KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen City Council gaveled in for a council meeting on Oct. 22 where their agenda included an item to discuss city council meeting protocol. The agenda packet didn't include any detail of what the conversation would be centered on or why it was happening.
Some council meeting attendees speculated what the item was for, and provided their opinion on what, if any, the protocol should be.
"The protocol should allow for citizens to address the council in some manner at the meetings outside of what you think is important because it's not just about you, you represent us," said Mellisa Brown, a former Killeen council member. "Also, again, point of order is for the body and not for the citizens and it is not the job of the council member to determine what's on the agenda when a citizen is speaking."
Brown was eventually kicked out of the meeting after being given two warning by Mayor Debbie Nash-King. Sean Price, another attendee, was also kicked out after being given the same amount of warnings for "disturbing the meeting."
The agenda item comes as the city council meetings have routinely had what is described as "disruptions."
"I know citizens have watched, observed and in real time witnessed the foolishness, nonsense and disruption of distractions and domestic terrorist behavior, I'll even say to an extent," said Councilman Michael Boyd. "Our job is to balance the freedom of speech as well as decorum."
Nash-King said she put the meeting protocol discussion on the agenda for one reason only -- to reiterate there is a protocol for safety for all.
"This discussion item is not to change our protocol, not even to update our protocol," Nash-King added. "We want to assure you on record, this was the best format to let the residents know we want you to come back and this is a safe environment."
Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Gonzalez said it's a conversation that needed to be on the record as the council has to maintain a delicate balance and it's unclear how at this point.
"Our question here has become a dilemma for us, do we continue to conduct business, do we pause the meeting, do we wait until it's completely clear," Gonzalez said as she admitted she didn't know the answer. "I think it is a very realistic and viable question that we should answer for our constituents."
The council did not decide or take any action during the meeting protocol discussion.
There was a conversation directed at the city attorney for there to be more clarity on possibilities without infringing on one's rights.
You can watch the entire council meeting here.