Lago Vista EDAC votes to forward revised Type B economic development bylaws to City Council

The Lago Vista Economic Development Advisory Committee voted on May 24 to forward a recommended set of Type B economic development corporation bylaws to the City Council for consideration.

Committee Chair Justin Lautz summarized the draft bylaws and said the group had circulated revised language and explanatory notes. The discussion focused on how many council members should serve on a Type B economic development board and how to handle conflicts of interest when a council member serves on both the board and City Council.

"If there is a conflict of interest of any kind, city council members will have to recuse themselves in some of those motions that are put forth by the EDC," a committee member summarized during debate. Members exchanged views about whether a blanket rule that council members do not vote at council on items originating from the EDC would be appropriate; others said existing charter and state conflict rules already require recusal where personal gain exists.

After discussion, a motion "to move forward" with sending the bylaws and recommendations to City Council was made and seconded. Committee members called the question; the meeting record shows members voiced assent. The committee chair said he will convey the committee's concerns about potential conflicts when presenting the bylaws to City Council.

The committee did not amend the draft bylaws at the meeting; members agreed to include the conflict‑recusal concern in the presentation to council.