Community news from the City of La Marque and La Marque Economic Development Corporation.
Bayou Fest Returns Get ready for Bayou Fest! Meet your new Council members. View City of La Marque’s facilities and parks map.
Special Edition ‘21
MESSAGE FROM CITY MANAGER Hello friends,
HIGHLAND BAYOU PARK I-45 SOUTH, EXIT 10 lamarquebayoufest.com
16 OCT
TH
CONTENTS
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2021 La Marque Bayou Fest 2021 will be on Saturday, October 16, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Highland Bayou Park. From live music to kids’ activities to fireworks, Bayou Fest offers fun for all ages. Admission and field parking is free. Take I-45 South, Exit 10.
BAYOU FEST BBQ COOK-OFF Compete with the best of the best as part of the Galveston County Triple Crown! On Friday, October 15, 2021, the BBQ Cook-Off ramps up as teams compete for $10,000 in prize money. Rules and reservation lists are available by calling 409-935-1408. Bayou Fest Cook-Off features 100 BBQ spots with easy access, stabilized ground, water and power hookups.
CHILDREN’S FISHING TOURNAMENT Join Rusty Hook Fishing Club for the annual kids’ fishing tournament! The first 200 children 12 years old and younger to register receive a free t-shirt and lunch. Participants must provide a rod & reel, but Boyd’s One Stop will provide the bait. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Kids can fish from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. with parent or guardian supervision. For ten categories of fish, kids can win a new rod and reel plus a new tackle box provided by La Marque Lions Club. Alex’s A/C provides goody bags stuffed with goodies from several Chamber members. La Marque Bayou Fest is presented by City of La Marque and the Texas City La Marque Chamber of Commerce. For more information, follow this Bayou Fest Facebook page, visit lamarquebayoufest.com or call Colleen at 409-938-9255.
Welcome to the special edition of Inside La Marque! For this issue, we are excited to be introducing you to your new City Council, provide you with updates about Bayou Fest and share essential community resources every La Marque resident should know.
FORMS OF GOVERNMENT Learn more about the roles of your City Manager and Council.
PUMPKIN PATCH & FAMILY FUN Pick a pumpkin for FREE, find a spot under the pavilion and get creative! La Marque Lions Club will present cash prizes for the first-, second- and third-favorite pumpkins. Age divisions are 5 years and under, 6-10 years, 11-14 years and 15-19 years. Parents must accompany children under 12. Plus...get a wrist band to enjoy bouncy houses, zip line and other kids’ activities. Don’t forget the craft vendors, too.
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MUTTON BUSTIN’
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Dress up your little cowboys and cowgirls and meet up near the pavilion. Registration is at noon and the events start at 1 p.m. The fee is $20. Two age categories: 2-5 and 6-7. Belt buckles will be awarded for Grand Champion and Reserve Champion. Weight limit is 65 pounds and parents must sign a waiver at registration. Also back by popular demand is Stick Horse Races for kids who don’t want to ride the live animals.
FREE CONCERTS Grab your friends, bring chairs and dance the night away! Visit food trucks and craft vendors between shows. La Marque Lions Club sells beer on site. So no coolers, please. Rock the night away with The Mighty Orq at 4:30 p.m., Brown Sugar at 6:30 p.m. and Johnathan Tyler and the Northern Lights at 8:30 p.m.
STAY UNTIL 10 P.M. TO WATCH THE SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS SHOW! Please join us rain or shine. All possible accommodations are made for handicapped parking, but space is limited. Rideshare services are welcomed and encouraged.
MEET YOUR NEW COUNCIL An introduction to La Marque’s Council members.
CITY FACILITIES AND PARKS MAP Explore City of La Marque’s facilities and parks with a new map.
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND RESOURCES Stay informed on La Marque’s important phone numbers and resources every resident should know.
FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED ON IMPORTANT LA MARQUE NEWS.
Questions? Email Colleen Martin cmartin@cityoflamarque.org 2
cityoflamarque.org
We are happy to have a full council joining us this year, and whether you’re in Districts A, B, C, or D, you’ll learn more about your council members in this issue. We want you to connect with your representatives and understand why they chose to represent you and La Marque. One event we have all been waiting for is Bayou Fest! Join us for another La Marque tradition on Saturday, October 16. Nothing says fall like pumpkins, so bring the kids out to enjoy our pumpkin patch or grab your pole for the kids’ fishing tournament! Not only will you be enjoying our multiple vendors, but you’ll be jamming the night away with free concerts. Don’t forget to stick around for the fireworks at 10 p.m.! This year we have high hopes for the City of La Marque and we want our resources to be easily accessible for our community. We look forward to seeing you at Bayou Fest, council meetings and other events we have coming up this year!
