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
by media | May 18, 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, May 16, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Pharr Ranks #1 in Sales Tax Collections for May 2022
Pharr Finance Director Karla Saavedra reported to the City Commission that Pharr ranked #1 in sales tax collections in May 2022. The City of Pharr Sales Tax Collection Report for May 2022 also showed an increase of 14.10% Month-to-Month compared to last year (May 2021), and overall 15.66% growth compared to last year’s collections.
City of Pharr Finance Department Earns GFOA Award
City of Pharr Finance Director Karla Saavedra announced to the city commission that the Pharr Finance Department has earned the prestigious Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year 2020-2021. This is the 14th consecutive year that the City of Pharr Finance Department earns the award. GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program (Budget Awards Program) in 1984 to encourage and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. To earn recognition, budget documents must meet program criteria and excel as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool. “I am proud of our continued excellence in budgeting and for the support of our mayor, city commission, and staff who have all helped in the achievement of this award,” said Saavedra. “The requirements for this application changed this year however, we all worked together to submit the application according to the new guidelines and the City of Pharr continues to be recognized for our transparency and budget presentation,” she added.
Commission Resolution Approves the City of Pharr Strategic Plan 2022-2027
The Pharr City Commission approved a resolution approving the City of Pharr Strategic Plan 2022-2027. The City of Pharr has prepared a Citywide Strategic Plan, updating its vision, mission and outlining six strategic objectives, related goal statements, action plans, and implementation framework in order to drive meaningful outcomes for the community. The Board of Commissioners identified six strategic objectives, which are: Service Excellence, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, Economic Vitality, Sound Governance and Fiscal Sustainability, and Safe and Secure Community. The Strategic Plan will guide financial, operational, and policy decisions for the next five years, and will be updated at least annually to recognize progress in achieving the plan.
City Partners with Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into agreement with Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program. The City will partner with the Workforce Solutions Work Experience/Subsidized Employment Program to provide training, leadership, role modeling, guidance about the work place and career exploration to program participants. (Project# 2122-01-526-IPQ055-001)
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Affiliation Agreement with UT Health Rio Grande Valley for Surgical Resident Clinical Rotations
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an affiliation agreement with UT Health Rio Grande Valley for surgical resident clinical rotations. UT Health RGV is looking to send their surgical residents to EMS, so they can experience pre-hospital care. There is no fiscal impact to the City of Pharr for this agreement, as these surgical residents will only be conducting clinical ride outs.
Commission Proclaims May 30 as World Multiple Sclerosis Day
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 30, 2022, as “World Multiple Sclerosis Day” (MS). World MS Day is officially recognized on 30 May. It brings the global MS community together to share stories, raise awareness, and campaign with everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). The 2020-2023 World MS Day theme is ‘connections’. MS Connections is all about building community connection, self-connection, and connections to quality care. Lucia Rivera, Founder of the South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Council, accepted the proclamation and shared her efforts in raising awareness about MS throughout the region, and her work with local patients.
Commission Approves Submittal of Emergency Management Plan to TDEM
The Pharr City Commission approved the City of Pharr Basic Emergency Management Plan for submittal to the Texas Division of Emergency Management. The Basic Emergency Management is required by the State of Texas. This updated plan would replace the current plan and be good for 5 years. By submitting the plan, the City of Pharr will remain eligible to receive grants and reimbursement during disasters.
Commission Adopts Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. O-2015-02
The Pharr City Commission adopted on first reading an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. O-2015-02, authorizing the City Manager to define, by executive directive, the chain of command and scope of duties pertaining to an appointed Deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager. This amendment to the Ordinance will allow the City Manager to define the chain of command and scope of duties pertaining to deputy City Manager and Assistant City Manager.
