Robstown police reverse policy on arrest sheets

ROBSTOWN — The police department here said it would begin releasing names of suspects after they are arrested instead of waiting until the individual is indicted.

The Nueces County Record Star filed an open records request to get names of people arrested in felony offenses after a citywide roundup of suspected drug use and dealing. The police department had a longstanding policy of withholding arrestee information until indictment even though the Public Information Act makes such records public.

Rowlett council probe ends

ROWLETT — The Dallas County district attorney’s office found no evidence that the city council violated the Texas Open Meetings Act.

One councilwoman and two citizens filed complaints that the council violated the act by asking the residents to leave a city finance committee meeting in September. The council also barred the public from a meeting in August.

College board holds private dinner meetings

HOUSTON — The Houston Community College system trustees have ended several board meetings this year by retiring in a private board dinner without giving proper notice, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Although a quorum has been present at some of the meetings, the trustees said the dinners were not a violation since official business was not discussed. However at least one trustee said discussions have surfaced about college business.

Angleton meeting topics spark debate over law

 ANGLETON — The city council discussed three items in closed session last month that were not on the posted agenda, The Facts reported.

The executive session item did not list any specific agenda items even though the Open Meetings Act requires that subject matter be included.

District attorney declines to pursue city investigation

NAVASOTA — The Grimes County attorney will not prosecute city officials over allegations that council members violated the Open Meetings Act, The Navasota Examiner reported.

The county attorney said the attorney general’s office did not find enough evidence to pursue the open meetings allegations by the mayor and a council member who said the councilman had profited from selling supplies to the city golf course.

Alamo college district hides campus location

SAN ANTONIO — The Alamo Community College District voted to begin negotiations for a new campus site but did not reveal the property location.

An attorney for the San Antonio Express-News said the action likely violated the open meetings act since the location was widely known and included only one tract. State law says entities can keep property locations secret but only if public deliberation would harm negotiations.