09-14-2026 Agenda with AttachmentsNOTICE OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND CITY COUNCIL
September 14, 2026, 5:30 PM
NOTICE is hereby given of a regular meeting of the Nederland City Council to be held September
14, 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.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Sec. 551.127, notice is given that it is the intent of the City
Council that a quorum of the Council will be physically present for the above-referenced meeting at
the Nederland City Hall address stated above. Some Council members or city employees may
participate in this meeting remotely by means of video conference call in compliance with state law.
Members of the public can view 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).
CITIZEN COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Residents of the City may speak on a non-agenda item pertaining to
city business or issues which City Council would have authority to act upon as an agenda item. The
Texas Open Meetings Act prohibits Council Members from acting upon or discussing any issue
brought forth as a non-agenda comment, except as limited by law.
ON AGENDA ITEMS: Residents of the City may address the City Council on items listed on the
Consent or Regular Agenda and shall restrict their comments to the subject matter listed.
RULES FOR CITIZEN COMMENTS: Residents of the City who desire to address City Council
on non-agenda or agenda items shall: (1) sign-in before the meeting by providing name, address and
designating whether they wish to address a specific agenda item or to comment regarding a non-
agenda issue; (2) when recognized by the Mayor to speak, stand at the podium, speak into the
microphone, and state your name and address before presenting comments; (3) limit comments to a
maximum time limit of three (3) minutes on all non-agenda items and on any one agenda item, unless
reasonably extended by the Mayor; and (4) maintain proper conduct and decorum in compliance
with Policies and Procedures for City Council Meetings and general law.
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AGENDA
September 14, 2026
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1.CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER
a.Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag and to the Texas Flag.
b.Invocation.
2.CITIZEN COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
a.Citizens may comment on non-agenda items.
3.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.
Consultation with Attorney – Texas Government Code, Section 551.071(b)
Personnel Matters, Texas Government Code, Section 551.04(a)(1): City Manager, 6-month
evaluation/duties
4.RECONVENE
Reconvene into regular session and discuss and take action, if any, on items discussed in
Executive Session.
5.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.Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the August 24, 2026
regular meeting.
b.Consideration and possible action to approve the closure of Boston Avenue from
13th Street to 17th Street on October 6, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for
National Night Out.
c.Consideration and possible action to approve the closure of Boston Avenue from
15th Street to 17th Street from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on October 17, 2026 for
Monsters in the Park at Tex Ritter Park.
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AGENDA
September 14, 2026
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d.Consideration and possible action to approve the closure of Boston Avenue from
15th Street to 17th Street from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 5, 2026 for Christmas
on the Avenue.
e.Consideration and possible action to approve the police department establishing an
account with Stellar Bank for currency that is seized or found. The Texas Police
Chief’s Association Best Practices requires all currency be deposited into a bank
account and not maintained in the evidence room.
6.PUBLIC HEARING
Open Public Hearing
a.Conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments regarding the
proposed tax rate of $0.466000 per $100 assessed taxable value for the Fiscal Year
2026-2027 Budget.
Close Public Hearing
7.REGULAR AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
a.Discussion and possible action to approve the closure of 13th Street from Atlanta to
Nederland Avenue for First Methodist's Fall Festival on October 17 from 3:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m.
b.Discussion and possible action to approve the closure of North 12th Street between
Boston Avenue and the alleyway between Boston Avenue and Atlanta Avenue for
Buckstin Brewing Company's Oktoberfest on October 10, 2026.
c.Discussion and possible action appointing an auditing firm to perform the city's audit
for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
d.Discussion and possible action authorizing the city manager to sign the Arbitrage
Rebate Compliance Services addendum originally signed October 18, 2022 between
BLX Group LLC and the City of Nederland.
e.Discussion and possible action approving Ordinance No. 2026-16 authorizing the
execution of a K-9 Lease Agreement for the canine Athena and her handler to
perform law enforcement services in conjunction with the Nederland Police
Department on the city’s behalf.
f.Discussion and possible action on approving Resolution No. 2026-15 and
authorizing the city manager to sign the advance funding agreement for local
government maintenance of railroad approaches (off system).
