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GROVES — Groves Councilmember Rhonda Dugas was removed from the city’s economic development corporation board Monday in connection with her conduct at a Sept. 23 meeting.

During the September meeting Dugas reportedly attacked colleagues and visitors verbally thus failing as a presiding officer to maintain decorum in the meeting, according to the resolution which was approved. The issue also spilled over to social media.

The resolution was approved with a four to 1 vote with Dugas giving the dissenting vote.

Mayor Chris Borne asked if there was discussion on the issue after the vote and all were silent until Borne went to go to the next agenda item, then Dugas began to speak saying she was waiting for others to have their say.

“My name is Rhonda Dugas. I am a whistleblower in Groves, Texas. I have exposed the plan and the modus operandi of the good old boy political machine and lobbyist,” Dugas said. “They have many factions and tentacles in every area of our life. This incident has been a psychological study in the Mean Girls syndrome, the herd mentality, kangaroo court with Chris Borne as the leader of it all.”

Dugas went on to say she was attacked by Badon and business owner Katie Zghaib “to accelerate her political agenda” and interfere with the election.

Dugas is running for reelection to the Ward 4 seat and has two opponents.

A sprinkling of applause broke out in the crowded council chambers after the vote was taken and Dugas removed from the EDC position.

The main issue from the Sept. 23 meeting stemmed from an application for reimbursement from Wildflower Design and Events owner Katie Zghaib.

During the exchange there was contention between Dugas and board member Sidney Badon because board members did not receive the full agenda packet, with receipts, 72 hours prior to the meeting, according to video of the meeting.

Dugas argued with Zghaib over receipts which led to Dugas trying to end the meeting. Attorney Brandon Monk stopped Dugas to explain she cannot legally stop the meeting when there was an item on the table for vote and a quorum present.

She responded by saying “yes I can” and “they do it at city council.”

The meeting continued.

According to city information, the relevant portion of the recording of the meeting is at the 2:09:29 mark.