Written By: Sheree Cardwell, Public Affairs Marketing Coordinator
Twenty-one years ago, on my birthday, I received the best gift I would ever get, my son, Connor. Sharing a birthday was not something I planned, but it has become my favorite co-celebration. So, every year we honor our double day the only logical way possible: by letting restaurants treat us. Kindly. Legally. Through the magical power of rewards apps.
This year marked our fifth annual Great Birthday Freebie Tour, and the lineup was chef’s kiss.
Stop 1: Chick-fil-A
We opened strong at Chick-fil-A because nothing says “happy birthday” like God’s chicken. We had a free entree reward so Connor ordered a sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit. I went with the grilled chicken breakfast bowl, proving that 43 year olds make responsible choices. We also happily accept bonus spicy chicken biscuits for the road because it was Freebie Tuesday.
We left egg-stra thankful and fully fueled.
Stop 2: Starbucks
Next up was Starbucks for birthday reward drinks. Connor leaned into 21 with a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino, because calories mean nothing to him yet. I took a more calorie cautious approach with a Passion Tea sweetened with sugar free vanilla. Free caffeine just tastes better.
Stop 3: Houston Museum of Natural Science (not free, but definitely fun)
We balanced out the calories with culture at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This was not a freebie, but we needed to kill time till lunch, with a little t-rex and space adventures.
Stop 4: Chipotle
By lunch, we were ready to roll into Chipotle. Connor scored a free burrito. I opted for a burrito bowl. We both added chips and guac because if loving free guac is wrong, I don’t want to be rice.
Stop 5: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Then it was time for a little bundt-day magic at Nothing Bundt Cakes. We picked up red velvet and white chocolate raspberry bundtlets. In a rare display of maturity and self control, we even saved a few bites for the next day. Why not extend the birthday celebration?
Stop 6: Buffalo Wild Wings
Dinner called for wings, so we answered at Buffalo Wild Wings. Six free birthday wings each? Yes please. I chose garlic parmesan, classy and savory. Connor went honey barbecue, sweet with a little swagger. It was saucy, slightly messy, and absolutely worth it.
Final Stop: Crumbl
We finished our freebie adventure at Crumbl because ending the day with cookies just felt right. I chose the s’mores, and Connor stuck with a classic chocolate chip. A sweet way to wrap up the birthday tour.
Twenty-one years ago, I became a mom on my birthday. This year, I got to celebrate 43 and 21 with my favorite human, driving around, flashing reward emails like pros, and stacking memories higher than a Chipotle burrito bowl.
Some families pass down heirlooms. We pass down reward points. And honestly, that’s a tradition that never gets old, even if I do.
This month, our ITS has made significant strides in modernizing city infrastructure and improving operational efficiency, led primarily by our Close Support Team—Erin Cravey, Jayse Marin, Grayson Cash, and Julio Alcantar, with additional support from Levi Masterson on the Server Team.
The Close Support Team completed a technology refresh for Planning Department staff, replacing traditional desktop computers with modern docking stations that allow planners to work seamlessly with their laptops. This upgrade provides greater flexibility and mobility while maintaining the performance needed for their daily work.
In an effort to improve service delivery and reduce equipment downtime, Jayse Marin implemented a comprehensive back room inventory system for ITS. This new system helps the department maintain accurate stock levels of essential components and equipment, enabling faster response times when hardware issues arise and minimizing wait times caused by out-of-stock parts.
Behind the scenes, IT also completed critical system upgrades, updating CityWorks from version 15.7.3 to 15.8.9 and upgrading GIS from 10.6.1 to 10.9.1, ensuring our core municipal systems remain current and secure.
As 2025 comes to a close, our LIFT (Leaders in Fellowship and Transformation) cohort celebrates another year of learning, connection, and community-building across Team Baytown. Made up of employees who have completed the Manager Series or Black Belt training, LIFT meets monthly to deepen leadership skills and strengthen the relationships that help us build a better Baytown, together.
