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Minutes for DD-REGULAR AGENDA SPECIAL MTG

SPECIAL MEETING - AUGUST 19, 2025

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 19th day of August 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
AUGUST 19, 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.

 
1.
 
Roll Call (Audio Reference 00m:05s)

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 Ellie Torres. Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at a later time.
 
2.
 
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:20s)

General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
 
3.
 
Open Forum (Audio Reference 02m:41s)

There were no public participants for Open Forum.
 
4.
 
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:44s)

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:18s)

General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and ongoing HCDD1 projects. Commissioner Fuentes added that he and Mr. Sesin had been invited to provide testimony highlighting drainage improvements, particularly flood mitigation efforts, and their collaboration with TxDOT. They expressed optimism about securing additional funding to support future projects.
 
6.
 
General Operations:
 
A.
AI -100457
Presentation of Drainage District #1 Annual Tax Collections Report 2024-2025 (Audio Reference 07m:13s)

Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at this time. 

Pablo “Paul” Villarreal, Hidalgo County Tax Assessor-Collector, presented the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Annual Tax Collections Report for 2024–2025.
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -100464
Requesting approval of Inter Local Agreement by and between Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley as it relates to the Edinburg Stub. (Pending final legal review) (Audio Reference 10m:19s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 6.B., pending final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
C.
AI -100372
Requesting approval to enter into a Service Agreement and Annual Subscription with ClearGov, Inc., in the amount of $10,800.00 per year, for Financial Reporting Services. The subscription will automatically renew for successive one-year terms. Acquisition will be made through the District’s participation in the BuyBoard Cooperative Contract No. 692-23. Authorization is requested for the County Judge to execute the Service Agreement and related order form documents. (Subject to final legal review) (Audio Reference 11m:23s)
 
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.C., subject to final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
7.
 
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
 
A.
AI -100426
Raymondville Drain - Budget 010
Payment approval of Invoice No. 11 2025 RD in the amount of $66,934.27 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for work on Raymondville Drain during Pay Period 11, 2025. (Audio Reference 11m:53s)

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 7.A.
                                                          
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -100427
Anaquitas Drain - Budget 508
Approval to issue payments on award to (3) special commissioners, Bianca Rivera, Elias Longoria, and Rene Anzaldua in the amount of $1,000.00 each pertaining to condemnation proceedings for Cause No. CCD-0822-H Ismael Rodriguez. (Audio Reference 12m:11s)

Legal Counsel Ivan Perez clarified that this matter pertained to Court 8.

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 -100462
Requesting approval of First Amendment to Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Drainage No.1 for Disaster Recovery Reallocation Program 183-1181. (Pending final legal review) (Audio Reference 13m: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 8.A., pending final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
B.
AI -100435
1.  Requesting approval of the final negotiated Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with SCIVLE, PLLC, for the project, "Bates Lateral Ditch - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 17", Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-054-08-19 and as approved for negotiations on 04/15/25, AI-99000. (subject to final legal review); (Audio Reference 13m:44s)

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.B.1, subject to final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $90,621.60 as submitted by SCIVLE, PLLC through Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-054-08-19, to provide Professional Engineering Services for, "Bates Lateral Ditch -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 17" (Audio Reference 14m:12s)

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.B.2.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
C.
AI -100425
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $157,925.06 from Clore Equipment, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#650112 (Audio Reference 14m:32s)

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 8.C.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

Nolana Loop (LJ Drain Nolana Extension) - Budget 726
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $456,474.90 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Nolana Loop (LJ Drain Nolana Extension). 

Reference Agenda Item 8.C.3., for action taken.

3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $214,205.17 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Nolana Loop (LJ Drain Nolana Extension). (Audio Reference 14m:50s)

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 items 8.C.2&3.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
9.
 
General Fund:
 
A.
AI -100424
Canopy Fabrication - Budget 006
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $4,530.00 and $11.78 in interest in accordance with Texas Water Code 49.276 from 8A Builders, LLC pertaining to Canopy Fabrication. PO#650581 (Audio Reference 15m:42s)

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 9.A.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
.A.
HCDD1 Complex M&O Training Facility - Budget 202
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 12 in the amount of $40,768.35 from NM Contracting pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-076-03-05 HCDD1 Complex M&O Training Facility. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#649184

Reference Agenda Item 9.A.3., for action taken.

3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 13 in the amount of $36,710.56 from NM Contracting pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-23-076-03-05 HCDD1 Complex M&O Training Facility. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#649184 (Audio Reference 16m:33s)

Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 9.A.2&3.

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 9.A.2&3.

Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
 
10.
 
Human Resources:
 
A.
AI -100429
M&O Budget - 006 
1. Approval to create (2) two Truck Driver III positions and set salary at Grade 8 Step 1. (Audio Reference 17m:30s)

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 10.A.1.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

2. Approval of updated M&O Salary Schedule

Reference Agenda Item 10.A.3., for action taken.

3. Budget Amendment to fund new positions for the remainder of 2025 in the amount of $42,904.98. (Audio Reference 17m:48s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 10.A.2&3.
                                          
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
 
11.
 
Right of Way Acquisitions:
 
A.
AI -100336
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 2, as it relates to the J-01 Drainage Project, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute the documents.

Reference Agenda Item 11.B., for action taken.
Attachments:
 
B.
AI -100342
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel OD-7B1 as it relates to the HCRMA US 365 Outfall Project and authority for the Chairman of the Board to execute documents, pending final legal review. (Audio Reference 18m:02s)

On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda items 11.A&B., pending final legal review.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
 
12.
 
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 18m:29s)
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 12.A-C., as they were items discussed in Closed Session.
 
13.
 
Open Session: (Audio Reference 19m:02s)

The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:00 A.M.
 
A.
 
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 19m:10s)

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. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 13.A.

Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously

The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 14.
 
B.
 
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation

No action was taken on this item.
 
14.
 
Adjourn (Audio Reference 19m:23s)

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 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 19th day of August, 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 August 19, 2025.

Signed this 8th day of September 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