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Mission sets tax rate

MCISD teacher named regional Elem. Teacher of the Year

DPS office opens in Mission

Donations needed

Flood recovery assistance available

Flood-damaged Anzalduas Park cannot re-open for weeks

By Edwina P. Garza

MISSION — The quiet hum of flood waters making their way through Anzalduas Park may sound calming, but they’re also a reminder of the long road ahead for the county park.

On Wednesday, Hidalgo County Precinct 3 Park Director Sergio H. Saenz said officials were waiting for the water to recede before the clean up of the park could start. Precinct 3 Coordinator Mingo Villarreal Jr. said it could take almost three weeks before workers could re-enter the park, and at least another week for clean up efforts before the park could re-open.

“Hopefully, if it doesn’t rain again, we could open in three to four weeks,” Villarreal said. “People keep calling to ask when they can come into the park. People use it a lot; it’s a beautiful park.”

County officials shut down the park when the U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission diverted flood water to the Anzalduas Dam for the first time in 20 years.

In early July, IBWC began diverting floodwaters at Anzalduas Dam from flows originating in the San Juan River, a Mexican tributary affected by Hurricane Alex’s rainfall, along with floodwaters from the Marte R. Gomez Dam, also in Mexico.

Residents, in an attempt to see the flood waters make their way through the city, created roadway congestion and added problems for homes and businesses flooded by the Rio Grande.

Precinct 3 Constables later closed the road to the entrance of the park, and signs on the gates at the main entrance of the park state it’s been closed due to bad weather. The flood water is only feet away from the elevated road.

“The first restroom in the park was almost covered to the top from the water,” Saenz said.

Water continues to surround the park office, although it has receded. Water marks just below the office windows show how high the water got last month, he added.

Saenz said he expected the clean up effort to be an overwhelming task. For weeks he’s seen trash float by in the park. Everything from gas tanks and tables to brush and trees have passed by with the flow of the raging waters. The park’s new boat ramp is likely ruined, he said.

“It’ll take us longer than a week to clean up all the trash that’s accumulated here,” Saenz said.

Mission sets 2010 tax rate at $0.5566

By Kathy Olivarez

MISSION — There will be no change to the city’s tax rate, the Mission City Council decided this week.

The tax rate in 2010 will remain at $0.5566 per $100 valuation, as it was in 2009, officials announced at Monday’s council meeting. The current tax rate of $0.5566 will generate $440,069 less in city revenues that the effective tax rate of $0.5732 would generate.

The tax rate was broken into two parts; the first is $0.1068 for debt service leaving $0.4498 for maintenance and operation.

Finance Director Janie Flores said that the city’s total tax base for 2010 amounted to $3,232,561,565, an increase from the 2009 value of $3,126,370,682. However, due to the number of exemptions (agriculture, veterans, homestead, churches, etc.), the tax rate of $0.5566 would result in the city losing $440,069 in revenues. Had the city passed the effective tax rate of $0.5732, an almost two cent tax increase, that revenue could have been made up. The council did not want to increase the tax burden on residents and chose to make cuts across the board in the 2010-2011 fiscal budget.

The council held a public hearing on the proposed $16,852,559 projected fiscal budget for 2010-2011. There were no comments made and the budget has not changed from the budget presented in the July 26 meeting.

In other action, a discussion on the high costs of health care for employee families led Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas to say that Mission was the only city in the Rio Grande Valley that was supplementing health insurance costs for employee families. Salinas said this was costing the city $1.5 million a year and it was too expensive for the city to continue.

“We will continue to pay insurance costs for employees but we need to come up with a policy that will stop supplementing the health costs for employees’ families in the near future,” he said.

It was too late to do anything this year, but Salinas said the council needed to take a long hard look at the cost. He said the school districts pay employee insurance but employees are responsible for their families’ insurance costs.

Councilman Ruben Plata said the city needed to take action now to let employees know the policy of supplementing the cost of their dependents’ medical insurance would be stopped next year by establishing the policy now.

