GATEWAYWinter 2011 Volume 19, Number 4

Time to Dine Webster is the Dining Capital of Bay Area This issue of the Gateway magazine and archived issues are available online at... www.cityofwebster.com In This Issue

Focus on Finances ...... 3 To the Rescue: Webster Fire Department’s Contribution...... 4 Dining Destination: Webster’s Recipe for Success...... 6 City of Webster 2012 General Officers’ Election...... 8 Ciudad de Webster 2012 Elección General de Oficiales...... 8 Beautify Webster Campaign...... 8 Mayor and Council Members Honored by Municipal League Institute.....9 City Board Members Needed...... 9 Pet Health Day...... 9 Public Meeting Notes...... 10 Yards of the Month...... 11 SPARK Park Opens in Webster...... 11 City Council...... 12

Calendar of Events December 2011

6 6 p.m. City Council Meeting 7 6 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) 9 6 p.m. Senior Game Night G AT E WA Y 13 Judging of Residential Christmas Decorations 22 City Offices closes at 12:30 p.m. for Christmas Holiday 23 City Offices closed for Christmas Holiday GATEWAY 26 City Offices closed for Christmas Holiday

January 2012 Winter – 2011 2 City Offices closed for New Year’s Holiday Volume 19, Number 4 3 6 p.m. City Council Meeting Quarterly publication produced by 4 6 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) The City of Webster 10 6 p.m. Webster Economic Development Corporation Meeting 101 Pennsylvania Ave. 13 6 p.m. Senior Game Night Webster, TX 77598 16 City Offices closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 17 6 p.m. City Council Meeting City of Webster Main Line 18 6 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) 281.332.1826 27 6 p.m. Senior Game Night Fax: 281.332.5834 Toll Free Tourism Line February 2012 888.805.9000 4 9 a.m.-noon Pet Health Safety Day, Webster Civic Center 7 6 p.m. City Council Meeting Please contact 281.316.4121 or email 8 6 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) [email protected] 10 6 p.m. Senior Game Night with questions or comments. 14 6 p.m. Webster Economic Development Corporation Meeting 21 6 p.m. City Council Meeting It is the editorial policy of the City to 22 6 p.m. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting (if needed) publish community news that impacts 24 6 p.m. Senior Game Night the constituency of Webster. Winter 2011 Page 3 Focus on Finances Webster City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2011-12 Annual Budget

After many months of prepara- Where the Money Goes – By Function electricity, information technology tion, City Council adopted the Fiscal and other services comprise 22%. WEDC Operations & Debt Service – $4,841,570 Year 2011-12 Annual Budget for the Slightly over 12% applies to debt City of Webster on September 20, Special Revenue Funds – $2,744,280 service on bonds issued by the 2011. The annual budget estimates Internal Service Funds – $1,072,560 City and WEDC. The 4% shown the amount of revenue the City will Utility Operations & Debt Service – $4,724,640 for capital expenditures includes receive during the year and explains General Debt Service – $1,747,260 $750,000 to purchase a new rescue how that money will be spent. Much truck for the Fire Department and General Government – $3,539,830 more than a set of numbers, the $420,000 to replace other aged budget also provides an overview Community Development – $1,547,720 vehicles and equipment. of City operations, communicates Public Works – $2,623,180 the priorities and issues considered Public Safety – $9,221,600 In conclusion, it will be another while developing the budget, and tough year. The decline of sales tax describes both the financial and non- The City provides many services revenue is disconcerting, especially financial challenges facing the City. to its constituents, including police as expenditures for personnel, fuel, and fire protection, park and and other operating costs increase. Where the Money Comes From infrastructure maintenance, and Greater pressure is being placed utility operations. Expenditures total upon property taxes to make up the Transfers Between Funds – $4,071,840 $32,089,640 in the Fiscal Year 2011- shortfall. Other Sources – $910,070 12 Annual Budget. However, conservative manage- Intergovernmental – $1,419,500 Separated by function, the costs ment and sound fiscal policies have Miscellaneous – $301,590 for public safety account for 29% placed the City of Webster in a Charges for Service – $4,996,180 of the entire budget. The outlay for strong financial position to ride Court Fines – $1,226,750 utilities and the Webster Economic out this economic storm. Both the Permit Fees –$260,120 Development Corporation (WEDC) General Fund and the Utility Fund Franchise & Mixed Bev. Taxes – $2,166,190 each make up 15%. General have healthy reserves. Property Sales Taxes – $13,133,330 government and public works tax and utility rates remain among Property Taxes – $ 3,684,320 activities account for 11% and 8%, the lowest in the area. Even during respectively. the worst downturn in years, many Revenues from all sources to- businesses continue to expand or tal $32,170,610 in the Fiscal Year Where the Money Goes – By Component relocate here, which demonstrates 2011-12 Annual Budget. At 41%, the confidence in the community’s greatest share of revenue is derived Transfers Between Funds – $4,071,840 future. from the local sales tax. Due to the Capital Outlay – $1,404,550 City’s high concentration of retailers For more information about the and restaurants, Webster’s sales tax Debt Service – $3,856,630 budget, log onto the City’s website revenue is 3½ times greater than the at www.cityofwebster.com. Services – $6,978,890 revenue generated from property taxes. While this ratio keeps prop- Maintenance – $1,332,550 erty taxes low, it does add volatility Each quarter, a brief article on a to the City’s revenue stream. For Supplies – $1,254,930 specific aspect of the City of Webster’s Fiscal Year 2011-12, sales tax revenue Personnel – $13,190,250 finances will be presented in Focus is expected to decline by just under on Finances. Its purpose is to inform $200,000. Charges for services such Charges are also broken down by citizens and provide an inside look at as water, wastewater, and drainage component for proper accountability. city government. Is there something you utilities comprise approximately 16% Wages, taxes, benefits and other would like to read about in the future? of all revenue. Franchise and mixed personnel components constitute Do you have any financial questions beverage taxes make up 7% of total 41% of all City expenditures. Costs about the City? Call Michael Rodgers, resources. for emergency medical services, Director of Finance, at 281.316.4102.

