The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, January 16, 2023, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring January 2023 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. Human trafficking is a crime in which force, fraud, or coercion is used to compel a person to perform labor, services, or commercial sex. It affects all populations: adults, children, men, women, foreign nationals and U.S. citizens, and all economic classes. The Pharr Police Department’s Human Trafficking Liaison, Nancy Gonzalez, spoke to the commission about the resources, presentations, and education her department provides to the community regarding Human Trafficking awareness. The Pharr Police Department is the only department in the Rio Grande Valley that has a Human Trafficking Liason. Interim Chief of Police Juan F. Gonzalez, members of the Pharr Police Department, and members of its Human Trafficking and Crime Victims Unit accepted the proclamation.
City Appoints Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. as Deputy City Attorney-Prosecutor for the Pharr Municipal Court
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved an ordinance appointing a Deputy City Attorney-Prosecutor for the Pharr Municipal Court. Pursuant to Section 45.201 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, all prosecutions in a municipal court shall be conducted by the City Attorney of the Municipality or by a Deputy City Attorney. The appointment is non-assignable and in the event of the Prosecutor’s absence or unavailability, the City Attorney shall prosecute and/or make arrangements to handle court during the absence or unavailability of the Deputy City Attorney-Prosecutor. Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. of the Ricky Rod Law Group was appointed to the position. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve the City of Pharr and its citizens,” said Rodriguez. “I look forward to doing great things for the City of Pharr and Judge Villescas,” he added.
City Announces January Sales Tax Report
Interim City Manager Anali Alanis announced that the sales tax activity for the city of Pharr as of the month of January 2023 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. According to the report, the City of Pharr shows an increase of 2.55% year-to-date true growth compared to the same period last Year (2022) and 2.55% compared to last December 2022 Payments.
City Approves Resolution authorizing the City of Pharr to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the County of Hidalgo for the Scofflaw Program
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a resolution authorizing the City of Pharr to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the County of Hidalgo for the Scofflaw Program. This Interlocal Agreement is a renewal of a five-year Interlocal Agreement entered on February 6, 2018, between the City of Pharr and the County of Hidalgo to participate in the Hidalgo County Scofflaw Program. The term of the agreement will be for a period of five years (it is a three-year agreement with two one-year renewals with the same terms and conditions). Hamer Enterprises provides internet processing services for Hidalgo County. The scofflaw program has helped the City of Pharr potentially collect approximately $3.4M in outstanding citations.
Featured Event: City of Pharr’s 114th Birthday Celebration – Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 5 pm to 7 pm
The City of Pharr is turning 114 years old this year and YOU ARE INVITED! Join the celebration on January 19th in Downtown Pharr from 5 pm – 7 pm!
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, December 19, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
City Proclaims December 19, 2022 as Arbor Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring December 19, 2022, as “Arbor Day” in the City of Pharr. The City of Pharr recognizes the value of trees as they contribute to our environment, provide clean air to breathe, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. All residents are urged to support the efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and plant trees to promote the well-being of this and future generations. Hanna Marble, Urban Ecologist for Pharr Parks and Recreation accepted the proclamation. “This proclamation celebrates the immense benefits and purpose of having trees in an urban setting such as at our local businesses, parks, or at home in your backyard – trees are essential,” Marble said.
Commission Recognizes City Clerk Hilda Pedraza
The Pharr City Commission recognized City Clerk Hilda Pedraza on her graduation from South Texas College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management. Pedraza previously earned an Associate of Applied Science in Public Administration Degree from STC and is certified as a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk. “We are so proud of this great accomplishment and are proud to see all that you have accomplished,” said Mayor Hernandez. “We wish you all the best!”
City Announces December Sales Tax Report
Interim City Manager Anali Alanis announced that the sales tax activity for the city of Pharr as of the month of December 2022 continues to show a positive upward trend, demonstrating a steady increase in sales activity. According to the report, the City of Pharr shows an increase of 8.76% year-to-date true growth compared to the same period last Year (2021) and 6.38% compared to last December 2021 Payments.
City Approves MOU with South Texas ISD for use of the Sports Complex parking lot
The Pharr City Commission approved a Memorandum of Understanding with South Texas ISD for the use of the Sports Complex parking lot at 201 E. Moore Rd. South Texas ISD wishes to use the parking lot at Moore Rd. Sports Complex for the transportation/bus pick-up of students enrolled at Med High/Science Academy in Mercedes, TX.
Featured Event: 2023 Ball Drop – Saturday, December 31, 2022, from 7:30 pm to 12 am
Let the countdown begin RGV!
Join us for the FIRST-ever City of Pharr New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, Saturday, December 31st at the Pharr Downtown Park from 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM. FREE ADMISSION with a LIVE musical performance by The Spazmatics and fun for the whole family! Let’s ring in the new year with sparkle and fun!
¿Listos para el 2023?
Inicia el conteo regresivo!Acompáñanos a festejar la de víspera de Año Nuevo en la ciudad de Pharr, el Sábado 31 de Diciembre en el Pharr Downtown Park de 7:30 PM. a 12:00 AM ¡La entrada es GRATUITA para todos y tendremos musica EN VIVO de The Spazmatics y diversión para toda la familia!
City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter starting on WEDNESDAY, 12/21 at 6 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is partnering with Vanguard Academy to open a Warming Shelter ahead of the inclement winter weather forecasted for this week.
The warming shelter, located at the Zeke Martinez Gym at Rembrandt Early College High School (1200 E. Kelly Ave.) in Pharr will be open to residents from 6 pm to 8 am, Wednesday, Dec. 21st through Saturday, December 24th.
