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Resident accuses council members of participating in closed-door "walking quorum" meetings
Summary
Resident Kenneth Winkels Jr. alleged council members held private lunches that amounted to a "walking quorum" in possible violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act and said invitations excluded female members, calling the practice "misogynistic."
Kenneth Winkels Jr. used the public-comment period at the Aug. 28 Pecos City Council meeting to accuse some council members of participating in private lunches and meetings that he characterized as a "walking quorum" potentially in violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Winkels described a walking quorum as a series of private communications among members of a governmental body that collectively constitute a quorum and allow deliberation outside a public meeting. He said the private meetings at a local country club had, over the last two years, invited only male council members and excluded female council members and the mayor; he said that raised concerns about misogyny and about decisions being discussed outside public view when those topics later appear on the council agenda.
Winkels urged council to stop private meetings about items likely to appear on future agendas and to ensure that deliberations on public business occur in public sessions in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
Council did not take immediate formal action on the allegation during the meeting; the comment was entered into the public record.
