EL PASO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURT

ANTHONY COBOS
County Judge

 

ANNA PEREZ
Commissioner, Pct. 1

WILLIE GANDARA
Commissioner, Pct. 3

http://intranet/novusagenda/images/logo-elpaso.gif

VERONICA ESCOBAR
Commissioner, Pct. 2

DANIEL R. HAGGERTY
Commissioner, Pct. 4

 

El Paso County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio, Commissioners Court Chambers, 3rd Floor, Room 303,
El Paso, Texas 79901
Website address: www.epcounty.com
View live video webcast: http://intranet/apps/video

 

AGENDA

Regular Meeting, 6/14/2010 9:30:00 AM

 

OPEN MEETING -

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE -

 

 

PRESENTATION

1.

Acknowledge the receipt of the 2009 Distinguished Service Award from the Texas Historical Commission to the El Paso County Historical Commission.

Submitted by: Commissioner, Pct. 2 Veronica Escobar, Commissioners Court

 

2.

Receive a presentation from the El Paso Fire Department and the Fire Marshals Office on the 4th of July fireworks enforcement initiative.       

Submitted by: County Judge Anthony Cobos, County Judge

 

3.

PUBLIC COMMENT
Pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.042, public comment may not be used to discuss matters not posted on this agenda for consideration by the El Paso County Commissioners Court. Members of the public may only ask specific questions during public comment about a subject which has not been posted on the agenda which may be answered with specific, purely factual information. Discussions, deliberation, or debate on subjects which are not posted for consideration are not permitted during public comment.

Speaker's choice: Five (5) minutes per person during this segment regarding any items or three (3) minutes per person on each item as it appears on the agenda. The same will apply to any interest group consisting of three or more representatives. Commissioners Court retains the option to allow more comment as it deems necessary.

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 removed 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 the Regular Agenda may be discussed in executive session at the option 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.

Copies of the Agenda will be provided on audiotape upon request made a minimum of 48 hours prior to the meeting.

No cell phones, audible pagers, and/or beepers while Court is in session.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

4.

Approval of the Minutes of the special meeting of June 2, 2010.

Submitted by:  , County Clerk's Office

 

5.

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. 

Submitted by: County Auditor Edward A. Dion, County Auditors Office

(attachment)
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(travel)

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6.

Approve amendment No. 29 to the 2009-2010 County of El Paso Operating Budget.  This amendment will increase Grants by $286,698 thus increasing the overall operating budget of $278,841,593 to $279,128,291.  

Submitted by: County Auditor Edward A. Dion, County Auditors Office

 (attachment)

7.

Pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code, Sections 114.023, 114.024, 114.025 and 114.026, please accept the interim financial report for the month ended May 2010.  This report is located on the Internet at: www.epcounty.com/auditor/publications/default.htm

Submitted by: County Auditor Edward A. Dion, County Auditors Office

 (attachment)

8.

Approve the Certificates of Plat Compliance (under Texas Local Government Code Section 232.028 (a), as provided on the attached listing.

Submitted by: Public Works Director Robert Rivera, P.E., County Road and Bridge

 (attachment)

9.

Approve and authorize the Purchasing Agent to solicit an RFP for the County Clerk's E-Filing project. 

Submitted by: County Clerk Delia Briones, County Clerk's Office

 

10.

Approve and authorize the transfer of $38,000 from CNTYCLKRAF 6201 to CNTYCLKRAF 9300 for the purchase of imaging equipment. Said items must be capitalized in order to be purchased. These funds are special revenue funds, and do not affect the general fund.

Submitted by: Chief Deputy Valerie A. Sanchez, County Clerk's Office

 

11.

Approve and authorize the transfer and disposal of unclaimed/abandoned property/evidence, as listed in the backup, from the District Clerk's Office Archives Division. In accordance with, the Article 18.17 of the Code of Criminal Procedures.

Submitted by: District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez, District Clerk's Office

 (attachment)

12.