Chaise Cary CONGRATULATIONS! Pictured from left are Cleveland Lane, LMEDC Board of Directors, Alex Getty, Executive Director, Colleen Martin, Public Relations Specialist and Marsha Randle, Receptionist, at the Women in Leadership Awards Luncheon. Colleen was named the Young Professional honoree by the Texas City La Marque Chamber of Commerce.
Inside La Marque Special Edition 2021
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ABOUT OUR CITY COUNCIL & CITY MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT The Council & City Manager form of government is the most common form of city government in the United States. In La Marque, the Council & City Manager structure was chosen by a vote of the citizens and established in the City Charter in 1953. Voters elect City Council members for three-year terms. We have a mayor and four council members. Our municipal government has a structure similar to a corporation in the private sector: • Citizens are equivalent to stockholders. • Mayor and City Council are equivalent to the chairman and board of directors. • The City Manager is equivalent to the CEO. • Department directors are equivalent to executive vice-presidents. As the legislative body elected by citizens, City Council establishes policies based on the community’s vision. The City Manager is appointed by City Council to implement these policies and provide direction to employees for day-to-day operations.
MEET OUR MAYOR
• La Marque City Council Regular Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the second Monday of each month in Council Chambers, 1109B Bayou Road, La Marque, Texas 77568.
FIRE/EMS
IT/ Emergency Management
• There are four school districts in La Marque. Depending where you live, your kids could be zoned to Dickinson ISD, Hitchcock ISD, Santa Fe ISD or Texas City ISD. Read more at education.cityoflamarque.org.
City Clerk
City Manager
Library
A: I wanted to be the help I needed growing up. Q: What are three top priorities for your District?
A: Safe city initiative, infrastructure improvement, economic development.
• La Marque offers quick access to world-class medical, travel and entertainment options.
Municipal Court Judge
POLICE
Q: Why did you decide to run for Council?
• Citizens enjoy easy, breezy coastal living, abundant housing options and the security of a hurricane protection levee system.
City Attorney
Mayor and City Council
Mayor of La Marque
• La Marque is the second-fastest-growing city in the County with an estimated population of 18,000, an area of 14.25 square miles and boasting 14.3 miles of I-45 frontage—more than any other city in Galveston County.
The City of La Marque Organizational Chart Citizens of La Marque
KEITH BELL
• Register for calendar reminders and agenda packet notifications at connect.cityoflamarque.org. Please contact the City Clerk at 409-938-9259 or cityclerk@cityoflamarque.org for information.
Public Works
Code Compliance
EDC
Finance
HR
Development Services/Legal
Q: What is your top priority for City of La Marque as a whole?
K
eith Bell has always had a passion for public service. As a pastor for his church, Bell’s commitment led him to another calling – becoming the Mayor for the City of La Marque. Using his public speaking skills, community engagement and involvement in his congregation, Bell was elected to the role of Mayor in May 2021. As Mayor, Bell has been committed to getting to know the residents of La Marque by listening, communicating and learning where La Marque’s greatest needs are within the community. Among some of Bell’s daily duties include creating local partnerships, working with government departments on funding and expansion, facilitating council meetings and more. Bell finds at local events, City Council meetings, or speaking to individuals one-on-one is where he can really get to know his residents and create connections with the community.
Field Operations
Fire Marshall
Utility Line Maintenance
Accounting
Criminal Investigation Division
Life Safety Bureau
Streets & Drainage
Court
MAYOR - KEITH BELL
Administrative Services
Utility Plant Operations
Utility Billing
May 2021 - 2024 k.bell@cityoflamarque.org
Narcotics
Fleet Management
Grant Administration
Auto Crimes Task Force
Flood Plan Management
Risk Management
A: We must be a unified La Marque to meet the challenges ahead. Forward together. Q: Why do you love La Marque?
A: I love what La Marque has provided me; a family, businesses, a purpose, and a place to call home. Q: What are your hobbies, civic club affiliations or passions outside of work and serving on Council?
A: I love running, fine dining, and historical documentaries. I also love hanging out with my family.
“I am forever grateful to this city. La Marque has given me so much; a life, a wife, a beautiful family, and a place to call home. I will always give back to this great city. La Marque deserves our very best, because La Marque is the very best!.”
