Feb 09, 2021 Commissioner&#39;s Court

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE.

>> ITEM B, DISCUSSION AND APPROVAL OF HIDALGO COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER 1 OF RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ACQUIRING EASEMENT OF RIGHT-OF-WAYS OF THE FEE TIGHTLE IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION AND OF THE RESOLUTION EXHIBIT 13 AND IMMINENT DOMAIN OR OTHERWISE SINGLE VOLT FOR ALL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN SAID RESOLUTION.

>> I AM GOING TO OBTAIN FROM THIS AGENDA ITEM AND I HAVE FILED MY CONFLICT WITH THE DRAINAGE DISTRICT.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE.

LET THE RECORD REFLECT THAT COMMISSIONER FUENTES ABSTAINED

VOTING ON THIS MATTER. >> ITEM C, THE FINAL ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING AGREEMENT, WITH QUINTANILLA AND HEADILY AND ASSOCIATES,INC. FOR HIDALGO COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT NUMBER PROJECT TO LEGAL REVIEW.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: MOTION AND SECOND.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM NUMBER D, APPROVAL OF THE FINAL ON CALL PROFESSIONAL SURVEYING FOR SAME,INC. FOR HIDALGO COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT PROJECTS FOR THE LEGAL

RELIEF FOR 1/12-21. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: MOTION TO APPROVE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM E, FOR FUND $67,693.50 TO HIDALGO COUNTY PRECINCT 4

[00:05:04]

FOR CONSTRUCTION OF SEGMENT 1 OF RAYMONDVILLE DRAIN FOR $ $16,967.55. AND FROM 5 -- 11-2020 TO THE

AMOUNT OF 50,725.95. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: MOTION AND SECOND. SECOND.

>> A QUICK MOTION.JU >>JUDGE CORTEZ: SHE IS GOING TO SHARE THAT WITH THE OTHER PRECINCTS.

>> COMMISSIONER TORRES: I WILL GIVE LOANS.

>> 6 A, ACCEPTANCE OF WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 6 FOR THE PROVISION OF ON GOING OW OWNER-INSIGHT SUPPORT AND RECONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES FOR THE 2018 DRAIN BOND ISSUING OF $59,980.59 THROUGH AWARD ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH B 2 Z ENGINEERING.

>> MOTION AND APPROVAL. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

>> 6 B, APPROVAL TO ISSUE PAYMENT ON APPLICATION PAYMENT NUMBER 3 IN THE AMOUNT OF $ $159,909.95 FROM MOR-WIL PERTAINING TO CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.

>> COMMISSIONER TORRES: MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE.

MOTION. >> AND 7 A, REQUESTING ACCEPTANCE OF WORK AUTHORIZATION PROVISION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING SERVICES FOR DITCH 47 AND DITCH 350. AND AT NUMBER OF $2828,505.

68. WITH RABA KISTNER FOR HIDALGO

COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM B, REQUESTING APPROVAL FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTION UNDER A M & O, DELETE SLOT 120 TRUCK DRIVER. B 120 FUEL SERVICE TRUCK TECHNICIAN. C WILL BE CREATE SLOT 12 CONSTRUCTION INSPECTOR III. AND G 11, S 1, D, RECLASSIFY SLOT 78 EQUIPMENT OPERATOR II TO REFLECT G8, S 1.

THE FIRST TWO ITEMS ARE TO GET A PROPERLY, I GUESS, LICENSE WITH THE PROPER CREDENTIALS TO OPERATE OUR SERVICE TRUCK THAT WE HAVE AND THEN IT IS THE NEED FOR CONSTRUCTION THAT WE HAVE ONGOING AND ITEM 2. WE DELETE SOME POSITIONS, WE WILL HAVE A NEGATIVE -- EXCUSE ME A POSITIVE IMPACT OF 1057 AND BALANCE OUT THE OTHER THAT WE RECOMMENDED.

THE OTHER TWO -- AND THE RECLASSIFIED SLOT 78 IS JUST TO PUT THEM IN LINE WITH THE REST OF THE OTHER THAT WE HAVE.

>> COMMISSIONER TORRES: MOTION TO APPROVE.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: IS THERE A SECOND.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM 2, REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION, A, DELEASE SLOT 12 ENGINEERING IN TRAINING. B, DELETE SLOT 38 RIGHT-OF-WAY AGENT G 15, S 1. AND C, CREATE SLOT 12 HIRE DROLING AND HIGH DRAWLICS GRADUATE ENGINEERING.

WITH THE ADDITION OF THE TWO SLOTS AND CREATION OF THIS LOT.

SOME OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAINING DOES OUR H & H REVIEWS FOR ALL THE BOND PROJECTS THAT WE HAVE ONGOING.

ALL PROJECTS. HE HELPS DEVELOP THE H & H FOR ALL THE DISTRICT WORK THAT WE DO ALSO IN HOUSE UNDER THE GUIDANCE UNDER OUR LEAD ENGINEER.

SO WE WOULD LIKE -- I WOULD LIKE TO CREATE THIS SLOT FOR HIM AND ADDRESS FOR HIM THAT IS IN LINE FOR THE LEVEL OF EFFORT THAT HE PUTS OUT. AGAIN, ALL THAT THIS ACTION, IF APPROVED, WOULD BE 1157 DOLLARS IN FAVOR OF THE DISTRICT SO TO SPEAK. SO NO IMPACT.

>> COMMISSIONER TORRES: MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM FOR PERSONNEL ACTION. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> AND ITEM 4, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF REVISED SALARY

SCHEDULE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> WE DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TODAY FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

[00:10:04]

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THEN I BELIEVE THAT CONCLUDES ALL OF OUR AGENDA ITEM. HAVE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: GOOD MORNING, AGAIN, I AM HIDALGO COUNTY COUNTY MCALLEN. TODAY'S COMMISSIONER COURT HEARING IS BY GOVERNOR ABBOTT'S SUSPENSION OF OPEN MEETING TO ALLOW FOR TELEPHONIC AND VIDEO CONFERENCE MEETINGS IN RESPONSE TO THIS COVID-19 MATTER. NOTICE OF THIS MEETING HAS BEEN NOTICED ON LINE FOR AT LEAST 72 HOURS.

THE COURT IS MEETING BY THE USE OF ZOOM SOFT WARE AND TELEPHONE TRANSMISSION THAT ALLOWS TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THIS MEETING IS BEING BROADCAST ONLINE. AND A RECORDING IS BEING MADE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT A LATER DATE.

THE TIME IS ONE MINUTE AFTER 10:00.

I WILL CALL THE MEETING AND BEGIN WITH A ROLL CALL WITH

[1. Roll Call]

PRECINCT NUMBER 1 COMMISSIONER. >> COMMISSIONER FUENTES.

GOOD MORNING, DAVID FUENTES. >> EDDIE CANTU.

>> EVERARDO VILLARREAL. >> ELLIE TORRES.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: RICHARD CO CORTEZ.

CONSTITUTES A CORNER. LEADING US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, ARMY RESERVE. HER SERVICE DAYS STARTED ON APRIL 2002 THROUGH MAY OF 2013. SHE WAS INVOLVED WITH OPERATION IRAQ FREEDOM VETERAN AND SERVED AND WAS SUPPORT IN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIR TODAY WITH THE TITLE HOUSING SPECIALIST. SHE CARES FOR ASSISTING ALL THE VETERANS NEAR OUR AREA. WE WELCOME YOU AND THANK YOU

FOR YOUR SERVICE. >> THANK YOU.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: WILL YOU PLEASE LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE.

>> I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS. ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU. >> NEXT WE ARE HONORED BY HAVING THE HONORABLE THE COUNTY COURT LAW NUMBER 5 JUDGE.

JUDGE, PLEASE LEAD US IN PR PRAYER.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE CORTEZ. AND I DIDN'T HAVE COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL AND TORRES ON MY SCREEN WHEN I SAID GOOD MORNING. GOOD MORNING TO COMMISSIONERS AGAINST. GOOD MORNING TO COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL AND COMMISSIONER TORRES.

LET US ALL BO W OUR HEADS. DEAR LORD, WE GATHER TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY AND GIVE THANKS TO YOU FOR BEING OUR HOPE, OUR PEACE, AND OUR SALVATION. WE ASK THAT DURING THIS CRISIS, YOU PROTECT US AND BE WITH US AND ALL THE FAMILIES THAT ARE MOURNING THE LOSS OF LOVED O ONES.

GOD OF PEACE, WE INVITE YOU TO GUIDE US THROUGH THIS MEETING.

GIVE US UNITY OF SPIRIT AND HELP US TO LISTEN TO OTHER POINTS OF VIEW THAT ARE EXPRESSED.

HELP US AND GUIDE US TO WORK AS A UNIFIED TEAM FOR GREAT OUTCOMES. STRENGTHEN US AS WE CONFRONT HARD DECISIONS THAT MUST BE MADE.

LORD, WE ASK THAT YOU REMAIN OUR HEARTS AND GUIDE OUR STEPS THAT WE MAY ACT BASED ON YOUR WISDOM.

AND IN YOUR NAME WE PRAY. AMEN.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU VERY MUCH, JUDGE.

>> JUDGE JUDGE CORTEZ, COMMISSIONER FUENTES, COMMISSIONER CANTU, COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL.

