November 10, 2025 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND
5:30 p.m. November 10,2025
1. MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Darby at the Nederland City Office
Building, 207 N. 12th Street,Nederland, Texas. See attached for quorum.
The following statement was posted:
"PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.07, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY LICENSE
HOLDER WITH AN OPENLY CARRIED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED
UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN
LICENSING LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A HANDGUN
THAT IS CARRIED OPENLY."
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE
The invocation and the Pledges of Allegiance were led by Councilmember Randy Sonnier.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
There were no citizen comments received.
4. CONSENT AGENDA - All consent agenda items listed are considered to be routine by
the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion
of these items unless a councilmember so requests, in which event the item will be
removed from the Consent Agenda and considered separately.
A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz to
approve the Consent Agenda Items "a through d" as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
a. Minutes—October 27, 2025 regular meeting and October 17,2025 special meeting.
b. Discussion and possible action to approve the closure of Boston Avenue between 15th
Street and 17th Street and all intersections on Saturday, December 6th for the "Christmas
on the Avenue"event.
c. Discussion and possible action to approve the closure of South 20th Street between Avenue
A and Avenue B from November 21st through December 31st for Nederland First Baptist
Church's Christmas activities.
d. Discussion and possible action to approve a request from Nederland Little Dribblers to
utilize the Nederland Recreation Center gymnasium for games and the waiver of
associated fees.
Minutes continued, November 10, 2025
5. REGULAR AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a. A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz to
approve a Proclamation recognizing National Nurse Practitioner Week. MOTION
CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
b. A motion was made by Councilmember and seconded by Councilmember to approve a
Proclamation recognizing United States Marine Corps Day. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
c. A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Duplant
to approve Resolution 2025-17 recognizing Sergeant Chase Romero and Officer Brant
Halfin. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
d. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve the quarterly Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund financial report from the
Nederland Chamber of Commerce. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
e. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Councilmember
Sonnier to approve the purchase of lighting upgrade for the Nederland Recreation
Center via state approved contract. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones, Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
f. A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz
to approve Resolution No. 2025-18 casting votes for candidate(s) for the Board of
Directors of the Jefferson County Central Appraisal District. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
g. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Ortiz
to approve Ordinance No. 2025-23, amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant,Jones, Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
2
Minutes continued, November 10, 2025
Councilmember Jones questioned why the city was funding $50,000 in mental health
services for the school district rather than the district funding it themselves. Bruce
Mills,Interim City Manager, explained this was a commitment made in December 2024
using ARPA funds that were not ultimately obligated.
h. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz
to approve Resolution No. 2025-19, authorizing account signatories for the City's
TexPool Investment Account.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
i. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Councilmember
Sonnier to approve payment in the amount of $35,000 to GovWell for inspection
permitting and work order system for Public Works. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
j. The council discussed a$50,000 payment to Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast
Texas for the Nederland High School Wellness Screening Program. Councilmembers
expressed concerns about accountability and transparency, wanting to see key
performance indicators and data on students served before approving the expenditure.
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember
Duplant to postpone `Item 5.j - Payment to Samaritan Counseling Center of Southeast
Texas for the Nederland High School Wellness Screening Program' until the December
8, 2025 council meeting to obtain more detailed information from the school district.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
Jolei Shipley, 8765 Holmes Road, spoke in support of Samaritan Counseling Center and
noted the difficulty in accessing qualified counselors in the region.
Tim Winberg, 912 Circle Drive, a licensed professional counselor who interned at
Samaritan, provided information about insurance limitations for intern services and the
challenges of obtaining required supervised hours.
k. A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant and seconded by Councilmember
Sonnier to approve the reclassification of Cheryl Dowden from Interim City Manager to
Assistant to the City Manager at a grade of 127, step 7 effective November 3, 2025
through November 30, 2025. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
3
Minutes continued, November 10, 2025
The regular meeting was recessed at 6:19 p.m. by Mayor Darby for the purpose of
conducting an Executive Session as authorized by Texas Government Code,
Consultation with Attorney — Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.071, regarding
legal matters, pending of contemplated litigation, a settlement offer, or on matters in
which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas
Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly
conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, including but not limited
to: Cause No. 25DCCV1451; Manuel Villarreal v. The Apostolic Tabernacle of
Texas, Inc., George Wheeler, in his official capacity as Building Official for the
City of Nederland, TX and Terry Morton, in his official capacity as Chief Fire
Official for the City of Nederland,TX.
7. RECONVENE
The regular meeting was reconvened at 6:35 p.m. by Mayor Darby.
8. Mayor Darby announced the Executive Session was held for informational purposes only
and no action is necessary.
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business Mayor Darby adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m.
