Inside La Marque Fall 2026 by City of La Marque

Fall 2026

I N S I D E LA MARQUE

Community news from the City of La Marque and the La Marque Economic Development Corporation

Welcome New City Manager Welcome New Council Member AquaTrax

Photo featuring Walter Fiegle Park.

GENE SMITH Chairman La Marque EDC Board ALEX GETTY Executive Director La Marque EDC 409-938-9258

View our Shine On video series on Youtube by scanning this QR Code. The front cover features a photograph of a wheel barrow full of pumpkins in a field. 2

cityoflamarque.gov

06 Library Updates

CONTENTS

MARIELLE MASCORRO Public Relations Specialist La Marque EDC 409-938-9255

05 Council Corner 07 AquaTrax New City 08 Welcome Manager

10 Yard of the Month 12 Public Works Updates 13 Upcoming City Events 14 Employee Spotlight

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

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Hello Friends, As summer begins to give way to fall, there is a lot happening in La Marque and even more to look forward to. This summer, your City Council has been hard at work through budget workshops, setting our tax rate, and making the difficult decisions necessary to secure the municipal services our residents depend on. These decisions are especially important at a time when families are dealing with higher costs for food, housing, insurance, utilities, and other everyday necessities. We understand that every dollar matters at the kitchen table, and it must matter at City Hall as well. We are also continuing to work through the challenges created by the reconstruction of I-45. This is a major project that affects traffic, businesses, neighborhoods, and the daily lives of our residents. We will continue working with our state and regional partners to advocate for the safest possible outcomes and keep our community informed as the work progresses. At the same time, we are seeing exciting new investment in La Marque. The Shops at La Marque will bring Academy Sports + Outdoors, Burlington, Ross Dress for Less, James Avery, and additional retailers to our community. This development represents new shopping opportunities, jobs, economic activity, and another sign of the continued growth taking place in our city. We are also beginning a new chapter in city leadership as we welcome Mrs. Shawna Burkhart as our new City Manager. We look forward to working with her as we continue strengthening city operations and delivering quality services to our residents. I also want to personally thank Barbara Holly for stepping forward and serving our community as Interim City Manager during this important transition.

And, of course, school is back in session. Please slow down, watch for children, and pay close attention in our school zones. This is an exciting year for our community, with a new high school and new football stadium adding to the energy surrounding our students and schools. Fall is coming, and so is another busy season in La Marque. There will be challenges to work through, opportunities to pursue, projects to complete, and milestones to celebrate. Through it all, we will continue working to provide the courage to make difficult decisions, the calm to lead through change, and the compassion to remember who we are serving. There is much more to come this fall. La Marque's best days are still ahead of us. With gratitude and pride,

Mayor Keith Bell

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Inside La Marque | Fall 2026

CITY UPDATES CALENDAR OF EVENTS OCTOBER 6

National Night Out

12 & 26 City Council Meetings 29 Trunk or Treat

NOVEMBER 7

Mayor Bell's Small Business Series

HAPPY HOLIDAYS The holidays are just around the corner! City offices will be closed on the following days: Thanksgiving November 26 & 27 Christmas Eve & Christmas December 24 & 25 New Year’s Eve & Day December 31 & January 1

9 & 23 City Council Meetings 9

Mayor Bell's Small Business Series

Offices Closed 11 City Veterans Day

Fall Sweep

26 & 27 City Offices Closed Thanksgiving

DECEMBER 10

Jingle on the Square

14 & 28 City Council Meetings 19

Wreaths Across America

24 & 25 City Offices Closed

Christmas Happening All Month Long: Blue Santa & Light Up La Marque Contest Scan the QR Code to register for calendar updates, community news and Council agendas at alerts.cityoflamarque.org. 4 cityoflamarque.gov

October 6, 202 , y a d s e 6 Tu 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Join the La Marque Police Department and neighbors across our city for National Night Out! This nationwide event brings communities and law enforcement together to build stronger, safer neighborhoods.

