v.
Texas Elections Division; Hon. Jane Nelson; Texas Secretary of State
ACCEPTED
15-25-00142-CV FIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS AUSTIN, TEXAS CAUSE NO. 15-25-00142-CV 9/29/2025 12:00 AM CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE IN THE FIFTEENTH COURT OF APPEALS OF TEXAS CLERK FILED IN ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, Appellant 15th COURT OF APPEALS AUSTIN, TEXAS v. 9/29/2025 12:00:00 AM CHRISTOPHER A. PRINE Clerk KEN PAXTON, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, AND JANE NELSON, SECRETARY OF STATE OF TEXAS, et al., Appellees ______________________________________________________________________
MOTION TO SUPPLEMENT THE CLERK'S RECORD
WITH OMITTED ITEMS
TO THE HONORABLE JUSTICES OF SAID COURT:
Appellant Robert Edward Battaile, pro se, respectfully moves the Court pursuant to Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 34.5(c) to accept the attached sworn copies of 11 omitted filings as evidence of their filing in the trial court and to ORDER the Clerk of the 459th Judicial District Court, Travis County, Texas, to prepare, certify, and file a supplemental clerk's record including these items individually in an expedited fashion. In support, Appellant shows:
1. This appeal arises from proceedings in the 459th Judicial District Court, Travis
County, Texas (Cause No. D-1-GN-25-000719). The case was appealed to the Third Court of Appeals and transferred to this Court.
2. Upon review of the clerk's record, Appellant discovered that at least 11 filings were omitted during the transfers. These items are necessary for the Court's review of the issues on appeal, including substantive filings about irreparable harm to historic sites; loss of community parkland, plazas and in-lieu park fees, Chapter 380 Grant misappropriation; civil rights violations; deceptive trade practices; police misconduct; and importantly includes the PLAINTIFF'S SECOND AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION TO BE HELD which was initially filed on July 30, 2025.
3. The omitted items are listed individually below and attached as sworn copies (date-stamped) with an unsworn declaration authenticating them under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 132.001 and TRAP 52.7:
Exhibit page numbers reference the pdf viewer pages within entire document. 1) 7-3-25 ORDER GRANTING 13100 FM 973 INC'S RULE 91A MOTION TO DISMISS. Pdf pg 8 2) 7-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3 ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A. Pdf pgs 9:17 3) 7-18-25 PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO ORDER AND INCLUDE COURT TRANSCRIPTS OF ALL PRIOR HEARINGS. Pdf 18:24 4) 7-22-25 PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO MC RETAIL GP'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A. Pdf :25:37 5) 7-23-25 PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO MANOR MF, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A. Pdf 38:52 6) 7-30-25 SECOND AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION TO BE HELD. Pdf 53:235 7) 8-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S NOTICE OF CHANGE OF SERVICE ADDRESS FOR DEFENDANT MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS, LLC. Pdf 236:238 8) 8-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF CITATION AND SERVICE TO DEFENDANT MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS, LLC. Pdf 239:241 9) 8-25-25 CHALLENGE TO THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF A STATE STATUTE. Pdf 242:247 10) 8-29-25 PLAINTIFF/APPELLANT'S MOTION TO CORRECT AND SUPPLEMENT THE REPORTERS RECORD WITH PRODUCTION OF AUDIO RECORDINGS. Pdf 248:251 11) 9/8/25 PLAINTIFF/APPELLANTS MOTION TO STAY, ABATE OR CONTINUE PROCEEDINGS PENDING APPEAL, AND REQUEST FOR HEARING. Pdf 252:260 4. These items were properly filed in the trial court, as shown by the date stamps. Appellant requests that the Court accept these sworn copies and notify the trial court clerk to supplement the record with them listed individually for the judges' benefit in understanding the full case history. This will promote judicial economy without prejudice to any party.
5. This effort of completing the clerk's record has been unforeseen and quite time consuming. Appellant will contact the 15th Court Clerk to assess the timing required to fulfill this Motion for the Judge's benefit. If needed, Appellant reserves the right to request a short extension of briefing deadlines under TRAP 38.6(d) while noting that time is of the essence as irreparable harms are underway now at multiple locations.
