1. Roll Call by Honorable Margie Ramirez-Ibarra, Webb County Clerk
2. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation
3. Discussion and possible action for Approval of Bills, Payroll, and Monthly Reports (Auditor, Treasurer, Human Resources); and any other matters incident thereto.
4. Public Comment - This section provides the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners Court on any items on the Agenda. Members of the public wishing to participate must complete a Witness Card specifying which agenda item they wish to comment on. Each public member, individually or in a group, will be allowed a total of Three (3) minutes within which to make any/all public comments.
17. Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) as prepared and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division in an amount not to exceed $9,375,029 for overtime, full-time personnel, associated fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, mileage, helicopter maintenance/fuel, vehicle/tire maintenance, data services, Management & Administration (M&A), and maintenance of OPSG-acquired assets for local law enforcement agencies; and any other matters incident thereto. There is no cash match; and, thus, no cost to Webb County. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff] Issue: Complex and dynamic law enforcement challenges exist in the Southwest border area of the United States, including Laredo/Webb County. For example, transnational criminals seek to exploit existing law enforcement jurisdictional boundaries by conducting their illegal enterprises across traditional jurisdictional divisions. The 2014 Texas Gang Threat Assessment expounds, “Gang activity remains widespread throughout all regions of Texas…Gang activity is also prevalent in the Texas counties adjacent to Mexico and along the key smuggling corridors, since Texas-based gangs are used for cross-border smuggling and trafficking in the state. Many transnational gangs operating in Texas….engage in criminal activity in Mexico as well as in Texas and elsewhere” (Texas Department of Public Safety April 2014). Solution: Grant application: (1) to ensure first responders are equipped with enhanced tools/equipment/resources needed to confront well-funded criminal organizations and (2) for the coordination of law enforcement efforts between various local and federal law enforcement agencies. Result: Enhanced capabilities of local law enforcement responders; further coordination of response across local and federal jurisdictions.
18. Discussion and possible action for approval of a change order in the construction contract for the Webb County Fire Station (Los Botines) between Webb County and Hydroworks, Inc. for the installation of an On-site Sewage Facility at a cost not to exceed One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve)]
19. Discussion and possible action for Commissioners Court to order a burn ban for a maximum of Ninety (90) days of all outdoor burning in all the unincorporated areas of Webb County pursuant to Local Government Code §352.081 and other applicable statutes, a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Issue: The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Webb County is 575 and may reach a maximum of 641 within the next fourteen days. (KBDI scale ranges from 0-800 with 800 representing extremely dry conditions) These conditions create a high risk of wildfires with danger to damage life and property. Solution: Order a burn ban for a maximum of 90 days (or until conditions are considered safe) to be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office to discourage outdoor burning in order to prevent spread of wildfires and loss of life and property. Result: Discourage citizens from outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Webb County in order to prevent wildfires and enforce a fine of up to $500 by the Sheriff’s Office for those citizens that do not abide by burn ban.
20. Discussion and possible action for Commissioners Court to order and enforce local government code §352.051 “Regulation of Restricted Fireworks” for a maximum of Ninety (90) days of all outdoor burning in all the unincorporated areas of Webb County and other applicable statutes, a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Issue: The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Webb County is 575 and may reach a maximum of 641 within the next fourteen days. (KBDI scale ranges from 0-800 with 800 representing extremely dry conditions) These conditions create a high risk of wildfires with danger to damage life and property. Solution: Order a restricted fireworks ban on those items classified under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 173.100(r)(2) (10-1-86 edition), “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins” for a maximum of 90 days (or until conditions are considered safe) to be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office to discourage outdoor burning in order to prevent spread of wildfires and loss of life and property. Result: Discourage citizens from outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Webb County in order to prevent wildfires and enforce a fine of up to $500 by the Sheriff’s Office for those citizens that do not abide by firework ban.
21. Discussion and possible action to authorize Human Resources to repost the position of Risk Management Director, to increase the applicant pool; and any other matters incident thereto: Slot # Title Hourly Salary 0862 Risk Management Director $69,459.66 - 24/A Issue: The Risk Management Director position is vacant, did not receive a large pool of applicants. Solution: Seeking approval from Court on posting the position to increase the applicant pool. Result: Authorize the process to seek qualified applicants for the Risk Management Director position from a bigger pool.
22. Discussion and possible action to approve the following budget amendment (line item transfer): Acct. Number Acct. Name Adopted Request Current End Bal. From: 3115-2450-001-470000 Juvenile Capital Outlay Series 2006 $0 $83,247 $575,294.92 $492,047.92 To: 3100-7170-001-432001 ROW Acquisition Series 2006 $150,000 $83,247 $0 $83,247 Issue: Increase budget to cover current and future expenditures for the ROW acquisitions. Solution: Appropriate expenditures to be used for the purpose of ROW. Result: There will be sufficient funds in the account.