Approve and authorize the transfer of items, as listed in the backup, from the District Clerk’s Office to the County’s Purchasing Department.

Submitted by: District Clerk Gilbert Sanchez, District Clerk's Office

 (attachment)

13.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign amendment to interlocal agreement with the El Paso Independent School District for the funding and operation of the Teen Court Program.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Laura Christopherson, County Attorney's Office

 (attachment)

14.

Approve and authorize the El Paso County Juvenile Justice Center to accept monetary and non-monetary donations from various community agencies and/or businesses to assist with the "Juvenile Court Conference Committee/Deferred Prosecution 180 Program and Banquet".

Submitted by: Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Roger Martinez, Juvenile Justice Center

 

15.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Requests #2010-031, #2010-031b, 2010-032, and 2010-044 to approve waiving the hiring freeze for: First Assistant position not to be filled prior to October 1, 2010; one Sr. Trial Attorney position not to be filled until August 9, 2010; and one Sr. Trial Attorney position and one Paralegal position not to be filled prior to meeting the 6 week waiting period for the County Attorney's Office.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

16.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Request #2010-041 to deny waiving the hiring freeze for one Trial Attorney position and on Request #2010-042 to approve waiving the hiring freeze for one Trial Attorney position for the District Attorney's Office, not to be filled prior to meeting the 6 week waiting period.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

17.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Requests #2010-037, #2010-038, and #2010-039 to approve waiving the hiring freeze for : an Accounting Clerk position contingent upon the Expungement Specialist being eliminated and the incumbent moved to this position; a Court Clerk position to be filled internally by a part time Office Specialist, Intermediate; and the subsequent Office Specialist, Intermediate (part-time) position vacancy, all not to be filled prior to meeting the 6 week waiting periods for the District Clerk's Office.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

18.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Request #2010-043 to approve the hiring freeze for one Office Specialist, Senior position for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

19.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Request #2010-040 to approve waiving the hiring freeze for one GA/VA Specialist position for General Assistance/Veterans Assistance contingent upon the department meeting the 6 week waiting period.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

20.

Approve the committee's recommendation on Requests #2010-034, #2010-035, and #2010-036 to approve waiving the hiring freeze for a Procurement & Indigent Specialist, a Secretary, and a Clerk position not to be filled prior to meeting the 6 week waiting periods for the County Sheriff's Office.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

21.

Approve and authorize the recommended changes to the job description from Grant Writer to the Grants Administrator position.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

22.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign a Temporary Services Advertising Agreement for $50,000 between the County and the Southwestern International PRCA Rodeo for general promotion and tourist advertising of the County of El Paso and its vicinity to visitors. 

Submitted by: Director Rosemary V. Neill, Family and Community Services

 (attachment)

23.

Approve and authorize the use of a portion of the wall on the north end of the third floor of the County Courthouse to display paintings created by youth in the Juvenile Probation Department and drawings by participating youth in the Border Children’s Mental Health Collaborative Family Academy in recognition of National Mental Health Awareness Month from June 15, 2010 to June 30, 2010.

Submitted by: Project Coordinator Rita Ruelas, Border Children's Mental Health Collaborative

 

24.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Change Order No. 3 to the contract with C and C Road Construction, Inc., decreasing the contract by $288,158.54 for Phase 1A T-G POE Roadway Project.

Submitted by: Public Works Director Robert Rivera, P.E., County Road and Bridge

 (attachment)

25.

Approve the enclosed listing of roadways as the 2010 County Paving Program and authorize the County Purchasing Agent to advertise for bids for a minimum of 200,000 gallons of paving asphalt and 1,800 tons of Grade C rock and 7,000 tons of Grade F rock.  Funds are available in account ROADBRIDGES-6211.

Submitted by: Public Works Director  Robert Rivera, P.E., County Road and Bridge

 (attachment)

26.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Employee Staffing Renewal Agreement with RM Personnel, Inc. for the West Texas HIDTA.  Further to authorize the County Auditor's Office to process and carry out the agreement.