Certificate of Conference Appellant has filed Motions and submitted Schedules to attempt to confer with the parties to no avail. Many of the parties have been dismissed but underlying issues remain and harms continue. As a courtesy, Appellant has added them as Appellees.
Certificate of Service I certify that a true and correct copy of this Motion was served on all counsel of record via eFileTexas on September 28, 2025.
Respectfully submitted, /s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Appellant Pro Se 502 E Eggleston St, Unit B Manor TX 78653 [email protected] 512-662-2955 EXHIBIT A.
UNSWORN DECLARATION AUTHENTICATING COPIES OF DOCUMENTS
STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS
My name is Robert Edward Battaile. My date of birth is 8/14/1950. My address is 502 E Eggleston St Unit B, Manor, TX 78653, Travis County, Texas, USA. I declare under penalty of perjury that the following facts are true and correct:
1. I am over the age of 18, of sound mind, and competent to make this declaration.
I have personal knowledge of the facts stated herein.
2. I am the Appellant in the above-styled cause and the pro se plaintiff in the underlying trial court proceeding, Cause No. D-1-GN-25-000719 in the 459th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas.
3.Attached hereto as Exhibit B are true, correct, and complete copies of the following 11 documents that were filed in the trial court but omitted from the clerk's record during transfers to the Third Court of Appeals (Cause No. 03-25- 00484-CV) and subsequently to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals:
4.These copies are identical to the originals filed with the trial court clerk, as evidenced by the date stamps thereon.
5.I have not altered these documents in any way, and they accurately reflect what was filed.
Included as Exhibit B attached:
1) 7-3-25 ORDER GRANTING 13100 FM 973 INC'S RULE 91A MOTION TO DISMISS.
2) 7-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3 ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A.
3) 7-18-25 PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO ORDER AND INCLUDE COURT TRANSCRIPTS OF ALL PRIOR HEARINGS.
4) 7-22-25 PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO MC RETAIL GP'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A.
5) 7-23-25 PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO MANOR MF, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A.
6) 7-30-25 SECOND AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION TO BE HELD.
7) 8-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S NOTICE OF CHANGE OF SERVICE ADDRESS FOR DEFENDANT MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS, LLC.
8) 8-14-25 PLAINTIFF'S REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF CITATION AND SERVICE TO DEFENDANT MERITAGE HOMES OF TEXAS, LLC.
9) 8-25-25 CHALLENGE TO THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF A STATE STATUTE.
10) 8-29-25 PLAINTIFF/APPELLANT'S MOTION TO CORRECT AND SUPPLEMENT THE REPORTERS RECORD WITH PRODUCTION OF AUDIO RECORDINGS.
11) 9/8/25 PLAINTIFF/APPELLANTS MOTION TO STAY, ABATE OR CONTINUE PROCEEDINGS PENDING APPEAL, AND REQUEST FOR HEARING.
Executed in Travis County, State of Texas, on the 28th day of September, 2025.
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Appellant Pro Se
07/03/2025 10:53:12 AM Velva L. Price District Clerk Travis County Exhibit B-1 15-25-00142-CV D-1-GN-25-000719
Copy from re:SearchTX
7/14/2025 12:00 AM Velva L. Price Type text here Exhibit B-2 15-25-00142-CV District Clerk Travis County D-1-GN-25-000719 DISTRICT COURT NO. 459 Candy Schmidt CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-25-000719
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, Plaintiff v. THE STATE OF TEXAS, et al., Defendants
___________________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF’S CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3
ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A
TO THE HONORABLE COURT:
Plaintiff Robert Edward Battaile files this consolidated motion to
VACATE the July 3, 2025 Order entered without proper notice, OBJECT to the defective notice of the July 17, 2025 hearing, REASSERT his pending Rule 2 Motion for Judicial Continuity, and INCORPORATE Exhibit A (Envelope No. 24104274) demonstrating fatal defective service.
Copy from re:SearchTX
I. PENDING APPEAL FILED
Plaintiff filed a 40-page Appeal Brief on June 20, 2025, and submitted a Notice of Expired Deadline on July 5, 2025. Despite the pendency of the appeal, the trial court issued dispositive rulings without regard for the appellate timeline, undermining judicial comity and finality.
