Benbrook council holds closed session on social media policy, asks staff to review for possible revisions

The Benbrook City Council recessed into a closed executive session April 3 to consult with the city attorney about pending or contemplated litigation concerning the city’s social media policy, citing Texas Government Code Chapter 551.

Mayor Jason Ward opened the executive session, saying, "I, Jason Ward, declare that the Benbrook City Council will now hold a closed executive session pursuant to the provisions of the open meeting law contained in chapter 551, Texas Government Code in accordance with authority contained in section 551.071, consultation with city attorney regarding pending or contemplated litigation of the city's social media policy." The council recessed into the executive chambers and the public was invited to return when the session concluded.

After reconvening in open session at about 7:34 p.m., Mayor Ward said, "There's no council action that needs to be taken tonight, but council has requested that staff review our social or the city's social media for some possible revisions that we would look at at a later date in a meeting." No formal motion or vote on policy changes was recorded, and no ordinance or resolution was adopted during open session.

Executive sessions under Tex. Gov't Code ch. 551 are not open to the public; the council's statement identifies the legal basis for the closed meeting as consultation with counsel on litigation-related matters. The council's direction to city staff was for a policy review only; the transcript records that any specific revisions would be considered at a future meeting.