AGENDA
HIDALGO COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS COURT MEETING
May 19, 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. Open Forum
 
6. HIDTA - Task Force:
 
A. AI-75284    HIDTA (1291):
Approval to submit reprogram request to South Texas HIDTA from FY 2019 grant funds and related intradepartmental transfer.
 
7. Sheriff's Office:
 
A. AI-75582    Sheriff's Office - Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) (1284): 
Authorization and approval to submit a budget adjustment and authorization for County Judge, as authorized official, to certify adjustment on Egrants. 
 
8. Constable Pct. #3:
 
A. AI-75573    Constable Pct. 3 (1285):
1. Requesting approval to continue payment from General Fund for the employee currently hired under the Irrigation District #6 agreement, pending approval to renew agreement for the year 2020.
2. Requesting approval to renew Interlocal Agreement between County of Hidalgo, Texas (acting by and through the office of Constable, Precinct 3) and Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 with amendment approved on July 1, 2019 by Commissioner's Court to be effective on May 31, 2020.
3.  Requesting approval of Certification of Revenues in the amount of $50,000.00.
4. Requesting approval of appropriation of funds in the amount of $ 68,257.48.
 
9. Constable Pct. #4:
 
A. AI-75520   
Discussion, consideration, and approval for Constable A. Gaitan to purchase radio equipment through Motorola Solutions (Req. No. 414939) and vehicle lighting through South Texas Communications (Req. No. 414946) to fully equip his personal vehicle utilizing the department’s Chapter 59 funds.  Constable Gaitan has opted not to have a county vehicle issued to him and is seeking to equip his personal vehicle for the sole purpose of business use.
 
10. Tax Office - Paul Villarreal:
 
A. AI-75513    Approval and authorization to increase the change fund for the Edinburg and Alamo Substation Offices:
Edinburg Motor Vehicle Office in the amount of $1,800.00
Alamo Motor Vehicle Office in the amount of $1,500.00
 
11. 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-75579    Pct. 1 Road Maintenance (1200):
Approval to extend the following four (4) temporary full-time positions for 13 weeks beginning 06/01/2020 and ending 08/30/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Extend Temporary Full-Time Position 121-005 T178 - T181 Maintenance I 03
 
C. AI-75566    Criminal District Attorney CJD-VAP (1281):
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective upon Commissioner's Court approval:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Delete 080-017 0004 Intake Clerk 05
Create 080-017 0011 Coordinator II, Victims Assistance 11
 
D. AI-75516    Sheriff (1100):
Approval of the following personnel actions, effective next full pay period 05/25/2020:
Action Dept./Prg. Slot # Position Title Current Allowance Amount Proposed Allowance Amount
Delete Clothing Allowance 280-001 0058  Deputy Sheriff $500.00 $0.00
Delete Clothing Allowance 280-001 0222 Senior Deputy Sheriff $500.00 $0.00
Add Clothing Allowance 280-001 0176 Senior Deputy Sheriff $0.00 $500.00
Add Clothing Allowance 280-001 0205 Senior Deputy Sheriff $0.00 $500.00
 
E. AI-75549    Hurricane Preparedness:
Approval to create twenty (20) full-time temporary positions for 26 weeks beginning 06/01/2020 and ending 11/30/2020, as follows:
Action Dept./ Prg. slot # Position Title Grade
Create 4 positions 115-094 T001 - T004 Truck Driver I 04
Create 16 positions 115-094 T005 - T020 Maintenance I 03
 
F. AI-75530    CCL#3 Probate Court (1100):
1. Approval to create one (1) temporary part-time position for 11 weeks beginning 06/01/2020 and ending 08/14/2020:
Action Dept./ Prg. Slot # Position Title Grade
Create 023-001 T010 Assistant Probate Auditor 07

2. Approval to add Assistant Probate Auditor position title to the Classified Positions List.
 
12. Urban County:
 
A. AI-75534    1.  Hold a Public Hearing to consider public comments for Hidalgo County’s request to submit a Performance Statement Amendment for the Self-Help Center Program Contract #7216003 under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), Office of Colonia Initiative (OCI) – Colonia Self-Help Center (SHC).

2.  Requesting approval to submit Performance Statement Amendment #2 to the Hidalgo County Colonia Self-Help Center Contract Grant #7216003 under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), Office of Colonia Initiative (OCI) – Colonia Self-Help Center (SHC) and approval of Resolution No. 2.
 
B. AI-75532    Approval of Resolution authorizing Hidalgo County Urban County Program (UCP) to submit a Self-Help Center (SHC) Application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Office of Colonia Initiative (OCI) in the amount not to exceed $1,000,000 and authorizing the County Judge to act as the County’s Authorized Signatory in all matters pertaining to the County’s participation in the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program, TDHCA – OCI 2020 SHC Program Fund Application.
 
C. AI-75533    Approval of Resolution for designation and authorizing bonded signatories for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Office of Colonia Initiative (OCI) for the 2020 Self-Help Center (SHC) Program Funds.
 
13. Health & Human Services Department:
 
A. Health Care Funding District:
 
1. AI-75447    A.  Discussion, consideration and approval to draw down funds for Demonstration Year 9 Final UC Payment in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions from the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) with a transfer date of 6-04-20 and a settlement date of 6-05-20.
B.  Approval of Certification of Revenues as certified by the County Auditor from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
C.  Approval of Appropriation of funds from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC final instructions.
 
2. AI-75445    A.  Discussion, consideration and approval to draw down funds for the Uniform Hospital Rate Increase Program in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions from the Local Provider Participation Fund (LPPF) with a TEX NET transfer date of June 2, 2020 and a settlement date of June 3, 2020.
B.  Approval of Certification of Revenues as certified by the County Auditor from the Local Provider Participation Fund in the amount to be determined by HHSC instructions.
C.  Approval of appropriations of funds from the LPPF in the amount to be determined by HHSC.
 
B. Indigent Health Care Program:
 
1. AI-75462    Approval of County Indigent Health Care Program Confidentiality Agreement for Human Services Division Employee #239399.
 
14. Juvenile Probation:
 
A. AI-75523    1. Notification of Agreement between Hidalgo County Juvenile Probation Department and Calhoun County Juvenile Probation Department for residential care services provided at the Judge Mario E. Ramirez, Jr. Boot Camp Facility.
2. Approval to set the rate for residential services- Moderate Level of Care at $108.18 daily.
3. Approval to designate revenues generated from residential services fees for the sole use of the maintenance and operations of the Judge Mario E. Ramirez Jr., Juvenile Justice Center Boot Camp Facility.
 
15. Community Service Agency:
 
A. AI-75508    Discussion, consideration, and action to recommend approval to accept and allocate PY 2020 Direct Deposit EFT from Magic Valley Electric Cooperative in the amount of $5,000 to MVEC Cares Program, for benefit of Hidalgo County Residents for utility assistance during the crisis.
 
B. AI-75509    Discussion, consideration, and action to recommend approval to accept the 150 - $35.00 Wal-Mart gift cards totaling $5,250.00 from Superior HealthPlan for benefit of Hidalgo County Residents for assistance during the crisis.
 
C. AI-75507    Discussion, consideration, and action to recommend approval to accept and allocate PY 2020 Direct Deposit EFT from Direct Energy, LP in the amount of $25,000 to Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, for benefit of Hidalgo County Residents for utility assistance.
 
16. IT Department:
 
A. AI-75544    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:
Comm. Pct. 4 Office Use New MiFi's 4 Custom 4G Unl. MB Plan w/MBP for National Security, Public Safety & First Responders @ $37.99/each per month Verizon Jetpack 8800L @ $0
 
17. Precinct #1 - Comm. Fuentes:
 
A. AI-75285    1. Requesting approval to declare surplus (1) One 2006 Ford F150 XLT (Asset No. 45328) and 3 utility trailers (Asset No. 60264, 60265, 48203) for the purpose of donations to City of Edcouch in accordance with Texas Local Government Code 263.152 (4)(B);

2. Requesting authority to remove (1) One 2006 Ford F150 XLT (Asset No. 45328) and 3 utility trailers (Asset No. 60264, 60565, 48203) from the Hidalgo County Precinct No. 1 inventory list after finalizing the donation by transferring the titles to the City of Edcouch. 
 
18. Precinct #4 - Comm. Torres:
 
A. AI-75541    Resolution in honor of Edwards Abstract Company's 140th Year Anniversary
 
19. Budget & Management:
 
A. AI-75527    Discussion, consideration and approval of the AETNA/VERA Whole Health information release form.
 
B. AI-75526   
County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) Grant (12XX):
1. Authorization and approval to apply for the 2020 County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) Grant through the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT); with authority for the County Judge to sign all required documentation.
2. Authorization and approval of designating roads to be funded through CTIF, as listed on the attached Prioritized List of Transportation Infrastructure Projects.
3. Discussion, consideration, and approval of accepting county road report(s) to be included in the minutes of the Commissioners Court.
 
C. AI-75542    Various Departments:
Approval of salary schedule changes as per Exhibit A in accordance with Hidalgo County Classification and Compensation Pay Plan.
 
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-75594   
Requesting authority to proceed with a  soliciting process to engage a Real Estate Agent/Broker with the following requirements, qualifications, and criteria for Hidalgo County;

A. Years in  Business
B. Commercial  and/or Industrial Real Estate Services 
C. Other as required by CC 
 
2. AI-75591   
Requesting approval of Work Authorization #3 in the amount of $62,570.00 under the current agreement with Terracon Consultants, Inc. (C-18-220-09-25), for Construction Material Testing and Laboratory Services for New Hidalgo County Courthouse Project.
 
3. AI-75586   
a. Requesting approval of Work Authorization #4 in the amount of $88,644.00 under the current agreement with Jacobs Project Management Services Co. (C-16-267A-07-25), for the provision Building Envelope Commissioning Services  [described in document] for the Hidalgo County Courthouse Project;
 
b. Requesting approval of Work Authorization #5 in the amount of $109,912.00 under the current agreement with Jacobs Project Management Services Co. (C-16-267A-07-25), for the provision Building Envelope Commissioning Services  [described in document] for the Hidalgo County Courthouse Project.
 
4. AI-75584   
Acceptance and approval to execute Amendment No. 8 between Hidalgo County and Architect, HDR Architecture, Inc., [C-16-141-10-31] to include the redesign of site [described in document] for the lump sum of $115,520.00 for the "Construction of the New Hidalgo County Courthouse" Project.
 
5. AI-75550   
Presentation of qualified responsible vendor, Model Laundry LLC, submitting the lowest and best bid for the purpose of award and approval of contract for RFB titled: Hidalgo County (including all funding sources) Mats, Dust Mops ans Shop Towels" through project No. 2020-042-03-18-TDL.
 
6. AI-75563   
A.  Discussion, consideration, and action to accept the solitary evaluation submitted for Debris Monitoring & Management.

B.  Approval for the Purchasing Department to enter into negotiations with number one ranked firm, ______________________.

OR.

C. Discussion, consideration, and action to reassign evaluation responsibilities for Debris Monitoring & Management from currently overburdened chiefs' of staff to other qualified parties:
Evaluator - Precinct 1 _________________________
Evaluator - Precinct 2 _________________________
Evaluator - Precinct 3 _________________________
Evaluator - Precinct 4 _________________________
County Judge's Office _________________________
 
B. Pct. 1
 
1. AI-75561   
Requesting approval to rescind action taken by Commissioners Court on Tuesday May 05, 2020 [AI-75259] for the purchase of the following heavy equipment:
 PO# Vendor  Model Amount
815961 Doggett Heavy Machinery Services 2020 John Deere (310SL Backhoe Loader) $90,000.00
 
C. Pct. 4
 
1. AI-75535   
a.  Presentation of scoring grid for the purpose of ranking by Commissioners' Court for the proposals received in connection to the Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals for Hidalgo County Precinct No. 4 - RFCSP 2020-087-04-01-HGO - Construction of Linn-San Manuel Veterans Park.
 Participant  Synergy  Celso Gonzalez
  Const.  		 G & G
Contractors 		  Holchemont  E-CON
Evaluator 1 99 92 83 69 59
Evaluator 2 92 91 73 73 58
Evaluator 3 98 94 88 73 71
Total: 289 277 244 215 188
Rank:          
 
b.  Requesting authority for Purchasing Department to commence negotiations with the number one ranked firm,_______________________________.
 
2. AI-75546   
Requesting approval of the service agreement between Hidalgo County and Dice Production of Weslaco to provide Precinct 4 with movies to be played at two parks: the Endowment Center--San Carlos Park, and J.R. Milo Ponce Memorial Park with a total of eight (8) showings to be played at both locations. 
 
3. AI-75307    Approval of Amendment No. 1 to AIA Agreement C-19-304-12-17 - ERO Architects for Design & Construction of New Mechanics Shop for Precinct 4 (subject to final legal approval).
 
D. WIC
 
1. AI-75317   
A. Approval for County to exercise the holdover provision under section 1.3 as provided in the contract for: Lease of Office Space - City of Roma  for Hidalgo County WIC Program under the same terms and conditions with P AND ARI, LLC- E-19-082-05-21 so as comply with the grant funding.

B. Presentation of the sole respondent P & ARI LLC for the purpose of awarding bid and approving the contract for RFB:2020-031-04-01-MEG, Lease of Office space -City of Roma, WIC Program  with an effective date of 10-01-20 and compliance to HB1295.
 
E. Sheriff's Office
 
1. AI-75303   
Requesting approval of First Amendment to Service Contracts C-18-014-06-05 and E-19-083-04-23 to change the effective dates of each contract as performance of contract was delayed [by HC/SO]  until September 5, 2019 due to integration difficulties. 
 
F. Co. Wide
 
1. AI-75291   
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 Sign Language Interpreters, LLC dba A Sign Language for the provision of translation/interpreting & Sign Language for the hearing impaired services for Hidalgo County with further detail provided in background section herein
 
21. 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-75511    1.  Approval to purchase real property located within the San Carlos Townsite, in accordance with the terms of the Property Contract approved by Commissioners Court with authority for the County Judge and/or Executive Officer to execute the closing documents of such real property acquisition.
2. Authority for County Treasurer to issue payment after review and auditing procedures are completed by County Auditor. 
 
C. AI-75589    Discussion, consideration and action to request an amendment to the Urban County Program 2019 funding plan for public health expenditures related to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
 
22. AI-75569    Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding:
a.  County response to disaster/health emergency:
     1.  CARES Act Funds
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-75567    Consultation with Legal Counsel regarding Legal Action due to emergency situation
 
D. AI-75592    Cause #C-2838-19-D; Lydia Tummel, et al v Maria Escamilla, et al
 
E. AI-75536    Claim of Domingo Rico
 
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-75568    Discussion, consideration and possible action regarding response to public health emergency
 
D. AI-75593    Cause #C-2838-19-D; Lydia Tummel, et al v Maria Escamilla, et al
 
E. AI-75537    Claim of Domingo Rico
 
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