January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting  MINUTES  Notice is hereby given that the City of Combes Commissioners met in al Regular Session at 7:00 pm Monday, January 8, 2024, at Combes Municipal Complex, 21626 Hand Road, Combes Texas to consider the Public comments may be e-mailed toj dwte@lommolcomlson by the meeting date at 4:00 pm. Mayor Silvestre Garcia took a moment to wish everyone a Happy New Year and Hopes to move in the right  following.  direction and achieve better things for the coming year.  Meeting began at' 7:00 pm  Mayor Silvestre Garcia requested roll call.  1.1 Roll Call.  By City Secretary Jo Ann Nino Mayor Silvestre Garcia - Present Commissioner Olga H Montes- Present Commissioner Mary David- Present Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar- Present Commissioner Ann Forbes- Present Commissioner Carlos Cordova - Present 2. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor led the Invocation.  Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar led the Pledge of Allegiance.  3. Public Comments: At this time, any person with business before the Council not scheduled on the agenda may speak, or any person may speak on any item on the agenda for ai maximum oft three (3) minutes. No Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council there are two (2) people with business before the council not scheduled on the agenda to speak for a maximum of three (3) minutes. No formal action can be taken on Before entering public comments, Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked the people of Combes, City Commission, and everyone associated with our City Government to join the support in the election for the two people Mayor Silvestre Garcia called on the first-person Ms. Carol Sanchez. Ms. Carol Sanchez, running for State District 37,introduced herselfand described her background as at testament to community commitment. Mayor Silvestre Garcia called on the second-person Ms. Liz Sanchez. Ms. Liz Chavez, running for Justice of the Peace Precinct 5- Place 1. Ms. Liz Chavez gave al briefintroduction to the city council onl her 23 years'  formal action can be taken on these items. Action for Approval or Disapproval  these items.  before the council.  experience with the Cameron County Justice of the peace courts.    January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council with no: further comment/liscussions the meeting goes on 4. Second and) Last Public Hearing- Re-Zone Request from San Mateo Investments, LLC from Agriculture tol Residential -A 19.00 Acre Tract of land more or less out oft the east halfo ofBlock 29, Wilson Tract Subdivision- Northwest corner ofRio Rancho and Cragon Road. CAD Id# 211083 and 211086  to agenda item #4.  Action to open and close public hearing.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to open the public hearing. Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made ar motion to open the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Olga H Montes. All in favor. Motion Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council the preliminary plan for the subdivision was previously approved. The subdivision would bring in thirty plus (30+)rooftops to the community. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to close the public hearing. Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made amotion to close the public hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed  passed due to unanimous vote.  due to unanimous vote.  5. Mayor Silvestre Garcia- Consideration and Possible. Action-Department Updates  a) Utility Rate Study-Combes Waterworks  b) Police Department c) Waterworks d)M Municipal court  Action for Approval, Disapproval and/or Acknowledgement.  a) Mayor Silvestre Garcia addressed the citizens of Combes on the Utility Rate Study. Mayor Silvestre Garcia explained the Utility Rate Study has not been conducted, Water rates were not raised as anticipated due to bonds and would remain the same. The city is working with the Texas Rural Water Association to assist with the Utility Study to be done at no cost to avoid an expense for the city. Taxes were lowered and moving forward, the effort continues to lower water: rates. b) City Administrator Aida Gutierrez informed the city council the update for the Police Department was provided in their agenda packets. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for any questions and/or discussion. Commissioner Ann Forbes acknowledged the Chief of] Police Patrick Quill performance ) &d) Mayor Silvestre Garcia acknowledged the great performance by all departments. a1 motion to acknowledge the reports. Seconded by Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar.  with the Police Department.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to acknowledge the reports. Commissioner Olga H Montes made Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for any questionslliscussions on the items. Commissioner Mary David had questions for the ChiefofP Police Patrick Quill pertaining to the police department. Police ChiefPatrick Quill acknowledged her questions and responded. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 6. Consideration and Possible Action for City Engineer R.E. Garcia & Associates to finalize construction plans and specifications for construction of Woods Road (AKA Templeton) and advertise Request for Sealed  Bids.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  &    January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council and public that this project is a future development to increase economic growth for the City of Combes. The City's Engineer was asked to develop the plans and was brought up to Cameron County. Cameron County did not agree with the project. The City's Engineer Mr. Raul E. Garcia explained to the city council that the design showed the development of Woods Rd (an existing road) the county reviewed it as as subdivision and therefore according to them it did: not meet the Mayor Silvestre Garcia addressed the importance of building the road. It would bring in an increase in property values. The best interest oft the City of Combes is for a project to move: forward not only for  guidelines.  businesses but also for the future economic development ofthe city.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to approve for City Engineer R.E. Garcia & Associates to finalize construction plans and specifications for construction of Woods Road (AKA Templeton) and advertise Request for Sealed Bids. Commissioner Olga HI Montes made a motion to approve City) Engineer R.E. Garcia & Associates to finalize construction plans and specifications for construction of Woods Road (AKA Templeton) and advertise Request for Sealed Bids. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for any questions/ discussions regarding the item. The City Administrator Aida Gutierrez asked ifthis would be an all-weather road. Mayor Silvestre Garcia recommended two alternate Motion reinforced: Motion to approve for City Engineer R.E. Garcia & Associated to finalize construction plans and specifications for construction of Woods Road (AKA Templeton) and advertise Request for Seal  roads. One road tol have caliche and millings and the alternative with asphalt.  Bids with Alternates. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  7. Consideration and Possible. Action  a). Invoices for Approval-General, Waterworks, Special Funds.  b) Check Registers & Debit Card Transactions-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department c) Financial Statement Reports-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for December d) MEG Engineers 2023. proposal #02-23-238M $4,436.00 for Asphalt Coring Test for Streets in Combes  Special Funds for December 2023.  (Bond 2021 Fund)  Action for Approval or Disapproval of. (Items A-D)  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to approve a) Invoices for Approval-General, Waterworks, Special Funds. b) Check Registers & Debit Card Transactions-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for December 2023.c) Financial Statement Reports-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for December 2023.d) MEG Engineers proposal #02-23-238M- Commissioner Olga HI Montes made ai motion to approve a) Invoices for Approval-General, Waterworks, Special Funds. b) Check Registers & Debit Card Transactions-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for December 2023. c) Financial Statement Reports-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for December 2023. d) MEG Engineers proposal #02-23-238M- $4,436.00 for Asphalt Coring Test for Streets in Combes (Bond 2021 Fund) Seconded by Commissioner  $4,436.00 for Asphalt Coring Test for Streets in Combes (Bond 2021 Fund).  Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.    January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting  8. Consideration and) Possible Action ofFirst Reading-Ordinance No. 2023-4 An Ordinance oft the City of Combes, Texas Adopting al Prohibition on Noise Disturbances within the City and Providing Exceptions; Providing al Penalty for Violation; Providing a Severability Clause, Providing or Publication; and Providing  an Effective Date.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve. Commissioner Olga HI Montes made ai motion to Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked fora ar motion to approve. First Reading-Ordinance No. 2023-4 An Ordinance of the City of Combes, Texas Adopting a Prohibition on Noise Disturbances within the City and Providing Exceptions; Providing al Penalty for Violation; Providing a Severability Clause, Providing or Publication; and Providing an Effective Date. Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made ai motion to approve First Reading- Ordinance No. 2023-4 An Ordinance of the City of Combes, Texas Adopting a Prohibition on Noise Disturbances within the City and Providing Exceptions; Providing a Penalty for Violation; Providing a Severability Clause, Providing or Publication; and Providing an Effective Date. Seconded by Commissioner 9.ChiefP. Quill-Consideration and Possible Action ofOrdinance 2013-(1) Regulating Wrecker Rotation List- Amendment to: reduce Five Wrecker Services on Rotation to Two (2)-for Combes Police Department. Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council he was informed Kennedy County consisted of one (1) towing company versus multiple to take responsibility for all City matters. Mayor Silvestre Garcia had a question pertaining tol having the same: number oft towing companies for the city. The ChiefofPolice! Patrick Quill explained the agenda item was ai recommendation. A request for proposals was made and five (5) were Mayor Silvestre Garcia made ai recommendation to go with one (1) towing company within the city limits of Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to amend the ordinance to have one (1) instead ofi five (5). Commissioner Ann Forbes made ai motion to amend the ordinance tol have one (1) instead of five (5). Seconded by Commissioner Olga HI Montes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  approve. Seconded by Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar.  Olga HI Montes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  Action for Approval orl Disapproval of. (Tabled November 13, 2023, Meeting)  returned with only two (2) submitted correctly as per the instructions.  Combes.  10. Consideration and! Possible. Action.  a) Call Order of] Election for May 4, 2024, General Election to elect three (3) Commissioners (Incumbents: Place 1-Olga H. Montes Place 3-Kenneth P. Stolar, and Place 5-Carlos Cordova) b) Proposition No. 1 "The reauthorization oft the local sales tax ini the Town of Combes at the rate of 4( (One-Fourth) of One (1%) to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair ofmunicipal c) Action to consider Cameron County Elections Department to conduct General Election May 4,  streets" (expires December 31,2024)  2024  Action for Approval or Disapproval of. (Items A-C)  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve a) Call Order of] Election for May 4, 2024, General Election to elect three (3) Commissioners (Incumbents: Place 1-Olga H. Montes Place 3-Kenneth P. Stolar,    January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting and Place 5-Carlos Cordova) b) Proposition  the  of  No. 1" "The reauthorization of the local sales tax in Town  revenue for maintenance and repair  Combes at the rate of% (One-Fourth) of One (1%) to continue providing  ofmunicipal streets" (expires December 31, 2024) )c) Action to consider Cameron County Elections  Department to conduct General Election May 4, 2024.  