Residents praise and criticize departing Katy council member Dan Smith during public comment

Residents used the Dec. 15 Katy special session public-comment period to offer both criticism and praise of council member Dan Smith, who the transcript shows is leaving his seat.

Michael Payne (5823 Green Meadows Lane) criticized Smith’s record and behavior, saying Smith has a "mixed reputation" and citing what Payne described as tone-deaf remarks on animal control. Payne attributed to Smith the phrases "world class organization" and "as it stands today, I am very comfortable if my pet escaped," and accused Smith of attempting "a blatant power grab on our sacred Katy Charter by completely bypassing the commission." Payne concluded by congratulating Smith on his service and urging recruitment of future candidates.

In response from the public podium, Sean Dolan (6303 Alicia White) expressed respect for Smith’s service but sought clarity about how the city's "Meet with city administrator" kiosk is supposed to work, saying he had been told the administrator was unavailable when he used the kiosk twice and that his records request about availability remains unresolved. Justin Grama, identifying himself as a Ward A resident, praised Smith’s constituent responsiveness and recalled Smith asking, "what can I do for you? How can I help you?" and said his comments were personal rather than ceremonial.

The transcript records those public comments only; Dan Smith did not speak during the public-comment portion recorded in the transcript and no formal response from council members to the criticisms is included.

The council then moved to agenda business, including an ordinance calling a special election for the Ward A vacancy.