Pharr Issues Live Safe, Work Safe Orders, Suspends Construction to Prevent Spread of COVID-19
Pharr, Texas – With the increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in the community, and to protect the health and safety of Pharr residents, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. issued Emergency Orders 2020-02 and 2020-03 on Monday, July 13, 2020, aimed to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 continues to menace the health of Pharr residents and the Pharr economy, and the local Health Authority has advised on the need for increased vigilance by individuals and mandatory health measures from Pharr businesses.
Mayor Hernandez stated, “As city leaders, we felt it was our responsibility to take further measures to ensure the safety of residents in our community, and we need all residents to follow these orders.”
“We were hearing a lot of concerns from parents wanting to ensure that their children would be safe when the school year begins, so we issued guidance that no in-person instruction is allowed,” he added.
“We also noticed upon inspecting construction sites that health and safety measures were not being followed, so we needed to set clear guidance to ensure all businesses, including construction sites, are abiding by the requirements,” Hernandez added.
Suspension of Residential and Commercial Construction
Order 2020-02 suspends the construction of residential and commercial projects until each Site Manager comes into compliance with the City’s Construction Requirements and submits a work safe plan to the city. The order acknowledges that construction sites are inherently difficult environments for social distancing to occur, as they frequently require large numbers of individuals to touch the same surfaces, gather closely in areas, and use common facilities. All physical operations of non-essential construction projects shall cease upon this order taking effect at 11:59 pm on Monday, July 13, 2020. The only work that will be permitted to continue will be essential work, which will need to be approved by the city and will come into compliance with the city’s Construction Requirements and obtaining a work safe plan.
City peace officers, Code Enforcement Officers, and Fire Marshals will be enforcing this order. Any person violating this order may be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 or other penalties allowed by law or ordinance.
Construction industry representatives and site managers are encouraged to read the Order in its entirety, along with Order 2020-03 Exhibit D – Construction Requirements.
Live Safe, Work Safe Orders
Order 2020-03 orders households of persons who receive a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 or those who exhibit symptoms to isolate at home for at least 14 days. Social gatherings shall be avoided or minimized, and gatherings of more than ten individuals are prohibited.
As families in Pharr were seeking guidance in regard to whether schools could safely re-open for the upcoming school year, the city felt it needed to act to address this issue. The order prohibits the in-person instruction of public or private schools until further notice.
Businesses are ordered to create and implement an infectious disease response plan and comply with the Texas Governor’s Minimum Standard Health Protocols, checklist for employers. Businesses are also ordered to require face coverings of all employees and patrons entering the place of businesses, and for patrons to practice social distancing protocols.
A first-time violation of this Order regarding social distancing and face coverings is subject to a verbal or written reprimand; a second violation and each subsequent violation shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $250. A violation of any other section of this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000.
The orders took effect at 11:59 pm on Monday, July 13, 2020, and remain in effect until further notice. The orders, which include the requirements for Pharr families and businesses can be found on the city’s website at https://old.pharr-tx.com/covid-19/ under the tab Press Releases.
Pharr, Texas – At a special meeting of the Pharr City Commission held today, the City of Pharr announced the selection of Andrew “Andy” Harvey, Jr. as the city’s new police chief. Harvey was appointed by interim City Manager Ed Wylie and confirmed by the Pharr City Commission. He was sworn into office at the meeting by Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez.
Chief Harvey has a wealth of military and transformational law enforcement leadership experience, having most recently served as Chief of Police for the cities of Palestine and Ennis, Texas. As Chief, Harvey has transformed agencies into more modern, 21st-century police departments. Harvey’s innovation in policing includes implementing crime-fighting strategies to target drugs and property crimes using covert and other technology and creating a Quality of Life Officer position who works with social services, child protective services, and mental health agencies to provide better quality care to citizens challenged with mental health and drug addiction, among other notable successes.
While heading up the Palestine Police Department, Harvey was named Palestine Difference Maker in 2018 and 2019 by the Herald Press Newspaper. Harvey also serves on the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force in Washington D.C, as part of a group of police chiefs and sheriffs across the country to have a voice on how immigration reform relates to public safety. Harvey testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee last October on this issue.
Prior to his tenure in Palestine and Ennis, Harvey served more than 21 years at the Dallas Police Department, retiring in 2017. Harvey also served as First Sergeant of the 136th Mission Support Group of the US Air National Guard and also served in the United States Air Force Reserve and the Texas Army National Guard from 1987 through 2008, retiring honorably and receiving numerous accolades including the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Operation Iraqi Freedom for deploying to the Middle East.
Harvey received his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership from Destiny College International. Harvey is certified as a Master Peace Officer and a TCOLE Certified Instructor. Harvey’s leadership philosophy seeks to invoke effective policing by requiring courageous and collaborative leaders at every level of an organization, with officers called upon to think outside of their squad car, and consider the impact their actions may have on the police department, the city, and today’s policing.
A professional speaker and presenter, Harvey has presented Excellence in Policing and Confident Media Relations courses to hundreds of police executives in Texas and throughout the country. As an executive trainer, he has trained many leaders around the state in leadership, community relations, and media relations.
