Richardson City Council Meeting May 19th, 2025

OPENING

All councilmembers are present as well as City Manager (CM) Don Magner and City Secretary Aimee Nemer. Councilman Shamsul is not seated at the start of the meeting.

Notably, this is Mayor Omar’s first full meeting that he will oversee. Councilman Corcoran leads a Christian prayer and the pledges.

Minutes of previous meetings are approved unanimously with only six councilmembers being counted as present for this item.

CM Magner acknowledges written comments submitted by Cathy Murphree, Patricia Griffin, and Deb Boopsingh regarding the process for electing the mayor pro tem. CM Magner also acknowledges an email sent by Nick Zogakis regarding ZF 25-04 (Amazon Drone Delivery). Six speakers are also present. The first is Patricia Griffin. She thanks Council for their service and reminds them of their significant role. She encourages Council to discuss their mayor pro tem selection openly, not in executive session. The second speaker is Paul Nichols. He also encourages Council to select the mayor pro tem openly rather than convening an executive session. Ginny Laughlin is the third speaker. She also asks for the mayor pro tem selection to take place in open session.

Councilman Shamsul appears to arrive at the meeting during the public speaking portion of the meeting. Sec. Nemer states that she has three additional cards “in support of Items 6 & 7.” The names of these commenters are unfortunately not read aloud. (I’m also unsure of what it means to be “in support” of these items which are not public hearing items. The public comment form shouldn’t allow for a simple ‘support’ or ‘oppose’ option for non-public hearing items. Perhaps these commenters support the mayor pro tem being selected in open session, but that is not clear to me.)

Mayor Omar asks if anyone else wishes to speak. Sandy Hanne indicates that she would like to speak. She also supports the mayor pro tem selection taking place in open session. Kellye McGarry is the fifth speaker. She compliments the city’s policy on welcoming public engagement at meetings. She also asks for the city to make data-backed decisions. Judith Reiter is the sixth and final speaker. She asks for transparency in the selection of the mayor pro tem by discussing and deciding the selection in open session.

Next is a continuance of ZF 25-04. This is the Amazon drone delivery case. Council unanimously continues this hearing until June 9^th. The agenda packet states that this item is being continued to allow more time for neighborhood engagement.

MAYOR PRO TEM SELECTION PROCESS

The only discussion item this evening is on the process for Council electing a mayor pro tem. CM Magner presents. He states that Council will work together in this discussion to confirm the role and qualifications of the mayor pro tem. Council will also consider the election process and procedure for the mayor pro tem selection. CM Magner clarifies that he is making no official recommendation. He is facilitating a Council discussion.

CM Magner explains the charter sections related to the mayor pro tem selection. Sec. 3.03 of the city charter states that the mayor pro tem shall perform the duties of mayor in case of the absence of the mayor. The mayor pro tem is elected by Council. The mayor pro tem may be removed as mayor pro tem at any time by a vote of two-thirds of the total membership of Council. CM Magner provides examples of duties the mayor pro tem may be asked to perform, including presiding over meetings, representing the city on ceremonial occasions, and speaking on behalf of the Council at functions. Council confirms that this is their expectation for the role of the mayor pro tem.

CM Magner now asks Council to discuss the qualifications that a mayor pro tem should possess. He provides examples such as knowledge of meeting procedures, understanding of local and regional sensitivities, effective communication skills, and the ability to fill in for the mayor with little notice.

Councilwoman Justice states that the examples CM Magner gives encompass the qualifications that should be considered for a qualified mayor pro tem. Mayor Omar suggests that the mayor pro tem should be aligned with the mayor on issues to be able to speak on the mayor’s behalf. Councilman Corcoran replies that the mayor pro tem should not have to align with the mayor’s view on issues. This is why Council elects the mayor pro tem, rather than just the mayor selecting someone for the role. Councilwoman Justice agrees that the mayor pro tem should not have to be aligned with the mayor on issues. The mayor pro tem represents the city, not the mayor. Councilman Barrios also agrees that the mayor pro tem shouldn’t have to align with the mayor’s views on issues. Councilman Hutchenrider reminds Council that they will conduct their goals session to determine what the policy stances of Council are, but he hears what Mayor Omar is saying. Councilman Shamsul apologizes for his late arrival and explains that his flight was delayed. He states that the mayor pro tem role is not that of a “vice-mayor”. The mayor pro tem does not stand up for the mayor’s policies in the mayor’s absence. They represent the city, not the mayor.

