The details
The item, introduced by Mayor Duke Coon and Mayor Pro Tem Howard Wood, would have appointed five citizens—one selected by each council member—to assist the city’s charter attorney in reviewing potential amendments to Conroe’s governing document.
However, no council member offered a second to Wood’s motion, ending the proposal.
Several council members voiced support for continued public input but opposed forming a select citizen committee.
“Open this up to every registered voter in the city of Conroe. That's the committee,” council member Marsha Porter said. “Not somebody that somebody's picked, open it up to every registered voter in the city of Conroe.”
Council members said the most urgent charter topic is clarifying the city’s quorum rules.
“I want that resolved,” council member Harry Hardman said. “It’s not the AG’s job; it’s our citizens’ job to decide what we constitute it should look like.”
While the proposal failed, many agreed that more citizen feedback is needed. Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska said a form for citizen comment would be available online through the week following the second town hall July 28, with final recommendations expected before council votes to set the ballot.
How we got here
The city held its first charter town hall July 17, where residents raised concerns, including council structure, pay, term limits and bond issues.
The city hired a charter attorney to gather input and recommend updates before a November election.
What’s next
The second charter town hall will take place at 6 p.m. July 28. Residents can submit comments online, directly to council members or to the city’s attorney, Mikeska said.
Staff said recommendations will return to council for final approval before the November ballot.