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, March 8, 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.Approve and authorize University Medical Center (UMC) to fund two (2) mental health support positions out of existing budgeted allocations under the Interlocal Agreement for Inmate Healthcare and Mental Healthcare Services.
Betsy C. Keller, CM, Chief Administrator, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
B.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the First Amendment Extension to the Services Agreement with the Alliance for Regional Military Support to promote growth in the regional defense and aerospace industries. Funding in the amount of $20,000 is available in GF-GADM-CONTR SVC-GEN. (Contract No. 2021-0122)

Betsy C. Keller, CM, Chief Administrator, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
C.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Combined Arms, Inc., to communicate services available from the Veterans Assistance Office to veterans and other veteran services organizations in Texas, and authorize the use of the County logo and mission on their website and marketing materials from February 1, 2021, through February 1, 2025.  There is no fiscal impact to the County.  (Contract No. 2021-0040)
Carl Dwyer, Veterans Program Manager, Veterans Assistance Office (915) 759-7990
D.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Release of Lien in Bond Forfeiture case, Cause No. 2006-B09752.
Cristina Viesca-Santos, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney’s Office (915) 546-2050
E.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
F.Approve amendment No. 20 to the County of El Paso’s 2020-2021 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will increase Capital Projects by $4,602,103.98, decrease Grants by $12,826.04, thus increasing the overall budget of $490,148,796.95 to $494,738,074.89.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
G.Approve and authorize the County Judge to execute the contract amendments with the El Paso Chamber, El Paso Hispanic Chamber and Workforce Solutions Borderplex related to the administration of the County's Financial Assistance for Safety, Technology & Economic Resilience Program.  No County funds are required. (Contract Nos. 2021-0153, 2021-0158 and 2021-0168)
Jose M. Landeros, Interim Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177
H.Rescind the Commissioners Court Order of January 11, 2021, Item No. 4G from the Consent Agenda to approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Agreement for the Release of Driver Records to Government Entities between the County of El Paso and the State of Texas Department of Public Safety. (Contract No. 2020-1007) Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Memorandum of Understanding for Driver Records under Texas Transportation Code Chapters 521 and 730 for the release of driver records to Government entities with the Texas Department of Public Safety for a 4 year term beginning on the date of signature.  (Contract No. 2020-1007) 
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
I.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the training services agreement between the County of El Paso and the Graceland College for Professional Development DBA Skillpath to provide training sessions to the employees of the County. Funding is available in GF-HR-OP-TRAINING HR. (Contract No. 2021-0091)
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
J.Approve and authorize the reclassification of a vacant Executive Administrative Coordinator position (PCN#231062003) for the County Judge's Office to Administrative Specialist, Sr. (GS20). 
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
K.Approve and authorize salary supplements for DA employees (PCN#021001002 and PCN#021008006) utilizing the DA discretionary account effective March 8, 2021. Funding is available in SR-DASPEC-SALARY-FT REGULAR.
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
L.Approve and authorize the extension of four (4) Data Entry Operator (GS10) positions through March 25, 2024, for the District Clerk's Office for the purpose of digitizing court records in-house. Funding is available in the District Courts Record Archives Special Revenue account.
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
M.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Conditional Sale Agreement and accompanying Addendum to Conditional Sale Agreement with Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. for the lease of golf carts for the Ascarate Golf Course. (Contract No. 2021-0135) Further, authorize the County Judge to sign the Yamaha Quietech Gas Fleet Car Proposal For: Ascarate Golf Course, the Masek Rocky Mountain Service Contract with Ascarate Golf Course, and the Addendum to Agreement, with Masek Rocky Mountain Golf Cars for distributor and maintenance services for the leased golf carts at the Ascarate Golf Course. (Contract No. 2020-0990)  Funds are available in GF-GOLFCOURSEOP-RENT/LEASES.  
