C mpass Rose SEPTEMBER 2018
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – OCT 2ND
What is National Night Out? National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhood a safer, more caring place to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, while bringing back a true sense of community. Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities across the United States. In Texas, National Night Out is held on the first Tuesday in October. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, and various other community events to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Nassau Bay Police Officers and City staff will make their rounds to visit each registered event location. Block parties are held in your neighborhoods to provide a better opportunity for residents to meet those who live next to them. The Police Department will attempt to visit all registered locations. Police attendance at a NNO event cannot be guaranteed, but every effort is made to accommodate all requests every year. When is it? Tuesday, October 2, 2018 Where is it? In your neighborhoods! Host your neighborhood block party and register it with the Nassau Bay Police Department so we know where to go to visit you and your neighbors. How do I register my block party? Submit a registration form found online at www.nassaubay.com/NNO or inperson at the Nassau Bay Police Department (1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200). Questions? Call us at 281.333.4211 ext. 2212.
CLEAR CREEK SHORELINE RESTORATION
A message from Mayor Mark Denman About a month ago our City was spared a major tragedy. A grandfather was pulling his grandkids on a tube in Clear Creek when the tube collided with our shoreline along Harbour Drive, nearly killing both children. As you may know, all along our side of Clear Creek is lined with broken chunks of concrete, deposited there over 50 years ago, even before the City's incorporation. There have been other incidents and many close calls that I have seen. But this latest incident was by far the worst that I am aware of having lived on Harbour Drive for over 25 years. I've had recent discussions (before this incident) with City Manager Jason Reynolds on what we might be able to do to improve shoreline aesthetics and protection. Currently, this concrete is beginning to sink, leaving areas of our shoreline subject to erosion. I've asked City Manager Reynolds to prioritize this item and to look for help in doing something less obtrusive. He is in talks with Commissioner Jack Morman’s office and other entities for funding assistance – it looks promising for a possible affordable and safe resolution. We hope you agree this is an important task and welcome your input as we explore all options. Sincerely,
Mark A. Denman, Mayor Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR September 2018 City Hall Closed (Labor Day)....................................... Sept 3 Planning Commission ...................................... Sept 4, 6pm Coffee with the City Manager......................... Sept 7, 9am City Council Meeting....................................... Sept 10, 7pm Garden Club Social / Program............... Sept 11, 9:30am Coffee with the City Manager...................... Sept 14, 9am Charter Review Commission ........................ Sept 18, 7pm Parks & Rec Committee Meeting (if needed)......... Sept 19 Coffee with the City Manager...................... Sept 21, 9am Coffee with the City Manager...................... Sept 28, 9am
October 2018 National Night Out ......................................................... Oct 2 Coffee with the City Manager........................... Oct 5, 9am City Council Meeting.............................................Oct 8, 7pm Planning Commission (if needed)........................ Oct 9, 6pm Garden Club Social / Program.................... Oct 9, 9:30am Coffee with the City Manager........................ Oct 12, 9am Fire Station Open House (tentative)............................ Oct 13 Charter Review Commission .......................... Oct 16, 7pm Parks & Rec Committee Meeting (if needed)........... Oct 17 Coffee with the City Manager........................ Oct 19, 9am Halloween in the Park....................................... Oct 20, 6pm Coffee with the City Manager........................ Oct 26, 9am Street Eatz at Town Square.............................. Oct 27, 6pm For more information about these events and a complete list of community events, please visit: www.nassaubay.com/calendar.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Shout! The Mod Musical, Sept 7th to 23rd: Clear Creek Community Theatre is delighted to open the new season with the swinging 60’s sensation that is Shout! The Mod Musical. Shout! follows the love lives of five very different women through the decade as they come of age in their own groovy ways, with hilarious sound bites and fabulous songs from the period. For ticket information, call 281-3355228 or visit www.clearcreekcommunitytheatre.com. St. Thomas Annual Fall Festival, Oct 6th: Save the Date! St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church and School’s Annual Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 6th. There will be a 5K, 5K-9 and 1K Fun Run. Check in is 6:30am to 7:30am. The Kids K will start at 7:45 am and the 5K Runs at 8:00am. The Fun Fest kicks off at 9:00am with fabulous food, delicious desserts, and lots of entertainment, games, and vendors. You can also buy tickets for an opportunity to dunk our rector and associate rector in the dunking tank. Event also includes a silent auction, tabletop treasures, and book sale. St. Thomas is located at 18300 Upper Bay Road. Please call 281-333-2384 for more information.
