Item 4C - MemoCITY OF
SOUTH LAKE
MEMORANDUM
September 9, 2025
To: Alison Ortowski, City Manager
From: Amy Shelley, City Secretary
Item 4C
Subject: Resolution No. 25-036, Adopting the Bylaws of the Advisory
Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Action
Requested: Approve Resolution No. 25-036, Adopting the Bylaws of the Advisory
Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Background
Information: On April 15, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1228D to
standardize procedures and appointments and codify provisions in the
Code of Ordinances pertaining to all boards, commissions, and
committees.
Ordinance Section 2-143. Meetings and bylaws require "any bylaw
amendments shall be effective only after being approved by resolution
of the City Council."
The Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities adopted the
bylaws during their August 25, 2025, meeting and this item pertains to
the subsequent approval by the City Council.
Financial
Considerations: Non -applicable
Strategic Link: CSOC1: Provide excellent service by assisting in navigating
governmental processes.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: Non -applicable
Legal Review: Non -applicable
Alternatives: None
Supporting
Documents: Excerpt from Ord. No. 1228D, Meetings and Bylaws
DRAFT - Advisory Commission for Persons with Disabilities bylaws, as
approved by the Board on August 25, 2025
Resolution No. 25-036
Exhibit "A" — Bylaws of the Advisory Commission for Persons with
Disabilities
Staff
Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 25-036, Adopting the Bylaws of the Advisory
Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Excerpt from Ord. No. 1228D
Sec. 2-143(d) Meetings
Sec. 2-143. - Meetings.
(a) The Commission shall meet at least once each month of the school year
(October May). Meetings shall be held and conducted as indicated in the
adopted bylaws of the Commission.
(h) Special meetings will be called by the Chair or the Vice -Chair of the
Commission at any time after notice has been given to the Commission
members.
(c) A simple majority of the members shall constitute a quorum, A vote of the
simple majority of the quorum shall be required far any action taken by the
Commission.
Rage 9 Board, Commission. and Committee Ordinance 2025
(d) The Commission shall operate per approved bylaws. The Commission may
amend such bylaws, or adopt new bylaws, as the Commission determines is
appropriate to best govern holding its meetings, provided that any bylaw
amendments shall be effective only after being approved by resolution of the
City Council. The Commission's bylaws shall adhere to state law, the City
Charter, the City Code of Ordinances, and the Board and Commission Manual.
CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
DRAFT
BYLAWS OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 1.1 Purpose.
The Southlake City Council established the Advisory Commission on Persons with
Disabilities to act as an advisory board to the City Council on matters related to the
experiences and insights of residents with disabilities.
Section 1.2 Powers.
In fulfillment of its purpose, the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities shall
be governed by the Southlake City Code and other applicable laws.
ARTICLE II
BOARD MEMBERS
Section 2.1 Composition and Terms of Office
(a) The Commission shall consist of seven (7) citizens of the City of Southlake,
Texas, and shall be appointed by the City Council. Places on the
Commission shall be numbered one (1) through seven (7). Each member
shall be a citizen of the City at all times while serving on the Advisory
Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Recognizing the unique nature of
the Advisory Commission, there may be situations where an appointed
member may require assistance to participate. Such assistance shall be
accommodated within the established accommodation process. An
individual providing assistance to a Commission member shall not be
considered an appointed member of the Advisory Commission.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code,
members shall be appointed for two-year terms. Members shall serve
without compensation. All appointments for regular and/or alternate
members to fill unexpired terms shall be filled in the same manner as regular
appointments and shall terminate as per the original term being filled.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code,
no Commission member may serve on the Advisory Commission for more
than three (3) consecutive two (2) year terms, unless the individual serves
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 1 of 5
as Chair. A Commission member who serves any term as the Chair may be
appointed to serve up to three consecutive two-year terms on the Advisory
Commission as Chair.
(d) In addition to the regular members, the City Council may appoint up to two
(2) citizens of the City as alternate members. Alternate members assigned
to a board, commission, or committee, will be assigned a corresponding
number (e.g. Alternate #1). Alternate members shall attend all meetings and
may participate in discussions related to agenda items or matters, but will
not vote on these items or matters.
(e) An alternate member in the event of an absence or disqualification of a
regular member at a meeting shall act in the place of such member and
perform the duties of a regular member, including voting on agenda items
or matters. In the absence of one or more regular members, the alternate
member assigned the highest numerical position (e.g., Alternate #1) and
who is present shall be seated as a regular member. In the event of the
resignation of a regular member, the alternate member assigned with the
highest alternate numerical position will act in the place of such member
until the City Council has appointed a new regular member for that place for
the remainder of the term.