Veronica Myers, Director, Parks and Recreation Department (915) 771-2380
N.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Advance Funding Agreement Amendment #1 with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the Vanpool Program Non-Construction Advanced Funding Agreement, extending the agreement through January 31, 2023. No County match is required.  (Contract No. 2021-0137)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
O.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
P.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Right-of-Entry Agreement between the County of El Paso and MJLED LLC, to use MJLED LLC property, located at 14 SAN ELIZARIO TR 19 (13.29 AC) for purposes of installing a memorial sign in honor of Deputy Peter Herrera. (Contract No. 2021-0175)
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
Q.Approve award recommendation for Bid 21-016 County’s 2021 Road and Bridge Paving Project to J.A.R. Concrete Inc., dba J.A.R. Construction, of El Paso, Texas, as indicated on the tabulation. Purchasing approved on February 25, 2021. Funding is available in SR-R&B-ROAD RESURFACING.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
R.Approve Removal and Installation of Two (2) Air-Cooled Adaptive Frequency Drive (AFDR) for the County of El Paso Momsen, Dunnegan and Ryan (MDR) Building using US Communities Contract USC 15-JLP-023 awarded to Trane U.S. Inc., dba Trane of El Paso, Texas in the amount of $71,038.16. Purchasing approved on February 25, 2021.  Funding is available in CIP21-FACILITIES-RENOV-REPAIRS.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
S.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 262.024 (a)(4), approve and authorize the use of an exemption to purchasing procedures to select a qualified law firm to provide legal representation on behalf of the County of El Paso relating to previously issued tax-exempt bonds, and approve the selection recommended by the selection committee and authorize the selected law firm to immediately commence representation. Funding is available in GF-GADM-PROF SVC-LEGAL-COMMISN.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
T.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
U.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign Grant Award Modification #17 for the West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiative Grant G19SW0001A for the Sheriff’s Office.  This award modification is at no cost to the County. (Contract No. 2021-0125)
Travis B. Kuykendall, Executive Director, West Texas HIDTA (915) 532-9550
5.RESOLUTIONS
A.
Approve and adopt a resolution in support of Texas Counties seeking public oversight and regulation of the Texas energy system, and for statewide preparedness for future climate crises.
David C. Stout, Commissioner, Pct. 2 (915) 546-2111
B.Approve and adopt a Resolution proclaiming March as "International Women's Month" in El Paso County, Texas.
Iliana Holguin, Commissioner, Pct. 3 (915) 546-2144
C.Approve and adopt a resolution declaring March 2021 as National Procurement Month in El Paso County, Texas. 
Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, Commissioners Court (915) 546-2098
D.Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Femme Frontera, a film organization made up of female-identifying filmmakers from the U.S. - Mexico border region, as well as highlight their showcase with the University of Texas at El Paso on March 10th as part of Women's History Month.
Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, Commissioners Court (915) 546-2098
E.Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing a month of unity and healing from July 3rd through August 3rd in honor of all those near and far who were impacted by the senseless tragedy that took place on August 3, 2019, in El Paso County, Texas.
Ricardo A. Samaniego, County Judge, Commissioners Court (915) 546-2098
6.PUBLIC COMMENT
COMMISSIONERS COURT
7.Discuss and take appropriate action to direct staff to prepare public comment on behalf of the County of El Paso to submit to TXDOT regarding the Downtown 10 project. 
David C. Stout, Commissioner, Pct. 2 (915) 546-2111
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
8.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
9.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
10.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the 87th Texas Legislative Session, to include presenting information for the Court’s consideration, removing or including bills on the County’s state legislative agenda and supporting or opposing filed legislation, and take any action necessary on aforementioned items.
Daniel Collins, Governmental Affairs Manager, County Administration (915) 546-2215
PURCHASING
11.Approve the purchase and installation of 2M Tech Security System throughout the Jail Annex for the El Paso County Sheriff's Department (12102375) using Region 19 RFP #17-7269 awarded to System Integrations of El Paso, Texas, in the amount of $63,455. Purchasing approved on February 25, 2021.  Funding is available in SG-SHTREASURYEQ19-CAP OUTLAYS.
Debra Carrejo-Trull, CPPO, CPPB, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
AUDITOR
12.Pursuant to the Texas Government Code, Title 10, § 2256.003, please accept the attached investment reports for the first quarter and three months ended December 31, 2020.
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 Interlocal Agreement with the City of El Paso to authorize County residents to dispose of solid waste at the El Paso City Landfill or the Westside Citizen Collection Station. (Contract No. 2021-0127)
Norma R. Palacios, Executive Director, Public Works Department (915) 546-2015
14.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.Pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.0725, discuss contract negotiations with El Paso Sports Commission, for operation and management services of the El Paso County Coliseum.
Betsy C. Keller, CM, Chief Administrator, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
C.Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.0725, discuss contract negotiations regarding the County’s Federal Inmate contract with the U.S. Marshal’s Service for detention rates and services related to federal prisoners.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
D.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
E.Discuss legal rights and remedies regarding County representation to the Emergence Health Network Board of Trustees, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
REGULAR SESSION
15.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
16.Approve the selection of legal counsel to represent the County of El Paso in certain matters relating to the County’s representation on the Emergence Health Network Board of Trustees and to authorize the County Judge to sign the terms of engagement.  
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
ADDENDUM TO THE AGENDA
17.Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071, discuss legal rights and remedies regarding Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-34.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
Posted Friday, March 5, 2021 at 9:10 A.M.