MISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2012

CITY OF MISSION1201 E. 8th StreetMission, TX 78572

(956) 580-8650

OFFICe OF The MAYOR

Dear Citizens of Mission,

It is with great satisfaction that we submit this Annual Report for 2011-2012. You will see how the strategic directions that your elected officials put in place have been met and the highlights of our achievements. The City of Mission has remained focused on making continuous improvements to services and programs for our residents, businesses and visitors. This report is for you and I encourage you to review it and see what we have accomplished.

As in every year, we’ve been extremely busy and continue to move forward. We have focused on many economic and infrastructure improvements while fulfilling the responsibility of providing the level of services that contribute to Mission’s quality of life. More importantly, we have maintained reserves that have kept us financially strong despite today’s challenging economic times. Our fiscally conservative approach has enabled the City of Mission to maintain quality services while not increasing the limited City budget. We will continue to reinvent ways to provide services while dealing with revenue growth and higher costs.

Much of the credit for the consistency in service delivery must go to our employees who have made the necessary financial sacrifices to help balance the budget, serve the community and maintain our outstanding

quality of life. We appreciate their efforts and thank them. We are proud of what we have accomplished and I welcome your feedback to this Council. This is your City and I look forward to working with you for its even greater future.

Respectfully,

Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas

CITY COUNCIL

Maria Elena RamirezPlace 1

Ruben PlataPlace 2

Norie Gonzalez GarzaMayor Pro-TemPlace 3

Dr. Armando O’CañaPlace 4

OFFICe OF The CITY MANAgeR

Year after year, the Council and staff outline the priorities that are vital for the development and growth of Mission. We have focused on street and drainage improvements and on the services that affect the quality of life for our residents, such as major park improvements and increase in police personnel. We have been fiscally responsible and we will continue to maintain an operating budget that will help us to maintain the level of services you have come to expect. During fiscal year 2011-12, City staff was charged by the Mayor and City Council to maximize the City’s resources to complete new projects while lowering the property tax rate. Through creative approaches and capitalizing on our partnerships with the Mission Reinvestment Authority, Mission Economic Development Corporation and the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce we continued to expand city services and make improvements to increase the quality of life for our citizens. This year’s accomplishments were due to the efforts of the staff and the guidance provided by Mayor and the City Council. We will continue to improve upon the goals and objectives set by the City Council and will work diligently to provide you, our citizens, with the high standard of service that is “Mission.”

Sincerely,

Julio Cerda, P.E.City Manager

02 | MiSSiONANNuAlREPORt2012

CONTeNTSOffice of the Mayor 1

City Council Members 1

Office of the City Manager 2

City Secretary 4

Risk Management 5

Municipal Library 6

Boys and Girls Club 7

Purchasing Department 8

Human Resources 9

Mission Historical Museum 10

IT Department 11

Parks and Recreation Department 12

Public Works Department 14

Planning Department 15

Shary Municipal Golf Course 16

Grant Administration 17

Police Department 18

Municipal Court 21

Utility Billing 22

Civil Service 23

Fire Department 24

Fire Prevention Bureau 26

Community Development 27

Mission Chamber of Commerce 28

Mission Economic Development

Corporation 30

Anzalduas International Bridge 32

CITY MANAgeR OFFICe STAFF

Aida lermaDeputy City Manager

Sonia MarroquinDeputy City Manager

Guillermo SeguinDeputy City Manager

Mission Historical Museum

Community Development

Speer Memorial Library

International Sister City Relations

Mayor’s Prayer Luncheon

Mayor’s International Brunch

Public Relations & Marketing

Community Events Coordinator

Police DepartmentFire DepartmentPublic Works DepartmentParks & Recreation DepartmentPlanning DepartmentHuman Resources DepartmentRisk Management DepartmentBoys and Girls ClubCivil Service Department

Finance Department

Purchasing Department

Utility Billing

Meter Reading

Information Technology Dept

| 03MiSSiONANNuAlREPORt2012

citrus fiesta parade


CITYSeCReTARY

The office of the City Secretary is at the forefront of the Legislative and Administrative process in local government. The City Secretary serves as a liaison between the city and the public. Many of the functions that are performed by the City Secretary are governed by various statutes, ordinances or charter provisions. The City Secretary serves as the Elections Administrator, Records Manager, Local Registrar for Vital Statistics and Open Records Officer.

The CITY SeCReTARY’S OFFICe IS dIvIdedINTO TwO dIvISIONS:

• AdministrAtive divisionThe Administrative Division is responsible in the preparation of city council agendas, agenda packets, recording and transcribing the city council minutes, typing and filing mowing liens, indexing of council minutes, ordinances and resolutions, receiving and processing open records requests, central filing system of essential city records such as contracts, deeds and all other permanent records, receive incoming phone calls via the switchboard, greet and direct all customers to their place of destination. All agendas and minutes are posted on the city’s website at www.missiontexas.us as a convenience to our citizens and the business community.

• vitAl stAtistics divisionThe Vital Statistics Division is responsible for registering all births and deaths occurring in the City. The deputies issue birth records to qualified persons born in Mission and within the state by searching state records. The Vital Statistics Division has been recognized by the State with

the Exemplary Five Star Award for timely submissions. They also issue death records for those records which are filed in our office. Last year a total of 6,280 birth records and 781 death records were issued. The entire division staff is certified through the Attorney General’s Office to issue Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) forms to unwed parents in order for the child to be legally recognized by the father. The AOP process is a critical step to ensure the child is eligible for benefits associated with healthcare, social security, veteran’s benefits and child support. The Vital Statistics Division also oversees the funeral arrangements for three city owned cemeteries Laurel Hill Cemetery, San Jose Cemetery and Catholic Cemetery.

FISCAL YeAR 2012-13 gOALS:1. Continue Selling lots at Catholic Cemetery. 2. Continue with scanning of birth and death records into a centralized database 3. Update Code of Ordinance Manual 4. Strive to receive the 5 Star Award for Vital Statistics 5. Continue with the implementation of TER Death as requested by State of Texas 6. Continue with scanning all documents into Laserfiche System7. Continue to provide assistance and excellent customer service to all the citizens of Mission.

The CITY SeCReTARY depARTMeNT CONSISTS OF SeveN eMpLOYeeS:

• City Secretary

• Assistant City Secretary

• Administrative Assistant/ Vital Statistic Deputy

• 2 Vital Statistics Deputies

• 1 Receptionist

• 1 Records/File Clerk

Anna Carrillo

CitySecretary

MiSSiONANNuAlREPORt2012

RISkMANAgeMeNT

pURpOSeThe City of Mission Risk Management Department is re-sponsible for ensuring a safe workplace for all of its em-ployees. It ensures to meet compliance with the rules, regulations, and laws for both the state and federal gov-ernment. This is carried out through the enforcement of the City Safety Program, and adequate employee and su-pervisory safety & health training. The department also oversees and administers the Workers’ Compensation Program.

The RISk MANAgeMeNT dIReCTOR IS ReSpONSIbLe FOR The FOLLOwINg:• Investigate claims against and by the city.• Provide direction and assistance to the planning, devel-opment and coordination of safety & health programs.• Promote a safe and healthy work environment.• Develop and implement policies and procedures aimed at reducing costs related to accidents and injuries.• Maintain database information regarding motor vehicle accidents, city mobile equipment, city vehicle, and city property inventory.• Processing of workers’ compensation, property and li-ability claims.

gOALS• The Risk Management Department will continue to look for ways to improve how workers’ compensation, liability and property claims are managed. We will work with vari-ous City departments to protect employees from injury and

promote accident prevention. Finally, we will select prudent and cost effective solutions to minimize the financial im-pact of losses to the City.

RobertHinojosa

RiskManagement

Director

ACCOMpLIShMeNTS

• A decrease of 14% in Workers Compensation claims from the previous year.

• A decrease of 43% in Auto Liability Claims from the previous year.

• An increase of only 4% in General Liability Claims from the previous year.

