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COURT TO DISCUSS AND ACT ON THE FOLLOWING: |
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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
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5. |
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Auditor |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, a budget amendment from funds available by increasing the expenditure budget in the amount of $25,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice in accordance with Texas Local Government Code, Section 111.0706 (Special Budget for Grant or Aid Money); and any other matters incident thereto. No financial impact to the general fund. [Requested by Harold DeVally, Constable Pct. 4; Fund #2202]
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Acct. Number |
Acct. Name |
Amount |
From: |
2202-259700 |
Fund Balance |
$25,000 |
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To: |
2202-3170-001-457006 |
Law Enforcement-Other |
$10,000 |
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2202-3170-001-455501 |
Drug Free Campaign |
$10,000 |
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2202-3170-001-461006 |
Canine Expenditures |
$5,000 |
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$25,000 |
Issue: Proceeds from equitable shared funds from the U.S. Department of Justice may be spent after a budget for the expenditure of the proceeds has been submitted to the governing body.
Solution: Submit a breakdown of monies distributed to the governing body that clearly list and defines the categories of expenditures.
Result: These funds will be available for official use to meet the needs of the office. |
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b. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, a budget amendment (line item transfers) to the Constable Pct. 4 State forfeiture fund by increasing the expenditure budget by $4,769; said amount is available from seized funds pursuant to Chapter 59 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 111.07075 (Special Budget for Revenue Received after Start of Fiscal Year). [Requested by Harold DeVally, Constable Pct. 4; Fund #2201-3170-352100 (State Forfeiture)]
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Account Name |
Account Number |
Amount |
From: |
Fund Balance |
2201-259700 |
$4,769 |
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To: |
Fica County Share |
2201-3170-001-422000 |
$1,482 |
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Retirement County Share |
2201-3170-001-423000 |
$2,578 |
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Workers Compensation |
2201-3170-001-426000 |
$581 |
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Unemployment Tax |
2201-3170-001-425000 |
$128 |
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$4,769 |
Issue: Funds will be used to pay fringe benefits for 2021-2022 Agreement.
Solution: Submit a budget to the Governing Body that clearly lists and defines the categories of expenditures.
Result: The department can utilize the new proceeds for the official use of this office. |
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c. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, a budget amendment to the District Attorney State forfeiture fund by increasing the expenditure budget by $220,000; said amount is available from seized funds pursuant to Chapter 18 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2161-2260]
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Account Name |
Account Number |
Amount |
From: |
Fund Balance |
2161-259700 |
$220,000 |
To: |
Capital Outlay |
2161-2260-001-470000 |
$220,000 |
Issue: New proceeds under Chapter 18 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure have been awarded and may be spent by the attorney representing the State after a budget for the expenditure of the proceeds has been submitted to the Governing Body.
Solution: Submit a budget to the Governing Body that clearly list and defines the categories of expenditures.
Result: The attorney representing the State can utilize the new proceeds for the official use of his Office. |
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d. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve, by order, a budget amendment of $5,000 to the District Attorney Federal Forfeiture Fund from new proceeds received from the U.S. Department of Justice Equitable Share Program. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2162 (DOJ - Federal Forfeiture)]
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Account Name |
Account Number |
Amount |
From: |
Fund Balance |
2162-259700 |
$5,000 |
To: |
Bullet Proof Vests |
2162-2260-001-456320 |
$5,000 |
Issue: New equitable shared funds have been awarded to the District Attorney's Office and may be spent after a budget for the expenditure of the proceeds has been submitted to the Governing Body. The budget must be detailed and clearly define the categories of expenditures.
Solution: Submit a budget to the Governing Body that clearly defines the categories of expenditures to be incurred with the new proceeds.
Result: The District Attorney's Office will add the new proceeds to its current budget to be utilized for law enforcement purposes in accordance with the Department of Justice Equitable Sharing Guidelines. |
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e. |
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Discussion and possible action to ratify, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfer) within forfeiture funds. [Requested by Sheriff, Martin Cuellar]
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Acct. Number |
Acct. Name |
Request |
From: |
2151-259700 |
Fund Balance |
$630 |
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To: |
2151-3010-001-413000 |
Overtime |
$120 |
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2151-3010-001-423000 |
Retirement County Share |
$350 |
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2151-3010-001-426000 |
Workers Compensation |
$160 |
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$630 |
Issue: Funds needed to cover end of the year expenses (9/30/21).
