SPECIAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 3, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 3rd day of February 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 EDUARDO "EDDIE" CANTU HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE 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 FEBRUARY 3, 2026 1:45 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:01s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All members of the Board were present for the roll call, with the exception of Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Eddie Cantu. Commissioner Fuentes was absent from the meeting. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting a later time.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:31 A.M.
All members of the Board were present for the roll call, with the exception of Commissioner David Fuentes and Commissioner Eddie Cantu. Commissioner Fuentes was absent from the meeting. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting a later time.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:17s)
Assistant General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Yvette Barrera, offered the prayer.
Assistant General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Yvette Barrera, offered the prayer.
3.
Open Forum (Audio Reference 01m:11s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 01m:15s)
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:01s)
Assistant General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Yvette Barrera reported no new updates.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 5.
Assistant General Manager of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, Yvette Barrera reported no new updates.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 5.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -102277
Requesting Acceptance and approval of Donation Deed from Rimaga LLC as it relates to a 2.85 acre tract of land, Lot 36-6 West Addition to Sharyland Subdivision, subject to final legal review (Audio Reference 02m:09s)
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., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 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., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102278
South Lateral Drain - Budget 534
Approval to issue payments on award from the Honorable Judge Patricia O'Cana-Olivarez to (3) special commissioners, Dennis Ramirez, Jose Bravo, and Catarina Alvarado in the amount of $2,500.00 each pertaining to condemnation proceedings for Cause CCD-0948-1 Fouondry Manafacturing Services. (Audio Reference 02m:30s)
Judge Cortez inquired as to how many cases were reviewed or considered. Mrs. Barrera clarified that typically one case is considered per hearing. Judge Cortez stated that he wanted to be fair to all individuals who perform this work and expressed concern that the amount appeared high to him.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval to issue payments on award from the Honorable Judge Patricia O'Cana-Olivarez to (3) special commissioners, Dennis Ramirez, Jose Bravo, and Catarina Alvarado in the amount of $2,500.00 each pertaining to condemnation proceedings for Cause CCD-0948-1 Fouondry Manafacturing Services. (Audio Reference 02m:30s)
Judge Cortez inquired as to how many cases were reviewed or considered. Mrs. Barrera clarified that typically one case is considered per hearing. Judge Cortez stated that he wanted to be fair to all individuals who perform this work and expressed concern that the amount appeared high to him.
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -102276
Anaquitas Phase 2 - Budget 508
Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $58,344.12 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-006-02-18 Anaquitas Phase 2. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650692 (Audio Reference 03m:43s)
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 7.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $58,344.12 from Gonzalez Engineering pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-006-02-18 Anaquitas Phase 2. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650692 (Audio Reference 03m:43s)
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 7.B.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102275
West Main Drain III Extension - Budget 714
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $140,701.75 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-058-11-06 West Main Drain III Extension. Project Engineer B2Z PO#650376 (Audio Reference 04m:11s)
Commissioner Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.A.1.
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $193,477.73 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 04m:52s)
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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Nolana Loop Rd & Drainage - Budget 726
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $468,494.52 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $362,429.35 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
5. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $148,296.81 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555 (Audio Reference 05m:19s)
Commissioner Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 8.A.3-5.
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.A.3-5.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $140,701.75 from Renoworks pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-058-11-06 West Main Drain III Extension. Project Engineer B2Z PO#650376 (Audio Reference 04m:11s)
Commissioner Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.A.1.
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 8.A.1.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $193,477.73 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 04m:52s)
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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Nolana Loop Rd & Drainage - Budget 726
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $468,494.52 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $362,429.35 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
5. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $148,296.81 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 for Nolana Loop Road & Drainage Improvements. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555 (Audio Reference 05m:19s)
Commissioner Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Items 8.A.3-5.
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.A.3-5.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 06m:14s)
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 did not proceed into Closed Session.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C.
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 did not proceed into Closed Session.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C.
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:
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C.
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
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 06m:17s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:37 A.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 adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:37 A.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 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 3rd day of February, 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 February 3, 2026.
Signed this 6th day of February 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 3rd day of February, 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 February 3, 2026.
Signed this 6th day of February 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