EL PASO COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS COURT

CARLOS LEON
Commissioner, Pct.1

ILIANA HOLGUIN
Commissioner, Pct.3

DAVID STOUT
Commissioner, Pct.2

CARL L. ROBINSON
Commissioner, Pct.4

RICARDO A. SAMANIEGO
County Judge

In accordance with section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, Governor Abbott has suspended various provisions that require government officials and members of the public to be physically present at a specified meeting location. As a result, all or some government officials may participate via telephone or videoconference. Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to watch the meetings online, at the links provided below. Members of the public are also encouraged to participate in public comment by calling the telephone number below. This temporary suspension will leave important open-meeting protections in place:


  • Members of the public will be entitled to participate and address the governmental body during any telephonic or videoconference meeting.




If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact us at (915) 546-2215

Commissioners Court Chambers, El Paso County Courthouse 
500 East San Antonio Room 303 El Paso, Texas 79901
Website address: http://www.epcounty.com
View live video webcast: http://epcounty.com/video

Please place all electronic devices on silent mode to reduce disruption of the meeting.


AGENDA
Regular Meeting, February 22, 2021  - 9:30 AM


Strategic Plan Priority

1.OPEN MEETING
2.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3.INVOCATION
A.Receive an invocation.
4.CONSENT AGENDA

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 and following verbal announcement, if an appropriate exception to the open meeting requirement of the Texas Open Meetings Act is applicable.

A.

Approval of the Minutes of the regular meeting of February 8, 2021 and the special meeting of February 16, 2021.

