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Alert Me! Blackboard Connect®

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1. What is the Alert Me! service?

The Alert Me! Blackboard Connect service allows authorized civic leaders to create and rapidly disseminate time-sensitive messages to every telephone number stored in the notification database. With the Alert Me! service, authorized users can send thousands of messages in minutes. Only authorized officials are allowed access to the system.

2. How does the Alert Me! service work?

Authorized officials record a voice message that is then delivered quickly to individual phones in the notification database.

3. What types of messages will be sent using the service?

Any message regarding the safety or welfare of our community would be disseminated using the Alert Me! service.

Examples would include severe weather warnings and updates, hazardous traffic or road conditions inside the town or affecting local routes, and any other situation that could impact the safety, property, or welfare of our citizens.

4. Does the Alert Me! service replace other systems that have been used to provide time-sensitive information to residents?

This system is a significant enhancement to existing means of communication and is supplemental to, not a replacement for, the systems we have used in the past.

5. Is my telephone number included in the notification database?

It is our intention and hope that every residence and commercial facility in our community be included in the notification database. For businesses, we only store one main phone number. For residents, we may have more than one number that belongs to you in the database. Additionally, you may request to have a secondary number be entered into our database for priority calling.

6. May I use a cell phone as my notification database listing?

Yes, we can accept cell phones as secondary phone numbers in the database and encourage you to request that your number be included.

7. What precautions are being taken to protect personal information?

Alert Me! is a service of Blackboard Connect Inc. (BCI). BCI takes security and privacy concerns very seriously and does not sell, trade, lease, or loan any data about our clients to any third party. From a technical perspective, we utilize multiple physical and virtual layers of firewalls to maintain data security. BCI only utilizes secure transmissions with its customers. No confidential information is ever transmitted between BCI and its customers using e-mail or FTP, but rather always utilizes either a VPN tunnel or SSL.

Data is hosted in state-of-the-art facilities which require photo identification, thumbprint recognition, keyed access, and are manned 24/7 with full-security personnel. All data is encrypted prior to being placed on tape for offsite storage. BCI also retains an external, independent security firm to perform annual security audits.

8. Will there be a way to positively identify incoming calls which are made by the city using the system?

The caller-ID number for calls generated by the Alert Me! service will be the same every time and will show as the City of Nassau Bay. In addition, every message will begin with the same standard announcement: “Hello, this is ______ calling with an important message from the City of _______”. The message content will follow this standard introduction.

9. Will the Alert Me! service work if I have a call screening system on my phone?

There are several varieties of call screening devices which use differing protocols for screening. In general, the system has been found to work with these devices, but, some may require some type of preprogramming to allow our town’s telephone number to pass through. We may conduct periodic tests to assure that messages are being delivered to numbers in the notification database.

10. If I am a non-resident home or condominium owner, what phone should be listed in the notification database?

For non-residents or owners who reside out of our town / city, you may provide an additional phone number to be included in our database to contact during certain situations. In general, calls are sent to the primary number only, but we also have the ability to call multiple numbers for each resident or business when requested by the resident or business.

11. If I have provided more than one phone number, when will they be called?

Should a situation arise that requires us to contact you at multiple phone numbers, we can activate the system to place a simultaneous call to all of your numbers. In most cases, we will be sending calls only to one phone number.

12. My primary phone or my second listing is a cell phone with a non-local area code. Will the Alert Me! service call numbers outside the area?

Yes. The area code does not impact whether or not a call is made.

13. How does the Alert Me! system respond to busy signals or no-answer situations?

For busy signals, the call will be repeated several times in an attempt to reach you. The same is true for no-answer and call-waiting. If the phone is answered by a message recorder, the message will be left on the answering device. If, after several attempts the call does not successfully go through, the system will stop attempting to call.

14. I am receiving City notification calls at my fax or my secondary phone line. Can I switch to have the system call my primary phone number?

Yes. Please contact us at City Hall (281.333.4211) to change the phone number in our notification database.

15. I was not able to listen to the entire call. Is there a way to repeat the message?

Yes, at the end of the message playback, simply press the star (*) key on your telephone to have it repeated in its entirety.

16. I answer the phone but the “hello” message repeats. It then hangs up.

Repeating or looping of messages happens when the system detects excessive noise in the background. This can be caused by loud radio/television volumes, people talking, or busy traffic noise. When you receive the next call, say “hello” once and turn down the volume of your radio/television or press the mute button on your telephone to allow full message delivery.

