COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL MAY 27, 2025 A regular meeting of the Groves City Council was held May 27, 2025, in the Groves City Council Chamber with Mayor Chris Borne, Mayor Pro Tem Pete Konidis, Councilmember Mark McAdams, Councilmember Brandon Holmes, and Councilmember Rae Shauna Gay in attendance. Mayor Borne called the order and welcomed the attendees and news media. Ken Loftin from VFW meeting to led the prayer and pledge of allegiance. 4820 then Mayor Borne asked for reports, and Marshal Christopher Robin then reported on the social media post about using golf carts, ATVs, mini bikes, e-bikes, and similar vehicles on city streets. Marshal Robin stated that this post was not but it was also responsible. This notice was not created in response only to a necessary, incident or a complaint in particular, but was a proactive measure to clarify specific the laws already in place under the Texas transportation code. We made this post to prevent confusion, but most importantly, to protect the safety of our citizens and our children. Marshal Robin then stated it is worth noting that our does particularly not have a local ordinance that governs golf carts. We also do not maintain City a course any other infrastructure that would legally accommodate the routine golf of or carts within our transportation network. As such, golf carts, ATVs, and usage similar golf nonstandard vehicles are illegal on public roadways within our jurisdiction. Without such a label framework, their use on our street violates State Law. Marshal Robin then stated that summer brings warm weather and a noticeable increase in these types of vehicles, often operated by children or teenagers with no license or The purpose of the public notice that was put on the Groves Police Department training. Facebook page today was to educate families before an incident occurs, to state laws that may be misunderstood, and to prevent injury or loss of life. Marshal clarify Robin wanted to make it clear that the operation of any of these types of vehicles underage drivers will not be tolerated. Marshal Robin stated that our job is not by to respond to danger but to prevent that danger when we can do SO. only The following report was from Mr. Ken Loftin, Commander Elect from VFW 4820 in Port Neches. Mr. Loftin reported that for many people, the last Monday in marks the unofficial start of Summer, but it holds a greater significance. Memorial May commemorates Day the day that brave men and women have given their lives for our great Nation. In the beginning, Memorial Day was created to beautify the of those who fought and died in the Civil War. Those men and women who graves their lives in battle paid the ultimate price; they deserve our honor and respect. gave The United States and the freedom for which it stands, for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought at a discount; it has a heavy price. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection. City Council Meeting May 27, 2025 Page 2 Mayor Borne then called for citizen comments. Harold Alvarez of 4241 Dogwood stated that he can't drive a car and uses his golf cart to get around. Mr. Alvarez asked not to punish everyone because certain kids drive golf carts. Mr. Alvarez also suggested putting a dog park in the City of Groves. Mr. Alvarez also stated that the cars parked on the street next to him were on the wrong side of the street. Hannah Myers of 5049 Foster Avenue also expressed concern about golf carts and the City of Groves' ability to adopt an ordinance like Nederland and Port Neches. Ms. Myers noted that she spent a lot of money to ensure that her golf cart was legalized. Regina Kelley of 4799 McKinley Avenue would like to reiterate Ms. Myers's statement. The Groves Police Department told Ms. Kelley what was needed to make her golf cart legal, but now she can't use it. Alfred Gorman of 6465 Coolidge asked about the status of tearing down the condemned houses, and Mayor Borne informed Mr. Gorman that someone would have to contact him. Harold Alvarez of 4241 Dogwood wanted to speak again. Mr. Alvarez stated that keeping the kids safe is the most important part of the golf cart situation. There were no more citizen comments. DELIBERATE AND ACT TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 12, 2025, CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Mayor Pro Tem Konidis made a motion to deliberate and act to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2025, City Council Meeting, and Councilmember McAdams seconded. There were no questions, and the motion passed unanimously. RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 19, 2025, PLANNING AND ZONING MEETING: Mayor Borne stated that all the Council members have received a copy of the May 19, 2025, Planning and Zoning Meeting Minutes. HEAR INTRODUCTION AND SWEARING-IN OF NEW DEPUTY MARSHAL: Marshal Christopher Robin addressed the Council, stating that we call ourselves a community-Dased policing entity, and we need to know our community and our community needs to know who we are as well. Marshal Robin then introduced Deputy Wren Miller, who recently graduated from the LIT Regional Police Academy back on May 16th of this year. Marshal Robin then read a brief bio and Mr. Miller's statement. Marshal