FAQs • Benbrook, TX • CivicEngage

Are meetings open to the public?: The Open Meetings Act allows the public to observe the open portion of a Council meeting. However, the Act does not entitle the public to choose the items to be discussed or to speak about items considered at an open meeting. Such a right only exists if a specific State law requires a public hearing on that item or requires that public comment be allowed on that issue. The Presiding Officer, however, may give members of the public an opportunity to speak about any issue.

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City Council

1. Who is my councilmember?: The mayor and all City Council members are elected at large, so each represents all citizens.

2. How do I contact a member of the City Council?: Every member of the City Council, including the mayor, has an email to be utilized by citizens to submit their questions or concerns. Those email addresses are located on the City Council page. The City Secretary serves as the main point of contact to the City Council. You may contact the City Secretary Joanna King at 817-249-3000 x6004. To communicate with a Council member in writing submit correspondence to City of Benbrook, P.O. Box 26569, Benbrook, TX 76126-0569.

3. When and where are council meetings held?: Regular Council meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Before each regularly scheduled meeting, a pre-council worksession is held so Council may receive information from City staff about items on the evening’s agenda. No votes are taken at this time. Pre-council worksessions usually begin at 7:00 p.m. and are open to the public.

4. Are meetings open to the public?: The Open Meetings Act allows the public to observe the open portion of a Council meeting. However, the Act does not entitle the public to choose the items to be discussed or to speak about items considered at an open meeting. Such a right only exists if a specific State law requires a public hearing on that item or requires that public comment be allowed on that issue. The Presiding Officer, however, may give members of the public an opportunity to speak about any issue.

5. What is a Public Hearing?: A public hearing is a scheduled item on an open meeting agenda which is established to review and discuss items such as zoning text and comprehensive plan amendments; rezoning proposals; final plans for planned developments; special use permits; annexations; utility easement, building setback; and street vacation requests. The purpose of a public hearing is to allow interested parties and citizens to have an opportunity to be heard, to present evidence relevant to an application, and to rebut evidence presented by others.