The City of Pharr Earns Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence

by media | Jun 14, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The City of Pharr Earns Governor’s Texas Award for the Performance Excellence by the Quality Texas Foundation

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has earned the Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) from the Quality Texas Foundation (QTF). The City of Pharr is being recognized as a role model organization demonstrating exceptional performance in all areas of organizational management – leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, operations focus, and results.

View the City of Pharr’s Governor’s Award Video

https://youtu.be/Hu3OTZy9Vfg

“This is incredible news for the City of Pharr, our community, our region, and our state,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We have been strategically working towards this goal over the last few years with the ultimate goal of earning the highly-coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence, and one to which Pharr strives to achieve,” continued Hernandez. “This means we are one step closer,” he added.

Since 1993, the Quality Texas Foundation has administered the Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) as an independent non-profit corporation. Winning the Governor’s TAPE symbolizes that the organization is one of the best in the state of Texas and it is based upon a very rigorous and robust process that has resulted in 21 National Recipients and 59 State Recipients, according to the QTF website.

“The City of Pharr has accomplished what many cities are afraid to look into,” said Dr. Mac McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of the Quality Texas Foundation. “The Malcolm Baldrige Quality Framework includes a robust review of Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer (resident) Service, Utilization of the appropriate defensible measures, the Workforce Environment and Engagement, Operations both tactical (daily) and strategic (long term), along with the verifiable results for each area mentioned above,” he continued. “The City of Pharr excels at each one,” added Dr. McGuire.

Pharr is now only the third city in the entire state of Texas that’s obtained the Governor’s Award — the ultimate recognition from the Quality Texas Foundation. Last April (2021), Pharr was awarded the “Progress Level Recognition” from the Quality Texas Foundation, which put the City of Pharr only two steps away from reaching its goal of national recognition.

“This is a long arduous journey that many organizations attempt and very few achieve,” stated Hernandez. “However, we continue to strive to be a city that provides service excellence and a culture of continuous improvement and I am so proud that our hard work, persistence, and dedication have paid off,” he added. “We are now officially only one step away from reaching our goal and you bet we will get it done,” Hernandez said.

City of Pharr officials and employees celebrate at the announcement of the award on Monday, June 13, 2022.

As part of the process, the City of Pharr has worked to strategically improve operations, streamline services, enhance customer service, improve finance operations, implement best practices, and develop strategic goals and policies to move the city towards a more prosperous and efficient future.

“This is truly amazing news, and I would like to acknowledge our amazing TEAM PHARR employees and leaders who have worked collectively towards this goal as we aim to enhance our city operations and provide the highest quality service to our constituents,” Hernandez added.

“Rarely does a city or any type of organization achieve the Governor’s Award as the best city in our region (TX, PR, MO, KS, OK, and LA),” stated Dr. McGuire. “The City of Pharr accomplished this monumental task on its first try,” he added. “The City Council, City Manager, and Assistant City Manager should be heralded as best in class,” he exclaimed. “Congratulations to a well-run City Government!”

Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis, who has helped spearhead Pharr’s initiative toward these distinctions, remarked, “This prestigious award is very near to my heart. It has been years in the making; the City’s commitment to improving our community and reach performance excellence is truly unmatched. Each day, I’m inspired by the hard work and dedication of our people, the City of Pharr’s leaders and every employee. Here in Pharr, we strive for “Excellence Every Day,” and I’m extremely grateful to be part of this City and its ongoing journey. Team Pharr will undoubtedly continue to accomplish great things.”

“This is just the beginning of greater things coming to Pharr. Stay tuned,” said City Manager Andy Harvey.

About the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE)

Patterned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) was established in 1994 as an annual recognition of Texas organizations that have achieved performance excellence and applied outstanding quality principles in their day-to-day operations. For more information about the Quality Texas Foundation, visit www.quality-texas.org.

About the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA)

The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) is an award established by the U.S. Congress in 1987 to raise awareness of quality management and recognize U.S. companies that have implemented successful quality management systems. For more information visit [home].

Pharr Fire FD to Host “Fill the Helmet” Fundraising Event to Benefit Uvalde Victims

by media | May 26, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Pharr Fire FD to Host “Fill the Helmet” Fundraising Event to Benefit Uvalde Victims, TODAY, 5/26 from 3 pm to 5 pm

Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a “Fill the Helmet” Fundraising Event to Benefit victims of the Uvalde tragedy and encourages all RGV residents to make a donation.

