[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6364647,"mediaKeyId","2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84","parentId",2163131,"title","Mayor, city manager say council will consider committee term limits; ordinance change expected","audioSeconds",1116,"startMs",5484000,"endMs",6600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84&start=5484&end=6600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84/thumbnail_5484000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364647/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Mayor-city-manager-say-council-will-consider-committee-term-limits-ordinance-change-expected","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364647-fcf6036e95409c8b886842b5c9533764/orig.mp4?Expires=1773463758&Signature=XInhrbJj2ssfnjebLsJjXLoi5iFLHtNWlWI9Zi-LUSDsQZkzP-rGR9izIWOeaefac61Nm~UxOZSSsMguzLWL60W8xDk0nh3x3Zs-Bv9OoaF3xYoRAwq9jvdGxYVhSY3iCHMMTbwu9yKDDwh9~ZQNTC~ztTjB8OHmmgkBLsi~HiE4QsIXSPijtpbwBeIMAgDETxq3aqSKeWcFT-azFq1~Jt0PT33LD7h7R-R9mKhZroiUmqm4BpH9szTkEKqcthXLb9fBcu4-KwMgoA~vGXcdc4cU4R7HrQt7~WxhmhElpW~HMLIsb5DPqanJ5Xqdndh5nouhLnuj5Pmx7RZkQ8glbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Laredo, Texas","date","2025-01-29T20:21:27Z","article","Mayor Dr. Trevino and City Manager Joe Nebb told advisory members the City Council will review term limits for appointed board and commission members and that any change would come through council ordinance.

Maldonado had outlined existing rules, saying a committee member “cannot serve more than 8 years in 1 committee or 16 years cumulative of all appointments.” Mayor Dr. Trevino and Nebb said council members will debate potential changes at a council meeting scheduled for the following day.

Nebb said the council “actually has an item on the agenda tomorrow night, to talk about that and make that adjustment.” The mayor said any change would be presented to the public and would require council votes; Nebb added ordinance revisions take two readings and include a public hearing.

Why it matters: Term-limit changes would alter who is eligible for continued service on volunteer bodies, affect continuity on committees and could trigger reappointments or the need to fill vacancies.

Supporting details: Maldonado noted that appointees’ terms normally run concurrent with the appointing council member, that appointees filling vacancies serve the remainder of the term and that removal or replacement is at the will of the appointing official. Neither the mayor nor staff announced a final ordinance or vote outcome.

Ending: Council consideration was described as imminent; the city secretary said materials and any ordinance language will be routed through liaisons and posted according to regular agenda rules if the council advances a proposal.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Committees Orientation Mtg 012725","oneSentenceSummary","Mayor Dr. Trevino and City Manager Joe Nebb said Laredo City Council will discuss possible term-limit changes for advisory body members at an upcoming council meeting; no ordinance has yet been adopted.","taxTitle","Laredo, Webb County, Texas","taxId",2820,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364651,"City secretary outlines appointments, oath, attendance and agenda rules for Laredo committees",924,5376000,6300000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84&start=5376&end=6300","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84/thumbnail_5376000.jpg","/articles/6364651/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/City-secretary-outlines-appointments-oath-attendance-and-agenda-rules-for-Laredo-committees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364651-e28ced4240c353a6cd4b5636a0f95960/orig.mp4?Expires=1773463758&Signature=hlr1XDQM0OD2VunbnpZ48erQ-797VlR2EkVnp6yu61ZKzAuSdV9VeYFNalpZHLeJmo7PLXlCJ4DfX5uWRh716BqIFWIfeMZBTCEHIJaXSBlx3bGe59PrZBBv5gVT~uUKvW0TEdXnBOGI4zAbyVRKYy5Yog9CNo3dRr-pJXsr-rd-JBuNh41Fmn4d42O~CTg6LGOmtmbPABPub8-XklNLKMMXm8IvGcECryYtaZkoa9x9go9RWi1UjkB35PCpzgRnIh8C0Ce7WBiyFxkKct3g9WzpAbKW732NIQhTret-4AvpUgnkSxrib7n-ojRUGfbSuMFNK97iobZPjUAQlVdchw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Secretary Mario Maldonado walked committee members through administrative requirements for Laredo boards and commissions, including appointment, oath, term limits, attendance rules, and a standardized agenda workflow that the city will begin posting through Legistar.

