Agenda

CALL TO ORDER BY THE HONORABLE TANO E. TIJERINA, WEBB COUNTY JUDGE

1.

Roll Call by Honorable Margie Ramirez-Ibarra, Webb County Clerk

2.

Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation

3.

Discussion and possible action for Approval of Bills, Payroll, and Monthly Reports (Auditor, Treasurer, Business Office, Human Resources, Judicial Collections, Risk Management, Tax Assessor-Collector and any other Department reports); and any other matters incident thereto.

4.

Public Comment - This section provides the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners Court on any items on the Agenda. Members of the public wishing to participate must complete a Witness Card specifying which agenda item they wish to comment on. Each public member, individually or in a group, will be allowed a total of Three (3) minutes within which to make any/all public comments.

COURT TO DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE FOLLOWING:

CONSENT AGENDA: At most meetings, the Commissioners Court establishes a Consent Agenda. It consists of those Agenda Items which are routine or non-controversial, and which neither a member of the Commissioners court has asked to be pulled for discussion. Once the Commissioners Court has established the Consent Agenda, Agenda Items included on it will be voted upon in one vote, and will not be discussed separately unless requested by the County Judge or Commissioners.

The consent agenda has been created in order to give constituents the opportunity to view any and all pertinent backup information with reference to any item in the agenda. The objective of the consent agenda is for all Webb County constituents to be familiar with everyday county business and to demonstrate the transparency and fairness of this Commissioners Court.

The following Agenda Items are of a routine nature, and the Commissioners Court has received supporting materials for consideration. All of these Agenda Items will be passed with one vote without being discussed separately, unless a member of the Commissioners Court or the public requests that a particular Agenda Item be discussed. If so, that Agenda Item will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and discussed as part of the regular Agenda at the appropriate time. One vote will approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.

CONSENT ITEMS

5.

Auditor

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve the following line item transfers (budget amendment) within grant funds to cover budget balances. This action will not have an impact to the County General Fund. [Requested by James Flores-Director of Community Action Agency and Economic Development Department]

	Acct. Number	Acct. Name	Adopted	Request	Current	End Bal.
From:	2368-5170-521-460105	Minor Tools Apparatus	$5,724	$4,275.43	$4,275.43	$ -0-
To:	2368-5170-521-458000	Administrative Travel	$3,063	$4,275.43	$1,898.22	$6,173.65

Issue: Funds available in account will not cover cost needed to continue operation of service through the end of the budget year.

Solution: Approve the line item transfer.

Result: There will be sufficient funds in both mentioned line items which will allow for continuation of service. Click to View

b.

Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfer) within State and Federal Forfeiture funds. [Requested by Sheriff Martin Cuellar]

	Acct. Number	Acct. Name	Request
From:	2150-259700	Fund Balance	$19,000
	2153-3010-001-455501	Drug Free Campaign	$8,000
			$27,000
To:	2150-3010-001-461000	Materials & Supplies	$7,000
	2150-3010-001-457006	Law Enforcement Other	$2,000
	2150-3010-001-455501	Drug Free Campaign	$10,000
	2153-3010-001-461000	Material & Supplies	$8,000
			$27,000

Issue: Purchases are needed for materials and Law Enforcement supplies.

Solution: Transfer funds to mentioned accounts.

Result: Proceed with purchases. Click to View

c.

Discussion and possible action to ratify, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfer) within Grant Funds. [Requested by Economic Development]

	Acct. Number	Acct. Name	Adopted	Request	Current	End Bal.
From:	2851-6010-001-458070	Children's Field Trips	$50,713	$536.06	$16,363.99	$15,827.93
To:	2851-6010-001-456130	Program Fees	$2,962	$536.06	$4.94	$541.00

Issue: Line item transfer is needed to cover program fees for Texas Parks and Wildlife grant.

Solution: Authorization to transfer funds to mentioned account.

Result: There will be sufficient funds to cover program fees. Click to View

d.

Discussion and possible action to establish a new fund for Opioid Abatement Proceeds.

Issue: A new fund is required to properly allocate the proceeds from the Opioid Settlement Agreement.

Solution: Establish a separate fund to record revenues and expenditures for Texas Opioid Abatement Proceeds.

