REGULAR COMMISSIONERS COURT August 8, 2024 9:00 A.M 2nd FLOOR COURTROOM BROOKS COUNTY COURTHOUSE BEI IT REMEMBERED, that on this day, the Honorable Commissioners' Court ofBrooks County, Texas met in Regular Term therein the City of Falfurrias in the 2nd floor Courtroom oft the Brooks County Courthouse: OPEN MEETING -Judge Eric Ramos opened the meeting at 9:02. AM 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, Absent: Elvaray B. Silvas, County & District Clerk (Not voting). Staff Present: Missy A Saavedra, Deputy Clerk AGENDA 1. Public Comments There were: no public comments. 2. Approve of] Regular and Special Commissioners' Court minutes. Motion: to approve the minutes as presented with corrections, 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. 3. Approve of] Bills and Claims Motion: to approve bills and claims as presented by the County. Auditor, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, 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. 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) iii, (Submitted by Brooks County Library Supervisor) iv. (Submitted' by Ruby Allen, Landfill Supervisor) Terri A. Silvas, Chief Deputy Tax Assessor Collector presented her monthly report; Motion: to approve the monthly reports as presented, 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. 5. Agrilife Extension Reports Information only, no action taken. 15. Discuss, Consider and Act on approving the) Brooks County benefits audit as of April 2024. (Submitted by August Patroeli) - Sara Barrientos, and Greta Robles, Assistant Auditors addressed the Court on the above matter. August Patroelj, County Auditor also addressed the court informing them on his recommendation on waiting till next year and see about deducting from their budget ift this isn't fixed. Motion: to approve audit, Action: Approve, Moved by Eric Ramos, County Judge, 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. 11.1 Discussion of] Brooks County Jail Commissary Audit. Angela Perez, Assistant Auditor addressed the Court on the above matter. August Patroelj, County Auditor also addressed the Court with 2 concerns; internal and no commission being received by GEO. No action taken, discussion only. 6. Discuss, Consider and Act on offer to purchase tax sale property Suit) No. 15-10- 02180-TAX: Brooks County Independent School District, Brooks County and City ofl Falfurrias Vs. Melissa o Davila Tract no. 2 ACCT. NO 01200000F00600: Lot 6, Block E, Maupin First Addition, an addition to the City of] Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas, as described in yolume 212, page 281, Official Records of Brooks County, Texas. 2 Sylvia Montemayor, Attorney with Linebarger addressed the Court on the above matter, Motion: to approve tax saleoffer of$1,000, Action: Approve, Moved by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, 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. 9. Discussion and possible action on the awarding of the construction bid for the Brooks County CTIF Road Improvements Proiect. Hector Castanedo with Adura addressed the Court in reference to them receiving 3 bids for this project and recommend CK. Newberry LLC: in the amount of $251,840.00. Motion: to award bid to CK Newberry, 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. 10. Discuss, Consider and on a Resolution Authorizing County Grant Program Year 2025 Texans Feeding Texans. Marcos Gonzalez, CACOST-Texas Feeding Texans addressed the Court with a quick presentation on services provided to Brooks County. Motion: to approve resolution, 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. Honorable Judge Eric Ramos read resolution in open Court. 13. Discuss, Consider and Act on the authorization to issue requests for proposal for administrative: services (RFP)and requests for qualifications for engineering services (RFO) for grant pre-mpplication (Phase D, application (Phase I,and implementation: services for Texas Community Development Grant Program for 2025/2026 Community: Development: Fund (and all eligible activities per the application guidance) as administered by the' Texas Department of Agriculture, 2 Motion: to authorize for RFP and RFQ, 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. 7. Discuss, Consider and Act on an Agreement! between Brooks County Sheriff's Office, Brooks County and John Gomez assuming ownership of] K-9 Echo. 7 Motion: to approve Agreement, Action: Approve, Moved by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2, 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. 8. Discuss, Consider and Act on Texas] Department ofTransportation, Airport Proiect) Participation Agreement FY 2025 RAMP Grant. Motion: to approve agreement, 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. 12. Discuss, Consider and Act on the appointment of three) Directors to the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District Board to represent the agricultural interests of the Brooks County Territory outside the corporate city limits of Falfurrias and not in thel Kenedy Counfy Groundwater Conservation District, the municipal interests of the territory in the corporate city limits of the Cityof Falfurrias, Brooks County Texas and the industrial and mining interests of the territory in Brooks and. Jim Hogg Counties that is not part of thel Kenedy County GCD. Honorable Judge Eric Ramos informed the Court that there is a recommendation for the appointment of Mauro Garcia Jr., Robert "Bob" Scott Jr and William Paul Goranson. Motion: to appointment to Mauro Garcia Jr., Robert "Bob" Scott Jr and William Paul Goranson., 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. 14. Discuss, Consider and Act on transferring $3,600.00 from line item 012-5-0435- 5484 Crt. Appt. Attys. Criminal: to line item 012-5-5481 Crt. Appt Attys- Civil (Submitted by 79th District Court) Honorable Judge Eric Ramos made a correction to the line item 012-5-5481 to read 012- 5-0435-5481. Motion: to approve line item transfer, Action: Approve, Moved by Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2, 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. 16. Discuss, Consider and Act on transferring $1,800.001 from line item 012-5-0401-9080 Registration fees to line item 012-5-0510-5105 Gas & Oil Expense. (Submitted by County Judge) Motion: to approve line item transfer, 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. 17, Discuss, Consider and Act on transferring $1, ,400.00 from line item 012-5-0401-9010 membership dues to 012-5-0510-5120 Janitorial Supplies (Submitted by County Judge) Motion: to approve line item transfer, Action: Approve, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, 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. 