Webster Way | April 2024

CITY OF WEBSTER SERVICE AWARDS

HONORING THE 2024 SERVICE AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Celebrating not only the passage of time but also the remarkable dedication of its employees, the City of Webster’s annual Service Awards Ceremony was a testament to its workforce’s enduring spirit of commitment. Among the honorees were longterm employees whose unwavering dedication shape the City’s growth and success. Their milestones stand as monuments to their tireless efforts and commitment.

Employees recognized at the ceremony are the following:

5-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Jennifer Barrett • Police Department

Tracy Brown • Police Department

Antonio Cedillo • Public Works

Jason Crockom • Fire Department

Joseph Dushane • Public Works

Leonard Hernandez • Public Works

Zachery Hon • Fire Department

Rolanda Ivy • Police Department

Chad Jones • Fire Department

Javier Mendoza • Police Department

Juan Moreno • Public Works

Daniel Serna • Police Department

Zachary Thorpe • Fire Department

Juan Zepeda • Fire Department

Maria Marquez-Gonzalez • Police Department

10-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Jeremy Arrowood • Public Works

Marshall Boyd • Fire Department

15-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Daniel Bassett • Police Department

Jose Betancourt • Public Works

Andrew Brooks • Police Department

Derhyl Hebert • Community Development

Bryan Morgan • Parks and Recreation

Valarie Phillips • Police Department

Selwyn Thomas • Police Department

Shannon Wagner • Municipal Court

20-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Juan Francisco Quintana • Police Department

25-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Peter Bacon • Police Department

Vincent Cesari • Police Department

30-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Raymond Graham • Police Department

45-YEAR RECIPIENTS

Dean Spencer • Fire Department

Together, these 30 employees embody remarkable dedication, contributing 360 years of invaluable service to Webster. Each year represents countless moments of hard work, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our community.

We are deeply grateful for the immense contributions each of you has made to the growth and success of our City. Your dedication has been instrumental in shaping the vibrant fabric of Webster, and your passion for service sets an inspiring example for all.

Thank you for your tireless efforts and the countless ways you’ve positively impacted our community. Here’s to celebrating your achievements. We are looking forward to many more years of shared success together!

DEAN SPENCER WEBSTER FIRE CHIEF 45-YEAR SERVICE

RAYMOND GRAHAM WEBSTER POLICE CAPTAIN 30-YEAR SERVICE

WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER?

SPLASH PAD OPENING

Get ready to make a splash! Starting April 1, the newly renovated Texas Avenue Park Splash Pad is officially open for the season, welcoming visitors every day from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Bring the whole family for a refreshing adventure under the sun. With water features for all ages, it’s the perfect spot to cool off and play.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Pack your sunscreen and towels, and head to Texas Avenue Park for endless hours of water-filled excitement.

ULTIMATE SLAMMIN’ SUMMER DAY CAMP 2024

The Webster Ultimate Slammin’ Summer Camp Program entertains children yearly through arts and crafts, interactive games, and educational activities! Registration for residents begins on Monday, April 1.

AGES 6-12 YEARS OLD

PROGRAM HOURS

MONDAY - FRIDAY

9 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

*EXTENDED HOURS*

8 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

REGISTRATION FEES RESIDENTS (PER SESSION):

$75 FOR THE FIRST CHILD

$65 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL CHILD

$20 EXTRA FOR EXTENDED HOURS

2024 GENERAL ELECTION INFO SATURDAY, MAY 4TH

The City of Webster will conduct a General Election on May 4, 2024. Council Position 1 and 2 will be on the ballot.

A voting device to assist disabled voters will be available during Early Voting and Election Day.

For more information, please visit our City page by scanning the QR code.

IMPORTANT DATES

• EARLY VOTING: April 22-30

• LAST DAY TO REGISTER: April 4

SESSIONS

JUST BALLIN’

JUNE 10-21

FIELD TRIP:

MAIN EVENT

FUN IN THE SUN

JUNE 24-JULY 5

FIELD TRIP: TYPHOON TEXAS WATER PARK

A TICKET TO BOARDWALK

JULY 8-19

FIELD TRIP: KEMAH BOARDWALK

JUST SWIMMIN’ AROUND

JULY 22-AUGUST 2

FIELD TRIP: MOODY GARDENS PALM BEACH

• BALLOT BY MAIL APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 23

VOTING LOCATION UPDATE

As we prepare for the upcoming City election, we want to inform you of an important change regarding the voting location.

Voting for all City elections has traditionally been held at the Webster Civic Center. However, voting will be held this year at Webster City Hall on 101 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Please note this change and plan accordingly. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the City Secretary at 281.316.4144.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your participation in the upcoming election.

“Our most valuable tool in dispatch is our ability to communicate clearly, accurately, and concisely. We are trained to ask our callers the right questions in the correct order and to extract necessary information from callers who need to be more cooperative or able to give us clear answers. Once we have the information from the caller, our job is to consolidate that information and pass the relevant details to the emergency responders concisely, emphasizing the most important details, especially any officer safety concerns. When we transmit this information to emergency responders, we wait for them to acknowledge that they have heard and understood what we have said. Otherwise, we repeat this until we can be confident that the responding units have all the necessary information.”