Result: Proper recording of Texas Opioid Abatement Proceeds. Click to View

6.

Civil Legal Division

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve a fire-fighting equipment testing, service & maintenance agreement between Webb County and U.L., LLC., for a three year (3 yr.) term, commencing March 28th, 2023 thru March 27th, 2026, as per the service, maintenance fees and related costs set out in the agreement as needed by the Webb County Volunteer Fire Department and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute any and all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Webb County Fire Department Chief Ricardo “Rick” Rangel; Account #1001-3140-001-443000-035 (Repairs & Maintenance Equipment)] Click to View

b.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a Consulting Agreement for tax abatement agreement services with Capex Consulting Group for a five (5) year period, beginning April 1, 2023 through March 31, 2028, wherein each tax abatement application will be authorized through a separate work authorization with a fee not to exceed $30,000 at no cost to Webb County and to be negotiated per authorization and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. Click to View

c.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a One (1) year agreement in the amount of Sixty-Seven Thousand Four Hundred Five Dollars ($67,405.00) for the performances period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022) and exercise the right to extend the contract for another year as per the agreement between Webb County and Tristar Insurance Group in the amount of Seventy Thousand One Hundred One Dollars ($70,101.00) for the performance period of (October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023) for the purpose of administrating Webb County’s worker's compensation & liability claims; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1180-001-432059 (3rd Party Administration) & Account #6200-1090-001-432059 (3rd Party Administration)] Click to View

d.

Discussion and possible action to enter into an agreement for the Indexing project of Historical Documents between Webb County for the Webb County Clerk's Office and Kofile Technologies, Inc., in the amount of Three Hundred Thirty-One Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Five Dollars and Fifty Cents ($331,285.50) pursuant to award RFP 2023-004 ARPA Project No. 21 and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Margie Ibarra, County Clerk; Account ARPA Funds] Click to View

e.

Discussion and possible action to enter into an agreement for an Indexing project of Historical Documents and Mold Remediation for Civil Docket Files, between Webb County for the benefit of the District Clerks Office and Kofile Technologies, Inc. in the amount of Three Hundred Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Three Dollars and Thirty Cents ($313,893.30) pursuant to award of RFP 2023-003 ARPA Project No. 22, and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Esther Degollado District Clerk Account ARPA Funds] Click to View

f.

Discussion and possible action to approve an advertising contract between Lamar Advertising of Laredo and Webb County for the benefit of the District Attorney's Office for the service dates of March 27, 2023 through September 10, 2023 in the amount of Eight Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($8,900.00) for various public service announcements and any other matters incident thereto; authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign all relevant documents. There is no financial impact on the general fund. [Requested by District Attorney Isidro Alaniz, Account #2162-2260-001-457006 (Law Enforcement – Other)] Click to View

g.

Discussion and possible action to approve a sixty-month State and Local Term Rental Agreement for equipment, software support service & maintenance between Webb County and Pitney Bowes, for the Headstart/Early Headstart Program, commencing July 4,2023, through July 4, 2028, in the monthly sum of $65.32 billed quarterly at $195.96; subject to annual budgetary appropriations and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute any and all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto.[Requested by Aliza Oliveros-Director, Webb County Headstart/Early Headstart Department; Account #2357-5190-531-444500 Equipment rental (Equipment Rental)] Click to View

7.

Commissioners Court Administrator

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfer) for the Annual Employee luncheon scheduled for April 2023:

	Acct. Number	Acct. Name	Adopted	Request	Current	End Bal.
From:	1001-1130-001-431007-025	Operational Reserve		$10,000
To:	1001-1010-001-461003	Goods for Public Events	$5,000	$10,000	$2,248.63	$12,248.63

Issue: Funding is necessary to purchase items for the first (post-Covid) Annual County Employee Luncheon scheduled for April 13, 2023.

Solution: Transfer monies that will allow Commissioners Court staff to proceed with pending purchase orders.

Result: Completion of all purchase orders. Click to View

b.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a retainer agreement in an amount not to exceed $21,000.00 with Segal Waters Consulting for Phase VI of additional employee classification and wage consulting services; and authorizing Civil Legal Division to finalize said agreement; and authorizing County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-432001 (General Operating Account - Professional Services)] Click to View

8.

