AGENDA
HIDALGO COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING
April 21, 2020
10:00 A.M.
                                          

NOTICE is hereby given in accordance with Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, that a SPECIAL MEETING of the Commissioners Court 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 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that require government officials and members of the public to be physically present at a specified meeting location.  As a result, all or some government officials may participate via videoconference.  Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at: hidalgocounty.us

To participate in public comment, please call: (956) 292-7630 and you will be given further instruction and be provided with a toll free number at that time.
             
1. Roll Call
 
2. Pledge of Allegiance
 
3. Prayer
 
4. Approval of Consent Agenda
 
5. Sheriff's Office:
 
A. AI-75153    Requesting authorization for the County Judge as Chief Executive Officer to sign the Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government as requested by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program FY 2019 
 
B. AI-75141    Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) FY 20200 (JAG) 1282:
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) FY 2020 with the U.S. Department of Justice.
2. Discussion, consideration, review, and approval of the program Application/Strategies/Narrative for the grant.
3. Authorization for County Judge to sign OMB No. 4040-0004 as Authorized Representative ("AOR").
4. Authorization for County Judge to sign OMB No. 1121-0329 as Authorized Representative ("AOR").
5. Authorization for County Sheriff to sign OMB No. 0348-0046 as Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Department Head. 
6. Authorization for the County Judge to certify the required documentation and application under Grants Management System as authorized official.
 
C. AI-75152    Authorization and Approval of Emergency Medical Program Affiliation Agreement for EMS Personnel between the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office and South Texas Health System with authorization for Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, as authorized official, to sign the affiliation agreement.
 
6. Constable Pct. #2:
 
A. AI-75169    Operation Stonegarden FY 2020:
Authorization to request a grant adjustment for a 1 month extension for FY 2020 Operation Stonegarden (grant #3174804) with authority for Co. Judge to certify adjustment on eGrants.
 
7. Constable Pct. #4:
 
A. AI-75140    Discussion, consideration and approval to appoint Juan Ricardo Guzman, Jr., Cesar Adan Perales and Casey John Mendoza as Deputy Constables by Constable A. "J.R." Gaitan, Constable Pct. 4 in accordance with Texas Local Government Code Section 86.011.
 
8. Executive Office:
 
A. Presentation for discussion of the following: 
1) Update on ongoing county owned building construction, relocation and/or renovation repair projects 
2) Emergency situations occurring since last agenda meeting
 
B. AI-75151    Requesting approval to submit Application to Texas State Library and Archives Commission for Accreditation in State Library System with authority for County Judge to sign
 
C. AI-75236    Requesting authorization and approval to apply for two building permits with the City of Edinburg for portable buildings for the purpose of facilitating COVID-19 response measures, with authority for the County Judge and/or Executive Officer to execute the application.
 
9. Human Resources:
 
A. Requesting waiver of the following, if applicable, for personnel items listed:
1. Civil Service Commission Rules - Section 3.22
2. Hidalgo County Personnel Policy Manual - Section 6.27
3. Budget Amendment Policy - Personnel Related Amendments
 
B. AI-75257    Discussion, Consideration, and Action to extend Group Dismissal of County of Hidalgo Employees by the governing authority due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, from April 27, 2020 to ________________, per the Commissioners’ Court action on March 24, 2020, Agenda Item #74972.
 
C. AI-75212    Pct. 3 Road Maintenance (1200):
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 04/27/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Create 123-005 0117 Road Maintenance Foreman 13
 
D. AI-75074    Tax Office (1100):
1. Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 04/27/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade  
Delete 140-001 0090 Deputy Clerk I 05
Delete 140-001 0091 Deputy Clerk I 05
Delete 140-001 0167 Deputy Clerk I 05
Delete 140-001 0177 Clerk II 03
Delete 140-001 0182 Clerk II 03
Create 140-001 0230 Supervisor I 09
Create 140-001 0231 Deputy Clerk II 07
Create 140-001 0232 Deputy Clerk II 07
Create 140-001 0233 Deputy Clerk II 07
Create 140-004 0005 Scofflaw Technician IV 10

