March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  MINUTES  Notice is hereby given that the City of Combes Commissioners met in a Regular Session at 7:00 pm Monday, March 25, 2024, at Combes Municipal Complex, 21626 Hand Road, Combes Texas to consider the Public comments may be e-mailed to duregtomoloenkscon by the meeting date at 4:00 pm.  following.  Meeting began at 7:00 pm 1. Roll Call.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia requested roll call. By City Administrator Aida Gutierrez Mayor Silvestre Garcia - Present Commissioner Olga HI 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 Andy Esquivel led the invocation.  Commissioner Olga H Montes led the pledge ofa 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 a maximum of three (3) minutes. No formal action can be taken on these items. Action for Approval or Disapproval Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council and the public attendants there were three (3) individuals who signed up with business before the council not scheduled on the agenda to speak or speak on any item on the agenda for maximum oft three (3) minutes. No: formal action can be taken on these items. 1. Mr. Gerardo Santos from Forrest Lane regarding property issues. Mr. Santos introduced himselfand acknowledged he is a candidate running for Place 1 Commissioner in Combes. During his campaigning Mr. Santos is addressed with concerns from the public related to political signs being placed onj properties without the owner's permission ori individuals who are not affiliated politically. 2. Mr. Steve Jennings regarding District Drainage #5. Mr. Jennings informed the city council the large variance ditch behind Loves has been completed and the next step is additional retainage from 3. Mr. Steve Hilten regarding the Utility Rates. Mr. Hilten thanked the current board for moving the city in the right direction. Mr. Hilten asked the board ifit was possible to set up a two-tier utility rate for homes located in Sunshine who reside with one or two individuals that consume less water, sewer, or Mayor Silvestre Garcia acknowledged the issues brought before the board and advised the issues would be addressed. With no further comments Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked to move: forward to the next agenda item  surrounding areas.  garbage than an average household and would lessen their water bills.  #4.  4    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  4. Mr. Jesse Villarreal, South Texas Youth Soccer Association- Consideration and Possible Action of  Use of Community Park Soccer Fields. Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mr. Jesse Villarreal thanks the board for having him present. Mr. Villarreal made an introduction tol his background. He was born and raised in Harlingen, served in the TX Association School Board in Austin. After leaving the Military in 1988 he became a volunteer for organizing soccer leagues for boys and girls ages 8 to 13 years of age. Due tol limited space in locations currently used he is asking the City of Combes for the utilization of fields oft the city park. Mr. Villarreal takes full responsibility for the maintenance and The City of Combes Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez informed the board that the rules and regulations for using the park have been provided to Mr. Villarreal and he acknowledged to comply. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve Mr. Jesse Villarreal, South Texas Youth Soccer Association- Consideration and Possible Action ofUse ofCommunity Park Soccer Fields. Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve Mr. Jesse Villarreal, South Texas Youth Soccer Association- Consideration and Possible. Action ofUse of Community Park Soccer Fields. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 5. Consideration and Possible Action-Mimutes.anuary 29 & February 12, 2024, Regular Sessions. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to approve Consideration and Possible ACton-Mimutes-anuaiy Commissioner Olga HI Montes made a motion to approve Consideration and Possible Action-Minutes- January 29 & February 12, 2024, Regular Sessions. Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. 6. Mayor Silvestre Garcia- Consideration and Possible Action-Department & City Updates  equipment during use oft the park.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  29 & February 12, 2024, Regular Sessions. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  a) Building Permit Department b) Municipal Court  Report made available to the city council ini their packets. Report made available to the city council ini their packets. Report made available to the city council in their packets.  c) Waterworks Department  d) Nixon Road Project Additional 30'RCP-508 Crossing & Project Change Order #1-Rhyner  Construction Services, Inc. (Update).  