If you are reading this piece, be advised that a meeting between the City of Alpine council members and Brewster County Commissioner’s Court did not take place July 21. What did occur was a social function, specifically the breaking of bread among friends.

Last week I consulted with an attorney friend of mine, and asked him about the legality of such a gathering. He replied that I needed to tread lightly as this type of gathering can be perceived as a meeting. His advice was taken into consideration as we moved forward with our luncheon. The following information was shared with the group at the beginning of the social function. D. Informal or Social Meetings

When a quorum of the members of a governmental body assembles in an informal setting, such as a social occasion, it will be subject to the requirements of the Act if the members engage in a verbal exchange about public business or policy.

The Act’s definition of a meeting expressly excludes gatherings of a “quorum of a governmental body at a social function unrelated to the public business that is conducted by the body.” 183F 184

Meetings 2020 Open Meetings Handbook, Office of the Attorney General 25 inform the electorate. 184F 185

In both instances, there is no “meeting” under the Act “if formal action is not taken and any discussion of public business is incidental to the social function, convention, workshop, ceremonial event, or press conference.” 185F 186

Sec. 551.001. Definitions. In this chapter: (3) “Governmental body” means: (B) a county commissioners court in the state;

(C) a municipal governing body in the state;

(4) “Meeting” means: (A) a deliberation between a quorum of a governmental body, or between a quorum of a governmental body and another person, during which public business or public policy over which the governmental body has super vision or control is discussed or considered or during which the governmental body takes formal action; or

The term does not include the gathering of a quorum of a governmental body at a social function unrelated to the public business that is conducted by the body, …

What interesting times we live in. We have to consult with attorneys, read a 138 page document entitled the Texas Open Meetings Act Handbook, clearly identify and establish what a meeting is and isn’t, have a discussion about what we can talk about as we break bread and redirect conversation, if necessary, to insure that there are no violations. Seems rather cumbersome, but worth the effort.

We are all residents of Brewster County and the City of Alpine. Our constituents deserve that our time and energy be spent wisely. For the city and county to run smoothly, we need to spend time together, get to know one another on a personal basis, and arrive at a healthy, functional relationship. We are part of the same family. One cannot divorce a sibling. As elected officials, we must never forget who we work for – the public.