The Groves City Council on Dec. 20 canvassed a Dec. 14 runoff and approved a slate of ordinances, a settlement-participation resolution and routine fiscal items.

The council declared Brandon Holmes elected to Ward 2 and Rayshawna Gay elected to Ward 4 after tabulated returns were read during the meeting; staff noted the county counted five provisional ballots that accounted for a difference versus packet totals. Both were sworn in at the meeting and will assume office on Dec. 23, 2024.

Council also elected a mayor pro tem for the coming year, following the customary rotation among wards. The motion to elect the mayor pro tem passed on a recorded voice vote.

On land-use and business permits, the council approved Ordinance 2024-33, authorizing a specific-use permit for gaming machines and a game room at 6850 20th (Fifth) Street after planning-and-zoning reported earlier issues had been resolved. It also approved Ordinance 2024-34 amending Chapter 4 of the city code to add 5630 Ninth Street (Milagros Tex Mex) as a location where beer and wine may be sold for on-premises consumption; staff reminded council that state permitting is required in addition to the city ordinance.

The council ratified the city manager’s execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Texas Department of Public Safety to comply with the Texas Statewide Interlocal Channel Plan — a step staff said was needed to meet grant-related paperwork deadlines.

Council accepted updates and post-award paperwork tied to two public-safety grants and moved to approve an invoice list for Dec. 23 totaling roughly $329,579.48, which included a significant invoice tied to the radio and body-worn camera program.

The body of public-safety items concluded with approval of Ordinance 2024-36, an amendment to the city’s emergency medical services code that raises minimum liability insurance amounts and creates tiered liquidated-damage penalties for extended ambulance response times. The ordinance also incorporates language allowing, in certain exigent circumstances, fire department personnel to transport critically ill or injured persons consistent with state law.

Finally, the council approved Resolution 2024-11 to participate in the Texas Attorney General’s proposed settlement with Kroger related to opioid claims and authorized the city manager to sign the subdivision participation form.

Votes were recorded on the public record for each motion; where roll-call votes were read, the mayor and councilmembers answered “aye” or “no” as reflected in the meeting minutes. Several matters were adopted unanimously; a small number of votes included a dissenting councilmember as recorded at the meeting. The council adjourned at 6:03 p.m.