Pearland council approves 7-member Charter Review Commission after heated debate; amendment to remove chamber president fails

Pearland City Council on Monday approved a recommended seven-member slate to serve on the city's Charter Review Commission, voting 4-3 to forward the group to the charter review process that must occur every six years.

The commission will review the city charter and may recommend changes that would then require council approval to place proposed amendments on a public ballot. The council approved the slate after roughly 90 minutes of discussion about applicant qualifications, geographic representation and potential conflicts of interest.

Mayor (presenter) and the two former mayor pro tems who served on the citizen-selection subcommittee described a process that solicited 12 applicants and aimed for a balance of experience, geographic coverage and diversity. The recommended slate includes two applicants with prior charter-review experience who also currently serve on the Pearland Economic Development Corporation, as well as candidates representing business, education and neighborhood interests.

Council Member Patel and Council Member Cade challenged the slate, saying the committee overlooked some more experienced applicants and that appointing the chamber's president risked a perceived conflict because of the chamber's contracts with city-related entities. Council Member Patel proposed removing Jim Johnson, president and CEO of the chamber, from the slate; that amendment was moved and seconded but failed on a 5-2 vote. The main motion to approve the full recommended slate then passed 4-3 (Yes: Cozza, Byram, Toobin, Mayor Pro Tem Bohn; No: Tevania, Cade, Patel).

Council members and the presenter said the commission will meet for roughly six months and produce recommendations that the council may or may not place before voters. Staff and council emphasized that any final change to the charter would require a public vote; the commission itself only makes recommendations.

The council-recorded discussion identified several specifics about the selection: 12 applicants applied, the subcommittee sought geographic balance and two of the recommended members previously served on the charter review commission and currently serve on the EDC. The slate includes at least one resident living west of State Highway 288. The subcommittee noted applicants representing the business community, higher education and neighborhood leadership among those recommended.

The council did not make changes to the slate after the failed amendment and closed the item after the vote.

Members and staff said the commission's work is expected to conclude in time for any council actions and public hearings needed before a potential May 2026 ballot, and that the legislature's actions during the year could also affect items the commission considers.

Two separate votes tied to the item were recorded: a failed amendment to remove a nominated member (failed 5-2) and final approval of the slate (passed 4-3).