The event will take place TODAY, May 26, 2022, from 3 pm to 5 pm at two locations in the City of Pharr: (1) Business 83 and Cage and (2) W. Kelly Avenue & South Jackson. 

“Everyone has felt the devastating impact of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, and as we stand together to support our fellow Texans during this time of heartache and need, we are asking our community to join us in raising donations to be sent to the victims and their families,” said  Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez, PE. “Please consider making a donation and help us “Fill the Helmet,” continued Rodriguez.

All donations collected will be delivered to Uvalde victims.

“We support the City of Uvalde and  Uvalde CISD, and we stand in solidarity with them during this immensely difficult time,” Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. said. “Anything we can do to help will be done and I am proud of our Pharr Fire Department for bringing forward this initiative and encouraging our local community members to “Fill the Helmet,” he added. “We encourage anyone wanting to donate to please stop by either of our two locations today between 3 pm to 5 pm and help us make a difference.”

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT:  Pharr FD “Fill the Helmet” Fundraiser for Uvalde Victims
WHEN: TODAY, May 26, 2022, from 3 pm to 5 pm
WHERE: (1) Business 83 and Cage and (2) W. Kelly Avenue & South Jackson in Pharr

City of Pharr to Hold Community Prayer for Victims of Uvalde Tragedy

by media | May 25, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

City of Pharr to Hold Community Prayer for Victims of Uvalde Tragedy, TODAY 5/25 @ 5:15 pm

Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will hold a Community Prayer for victims of the Uvalde tragedy, their families, and the entire Uvalde community.

The Community Prayer will take place at 5:15 pm TODAY, May 25, 2022, at the Pharr Downtown Park (next to city hall) at 118 S. Cage. Blvd in Pharr. 

“It is truly heartbreaking and utterly devastating to fathom what the school district and community of Uvalde, Texas are going through,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, students, parents, and community,” he continued. “Today, our Pharr community will stand united in prayer for everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, may our prayers help them find strength, healing, and peace,” added Hernandez.

The prayer is open to anyone in our community who wants to sympathize with the victims’ families and the entire community affected by these tragic events in Uvalde, Texas.

“We all are saddened by the tragic events in Uvalde. Nothing is more significant than our children and protecting them is always a priority,” stated Pharr City Manager and Police Chief Andy Harvey. “When we come together as a community we are stronger.”

The City of Pharr in collaboration with PSJA ISD will be collecting new teddy bears in drop-off boxes located at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr TX 78577), and at our DRC – Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd Pharr, TX 78577) that will be included in care packages for Uvalde students.

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT:  City of Pharr to Hold Community Prayer for Victims of Uvalde Tragedy
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 5:15 pm
WHERE: Pharr Downtown Park (Next to City Hall) – 118 S Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577

Pharr City Report for 5/16/2022

by media | May 18, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 16, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

Pharr Ranks #1 in Sales Tax Collections for May 2022

Pharr Finance Director Karla Saavedra reported to the City Commission that Pharr ranked #1 in sales tax collections in May 2022. The City of Pharr Sales Tax Collection Report for May 2022 also showed an increase of 14.10% Month-to-Month compared to last year (May 2021), and overall 15.66% growth compared to last year’s collections.

City of Pharr Finance Department Earns GFOA Award

City of Pharr Finance Director Karla Saavedra announced to the city commission that the Pharr Finance Department has earned the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award  for the fiscal year 2020-2021. This is the 14th consecutive year that the City of Pharr Finance Department earns the award. GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program (Budget Awards Program) in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. To earn recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool. “I am proud of our continued excellence in budgeting and for the support of our mayor, city commission, and staff who have all helped in the achievement of this award,” said Saavedra. “The requirements for this application changed this year however, we all worked together to submit the application according to the new guidelines and the City of Pharr continues to be recognized for our transparency and budget presentation,” she added.

Commission Resolution Approves the City of Pharr Strategic Plan 2022-2027

The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution approving the City of Pharr Strategic Plan 2022-2027. The City of Pharr has prepared a Citywide Strategic Plan, updating its vision, mission and outlining six strategic objectives, related goal statements, action plans, and implementation framework in order to drive meaningful outcomes for the community. The Board of Commissioners identified six strategic objectives, which are: Service Excellence, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, Economic Vitality, Sound Governance and Fiscal Sustainability, and Safe and Secure Community. The Strategic Plan will guide financial, operational, and policy decisions for the next five years, and will be updated at least annually to recognize progress in achieving the plan.