Commission Approves Release of Final Payment and Retainage, and Acceptance of the City of Pharr/PSJA/UTRGV Aquatic Facility Project as Complete
The Pharr City Commission approved Change Order No. 5 in the amount of $99,449.41, release of Final Payment and Retainage in the amount of $1,283,790.89, and acceptance of the City of Pharr/PSJA/UTRGV Aquatic Facility Project as complete. The contractor, D. Wilson Construction, has completed construction of the City of Pharr/PSJA/ UTRGV Aquatic Facility. A preliminary walk through was held on December 22, 2021, and the City issued a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) on January 04, 2022. The architect, The Warren Group Architects, has signed off on the Certificate of Final Completion effective January 27, 2022, and the City has issued the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) effective January 27, 2022. The final Change Order Number 5 is for approval of approved change requests that exceed the contract amount. (PROJECT# 1819-35-510-C011-051)
Commission Approves Acceptance of the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project as Complete
The Pharr City Commission approved acceptance of the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project as complete, approval of Final Change Order No. 3 in the amount of $80,214.00, and release of Final Payment and Retainage in the amount of $138,075.12. RDH Site & Concrete, LLC has completed the City of Pharr Various Parking Lot Improvements Project. A final walkthrough was held on May 2, 2022, and improvements were found to be completed in general compliance with the plans and specifications. (Project # 2021-01-528-C001-374)
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute the Medical Task Force Air Medical Resource MOA with Southwest Regional Advisory Council
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force Air Medical Resource Memorandum of Agreement with Southwest Regional Advisory Council. This MOA will allow Pharr EMS / RGV Angel Flight to deploy as State of Texas assets during a disaster. When activated by state, all personnel costs are reimburse, plus $250 per hour for standby, additionally the Federal reimbursement for helicopter or airplane.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into Agreement with Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center – UTRGV for Organizational Key Performance Indicators
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) – University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) for Organizational Key Performance Indicators in the amount of $34,425.00. : Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is necessary to ensure that the organization is fulfilling the objectives and goals of the City’s newly developed Strategic Plan. TMAC will work with the Office of Organizational and Strategic Excellence to assist and guide with the review of departmental KPIs, determine their relevance, and assure alignment with the Strategic Plan. (PROJECT# 2122-01-523-IPQ053-001)
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Negotiate and Enter into a Contract with Toros Stadium LLC for Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to negotiate and enter into a contract with Toros Stadium LLC, to provide emergency and non-emergency transportation of individuals needing emergency medical services. The contract will allow Pharr EMS to provide ambulance coverage to the Toros Stadium for all events. Toros Stadium will pay every 2 weeks for events worked. These fees will cover any expenses made for personnel.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Negotiate and Enter into a Contract with Vipers Arena LLC for Emergency and Non-Emergency Transportation
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to negotiate and enter into a contract with Vipers Arena LLC to provide emergency and non-emergency transportation of individuals needing emergency medical services. This contract would allow Pharr EMS to provide ambulance coverage to the Vipers Arena for all events. Vipers Arena will pay every 2 weeks for all events worked. These fees cover any expenses made for personnel.
Commission Approves Third and Restated Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and HCRMA for Administrative Services
The Pharr City Commission approved the third and restated Interlocal Agreement between City of Pharr and Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) for administrative services. Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority entered into an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Pharr for administrative services on June 20, 20212 and amended and restated in 2014, 2015, and 2021. The Board now finds it to be in the best interest of the Authority to amend Schedule A of the agreement to include vehicle rentals for construction inspectors as part of the construction of 365 tollway project.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Execute Hold Harmless Agreement with PSJA ISD
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to execute the Hold Harmless Agreement with PSJA ISD for the usage of the school buses for the City of Pharr’s summer programs. The City of Pharr is requesting to enter into an agreement with the PSJA ISD for the use of their school buses for the summer athletic programs.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with T-Mobile for the Government Connecting Heroes Program
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with T-Mobile for the Government Connecting Heroes program using NASPO ValuePoint cooperative contract. T-Mobile has been offering better service in Pharr, and this program can be used to offer public safety phones and data service devices through reduced-cost plans available for them.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into an Agreement with T-Mobile to migrate from Texas DIR to GSA Procurement Contract
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with T-Mobile to migrate from Texas DIR to GSA procurement contract. T-Mobile now has better pricing through their GSA contract and this will transition us from DIR to this better-priced GSA agreement.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter into Agreement with DHR for Wellness Lab Screening Services
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an agreement with Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, LTD. for wellness lab screening services. DHR shall provide wellness screening services at a discounted rate for employees and their dependents at the Employee Annual Health Fair.
Featured Event: Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: Kids to Park Day! – Saturday, May 21st from 6 pm – 8 pm at Allen & William Arnold School Park
Pharr Parks & Recreation Presents: Kids to Park Day!
Join us Saturday, May 21st from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Allen & William Arnold School Park (615 W Eldora Rd, Pharr, TX) for an afternoon filled with adventure!
We will have a Live DJ, Kite flying, fishing, & MUCH MORE! Don’t forget to end your evening with a live screening of SING 2!
by media | May 16, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Matt’s Building Materials to Present Check to Pharr Fire Department on Wednesday, 5/18 @ 10 am
Pharr, Texas – Matt’s Building Materials will be presenting a check to the Pharr Fire Department to benefit the department and victims of fires. The check presentation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 10 am at Mini Matt’s Building Materials (404 E Expressway 83) in Pharr.
The Smith family, led by Matt’s Building Materials Co-Owner Danny Smith, launched the “We Are Matt’s” t-shirt fundraising initiative after the fire that burned down their Pharr store in hopes that they could give back to the first responders that helped them and other victims of fires.
