Webster Way Newsletter | September 2023

Senior Residents Lisa Galicia, Ruben Sanchez, and Rose Forline pose for a picture after attending Senior Game Nights

FROM SOLITAIRE TO SOCIALIZING: THE MAGIC OF SENIOR GAME NIGHTS

A Happy Community

The City of Webster proudly hosts Senior Game Nights twice a month. Held at 311 Pennsylvania Avenue, these special evenings are a time for seniors to gather, enjoy a delicious dinner, engage in fun games, and savor meaningful conversations. From 6 P.M. to 9 P.M., the atmosphere is filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of friendly competition!

These evenings foster a sense of togetherness, allowing our senior residents to form lasting connections with their peers.

“I’ve been attending Senior Game Nights for about three months now. I keep returning because of the people,” says resident Linda Salinas.

Hosting the City’s Senior Game Nights, Recreation Manager Bryan Morgan sees regular attendees

every month. These events go beyond mere recreation, becoming a cornerstone of well-being for our elderly residents with an array of board games, card games, and trivia challenges.

“I’ve been coming to Senior Game Nights since 2023,” says Leonard Senior, “It’s enjoyable. We come here, meet people, sit down, play games, and find good company with each other.” Familiar games our seniors play include Farkle, 42, Pinochle, Spinner, Rummikub, and more!

With volunteers guiding the way and smiles exchanged like cherished tokens, these game nights have become a cornerstone of the City’s dedication to fostering an agefriendly and vibrant community.

How Can I Join?

The City’s Senior Game Nights are

open to all our senior residents. Visit the Webster Recreation Center on a game night and join the fun!

When Are Senior Game Nights?

The City hosts Senior Game Nights every second and fourth Friday of the month from 6 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 08

Friday, September 22

Friday, October 11

Friday, October 25

Friday, November 03

Friday, November 17

Friday, December 08

YOUR HEALTH INSPECTION QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Q&A WITH HEALTH INSPECTOR HEATHER FURST

WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL STEPS OF A HEALTH INSPECTION?

Before each inspection, previous health inspections are reviewed. The City of Webster follows the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) and uses the 47-item inspection provided by the TFER. Some sections covered on this inspection include time & temperatures for food safety, approved source, employee health, water/plumbing, personnel, conformance with approved procedures, consumer advisory, permit requirements, utensils & equipment, prevention of food contamination, food identification and physical facilities.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE HOW OFTEN AN ESTABLISHMENT SHOULD BE INSPECTED?

Most establishments are inspected 1 to 2 times per year depending on the type of establishment and the results of their previous inspections. Typically, establishments with more violations receive more reviews, and those with little to no violations are inspected annually. Results and dates of inspections are kept electronically.

DURING AN INSPECTION, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON RED FLAGS THAT MIGHT INDICATE POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS?

Hazards may include no hot water, no water, no power, rodent or pest infestations, sewage backing up, or improper food storage temperatures. Any of these mentioned requires automatic closure.

HOW DO YOU INTERACT WITH BUSINESS OWNERS OR MANAGERS DURING THE INSPECTION PROCESS? WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DO YOU TYPICALLY REQUEST FROM THEM?

When arriving at each inspection, I request to speak with the manager or person in charge. I state why I am there and

show them my identification. I then ask for copies of certified manager certificates, certified food handler certificates, food dealer permits, certificates of occupancy, manifests for grease trap disposal, and extermination documentation.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE SITUATIONS WHERE ESTABLISHMENTS ARE NOT MEETING THE REQUIRED HEALTH AND SAFETY STANDARDS?

These types of establishments tend to be inspected more to ensure overall compliance, and in some cases, habitual non-compliance could result in tickets/fines assessed.

WHAT ROLE DOES DOCUMENTATION PLAY IN YOUR INSPECTIONS?

HOW DO YOU ENSURE ACCURATE RECORD-KEEPING OF INSPECTION FINDINGS?

Documentation plays a crucial role. By reviewing past inspections, I can identify previously marked items, including recurring violations. This allows me to ensure compliance by verifying that these issues have been properly addressed. Health inspections are subject to open records requests and kept in our City database for at least three years.

HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS, BEST PRACTICES, AND REGULATIONS IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH INSPECTIONS?

As a registered sanitarian in Texas, I must accumulate 24 continuing education credits every two years to maintain the validity of my license. I stay updated in my field by attending regular Texas Environmental Health Association local chapter meetings and annual education conferences. I frequently visit the Department of State Health Services website for updates and have many contacts with other local jurisdictions.

• BRISK

• GEESE

• HARVEST

• LEAF

• LEAVES

• ORANGE

• WHEAT

• YELLOW

UPCOMING EVENTS IN WEBSTER

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CITY EVENTS FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY!

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL AT TEXAS AVENUE PARK

Get ready for Webster’s spooktacular Halloween Festival, making its grand return! Put on your coolest costumes and join us on the evening of Saturday, October 28! From 6 P.M. onwards, kids can grab sweet treats, groove to music, and strike poses with characters at the Texas Avenue Park Pavilion! Follow the City of Webster on Facebook for more information. We will post updates as we get closer to the day.

