AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- The City of Austin has decided not to move forward with putting a series of charter amendments before voters in November, after two legal challenges over the city's compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act.
"Due to recent court decisions, the City has decided it is in the best interest of the public that the special election on charter amendments not be included in the upcoming election," city officials said in a memo to council members.
The Save Our Springs Alliance filed a lawsuit challenging the amendments over alleged violations of the Open Meetings Act; Thursday, state district judge Maya Guerra Gamble issued a court order temporarily blocking the city from placing the amendments on the ballot.
"It is very clear to me that the Austin City Council chose to violate the Open Meetings Act with its title of the meeting, with its description in the agenda of the meeting," Guerra Gamble said during Thursday's court hearing.
In the memo to council members, officials said other city-related items on the November ballot, including races for Austin mayor and city council seats, will proceed as normal.
"Staff is responsible for notice and posting language for agendas," the memo continues. "Staff takes full responsibility for any inconsistency with the Texas Open Meetings Act and, as such, staff will ensure that future council action items are posted to provide notice and opportunity for public comment in full compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act."