Commissioner Olga HI Montes made ai motion to approve a) Call Order of] Election for May 4, 2024, General Election to elect three (3) Commissioners (Incumbents: Place 1-Olga H. Montes Place 3-Kenneth P. Stolar, and Place 5-Carlos Cordova)b b) Proposition No. 1 "Thei reauthorization of the local sales tax ini the Town of Combes at the rate of % (One-Fourth) ofOne (1%) to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair ofmunicipal streets" (expires December 31, 2024)c) Action to consider Cameron County Elections  Department to conduct General Election May 4, 2024. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in: favor. 11. Consideration and Possible Action of Scoring Results by Review Committee and Select to Award. a) etArtamhunos Services for Texas General Land Office (GLO) 2018 South Texas Floods CDBG-DR-4377 (2018 Floods) & 2019Lower Rio Grande Valle Floods CDBG-DR-4454 (2019 Floods) and Tropical Storm Imelda CDBG-DR-4466 (TS Imelda).  Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  The City Administrator Aida Gutierrez informed the city council there were four (4) engineering firms turn in RFQs for 2018-2019 (lift station and manholes) and explained the use ofthe money granted. The scoring for engineers was discussed among the city council. The two top engineers went tol Hinojosa with a score of  474 and R.E. Garcia with a score of 469.  services tol  for 2019 and R.E for 2019 and  Mr. Jared Hockema recommended a motion to award the engineering Garcia for 2018: subject to the approval oft the general land office. R.E Garcia for 2018 subject to the approval ofthe general land office.  Hinojosa  Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made ai motion to award the engineering services tol Hinojosa Seconded by Commissioner Olga H Montes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 12. Consideration and Possible Action of Assessment of City of Combes Street Lights Project- Phase I-  Engineer Assessment and Quote for Hand Road from Fonroche Lighting America  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve Consideration and Possible Action of Assessment of City ofCombes Street Lights Project- Phase I- Engineer Assessment and Quote for Hand Road from Fonroche Lighting America. Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve Consideration and Possible Action of Assessment of City of Combes Street Lights Project- Phase I- Engineer Assessment and Quote for Hand Road from Fonroche Lighting America. Seconded by Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar. All in  favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  13. Executive Sessions-  (1) Deliberation pursuant to Texas Government Code 551.072 regarding the purchase and/exchange of real property where the deliberation in open session would have a detrimental effect on the position ofag governmental entity with ai third person, and pursuant to' Texas Government Code 55.087 to discuss or deliberate regarding ai financial incentive to a business prospect described in 551.087 (1)    January 8, 2024, Regular Meeting  counsel which the on  and pursuant to Texas Government Code (2) regarding consultation with legal  duty oft the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct oft the State Bar ofTexas clearly conflicts with' Texas Government Code Chapter 551. b- Discussion and or possible action on developing an agreement with incentives for proposed  development requested by Project Y.  (2) Consultation with Attorney as per Texas Open Meetings Act. [Tex. Govt. Code $551.071-to discuss (3) Tol Deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal ofaj public officer or employee, pursuant to Section 551.074 Personnel Matters. Reassignment Duties- Building Inspector & Former Community Health Worker-Tu Salud Si Cuenta.  Crosswind Landing LP, pursuant to Texas Government Code 55.087 (2)  (4) Executive Session- Consultation with Attorney as per Texas Open Meetings Act. [Tex. Govt. Code $551.071-Discussion regarding G&G Contractor/Surety Bond-Combes Public Warehouse & Animal  Shelter Bond Project 2021-(Update)  Action for Approval or Disapproval oft to go into Executive Session-#11-(1 through 4)  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to enter executive session (1) through (4). Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to enter executive session (1) through (4). Seconded by Commissioner Kenneth P  Stolar. All ini favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 14. Action following Executive Sessions #11 (1 through 4)  (1)A;(2); (3); and (4) Action for Approval orl Disapproval of.  The City Administrator Aida Gutierrez asked for ai motion to return to regular meeting at 8:30pm Commissioner Mary David made ai motion to return to regular meeting at 8:30pm. Seconded by  Commissioner Olga HI Montes.  Action following executive session: Acknowledge report from (1)to(4). Commissioner Olga HI Montes made a motion to acknowledge the report (1) to( (4). Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor.  Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  15. EDC Executive Session Action Items January 8, 2024, EDC Meeting:  Executive Session: As per Texas Local Government Code, Section 551-086, Economic Development, the EDC: Board may enter Closed or Executive Session to discuss the following: (c) Deliberation regarding sale ofreal property, described as DAVID & STEPHENSON SUBDIVISION 13.460 OUTOF36.3780 ACRES BLK 8, pursuant to Texas Government Code, (d) Deliberation regarding offer ofe economic incentives, related, pursuant to Texas Government  Section 551.072.  Code, Section 551.087(2). Project Y. Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  9    January 8,2024, Regular Meeting  Commissioner Olga HJ Montes made ai motion to enter executive session. Seconded by Commissioner  Kenneth P Stolar. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  16. Adjournment ofl Meeting.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion for Adjournment of meeting. Seconded by Commissioner  in  Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  CMlo JoAnn Nino, City Secretary  7 Silvestre Garcia, Mayor  10