www.cityofwebster.com Page 4 Winter 2011 To the Rescue: Webster Fire Department’s Contribution

Top headline stories in Texas this past spring, summer, and fall were about severe drought conditions and devastating wild fires. In fact, the year 2011 will go down in the State’s annals as the worst drought and most active and destructive period of wildfires ever recorded. Extended lack of rainfall, low humidity, high winds, and blistering temperatures combined to make 2011 a year marked by widespread natural disasters in Texas, as more than 5,500 homes and structures burned in a six-month period and over 4,000,000 acres were destroyed. Indeed, these prolific wildfires could have wreaked even greater havoc in terms of life and property without the Strike Force 101, from Webster, arrives in Bastrop. leadership, cooperation, aid, and actions of volunteers, like the Webster Fire Department.

Webster Lends a Hand Webster’s Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief Patrick Shipp, was one of the first respondents to render mutual aid during massive wildfires across the State that raged from February through mid-September. As a participant in the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) operated by the Texas Forest Service, Webster takes an active volunteer role. The City is highly supportive in extending rapid emergency aid with its personnel and equipment to Webster Fire Chief Patrick Shipp confers with Strike Team Assistant Leader Jim Rogers on the day’s plan of attack. entities and agencies in need. While vast regions of Central and North Central Texas were the victims in 2011, Webster and the Gulf Coast region might require aid at some future date and would be dependent on this same philosophy and level of volunteerism and cooperation.

Advanced Training in the Fire Department Webster’s involvement in this statewide program illustrates the leadership, commitment to training, and service upon which the Fire Department is built. At the helm, Chief Shipp is one of only a handful of Certified Strike Team Leaders in Texas. After completing nearly Webster Fire Marshal Ron Gaines extinguishes hot spots at the Possum Kingdom fire. seven years of specialized training from the Texas Forest Service and National Wildfire Coordinating Group, which included extensive coursework and tasks, such as directing water operations from an air tanker or conducting strenuous and tedious back-burning activities to control fires, Shipp continued with in-depth coursework to become one of the State’s 40 trainers. The value Shipp places on rigorous training extends department-wide, as the benefit to both the City of Webster and agencies where mutual aid is rendered is invaluable. Within the Webster Fire Department, 17 of Webster Firefighter Brennan Briggs surveys the damage to a Possum Kingdom home.

www.cityofwebster.com Winter 2011 Page 5

the 30 firefighters have completed Wildland All Hazards Training, which allows them to respond to wildfire events. Also, all of the firefighters spend 20 hours each month in training, which translates into a high International Organization of Standardization (ISO) rating – or best insurance rates – for the City’s residences and businesses.

Webster Responds While Shipp responded to 15 wildfire events as Strike Team Leader in 2011, members of the Webster Fire Department, both novice and experienced, like Brennan Briggs, Chris Delbello, Cody Monteau, Jason Myers, Flames leaping above tree tops await Webster Firefighters. and Fire Marshal Ron Gaines were deployed at various intervals. Whereas most firefighters might serve for 15 to 20 years without encountering infernos of this magnitude, all of the participants received priceless training, as these wildfires were considered “qualified” or “coursework” that count toward certifications.

Bad Year for Texas To place in perspective the severity of the Texas wildfires, out of all the acreage that burned in the in 2011, almost half occurred in Texas. The Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System played an integral role in managing the vital volunteer aid effort. The wildfires that raged in Central Texas in February to the Possum Firefighter back-burns an area in Bastrop to slow the blaze by limiting fuel. Creek blaze in April to the Labor Day inferno in Bastrop and the Montgomery County conflagration in mid- September were fought in part by the Webster Fire Department. For nearly all of these emergencies, Chief Shipp presided as Strike Team Leader, directing the Strike Team, responsible for health, safety, and welfare of the firefighters, establishing objectives, tracking the fires, and achieving objectives. As part of his service, Shipp ensured that lookout, communication, escape routes, and safety zones were established prior to firefighting activities.