“Temperatures are expected to drop and we want everyone to remain safe, healthy, and warm,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We encourage anyone needing shelter to please make their way to the Zeke Martinez Gym at Rembrandt Early College High School to seek refuge during the evenings,” he added.
The warming shelter is open to anyone. Residents are asked to bring their own necessities such as blankets, pillows, medications, identification, toiletry items, and snacks. NO PETS WILL BE ALLOWED. For more information call Pharr City Hall at (956) 402-4000.
Media are invited to cover the event.
ESPAÑOL En conjunto con la ciudad de Pharr, Vanguard Academy Charter School abrirá un albergue temporal a partir del miércoles 21 de diciembre hasta el sábado 24 de diciembre.
Se les pide a los residentes que únicamente lleven artículos de primera necesidad, como cobijas, una almohada, medicamentos, una identificación, artículos de baño y refrigerios.
NO SE ADMITIRÁN MASCOTAS.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy to Open Warming Shelter
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 21st – Saturday, Dec. 24th from 6 pm to 8 am
WHERE: Zeke Martinez Gym at Rembrandt Early College High School (1200 E. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX)
Groundbreaking Ceremony Scheduled for TOMORROW, Thursday, December 15 @ 11 am
Pharr, Texas – Nearly one year after a massive fire destroyed Matt’s Building Materials store in Pharr the first steps towards rebuilding have begun. Matt’s ownership team invites the media and public to join them for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the rebuilding of their iconic store.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 11 am TOMORROW, Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Matt’s Building Materials & Wood Row Plaza (404 E. Expressway 83) in Pharr, Texas.
“Matt’s has been a staple in Pharr for generations, and to see it rise once again from the ashes after last year’s tragedy is extremely heartening. We are grateful for new beginnings and congratulate the Matt’s team on this momentous occasion,” remarked Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Herandez, M.D.
Built in 1969, the original Matt’s “Cash & Carry” Building Materials is the oldest lumberyard still operating in the Rio Grande Valley. Though the fire razed the 120,000 square foot retail location on January 1st, 2022, the lumberyard was mostly undamaged and deliveries of materials resumed on January 3rd.
Despite the many challenges they have faced this year, the family-owned business is optimistic for the future. “It has been a year of ups and downs, but with the support and encouragement we have received, we are extremely hopeful and excited for the future of Matt’s” said Isaac Smith, co-owner of Matt’s Building Materials.
“Matt’s Building Materials has long contributed to the economic vitality of Pharr and the surrounding areas, and its team has been such dedicated supporters of our community. We are encouraged at the resiliency of the company and organization, and look forward to its continued success,” stated Victor Perez, Pharr Economic Development Corporation President/CEO.
The new building will retain the spirit of the original, while adding many new amenities. In addition to rebuilding the store, they will be utilizing a plot of previously undeveloped land on the east side of the property to expand and build an event center as well as 33,000 square feet of retail space that will be leased to other businesses.
DETAILS:
WHO: Matt’s Building Materials and City of Pharr/Pharr EDC Officials
WHAT: Groundbreaking Ceremony to Celebrate Rebuilding of Matt’s Building Materials
WHEN: Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 11 am
WHERE: Matt’s Building Materials (404 E. Expressway 83) in Pharr, Texas
Nearly Ten Thousand in Attendance at Magical City of Pharr Posada!
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr celebrated the Christmas holiday by hosting its annual Christmas Posada, which included snow, live music, food, characters, and activities designed to spread cheer to families and citizens.
“During our annual City of Pharr Christmas Posada, we bring our community together to celebrate all things Christmas,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This year, families were especially excited about the opportunity to enjoy snow tubing, visiting with Santa, the Grinch, and taking part in all the fun FREE activities at this year’s event,” he added.
The posada also included FREE carnival rides, pictures with Santa Claus, painting activities, a Christmas Village, delicious food, local performances by Texas Storm, VOX LIVE Band, and Pharr School District performances, among other fun activities.
Families throughout the City of Pharr and surrounding communities participated in the City of Pharr’s Posada. Downtown Pharr was packed with families enjoying the FREE event. The area was aglow with holiday lights, Christmas cheer, and smiling faces, all enjoying the posada festivities.
The popular event of the night was snow tubing. Children and families lined up throughout the night for their turn to snow tube down the slide and into the snow pit. Everyone had a big smile after their turn down the slide!
This year’s Posada was a great success with over 10,000 attendees. Each year the event gets bigger and bigger. Thank you to all who joined us from near and far for this year’s posada festivities!
“Our community had a great time at the event and we thank everyone who joined us in Pharr for the Christmas Posada,” Mayor Hernandez continued. “On behalf of the City of Pharr, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!”
PSJA North football team set to participate in Tips for Toys on Sunday, 12/11 @ 9:30 am
Pharr, Texas – Football players from PSJA North High School will be giving back this holiday season by participating in the City of Pharr’s Tips for Toys.
“We are excited to give back to the community who supported us this season,” said head football coach Marcus Kaufmann. “Participation in the tips for toys campaign will help our athletes realize what an effect even a small gesture can have on others in the community,” he added.
The Raiders will be waiting tables at IHOP (1601 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577) on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 9:30 am. Tips collected will go towards the Tips for Toys fund.
Media is invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Raiders Participate in Tips for Toys
WHEN: Sunday, December 11, 2022, 9:30 am
WHERE: IHOP Pharr (1601 S Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