II. FATAL DEFECTIVE SERVICE – EXHIBIT A
Envelope No. 24104274 shows Defendant 13100 FM973 Inc. served notice to an invalid email: [email protected]—an address Plaintiff had repeatedly flagged as incorrect. Under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 21a, this constitutes invalid service and a denial of due process. Plaintiff was not aware of the July 3 hearing and for that reason alone, did not appear.
Considering that the Plaintiff asserts this Defendant is fraudulently stealing an estimated $7,000,000 of Manor's Chapter 380 Grant money; and withholding Manor's share of sales tax revenue during years 14 to 20 of this Grant Agreement to benefit the developer's billion-dollar national retailers (HEB and HomeDepot) – this goes far beyond a mere “procedural” transgression. This developer is also required to put in a Plaza per Manor City Codes since it is a commercial development over ten acres. See Copy from re:SearchTX
§14.02.065(b)(1)(g). This represents a theft of Manor's future cultural identity and potential that has been non-existent for the past hundred years.
III. VIOLATION OF TRCP 245 – 45-DAY RULE
Rule 245 requires that all parties receive 45 days’ notice of trial or dispositive hearings. No such notice was given before the July 3 hearing, rendering the order procedurally voidable.
IV. JUDICIAL HOPPING, BROKEN CONTINUITY, AND LACK OF REVIEW
This matter has now cycled through four judges, none of whom has meaningfully reviewed Plaintiff’s 600+ pages of filings without the encumbrances of Judge Soifer's improper rulings due to her lack of any semblance of adequate review of Plaintiff's 400-pages of pleadings.
The July 3 hearing was conducted without collegial communication, under the supervision of a previously uninvolved visiting judge, without Plaintiff’s presence or any discussion of his Rule 2 Motion. No discovery has occurred. Plaintiff asserts that NONE of the transcripts of the first four hearings have been delivered to the Plaintiff. Plaintiff is requesting a copy of the transcript of the July 3 illegal hearing.
Copy from re:SearchTX
Further at the second hearing, attorney for HEB actually “quoted” from the first hearing based upon what? Did he record that first hearing? My letter to the Court Administrator regarding this breach (and other letters) have not been responded to.
V. OBJECTION TO JULY 17, 2025 HEARING
On June 26, 2025, Plaintiff received four duplicate eFile notices of a hearing set for July 17, 2025. No verification of delivery, no personal communication, and the court's seeming earnest attempt to remedy prior service defects (Plaintiff's wrong email address) have been proven inadequate. The pattern of ex parte calendaring without valid notice further deprives Plaintiff of due process.
VI. UNLAWFUL PUNITIVE SANCTIONS AND PREJUDICE
The July 3 Order was the only order to dismiss claims with prejudice and grant attorneys’ fees—yet it was entered without Plaintiff present, without a responsive hearing, and without review of any substantive record. This punitive result lacks both fairness and factual basis.
VII. PLAINTIFF REQUESTING CERTIFIED MAIL COPIES
Due to repeated failures by the 459th Court administrators, in addition to Copy from re:SearchTX the eFile Notices; Plaintiff is requesting that ALL of the Parties' attorneys and all court communications to Plaintiff henceforth shall ALSO be sent via United States Postal Service Certified Mail with a signed receipt requested.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Court:
1. VACATE the July 3, 2025 Order in full;
2. STRIKE any award of attorney’s fees or prejudicial dismissals contained therein;
3. REMOVE the July 17, 2025 hearing from the docket until properly re- noticed;
4. RULE on Plaintiff’s pending Rule 2 Motion for Judicial Continuity by a Judge that has read the ENTIRETY of the Plaintiff's filings;
5. ADOPT Exhibit A (Envelope No. 24104274) attached as proof of defective service and require corrected notice procedures henceforth;
6. Implement a system whereby the Plaintiff and future Pro Se litigants receive a COMPLETE copy of a Judge's Orders – and not just a postcard “Notice of Order” but the actual documents signed by the Judge. Current Copy from re:SearchTX online systems ONLY allows licensed attorneys this capability. This is an unfair and prejudicial system that willfully harms the pro se litigants.
7. GRANT such other and further relief as may be appropriate in law or equity.
Respectfully submitted on July 12, 2025 by:
/sig/ Robert Edward Battaile Plaintiff, Pro Se 502 E Eggleston St Unit A Manor TX 78653 [email protected]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was served on all parties through the Court’s electronic filing system on July 12, 2025.
