August 24, 2026 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 Tern 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.
Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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 Tern 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
2
Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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 Tern 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.
3
Minutes continued, August 24, 2026
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.
ey P. arby, Mayor
City of Nederland, Texas
ATTEST:
41if U J c/
Joni U t s erwood, City Clerk
City of Nederland, Texas
,,`,��tt% {�' "
Eel E
4
CITY OF NEDERLAND
COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET
NAME TITLE PRESENT ABSENT
Jeffrey P. Darby Mayor ✓'
Curtis Stratton Council Member—Ward I ✓
Britton Jones Council Member—Ward II ✓
Randy Sonnier Council Member—Ward III ✓Vt O- Zooms
Jeff Ortiz Council Member—Ward IV
Manny De La Rosa City Manager
Joni Underwood City Clerk c/
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 ✓
r y P. r y, Mayor
I 4; Ont•deA106f13,
Joni Un erwood,City Clerk
08-24-26
Date
}
CITY OF NEDERLAND
ORDINANCE NO.2026-15
AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE ADOPTING A
BUDGET FOR THE ENSUING FISCAL YEAR
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2026, AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2027,-IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ARTICLE VII, OF THE CHARTER OF THE CITY
OF NEDERLAND.
WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.02 of the City Charter, the City
Manager prepared and presented to the City Council a city budget itemizing estimated revenues
and appropriations for the ensuing fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026 and ending September
30,2027.
WHEREAS, in accordance with Article VII, Section 7.05 of the City Charter, at the
meeting of the Council at which the budget and budget message were submitted, the Council
determined the place and time of the public hearing. On August 24, 2026, after notice was
published,said Public Hearing was held by the City Council on the proposed budget.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF NEDERLAND,TEXAS:
Section 1 - GENERAL FUND. That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of twenty
million,seven hundred thirty thousand,seventy-three dollars and no cents($20,730,073.00)to
the General Fund for the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay for the
following departments and uses:
a. City Council $45,805
b. Legal $255,600
c. City Manager $593,484
d. City Clerk $197,302
e. Finance $828,056
f. Personnel $516,990
g. Civil Service $1,500
h. City Hall $175,900
i. 1308 Boston $63,500
j. Police $7,107,966
k. Property Maintenance $51,604
1. Emergency Management $74,000
m. Fire $3,016,037
n. Fire Volunteers $18,850
o. Fire Prevention $133,100
p. Inspections $618,896
q. Public Works Administration $513,941
r. Street Department $1,554,150
s. Animal Control $222,627
t. Parks&Recreation $1,191,714
u. Parks&Recreation Aquatics $153,104
v. Library, $712,947
w. Other Requirements $2,683,000
Section 2-DEBT SERVICE FUND.That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of three
million, two hundred eighty-one thousand, one hundred twenty-five dollars and no cents
($3,281,125.00)to the Debt Service Fund for payment of principaland interest on outstanding
City debt.
Section 3 -WATER&SEWER FUND.That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of
seven million, seven hundred seventy-nine thousand, three hundred fourteen dollars and no
cents($7,779,314.00)to the Water&Sewer Fund for the payment of operating expenses and
necessary capital outlay for the following departments and uses:
a. Water Treatment $2,350,432
b. Billing/Collections $355,329
c. Wastewater Treatment $1,669,739
d. Water&Sewer Distribution $2,059,926
e. Other Requirements $1,343,888
Section 4—SANITARY SEWER EVALUATION FUND(SSES).That there be and is hereby
appropriated the sum of fifty thousand dollars and no cents($50,000.00)to the SSES Fund for
the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 5 -SOLID WASTE FUND.That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of two
million, one hundred ninety-one thousand, eight hundred thirteen dollars and no cents
($2,191,813.00)to the Solid Waste Fund for the payment of operating expenses and necessary
capital outlay.
Section 6-EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND-GENERAL.That there be and is hereby
appropriated the sum of two million, one hundred sixty-one thousand dollars and no cents
($2,121,000.00)to the Equipment Replacement Fund-General for the payment of necessary
capital outlay.
