texas city attorneys associationtexascityattorneys.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/...tcaa board of...

Board of Directors Meeting San Antonio

September 23, 2015

Texas City Attorneys Association

TCAA

Board of Directors

2014-2015

President Karen Kennard

City Attorney

P.O. Box 1088

Austin, TX 78767

512-974-2177 office

512-974-2894 fax

[email protected]

First Vice President Kathryn H. Davis

City Attorney

P.O. Box 1329

Killeen, TX 76540

254-501-7710 office

254-634-8399 fax

[email protected]

Second Vice President Karen Horner

First Assistant City Attorney

P.O. Box 424

Baytown, TX 77522

281-422-8281

281-420-6586

[email protected]

Recorder Dottie Palumbo

City Attorney

823 Rosenberg

P.O. Box 779

Galveston, TX 77553

[email protected]

g

Directors Sylvia Firth

City Attorney

2 Civic Center Plz 10th Fl

El Paso, Texas 79901-1153

915 541-4656 office

915 541-4760 fax

[email protected]

Paige Mims

City Attorney

P.O. Box 860358

Plano, TX 75086-0358

(972) 941-5235 office

(972) 424-0099 fax

[email protected]

Alan Bojorquez

Bojorquez Law Firm

12325 Hymeadow Drive

Austin, TX 78750

512-250-0411 office

512-250-0749 fax

[email protected]

m

Ron Stutes

Potter Minton

110 N. College

500 Plaza Tower

Tyler, TX 78702

903-597-8311 office

903-593-0846 fax

[email protected]

Kuruvilla Oommen

Deputy City Attorney

825 W. Irving Blvd

Irving, TX 75060

972-721-4825 office

972-721-2750 fax [email protected]

Past President Mary Kay Fischer

City Attorney

121 S. Velasco St.

Angleton, TX 77515-6023

979-849-4364 office

979-848-5609 direct

979-849-5561 fax

[email protected]

TML Board Representative Marcus Norris

City Attorney

P.O. Box 1971

Amarillo, TX 79105-1971

806-378-3563 office

806-378-3018 fax

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Agenda

TCAA Board of Directors

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center – San Antonio

Room 209 (Concourse Level)

4:00 p.m.

1. Consider the minutes from the June board meeting.

2. TCAA fall conference program and attendee list.

3. Seventeenth Annual Riley Fletcher Basic Municipal Law Seminar: Approve date (February 11-12 or 18-19, 2015) and speaker program.

4. TCAA budget update.

5. TCAA board applicant list and map.

6. 2017-2018 summer conference location.

7. Draft policy on reserves/dues increases.

8. Possible paralegal/legal assistant membership class.

9. “PIDs Summit” (Alan Bojorquez).

10. Set date and time for next TCAA board meeting to be held in Austin on one of the Riley Fletcher dates above, if possible.

11. Other business.

12. Adjourn.

TAB

1

Minutes

TCAA Board of Directors

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 – Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa – Bastrop

Board President Karen Kennard called the meeting to order at 4:20 p.m.

Board members present: Board members absent:

Karen Kennard Karen Horner

Sylvia Firth

Alan Bojorquez

Kathy Davis

Paige Mims

Dottie Palumbo

Ron Stutes

Marcus Norris

Mary Kay Fischer

Kuruvilla Oomen

TML staff present:

Scott Houston

Heather Mahurin

Lavern Gaines

Heather Ford

1. Consider the minutes from the January 23, 2015, board meeting.

Motion by Dottie Palumbo was made and seconded by Ron Stutes to approve the minutes

and the minutes were unanimously approved.

2. Sixteenth Annual Riley Fletcher Basic Municipal Law Seminar update and evaluations.

Staff updated the board on the seminar.

3. Authorize staff to prepare TCAA Fall Conference in San Antonio, scheduled for September 24, 2015.

Staff presented the proposed fall program to the board. The animal issues presentation will

be moved to next summer, and the board requested a presentation on domestic partner

benefits and the ramifications of the SCOTUS ruling generally. A motion was made by

Mary Kay Fischer and seconded by Kuruvilla Oommen to approve the program, and the

motion passed unanimously.

4. Adopt TCAA budget for fiscal year 2015-2016.

Staff reported on the current financial situation, which appeared excellent, and the described

the proposed 2015-2016 budget, including a proposed deficit. A motion was made by Sylvia

Firth and seconded by Mary Kay to adopt the budget and the motion was unanimously

approved.

5. Consider $10 dues increase for each membership class (to be submitted to membership at 2015 fall conference).

The board requested that, at the next meeting, a policy related to regular, future dues

increases (including perhaps higher dues for associate members) be brought forth by staff.

A motion was made by Paige Mims and seconded by Ron to submit the increase to the

membership at the fall meeting and the motion was unanimously approved.

6. Kathy Davis request to sponsor Government Lawyers Seminar reception..

A motion was made by Ron and seconded by Dottie to provide a $1,000 sponsorship and the

motion was unanimously approved.

7. Consider amending the TCAA Constitution to allow electronic voting by the board.

The board discussed the merits of doing so. A motion was made by Dottie and seconded by

Ron to submit the attached resolution to the membership to amend the constitution at the fall

meeting.

8. Consider moving annual January board meeting to the Friday afternoon of Riley Fletcher Municipal Law Seminar, which is typically held in February.

The consensus was that this would be a good idea. Coordination will be attempted at fall

meeting.

9. Adjourn.

The next TCAA Board meeting will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez

Convention Center in San Antonio on September 23, 2015.

A RESOLUTION

AMENDING THE TEXAS CITY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

AS IT RELATES TO TELEPHONIC AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BY THE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WHEREAS, the Texas City Attorneys Association (TCAA) Constitution provides for a board of

directors to govern the association; and

WHEREAS, those directors’ local duties sometimes necessitate conducting TCAA business through

telephonic and electronic communications; and

WHEREAS, the TCAA Constitution does not currently authorize such official communications;

and

WHEREAS, technology can be used to facilitate the good governance of the association by the

best-qualified directors; and

WHEREAS, the TCAA board of directors on June 17, 2015, unanimously approved the submission

to the membership of an amendment to the TCAA Constitution to authorize telephonic and

electronic communications by the board.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that:

1. Article IV. of the TCAA Constitution be amended by adding a new Section 6 to read as follows:

Section 6. Telephonic and Electronic Communication. Any and all Directors may

participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of conference

telephone, or by any other means of communication by which all Directors

participating in the meeting are able to hear each other at the same time.

Such participation shall constitute the presence in person by such Directors at

such meeting. A written record shall be made of all actions taken at any

meeting conducted by means of a conference telephone or other means of

communication. Directors may also meet and vote via electronic means such

as email so long as the identity of each Director is made clear in the means of

voting.

PASSED AND APPROVED by the TCAA membership this 24th

day of September, 2015, at San

Antonio, Texas.

APPROVED:

______________________________

Kathy Davis

ATTEST: President

__________________________________

Scott Houston

General Counsel

TAB

2

Special Thanks to Our SponsorsBickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, LLPBojorquez Law Firm, PLLC Boyle & Lowry, L.L.P.Bracewell & Giuliani LLP Brown & Hofmeister, L.L.P.Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza, P.C.Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde & Zech, P.C.Drayovitch, P.C.

Herrera & Boyle PLLCLaw Offices of Ryan Henry, P.L.L.C.Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLPLloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend, P.C.McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, P.C.McKamie Krueger, LLPMcKibben & Villareal, L.L.P.Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C.

