C mpass Rose MAY 2020
MAY 2ND CITY ELECTION POSTPONED In response to the COVID-19 public health crisis, the City Council of Nassau Bay has officially postponed its May 2020 General Election to the November 3, 2020 uniform election date. On March 18th, Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation allowing local governments to postpone their May 2nd elections to November 3rd. Following that decision, on March 24th, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a Stay Home – Work Safe Order for Harris County, effectively restricting movement and gatherings through April 3rd, which was later extended through April 30th. Governor Greg Abbott’s March 31st executive order also extended social distancing guidelines through April 30th. Recommendations from the Secretary of State also urged cities to postpone the May 2nd election as soon as possible. With these considerations, Nassau Bay City Council held a special meeting in March, and after a thorough discussion, the City Council voted to postpone the election to November. These executive orders by Governor Abbott and Judge Hidalgo would have prevented Nassau Bay from allowing voters a safe way to exercise their right to vote. City Council will discuss the ability to consider dates prior to November 3rd if they become available by action of the State of Texas. The Governor’s current proclamation only authorizes a move to November 3rd. There is no authority for a local political subdivision, on its own order, to move an election to any other date. Per the guidelines of the Governor’s proclamation, election deadlines for the November election will be followed. Current candidates may withdraw until the deadline listed in the November uniform election date calendar, but no additional applications for the general election will be accepted. The Councilmembers who currently hold public office that were scheduled to be on the May ballot will continue to exercise the duties of those offices until the new officers take their oaths of office, following the November election. Citizens may register to vote until October 5, 2020 for the November election. All applications for a ballot by mail (ABBMs) that were filed for the May 2nd election that are marked annual would apply for the November 3rd election. All single use ABBMs that were submitted for reasons of age or disability would still be valid for the November 3rd election. If a single use ABBM was submitted and indicated the reason for voting by mail was due to absence from the county, this ABBM would not be valid as the applicable election date has changed. The deadline to submit an ABBM is October 23, 2020. Governor Abbott's proclamation also requires for Harris County to conduct the City's election. Early voting will be conducted October 19, 2020 through October 30, 2020. For more information on the postponement of the City's election, please contact City Secretary Sandra Ham at sandra. ham@nassaubay.com or by phone at 281-336-6281.
CENSUS 2020 AT A GLANCE
The U.S. Census Bureau is the federal government’s largest statistical agency. They are dedicated to providing current facts and figures about America’s people, places, and economy. Federal law protects the confidentiality of all individual responses the Census Bureau collects. The U.S. Constitution requires that each decade we take a count—or a census—of America’s population. The census is much more than just a head count. It provides a picture of our nation that helps determine vital infrastructure, and how funding and representation is distributed. It also helps us see how our communities have changed over time. That’s why an accurate count is so important. Make sure you’re counted! The census provides vital information for you and our Nassau Bay community: • It determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress and is used to redraw district boundaries. Redistricting counts are sent to the states by March 31, 2021. • Communities rely on census statistics to plan for a variety of resident needs including new roads, schools, and emergency services. • Businesses use census data to determine where to open places to shop. • Each year, the federal government distributes more than $675 billion to states and communities based on Census Bureau data. In 2020, the Census will implement new technology to make it easier than ever to respond to the census. For the first time, you will be able to respond online, by phone, as well as by mail. The Census will use data that the public has already provided to reduce followup visits. Visit 2020census.gov to get started.
HONORING OUR FIRST RESPONDERS
Each May for almost 50 years, the nation honors first responders, including Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMS workers. The houses of worship in Nassau Bay invite residents to help in showing appreciation to the City's first responders. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, and Nassau Bay Baptist Church will serve as collection points for both cards of gratitude for the City's police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers, along with gift cards towards restaurants or shopping. On Monday, May 11th, these churches will distribute the collected notes of encouragement, gratitude, and gifts to the relevant officers and workers, offering each the opportunity for a blessing as they like. On Sunday, May 17th, each house of worship will offer public recognition and blessing for the first responders in the congregations and community. Whether you worship in Nassau Bay or not all, please join in thanking and honoring these first responders with a note, giftcard, or both. Collection of notes and giftcards will occur until May 5th. Cards can be brought to the church office of any of the four churches in Nassau Bay. Please separate giftcards from gratitude notes and mark which branch of first responder you would like your gift or note distributed to.
CENTERPOINT ENERGY Did you know you can track power outages with
CenterPoint’s Electric Outage Tracker? The CenterPoint Energy Electric Outage Tracker provides approximate locations of current power outages in our City. Visit the City's website at www.nassaubay.com/CenterPoint for information on accessing the power outage tracker.
