Spring 2025 Inside La Marque Volume 30

Spring 2025

I N S I D E LA MARQUE

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

Visit Our Award Winning Parks Earth Day Mayors' Monarch Pledge New Wastewater Treatment Plant

Photo featuring the new mural at La Marque Public Library, painted by Justin Lopez of Art Works.

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 Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, a resident of the Houston-Galveston region.

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CONTENTS

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

05 Senior Safety Summit 06 H-GAC Awards Day & Mayors' 07 Earth Monarch Pledge Our Award Winning 08 Visit Parks This Spring Wastewater 10 New Treatment Plant

12 Decreased Crime Rates Kai Blaze Trails in 13 K9 Fire Investigation

14 Employee Spotlight

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

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

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Hello Friends, After another unpredictable winter and unprecedented snow, spring is upon us. Here in La Marque, spring rings synonymous with preparation and planning.

We have several events in store this spring to help facilitate planning and preparation for our residents. First, we look forward to another successful Hurricane Huddle event. Last year Hurricane Huddle had a record attendance in its 5th year. We added a Touch-a-Truck event for the youth of our community as well as a Town Hall meeting for residents to hear information regarding the status of city operations and city finances.

DOWNLOAD THE CITY OF LA MARQUE’S APP! SCAN THE QR CODE AND STAY UP-TO-DATE ON CITY NEWS AND EVENTS, PAY BILLS AND REPORT CONCERNS TO THE CITY!

Available on iPhone & Android devices

Also, this spring will bring our 2nd Annual Senior Safety Summit, focusing on disaster preparation for our seniors. This spring we will also add our inaugural Small Business Summit, bringing together business and civic leaders interested in becoming a part of La Marque's thriving business climate.

We look forward to seeing you at one or all of these great opportunities as we build a brighter tomorrow, together.

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

Mayor Keith Bell

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025

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CITY UPDATES CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL

12 Easter Egg Hunt 14 City Council Meeting Offices Closed 18 City Good Friday Day & Mayors' 22 Earth Monarch Pledge

Scan for more details about the Easter Egg Hunt!

26 Spring Cleanup 28 City Council Meeting 29 Senior Safety Summit MAY

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Scan for more details about the Spring Cleanup!

Election Day, Galveston County Lemonade Day, Great American Clean Up & Servolution

12 City Council Meeting 17 Hurricane Huddle Offices Closed 26 City Memorial Day JUNE

9 City Council Meeting 12 Juneteenth Gala Offices Closed 19 City Juneteenth

23 City Council Meeting Scan the QR Code to stay up to date on the latest Calendar of Events!

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Scan for more details about the Hurricane Huddle!

Sign Up Today to Receive Emergency Alerts!

Receive Updates About: Emergency Alerts City Events Community News and Updates Automated NOAA Weather Alerts

Scan the QR Code to sign up for CivicReady Alerts.

Available on iPhone & Android devices

CITY UPDATES

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025

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CITY UPDATES La Marque Receives Prestigious H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards The City of La Marque continues to make strides in enhancing its parks and recreational spaces, earning welldeserved recognition from the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) through its prestigious Parks and Natural Areas Awards. La Marque has proudly received three awards for outstanding planning, policy, and programming efforts that contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable community.

Recognizing Excellence in Park Development and Programming

The Mahan Park Boat Ramp Expansion project was honored with a Certificate of Recognition in the Planning and Policy category. This expansion serves as a model for similar projects in the 13-county H-GAC region, showcasing the city's dedication to creating accessible outdoor spaces for residents and visitors. The project highlights La Marque’s leadership in recreational infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Additionally, the City of La Marque Parks Master Plan received an Honorable Mention in the Planning and Policy category.

This comprehensive plan reflects the city’s forward-thinking approach to park development, ensuring that La Marque’s green spaces continue to meet the growing needs of its residents while preserving natural resources.

In the Programming category, the city’s Arts in the Parks initiative was also awarded Honorable Mention recognition. This program has successfully integrated arts and culture into La Marque’s park system, providing enriching experiences for the community and promoting local artistic expression.

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Pictured from left to right: Jay Knight, H-GAC & Liberty County Judge, Tonia Griffin, La Marque Parks Board, Joe Compian, Mayor Pro-Tem District B, Amy Miller, La Marque Public Library, Justin Bower, H-GAC.

Celebrating at the H-GAC Awards Ceremony City officials attended the annual H-GAC Parks and Natural Areas Awards celebration on Friday, February 21, where they proudly accepted these honors on behalf of the community. The recognition underscores La Marque’s ongoing commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces, recreational amenities, and cultural opportunities for all residents.

