SECTION 201.1. Boards for Lease Meeting Administration

(a) The secretary of a Board for Lease (Board) shall keep as records at the General Land Office, the minutes and the docket of each meeting.

(b) The secretary of the Board shall prepare the docket for the meeting and file and post notice of the meeting in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Notice of the board meeting will include:

(1) the time, date, and location of the meeting; and

(2) those items to be considered by the Board.

(c) Members of the public may make personal statements of their views on a matter before the Board provided that they identify themselves for the record. Members of the public making only such statements will not be considered parties to the meeting.

(d) Any person requesting a formal action by the Board must notify the secretary prior to the meeting, providing in writing the person's name, address, and interest in the meeting. Any such participant will be considered a party to the meeting.

(e) All persons appearing before the Board, and any evidence they present, will be subject to full examination by the members of the Board.

(f) Parties may be represented by an attorney. Upon notification of the secretary, the attorney will receive all correspondence directed to the party on behalf of the Board.

(g) Any applicant before the Board and any other person filing their name, address, and a request for notification with the secretary, will be notified in writing of the date, time, and place of the board meeting at which the application will be considered. However, failure to mail the notice does not invalidate any action taken by the Board.

(h) An applicant and those persons who have properly requested notification will be informed in writing of any action taken by the Board concerning that person's application as expeditiously as possible following the meeting.

(i) The Board shall adopt, amend, and repeal rules in accordance with the Texas Register and Administrative Code, Government Code, Chapter 2002. Any interested person may petition the Board in writing to request adoption of a rule. The Board shall consider the request at the next scheduled meeting and shall either grant or deny the request. Rulemaking procedures shall be initiated within 60 days of the receipt of the request if granted. If denied, the Board shall state its reasons in writing and mail them to the petitioner within 60 days of the request.

(j) The Board's policy is to encourage and ensure maximum public participation in all matters it considers. The Board shall conduct all meetings in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

Source Note: The provisions of this §201.1 adopted to be effective November 8, 1998, 23 TexReg 11161.