Pharr City Commissioners approved an ordinance on first reading which will allow restaurants to use up to 50% of their parking lot for outdoor dining. The ordinance is temporary and will continue to be adjusted as needed. Through this ordinance, the City of Pharr hopes to provide additional opportunities for Pharr restaurants with limited capacity to serve patrons in outdoor spaces in efforts to stimulate the recovery of the restaurant business in the City. “This will give them an additional income stream to keep them afloat, while still abiding by CDC and local guidelines,” said City Manager Ed Wylie.
Commission Approves Date for Public Hearing Regarding the City’s Tax Rate
Pharr City Commissioners voted to hold a public hearing on the city’s proposed tax rate, as required by law, on September 8, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. The city wants residents to know that they are NOT raising property taxes in the City of Pharr. The city is proposing to keep the tax rate the same at 0.7176 per $100 valuation. Since the values of the properties went up, the city is now generating more income than they did last year at the same rate and must now hold a public hearing. “We want to let residents know that this is NOT a tax increase and that our tax rate in the City of Pharr will stay the same,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. He continued, “if your taxes go up, it is because of the value of your house.”
Pharr Votes to Seek Reimbursement from Hidalgo County for CARES Act Supplemental Funding
Pharr City Commissioners voted in favor of seeking reimbursement from Hidalgo County for CARES Act Supplement/Emergency Funding. The City of Pharr has exhausted the original award as outlined in the Cares Act Interlocal Agreement and still has outstanding expenses. As outlined in the original agreement, the city is seeking access to the original full award of $134 per person. Hidalgo county kept approximately $5 million additional dollars (the difference between $114 and $132 per person) in an emergency fund.
Commission Approves Purchase of Kiosks, Making Payments More Accessible to Citizens
Commissioners approved the purchase of two payment kiosks for the Municipal Court and Utility Billing from AdComp Systems Inc. utilizing CARES Act funding. With the city continuing to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, these kiosks will provide a safe and contactless exchange for citizens, while limiting traffic and exposure. The kiosks will be integrated with the municipal court and water utility payments for cash, check or credit card payments as well as provide change on cash payments. One in-wall unit would be installed in the Utility Billing drive-through at City Hall and the other indoor unit would be installed in the Police department lobby.
Pharr Approves Interlocal Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Debris Removal, Monitoring, and Planning Services
Commissioners approved an Interlocal Cooperative Agreement between the Cities of Edinburg and Pharr to utilize Tetra Tech for Emergency Debris Removal Monitoring and Planning Services. “This company is already accepted by FEMA and will allow the City of Pharr to get reimbursed more timely,” said City Manager Ed Wylie.
City of Pharr Hosts Successful Drive-Thru First Responders Festival
Pharr first responders hand out school supplies outside the Pharr Events Center.
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr held its annually planned Pharr First Responders Festival this past weekend, making the switch from a traditional festival to a drive-thru event, given the COVID-19 pandemic. Although set up a little differently this year, the festival proved successful as the city joined its first responders in giving away 2,000 bags with school supplies to the community.
“It was wonderful to witness our city departments, first responders, and employees join together to help our community,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “These past few months have been tough for many and we continue to try and do all that we can to help ensure that our Pharr families remain supported, especially as the school year is about to begin ” he added.
The festival, which took place on Friday, August 7, 2020, was converted into two simultaneous drive-thru events (each giving away 1,000 school supply bags) with one held in North Pharr at the Pharr Events Center and the second in South Pharr at the Development and Research Center.
“We had a great turn out at both locations, and it was especially a highlight for me to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents as they made their way through the festival,” said Pharr Chief of Police Andrew Harvey. “Our first responders and city employees did a fantastic job of working together to make this event a success and we are especially proud to be a part of this amazing community,” he continued.
Chief of Police Andrew Harvey assists in providing school supplies and information to Pharr families at the South Pharr location.
While children were not allowed to physically get a tour of first responder vehicles as in the past, vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances were parked at each location to allow children and families a closer look.
“This event is meant to showcase our first responders to the community, allowing us to highlight the services we provide,” said Danny, Ramirez, Communications Director for the City of Pharr. “Although a little different from last year, our festival this year allowed us to continue the tradition of informing Pharr families of our services while giving back at the same time,” added Ramirez.
Students who attended the festival also had the opportunity to be entered into a raffle for a laptop. The City of Pharr announced 20 lucky laptop winners via a live stream drawing on the city’s Facebook page on Monday, August 10, 2020.
The City of Pharr thanks the community for another successful event and wishes all students and families a safe and exciting new school year!
