[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6652299,"mediaKeyId","2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6","parentId",2494165,"title","Denton council reviews board-backed ethics ordinance changes, debates ‘should have known’ standard","audioSeconds",6668,"startMs",76000,"endMs",6744000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6&start=76&end=6744","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6/thumbnail_76000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6652299/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-council-reviews-board-backed-ethics-ordinance-changes-debates-should-have-known-standard","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652299-58ae5f741b0cf7accb17f7eec02f3192/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194601&Signature=oXfgzGqY-roiDLyYUEwXoJpQftTolrzq9ngBY7DE2baGND-7SMP-UzWTlqYEkRsXuTfSq-Pt2Ha8txopfhEH2r1znWqj-8ONJADyShDtW1t9hgLRgKHShDV61LjDQ69TAlxOB2CPIn7ntVid6oZwg~RhWcdRKcLO8S1pc3TWVjjXVNckQgbmYHFX-0xWO9ymCObjwyyTSq9FMs7y4e7cBo35uXDhSkhLaa33-PJbItIq6C6ghilh5VzljoyWWobDVBefjDX3nsobe4pxFCqaLmq0NSV6WJ8E54fftnYOC0Rdf0tJnkYmZmGsMKppAtjtDpR4yXISSNQedkH22Q3jrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Denton","date","2025-03-04T00:00:00Z","article","Denton City Auditor Madison Rorschaw told the City Council on March 4 that the city's Board of Ethics is recommending two amendments to the city's ethics ordinance and sought council direction on several specific changes.

\"Hello, mayor and council. I'm Madison Rorschaw, Denton City Auditor. I'm also the staff liaison to the city's Board of Ethics,\" Rorschaw said in opening the work session presentation. She said the Board developed the proposals over five meetings and based on review of other codes.

The central changes proposed by the Board of Ethics would: (1) broaden the definition of a conflict of interest by replacing the ordinance's narrow \"pending matter\" list with a four-part test and by including acts such as setting policy direction or making appointments; (2) add a 30-day deadline to file a disclosure after a conflict arises during deliberations, with that disclosure remaining effective for one year; (3) change which relatives automatically trigger a recusal and add a new client relationship category; and (4) replace the ordinance's unclear evidentiary language with a standard described as establishing facts \"to a reasonable certainty.\"

Why it matters: supporters said the changes would let the Board of Ethics consider conduct beyond formal permits, contracts or tribunal cases and would give clearer deadlines for disclosures. Critics said the proposed language would create vagueness and enforcement risks.

Major points from council discussion

- \"If somebody contracted with your company and you weren't aware of that, then you wouldn't have known,\" Rorschaw said, describing the Board's intent that a complainant must prove knowledge or show evidence a councilmember \"should have known.\"

- Several councilmembers voiced concern about the proposal's move from a knowledge standard (\"knew\") to a negligence-like standard (\"should have known\"). A Representative from District 6 said, \"I prefer the current version. I think it's more predictable and better able to be effective and follow.\" Other councilmembers said the \"should have known\" language could be struck or clarified before adoption.

- On timing, the Board proposed that a disclosure be filed within 30 calendar days of a councilmember's becoming aware of a conflict; supporters said that prevents open-ended delays, while opponents warned retroactive disclosures could still be used to allege a recusal violation.

- Proposed changes to which relatives trigger automatic recusals also drew debate. The Board proposed removing some extended relatives (for example, great-grandparents/great-grandchildren) from automatic recusal lists and adding domestic partner and foster child. Councilmembers asked that the Board add—rather than remove—items until the broader changes are settled.

- The Board proposed a new \"client relationship\" standard with a monetary threshold (the draft cited $2,500 over two years drawn from a model code). Several councilmembers said dollar thresholds risk penalizing small-business owners and recommended replacing a strict dollar test with a qualitative \"material interest\" standard or sending the client-relationship language back for further work.

- On evidentiary language, the Board recommended retitling the \"burden of proof\" section to \"responsibility to establish facts\" and setting the standard as \"reasonably certain\". Several councilmembers and the mayor urged restoring language that requires a complainant to put forth evidence, including testimony, and to keep the requirement that the complainant must generally appear and testify.