/sig/ Robert Edward Battaile, Pro Se Plaintiff Copy from re:SearchTX
Exhibit A - D-1-GN-25-000719
<<<------
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103059980 Filing Code Description: Motion (No Fee) Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3 ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A Status as of 7/14/2025 7:10 AM CST Case Contacts
Name BarNumber Email TimestampSubmitted Status William "Bill" CDavidson [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Michael Kabat [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Gavin Villareal [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Patrick MKelly [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Michael Roberts [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Kevin OHanlon [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Tyler Ryska 24096597 [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Annette Bittick [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Patricia Muniz [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT William Duncan 24124453 [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Raylynn Howell [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Kim McBride [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Lea Ohrstrom [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT SNEED VINE & PERRY [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Cynthia W.Veidt [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Austin L.Jones [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Stormy Downing [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Andy Soule [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Roy Adams [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Tristan AGarza [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Lauren Bush [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103059980 Filing Code Description: Motion (No Fee) Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3 ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A Status as of 7/14/2025 7:10 AM CST Case Contacts
Lauren Bush [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Karah Powers [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Edward Smith [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Jeff Hobbs [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Martha AnnAdams [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Benjamin C.Hunt [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Anna Puff [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Eldridge Burns [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Amy Botelho [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Robert Battaile [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Stephanie Serrano [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Carol Shipley [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT Joanna LippmanSalinas [email protected] 7/12/2025 10:35:39 AM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
7/18/2025 4:53 PM Velva L. Price District Clerk Exhibit B-3 15-25-00142-CV Travis County D-1-GN-25-000719 CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-25-000719 Candy Schmidt
IN THE DISTRICT COURT
459TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, Plaintiff v. THE STATE OF TEXAS, et al., Defendants ____________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF’S MOTION TO ORDER AND INCLUDE COURT
TRANSCRIPTS OF ALL PRIOR HEARINGS
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:
COMES NOW, Plaintiff Robert Edward Battaile, Pro Se, and respectfully moves this Court to confirm the official recording status of all prior hearings held in this cause and to authorize or require the filing and/or production of certified court transcripts into the record. This request is supported by Plaintiff’s rights under the Due Process and Open Courts provisions of the Copy from re:SearchTX
Texas Constitution and is necessary to ensure the appellate record is complete and reviewable. In support thereof, Plaintiff states the following:
I. BACKGROUND
Plaintiff respectfully identifies the following hearings held in this matter based upon information in the Docket Notes through 7/3/25:
1. May 13, 2025 – Hearing before Judge Soifer
• Reported by: Michelle Williamson
2. May 27, 2025 – Hearing before Judge Mangrum
• Reported by: Ms. Simon (full name requested if needed)
3. June 9, 2025 – Hearing before Judge Mangrum
• Reported by: Melinda Walker
4. July 3, 2025 – Hearing before Visiting Judge Jamison
• Plaintiff was not present due to repeated faulty notice as a result of on- going incorrect email address by Attorney, Ian T. Todd, Sneed Vine &
Perry, PC for 13100 FM973 Inc.
Copy from re:SearchTX
• Reported by: Linda Taylor
5. July 16, 2025 – Hearing before Visiting Judge Livingston
• Plaintiff was present despite the same repeated faulty notice again from
Attorney, Ian T. Todd, Sneed Vine & Perry, PC for clients Manor MF, LLC;
and MC Retail GP, LLC as a result of the same on-going incorrect email address; discovered only as the result of in-person appearance by Plaintiff at the County Clerk's office due to misgivings about systemic unreliability.
• Reported by: Tabitha Morrow
These hearings have involved critical rulings and factual records that are necessary for Plaintiff's Appellant Brief to the 3rd District Court of Appeals case number 03-25-00484-CV.
II. ARGUMENT & AUTHORITIES
The lack of certified transcripts limits both this Court's ability to ensure factual accuracy in subsequent orders and the Plaintiff’s constitutional right to a full and fair appeal.
