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.