Mayor Omar clarifies that he hopes that a mayor pro tem would still prioritize conducting meetings in a transparent way. He does not necessarily envision a mayor pro tem aligning with him on every issue. He asks if Council sees any of these proposed qualifications as mattering more than others. Councilman Barrios agrees with Mayor Omar’s clarification that a mayor pro tem should be aligned on procedures for running a meeting. Councilman Dorian states that the four examples do constitute all the qualifications a mayor pro tem should have.

Mayor Omar asks if experience should also be considered. Councilman Dorian agrees that experience should be considered. Councilman Barrios also agrees. He does not think that each example needs a specific weight. He also does not see these examples as the only qualifications that should matter.

CM Magner now asks Council to consider the process for declaring interest in serving as mayor pro tem. Councilman Shamsul states that the process two years ago was to allow councilmembers to declare their interest in serving as mayor pro tem and make a statement. Councilman Barrios confirms that this is true. Council asked questions of candidates and final statements were also permitted. Councilman Shamsul is fine with the order of speeches happening organically. Councilwoman Justice thinks speeches should be limited to three minutes. The rest of Council agrees. Council is fine with questions being asked of candidates. Councilman Corcoran is fine with allowing a final statement. Councilwoman Justice suggests a one-minute final statement. Councilman Barrios wants to ensure all candidates have ample time to make their case.

CM Magner now clarifies that the motion, second, and vote to elect a mayor pro tem must all be done in public. Discussion regarding candidates may occur in either public or executive session according to Sec. 551.074 of the Texas Government Code. Council must now decide if this discussion will take place in public or executive session.

Mayor Omar reminds Council that they unanimously adopted Rules of Engagement that state that Council will interact with each other respectfully, professionally, and efficiently. Mayor Omar hopes that this discussion can happen respectfully, professionally, and efficiently. Councilwoman Justice is in favor of holding the discussion publicly. She cautions that doing it this way may result in true feelings not being shared. Councilman Barrios is against holding the discussion publicly. He states that the last mayor pro tem selection discussion resulted in many things being said that were difficult to hear. However, he saw this as the biggest bonding experience of the term for that Council. He states that he is for transparency, but he wants the candor that comes with discussing this in executive session.

Councilman Dorian also prefers to have the discussion in executive session since private things are discussed that he doesn’t want to be aired. He does support councilmembers explaining the reason for their choice after coming out of executive session. Councilman Hutchenrider considers the mayor pro tem selection to be a personnel matter. He thinks this should have the same considerations as an interview for employees such as a superintendent, police chief, fire chief, etc. He thinks this type of interview should be done in private. He also likes the idea of councilmembers explaining their vote after the executive session. He also wants this discussion to take place in executive session. Mayor Omar reminds Council that being an elected official is a public role. Elected officials go through a very public interview process when they run their political campaigns.

Councilman Shamsul states that, if we want the mayor pro tem to involve the public, we should consider allowing voters to choose who will be mayor pro tem. He also agrees that this is like a job interview that involves personal questions being discussed. He also wants to hold this discussion in executive session. Councilman Corcoran supports holding the discussion in public. He notes that last term’s mayor pro tem selection was the most emotionally draining meeting of the entire term. He also notes that, if the public expects to be a fly on the wall for some kind of public back and forth banter, it’s just not likely to ever happen that way. If the discussion is held publicly, councilmembers will air less opinions and keep more thoughts to themselves. He thinks this would lead to less transparency but is willing to try it if that’s what the public desires.

Mayor Omar notes that convening into executive session does allow councilmembers to speak candidly and have potential back and forth banter. However, holding the same discussion in public requires councilmembers to maintain a higher level of professionalism in their discussion. Mayor Omar’s desire is to ensure that tonight’s discussion doesn’t become this term’s “most emotionally draining meeting”. Councilman Barrios reiterates that holding the discussion publicly will, in his opinion, give a false sense of increased transparency. He also notes that the upcoming charter review presentation will allow the opportunity to consider changes to the way the mayor pro tem is selected. He would support a decision that the public wants to make. Where things are now, he still prefers to hold the discussion in executive session. Councilwoman Justice likes the suggestion to allow councilmembers to explain their vote after executive session. She also wants to offer a middle ground suggestion. She suggests allowing those who want to be considered to identify themselves and make their opening statement in public and then convening into executive session to do any question and answer period. Councilman Corcoran supports this suggestion.

