SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 6, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 6th day of January A.D., 2026, 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 JANUARY 6, 2026 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:01s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All Board members were present during roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Eddie Cantu and Commissioner David Fuentes, who joined the meeting at a later time.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All Board members were present during roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Eddie Cantu and Commissioner David Fuentes, who joined the meeting at a later time.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:14s)
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:39s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda
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 04m:13s)
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 -101973
Requesting acceptance and approval of the Interlocal Governmental Agreement between Hidalgo County and the HCDD No. 1 for participation in the Self-Funded Medical Insurance Program, Stop Loss, Pharmacy, Term Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Products employee benefits for the Fiscal Year 2026, subject to Legal approval. (Audio Reference 06m:22s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.A.
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 6.A., subject to legal approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.A.
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 6.A., subject to legal approval.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -101878
Requesting approval of the following final negotiated contracts for the provision of ''Title Company 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 12/16/25, AI-101798 (Subject to final legal review and compliance with HB1295):
(Audio Reference 07m:02s)
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 and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
| Company | Contract No. |
| Amigo Title Company | C-HCDD1-25-004A-01-06 |
| Sierra Title of Hidalgo County, Inc. | C-HCDD1-25-004B-01-06 |
| Valley Land Title Company, LTD | C-HCDD1-25-004C-01-06 |
(Audio Reference 07m:02s)
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 and compliance with HB1295.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -101905
Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 26 to provide Construction Management (CM) & Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the total amount of $117,016.90 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "Mayberry Road to Glasscock Road Drainage Improvements Phase I", Contract No. C-HCDD1-23-036-07-25 (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 07m:44s)
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
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 -101872
1. Requesting approval of the final negotiated Agreement for Professional Engineering Services with S2 Engineering, PLLC, for the project, "PD Lateral Drain Extension 2 -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 15", Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-069-01-06 and as approved for negotiations on 12/16/25, AI-101836. (subject to final legal review) (Audio Reference 08m:24s)
Commissioner Fuentes joined the meeting at this time.
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.A.1., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $76,500.27 as submitted by S2 Engineering, PLLC through Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-069-01-06, to provide Professional Engineering Services for, "PD Lateral Drain Extension 2 -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 15" (subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 08m:48s)
Mr. Sesin noted a correction to the amount, which should be $76,638.92.
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.A.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Fuentes joined the meeting at this time.
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.A.1., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $76,500.27 as submitted by S2 Engineering, PLLC through Contract No. C-HCDD1-25-069-01-06, to provide Professional Engineering Services for, "PD Lateral Drain Extension 2 -2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 15" (subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 08m:48s)
Mr. Sesin noted a correction to the amount, which should be $76,638.92.
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.A.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -101918
Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 27 to provide Construction Management (CM) & Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the total amount of $121,531.84 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "La Villa / Edcouch / Elsa Phase II, IBWC Structure 604AL - 2023 Bond Referendum Project No. 8.5", Contract No. C-HCDD1-23-036-07-25 (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 09m:20s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.B.
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.B, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.B.
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.B, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -101971
La Villa-Edcouch Elsa Phase 2 - Budget 708
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $188,426.89 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22 La Villa Edcouch Elsa Phase 2. Project Engineer S2 Engineering, PO#651335
West Main Drain 3 Phase 3 - Budget 714
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $511,588.84 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-059-11-13 West Main Drain Extension 3 Phase 3. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa Engineering PO#650336
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $341,816.85 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-015-06-24 PD Lateral Extension 5. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#651274 (Audio Reference 10m:03s)
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 7.C.1-3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2 - Budget 721
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $45,008.04 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:58s)
Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.C.4.
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.C.4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $188,426.89 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22 La Villa Edcouch Elsa Phase 2. Project Engineer S2 Engineering, PO#651335
West Main Drain 3 Phase 3 - Budget 714
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $511,588.84 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-059-11-13 West Main Drain Extension 3 Phase 3. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa Engineering PO#650336
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 3 in the amount of $341,816.85 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-015-06-24 PD Lateral Extension 5. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#651274 (Audio Reference 10m:03s)
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 7.C.1-3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2 - Budget 721
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $45,008.04 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:58s)
Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.C.4.
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.C.4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
Human Resources:
A.
AI -101964
1. Approval of the following action, effective upon Board of Directors approval
(Audio Reference 11m:32s)
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 item 8.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Approval of GIS Operator II-IV Job Description
3. Approval of Budget amendment in the amount of $85,873.20 to fund item 1 (Audio Reference 12m:00s)
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 8.A.2&3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
| Action | Budget | Slot # | Position Title | Grade |
| Create 1 | Admin 003 | 48 | GIS Operator II - IV | 9 through 13 |
(Audio Reference 11m:32s)
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 item 8.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Approval of GIS Operator II-IV Job Description
3. Approval of Budget amendment in the amount of $85,873.20 to fund item 1 (Audio Reference 12m:00s)
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 8.A.2&3.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 12m:13s)
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 9:43 A.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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 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 9:43 A.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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 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:39s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 10:01 A.M. Commissioner Torres did not return from Closed Session.
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 10:01 A.M. Commissioner Torres did not return from Closed Session.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 12m:43s)
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 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. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, 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 this item.
No action was taken on this item.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
No action was taken on this item.
No action was taken on this item.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 12m:52s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:02 A.M.
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 to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:02 A.M.
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 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 6th day of January, 2026
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 January 6, 2026.
Signed this 8th 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 6th day of January, 2026
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 January 6, 2026.
Signed this 8th 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