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Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify city agenda making processes.
Round Rock officials are weighing the repeal of a city ordinance allowing citizens to request items to be added to future agendas.
In a nutshell
The Round Rock City Council will consider a measure to repeal a section of a city ordinance allowing residents to request items be added to a future council agenda June 11.
City staff said the proposed change to Chapter 2, Article II, Section 2-26(b)(5), Code of Ordinances (2018 Edition), City of Round Rock, Texas would not impact citizens' ability to address council if approved. Citizens would still be able to address council about subjects on the agenda as well as unrelated items during the citizen communication section of meetings for up to three minutes, per the proposal.
What they're saying
Former City Attorney Steve Sheets said he is unfamiliar with any other city governments in the state that allow citizens to unilaterally request an item on the agenda. In his comments regarding the item, Sheets highlighted that the city had included in its policies the right of residents to address council in 1977, 41 years before the state required cities to provide citizens the right to speak in public meetings in 2019.
"During my 45 years as city attorney, that provision that allows a citizen to place an item on the council agenda was never utilized," Sheets said. "Also, I'm aware of no other city in Texas that allows the public to place items on the council's agenda. In my opinion, this provision should be repealed."
Sheets officially retired in 2022, but his firm, Sheets & Crossfield, remains the city's law firm. Stephanie L. Sandre, of the same law firm, was hired as city attorney when he retired.
The details
City staff clarified that the ordinance allowing residents to request future agenda items has been utilized three times since its adoption, all within the last six months. Should the proposed amendments pass, it would take a minimum of two council members to request an agenda item.
What's next?
Council will consider the matter during its June 11 meeting, held at Round Rock City Hall, 221 E. Main St., Round Rock.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Additional information about council meeting procedures and public comment is available at www.roundrocktexas.gov/city-about-round-rock/city-council/.