• Provided various trainings for employees including: Vehicle Operations for Maintenance Personnel, Following the Rules, Safety Essentials for Field Operations and Maintenance Personnel, Vehicle Operations for Public Entities, Pipeline Safety Training, Risk Management Essentials for Supervisors, Fire Safety, and Effective Supervisory Skill Building.

| 05


ACCOMpLIShMeNTS FOR The 2011-2012 FISCAL YeAR1. Initiated a Winter Reading Program for the children.2. Purchased Children’s Department furniture that made it a more engaging environment.3. Received Loan Star grant that was used to purchase a firewall and computer peripherals.4. Upgraded our computer lab by purchasing a digital projector and screen for public use. Software was pur-chased to control print jobs from the public computers for better management and to decrease paper waste.5. Made Office 2010 available on some of our computers and added Access, Publisher, OneNote, Sharepoint, Info-path, along to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint which were already provided.6. Purchased 27 computers to upgrade older models. The Library provided more programming including Book

Discussion group meetings, hosted Channel 4 On the Road as they broadcasted from our location, Dr Seuss’ birthday celebration, magic shows, and holiday themed activities such as Pictures with Santa Clause and Valen-tine’s Day Bingo. Our Summer Reading Program was a big success due to an increase in the number of children registered and in the number of book reports turned in. We incorporated children’s yoga into our Summer Read-

ing Program along with the Mission Consolidated Inde-pendent School District Free Lunch Program. For the first time, Speer Memorial Library participated in the Citrus Parade with a float entry. We hosted our First Annual Fall Author Book Festival in which different authors and Illus-trators gave entertaining and interesting presentations and were available for autographs and pictures and our First Children’s Health Fair in which twelve different agen-cies provided information to those in attendance.

gOALS FOR NexT FISCAL YeARMaintaining our 48,760 square foot library to meet the needs of our patrons. Review and revise our offerings in order to meet the changing needs and expectations of our public such as offering e-book services.The Library will also continue to work with various orga-

nizations such as the AARP for free income tax prepara-tion and AVANCE for free civics and English classes. We will continue to apply for grants and rebate programs that we can effectively use and continue to upgrade/replace equipment as it becomes outdated in an effort to provide the best services possible to the public. We will continue to provide new and innovative programming that will en-gage the public and strive to make the Library the hub of the community.

MUNICIpALLIbRARY

MayraRochaLibrary

Director

STATS• Library material check outs (books,

CDs and DVDs): 88,982.• Library visits: 262,670.• Volunteer hours: 10,261.• Library program attendance: 18,073.• Library card registration: 6,404.• Internet Sessions: 157,762.


J.C.Avila

Director

bOYS ANd gIRLS CLUbThe Boys & Girls Club of Mission consists of four units: the Main Unit, Martinez Elementary Unit, Jessie Jensen Elemen-tary Unit and Leal Elementary Unit. The Boys & Girls Club is a youth development program that provides services to over 5,000 members in the community, offering after-school, summer & athletic programs. The Club’s mission is to en-able all young people to reach their full potential as produc-tive, caring, and responsible citizens. This is accomplished by providing a safe environment to learn and grow; devel-oping relationships with caring adult professionals that will provide life-enhancing programs and character develop-ment experiences as well as providing hope and opportuni-ties for Mission’s youth to shape their future. The Boys & Girls Club of Mission’s Athletic Department had

over 100 teams participate throughout the year in different sports programs.

Throughout the year, the following programs were available: Power Hour: Staff assists children with any questions they may have regarding their homework or any other questions they may have pertaining to their studies in order to prepare them to become self-directed learners.Fitness Authority: is a program that increases knowledge of nutrition, hand-eye coordination, endurance, motor develop-ment, total fitness and self- esteem.Smart Moves: is a creative and fun learning experience that provides boys & girls the knowledge and skills they need to grow into confident, healthy teenagers. Smart Moves provides members accurate information, resistance train-ing, and other critical skills for avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, as well as peer pressure. The program features engaging, interactive small group activities designed to in-crease participants’ peer support, enhance their life skills, build their character and also develop and enhance their leadership skills.Arts & Crafts: is a program which helps develop the youth’s artistic skills and enhance their creative talent. It has built a cultural awareness through knowledge and appreciation of visual arts and crafts and by performing arts and creative writing.Computer Lab: this computer skills program helps to devel-op our members’ proficiency with technology through differ-ent software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point.

gOALS FOR FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013• Adding two additional units which will be located on May-

berry St. and Shary Rd.• Increasing membership and participation• Developing more programs to develop leadership and life

building skills for our members• Partnering up with other agencies for additional program-

ming opportunities

SpORTS Age # TeAMS

• Basketball 5&6 6 7&8 8 9&10 7 11&12 6

• Girls Basketball 10-11-12 6

• Football 5&6 6 7&8 8 Pewee 5 Midget 6

• Volleyball 7-8-9 6 10-11-12 8

• Baseball Tee ball 16 Pinto 12 Mustang 9 Bronco 7 Pony 4

• Softball Pinto 5 Mustang 5 Bronco 5

AFTeR SChOOL pROgRAM AdA #OF kIdSLeal 120Jensen 110Main 220Martinez 150Summer Program 400

pURpOSe ANd SCOpeThe Purchasing Department is committed to providing ex-ceptional service through effective collaboration and com-munication with internal/external customers and vendors alike, in order to fulfill the purchasing needs of the City in a professional, responsive and timely manner in compliance with all City policies and applicable federal, State, and local purchasing laws. Public purchasing has the responsibility to obtain the most value for the tax dollar in a fair, efficient and equitable manner, by fostering as much competition as possible in order to obtain fair and reasonable prices and the overall best value. In doing so, we have adopted the goal of fair and equal competition in order for all bid-

ders to stand on an equal footing and to protect the integ-rity of the competitive bidding system.

FURTheRMORe OUR gOALS ARe TO:1. Foster full and open competition;2. Promote public confidence in the integrity, fairness and accountability of the city’s purchasing/procurement sys-tem;3. Meet the city’s needs in terms of cost, quality and timeli-ness of the delivered product or service;4. Solicit supplier suggestions in the determination of clear and adequate specifications and standards;5. Handle confidential information or proprietary infor-mation with proper consideration of the ethical and legal ramifications of disclosure; 6. Provide increased efficiency and effectiveness in the City’s purchasing activities, thereby exercising good stew-ardship of public funds and maximizing, to the fullest ex-tent possible, the purchasing value of those public funds;7. Cooperate with suppliers and consider possible diffi-culties they may encounter in order to provide for fair and impartial resolution of controversies in an expeditious and cost-efficient manner; and8. Maintain strict truthfulness and the highest ethics in all transactions and correspondence.

ObjeCTIveSThe City of Mission Purchasing Department is commit-ted to being open and fair in all aspects of the procure-ment process. The Purchasing Department is responsible for ensuring that City departments comply with federal, state and local statutes regulating competitive sealed bids, competitive sealed proposals, professional services, high technology purchases, cooperative purchases, and emergency and sole-source purchases. The Purchasing Department solicits for all competitive procurements as required by law.

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTSDeveloped clear and unambiguous solicitations in accor-dance with policies and procedures adopted by the Pur-chasing Department, allowing for the city to successfully

pURChASINg depARTMeNT

Request forQuotation

(RFQ)

Request forProposal

(RFP)

Invitationto Bid (ITB)

OrganizationalStrategy &

Performance

NetworkVisibility

PurchasingSupport

ResourceManagement

Benchmarking& Research

OperationsManagement

EduardoBelmarezPurchasing

Director


pURpOSe OF The hUMAN ReSOURCeS depARTMeNTThe Human Resources Department works with and for City de-partments by developing and administering Recruitment and Retention, Compensation, Status Changes (promotions, demo-tions, transfers, terminations), Personnel Records Administra-tion, Performance Evaluations, Disciplinary Action, Employee Relations, Policy and Procedures, Training and Development, State and Federal Labor Law Compliance, Family and Medical Leave, and Employee Benefits. The Human Resources Depart-ment also assists the Civil Service Department with Entry-Level and Promotional Testing for the Police and Fire Department. The Human Resources Department promotes health awareness and encourages healthy lifestyles.

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTS 1. Completed revisions/updates to the City’s Personnel Policy

Manual.2. Provided training seminars to employees and supervisors on

various topics such as Legal Issues in Hiring, Fair Labor Stan-dards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave (FMLA), Custom-er Service Management, Sexual Harassment, Energizing and Engaging Employees, Telephone Etiquette, and HIPAA.

3. Implemented a Wellness Program by hosting monthly Health and Wellness Seminars, monthly Health and Wellness News-letters, Tips of the Week, Share the Wellness Weekly Tips, and an Annual Employee Health Fair.

FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOALS1. Implement an Employee Recognition Program.2. Implement a Monthly Training Calendar for Employees and

Supervisors.3. Implement a Wellness Committee to assist in promoting

health awareness and encouraging healthy lifestyles.4. Maintain a beneficial health plan for employees while secur-

ing a cost-effective plan for the City.

