January 12, 2026 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND
5:30 p.m. January 12,2026
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 was led by John Ortiz, and the Pledges of Allegiance were led by Mayor
Darby.
3. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Robert Klinger, 1140 Kent, brought up his concerns regarding kids on E Bikes and golf
carts. Mayor Darby stated the police department is studying the E Bike issue.
Councilmember Sonnier stated the kids need to be taught about traffic safety, but this also
starts at home with parents. However,this issue is being addressed.
Todd Perkins, 146 Nederland Avenue, asked about getting updates from newly hired
managers regarding sewer lines and water issues. Mayor Darby stated the infrastructure
meeting is being held tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.,which would provide updates.
David Wedgworth, 712 Carriage Lane, asked about the Schaumburg and Polk reports.
Mayor Darby stated there will be an update at tomorrow's meeting at 5:30 p.m.
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 and b" as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz,Councilmembers Jones and Sonnier.
NOES: None.
ABSTAINED: Mayor Jeffrey Darby, Councilmember Duplant
Minutes continued, January 12, 2026
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. Interim City Manager Bruce Mills presented Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the Police
Department to submit a traffic enforcement grant with the Texas Department of
Transportation. He explained this is a 15% match grant and it's for $30,000. Assistant
Police Chief Arnold stated the grant would require a $4,500 city match and would not
take effect until November 2026,making it part of the next budget year.
A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Ortiz
to approve Resolution 2026-01, authorizing the Nederland Police Department to submit
a traffic enforcement grant with the Texas Department of Transportation. MOTION
CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant,Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz
NOES: None.
b. Interim City Manager Bruce Mills presented the approval to purchase via state-
approved contract a 2027 Freightliner Dump Truck for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
He stated $200,000 was approved in the capital budget to replace a 2007 model truck
with 128,000 to 130,000 miles, and the purchase price of$179,532 came in below the
budgeted amount.
A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Jones to approve the purchase via state-approved contract a 2027 Freightliner Dump
Truck for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Duplant, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
c. Kay DeCuir,NEDC Executive Director, discussed authorizing the Nederland Economic
Development Corporation to offer owner financing on individual properties in the Off
Boson area. She stated the proposed terms are 10% minimum down payment, 6%
interest rate, and a minimum 15-year financing term, and a requirement of good credit
scores. She stated this is to be an incentive for those that possibly can't get a loan from
the typical lender. However, should the loan default, the building becomes the EDC's
property.
Jackie Toups, 613 North 14th Street, expressed strong opposition. Ms. Toups doesn't
feel it would be in the best interest of the city to be operating as landlords and banks.
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Minutes continued, January 12, 2026
Jolei Shipley, 8765 Holmes Road, also opposed the proposal. Mrs. Shipley stated she
was concerned about how much the taxpayers would lose. She felt the loss would be a
million dollars and didn't see tax dollars generating a million.
Todd Perkins, 146 Nederland Avenue, stated he estimated losses could exceed $2
million.
A motion was made by Councilmember Sonnier to postpone this item for legal
representation. He stated he wasn't voting for or against it at this time. Mayor Darby
stated to postpone further discussion for the January 26, 2026 meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Duplant to reconsider the postponement date
due to his unavailability on January 26, 2026. The item was rescheduled for discussion
for the February 9, 2026 council meeting.
6. EXECUTIVE SESSION
The regular meeting was recessed at 6:05 p.m. by Mayor Darby for the purpose of
conducting an Executive Session as authorized by Texas Government Code, Chapter
551.074, to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties,
discipline or dismissal of a public officer or employee,regarding City Attorney.
7. RECONVENE
The regular meeting was reconvened at 6:51 p.m. by Mayor Darby.
Mayor Darby announced City Attorney Chris Leavins resigned on Friday via email to
council. The council is beginning to search for a replacement and hopes to have one by the
next meeting.
8. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
Interim City Manager Bruce Mills had no city manager comments.
Mayor Darby provided an update on the United States Postal Service's consideration of
relocating the Nederland post office. Mayor Darby read a letter dated January 5, 2026,
which stated the postal service is considering relocation due to space deficiency at the
current location. Mayor Darby stated the current building is privately owned and is rented
for $10,000 per month. The post office's proposed search area includes a 2-mile radius
from the current location. Mayor Darby has contacted Congressman Weber's office to
arrange a meeting between the city, the congressman's office, and the postal service. Mayor
Darby also stated he has a scheduled lunch meeting with the union president, representing
postal workers,to gather additional information.
9. ADJOURN
There being no further business Mayor Darby adjourned the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
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Minutes continued, January 12, 2026
40
Jeffrey P.,'arby, Mayor
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
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Joni li nderwood, City Clerk
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 V
Jeff Ortiz Council Member—Ward IV
Bruce Mills Interim City Manager ✓
Joni 1 InclemaOd r City Clerk ✓
Chris Leavins City Attorney
Heather Stucker Director of Finance
Rod-EarrowJ}I»cltij Prn&Ld Police Chief ✓
Ter Matton 5„,„je,c Fire Chief , ✓
Dannie Davis Interim Director of Public Works V
George Wheeler Building Official V
Jacob Pitts Inspections Adm.Secretary V
Molli Hall Librarian ✓
Stephanie Gaspard Human Resources Director ✓
Toby Latiolais Parks Director
Taylor Shelton Assist.to the City Manager
Je ./ P. Da :y, Mayor
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Joni Un od,City Clerk
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Date
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.
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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.
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Jeffrey P. P a rby,Mayor
Attest:
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rA Underwood,City Secretary
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Chris Leavins,City Attorney V�;'� �
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