October Webster Way

OCTOBER 2024

HARVESTING COMMUNITY Webster’s Guide to a Fun-Filled October

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL PG. 2

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK PG. 4

WOMEN IN LAW ENFORCEMENT PG.6

ANSWERING THE CALL:

JACOB GALVAN’S JOURNEY IN FIRE AND SERVICE

FOOD TRUCKS

FREE TREATS

GAME BOOTHS

BOUNCY INFLATABLES

HAUNTED HOUSE

Get ready for a spooktacular time! Join the City of Webster on Saturday, October 26th, at Texas Avenue Park for our annual Halloween Carnival.

2 Webster Way | October The event promises an evening packed with fun for the whole family. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, show off their dance moves, and snap photos with their favorite characters at the Texas Avenue Park Pavilion.

WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER? A MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC WORKS DON’T BE A WATER WASTER 5 EASY TIPS TO SAVE WATER AND MONEY every other 1 Water day. Plants need oxygen and water, so let the soil dry out between watering days.

REMARKABLE WEBSTER SENIORS

cycles are 2 Shorter better. Running multiple, short cycles allows water to soak in and not run off.

Five minutes is ideal for fixed-spray sprinklers and ten minutes for rotating sprinklers.

hoses properly. Check for 3 Use leaking hose bibs and use a hose attachment to control when your hose is distributing water. A running hose can waste thousands of gallons of water.

after dusk and 4 Water only in the evenings when evaporation and winds are minimal.

water your garden 5 Only and lawn, not the sidewalks or driveway.

Check all sprinklers and adjust them so they do not spray water on sidewalks, driveways, or patio areas.

Webster Celebrates Joe Sandel’s 102nd and Blynda Vidock’s 103rd Birthdays Webster Economic Development Director Betsy Giusto and Marketing and Tourism Specialist Katie Vela recently celebrated the extraordinary milestones of Joe Sandel’s 102nd birthday and Blynda Vidock’s 103rd birthday at Brookdale Senior Living.

Betsy and Katie presented the distinguished birthday honorees with a special Webster basket, which included a Certificate of Recognition, a Webster-opoly game, and NASA socks.

These remarkable celebrations reflect Webster’s dedication to honoring its cherished residents and their incredible life milestones. The City is proud to recognize Joe and Blynda’s extraordinary contributions, and we look forward to celebrating many more memorable moments in the community.

CITY-WIDE CLEAN UP WEEK Mark your calendars for City-Wide Clean-Up Week, starting Monday, September 30, and running through Friday, October 4! The City will offer free residential curbside pick-up of trash, furniture, appliances, tree limbs, and more.

Alternatively, residents can drop off discarded items at the Webster Public Works Service Center, located at 855 Magnolia Ave., from 8 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. during Clean-Up Week.

Please bring proof of residency to access the dumpsters at the Service Center.

SEPT. 30 - OCT. 4, 2024 The following will not be picked up: Chemicals

Paint Cans Vehicle Parts

Tires

Webster Way | October 3

SMOKE ALARMS: MAKE THEM WORK FOR YOU

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced “Smoke alarms: make them work for you!” as the official theme for Fire Prevention Week. This year’s focus on working smoke alarms comes in response to NFPA data showing that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Having working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). However, roughly three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. More than onethird (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires without smoke alarms.

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ALL FIRE SPRINKLERS ACTIVATE AT THE SAME TIME LIKE THEY DO IN MOVIES

Replace your smoke alarm before the ten-year mark, regardless of your type of smoke alarm.

FACT: FIRE SPRINKLERS WORK INDEPENDENTLY MYTH: FIRE EXTINGUISHERS LAST FOREVER FACT:

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED & REPLACED WHEN NEEDED

4 Webster Way | October

Test your smoke alarm monthly by holding the test button until you hear a loud alert tone, then release it.

NATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION WEEK OCTOBER 6-12

Q&A WITH THE FIRE MARSHAL

Q

What risks are associated with having smoke alarms installed in the wrong locations?

Smoke alarms are designed to detect smoke. If installed incorrectly, it may not activate properly.

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Q

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What should people do if their smoke alarms keep going off for no apparent reason?

If your smoke detector beeps, it likely means the batteries are low and need replacing.

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What is a common mistake homeowners make when installing a smoke alarm?

Not testing them. It’s important to press the test button on each device to ensure everyone can recognize the alarm sound.

Replace the smoke alarm batteries twice every year.

Some powered alarms have back-up batteries that may need replacing.

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Use a soft brush to clean your smoke alarm gently.

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LEADING THE WAY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT HIGHLIGHTING THE STRENGTH, DEDICATION, AND IMPACT OF WEBSTER’S FEMALE OFFICERS

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER BRENDA COX

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Administrative Officer Brenda Cox has dedicated over 15 years to the Webster Police Department. Since her career began in 2007, she has been an essential part of the department, contributing significantly through her administrative and law enforcement roles. As a Public Safety Officer (PSO), Brenda is often the first point of contact for those needing police services, ensuring professionalism and care in each interaction.

Beyond her official duties, Brenda has forged strong bonds with her fellow officers and the community. She notes that the relationships she has built with residents and colleagues are among her favorite aspects of the job. The support from her team has allowed her to navigate the various demands of her role successfully, helping her maintain a balance between her career and personal life.