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AGENDA
September 14, 2026
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g.Discussion and possible action on Ordinance No. 2026-17, adopting the tax rate for
the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 and ending September 30, 2027.
i.Setting the maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate at
$0.342336 per $100 assessed valuation for the fiscal year 2026-2027.
ii.Setting the interest and sinking fund portion of the tax rate at $0.123664
per $100 assessed valuation for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027
8.ADJOURNMENT
Note: The City of Nederland does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission of, access to,
treatment of, or employment in its programs, activities, or public meetings. Any individual with a disability in
need of accommodation is encouraged to contact the City Clerk at 409-723-1505 at least three (3) working
days prior to the meeting.
Dated: September 8, 2026
CITY OF NEDERLAND
Jeffrey P. Darby
Honorable Jeffrey P. Darby
Mayor
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF JEFFERSON §
I, the undersigned authority, do herby certify that the above Notice of the Regular Meeting
of the City of Nederland City Council is a true and correct copy of said Notice posted on
the front outdoor bulletin board cabinet for agendas at the Nederland City Hall Building,
207 N 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, a place convenient and readily accessible to the
general public at all times which has been continuously posted for a period of three (3)
business days prior to the date and time said meeting was convened. This agenda may be
downloaded by accessing: http://www.ci.nederland.tx.us.
ATTEST:
Joni Underwood
Joni Underwood
City Clerk
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF NEDERLAND
5:30 p.m. August 24, 2026
MEETING
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Darby and invocation was led by Councilmember
Ortiz.
PRESENTATIONS
Lori Messer, with Logic Compensation Group, presented the findings of the city’s salary survey,
which compared Nederland to 20 other cities in the region. Information on the results will be
posted on the city’s website.
Library Director Molly Hall presented the library's application to the Hebert Foundation for
$51,000 in grant funding. She explained that the library applies annually to the foundation for
funding to support various library programs and services.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Rhonda Porterfield Melancon spoke regarding houses under construction on Helena Avenue and
potential drainage issues.
Jolei Shipley spoke about lot width on houses under construction on Helena Avenue.
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 Ortiz to remove
the August 10, 2026 regular meeting minutes from the consent agenda and move to the regular
agenda for corrections. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to approve
the Consent Agenda Items “1 through 5” as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
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Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
1.Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes of the August 6, 2026 Budget
Workshop.
2.Consideration and possible action to approve the July 2026 Departmental Reports.
3.Consideration and possible action to approve the June 2026 Tax Assessor Collection
Report.
4.Consideration and possible action to approve the second quarter of the 2026 Investment
Report ending June 30, 2026.
5.Consideration and possible action to approve the June 2026 Financial Report.
PUBLIC HEARING
The meeting recessed at 6:19 p.m. and a public hearing was opened to receive comments
regarding the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. City Manager, Manny De La Rosa,
presented a comprehensive overview of the proposed budget.
Susan Toney suggested allocating more funds to the city’s animal control budget and shelter.
Jolei Shipley stated she was in opposition of the proposed tax increase.
Robert Klinger suggested allocating more funds to the demolition of dilapidated homes in the city.
Councilmember Stratton stated he was in opposition of purchasing a vehicle for City Hall and
suggested selling the 1308 Boston Avenue property.
The Public Hearing was closed at 6:45 p.m. and the regular meeting resumed.
REGULAR MEETING
NEW BUSINESS
A motion was made by Councilmember Stratton and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
amend the August 10, 2026 regular meeting minutes to correct the relationship between
Norma Montgomery and Daryl Montgomery from husband and wife to mother and son, and
to correct the spelling of Mr. Hebert's name (listed as Barrett). MOTION CARRIED. AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
1.A motion was made by Councilmember Stratton and seconded by Councilmember Jones to
approve the quarterly Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund financial report from the Nederland
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Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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Chamber of Commerce. MOTION CARRIED. AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
2.A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
approve the closure of Boston Avenue between the Nederland Heritage Festival office
located at 1523 Boston Avenue and Wells Fargo located at 1423 Boston Avenue for the
Sixth Annual Nederland Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Fall Concert Series
on October 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
3.A motion was made by Councilmember Jones and seconded by Councilmember Ortiz to
approve the closure of Boston Avenue between 12th Street to the alleyway next to the
Welkom to Nederland arch from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on October 17, 2026 for the
EDC Nederland Fall Market Day. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Stratton, Jones, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: None.