Solution: Seeking authorization to transfer funds.
Result: Transfer of funds will cover expenses. |
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f. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the following budget amendment to allow carry-over of Contract Number #06HE00072901 American Rescue Plan and Consolidated Appropriations Act for the Head Start program ($1,870,150.87) in grant balances for Head Start CRRSA Act and ARP Fund account #2358-5150-330300-030 into 2021-2022.Contract commenced on April 1,2021 and shall end on March 31, 2023. This carryover balance will not require a County Match. [Requested by Aliza Oliveros, Head Start Director]
Issue: Year end balances must be carried over and entered into the New World in order to continue the availability of these grant funds. American Rescue Plan and Consolidated Appropriations Act.
Solution: Approval of budget allowing for carryover of year-end balances for Head Start.
Result: Continued availability of grant funds.
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g. |
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Discussion and possible action to ratify, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfer) within Forfeiture funds. [Requested by Rodolfo "Rudy" Rodriguez, Constable Pct. 1]
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Acct. Number |
Acct. Name |
Adopted |
Request |
Current |
End Bal. |
From: |
2180-259700 |
Fund Balance |
$251,365 |
$1,500 |
$251,365 |
$249,865 |
To: |
2180-3150-001-444400 |
Rent Expense |
$0 |
$1,500 |
$0 |
$1,500 |
Issue: Storage fees for 2021-2022 fiscal year need to be paid.
Solution: Transfer monies from fund balance to cove storage rental expenditure.
Result: Storage fee's for fiscal year 2021-2022 will be covered. |
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h. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve, by Order, the following budget amendment (line item transfers) within Grant funds to cover budget balances from 2021- fiscal year. This action will not have an impact to the County General Fund. [Requested by James Flores, Director - CAA and Economic Development Department]
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Acct. Number |
Acct. Name |
Adopted |
Request |
Current |
End Bal. |
From: |
2368-5270-521-463801 |
Emergency Services |
$119,888.64 |
$119,888.64 |
$119,888.64 |
$ -0- |
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2368-5270-521-46381-005 |
Emergency Services Rent |
$45,000.00 |
$45,000.00 |
$45,000.00 |
$-0- |
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2368-5270-521-4445000 |
Equipment Rental |
$2,040.00 |
$2,040.00 |
$2,040.00 |
$-0- |
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$166,928.64 |
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To: |
2368-5270-521-457008-010 |
Contractual skills training |
$136,391.37 |
$164,888.64 |
$41,576.37 |
$206,465.01 |
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2368-5270-521-461000 |
Materials & Supplies |
$3,056.51 |
$2,040.00 |
$3,056.51 |
$5,096.51 |
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$166,928.64 |
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From: |
2368-5170-521-463801 |
Emergency Services |
$1,253.52 |
$1,253.52 |
$1,253.52 |
$-0- |
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2368-5170-521-441205 |
Utilities |
$813.00 |
$813.00 |
$813.00 |
$-0- |
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2368-5170-521-456205 |
Training & Education |
$1,990.00 |
$1,990.00 |
$1,990.00 |
$-0- |
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2368-5170-521-458060 |
In-Town Mileage |
$2,846.33 |
$2,685.33 |
$2,685.33 |
$-0- |
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2368-5170-521-464010 |
Dues & Memberships |
$5,475.00 |
$2,625.00 |
$2,625.00 |
$-0- |
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2368-5170-521-470000 |
Capital Outlay |
$10,599.55 |
$10,599.55 |
$10,599.55 |
$-0- |
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$19,966.40 |
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To: |
2368-5170-521-457008-010 |
Contractual Skills Training |
$136,391.37 |
$1,253.52 |
$41,576.37 |
$42,829.89 |
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2368-5170-521-460105 |
Minor Tools Apparatus |
$2,813.03 |
$16,000.00 |
$744.28 |
$16,744.28 |
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2368-5170-521-461000 |
Materials & Supplies |
$4,921.31 |
$2,712.88 |
$3,527.30 |
$6,240.18 |
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$19,966.40 |
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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. |
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6. |
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Civil Legal Division |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a minor boundary modification application for expansion of City of Laredo’s Foreign Trade Zone (F.T.Z.) No. 94, with the Foreign Trade Zone Board/U.S. Dept. of Commerce as requested by Specialized Custom Services, Inc., as (Lessee-Tenant) and Embarcadero Business Center/Farias Development, Ltd. & the City of Laredo by adding Lot Number 7B, Block 8, Phase 3A, Embarcadero Business Center Laredo, Webb County, Texas and commonly known as 8511 F.M. 3464/Milo Rd., Laredo, Webb County, Texas 78045, to F.T.Z. No. 94, for approval by Webb County, and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute any and all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Specialized Custom Services, Inc.-Tenant/Embarcadero Bus. Ctr.-Farias Development Ltd./City of Laredo] |
