The RTC convenes urgently to address the firing of long-serving Director Michael Morris, amid legal battles impacting regional cooperation.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Members of the Regional Transportation Council hope the actions from their emergency meeting are the first step toward smoothing things over after the firing of long-time Director of Transportation Michael Morris.
Dan Kesslet was named interim, according to the council of government’s statement.
The RTC, which consists of 45 elected and appointed members from across the Metroplex, held a special meeting on April 30 to address Morris’ firing.
The special meeting agenda included approving funding for FIFA-related agreements and seeking $5 million in emergency funding “for unforeseen needs resulting from recent legal action that has impacted the Metropolitan Planning Organization status and the fiscal agency.”
After the executive session, members of the RTC voted and passed two proposals from executive board members. The RTC approved the intervention by the RTC in the Denton County lawsuit in Tarrant County, as discussed In the Executive Session.
They also approved the initiation of negotiations by the RTC Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and RTC legal counsel with NCTCOG Executive Board to advance the execution of the new MPO Planning Agreement.
“This was not an easy decision, but a critical one to ensure the spirit of regionalism remains strong throughout the metroplex. Today, RTC came together to push back against elected officials who seek to dismantle cooperation and regionalism,” said Elizabeth Beck, Fort Worth City Councilwoman.
WFAA has also received a reaction from one of the Tarrant County officials on the RTC board.
“Today, the Regional Transportation Council, the federally recognized DFW Metropolitan Planning Organization, took serious but necessary steps to protect the integrity and effectiveness of our regional transportation system. We made it clear that serving Texans is our only priority. No amount of personal conflict or political noise will distract us from our mission: delivering North Texans the most efficient and effective transportation system in the world,” said Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez. “We are grateful for the strong collaboration and support of the Texas Department of Transportation and all our member municipalities. We look forward to a swift resolution of this legal matter and to continuing to benefit from the outstanding leadership of RTC Transportation Director Michael Morris for many years to come.”
Two of the most outspoken board members after the firing of Michael Morris have been Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and Denton County Judge Andy Eads, both of whom spoke up during Thursday’s emergency meeting.
“Denton County is encouraged by the strong support shown today by the Regional Transportation Council, which has joined us in addressing the overreach of the North Central Texas Council of Governments Board of Directors. Federal code and existing agreements make clear that the Regional Transportation Council serves as the policy-making body for transportation across North Texas,” said Judge Andy Eads. “The action taken today reinforces what we have maintained from the beginning. Denton County is not alone. Leaders from all four corners of the county, along with partners across the region, have come together in support of restoring proper governance and keeping transportation decisions where they belong.”
Eads also reflected on his experience as a board member over the past 12 months.
“Over the past year, these challenges have created unnecessary distractions from the work we are called to do. We are focused on building critical infrastructure, improving roadways, and addressing all modes of transportation to improve safety, reduce congestion, and enhance mobility. Denton County remains committed to moving North Texas forward and ensuring transportation decisions are made in a way that best serves our residents,” said Judge Eads.
Morris’ work made a large impact on North Texas. Beyond planning for the World Cup, Morris has been responsible for distributing millions of dollars in grants and state funding to support transit in the region. His purview included plans for roads, toll lanes, rail, bicycle, and air quality.
The firing followed a months-long fight and a weeks-long court battle that pitted two powerful government entities against each other over the firing and has now led TxDOT to propose a new agreement clarifying which group has the power to terminate the official, according to documents reviewed by WFAA.
Now, TxDOT has put forward a new agreement that clarifies that the RTC, not the NCTCOG, has the authority to hire and fire for the role Morris held, according to Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.
The RTC unrest comes just weeks before DFW hosts the World Cup games, with events stretching across multiple North Texas cities and attendees who will need safe and reliable transportation.
“The World Cup games will and must go on as planned,” said Mayor Jim Ross and RTC member.
Host City Mayor Jim Ross spoke to WFAA about the timing and Morris’ firing after also attending the emergency meeting.
“We’ve had a wonderful working relationship for nearly half a century with Michael Morris and COG, and now, in 12 months, that’s all gone for naught”, said Mayor Ross. “We’re upset about it. So, we are going to intervene, and we will be suing COG as a result of this.”
Ross also shared with WFAA that the RTC unrest will not impact the quality of service World Cup attendees will receive in Arlington and throughout DFW this summer, in part due to Morris, despite his termination.
“Michael Morris is a class act. I understand, he’s already spoken to our North Texas FIFA team and said, I’m here to help, no matter what. Whether I’m employed or not, I’m gonna help make sure these games go off without a hitch, that’s the kind of guy we’re dealing with,” said Mayor Ross. “So, I am a Michael Morris fan. He’s done so much for this entire region for all of North Texas. And I’m appalled to see that he’s been treated like this.”