C mpass Rose
A monthly publication from the City of Nassau Bay
December 2023
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
HOLIDAY IN THE PARK - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
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 9 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM. Get in 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 an Ugly Sweater Contest, with age groups 0-7 years, 8-17 years and 18 and up. The contest will take place at 12:15 PM at the Gazebo, with Santa arriving right after. The event will also be a donation site for Toys for Tots, so bring a toy to donate to a great cause. For more information, visit our website at www.nassaubay.com/580/Holiday-in-the-Park.
REINDEER FUN RUN If you haven’t already, register for the Reindeer Fun Run on Saturday, December 9th. Go to NassauBayCANBE.org or use the QR code to get in on the action. The Chick-Fil-A cow and Dash Gordon will be there. Enter the first Costume Contest. Door prizes, DJ, event shirt (available while supplies last), sponsor booths, chicken sandwiches ... it’s going to be a blast! Sponsored by: The City of Nassau Bay, Houston Methodist, Nassau Bay Realty, Chick-Fil-A, Stephen Ulsh-Edward Jones, Acacia, H-E-B, Texas Wealth Management, Dentallon Denistry, Clear Lake Intergrative Medicine, Mediterraneo Cafe, Erma’s, YogaSix, On the Run, Jenny’s Bakery, Nassau Bay Garden Club, The Braun Family, Awards of Distinction, Voyager Apartments, A-1 Pressure Washing & Painting, Hilton Hotel, Starbucks, Arlan’s, Pirate Brand, n8 Marketing, and Nassau Bay Rocks.
62ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BOAT LANE PARADE ON CLEAR LAKE
Ring in the holidays with the 62nd Anniversary Christmas Boat Lane Parade produced by the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. More than 100,000 people traditionally enjoy this event from land and from hundreds of boats anchored throughout the Lake. The parade features more than 60 brightly decorated power and sailboats that will traverse the Clear Lake channel from the Nassau Bay Lagoon to Galveston Bay, starting with fireworks at 6:00 PM. For more information, please visit www.clearlakearea.com/christmas-boat-parade/. Presented by the Cities of Clear Lake Shores, Kemah, League City, Nassau Bay and Seabrook.
REMEMBERING SGT. KAILA SULLIVAN
On December 10, we remember Sgt. Kaila Sullivan, who was killed in the line of duty while serving the Nassau Bay community four years ago. Please take a moment this day to stop and remember her love for life and her dedication to the Nassau Bay community.
COUNCIL MEETING RECAP
November 13, 2023 - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Check Presentations: BAHBT, Wings Over Houston. Approved Resolution 2023-11-13 of the City of Nassau Bay Texas, authorizing and approving membership in the Cities served by CenterPoint Gas (Cities) for the purpose of protecting the interest of the City and its Citizens. Approved Resolution 2023-11-13A of the City of Nassau Bay, Texas authorizing publication of Notice of Intention to issue Certificates of Obligation for the design, acquisition, construction, and improvement of certain public works, and authorizing certain thereto. Approved Ordinance 2023-11-13-A of the City Council of the City of Nassau Bay, Texas, amending the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget to recognize an increase in a general fund expenditure totaling $15,840 and decrease in excess reserves totaling $15,840 (First and only reading). Accepted Resignation of the City Manager.
BAHB&T
WINGS OVER HOUSTON
HOLIDAY PACKAGE THEFT PREVENTION
Ask for a tracking number. This number allows you to track your packages and notifies you when they will be delivered. Request a “Signature Delivery Option”. This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door. Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages. Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up in person. Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option. Have your packages delivered to your workplace. Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them. Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a “Watchful Eye” out for your packages. If they’re willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home. If your packages do not arrive as scheduled contact the sender immediately. DO NOT rely on security cameras to prevent package thefts. While your security system may very well record thieves stealing your packages, the police department can only file charges if the person or persons are known or identified by someone. It is better to PREVENT the theft rather than trying to track down a thief afterwards. And even if a thief is identified, there is little chance your packages will be recovered.
USMC TOYS FOR TOTS
Neighbors! Please share the holiday spirit by making a donation to USMC Toys for Tots. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys to the following local businesses: Nassau Bay City Hall, CVS, Erma’s Nutrition Center, A Suite Break, Akimi, Java Owl, Ray’s Italian Kitchen, and NASA Postal. Teenagers and ages 7-11 are the most often overlooked age group. Checks made to the USMC TOYS for Tots are also accepted. For additional information, please contact our resident volunteer, Diana Clark, 281-507-3387.
Staff Celebrations Chris DeFrancis 30 Years of Service
SUCCESSFUL FALL SWEEP
This year’s Fall Sweep was a huge success. The City of Nassau Bay would like to express our gratitude to all those who participated in the Annual Fall Sweep last Saturday. The success of this event is a result of the hard work and dedication of the Nassau Bay Parks and Recreation Committee, Keep Nassau Bay Beautiful Committee, Garden Club, and our outstanding Public Works team. Thank you all for your contribution to making our community a better place.
NEW SWAN LAGOON PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Nassau Bay installed a new playground at Swan Lagoon Park. The Mayor held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and many children came out to enjoy the new equipment. Over 150 neighbors joined in the celebration and enjoyed free Gelu Italian Ice. In the next stage of development, the City plans to expand the sidewalk to accommodate wheelchairs, motorized carts, and golf carts. The Parks and Recreation Committee, including Nancee Lynn, Lara Forde, and Michelle Weller, turned this dream into a reality.
