SPECIAL MEETING - SEPTEMBER 30, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 30th day of September 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 SEPTEMBER 30, 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:03s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner Cantu. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at a later time.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call, except Commissioner Cantu. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at a later time.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:33s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 4.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, offered the prayer.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 4.
3.
Open Forum (Audio Reference 05m:04s)
Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at this time.
Open Forum Participant Lupe Chavez expressed his concerns regarding
Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at this time.
Open Forum Participant Lupe Chavez expressed his concerns regarding
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
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 08m:52s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, reported that there were no new updates regarding pending construction or HCDD1 projects.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, reported that there were no new updates regarding pending construction or HCDD1 projects.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -100964
Discussion and presentation by Estrada Hinojosa regarding the financial transactions of the Hidalgo County Drainage District's September 15 and 16, 2025, Bond Sale. (Audio Reference 09m:07s)
Bobby Villarreal of Estrada Hinojosa presented the financial transactions related to the Hidalgo County Drainage District’s Bond Sale held on September 15 and 16, 2025.
Judge Cortez inquired whether, if all funding were available, all projects could be completed simultaneously. Mr. Sesin responded that, realistically, it would involve a significant amount of work. Judge Cortez added that even with full funding, managing all projects at the same time would not be feasible. Commissioner Fuentes noted the importance of project management to expedite completion and expressed appreciation for efforts that save taxpayer money on interest and leverage state funds with zero interest, as this approach helps bring additional projects to the area.
No action was taken on this item.
Bobby Villarreal of Estrada Hinojosa presented the financial transactions related to the Hidalgo County Drainage District’s Bond Sale held on September 15 and 16, 2025.
Judge Cortez inquired whether, if all funding were available, all projects could be completed simultaneously. Mr. Sesin responded that, realistically, it would involve a significant amount of work. Judge Cortez added that even with full funding, managing all projects at the same time would not be feasible. Commissioner Fuentes noted the importance of project management to expedite completion and expressed appreciation for efforts that save taxpayer money on interest and leverage state funds with zero interest, as this approach helps bring additional projects to the area.
No action was taken on this item.
B.
AI -100945
Requesting approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Work Authorization No.1 to provide additional Project Management & Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the amount of $76,841.46 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, for the project "Main Flood Water Channel 2015 -GLO Project Phase I Seg. A&B'', through Contract No. C-HCDD1-22-046-03-07. (Subject to final legal review.) (Audio Reference 17m:54s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.B.
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., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.B.
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., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -100946
Requesting approval of Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to Work Authorization No.1 to provide additional Project Management & Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the amount of $72,719.76 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, for the project "Main Flood Water Channel 2016 -GLO Project Phase II Seg. C&D'', through Contract No. C-HCDD1-22-047-03-07. (Subject to final legal review.) (Audio Reference 18m:31s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.C.
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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.C.
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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -100972
1. Requesting approval to accept the bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Synergy Development & Construction, in the amount of $2,837,300.15 for the project ''Panchitas Outfall Structure -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 6'', RFB No. HCDD1-25-037-07-02-JS as recommended by Project Engineer, Omar Anzaldua Jr., P.E., CFM, Asst. District General Manager (subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 19m:03s)
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.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
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 20m: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.A.2.
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.A.1., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
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 20m: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.A.2.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -100960
West Main Drain Phase 3 - Budget 703
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $250,732.08 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-059-11-13 West Main Drain 3 Phase 3. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa, PO#650336
Reference Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
2. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction Completion from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-032-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649764
Reference Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 Final in the amount of $109,966.79 and 477.82 in interest (pursuant to Texas Water Code 49.247) from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-032-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649764 (Audio Reference 20m:22s)
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.B.1-3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $250,732.08 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-059-11-13 West Main Drain 3 Phase 3. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa, PO#650336
Reference Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
2. Approval and acceptance of Certificate of Substantial Completion and Certificate of Construction Completion from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-032-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649764
Reference Agenda Item 7.B.3., for action taken.
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 Final in the amount of $109,966.79 and 477.82 in interest (pursuant to Texas Water Code 49.247) from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-032-07-09 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649764 (Audio Reference 20m:22s)
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.B.1-3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
Human Resources:
A.
AI -100954
General Fund Admin-Budget 003
1. Approval to create and hire Admin Slots 46 and 47 in 2025 for the Stormwater Management Technicians, up to a Grade 11 Step 1, that were included in the 2026 Budget. Funding is in place for the remainder of 2025. (Audio Reference 21m:19s)
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval to create and hire Admin Slots 46 and 47 in 2025 for the Stormwater Management Technicians, up to a Grade 11 Step 1, that were included in the 2026 Budget. Funding is in place for the remainder of 2025. (Audio Reference 21m:19s)
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Right of Way Acquisitions:
A.
AI -100944
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 4 as it relates to the Mayberry & Glasscock Drainage Improvement Project and authority for the Chairman of the Board to execute documents. (Audio Reference 21m:38s)
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 9.A.
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 9.A.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 21m:50s)
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 9:53 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 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 9:53 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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
A.
Real Property (Tex. Gov't Code 551.072)
Reference Agenda Item 11.A., for action taken.
Reference Agenda Item 11.A., for action taken.
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)
Reference Agenda Item 11.B., for action taken.
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)
Reference Agenda Item 11.B., for action taken.
11.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 22m:20s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:05 A.M.
Commissioner Cantu did not return from Closed Session.
The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:05 A.M.
Commissioner Cantu did not return from Closed Session.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 22m:36s)
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to authorize General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 11.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to authorize General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 11.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation (Audio Reference 22m:50s)
Legal Counsel recommended that a motion be made to authorize District Counsel to proceed as discussed during Closed Session.
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 11.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
Legal Counsel recommended that a motion be made to authorize District Counsel to proceed as discussed during Closed Session.
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 11.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
12.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 23m:01s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:06 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:06 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, 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 30th day of September, 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 September 30, 2025.
Signed this 6th day of October 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 30th day of September, 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 September 30, 2025.
Signed this 6th day of October 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