County, Historical Commission discuss implementation of new bylaws

The County is working to help the Historical Commission establish new bylaws, a move that comes after a major change in leadership took place in the Historical Commission.

The commission underwent major changes in Early February after County Commissioners voted to reappoint only nine of its 21 members. Most notably, the court did not bring back Chairman Bernie Sargent, and vice-chair Max Grossman, who had a combined 25 years of experience on the board. The two were also major advocates for preserving the Duranguito neighborhood from being demolished for the new downtown arena.

County attorneys determined the historical commission failed to comply with the Texas Open Meetings Act, when a vote was conducted via email. The issue was first brought up to county attorneys on Jan. 9. It was revealed the Historical Commission, which is appointed by County Commissioners, weighed in on whether to approve a new location for the new Downtown arena. The email vote showed the group was adamantly against building it in the Duranguito neighborhood.

“They are an advisory board. Not speaking for the county,” said County Commissioner Andrew Haggerty, concerned about the way the previous leaders of the historical commission advocated for historical preservation.

Joe Nebhan, the commission’s chairman, was at Commissioners Court Monday to listen to the concerns of commissioners.

“It’s a very fine line for a person speaking as a representative of the county such as myself or as private citizen Joe Nebhan,” Nebhan said. “I will reserve my constitutional right to say what I need to say as a private citizen.”

“I would never want to censor someone,” said County Judge Veronica Escobar, who wants the bylaws to be clear. “The issue is just making representations that an opinion or approach is the county’s unless we’re aligned completely.”

Escobar further stated, “All members of the Commission have been very dedicated and passionate members, and the commissioners court is very grateful to them for their service.”

“For the two most visible members, Bernie Sargent and Max Grossman, it was an issue of confidence for me, the county judge said, “While I am grateful for their volunteer work, information provided to us made me believe it was time to move forward with new members.”

Escobar said she believed the Historical Commission did not intentionally circumvent the Open Meetings Act, but also acknowledged the group was not properly trained when it came to the public meetings.

Coming up on ABC-7 at 5 and 6, Nebhan’s plans for the future of the historical commission.