[PAGE 1] MINUTES OF THE CITY OF SAN BENITO REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING On February 3, 2026, the City Commission convened for a Regular City Commission Meeting at the San Benito Municipal Building, Cesar Gonzalez Meeting Hall, 401 North Sam Houston Boulevard, San Benito, Texas. City Commission Members Present: Ricardo Guerra, Mayor; Tom Goodman, Mayor Pro Tem; Deborah A. Morales, Commissioner, Place 2; Pete A. Galvan, Commissioner Place 3; Jose E. Navarro, Commissioner Place 4; City Attorney Javier Villalobos. Not Present: Attorney Eric Flores. City Administration Personnel Present: Fred Sandoval, City Manager; Diana C. Garza, Assistant City Manager; Ruth McGinnis, City Secretary. ITEM 1. WELCOME. Mayor Ricardo Guerra called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m., confirming a quorum. ITEM 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.S. FLAG AND TO THE TEXAS FLAG. All present recited the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. Flag and to the Texas Flag. ITEM 3. INVOCATION. Mayor Pro Tempore Tom Goodman led the invocation. ANNOUNCEMENT(S) ● AWARD CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION TO MEMBERS WHO PREVIOUSLY SERVED THE SAN BENITO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Commissioner Deborah Morales read all announcements: Market Days on February 14; Walking School Bus on February 20; Soul of South Texas Carnival and Concerts on February 16 – March 1; Hog Waddle Concert on March 14. Commissioner Morales read a small biography of Sam Patel, Linda De La Garza, and Toni Crane afterwards the City Commission presented each with their Certificates of Recognition. PUBLIC COMMENTS (Speakers/Remarks limited to three minutes). Ruth McGinnis, City Secretary, announced citizens registered to speak during the Public Comments portion of the meeting: Mr. Eddie Loa expressed concern about easement on Charles Barber Road and the fair and consistent enforcement of city codes. Mentioned an electric company intends to replace light poles and proposed assessing work area through front of properties potentially causing damage to concrete driveways. Talked about his neighbor speaking with Fred Sandoval about this issue who allegedly stated the easement was never recorded which he does not understand being all seven residents living on Charles Barber Road have same easement recorded in their deeds. The easement is officially recorded with Cameron County Clerk Office. His neighbor Ramiro Pecina raised his fence approximately two feet and brought truckloads of dirt resulting repeated flooding issues in his property and the citation was dismissed by the City prosecutor. He is now concerned on the pending drainage citation handling that it may also be dismissed before it is ever reviewed by a judge. Ms. Edith Tamez, President of Furry Friends RGV, commended the City Commission and City Manager for coordinating with RGV Humane Society and doing over one hundred spay and neuter for Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 1 of 9 [PAGE 2] residents of our community. Ms. Esther Rivera Hernandez, stated she is a mother of four, grandmother of nineteen,and great- grandmother of eight. All kids have enjoyed Baseball Softball League. It hurts her to see the baseball fields empty since the city took it over. When is the City bringing baseball back, she does not like going to Harlingen, we have several fields and need to put them to use. Mr. Joe Rodriguez, recognized city employee JB Lara and his crew for taking care of a resident’s water meter because the freeze was approaching and was concerned pipes would freeze. The other recognition is for Norma Benavidez, he sends her emails about street lights that go off at the park and she takes care of these issues promptly. PRESENTATIONS PRESENTATION OF THE CITY MANAGER’S REPORT. Fred Sandoval, City Manager, stated last week the Texas Department of State Health Services Consumer Protection Division inspected our Water Plant and Wastewater Plant reporting no deficiencies and passed. Commended the Wastewater Plant and Water Plant staff for a great job. On another note, last week the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez informed us our congressional earmarked, the second part of it had come in. We had put in, prior to him being here, a congressional earmark back in 2023 for a ground storage tank and a Scada System. The Scada System was awarded, broken into two different funding mechanisms. One is through the EPA Water Funds and the other one is through Department of Interior, we received the second half of that. The Water Plant Number 2 round storage tank was $1,000,092 and he wishes to thank Congressman Gonzalez. He also commended and recognized the Finance Department for receiving the Government Finance Officers Award fifth year in a row. He also recognized Ms. Lilian Kim, Board Member, Rio Grande Valley Humane Society, for all her efforts in making the spay and neuter program a success in San Benito. CONSENT AGENDA ITEM(S) Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to approved Consent Agenda Item 1, Item 2, Item 3, Item 4, and Item 5, motion seconded by Commissioner Deborah Morales, and carried unanimously. ITEM 1. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 6, 2026, AND THE JANUARY 20, 2026, CITY OF SAN BENITO REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS. ITEM 2. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2252-AT-020326, TO APPROVE A VOLUNTARY DE-ANNEXATION OF A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 29426 RESACA DRIVE, BEARING A LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BEING LOT 1, JO C. ELSTNER’S HORSE SHOE SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED IN VOLUME 8, PAGE 71, MAP RECORDS, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS. APPLICANT: LUIS M. GARZA (APPLICANT MEMORANDUM DATED DECEMBER 4, 2025 ON RECORD). ITEM 3. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2252-AU-020326, A REQUEST TO APPROVE A REZONE FOR A PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF CESAR GONZALEZ PARKWAY AND FM 510 BEARING A LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BEING 6.591 ACRES OF LAND OF THE NORTH 20.00 ACRES OUT OF THE SOUTHEAST ONE-QUARTER OF BLOCK 6 SAN BENITO LAND AND WATER COMPANY SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO MAP RECORDED IN VOLUME 1, PAGE 6, MAP RECORDS, CONCEPCION DE CARRICITOS GRANT, CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS FROM LI “LIGHT INDUSTRY” TO C-2 “COMMERCIAL GENERAL RETAIL BUSINESS”. APPLICANT: JULIAN AND ALMA DELGADO. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 2 of 9 [PAGE 3] ITEM 4. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2252-AV-020326, A REQUEST TO REZONE A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 251 CESAR GONZALEZ PARKWAY BEARING A LEGAL DESCRIPTION: BEING 5.007 ACRES OF LAND OUT OF BLOCK 6, SAN BENITO LAND AND WATER COMPANY SUBDIVISION, RECORDED IN VOLUME 1, PAGE 6, MAP RECORDS OF CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS FROM LI “LIGHT INDUSTRY” TO C-2 “COMMERCIAL GENERAL RETAIL BUSINESS”. APPLICANT: RODOLFO LOPEZ. ITEM 5. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE THE SECOND AND FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2252-AW-020326, A REQUEST TO REZONE A PROPERTY LOCATED AT 734 WHITNEY STREET BEARING A LEGAL DESCRIPTION: LOTS NUMBER ONE (1) AND TWO (2), IN BLOCK NUMBER ONE (1) IN WHITNEY SUBDIVISION NUMBER TWO (2), CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 12, PAGE 19, MAP RECORDS OF CAMERON COUNTY, TEXAS FROM SF-1 “SINGLE FAMILY ONE” TO C-2 “COMMERCIAL GENERAL RETAIL BUSINESS”. APPLICANT: REYMUNDO MARTINEZ. ITEM(S) FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION ITEM 1. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2593-C-02-2026, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NUMBER 2583-B-09-2022 AND ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT THEREWITH, AND PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF BUDGETED AND AUTHORIZED POSITIONS AT THE RANK OF PATROL OFFICER FOR THE SAN BENITO POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mario Perea, Police Chief, presented this item indicating ordinance is in fulfillment of a grant for two additional patrol officers funded through the Cops Hiring Grant, awarded in January 2026, covering seventy-five percent of their salary. Mayor Ricardo Guerra announced No Motion due to being a First Reading. ITEM 2. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2636 CREATING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY PUBLIC UTILITY AGENCY; APPROVING BYLAWS; PROVIDING FOR PURPOSES, POWERS, AND GOVERNANCE; APPOINTING INITIAL DIRECTORS; ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND ADDRESSING RELATED MATTERS. City Manager Fred Sandoval addressed the City Commission stating we have talked about this kind of unified front with several other cities. Recently, the mayor and mayor pro-tempore attended a meeting along with other mayor that are involved. We are on the ground floor, and it could bear fruit in the future providing alternate sources of water, not only for us, but other cities in south Texas, along with economic development. Dr. Carlos Marin, PE, advised this is the beginning of the ground floor for the Public Utility Agency for the Rio Grande Valley and provided a recap of the full project. Mayor Ricardo Guerra announced No Motion due to being a First Reading. City Manager Fred Sandoval addressed the City Commission requesting to take out of sequence Agenda Items 14, 15, and 16 at this time. ITEM 14. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SELECT A FINANCIAL ADVISOR FOR THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS RFP #2025-1104-002 FINANCIAL ADVISOR SERVICES FOR THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM. Commissioner Pedro Galvan moved to select Hilltop Securities Investment Banking Solutions, motion seconded by Commissioner Deborah Morales, and carried unanimously. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 3 of 9 [PAGE 4] ITEM 15. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SELECT A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER FOR THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS RFQ #2025-1104-003 PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM. Commissioner Pedro Galvan moved to select Ambiotech Civil Engineering Group, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. ITEM 16. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SELECT A BOND COUNSEL FOR THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AND STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS RFP #2025-1104-004 BOND COUNSEL SERVICES FOR THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to select Winstead PC, motion seconded by Commissioner Pedro Galvan, and carried unanimously. ITEM 17. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO SELECT ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP #2025-1104-005 ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THE TEXAS WATER DEVELOPMENT BOARD DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM. Dr. Carlos Marin, PE, advised this is a $10 million Water Development Award Grant received and we are in the process of getting that project implemented. Part of that requires solicitation of bond counsel, financial services, engineers, and professional support services and those have to be solicited in a certain way to be qualified for the reimbursement reason that’s what these four elements are about. It’s a $10 million project to replace a large concrete line with convention PBC to ten million. City Manager Fred Sandoval reiterated, basically, we are following the procurement to advertise and procure services according to their guidelines. Dr. Carlos Marin, PE, confirmed, and reimbursement will come from the funds. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to approve Item 14, 15, 16, and 17, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman withdrew his motion. City Attorney Javier Villalobos requested to go into Executive Session. Mayor Ricardo Guerra moved to go into Executive Session at 6:16p.m and reconvened at 6:26p.m. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to select Water Finance Exchange, Inc., motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously ITEM 3. FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NUMBER 2637 ESTABLISHING THE KEEP SAN BENITO BEAUTIFUL ADVISORY BOARD. Samantha Guzman, Executive Assistant to Administrative Services Director, presented this item indicating this program is to Keep San Benito Beautiful and there will be annual membership dues with exception of board members. These monies will be used to pay the annual renewal membership fees to Keep Texas Beautiful. City Manager Fred Sandoval advised a budget amendment will be done to create the position for this program. Commissioner Pedro A. Galvan indicated some cities tie this program with their Parks and Recreation Department and believes might be helpful due to having issues with participation. Mayor Ricardo Guerra announced No Motion due to being a First Reading. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 4 of 9 [PAGE 5] ITEM 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AMEND ORDINANCE 2573-B-10-2024 CONCERNING FEES AND USE OF SAN BENITO COMMUNITY BUILDING. Mayor Ricardo Guerra, announced this item was placed at the request of Commissioner Deborah Morales and Commissioner Pedro Galvan. Commissioner Pete A. Galvan stated he would like the Community Building to be rented to the public and requested restructure the rental fee. Commissioner Deborah Morales said she sees this as a proactive approach in working with our community. City Manager Fred Sandoval requested time to come back with a fee structure. City Attorney Javier Villalobos directed the City Commission no need to motion, being there is nothing to vote on. ITEM 5. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NUMBER 2026- 0203-001(R), A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMITTAL OF A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2027 OPERATION LONE STAR GRANT PROGRAM (OLS) TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AS THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE. George Mata, Fire Marshal, explained grant enhances operations with other agencies that are in support of Operation Lone Star at a $20,000 minimum to a $5 million maximum. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to approve Item 5, to approve Resolution Number 2026-0203- 001(R) authorizing the submittal of a grant application for the Fiscal Year 2027 Operation Lone Star Grant Program (OLS) to the Office of the Governor, and authorizing the Mayor as the authorized representative, motion seconded by Commissioner Deborah Morales, and carried unanimously. ITEM 6. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NUMBER 2026- 0203-002(R), A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OR HIS DESIGNEE TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE BORDER ZONE FIRE DEPARTMENT GRANT FISCAL YEAR 2027. George Mata, Fire Marshal, stated grant to purchase specialized equipment for the Fire Department. Applying for next year, the maximum is $250,000. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to approve Item 6, to approve Resolution Number 2026- 0203-002(R) authorizing the mayor or his designee to approve the application and acceptance of the Border Zone Fire Department Grant Fiscal Year 2027, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. ITEM 7. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NUMBER 2026- 0203-003(R) ADOPTING A RESOLUTION REGARDING CIVIL RIGHTS. Diana Garza, Assistant City Manager stated this is a formality, making sure we are in compliance so we are able to get our reimbursement for the work being done for the Comprehensive Plan. It is required for municipalities to have and we do not. Commissioner Pete Galvan moved to approve Item 7, to approve Resolution Number 2026-0203- 003(R) adopting a resolution regarding Civil Rights, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 5 of 9 [PAGE 6] City Attorney Javier Villalobos directed the City Commission take Item 8 and Item 9 together. ITEM 8. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT FOR ELECTION SERVICES WITH CAMERON COUNTY FOR THE MAY 2, 2026 GENERAL ELECTION. Ruth McGinnis, City Secretary requested approval of contract for City to hold a General Election on May 2, 2026 for citizens to vote for a Mayor, a Commissioner, Place 2 and a Commissioner, Place 3. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to approve Item 8, to approve a contract for election services with Cameron County for the May 2, 2026 General Election, motion seconded by Commissioner Pedro A. Galvan, and carried unanimously. ITEM 9. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE ORDER NUMBER 2026-001 CALLING THE CITY OF SAN BENITO GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MAY 2, 2026, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A MAYOR, COMMISSIONER PLACE 1, AND COMMISSIONER PLACE 2. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to approve Item 9, to approve Order Number 2026-001 calling the City of San Benito General Election to be held on May 2, 2026, for the purpose of electing a Mayor, Commissioner Place 1, and Commissioner Place 2, motion seconded by Commissioner Pedro A. Galvan, and carried unanimously. ITEM 10. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO RATIFY THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH CARPE NOX INDUSTRIES, LLC. City Manager Fred Sandoval presented this item stating this was taken to the SBEDC Board at their last meeting, it was approved, being brought to you for final approval and staff recommends approval. Commissioner Deborah Morales stated that she serves on the Board and was aware that the agreement had been approved. However, her understanding was that the arrangement would extend only through March. She later learned that it is a one-year contract with a quarterly evaluation scheduled for March. From the ED perspective, she expressed concern that the decision may have been made prematurely, as all relevant information—specifically the financial statements and cost details for the Summer Series Concert and Hog Waddle—was not available at the time. She indicated a desire to further discuss the matter, noting that updated financials show the budget was exceeded. Commissioner Morales suggested the Board consider extending the contract through March rather than committing it to the full annual term at this time, with a formal evaluation to occur in March before making a longer-term determination. City Manager Fred Sandoval stated it was approved by EDC and referred to legal counsel. City Attorney Javier Villalobos stated any EDC contracts come through the City Commission. That’s the way you all do it, you approve each contract. It is different from other entities. So, you can either approve it or not. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to approve Item 10, to approve to ratify the professional services agreement with Carpe Nox Industries, LLC, motion seconded by Mayor Ricardo Guerra. Commissioner Deborah Morales, Commissioner Joe Navarro, and Commissioner Pedro A. Galvan motioned Nay. Motion dies. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 6 of 9 [PAGE 7] ITEM 11. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH TDA CONSULTING, INC., FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REGIONAL 5-YEAR CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND STRATEGIC PLAN (2026–2030). Diana Garza, Assistant City Manager, stated this is a continuation for our consolidated plan with Harlingen and Brownsville and this is the company selected per RFP’s to submit to HUD in Augustin. Commissioner Pedro Galvan moved to approve Item 11, to approve a contract a Contract Agreement for consultant services with TDA Consulting, Inc., for the Development of a Regional 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Strategic Plan (2026–2030), motion seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman, and carried unanimously. ITEM 12. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE A BUSINESS ELECTRICITY AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT WITH GEXA ENERGY TO BECOME ITS REP AND TO PERFORM THE NECESSARY TASKS TO ESTABLISH ELECTRICITY SERVICE WITH GEXA ENERGY, LP., STARTING DECEMBER 2030. City Manager Fred Sandoval stated we had brought this to you in a previous form at the last meeting. Mr. Rudy was here from Valiant Energy and the mayor wanted this brought back as it was a bit unclear who we were actually signing an agreement with. We have representatives from Valiant here so you could get a better picture of what we are doing and what Valiant does for the city as part of being our consultant for energy services. Rudy Ramirez, Valley Energy Sources, stated on December 16th a resolution to join co -op Mo Casey was adopted. What we did was a reverse RFP, we got pricing and these were the lowest pricing available aside from what we are offering as an added service. We do have a Street Light Program that we assist the City with; any lights are out, we report to AEP and get the lights faster. Eric Ramirez, Partner with Valley and Energy Sources, elaborated more about electricity to the City Commission. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to deny Item 12, a Business Electricity Authorization Agreement with Gexa Energy to become its REP and to perform the necessary tasks to establish electricity service with Gexa Energy, LP., starting December 2030, motion to deny seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman, motioned Nay. Mayor Guerra announced four Yay and one Nay. Item 12 Not Approved. ITEM 13. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO AWARD RFP-2026-0010 FOR THE AMENDED EXCLUSIVE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL SERVICES. City Manager Fred Sandoval requested to go into Executive Session to discuss a legal issue with legal Counsel not regarding selection. Mayor Ricardo Guerra moved to go into Executive Session at 7:07p.m. and reconvened at 8:07p.m. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to negotiate a solid waste contract with Republic Services as discussed in Executive Session. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to authorize the City Manager to negotiate a solid waste contract with Republic Services as discussed in Executive Session, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 7 of 9 [PAGE 8] AGENDA ITEMS 14, 15, 16, AND 17 WERE TAKEN OUT OF SEQUENCE. ITEM 18. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDER NUMBER 1, SUBMITTED BY KLM ENGINEERING, INC., IN ADDITION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTRACT FOR THE FREDDY FENDER TOWER REHABILITATION PROJECT, FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST OF $11,600.00. City Manager Fred Sandoval, stated this Change Order is to take care of a dollar plate replacement in the very top of the tower that we were not able to get to in the inspection. It is severely rusted and they need to cut it out and replace it. Note that this tower is about twenty-five years of service and it’s never been rehabbed. Mayor Pro Tem Tom Goodman moved to approve Item 18, to approve Change Order Number 1, submitted by KLM Engineering, Inc., in addition to the original contract for the Freddy Fender Tower Rehabilitation Project, for an additional cost of $11,600.00, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro, and carried unanimously. ITEM 19. CONSIDER A POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE A WEATHER INSURANCE APPLICATION WITH VORTEX INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC, FOR RAIN INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE 2026 HOG WADDLE EVENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,193.00. Commissioner Deborah Morales moved to approve Item 19, to approve a weather insurance application with Vortex Insurance Agency, LLC, for Rain Insurance Coverage for the 2026 Hog Waddle Event in the amount of $25,193.00, motion seconded by Commissioner Joe Navarro and carried unanimously. ITEM 20. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO RATIFY PAYMENT TO OMT UTILITIES FOR EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO A COLLAPSED MANHOLE AT THE INTERSECTION OF LOVETT ROAD AND BUSINESS HIGHWAY 77 IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,000.00. City Manager Fred Sandoval indicated we have had OMT on site probably since before the holidays going on different emergencies on manholes. These manholes are too deep for us to do. Commissioner Pedro Galvan moved to approve Item 20, to approve to ratify payment to OMT Utilities for emergency repairs to a collapsed manhole at the intersection of Lovett Road and Business Highway 77 in the amount of $56,000.00, motion seconded by Commissioner Deborah Morales, and carried unanimously. The city received an mail from citizen Joe Rodriguez expressing concern on Executive Session verbiage. At this time, City Manager Fred Sandoval announced that after discussing with legal, they will not be going into Executive Session. EXECUTIVE SESSION: 1. CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL TO DELIBERATE AND DISCUSS THE ADOPTION OF A STANDARDIZED CITY MANAGER EVALUATION INSTRUMENT PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE §551.071 AND §551.074(A)(1)(2), PERSONNEL MATTER. 2. CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL TO DELIBERATE AND DISCUSS THE PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL OF THE CITY OF SAN BENITO PURSUANT TO TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE §551.071 AND §551.074, PERSONNEL MATTER. Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 8 of 9 [PAGE 9] POSSIBLE ACTION ON ANY ITEM(S) AS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO ADOPT A STANDARDIZED CITY MANAGER EVALUATION INSTRUMENT. 2. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION PERTAINING TO THE PERSONNEL POLIC MANUAL OF THE CITY OF SAN BENITO. Mayor Ricardo Guerra announced No Action on Item 1 and Item 2. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to come before the Commission, upon duly made motion Mayor Ricardo Guerra announced ADJOURNMENT AT 8:10 P.M. CITY OF SAN BENITO HONORABLE RICARDO GUERRA MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH MCGINNIS CITY SECRETARY Minutes-February 3, 2026 COSB Regular City Commission Meeting Page 9 of 9