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Building Department / Floodplain Management

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1. What do I need to get a permit?

First, you will need to complete a permit application. We will ask you for your contractors license (if it applies) and for a copy of your General Liability Insurance Certificate.

Depending on the project, you may need to provide a site plan and/or project description. For new construction, you will need to provide two sets of plans and an elevation certificate. For new commercial construction, you will need to provide three sets of plans.

2. How much will my permit cost?

We base our permit fees on the estimated cost of construction for the project you are applying for. Projects below $2,500 will be charged the minimum fee of $25. Most projects over $2,500 will be charged 1% of the estimated cost of construction. Also, if your company is not registered with our city, you will be required to pay a registration fee.

3. Do you take credit cards?

No, we only accept cash, checks, or money orders. We will accept personal checks.

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Emergency Management

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1. What are the other stages that storms progress through prior to becoming hurricanes?

The progressive levels of organized, disturbed weather in the tropics are:

• Tropical Disturbance: This is a discrete tropical weather system of apparently organized convection, 200 to 600 km (100 to 300 nautical miles) in diameter, originating in the tropics or subtropics, having a nonfrontal migratory character, and maintaining its identity for 24 hours or more.


• Tropical Depression: This is a tropical cyclone with a closed circulation in which the maximum sustained wind speed 38 mph or less.


• Tropical Storm: This is a tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed ranges from 39 to 73 mph. The convection in tropical storms is usually more concentrated near the center with outer rainfall organizing into distinct bands.

The wind speeds mentioned above are for those measured or estimated as the top speed sustained for one minute at 10 meters above the surface. Peak gusts would be 10% - 25% higher.

2. What should be included in a disaster supply kit?

The following items are recommended for inclusion in your basic disaster supplies kit:

• Three-day supply of non-perishable food


• Three-day supply of water - one gallon of water per person, per day


• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries


• Flashlight and extra batteries


• First aid kit and manual


• Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)


• Matches and waterproof container


• Whistle


• Extra clothing


• Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener


• Photocopies of credit and identification cards


• Cash and coins


• Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries


• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers


• Other items to meet your unique family needs

If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat


• Long pants


• Long sleeve shirt


• Sturdy shoes


• Hat, mittens, and scarf


• Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)

Be sure to account for growing children and other family changes.

3. My family doesn’t have a car. What should we do during an evacuation?

Whether for financial reasons or just because the need isn’t there, many families don’t own private transportation. When creating your disaster readiness plan, you need to consider other options for relocating to a safe place.

First, if you are in an evacuation zone in Texas, call 2-1-1 to be listed for evacuation needs. Then, decide:

• Do you have relatives who can pick you up?


• Do you have friends who can take you with them?


• Does your community have evacuation plans in place for those requiring transportation?

Once you know what your options are, you can better prepare for the possibility of an evacuation.

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Finance

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1. Is my water meter reading correct? My bill seems higher than usual.

If you have concerns regarding your bill, please contact Customer Service at 281.333.4211 and we would be happy to review your bill with you and troubleshoot any errors.

2. What would cause my water bill to be higher than normal?

If you have an irrigation system, during especially dry months you may want to re-adjust the sprinkler heads to water less frequently.

You may have a leak on your side of the meter such as a running toilet.

If you fill your pool, that will be reflected in increased consumption for that billing cycle. We would be happy to help you evaluate the situation and determine if increased consumption is correct and if so, the cause and solution.

3. How can I pay my water bill?

You may pay your water bill in person at:
City Hall
18100 Upper Bay Road
Suite 200
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

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Fire Marshal

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1. How can I reach the Fire Marshal?

Fire Marshal Tommy Cones can be reached at 281.336.6290. The fire marshal’s office can answer questions concerning the fire code, plan review, scheduling inspections, and general fire safety questions.

2. Is it okay to burn a pile of debris or brush?

No, it is illegal to burn within the City limits. Under certain circumstances, permits can be obtained for cooking fires, religious gatherings, and certain events, but must be approved by the fire marshal’s office, prior to the event.

3. Are fireworks legal in the City?

No, the possession, carrying, use, or discharge of any fireworks within the City is illegal.

4. How do I file a complaint?

You may call 281.333.4211 and speak with the city receptionist. Ask her to fill out a service request and make sure you ask for the service request number for future reference. The service request will be routed to the appropriate department for action.

5. How do I request for a fire inspection?

Simply call 281.336.6290 and the fire marshal will schedule a fire inspector to visit your site.

6. What are the operating hours of the fire marshal’s office?

Typically, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but under certain circumstances, we may inspect after hours.