Mayor Silvestre Garcia gave an update on Nixon Road. Cameron County District has agreed toj pay additional cost for 30'RCP-508. Change order has been submitted. Contractor to add to contract, paving on Nixon is complete and currently working on the additional RCP at no cost to the city. e) BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure Communities) Grant  5    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the grant will be started soon. The City Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez informed the city council additional information was requested for the awarding of $1 Million dollars. Since the change of scope of work changed onl Nixon and FM: 508. The information was submitted to the appropriate agencies and is currently being reviewed. Should the city get awarded, it would benefit Cameron County Drainage project, Dishman, the crossing of the expressway and FM 508. The cost for the city is ten  percent. (10%) estimated Eighty (80) to Ninety (90) thousand out of$1.3 million.  f)HOME Program Grant.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed thel board an additional six (6) homes are being built with the grant. The City ofCombes Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez: informed the city council the homes will be constructed at the same time. The contractors have been selected with the lowest bid and highly qualified.  g) CDV21-0278 Tangerine & Orange Street Improvements.  The City Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez: informed the city council the city is on time within the scope of deadline of August 29,2024. The contractor is currently working in a different location with at time span of2 months to finish the project. A timeline on when this project is to begin is pending from Rhyner  Construction.  h) Hand Road Street Lights & Hidden Woods Phase II Proposed Ribbon Cutting Events.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of. (Items A-H)  The City of Combes Administrative Ms. Aida Gutierrez confirmed 17 streetlights were approved. The lights will be received ini mid-April. The engineers for the contractor will be providing an assessment oft the location of the lights. A request for ai ribbon cutting to be done at the Combes City Hall on April 29th, 2024. Mayor Silvestre Garcia recommended a meeting with the engineers on the agreement for the engineer design. The City of Combes Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez informed the city council the engineer design is available, and a copy can be requested ifr needed (Public Record). On Hidden Wood Phase II * Eighty-seven (87) homes were approved to be built on. Hand Rd, a pre constructed meeting was held and clean up at Mayor Silvestre Garcia clarified the current developments have been brought to the City of Combes in the Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked foran motion to acknowledge Department & City Updates. Commissioner Olga HMontes made a motion to acknowledge Department & City updates. Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes (Commissioner Mary David). All ini favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  location is inj process. last ten (10) months.  7.C 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 d) Rhyner Construction-Pay Application No. 4- $45,403.20 Nixon Road & Drainage Improvements e)SWG Engineering LLC-Inyoic#10353, $4,354.13 and Invoicel10346, $5,055.42 ARP Nixon  Special Funds for February 2024  February 2024. (ARP Funds)  Road & Drainage Improvements (ARP Funds)  6    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  fCombes Community Center Roof] Proposal from Paul Garza Roofing-Dated February 27, 2024-  $34,987.56: for Extensive Roof Repairs. Action for Approval or Disapproval of. (Items A-F)  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for any questions/discussions for items A-F. With No questions /discussions from the board. Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made ai motion to approve agenda items a) Invoices for b) Check Registers & Debit Card Transactions-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special c) Financial Statement Reports-General Fund, Waterworks, and Police Department Special Funds for d) Rhyner Construction-Pay Application No. 4- $45,403.20 Nixon Road & Drainage Improvements (ARP e)SWG Engineering LLC-Invoic.10353, $4,354.13 and Invoice#f10346, $5,055.42 ARP Nixon Road & fCombes Community Center Roof Proposal from Paul Garza Roofing-Dated February 27, 2024- Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 8.Consideration and Possible. Action ofCombes Festivity Report of] Easter Event 2024 Donations  Approval-General, Waterworks, Special Funds.  Funds for February 2024 February 2024. Funds)  Drainage Improvements (ARP Funds) $34,987.56 for Extensive Roof Repairs.  and/or Expense from Event Coordinator JoAnn Nino and/or Committee.  Action for Approval orl Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia publicly Thanked Combes Event Coordinator Mrs. Jo Ann Nino, the Combes Event Committee who served at the event, all the volunteers and all the sponsors for organizing an excellent event. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked fora a motion to approve Combes Festivity Report of Easter Event 2024 Donations and/or Expense from Event Coordinator JoAnn Nino and/or Committee. Commissioner Olga HI Montes made ai motion to approve Combes Festivity Report of] Easter Event 2024 Donations and/or Expense from Event Coordinator JoAnn Nino and/or Committee. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 9.Consideration and Possible Action of Resolution No. 2024-3 A Resolution of the City ofCombes, Texas supporting LRGVDC: in Support of Mexico Paying their Water Debt as per 1944Treaty.