Wastewater Collection System and Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion (Pharr, Texas)

Nancy Jackson, American City and County
Dec. 1, 2012 9:00am

More than a decade ago, Pharr officials realized their wastewater collection system had deteriorated and their wastewater treatment plant had reached capacity. In 2005, the city developed its first wastewater master plan using a $400,000 grant from the Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). The plan called for improving the wastewater collection system to curtail inflow and infiltration and eliminate sanitary sewer overflow, as well as expanding the wastewater treatment plant to keep up with residential and commercial growth. However, both projects would cost almost $70 million.

“The future of the city depended on revamping the wastewater collection system and adding capacity to the wastewater treatment plant,” says David Garza, assistant city manager. “Sanitary sewer overflow was evident after each rainfall for approximately three to four days after it finished raining, so the well-being of the citizens was a priority. Besides the public health, our system could not handle the residential or commercial growth within our city. The revamping of the wastewater system and treatment plant was for the well-being of the current and future residents of Pharr, and to continue to sustain the economic growth of our city.”

Pharr is home to 72,000 residents with a median household income of $24,000 and a 35 percent poverty rate. Funding the wastewater projects was a challenge, but the city received two more grants from BECC and the North American Development Bank for $500,000 and $200,000, respectively. Next, the city had to garner support from residents and the city council and raise water and sewer rates for more funding to complete the project. The city formed a seven-member steering committee to help secure public participation, and its members conducted 22 presentations to civic organizations and PTA groups and distributed letters to parents of schoolchildren, which increased support for the project. Using that support, city leaders convinced elected officials to raise rates. Seeing the progress the city had made securing local funds, the North American Development Bank and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency each gave the city additional grants amounting to nearly $20 million.

The economic downturn also helped, as bids came in lower than expected, and the five-phase project was completed for $57.4 million. “With our last major rainfall this past July 2011, it was determined that the new collection system and treatment plant were successes,” Garza says. “No sanitary sewer overflow was reported. Our capacity at the treatment plant is now capable of handling the additional residential and commercial growth within our city. [Through these projects], the city is now capable of servicing our residents, including the protection of public health and economic growth.”

Sealed Bids, addressed to:  City of Pharr; Attention: Fred Sandoval, City Manager; 118 South Cage Boulevard, 4^th Floor, Pharr, Texas 78577, will be received until 3:30 P.M., Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Any Bids received after the specified date will not be considered.  Bids will then be publicly opened and read (2^nd Floor).

The Bid shall be for: 

CITY OF PHARR
STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
Bid No. 1112-01-517-0012 Street Sweeping Services

The project in general, includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Street Sweeping 428 curb miles

Plans, proposal forms, specifications, and contract documents may be viewed at Pharr City Hall, City Clerk’s office located at 118 Cage, Pharr, Texas during normal business days or may be obtained by interested parties for Twenty-Five dollars ($25.00) non-refundable, per set or copy, by contacting Pharr Department of Public Works; 801 E. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577 or by calling at (956)787.9772.

Copies of the plans and specifications may be examined without charge at the following locations: Pharr Department of Public Works; 801 E. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577.  Contact Roy Garcia, Public Works Director.

 Bids shall be submitted in an envelope sealed with tape and prominently marked on the lower left hand corner of envelope with the corresponding bid number and title.

The City of Pharr reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids submitted; waive formalities in bidding; accept bid deemed most advantageous to the City of Pharr; and to hold the bids for a period of sixty calendar(60) days without taking action.

A Bidder’s Bond from a reliable surety company licensed to operate in the State of Texas or certified cashier’s check, payable to the City of Pharr, for the amount equivalent to five percent (5%) of the total bid shall accompany the bid as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will enter into a contract with the City of Pharr.

Sealed Bids, addressed to:  City of Pharr; Attention: Fred Sandoval, City Manager; 118 South Cage Boulevard, 4^th Floor, Pharr, Texas 78577, will be received until 3:00 P.M., Wednesday, February 15, 2012.  Any Bids received after the specified date will not be considered.  Bids will then be publicly opened and read (2^nd Floor).