Council direction and next steps

Council gave mixed direction. On the first set of changes the council generally supported broadening the conflicts-of-interest scope to capture matters beyond permits and contracts, but several members asked to either remove or better define the \"should have known\" element. There was clear direction to add a note in the ordinance clarifying that the ordinance should not be read as conflicting with state conflict-of-interest law for votes under Texas law.

Council asked staff to return with revised language on the client-relationship dollar thresholds (many councilmembers suggested considering a \"material interest\" test rather than a fixed dollar threshold) and requested the Board consult further with the city attorney on overlap with state law. Council also asked that the Board's external counsel billing and the basis for dollar thresholds be provided to the council.

What the Board asked for: the ordinance draft and redlines remain under review by staff and the Board of Ethics; councilmembers asked the Board to rework client thresholds and clarify or remove the \"should have known\" language before a formal ordinance is advanced for adoption.

Ending: The council did not adopt ordinance text at this meeting. Staff and the Board of Ethics will return with revised language after further review and consultation, and council requested detailed backup on thresholds and outside counsel fees.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Denton - City Council on 2025-03-04 2:00 PM - Mar 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Denton City Auditor Madison Rorschaw presented two Board of Ethics'proposed amendments on March 4 and the City Council debated expanding the conflict-of-interest standard to include a \"should have known\" element, adding a 30-day disclosure deadline and changing which relatives and client relationships trigger automatic recusals.","taxTitle","Denton City, Denton County, Texas","taxId",2787,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652289,"Votes at a glance: council backs Craver Ranch MMD support, two contracts and cancels unopposed District elections",804,13179000,13983000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6&start=13179&end=13983","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6/thumbnail_13179000.jpg","/articles/6652289/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-council-backs-Craver-Ranch-MMD-support-two-contracts-and-cancels-unopposed-District-elections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652289-0470f78de2317800235d4e5b0982b0ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194601&Signature=TOvorJMNr7B8BJYs884PeeyQSZ0FxY~nt75lAYJ5I-BnKsoQyOV5VSe3NWcppZ95yP2RlKxHjxy3uvM~nASBNasSB4-0L1cnUdwNlLqC5Ca5PR2Uh0XaMRgZxeKe3AGc2deaAJayJa7WQG79BBjdJPbXu8w-mxMx~yxYBSPdREq0aW87twk7m1ekngz5LbPXvHZxK8QRghz2~QpKmBdbM~raI2gz8cODPLPheUYSk2~vGAHvf25zRkRJKQVFtqmi6ZQQITc6p1h4w7j1SkZGOIGwfC1HPRZsTUwovgNqIOOHSHkKs1ju-oAmEF-OHXViy3WUKcpjAqrMf-F5h8Tauw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Denton City Council took four formal actions on March 4. Each item passed on recorded roll calls in open session; where individual member votes were not read aloud the council recorded unanimous passage.

1) Craver Ranch Municipal Management District: resolution of support

- What council considered: a resolution supporting a developer's state-legislative petition to create Craver Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1 to finance and manage infrastructure in a proposed 2,500-acre development annexed into the city.
- Action taken: council approved a resolution of support for the enabling legislation that would allow the developer to pursue creation of the MMD. Staff noted that any MMD operation and the developer's obligations would be subject to later development-agreement negotiations and planning approvals.
- Motion outcome: approved, vote tally recorded as 7-0.
- Agenda item id: 25364

2) Neighborhood 1B: construction manager-at-risk contract (Sunt Construction Inc.)

- What council considered: an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute a construction manager-at-risk contract with Sunt Construction Inc. for Neighborhood 1B improvements (a 2019 bond-funded project that includes reconstruction of 45 street segments, water and wastewater mains, sidewalks and lighting).
- Contract summary: the guaranteed maximum price included construction bids, contingencies and fees for a not-to-exceed total of $31,872,570.02, including an owner contingency of $900,000. The project schedule showed construction beginning in April with completion in late 2026.
- Action taken: council adopted the ordinance authorizing the contract.
- Motion outcome: approved, vote tally recorded as 7-0.
- Agenda item id: 25372

3) RomCo Equipment Co. (Volvo) contract through BuyBoard

- What council considered: a contract through the BuyBoard cooperative for Volvo equipment repair, purchase and rental services for fleet and public-works needs, with a five-year not-to-exceed amount of $5,313,000 (one year with four annual renewals).
- Action taken: council approved the multi-year cooperative contract.
- Motion outcome: approved, vote tally recorded as 7-0.
- Agenda item id: 25373

4) Cancellation and declaration for unopposed district elections

- What council considered: an ordinance declaring two candidates unopposed for the May 3, 2025 general election (District 1 and District 4), declaring them elected and canceling the city election in those districts.
- Action taken: council adopted the ordinance declaring Vicky Byrd elected to District 1 and Joe Holland elected to District 4 and canceling those specific elections. The city secretary had certified both candidates as unopposed following the filing deadlines.
- Motion outcome: approved, vote tally recorded as 7-0.
- Agenda item id: 25434

Ending: Each item was approved by unanimous vote (7-0) in open session. Staff will return with the development-agreement negotiation details and contract administration steps as required for the winning contractors. Council did not amend or table the items at the meeting.","At its March 4 meeting the Denton City Council approved a resolution supporting legislation to create Craver Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1, authorized two construction and equipment contracts, and declared two district candidates elected unopposed and canceled those contests.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652293,"City, county and developer continue talks to preserve homestead at former Evers property; relocation remains option",651,8484000,9135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6&start=8484&end=9135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6/thumbnail_8484000.jpg","/articles/6652293/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/City-county-and-developer-continue-talks-to-preserve-homestead-at-former-Evers-property-relocation-remains-option","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652293-fba3b1e59537ac5564b668e0c6020e37/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194601&Signature=Sgrft4oHuDT4-IZPrLsospJzoMH~PxFbrgSmZR1zyy-LonW2lSsP9LoxJ4Z3ig1Fx2HlWfMkmhnKfVw5CtXQvmQ-QDUu1fEtwJPCDaN459oxom872UKHedyV1Kzd0qlSQmpl61rJAvryHPJ5odRCmiHwDALttyHKuMwuV1XMcoqoY8lVbXYv6YCiSFURMvLDubJiotxSiGOdUUz3T0L~X3RVx3H1x~clLg~lDzsImhmyfliYvFadJ1sc8TSigTiN4zrrCIVI-mogb-WgtkGIJy3hhL6UH7JhOMSf6MI0hztTuyFD4dGmGMBFmCMxlr~EBXxkbB6VMr5oPl9eojafXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Assistant City Manager Christine Taylor updated the council on March 4 about ongoing efforts to preserve a homestead on the former Evers property along North Elm Street.

Taylor said the city had previously asked for a 30-day extension to investigate alternatives after learning the county had interest in the structure. City staff reported an estimate for a full relocation of the house of approximately $200,000 and that the developer had offered up to $100,000 of its demolition allowance to support preservation or relocation.

Taylor told council staff and the developer remain in regular communication and that Denton County has discussed both relocating the house to a county property and maintaining it in place on the existing parcel. \"We feel very confident that we're working toward a solution in the coming days or months,\" Taylor said, and staff anticipated presenting a development agreement for council consideration in April or May.

Council questions and clarifications

- Councilmembers asked whether county involvement would require relocation; staff said no, both relocation and on-site county stewardship remained possible.

- Councilmembers asked whether any expressions of interest from the University of North Texas referenced during public comment represented the university administration; Taylor said a UNT professor expressed interest during public comment but staff had not had substantive conversations with UNT administration.

- Councilmembers asked the city to ensure any municipal obligations for long-term maintenance be made explicit if the county or another party takes ownership; staff said they would seek to structure any conveyance or agreement to avoid leaving unfunded maintenance obligations with the city.

Next steps

Taylor said staff expects to present a development agreement in April or May that would allow the developer to proceed with its overall project while preserving the homestead either in place or relocated. The developer is supportive of preservation efforts and has signaled willingness to cooperate financially within the limits of its previously discussed demolition allowance.

