by media | Jun 17, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Pharr and UTRGV Athletics to Hold Press Conference Announcing their Selection as Co-Hosts of 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships on Monday, 6/20 @ 11:30 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and UTRGV Athletics will host a press conference to officially announce their selection as co-hosts of the 2023 Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Swimming & Diving Championships, which will take place at the City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium.
The press conference will take place at 11:30 am on Monday, June 20, 2022, at the City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium (3001 N. Cage Blvd.) in Pharr. Pharr City leaders and UTRGV officials will be available for interviews.
“This is an exciting and historic moment for the City of Pharr, UTRGV Athletics, and the Rio Grande Valley as we proudly announce that we have secured being hosts for the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D.
“Our state-of-the-art facility was specifically designed to be able to host such a prestigious competition, and we are thrilled to become the first city to host this caliber of an event in the Rio Grande Valley,” Hernandez continued.
“Hosting this championship will not only bring national attention to the Rio Grande Valley in the exciting world of college sports, but will also have a positive economic impact benefiting the entire region with attendees eating, sleeping, and shopping here. We look forward to welcoming the WAC to our community,” added Hernandez.
In 2022, the WAC Swimming & Diving Championships took place at the CRWC Natatorium on the campus of the University of Houston. This will mark the first time the event is held in South Texas at the new City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr and UTRGV Athletics to Hold Press Conference Announcing their Selection as Co-Hosts of 2023 WAC Swimming & Diving Championships
WHEN: Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11:30 am
WHERE: City of Pharr and UTRGV Natatorium (3001 N. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | Jun 14, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
The Board of Commissioners of the City of Pharr met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 6, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Declares June 3, 2022 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 3, 2022, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. In the wake of multiple tragedies, the fight to end gun violence continues. The City of Pharr joined cities across the nation in renewing its commitment to reduce gun violence and pledged to do all that they can to keep firearms out of the wrong hands and encourage responsible gun ownership to help keep our children safe. Lih-Lan Hu, Founder of RGV Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, accepted the proclamation.
Commission Proclaiming June 19, 2022 as Juneteenth Day
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring June 19, 2022, as Juneteenth Day. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery and Juneteenth is an official State of Texas and federal holiday to honor the legacy of Black Americans past and present. Alphonzo Gatling, Pastor of Mount Olive Worship Center in McAllen and Treasurer for Village of the Valley, accepted the proclamation and thanked the city commission for the recognition of Juneteenth. “We appreciate the support the City of Pharr has given us and the collaboration we have been able to do as of today and in the future,” said Gatling.
Pharr Commissioners, Police, Firefighters, and Leaders Visit Uvalde to Pay Respects and Leave Donations to Help Support Victims
On June 2, 2022, Pharr City Commissioners, Police, Firefighters, and leaders traveled to Uvalde, Texas to pay their respects, deliver donations, and lend their support to the grieving community. The Pharr Fire Department raised over $11,000 during their “Fill the Helmet” fundraising event and went to deliver the funds to the community to help victims and families. The Pharr Police Department also delivered donations and took their K9 therapy dog Ammo who was available to provide comfort, support, and love to the community. Pharr City Commissioners and leaders dropped off teddy bears and visited with city leaders and victims at the memorial site. “This is an incredibly difficult situation for the community, and we hope that we were able to provide some relief and support to those grieving and in need of assistance during this time, said City Commissioner Daniel Chavez. “They are a community just like ours, and we know a tragedy such as this would have such a huge impact on our livelihoods and especially on our children,” he added. The City of Pharr would like to extend our sincerest gratitude and thanks to everyone in our community who took the time to donate money, teddy bears, and other items to the Uvalde community.
Commission Approves Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1
The Pharr City Commission approved an Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 for the East Las Milpas Road Stormwater Improvements Project. The Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 (County) is proposing a stormwater improvement project along East Las Milpas Road that will mitigate flooding along the road, as well as in the Las Haciendas Subdivision. The design is to replace the existing stormwater pipes with larger diameter pipes, and the project will take place within existing City of Pharr (City) right-of-way and easements. The County has already prepared the construction documents and they will procure the contractor as well as provide for one hundred percent of construction costs. The County will also keep the City involved throughout the construction phase to ensure that construction meets the City’s standards. As the project takes place on City-owned right-of-way and easements, an Interlocal Agreement is needed to grant the County permission to do the work. The Hidalgo County Drainage District Number 1 is responsible for one hundred percent of design and construction costs. Once the project is completed, the City of Pharr will be responsible for the costs of performing routine maintenance.
Commission Approves Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for School Resource Officers and Police K9 Services
The Pharr City Commission approved a Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for the “School Resource Officer Program” 2022-2023. This Memorandum of Understanding between Vanguard Academy and the Pharr Police Department will allow for collaboration in the creation of a School Resource Officer Program. This partnership is intended to assign Pharr Police Officers at Vanguard Academy Schools to provide policing services. Pharr Police Officers will conduct proactive patrols to ensure the safety and security of the students, parents, educators, and visitors of Vanguard Academy Schools. This item will not incur costs for the City of Pharr because Vanguard Academy will pay the officers for the services provided in the school year.
