by media | Feb 20, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a special meeting on Monday, February 18, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Announces December Sales Tax Report
City Manager Alex Meade announced that the sales tax activity for the city of Pharr as of the month of February 2019 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. The report is the first month of the City’s fiscal year and represents sales activity for the month of December 2018. The sales tax allocation report for February 2019 showed that Pharr received $2.46 million for the month of December 2018. This amount reflects a substantial increase – 43.68% – from the same reporting period in December 2017. This sales tax growth was one of the largest in Hidalgo County for this reporting period. The sales tax growth report showed an overall positive trend in the amount of $1,482,507, an increase of 19.79% for this time period. This is the 3rd month of actual sales for the fiscal year 2018-2019. To date, the City of Pharr sales tax activity is up 23.10%, which equates to $528,787 from this point of the fiscal year compared to last year.
Pharr Approves Resolution creating a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee
Mayor Ambrosio Hernadez, M.D. and the Pharr Cty Commission approved a resolution creating a 2020 Census Committee. The purpose of the Complete Count Committee is to plan and conduct local educational initiatives, publicity, and promotional activities to increase community awareness and participation in Census 2020. Accurate census information is critical to planning for future growth, development, and the social needs of the City of Pharr through the disbursement of federal dollars, which are distributed based on population. Additionally, data collected by the census determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and in the state legislature. Pharr has experienced phenomenal growth over the last ten years and encourages all citizens to fully participate in the 2020 Census. The Complete Count Committee is comprised of city staff, local businesses, faith-based organizations, and community organizations.
Events of Interest:
You could not, would not want to miss a birthday party as fun as this!
Join us in celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Celebration! February 28, 2019 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There will be games, raffles, prizes, snacks and story time! This event will be held at the Pharr Development and Research Center located on 850 W. Dicker Rd.
For more information, call the Children’s Department at 956-402-4650
The City of Pharr presents another family-friendly event for you, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk!
Join us Saturday, March 16th, beginning at 8:00 AM at the PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston St. Pharr, Texas).
To register, visit endurancesplits.webconnex.com/13thannualst.patricksday5Kor visit our Parks & Recreation office at 413 E. Clark Ave. Pharr, Texas
by media | Feb 19, 2019 | Media Releases
Pharr International Bridge to Host FREE BridgeConnect Trade Session on Level I and Hazmat Inspection on 2/28
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr International Bridge will host a FREE BridgeConnect Trade Session on Level I and Hazmat Inspection, including training on how to discover unsafe conditions before they cause accidents or crashes. The first BridgeConnect Trade Session will be held at 8:30 am on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at VAL Trasport (701 Bona Terra Dr.) in Pharr and a second session will take place at 10:30 am at the Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Road) in Pharr.
At this BridgeConnect Trade Session, attendees will get an overview of inspection procedures for North American standard cargo tank and other bulk packing, learn how to identify mechanical problems before they lead to costly breakdowns, gain insight knowledge on how to avoid being placed out of service during a roadside DOT inspection or being subject to infractions and fines, and receive an update about the overweight/oversized permit system. Presentations will be conducted by Sgt. Orlando Barrera from the Texas Department of Public Safety Division of Commercial Motor Vehicles and Pilar Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority.
The Bridge will have stream the sessions live online at www.pharrbridge.com for those who are unable to attend.
All media and the public are invited to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
DETAILS
Who: Pharr International Bridge
What: FREE BridgeConnect Trade Session on NAFTA
When: Thursday, February 28, 2019
Where: Session 1: VAL Transport at 8:30 am
701 Bona Terra Dr., Pharr, TX 78577
Session 2: Pharr Development and Research Center at 10:30 am
850 W. Dicker Rd., Pharr, TX 78577
by media | Feb 14, 2019 | Media Releases
The City of Pharr presents another family-friendly event for you, the St. Patrick’s Day 5K Run/Walk????????!
We encourage you to join us and take part in making our Pharr a healthier community!
Join us Saturday, March 16th, beginning at 8AM at the PSJA Stadium (703 E. Sam Houston St. Pharr, Texas).
To register, visit endurancesplits.webconnex.com/13thannualst.patricksday5K or visit our Parks & Rec office at 413 E. Clark Ave. Pharr, Texas. Please register before the event, there will be no registration the day of. For more information on this event and how to register, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 956-402-4550.
Time:
1-mile run: 8AM
5K Run/Walk: 9AM
by media | Feb 14, 2019 | Information, Media Releases
Pharr and PSJA ISD Host 2019 Lunar New Year Festival
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), and the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) held a joint celebration for the 2019 Lunar New Year Festival, celebrating the Year of the Hog. Considered the most important holiday in China, the Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the country with festivals, special traditions, and food. The festival, which was held at PSJA Southwest Early College High School attracted students from throughout the district and community, helping to provide an understanding and knowledge of the Chinese culture.
“Events like these are crucial to expanding our student’s worldview and broadening their understanding of other languages, cultures, and traditions,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “The City of Pharr is proud to participate and support this culturally-immersive event which helps students further understand the Chinese culture,” he continued. “Additionally, this type of cultural immersion prepares our students to be globally competitive in an internationally driven workforce,” he added.
PSJA ISD has a renowned Dual Language Enrichment Program, which has become a model for local, state, and national educators. As such, they are one of the only, if not the only, district in the Rio Grande Valley to offer a Mandarin Chinese Program. A program such as this one exposes students to cultural events, foods, traditions, and many other aspects of the culture, adding a more in-depth understanding of a culture than just language acquisition.
