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., Thursday, May 31, 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
SERVICE CONTRACT FOR CATASTROPHIC EVENT DEBRIS REMOVAL
Bid No. 1112-01-517-0018

Plans, proposal forms, specifications, and contract documents may be viewed at Pharr City Hall, City Clerk’s office located at 118 S. Cage, Pharr, Texas during normal business days or may be obtained by interested parties by contacting Pharr Department of Public Works; 1015 East Ferguson, 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; 1015 East Ferguson, 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 ninety calendar(90) 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 will be received by the City of Pharr addressed to Fred Sandoval, City Manager, and submitted to the City Clerk’s Office located at 118 S. Cage Blvd., 4^th Floor, Pharr, Texas, 78577 until 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 31, 2012 for the West Veracruz Street Improvements Project. All submitted bids will be gathered and taken to the City Commissioner’s Room, 2^nd Floor, to be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid received after the closing time will not be accepted and returned to the bidder unopened. The bid shall be for:

CITY OF PHARR
WEST VERACRUZ STREET IMPROVEMENTS
BID NO. 1112-01-528-0019

The project funded through CDBG, includes but is not limited to the following: Preparation of Right-of-Way, Storm Sewer, Lime Treated Subgrade, Lime Treated Flexible Base, Concrete Curb & Gutter, Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete Pavement, Driveways, and other Incidentals.

A Bidder’s Bond from a reliable surety company licensed to operate in the State of Texas or certified Cashier’s Check, payable without recourse to the CITY OF PHARR, in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the amount bid must be submitted with each bid. A one hundred percent (100%) Performance and Payment Bond will also be required of the successful bidder.

This Project is being funded in part by Community Development Block Grant funds and is subject to the following federal requirements: Executive Order 11246; Clause 3 of the HUD Act of 1968; Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968; and Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts as well as State laws and regulations. In addition, the successful bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin.

Contract Documents for the project, which have been assembled into a bound Project Manual together with the Drawings, may be examined at the office of R. Gutierrez Engineering Corporation, 130 E. Park Avenue, Pharr, Texas, 78577 or City Engineer’s Office, 118 South Cage Blvd., 1^st Floor, Pharr, Texas 78577.

Copies of such Contract Documents must be obtained from R. Gutierrez Engineering Corporation, 130 E. Park Avenue, Pharr, Texas, 78577 upon payment of a non-refundable deposit of $ 100.00. Only registered plans holders with R. Gutierrez Engineering Corporation will receive addenda and notifications. Documents for bidding this project will be available on or after May 10, 2012.

Bidders shall assure that they have obtained complete sets of Contract Documents and shall assume the risk of any errors or omissions in bids prepared in reliance on incomplete sets of Contract Documents.

This project is being funded by the City of Pharr and is being funded in part by Community Development Block Grant funds.

A Pre-Bid Conference for discussion of the work, the bidding requirements, and other important matters, will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 1:30 P.M. local time at the City Hall 1^st Floor Conference Room, north end of building at City Hall, 118 S. Cage Blvd., Pharr, TX 78577. All prospective bidders are encouraged to attend this Pre-Bid Conference.

The CITY OF PHARR reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any formalities, and to accept the bid which it deems most favorable to the interest of the City of Pharr after all bids have been examined.

May 1, 2012

The Pharr Police Department has been proactively addressing gang prevention through its H2O (Helping to Overcome) gang reduction program which is grant funded. The department also delivers the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program year round at P.S.J.A. schools and Valley View schools. We further collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club of Pharr in gang resistance presentations to club members and help the Boys and Girls Club “Toros” Rugby team. We further have joined forces with our Public Works Department Graffiti Abatement Team which has been doing a great job removing graffiti not allowing it to take hold of an area within the city.

On the enforcement side the department engages in weekly specialized gang enforcement in the City of Pharr joining resources with I.C.E. (Immigration and Criminal Enforcement) and A.T.F. (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). Gang members with outstanding warrants of arrest are sought and visited at their homes during the evening conducting searches when warranted.

The department maintains a gang database in a statewide system (TxGang Database) for intelligence sharing and enhancing our gang enforcement efforts. The intelligence efforts have provided for valuable information that has led to arrests gang members connected to recent violent crime occurring in neighboring cities.

This department is seeking that the city commission consider and adopt an ordinance establishing and approving a gang-free zone map for the City of Pharr. The Texas Penal Code provisions allowing maps as evidence of location or area requires that a map outlining location and boundaries of a gang free zone be produced or reproduced by a municipal engineer for the purpose of showing the location and boundaries of gang-free zones. Gang Free Zones are created 1000 ft around schools, youth centers, public parks having 3 or more play stations, and 300 ft around shopping centers and theaters.

The gang free zones map will allow our enforcement efforts to become more effective since it increases the punishment prescribed for the next highest category of offense if the actor is 17 years of age or older.  Crimes that will receive this higher category include amongst others murder, capital murder, arson, aggravated robbery, robbery, aggravated kidnapping, kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, forgery, deadly conduct (drive-by shootings), and assault punishable as a Class A misdemeanor.

