December 15, 2025 I
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
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
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Minutes continued, December 15, 2025
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 Tern 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.
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Minutes continued, December 15, 2025
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.
J Ortiz,Mayor Pro Tern
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
Jo Underwood, City Clerk • �.
City of Nederland, Texas o': � )�•�'
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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 I
Jeff Ortiz Council Member—Ward IV
Bruce Mills Interim City Manager ✓
Joni Underwood City Clerk
Sane llourard �/
Chris Leavins City Attorney a�
Heather Stucker Director of Finance
Rod Carroll Police Chief
Terry Morton Fire Chief ✓
I;-�►
Dannie Davis Interim Director of Public Works
George Wheeler Building Official
Jacob Pitts Inspections Adm.Secretary
Molli Hall Librarian
Stephanie Gaspard Human Resources Director
Toby Latiolais Parks Director
Taylor Shelton Assist.to the City Manager V
Jogrtiz, ayor Pro Tem
.r� U (oiwo14-1
Joni nderwood,City Clerk
Date
'\
KATE CARROLL
TAX ASSESSORMCOLLECTOR
\� ' * JEFFERSON COUNTY, TEXAS
•STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON
I,Kate Carroll,the Tax Assessor-Collector of Jefferson County,Texas and also,
by contract or statute, the Tax Assessor-Collector for CITY OF NEDERLAND, 1!
affirm, under oath, that this amount $546,272.56, represents all taxes collected for
CITY OF NEDERLAND during the month of November 2025.
Kate Carroll
MAILING ADDRESS • P.O. BOX 2112 • BEAUMONT,TEXAS 77704,21 12
PHYSICAL ADDRESS • 1 149 PEARL • BEAUMONT,TEXAS 77701
PHONE:409-835-8516 • FAX:409-835.8589
ORDINANCE NO.2025-25
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 15th DAY OF DECEMBER,2025.
Je. ►.rtiz,Mayor Pro Tern
y of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
Wiudgcn a- -I
Joni Und6iwood,City Clerk
,..� pENF ,
APPROVED AS TO FORM: C,ti' �o.\4'•.P
(91/2?"/) 1/111°- •S*-4, 1 4_
Chris Leavins,City Attorney �F �c70;c
JEFF \\`
1
BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT—ATTACHMENT A
GENERAL FUND
Amend General Fund by increasing revenue and increasing expenditure line items as detailed
below:
Increase 01-0000-4350 Federal Grant Revenue $46,750
Increase 01-5100-6720 Parks Buildings,Fixtures,and Grounds $46,750
EECDBG grant funds awarded to cover the purchase of LED lighting for the Recreation Center.
Increase 01-0000-4495 Donations—Christmas on the Avenue $5,500
Increase 01-5100-6400 Parks Special Programs $5,500
Christmas sponsorships received,Philips 66 donated$5,000 and Golden Triangle Emergency
donated$500. The funds will go toward Christmas on the Avenue.
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