Animal Services
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Inside La Marque Special Edition 2021
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CITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
CITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
KIMBERLEY YANCY
JOE COMPIAN
District A
K
imberley Yancy is an active resident of La Marque. Whether she’s attending her church, New Vision Church, or participating in philanthropic organizations, Yancy’s reached another life goal by representing her community as a council member. Kimberley recently retired as a history teacher from Texas City Independence School District. She holds a teaching position at Texas City School District. For years, she has been involved in several organizations that have propelled her into public service. Now she serves La Marque full-time. As an educator, author, CEO and consultant, Yancy knew as a council member she could have a positive impact on the future of La Marque. When the seat became available she decided to run.
DISTRICT A - KIMBERLEY YANCY June 2021 - 2024 k.yancy@cityoflamarque.org
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cityoflamarque.org
District B & Mayor Pro Tem
Q: Why did you decide to run for Council?
Q: Why did you decide to run for Council?
A: I love being an American. I see it as my civic duty to participate in the process. I desired to run for office to help improve my City and a better quality of life for our youth, seniors and families. Everyone should have access to the American Dream.
A: Being blessed to reach 65, I have had many honors, successes and failures in my life. I believe running for local office is one of the best ways to share my life lessons and give back to creating a strong community.
Q: What are three top priorities for your District?
Q: What are three top priorities for your District?
A: Revitalization of my District, economic opportunities, youth and safety.
A: 1. Create long-term planning with community input rather than taking a year-by-year approach. 2. Be an aggressive advocate for new roads and drainage maintenance 3. Support balanced budgets that empower police and fire services.
Q: What is your top priority for City of La Marque as a whole?
A: Safety because that covers so many things: city infrastructure, safe zones for children, effective community policing, and quality jobs. Q: Why do you love La Marque?
A: The people of La Marque are some of the most talented citizens in Texas. We are unique, intelligent and possess a legacy championship brand that most cities cannot claim. I love that I am 10 minutes from the beach and 35 minutes from a major American city. I love our gorgeous lots and beautiful trees in District A. Q: What are your hobbies, civic club affiliations or passions outside of work and serving on Council?
A: I am active in my church, New Vision Church. I am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I am very active in many other civic organizations. I love helping people. I am currently working on writing a novel with a local sports legend. I enjoy walking daily and spending time with my family and my grandchildren. I love to swim, travel, meeting new people, dining at new restaurants with my husband of 27 years and reading books.
J
oe Compian is no stranger to pulling up his sleeves and dedicating his time to several organizations. He is a proud volunteer for the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston and the Galveston County Community Action Council. At the proud age of 65-yearsold, Campian has witnessed many obstacles in his life. He has overcome them all through his drive to never stop working for success. For most of his life, his home has been here. He continues to find the most gracious people he has ever met in his home town. Over the years, Mayor Pro Tem has said the best way to represent his community was to serve in local government. Compian has ambitious goals. Because after living in La Marque for the majority of his life, it has brought him great joy and he wishes to bring a similar experience for others who are new in the area.
Q: What is your top priority for City of La Marque as a whole?
A: A cleaner, safer La Marque of caring neighbors. Q: Why do you love La Marque?
A: It has been my home for the majority of my life. It is a caring, generous, loving community built upon the strength of our diversity and hard work. Q: What are your hobbies, civic club affiliations or passions outside of work and serving on Council?
A: Languages (fluent in Spanish and French). World travel. Keep La Marque Beautiful, Parish Social Minister-Queen of Peace Parish, Catholic Charities, American Red Cross, Galveston County Co-Care.
DISTRICT B & MAYOR PRO TEM - JOE COMPIAN November 2020 - 2023 j.compian@cityoflamarque.org
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CITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
CITY COUNCIL SPOTLIGHT
MICHAEL CARLSON
CASEY MCAULIFFE
District C
District D
Q: Why did you decide to run for Council?
Q: What is your “normal” job outside of serving on City Council?
A: To be the voice of the people. I want to encourage our citizens to volunteer for boards and commissions and participate in city activities like clean up days and family events. Q: What are three top priorities for your District?
A: Safety, infrastructure and economic growth. Q: What is your top priority for City of La Marque as a whole?
ichael Carlson knew he wanted to do something more for La Marque after retirement. He retired from the U.S Army after 22 years of service and worked for the La Marque Fire Department for five years before deciding to run for City Council. When District C became available, the decision to run was easy. He was ready to be the voice for La Marque.
A: Our community pride is coming back, and I’d like to see that grow stronger and faster. Please join us. Get involved and become more active in community and government events. Come to council meetings, talk to us during citizen participation opportunities and let your voice be heard.
