SPECIAL MEETING - DECEMBER 22, 2025
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 22nd day of December A.D., 2025, there was begun and held a SPECIAL MEETING of the Honorable Commissioners’ Court 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 CC REGULAR HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING DECEMBER 22, 2025 10:00 A.M. |
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NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Commissioners Court 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:11s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 10:00 A.M.
All members of the Court were present during the roll call.
2.
Pledge of Allegiance (Audio Reference 00m:28s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez led the Court in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Judge Richard F. Cortez led the Court in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.
3.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:44s)
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, offered the prayer.
County Executive Officer, Valde Guerra, offered the prayer.
4.
Open Forum (Audio Reference 01m:26s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
5.
Purchasing Department:
A.
Hidalgo County:
1.
AI-101891
Requesting authority to award the Lease Agreement (C-25-0477-12-19) for the "Lease of Space for Food Services at the Hidalgo County Courthouse" to the highest-ranked responsible respondent, Seven Beans, LLC. (Audio Reference 01m:31s)
Judge Cortez inquired about the term of the lease agreement. Mr. Hector Garcia, from the Purchasing Department, responded that the agreement is for a three-year term with possible extensions. He further noted that the agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the term in accordance with the provisions outlined in the agreement, subject to certain conditions being met.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez inquired about the term of the lease agreement. Mr. Hector Garcia, from the Purchasing Department, responded that the agreement is for a three-year term with possible extensions. He further noted that the agreement may be terminated prior to the end of the term in accordance with the provisions outlined in the agreement, subject to certain conditions being met.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.A.1.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
Pct. #1:
1.
AI-101892
A. Requesting acceptance and approval of the final negotiated Professional Engineering Services Agreement (C-25-0649-12-19) with B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "City of Donna Wellness Program," as ranked and approved by CC (AI-101443; 11/10/25). (Audio Reference 02m:43s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.1.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.1.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 1, in the amount not to exceed $75,006.33, as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, to provide Programming, Site Evaluation, Concept Layout Development, Cost Estimating, and Feasibility Report Preparation Services for the "City of Donna Wellness Program" Project; with authority to issue a Notice to Proceed. (Audio Reference 03m:15s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.1.B.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.1.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.1.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.1.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 1, in the amount not to exceed $75,006.33, as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, to provide Programming, Site Evaluation, Concept Layout Development, Cost Estimating, and Feasibility Report Preparation Services for the "City of Donna Wellness Program" Project; with authority to issue a Notice to Proceed. (Audio Reference 03m:15s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.1.B.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.1.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2.
AI-101893
A. Requesting acceptance and approval of the final negotiated Professional Engineering Services Agreement (C-25-0648-12-19) with B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "Donna ISD Spay and Neuter Program," as ranked and approved by CC (AI-101440; 11/10/25). (Audio Reference 03m:50s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.2.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.2.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 1, in the amount not to exceed $75,006.33, as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, to provide Project Programming, Feasibility-Level Site Evaluation, Conceptual Layout Development, Construction Cost Estimate, Feasibility Study Report Preparation Services for the "Donna ISD Spay and Neuter Program" project; with authority to issue a Notice to Proceed. (Audio Reference 04m:17s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.2.B.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.2.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.2.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.2.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
B. Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 1, in the amount not to exceed $75,006.33, as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC, to provide Project Programming, Feasibility-Level Site Evaluation, Conceptual Layout Development, Construction Cost Estimate, Feasibility Study Report Preparation Services for the "Donna ISD Spay and Neuter Program" project; with authority to issue a Notice to Proceed. (Audio Reference 04m:17s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 5.B.2.B.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 5.B.2.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
6.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 04m:56s)
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
The Court proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 10:05 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 6.A-C., as they were items discussed during Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 7.A-C., for action taken.
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
The Court proceeded into Closed Session with a vote of approval at 10:05 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 6.A-C., as they were items discussed during Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 7.A-C., for action taken.
A.
Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Private consultation and advice of counsel concerning pending, potential and/or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client privilege under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
C.
AI-101896
Deliberation to authorize County staff to negotiate the terms of a proposed agreement under Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code for the purpose of promoting economic development within the County. (Project December)
7.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 05m:28s)
The Court returned from Closed Session at 10:25 A.M.
All members of the Court returned from Closed Session.
The Court returned from Closed Session at 10:25 A.M.
All members of the Court returned from Closed Session.
A.
Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same (Audio Reference 06m:20s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 7.A.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 7.A.
B.
Pending and/or potential litigation (Audio Reference 06m:29s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 7.B.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 7.B.
C.
AI-101897
Deliberation and possible action to authorize County staff to negotiate the terms of a proposed agreement under Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code for the purpose of promoting economic development within the County. (Project December) (Audio Reference 06m:34s)
Commissioner Everardo Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.C.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.C.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Everardo Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 7.C.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.C.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024(A) (4) "a Professional Service" for the "provision of legal services/representation in connection with litigation."
B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295) (Audio Reference 07m:29s)
No action was taken on Agenda Items 8.A&B.
B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295) (Audio Reference 07m:29s)
No action was taken on Agenda Items 8.A&B.
9.
Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 07m:31s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 9.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 07m:31s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 9.
10.
Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 07m:32s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed (Audio Reference 07m:32s)
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 07m:33s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:27 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Richard F. Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:27 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Court 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 22nd 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 22, 2025.
Signed this 22nd day of December 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 22nd 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 22, 2025.
Signed this 22nd day of December 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