A New Term: City Councilmembers Sworn In
Chris Vaughan was first elected to Webster City Council in 2022, and he is excited to begin his second term.
CHRIS VAUGHAN: Council Position 3
A true Texan, Vaughan was born in Houston, grew up in Austin, and attended Southwest Texas State University.
Political service has been a part of Vaughan’s life since childhood. His mother was a speech writer for former Texas Governor Mark White, and his step-father served as a political reporter for former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire.
“I grew up around politics, and hope to have a positive effect on the citizens of Webster,” Vaughan says. “Go, Webster!”
BEVERLY GAINES: Council Position 4
For Councilwoman Beverly Gaines, a sense of civic duty was instilled at a young age. Growing up in a military family, she always understood the importance of community involvement.
“My dad had strong feelings about loyalty and love for family, the United States, and the Army. He always led a conversation about what was going on at the dinner table and encouraged us to take an active part in our government,” Gaines says.
Inspiration struck further when Gaines’ husband Ron became a volunteer firefighter and building official. Beverly joined city committees in Freeport, and later became an election judge when they moved to Sealy. Ultimately,
the pair settled in Webster, and she first ran for City Council in 2006.
“When we moved to Webster, I really wanted to know my city, and all of the departments that make this city operate to provide the quality services our city deserves and must have.”
Gaines adds that her 30 years of professional experience as a life and health insurance broker gives her an added perspective that helps her connect with constituents.
In her new term, Gaines says she is excited to be part of the completion of the Flyway Entertainment District, and the Edgewater subdivision.
Mayor Donna Jasso administers the oath of office to City Councilman Vaughan.
“I am pleased to serve with an exceptional group of Council Members and Mayor, where we can discuss what needs to be done and then follow up on the decisions that are made. We ALL are extremely cognizant of taking care of our citizens and our city.”
EDWARD LAPEYRE: Council Position 5 and Mayor Pro Tem
With a diverse background encompassing military service, banking, and economic development, Edward Lapeyre is poised to begin yet another term as not only a Councilmember, but also as Mayor Pro Tempore of the City of Webster.
Lapeyre says he first became interested in public service in the 7th grade. His father was serving on the Houma, Louisiana City Council, and he credits his Social Studies teacher Mrs. McMahon for inspiring his journey as well.
"From that long ago time, with those two influences, I believe I was interested in serving in either appointive or elective office," Lapeyre says.
Lapeyre became involved with local government when he communicated with Councilwoman Gaines during her first run in 2006. He would go on to be appointed to the WEDC Board of Directors in 2010, and was first elected to City Council in 2016.
Webster's annual 4th of July celebration has been a highlight of his service, and he enjoys recognizing our veterans and entertaining residents with a fireworks show every year.
In his new term, Lapeyre is eager to work on a variety of projects, including development of the Flyway Entertainment District, public works infrastructure improvements, and renovation of the Civic and Recreation Centers.
He's also focused on continued efforts to keep citizens safe.
"Webster is a proactive, well-run city, and I look forward to continuing high standards for public safety, demonstrated performance of our new EMS department, and attending police and fire department training events."
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS: Are You Insured?
Hurricane season has officially begun, and now is the time to check your insurance coverage. Flood insurance is separate from your homeowners policy, and is necessary for protecting your home and belongings. Keep these things in mind when finding coverage:
Consult your agent
Plan ahead: Most policies have a 30-day waiting period
an elevation certificate Take a household inventory
For more information: www.FloodSmart.gov
Helping Your Neighbor: It’s the Webster Way!
Webster Emergency Management reminds you that many people, especially the elderly, rely on the help of neighbors before, during, and after a hurricane. You can make a difference by helping your neighbor gather supplies and formulate an evacuation plan, or by checking in on them after the storm has passed. If you, a family member, or a neighbor need help during an evacuation, join the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) by calling 211 or visiting STEAR.Texas.gov.
First Responders Prepare for Flooding
Ahead of hurricane season, Webster PD conducted LMTV (light and medium tactical vehicle) training. These vehicles are designed to withstand floodwaters, making them ideal for water rescue scenarios, as well as transporting supplies and equipment during an emergency like a hurricane.