Section 7 - EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND-SOLID WASTE. That there be and is
hereby appropriated the sum of five hundred nineteen thousand dollars and"no cents
($519,000.00)to the Equipment Replacement Fund-Solid Waste for the payment of necessary
capital outlay.
Section 8-EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT FUND-WATER&SEWER.That there be and is
hereby appropriated the sum of ninety thousand dollars and no cents ($90,000.00) to the
Equipment Replacement Fund-Water&Sewer for the payment of necessary capital outlay.
Section 9-POLICE NARCOTICS FUND. That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum
of eighteen thousand dollars and no cents($18,000.00)to the Police Narcotics Fund for the
payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 10 -LIBRARY SPECIAL FUND. That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum
of fifty-four thousand dollars and no cents ($54,000.00)to the Library Special Fund for the
payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 11-HOTEL/MOTEL FUND.That there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of one
hundred thousand dollars and no cents($100,000.00)to the Hotel/Motel Fund for the payment
of operating expenses.
Section 12 — FIRE DEPARTMENT SPECIAL FUND. That there be and is hereby
appropriated the sum of thirty-five thousand dollars and no cents($35,000.00) to the Fire
Department Special Fund for the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 13 -COURT TECHNOLOGY FUND. That there be and is hereby appropriated the
sum of twelve thousand dollars and no cents($12,000.00)to the Court Technology Fund for
the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 15—STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND.That there be and is hereby appropriated the
sum of one million,two hundred thousand dollars and no cents ($1,200,000.00)to the Street
Improvement Fund for the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
Section 16 -MID-COUNTY MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CENTRAL DISPATCH FUND. That
there be and is hereby appropriated the sum of two million,one hundred eighty-eight thousand,
five hundred forty-two dollars and no cents ($2,188,542.00) to the Mid-County Municipal
League Dispatch Fund for the payment of operating expenses and necessary capital outlay.
THAT the foregoing appropriations for expenditures be adopted as the budget for the
ensuing fiscal year beginning October 1,2026 and ending September 30,2027.
THAT the City Council shall meet and adopt an ordinance levying on the assessed
valuation of the property within the city, subject to the provisions of the charter and lawful
exceptions given by state law or city ordinance, a rate of taxation on each one hundred dollars
($100.00)of valuation sufficient to raise the amounts estimated to be required in this annual budget
less the amounts estimated to be received from fines,licenses,and other sources of revenue.
THAT any unencumbered funds remaining on hand at the end of the fiscal year ending
September 30, 2026, shall be construed with and classified with Miscellaneous Revenue
anticipated during the fiscal year beginning October 1,2026 and ending September 30,2027,and
such funds are hereby appropriated as a City Council Contingency Account for purposes approved
by the City Council.
THAT all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are expressly repealed.
THAT the City Clerk shall file a true copy of this ordinance and said budget with the Office
of County Clerk of Jefferson County, Texas as provided by-Section-102.011 of the Local
Government Code.
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 THIS THE 24TH DAY OF AUGUST 2026.
ey P. arby,Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
4ti
Joni .Jnderwood City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
,`a Q?,r�' c,)
Richard D. ughes,City Attorney =n
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-14
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 24th DAY OF AUGUST,2026.
effrey P arby, Mayor
City of Nederland,Texas
ATTEST:
Joni nderwood,City Clerk
\j1 p��,pe4491�1ao�e'rutrrr r/'''//
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
aslt,
Richard D.Hughes,City Atto ney °0ic`10
1
BUDGET ORDINANCE AMENDMENT—ATTACHMENT A
GENERAL FUND
Amend the General Fund by increasing expenditure line items as detailed below:
Increase 34-0000-6744 Miscellaneous Equipment $495,000
For the purchase of a Gradall XE 4100 Hydraulic Excavator
Increase 34-0000-6744 Miscellaneous Equipment $15,000
For the purchase of a Hotsy Hot Water Gas Engine Pressure Washer
To transfer funds from the general fund to the equipment replacement fund—general fund for
purchase of Gradall and pressure washer with trailer:
a. 01-0000-6908 $510,000
b. 34-0000-4910 $510,000