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SERGEANT SHAINA BERRY

Sergeant Shaina Berry joined the Webster Police Department in December 2017, bringing dedication and a passion for law enforcement. Her career path has been growth and leadership, beginning as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer before being promoted to Corporal and now serving as a Sergeant in the Special Investigations Unit.

In her current role, Shaina’s days are varied. She reviews overnight offenses, works on investigations, and oversees her team. She also spends time out in the field, working to prevent crimes like vehicle theft. Shaina credits her success to the unique blend of teamwork and support within the department and encourages young women to pursue law enforcement with confidence and resilience.

NARCOTICS AND APPREHENSION K9 HANDLER HARLEY EVERTS 3 Officer Harley Everts began her career with the Webster Police Department in October 2020 and became a Narcotics and Apprehension K9 Handler in May 2022. She works alongside her dedicated partner, a three-year-old Dutch Shepherd named Lex. Together, they work to keep the streets of Webster safe by detecting narcotics and assisting in apprehending suspects.

Harley was inspired to enter law enforcement after watching her family members, who are first responders, serve their communities. This sense of duty motivated her to follow in their footsteps, and she now finds immense fulfillment in protecting others and providing critical support in challenging situations.

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OFFICER RHEMA MATHEWS

Officer Rhema Mathews joined the Webster Police Department one year ago. Graduating from field training was a significant milestone, and she continues to learn and grow within the department daily. With the support of her fellow officers, Rhema has embraced the challenges and excitement of being a law enforcement officer in Webster.

Rhema was inspired to pursue a career in law enforcement by her passion for helping others and her desire to create positive change in the community.

She sees her role as a way to give back and make a difference in people’s lives. Rhema hopes to see increased mentorship opportunities for women in law enforcement, having been deeply inspired by a female mentor during her time at the police academy.

DETECTIVE KATINA HOUSTON

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Detective Katina Houston began her career with the Webster Police Department in December 2020 as a Patrol Officer, where she quickly made a positive impact. Her dedication and leadership earned her a role as a Field Training Officer before her recent promotion to Detective. Katina is inspired by her mother, a former K9 officer, whose passion and commitment to law enforcement shaped Katina’s career path.

In her current role as Detective, Katina diligently solves complex cases, collaborating with other agencies and experts to gather evidence and bring justice to victims. She values the camaraderie and family atmosphere within the Webster Police Department, which has provided her with the support and encouragement to thrive. Katina is passionate about the unique strengths female officers bring to law enforcement, such as solid communication and empathy. She believes these qualities are essential in building trust within the community and handling sensitive cases.

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CITY CONTACTS

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

City Hall Main Number 281.332.1826

August Recap • • • • •

• • •

City Manager 281.332.1826

City Council approved a Public Hearing on the City’s Proposed Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

City Council approved the City’s Investment Report for the June 30, 2024 quarter.

City Council approved the purchase of flood control devices from U.S. Flood Control to mitigate damage to critical infrastructure.

City Council held a Public Hearing and approved a Special Use Permit request for a community residential program located at 20 Professional Park Drive.

City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance establishing charges to provide utility rates sufficient to cover the anticipated cost of operations, including debt service and capital purchases.

City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance establishing the Drought Contingency Plan, providing coordination of response to drought conditions.

City Council approved a Resolution implementing the City’s Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Water Development Board.

City Council approved the authorization of Amendment 1 to the NASA Bypass Extension Engineering Services contract.

City Secretary 281.316.4144 Community Development 281.316.4129 Economic Development 281.316.4116 Finance 281.316.4102 Municipal Court 281.316.6702 Recreation 281.316.4137 Public Works 281.316.3700

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

Fire (Non-emergency) 281.332.2711

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, VISIT OUR WEBSITE

BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!

SOCIAL MEDIA

Police (Non-emergency) 281.332.2426 City of Webster, Texas

@WebsterTexas

@WebsterTexas_

Webster Way | October 7

THE CITY OF WEBSTER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 119

101 Pennsylvania Ave. Webster, TX 77598

www.cityofwebster.com 281.332.1826

Webster, TX

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

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WEBSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING* 6 P.M. at City Hall

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SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

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SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

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VETERAN’S DAY CLOSURE City Hall closes. Offices will remain closed until Tuesday, November 12.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

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WEBSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MEETING* 6 P.M. at City Hall

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SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

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HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL 6 P.M. at Texas Avenue Park 17100 Texas Ave., in Webster

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SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

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THANKSGIVING CLOSURE City Hall closes at 1:30 p.m. Offices will remain closed until Monday, November 30.

*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.

WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL

Jennifer Heidt

Council Position 1 jheidt@cityofwebster.com

Sam Davis

Council Position 2 sdavis@cityofwebster.com

Chris Vaughan

Council Position 3 cvaughan@cityofwebster.com

Donna Jasso

Mayor mayorjasso@cityofwebster.com

Beverly Gaines

Council Position 4 bgaines@cityofwebster.com

Edward Lapeyre

Council Position 5 elapeyre@cityofwebster.com

Martin Graves

Council Position 6 mgraves@cityofwebster.com