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SEPTEMBER 2026 ONE FINAL DANCE Pictured from left to right: Councilmember Jennifer Heidt, Mayor Donna Jasso, The Hop Manager Kevin Melton, and Councilmember Beverly Gaines pose for a picture during The Hop’s closing weekend.

TIME CAPSULE DISCOVERIES PG. 2

WHAT’S THE BUZZ IN WEBSTER? PG. 3

CATCHIN’ REPTILES WITH TOM WILKS PG. 4-5

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

24 years ago, the City buried a time capsule filled with memories. This year, we dug it up and took a walk down memory lane, discovering that some things never change, especially the people who keep this City running. Inside, we found memorabilia from nine current Webster employees. From business cards to Gateway magazine features, each piece reminds us why our small City feels like home to so many.

Mayor Donna Jasso

1. “Webster is my home. I care about our citizens, businesses, and employees. I still believe I can make a difference. When I began serving our citizens, I made a personal commitment to leave Webster better than I found it, and I think our Webster team has done well over the years to make the City the best place to live, work, raise a family, and play.” —Mayor Donna Jasso ―― 2. “I’ve been here as long as I have because I enjoy making a difference in the community I grew up in. Being here feels like family now. The City’s been great to me by helping me grow and provide for my family.” —Director of Public Works John Warnement

Director of Public Works John Warnement

3. “I really enjoy my work at Webster because the enormous growth of the City’s GIS data and mapping applications over 25 years of development has enabled us to make an important contribution to the efficiency and ease of doing business in Webster.” —GIS Manager Richard Parkin 4. “Working for the City of Webster Fire Department is a passion of mine, and providing rescue services to the citizens is an honor.” —Fire Chief Dean Spencer (left)

“Webster is the biggest little City I know. You never know what you’re going to get into.” —Deputy Fire Marshal Rick Vargas (right)

5. “Working for Webster for the last 26 years has been a great learning experience. The staff has been wonderful, and it’s like working with a family. The work is challenging, yet fun. It’s rewarding to serve the public.” —Public Works Administrative Coordinator Pamela Guillory 6. “I grew up in the City, and I’ve worked here since I was 16 years old. When I got the opportunity to return five years ago, it was like coming home to family and a great opportunity for me to end my career.” —Community Development Chief Building Official James Stewart 7. “It’s very fulfilling and rewarding to make a positive difference in the City, and watch it grow in vibrant ways.” — Director of Economic Development Betsy Giusto

Community Development Chief Building Official James Stewart

8. “It’s like working for a family when you’re here with the City. It’s a wonderful place to work.” —Public Works Senior Mechanic Dan Zombory Director of Economic Development Betsy Giusto

GIS Manager Richard Parkin

Fire Dean Spencer 2 Chief Webster Way | and September Deputy Fire Marshal Rick Vargas

Public Works Administrative Coordinator Pamela Guillory

Time capsule Memorabilia (L to R): A copy of the Gateway Magazine highlights Mayor Jasso’s first official introduction as Webster’s mayor, a patch and coffee mug with the former Webster PD logo, employee business cards, a baseball cap with the former Webster Public Works logo, and a Webster Fire group picture (2002).

Public Works Senior Mechanic Dan Zombory

WHAT’S THE BUZZ in Webster? A Message from the Health Inspector NATIONAL FOOD SAFET Y MONTH September is National Food Safety Education Month. The federal government estimates about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually (that’s about 1 in 6 Americans!).

CLEAN

Each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Although most healthy people will recover from a foodborne illness within a short period of time, some can develop chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health problems. In addition, some people are at a higher risk for developing foodborne illness, including pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

SEPARATE

COOK

To keep your family safe from food poisoning, follow these four simple steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill. Remember the 2-hour rule: Throw out any perishable foods left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours unless you’re keeping it hot or cold.

CHILL

Wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and handling pets.

Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs unless the plate has been washed in hot, soapy water.

When cooking in a microwave oven, cover food, stir, and rotate for even cooking. If there is no turntable, rotate the dish by hand once or twice during cooking. Always allow standing time to complete the cooking.

Never thaw food at room temperature, such as on the countertop. There are three safe ways to defrost food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH STAY A STEP AHEAD THIS SEPTEMBER

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year the City of Webster is keeping it simple: four weeks, four quick steps, one big prize.

• Every Monday, we’ll post that week’s challenge. • Do the task and post your proof (a comment or a tag) by Friday. We’ll share ourselves doing it right alongside you • Complete all four weeks to be entered in the raffle.

Getting ready for an emergency can feel like a huge to-do list. So we’re breaking it down. Each week this month, we’ll post one small, five-minute task on our Facebook page. Do all four, and you’ll be entered to win a fully stocked emergency kit (plus a fun surprise!).

