Haslet council removes HCEDC board member after heated executive-session allegations

The Haslet City Council voted unanimously Aug. 4 to remove Frank Gatto from his place on the Haslet Community and Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) board, following a lengthy public hearing that included allegations of absenteeism, inappropriate language and potential executive-session misconduct.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Morrow introduced the matter and said the request to consider removal was referred by HCEDC board members. Morrow cited three concerns: what he described as "excessive absences" (six meetings missed in 11 over a year), a June 4 meeting allegation of profanity and an allegation that Gatto tried to influence other board members after an executive session — an allegation the mayor pro tem tied to possible Texas Open Meetings Act implications.

During an extended response, board member Frank Gatto defended his service, described his public-service background as an assistant U.S. attorney and U.S. Navy reservist and disputed the accusations. "I have never done anything inappropriate," Gatto told council. He said he had told the mayor about an allegation he heard in executive session because the accusation was against the mayor and, Gatto said, it needed to be raised.

Members of the HCEDC and members of the public spoke for and against him. HCEDC Vice President Patricia Parker described Gatto as "an asset" to the board and argued other board leaders had acted improperly. Parker criticized the board president and recounted board tensions, including what she called an incident when the president shoved the mayor. Several public commenters asked the council to investigate broader board conduct before removing a member.

Council discussed whether Gatto had violated executive-session confidentiality by reporting an allegation to the mayor. City Attorney Jeremy Page said whether an executive-session violation occurred depends on facts and requires review; he recommended any formal ethics or legal determination be handled by outside counsel if the council sought a definitive legal finding. Page also explained that HCEDC is a separate corporation under bylaws but noted the council has oversight authority and can review books and records.

After public comment and council discussion, a councilmember moved to remove Frank Gatto from his HCEDC board seat. The motion was seconded and the council voted in favor; the chair then called a five-minute recess.

Why it matters: The removal of a volunteer economic-development board member after public allegations and competing testimony about board conduct touches open-meetings rules, board governance and public trust in an agency that stewards economic development assets.

What comes next: The council removed Gatto from the HCEDC board; council did not announce follow-up legal action but staff and the city attorney noted that formal ethics or Open Meetings Act inquiries would require separate investigation and potentially outside counsel.