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
4.City Manager De La Rosa provided detailed updates on numerous ongoing engineering
and infrastructure projects.
5.Public Works Director Fred Bell presented the request for a Gradall XE 4100 hydraulic
excavator for $494,452.90 and a gas engine pressure washer for $14,441.67.
Councilmember Stratton expressed concern about this expenditure without sufficient
personnel to operate the gradall.
Keith Bass asked about maintenance records and whether equipment is being properly
maintained.
Jolei Shipley stated her opposition to the purchase of the gradall.
The Council voted to approve Ordinance No. 2026-14, amending the fiscal year
2025-2026 budget for the Gradall XE 4100 Hydraulic Excavator and a Gas Engine
Pressure Washer with trailer. MOTION CARRIED.
AYES: Mayor Darby, Councilmembers Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: Councilmembers Stratton and Jones
ATTENDING VIA ZOOM: Mayor Pro Tem Sonnier
6.Discussion was held regarding Ordinance No. 2026-15, an appropriations
ordinance adopting a budget in accordance with Article VII of the City Charter of
the City of Nederland.
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Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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A motion was made by Councilmember Stratton to amend the appropriation ordinance
adopting the budget by removing the property of 1308 Boston Avenue, on page 253 in the
budget book, in its entirety. MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
A motion was made by Councilmember Stratton to amend the appropriation ordinance
adopting the budget by removing the $40,000 allocated for a City Hall vehicle and
repurposing that amount for upgrades to the animal shelter building. MOTION
CARRIED.
AYES: Councilmembers Stratton, Sonnier, and Ortiz.
NOES: Mayor Darby, Councilmember Jones.
The Council voted to approve Ordinance 2026-15 as amended, an appropriations
ordinance adopting a budget in accordance with Article VII of the City Charter of the City
of Nederland. 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 8:08 p.m.
__________________________
Jeffrey P. Darby, Mayor
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
___________________________
Joni Underwood, City Clerk
City of Nederland, Texas
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ORDINANCE 2026-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEDERLAND, TEXAS, AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND TO ENTER INTO A K-9 LEASE AGREEMENT WITH NPD OFFICER TIFFANY
VILLASANA, MAKING FINDINGS OF FACT;
AUTHORIZING LEASE PAYMENTS AND EXPENSES;
AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS the City of Nederland, Texas wishes to initiate a Police Department
Canine Program to preserve and protect the public health and safety of the City and its
citizens; and
WHEREAS the City desires to utilize the personal services of the canine named
Athena and the personal services of Tiffany Villasana, as Owner and Handler of said
canine, for law enforcement operations performed by the Nederland Police Department
on City's behalf, including narcotics intervention, vehicle and building sniffs, tracking, and
locating persons, firearm detection, school educational programs and public outreach
events, any canine services authorized by the written policies and procedures adopted
by the Nederland Police Department. and the canine's travel to and from such operations.
and
WHEREAS NPD Officer Tiffany Villasana, as Owner and Handler of the canine,
and the City of Nederland, as Lessee, desires to enter into the K-9 Lease Agreement
attached and marked Exhibit A, and
WHEREAS the City Council finds that the Lease Agreement attached and marked
as Exhibit A will preserve and protect the public health and safety of the City and its
residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND, TEXAS THAT:
Section 1. The facts and opinions in the preamble are true and correct .
Section 2. The City Council finds that approval of said K-9 Lease Agreement is in the
best interest of the City of Nederland and its citizens.