More than Monetary Costs A road in Bastrop leads into the inferno. While the City of Webster is fully reimbursed by the State Office of Emergency Management for all deployment – personnel and equipment, there is no recompense for the personal sacrifice made by the Webster Fire Department’s volunteer effort. For the Webster team to respond to 15 wildfires translates into many days away from home, missed family functions and holidays, and, above all, danger.

Standing By As the prognosis for 2012 for Texas is fraught with more drought conditions and wildfires, the Webster Fire Department stands ready, trained, and willing to help. Walls of fire rage as more than 34,000 acres burn in Bastrop. www.cityofwebster.com Page 6 Winter 2011 Dining Destination: Webster’s Recipe for Success

Webster is famous for its title as restaurants are one of the highest specialize in a particular venue – like the “Restaurant Capital of Bay Area performing commercial sectors in the American, Barbecue, Cajun, Chinese, Houston” for many delicious reasons. City and 1/6 of the municipality’s sales French, German, Greek, Indian, Italian, With more than 100 restaurants and tax collected is from restaurants, Japanese, Latin American, Mexican, entertainment venues, a super-regional the title of “Restaurant Capital” is and the like – Webster also offers consumer base and a significant visitor well-deserved. “Classic American, “New American,” population gravitate to Webster’s “New Southwestern,“ “Tex-Mex,” eateries in a consistent and loyal Recipe for Success seafood, sushi, pizzas, hamburgers, manner. The ingredients for Webster’s steaks, wraps, and subs. Similarly, In fact, due to the strength of success as a dining destination include many restaurants mix genres in their Webster’s market, many restaurants perfect positioning midway between culinary inventions and branding, like tout their Webster location as number downtown Houston and Galveston, Chipotle’s and Freebirds’ customized one in their companies’ chain or seek a extensive variety of cuisine and burritos or ’ “nearly world- Webster site for their next store. “scene,” and an abundance of familiar, famous” wings or Pollo Campero’s reputable, and cherished national, Latin-style chicken or Genghis Grill’s Tops in the Chain regional, and local brands. custom-made Mongolian stir-fry. It’s nothing short of remarkable While Webster’s footprint is only Just as the restaurant industry is that la Madeleine Country French 6.7 square miles, the municipality one of the nation’s most powerful Cafe positioned inside the Baybrook is centered in the nucleus – economic engines – with sales over Gateway Shopping Center is the accommodating a market that $600 billion (representing 4% of the US top location in the United States – consists of over 3.2 million people. gross domestic product), a workforce outperforming 59 stores nationwide As Webster’s daytime population of 13 million (the second largest – or Carrabba’s Italian Grill located at swells to more than 200,000, and the private-sector employer in America – 502 West Bay Area Boulevard is the evening population attracts residents just behind healthcare, which employs number one store in the entire State – from a 30-mile radius, including Alvin, 14.3 million), and overall economic outranking 15 Texas locations. Friendswood, Pearland, Galveston, impact of $1.7 trillion, the City of When Café Express and Zio’s Texas City, Dickinson, League Webster, too, benefits immensely continually report that their Webster City, Kemah, La Porte, Pasadena, from its position as the Restaurant locations are the number one Nassau Bay, Houston, and more, the Capital. performers in Texas, those statistics City’s restaurants accommodate a Sales from restaurants account speak volumes about the potency considerable consumer base who rely for 15% of the City’s sales tax, and of Webster’s market. Too, many of on Webster’s delicious offerings. revenues from mixed beverages in the City’s newest restaurants have Webster are the second highest in experienced top-ranking since their Variety is the Spice of Life Harris County – ranking just behind Webster launch, like Twin Peaks, As the variety of restaurants, in Houston – the nation’s fourth largest Chuy’s, Genghis Grill, McAlister’s Deli, terms of cuisine, has grown in Webster, city. When one out of every five meals and Pollo Campero. so, too, have the types. Whereas in the is consumed in a commercial setting, Given the fact that Webster’s past, categories for dining consisted and the restaurant industry’s share of predominantly of fine-dining, family- dining, and fast-service – distinguished by one central genre, like Asian, Italian, Mexican, or American, now there is a melding of sports bars with casual dining – and virtually unlimited menu choices, fine-dining that’s less formal, buffets and cafes with expanded menu offerings, and a huge blending of fast- casual with quick-service. While most of Webster’s restaurants Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant, 20975 Gulf Frwy. Pollo Campero, 702 W. Bay Area Blvd. www.cityofwebster.com Winter 2011 Page 7 the food dollar is 49%, restaurants play top-producing Webster store that ingredients to “get tastebuds dancing.” a significant role in the local economy. outperforms 14 locations in four This Latin American concept brings states, has created a winning platform famous Campero Fried Chicken and Eating Out More Often that consists of a mountain lodge- Peruvian Citrus Grilled Chicken, along Certainly the trend to dine out themed restaurant, tasty, house-made with signature side dishes, such as continues to escalate, as it has comfort food served in generous Mango Coleslaw, Sweet Plantains, and become a favorite social activity. With portions, 29 degree beer, state-of- Yuca Fries to Webster. limited time for meal preparation, the-art TVs showing favorite sports, Rudy’s Country Store and Bar- recreation, and entertainment, and friendly, attentive, and attractive B-Q’s Webster launch has been consumers find the dining experience Twin Peaks servers. Twin Peaks nothing short of spectacular for to be fun and fulfilling. Restaurants has rapidly established itself as a the Texas-based retailer who began represent a central commercial celebrated super-regional destination operations more than a century ago arena for socializing, entertaining, with its Smokehouse Burgers, Flat in Leon Springs. Since Rudy’s opened and conducting business, as well as Iron Steaks, Ribeye Pot Roast, Home- in September 2011, a super-regional satisfying hunger and delighting the style Meatloaf, extensive array of beer, clientele has been savoring brisket, palate. Dining out with family or wine, and mixed drinks amid a unique turkey, pork, chicken, and sausage friends is considered to be preferable sports bar/mountain lodge ambience. cooked with a dry spice on an oak- to