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City Council

AGENDAS & MINUTES
AGENDA ITEM REQUEST FORM

INTRODUCTION

The City of Sweeny uses a Council-Manager form of government to provide effective and efficient public service to our residents.  Incorporated in 1945, Sweeny was governed by a General Rule Charter.  However, in 1999, the population of the City of Sweeny exceeded 5,000 residents, and the residents voted in favor of Home Rule legislation.  As a result, Sweeny adopted the Council-Manager approach—the most popular form of government in the United States today—when it received a charter from the Texas Legislature.

In a Council-Manager form of government, council members represent the people in their geographic districts. Council members are elected to office.  The Council’s selection of a professional city manager ensures efficient municipal services.  City Manager, Lindsay Koskiniemi, was appointed by the council in July 2022 and is responsible for administering and coordinating municipal operations and programs.  City Council also appoints the City Secretary, City Attorney, Chief of Police, and citizens who serve on the city’s boards and commissions.  The Municipal Court Judge is an elected position.

The organization of city government is much like that of state and federal government.  Government is organized into three branches: the Legislative branch, the Executive branch, and the Judicial branch.  The legislative branch consists of the City Council which derives authority from a Charter granted by the State of Texas.  The executive branch consists of the City Manager, the Chief Executive Officer, and the Mayor.  The judicial branch consists of the police, courts, and other legal services.

The City Manager is responsible for administering all city functions: employment of personnel; development, presentation and administration of the City budget; and the implementation of City Council’s policies.

COUNCIL MEMBERS

  • Mayor: Dusty Hopkins Elected in 2023, Term Ends May 2025.
  • Position No. 1: Mark Morgan Jr. Elected in 2022, Term Ends May 2024.
  • Position No. 2: Reese C. Cook Appointed in 2023, Term Ends May 2025.
  • Position No. 3: Brian Brooks. Elected in 2022, Term Ends May 2024.
  • Position No. 4: John Rambo (Mayor Pro-Tem) Elected in 2023, Term Ends May 2025.
  • Position No. 5: Tim Pettigrew Elected in 2022, Term Ends May 2024.

MENU

SELECTION

The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and five council members.  Council members are elected to and occupy positions on the City Council, such positions being numbers one, two, three, four, and five.

TERM OF OFFICE

Members of the City Council, unless sooner removed under the provisions of the City Charter or the laws of the State of Texas, serve for a term of two (2) years.  Terms commence the third Tuesday in May following the member’s election, and terminate at midnight on the Monday proceeding the third Tuesday in May two years thereafter, or until the member’s successor has been elected and duly qualified.  Council member positions one, three, and five are elected each even numbered year, and positions two and four are elected each odd numbered year.  The office of Mayor shall be filled each odd numbered year.

QUALIFICATIONS & LIMITATIONS

Each member of City Council is required to be a citizen of the United States and a qualified voter of the State of Texas and City of Sweeny at the time of his or her election to office.  No member of the City Council may hold any other office or employment under the city government while serving on City Council, or hold any paid employment under the city government within two years thereafter.  Any member of the City Council ceasing to reside in the City will be deemed to have vacated his or her position on the City Council.

COMPENSATION

Council members may not receive remuneration or compensation; however, they may be entitled to all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.  The Mayor shall receive such remuneration or compensation as may be established from time to time by the City Council.

COUNCIL MEETINGS

City Council meetings take place the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.  These meetings are open to the public, unless otherwise posted.

COUNCIL AGENDAS

The City Council agenda is prepared and posted on the Friday before the council meeting.  To be heard at a city council meeting, a request to be placed on the agenda is needed by no later than 4:30 p.m. on the 8th business day of the month before the monthly council meeting.