Pharr Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis Reappointed to Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees by Texas Governor Greg Abbott

by media | Apr 14, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

Pharr Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis Reappointed to Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees by Texas Governor Greg Abbott

The City of Pharr is pleased to announce that Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis to the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) Board of Trustees. Abbott announced the reappointment in a press release issued by the Governor’s office today and can be found here.

According to the release, the board oversees the Texas Municipal Retirement System, which is responsible for providing a secure retirement benefit plan for eligible employees of more than 800 cities.

Upon learning of Alanis’ reappointment, Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez stated, “We are always proud when one of our employees gains statewide recognition such as being appointed by the Governor for a key position.”

Hernandez continued, “As a leader in our administration, Anali is a tremendous asset to our organization, helping to lead Pharr’s progress and development. I know she will continue to be of immense value to the Texas Municipal Retirement System, and we thank her for her service,” he added.

Alanis was initially appointed in February 2020 by Abbott; with the reappointment, her term will expire in February 2027.

Read the Governor’s release:
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-reappoints-alanis-to-texas-municipal-retirement-system-board-of-trustees

City of Pharr to Host Time Capsule Unveiling Ceremony on Thursday, April 15 at 11 am

by media | Apr 14, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

City of Pharr to Host Time Capsule Unveiling Ceremony on
Thursday, April 15 at 11 am

The City of Pharr will host a Time Capsule Unveiling Ceremony to celebrate the city’s history – past, present, and future. The ceremony will take place at 11 am on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at the Development and Research Center (850 Dicker Rd.) in Pharr. 

“The time capsule was created to remember Pharr’s past, preserve the present, and remind future citizens of the city’s rich history,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are excited to unveil this monument and join our citizens in preserving our history,” he added.

The time capsule will be filled with Pharr relics, memorabilia, photos, and notes to future Pharr residents. The time capsule is set to be opened in the year 2068.

All media and the public are invited to attend.

DETAILS
WHAT:  Pharr Time Capsule Unveiling Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 11 am
WHERE: Development & Research Center (850 Dicker Rd., Pharr, TX 78577)

City of Pharr Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Regional Water Detention Facility & Dog Park

by media | Apr 14, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

City of Pharr Celebrates Groundbreaking of New Regional Water Detention Facility & Dog Park

Pharr city officials held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the City of Pharr and PSJA Southwest Early College High School Regional Water Detention Facility & Dog Park located at 520 E. Saint Anne Drive in Pharr.

This project is one of several in the City of Pharr’s Drainage Improvement Plan to enhance drainage infrastructure and help mitigate future flooding. The City of Pharr is partnering with architecture students from PSJA ECHS for the design of the project area.

“We are proud to break ground on the city’s newest project in collaboration with our partners at PSJA Southwest ECHS,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This project will not only help improve our drainage infrastructure in the city but also serve as a recreational area and dog park for our citizens to enjoy,” he added.

The project cost is estimated at $4.5 million with funding provided by the Texas Water Development Board, through the Flood Infrastructure Fund. This new drainage project will improve Pharr’s drainage infrastructure. Project plans include the creation of a new detention facility which is expected to hold up to 100 million gallons of floodwater.

“As your city leaders, we are committed to enhancing your quality of life, while making good use of our resource,” said City Commissioner Bobby Carrillo. “While generally many drainage areas are left “as is” (oftentimes becoming an unuseful eyesore) we in the City of Pharr are challenging ourselves, our engineers, and our students from PSJA Southwest ECHS to make this space useful and serve as a multipurpose area for our community to enjoy,” he continued.

“This new drainage detention facility will not only serve to stop flooding in our city but also as an outdoor recreational haven for our citizens,” added City Commissioner Dr. Ramiro Caballero. “We want our families to make use of this area and our plans to make that happen include having a dog park, walking trail, and other amenities available on the site,” added Caballero.

“Our drainage projects will make a big difference in mitigating flooding in our city and we look forward to the outcome of this project, so we can replicate it as we identify other needed drainage improvements,” said City Commissioner Daniel Chavez. “This is very innovative and we are proud to not only provide a solution to flooding for this area but also to make use of this space within our community,” he added. “We are especially proud to collaborate with students from PSJA Southwest ECHS on the design of the project,” said Chavez.

The future 23-acre detention facility is currently in the design phase with construction expected to begin in the Fall of 2021.

Pharr City Report for 4/5/2021

by media | Apr 14, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases

The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, April 5, 2021, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:

While conducting business, the City of Pharr showed gratitude to staff by recognizing Parks Department, Public Safety Communications, Library, CDBG, and more with proclamations.