J- frey P. Parby, ayor
City of Nederland,Texas
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CITY OF NEDERLAND
COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET
NAME TITLE PRESENT ABSENT
Jeffrey P. Darby Mayor
Bret Duplant Council Member—Ward I
Britton Jones Council Member—Ward II
Randy Sonnier Council Member—Ward III
Jeff Ortiz Council Member—Ward IV
Bruce Mills Interim City Manager
Joni Underwood City Clerk
Chris Leavins City Attorney 1
Heather Stucker Director of Finance
63 An 014 I L -t. PO fr'& elite-F u'
Rod Carroll Police Chief
Terry Morton Fire Chief
R olDID ;-ii Ams;s-i. ()owe W,,brks U�r
Director of Public Works —
George Wheeler Building Official
Jacob Pitts Inspections Adm. Secretary
Molli Hall Librarian v✓
Stephanie Gaspard Human Resources Director
Toby Latiolais Parks Director r/
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e P. Da •y, Mayor •
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Joni Unde •od, City Clerk
// /0-
Date
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-17
RESOLUTION HONORING THE BRAVERY OF POLICE OFFICERS IN
RESCUING A CITIZEN FROM A BURNING HOUSE
WHEREAS,on October 19,2025,officers of the Nederland Police Department
displayed exceptional courage and selflessness by responding swiftly to an emergency
call regarding a residential fire at 8200 block of S.Killarney,which is located just outside
the city limits of the City of Nederland;and
WHEREAS,upon arrival at the scene,the officers were informed that an
individual was trapped inside the burning home,with the residence fully engulfed in
flames and fire venting out the windows of the structure;and
WHEREAS,without hesitation or regard for their own safety,the officers
entered the burning building through the garage,navigating hazardous conditions in an
attempt to locate and extract the individual. After several moments inside the residence,
the officers were not able to progress to the rear of the residence due to the heat and
smoke. The hallway was engulfed in flames. The officers exited the residence and went
to the rear of the residence,where the fire was now venting out the rear bedroom. Upon
removal of the window A/C unit,officers were able to see the resident deceased just
inside the window.
WHEREAS,their actions exemplify the highest standards of bravery,quick
thinking,and commitment to public service,reflectinggreat credit upon themselves,their
department,and the entire law enforcement community;and
WHEREAS,the courage demonstrated in this life-threatening situation serves as
a powerful reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face daily in the line of
duty;
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that we,the City of Nederland,on
behalf of a grateful community,formally commend and honor the heroism of Sergeant
Chase Romero and Officer Brant Halfm,and all members of the Nederland Police
Department,who took part in this rescue;and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that this resolution be entered into the official
records as a lasting tribute to their bravery,service,and unwavering dedication to the
protection of human life.
PASSED and APPROVED this the 10th day of November,2025.
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City of 'ederland,Texas
ATTEST:
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City of Nederland,Texas ,,
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CITY OF NEDERLAND
RESOLUTION 2025-18
WHEREAS,Senate Bill No.621,Acts of the 66th Texas Legislature, Chapter 841,
1979, provides for establishing an Appraisal District which would concern the City of
Nederland;and
WHEREAS,the Act provides that the Appraisal District shall be governed by a Board of
Directors to be chosen by the taxing units within the district by a voting method set out in the
Act;and
WHEREAS,the Act provides for nomination of candidates for the Board by the taxing
units within the Appraisal District;and
WHEREAS,the City of Nederland is desirous of having representation on the Board
of Directors of the Appraisal District; and
WHEREAS,the Act entitles each taxing unit to vote and determine its votes by
resolution submitted to the Jefferson County Appraisal District before December 15,2025.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,that the City Council of the City of
Nederland, in compliance with Senate Bill No.621,hereby casts its entire vote as follows:
Darrell Antwine
Donald Frank
Bert Lamson 22
1
Eugene Landry
Mary Wycoff
SO RESOLVED,this the 10th day of November,2025.
Al /./ 7 f/
J-•fret'P. P'-rby, Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
Joni U /.erwood,City Clerk
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City of Nederland,Texas .`Jo f. NED'
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City of rland,Texas
•
ORDINANCE NO.2025-23
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND,TEXAS AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026 BUDGET IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET AND
THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND.
WHEREAS,the City Council previously approved Ordinance No.2025-16 which adopted
the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City Budget;and,
WHEREAS,the City Council deems it necessary to amend the current budget to increase
expenditures as set out in Attachment"A"attached hereto;and,
WHEREAS,the 2025-2026 City budget states"That any unencumbered funds remaining
on hand at the end of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 shall be construed with and
classified with Miscellaneous revenue anticipated during the fiscal year beginning October 1,
2025 and ending September 30,2026,and such funds are hereby appropriated as a City Council
Contingency Account for purposes approved by the City Council;and,
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND,
TEXAS:
THAT the budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 is amended to allow for increases in
expenditures as set out in Attachment"A."