Municipal Code CorporationNichols, Jackson, Dillard, Hager & Smith, L.L.P.Olson & Olson, L.L.P.Potter Minton, P.C. Russell & Rodriguez, L.L.P.Taylor, Olson, Adkins, Sralla & Elam, L.L.P.Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk PoolWolfe, Tidwell & McCoy, L.L.P.

4.75 Hours of MCLE Credit (including 1 ethics hour) • Thursday, September 24, 2015 • San Antonio

TEXAS CITY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION FALL CONFERENCE

— in conjunction with —

SAN ANTONIO 2015TEXAS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE 103RD ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION

SEPTEMBER 22–25, 2015

Texas City Attorneys Association1821 Rutherford Lane, Suite 400Austin, TX 78754

8:00 - 9:00 a.m. • Registration

9:00 - 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks: TCAA President Karen Kennard, City Attorney, Austin; Martha Sepeda, Interim City Attorney, San Antonio

9:15 - 9:45 a.m. ADA Update, Including Pregnancy: Vanessa Gonzales, Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, El Paso (.5 hr)

9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Environmental Audits – An Often Overlooked Tool for Cities: Brad Castleberry and Ashley Thomas, Lloyd Gosselink, Austin (.5 hr)

10:15 - 10:30 a.m. • Break

10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Recent State Cases of Interest to Cities: Laura Mueller, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Municipal League (.5 hr)

11:00 - 11:45a.m. Recent Federal Cases of Interest to Cities: Randy Montgomery, D. Randall Montgomery and Associates, Dallas (.75 hr)

Noon - 1:45 p.m. TML Delegates Luncheon and Presentation (Separate Ticketed Event) or Lunch on Your Own

2:00 - 2:15 p.m. Business Meeting: Proposed Membership Dues Increase, Constitutional Amendment, Election of TCAA Officers, and Passing of the Gavel

2:15 - 2:45 p.m. Can you fire an employee whose off-duty DWI charge results in a temporary suspension of driving privileges? Thomas Gwosdz, City Attorney, Victoria (.5 hr)

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Ethics: Val Perkins, Gardere, Houston (1 hr)

3:45 - 4:00 p.m. • Break

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. Domestic Partner Benefits and Navigating the Obergefell v. Hodges Ruling: Sheila Gladstone, Lloyd Gosselink, Austin (1 hr)

5:00 p.m. • Adjourn

TEXAS CITY ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION FALL CONFERENCETHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 • SAN ANTONIO

4.75 Hours of MCLE Credit (including 1 ethics hour)

For more information or to register: www.texasattorneysassociation.org

Full Name Company TitleAghamalian, Brandon Focused Advocacy, LLC Partner

Aguirre, Samuel City of San Marcos Assistant City Attorney

Akers, Patty Akers & Akers LLP Attorney

Anderson, Charles City of Irving City Attorney

Banks, Jameene Denton Navarro Rocha, Bernal, Hyde, &

Zech, P.C.

Attorney At Law

Benadum, Gerald City of Bishop City Attorney

Biediger, Lisa City of San Antonio Assistant City Attorney

Bojorquez, Alan Bojorquez Law Firm, PC Principal

Bovey, Cary City of Llano City Attorney

Bovey, Cary City of Brenham City Attorney

Brocato, Thomas Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

P.C.

Attorney

Brown, Byron Randle Law Office Ltd., LLP Associate Attorney

Cain, Randy Randy C. Cain, Attorney at Law Attorney at Law

Carr, Snapper Focused Advocacy, LLC Partner

Castleberry, Brad Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

P.C.

Principal

Casto, Larry City of Dallas Assistant City Attorney

Chesser, William City of Brownwood City Attorney

Collins, Ronald City of El Campo City Attorney

Cooper, Tyrone City of Beaumont City Attorney

Cosentino, Michael City of San Marcos City Attorney

Cover, Krista City of San Antonio Assistant City Attorney

Cullom, Jacqueline City of San Marcos Assistant City Attorney

Dang, Trisha City of Sugar Land Assistant City Attorney

Davis, Kathryn City of Killeen City Attorney

Day, Jason City of Royse City City Attorney

DeFoyd, Jim City of Jacinto City City Attorney

Drayovitch, Debra Adami City of Corinth City Attorney

Edwards, Kaye City of Big Spring City Attorney

Elza, Slater Underwood Law Firm, P.C. Attorney

Erkan, Habib Denton Navarro Rocha, Bernal, Hyde, &

Zech, P.C.

Attorney

Evans, Zachariah Akers & Akers LLP Attorney

Faulk, William Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, P.C. Attorney

Firth, Sylvia Borunda City of El Paso City Attorney

Fischer, Mary Kay City of Angleton City Attorney

Foerster, Larry City of Willis City Attorney

Fort, Julie Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C. Partner

Fox, Jim City of Deer Park City Attorney

Franco, Brie City of El Paso Assistant City Attorney

Fukuda, Paul City of Bridge City City Attorney

Gladstone, Sheila Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

P.C.

Principal

Gonzales, Vanessa Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta Attorney

Gonzalez, Paul Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, P.C. Attorney

Gonzalez, Vanessa Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP Partner

Goodman-Morris, Courtney City of Denison City Attorney

Goodson, Guy City of Vidor City Attorney

2015 TCAA Fall Conference Attendees

Green, Bruce City of Lufkin City Attorney

Guevara, Mike City of Burkburnett City Attorney

Gwosdz, Thomas City of Victoria City Attorney

Hamilton, David City of Reno City Attorney

Hampton, Janis City of Bryan City Attorney

Hart, Norbert City of San Antonio Deputy City Attorney

Hayes, Michael City of Kerrville City Attorney

Hayman, Eileen Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C. Associate Attorney

Hegglund, R. Kinley City of Wichita Falls City Attorney

Hengen, Elaine Bojorquez Law Firm, PC Senior Associate

Henry, Ryan Law Offices of Ryan Henry, PLLC Attorney

Hernandez, Elizabeth Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

P.C.

Attorney At Law

Hester, Chuck City of Canyon City Attorney

Hinojosa, Gilberto City of Port Isabel City Attorney

Horner, Karen City of Baytown Assistant City Attorney

Huffaker, W. Calloway City of Tahoka City Attorney

Huynh, Victoria City of Plano Deputy City Attorney

James, Theresa City of San Angelo City Attorney

Johnson, Betsy Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, P.C. Attorney

