SPECIAL MEETING - JUNE 24, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 24th 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 EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 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 24, 2025 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:00s)
Commissioner Eddie Cantu called the meeting to order at 9:43 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Ever Villarreal.
Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Ever Villarreal were absent for this meeting.
Commissioner Eddie Cantu called the meeting to order at 9:43 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Ever Villarreal.
Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Ever Villarreal were absent for this meeting.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:19s)
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 02m:40s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:45s)
The Board proceeded to the Drainage District - Consent Agenda.
See Drainage District - Consent Agenda for the action taken.
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 03m:33s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -99841
Requesting approval of Inter Local Agreement by and between Hidalgo County Drainage District No 1 and Sharyland ISD as it relates to the Mayberry Rd. to Glasscock Rd Drainage Improvements Project, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 05m:45s)
See Agenda Item 6.B., for action taken.
See Agenda Item 6.B., for action taken.
Attachments:
B.
AI -99863
Requesting approval of Inter Local Agreement by and between Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1, Hidalgo County Pct. 4 and Edinburg CISD as it relates to the Lull Drain Drainage Project. (Audio Reference 05m:55s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 6.A&B.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 6.A&B.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -99861
Requesting approval to exercise the District's option to renew/extend the contract for "Custodial Services for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1" with M&R's Elite Janitorial Solutions, LLC. for a period of one (1) year, with price adjustments under the same terms, and conditions as stated in contract number C-HCDD1-24-023-06-11, effective July 1, 2025 until June 30, 2026. (Audio Reference 06m:15s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
D.
AI -99875
Requesting approval of the final negotiated Professional Archaeological Service Agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc., for the provision of ''Archaeological Services (On call on an as-needed basis)'' for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 projects, as approved for negotiations by HCDD1 Board of Directors on 06/10/25, AI-99644. (Subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295): (Audio Reference 06m:39s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.D., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.D., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
E.
AI -99744
Requesting approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Work Authorization No.15 to provide additional Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the amount of $10,698.60 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, for the project "Ditch W-01-00 Gate Structure Improvements"; through Contract No. C-HCDD1-21-026-06-01. (Subject to final legal review and compliance with HB-1295). (Audio Reference 06m:59s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.E., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.E., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -99818
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 34-3 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. (Audio Reference 07m:24s)
See Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
See Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
Attachments:
B.
AI -99876
Highway 281 & FM 88 - Budget 514
1. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction completion from Go Underground pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-22-019-07-12 Highway 281 & FM 88. Project Engineer Cruz-Hogan PO#646340
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 17 in the amount of $139,880.00 and $2,897.38 of interest calculated pursuant to Texas Water Code 49.276 (d) from Go Underground pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-22-019-07-12 Highway 281 & Fm 88. Project Engineer Cruz-Hogan PO#646340
Mile 10 N & Baseline - Budget 520
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 18 in the amount of $26,724.60 from RBM Contractors, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-014-04-26-KMG Mile 10 North & Baseline. Project Engineer Quintanilla Headley PO#648064 (Audio Reference 07m:34s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 7.A & 7.B.1-3.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction completion from Go Underground pertaining to construction contract C-HCDD1-22-019-07-12 Highway 281 & FM 88. Project Engineer Cruz-Hogan PO#646340
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 17 in the amount of $139,880.00 and $2,897.38 of interest calculated pursuant to Texas Water Code 49.276 (d) from Go Underground pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-22-019-07-12 Highway 281 & Fm 88. Project Engineer Cruz-Hogan PO#646340
Mile 10 N & Baseline - Budget 520
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 18 in the amount of $26,724.60 from RBM Contractors, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-014-04-26-KMG Mile 10 North & Baseline. Project Engineer Quintanilla Headley PO#648064 (Audio Reference 07m:34s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 7.A & 7.B.1-3.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -99871
1. Presentation and discussion of Hidalgo County Drainage District's Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $50 million and discussion of outstanding debt. (Audio Reference 08m:31s)
Bobby Villarreal, with Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc. and Noe Hinojosa presented the Hidalgo County Drainage District's Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $50 million and discussed outstanding debt for the district.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 8.A.1.