As La Marque continues to invest in its parks and public spaces, these awards serve as a testament to the city's dedication to sustainable growth, quality-of-life improvements, and community engagement. The city remains focused on further expanding its recreational offerings and ensuring that La Marque is a great place to live, work, and play.

Looking Ahead With the momentum gained from these awards, La Marque aims to build upon its achievements by implementing future park improvements and innovative community programs. Residents can look forward to continued enhancements in the city’s park system, making La Marque a standout community in the Houston-Galveston region.

For more information on La Marque’s parks and recreational projects, visit www.ci.la-marque.tx.us.

CITY UPDATES Mayors' Monarch Pledge in Honor of Earth Day

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he La Marque Parks Board, in collaboration with La Marque Public Library, La Marque Garden Club, Hayley Elementary, and Smart Family Literacy, is happy to announce a special Monarch Butterfly Pledge in honor of Earth Day! This event will be at Walter Feigel Park on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The goal is to educate students and the community on the life cycle of monarch butterflies and to build awareness around the essential role monarch butterflies play in our ecosystem.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to witness a butterfly release, hear butterfly-themed stories, and take part in some hands-on butterfly science activities.

The Mayors' Monarch Butterfly Pledge is free and open to the public. We invite families, students, and community members to join us for this special Earth Day celebration.

For more information, please contact Amy Miller at 409-938-9272.

Galveston County

LEMONADE

Day

SATURDAY, MAY 3 Lemonade Day is a fun, experiential program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their very own business - a lemonade stand. Each year, in participating cities, youth have the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship.

Scan the QR code to learn more!

La Marque Public Library Closures Friday, April 18 & Saturday, April 19 for Easter

Saturday, May 24

for Memorial Day Weekend

National Library Week April 6-12, 2025 Scan QR Code to learn more about National Library Week!

Scan the QR Code to stay up to date on the latest Library Events!

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025

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LA MARQUE PARKS BOARD

VISIT OUR AWARD WINNING PARKS THIS SPRING! Get outside this spring and experience the award-winning parks of La Marque!

With eight beautiful parks spread across the city, there’s no better time to enjoy the fresh air, connect with nature, and take advantage of the incredible recreational opportunities available. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or 8

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fitness, our parks offer something for everyone.

Make sure to visit Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park, a stunning 230-acre destination perfect for birding, pickleball, basketball, soccer, and horseshoes. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or a peaceful picnic with loved ones.

Spring is calling—come explore all that La Marque’s parks have to offer!

Scan the QR Code to view the full list of parks in La Marque!

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025

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PUBLIC WORKS A Hero in the Field

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ur Water Utility Foreman, Oscar Del Bosque Alas, is dedicated to keeping our water system running efficiently—but recently, his quick thinking saved a life.

While on a call with a contractor from V&S Constructions, Oscar over heard a commotion—Rafa, a foreman, had suffered a severe neck injury while cutting a pipe. Without hesitation, Oscar rushed to help, controlling the bleeding and minimizing the risk of infection until Rafa could get to the hospital.

For his heroic efforts, Oscar was recognized at the January 27 City Council meeting.

His leadership and composure in a crisis exemplify the dedication that keeps our city running.

New Wastewater Treatment Plant Paves the Way for Growth in La Marque The City of La Marque is excited to announce the upcoming construction of a Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) Wastewater Treatment Plant, set to begin this summer. This state-of-the-art facility will increase treatment capacity, supporting future growth and development while improving water quality and environmental sustainability.

An SBR plant operates in batch cycles, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency in treating wastewater. Unlike traditional continuous-flow systems, SBR technology optimizes aeration, settling, and treatment in a single basin, reducing the plant's footprint and operational costs.

Benefits of an SBR system:  More Capacity for Growth – Expands wastewater treatment capabilities to accommodate new development.  Enhanced Treatment Efficiency – Improves water quality with advanced nutrient removal.  Cost-Effective Operations – Reduces energy consumption and maintenance costs.  Smaller Footprint – Requires less space than conventional plants.  Scalability – Can be adapted for future city expansion.

This investment reflects La Marque’s commitment to modern infrastructure and smart growth. Stay tuned for updates as we build a cleaner, more sustainable future!