Kennard, Karen City of Austin City Attorney

King, Deanie City of Baytown Assistant City Attorney

Kirwin, Timothy Randle Law Office Ltd., LLP City Attorney

Krueger, William McKamie Krueger, LLP Partner

Kunau, Camila City of San Antonio Assistant City Attorney

Landeros, Kayla City of Temple City Attorney

Laughlin, Kevin City of Goldsmith City Attorney

LeCompte, J. P. City of Cedar Park City Attorney

Long, Larry City of Odessa City Attorney

Longley, Bill TML Legal Counsel

Madison, Chris City of Bryant, Arkansas Staff Attorney

Mance, Akilah Olson & Olson, L.L.P. Associate

McAtee, Amy City of Tulia Asst. City Attorney

McClure, Debbie City of Tahoka City Attorney

McDonald, Brenda Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C. Attorney

McGowan, Patricia City of Fredericksburg City Attorney

McKay, Bernadette City of San Antonio Deputy City Attorney

McNabb, Charlie Gordon Davis Johnson Shane Of Counsel

McRae-Juarez, Elizabeth City of San Antonio Assistant City Attorney

Messer, Andy Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C. Partner

Mickelson, Kimberley Olson & Olson, L.L.P. Of Counsel

Mims, Paige City of Plano City Attorney

Montgomery, Randy D. Randall Montgomery & Associates,

P.L.L.C

Partner

Mueller, Laura TML Assistant General Counsel

Nelson, Norman Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson,

LLP

Partner

Nichols, Christopher Randle Law Office Ltd., LLP City Attorney

Odefey, Anne Marie City of Port Lavaca City Attorney

Olson, David William Olson & Olson, L.L.P. Partner

Oommen, Kuruvilla City of Irving Deputy City Attorney

Orozco, Damian City of Alamo City Attorney

Ortego, Ellis City of Santa Fe City Attorney

Ortiz, Casandra Kassahn & Ortiz, P.C. Partner

Palumbo, Dorothy Bojorquez Law Firm, PC Of Counsel

Pendleton, Brady City of Glen Rose City Attorney

Perkins, Arthur Val City of El Lago City Attorney

Pertile, Arthur Olson & Olson, L.L.P. Partner

Polanco, Arnold City of Friendswood City Attorney

Powell, Mary Ann Olson & Olson, L.L.P. Attorney

Powell, Mike Locke Lord, LLP Partner

Prouty, Herbert Bojorquez Law Firm, PC Of Counsel

Pruitt, Todd Pattillo, Brown & Hill, L.L.P. Partner

Quittner, Andy City of Seguin City Attorney

Randle, J. Grady Randle Law Office Ltd., LLP City Attorney

Reinwand, Mack Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C. Attorney

Rodriguez, Clarissa Denton Navarro Rocha, Bernal, Hyde, &

Zech, P.C.

Associate Attorney

Rodriguez, Sylvia City of Pearsall City Attorney

Roy, Michelle City of El Campo Associate Judge

Seidlits, Curt Focused Advocacy, LLC Partner

Sepeda, Martha City of San Antonio Acting City Attorney

Shelby, Brandon City of Sherman City Attorney

Shepherd, James City of Parker City Attorney

Shirley, Drew Randle Law Office Ltd., LLP Associate

Simon Hayes, Leah Bojorquez Law Firm, PC Senior Associate

Sinclair, Larry City of Rusk City Attorney

Sjogren, Linda City of Waco Assistant City Attorney

Smith, Stanley City of Abilene Assistant City Attorney

Solis, Teris City of Arlington City Attorney

Spear Schmidt, Leslie City of Plainview City Attorney

Spugnardi, Janet City of Irving Sr. Asst City Attorney

Stool, Ben Town of Highland Park Assistant City Attorney

Stutes, Ronald City of Palestine City Attorney

Thomas, Ashley Lloyd Gosselink Rochelle & Townsend,

P.C.

Associate

Trevino, Lina City of Brownfield City Attorney

Villarreal, Michelle City of League City Deputy City Attorney

Weber, Christina City of Arlington Assistant City Attorney

Wetherbee, Diane Abernathy Roeder Boyd & Joplin P.C. Associate

White, Ashley Davidson Troilo Ream & Garza, P.C. Associate Attorney

Williamson, Jackie City of Gonzales City Attorney

Winberry, Marcus City of Conroe City Attorney

Wright, Jim City of Livingston City Attorney

Young, Bradley Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP Partner

Ysassi, Epimenio City of Odem City Attorney

Zech, Charles Denton Navarro Rocha, Bernal, Hyde, &

Zech, P.C.

Partner

TAB

3

The Seventeenth Annual Riley Fletcher Basic Municipal Law Seminar February 11-12 or 18-19, 2016

Two Ways to Attend:

Live at Texas Municipal Center, Austin or Live Videocast 8 Hours MCLE (Including .75 Ethics Hour)

Thursday, February ___, 2015

8:30 - 9:20 a.m. Registration

9:20 - 9:30 a.m. Moderator and Welcome Kathryn Davis, City Attorney, Killeen and TCAA President

9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Types of City Government (.25 hour) Heather Mahurin, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League

9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Open Meetings (.5 hours)

Scott Houston, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Texas Municipal League

10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Public Information Act (.5 hour)

Christy Drake-Adams, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League

10:45 - 11:00 a.m. Break

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Economic Development (.5 hour)

Bill Longley, Legal Counsel, Texas Municipal League

11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Municipal Budget and Tax Rate (.5 hour) Leela Fireside, Assistant City Attorney, Austin

12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Box Lunch – Ethics (.75 hour)

Thomas Gwosdz, City Attorney, Victoria

1:00 - 1:30 p.m. Municipal Finance (.5 hour) Kuruvilla Oommen, Deputy City Attorney, Irving

1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Purchasing (.5 hour) Jeff Moore, Brown and Hofmeister, Richardson

2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Land Use (.5 hour) Brad Young, Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, Austin

2:30 - 2:45 p.m. Break

2:45 - 3:15 p.m. Annexation (.5 hour) Scott Houston, Deputy Executive Director and General Counsel, Texas Municipal League

3:15 - 3:45 p.m. Municipal Court (.5 hour)

Alan Bojorquez, Bojorquez Law Firm, Austin

3:45 p.m. Adjourn

Friday, February ___, 2015

8:15 - 8:45 a.m. Breakfast

8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Liability (.5 hour) Ryan Henry, Law Offices of Ryan Henry, San Antonio

9:15 - 9:45 a.m. Personnel Law (.5 hour) Laura Mueller, Assistant General Counsel, Texas Municipal League

9:45 - 10:15 a.m. Election Law (.5 hour) Bob Heath, Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta, Austin

10:15 - 10:45 a.m. Dealing with the Media (.5 hour)

John Bender, Communications Consultant, Austin

10:45 - 11:00 a.m. Break

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. Ordinances (.5 hour) David Johnson, Assistant City Attorney, Arlington

11:30 a.m. Adjourn

TAB

4

Texas City Attorneys AssociationProfit and Loss Statement

For the Twelve Months Ending June 30, 2015

May June YTD Budget Variance

Membership Dues $170.49 $931.24 $25,693.10 $23,080.00 ($2,613.10)

Investment Income 512.81 519.82 5,151.00 2,000.00 (3,151.00)

Semi-Annual Meeting (Summer) 8,281.58 7,632.64 56,705.68 53,820.00 (2,885.68)

Sponsor Revenue 7,500.00 55,000.00 15,900.00 (39,100.00)

Riley Fletcher Seminar 119.00 10,359.88 11,250.00 890.12

CML Revenue 200.00 150.00 2,550.00 (2,550.00)

Total Revenue 16,783.88 9,233.70 155,459.66 106,050.00 (49,409.66)

Professional Fees 476.50 1,476.50 1,000.00 (476.50)

Telephone 0.77 6.92 21.95 75.00 53.05

Postage 13.52 271.49 300.00 28.51

Boards and Committees 105.00 333.92 2,349.88 4,000.00 1,650.12

Semi-Annual Meeting (TML) 111.38 6,892.78 11,200.00 4,307.22

Semi-Annual Meeting (Summer) 444.34 108,147.22 120,108.18 95,850.00 (24,258.18)

Riley Fletcher Seminar 157.50 157.50 7,070.89 8,450.00 1,379.11

Public Relations 1,173.94 1,277.95 300.00 (977.95)

IMLA Scholarships 1,200.00 8,598.89 8,000.00 (598.89)