1. Hightower v. State, 629 S.W.3d 920 (Tex. App.—Eastland 2021) Copy from re:SearchTX
2. Routier v. State, 112 S.W.3d 554, 577 (Tex. Crim. App. 2003)
3. Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 34.6(a), (f)
Further, Texas Rule of Appellate Procedure 13.1 and 34.6(a)(2) anticipate that the appellate record will include transcripts of hearings upon proper request. Given that multiple rulings—including dismissals—have been challenged or are pending appeal, the absence of these transcripts risks incomplete or misleading representations of court proceedings.
III. RELIEF REQUESTED
Plaintiff respectfully requests:
1. That the Court authorize, direct, or facilitate transcription of all the above- listed hearings;
2. That certified copies of these transcripts be timely filed into the record and provided to the Plaintiff for appellate purposes;
3. The first hearing was over two months ago on May 13, 2025 and Plaintiff is requesting an explanation as to the reasons for the non-deliverance of the transcripts from May 13, 2025; May 27, 2025 and June 9, 2025; and Copy from re:SearchTX
4. Since time is of the essence, Plaintiff requests these certified transcripts be provided immediately; and 5. That such other and further relief be granted as justice may require.
Respectfully submitted on July 18, 2025, by /s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile Plaintiff, Pro Se 502 E Eggleston St Unit A Manor, TX 78653 512-662-2955 [email protected]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document was served on all parties or counsel of record through the Court’s electronic filing service on this 18th day of July, 2025.
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile Plaintiff, Pro Se Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103338034 Filing Code Description: Motion (No Fee) Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO ORDER AND INCLUDE COURT TRANSCRIPTS OF ALL PRIOR HEARINGS Status as of 7/19/2025 1:31 PM CST Case Contacts
Name BarNumber Email TimestampSubmitted Status William "Bill" CDavidson [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Michael Kabat [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Gavin Villareal [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Patrick MKelly [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Michael Roberts [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Kevin OHanlon [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Tyler Ryska 24096597 [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Annette Bittick [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Patricia Muniz [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT William Duncan 24124453 [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Raylynn Howell [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Kim McBride [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Lea Ohrstrom [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT SNEED VINE & PERRY [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Cynthia W.Veidt [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Austin L.Jones [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Stormy Downing [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Andy Soule [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Roy Adams [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Tristan AGarza [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Lauren Bush [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Karah Powers [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103338034 Filing Code Description: Motion (No Fee) Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO ORDER AND INCLUDE COURT TRANSCRIPTS OF ALL PRIOR HEARINGS Status as of 7/19/2025 1:31 PM CST Case Contacts
Karah Powers [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Edward Smith [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Jeff Hobbs [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Martha AnnAdams [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Benjamin C.Hunt [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Anna Puff [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Eldridge Burns [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Amy Botelho [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Robert Battaile [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Stephanie Serrano [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Carol Shipley [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT Joanna LippmanSalinas [email protected] 7/18/2025 4:53:05 PM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
7/22/2025 7:14 PM Velva L. Price Exhibit B-4 15-25-00142-CV District Clerk Travis County D-1-GN-25-000719 CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-25-000719 Susan Poodiack
DISTRICT COURT NO. 459TH
TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, Plaintiff, v. STATE OF TEXAS, et al., Defendants ____________________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF’S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MC RETAIL GP, LLC’S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91a
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE LIVINGSTON:
Plaintiff Robert Edward Battaile files this Response to the Motion to
Dismiss filed by Defendant MC Retail GP, LLC, and respectfully shows the Court the following:
I. SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMS
Plaintiff has asserted claims against Defendant MC Retail GP, LLC based on its direct contribution to ongoing public harm rooted in unlawful development, misallocation of public resources, and abuse of governmental authority.
Copy from re:SearchTX
MC Retail GP, LLC is a successor parcel owner within the 13100 FM
973, Inc. development tract, which was the recipient of a $20 million Chapter 380 Agreement from the City of Manor. The original developer received these taxpayer-funded subsidies with the expectation of creating retail infrastructure to generate sales tax revenue. MC Retail GP, LLC, has not disputed that it is now owning a medical facility within that project area, contributes no such retail benefit to generate and repay City of Manor sales taxes; and continues to benefit from infrastructure provided by public funds.
