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CollegeStation,Texas
Boards, Commissions, and
Committees Handbook
Boards Application Packet 2016
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Boards Application Packet 2016
Dear Citizen:
C1TY OF Cm.LEGE ST. no
Hom~ ofTb:11S A&M U11ivmiry·
I would like to thank you on behalf of the Citizens of College Station for your willingness to serve the
City as an appointed member of a Board, Commission, or Committee. Your commitment of time and
talent is a very important contribution to our community.
The work done by citizens who serve on Boards, Commissions, and Committees is a vital part of our
city government. Board, Commission, and Committee members assist the City Council in setting public
policy, implementing public policy, and in communicating that policy to the community as a whole.
In recognition of the important civic commitment members of Boards, Commissions, and Committees
make, we have prepared this orientation handbook for those who are interested in possible service and
to assist appointed members in performing their duties.
It is our hope that your service to the City of College Station will be both rewarding and fulfilling. Again,
thank you for your willingness to serve.
Nancy Berry
Mayor
Boards Application Packet 2016
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Boards Application Packet 2016
C1TY or Cour.cr-ST<\TION
11-efT""" A6.\I u.;..,..,,. Board Member Election on Disclosure
An appointed Board, Commission, or Committee Member ("Board Member") may choose whether or not to allow
public access to the information in the custody of the City relating to the Board Member's home address, home
telephone number, cellular numbers, emergency contact information, personal email address, and information that
reveals whether the person has family members.
Each Board Member shall state his/her choice in writing to the City Secretary's Office. If a Board Member elects not
to allow public access to this information, the information is protected by Sections 552.024 and 552.117 of the Public
Information Act and rulings of the Texas Attorney General. If a Board Member fails to report his/her choice, the
information may be subject to public access.
If during the course of their term, a Board Member wishes to close or open public access to the information, the
individual must submit a written request to the City Secretary's Office. Only the City Secretary's Office is allowed
to disclose the information listed above.
Please complete the information below and return
to the City Secretary's Office within fourteen days of receipt.
D I DO elect public access to my: (please indicate items you would like available, if any)
home address
_home telephone number
_ personal email address
cell numbers
_ emergency contact information
_ information that reveals whether I have family members.
D I DO NOT elect public access to my home address, home telephone number, cell or pager
numbers, emergency contact information, or any information that reveals whether I have family
members.
Board Member's Signature Date
Board Member's Printed Name
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter I. Definitions
Boards & Commissions Defined 1
Advisory Commissions & Boards Defined 1
Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Greenways Advisory Board 2
Senior Advisory Committee 2
Decision-Making Boards & Commissions Defined 3
Construction Board of Adjustments & Appeals 3
Design Review Board 3
Parks and Recreation Board 4
Planning and Zoning Commission 4
Zoning Board of Adjustments 5
Standing Committees Defined 5
Bryan/College Station Library Board 5
Historic Preservation Board 5
Joint Relief Funding Review Committee 6
Landmark Commission 6
Sunset Committees Defined 6
Citizen's Charter Review Advisory Commission 7
Sunset Advisory Commission 7
Chapter II. Board, Commission, and Committee Appointment Process
Application Process
Appointment Process
Notice of Appointment
Eligibility and Qualifications
Nepotism (Home Rule Charter)
Oath of Office
Open Meetings Act Training
Chapter m. Meetings
Role of the Chair
The Agenda
Parliamentary Procedures
Public Hearings
Signing the Minutes for the Meeting
Meeting Attendance
Working with City Staff
Reporting to the City Council
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Chapter IV. Responsibilities of the Members of Boards, Commissions, and Committees
General
Open Meetings Act
Open Records Act
Conflict of Interest
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Chapter V. Legal Liability
Personal Liability
Board Liability
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A.
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City of College Station Council Relations Policy and Code of Ethics 14
Council Relations Policy and Code of Ethics 14
Statement of Mission 14
Mayor-City Council Relations 15
Mayor's Responsibilities 15
Council Responsibilities 15
Code of Conduct for Mayor and Council Members 16
Council and Staff Relations 17
Council and Media Relations 18
College Station City Council Code of Ethics 19
APPENDIXB.
Definitions
APPENDIXC.
Chart of Kinship
APPENDIXD.
Robert's Rules of Order Relating to Motions
APPENDIXE.
Applications for Boards, Commissions, and Committees
General Application for B/CS Library Board; Bicycle,
Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board; Historic
Preservation Committee; Landmark Commission
Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals
Design Review Board
Joint Relief Funding Review Committee
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeal
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CHAPTER I
DEFINITIONS
A. Boards, Commissions, and Committees Defined. The City of College Station City
Council depends on the input from residents serving on Boards, Commissions and Committees.
College Station may have several kinds of Boards, Commissions and Committees, including:
Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Decision-Making Boards and Commissions
Standing Committees
Sunset Committees
B. Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees Defined. These Boards,
Commissions and Committees advise the City Council, City Manager, and City staff. They play
a key role in keeping the City government close to the people it serves by providing ideas,
feedback, and suggestions and may serve as a sounding board for proposed policy. These Boards,
Commissions, and Committees are advisory bodies under the Texas Open Meetings Act and it is
the City's policy to require these advisory bodies to comply in all respects with the Act. These
Boards, Commissions and Committees currently (or may) include:
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
Senior Advisory Committee
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B-1. Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
Duties & Responsibilities: The Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board advises City
Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission ("P&Z") and other appointed Boards,
Commissions, and Committees on all matters concerning bicycling, walking, and greenways
within the City of College Station. This Board also provides recommendations on adopted plans,
policies and standards to the City Council, and plays a role in setting priorities, programs, and
advocacy.
Membership: The Board consists of seven members who are residents of the City and eligible
voters, each representative of the following fields or professions: real estate, banking, finance, or
economics, or law; recreation, health, kinesiology, environmental/ecological sciences,
stormwater/floodplain management or natural resources; transportation planning, engineering,
architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning; and two members who are residents with a
demonstrated interest in walking, running, bicycling or open space preservation. The seventh
member shall be chairman of the Council Transportation Committee or his designee. Terms are
two (2) years.
Meetings: Monthly
Authority: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 2, section 2.6; City Ordinance 3265, adopted
August 12, 2010.
B-2. Senior Advisory Committee
Duties and Responsibilities: The Senior Advisory Committee is to address the needs of all
seniors in our community. The Committee seeks to explore ideas for programs and activities from
all seniors that promote physical, social, educational, recreational and emotional well-being of all
seniors in the College Station area. Recommendations for actions will be made to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board and City Council through the Senior Services Coordinator and/or the
Committee.
Membership: The Committee shall consist of College Station residents age 55 or older and
registered voters. The Committee will have no more than 17 members and no fewer than 11
members. The term of office for the Committee shall commence in July and shall be three (3)
years in length.
Meetings: Regular meetings are held on the last Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the
Southwood Community Center, 1520 Rock Prairie Rd.
Authority: The need for senior programs was established as a strategic issue by the City Council
in 1998. The College Station Senior Advisory Committee was formed in January of 1999 and
reports to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
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C. Decision-Making Boards and Commissions Defined. These Boards and
Commissions are legislative and/or 'quasi-judicial' bodies that are empowered by State law to
make decisions affecting City policy relating to the public health, safety or welfare. These Boards
and Commissions are "governing bodies" under the Texas Open Meetings Act and are thus
required to comply in all respects with the Act. These Boards and Commissions include:
Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals
Design review Board
Parks and Recreation Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Zoning Board of Adjustments
C-1. Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals
Duties and Responsibilities: The Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals hears appeals
of decisions, considers interpretations of the Building Official, and considers variances to the terms
of technical codes.
Membership: The Board consists of five (5) members and may include up to four (4) alternates.
Members shall be appointed by City Council. Members shall be residents and registered voters of
the City of College Station and shall serve for two (2) year terms. The Board shall be composed
of individuals with knowledge of the technical codes.
Meetings: On call by chairman
Authority: Texas Local Government Code 54.033; City Ordinance No. 191 , adopted October 10,
1991, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 3, section 3-1 .
C-2. Design Review Board
Duties and Responsibilities: The Design Review Board hears and takes action on design district
site plans and performs other duties as outlined in ordinances.
Membership: The Board consists of seven (7) regular members and two (2) alternate members.
Six (6) of the regular members and the two (2) alternates are appointed by the City Council. The
six ( 6) members shall include an architect, business person, landscape architect, a developer, land
owner, business owner, resident or employee in a design district, a person knowledgeable in
aesthetic judgment, and a citizen-at-large. The seventh regular member shall be the chair of the
P&Z or his designee. Members shall be residents of the City of College Station and registered
voters. Members shall serve two (2) year terms.
Meetings: On call by chair.
Authority: City Ordinance No. 1819, adopted on September 14, 1989. Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 12, Article 2, section 2.5.
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C-3. Parks and Recreation Board
Duties and Responsibilities: The Parks and Recreation Board advises and recommends to the
City Council on all matters concerning the establishment, maintenance, and operations of all parks
within the City and the establishment and operation of recreation programs conducted by the City
of College Station for its citizens. The Board also carries out all other duties and responsibilities
as may be assigned by City Council.
Membership: The Board consists of nine (9) members appointed by City Council on a staggered
basis. Members shall be residents of the City of College Station and registered voters. Members
are limited to two (2) consecutive terms.
Meetings: Meetings are held at 7:00 pm. on the second Tuesday of each month, and special
meetings are held as necessary.
Authority: Code of Ordinances, Chapter 8, section 8-2; City Ordinance No. 1137, adopted
November 9, 1978. The Board is authorized to establish its own rules, regulations, and bylaws
subject to ratification by the City Council.
C-4. Planning and Zoning Commission
Duties and Responsibilities: P&Z serves as a review body
to recommend changes in development codes and the
zoning ordinance to the City Council. The Commission
prepares subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances,
and amendments thereto for the recommendation to the
City Council. The Commission studies and makes
recommendations with regard to proposed annexations.
The Commission has final authority over all plats submitted
to the City. In addition, the Commission performs other
duties as assigned by statute and City Council.
Membership: Members shall be residents and registered voters of the City of College Station.
The Commission consists of seven (7) members appointed by the City Council. Four ( 4) members
shall be appointed in even numbered years and three (3) members shall be appointed in odd
numbered years. A chair shall be appointed annually by the City Council. P&Z shall select a vice-
chair from among its members as needed. Terms of office are limited to three (3) consecutive terms
of seven (7) consecutive years.
Meetings: Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. every first and third Thursday of each month. Meetings
are held in Council Chambers at City Hall. Special meetings are held if necessary.
Authority: Texas Local Government Code 211.007 (V.T.C.S.), City Ordinances No. 682, adopted
May 1, 1970; City Ordinance No. 1233, adopted July 24, 1980; City Ordinance No. 1638, adopted
March 13, 1986; City Ordinance No. 1805, adopted March 23, 1989; and City Ordinance No. 2179,
adopted May 9, 1996. Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 2, section 2.2.
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C-5. Zoning Board of Adjustments
Duties and Responsibilities: The Zoning Board of Adjustments hears and decides administrative
appeals of the Zoning Administrator's determinations under the UDO and variances to the terms
of the UDO. Other duties are outlined in the ordinances and statutes from which it is created.
Membership: Members shall be residents and eligible voters of the City of College Station. The
Board consists of five (5) members and may include up to four (4) alternates. Members shall serve
for two (2) year terms.
Meetings: Meetings are held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in Council
Chambers.
Authority: Local Government Code 211.008 (V.T.C.S.) and City Ordinance No. 1638, adopted
March 13, 1986. Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 2, section 2.3.
D. Standing Committees Defined. These Boards, Commissions, and Committees are
permanent advisory committees, in most cases reporting to the City Council. These Boards,
Commissions, and Committees include:
Bryan/College Station Library Board
Historic Preservation Committee
Joint Relief Funding Review Committee
Landmark Commission
D-1. Bryan/College Station Library Board
Duties & Responsibilities: The B/CS Library Board encourages development, recommends
policies and programs for advancement of the Bryan and College Station Libraries, and cooperates
with all other public and private groups in advancing the best interest of the Bryan and College
Station Libraries
Membership: The Board consists of eight (8) members; four (4) from College Station and four
(4) from Bryan. The members appointed by College Station shall be residents of the City of
College Station and registered voters. Members serve a two (2) year term.
Meetings: January, March, May, July, September, November on the third Tuesday of the month
at 5:00 p.m.
Authority: Action taken at City Council Meeting October 23, 1997.
D-2. Historic Preservation Committee
Duties and Responsibilities: The Historic Preservation Committee aids in the collecting and
preserving of the City's history and provides for education of citizenry. Program emphasis is on
designation of historical areas by assigning historic plaques to residents of historic home sites and
buildings throughout College Station.
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Membership: The Committee consists of nine (9) members and where practical may include
representation from the Brazos County Historical Society, Texas A&M University and the College
Station City Council. The members shall be residents of the City of College Station and registered
voters. Members are appointed by City Council and serve two (2) year terms.
Meetings: Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at 5: 15 p.m. at City Hall.
Authority: City Ordinance No. 1646, adopted April 9, 1986; City Ordinance No. 2025, adopted
August 12, 1993; and City Ordinance No. 2505, adopted August 9, 2001. Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 1, section 1-23.
D-3. Joint Relief Funding Review Committee
Duties and Responsibilities: The Joint Relief Funding Review Committee reviews all funding
requests from charitable or any other assistance-type agencies, public or private to the City of
College Station and the City of Bryan. The Committee shall make appropriate recommendations
to City Council for its consideration.
Membership: The Committee consists of three (3) representatives from College Station and three
(3) from Bryan. Members serve three (3) year terms. Members appointed by College Station shall
be residents and registered voters of the City of College Station.
Meetings: On call by chair
Authority: Resolution No. 5-26-88-12; replaced by Resolution No. 2-23-2006-10.13.
D-4. Landmark Commission
Duties and Responsibilities: The Landmark Commission enhances the City's ability to identify
and protect historically and/or culturally significant districts, areas, sites, buildings, and structures.
Membership: The Commission consists of seven (7) regular members and two (2) alternate
members appointed by City Council with each member representing different professional fields.
The seventh regular member shall be the chair of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee
or his designee. Members shall be residents of the City of College Station and registered voters.
Members serve for three (3) year terms.
Meetings: On call by chair
Authority: City Ordinance No. 3110, adopted September 11, 2008. Code of Ordinances, Chapter
12, Article 2, section 2.4.
E. Sunset Committees Defined. Sunset Committees are temporarily appointed, advisory
Boards, Commissions, or Committees that terminate upon completion of their specific task. Examples
of Sunset Committees include:
Citizen's Charter Review Advisory Commission
Sunset Advisory Commission
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E-1. Citizens' Charter Review Advisory Commission
Duties & Responsibilities: The Citizens' Charter Review Advisory Commission inquires into the
operation of City government under the charter provisions and determine whether any such
provisions require revision, proposes any recommendations it may deem desirable to ensure
compliance with the provisions of the charter by the several departments of the City government,
proposes, if it deems desirable, amendments to the Charter to improve the effective application of
said charter to current conditions, and reports its findings and presents its proposed amendments,
if any, to the City Council.
Membership: The Commission consists of up to eleven (11) members with a term of office of
nine (9) months.
Meetings: Held as needed
Authority: By ordinance as needed
E-2. Sunset Advisory Commission
Duties and Responsibilities: The Sunset Advisory Commission is responsible for a complete and
thorough review of the City's Boards, Commissions, and Committees; submit recommendations
on the abolition, continuation, or reorganization of each City Board, Commission or Committee
and on the need for the performance of the functions of the City Board, Commission or Committee.
Membership: The Commission consists of seven (7) residents of the City, appointed every five
(5) years, for a term not to exceed twelve (12) months.
Meetings: Held as needed
Authority: By ordinance as needed
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CHAPTER II
BOARD, COMMISSION, AND COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT PROCESS
Application Process. Citizens interested in serving on a Board, Commission, Committee or
separate legal entity can obtain an application from the City Secretary's Office at City Hall or from
the City's website, www.cstx.gov. The completed application must be submitted to the City
Secretary's Office. Applications are valid for two (2) years, after which a new application must
be submitted
Appointment Process. The City of College Station City Council makes appointments to City of
College Station Boards, Commissions, or Committees. The City Council considers applications to
these boards during regular City Council meetings.
Notice of Appointment. After the City Council appoints a person to serve as a member of a Board,
Commission, and Committee, the City Secretary will notify the appointee in writing of the
appointment. Generally, the City Council will appoint members to no more than two (2) consecutive
terms of service on a single board.
Eligibility and Qualifications. The College Station City Council seeks qualified persons to serve
on Boards, Commissions and Committees. Qualified applicants must be residents of College
Station for one (1) year and must be registered voters of the City, unless otherwise provided by
ordinance.
Certain Boards, Commissions, and Committees have additional eligibility requirements.
Nepotism. Article XII General Provisions, Section 118, of the City of College Station Charter
provides that no person related within the second degree of affinity, or within the third degree of
consanguinity, to members of the City Council or the City Manager shall be appointed or employed
to any office, position or service in the City.
Oath of Office. Upon appointment, an oath of office is administered to all newly appointed
members of Boards, Commissions, and.Committees. The oath of office can be administered by
the City Secretary or her designee.
Open Meetings Act Training. Upon appointment, each new board member is required to
complete the Open Meetings Act Training as required by the State of Texas Attorney General
within ninety (90) days of his/her appointment and to provide a certificate of completion to the
City Secretary for the City's records.
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CHAPTER III
MEETINGS
Role of the Chair. The function of the Chair is to provide leadership for the Board, Commission,
or Committee. The Chair is selected by other board members in a method agreeable to all board
members; however, for a few select committees, the City Council will appoint the Chair. There
are certain duties and responsibilities that must be performed.
The Chair can ensure the smooth operation of the Board, Commission or Committee. The Chair
must be strong enough to make certain that the meeting is run by the rules, but democratic enough
to use the power and authority of the position wisely. The Chair's ability to handle meetings will
have a significant impact on operation and effectiveness.
The Chair must make certain that discussions do not get sidetracked on minor issues and must
have the ability to remain focused on the agenda.
The Agenda. The agenda is prepared by the department head or staff person assigned to the Board,
Commission or Committee. Boards, Commissions and Committees subject to the Texas Open
Meetings Act are required by state law to post the agenda publicly, at least 72 hours prior to the
meeting. It is a City of College Station practice that all boards, commissions and committees
follow these procedures.
Parliamentary Procedures. Meetings of Boards, Commissions and Committees are conducted
under Roberts' Rules of Order as adopted by Council.
Public Hearings. These hearings are open forums that allow the public an opportunity to express their
opinions on a specific issue.
Members of the Board, Commission or Committee may ask questions at any time of the witness, if
recognized by the Chair.
A time limit for individual speakers may be set by the Board, Commission or Committee for purposes
of order and equity before the Public Hearing begins.
Signing the Minutes for the Meeting. The minutes of Boards, Commissions and Committees MUST
be signed by the Chair and the Secretary once the minutes are approved by a majority vote of the
members of the Board, Commission or Committee. These minutes are a permanent record.
Meeting Attendance. Every Board, Commission or Committee member is expected to maintain a
suitable attendance record. It is important to keep in mind that attendance is very important to the
Board, Commission or Committee. Because attendance is important, the City Council has adopted an
attendance policy of no more than three (3) absences without an excuse for regular Board, Commission
or Committee members. The Chair of the Board, Commission or Committee can excuse a member's
absence.
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The term "meetings" includes all meetings of the board and all meetings of the board's subcommittees
on which the member serves. The Secretary of the Board, Commission or Committee is responsible
for keeping track of the members' attendance. If a member does not follow the attendance policy set
for the Board, Commission or Committee, the member can be removed from service by the City
Council.