IMLA Small Cities Membership Contributions 3,000.00 3,000.00

IMLA 2012 Conference Sponsorship (21,957.00) 21,957.00

Printing and Reproduction 0.16 207.18 358.25 300.00 (58.25)

Newsletter 1,190.00 1,190.00 14,280.00 14,280.00

Awards & Recognition 222.10 332.73 1,300.00 967.27

Office Supplies 100.00 100.00

LisTCAA Listserve 50.00 50.00 600.00 600.00

Web Site Expenses 70.00 106.34 991.34 4,840.00 3,848.66

Miscellaneous 200.00 100.00 (100.00)

Administrative Services 214.52 634.52 9,069.24 9,290.00 220.76

Total Expenses 2,232.29 114,031.04 154,943.07 162,985.00 8,041.93

Net Income (Loss) 14,551.59 (104,797.34) 516.59 (56,935.00) (57,451.59)

Beginning Net Assets 187,485.54

Ending Net Assets 188,002.13

TAB

5

From: Scott HoustonTo: Mary Fischer ([email protected]); "[email protected]"; "Kevin Laughlin";

"[email protected]"Cc: [email protected]; "Kathy Davis"; Heather Mahurin; Heather Ford; Lavern GainesSubject: TCAA Nominating Committee - Applications Attached For Your ReviewDate: Tuesday, September 08, 2015 11:42:55 AMAttachments: 2015-2016 nominating committee report.doc

Map of Board and Applicants 2015.pdf2015 TCAA Board Applications.pdf

Dear Tyrone, Mary Kay, and Kevin:

Please confirm that you have received this e-mail related to the TCAA Nominating Committeeprocedures. On behalf of Karen Kennard, please allow me to thank you all for agreeing to serve on the2015-2016 committee. Once again this year, I do not envy your position. We received 14 applications,and all are top-notch municipal lawyers.

There is one director position to fill this year, due to the customary succession plan of officers “risingthrough the ranks.” In addition, we are not yet certain about Marcus Norris, who is the current TMLboard representative. As you may know, Marcus resigned from Amarillo. It is customary to give aboard member at least until the next meeting to secure new employment as a city attorney or assistantcity attorney prior to declaring the office vacant and filling it. Marcus is unsure whether he will have ajob prior to the board meeting. If he does, he will remain in office. If not, you will need to recommendsomeone to fill the remaining one year of his term (the TML board rep serves a two-year term, and hiswill have one year remaining).

The TML board representative is customarily filled by a TCAA past president. We do not “advertise” forthe TML board position for that reason, i.e., there are a number of past presidents who still wish toserve in that capacity. It is up to you to decide who is the best past president for the position should itbecome available.

A list of the past presidents from the past few years who have not previously served as the TML boardrepresentative, and who have expressed an interest, is as follows:

1. Mary Kay Fischer, City Attorney, Angleton

2. Charlie Zech, Denton, Navarro, Rocha and Bernal, San Antonio

3. Frank Garza, Davidson, Troilo, Ream & Garza, San Antonio

4. Kevin Laughlin, Nichols, Jackson, Dillard, Hager & Smith, Dallas

A list of the applicants for the one vacant director position is as follows in alphabetical order:

1. Kirsten Cohoon, City Attorney, Boerne
mailto:/O=TML/OU=FIRST ADMINISTRATIVE GROUP/CN=RECIPIENTS/CN=SCOTTmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]
TCAA Nominating Committee Report

September 24, 2015

Committee Members: (1) Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney, Beaumont; (2) Mary Kay Fischer, City Attorney, Angleton; and (3) Kevin Laughlin, Nichols, Jackson, Dillard, Hager and Smith, Dallas.

President

Kathy Davis, City Attorney, Killeen

First Vice-President

Karen Horner, Assistant City Attorney, Baytown

Second Vice-President

Dottie Palumbo, The Bojorquez Law Firm, Austin

Recorder

Sylvia Firth, Assistant City Attorney, El Paso

Directors

Paige Mims, Deputy City Attorney, Plano

Alan Bojorquez, The Bojorquez Law Firm, Austin

Ron Stutes, Potter Minton, Tyler

Kuruvilla Oommen, Deputy City Attorney, Irving

To be filled: ______________________________

Past President

Karen Kennard, City Attorney, Austin

TML Board Representative

Marcus Norris, TBA, or to be filled: ______________________________

Marcus Norris

Paige Mims Kuruvilla Oomen

Julie Fort Meredith Ladd

Peter Smith Kathy Davis Kayla Landeros

Karen Kennard Alan Bojorquez

Clarissa Rodriguez Dan Santee Ryan Henry

Mary Kay Fischer Sherri Russell

Black = Current Board Member Red = Applicant Green = Going off Board

TCAA Current Board Members and Director Applicants

Sylvia Firth

Dottie Palumbo Karen Horner

Ron Stutes

Note: Does not include possible past-president TML board representative appointees.

Kevin Pagan

X Andy Quittner

Thomas Gwosdz

Slater Elza

Kirsten Cohoon

Theresa James

Slide Number 1

Texas City Attorneys Association (TCAA)Board of Directors

- Application Form -

The TCAA Constitution provides that the President of the Association shall appoint a nominatingcommittee of at least three persons, who, at the annual meeting of the Association (the fall meeting inconjunction with the TML Annual Conference each year), shall submit nominees for Association officers.By custom, one Director position becomes available and is filled with a new nominee each year, while eachcurrent officer succeeds to the next highest office. The Director position is filled by a majority vote of themembership present and voting.

By completing and submitting this application, I hereby attest to the following:

I am interested in serving on the TCAA Board of Directors (Board) and wish to be so considered.

I am an “active member” (defined by the TCAA Constitution as “any person duly licensed to practicelaw in this state who have been duly elected or appointed to the office of city attorney or assistant cityattorney of a city, town, or village which is an active member of the Texas Municipal League”) in goodstanding with TCAA.

I understand that service on the Board requires that I attend several meetings during the course of a year,including:

1. Winter Board meeting (January in Austin or President’s home town)2. Summer Conference (June in Bastrop for 2015 and 2016)3. Fall Conference (fall at different locations throughout the state).

I understand that Board service typically lasts for several years (typically 8-10 years) as current Boardmembers are customarily re-nominated for service in successively higher positions that often culminatewith service as President.

I understand that service on the Board is voluntary, and that I am responsible for my own expenses.

Name: Julie Y. Fort

Position: Partner at Messer, Rockefeller & Fort, P.L.L.C.

Address: 6351 Preston Rd., Ste. 350, Frisco, Texas 75034

Phone: (972) 668-6400

Email: [email protected]

Please attach a brief description of your municipal law experience.

Please attach a brief description of your reasons for wishing to serve on the Board.

Please email this form and attachments to Scott Houston, TCAA General Counsel, at [email protected].

Note: the TCAA Constitution also provides that additional nominations may be made from the floor.

Julie Fort’s brief description of reasons for wishing to serve on the Board:

1. Desire to use my creative energy to contribute productively to strengtheningTCAA.

2. Gain expertise in and share my own knowledge on complex issues that areintegral to city attorneys.

3. Provide the perspective and share the resources of a city attorney that works fora firm instead of in-house (currently only 2 of the 10 Board members work fora firm).

4. Build valuable networks to share information among fellow directors and TCAAmembers by working together on issues that are important to city attorneys.