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEDC Recognizes 2024 Economic Excellence Recognition Recipients at 2025 Winter Conference

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he La Marque Economic Development Corporation (LMEDC) is honored to be recognized once again by the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) as a recipient of the Economic Excellence Recognition award for 2024. This marks the eighth consecutive year that LMEDC has achieved this distinction, highlighting our unwavering commitment to professionalism, leadership, and economic growth in our community. LMEDC is one of roughly ten organizations to have to received this recognition for eight consecutive years. TEDC has approximately 1,000 members.

The TEDC announced the recipients of this prestigious award during its 2025 Winter Conference in Austin, Texas on Friday, February 28th. The Economic Excellence Recognition program acknowledges economic development organizations that meet high standards of professionalism through continuous training, certifications, professional memberships, and operational effectiveness. This award reflects the dedication of our governing board, economic development director, and professional staff in advancing economic opportunities for La Marque.

As an organization dedicated to fostering a strong local economy, LMEDC remains committed to upholding the highest standards in economic development. We extend our gratitude to the TEDC for this recognition and look forward to continuing our efforts to make La Marque a premier destination for businesses and residents alike.

Highlights Gaining expertise in the sales process Building your communication skills Crafting a powerful value proposition Overcoming objections Closing the deal with confidence

CITY OF LA MARQUE MAYOR BELL'S

SMALL BUSINESS SERIES Selling with Impact

Join us in this session and get help mastering the sales process for your business. From prospecting and qualifying leads to closing deals with confidence you will learn effective communication techniques, craft compelling value propositions, and develop strategies to overcome objections. Whether you're new to sales or looking to refine your skills, this interactive session will provide practical tools to build relationships, increase conversions, and drive business success.

Monday May 12, 2025

5:30pm - 7:00pm La Marque Public Library 1011 Bayou Road, La Marque, Tx

Reserve your spot today!

Scan the QR Code to register!

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025

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POLICE DEPARTMENT City of La Marque Announces Fourth Consecutive Year of Decreased Crime Rates

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he City of La Marque is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, crime rates have continued to decline across the city. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the ongoing success of the City’s Safe City Initiative, which was the brainchild of Mayor Keith Bell, and executed under the leadership of the La Marque Police Department.

Through a combination of proactive policing, community engagement, and innovative crime prevention strategies, La Marque has seen a drop of 14.19% in crime from the previous year, making the city a safer place for residents and visitors alike.

“The safety of our community is our top priority, and this milestone reflects the dedication, hard work, and collaborative efforts of the La Marque Police Department and our community members,” said Mayor Keith Bell. “The continued decline in crime is a direct result of our Safe City Initiative, which emphasizes both prevention and enforcement in a balanced approach.”

The Safe City Initiative focuses on fostering strong partnerships between law enforcement and residents, enhancing neighborhood patrols, implementing crime reduction programs, and leveraging technology to improve policing efforts. These efforts have not only reduced crime but also strengthened the relationship between the police department and the La Marque community.

Chief Randall Aragon of the La Marque Police Department expressed pride in the department’s accomplishments and the trust that has been built with the community.

“We are committed to ensuring La Marque remains a place where families can live, work, and thrive without fear. This continued decrease in crime shows that when law enforcement and the community work together, we can accomplish great things,” said Aragon.

While the City celebrates this success, officials remain focused on continuing to build upon these efforts, with additional resources dedicated to community outreach, crime prevention education, and further improving public safety.

The City of La Marque thanks its residents for their ongoing support and participation in making La Marque a safer community for all. With this continued collaboration, the city is committed to maintaining its momentum and striving for even further reductions in crime in the years to come.

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FIRE DEPARTMENT La Marque Fire Department and K9 Kai Blaze Trails in Fire Investigation

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n a monumental stride for public safety and service, the La Marque Fire Department is thrilled to announce a pioneering achievement in Galveston County's history. Deputy Fire Marshal Hazelgrove and his four-legged partner, K9 Kai, have officially become the first K9 handler and Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 team in the history of La Marque. This duo is not only breaking ground in our community but also marks the introduction of the first full-time Ignitable Liquid Detection K9 in the entirety of Galveston County.

K9 Kai, a vibrant 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd, has brought an unmatched level of enthusiasm and skill to the team. Certified in Ignitable Liquid Detection, his introduction to the La Marque Fire Department in July 2024 was made possible by a generous grant from K9s4COPS. This significant addition underscores the commitment of the La Marque Fire Department to enhance its fire investigative capabilities and ensure the safety of our community.

Assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office, K9 Kai embarked on his formal Police Training journey in September 2024. Demonstrating exemplary dedication and prowess, Kai completed over 160 hours of training, culminating in his graduation in October. Both K9 Kai and his handler have achieved national certification, a testament to their hard work and the promising impact they are poised to make in fire investigations and community safety.