 The Bid shall be for:
CITY OF PHARR
2012 Repair and Maintenance Program Street Project
Bid No. 1112-01-517-0010- Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete (delivered)
Bid No. 1112-01-517-0011- MC-30- Prime Coat (delivered and installed)

The project in general, includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 6,880 Ton HMAC

15,630 GAL Prime Coat (MC-30)

Plans, proposal forms, specifications, and contract documents may be viewed at Pharr City Hall, City Clerk’s office located at 118 Cage, Pharr, Texas during normal business days or may be obtained by interested parties for Twenty-Five dollars ($25.00) non-refundable, per set or copy, by contacting Pharr Department of Public Works; 801 E. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577 or by calling at (956)787.9772.

Copies of the plans and specifications may be examined without charge at the following locations: Pharr Department of Public Works; 801 E. Sam Houston Blvd., Pharr, Texas 78577.  Contact Roy Garcia, Public Works Director.

Bids shall be submitted in an envelope sealed with tape and prominently marked on the lower left hand corner of envelope with the corresponding bid number and title.

The City of Pharr reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids submitted; waive formalities in bidding; accept bid deemed most advantageous to the City of Pharr; and to hold the bids for a period of sixty calendar(60) days without taking action.

A Bidder’s Bond from a reliable surety company licensed to operate in the State of Texas or certified cashier’s check, payable to the City of Pharr, for the amount equivalent to five percent (5%) of the total bid shall accompany the bid as a guaranty that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will enter into a contract with the City of Pharr.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Payroll Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

• Process and issue employee paychecks and statements of earnings and deductions;
• Compute wages and deductions, and enter data. into computers;
• Compile employee time, production, and payroll data from time sheets and other records;
• Review time sheets, work charts, wage computation, and other information in order to detect or reconcile payroll discrepancies;
• Verify attendance, hours worked, and pay adjustments, and post information onto designated records;
• Record employee information, such as exemptions, transfers, and resignations, in order to maintain and update payroll records;
• Issue and record adjustments to pay related to previous errors or retroactive increases;
• Keep information about changes in tax and deduction laws that apply to the payroll process;
• Provide information to employees and mangers on payroll matters, tax issues, benefit plans, and collective agreement provisions;
• Accrue benefit hours. Ex: Sick, Vacation, etc. Process and distribute annual W-2 forms.
• Process and schedule leave forms;
• Enroll new employee-benefit forms evaluations, etc.
• Accrue benefits hours, sick, vacation, Sick Leave Donations, etc.;
• Process and distribute Annual W-2 forms;
• Process direct deposits, update employees W-4’s and 1-9’s
• Completes new employee sign-ups and prepares employment actions for new hires, transfers, title changes, salary adjusts and separations;
• Processes bi-monthly payroll by calculating balances, entering, and approving data through an on-line payroll system (INCODE);
• Answers questions regarding retirement, annual leave, sick leave, holidays and other employee benefits; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

• Responsible for work of average difficulty involving the application of elementary book keeping skills to the maintenance of financial payroll reports and records;
• Maintains payroll records;
• Prepares checks;
• Work also extends to the skilled operation of a standard accounting machine and computer system;
• Be able to exercise under no supervision;
•  Accountable to the Finance Director;
•  Be able to work with figures accurately and rapidly;
•  Understand and follow oral and written instructions; and
•  Deal with the public and establish and maintain effective working relationships with municipal   officials and fellow employees; and
• Provide confidential and objective consultation to employee’s regarding employee relation issues.

EXAMPLES OF WORKED PERFORMED (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE)

• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information on data;
• Storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form;
• Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paper work;
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Using computers, enter data, or process information.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work;
• Providing information to supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job;
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards;
• Prepare interpretive reports on recommendation; and
• Perform other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATTLONS AND REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma required or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, vocational training or equivalent with courses in booking, typing and general office work, and one-year of paid full-time employment as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge – Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files, and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and office procedures and, terminology. Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. Knowledge of princip1es and procedures for personnel recruitment selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiations, and personnel information systems. Knowledge of arithmetic algebra, statistics, and their application.