5. Develop an internal network (Intranet) for employees to receive and have access to City wide events and employee related communications.

hUMANReSOURCeS

SERVICES

QUOTE

PRODUCTS

SERVICES

QUOTE

PRODUCTS

establish forty-five (45) contractual agreements, which provided the purchasing staff in house train-ing for procurement projects from cradle to grave. Developed a historical database of responsive

and responsible bidders/proposers in order to ac-quire the highest quality merchandise at the lowest price or at best value, and ensure prompt deliveries and uninterrupted flow of materials, supplies, and services through networking, workshops, confer-ences, and one-on-one vendor meetings in order to increase and receive sufficient competition on all solicitations. The Purchasing Department par-ticipated in three (3) outreach events with Procure-ment Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), where we met with 143 interested vendors, and 270 ven-dor applications were entered into the vendor da-tabase. Implemented an aggressive due diligence pro-

cess which investigates and analyzes prices, mar-ket conditions, new products, market research, supplier research and assessment in order to reveal any and all potential risks associated with vendors and/or contractors.Consolidated many of the decentralized agree-

ments for goods, commodities, and services with the intention of establishing contracts that were directly administered to ensure and acquire fair and reasonable pricing, performance and respon-sive/responsible bidders.

FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOALSImplement online auctions in order to generate an increase in revenue from surplus items. The on-line auction system would facilitate the means to monitor, manage and track surplus inventory and dollar amounts. It would also minimize the cost of storage. Decrease the number of contractual defaults and

cancellation of solicitations and take a proactive approach in the planning phase of future procure-ments. Increase cost savings through proper negotia-

tions, contracts management and competitive bid-ding.Implement Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity

(IDIQ) contracts and partnerships to take advan-tage of Economies of Scale. Establish a more user friendly vendor database through a variety of procurement system up-grades.


The Mission Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history and cultural heritage of Mission and west-ern Hidalgo County. The museum complex consists of two historic build-

ings located in downtown Mission. The Shary Building, completed in 1939, once housed the offices of Valley land developer John H. Shary. Later, this building served as Mission’s City Hall. Immediately to the north of the Shary Building is the old Mission Post Office. This structure was built in 1940, and later served as offices for Mission CISD, and the Mission Police Department before being converted to museum use. The museum maintains an extensive collection of arti-

facts and archives relating to the history of Mission and

surrounding areas. Community members have been gen-erous with their donations, and the collection now num-bers over 12,000 items. Collection highlights include items relating to the Texas Citrus Fiesta, Valley land develop-ment, local and early businesses and entrepreneurs, the movie She Came to the Valley, local military heroes, and the everyday life of Mission’s pioneer residents. The archives house many important historical records, photographs, original land deeds, and family history information.The museum reached an audience of 5,542 people dur-

ing FY 2011-12. The museum’s audience includes regular walk-in visitors; researchers; attendees at special events, programs and exhibits; and promotional outreach.The museum offers many services as a benefit and en-

MISSIONhISTORICALMUSeUM

LuisContreras

MuseumDirector

peRFORMANCe INdICATORS # OF peOpLe SeRvedGeneral Attendance 2,474

Programs/Tours 461

Outreach 1,381

Meetings Hosted 515

Special Events 711

Total 5,542

FINANCIAL deveLOpMeNT RepORT dONATIONS MeMORIALS SpONSORShIpS gRANTS

1 Quarter $400 $400 0 02 Quarter $600 0 0 03 Quarter $610 $1,100 0 $2,5004 Quarter $51,350 $200 $19,000 0 Total $52,960 $1,700 $19,000 $2,500

FY Total: $76,160


hancement to the quality of life of the community. Long-term and changing exhibits provide an entertaining and educational glimpse of local history and culture. A wide range of lectures, demonstrations, and concerts offer something for every age group. Special tours are offered to groups from schools and other organizations. Several meeting spaces are used by community organizations on a regular basis. The archives are always made available and convenient to researchers seeking historical informa-tion.As the museum looks toward the future, we foresee con-

tinued development in all areas. Plans for Landscape site improvements at the museum complex are underway. This project promises to make the museum a unique des-tination and compliment to the downtown area. A com-prehensive program of long-term exhibits is also in the works. These initiatives, along with other projects, con-tinue a tradition of excellence in serving the community of Mission and our many visitors.

ACCOMpLIShMeNTS FOR pRIOR FISCAL YeAR:1. Built and opened Hands-on History center to serve community youth (two-fold expansion planned for Sum-mer 2012)2. Increased amount of special programming from 3 to 6 programs per year and doubled the number of people served by each program.3. Revised three permanent exhibits to be more accurate and respond to visitor comments4. Developed or increased community partnerships (Po-lice, Fire, Upper Valley Art League, Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Club, Library, Mission CISD.5. Increased overall attendance by approximately 200 visitors per month and increased use of the museum by Mission residents by over 50%.

gOALS FOR NexT FISCAL YeAR:1. Increase fundraising through special events.2. Continue to increase outreach to Mission residents.3. Draft a comprehensive strategic plan to integrate City and Board initiatives to better serve the communities4. Begin construction of the Landscape site improve-ments project.5. Establish a cul-tural arts program initiative to provide information about the visual, literary, and musical heri-tage of the region6. Begin an exhibit reconf igurat ion project and provide a visual chrono-logical timeline of events7. Broaden the bi-lingual aspect to better serve our communities8. Expand on bilin-gual exhibits and programming

INFORMATION TeChNOLOgY depARTMeNTMission Statement: The I.T. Department is always looking for ways to utilize the city’s equipment more productively. The IT department must make sure that all city-owned computers, hardware, software and network infrastructure, are working properly. Serves as the support team for city employees who encounter computer problems and finding solutions to soft-ware, hardware and network problems. The IT Department keeps computer users updated with the best hardware and software available.I.T. Staff is constantly cross training across all the City

Departments: City Hall, Municipal Court, Parks and Recre-ation, Public Works, Fire Stations, Historical Museum, Boys and Girls Club and the Public Library. The Speer Memorial Library does have a permanent I.T. employee, who with the help from I.T. Staff, supports all computers, printers, cam-eras, servers, etc. located in that building.I.T. Staff prepares and recommends technical specifica-

tions and requests for quotes and or proposals from ven-dors for all services and software or equipment that are to be purchased for all city departments except the Mission Police Department that has its own internal I.T. staff.The I.T. Staff updates and maintains the City’s Website

(www.missiontexas.us) as needed and provides training and support to departments who need to make modifications to their own departmental area of the website. We maintain and support the city’s network infrastructure

which includes domain controllers, servers, routers, switch-es and wireless equipment, as well as the network of Kronos time clocks that keep track of employee punch times.With the help of firewalls and software we maintain and

troubleshoot our Internet Bandwidth. We provide solutions from simple cleaning to reinstalling operating systems when viruses, trojans or spyware infects city computers.I.T. Staff is the front line support for Software Applications

utilized by the city personnel. A few of these include Incode Applications, Email, Microsoft Office, Backup software, Anti-virus and specialized software at the water distribution and waste water facili-ties.City of Mission I.T.

Staff provides a one-stop-type-shop ser-vice for all the Infor-mation Technology related equipment and software for the City of Mission.

ITdepARTMeNT

RolandoRodriguez

I.T.Director


The City of Mission Parks & Recreation Department manages the operation of the City’s Parks System, the Facility Mainte-nance Division, the Sports Adult League activities, the main-tenance of City right-of-ways, and the Aquatics Facilities. In addition, the Parks Department also coordinates the summer youth programs along with the Boys & Girls Club. During the summer break the Parks Department sponsors the TAAF program where students compete in various sports such as tennis, swimming, and track and field. The Facilities Division is responsible for the maintenance of

all city buildings. Parks & Recreation is also involved in the coordination of most special project events. The City of Mis-sion has an ongoing Graffiti Program which is also managed through the Parks Department.

pARkSThe City of Mission currently has 23 parks in the park sys-tem. The park classifications consist of community parks, regional parks, neighborhood parks, and linear parks. These parks are maintained and operated by parks staff and provide a variety of amenities to the public. The City of Mission has 5 park zones that include the Central Zone, the Southeast Zone, the Southwest Zone, the Northeast Zone, and the Northwest Zone. The Parks & Recreation Department has an Advisory Board made up of local residents who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council and serve 4 year terms. The purpose of the Parks Board is to provide recommendations on parks

and recreation related issues as well as to advise the City Council on the needs of the Parks & Recreation Department. Parks are an essential part of the community, and provide an essential component in the quality of life for our citizens.One of the latest project additions to the Parks System has

been the construction of the Northwest (Hollis Rutledge Sr.) Park located at 2 ½ miles north Inspiration Road. This new park consists of 2 little league lighted fields, a walking trail, playground equipment, pavilion, bathroom facilities, land-scaping, and a site for future Jr. soccer fields.Another feature of the Mission Park System is the Mission

Nature Hike & Bike Trail located 1 mile south on Conway Av-enue. The system has a 7 mile paved trail connected to the Bentsen State Park, currently the World Birding Center and the Butterfly Center within the same area. It also has a net-work of off system dirt trails which offers fun and enjoyment to families and visitors of all ages.Another recent addition to the Mission Parks System is the

Regional Bentsen Palm Community Park. This is a 63 acre park located 2 ½ miles South on Inspiration Road. It offers 4 softball fields, several picnic shelters, playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts. It includes soccer field areas and areas for family gatherings. It also has a pond with pier and a 2 mile walking trail. There are several features planned for this park in the near future such as a nature viewing area, an additional pavilion, and additional shelters around the baseball fields.