M
C
Q: Why do you love La Marque?
Carlson wants to see more opportunities for the City of La Marque, now and for the future. His biggest goal for this year is helping residents stay involved. Whether that’s attending council meetings, local events or by speaking to him one-on-one, Carlson wants to get to know where the greatest needs are for La Marque residents, so he can effectively represent them.
A: The people. I want to empower our residents take pride in their homes, their property, their community as a whole.
McAuliffe is the Executive Director of Galveston’s Own Farmers Market. A non-profit organization based on Galveston Island that works to increase food access, education, & community health through farmer’s markets. In addition, her organization assists in school gardening programs, community gardening programs, cooking classes, free food deliveries and much more. McAuliffe is also the co-owner of Moon Dog Farms, a certified naturally grown flower and vegetable farm.
He will continue to be an advocate for residents because he knows La Marque’s community pride is like no other, and wants to continue to see it grow throughout his term.
DISTRICT C - MICHAEL CARLSON May 2021 - 2024 m.carlson@cityoflamarque.org
Q: Describe La Marque in 8 words or less.
A: Wonderful, diverse place to raise a family.
asey McAuliffe set her eyes on being part of the City Council for some time now. From attending her first council meeting, she knew that previous discussions weren’t resonating with her, and if she felt that way, others probably did too. McAuliffe took action and found her place as the representative for District D.
McAuliffe has seen the potential La Marque has in its communities and residents. The abundance of opportunities for our coastal community has driven her commitment to serving the City of La Marque.
A: I am the Executive Director for Galveston’s Own Farmers Market, a non-profit organization based on Galveston Island that works to increase food access, education and community health through farmers markets, school gardening programs, community gardens programs, cooking classes, free food deliveries and much more. I also co-own with my husband Moon Dog Farms, a Certified Naturally Grown flower and vegetable farm. Q: Why did you decide to run for Council?
A: I didn’t see anyone asking the questions I wanted asked. I wished for someone to represent the totality of my values and rights as well as of those in our community who are marginalized, oppressed, underrepresented or simply not aware of where and how they should be speaking up. Q: What is your top priority for City of La Marque as a whole?
A: We can have one of the safest and happiest cities in the nation if we intentionally build dynamic partnerships, imagine creative strategies and make specific long-term plans where being ‘safe’ means we see the La Marque citizen as a whole person with all their basic human needs met. Q: Why do you love La Marque?
A: To put it simply, people and trees. I LOVE living in a diverse city filled with good people who truly care about one another.
DISTRICT D - CASEY McAULIFFE October 2020 - 2023 c.mcauliffe@cityoflamarque.org
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Inside La Marque Special Edition 2021
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Gateway
Gulf 146
FM 1764
45
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FM 1764
FM 1764 FM 2004
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CITY DEPARTMENTS
Cedar Drive
5
Texas Ave. Lake Road
Delany Road
Vauthier Street
8 4
Westward Ave.
Texas Ave.
3
Cedar Drive
3
Bayou Road
10 4
7
146
FM 519
2
FM
200
4
Getty Rd
45
3
DOWNTOWN AREA
146
45
6
Texas Ave.