23. Discussion and possible action to enter into additional negotiations and enter into two separate agreements CoreCivic for the detention of federal inmates/detainees of the department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“I.C.E.”) at the Laredo Processing Center and the Webb County Detention Center; pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 262.003, these contracts known as I.G.S.A. are set to establish the reimbursement for the detention of federal prisoners on a tiered per diem basis; and any other matters incident thereto, and authorizing the County Judge to sign any relevant documents incident thereto. [Requested by Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar] Issue: Representatives of the federal government (I.C.E.) have approached the County requesting we enter into two I.G.S.A. contracts with them. Texas Local Government Code §272.005 permits the county to enter into agreement without violating the purchasing act. The previous I.G.S.A. Contract is set to expire February 28, 2018 and without an agreement, the County will not receive reimbursement for I.C.E. detainees or prisoners. Two separate contracts will be needed in relation to the Laredo Processing Center and the Webb County Detention Center which are owned and operated by CoreCivic that has obtained the agreement with the I.C.E. for the detention of federal detainees and prisoners. The Webb County Sheriff is the keeper of the jail in Webb County and his authority is needed by CoreCivic in order to hold and detain federal prisoners. Solution: Enter into a new agreement with the CoreCivic that will set a reimbursement amount for the detention of federal detainees/prisoners. Result: Two new IGSA agreements will allow Webb County reimbursement for the detention of I.C.E. prisoners/detainees that are being held at either the Laredo Processing Center or the Webb County Detention Center. The public will be served by and through this agreement by protecting the community from individuals who have been detained for committing offenses and the federal government will bear the burden of paying for the detention of the individual.
24. Presentation by members of South Region Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Agents, to promote the Agriculture Awareness Field Day and explain the importance of possible career choices in the agriculture/nutrition fields to the youth in our community and other counties. [Requested by Tano E. Tijerina, County Judge]
25. Presentation of a Distinguished Service Award (DSA) certificate to Webb County Historical Commission by the Texas Historical Commission to commend Webb County Historical Commission's dedicated service and its active well-rounded preservation programs and efforts that celebrate and save the history and character of Texas. [Requested by Tano E. Tijerina, County Judge]
1. Roll Call by Honorable Margie Ramirez-Ibarra, Webb County Clerk
2. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation
3. Discussion and possible action for Approval of Bills, Payroll, and Monthly Reports (Auditor, Treasurer, Human Resources); and any other matters incident thereto.
4. Public Comment - This section provides the public the opportunity to address the Commissioners Court on any items on the Agenda. Members of the public wishing to participate must complete a Witness Card specifying which agenda item they wish to comment on. Each public member, individually or in a group, will be allowed a total of Three (3) minutes within which to make any/all public comments.
17. Discussion and possible action to authorize the submission of a grant application for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) as prepared and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division in an amount not to exceed $9,375,029 for overtime, full-time personnel, associated fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, mileage, helicopter maintenance/fuel, vehicle/tire maintenance, data services, Management & Administration (M&A), and maintenance of OPSG-acquired assets for local law enforcement agencies; and any other matters incident thereto. There is no cash match; and, thus, no cost to Webb County. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff] Issue: Complex and dynamic law enforcement challenges exist in the Southwest border area of the United States, including Laredo/Webb County. For example, transnational criminals seek to exploit existing law enforcement jurisdictional boundaries by conducting their illegal enterprises across traditional jurisdictional divisions. The 2014 Texas Gang Threat Assessment expounds, “Gang activity remains widespread throughout all regions of Texas…Gang activity is also prevalent in the Texas counties adjacent to Mexico and along the key smuggling corridors, since Texas-based gangs are used for cross-border smuggling and trafficking in the state. Many transnational gangs operating in Texas….engage in criminal activity in Mexico as well as in Texas and elsewhere” (Texas Department of Public Safety April 2014). Solution: Grant application: (1) to ensure first responders are equipped with enhanced tools/equipment/resources needed to confront well-funded criminal organizations and (2) for the coordination of law enforcement efforts between various local and federal law enforcement agencies. Result: Enhanced capabilities of local law enforcement responders; further coordination of response across local and federal jurisdictions.
