Webster Way | August 2023

THE FACES OF PUBLIC WORKS

WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER?

CHAIR KING BACKYARD AND SUN & SKI SPORTS ARE RELOCATING INSIDE BAYBROOK SQUARE

Chair King Backyard Store and Sun & Ski Sports are moving to new locations in Webster, inside Baybrook Square. The retail center at the southwest corner of I-45 and Bay Area Boulevard includes top retailers like Bath & Body Works, Nordstrom Rack, Five Below, and The Tile Shop.

Chair King opened in 2004 at 19801 Gulf Freeway, Suite 110, and plans to relocate in March 2024 to 1255 West Bay Area Boulevard—the 15,863 square feet former Pier One. Chair King’s Webster location is the number two performing store in the company’s portfolio, comprising 22 locations.

Chair King is the largest outdoor furniture and decor retailer in Texas and offers a one-stop shop for backyard comfort and design. The

retailer features a variety of dining patio sets, outdoor seating, outdoor decor, umbrellas and shade options, fire pits and heaters, outdoor games, storage solutions, and more.

Sun & Ski Sports is expanding and relocating to 1301 West Bay Area Boulevard—the 20,000-square-foot former Office Depot. The outdoor gear retailer originally opened in 1999 and will relocate to a new location in October 2023.

Sun & Ski Sports is a top retailer of ski, snowboard, bike, running, and water sports gear, along with casual, winter, summer, and swim apparel for men, women, and children. In addition to the retail component, Sun & Ski Sports offers various in-house ski, snowboard, and bicycle servicing.

MOVIE AT THE PARK

BACK TO SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TIPS CITY OF WEBSTER AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

The upcoming school year is just around the corner. School bus drivers do everything they can to keep children safe, but motorists are also responsible for driving safely around school buses. Please take extra caution and follow the proper protocol at bus stops and school zones to ensure the safety of students.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES

• Follow safely, keeping in mind that school buses make frequent stops.

• Always remain alert for children around buses and remember that they may not always look for vehicles before crossing the street.

• Stop for flashing red lights or a stop sign on a school bus regardless of your direction. Continue once the bus has moved, the flashing lights have turned off, or the bus driver signals the okay to pass.

• Violations can lead to a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense.

TIPS FOR STUDENTS

• Stand as far back from the curb as possible while waiting for a bus.

• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it is safe to board. Hold on to the handrail and find a seat quickly.

• Listen to the bus driver and sit still to avoid distracting the driver.

• After exiting the bus, cross only in front of it, never behind it. Make eye contact with the driver and wait for the driver’s signal that it is okay to cross. Look left-right-left and safely cross where there is no traffic or vehicles that have stopped.

Both Webster residents and nonresidents are welcome to participate in the After-School Program offered at the Webster Recreation Center. This program, provided free of charge, offers an excellent opportunity for children in grades three to five to engage in both educational and recreational activities. Students can make use of computers to work on their homework or engage in interactive activities. Additionally, the City ensures that children enrolled in the program receive boxed meals.

REGISTRATION BEGINS

AUGUST 22 - MAY 31

From Monday to Friday, between 3 P.M. and 6 P.M., City staff actively motivates and guides children toward success in their after-school endeavors.

Parents can register for the program on the first day of school, August 22, during the hours listed above at the Recreation Center at 311 Pennsylvania Ave. For more information, please contact the City’s Recreation Department at (281) 316-4137.

FOURTH OF JULY FESTival RECAP

A PATRIOTIC CITY

The City’s Fourth of July Festival was a resounding success, captivating the community with its vibrant festivities! Texas Avenue Park was transformed into a hub of patriotic spirit as residents gathered to honor our nation’s independence. The day commenced with a colorful celebration featuring moonwalks, live performers, and proud veterans.

The air was filled with music, laughter, and the mouthwatering aroma of delicious food from local vendors. As the sun set, anticipation grew for our grand fireworks display put on by none other than the Webster Fire Department. The night sky erupted in a symphony of dazzling colors, creating a magical backdrop for cherished memories. This Fourth of July Festival captured the essence of our community, unity, and the unyielding spirit of America.