entertaining at home in that the In similar manner, Chuy’s, with its fired pit and served with special restaurant experience allows more venerable mix of flavorful, colorful Tex- “sause,” accompanied by a famous time to socialize without the burden Mex cuisine, eclectic, comfortable, and array of side dishes, like cream corn, of preparations, cooking, and cleaning. campy décor, including the signature beans, potatoes, and more. Rudy’s As restaurants play an increasingly Elvis shrine, has experienced top- fun, informal smokehouse atmosphere essential role in society, the variety billing in Webster since its opening. fits its delicious, straightforward of restaurants, menu offerings, and Indeed, Chuy’s at Webster Town menu offerings. The country store settings have burgeoned accordingly. Center outperforms 29 locations component enhances Rudy’s unique in five states, which is no small feat. venue, as consumers rely not only on New Concepts in Webster Chuy’s markets its dining experience purchasing meats by the pound but Some of Webster’s newest eateries as entertaining, exciting, and unique also prized accessories, like the Big reflect the innovation, ingenuity, and – promoting a lighthearted, fun-filled Tex Basket with meat rub, hat, shirt, artistry that characterize the City’s ambience with one exception – in that koozie and three bottles of “sause.” booming industry. Twin Peaks, Chuy’s, food is taken very seriously. Chuy’s Webster’s restaurants are a Pollo Campero, and Rudy’s Bar-B-Q touts its cuisine as fresh, flavorful, significant force in the municipality’s are immensely popular not only for healthy, and authentic and is known economy – generating excellent tax their outstanding cuisine but also for for signature dishes like Chuychanga, revenues, employing thousands, and their unique facilities, atmosphere, Chile Rellenos, Tortilla Soup, as well attracting a super-regional population customer service, and branding. as Chuy’s Famous Ritas and Texas who count on a superb variety of Since all of these restaurants are Martinis. delicious menu offerings, unique free-standing, the companies were Pollo Campero chose Webster to settings, and great service. Dining out able to construct their facilities to bring its latest concept to the region – in Webster is a favorite daily activity accommodate their latest prototype complete with new logo, sleek store that results in some impressive and garner excellent media acclaim. design, bold colors, and expanded performance statistics and tenure for Certainly, Twin Peaks, with its menu offerings. Pollo Campero, many of the City’s venues. renowned for its “Latin Flavors” and tender, juicy, crispy chicken, as well as a variety of entrees, vegetable dishes, and specialty drinks, launched its Webster store in October 2011. Pollo Campero, with 50 stores in the United States and 350 world-wide, reports unprecedented success in Webster. Unlike most fast-food restaurants, Pollo Campero prepares every order Twin Peaks, 20931 Gulf Frwy. freshly made – using top, healthy Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, 21351 Gulf Frwy. www.cityofwebster.com Page 8 Winter 2011 City of Webster 2012 General Officers’ Election The City of Webster, Texas will hold Election, 5:00 p.m. May 15 – Canvass of Election at a a General Election for City Officers on Mar. 6 – Drawing for order of names Council Meeting. (Date may change.) May 12, 2012. Council Positions No. on ballot, 4:00 p.m. 1 and No. 2 will be on the May ballot. Mar. 13 – First day to apply for a mail The Early Voting polling place will be Current office holders respectively ballot. in City Hall, 101 Pennsylvania, Webster, are Melvin Ellis and Beverly Gaines. April 12 – Last day to submit voter Texas, in the City Secretary’s Office. The current officers are term limited registration application for May Voting on Election Day will be in the and will not be eligible to file for Election. City Hall Lobby, 101 Pennsylvania, this election. Election packets for April 30 – First day of early voting by Webster, Texas. A voting device to interested candidates will be available personal appearance. assist disabled voters will be available on line at www.cityofwebster.com. May 4 – Last day to receive an during early voting and on Election Day. application by mail for a ballot to be Important dates are as follows: voted by mail. For information or questions Feb. 4 – First day to file an application May 8 – Last day of early voting by regarding the City Election process, for a place on the ballot. personal appearance. please contact the City Secretary’s Mar. 5 – Last day to file for a May 12 – ELECTION DAY 7:00 a.m. Office, 101 Pennsylvania, Webster, place on the ballot for the General – 7:00 p.m. Texas, 77598, 281-332-1826. Ciudad de Webster 2012 Elección General de Oficiales La Ciudad de Webster, Texas, solicitud para una posición en la boleta una Reunión del Consejo de la Ciudad. celebrará una Elección General para para la Elección General, 5:00 p.m. (Esta fecha podrá cambiar.) Oficiales de la Ciudad el 12 de mayo de mar. 6 – Sorteo para determinar el 2012. Las Posiciones de los Concejales orden en que los nombres aparecerán en El Lugar de la Votación Temprana Núm. 1 y Núm. 2 aparecerán en la la boleta, 4:00 p.m. (Adelantada) será en la Alcaldía, 101 boleta de mayo. Los oficiales que mar. 13 – Primer día para solicitar una Pennsylvania, Webster, Texas, en la actualmente ocupan dichas posiciones boleta por correo. oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad. La son respectivamente Melvin Ellis y abril 12 – Último día para someter una votación el Día de la Elección será en el Beverly Gaines. Los oficiales actuales solicitud para registro de votación para Vestíbulo de la Alcaldía, 101 Pennsylvania, tienen plazos limitados y por lo tanto no la Elección en mayo. Webster, Texas. Una máquina especial de serán elegibles para postularse para esta abril 30 – Primer día de la votación votación estará disponible para asistir a elección. Los documentos de elección temprana (adelantada) en persona. votantes impedidos durante la Votación para candidatos interesados estarán mayo 4 – Último día para recibir por Adelantada y en el Día de la Elección. disponibles en la pagina web de la ciudad: correo una solicitud para votar por www.cityofwebster.com. correo. Para información o si tiene preguntas mayo 8 – Último día de la votación relacionadas con el proceso Electoral de Las fechas importantes son las siguientes: temprana (adelantada) en persona. la Ciudad, por favor comuníquese con la feb. 4 – Primer día para someter una mayo 12 – DÍA DE LA ELECCIÓN Oficina de la Secretaria de la Ciudad, 101 solicitud para una posición en la boleta. 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Pennsylvania, Webster, Texas, 77598, mar. 5 – Último día para someter una mayo 15 – Escrutinio de la Elección en 281-332-1826.