—Nathan Hughes, Lead Emergency Communications Specialist

BEHIND THE HEADSET:

NATHAN HUGHES AND THE HEART OF DISPATCH

Nathan Hughes, holding the esteemed position of Lead Emergency Communications Specialist, boasts an impressive tenure of 17 years within the ranks of the Webster Police Department.

Within the dynamic milieu of emergency dispatching, Nathan navigates a diverse and demanding array of calls daily. Unlike many professions, there is no standard template for a typical day; each shift presents unique challenges and scenarios to manage with understanding and collaboration. From urgent emergencies requiring rapid response to callers in distress necessitating empathetic support, Nathan and his team approach each situation with unwavering professionalism and a commitment to ensuring the welfare of every individual they serve.

Central to the challenges encountered in Nathan’s role are the demands of multitasking and the specter of burnout. The nature of emergency dispatching often requires simultaneous management of multiple priorities amidst high-pressure situations, a task necessitating meticulous prioritization and time management. Additionally, the emotional toll of absorbing and addressing distressing circumstances can contribute to burnout over time. However, Nathan mitigates these challenges through strategic prioritization, diligent self-care practices, and a resilient mindset, ensuring his continued effectiveness and well-being.

Throughout his tenure, Nathan has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of technological advancements on dispatching. Notably, integrating modern GPS technology and location services has revolutionized the accuracy and efficiency of emergency call handling, providing dispatchers

with invaluable tools for rapid response and resource allocation.

Reflecting on his extensive experience, Nathan recalls numerous memorable calls that have left an indelible mark on his career. From instances of life-saving intervention to moments of profound human connection amidst crisis, each encounter serves as a testament to the vital importance of his role within the public safety landscape.

Nathan emphasizes the importance of cultivating essential qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and effective communication to cope with his profession’s inherent stress and pressure. Clear and concise communication lies at the heart of dispatching, facilitating seamless coordination between emergency responders and callers during highstress situations.

In addition to these essential qualities, Nathan underscores the significance of ongoing training and education in maintaining the highest service standards. Rigorous training protocols and continuous professional development initiatives ensure that dispatchers remain equipped with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to navigate the complexities of their role with precision and efficacy.

Nathan advises those contemplating a career in emergency dispatching based on his experiences. He encourages aspiring dispatchers to approach their training with dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. While the initial learning curve may be steep and the demands of the role formidable, the rewards of serving in a profession dedicated to public safety and community well-being are immeasurable.

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when you dial 911? In this Q&A feature, we delve into the world of Webster PD’s dispatchers, the unseen heroes who are the first point of contact in emergencies. From calming panicked callers to coordinating responses with law enforcement and emergency services, these dedicated professionals are the lifeline of our community. Join us as we hear firsthand from Webster PD dispatchers about the challenges, rewards, and unique experiences they encounter daily.

TRACY BROWN: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST SINCE 2018

Q: CAN YOU DISCUSS THE TEAMWORK LEVEL AND COLLABORATION AMONG DISPATCHERS IN YOUR DEPARTMENT?

A: With each shift, our minimum requirement is two dispatchers, with a current maximum of three. Spending so much time together in the room, we naturally develop strong and close-knit relationships with our coworkers—they become like family. There are days when one or more of us may not feel our best, but we support each other through these challenges and difficult calls. We maintain daily checks and balances and look out for one another. We collaborate closely, leveraging our strengths, experiences, and knowledge to manage the tasks effectively.

Q: WHAT MEASURES DO YOU TAKE TO ENSURE ACCURACY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN YOUR POSITION?

A: In our room, we all share the responsibility of overseeing and checking each other’s work. We consistently strive to maintain proficiency in our training, including courses provided by the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (TLETS), other external agencies, and our internal programs such as AMBER Alert training, crisis negotiations, and courses on active shooter and domestic violence. These courses are invaluable in keeping us up-to-date on techniques for handling callers in crisis, helping them open up to us, and recognizing when they are silently asking for assistance. Through proficiency training, we learn how to identify crucial information and effectively assist our citizens in their moments of crisis, ensuring they receive the best and most accurate help possible.

Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE SITUATIONS WHERE MULTIPLE EMERGENCIES OCCUR?

A: Teamwork is essential for our operations to run smoothly. Each team member has specific responsibilities at their respective consoles. As calls come in, we rely on our training and judgment to assess their level of urgency. For instance, if it’s a structure fire, we understand that our fire console partner will have a significant workload. We promptly dispatch fire units and notify neighboring agencies per our response plan. Simultaneously, we put our EMS units on standby for medical assistance. If our partners are available, they assist with these notifications. The same collaborative approach applies to police dispatching and call-taking. In multiple emergencies, we prioritize the highest-priority call for immediate attention, followed by subsequent calls in order of importance.

ZACHARIAH KOENIG: EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST SINCE 2020

Q: HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN FOCUS AND COMPOSURE DURING HIGH-STRESS SITUATIONS?