2. Approval to revise the (CCP) Classified Positions List to include the new Scofflaw Technican IV position.
 
E. AI-75204    Community Service Agency (3300):
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 04/27/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Create 901-033 0049 Eligibility Worker II $29,801.00
Create 901-033 0050 Eligibility Worker II $29,801.00
Create 901-033 0051 Eligibility Worker II $29,801.00
Create 901-033 0052 Case Study Manager $32,115.00
Create 901-033 0053 Case Study Manager $32,115.00
Create 901-033 0054 Case Study Manager $32,115.00
Create 901-033 0055 Data Entry Processing Clerk $25,709.00
Create 901-033 0056 Data Entry Processing Clerk $25,709.00
Create 901-033 0057 Data Entry Processing Clerk $25,709.00
Create 901-033 0058 Accountant I $33,439.00
Create 901-033 0059 Technician I $25,555.00
 
F. AI-75193    Health & Human Services COVID-19 (1293):
1. Approval of the following personnel actions, effective upon Commissioner's Court approval:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Create 340-076 0009 COVID-19 Epidemiologist I 13
Create 340-076 0010 COVID-19 Epidemiologist I 13
Create 340-076 0011 COVID-19 Licensed Vocational Nurse II 11
Create 340-076 0012 COVID-19 Public Health Specialist II 11

2. Approval to revise the (CCP) Classified Positions List to include the new COVID-19 positions.
 
10. Urban County:
 
A. AI-75182    Hold a Public Hearing to consider public comments for revision to the Hidalgo County Urban County Program’s Citizen Participation Plan. Notice to the Public Hearing was published on April 16, 2020.
 
B. AI-75158    Approval of a Proclamation declaring April 2020 Fair Housing Month, and authorizing County Judge and County Clerk to sign any and all documents relating to this agenda.
 
C. AI-75175   

“Subject to Compliance with HB 1295” the Urban County Program is requesting consideration and action to award and enter into a construction contract with Foremost Paving, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder in the amount of $459,382.00 utilizing UCP funds from Fiscal Years 28-31 (2015- 2018) La Joya Street Improvement Funds.
 
D. AI-75160    Approval of land acquisition of Parcel of land needed for the City of La Villa Sewer Plant-Buffer Zone (5. Acres). Utilizing Hidalgo County Urban County Program Pct. #1 Water/Sewer Improvement Funds.
 
11. IT Department:
 
A. AI-75241    Authorization and approval to purchase new wireless service plans through the County's membership/participation with CONTRACT: DIR-TSO-3415 with VERIZON WIRELESS for the following:
Department: Employee Name/ID: Description: Qty: Service Plan: Equipment/Cost:
WIC Office Use New Data Cards 9 Custom 4G Unl. MB Plan w/MBP for National Security, Public Safety & First Responders @ $37.99/ea per month Verizon Jetpack 8800L @ $0
Human Resources Erika G. Reyna/ 148229 New Data Card 1 Custom 4G Unl. MB Plan w/MBP for National Security, Public Safety & First Responders @ $37.99 per month Verizon Jetpack 8800L @ $0
Facilities Management Oscar Villarreal/ 237540 New Cell Phone 1 4G CUSTOM NATIONWIDE UNL MINS + MSG UNL + EMAIL&DATA UNL @ $39.99/MO iPhone Xs 64GB @ $0
 
12. Health & Human Services Department:
 
A. AI-75190    Requesting approval to submit amendment request to Department of State Health Services to add $723,818.00 to the COVID-19 grant program for COVID-19 response.  
 
13. Fire Marshal's Office:
 
A. AI-75208    Discussion, consideration and approval to authorize the County Judge to make a final determination to allow the sale and use of fireworks for Memorial Day Weekend, subject to existing weather and climate conditions.
 
14. Community Service Agency:
 
A. AI-75200    Discussion, consideration, and authorization to approve the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) Discretionary Funds from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for COVID-19 related response, and authorization for Jaime Longoria to electronically sign any and all pertinent documents.
 
B. AI-75191    Discussion, consideration, and possible action to adopt the COVID-2019 Disaster Assistance Matrix as recommended by action of the Community Service Advisory Board.
 
15. Head Start Program:
 
A. AI-75155    Discussion/Approval on Revision to the Head Start Program Calendars Relating to COVID-19 Outbreak and to Align with Partnering Public School Districts
 
B. AI-75157    Discussion/Approval of Priority Guidelines for Selection and Enrollment PY2020-2021
 
C. AI-75156    Discussion/Approval to Submit a Supplemental Application for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and Quality Improvement Funds
 
16. WIC:
 
A. AI-75148    WIC ADMIN - Prog 001 (1292):
Requesting approval for County Judge to e-sign the HHSC Contract No.2017-049851-001 Signature Page for Amendment No.5.
 
