REGULAR COMMISSIONERS COURT October 11, 2024 9:00 A.M. 2nd FLOOR COURTROOM BROOKS COUNTY COURTHOUSE BE) ITI REMEMBERED, that on this day, the Honorable Commissioners' Court of Brooks County, Texas met in Regular Term therein the City of) Falfurrias in the 2nd floor Courtroom of the Brooks County Courthouse: OPEN MEETING -Judge Eric Ramos opened the meeting at PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Judge Eric Ramos ROLL CALL-Judge Eric Ramos called for roll call: Present: Eric Ramos, County Judge, Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Elvaray B. Silvas, County & District Clerk (Not voting). Staff lresent: Missy A Saavedra, Deputy Clerk AGENDA 1. Public Comments There were: no public comments. 2. Approve of] Regular and Special Commissioners' Court minutes. R1 Item was passed by the Court. 3. Approve of Bills and Claims E Motion: to approve, Action: Approve, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 4. Approve Monthly Reports a a. Treasurer's Monthly Report b. Auditor's) Monthly Report C. Tax Assessor Collector Chief Deputy Monthly Report d. Approve Monthly Reports by Brooks County i. (Submitted by County Foreman) ii. (Submitted by Brooks County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1-4) ili. (Submitted by Brooks County Library Supervisor) iv. (Submitted by Ruby Allen, Landfill Supervisor) Motion: to approve the monthly reports, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Chief Deputy Tax Assessor Collector, Terri A. Silvas presented her monthly report in open Court. 5. Agrilife Extension Reports Informational Item only. 6. Discuss, Consider and Act on applying for the 2025 RAISE grant. A Honorable Judge Eric Ramos addressed the Court in reference to two letters one with the Cost oft the grant submittance and documents: needed ($35,000) or the other withj just the documents ($4,000). Judgel Ramos: informed the court that there is Fund 13-Grant Matching Fund that we could use but only has $30,000. Motion: to approve the October 4th Letter (submittance of grant and documents), Action: Approve, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 7. Discuss short- and long-term plans to repair paved county roads in Brooks County. 7 The Court discussed the above matter and a possible solution to maintain paved roads, a suggestion by Judge Ramos was to use thei material that they were: informed of, which will be good for about 5-10 years. Dave Vasquez addressed the Court with their comments and concerns. Discussion item only, no action taken. 8. Discuss, Consider and Act on lifting thel Beer Ban at the Alaniz. Fair grounds for the duration of the Fall Festival to be held Noyember 1-3rd 2024. (Submitted by Nikolo Guerra). E It was discussed that there will be: no sale of alcohol, it's just to allow for it to be brought on the premises. Nikolo Guerra informed the Court that DPS and Border Patrol will be on site just to do walk throughs. Motion: to lift the beer ban, Action: Approve, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 9. Discuss, Consider and Act on adding Election workers to the Workers Compensation Insurance, Honorable Judge Eric Ramos informed the Court that this is something that TAC has informed HR to do. Motion: to adding Election workers to the Workers Compensation, Action: Approve, Moved by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Seconded by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 10. Discuss, Consider and Act on accepting a $2,000.00 donation from' The Williams Companies, INC, to the Brooks County Emergency) Management Department. a Motion: to approve item #10, Action: Approve, Moved by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 11. Discuss, Consider and Act on modifying the Brooks County Landfill) hours of operation. 2 Motion: to table, Action: Table, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Bric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 12. Discuss, Consider and Act on final projects to include in the) EPA Climate Change Grant. E Passed at this time till the end of the meeting. 13. Discuss, Consider and Act on adopting aj policy to allow Brooks County to garnish wages from its employees' paychecks for the purpose of collecting delinquent property taxes. E Will be discussed in closed session first and then a decision will be made. 14. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase tax sale property Suit No. 10-06- 01870-TX, Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City ofl Falfurrias Vs. Nicolas G. Lopez ACCT. NO> 01000001302300: Lots 23 and 24, Block 13, La Colona Mexicana Addition, Original Townsite to the City of Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas as described in the Volume 4. page 554, Deed Records of) Brooks County, Texas, 7 Motion: to approve tax sale in the amount of 900.00, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 15, Discuss, Consider and Act on tax sale property Suit No. 14-02-02062-TX: Brooks County Independent School District. Brooks County and City ofl Falfurrias VS. Sandra Serna ACCT. NO 01300000C01200: Lot 12, block C Rachal Addition, an addition to the City of Falfurrins, Brooks County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded in volume 1, page 39 map records of Brooks County, Texas. Motion: to approve tax sale in the amount of $800.00, Action: Approve, Moved by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. (on file) Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 4, No - 1, Abstain = 0). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. No: Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 16. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase tax sale property Suit) NO. 14-02- 02066-TX: Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City of) Falfurrias vs Manuel Parras ACCT, No 01200000C00404: 0.092 acre moreor less, being thel North one-half of the West one-half of lot 4, Block "C", Maupin Addition, an addition to the Town of Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas as described in deed dated March 16, 1949, from, Amelia Villa del Parras to Manuel V. Parras, in Volume 32, page 58, Deed records of Brooks County, Texas. 