COUNCIL CORNER SADE WILLIAMS DISTRICT B

◊ About our New Council Member I’m a mother, a long-time La Marque resident, and someone who truly has a heart for serving others. Before being elected, I served my community through CASA of Galveston County, the Galveston County Food Bank, and the La Marque Planning & Zoning Commission. Serving others has always been important to me, long before I became a councilwoman.

◊ What are you especially proud of in your district? I’m especially proud of the people in my district and our community’s commitment to making La Marque a better place. As a mother and resident, I’m especially proud to advocate for our youth and work toward creating more opportunities for our children and families.

◊ Why do you love La Marque? La Marque is home to me and has deep roots in my family. My father was born and raised in La Marque, and my mother still calls La Marque home today. I love the history of the city, the people, and the sense of community here. I’m proud to serve a city that has been part of my family for generations, and I’m excited about what we can accomplish together for its future.

◊ What are your top three priorities for your district? My top priorities are improving our roads and drainage, addressing residents’ concerns about high water bills, and strengthening communication between the city and our residents. I want people to see progress in their neighborhoods and know that when they reach out, their concerns are being heard and taken seriously.

◊ Why did you decide to run for council? As a mother and resident, I wanted to be part of getting La Marque back on track and building a stronger future for our community. Our youth are especially important to me, including students attending La Marque schools as well as Hitchcock ISD, where portions of my district are zoned. I wanted to step forward, contribute, and help make La Marque a city our children and residents are proud to call home.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2026

LIBRARY Welcome Library Director: Ash Welborn ◊ What are your top priorities in your new role? Just like the City of La Marque as a whole, the La Marque Public Library is small but treasured by its patrons. My top priorities have been, and will continue to be, refreshing and expanding the library’s circulating collections, updating the library’s image (both the building itself and its public image), and re-envisioning the library’s role in this growing community. Our public library has played an important role in La Marque’s history, and I hope to see it continue to serve the people of La Marque as a center for education, a resource center, a community meeting place, and a creative space for generations to come.

◊ What do you hope to bring to the La Marque Public Library? I hope to bring new circulating collections, new programs and events for all ages, and fresh new resources for the citizens of La Marque. Libraries are always looking for ways to adapt and evolve, while still maintaining the traditional role of promoting and providing for their community’s literary needs; that’s exactly what I have in mind for the La Marque Public Library.

◊ Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience? My library career started when I was in high school, and then continued throughout college, working as a circulation clerk for the Pasadena Public Library. After which, following a few other side quests, I worked for the Harris County Public Library System as a circulation clerk, a Young Adult Services Specialist, and a Copy Cataloger. I was then hired on at the Rosenberg Library in Galveston, where I was the Adult Services Specialist and eventually the Customer Experience Manager, before joining the team at our lovely La Marque Public Library.

POKEMON P OKEMON CLUB C LUB SATURDAYS @ 12 PM LA MARQUE PUBLIC LIBRARY TRADE, COLLECT AND HAVE FUN WITH OTHER POKEMON ENTHUSIASTS!

FOR AGES 7 - 14

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La Marque Public Library

Game Night

The last Thursday of every month 4 pm to 6 pm Play games on the Nintendo Switch, make crafts, and other activities Snacks provided

While this event is intended for ages 10-18, all are welcome!

AQUATRAX La Marque Introduces AquaTrax to Help Residents Manage Water Use An article by Karisma Rodriguez, Intern, City of La Marque

