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, August 9, 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.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
B.

Approve amendment No. 40 to the County of El Paso’s 2020-2021 operating budget. This budgetary amendment will decrease Grants by $87,344.00, thus decreasing the overall budget of $593,873,598.57 to $593,786,254.57.

Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
C.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the First Amendment to Subrecipient Grant Agreement between the County of El Paso and FII-National, dba/UpTogether for Emergency Relief Assistance (Covid-19 Cares Funding). (Contract No. 2021-0578)

Irene G. Valenzuela, Executive Director, Community Services Department (915) 775-2708
D.
Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) Form 2027 Home-Delivered Meals FY 2021 Waiver Request for the County Nutrition Program, a unit of the Community Services Department, for the use of alternate delivery methods to include warm/chilled/frozen meals for program participants in the home delivered meal program. The Waiver is effective on October 1, 2021, and expires September 30, 2023. (Contract No. 2021-0576)
Irene G. Valenzuela, Executive Director, Community Services Department (915) 775-2708
E.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Judicial Systems, Inc. Technical Support and Software Maintenance Agreement for the JURY2021 Plus Jury Administration System for a two year term beginning August 1, 2021, in the amount of $32,466. Funding available in GF-COUNCIL-MAINT/REP-SOFTWARE.  (Contract No. 2021-0580)
Naomi A. Parra, Office Manager, Council of Judges Administration (915) 546-2143
F.Approve and authorize the update to the County of El Paso’s Education Assistance Program. (OP-21-0867)
Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
G.Approve and authorize the revision to El Paso County’s Promotions Policy. (OP-21-0976)
Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
H.Accept the Quarterly Report from the Juvenile Probation Department.
Roger Martinez, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Juvenile Probation Department (915) 849-2500
I.Approve and authorize the transfer of funds in the amount of $699 from GF-JP4 OPS EQUIPMENT to GF-JP4-OPS EXPENSES-GEN for the purchase of 6 privacy screens for the cashiers at the Justice Court, Pct. 4.  
Judge Rebeca Bustamante, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 4 (915) 538-1600
J.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Sections 232.028 and 232.029, approve and authorize the issuance of certification regarding compliance with applicable plat requirements as provided on the attached listing.
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
K.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Third Amendment to the Transportation Agreement with Project Amistad for the purposes of providing transportation services throughout the community to further mitigate the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in the community from August 9, 2021, through December 31, 2021 and adds an additional $30,000 to the contract amount utilizing General Funds. Funding is available in GF-EPCMP-PROF SVC-GEN. (Contract No. 2021-0469)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
L.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §232.023, approve and authorize the acceptance, filing and recording of the Peyton Estates Unit Seven Subdivision plat.
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
M.Pursuant to Texas Local Government Code §232.023, approve and authorize the acceptance, filing and recording of the Peyton Estates Unit Eight Subdivision plat.
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
N.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.
Joe Lopez, Jr., Interim Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department (915) 546-2048
O.Approve and authorize the El Paso County Tax Assessor Collector, Ruben P. Gonzalez, to authorize the cancellation of Standby Letter of Credit No. IS000018031U as per the Notice of Non-Extension to Irrevocable Standby Letter of Credit received June 15, 2021.  (OP-21-0912)
Ruben P. Gonzalez, Tax Assessor-Collector, Tax Assessor-Collector's Office (915) 771-2305
P.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector Dealer Deputy Agreements with, Lucky MotorSports Inc. (2021-0484), Audi El Paso (2021-0487), BMW of El Paso (2021-0488), Porsche El Paso (2021-0489), Subaru El Paso (2021-0490), Shamaley Buick GMC (2021-0491), Shamaley Ford (2021-0196), Vermeer Sales Southwest Inc. (2021-0493), and Vermeer Sales Southwest Inc. (2021-0494) authorizing them to act as a Dealer Deputy of the Tax Assessor-Collector in the processing of title/registration applications/motor vehicle sales tax receipts.
Ruben P. Gonzalez, Tax Assessor-Collector, Tax Assessor-Collector's Office (915) 771-2305
5.RESOLUTIONS
A.Approve and adopt a resolution recognizing Kayla Gomez for her achievements in her chosen sport of boxing and for her contributions to El Paso County, Texas. 
David C. Stout, Commissioner, Pct. 2 (915) 546-2111
6.PUBLIC COMMENT
7.PRESENTATION
A.Receive a presentation and discuss the monthly report from the Council of Judges.
Michael Cuccaro, Executive Director, Council of Judges (915) 546-2143
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
8.Approve the appointment of Commissioner Carl Robinson's nominee, Alejandra Chavez, to the El Paso County Redistricting Advisory Commission.
Carl Robinson, Commissioner, Pct. 4 (915) 546-2044
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION
9.Receive a report and discuss and take appropriate action regarding the CARES Act Grant, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021, and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
10.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
11.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the 2021-2022 budget submitted by the El Paso Sports Commission for the Facility Management Agreement between El Paso County and the El Paso Sports Commission relating to the El Paso County Coliseum. Funding will be budgeted in Fiscal Year 2022 in account SR-CLSMTRPROM-OPS EXP-GEN.
Melissa M. Carrillo, PHR, Executive Director, County Administration Department (915) 546-2215
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
12.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding a request from Fred Loya Insurance Agency, Inc. to terminate its Chapter 381 Economic Development Program Agreement (2016-0205) and First Amendment (2018-0280).  
Michael Hernandez, Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177
13.Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Texas Preservation Trust Fund Grant Program Reimbursement Request Form and Grant of Easement documentation as part of the final reporting required for the Texas Preservation Trust Fund grant awarded to the County on behalf of the Casa Ronquillo Restoration Project.  (Contract No. 2021-0535)
Michael Hernandez, Director, Economic Development Department (915) 546-2177
HUMAN RESOURCES
14.Discuss and take appropriate action to create one (1) new Public Safety Services Manager (PS08) position for the Information Technology Department (ITD) which will assist with planning, developing, maintaining, and controlling the public safety wireless/microwave and security/surveillance systems for the County. Funding is available in GF-ITD-SALARY-FT REGULAR.
Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
15.Discuss and take appropriate action to create five (5) new Facilities Maintenance Mechanic (GS18) positions and one (1) new Facilities Maintenance Mechanic Sr. Plumber (GS25) position for the Facilities Department which will assist with performing a variety of mechanical, electro-mechanical maintenance, plumbing and repair tasks for the Jail Annex within the Sheriff’s Department. Funding is available in GF-PWSOJAILAMNT-SALARY-FT REGU and GF-PWSODETMNT-SALARY-FT REGULA.  
Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
16.Approve and authorize the Sheriff's Office to use salary savings to pay Deputies overtime through the end of FY 2021 in an amount not to exceed $60,000 for the purpose of increasing law enforcement presence near the Socorro Activities Center (SAC).
Sam Trujillo, Interim Chief Human Resources Officer, Human Resources Department (915) 546-2218
PUBLIC WORKS
17.(Postponed 8/2/21) Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Agreement to Contribute Right of Way Funds (Fixed Price) with the Texas Department of Transportation for the acquisition of right-of-way to make certain highway improvements on Highway US 62/180 Montana from Tierra Este to FM 659, Zaragoza Rd. (CCSJ 0375-02-100) in the amount of $762,240.41. Further, authorize the County Judge to sign the required resolution.  (Contract No. 2021-0407)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
18.Approve and award the informal bid for the provision of technical and professional training for the Planning & Development Department to Gallinar Planning & Development, LLC (GPD). Further, authorize the County Judge to sign the corresponding Professional Services Agreement with GDP for technical and professional training from the date of signature through May 31, 2022. Funding in the amount of $38,500 is available in GF-EPCMP-PROF SVC-GEN.  (Contract No. 2021-0182)
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development 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.