2 Motion: to approve tax sale in the amount of $500.00, Action: Approve, Moved by Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Seconded by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 17. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase taxs sale property Suit] NO. 18-08- 02279-TAX: Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City ofl Falfurrias Vs. Marisel H Lara ACCT NO. 02100000201200. Lot 12, Block 2, Maupin's Second addiction an addition to the City of Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas, as described in Volume 350, Page 83, Official Records of Brooks County, Texas. a Motion: to approve tax sale in the amount of $1,000.00, Action: Approve, Moved by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Seconded by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 18. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase tax sale property Suit No. 20- 0702332 TAX Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City of Falfurrias Vs Esperanza Dominguez. ACCT. NO. 01200000H00800; Lot 8, block 'H', Maupin's First addition, an addition to the Original Townsite of Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas as described in volume 88, page 281, deed records of Brooks County, Texas Motion: to approve tax: salei ini the amount of$500.00, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 19. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase tax sale property Suit No. 22-07- 02409TAX, Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City of Falfurrias Vs. Inez Escalante and] Paula Escalante ACCT NO, 03950000700700; Lot 7 block 7, Juan B. Ramierz Subdivision, a subdivision in Brooks County, Texas, as described in Volume 91, page 631, Deed Records of] Brooks County, Texas. EI Motion: to approve tax sale in the amount of $ 2000, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. (on file) Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 20. Discuss, Consider and Act on award to selected grant management: firm for grant mrtesulisatiomamlkation. and implementation services for the Brooks County 2025-2026 Texas Community Development Grant) Fund Program as administered by the' Texas Department of Agriculture. Ifapplicable., Entity's designated representativel is authorized to negotiate and agree to a final fee on behalf of Entity, - Honorable Judge Eric Ramos stated that GrantWorks isi in charge ofthis and that a deadline ofDecember gth has to be met. Judge Ramos sated that the County has received some electronically and sorne sealed bids. Have received bids from Landford, and GrantWorks. Motion: to table for review of bids, Action: Table, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 21. Discuss, Consider Act on authorization to issue requests for proposals (RFPS) for administrative: services and requests for qualifications (RFOs) for engineering services related to the 2025 Colonia Fund - Construction (CFC) administered by the' Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). Nelda Barrera, GrantWorks addressed the Court. in reference to the above matter, informing the Court that this is 1 million dollars grant in funding with no county match and a deadline of December 2, 2024. Ms. Barrera stated that this is a grant that focuses on infrastructure (water waste and wateri improvements) Motion: to go out for bids for both RFP and RFQ, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes =5). Ves: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 22. Discuss, Consider and Act on purchasing: 2 John Deere] FC15R Flex wing shredders from' Tellus] Equipment through the" Texas) Buyboard in the amountof $65,602.88. B Motion: to approve purchase, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. EXECUTIVE SESSION- The Court went into Executive Session at 10:07 AM; to discuss the following: Line item #23 Line item #24, and Line item #13 23. Discuss Employmen/ResignationsRetirements and other Personnel Issues. 24. Presentation ofi request to allow an employee from the Brooks County Jail to roll over vacation hours. OPEN SESSION-The Court came back into open session at 11:59 AM; Present same as before. The Court discussed Line Item #13. Judge Ramos informed the Court that the only amount being collected would be just for County Taxes. Motion: to table to get more information, Action: Table, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 25, Discuss, Consider,and. Act on lahmuaausadtsaa Nothing discussed in open Court, 26. Discuss, Consider and Act on request to allow an employee from the Brooks County Jail to roll over vacation hours. I Motion: to approve the rollover of 40 hours, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3. Motion passed nanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. The Court went back to discuss Line Item #12 Honorable Judge Eric Ramos went over a handout of plans for the EPA Grant. At 12:09 PM Commissioner Villarreal left the meeting. Judge Ramos informed the Court that he wanted to table this item and have the Commissioners review and see what they want to include or not include. No action taken, discussion only. (on file) 27. Adjourn - Motion: to adjourn the meeting at 12:13 PM, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Seconded by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. The Court was: reopened at 12:13 AMI to table. linei item #12: since there was no action taken, Honorable Judge Eric Ramos just decided toj just pass the item. Meeting stayed. Adjourned at 12:13 PM The preceding minutes beginning on page and ending on page of the Commissioners' Court Minutes Volume read and approved in the Honorable Commissioners' Court this a.day of DcenkE 2024, A.D. APPROVED: County Judge ATFESTED: o - . drag County Clerk