EL PASO COUNTY | ||
|
|
|
AGENDA
Enrique Moreno County Courthouse Judge Alicia R. Chacón County Commissioners Courtroom 500 East San Antonio Room 303 El Paso, Texas 79901 If you have questions or need additional assistance, please contact us at (915) 546-2215
Website address: http://www.epcounty.com Agendas are posted online at: https://epcounty.primegov.com/public/portal For the meeting broadcast schedule, go to: https://www.epcounty.com/_meetings.htm To view live video webcast: https://www.youtube.com/@elpasocountycommissionerscourt
Members of the public are welcome to participate and address the Commissioners Court during any meeting. To participate in public comment by telephone, please call: 888-835-7276 or 888-8 EL PASO. Members of the public may also participate via videoconference by visiting: https://www.epcounty.com/public-comment.htm
This meeting may include one or more Commissioners that will participate by videoconference, and El Paso County employees that will participate by videoconference, which is allowed pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.127. A quorum of the Commissioners Court will be physically present at 500 East San Antonio Room 303, El Paso, Texas 79901. A member of the Commissioners Court who is presiding over the meeting will also be physically present at the location listed above. The meeting is open to the public during the open portions of the meeting, and the Commissioner participating by video conference shall be visible and audible to the public for as long as the Commissioner is able to participate.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC All matters listed under the Consent Agenda will be considered by the Commissioners Court to be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed below. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the Court or persons in the audience request that specific items be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda for discussion prior to the time the Commissioners Court votes on the motion to adopt the Consent Agenda. All matters listed on the Consent Agenda and Regular Agenda may be discussed in Executive Session at the discretion of the El Paso County Commissioners Court following a verbal announcement, if an appropriate exception to the Texas Open Meetings Act is applicable.
Please place all electronic devices on silent mode to reduce disruption of the meeting. | ||
1. | OPEN MEETING |
|
2. | PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE |
|
3. | INVOCATION |
|
4. | CONSENT AGENDA |
|
A. | Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting of August 5, 2024, and the special meeting of August 7, 2024. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215 |
|
B. | Pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Section 115.021, audit and settle all accounts against the County shown on the attached listing and direct the payment of those accounts. Barbara Parker, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office, 915-273-3262 |
|
C. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Renewal Agreement with Soto Enterprise, Inc. d/b/a Miracle Delivery Armored Service for pickup of sealed deposits from various County offices and delivery to the County depository, from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. Funding is available in various accounts. (Contract No. 2024-0615) Barbara Parker, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office, 915-273-3262 |
|
D. | Approve and accept correction to budget amendment No. 37 to El Paso County’s 2023-2024 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will decrease Grants by $269,502.00, thus decreasing the overall budget of $638,683,845.66 to $638,414,343.66. John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262 |
|
E. | Approve amendment No. 38 to the County of El Paso’s 2023-2024 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will increase Special Revenue by $702.00, increase Grants by $610,220.31, thus increasing the overall budget of $638,414,343.66 to $639,025,265.97 John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262 |
|
F. | Approve amendment No. 39 to the County of El Paso’s 2023-2024 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will increase Grants by $1,059,301.02, thus increasing the overall budget of $639,025,265.97 to $640,084,566.99. John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262 |
|
G. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the 2024-2025 UTEP Community Work-Study Mentorship and Internship Program with the University of Texas at El Paso Center for Community Engagement for a placement of 3 interns in the Community Services Department-Office of New Americans from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. (Contract No. 2024-0625) Irene Gutierrez, Executive Director, Community Services, 915-273-3485 |
|
H. | Approve and authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $1,037 from GF-CCRIMC2-OPS EQUIPMENT to GF-CCRIMC2-BOOKS&SUBSCRIPT and to GF-CCRIMC2-OFFICE EXPENSE to cover the cost for pending invoices and various office supplies. Amy Lechuga, County Court Administrator, County Court Administration, County Court Administration |
|
I. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the contract with the National Association of Pretrial Service Agencies to allow the Criminal Justice Coordination Department to undergo the accreditation process. Funding in the amount of $26,000 is available in GF-CRMJUSTCOORD-BOOKS&SUBS. (Contract No. 2024-0622) Catherine Jones, Director, Criminal Justice Coordination, 915-273-3353 |
|
J. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 81.032, approve and authorize the acceptance of donations for the 2024 Community Resource Fair hosted by the Criminal Justice Coordination Department. Catherine Jones, Director, Criminal Justice Coordination, 915-273-3353 |
|
K. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the award offer letter from the United States Department of Agriculture in the amount of $2,850,000 for the implementation of the Cotton Valley Connect broadband project. No County funds are required. (Contract No. 2024-0617) Roberto Ransom, Director, Economic Development, 915-546-2177 |
|
L. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Supplemental Contract Between Owner and Contractor with El Paso J.A.G. Inc., for the Purchase and Installation of a Diesel Generator for the El Paso County Courthouse in the amount of $425,858.74. Funds are available in CIP24-FAC-CH-CAPOUT-EQUIP. (Contract No. 2024-0580) Robin Sully, Director, Facilities Management, 915-546-2009 |
|
M. | Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Work Order No. 007 for On-Call Civil Engineering Contract with CEA Engineering Group, Inc. (DBA CEA Group) for third-party review of the revised preliminary flood risk maps in the unincorporated areas of the County produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the public comment and appeal phase in the amount of $73,970. Funding is available in GF-PWADMIN-STORMWATER OUTREACH and GF-PWADMIN-CONTR SVC-GENERAL. (Contract No. 2024-0575) (Precincts 1, 3 and 4) Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
N. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government code §232.023, approve and authorize the acceptance, filing and recording of the Bill Burnett Unit Two Amending subdivision plat. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
O. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Sections 232.028 and 232.029, approve and authorize the issuance of certification regarding compliance with applicable plat requirements as provided on the attached listing. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
P. | Approve and authorize the Purchase and Installation of Playground and Basketball Equipment for the El Paso County, Texas Public Works Department (12407991) using BuyBoard Contract 679-22 awarded to Exerplay, Inc. of Cedar Crest, New Mexico for a grand total of $884,423.50. Purchasing approved on July 19, 2024. Funding is available in SG-GSKATEPR22-CAP OUTLAYS. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
|
Q. | Approve and authorize the Purchase of Eleven (11) Axon Fleet Vehicle Camera Systems for the Public Safety Division of the El Paso County, Texas (12407137) using Sourcewell Contract 092722 awarded to Axon Enterprise Inc. of Scottsdale, AZ for a grand total $144,375.00. Purchasing approved on August 5, 2024. Funding is available in CP-REPLACE24-PUBSAF-MISC EQUIP. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
|
R. | Approve and authorize the Single Source purchase for a comprehensive evaluation of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Crisis Internation Team (C.I.T) performed by Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute of San Antonio, Texas in total amount of $200,000. Funds are available in SG-ARPLAN21-OPERATING EX. Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024 (a)(7)(A), as a single source item, it is exempt from the provisions of the County Purchasing Act. Single Source will be re-evaluated at the time of new contract to ensure compliance with statute. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
|
S. | Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to solicit proposals for Business Preservation and Growth Initiative (BPGI) Program for the County of El Paso. In accordance with Local Government Code 262.030, The Purchasing Agent has reviewed use of the Request for Proposal (RFP) Process. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
|
T. | Approve and authorize the transfer and removal of surplus assets from the respective departments to the Purchasing Department in compliance with Texas Local Government Code Section 262.011(j). See attachment. Karen Davidson, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing, 915-273-3349 |
|
U. | Pursuant to section 118.131 of the Texas Local Government Code, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign an order setting reasonable fees for the Sheriff and Constable services effective January 1, 2025. (#5376-OP) Richard Wiles, Sheriff, EPCSO, (915) 538-2006 |
|
V. | GRANT AWARD - Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept the Texas Office of the Governor-Homeland Security Grants Division, Statement of Grant Award #522281, for the Region 1 -Border Prosecution Unit Supplemental Funding, El Paso District Attorney's Office, in the amount of $1,170,000.00, from September 1, 2023, through August 31, 2025. There is no County match required. (Contract No. 2024-0621) Bill D. Hicks, District Attorney, District Attorney's Office, 915-546-2059 |
|