19.Approve and authorize the Planning & Development Department to submit a complete application for funding through the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) for Sparks Arroyo A1-A3 (SSA1), Abridged Application Number 13787, in the amount of $34,530,000 via a combination of grant funds and zero-interest loans. Further, approve and authorize the County Judge to execute all necessary documents related to the application upon review and approval from the County Attorney's Office. (Contract No. 2021-0571).
Jose M. Landeros, Director, Planning & Development Department (915) 546-2015
BUDGET AND FINANCE
20.Pursuant to the Property Tax Code, § 26.05(d) propose a tax rate, or pursuant to the Property Tax Code, § 26.05(a), adopt a tax rate for El Paso County.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
21.Approve the after-the-fact emergency repairs and installation of a boiler that services pods 300 and 400 at the Jail Annex. The transfer of funds in the amount of $12,653 is included on this week’s budget amendment from the GF-GADM-OPS CONTINGENCIES to GF-PWSOJAILAMNT-MAINT/REP-GENE for the payment to T-Dyne Contractors for the repair of a boiler at the Jail Annex.
Wallace Hardgrove, Executive Director, Budget and Fiscal Policy Department (915) 546-2262
22.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 Section 551.071, receive legal advice and consultation regarding Executive Order GA-38.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
C.Discuss pending litigation filed Texas State LULAC; Voto Latino v. Bruce Elfant, et. al., County Attorney’s File Number 0128-21-LD, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
REGULAR SESSION
23.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding Executive Order GA-38.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
24.Discuss and take appropriate action regarding litigation filed Texas State LULAC; Voto Latino v. Bruce Elfant, et. al., County Attorney’s File Number 0128-21-LD.
Christina R. Sanchez, Assistant County Attorney, County Attorney's Office (915) 546-2050
ADDENDUM TO THE AGENDA
25.Pursuant to the Property Tax Code, § 26.05 (d), propose a tax rate for the El Paso County Hospital District d/b/a University Medical Center of El Paso. 
R. Jacob Cintron, President & CEO University Medical Center/EPCHD (915) 521-7600
Posted Friday, August 6, 2021 at 11:50 A.M.