01-12-2026 Agenda (full)NEDERLAND CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
NOTICE is hereby given of a regular meeting of the Nederland City Council to be held Monday,
January 12, 2026, 5:30 p.m., at the Nederland City Hall, 207 North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas,
for the purpose of considering the following agenda items. The City Council reserves the right
to retire into Executive Session concerning any of the agenda items whenever it is considered
necessary and legally justified pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 551.
Members of the public can participate remotely via Zoom Teleconferencing. Citizens may join
the Zoom Meeting by clicking on the Virtual Council Meeting https link on the City of
Nederland’s website or calling the Zoom Call in Number and entering the Meeting ID# on the
City of Nederland’s website.
The City of Nederland's Council meeting will be live on the city's Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/CityofNederlandTX) and the city's YouTube Channel
(https://www.youtube.com/@CityofNederlandTX).
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS. Citizens may provide comments regarding the
items listed on the Consent or Regular Agenda. Citizens will address the City Council from the
podium after providing their name and address. Comments shall not exceed three minutes.
1. CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION AND PLEDGES OF ALLEGIANCE
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
At this time, members of the audience may comment on any city-related subject not on the
agenda. Anyone wishing to speak shall sign in before the meeting with their name and
address. Comments are limited to three minutes unless otherwise allowed by City Council.
The Texas Open Meetings Act prohibits the Council from discussing items not listed on the
agenda. A member of the audience that desires to speak during City Council’s
consideration of any specific agenda items is requested to notify City staff prior to the start
of the meeting.
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. Minutes – December 15, 2025 regular meeting
b. Discussion and possible action to approve the closure of various City streets for the
Nederland Heritage Festival activities.
5. REGULAR AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion and possible action approving Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the Nederland
Police Department to submit a traffic enforcement grant with the Texas Department of
Transportation.
AGENDA
January 12, 2026
Page 2
b. Discussion and possible action to approve the purchase via state-approved contract of a
2027 Freightliner Dump Truck for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
c. Discussion and possible action authorizing the Nederland Economic Development
Corporation to offer owner financing on individual properties in the Off Boston area.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION (No Public Discussion on These Items)
The City Council will announce that it will go into Executive Session, pursuant to Chapter
551 of the Texas Government Code, to discuss matters as specifically listed on the agenda,
or as authorized by law.
Personnel Matters, pursuant to Section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code, to
deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline
or dismissal of a public officer or employee, regarding City Attorney.
7. RECONVENE
Reconvene into regular session and discuss and take action, if any, on items discussed in
Executive Session.
8. Discussion and possible action arising out of Executive Session regarding the City
Attorney’s performance.
9. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
10. ADJOURN
Jeffrey P. Darby, Mayor
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
Joni Underwood, City Clerk
City of Nederland, Texas
“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”
"CONFORME A LA SECCIÓN 30.07, DEL CÓDIGO PENAL (ENTRADA SIN
AUTORIZACIÓN POR TITULAR DE LICENCIA CON UNA PISTOLA VISIBLE), UNA
PERSONA CON LICENCIA BAJO EL SUBCAPÍTULO H, CAPÍTULO 411 DEL
CÓDIGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE LICENCIAS DE PISTOLAS), NO PUEDE ENTRAR
EN ESTA PROPIEDAD CON UNA PISTOLA VISIBLE”
January 12, 2026 Meeting
ITEM 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 the items unless a
councilmember so requests, in which event the item will be removed from the Consent agenda
and considered separately. I would recommend acceptance of all the below-listed items.
a. Attached are the minutes of the December 15, 2025 regular meeting.
b. The Nederland Heritage Festival has submitted its annual request for street closures:
FUN RUN Atlanta Ave – 17th Street to 21st Street
Sunday, March 1st 21st Street – Atlanta Ave to Detroit Ave
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Detroit Ave – 21st Street to 17th Street
17th Street – Atlanta Ave to Detroit Ave
CARNIVAL 17th Street – Atlanta Ave to Detroit Ave
Friday, March 6th @ 5 p.m. – Monday, Boston Ave – 15th Street to 17th Street
March 16th @5 a.m.