Pictured left to right: Councilmember Edward Lapeyre, Councilmember Chris Vaughan, City Manager Mike Ahrens, Mayor Donna Rogers, Councilmember Martin Graves, Councilmember Jennifer Heidt

SVK Band fills Texas Avenue Park with their energetic performance

Public Works Utility Equipment Operator Victor Tapia washes fresh watermelon to distribute to the community.

JUNE YARD OF THE MONTH WINNERS

Our landscaping contest is back in full swing! The City of Webster judges the best residential home each year based on their yard appearance. Judging takes place between April and November. Winning homes will have a ‘Yard of the Month’ sign in their front yard, and a picture of their home will be included in the Webster Way alongside other winners of that month. May the best yards win!

JUDGING CRITERIA

Yards are judged based on The creativity, balance, and thoughtfulness of the yard’s landscaping design. Consider elements such as the arrangement of plants, use of colors and textures, and incorporation of hardscape features like paths, fences, or decorative structures. Garden art, such as fountains, sculptures, bird feeders, etc., is a plus. Flower beds should be neat and well-maintained.

THE FACES OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Public Works Department has been going above and beyond to beautify the surroundings of City Hall. They recently took on the daunting task of planting palm trees which was no easy feat! These dedicated folks have poured their sweat and effort into ensuring each palm tree finds its perfect spot. Rain or shine, they’ve spent hours under the scorching sun, digging holes, carefully positioning the trees, and ensuring they receive the proper care. Kudos to the Public Works crew for their tireless efforts and for making Webster City Hall a place that’s not only beautiful but a testament to their passion and dedication.

THIRD PLACE

663 BEDIAS STREET

SECOND PLACE

533 WATER STREET

FIRST PLACE

19518 OLD GALVESTON ROAD

TIPS FOR WATER CONSERVATION

Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Water is a resource worth saving because there is no equivalent on Earth! We all share the same water, so we must do our part to conserve and protect this precious resource. In these economic times and as more families are watching their budgets, we at the City of Webster are committed to building awareness and helping our customers actively participate in water conservation. Below are some easy ways to conserve water and keep money in your pocket. Choose methods that work for you! 1 2

Install water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

Check for leaks in sprinklers, hoses, pipes, and couplings. Repair leaks promptly.

Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. One inch of water a week is generally all your lawn needs.

3 4 5

Capture shower and faucet “warm-up” water. Use it to water plants or to wash the floor.

6

Water your lawn only before 10 A.M. or after 7 P.M. Watering during the day means much of the water is lost to evaporation. Choose and place landscape plants with their watering needs in mind—place waterdemanding plants in shady or low-lying areas; droughttolerant plants in drier areas.

7 8

Wash only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

June Recap

• City Council approved an agreement with Belt Harris Pechacek, LLP, for audit services.

• City Council reappointed one regular member for the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board; Three regular members for the Planning and Zoning Commission; Four board members for the Webster Economic Development Corporation; Three regular members for the Zoning Board of Adjustments.

• City Council approved a purchase order to BGE, Inc. for $77,400 for professional engineering services to improve the Magnolia Water Plant disinfection system.

• City Council rejected a bid for a purchase order of $184,010 to Stageline Mobile Stage, Inc. for purchasing a Stageline SL100 mobile stage trailer.

• City Council approved a bid award for the construction of a new Texas Avenue Park restroom facility to Triad Retail Construction for $580,393.74.

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www.cityofwebster.com 281.332.1826

*Special meetings may be added, and meetings may be canceled if there are no agenda items. Check the City website at cityofwebster.com for meeting information.

Heidt Council Position

jheidt@cityofwebster.com

Beverly Gaines Mayor Pro Tem bgaines@cityofwebster.com

Martin Graves Council Position

mgraves@cityofwebster.com

Bill

5 elapeyre@cityofwebster.com MEETINGS AND EVENTS 01 CITY COUNCIL MEETING* 6 P.M. at City Hall 04 MOVIE AT THE PARK 8:30 P.M. at Texas Avenue Park 17100 Texas Ave., in Webster 08 WEBSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING* 6 P.M. at City Hall 11 SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave 15 CITY COUNCIL MEETING* 6 P.M. at City Hall 25 SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave 23

Jones Council Position

bjones@cityofwebster.com