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, August 3, 2020, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Sees Increase in Property Tax Values
City Manager Ed Wylie announced that the City of Pharr Property Assessment Value for Tax Year 2020 saw an increase from $3.1 billion to $3.4 billion; an overall increase of 8.6% ($250 million dollars). Wylie mentioned that the city’s goal of increasing the value has been met as a result of giving incentives for building residential subdivisions. “Our strategy has been working and we are proud to continue to see our city grow,” he added.
City of Pharr Extends Declaration of Disaster After Hurricane Hanna
On July 25, 2020, the Mayor Issued a Declaration of Disaster due to the rains and flooding resulting from Hurricane Hanna. The Declaration is valid for only 7 days unless extended or renewed by the City Commission. Due to the extent of flooding and damage to property, the Mayor of Pharr has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to protect the public health, safety, and general well being of the Citizens of Pharr to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property. There are ongoing efforts to assess and remediate damage to areas within the City, and an extension of the Declaration of Disaster is necessary. The declaration will remain in effect until terminated by the mayor and city commissioners.
Commission Adopts Amended Ordinance Creating a $500 Fine for Driving Over Flooded Roads
Adopted on first reading, the Pharr City Commission, approved an Ordinance amending Chapter 126, Traffic and Vehicles, Article IV, Operation of Vehicles Generally, by adding a new Section 126-150, traversing flooded streets with a vehicle. Due to the recent rains and flooding the City has identified the need for an ordinance addressing vehicles traveling through flooded streets that have resulted in damage to surrounding properties as a result of the wake caused by the vehicles. The Commission understands that flooding is a significant concern for many Pharr residents, and despite the City’s continuous flood mitigation efforts over the past several years, heavy rainfall periodically results in flooded street conditions throughout the City. Prohibiting such activity helps with the City’s ongoing flood hazard mitigation efforts to reduce damage to homes and personal property from flooding, and will enhance the City’s continued participation in the Community Rating System and National Flood Insurance Program.
“People need to be mindful that when they are driving through flooded roadways, they exacerbate flooding in nearby homes by creating a wake, which pushes water further into homes and property,” said Commissioner Daniel Chavez. “Unfortunately, we have seen this happen too many times and we want to help protect our citizens and mitigate the damage to their homes,” he added.
Under the new amended Ordinance:
It shall be unlawful for any person to traverse a flooded street in an automobile, truck, boat, or other vehicle or vessel at such speed as to create a wake therein that may or is likely to cause personal injury or damage or increased flooding to the property or premises adjoining such flooded street or streets.
It shall be an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the person was performing a rescue operation or was protecting the public order and safety.
Each violation of this ordinance shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00. Every violation of this Ordinance may occur, shall be considered a unique and separate criminal offense.
Permit Fees Waived Due to Hurricane Hanna
The Pharr City Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2008-36, creating a temporary sixty (60) day exemption from permit fees for repair and reconstruction of structures damaged due to Hurricane Hanna. This will allow residential and commercial owners the ability to remediate their property in a more efficient and effective manner. “We are sympathetic that our citizens are under extreme stress right now because of the damage caused by Hurricane Hanna and we want to make the process easier for everyone,” said Ed Wylie, City Manager. “We are waiving the fees for 60 days, but citizens still have to submit permits and the city will continue with inspections to ensure everything is done correctly,” added Wylie.
Commissioners approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of City of Pharr, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A in the aggregate principal amount of $18,150,000. As approved by Texas Water Development Board; Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2020A will be issued to fund water infrastructure projects.
Commission Approves Revenue Bonds to Fund Water Infrastructure Projects
The Commission also approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance, sale, and delivery of City of Pharr, Texas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds, Series 2020B in the aggregate principal amount of $13,880,000. As approved by Texas Water Development Board; Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue Bonds Series 2020B will be issued to fund wastewater infrastructure projects.
Featured Event: Pharr First Responders Festival – Friday, August 7, 2020, from 7 pm to 8 pm
The City of Pharr will be hosting our annual Pharr First Responders event. This event will be transitioning from our typical festival into 2 simultaneous drive-thru events to be held on Friday, August 7th at 7 PM.
Students must be present for free school supplies and to get a ticket for a chance to win one of the 20 laptops to be raffled. The first 2,000 students will also receive a City of Pharr USB wristband.
The City of Pharr and our First Responders support all students and wish them a successful school year.
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez has signed a disaster declaration due to the widespread and severe damage resulting from Hurricane Hanna. The declaration will take effect immediately and will last for seven days unless extended by the City Council of the City of Pharr
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.
