SPECIAL MEETING - JANUARY 20, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 20th 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 |
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 JANUARY 20, 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:03s)
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 for Commissioner Ellie Torres. Commissioner Torres was absent from the meeting.
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 for Commissioner Ellie Torres. Commissioner Torres was absent from the meeting.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:15s)
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 01m:44s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 01m:49s)
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 03m:04s)
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that $15 million is anticipated to be awarded for the Delta Reclamation Project. Commissioner Fuentes noted that, after a lengthy process, the project can now advance in coordination with the Water Development Board to provide water resource and drainage relief.
Mr. Sesin also reported that of the $33.5 million requested, $25 million was awarded in grant funding, with $8 million designated as a local match. He stated that the projects will continue using state funds, and that the recovered funds will be returned to the precincts for additional improvements. Mr. Sesin noted that receiving $25 million in grant funding allows the county to recapture funds that had already been allocated for these projects.
General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that $15 million is anticipated to be awarded for the Delta Reclamation Project. Commissioner Fuentes noted that, after a lengthy process, the project can now advance in coordination with the Water Development Board to provide water resource and drainage relief.
Mr. Sesin also reported that of the $33.5 million requested, $25 million was awarded in grant funding, with $8 million designated as a local match. He stated that the projects will continue using state funds, and that the recovered funds will be returned to the precincts for additional improvements. Mr. Sesin noted that receiving $25 million in grant funding allows the county to recapture funds that had already been allocated for these projects.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -102118
Requesting approval of Resolution adopting Texas Single - Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 05m:58s)
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.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -102122
Requesting approval of Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 Fitness Room Use Policy and Fitness Room Use Agreement (pending final legal review). (Audio Reference 06m:16s)
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., pending final legal review.
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.B., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
C.
AI -102123
Requesting approval of Addendum to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Willacy County, Texas and Willacy County Drainage District No.1 as it relates to Lateral G Project (pending final legal review). (Audio Reference 07m:09s)
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 6.C., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
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 6.C., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
D.
AI -102125
1.) Approval of an exemption from Competitive Bidding requirements under the Texas Water Code § 49.278(a)(2), contracts for Personal or Professional Services and Government Code Chapter 2254, Professional and Consulting Services based on demonstrated competence at a fair and reasonable price; (Audio Reference 07m:23s)
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.D.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2.) Acceptance and approval of a Professional Consulting Services Contract with Mabry Public Affairs, LLC in connection with strategic consulting advocacy services for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to be paid from local funds and with approval for HCDD1 General Manager to execute (pending final legal review). (Audio Reference 07m:50s)
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.D.2., pending final legal review.
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.D.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
2.) Acceptance and approval of a Professional Consulting Services Contract with Mabry Public Affairs, LLC in connection with strategic consulting advocacy services for Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 to be paid from local funds and with approval for HCDD1 General Manager to execute (pending final legal review). (Audio Reference 07m:50s)
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.D.2., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102107
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 35-8, as it relates to the 2018 Bond Project No. 35 - Southwest Weslaco, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute the documents, pending final legal review. (Audio Reference 08m:49s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding agenda item 7.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 7.A., pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding agenda item 7.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 7.A., pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -102099
Hidalgo Drain - Budget 513
Approval of Application for Payment No. 8 in the amount of $92,143.80 from RDH Site pertaining to C-HCDD1-24-034-08-06 Hidalgo Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649905 (Audio Reference 09m:16s)
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 7.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of Application for Payment No. 8 in the amount of $92,143.80 from RDH Site pertaining to C-HCDD1-24-034-08-06 Hidalgo Drain. Project Engineer SAMES PO#649905 (Audio Reference 09m:16s)
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 7.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102100
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $258,380.55 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-057-10-23 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650255 (Audio Reference 09m:34s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 8.A.1.
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 11 in the amount of $33,668.58 from Clore Equipment pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#650112 (Audio Reference 10m:05s)
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
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $258,380.55 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-057-10-23 Mission McAllen Drain. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650255 (Audio Reference 09m:34s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 8.A.1.
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 11 in the amount of $33,668.58 from Clore Equipment pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua, Jr., PE, CFM PO#650112 (Audio Reference 10m:05s)
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:
9.
Right of Way Acquisitions:
A.
AI -102106
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 3A as it relates to the Mayberry & Glasscock Drainage Improvement Project and authority for the Chairman of the Board to execute documents, pending final legal review. (Audio Reference 10m:25s)
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 9.A., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
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 9.A., pending final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session:
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C., as the Board did not enter into Closed Session.
Board of Directors may go into Closed Session pursuant to Subchapter D of Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to discuss the following:
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C., as the Board did not enter into Closed Session.
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)
11.
Open Session:
No action was taken on Agenda Items 11.A-C., as the Board did not enter into Open Session.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 11.A-C., as the Board did not enter into Open Session.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
12.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 10m:44s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:41 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:41 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote 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 20th 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 20, 2026.
Signed this 22nd 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 20th 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 20, 2026.
Signed this 22nd 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