REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 27, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 27th day of January A.D., 2026, there was begun and held a REGULAR 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 EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE 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 27, 2026 1:30 P.M. |
NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a REGULAR 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 1:30 P.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call except for Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Eddie Cantu. Commissioner Fuentes and Cantu were absent from this meeting.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M.
All members of the Board were present during the roll call except for Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Eddie Cantu. Commissioner Fuentes and Cantu were absent from this meeting.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:17s)
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:52s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 01m:55s)
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 02m:20s)
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 -102144
Requesting authority to advertise and approval of RFB Packet (i.e., legal notice, specifications, etc.) for "Purchase of seven (7) Full-Size Pickup Trucks", RFB No. HCDD1-26-001-02-18-AG, including the re-advertisement of project if no bids are received or rejected & project is still required. (Audio Reference 03m:04s)
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.A.
Vote: 3 - 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 6.A.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102140
Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 28 to provide Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) in the total amount of $86,834.50 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "East Mercedes Drain Ditch Improvements - 2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 10A", Contract No. C-HCDD1-23-036-07-25 (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 03m:25s)
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. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A., subject to 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. 4, ELLIE TORRES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -102196
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel 19-8 as it relates to Project 19 of the 2018 Drainage Bond Program - Mid Valley Airport and authority for the Chairman of the Board to execute documents, pending final legal review. (Audio Reference 03m:57s)
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.B, pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 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.B, pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -102188
Hidalgo Drain - Budget 513
Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $160,758.00 from RDH Site pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-034-08-06. Project Engineer SAMES Engineering PO#649905 (Audio Reference 04m:16s)
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.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $160,758.00 from RDH Site pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-034-08-06. Project Engineer SAMES Engineering PO#649905 (Audio Reference 04m:16s)
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.C.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102189
La Villa Edcouch Elsa Phase 2 - Budget 708
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $25,135.06 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335 (Audio Reference 04m:34s)
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
West Main Drain 3 Phase 1 - Budget 714
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $259,608.11 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460 (Audio Reference 04m:51s)
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 8.A.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $25,135.06 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335 (Audio Reference 04m:34s)
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
West Main Drain 3 Phase 1 - Budget 714
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $259,608.11 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460 (Audio Reference 04m:51s)
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 8.A.2.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Right of Way Acquisitions:
A.
AI -102197
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 05m:12s)
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, pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 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, pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 05m:25s)
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 1:36 P.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: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C, as they were items discussed in Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 11.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 1:36 P.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: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C, as they were items discussed in Closed Session.
Reference Agenda Items 11.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)
11.
Open Session: (Audio Reference 05m:52s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at 1:59 P.M.
The Board returned from Closed Session at 1:59 P.M.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 05m:56s)
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to approve real property acquisition as discussed in Closed Session.
Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 11.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.
Vote: 2 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
Legal Counsel recommended a motion to approve real property acquisition as discussed in Closed Session.
Commissioner Everardo "Ever" Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 11.A.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 11.A.
Vote: 2 - 0 – Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.B.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.B.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.C.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 11.C.
12.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 06m:14s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 1:59 P.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 1:59 P.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 4, ELLIE TORRES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 3 - 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 27th 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 27, 2026.
Signed this 29th 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 27th 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 27, 2026.
Signed this 29th 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