Commissioners Court Meeting
Monday, June 10, 2024 at 9:00 AM
| Tano E. Tijerina, | County Judge |
| Jesse Gonzalez, | Commissioner, Pct. 1 |
| Rosaura "Wawi" Tijerina, | Commissioner, Pct. 2 |
| John C. Galo, | Commissioner, Pct. 3 |
| Ricardo A. Jaime | Commissioner, Pct. 4 |
Thus constituting a quorum, the Commissioners Court proceeded to act upon the Agenda as posted in the meeting notice of the 7th day of June 2024. Present also was Ms. Carmen L. Saldana, Deputy County Clerk representing Mrs. Margie Ramirez Ibarra, Ex-officio Clerk of the Commissioners Court, various officers and others interested in the business of the Court.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to excuse Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve for ratification purposes only
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to approve the Casa Blanca estimated payroll not to exceed $45,000
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
The consent agenda has been created in order to give constituents the opportunity to view any and all pertinent backup information with reference to any item in the agenda. The objective of the consent agenda is for all Webb County constituents to be familiar with everyday county business and to demonstrate the transparency and fairness of this Commissioners Court.
The following Agenda Items are of a routine nature, and the Commissioners Court has received supporting materials for consideration. All of these Agenda Items will be passed with one vote without being discussed separately, unless a member of the Commissioners Court or the public requests that a particular Agenda Item be discussed. If so, that Agenda Item will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed as part of the regular Agenda at the appropriate time. One vote will approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Adopted | Request | End Bal. | |
| From: | 2716-3010-001-410000 | Payroll | $143,100.00 | $49,188.00 | $93,912.00 |
| 2716-3010-001-421000 | Health Insurance | $32,772.00 | $10,021.48 | $22,750.12 | |
| 2716-3010-001-422000 | FICA | $11,470.00 | $4,285.73 | $7,184.27 | |
| 2716-3010-001-423000 | Retirement | $19,260.00 | $6,271.97 | $12,988.03 | |
| 2716-3010-001-425000 | Unemployment | $1,250.00 | $846.18 | $403.82 | |
| $70,613.76 | |||||
| To: | 2716-3010-001-470000 | Capital Outlay | $283,383.60 | $56,185.96 | $352,984.60 |
| 2716-3010-001-443000-035 | Repairs & Maintenance-Equipment | $7,814.40 | $13,415.04 | $21,229.44 | |
| 2716-3010-001-426000 | Workers' Comp. | $950.00 | $1,012.76 | $1,962.76 | |
| $70,613.76 |
Issue: Grant funding anticipated to be left over needs to be utilized before the end of the performance period.
Solution: Transfer grant funds to utilize for the purchase of needed safety equipment.
Result: Grant funds will be available to be used in a permissable manner for the purchase of needed safety equipment.
Issue: The Indigent Health Care Services Department utilizes this online software program to obtain investigative reports on program applicants to verify possible assets/resources and residency. This software program is also used to find relatives of unclaimed pauper decedents.
Solution: Staff members will have access to conduct searches efficiently and effectively which will expedite the investigative process.
Result: With adequate access to this online resource, IHC caseworkers will be able to make an eligibility determination for the program applicants.
Issue: State mandates the filling of vacancies when applicable terms end as per Texas Administrative Code Chapter 5 Rule 5.215.
Solution: Vacancies will be filled.
Result: The Agency will comply with Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)- Texas Administrative Code, Chater 5 Rule 5.215.
Issue: Although immigration matters, including illegal immigration, are constitutionally established as existing under the legal jurisdiction and regulation of the federal government, state prisons and local detention facilities, such as the Webb County jail, incurs significant costs incarcerating undocumented foreign aliens who commit crimes in the United States. This includes but is not limited to supervision, housing, feeding, clothing, any medical and transportation expenses, and other associated detention costs.
Solution: Grant application to obtain reimbursement of a small percentage of the incurred correctional officer salary costs associated with detaining undocumented criminal aliens who had at least one felony or two misdemeanor convictions for violations of state or local law and who were incarcerated at the Webb County jail for at least four (4) consecutive days during the reporting period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
Result: Webb County will be reimbursed by the federal government a limited percentage of the amount of its already incurred costs of detained foreign criminals incarcerated at the Webb County jail.
Issue: Rural Public Transportation is a grant-funded agency.
Solution: Through the approval of the Commissioners Court to submit the Federal application Webb County, will allow the department to receive funds.
Result: Approval of capital contract carryover will ensure the continuation of transportation services to the rural areas of Webb County.
Issue: The TDHCA Board approved the 2024 and 2025 CSBG Application and State Plan. The completion and submission for this CSBG-D Request for Funds was due June 4, 2024.
Solution: Court ratification of the request submission for application of the
FY-2024 CSBG-D funds from TDHCA.
Result: The support services are intended for Organizational Capacity Improvements (OCI) to assist with meeting Organizational Standards.
Issue: The State of Texas recognizes that border communities face urgent security challenges caused by increased activity from transnational organized criminal syndicates and their allies that are intensified by the fluidity of border crossings, heavy commercial activity, and interdependence of the international border communities' economies. These socio-economic pressures place increased demands on law enforcement services and intensify the need for augmented public safety resources.
Solution: Grant award to provide enhanced border security in Laredo/ Webb County and the area in order fulfill State of Texas Local Border Security Program objectives, including overtime (OT) resources to suppress, deter, and reduce border-related criminal activity in Texas.
Result: Enhanced/increased patrol for certified peace officers working at Webb County Constable Pct. 3.
Issue: Applicants that meet the criteria of the grant Guidelines are required to be approved by the Commissioners Court prior to securing competitive bids for the installation of approved septic systems for those qualifying applicants. All applicants meet the residency and property criteria outlined in the adopted Guidelines and the Planning staff recommends pre-approval.
Solution: Court approval will allow staff to finalize the scope of work and required specifications of septic systems for the solicitation of formal bids.
Result: Qualifying applicants will receive the OSSF installation services and Guideline requirements will be met.
Issue: ARPA fund deadlines may be jeopardized by a lack of qualifying applicants for Project #0006.
Solution: Closing project #0006 and reallocating the remaining funds to another project would allow for the timely completion of projects and compliance with ARPA requirements.
Result: ARPA funds would be properly encumbered and compliance with ARPA requirements would be met.
Issue: Excess county property that is either by definition salvage or surplus property because of time, accident, or any other cause such as, wear and deterioration, damaged, or obsolete that has no value and/or usefulness for the intended purpose and is no longer needed by the department.
Solution: Authorize the Purchasing Agent to attempt to sell the County surplus or salvage property through public auction, dispose of or destroy property that cannot be sold through public auction because it has been deemed worthless or disposed of through a recycling program under which property is collected, separated, or processed and returned to use in the form of raw materials of new products and/or donate as permitted by state law.
Result: Generate auction revenue from sale of county property, reduce county expenditures by transferring surplus property to other departments and make room for future assets replacing salvage or surplus items no longer needed.
Issue: The Planning Department will be requesting permission from Commissioners Court to close out ARPA Project No. 6 for Septic System Installations and recommend to reallocate the remaining funds for a Hydrology and Hydraulics study for the suggested subdivisions.
Solution: If reallocation of ARPA funds is approved by Commissioners Court as recommended by the Planning Director, consideration to grant the Purchasing Agent permission to advertise for Statement of Qualifications for professional engineering services for a Hydrology and Hydraulics study.
Result: If approved, the procurement process will be initiated to seek out qualified engineering firms to participate in this public solicitation request.
| Slot # | Title | Hourly Rate |
| 673 | Maintenance Worker | $13.07 - $13.73 12/A-E |
| 1380 | Maintenance Worker | $13.07 - $13.73 12/A-E |
| 646 | Accounting Technician | $15.15 - $15.93 12/A-E |
| 1995 | Motor Grader Operator | $16.73 - $17.58 14/A-E |
| 2118 | Truck Driver | $19.40 - $21.16 17/A-H |
| 51 | Mechanic | $19.40 - $21.16 17/A-H |
Issue: Former employees holding the above-mentioned positions resigned and/or were terminated.
Solution: Fill vacant positions.
Result: New employees will assist with the daily operations of the department.
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve Consent Agenda
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
County Judge Tano E. Tijerina read the correction for the Hourly Rate of the Maintenance Worker slots, which should read $15.15 - $15.93.
Amended Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve correction on item #12a.
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
Other: Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Adopted | Request | Current | End Bal. | |
| From: | 1001-1130-001-431007-010 | Operational Reserve | $60,000 | |||
| To: | 1001-3010-001-443000-075 | Repair Maint. Vehicle | $275,000 | $60,000 | $283.96 | $60,283.96 |
Issue: No funding available for much needed repairs to patrol vehicles.
Solution: Process budget amendment (line item transfer) to repair patrol vehicles.
Result: Funding available for vehicle repairs.
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: The Webb County Southern Health Facility, which is currently under construction, will need electrical services in order to conduct its operations once completed. Request of AEP Texas Inc., in connection with construction of the Webb County Southern Health Facility.
Solution: Approve a perpetual easement and 10’ wide right-of-way to AEP to install electrical transmission line to prove electricity and lighting to the site.
Result: The Webb County Southern Health will be able to have AEP electrical service and lighting for its operations.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: Webb County Community Action Agency Administration and Social Services require a permanent facility that suits the needs of the services they provide to the community.
Solution: Obtain the Commissioner’s Court authorization to house the CAA Administration, Social Services, and the Meals-on-Wheels Programs in the Webb County Juvenile facility and solicit an architect for modification of the building to meet program and service needs.
Result: The new facility will be a unified location, with adequate space for the services provided for the Webb County Community Action Agency Administration, Social Services, and Meals-on-Wheels Program.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: This project has been completed.
Solution: Approve and release retainage amount.
Result: Completion of Project.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: This project has been completed. Funds that we need to be transferred were not requested when a change order was approved at the November 27, 2023, Commissioner's Court Meeting. We are requesting the amount of $88,804.76 to pay for the following items completed by Quantcorp Construction:
1. The Change Order totaling $69,647.96 was for the application (2) of "block filler" to keep moisture out of the building and to repair / replace a gas line. The request can be referenced from agenda item #19 dated November 27, 2023.
2. Funds in the amount of $19,156.80 are for an Emergency to address non-conformance with ADA compliance as required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations and to perform repairs to an underground sewer line at the facility. This work was requested by Administration, specifically Mr. Lalo Uribe and the Honorable Judge, Tano Tijerina. Quantcorp Construction was asked to bill for this work in a separate invoice.
Solution: Approval of transfer of funds, release of retainage amount and closeout of project.
Result: Project completion.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve items #19 - #22.
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: A formal bid solicitation was advertised for the installation of four (4) new septic systems (Phase II) for Webb County Colonia residents in compliance with TCEQ and OSSF – ARPA grant guidelines as approved by the Webb County Commissioners Court.
Solution: Consideration to approve sole bidder RGM Land Management, LLC., bidder has the required TCEQ licenses to proceed with the requested scope of work.
Result: If approved, authorize General Counsel to prepare and execute the construction contract to include any federal contract provisions, if required.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
| Acct. Number | Acct. Name | Request | Current | End Bal. |
| 2031-6430-357301 | Pavilion Formal Event | $95,000 | $50,000 | $145,000 |
| 2031-6430-001-463010-005 | Food & Setup COS Package A (Formal) | $95,000 | $29,00 | $124,000 |
Issue: Webb County Fairgrounds has received revenues from operations that require disbursements to fairgrounds contractual vendors.
Solution: Increase the budget in both expense accounts to cover fairgrounds operations.
Result: Have the appropriate budget to report revenues and related expenditure line items by source.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime, seconded by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina to open up item #16
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Issue: Webb County Community Action Agency Administration and Social Services require a permanent facility that suits the needs of the services they provide to the community.
Solution: Obtain the Commissioner’s Court authorization to house the CAA Administration, Social Services, and the Meals-on-Wheels Programs in the Webb County Juvenile facility and solicit an architect for modification of the building to meet program and service needs.
Result: The new facility will be a unified location, with adequate space for the services provided for the Webb County Community Action Agency Administration, Social Services, and Meals-on-Wheels Program.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina to keep same architects chosen in order to expedite the process
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to go into Executive Session
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Civil Legal, Nathan Bratton requested authority to settle on the amounts discussed in Executive Session for item #26.
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by Commissioner, Pct. 2 Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct 4. Ricardo A. Jaime to approve
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)
Motion by County Judge Tano E. Tijerina, seconded by Commissioner, Pct. 1 Jesse Gonzalez to adjourn
Vote: 4 - 0 Motion Carried - Unanimously
- Other:
-
Commissioner, Pct. 3 John C. Galo (ABSENT)