7. How can I get a copy of the City Codes?

You may at any time visit our office to review the codes or you can review the City Code of Ordinances online.

8. What is the City’s ISO rating?

The City’s current rating is five. The fire marshal’s office is currently working to reduce the rating for the City so that all citizens can assure the lowest possible insurance premium for fire insurance coverage.

9. I need a permit. What should I do?

Visit the City Forms page for all City permits and applications.

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Information Technology

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1. What does the Information Technology Department do?

The Information Technology (IT) Department, maintains all computer-related hardware and software for the City.

2. Should I call the Information Technology Department with questions regarding general information about the City?

The Information Technology (IT) Department provides PC maintenance and repair for the City and should not be confused with Information Services. These types of questions should be directed to the City Receptionist.

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Police

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1. Does the Police Department do fingerprints?

The Nassau Bay Police Department performs fingerprints as a public service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. The cost is $10 and you must provide your own fingerprint cards.

2. How do I get a home inspection?

Contact the Police Department at 281.333.2212 during normal business hours to schedule an appointment and a certified crime prevention officer will come to your home and complete the inspection at no cost to you.

3. How do I get a copy of a police report?

You can go to the Webster Police Department and pull a free public copy of an offense report, or you can get a free copy of your accident report. You may also come by the Police Station during normal business hours and fill out an Open Record Request at:
18100 Upper Bay Road
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

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Public Works

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1. Am I responsible for water lost from leaks in my residential plumbing system?

The customer is responsible for repairing all leaks from the water meter to the house, as well as paying for the water lost. To keep your bill low, always keep your plumbing in good condition. If there is a leak near the meter and you think it is the City’s responsibility, call customer service at 281.333.4211 to report your concerns and arrange for a City inspection.

The most common causes of leaks are dripping faucets, leaking joints, and bad toilets. Slow drips can waste 170 gallons of water per day, or 5,000 gallons in a month. Underground leaks can be even more dangerous, and completely hidden. Water from a broken pipe may or may not come to the surface. Often, it can drain into sewer lines or storm drains through cracks and joints, leaving the customer none the wiser – until the bill arrives.

A water meter that runs constantly is a possible sign of a hidden leak. To check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house, or within the house itself:

• Turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water using appliances.


• Go to your meter and observe it for 5 to 10 minutes. If the meter (dial or red gauge) continues to move, a leak is likely.

Toilet leaks are the hardest to detect. By the time you can hear a toilet running, it has probably been leaking slowly for some months. Leaks are caused by two things: misadjusted or worn floats, and worn flappers. Badly adjusted floats allow too much water to enter the tank. Excess water will flow down the overflow tube into the bowl. Remove the top of the toilet tank and look inside. The water should come to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the overflow tube. Adjust the float if necessary.

Detecting a bad flapper is more difficult. It should be smooth, not pitted, and fall back into the drain correctly and easily. Although you can drain the tank to feel the flapper, it is often easier to check using food coloring or flavored drink mix. This test will also detect a bad float.

If you have repaired a hidden leak or one in your toilet, you may be eligible for an adjustment. If this is the case, a request for an adjustment can be made by contacting Customer Service at 281.333.4211.

2. What if my water bill is unusually high? Can I get an adjustment?

The City of Nassau Bay may allow customers who have suffered an excusable defect to receive an adjustment to their bills. Credit will take the form of a rebate to the bill, not a refund. To qualify as excusable, a defect must be hidden, such as in a wall, underground, or in a toilet tank. Faucets are not considered hidden.

Request for a bill adjustment must be made in writing to customer service with a receipt for parts or repair bill, within six months of the repair. Customers may apply for no more than one such adjustment in any 12-month period for any one account.
Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Ineffective repairs—sometimes the real problem is a second leak that needs to be repaired.


• Long term leakage—allowing a leak to continue for over three months raises the average consumption.


• A drop in actual consumption can mask the rise caused by the leak.

3. What can I do if I have an unusually high water bill and can not determine the presence of a water leak?

Sometimes, things happen for which there is no known explanation. After both the City and the customer investigate, if no one knows why the bill increased, the City of Nassau Bay will consider allowing any single-family residential customer who receives a water bill for any given month that is greater than 200% of the average usage of the customer, to request an adjustment of the bill.

The customer must make an application within six months of receipt of such bill and only one such monthly bill out of any 12 consecutive monthly bills may be adjusted. In order to request such an adjustment, the customer must make a written request to customer service.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Continued high consumption is considered evidence of a leak, and no adjustment will be granted.


