SPECIAL MEETING - FEBRUARY 17, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 17th 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 DAVID FUENTES HONORABLE EVERARDO "EVER" VILLARREAL HONORABLE ELLIE TORRES |
HIDALGO COUNTY JUDGE COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT NO. 1 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 17, 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:02s)
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 Eddie Cantu and Commissioner Ellie Torres.
Commissioner Eddie Cantu was absent from this meeting. Commissioner Ellie Torres joined the meeting at a later time.
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 Eddie Cantu and Commissioner Ellie Torres.
Commissioner Eddie Cantu was absent from this meeting. Commissioner Ellie Torres joined the meeting at a later time.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:16s)
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 (Audio Reference 02m:50s)
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 03m:35s)
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 the pedestrian tunnel in Precinct 1 has been completed and will allow safe pedestrian access beneath a heavily traveled roadway. He noted that crossing the roadway had previously posed a safety risk, making this project important for community connectivity. Mr. Sesin also reported that vandalism continues to be a challenge for the District, noting that five tractors were heavily vandalized in the past week, along with four additional pieces of equipment. This vandalism has negatively impacted District operations.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.B.
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 the pedestrian tunnel in Precinct 1 has been completed and will allow safe pedestrian access beneath a heavily traveled roadway. He noted that crossing the roadway had previously posed a safety risk, making this project important for community connectivity. Mr. Sesin also reported that vandalism continues to be a challenge for the District, noting that five tractors were heavily vandalized in the past week, along with four additional pieces of equipment. This vandalism has negatively impacted District operations.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.B.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -102470
Requesting Approval of Proclamation in Recognition of National Engineers Week (Audio Reference 12m:57s)
Jaime Salazar read the Proclamation in Recognition of National Engineers Week.
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 6.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11.
Jaime Salazar read the Proclamation in Recognition of National Engineers Week.
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 6.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11.
Attachments:
B.
AI -102472
Canal Crossing Permit
Requesting approval for a Hidalgo County Consolidated Water Control and Improvement District permit as it relates to J-01 Stormwater Management Project and authority for the District General Manager to execute documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 08m:31s)
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.B., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Requesting approval for a Hidalgo County Consolidated Water Control and Improvement District permit as it relates to J-01 Stormwater Management Project and authority for the District General Manager to execute documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 08m:31s)
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.B., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -102446
Requesting approval for Interlocal Agreement Addendum with Hidalgo County Irrigation District # 16 as it relates to PD Lateral. Pending final legal review. (Audio Reference 08m:54s)
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.C., pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 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.C., pending final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102457
Raymondville Drain - Budget 010
1. Payment approval of Invoice No. 151824 2025 RD in the amount of $185,976.79 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for work performed on Raymondville Drain in Pay Period 15, 18, and 24 of 2025.
2. Payment approval of Invoice No. 16 2025 RD in the amount of $88,044.35 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for work performed on Raymondville Drain in Pay Period 16 2025. (Audio Reference 09m:18s)
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 items 7.A.1&2.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Mile 10 N & Mile 1 W - Budget 521
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $153,981.00 from Gonzalez Engineering & Management pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-029-06-10 Mile 10 N & Mile 1 W (Phase 1 Flood Control Segment 21). Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa Engineering PO#651664 (Audio Reference 09m:55s)
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 7.A.3.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Southwest Weslaco - Budget 535
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $111,674.08 from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-055-11-12 Southwest Weslaco. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#650124 (Audio Reference 10m:22s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 7.A.4.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.4.
Vote: 2 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Payment approval of Invoice No. 151824 2025 RD in the amount of $185,976.79 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for work performed on Raymondville Drain in Pay Period 15, 18, and 24 of 2025.
2. Payment approval of Invoice No. 16 2025 RD in the amount of $88,044.35 from Hidalgo County Precinct 4 for work performed on Raymondville Drain in Pay Period 16 2025. (Audio Reference 09m:18s)
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 items 7.A.1&2.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Mile 10 N & Mile 1 W - Budget 521
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 1 in the amount of $153,981.00 from Gonzalez Engineering & Management pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-029-06-10 Mile 10 N & Mile 1 W (Phase 1 Flood Control Segment 21). Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa Engineering PO#651664 (Audio Reference 09m:55s)
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 7.A.3.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Southwest Weslaco - Budget 535
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $111,674.08 from Mor-Wil, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-055-11-12 Southwest Weslaco. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#650124 (Audio Reference 10m:22s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 7.A.4.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 7.A.4.
Vote: 2 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -102460
Pharr McAllen Lateral (West) - Budget 709
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $11,554.21 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-013-04-15 Pharr McAllen Lateral (West). Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#650877 (Audio Reference 10m:57s)
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.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 10 in the amount of $113,499.00 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 11m:27s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.A.2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A.2.
Vote: 2 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $11,554.21 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-013-04-15 Pharr McAllen Lateral (West). Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#650877 (Audio Reference 10m:57s)
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.1.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Mission McAllen Drain - Budget 712
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 10 in the amount of $113,499.00 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 11m:27s)
Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 8.A.2.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by JUDGE, RICHARD F. CORTEZ, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A.2.
Vote: 2 - 0 - Unanimously
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 12m:08s)
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. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 3 - 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. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval to proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 3 - 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:41s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at 9:51 A.M.
Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at this time.
The Board returned from Closed Session at 9:51 A.M.
Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at this time.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 12m:47s)
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.A.
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.A.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.B.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.B.
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.C.
No action was taken on Agenda Item 10.C.
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 18m:13s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:56 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 9:56 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 17th 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 17, 2026.
Signed this 18th 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 17th 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 17, 2026.
Signed this 18th 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