Skip to main content

AgendaQuick™

Minutes for DD-REGULAR AGENDA SPECIAL MTG

SPECIAL MEETING - JUNE 11, 2024

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 11th day of June A.D., 2024, there was begun and held a SPECIAL MEETING of the Honorable Board of Directors of Hidalgo County, Texas, wherein the following members thereof were present, to-wit:
 

HONORABLE DAVID FUENTES

HONORABLE EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU

HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL

HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES

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
DRAINAGE DISTRICT 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JUNE 11, 2024
9:30 A.M.
                                          

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Board of Directors 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 00m:09s)

Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu called the meeting to order at 9:39 A.M.

All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner Ellie Torres and Judge Richard F. Cortez.

Commissioner Ellie Torres joined the meeting at a later time.

Judge Richard F. Cortez was absent from this meeting.
 
2.
 
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:26s)

General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
 
3.
 
Open Forum (Audio Reference 02m:23s)

There were no public participants for Open Forum.

Commissioner Ellie Torres joined the meeting at this time.
 
4.
 
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:29s)

The Board proceeded with a vote of approval for the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.

See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
 
5.
 
General Operations:
 
A.
AI -95648
Requesting approval to assign 24 hour possession of District vehicles to District Maintenance & Operations Director and Supervisors during the 2024 Hurricane Season. (Audio Reference 03m:18s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.A.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
B.
AI -95638
Requesting approval to accept the sole bid received from M&R's Elite Janitorial Solutions, LLC., for the "Custodial Services for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1", RFB No. HCDD1-24-023-05-08-ESZ, on a yearly basis. (Audio Reference 03m:35s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.   
                                                                    
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
C.
AI -95542
Requesting approval to accept the sole bid received from SAMES McAllen Inc., for the "Purchase Full-Size Pickup Trucks'', RFB No. HCDD1-24-027-05-29-JS, total purchase in the amount of $542,566.00 for all the listed trucks below.
 
QUANTITY MODEL COST
(4) 2024 3/4 TON REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCK $198,228.00
(2) 2024 3/4 TON CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCK $107,318.00
(1) 2024 ONE TON SINGLE CAB DIESEL CAB & CHASSIS $63,326.00
(2) 2024 ONE TON EXTEND CAB CAB & CHASSIS $111,354.00
(1) 2024 1/2 TON FULL-SIZE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE (SUV) $62,340.00

(Audio Reference 03m:52s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.C.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
6.
 
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
 
A.
AI -95618
1. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Texas Local Government Code 262.024(a)(4) a professional service; (Audio Reference 05m:02s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.1.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

2. Requesting authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate a Professional Engineering Service Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. from the District's pre-approved "Pool" of pre-qualified Professional Engineers as approved by the Board of Directors on March 19, 2024, AI-94576: (Audio Reference 05m:16s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.2.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

3. Pursuant to the Board's approval requesting approval of the final negotiated Professional Engineering Service Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc., in connection with the project ''Mile 10 N. & Mile 1 W -2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 21 Contract No. C-HCDD1-24-035-06-11 for "Professional Engineering  Services" (subject to final legal review and compliance to HB1295). (Audio Reference 05m:35s)


On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.3., subject to final legal review and compliance to HB1295.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

4. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $14,250.00 as submitted by Halff Associates, Inc. to provide Structural Services for "Mile 10 N & Mile 1 W -2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 21'', subject to legal review and compliance to HB1295. (Contract # C-HCDD1-24-035-06-11). (Audio Reference 05m:57s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.4., subject to legal review and compliance to HB1295.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -95533
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of RFB packet (requirements, specifications and plans) for "Hidalgo Drain Drainage Improvements -2018 Bond Referendum Project 13," RFB No. HCDD1-24-034-07-03-ESZ, including the re-advertising of the project in the event no responses are received or bids are rejected and project is required. (Audio Reference 06m:20s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.B.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
C.
AI -95643
Mission McAllen Rado Alt Ph1 - Budget 525
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 17 in the amount of $39,600.00 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-21-023-07-27 Mission-McAllen Rado Alt Ph1. Project Engineer: B2Z Engineering PO#642887
South I Rd - Budget 533
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $76,504.50 from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-22-060-11-29 South I Rd. Project Engineer: B2Z Engineering PO#647343
Glasscock Rd (Mile 4 to Mile 5) - Budget 543
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $379,427.40 from Saenz Brothers Construction pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-23-051-09-27ESZ Glasscock Road (Mile 4 to Mile 5). Project Engineer J&R Engineering PO#648791 (Audio Reference 06m:45s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 6.C.1., through 6.C.3.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
7.
 