Mayor Omar states that he would like to hear what the rest of Council thinks about this suggestion, but he also states that he is willing to hear a motion. Without any further comments from the rest of Council, Councilman Hutchenrider moves to hold the entire discussion in executive session. Councilman Barrios seconds the motion. Mayor Omar calls for a vote. (I do wish opportunity for further discussion would’ve been vocalized before taking this vote. Council only had a few seconds to mull over Councilwoman Justice’s suggestion.) The motion passes 4-3 with Councilwoman Justice, Councilman Corcoran, and Mayor Omar opposed.

MAYOR PRO TEM SELECTED

Council then convenes into executive session to deliberate the mayor pro tem selection. One hour and 17 minutes later, Council reconvenes into open session to take action. Mayor Omar calls for a motion. Councilman Corcoran moves to elect Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem for the 2025-27 Council term. Councilman Barrios seconds the motion. This time, Mayor Omar is reminded by Councilwoman Justice to allow for discussion before calling for a vote. Mayor Omar asks if any further discussion is desired.

Councilwoman Justice expresses her support for Councilman Hutchenrider being elected mayor pro tem because of his tenure on Council. She also expresses her disappointment that Council’s commitment to diversity was not advanced tonight. Councilman Shamsul thanks Council for the opportunity to serve as mayor pro tem for the last two years. He supports Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem because of his tenure and ability to run a business meeting.

Councilman Barrios makes it known that he asked to be considered for the mayor pro tem role. He supports Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem because of his honesty, intelligence, and ability to speak. Councilman Corcoran notes how difficult this decision was. He reveals that he was leaning towards supporting Councilwoman Justice for the mayor pro tem role due to her ability to run meetings if things get contentious. He is also proud to cast his vote for Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem due to his ability to represent the city well. Councilman Dorian also acknowledges that this was a difficult decision. He acknowledges that Councilwoman Justice possesses many qualifications that would make a great mayor pro tem. He ultimately chose to support Councilman Hutchenrider due to his seniority and the leadership roles that he holds.

Councilman Shamsul hopes to see a Black woman as mayor in the future. He encourages the next Council to select someone different as the next mayor pro tem in 2027. Mayor Omar expresses that he is proud of the way this Council navigated this process. He is also supporting Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem. He then calls for the vote. Council unanimously votes to elect Councilman Hutchenrider as mayor pro tem. Council then convenes into another executive session to consult with the city attorney regarding the duties, responsibilities, and ethics requirements for Council. The footage ends there.

(I appreciate the improvements to this process, even if the full transparency that speakers desired wasn’t completely achieved. Some of the councilmembers conveyed that eliminating the question-and-answer period, which is sometimes contentious, results in less transparency. To my knowledge, the public has only ever seen the final decision and nothing else. While eliminating this potentially contentious part of the process may result in councilmembers not hearing everything that other councilmembers may think, I don’t equate that with “less transparency” for the public. In fact, I’m fine with this part of the process being eliminated. I for one do not wish to be a fly on the wall for any type of discussion that has the potential to devolve into personal opinions about other councilmembers being expressed publicly.

I also really liked Councilwoman Justice’s suggestion to meet in the middle and hold everything except for the potentially emotional portions of the process in public. I also like the suggestion from Councilman Shamsul and Councilman Barrios to allow the public to vote for the mayor pro tem. I hope to include this suggestion in my remarks to Council at the June 2^nd joint meeting with the Charter Review Commission. Regardless, I respect the decisions Council made tonight. Choosing the councilmember with the most tenure is not unreasonable. I don’t interpret this as a desire to not be transparent. I interpret this as a desire to understand what councilmembers think of each other while being careful to avoid any harmful public effects. I acknowledge that I desire something different than the four councilmembers who voted to convene into executive session.)