 Skills – Managing one’s own time and the time of others. Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Giving full attention to what others arc saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Understanding the implication of new information for both current and future problem solving and decision-making.

Abilities – The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing and the ability to understand the speech of others. Trouble shoot using proactive strategies to problem solving. Ability to perform complex data recording/ record keeping operations, complex mathematical manipulations and posses a positive attitude toward fellow employees and officials.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as norma1ly defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax. No significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, reaching, crawling, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing, and pulling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

PAY/BENEFITS/MISC.

Salary: $27,000.00;  The City of Pharr offers health and dental insurance, and retirement benefits to full-time employees.

Work days/hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

Open until filled, interviews will take place immediately.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The City of Pharr is searching for a Senior Accountant.  This position will work with the City Finance Director.  Key job responsibilities include:

•  Assist in maintaining the general ledger and ensuring the proper recording of accounting transactions
• Oversees grant operations
• Work with, and provide information, to local, state, and federal agencies
• Fiscally interpreting established accounting procedures
• Assist with general financial work and special projects;
• Participates in the formulation and administration of the accounting policies and procedures
• Assist in budget preparation and audit completion
• Maintaining sensitive employee/citizen information confidential
• Stay abreast and knowledgeable of current professional trends and policies
• Efficiently utilize assets to complete job assignments
• Provides internal and external customer service
• Perform the duties of the Assistant Finance Director or Finance Director when required
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS 

High degree of analytical skills and computer literacy to include MS/Excel and MS/Word. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Leadership experience.  Must be able to quickly adapt to environment.  Proficiency with 10-key calculator.

REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field or 12 college accounting hours combined with experience in analytical accounting (preferably in government).

PAY/BENEFITS/MISC.

Salary: In the low $40’s depending on experience.  The City of Pharr offers health and dental insurance, and retirement benefits to full-time employees.

Work days/hours: Monday-Friday 8-5

 Open until filled, interviews will take place immediately.

 APPLY INFORMATION:

City of Pharr

Attn: Juan G. Guerra/Finance Director
118 S. Cage Blvd., 2nd Floor Finance Dep., Pharr, TX 78577

FAX:956-702-5318

Email: juan.guerra@pharr-tx.gov

PROPOSED 12-INCH WATER LINE ON POLK AVENUE
FROM CAGE BLVD. TO 1,200 FT. WEST OF VETERANS ROAD
BID NO. 1112-02-582-0009

 Project Summary: Construction to include but not limited to the installation of 12”, 8”, 6”, 4” Water  Lines, Valves, Fire Hydrants, Borings, Fittings, etc.

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS may be examined without charge at CRUZ-HOGAN Consultants, Inc., 605 East Violet Avenue, Suite 5, McAllen, Texas and at the office of the City Engineer at 118 South Cage, 1^st Floor, Pharr, Texas.  Proposal forms, Specifications, Plans, and Contract documents may be obtained at the McAllen Office of CRUZ-HOGAN Consultants, Inc., for the purchase price of $125.00 for each set of documents. This payment represents reproduction costs and is non-refundable.  If requested, the documents will be promptly dispatch by courier at the expense of the bidder, but no liability can be accepted for loss or late delivery. No refunds will be made.

A CERTIFIED OR CASHIER’S CHECK, or an acceptable BID BOND in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the total bid shall accompany each bid proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into contract with the City of Pharr and furnish performance and payment bonds on the forms provided. 

THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond, each in the amount of the contract, written by a responsible surety company authorized to do business in the State of Texas, and satisfactory to the City of Pharr as required by Chapter 2253, Texas Government Code.

A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the City of Pharr Council Meeting Room located on the 2^nd floor, 118 S. Cage, Pharr, Texas.  All prospective bidders are encouraged to be in attendance.

THE CITY OF PHARR reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive any or all informalities, and to award the contract to the bidder or bidders, who, in the opinion of the City of Pharr offer the proposal in the best interest of the City of Pharr.