The Pharr City Commission approved a Policing Agreement between the City of Pharr and Vanguard Academy for Police K9 services. The Pharr Police Department is seeking to enter into an agreement with Vanguard Academy for K9 services on designated campuses. The agreement is necessary to identify areas of responsibility between both agencies. The Vanguard Academy will reimburse the City for the K9 team’s salary for time utilized.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute Service Order with Smartcom Telephone, LLC for Data Network Connectivity at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh Campus for Police Department Staff
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute a service order with Smartcom Telephone, LLC for data network connectivity at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh campus for Police Department staff. Pharr PD staff is needing to occupy an office at Vanguard Academy Van Gogh campus and are needing network connectivity since wireless solutions were not feasible.
Featured Event: Park After Dark – Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: “Park After Dark”
Come enjoy the Pharr/Vanguard Nature & Birding Center After Dark for FREE* and explore the world of our nocturnal creatures! (*Tickets required)
1025 S Richmond Dr, Pharr, TX 78577
Pick up tickets at the Pharr Civic Center (1101 W. Kelly Ave.) anytime between 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
by media | Jun 14, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
The City of Pharr Earns Governor’s Texas Award for the Performance Excellence by the Quality Texas Foundation
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr is proud to announce that it has earned the Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) from the Quality Texas Foundation (QTF). The City of Pharr is being recognized as a role model organization demonstrating exceptional performance in all areas of organizational management – leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, operations focus, and results.
View the City of Pharr’s Governor’s Award Video
https://youtu.be/Hu3OTZy9Vfg
“This is incredible news for the City of Pharr, our community, our region, and our state,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “We have been strategically working towards this goal over the last few years with the ultimate goal of earning the highly-coveted Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest presidential honor for performance excellence, and one to which Pharr strives to achieve,” continued Hernandez. “This means we are one step closer,” he added.
Since 1993, the Quality Texas Foundation has administered the Governor’s Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) as an independent non-profit corporation. Winning the Governor’s TAPE symbolizes that the organization is one of the best in the state of Texas and it is based upon a very rigorous and robust process that has resulted in 21 National Recipients and 59 State Recipients, according to the QTF website.
“The City of Pharr has accomplished what many cities are afraid to look into,” said Dr. Mac McGuire, Chief Executive Officer of the Quality Texas Foundation. “The Malcolm Baldrige Quality Framework includes a robust review of Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer (resident) Service, Utilization of the appropriate defensible measures, the Workforce Environment and Engagement, Operations both tactical (daily) and strategic (long term), along with the verifiable results for each area mentioned above,” he continued. “The City of Pharr excels at each one,” added Dr. McGuire.
Pharr is now only the third city in the entire state of Texas that’s obtained the Governor’s Award — the ultimate recognition from the Quality Texas Foundation. Last April (2021), Pharr was awarded the “Progress Level Recognition” from the Quality Texas Foundation, which put the City of Pharr only two steps away from reaching its goal of national recognition.
“This is a long arduous journey that many organizations attempt and very few achieve,” stated Hernandez. “However, we continue to strive to be a city that provides service excellence and a culture of continuous improvement and I am so proud that our hard work, persistence, and dedication have paid off,” he added. “We are now officially only one step away from reaching our goal and you bet we will get it done,” Hernandez said.
City of Pharr officials and employees celebrate at the announcement of the award on Monday, June 13, 2022.
As part of the process, the City of Pharr has worked to strategically improve operations, streamline services, enhance customer service, improve finance operations, implement best practices, and develop strategic goals and policies to move the city towards a more prosperous and efficient future.
“This is truly amazing news, and I would like to acknowledge our amazing TEAM PHARR employees and leaders who have worked collectively towards this goal as we aim to enhance our city operations and provide the highest quality service to our constituents,” Hernandez added.
“Rarely does a city or any type of organization achieve the Governor’s Award as the best city in our region (TX, PR, MO, KS, OK, and LA),” stated Dr. McGuire. “The City of Pharr accomplished this monumental task on its first try,” he added. “The City Council, City Manager, and Assistant City Manager should be heralded as best in class,” he exclaimed. “Congratulations to a well-run City Government!”
Assistant City Manager Anali Alanis, who has helped spearhead Pharr’s initiative toward these distinctions, remarked, “This prestigious award is very near to my heart. It has been years in the making; the City’s commitment to improving our community and reach performance excellence is truly unmatched. Each day, I’m inspired by the hard work and dedication of our people, the City of Pharr’s leaders and every employee. Here in Pharr, we strive for “Excellence Every Day,” and I’m extremely grateful to be part of this City and its ongoing journey. Team Pharr will undoubtedly continue to accomplish great things.”