Once adopted, the department will initiate a public information and education strategy to give notice to our citizens of the City of Pharr proactive approach in providing for public safety and addressing gangs in public areas. Enforcing the gang free zones and continued proactive gang enforcement will send a message to would be gang members that their criminal conduct will be met with arrest and enhanced punishments.

On May 1, 2012 the city commission approved the 1^st reading of the ordinance.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Backhoe Operator is responsible for the semi-skilled work in the maintenance of water distribution and sewage collection systems and performs fieldwork in excavating and backfilling all utilities related work as required.  The duties are as follows:

• Operate and preventive maintenance on backhoe and other related equipment;
• Installs, tests, and repairs backhoe devices on city facilities using plumbing techniques;
• Assists in installing water line extensions, new service lines, hydrant, and valves;
• Assists in making water taps, set fire hydrants,
• Repair lines that have been broken by replacing sections or installing repair clamps;
• May also perform a variety amount of heavy manual work in connection with the repair; and
•  Perform other duties as assigned.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS

The Backhoe Operator is responsible for operating the backhoe in the installation and repair of water line and sanitary sewer lines. The employee not only works on a particular phase of work each day rendering public services on a daily basis but also assists the working supervisor in other related duties.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED (NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE)

• Maintenance of backhoe and related equipment;
• Reports to the working supervisor any problem with the equipment and/or facilities that need attention;
• Has daily contact with the public; and
• Performs other work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Must have a high school diploma, possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, or vocational school training certificate.  May be required to obtain a Water Distribution or Collection I license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  Must have two (2) years experience as a backhoe operator or a related field. A comparable amount of training may be substituted for the minimum experience qualification.

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 normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle, or feel objects and controls. Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing and pulling. Work outdoors in different climates. Ability to lift up to 100 lbs. Must be able to be on call for 24 hours while on stand-by duty. Must be able to work weekends, holidays or special events when necessary.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid, Texas (Class C) driver’s license and an acceptable driving record. CDL driver’s license is preferred. Pre-employment drug screen, physical and criminal background required.

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

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge on the operation and maintenance of the different kind of backhoes.
•  Knowledge of the occupational hazards involved and the necessary safety precautions.

Skills

• Communicate effectively in writing as appropriate for documentation purposes.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Considerable skills in the use of a backhoe, high velocity sewer cleaner and water tapping machine tools related to the plumbing and pipe fitting trade.

Abilities

• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in written format.
• The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• The ability to detect leaks and malfunctions in water lines.
• The ability to work under adverse climatic weather, noise and vibration.
• The ability to operate a backhoe in limited space, to operate it under adverse conditions.
• The ability to maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other department city employees and the general public.

JOB TITLE:                                                                       Human Trafficking Liaison

REPORTS TO:                                                                   Criminal Investigations Division

CATERGORY:                                                                   Police Department

ADDITONAL STATUS INFORMATION:                Full Time (Grant Funded Position)

SALARY:                                                                             Negotiable

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Seeking a Human Trafficking Liaison (civilian position). He/she will provide high-quality and timely comprehensive “wrap around services” that meet victims where they are and best informs of their choices, while working through the trauma of the situation and interacting with the necessary local and federal partners in Hidalgo County. He/she will provide at a minimum victims services:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:

1. Provide face-to-face direct services to identified victims of human trafficking as needed.

2. Provide support and assistance to contract agencies/partners for victim services providers.

3. Provided training and technical assistance to community members agencies on the issue of human trafficking.

5. Assist with quarterly reports and other reporting per the grant requirements.

6. Participate in professional development as available and appropriate.

7. Carry out all assignments designated by the Pharr Police Department.

8. Participate in task force and coalition meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have a valid Texas Driver’s License. Must have effective multi-tasking abilities, good communication skills, must pass background checks and ability to work under emergency and stressful situations. Masters degree preferred (Bachelors degree required in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice or related field). Must be at least 18 years of age 2 years experience in victim assistance, social services, or closely related experience.

PUBLICATION DATE/TIME:                      03/28/2012

CLOSING DATE/TIME:                               Open Until Filled

MISCELLANEOUS:                           

Applications may be pickup at the city Pharr, 118 S. cage Blvd. 2^nd floor, Pharr, Texas.

(The city of Phar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or disability in employment).

Description:

Seeking a Communications Officer (civilian position). Duties will include receiving calls for service and radio communications with officers. Will operate computer programs to include computer aided dispatch system and 911 telephones.

(The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or disability in employment.)

Publication Date/Time: 03/20/2012 12:00 AM

Closing Date/Time: Open Until Filled

Qualifications:

Position requires High School Diploma or GED and a valid Texas Driver’s License. Must have effective multi-tasking abilities, good communications skills, pass a computer keyboard skills test of at least 40 wpm and a communciations test. Ability to work under emergency and stressful situations.

Miscellaneous:

Position is full time. Shift and days off to be assigned by supervisor. Must pass security clearance. Applications may be picked up at the City of Pharr, 118 S. Cage Blvd. 2nd floor, Pharr, Texas.

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