We kicked off the year by diving into Radical Candor by Kim Scott, a transformative approach to leadership rooted in caring personally while challenging directly. Throughout January, LIFT members explored what it means to give feedback that builds trust, sparks growth, and invites honest conversation. Participants used memorable scenes from well-known TV shows and movies to identify feedback styles, from radically candid to ruinously empathetic, and to better understand their effects on team dynamics. In February and March, we continued the journey, focusing on how people respond to Radical Candor and the importance of phrasing feedback with clarity, courage, and kindness.
In April, we launched a new series centered on Tribal Leadership by Logan, King, and Fischer-Wright. This book challenges leaders to elevate workplace culture by shifting from “I’m great” to “We’re great” and ultimately toward innovation driven by shared values and a noble cause. LIFT participants identified the cultural stages within their own teams and collaborated on strategies to help move their groups toward stronger, more connected, purpose-driven cultures.
We closed out the year by returning to our roots in continuous improvement. Participants refreshed their Green Belt and Black Belt knowledge and applied process-improvement tools to real City challenges. This year’s program also featured two new hands-on opportunities: the LIFT Job Swap, where participants shadowed each other for two hours to gain a deeper appreciation of the roles that keep Baytown running, and the Continuous Improvement Teams, which bring participants together to map and improve multi-departmental processes across the organization.
As we look toward 2026, we’re excited to continue this never-ending journey of learning, growing, and lifting one another higher. With more opportunities on the horizon and new participants joining the fold, the future of LIFT, and of Baytown, is brighter than ever.
We are seeking a dedicated Utility Maintenance Specialist to join our team. In this vital role, you will be responsible for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining essential utility systems, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in utility maintenance, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. If you are passionate about ensuring the reliability and efficiency of critical infrastructure, we encourage you to apply.
Provides maintenance and repair of water distribution systems. Ensures the unobstructed flow of sewage through the collection system to a treatment plant.
Duties
Repairs water leaks on mains, service lines, meters, valves, and fire hydrants. Installs or replaces meters, water taps, water lines, valves, fire hydrants, and service lines. Performs back filling and leveling of job sites. Washes and flushes main sewer lines using a wash truck or Vactor truck.
Repairs and replaces old sanitary sewer lines with new pipe and replaces sewer taps. Backfills and levels job sites. Installs, raises and cleans out manholes.
Inspects and maintains trucks, tractors, water pumps, and tools on a daily basis. Turns in records daily.
Drives dump trucks and 2 1/2 ton utility trucks, hauling backhoe and materials to job sites. After one year, training on operation of a backhoe.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver’s license within 90 days).
Possess valid Class "A" Texas Commercial Driver's License with the endorsements of air brakes, cargo, and combination within six months of date in position.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Entry Level
Ability to pass all pre-employment qualifications.
Little or no experience.
Level I
Six months experience.
Pass entry-level test and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards).
Complete one of the required TEEX courses (20 hours) needed for TCEQ Licenses.
Level II
One year experience.
Pass all previous levels tests and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards).
Complete one of the additional required TEEX courses (20 hours) needed for TCEQ Licenses.
Level III
Eighteen months experience.
Pass all previous levels tests and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards).
Complete two of the additional required TEEX courses (40 hours) needed for TCEQ Licenses.
Level IV
Two plus year’s experience.
Pass all previous levels tests and or qualifications (refer to the Manual of Verification Standards).
Complete two of the additional required TEEX courses (40 hours) needed for TCEQ Licenses.
Join our team and help keep our parks safe, beautiful, and welcoming for the entire community. As a Parks Maintenance Technician, you’ll play a hands-on role in caring for the spaces where people gather, play, and relax every day. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors, takes pride in craftsmanship, and likes seeing the tangible results of their work. If you’re ready to make a visible impact while building valuable skills, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to do just that.
The Parks Maintenance Technician repairs, constructs and maintains park facilities; including playgrounds, pavilions, restrooms, concrete trails, crushed granite trails, signage, arbors, sidewalks, picnic slabs, pipe railing, etc. Sand and paint interiors and exteriors of facilities and park equipment. Repair and construct utilities – water lines, drainage lines and electricity.