K9 Kai is not just about work; he embodies the spirit of the community he serves.

With a love for going on runs, playing ball, enjoying his chew toys, and eagerly participating in training days, Kai’s energy and dedication are infectious. His bond with his handler is a cornerstone of their effectiveness, showcasing the incredible teamwork that is vital in the demanding field of ignitable liquid detection and fire investigation.

This historic milestone for the La Marque Fire Department and Galveston County speaks volumes about our dedication to adopting innovative methods to protect and serve our community. K9 Kai’s arrival and achievements highlight the progressive steps being taken toward enhancing our firefighting and investigative capabilities, ensuring a safer future for our residents.

Let us all welcome K9 Kai with open arms and support this remarkable team as they embark on their journey to make La Marque and Galveston County safer for everyone. Their pioneering role is not just a chapter in our local history but also a beacon of progress in the field of fire safety and investigation.

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

SHERLYN WILLIAMS

◊ What is the favorite part about working for the City of La Marque?

My favorite part about working for the City of La Marque is having a job (LOL), but more importantly, getting to volunteer at the Bayou Fest Pumpkin Patch. I love engaging with the community and seeing the creative pumpkin painting designs from the children. I also enjoy providing helpful information to citizens – guiding them to the right departments and seeing their relief when they get the answers they need. It’s fulfilling to know I’m making a difference by assisting them.

◊ People would be surprised if they knew: People would be surprised to know that I love the PBR. What is PBR you may ask? It’s Professional Bull Riding! I had the chance to see this last year at the Toyota Center and it was AWESOME.

DEPARTMENT: UTILITY BILLING TITLE: CUSTOMER SERVICE START DATE: MARCH 2016

◊ How do you spend your free time?

I like to hang out at the beach at the Texas City Dike and take pics of the wonders of Creation.

◊ Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in five years having my own business.

I also see myself spending lots of time with my five grandchildren.

◊ How do you define success?

Success, to me, is being able to enjoy life's moments – the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's all part of truly living.

We sincerely thank Sherlyn for her dedication and commitment to the City of La Marque!

Since 2016, she has been an invaluable part of our team, and we are grateful for her hard work and contributions. As she embarks on her new chapter of retirement this year, we wish her all the best in the years ahead.

Thank you, Sherlyn!

New Businesses Now Open in La Marque!

2600 FM 1764, Suite 130

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2701 FM 1764

6402 I-45, Suite I

COMMUNITY GROWTH Galveston County Building Mental Health Crisis Center in La Marque

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alveston County is set to enhance its mental health services with the construction of a new crisis center located at 1207 Oak Street in La Marque. The facility aims to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies, reducing the strain on local hospitals and law enforcement. This initiative underscores the county's commitment to addressing mental health challenges and ensuring residents have access to timely care. The center will offer 24/7 services, including crisis stabilization and counseling, to assist those in urgent need.

County officials hope the project will serve as a model for improving mental health care in surrounding communities. Expected to open in 2025, the center is part of a broader effort to expand mental health resources in the region.

La Marque High School

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he City of La Marque is witnessing a major educational investment with the progression of the ongoing construction of the new La Marque High School, a project funded by the Texas City Independent School District’s (TCISD) 2022 bond. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 23, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the community.

The new high school is designed to enhance academic and extracurricular opportunities for students, featuring modern classrooms equipped for hands-on STEM learning and top-tier athletic facilities. The new high school building will be about 171,294 square feet and includes a new high school building, renovation and repurposing of part of the existing high school, to be used as a field house, renovation of the existing auditorium and renovation of the existing gymnasium building. The project also includes a new football stadium, restroom and concession building, track and field events, and baseball and softball fields.

Once completed, the new high school will help attract new residents to La Marque.

Additionally, the state-of-the-art facilities aim to better prepare students for future challenges, contributing to the city's long-term growth and prosperity.

Inside La Marque | Spring 2025 15

1111 Bayou Road La Marque, TX 77568

Wildlife Habitat Federation Visits La Marque

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onservationists from the Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) scheduled a site visit to Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park to evaluate the Highland Bayou shoreline, fishing areas, wetlands, and natural spaces. They also examined the Mahan Park Boat Ramp, its shoreline, surrounding natural areas, and the impact of wastewater management on the Bayou.

WHF will provide the City of La Marque with a complimentary Conservation Master Plan, outlining hands-on restoration, sustainable management, and long-term preservation of prairie habitat to support soil, water, air, and wildlife conservation.