Farmers Branch council moves previously closed agenda item into public discussion, agrees to seek conflict-resolution help

Farmers Branch — Councilmembers at a June 11 special meeting moved a scheduled executive-session consultation on council-member interactions into open session, viewed video footage tied to a pending ethics complaint and directed staff to recommend outside conflict-resolution assistance.

The meeting began with two public commenters. Rick Johnson accused unnamed officials of hypocrisy and called for an outside investigation and new legal counsel, saying, “This place has turned into a joke.” Al Mahesh urged the council to “rise above personalities” and focus on results for residents.

Council members then voted to discuss the item publicly. The City Attorney cautioned that legal advice delivered in public would be limited by the lack of attorney‑client privilege, but said council could proceed with a public discussion.

Several council members described patterns of poor communication and public airing of disagreements. One council member representing District 1 said they had repeatedly been left off email chains about issues in their district and asked that the video of a recent altercation be shown to establish the facts. Councilwoman Bennett said personal attacks and name-calling must stop, noting she has been the target of insults and rumors, and defended staff briefings and asking questions of the city manager as part of oversight. Councilmember Reed urged members to “be civil” and avoid social‑media escalation.

Councilwoman Via Frankfranka said she could not comment fully because of a pending police investigation and litigation; she asked for fairness and cautioned against treating social posts as definitive evidence.

Mayor Lynn proposed bringing in a professional to help the council improve communications and suggested leadership or conflict‑resolution training; several members recommended a facilitator focused specifically on conflict resolution. Staff — including the city manager and city attorney — agreed to prepare recommendations for providers and a proposed approach for council consideration.

A point of order was raised about playing the video while an ethics complaint is pending. The City Attorney said the recording is public information and, while it could be shown as part of a member’s presentation subject to council procedure, showing it would not necessarily impair the council’s ability to adjudicate the forthcoming ethics matter. The council took a straw poll, and staff played the video in open session.

The meeting ended with repeated calls from members to cease airing disputes publicly, to treat one another respectfully, and to focus on serving residents. The mayor said staff would return with options for an outside facilitator; the council adjourned at 5:49 p.m.

What’s next: Staff will prepare recommendations for conflict-resolution or mediation providers for the council to consider at a future meeting; the ethics complaint remains pending.