Working with City Staff. Each Board, Commission, or Committee member is encouraged to
work closely with City staff and with the appropriate department liaison assigned to that Board,
Commission or Committee. City staff is assigned to provide general assistance, such as
preparation of agenda materials and general review of department programs and activities, and to
perform limited studies and other services.
Reporting to the City Council. The Council is dependent on each Board, Commission or Committee
to make recommendations concerning City projects. It is through the Boards, Commissions and
Committees that the City Council can receive community input. All Boards, Commissions and
Committees are encouraged to communicate the position of the body to the City Council.
There will be occasions when City staff will be required to prepare an agenda item for City Council
review. In preparation of such a report, the staff member should present both the staff position and
Board, Commission or Committee's position.
It is the desire of the City Council to have an opportunity to hear and consider all sides of an issue and
alternative recommendations to assist in their decision-making process.
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CHAPTER IV
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE MEMBERS OF
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES
General. It is an honor to be selected as a City Board, Committee, or Committee member, and it
provides an unusual opportunity for genuine public service. Although specific duties of each body
vary widely, there are certain responsibilities that are common to all members. The following is a
summary of those responsibilities:
1. Members should understand the role and scope of their responsibilities and should be informed of
the individual Board, Commission or Committee's purpose and of its operating procedures.
2. Members should be careful to represent the majority views of their individual Board, Commission
or Committee. Individual "opinions" to the public and press should be identified as such.
3. Members should represent the public interest and not special interest groups.
4. Good communication is essential. Members are in a position to serve as liaison between the City
and its citizens and can help to reconcile opposing viewpoints and to build a consensus around
common goals and objectives. Members serve as a communication link between the community,
staff, and City, presenting recommendations and providing a channel for citizen expression.
5. Members are encouraged to review their agenda packets, contact City staff with questions, and be
thorough in their recommendations; if possible, members may, unless otherwise prohibited,
personally view situations under consideration prior to the meeting in order to be fully prepared to
discuss, evaluate, and act on all matters scheduled for consideration. Conclusions based on
preparedness will strengthen the value of the group's recommendations.
6. Members are encouraged to establish a good working relationship within the group; respect
individual viewpoints; allow other members time to present their views fully before making
comments; be open and honest; welcome new members.
7. Council appointments to Boards, Commissions or Committees are made without regard to political
party affiliation. Members are not restricted from participating in political activities; however,
members should not use or involve their membership in the conduct of political activities.
Open Meetings Act. Texas law requires that every meeting of the City Council be open to the public.
In College Station, all Boards, Commissions and Committees follow the procedures for open meetings
as well.
a. A Posted Notice is required of a meeting. Written notice of the date, hour, place and subject
of each meeting must be posted on a public bulletin board, located at a place convenient to
the public for at least 72 hours preceding the scheduled time of the meeting. Only those
matters posted can be discussed and acted on by the Board, Commission, or Committee.
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b. Minutes are required to be prepared or a recording made of each open meeting. Minutes
must state the subject of each deliberation and indicate each vote, order, decision or other
action taken.
c. Closed Meetings. The Texas Open Meetings Act does allow for closed or executive
meetings on a few limited subjects. Generally, Boards, Commissions or Committees
will not have occasion or legal basis to meet in closed or executive session. Closed
meetings are allowed to discuss certain matters, including pending litigation, certain
personnel matters, and the lease or acquisition of land. However, before a closed
meeting can be held, a quorum of the governmental body must convene in an open
meeting and the presiding officer publicly announce that a closed meeting will be held
and identify the sections of the Open Meeting Act authorizing the closed meeting. No
final action, decision, or vote can be made in a closed meeting. All final actions,
decisions, and votes must be made in open meetings. Further, the Board, Commission,
or Committee is required to keep a certified agenda of the matters discussed in the
closed meeting and a record of any further action taken. The presiding officer must
include an announcement at the beginning and end of the closed meeting indicating the
time and place, and must certify that the agenda is a true and correct record of the
proceedings. Blank certified agenda forms for use by presiding officers are available
in the City Secretary's office. In lieu of maintaining a certified agenda, a tape recording
of the closed meeting may be made.
Open Records Act. Texas law also requires that virtually all information held by a governmental
body must fall under the rules of the Texas Open Records Act. If a request for information is
received by a Board, Commission or Committee, the City Secretary should be notified for the
proper procedure.
Conflict oflnterest. Some Board, Commission or Committee members may be subject to Chapter
171 of the Texas Local Government Code which prohibits a local public official with a substantial
interest in a business entity or in real property from participating in a matter before the City
involving the business entity or real property if it is reasonably foreseeable that an action on the
matter before the City will have a special economic effect on the business entity or on the value of
the real property that is distinguishable from its effect on the public. Board, Commission and
Committee members are encouraged to consult with the City Attorney concerning any potential
conflicts.
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CHAPTERV
LEGAL LIABILITY
Personal Liability. Board, Commission or Committee members cannot be held personally liable
for erroneous acts while honestly exercising the functions of their offices in good faith. The only
time a member can be held personally liable is when they act outside the scope of their office and
in bad faith. When members of City Boards, Commissions or Committees are acting in good faith
and within the bounds allowed by the City, state and federal law, the City will provide a defense
for such members to the greatest extent permissible. However, if a Board, Commission or
Committee member acts illegally, unlawfully, or willfully, or acts intentionally malicious,
negligent or in violation of the policies of the City Council while serving in his/her official
capacity, the City may decide not to provide that member a defense.
Board Liability. A city, its officers, and members of boards, commissions or committees as a
governmental entity, must treat all individuals or groups in the same manner unless there is a
compelling governmental interest to treat someone or some group differently. Therefore, the City
Attorney should be consulted concerning whether or not an individual or group can be treated
differently. If an officer or Board, Commission or Committee member illegally discriminates
against an individual or group, that individual or group can seek damages from the City and from
the individual officer for a violation of rights under the state and federal civil rights statutes.
The above discussion is by no means intended to be a comprehensive and complete discussion of
legal liabilities to which the City or Board, Commission or Committee member may be subjected.
Board, Commission or Committee members are strongly encouraged to consult with the City
Attorney anytime they feel their actions while serving on such Board, Commission or Committee
may have some legal consequences. The law in this area is quite complex and requires a thorough
analysis of the law and facts pertaining to each particular situation.
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APPENDIX A
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
COUNCIL RELATIONS POLICY AND
CODE OF ETIDCS
Council Relations Policy and Code of Ethics
The College Station City Council is the governing body for the City of College Station; therefore,
it must bear the initial responsibility for the integrity of governance. The council is responsible for
its own development (both as a body and as individuals), its responsibilities, its own discipline,
and its own performance. The development of this policy is designed to ensure effective and
efficient governance.
This policy will address mayor and council relations, council and staff relations, and council and
media relations. By adopting these guidelines for elected officials, we acknowledge our
responsibility to each other, to our professional staff, and to the public. The city council will govern
the city in a manner associated with a commitment to the preservation of the values and integrity
of representative local government and democracy, and a dedication to the promotion of efficient
and effective governing. The following statements will serve as a guide and acknowledge the
commitment being made in this service to the community:
1. The council has as high priorities the continual improvement of the member's professional
ability and the promotion of an atmosphere conducive to the fair exchange of ideas and
policies among members.
2. The council will endeavor to keep the community informed on municipal affairs;
encourage communication between the citizens and the city council; strive for strong,
working relationships among College Station, Brazos County, Bryan, TAMU, and College
Station Independent School District elected officials.
3. In its governance role, the council will continue to be dedicated to friendly and courteous
relationships with staff, other council members, and the public, and seek to improve the
quality and image of public service.
4. The council will also strive to recognize its responsibility to future generations by
addressing the interrelatedness of the social, cultural, and physical characteristics of the
community when making policies.
5. And finally, each council member will make a commitment to improve the quality of life
for the individual and the community, and to be dedicated to the faithful stewardship of the
public trust.
Statement of Mission
In order to ensure proper discharge of duties for the improvement of democratic local government,
College Station City Council members should display behavior that demonstrates independent,
impartial review of all matters addressed by them, and be duly responsible to the citizens of
College Station and to each other in their relationships.
14
Section I: Mayor-City Council Relations
A. Mayor's Responsibilities
1. The mayor shall be the presiding officer at all meetings. The mayor pro-tern shall
preside in his/her absence.
2. The mayor shall have a voice in all matters before the council and may vote on all
agenda items requiring council action.
3. The mayor shall preserve order and decorum and shall require council members
engaged in debate to limit discussion to the question under consideration.
4. The mayor is the spokesperson for the council on all matters unless absent, at which
time his/her designee will assume the role.
5. The mayor will encourage all council members to participate in council discussion
and give each member an opportunity to speak before any member can speak again
on the same subject. The mayor may limit each speaker to five minutes to ensure
efficient use of time.
6. The mayor is responsible for keeping the meetings orderly by recognizing each
member for discussion, limiting speaking time, encouraging debate among
members and keeping discussion on the agenda item being considered.
7. Should a conflict arise among council members, the mayor serves as mediator.
8. The mayor is responsible for the orientation of all new council members after an
election. The orientation shall include council procedures, staff and media relations,
current agenda items and municipal leadership training programs.
B. Council Responsibilities
1. Any council member may request the mayor to place an item on the agenda for
discussion. Should staff time be required to address this item, the mayor will
canvass all council members to determine the support for commitment of staff time
and resources. The same action should be taken by the mayor when council
concerns require staff time and budget.
2. Each council member is encouraged to attend at least one Texas Municipal League
sponsored conference each year in order to stay informed on issues facing
municipalities.
3. It is the responsibility of council members to be informed about previous action
taken by the council in their absence. In the case of absence from a workshop
session where information is given, the individual council member is responsible
for obtaining this information prior to the council meeting when said item is to be
voted upon.
15
4. When addressing an agenda item, the council member shall first be recognized by
the mayor, confine himself/herself to the question under debate, avoid reference to
personalities, and refrain from impugning the integrity or motives of any other
council member or staff member in his/her argument or vote.
5. In the absence of a ruling by the mayor on any procedural matter, a council member
may move to change the order of business or make any other procedural decision
deemed appropriate. The affirmative vote of a majority of the council members
present and voting shall be necessary to approve the motion.
6. Any council member may appeal to the council as a whole from a ruling by the
mayor. If the appeal is seconded, the person making the appeal may make a brief
statement and the mayor may explain his/her position, but no other member may
speak on the motion. The mayor will then put the ruling to a vote of the council.
7. Any council member may ask the mayor to enforce the rules established by the
council. Should the mayor fail to do so, a majority vote of the council members
present shall require him/her to do so.
8. When a council member is appointed to serve as liaison to a board, the council
member is responsible for keeping all council members informed of significant
board activities.
9. In the event a board or committee member is absent from three meetings in a twelve
month period that are considered unexcused by definition the City Secretary shall
notify the member by letter requesting an explanation for the absences After
reviewing the explanation for absences if the City Council fmds that the absences
are unexcused the City Council may choose to notify the member of the importance
of regular attendance or to remove a member for non attendance and any range of
response in between The Council response shall consider the member prior service
reasons for absence likelihood of future attendance and the necessity for the City
board or committee to carry out its responsibilities The City Council may after due
consideration remove a member of the committee for any other good cause related
to performance of duty.
C. Code of Conduct for Mayor and Council Members
1. During the council meetings, council members shall preserve order and decorum,
shall not interrupt or delay proceedings, and shall not refuse to obey the orders of
the mayor or the rules of the council. Council members shall demonstrate respect
and courtesy to each other, to city staff members, and to members of the public
appearing before the council. Council members shall refrain from rude and
derogatory remarks and shall not belittle staff members, other council members, or
members of the public.
2. They should not use their position to secure special privileges and should avoid
situations that could cause any person to believe that they may have brought bias
or partiality to a question before the council.
16
3. Members of the council will not condone any unethical or illegal activity. All
members of the council agree to uphold the intent of this policy and to govern their
actions accordingly.
Section II: Council and Staff Relations
No single relationship is as important as that of the council and their city manager in effectively
governing the City of College Station. It is for this reason that the council and the city manager
must understand their respective roles in that process. The city manager is the primary link between
the council and the professional staff. The council's relationship with the staff shall be through the
city manager.
1. In order to ensure proper presentation of agenda items by staff, questions arising from
council members after receiving their information packet should be whenever possible,
presented to the city manager for staff consideration prior to the council meeting. This
allows staff time to address the council member's concern and provide all council
members with the additional information.
2. The city manager shall designate the appropriate staff member to address each agenda
item and shall see that each presentation is prepared and presented in order to inform
and educate the council on the issues which require council action. The presentation
should be professional, timely, and allow for discussion of options for resolving the
issue. The staff member making the presentation shall either make it clear that no
Council action is required, present the staff recommendation, or present the specific
options for council consideration._
3. The city manager is directly responsible for providing information to all the council
concerning any inquiries by a specific council member. If the city manager or his/her
staff's time is being dominated or misdirected by a council member, it is his/her
responsibility to inform the mayor of the concern (any action necessary is covered
under Section I A:7).
4. The city manager will be held responsible for the professional and ethical behavior of
himself/herself and the discipline of his/her staff. The city manager is also responsible
for seeing that his/her staff also receives the education and information necessary to
address the issues facing municipal government.
5. Any conflicts arising between the city staff and the council will be addressed by the
mayor and the city manager.
6. All staff members shall show each other, each council member, and the public respect
and courtesy at all times. They are also responsible for making objective, professional
presentations to ensure public confidence in the process.
7. The city manager, after an election, will make sure that staff has prepared information
needed for the orientation of new council members and inform them of any Texas
Municipal League conferences and seminars available. The city manager will also be
responsible for meeting personally with new members and informing them about city
facilities and procedures.
17
Section ID: Council and Media Relations
Since the democratic form of government is only successful when the citizens are kept informed
and educated about the issues facing their municipality, it is imperative the media play an important
role in the council-manager-media relations. It is through an informed public that progress is
ensured and good government remains sensitive to its constituents. These guidelines are designed
to help ensure fair relationships with print, radio, and television reporters. The council and the city
manager recognize that the news media provide an important link between the council and the
public. It is the council's desire to establish a professional working relationship to help maintain a
well informed and educated citizenry.
1. During the conduct of official business, the news media shall occupy places designated
for them or the general public.
2. All reporters will receive an agenda in advance and will be furnished support material
needed for clarification if requested.
3. In order to preserve the decorum and professionalism of council meetings, the media
are requested to refrain from conversing privately with other people in the audience
and to conduct any interviews with the public outside the council chambers while
council is in session.
4. Since the government body conducts business differently, it is requested that all
reporters new to city council meetings meet with the city manager, mayor, or the media
relations representative prior to covering their first meeting to be informed of policies
and procedures to help ensure a professional working relationship between the media
reporter and the city.
5. On administrative matters, the city manager is the spokesperson, unless he/she has
appointed a media relations person to present staff information on the agenda.
6. The mayor, or his/her designee, is the primary spokesperson for the city on matters
regarding policy decisions or any council information pertaining to issues on the
agenda. In order to ensure fair treatment of an issue, any clarifications requested by the
media on the issue should be addressed after the meeting. When opposing positions
have been debated, regardless of the outcome, the public is better informed when all
sides have adequate coverage by the media. This lets the public know that the item was
seriously debated and options discussed before a vote was taken, and helps build
confidence in the democratic process.
7. The College Station City Council is made up of six council members and a mayor, each
elected by the citizens of College Station. In respect to each council member and his/her
constituents, his/her views as presented on an issue before the council should provide
equitable representation from all seven members. Even though council members may
express differing ideas, equitable representation helps promote unity of purpose by
allowing the public to be informed of each member's position during his/her term of
office and not only during an election campaign.
We all have the responsibility to protect the integrity of our governing process and therefore, have
read and agreed to the above guidelines.
18
College Station City Council Code of Ethics
The office of elected officials is one of trust and service to the citizens of College Station. This
position creates a special responsibility for the College Station city council member. In response
to this, the College Station city council is expected to govern this city in a manner associated with
a commitment to the preservation of the values and integrity of representative local government
and local democracy and a dedication to the promotion of efficient and effective governing. To
further these objectives, certain ethical principles shall govern the conduct of every council
member, who shall:
1. Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and personal
relationships in order that the member may merit the respect and confidence of the
citizens of College Station;
2. Recognize that the chief function of local government at all times is to serve the best
interests of all of the people;
3. Be dedicated to public service by being cooperative and constructive, and by making
the best and most efficient use of available resources;
4. Refrain from any activity or action that may hinder one's ability to be objective and
impartial on any matter coming before the council. Do not seek nor accept gifts or
special favors; believe that personal gain by use of confidential information or by
misuse of public funds or time is dishonest;
5. Recognize that public and political policy decisions, based on established values, are
ultimately the responsibility of the city council, and
6. Conduct business in open, well-publicized meetings in order to be directly accountable
to the citizens of College Station. It is recognized that certain exceptions are made by
the State for executive sessions; however, any action as a result of that type of meeting
will be handled later in open session.
19
"Affinity"
"Business entity''
"Board" or "Body"
"City''
"City Council"
"Closed meeting"
"Consanguinity''
"Degree"
"Deliberation"
"Employee"
"Ex officio"
"Governmental"
APPENDIXB
DEFINITIONS
means a relation by marriage.
means a sole proprietorship, partnership, firm, corporation, holding
company, joint stock company, receivership, trust or any other entity
recognized by law.
means any board, commission, agency or committee of the City
created by the passage of a City Ordinance or Resolution with
decision or advisory making authority designated as a board,
commission, agency or committee by the City Council.
means the City of College Station.
means the City Council of the City of College Station.
means a meeting closed to the public that complies with specific
state statutes.
means a relation or connection by blood.
relating to consanguinity and affinity.
First degree of consanguinity means parents, children and siblings
First degree of affinity means spouse, in laws/parents, children and
siblings
Second degree means grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles,
nephews, nieces and first cousins
means a verbal exchange during a meeting between a quorum of a
governmental body, or between a quorum of a governmental body
and another person, concerning an issue within the jurisdiction of
the governmental body or any public business.
means a person who is employed by the City.
means by virtue or because of an office.
means a board or commission that has rule-making, quasi-judicial,
or advisory power and that is classified as a department, agency or
political subdivision of a county or municipality.
20
"Governing body''
"Incidental Interest"
"Judicial"
"Meeting"
"Member"
"Person"
"Quorum"
"Remote Interest"
"Substantial Interest in
a business entity
or real property"
"He," "his" or "him" means the College Station City Council and
every Board, Commission, or Committee that exercises decision-
making authority on behalf of the City and shall include the female
gender as well as the masculine.
means an interest in a person, entity or property which is not a
substantial interest and which has insignificant value or which
would be affected only in a de minimus fashion by a decision.
the power to judge, to administer justice and interpret laws and
ordinances.
means a deliberation between a quorum of a governmental body, or
between a quorum of a governmental body and another person,
during which public business or public policy over which the
governmental body has supervision or control is discussed or
considered or during which the governmental body takes formal
action. The term does not include the gathering of a quorum of a
governmental body at a social function unrelated to the public
business.
means a member of a board.
means any individual, firm, trust, corporation, partnership or any
other legal entity.
means the prescribed number of members of any body that must be
present to legally transact business.
means an interest of a person or entity, including an Officer or
Member who would be affected in the same way as the general
public. The interest of a council member in the property tax rate,
general city fees, city utility charges or a comprehensive zoning
ordinance or similar decisions is incidental to the extent that the
council member would be affected in common with the general
public.
means an individual, firm, trust, corporation, partnership or any
other legal entity:
1) with respect to a business entity, the interest is ownership of ten
percent (10%) or more of the voting stock or shares of the
business entity or ownership of either ten percent ( 10%) or more
or Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15 ,000) or more of the fair market
value of the business entity.
