SPECIAL MEETING - AUGUST 4, 2026
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 4th day of August 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 August 4, 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
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:06s)
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:32 A.M.
At roll call, all members of the Board were present with the exception of Commissioners Eddie Cantu and Ellie Torres.
Commissioner Torres arrived later during the meeting. Commissioner Cantu remained absent for the duration of the meeting.
Judge Richard F. Cortez called the meeting to order at 9:32 A.M.
At roll call, all members of the Board were present with the exception of Commissioners Eddie Cantu and Ellie Torres.
Commissioner Torres arrived later during the meeting. Commissioner Cantu remained absent for the duration of the meeting.
2.
Prayer (Audio Reference 00m:19s)
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:48s)
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
There were no public participants for Open Forum.
4.
Approval of Consent Agenda (Audio Reference 02m:52s)
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:53s)
General Manager of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1), Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin proposed holding another workshop in September or October, as well as establishing an advisory board for the Drainage District consisting of appointees from the County Judge and the four County Commissioners. He proposed reaffirming the existing appointees and holding a luncheon to discuss GLO projects and other partnerships with the County, State, and Federal governments, as well as provide overall updates since the last workshop held in 2025.
Mr. Sesin also recognized four engineering students who participated in the District's summer internship program. One student from Texas A&M University was not present, as he had returned to the university. Mr. Sesin recognized Jerry Garcia from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), a computer science student who focused on learning about the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) section; Matthew Izaguirre from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a civil engineering student with a focus on water resources; and Jose Bonilla from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a civil engineering student with a focus on construction.
Commissioner Villarreal stepped away from the meeting at this time.
General Manager of Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1), Raul Sesin, provided an update on pending construction and HCDD1 projects. Mr. Sesin proposed holding another workshop in September or October, as well as establishing an advisory board for the Drainage District consisting of appointees from the County Judge and the four County Commissioners. He proposed reaffirming the existing appointees and holding a luncheon to discuss GLO projects and other partnerships with the County, State, and Federal governments, as well as provide overall updates since the last workshop held in 2025.
Mr. Sesin also recognized four engineering students who participated in the District's summer internship program. One student from Texas A&M University was not present, as he had returned to the university. Mr. Sesin recognized Jerry Garcia from the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), a computer science student who focused on learning about the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) section; Matthew Izaguirre from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, a civil engineering student with a focus on water resources; and Jose Bonilla from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a civil engineering student with a focus on construction.
Commissioner Villarreal stepped away from the meeting at this time.
6.
General Operations:
A.
AI -104222
Approval of Letter of Engagement (LOE) with Texas Regional Bank TRB Capital Markets, LLC (dba Estrada Hinojosa) pursuant to authorization given by the Board of Directors on January 16, 2025, Item 6. B. Agenda AI 97984, and ratification of the LOE for services rendered beginning January 17, 2025. (Audio Reference 10m:01s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner Eddie Cantu abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.A.
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: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner Eddie Cantu abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Agenda Item 6.A.
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: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
B.
AI -104124
Requesting approval to enter into an Agreement for Possession and Use with the City of Mission for transportation purposes related to the Inspiration Road Project (Parcel 20), and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute all necessary documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 10m:44s)
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, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 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, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
C.
AI -104220
Requesting approval of the closing documents for Parcel 3 in connection with the TDEM Bentsen Palm Drive Drainage Improvement Project, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board to execute all necessary documents, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 11m:00s)
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.C, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 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.C, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
7.
2018 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -104225
Requesting approval of Change Order No. 5, reflecting an increase in the amount of $97,313.00 and 60 additional construction calendar days for the project "Hidalgo Drain Drainage Improvements — 2018 Bond Referendum Project No. 13", Contract No. C-HCDD1-24-034-08-06, with RDH Site and Concrete, LLC, as recommended by Project Engineer, Assistant District General Manager, Yvette Barrera, PE, CFM (Audio Reference 11m:15s)
Commissioner Villarreal rejoined the meeting at this time.
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 7.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Commissioner Villarreal rejoined the meeting at this time.
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 7.A.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
B.
AI -104218
Phase 1 Flood Control Segment 21 - Budget 521
Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $307,026.00 from Gonzalez Engineering & Management, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-029-06-10. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa PO#651664 (Audio Reference 11m:44s)
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Approval of Application for Payment No. 6 in the amount of $307,026.00 from Gonzalez Engineering & Management, LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-029-06-10. Project Engineer Javier Hinojosa PO#651664 (Audio Reference 11m:44s)
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.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
8.
2023 Bond Referendum Projects:
A.
AI -104219
La Villa Edcouch Elsa - Budget 708
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $159,007.64 from Construx Enterprises LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
Mission McAllen Drain Phase 4 - Budget 712
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $98,126.00 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-038-10-28. Project Engineer Quintanilla Headley PO#651749
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
West Main Drain 3 Phase 1 - Budget 714
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 10 in the amount of $489,703.54 E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $172,872.00 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-015-06-24. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#651274 (Audio Reference 12m:03s)
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 items 8.A.1-4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2 - Budget 721
5. Approval of Application for Payment No. 8 in the amount of $86,133.97 from 3E Logistics of Texas pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-047-09-17. Project Engineer GDJ Engineering PO#649952 (Audio Reference 12m:57s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner Everardo Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 8.A.5.
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 8.A.5.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
LJ Drain Nolana Extension - Budget 726
6. Approval of Application for Payment No. 12 in the amount of $15,492.20 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Interlocal Agreement. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.7, for action taken.
7. Approval of Application for Payment No. 13 in the amount of $67,284.63 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Interlocal Agreement. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555 (Audio Reference 13m:25s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Items 8.A.6 & 7.
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 items 8.A.6 & 7.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
1. Approval of Application for Payment No. 7 in the amount of $159,007.64 from Construx Enterprises LLC pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-036-07-22. Project Engineer S2 Engineering PO#651335
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
Mission McAllen Drain Phase 4 - Budget 712
2. Approval of Application for Payment No. 5 in the amount of $98,126.00 from E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-038-10-28. Project Engineer Quintanilla Headley PO#651749
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
West Main Drain 3 Phase 1 - Budget 714
3. Approval of Application for Payment No. 10 in the amount of $489,703.54 E-Con Group pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-061-12-17. Project Engineer L&G Engineering PO#650460
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.4, for action taken.
PD Lateral Extension 5 - Budget 715
4. Approval of Application for Payment No. 9 in the amount of $172,872.00 from Synergy Development & Construction pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-25-015-06-24. Project Engineer Izaguirre Engineering Group PO#651274 (Audio Reference 12m:03s)
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 items 8.A.1-4.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Alamo Expressway Drain Phase 2 - Budget 721
5. Approval of Application for Payment No. 8 in the amount of $86,133.97 from 3E Logistics of Texas pertaining to Construction Contract C-HCDD1-24-047-09-17. Project Engineer GDJ Engineering PO#649952 (Audio Reference 12m:57s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner Everardo Villarreal abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Item 8.A.5.
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 8.A.5.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
LJ Drain Nolana Extension - Budget 726
6. Approval of Application for Payment No. 12 in the amount of $15,492.20 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Interlocal Agreement. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555
Reference Agenda Item 8.A.7, for action taken.
7. Approval of Application for Payment No. 13 in the amount of $67,284.63 from Hidalgo County Precinct 2 pertaining to Interlocal Agreement. Project Engineer B2Z Engineering PO#650555 (Audio Reference 13m:25s)
Mr. Sesin stated that Commissioner David Fuentes abstained from any discussion and/or action regarding Consent Agenda Items 8.A.6 & 7.
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 items 8.A.6 & 7.
Vote: 3 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
9.
Right of Way Acquisitions:
A.
AI -104221
Consideration and approval of a Real Property Trade Agreement between HCDD1 and Nevarez Investments Family Limited Partnership for the exchange of like-valued real property interests as it relates to the Mission Inlet drainage system, subject to final legal review. (Audio Reference 14m:06s)
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, 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 9.A, subject to final legal review.
Vote: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
Attachments:
10.
Closed Session: (Audio Reference 14m:26s)
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 9:47 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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C, as they were items discussed during 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 9:47 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: 4 - 0 - Unanimously
No action was taken on Agenda Items 10.A-C, as they were items discussed during 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 14m:44s)
The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:01 A.M. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at this time.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 11.A-C.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
The Board returned from Closed Session at 10:01 A.M. Commissioner Cantu joined the meeting at this time.
No action was taken on Agenda Items 11.A-C.
The Board proceeded to Agenda Item 12.
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 14m:48s)
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:01 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 adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 0 - Unanimously
Judge Cortez adjourned the meeting with a vote of approval at 10:01 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 adjourn the meeting.
Vote: 5 - 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 4th day of August, 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 August 4, 2026.
Signed this 10th day of August 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 4th day of August, 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 August 4, 2026.
Signed this 10th day of August 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