5. Opportunity to grow as a leader.

JULIEY. FORT

Julie Fort’s practice focuses on providing a range of legal services to cities andeconomic development corporations, both large and small. Ms. Fort has over 20 years ofexperience. She has represented municipalities, economic, community and industrialdevelopment corporations, and municipal housing authorities on a wide range of matters,such as: economic incentives, open meetings and public information, planning, zoningand land use, negotiations with special districts, city charter adoption and amendment,development agreements, annexation, easement and right-of-way acquisition, boundarydisputes, bidding, purchasing, development and sale/lease of park land and other publicproperty, employment issues, conflicts of interest, nepotism, right-of-way managementand utility issues, eminent domain, transitioning from general law to home rules status,municipal court prosecution, constitutional issues, elections, code enforcement, charterand ordinance drafting, and attendance at posted meetings.

Selected Accomplishments

Named among Best Lawyers in Dallas in Land Use Law by D Magazine, 2009and 2011

Chair of the Government Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, 2011-2012

Merit Certification in Municipal Law from Texas City Attorneys Association

Member of Supreme Court Task Force to Expand Legal Services Delivery, 2010-2012

Member of Texas City Attorneys Association CARE Unit – Disaster Assistancefor City Attorneys

McKinney Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, 2012-Present

Named Top 50 Women in Business in McKinney Living Magazine, 2010

Member of the Board of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2011

Chair of the Advocacy Sector of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, 2010-2011

Planning and Zoning Commissioner, City of Frisco, 1999-2000

Julie Y. FortPage 2 of 3Representative Experience

Negotiate and draft plans, agreements and ordinances for PublicImprovement Districts and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones, includingCreeks of Legacy PID and Reinvestment Zone Number 2 for the City ofCelina and Bayside at Waterman’s PID for the City of Galveston.

Negotiated with developer of 2,900 acre tract for development agreementon annexation, sales tax incentives, zoning and financial issues for the Cityof Van Alstyne.

Regularly draft performance agreements between economic developmentcorporations and entities receiving incentives.

Drafted documents to create a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone for theTown of Prosper.

Regularly draft ordinances covering a variety of subject matters.

Regularly assist with open meetings issues and public information requests.

Assisted with negotiating and drafting agreements and leases for baseballstadium, soccer stadium and hockey arena for the City of Frisco.

Publications and Presentations

Ethics for the Code Attorney: Who is the Client?, City of Dallas CityAttorney’s Office CLE, June 2015

Texas Municipal League Economic Development Handbook, TexasMunicipal League, January 2015 (Co-contributor)

Open Government Training, Open Government and EnforcementConference, Grayson County, November 2014

Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) Agreements, UTCLE Land UseConference, March 2014

Who are you and what do You do? The Public Interplay on the Roles of theCity Manager, Planning Director and Developer, 2013 UTCLE Land UseFundamentals, March 2013

Zoning & Platting 101: Basic Concepts, Key Issues and Vocabulary,UTCLE Land Use Planning, March 2012

Annexation Development Agreements, UTCLE Land Use Planning, March2010

MUDs, SUDs and Other Water Critters, UTCLE Land Use Planning,March 2009

Special Districts, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development LawSeminar, November 2008

Options for Financing Special Districts, Texas City Managers AssociationAnnual Conference, June 2008

Julie Y. FortPage 3 of 3 Land Use, Texas City Attorney Association 9th Annual Riley Fletcher

Basic Municipal Law Seminar, February 2008

Annexation: Prior Continuous Uses, Texas City Attorney AssociationAnnual Meeting at the TML Conference, November 2007

Chapter 176 Conflict Disclosure Statements, Texas Municipal ClerksAssociation, Lone Star Chapter, November 2007

Government Approvals for Platting and Zoning, Lorman CLE Conference,Dallas, October 2006

The Freeze Law, Chapter 245, Land Use Planning Law Conference,UTCLE Conference, Austin, April 2006

Recent State Cases of Interest to Cities, Texas City Attorney AssociationAnnual Meeting at the TML Conference, October 2005

Local Option Elections, Planning & Zoning for Public Officials andAttorneys CLE Conference, Dallas, June 2003

Local Option Elections & Recent SOB Cases, Land Use Law, CLEConference, Austin, November 2002

Open Meetings & Conflicts of Interest, City of Wylie In-Service, AnnualPresentation, 2002-2007

Basic Zoning Law and Conflicts of Interest, City of Frisco TrainingSeminar for Planning and Zoning Commissioners and/or Board ofAdjustment members, Annual Presentation 2002-2006

Education

Southern Methodist University, J.D., May 1995

University of North Texas, B.A. (cum laude), December 1991

Texas City Attorneys Association (TCAA)

Board of Directors


The TCAA Constitution provides that the President of the Association shall appoint a nominating

committee of at least three persons, who, at the annual meeting of the Association (the fall meeting in

conjunction with the TML Annual Conference each year), shall submit nominees for Association officers.

By custom, one Director position becomes available and is filled with a new nominee each year, while

each current officer succeeds to the next highest office. The Director position is filled by a majority vote

of the membership present and voting.



I am an “active member” (defined by the TCAA Constitution as “any person duly licensed to practice law in this state who have been duly elected or appointed to the office of city attorney or assistant city

attorney of a city, town, or village which is an active member of the Texas Municipal League”) in good

standing with TCAA.

I understand that service on the Board requires that I attend several meetings during the course of a year, including:

1. Winter Board meeting (January in Austin or President’s home town) 2. Summer Conference (June in Bastrop for 2015 and 2016) 3. Fall Conference (fall at different locations throughout the state).

I understand that Board service typically lasts for several years (typically 8-10 years) as current Board members are customarily re-nominated for service in successively higher positions that often

culminate with service as President.


Name: Thomas A. Gwosdz

Position: City Attorney

Victoria, Texas

Address: 105 W. Juan Linn

P.O.Box 1758

Victoria, Tx. 77902-1758

Phone: (361) 485-3520






mailto:[email protected]


CITY OF VICTORIA Established 1824, Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839

Thomas A. Gwosdz City Attorney

Member: College of the State Bar

Linda M. Champion Assistant City Attorney

Member: College of the State Bar

LEGAL DEPARTMENT City Hall | 105 W. Juan Linn | P.O. Box 1758 | Victoria, Texas 77902-1758

Ph. (361) 485-3520 | Fax (361) 485-3534

Description of municipal law experience:

Before being appointed to serve as the Victoria City Attorney in October 2009, I

represented other local governmental entities, Public School Districts, for approximately seven

years. As the City Attorney, I have represented the City in employment law matters, economic

development negotiations, and provided general representation to Council and senior staff

regarding the myriad of topics that a mid-sized city faces.

I have sought to give back to the profession through professional education. Four times

my proposed topics have been selected for presentation by TCAA, including two ethics

presentations. I have also been invited to give legal presentations to a TML regional meeting, the

Changing Face of Water Rights conference, the Government Law Bootcamp, the Riley Fletcher

Basic Municipal Law Seminar, the Texas Water Law Institute, and the City of Dallas internal

CLE seminar.

Description of reasons for wishing to serve on the Board:

“I believe in the inherent nobility of public service.” I credit Ron Holifield with that

phrase, which captures so well the draw that I have toward helping others. My service to the City

is more than a job: it is my way to help not one friend, not one neighbor, but thousands of friends

and neighbors.

Likewise, the presentations that I give at legal seminars are a manifestation of my desire

to help those in my community. By sharing my experiences as City Attorney, I hope to help my

colleagues deal with similar situations as they arise.