s communities look for smarter ways to manage resources, the City of La Marque is introducing AquaTrax, a new digital platform that helps residents monitor and better understand their water usage. Designed to provide greater transparency and control, AquaTrax gives customers access to the same water consumption data viewed by City staff, empowering households to make informed decisions about their daily water use. Available through both a web portal and mobile app, AquaTrax offers residents a convenient way to track water consumption, monitor trends, and identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Through a free online account, users can view daily water usage, set personalized consumption alerts, receive leak notifications, access utility bills, and track water reduction goals. One of the platform’s most valuable features is its ability to provide early warning alerts. Customers can choose to receive notifications about unusual water activity that may indicate a leak, helping them address issues quickly and potentially avoid higher utility costs. AquaTrax also allows residents to customize their notification preferences, including the option to enable Quiet Hours and receive alerts at a time that best fits their schedule. Beyond individual benefits, AquaTrax supports the City’s broader water conservation and sustainability efforts. By providing easy access to usage data, the platform encourages residents to understand their consumption habits and make adjustments that can reduce waste while lowering monthly utility bills. The dashboard presents water usage at a glance, making it easier than ever to monitor progress and stay on track with conservation goals. Beginning August 3, 2026, La Marque residents will receive an email invitation from AquaTrax with instructions to activate their account. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this free service and explore the tools available to help manage their water use more effectively. Additional program information is available at aqua.cityoflamarque.gov, and customers with questions can contact the Utility Billing Department at 409-938-9209. Scan the QR code above to log into your AquaTrax portal.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2026

CITY UPDATES Welcome New City Manager

Shawna Burkhart What are your immediate goals as City Manager, and how do you plan to build on the work already in progress? My immediate goals as City Manager include meeting with City staff, the City Council, and the public, engaging in interactive communication with the public on the City's 2027 budget development, and working to finish up major capital projects.

Can you tell me about your background? My education includes a Master of Public Administration and Public Policy from Baylor University. I began my career in the Budget Office in the City of San Antonio, launching my City Administration experience with the City of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Since my work in Kentucky, I have served for 20+ years in cities of varying sizes in Texas as a City Administrator and City Manager. The Texas cities include: Castroville, Jacksboro, Converse, Bay City, and Del Rio.

What aspects of your new role are you most looking forward to? In my new role, I strongly desire to stabilize the financial situation of the City and work to build trust within the community for the City of La Marque.

cityoflamarque.gov

CITY UPDATES WM At Your Door Collection

ith WM’s At Your Door Special Collection Service, you can safely and sustainably dispose of hard-to-recycle items and household hazardous waste year-round, right from your front door. Automotive Products – Antifreeze, batteries, motor oil, oil filters Garden Chemicals – Fertilizers, insect sprays, and weed killers Paint and Paint Products – Paint, caulk, stain, thinner Household Cleaners – Ammonia, tile/ shower/toilet cleaner, carpet/upholstery cleaner

Household Items – Household batteries, fluorescent lamps, straight fluorescent tubes, thermometers, thermostats Electronics – Laptop, MP3 player, TV, DVD/CD/tape player, cell phone, computer, VCR, keyboard, desktop, printer, microwave, monitor and related cords Unable to Collect – Ammunition, EV batteries, explosives, asbestos, tires, or any materials in unlabeled or leaking containers. Additional unacceptable materials based on local or state laws.

Holiday Cleanup? We’ve Got You Covered! Bulk & Brush Collection Reminders

Cleaning up after the holiday? Remember these guidelines when putting out large household items, brush and tree trimmings.

Bulk Items:

Carpeting (cut into 4-foot bundles) Household furniture Appliances with CFCs removed Pile size must not exceed 5 Cubic Yards (Ex. 1 cubic yard = 3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.)

Holiday Collection Reminder:

Brush and Tree Trimmings:

Branches and tree trimmings must be no greater than five inches (5”) in diameter Cut, tied, and bundled in five-foot (5’) lengths Bundles should weigh no more than forty to fifty pounds (40-50 lbs.) Brush should be placed at the curb without blocking the roadway or storm drains. Bulk and brush items must be in separate piles (one pile of bulk and one pile of brush items)

WM observes Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Collection will not occur on these holidays. For Thanksgiving Week: Thursday collection moves to Friday; Friday Collection moves to Saturday.