Selling their “We Are Matt’s t-shirts online and in-store, the Smith family sold over 1,200 shirts and raised $8,750. They agreed to match and double the amount as a company and will be presenting a check in the amount of $17,500 to the Pharr Fire Department.
“We do not sell t-shirts for a living. We sell hardware & building materials,” said Danny Smith. “We never thought to profit from selling t-shirts from our tragedy. We firmly believe that we exist to pass our blessings on to others and that is what we wanted to do by giving the proceeds to the Pharr Fire Department to go toward fire victims,” he continued. “We are humbled, blessed, & grateful to have the opportunity to turn the negatives into positives and we will continue to do so as we rebuild.” He added, “With the tremendous support received, we are continually reminded that – WE ARE MATT’S. Together.”
“I would like to thank the Smith’s and the Matt’s Building Material family for this gracious donation that will be utilized to help our residents in time of need,” said Pharr Fire Chief Pilar Rodriguez, PE. “The funds will also be utilized for proactive measures, such as smoke detectors, that will help to reduce risk in the community,” added Chief Rodriguez. “Matt’s efforts will help the fire department achieve our goal to reduce or prevent losses in the City,” he said.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Smith family and Matt’s Building Materials for their support of the Pharr Fire Department,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Despite the challenges they face, they continue to give back to our community and through their resilience, are helping to make a difference by supporting others impacted by fires,” he said.
To learn more about the incredible “We Are Matt’s” story and initiative visit: https://bit.ly/[[3FRngd9]].
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Matt’s Building Materials Check Presentation to the Pharr Fire Department
WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at 10 am
WHERE: Mini Matt’s Building Materials (404 E Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | May 12, 2022 | Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News, Police Department, Police News
Pharr Police’s Therapy K9 Ammo to Visit Nurses at DHR TOMORROW, Friday, 5/13 @ 11 am
Pharr, Texas – The Pharr Police Department’s Therapy K9, Ammo, will visit nurses at the DHR Health Women’s Hospital, this Friday, May 13.
As we know, a nurse’s job can be tedious and stressful at times, since they play a vital role in the medical community and are constantly helping save lives. We realized this more than ever, when the pandemic hit and changed our lives forever.
That’s why the Pharr Police Department is thrilled to be able to bring to joy, smiles and comfort to the dedicated, hard-working nurses at DHR.
Ammo will take part in the Hospital Week Celebration that will be held at the DHR Health Women’s Hospital.
Nurses will have the opportunity to interact with and pet Ammo, who has undergone months of specialized training to be deemed a therapy K9.
All media is invited to meet Ammo and his handler Officer Alfredo Ortiz of the Community Engagement Unit.
DETAILS
WHAT: Pharr Police’s Therapy K9 Ammo to Visit Nurses at DHR Health Women’s Hospital
WHEN: TOMORROW, Friday, May 13, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm
WHERE: DHR Health Women’s Hospital (5502 S. McColl Rd.) in Edinburg, TX
Point of Contact at Event: Officer Danny Garcia (956-648-6264)
Pharr Police’s Therapy K9 Ammo
(more…)
by media | May 9, 2022 | Emergency Management, Featured News, Information, Live, Media Releases, My Pharr, News, News
Pharr EMS to Partner with Area Hospitals and Agencies to Host Stop the Bleed Event on Thur., 5/19 at 8 am
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr and Pharr EMS will be partnering with area hospitals and local agencies to host a “Stop the Bleed” event. May 2022 is recognized as National Stop the Bleed Month. During this month, everyone is encouraged to learn the basic skills necessary to control bleeding from accidents and injuries.
The Trauma Regional Advisory Council (TRAC-V) is partnering with BleedingControl.org to provide free Stop the Bleed training to the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley. The free training will be offered all day on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at the Pharr EMS Headquarters (3001 S. Cage Blvd) in Pharr for the general public. A total of 7 free classes will be offered at the following times: 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm, and 8 pm. Register today at https://bit.ly/[3kTkdr7].
“The City of Pharr and Pharr EMS are proud to partner with our local hospitals and agencies to provide this critical life-saving skill to our community and emergency care personnel,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “This is an important skill for everyone to know and we highly encourage anyone interested to register and participate in this free event,” he added.
Victims can die quickly from uncontrolled bleeding, within 5 to 10 minutes. By learning the proper bleeding control techniques, including how to use their hands, dressings, and tourniquets, everyone can help save a life during these critical minutes.
Partnering agencies include the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council, DHR Health, South Texas Health Systems – McAllen, Rio Grande Regional Hospital, The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC), Trauma Regional Advisory Council-V, UT Health Rio Grande Valley, and Prime Healthcare.
All media and the public are invited to attend.
