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Groves council approves proclamations, grant signatories, CDBG policies and event funding
Summary
In routine business the Groves City Council proclaimed April Fair Housing Month, authorized signatories for a GLO resilience grant, adopted CDBG civil‑rights policies, approved hotel‑occupancy tax funding for a Christmas event and a community festival, and passed the invoice list; staff also reported a needed $22,000 transmission rebuild for a fire engine.
The Groves City Council on Jan. 26 handled a slate of routine but administratively required items, approving proclamations, grant signatories, federal policy adoption and multiple event‑funding requests.
The council adopted a proclamation designating April as Fair Housing Month, citing Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. The mayor read the proclamation and the council approved it by voice vote.
Council then approved Resolution 2026‑03 authorizing the mayor and city manager to sign required documents for a GLO Resilient Communities Program grant related to a recently awarded planning process. A staff presenter said the signatures are required to receive the grant funds and that the action is ministerial to complete the grant administration.
Members also voted to adopt required CDBG civil‑rights policies, which staff said are prerequisites for receiving Community Development Block Grant funds tied to the city’s comprehensive planning work.
On tourism funding, the council approved two hotel‑occupancy tax requests: one from the Groves Chamber of Commerce for the Christmas Tree Trail and an additional allocation for the Common Festival to cover entertainment (DJ and sound) and associated reimbursements. Presenters explained that some festival expenses are paid up front and then reimbursed; council members reviewed cost packages and confirmed available funds before voting to approve both requests.
The council also approved the Jan. 26 invoice list totaling $141,825.42, which included payments to the City of Port Arthur for garbage collection ($35,925), Enterprise (vehicle leases, $12,217.31), Trace Construction for demolition work ($67,174) and raw water purchases ($26,509.11). Councilors asked staff about remaining demolition invoices under the Trace Construction contract and were told several houses remained in the contract scope.
During reports, the fire department reported engine 33 had transmission damage; options discussed were a partial repair estimated at about $13,000 (shorter warranty) or a rebuilt transmission with a two‑year warranty for about $22,000. The fire chief said the city would offset the cost by reallocating a $25,000 forestry grant previously intended for equipment purchases and would present a finalized equipment plan at a future meeting.
The council recessed into an executive session under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code to consult with the city attorney on pending or contemplated litigation and returned to open session before closing the meeting.