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Resolution No. 2024-3 A Resolution ofthe City of Combes, Texas supporting LRGVDC: in Support of Mexico Paying their Water Debt as per 1944 Treaty was provided to the city council for review. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to approve the Resolution No. 2024-3 A Resolution of the City of Combes, Texas supporting LRGVDC: in Support of] Mexico Paying their Water Debt as per 1944 Treaty. Commissioner Mary David made ai motion to approve the Resolution No. 2024-3 A Resolution oft the City of Combes, Texas supporting LRGVDC in Support ofMexico Paying their Water Debt as per 1944 Treaty. Seconded by Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote. 10. Consideration and Possible Action of 13th Annual TML Region 12 Educational Training  Workshop- May 16-17", ,2024-South Padre Island, Texas. Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  7    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for aj motion to approve Consideration and Possible Action of13th Annual TML Region 12 Educational Training Workshop- May 16-17th, 2024-South Padre Island, Texas Commissioner Olga H Montes made a motion to approve Consideration and Possible Action of13th Annual TML Region 12 Educational Training Workshop- May 16-17h, 2024-South Padre Island, Texas. Seconded 11. Consideration and Possible Action to schedule a Commissioners Workshop to review Schedule of  by Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion Passed due to unanimous vote. Permits Fees for City of Combes as per Exhibit C ofOrdinance No.2010-14.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  The City Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez asked/recommended tol have a workshop on next regular meeting at 5:00pm on April 08,2024 to review Schedule of Permits Fees for City of Combes as per Exhibit C of Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve scheduling a Commissioners Workshop to review the Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve scheduling a Commissioners Workshop to review the Schedule of] Permits Fees for City of Combes as per Exhibit CofOrdinance No.2010-14. Seconded by 12. Consideration and Possible Action to schedule a Commissioners Workshop to review Harlingen Waterworks and City of Combes Water Treatment and Delivery of Water Agreement dated June  Ordinance No.2010-14.  Schedule of] Permits Fees for City of Combes as per Exhibit C ofOrdinance No.2010-14. Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  1984.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  The City of Combes Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez informed the workshop will be for a full update on the reading for rate study Harlingen is currently having their meetings on. Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked to add to the workshop to discuss the feasibility of the City of Combes coming together with City of Primera Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve Workshop to review Harlingen Waterworks and City Commissioner Olga H Montes made a motion to approve Workshop to review Harlingen Waterworks and City ofCombes Water Treatment and Delivery of Water Agreement dated June 1984. Seconded by  and City ofPalm Valley to create a Fire Department.  of Combes Water Treatment and Delivery ofWater Agreement dated June 1984. Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  13. Consideration and Possible Action of Resolution No. 2024-1 Authorizing approval of the Building Contractor-(A-One Insulation, LLC)- Award for the HOME Program through the Texas Department ofHousing and Community Affairs-Lowest Bid totaling $769,500.00 dollars for Six (6) Three-Bedroom  Homes.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council A-One Insulation, LLC was selected to build the six (6) new homes in Combes coming in with the lowest bid. The City of Combes Administrator Ms. Aida Gutierrez informed the city council references for the contractor were provided in their packets. Homes are  8    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  built according to the program's assessment and recommendations. Thej program can reconstruct a home VS Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for ai motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-1 Authorizing approval oft the Building Contractor- (A-One Insulation, LLC)- Award for the HOME Program through the Texas Department ofHousing and Community Affairs-Lowest Bid totaling $769,500.00 dollars for Six (6) Three- Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-1 Authorizing approval oft the Building Contractor-(A-One Insulation, LLC)- Award for the HOME Program through the Texas Department ofHousing and Community Affairs-Lowest Bid totaling $769,500.00 dollars for Six (6) Three- Bedroom Homes. Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous 14. Consideration and Possible Action of Resolution No. 2024-2 Resolution of the City of Combes suspending the April 4, 2024, effective date of AEP, Texas Inc.'s requested rate change to permit the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates; approving cooperation with the cities served by AEP, Texas, and authorizing intervention in AEP Texas Inc.'s requested rate change  the building ofa a new home. Applications and Funds are still available.  Bedroom Homes.  