August 10, 2026 REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND
5:30 p.m. August 10,2026
MEETING
1. The Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag and to the Texas Flag was led by
Councilmember Stratton.
2. The invocation was led by Councilmember Ortiz.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jackie Toups, 613 N. 14th St., addressed changes made to the agenda format regarding citizen
comment procedures and also the added language on the sign-in sheet requiring citizens to sign in
before the meeting.
Bob Klinger, 1140 Kent, inquired about funding for tearing down dilapidated homes and
structures in the community. Mayor Darby informed him the preliminary budget includes an
increase in the appropriate line item. City Manager Manny De La Rosa confirmed that the budget
reflects an increase.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Darby read a proclamation recognizing the United Way of Mid and South Jefferson
County's centennial celebration,marking 100 years of service since its founding in 1926.
Janie Johnson, CEO of the United Way of Mid and South Jefferson County, accepted the
proclamation. She described the evolution of United Way's work.
Police Chief Rod Carroll recognized Sergeant Casey Maxwell for completing the Texas Police
Chiefs Association Law Enforcement Command Operations Program (LECOP) as the 204th
graduate of the program. Chief Carroll noted that Nederland Police Department now has 1% of all
graduates from this program,with 3 graduates total in the agency. Sergeant Maxwell thanked the
Chief and the city, acknowledging the professional development opportunities provided.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
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 Jones and seconded by Councilmember Stratton to approve
the Consent Agenda Item"a" as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,and Ortiz.
Minutes continued, August 10, 2026
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier was attending via Zoom and experiencing connection issues,
thus he was not able to vote on this item.
a. Minutes—July 27,2025 special meeting
REGULAR MEETING
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion was held regarding two homes under construction at 1314 and 1318 Helena
Avenue. Darrell Montgomery, 8375 Lake Placid Drive, presented concerns about the
construction. He commented the city's implementation and oversight of zoning
requirements and building codes is weak and leaves the city, the builders, and citizens at
risk. He stated the lot size did not meet the current code requirements, the setback should
be measured from the outer wall and not the concrete slab, and the elevation for drainage
is at a 40% grade instead of the required minimum 5% grade.
Mr. Montgomery requested a stop work order until a variance is obtained, corrective action
to regrade the property to prevent water from flowing onto neighboring properties and
redirection of the water flow to the middle of the two properties.
Roy Hebert, 1324 Helena, spoke in support of Mr. Montgomery's concerns and stated the
drainage issues might affect his plans to add onto his home.
Norma Montgomery, 1308 Helena, spoke in support of her son's concerns and feels the
city is letting her down. -
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
retire to executive session to consult with the city attorney. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tern Sonnier
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,
Consultation with Attorney - Tex. Gov't Code, Section 551.071.
RECONVENE
The regular meeting was reconvened at 6:42 p.m. by Mayor Darby. Mayor Darby
announced that the city attorney provided guidance and would conduct further research to
report to the council at a later date.No further action was taken on this item.
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Minutes continued, August 10, 2026
2. Jessica Darter, 1021 North Twin City Highway,presented a proposal to recognize
Kendrick Perkins, a Nederland native who played 14 years in the NBA. Ms. Darter stated
that Mr. Perkins is one of her best friends and that he contacted her about being recognized
by Nederland. She provided background on Mr. Perkins and detailed his contributions to
the community. The proposal suggested naming South 27th Street from Mid-Jefferson
Hospital, where he was born, as "Kendrick Perkins Way," similar to the "Bum Phillips
Way" designation. The council expressed support for recognizing Mr. Perkins and
requested that City Manager De La Rosa work with Ms. Darter to develop a formal
proposal, including potentially meeting with Mr. Perkins or his representative. No formal
action was taken, with the matter to be developed further for a future meeting.
3. City Manager De La Rosa presented a draft letter regarding private sewer line maintenance
and explained the letter represents "Step 1" in a progressive approach. He noted that many
infiltration and intrusion issues in the sanitary collection system are contributed by
residential piping that is in poor condition,with some having cast iron or clay pipe that has
been in place for decades.
De La Rosa explained that the letter would initially go to homes identified as having
problems but is written in a manner that it could go to all residents, as private sewer line
maintenance is a homeowner responsibility from where it exits the home to the city's
collection line.
No formal action was taken,with the council accepting the letter as informational and
educational material to be sent to affected property owners.
4. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
approve the ratification of purchase of water meters in the amount of $151,145.50.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tern Sonnier.
5. A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
approve the addition of a Maintenance Worker position to the Streets Department,which is
being proposed in the Fiscal year 2026-2027 budget but will be filled at this time.
MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tern Sonnier.
6. A motion was made by Councilmember Ortiz and seconded by Councilmember Jones to
approve Ordinance No. 2026-13, amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget. MOTION
CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier.
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Minutes continued, August 10, 2026
7. Resolution 2026-13, Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Budget:
a. A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember
Ortiz to approve Resolution No. 2026-13, submitting the City of Nederland Annual
Budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 and ending September 30,
2027. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier.
b. A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Sonnier and seconded by Councilmember
Ortiz to set the public hearing regarding the proposed budget for August 24, 2026 at
5:30 p.m. at Nederland City Hall. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tern Sonnier.
8. Resolution 2026-13,Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Proposed Tax Rate:
a. Discussion was held regarding the proposed tax rate for the fiscal year beginning
October 1, 2026 and ending September 30, 2027.
b. City Manager De La Rosa stated the agenda as written indicated a public hearing
date of August 24, 2026 on the tax rate and clarified that the tax rate public hearing
would be held on September 14, 2026, not August 24, 2026. A motion was made
by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to amend the date
for the public hearing on the proposed tax rate from August 24, 2026 to September
14, 2026 and set the date of time for approval of the proposed tax rate for September
14, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Nederland City Hall. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby,Councilmembers Stratton,Jones,Sonnier,and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier.
ADJOURN
There being no further business Mayor Darby adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
ey . arby, ayor
City of Nederland, Texas
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City of Nederland, Texas
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CITY OF NEDERLAND
COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET
NAME TITLE PRESENT ABSENT
Jeffrey P. Darby Mayor
Curtis Stratton Council Member—Ward
Britton Jones Council Member—Ward II
Randy Sonnier Council Member—Ward III V d 1ari-DM1
Jeff Ortiz Council Member-Ward IV
Manny De La Rosa City Manager
Joni Underwood City Clerk ✓
Richard Hughes City Attorney
Heather Stucker Director of Finance
Rod Carroll Police Chief
Terry Morton Fire Chief
Fred Bell Director of Public Works
Jacob Pitts Building Official
Molli Hall Librarian
Stephanie Gaspard Human Resources Director ✓
Toby Latiolais Parks Director _
Je rey P. arby, Mayor
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Joni Un•F•rwood,City Clerk
8-10-26
Date
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-13
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 asset 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 AUGUST,2026.
J fr y P. rby,Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
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APPROVED AS TO FORM: i CI. l,1' -� _
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Richard D.Hughes,City Attorney ''''`'ghmi noo
1
BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT—ATTACHMENT A
GENERAL FUND
Amend the General Fund by increasing expenditure line items as detailed below:
Increase 01-2100-6265 Supplies/Minor Tools&Equipment $4,500
For the purchase of a Verkada camera and signage.
Increase 01-3000-6220 Miscellaneous Supplies $3,700
Increase 01-3000-6350 Building/Structure Improvements $1,500
Increase 01-3000-6651 Fixed Plant Equipment Repair&Maintenance $4,500
For the purchase of a vending machine,replacement of ceiling tiles,and ice machine upper head
replacement for Public Works Administration.
Increase 01-3100-6110 Salaries&Wages $3,840
Increase 01-3100-6121 Group Insurance $2,102
Increase 01-3100-6124 TMRS $400
Increase 01-3100-6126 Social Security $294
Increase 01-3100-6128 Worker's Compensation $60
For the addition of a Maintenance Worker position in the Streets&Drainage department.
1
CITY OF NEDERLAND
RESOLUTION 2026-13
A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL ACCEPTING
THE BUDGET FOR THE CITY OF NEDERLAND AS
PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY THE CITY MANAGER,
SUCH BUDGET COVERING THE FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30,2027.
WHEREAS, the City Manager has prepared and submitted to the City Council a budget
estimate of expenditures and revenues of all City department activities and offices for the fiscal
year beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30,2027; and
WHEREAS, such proposed and estimated budget, after due hearing and consideration,
• should be approved in its proposed or amended form.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND,TEXAS:
That the budget as prepared and submitted by the City Manager for the total expenditures
in each of the various departments of the City of Nederland is hereby accepted and a Public
Hearing is hereby set for 5:30 p.m.,August 24, 2026, to approve this budget in the proposed or
amended form in accordance with Article VII of the City Charter.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 10th day of August 2026.
Qfr y P. rby, Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
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Joni Vnderwood, City Clerk
City of Nederland,Texas
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APPROVED AS TO FORM: i fti'®C o,
Richard D. Hughes, City Attorney `� •,de\i .o
City of Nederland,Texas
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