Nassau Bay Compass Rose Newsletter - December 2022

C mpass Rose

A monthly publication from the City of Nassau Bay A monthly publication from the City of Nassau Bay

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

It’s that time of year again to jingle and mingle at the annual Holiday in the Park event, hosted by the Nassau Bay Special Events Committee and the City of Nassau Bay. The event will be held on Saturday, December 10 from 2PM to 4PM.

Get into the holiday spirit as snow descends on Howard Ward Park and creates a winter wonderland with a snow slide, trackless train, and play patch.

The Special Events Committee is excited to announce that Santa will be at the event to visit with all the good boys and girls in Nassau Bay – so bring your camera for a few Santa selfies and family photo opportunities! Festive attire is encouraged!

The event will also include the first-ever Ugly Sweater Contest, with age groups 0-7 years, 8-17 years and 18 and up. The contest will take place at 2:15PM at the Gazebo, with Santa arriving right after.

The event will also be a donation site for Toys for Tots, so bring a new toy to donate to a great cause.

For more information, check out our Facebook event page, “Annual Holiday in the Park!”

CHRISTMAS BOAT LANE PARADE - 61ST ANNIVERSARY

Kick off the holiday season with the 61st Anniversary Christmas Boat Lane Parade produced by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

More than 100,000 people traditionally enjoy this event on land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout the lake. The parade will feature more than 60 brightly colored power and sailboats that will merrily traverse the channel from the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay.

Fireworks will be launched from the Nassau Bay Peninsula at 6PM signaling the start of the parade.

Visit the Facebook event page, "61st Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade" for more information!

STREET SALES TAX PROPOSITION SUCCESSFULLY PASSED

At the November 8, 2022 Special Street Sales Tax Election, residents successfully passed Proposition A: The reauthorization of the local sales and use tax in the City of Nassau Bay, Texas, at the rate of one-fourth of one percent to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets, with an 89% approval rate. This sales tax is required to be reauthorized by Nassau Bay voters every four years. With 3,378 registered voters, Nassau Bay had a great voter turnout of 1,856 registered voters (55%) casting a ballot in the November 8th Election. On Election Day, City Hall had almost 700 voters visit the polling location! Thank you, Nassau Bay voters, for participating in this important election!

NASSAU BAY GARDEN CLUB

The Nassau Bay Garden Club honored the veterans at its November meeting with a program about the Blue Star Memorial Highway and placement of flags at the base of the moment. Former Mayor Bob Warters, a naval veteran and community member, shared information about the Blue Star Memorial Highway and the history of the memorial placed on NASA Road 1 in 1971.

These markers are placed on highways in the United States to pay a tribute to the U. S. armed forces. The National Garden Clubs, Inc. started the program in 1945 after World War II. Following the meeting, each club member placed a U. S. flag at the base of the memorial in remembrance of all veterans who served in the armed services.

December activities bring the traditional holiday decorating of Tranquility Park at 10AM on Friday, December 2. Volunteers are welcome to help. Although no December meeting is scheduled, the group will reconvene in January for a program on “Texas Trees and Tree Care” by Alexa Haass, a Harris County Master Gardener.

HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

1. Keep your travel plans OFFLINE – If you’re planning to travel during the holiday season, DO NOT post where you’re going or the dates you will be away online.

2. Make sure gifts aren’t visible from outside the home – DO NOT leave windows open with a clear view to your gifts.

3. Be careful about disposing of packaging – DO NOT leave packaging or boxes from large gifts on the curb. Instead, break them down and put them in opaque bags or bins.

4. If you have a home security alarm system, make using it a priority and be diligent in setting it, even for short errands.

5. Take photos of all your valuables – Take shots of jewelry, art, tools, electronics, furniture or anything else of value. Be sure to get a photo of the serial numbers, as this information can help you remember what was taken and will help the insurance company process your claim.

FAITH-BASED EVENTS SUCCESSFUL FALL SWEEP

This year’s Fall Sweep was a huge success. Participants from the Parks & Recreation and Keep Nassau Bay Beautiful (KNBB) Committees as well as the Nassau Bay Garden Club – not to mention lots of young volunteers – worked to plant and mulch in areas including David Braun Park, Swan Lagoon Park, Howard Ward Park and more. Mayor Phil Johnson, Councilmembers Michelle Weller, Lucie Johannes Sommer and Dr. James Abbey were present throughout the event, as well as a team of Public Works Department employees including Director Paul Lopez. Thank you all for your help!