Ending: No final decision was made at the meeting. Council asked staff to finalize negotiations with Denton County and other interested parties and to return with a specific development-agreement proposal for council action.","City staff told the council they are working with Denton County and other stakeholders to preserve a historic homestead on the former Evers property and expect to bring a development agreement to council in April or May. Relocation to a county parcel is one option; preservation on-site is also being explored.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6652297,"Council briefed on 2025 state legislative session; city tracking budget and municipal autonomy bills",1117,6757000,7874000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6&start=6757&end=7874","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2494165-646eafd45237c9d343fa553d2a98c8b6/thumbnail_6757000.jpg","/articles/6652297/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Council-briefed-on-2025-state-legislative-session-city-tracking-budget-and-municipal-autonomy-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6652297-02b87efc2a6650270ca106f85504d575/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194601&Signature=cs1~aU6vaTEDJnY7ckUD-2hPjJovrebjGW8I-RdJZFEF6fa9l9x2O5~szHrhlGj7WkjXcM-YTYd0LR8bpZI96qKxuqgUIdp~jspV9YzC8K-RStLfjqib9RijZTjVGOxBhv6WjegqpgC7A4mxBIPqDg1iebYtf8b6EJRSfVAT~3VLbhVvpWyOyVMGYwWbEXE7gp2iuT8ZtFv5QSfBlrH5RyExfpV0OswHjL0x8rkojM5vF5GHD4aiwpYhtM6PZtLMzR4clqLPppxNgzDsrrGxvP4gjr-cVm0gAuZjZ3Dg~ozvi~TNxrBE1ZVnVRde58PRD4vdUC2iRty~d-Pwx~Wx8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christy Fogle, Denton's chief of staff, briefed the council on March 4 about the 2025 Texas legislative session and the city's planned engagement.

Fogle said the 140-day legislative session began in January and the sixtieth day (the bill-filing deadline) was approaching; as of the briefing she reported about 3,616 House bills and 1,856 Senate bills filed and the city was tracking roughly 256 bills, with about 27 tied directly to Denton's legislative priorities. \"The legislative program was approved by council on November 19 and provides the framework for our engagement on legislative issues,\" she said.

She described priorities and high-level budget context:

- The governor had announced emergency items that can bypass the sixty-day moratorium, including property tax relief, water infrastructure, teacher pay, career training, education savings accounts, bail reform and critical infrastructure protections. The lieutenant governor planned a larger set of priorities than typical sessions.

- The comptroller's estimate cited available revenue for general purpose spending and both budget bills (House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1) were filed; the filed budget proposals showed large allocations for property tax cuts, border security and other items, but the House and Senate processes often diverge during negotiations.

- The city's advocacy would focus on its approved legislative program: staff will register support or opposition to bills, provide testimony, submit letters, and meet with legislators based on that program. Fogle noted the city's consultant contact and its coordination with the Texas Municipal League (TML).

Council questions and comments

- Members asked about library-related bills (those that would limit events or content at municipal libraries). Fogle said several library-related bills were being tracked but had not been added to the city's active priority list; the city will not weigh in on bills outside the council-approved program unless council directs staff to do so.

- Several councilmembers voiced concern about proposed restrictions on municipal lobbying and asked staff to pursue an exception that would allow cities to keep contractors to track and report on bills even if the statutory language limits taxpayer-funded \"lobbying.\" Fogle said staff is monitoring bills such as SB 19 and would coordinate with the city attorney before committing to contract changes; she suggested options such as contracting only for bill-tracking and analysis and excluding direct lobbying from consultant contracts.

- Councilmembers asked staff to provide a short bill-synopsis for specific bills of concern, including SB 844 and House Bill 2494 (annexation-related language) and to route talking points ahead of in-person meetings in Austin.

Next steps

Fogle said staff would provide weekly updates, coordinate Denton County Days delegation meetings in April and supply talking points for council members who meet with the Denton delegation in Austin. She also noted staff would work to identify and report back on specific library-related bills and on the potential fiscal and operational effects of any limits on municipal consultants or lobbyists.

Ending: Council did not take a vote on policy changes at this meeting. Staff will continue monitoring filings, return with bill summaries on items requested by councilmembers and seek further direction if a bill falls outside the city's legislative program.","Chief of staff Christy Fogle updated the Denton City Council on the 2025 Texas legislative session, the city's legislative program and priorities, and key issues to track including the governor's emergency items, the state budget and bills affecting municipal authority and library policies.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Denton council reviews board-backed ethics ordinance changes, debates ‘should have known’ standard

Votes at a glance: council backs Craver Ranch MMD support, two contracts and cancels unopposed District elections

City, county and developer continue talks to preserve homestead at former Evers property; relocation remains option

Council briefed on 2025 state legislative session; city tracking budget and municipal autonomy bills