CONTRACTORS are cautioned that conditional or qualified bids, or bids not in the proper form may be rejected.

BIDS may be held by the City of Pharr for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the bid opening.

MEDIA RELEASE

The All-America city of Pharr has initiated a very ambitious program and schedule of activities with the objective of becoming the “Cleanest City in the Rio Grande Valley”.  Since July 2011, the City of Pharr has collected over four tons of trash and removed 17,000 abandoned tires from ditches, alleys and vacant lots.

This project is supported by monthly cleanups of various sectors of our community by the Pharr Public Works Department & Recycling Center; as well as through the active participation of volunteers with Keep Pharr Beautiful.

In addition, city administrators have created the Pharr Landscape Partnership Program, an innovative platform designed to share our success with local businesses and corporate neighbors. Together, city departments and our partners will identify a high-traffic location; and transform it into a landscaped, lighted and irrigated garden of native plants.

Please join us as the Landscape Partnership Program unveils our first location and corporate partner at 12:00pm, on Wednesday January 25th at the southwest corner of Cage Blvd and Expressway 83 Frontage, near Twin Palms Plaza. Refreshments will be served and more information regarding the Pharr Landscape Partnership Program will be available.

Click here for the MEDIA RELEASE

We are proud to announce the Pharr Landscape Partnership Program.

The City is teaming up with corporate partners who are ready to give back to the community, and we would like you to be a part of our program.

We have established ambitious, yet realistic goals of making Pharr the cleanest city in the Rio Grande Valley.

The City of Pharr is a community of growth and development. Our goal with the program is to continue to beautify different corners within the City. For a corporate partner sponsorship, your company can help transform a high traffic location into a landscaped, lighted and eye-pleasing location for everyone to appreciate.

Once completed, your adopted area will be identified with a Keep Pharr Beautiful sign, as well as a panel identifying your company as a corporate partner with the City of Pharr.

Your monetary sponsorship will be applied towards materials such as plants and stones that will help transform your location. The City will provide labor, electricity and drip irrigation.

On behalf of the City of Pharr, we thank you for your participation.

To participate in the City of Pharr Landscape Partnership Program, please contact:

Gary Rodriguez
External Affairs Manager
gary.rodriguez@pharr-tx.gov
956-225-6397

Description:

The water treatment plant operator  is responsible for the specialized work in the operations and maintenance of the water treatment plant.  Incumbent must know the characteristic of water chemical analysis, motors, pumps, and other equipment related to water treatment, read, understand, and follow written job instructions/materials as well as technical manuals; written standards operation procedures.  The duties include the following:

1. Operates and checks all pumps, chemical stations, reservoirs, water towers, filters, and electrical instrumentation;
2. Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions;
3. Collect and test water samples, using water analysis methods and instrumentations;
4. Operates and adjust controls on equipment and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power;
5. Will assign, perform, assist in the repair and maintenance of plant equipment as well as keeping all structures and grounds neat and clean;
6. Inspect equipment and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauge readings on specified forms;
7. Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, and lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids;
8. Will maintain and ensure that all daily logs; and
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must have a High School diploma or GED or as required by TCEQ regulations. Prefer an associate or bachelor degree in chemistry. Must obtain a TCEQ Surface Water “D” License within one (1) of employment and TCEQ Surface Water “C” license within two (2) of employment. Must be able to work shifts, weekends and holidays. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Special Requirements:

Employee in this job must use good judgment to work safely and use equipment properly; lift and carry up to 50 lbs; pull, push, or drag up to 150 lbs of maintenance equipment; climb, crawl, kneel, squat, twist, and stoop for extended periods of time while monitoring, recording, or participating in maintenance work, must be able to swim, work in confined space, work indoor and outdoors in extreme temperatures including hot and cold temperatures, including inclement weather; some exposure to mechanical, electrical, chemical, and dust hazards; and the ability to follow proper safety precautions.

Miscellaneous:

Prefer TCEQ License “D” or Higher. Please submit all applications & certifications to the City of Pharr’s Human Resources Office, 118 S. Cage Blvd., 4th floor, Pharr, Texas.

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