Submitted by: Director Travis B. Kuykendall, West Texas HIDTA

 (attachment)

27.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Grant Award Modification #1 for the West Texas HIDTA Multiple Initiatives Grant (G10SW0001A) for the Sheriff's Office.  This award modification is at no cost to the County. ((KK-10-242) 

Submitted by: Director Travis B. Kuykendall, West Texas HIDTA

 (attachment)

28.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Grant Award Modification #1 for the West Texas HIDTA Prosecution Initiative (G10SW0003A) for the District Attorney's Office.  This award modification is at no cost to the County. (KK-10-243)

Submitted by: Director Travis B. Kuykendall, West Texas HIDTA

 (attachment)

29.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to execute an on-line grant application for submission to the US Department of Justice - Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) for funding in the amount of $2,024,580.00 for 12 officers from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2013. 

Submitted by: Sheriff Richard D. Wiles, EPCSO-Administration

 

30.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign the Digital Solution/Inmate Telephone, Inc. contract for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Detention Facilities.  The County Attorney's Office has reviewed the contract (KK#10-147). 

Submitted by: Sheriff Richard D. Wiles, EPCSO-Administration

 (attachment)

31.

Approve and authorize El Paso County Purchasing Department to bid out for two (2) F150 Super Crew Cabs and equipment for K-9 Units as per attached specifications.

Submitted by: Commander Gomecindo Lopez, El Paso County Sheriff's Office- Special Operations

 (attachment)

32.

Approve and authorize the County Purchasing Agent to solicit bids for Deputy Body Armor.  Specifications have been submitted to County Purchasing.

Submitted by: Sheriff Richard Wiles, El Paso County Sheriff's Office

 (attachment)

33.

Approve and authorize to transfer unserviceable equipment for the Detention Facility to the County Purchasing Agent for disposal.  All items have been approved by County Purchasing. Please see attachment.

Submitted by: Sheriff Richard Wiles, El Paso County Sheriff's Office

 (attachment)

 

REPORTS

34.

Accept and take any other appropriate action related to the following quarterly reports:

 

 

a)

(Postponed 04/26/10, 05/03/10, 05/10/10, 05/17/10, 05/24/10, 06/07/10) City of El Paso - Public Health Services

Submitted by:  , County Clerk's Office

 

 

b)

Border Children's Mental Health Collaborative

Submitted by: Project Director Rita Ruelas, Border Children's Mental Health Collaborative


A copy of the full report may be found at
http://www.epcounty.com/meetings/commcourt/2010-06-14/34b.pdf

 

 

c)

Office of the Constable, Pct. 7

Submitted by:  , County Clerk's Office

 

 

d)

Emergency Management

Submitted by: Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Lt. Ricardo Gonzalez, City/County Office of Emergency Management


A copy of the full report may be found at
http://www.epcounty.com/meetings/commcourt/2010-06-14/34d.pdf

 

 

REGULAR AGENDA

35.

Discuss and take appropriate action to authorize the County Judge to sign a resolution requesting that properties listed in the back-up be sold at a Sheriff's sale pursuant to section 34.05 subsection (c) and (d) of the Texas Property Tax Code.          

Submitted by: County Judge Anthony Cobos, County Judge

 (attachment)

36.

Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt an order pursuant to Section 34.05 (d) of the Property Tax Code, authorizing public auction by the El Paso County Sheriff of Tax-Foreclosure resale properties to be conducted on Saturday, October 2, 2010, between the hours of 10 o'clock a.m. and 5 o'clock p.m. at Liberty Hall, 200 S. Kansas.

Submitted by: County Judge Anthony Cobos, County Judge

 (attachment)

37.

Discuss and take appropriate action to facilitate the continued operation of Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7, due to a fire at the court premises.

Submitted by: County Commissioner Daniel R. Haggerty, Commissioner, Pct. 4

 

38.