vote.  proceedings before the Commission.  Action for Approval orl Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-2 Resolution oft the City of Combes suspending the April 4, 2024, effective date of AEP, Texas Inc.' 's requested rate change toj permit the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates; approving cooperation with the cities served by AEP, Texas, and authorizing intervention in AEP Texas Inc.'s requested rate change proceedings Commissioner Olga H Montes made a motion to approve Resolution No. 2024-2 Resolution of the City of Combes suspending the April 4, 2024, effective date of AEP, Texas Inc.' 's requested rate change to permit the city time to study the request and to establish reasonable rates; approving cooperation with the cities served by AEP, Texas, and authorizing intervention in AEP Texas Inc.'s requested rate change proceedings before the Commission. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David (Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar). All in  before the Commission.  favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  15. Combes Economic Development Corporation and Municipal Development District Action Items: Mayor Silvestre Garca informed the city council the items were approved by the Combes EDC on March  March 11,2024 Meetings- 25,2024 Meeting.  Combes Economic Development:  a). Consideration and Possible. Action ofCarlos Colina-Vargas & Associates to Proceed with  proposal for funding for the Old City Hall Project. Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia informed the city council the project is to reconstruct the old city hall. The project is to create ai multiple use center for children not capable of visiting other facilities (ex. Harlingen Library) due  tol lack oft transportation. The center will provide internet access and computers.  9    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve Carlos Colina-Vargas & Associates to Proceed with Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve Carlos Colina-Vargas & Associates to. Proceed with proposal for funding for the Old City Hall Project. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in  proposal for funding for the Old City Hall Project. favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  b). Consideration and Possible Action to authorize EDC staff to initiate Request for Proposals for funding procurement for the Old City Hall project and for the GLO Resilient Communities  Project.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve to authorizel EDC staff to initiate Request for Proposals for funding procurement for the Old City Hall project and for the GLO Resilient Communities Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve to authorize EDC: stafft to initiate Request for Proposals for funding procurement for the Old City Hall project and for the GLO Resilient Communities. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  )Consideration and Possible. Action on Approval of a Resolution Supporting the Old City Hall  Renovation Project.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for motion to approve ofal Resolution Supporting the Old City Hall Commissioner Olga HI Montes made a motion to approve ofal Resolution Supporting the Old City Hall Renovation Project. Seconded by Commissioner Mary David. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous  Renovation Project.  vote.  d) Closed Session: Section 551.072.  Deliberation regarding sale of real property described as DAVID & STEPHENSON SUBDIVISION13-460 OUT OF 36.3780 ACRES BLK 8, pursuant to Texas Government Code,  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for motion to approve to proceed as discussed in executive session in the EDC. Commissioner Olga H Montes made ai motion to approve toj proceed as discussed in executive session ini the EDC. Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  e). Action relative to Closed Session item d)- Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to Table e) Action relative to Closed Session item d)- Commissioner Olga H Montes made a motion to Table e) Action relative to Closed Session item d)- Seconded by Commissioner Ann Forbes. All in favor. Motion passed due to unanimous vote.  Combes Municipal Development District:  a). Consideration and Possible Action to provide funding assistance to Wiesman Subdivision Fire Hydrant Project located within Combes ETJ and/or approval of proposal for Fire  Hydrant.  10    March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to approve providing funding assistance to Wiesman Subdivision Fire Hydrant Project located within Combes ETJ and/or approval ofj proposal for Fire Hydrant.  Commissioner Kenneth P Stolar made a motion to approve toj provide funding assistance to Wiesman Subdivision Fire Hydrant Project located within Combes ETJ and/or approval of proposal for Fire Hydrant. Seconded by Commissioner Olga H Montes (Commissioner Mary David). All in favor. Motion passed due to  unanimous vote.  16. Adjournment of Meeting.  Action for Approval or Disapproval of.  Mayor Silvestre Garcia asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Olga H Montes madea  motion to  Seconded by Commissioner Mary, David. All in: favor. Motion passed due to  Silvestre  Gatdlue JoAnn Nino, City Secretary  Garcia, Mayor  E7  11