The Chapter 380 Agreement allowed the developer to recoup one-half of the retail sales taxes generated over a 20-year period. Because the development has not fulfilled the intended retail use—especially on parcels now occupied by MC Retail GP and others (Park at Manor Crossing with 596 Apartments that also generate no sales taxes) — Plaintiff seeks not only a financial clawback but also a proportionate reduction in the duration of the subsidy. Specifically, the time period should be reduced by 35% (approximately 7 years), returning needed funds to benefit the public rather than billion-dollar developers and retail giants.
Further, the above apartments have two parcels within the same development, are also the subject of Plaintiff's claims against “Park at Manor
Copy from re:SearchTX
Commons.” The attorney for that entity, Eldridge Burns ([email protected]), admitted at the Hearing on May 13, 2025, to having only paid park fees on one of two properties, shorting the public by an estimated $200,000. While Park at Manor Commons is no longer a named defendant, the public harm persists and Plaintiff has standing to continue pursuing equitable relief against remaining identifiable beneficiaries such as MC Retail GP.
Additionally, Plaintiff asserts that H-E-B, another parcel beneficiary of the same 380-subsidized development, was subject to a requirement to construct a public plaza under city ordinances governing commercial developments exceeding ten acres. H-E-B has failed to provide this mandatory amenity, and due to the sell-off of surrounding parcels, remains the only viable entity capable of fulfilling the original public space requirement. This plaza obligation ties H-E-B directly to the unfulfilled terms and community harms emanating from the 380 Agreement project.
II. RELIEF THAT IS BEING SOUGHT
Plaintiff seeks a clawback or equitable disgorgement of a proportion of the original public subsidy—specifically, an estimated $7 million, or 35% of the $20 million deal—based on the unfulfilled obligations and the
Copy from re:SearchTX substantial value retained by successor entities including MC Retail GP, LLC. While it may not be “fair” for only these parcels to bear the full burden of the failed 380 Agreement, they are the only legally and practically identifiable parties remaining with ties to the benefited land.
Plaintiff further seeks a 35% reduction in the remaining subsidy time window under the Chapter 380 Agreement, to limit the public’s continued burden and reallocate sales tax revenue back to core civic purposes.
In short, Plaintiff seeks:
1. Declaratory relief that the terms of the 380 Agreement were violated;
2. A determination of which parcels failed to generate the intended public benefit;
3. Equitable apportionment of recovery against MC Retail GP, LLC and successor parcels; and 4. Further discovery to assess enrichment and transactional history.
III. RULE 91a IS INAPPROPRIATE HERE
Defendant's Motion lists the following overlapping claims:
Copy from re:SearchTX
1) “have no basis in law or fact”
2) “none identify a valid legal cause of action”
3) “merely disagrees with a change in zoning”
4) “not pleaded a valid claim”
5) “not asserted any cause of action”
6) “lobs a confusing array of accusations and grievances”
7) “only one reference to MC Retail”
8) “doesn’t state any requested relief”
9) “Battaile cites no statute, common law rule or other legal basis”
10) “nor does he allege how he has been harmed... or why he has standing”
11) “has not even articulated...what type of relief he requests”
A. Items 1, 2, 4 & 5 – Legal Basis & Valid Causes of Action
Defendant claims Plaintiff has no valid legal or factual basis for any cause of action. That is incorrect. Plaintiff pleads multiple statutory and common-law claims—fraud in inducement of public funding, ultra vires
Copy from re:SearchTX misconduct, public trust doctrine violations, and improper disposal of municipal land or funds under Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 253.001.
See City of Dallas v. Sanchez, 494 S.W.3d 722, 724 (Tex. 2016)
(“plausibility” test denies dismissal if any plausible claims are pled).
See City of El Paso v. Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d 366, 372 (Tex. 2009) (ultra vires suits allowed when acts exceed grant of authority).
See Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297, 305 (Tex. 2001) (taxpayer standing requires particularized harm).
B. Items 3 & 6 – Mischaracterizing as “Zoning Dispute” or “Confusing
Grievances”
Defendant paints the complaint as mere disagreement with zoning changes or a jumble of gripes. Not accurate. The Complaint alleges serious misconduct—fraud in awarding public incentives, destruction of historic resources, and diversion of public funding—clearly supported by Appendix evidence.