Community Action Agency

a.

Discussion and possible action to adjust pay rates for the Webb County Community Action Agency Self-Help Center Program staff. The new pay rate will reflect a 14% salary adjustment effective March 27, 2023. The salary adjustments will be paid with 100% grant funds for a two-year contract period; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This Agenda Item was submitted for review to the Economic Development Department as required under the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) Procedures.

Title	Slot #	Current Pay Rate	Adjusted Pay Rate
Project Administrator	2003	$22.37	$25.50
Construction Coordinator	2002	$17.59	$20.05
Program Outreach and Intake Coordinator	1461	$13.00	$14.82

Issue: Self-Help Center staff current pay rates are lower than comparable positions with similar work loads. The low pay rates create difficulty in filling and/or retaining qualified personnel, hindering the Program's stability.

Solution: Approval of requested pay rate adjustments for Self-Help Center Program staff.

Result: The Webb County Community Action Agency Self-Help Center Program staff pay rates will be comparable to similar job positions increasing the ability to retain skilled staff. Click to View

b.

Discussion and possible action to approve Amendment #1 for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to Contract #58230003850 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for FY-2023, this Amendment will amend Section 36. Special Conditions C.1. of this Contract and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. This action will not have an impact to the General Fund.

Issue: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded an Amendment #1 to Contract Number #58230003850 under the CEAP Program.

Solution: The Court approval will allow the Webb County CAA to provide direct services to eligible low-income residents of Webb County under the CEAP Program.

Result: These funds are intended to assist eligible Webb County residents with up to 12 months of energy consumption. Click to View

c.

Discussion and possible action to approve Work Authorization #1 for Surveying Services with Howland Engineering Company in the sum of $2,100.00 for the preparation of a boundary survey for Lot 29, Ranchitos 359 East, commonly known as 408 Pinzon Rd., which is needed by the Webb County Community Action Agency Self-Help Center, and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign all relevant documents. [Account #2529-6360-521-457015 (Self-Help Reconstruction)] Click to View

d.

Discussion and possible action to approve Amendment #1 for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) to Contract Number #34210003698 from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for FY-2021, this Amendment will amend 1) Section 2, CONTRACT TERM, of this Contract and delete and replace the following Subsections and exhibits: 2) Subsection D. 7 of Section 4, Department Financial Obligations; Subsection D. Section 5, Method of Payment/Cash Balances; Subsection C. of Section 10 Reporting requirements C. Final Reports Exhibit B Performance Statement; and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. This action will not have an impact to the General Fund.

Issue: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded an Amendment #1 to Contract Number # 34210003698 under the (LIHWAP) Program.

Solution: The court approval will allow Webb County CAA to provide emergency assistance to low-income households of Webb County under the LIHWAP Program.

Result: These funds are intended to assist eligible Webb County residents with prevention and disconnection of services. Click to View

e.

Discussion and possible action to renew the Oliver Equipment Lease for the following Equipment (1980 Heat Seal Machine) this action will not have an impact to the General Fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Grant Account #2371-5150-521-330300]

Issue: Oliver has had an ongoing lease With (Meals on Wheels) since 2011. Oliver provides us with a (1980 Heat Seal Machine) at no cost, in return we agree to purchase all consumable products for the use of the machine from Oliver.

Solution: The discussion and possible action is to accept the renewal of the Oliver Equipment Lease contract to provide Home-Delivered Meals to the elderly, home-bound residents of Webb County.

Result: The Oliver Equipment Lease will allow us to continue service the elderly and disable community of Webb County with Hot nutritious meals to their home. Click to View

9.

Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge

a.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a Non-Financial MOU between Webb County and Laredo Independent School District for an Internship program to promote quality public administration training and authorizing the County Judge to sign and execute all relevant documents; any other matters incident thereto. Click to View

10.

Economic Development

a.

Discussion and possible action to proclaim April 2023 as the 55th Anniversary of Fair Housing Month, April 10-14, 2023 as Fair Housing Week and designating the Webb County Community Action Agency to monitor Fair Housing in Webb County.