In short, this desire to help out, to give back, is why I am applying for the board of

TCAA. Whatever need the board may have, I’d like to help. Put me to work.


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Name: Ryan Henry____________________________________________________________________

Position: Castle Hills Deputy City Attorney_________________________________________________

Address: 1380 Pantheon Way, Suite 215, San Antonio, Texas 78232______________________________

Phone: 210-257-6357___________________________________________________________________

Email: [email protected]________________________________________________________

Please attach a brief description of your municipal law experience. I passed the bar in 1998. In 1996 I started working for the Lubbock City Attorney’s office as a law clerk and have worked for

municipalities ever since. After Lubbock I worked for Willette, Guerra and Trevino working with

municipalities, then moved to San Antonio and worked with Denton, Navarro, Rocha & Bernal

representing municipalities. I started my own firm in 2012 representing municipalities. I’ve done

prosecutions, general counsel, special counsel, and litigation counsel for cities on a constant basis.

Please attach a brief description of your reasons for wishing to serve on the Board. The TCAA has always been a resource for me. Now that I have the ability, I want to give something back and provide

the same resource for other lawyers which was provided to me.


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Name: _Meredith Ladd_________________________________________________________________

Position: __City Attorney_________________________________________________

Address: _1945 E. Jackson Rd, Carrollton, Texas 75006________________________

Phone: ___972.466.3036________________________________________________

Email: [email protected]_______________________________________






1. Municipal law experience.

My municipal law experience began when I was in law school and clerked at the City of

Arlington. After law school, I was an Assistant City Attorney in College Station and then

returned to Arlington. I worked for these two cities for about 3 years, focusing primarily on

transactional issues and Public Information Act. I had the benefit of working for two great City

Attorneys, Harvey Cargill and Joy Doegey, and received an excellent foundation.

I left Arlington in mid-2002 and went to Brown & Hofmeister, LLP, where I felt like I was given

the opportunity to grow and gain experience in the truly wide variety of work we do in municipal

law. I loved working with the numerous issues that different size municipalities have and the

wonderful people who dedicate their lives to public service.

In December 2012, I went to work for the City of Dallas as a Senior Assistant City Attorney,

working primarily for Dallas Water Utilities. The work with a large municipal utility was

challenging and fascinating. I gained invaluable exposure to water issues, which affect our entire

state.

In April 2014, I was appointed City Attorney of the City of Carrollton. I am fortunate to follow

in the shoes of Clayton Hutchins, who has been willing to provide me assistance from his

invaluable years of experience and insight. My practice still focuses mainly on transaction items

and advising council; however, as City Attorney, I now have the ability to work in all areas,

returning full circle to my early roots.

2. Reasons for wishing to serve on board.

I would like to be a part of and serve an organization that helps develop and grow attorneys in

the municipal field. TCAA is unique in that it offers resources and training to municipal

attorneys throughout the state, at a reasonable cost, on topics that are actually relevant to our

practice. In order to grow and continue to offer such services, I believe that practitioners must

give of their time and talents to further the goals of this organization. It is for this reason, that I

would like to serve on this board.

Landeros – Board Application 2015


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Name: Kayla Landeros

Position: City Attorney – City of Temple

Address: 2 North Main St., Suite 308, Temple, Texas 76501

Phone: 254-298-5674






Landeros – Board Application 2015


1. Description of municipal law experience

I have been employed by the City of Temple since May, 2012. I started as a Deputy City Attorney. In

November, 2014, I was appointed the City Attorney. During my time with the City of Temple, I have

worked on a wide variety of municipal law issues including Public Information Requests, Economic

Development Agreements, city charter amendments, and right-of-way acquisition.

2. Reasons for wishing to serve on the Board

Since becoming a member of TCAA in 2012, I have been impressed with the organization. TCAA

provides great resources for the members and the staff at TCAA have always been extremely helpful

when we have had legal questions. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Board in

order to assist with the great work that TCAA is already doing for its members.


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Name: _Andrew Quittner______________________________________________________________

Position: _City Attorney______________________________________________________________

Address: _205 N. River Street, Seguin, Texas 78155___________________

Phone: __(830) 401-2775 (office) (512) 644-0119 (cell)___________________

Email: [email protected]________________________________________________






MUNICIPAL LAW EXPERIENCE

July 1999- November 2005: City of Corpus Christi, Assistant City Attorney/Senior Assistant

City Attorney

November 2005- December 2009: City of San Marcos, Assistant City Attorney/Interim City

Attorney

January 2010 – present: City of Seguin, City Attorney (one person office, also prosecute in

Municipal Court, and have taught seminars (prosecutors and judges) for the Texas Municipal

Court Education Center).

PERSONAL STATEMENT As a general rule I have always been a doer, not just a joiner. At one point or another I have

served on the board of directors for many of the organizations of which I have been a member.

My service has included doing practically anything asked from serving as an officer (secretary,

treasurer, vice-president, chair) to managing publications (and even editing newsletters). I would

bring the same skills and drive to the Texas City Attorney’s Association. I have long realized

that organizations, including TCAA, need people who are willing to roll up their shirt sleeves to

assist the organization in its goals and objectives. TCAA plays a crucial role in the promotion,

enhancement and advancement of the professional development for Texas municipal attorneys. I

would be honored to be of further assistance.

Texas City Attorneys Association (TCAA) Board of Directors

- Application Form - The TCAA Constitution provides that the President of the Association shall appoint a nominating committee of at least three persons, who, at the annual meeting of the Association (the fall meeting in conjunction with the TML Annual Conference each year), shall submit nominees for Association officers. By custom, one Director position becomes available and is filled with a new nominee each year, while each current officer succeeds to the next highest office. The Director position is filled by a majority vote of the membership present and voting. By completing and submitting this application, I hereby attest to the following: I am interested in serving on the TCAA Board of Directors (Board) and wish to be so considered. I am an “active member” (defined by the TCAA Constitution as “any person duly licensed to practice

law in this state who have been duly elected or appointed to the office of city attorney or assistant city attorney of a city, town, or village which is an active member of the Texas Municipal League”) in good standing with TCAA.

I understand that service on the Board requires that I attend several meetings during the course of a

year, including:


I understand that Board service typically lasts for several years (typically 8-10 years) as current Board

members are customarily re-nominated for service in successively higher positions that often culminate with service as President.

I understand that service on the Board is voluntary, and that I am responsible for my own expenses. Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Position: ______________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________________ Please attach a brief description of your municipal law experience. Please attach a brief description of your reasons for wishing to serve on the Board. Please email this form and attachments to Scott Houston, TCAA General Counsel, at [email protected]. Note: the TCAA Constitution also provides that additional nominations may be made from the floor.

mca8206

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Kevin D. Pagan

mca8206

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City Attorney/Emergency Management Coordinator

mca8206

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P.O. Box 220, McAllen, Texas 78505-0220

mca8206

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956-681-1090

mca8206

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[email protected]

I would appreciate your consideration of my application for a spot on the TCAA Board of Directors.

As the attached information shows, I have been engaged in representing municipal entities for more than 20 years of my 30 year career and currently serve as the “in house” City Attorney for the City of McAllen.

During that time, I have come to appreciate the support and assistance TCAA provides to those of us so engaged. I have particularly appreciated the willingness of the TCAA members and staff to help out during the difficult cases or situations that we all encounter as municipal advisors. From Scott Houston jumping in to file an “Amicus” to the excellent conferences TCAA sponsors, it is good to know that we are not “alone” in our unique area of practice.