Attendance is an essential function of this position. The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job. In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services.
Duties
Loads generator, air compressor, power tools, lumber, playground equipment and other construction materials on trucks and trailers for the job to be completed, and may drive to locations.
Paints and repairs park equipment, fences, buildings, and picnic tables around City parks. Performs basic carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs. Paints over graffiti and performs all other related repairs as assigned.
Performs new facility construction and repairs of playground equipment, assemble bleachers, picnic tables, picnic shelters, dugouts, and fencing. Performs minor welding and cutting and does concrete work.
Prepares for special events, including hanging lights and other ornaments for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and July 4th.
Performs preventative maintenance on all tools and equipment assigned including checking and changing oil and minor repair of vehicle.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver’s license within 90 days).
Preferred:
Previous lawn maintenance or construction experience.
Texas Commercial Driver’s License (Class B or higher)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to evaluate and perform minor repairs in parks and facilities, follow written and oral instructions and operate tools and machinery necessary for maintenance and repairs. Understand and follow procurement guidelines when purchasing tools and materials.
Join our team and make a meaningful impact in the lives of animals and our community every day. In the role of Animal Care and Placement Specialist, you will help create positive outcomes for animals by supporting innovative foster, rescue, and adoption initiatives while engaging compassionately with the public. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, excel at problem-solving, and are passionate about lifesaving work, we invite you to apply and be part of a mission-driven team committed to care, collaboration, and community service.
The Animal Care and Placement Specialist supports Animal Control Supervisors in implementing and coordinating the shelter’s foster, rescue, and adoption programs. Contributes to increasing animal lifesaving efforts through the use of social media, and by engaging with potential adopters, fosters, and rescue partners. Participates in animal enrichment activities and possesses a strong understanding of animal behavior and temperament. This role involves frequent interaction with the public, resolving conflicts, and applying advanced problem-solving skills.
Duties
Evaluates cats and dogs to determine suitable placement for adoption, foster care, or rescue. Collaborates with supervisors and the animal services team to identify and engage potential adopters, fosters, and rescue partners. Maintains accurate and up-to-date shelter records. Ensures all adoptable and foster animals are properly identified with tags, collars, and correct kennel cards.
Introduces adoptable animals to potential adopters and foster clients. Requires a solid understanding of animal behavior and health. Must effectively communicate relevant information about animals in care to adopters, fosters, and rescue partners.
Inputs relevant information into the shelter database regarding animal behavior and care needs. Manages and updates content for web pages and social media platforms related to animal services.
Coordinates and participates in community outreach activities, including fundraisers, off-site adoption events, and educational booths in collaboration with local businesses, animal organizations, and other external partners.
Assists with transporting animals to rescue organizations, shelters, veterinary hospitals, and adopter or foster clients.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Required:
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED).
Two years of experience with Animal Care in a Shelter, Adoption Agency, or other related facility.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver’s license within 90 days).
Preferred:
Current Animal Shelter, Veterinarian Clinic, Volunteer or Foster Work as related.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to demonstrate and directly apply public relations and public speaking skills, along with a solid understanding of social media platforms. Ability to handle animals without harm to them, others, or self. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers, rescue groups, and the public.
CoolxDad Finds a Home in Baytown: How City’s Fatherhood Initiative Sparked a Powerful Partnership
CoolxDad’s arrival in Baytown began with the City’s commitment to strengthen families through its Fatherhood Initiative, supported by opioid settlement funding dedicated to prevention and community wellness. As the City worked to create meaningful support systems for local dads, it became clear that Baytown was ready for a partner who shared that mission. Read the full partnership story on the City of Baytown Newsroom.
Our Back to School Fair was a huge success, distributing 1,400+ supply-filled backpacks and offering services like child IDs, food boxes, meals, eye screenings, family resources, and more—thank you to all the sponsors and vendors who helped make this a success!
All of this was made possible by over 80 volunteers and many city staff — with special recognition to Sharon Rose, Monica Fabela, and Stephany Medina from Community Development for setting all of this up. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact!
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