THAT all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
THAT,this being an ordinance not requiring publication,it shall take effect and be in force
from and after its passage.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND AT A
REGULAR MEETING THIS THE 10th DAY OF NOVEMBER,2025.
4#,'
J frey P.9:rby,Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
Joni derwood,City Clerk Of"o itiiiittf%J to,,
APPRO D :S TO F•RM: 'O -. L t�� :p
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Christop D.Leavins,City Attorney
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1
BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT—ATTACHMENT A
GENERAL FUND
Amend General Fund by appropriating unencumbered funds remaining at September 30,2025,in
the amount of$229,500 and increase line items as detailed below:
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
Increase 01-13-00-6393 Contractual Services $90,000
Provide funds for the contracted Interim City Manager provided by Texas First Group.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Increase 01-15-00-6311 Auditing&Accounting $68,000
Provide remaining funds on the approved contract for the forensic audit approved in
Fiscal year 2024-2025.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Increase 01-21-00-6231 Wearing Apparel $8,700
Increase 01-21-00-6265 Supplies/Minor Tools&Equipment $12,800
Provide budgeted funds for pursuit termination spike strips requested by Police Chief Carroll to
provide tire deflation devices. In addition,Chief Carroll is requesting dress class A uniforms for
officers to include a tie,long sleeve shirt,uniform hat and dress pants for court and funerals.
ANIMAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT
Increase 01-34-00-6111 Overtime $21,000
Decrease 01-34-00-6265 Supplies/Minor Tools&Equipment $(21,000)
Correct budgeted funds requested in initial budget for animal control.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Increase 01-90-00-6400 Special Programs $50,000
At the December 9,2024 council meeting,City Council approved assistance with NISD for
mental health services for students funded by the ARPA(Coronavirus)grant. The grant required
obligation of funds by December 31,2024 and the funds were dedicated but not obligated timely
in accordance with ARPA grant requirements.
MCML FUND
Amend MCML Fund by appropriating unencumbered funds remaining at September 30,2025,in
the amount of$27,000 and increase line items as detailed below:
DISPATCH DEPARTMENT
Increase 70-21-00-6393 Contractual Services $27,000
Provide additional funds necessary to cover cost of the Regional Radio System as a portion of
the annual amount was previously covered with grant funds that is no longer available.
2
RESOLUTION NO.2025-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND,
TEXAS,AMENDING AUTHORIZED.REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXPOOL
WHEREAS, the City of Nederland is a local government of the State of Texas and is empowered to
delegate to a public funds investment pool the authority to invest funds and to act as custodian of investments
purchased with local investment funds;and
WHEREAS,it is in the best interest of the Participant to invest local funds in investments that provide
for the preservation and safety of principal,liquidity,and yield consistent with the Public Funds Investment Act;
and
WHEREAS,the Texas Local Government Investment Pool("TexPool/Texpool Prime"),a public funds
investment pool, was created on behalf of entities whose investment objective in order of priority are
preservation and safety of principal,liquidity,and yield consistent with the Public Funds Investment Act.
NOW THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND,
TEXAS:
THAT the individuals,whose signatures appear in this Resolution,are Authorized Representatives of
the Participant and are each hereby authorized to transmit funds for investment in TexPool/TexPool Prime and
are each further authorized to withdraw funds from time to time,to issue letters of instruction,and to take all
other actions deemed necessary or appropriate for the investment of local funds.
THAT an Authorized Representative of the Participant may be deleted by a written instrument signed
by two remaining Authorized Representatives provided that the deleted Authorized Representative (1) is
assigned job duties that no longer require access to the Participant's TexPool/TexPool Prime account or(2)is
no longer employed by the Participant;and
THAT the Participant may by Amending Resolution signed by the Participant add an Authorized
Representative provided the additional Authorized Representative is an officer,employee,or agent of the
Participant;
List of the Authorized Representatives of the Participant. Any new Individuals will be issued personal
identification numbers to transact business with TexPool Participant Services.
1. Name Heather Stucker Title:Finance Director
Signature •A + Phone Number:(409)723-1509
2. Name Bruce Mills Title:Interim City Manager
Signature (tit.,04/ Phone Number(409)723-1503
The Authorized Representative listed above that will have primary responsibility for performing transactions and
receiving confirmations and monthly statements under the Participation Agreement.
Name Heather Stucker
Email hstuckerci.nederland.tx.us Fax Number(409)723-1550
THAT this resolution and its authorization shall continue in full force and effect until amended or
revoked by the Participant and until TexPool Participant Services receives a copy of any such amendment or
revocation.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF NEDERLAND AT A
REGULAR MEETING THIS THE 10TH DAY OF NOVEMBER,2025.
Jeffr- //byaYor
City of Nederla d,Texas
ATTEST:
Joni lkiderwood,City Clerk
APP-*"E) S FORM:
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Chris o h .Leavins,City Attorney 4F NF.F .,
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