On the agenda: Groves Minutes — Flock Safety (Sep 28)

COUNCIL MEETING CITY COUNCIL September 28, 2026

A regular meeting of the Groves City Council was held on September 28, 2026, at
5:00 p.m. in the Groves City Council Chamber with Mayor Chris Borne, Mayor Pro
Tem Rae Shauna Gay, Councilmember Mark McAdams, and Councilmember
Charles Chelette in attendance. Councilmember Brandon Holmes was not present.
Mayor Borne called the meeting to order and welcomed the attendees. A
representative from the local VFW 4820 then led the prayer and the pledge of
allegiance.

Mayor Borne then asked for reports, and City Manager Kevin Carruth reminded
everyone about the upcoming Pecan Festival, parade, car show, and other events
throughout that week. Mr. Carruth then asked Assistant Public Works Director Glen
Boudoin to update the Council on the status of the water meter installations. Mr.
Boudoin stated that he gets a weekly report, but it comes out on Tuesdays, so this
report is as of last Tuesday. They are 47% complete on the water meter project,
including the line survey and meter installation. Mr. Boudoin then stated that the
target completion date moved up to the end of November, rather than December. Mr.
Boudoin also said work will slow down as they move into alleyways. Mr. Boudoin
then gave some examples of how their weekly reports can help locate leaks
throughout the City. Councilmember McAdams asked when the app part would be
available to the customers, and Mr. Boudoin stated that we have to have 75 to 80%

installed before the customer portal will be able to open up. There were no further
reports.

HEAR AND DELIBERATE ON A REPORT FROM KEN LOFTIN, OR HIS
DESIGNEE, ON BEHALF OF VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 4820,
REGARDING UPCOMING VFW POST 4820 EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE
COMMUNITY AND/OR A HISTORICAL REPORT OF INTEREST TO THE
COMMUNITY: A representative from the VFW Post 4820 then addressed the Council
and stated that this post was founded in 1945. This post has been trying to focus on
its scholarship program, and for some reason, they are having trouble getting
responses from people in the area. They offer this scholarship program every year
and award up to $1,000 per year. Over the last couple of weeks, Post 4820 has
attended various events, including Rockin A Café in Beaumont, the Beaumont Civic
Center, and the Bob Bowers Center. They also informed the Council of a field and
faith event this weekend at PNG High School, which is free for all ages. The featured
speaker is Mikado Henson, the Houston Texans’ team chaplain. There were no
further reports.

Mayor Borne then asked for citizen comments, and Randy Norris of 6972 Henry
Street addressed the Council concerning flooding around his house. Mr. Norris then
stated that Public Works Director Troy Foxworth came and walked the area around

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026 |

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his house with him for 2 % to 3 hours. They shared ideas with some neighbors and
found fences blocking some easements. Mr. Norris explained that he is not looking
for feet of improvement in the ditches; he is looking for inches. Mr. Norris then stated
that when they build these new additions, they build up and cause drainage
problems. Mr. Norris then stated that since the meeting with Mr. Foxworth, nothing
has happened for the drainage issue.

Brandon Scott of 6132 Washington then addressed the Council and shared an email
written to Building Official George Wheeler concerning the rezoning of the “R-MH
Manufactured Home Residential District.” Mr. Scott then stated that Mr. Wheeler's
response was “good letter.” Mr. Scott then stated that they recommend the Council
try to find an alternative area within the City limits.

Kristi Mayea of 4301 Harrison Avenue addressed the Council, stating that funds from
citizens should be used in the most prioritized way to benefit citizens.

There were no further citizen comments.

DELIBERATE ON (1) AMENDING SECTION 7-100 OF APPENDIX A OF THE cod |
OF ORDINANCES BY ADDING A “R-MH MANUFACTURED HOME RESIDENTIAL
DISTRICT’; (2) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP OF

THE CITY BY ADDING ZONING CLASSIFICATION “R-MH MANUFACTURED
HOME RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT’; (3) TO CLASSIFY THE PROPERTY AT 6116-
6126 CAPITAL, A.K.A. JCAD PROPERTY ID 81578, AS R-MH MANUFACTURED
HOME RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT:

City Council then started the Public Hearing at 5:24 p.m.