Beautify Webster Campaign

Ideas, volunteers, and activities are sought for a new initiative – “Beautify Webster.” The Parks Board welcomes suggestions and assistance regarding a start-up program designed to enhance the City’s “curb appeal.” Please submit ideas to Parks Board Liaison Mary Ann Headley before January 12, 2012, which is when the Parks Board will meet to assess interest, discuss ideas, and formulate plans.

www.cityofwebster.com Winter 2011 Page 9 City Board Members Needed The City of Webster seeks and Appeals has one regular and two and requires a majority of four votes volunteers for appointment to City alternate positions vacant. Specific present to approve action. This five- Boards. Currently, the Animal Control qualifications are required for this member board, with two alternates, Board, Building Board of Adjustment Board. Members must have experience serves two-year terms. and Appeals, and the Zoning Board of in one or more of the following Adjustments have vacancies. building trades – architectural design, ALL BOARD MEMBERS MUST BE building construction, mechanical REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE CITY Animal Control Board or electrical contracting, or fire OF WEBSTER, TEXAS. The Animal Control Board has two protection engineering. This board regular member vacancies. The Board meets as needed and serves five-year These are all volunteer positions. meets quarterly and other times as terms. Application forms are on line at needed. This board, upon request www.cityofwebster.com under the by the local rabies control authority, Zoning Board of Adjustments City Secretary Department. The investigates all animal bites of a life The Zoning Board of Adjustments application form requires nomination threatening or disfiguring nature. has one alternate position vacant. by a current council member. Members serve three-year terms. This Board has the power to hear and review appeals and permit exceptions For more information, please Building Board of Adjustment and grant variances from the zoning call the City Secretary’s office at The Building Board of Adjustment regulations. This board meets as called 281.332.1826.