Approve and authorize the County Judge to sign acceptance of the 388th Judicial District Court Firearms Surrender Project grant award funded by Governor Rick Perry's Criminal Justice Division Recovery Act - Violence Against Women (VAWA) in the amount of $120,000.00.  Approval of the grant-funded project job descriptions and hiring of personnel is also requested.  The grant period is twelve-months.  No County funds are required nor is a commitment by the County to continue funding after 12 month grant period.  Your approval of these items is greatly appreciated.

Submitted by: District Judge Judge Patricia a. Macias, 388th District Court

 (attachment)

39.

I hereby request that the following item be placed on the next agenda for June 14th on behalf of Judge Patricia A. Macias, 388th District Court:  Request Commissioners Court approval to authorize the purchase of (5) air purifiers for the courts for their health and well-being.  I am requesting that funds be identified through the capital funds.  Your approval of this item is greatly appreciated.

Submitted by: District Judge Judge Patricia A. Macias, 388th District Court

 (attachment)

40.

Discuss and take appropriate action to appoint an interim Medical Examiner.

Submitted by: Human Resources Director Betsy C. Keller, SPHR, Human Resources

 (attachment)

41.

Discuss and take appropriate action on County Attorney's Office reorganization including upgrade of existing Senior Trial Attorney position from Grade 2-Step 07 to Trial Team Chief position at Grade 3-Step 07 pursuant to the Attorney Salary plan and reassignment of job duties and resultant salary changes as discussed in the backup for an overall savings of $9,925.32.

Submitted by: County Attorney  Jo Anne Bernal, County Attorney's Office

 (attachment)

42.

Approve and authorize travel reimbursement for Patricia B. Kiddney, President of the Concordia Heritage Association, for travel that occurred from April 22-24, 2010 to attend the Texas Historical Commission Historic Preservation Conference in Houston, Texas.  Funds are available in COMMSVCS 6705.

Submitted by: Director Rosemary V. Neill, Family and Community Services

 (attachment)

43.

Disposition of Bids --- Bid # 10-024, Construction Improvements for the Juvenile Justice Center

Submitted by: Purchasing Agent Piti Vasquez, Purchasing

 (attachment)

44.

Disposition of Bids---Biid # 10-034, Food Products for the County of El Paso

Submitted by: Purchasing Agent Piti Vasquez, Purchasing

 (attachment)

45.

Discuss and take appropriate action to adopt an order to prohibit the sale and use of restricted aerial fireworks in the unicoproated areas of El Paso County due to severe drought conditions pursuant to Texas Local Government Code Section 352.051, violation of which constitutes a Class C. Misdemeanor.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Lee Shapleigh, County Attorney's Office

 

46.

Authorize the County Judge to execute the End User License Agreement and Professional Services Agreement with Tyler Technologies for judicial administration and law enforcement software.  The total project cost, to be over approximately two years is $5,352,325.  Funds are available in CPCapital07.

Submitted by: Assitant County Attorney Cygne Nemir, County Attorney's Office

 (attachment)

47.

Authorize the County Judge to sign an addendum to KK-10-118 to increase the maximum payment amount to the law firm Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, LLP to $100,000 for negotiation of the contract for the construction contract with the Secretary of Transportation of the Country of Mexico for the Tornillo-Guadalupe Bridge.  Funds are available in CPCapital07.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Cygne Nemir, County Attorney's Office

 (attachment)

48.

Authorize the County Clerk to remove the weekly recurring Executive Session item to discuss acquisition of property for the Tornillo-Guadalupe Port of Entry.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Cygne Nemir, County Attorney's Office

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

49.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 551:

 

 

a)

Discuss potential real property acquisition of site in West El Paso for future growth needs of the University Medical Center of El Paso, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072.

Submitted by: President and CEO James N. Valenti, UMC of El Paso

 

 

b)

(Postponed 06/07/10) Discuss the property acquisition for the Guadalupe/Tornillo Port of Entry, pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.072. 