Already employees pay a portion of their dependent’s costs. Sonia Carnes, deputy city manager said the employee’s share of the cost for an employee with children would rise this year from $271.60 to $300, an increase of $28.40 per month. Insurance for an employee with a spouse only will rise from $353.14 to $400, an increase of $46.86 a month. Costs for an employee with a family (spouse and children) will rise from $409.08 to $475, an increase of $65.92 a month.

Salinas said the system was not fair to employees who did not have spouses or families because those who did were having their salaries supplemented by several hundred dollars a month.

Other changes included increasing the dependent coverage to 26 years of age regardless of whether or not the child is a student. The flexible spending account was reduced to a maximum contribution to $1,000. The preventative health services was raised from $300 to 100 percent per calendar year. The pharmacy benefit administration will change from Scriptcare to Restar via Texas Municipal League. Pharmacy co-pay will be $25 for brand name drugs and $10 for generic drugs.

Salinas said the first step to implementing the policy would be to say that no new employees with families would receive the insurance supplementation for their dependents.

In other items, the council approved an agreement with Hidalgo County to provide youth services of the Mission Boys & Girls Club at Jensen Elementary and Martinez Elementary from the Sharyland school district. An agreement with Mission Consolidated Independent School District will provide services at Leal Elementary.

The council authorized the purchase of a chassis and flatbed for a large brush truck via the state approved contract. Fire Chief Ricardo Saldaña told the council in 2007 an 800-gallon Skid Firefighting unit was purchased, but there were problems getting the parts needed to repair the old flat bed so purchase on a new one is needed.

Councilwoman Norie Gonzalez Garza was named as the official representative to the Amigos Del Valle board of directors and Aida Lerma, deputy city manager, will serve as alternate. Salinas will serve as member emeritus.

MCISD Teacher Named Regional Elementary Teacher of the Year

MISSION — For the second time, a Mission Consolidated Independent School District teacher has been selected as a regional Teacher of the Year. Dolores Reyna was officially named as the 2011 Region One Elementary Teacher of the Year last week at a special banquet that also honored all the District Teachers of the Year from throughout Region One.

Reyna was selected as the MCISD Elementary Teacher of the Year in May. Her application was then automatically sent in for the Region One contest. Reyna will now be entered into the State Teacher of the Year contest where she will represent the region and MCISD.

Reyna is currently a second grade teacher at Alton Elementary School. She has a total of 28 years of experience as a teacher with 23 of those years here in MCISD, district officials said.

Twenty-five Region One school districts and charter schools participated in the regional teacher of the year competition. A total of 48 teachers were entered by their districts and were honored during the Region One event.

Norma Carrera, MCISD Secondary Teacher of the Year, was among those recognized for her selection as a District Teacher of the Year. She teaches at K. White Jr. High School.

The last time a teacher from MCISD was selected as a Region One Teacher of the Year was in 2008. In that year, Iris Hines from Roosevelt Alternative School became a finalist in the state Teacher of the Year contest.

DPS opens satellite office in Mission

By Edwina P. Garza

MISSION — Residents of Hidalgo County Precinct 3 can expect shorter lines and fewer headaches when renewing their Texas driver’s licenses. The Texas Department of Public Safety has opened its newest satellite office here alongside other county offices for easier access to residents in the western parts of the county.

The DPS building, located at 722 Breyfogle Rd., is a former office for DPS troopers, said DPS Regional Cmndr. Jose C. Rodriguez III. For nearly two weeks, residents have renewed their licenses at the Mission office with the help of two DPS employees. Rodriguez said these staff members were some of the most experienced workers, leaving customers with an even shorter waiting period. On Tuesday afternoon, customers renewing their licenses were in and out of the office within 10 minutes.

“It’s such a pleasure to walk into a driver’s license office and it’s calm,” Rodriguez said.

Mingo Villarreal Jr., a coordinator for Precinct 3, said Precinct 3 Commissioner Joe M. Flores pushed for the satellite office to help residents from the western part of the county have easier access to the DPS office. The office will service residents from all over the precinct, stretching from places like Sullivan City and Cuevitas to Mission and parts of McAllen.

Already, there are satellite DPS offices in Edinburg and Weslaco, with the main office and the most customers in McAllen. Rodriguez estimated that approximately 2,500 customers visit the McAllen office monthly.