You can also minimize how power outages impact you! Residents can enroll now in CenterPoint Energy’s free Power Alert Services to get an automated confirmation of service restoration by phone call, text, or email. The City’s website also has valuable tree trimming tips from CenterPoint – when trees grow and extend into power lines, they can cause power outages and safety hazards for you and your neighbors. Prevent these problems by planting the “right tree in the right place,” and you won’t have to worry about CenterPoint trimming or removing your trees once they grow. Steps Before Planting Trees & Vegetation
NASSAU BAY GARDEN CLUB
April Showers Bring May Flowers: April showers have brought so many May flowers all over Nassau Bay. If you are tired of staying home, get out and walk, bike, drive around our City and appreciate the beautiful yards and gardens [wearing a mask, of course!]. Everything is in full bloom, including the pollen-producing trees, and all the squirrels are going nuts looking for their treasures that they squirreled-away in the fall. Particularly beautiful is the Nassau Bay Garden Club's 'Reflection Garden' [along the path leading to the Peninsula] where you'll see beautiful flora and the Club's pride, "The Peggy Martin Rose" bushes. Fashion to a Tea Fundraiser & Luncheon Postponed: Unfortunately, the Garden Club's big fundraiser, originally planned for April 17th, was postponed along with other community events. The Club will post any updates on their website at www.nassaubaygc.org and on their Facebook page @NassauBayGardenClub. Next Garden Club Meeting: The Garden Club plans to meet in May if possible for the installation of new officers. This May meeting will be the last meeting until September 8th. The Club hopes the community will be back to normal by then to meet at City Hall, 2nd floor, at 9:30am. Please contact the Club for questions, information, membership, and/or programs. Get out, enjoy the City, and stay safe!
1. Determine Available Space – Identify nearby power lines and their type: • Distribution lines need 10 feet of clearance from vegetation. • Transmission lines mean no trees inside the Rightof-Way and no tall trees nearby. • Service drops should never have trees planted beneath them. Also look for nearby electrical equipment, like pad mount transformers or smart meters. Don’t plant trees, shrubs, plants or other vegetation where it can damage equipment or interfere with CenterPoint Energy’s ability to access it. 2. Choose a Tree – Knowing your space limitations, determine what tree species you want to plant. • Distribution-line-friendly, low-growing trees. • Transmission-corridor-friendly, and low-growing vegetation. • The Texas Forest Service Tree Planting Guide helps you find the right tree for your property. 3. Call Before You Dig – Homeowners must call 811 before digging to avoid hitting underground utility lines.
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
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BY THE NUMBERS Statistics for March 2019
POLICE
Total Service Calls............................ 293 Total Reports Taken............................ 31 Total Patrol Miles.......................... 5,688 Crimes Against Persons...................... 5 Property Crimes................................... 12 Arrests.................................................... 6 Avg Response Times (minutes)..... 3.49
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Total Calls............................................. 15 Fires.......................................................... 1 Rescues.................................................... 1 Motor Vehicle Accident....................... 1 Hazardous Conditions..........................3 Fire Alarm .............................................. 1 EMS Assist............................................. 4 Cancelled in Route/Other.................. 3
EMS
Total Calls............................................. 79 Total Patients in Nassau Bay........... 34
DO YOU KNOW THE CODE?
With the rain and warmer temperatures comes faster growing lawns. Grass or weeds on your lawn over six (6) inches in height is against City Code. This violation can result in notices, fines, and even liens on your property! Please keep your lawns mowed and report any violations to the City online at www.nassaubay.com/ servicerequest. Residents can also learn about common code violations online at www.nassaubay.com/codeviolations.
FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM
NBPD Officer Perry Henderson has completed his Field Training Program as a new officer. Due to his previous law enforcement experience and knowledge of the City's reporting systems, he was able to successfully complete this program early. Officer Henderson has been assigned to the night shift.
2020 HURRICANE SEASON, ARE YOU PREPARED? Those who were here for Harvey need few reminders of the devastation, but regardless of how many storms you have lived and endured, it is always important to be prepared. Hurricane season begins June 1st, and weather officials are predicting 2020 to result in an above-normal season. Past hurricanes emphasize the need for every citizen to have a well thought out personal and/ or family plan, and remember, “If you fail to plan, then plan to fail.” Here are some basics that should be part of your plan: Protect from the Dangers of Inland Flooding • Protect Your Past - personal records and special items. • Protect Your Present - buy flood insurance! • Protect Your Peace of Mind - focus on planning & communications. • Protect Yourself & Others - NEVER drive on flooded roads, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Prepare a Disaster Survival Kit • Have enough non-perishable food, water, and supplies for family and pets to last at least five (5) days. Prepare for Hurricane Season • Know if you live in a designated evacuation zone. Nassau Bay is in Zone ‘A’, not to be confused with flood insurance zones. Plan ahead for where you will go and when you will leave. • Familiarize yourself with school and workplace evacuation plans. • Learn how to shut off your utilities and know emergency numbers to call. • Protect your property, board up windows; secure outside furniture, etc.; secure boats, trailers and other items. • Perform an Inventory, make copies of important insurance documents (Property, Life, Health, etc) along with credit and ID cards. Make a video or take pictures of your property and belongings for insurance purposes. • Store important documents in a secure place away from home. • Keep some cash in a safe place that can easily be accessed during an evacuation. ATM’s are useless during power outages. Plan for Those with Functional Needs • Residents with disabilities, the critically ill, people without vehicles, or those who require medical support during an emergency should register for assistance with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) by calling 211 or visiting tdem.texas.gov/stear. Plan for Pets When a Hurricane Threatens • Frequently monitor TV, radio (KTRH 740 AM), NOAA weather radio, internet and hurricane help lines. • Fuel your vehicles and keep them topped-off. Sign Up for Nassau Bay's Emergency Alert Notifications • Register online on our website at www.nassaubay.com/alerts.
