DeSoto building board elects chair and vice chair; attorney gives quasi‑judicial training

Lashonda Burnett was elected chair of the City of DeSoto Building and Standards Commission on Nov. 13, 2025, and Commissioner Darden was elected vice chair by a show of hands at the regularly posted meeting.

The commission then received a procedural training from Assistant City Attorney Smith on the group’s quasi‑judicial role. Smith told commissioners the board operates similarly to a court for substandard‑structure hearings, outlining evidence presentation, sworn testimony, findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the process for issuing orders, liens, and assessing civil penalties under Chapter 54 of the Texas Local Government Code and the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).

Smith emphasized open‑meetings rules and prohibited “walking quorums,” advising members not to deliberate outside a properly noticed meeting and to recuse themselves when they have a substantial interest. He summarized the thresholds for substantial interest: 10% ownership or $15,000 in fair market value for business interests, and $2,500 or more for real‑property interests.

The training also covered practical hearing mechanics: staff presents evidence and draft orders, interested parties may present evidence and be questioned under oath, the commission deliberates, and the chair signs final orders. Smith said appeals of commission orders go to district court and must be filed within 30 days.

The session concluded with administration confirming staff will support the new chair in reading orders and that commissioners should avoid disallowed communications about official business.