“People get irritated because they have to wait,” Rodriguez said of the McAllen office. “We had people complain and Commissioner Flores definitely wanted his constituents taken care of and we wanted relief at the McAllen office.”

Villarreal said it was important the residents of western Hidalgo County get this service, as it’s still a growing area.

“The western part of Hidalgo County is growing, McAllen is not growing anymore,” he said. “There’s too much congestion in McAllen, so Precinct 3 residents can come here.”

Precinct 3 is already thinking of the future and ways to encourage the state to transform the office into a full-fledged DPS office. Villarreal said construction for additional parking and a future testing site for customers getting their license for the first time is nearly complete.

“The need is here,” Villarreal said of a full functioning DPS office.

Rodriguez said the state hasn’t made a commitment to establish another DPS office in the county, and insinuated it could take years before the decision is made and funds are available to support the operation.

“But it’s like the Field of Dreams,” Rodriguez said. “If you build it, they will come, and I think they’re well on their way.”

Donations Needed for Elementary Students

MISSION — As families continue cleaning efforts in their homes after Hurricane Alex and Tropical Depression No. 2, the Mission Chamber of Commerce is collecting one of the most vital school supplies for affected families to alleviate stress on needy families as the school year starts.

Along with the city, Capital One Bank has begun collecting backpacks for elementary-aged children.

The groups will be collecting backpacks until Aug. 19.

Drop off sites include Mission City Hall, the Mission Chamber of Commerce and Capital One Bank locations in Mission, McAllen, Edinburg and Pharr.

For more information, call the chamber at 956-585-2727.

Flood recovery assistance available

EDINBURG — While the presidential declaration will help the Rio Grande Valley get on track to recover after the floods brought on by Hurricane Alex, Hidalgo County Judge Rene A. Ramirez said the county must work with local non-profits and faith-based organizations to fill remaining gaps in service in the community.

“We are grateful for the assistance our federal partners are providing and appreciate the invaluable service our local non-profits provide,” Ramirez said. “The county has chosen to be proactive by working hand-in-hand with these allies to help facilitate the smooth distribution of their goods and services to the residents in the most need.

Hidalgo County’s local Disaster Recovery Hotline went live last week to help residents affected by the flood access a wide variety of recovery resources. The bilingual recovery hotline will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for at least 30 days. The number is 1-866-613-5277. This is not the FEMA registration number; this is general disaster recovery helpline. Residents are highly encouraged to register with FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA as soon as possible.

The hotline’s main purposes will be to refer flood-affected residents to charitable organizations that can assist with whatever needs they may have and field any questions about the FEMA individual assistance application process.

“Our goal is to be a resource for residents who don’t feel comfortable turning anywhere else or they want to talk to people familiar with recovery resources. This is a complimentary service to those already out there—a one-stop shop for all types of disaster recovery questions,” Ramirez said.

Because of the heavy load placed on local non-profits and faith-based, Ramirez is also asking individuals who have the means to please donate.

A number of non-profit and faith-based groups have also begun providing aid. Agencies like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army are among the groups offering cleaning kits and clothing. Others include the Southern Baptist Convention/Texas Baptist Men at 956-716-8041, Latter Day Saints Charities at 956-579-9727 and Faith Communities for Disaster Recovery/Catholic Charities at 1-866-775-2007. Proyecto Azteca said it could assist families in home construction in various communities. They can be reached at 956-702-3307. McAllen Affordable Homes is also assisting families with home repair grant programs throughout the county. They can be reached at 956-687-6263.

Have summer fun in Mission

By Kathy Olivarez

For local families who are feeling the budget pinch and want to spend less money on a vacation this summer, there are plenty of things to do right at home.

Rancho El Charco

Just a short drive from Mission, Rancho El Charco, 416 N. Kika de la Garza Blvd. in La Joya, is a nature preserve that is available for all sorts of events. The open-air restaurant overlooks a picturesque lake where sunsets are gorgeous. Open on weekends, the food is very reasonably priced. Take the children and let them enjoy Texas wildlife and see the longhorn steer, burros, javalina, deer and buffalo firsthand who live on the 150-acre ranch. Take a wagon ride through the preserve and see different climatic habitats and the rock quarry where the Rio Grande ended eons ago. Enjoy the manmade waterfall that serves as a backdrop for many special events. During the summer, Rancho El Charco is offering “Kids’ Camp” with special children’s events daily. Each day, a different kids’ program is offered including activities such as Beginners Digital Photography, Nature Art Camp, Animal Mania Day, Science Camp and Get Wet, Have Fun, Go Wild. For information call 581-0397.

