Plum Grove tables several items, votes to continue litigation

PLUM GROVE — The city council was back in session for the first time in 2024, with lots of business unresolved from last year, such as the reappointment of John Joslin as Chief of Police and pending litigation, making for a busy night.

During the final meeting of 2023, the council voted to reappoint Joslin; the only thing is many believed that Brandon Frazier was still employed in the position, a point now argued by Councilmember LeeAnn Penton-Walker.

During the approval of minutes from the last meeting, Penton-Walker had concerns about possible verbiage being omitted.

Walker argued there is no mention of Frazier laying down his badge and uniform and walking out of the building in the December meeting.

Mayor Arrendell admits that Frazier did leave his police gear but did not quit, whereas Walker claims to have heard the words “I quit” by Frazier.

“He’s just sitting idle,” said Arrendell. “He hasn’t resigned.”

The council decided to table the approval of the minutes until verbiage could be discussed and updated.

Joslin was on the agenda again due to new allegations and the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement telling Arrendell that giving Frazier’s key and badge to Joslin, as several council members suggested, would be breaking the law.

Arrendell added that the city cannot do anything about Joslin due to him not replying to a consented background check and not turning in his personal history.

Joslin, who has had a troubled legal past, although he has never been convicted, found himself at the center of a new indictment out of Harris County last week.

The indictment deals with issues related to another officer that worked in Plum Grove and who was commissioned with Joslin in Coffee City, Texas.

That department was recently shut down, and Joslin’s attorney, Chris Tritico, contends there is no wrongdoing by his client.

Joslin, the former Liberty County Pct. 6 Constable, is seeking that office again.

Further discussion was tabled.

The Vindicator has reached out to Frazier for more information on his employment.

Another agenda item discussed reports from city departments such as the Police and Fire Departments.

Arrendell had not received any reports from the departments, which brought concern from Penton-Walker, who cited several incidents within the past month, such as a police chase incident that led to Kingwood and left several injured.

That item was also tabled.

The council also went into executive session earlier in the meeting to discuss pending or contemplated litigation by the City of Plum Grove, Texas v. Colony Ridge Development, LLC, and City of Plum Grove, Texas v. Quadvest.

Under the advice of City Attorney Scott Francis, leaders did not discuss the issue in open session. However, they voted to continue the litigation process on both cases against Quadvest and Colony Ridge LLC.

Plum Grove City Council meets every second Monday of the month at 7 p.m.