Julian Gonzalez

Parks and Recreation

Director

pARkSANdReCReATIONdepARTMeNT


The City of Mission currently has 23 parks in the park system. The parks classifications consist of community

parks, regional parks, neighborhood parks, and linear parks.

Roberto J.Salinas P.E.

Public WorksDirector

The City of Mission Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of the City’s water dis-tribution and sewer collection systems, the operation of two water treatment and one sewer treatment plants, as well as the maintenance and repair of the City’s streets and drain-age system, as well as the City’s system of traffic and street lights.The Water Distribution/Sewer Collection Department is

tasked with the maintenance of the City’s network of 458 miles of water lines, 354 miles of sewer lines and 41 sewer lift stations. This department handles line breaks, water tap and water meter installations, and the extension of these services throughout the City. During the 2011-2012 fis-cal year, we installed and replaced over 8,800 linear feet of water and sewer lines. The department also reviews com-mercial and residential construction plans for proper utility installation.The Water Treatment Plant Department operates two

plants which produce an average of 13 million gallons of treated water per day, (mgd). The total treatment capac-ity of these two plants is 25.5 (mgd). Each year the City is required to produce and disseminate to the community an Annual Water Quality Report indicating that the City is in compliance with the State’s water quality requirements and

it can be found on the City’s website: www.missiontexas.us.The Wastewater Treatment Plant operates one treatment

plant located on South Conway. This plant, which is capable of treating 9 million gallons of sewer per day, is currently treating an average of 7 million gallons per day.The Streets and Drainage Departments provide routine

maintenance and upkeep of the City’s 340 miles of streets and alleys. Repairs and maintenance run the gamut from simple patchwork to overlays to complete reconstruction of streets. The Drainage Department maintains over 187 miles of storm drainage lines, ditches and culverts throughout the City. Traffic Signal Light Operations maintain and control hun-

dreds of traffic and street lights throughout the City. One of the department’s main activities is to keep traffic lights synchronized to allow for smooth traffic flow and in the pro-cess reduce travel time around the City as well as reduce accidents. The Department also manages the City’s Health depart-

ment which is responsible for inspections of food establish-ments and providing training and issuing permits for food handlers. In addition the Health department also handles animal control as well as the mosquito eradication program.

pUbLICwORkS depARTMeNT

2011-12 pUbLIC wORkS ACCOMpLIShMeNTS1. North Water Treatment Plant Expansion Phase III (6 MG) - The New 6 Million Gallon Water Plant Expansion has been constructed to provide additional Water Pro-duction for existing and future development.2. South Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehab Trains A & B & C – The Rehabilitation Project consisted of upgrad-ing the existing 8 MGD current Treatment Facility. This Project extended the life of the Plant to continue provid-ing the necessary water demand.3. Street Improvements constructed Military Parkway Roadway from Conway Avenue to the IBWC Levee to connect Conway to Inspiration south of Mission.

4. Street Improvements were undertaken at Toell-ner Subdivision to include 4th Street and 2 1/2 Street. Project included construction of Curb and Gutter and a Storm Drainage System.5. The Stewart Drainage Project was successfully com-pleted to alleviate flooding during high intensity rainfall events. This Project was constructed between Pamela and US 83 Highway.6. Upgraded all Traffic Signals throughout the City limits to Light-Emitting Diode (LED) Lights. This Project de-creased energy use and maintenance cycles. 7. The Health Department accomplished the Expansion of the City Animal Shelter.


pLANNINgGuides the orderly development of the City using several primary ordinances which include Subdivision and Zon-ing, as well as Off-Street Parking, Landscaping, and Sign Codes. Planning enforces subdivision coordination, zoning issues/violations, and is the City’s liaison with the Planning & Zoning Commission, Texas Department of Transporta-tion and The Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Orga-nization.

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTSUpdated the Future Land Use Map.Adopted the Public Zone.Adopted a New Landscape Ordinance.Established Private Street Policies. Continued GIS updates within the City.

FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOALSContinue on GIS Program to better serve our citizens, de-velopers, etc. (land use, infrastructure inventory). Continue substandard housing abatement and removing illegal dumping sites.Continue Annexation of Properties via Council’s direction.

Update Standards manual.

INSpeCTIONS dIvISIONInspections – Reviews building permit applications along with associated inspections using the most current In-ternational Code Council Building Codes. Inspec-tions also provide the enforcement of building code violations, unsafe buildings, and educates citi-zens in relation to building con-struction.

COde eNFORCeMeNT dIvISIONCode Enforcement – Is responsible for enforcement and abatement of weedy lots, illegal dumping, junked vehicles, health & sanitation, sign violations, etc. Code Enforcement also meets with citizens to explain city ordinances.

The pLANNINg depARTMeNT OveRSeeS The INSpeCTIONS ANd COde eNFORCeMeNT dIvISIONSFOR The CITY OF MISSION. SOMe OF The SeRvICeS pROvIded ARe:

pLANNINgdepARTMeNT

DanielTijerina

PlanningDirector

BUILDING PERMIT VALUE

$34,124,224

$8,858,333

$8,675,000APARTMENTS

COMMERCIAL

NEW DWELLINGS


The 2011-2012 fiscal year was influenced by both economics and Mother Nature. Economically, players played less, purchased less and even took to walking instead of riding, all to save money to play golf. Mother Nature showed her colors with extremely cold weather in January and February which caused revenues to plummet below expectations. A very bad spring storm in April knocked out the new pump station which created a great expense that was not anticipated.Tournament play increased during this year with

the additions of several new tournaments added to our tournament program. Shary Golf Course hosted 22 tournaments during the year which were mostly fundraisers for many organizations such as Dentist Who Care, Lion’s Clubs, Rotary Clubs and Junior Golf programs. Shary Golf Course is a recreational golf facility that

caters to the player who wants to have fun. The majority of play comes from our Winter Texan population. Shary Golf course is host to 25 (9 hole leagues) and 19 (18 hole leagues). The course is also host to 3 High Schools (Mission, Veteran’s Memorial and Sharyland High Schools), 7 Junior Highs (Alton Memorial, Ralph Cantu Middle School, K. White, Mission Junior High, B.L Gray, Shary North and Valley View Junior High). The Junior golf program was very successful with 100 junior golfers taking lessons over the summer. Our biggest League is the Monday Night Stroke League. This league has grown from 30 players 9 years ago to averaging over 100 players every Monday Afternoon.

ShARMUNICIpALgOLFCOURSe

2011-2012 ROUNdS INdICATORS

9 hole play

17,13918 hole play

34,295

Paul SchaeferGolf Pro & Golf

Course Director

FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOALS• Adding a new pond on Hole #1 to

enhance the entrance to the course.• Completing new tee area for hole #12.• Bringing in South Texas College golf

Team.• Increase local play to build up year

round revenues.• Build up customer base by giving clinics

for beginners.

The course added one new Greensmower to its’ fleet this year.


The Grant Administrator is responsible for directing the operation of the City’s grant programs and the performance of administrative duties required to coordinate compliance requirement activities of the City government. Develops and coordinates grant-funded programs for the City by reviewing literature dealing with funds available through grants from governmental agencies; determines the feasibility of developing program requirements and sources of funds available with administrative personnel. Meets with personnel affected by proposed programs to develop goals and objectives which outline how funds are to be used and explains procedures necessary to obtain funding. Completes and submits grant applications to funding agencies or foundations; directs and coordinates the evaluation and monitoring of grant-funded programs.

ACCOMpLIShMeNTS

PubLiC SAFety: The Mission Police Department and the Mission Fire Department were awarded $592,955 from several federal and state agencies

including the, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Governor, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation, and the Texas Attorney General. Grant funds were used to purchase police and fire equipment and the reimbursement of overtime compensation for special operations conducted by the Mission Police Department.

ReCReAtion: The City of Mission was awarded $155,000 for equipment and park improvements. The Mission Hike and Bike Trail received $100,000 from The Texas Parks and Wildlife Trails Grant for an extension of the existing trail and for several improvements to the amenities offered at this park due to the increased community engagement and participation in this particular park. The Parks and Recreation Department also received a $30,000 grant from the Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council to purchase equipment such as a brush chipper and a trailer that will be utilized in the cleaning of city right of ways, alleys and City parks to reduce brush from going into landfills. The City

will then use the recycled brush chips as moisture control for landscape bedding in our park system which consists of 25 parks covering approximately 255 acres.

