Pearland Leaders Plan "Reset" Meeting After Rocky Start

Pearland Leaders Plan "Reset" Meeting After Rocky StartPearland city leaders are thinking about holding a special "reset session" to improve relationships after a difficult month. Council members want to clear the air and work better as a team. One councilman, Clint Byrom, said social media has turned into a "cesspool" of negative comments about the city. He believes the online talk does not show who the people of Pearland really are.The trouble started at the June 22 city council meeting. The room was packed with people after the council hesitated to appoint the new mayor, Quentin Wiltz, to an important regional council position. They decided to delay the vote until October. The heated discussion and strong public comments created a clear divide between the council and the new mayor.Several council members now support the reset idea. Council member Layni Cade admitted she wasn't at her best during that meeting and said she wants the group to become a strong, united team. City Manager Trent Epperson explained that the session would be similar to their usual yearly planning meetings. They would bring in a professional facilitator to help guide the discussion.Councilman Rushi Patel added that everyone needs time to think about their goals and reduce the anger. "It's hard when there's so much animosity," he said. "We just need to get to know each other better." The goal is to move forward in a more positive way for the city.