Issuu

NOVEMBER

2024

WEBSTER HEROES IN ACTION

Firefighter David Byerly shares smiles with children during the Movie Night at the Fire Station

WEBSTER’S

CRIME ANALYST

PG. 2

WEBSTER FIRE UPDATES PG. 4-5

BUDGET YEAR PROJECTS PG.6

BEHIND THE DATA

HOW

WEBSTER’S CRIME ANALYST KIRSTIN HENDERSON HELPS SOLVE

ANSWERING THE CALL: JACOB

GALVAN’S JOURNEY IN FIRE AND SERVICE

AND PREVENT

CRIME

Kirstin Henderson has served as the Crime Analyst for the Webster Police Department for three years. She plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety through data analysis and intelligence sharing. With her expertise, Kirstin helps the department identify crime trends, guide investigations, and shape strategic decisions that benefit the community.

A great example of Kirstin’s impact is the department’s recent use of data-based strategies to tackle problem areas. By identifying specific zones with high crime or frequent accidents, the team implemented new safety measures.

“Implementing zones to address the most recent concerns has helped decrease our offense reports by 11% and our crash reports by 17% compared to the previous year,” says Kirstin.

Kirstin uses various tools in her work, including Excel (to analyze statistics), Power BI (to create easy-to-understand visuals), and GIS mapping software (to pinpoint trouble spots on a map).

“Pictures speak louder than words,” says Kirstin, “I can evaluate and visualize crime and traffic concerns in and around the City.”

Much of her job involves teamwork and constant communication with police officers. This open communication ensures that her insights are shared and used effectively. However, working with technology can be challenging, particularly when it doesn’t perform as expected.

“Technology is not always 100% accurate, so I often rerun key details,” says Kirstin.

The field of crime analysis has evolved significantly with technological advancements, providing Kirstin with access to realtime data from multiple sources.

“Modern technology allows for real-time data collection from various sources,” says Kirstin. “Utilizing technology to analyze vast amounts of data enables a deeper understanding of crime patterns and more informed decision-making.”

For Kirstin, the most rewarding part of her job is not just the positive impact she makes but the personal fulfillment she derives from it.

“Assisting all divisions of the department and knowing my work makes a difference is incredibly fulfilling,” says Kirstin.

FROM THE PRECINCT

WEBSTER PD UPDATES

Captain John Vaughn, Sergeant Brandon Cis, Officer Eric D’ Agostino, and Officer Joel Salazar completed a rigorous screening test for the Combined Agency Response Team (CART). CART was previously comprised of officers from the League City, Pearland, and Alvin Police Departments. Webster PD has now become the fourth-member agency of the team. The screening test was comprised of a physical fitness assessment, pistol shooting proficiency, obstacle course, close-quarters battle proficiency, and team interview. Next, the officers will complete a 60-hour primary SWAT school in late October and become permanent team members. Congratulations to these officers for the many months of hard work and training they put into this effort.

Joining CART is a historical milestone for the Webster PD!

NEW PATROL LIEUTENANT PROMOTED

Sergeant Shaina Berry emerged as the top-scoring candidate after a competitive promotional assessment to fill a new Patrol Lieutenant position. On October 1, 2024, she was promoted to Lieutenant and recognized in front of City Council. Lieutenant Berry is a 13-year law enforcement veteran who previously supervised the Special Investigations Unit. Lieutenant Berry has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the Texas Police Chief’s Association Law Enforcement Command Officer Program. Lieutenant Berry will supervise “B Platoon,” comprised of dayshift and nightshift officers working every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and every other Saturday. Congratulations, Lieutenant Berry!

WEBSTER PD JOINS ELITE CART

Almost every member of the fire association attended the tournament, including those on shift, who brought their families to join in the festivities.

THANKS TO SIGNUP FEES, RAFFLE TICKET SALES, AND MERCHANDISE SALES, THE TOURNAMENT RAISED AN IMPRESSIVE $8,000, WHICH WILL SUPPORT THE FIRE ASSOCIATION’S EFFORTS.