W. | GRANT AMENDMENT – Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Amendment 1 to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) FY2022 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5311 Rural Areas Public Transportation Project Grant Agreement (PGA), to extend the grant time period to December 31, 2025. No County match is required. (Contract No. 2024-0607) Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
X. | GRANT MODIFICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept Modification 6 for West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiatives (Grant No. G23SW0001A) on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Modification 6 entails an increase of $159,247 in the grant amount, resulting in a revised total award of $4,164,341. Grant period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024. This Grant Modification is at no cost to the County of El Paso. (Contract No. 2024-0593) Lt. Andre Wright, EPCSO - West Texas HIDTA, (571) 324-8234 |
|
Y. | GRANT MODIFICATION – Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept Modification 1 for West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiatives / 34th District Attorney's Office Prosecution Initiative (Grant No. G24SW0020A) on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. Modification 1 entails an increase of $12,707 in the grant amount, resulting in a revised total award of $4,829,413. Grant Period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This Grant Modification is at no cost to the County. (Contract No. 2024-0594) Lt. Andre Wright, EPCSO - West Texas HIDTA, (571) 324-8234 |
|
Z. | GRANT MODIFICATION - Approve an authorize the County Judge to accept Modification 2 for West Texas HIDTA multiple Initiatives (Grant No. G24SW0020A) on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Modification 2 entails an increase of $59,123 in the grant amount, resulting in a revised total award of $4,888,536. Grant Period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This Grant Modification is at no cost to the County of El Paso. (Contract No. 2024-0595) Lt. Andre Wright, EPCSO - West Texas HIDTA, (571) 324-8234 |
|
AA. | GRANT MODIFICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to accept Modification 3 for West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiatives (Grant No. G24SW0020A) on behalf of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office. Modification 3 entails a reduction of $42,172 in the grant amount, resulting in a revised total award of $4,846,364. Grant Period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. This Grant Modification is at no cost to the County of El Paso. (Contract No. 2024-0596) Lt. Andre Wright, EPCSO - West Texas HIDTA, (571) 324-8234 |
|
AB. | GRANT MODIFICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Amendment 1 to the FY23 Operation Stonegarden Grants for the Sheriff’s Office, Constable Precinct 1, Constable Precinct 4 and Constable Precinct 6; to reallocate funding within their perspective grants budget. This modification is at no cost to the County. (Contract No. 2024-0618) Richard Wiles, Sheriff, EPCSO, (915) 538-2006 |
|
AC. | GRANT MODIFICATION - Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Amendment 2 for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office FY2023 Stonegarden Grant No. 3007009 to reallocate funds in the amount of $28,000 from overtime to fuel expenses. This Grant modification is at no cost to the County. (Contract No. 2024-0619) Richard Wiles, Sheriff, EPCSO, (915) 538-2006 |
|
5. | RESOLUTIONS |
|
A. | Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing August 2024 as “Child Support Awareness Month” in El Paso County, Texas. Carlos Leon, Commissioner, Precinct 1, 915-546-2014 |
|
B. | Approve and adopt a resolution declaring August 17, 2024, as El Paso Branch NAACP Day in El Paso County, Texas. David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-546-2111 |
|
C. | Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Cinta De Oro and his team for giving back to the El Paso County community. Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, County Judge's Office, 915-546-2098 |
|
6. | PUBLIC COMMENT |
|
7. | REGULAR AGENDA |
|
A. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the adoption of an Order calling a bond election to be held for the El Paso County Hospital District; making provision for the conduct of the election; and resolving other matters incident and related to such election. R. Jacob Cintron, President & CEO, University Medical Center/EPCHD, 915-521-7600 |
|
B. | Receive a presentation and discuss and take appropriate action on the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budgets and property tax rates for Emergency Service Districts #1 and #2. John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262 |
|
8. | BOARD APPOINTMENTS |
|
A. | Approve the appointment of Commissioner Stout's nominee, Guillermo Silva, to the El Paso County Civil Service Commission for the unexpired, two-year term ending May 13, 2026. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215 |
|
9. | COMMISSIONERS COURT |
|
A. | Discuss and take appropriate action to allocate funding of up to $25,000 to sponsor the NAMI Texas Conference taking place November 7-9, 2024. Further, direct staff to identify funding and prepare a corresponding agreement for Commissioners Court consideration and approval. (#5377-OP) David Stout, Commissioner, Precinct 2, 915-546-2111 |