Issue: In order to continue to apply for grants, it is a federal requirement that Webb County promotes Fair Housing within its jurisdiction.

Solution: Promotion of Fair Housing in Webb County and designating a week during the month of April will help inform citizens of Webb County of their legal rights in housing discrimination.

Result: The federal requirement for Fair Housing will be met by promoting Fair Housing within Webb County's jurisdiction, this will allow Webb County to continue to apply for grants. Click to View

b.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a grant award from the NRA Foundation in the amount of $9,332 and as developed, written, and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff's Office Grant Writer for the purchase of handguns for its certified peace officers, and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any match; and, thus shall have no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]

Issue: Like all other local law enforcement agencies, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office must continually equip its sworn officer force with an important array of duty gear, other critical safety equipment, and essential, but costly expendable supplies, such as ammunition, utilizing limited local funds. Moreover, the vast majority of federal and state grants do not allow for the purchase of firearms and/or ammunition as an eligible grant expense.

Solution: Grant award from the Friends of the National Rifle Association (NRA) Foundation by the Webb County Sheriff's Office to provide firearms as a supplemental source of this needed equipment.

Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office's sworn officer force will be provided with additional firearms. Click to View

c.

Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a grant application as developed, written, and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff's Office Grant Writer to the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for a FY 2023 Improving Criminal Justice Responses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking Grant Program in an amount estimated at $375,000.00 to enhance investigations in all matters relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence through the continuing payment of the salary and fringe benefits of a grant-funded investigator and to sustain legal advocacy efforts by the Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter; and designating the Webb County Judge as the authorized official in all matters related to this grant; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match and, thus, will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff; Grant Account #2604]

Issue: Violence against women is among the most intractable and deadliest criminal justice problems in the United States, especially domestic violence and in the South Texas area. According to published statistics, the number of American women between 2001-2012 who were murdered by current or ex male partners in the United States was 11,766. That's almost double the amount of casualties lost during wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Women who will be victims of severe violence by an intimate partner in their lifetimes are 1 in 4. ("30 Shocking Domestic Violence Statistics That Remind Us It's An Epidemic" Vagianos 10/23/2014)

Solution: Casa Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter and the Webb County Sheriff's Office seek to continue their coordinated, collaborative efforts to assist victims of domestic violence in the local Laredo/Webb County Community.

Result: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in the Laredo/Webb County area will continue to receive improved, enhanced services from the Casa Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter and the Webb County Sheriff's Office to assist them with needed recovery, restitution, privacy, justice, and dignity. Click to View

d.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Grant (HIDTA Program) from the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy in the amount of $530,150 for the continued salary and fringe benefits of seven Task Force Investigators; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to act as the County’s Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County’s participation in this grant. There is no cash match requirement for this grant; however, the District Attorney's Office requests additional funding in the form of cash match to cover expenditures in excess of the grant award. The cash match in the amount of $118,998 is requested each year through the county's budget process. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. Contract Term: January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Account #1001-1160-001-463903-025 (Federal Matching Narcotics Task Force DEA)]

Issue: There is evidence that trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs exists in Laredo, Texas and that such illegal activity has a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and welfare of the people of Texas.

Solution: Gather and report intelligence data relating to trafficking in narcotics and dangerous drugs. Conduct undercover operations and engage in other traditional methods of investigations.

Result: Disrupt the illicit drug traffic in Laredo by immobilizing targeted violators and trafficking organizations. Click to View

e.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Economic Development Department to develop and submit a Fiscal Year 2022 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant application for the Webb County Fire Marshal trough Webb County Fire Volunteer Department to the U.S Department of Homeland Security for up to $200,000, and authorizing the County Judge to act as the Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County’s request for funding. The purpose of the application is to purchase a mobile “Fire Safety House”. This application requires a 5% cash match ($10,000). All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Felix Nunez, Fire Marshal]

Issue: The majority of individuals affected by fire are found to be low-income, minority, elderly, and children

Solution: The fire trailer “Fire Safety House” is a mobile educational tool that may be easily transported to any location for educational purposes and will accommodate children and adults when it comes to all aspects of fire education and safety.