HigHwAyS And StReetS: The City of Mission was awarded $1,886,739 from the Texas Department of Rural Affairs for street and drainage improvements throughout the city. The funds were utilized for infrastructure improvements such as street reconstruction and drainage through the U.S. Department of Energy awarded the City of Mission $629,500 and the Energy Efficiency Grant. The City of Mission used these funds to modify and upgrade existing traffic signals, pedestrian walk signals and street lighting with energy efficient lighting technologies. The street light and the traffic signal upgrade will convert high pressure sodium and mercury vapor bulb to an LED bulb. The pedestrian walk signals that currently have krypton filled gas light bulbs will also be converted to an LED bulb throughout the city. It will be a comprehensive light upgrade that will increase energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption; reduce energy costs and maintenance costs with these improvements.

gRANTS MANAgedFISCAL YeAR 2011-2012

Total Grant Funds Managed

$6,132,761FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOAL: Continue to obtain grant funding for new programs and improvement projects to enhance all department services that improve the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Mission.

gRANTAdMINISTRATOR

THE CITY OF MISSION WAS AWARDED $1,886,739 FROM THE TExAS DEPARTMENT OF RURAL AFFAIRS FOR STREET AND DRAINAGE

IMPROVEMENTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY.

RandyPerezGrants

Director

pOLICedepARTMeNT

MartinGarza, Jr

PoliceChief

The Mission Police Department is committed to excellence in law enforcement and is dedicated to the people, traditions and culture of our community. In order to protect life and property, prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime, we will provide service with integrity, trust, accountability and with a sense of community.The City of Mission Police Department serves our commu-

nity with a dedicated police staff of 146 peace officers and 53 civilian support staff. Profession-alism requires im-peccable conduct, careful protection of all citizens’ rights and the maintenance of high levels of ac-countability from all members of the department. We will protect

our citizens with courage and service them with compas-sion.The men and women of our department serve within the

eleven (11) bureaus that comprise our organization. Each individual person within each bureau is held to the high-est standards as they deliver quality police services. These services are rendered to the citizens of our community with courtesy, service and protection as our key to a success-ful resolution to any problem or concern that is being ad-dressed by our dedicated staff.We continue to evolve in the modern policing world as we

explore new and innovative programs, technologies and strategies to better solve and deter crime. We recognize the need to collaborate with the public in order to reduce crime, disorder, fear and all those negative factors lessening the quality of life. New and innovative technology is instituted every year in our efforts to improve the delivery of police ser-vices.Our organization is also dedicated to the philosophy of

Community-Oriented Policing that promotes organization strategies, which support the systematic use of partner-

$337,694.95Federal Grant Funds Received

$208,829.27State Grant Funds Received


ships and problem-solving techniques, to proac-tively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder and fear of crime. We have established community partnerships, embraced organization transformation to improve the delivery of services and utilize problem solving to proactively and sys-tematically evaluate our response to the publics needs.The Mission Police Department prides itself not

only with the establishment of these important relationships with our community, but also with our law enforcement family. We have embraced the concept of regionalized policing. The creation and forging of these partnerships with other local, county, state and federal agencies have provided us with an unending supply of information that is ultimately utilized to solve crime in our community in our quest to provide an environment conducive to a peaceful and tranquil community to call home.

gRANT AwARdS FOR FY 2011 – 20121. Texas Attorney General’s OfficeVictim Coordinator Liaison Grant – CrimeVictim LiaisonFunding Amount: $42,000.00 Funds Crime Victim Services Liaison Position

2. Texas Comptroller of Public AccountsTobacco Compliance GrantFunding Amount: $4,500.00Enforcement of State of Texas Tobacco Laws

3. Texas Alcoholic Beverage CommissionEUDL Enforcement Grant (Minor Sting Operations)Funding Amount: $15,000.00Funds to conduct undercover minor sting opera-tions for the purchase of Alcoholic Beverages.

4. Office of the Governor – Criminal JusticeDivisionOperation SafeguardFunding Amount: $13,230.05Funds the purchase of three (3) Motorola Portable Radios.

5. Texas Department of Public Safety– Texas Rangers DivisionLocal Border Security Program – Operation Border StarFunding Amount: $39,728.38Funds for overtime to patrol the City of Mission and the U.S./Mexican Border.

6. Texas Department of TransportationSTEP – Selective Traffic Enforcement ProgramFunding Amount: $94,370.84Funds for overtime for DWI Enforcement, Seatbelt and Speed Enforcement

7. Texas Department of State Health Services– Texas Department of Transportation – SAFERIDERS CHILD SAFETY SEAT DISTRIBUTION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

ACCOMpLIShMeNTS YeAR 2012CITY COUNCIL AppROvALS:1. Addition of six New (6) Police Officer positions2. Salary increase for Communication Officers and Jailers3. Salary increase to Police Officer Incentive Packages

Mpd COMpLeTed pROjeCTS:1. Five (5) New Chevrolet Tahoe’s fully equipped.2. Formatting and initiating new patrol fleet image3. Painting and furniture upgrades to the interior of the Central Police Station. 4. Security upgrades to multiple records retention areas. 5. Purchase and installation of cameras systems at Traffic Intersections throughout the city to monitor vehicular traffic.6. Purchase of New Security Camera System for the main Police Station.7. Creation of Office of Professional Responsibility8. Creation of the Honor Guard9. Purchase of 70 Portable Radios10. Purchase of 30 Mobile Radios

Mpd pROjeCTS IN pROgReSS:1. Initiation of the Texas Best Practices Recognition Program to certify the Mission Police Department as a Best Practices Police Agency2. Revision of the Mission Police Department General Policy Manual3. Nine (9) New Chevrolet Tahoe’s fully equipped are on order.4. New World Software upgrade to Version 7 – May 6, 20135. New Video Conferencing System6. Continuation of painting and furniture upgrades to interior areas of the Central Police Station.7. Purchase of exercise machines for the weight room in order to promote health and fitness8. Purchase of shelving for the Police Officer File Room and Juvenile File room.9. Purchase of New Sky Watch Tower using 2011 Stonegarden Grant monies.10. Overtime Grant monies from 2011 Stonegarden.11. Overtime Grant monies from 2013 Border Star.


Funding: 100 Child Safety Seats for our Community.Car Child Safety Seats to be distributed to low incomefamilies in Mission, Texas.

8. U.S. Department of JusticeBureau of Justice Assistance – Edward Byrne Memorial GrantFunding Amount: $10,244.00Funds the purchase of Motorola Portable Radios

9. U.S. Department of JusticeOffice of Justice Programs - Bureau of Justice Assistance Funding Amount: $22,796.00Funds the purchase of Bullet Proof Vests

10. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Operation Stonegarden Grant - 2009Funding Amount: $164,294.95Funds the purchase of police units and their equipment

11. U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityOperation Stonegarden Grant – 2010

Funding Amount: $140,360.00Funds the purchase of police units/equipment andovertime fundsFY 2011- 2012 State Grant Funds Received - $208,829.27FY 2011- 2012 Federal Grant Funds Received - $337,694.95

Mpd FY 2012 – 2013 gOALS1. Continue to develop partnerships between the community and the police in an effort to identify community concerns and crime problems.2. Develop community outreach programs such as an Explorer Program, Citizens Police Academy, and a Summer Youth Camp Program.3. Build upon partnerships to continue our regional policing efforts to reduce crime in our community.4. Apply innovative technological strategies for the deployment of police resources.5. Focus on proactive policing to prevent crime, by utilizing all available police resources.


The Municipal Court is the local branch of the judicial system, which enforces criminal laws, traffic laws, and munici-pal ordinances within the court’s jurisdiction. The Court primarily handles the following types of complaints filed against adults and juveniles:

CRIMINALClass C misdemeanor

complaints, e.g., Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mis-chief, Public Intoxication, Failure to Attend School, etc.

TRAFFICTraffic tickets or citations issued by the Mission Police De-partment

MUNICIpAL ORdINANCeSComplaints filed by The City’s Code Enforcement Officers or other city officials, e.g., Weedy Lots, Dog Violations, Junked Vehicles, Curfew, etc.During fiscal year 2011-2012, the Mission Municipal Court

strived to promote better customer service. Through the use

of the municipal court technology fund, system upgrades were made to the court computer software program and the court also installed a new computer server. These improve-ments allow court personnel to retrieve court documents more quickly and vastly increase the efficiency of process-ing payments. In 2011-12, the municipal court collected $1,596.044 in

fines and court costs. Additionally, the court heard 1,587 indigent cases which were resolved with payment plans and community service hours ordered in lieu of payment for those individuals who demonstrated an inability to pay court fines. Over 10,000 hours of community service were ordered to be performed throughout City Departments and various local non-profit organizations.A total of 754 failure to attend school hearings and 440

juvenile cases were heard during the fiscal year. The most common juvenile cases filed are for curfew violations. The court worked with local schools, parents, teachers, school counselors, probation officers, and various professional counseling and rehabilitative agencies in order to not only hold the juveniles responsible but also to discover the un-derlying problems thus reducing the risk of the juvenile reof-fending and returning to the court system. The court’s office hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Payments are taken 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The court remains open throughout the lunch hour to better serve the community.

