Bryan council unanimously names new arboretum for Paul Webster

A presenter asked the Bryan City Council to honor Paul Webster by naming the city’s new arboretum after him, and the council unanimously approved the measure Tuesday.

The presenter (speaker 8) told the council that "Paul was a very integral part, and actually the guy that started the Bridal Tree Commission, and served on it for a very long time," and asked the council to adopt Resolution No. 312026 to name the facility the Paul Webster Arboretum. Council members asked questions about placement and interpretive signage, and the presenter said the arboretum map identifies about 50 trees and will include interactive details and photos.

Council member (speaker 4) asked how many trees were shown on the map; a presenter replied, "50 identified on the map." The presenter said the commission and volunteers, notably Dennis Harrison, had helped assemble the site and that signage and memorial‑tree options would come later.

After discussion, Council member (speaker 4) moved to suspend the rules and then moved to approve the resolution; a council member seconded the motion. Voice roll call responses recorded affirmative votes from Steve, Mary, Jim, Rick and John, and the resolution passed.

Clerk (speaker 2) introduced guests associated with the project and the Webster family—including April Smith, identified as the city arborist, Dennis Harrison and Paige Miller Potts—and noted that parks staff will post details on the city website and arrange a photo with the family and the Tree Commission once signage is in place.

The resolution was procedural in form and does not create or fund a new program; the council’s action formally assigns the arboretum’s name and authorizes staff to proceed with signage and web posting.