Robin then swore in Deputy Miller. City Council Meeting May 27, 2025 Page 3 PRESENTATION OF A LIFE SAVING AWARD TO DEPUTY RICHARD "CHAESE" POSS IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HEROIC ACTIONS ON JANUARY 21, 2025: Marshal Robin stated that he wanted to honor Deputy Richard "Chaese" Poss for his heroic actions that occurred on January 21, 2025. Deputy Poss responded to what appeared to be an accidental 911 hang-up call, but what unfolded was a high-stakes, potentially deadly situation. Upon arrival and during uncharactensticaly icy weather, Deputy Poss immediately noticed the front door slightly ajar and saw a frantic woman inside. The woman attempted to downplay any need for police response; however, her clothes were visibly soaked with blood. After noticing blood splatter inside the home, he decided to enter under exigent circumstances to render aid to whomever may be injured inside the residence. When inside, he encountered a chaotic and volatile scene: a seriously injured man pleading for help, a distressed spouse, and a juvenile suspect holding a knife. Despite these circumstances, he gave clear verbal commands and, with restraint, de-escalated the situation without further injury to anyone. Ultimately, taking the juvenile into custody and providing life-saving intervention to the injured man. His actions reflect exemplary training, sound judgment, and a deep commitment to public safety. Marshal Robin then presented Deputy Richard "Chaese" Poss the life-saving award. DELIBERATE AND ACT ON APPROVAL OF A REPLAT OF 5948 CAROLINA AVENUE, LEGAL DESCRIPTION TR 22-A REPLAT OF LTS 22 & 23 BLK 4 DIXIE GARDENS: Councilmember Gay made a motion to deliberate and act on approval of a replat of 5948 Carolina Avenue, legal description TR 22-A replat of LTS 22 & 23 BLK 4 DIXIE GARDENS, and Councilmember Holmes seconded. Mayor Pro Tem Konidis stated that he attended the Planning and Zoning meeting regarding this replat and that this replat looked good regarding the following of our ordinances and L guidelines. Planning and Zoning Chairman Craig Plokhooy stated the replat meets all requirements and Planning and Zoning has no issues with granting this replat. Motion passed unanimously. DELIBERATE AND ACT TO RATIFY CITY MANAGER'S AUTHORIZATION OF EMERGENCY PIPE BURSTING PROJECT FOR SEWER MAIN BETWEEN MCKINLEY AND ROOSEVELT: Councilmember McAdams made a motion to deliberate and act to ratify City Manager's authorization of emergency pipe bursting K. project for sewer main between McKinley and Roosevelt. Mayor Pro Tem Konidis seconded. City Manager Kevin Carruth stated this project is complete and that Assistant Public Works Director Glen Boudoin will give a brief report. Mr. Boudoin explained that there was a sinkhole that they dug up, and discovered a 10-inch City Council Meeting May 27, 2025 Page 4 concrete pipe had collapsed. Upon inspection, it was found that the entire line between Roosevelt and McKinley was deteriorated beyond repair. After bidding, the job was awarded to To-Mex Construction, LLC, and they did a very good job. There were no further questions, and the motion passed unanimously. INVOICES: City Manager Kevin Carruth presented invoices for payment totaling $182,292.88 as follows: 1. Chemtex Lab charges for TCEQ Permit $5,610.00 Environmental Effluent Testing April 2025. 2. City of Port Arthur Landfill sludge disposal March $8,060.00 & April 2025. 3. City of Port Arthur Landfill fees 2/26/25 : 3/25/25 $18,060.00 4. City of Port Arthur Landfill fees 3/26/25 = 4/25/25 $20,660.00 5. GrantWorks, INC. ARPA Grant admin services fees $14,400. payments 3 & 4. 6. GFL Environmental Sludge disposal April 2025. $6,614.72 7. ICM Replacement of broken A/C unit $9,582.00 at Public Works. 8. Living Earth Kiddie cushion mulch for playgrounds. $5,961.50 9. PVS DX, INC. CL2 and $02 for Waste Water $12,861.60 Plant. 10. Republic Services Sludge disposal April 2025. $5,651.16 11. Republic Services Dumpster service for April 2025. $9,738.81 12. Sunbelt Rental Rental of 4" pump and hoses to $5,593.-7 supply water for beltpress project. City Council Meeting May 27, 2025 Page 5 13. To-Mex Construction, Mckinley-Roosevet emergency sewer $59,500.00 LLC line replacement. Councimember Holmes made a motion to deliberate and act on the May 27, 2025, invoice list, which Councilmember Gay seconded. Mayor Borne asked for questions, and Mayor Pro Tem Konidis asked if the mulch for the playground came out of the parks budget. City Manager Kevin Carruth stated it did, and it is an annual expense. The motion passed unanimously. CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD AN EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER 551 OF THE TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTHORITY CONTAINED IN: A. SECTION 551.071 (1) (A) - CONSULTATION WITH ATTORNEY WHEN THE GOVERNMENTAL BODY SEEKS THE ADVICE OF ITS ATTORNEY ABOUT PENDING OR CONTEMPLATED LITIGATION. The City Council went into Executive Session at 5:41 p.m. The Council reconvened in an Open Session at 6:12 p.m. Mayor Borne asked for Council comments, and Mayor Borne welcomed Wren Miller to the Police Department and congratulated Deputy Poss. There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:13 p.m. Mayor ATTEST: - A . : City Clerk : * - - DES a