MUNICIpALCOURT

JudgeJonathan

WehrmeisterMunicipal Court


The City of Mission Utility Billing Department strives to provide the highest level of customer service at all times. The Utility Billing Department bills the City’s Utility customers for a wide variety of services, including water and sewer consumption, garbage and brush collection and related taxes. The department strives to process utility statements timely and accurately to ensure the continuous provision of services to the citizens of Mission and its visitors.Whether you need emergency assistance, or simply have a

question about your bill, we’re here to help. The department is also responsible in assisting you with your needs such as connecting/disconnecting service, transferring service, billing inquiries, meter taps, establishing sanitation services, payments, as well as with any problems dealing with your meter. Call (956) 580-8660 for more information.The department is comprised of two divisions: Cashiers

and Customer Service Clerks and although they work together, each has their own duties. The department consists of payments made at City Hall; either in the lobby, drive-thru, mail, night deposit box, or at the City’s approved payment substation located inside Foy’s Supermarket. The City also takes payments on-line. Customer service clerks are on the other side of the spectrum and handle services such as connects and disconnects which are provided to our citizens via phone, in our lobby, and via fax as well.

The City of Mission is divided into three (3) general billing cycles. Each cycle is billed out monthly on the following schedule:• Cycle 1 – Billed on the 10th of the month• Cycle 2 – Billed on the 20th of the month• Cycle 3 – Billed on the 30th of the month

wheN TO CONTACT OUR depARTMeNT:• To inquire on your utility account.• For payment & billing inquiries.

• To connect, disconnect, or transfer services.• For change of information such as: phone number, mailing address, etc. • To cancel services.• To have meter tested and/or repaired.• To report possible meter tampering.• For status on installation of regular water meters & traveling meters.• For assistance with paying your water bill on-line.

UTILITYbILLINg

depARTMeNT STATISTICS:

• In fiscal year 2011-2012, the Billing Department processed a total of 305,697 utility statements, averaging 25,475 monthly. • The total amount billed during this period was $17,132,078. Of this amount, $16,999,676 was collected for a collection rate of 99.2%• A total of 88,776 delinquent notices were also distributed, averaging 7,398 monthly. • Total water billed during this period was of 4,669,110,000 gallons. Staff:• 1 Utility Billing & Collections Manager • 1 Customer Service Supervisor • 1 Assistant Customer Service Supervisor • 2 Billing Clerks• 4 Cashiers• 1 Sanitation Clerk• Total Employees: 10


MeTeR ReAdeRS depARTMeNTThe Meter Reader Department is divided into two groups of employees which consist of the meter read-ers and the meter servicemen. The meter reader staff strives to read water meters over three cycles through-out the City, efficiently and accurately. The meter reader’s department uses a handheld device to record readings and any comments necessary to assist the billing staff in its review of the readings. This informa-tion is electronically imported directly in to the billing system for processing. Meter servicemen provide field customer service for

Mission residents in the most professional and effi-cient manner. Field customer service consists of con-necting, disconnecting and reconnecting water service and rechecking meter readings. Staff is trained to sur-vey the area to help customers with their concerns or questions regarding the water meter and/or reading. Meter servicemen also perform requests submitted

by utility billing and customer relations department staff such as rechecking meter readings and verifica-tion of meter locations. The department also has, on-call personnel that

serves our customers after business hours and during the weekend.

depARTMeNT STATISTICS:• On average, the department reads 25,475 meters per month with less than 300 accounts needing to be re-read for corrections. This results in a reading accuracy rate of 99.8%.• During this period the department re-read and ad-justed 114 accounts due to billed but unused water. These 114 accounts received credits totaling $20,185 on 9,801,000 gallons of water.• During this period staff replaced approximately 380 damaged or inaccurate meters.Staff:• 1 Meter Reader Supervisor• 2 Meter Servicemen • 7 Meter ReadersTotal of 10 Employees

The Civil Service Department is under the direction of Jesse Lerma, Jr. and overseen by a three member Board of Com-missioners, made up of Jerry Saenz, Ruben Femat andRosalinda Gonzalez. The Board is advised by Attorney Mark Sossi.The Department conducted entry level exams for the Police

Department with over 80 applicants and for the Fire Depart-ment with over 60 applicants to fill entry positions that were opened during 2012. The Fire Department is fully staffed and the Police Department is filling vacant positions that were added through the budget process. During the year, three promotional exams were conducted for both the Police and Fire Departments to complete their staffing. The Civil Service De-

partment works very closely with the Human Resources Department to keep the City in com-pliance with Chapter 143 (Civil Service) of the Texas Local Gov-ernment Code.

CIvILSeRvICe

JesseLerma, JrCivil Service

Director



The Mission Fire Department’s operations are vast in na-ture and technical in terms. The following divisions are the components to the department: Administration, Opera-tions, Fire Prevention, Training, Emergency Management and Special Response.The Administration Division manages fire department re-

sources including procurement of goods and services, fleet services, maintenance facilities and equipment mainte-nance. The total fire department budget allocation is $5.3 million. The City of Mission’s ISO Rating, the rating which insurance companies use to calculate premiums, is four (4) on a scale of 1-10, with one (1) being the best rating.The Mission Fire Department has a staff of 76 members:

Fire Chief and six (6) Administration staff members; forty seven (47) staff members in Operations Division; six (6) staff members in Fire Prevention Division; one staff mem-ber each in Training and Emergency Management Divi-sions and the Communications Division has four (4) Com-munications Officers.The Fire Department operates out of five (5) fire stations

and has a fleet of 20 Emergency Response Units. The fire stations and emergency response units are strategically

located throughout the city to provide the best response time possible.

COMMUNICATIONS dIvISION:The Fire Department operates a 24 hour Communications Center that takes emergency calls and dispatches of fire units to those calls.Fiscal year 2011-2012, the Mission Fire Department re-

sponded to 2,050 alarms which included 1,669 emergency medical calls, 78 structure fires, 63 vehicle fires, 129 grass fires, 16 mutual aid given, 22 weather related incidents and 73 special operation incidents.

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTS:• Mission Fire Department 100 year anniversary• Dedication of Fire Station #4 and new park in honor of Past Fire Chief, Hollis Rutledge.• The department was certified as First Responder Agency through the Department of State Health Services.Emergency Management Division:Appointed by the Mayor, James Cardoza serves as the

City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, (EMC). The

FIRedepARTMeNT

RicardoSaldañaFire Chief

20Emergency

Response Units


EMC is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining emergency management programs and the City’s Emergency Operations Plan to minimize injury and loss of life, property to the citizens of Mission as a result of man-made or natural disaster.The EMC works on all aspects of emergency management

programs including mitigation planning and preparedness. The emergency management coordinator is a key figure during emergency operations activations that may include response, recovery and resources.The emergency management coordinator is responsible

for the professional development and training of staff on emergency management functions through the Texas Di-vision of Emergency Management.

TRAININg dIvISION:The Mission Fire Department Training Division is respon-sible for developing, implementing and delivering compre-hensive training programs for all certified firefighters, vol-unteer firefighters and organizations within our community.

As we continue to grow, we must keep up with changes to deliver the best possible service to our citizens and visitors. Since September 11, 2001 the fire department has recog-nized the need to train as an all-hazards response organi-zation. Firefighters must now be trained in the following:1) Firefighting2) Emergency Medical Services3) Weapons of Mass Destruction4) Specialized Responses such as confined space rescue, trench rescue and hazardous materials. 5) Swift water rescue and Scuba 6) Community Services and Professional DevelopmentAdditionally, as a first responder organization, we provide

quality pre-hospital emergency care to the community. The Training division has set a goal to increase the levels of EMS certification to the EMT-Basic level for all firefight-ers within the Mission Fire Department within the next five years.

• Department of State Health Service, Emergency Medical Service, (DSHS EMS), continuous education facility certifi-cation.

