No reasoning for Cobb’s departure was provided in the city’s official release. A special meeting will be held Jan. 7 to discuss options regarding vacant positions.
In his words
When reached for comment, Cobb explained that his reason for resigning was directly related to the city’s lawsuit against Velocis, developers of the West Austin Business Park.
“My resignation is about the current litigation,” Cobb said. “It is my sincere hope that the city prevails in that litigation, but I do not believe that they will, and I believe that the City Council has acted in an unethical manner.”
Cobb cited “backroom meetings” and disagreed with the city filing a lawsuit prior to holding an open meeting.
When reached for comment regarding Cobb’s claims, the city of Bee Cave issued a statement saying that its priority was to protect residents using all legal means available to uphold that responsibility.
“Based on state law and the city charter, the city is confident it has not violated the Open Meetings Act and that the necessary authority was in place for the city attorney to seek a temporary restraining order [against the West Austin Business Park] on Aug. 14, 2024,” the city said in their statement.
Pointing to recent court hearings, the city stated that the lawsuit has the backing of the City Council and public at large.
Also of note
Cobb was recently isolated from all conversations surrounding the business park, per a motion made by City Council during a special meeting held Nov. 4.
The decision was made to ensure the city’s legal team could operate effectively on behalf of the city, Bee Cave Communications Director Crystal Cotti said.
Cobb told Community Impact that he believed the decision was made in reaction to a private conversation held between himself and a representative for Velocis. That conversation took place prior to Cobb’s knowledge of the lawsuit and did not involve discussion of legal strategy, Cobb said.
What else?
Cobb's resignation came just four days after his fellow council member Courtney Hohl announced her resignation Dec. 13. Hohl's reasoning, however, related to personal matters rather than a disagreement with the city, according to a city news release.
Bee Cave’s city charter allows the council to fill vacancies lasting more than one month until the next election. The next election in Bee Cave will take place in May.