Result: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is required including but not limited to the County Region (Webb, Jim Hogg, Starr and Zapata). Click to View

f.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Webb County District Attorney's Office to submit an application to the Office of the Attorney General for a Victim Coordinator & Liaison Grant (VCLG); to designate the County Judge as the County’s Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's participation in this grant. The District Attorney's Office will utilize the grant to fund the position of Victims Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Unit. The amount of the funding request shall not exceed $99,000. There is no cash match requirement for this grant. All grant documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. Contract Term: September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2025. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2714-2260]

Issue: This grant funds the position of the Webb County District Attorney's Victim Coordinator. The Coordinator works closely with prosecutors, investigators and counselors to meet the needs of crime victims including the following:

a) Assisting victims in completing applications with the Office of the Attorney General’s Crime Victims Compensation Fund.
b) Assisting families and victims of crime with information regarding the status and the legal process of their case.
c) Assessing and making immediate referrals to community agencies that provide needed services to victims of crime.
d) Providing crisis intervention to victims of crime and the non-offending parent.
e) Serving as an advocate when cases are set for trial, providing a victim impact statement, and assisting in the completion of related documents.
f) Providing follow-up services, including reassurance and supportive listening to victims assisted in the Domestic Violence Unit.

Solution: Authorize the submission of the grant application as set forth above to ensure that the victims' coordinator can continue to provide necessary services to victims of crime.

Result: The victims' coordinator will continue to provide the services outlined above to victims of crime in Webb County. Click to View

g.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a Smart Prosecution – Innovative Prosecution Solutions Competitive Grant Solicitation application to the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs in the amount estimated at $385,000 to establish, and/or expand programming that enhances prosecutors’ ability to effectively and sustainably prevent and respond to crime, and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any match; and, thus shall have no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Isidro R. Alaniz, Webb County District Attorney]

Issue: There is a need for additional resources to enhance the ability of prosecutors to effectively and sustainably respond to ongoing crime, especially violent crime, and to foster innovative and effective collaborations with external agencies to increase public safety.

Solution: Through this proposed grant application, the District Attorney’s Office will be able to obtain supplemental resources to enhance the ability of prosecutors to effectively and sustainably respond to ongoing crime, especially violent crime, and to foster innovative and effective collaborations with external agencies to increase public safety.

Result: The District Attorney’s Office will have additional resources to help serve and protect the local community while effectively responding to ongoing crime. Click to View

11.

Fire Suppression & EMS Services

a.

Discussion and possible action to develop and submit a Medina Electric Community Empowerment Program (CEP) grant for 2023 for up to $2,000.00, and authorizing the County Judge to act as the Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's request for funding. The purpose of the application is to purchase promotional items for the department. This grant does not require any type of match and, thus, will have no impact on the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Account #2929-3140-003-461000]

Issue: As the Webb County Volunteer Fire Department expands, so does the need for promotional materials for the many events in which the department participates.

Solution: The acquisition of grant funds will aid with the purchase of these materials.

Result: A prepared department ready to assist and inform Webb County residents. Click to View

12.

Judicial Collections

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve the posting and filling of the following Slot, subject to the availability of payroll funds and any applicable Civil Service guidelines, effective March 27, 2023.

Slot #	Title	Hourly Rate

2459	Collections Specialist	$15.15 - $15.93 12/A-E

Issue: Slot #2459 will become vacant on March 20, 2023.

Solution: Request is being made to fill the vacant slot.

Result: The filling of slot # 2459 will allow our Department to continue to function effectively. Click to View

13.

Juvenile Probation Department

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve the purchase of one (1) 2023 Chevy Express 4500 School Bus from Creative Bus Sales for a total amount not to exceed One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Sixteen Dollars ($115,016.00) for the Juvenile Department pursuant to Section 271.101 and 271.102 of the Texas Local Government Code, Cooperative Purchasing Program; Buy Board Contract #630-20, Item S0796. [Account #1001-2450-001-470000 (Capital Outlay)]

Issue: There is a need for a new 30 passenger school bus for the Juvenile Department.

Solution: Authorize the purchase utilizing cooperative pricing through Texas Buy Board.

