by media | Jul 20, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Approves Labor Agreements with Fire and Police Unions
The City of Pharr has successfully negotiated collective bargaining contracts with both Fire and Police Unions. After a two-year carryover of existing contracts, the negotiations concluded within a day of each other and resulted in 3-year contracts with each entity, incremental pay increase, and organizational modifications.
“The Pharr Police Officers Association is proud to announce that after three hours of negotiation, we successfully reached an agreement regarding police labor improvements,” said Sgt. Danny Garcia, Treasurer of the Pharr Police Association. “We are proud of the collaborative efforts between Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, Pharr City Commissioners, city administration, and our police unions,” he said. “Through these negotiations, our Pharr Police personnel will now receive a 15% increase over the next 3 years; 7% in year 1, 4% in year 2, and 4% in year 3,” added. Sgt. Garcia.
“The Pharr Professional Firefighters Association extends its gratitude to Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, our City Commissioners, City Manager Ed Wylie, Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis, Finance Director Karla Saavedra, Attorney Representative Rebecca Hayward, and our Pharr Fire Department Administrative team,” said Michael Navarro, the President of the Fire Union. “The newly approved contract will consist of a 13% increase over the course of 3 years and includes modifications to the organizational chart which now includes battalion chief officers to the rank structure,” continued Navarro. “The Pharr Fire Department has expanded tremendously over the years, and we look forward to being a part of the continual growth these new terms will bring to our city and personnel,” Navarro stated. “These new additions will help to efficiently manage all our responding units and stations during emergency situations,” he said.
“The City of Pharr is pleased that we reached agreements so quickly,” said City Manager Ed Wylie. “The open-minded philosophy of both the union representatives and city administration made for a successful outcome for both the city and our first responders in the police and fire departments,” he continued. “These new agreements demonstrate how much the City of Pharr values its employees and are grateful for such excellent staff that continues to serve our citizens,” added Wylie.
by media | Jul 4, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
NEWS – Pharr Resident Injured By Fireworks; Officials Remind Residents Fireworks Are Not Permitted In City
City of Pharr fire and EMS officials responded to a call of a fireworks accident involving an 8-year-old girl, resident from South Pharr. She was sent to McAllen Medical Center with serious head trauma due to a projectile from fireworks. This accident occurred this afternoon around 5 p.m.
Pharr officials remind the public that fireworks are not permitted in the city. Penalties are $200 to $1,000 dollars.
by media | Jul 2, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
City of Pharr to Host Independence Day Festival at Jones Box Park on Sunday, July 4 @ 5pm
Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and City of Pharr officials are pleased to announce that the City of Pharr will host its annual Independence Day Festival on Sunday, July 4, 2021, at Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN.) from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The City of Pharr Independence Day Festival is free to the public and will include a variety of family-friendly activities and entertainment. There will be an array of tasty food vendors, a carnival, and plenty of events to keep everyone having a good time as we celebrate Independence Day.
The music lineup features performances by The Hernandez Brothers, Lauren Corzine, Soledad, and Steve Valdez. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks show display starting at 9 pm.
Admission and parking are free, and we hope to see our Pharr families there. You won’t want to miss this celebration of our nation’s independence!
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Independence Day Festival
WHEN: Sunday, July 4, 2021, from 5 pm to 9 pm
WHERE: Jones Box Park (1201 W. Rosa LN., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Jun 22, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News
Pharr Chamber Announces Marcela Beas as President/CEO
The Board of Directors of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has selected Marcela Beas, M.B.A., as President/CEO. Beas previously served as interim President of the Chamber since 2020; prior to that, Beas was Membership Manager of the Chamber, where she managed the fulfillment of annual new membership sales and existing member retention targets and executed marketing initiatives to create brand advocacy and member growth for the Chamber.
Beas received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Marketing from St. Edward’s University and earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley. In her professional capacity, Beas has acquired a wealth of business and marketing experience in both the public and private sectors. Beas brings to the Chamber exceptional relationship-building skills critical to the growth of the Chamber, as well as experienced project management and market-intelligent and analytical solutions.
