Title
Consider recommendation from the Executive Committee to approve proposed amendments to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Bylaws.
Body
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board approve the proposed amendments to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Bylaws, as presented.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an Executive Committee recommendation to approve amendments to the EAA Bylaws.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued emergency orders since early 2020 that waived certain provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) allowing the EAA Board and committees to meet by video conference. It is expected that Governor Abbott, at some point in the near future, will reinstate the standing TOMA provisions. For the EAA to be able to allow the continued flexibility of virtual participation by directors in future committee and board meetings, the EAA Bylaws require amending.
Attached to this summary is a red-lined version of relevant sections of the current Bylaws, which would update the Bylaws to be consistent with TOMA. These edits would allow directors the ability to participate by telephone or video conference for EAA Board and committee meetings, with certain conditions. A "clean" version of these sections of the Bylaws proposed to be amended is also attached. These amendments have been reviewed by legal counsel.
At the June 1 meeting, the Executive Committee voted to recommend the board approve these amendments to the Bylaws. As required by the Bylaws, staff distributed these recommended amendments to the Board on June 15 prior to consideration at the July 13 meeting.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
This agenda item does not relate to a specific goal within the Strategic Plan, but supports the general EAA mission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Amending the Bylaws has no direct fiscal impact. Allowing directors to participate in meetings virtually would result in reduced travel expense reimbursements for director...
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