Result: Purchase of a new school bus will be used to replace current school bus that is under constant need of repair. Click to View

14.

Pre-Trial Services

a.

Discussion and possible action to approve a Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the Texas Indigent Defense Commission for a multi-year grant for budget year 2023-2024. Grant Funding will further improve our indigent defense program. Cash match of 60% ($13,561.20) is required. All necessary documents will be provided for consideration and to all authorization to the county judge to act as the representative; and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1160-001-46391-005 (General Fund)]

Issue: Webb County has implemented a weekend magistrate process at our jail. The Pre-Trial Services Department has been designated to take charge of the manpower needed to support the operations at the front-end of the magistrate process during the weekend. This has hindered our office to provide adequate services to indigent clients and the courts during normal business operations.

Solution: Securing this 3rd year grant funding will offset the Webb County personnel expense for a possible 3rd year.

Result: Securing this grant will allow Webb County to be in compliance with all local and state legislative mandates concerning indigent defense. Click to View

REGULAR AGENDA

Honorable Mike Villarreal, Constable Pct. 2

15.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Webb County Economic Development Department to submit a FY 2023 body worn camera grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance, in the amount of Eighteen Thousand Dollars ($18,000.00) in grant funds the implementation or expansion of body-worn camera and authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign all pertinent contract documentation. This grant requires a 50/50 cash match or an estimated amount of $9,000.00. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development and the solution is complying with Webb County Economic Development single point of contact (SPOC) procedures. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve)] [Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez]

Issue: To enhance agency transparency, to document encounters between police and the public, and to investigate and resolve complaints and officer-involved incidents.

Solution: Body Worn Cameras will reinforce trust and accountability between the police and the communities they serve.

Result: Body-worn cameras provide an audio and visual record of interactions that can capture evidence in the event of a crime, police-citizen interaction, or use-of-force incident. Click to View

Civil Legal Division

16.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a tax abatement agreement, pursuant to the county’s guidelines and criteria under the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act, Chapter 312 of the Texas tax code, as requested by Dos Caminos, LLC, for approximately $65,000,000 in improvements related to the treatment of natural gas for a ten year period and being a 100% tax abatement of ad valorem taxes (maintenance and operation only), with payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT payments) to be made annually to Webb County and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. The property subject to the abatement agreement is located on land owned by Callaghan Ranch, LTD within the Webb County Dos Caminos Reinvestment Zone. Click to View

17.

Discussion and possible action to approve a Construction Contract with Muralla Construction, LLC (“Contractor”) wherein Contractor will be providing all labor and materials for the Quad City Fire Station and Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Expansion Project at an amount not to exceed EIGHT HUNDRED ONE THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($801,300.00) and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign and execute all relevant documents; and any matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-3140-610-470000 (Quad City Fire Station Capital Outlay Account)] Click to View

18.

Discussion and possible action to enter into a Professional Services Contract for Geotechnical Services for the Webb County Fairgrounds Project with Howland Engineering and Surveying Co. in the amount of Forty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($47,900.00) and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. [Funding Account #3901-7230-001-474501-004 (Construction In Progress)] Click to View

Community Action Agency

19.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the adjustment of the salaries for the following Webb County CAA - El Aguila Rural Transportation CDL certified with passengers endorsements positions. The salary adjustment will be cost allocated from grant funds (69.7%) and county general funds (30.3%). This adjustment will approximately cost the county NINETY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($95,000.00) to the end of the current fiscal year from the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitations is compliant with the Webb County single point of contact (SPOC) procedures. Additional action budget amendment necessary. [Account #2661-7110-521-410000 (Grant) and Account #1001-1130-001-431001-015 (Wage Classification)]

Slot #	Title	Current Hourly Rate	Hourly Rate
1133	Lead Driver I	$15.90	$19.00
1125	Lead Driver II	$15.53	$19.00
1123	Bus Operator III A	$13.63	$19.00
1132	Bus Operator I	$12.77	$19.00
1129	Bus Operator II	$12.77	$19.00
1127	Bus Operator I	$12.77	$19.00
1911	Bus Operator II	$12.77	$19.00
2054	Bus Operator I Part -Time	$10.82	$13.00
1128	Bus Operator III B	$12.77	$19.00
1556	Maintenance/ Bus Operator II	$12.77	$19.00

Issue: The following positions reflect the past commissioner's court agenda dated 1/23/2023 in which a wage study determined that CDL-certified operators were not adequately compensated, causing the inability to fill and or retain qualified candidates and causing the programs to be affected. CDL requirement listed in the job description plays a huge factor.