County Administration Department (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.
Edward A. Dion, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office (915) 546-2040
C.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Authorization to Obtain Treasury Management Services Agreement with Frost Bank, to allow for the flow of funds from our depository bank to Frost Bank for the purchase of securities.  (Contract No. 2021-0112)
Edward A. Dion, CPA, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office (915) 546-2040
D.Approve amendment No. 18 to the County of El Paso’s 2020-2021 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will increase Special Revenue by $19,450.00, increase Grants by $1,047,193.67, thus increasing the overall budget of $489,082,153.28 to $490,148,796.95.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
E.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Contract Amendment 2 extending the contract period under the Texas Department of Agriculture-Community Development Block Grant-Emergency Services-Help for Colonias Program for a term beginning January 15, 2021 and now ending April 15, 2021.  (Contract No. 2021-0085)
Irene G. Valenzuela, Executive Director, Community Services Department (915) 775-2708
F.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) grant award agreement in the amount of $84,843.96 for home delivered meals for elderly individuals and persons with disabilities for a term beginning February 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022. Funds will be deposited in SG-NUTRITM21-STATE AGENCY. (Contract No. 2021-0094)
Irene G. Valenzuela, Executive Director, Community Services Department (915) 775-2708
G.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Continuum of Care Grant Closeout Certification Grant (TX0458L6T031600) Coordinated Assessment/Entry project. (Contract No. 2021-0087)
Irene G. Valenzuela, Executive Director, Community Services Department (915) 775-2708
H.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Office of the Attorney General Statewide Automated Victim Notification Services (SAVNS) Fiscal Year 2021 Q1 and Q2 Invoices, both in the amount of $7,530.63, and the Quarterly Verification of Continuing Production Record form for automated victim information and notification in El Paso County. There is no fiscal impact to the County general fund budget. (Contract No. 2020-0964)
Yvonne Rosales, District Attorney, District Attorney's Office (915) 546-2059
I.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Agreement with the City of El Paso relating to jointly providing an underwriting film agreement for a series highlighting El Paso's gastronomy. Funding in the amount of $75,000 is available in SR-CLSMTRPROM-OPS EXP-GEN. (Contract No. 2020-1081)
Jose M. Landeros, Interim Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177
J.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Group Agreement between the County of El Paso and Aetna Life Insurance Company for plan year 2021. Funding is available in IS-HEALTH-RET MED ADV PLAN FEE.  (Contract No. 2021-0060)
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
K.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Notice of Contract Termination Letter informing SHI Government Solutions that the County will not be renewing their agreement, pursuant to Section 5 of the addendum.  (OP-21-0061) 
Christopher Stathis, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Department (915) 546-2041
L.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Interlocal Agreement Project Development Agreement for the Fabens Airport Fuel Farm and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) Project with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority for engineering design at the Fabens Airport. Funding in the amount of $98,361.63 is available in SG-RAMP21-OPERATING EX.  (Contract No. 2021-0058)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning and Development Department (915) 546-2015
M.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the FY2021 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) & Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Certifications and Assurances. This document is required by all subrecipients set to receive federal funds through TxDOT. There is no fiscal impact to the County. (Contract No. 2021-0110)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
N.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Public Transportation Project Grant Agreement Amendment #1, FY2021 State Rural Project Grant Agreement (PGA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to transfer $7,000 from operations, to line item equipment acquisition. The original award amount is unchanged and there is no County match required. (Contract No. 2021-0113)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
O.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §232.0026, conditionally approve and accept the revision of Lagos Del Este subdivision to be named Lagos Del Este Replat A. Further, authorize the filing and recording of the subdivision plat once comments have been addressed in accordance with Texas Local Government Code §232.0027.
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
P.Approve the Certificates of Plat Compliance (under Texas Local Government Code Section 232.028(a), as provided on the attached listing.
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
Q.(Postponed 02/08/21) Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Second Exercise of Option to Renew Agreement with Cardtronics USA, Inc. for ATM Placement Services for the County for a term from February 1, 2021 through January 31, 2024. Funds will be deposited in GF-FACILITIES-RENTALS/LEASES. (Contract No. 2021-0011)
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
R.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Change Order No. 2 to the Vista del Este Water Distribution System Project with CMD Endeavors, Inc. The vendor has successfully completed the project, and the Change Order will address the final adjustments of project quantities and credit the County in the amount of $83,119.34. Funds will be deposited in EP-EMONWATER-CAP OUT-WTRSYS IM.  (Contract No. 2021-0015)
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
S.Rescind the Court Order of November 2, 2020, Item # 8 on the Regular Agenda to approve Leasing of Golf Carts for the County of El Paso Ascarate Golf Course using Sourcewell 051717-YGC awarded to Masek Rocky Mountain Golf of Commerce City, Colorado, in the amount of $5,749.15 per month. Purchasing approved on October 21, 2020. Funding is available in GF-GOLFCOURSEOP-RENT/LEASES. Further, award Leasing of Golf Carts for the County of El Paso Ascarate Golf Course using Sourcewell 051717-YGC awarded to Yamaha Golf-Cart Company, aka Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation of Cypress, CA, with Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars of Commerce City, Colorado as the approved distributor to provide service, parts and warranty service in the amount of $5,749.15 per month. Purchasing approved on October 21, 2020. Funding is available in GF-ASCARATEOP-RENT/LEASES.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPB, CPPO, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
T.Approve award for the purchase and installation for El Paso County Courthouse Wellness Center Surveillance System through Human Resources Department (12101462, 12101466) using Region 19 Contract 17-7221 awarded to Pyrocom Systems, Inc., of El Paso, Texas, in the amount of $52,547.23.  Purchasing approved on February 16, 2021. Funding is available in IS-HEALTH-EQUIPMENT.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
U.Approve the purchase for Removal and Replacement of Roof Tops Thermoplastic-Polyolefin (TPO) to include Roof Ladders with Cages for the County of El Paso Juvenile Justice Center using Buy Board Job Order Contract 581-19 awarded to Basic IDIQ, Inc. of Austin, Texas in the amount of $218,525.90. Purchasing approved on February 16, 2021.  Funding is available in CIP21-JPD-RENOVATIONS.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
V.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.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
W.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with Astrophysics for maintenance, repair and labor for the X-Ray machines located in the County Courthouse in the amount of $9,501.50 from March 2, 2021, through March 1, 2022. Funding is available in GF-SOSEC-MAINT/REPGENERAL.  (Contract No. 2021-0050)
Sheriff Richard D. Wiles, EPCSO (915) 538-2234
5.RESOLUTIONS
A.Approve and adopt a resolution calling upon the federal government to work with local communities to ensure the policies and resources are in place for ethical, humane treatment of migrant refugees.
David Stout, Commissioner, Pct. 2 (915) 546-2111 and Ricardo Samaniego, County Judge (915) 546-2098
B.Approve and authorize a Resolution declaring February 28, 2021, as “Desert Storm Veterans Day” in El Paso County, Texas.
Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Pct. 3 (915) 546-2144
C.Approve and adopt a resolution providing support for Rural Broadband Expansion in El Paso County.
Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Pct. 3 (915) 546-2144
D.Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing February 21 - 27, 2021, as "National Engineers Week" in El Paso County, Texas. 
Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, Commissioners Court (915) 546-2098
6.PUBLIC COMMENT
7.PRESENTATION
A.Receive a presentation from the Alliance for Regional Military Support regarding its efforts to promote growth in the regional defense and aerospace industries.
Betsy C. Keller, Chief Administrator, CM, County Administration (915) 546-2215
REGULAR AGENDA
8.

Receive a quarterly report from R. Jacob Cintron, President and Chief Executive Officer of the El Paso County Hospital District, and take appropriate action.  