See Save Our Springs Alliance v. City of Austin, 149 S.W.3d 674, 683
(Tex. App.–Austin 2004) (citizens may challenge governmental breach of land-use commitments).
Copy from re:SearchTX
See Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Tex. Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440, 444
(Tex. 1993) (standing granted for harm to public resources).
C. Items 7 & 9 – Reference to MC Retail and Legal Grounds
Defendant criticizes the complaint for referencing MC Retail only once and lacking statutory grounding. In fact, MC Retail is directly tied to the misuse of Chapter 380 funds, the Park at Manor Crossing 596-apartments project, and breach of public promises—each clearly laid out. Further, the filing cites Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 253.001, Tex. R. Civ. P. 45/47, and public trust doctrines. The frequency of the company name has no bearing.
See Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 253.001 (disposition of public land).
See Tex. R. Civ. P. 45, 47 (fair notice pleading).
D. Items 8 & 11 – Stated Relief
Defendant claims no relief is sought or articulated. Plaintiff expressly seeks declaratory relief, injunctive relief, restitution, new elections, and restoration of public property/access. That satisfies pleading rules.
See City of Austin v. Whittington, 384 S.W.3d 766, 779 (Tex. 2012)
Copy from re:SearchTX
(pleading need not itemize every remedy if legal basis clear).
See Tex. R. Civ. P. 47 (fair notice standard).
D. Item 10 – Harm and Standing
Plaintiff has pled individualized and particularized harms: loss of park access, exclusion from civic participation, unlawful arrest, and retaliation for protected speech.
See Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555, 560–61 (1992) (injury in fact and redressability required).
See Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297, 305 (Tex. 2001) (standing exists where concrete injuries are alleged).
See Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Tex. Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440, 444
(Tex. 1993) (standing is jurisdictional and broad in public interest cases).
Rule 91a only applies where there is no basis in law or fact for the claim.
Here, there is a factual and legal dispute over the flow of benefits and obligations from the original public-private partnership. Plaintiff has outlined rational theories of successor liability, unjust enrichment, standing, and public harm sufficient to survive Rule 91a scrutiny.
Copy from re:SearchTX
In City of El Paso v. Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d 366, 373 (Tex. 2009), the Texas Supreme Court confirmed that suits to require state officials to comply with statutory or constitutional provisions are not barred by sovereign immunity. Plaintiff’s claims implicate unlawful conduct by complicit government actors enabling the continued enrichment of private entities like MC Retail GP.
In Heights Medical Center, Inc. v. Estate of E.H., 603 S.W.3d 828 (Tex.
2020), the Court reversed dismissal where there was no adequate review of facts. The ruling emphasized that Rule 91a motions must be judged by the facts pled, not disputed or mischaracterized summaries.
In Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297, 305 (Tex. 2001), the Texas Supreme
Court reaffirmed that standing exists where a plaintiff shows concrete and particularized injuries. That is precisely the case here—where Plaintiff was denied meaningful public participation, denied due process, and continues to suffer from unlawful use of public assets.
Copy from re:SearchTX
Further, in Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992), the U.S.
Supreme Court held that injury in fact and redressability are sufficient to satisfy standing. These elements are pled explicitly in Plaintiff’s filings and supported by exhibits.
Lastly, in Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Texas Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440, 444 (Tex. 1993), the Texas Supreme Court held that standing is a component of subject matter jurisdiction and must be construed broadly in public interest cases. This case involves the misuse of taxpayer funds, violations of zoning laws, and destruction of historical assets, all public interests of the highest order.
E. BAD FAITH FILINGS AND SERVICE DEFECTS
Plaintiff further objects to Defendants’ procedural conduct. Despite having the correct email address for Plaintiff from earlier filings, service of key documents including this Motion to Dismiss was repeatedly misdirected or delayed, impairing Plaintiff’s ability to respond in a timely and meaningful fashion. This bad faith handling of notice and service, including use of an outdated address known to be incorrect, further justifies denial of
Copy from re:SearchTX
Rule 91a relief. Plaintiff did not attend the Hearing for Defendant 13100 FM 973 Inc. who is the developer of the Manor Crossing “retail center” that has the over-arching responsibility to reduce and correct the Chapter 380 financial and time-length violations; and to have provided (or at least informed) all of their property tenants of the Plaza requirements.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court DENY the Rule 91a Motion to Dismiss filed by MC Retail GP, LLC, allow the claims to proceed, and permit full discovery and judicial review of the issues outlined herein.
