Immigrant rental ban vote broke TOMA, lawsuit says

FARMERS BRANCH — A state district court judge temporarily blocked Farmers Branch from implementing a controversial ordinance banning apartment owners from leasing to illegal immigrants, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Judge Bruce Priddy of the 116th District Court issued the temporary restraining order in response to a request from resident Guillermo Ramos. Ramos sued the city in December, alleging the city council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act by conducting all of its business on the immigration ordinance behind closed doors, then voting before residents could see the text of the ordinance and comment on it. After the measure generated public controversy, the council agreed to let residents vote on the measure and then later discussed repealing the measure altogether.

City sues neighbor city

MEADOWLAKES — As promised, city leaders have filed a formal grievance with the Texas Attorney

Meadowlakes Mayor John Aaron’s letter claims the Marble Falls City Council violated the requirements for an executive session by discussing litigation against Meadowlakes without noting the item on the Nov. 27 meeting agenda.

The grievance is the latest chapter in a war of words between the cities. Marble Falls officials recently filed a lawsuit against Meadowlakes over Marble Falls ’ proposed purchase of the Meadowlakes Golf Course.

Judge orders House speaker to release 2 calendars

AUSTIN — A judge ordered Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick to provide information by Jan. 12 showing whether a calendar maintained by his campaign staff contains public information about state business, The Associated Press reported.

The ruling by state District Judge Margaret Cooper came in a civil lawsuit brought by attorney Cris Feldman.

The Craddick calendar in question covers 2003 and the first half of 2004.