SPECIAL MEETING - DECEMBER 16, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 16th day of December 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 |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 2 COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 3 |
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 DECEMBER 16, 2025 1:30 P.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:02s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 1:36 P.M.
All members of the Board were present during roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Ellie Torres, who was absent from the meeting.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 1:36 P.M.
All members of the Board were present during roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Ellie Torres, who was absent from the meeting.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:18s)
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:43s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:48s)
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 02m:58s)
Raul Sesin, General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, provided an update on pending construction and ongoing HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that a total of 135 projects have been completed, representing approximately $170 million in drainage infrastructure improvements. Commissioner Cantu explained that projects are divided into multiple phases to encourage more competitive bidding and maximize the efficient use of county funds, despite the additional administrative work involved. Commissioner Fuentes and Villarreal added that these projects are impactful and measurable, noting that their success is reflected in the reduction of homes experiencing water penetration during catastrophic flooding events. The Court emphasized that the focus is not only on completing projects and making investments, but on delivering meaningful improvements for the community.
Raul Sesin, General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, provided an update on pending construction and ongoing HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that a total of 135 projects have been completed, representing approximately $170 million in drainage infrastructure improvements. Commissioner Cantu explained that projects are divided into multiple phases to encourage more competitive bidding and maximize the efficient use of county funds, despite the additional administrative work involved. Commissioner Fuentes and Villarreal added that these projects are impactful and measurable, noting that their success is reflected in the reduction of homes experiencing water penetration during catastrophic flooding events. The Court emphasized that the focus is not only on completing projects and making investments, but on delivering meaningful improvements for the community.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -101832
Requesting approval to close out debt service fund 146–2016 bonds that were refunded. And to transfer its fund balance of $1,100,980.04 into the new 2025 bond service debt service accounts. (Audio Reference 07m: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.A.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -101798
1. Presentation of the firms responding to RFP No.HCDD1-25-004-09-24-ESZ "Title Company Services -Pool", for the purpose of acceptance as "Qualified" by the HCDD1 Board of Directors:
a. Sierra Title of Hidalgo County, Inc.
b. Amigo Title Company
c. Valley Land Title Company, LTD (Audio Reference 07m:59s)
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.B.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting authority for the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to negotiate separate Contracts with each of the qualified proposers for the provision of "Title Company Services On-Call (on an as-needed basis)" for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Projects. (Audio Reference 08m:24s)
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.B.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
a. Sierra Title of Hidalgo County, Inc.
b. Amigo Title Company
c. Valley Land Title Company, LTD (Audio Reference 07m:59s)
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.B.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting authority for the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to negotiate separate Contracts with each of the qualified proposers for the provision of "Title Company Services On-Call (on an as-needed basis)" for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 Projects. (Audio Reference 08m:24s)
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.B.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -101849
1. Requesting approval to rescind action taken by the HCDD1 Board of Directors on December 09, 2025, AI-101657, 7. B. (1) (Audio Reference 08m:40s)
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 item 7.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting approval to accept the bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Mor-Wil, LLC, in the total amount of $2,929,257.78 for Base bid + Alternate 1 for the project ''East Mercedes -2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 10A'', RFB No. HCDD1-25-055-09-24-JS as recommended by Project Engineer, Melden & Hunt, Inc. (subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 08m:57s)
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 7.A.2., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Pursuant to the Texas Water Code 49.273(i), requesting authority for 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 09m:49s)
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 7.A.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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 item 7.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Pursuant to the Board's approval, requesting approval to accept the bids and award a Construction Contract to the lowest and most responsive bidder, Mor-Wil, LLC, in the total amount of $2,929,257.78 for Base bid + Alternate 1 for the project ''East Mercedes -2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 10A'', RFB No. HCDD1-25-055-09-24-JS as recommended by Project Engineer, Melden & Hunt, Inc. (subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295). (Audio Reference 08m:57s)
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 7.A.2., subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
3. Pursuant to the Texas Water Code 49.273(i), requesting authority for 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 09m:49s)
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 7.A.3.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -101836
1. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under Texas Local Government Code 262.024(a)(4) for Professional Engineering Services. (Audio Reference 10m:07s)
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 item 8.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Requesting authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with S2 Engineering, PLLC for the provisions of Professional Engineering Services for the project ''PD Lateral Drain Extension 2 - 2023 Bond Project 15'' from the District's pre-approved "Pool" of pre-qualified Professional Engineers as approved by the Board of Directors on May 13, 2025 (AI-99341). (Audio Reference 10m:20s)
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.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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 item 8.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Requesting authority for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to negotiate a Professional Engineering Services Agreement with S2 Engineering, PLLC for the provisions of Professional Engineering Services for the project ''PD Lateral Drain Extension 2 - 2023 Bond Project 15'' from the District's pre-approved "Pool" of pre-qualified Professional Engineers as approved by the Board of Directors on May 13, 2025 (AI-99341). (Audio Reference 10m:20s)
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.2.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -101827
1. Requesting approval of the final negotiated Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with B2Z Engineering, LLC, for the project, "San Juan Lateral Extension Phase II - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 25", Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-068-12-16 and as approved for negotiations on 12/09/25, AI-101704. (subject to final legal review);
Reference Agenda Item 8.B.2, for action taken.
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $240,437.09 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC through Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-068-12-16, to provide Professional Engineering Services for, "San Juan Lateral Extension Phase II - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 25" (subject to final legal review); (Audio Reference 10m:45s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 8.B.1&2.
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 items 8.B.1&2, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Reference Agenda Item 8.B.2, for action taken.
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $240,437.09 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC through Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-068-12-16, to provide Professional Engineering Services for, "San Juan Lateral Extension Phase II - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 25" (subject to final legal review); (Audio Reference 10m:45s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 8.B.1&2.
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 items 8.B.1&2, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -101812
Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2 - Budget 721
Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $73,944.54 from 3E Logistics of Texas pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-047-09-17 Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2. Project Engineer GDJ Engineering PO#649952 (Audio Reference 10m:45s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.C.
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 8.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
(Audio Reference 12m:48s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to rescind the action on Agenda Item 8.C.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.C.
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 item 8.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 10.A.
Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $73,944.54 from 3E Logistics of Texas pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-047-09-17 Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2. Project Engineer GDJ Engineering PO#649952 (Audio Reference 10m:45s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.C.
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 8.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
(Audio Reference 12m:48s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to rescind the action on Agenda Item 8.C.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.C.
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 item 8.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 10.A.
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 12m:11s)
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 1:49 p.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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C, as they were items discussed in Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 10.A-C, for action taken.
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 1:49 p.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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C, as they were items discussed in Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 10.A-C, for action taken.
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)
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)
10.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 12m:40s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 1:58 P.M.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 8.C.
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 1:58 P.M.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 8.C.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 13m:27s)
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in 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 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 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. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.B.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.B.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.C.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.C.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 13m:55s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 1:59 P.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 1:59 P.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, 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 16th day of December, 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 December 16, 2025.
Signed this 2nd day of January 2026
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 December, 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 December 16, 2025.
Signed this 2nd day of January 2026
ATTEST:
ARTURO GUAJARDO, JR.
County Clerk and Ex-Officio Clerk
Of the Commissioners Court of
Hidalgo County
By: ____________________________
(Seal) Daniela E. Zedillo-Hinojosa, Deputy