, AND COME TORRES. I HAVE DOCKET.

I ASK YOU AND EVERYBODY ELSE LISTENING AND PARTICIPATING PLEASE STAY STRONG AND STAY SAFE.

WE ARE GOING TO GET THROUGH THIS.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU AND GOD BLESS.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU, JUDGE.

ALL THE BEST TO YOU. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: NEXT ITEM ON

[4. Approval of Consent Agenda]

THE AGENDA IS A APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA.

ANY ITEMS TO PULL? >> YES, SIR, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS PULL FROM CONSENT AGENDA CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS 6 A

AND 10 N. >> MOVE TO APPROVE THE REST OF

THE CONSENT AGENDA. >> COMMISSIONER TORRES: SEND.

[00:15:01]

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE THE REMAINING PART OF THE CONSENT AGENDA. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> COMMISSIONERS, FOR THE RECORD ITEM -- CONTENT AGENDA 6 A WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE SIGNED AFFIDAVITS BEING FILED. EVERYTHING SELLS IN ORDER.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE.

ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, 10N, THERE WILL BE NO ACTION.

NO ACTION. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: OKAY.

I AM SURE WE HAVE PEOPLE SIGNED UP FOR OPEN FORUM.

[5. Open Forum]

PLEASE START OUR OPEN FORUM. >> YES, SIR.

FIRST WE HAVE JANET DAMPLES.

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, A QUICK TRANSLATION.

MISS CAMP POSE IS FOR ITEM NUMBER 4.

SHE HAS CALLED IN AND REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FOR HER AREA WITH RESPECT TO TRASH P PICK-UP AND THE LAMPLIGHTING PROGRAM FROM THE COUNTY. OUR NEXT PRESENTER.

>> WE HAVE ANJELICA HOLGEIN.

>> HELLO? YES, I'M HERE.

>> YES, THERE IS A THREE-MINUTE TIME LIMIT I WILL VIES WHEN IT IS ONE MINUTE. PLEASE BEGIN.

JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, AS A QUICK TRANSLATION.

SHE IS FROM NUMBER 4, SHE IS WITH THE ORGANIZATION LUPE.

SHE IS WELCOMING AND THANKING COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL.

THEY ARE READY TO WORK ON CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS AND THEY ESPECIALLY WANT TO SAY THAT THANK YOU TO COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL FOR TAKING TIME OUT AND MEETING WITH THE -- WITH THE COLONIAL ORGANIZATION AND ITS RESIDENTS.

>> NEXT WE HAVE. >> GOOD MORNING.

THERE IS A THREE-MINUTE TIME LIMIT.

I WILL ADVISE WHEN THERE IS ONE MINUTE AND BEGIN WHEN YOU BE

BEGIN. >> COMMISSIONERS AND COUNTY JUDGE. I WANT TO REMIND THAT YOU YOUR SPENDING INCREASES THE TAX BURDEN OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO SHELTER IN PLACE.

ON PROPERTY TAXES BEGIN FEBRUARY.

AND IT EQUAL 7% THIS MONTH WILL BE ADD TO WHAT THEY COULDN'T PAY THIS LAST TAX YEAR. ON MARCH, THE CURRENT GROWS TO 9%. PENALTY AND INTEREST GROWS EACH MONTH UNTIL JANUARY THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

THE TOTAL HAS GROWN TO 24% AND BEFORE HIDALGO COUNTY NOW USES A PRIVATE ATTORNEY TO COLLECT DELINQUENT TAXES, THEY IMPOSE AN ADDITIONAL 15% ON JULY 1 TO COVER ATTORNEYS FEES.

PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO SHELTER IN PLACE CAN POTENTIALLY FACE 38% TO 39% IN THEIR TAXES THIS -- THE FIRST YEAR. SO IF THEY CAN'T PAY THEIR TAXES IN THE BEGINNING, HOW IN THE WORLD THEY PAY WHEN YOU

[00:20:01]

KEEP ADDING ANOTHER 39% ON TOP OF THAT.

THEREFORE, THE REASON YOU HAVE BEEN GETTING QUESTIONS ON PROPERTY TAX PENALTY AND INTEREST CHARGES IS THAT NO -- PEOPLE CANNOT PAY THEIR TAXES BECAUSE THIS COMMISSIONERS COURT ORDERED TO SHEL SHELTER-IN-PLACE AND CLOSE UNESSENTIAL BUSINESSES. THIS COUNTY AND CITY IN THIS COUNTY ALSO LOCKED DOWN PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND PUBLIC PARKS. CHILDREN HAVE NEVER BEEN IDENTIFIED AS CARRIERS OF THE VIRUS.

THIS COURT HAS NOT MET INNNNNNNN PUBLIC SINCE MARCH OF 2020.

AND NOW YOU TELL THE PEOPLE THEY MUST PAY BECAUSE THE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW FOR A DEVIATION. THE COURT THAT AUTHORIZES THE SUSPENSION OF HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING MORE PEOPLE AND INCREASING SALARIES ARE TELLING THE PEOPLE THEY MUST PAY BECAUSE IT IS THE LAW.

WELL, WE HAVE SEEN IN THE NEWSPAPER AND ON THE NEWS THAT A LOT OF CITIES BELIEVE THEY DON'T HAVE TO ABIDE BY THE LAWS THAT ARE ON THE BOOKS. SO JUST ONLY THE LITTLE PEOPLE.

THE LITTLE TAXPAYERS MUST FOLLOW THE LAWS.

COMMISSIONERS COURT, EACH OF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO RUN AGAIN FOR OFFICE. AND WE WILL REMEMBER EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOUR VOTES. AND THAT YOU BURDENED THE PEOPLE AND, OF COURSE, YOU CAN NEVER DO ANYTHING TO HELP EASE THE PAIN. THIS IS JUST UNBELIEVABLE.

AND I BELIEVE THAT MY COMMISSIONER AT THE LAST MEETING HADN'T -- HAD SEVERAL FAMILY MEMBERS IN HER OFFICE.

AND THE LAST FEW WEEKS, THEY HAD PEOPLE WHO ARE STANDING AND TALKING AND WHATNOT. WE DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU CAN MEET THE PUBLIC IN LARGE NUMBERS IN YOUR PRECINCTS BUT YOU CAN'T BE IN COMMISSIONERS COURT IN THE BUILDING THAT WE PAID MONEY TO REDO AND PUT NEW FLOORING DOWN JUST RECENTLY.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

MR. GUTIERREZ. >> THAT WAS IT.

WE HAVE TWO OF THE PEOPLE THAT SIGNED UP OVER THE PHONE THAT DIDN'T CONNECT. OR VICE PRESIDENT CONNECTED Y

YET. >> THANK YOU, SIR.

[6. County Judge's Office]

JUDGE? >>JUDGE CORTEZ: THE NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA IS SOMETHING WE ARE VERY PROUD OF.

THE PRESSURE OF THIS COMMISSION TO HONOR MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA FOR SIX DECADES OF SERVICE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. I BELIEVE WE HAVE A RESOLUTION

TO READ. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE.

MISSY WITH THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION AND I AM HAVING AN ISSUE STARTING MY VIDEO HERE. OKAY.

THERE WE GO. BEFORE I BEGIN THE RESOLUTION, I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT WE DO HAVE A SPECIAL GUEST JOINING US THAT WILL BE SAYING A COUPLE OF WORDS AFTER I READ THE RESOLUTION AND THAT IS BISHOP DANIEL FLOREZ WITH THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BROWNSVILLE AND, OF COURSE, MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA IS JOINING US TO ACCEPT THE RESOLUTION.

MAY I BEGIN? >>JUDGE CORTEZ: PLEASE, MISSY.

>> RESOLUTION HONORING MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA FOR SIX DECADES OF SERVICE IN THE NAME OF GOD.

WHEREAS MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA HAS FAITHFULLY SERVED THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF THOUSANDS OF PARISHIONERS THROUGHOUT THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.

AND WHEREAS, MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA STILL REM REMEMBERS THAT LIFE-CHANGING DAY MORE THAN SEVEN DECADES AGO WHEN HIS PARENTS LEFT HIM AT A SEMINARY IN HIS NATIVE MALORCA, SPAIN, TO BESTOW THE BEST EDUCATION OFFERED IN THAT COUNTRY. AFTER SPENDING 13 YEARS IN THAT MAJORC AN CEMETERY DESPITE THE HOPES TO JOIN THE FAMILY BUSINESS, MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA DECIDED TO ENTER THE PRIESTHOOD AND WHEREAS, MONSIGNOR ONCE DECLARED THE PRIESTHOOD HIS LIFE AND THE CALLING TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE. AND DECLARED THAT THE THREE HIGH POINTS OF HIS LIFE WERE HIS BAPTISM AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, HIS ORDINATION AS A CATHOLIC PRIEST AND NATURALIZATION AS A U.S. CITIZENS.

WHEREAS, MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA HAS BEEN MINUTING TO THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS.THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY OF THE DIFFERENT PARISHES OF THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF OUR LADY WHERE HE IS CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE ORIGINAL FOUNDERS.

AND WHEREAS, MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEDICATED MEMBER OF THE CLERGY. AND A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENT TOYVS BESTOW ON MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA

[00:25:02]

A CONGRESSIONAL CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION.