In the event of a hurricane, you may be asked to evacuate for your safety. Scan the QR code to view an interactive evacuation map:
CITY HAPPENINGS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
Mosquito activity peaks in the summer. The City of Webster provides preventative measures, but residents can also help combat mosquito populations.
• Remove standing water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Regularly remove water from items like buckets, tires, flower pots, or trash cans.
• Clean gutters: Clear out leaves and debris to prevent water from accumulating.
• Repair screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Plant foliage that naturally repels mosquitoes, such as lavender, lemongrass, or citronella grass.
• Maintain your pool: Clear debris from your pool and keep water circulating to discourage mosquito breeding.
• Encourage natural predators like birds by adding bird feeders or houses.
Life-Saving Skills
June 1st - 7th is CPR and AED Awareness Week, and knowing these skills could save a life.
Assistant Fire Chief Shane Martin recently led CPR and AED training for City of Webster Public Works employees, equipping them with the knowledge they need in order to respond to an emergency that might arise on a work site.
To find a CPR/AED class near you, visit www.RedCross.org
WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER?
Grab the tortilla chips, because we’re serving up recipes for fresh guacamole and salsa that are sure to be a hit at your next gathering, courtesy of our very own City of Webster employees.
Guacamole
From Fire Marshal Warren Chappell
Ingredients:
• 3 avocados, ripe
• 1/3 to 1/2 of a small white onion, finely diced
• 1 Roma tomato, diced (no seeds, no core)
• Handful finely chopped fresh cilantro tops
• 1 serrano pepper, with or without seeds, finely diced
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
Directions:
1. Chill the molcajete (mortar).
2. Mash the onion, cilantro, serrano pepper and lime together with the tejolote (pestle) until it looks like a green paste, with no noticeable pieces of any of the ingredients.
3. Add diced avocados into the green paste and mash them together until creamy, but leave some chunks of avocado.
4. Dice the tomato without the seeds or core. Incorporate at the end after smashing the avocados.
Salsa Verde
From Lorenzo Esquivel, Chief Water Operator
Ingredients:
• 10 tomatillos
• 3 jalapeños
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 avocado
• Handful of cilantro
• 1/4 onion
• 1/4 block of cream cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon
• Salt to taste
5. If more salt or lime is desired, add in small increments and mix. Heat can be adjusted by leaving pepper seeds in during mashing or adding another pepper.
* Add the avocados and mix as close to the serving time as possible. This ensures the freshest taste and best color.
Presentation:
Serve in the chilled molcajete the guacamole was made in.
Add some crumbled queso fresco on top. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, a lime slice, serrano pepper, or chips.
Tip: Save those avocado pits! They can be added to your guac to slow the oxidation process if not served immediately. Remove before serving.
Directions:
Roast tomatillos, onion, garlic and jalapeños to your liking in the oven, set on broiler. Blend all ingredients in a blender. Add boiled water to achieve the consistency you prefer, salt to taste, and enjoy.
CITY COUNCIL RECAP
• Mayor Donna Jasso presented a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
• City Council conducted the second of two readings to amend Chapter 42 of the City’s Floods Ordinance, to prepare for participation in the federal Community Rating System (CRS).
• City Council voted to approve a bid for booster pumps and motors replacement at Magnolia Water Plant.
• City Council voted to approve a bid for nine sanitary sewer lift station emergency generators.
• City Council voted to authorize a purchase order for Public Works HVAC system improvements.
• City Council voted to authorize the Mayor to sign an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for utility improvements provided during construction of the NASA Bypass Extension.
• Mayor Donna Jasso presented a proclamation recognizing April 13th-19th, 2025 as Telecommunications Week.
• City Council voted to approve a Webster Economic Development Corporation expenditure with Harper Brothers Construction for the installation of electrical service equipment mounting pads and related work, in accordance with CenterPoint Energy Electric requirements, to serve the electrical needs of Flyway’s boardwalk.
• City Council voted to approve the Webster Economic Development Corporation’s Purchase and Sale Agreement with Frutos Del Mar Propiedades LP for Gauchos Do Sul in Flyway.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, VISIT OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!
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