R. Jacob Cintron, President & CEO, Hospital District/University Medical Center (915) 521-7600
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
9.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 318.003, discuss and take appropriate action to appoint members to the El Paso County Historical Commission for a two-year term ending on December 31, 2022.
Betsy C. Keller, CM, Chief Administrator, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
10.Receive a report and discuss the CARES Act Grant and the Coronavirus Response and Relief, Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021. 
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
11.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding El Paso County’s preparation and response for COVID-19.
Betsy C. Keller, CM, Chief Administrator, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
AUDITOR
12.

Pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code § 114.023, 114.024, 114.025 and 114.026, please accept the attached presentation and the interim financial report for the month ended January 2021. The interim financial report is located on the intranet at: 

http://www.epcounty.com/auditor/publications/monthly/2021/january/january.htm

Edward A. Dion, CPA, County Auditor, County Auditor's Office (915) 546-2040
PUBLIC WORKS
13.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the First Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement for Procurement and Placement of Bus Shelters for El Paso County Transit, with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority. Funding is available in CIP21-PW ADMIN-IMPROVEMENT-ADA. (Contract No. 2021-0083)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
14.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Contract Addendum with PC Automated Controls, Inc. for the replacement of two chillers at the Downtown Detention Facility in the amount of $226,476.40. Funds are available in CIP20-PWSODETENMAINT-RENOV-REP.  (Contract No. 2020-1115)
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
GRANT APPLICATIONS

Approve the submission of County grant applications as listed and described. If awarded, all grant award agreements will be brought back to the Commissioners Court for final acceptance and approval.

15.

Approve and authorize El Paso County to apply for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation Racial Equity 2030 grant, in the amount of $20,000,000, over a ten-year period, for the creation of the Racial Equity Learning Innovation Center (RELIC) — a centralized archival space, which will be a resource for students, historians, educators, and the community. No County match is required. (Contract No. 2021-0111)

Iliana Holguin, County Commissioner, Pct. 3 (915) 546-2144
16.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the West Texas HIDTA Prosecution Initiative grant application (G21SW0003A) for the District Attorney's Office in the amount of $727,295 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022. No County Match is required.  (Contract No. 2021-0074)
Travis B. Kuykendall, Executive Director, West Texas HIDTA (915) 532-9550
17.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiatives grant application (G21SW0001A) for the Sheriff's Office in the amount of $4,159,056 from the Office of National Drug Control Policy from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022. No County Match is required. (Contract No. 2021-0075)
Travis B. Kuykendall, Executive Director, West Texas HIDTA (915) 532-9550
18.Approve and authorize the Planning and Development, Transportation Division, to apply for the Texas Department of Transportation, 2021 Transportation Alternatives “Call for Projects” (Preliminary Application), for the Paseo Del Norte Share Use Path, in the amount of $5,987,581.60. A County match in the amount of $1,496,895.40 is required and will be met through Transportation Development Credits and/or County funding. The grant period will be determined at a later date, if awarded. (Contract No. 2021-0128)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning and Development Department (915) 546-2015
BUDGET AND FINANCE
19.Approve and authorize reallocation of Capital Funds.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
20.Discuss and take appropriate action to accept the audits for Emergency Service Districts 1 and 2 for the year ended September 30, 2020, and further discuss any related policies, procedures or financial matters.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
21.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.
County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
B.Discuss the lease of property between the El Paso County Hospital District and the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072. 
R. Jacob Cintron, President & CEO, Hospital District/University Medical Center (915) 521-7600
C.Discuss potential real estate property acquisition in East Central El Paso County to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and enable compliance with COVID-19 public health precautions, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 551.072.
Joel Bishop, Executive Director, Justice Support and Community Service (915) 546-2215
D.Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, receive legal advice and consultation regarding Certificates of Obligation, Series 2012 bonds.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
E.Discuss El Paso County’s legal rights and responsibilities regarding the El Paso County federal nomination package for the Downtown Historic District, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
F.Discuss financial information and economic development negotiations received regarding a Chapter 381 Agreement with Project Caravan Star, a private business prospect, pursuant to Texas Government Code section 551.087.
Jose M. Landeros, Interim Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2015
REGULAR SESSION
22.Approve and authorize the El Paso County Hospital District to enter into a lease with the Housing Authority of the City of El Paso for the property located at 5300 East Paisano Drive, El Paso. This item was approved by the District Board of Managers at a regular meeting held on February 12, 2021.
R. Jacob Cintron, President & CEO, Hospital District/University Medical Center (915) 521-7600
23.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Certificates of Obligation, Series 2012 bonds.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
24.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the El Paso County federal nomination package for the Downtown Historic District.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050