Maldonado said nominees must be confirmed by majority vote of the mayor and council and that “members can only take vote or action after confirmation and oath of office.” He said many appointees have not yet taken the oath and staff will schedule swearing-in opportunities; the city plans to schedule a full day of swearing-ins on Feb. 5 to process outstanding confirmations.

Key rules Maldonado listed: appointees may not be city employees or hold elected office; a police background check is obtained; members who fail to attend four regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year forfeit the appointment; terms usually run concurrent with the appointing council member and may end when the appointing official leaves office.

Maldonado and staff said committees should meet at least monthly unless some other rule applies; quorums are a majority of membership and no action may be taken without a quorum. If a meeting lacks a quorum within 20 minutes of its posted start time, the chair should call the meeting to order to record the failed quorum; committees may receive reports or hear public testimony without taking votes.

On agendas and minutes, Maldonado said the city manager and city secretary’s office are standardizing committee agendas and will use Legistar for agenda production. Liaison officers should submit completed agendas for city secretary review five working days before a meeting; the city secretary will request any corrections by the next working day at noon and will post agendas at least 72 hours before meetings.

Why it matters: Administrative rules determine when committees can act, how nominations are finalized and how public notice is handled. Standardizing agendas and enforcing oath and attendance requirements affects the legal standing and operational continuity of advisory bodies.

Supporting details: Maldonado said chairs and vice chairs are normally chosen by committees and explained succession practices for presiding officers. He also reminded attendees that committees must prepare biannual reports of activities and accomplishments, and that the city secretary can require additional reporting to council.

Ending: Maldonado said the presentations and materials will be posted on the city website and gave the city secretary’s office phone number for follow-up questions.","City Secretary Mario Maldonado reviewed eligibility, oath-of-office, term limits, attendance requirements and a new standard agenda workflow using Legistar; staff will post presentations and work to swear in outstanding appointees.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364657,"City attorney outlines ethics, Robert’s Rules, open-meetings and records rules for Laredo volunteers",1114,3022000,4136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84&start=3022&end=4136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84/thumbnail_3022000.jpg","/articles/6364657/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/City-attorney-outlines-ethics-Roberts-Rules-open-meetings-and-records-rules-for-Laredo-volunteers","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364657-c5ad71601ec1e487fb0a44118776e11e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773463758&Signature=NPfw~F6CyZ8gGLIu9yiMUkPH0pTkU4MjfKxV18cYsh~cRPVZefLOoFrQ65V~LFoxdPVMcidJEuUs7QVOV0UPahHTDQ5kVwzMIbGiwljXKVvaj2dL7mxW~bASI70Vh6Ep0t7b7EuCs9AtWn~dHLj1VqAvjUq3Zgc0mPhkjhCH879bLo-fugg0ClxmFKAZNAye6PmUTehRPcQJlVh1MBrM6zaNy-VBZ8Rtqf1WnvhWEZbBs3gQ7j1kJY1s0IAGa4SkVxXRSeySO4lzpGZ3eUEp43kSyyyJCwrI0pFir1NSvlDWPw2pzu49ALy71IQIavJ-PxCnuft6HzPVOFzNTtTFHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","First Assistant City Attorney Joaquin Rodriguez led a legal session for Laredo advisory members covering ethics rules, meeting procedures under Robert’s Rules of Order, the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) and the Texas Public Information Act.

Rodriguez told members to avoid both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts, and to file disclosures or recuse when appropriate. “Recuse, recuse, recuse,” he said when advising members whose decisions could affect their economic interests.

On meeting conduct, Rodriguez described Robert’s Rules as a way to organize meetings so “the majority has the ability to make decisions, but also respecting the voice of the minority.” He emphasized that a quorum is required to take action, that only one motion is discussed at a time and that minutes are a record of what was done, not a transcript of everything said.

Rodriguez summarized TOMA requirements: agendas must state the date, place and subject and be posted at least 72 hours before a scheduled meeting. He said public comment must be allowed at every meeting and explained practical limits: a standard three-minute limit per speaker and, when comments are directly on an agenda item, the possibility of extending time by vote of committee members. He warned that violations of TOMA can render actions void and may carry criminal penalties; he cited fines of $100–$500 or confinement in county jail for one to six months for TOMA violations.

On public records, Rodriguez said the Texas Public Information Act generally makes governmental records disclosable. He noted that material held on personal devices can be discoverable if it pertains to official business and that the city maintains an open-records portal for requests.

Why it matters: Advisory members hear confidential and public information while advising city officials. Rodriguez’s presentation summarized legal duties that affect when a committee may act, how meetings must be posted and what records must be retained or released.