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kS t
City Parks
3
St
1 d
2n
St
1. Bayou City Park
3
217 Bayou Road
t
Bayou Road
S st
1
2. Carbide Park 4102 Main Street
3. Highland Bayou Park
1st St La
1991 Getty Road
ur el
4. Jaycee Park
St
2706 Magnolia Drive on
p Yu
St
5. Lagana Park 1322 Yupon Street
Lilac
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6. Mahan Park (Sportsplex) 2702 Woodland Street
5
7
e
riv rD
2 Bayou Road
a ed
Cedar Drive
C
7. Martin Luther King Jr. Park 416 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
8. Saltgrass Park 750 Saltgrass Point Road
1
6
9. Walter Feigle Park 1009 Bayou Road
10. Westlawn Park 3010 Melody Drive
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cityoflamarque.org
City Manager ...................... 409-938-9225 City Clerk ........................... 409-938-9259 City Receptionist .................. 409-938-9202 Mayor and Council ................ 409-938-9259 Municipal Court ................... 409-938-9247 Code Enforcement ................ 409-938-9256 Development Permits............. 409-938-9204 EDC ................................. 409-938-9201 Emergency Management ........ 409-938-9225 Human Resources ................ 409-938-9249 Finance ............................ 409-938-9205 Library ............................. 409-938-9270 Police Department ............... 409-938-9269 Fire Department .................. 409-938-9264 Public Works ...................... 409-938-9280 Utility Billing ...................... 409-938-9209
COMMUNITY CONTACTS Animal Control..................... 409-948-2485 Crime Stoppers .................... 409-938-8477 County Health District ............ 409-938-7221 Mosquito Control .................. 800-842-5622 Tax Office .......................... 409-770-5809 TCLM Chamber .................... 409-935-1408 Waste Management ...............800-800-5804
POWER & GAS Centerpoint Energy ............... 800-752-8036 Gas Emergency ..................... 713-659-2111 Texas New Mexico Power ........ 409-948-8451 TNMP Outages ..................... 888-866-7456
SCHOOL DISTRICTS Dickinson ISD....................... 281-229-6000 Hitchcock ISD ...................... 409-316-6545 Santa Fe ISD ........................ 409-925-3526 Texas City ISD ...................... 409-916-0100
Emergencies ............................... 911
Oa
d
3r
MAIN CITY LINE .................... 409-938-9200
City Facilities 1. City Hall 1111 Bayou Road
2. Council Chambers Community Room 1109-B Bayou Road
3. Economic Development Corp Development Services 1130 1st Street
4. Fire Administration Building 5715 Texas Avenue
5. Fire Station #1 750 Saltgrass Point Road
6. Fire Station #2
WASTE MANAGEMENT
REQUEST TRACKER
Waste Management provides trash services for La Marque. To report a missed pick up call 800-800-5804 or visit trash.cityoflamarque.org.
Report a concern 24/7 on the City of La Marque website at concern.cityoflamarque.org.
UTILITY BILLING
CONNECT WITH US
UB services include water, sewer and garbage bill collection. They also establish new services. Learn more and pay bills online at ub.cityoflamarque.org.
Register for city notifications, agenda notices, and weather alerts at connect.cityoflamarque.org and follow us on social media. See all our accounts at social.cityoflamarque.org.
1109-A Bayou Road
7. Public Library 1011 Bayou Road
8. Public Works & Code Enforcement 4916 Texas Avenue
9. Police Department 431 Bayou Road
Inside La Marque Special Edition 2021
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1111 Bayou Road La Marque, TX 77568 1111 Bayou Road La Marque, TX 77568
LA MARQUE ANNUAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES MONTHLY
• • • •
JANUARY
• City Employee Service Awards • City Holiday - New Year’s Day • City Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
FEBRUARY
• LMFD - Prescribed Burn • Municipal Court - Warrant Round-Up
KLMBC Yards of the Month Shine on La Marque business spotlight video series City Council Meetings Board and Commission Meetings
MARCH
• • • •
LMFD - Prescribed Burn City Sponsored- Bigass Crawfish Bash KLMBC - Spring Cleanup & Shred Day KLMBC – Paint The Town
APRIL
• • • • •
City Holiday - Good Friday KLMBC – Paint The Town Program KLMBC - Beautify the Bayou Cleanup Library & KLMBC – Earth Day Parks Board - Trail Ride from Highland Bayou Park
MAY
JUNE
• La Marque Kids Fish • La Marque Hurricane Huddle • City Holiday - Memorial Day • • • • •
City Clerk - Budget Workshops City Sponsored- Juneteenth Celebration City Holiday – Juneteenth Library - Summer Reading Program Emergency Management – Hurricane Preparedness/Storm Notifications
Register for city news at connect.cityofflamarque.org
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
• Library - Summer Reading Program • City Holiday - Independence Day • Emergency Management – Hurricane Preparedness/Storm Notifications • Library - End of Summer Reading Party • Emergency Management – Hurricane Preparedness/Storm Notifications • City Holiday - Labor Day • Emergency Management – Hurricane Preparedness/Storm Notifications
OCTOBER
• • • •
LMPD - National Night Out La Marque Bayou Fest Library - Fall Festival Utility Billing - Trash collection schedule
NOVEMBER
• • • • • • •
KLMBC - Fall Cleanup & Shred Day Cemetery Board - Cemetery Cleanup LMPD - Blue Santa City Holiday - Veteran’s Day KLMBC – Arbor Day City Holiday - Thanksgiving KLMBC – Light Up La Marque Contest
DECEMBER
• • • • • •
KLMBC – Light Up La Marque Contest Christmas Parade Cemetery Board - Wreaths Across America Library - Crafternoons (Saturdays in December) City Holiday - Christmas Eve City Holiday - Christmas Day