PARADE 21st Street – Nederland Ave to Detroit Ave
Saturday, March 14th Detroit Ave – 21st Street to 17th Street
8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Nederland Ave – 12th Street to 21st Street
12th Street – Nederland Ave to Boston Ave
Boston Ave – 12th Street to 14th Street
CAR SHOW & CHILI COOK-OFF Boston Ave – 13th Street to 14th Street
Saturday, March 14th, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 13th Street from Chicago Ave to alley by City Hall
and from Boston Ave to alley behind Mazur &
Vernon Accounting
NO PARKING AREA 15th Street – Boston Ave to Atlanta Ave (both
sides)
March 6th – 16th
In addition, the NHF has requested use of the parking lot across from City Hall for
concession parking. I recommend approval of the request.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND
5:30 p.m. December 15, 2025
1. MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz 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 was led by Councilmember Sonnier and the Pledges of Allegiance were led
by Councilmember Jones.
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 Councilmember Jones to
approve the Consent Agenda Items “a through c” as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
a. Minutes – December 8, 2025 regular meeting
b. November 2025 Departmental Reports
c. Tax Assessor Collection Report – November 2025
5. REGULAR AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion was held regarding the approval of the Nederland Economic Development
Corporation's $75,000 matching funds commitment to Support Solutions Southeast
Minutes continued, December 15, 2025
2
Texas and Associated Building and Contractors of Southeast Texas for their application
for the High Demand Job Training grant. Interim City Manager Bruce Mills provided
background information, explaining that on November 19, 2025, the Nederland
Economic Development Corporation board approved the $75,000 matching funds
commitment. He noted that if the grant is awarded, NEDC, Workforce Solutions and
ABC will enter into a memorandum of understanding outlining their respective roles
and responsibilities.
A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve the Nederland Economic Development Corporation’s $75,000
matching-funds commitment to support Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and
Associated Building and Contractors of Southeast Texas in their application for the
High Demand Job Training Grant. MOTION CARRIED. AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
b. A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve the grant research proposal from Community Development
Specialists, L.L.C. with a six-month term instead of the original 12-month term.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
Interim City Manager Bruce Mills explained that CDS will provide ongoing
comprehensive grant research to help prioritize funding opportunities and give strategic
guidance to maximize the city's competitiveness for upcoming funding cycles. He noted
that the current staff does not have personnel dedicated to grant research.
c. A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve Ordinance No. 2025-25, amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
d. A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve an amendment to the City of Nederland Purchasing Policy.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
This item involves approving an amendment to the city's purchasing policy to align with
recent Texas legislation that raised the competitive bidding threshold from $50,000 to
$100,000. Interim City Manager Bruce Mills explained that Texas recently changed its
Minutes continued, December 15, 2025
3
competitive bidding threshold for local government purchases under Senate Bill 1173,
raising the amount that triggers mandatory bidding from $50,000 to $100,000 as of
September 1st. He noted that the threshold for requiring contracts with historically
underutilized businesses has also been raised from the $3,000 to $50,000 range to the
$3,000 to $100,000 range. Mills also highlighted improvements to technology-related
purchase oversight, explaining that the new policy will require technology purchases to
go through the IT department to ensure supportability.
e. A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember
Sonnier to approve a Joint Election Agreement with Jefferson County for May 2026
election. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
Interim City Manager Bruce Mills explained that this agreement was discussed during the
budget process, with estimated election costs to be determined in February 2026 based on
the number of entities involved in the election. He noted that the city's current voting
machines are retiring and out of date, making it necessary to partner with the county for
elections. Councilmember Jones stated many cities, including Port Neches and Groves,
have already contracted with the County. This will enable the city to have updated voting
machines without having to purchase new machines every few years when the laws
change.
f. A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve the 2026 City of Nederland Compensation Study. MOTION
CARRIED. AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz, Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
This item involves approving the 2026 City of Nederland compensation study with a
budget of $48,500. Interim City Manager Bruce Mills requested authorization for staff to
finish negotiating and select a firm to conduct the compensation study. He explained that
HR is completing reference checks and that the study is much needed. The City’s current
job descriptions, which are 20 plus years old, will be compared to other cities in size,
budget and population and then updated. This will ensure the city stays competitive with
other cities in salary so we can attract and retain talent in our city.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Interim City Manager Bruce Mills stated there were no items requiring executive session
for this meeting.
