SPECIAL MEETING - APRIL 14, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 14th of April 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 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 DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS APRIL 14, 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 9:33 A.M.
All members of the Board were present at roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Ellie Torres. Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at a later time.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:33 A.M.
All members of the Board were present at roll call, with the exception of Commissioner Ellie Torres. Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at a later time.
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 02m:12s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:17s)
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 08m:07s)
Raul Sesin, General Manager of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD No. 1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that the District received the Gold Award for the Delta Reclamation Project in recognition of excellence in studies, research, and consulting engineering services. Commissioner Fuentes stated that it was an honor to work with such an innovative group dedicated to developing new water resources during a time when the entire state is experiencing drought conditions.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.B.
Raul Sesin, General Manager of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD No. 1 projects. Mr. Sesin reported that the District received the Gold Award for the Delta Reclamation Project in recognition of excellence in studies, research, and consulting engineering services. Commissioner Fuentes stated that it was an honor to work with such an innovative group dedicated to developing new water resources during a time when the entire state is experiencing drought conditions.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 6.B.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -103075
Proclamation recognizing the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. (Audio Reference 03m:07s)
Jaime Salazar read the Proclamation recognizing the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.
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 6.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at this time.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 5.
Jaime Salazar read the Proclamation recognizing the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1.
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 6.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Torres joined the meeting at this time.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 5.
Attachments:
B.
AI -103073
Requesting approval of the Interlocal Agreement between Hidalgo County Drainage District # 1 and the City of Alamo as it relates to the Duranta Street Improvement Project, pending legal review. (Audio Reference 11m:17s)
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.B., pending legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
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.B., pending legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -103072
Discussion and Approval by Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 of resolution recognizing the necessity of acquiring easements or rights of way or fee title in connection with the construction of the Bentsen Palm Drive Drainage Project in Hidalgo County, Texas and authorizing the acquisition of said easements or rights of way or fee title described in the resolution and exhibits thereto by condemnation(eminent domain)or otherwise. Single vote shall apply to all units of property described in said resolution. (Audio Reference 13m:32s)
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.C.
Vote: 5 - 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.C.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
D.
AI -103010
1. Requesting approval of the final negotiated Professional Engineering Service Agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. for the project, ''Completion of Task (2.2 & 2.3) Drainage System Characterization of the Texas Water Development Board Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Flood Protection Planning Category I''; Contract: C-HCDD1-26-009-04-14, as approved for negotiations on May 13, 2025 (AI-99386) (Subject to final legal review); (Audio Reference 14m:02s)
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 6.D.1., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $1,485,000.00, as submitted by Halff Associates, Inc., through Contract No. C-HCDD1-26-009-04-14, to provide Professional Engineering Services for the project, ''Completion of Task (2.2 & 2.3) Drainage System Characterization of the Texas Water Development Board Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Flood Protection Planning Category I'' (Subject to final legal review) (Audio Reference 14m:42s)
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 6.D.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
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 6.D.1., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
2. Acceptance and approval of Work Authorization No. 1 in the amount of $1,485,000.00, as submitted by Halff Associates, Inc., through Contract No. C-HCDD1-26-009-04-14, to provide Professional Engineering Services for the project, ''Completion of Task (2.2 & 2.3) Drainage System Characterization of the Texas Water Development Board Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Flood Protection Planning Category I'' (Subject to final legal review) (Audio Reference 14m:42s)
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 6.D.2., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
E.
AI -103076
Requesting approval of Work Authorization No. 29 to provide Construction Materials Testing Services (CMT) & Construction Management (CM) in the total amount of $119,438.79 as submitted by B2Z Engineering, LLC., for "North Main Drain Phase II - TDEM Project", Contract No. C-HCDD1-23-036-07-25 (Subject to final legal review). (Audio Reference 15m:29s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.E.
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 6.E, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.E.
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 6.E, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -103070
Panchitas Outfall - Budget 706
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $188,155.58 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-037-09-30 Panchitas Outfall. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua Jr. PE, CFM PO#651829
La Villa-Edcouch Elsa Phase 2 - Budget 708
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $91,279.02 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22 La Villa Edcouch Elsa Phase 2. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $61,335.00 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
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 12 in the amount of $37,977.75 from Clore Equipment LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua Jr. PE, CFM PO#650112 (Audio Reference 16m:03s)
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 items 7.A.1-4.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 2 in the amount of $188,155.58 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-037-09-30 Panchitas Outfall. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua Jr. PE, CFM PO#651829
La Villa-Edcouch Elsa Phase 2 - Budget 708
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 4 in the amount of $91,279.02 from Construx Enterprises pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22 La Villa Edcouch Elsa Phase 2. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $61,335.00 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
PSJA Drain - Budget 716
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 12 in the amount of $37,977.75 from Clore Equipment LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-056-10-29 PSJA Drain. Project Engineer HCDD1 Omar Anzaldua Jr. PE, CFM PO#650112 (Audio Reference 16m:03s)
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 items 7.A.1-4.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
Right of Way Acquisitions:
A.
AI -103056
Requesting approval of closing documents for Parcel B9-3, as it relates to the mile 6 outfalls Project, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute the documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 17m:14s)
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 2, EDUARDO “EDDIE” CANTU, the Board made a UNANIMOUS vote of approval on agenda item 8.A., subject to final legal review.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 17m:39s)
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 9:51 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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C, as they were Closed Session items.
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 9:51 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 proceed into Closed Session.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 9.A-C, as they were Closed Session items.
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 18m:09s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at approximately 9:58 A.M.
Commissioner Cantu did not return from Closed Session.
Commissioner Cantu did not return from Closed Session.
A.
Possible Action of Real Estate Acquisition (Audio Reference 18m:16s)
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11. No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.B-C.
Legal Counsel, Ivan Perez, recommended a motion to authorize Raul Sesin to proceed as discussed in Closed Session.
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 10.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 11. No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.B-C.
B.
Possible Action on Pending and/or Potential Litigation
C.
Possible Action on items discussed during Closed Session
11.
Adjourn (Audio Reference 18m:30s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 9:58 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, 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 9:58 A.M.
On motion by COMMISSIONER PCT. 1, DAVID FUENTES, seconded by COMMISSIONER PCT. 3, EVERARDO “EVER” VILLARREAL, 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 14th day of April, 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 April 14, 2026.
Signed this 23rd day of April 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 14th day of April, 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 April 14, 2026.
Signed this 23rd day of April 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