A: I imagine myself as a pipeline. I take the information and pass it along. This helps me stay focused and allows me to hear and take in the information without feeling overwhelmed. With deep breaths, I pass the info along to my fellow dispatchers. Knowing I am not alone and having two other amazing people to help control that flow of information also helps me stay calm and focused.

Q: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE MOST CRUCIAL QUALITIES OR SKILLS A SUCCESSFUL DISPATCHER SHOULD POSSESS?

A: The ability to smile in any situation. Yes, a dispatcher needs to type fast and disseminate information quickly and concisely while handling a frantic or scared caller. Still, a simple smile throughout the call can make a scary call all the better, not only for you but also for the caller. You can always hear a smile.

Q: HOW DO YOU HANDLE SITUATIONS WHERE THERE IS LIMITED INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM CALLERS?

A: I assume the worst and plan for the best. They will always need every resource I have available to assist with. With open-ended questions, a caller usually tells me all I need to hear and more. By trusting and letting a caller tell me all about it, I can gather what is necessary for first responders.

SHAPING OUR CITY’S FUTURE: A CLOSE LOOK AT WEBSTER’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

A Message from the Mayor:

Betsy Guisto reflects on her 24-year journey with the City of Webster, expressing deep gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have driven economic development. Recognizing the integral role played by colleagues, the City Manager, City Council, and the Webster Economic Development Corporation Board, Betsy emphasizes the importance of teamwork in expanding the City’s commercial tax base.

Economic Development, she asserts, thrives on a supportive and collaborative environment where staff, elected officials, and appointed officials work hand in hand. Webster’s commitment to being business-friendly and proactive has yielded significant results, with successful initiatives in business recruitment, retention, and expansion, as well as the growth of tourism.

Betsy praises the extraordinary Economic Development team, highlighting the talent and dedication of Economic Development Specialist Katy Hicks and Marketing and Tourism Specialist Katie Vela. Their relentless efforts have propelled Webster onto the national stage, attracting notable investments such as Flyway, Great Wolf Lodge, Chicken N Pickle, Vida Mariscos, and PopStroke.

“Webster’s Economic Development team is talented, tenacious, and

With a heavy heart, I inform you of Council Member Bill Jones’s passing in March.

Bill moved to Webster in 2004 to care for his mother and quickly became a devoted public servant and beloved member of the Webster community. Bill’s dedication to serving our City was truly inspiring, from his roles on the City Council to his involvement in various community initiatives. Bill always spread his love for Webster to everyone.

My fellow council members and I hope you will join us in remembering Bill and his dedication to our City.

Rest in peace, Bill. You will be deeply missed.

committed to propelling the City forward,” says Betsy, “We know our work is challenging, continually evolving, and utterly fulfilling. No two days are alike, but every day holds an opportunity to make a positive difference.”

Betsy reflects on landmark achievements such as the transformation of the Shops at Baybrook and the revitalization of Edgewater Commercial and NASA Bypass Business Park, demonstrating Webster’s ability to adapt and thrive. Betsy also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of businesses like Costco, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Topgolf, and many others to enhancing the City’s economic landscape.

Betsy is confident in the resilience of the Economic Development team and the City’s leadership to overcome obstacles and drive progress. Focusing on reinforcing Webster’s identity as a hub for healthcare, aerospace, and retail, Betsy looks ahead to a future filled with opportunities for growth and innovation.

“I know that the Economic Development team and our municipality’s leaders are strong, steadfast, and up to the continuous challenge of propelling this City forward in remarkable ways,” says Betsy, “That support drives the team to do its best.”

— Mayor Donna Jasso

February Recap

• City Council adopted an Ordinance making non-substantive Charter amendments to the City Charter.

• City Council called a General Municipal Election ordered for May 4, 2024, at which qualified voters of the City may vote for Council Positions 1 and 2.

• City Council approved a new fire alarm system at the Civic Center and the Recreation Building.

• City Council approved the installation of four new rooftop package air conditioning and heating systems at the Recreation Center and a standing seam roof system upgrade to the Civic Center. These systems aim to enhance the occupants’ comfort levels and improve the buildings’ overall energy efficiency.

• City Council approved a Resolution declaring March 25-29, 2024, and September 30-October 4, 2024, as Webster CleanUp Weeks, and March 23, 2024, and September 28, 2024, as Webster City-Wide Garage Sale Days.

• City Council accepted the 2023 Webster Police Department Racial Profiling Report and 2022 Racial Profiling Report Analysis, which summarizes racial profiling data (number of arrests, citations, search ethnicity, etc.) as required by Texas Law.

• City Council appointed a subcommittee to review options for the City’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

• City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing a ‘No Parking’ curb zone on Water Street, extending approximately 1,450 feet south of the Water Street roundabout in preparation for planned future development.

• City Council approved a Resolution denying the rate application and consolidation proposed by CenterPoint Energy after filing a Statement of Intent to Increase Rates application with Houston, Texas Coast, Beaumont/East Texas, and South Texas Divisions.

APRIL MAY