Solution: Approve the proposed changes discussed regarding CDL requirements and proper endorsements.

Result: Ability for the program to hire certified CDL Bus operators necessary for the program to function adequately. Click to View

Emergency Management

20.

Discussion with possible action to transfer employee Slot #2876 from the Emergency Management Department to the Fire Marshal Department and further transfer Slot #3017 from the Fire Marshal Department to the Emergency Management Department; and any other matters incident thereto. Click to View

Fire Marshal

21.

Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2023 Webb County Fire Code and any other matters incident thereto.

Issue: Not having a current fire code in place, will limit the county’s ability to regulate and protect life and property in an event of a fire and/or hazardous condition in buildings.

Solution: Adopt fire and life safety code to regulate potential fire and hazardous conditions in buildings.

Result: 2023 Webb County Fire Code will safeguard life and property from fires and hazardous conditions in buildings the unincorporated areas of Webb County. Click to View

22.

Discussion and possible action to adopt the 2023 Permit and Inspection fees schedule, Addendum 2 to the 2023 and any other matters incident thereto.

Issue: Fee schedule needed for inspection/permits for compliance in life safety and fire safety policies.

Solution: Fee schedule will allow the Marshal’s office to issue citations on violations to buildings within the unincorporated areas of Webb County.

Result: Fee schedule will enforce fire safety compliance to any public, commercial, and multi-family residential buildings located within unincorporated areas of Webb County. Click to View

Engineer

23.

Discussion and possible action to approve Change Order #1 in the amount of $23,552.00 to ROMO Contractors, LLC., for the Webb County Casa Blanca Golf Course Improvements Project with additional action to transfer funds from Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve) and have the County Judge sign any relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #7100-7230-001-470000 (Capital Outlay)]

Issue: Change Order #1 includes materials and installation of four (4) ceiling fans as requested by Webb County. The work also includes ADA ramp and additional concrete work as required by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR). The new date of Substantial Completion will be April 30, 2023.

Solution: Approval of proposed changes.

Result: Approval of change order will continue and finish with project modifications. Click to View

Purchasing

24.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Purchasing Agent to process surplus and/or salvage property in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code, Section 263.152 (Disposition) and to publish notice to public as per Local Government Code Section 263.153 (Notice) for surplus and/or salvage property being auctioned.

Issue: Excess county property that is either by definition salvage or surplus property because of time, accident, or any other cause such as, wear and deterioration, damaged, or obsolete that has no value and/or usefulness for the intended purpose and is no longer needed by the department.

Solution: Authorize the Purchasing Agent to attempt to sell the County surplus or salvage property through public auction, dispose or destroy property that cannot be sold through public auction because it has deemed worthless or dispose through a recycling program under which property is collected, separated, or processed and returned to use in the form of raw materials of new products and/or donate as permitted by state law.

Result: Generate auction revenue from sale of county property, reduce county expenditures by transferring surplus property to other departments and make room for future assets replacing salvage or surplus items no longer needed. Click to View

25.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the Purchasing Agent to contract with CAP Fleet (Buy-Board #698-23) to order remaining law enforcement equipment for leased units replacing County owned units exceeding the required criteria as previously approved by Commissioners Court in an amount not to exceed the Contingency Budgets allocated for this purpose and in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code; §271.101 & §271.102 (Sub-Chapter F. Cooperative Purchasing Program) and any other matters incident thereto.

Issue: Commissioners Court approved the replacement of all police units exceeding 90,000 miles and/or ten (10) years or older. The current outfitter has shut down operations effective March 31, 2023, and a new vendor is needed to continue with the outfitting of all previously approved vehicles for replacement through the leasing program.