City Partners with Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into agreement with Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program. The City will partner with the Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program to provide training, leadership, role modeling, guidance about the work place and career exploration to program participants. (Project# 2122-01-526-IPQ055-001)

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Affiliation Agreement with UT Health Rio Grande Valley for Surgical Resident Clinical Rotations

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an affiliation agreement with UT Health Rio Grande Valley for surgical resident clinical rotations. UT Health RGV is looking to send their surgical residents to EMS, so they can experience pre-hospital care. There is no fiscal impact to the City of Pharr for this agreement, as these surgical residents will only be conducting clinical ride outs.

Commission Proclaims May 30 as World Multiple Sclerosis Day

Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 30, 2022, as “World Multiple Sclerosis Day” (MS). World MS Day is officially recognized on 30 May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness, and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The 2020-2023 World MS Day theme is ‘connections’. MS Connections is all about building community connection, self-connection, and connections to quality care. Lucia Rivera, Founder of the South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Council, accepted the proclamation and shared her efforts in raising awareness about MS throughout the region, and her work with local patients.

Commission Approves Submittal of Emergency Management Plan to TDEM

The Pharr City Commission approved the City of Pharr Basic Emergency Management Plan for submittal to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The Basic Emergency Management is required by the State of Texas. This updated plan would replace the current plan and be good for 5 years. By submitting the plan, the City of Pharr will remain eligible to receive grants and reimbursement during disasters.

Commission Adopts Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. O-2015-02

The Pharr City Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2015-02, authorizing the City Manager to define, by executive directive, the chain of command and scope of duties pertaining to an appointed Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. This amendment to the Ordinance will allow the City Manager to define the chain of command and scope of duties pertaining to deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager.

Commission Approves Release of Final Payment and Retainage, and Acceptance of the City of Pharr/PSJA/UTRGV Aquatic Facility Project as Complete

The Pharr City Commission approved Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $99,449.41, release of Final Payment and Retainage in the amount of $1,283,790.89, and acceptance of the City of Pharr/PSJA/UTRGV Aquatic Facility Project as complete. The contractor, D. Wilson Construction, has completed construction of the City of Pharr/PSJA/ UTRGV Aquatic Facility. A preliminary walk through was held on December 22, 2021, and the City issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) on January 04, 2022. The architect, The Warren Group Architects, has signed off on the Certificate of Final Completion effective January 27, 2022, and the City has issued the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) effective January 27, 2022. The final Change Order Number 5 is for approval of approved change requests that exceed the contract amount. (PROJECT# 1819-35-510-C011-051)

Commission Approves Acceptance of the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project as Complete

The Pharr City Commission approved acceptance of the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project as complete, approval of Final Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $80,214.00, and release of Final Payment and Retainage in the amount of $138,075.12. RDH Site & Concrete, LLC has completed the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project. A final walkthrough was held on May 2, 2022, and improvements were found to be completed in general compliance with the plans and specifications. (Project # 2021-01-528-C001-374)

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute the Medical Task Force Air Medical Resource MOA with Southwest Regional Advisory Council

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Air Medical Resource Memorandum of Agreement with Southwest Regional Advisory Council. This MOA will allow Pharr EMS / RGV Angel Flight to deploy as State of Texas assets during a disaster. When activated by state, all personnel costs are reimburse, plus $250 per hour for standby, additionally the Federal reimbursement for helicopter or airplane.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into Agreement with Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center –  UTRGV for Organizational Key Performance Indicators

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for Organizational Key Performance Indicators in the amount of $34,425.00. : Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is necessary to ensure that the organization is fulfilling the objectives and goals of the City’s newly developed Strategic Plan. TMAC will work with the Office of Organizational and Strategic Excellence to assist and guide with the review of departmental KPIs, determine their relevance, and assure alignment with the Strategic Plan. (PROJECT# 2122-01-523-IPQ053-001)

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Negotiate and Enter into a Contract with Toros Stadium LLC for Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to negotiate and enter into a contract with Toros Stadium LLC, to provide emergency and non-emergency transportation of individuals needing emergency medical services. The contract will allow Pharr EMS to provide ambulance coverage to the Toros Stadium for all events. Toros Stadium will pay every 2 weeks for events worked. These fees will cover any expenses made for personnel.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Negotiate and Enter into a Contract with Vipers Arena LLC for Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to negotiate and enter into a contract with Vipers Arena LLC to provide emergency and non-emergency transportation of individuals needing emergency medical services. This contract would allow Pharr EMS to provide ambulance coverage to the Vipers Arena for all events. Vipers Arena will pay every 2 weeks for all events worked. These fees cover any expenses made for personnel.