21
2) with respect to a business entity, funds received by the person
from the business entity exceed ten percent (10%) of the officer
or member's gross income for the previous year.
3) with respect to real property, equitable or legal ownership with
a fair market value of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars
($2,00) or more or, as established from time to time in Section
171.002, Texas Local Government Code.
22
APPENDIXC
CHART OF KINSHIP
c.-npa;t1 Klnstllp cure
on-I)
The chart to the left shows: *Affinity
Kinship (relationship by marriage)
The chart to the right shows:
*Consanguinity Kinship
(relationship by blood) for purposes
on interpreting nepotism as defined
in VTCA Government Code,
Chapter 573, §§573.021-.025.
23
APPENDIXD
ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER RELATING TO MOTIONS
~
f.1l ~ E-<
0 0 ~ > ~
ffi r:: E-<
~ 0
i:i.. 0 ~ MOTION 0 ~ z E-< Ci Ci f.1l ~ ~ Ci ~ <Zl ~ I f.1l g ~ !Z 8 0 ~
<Zl u f.1l .....i oz ~ Cl f.1l ~ ~ ~ <Zl u o u f.1l 0
E-< f,t:I,_. f.1l ~ P'.l ~~ < ~~ P'.l E-< Oo ~ ffi !§ ~ ~ <Zl E-< 0 ~ ~ :::> ....l Cl Ci Cl u u o~
Adj ourn No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes
Adopt/ Accept a Report Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Adopt Constitutions, By-laws, and Rules of Order Yes Yes Yes 1 Yes Yes Yes
Adopt Standing Rules Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Amend 2 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Amend an Amendment 2 Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Amend Constitution, By-laws, and Rules or Order Yes Yes Yes l 3 Yes Yes
Amend Standing Rules Yes Yes Yes Yes 4 Yes Yes
Aooeal (excluding Indecorum) Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes No
Debate, to Close, Limit or Extend No Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Division of Assembly No Yes No No Yes No No
Division of Question No Yes Yes No Yes 5 5
Fix the Time to Adjourn 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Informal Consideration of Question Yes Yes No 1 Yes Yes Yes
Lay on the Table No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Main Motion or Question Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Nomination, to Make Yes Yes No No Yes No Yes
Nominations, to Close No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes
Nomination, to Re-open No Yes Yes 1 Yes Yes Yes
Objection to Consideration of a Question No Yes No 1 7 No No
24
z 0 ~ -E-< IZl E-< 8 IZl ~ I ~ 0 2!:i > ~ ~ E-< pa 0 p., 0 ~ MOTION 0 ~ ~ E-< Cl Cl Cl P:: IZl ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ I El P:: ~ IZl u ~ ...:I z ~ § ~ u 0 ~ IZl ~ u ~ 0 E-< ~ ~ CQ I.Lo P:: < CQ E-< Oo p:i CQ ~ ~ IZl ~o ~ ~ ~ 0 Cl u u 0 ti Order, Question of No Yes No No Yes No No Order, to Make a Special Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Orders of the Day, to Call for No Yes No No Yes No No Parliamentarv Inquire No Yes No No Yes No No Postpone Definitely (to Certain Time) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Postpone Indefinitely Yes No No 8 Yes Yes Yes Previous Question No Yes No 9 No Yes Yes Privilege, to Raise Question of No Yes No No Yes No No Recess, to Take a 6 Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Reconsider 2 10 No No Yes Yes Yes Substitute (same as Amend) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Suspend the Rules No Yes No No No Yes Yes Take from the Table No Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Withdraw No Yes No 1 Yes No Yes 25
FOOTNOTES TO TABLE OF ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER
1. An affirmative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered.
2. Undebatable when the motion to be amended, reconsidered, or rescinded is undebatable.
3. Constitutions, By-Laws, and Rules of Order before adoption are in every respect main
motions and may be amended by majority vote. After adoption they require prior notice and
213 vote for amendment.
4. Standing Rules may be amended at any time by a majority vote if previous notice has been
given, or by a 2/3 vote without notice.
5. If resolutions or propositions relate to different subjects that are independent of each other,
they must be divided on the request of a single member, which may be made when another
has the floor. If they relate to the same subject and yet each part can stand alone, they may
be divided only on a regular motion and vote.
6. Undebatable if made when another question is before the assembly.
7. The objection can be made only when the question is first introduced, before debate. A 213
vote must be opposed to the consideration in order to sustain the objection.
8. Negative vote on this motion cannot be reconsidered.
9. Cannot be reconsidered after a vote has been taken under it.
10. Opens to debate main question when latter is debatable.
26
APPENDIXE
APPLICATIONS FOR
BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
Applications may be completed online and submitted to the City Secretary electronically. You
may also use the attached applications and either mail it or fax it to the City Secretary's attention
at 979-764-6377.
General Application for B/CS Library Board; Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways
Advisory Board; Historic Preservation Committee; Landmark Commission ........................ 28
Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals ....................................................... .31
Design Review Board ........................................................................................ 34
Joint Relief Funding Review Committee .................................................................. 3 7
Parks and Recreation Board ................................................................................. 40
Planning and Zoning Commission ........................................................................ .43
Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals ................................................................ .46
27
CITY or Cott.EGE STATION
Home ofTmu A&M U11i11mi1J"
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764-3541
Citizen Boards/
Commissions/Committee
Application
The Impact fee Advisory Committee's purpose is to formulate recommendations to the Council regarding potential
Impact Fees for the Water system, the Wastewater system, and Roadways.
This will involve at least two public meetings, at which City staff and an engineering consulting firm will present their
findings and recommendations. The first meeting will include future Land Use Assumptions and the Capital
Improvement Plan that details the capital projects required to increase utility and roadway capacity to meet the demands
of those future land uses, and the IFAC will make a recommendation to Council whether these are reasonable. The
second meeting will include Impact Fee calculations, and the IFAC will recommend to Council whether to implement
Impact Fees, and if so, at what amount.
Membership is comprised of the Planning and Zoning Commission members and up to three ad hoc members 1) ET J
representative; 2) Homebuilders Association representative; and or 3) any individual so desired.
This appointment will be for one year.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be received
at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at 979-764-6377, or by
email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CELUWORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
I _________________ __..
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
6. Professional Licenses: I _______________________________ _
7. Professional Association Memberships: I _________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I _________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I ________________________ _
10. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11 . Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
12. Do you reside in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)?I ____________________ _
Page 1 of 3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
13. Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:--------------
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy (circle one): Q ves
16.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy (circle one): Q ves
17.Please list any experience, interests, or skills that qualify you to serve on the Impact Fee Advisory Committee: __ _
COMMITTEE SOUGHT: Indicate choice by numbering 1, 2, 3 (1 being the most preferable and 3 the /east preferred)
RANKING 1 2 3
B/CS Library Committee 0 0 0
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board 0 0 0
Historic Preservation Committee 0 00
Landmark Commission 0 00
PLEASE NOTE: The following have special qualifications: Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Greenways Advisory Board and
Landmark Commission (see handbook for these special qualifications).
If you are applying for one of these, please indicate below the position you are applying for based on your
qualifications:
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of 3
CITIZEN BOARDS/COMMISSIONS/COMMITTEE AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident
• Applicant must be a registered voter
• Participation on the Citizen Boards/Commissions/Committees requires a time commitment, and may vary
from Board to Board.
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all meetings.
• All committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the
public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information
Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
CITY or Coli.EGE STATION
Home of Te= A&M Uni11mity'
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764 -3541
Construction Board of
Adjustments & Appeals
Application
The Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals hears appeals of decisions, considers interpretations of the
Building Official, and considers variances to the terms of technical codes.
Five (5) members shall be qualified residents and voters of the City of College Station and may include up to four (4)
alternates. Board members should have knowledge of the technical codes.
Terms of office are two (2) years.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be received
at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at 979-764-6377, or by
email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
FIRST
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELUWORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
6. Professional Licenses: I ______________________________ _
7. Professional Association Memberships: I ________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I ________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I _______________________ _
1 O. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11 . Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
Page 1 of3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
12. Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:--------------
13.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy (circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy (circle one): Q ves
16. Please list any experience, interests, or skills that qualify you to serve on the Construction Board of Adjustments &
Appeals: ___________________________________ _
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of 3
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS & APPEALS AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals requires a two-year time commitment
(meetings will be held as necessary).
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All Committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the
public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• If selected, Applicant will be available for an in-person interview by the Council.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
CrrY o r COLLEGE STATION
Home o/Ttxm AcfM Unh-miry•
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764-3541
Design Review Board
Application
The Design Review Board hears and takes action on design district site plans and performs other duties as outlined in
ordinances.
The Board consists of seven (7) regular members and two (2) alternate members. Six (6) of the regular members and
the two (2) alternates are appointed by the City Council. The six (6) members shall include an architect, business
person, landscape architect, a developer, land owner, business owner, resident or employee in a design district, a
person knowledgeable in aesthetic judgment, and a citizen-at-large. The seventh regular member shall be the chair of
the P&Z or his designee.
Members shall be qualified residents and voters of the City of College Station.
Members shall serve two (2) year terms.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be received
at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at 979-764-6377, or by
email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PLEASE PRINT
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
FIRST
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELL/WORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
6. Professional Licenses: I _______________________________ _
7. Professional Association Memberships: I _________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I. _________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I ________________________ _
1 o. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11. Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
Page 1 of 3
12.Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:--------------
13.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? {circle one): Q Yes
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy {circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy {circle one): Q ves
16. Please state the position for which you are applying: architect, business person, landscape architect, a developer,
land owner, business owner, resident or employee in a design district, a person knowledgeable in aesthetic judgment,
or a citizen-at-large. ----------------------------------
17. Please list any experience, interests, or skills that qualify you to serve on the Design Review Board: _____ _
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's Office
at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of 3
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Design Review Board requires a two-year time commitment.
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• If selected, Applicant will be available for an in-person interview by the Council.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page3 of3
CITY OP C OILEGE STATIO
Homr ofTrxas A&M U11ivmiry•
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764-3541
Joint Relief Funding Committee
Application
The City of College Station and the City of Bryan annually receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Federal regulations allow for up to 15% annual CDBG
grant to be allocated to public services. The City of College Station and the City of Bryan work in a joint process to
allocate these funds to local non-profit agencies who will provide direct services to low income residents of the
Bryan/College Station community.
The JRFRC is made up of 3 Council-appointed volunteers from each city. Each member serves for a three-year term
with a two-term maximum.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be received
at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at 979-764-6377, or by
email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PLEASE PRINT
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
FIRST
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELL/WORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
I _______________ ___.
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired , please indicate former occupation)
7. Professional Association Memberships: I _________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I _________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I ________________________ _
10. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11. Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I __________________ _
Page 1 of 3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
12.Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:---------------
13.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy? (circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy? (circle one): Q ves
16. Describe your experience in reviewing requests for funding.--------------------
17. Describe experience that gives you insight into community needs and the local nonprofit sector. ______ _
18. What experience do you have that would relate to reviewing nonprofit organizations' financial documents? ___ _
19. Are you currently employed by a nonprofit organization or do you currently service on any nonprofit boards of
directors?
Q ves
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the
City for two (2) years.
Page 2 of 3
JOINT RELIEF FUNDING COMMITTEE AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Joint Relief Funding Committee requires a three-year time commitment, and Applicant
agrees to commit to weekly lunch meetings (ten meetings total) and six-eight agency site visits during April
-June. Site visits are typically scheduled during regular business hours. The estimated time commitment
for April -June is approximately 3 -5 hours per week.
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
CITY OF Coli.EGE STATION
Home o/Texas A&M Univmity"
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P .O . Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764 -3541
Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board
Application
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board exists to advise the City Council on all matters concerning the
establishment, maintenance, and operations of all parks within the City of College Station. This board also gives
advice regarding the establishment and operation of recreation programs conducted by the City of College Station
for its citizens. The board carries out all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by City Council.
The committee is composed of nine members. Members shall be qualified residents of the City of College Station.
The committee members serve for two-year terms.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be
received at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at
979-764-6377, or by email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PLEASE PRINT
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required}
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELL/WORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
I
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
------------------*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
6. Professional Licenses: I ______________________________ _
7. Professional Association Memberships: I ________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I ________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I _______________________ _
1 o. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11. Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
Page 1 of 3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
6. Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:--------------
7. Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
8. Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy? (circle one): Q ves
9. Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy? (circle one): Q ves
1 o. What experience do you have with Parks and Recreation (programs, activities, special events, tournaments,
professional certifications, volunteering, etc.)?------------------------
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
OTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of3
PARKS BOARD AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board requires a two-year time commitment (meetings
will be held approximately once per month).
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• If selected, Applicant will be available for an in-person interview by the Council.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
CrTY OP C ou.EGE STATIO
Home o/Ttxas A&M Univmity"
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764-3541
Planning and Zoning Commission
Application
The Planning and Zoning Commission serves as a review body to recommend changes in development codes and the
zoning ordinance to the City Council. The Commission shall prepare, adopt, and modify a comprehensive plan for the
city for subsequent approval and adoption by the City Council.
The Commission prepares subdivision regulations and zoning ordinances, and amendments thereto for
recommendation to the City Council. This Board shall also make studies and recommendations with regard to proposed
annexations. The Commission has final authority over all plats submitted to the City. In addition, the Commission
performs other duties as assigned by statute and City Council.
Seven (7) members shall be qualified residents and voters of the City of College Station.
Terms of office are limited to three consecutive terms or seven consecutive years.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be received
at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at 979-764-6377, or by
email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PLEASE PRINT
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
FIRST
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION #
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELL/WORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
I
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
_________________ ___.
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
6. Professional Licenses: I _______________________________ _
7. Professional Association Memberships: I _________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I __________________________ ,
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I ________________________ _
10. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I __________ _
11 . Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
Page 1 of 3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
12.Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on:--------------
13.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy (circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy (circle one): Q ves
16. Please list any experience, interests, or skills that qualify you to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission: __
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of3
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Planning and Zoning Commission requires a two-year time commitment (meetings will
be held approximately twice per month).
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• If selected, Applicant will be available for an in-person interview by the Council.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
C ITY OF C oli.EGE STATio
Home o/Texas A&M University"
CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
P.O. Box 9960 I COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77842
(979) 764-3541
Zoning Board of Adjustments
Application
The Zoning Board of Adjustments hears and decides appeals for interpretations, special exceptions, and variances
to the terms of the zoning ordinance as well as use permits. Other duties are outlined in the ordinances and statutes
from which it is created.
The committee is composed of five members and four alternates. Members shall be qualified residents of the City
of College Station. The committee members serve for two-year terms.
This is only an application and does not guarantee participation on the committee. All applications must be
received at the City of College Station City Secretary's Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, by fax at
979-764-6377, or by email at cso@cstx.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. the day of the deadline.
PLEASE PRINT
PERSONAL INFORMATION:
1. Full Name:
3. Contact :
Information
4. Residency :
Information
5. Professional:
FIRST
HOME PHONE
VOTER'S REGISTRATION#
(required)
Information OCCUPATION
CITY
CELL/WORK PHONE
DATE OF BIRTH
(required)
ZIP CODE
EMAIL
YEARS AS RESIDENT OF CS
I. _________________ ~
*If business owner, NAME OF BUSINESS
(if retired, please indicate former occupation)
7. Professional Association Memberships: I ________________________ _
8. CivicNolunteer Organization Activities: I ________________________ _
9. Are you related to anyone on City Council? I _______________________ _
10. Do you have any delinquent taxes, utilities, or other assessments owed to the City? I. __________ _
11. Do you have any pending claims or litigation against the City? I _________________ _
Page 1 of 3
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
12. Please list any Boards/Commissions/Committees you currently serve on :--------------
13.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens University? (circle one): Q ves
14.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy (circle one): Q ves
15.Are you a graduate of the College Station Citizens Police Academy (circle one): Q ves
16.Please list any experience, interests, or skills that qualify you to serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustments: __
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3541 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
NOTE: This application may be subject to the Texas Open Records Act and will be maintained by the City
for two (2) years.
Page 2 of3
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AGREEMENT
By signing this application, applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following:
• Applicant must be a College Station resident.
• Applicant must be a registered voter.
• Participation on the Zoning Board of Adjustment requires a two-year time commitment (meetings will be
held approximately twice per month).
• Applicant agrees to make a good faith effort to attend all committee meetings.
• All Committee meetings shall be held in a location that is generally available to and accessible by the
public.
• All committee meetings are subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act and the Texas Public Information Act.
• I understand that should a situation arises during my term on said board/commission or committee where
I have a prohibited substantial interest, either direct or indirect, and such matter comes before said
board/commission or committee, I understand that I will need to abstain from any discussion or vote on the
matter.
• Completing and signing this application does not guarantee selection for participation on the committee.
• If selected, Applicant will be available for an in-person interview by the Council.
• Committee membership will ultimately be decided by the College Station City Council.
• If appointed, applicant will attend the mandatory committee orientation.
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT DATE
(NOT REQUIRED FOR EMAIL SUBMISSION)
If you have any questions about this application, please contact the City of College Station City Secretary's
Office at 979-764-3500 or email your questions to tdsmith@cstx.gov.
Delivery Options
Print
This form may be printed and mailed to P.O. Box 9960, College Station TX, 77842 or hand delivered to the City
Secretary's Office at 1101 Texas Avenue in College Station. You may also fax it to: 979-764-6377.
Email
Please attach the saved form and send it to cso@cstx.gov Use a subject line of "application" and you will receive
a confirmation email upon receipt. Please note: Adobe Reader version 9 and older may not allow you to save
the completed form.
Page 3 of3
CITY OF Crn.LEGE S 1 '.'\: rn>N
Home ofTe:w A&M Uniumity"
BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS
ADVISORY BOARD
Staff Contact Information
Staff Liaison:
Venessa Garza
vgarza@cstx.gov
Office: 979-764-3674
Cell: 919-434-3760
Board Secretary:
Grecia Fuentes
gfuentes@cstx.gov
Office: 979-764-5044
~ITY OF C OLLEGE STATlO
Home o/Texas Ae!rM University"
Bicycle, Pedestrian, &
Greenway Advisory Board
2022
STAFF LIAISON: VENESSA GARZA I 764-3674 I VGARZA@CSTX.GOV
(7 Members, 6 Appointees)
CUNHA, Elizabeth
(Chairman)
Position G
JANSEN, Dennis
Position A
MADEWELL, Matthew
Position F
LANGLOTZ, Kathy
Position B
BROOKER, Rebecca
Position D
BRIMLEY, Brad
Position E
CHMELAR, Nancy
"Joy"
Position C
January 2021 thru
January 2024
January 2020 thru
January 2023
January 2022 thru
January 2025
January 2020 thru
January 2023
January 2022 thru
January 2024
January 2022 thru
January 2025
January 2022 thru
January 2024
4019 Tiffany Tr.
College Station 77845
1704 Emerald Pkwy
College Station, TX 77845
1310 Leacrest Dr.
College Station, TX 77840
1202 Orr St.
College Station, TX 77840
5109 Sycamore Hills Dr.
College Station, TX 77845
3219 Innsbruck Cir.
College Station, TX 77845
8430 Lauren Dr.
College Station, TX 77845
Position A: Real Estate; Banking, finance or economics; or law
Position B: Recreation; Health; or Kinesiology
Position C: Walking or running
Position D: Bicycling
979-739-9046 cell
echunha@cstx.gov
979-764-8976
dennisjansen@tamu.edu
512-888-6389
matthewmadewell20@gmail.com
979-229-6099
klanglotz@hotmail.com
573-823-1404
rebeccabrooker@gmail.com
801-897-7276
brad.brimley@gmail.com
979-595-3704
joychmelar@yahoo.com
Position E: Transportation Planning; Engineering; Architecture; Landscape architecture; or Urban planning
Position F: Environmental I Ecological Sciences; or Stonnwater I Floodplain Management; or Natural Resources
Position G: Chairman of the Council Transportation Committee or designee
BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD
2022 MEETING DATES
JANUARY 24, 2022 (4TH MONDAY)
FEBRUARY 21, 2022
MARCH 21, 2022
APRIL 1 8, 2022
MAY 16, 2022
JUNE 1 3, 2022(2N° MONDAY)
JULY 18, 2022
AUGUST 15, 2022
SEPTEMBER 1 9, 2022
OCTOBER 17, 2022
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
DECEMBER 19, 2022
Meetings will take place on the third Monday of the month in the City Hall 1st Floor Bush
4141 Community Room at 3:00 p.m., unless otherwise communicated to the board prior to
meeting.
Cr l r 0 COLLE.l~ s LA (J
BP&G ROTATING LIAISON LIST
P & Z COMMISSION MEETINGS 2022
February 17, 2022
Langlotz
March 3, 2022 March 17, 2022 April 7, 2022 April 21, 2022
Chmelar Jansen Brooker Brimley
May 5, 2022 May 19, 2022 June 2, 2022 June 16, 2022
Madewell Langlotz Chmelar Jansen
July 7, 2022 July 21, 2022 August 4, 2022 August 18, 2022
Brooker Brimley Madewell Langlotz
September 1, 2022 September 15, 2022 October 6, 2022 October 20, 2022
Chmelar Jansen Brooker Brimley
November 3, 2022 November 17, 2022 December 1, 2022 December 15, 2022
Madewell Langlotz Chmelar Jansen
The Planning and Zoning Commission meets the ist and 3rd Thursday of every month. The Workshop Meeting is at 6:00 pm and the Regular
Meeting is at 7:00 pm.
If you are unable to attend on a specified date, please contact another board member to replace you or email Grecia Fuentes qfuentes@cstx.gov .
Updated February 17, 2022
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
2021 Public Meeting Dates
Upon receipt of an application, staff will determine if the application is complete. Once an application is complete,
staff will initiate revew of the project, if applicable, inform the applicant of the scheduled meeting date.
Bicycle,
Planning & Zoning Zoning Board Design Review Pedestrian,
Commission of Adjustments Board Greenways
6:00 P.M. 6:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. Advisory Board
1st & 3rd Thursday 1st Tuesday 2nd & 4th Friday 3:00 P.M.
3rd Monday
7-Jan 5-Jan 8-Jan 18-Jan
21-Jan 2-Feb 22-Jan 15-Feb
4-Feb 2-Mar 12-Feb 15-Mar
18-Feb 6-Apr 26-Feb 19-Apr
4-Mar 4-May 12-Mar 17-May
18-Mar 1-Jun 26-Mar 21-Jun
1-Apr 6-Jul 9-Apr 19-Jul
15-Apr 3-Aug 23-Apr 16-Aug
6-May 7-Sep 14-May 20-Sep
20-May 5-0ct 28-May 18-0ct
3-Jun 2-Nov 11-Jun 15-Nov
17-Jun 7-Dec 25-Jun 20-Dec
1-Jul 9-Jul
15-Jul 23-Jul
5-Aug 13-Aug
19-Aug 27-Aug
2-Sep 10-Sep
16-Sep 24-Sep
7-0ct 8-0ct
21-0ct 22-0ct
4-Nov 12-Nov
18-Nov 26-Nov
2-Dec 10-Dec
16-Dec
Please note that these standard meeting dates may change due to schedule changes. Please check this meeting
schedule on our website at www.cstx.gov/applications and click on "meeting dates" for the most current version,
call 979.764.3570, or email cspds@cstx.gov.
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-3265
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 12, "UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE,"
SECTION 2.9 "SUMMARY OF REVIEW AUTHORITY" AND ADDING SECTION 2.6, "BICYCLE,
PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS ADVISORY BOARD" OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF
THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS, BY AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS AS SET OUT
BELOW; PROVIDING A SEVERABTLITY CLAUSE; DECLARING A PENALTY; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DA TE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS:
PART 1:
PART2:
PART3:
That Chapter 12, "Unified Development Ordinance," Section 2.9, "Summary of Review
Authority" and adding Section 2.6., "Bicycle, Pedestrian, and· Greenways Advisory
Board" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, be amended as
set out in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and made a part of this ordinance for all purposes.
That if any provisions of any section of this ordinance shall be held to be void or
unconstitutional, such holding shall in no way effect the validity of the remaining provi-
sions or sections of this ordinance, which shall remain in full force and effect.
That any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall
be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable by
a fine of not less than Twenty-five Dollars ($25.00) nor more than Two Thousand
Dollars ($2,000.00). Each day su~h violation shall continue or be permitted to continue,
shall be deemed a separate offense. Said Ordinance, being a penal ordinance, becomes
effective ten (10) days after its date of passage by the City Council, as provided by
Section 35 of the Charter of the City of College Station.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 12th day of __ A_u~gu~s~t----~' 2010.
APPROVED:
APPROVED:
~tf~/
City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-3265 Page2
EXHIBIT "A"
I.
That Chapter 12, "Unified Development Ordinance," Article 2, "Development Review Bodies," of the
Code of Ordinance of the City of College Station, Texas, is hereby amended by adding Section 2.6,
"Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board" (which will result in the renumbering of the
existing Sections 2.6-2.9 to Sections 2.7-2.10) to read as follows:
2.6 Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
A. Creation
A Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board is hereby established by
the City of College Station for the purpose of advising and recommending to the
City Council, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and other appointed boards
and commissions on all matters concerning bicycling, walking, and greenways.
B. Membership and Terms
1. Number, Appointment
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall consist of
seven (7) members who are residents of the City and eligible voters.
Appointment of members shall be made by the City Council. The Board
shall consist of the following:
(a) One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
1. Real Estate
2. Banking, finance, or economics
3. Law
(b) One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
1. Recreation
2. Health
3. Kinesiology
(c) Two members that are residents with a demonstrated interest in
walking, running, bicycling or open space preservation
(d) One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
1. Environmental/Ecological Sciences
2. Stormwater /Floodplain Management
3. Natural Resources
(e) One member shall represent one of the following fields or professions:
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-3265
1. Transportation Planning
2. Engineering
3. Architecture
4. Landscape architecture
5. Urban planning
The seventh regular member shall be the Chairman of the Council
Transportation Committee or his designee.
Page 3
The City Council shall prioritize Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenway Advisory
Board candidates within each subsection above by their demonstrated
expertise. In the event any of the memberships assigned to a particular
field of expertise or specialized knowledge identified in the above
subsections cannot be timely filled (in the judgment of the City Council)
with a qualified candidate, the City Council may appoint citizens-at-large
that have demonstrated interest in bicycling, walking, and greenways to fill
such places.
2. Teems
Each member of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years or until their successors are
appointed. Initially, appointments will be the following: members from
sections a through one of the residents under c shall have terms of only
one (1) year and members from the second resident under section c and
sections d and e shall have terms of two (2) years. Following initial
appointments, three (3) members shall be appointed each year.
3. Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled by the City Council for the unexpired term of any
member whose term becomes vacant.
c. Officers, Meetings, Quorum
1. Officers
A Chairperson shall be appointed annually by the City Council. The Bicycle,
Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall select a Vice-Chairperson
from among its members as needed.
2. Meetings
Members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall
meet monthly and the Chairperson shall designate the time and place of
such meetings. All meetings of the Board where a quorum is present shall
be open to the public. •
3. Quorum
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-3265 Page4
Four (4) members shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business.
Any recommendation or decision which does not receive a majority of
positive votes shall be deemed a negative report.
4. Rules of Proceeding
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall adopt its own
rules of procedure.
s. Minutes
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall keep minutes
of its proceedings, showing the vote, indicating such fact, and shall keep
records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be
filed in the office of the Administrator and shall be a public record.
D. Powers and Duties
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall have the following
powers and duties:
1. Duties
a. Support the implementation of the Transportation element of the
Comprehensive Plan and the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways
Master Plan;
b. Promote and encourage bicycling and walking as an accepted
(alternate) form of transportation;
c. Review project designs related to bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway
improvements, including review of plats, site plans, and capital
improvement projects;
d. Assist in identifying and applying for alternative funding sources for
bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway facilities, programs, services and
projects;
e. Promote education and safety programs for bicyclists, pedestrians, and
motorists;
f. Facilitate citizen participation in local governments' consideration of
matters involving bicycle, pedestrian and greenway issues;
g. Promote intergovernmental and public/private coordination on bicycle,
pedestrian, and greenway matters including working with local
businesses and other organizations; and
h. Perform other duties as may be assigned it by the City;
2. Recommendatio_ns
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall make
recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission subject to the
terms and conditions set forth for such uses in this UDO for the following:
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-3:t.65 Pages
a. The adoption of comprehensive plan amendments as they relate to
bicycling, walking, and greenways;
b. The adoption of text amendments as they relate to bicycling, walking,
and greenways;
c. The setting of i~ee/ IP priorities as they relate to bicycling,
walking, and greenways.
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall make
recommendations to the City Council for the following:
a. The adoption of comprehensive plan amendments as they relate to
bicycling, walking, and greenways;
b. The adoption of text amendments as they relate to bicycling, walking ,
and greenways;
c. The setting of impact fee/CI P priorities as they relate to bicycl ing,
walking, and greenways.
E. Staff
The Administrator shall provide staff, as needed, to t he Bicycle, Pedestrian, and
Greenways Advisory Board.
II.
That Chapter 12, "Unified Development Ordinance," Section 2.8, "Summary of Review
Authority" of the code of Ordinance of the City of College Station, Texas is hereby amended
by amending Section 2.9, "Summary of Review Authority" to read as follows:
mmary of Review Authority
The following table summarizes the authority of the various review bodies and staff.
CITY COUNCIL (CC)
Oversize Participation D
Development Agreement D RR
Conditional Use pennit D R RR
Zoning Map Amendment D R RR
Zoning Map Amendment (HP) D R RR
PDD I P-MUD Concept Plan D R RR
Text Amendment D R R RR
Comp. Plan Amendment D R R RR
Impact Fee I CIP Priorities D R R
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION (P&Z)
Zoning Map Amendment (HP) R RR
Master Plans D RR
Preliminary Plat D RR
Final Plat D RR
R
R
R
R
R
ORDINANCE NO. 2010-JL.65 Page 6
Development Plat D RR R
Waiver of Subdivision Standard D RR R
ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (ZBA)
Variance D RR RR RR
Administrative Appeal D R
Zoning Map Interpretation D R
-----------------
PROCEDl)l{E ( 1h ( ourH1l I\\/ /I!\ 1>1111 I< Bl'<. \II \.!nun Bu1h1111~ Ut' ~ n~r
( Uflllll Otfo 1.11 ----
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD (DRB)
WPC District Site Plan A R
WPC District Building/Sign Review A R
WPC Parking Waive.rs A R
NG Waivers R
Non-Residential Arch. Stand. Waiver RR
Gateway Grants A RR
LANDMARK COMMISSION (LC)
Certificates of Appropriateness A RR
Certificates of Demolition A RR
ADMINISTRATOR
Interpretation A** A D
Sign Permit A D
Site Plan A D
Administrative Adjustment A D
WPC District Building or Sign, Minor A D
Minor or Amending Plat A D R
PD Concept Plan Minor Amend. A D
Certificate of Appropriateness, Routine D
NG Roof Color Palette Amendment A D
Alternative Parking Plans A D R
BUILDING OFFICIAL (BO)
Building Permit
Certificate of Occupancy R
Certificate of Completion R
DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER (DE)
Development Permit
Driveway Application
Alternative Const. Material
I *Section 3.5.E. Site Plan Review Criteria and 3 .6. E. Wolf Pen Creek Design District General She Plan Review Criteria only .
.. Subdivision Regs. only. KEY: A=Appeal .R=Recommend D=FinalAction/Decision RR=Review/Rcport
Per Ordinance No. (date)
ORDINANCE NO. 2018-4030 Page 7 of9
Exhibit C
That Appendix A, "Unified Development Ordinance," Article 1, "General Provisions," Section
2.6, "Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board," Subsection B, "Membership and
Terms," 2, "Terms," and Article 2, "Development Review Bodies," Section 2.2, "Planning and
Zoning Commission," Subsection B, "Membership and Terms," 2, "Terms," and 3, "Term Limits,"
and Section 2.5 , "Design Review Board," Subsection B, "Membership and Terms," of the Code
of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas , are hereby amended to read as follows :
Article 1. -General Provisions.
Sec. 2.6. -Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board.
B. Membership and Terms.
2. Terms.
The current term of office is two years. Beginning January 2019, those three terms
expiring in January 2019 shall thereafter be appointed to three year terms or until a
successor is appointed. Beginning January 2020, those three terms expiring in January
2020 shall thereafter be appointed to three year terms or until a successor is appointed.
.,
CITY OF COLLEGE STAT ION
Planning & Development Services
City of College Station rv
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
Rules of Procedure
Article 1. Authority
1.1 Section 2.6.C.4 of the City of College Station Unified Development Ordinance
authorizes the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board to adopt its own
rules of procedure.
Article 2. Purpose, Powers and Duties
2.1 Purpose
The pu rpose of the Board is to exercise the powers authorized by the College Station
City Council under the City of College Station Code of Ordinances and applicable
State statutes regarding bicycling, walking, greenways, and related matters.
2.2 Powers and Duties
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall have the powers and
duties authorized in Article 2 of the Unified Development Ordinance and any other
applicable ordinances or laws, and to make recommendations on comprehensive plan
amendments, text amendments and impact fee/cip priorities. The Bicycle,
Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board may also establish subcommittees as
needed.
A. Plan of Work
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board may adopt a Plan of
Work. The Plan of Work should consider future tasks for a prescribed period
and be updated and revised annually in coordination with the City Council
Strategic Planning process.
Su6~~
Q F\uc(ct~
-Pa.fu1~UL_,
VVI f_M\).J\n
BPGMP Rules of Procedure Oct. 2010 Page 1 of 5
Article 3. Organization and Officers
3.1 Appointment
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall consist of those
members appointed by the City Council in accordance with the UDO, and assigned to
Positions 1-7 for the purpose of record keeping. Appointments a re made at ti mes as
determined by the City Council. Upon taking the Official Oath of Office given by the
City Secretary or designee, the Board members shall attend meetings in an official
capacity.
A. A Chairperson shall be appointed annually by the City Council.
B. A Vice-Chair shall be selected by the Board from among its members as
necessary.
3.2 Membership and Terms
A. Terms
Terms of members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board
shall be as provided in the Unified Development Ordinance. Board members
with expiring terms seeking reappointment must formally reapply in writing
for consideration. Staff shall inform Board members of term expiration by
January 31st of t he year in which their term expires.
B. Term Limits
Terms of office shall be as provided in the Unified Development Ordinance.
C. Vacancies
Vacancies shall be filled as provided in the Unified Development Ordinance.
Article 4. Meetings and Procedures
4.1 Meetings
Members of the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall meet
monthly as determined by the Chairman. All meetings of the Board where a quorum
is present shall be open to the public. Special meetings or workshops of the Bicycle,
Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board may be called by the Chair or upon
request of a majority of the Board to the chair.
4.2 Quorum
A quorum is a majority of the number of members of the Board. Four (4) members
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. Any recommendation
advanced to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council without a
majority of positive votes from those members present shall be deemed a negative
report. No business shall be conducted or action taken without a quorum of the
Board present.
BPGMP Rules of Procedure Oct. 2010 Page 2 of 5
4.3 Absences
In accordance with Ordinance No. 2406, Board members shall submit an absence
request to the staff liaison.
4.4 Conflict-of-Interest
The conflict-of-interest laws require that a member file an affidavit and abstain from
participating in, and voting on, items in which a member has a substantial interest.
Members of the Board should refer to THE COLLEGE STATION CITY CHARTER and
TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE to determine whether the member may have a
conflict of interest. Additionally, a member is encouraged to contact the
Administrator, being the Planning and Development Services Director or designee,
and/or the City Attorney prior to the meeting at which the item will be considered by
the Board.
4.5 Order of Business
The order of business shall generally be conducted as follows:
A. Regular Meeting
Hear Citizens.
Recognition of Affidavits of Conflict-of-Interest.
Regular Agenda Items.
Discussion and possible action on future agenda items.
Adjourn.
C. Order of Presentation
Generally, regular items on the agenda shall adhere to the following
sequence, unless modified as necessary by the Chair:
Public Hearing Items:
D Presentation of staff report
D Questions of staff by the Board
D Open Public Hearing
D Applicant invited to address the Board
D Public invited to address the Board
D Close Public Hearing
D Discussion and Action by the Board
BPGMP Rules of Procedure Oct. 2010 Page 3 of 5
Non-Public Hearing Items:
a Presentation of staff report
a Questions of staff by the Board
a Applicant invited to address the Board at the discretion of the Chair
a Discussion and Action by the Board
4.6 Rules of Order
The Board should refer to Robert's Rules of Order for the conduct of its meetings.
4.7 Minutes
The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board shall keep minutes of its
proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon each question, or, if absent or
failing to vote, indicating that fact and shall keep records of its examinations and
other official actions, all of which shall be immediately filed in the office of the
Administrator and shall be a public record. Minutes shall be signed by the Chairman
after the Board approves them.
4.8 Staff
The Administrator shall provide staff, as needed, to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and
Greenways Advisory Board .
4.9 City Attorney
The City Attorney is the legal advisor of and attorney for the City and all offices and
departments. The Administrator shall consult and cooperate with the City Attorney
on legal issues pertaining to bicycle, pedestrian, and greenway matters. The City
Attorney or his/her designee may attend Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenway Advisory
Board meetings as necessary.
Article 5. Continuing Education
5.1 Continuing Education
As citizen volunteers appointed to the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory
Board, Board members are encouraged to attend training and continuing education
opportunities, as provided by the City of College Station, the Texas Chapter of the
American Planning Association, or other professional organizations where Continuing
Education Units (CEUs) may be obtained.
5.2 Annual Training
Orientation will occur on an annual basis to train new members of the Bicycle,
Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board . This orientation will include review of
the Rules of Procedure, the City's plans and ordinances pertaining to bicycling,
walking, and greenways, and the Plan of Work.
Article 6. Amendments
6.1 Amendments
The Board may amend t he Rules of Procedure at its discretion by a majority vote of
the Board.
BPGMP Rules of Procedure Oct . 2010 Page 4 of 5
,.
6.2 Conflict
In the case of any conflict between any Ordinance or applicable law and these Rules,
the Ordinance or applicable law shall take precedence.
BPGMP Rules of Procedure Oct. 2010 Page 5 of 5
C n 'Y OF CoLLEGE S1~'\'l'lON
Hom• ofTa:6J A&M U"irn.iry•
BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, AND GREENWAYS
ADVISORY BOARD
The following documents contain the ordinance regarding the
attendance policy for appointed officials serving on boards and
committees.
For absence requests, please email the Board Secretary, Grace
Fuentes, and copy the Staff Liaison Venessa Garza. With the
absence notification, please include specified reasons for the
absence from the meeting.
Grace's email: gfuentes@cstx.gov
Venessa's email: vgarza@cstx.gov
The ordinance defines absence types as follows:
Excused:
• Vacation
• Illness
• Family Emergency
• Jury Duty
• Business out of town
Unexcused:
• Failure to inform Chairman of a valid reason or good cause for
absence prior to a scheduled meeting
• Any other absence
Please see the ordinance provided on the next page for more
information regarding absences.
Thank you!
ORDINANCE NO. 2406
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
ESTABLISHING AN ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR APPOINTED OFFICIALS SERVING ON
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES; ADOPTING A PROCEDURE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE
POLICY; AND, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council selects volunteers throughout the year to serve on various
committees to perform a valuable tribute to the policy making process; and,
WHEREAS, the committees and boards should operate with a clear understanding of its purpose
and functions and follow simple guidelines in conducting its meetings;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS:
PART 1: That the City Secretaiy or her designee is hereby authorized and directed to implement
the applicable provisions of this Ordinance as necessary.
PART 2: That the provisions of this ordinance shall apply to all boards and committees appointed
by the College Station City Council. Each committee and board is established with a number of
members required to vote; therefore, it is imperative that members attend each called meeting.
PART 3: That the staff liaison assigned to each board or committee shall be responsible for
maintaining a record of attendance and reporting such information evecy six months to the City
Secretary. Notification of an absence shall be submitted by the member to the staff liaison on a
form provided by the city.
PART 4: That this section defines "excused" and ''unexcused" for purposes in this ordinance as
follows:
Excused
1. Vacation
2. Illness
3. Family Emergency
4. Jury Duty
5. Business out of town
Ordinance No. 2406 Page2
Unexcused
1. Failure to inform Chainnan of a valid reason or good cause for absence prior to a
scheduled meeting
2. Any other absence
PARTS: In the event, a board or committee member is absent from three meetings in a twelve
month period that are considered unexcused by definition, the City Secretary shall notify the
member by letter requesting an explanation for the absences. After reviewing the explanation for
absences, if the City Council finds that the absences are unexcuse~ the City Council may choose
to notify the member of the importance of regular attendance or to remove a member for non-
attendance, and any range of response in between. The Council's response shall consider the
member's prior service, reasons for absence, likelihood of future attendance, and the necessity for
the City's board or committee to carry out its responsiblities. The City Council may after due
consideration, remove a member of the committee for any other good cause related to
performance of duty.
This ordinance shall become effective immediately after passage.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED this 12th day of August 1999.
APPROVED:
d'lt:-'-m \J.!ii"/ Mayo Lynn Mcllhaney
n~r'itM ~tary Connie Hooks
APPROVED:
~~,/-cftY AttOiI~ Jr.
o:group/aiunciVat.cnl l.doc
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
Planning & Development Services
Absence Request Form
For Elected and Appointed Officers
Name
Request Submitted on
I will not be in attendance at the meeting on
for the reason( s) specified: (Date)
PARLIAMENT ARY PROCEDURES -
BEING A WARE OF THE KEY RULES
Presented by
Sherry Mashburn, TRMC, MMC
City Secretary
City of College Station
PARLIAMENTARY TERMS
AGENDA: an outlined plan of an entire business session; an order of business.
ACCEPT: adopt, approve, agree to.
ADOPT: approve, agree to, accept.
AMEND: modify or change the wording of a motion before action is taken upon the motion itself.
ANNOUNCING THE VOTE: declaration by the chair of the result of the vote.
ASSEMBLY: a body of people assembled for the transaction of business.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE QUESTION: debate (discussion) is in order.
BYLAWS: basic rules of a society which relate to itself as an organization.
CARRIED: adopted, approved.
CHAIR: the presiding officer; the place or station of the presiding officer.
DIVISION OF THE ASSEMBLY: a motion requiring that a vote taken by voice or by show of hands
be retaken by rising.
EX OFFICIO: "from the office" or by virtue of the office or chairmanship. Bylaws frequently provide
that the president shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee.
FLOOR, OBTAIN THE: securing recognition by the chair as having the right to speak in a meeting.
GENERAL CONSENT: unanimous consent; informal agreement of the assembly. The chair asks if
there is any objection to a certain procedure; silence gives consent.
GERMANE: closely related; of the same subject matter. Example: an amendment must be germane to
the motion to which it is applied.
IMMEDIATELY PENDING QUESTION: the latest question (motion) stated by the chair when more
than one question is pending.
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS: motions which deal with questions of procedure arising out of other
motions or items of business.
MAIN MOTION: A motion that introduces business to an assembly.
MAJORITY VOTE: over half of the votes cast.
MEETING: a single gathering of persons or members of an organization, usually for the purpose of
transacting business. See Session.
MINUTES: the record of the proceedings of an assembly. Sometimes referred to as the journal.
MOTION: a formal proposal that certain action be taken, or that a certain statement express the sense,
opinion, desire, or will of the assembly.
PARLIAMENTARY LAW: a consistent system of rules which govern procedure in all deliberative
assemblies; founded upon certain fundamental principles originated in the unwritten customs of the
House of Parliament in England; first compiled for use in this country by Thomas Jefferson, whose
manual has been the foundation for rules used in the United States House of Representatives and Senate.
PENDING: before the assembly. A motion is "pending" after it has been stated by the chair and until it
is disposed of temporarily or permanently.
PLURALITY VOTE: the largest number of votes received by a candidate or proposition when three or
more choices are possible. A plurality vote never decides a question or election except by specific rule of
the organization.
PRECEDENCE, TAKES: outranks; used in reference to the order in which motions can be introduced
and must be considered by the assembly.
PREVIOUS NOTICE: announcement that a specific motion will be introduced at the next meeting;
substance of the proposal should be described at least briefly; unless specified otherwise in the bylaws,
must be made at the preceding meeting or included in the call of the meeting at which it is to be brought
up.
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS: a class of motions which, although they are not directly concerned with the
business before the assembly, are of such immediate importance that they have the privilege of
interrupting the consideration of anything else. All motions of this class are not debatable.
PRO TEM: for the time being; most frequently applies to the office of secretary.
PUTTING THE QUESTION: putting the motion to a vote.
QUESTION: the business before the assembly; the motion as stated by the chair. (See "motion.")
QUORUM: the number of members who must be present in order that business can be transacted legally.
The quorum is a majority of all members unless bylaws or rules of procedure state otherwise.
RECESS: an intermission taken by the assembly.
RESOLUTION: a main motion usually of such importance and length as to be written; may or may not
have a preamble setting forth the reasons for the resolution.
REVISION OF THE BYLAWS: a complete set of bylaws submitted as a substitute for existing bylaws.
RONR: acronym for Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.
SECONDARY MOTIONS: motions which can be made while a main motion is pending and which
relate to business already before the assembly, to questions of order or procedure, or to matters of comfort
or privilege. There are three classes of secondary motions: subsidiary, privileged, and incidental.
SECONDING MOTIONS: agreeing that a motion should come before a meeting.
SESSION: a meeting or a series of meetings with a single order of business, agenda, or program.
STANDING RULES: regulations for the guidance of an organization's meetings
STATING THE QUESTION: formally placing a motion before the assembly and indicating (where
appropriate) that it is open to debate. Wording of a motion in the minutes should be exactly the same as
when stated by the chair.
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS: Motions that assist the assembly in treating or disposing of a main motion
(and sometimes other motions).
TWO-THIRDS VOTE: two out of three of the votes cast. For two-thirds approval, the affirmative vote
is at least twice as large as the negative.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: questions that have come over from the previous meeting because that
meeting adjourned without completing its order of business.
VOTE: a formal expression of the will, opinion, or preference of the members of an assembly in regard
to a matter submitted to it.
YIELD: give way to. A pending question yields to one of higher rank.
Basic Principles
1. Parliamentary procedure exists to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote
cooperation and harmony.
2. All members have equal rights, privileges and obligations.
• The majority has the right to decide.
• The minority has rights which must be protected.
3. A quorum must be present for the group to act.
4. Full and free discussion of every motion considered is a basic right.
5. Only one question at a time can be considered at any given time.
6. Members have the right to know at all times what the immediately pending question is, and to
have it restated before a vote is taken.
7. No member can speak until recognized by the chair.
8. No one can speak a second time on the same question as long as another wants to speak a first
time.
9. The chair should be strictly impartial.
Ten Commandments of Parliamentary Procedure
1. The organization is paramount as opposed to the individual.
2. All members are equal.
3. A quorum must be present to take legal action.
4. Only one main proposition (motion) can be on the floor at a time
5. Only one member at a time can have the floor.
6. Full debate on all questions (unless parliamentary rules do not allow debate on a
question).
7. The issue and not the person is always what is under discussion.
8. A question, once decided, cannot come back before the assembly in the same
manner in the same form, except by use of reconsideration.
9. A majority vote decides (unless a greater majority is required by another rule).
10. Silence gives consent.
Making Meetings Work
1. Effective meetings require planning in advance, both on the part of the person who chairs
them and of the people who participate.
2. Do not have a meeting unless it is necessary.
3. Don't engage in political game playing or parliamentary maneuvering. Members must commit
themselves to the group purpose.
4. Listen to what others at the meeting have to say.
5. Make sure you understand the reason for a meeting and do your homework in accordance with
this understanding.
6. Actively engage in the discussion.
7. Recognize that five kinds of knowledge are all needed for a successful meeting participant:
• Knowledge of the subject matter at hand
• Knowledge of parliamentary rules of order
• Knowledge of rhetoric-the power to persuade
• Knowledge of problem solving and decision making
• Knowledge of human social-emotional dynamics
8. Be sure the purpose of each meeting, and each item on the agenda, is clear to the members:
• To share ideas and information only
• To brief members before action
• To generate new ideas
• To make a decision
• To make a recommendation
9. Be sensitive to the physical, informational, and social needs of others.
10. Suggest committee work when an issue is too big for the group or the group hasn't
adequately considered the topic. Demand hard work and good reports from the committee.
Handling a motion.
Three steps by which a motion is brought before the group
1. A member makes a motion.
2. Another member seconds the motion.
3. The chair states the question on the motion.
Three steps in the consideration of a motion
1. The members debate the motion (unless no member claims the floor for that purpose).
2. The chair puts the question to a vote.
A. The chair restates the question.
B. The chair takes the vote:
"All in favor of the motion, say aye."
"Those opposed, say no."
3. The chair announces the result of a vote. A complete announcement should include:
A. Report on the voting itself, stating which side prevailed (and giving the count if a
count prevailed).
B. Declaration that the motion is adopted or lost.
C. Statement indicating the effect of the vote or ordering its execution.
D. Where applicable, announcement of the next item of business or stating the question
of the next motion that consequently comes up for a vote.
Amending a Main Motion
RONR defines amend as "a motion to modify the wording -and within certain limits the
meaning -of a pending motion before the pending motion itself is acted upon."
Characteristics of amendments:
Can be applied to any motion having a variable factor
Is not in order when another has the floor
Debatable when the main motion is debatable
Majority vote at all times, even when main motion requires 2/3 vote
Cannot stand by itself
Only motion that may be applied to itself (primary and secondary)
A member may amend his or her own motion ·
Chair may be requested to or assist in wording of an amendment
A member's vote on the amendment does not obligate their vote on the main motion
Rejection of motion to amend leaves pending the motion as originally proposed
The adoption of the amendment does not adopt the main motion
Forms of amendments:
Insert (add) a word, consecutive words or a paragraph
Strike out a word, consecutive words or a paragraph
Strike out and insert a combination of the above
Substitute (must be germane)
Amendment pitfalls:
Allowed when another member has the floor
Debate not confined to pending amendment
A question already decided
Tertiary amendments
Not germane to main motion or primary amendment
Equivalent to rejection of the main motion
Dilatory
New business introduced under the pretext of being an amendment
Changing one parliamentary motion into another
The term "friendly amendment" is often used to describe an amendment offered by a member
who is in sympathy with the purposes of the main motion or believes the amendment will
improve the effect of the motion. Whether the maker of the motion "accepts" the friendly
amendment or not, it must be opened to debate and voted on formally. NB: vote on the motion
to amend first; if it carries, then vote on the amended motion.
Rules Governing Debate
The term debate applies to the discussion on the merits of a pending question.
[Note that less formal rules apply to boards and committees. Also, smaller groups may relax the
formality of these rules.]
1. A member may not speak until recognized by the chair.
2. When no special rule relating to the length of speeches is adopted by the group, a member can
speak no longer than ten minutes unless the consent of the group is obtained.
3. Rights in debate are not transferable. A member cannot yield an unexpired portion of his/her
time to another member (the chair controls who speaks) or reserve any portion of time for later.
4. No member may be allowed to speak more than twice to the same question on the same day.
5. Proper decorum in debate must be observed:
• Remarks must be germane to the question before the group.
• Speakers should speak loudly and clearly.
• Speakers should refrain from attacking another member's motives.
• Remarks should be addressed through the chair.
• Speakers should stand when speaking.
• Thomas Jefferson's advice is still good: "No one is to disturb another in his speech by
hissing, coughing, spitting, speaking or whispering to another, etc."
• If any member objects, a speaker has no right to read from or to have the secretary read
from any paper or book as part of his/her speech, without permission of the assembly.
Frequent Things You Want to Do
I
Objective Appropriate motion
• Present an idea for
consideration or action Main motion or Resolution; Consider subject informally
'!~prove a pe~di~g motio~---, Amend~-Division of~he question ---------------····
I
Regulate or cut-off debate .
Delay a decision
I
Suppress a proposal
Limit or extend debate; Previous question (vote immediately)
Refer to committee; Postpone definitely ; Postpone indefinitely
(kills motion)
Object to consideration; Postpone indefinitely; Withdraw a
motion
.--------------·-----------------~--------u
I
I
.
'
I
I
Meet an emergency
Gain information on a
pending motion
Question the decision of the
chair
Enforce rights and
privileges
Consider a question again
Change an action already
taken
Terminate a meeting
Question of privilege; Suspend rules; Lay on the table
Parliamentary inquiry; Request for information; Question of
privilege; Request to ask member a question
Point of order; Appeal from decision of chair
Division of assembly; Division of question; Parliamentary
inquiry; Point of order; Appeal from decision of chair
Resume consideration; Reconsider; Rescind
Reconsider; Rescind; Amend motion previously adopted
Adjourn; Recess
This table was based on a table in Alice Sturgis's The Standard Code of Parliamentary
Procedure (3rd edition), but modified for motions in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised.
Basic Information On Motions
RANKING MOTIONS
These motions are listed in order of rank. When any
one of these motions is immediately pending, those
above it are in order and those below are not in order.
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS
Second Can Be Can Be Vote Can Be Can
Required Debated Amended Required Reconsidered Interrupt
PRIVILEGED MOTIONS
13. Fix Time to Which to Adjourn ...................................... yes
12. Adjourn ......................................................................... yes
I I . Recess ........................................................................... yes
I 0. Raise a Question of Privilege ........................................ no
9. Call for the Orders of the Day ....................................... no
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS
8. Lay on the Table ............................................................ yes
7. Previous Question (to close debate) .............................. yes
6. Limit or Extend Limits of Debate ................................. yes
5. Postpone to a Certain Time ........................................... yes
4. Commit (or Refer) ......................................................... yes
3. Amend ........................................................................... yes
2. Postpone Indefinitely .................................................... yes
1. MAIN MOTION .......................................................... yes
NON-RANKING MOTIONS
Whether these motions are in order depends upon the
business already under consideration and what purpose
they may serve when introduced.
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS
Appeal ........................................................................... yes
Close Nominations or the Polls ..................................... yes
Consider by Paragraph or Seriatim ................................ yes
Division of the Assembly .............................................. no
Di vision of a Question ................................................... yes
Objection to Consideration ofa Question ..................... no
Parliamentary Inquiry .................................................... no
Point of Order. ............................................................... no
Reopen Nominations or the Polls .................................. yes
Suspend the Rules* ....................................................... yes
Withdraw a Motion ....................................................... no*
no yes
no no
no yes
no no
no no
no no
no no
no yes
yes yes
yes yes
yes*
yes no
yes yes
* no
no yes
no yes
no no
no yes
no no
no no
no no
no yes
no no
no no
maj yes no
maj no no
maj no no
X* no yes
X* no yes
maj no no
2/3 yes* no
2/3 yes* no
maj yes no
maj yes* no
maj yes no
maj + no
maj* yes no
maj yes yes
2/3 no no
maj no no
no no yes
maj no no
2/3 # yes*
Chai r no yes
Chair no yes
maj # no
2/3* no no
maj* # yes*
MOTIONS THAT BRING A QUESTION AGAIN BEFORE THE ASSEMBLY
Reconsider
Rescind
Take from the Table
* -See Robert 's Rules of Order Newly Revised for special rules.
X -Usually no vote taken. Chair responds.
+ -Onl y an affirmative vote may be reconsidered.
yes
yes yes
no
yes
maj
*
no
#
yes no no maj no
no
no
no
Key to Markings
# -Only a negative vote may be reconsidered.
= -Debatable when applied to a debateable motion. See
Robert 's Rules of Order Newly Revised.
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
PO Box 9960 * 1101 Texas Avenue * College Station, TX 7784 2
OPEN MEETINGS
FOR MAYOR, COUNCIL
MEMBERS, AND
BOARD MEMBERS
Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
Appendix A: Text of the Texas Open Meetings Act
GOVERNMENT CODE CHAPTER 551. OPEN MEETINGS
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 551.001. Definitions
In this chapter:
(1) "Closed meeting" means a meeting to which the public does not have access.
(2) "Deliberation" means a verbal exchange during a meeting between a quorum
of a governmental body, or between a quorum of a governmental body and
another person, concerning an issue within the jurisdiction of the governmental
body or any public business.
(3) "Governmental body" means:
(A) a board, commission, department, committee, or agency within the
executive or legislative branch of state government that is directed by
one or more elected or appointed members;
(B) a county commissioners court in the state;
(C) a municipal governing body in the state;
(D) a deliberative body that has rulemaking authority or quasi-judicial
power and that is classified as a department, agency, or political
subdivision of a county or municipality;
(E) a school district board of trustees;
(F) a county board of school trustees;
(G) a county board of education;
(H) the governing board of a special district created by law;
(I) a local workforce development board created under Section 2308.253 ;
(J) a nonprofit corporation that is eligible to receive funds under the federal
community services block grant program and that is authorized by this
state to serve a geographic area of the state;
(K) a nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 67, Water Code, that
provides a water supply or wastewater service, or both, and is exempt
from ad valorem taxation under Section 11.30, Tax Code; and
(L) a joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code.
( 4) "Meeting" means:
(A) a deliberation between a quorum of a governmental body, or between a
quorum of a governmental body and another person, during which
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
public business or public policy over which the body has supervision or
control is discussed or considered or during which the governmental
body takes formal action; or
(B) except as otherwise provided by this subdivision, a gathering:
(i) that is conducted by the governmental body or for which the
governmental body is responsible;
(ii) at which a quorum of members of the governmental body is
present;
(iii) that has been called by the governmental body; and
(iv) at which the members receive information from, give information
to, ask questions of, or receive questions from any third person,
including an employee of the governmental body, about the public
business or public policy over which the governmental body has
supervision or control.
The term does not include the gathering of a quorum of a governmental body at a
social function unrelated to the public business that is conducted by the body, or the
attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at a regional, state, or national
convention or workshop, ceremonial event, or press conference, if formal action is
not taken and any discussion of public business is incidental to the social function,
convention, workshop, ceremonial event, or press conference.
The term includes a session of a governmental body.
(5) "Open" means open to the public.
(6) "Quorum" means a majority of a governmental body, unless defined differently
by applicable law or rule or the charter of the governmental body.
(7) "Recording" means a tangible medium on which audio or a combination of
audio and video is recorded, including a disc, tape, wire, film , electronic storage
drive, or other medium now existing or later developed.
(8) "Videoconference call" means a communication conducted between two or
more persons in which one or more of the participants communicate with the
other participants through duplex audio and video signals transmitted over a
telephone network, a data network, or the Internet.
§ 551.0015. Certain Property Owners' Associations Subject to Law
(a) A property owners' association is subject to this chapter in the same manner as
a governmental body:
(1) if:
(A) membership in the property owners' association is mandatory for
owners or for a defined class of owners of private real property in
a defined geographic area in a county with a population of 2.8
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(2)
Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
million or more or in a county adjacent to a county with a
population of 2.8 million or more;
(B) the property owners' association has the power to make mandatory
special assessments for capital improvements or mandatory
regular assessments; and
(C) the amount of the mandatory special or regular assessments is or
has ever been based in whole or in part on the value at which the
state or a local governmental body assesses the property for
purposes of ad valorem taxation under Section 20, Article VIII,
Texas Constitution; or
if the property owners' association:
(A) provides maintenance, preservation, and architectural control of
residential and commercial property within a defined geographic
area in a county with a population of 2.8 million or more or in a
county adjacent to a county with a population of 2.8 million or
more; and
(B) is a corporation that:
(i) is governed by a board of trustees who may employ a general
manager to execute the association's bylaws and administer the
business of the corporation;
(ii) does not require membership in the corporation by the owners
of the property within the defined area; and
(iii) was incorporated before January 1, 2006.
(b) The governing body of the association, a committee of the association, and
members of the governing body or of a committee of the association are subject to
this chapter in the same manner as the governing body of a governmental body, a
committee of a governmental body, and members of the governing body or of a
committee of the governmental body.
§ 551.002. Open Meetings Requirement
Every regular, special, or called meeting of a governmental body shall be open to the public, except
as provided by this chapter.
§ 551.003. Legislature
In this chapter, the legislature is exercising its powers to adopt rules to prohibit secret meetings of
the legislature, committees of the legislature, and other bodies associated with the legislature,
except as specifically permitted in the constitution.
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
§ 551.0035. Attendance by Governmental Body at Legislative Committee or Agency Meeting
(a) This section applies only to the attendance by a quorum of a governmental body
at a meeting of a committee or agency of the legislature. This section does not
apply to attendance at the meeting by members of the legislative committee or
agency holding the meeting.
(b) The attendance by a quorum of a governmental body at a meeting of a
committee or agency of the legislature is not considered to be a meeting of that
governmental body if the deliberations at the meeting by the members of that
governmental body consist only of publicly testifying at the meeting, publicly
commenting at the meeting, and publicly responding at the meeting to a
question asked by a member of the legislative committee or agency.
§ 551.004. Open Meetings Required by Charter
This chapter does not authorize a governmental body to close a meeting that a charter of the
governmental body:
(1) prohibits from being closed; or
(2) requires to be open.
§ 551.005. Open Meetings Training
(a) Each elected or appointed public official who is a member of a governmental
body subject to this chapter shall complete a course of training of not less than
one and not more than two hours regarding the responsibilities of the
governmental body and its members under this chapter not later than the 90th
day after the date the member:
(1) takes the oath of office, if the member is required to take an oath of
office to assume the person's duties as a member of the governmental
body; or
(2) otherwise assumes responsibilities as a member of the governmental
body, if the member is not required to take an oath of office to assume
the person's duties as a member of the governmental body.
(b) The attorney general shall ensure that training is made available. The office of
the attorney general may provide the training and may also approve any
acceptable course of training offered by a governmental body or other entity.
The attorney general shall ensure that at least one course of training approved
or provided by the attorney general is available on videotape or a functionally
similar and widely available medium at no cost. The training must include
instruction in:
(1) the general background of the legal requirements for open meetings;
(2) the applicability of this chapter to governmental bodies;
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
(3) procedures and requirements regarding quorums, notice, and
recordkeeping under this chapter;
(4) procedures and requirements for holding an open meeting and for
holding a closed meeting under this chapter; and
(5) penalties and other consequences for failure to comply with this chapter.
(c) The office of the attorney general or other entity providing the training shall
provide a certificate of course completion to persons who complete the
training required by this section. A governmental body shall maintain and
make available for public inspection the record of its members' completion
of the training.
(d) Completing the required training as a member of the governmental body
satisfies the requirements of this section with regard to the member's service
on a committee or subcommittee of the governmental body and the
member's ex officio service on any other governmental body.
(e) The training required by this section may be used to satisfy any
corresponding training requirements concerning this chapter or open
meetings required by law for the members of a governmental body. The
attorney general shall attempt to coordinate the training required by this
section with training required by other law to the extent practicable.
(f) The failure of one or more members of a governmental body to complete the
training required by this section does not affect the validity ofan action taken
by the governmental body.
(g) A certificate of course completion is admissible as evidence in a criminal
prosecution under this chapter. However, evidence that a defendant
completed a course of training offered under this section is not prima facie
evidence that the defendant knowingly violated this chapter.
§ 551.006. Written Electronic Communications Accessible to Public
(a) A communication or exchange of information between members of a
governmental body about public business or public policy over which the
governmental body has supervision or control does not constitute a meeting or
deliberation for purposes of this chapter if:
(1) the communication is in writing;
(2) the writing is posted to an online message board or similar Internet
application that is viewable and searchable by the public; and
(3) the communication is displayed in real time and displayed on the online
message board or similar Internet application for no less than 30 days
after the communication is first posted.
(b) A governmental body may have no more than one online message board or
similar Internet application to be used for the purposes described in Subsection
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
(a). The online message board or similar Internet application must be owned or
controlled by the governmental body, prominently displayed on the
governmental body's primary Internet web page, and no more than one click
away from the governmental body's primary Internet web page.
(c) The online message board or similar Internet application described in
Subsection (a) may only be used by members of the governmental body or staff
members of the governmental body who have received specific authorization
from a member of the governmental body. In the event that a staff member
posts a communication to the online message board or similar Internet
application, the name and title of the staff member must be posted along with
the communication.
(d) If a governmental body removes from the online message board or si milar
Internet application a communication that has been posted for at least 30 days,
the governmental body shall maintain the posting for a period of six years. This
communication is public information and must be disclosed in accordance with
Chapter 552.
(e) The governmental body may not vote or take any action that is required to be
taken at a meeting under this chapter of the governmental body by posting a
communication to the online message board or similar Internet application. In
no event shall a communication or posting to the online message board or
similar Internet application be construed to be an action of the governmental
body.
SUBCHAPTER B. RECORD OF OPEN MEETING
§ 551.021. Minutes or Recording of Open Meeting Required
(a) A governmental body shall prepare and keep minutes or make a recording of
each open meeting of the body.
(b) The minutes must:
(1) state the subject of each deliberation; and
(2) indicate each vote, order, decision, or other action taken.
§ 551.022. Minutes and Recordings of Open Meeting: Public Record
The minutes and recordings of an open meeting are public records and shall be available for public
inspection and copying on request to the governmental body's chief administrative officer or the
officer's designee.
§ 551.023. Recording of Meeting by Person in Attendance
(a) A person in attendance may record all or any part of an open meeting of a
governmental body by means of a recorder, video camera, or other means of
aural or visual reproduction.
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
(b) A governmental body may adopt reasonable rules to maintain order at a
meeting, including rules relating to:
(I) the location of recording equipment; and
(2) the manner in which the recording is conducted.
(c) A rule adopted under Subsection (b) may not prevent or unreasonably impair a
person from exercising a right granted under Subsection (a).
SUBCHAPTER C. NOTICE OF MEETINGS
§ 551.041. Notice of Meeting Required
A governmental body shall give written notice of the date, hour, place, and subject of each meeting
held by the governmental body.
§ 551.0411. Meeting Notice Requirements in Certain Circumstances
(a) Section 551.041 does not require a governmental body that recesses an open
meeting to the following regular business day to post notice of the continued
meeting if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this chapter.
If an open meeting is continued to the following regular business day and, on
that following day, the governmental body continues the meeting to another
day, the governmental body must give written notice as required by this
subchapter of the meeting continued to that other day.
(b) A governmental body that is prevented from convening an open meeting that
was otherwise properly posted under Section 551.041 because of a catastrophe
may convene the meeting in a convenient location within 72 hours pursuant to
Section 551.045 if the action is taken in good faith and not to circumvent this
chapter. If the governmental body is unable to convene the open meeting within
those 72 hours, the governmental body may subsequently convene the meeting
only if the governmental body gives written notice of the meeting as required
by this subchapter.
(c) In this section, "catastrophe" means a condition or occurrence that interferes
physically with the ability of a governmental body to conduct a meeting,
including:
(1) fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado, or wind, rain, or snow storm;
(2) power failure, transportation failure, or interruption of communication
facilities;
(3) epidemic; or
( 4) riot, civil disturbance, enemy attack, or other actual or threatened act of
lawlessness or violence.
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
§ 551.0415. Governing Body of Municipality or County: Reports About Items of Community
Interest Regarding Which No Action Will be Taken
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 551.041 and 551.042, a quorum of the governing
body of a municipality or county may receive from staff of the political
subdivision and a member of the governing body may make a report about items
of community interest during a meeting of the governing body without having
given notice of the subject of the report as required by this subchapter if no
action is taken and, except as provided by Section 551.042, possible action is
not discussed regarding the information provided in the report.
(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), "items of community interest" includes:
(1) expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence;
(2) information regarding holiday schedules;
(3) an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public
employee, or other citizen, except that a discussion regarding a change
in the status of a person's public office or public employment is not an
honorary or salutary recognition for purposes of this subdivision;
(4) a reminder about an upcoming event organized or sponsored by the
governing body;
(5) information regarding a social, ceremonial, or community event
organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing body that
was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the
governing body or an official or employee of the political subdivision;
and
(6) announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and
safety of people in the political subdivision that has arisen after the
posting of the agenda.
§ 551.042. Inquiry Made at Meeting
(a) If, at a meeting of a governmental body, a member of the public or the
governmental body inquires about a subject for which notice has not been given
as required by this subchapter, the notice provisions of this subchapter do not
apply to:
(I) a statement of specific factual information given in response to the
inquiry; or
(2) a recitation of existing policy in response to the inquiry.
(b) Any deliberation of or decision about the subject of the inquiry shall be limited
to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
§ 551.043. Time and Accessibility of Notice; General Rule
(a) The notice of a meeting of a governmental body must be posted in a place
readily accessible to the general public at all ties for at least 72 hours before the
scheduled time of the meeting, except as provided by Sections 551.044-
551.046.
(b) If this chapter specifically requires or allows a governmental body to post notice
of a meeting on the Internet:
(1) the governmental body satisfies the requirement that the notice must be
posted in a place readily accessible to the general public at all times by
making a good-faith attempt to continuously post the notice on the
Internet during the prescribed period;
(2) the governmental body must still comply with any duty imposed by this
chapter to physically post the notice at a particular location; and
(3) if the governmental body makes a good-faith attempt to continuously
post the notice on the Internet during the prescribed period, the notice
physically posted at the location prescribed by this chapter must be
readily accessible to the general public during normal business hours.
§ 551.044. Exception to General Rule: Governmental Body With Statewide Jurisdiction
(a) The secretary of state must post notice on the Internet of a meeting of a state
board, commission, department, or officer having statewide jurisdiction for at
least seven days before the day of the meeting. The secretary of state shall
provide during regular office hours a computer terminal at a place convenient
to the public in the office of the secretary of state that members of the public
may use to view notices of meetings posted by the secretary of state.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to:
(1) The Texas Department of Insurance, as regards proceedings and
activities under Title 5, Labor Code, of the department, the
commissioner of insurance, or the commissioner of workers'
compensation; or
(2) the governing board of an institution of higher education.
§ 551.045. Exception to General Rule: Notice of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition
to Agenda
(a) In an emergency or when there is an urgent public necessity, the notice of a
meeting or the supplemental notice of a subject added as an item to the agenda
for a meeting for which notice has been posted in accordance with this
subchapter is sufficient if it is posted for at least two hours before the meeting
is convened.
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Appendix A: Text of the Open Meetings Act
(b) An emergency or an urgent public necessity exists only if immediate action is
required of a governmental body because of:
(1) an imminent threat to public health and safety; or
(2) a reasonably unforeseeable situation.
(c) The governmental body shall clearly identify the emergency or urgent public
necessity in the notice or supplemental notice under this section.
(d) A person who is designated or authorized to post notice of a meeting by a
governmental body under this subchapter shall post the notice taking at face
value the governmental body's stated reason for the emergency or urgent public
necessity.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (b)(2), the sudden relocation ofa large number of
residents from the area of a declared disaster to a governmental body's
jurisdiction is considered a reasonably unforeseeable situation for a reasonable
period immediately fo llowing the relocation. Notice of an emergency meeting
or supplemental notice of an emergency item added to the agenda of a meeting
to address a situation described by this subsection must be given to members of
the news media as provided by Section 551.047 not later than one hour before
the meeting.
§ 551.046. Exception to General Rule: Committee of Legislature
The notice of a legislative committee meeting shall be as provided by the rules of the house of
representatives or of the senate.
§ 551.047. Special Notice to News Media of Emergency Meeting or Emergency Addition to
Agenda
(a) The presiding officer of a governmental body, or the member of a governmental
body who calls an emergency meeting of the governmental body or adds an
emergency item to the agenda of a meeting of the governmental body, shall
notify the news media of the emergency meeting or emergency item as required
by this section.
(b) The presiding officer or member is required to notify only those members of
the news media that have previously;
(1) filed at the headquarters of the governmental body a request containing
all pertinent information for the special notice; and
(2) agreed to rei mburse the governmental body for the cost of providing the
special notice.
(c) The presiding officer or member shall give the notice by telephone, facsimile
transmission, or electronic mail.
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§ 551.048. State Governmental Body: Notice to Secretary of State; Place of Posting Notice
(a) A state governmental body shall provide notice of each meeting to the secretary
of state.
(b) The secretary of state shall post the notice on the Internet. The secretary of state
shall provide during regular office hours a computer terminal at a place
convenient to the public in the office of the secretary of state that members of
the public may use to view the notice.
§ 551.049. County Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice
A county governmental body shall post notice of each meeting on a bulletin board at a place
convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
§ 551.050. Municipal Governmental Body: Place of Posting Notice
(a) In this section, "electronic bulletin board" means an electronic communication
system that includes a perpetually illuminated screen on which the
governmental body can post messages or notices viewable without
manipulation by the public.
(b) A municipal governmental body shall post notice of each meeting on a physical
or electronic bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in city hall.
§ 551.0501. Joint Board: Place of Posting Notice
(a) In this section, "electronic bulletin board" means an electronic communication
system that includes a perpetually illuminated screen on which the
governmental body can post messages or notices viewable without
manipulation by the public.
(b) A joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code, shall post
notice of each meeting on a physical or electronic bulletin board at a place
convenient to the public in the board 's administrative offices.
§ 551.051. School District: Place of Posting Notice
A school district shall post notice of each meeting on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the
public in the central administrative office of the district.
§ 551.052. School District: Special Notice to News Media
(a) A school district shall provide special notice of each meeting to any news media
that has:
(1) requested special notice; and
(2) agreed to reimburse the district for the cost of providing the special
notice.
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(b) The notice shall be by telephone, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail.
§ 551.053. District or Political Subdivision Extending Into Four or More Counties: Notice to
Public, Secretary of State, and County Clerk; Place of Posting Notice
(a) The governing body of a water district or other political subdivision that extends
into four or more counties shall:
(I) post notice of each meeting at a place convenient to the public in the
administrative office of the district or political subdivision;
(2) provide notice of each meeting to the secretary of state; and
(3) either provide notice of each meeting to the county clerk of the county
in which the administrative office of the district or political subdivision
is located or post notice of each meeting on the district's or political
subdivision's Internet website.
(b) The secretary of state shall post the notice provided under Subsection ( a)(2) on
the Internet. The secretary of state shall provide during regular office hours a
computer terminal at a place convenient to the public in the office of the
secretary of state that members of the pub I ic may use to view the notice.
(c) A county clerk shall post a notice provided to the clerk under Subsection (a)(3)
on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
§ 551.054. District or Political Subdivision Extending Into Fewer Than Four Counties: Notice
to Public and County Clerks; Place of Posting Notice
(a) The governing body of a water district or other district or political subdivision
that extends into fewer than four counties shall:
(1) post notice of each meeting at a place convenient to the public in the
administrative office of the district or political subdivision; and
(2) either provide notice of each meeting to the county clerk of each county
in which the district or political subdivision is located or post notice of
each meeting on the district's or political subdivision's Internet website.
(b) A county clerk shall post a notice provided to the clerk under Subsection (a)(2)
on a bulletin board at a place convenient to the public in the county courthouse.
§ 551.055. Institution of Higher Education
In addition to providing any other notice required by this subchapter, the governing board of a
single institution of higher education:
(I) shall post notice of each meeting at the county courthouse of the county in
which the meeting will be held;
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(2) shall publish notice of a meeting in a student newspaper of the institution if an
issue of the newspaper is published between the time of the posting and the time
of the meeting; and
(3) may post notice of a meeting at another place convenient to the public.
§ 551.056. Additional Posting Requirements for Certain Municipalities, Counties, School
Districts, Junior College Districts, Development Corporations, Authorities, and Joint Boards
(a) This section applies only to a governmental body or economic development
corporation that maintains an Internet website or for which an Internet website
is maintained. This section does not apply to a governmental body described
by Section 551.001(3)(D).
(b) In addition to the other place at which notice is required to be posted by this
subchapter, the following governmental bodies and economic development
corporations must also concurrently post notice of a meeting on the Internet
website of the governmental body or economic development corporation:
(1) a municipality;
(2) a county;
(3) a school district;
(4) the governing body of a junior college or junior college district,
including a college or district that has changed its name in accordance
with Chapter 130, Education Code;
(5) a development corporation organized under the Development
Corporation Act (Subtitle Cl, Title 12, Local Government Code);
(6) a regional mobility authority included within the meaning of an
"authority" as defined by Section 370.003, Transportation Code; and
(7) a joint board created under Section 22.074, Transportation Code.
(c) The following governmental bodies and economic development corporations
must also concurrently post the agenda for the meeting on the Internet website
of the governmental body or economic development corporation.
(1) a municipality with a population of 48,000 or more;
(2) a county with a population of 65,000 or more;
(3) a school district that contains all or part of the area within the corporate
boundaries of a municipality with a population of 48,000 or more;
( 4) the governing body of a junior college district, including a district that
has changed its name in accordance with Chapter 130, Education Code,
that contains all or part of the area within the corporate boundaries of a
municipality with a population of 48,000 or more;
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(5) a development corporation organized under the Development
Corporation Act (Subtitle Cl, Title 12, Local Government Code) that
was created by or for:
(A) a municipality with a population of 48,000 or more; or
(B) a county or district that contains all or part of the area within the
corporate boundaries of a municipality with a population of
48,000 or more.
(6) a regional mobility authority included within the meaning of an
"authority" as defined by Section 370.003, Transportation Code.
( d) The validity of a posted notice of a meeting or an agenda by a governmental
body or economic development corporation subject to this section that made a
good faith attempt to comply with the requirements of this section is not
affected by a failure to comply with a requirement of this section that is due to
a technical problem beyond the control of the governmental body or economic
development corporation.
SUBCHAPTER D. EXCEPTIONS TO REQUIREMENT THAT MEETINGS BE OPEN
§ 551.071. Consultation with Attorney; Closed Meeting
A governmental body may not conduct a private consultation with its attorney except:
(1) when the governmental body seeks the advice of its attorney about:
(A) pending or contemplated litigation; or
(B) a settlement offer; or
(C) on a matter in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body
under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State
Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with this chapter.
§ 551.072. Deliberation Regarding Real Property; Closed Meeting
A governmental body may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease,
or value of real property if deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the
position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person.
§ 551.0725. Commissioners Courts: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being Negotiated;
Closed Meeting
(a) The commissioners court of a county may conduct a closed meeting to
deliberate business and financial issues relating to a contract being negotiated
if, before conducting the closed meeting:
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(1) the commissioners court votes unanimously that deliberation in an open
meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the
commissioners court in negotiations with a third person; and
(2) the attorney advising the commissioners court issues a written
determination that deliberation in an open meeting would have a
detrimental effect on the position of the commissioners court in
negotiations with a third person.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 551.103(a), Government Code, the commissioners
court must make a recording of the proceedings of a closed meeting to
deliberate the information.
§ 551.0726. Texas Facilities Commission: Deliberation Regarding Contract Being
Negotiated; Closed Meeting
(a) The Texas Facilities Commission may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate
business and financial issues relating to a contract being negotiated if, before
conducting the closed meeting:
(1) the commission votes unanimously that deliberation in an open
meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the state in
negotiations with a third person; and
(2) the attorney advising the commission issues a written determination
finding that deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental
effect on the position of the state in negotiations with a third person and
setting forth that finding therein.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 55 l.103(a), the commission must make a recording of
the proceedings of a closed meeting held under this section.
§ 551.073. Deliberation Regarding Prospective Gift; Closed Meeting
A governmental body may conduct a closed meeting to deliberate a negotiated contract for
a prospective gift or donation to the state or the governmental body if deliberation in an
open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in
negotiations with a third person.
§ 551.074. Personnel Matters; Closed Meeting
(a) This chapter does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting:
(1) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment,
duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or
(2) to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply if the officer or employee who is the subject of
the deliberation or hearing requests a public hearing.
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§ 551.0745. Personnel Matters Affecting County Advisory Body; Closed Meeting
(a) This chapter does not require the commissioners court of a county to conduct
an open meeting:
(1) to deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment,
duties, discipline, or dismissal of a member of an advisory body; or
(2) to hear a complaint or charge against a member of an advisory body.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply if the individual who is the subject of the
deliberation or hearing requests a public hearing.
§ 551.075. Conference Relating to Investments and Potential Investments Attended by Board
of Trustees of Texas Growth Fund; Closed Meeting
(a) This chapter does not require the board of trustees of the Texas growth fund to
confer with one or more employees of the Texas growth fund or with a third
party in an open meeting if the only purpose of the conference is to:
(1) receive information from the employees of the Texas growth fund or the
third party relating to an investment or a potential investment by the
Texas growth fund in:
(A) a private business entity, if disclosure of the information would give
advantage to a competitor; or
(B) a business entity whose securities are publicly traded, if the investment
or potential investment is not required to be registered under the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78a et seq.),
and its subsequent amendments, and if disclosure of the information
would give advantage to a competitor; or
(2) question the employees of the Texas growth fund or the third party
regarding an investment or potential investment described by
Subdivision (1 ), if disclosure of the information contained in the
question or answers would give advantage to a competitor.
(b) During a conference under Subsection (a), members of the board of trustees of
the Texas growth fund may not deliberate public business or agency policy that
affects public business.
( c) In this section, "Texas growth fund" means the fund created by Section 70,
Article XVI, Texas Constitution.
§ 551.076. Deliberation Regarding Security Devices or Security Audits; Closed Meeting
This chapter does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting to deliberate:
(1) the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security personnel
or devices; or
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(2) a security audit.
§ 551.077. Agency Financed by Federal Government
This chapter does not require an agency financed entirely by federal money to conduct an open
meeting.
§ 551.078. Medical Board or Medical Committee
This chapter does not require a medical board or medical committee to conduct an open meeting
to deliberate the medical or psychiatric records of an individual applicant for a disability benefit
from a public retirement system.
§ 551.0785. Deliberations Involving Medical or Psychiatric Records of Individuals
This chapter does not require a benefits appeals committee for a public self-funded health plan or
a governmental body that administers a public insurance, health, or retirement plan to conduct an
open meeting to deliberate:
(I) the medical records or psychiatric records of an individual applicant for a
benefit from the plan; or
(2) a matter that includes a consideration of information in the medical or
psychiatric records of an individual applicant for a benefit from the plan.
§ 551.079. Texas Department of Insurance
(a) The requirements of this chapter do not apply to a meeting of the commissioner
of insurance or the commissioner's designee with the board of directors of a
guaranty association established under Chapter 2602, Insurance Code, or
Article 21.28-C or 21.28-D, Insurance Code,475 in the discharge of the
commissioner's duties and responsibilities to regulate and maintain the
solvency of a person regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
(b) The commissioner of insurance may deliberate and determine the appropriate
action to be taken concerning the solvency of a person regulated by the Texas
Department oflnsurance in a closed meeting with persons in one or more of the
following categories:
(I) staff of the Texas Department oflnsurance;
(2) a regulated person;
(3) representatives of a regulated person; or
475 Now, repealed.
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(4) members of the board of directors of a guaranty association established
under Chapter 2602, Insurance Code, or Article 21.28-C or 21.28-D,
Insurance Code.
§ 551.080. Board of Pardons and Paroles
This chapter does not require the Board of Pardons and Paroles to conduct an open meeting
to interview or counsel an inmate of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
§ 551.081. Credit Union Commission
This chapter does not require the Credit Union Commission to conduct an open meeting to
deliberate a matter made confidential by law.
§ 551.0811. The Finance Commission of Texas
This chapter does not require The Finance Commission of Texas to conduct an open meeting to
deliberate a matter made confidential by law.
§ 551.082. School Children; School District Employees; Disciplinary Matter or Complaint
(a) This chapter does not require a school board to conduct an open meeting to
deliberate in a case:
(1) involving discipline of a public school child; or
(2) in which a complaint or charge is brought against an employee of the
school district by another employee and the complaint or charge directly
results in a need for a hearing.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply if an open hearing is requested in writing by a
parent or guardian of the child or by the employee against whom the complaint
or charge is brought.
§ 551.0821. School Board: Personally Identifiable Information about Public School Student
(a) This chapter does not require a school board to conduct an open meeting to
deliberate a matter regarding a public school student if personally identifiable
information about the student will necessarily be revealed by the deliberation.
(b) Directory information about a public school student is considered to be
personally identifiable information about the student for purposes of Subsection
(a) only if a parent or guardian of the student, or the student ifthe student has
attained 18 years of age, has informed the school board, the school district, or a
school in the school district that the directory information should not be released
without prior consent. In this subsection, "directory information" has the
meaning assigned by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of
1974 (20 U.S.C. Section 1232g), as amended.
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(c) Subsection (a) does not apply if an open meeting about the matter is requested
in writing by the parent or guardian of the student or by the student if the student
has attained 18 years of age.
§ 551.083. Certain School Boards; Closed Meeting Regarding Consultation With
Representative of Employee Group
This chapter does not require a school board operating under a consultation agreement authorized
by Section 13.901, Education Code,476 to conduct an open meeting to deliberate the standards,
guidelines, terms, or conditions the board will follow, or instruct its representatives to follow, in a
consultation with representative of an employee group.
§ 551.084. Investigation; Exclusion of Witness From Hearing
A governmental body that is investigating a matter may exclude a witness from a hearing
during the examination of another witness in the investigation.
§ 551.085. Governing Board of Certain Providers of Health Care Services
(a) This chapter does not require the governing board of a municipal hospital,
municipal hospital authority, county hospital, county hospital authority, hospital
district created under general or special law, or nonprofit health maintenance
organization created under Section 534.101 , Health and Safety Code, to conduct
an open meeting to deliberate:
(1) pricing or financial planning information relating to a bid or negotiation
for the arrangement or provision of services or product lines to another
person if disclosure of the information would give advantage to
competitors of the hospital, hospital district, or nonprofit health
maintenance organization; or
(2) information relating to a proposed new service or product line of the
hospital, hospital district, or nonprofit health maintenance organization
before publicly announcing the service or product line.
(b) The governing board of a health maintenance organization created under
Section 281.0515, Health and Safety Code, that is subject to this chapter is not
required to conduct an open meeting to deliberate information described by
Subsection (a).
§ 551.086. Certain Public Power Utilities; Competitive Matters
(a) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter to the contrary, the rules provided by
this section apply to competitive matters of a public power utility.
(b) In this section:
476 Now, repealed.
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(1) "Public power utility" means an entity providing electric or gas utility
services that is subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(2) "Public power utility governing body" means the board of trustees or
other applicable governing body, including a city council, of a public
power utility.
(c) This chapter does not require a public power utility governing body to conduct
an open meeting to deliberate, vote, or take final action on any competitive
matter, as that term is defined by Section 552.133. This section does not limit
the right of a public power utility governing body to hold a closed session under
any other exception provided for in this chapter.
( d) For purposes of Section 551.041 , the notice of the subject matter of an item that
may be considered as a competitive matter under this section is required to
contain no more than a general representation of the subject matter to be
considered, such that the competitive activity of the public power utility with
respect to the issue in question is not compromised or disclosed.
(e) With respect to municipally owned utilities subject to this section, this section
shall apply whether or not the municipally owned utility has adopted customer
choice or serves in a multiply certificated service area under the Utilities Code.
(f) Nothing in this section is intended to preclude the application of the
enforcement and remedies provisions of Subchapter G.
§ 551.087. Deliberation Regarding Economic Development Negotiations; Closed Meeting
This chapter does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting:
(1) to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the
governmental body has received from a business prospect that the governmental
body seeks to have locate, stay, or expand in or near the territory of the
governmental body and with which the governmental body is conducting
economic development negotiations; or
(2) to deliberate the offer of a financial or other incentive to business prospect
described by Subdivision (1).
§ 551.088. Deliberations Regarding Test Item
This chapter does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting to deliberate a test
item or information related to a test item if the governmental body believes that the test item may
be included in a test the governmental body administers to individuals who seek to obtain or renew
a license or certificate that is necessary to engage in an activity.
§ 551.089. Department of Information Resources
This chapter does not require the governing board of the Department of Information Resources to
conduct an open meeting to deliberate:
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( 1) security assessments or deployments relating to information resources
technology;
(2) network security information as described by Section 2059.055(b); or
(3) the deployment, or specific occasions for implementation, of security
personnel, critical infrastructure, or security devices.
§ 551.090. Enforcement Committee Appointed by Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
This chapter does not require an enforcement committee appointed by the Texas State Board of
Public Accountancy to conduct an open meeting to investigate and deliberate a disciplinary action
under Subchapter K, Chapter 901 , Occupations Code, relating to the enforcement of Chapter 901
or the rules of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
SUBCHAPTER E. PROCEDURES RELATING TO CLOSED MEETING
§ 551.101. Requirement to First Convene in Open Meeting
If a closed meeting is allowed under this chapter, a governmental body may not conduct the closed
meeting unless a quorum of the governmental body first convenes in an open meeting for which
notice has been given as provided by this chapter and during which the presiding officer publicly:
(1) announces that a closed meeting will be held; and
(2) identifies the section or sections of this chapter under which the closed meeting
is held.
§ 551.102. Requirement to Vote or Take Final Action in Open Meeting
A final action, decision, or vote on a matter deliberated in a closed meeting under this chapter may
only be made in an open meeting that is held in compliance with the notice provisions of this
chapter.
§ 551.103. Certified Agenda or Recording Required
(a) A governmental body shall either keep a certified agenda or make a recording
of the proceedings of each closed meeting, except for a private consultation
permitted under Section 551.071.
(b) The presiding officer shall certify that an agenda kept under Subsection (a) is a
true and correct record of the proceedings.
(c) The certified agenda must include:
(1) a statement of the subject matter of each deliberation;
(2) a record of any further action taken; and
(3) an announcement by the presiding officer at the beginning and the end
of the meeting indicating the date and time.
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(d) A recording made under Subsection (a) must include announcements by the
presiding officer at the beginning and the end of the meeting indicating the date
and time.
§ 551.104. Certified Agenda or Recording; Preservation; Disclosure
(a) A governmental body shall preserve the certified agenda or recording of a
closed meeting for at least two years after the date of the meeting. If an action
involving the meeting is brought within that period, the governmental body
shall preserve the certified agenda or recording while the action is pending.
(b) In litigation in a district court involving an alleged violation of this chapter, the
court:
(I) is entitled to make an in camera inspection of the certified agenda or
recording;
(2) may admit all or part of the certified agenda or recording as evidence,
on entry of a final judgment; and
(3) may grant legal or equitable relief it considers appropriate, including an
order that the governmental body make available to the public the
certified agenda or recording of any part of a meeting that was required
to be open under this chapter.
(c) The certified agenda or recording of a closed meeting is available for public
inspection and copying only under a court order issued under Subsection (b )(3).
SUBCHAPTER F. MEETINGS USING TELEPHONE, VIDEOCONFERENCE, OR
INTERNET
§ 551.121. Governing Board of Institution of Higher Education; Board for Lease of
University Lands; Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: Special Meeting for
Immediate Action
(a) In this section, "governing board," "institution of higher education,'' and
"university system" have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education
Code.
(b) This chapter does not prohibit the governing board of an institution of higher
education, the Board for Lease of University Lands, or the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board from holding an open or closed meeting by
telephone conference call.
(c) A meeting held by telephone conference call authorized by this section may be
held only if:
(1) the meeting is a special called meeting and immediate action is required;
and
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(2) the convening at one location of a quorum of the governing board, the
Board for Lease of University Lands, or the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board, as applicable, is difficult or impossible.
(d) The telephone conference call meeting is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings.
(e) The notice of a telephone conference call meeting of a governing board must
specify as the location of the meeting the location where meetings of the
governing board are usually held. For a meeting of the governing board of a
university system, the notice must specify as the location of the meeting the
board's conference room at the university system office. For a meeting of the
Board for Lease of University Lands, the notice must specify as the location of
the meeting a suitable conference or meeting room at The University of Texas
System office. For a meeting of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating
Board, the notice must specify as the location of the meeting a suitable
conference or meeting room at the offices of the Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board or at an institution of higher education.
(f) Each part of the telephone conference call meeting that is required to be open
to the public must be:
(1) audible to the public at the location specified in the notice of the meeting
as the location of the meeting;
(2) broadcast over the Internet in the manner prescribed by Section
551.128; and
(3) recorded and made available to the public in an online archive located
on the Internet website of the entity holding the meeting.
§ 551.122. Governing Board of Junior College District: Quorum Present at One Location
(a) This chapter does not prohibit the governing board of a junior college district
from holding an open or closed meeting by telephone conference call.
(b) A meeting held by telephone conference call authorized by this section may be
held only if a quorum of the governing board is physically present at the
location where meetings of the board are usually held.
( c) The telephone conference call meeting is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings.
(d) Each part of the telephone conference call meeting that is required to be open
to the public shall be audible to the public at the location where the quorum is
present and shall be recorded. The recording shall be made available to the
public.
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(e) The location of the meeting shall provide two-way communication during the
entire telephone conference cal l meeting, and the identification of each party to
the telephone conference shall be clearly stated before the party speaks.
(f) The authority provided by this section is in addition to the authority provided
by Section 551.121.
(g) A member of a governing board of a junior college district who participates in
a board meeting by telephone conference call but is not physically present a the
location of the meeting is considered to be absent from the meeting for purposes
of Section 130.0845, Education Code.
§ 551.123. Texas Board of Criminal Justice
(a) The Texas Board of Criminal Justice may hold an open or closed emergency
meeting by telephone conference call.
(b) The portion of the telephone conference call meeting that is open shall be
recorded. The recording shall be made available to be heard by the public at
one or more places designated by the board.
§ 551.124. Board of Pardons and Paroles
At the call of the presiding officer of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the board may hold a
hearing on clemency matters by telephone conference call.
§ 551.125. Other Governmental Body
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this subchapter, this chapter does not prohibit
a governmental body from holding an open or closed meeting by telephone
conference call.
(b) A meeting held by telephone conference call may be held only if:
(I) an emergency or public necessity exists within the meaning of Section
551.045 of this chapter; and
(2) the convening at one location of a quorum of the governmental body is
difficult or impossible; or
(3) the meeting is held by an advisory board.
(c) The telephone conference call meeting is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings.
(d) The notice of the telephone conference call meeting must specify as the location
of the meeting the location where meetings of the governmental body are
usually held.
(e) Each part of the telephone conference call meeting that is required to be open
to the public shall be audible to the public at the location specified in the notice
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of the meeting as the location of the meeting and shall be recorded. The
recording shall be made available to the public.
(f) The location designated in the notice as the location of the meeting shall provide
two-way communication during the entire telephone conference call meeting
and the identification of each party to the telephone conference call shall be
clearly stated prior to speaking.
§ 551.126. Higher Education Coordinating Board
(a) In this section, "board" means the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
(b) The board may hold an open meeting by telephone conference call or video
conference call in order to consider a higher education impact statement if the
preparation of a higher education impact statement by the board is to be
provided under the rules of either the house of representatives or the senate.
(c) A meeting held by telephone conference call must comply with the procedures
described in Section 5 51.125.
(d) A meeting held by video conference call is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings. In addition, a meeting held by video conference
call shall:
(1) be visible and audible to the public at the location specified in the notice
of the meeting as the location of the meeting;
(2) be recorded by audio and video; and
(3) have two-way audio and video communications with each participant in
the meeting during the entire meeting.
§ 551.127. Videoconference Call
(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, this chapter does not prohibit a
governmental body from holding an open or closed meeting by videoconference
call.
(a-1) A member or employee of a governmental body may participate remotely in a
meeting of the governmental body by means of videoconference call if the
video and audio feed of the member's or employee's participation, as
applicable, is broadcast live at the meeting and complies with the provisions of
this section.
(a-2) A member of a governmental body who participates in a meeting as provided
by Subsection (a-1) shall be counted as present at the meeting for all purposes.
(b) A meeting may be held by videoconference call only if a quorum of the
governmental body is physically present at one location of the meeting, except
as provided by Subsection (c).
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(c) A meeting of a state governmental body or a governmental body that extends
into three or more counties may be held by videoconference call only if the
member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting is physically
present at one location of the meeting that is open to the public during the open
portions of the meeting.
(c) A meeting of a governmental body may be held by videoconference call only
if:
(I) the governmental body makes available to the public at least one
suitable physical space located in or within a reasonable distance of the
geographic jurisdiction, if any, of the governmental body that is
equipped with videoconference equipment that provides an audio and
video display, as well as a camera and microphone by which a member
of the public can provide testimony or otherwise actively participate in
the meeting.
(2) the member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting is
present at that physical space; and
(3) any member of the public present at that physical space is provided the
opportunity to participate in the meeting by means of a videoconference
call in the same manner as a person who is physically present at a
meeting of the governmental body that is not conducted by
videoconference call.
( d) A meeting held by videoconference call is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings in addition to the notice requirements prescribed
by this section.
(e) The notice of a meeting to be held by videoconference call must specify as a
location of the meeting the location where a quorum of the governmental body
will be physically present and specify the intent to have a quorum present at
that location, except that the notice of a meeting to be held by videoconference
call under Subsection (c) must specify as a location of the meeting the location
where the member of the governmental body presiding over the meeting will
be physically present and specify the intent to have the member of the
governmental body presiding over the meeting present at that location. The
location where the member of the governmental body presiding over the
meeting is physically present shall be open to the public during the open
portions of the meeting.
(e) The notice of a meeting to be held by videoconference call must specify as a
location of the meeting the location of the physical space described by
Subsection (c)(l).
(f) Each portion of a meeting held by videoconference call that is required to be
open to the public shall be visible and audible to the public at the location
specified under Subsection (e). If a problem occurs that causes a meeting to no
longer be visible and audible to the public at that location, the meeting must be
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recessed until the problem is resolved. If the problem is not resolved in six
hours or less, the meeting must be adjourned.
(g) The governmental body shall make at least an audio recording of the meeting.
The recording shall be made available to the public.
(h) The location specified under Subsection (e), and each remote location from
which a member of the governmental body participates, shall have two-way
communication with each other location during the entire meeting. The face of
each participant in the videoconference call, while that participant is speaking,
shall be clearly visible, and the voice audible, to each other participant and,
during the open portion of the meeting, to the members of the public in
attendance at a location of the meeting.
(h) The physical location specified under Subsection (e) shall have two-way audio
and video communication with each member who is participating by
videoconference call during the entire meeting. Each participant in the
videoconference call, while speaking, shall be clearly visible and audible to
each other participant and, during the open portion of the meeting, to the
members of the public in attendance at the physical location described by
Subsection ( e) and at any other location of the meeting that is open to the public.
(i) The Department of Information Resources by rule shall specify minimum
standards for audio and video signals at a meeting held by videoconference call.
The quality of the audio and video signals perceptible at each location of the
meeting must meet or exceed those standards.
U) The audio and video signals perceptible by members of the public at each
location of the meeting described by Subsection (h) must be of sufficient quality
so that members of the public at each location can observe the demeanor and
hear the voice of each participant in the open portion of the meeting.
(k) Without regard to whether a member of the governmental body is participating
in a meeting from a remote location by videoconference call, a governmental
body may allow a member of the public to testify at a meeting from a remote
location by videoconference call.
§ 551.128. Internet Broadcast of Open Meeting
(a) In this section, "Internet" means the largest nonproprietary cooperative public
computer network, popularly known as the Internet.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (b-1) and subject to the requirements of this
section, a governmental body may broadcast an open meeting over the Internet.
(b-1) A transit authority or department subject to Chapter 4,51 , 452, 453, or 460,
Transportation Code, an elected school district board of trustees for a school
district that has a student enrollment of 10,000 or more, an elected governing
body of a home-rule municipality that has a population of 50,000 or more, or a
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county commissioners court for a county that has a population of 125,000 or
more shall:
(1) make a video and audio recording of reasonable quality of each
regularly scheduled open meeting that is not a work session or a special
called meeting; and
(2) make available an archived copy of the video and audio recording of
each meeting described by Subdivision (1) on the Internet.
(b-2) A governmental body described by Subsection (b-1) may make available the
archived recording of a meeting required by Subsection (b-1) on an existing
Internet site, including a publicly accessible video-sharing or social networking
site. The governmental body is not required to establish a separate Internet site
and provide access to archived recordings of meetings from that site.
(b-3) A governmental body described by Subsection (b-1) that maintains an Internet
site shall make available on that site, in a conspicuous manner:
(1) the archived recording of each meeting to which Subsection (b-1)
applies; or
(2) an accessible link to the archived recording of each such meeting.
(b-4) A governmental body described by Subsection (b-1) shall:
(1) make the archived recording of each meeting to which Subsection (b-1)
applies available on the Internet not later than seven days after the date
the recording was made; and
(2) maintain the archived recording on the Internet for not less than two
years after the date the recording was first made available.
(b-5) A governmental body described by Subsection (b-1) is exempt from the
requirements of Subsections (b-2) and (b-4) if the governmental body's failure
to make the required recording of a meeting available is the result of a
catastrophe, as defined by Section 551.0411, or a technical breakdown.
Following a catastrophe or breakdown, a governmental body must make all
reasonable efforts to make the required recording available in a timely manner.
(b-6) A governmental body described by Subsection (b-1) may broadcast a regularly
scheduled open meeting of the body on television.
(c) Except as provided by Subsection (b-2), a governmental body that broadcasts a
meeting over the Internet shall establish an Internet site and provide access to
the broadcast from that site. The governmental body shall provide on the
Internet site the same notice of the meeting that the governmental body is
required to post under Subchapter C. The notice on the Internet must be posted
within the time required for posting notice under Subchapter C.
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§ 551.1281. Governing Board of General Academic Teaching Institution or University
System: Internet Posting of Meeting Materials and Broadcast of Open Meeting
(a) In this section, "general academic teaching institution" and "university system"
have the meanings assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
(b) The governing board of a general academic teaching institution or of a
university system that includes one or more component general academic
teaching institutions, for any regularly scheduled meeting of the governing
board for which notice is required under this chapter, shall:
(1) post as early as practicable in advance of the meeting on the Internet
website of the institution or university system, as applicable, any written
agenda and related supplemental written materials provided to the
governing board members in advance of the meeting by the institution
or system for the members' use during the meeting;
(2) broadcast the meeting, other than the portions of the meeting closed to
the public as authorized by law, over the Internet in the manner
prescribed by Section 551 .128; and
(3) record the broadcast and make the recording publicly available in an
online archive located on the institution's or university system's Internet
website.
( c) Subsection (b )(1) does not apply to written materials that the general counsel or
other appropriate attorney for the institution or university system certifies are
confidential or may be withheld from public disclosure under Chapter 552.
(d) The governing board of a general academic teaching institution or of a
university system is not required to comply with the requirements of this section
ifthat compliance is not possible because of an act of God, force majeure, or a
similar cause not reasonably within the governing board 's control.
§ 551.1282. Governing Board of Junior College District: Internet Posting of Meeting
Materials and Broadcast of Open Meeting
(a) This section applies only to the governing board of a junior college district with
a total student enrollment of more than 20,000 in any semester of the preceding
academic year.
(b) A governing board to which this section applies, for any regularly scheduled
meeting of the governing board for which notice is required under this chapter,
shall:
(1) post as early as practicable in advance of the meeting on the Internet
website of the district any written agenda and related supplemental
written materials provided by the district to the board members for the
members' use during the meeting;
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(2) broadcast the meeting, other than any portions of the meeting closed to
the public as authorized by law, over the Internet in the manner
prescribed by Section 551.128; and
(3) record the broadcast and make that recording publically available in an
online archive located on the district's Internet website.
( c) Subsection (b )(1) does not apply to written materials that the general counsel or
other appropriate attorney for the district certifies are confidential or may be
withheld from public disclosure under Chapter 552.
(d) The governing board of a junior college district is not required to comply with
the requirements of this section if that compliance is not possible because of an
act of God, force majeure, or a similar cause not reasonably within the
governing board's control.
§ 551.129. Consultations Between Governmental Body and Its Attorney
(a) A governmental body may use a telephone conference call, video conference
call, or communications over the Internet to conduct a public consultation with
its attorney in an open meeting of the governmental body or a private
consultation with its attorney in a closed meeting of the governmental body.
(b) Each part of the public consultation by a governmental body with it attorney
in an open meeting of the governmental body under Subsection (a) must be
audible to the public at the location specified in the notice of the meeting as
the location of the meeting.
(c) Subsection (a) does not:
(1) authorize the members of a governmental body to conduct a meeting of
the governmental body by telephone conference call, video conference
call, or communications over the Internet; or
(2) create an exception to the application of this subchapter.
(d) Subsection (a) does not apply to a consultation with an attorney who is an
employee of the governmental body.
(e) For purposes of Subsection (d), an attorney who receives compensation for
legal services performed, from which employment taxes are deducted by the
governmental body, is an employee of the governmental body.
(f) Subsection (d) does not apply to:
(1) the governing board of an institution of higher education as defined by
Section 61 .003, Education Code; or
(2) the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
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§ 551.130. Board of Trustees of Teacher Retirement System of Texas: Quorum Present at One
Location
(a) In this section, "board" means the board of trustees of the Teacher Retirement
System of Texas.
(b) This chapter does not prohibit the board or a board committee from holding an
open or closed meeting by telephone conference call.
(c) The board or a board committee may hold a meeting by telephone conference
call only if a quorum of the app licable board or board committee is physically
present at one location of the meeting,
(d) A telephone conference call meeting is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings. The notice must also specify:
(1) the location of the meeting where a quorum of the board or board
committee, as applicable, will be physically present; and
(2) the intent to have a quorum present at that location.
(e) The location where a quorum is physically present must be open to the public
during the open portions of a telephone conference call meeting. The open
portions of the meeting must be audible to the public at the location where the
quorum is present and be recorded at that location. The recording shall be made
available to the public.
(f) The location of the meeting shall provide two-way communication during the
entire telephone conference call meeting, and the identification of each party to
the telephone conference call must be clearly stated before the party speaks.
(g) The authority provided by this section is in addition to the authority provided
by Section 551. I 25.
(h) A member of the board who participates in a board or board committee meeting
by telephone conference call but is not physically present at the location of the
meeting is not considered to be absent from the meeting for any purpose. The
vote of a member of the board who participates in a board or board committee
meeting by telephone conference call is counted for the purpose of determining
the number of votes cast on a motion or other proposition before the board or
board committee.
(i) A member of the board may participate remotely by telephone conference call
instead of by being physically present at the location of a board meeting for not
more than one board meeting per calendar year. A board member who
participates remotely in any portion of a board meeting by telephone conference
call is considered to have participated in the entire board meeting by telephone
conference call. For purposes of the limit provided by this subsection, remote
participation by telephone conference call in a meeting of a board committee
does not count as remote participation by telephone conference call in a meeting
of the board, even if:
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(1) a quorum of the full board attends the board committee meeting; or
(2) notice of the board committee meeting is also posted as notice ofa board
meeting.
U) A person who is not a member of the board may speak at the meeting from a
remote location by telephone conference call.
§ 551.131. Water Districts
(a) In this section, "water district" means a river authority, groundwater
conservation district, water control and improvement district, or other di strict
created under Section 52, Article III, or Section 59, Article XVI, Texas
Constitution.
(b) This section applies only to a water district whose territory includes land in
three or more counties.
(c) A meeting held by telephone conference call or video conference call authorized
by this section may be held only if:
(1) the meeting is a special called meeting and immediate action is required;
and
(2) the convening at one location of a quorum of the governing body of the
applicable water district is difficult or impossible.
(d) A meeting held by telephone conference call must otherwise comply with the
procedures under Sections 551.125(c), (d), (e), and (f).
(e) A meeting held by video conference call is subject to the notice requirements
applicable to other meetings. In addition, a meeting held by video conference
call shall:
(I) be visible and audible to the public at the location specified in the notice
of the meeting as the location of the meeting;
(2) be recorded by audio and video; and
(3) have two-way audio and video communications with each participant in
the meeting during the entire meeting.
SUBCHAPTER G. ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES; CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS
§ 551.141. Action Voidable
An action taken by a governmental body in violation of this chapter is voidable.
§ 551.142. Mandamus; Injunction
(a) An interested person, including a member of the news media, may bring an
action by mandamus or injunction to stop, prevent, or reverse a violation or
threatened violation of this chapter by members of a governmental body.
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(b) The court may assess costs of I itigation and reasonable attorney fees incurred
by a plaintiff or defendant who substantially prevails in an action under
Subsection (a). In exercising its discretion, the court shall consider whether the
action was brought in good faith and whether the conduct of the governmental
body had a reasonable basis in law.
§ 551.143. Conspiracy to Circumvent Chapter; Offense; Penalty
(a) A member or group of members of a governmental body commits an offense if
the member or group of members knowingly conspires to circumvent this
chapter by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret
deliberations in violation of this chapter.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by:
( 1) a fine of not less than $I 00 or more than $500;
(2) confinement in the county jail for not less than one month or more than
six months; or
(3) both the fine and confinement.
§ 551.144. Closed Meeting; Offense; Penalty
(a) A member of a governmental body commits an offense if a closed meeting is
not permitted under this chapter and the member knowingly:
(1) calls or aids in calling or organizing the closed meeting, whether it is a
special or called closed meeting;
(2) closes or aids in closing the meeting to the public, if it is a regular
meeting; or
(3) participates in the closed meeting, whether it is a regular, special, or
called meeting.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a misdemeanor punishable by:
(1) a fine of not less than $100 or more than $500;
(2) confinement in the county jail for not less than one month or more than
six months; or
(3) both the fine and confinement.
( c) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) that the member
of the governmental body acted in reasonable reliance on a court order or a
written interpretation of this chapter contained in an opinion of a court of
record, the attorney general, or the attorney for the governmental body.
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§ 551.145. Closed Meeting Without Certified Agenda or Recording; Offense; Penalty
(a) A member of a governmental body commits an offense if the member
participates in a closed meeting of the governmental body knowing that a
certified agenda of the closed meeting is not being kept or that a recording of
the closed meeting is not being made.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor.
§ 551.146. Disclosure of Certified Agenda or Recording of Closed Meeting; Offense; Penalty;
Civil Liability
(a) An individual, corporation, or partnership that without lawful authority
knowingly discloses to a member of the public the certified agenda or recording
of a meeting that was lawfully closed to the public under this chapter:
(I) commits an offense; and
(2) is liable to a person injured or damaged by the disclosure for:
(A) actual damages, including damages for personal injury or damage,
lost wages, defamation, or mental or other emotional distress;
(B) reasonable attorney fees and court costs; and
(C) at the discretion of the trier of fact, exemplary damages.
(b) An offense under Subsection (a)(!) is a Class B misdemeanor.
( c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(l) and an affirmative defense
to a civil action under Subsection (a)(2) that:
( 1) the defendant had good reason to believe the disclosure was lawful; or
(2) the disclosure was the result of a mistake of fact concerning the nature
or content of the certified agenda or recording.
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PUBLIC OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES § 172.002
§ 171.007. Common Law l?reempted; Cumulative
of Municipal Provisions
(a) This chaptei· preempts the common Jaw of con~
flict of interests as applied to local public offidais.
(b) This chapter is cumulative of municipal chartei·
provisions and municipal ordinances defining and pro-
hibiting conflicts of interests.
Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 40(a), eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
§ 171.008. Renumbered as § 171.006 by Acts 1989,
. 71st Leg., ch. 1, § 40(a), eff. Aug. 28,
1989
§ 171.009. Service orr Board of Corporation for No
Compensation
It shall be lawful for a local public official to serve
as a member of the boa.rd of di.rectors of private,
nonprofit corporations when such officials receive no
compensation or other remuneration from the non-
wofit corporation or other nonprofit entity.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 475, § 2, eff. Aug. 28,
1989.
§ 171.010. Practice of Law
(a) For purposes of this chapter, a county judge or
county commissioner engaged in the private practice
of law has a substantial interest in a business entity if
the official has. entered a court appearance or signed
court pleadings in a matter relating to that business
entity.
(b) A county judge or county commissioner that1
has a substantial interest in a business entity as
described by Subsection (a) must comply with this
chapter.
(c) A judge of a constitutional county court may not
enter a cowt appearance 01~ sign cowt pleadings as an
attorney in any matter before:·
(1) the cowt over which the judge presides; or
(2) any cowt in this state over which the judge's
cow-t exercises appellate jurisdiction.
(d) Upon compliance with this chapter, a county
judge or commissioner may practice Jaw in the comts
located in the county where the county judge or
commissioner serves.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, § 21, eff. Sept. 1,
2003; Acts 20-03, 78th Leg., ch. 1206, § 3, eff. June 20, 2003.
1 As added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 227, § 21, eff. Sept. 1, 2003,
the text reads, "county commissioner who .. .''.
387
·CHAPTER 172. TEXAS POLITICAL
SUBDIVISIONS UNIFORM GROUP
BENJ!;FITS PROGRAM
Section
· 172.001. S.h.ort Title.
172.002. Purpose.
172.003. Definitions.
172.004. Benefits Contract.
172.005. Risk Pool.
172.006. Supervision and' Administration of Pool.
172.007. T1ustee Training.
172.008. Excess Loss Coverage and Reinsurance.
172.009. Investments .
172.010. Audits.
172,011. Insolvency.
172.012. Limitation of Risk Pools.
172.013. Payment.ofContributions and Premiums.
172.014. Application of Certain Laws.
172.015. Subrogation; Adequate Recovery.
172.016. Status of Affiliated Service Contractors.
§ 172.001. Short Title
This chapter may be cited as th.e Texas Political
Subdivision Employees Uniform G!·oup Benefits Act.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 1067, § 1, eff. Sept. 1,
1989.
§ 172.002. Porpose
The purpose of this .chapter is to:
(1) provide uniformity in benefits including acci-
dent, health, dental, and long-term disability cover-
age to employees of political subdivisions;
(2) enable the political subdivisions to attract and
retain competent and able employees by providing
them with accident and health benefits coverages at
least equal to those commonly provided in private
industry;
(3) foster, promote; and encourage employment
by and . service to political subdivisions' as a career
profession for persons of high standards of compe-
tence and ability;
(4) recognize and protect the political subdivi-
sions' investment in each permanent employee by
promoting and preserving economic security and
good .health among those employees;
(5) foster and develop high standards of employ-
er-employee relationships between each political
subdivision and its emplpye~s;
(6) recognize the service to political subdivisions
by elected officials and· employees of affiliated ser-
vice contractors by extending to them the same
LAND USE & RELATED ACTIVITIES § 212.018
(C) the amendment_ does not increase the number
of lots; and
(D) the amendment does not create or require
the creation of a new street" or make necessary the
extension of municipal facilities.
(b) Notice, a hearing, and th~ approval of other lot
owners are not required for the app!·oval and issuance
of an amending plat:
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. l, 1987. Amend-
ed by Acts 1989, 7lst Leg., ch. 1, § 46(b), eff. Aug. 28, 1989;
Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 92, § 2, eff. Aug. 28, 1995.
§ 212.017. Conflict of Interest; Penalty
(a) In this section, "subdivided tract" means a tract
of land, as a whole, that is subdivided. The term does
not mean an individual lot in a subdivided tract of
land.
(b) A person has a substantial interest in a subdi-
vided tract if the person:
(1) has an equitable or legal ownership interest in
the tract ·with a fair market value of $2,500 or more;
(2) acts as a developer of the tract;
(3) owns 10 percent or more of the voting stock
or shares of or owns either 10 percent or more or
$5,000 or more of the fair market value of a busi-
ness entity that:
(A) has an equitable or legal ownership interest
in the tract with a fair market value of $2,600 or
more; or
(B) acts as a developer of the tract; or
(4) receives in a calendar year funds from a
business entity described by Subdivision (3) that
exceed 10 percent of the person's gross income for
the previous year.
( c) A person also is considered to have a substantial
interest.in a subdivided fract if the person is related in
the fu-st degree by consanguihity or affinity, as deter-
mined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to an-
other person who, under Subsection (b), has a sub-
stantial interest in the tract.
(d) If a member of the municipal l1.Uthority respon-
sible for approving plats has a substantial interest in a
subdivided tract, the member shall file, before a voie
or ·decision regarding the approval of a plat for the
tract, an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the
interest and shall abstain from further participation in
the matter. The affidavit must be filed with the
municipal secretary or clerk.
463
(e) A member of the municipal authority responsi-
ble for approving plats commits an offe:nse if the
member violates Subsection (d). An offense under
this subsection is a Class A misdemeanor.
(f) The fmding by a court of a violation of this
section does · not render voidable an action of the
municipal authority responsib.113 .for approving plats
unles,s ~the measme would not h~ve pa!)sed the munici-
pal .authority without the VQ_te of the member who
violated this section.
Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 149, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1987. Amend-
ed by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1, 1989;
Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ·ch. 561, § 38, eff. Aug. 26, 1991; Acts
1995, 74.th Leg., ch. 76, § 5.95(27), eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
§ 212.0176. Enforcement in Certain Counties;
Penalty
(a) The attorney general may take any action nec-
essary to enforce a requirement imposed by or under
Section 212,0105 or 212.0106 or to ensure that water
and sewer service facilities a.re constructed or install-
ed to service a subdivision in compliance with the
model rules adopted· under Section 16.343, Water
Code.
(b) A person who violates Section 212.0105 or
212.0106 or fails to timely provide for the construction
or installation of water or sewer service facilities that
the person described on the plat or on the document
attached to the plat, as required by Section 212.0105,
is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $500 nor
more than $1,000 plus court costs and attorney's fees.
(c) An owner of a tract of land commits an offense
if the owner knowingly or intentionally viofates a
requirement imposed py or under Section 212.0105 or
212.0106 or fails to timely provide for the construction
or installation of water or sewer service facilities that
the person described on a plat or on a document
attached to a plat, as required by Section 212.0105.
An offense under this subsection is a Class B misde-
meanor.
(d) A reference in this section to an "owner of a
tract of land" does not include the owner of an individ-
ual lot in a subdivided tract of land.
Added by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 624, § 3.01, eff. Sept. 1,
1989.
§ 212.018. Enforcement in General
(a) At the request of the governing body of the
municipality, the municipal attorney or any other at-