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church - Jingle Jam

December 11, 2022 - 10AM - English & Español Services

Bring your jingle bells and jam with Gloria Dei as they worship God through song! After worship there will be fun activities, games, music, food and fun!!

St. Paul the Apostle Fish Fry

December 16, 2022 and January 20, 2023 - 5PM to 7PM

Plan to attend the St. Paul's Fish Fry, all are welcome. It always tastes right when it is cooked by a Knight. Drive through or eat in!

KNOW YOUR FLOOD HAZARD, INSURE YOUR PROPERTY

All properties in Nassau Bay are susceptible to flooding from both heavy rains and hurricane storm surge. Your basic homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so contact your agent for more information about a flood policy. To learn more about your flood risk and the National Flood Insurance Program, visit floodsmart.gov. Let’s be #ReadyNB!

DECEMBER FOOD DISTRIBUTION

On Saturday, December 3, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Nassau Bay will again welcome the Galveston Food Bank to its parking lot for its November Food Distribution. This distribution is available to any individuals or families, regardless of where they live. At the last distribution, over 100 cars arrived seeking food assistance for 375 people. The program served these citizens fresh fruit, vegetables and sometimes meat and hygiene items. This event will begin in the St. Thomas parking lot (18300 Upper Bay Rd., Nassau Bay) from 8AM until about 9:30AM.

If you are interested in serving or leading in this effort, please email Mike Stone at rector@sttaec.org. Community members are always invited to serve in this ministry!

I am truly excited to announce that the NASA Parkway Palm Tree Replacement Project has been completed.

During November 2022, Moon Valley Nurseries successfully installed 26 Date Palm Trees on NASA Parkway between Point Lookout Drive and Upper Bay Road. The trees were planted in previous uplighting locations, and we are happy to report that the lights are on and will be utilized throughout the upcoming holiday season. Having the Palm Trees back in their rightful place has a profound impact on our community. The trees, paired with various colors of lights, create a majestic, welcoming feeling at the entrance of our City and along the commercial corridor.

There are many people who deserve special recognition for restoring this beautiful feature for our community. I would like to thank our entire City Council, and especially Councilmember Michelle Weller and the Palm Tree/NASA Parkway Landscaping Task Force, for their tireless efforts. I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of Public Works Director Paul Lopez, who worked closely with the contractors to expedite this project. Due to his persistence, we were able to have the trees installed prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, a prime planting time for the trees to thrive.

We have received questions from residents regarding how we will care for the Palm Trees going forward. As we lost a number of trees during Winter Storm Uri, this consideration was crucial to selecting our contractor for the project. I am happy to relay that Moon Valley Nurseries will be working with us to provide regular fertilization, tree trimming and other maintenance, and will also make quarterly visits to assess the health of the trees. As well, they will act as consultants during the approaching winter season and in other instances of inclement weather to present additional protective measures if and when they are needed. Finally, our warranty agreement will allow the replacement of any of the trees for any reason, if needed.

As you travel along NASA Parkway, take a moment to admire these beautiful Palm Trees.

If you’re looking for a delicious lunch or dinner option, visit Mediterraneo Market & Café at 1400 NASA Road 1, Unit D.

“The menu includes Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Moroccan, Russian, Spanish, Egyptian and French dishes,” Owner Sonia Kotb - pictured with Councilmember James Abbey - said. “Come enjoy some of the restaurant’s best dishes, from Paella Valenciana and Osso Buco, to Niçoise and Egyptian Salads.”

Plan your next lunch or dinner at Mediterraneo, go shopping in the in-restaurant market, or have your next event catered! The restaurant’s operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 10AM-9PM, and Friday and Saturday from 10AM-10PM. Kotb with Dr. James Abbey.

COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS: GIFTING ANGEL TREE

Making spirits BRIGHT! As a partner with Communities in Schools - Bay Area, and a sponsor of Space Center Intermediate, Nassau Bay is proud to continue the annual Communities in Schools Gifting Angel Tree.