(f) All board members shall serve in accordance with the provisions of the
approved Board and Commission Manual.
(g) Any member or alternate of the Advisory Commission on Persons with
Disabilities, unless specifically provided otherwise by State law, the City
Charter, or the Code of Ordinances, shall serve at the will and pleasure of
the City Council, and may be removed from office in accordance with City
Charter, State law or another applicable ordinance.
Section 2.2 Meetings of the Board.
The Commission shall meet at least once a quarter, on the fourth Monday of the month,
at The Marq Southlake or a designated meeting area. Members not planning to attend a
regular meeting or special meeting shall notify the staff liaison(s), as designated by the
City Manager, or the Chair of the Commission by noon (12:00 PM) of the meeting day.
Any member with unexcused absences from two (2) consecutive regular meetings or not
exhibiting interest in the work of the Commission shall be reported to the City Council,
which may, at its discretion, remove the Commission member and appoint a replacement.
All meetings and deliberations of the Commission shall be called, convened, held, and
conducted, and that notice shall be given to the public, in accordance with Chapter 551
of the Texas Government Code.
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 2 of 5
Section 2.3 Special Meetings.
Upon the request of any Commission member, the Chair shall call a special meeting of
the Commission. The Chair shall fix a place and time for such special meetings. Notice
shall be given to the public in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code.
Section 2.4 Quorum.
A simple majority of the entire Commission shall constitute a quorum to conduct official
business of the Commission.
Section 2.5 Conduct of Business.
(a) At the meeting of the Commission, matters pertaining to the business of the
Commission, as posted on the agenda, shall be considered in accordance
with rules of procedure as may be prescribed by the Commission from time
to time.
(b) At all meetings of the Commission, the Chair shall preside. In the absence
of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall preside. In the absence of both the Chair
and Vice Chair, the Secretary shall preside.
(c) The Chair shall be a voting member of the Commission.
(d) Minutes of each Commission meeting shall be filed with the City Secretary
and made available upon request.
Section 2.6 Vacancies.
Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled by appointment by the City
Council for the length of the unexpired term.
Section 2.7 Committees of the Commission.
The Commission, through a regular vote, may appoint two (2) or more committee or sub-
committee members from the membership of the Commission to serve as designated.
Section 2.8 Compensation of Commission Members.
Board members shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 3 of 5
Section 3.1 Officers and Terms of Office.
(a) The officers of the Commission shall be a Chair, Vice Chair, and
Secretary. The City Council will annually appoint the Chair of the
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities, as outlined in
Chapter 2, Article V, of the Southlake City Code.
(b) A board member who serves any term as the Chair may be
appointed to serve up to three (3) consecutive two (2) year terms as
Chair.
(c) At the meeting following the appointment of new members by the
City Council, the Advisory Commission shall elect from its members
a Vice Chair and Secretary to serve a one-year term until the next
annual appointment of new Advisory Commission members. Should
any of the above -referenced officer positions become vacant, the
Commission shall conduct a special election to fill such vacancy for
the duration of the unexpired term.
(d) All officers shall be subject to removal from office at any time by a
vote of a majority of the City Council.
(e) Within thirty (30) days after the appointment of a new member to the
Commission, or prior to the first time that a new member participates
in a meeting, the new member shall complete the orientation and
training requirements outlined in the City's Board and Commission
Manual.
Section 3.2 Powers of the Chair.
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and perform all duties incident
to the office of the Chair and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Commission
and the City Council.
Section 3.3 Vice Chair.
In the absence of the Chair or in the event of his/her inability or refusal to act, the Vice
Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chair. The Vice Chair shall perform other
duties as from time to time may be prescribed.
Section 3.4 Secretary.
The Secretary shall ensure that the minutes of each Commission meeting shall be filed
with the City Secretary and, in general, shall perform all duties as from time to time may
be assigned to him/her by the Chair or the Commission. In the absence of the Chair and
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 4 of 5
Vice Chair, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the Secretary shall perform
the duties of the Chair, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to
all the restrictions upon the Chair. In the absence of the Secretary, the Chair or acting
Chair shall designate a member to perform the duties of the Secretary. The Secretary
may take notes during meetings to assist staff with the creation of minutes for approval
at the next meeting.
ARTICLE IV
COMMISSION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 4.1 Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties and responsibilities of the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities
shall be as outlined in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code.
ARTICLE V
FISCAL YEAR
Section 5.1 Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities shall run
concurrent with the City of Southlake's fiscal year.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Section 6.1 Amendments to Bylaws.
