LA MARQUE
news from the City of La Marque and the La Marque Economic Development Corporation
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Hello Friends,
Friends, we have come to the end of an amazing summer in our fair city. This summer we accepted the All-America City award from the National Civic League. We employed 15 high school and college interns to work in our city, learning public service, government, and work skills. We also worked on the 2024/25 fiscal year budget that lowered the tax rate again for our community while adding vital resources to our city, such as new police officers, new firefighters, and new finance software. We also added a new position in finance to help keep council informed and on track with our budget, Budget Coordinator. As we look forward to the fall, we will see progress on a new high school, millions of dollars in street repairs, infrastructure improvements, and vital equipment to better serve all of us, as well as our annual birthday bash, Bayou Fest! This year, Bayou Fest will be two days! I look forward to seeing you at this event and other wonderful events this fall! God bless the great City of La Marque!!
Mayor Keith Bell
HURRICANE BERYL REPORT
La Marque’s Response to Hurricane Beryl
When Hurricane Beryl struck, La Marque stepped up to support its citizens. The city swiftly opened a cooling center, operating 24/7 for 17 days, to provide residents with a free, safe place to cool off, relax, and charge their electronics and medical devices. In partnership with the American Red Cross, the city served 860 hot meals to those in need.
A COMMUNITY UNITED
The response efforts didn't stop there. La Marque tackled the aftermath by picking up debris across the city, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. Essential supplies were distributed to residents to ensure citizens were fed and had water.
Water Distributed- Over 1700 cases of water
MREs Distributed- 960 cases (15,360 individual meals)
Hot Meals - 860
Ice Distributed- 11,000 lbs.
Debris Picked Up - 60,000 cubic yards
Cooling Center Open - 17 Days
STANDING STRONG
La Marque's dedication during this challenging time showcased the strength and resilience of its community, reinforcing the city's commitment to the well-being of its residents.
CITY UPDATES
City Secures AARP and ICMA Grants for Community Projects
ICMA’s Economic Mobility and Opportunity Program
La Marque has been selected as one of 15 local governments to participate in the 2024 Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning Cohort and Grant Program, organized by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The program, supported by the Gates Foundation, aims to improve economic mobility for residents through local assessments and strategic planning. As part of the program, La Marque will receive a $20,000 grant to develop initiatives that enhance upward mobility, such as workforce development, housing affordability, and financial security. The
city will also benefit from professional development, networking, and collaboration with other cities across the country to address these challenges.
AARP Grant for Bike Path Safety Audits
The City of La Marque has received a CapacityBuilding Microgrant from AARP as part of its 2024 Community Challenge. The grant will fund three bike audits on multiuse paths, focusing on identifying hazards and barriers to improve safety for older cyclists. These audits aim to inform future planning efforts to create safer biking conditions for residents aged 50 and older. AARP received more than 3,350 applications from non-profits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process. La Marque’s project is one of 343 quick-action projects across the U.S. funded by AARP, which is investing roughly $3.8 million to help urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jump-start long-term progress to support residents of all ages.
CITY UPDATES
WASTE MANAGMENT AT YOUR DOOR COLLECTION
Did you know that certain items, like paint, batteries, electronics, and household cleaners, don't belong in your regular trash? Fortunately, WMS offers an easy solution through its "At Your Door" Special Collection Service. This program allows residents to schedule a convenient home collection of various hazardous and electronic waste items. Simply visit WMAtYourDoor.com or
call 1-800-449-7587 to arrange a pickup. After scheduling, follow the provided instructions for safe disposal. By using this free service, you help keep your community clean while ensuring most collected items are recycled or reused.
La Marque La Marque
FRIDAY NIGHT LINEUP
TEJANO NIGHT
DJ ROLAND MARTINEZ
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
GARY HOBBS
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
JAY PEREZ
9:30 PM - 11:00 PM
“MAC” MCGAFFEY HIGHLAND BAYOU PARK 1991 GETTY RD. LA MARQUE, TX OCTOBER 18 & 19, 2024
SATURDAY NIGHT LINEUP
PA’ZAZZ BAND
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
THE BAND HENNESSEY
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
THE JETTIES
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
K I D S F I S H
Registration starts at 8:30 am
Saturday, Oct. 19
Kids Fish - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
F O O D
M U T T O N
B U S T I N ’
Registration at 12:00pm Saturday, Oct. 19
Event at 1:00pm
T R U C K S & C R A F T V E N D O R S S T A T E C H A M P I O N S H I P B B Q C O O K - O F F
K I D S Z O N E
Get a $5 wristband to enjoy unlimited bounce houses, zip line, face painting, and more!
Jack Pot: Fajitas & Steak - Oct. 18
Jack Pot: Beans - Oct. 19
Judging: All Meats - Oct. 19
Open Play - Friday, Oct. 18 6pm - 8pm
Tournament - Saturday, Oct.19
$50 Per Team
To register, email tigecornelius@gmail.com
Rusty Hook Fishing Club
PUBLIC WORKS
STORMWATER MASTERPLAN
The City has received a $900,000 grant award to complete a Stormwater Master Plan. This plan will help us check and improve our stormwater system. It will include suggestions for new infrastructure or areas to manage stormwater flow better and will provide a detailed map of the current system. The project is funded mostly by FEMA (90%) with a small share from the City (10%), and we expect to finish it by summer 2025.
