C mpass Rose AUGUST 2020
NASSAU BAY ART SPIRE OFFICIALLY UNVEILED On Thursday, July 16th, the City of Nassau Bay officially unveiled the Nassau Bay art spire, which was created to recognize how ongoing collaboration can benefit businesses, communities, and ultimately the entire region. Texas Representative Dennis Paul, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, the Nassau Bay City Council, and other community leaders joined the ceremony in support of this three-year project that embraces the relationship between NASA Johnson Space Center and the City of Nassau Bay. The art monument is located at the corner of NASA Parkway and Space Center Boulevard. What once was vast farmland has grown tremendously into a vibrant area of aeronautical and space industry businesses, a medical hub, and a large tourism draw – largely due to NASA Johnson Space Center, which served as a catalyst for the expansion in our region today. As many of you know, the City's origin story is centered around developing a community for the professionals that were moving across the country to work at NASA JSC. The success of NASA JSC has led to our Nassau Bay community becoming a thriving hub along NASA Parkway. To that end, the City deliberately installed an infinity light at the top of this spire. The light will shine into the sky as a celebratory beacon for many more years of space exploration and more importantly, partnership. The Nassau Bay art spire was a joint project with NASA's Johnson Space Center, TxDOT, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Paul Engineering, Inc, SWA Group, NASA Area Management District, and the City of Nassau Bay. We thank all of these groups for bringing this project to life – as partners we can accomplish anything!
Monument Tech Specs For all of our engineers, technical gurus, and inquisitive minds, here are a few technical facts about the art monument: • The main piece of the art monument reaches a height of 53 feet. It is constructed of structural steel and was erected in two pieces. • The monument rests on a 20 foot concrete pedestal. • The monument is close to two tons of galvanized metal supported by over 40 yards of concrete. It is attached in place with 10 helical anchors that go to depths of over 40 feet into the earth. These helical pile anchors, which stretch 40+ feet, have the pulling resistance strength combined of close to 400,000 pounds, making the structure very resistant to winds over 150mph. • Eleven 1-inch thick steel rods pass through the concrete column, which are welded to a one foot thick plate. The entire steel frame is welded to the 1-inch thick plate that has the eleven 1-inch thick steel rods that pass through the concrete support. All eleven rods equal a shear weigh total of over 100,000 pounds. • The structure underbelly is illuminated with full color LED models which can display over 16 million shades of color. These LED models are controlled by a software that allows for annual programming and custom lighting shows. • The structure steel was pieced together in three sections. Each section was sleeved together and welded. Each section was lifted by a 150 foot crane with 50-ton lifting capacity.
FRESH FOOD DISTRIBUTION On August 1st, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church will offer
the fourth of its monthly fresh food distribution to neighbors in need throughout Nassau Bay, Webster, and Pasadena. The July 4th distribution was canceled due to issues with the Galveston Food Bank. This distribution will begin in the St. Thomas parking lot at 8:00am for volunteers to help package boxes and bags of food into serviceable quantities of fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. Distribution begins almost immediately. In June, volunteers assisted over 100 cars. If you are interested in serving in this effort, please email Mike Stone at rector@sttaec.org. Non-parishioners are always invited to serve with St. Thomas. The next food distribution will be on Saturday, September 5th. We can do more together!
NEW AMERICAN FLAG FLYING New in the City! Big kudos to Troy Bradfield, Elias Sauceda, and Ross Patrick from the Public Works Department, for taking it upon themselves to repurpose the old City Hall flagpole. The crew found it a new home in front of the Waste Water Plant. "I am very proud to have dedicated employees like these, who always look for more ways to improve the quality of life for our residents." – Paul Lopez, Public Works Director Great job, Team Nassau Bay!
NASSAU BAY GARDEN CLUB
This has been a year not quite like any other for the Nassau Bay Garden Club and its members. Between COVID-19, the HEAT, and the KILLER HORNETS, it’s a good time to stay at home indoors. Until We Meet Again: There will be more information in the September Compass Rose about IF and WHEN the next regular meeting of the Garden Club will be. Sun-Loving Flowerbed Plants: In the meantime, your best bet for sun-loving flowerbed plants would be Lantana, Portulaca, Bottle Brush, Shrimp Plant, Hibiscus, Plumeria, Hyacinth Bean, and Purple Passion Vine, to name only a few. These plants need a big drink of water too once in a while, but try to water only in the early morning hours [4 o’clock or after] to avoid mold and sunburn. Air Quality Improving Plants: Plants that can improve indoor air quality, thus our health, while the City works to "stay-home" are Peace Lily, Boston Fern, Philodendron, Dracena, Ficus, and Bamboo Palm. All are natural light-lovers, easy to keep, and rid the indoor air of so many toxins in products we use (such as most cleaning products, soaps, Teflon pans, room deodorizers and synthetic pesticides). In addition, these plants put oxygen into the air! Stay safe and healthy, and check out some of the references below: • 15 of the Best Bedroom Plants for a Prettier, Healthier Space • How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office by Dr. B.C. Wolverton (more information online at www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/freshair.html) Garden Club Scholarship: The Nassau Bay Garden Club is taking applications for a Scholarship Recipient. If you or someone you know might be interested, please have them check the eligibility requirements at www.nassaubaygc.org. The scholarship application can be mailed, with the necessary paperwork, to Nassau Bay Garden Club, P.O. Box 580341, Nassau Bay, TX 77258. For any questions, please email Sheila Self at sself333@aol.com.