Smokin’ Aces

In addition to the many things offered by the city, there are a number of different places to go and relax, Couples might want to take time for “cool one” and a burger by making a visit to Smokin’ Aces Bar & Grill, 2518 Business Highway 83. This club features a variety of bands such as Addiction, a band that will perform Friday, July 16. On July 23, Falling Yellow will be featured and on July 24, 10 Ton Hammer will perform. Featured bands start playing about 10 to 10:30 p.m. Food and drink prices are reasonable. During the day and on evenings, when no band is performing, jukebox music keeps things lively. Call 631-8848 for information.

La Palmas Race Track

Another place to go for a good time is Las Palmas Rack Track, located at 7509 N. Taylor Road. A combination of a racetrack and a performance center, the last races held July 11, featured 22 sets of races. While no new date has been posted for the next races, tickets are now on sale for the upcoming Fowler Fest featuring Kevin Fowler, Deryl Dodd and Roger Creager. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Cavenders in McAllen. To find out more about upcoming races or musical events call 585-7223.

Mission Parks & Recreation Programs

There are a number of activities offered through Parks and Recreation that are fun for the entire family. The summer programs through the Mission Parks and Recreation and Mission Boys and Girls Club are well underway. Children are enjoying football, baseball, softball and volleyball, along with other sports. Arts and crafts classes are also being offered along with chances to compete in video games. Many children, ages five to 12, are taking part in the summer activities offered through these two entities.

With two pools in town, opportunities for swimming lessons and water fun can be found wherever children live. Families can enjoy going once or twice a week or even daily for that matter. The pools also offer exercise classes for adults.

Mission has two excellent parks for relaxing. Bannworth Park on Shary Road features a running trail, picnic facilities, a fishing pond and other amenities. The 63-acre Bentsen Palm Community Park at 1801 S. Inspiration Road is the city’s newest park. The regional park has picnic facilities, a two-acre pond with a pier, four baseball fields, three lighted tennis courts and a two-mile walking trail for the enjoyment of the community.

For more information about Parks & Rec programs, call 580-8760.

Mission Skeet & Trap Club

For families who want to spend their vacation relaxing, Mission offers a variety of opportunities. For hunters and those who want to improve their shooting skills, the Mission Skeet & Trap Club is located at 1001 S. Conway Avenue. The club offers a safe environment for recreational shooting. While the gun range is shared with Mission police who go there to hone their skills, the public can use the club. The cost is $5 a round for members and $8 for non-members. Participants must furnish their own targets. For more information call 583-5996.

Hike & Bike Trail

The Mission Hike and Bike Trail is a great way to spend a family day together. Located south of Expressway 83 on Conway Avenue, the park has a five mile trail leading past the National Butterfly Park to the entrance of Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. In addition to the paved trail leading to Bentsen, there are several different levels of challenges in unpaved bike trails for cyclists looking to challenge their riding skills. Round trip to and from Bentsen from Conway is 10 miles so it would make a great workout for a family looking for an adventure activity. There are no services available, so to be sure to take along water and a kit for repairing flat tires. Helmets are required.

Upper Valley Art League

For those wishing to beat the heat, the Upper Valley Art League offers classes and exhibits. They are located at 921 E. 12th Street in the Kika De la Garza Building. The League is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The current featured artist is Imanol Miranda, an artist with three decades of artistic experience and a variety of styles of art. For more information on classes or exhibits being offered by UVAL, call 583-2787.

Speer Memorial Library

Speer Memorial Library, located at 801 E. 12th Street, is having its summer program. There are daily crafts activities at 3 p.m. and movies at 2 p.m. In addition, the library currently has an exhibit on William Jennings Bryan, one of Mission’s most celebrated early citizens. For parents who have some time off in the summer, it is a great time to look for their favorite author’s newest book or try books by someone new. The library has recently expanded facilities for Internet access service, allowing access to a vast number of research materials. Call 580-8750 for information.