Scan the QR code for more information about La Marque’s trash and recycling services.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2026

CITY UPDATES Nominations Open for La Marque Yard of the Month Recognition

he Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission is encouraging residents to help celebrate the homes and businesses that make our community shine through its Yard of the Month program. Residents are invited to nominate outstanding residential and commercial properties that reflect pride, care, and commitment to keeping La Marque beautiful. Nominations should include the property address, category selection, and a brief description of what makes the property deserve recognition. Photos are encouraged to help showcase each nominee's efforts.

Yard of the Month

Know a standout yard? Nominate online! The Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission reviews submissions and selects monthly winners for recognition, including yard signs and a Facebook feature.

Two categories: Residential

Commercial

Nominate TODAY! beautiful.cityoflamarque.gov

Winners in both the residential and commercial categories will receive a Yard of the Month sign and be featured in the Keep La Marque Beautiful Facebook group. Help recognize your neighbors and local businesses by submitting a nomination today at beautiful.cityoflamarque.gov.

Help Us Rename the City's Digital Newsletter!

ity staff launched a new every-other-week digital newsletter, but finding the perfect name has proven more challenging than expected. Our first choice missed the mark, and it seems The Buttermilk Bulletin hasn't quite won everyone over either. The name was inspired by Buttermilk Station, one of La Marque's earliest nicknames and a unique part of our history. While we love the connection to our roots, many residents have told us they'd prefer a name that better reflects La Marque today and more clearly identifies the newsletter as the city's source for news, projects, events, public meetings, and community updates. So this time, we're putting the decision in your hands. Send us your best ideas, and we'll narrow the entries down to a few finalists. Then residents will get to vote and choose the winner. Email your suggestions to: pr@cityoflamarque.gov. Prefer to text or call? Contact Colleen at 409-572-9915.

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Not subscribed yet? Sign up on the city website and stay informed before each City Council meeting. Your city. Your newsletter. Your choice.

CITY UPDATES City of La Marque Honors Former Mayor Peter W. "Pete" Rygaard Jr.

he City of La Marque remembers former Mayor Peter W. “Pete” Rygaard Jr., who passed away in August 2026. The city joined the Rygaard family, friends, and community members in honoring the life and legacy of a longtime public servant who dedicated decades to serving his community. Pete served as Mayor of La Marque from 1992 to 2000 and remained actively involved in civic and community service throughout his life. His commitment to public service, volunteerism, education, youth programs, and numerous community organizations left a lasting impact on La Marque and Galveston County. In recognition of his many years of service and contributions to the community, flags at City facilities were lowered to half-staff in his honor following his passing. Earlier this year, Pete participated in the Ron Crowder Plaque Dedication Ceremony, where he shared memories and reflections on the people and events that helped shape La Marque’s history. His participation offered a meaningful connection to the City’s past and highlighted the important role he played in its story. Pete’s leadership, kindness, and dedication to helping others earned him the admiration and respect of generations of residents. His legacy of service and community pride will continue to be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him and by the community he served for so many years. On behalf of the Mayor, City Council, and City staff, the City of La Marque extends its deepest condolences to the Rygaard family and gratitude for Pete’s decades of service to our community. Rest in glory, Mayor Rygaard. Thank you for your service to La Marque.

Pictured from left to right: Alex Getty, Director of La Marque EDC; Dennis Rygaard, Mayor 2000-2002; Carlton Getty, Mayor 1987-1992; Bobby Hocking, Mayor 2011-2020; Keith Bell, Mayor 2021-present; and Pete Rygaard, Mayor 1992-2000.

Inside La Marque | Fall 2026 11

PUBLIC WORKS KEEP THE HOLIDAYS MERRY AND THE DRAINS CLEAR! Holiday meals bring families together, but cooking grease can cause problems long after the dishes are cleared. Fats, oils, and grease may be liquid while hot, but they cool and harden inside pipes. Over time, this buildup can trap other debris and lead to clogged lines, sewer backups, overflows, and costly repairs. Help protect your home and our wastewater system: Allow cooking grease to cool. Pour it into a sturdy container with a secure lid. Place the sealed container in the trash. Wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing them.