NASSAU BAY GARDEN CLUB
Woebegone Garden Club Member! A common misnomer is that to participate in the Nassau Bay Garden Club one must have a green thumb. Look closely at this photo. The current president has managed to plant a beautiful, thriving white mandevilla, only to have it start wilting, and even perhaps dying. So much for the green thumb thought! Members all continue to learn, but for sure a green thumb is not a requirement to participate in a Garden Club meeting! The Garden Club is about to kick-off a new Club year – as you now know, all residents are always invited to come listen to the monthly speakers. What is the Nassau Bay Garden Club? A group of neighbors with green thumbs? A close group of friends? A social, non-gardeners group? The Garden Club was started in 1964 when four Nassau Bay neighbors came up with the idea – by the next month the Garden Club was formed. By 1966 the Club was accepted as a member by the Texas Garden Club, Inc. and by the Houston Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. Over the years, the Nassau Bay Garden Club has contributed to the City and surrounding areas in many ways. The Club's list of accomplishments include: • Donated Texas garden books and monetary donations to the Freeman library • Planted many trees and palm trees around the City • Planted trees at Webster Elementary (now McWhirter) • Served as hostesses for the dedication of the Albert Thomas U.S. Post Office • Worked with the highway department, helping with the beautification of the former NASA Road 1 • Worked with the City in the establishing of Nassau Bay as a bird sanctuary • Procured flags to parade down NASA Road 1
• Dedicated and maintained a Blue Star Memorial marker on NASA Road 1 • Established a yearly $1,000 scholarship for a college student studying the field of horticulture, botany, forestry, or landscape design • Established a City-wide Beautification Day & Nassau Bay's Arbor Day • Decorate annually Tranquility Arbor for Christmas • Help sponsor the Junior Master Gardener program at Robinson Elementary • Plant and maintain six gardens located throughout the City.
Join the Garden Club for "State of Nassau Bay." It’s the dog days of summer, too hot to garden, so enjoy the cool comfort of the Council Chambers in Nassau Bay City Hall and listen as Mayor Mark Denman and City Manager Jason Reynolds share all the things going on in our fair City. Date: September 11, 2018 Time: 9:30am Social: Coffee, tea and delicious snacks 10:00am Program: State of Nassau Bay Club Meeting to Follow All residents are invited, so please come and bring a friend!
ST. PAUL'S EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
St. Paul’s Early Childhood Program is now enrolling! St. Paul has preschool classes for 1-year olds to Pre-K4. Parents can choose the 2, 3, or 5 days a week program, with hours of 9:15am to 1:30pm, or the extended day option of 8:00am to 3:00pm. St. Paul’s stresses a family focused child centered learning environment, with the emphasis on creativity and individuality. Call Vicky Kuehnel at 281.333.0176 for more information, or visit www.stpaulcatholic.org.
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 July 2017
POLICE
Total Service Calls............................... 338 Total Reports Taken............................. 37 Total Patrol Miles............................... 5,74 Crimes Against Persons........................ 8 Property Crimes.................................... 12 Arrests...................................................... 12 Avg Response Times (minutes)....... 3.16
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Total Calls................................................ 36 Fires.............................................................. 3 Rescue......................................................... 1 Motor Vehicle Accident........................ 4 Hazardous Conditions/Hazmat......... 4 Fire Alarm................................................ 12 EMS Assist.................................................. 4 Cancelled in Route/Other.................... 8
EMS
Total Calls.............................................. 103 Total Patients in Nassau Bay............ 49
WELCOME NEW OFFICER
Police Officer Michael Cavazos was sworn in on Monday, August 20th and has began his Field Training Program with the Nassau Bay Police Department. Officer Cavazos grew up in Nassau Bay and attended Lutheran South Academy Preparatory School. In 2017, Officer Cavazos attended Sam Houston State University and obtained his Bachelor's of Science degree. Officer Cavazos completed the Police Academy at the University of Houston Downtown Criminal Justice program, graduating in January of 2018. He currently resides in Nassau Bay with his mother and stepfather. Please help us welcome Officer Cavazos to the Nassau Bay Police Department!
STREET SALES TAX REAUTHORIZATION On the November 6, 2018 ballot, Nassau Bay residents will be asked to reauthorize the 1/4 cent sales tax allocation dedicated for street repairs. State law requires this optional tax be approved by voters every four years. Since 2002, Nassau Bay voters have overwhelming approved this 1/4 cent sales tax allocation. To date, approximately $973,000 has been bid and spent on repairs for the City's aging streets with funds from this tax. The Street Sales Tax fund creates a constant revenue stream, approximately $107,000 each year is dedicated to repairing and maintaining our streets. This tax is collected by anyone who eats or shops in Nassau Bay, residents and non-residents alike. While the list of needed projects usually exceeds the funding the City has available, the City continues to make great progress over the last few years, and continuously takes the most urgent projects. Voting for the November 6th Election Early voting by personal appearance will be conducted through the Harris County Elections Division, as the City of Nassau Bay has entered into a Joint Election Agreement with Harris County for the conduct of the election. The schedule for Early voting is: • Monday, October 22 to Friday, October 26 – 8:00am to 4:30pm • Saturday, October 27 – 7:00am to 7:00pm • Sunday, October 28 – 1:00pm to 6:00pm • Monday, October 29 to Friday, November 2 – 7:00am to 7:00pm Residents may at any early voting site (there are 45 polling locations). The nearest location for Nassau Bay residents will be the Freeman Branch Library (16616 Diana Lane). Election Day is on Tuesday, November 6, and will be held in the Nassau Bay City Hall Council Chamber (1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200) from 7:00am to 7:00pm. On Election Day, you must vote in your precinct. You may also vote by mail if you meet certain qualifications. Applications for ballot by mail can be requested by calling the Harris County Elections Division at 713.755.6965 or by visiting www.harrisvotes.com. Should you have any questions regarding this optional tax, or if you would like more information about early voting or voting by mail, please contact City Secretary Sandra Ham at sandra.ham@nassaubay.com or 281.333.4211.
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
Did you know the Nassau Bay Police Department is #Social? Connect with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NassauBayPD.
Be ready for some spooky fun at the annual Halloween in the Park event on Saturday, October 20th from 6:00-8:00 pm at David Braun Park. Enjoy the hayride, making your own s'mores, dancing and more! Don't forget the costume contest, prizes awarded for the best costumes in different age groups. New this year – trunk or treat! Local businesses are invited to participate. For more details, contact staceyamdur@gmail.com. So come on out and have a spooktacular time!
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 KANGA
Kanga is a oneyear-old golden retriever mix neutered male with all vaccinations and a microchip. Kanga needs a home with someone that is as active as he is. Help find loving forever homes for Kanga 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
ST. THOMAS CHORAL SCHOLARSHIP St. Thomas the Apostle Church is seeking singers (soprano, tenor and bass) to participate in the Choral Scholarship program within the parish choir. Membership (by audition*) is open to 10th to 12th grade high school students. Singers selected as Choral Scholars will receive a monthly stipend of $150 per month ($1,500 for the 10-month singing year). The focus of the program is the study, preparation and performance of music. Students will help lead the St. Thomas Choir and congregation, who are committed to excellent music and lively worship in the traditional Episcopal style. Choral Scholars attend the Sunday 10:30am service and rehearsal immediately before and after, as well as a few special extra events during the year. If interested, please contact St. Thomas Music Director Mr. Garmon Ashby at (713) 898-3048 or gashby@ehshouston.org.
CITY OFFICIALS Mayor Mark A. Denman
281.333.9633 | mayor@nassaubay.com Mayor Pro Tem Don Matter 832.260.4626 | don.matter@nassaubay.co 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 Jonathan Amdur, Position 5 281.333.3424 | jonathan.amdur@nassaubay.com Councilmember Matt Prior, Position 6 214.325.0520 | matt.prior@nassaubay.com
MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH WRITING
This past summer, Nassau Bay resident Stacey Amdur hosted a local writing workshop with the goal of helping students learn to use writing to make a difference. At the end of the workshop, students were asked to submit an essay on the question, "How can one person make a difference in their community and world?" The articles were judged and winners were selected by five teachers from all over the United States. Lilly M. and Kate A. tied as winners. Below are excerpts from each of their essays – the full essays can be found on the City's website at www.nassaubay.com/makeadifference. Influencing the Community and World, by Lilly M. Change. The danger word, second only to ‘moist’ and ‘never’. To some people, the word tastes like a lemon soaked in vinegar, while it hints at a brighter future and happiness for others. Use it, and you risk the sparking of a burning debate that could go on for a long time. However, that is technically what I am trying to do—verbalize the ongoing argument that it is possible for anyone to reform their world and community, and give a few ideas how. Anyone can change their community and world by staying positive, standing up for truth, and being willing to adapt when the need arises. A Difference, by Kate A. A neighbor eyes a frantic dog chained to a big, red truck in the sweltering summer. The animal is skinned to the bone and shaking. The frantic puppy anxiously cries out to the gawking stranger. Out of instinct, the neighbor shrugs and walks away, feeding lies to her damaged conscience. She tells herself that there is nothing she can do. Readers, this is something that is happening world-wide. People cower off to the sidelines with excuses. This needs to stop. You are strong enough. You are brave enough. You can speak up. Making a difference in your community starts by visualizing, and ends by spreading awareness and acting. Congrats to our local student winners!
COUNCIL MEETING RECAP
AUGUST 13, 2018 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Heard Presentation and held a Public Hearing on the City Manager's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2019. Approved an ordinance amending Article 15-400 – Permitted and specific uses in C and U districts (first of two readings). Approved a resolution ordering a special election to be held on Presented a Certificate of November 6, 2018 for the purpose Appreciation to Cub Scout Pack of presenting a proposition to the #1965 for leading the Pledges. voters pertaining to the reauthorization of the local sales and use tax at the rate of one-fourth of one percent to continue providing revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets. Join us for next month's Council Meeting: Monday, September 10, 2018 @ 7:00pm - Nassau Bay City Hall
Nassau Bay City Hall | 1800 Space Park Drive, Suite 200 | Nassau Bay, TX 77058 | 281.333.4211
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