Pharr Awarded 2020 Tree City USA Designation

The Pharr City Commission and City Manager Ed Wylie recognized Sergio Alanis, Pharr Parks and Recreation Director, and his department for being awarded the 2020 Tree City USA designation. The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Pharr a 2020 Tree City USA for the fourth consecutive year in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. Pharr achieved the Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

Pharr Proclaims April 5-8, 2021 as National Community Development Week

The Pharr City Commission proclaimed April 5-8, 2021 as National Community Development Week. The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides grants to state and local governments. CDBG supports activities including housing rehabilitation, youth and senior services, small business assistance, and park renovations, among other activities. Activities funded by CDBG serve primarily low-to-moderate-income individuals and households, in addition to seniors and persons with disabilities. The Grants Management & Community Development department accepted the proclamation on behalf of the city. Director Cynthia Garza-Reyes and Manager Santiago Salinas thanked the commission and spoke about the importance of the program and its impact on leveraging federal assistance and funding for city-wide projects.

City Declares April 4-10, 2021 as National Library Week

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 4-10, 2021 as National Library Week 2021 in the City of Pharr. National Library Week is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. This year’s theme is “Welcome to Your Library,” which promotes the idea that libraries extend far beyond the four walls of a building – and that everyone is welcome to use their services. During the pandemic, libraries have been going above and beyond to adapt to our changing world by expanding their resources and continuing to meet the needs of their users. Whether people visit in person or virtually, libraries offer opportunities for everyone to explore new worlds and become their best selves through access to technology, multimedia content, and educational programs. Adolfo Garcia, Library Director for the City of Pharr, and his staff were present to receive the proclamation. “Libraries play an important role in our community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. during the meeting. “You help with the census, maintain important documents, promote literacy, host numerous community events, and provide access to the internet and computers, among many other important initiatives,” added Hernandez.

Pharr Proclaims April 2021 as Fair Housing Month

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 2021 as Fair Housing Month. Each April, HUD, local communities, fair housing advocates, and fair housing organizations across the country commemorate Fair Housing Month by hosting an array of activities that highlight HUD’s fair housing enforcement efforts, enhance Americans’ awareness of their fair housing rights, and emphasize the importance of ending housing discrimination. This year’s Fair Housing Month theme, Fair Housing: More Than Just Words, reflects our commitment to advancing equity in housing and the importance of increasing public awareness of everyone’s right to fair housing. Accepting the proclamation were Santiago Salinas, CDBG Manager, and Mario Guajardo, Chairman of the Pharr Housing Authority.

City Declares April 11-17, 2021 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring April 11-17, 2021 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Every year during the second week of April, the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community, are honored. This week-long event is a time to celebrate and thank those who dedicate their lives to serving the public. Public Safety Telecommunicators of the City of Pharr Public Safety Communications Department have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires, and treatment of patients, including the unprecedented challenges of the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Pharr Public Safety Telecommunicators have remained unwavering in their dedication to providing essential services to the citizens of Pharr and surrounding communities in need during these difficult and distressing times. Kenneth Ennis, Interim Director of the Public Safety/Communications Department for the City of Pharr, and members from the department, accepted the proclamation during the city meeting.

City Approves Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-82-13 Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance

The Pharr City Commission approved an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-82-13 Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance. This will change the Multifamily Ordinance, allowing the city to properly identify the character of the districts and to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality. The proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances, City of Pharr, Appendix A, Zoning, Article II by renaming Sec. 1.14 from (R-2) two-family district to Residential – Multifamily District (R-MF) and combining Sec. 1.15 (R-3) medium-density multifamily residential district and Sec. 1.16 (R-4) high-density multifamily residential district into one district known as Sec. 1.15 Residential – Multifamily District High Density (R-MFHD).

City Approves Ordinance amending Ordinance O-2020-38 relating to the number of authorized civil service positions within the Fire and Police Departments

The Pharr City Commission approved an Ordinance amending Ordinance O-2020-38 relating to the number of authorized civil service positions within the Fire and Police Departments. The city will make necessary amendments to Article IX, Firefighters and Police Officers Civil Service Ordinance relating to the number of authorized civil service positions in certain specified ranks to better serve the needs of the citizens of the City.

City Approves Interlocal Agreement with Military Highway Water Supply Corporation

The Pharr City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement with Military Highway Water Supply (MHWS) Corporation. This agreement will give the city of Pharr access to the water supply inside its 15,000-acre ETJ service area. Under the Inter-local Cooperation Act, local units of governments, including MHWS and the City of Pharr, acting together, may contract for the performance of governmental functions and services. Under the agreement, the two entities have agreed to formally create a 5-member sub-committee, to oversee and advise the parties on matters including, but not limited to: design, operations, accounting, installations, funding, and other matters. This subcommittee will be compromised of two people appointed by the City of Pharr, two people appointed by MHWS, and one member at large agreed to by both parties.