Supporting details: Rodriguez pointed to Texas Local Government Code section 556.004 when discussing limits on political activity by public officials and said the city’s ethics code contains gift, recusal and reporting provisions. He explained exceptions to open-meeting rules — executive session, emergencies and social gatherings — and warned against “walking quorums,” where serial contacts outside a posted meeting could amount to an unposted deliberation.

Ending: Rodriguez provided the city attorney’s main telephone number and encouraged members to call with ethics or open-government questions before meetings or when in doubt.","First Assistant City Attorney Joaquin Rodriguez told advisory members to avoid conflicts of interest, follow Texas Open Meetings Act requirements and noted public records and public comment rules, including penalties for violating TOMA.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364661,"Laredo city manager urges stronger use of citizen advisory boards, clarifies liaison roles",0,616000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84&start=616&end=616","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2163131-3302e7007bbbcd878c9e7b440850ff84/thumbnail_616000.jpg","/articles/6364661/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Laredo-city-manager-urges-stronger-use-of-citizen-advisory-boards-clarifies-liaison-roles","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364661-88c8c851f0392dfabdf8cccec239d481/orig.mp4?Expires=1773463758&Signature=WGWCz3OVnd74AQnym~3sYiT18C4g4zH0p6laCt9U1x-RhslLux5BBgQQp2IOPI-842jQYjdQILmysirtutPEH6HQbEml8lx2MBz98BWAFWwYrKmXAXYjioi6IKKQMx9JEcrrPD704H2pZS8O3T4H0LcJbohhzM7-oO-E0ucYqDyxp4WvbBcB5rgoZshRaHsxrxSF9YvJoJmwRbuTMnVTgMtxpQ9StOR0KXC4EEozQuNk7aVfh1RjcLPxw7cD0r91t-IKj1MCdZH-JtaIjiEz9QqUPwO8EHulhMGeDbbZO2lN-HUEuq3IM6FwCxwPbCl8EVuUaTka-5DymFAePADNdg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Joe Nebb opened a city-run training session for Laredo citizen board, commission and committee members, telling attendees the city wants to make better use of volunteer advisory groups and will provide more support to help those groups influence council decisions.

Nebb said the city has “approximately 400 citizens on all of our boards and commissions and committees,” and described the city manager’s office as a translator between elected leaders, staff and volunteers. He told attendees the city manager’s office and assistant city managers act as a single team for advisory groups and that department staff liaisons are the boards’ primary operational contacts.

Nebb said staff liaisons should “ensure compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act” and provide background and technical support but should not steer committee recommendations. He urged members to submit requests for information through their designated liaison, warned against bypassing established channels and asked that committees meet regularly so volunteers do not become discouraged by long gaps between actions.

Mayor Dr. Trevino, who also addressed the group, thanked volunteers for their service and said he is “proposing revamping the committee process by allowing them to be live streamed and incentivized people to participate in city government.”

Why it matters: Laredo’s advisory bodies are intended to feed community input and technical expertise into city policymaking. The city manager framed improved liaison support, clearer processes and more frequent meetings as ways to increase the influence and effectiveness of volunteer members.

Supporting details: Nebb reviewed the roles of elected official liaisons, saying those elected should “promote transparency” and share council priorities but not “influence your decisions.” He recommended committees focus on policy recommendations rather than day-to-day operations and asked members to present well-formulated, data-backed proposals to improve the chance of adoption.

The training included reminders that requests routed through liaisons generally move faster, that departmental responses will respect neutrality and that the city will help resolve problems if a liaison is not providing needed information. Nebb said the council’s directives carry greater weight than individual inquiries and encouraged advisory groups to coordinate requests before submitting them to staff.

Ending: Staff said training materials will be posted on the city secretary’s website. The city manager and mayor both said the council will continue to review committee structures and that any changes to terms, livestreaming or other procedures will be addressed through council actions.","City Manager Joe Nebb told roughly 400 volunteer board and commission members that the city will increase support, expects regular meetings and wants staff liaisons to remain neutral while providing timely information to advisory bodies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor, city manager say council will consider committee term limits; ordinance change expected

City secretary outlines appointments, oath, attendance and agenda rules for Laredo committees

City attorney outlines ethics, Robert’s Rules, open-meetings and records rules for Laredo volunteers

Laredo city manager urges stronger use of citizen advisory boards, clarifies liaison roles