Skip to main content

AgendaQuick™

Minutes for DD-REGULAR AGENDA SPECIAL MTG

SPECIAL MEETING - JUNE 10, 2025

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 10th day of June 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
JUNE 10, 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 00m:10s)

Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:30 A.M.

All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner Cantu and Commissioner Fuentes.

Commissioner Cantu and Commissioner Fuentes joined the meeting at a later time.
 
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:44s)

There were no public participants for Open Forum.
 
4.
 
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:49s)

The Board proceeded to 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 04m:00s)

General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects.

No action was taken on Agenda Item 5.
 
6.
 
General Operations:
 
A.
AI -99675
1. Requesting approval to execute an Auctioneer Service Agreement with Big D Tractor Co. LLC through the District's membership with PCA Cooperative, awarded Contract No. PCA OD-328-20, under its subcontractor, Machinery Auctioneers South (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 07m:17s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.A.1., subject to final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously  

2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting approval to declare surplus on the listed items attached herein (including i.e. vehicle units, heavy equipment, tractors/shredders, etc.), for the purpose of sale through auction, in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 263.152 (a) (1) and the authority to publish an advertisement for the auction of surplus items and to remove assets from the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 inventory list after finalizing the auction sale. (Audio Reference 07m:41s)

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 6.A.2.
                                                          
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
B.
AI -99641
Requesting approval to purchase two (2) 2025 Peterbilt 548 6x4 16' Dump Trucks w/Load King, through the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 membership/participation with Purchasing Cooperative of America awarded Contract No. PCA OD-328-20 from Big D Tractor Company LLC, dba Blue Cat Rentals, Frontera Equipment in the total amount of $455,594.02. (Audio Reference 08m:10s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.B.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously 
 
C.
AI -99711
1. Requesting approval to purchase one (1) 2026 Peterbilt 567 8x4 100K Winch Truck, through the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 membership/participation with Purchasing Cooperative of America awarded Contract No. PCA OD-328-20 from Big D Tractor Company LLC, dba Blue Cat Rentals, Frontera Equipment in the total amount of $309,300.00. (Audio Reference 08m:34s)
 
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.C.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Pursuant to the Board's approval of the purchase of the heavy equipment, requesting to declare surplus with the purpose of trade in and requesting approval to remove assets from the District's asset list once the transaction is complete: (1) HT-89 2009 Freightliner FLD120- SD Haul Truck asset#1620. (Audio Reference 09m:00s)

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 6.C.2.
                                                          
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
D.
AI -99644
1.) Acceptance of the ''Archaeological Services Pool'', RFQ No. HCDD1-25-033-05-13-ESZ and approval of all Archaeological Firms that submitted the Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) for the establishment of a "Pool" for engagement on an "As Needed Basis" per project by Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1. As each firm has demonstrated competence and qualifications to perform the services for which they submitted, with the effective date of June 10, 2025, for a duration of five (5) years. (Audio Reference 09m:21s)

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.D.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously                                          

2.) Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate an On-Call Archaeological Service Agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc for Archaeological Services on an as-needed basis from the District's pre-approved "pool" of pre-qualified Archaeological Service Pool. (Audio Reference 09m:56s)

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.D.2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
E.
AI -99630
1. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Texas Local Government Code 262.024(a)(4) a professional service. (Audio Reference 10m:13s)

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 6.E.1.       
                                                  
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Requesting authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate an On-Call Professional Surveying Service Agreement(s) with the following firms for Professional Surveying Services on an as-needed basis from the District's pre-approved "pool" of pre-qualified Professional Surveyors as approved by the Board of Directors on April 01, 2025, AI-98910:
  • SAMES, Inc.
  • S2 Engineering, PLLC
  • Quintanilla, Headley & Associates, Inc. (Audio Reference 10m:26s)
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.E.2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
F.
AI -99684
1. Requesting approval to reject bids received for Base Bid 2, and accept and award the bids for Base Bid 1 to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Gonzalez Engineering & Management, LLC, in the total amount of $1,936,603.00, for the “Phase I Flood Control Project Segment 21 Phase 1,” RFB No. HCDD1-25-029-05-14-ESZ, as recommended by the Project Engineer, Javier Hinojosa Engineering. This award is subject to final legal review and compliance with HB 1295. (Audio Reference 10m:49s)

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.F.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB 1295.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Pursuant to the Texas Water Code 49.273(i), requesting authority for the Drainage District General Manager, Raul E. Sesin, P.E., CFM, to approve change orders that involve an increase or decrease in cost of $50,000.00 or less and in no event exceed the Change Order's statutory limits. (Audio Reference 11m:19s)

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.F.2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
7.
 
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
 
A.
AI -99698
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 34-RDF2 as it relates to Project 34 of the 2018 Drainage Bond Program - South Lateral Drain Project and authority for the Chairman of the Board to execute documents, pending final legal review.
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -99687
East Mercedes - Budget 510
1. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction Completion from RBM Contractors, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-22-051-01-17 East Mercedes. Project Engineer HCDD1 Yvette Barrera, PE, CFM, PO#647299

2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 13 Retainage in the amount of $82,968.49 and $2,131.20 in interest from RBM Contractors, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-22-051-01-17 East Mercedes. Project Engineer HCDD1 Yvette Barrera, PE, CFM, PO#647299

Highway 281 & FM 88 - Budget 514
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 16 in the amount of $136,035.00 from Go Underground pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-22-019-07-12 Highway 281 & FM 88. Project Engineer HCDD1 Yvette Barrera, PE, CFM,  PO#646340 (Audio Reference 11m:36s)

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 items 7.A., and 7.B.1-3.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
Southwest Weslaco Phase 3 - Budget 535

4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $57,631.10 from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-055-11-12 Southwest Weslaco Phase 3. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#650124

Southwest Weslaco - Budget 535
5. Approval of Application for Payment No. 8 in the amount of $22,434.66 from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-056-11-14 Southwest Weslaco. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM, PO#648668

6. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction Completion from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-056-11-14 Southwest Weslaco. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM, PO#648668

7. Approval of Application for Payment No. "Retainage" in the amount of $119,685.70 and $1,505.68 in interest from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-056-11-14 Southwest Weslaco. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM, PO#648668 (Audio Reference 12m:44s)

Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 7.B.4-7.

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 7.B.4-7.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
8.
 
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
 
A.
AI -99592
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of the procurement packet (i.e., requirements, specifications and plans, etc.) for "Mission-McAllen Drain Phase IV -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 12", RFB No. HCDD1-25-038-07-02-ESZ, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required.
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -99593
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of the procurement packet (i.e., requirements, specifications and plans, etc.) for "San Juan Lateral Extension -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 25", RFB No. HCDD1-25-040-07-09-ESZ, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required.
Attachments:
 
C.
AI -99618
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of the procurement packet (i.e., requirements, specifications and plans, etc.) for "PD Lateral Drain Extension 3  -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 15", RFB No. HCDD1-25-039-07-16-JS, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required.
Attachments:
 
D.
AI -99619
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of the procurement packet (i.e., requirements, specifications and plans, etc.) for "Panchitas Outfall Structure - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 6", RFB No. HCDD1-25-037-07-02-JS, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required.
Attachments:
 
E.
AI -99689
Raymondville Drain - Budget 010
1. Payment approval of Invoice No. 01-02-2025 RD in the amount of $128,758.55 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for Raymondville Drain Project work for Pay Periods 1 and 2 of 2025. (Audio Reference 14m:05s)

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 items 8.A.,C.,D.,and E.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

Mission McAllen Lateral Channel Improvements - Budget 712
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $197,154.00 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-057-10-23-ESZ Mission McAllen Lateral Channel Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering, PO#650255 (Audio Reference 15m:47s)

Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.E.2.

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.E.2.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
9.
 
General Fund:
 
A.
AI -99643
Requesting approval to purchase one (1) John Deere Tractor 6135E -Pull Type with 15' Shredder, through the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 membership/participation with Buyboard awarded Contract No. 706-23 from Deere & Company in the total amount of $133,081.41.
 
B.
AI -99683
1. Requesting approval to purchase (3) Caterpillar 326 LRF Excavators through the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 membership/participation with Sourcewell Cooperative awarded Contract No. 011723-CAT from Holt CAT for the total amount of $639,400.00.

 2. Pursuant to the Board's approval of the purchase of the heavy equipment, requesting to declare surplus with the purpose of trade in and requesting approval to remove the following from the District's asset list once the transaction is complete: 

(1) EX-35 -2014 Doosan DX255LC asset#1753   
(1) EX-36 -2014 Doosan DX255LC asset#1754  
 
C.
AI -99688
 Requesting approval to purchase (1) John Deere 320 P-Tier Backhoe Loader through the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 membership/participation with Sourcewell Cooperative awarded vendor Doggett/John Deere, Contract No. 071123-JDC for the total amount of $148,250.00. (Audio Reference 16m: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 items 9.A.,B,&C.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously                                               
 
D.
AI -99712
A.  Requesting approval of a Budget Amendment in the amount of $3,114,170.42 from the District's Unreserved Fund Balance to fund open purchase orders and commitments on December 31, 2024. This amendment is for the Administration and M&O budgets. 

B. Request approval of a Budget Amendment in the amount $1,773,125.43 from the District's General Fund Unreserved Fund balance for the purchase of heavy equipment.  Also requesting approval recognize revenues for the sale of fixed assets by $87,500 for the trade-in value of assets the District will receive from vendors. (Audio Reference 17m:44s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 9.D.A&B.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
10.
 
Right of Way Acquisitions:
 
A.
AI -99616
Possible action to approve the sale of a 0.115 acre tract of land to abutting land owners, David and Jennifer Torres, at fair market value as authorized under §272.001(b) and (c) of the Texas Local Government Code, and authorize the chairman of the board to execute contract and all necessary closing documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 18m:25s)

Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner Ellie Torres abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 10.A.

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., subject to final legal review.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
11.
 
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 19m:03s)
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 9:49 A.M.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval 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 11.A-C., as they were items under Closed Session.
 
12.
 
Open Session: (Audio Reference 19m:31s)

The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 10:00 A.M.

Commissioner Fuentes did not return from Closed Session.
 
A.
 
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 19m:35s)

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. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 12.A.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously

The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 13.
 
B.
 
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation

No action was taken on Agenda Item 12.B.
 
13.
 
Adjourn (Audio Reference 19m:45s)

Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:01 A.M.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 10th day of June, 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 June 10, 2025.

Signed this 17th day of June 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