Section 3: The City Council hereby authorizes Mayor Jeffrey P. Darby, or his designee,
to execute the K-9 Lease Agreement with NPD Officer Tiffany for a certified police
narcotics and tracking canine for use as a K-9 officer by the Nederland Police Department
and for the payment of approved expenses for canine care in amounts, when combined,
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ORDINANCE NO. 2026-17
AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TAX
ASSESSMENT ROLLS FOR THE YEAR 2026,
LEVYING AND ASSESSING TAXES FOR THE
SUPPORT OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND, TEXAS
AND THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT THEREOF;
APPORTIONING EACH LEVY FOR SPECIFIC
PURPOSES; AND PROVIDING FOR THE INTEREST
AND SINKING FUND.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Code of the State of Texas, the tax assessment
rolls to be used for the collection of taxes for the captioned year, wherein the value of all property
situated within the City of Nederland, Texas subject to ad valorem taxes for the tax year 2026, was
fixed by Angela Bellard, Chief Appraiser of Jefferson Central Appraisal District, at a total value of
$2,109,866,480; now, therefore,
WHEREAS, the tax rate will effectively be raised by 2.98 percent and,
WHEREAS, this tax rate will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax
rate; and,
WHEREAS, the no new revenue maintenance and operations rate will raise by 5.76 percent and will
raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $19.57.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEDERLAND:
SECTION 1: That the tax assessment rolls furnished by the City’s Tax Assessor-Collector, based
upon the certified roll furnished by Angela Bellard, Chief Appraiser of Jefferson Central Appraisal
District, at a total value of $2,109,866,480, shall become the tax assessment rolls of the City of
Nederland for the year 2026, less all exemptions provided by either State Law or City ordinance in
the amount of $240,914,764.
SECTION 2: That there is hereby levied for the current year, 2026, and there shall be collected for
the use and support of the municipal government of the City of Nederland, and to provide interest
and sinking funds for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027 upon all property, real, personal, and
mixed, within the corporate limits of said City subject to taxation, a tax of 46.6000 cents on each one
hundred dollars ($100) valuation of property; said tax being so levied and apportioned to the specific
purposes hereinafter set forth:
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(a) For the maintenance and support of the general government (General Fund), 34.2336
cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of property; and
(b) For the Interest & Sinking Fund, 12.3664 cents on each one hundred dollars ($100)
valuation of property as follows:
For the purpose of paying fees, interest and principal of one hundred ninety-four
thousand, eight hundred, twenty-five dollars ($194,825.00) on the Tax and Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2013, 1.0424 cents on each one hundred dollars
($100) valuation of property.
For the purpose of paying fees, interest and principal of seven hundred seven thousand,
six hundred dollars ($707,600.00) on the Tax and Revenue Certificates of Obligation,
Series 2017, 3.7860 cents on each one hundred dollars ($100) valuation of property.
For the purpose of paying fees, interest and principal of three hundred thirty-four
thousand, six hundred, sixty-three dollars ($334,663.00) on the Combination Tax and
Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2021, 1.7906 cents on each one hundred
dollars ($100) valuation of property.
For the purpose of paying fees, interest and principal of four hundred eighty-six
thousand, six hundred, fifty dollars ($486,650.00) on the Combination Tax and
Revenue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2023, 2.6039 cents on each one hundred
dollars ($100) valuation of property.
For the purpose of paying fees, interest and principal of five hundred eighty-seven
thousand, five hundred dollars ($587,500.00) on the Combination Tax and Revenue
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2024, 3.1435 cents on each one hundred dollars
($100) valuation of property.
SECTION 3: The Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector (who, pursuant to contract, is the Tax
Assessor-Collector for the City of Nederland) is hereby directed to prepare Tax Statements and
proceed with the collections of the 2026 taxable year, and the amounts collected shall be deposited in
the Depository of the City of Nederland, to be distributed in accordance with this Ordinance.
SECTION 4: That if any provision, section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of
this ordinance shall for any reason be held to be unconstitutional, void, or invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this ordinance; and to this end all
provisions of this ordinance are declared to be severable.
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PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
NEDERLAND AT A REGULAR MEETING THIS THE 14th DAY OF SEPTEMBER, A.D.,
2026.
Jeffrey P. Darby, Mayor
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
Joni Underwood, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Richard D. Hughes, City Attorney
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