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.
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.
by media | Apr 12, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, Police News
Individual arrested by Pharr police dies at hospital
The City of Pharr Police Department is reporting that an individual, Adelaido Adrian Diaz (4/5/66), was arrested last night for evading police, was declared deceased at McAllen Medical Center hospital this morning.
At approximately 11:30 pm Sunday, April 11, 2021, Pharr police patrol unit attempted to perform a traffic stop for a traffic violation. Driver Diaz kept driving and a low-speed pursuit ensued for a few minutes until Diaz eventually pulled over. Diaz was arrested for evading police and transported to the Pharr police department’s holding facility.
At approximately 5:54 am, dispatch observed Diaz fall to the ground via a video monitor, hitting his head on the ground. Jailers immediately responded and called for an ambulance. Diaz was found conscious with an obvious injury to the back of his head.
At 6:27 am, the ambulance arrived at the Pharr Police Department. According to police reports, the ambulance arrived at McAllen Medical Center at 6:56 am, where Mr. Diaz was declared deceased.
Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey stated, “Our deepest condolences go out to the Diaz family. There will be a thorough investigation led by the Texas Rangers to gather all of the facts surrounding this case as well as a separate internal administrative investigation per normal protocol. I have made myself available to the family to answer any questions or concerns they may have.”
The Texas Rangers are investigating this incident. No further information is available at this time.
by media | Apr 7, 2021 | Featured News, Information, Media Releases
City of Pharr and PSJA Southwest ECHS to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park TODAY, 4/7 @ 11:30 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, in collaboration with PSJA Southwest Early College High School, will host a celebratory Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park. The event will take place TODAY, April 7, 2021, at 11:30 am at 520 E. Saint Anne Drive (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne) in Pharr.
“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 is one of several identified in the City of Pharr’s Drainage Improvement Plan to enhance drainage infrastructure and help mitigate future flooding.
All media and the public are invited to attend. CDC guidelines will be enforced, please wear a mask.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Regional Detention Facility and Dog Park
WHEN: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:30 am
WHERE: 520 E. Saint Anne Drive, Pharr, TX 78577 (Intersection of Dicker Rd. and St. Anne)
by media | Apr 7, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases, News, Police News
Pharr Police Department Makes History with First Nationally Horse Patrol Certified Officers in the RGV
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr Police Department is proud to announce that four of its officers have graduated from a four-week joint-agency National Horse Patrol Certification program through the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol sector. Graduates of the program are Sgt. Max Longoria, officer Luis Cardoza, officer Gabriel Lopez, and officer Irving Segura, as well as two Border Patrol agents.
This is a history-making moment for the City of Pharr and its Police Department as these officers are the first to be Nationally Horse Patrol Certified since the creation of the Pharr Police Department in the early 1900s and the first horse patrolled police department unit in the region.
The Pharr Police Department, under the leadership of Police Chief Andy Harvey, has been working actively to introduce new, safer, innovative, and community-friendly policing initiatives.
“This marks a new direction in our history at the Pharr Police Department,” said Chief Harvey. “We are grateful to have been given this opportunity and for our wonderful partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for working with us on making this initiative a reality,” he continued. “Our new Pharr PD Mounted Unit will serve our community proudly and we are so proud of our officers who will lead our newest policing efforts to ensure our safety and enhance our services to the community,” Harvey said.
During the graduation ceremony, Class 20 (made up of four Pharr PD Officers and two Border Patrol Agents) proudly showcased their newly learned talents by performing a demonstration before a crowd of City of Pharr officials, family, federal partners, members of the Pharr Police Department.
Agents and officers endured a rigorous 4-week training program to successfully complete the certification course. The six graduates spent numerous hours in the classroom learning first-aid, feeding, housing, trailering, and how to properly care for the horses. As they advanced to on-the-job training, the group received instruction regarding field/river patrol, sign-cutting, riot/crowd control, and various job-related duties. The time spent with the horses allowed them to build a solid foundation and better understand the horse’s capabilities and limitations.
“This is a great responsibility and honor,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We are thrilled to be the first Police Department in the region to have a Mounted Unit and look forward to increasing the number of officers in the unit in the future,” added Hernandez. “This has been something we have been planning for a long time and we are thankful to all our federal partners who collaborated with us in making this a reality,” he said.
The Pharr Police Department Unit is expected to begin patrolling the city within the next 30-60 days. As the department’s newest policing initiative, the unit will also work extensively within the community to provide outreach, educational, and safety resources.
by media | Mar 31, 2021 | Featured News, Media Releases
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol and Pharr Police to Host Horse Patrol Graduation – Class 20
The City of Pharr Police Department and the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol will host a graduation ceremony for graduates of National Horse Patrol Certification – Class 20. The ceremony will be held at 11 am on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol Sector located at 4400 S. Expressway 281 in Edinburg, Texas.
Media availability and photo opportunities will be available at the ceremony. Media must be in place no later than 10:45 a.m. Media kindly RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected] no later than close of business Wednesday, March 30, 2021.
Below is the media advisory from the Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol that we are providing as a courtesy to our media contacts:
Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol and Pharr Police
Horse Patrol Graduation – Class 20
Who: Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol and Pharr Police Department
Event: Media availability/photo opportunity of RGV Border Patrol Agents and Pharr Police Officers graduating from the United States Border Patrol Horse Patrol Program
Date: April 1, 2021
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Media must be in place no later than 10:45 a.m. Media kindly RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected] no later than close of business Wednesday, March 30, 2021.
Location: 4400 South Expressway 281, Edinburg, Texas 78542
On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Rio Grande Valley Border Patrol will host a graduation ceremony for two Border Patrol Agents and four Pharr Police Department Officers who completed a joint-agency horse patrol certification. Class 20 is the second multi-agency class hosted by Customs and Border Protection. The collaboration is monumental for the City of Pharr Police Department. These officers are the first to be Nationally Horse Patrol Certified, since the creation of the Pharr Police Department in the early 1900’s.
Agents and officers endured a rigorous 4-week training program to successfully complete the certification course. The six graduates spent numerous hours in the classroom learning first-aid, feeding, housing, trailering, and how to properly care for the horses. As they advanced to on-the-job training, the group received instruction regarding field/river patrol, sign-cutting, riot/crowd control, and various job-related duties. The time spent with the horses allowed them to build a solid foundation and better understand the horse’s capabilities and limitations.
“Our new Pharr PD Mounted Unit will be very visible in our city. Our officers will be patrolling our neighborhoods and at many of our city events. I can’t wait for our community to meet them.” stated Pharr Police Chief Andy Harvey. Harvey went on to say, “We can’t thank our Border Patrol enough for training our officers. We are blessed to have a great relationship with our federal partners.”
Please join us in recognizing and honoring the graduates and instructors of National Horse Patrol Certification – Class 20.
- BPA Manuel Garza Harlingen Border Patrol Station
- BPA Danny De La Rosa Brownsville Border Patrol Station
- SGT Max Longoria Pharr Police Department
- Officer Gabriel Lopez Pharr Police Department
- Officer Luis Cardoza Pharr Police Department
- Officer Irving Segura Pharr Police Department