Commission Approves Third and Restated Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and HCRMA for Administrative Services

The Pharr City Commission approved the third and restated Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) for administrative services. Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pharr for administrative services on June 20, 20212 and amended and restated in 2014, 2015, and 2021. The Board now finds it to be in the best interest of the Authority to amend Schedule A of the agreement to include vehicle rentals for construction inspectors as part of the construction of 365 tollway project.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute Hold Harmless Agreement with PSJA ISD

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute the Hold Harmless Agreement with PSJA ISD for the usage of the school buses for the City of Pharr’s summer programs. The City of Pharr is requesting to enter into an agreement with the PSJA ISD for the use of their school buses for the summer athletic programs.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with T-Mobile for the Government Connecting Heroes Program

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with T-Mobile for the Government Connecting Heroes program using NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contract. T-Mobile has been offering better service in Pharr, and this program can be used to offer public safety phones and data service devices through reduced-cost plans available for them.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with T-Mobile to migrate from Texas DIR to GSA Procurement Contract

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with T-Mobile to migrate from Texas DIR to GSA procurement contract. T-Mobile now has better pricing through their GSA contract and this will transition us from DIR to this better-priced GSA agreement.

Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into Agreement with DHR for Wellness Lab Screening Services

The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, LTD. for wellness lab screening services. DHR shall provide wellness screening services at a discounted rate for employees and their dependents at the Employee Annual Health Fair.

Featured Event: Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: Kids to Park Day! – Saturday, May 21st from 6 pm – 8 pm at Allen & William Arnold School Park

Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: Kids to Park Day!

Join us Saturday, May 21st from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Allen & William Arnold School Park (615 W Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX) for an afternoon filled with adventure!

We will have a Live DJ, Kite flying, fishing, & MUCH MORE! Don’t forget to end your evening with a live screening of SING 2!

Matt’s Building Materials to Present Check to Pharr Fire Department

by media | May 16, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News

Matt’s Building Materials to Present Check to Pharr Fire Department on Wednesday, 5/18 @ 10 am

Pharr, Texas – Matt’s Building Materials will be presenting a check to the Pharr Fire Department to benefit the department and victims of fires. The check presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 10 am at Mini Matt’s Building Materials (404 E Expressway 83) in Pharr.

The Smith family, led by Matt’s Building Materials Co-Owner Danny Smith, launched the “We Are Matt’s” t-shirt fundraising initiative after the fire that burned down their Pharr store in hopes that they could give back to the first responders that helped them and other victims of fires.

Selling their “We Are Matt’s t-shirts online and in-store, the Smith family sold over 1,200 shirts and raised $8,750. They agreed to match and double the amount as a company and will be presenting a check in the amount of $17,500 to the Pharr Fire Department.

“We do not sell t-shirts for a living. We sell hardware & building materials,” said Danny Smith. “We never thought to profit from selling t-shirts from our tragedy. We firmly believe that we exist to pass our blessings on to others and that is what we wanted to do by giving the proceeds to the Pharr Fire Department to go toward fire victims,” he continued. “We are humbled, blessed, & grateful to have the opportunity to turn the negatives into positives and we will continue to do so as we rebuild.” He added, “With the tremendous support received, we are continually reminded that – WE ARE MATT’S. Together.”

“I would like to thank the Smith’s and the Matt’s Building Material family for this gracious donation that will be utilized to help our residents in time of need,” said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez, PE. “The funds will also be utilized for proactive measures, such as smoke detectors, that will help to reduce risk in the community,” added Chief Rodriguez. “Matt’s efforts will help the fire department achieve our goal to reduce or prevent losses in the City,” he said.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Smith family and Matt’s Building Materials for their support of the Pharr Fire Department,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Despite the challenges they face, they continue to give back to our community and through their resilience, are helping to make a difference by supporting others impacted by fires,” he said.

To learn more about the incredible “We Are Matt’s” story and initiative visit: https://bit.ly/[[3FRngd9]].

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT:  Matt’s Building Materials Check Presentation to the Pharr Fire Department
WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 10 am
WHERE: Mini Matt’s Building Materials (404 E Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577)