Lakeway staff to roll out council message board under Texas law; public posts viewable, not interactive

The city secretary outlined a forthcoming Lakeway City Council message board designed to let council members exchange written, public communications while avoiding walking‑quorum violations under Texas law.

City Secretary Desiree (unnamed in transcript) explained that Texas Government Code section 551.006 allows written electronic communications among members of a governmental body to avoid being treated as a “meeting” if (1) the writing is posted to an online message board viewable by the public, (2) the communication displays in real time, and (3) the post remains visible for at least 30 days. The system must be the city’s single, prominently displayed message board and may not allow public comments, likes, or replies from citizens.

The secretary said the city will place the board one click from the home page and retain postings for six years for public‑records purposes. The platform can be configured to allow council members to authorize staff to post on their behalf; some cities permit staff posts, others limit posting to elected officials. Lago Vista and San Marcos examples were shown. The secretary said invitations and instructions will be issued to council members in the coming weeks.

Council asked whether the board can generate notices when new posts are added; staff said the platform as configured may not push notifications and members should check the board periodically. The board is not intended for taking votes or formal action; the statute prohibits construing board posts as council action.

The city secretary also reminded council that posts will be public information subject to public‑records requests and that if council members receive public‑business communications on private devices they should forward them to the city for retention. No formal council vote was taken; staff will proceed with the rollout and provide invites and guidance to council members.