Solution: Authorize the use of a CAP Fleet, an experienced outfitter that has performed these services for multiple Counties and Cities across the State of Texas. Vendor has a multiple cooperative contracts and their service stations are located in both Belton and Houston, Texas.

Result: Order the required police equipment in anticipation of leased vehicles being delivered to outfitter and current ones in place. Click to View

Water Utilities

26.

Discussion and possible action to enter into Amendment 2 to the agreement for design of the Webb County Wastewater Treatment Plant with Garver, LLC, in the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Two Thousand Two Hundred Twenty-Four Dollars ($192,224.00) for the design of a new “Headworks” for the plant and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. [ARPA funds] Click to View

Honorable Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina, Webb County Commissioner Pct. 2

27.

Discussion and possible action to approve a resolution to recognize the month of April 2023 as World Autism Awareness Month and to commemorate World Autism Awareness Month in Webb County, Texas by lighting up the Webb County Courthouse in blue for the month of April 2023, and any other matters incident thereto. Click to View

Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge

28.

Discussion and possible action to authorize the purchasing department to solicit Request for Proposals for a professional consulting firm to perform a property condition and assessment report for all county buildings, to ensure an effective operation of county facilities; and any other matters incident thereto. Click to View

29.

Presentation from Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) regarding a partnership proposal for the collaboration and publishing of a Webb County book, second edition; with discussion and possible action. Click to View

30.

Discussion and possible action to proclaim the month of April, 2023 as Sexual Assault and Awareness and Prevention Month in Webb County. Click to View

Closed Session/Executive Session

31.

Discussion and possible action on the lease with Water Energy Services of an approximate three acre site located on the Webb County School Lands (Lomas/Cuchillas pastures) and any other matters incident thereto. [Closed Session/Executive Session may be requested pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071, Consultation with Attorney, pending or contemplated litigation] Click to View

32.

Discussion and possible action to retain the services of Allison, Bass & Magee, L.L.P. for legal representation in Ma. Guadalupe Campos v. Webb County, 2023CVA000270D4 and any matters incident thereto; authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. [Closed Session/Executive Session may be requested pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071, Consultation with Attorney, pending or contemplated litigation] Click to View

33.

Status report by outside counsel with discussion and possible action regarding Cynthia Mares v. Webb County, Texas Case No. 5-18-cv-00121 in the United States District Court. [Executive Session/Closed Session may be requested pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.071, Consultation with Attorney, pending or contemplated litigation] Click to View

Presentations

34.

Recognition and presentation of plaque to Mr. Juan Cisneros Jr. for 50 years of exemplary community service with youth sports programs of Laredo. [Requested by Ricardo Jaime, Commissioner Pct. 4] Click to View

35.

Recognition and presentation of Certificates to Carlos Lozano, Jose Flores, Heron Martinez, and Apolonio Zamora of Angel Care Ambulance Service and Mario Ehrenzweig, Reynaldo Villanueva, Jose Castillo and Jerry Medina, Webb County VFD for providing mutual aid services to the City of Rio Bravo after a mass casualty incident on the 25th of February 2023. [Requested by Jesse Gonzalez, Commissioner Pct. 1] Click to View

36.

Communications

37.

Adjourn

The Webb County Commissioners Court hereby reserves the right to go into closed session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the County Attorney or other legal counsel for the County, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

DISABILITY ACCESS STATEMENT

Persons with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who may need auxiliary aid of service such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, or need large print are requested to contact the court administrator at (956) 523-4622.

DATED THIS ______ DAY OF MARCH, 2023

By: ______________________________

Melinda Mata
Court Administrator

CERTIFICATION OF NOTICE AND POSTING

I, the undersigned, County Clerk, do hereby certify that the above notice of meeting of the Webb County Commissioners Court, is a true and correct copy of said notice, and that I posted a true and correct copy of said notice on the bulletin board at the Courthouse door of Webb County, Texas, at a place readily accessible to the general public at all times on the _____ day of March, 2023 and said notice remained so posted continuously for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of said meeting.

DATED THIS ______ DAY OF MARCH, 2023

MARGIE RAMIREZ IBARRA, COUNTY CLERK, WEBB COUNTY, TEXAS

BY: ______________________________________________

Margie Ramirez-Ibarra, County Clerk