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b. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a minor boundary modification application for expansion of City of Laredo’s Foreign Trade Zone (F.T.Z.) No. 94, with the Foreign Trade Zone Board/U.S. Dept. of Commerce as requested by American Air Freight, Inc., as (Lessee-Tenant) and Miguel & Araceli Angula, (Owner/Landlord) & the City of Laredo by adding Lot Number 3, Block 13, McPherson Acres, Phase IV, Laredo, Webb County, Texas and commonly known as 5812 East Dr., Laredo, Webb County, Texas 78045, to F.T.Z. No. 94, for approval by Webb County, and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute any and all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by American Air Freight, Inc. - Tenant/Miguel & Araceli Angula - Owner/Landlord/City of Laredo] |
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c. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Webb County for the benefit of the Webb Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security & Investigations for reimbursement of employee overtime incurred from joint law enforcement operations, for the performance period of October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, in the amount of FIFTEEN THOUSAND Dollars ($15,000.00) per officer. Forfeiture funds will be utilized to cover the applicable fringe benefits associated with this project's employee(s) overtime, therefore there will be no impact to the General Fund; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Webb County Sheriff, Martin Cuellar; Fund-2601 Homeland Security and Fund 2151 State Forfeiture Funds for Fringe]
Issue: Collaboration between Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies is necessary to combat criminal organizations illegally exploiting America’s travel, trade, financial and immigration systems.
Solution: Accept Federal assistance to continue local participation in Homeland Security investigations, strategic initiatives and prosecution of organized crime.
Result: Disruption of organized criminal activity in Webb County and along the Texas border. |
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d. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a One (1) year renewal agreement with GovernmentJobs.com, Inc. d/b/a NEOGOV, Inc. for the continued online services for job announcements, descriptions, employment applications, etc., for the performance period commencing on October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022 at a cost of Twenty-Two Thousand Twenty-Nine Dollars and Fifty-Three Cents ($22,029.53); and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Ernest Guajardo, Human Resources Director; Account #1001-1230-001-443000-110 (Repairs and Maintenance Software)] |
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e. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve an agreement between Webb County and Badger Meter, Inc., d/b/a National Meter & Automation in the amount of $21,672.00, to purchase 25,200 automated cellular registers, as needed for the Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI), used by the Webb County Utilities Department. Cellular register technology systems provide automatic and accurate household water consumption data meter readings, a customer feedback portal, monitors real-time water consumption, leak site information, and security technology to identify and eliminate water theft, meter tampering, and/or prohibited access of meters; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute any and all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Tomas Sanchez; Water Utilities Director; Account #7200-7050-001-443000-035 (Repairs & Maintenance)] |
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f. |
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Discussion and possible action to enter into a Utility Payment Collection Service Agreement between Ad-Comp Systems, Inc. and Webb County for the Water Utilities Department in order to collect and process utility payments through telephonic means. The term of the agreement shall be for One (1) year, starting on or about November 1, 2021 and/or the actual start date of the first live transaction, at a cost of Seventy-Five Cents (.75) per call/transaction; and authorizing the County Judge to sign and execute all relevant documents, and any other matters incident thereto. [Requested by Tomas Sanchez, Director Utilities Department; Account #7200-050-001-443000-035 (Repairs & Maintenance of Equipment)] |
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7. |
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Community Action Agency |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the annual payment for memberships Dues for Meals on Wheels America, the membership dues is in the amount of $250.00 for the period covering January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. [Account #2025-5320-521-464010 (Dues & Memberships)]
Issue: Membership will continue to give all the information needed for new funding opportunities, to be part of the new COVID-19 Resource Center and the Member-only platform Meals On Wheels Connect that can be used to lean on one another for support, guidance and pep-talks.