There will be opportunities for residents and employees to donate items like backpacks, games/toys, water bottles and more via an established Amazon Wish List. Visit www.nassaubay.com/AngelTree or call Communities in Schools liaison Jenny Castro at 949-201-3344 to learn more. Thank you for helping make this holiday season special for these students!

Mayor Phil Johnson

Moon Valley Nurseries was selected as the contractor for the NASA Parkway Palm Tree project.

CITY ELECTION NOTICE

The City of Nassau Bay will hold a General Election on Saturday, May 6, 2023 for the purpose of electing three Councilmembers for Positions 1, 3, and 5. These positions are currently occupied by Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter, Councilmember Ashley Graves, and Councilmember Sandra Mossman, respectively.

The filing period for the General City Officers' Election will begin on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 and end on Friday, February 17, 2023. Candidate filing office hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and Friday 8:00am to 11:30am. Please note office hours will be extended to 5:00pm on Friday, February 17th.

Any person wishing to file for candidacy may pick up an application packet from the City Secretary's office beginning Thursday, December 15, 2022. For updates on the 2023 General Election, including the application and Candidate Packet, visit www.nassaubay.com/Election.

NEW WATER AND SEWER RATES

Nassau Bay City Council voted to approve new Utility Rates on October 10, 2022. The new rates will go into effect starting with the January 1, 2023 utility bill (mid-November to mid-December consumption).

The new rates and additional information can be found on the City's website at www.nassaubay. com/UtilityRates.

REYES "JR" CRUZ, JR. REACHES 45 YEARS OF SERVICE IN NASSAU BAY

JR Cruz started his career with Nassau Bay on October 1, 1977, just over 45 years ago! He currently serves the City as the Crew Leader for the Utility Maintenance Division in Public Works.

“JR has been on 99% of the water leaks we have repaired since I joined Public Works 12 years ago,” said Public Works Director Paul Lopez. “He is very dedicated and takes a lot of pride in his work. JR has mastered the art of excavation and is one of the best backhoe operators I have ever seen in my 34 years’ experience in this industry.”

The City of Nassau Bay is beyond grateful for the knowledge JR has shared with so many members of Public Works as they began their own careers. He has served as a mentor to many, and shown the highest level of dedication and service to the organization.

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During the meeting, the City presented a $10,000 Check from Hotel Occupancy Tax funds to Wings Over Houston.

∙ Heard a presentation on the current building status of the Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute.

∙ Received an update from the City Attorney regarding code enforcement items for the property located at 18410 Kingstown, Nassau Bay, Texas 77058.

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Established a GIS Task Force to evaluate options available to the City to implement a GIS tool and / or system.

Awarded Bid 2022-05 FY2022-2023 Street Project to Lucas Construction Company, Inc in the amount of $1,300,480.00.

∙ Heard a presentation on the Nassau Bay EMS Department revenue and proposed salary compensation plan.

∙ Heard a presentation on the Nassau Bay Police Department’s acquisition of ballistic helmets, ballistic shields, and rifles.

∙ Heard a presentation and status update on the Parks & Recreation Committee’s recommendations for improvements to David Braun Park, including the baseball field and sidewalk expansion project.

∙ Approved Ordinance O2022-829 amending the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget to recognize additional expenses incurred for prioritized projects, including Police Ballistic Gear, various David Braun Park Improvements, Fall Sweep, and EMS Salary Adjustments totaling $196,030 in additional expenses in the General Fund.

Join us for next month's Council Meeting on Monday, December 12, 2022. Visit www.nassaubay.com/CityCouncil for more details on the meeting.

Mayor Phil Johnson 281.734.1074 | phil.johnson@nassaubay.com Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter, Position 1 832.260.4626 | don.matter@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Lucie Johannes Sommer, Position 2 832.338.1828 | lucie.johannes.sommer@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Ashley Graves, Position 3 281.330.5413 | ashley.graves@nassaubay.com

Councilmember James Abbey, Position 4 979.422.2383 | james.abbey@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Sandra Mossman, Position 5 281.333.2194 | sandra.mossman@nassaubay.com

Councilmember Michelle Weller, Position 6 832.868.8663 | michelle.weller@nassaubay.com