2. Request approval to authorize the District's Financial Advisor, Estrada Hinojosa & Company, to proceed with the preparation of a financial plan for the sale of bonds needed for the second phase of the 2023 Bond Program. (Audio Reference 16m:43s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Bobby Villarreal, with Estrada Hinojosa & Company, Inc. and Noe Hinojosa presented the Hidalgo County Drainage District's Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $50 million and discussed outstanding debt for the district.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 8.A.1.
2. Request approval to authorize the District's Financial Advisor, Estrada Hinojosa & Company, to proceed with the preparation of a financial plan for the sale of bonds needed for the second phase of the 2023 Bond Program. (Audio Reference 16m:43s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
B.
AI -99761
1. Requesting approval to accept bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Synergy Development & Construction, LLC, in the amount of $1,489,599.80 for the project ''PD Lateral Drain Extension 5 -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 15'', RFB No. HCDD1-25-015-02-18-JS as recommended by Project Engineer, Izaguirre Engineering Group, LLC., (subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 17m:08s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.B.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 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 17m:37s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.B.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.B.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 3 - 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 17m:37s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.B.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -99877
West Main Drain 3 Phase 1 - Budget 714
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $217,613.07 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17 West Main Drain 3 Phase 1. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460 (Audio Reference 17m:53s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.C.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $157,795.54 from Clore Equipment, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM (Audio Reference 18m:08s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.C.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $217,613.07 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17 West Main Drain 3 Phase 1. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460 (Audio Reference 17m:53s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.C.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $157,795.54 from Clore Equipment, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM (Audio Reference 18m:08s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.C.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
9.
General Fund:
A.
AI -99874
M&O Canopy - Budget 006
Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $40,770.00 from 8/A Builders, LLC for the fabrication and installation of canopy outside the M&O Mechanic Shop. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaluda, Jr., PE, CFM PO#650851
Hidalgo County Precinct 1 - Various Budgets
Payment approval of Invoice No. DD-31 in the amount of $178,843.58 from Hidalgo County Precinct 1 for equipment use on various projects. (Audio Reference 18m:24s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 9.A.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
(Audio Reference 19m:00s)
Commissioner Cantu recessed the Drainage District meeting with a vote of approval at 10:01 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to recess the Drainage District meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to the regular Commissioner's Court meeting - Item 1.
Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $40,770.00 from 8/A Builders, LLC for the fabrication and installation of canopy outside the M&O Mechanic Shop. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaluda, Jr., PE, CFM PO#650851
Hidalgo County Precinct 1 - Various Budgets
Payment approval of Invoice No. DD-31 in the amount of $178,843.58 from Hidalgo County Precinct 1 for equipment use on various projects. (Audio Reference 18m:24s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 9.A.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
(Audio Reference 19m:00s)
Commissioner Cantu recessed the Drainage District meeting with a vote of approval at 10:01 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to recess the Drainage District meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to the regular Commissioner's Court meeting - Item 1.
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 19m:52s)
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:
(Audio Reference 19m:41s)
Commissioner Cantu reconvened the Drainage District meeting with a vote of approval at 10:03 A.M.
On motion by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to reconvene the Drainage District meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 10:03 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 3 - 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:
(Audio Reference 19m:41s)
Commissioner Cantu reconvened the Drainage District meeting with a vote of approval at 10:03 A.M.
On motion by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to reconvene the Drainage District meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 10:03 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 3 - 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 10.A-C, as they are items discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A-C, as they are items discussed in Closed Session.
11.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 21m:11s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 10:07 A.M.
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 10:07 A.M.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 21m:21s)
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.B.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.B.
12.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 21m:35s)
Commissioner Cantu adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:08 A.M.
On motion by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 – Unanimously
Commissioner Cantu adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:08 A.M.
On motion by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 3 - 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 24th 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 24, 2025.
Signed this 27th 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
Court, the meetings of the Commissioners Court and the
Drainage District #1 Board are now hereby adjourned.
Dated this the 24th 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 24, 2025.
Signed this 27th 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