• National Safety Council (First Responder Course) 12 firefighters• National Wildlife Coordinating Group, (NWCG),(S130/S190/L180 Course ) 27 firefighters• Texas Commission on Fire Protection, (TCFP), (DriverOperator Course) 14 firefighters• Texas Commission on Fire Protection, (TCFP), (Fire Officer II Course) 18 firefighters• Texas A & M Engineer Extension Service, (TEEX),(Driver Simulator Training) 60 firefighters• Rick Lasky (Pride & Ownership Conference) 60 firefighters

• Special Operations (Swift water Awareness training)60 firefighters• American Heart association ( CPR & First Aid Certification)

30 firefighters• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (Courage ToBe Safe) 60 firefighters• Hotzone (Hazardous Materials Conference) 8 firefighters• Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, (TIFMAS),(Started Task Books for Firefighter Type-1) 30 firefighters • Mission Fire Dept. Training Division( Fire Officer Training)

30 firefighters• Emergency Medical Task Force, (EMTF-11),( created team for medical task force) 6 firefighters

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTS:


Fire Prevention Bureau’s main responsibilities are the management of fire codes, plan reviews, fire inspections, fire safety education, and fire investigations. The Fire Prevention Bureau consists of 6 personal; one

Fire Marshal, two Assistant Fire Marshals, two Fire Inspec-tors, and one Administrative Secretary. The mission of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to protect

the public and fire service personal with coordinated ef-forts in code enforcement, fire inspections, and public edu-cation thereby reducing the risk of loss of life and property due to fire and other emergencies in the City of Mission. The Fire Prevention Bureau provides reviews of construc-tion documents, fire inspections, fire safety education, and fire safety training. The Fire Prevention Bureau works with other city departments, such as Planning and Zoning, En-gineering, Code Enforcement and Health. The vast majority of daily activity is to ensure compliance

to the Fire Codes through inspections and education. The Fire Prevention Bureau continuously educates building owners and tenants while conducting inspections, in order to gain voluntary compliance, as well as limit the number of repeat violations in the future. The Fire Prevention Bureau educational programs provide

up-to-date life safety messages in fire and injury preven-tion through direct training programs, as well as presen-

tations and demonstrations. While many programs are aimed towards children audiences, safety tips and pro-grams are also addressed to senior citizens and business-es. The Mission Fire Prevention Bureau will continue to be “Dedicated to the Community We Protect… and Serve”.

FIRepReveNTIONbUReAU

GilbertSanchez

FireMarshal

1,803Fire Inspections

102Public Education

Presentations

316Plan Reviews

31Fire

Investigations

SpeCIAL pOINTSOF INTeReST

OUR gOAL:The goal of the Mission Fire Prevention Bureau is to direct its resources to provide effective service delivery in areas of public education, construction, planning strategy, eco-nomic development, fire protection systems installation and use, fire investigation, and code enforcement.

FISCAL YeAR 2011-2012 ACCOMpLIShMeNTS1) Implemented a “Smoke Detector Program for the El-derly”.2) Implemented new hardware and software to maintain a proper custody chain of fire scene photographs.

FISCAL YeAR 2012-2013 gOALSThe Fire Prevention Bureau seeks to obtain a Portable Digital X-Ray Machine to assist fire investigations in obtaining valuable documentation and evidence at fire scenes.

COMMUNITYdeveLOpMeNT

The City of Mission is a recipient of funding from the Com-munity Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban De-velopment, (HUD). The City has received $21.9 million in CDBG funds since 1989. These funds have been used to improve the lives of low and moderate income families and individuals.During the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the department admin-

istered $1,301, 213. Of this amount, a total of $948,108 was spent on projects providing services for eligible recipients. The CDBG Department administered the Housing Assis-

tance Program which provides decent, safe and sanitary homes to eligible, low income families. The deferred loan program provides assistance in two forms. Rehabilita-tion assistance provides major repairs to existing homes to comply with standard building codes. Reconstruction assistance involves the homeowners original home being demolished and having a new home constructed on the property. Family size determines the size of home the ap-plicant qualifies for homes range from a 2 bedroom, 1 ½ bath to 3 bedroom, 2 bath, both with central air condition-ing and heating.By the end of the fiscal year, housing assistance had

been provided to 27 low and moderate income households whose homes were in need of repair or reconstruction. In the area of housing rehabilitation, $67,301 was spent on providing assistance for six projects. Housing reconstruc-tion projects totaled $674,396 assisting 21 low-income families. An additional $59,720 was spent on oversight and other costs associated with the Housing Assistance Program.The CDBG Department also participated in the CDBG –

Disaster Recovery Program, funded by the Texas General Land Office, formerly known as the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. During FY 2012, $26,092 was spent assisting 1 applicant whose house was dam-aged by Hurricane Dolly.The CDBG Department also administered funds received

from the Hidalgo County Urban County Fund, funded through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program. This program provided assistance to individuals and families, who are at risk of becoming homeless, with

rental or utility assistance. During the year $129,845 was issued to assist 46 eligible individuals and families with immediate assistance. Four non-profit agencies were allocated $45,000 to pro-

vide services to low and moderate income residents as shown below:

AmiGoS Del VAlle, inc.20 ElDERly

chilDren’S ADVocAcy center53 ChilDREN

DENtiStS WhO CARE, iNC50 ChilDREN

lrGVDc-AreA AGency on AGinG15 ElDERly

Administrative expenses totaled $101,689 for the monitor-ing of all sub-recipients during the year to ensure that ac-tivities are consistent and in compliance with their agree-ment and federal requirements. Staff also monitors daily operations of all on-going projects.

gOALS:• Construct 15 new homes that will replace homes that are

beyond repair, for eligible low and moderate income fami-lies.

• Rehabilitate 2 homes in need of repair, for eligible low and moderate income families.

• Seek additional funding sources for similar type activi-ties.

Jo AnneLongoriaCommunity

DevelopmentDirector



The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce proudly serves the City of Mission, Texas. The Chamber performs four pri-mary functions in the community: Business Member pro-motion & service; promoting Mission as a prime tourism destination and serving visitors at the Tourism Information Center; organizing Quality-of-Life improvement activities for Greater Mission Area residents; and leading Legislative Advocacy efforts on behalf of Chamber Members and the City of Mission. These functions are accomplished through several events and activities in four key areas: Business-To-Business; Business-To-Consumer; Tourism Recruit-ment & Retention; and Legislative Outreach.

ThROUghOUT The YeAR:The Chamber hosts a broad array of events and activities,

and also partners up with other groups and organizations in the community, to create maximum positive impact and create value for Chamber Members, community stake-holders, residents, visitors and the Greater Mission Area as a whole. Depending on the specific activity, the focus ranges from the businesses to residents and visitors in the City of Mission and the entire Rio Grande Valley. Some of the primary partner organizations which the Chamber works closely with include: The City of Mission, Mission Economic Development Corporation, Mission Boys & Girls Club, Mission ISD, Sharyland ISD, the Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park, The National Butterfly Center, the Rotary Club of Mission, Mission ACE Club, Mission CWV, Mission Citrus Fiesta, Mission Historical Museum, Upper Valley Art League, Mission Regional Medical Center, Mission Com-

MISSIONChAMbeR OF COMMeRCe

MattRuszczak

ChamberPresident /CEO

Winter texan fiesta


munities of Faith Coalition, RGV Food Bank, The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the National Hispanic Professional Organization, South Texas Nature Co-Op, South Texas Tourism Co-Op, RGV Film Commission, Rio South Tex-as Procurement Technical Assistance Center, South Texas Veterans Business Opportuni-ties Council, RGV Veterans Alliance, The UTPA Small Business Development Center, and the Rio South Texas Economic Council among many others. Some of the Chamber’s closest legislative partners include The Office of State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., The Office of State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, The Office of the Governor of Texas, The Office of Congressman Henry Cuellar and The Office of Senator John Cornyn.

The ChAMbeR’S FISCAL YeAR ACTIvITIeS:Included a plethora of events ranging from ribbon cuttings to major community events. Ongoing Business-To-Business activities in-cluded monthly After Hours Business Mixers, Bi-Monthly Business Hook-Up Breakfasts and Quarterly Buenas Tardes Luncheons. Regarding the Buenas Tardes Luncheon, the Chamber had the honor of hosting Con-gressman Henry Cuellar, State Representa-tive Sergio Munoz, Jr. and State Senator Chuy Hinojosa as keynote speakers. In addition, the Chamber organized 12 monthly Busi-ness Education Lunch-and-Learn Seminars; a “Meet the Buyer” Government Contracting Expo; the Veterans Business Opportunities Conference, and various other events focused on expanding opportunities to Chamber Member businesses. Business-To-Consumer events included the Mother’s Day Celebra-tion, the monthly Mission Staycation Day, the GoMission Campaign, and various business showcase opportunities at tourism and com-munity oriented events. Tourism and com-munity oriented events, included the Mission Welcome Home Party and the Mission Winter Texan Fiesta which are both targeted at our Winter Texan visitors as well as the Mission Community Health Fair and the Texas Butter-fly Festival focused on our area residents. The Chamber also hosted the Annual Banquet and Citizens Awards recognizing exemplary com-munity leaders, supported the Mission Citrus Fiesta, and partnered up with the City of Mis-sion on sister city activities from the Sister City Welcome Dinner during the Mayor’s In-ternational Brunch to outreach trips to Mex-ico. In addition, the Chamber either hosted or partnered up on community activities such as the Mission Community Trash Bash, the Rotary Fish Fry, the Mission ACE Club Memo-rial Day Celebration, Atlas International Youth Soccer Cup and others. The Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve the Mission, Texas as the premier community en-tity. GoMission!!! annuaL HeaLtH fair

