INSIDE LA MARQUE
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Hello Friends,
Hello friends, we have great news to share! It's official! Our great city was named All-America City for 2024, along with nine other cities in the country. Only two other cities in our county have ever been called an All-America City (Galveston and Texas City). This tremendous honor was awarded to La Marque because of our work on the Safe City Initiative, public engagement in the decision of how to use American Rescue Plan funding, and our communications department (LMTV). The creator of this event, the National Civic League, has been around for 75 years, providing resources and networking opportunities to municipal governments all across our country. This award doesn't say we are perfect, but as a community, we are willing to work towards a better future for our city. This award brings honor and opportunities to improve the lives of every resident of La Marque. As summer unfolds, we hope you were able to attend several awesome events around our great city including our 2nd annual Juneteenth Gala as well as our Life and Liberty event at "Mac" Mcgaffey Highland Bayou Park on June 29th. Finally, our inaugural Youth Summer camp will be launched, providing youth recreation for the first time in our community. Stay tuned for more information. It's SUNNY IN LA MARQUE!!!
Mayor Keith Bell
ALL-AMERICA CITY
This award is considered to be the Nobel Prize of municipal awards."
-Mayor Keith Bell
Since 1949, The National Civic League's AllAmerica City Award has celebrated exceptional civic innovation across the United States. Annually, the prestigious award honors ten communities for using inclusive civic engagement to address critical issues and create a stronger connection between residents, businesses, nonprofits and government. All are invited to apply; granted they are a city, county, tribe or community organization. The All-America City Award, which highlights the work in different communities, focuses on celebrating the best in local innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration.
ALL-AMERICA CITY
La Marque is celebrating a huge win as it was named an AllAmerica City by the National Civic League in Denver on June 9, 2024. This award recognizes the city's amazing efforts in community collaboration and problem-solving. A big highlight was the Safe City Initiative, which is helping reduce crime through better community policing and partnerships. Another factor the judges observed was LMTV, which streams on Channel 16 and YouTube and allows citizens to tune into council meetings, view Shine On La Marque videos and stay updated on local news and events. Along with other factors, judges also viewed the results of the City's Balancing Act, which focused on distributing ARPA Funds, which citizens voted on. The city stood out to judges by showing pride in La Marque and standing out above the other cities participating. Traveling with city leaders like Mayor Keith Bell and Mayor ProTem Joe Compian were citizens, the Marching Thunder, and the TCLM Chamber president, Tim Culp. In all, a total of 50 people represented La Marque in Denver, Colorado.
PUBLIC WORKS UPDATES
MAIN STREET SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS
TxDOT is set to construct new sidewalks and driveway approaches along Main Street, spanning from Lake Road to Highway 3. This project is funded by TxDOT and aims to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility in the area. This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and promote a walkable community for all residents. Location: Main Street, between Lake Road and Highway 3 | Estimated Cost: $1.5 million | Estimated Completion Date: Spring 2025 | Current Status: construction scheduled for Winter 2024
NEW PICKLEBALL COURTS
MAIN STREET WATERLINE REPLACEMENT
The City is undertaking the replacement of the existing 14-inch waterline on Main Street with a new 16-inch waterline. This upgrade is designed to enhance flow and pressure reliability for residents and businesses in the area. This project is a key part of our commitment to improving the city's water infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply for our community. Location: I-45 to 12th Street | Estimated Cost: $1.2 million | Estimated Completion Date: December 2024
Highland Bayou Park is now home to six brand-new pickleball courts, offering an exciting addition to the recreational facilities for locals and visitors alike. This fast-growing sport, known for its blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong elements, provides an excellent opportunity for community members to engage in a fun, healthy activity. The new courts are part of the Park Board’s ongoing efforts to enhance outdoor amenities and promote active lifestyles. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, the Highland Bayou Park pickleball courts are the perfect place to enjoy this popular sport.
