Special Board Meeting Recap: June 23, 2025

Clear Bags, Wand-Waving, FLOCK Cameras, and Deed Restriction Fines

Ah, authoritarianism in action. Or as this board prefers it: "safety" in a clear plastic tote bag. Let’s unpack the chaos from a “special meeting” that was special only in the way a gas station sushi roll is “special.”

Public Comments: Austin Bans FLOCK, But Fear Still Flocks Here

Resident David D. dared to use his brain and pointed out that Austin scrapped FLOCK cameras after discovering unauthorized sharing of citizen data. His message: if this board can’t handle a QR code without tripping over itself, why trust them with complex surveillance data policies? Cue the board blinking in confusion like Alexa when you ask her a moral question. (Wonder what FLOCK cameras are?  They are a surveillance technology that records every single vehicle that passes in and out of a location.)

Clear Bags & Wands: Democracy, But Make It TSA

Hanoi Avila kicked off with a motion to pass a clear bag policy, because apparently transparency now means the public literally has to carry their chapstick in Ziplocs to attend meetings.

But wait—there’s more. The board’s attorney casually mentioned that directors also asked about installing metal detectors and wanding people at the door. Because nothing says “welcoming public meeting” like being treated as if you’re entering maximum security.

Director Flores, ever the lone voice of reason, asked the obvious: “What happened that makes you think wanding attendees is necessary?” Jones declined to answer because… reasons. Rocco mumbled something about “a certain amount of fear,” and Avila jumped in with, “the public affidavits speak for themselves”—spoiler: they don’t. (check back with MUDucation soon to find out what Hanoi Avila is alluding to when speaking about the mysterious “affidavits”).

It was hard to tell if they were planning a public meeting or auditioning to be mall cops.

The Rent-a-Cop Takes the Mic

The private security officer (“rent-a-cop” if you’re not into euphemisms) weighed in like he’d been deputized by Homeland Security. Suddenly it was his clear bag policy, his wanding ideas. He warned us all: no firearms, no gum, and preferably no dissent.

Good job security guy. You’ve officially scared the board more than a Facebook comment ever could.

The Roving Patrol: Gone But Not Forgotten (By Beth)

Flores recommended months ago that the district stop wasting money on the roving patrol contract through Ranger Guard. Naturally, Beth Jones responded by… bumping up the private security hours instead with the new USDFPS contract. Avila confirmed, “it’s in the agreement.” Jones added, “Correct.” Except there’s one teeny-tiny problem: the USDFPS contract has no working hours, maximum hours, or minimum hours. Translation? It’s less of a contract and more of a blank check.

Deeds Lawyer Drama: The Power Grab Olympics

Jones breathlessly read Agenda Item 2—hire a deed enforcement attorney. Avila, apparently caffeinated and eager to please, immediately seconded it before anyone made the motion. (Pro tip: motions first, seconds later, Hanoi.)

Flores, as usual, asked to see a proposal. Jones admitted they didn’t actually have a proposed contract yet. She then demanded the board authorize the deeds committee to sign whatever contract their mystery attorney gives them—because, hey, why let a pesky thing like board oversight, or the open meetings act, slow down the authoritarian fun?

Rocco dutifully seconded and mumbled something about “committee authority.” The district attorney tried to pump the brakes, warning the board that delegating decisions and spending to a committee could go off the rails fast. Jones waved off the concern; she’d already mentally signed the check.

Rules? We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Rules

It quickly became clear that Jones, Avila, and Rocco were winging it. At one point, Rocco blamed staff for “writing the agenda wrong.” Spoiler: Jones writes the agendas. Oops.

Meanwhile, Avila claimed delegating authority to a committee was “completely legitimate.” Someone hand him a copy of the Open Public Meetings Act before he signs away the district to the highest bidder.

Closing Scene: Gas lighting & Grandstanding

Avila wrapped the meeting with a final flourish of gas lighting, insisting everything was above board. This board doesn’t want transparency—they want control. Clear bags and wands aren’t about safety; they’re about intimidation. And delegating final authority to a committee? That’s just outsourcing accountability, oh and also against the law,  unless it is done in an open public meeting.