Week 1 starts with the most important step of all: signing up for Webster Alerts. It’s the fastest way to get emergency notifications straight from the City: evacuation notices, public safety alerts, and more. Sign up today at websteralerts.com, then watch our Facebook page starting Monday, September 7 for the challenge.

Being prepared doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and by the end of September you’ll be a step ahead. Follow along with #ReadyWebster

Webster Way |September 3

CATCHIN’ REPTILES

Snake Hunting with Webster Resident Tom Wilks

It’s no secret that Webster is home to a variety of wildlife. Because our City neighbors different creeks and lakes, every once in a while residents encounter cold-blooded critters, including snakes.

Tom rescues an escaped ball python, 2000 Although snakes are his specialty, Tom handles all wildlife calls. Tom with an injured possum, 2003.

Tom capturing a Texas rat snake, 1995

For most of us, coming across a snake might cause a scare, but for Webster resident Tom Wilks, it’s another day on the job.

Tom began volunteering as an animal control officer for the City 30 years ago, after offering to assist with wildlife calls that the City received. “I didn’t realize how busy I would be. The calls start in early Spring,” says Tom. “A lot of snake calls in particular, because they are just coming out of hibernation.”

Tom is a retired NASA employee. Aside from working as a high-altitude test technician for 34 years, Tom’s other passion was studying wildlife. Tom was born in Abilene, Texas, but grew up in San Antonio.

While working for Bayou Wildlife Park, Tom received a call from League City Humane Services about a Burmese python that the police had confiscated from a drug dealer they had arrested, 1988.

Tom’s fascination with snakes began at the San Antonio Zoo, which he visited often as a child and where he later worked in the reptile department. “[The zoo] had a reptile house separate from the other animals. That did it for me. They had about 15 different species of snakes,” says Tom. “I was infatuated with those snakes. I learned about their history, and that’s where I got my interest.” Tom’s first real-life encounter with a snake occurred in his backyard when he was about 10 years old. After being gifted a book on reptiles for Christmas one year, Tom’s knowledge of snakes helped him distinguish the types he would encounter as a young child. “I saw a snake right outside the backyard fence. It was a king snake, and luckily I knew enough about them from the book, so I caught it,” says Tom. “That was the early stage of my working career.”

Tom with a ball python, 1995

His encounter with his first king snake was the beginning of his incredible journey with reptiles. Aside from the San Antonio Zoo, Tom also worked as a wildlife guide for the Bayou Wildlife Park, a facilitator for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Project Wild, a member of the East Texas Herpetological Society, Armand Bayou Nature Center, & Webster Animal Control Board, and volunteered as an animal control officer for Webster Humane Services.

In his spare time, Tom also taught an accredited course on properly handling wildlife. Although the classes were mainly designed for animal control officers, everyone was welcome to attend free of charge. It was through this course that Tom met his wife, Merry Wilks. “My mother had a pond with some snakes in it that she wanted gone, and Tom was instructing a snake class for the garden club in her area,” says Merry.

SNAKE SENSE 4 Webster Way | September

Education and Reptile Rescue Service

281.554.7762 tomwilks1@aol.com

“We went to the class because I had some snakes that I wanted him to identify, and that’s where we met.” After tying the knot, Merry began to join Tom on his snake calls in Webster. Tom considers her his official photographer and personal assistant.

each in photographs. “I love to go out with [Tom] on snake calls because there’s usually a crowd of people that get so happy when you come out to help them,” says Merry. “We also get to educate them on snakes.”

Snake Control 101 with Tom

“They asked if we could take it. I picked it up, and it became one of our exhibits at the park,” said Tom.

Snakes are attracted to habitats that provide hiding places and food sources (mostly rodents). There are approximately 7,0008,000 venomous snakebites in the United States each year. Fatalities from snakebites in the U.S. are low (5-8 per year) due to accessible and effective treatment at the nation’s medical facilities. Although most victims recover completely, some bites may result in disfigurement, crippling, or amputation.

WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Tom, of course! It’s important not to handle a snake on your own. If you see one, contact a professional (like Tom), Webster Humane Services, or Webster PD. Humane Services: 281.316.3709 PD: 281.332.2426 EXT. 5

• Remove rock piles, tall grass, lumber, and other things that could harbor snakes. • Don’t leave pet food outside overnight, as it attracts rodents (which in turn attract snakes). • Seal or plug all possible points of entry into your home, such as gaps around water pipes, drains, and electrical conduit, and at the bottoms of doors (weatherstripping). • Make sure window screens are intact and fit snugly, especially where shrubs or trees are near windows. • Don’t try to kill snakes. Call Webster Animal Control, Webster PD, or Tom to remove snakes from your yard or home. Many bites occur during attempts to kill snakes.

“I got around 30 calls the first year we were married, so I guess you can say she’s brought me luck,” says Tom. “She’s been extremely helpful with documenting our calls.”