I believe my experience in serving the cities of the Rio Grande Valley would be an asset to the TCAA board and, hopefully, I could bring a unique perspective from my part of Texas.

I think TCAA serves a vital function in the legal community, and especially in our area of practice. I believe I could bring some value as the board strives to continue to play that important role.

Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Kevin Pagan, City Attorney

City of McAllen, Texas

Kevin Pagan serves as the City Attorney for the City of McAllen, Texas. He earned his undergrad degree in Accounting from Arkansas State University in 1983 and his law degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1986. Licensed in 1986, Pagan began his career in McAllen, Texas with a large, general civil law firm, then practiced insurance defense litigation from 1991 to 1994. His representation of municipal entities (including the City of McAllen) began in 1994 as an associate with the Darling Law Firm, in McAllen, where he, along with former McAllen City Attorney (now Mayor) Jim Darling, represented multiple cities and other local governments in the Rio Grande Valley. Since 2000, Mr. Pagan has represented the City of McAllen as a member of the City of McAllen “in house” Legal Department. He was promoted to City Attorney in 2006.

In addition, Mr. Pagan serves as the Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of McAllen, Texas. In his capacity as Emergency Management Coordinator, Mr. Pagan is also currently the Chair of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Regional Emergency Response Group which is responsible for overseeing the Valley’s Multi-Agency Coordination Committee or “MACC.” As chairman of the MACC operational group, Mr. Pagan has experience both in the theoretical and practical applications of MACC operations, having served as the MACC Coordinator during Hurricane Dean in 2007 and Hurricane Dolly in 2008.

Kevin D. Pagan 5107 N. 9th Street

McAllen, Texas 78504 (956) 793-8974

Education Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas, Texas

Juris Doctor, 1986 (Top 25%) Arkansas State University, Bachelor of Science, 1983 Major: Accounting (Dean’s List) Reformed Theological Seminary, Masters of Arts in Religious Studies (Pending anticipated degree 2017) Jonesboro (Ark.) High School, Graduate with Honors, 1979

Experience City of McAllen, Texas—2006 to present City Attorney Chief legal advisor for the City of McAllen city government; oversee operations of the

city legal department, including legal staff, municipal prosecutors, and support staff; interact regularly with City Mayor and Commission, elected Public Utility Board and senior staff. Work closely with City manager and all department heads. Oversee outside attorneys and all aspects of legal representation for the City and City-related entities. Serve as staff member on labor collective bargaining teams, strategic business plan committee and various other city committees and boards. Frequently represent the City of McAllen to outside entities such as legislative bodies, state agencies, and other governmental and private entities. Also, continue to serve as the City Emergency Management Coordinator (see below)

City of McAllen, Texas—2000 to 2006 Deputy City Attorney / Assistant City Attorney / Emergency Management Coordinator Deputy City Attorney (from October 2002) and Assistant City Attorney—

working in all aspects of municipal law and legal representation for the City of McAllen, Texas. Primarily responsible for City litigation, Civil Service arbitration, planning and zoning, airport issues, police issues, fire department issues, collective bargaining, personnel and other areas. Also, prepare legal memoranda, trial briefs, draft contracts and interlocal government agreements and try cases in municipal court. In addition, Deputy City Attorney performs responsibilities of City Attorney when City Attorney is not available. (Received “Merit Certification in Municipal Law” from the Texas City Attorneys’ Association – 1998) 2004 – present, City Emergency Management Coordinator, coordinating all phases of cities emergency preparedness, planning, and response.

Darling Law Firm, 1995 –2000

Associate Attorney / Assistant City Attorney Same duties as above, but also performed for various other clients, including City of Alamo, City of Rio Grande City, City of La Joya, South Texas Community College, Hidalgo County Headstart, Hidalgo County Irrigation District #16, and

others. Also served as insurance defense counsel for Texas Municipal League Risk Pool, representing various governmental entities in covered litigation.

Selman & Camp Law Firm, 1991—1995 Associate Attorney Primarily represented various clients in covered litigation for several insurance companies including Employers Insurance, Utica Insurance, and others

Ewers & Toothaker, PC, 1986-1991 Associate Attorney (1986-1990), Partner (1990-1991) Primary areas: civil litigation of all types, administrative law (Immigration and Social Security representation)

Skills Bilingual: English and Spanish Computer Proficiency with all major software programs Licensed Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor Licensed Amateur Radio Operator (WB5QOR) Emergency Management Institute – Basic Incident Command and Emergency Program

Manager – Overview and FEMA Professional Development Series completed Community Activities and Awards

• Member, Governor’s advisory board on Texas Aerospace and Aviation industry (appointed by Governor Rick Perry, 2007)

• Chairman (2004 to 2005), Vice-Chairman (2001 to 2004) and Member (1999 to 2005), Texas Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Board (appointed by Governor George W. Bush – 1999, appointed Chairman by Governor Rick Perry, 2004.)

• President (2000 to 2002) and Member (1998-2003) Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Education Committee (1998), Covenant Christian Academy (Private Christian School)

• Major, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) – McAllen, Texas Composite Squadron (Deputy Commander, Legal Officer, Personnel Officer, Aerospace Education Officer, Cadet Orientation Pilot, “Chuck” Yeager Aerospace Achievement Award, Flight Release Officer, Certifications current in flight (including pilot) operations, emergency services (Scanner / Observer) operations, qualifications met for Mission Pilot)

• Founder and (volunteer) President, RGV Media Ministries, owner of Christian television station (Family 57) in McAllen (station sold May 2006)

• Member / Elder, Baptist Temple Church, McAllen, Texas • Charter Member (1999-2008) and General Counsel – Harvest Church, McAllen, Texas (also,

member of Pastor’s Council, Sunday School Teacher, and Worship Team (band) member) • Charter Member (1989) and General Counsel, Trinity Worship Center (church) (also, Chairman –

Board of Trustees, Deacon, Member of Building Committee, Director Media Ministries, and Sunday School Teacher)

• Charter Member (1979) Trinity Church, Jonesboro, Arkansas (also, member Board of Directors, Sunday School Teacher and Drama Ministries leader)

• Hidalgo County Bar Association Director (Term 1994-96) • State Bar Committee on Laws Related to Immigration (1987-89) • Hidalgo County Bar Association Volunteer Mediator (1993-94) • Member of the Texas State Bar Association • Merit Certification in Municipal Law (Texas City Attorneys’ Association) • Member of the Christian Legal Society (1986 to approximately 1995) • General Counsel and various other offices of the Hidalgo County Republican Party (delegate - 1996

and 2000 Republican National Conventions) • Published Author: Learn In A Day Computer book Series – Wordware Publishing, Inc. Various

other computer books published by Que Publishing and others • Licensed Pilot (Commercial License, Instrument Rating, Multiengine rating, Certified Flight

Instructor) Personal:

Married to Carmen (Maldonado) Pagan, speech pathologist and owner (partner) of local pediatric rehabilitation clinic (Milestones Therapeutic Associates, Inc.)

Two children: Alec (SMU (Engineering)-2015), Katie (Our Lady of the Lake-2017?)

