SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 16, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 16th day of January A.D., 2025, 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 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 DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS JANUARY 16, 2025 9:30 A.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a REGULAR 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 04m:46s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:35 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 05m:04s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
3.
Open Forum (Audio Reference 06m:59s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 07m:04s)
The Board proceeded with a vote of approval for the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.
See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
The Board proceeded with a vote of approval for the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.
See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
5.
Discussion and update by HCDD1 General Manager as it relates to pending construction and HCDD1 projects. (Audio Reference 07m:21s)
The General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin stated that they are seeking four positions for a 2-year term: two for water districts, one for flood districts, and one for agriculture. The deadline to submit an application is January 19, 2025.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 5.
The General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin stated that they are seeking four positions for a 2-year term: two for water districts, one for flood districts, and one for agriculture. The deadline to submit an application is January 19, 2025.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 5.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -97984
1. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Tex. Gov’t Code 2254.024 (a), recognized exemption under consulting services. (Audio Reference 08m:50s)
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 6.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Monica Salinas stated that Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda item 6.A.1&2.
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting the authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate a Letter of Engagement (LOE) Agreement with TRB Capital Markets, LLC (dba Estrada Hinojosa) for the provision of Financial Advisory Services. (subject to final legal review.) (Audio Reference 09m:21s)
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 6.A.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
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 6.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Monica Salinas stated that Commissioner Eduardo "Eddie" Cantu abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda item 6.A.1&2.
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting the authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate a Letter of Engagement (LOE) Agreement with TRB Capital Markets, LLC (dba Estrada Hinojosa) for the provision of Financial Advisory Services. (subject to final legal review.) (Audio Reference 09m:21s)
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 6.A.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -97982
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 35-6, as it relates to the 2018 Bond Project No. 35 - Southwest Weslaco, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute the documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 09m:39s)
Monica Salinas stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.A.
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 7.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Monica Salinas stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.A.
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 7.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -97942
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of the procurement packet (i.e., requirements, specifications and plans) for "Anaquitas Drainage Improvement Ph 2 -2018 Bond Project No. 8", RFB No. HCDD1-25-006-01-21-EZ, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required. (Audio Reference 10m:06s)
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 7.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
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 7.B.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -97977
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $581,760.00 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-24-030-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering PO 649634 (Audio Reference 10m:30s)
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: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $581,760.00 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-24-030-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering PO 649634 (Audio Reference 10m:30s)
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: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 10m:48s)
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 9:41 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
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 9:41 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
A.
Real Property (Tex. Gov't Code 551.072)
B.
Personnel Matters (Tex. Gov't. Code 551.074)
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 Items 9.A-C., as they are Closed Session items.
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 Items 9.A-C., as they are Closed Session items.
10.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 11m:42s)
The Board returned from closed session at approximately 10:00 A.M.
The Board returned from closed session at approximately 10:00 A.M.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 11m:48s)
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11.
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 12m:01s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:00 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to the Regular Commissioner's Court Agenda.
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:00 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to the Regular Commissioner's Court Agenda.
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 16th day of January, 2025
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on January 16, 2025.
Signed this 16th day of January 2025
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 16th day of January, 2025
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk
Hidalgo County, Texas
By: ______________________________
Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy
I, ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR., County Clerk attest that this is an accurate accounting of a proceeding of the Commissioners Court held on January 16, 2025.
Signed this 16th day of January 2025
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy