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Weekly
Connie McFall Clark Hill Country Weekly
The Fair Oaks Ranch (FOR) City Council met in its regular meeting on December 3. Several members of the community spoke out against Councilwoman Mary Anne Havard for words spoken to Councilwoman Snehal Patel at the November 18 Stormwater Workshop. Most offered criticism against Mayor Garry Manitzas’ handling of the action. Many called for Havard’s resignation and offered other incidents where her lack of respect for others and her disregard for civility in a public forum occurred. Debra Doyle expressed the view that this abhorrent behavior normalized by leadership calls for a resignation so that the City can
hillcountryweekly.com
Thursday, December 10
FOR City Council
Hears from the Citizens
Citizens voice concerns
about behavior of leadership heal and move forward with positivity. In an email Shari St. Clair considered the incident a black mark on the community. Former Mayor Cheryl Landman mentioned other former mayors who would find the disrespect a shocking disappointment and appalling that the Mayor chose to overlook the outrageous behavior. Rich Nichols warned of the internal erosion of public decorum within the Council of differing backgrounds and opinions. Seth Mitchell spoke of majority rule and treatment of minority viewpoints. He called for the majority to listen and better understand opposing views of the minority and to correct the ill treatment. He commended Patel, Councilwoman Laura Koerner and Councilman Steve Hartpence for their stand
against the majority. Christine Graham cited Councilman Roy Elizondo and Councilman Greg Maxton’s failure to address the issue and called for compassion and civility on behalf of the diverse FOR residents. Another resident expressed disappointment for the Mayor’s dismissive response and brought up the city water well lawsuit and how that process was mishandled, revealing a systemic issue. Tim Corley advised that he missed that portion of the meeting but would have raised his hand to address the issue at that time. Instead the Mayor stated he had to confer with the City Attorney before addressing the issue. Corley went on to say that the vicious attack on Patel going unaddressed shows a lack of judgment of the Mayor and in
protecting his buddy in this and at previous times that the Mayor validates bullying. Hartpence commend Koerner for her Commitment to Civility pledge. He again called for Havard’s resignation and that aggressive incidents have been ignored and discussions suppressed among the Council. Patel initiated a discussion establishing a common set of values and conduct within the City Council that fosters and builds public confidence, including but not limited to establishing a Citizen Code of Conduct Advisory Committee. Council agreed to review a Charter for the citizen’s group at the December 17 meeting. Former Councilman Al Schmidt had sent an email suggesting the formation of the committee. Patel suggested that the
Citizens Code of Conduct Advisory Committee have at least five members who are residents of the City and the committee and representatives be selected based on past protocols followed for similar Home Rule Charter-related committees as well as protocols for committees established by the Council. The role of the committee will include taking public comment and proposing a code of conduct with benchmarks to present to the city council, and requirements for enforcing the code. Citizens and Council alike expressed their approval of the action. Havard apologized again and said she would resolutely continue to serve on the Council. The document can be found on the City’s website.