Solution: Obtain court approval as required.
Result: By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. |
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b. |
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Discussion and possible action to accept award Contract for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARP Act) from Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for the Program Year 2021 in the amount of ($1,774,568.00) ONE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED SEVENTY FOUR FIVE HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT THOUSAND and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents. This Contract shall commence on October 1, 2021 and, shall end on September 30, 2022. This action will not have an impact to the General Fund. Documentation has been reviewed by Webb County Economic Development Department and is compliant with SPOC policies and procedures. [Requested by James Flores, Director of Community Action Agency & Economic Development Department; Grant Account #2362-5150-330300]
Issue: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has awarded Webb County Community Action Agency the amount of $1,774,568.00 under the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program for the program year 2021.
Solution: The court approval will allow the Webb County Community Action Agency 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 8 highest remaining calendar months of energy consumption. |
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c. |
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Discussion and possible action to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Astudillo Elite Truck Driver Training, Limited Liability Company and Webb County Community Action Agency (WCCAA) to include Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) for funds of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Truck Driving classes. This project is funded through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), two (2) year term, commencing on January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023 and authorizing the Webb County Judge to sign any relevant documents. [Requested by James Flores, Director of Community Action Agency & Economic Development Department; Account #2368-5170-521-457008-010 (Contractual Skills Training)]
Issue: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs requires, the agency must assist qualify Webb County residents to transition out of poverty program (T.O.P.).
Solution: Webb County Community Action Agency would enter a Memorandum of Understanding and fund the Truck Driver Training Classes with Astudillo Elite Truck Driver Training, Limited Liability Company.
Result: By providing the training to qualifying Webb County residents, it would increase the resident's probability of transitioning out of poverty. |
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d. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the following budget to carry over $500,000.00 in grant balances for the Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (TEMAP) into Fiscal Year 2022 Fund #2531 and any other matters incident thereto. This action will have no impact to the General fund.
Acct. Number |
Acct. Name |
Bal. |
End Bal. |
2531-5150-521-410000 |
Payroll |
$41,000 |
$41,000 |
2531-5150-521-421000 |
Health Life Insurance |
$5,029 |
$5,029 |
2531-5150-521-422000 |
FICA County Share |
$3,126 |
$3,136 |
2531-5150-521-423000 |
Retirement County Share |
$5,043 |
$5,043 |
2531-5150-521-425000 |
Unemployment |
$21 |
$21 |
2531-5150-521-426000 |
Worker Compensation |
$271 |
$271 |
2531-5150-521-454000 |
Advertising |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
2531-5150-521-461000 |
Materials & Supplies |
$8,000 |
$8,000 |
2531-5150-521-463801-030 |
Emergency Services Mortgage |
$435,000 |
$435,000 |
2531-5270-330300 |
Grant Revenue |
$500,000 |
$500,000 |
Issue: These Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (TEMAP) Grant funds where unused from the prior fiscal year. Newly implemented procedures require year-end balances to be carried over and entered in the system in order to continue the availability of these grant funds.
Solution: Commissioners Court Authorization to carry over year-end balances for the Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
Result: Continued availability of Texas Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program funds for the Webb County Community Action Agency Social Services. |
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8. |
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Honorable Rudy Rodriguez, Constable Pct. 1 |
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a. |
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Discussion with possible action to approve an agreement for one year (October 1, 2021 September 30, 2022) between the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Webb County Constable Pct.1 in the amount of $19,180, to fund Account #2583-3150-001-413000 and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. There will be no Financial impact to the general fund, as FLSA pay, straight time, overtime, and fringe benefits will be paid through State forfeiture funds in total of $4,725.
Issue: Collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is necessary to pursue and dismantle organized crime organizations along Webb County and the Texas.
Solution: Accept federal assistance to continue local participation in Joint Operations under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Program.
Result: Disruption of organized crime activity along the Texas border and in Webb County.
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9. |
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Honorable Harold Devally, Constable Pct. 4 |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the acceptance of overtime and fringe benefits of the grant funded State and Local Overtime and Authorized Expense/Strategic Initiative Program under the Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Force. OCDETF will cover $19,372.00 in overtime from Fund Source 2602. Also, to increase fringe benefits accounts of $4,769.00 by Constable Pct. 4 State Forfeiture Fund #2201 to cover fringe benefits, therefore no impact to the General Fund.
Issue: Approval from Commissioners Court to continue providing fringe benefits covered by the Constable Pct. 4.
Solution: Approval by Commissioners Court.
Result: Constable Pct. 4 continue providing fringe benefits to the designee. |
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10. |
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Honorable Marco Montemayor, County Attorney |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a renewal of Title IV-E Child Welfare Services Contract #HHS000285000043 and Title IV-E Legal Services Contract #HHS000285100042 with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for a term of One (1) year (October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022) requiring Webb County to maintain a Child Welfare Board and providing for the reimbursement for certain expenditures made by Webb County relating to foster children, and authorizing the County Judge to sign all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. |
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11. |
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Honorable Isidro Alaniz, District Attorney |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a reimbursement agreement between the District Attorney’s Office and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program (OCDETF) for an amount not to exceed $166,204. The total reimbursable amount covers overtime for investigators assigned to the DEA Task Force ($135,604) and payments related to 3 leased vehicles ($30,600). The period of performance for this award is October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2022. Forfeiture funds will be utilized to cover the fringe benefits allocated to the overtime therefore no impact to the General Fund. [Account #2587-2260-001-413000]
Issue: Collaboration between Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies is necessary to pursue and dismantle organized crime organizations along Webb County and the Texas Border.
Solution: Accept Federal assistance to continue local participation in Joint Operations under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Program.
Result: Disruption of organized criminal activity along the Texas border and in Webb County. |
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12. |
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Economic Development |
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a. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activity (LETPA) grant award as developed, written, presented, and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to the Homeland Security Grant Division (HSGD) Office of Governor (OOG) in the amount of $22,023.78 for equipment and supplies and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match; and, thus will have no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]
Issue: Since the tragedy of 9/11, the urgent need for expanded and enhanced law enforcement efforts to prevent terrorism in the United States was understood to help save the lives of both first responders and the people they serve.
Solution: Grant award to fund enhanced capabilities for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office.
Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office will have increased capacities and enhanced capabilities. |
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b. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application as developed, written, and submitted by and for the Webb County Sheriff's Office to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division in the amount estimated at $7,000,000 for the FY 2022 Operation Lone Star (OLS) Grant Program- Competitive for overtime/applicable fringe benefits, part-time/temporary grant-funded employee salary/fringe benefits, equipment/software, training/travel, and supplies; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no match; and, thus will 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: Local law enforcement working in international border communities must work within limited budgetary constraints to provide both proactive and responsive law enforcement services while transborder criminal organizations possess unlimited funding to access the latest technology and equipment to avoid detection/disruption of their activities utilizing their proceeds obtained through illegal but highly lucrative drug trafficking and other unlawful enterprises.
Solution: Supplemental grant award to provide supplemental resources to assist in combating illegal drug trafficking and provide enhanced border security for the residents/citizens of Laredo/Webb County.
Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office and its sworn officer force will be equipped with needed additional resources. |
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c. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application as developed, written, and submitted by and for the Webb County Sheriff's Office to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division in the amount estimated at $2,843,994.20 for the FY 2022 Operation Lone Star (OLS) Mandated Grant Program (Grant No. 4376701) for overtime/applicable fringe benefits, part-time/temporary grant-funded employee salary/fringe benefits, equipment/software, training/travel, and supplies; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no match; and, thus will 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: Local law enforcement working in international border communities must work within limited budgetary constraints to provide both proactive and responsive law enforcement services while transborder criminal organizations possess unlimited funding to access the latest technology and equipment to avoid detection/disruption of their activities utilizing their proceeds obtained through illegal but highly lucrative drug trafficking and other unlawful enterprises.
Solution: Supplemental grant award to provide supplemental resources to assist in combating illegal drug trafficking and provide enhanced border security for the residents/citizens of Laredo/Webb County.
Result: The Webb County Sheriff’s Office and its sworn officer force will be equipped with needed additional resources. |
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d. |
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Discussion and possible action to accept a FY 222 Truancy Prevention and Intervention Program grant in the amount of $22,010.18 from the Office of the Governor as developed, prepared, written, and submitted by the Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 in conjunction with the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Grant Writer to continue to pay the grant-funded salary and fringe benefits for the Juvenile Case Manager in order to continue to divert at-risk truant juveniles from entering into the criminal justice system, and designating the Webb County Judge as the authorized official; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no matching and/or in-kind requirements; and, thus, there is no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Judge Jose R. Salinas, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4; Grant Account #2733]
Issue: Truancy can be considered a gateway to juvenile delinquency and is a nationwide problem that negatively affects not only the delinquent youth and their families but also adversely impacts schools, neighborhoods, and the local community at large. In addition, youth at-risk for juvenile delinquency who enter into the juvenile justice system tend to face limited future career, educational, and other socio-economic prospects, especially in the South Texas area.
Solution: Grant award to continue to fund a currently grant-funded truancy case manager in order to continue to provide prevention, diversion, and intervention strategies through the court of the Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 in Laredo/Webb County area.
Result:Increased focus on diversion strategies to steer at-risk juveniles from the juvenile and criminal justice system. |
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e. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a grant award as developed, written, and submitted by and for the Webb County Sheriff's Office to the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division in the amount estimated at $29,057.99 for overtime and applicable fringe benefits for members of the Mental Health Unit to provide mental health services, including commitments, executions of court orders, and transports to mental health facilities as well as grant funding for training/consultant services to provide supplemental instruction to deputies of the Sheriff's Office on responding to mental health scenarios/crisis intervention; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match; and, thus will 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; Grant Fund #2738]
Issue: The local Laredo/Webb County community continues to constitute a medically and mental health underserved area, which requires mentally ill youth and adults to travel to out-of-town facilities in order to receive these needed mental health services.
Solution: Grant award to provide training and consultant services to provide supplemental instruction on responding to crisis intervention/mental health matters for the officers of the Webb County Sheriff's Office as well as overtime and applicable fringe benefits for the Mental Health Unit to transport mental health patients to these out-of-town facilities so that they may receive the care that they require.
Result: Grant funding will allow officers of the Sheriff's Office to receive supplemental training on crisis intervention and members of the Mental Health Unit to undertake complex and time consuming activities and requirements, including execution of court orders, mental health commitments, and the actual transports to out-of-town mental health facilities, so that the mentally ill patients, their families, and the overall community can be better served. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the acceptance of a Violent Crimes Against Women Criminal Justice and Training (VAWA) grant award as developed, written, presented, and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) Office of Governor (OOG) in the amount estimated at $7,000 for training and supplies for investigators and patrol officers working at the Webb County Sheriff’s Office serving victims of violent crimes against women and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires a Thirty (30%) percent cash match, or a $3,000 cash match, which will be met by the Webb County Sheriff's Office state forfeiture funds. Thus, this grant will have no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent to the Economic Development Department and were found in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Sheriff; Grant Fund #2605; Cash Match Account #2151-9080-001-485005 (Transfer out from State Forfeiture Funds)]
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 number 1 in 4. (“30 Shocking Domestic Violence Statistics That Remind Us It’s An Epidemic” Vagianos 10/23/2014).
Solution: Grant award to enhance the tools, techniques, and training to those investigators who follow-up to calls for assistance, conduct interviews with these victims, file incident reports, provide these victims information/referrals to service providers, initiate arrests of perpetrators, refer cases for prosecution, and prepare testimony/evidence for trial in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Result: Enhanced law enforcement services, including investigative techniques, to deal with emergent criminal trends, such as cyber stalking, and improved efficacy of the law enforcement response to the needs of victims of violent crime. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a grant award as developed, written, and submitted by and for the Webb County Sheriff's Office to the Office of the Governor Criminal Justice Division in the amount estimated at $10,830 for equipment, minor tools, and supplies for the officers and canines of the K9 unit; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any type of match; and, thus will 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: K9s and the Officers who handle them perform a myriad of important law enforcement duties. However, due to the complexity, diversity, and wide depth/breath of important law enforcement/criminal justice functions all Sheriff’s Offices perform, there are finite financial resources available to provide for these types of specialized divisions.
Solution: Grant application to provide supplemental resources for equipment, minor tools, and supplies in support of the K9 unit.
Result: Grant funding will allow members of the K9 Unit to be equipped with supplemental resources. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve a resolution authorizing the Honorable Tano E. Tijerina, Webb County Judge, as authorized signatory and approving the submission of a grant application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the Community Outdoor Outreach Program, and authorize the Webb County Judge to sign all relevant documentation. This action will have no impact on the County's General Fund.
Issue: A resolution is required as part of the grant application.
Solution: To get resolution approved by Commissioners Court.
Result: Webb County will be able to submit a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the Community Outdoor Outreach Program. |
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Discussion and possible action to accept the Trafficking Emergency Network Diversion grant award in the amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($120,000) and enter into an agreement with the Office of the Governor; and designating the Webb County Judge as the authorized official to sign all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and were found to be in compliance with the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) policy. There is no cash match requirement for this grant. [Requested by Judge Selina Mireles, Child Protection Court]
Issue: Human sex trafficking is a problem that exists in South Texas but there are presently no coordinated programs and services for victims in Laredo, Texas, or in Webb County.
Solution: Hold a specialty diversion court once or twice each month to oversee the diversion of the youth and young adults into diversion trauma informed social and mental health services as well as any medical or educational services needed to assist victims.
Result: Provide trauma informed services to address the immediate needs of victims and divert them from the continued risk of sexual exploitation. |
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j. |
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Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a grant application to the Office of the Governor Public Safety Office Homeland Security Grants Division for the Border Prosecution Unit Grant House Bill 9 estimated at $780,000 over the term of the contract. This formal request shall authorize the 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 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, 2021 to August 31, 2023. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney]
Issue: There is a need for additional resources to prosecute misdemeanor and felony cases, provide technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies that operate within the Texas-Mexican Border area. State funds for this type of assistance have been made available through the Texas Supplemental Appropriations Act, Section 6 for Trusted Programs.
Solution: Authorize the submission of the grant application as set forth above.
Result: The District Attorney’s Office will have an opportunity to receive additional resources that will aid in deterring and combating criminal activity within the Texas-Mexican Border. |
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Discussion and possible action to authorize the 406th Judicial District Court Veterans Treatment Program to submit a continuation grant application for the 2022-2023 Regional Veterans Court Program offered by the Texas Veterans Commission in an amount not to exceed $300,000; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any cash match. All grant documents have been found to comply with the Single Point of Contact procedures developed by Webb County. [Requested by 406th District Court Veterans Treatment Program]
Issue: The Texas Veterans Commission has been authorized to issue grants in support of Veterans Treatment Courts to address the needs of veteran participants and their families. This grant will provide necessary resources to assist the veteran population in Webb and surrounding counties.
Solution: The 406th Veterans Treatment Program's fiscal responsibility and obligation to submit a Request for Application to the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance 2022-2023 Veterans Treatment Court Grant.
Result: The 406th Veterans Treatment program will be able to continue to provide additional services and/or enhance the services currently being provided. |
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