staYcatiOn daY


MISSIONedC AlexMeade

CEO ofMission

EDC

bUSINeSS ReTeNTION ANd expANSIONIn order to provide superior service to, and promote the growth of existing Mission businesses, Mission EDC serves as the main point of contact for the community.In April 2012, Mission EDC played a role in assuring that

the newly formed alliance between Hi-Tech Plastics and Royal Technologies had a smooth transition. Hi-Tech Plastics, a custom molder in Mission, Texas and Royal Technologies, a supplier to automotive, office furniture and consumer products companies in Hudsonville, MI, formed this alliance to better serve their customers in Mexico. The alliance resulted in a capital investment of $4.8 million and the creation of approximately 30 jobs. This alliance proved to be a great match and in early Oct. 2012, Royal Technologies acquired Hi-Tech plastics with the intention of increasing their facility, employment, and production in Mission, Texas. Royal Technologies has about 900 em-ployees throughout the U.S and Hi-Tech employs about 90 in Mission.

eNTRepReNeURShIpMission EDC continues to connect entrepreneurs with nec-essary assets in order to remove barriers to growth, drive up revenues, and increase employment opportunities for all residents. High-growth technology and knowledge-based businesses that generate export revenues will be

targeted specifically.Early this year, the Mission Economic Development Cor-

poration and the Mission City Council unanimously ap-proved the creation of Ruby Red Ventures, a $100,000 small business fund that aims to nurture entrepreneurial spirit and promote the creation of innovative businesses in the City of Mission. In particular, it sought to encourage entrepreneurially oriented Rio Grande Valley residents to expand and/or launch new ventures in Mission. The goal of Ruby Red Ventures is to allow participants to gain a bet-ter understanding of how to develop and follow a realistic business plan, as well as, provide the participants with fo-rums in which they develop skill in presenting their ven-tures. Ruby Red Ventures consists of two rounds of funding per year at $50,000 per round. Participants are required to attend small business workshops taught by UTPA’s Small Business Development Center team at the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce to help them prepare sound busi-ness plans. Mission EDC had 18 applicants for Ruby Red Ventures’ first round of funding.

INFRASTRACTURe ANd TRANSpORTATIONMission possesses business infrastructure that is the envy of many cities in the Rio Grande Valley. With fully-served industrial sites, a nearby regional airport, rail, port access (Anzalduas Bridge), and major highways, the community is well positioned for growth.The City of Mission population grew by 70% from 2000 to

2010 and it is for reasons such as this that Mission EDC must continue to invest in infrastructure.One of the first actions taken by our forward thinking

board of directors was to establish the Mission Corridors Fund. The Mission Corridors Fund allowed the EDC to set aside $1million to be used specifically on the Shary Re-tail Corridor (Shary Rd beginning on Business Hwy 83 to Military Rd.) and the Anzalduas International Corridor (be-ginning on HWY 83 and ending at the port of entry). With the continued demand for property along these two cor-ridors, Mission EDC is one step ahead of the competition and ready to further enhance infrastructure as businesses choose to setup along these rapidly growing routes.Mission EDC also believes in strengthening the vital re-

gional transportation arteries. Mission EDC continues to serve as a member of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership which lobbies for regional mobility at both the state and federal level and the 281 Coalition that garners support for the highway’s inclusion in plans for Interstate 69, a trans-national trade route envisioned to be the shortest and fastest link between the economic centers of the United States, Mexico and Canada.

ReCRUITMeNTThe MEDC is striving to educate and recruit new business-

president: Catherine Garcia • vice president: Polo De Leon • Treasurer: S. David Deanda, Jr.

Member: Mayor Norberto ‘Beto’ Salinas • Member: Linda RequenezMember: Jody Tittle • Alternate Member for Mayor: Councilman Ruben Plata


es to Mission with an emphasis on targeted industry segments that would especially pros-per in the local environment. The Mission area has many assets that make it attractive to a diverse range of businesses.Mission’s growth over last several years;

has garnered continued interest from the re-tail industry. Due to the steady rise in popu-lation, Mission is continuing to see an influx of eateries, such as, Freebirds World Burrito, Genghis Grill, and Dickey’s BBQ, as well as, the staple chain pharmacies, CVS and Walgreens. Thanks to assets such as the Cimarron Coun-try Club and the 6,000-acre master-planned community, Sharyland Plantation, Mission remains one of the most attractive cities in the Rio Grande Valley with its high population density, above average household incomes, and ever increasing traffic counts. It is for this reason that Mission EDC maintains a strong presence at the various International Council of Shopping Centers conferences.Nonetheless, Mission EDC remains focused

on strengthening its industrial base with its proximity to Mexico and an international gate-way with world-class infrastructure, Mission is perfectly situated to attract new manufac-turing businesses. In addition, Mission EDC, a strong proponent for regionalism, continues to serve as a member of the Rio South Texas Economic Council which promotes the Rio Grande Valley region throughout the country. This regional effort allowed the corporation to attend various tradeshows at minimal cost, for example: AWEA, MDM, and WESTEC.

bALANCe SheeT

as Of septeMBer 30, 2012

assets current Year priOr Year

Cash and cash equivalents $1,356,424 $2,188,397

Investments 1,814,648 814,206

Prepaid 2,719 4,495

Receivables

Sales Tax 583,831 567,439

Accounts - other 1,989 33,500

Due from primary government 2,302 -

Accrued interest receivable $4,225 -

Total Assets $3,766,138 $3,608,037

LIAbILITIeS ANd FUNd eQUITY

Accounts Payable $84,240 $27,634

Retainage Payable - -

Due to other funds - -

Due to primary government - 12,965

Total Liabilities 84,240 40,599

FUNd bALANCeS

Nonspendable 2,719 4,495

Restricted for capital projects - -

Restricted for debt 527,191 524,795

Unassigned 3,151,988 3,038,148

Total Fund Balances 3,681,898 3,567,438

TOTAL LIAbILITIeS ANdFUNd bALANCeS $3,766,138 $3,608,037

ANzALdUASINTeRNATIONAL bRIdgeThe Anzalduas International Bridge offi-cially opened for traffic at 6 AM on Tues-day, December 15, 2009. This highly an-ticipated opening came after nearly 17 years of work and the forging of a strong partnership between the cities of McAllen, Mission, Hidalgo, and Granjeno, Texas. The bridge is a key international cross-ing on the U.S. – Mexico border in South Texas, poised to facilitate the daily cross-ing of millions of dollars in trade. This is possible due to the bridge’s location pro-viding a link between some of Mexico’s major cities, (Mexico City and Monterrey) and Dallas and Houston in the U.S.The bridge directly connects the previ-

ously mentioned South Texas cities with the Mexican City of Reynosa, Tamaulipas, a city of over 2 million inhabitants and home to 250 “maquiladoras” or manufac-turing plants. In addition the bridge lies two hours north, on a direct route from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico’s main manufacturing city. The bridge provides travelers from this community direct ac-cess to Mission’s business district, as well as Mission’s other amenities.Northbound traffic, people coming into

the United States has increased steadily since its opening. During its first full year of operations, FY 2010-2011, the bridge had 848,077 cars cross into the U.S., with most of them coming to or through the City of Mission. This figure increased to 855,845 during the 2011-2012 fiscal year, an increase of 1%. While the Bridge is managed and run by

the City of McAllen, the City of Mission stands to benefit the most from this in-ternational crossing for years to come.

RigoVillarreal

Superintendentof Bridges

FISCAL YeAR2012-2013 gOALSContinue to Forge Stronger ties with Tamaulipas and Mexico.Promote trade through Anzalduas International Bridge.


ACkNOwLedgeMeNTSCreative director: Juan Eliseo Gonzalez • graphic design: Victor Hugo Hoyos / Scala Advertising

Concept: City Magazine Custom Publishing • print: FAGSA USA Printing

The City of Mission is a great place to live and do business! With a mixture of old and new, there’s something for everybody in Mission, Texas. Located along the U.S./Mexico border,

Mission is part of one of the fastest growing MSAs in the country. It has experienced tremendous growth in population, business development and its economy in recent years. Come enjoy the warm weather and rapid growth that Mission, Texas has to offer. It’s the

perfect place to do business or raise a family.

MISSIONA GreAt PlAce to liVe

MISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2012

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