Minutes continued, December 15, 2025
4
7. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Interim City Manager Bruce Mills addressed a significant operational challenge regarding
the collection of pennies for utility bill payments. He explained that the federal government
has ordered discontinuation of penny manufacturing, creating a shortage. The city's
minimum utility bill is $50.29, and many customers pay in cash requiring penny change.
Mr. Mills reported that in November, approximately 1,400 people paid in person with over
400 paying in cash. The city has posted notices asking customers paying cash to pay to the
nearest nickel, with any overpayment carrying as a credit balance on their account.
Bruce Mills announced plans for a comprehensive street lighting assessment in partnership with Entergy after the first of the year. He explained that the city has aging mercury vapor lights and missing lights that need replacement or repair. The assessment will explore opportunities to upgrade to LED lighting, which is more energy efficient and cost-effective. Taylor Shelton, Assistant to the City Manager, provided additional details about the process
and noted that Port Arthur is already implementing a similar program with 4,400 light
replacements.
Bruce Mills announced that he has calls scheduled with a recruiting company to begin the
process of recruiting for a new city manager position, including getting literature prepared
and setting deadlines and timelines. 8. ADJOURN
There being no further business Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz adjourned the meeting at 5:58 p.m.
__________________________
Jeff Ortiz, Mayor Pro Tem
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
___________________________
Joni Underwood, City Clerk
City of Nederland, Texas
January 12, 2026 Meeting
5. REGULAR AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a. Attached is proposed Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the submittal of a Texas
Department of Transportation Special Traffic Enforcement Program grant in the amount
of $30,000 with a 15% match ($4,500) for payment of overtime of Police Officers to
enforce traffic laws within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Nederland.
b. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is purchasing a new dump truck that was approved in
the 2025 budget for $200,000. The new truck will replace a 2007 model dump truck with
128,000 miles and will be used to transport sludge to the landfill. This purchase is a Buy
Board purchase quoted by Doggett Freightliner of South Texas L.L.C. – Austin in the
quoted amount of $179,532.89.
c. Attached is a copy of the minutes from the Nederland Economic Development
Corporation’s November 19, 2025 meeting regarding EDC’s offering of owner-financing
on the individual properties in the Off Boston area. The owner-financing of these
properties may need council approval according to local government code 505.158.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE NEDERLAND
POLICE DEPARTMENT TO SUBMIT A GRANT PROPOSAL WITH THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE FY 2027 SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM
“STEP COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSAL” GRANT, MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Nederland is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of
its residents, pedestrians, and motorists; and
WHEREAS, the Nederland Police Department desires to enter into a Grant
Agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Grant Agreement will enhance public
safety.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the Nederland Police Department to
enter into the Grant Agreement in the amount of $30,000 with a match of 15%
($4,500).
Section 2. The City Council finds that the Grant Agreement is in the best interest of
public safety.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage.
DULY RESOLVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Nederland this
12th day of January, 2026.
_______________________________
Jeffrey P. Darby, Mayor
Attest:
__________________________
Joni Underwood, City Secretary
APRROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
Chris Leavins, City Attorney
NEDERLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Minutes
November 19, 2025
MEETING
A meeting of the Nederland Ecooomic Development Corporation was called to order at 4:30 p,m. at the
Nederland Econornfc Development Corporation, 1519 Boston Avenue. by Presid-ent Anthony Toups.
QUORUM
Board members present: Anthony Toups, Jeff Darby, Stephen Hemeft, Billy Neal, Bret Duplant, Mitch
Macon. Kasey Taylor.
others present: Kay DeCuir Nederland EDC Executive Diroctor, Maggie Guillot, Nederland !:.DC Admin.
Asst. Jim Wimberley, Nederland EOC Attorney, and 3 community members.
Absent: None.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Anthony Toups gave the Invocation and le<l the Pledge.
MINUTES
A motion was made by Stephen Hemeft and seconded by Bret Duplant to approve the minutes of the
October 15, 2025 meeting.
Motion Carried
Ayes: Anthony Toups, Billy Neal, Mitch Macon, Bret Duplant, Kasey Taylor, Jeff Darby, Stephen
Hemett.
Absent None.
Abstain: None.
Noes: None.
A motion was ma-de by Jeff Darby and seconded by Bret Duptant to approve the minutes of th& November
5. 2025 Special meeting .