COUNCIL'S CORNER
About Our New Council Member
On July 8th, 1980, Joseph Lowry was born in Enumclaw, Washington, marking a pivotal moment in history. He later relocated to La Marque, Texas, where he has since made his home and established himself as a businessman and devoted member of the community. Being a God fearing, Christian man, he is guided by his belief in the importance of helping others, Joseph has dedicated himself to making an impact in his community through volunteering, charitable donations, and setting up community events. As the owner of Six Brothers Concrete Pumping, he has built a successful career, but his true passion lies in serving God and giving back to his community. When he is not serving in loving God with all of his heart, he spends his time alongside his beloved wife, Sarah Lowry, and their children, Joseph, Jonal, Joel, Juniper, Hailey, and Hunter. Teaching them the importance of compassion and faith. The family plans to continue calling La Marque home and continuing their mission of service for years to come. Joseph's legacy continues to inspire others to be the change they wish to see in the world.
Why did you decide to run for Council?
I ran for Council because I wanted to push the city into a brighter future. My goal is to bring La Marque back to how it was. I want the community to come together to make it an All-American City. I want to help provide transparency and equality in our government with the citizens of La Marque, and I want to be the voice for those who cannot speak.
What are your top three priorities for your district?
• Infrastructure is a big one. Fixing our sewer and water systems will improve the quality of life in our city, making it a pleasant environment for everyone. The citizens decided in a recent poll I took on social media that this was the number one priority.
• I want to help beautify our neighborhoods. As I drive through the community, I must admit on my side of town, my neighborhoods have some of the most beautiful lawns in Old La Marque. A very wellmaintained district. We have some houses that need attention and I hope to work with residents and staff to conquer these issues.
• Helping our city get enough law enforcement to maintain constant patrols to deter criminals. Along with bolstering our police force, getting our medics and fire personel adequate staff that they need to make our citizens safe.
Why do you love La Marque?
There are many reasons why I love my city, La Marque. I love La Marque because during a time of disaster, we can come together and help one another out. The best example for that is when we had the freeze, and our entire County was devastated. I had a couple hundred dollars in my pocket and decided to go buy hot dogs. I start barbecuing at the edge of my driveway and offering people free food. We had citizens that were without water, food, and electricity. In doing that, the community at the time, was so joined together. It was probably one of the most uplifting times of my life. Having citizens of all different backgrounds, all different religions, all different ethnicities come together for the good of those in the city. My goal is to continue to use my ability to bring people together to strengthen the unity in our community that we used to have several years ago.
TRANSFORMING LA MARQUE WITH ART
401 Laurel Mural
The City of La Marque and the Economic Development Corporation wanted to enhance community pride by commissioning a muralist to transform an ordinary brick wall into a vibrant, engaging artwork that inspired and connected the community. When coming up with ideas for her murals, Anat Ronen lets the ideas in her mind come to life as she sees the wall, her canvas. Using latex house paint and brushes as her medium, she initially started painting to secure her immigration status, but it quickly became her calling. Over the years, she gained confidence as a self-employed artist, and now she can't imagine doing anything else.
Born and raised in Israel with South American roots, Anat discovered her talent later in life. Her success as an artist, especially in murals, has grown over the years, and she's grateful for the chance to share her work with the community.
Bayou Park
Vibrant colors can uplift moods, reduce stress, and foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents. Moreover, colorful and dynamic parks can attract visitors, promote social interaction, and support local artists. Ultimately, enhancing city parks with vibrant art contributes to the overall quality of life, making public spaces more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. The basketball court project was particularly fun for Gabriel Prusmack, who also created the artwork for the utility boxes on Cedar Dr. and Bayou Rd. Inspired by the city logo concept already in place, with its colors perfectly fitting the vision, his medium of choice is aerosol spray paints. He loves to experiment with different colors and contrasts and has been painting murals for about 15 years.
Basketball Court Renovation
Bayou Park got a significant upgrade recently. With a new concrete basketball court, the City decided to add color and vibrancy to enhance the vibe of the park to go along with the new colorful playground equipment. It is important to create inviting and stimulating environments to encourage engagement and activity at our local parks.
Living in Galveston, TX, Gabriel believes murals and artwork are for everyone because they serve as a form of therapy, whether through the act of painting or by simply being surrounded by vibrant colors. Public murals, in particular, elevate the quality of life by revitalizing spaces and bringing joy to the community.