17. Precinct #2 - Comm. Cantu:
 
A. AI-75238    Discussion, consideration and approval of a Contribution-In-Aid-of-Construction Agreement for Electric Distribution Service with AEP (American Electric Power) for the relocation of electrical facilities/service for the Pct 2 Javelina Drive Extension Project.
 
B. AI-75245    Requesting approval of Amendment No. 2 to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 approved by CC 12/11/18(AI#68029) and 7/1/19 (AI#71098) to allow Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2 to reconstruct the irrigation pipeline for the Pct 2 Javelina Drive Extension Project.
 
18. Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres:
 
A. AI-75144    Requesting approval of Interlocal Agreement by and between Hidalgo County and Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 as it relates to a "Drainage Study and Assessment" for Hidalgo County Precinct No. 4.
 
19. Budget & Management:
 
A. AI-75218    Discussion, consideration and approval to opt-in in Aetna's CVS Health and Aetna Liberalization Program, which covers inpatient treatment by participating providers of COVID-19 diagnoses and related complications at 100%.
 
B. AI-75174    Approval of medical coverage for the temporary employee listed below as per the Affordable Care Act (ACA) IRS Code Section 4980H - Shared responsibility for employers regarding health insurance.
1. E#029068 effective 5/1/20
 
C. AI-75145    Various Departments:
Approval of salary schedule changes as per Exhibit A in accordance with Hidalgo County Classification and Compensation Pay Plan.
 
D. Budget Appropriations:
 
1. AI-75215    TXDOT-Pct 1 M6W(US83-SH107)(1315):
Approval of 2020 certification of revenues as certified by the County Auditor for revenues received from TXDOT for the project close-out of Mile 2W (CSJ:0921-02-170) and appropriation of certified funds in the amount of $284,674.86 into the Pct 1-M6W Project to fund Phase II ROW Services.
 
2. AI-75149    CC Records Archive (1100):
Approval of appropriation of funds from the General Fund Restricted Fund Balance - CC Records Archive for CC Records Archive in the amount of $501,480.00 to fund the preservation of books.
 
20.
Purchasing Department - Notes:
A. FOR ANY CONTRACT(S) AWARDED AND APPROVED UNDER THIS AGENDA, EXECUTED COPIES OF THE CONTRACT(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE COUNTY INTRA-NET WEBSITE AND WILL BE FORWARDED VIA E-MAIL, FAX OR HAND DELIVERED TO HIDALGO COUNTY AUDITOR'S OFFICE.
B. ANY AND ALL REQUESTS FOR PAYMENT(S) APPROVED WILL BE SUBJECT TO COUNTY AUDITORS PROCESSING PROCEDURES INCLUDING AUTHORITY FOR COUNTY TREASURER TO ISSUE PAYMENT(S)/CHECK(S).
 
A. Hidalgo County
 
1. AI-75235   
Requesting approval and execution of an "Easement and Right of Way" agreement with  AEP Texas Inc., for the new construction of, "Hidalgo County Courthouse." 
 
2. AI-75250   
Acceptance and approval to execute Amendment No. 7 between Hidalgo County and Architect, HDR Architecture, Inc., [C-16-141-10-31] to include additional services [described in document] for the lump sum of $21,750.00 for the "Construction of the New Hidalgo County Courthouse" Project.
 
3. AI-75166   
Restatement of AI#74884 [HCCC meeting of 3-24-20] to include all of applicable HC Elected Offices, Departments, Programs and/or Agencies [various funding sources] with further detail as follows:
Exemption from competitive bidding requirements, pursuant to Texas LGC 262,024(a)(1): an item that must be purchased in case of a public calamity if it is necessary to make the purchase promptly to relieve the necessity of the citizens; (2) an item necessary to preserve and protect the public health and safety of the citizens.
 
B. Pct. 1
 
1. AI-75161   
Acceptance and approval to execute final form of an On Call Professional Survey Services Agreement with Quintanilla Headley & Associates, Inc. for projects located within Precinct No. 1 (as approved to negotiate by HCCC on 03-24-20).
 