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
 
A.
AI -95541
1. Requesting approval to accept bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Blue Dot Site & Utilities, LLC, in the amount of $705,121.70 for the project ''West Main Drain -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 14 '', RFB No. HCDD1-24-026-05-22-LSM as recommended by Project Engineer, Izaguirre Engineering Group, LLC. (subject to final Legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 07m:39s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB 1295.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Pursuant to TXLGC 262.031 (b), requesting authority/approval for Drainage District General Manager, Raul E. Sesin, P.E., CFM, to execute change orders that involve an increase or decrease in cost of $50,000.00 or LESS and in no event to exceed the Change Order's statutory limits. The original contract price may not be decreased by 18 % or more without the consent of the contractor. (Audio Reference 08m:08s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.2.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
B.
AI -95653
1. Requesting approval to accept bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Synergy Development & Construction, LLC, in the total amount of $1,070,829.20 for the project ''Pharr McAllen Lateral East -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 9'', RFB No. HCDD1-24-029-06-05-LSM as recommended by Project Engineer, GDJ Engineering, LLC. (subject to final Legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 08m:28s)

Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.B.1.

The remaining members of the Board proceeded with a vote of approval for Agenda Item 7.B.1.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.B.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.

Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously 

2. Pursuant to TXLGC 262.031 (b), requesting authority/approval for Drainage District General Manager, Raul E. Sesin, P.E., CFM, to execute change orders that involve an increase or decrease in cost of $50,000.00 or LESS and in no event to exceed the Change Order's statutory limits. The original contract price may not be decreased by 18 % or more without the consent of the contractor. (Audio Reference 09m:20s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.B.2.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously 
 
C.
AI -95554
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of RFB packet (requirements, specifications and plans), for "Mission McAllen Drain Phase III - 2023 Bond Referendum Project 12", RFB-HCDD1-24-032-07-03-LSM, including the re-advertising of the project in the event no responses are received and/or are rejected and project is still required. (Audio Reference 09m:43s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.C.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
D.
AI -95646
South Main Drain Phase 2 - Budget 703
Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $689,356.67 from E-Con Group pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-24-007-03-19 South Main Drain Phase 2. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#649085 (Audio Reference 10m:06s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.D.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
 
8.
 
General Fund:
 
A.
AI -95649
Harvest Time - Budget 006
Approval to reimburse Hidalgo County Precinct 3 in the amount of $21,437.25 for equipment and force labor for the Harvest Time Project. (Audio Reference 10m:25s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
9.
 
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 10m:40s)
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:

The Board proceeded into closed session with a vote of approval at 9:50 A.M.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
 
A.
 
Real Property (Tex. Gov't Code 551.072)

Reference Agenda Item 10.A.
 
B.
 
Personnel Matters (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.074)

Reference Agenda Item 10.B.
 
C.
 
Consultation with Attorney Regarding:
a) Pending or Contemplated Litigation: b) a Settlement Offer: or c) a Matter in Which the Duty of the Attorney to the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas Clearly Conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.071)

No action was taken on Agenda Item 9.C.a)., as it was a Closed session item.
 
10.
 
Open Session: (Audio Reference 11m:45s)

The Board returned from closed session at approximately 10:03 A.M.

The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 10.A. (Audio Reference 11m:51s)
 
A.
 
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 11m:52s)

Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in closed session.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 10.A.

Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously

The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11. (Audio Reference 12m:08s)
 
B.
 
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation

No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.B.
 
11.
 
Adjourn (Audio Reference 12m:09s)

Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:03 A.M.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board 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 11th day of June, 2024

ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas


By: ______________________________
Daniela E. Garza, Deputy


I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on June 11, 2024.

Signed this 11th day of June 2024




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


By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Garza, Deputy