
 
20.
 
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 43m: 25)

The Court did not proceed into closed session - agenda item 20.

No action was taken on agenda item 20.
 
21.
 
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 43m: 28)

The Court did not proceed to agenda item 21 - Open Session

No action was taken on agenda item 21.
 
22.
 
Adjourn (Audio Reference 43m: 34)

Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 11:12 A.M.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.

Vote: 5 - 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 3rd day of January, 2023

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 January 3, 2023.

Signed this 4th day of January 2023




ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners’ Court of
Hidalgo County


By: ____________________________
(Seal) Karina Esparza, Deputy