A MESSAGE FROM PUBLIC WORKS As we approach the end of 2023, the Public Works Staff would like to express their gratitude to the community for their support and patience throughout the construction of new water, sewer lines, and street improvements. So far, we have installed 22,082 linear feet of water lines, complete with new isolation valves and fire hydrants. We have also installed 13,915 sewer lines, each with manholes. Additionally, we have completed 34 major street improvements in different areas. Several Capital Improvement Projects have been accomplished and are now fully operational. Despite battling a record-breaking drought, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for days on end, our crew worked tirelessly to complete numerous water breaks. “My team exceeded my expectations this year. We are proud to be closing one of the largest water and sewer projects in Nassau Bay's history. We will continue to focus on infrastructure projects in 2024, and at the same time, maintain the beauty of our city for the residents.” said Paul Lopez, Public Works Director.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
December December 6: Parks & Recreation Meeting: Christmas Party & Wreath Making December 8: Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager December 9: Reindeer Fun Run - 8 AM December 9: Holiday in the Park - 12 PM December 9: Boat Lane Parade - 6 PM December 11: City Council Meeting December 25: Christmas (City Closed 12/23 - 12/26) January - HAPPY NEW YEAR January 1: New Year’s Day (City Hall Closed) January 8: City Council Meeting January 12: Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager January 26: Coffee with the Mayor and City Manager Ongoing Happenings! Java Owl: Every Friday Night, 6 - 9 PM Wine & Beverages - Live Music on Saturdays! Mediterraneo Market and Cafe: Every Friday and Saturday 6 - 10 PM - Live Music and belly dancing. Erma‘s Nutrition Center: Every Saturday, 10 - 2 PM - Nassau Bay Farmers Market.
BY THE NUMBERS
Statistics for October 2023
POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE
Total Service Calls .................... 304 Total Reports Taken .................. 39 Total Patrol Miles .................... 3849 Crimes Against Persons ............ 5 Property Crimes ....................... 6 Arrests..................................... 14 Avg Response Times (minutes) ...3.16 CODE ENFORCEMENT CASES..... 4
FIRE DEPARTMENT Total Calls ................................. 34 Fires .......................................... 7 Rescues ..................................... 2 Motor Vehicle Accident................ 1 Hazardous Conditions.................. 2 Fire Alarm................................... 14 EMS Assist ..................................7 Cancelled in Route/Other ............ 3
EMS EMS
Total Calls................................... 110 Total Patients in Nassau Bay ....... 92
FAITH BASED EVENTS Gloria Dei
St. Paul Save the date!!! St. Paul Early Childhood Program and the Knights of Colombus are hosting “Breakfast with Santa” on Saturday, December 9 from 9-11am in Beck Hall. Join us for a pancake breakfast and take your child’s picture with Santa! The cost is $5 per person or $10 for the family and everyone is welcome. For more information, please call 281-333-0176.
NEW WATER AND SEWER RATES Nassau Bay City Council voted to approve new Utility Rates on October 16, 2023. The new rates will go into effect starting with the January 1, 2024 utility bill (midNovember-December consumption). The new rates and additional information can be found on the City’s website at www.nassaubay.com/93/TaxesFees.
CONTACT YOUR CITY OFFICIALS Mayor Phil Johnson 281.734.1074 | phil.johnson@nassaubay.com Paula Tomasi, Position 1 281.960.0559 | paula.tomasi@nassaubay.com Mayor Pro Tem Lucie Johannes Sommer, Position 2 832.338.1828 | lucie.johannes.sommer@nassaubay.com Councilmember Chase Waterwall, Position 3 409.240.1699 | chase.waterwall@nassaubay.com Councilmember James Abbey, Position 4 979.422.2383 | james.abbey@nassaubay.com Councilmember Sarah Horton, Position 5 713.775.6839 | sarah.horton@nassaubay.com
A Message From Your Mayor I regret to have to inform our Nassau Bay residents that on Monday, November 13th, the City Council accepted the resignation of City Manager Nathan Burd with heartfelt sadness and understanding. In his resignation letter, Nathan stated that he resigned for personal family reasons. He is moving his family back to Michigan as it will be impossible for him to manage Some of their family issues from so far away. While I do not want to disclose further details, I can say that we should pray for his family and hope things work out for them. Nathan was the best candidate for this job. We selected the right person for this position and the Council, City Staff, and Residents all enjoyed working with him during his short tenure. Although we would have preferred to continue building together, we understand that family always comes first. We wish Nathan, Joleen, and the rest of the Burd family all the best as they make their journey back to Michigan. His last day on the job and in Nassau Bay will be Friday, December 22nd. Please take the time to thank Nathan and wish them well. The City Council is now reviewing all options to replace Nathan as City Manager and pleased Nathan is being helpful to stay as long as he is. We will be assessing whether to start a fundamentally new City Manager search again which will take 6 - 8 months to complete, or hire internally from current staff, or to relook at the other 2 finalist candidates and their availability. More to come from Council as we decide the best course of action. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to former Councilmember Michelle Weller for her valuable service, dedication, and remarkable accomplishments during her tenure on the City Council. Her commendable efforts to beautify the city, renovate the parks, push for code enforcement, and preserve the unique character of Nassau Bay have benefited all our citizens. Michelle will continue to serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Palm Tree/Landscaping Committee. I request you to extend your best wishes to Michelle in her new job and future endeavors and thank her for all that she has done for the City of Nassau Bay.