These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by
a majority of the Commission members present at any regular meeting, or any special
meeting, if at least three business days' of written notice is given of an intention to alter,
amend, or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws at such meeting.
Original
August 25, 2025
September 16, 2025
Approved By:
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities
City Council
1It Amendment
Approved By:
2nd Amendment
Approved By:
3rd Amendment
Approved By:
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 5 of 5
RESOLUTION NO. 25-036
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS,
ADOPTING THE ADVISORY COMMISSION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABLITIES
BYLAWS, PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Whereas, the City Council created the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities
as set forth in Ordinance No. 1228C, dated December 3, 2024; and,
Whereas, the Southlake Arts Council was created to act as an advisory board to the City
Council offering policy guidance informed by the experiences and insights of
residents with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. All the findings in the preamble are found to be true and correct and the City
Council does hereby incorporate said findings into the body of this resolution
as if copied in its entirety.
Section 2. The Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws set forth in
Exhibit "A" are hereby adopted, and any amendments to such bylaws must be
approved by the City Council.
Section 3. This resolution is hereby effective upon passage and approval by the City
Council.
PASSED AND APPROVED THIS THE 16T" DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2025.
ATTEST:
Amy Shelley, TRMC
City Secretary
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE, TEXAS
Shawn McCaskill
Mayor
CITY OF EXHIBIT A
SOUTHLAKE
BYLAWS OF THE
CITY OF SOUTHLAKE
ADVISORY COMMISSION ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE AND POWERS
Section 1.1 Purpose.
The Southlake City Council established the Advisory Commission on Persons with
Disabilities to act as an advisory board to the City Council on matters related to the
experiences and insights of residents with disabilities.
Section 1.2 Powers.
In fulfillment of its purpose, the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities shall
be governed by the Southlake City Code and other applicable laws.
ARTICLE II
BOARD MEMBERS
Section 2.1 Comaosition and Terms of Office
(a) The Commission shall consist of seven (7) citizens of the City of Southlake,
Texas, and shall be appointed by the City Council. Places on the
Commission shall be numbered one (1) through seven (7). Each member
shall be a citizen of the City at all times while serving on the Advisory
Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Recognizing the unique nature of
the Advisory Commission, there may be situations where an appointed
member may require assistance to participate. Such assistance shall be
accommodated within the established accommodation process. An
individual providing assistance to a Commission member shall not be
considered an appointed member of the Advisory Commission.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code,
members shall be appointed for two-year terms. Members shall serve
without compensation. All appointments for regular and/or alternate
members to fill unexpired terms shall be filled in the same manner as regular
appointments and shall terminate as per the original term being filled.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code,
no Commission member may serve on the Advisory Commission for more
than three (3) consecutive two (2) year terms, unless the individual serves
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 1 of 5
EXHIBIT A
as Chair. A Commission member who serves any term as the Chair may be
appointed to serve up to three consecutive two-year terms on the Advisory
Commission as Chair.
(d) In addition to the regular members, the City Council may appoint up to two
(2) citizens of the City as alternate members. Alternate members assigned
to a board, commission, or committee, will be assigned a corresponding
number (e.g. Alternate #1). Alternate members shall attend all meetings and
may participate in discussions related to agenda items or matters, but will
not vote on these items or matters.
(e) An alternate member in the event of an absence or disqualification of a
regular member at a meeting shall act in the place of such member and
perform the duties of a regular member, including voting on agenda items
or matters. In the absence of one or more regular members, the alternate
member assigned the highest numerical position (e.g., Alternate #1) and
who is present shall be seated as a regular member. In the event of the
resignation of a regular member, the alternate member assigned with the
highest alternate numerical position will act in the place of such member
until the City Council has appointed a new regular member for that place for
the remainder of the term.
(f) All board members shall serve in accordance with the provisions of the
approved Board and Commission Manual.
(g) Any member or alternate of the Advisory Commission on Persons with
Disabilities, unless specifically provided otherwise by State law, the City
Charter, or the Code of Ordinances, shall serve at the will and pleasure of
the City Council, and may be removed from office in accordance with City
Charter, State law or another applicable ordinance.
Section 2.2 Meetings of the Board.
The Commission shall meet at least once a quarter, on the fourth Monday of the month,
at The Marq Southlake or a designated meeting area. Members not planning to attend a
regular meeting or special meeting shall notify the staff liaison(s), as designated by the
City Manager, or the Chair of the Commission by noon (12:00 PM) of the meeting day.