DETAILS
WHAT: Stop the Bleed Free Classes
WHEN: Thursday, May 19, 2022 beginning at 8 am
WHERE: Pharr EMS Headquarters (3001 S. Cage Blvd, Pharr, TX 78577)
by media | May 3, 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, May 2, 2022, and considered an agenda that included the following highlights:
Commission Proclaims May 1-7, 2022 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 1-7, 2022 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week. The week aims to increase the public’s awareness of Municipal Clerks and the vital services they provide for local governments and the community. The Office of the City Clerk adheres to strict ethical, statutory, and recognized professional standards, and this office is the professional link to the responsive government in Pharr, by innovatively responding and serving its internal and external customers with integrity and efficiency, while responsibly and accurately preserving the records of the past. Pharr City Clerk Hilda Pedraza and her staff accepted the proclamation. Ms. Pedraza thanked the commission for their support and also announced that her office has received the 2022 Texas Municipal Clerk’s Office Achievement of Excellence Award. The award recognizes excellence in the effective and efficient management of resources in a municipal clerk’s office.
Commission Declares May 11 – 17, 2022 as Pharr Police Memorial Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 11-17, 2022 as Pharr Police Memorial Week. Congress and the President of the United States have designated May 15th as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. There are approximately 900,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the Pharr Police Department. The City of Pharr salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation. Joel Robles, Assistant Chief of Police for the Pharr Police Department accepted the proclamation alongside Pharr PD officers. He also announced that the Pharr Police Department’s Mental Health Unit was awarded “Organization of the Year” by the Texas Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Association at its annual conference held this past weekend. The recognition is a well-deserved honor for the members of Pharr’s Mental Health Unit for the work it is doing to provide specialized police responses to individuals with mental illness or who are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Commission Proclaims May 15 – 21, 2022 as Emergency Medical Services Week
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 15-21, 2022 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. EMS Week is a time to thank paramedics, EMTs, and the entire EMS workforce for their service and sacrifices. The City of Pharr recognizes that EMS is a vital public service and is thankful for our Pharr EMS team which provides lifesaving care to those in need in our community and around Hidalgo County 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Danny Ramirez, Pharr EMS Chief, and members of his team were present to accept the proclamation. “We are thankful for the life-saving services you provide every day not only to our constituents but to those around Hidalgo County,” said Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D. “Thank you for your service!”
Commission Declares May 2022 as National Stop the Bleed Month
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring May 2022 as National Stop the Bleed Month. During this month, everyone is encouraged to learn the basic skills necessary to control bleeding from accidents and injuries. Victims can die quickly from uncontrolled bleeding, within 5 to 10 minutes. By learning the proper bleeding control techniques, including how to use their hands, dressings, and tourniquets, everyone can help save a life. Each year, May 19th is also recognized as National Stop the Bleed Day. The Trauma Regional Advisory Council (TRAC-V) is partnering with BleedingControl.org to provide free Stop the Bleed training to the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley. The free training will be offered on May 19, 2022, at the Pharr EMS Headquarters (3001 S. Cage Blvd) in Pharr for the general public. “We invite everyone to join us, our goal is to train 700 people that day and we will have classes all day long,” said Pharr EMS Chief Danny Ramirez. The proclamation was accepted by Pharr EMS and doctors from local hospitals including DHR Health and McAllen Medical Center.
City Commission Recognizes New City Manager Andy Harvey
Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, M.D., and the Pharr City Commission recognized newly appointed City Manager Andy Harvey during the city meeting. Police Chief Andy Harvey was announced as the city’s new City Manager on April 22nd. With his extensive leadership experience and background in public service management, Harvey is uniquely poised to transition into this new role. Harvey will remain Chief of Police as well. “Having served for more than 26 years in local government has prepared me for this important leadership role of city manager,” said Harvey. “I am humbled by the opportunity and trust afforded to me by Mayor Hernandez and our Commission to lead the men and women that care for and serve our city every day,” Harvey continued. “Our future is bright and can’t wait to get going,” Harvey added. “We are proud to welcome Chief Harvey into this new role and know he will jump in and take us to the next level,” said Mayor Hernandez.
Commission Welcomes New Assistant City Attorney
The Pharr City Commission welcomed its new Assistant City Attorney who will also be handling prosecutions, Veronica Bernal McCann. A graduate of PSJA North High School, she went on to attend and graduate with honors from the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Texas with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, and received her J.D. from The University of Houston Law Center in Houston, Texas. “I am grateful and excited to be a member of Team Pharr, a city that welcomed my family and me when we came to the United States and serves as an important foundation of my upbringing,” said Ms. McCann.
Commission Authorizes City Manager to Enter Agreement with RGV College
The Pharr City Commission authorized City Manager Andy Harvey to enter into an affiliation agreement with RGV College for EMS student clinical rotations. This agreement will allow the students from RGV College to do their EMS clinic rideouts.
