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Balch Springs council votes to remove Jessica McGee from two advisory boards after public debate
Summary
After public comments and debate, the Balch Springs City Council voted 4–2 to remove Jessica McGee from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Flood and Drainage Committee.
The Balch Springs City Council voted 4–2 Monday to remove Jessica McGee from the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Flood and Drainage Committee.
Council members voted after public comment and a period of debate during the regular meeting at City Hall. Council member Whitley moved to remove McGee; Council member Hill seconded. The motion carried with Hill, Garcia, Whitley and Mayor Pro Tem Miles voting yes; Council members Gabriel and Salal voting no.
The removal followed several members of the public speaking in McGee’s defense during the public-comment period. Jess Bridal, who said she serves on the Parks and Recreation Board and the Flood and Drainage Committee, urged the council not to “remove dedicated volunteers for asking hard questions,” saying civic participation should welcome differing viewpoints. David Stone and Justin Roberts also spoke against the proposed removal, calling for documented legal justification before taking action.
Council members who supported removal described online harassment and bullying directed at council members and volunteers as a factor. During debate, Council member Whitley said she was not opposing free speech but opposed “bullying” and harassment, and she referred to documentation she said substantiated that behavior. Council member Hill said the council has authority under the city charter to remove and appoint volunteers and that action was warranted based on material council members had seen.
Council member Salal asked that future matters of this type be discussed in executive session before a public vote, citing concerns about precedent and recruitment to boards. City legal staff clarified during the meeting that advisory board members do not fall under the personnel exception for executive session; only legal advice could be discussed in closed session on this topic.
The council’s action followed initial procedural motions earlier in the meeting to pull the consent agenda item relating to McGee for separate discussion. That earlier effort to move the item off the consent agenda failed, and the item was later considered and voted on as an individual agenda item.
The council did not announce a replacement for McGee at the meeting.