Mayor Borne then read the notice as follows, “The City of Groves, TX, City Council
Members and the Planning and Zoning Commissioners will hold a Joint Public
Hearing at 3947 Lincoln Ave., Groves, TX, on Monday, September 28, 2026, starting
at 5:00 p.m. The items for discussion and comments is for (1) amending Section 7-
100 of Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances by adding a “R-MH Manufactured
Home Residential District’; (2) an Ordinance amending the official zoning map of the
City by adding the zoning classification “R-MH Manufactured Home Residential
District”; and (3) to classify the property at 6116-6126 Capital, a.k.a. JCAD Property
ID 81578, as R-MH Manufactured Home Residential District.”

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026
Page 3

Mayor Borne stated we will recognize the one making the request, and City Attorney
Brandon P. Monk stated that we will skip that one.

Mayor Borne then asked for questions from City Council, and Councilmember
Chelette asked if this proposal is from a Senate Bill from the Texas Legislature that
requires us to have a zone for manufactured homes, and Mr. Monk stated that is
correct; this is a mandatory legislative change. Mayor Borne asked Mr. Monk
whether he knew of any ramifications if we did not comply, and Mr. Monk stated that
if someone wanted to place a manufactured home within the City and we did not
comply with the statute, they could sue the City. The City Council had no further
questions.

Mayor Borne then asked for questions from the Planning and Zoning Committee, and
there were none.

City Manager Kevin Carruth provided background, stating that the City previously had
four mobile home parks under Specific Use Permits; over time, three have gone
away, with two becoming RV Parks. The only one remaining from that original group
is on Capital Street, which is why the City selected this location for a potential zoning
change. The City is considering it only because the State is requiring this zoning
designation.

Mayor Borne then called for property owners within 200 ft. who wished to speak in
support of the request, and none did.

Mayor Borne then called for property owners within 200 ft. who wished to speak
against the request, and Sara Scott of 6132 Washington stated that she talked to
several neighbors who do not want this change. They do not want their property
value to decrease, and they see no reason why they should be told how to zone their
property. The Mayor stated that the Council agrees. Ms. Scott then asked how the
property can be rezoned if the owner does not want it rezoned. Ms. Scott then said
the email address for Mr. Wheeler on the letter was incorrect. Ms. Scott also said
many people did not understand the letter.

Jorge L. Alatorre is one of the owners of the property being discussed for a rezone.
Mr. Alatorre said his family opposes the rezone because they may want to do
something different with the property later. Mayor Borne then asked City Attorney
Brandon P. Monk whether, if this went into effect, it would mean they couldn't build
something else on it. Mr. Monk stated it would have to be a manufactured home.

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026

Page 4

Councilmember Chelette asked whether, if the mobile homes currently occupying wl
property were phased out, the owner could request a rezone, and Mr. Monk stated
that a rezone request could be made. City Manager Kevin Carruth stated that if this
is designated as R-MH and the owner wants to rezone to something else, then we
would have to find a new designated zone. Mr. Monk then stated that if we are
talking lot by lot, maybe not, because there would be an existing location as a matter
of right, so | can't say that exactly. Mr. Monk then stated he was speaking more
about one lot owner who came in and applied for a change; it's possible that could be
granted, and we’d still have a location as a matter of right within the City that would
be consistent with state law.

A.J. Guillot of 6124 Washington stated he owns multipte other houses around this
area, and then asked the Council what we do to find another piece of property to
butcher up. Councilmember Chelette said this already exists, which is why that spot
was picked, and that the Texas Legislature is requiring this. Mr. Guillot asked when
this vote will take place, and Mayor Borne said it will be voted on at the next City
Council meeting. Planning and Zoning will meet tomorrow and provide a
recommendation to send to City Council. After that, the Council will vote at the nent |
Council meéting. Mr. Carruth then stated that the actual statutory deadline for
Council to decide on a location is October 1%. Mr. Guillot then asked what say we
have in this, and Mr. Carruth said to contact your state representative in the state
legislature; a session starts in January. Mr. Guillot also asked when the notification
letter was sent, and Mr. Wheeler stated it was about 11 days before the meeting, as
required by state law.