SUMMER SAFETY
Wear Sunscreen Wear Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
Drink water Drink water
Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Increase intake if you're active or spending extended time in the heat.
recognize heat illness symptoms recognize heat illness symptoms
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, such as heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
Swim Safety Swim Safety
Always swim with a buddy and ensure that children are supervised by an adult. Use life jackets in open water.
LA MARQUE PUBLIC LIBRARY
SUMMER READING PROGRAM SUMMER PROGRAMS
Get ready for a summer of adventure with La Marque Public Library’s Summer Reading Program! We are inviting all young explorers on an exciting journey through books, activities, and fun programs designed to spark imagination and curiosity.
Join the library for art programs, science experiments, nature walks, games and more!
DATES
Summer Programs will be Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays beginning at 2:00 p.m. June 4 - July 31
VIEW FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS HERE!
TCISD FREE TCISD FREE
Program Program
TCISD will once again offer free breakfast and lunch this summer! All students, along with their younger siblings who are not yet in school, are welcome to enjoy these complimentary meals this June and July.
Visit https://www.tcisd.org/public-information/ district-news for full June and July schedule.
COMMUNITY POLICING
Officer Armando Rojas
What community policing initiatives did you participate in that contributed to you being awarded Community Policing Officer of the Year in 2022 and 2023?
I participated in special community events such as Coffee with a Cop and Blue Santa. Other than that, it is mostly just routine visits to citizens in my assigned area of Lake Rd North.
In your view, what role does effective communication play in fostering positive police-community relations?
It is imperative to have a good policecommunity relationship. The citizens are the eyes and the ears in the city and without their support, we could not successfully do our job.
2023 Community Policing Officer of the Year Q&A with Officer Rojas
How do you build trust and relationships within the community?
Most of the time, the citizens only speak to the police if there was a call for service, and sometimes people don't have positive experiences dealing with the police. Treating people with dignity and respect, and by taking the time and the initiative to go by their neighborhoods, engage in conversation with the people and actually take the time to listen to their concerns creates everlasting relationships with the people.
Can you share an example of a challenging situation you encountered while implementing community policing strategies, and how you navigated it successfully?
I work night shift, so sometimes it can be difficult for me to go door to door and have citizens actually open the door at night. When this happens, I leave a pamphlet with my information and state my reason for the visit.
What do you believe sets apart successful community policing efforts, and how do you envision continuing to advance these efforts in your role as a police detective?
Keep visiting people, taking the time to listen to them and more importantly, take action and make every effort to help them resolve their concerns.
5Cs
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CITY OF LA MARQUE MAYOR
https://www.sbdc.uh.edu/assnfe/ev.asp?ID=14362
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Mikala Halbrook
DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
TITLE: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
START DATE: FEBRUARY 2023
◊ What does a typical workday look like for you?
Typically, I am scheduling meetings, completing projects including city applications and grants, and assisting various department leaders with administrative tasks. I also assist with special events, vendor relationships, and work frequently with community partners.
◊ Your proudest professional moment?
My proudest professional moment in my current career is being named an All-America City winner. I am not originally from La Marque so being enmeshed in the city has shown me how much this community deserves this award. La Marque truly is a special place.
◊ People would be surprised if they knew:
I have a bachelor's degree in Social Work and volunteer for the Galveston County Crisis Incident Stress Management team.
◊ What is the favorite part about working for City of La Marque?
The people. We have some really great people working for the City of La Marque, and we also have some amazing people within our community.
◊ How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t fame, wealth, or social status. Success is measured individually as it is about learning and growing from failures and challenges.
BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION
Administrative tasks, special event assistance, project coordination, general office management.
BUSINESS BUZZ
AR's Entertainment Hub, Galveston County's newest attraction, is open at Gulfway Plaza, 14001 Delaney Road. Located next to the Amazon Distribution Center off I-45, it offers family fun for everyone with arcade games, laser tag, an XR Arena, mini-golf, and more. Get ready to meet, eat, and play!
Fidelity National Title is a leading title insurance company in the United States, providing essential services for real estate transactions. It offers title insurance to protect against financial loss from defects in property titles and the invalidity of mortgage liens, along with managing escrow services, underwriting, and facilitating settlements. Fidelity National Title is located at 7124-A Autry Dr.