18. Discussion and possible action for approval of a change order in the construction contract for the Webb County Fire Station (Los Botines) between Webb County and Hydroworks, Inc. for the installation of an On-site Sewage Facility at a cost not to exceed One Hundred Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($125,000.00) and authorizing the County Judge to execute all relevant documents and any other matters incident thereto. [Account #1001-1130-001-431007-010 (Operational Reserve)]
19. Discussion and possible action for Commissioners Court to order a burn ban for a maximum of Ninety (90) days of all outdoor burning in all the unincorporated areas of Webb County pursuant to Local Government Code §352.081 and other applicable statutes, a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Issue: The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Webb County is 575 and may reach a maximum of 641 within the next fourteen days. (KBDI scale ranges from 0-800 with 800 representing extremely dry conditions) These conditions create a high risk of wildfires with danger to damage life and property. Solution: Order a burn ban for a maximum of 90 days (or until conditions are considered safe) to be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office to discourage outdoor burning in order to prevent spread of wildfires and loss of life and property. Result: Discourage citizens from outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Webb County in order to prevent wildfires and enforce a fine of up to $500 by the Sheriff’s Office for those citizens that do not abide by burn ban.
20. Discussion and possible action for Commissioners Court to order and enforce local government code §352.051 “Regulation of Restricted Fireworks” for a maximum of Ninety (90) days of all outdoor burning in all the unincorporated areas of Webb County and other applicable statutes, a violation of this Order is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Issue: The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Webb County is 575 and may reach a maximum of 641 within the next fourteen days. (KBDI scale ranges from 0-800 with 800 representing extremely dry conditions) These conditions create a high risk of wildfires with danger to damage life and property. Solution: Order a restricted fireworks ban on those items classified under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 173.100(r)(2) (10-1-86 edition), “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins” for a maximum of 90 days (or until conditions are considered safe) to be enforced by the Sheriff’s Office to discourage outdoor burning in order to prevent spread of wildfires and loss of life and property. Result: Discourage citizens from outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Webb County in order to prevent wildfires and enforce a fine of up to $500 by the Sheriff’s Office for those citizens that do not abide by firework ban.
21. Discussion and possible action to authorize Human Resources to repost the position of Risk Management Director, to increase the applicant pool; and any other matters incident thereto: Slot # Title Hourly Salary 0862 Risk Management Director $69,459.66 - 24/A Issue: The Risk Management Director position is vacant, did not receive a large pool of applicants. Solution: Seeking approval from Court on posting the position to increase the applicant pool. Result: Authorize the process to seek qualified applicants for the Risk Management Director position from a bigger pool.
22. Discussion and possible action to approve the following budget amendment (line item transfer): Acct. Number Acct. Name Adopted Request Current End Bal. From: 3115-2450-001-470000 Juvenile Capital Outlay Series 2006 $0 $83,247 $575,294.92 $492,047.92 To: 3100-7170-001-432001 ROW Acquisition Series 2006 $150,000 $83,247 $0 $83,247 Issue: Increase budget to cover current and future expenditures for the ROW acquisitions. Solution: Appropriate expenditures to be used for the purpose of ROW. Result: There will be sufficient funds in the account.
23. Discussion and possible action to enter into additional negotiations and enter into two separate agreements CoreCivic for the detention of federal inmates/detainees of the department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“I.C.E.”) at the Laredo Processing Center and the Webb County Detention Center; pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Sec. 262.003, these contracts known as I.G.S.A. are set to establish the reimbursement for the detention of federal prisoners on a tiered per diem basis; and any other matters incident thereto, and authorizing the County Judge to sign any relevant documents incident thereto. [Requested by Webb County Sheriff Martin Cuellar] Issue: Representatives of the federal government (I.C.E.) have approached the County requesting we enter into two I.G.S.A. contracts with them. Texas Local Government Code §272.005 permits the county to enter into agreement without violating the purchasing act. The previous I.G.S.A. Contract is set to expire February 28, 2018 and without an agreement, the County will not receive reimbursement for I.C.E. detainees or prisoners. Two separate contracts will be needed in relation to the Laredo Processing Center and the Webb County Detention Center which are owned and operated by CoreCivic that has obtained the agreement with the I.C.E. for the detention of federal detainees and prisoners. The Webb County Sheriff is the keeper of the jail in Webb County and his authority is needed by CoreCivic in order to hold and detain federal prisoners. Solution: Enter into a new agreement with the CoreCivic that will set a reimbursement amount for the detention of federal detainees/prisoners. Result: Two new IGSA agreements will allow Webb County reimbursement for the detention of I.C.E. prisoners/detainees that are being held at either the Laredo Processing Center or the Webb County Detention Center. The public will be served by and through this agreement by protecting the community from individuals who have been detained for committing offenses and the federal government will bear the burden of paying for the detention of the individual.
24. Presentation by members of South Region Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Agents, to promote the Agriculture Awareness Field Day and explain the importance of possible career choices in the agriculture/nutrition fields to the youth in our community and other counties. [Requested by Tano E. Tijerina, County Judge]
25. Presentation of a Distinguished Service Award (DSA) certificate to Webb County Historical Commission by the Texas Historical Commission to commend Webb County Historical Commission's dedicated service and its active well-rounded preservation programs and efforts that celebrate and save the history and character of Texas. [Requested by Tano E. Tijerina, County Judge]