“The Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is elated with the announcement of our Executive Director. Marcela Beas brings innovative and positive ideas to support our Pharr Business Community. Her synergy is the key to continue the mission to keep Pharr moving forward,” said Mario Lizcano, DHR Health, Chairman of the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to have been entrusted by our Board of Directors to lead the Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce at a time when our business community needs us the most. I am committed to fulfilling the Chamber’s mission and look forward to providing relevant services and resources that foster economic growth in our community,” said Beas.
Marcela Beas, M.B.A., Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
by media | Jun 21, 2021 | Media Releases, Police News
Pharr Police Report Possible Home Invasion Robbery
Pharr Police report a possible home invasion robbery. At approximately 6:45 p.m., at least 2 suspects entered the residence at 711 W. Prieda by force. Multiple shots were fired inside the residence resulting in the death of one of the suspects, Hispanic male in his 20’s. A second suspect exited and fled the scene in an unknown type vehicle, possibly grey in color. One of the residents was also struck by gunfire with non-life threatening injuries. Several people are being interviewed by Pharr PD detectives.
UPDATE – Murder Investigation
The Pharr Police Department has arrested and charged Erik Daniel Garza (5-12-93) with the murder of Jose Eduardo Morales (9-16-94). Through the course of the investigation, detectives have identified three persons of interest: Sixto Gonzalez (12-4-96), Leslie Denise Medina (04-18-95), and Dereck Medina (01-23-97). Detectives are currently attempting to locate them along with a 2010 silver in color Chevy Cobalt Texas License Plate BPV-8584.
A search warrant was executed resulting in the recovery of 14 weapons, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, including a large amount of ammunition.
Pharr Police ask that anyone with information please contact our Criminal Investigation Division at 956-402-4700. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Pharr Crimestoppers at 956-787-TIPS or 1-800-648-TIPS
UPDATE on Home Invasion/Murder
Public Assistance Needed: These vehicles are possibly being driven by Derek Medina (DOB:01/23/1997) and the other persons of interest- Sixto Gonzalez 12-4-96 and Leslie Denise Medina 04-18-95.
The silver Chevrolet Cobalt is listed as a stolen vehicle. Derek Medina IS CONSIDERED TO BE ARMED AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Any info please call Crime Stoppers @ 787-TIPS *8477)
UPDATE on Frieda Street Homicide – 2 in Custody
Sixto Gonzalez was arrested on 06/24/2021 at the Hidalgo Bridge for a violation of federal probation by the US Marshal Service and is currently in their custody at the La Villa Detention Center. Gonzalez was a person of interest in the murder that occurred at 711 Freida, Pharr, Texas.
Dereck Medina was taken into custody in Mississippi by the US Marshal Service on a warrant that was issued by the Pharr Police Department for Engaging in Organizing Criminal Activity. Pharr Investigators traveled to Hernando, Mississippi and took custody of Mr. Medina on our charges, and he was returned to Pharr on 07/01/2021 for his arraignment. Dereck is the second subject of interest in connection to this homicide.
by media | May 27, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Pharr Advocates for Passage of TxDOT Permitting Process Legislation for Bridges Located Over the Rio Grande
The City of Pharr has successfully advocated and led the efforts for the passage of Senate Bill 2243 in the Texas Legislature, a bill that amends the Transportation Code by providing an exemption from commission approval for the reconstruction or improvement of existing bridges over the Rio Grande, including the Pharr International Bridge. Today, the bill was passed in the House of Representatives and is on its way to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature. Both Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio, Jr. as well as State Representative Terry Canales worked with the City of Pharr to get the bill passed through their respective chambers. It should be noted that this bill was filed unprecedentedly late as an emergency bill in the Texas Senate and made its way to passage in a record time of 21 days. Particularly, Senator Hinojosa is responsible for taking the lead so quickly, ensuring the buy-in from Senate Committee on Transportation Chairman, TxDOT leadership, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. The bill would not have been possible without the support and advancement through the Texas House and the Transportation Committee without the hard work and dedication of Chairman Terry Canales. The City of Pharr is thankful for the support and dedication of our elected officials who lead the efforts to pass this important legislation.
“This is a true testament to our elected officials working together cohesively to get the job done in record time,” stated Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez.