Webster Firemen pose for a picture. Pictured from left to right: Chris Massie, Logan Jager, David Byerly, Chad Caramanna, Colton Goudie, Jacob Galvan, Anthony Pearson, Evan McDonald

ON THE BALL AND ON CALL

FROM PICKLEBALL COURTS TO EMS SUPPORT, WEBSTER FIRE WINS BIG!

Four of the six indoor courts were used by 24 mixeddoubles teams, while the remaining two courts were open for families and friends to play for fun, making full use of the venue.

With three new EMS trucks recently added to the fleet, the department is gearing up to be fully operational by next spring, ready to serve Webster with excellence and care.

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT BRINGS FUN, COMMUNITY, AND SUPPORT

The Webster Professional Firefighters Association recently hosted an exciting pickleball tournament at Chicken N Pickle, bringing together members, their families, and the community for a day of friendly competition.

The event began with the Houston Honor Guard presenting the colors and the National Anthem, setting the tone for a memorable day.

Adding to the friendly competition, two members from the police association— Telecommunication Officer Jennifer Barrett and Lieutenant Jamie Sherrill—also participated, further strengthening the bond between the two departments.

WEBSTER FIRE LAUNCHES NEW EMS DIVISION

The Webster Fire Department is proud to announce the establishment of a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department. This new division will operate as a third service alongside fire and police, focusing on providing emergency medical care tailored to the City’s needs. It will play a vital role in supporting a well-functioning healthcare system.

While managed by the Fire Department, the EMS division will function as its dedicated entity, ensuring specialized medical response services. The official launch is scheduled for March 2025, and 13 new personnel will be hired: 12 medics and one EMS Chief to oversee operations.

FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET

City Council has adopted the FY 2024-25 Annual Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024, and ending September 30, 2025.

The annual budget reflects the programs, goals, and policies necessary to provide services to Webster’s citizens. The City is committed to enhancing the quality of life in Webster by continuing to provide essential services to its citizens and instituting programs and projects that will serve the City’s long-term interests.

The 2024-2025 Budget for all funds totals $82,951,952. This includes $37,557,422 in the General Fund and $11,467,126 in the Utility Fund.

Sales tax is the largest revenue source for the City, accounting for approximately 53 percent of General Fund revenues and 34 percent of total City revenues from all sources. This is due to the significant presence of commercial restaurants and retail entities in the City.

Sales tax revenue allows Webster to maintain low property tax and utility rates. For FY 2024-2025, the property tax rate is $0.37483 per $100 of taxable value. The City’s property tax and utility rates remain among the lowest in the area.

Public Works Department will finish repairs and renovations at the Civic Center Complex and rehabilitate the plumbing system in the Police Department. The Parks division will rehabilitate the gazebo electrical systems and replace the Green Acres Park fencing.

City Council approved security improvements at City Hall, a radio replacement program for public safety, a third K-9 unit, lift station improvements, wastewater treatment plant blowers, and a manhole replacement program.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

• City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing annual utility rates sufficient to cover the anticipated cost of operations, including debt service and capital purchases.

• City Council adopted an Ordinance establishing the Drought Contingency Plan, providing coordination of response to drought conditions.

• City Council held a Public Hearing and adopted an Ordinance on the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Proposed Annual Budget for the City of Webster.

• City Council proposed a maximum ad valorem tax rate for the 2024 tax year for advertisement.

• City Council authorized a payment to GWR Webster, LLC for the first installment of the Development Grant.

• City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance establishing an Information Technology Department with a director-level supervisor for the City.

• City Council authorized a contract with Charlie’s Plumbing, Inc., for plumbing and foundation repairs at the Webster Police Department, including replacing all underground sanitary and storm sewer plumbing.

• City Council authorized a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Watcent, Inc., for a water line easement for the NASA Bypass Extension.

• City Council authorized a purchase order for Branch Construction Group to replace fences damaged by Hurricane Beryl at various locations.

• City Council authorized an increase to the purchase order to Macias Constructions, LLC. for City Hall security improvements.

• City Council approved terminating the Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Beryl as disaster conditions no longer exist and formal debris operations have ceased.

• City Council authorized to cast a ballot for the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool Board of Trustees Election.

• City Council authorized to cast a ballot for Texas Municipal League Region 14 Director.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH. FOR