Mayor Borne then asked for citizens who wished to speak in support of the request,
and none did.

Mayor Bore then asked for citizens who wished to speak against the request, and
Kristi Mayea asked for clarification for someone stating you picked this location
because it had mobile homes on it prior, and Ms. Mayea was told it was because it
has existing mobile homes on it. Ms. Mayea then asked if there are other places to
look at, and Mr. Monk stated that the State requirement is that we have a place to
place these as a matter of right.

Mayor Borne then stated that no action will be taken at this meeting; the Planning
Zoning Commission wil! meet independently on September 29, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
and submit a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will make the

final determination at a future Meeting.

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026
Page 5

The Public Hearing adjourned at 5:40 p.m.

RECEIVE THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 8, 2026, PLANNING AND ZONING
MEETING: Mayor Borne stated that all of the Council has received a copy of these
minutes.

DELIBERATE AND ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE CLOSURE OF LINCOLN AVENUE
FROM JEFFERSON TO CAPITOL ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2026, FROM
4:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M. FOR A CANDY CRAWL TRICK-OR-TREATING EVENT:
Mayor Pro Tem Gay made a motion to deliberate and act to authorize the closure of
Lincoln Avenue from Jefferson to Capitol on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from
4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for a Candy Crawl Trick-or-Treating Event, and
Councilmember McAdams seconded. Emily Dewesse of Stacked Cake and
Confection addressed the Council, stating that this is the fourth annual event. The
past 3 years have had a really good turnout, and normally she does not shut the
street down, but for safety reasons she feels we need to this year. Ms. Dewesse said
she would like to do it more as a Trunk-or-Treat this year, where cars back up to the
sidewalk and kids walk the sidewalks. Paws of Hope will host a dog costume
contest. There will be more activities like last year, including a cake walk, cookies for
the kids, an 18-and-under tattoo table, photo-op sections, and scavenger hunt bingo.
Three bathrooms will be available for the public. Mayor Borne asked City Attorney
Brandon P. Monk whether, since the event will close the road, we need an insurance
policy, and Ms. Dewesse said we have insurance through the Chamber of
Commerce. Mayor Borne asked City Marshal Robin if he saw any problem with this
road closure for this event, and he said he did not. Mayor Borne then asked Fire
Chief Lance Billeaud if he saw any issue with this event, and Chief Billeaud stated he
did not. Councilmember McAdams thanked Ms. Dewesse for putting on the event.
There were no further questions, and the motion passed unanimously.

DELIBERATE AND ACT ON APPROVAL OF THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENT WITH THE GROVES PROFESSIONAL POLICE ASSOCIATION AND
AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS: Councilmember Chelette made a motion to deliberate and act on
approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Groves Professional Police
Association and authorize the Mayor and City Manager to execute all necessary
documents, and Mayor Pro Tem Gay seconded. HR Director Elizabeth Diaz then
addressed the Council and provided an overview of the changes made from the last
agreement. Ms. Diaz stated that overall, they did a lot of housekeeping, with minor

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026
Page 6

updates. The biggest articles with changes were compensation, shift differential,

certification/education pay, bilingual pay,
meniorship incentive, wellness incentive,
went over the specifics of these changes.
a five-year contract. There were no questi

evidence room & intoxilyzer compensation,
and overtime 7k exemption. Ms. Diaz then
Ms. Diaz stated that both parties agreed to
ons, and the motion passed unanimously.