C. Pct. 2
 
1. AI-75234   
Requesting approval for Hidalgo County Auditor to process and issue check(s) in the amount of $1,125.00 prior to services being rendered pursuant to Architectural Barriers Administrative Rules 68.80(g) to JRG Access Ability, LLC- Registered Accessibility Specialist-designated by Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in order to permit the processing of: the Project Filing-Plan Review and Inspection for the "Pct 2 Valle Alto Park Youth Facility Project" for compliance with ABA rule 68.50(a)(c).
 
D. Pct. 3
 
1. AI-75251   
A.  Requesting approval of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement (ICA) between Hidalgo County and City of Penitas, to assist each other with equipment, materials, and manpower;
 
B.  In accordance with Texas Government Code 791.014 Hidalgo County, Texas, acting by and through the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court, has been advised of a proposed project. County and City desires to assist each other in projects to be defined by mutual agreement through an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement agreeing to assist each other with equipment, materials, and manpower.
 
2. AI-75179   
Pursuant to Hidalgo County's Exiting Elected Official Expenditure Policy [3.1(1)] requesting authority to exercise the first (1st) of two (2)  one (1) year renewal/extension options under the same rates, terms and conditions for "Lease of Land for Solid Waste Citizen Collection Site in Sullivan City Area [C-19-026A-04-23] with Mr. Abel Rodriguez.
 
E. IT Department
 
1. AI-75090    Acceptance and approval of the Amendment to the End User License Agreement between Tyler Technologies, Inc. and Hidalgo County for the maintenance and support services.
 
F. Co. Wide
 
1. AI-75176   
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements, under TxLGC Chapter 262.024 (a)(4), a personal/professional service;   
B. Acceptance of the proposed scope of services and authority to enter into personal/professional services contract with Platinum Translation, LLC dba Monica S. Rossler for the provision of translation/interpreting services for Hidalgo County with further detail provided in BACKGROUND Caption herein  subject to legal counsel's final review and compliance with  form 1295.

C. Acceptance  and approval of  3 invoices from Monica Rossler/Platinum Translation, L.L.C. for services rendered under emergency circumstances due to COVID 19 for the translation of Hidalgo County Judges "Orders and/or Amended Orders".
 
Invoices
20073 03/26/2020 Translation of the Emergency orders into Spanish $770.00
20074 03/26/2020 Translation of the FAQ's $210.00
20077 04/08/2020 Translation of the Amended Emergency Order into Spanish $1020.00
 
21. Open Forum
 
22. AI-75205    Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding:
a.  County response to disaster/health emergency
b.  Measures necessary to preserve public health and safety
c.  Direction regarding County government operations, including but not limited to essential functions
 
23. Closed Session:
Commissioners' Court may go into Closed Session pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Sections 551.071, (Consultation with Attorney), 551.072 (Deliberation regarding Real Property), Section 551.074 (Personnel Matters) and Section 551.087 (Economic Development) to discuss the following:
 
A. Real Estate Acquisition
 
B. Private consultation and advice of counsel concerning pending, potential and/or contemplated litigation, settlement offers, and/or legal matters subject to the attorney-client priviledge under the authority of the Open Meetings Act Section 551.071, Government Code.
 
C. AI-75206    Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
 
D. AI-75227    Deliberation regarding the following Economic Development Negotiations pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section 551.087: Project Oil.
 
E. AI-75194    Claim of Fidela Valladares
 
F. AI-75180    Claim of Eduviges Garza Moreno
 
24.
A. Requesting exemption from competitive bidding requirements under the Texas Local Government Code, Section 262.024(A) (4) "a Professional Service" for the "provision of legal services/representation in connection with litigation."

B. Engagement with the firm of _________________________ for the "Provision of Legal Services/Representation in connection with Litigation" and authority to submit letter of engagement (subject to compliance with HB1295)
 
25. Open Session:
 
A. Real Estate Acquisition and appropriation for same
 
B. Pending and/or potential litigation
 
C. AI-75207    Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
 
D. AI-75228    Deliberation regarding the following Economic Development Negotiations pursuant to Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Section 551.087: Project Oil.
 
E. AI-75195    Claim of Fidela Valladares
 
F. AI-75181    Claim of Eduviges Garza Moreno
 
26. Closed Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Closed Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
 
27. Open Session:
Commissioners Court may reconvene into Open Session for the discussion regarding the agenda items listed
 
28. Adjourn