Mayor and Council Members Honored Pet Health Day by Texas Municipal League Institute Pet Health Day will be held February 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at the City Mayor Floyd H. Myers, Mayor Pro Tem Beverly of Webster Civic Center located at Gaines, and Council Member Bill Jones received 311 Pennsylvania Avenue. Pet service special recognition by the Texas Municipal League providers will offer information about Institute for their completion of specialized products, general pet care, and health education programs designed for elected officials in issues. Further, the City of Webster’s the State. Animal Control Division will be on While Myers and Gaines received the designation hand, and a veterinarian will provide of Certified Municipal Officer for completing 72 vaccinations at a reduced rate of $15. Floyd H. Myers hours of continuing education units during 2011, While the City of Webster requires Jones was accorded the Award of Recognition for annual registration for dogs and cats completing 42 continuing education units. The at a fee of $10, if pets are registered at Certified Municipal Official Designation is the Pet Health Day, the fee is waived. Proof highest, most prestigious achievement that elected of vaccination is required to register city officials can obtain through Texas Municipal pets. Upon registration, animals will be League Institute’s voluntary certification program issued a City identification tag. The City formulated to enhance policy-making and leadership requires a City license tag and rabies Beverly Gaines skills. The Texas Municipal League Institute offers tag on the pet’s continuing education opportunities to government collar. officials throughout the year. For more As this is the eleventh consecutive year that information Myers has earned the Certified Municipal Official about Webster’s Designation, Gaines has earned the Designation Pet Health for six consecutive years. This is the first year that Day, contact Jones, who was sworn-in as a Council Member on Animal Control at May 14, 2011, has been eligible for recognition. 281.316.3700. Bill Jones

www.cityofwebster.com Page 10 Winter 2011 Public Meeting Notes

August 2, 2011, Corporation for regular two-year terms • Held an Executive Session to City Council Meeting expiring August 31, 2013 by acclamation. deliberate on the City Secretary’s annual • Glen DeVries requested Council review (Unanimous) performance evaluation. the allowance of Smart Meters in the City • Appointed Kathy Pritchard as a Business • Held an Executive Session to deliberate of Webster. Representative to the Webster Economic on the City Manager’s annual performance • Rejected the only bid received for the Development Corporation for regular evaluation. Green Acres waterline project that was two-year terms expiring August 31, 2013. • Approved an increase based on the opened on July 14, 2011. (Unanimous) (Unanimous) City Secretary’s annual performance • Approved Edgewater Planned Area 9B • Appointed Donna Rogers as a Resident evaluation. (Unanimous) Development Guidelines. (Unanimous) Representative to the Webster Economic • Approved an increase based on the City • Accepted approximately 741 linear feet Development Corporation for regular Manager’s annual performance evaluation. of eight-inch water and 664 linear feet of two-year term expiring August 31, 2013. (Unanimous) eight-inch sanitary sewer improvements (For: Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, Waltz, • Approved a two year employment in Edgewater Section 13. (Unanimous) Dolan, Jones. Abstain: Myers) contract for the City Manager. • Approved the first reading of an • Appointed Tim Hughes as an alternate (Unanimous) ordinance amending Chapter 62, Parks member for the term expiring June • Approved the minutes of the Regular and Recreation of the Code of Ordinances 30, 2012, to the Planning and Zoning Meeting of August 16, 2011. (Unanimous) by amending Article 1 in General Section Commission. (Unanimous) 62-2 Unlawful Acts, Debris. (For: Ellis, • Authorized the Mayor to execute the September 13, 2011, Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: Specific Service Logo Signage Agreements City Council Special Meeting Gaines. Abstain. Myers) for a four-year period for Interstate 45 • Approved a resolution to place on the • Approved the first reading of an Exits 25 and 26 under the City’s Lodging agendas of October 4, 2011 and October ordinance altering the prima facie Program with LoneStar Logos and Signs. 11, 2011 a proposal to increase the ad speed limit on Texas Avenue from State (Unanimous) valorem tax rate for Fiscal Year 2011- Highway 3 to Kobayashi Road to 40 MPH. • Set September 6, 2011, 6:00 p.m. for the 2012 by 6.76 percent and calling for public (Unanimous) Public Hearing on the Webster Proposed hearings on those dates. (Unanimous) • Accepted the Investment Report for the Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. quarter ended June 30, 2011. (Unanimous) (Unanimous) September 20, 2011, • Approved the minutes of the Regular • Approved the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting Meeting of July 19, 2011. (Unanimous) Meeting of July 26, 2011, and the Regular • Held a Public Hearing on a boundary Meeting of August 2, 2011. (Unanimous) adjustment agreement between the City August 16, 2011, of Houston and the City of Webster. City Council Meeting September 6, 2011, • Approved an ordinance establishing • Police Chief Ray Smiley recognized City Council Meeting charges for the provision of utility Sergeant Mark Rawls in obtaining his • Held a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year services. (For: Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, Master Degree in Criminal Justice. 2011-2012 Proposed Annual Budget for Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: Myers) • Approved the second reading of an the City of Webster, Texas. • Approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 62, Parks • Received a final survey report ordinance authorizing a boundary and Recreation of the Code of Ordinances from Republic Services regarding the agreement between the City of Houston by amending Article 1 in General Section Automated Side Load residential garbage and the City of Webster. (Unanimous) 62-2 Unlawful Acts, Debris. (For: Myers, collection for the Pilot Program in • Ratified the increase in total property Ellis, Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Webdale-Old Town Site Subdivision. tax revenue as reported in the Fiscal Year Against: Gaines) • Approved the first reading of an 2011-2012 Annual Budget for the City • Approved the second reading of ordinance establishing charges for of Webster, Texas. (For: Ellis, Gaines, an ordinance altering the prima facie the utility services. (For: Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: speed limit on Texas Avenue from State Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Abstain: Myers) Highway 3 to Kobayashi Road to 40 MPH. Myers) • Approved the first and final reading (Unanimous) • Authorized the purchase of one (1) of an ordinance adopting the Fiscal • Approved exercising item fourteen (14) Brush Truck from Martin Apparatus, Inc., Year 2011-2012 Budget for the City of of the FWD Interlocal Agreement and in the amount of $219,770. (Unanimous) Webster. (For: Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, extend participation in the FWD group • Approved a resolution approving an Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: Myers) medical, dental, and basic life insurance/ Investment Policy and authorizing the • Accepted approximately 1,555 linear AD&D plans effective October 1, 2011, Investment Officers to engage in certain feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer line and by accepting BCBSTX as the medical financial transactions on behalf of the manholes from the City’s Lift Station insurance provider and Guardian as the City of Webster. (Unanimous) #14, west, adjacent to Rudy’s Bar-B-Q dental and group life/AD&D insurance • Approved a Resolution electing Floyd Restaurant at 21361 Gulf Freeway and provider for the City. (Unanimous) H. Myers as the representative and Bill release payment to Moondance, Inc., in • Directed Staff to continue to hold Jones as the alternate to the Houston- the amount of $74,883. (Unanimous) elections in May, continue to use paper Galveston Area Council 2012 General • Approved a settlement from Sonoma ballots and to purchase an Automark to Assembly. (For: Myers, Ellis, Gaines, Corporation for all claims arising out of fulfill Help America Vote Act (HAVA) Donehue, Waltz, Dolan. Abstain: Jones) an acquisition, and relocation, of a Lift requirements. (Unanimous) • Approved a resolution nominating Ed Station and Sanitary Sewer easement and • Appointed Steve Waltz and Beverly Heathcott for a position on the Board of Electrical Utility easement by the City of Gaines as Council Representatives to Directors of the Harris County Appraisal Webster, Texas. (Unanimous) the Webster Economic Development District. (Unanimous) • Approved the first and final reading of