AND WHEREAS THE FAITHFUL OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY HAVE JOINED IN THANKING THIS HUMBLE MAN OF 82.

NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED THAT THE HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT GRADUATE MONSIGNOR JUAN NICOLAU MESQUIDA FOR HIS SIX DECADES OF SERVICE IN THE NAME OF GOD.

AND THANKS HIM FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY. APPROVED THIS NINTH DAY OF

FEBRUARY 2021. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: MAY I HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION.

MOTION CARRIES. CONGRATULATIONS, MONSIGNOR.

>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

>> I LISTEN TO YOU AND I KNOW YOU ARE RIGHT.

I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE FAITH. I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE INTELLIGENCE. I KNOW THAT YOU DO THE BEST YOU CAN. CONGRATULATIONS.

REMEMBER, JUDGE. REMEMBER, COMEDIES THAT GOD LOVE -- COMMISSIONERS, THAT GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I.

>>. >> THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND THANK YOU FOR THIS RECOGNITION TO THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF MONSIGNOR. THE WHOLE DIOCESE HAS BEEN CELEBRATING WITH MONSIGNOR AND GRATEFUL THAT GOD GAVE US FOR HIS SERVICE. THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS MONSIGNOR HAS DONE. HE SERVED IN ALMOST EVERY AREA THE DIOCESE, BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF GRATITUDE FOR WHAT HE HAS BEEN DOING DURING THE PANDEMIC.

HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE VISITING THE SICK AND THE DYING, ESPECIALLY IN VERY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES AND PRAYING AT FUNERAL VIGILS TO ACCOMPANY THE PEOPLE.

AN EXAMPLE FOR ALL THE CLERGY. THIS AT 82 CONTINUING TO BE SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A COMFORT IN THIS VERY DIRE TIME.

I AM GRATEFUL TO MONSIGNOR FOR HIS EXAMPLE AND TO MANY AS HE PUTS HIMSELF IN RISK AT THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE PRIESTHOOD.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT I THINK GOD INSPIRES HIM TO DO AND ALSO THAT WE MIGHT BENEFIT FROM HIS EXAMPLE.

[00:30:05]

AND TO AGREE WITH MONSIGNOR THANK THE COURT AND THANK YOU, JUDGE. THE COURAGE YOU HAVE SHOWN IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. WE TRY TO ROW IN THE SAME DIRECTION AND THAT IS WHAT I BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL HELP US GET THROUGH THIS, BUT WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER AND I AM VERY GRATEFUL.

>> THANKS, JUDGE. THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND VERY GRATEFUL AND MONSIGNOR, WE ARE VERY HAPPY.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ANY COMMISSIONER WANT TO ADD

ANYTHING TO THAT? >> IF I ONLY HAD A TENTH OF HIS ENERGY AND FAITH. SO IMPRESSIVE.

I SAW HIM IN MASS ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO.

HE IS SUCH A BLESSING TO US A ALL.

THANK YOU BOTH, MONSIGNOR AND BISHOP FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR US. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR

ALL THE PRAYERS. >> THANKS VERY MUCH.

>> A TREMENDOUS EXAMPLE OF LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE EXAMPLE YOU SET FOR ALL OF US TO TRY TO LIVE BY. GOD BLESS YOU AND THANK YOU FOR

ALL YOU DO. >> CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU MONSIGNOR AND BISHOP FOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU DO FOR ALL OF US. GOD BLESS YOU AND PLEASE KEEP ALL OF YOU IN YOUR PRAYERS. CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN.

AND THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> ON BEHALF OF PRECINCT 4, WE WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND KEEP THE WHOLE WORLD IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU.

>> ABSOLUTELY. IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO HAVE BOTH OF YOU HERE TODAY.

YOU REPRESENT THE VERY BEST IN THE WORLD.

BEING A SERVICE TO OTHERS AND SERVICE TO OUR LORD JESUS.

SO WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. SO WITH THAT, WITH YOUR PERMISSION, WE WILL CONTINUE WITH OUR AGENDA ITEMS.

>> ABSOLUTELY. YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MONSIGNOR.

>> NEXT ITEM ITEM 7 A, PRECINCT COMMISSIONER

[7. Precinct #3 - Comm. Villarreal]

VILLARREAL. >> COMMISSIONER VILLAREAL: JUDGE AND COMMISSIONER, TODAY HERE I HAVE HONORABLE MAYORS FROM THE CITY OF ALTON. OUR POLICE CHIEF JONATHAN FLORES FROM THE CITY OF ALTON AND OUR CITY MANAGER JEFF UNDERWOOD. AND TODAY, WE WILL HAVE A RESOLUTION HONORING THE CITY OF ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.

WHEREAS IN JANUARY 2020, ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BEGAN A LENGTHY PROCESS SO BECOME A RECOGNIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. THIS VOLUNTARY PROCESS INVOLVED CRITICAL SELF-REVIEW OF THE AGENCY'S POLICIES, PROCEDURES, FACILITIES AND OPERATIONS. AND WHEREAS, THE ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS EVALUATED TO ENSURE THEY WERE IN COMPLIANCE WITH EACH OF THE TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES IN ACCORDANCE TO THE BEST PRACTICES.

IT IS CRUCIAL THAT ALL ASPECTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS, INCLUDING USE OF FORCE, PROTECTION OF CITIZENS' RIGHTS, VEHICLE PURSUITS, PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE MANAGEMENT AND PATROL AND INVESTIGATIVE OPERATIONS ARE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT.

AND WHEREAS, ON DECEMBER 16, 2020, THE ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED THAT IT HAD RECEIVED THE AWARD OF RECOGNIZED LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY FROM THE TEXAS POLICE CHIEFS ASSOCIATION, LAW ENFORCEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM. AND WHEREAS, THE ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT BECOMES 171ST AGENCY OUT OF 2700 LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE STATE TO BE RECOGNIZED.

AND THE FIRST AGENCY IN HIDALGO COUNTY TO ACHIEVE RECOGNIZED STATUS. AND WHEREAS, THIS RECOGNITION SERVES TO ASSURE THE CITIZENS OF ALTON THAT ITS POLICE DEPARTMENT IS CONFORMING TO THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ART, LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES AND CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE TOP POLICE AGENCIES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT BE RESOLVED THAT THE HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT DOES HEARBY JOIN WITH THE CITY OF ALTON AND

[00:35:06]

LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS TO CONGRATULATE THE CITY OF ALTON POLICE DEPARTMENT ON ITS RECOGNITION AND SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY. APPROVED THIS 9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021. CONGRATULATIONS, MAYOR.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CITY AND

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION. IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: CONGRATULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU. >> COMMISSIONER VILLAREAL: CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: NEXT ITEM ON THE AGENDA IS CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT BOARD. PRECINCT 3.

>> COMMISSIONER VILLAREAL. COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL.

AS JUDGE JUST MENTIONED, DO YOU HAVE SOME APPOINTMENTS UNDER THE HIDALGO COUNTY REINVESTMENT BOARD FOR THE FOLLOWING CITIES.

LA JOYA, MISSION AND ALTON. >> COMMISSIONER VILLAREAL: FOR LA JOYA, DANIELLE FLORES. FOR MISSION GARZA.

FOR ALLEGETON GARERA.

MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 8 A.

[8. County Clerk's Office - Arturo Guajardo, Jr.]

>> GOOD MORNING. >> GOOD MORNING.

CHIEF DEPUTY FOR ARTURO GUAJARDO JR.

I BELIEVE THE JUSTICE OF PEACE -- I DON'T KNOW IF SHE IS ON

LINE. >> HELLO.

I AM RIGHT HERE. >> GOOD MORNING.

>> GOOD MORNING. ARE YOU READY.

>> YEAH. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, DR. SONYA TREVIN O, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE FOR PRECINCT 3, PLACE 1. THE ACTION IS TO RATIFY MY DUTIES AS A LOCAL REGISTER TO THE CLERK FOR THE COUNTY OF HIDALGO. AS YOU KNOW, GIVEN YOU A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND. THE STATE OF TEXAS HAS BEEN RUSHING TO HAVE THE LOCAL REGISTRAR TO CONSOLIDATE BIRTH, DEATH AND FETAL BIRTH RECORDS TO THE COUNTY FOR OBVIOUS REASONS BECAUSE THE COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE OBVIOUSLY HAS THEIR STAFF, YOU KNOW FOR THE VITAL STATISTICS.

THEY ALSO -- THAT IS WHAT THEY DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO.

THEY HAVE A TRAINED STAFF TO DO THAT.

SPECIFIC PAPERWORK TO BE FILED. BACK IN 2017, THE ONLY OFFICES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THAT AND TO TAKE THE COURSE THAT THE STATE OF TEXAS WAS PRECINCT 2. , PLACE 2 IN THE CITY OF ALTON.

THEY BOTH DID THAT. AND THEY TRANSFERRED THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OVER TO THE COUNTY CLERK.

BY CONSOLIDATING THIS REGISTRATION, DISTRICT WOULD OFFER BENEFITS THAT ARE VERY OBVIOUS WITH THE LOCATION BEING CENTRALIZED FOR THE ARCHIVE NEAR THE RECORDS.

AND ALSO BETTER QUALITY AND FRAUD CONTROL AT THE SAME TIME.

AND IT WILL DECREASE THE BURDEN OF THE SPACE FOR THE OFFICE THAT'S ACTUALLY DO HAVE TO CURRENTLY HAVE THIS.

THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE, DEATHER IS TIFF CAT AND FETAL RECORD IN OUR VAULT WILL TAKE OFF HALF VAULT AND STORAGE SPACE AS WELL TOO. MORE REASONS THAN THAT, BUT PRETTY MUCH IN A NUTSHELL WHICH WAY THAT I THINK THE COUNTY SHOULD BENEFIT FROM US TRANSFERRING THESE DUTIES.

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONER, COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE RECEIVED THIS REQUEST BY MAIL FEBRUARY 3, 2021.

MR. GUAJARD O, OUR COUNTY CLERK HAS ACCEPTED THIS TRANSFER BUT NEED AUTHENTIFICATIONIZATION FROM COMMISSIONERS COURT TO

ACCEPT THIS. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: WE HAVE A MOTION AND STOKED APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU, JUDGE.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. JUDGE, THE RATIFICATION OF TRANSFER HAS BEEN SENT TO YOUR OFFICE FOR SIGNATURES AND PASSED AROUND AFTER THE M MEETING.

>> THANK YOU, APPRECIATE THAT. >> THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. >> THANK YOU.

[00:40:04]

>> NEXT ITEM IS ITEM 9 A, SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

[9. Sheriff's Office]

>> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS.

THIS IS CAPTAIN DAVID FREELAND, HIDALGO COUNTY SHERIFF.

UNDER AGENDA ITEM 9 A, PART 1, REQUESTING DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO RESCIND ACTION TAKEN ON ON AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 71067, FIRST AMENDMENT TO INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN HIDALGO AND CAMERON COUNTY FOR HOUSING OF INMATES WHICH WAS APPROVED BY COMMISSIONERS COURT ON JULY 1, 2019. PART TWO, ACCEPTANCE AND APPROVAL OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT, C-15-269-07-21 BETWEEN HIDALGO COUNTY AND CAMERON COUNTY FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOUSING INMATES INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION AND MILEAGE RATE 56 CENTS AT A RATE OF $60 PER

INMATE. >> JUDGE, I AM GOING TO RECOMMEND THAT YOU TAKE IT UP SEPARATELY.

THE FIRST ITEM IS TO RESCIND THE PREVIOUS AMENDMENT.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: OKAY. >> MOTION.

>> OKAY. WE HAVE A MOTION.

DO WE HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: WE HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE ITEM 9 A 1. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE 9 A 2.

>> SECOND. >> MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE 9 A 2. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. NEXT ITEM.

>> UNDER 9 B, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF PAYMENT FOR THE FOLLOWING INVOICE SUBMITTED BY CELSO GONZALEZ CONSTRUCTION, INC. FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS BARN FOR HIDALGO SHERIFF'S OFFICE THROUGH THE CURRENT AGREEMENT CONTRACT C 19-2 19-267-06-02. FOR THE AMOUNT OF $49,742.55.

MOTION CARRIES. >> AGENDA ITEM 9 C, GENERAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM 1284.

PART 1, REQUESTING AUTHORIZATION AND APPROVAL FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022 GENERAL VICTIM ASSISTANCE GRANT ALSO KNOWN AS VOCA WITH THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE, CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION FOR THE PERIOD OF OCTOBER 1, 2021

THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2022. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

TAKE THE NEXT TWO. >> PART TWO, AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE TO E-SIGN THE REQUIRED DOCUMENT UNDER E GRANTS AS AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL. AND PART 3, AUTHORIZATION FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE TO CERTIFY GRANT APPLICATION UNDER E GR

GRANTS AS AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> A MOTION TO APPROVE C 2 AND 3. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[10. Constable Pct. #3]

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ITEM 10 A, CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3.

>> CHIEF GONZALEZ WITH CONSTABLE PRECINCT 3.

WE HAVE A PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE 2020 RACIAL PROFILING AS PRESENTED BY HIDALGO COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 2.132 OF TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURES.

>> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> THE SECOND WE HAVE AUTHORIZATION AND APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR YEAR 2022 LOCAL BORDER SECURITY LBSP GRANT WITH THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR HOMELAND SECURED GRANT DIVISION OOG-HSGD THROUGH E GRANTS FOR THE PERIOD OF SEPTEMBER 12021 TO AUGUST 31,2022. YOU WANT ME TO READ ALL OF T THEM? NUMBER 2, AUTHORIZATION FOR COUNTY JUDGE RICHARD CORTEZ AS AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL TO E-SIGN APPLICATION UNDER E GRANTS. AND NUMBER THREE, APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR THE YEAR 2022 LBSP GRANT TO DESIGNATE JUDGE RICHARD CORTEZ AS GRANTEE'S AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL TO SIGN

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: I HAVE A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE ITEM B 1, 2 AND 3.

[00:45:02]

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: 11 A.

[11. Constable Pct. #4]

PRECINCT 4. CONSTABLE.

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, IF I MAY FOR CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4.

HE IS ASKING FOR PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE 2020 RACIAL PROFILING REPORT AS PRESENTED BY HIDALGO COUNTY CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4 DEPARTMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 2 2.133 OF THE TEXAS CODE OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURES.

MOTION CARRIES. >> SECOND ACTION ITEM FOR THE PRECINCT 4-OPSG GRANT 1284. APPROVAL TO SUBMIT TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE, THE PROHIBITED TELECOMMUNICATION AND VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SERVICE CERTIFICATION FORM AS REQUIRED FOR THE GRANTOR WITH AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN DOCUMENT.

>> ITEM C CONSTABLE PRECINCT 4 LBSP 1284 AUTHORIZATION FOR APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR THE LOCAL BORDER SECURITY PROGRAM THROUGH THE GOVERNOR'S HOMELAND SECURITY DIVISION THROUGH E GRANTS AND AUTHORIZATION TO COUNTY JUDGE TO E-SIGN APPLICATION AND RELATED DOCUMENTS UNDER E-GRANTS AND APPROVE RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE JUDGE RICHARD CORTEZ AS GRA

GRANTEE'S AUTHORIZED OFFICIAL. >> MOTION TO APPROVE 111, 2,

AND 3. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: MOTION CAR

[5. Open Forum (Part 2 of 2)]

CARRIES. >> BEFORE WE GO TO HUMAN RESOURCES, WE DID HAVE ONE OF THE TWO PARTICIPANTS FROM OPEN FORUM HAVING TROUBLE SIGNING ON.

WE DO HAVE ONE OF THEM IF WE COULD GO BACK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE ONE OPEN FORUM PARTICIPANT LEFT.

MR. GUTIERREZ. >>

>> GRACIAS. JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, QUICK TRANSLATION. SANCHEZ IS WITH THE ORGANIZATION LUPE AND SHE CALLED IN AND WISHED TO THANK COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL FOR TAKING TIME MEET WITH THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS RESIDENTS IN THEIR AREA.

THANK YOU. JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS.

THAT WILL CONCLUDE OPEN FORUM. AND PLEASE GO BACK TO ITEM 12,

[12. Human Resources]

HUMAN RESOURCES. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES. ITEM 12 A, REQUESTING THE WAIVER OF THE FOLLOWING, IF APPLICABLE, FOR THE PERSONNEL ITEMS LISTED. ITEM NUMBER 3, BUDGET AMENDMENT POLICY PERSONNEL RELATED AMENDMENTS.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: MOTION AND A STOKED APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU, ITEM 12 B FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, APPROVAL OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTIONS EFFECTIVE THE NEXT FULL PAY PERIOD FEBRUARY 15, 20 21. TO ADD A SUPPLEMENT FOR SLOT 46 FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR II IN THE NUMBER OF $8,279.

DUE TO ADDITIONAL AND MORE COMPLEX DUTIES RELATED TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS AND IF APPROVED, THIS ITEM WILL BE PAID OUT OF THE DA'S FORFEITURE FUND.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: 13 A. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, FOR THE RECORD, I WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT CONSTABLE GITAN WAS ON THE ZOOM MEETING CALL FOR COMMISSIONERS COURT. UNFORTUNATELY HE HAD A BIT OF A PROBLEM TAKING HIM OFF MUTE. THAT IS WHY WE COULDN'T HEAR HIM. SO, AGAIN, JUST FOR THE RECORD, CONSTABLE WAS ON OUR ZOOM MEETING CALL AND APPRECIATES THE ACTION TAKEN BY COMMISSIONERS COURT.

[00:50:05]

[13. Adult Probation]

>> ITEM 13 A. >> WITH YOUR PERMISSION, MISS

PATRICK. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. FASINO LOPEZ WITH THE ADULT PROBATION. ITEM 13 A, APPROVAL TO APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING FISCAL YEAR 2022 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION GRANTS AND APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTIONS PERTAINING TO EACH GRANT.

1, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT GRANT NUMBER 3110406.

2, D W I COURT GRANT NUMBER 2413912.

VETERANS COURT GRANT NUMBER 2 2431511.

4, RE-ENTRY COURT GRANT. 5, MISDEMEANOR D W I COURT GRANT, 3623204. 6, MENTAL HEALTH COURT GRANT NUMBER 3848403. 7, SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT FACILITY, RSAT GRANT NUMBER 2 29280067.

8, YOUTHFUL EFENDER COURT GR GRANT, 3813403.

9, MISDEMEANOR DRUG COURT GR GRANT.

AND FINALLY 10, FELONY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COURT GRANT.

>> MOVE FOR APPROVAL. >> SECOND.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND SECOND FOR APPROVAL.

14 A. >> GOOD MORNING, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS. THE HIDALGO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY. ITEM 14 A, PRESENTATION AND SKUX REGARDING THE HIDALGO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY ANNUAL REPORT FOR PROGRAM YEAR 2020.

[14. Community Service Agency]

JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, I KNOW THAT IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC AND IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OF THE DIFFERENT -- DIFFERENT THINGS THAT WE HAVE GOING ON.

SOMETIMES IT IS EASY TO KIND OF OVERLOOK SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THE COUNTY DOES TO ASSIST FAMILIES EVERY DAY IN MAKING THE PANDEMIC A LITTLE -- LITTLE MORE TOLERABLE.

AND I WANTED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY NOW TO KIND OF HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE THINGS THAT THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY HAS BEEN DOING TO ASSIST FAMILIES AND TAKING THIS ANNUAL REPORT AND WANTED TO GIVE YOU ALL SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THE KIND OF SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDE.

WITH YOUR PERMISSION, I WOULD LIKE TO DO A BRIEF POWERPOINT PRESENTATION AND I PROMISE TO BE BRIEF IN THE INTEREST OF TIME. AND I WOULD LIKE FOR YOU ACTUAL DISCUSS THIS IF YOU COULD, PLEASE.

I WILL SHARE MY SCREEN WITH YOU ALL.

OKAY, JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, THE HIDALGO COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICE AGENCY. OUR THEME FOR THIS YEAR IS "SHINING THE LIGHT OF HOPE" DURING THE DARK TIMES THAT WE HAVE BEEN FACING TOGETHER. JUST AS A RECAP, WE WANTED TO GO OVER THE POPULATION WE SERVE.

THIS YEAR, A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT THAN MOST YEARS.

WE HAVE JUST ABOUT DOUBLED A LITTLE OVER DOUBLED THE NUMBER OF CLIENTS WE HAVE ASSISTED. ON A TYPICAL YEAR, WE SERVE ABOUT 18 -- ABOUT 8,000 FAMILIES.

THIS YEAR OVER 19,000 FAMILIES. THIS YEAR I MEAN 2020.

A RECAP OF 2020. SO WE WERE IN -- IN 19,000 HOUSEHOLDS IN 2020. AND ALL THESE FAMILIES BELOW 200% OF FEDERAL POVERTY. ASSISTED LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, WE CREATED PARTNERSHIPS. TRIED TO ADDRESS POVERTY IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC, AND MOST OF ALL TRIED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR VULNERABLE FAMILIES.

AS -- AS YOU WELL KNOW, WE HAVE THREE -- THREE PILLARS -- THREE PILLAR PROGRAMS WE ARE WELL KNOWN FOR UTILITY ASSISTANCE, CASE MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM AND RENT AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE. TELL YOU JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OUR UTILITY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

BOTTOM LINE IS, WE BELIEVE ABLE TO ASSIST FAMILIES TO $ALMOST 7 MILLION. $6.8 MILLION.

THE PANDEMIC HIT NEWS MARCH. OUR FISCAL YEAR STARTED IN JANUARY AND JUST GETTING STARTED WITH HELPING FAMILIES

[00:55:01]

ACROSS THE COUNTY WITH THEIR UTILITY BILLS.

AS WE CONTINUED FLEW MARCH THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR IN DECEMBER, WE WERE ABLE TO ASSIST TO THE TUNE OF ALMOST $7 MILLION. WE ASSISTED 8502 HOUSEHOLDS.

OF THAT 6284 OF THOSE WERE FAMILIES OVER THE AGE OF 60.

AND 4485 OF THOSE WERE DISABLED HOUSEHOLDS.

YOU HAVE THE BREAKDOWN OF WHAT TYPE OF ASSISTANCE WE PROVIDED.

OF COURSE, ELECTRICITY BEING THE BIGGEST -- THE LION'S SHARE. WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, WE DIDN'T KNOW WE WERE GETTING EXTRA DOLLARS COMING INTO THE COUNTY, SO WE CONTINUED TO PRIORITIZE THE VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS AND THE DISABLED. AS WE MOVED INTO THE PANDEMIC, ABOUT THE MONTH OF -- I WOULD SAY LATE MAY, WE RECEIVED OUR OWN CARES MONEY. LIHEAP IS UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

THE 93,000 OF TOTAL NUMBER LOOK RELATIVELY LOW, WE MIND A DECISION TO CONTINUE SPENDING OUR REGULAR DOLLARS, THE DOLLARS YOU JUST HEARD ABOUT AND KIND OF KEEP THESE LIHEAP DOLLARS THAT I CAN SPEND THROUGH SEPTEMBER OF 2021.

WE USED OUR REGULAR DOLLARS, ALMOST $7 MILLION AND WE HAVE A LITTLE OVER $2 MILLION STILL AVAILABLE TO US UNDER THE LIHEAP CARES PROGRAM TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ASSISTING FAMILIES WHO WERE EFFECTED SPECIFICALLY BY THE PANDEMIC.

AS YOU WELL KNOW THE EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC ARE MORE WIDESPREAD AT THIS POINT, SO WE HAVE THESE DOLLARS, TOGETHER WITH OUR 2021 DOLLARS TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST FAMILIES GOING FORWARD. SO WE ARE IN A REALLY GOOD POSITION. OUR COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT. THIS IS TYPICALLY THE FUNDING WE RECEIVE JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER.

THESE ARE THE DOLLARS THAT WE USED TO HELP FAMILIES WITH SCHOLARSHIPS. WE HELP FAMILIES WHO ARE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. BUT IN MARCH OF 2020, AS YOU RECALL WHEN THE PANDEMIC HIT, WE SWITCHED OUR FOCUS TO START ASSISTING FAMILIES WHO WERE STRUGGLING WITH THE PANDEMIC RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. WE DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE CARES ACT WAS COMING IN JUNE. WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT FAMILIES FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC WERE RECEIVING ASSISTANCE. SO WE DEVOTED OUR FUNDING TO FAMILY SUPPORT. WE SPLIT IT BETWEEN ASSISTING FAMILIES AND OUR DISASTER RESPONSE.

OKAY, KEEP IN MIND, WE ALSO HAD -- IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL OF THIS HURRICANE HANNA. WE WANT TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE NUMBERS OF FAMILIES WE ASSISTED.

THE REGULAR COMMUNITY SERVICE BLOCK GRANT DOLLARS.

WE ASSISTED 273 HOUSEHOLDS AVOIDED EVICTION.

309 HOUSEHOLDS OBTAINED TEMPORARY SHELTER.

FAMILIES WE PUT IN HOTELS TO GET THEM OUT OF HARM'S WAY EITHER BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC OR BECAUSE OF THE HURRICANE.

WE ASSISTED 221 HOUSEHOLDS WITH SAFE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WE DISTRIBUTED 1100 INDIVIDUAL FOOD BAGS TO FAMILIES.

WE ASSISTED WITH HOME REPAIRS, 1164.

WE ASSISTED FAMILIES WITH TRANSPORTATION SERVICES.

661 INDIVIDUALS. WE ASSISTED THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND ACTUALLY WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE IN PROVIDING SOME EMERGENCY HOUSING FOR FAMILIES.

WE ALSO DISTRIBUTED 1420 INDIVIDUAL GIFT CARDS FOR BASIC -- BASIC NEEDS AND ESSENTIALS. WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE 51 INDIVIDUALS WITH FINANCIAL AID FOR VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS. AND WE ASSISTED A TOTAL OF 9633 -- HOUSEHOLDS WITH THAT REGULAR FUNDING THAT WE RECEIVED.

THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, AGAIN, I AM TAKING YOU BACK TO MARCH ONCE THE PANDEMIC HIT. THE AGENCY RECEIVED A LITTLE -- A LITTLE OVER $2 MILLION IN LIHEAP -- IN CSBG CARES FUN FUNDING. OUR OWN MONEY WE RECEIVED FROM THE CARES ACT. RECEIVED A LITTLE OVER $2 MILLION. WITH THAT $2 MILLION, WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST -- WE -- WE ACQUIRED OVER 10,000 BAGS FROM THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY FOOD BANK AND WITH THE WORK OF THE COOPERATION OF THE PRECINCTS ABLE TO DISTRIBUTE THOSE FOOD BAGS FOR THE ELDERLY POPULATION AROUND HIDALGO COUNTY.

A VERY SUCCESSFUL ENDEAVOR AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC. WE ASSISTED WITH OPERATION COVID SHIELD. WE PROVIDED LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR THE NURSES WHO WERE OUT EDUCATING PERSONS WHO WERE BEING TESTED WITH REGARD TO COVID-19.

AND WE ALSO WERE ABLE TO ASSIST ONE OF THE OTHER HIGHLIGHTS IS, WE RECOGNIZE THAT THERE WAS A GAP IN SERVICES TO HEAD START FAMILIES. HEAD START FAMILIES WERE NOT --

[01:00:02]

ARE NOT PART OF THE REGULAR EDUCATION FUNDING THAT TEA DISTRIBUTES TO THE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR TECHNOLOGY.

HEAD START STUDENTS FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES WERE LEFT OUT FOR DOLLARS PUT IN FOR TECHNOLOGY FOR PEOPLE TO -- KIDS TO ACCESS SERVICES FROM HOME.

WORKING WITH HEARD START, WE WERE ABLE TO PURCHASE SOME LAPTOP COMPUTERS, CHROME BOOKS. WORKSHOP ABLE TO PURCHASE HOT SPOTS FOR MANY OF THE STUDENTS IN HEAD START NEEDING THAT PARTICULAR SERVICE. WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT WITH THE CBSG DOLLARS. THE OTHER PART OF THAT HELD ON TO THE SBSG DOLLARS AND TO WORK WITH THE CSBG.

THAT WILL BE FOR FAMILIES EFFECTED BY COVID-19.

MOVING FORWARD, SO LET ME TELL YOU A LITTLE BIT WHAT WE DID WITH THAT. THIS IS CSBG CARES, 1480 FAMILIES AVOIDED EVICTION. 123 HOUSEHOLDS AVOIDED FORECLOSURE. WE ASSISTED 78 INDIVIDUALS WITH EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES. 1873 RENT PAYMENTS.

169 MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. 910 UTILITY PAYMENTS.

164 PRESCRIPTION PAYMENTS AND 10400 FOOD BAGS.

ABLE TO ASSIST FAMILIES WITH TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR A TOTAL NUMBER OF SERVICES OF 1 1182 HOUSEHOLDS WE WERE ABLE TO ASSIST WITH THIS FUNDING. KEEP IN MIND, WE STILL HAVE SOME OF THIS FUNDING A AVAILABLE TO CONTINUE ALL THE WAY -- ALL THE WAY THROUGH JUNE AND JULY OF THIS YEAR.

MOVING FORWARD FOR OUR VET VETERANS, THIS IS -- IS OUR VETERANS GRANT. THE VETERANS GRANT COMES TO US IN JULY AND WE ARE ABLE TO ASSIST INTO THE NEW -- INTO THE NEW FISCAL YEAR. WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING AT IS PARTIAL NUMBERS. WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS TO THE TUNE OF 345 345,000.

AND THIS IS ALL UTILITY PAYMENTS.

THIS IS HELPING TO GET VETERANS INTO OUR FACILITY VIRTUALLY.

WE ARE DOING ALL OF THIS VIRTUALLY SO THAT WE KEEP THE VETERANS SAFE, BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WE ARE CONNECTING THEM TO MUCH-NEEDED RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY.

SO WE ARE REAL PROUD OF THE THREE PROGRAMS WORKING TOGETHER TO BE ABLE TO ASSIST FAMILIES ALL ACROSS HIDALGO COUNTY.

THOSE FAMILIES IN CRISIS BECAUSE OF RENT OR MORTGAGE.

THEN FINALLY WE ALSO HAVE OUR SENIOR PROGRAMS. WE HAVE WELL OVER 500 SENIORS. FOLKS OVER THE AGE OF 55, WHO ARE WORKING BOTH -- WERE W WORKING IN HEAD START CENTERS AND WORKING TO KEEP OTHER SENIORS SAFE.

AND WE ARE ALSO WORKING IN OUR FOOD PANTRY AND WORKING TO KEEP THE SUPPLY OF FOOD TO THE VULNERABLE FAMILIES MOVING FORWARD. MANY OF THESE VOLUNTEERS ONCE IT IS SAFE WILL RETURN TO THOSE PARTICULAR ENDEAVORS.

AND JUST WANTED TO GIVE YOU A RECAP.

OVER 65,000 HOURS IN THE RETIRED VOLUNTEER PROGRAM THAT WERE DONATED THIS PAST YEAR. WE HAD 82,545 SENIOR CORE HOURS THAT WERE DONATED. AND WHAT A SENIOR CORE MEMBER DOES -- THAT IS SAN ELDERLY PERSON WHO IS CALLING THE HOMES OF OTHER VULNERABLE, DISABLED AND ELDERLY FOLKS TO CHECK ON THEM DURING THE PANDEMIC TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HEALTHY AND THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE BEING MET.

AND FINAL LET FOSTER GR GRANDPARENT PROGRAM.

MATCHES THE OLDER RESIDENTS WITH -- WITH HEAD START-AGED CHILDREN. THIS PROGRAM CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD AND CONTINUED TO PROVIDE SERVICES EVEN THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND CURRENTLY WE ARE WORKING WITH HEAD START TO DETERMINE WHEN IT IS GOING TO BE SAFE FOR THESE PARTICULAR VOLUNTEERS TO RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM.

SO WITH THAT PROGRAM WE HAD OVER 64,800 HOURS DONATED TO THE PROGRAM. IN ALL JUST TO GIVE YOU A

[01:05:01]

RECAP, AND THIS IS A SUMMARY OF ALL OF THE PROTIONZ THAT I JUST WENT OVER. WE HAD 2354 HOME -- HOUSEHOLDS AVOIDED EVICTION BECAUSE OF OUR SERVICES.

724 HOMES WE SAVED FROM FORECLOSURE.

WE DISTRIBUTED 4821 RENTAL PAYMENTS, 2891 MORTGAGE PAYMENTS. WE DID 82,406 UTILITY PAYMENTS.

AND 164 PRESCRIPTION PAYMENTS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE TEMPORARY SHELTER. IN ADDITION TO ALL THE OTHER KIND OF SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

ALL OF THIS TOTAL TO A LITTLE OVER $8 MILLION.

8,188,776.31 WORTH OF SERVICES THAT WE PROVIDED TO THE VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS IN HIDALGO COUNTY.

COMMISSIONERS, JUDGE, THAT CONCLUDES MY BRIEF ANNUAL REPORT. A LOT OF DETAIL TO THIS.

BUT IT IS MY INTENT THAT WITHIN THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO, WE WILL BIND AN OFFICIAL ANNUAL REPORT THAT WILL INCLUDE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INCLUDE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION INFORMATION FOR YOU BUT A 35,000 FOOT AERIAL VIEW OF THE SERVICES WE PROVIDED DURING THE PANDEMIC.

I WILL CERTAINLY ENTERTAIN ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM YOU

ALL AT THIS POINT. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW. YOUR SENSE OF PRIDE.

YOU AND YOUR AGENCY ARE A SENSE OF PRIDE FOR US FOR PROVIDING ALL THESE SERVICES. WE ALL THANK YOU FOR THAT AND ALL I HEAR IS GOOD THINGS FROM THE SERVICES YOU ARE PROVIDING . HOW MANY FAMILIES DO YOU THINK IN HIDALGO COUNTY QUALIFY FOR THESE SERVICES?

>> JUDGE, AT 200% -- AT 150% OF FEDERAL POVERTY, 110,000 FAMILIES. SO AT 200% OF FEDERAL POVERTY, I WILL SAY CLOSER TO 200,000 FAMILY THAT'S WOULD QUALIFY FOR

OUR SERVICES. >> IMPORTANT FOR OUR -- WE HAVE A LITTLE OVER 300 AND SOME ADD FAMILIES IN HIDALGO COUNTY.

THAT MEAN ONE-THIRD OF OUR FAMILIES ARE EASILY CONSIDERED

NOBODY POVERTY. >> ABSOLUTELY.

ABSOLUTELY. 100% OF FEDERAL POVERTY.

ABOUT 9 0,000 FAMILIES, CLOSER TO 100,000.

THE NUMBERS ARE SKY HIGH. AND THE NEED -- THE NEED IS GREAT. AND I AM PROUD TO SAY THAT WE HAVE A DEDICATED TEAM OF WORKER THAT'S DIDN'T GO HOME.

THEY DIDN'T -- THEY WERE HERE THROUGH THE ENTIRE PANDEMIC.

AND THEY CONTINUED TO PLUG ALONG AND PROVIDE SERVICES.

OUR PHONE LINES ARE JAMMED ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS.

IT IS A LITTLE FRUSTRATING PAUSE WE TRY TO TRIAGE, YOU KNOW. AND YESTERDAY I SPOKE TO A GENTLEMAN WHO WAS BEHIND TEN MONTHS ON HIS RENT.

AND BROKE DOWN IN TEARS WHEN I TOLD HIM THAT WE COULD PROVIDE SOME RELIEF FROM THAT. AND HE SAID ANYTHING YOU CAN GIVE US TO ASSIST US WOULD MAKE ME BE ABLE TO FACE MY FAMILY AGAIN. SO WE HEAR THESE STORIES DAY IN AND DAY OUT JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, AND IT REALLY -- MY HAT IS OFF TO THE STAFF BECAUSE IT IS NOT EASY TO HEAR THOSE STORIES ON A DAILY BASIS. SOME AREN'T AS PLEASANT AND SOME FOLKS ARE ANGRY. RIGHTFULLY SO.

THEIR LIFE HAS BEEN INTERRUPTED AND WONDERING WHERE A MEAL WILL COME FROM. WE TRY OUR BEST TO PROVIDE SERVICES EFFICIENTLY AND QUICKLY BECAUSE WE KNOW PEOPLE ARE IN CRISIS. SO I THANK ALL OF THE COMMISSIONER, COMMISSIONER EDDIE CANTU PROVIDED A TEAM THAT WERE IN OUR OFFICE FOR SIX, EIGHT MONTHS TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. COMMISSIONER TORRES ABLE TO ASSIST US -- COMMISSIONER FLORES BEFORE COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL. COMMISSIONER VILLARREAL, I HAVE SPOKEN TO HIM AND HE IS WILLING TO GIVE US SPACE IN PRECINCT 3 TO OPERATE AND I AM PLEASED WITH COMMISSIONER FUENTES ALSO GAVE US SPACE TO OPERATE AND PROVIDED STAFF AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT IN THE MIDDLE OF HURRICANE HANNA.

AND JUDGE YOUR OFFICE HAS BEEN HELPFUL.

MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU ALL AND COUNTY DEPTSD FOR ASSISTING

NEWS THESE ENDEAVORS. >> WITH US KNOWING THAT WE WILL GET $26 MILLION TO HELP WITH RENT ASSISTANCE, HAVE YOU STARTED TO CREATE A PLAN. AND IF SO, CAN YOU SHARE IT WITH US -- NOT RIGHT NOW BUT SHARE IT WITH US OFF LINE TO PREPARE FOR ALL THAT MONEY AND SEE HOW WE WILL HANDLE IT OR DO IT ALONE OR BRING IN OUTSIDE AGENCIES TO HELP?

>> ABSOLUTELY, COMMISSIONER. AID BRIEF MEETING WITH CHIEFS OF STAFF TO BRING THEM UP TO SPEED AND MY INTENT IS TO VISIT WITH YOU AND TALK WHAT THE PLANS ARE FOR THAT ASSISTANCE.

A COUNTY-WIDE EFFORT. SIMILAR TO THE CENSUS EFFORT

[01:10:04]

AND JUDGE, I HAVE ASKED THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE TO REINVIGORATE THOSE CENSUS COMMITTEES BECAUSE I THINK THOSE CENSUS COMMITTEES COULD BE TRANSLATED, TRANSFERRED INTO THIS HUMONGOUS EFFORT OF SPENDING THE $26 MILLION TO THE FAMILIES WHO NEED IT IN A VERY SHORT NINE MONTHS.

WE ARE -- IT IS GOING TO BE KIND OF A GARGANTUAN KIND OF

EFFORT. >> WELL, I AM GOING TO TELL THAT YOU WHEN WE ADDED THE PRECINCTS WORKING WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE CITIES AND THE SCHOOLS TO ADMINISTER THE VACCINATION. I MEAN, WE ARE SEEING AN EXTREMELY WELL POLISHED, WELL ORGANIZED WAY OF DOING THINGS.

SO WE KNOW WHEN WORKING TOGETHER WE CAN GET IT DONE BETTER AND COUNT ON ALL THE PRECINCTS AND US TO WORK WITH YOU TO GET AS EFFICIENT AS WE CAN.

>> ABSOLUTELY. >>.

>> YOUR STAFF HAS BEEN EXCEPTIONAL AND PHENOMENAL TO WORK WITH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS OF ALWAYS REACHING OUT AND COMMUNICATING WITH US ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN OUR AREA TO HELP PROMOTE THAT. YOU DISSEMINATING THAT INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO GET THAT MESSAGE OUT.

AND WE CAN TELL THERE IS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF NEED FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LINE UP -- WHEN YOU DO THESE PROGRAMS AND YOU CAN ONLY TAKE THE FIRST 50 AND WE ARE NOT ABLE TO SERVICE EVERYBODY THAT SHOWS UP. OBVIOUSLY A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF NEED. ANYTHING THAT WE CAN TO DO MAYBE DOUBLE THESE NUMBERS OR INCREASE THEM BY ANOTHER COUPLE OF MILLIONS. LIKE EDDY SAID.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU AND ASSIST.

OUR STAFF AS A RESOURCE TO YOU. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

THIS REPORT IS ENCOURAGING AND I AM SURE THAT EVERYBODY FEELS SOMEWHAT GRATEFUL THAT WE HAVE GREAT LEADERSHIP AT THE CSA.

LET US KNOW HOW WE CAN CONTINUE TO PARTNER UP AND HELP YOU OUT.

>> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER. ON THAT NOTE, I WAS PLEASED -- WE WERE JUST NOTIFIED JUDGE AND COMMISSIONERS, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS HAD SOME 2020 UTILITY ASSISTANCE MONEY NOT SPENT AT ANOTHER CAP AGENCY ACROSS THE STATE. THEY ASKED US IF WE WANTED THAT EXTRA $1 MILLION. AND WE DIDN'T BAT AN EYE.

WE -- NEXT WEEK YOU WILL SEE A BUDGET AMENDMENT BECAUSE THEY ARE GIVING US AN EXTRA $1 MILLION OF 2020 MONEY.

SO I AM REAL EXCITED THEY HAVE FAITH IN US TO BE ABLE TO MOVE MONEY AND PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES.

YOU WILL SEE THAT VERY SOON. >> COMMISSIONER TORRES: I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WORK THAT YOU DO.

YOUR STAFF AS WELL. NO WAY THAT YOU CAN DO THAT ALOIN. AND I RECOGNIZE YOU HAVE A TREMENDOUS TEAM AND PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU HAVE PARTNERS AT PRECINCT 4, AS WELL AS ALL THE OTHER PRECINCTS LIKE WE JUST SAID. WE ARE HERE TO WORK WITH YOU AND MOVE THIS FORWARD TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. ANYTHING THAT WE CAN TO DO H HELP, JUST REACH OUT. THANK YOU FOR COMING OVER HERE TO THIS PRECINCT. I ENJOYED OUR MEETING AND JUST KNOW YOU HAVE AN OFFICE OVER HERE IF YOU NEED IT TO BETTER SERVE OUR PEOPLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR

EVERYTHING THAT YOU ARE DOING. >> THANK YOU, COMMISSIONER.

THANK YOU, JUDGE, MAY I MOVE ON TO 14 B.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: PLEASE. >> ITEM 14 B, DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ACCEPT THE AMERICORPS NOTICE OF GRANT AWARDS FOR 2021 AS FOLLOWS: RETIRED AND THE SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.

SENIOR COMPANION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $7500.

AND FOSTER GRANDPARENT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $7 500.

AUGMENTATION GRANTS IN ADDITION TO OUR REGULAR GRANT AWARDS.

THESE FUNDS AND WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL SERVICES WE GIVE TO THOSE SENIORS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE.

>> THANK YOU, JUDGE. THANK YOU, COMMISSIONERS.

[15. Precinct #1 - Comm. Fuentes]

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU, JAIME.

ITEM 15 A, COMMISSIONER. >> COMMISSIONER FUENTES: FUENTES REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR 745 ASSORTED BOOKS FOR THE PROGRESO RESOURCE CENTER AND MONTE ALTO RESOURCE CENTER FROM DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAS. ALL IN FAVOR.

>> I WOULD LIKE TOO TAKE A MINUTE TO RECOGNIZE -- OBVIOUSLY WE APPRECIATE THE CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS DONATING THESE BOOKS. WE ALL KNOW THAT LITERACY IS VERY NORTHERN OUR AREA AND WE APPRECIATE THE DONATION AND

[01:15:02]

MOST ESPECIALLY FOR HER COORDINATING THIS EFFORT AND THE DONATION TO GO TO VERY NEEDY COMMUNITIES.

WE ARE VERY THANKFUL FOR HER LEADERSHIP IN GETTING US THIS DONATION. THANK YOU.

[16. Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres]

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ABSOLUTELY. 16 A.

COMMISSIONER TORRES. >> COMMISSIONER TORRES: YES, GREAT EXCITEMENT I AM REQUESTING APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING MCALLEN ISD, CAPABLE KIDS FOUNDATION AND THE CITY OF MCALLEN TO CONSTRUCT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE PARK TO BE LOCATED AT SANCHEZ ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL IN MLCALLEN, TEXAS. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

SECOND. MOTION CARRIES.

>> CONGRATULATIONS, COMMISSIONER, GOOD JOB.

>> ITEM 16 B, REQUESTING APPROVAL TO NAME A 15-FOOT PRIVATE ROAD LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF CHAPPA ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 40 EAST OF TED GARZA ROAD LOCATED IN LINN-SAN MANUEL AS LAS PALOMAS RANCH SERVICE ROAD FOR 911 PURPOSES.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR, AYE.

[17. Budget & Management]

MOTION CARRIES. ITEM 17 A,

>> BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT. ITEM 17 A, APPROVAL FOR MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE LISTED ON THE AGENDA FOR THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IRS CODE SECTION 4980 H SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS REGARDING HEALTH INSURANCE.

>> NOTION APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM 17 B APPROVAL OF 2021 APPROPRIATION OF FINDS FOR

COURT REPORTER SERVICES FUND. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: A MOTION AND A SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> THANK YOU, JUDGE,

[18. Purchasing Department - Notes]

COMMISSIONERS. >> ITEM 18 A, PURCHASING

DEPARTMENT. >> GOOD MORNING, PURCHASING DEPARTMENT. ITEM 18 A, REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR THE SURPLUS THE ITEMS LISTED IN EXHIBIT A THROUGH SALE THROUGH WEBCAST ONLINE AUCTION SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24, 2021 IN ACCORD DANCE WITH TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 2

263.1512 A 1. >> 13 MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM B, PURSUANT TO TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 263.1511 AND OR 26 3.152 A 3 IN THE EVENT NO BIDS ARE RECEIVED, COMMISSIONERS COURT MAY PROCEED TO ORDER ANY OF THE PROPERTY TO BE DESTROYED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF AS WORTHLESS AS THE SALE OF SAID ITEM UNDER SUBSECTIONS 1.

>> MOTION TO APPROVED. >> SECOND.

>> WHO OVERSEES THIS PROJECT, GINA?

>> THE FIXED ASSET DIVISION. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU.

A MOTION AND SECOND TO APPROVE. ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM C, REQUEST AUTHORIZATION TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE AUCTION OF SURPLUS ITEMS SCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 24, 2021.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> 18 B FOR THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR LETTER OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION FOR SERVICES RENDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE HIDALGO COUNTY YOUTH VILLAGE DEMOLITION AS SUBMITTED BY PROJECT

ENGINEER HALFF AND ASSOCIATES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM B, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF INVOICE 4286 IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 TO CAMACHO DEMOLITION FOR AUTHORITY WITH COUNTY TREASURER TO ISSUE CHECK AFTER REVIEW AND AUDITING PROCEDURES AS COMPLETED BY THE COUNTY

AUDITOR. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

ITEM 18 C FOR THE COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO ADVERTISE FOR THE PROVISION OF CONSULTING SERVICES TO UPDATE AND REVISE THE HAZARD MITIGATION APPLICATION PLAN FOR HIDALGO COUNTY WITH APPROVAL OF PROCUREMENT PACKET.

AND JUST FOR THE RECORD TO BE ABLE TO READVERTISE IF

NECESSARY. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

[01:20:04]

>> ITEM B APPOINTMENT DESIGNATION OF AN EVALUATION COMMITTEE TO REVIEW, SCORE AND GRADE THE SUBMITTED REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PURSUANT TO RFP/Q PACKET HEREIN.

>> I WANT JUDGE OR MAYOR, PLEASE.

>> MANUEL GARZA. >> MARTIN GARZA.

>> BELINDA REYES FOR PRECINCT 4.

>> JUDGE, FROM THE COUNTY SIDE, YOU WILL HAVE OBVIOUSLY SOLDANA BUT WHO ELSE WILL BE PARTICIPATING?

>> IN THE EVALUATION? >> YES, SIR.

>> I AM GOING TO PARTICIPATE BECAUSE I NEED TO -- I NEED TO BECOME A LITTLE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN THIS AREA.

>> PERFECT. >> OKAY.

>> MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE NOMINATIONS.

>> SECOND. >> ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 18 D FOR PRECINCT 1.

WE WILL TAKE NO ACTION AT THIS TIME AT THE REQUEST OF THE

PRECINCT. >> POLICE TREVINO.

>> YES. >> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, AS ALWAYS WITH RESPECT TO THE EVALUATION COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVE FROM MY OFFICE AND PURCHASING DEPARTMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ANY QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED AND OR

CLARIFICATION TO THE COMMITTEE. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: THANK YOU.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: NEXT ITEM. >> ITEM 18 E FOR PRECINCT 4.

REQUESTING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 WITH RABA-KISTNER FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND GEOTECHNICAL

TESTING. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM B, REQUESTING YOUR APPROVAL FOR WORK AUTHORIZATION NUMBER 1 IN THE AMOUNT OF $ $14,494.15 UNDER THE CURRENT ON-CALL AGREEMENT WITH RABA-KISTNER FOR THE PROVISION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND GEOTECHNICAL TESTING FOR FM 2812-HIDALGO COUNTY HEAD START PROGRAM PARKING LOT IMPRO

IMPROVEMENT. >> NOTION APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR

SAY AYE. >> ITEM NUMBER --

>> MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 2, REQUEST EXEMPTION FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING, I'M TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE

262.024 A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> B, PRESENTATION OF THE SCORING GRID OF FIRMS GRADED THROUGH THE COUNTY'S POOL OF PREQUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF RANKING BY HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT IN SECTION WITH RECONSTRUCTION OF MILE 17.5 FROM MON MACK ROAD TO ROOTH ROAD TO PRECINCT 4.

THE FIRMS ARE TERRACON WITH 185 POINTS.

GDJ WITH 195. AND ALPHA INFRASTRUCTURE WITH

175. >> MOTION TO APPROVE AS RANKED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> PURSUANT TO HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT REQUESTING AUTHORITY FOR THE HIDALGO COUNTY PURCHASING OFFICE TO NEGOTIATE A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE NUMBER ONE RANKED FIRM JDJ FOR THE FOR THE PRO VISION THE PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES.

>> MOTOR VEHICLES TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

REQUESTING EXEMPTION FROM COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS UNDER TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 262.024 A

MOTION CARRIES. >> 18-3.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. >> SO MOVED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM B, PRESENTATION OF SCORING GRID OF FIRMS GRADED THROUGH THE COUNTY'S POOL OF PREQUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR THE PUMP OF RANKING BY HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT IN CONNECTION WITH DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION OF SUNFLOWER PARK. >> MOTION -- WERE YOU GOING TO

FINISH READING THAT. >> THE FIRMS ARE B 2 Z WITH 195 POINTS. STRADA WITH 186.

AND RGVCM GROUP WITH 182. >> MOTION TO APPROVE AS RANKED.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR

[01:25:03]

SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM C, PURSUANT TO HIDALGO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT REQUESTING AUTHORITY FOR THE HIDALGO COUNTY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT TO NEGOTIATE A PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH THE NUMBER ONE RANKED B 2 Z FOR THE PROVISION OF PROFESSIONAL CONSTRUCTION

MANAGEMENT SERVICES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIED.

>> ITEM 4, REQUESTING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NUMBER 1 WITH MILLENNIUM ENGINEERING GROUP FOR ON-CALL PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL AND GEOTECHNICAL TESTING FOR PRECINCT 4.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM F, FOR THE IT DEPARTMENT. DISCUSSION, CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO APPROVE A NECESSARY CARES ACT RELIEF FUND EXPENDITURE TO COVER COST NOT ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE CURRENT BUDGET AND CANNOT LAWFULLY FUNDED BY LINE ITEM ALLOTMENT OR ALLOCATION FOR HIDALGO COUNTY IN ORDER TO ASSIST WITH COUNTY FUNCTIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES RELATED TO THE ONGOING COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY WITH ESTABLISHING A WI-FI PROJECT TO ASSIST THE CITIZENS WITH DISTANCE LEARNING, INCLUDING TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS, AS WELL AS IMPROVING TELEWORK CAPABILITY.

THE COURT HAVING REVIEWED THE AGENDA ITEM BRIEFING HEREBY FINDS SUCH EXPENDITURE IS REASONABLE AND NECESSARY FOR

THE INTENDED USE. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM B, REQUESTING EXEMPTION FOR COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS UNDER TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE 262

.0241 AND 2. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM C REQUESTING AUTHORITY TO ADJUST THE ORIGINAL PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE WI-FI EQUIPMENT AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES THROUGH OUR MEMBERSHIP WITH OMNIA CONTRACT FOR CHANGE REQUEST NUMBER 7 ONLY. NOT CHANGE REQUEST NUMBER 8.

>>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.

MOTION CARRIES. >> ITEM 18 G FOR THE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT NUMBER 1 FOR SAME, INC. FOR BIO SAFETY LABORATORY FACILITY PROJECT EXTEND THE TERM NAYS DATE FROM JULY 20,

2021 TO JULY 20, 2022. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM 2, REQUESTING CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE HIDALGO COUNTY AND LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EFFECTIVELY RESPONDING TO PUBLIC HEALTH THREATS AND

EMERGENCIES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> JUDGE, COMMISSIONERS, IF I MAY, DID YOU CLARIFY, WAS THERE A CLARIFICATION IN ITEM F 1 C WITH RESPECT TO CR 8 CHANGE

ORDER? >> YES.

CHANGE REQUEST NUMBER 7 ONLY, TO THE TO TAKES ACTION ON

CHANGE REQUEST NUMBER 8. >> THANK YOU.

>> ITEM 2. REQUESTING CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE INTERLOCAL COOPERATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN HIDALGO COUNTY AND LA JOYA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF EFFECTIVELY RESPONDING TO PUBLIC HEALTH

THREATS AND EMERGENCIES. >> MOTION TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >>JUDGE CORTEZ: ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM 3, APPROVAL OF THIRD AMENDMENT TO NET SMART TECHNOLOGIES MASTER AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE MYINSIGHT CONFIGURATION. NET SMART WILL PRO PROVIDE CONSULTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO CONDITION GO LIVE SUPPORT OF MYINSIGHT IMPLEMENTATION PROJECT SUBJECT TO 1295 COMPLIANCE.

>> ALL IN FAVOR SAY AYE. MOTION CARRIES.

>> ITEM H FOR THE DISTRICT CLERK'S OFFICE REQUESTING APPROVAL TO CONTINUE THE PRESERVATION DEED AND OFFICIAL RECORDS VOLUMES CAN KOFILE TECHNOLOGY THROUGH OUR

[01:30:03]

MEMBERSHIP WITH GSA GOVERNMENT CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $ $104,899.31. AND AUTHORITY OF THE COUNTY JUDGE TO SIGN ALL OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION.