Meeting Regulations

Closed / Executive Sessions
Closed / Executive sessions may be called by the Mayor or by 2 or more council members for any purpose specifically authorized by state law. Any subject matter deliberated in the closed / executive session will be voted upon once the City Council reconvenes into the public session of the meeting. The closed / executive session is recorded by a certified agenda, which will be signed by the Mayor for retention purposes.

Special Meetings
Special meetings of council are called by the City Secretary upon request of the Mayor, City Manager, or three council members. Special meetings are held and notice is given in accordance with state law.

Council Meetings
State law prescribes several specific requirements for council meetings:

• Any question before the council be decided by majority vote of the members present and voting, except where the law requires more than a simple majority
• A quorum, 4 of the council, must be present for the transaction of business
• The City Council shall hold at least 1 meeting each month pursuant to section 3.09 of the Home-Rule Charter. The council shall conduct its regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month
• Every meeting of the City Council must be conducted in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551 of the Government Code. As part of this law, written notice of the date, hour, and location of every council meeting, together with an agenda specifically describing all of the items to be considered, must be posted 72 hours in advance of such meeting on a bulletin board in City Hall accessible to the public day and night. The Open Meetings Act provides a few exceptions, including emergency or urgent public necessity and executive / closed session purposes
• The Mayor always presides, if present