Mission Historical Museum

Mission Historical Museum offers a look into Mission’s history through exhibits of pioneer days on a wild frontier. The nine exhibit rooms feature Mission history, the story of The Texas Citrus Fiesta, a tribute to Mission’s Veterans and many other displays.

Anzalduas Park

Other spots of interest near Mission include Anzalduas Park, a 96-acre county park located on the river right below Anzalduas Dam. It’s a great place to observe birds and other wildlife that makes their home along the river. Admission is free weekdays, but on weekends there is a $4 charge per car. For information call (956) 585-5311. Anzalduas is a kayaking site where members of Los Caminos Del Rio try to make people aware of the ecological treasure along the river. While kayaking is suspended when waters are dangerously high, they will resume after the water recedes. Kayaking tours cost $30 for adults and $15 for children. Call 587-9568 for information.

Bentsen State Park

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, which is also the headquarters of the World Birding Center, is a birding and wildlife paradise. Located at 2800 S. Bentsen, no cars are allowed in the park, but free trams run through the park daily and let visitors off at several wildlife observation spots between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Bicycles are allowed on service roads and guests may bring their own or rent them at the park. Special events include a variety of nature walks and even a night hike to learn about creatures of the night. Overnight tent camping is allowed but camping gear must be taken in on the tram. An upcoming special event is the Perseid Meteor Shower Show planned Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. Families need to preregister for this special event. Admission is adults $5, $3 for senior citizens and youth and children under 12 are free. Call 584-9156 for information.

National Butterfly Park

The National Butterfly Park, located at the southern tip of Scheurbach Road in Mission, is the only park in the United States dedicated to preservation of butterfly habitat. It features seven ecological systems, all host a different species of butterflies. Construction of a new headquarters building, surrounded by many gardens that will each feature distinct butterflies, is underway. Admission is $3 for RGV residents and senior citizens, $5 for other adults and $1 for children. Call 583-9009 for information.

La Lomita Historic District

To combine local history with a day outdoors, plan a picnic at the La Lomita Historic District, where an old chapel, similar to those found in the ranches during Spanish colonization, is located. Teach the children about the Cavalry of Christ, the Oblate Catholic priests who rode along the river from Brownsville to Roma, bringing Christianity to the families who lived and worked on the porciones where the ranches were located. It’s a colorful part of Valley history. Drive a little to the south and see the outline of St. Peter’s Novitiate, which once served as a monastery for the priests because it was approximately halfway between Roma and Brownsville.

Gov. Perry: Prepare for 2010 hurricane season

AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday urged Texas residents to take steps to protect their families and property from potential storms this hurricane season. June 1 marks the first day of the 2010 Hurricane Season, which lasts through Nov. 30.

“In Texas, our strategy for dealing with disasters is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Texans can be assured that no state is more prepared than ours to handle the full spectrum of threats, including man-made and natural disasters,” Perry said. “With national weather experts predicting a considerably active hurricane season, Texas residents must also do their part and take simple steps to protect their families and property to ensure we have a safe hurricane season this year.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has predicted an “active to extremely active” hurricane season, with an estimated 14-23 named storms, eight-14 hurricanes and three to seven major hurricanes. By comparison, an average hurricane season will produce 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

Last month, Perry addressed more than 1,500 individuals at the Texas Hurricane Conference in McAllen, which brought together state and local emergency response personnel, volunteer organizations and private sector partners to discuss ways to further enhance preparedness, response and recovery efforts during future storms.

In advance of the 2010 Hurricane Season, residents should take simple steps to protect their families and homes should a storm threaten the Texas coast, including:

• Creating a plan for your family;

• Having an emergency kit;

• Prepare your home and vehicle before evacuation; and

• Knowing your evacuation routs.

These tips and other helpful preparedness resources can be found at http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol/en/emergency/hurricane.

Also, a special Hurricane Preparedness section is included in today’s edition of the Progress Times. This special section contains many useful tips and information to assist families in their hurricane preparation planning. Additional information will also be available on the Progress Times Web site www.progresstimes.net.

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