County Historical Commission under review for potentially violating open-meeting laws

The county attorney will review the El Paso County Historical Commission to learn if it failed to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act.

The Historical Commission, appointed by County Commissioners, voted via email on whether to approve a new location for the new downtown arena.

The group was adamantly against building it in the Duranguito neighborhood.

“It was an electronic vote, and it was not binding,” said Bernie Sargent, chair of the County Historical Commission. “It was not meant to violate any open meetings. We’re very open, very transparent.”

County judge Veronica Escobar said Monday the Historical Commission’s views were not representative of the court’s view.

“The County Historical Commission does not speak for the County of El Paso,” Escobar said. “They have articulated a very strong position against the downtown arena site. Has nothing to do with us.”

Sargent has been on the board since 2000. “This is the first time we’ve had situations like this that were sketchy,” Sargent said. “We’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Escobar did not say if there would be any punishment handed down to the group.

“Its bylaws clearly state they have to post their meetings 72 hours in advance,” Escobar said. “If they need additional training or whatever they need, we will be there to support to make sure that they do comply with the law.”

The terms for members of the Historical Commission will be up later this month.