www.cityofwebster.com Winter 2011 Page 11 an ordinance adopting Amendment No. 1 Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: Ellis) of taxable value. (For: Ellis, Gaines, to the budget of the City of Webster for • Approved a contract for Tourism Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: the Fiscal Year 2010-2011. (Unanimous) Services with the Bay Area Houston Myers) • Held anß Executive Session regarding Convention and Visitors Bureau for Fiscal • Adopted the 2011 ad valorem tax Economic Development. Year 2011-2012. (Unanimous) rate for maintenance and operations of • Authorized Staff to enter negotiations • Adopted an agreement approving a $0.17470/$100 of taxable value. (For: with Edgewater Development to change boundary adjustment between the City Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, Waltz, Dolan, or modify the Edgewater Development of Houston and the City of Webster. Jones. Against: Myers) Agreement. (Unanimous) (Unanimous) • Approved amendments to the • Denied a resolution committing funds • Approved the minutes of the Special Development Standards for Edgewater from the General Fund Reserves for Meeting of September 13, 2011 and Planned Area 7. (Unanimous) future reimbursement to Cherokee Regular Meeting of September 20, 2011. • Approved amendments to the Webster Development, L.P. (Unanimous) (Unanimous) Development Standards for Edgewater • Approved the minutes of the Planned Area 9. (Unanimous) Regular Meeting of September 6, 2011. October 11, 2011, • Approved the purchase of two tractors, (Unanimous) City Council Special Meeting one aerator, and one broadcast spreader • Held a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year from John Deere Company. (Unanimous) October 4, 2011, 2011-2012 proposed ad valorem tax rate • Approved the purchase of one boom City Council Meeting of $0.28528/$100 of taxable value, which mower from Brookside Equipment Sales, • Held a Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year is effectively a 6.76 percent increase in Inc. (Unanimous) 2011-2012 proposed ad valorem tax rate the tax rate. • Approved the purchase of eight vehicles of $0.28528/$100 of taxable value, which from Philpott Motors. (Unanimous) is effectively a 6.76 percent increase in October 18, 2011, • Awarded the bid to purchase and install the tax rate. City Council Meeting standby pumps at lift station number 3, • Approved the second reading of • Approved that the property tax rate be 5, 7, 8, 13 and 18 from bids opened July an ordinance authorizing a boundary increased by the adoption by ordinance 21, 2011, to Associated Construction agreement between the City of Houston of a tax rate of $0.28528, which is Partner of Boerne, Texas. (Unanimous) and the City of Webster. (Unanimous) effectively a 6.76 percent increase in the • Approved the minutes of the Regular • Approved funding to the Houston tax rate. (For: Ellis, Gaines, Donehue, Meeting of October 4, 2011 and the Symphony League-Bay Area and denied Waltz, Dolan, Jones. Against: Myers) Special Meeting of October 11, 2011. funding to Communities in Schools-Bay • Adopted the 2011 ad valorem tax (Unanimous) Area. (For: Myers, Gaines, Donehue, rate for debt service of $0.11058/$100