• Discovery of a reason for the high bill may warrant a different type of adjustment, or none.


• If the consumption (not dollar amount) was not over twice the average, no adjustment will be granted.

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Road Rage

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1. What can I do to prevent road rage?

Aggressive driving has become a serious public safety threat in communities across the nation. Throughout the United States, law enforcement administrators, traffic safety experts, public health officials, mayors, state legislators, and governors are being enlisted to help find a solution.

However, experience has shown that significant steps to improve traffic safety in this nation are made when citizens act. Campaign Safe and Sober - Battling Aggressive Driving offers tips for starting a grassroots effort in your community to battle aggressive driving.

2. Am I an aggressive driver?

Take a minute to evaluate yourself to see if you may have developed some habits that could be adding to the aggressive driving atmosphere. To determine if you are an aggressive driver, please visit Campaign Safe and Sober - Battling Aggressive Driving.

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Water / Wastewater

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1. Am I responsible for water lost from leaks in my residential plumbing system?

The customer is responsible for repairing all leaks from the water meter to the house, as well as paying for the water lost. To keep your bill low, always keep your plumbing in good condition. If there is a leak near the meter and you think it is the City’s responsibility, call customer service at 281.333.4211 to report your concerns and arrange for a City inspection.

The most common causes of leaks are dripping faucets, leaking joints, and bad toilets. Slow drips can waste 170 gallons of water per day, or 5,000 gallons in a month. Underground leaks can be even more dangerous and completely hidden. Water from a broken pipe may or may not come to the surface. Often, it can drain into sewer lines or storm drains through cracks and joints, leaving the customer none the wiser until the bill arrives.

A water meter that runs constantly is a possible sign of a hidden leak. To check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house, or within the house itself:

• Turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water using appliances. 


• Go to your meter and observe it for 5 to 10 minutes. If the meter (dial or red gauge) continues to move, a leak is likely.

Toilet leaks are the hardest to detect. By the time you can hear a toilet running, it has probably been leaking slowly for some months.

Leaks are caused by two things:

• Misadjusted or worn floats


• Worn flappers

Badly adjusted floats allow too much water to enter the tank. Excess water will flow down the overflow tube into the bowl. Remove the top of the toilet tank and look inside. The water should come to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the overflow tube. Adjust the float if necessary.

Detecting a bad flapper is more difficult. It should be smooth, not pitted, and fall back into the drain correctly and easily. Although you can drain the tank to feel the flapper, it is often easier to check using food coloring or flavored drink mix. This test will also detect a bad float.

If you have repaired a hidden leak or one in your toilet, you may be eligible for an adjustment. If this is the case, a request for an adjustment can be made by contacting Customer Service at 281.333.4211.

2. What if my water bill is unusually high? Can I get an adjustment?

The City of Nassau Bay may allow customers who have suffered an excusable defect to receive an adjustment to their bills. Credit will take the form of a rebate to the bill, not a refund. To qualify as excusable, a defect must be hidden, such as in a wall, underground, or in a toilet tank. Faucets are not considered hidden.

Request for a bill adjustment must be made in writing to:
Customer Service
City Hall
18100 Upper Bay Road
Suite 200
Nassau Bay, TX 77058

Requests must also include a receipt for parts or repair bill and must be made within six months of the repair. Customers may apply for no more than one such adjustment in any 12-month period for any one account.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Ineffective Repairs - Sometimes the real problem is a second leak that needs to be repaired


• Long-Term Leakage - Allowing a leak to continue for over three months raises the average consumption


• Drop in Consumption - A drop in actual consumption can mask the rise caused by the leak

3. What can I do if I have an unusually high water bill and cannot determine the presence of a leak?

Sometimes, things happen for which there is no know explanation. After both the City and the customer investigate, if no one knows why the bill increased, the City of Nassau Bay will consider allowing any single-family residential customer who receives a water bill for any given month that is greater than 200 percent of the average usage of the customer, to request an adjustment of the bill.

The customer must make an application within six months of receipt of such bill and only one such monthly bill out of any 12 consecutive monthly bills may be adjusted. In order to request such an adjustment, the customer must make a written request to customer service.

Several things can prevent this adjustment:

• Continued high consumption is considered evidence of a leak, and no adjustment will be granted
• Discovery of a reason for the high bill may warrant a different type of adjustment or no adjustment at all
• If the consumption (not dollar amount) was not over twice the average, no adjustment will be granted