“We are excited to herald in a new era of police leadership with someone as qualified and experience as Chief Harvey,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our community should feel safe and secure with the new direction our police department is going, and we are happy that Chief Harvey has joined our team,” he added. Harvey was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley and speaks Spanish. “Having the opportunity to return to the Valley in a fast-growing, dynamic city and region is incredible,” said Harvey. “I look forward to working with the men and women of the Pharr PD to add value to the city,” he added.
Pharr to Host Special Announcement Regarding Police Chief TODAY, Monday, 7/13 @ 12 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr officials will host a special announcement regarding the Pharr Police Chief. The announcement will be made at a special meeting of the Pharr City Commission at 12 pm noon TODAY, Monday, July 13, 2020, at the City Commission Chambers at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage, 2nd Floor) in Pharr.
DETAILS WHAT: Special Announcement regarding Pharr Police Chief WHEN: Monday, July 13, 2020, at 12 pm noon WHERE: Pharr City Commission Chambers, City Hall (118 S. Cage, 2nd Floor) in Pharr
Pharr, Texas – After a blockade of agricultural tractors and machinery by Mexican protesters on the Mexican side of the Pharr International Port of Entry, the Pharr International Bridge has resumed operations as the situation has come to a resolution. As of 8 pm Thursday, July 9, 2020, protesters were seen vacating the premises and the Pharr International Bridge resumed operations.
According to Bridge Director Luis Bazan, the Pharr Bridge will prioritize northbound cargo first and then start moving southbound traffic. Bazan further reports that the U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will operate after hours until midnight tonight to ensure all northbound goods are moved through the Bridge.
Mexican Blockade Halts Trade and Commerce at International Ports of Entry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and the Pharr International Bridge have been made aware of a situation blocking both northbound and southbound traffic on the Mexican side of the International Port of Entry. The situation began yesterday afternoon; approximately 150 Mexican protesters are blocking access to the Pharr Bridge with agricultural tractors and machinery. As a result of the continued protest and blockage, commercial traffic is being diverted to surrounding ports of entry. Pharr officials will continue to monitor the situation, and urge everyone to avoid the area and seek alternative means of travel to and from Mexico until the situation is resolved.
Sources have confirmed to Pharr officials that the Pharr International Bridge is NOT the only port of entry being targeted; Mexican protestors are targeting all ports of entry and all major trade corridors along the South Texas/Mexico border.
UPDATE AS OF 1 PM: Early indications show that the blockade may subside within the next couple of hours
City Commission Proclaims July as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month
City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero read a proclamation by Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. declaring the month of July 2020 as Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month in Pharr. This month brings awareness to orofacial clefts, which are the most frequently occurring birth defects in the United States, affecting approximately 7,000 babies annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In attendance at the meeting and to accept the proclamation were members of the Driscoll Children’s Craniofacial and Cleft Center. Mayor Hernandez recognized the members, thanking them for the work they do to provide comprehensive care, information, support, and access to interdisciplinary teams for children and families affected by craniofacial differences.
City Commission Recognizes Couple as First to Wed at Pharr Downtown Park
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., recognized Hector and Deborah Cruz at the podium to introduce them and share their story with the rest of the members of the City Commission and the public. Hector and Deborah recently tied the knot and exchanged their marriage vows at Pharr’s brand-new wedding destination attraction – the Pharr Downtown Park! The Cruzes are the first couple to have held their nuptials at one of Pharr’s newest and attractive public outdoor spaces. Complete with a beautiful water fountain and amphitheater seating area, it set the stage and setting for a perfect wedding. Congratulations to the Cruzes on the start of their beautiful life together, and we thank you for sharing your special moment with the City of Pharr! To commemorate the occasion, the couple were gifted wedding presents from the Pharr City Commission. Mayor Hernandez thanked the couple for sharing their moment with the City Commission. Hernandez stated, “Congratulations on your union. Be very patient. You got in this because of love, and no matter what happens, stay strong. Best of luck to you guys,” he added.
City Commission Appoints Municipal Judge and Alternate Municipal Judge
The City Commission considered an ordinance appointing a municipal judge and alternate municipal judge for the City of Pharr. Commissioner Bobby Carrillo made a motion to appoint Criselda Rincon Flores as Municipal Judge and Rudy Martinez as the sole Alternate Municipal Judge, seeing that the court has seen a decrease in cases; the appointments were unanimously approved.
City Commission Approves Interlocal Agreement for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project
The City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Pharr, the City of San Juan, the City of Alamo, and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District for the PSJA Tri-City Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project Phase I. Interim City Manager Ed Wylie explained that the City of Pharr is taking the lead on the project, which will install safe sidewalks at locations selected by PSJA ISD near schools across the tri-city area. The total financial commitment estimated for the City of Pharr is $315,823.96.
City Commission Approves Awarding of Contract for the Pharr City Hall 1st Floor Renovation Project
Interim City Manager informed the members of the City Commission that the city received bids for the Pharr City Hall 1st Floor Renovation Project. The construction budget is $2.349 million, and the anticipated time period is 207 days. Staff recommended awarding the project to the highest-scoring proposal submitted by NM Contracting out of McAllen; the city commission approved unanimously.
