SPECIAL MEETING - MAY 8, 2023
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 8th day of May 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 MAY 8, 2023 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 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 :12s)
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call.
Judge Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call.
2.
Open Forum (Audio Reference :12s)
Participant, Fern McClaugherty, came before the Court to express her concerns about the administration of taxpayers' monies.
No action was taken on agenda item 2 - Open Forum.
Participant, Fern McClaugherty, came before the Court to express her concerns about the administration of taxpayers' monies.
No action was taken on agenda item 2 - Open Forum.
3.
Emergency Management:
A.
AI-90757
Discussion, consideration and action for continuation of Disaster Declaration signed on May 01, 2023 by County Judge Richard F. Cortez related to torrential rain event which occurred on April 29, 2023 in accordance with Chapter 418.108 of the Texas Government Code (Audio Reference 03m:35s)
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 3.A.
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 3.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
4.
Health & Human Services:
A.
AI-90754
Requesting approval to submit the Texas Pharmacy License Applications to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy with authority for Eduardo Olivarez, Chief Administrative Officer for Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department, to sign the application as a Managing Officer and authority for David M. Castro, Hidalgo County Contract Pharmacist to sign as the Pharmacist-in-Charge. A separate license is required for each principal place of business in accordance with state guidelines. (Audio Reference 04m: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 agenda item 4.A.
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 agenda item 4.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
5.
Executive Office:
A.
AI-90756
1. Approval of Commercial Contract for the purchase of property located at 101 & 107 N. 10th Ave. Edinburg, TX, with authority for the County Treasurer to issue earnest money check to Amigo Title of Alamo, Tx. in the amount of $1,000.00 after review and auditing procedures are completed by the County Auditor.
2. Authority for County Judge and/or Executive Officer to execute the closing and all other documents related to the purchase. (Audio Reference 06m:44s)
A public participation form was submitted by Fern McClaugherty for agenda item 5.A. Ms. McClaugherty questioned which departments were going to occupy the building. In response, Valde Guerra explained that this purchase of property had been in negotiations since last year, and will serve for any department of Hidalgo County that requires more space.
The Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda items 5.A.1 and 5.A.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 agenda items 5.A.1 and 5.A.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
3. Authority for County Treasurer to issue check(s) for property purchase via wire transfer or check after review and auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor. (Audio Reference 09m:27s)
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 5.A.3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
2. Authority for County Judge and/or Executive Officer to execute the closing and all other documents related to the purchase. (Audio Reference 06m:44s)
A public participation form was submitted by Fern McClaugherty for agenda item 5.A. Ms. McClaugherty questioned which departments were going to occupy the building. In response, Valde Guerra explained that this purchase of property had been in negotiations since last year, and will serve for any department of Hidalgo County that requires more space.
The Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda items 5.A.1 and 5.A.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 agenda items 5.A.1 and 5.A.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
3. Authority for County Treasurer to issue check(s) for property purchase via wire transfer or check after review and auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor. (Audio Reference 09m:27s)
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 5.A.3.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
6.
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 09m:45s)
The Court proceeded into closed session with a vote of approval at 10:10 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into closed session.
Vote: 5 - 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 09m:45s)
The Court proceeded into closed session with a vote of approval at 10:10 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into closed session.
Vote: 5 - 0 -Unanimously
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
Reference agenda item 7.A
Reference agenda item 7.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 privilege under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
Reference agenda item 7.B.
Reference agenda item 7.B.
C.
Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
No action was taken on agenda item 6.C, as it was a closed session item.
No action was taken on agenda item 6.C, as it was a closed session item.
7.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 10m:30s)
The Court returned from closed session at 10:42 A.M., and proceeded to agenda item 7.A.
The Court returned from closed session at 10:42 A.M., and proceeded to agenda item 7.A.
A.
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same (Audio Reference 10m:30s)
Valde Guerra stated that the administration would proceed as discussed in closed session.
The Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 7.A, with said comment.
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 7.A, with comment stated above.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Court proceeded to agenda item 11 - Adjournment. (Audio Reference 10m:51s)
Valde Guerra stated that the administration would proceed as discussed in closed session.
The Court proceeded with a vote of approval for agenda item 7.A, with said comment.
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 7.A, with comment stated above.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Court proceeded to agenda item 11 - Adjournment. (Audio Reference 10m:51s)
B.
Pending and/or potential litigation
No action was taken on agenda item 7.B.
No action was taken on agenda item 7.B.
C.
Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
No action was take on agenda item 7.C.
No action was take on agenda item 7.C.
8.
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."
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)
No action was taken on agenda item 8.A, nor on agenda item 8.B.
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)
No action was taken on agenda item 8.A, nor on agenda item 8.B.
9.
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 9 - Closed Session.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 9 - Closed Session.
10.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 10 - Open Session.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
The Court did not proceed to agenda item 10 - Open Session.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 10m:51s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:43 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:43 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, 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 8th day of May 2023
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 8, 2023.
Signed this 8th day of May 2023
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Carolyn Thornton, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 8th day of May 2023
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 8, 2023.
Signed this 8th day of May 2023
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Carolyn Thornton, Deputy