Never pour grease down the sink, toilet, or storm drain. Hot water and dish soap may move it farther down the line, but they do not prevent it from hardening. A little care in the kitchen can help keep our community’s wastewater system flowing smoothly throughout the holiday season!

Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades We are excited to share a major improvement at the Wastewater Treatment Plant with the installation of a new bar screen! The bar screen serves as the plant’s first line of defense by removing rags, wipes, plastics, and other debris from wastewater as it enters the facility. The aging screen could no longer remove this material effectively, allowing debris to travel farther into the treatment system. This caused frequent clogs, increased wear on pumps and equipment, and required plant staff to perform constant maintenance. When the old screen would fail, it would cause backups and overflows. The new bar screen uses a much finer screening process to capture more debris before it can enter the rest of the plant. Removing this material earlier will protect critical equipment, reduce maintenance and downtime, lower the risk of overflows, and help the entire treatment process operate more efficiently. This upgrade is a major step forward in improving the reliability of our wastewater system and providing dependable service to our community for years to come.

Employee Spotlight: Diego Vizcaya Public Works is proud to recognize Diego Vizcaya, a Mowing Technician with the Street Maintenance Division. Diego is responsible for mowing and maintaining city facilities and other city-owned properties. His work plays an important role in keeping these areas clean, attractive, and welcoming for residents and visitors. Diego arrives each day with a positive, can-do attitude and works hard regardless of the challenges he may face. He is dependable, willing to assist other crews and divisions when needed, and consistently goes above and beyond the normal responsibilities of his position. His strong work ethic, team-first attitude, and pride in serving the community make Diego a valuable member of our Public Works team. Thank you, Diego, for your dedication and continued service to the City! 12

cityoflamarque.gov

UPCOMING CITY EVENTS OCT

OCT

29 NOV

National Night Out

Trunk or Treat

14 DEC

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. - La Marque Public Library

Join the La Marque Public Library for a fun-filled evening of Halloween festivities. Hayley Elementary students will lead a special Micro Parade from the school to the library along Bayou Road, with local businesses, the Fire Department, and the Police Department cheering them on. Everyone is welcome for treats, costumes, and family fun.

Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

8:00 a.m. to Noon - La Marque City Hall

Hosted by the Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission, Fall Sweep allows residents to dispose of unwanted bulk household items at no charge. Sports teams, civic clubs, churches, businesses, schools, and community groups are invited to register for Fall Sweep and help clean designated areas throughout La Marque. Sign up your team, choose a cleanup location, and join us in keeping our community clean, beautiful, and welcoming for all.

Jingle on the Square

5:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Downtown La Marque

Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities, music, performances, pictures with Santa, community fellowship, and the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Stay tuned for entertainment announcements and additional details.

Wreaths Across America DEC

10:00 a.m. to Noon - Stay tuned for location!

Celebrate Arbor Day with Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission by picking up a free tree (while supplies lasts) and helping grow a greener, healthier community for future generations. Details coming soon!

Fall Sweep NOV

5:00 to 9:00 p.m. - Register your block!

Sign up your neighborhood block party by September 30 for an opportunity to receive visits from the La Marque Police Department, Fire Department, Mayor, City Council, and city leadership. National Night Out brings neighbors together to build a safer, stronger community.

Rising Star Cemetery & La Marque Cemetery

Join the La Marque Cemetery Board for a special Wreaths Across America ceremony at La Marque Cemetery, in partnership with Rising Star Cemetery. This year's goal is to secure enough sponsors to place a wreath on every veteran's grave, ensuring each service member is honored and remembered during the holiday season. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities will be announced soon.

Blue Santa DEC

1-31 DEC

1-31

The La Marque Police Department's Blue Santa Program is an annual holiday tradition that helps bring joy to local children and families. Community members and businesses are encouraged to support the program through donations, sponsorships, and volunteer opportunities. Families interested in assistance should look for application information. Follow the La Marque Police Department Facebook page for updates on how to support the program or sign up for assistance.