|
10. | COUNTY ADMINISTRATION |
|
A. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the dissolution of the El Paso County Bond Advisory Committee. Jose M. Landeros, Director, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
|
B. | (Item to be heard at approximately 1:00 P.M.) Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the adoption of the El Paso County Capital Improvement Bond Program Project List. Jose M. Landeros, Director, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
|
C. | (Item to be heard at approximately 1:00 P.M.) Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the adoption of an Order calling for a Bond Election to be held in El Paso County on November 5, 2024. (Contract No. 2024-0628) Jose M. Landeros, Director, Strategic Capital Development, 915-546-2159 |
|
11. | COUNTY AND DISTRICT CLERK |
|
A. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 118.025(g), hold a public hearing regarding the County Clerk's Records Archive Preservation and Restoration Plan and the assessment of a $10.00 fee for Fiscal Year 2024 – 2025. Delia Briones, County Clerk, County Clerk, 915-546-2071 |
|
B. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 118.025(b) approve and adopt the County Clerk's Records Archive Preservation and Restoration Plan for Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025. Further, approve payment to El Paso Inc., in the amount of $70.00 for the publishing of the Public Notice Hearing. Funding is available in GF-CNTYCLK-ADVERTISING. Delia Briones, County Clerk, County Clerk, 915-546-2071 |
|
12. | TAX ASSESSOR - COLLECTOR |
|
A. | Accept the 2024 No-New-Revenue (NNR) & Voter-Approval Tax Rate (VAR) Calculations for the El Paso County Hospital District: No-New-Revenue Rate: 0.219526/$100; Voter-Approval Rate: 0.233385/$100. Ruben Gonzalez, Tax-Assessor Collector, Tax Assessor - Collector, 915-273-3430 |
|
B. | Accept the 2024 No-New-Revenue (NNR) & Voter-Approval Tax Rate (VAR) Calculations for El Paso County: No-New-Revenue Rate: 0.426323/$100; Voter-Approval Rate: 0.478306/$100. Ruben Gonzalez, Tax-Assessor Collector, Tax Assessor - Collector, 915-273-3430 |
|
13. | PUBLIC WORKS |
|
A. | Discuss and take appropriate action on the appeal hearing for a violation of the County’s Right-of-Way Access Order at 800 Acton Street. Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
B. | Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §81.032, authorize the Planning & Development Department to accept the donation of design consulting services from Moreno Cardenas, Inc. (MCI) for the design of school zone improvements at Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary School. Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Agreement for Professional Services Project: School Zone Intersection Improvements at Dr. Sue A. Shook Elementary between Moreno Cardenas, Inc. and the County of El Paso, Texas. (Contract No. 2024-0590) (Precinct 3) Michael McElroy, Director, Planning and Development, 915-273-3330 |
|
14. | BUDGET AND FINANCE |
|
A. | Pursuant to the Property Tax Code, § 26.05(d) propose a tax rate, or pursuant to the Property Tax Code, § 26.05(a), adopt a tax rate for El Paso County. John Sarah, Director, Budget and Finance, 915-546-2262 |
|
15. | EXECUTIVE SESSION
Only the members of the Commissioners Court have a right to attend an executive session, except that legal counsel must be present if the executive session is held pursuant to Government Code section 551.071. In addition to legal counsel, Commissioners Court may include in executive session certain officers and employees if it finds that (1) their participation is necessary to the matter under consideration; (2) their interests are not adverse to the county, and (3) their presence will not waive the attorney client privilege. Generally, the Chief Administrator, Budget Executive Director, County Clerk's representatives, and County Auditor's Office representatives attend the closed session items based on the enumerated criteria, and certain other persons may attend based on the above-listed criteria or as otherwise provided by law. |
|
A. | Discuss findings regarding persons necessary in Executive Session. Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, County Administration, 915-546-2215 |
|
B. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss legal rights and responsibilities regarding litigation styled United States v. Texas, No. 24-50149, County Attorney’s File No. 0165-23-PL. Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
|
C. | Pursuant to Texas Government Code Sections 551.072 and 551.071, discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property located in Section 2, Block 78, TSP Surveys and the Desert Meadows Subdivision, as well as legal rights and responsibilities pertaining to the same matter. Erica Rosales-Nigaglioni, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
|
16. | REGULAR SESSION |
|
A. | Discuss and take appropriate action regarding legal rights and responsibilities regarding litigation styled United States v. Texas, No. 24-50149, County Attorney’s File No. 0165-23-PL. Bernardo Cruz, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office, 915-273-3247 |
|
ADJOURN |
|