NEW LOOK FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT UNIFORMS
Residents may notice a slight difference to the officer’s uniforms in the coming weeks. The Department is transitioning from tradition, where officers carry their equipment – firearm, handcuffs, radio, extra ammunition, and tourniquets – on their duty belts. These belts can sometimes weigh up to 20 pounds or more when fully loaded. In order to distribute some of that weight, officers have been fitted for “load bearing vests”. These vests are worn over the typical uniform shirt, and is outfitted with individualized pockets to carry some of the officer’s equipment. This will move the weight from the officer’s waist and hip area to the torso and shoulders. The Department, with input from the officers, made this decision to help alleviate chronic back pain that is common in police work. The new load bearing vests replicate the traditional uniform shirts, so each will blend in with the officer’s uniform. The new vests will be deployed as they arrive, as each vest was individually sized and configured for each officer. Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
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NASSAU BAY ANIMAL SHELTER ANGEL
Angel is a young female black cat. She is ready to become the purr-fect household pet! Help find loving forever homes for Angel 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
MONTHLY FRESH-FOOD DISTRIBUTION
On Saturday, April 4th, St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church offered the first of a monthly fresh food distribution to neighbors in need throughout the cities of Nassau Bay, Webster, and Pasadena. Seventeen volunteers assisted 94 cars with 432 people by registering the cars and people who walked up and placing bags of fresh produce in their cars. A transfer truck from the Galveston Food Bank parked in the St. Thomas parking lot for volunteers to help package pallets of food into serviceable quantities. St. Thomas was able to offer fresh fruits and vegetables during this distribution. This food distribution will occur on the first Saturday of each month. Each month St. Thomas will distribute at least eight different types of food to the needy. The next food distribution will be on Saturday, May 2nd. Volunteers are also needed. If you are interested in serving or leading, please email Mike Stone at rector@sttaec.org. Non-parishioners are always invited to serve with St. Thomas. We can do more together!
CANBE CORNER
Hurry, offer ends May 31st! CANBE is offering a free Legacy Brick with each Legacy Bench purchase, as well as buy two Legacy Bricks get one FREE! Honor a loved one, graduate or your favorite person in Nassau Bay with a Legacy Brick or Legacy Bench. Order at www.NassauBayCANBE.org. For more information about ordering Legacy Bricks contact Ashley Graves at AFGravesNB@gmail.com. From all the CANBE Boardmembers, we hope you all stay safe and healthy!
NASSAU BAY ALERTS – SWIFT 911
Nassau Bay's Emergency Alert system – Swift 911 – allows the City to quickly send alerts via phone, email, or text message directly to residents and businesses. These alerts help keep you informed and safe in the event of emergency situations. Register to receive emergency alerts and more through Swift911 online at www.nassaubay.com/alerts. In addition to our alert system, the City issues regular updates on our various social media channels. You can follow us on Facebook at @nassaubay and join your neighbors at nassaubay.nextdoor.com.
COUNCIL MEETING RECAP
MARCH 19, 2020 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Approved first and only reading of Ordinance O2020-797 of the City of Nassau Bay, Texas, providing for the extension of the Mayor’s previously signed Declaration of Disaster (Emergency Notice) dated the 13th day of March 2020.
MARCH 21, 2020 - SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Approved first and only reading of Ordinance O2020-798 authorizing the City of Nassau Bay to postpone the May 2, 2020 election date, whereas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation suspending certain provisions of the Texas Election Code to the extent necessary to allow political subdivisions that would otherwise hold elections on May 2, 2020, to move their general elections for 2020 only to the next uniform election date, occurring on November 3, 2020, without otherwise adjusting the terms of office. APRIL 13, 2020 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The City of Nassau Bay held their first ever virtual City Council meeting via Zoom teleconference. The meeting was also streamed live on Facebook.
Approved second and final reading of Ordinace O2020-795 amending Municipal Code Chapter 4 – buildings and construction, Article IX. – bulkheads, Section 4-197. – permit required, Section 4-198. – Definitions and Section 4-201. – bulkheads required to be maintained in safe condition. Heard a presentation on the status of the City of Nassau Bay and the COVID-19 pandemic. Approved first of two readings of Ordinance O2020799 amending code by adopting an updated Drought Contingency Plan and updated Water Conservation Plan.
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
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