A strong economic engine for the City of Pharr, the region, our state, and the nation, our local ports of entry and bridges along the Texas-Mexico border are key contributors to the economies of the U.S. and Mexico. Trade between Texas and Mexico has grown rapidly over the last two decades, increasing by 267 percent from $58 billion in 1994 to $213 billion in 2019. Our international bridges cannot afford to wait years for approval to enhance infrastructure as it would severely impact trading operations.
In the City of Pharr’s case, for example, they submitted an application for a Presidential Permit Amendment to the Department of State on September 30, 2020, and the White House issued the Presidential Permit on December 31, 2020. The Expansion Project was broadly supported by both the United States and Mexican federal governments and agencies. Typically, a permit process can take multiple years before approval; Pharr’s application was fast-tracked due to the dedicated efforts of city leaders and staff, consulting engineers Structural Engineering Associates, Inc., and others, who prioritized this project and worked diligently with U.S. and Mexican officials, despite the challenges of being in the midst of a global pandemic. The Presidential Permit issued for the Expansion Project was only one of three approved by the White House, where two were private rail projects, in 2020 under new Executive Order 13867.
“The City of Pharr has been working on improvements and expansions at the Pharr International Bridge, which took years of planning, strategizing, and permitting to even begin the process,” said Hernandez. “Our bridge and city team worked together to get the expansion moving however, we soon realized that this process could be improved in terms of permitting processes at the state and federal levels, which further delay the process, are complicated, and can take years to receive approval,” he added. “We are appreciative to have reached out and received the help of Senator Hinojosa, Senator Lucio, and Transportation Chairman Canales as we aimed to make improvements to the state permitting process,” he continued. “With their drive and determination for this bill, the South Texas Delegation came in strong for the additional support needed to cross the fast-approaching finish line,” stated Hernandez.
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa offered these remarks: “Our ports of entry are gateways to the Texas economy and supporting our international bridges has been one of my priorities this session. I authored SB 2243 to provide relief to the City of Pharr from having to obtain both a federal and state permit eliminating duplication, saving taxpayer funds, and expediting construction of the expansion of the Pharr bridge. I appreciate Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez for bringing this issue to our attention and to his staff for working with us to get this bill to the Governor’s desk.”
S.B. 2243 amends the Transportation Code to exempt a political subdivision authorized to construct or finance the construction of a bridge over the Rio Grande from the requirements to obtain approval from the Texas Transportation Commission and from the United States under federal law for the construction of the bridge and to submit to the commission a report that details the feasibility, location, economic effect, and environmental impact of the bridge and any other required information if the project meets the following criteria: the project is for the reconstruction, improvement, expansion, or maintenance of an existing bridge; and the project has received approval from the United States under federal law authorizing the project.
“By allowing an exemption for existing bridges, who have the permit and have already undergone the process, this will expedite the rate at which we can work on improvements, reconstruction, or construction at our current bridges,” stated Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr. “Overall, this will help us address infrastructure needs at our international bridges, so that we may keep up with the supply and demand of trade and continue to be a key leader in the movement of goods between the U.S. and Mexico,” added Senator Lucio.
This legislation applies to expansions of existing international bridges as well as new bridges, and there is no provision that allows TxDOT to grant exemptions. This amendment to the statute will serve to align the state process with the new federal process and also spare both project sponsors and TxDOT the time, resources, and effort of processing State Permits for expansions of existing bridges. This amendment does not affect the project being subject to all other applicable laws and regulations.
“The expansion of the Pharr International Bridge is important to not only this City of Pharr, but also the entire region,” said Representative Canales. “Pharr’s port of entry is currently responsible for billions of dollars in trade that benefits our entire state’s economy, and expanding the Pharr International Bridge will only amplify these benefits for South Texas,” he added. Thank you to Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, Senators “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio, Jr., and the Pharr City Council for working with our office to move this project forward, ensuring this economic expansion for our region,” he continued.
S.B. 2243 was one of three major bills that were filed in this legislative session that revolved around the Pharr International Bridge that sets precedent and paves the way for the future and neighboring ports of entry along the South Texas Border. The City of Pharr Government Relations Team led by Cynthia Garza-Reyes and Michael Vargas worked closely with the legislative staffers of the South Texas Legislative Delegation and corresponding Transportation Committees to ensure that these bills were successful in passage. All three bills will be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in the coming days.