Submitted by:  , County Clerk's Office

 

 

c)

(Postponed 05/24/10, 06/07/10) Discuss the pending claim and potential litigation of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT and T vs. El Paso County Road and Bridge; Ca No.:LC-10-027 pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Janet I. Monteros, County Attorney's Office

 

 

d)

(Postponed 05/24/10, 06/07/10) Discuss subrogation claim regarding Juana Lujan; CA No.: PC-10-009 pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071. 

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Janet I. Monteros, County Attorney's Office

 

 

e)

(Postponed 06/07/10) Discuss the pending litigation in Cause No. EP-09-CV-0119-KC, entitled El Paso County vs. Luther Jones, et al., County Attorney No.:PL-08-001, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Manuel Romero, County Attorney's Office

 

 

f)

Discuss the pending litigation regarding Jacqueline Borunda vs. El Paso County; cause number 2009-4875; CA #:  LD-09-108 pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071. 

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Manuel Romero, County Attorney

 

 

g)

(Postponed 06/07/10) Discuss the pending claim and potential litigation of Juan Fisher; CA No.:LC-10-039; pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Ian R. Kaplan, County Attorney's Office

 

 

h)

(Postponed 06/07/10) Discuss the pending claim and potential litigation of Pablo Adan Jimenez; Ca No.: LC-10-040; pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Ian R. Kaplan, County Attorney's Office

 

 

i)

Discuss invoice pending from Providence Memorial Hospital for services rendered to Anthony Martin on or about September 8, 2009; CA #:  LC-10-054(IN); pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Ralph Girvin, County Attorney's Office

 

 

REGULAR SESSION

50.

Discuss and take appropriate action on potential real property acquisition of a site in West El Paso for future growth needs of the University Medical Center of El Paso.

Submitted by: President and CEO James N. Valenti, UMC of El Paso

 

51.

(Postponed 05/24/10, 06/07/10) Discuss and take appropriate action on the pending claim and potential litigation of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT and T vs. El Paso County Road and Bridge ; CA No.: LC-10-027.

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Janet I. Monteros, County Attorney's Office

 

52.

(Postponed 05/24/10, 06/07/10) Accept payment in the amount of $1,526.10, or another amount, in settlement of the subrogation claim regarding Juana Lujan, CA No.: PC-10-009. 

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Janet I. Monteros, County Attorney's Office

 

53.

Approve and authorize County Judge to sign the settlement agreement regarding Jacqueline Borunda vs. El Paso County; cause number 2009-4875; CA #:  LD-09-108

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Manuel Romero, County Attorney

 

54.

(Postponed 06/07/10) Discuss and take appropriate action on the pending claim and potential litigation of Juan Fisher; CA No. LC-10-039

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Ian R. Kaplan, County Attorney's Office

 

55.

Discuss and take appropriate action on the pending claim of Providence Memorial Hospital; Anthony Martin, CA #:  LC-10-054(IN). 

Submitted by: Assistant County Attorney Ralph Girvin, County Attorney's Office

 

 

ADDENDUM TO AGENDA

Regular Meeting, 6/14/2010 9:30:00 AM

 

 

1.

Consent Agenda: Approve and authorize the closure of Socorro Road (from Tiwa Blvd. to Denton Road in San Elizario) from 7:00 am to 10:00 am on Sunday, September 5, 2010 for a sprint-distance triathlon, which will include uniformed officers to control traffic for the safety of participating athletes.

Submitted by: Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr. , Precinct 3

 (attachment)

 

2.

Approve and authorize a subdivision plat variance for Peyton Pass Unit 1, for Hunt Communities holding, LP.

Submitted by: Commissioner  Willie Gandara Jr. , Precinct 3

 (attachment)

 

3.

Approve and authorize a subdivision plat variance for Emerald Pass unit 1, for Hunt Communities holding, LP.

Submitted by: Commissioner Willie Gandara Jr., Precinct 3

 (attachment)

 

4.

Executive Session: Discuss potential litigation regarding Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4, pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.071.

Submitted by: Commissioner Pct. 1 Anna Perez, Commissioner Court