At its final meeting of the year, Texas Citrus Fiesta discussed a memorandum of understanding between the TCF Board and the City of Mission to hire corporate and interim directors following the resignation of Lisa Rivera earlier this month. did.
Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza, Police Chief Cesar Torres, and City Manager Randy Perez were in attendance to provide feedback and assistance for this season’s festival.
“We’re here to help,” Garza said before Perez spoke.
“There are quite a few things that I feel the board needs help with.” [with]” Perez said. This is the first service for bookkeeping that allows City Treasurer’s staff to review reports and pending matters. “Obviously, everything will be reported to the board.”
In November, former TCF Director Lisa Rivera submitted her resignation after accepting the job as Sullivan City’s newest city manager. Due to time constraints, the board will need to find an interim person.
“We will be working with the board on the various upcoming events and appointing a director of festivals and events,” Perez said. “He will be an interim person until the board meeting is held.” [hires]”
The city also clarified that TCF is not required to provide reimbursement for services provided.
“Ultimately, that was the purpose of the memorandum of understanding. We need to justify city employees being part of a different organization,” Perez said. “I’ll consult with my lawyer and draw up a draft. He’ll give me a proposal for $2,500 because I’m going to assign him a task.”
“This is an in-kind donation,” said board member Jessica Ortega.
Ortega said although they are city employees, they must be trained.
“They will fall under the umbrella of Texas Citrus Fiesta,” she said, explaining that communication will be required with board members responsible for topics such as coronations, galas and other events.
Ortega raised concerns about this. “I know this person may have an urbane thing at times,” she said. “But could you use your chosen one to focus on Citrus-His Fiesta for the next two months?”
Perez said the city needs to take its time to move things along quickly.
“We have Boys Club and Girls Club employees rotating on call duty, which of course is why I mentioned the guidance from the board,” he said.
Ortega said the upkeep of traditions and decision-making will remain in the hands of the board’s tribunal. Even with the cooperation of city staff, the city cannot make a final decision without TCF’s approval.
When Councilman Dee Rendon asked if the city was considering a candidate for the temporary position, Perez said, “Yes.” The city considered Amy Tijerina, the Mission’s events manager, as a candidate.
“In order to establish a new relationship with Ms. Tijerina and hold a meeting with the entire board, I would like to request that the entire board attend a meeting with her,” Ortega said.
The board decided on Tijerina, but said it was only temporary.
“I think I need to start looking for a job,” Rendon said. “We cast a wide net, get the best applicants, and hire them after the season ends.”
Sofia Saldivar, a public commenter and former Duchess of Starby, offered her company assistance in coordinating the project, drawing on her familiarity with TCF through 20 years of volunteer work.
“I’m also the great-granddaughter of a great pioneer here,” she said. “For us, it’s more than just a Citrus Fiesta. There’s a history behind it…the agricultural industry’s understanding of what a Citrus Fiesta is.”
For Saldivar, it’s also about acquiring a staff well-versed in maintaining the traditional aspects of the mission.
“If we leave this in the hands of people who don’t understand that part, we’ll be moving away from tradition, and it won’t be what we always expected Citrus Fiesta to be. And part of it is tradition. “Saldivar said she suggested using modern social media for outreach and helping girls get into their gowns through inspiration and ideas. “I’d like to make an offer, but I don’t know what the board will think about this, but I’d be happy to sign it.” [the company] It’s the difference between the people who would come here and the people the city was proposing. ”
Saldívar said conflicts could arise, given that TCF workers work around the clock and girls come late at night to prepare their dresses after school. Ta.
“Are the city’s people and employees willing?” Saldívar said he would be happy to see the board sign a contract with a woman who has attended the Texas Citrus Fiesta as a duchess, princess or even as a parent familiar with the event. He explained that he would support him. “It’s not just a job. It’s a commitment.”
Saldívar’s comments were heard by the board, which thanked her for her feedback.
“We’re going to partner with the city and this young woman,” said TCF President Oscar Martinez. “If there’s something we can change that works, we’ll do it. But it’s very temporary.”
For more information, call the Texas Citrus Fiesta office at (956) 585-9724.