Light Up La Marque Contest The Keep La Marque Beautiful Commission is bringing back the annual Light Up La Marque Contest. Residents are encouraged to nominate homes and businesses that go above and beyond with their holiday decorations and festive spirit. Follow KLMBC for updates and nomination information or email pr@cityoflamarque.gov for information. Inside La Marque | Fall 2026 13

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

JUSTIN MOSELEY ◊ What is your favorite part about working for the City of La Marque? My favorite part about working for the City of La Marque is the employees I work with.

◊ People would be surprised if they knew: People would be surprised that I don't like guacamole.

◊ How do you spend your free time? DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS TITLE: UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT START DATE: JUNE 2026 Justin is the Utilities superintendent. He oversees water & wastewater operations, water distribution & wastewater collection line maintenance, and stormwater maintenance.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, and I like to go fishing.

◊ How do you define success? Success to me is having what you need and being content and thankful for all things.

◊ Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself then as a much more improved version of myself now.

La Marque Public Library’s

Trunk or Treat

Thursday, October 29 | 4:30pm-6:30pm | 1011 Bayou Road, La Marque Show off your costumes and get lots of candy at our fun-filled event! If you would liked to host a trunk, please call 409-938-9270. 14

cityoflamarque.gov

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Now Open in La Marque! Flayva & Bun | 6608 Gulf Fwy Flayva & Bun is a restaurant serving bold, flavorful comfort food made fresh daily. Their menu features crowd favorites like cheesesteaks, smash burgers, wings, seafood, pasta, and signature sandwiches, with options available for dine-in, pickup, and delivery. Flayva & Bun also offers catering and private event services, making it a great choice for everything from casual meals to special celebrations.

Spirit Halloween | 14001 Delany Road, Suite 21 Spirit Halloween La Marque is your seasonal destination for everything Halloween! The store offers a wide selection of costumes for adults and kids, spooky decorations, accessories, and more. Whether you’re getting ready for a Halloween party, decorating your home, or looking for the perfect costume, Spirit Halloween has something to make the season fun, festive, and frightfully memorable. Visit them while they are here for a short time!

Under Construction + Coming Soon to FM 1764!

Save the Date

MAYOR BELL'S SMALL BUSINESS SERIES Monday, November 9, 2026 5:30pm-7:00pm La Marque Public Library 1011 Bayou Road, La Marque, Tx

Keep an eye on our social media page for more information about this event! Inside La Marque | Fall 2026

1111 Bayou Road La Marque, TX 77568

Showcase your photography skills, La Marque! W

e want to invite you to be a part of our Fall Photo contest! This photo opportunity will help us build a library of images that showcases the beauty, wildlife, and natural spaces, in our community.

Theme: Birds of La Marque

For our Fall Photo Contest, we invite photographers of all ages and skill levels to capture the birds that call La Marque home. From birds in our parks and neighborhoods to those passing through during migration, we want to see your best photos showcasing the birdlife found throughout our community. La Marque is home to the Bird Sanctuary Observation Deck. This area offers an unparalleled bird watching experience. Observation decks play a crucial role in offering accessible viewing areas that both reduce human interference with natural habitats and enhance the enjoyment and learning opportunities for guests. La Marque’s natural areas, including the bird sanctuary and Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park, provide opportunities to experience and photograph the wildlife found in our community. Whether you spot a bird perched in a tree, soaring overhead, wading along the bayou, or visiting one of La Marque’s parks, we want to see it!

How to Submit Your Photos: • • •

You may use any camera (digital and analog) or mobile phone to create your photos. Photos should be submitted as JPEGs. Both color and black-and-white photos will be accepted. Please include: the photographer’s name and age, the location where the photo was taken, and a short description of the image. Submit your photos (max. 5 photos per entry) by scanning the QR code.

This is your chance to celebrate our community, highlight what makes La Marque special, and maybe even see your work featured in future city projects!