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La Marque council adopts ordinances and resolutions on zoning, appointments and police funding
Summary
At its Feb. 9 meeting the La Marque City Council approved multiple zoning map changes, amended board meeting schedules, confirmed board appointments and authorized resolutions including a separation payment cap for a newly appointed police chief and grant application for ballistic vests.
The La Marque City Council on Feb. 9 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions that together reshape several local boards and move forward public‑safety and land‑use items.
Council adopted the second and final reading of an ordinance amending meeting dates for city boards and commissions (O‑2026‑0002) intended to improve quorum and meeting participation. The council also approved several zoning map amendments that reclassified parcels on Highway 3 and Oak Street to light‑industrial and single‑family residential as presented by development services staff.
Council members handled appointments and removals across boards and commissions. Two members of the zoning board of adjustments were removed for attendance issues and one member resigned; multiple reappointments and new appointees (Building Standards, Parks Board, Keep La Marque Beautiful and others) were confirmed so affected boards can regain quorum and meet.
On personnel and public‑safety items, council approved a resolution (R‑2026‑0003) authorizing an expenditure — capped at $54,230 and limited to a three‑year term — to provide separation pay to the newly appointed police chief if a non‑cause separation occurs. Council also authorized a grant application to the governor’s office to outfit licensed fire‑marshal peace officers with National Institute of Justice‑rated ballistic vests for fiscal year 2027 (R‑2026‑0004), a no‑match grant estimated at about $16,000.
Council approved a contract to remediate mold, asbestos and air‑quality issues at 431 Bayou Road so the building can be used for police operations and evidence storage once mitigation and post‑remediation testing are complete. Finally, the council ratified the appointment of Byron Franklin as police chief under state civil‑service procedures.
What happens next: Most routine zoning and appointment items will be implemented immediately. The remediation contractor will seek state licensing and perform abatement and post‑remediation testing; the vest grant, if funded, will supply replacement body armor for eligible peace officers in 2027.