CITY OF GROVES, AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, CITY MANAGER, AND
FIRE CHIEF TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS:

Councilmember McAdams ma
Understanding with City Ambu

the City of Groves, and autho
negotiate and execute all nec
City Manager Kevin Carruth
McAdams amended his pre
Chelette seconded. There
unanimously.

de a motion to deliberate and act on a Memorandum of
lance Service to provide backup ambulance service to
rizing the Mayor, City Manager, and Fire Chief to
essary documents. Councilmember Chelette seconded.

stated that this item needs to be tabled. Councilmember
VIOUS Motion to table this item, and Councilmember
were no questions, and the motion to table passed

U

DELIBERATE AND ACT ON AN ENERGY AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
CONTRACT FOR WASTEWATER WITH SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC AND
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE ALL

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS:

act on an Energy and Construction
Electric and authorizing the City Ma
documents. Councilmember Chele!
Carruth said Craig Mesenbrink with

Mayor Pro Tem Gay made a motion to deliberate and
Services Contract for Wastewater with Schneider
nager to negotiate and execute all necessary

tie seconded the motion. City Manager Kevin
Schneider Electric is here to answer questions,

Mr. Carruth then stated that the attorneys went back and forth and the last version
was finished late Friday. City Attorney Brandon P. Monk said he believes this is a

good agreement, with good negotiat

ions on both sides. Mayor Borne asked if there is

anything we need to be concemed about at this time, and Mr. Monk stated there is

not. Mr. Carruth said this is largely

similar to the agreement we had for the water

meter project, and Mr. Mesenbrink said we started with that as a base. Mayor Borne

asked whether this contract starts

with the base price without any add-ons or other

options, and Mr. Mesenbrink said that is correct. We have the base price with four

standalones as the base project,

and we also included an allowance section of a little

over a million dollars for items that are unforeseen at this time. Mr. Mesenbrink also [|

stated that they are doing engin

eering on two additional items that came up during

the design: both the grit and dewatering. Mayor Borne then stated

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026
Page 7

that would have gotten us up to the other price of $16 million, but right now we are at
$12.4 million, which is the base price with some engineering included along with
possible add-ons that would bring us to $16 million. No further discussion occurred
on this item, and the motion passed unanimously.

DELIBERATE AND ACT TO APPROVE THE TXDOT STEP GRANT AGREEMENT
FOR TRAFFIC AND DWI ENFORCEMENT AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MARSHAL
TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Councilmember Chelette made a
motion to deliberate and act to approve the TxDOT STEP Grant Agreement for Traffic
and DWI Enforcement and authorize the City Marshal to execute all necessary
documents, and Councilmember McAdams seconded. Marshal Robin stated thai this
grant is a little different than what we are used to with the Office of the Governor
grants; with those, you have to have everything done preemptively. The structure of
this one is a little bit different; there are so many checks and balances, and so many
hurdles they have you jump through in advance. They want to know what your
numbers could potentially be, divide the city into certain zones for metric purposes,
and compare specific data sets. Marshal Robin also stated that this effort not only
reduces overtime but also reimburses us for the overtime we are able to provide and
should have a lasting, significant impact on our safety and our roadways. The
tentative breakdown is $55,010.10, which is refundable with a City match of
$9,709.54, consisting of $7,280.74 in fringe benefits and $2,428.80 in advertising and
marketing resources, representing a 15 percent local match. The total projected
budget is $64,719.64. The marketing component allows us to reach citizens and
educate them through social media, meetings, and the media, which reduces the
match to 15%. Mayor Borne then asked if we spend $9,709.54 on training and can
apply for up to $55,000, and Marshal Robin stated that we don’t spend the fringe and
that $2,400 all up front; each of those segments is phased throughout the year for
reimbursements. Councilmember Chelette amended his previous motion to include
Resolution 2026-18, and Councilmember McAdams seconded. The motion passed
unanimously.

DELIBERATE AND ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE TXDPS DATA INTERFACE
AGREEMENT FOR MUNICIPAL COURT CONVICTION REPORTING: Mayor Pro
Tem Gay made a motion to deliberate and act to authorize the TxDPS Data Interface
Agreement for Municipal Court Conviction Reporting, and Councilmember Chelette
seconded. Marshal Robin stated that, as the law requires under certain
circumstances, data that flows through the municipal court has to be reported to the
state. So ultimately what’s happening is the system that they are utilizing to report

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026

Page 8

this data is just changing from one to another, and January 1, 2027, this new vroceet |
will be mandated. Councilmember Chelette asked what the initial cost is, and

Marshal Robin stated that there is no additional cost to us; it's just a different

reporting format via an upgrade. There were no further questions, and the motion

passed unanimously.