Yards of the Month SPARK Park Opens in Webster Commercial – September SPARK Week 2011 culminated with the opening of the McWhirter SPARK Park at McWhirter Elementary School located at 300 Pennsylvania Avenue on November 18. The park, which is the first SPARK Park for both the City of Webster and the Clear Creek ISD, features space-themed artwork and playground equipment, basketball and soccer goals, and walking paths. The Terrace at Clear Lake McWhirter students designed the City of Webster Mayor Floyd H. Myers addresses the crowd of dignitaries and students. 780 W. Bay Area Blvd. art, which is displayed throughout the Residential – September park. The wall mural was painted by McWhirter P.E. teacher and artist, Edgar Bustillos. The award-winning SPARK School Park Program was created in 1983 by former Houston School Board Member and former Houston City Council Member Eleanor Tinsley as a way to increase park space by turning school playgrounds into Maria Tolentino neighborhood parks. The playground equipment and playground art 417 Travis St. feature a space theme.

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City Officials­ City Services Mayor: Floyd Myers...... 281.332.1826 Animal Control...... 281.316.3700 Council Position No. 1: Melvin Ellis...... 281.332.1826 City Trash Hauling...... 281.316.3700 Council Position No. 2: Beverly Gaines...... 281.332.1826 Civic Center Rental...... 281.316.4114 Council Position No. 3: Mel Donehue...... 281.332.1826 Republic Services (residential)...... 281.446.2030 Council Position No. 4: Steve Waltz...... 281.332.1826 Republic Services (commercial)...... 713.849.0400 Council Position No. 5: Natalie Dolan...... 281.332.1826 Tickets - To Pay By Credit Card...... 281.338.6702 Council Position No. 6: Bill Jones...... 281.332.1826 Utility Billing...... 281.316.4120 Water/Sewer Line Breaks...... 281.316.3700 City Offices – 101 Pennsylvania Ave. EMERGENCY Ambulance-Fire-Police...... 9-1-1 Telephone & Utility Services City Hall Main Switchboard...... 281.332.1826 AT&T...... 800.464.7928 Building Permits...... 281.338.2925 CenterPoint Energy...... 281.534.4569 Chief Building Official...... 281.316.4138 Comcast...... 800.776.9993 City Manager...... 281.332.1826 Reliant Energy...... 713.207.7777 City Secretary...... 281.332.1826 Verizon...... 800.483.4000 City Planner...... 281.316.4122 Code Enforcement...... 281.316.4106 Government Services Community Development Director...... 281.316.4129 Clear Lake City Water Authority...... 281.488.1164 Economic Development Director...... 281.316.4116 Clear Lake Courthouse Annex...... 281.486.7250 Economic Development Specialist...... 281.316.4135 Harris County Tax Office...... 713.224.1919 Emergency Management ...... 281.316.3712 Harris County Public Health...... 713.439.6000 Environmental Health Inspector...... 281.316.4113 Poison Control (UTMB)...... 800.222.1222 Finance Director...... 281.316.4102 Texas Dept. of Public Safety (Drivers License)...... 281.486.8242 Fire Department (Non-Emergency)...... 281.332.2711 U.S. Post Office, 17077 Texas Avenue...... 281.316.0379 Fire Station #1 – 17100 Texas Avenue...... 281.332.2711 Fire Station #2 & Fire Marshal – 18208 Egret Bay Blvd...... 281.332.2711 Community Services Human Resources (Personnel)...... 281.332.1826 Bay Area Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau...... 281.474.9700 Marketing & Tourism...... 281.316.4121 Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership...... 832.536.3255 Municipal Court...... 281.338.6702 Bay Area Houston Transportation Partnership...... 832.771.0773 Police Department (Non-Emergency) Bay Area Turning Point Hotline (domestic violence, sexual assault, homeless).....281.286.2525 217 Pennsylvania Ave...... 281.332.2426 Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce...... 281.488.7676 Public Works Service Center...... 281.316.3700 Clear Lake City-County Freeman Branch Library...... 281.488.1906 Recreation...... 281.316.4137 Innovative Alternatives...... 832.864.6000 Webmaster...... 281.316.4121 Interfaith Caring Ministries...... 281.332.3881 City Council

Melvin Ellis Beverly Gaines Mel Donehue Floyd H. Myers Steve Waltz Natalie Dolan Bill Jones Council Position 1 Council Position 2 Council Position 3 Mayor Council Position 4 Council Position 5 Council Position 6