“This is just the beginning of greater things coming to Pharr. Stay tuned,” said City Manager Andy Harvey.
About the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE)
Patterned after the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the Texas Award for Performance Excellence (TAPE) was established in 1994 as an annual recognition of Texas organizations that have achieved performance excellence and applied outstanding quality principles in their day-to-day operations. For more information about the Quality Texas Foundation, visit www.quality-texas.org.
About the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA)
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) is an award established by the U.S. Congress in 1987 to raise awareness of quality management and recognize U.S. companies that have implemented successful quality management systems. For more information visit [home].
PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
Email: [email protected] |
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by media | May 27, 2022 | Emergency Management, Featured News, Hurricane Preparedness, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
City of Pharr to Host Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway on Saturday, 5/28 @ 8 am
Pharr, Texas – In anticipation of the start of Hurricane Season on June 1st, the City of Pharr will be hosting a Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway.
The event will take place from 8 am to 12 pm on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd) in Pharr.
“The time to prepare is now,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Hurricane season is upon us (June 1st — November 30th) and we want to ensure that our Pharr families are ready and prepared,” he continued. “The City of Pharr invites residents to come out Saturday morning to pick up sandbags and we will also have hurricane-ready kits available for the first 300 people,” added Hernandez.
The City of Pharr will be distributing:
- 6 sandbags per residence
- 12 sandbags per business
- Limited Items: 300 Hurricane Ready Bags
Sandbags will need to be self-filled and residents are reminded to bring their own shovels. *Assistance will be provided to disabled and/or elderly residents. Proof of residency is required (water bill or driver’s license).
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr Hurricane Ready Sandbag Giveaway
WHEN: Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 8 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3000 N. Cage Blvd. Pharr, Texas 78577)
by media | May 26, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Pharr Fire FD to Host “Fill the Helmet” Fundraising Event to Benefit Uvalde Victims, TODAY, 5/26 from 3 pm to 5 pm
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Fire Department will be hosting a “Fill the Helmet” Fundraising Event to Benefit victims of the Uvalde tragedy and encourages all RGV residents to make a donation.
The event will take place TODAY, May 26, 2022, from 3 pm to 5 pm at two locations in the City of Pharr: (1) Business 83 and Cage and (2) W. Kelly Avenue & South Jackson.
“Everyone has felt the devastating impact of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, and as we stand together to support our fellow Texans during this time of heartache and need, we are asking our community to join us in raising donations to be sent to the victims and their families,” said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez, PE. “Please consider making a donation and help us “Fill the Helmet,” continued Rodriguez.
All donations collected will be delivered to Uvalde victims.
“We support the City of Uvalde and Uvalde CISD, and we stand in solidarity with them during this immensely difficult time,” Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. said. “Anything we can do to help will be done and I am proud of our Pharr Fire Department for bringing forward this initiative and encouraging our local community members to “Fill the Helmet,” he added. “We encourage anyone wanting to donate to please stop by either of our two locations today between 3 pm to 5 pm and help us make a difference.”
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr FD “Fill the Helmet” Fundraiser for Uvalde Victims
WHEN: TODAY, May 26, 2022, from 3 pm to 5 pm
WHERE: (1) Business 83 and Cage and (2) W. Kelly Avenue & South Jackson in Pharr
by media | May 25, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
City of Pharr to Hold Community Prayer for Victims of Uvalde Tragedy, TODAY 5/25 @ 5:15 pm
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr will hold a Community Prayer for victims of the Uvalde tragedy, their families, and the entire Uvalde community.
The Community Prayer will take place at 5:15 pm TODAY, May 25, 2022, at the Pharr Downtown Park (next to city hall) at 118 S. Cage. Blvd in Pharr.
“It is truly heartbreaking and utterly devastating to fathom what the school district and community of Uvalde, Texas are going through,” said Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims, students, parents, and community,” he continued. “Today, our Pharr community will stand united in prayer for everyone affected by this senseless tragedy, may our prayers help them find strength, healing, and peace,” added Hernandez.
The prayer is open to anyone in our community who wants to sympathize with the victims’ families and the entire community affected by these tragic events in Uvalde, Texas.
“We all are saddened by the tragic events in Uvalde. Nothing is more significant than our children and protecting them is always a priority,” stated Pharr City Manager and Police Chief Andy Harvey. “When we come together as a community we are stronger.”
The City of Pharr in collaboration with PSJA ISD will be collecting new teddy bears in drop-off boxes located at Pharr City Hall (118 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr TX 78577), and at our DRC – Pharr Development and Research Center (850 W. Dicker Rd Pharr, TX 78577) that will be included in care packages for Uvalde students.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: City of Pharr to Hold Community Prayer for Victims of Uvalde Tragedy
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at 5:15 pm
WHERE: Pharr Downtown Park (Next to City Hall) – 118 S Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577
