Fall 2024 Inside La Marque Volume 27

Fall 2024

I N S I D E LA MARQUE Community news from the City of La Marque and the La Marque Economic Development Corporation

Bayou Fest

October 18 & 19 Add a heading

Hurricane Beryl Report Bike & Pedestrian Safety

CONTENTS 8

5

12

Bayou Fest

Hurricane Beryl Report

Bicycle Safety

GENE SMITH Chairman La Marque EDC Board ALEX GETTY Executive Director La Marque EDC 409-938-9258 MARIELLE MASCORRO Public Relations Specialist La Marque EDC

Table Of

CONTENTS

View our Shine On video series on Youtube by scanning this QR Code

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06 Awards

City Grant

13 Week

07

WM Collection at Your Door

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Fire Prevention

Employee Spotlight

10 Updates

Public Works

15 Businesses

11

Small Business Series

16 Drive

La Marque EDC 1130 1st Street La Marque, Tx 77568

New

Blanket

FOLLOW US TO STAY UPDATED ON IMPORTANT LA MARQUE NEWS facebook.com/LaMarqueEDC

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!!

Keep an eye out for the City's Quarterly Progress Report in your mailbox!

Mayor Keith Bell

Inside La Marque | Summer 2024

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CITY UPDATES CALENDAR OF EVENTS October

Scan for more details about Bayou Fest

November Battle on the Bayou Gumbo and Chili Cook-off

City Hall Closed (Holiday)

Scan for more details about Battle on the Bayou

December

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1111 Bayou Rd. La Marque, Tx

Drop-Off Bulk Trash For Free

FREE FOR ALL

1

Load shredding or bulk items and come to City Hall.

LA MARQUE

2

Deliver items and be prepared to unload.

Yard debris Beds & mattresses Anything non-hazardous you can fit in the bins.

Scan QR Code for more information

Gas cans Batteries (car/regular) Flammable or combustible items Paint cans (unless be empty or dry)

Trunk-or-treat Thursday, October 24th, 2024 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

If you would like to host a trunk, please call 409-938-9270

Christmas Parade City Hall Closed (Holiday)

Saturday, November 16, 2024

La Marque Public Library

City Hall Closed Veteran’s Day Fall Sweep

COMMUNITY CLEANUP

THE CITIZENS OF

Bayou Fest

Trunk or Treat

FALL SWEEP

Scan for more details about the La Marque Christmas Parade

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.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2024

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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.

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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.

Scan this QR Code to Learn More

RECYCLE GUIDE Always Recycle Plastic Bottles & Containers Paper Glass Bottles & Containers Flattened Cardboard & Paperboard Food & Beverage Cans

Do Not Include In Your Recycling Container Food or Liquids Foam Cups & Containers Green Waste Batteries Loose Plastic Bags, Bagged Recyclables or Film Clothing, Furniture or Carpet

Inside La Marque | Summer 2024

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La Marque “MAC” MCGAFFEY HIGHLAND BAYOU PARK 1991 GETTY RD. LA MARQUE, TX

OCTOBER 18 & 19, 2024

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

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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

Rusty Hook Fishing Club

KIDS FISH Registration starts at 8:30 am Saturday, Oct. 19 Kids Fish - 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

FOOD TRUCKS & CRAFT VENDORS

KIDS ZONE

MUTTON BUSTIN’

Registration at 12:00pm Saturday, Oct. 19 Event at 1:00pm

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ COOK-OFF

Jack Pot: Fajitas & Steak - Oct. 18 Jack Pot: Beans - Oct. 19 Judging: All Meats - Oct. 19

$12,500 IN PRIZE MONEY!

PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Get a $5 wristband to enjoy unlimited bounce houses, zip line, face painting, and more!

Open Play - Friday, Oct. 18 6pm - 8pm Tournament - Saturday, Oct.19 $50 Per Team To register, email tigecornelius@gmail.com

AND MORE!

VISIT BAYOUFEST.CITYOFLAMARQUE.ORG Inside La Marque | Fall 2024 9 FOR MORE INFORMATION

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 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.

MAHAN BOAT RAMP PROJECT 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.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEXAS CITY- LA MARQUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP GRANT THE LA MARQUE EDC PROVIDES Boost Your Business, Build Our Community: Apply for the La Marque Chamber Membership Grant Today!

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-Incentives

Highlights

CITY OF LA MARQUE MAYOR BELL'S

Ideation tips for exploring business opportunities Business Plan options Building a business foundation Business tools and processes Ideation to Open for Business Growth strategies Do you want to start a business but don’t know what

SMALL BUSINESS SERIES

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.

Reserve your spot today!

Scan the QR Code to register!

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

Classroom NewsOUR | 07 May, 2023 STAY SAFE ON STREETS

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:

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!

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.

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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.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2024

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Melody Mallory ◊ 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.

DEPARTMENT: CODE ENFORCEMENT TITLE: CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

START DATE: JULY 2023

◊ 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.

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NOW OPEN IN LA MARQUE Chipotle 2901 FM 1764 Raising Cane’s 3001 FM 1764

Marco’s Pizza 1009 FM 1764 JLB Eatery 6402 Gulf Fwy

Salad and Go 3011 FM 1764

Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1009 FM 1764

Dream Teams Spirit Shop 10611 FM 1764

Big City Wings

Cedar Lake Dental (New Ownership) 1205 Lake Rd.

FM 1764

Check Out More EDC News Here!

Church’s Texas Chicken 1901 FM 1765 Inside La Marque | Fall 2024

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1111 Bayou Road La Marque, TX 77568

Meals on Wheels 2024

Blanket Drive H OMEMA DE OR STORE-B OU G HT, T HESE BLANKETS WI LL B R IN G WA RMTH AND JOY T O OU R 5,000+ SENI ORS

Drop off: 216 Byrd St. La Marque, Texas

Contact: tplata@imgh.org