ANNIVERSARY GALA CANCELED The City of Nassau Bay has chosen to indefinitely postpone the 50th Anniversary Gala until we have better guidance and knowledge around the COVID-19 situation. As the celebration is a fairly large scale event, the City has to make big decisions well in advance. There are many unknown variables with COVID-19, and currently, Nassau Bay’s celebration does not meet the State’s COVID guidelines for hosting an event. Please know this was an incredibly tough decision to make, but at the same time – it is this smartest one. The health of our residents and guests who would attend this event is our top priority. Nassau Bay has a responsibility to the public to do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. Refunds have been issued. Please call City Hall at 281.333.4211 if you haven't received your refund. Keep your fingers crossed, as we look at the possibility of hosting this event in April 2021. We look forward to celebrating with you in the future when it is safe for all!
CITY BUDGET PROCESS
The City of Nassau Bay is preparing the City's budget for the coming fiscal year. The following calendar lists the activities staff and City Council will follow as we prepare the budget. You can learn more about the budget process on our website at www.nassaubay.com/budget.
08/03 Tenative Budget Workshop City Manager’s DRAFT Budget to the City Secretary, made 08/04 delivered available to public, and posted on website as DRAFT Budget HCAD Chief Appraiser certifies 08/07 approved appraisal roll; Calculation of effective and rollback tax rates
of DRAFT Budget to City 08/10 Presentation Council and Public Budget Hearing
09/14 Adopt Tax Rate by Ordinance
Presentation of Final Budget to City 09/14 Council and Second Budget Public Hearing; Adopt Budget by Ordinance Tenative Special Council Meeting to 09/21 adopt Budget if Certified Roll is received late 10/01 Fiscal Year 2021 Begins
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
AUG 20
•
2
BY THE NUMBERS Statistics for June 2019
POLICE
Total Service Calls............................ 383 Total Reports Taken........................... 30 Total Patrol Miles......................... 4,995 Crimes Against Persons...................... 3 Property Crimes................................... 13 Arrests................................................... 19 PD Code Enforcement........................ 4 Avg Response Times (minutes)..... 3.22
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Total Calls............................................. 27 Fires.......................................................... 1 Rescues................................................... 3 Motor Vehicle Accident....................... 1 Hazardous Conditions..........................3 Fire Alarm ............................................. 3 EMS Assist............................................. 5 Cancelled in Route/Other................. 11
EMS
Total Calls............................................. 66 Total Patients in Nassau Bay........... 46
SULLIVAN CHAPEL & HALL
On June 30th, the Harris County Commissioners Court honored the life and service of Sergeant Kaila Sullivan and her 16 years of service to the Nassau Bay Police Department. The Court voted to rename the Bay Area Museum to the Kaila M. Sullivan Chapel and Hall effective June 30, 2020. The Kaila M. Sullivan Chapel and Hall is located in Clear Lake Park at 5000 NASA Road 1, Seabrook, TX 77586. The Nassau Bay Police Department thanks the Harris County Commissioners Court for honoring Sgt. Sullivan with this wonderful tribute.
GOLF CART SAFETY REMINDERS Golf carts have made their way from the golf course and into many resorts, small towns and local neighborhoods. Nassau Bay is no different! It's easy to view golf carts more as novelties than true motor vehicles, but the fact is they pose similar risks as your car or motorcycle, especially when taken off the golf course. Safety remains of the utmost importance in Nassau Bay. As summer continues, let’s remember the need for safe and legal golf cart operation. According to City regulation Sec 17-54 (a): “All drivers of motorized carts shall hold a valid driver's license and shall abide by all traffic regulations applicable to vehicular traffic when using the authorized streets and parking areas of the City.” Remember, it is never legal for a golf cart to be driven by an unlicensed driver, even if there is a licensed driver in the cart. Although golf carts are a fun way to travel around Nassau Bay, City regulations do not allow operation of motorized carts on sidewalks at any time. In addition to penalties for traffic violations, there can be fines for violating the City’s golf cart regulations. Our regulations do not currently require restraints for occupants of golf carts, but it is always best to be aware of the safety risks, especially for young children. Safe travels!
WELCOME NEW ROOKIE OFFICER
The Nassau Bay Police Department has a new rookie officer. Officer Clint Brown, along with his wife Brooke, welcomed their new daughter Kaila Marie Brown into the world on July 18, 2020 at 10:45pm. Kaila weighed in at 7 lbs 10 oz. Everyone is healthy and doing well. Big brother Grayson is helping “take care” of his new sister. Congratulations to the Brown Family!
WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
The dog days of summer are upon us! Here are a few friendly water conservation tips to help reduce drinking water consumption and help the water supply. Following these tips helps the City’s daily usage and could also prevent water rationing in the event of a drought. Remember “every little drop counts!” • Irrigate your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening. • Replace broken irrigation heads and adjust accordingly. Water your lawn not the sidewalk or grass. • Use native plants and flowers when planting. • Install rain sensors on your irrigation system so you don’t irrigate in the rain. • Look into rain barrel irrigation. Please visit the Galveston Bay Foundation website for additional information. • Fix leaky toilets. • Install low flow shower heads and faucet aerators. • Limit showers to 5 minutes and turn off water while brushing your teeth. For more information, please visit www.takecareoftexas.org.
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
AUG 20
•
3
NASSAU BAY ANIMAL SHELTER
CANBE CORNER
ATTENTION all high school Juniors and Seniors: CANBE is looking for a new Junior Boardmember! Join us on the CANBE Board, with full voting rights, and find out all the ways CANBE contributes to Nassau Bay. Looking to honor a vet, graduate, or special neighbor? Our Legacy Bricks and Legacy Benches make a wonderful gift of recognition. Learn more online at www.NassauBayCANBE.org. For all inquires for junior membership, please contact Ashley Graves at AfgravesNB@gmail.com. Stay healthy!
COUNCIL MEETING RECAP JULY 13, 2020 - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING These sweet kittens have been vaccinated, microchipped, neutered / spayed and are ready for a loving family!
Help find loving forever homes for these sweet kittens and all of the dogs and cats at the shelter. Please call the Nassau Bay Animal Shelter at 281.333.2944 and schedule a time to meet one of our dogs or cats ready for adoption. www.nassaubay.com/animalshelter Hours: Mon-Thurs 7:30am-5:30pm Fri 7:30am-11:30am
Find us on Facebook @NassauBayAnimalPound
GULF COAST FILM FESTIVAL
The 22nd Annual Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival will take place September 12th and 13th in Bay Area Houston. Film screenings will take place on September 12th and September 13th at the Hilton NASA Hotel (3000 NASA Parkway). Screening times to be announced. The Saturday night Gala and Awards Banquet on September 12th will be at the Lakewood Yacht Club (2425 NASA Parkway). Meet & Greet the Filmmakers and Gala begins at 7:00pm. The Gala will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to the talented Tom Sizemore. Films include Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man, Saving Private Ryan, Red Planet, Natural Born Killers, True Romance, Pearl Harbor and many more. The Master of Ceremony will be Nick Nicholson. Nick is a Film Critic, Producer and Actor. Films from across America and worldwide were presented to the Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival. Tickets can be bought online at www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com. Tickets for the film screenings at the NASA Hilton Hotel can also be purchased at the door. Tickets to the Gala and Awards Banquet at the Lakewood Yacht Club must be purchased in advance. Founder Hal Wixon states, “We welcome everyone to our 22nd film festival and it will be full of surprises and celebrity guests and the films are fantastic. To celebrate our 22 years, the Gala will be at the prestigious Lakewood Yacht Club, with a beautiful backdrop on Clear Lake. Come be a part of this longtime celebration.” Gulf Coast Film Festival was awarded Best Film Festival by the Houston Press. For more information and tickets please refer to their website: www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com.
The City of Nassau Bay held the July 13 th City Council meeting via Zoom teleconference. The meeting was also streamed live on Facebook.
Awarded Bid No. 2020-03 Steel Platform and Generator Installation to Bey Construction in the amount of $60,877.00. Authorized the City Manager to draft an ordinance reducing the City's COLA option in the TMRS system from 70% to 50%. Approved first and only reading of an ordinance amending the FY20 Budget. Authorized the City Manager to negotiate the purchase of 24 Leeward Lane, with the direction of seeking funding for the purchase from the EDC and TIRZ/RDA, as discussed in Executive Session. Approved a merit increase and bonus for the City Manager as discussed in Executive Session. Join us for next month's Council Meeting: Monday, August 10, 2020 @ Virtual Meeting Visit www.nassaubay.com/CityCouncil for meeting details.
CONTACT YOUR CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor Mark A. Denman 281.333.9633 | mayor@nassaubay.com Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter, Position 1 832.260.4626 | don.matter@nassaubay.com Councilmember Ashley Graves, Position 2 281.330.5413 | ashley.graves@nassaubay.com Councilmember John Mahon, Position 3 713.702.1185 | john.mahon@nassaubay.com Councilmember Bryce Klug, Position 4 832.474.5461 | bryce.klug@nassaubay.com Councilmember Bob Warters, Position 5 281.333.4750 | bob.warters@nassaubay.com Councilmember Matt Prior, Position 6 214.325.0520 | matt.prior@nassaubay.com
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
AUG 20
•
4