WESTLAWN STORMWATER IMPROVEMENTS
MAHAN BOAT RAMP PROJECT
The city has added new pipelines and street inlets on Melody Drive and Merry Lane, as well as on Westward Avenue to assist with stormwater management. The streets east of Westward Avenue, including Fannin Street, W. Houston Drive, and W. Crockett Street have also been updated. This project, which cost $1,688,858 was awarded by the City Council on May 8, 2023, was finished on schedule in September 2024.
Reconstruction of a new boat ramp at Mahan Park has begun. This significant restoration effort will include a paved parking area, four picnic pavilions along the banks of Highland Bayou, and new pathways. State funding for this project, totaling $470,000, has been secured through a generous grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife as well as contributions from your Parks Capital Improvement Fund. Plans for the rebuilding process have started and the boat ramp will remain closed while under construction. Estimated completion will be prior to Summer of 2025.
TEXAS CITY- LA MARQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP GRANT
Boost Your Business, Build Our Community: Apply for the La Marque Chamber Membership Grant Today!
THE LA MARQUE EDC PROVIDES GRANTS FOR A ONE-YEAR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP TO BOOST LOCAL BUSINESS VISIBILITY AND SUPPORT JOB GROWTH.
Visit our website to learn about eligibility!
https://cityoflamarque.org/188/Applications-for-Inc entives
Highlights
Ideation tips for exploring business opportunities
Business Plan options
Building a business foundation
Business tools and processes
Growth strategies
Reserve your spot today! Scan the QR Code to register!
Ideation to Open for Business
Do you want to start a business but don’t know what type or where to start? Join us to learn about the ideation process of identifying a need or problem and using the solution to grow your business idea.
Monday November 04, 2024
5:30pm - 7:00pm
La Marque Public Library 1011 Bayou Road, La Marque, Tx
https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=14432
STAY SAFE ON OUR STREETS
Classroom News | 07 May, 2023
Bicycle and Pedestrian Tips
Many people in our city, both adults and kids, ride their bikes or walk in the wrong direction on our roads. This can be dangerous! The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has helpful rules to keep everyone safe.
FOR CYCLISTS
Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic: Always ride your bike in the same direction that cars are moving, not against them. Also use bike lanes/paths when available.
Don’t Carry More People Than Your Bike Can Hold: Your bike should only carry the number of people it was designed for.
Be Visible at Night: If you’re riding at night, your bike must have a white light on the front that can be seen from 500 feet away, and a red reflector or light on the back that’s visible from at least 300 to 500 feet away.
FOR PEDESTRIANS
Use Sidewalks When Available: If there’s a sidewalk, use it. It’s safer than walking on the road.
Face Traffic if You’re Walking on the Road: If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic.
FOLLOW THE RULES
Following these rules isn’t just about staying safe—it’s also the law. Breaking these laws could result in a fine and a trip to court. Let’s all do our part to keep our streets safe!
HELPFUL WEBSITES
All this information may be found at the following TXDOT Websites:
https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txd ot-info/ptn/bikestripe/safebicycling.pdf
https://www.txdot.gov/safety/bicy cle-pedestrian-safety/pedestriansafety.html
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
The primary focus of this year's campaign is to educate everyone about the crucial role of functional smoke alarms in safeguarding homes. To prioritize home safety, it is imperative to regularly INSTALL, TEST, and REPLACE your smoke alarms. By adhering to these essential actions, you can significantly enhance the protection of your loved ones and property. During Fire Prevention Week, our department will be engaging with the community through various educational initiatives. We will be visiting local schools and daycares to educate scholars on the significance of operational smoke alarms and provide essential fire safety information. Additionally, we are excited to announce that we will be hosting a homeschool/community fire prevention class and station tour on Thursday, October 3rd from 10am-11am. If your school or daycare is interested in scheduling a visit from the fire department during Fire Prevention Week, please reach out to Patty Hunter at p.hunter@cityoflamarque.org. Additionally, the La Marque Fire Department operates a smoke alarm program, through which we provide free smoke alarm installations for those who qualify. For assistance, please contact the La Marque Fire Marshal's office at 409-938-9260. Let's work together to promote fire safety and protect our community. Thank you for your dedication to ensuring a safer environment for all.
The La Marque Fire Department is thrilled to announce that Fire Prevention Week 2024 will take place from October 6th-12th! This year's National Fire Prevention Association campaign, "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You," reflects La Marque Fire Department's ongoing commitment to ensuring that every home in La Marque is equipped with operational smoke alarms for enhanced safety.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Melody Mallory
DEPARTMENT: CODE ENFORCEMENT
TITLE: CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
START DATE: JULY 2023
◊ What does a typical workday look like for you?
After I arrive to work I start reviewing concerns from citizens via Request Tracker that may have been reported after hours. Monitoring my districts for any violation's and addressing them accordingly. I also address concerns from citizens as they are reported.
◊ Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself completing my Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Hygiene.
◊ People would be surprised if they knew:
Something that would surprise people is that I have a beautiful collection of glasses.
◊ What is the favorite part about working for City of La Marque?
My favorite part of working for the City of La Marque is meeting the citizens and being able to lend a helping hand to the best of my ability.
◊ How do you define success?
Success to me means being true to a deeper sense of purpose despite the superficial social norm. I know life can throw unforeseen obstacles but being able to say I made it to the finish line through it all is the bliss of pure success.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
I’m a code enforcement officer and a brief description of my job duties is ensuring that people follow a set of rules, laws, or principles. It can also involve improving and or fixing environmental hazards in public and private spaces.
Raising Cane’s
FM 1764