• Don’t handle a dead, venomous snake. Reflex bites can occur hours after the snake has been killed. Even a severed head can bite.

Over the years, Tom has responded to more than 300 wildlife calls in Webster alone. He has also assisted other Bay Area cities, including League City, Nassau Bay, Kemah, La Porte, Seabrook, Alvin, Pearland, and Friendswood, documenting

Pictured left: Tom captures a snake that was stuck in a garage door after receiving a call from an Edgewater resident, 2026.

National Poison Control:

1.800.222.1222

ASPCA Poison Info (for pets):

1.888.426.4435

Webster Way | September 5

ONE LAST

Dance

Last month, Webster said goodbye to one of its longeststanding businesses. After nearly four decades of music and dancing, The Hop officially closed its doors to the public in early August. The Hop opened in 1988. During its 38-year run, the nightclub’s sole purpose was to bring people together through music ranging from different decades. The Hop originally played music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, then evolved over the years to play music from the 70s onward. But before it was a retro hub in the Clear Lake area, The Hop started out as a local gas station originally constructed in 1915. General Manager Kevin Melton had managed the club since its inception, and stated that the music was what drew so many people in, with regular attendees being described as a “big family.” “We have all different kinds of people,” says Kevin. “As soon as they came through the front door, they put all their differences aside, and we were all friends.” During the early years, The Hop had live shows and famously hosted legends including Chubby Checker and Percy Sledge. Athletes from the Texans and Rockets also commonly visited the nightclub throughout the years.

Pictured from left to right: Mayor Donna Jasso, Manager Kevin Melton, Councilmember Beverly Gaines, and Councilmember Jennifer Heidt

Although it’s the end of an era for the Webster landmark, its legacy will live on in the memories of those fortunate enough to experience the community that The Hop built for so many years.

Councilmember Jennifer Heidt, Mayor Donna Jasso, and Councilmember Beverly Gaines pose for a picture outside of The Hop.

6 Webster Way | September

“I have so many great memories; it’s impossible to name only one or two,” says Kevin. “I really want to thank all of the great customers over the years and give a huge thanks to my wonderful staff.”

CITY COUNCIL JULY RECAP

CITY CONTACTS

• City Council held a Public Hearing to receive all public comments regarding Planning Case 26P-001. • City Council approved the first reading of an Ordinance amending Chapter 98, “Zoning,” of the Code of Ordinances. • City Council authorized Mayor Jasso to sign an agreement with Crow LLP for audit services for the year ending September 30, 2026. • City Council authorized the disposal of City surplus property in an online auction. • City Council authorized Mayor Jasso to sign a Software as a Service (Saas) agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for migration to a hosted cloud environment. • City Council approved a Resolution adopting the City’s fund balance policy; amending the minimum unassigned fund balance requirement to six months of budgeted general fund operating expenditures. • City Council approved a Webster Economic Development Corporation expenditure to A&I Webster Development LLC for cost sharing of CenterPoint Energy’s Electric switchgear and conductors to serve parcels 10 and 11 in Flyway. • City Council approved a Webster Economic Development Corporation expenditure for a contract with IDS Engineering Group for surveying and administrative services related to earthwork activities at 901 Flyway Drive. • City Council authorized a purchase order to Model 1 Commercial Vehicles for one 2026 Starcraft Allstar 22-foot wheelchair-accessible passenger bus. • City Council approved physical security measures for the Civic Center Complex. • City Council appointed Lacy McCracken as Acting City Secretary. • City Council approved the Webster Economic Development Corporation’s Purchase and Sale Agreement with ALH Development, LLC for a full-service hotel in Flyway.

City Hall Main Number 281.332.1826 City Manager 281.332.1826 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!

Police (Non-emergency) 281.332.2426

OCT. 9 7 P.M. 1800 HWY 3 WEBSTER, TX *Visit our social media pages for updates as we get closer to the day.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Up Next... City of Webster, Texas

@WebsterTexas

@WebsterTexas_

Webster Way | September 7

THE CITY OF WEBSTER

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

101 Pennsylvania Ave. Webster, TX 77598 www.webstertx.gov 281.332.1826

Webster, TX

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

LABOR DAY OFFICE CLOSURE Webster City Offices will be closed for Labor Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

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

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

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

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

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

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

29 24

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

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

WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL

Jennifer Heidt Council Position 1 jheidt@webstertx.gov

Sam Davis

Council Position 2 sdavis@webstertx.gov

Chris Vaughan

Council Position 3 cvaughan@webstertx.gov

Donna Jasso

Mayor mayorjasso@webstertx.gov

Beverly Gaines

Council Position 4 bgaines@webstertx.gov

Edward Lapeyre Council Position 5 elapeyre@webstertx.gov

Martin Graves

Mayor Pro Tem mgraves@webstertx.gov