“As a globally competitive economy, it is crucial that we work with our students and educators to develop the skills, knowledge, and languages that will benefit economic development for future generations,” said Victor Perez, Pharr EDC Executive Director and PSJA ISD School Board Member. “We are thankful to the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) your continuous support,” he added.
The festival was attended by hundreds of local community members, students, and officials. A vibrant celebration including traditional Chinese customs such as food, music, calligraphy, martial arts, songs, clothing, and a dragon dance was showcased throughout the evening of festivities.
by media | Feb 14, 2019 | Media Releases
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Thursday, February 7, 2019, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Proclaims February 5-8, 2019, as Lunar New Year Festival and International Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation proclaiming the week of February 5-8, 2019, as Lunar New Year Festival and International Week.
The City of Pharr, the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD), and the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) are joining forces to host a joint celebration for the 2019 Lunar New Year Festival as part of the district’s Mandarin Chinese Program. The Chinese New Year is considered the most important holiday in China. The festival helps to further engage students understanding and knowledge of the Chinese culture.
“We are thankful to the city of Pharr for your partnership, resources, and support that you provided to make this event a success,” said Jennifer Burden, Dean of Instruction at PSJA ISD – Southwest Early College High School. “We were excited to receive a grant through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley from the U.S. Department of Education to support undergraduate international studies and foreign languages, as a result, we have enjoyed weeklong workshops focusing on different countries and their cultures and look forward to ending our Multicultural/International Week with the celebration of the Lunar New Year Festival,” continued Burden.
City Proclaims March 2 as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation designating March 2, 2019, as Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County Day. The center also is known as Estrella’s House, is one of 800 Children’s Advocacy Centers nationwide, one of 71 certified Children’s Advocacy Centers in Texas and the first child-focused facility and community-based program of its kind in Hidalgo County, servicing child abuse victims age 2 – 17 years of age.
The center works to reduce the emotional trauma to child abuse victims, which supports the prevention of child abuse through community education and promotes the effective prosecution of those who perpetrate crimes against children. Jesus Sanchez, Executive Director, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the organization and stated, “We are often the first stop for children who have been suspected of abuse or neglect, our goal is to restore the lives of children through healing and justice. Last year we saw 1,618 abused children, 149 from the city of Pharr.” “We are thankful to the city of Pharr, the Pharr Police Department, and investigators for your continued support,” he said.
Sanchez announced that in order to raise awareness and funds for the organization, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hidalgo County, is hosting their Annual Vinos Wine Extravaganza at the Embassy Suites McAllen Convention Center on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, featuring delicious food provided by local restaurants, fine wines and amazing entertainment by Premier Showband Satellite and The Renaissance Rockers
by media | Nov 30, 2018 | Media Releases
Pharr Selects Alex Meade as City Manager
Pharr, Texas – At its regular meeting held on October 15, 2018, the Pharr city commission approved the advertising of an employment opportunity for a city manager after the resignation of former city manager, Juan Guerra. The city commission also authorized Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. to negotiate and enter into city manager employment agreements. Deputy City Manager Ed Wylie was appointed interim city manager until the permanent position was filled.
After deliberation and review of interested applicants, Pharr has selected Alejandro “Alex” Meade as its new city manager. Meade carries a wealth of government and managerial experience, most notably serving as the first CEO for Mission Economic Development Corporation (EDC). During his tenure, Meade helped attract projects that offered significant job creation and capital investment in excess of $300 million and more than 1,000 jobs. Meade also established the Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED) in Mission, which fosters entrepreneurial and creative co-working, training opportunities, and workforce development. Meade implemented workforce development programs that have been recognized at the local, state and federal levels, and was the recipient of a special “Innovation Award” from the Progress Times newspaper’s annual citizenship awards.
Prior to his tenure with Mission EDC, Meade was principal at P3 Economics, wherein he consulted multiple communities across South Texas, providing strategic planning, site selection, and business development services. He also worked with communities, local officials, and business and industry leaders to develop strategies to create partnerships in response to challenges, and helped organizations access and negotiate funding from federal, state and local agencies. Meade has also been recognized for his leadership at the state level, having been recently appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents and previously appointed by Governor Abbott to the Texas Economic Development Corporation.
Meade boasts two master’s degrees – a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Public Administration (MPA). Meade is also certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and a Certified Public Manager (CPM). Meade plans to utilize the combination of financial expertise and public governance experience to help meet Pharr’s vision for responsible management and high-quality delivery of government services.
“Alex’s energy, experience, and innovative ideas are an ideal fit for Pharr,” noted Mayor Hernandez. “We look forward to having him implement our vision for growth and prosperity in Pharr, while looking out for the best interest of our constituents,” he added.
A true innovator, Meade plans to implement governing strategies, such as Lean Six Sigma, that are meant to streamline services, eliminate waste in governance, and increase operational efficiency. He also plans to help Pharr transition into a “smart city,” integrating information and communications technologies to improve the quality of government services and citizen welfare. Meade’s goals also include continuing to work to improve the quality of life for citizens and families and remaining focused on economic and workforce development.
“I am excited at this opportunity to help lead Pharr into the future and beyond, and look forward to fostering innovation, education, and overall opportunities for success for our community and its citizens, Meade stated. “I appreciate the support and confidence of the Mayor and commissioners, and I am ready to get to work,” he added.
The city will host a welcoming event for the community to meet and greet its new city manager. The community event will be held at 4:30 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Pharr Events Center (3000 N. Cage in Pharr). All media and the public are invited to attend.