Motion Carried
Ayes: Anthony Toups, Billy Neal, Bret Ouplant, Kasey Taylor, Jeff Darby, Stephen Hemelt.
Absent: None.
Abstain: Mitch Macon.
Noes: None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The regular meeting was recessed by President Anthony Toups at 4:33 p.m. for the purpose of
conducting an Executive Session of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation, as autho.rized
by the Texas Government Code Chapter 551 .087 Deliberations regarding Economic Developmeot
Incentives: Texas Government Code Chapter 551.071 to discuss litigation and/or legal advice; Texas
Government Code Chapter 5-51.072 to discuss acquisition, exchange and/or release of property: Texas
Government Code Chapter 551 .074 to deliberate the appointment. empioyment. duties, ol an employee.
RECONVENE
The regular meeting was reconvened by President Anthony Toups at 5:22 p.m. announce<f action was
needed on Texas Government Code Chapter 551 .087 Deliberations regarding Economic Development
Incentives; action was needed for Texas Government Code Chapter 551 .071 to discuss litigation and/or
legal advice: action was needed for Texas Government Code Chapter 551.072 to discuss acquisition,
exchange and/or release of property; no action was nileded ror Texas Government Code Chapter
551 .07 4 to deliberate the appointment. employment. duties. of an employee.
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NEDC Minutes
November 19, 2025
OPEN FORUM
There were no community members that spoke in Open Forum.
FINANCIALS
The financials were not available for October 2025 due to the 2024-2025 Fiscal Audit taking place.
A motion was made by Bret Duplant and seconded by Kasey Taylor to approve tt1e High Demand Job
Training Grant as presented.
Motion Carried
Ayes; Anthony Toups, Billy Neal, Mitch Macon, Bret Duplant, Kasoy Taylor.
Absent: None.
Abstain: Joff Darby, Stephen Hemelt.
Noes: None.
A motion was made by Jeff Darby and seconded by Mitch Macon to approve the NEDC Conflict of Interest
Policy as presented with the stipulation of first degree of? to third degree on all items listed in the Policy.
Motion Carriod
Ayes: Anthony Toups, BHly Neal, Mitch Macon, Bret Duplant, Kasey Taylor, J.eff Darby, Stephen
Hemelt.
Absent: None.
Abstain; None.
Noes: None.
A motion was made Mitch Macon and seconded by Stephen Hemelt to direct the NEDC Director to move
forward with Seller Financing for Off Boston buildings with a 10% minimum down payment and not less
than an IRS deemed rate_
Motion Carried
Ayos: Anthony Toups, Billy Neal, Mitch Macon, Bret Duplant, Kasey Taylor, Jeff Darby, Stephen
Hamett.
Absent None.
Abstain; None.
Noes; None.
COMMUNICATION
The Director shared the following with the Board;
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• There will be a replal for 1111 Boston Avenue. It will be ordered using Access Surveyors
LLC.
• Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Kay DeCuir, Maggie Guillot, Bret Duplant. Anthony Toups,
Jeff Darby, and other community members of Nederland met up with a group from the
Nethertands.
• The NEDC is reserving a table tor the 2026 Economtc Forecast luncheon on Jan uary 22.
2026.
• The NEDC is reserving a table tor the Ne.c:terland Chamber of Commerce's Casino Night
on April 23, 2026.
• The NEDC is contributing $500.00 for an ad by the Neder1and Chamber of Commerce for
the FIFA Wortd Cup in 2026
• The NEDC staff gave out an address an<:! phone number list of the Board members to our
Board members.
• The NEDC has 21 gifts for the 12 Days of Christmas.
• The NEOC office wm be closed Thursday, November 27, and Friday. November 28, for
the Thanksgiving holiday.
Page 3
NEDC Minutes
November 19, 2025
ADJOURN
• The Shop Local, Shop Often. Shop Nederland commercial has been aired for a tewweeks
now.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Bret Dup4ant and seconded by Jeff Darby to
adjourn the meeting at 5:33 p.m.
Motion Carried
Ayes: Anthony Toups, Billy Neal, Mitch Macon, Bret Ouplant, Kasey Taylor, Jeff Darby, and
Stephen Hemelt.
Absent: None.
Abstain: None.
Noes: None .
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