References:

James E. Darling Mayor (former City Attorney), City of McAllen, Texas 1300 W. Houston McAllen, Texas 78501 (956) 681-1090

Additional References available upon request


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Name: __Clarissa M. Rodriguez____________________________________________

Position: __Senior Associate Attorney___________________________________________

Address: ___Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde & Zech, 2517 N. Main, San Antonio, TX 78212____

Phone: _210-227-3243_____________________________________________________

Email: [email protected]___________________________________






Clarissa M. Rodriguez is a Senior Associate with the Firm. She joined the Firm in 2008, and

handles representation of clients in state and federal litigation matters in civil defense litigation,

including motion practice, discovery and depositions for governmental entities. She also assists

with representation of municipalities, economic development corporations, and counties as City

Attorney and General Counsel. Ms. Rodriguez has served as the City Attorney for the City of

Live Oak since 2009, AACOG General Counsel since 2010 and the City of Von Ormy since

2015.

Ms. Rodriguez earned her Juris Doctorate from Drake University School of Law in 2006, her

Masters of Public Administration, School of Urban Professional Programs from The University

of Texas at San Antonio in 2001, and her Bachelors of Speech Communication, College of

Liberal Arts from Texas A&M University in 1998. She was admitted by the State Bar of Texas

in 2006. Ms. Rodriguez began her law practice at Shelton & Valadez, PC, representing clients in

state and federal trial and arbitration matters in a wide range of commercial, work injury and

civil defense litigation disputes. Ms. Rodriguez was admitted by the U.S. District Court Southern

District of Texas in 2009, the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas in 2007 and the Fifth

Circuit Court of Appeals in 2011.

Clarissa M. Rodriguez Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde & Zech, PC

San Antonio, Texas

Statement for TCAA Board Application

As soon as I joined Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde and Zech in 2009, the firm- well, I

think it was probably Susan Rocha that said- you are joining TCAA! She often told me what to

do and how to do it. While I didn’t necessarily have much of a choice- I am grateful for her

mentorship. Susan nurtured my fledgling municipal law career in various ways including

sending me to Austin, providing me with writing tools and counseling me how to respond (or

when not to) at Council meetings. Certainly she had her own style that has contributed to who I

am today as a municipal attorney. She exhibited her style, grace and knowledge and was never

shy about asserting her opinion. During our time together at DNRBHZ, she took me under her

wing, afforded me opportunities to grow my practice and knowledge in the governmental and

municipal law in ways that I will always treasure. She offered her knowledge and talents to

improve and assist other attorneys and cities across the state. I am grateful for her contributions

to me and others; I hope to contribute to her legacy by participating in the TCAA Board of

Directors.

Susan is not the only woman who influenced me to take a leadership role in TCAA. My mother,

who passed away not long after Susan, contributed to our State as a leader in various political

organizations throughout her life. She served as a Chair, President or Member of so many

organizations at the local, state and national level- the list is too long to detail. But throughout

her life, she too selflessly contributed her talents and time to others. Many women have told me

that my mom’s leadership and efforts influenced them to run for office or seek a leadership

position. Joining the Board of TCAA will continue her legacy of leadership.

My desire to join the TCAA Board of Directors is driven by continuing a legacy of two of the

most influential women in my life: Sylvia Rodriguez, my mom and Susan Rocha, my mentor. I

can only aspire to fill their big shoes, but serving in a leadership position will help me work

towards that goal as we as TCAA, collaborate as attorneys towards improving municipalities

across the state.


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Name: _Sherri Russell

Position: __City Attorney

Address: ___5B Oak Drive

Phone: ____(979) 480-7639







Sherri Russell

TCAA Board Application

Brief description of Municipal Law Experience: I have been an attorney for 20 years, but I did

not become involved in municipal law until 1999 when Mark Taylor hired me as an assistant city

attorney for San Marcos. The focus of my practice in San Marcos was code enforcement and

municipal court. In 2002, Art Pertile hired me as assistant city attorney for Waco where I spent

most of my time on economic development, planning, and finance. Accordingly, it was in Waco

that I learned to draft ordinances, address council, and communicate effectively with

departments. I have been the City Attorney for Lake Jackson since September 2006. Because I

belong to a one person department, I do everything except represent the city in civil lawsuits and

supervise subordinates.

Brief description of Reasons for Wishing to Serve on the Board: It’s time for me to be a less passive member of TCAA as it is the organization that I have relied on for my professional education since my

first conference in 2000.


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Name: T. Daniel Santee, II

Position: currently City Attorney, City of Abilene

Address: 6 Winged Foot Circle

Abilene, Texas 79606

Phone: 325-370-7091






Why I wish to serve on the TCAA Board of Directors.


Aside from having the opportunity to spend more time with Scott Houston and his collection of

brilliant municipal law minds, it would provide me an opportunity to share the knowledge and

wisdom gained from 18 years, and counting, of municipal practice. I have been done every job

there is to do in a city attorney’s office during my time in Abilene because I worked my way up

from assistant city attorney to city attorney, a position I have held for over 8 years.

Though I have announced my retirement from the City of Abilene effective September 30, 2015,

I am joining the General Counsel, Special Counsel and City Attorney Services practice of

Denton, Navarro, Rocha, Bernal, Hyde & Zech, P. C. in their San Antonio office effective

October 12, 2015. This will give me the added benefit of working with municipalities of every

size and type, from the private practice perspective. I believe that if selected and able to serve

the typical 8-10 years on the board, the varied experiences I bring to the table will benefit TCAA

members from both in-house and private municipal practice, and large or small communities.

Thank you for your consideration.

T. Daniel Santee

T. Daniel Santee Attorney and Counselor at Law

325-370-7091

[email protected]

Legal Experience

Licensed to practice in Texas state courts, admitted to practice in the United States Northern District of

Texas and the Fifth Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Hold merit certification for distinguished service in

the municipal law profession. Began legal career as a legal intern with the Bexar County District

Attorney’s Office Family Violence Unit. Joined the Henderson County, County Attorney’s Office as a

prosecutor, and after 2 1/2 years, switched to municipal law with the City of Abilene. Started as an

Assistant City Attorney in December 1997, and then served as First Assistant City Attorney and was

appointed City Attorney in June of 2007.

Representative Work

Business Entities - Established multiple non- profit entities who partner with the City to support programs for citizens as well as serving as counsel to economic development corporations.

Civil Service Law – under Chapter 143 as well as having served as counsel on the Management Negotiating Team for the Meet and Confer process with both the Fire and Police Associations.

Ordinance and Resolution - Drafted and implemented a comprehensive Smoking Ordinance as well as a zoning ordinance to combat synthetic drug headshops

Established a Municipal Law Internship Program allowing ACU, HSU and McMurry students the opportunity to earn course credit while working in the City Attorney’s Office hosting over three

dozen interns and counting.

Legal Advisor - Development Corporation of Abilene, Planning and Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, TIRZ Board, Landmark’s Commission, Police Academy Advisory Board,

Board of Building Standards, Municipal Golf Course Advisory Board, Parks Board, Venue

District Board and numerous other boards and commissions.

Presentation Topics

Synthetic Drug Enforcement: Multi-Department Strategies Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Comprehensive Smoking Ordinance Enforcement Open Government and Public Officials Civil Process and Liability ETJ Water Standards

Teaching Experience

City of Abilene Police Academy, 2000 - present

Sexual harassment in the workplace and civil

liability.

Hardin-Simmons University, 2003-2015 State

and Local Government, American Government

and Public Administration

Cisco Junior College, 1998-99 school year

Federal Government and State and Local

Government.

Paralegal Certification Course, Summer 1999

& Spring 2000.

Trinity Valley Community College, Fall 1997

Criminal justice course in Juvenile Justice Systems.

Educational Background

St. Mary’s University School of Law Baylor University

Juris Doctor Bachelor of Arts-Psychology

December 1994 M

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Documents