18. Discuss, Consider and Act on transferring $475.00 from 012-5-0400-9010, Membership Dues to 012-5-0409-5505 Internet Exp. (Submitted by County Judge) Motion: to approve line item transfer, 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. 19. Discuss, consider and act to Resources Mobility Services for work on the 2024 TDEM Hazard Mitigation Plan. 2 Honorable Judge Bric Ramos addressed the Court on the above. matter, asking the court to pass this item due to the wording. Motion: to table, Action: Table, Moved by Eric Ramos, County Judge, 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. 20. Status on the' TDHCA HOME RSP Housing Program E Francisco Briones addressed the Court with an update, due to 95% of the homes were within the City limits and it would cause a coniflict and asking the applicants to re-apply with the City. No action taken, discussion only. 21. Discuss, Consider and Act on scoring and awarding the EPA Community Changes Program RFP for Management Services. Francisco Briones mention that the County only received one bid for each. Honorable Judge Eric Ramos opened the only bid received from Resources Mobility Associates Inc. Motion: to table for review, 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, 22, Discuss, Consider and Act on scoring and awarding the) EPA Community Changes Program RFO for A/E Services. 4 Honorable Judge Eric Ramos opened the only bid received from Fulcrum. Motion: to table for review. 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, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Horacio Villarreal II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. EXECUTIVE SESSION-Item was passed by the Court 23. Discuss Employmen/ResignationsRetirements and other Personnel Issues. OPEN SESSION- Item was passed by the Court 24. Discuss, Consider, and Act on. EmploymentResignations/Retirements: 25. Public] Hearing Regarding to submit a grant application to fhe U.S. Environmental Protection Administration. Motion: to table, 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. 26. Public Hearing on the EPA Community Changes Program Francisco Briones gave information to the Court in reference to the above matter in the scope of work (projects) that can be included in this program. 27. Public Hearing regarding the 20241 Hazard Mitigation Plan Francisco Briones addressed the Court, that to comply for the Hazard Mitigation Plan he recommended having this public hearing for informational purposes. August Patroelj asked what al Hazard Mitigation Plan is, Mr. Briones responded it is a hazard plan to identify the leisure's within a 5-year plan. Updating the documents help the County qualify for grants with TDEM/FEMA. Public hearing ended at 10:11 AM. 28. Budget Workshop R The Court reviewed the following: Judge Eric Ramos informed the Court that last week the budge was short $400,000 and is now short $166,928: the reason for the difference, is the adding to revenue from the traffic officer; Edi Rachal Foundation purchasing ofthe Blumer Building and have included that cost as ai revenue; and has cut the stipend to the Elected officials GEO portion (is still looking into it); the decrease in the retirement rate; the possibility of paying insurance portions out of their perspective funds 29, Discuss, Consider and Act on approving the certification of 2023 excess debt collections and the 2024 anticipated collection rate. (Submitted by Terri Silvas) Terri. A. Silvas, Chief Deputy Tax Assessor Collector addressed the Court on the above matter. Motion: to approve, 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 mI, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 30. Discuss, Consider and Act on accepting certified total appraised, assessed and taxable values of all property and total taxable of new property in Brooks County AS Certified by thel Brooks County Appraisal District, the Governing Body Summary #IA and #2A, and the 2024) Planning calendar. (Submitted by Terri Silvas) 2 Motion: to approve, 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. 31. Discuss, Consider and Act on tax rate, if proposed tax rate will exceed the voter approval rate or the no new revenue tax rate (whicheveri is lower), fakerecord, yote and schedule public hearings. (Submitted by TerriSilvas) Discussion was made to recess and readjust the tax amounts for the Road and Bridge department to help alleviate the general tax revenue. Motion: to recess for August 9, 2024 to 9. AM, Action: Enter Recess, 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 II, Commissioner Precinct #3, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. The Court recessed at 10:31 AM The Court continued pursuant to recess on Friday, August 9, 2024. OPEN MEETING -Judge Eric Ramos opened the meeting at 9:04 AM PLEDGE or 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, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Absent: Horacio Villarreal III, Commissioner Precinct #3, Elvaray B. Silvas, County & District Clerk. Staff Present: Missy A Saavedra, Deputy Clerk The Court continued to discuss line item # 31 Honorable Judge Eric Ramos handed out proposed numbers (on file) with proposing a tax rate of 0.900847 which is a tax increase of 1.5 cents instead of the 2.5 cent increase (no new revenue). Motion: to approve a tax rate of0.900847, Action: Approve, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Marty "Martin" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 4). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. The Court went back to discuss line item #30 Motion: to rescind the motion previously made due to the change ofthe proposed tax rate., 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 = 4). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2, Motion: to approve with the new proposed tax rate of0.900847, 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 = 4). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 32. Adjourn Motion: to adjourn the meeting at 9:17. AM, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Seconded by Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4. Motion passed unanimously. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes - 4). Yes: Eduardo "Eddie" Garza, Commissioner Precinct #1, Eric Ramos, County Judge, Martin "Marty" Cabrera, Commissioner Precinct #4, Rolando Gutierrez, Commissioner Precinct #2. 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 lah day of Dccewbep 2024, A.D. APPROVED: County Judge ATPESTED: ML County eyfigilw Clerk &