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE FIRE STATION

Mark your calendars! The Webster Fire Department will host a movie night on Friday, October 6, celebrating National Fire Prevention Week. Beginning at 7 P.M., the Fire Department will be showing a free movie screening! Popcorn, candy, and drinks will be provided. This event is free to the public; however, due to a limited space capacity, reservations must be made to attend. You may RSVP to WChappell@WebsterFD.com. More information to follow.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

Bundle up and hang out with us on Saturday, December 9, as we indulge in delicious goodies from our neighborhood vendors and groove to the Space City Big Band tunes playing all your cherished holiday hits! Once the concert wraps up, gather around the Texas Avenue Park lawn for a free movie screening. Santa Claus will also make a jolly appearance for pictures with all the kiddos. We will post updates on our Facebook page as we get closer to the event.

JULY YARD OF THE MONTH WINNERS

Our landscaping contest is back in full swing! The City of Webster selects the best residential yard based on their landscape appearance every year 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.

CITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE INFORMATION

Mark your calendars for Webster’s City-Wide Garage Sale Day on September 30!

Join in the community spirit as we invite all residents to host their own garage sales on Saturday, September 30. Any unwanted items can then be placed on the curb for pick up during our Fall CleanUp Week (October 2-6).

If you plan on having a garage sale and want to advertise it on our Facebook page, you may send us a direct message or email the City’s Communcation Specialist Rebeca Lazo at rlazo@cityofwebster.com with your residential address.

As we get closer to the date, the City will upload a list of participating homes marked by addresses only. Clean out your spaces, uncover hidden gems, and get ready to be part of a fantastic neighborhood event!

Waste Reduction: By reselling clothes, you prevent them from ending up in landfills, where they contribute to environmental pollution and take up valuable space. This promotes a more sustainable approach to managing clothing waste.

HONORABLE MENTION

400 LINDA LANE

SECOND PLACE

659 BEDIAS STREET

FIRST PLACE

19514 OLD GALVESTON ROAD

RECYCLE AND RESELL YOUR CLOTHES AT A GARAGE SALE

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

COUNTING SUCCESS WITH WEBSTER’S SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Senior Accountant Sylvie Semoin was fascinated by watching her parents run their businesses from an early age. Since then, she has developed a passion for the business field, which motivated her to follow a career path in accounting.

With under a year of working for the City, Sylvie has demonstrated an impressive aptitude for financial analysis and precision, consistently delivering insightful reports that have significantly contributed to Webster’s economic success. As a senior accountant, Sylvie maintains the general ledger—an accounting record of all financial transactions in the City—by preparing and recording journal entries and budget adjustments, performing analytical functions to support revenue and expense trend analysis, and coordinating information gathering and validation with other departments and employees.

“Specific duties include accounting for capital improvement projects, project analysis, fixed asset reporting, reconciliation of general ledger and bank accounts, participation in the budget process, and annual audits,” says Sylvie.

Sylvie received her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Since then, Sylvie has worked as an accountant for the private sector in multiple industries, including aviation and healthcare.

Sylvie was born in Haiti and migrated to Florida as a young adult in 2000. She then moved to Pearland, Texas within the last year. Since her time in Webster, Sylvie has had the opportunity to connect with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds.

“I’ve learned to adapt to different environments,” says Sylvie, “I plan to continue to grow and contribute positively to the finance department.

ROAMING THE WORLD, ONE ADVENTURE AT A TIME

Sylvie is a wanderlust enthusiast! So far she has traveled to the following countries:

• Dominican Republic

• Jamaica

• Canada

• Belize

• Honduras

• Cayman Islands

• Bahamas

• Mexico

• France

• Italy

• Spain

MEET OUR LATEST PUBLIC WORKS POWERHOUSE

Administrative Assistant Elena Flores is pivotal in the Public Works Department by providing steadfast support to directors and the administrative coordinator. Her responsibilities encompass a range of tasks including efficiently directing phone calls, extending a warm welcome to visitors, managing mail distribution, and executing various clerical duties with precision. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, Elena has a background enriched by 15 years of teaching experience in Dickinson ISD before embarking on this new chapter with Webster. Capitalizing on her exceptional multitasking skills, Elena found a fitting niche in her administrative role. Elena derives immense satisfaction from the thriving atmosphere and high morale in the Public Works Department. A Dickinson native through and through, Elena has spent her entire life in the area. During her tenure with the City, Elena aspires to make a meaningful impact by serving the community.

Introducing Elena Flores

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

• City Council held a Public Hearing to receive all public comments regarding the proposed Planned Development Guidelines for PA12 for the Edgewater Subdivision.

• City Council adopted an Ordinance enacting the Planned Development Guidelines for Edgewater PA-12 on property generally located 300 feet southeast of the intersection of Water Street and Marina View Drive.

• City Council approved a Webster Economic Development Corporation’s Purchase and Sale Agreement with Frutos Del Mar Propiedades LP for Vida Mariscos in Flyway.

• City Council approved a Resolution for the use of the municipal hotel occupancy tax fund for infrastructure and improvements to the development and operation of the Great Wolf Lodge indoor waterpark resort hotel and conference center project.

• City Council approved a Resolution establishing a convenience fee for credit cards, charge cards, and debit card payments.

• City Council adopted an Ordinance amending Article II of Chapter 14 of the Code of Ordinances to add additional board members to the Animal Control Board.

• City Council appointed seven members to the Webster Charter Review Commission.

For more information on the next City Council meeting, visit our website by scanning the QR code!

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www.cityofwebster.com 281.332.1826

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER

*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

Jones Council Position

bjones@cityofwebster.com