DELIBERATE AND ACT ON THE SEPTEMBER 28, 2026, INVOICE LIST: Mayor Pro
Tem Gay made a motion to deliberate and act on the September 28, 2026, Invoice
List, and Councilmember McAdams seconded.

INVOICES: City Manager Kevin Carruth presented invoices for payment totaling
$206,296.93 as follows:

4. 4-Horn Industrial, LLC | Generator rental for Wastewater Plant. $10,078.68

2. Blades Group, LLC Rock asphalt for street repairs. $8,768.00

3. Blades Group, LLC Rock asphait for street repairs. $8,768.

4. City of Port Arthur Landfill sludge disposal August 2026, cent

5. City of Port Arthur Garbage and trash collection 7/27/26 — $21,595.00

8/25/26.

6. Enterprise FM Trust Lease on fleet vehicles. $16,657.90

7. Lloyd Gosselink August bill for Star Lake. $17,558.00
Attorney at Law

8. NewGen Strategies & | Groves 2026 Transportation Use Fee $8,905.00
Solutions Feasibility Analysis.

9. Republic Services Sludge disposal for August 2026. $9,028.99

10. Rural Pipe & Supply, Culverts and drain boxes for stock. $9,083.54

Inc.
11. Safe Life Defense LLC Armor for Police. soon

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026

7 Page 9
12. Siddons-Martin Equipment Maintenance and Repairs. $6,956.12
Emergency Group
13. Flock Safety Flock Safety via MVCPA Grant approved $76,000.00

by Council Resolution 2025-06,

Mayor Borne asked for questions, and he asked Marshal Robin whether Flock Safety
is reimbursable; Marshal Robin stated this is the previous year's MVCPA Grant that
we applied for. It works like this: you have the service in place, and upon final
installation, you submit the reimbursement to the State, but Flock Safety doesn’t
actually invoice you until the final camera is installed. We finally got that last camera
installed in August of this year. Marshal Robin then stated that Governor Abbott has
placed a hold on these reimbursements; we have been in talks with the MVCPA, and
their instruction is to move forward with the contract as designed and submit the
reimbursement. Marshal Robin then said several different entities or officers have
been charged with misusing government information, so Flock is currently enhancing
the technology for audit purposes. Here at the City of Groves, we audit every month
[| to ensure the searches belong to case numbers, calls for service, or actual PC-based
investigations. This new service not only streamlines the process and makes it
- easier, but also flags issues in advance. Marshal Robin stated that it looks like they
< ‘Are trying.to make sure they have the proper safeguards in place and that they are
. >. being utilized; then the grant funding will continue. Councilmember Chelette asked
who'alfis authorized in the City of Groves to access the Flock system, and Marshal
A 2 Robin in.statedthat any sworn personnel have login access. Mayor Borne then asked if
Sta this iS our: final bill for Lloyd Gosselink Attorney at Law, and Mr. Carruth stated that it
-Syis.not since, the agreement has not been signed by all parties. There were no further
Ta, Zduestions® ‘and the motion passed unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 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.

[| Council went into Executive Session at 6:20 p.m.

Council reconvened into open session at 6:32 p.m.

City Council Meeting
September 28, 2026
Page 10

Mayor Borne asked for Councilmember comments, and Councilmember Chelette —
thanked everyone who was involved in the collective bargaining agreement. Mayor
Borne thanked Craig Mesenbrink from Schneider Electric for being here, and he

looks forward to getting this project underway. Mayor Borne reminded everyone
about the upcoming Pecan Festival. Mayor Borne also reminded everyone about
National Night Out on October 6 at 5:00 p.m. There were no further comments.

Mayor Borne adjourned the meeting at 6:34 p.m.

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Mayor

ATTEST:

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City Clerk