Any member with unexcused absences from two (2) consecutive regular meetings or not
exhibiting interest in the work of the Commission shall be reported to the City Council,
which may, at its discretion, remove the Commission member and appoint a replacement.
All meetings and deliberations of the Commission shall be called, convened, held, and
conducted, and that notice shall be given to the public, in accordance with Chapter 551
of the Texas Government Code.
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 2 of 5
EXHIBIT A
Section 2.3 Special Meetings.
Upon the request of any Commission member, the Chair shall call a special meeting of
the Commission. The Chair shall fix a place and time for such special meetings. Notice
shall be given to the public in accordance with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code.
Section 2.4 Quorum.
A simple majority of the entire Commission shall constitute a quorum to conduct official
business of the Commission.
Section 2.5 Conduct of Business.
(a) At the meeting of the Commission, matters pertaining to the business of the
Commission, as posted on the agenda, shall be considered in accordance
with rules of procedure as may be prescribed by the Commission from time
to time.
(b) At all meetings of the Commission, the Chair shall preside. In the absence
of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall preside. In the absence of both the Chair
and Vice Chair, the Secretary shall preside.
(c) The Chair shall be a voting member of the Commission.
(d) Minutes of each Commission meeting shall be filed with the City Secretary
and made available upon request.
Section 2.6 Vacancies.
Any vacancy occurring in the Commission shall be filled by appointment by the City
Council for the length of the unexpired term.
Section 2.7 Committees of the Commission.
The Commission, through a regular vote, may appoint two (2) or more committee or sub-
committee members from the membership of the Commission to serve as designated.
Section 2.8 Compensation of Commission Members.
Board members shall not receive any salary or compensation for their services.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 3 of 5
EXHIBIT A
Section 3.1 Officers and Terms of Office.
(a) The officers of the Commission shall be a Chair, Vice Chair, and
Secretary. The City Council will annually appoint the Chair of the
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities, as outlined in
Chapter 2, Article V, of the Southlake City Code.
(b) A board member who serves any term as the Chair may be
appointed to serve up to three (3) consecutive two (2) year terms as
Chair.
(c) At the meeting following the appointment of new members by the
City Council, the Advisory Commission shall elect from its members
a Vice Chair and Secretary to serve a one-year term until the next
annual appointment of new Advisory Commission members. Should
any of the above -referenced officer positions become vacant, the
Commission shall conduct a special election to fill such vacancy for
the duration of the unexpired term.
(d) All officers shall be subject to removal from office at any time by a
vote of a majority of the City Council.
(e) Within thirty (30) days after the appointment of a new member to the
Commission, or prior to the first time that a new member participates
in a meeting, the new member shall complete the orientation and
training requirements outlined in the City's Board and Commission
Manual.
Section 3.2 Powers of the Chair.
The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Commission and perform all duties incident
to the office of the Chair and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Commission
and the City Council.
Section 3.3 Vice Chair.
In the absence of the Chair or in the event of his/her inability or refusal to act, the Vice
Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair, and when so acting shall have all the powers
of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chair. The Vice Chair shall perform other
duties as from time to time may be prescribed.
Section 3.4 Secretary.
The Secretary shall ensure that the minutes of each Commission meeting shall be filed
with the City Secretary and, in general, shall perform all duties as from time to time may
be assigned to him/her by the Chair or the Commission. In the absence of the Chair and
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 4 of 5
EXHIBIT A
Vice Chair, or in the event of their inability or refusal to act, the Secretary shall perform
the duties of the Chair, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to
all the restrictions upon the Chair. In the absence of the Secretary, the Chair or acting
Chair shall designate a member to perform the duties of the Secretary. The Secretary
may take notes during meetings to assist staff with the creation of minutes for approval
at the next meeting.
ARTICLE IV
COMMISSION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 4.1 Duties and Responsibilities.
The duties and responsibilities of the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities
shall be as outlined in Chapter 2, Article V, Southlake City Code.
ARTICLE V
FISCAL YEAR
Section 5.1 Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities shall run
concurrent with the City of Southlake's fiscal year.
ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS
Section 6.1 Amendments to Bylaws.
These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed and new bylaws may be adopted by
a majority of the Commission members present at any regular meeting, or any special
meeting, if at least three business days' of written notice is given of an intention to alter,
amend, or repeal these bylaws or to adopt new bylaws at such meeting.
Original
August 25, 2025
September 16, 2025
Approved By:
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities
City Council
1It Amendment
Approved By:
2nd Amendment
Approved By:
3rd Amendment
Approved By:
Advisory Commission on Persons with Disabilities Bylaws Page 5 of 5