Respectfully submitted on July 22, 2025 by
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Plaintiff Pro Se 502 E Eggleston St Unit A Manor TX 78653 512-662-2955 [email protected]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document has been served in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure on all parties through the Court’s electronic filing system on this 22nd day of July, 2025.
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Pro Se
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103461626 Filing Code Description: RESPONSE Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MC RETAIL GP, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A Status as of 7/23/2025 9:22 AM CST Case Contacts
Name BarNumber Email TimestampSubmitted Status William "Bill" CDavidson [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Michael Kabat [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Gavin Villareal [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Patrick MKelly [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Michael Roberts [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Kevin OHanlon [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Tyler Ryska 24096597 [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Annette Bittick [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Patricia Muniz [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT William Duncan 24124453 [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Raylynn Howell [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Kim McBride [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Lea Ohrstrom [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT SNEED VINE & PERRY [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Cynthia W.Veidt [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Austin L.Jones [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Stormy Downing [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Andy Soule [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Roy Adams [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Tristan AGarza [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Lauren Bush [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Karah Powers [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103461626 Filing Code Description: RESPONSE Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MC RETAIL GP, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A Status as of 7/23/2025 9:22 AM CST Case Contacts
Karah Powers [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Edward Smith [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Jeff Hobbs [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Martha AnnAdams [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Benjamin C.Hunt [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Anna Puff [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Eldridge Burns [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Amy Botelho [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Robert Battaile [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Stephanie Serrano [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Carol Shipley [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT Joanna LippmanSalinas [email protected] 7/22/2025 7:14:52 PM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
7/23/2025 12:56 AM Velva L. Price District Clerk Exhibit B-5 15-25-00142-CV Travis County D-1-GN-25-000719 CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-25-000719 Susan Schmidt
DISTRICT COURT NO. 459TH
TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, Plaintiff, v. STATE OF TEXAS, et al., Defendants ____________________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF’S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MANOR MF, LLC’S
MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91a
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE LIVINGSTON:
Plaintiff Robert Edward Battaile files this Response to the Motion to
Dismiss filed by Defendant Manor MF, LLC, and respectfully shows the Court the following:
I. SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMS
Plaintiff has asserted claims against Defendant Manor MF, LLC—also Copy from re:SearchTX known as Las Entradas South, and also owned apparently by DD&B Construction—for unlawful development within a designated historic district, and in violation of the public trust, zoning protocols, and democratic legitimacy.
Manor MF, LLC is responsible for a multi-family apartment complex constructed adjacent to, and directly on top of the protected historic homestead of the city’s founder, James B. Manor. This area was designated as historic in 2017. (See Pl. App. 1 Rev. 1 pg 9 map created by Plaintiff based upon the boundaries established in the City of Manor Code §14.02.031.) The development was approved by a City Council that lacked a legal quorum, due to fraudulent certification and unresolved election irregularities that have not been addressed despite statutes requiring “expedited” procedures to address.
The Comprehensive Plan underpinning the project was itself the product of fraud and neglect. It was adopted following the cancellation of required town halls and a botched “Manor 2050” community survey. The consultant, Freese and Nichols, ultimately returned approximately $138,000 to the city Copy from re:SearchTX following the exposure of these failures by Plaintiff. Nevertheless, City Council refunded those funds back to the consultant and adopted the uncorrected 605-page Plan despite its inconsistencies, marketing language, and speculative “dashboards” (See Pl. App. 1 Rev. 1 page 228). Despite their theft of over $50,000 worth of townhall meetings in their Request for Proposal; and in the Agreement with the City to inform citizens about roads, infrastructure, parks, water and waterwater plans) – Freese and Nichols were dismissed.
The Comprehensive Plan was never put to a vote by the public, and its misuse allowed unlawful zoning approvals. Manor MF was placed in an area never lawfully redesignated. No proper environmental, cultural, or zoning review was conducted. Plaintiff raised these issues in an attempted TRO based upon eminent harm and irreparable destruction but was unable to locate and serve the developer, Sushil Mehta, in time.
The fraudulent “self-certification” by Manor City Council does not hide the fact of their illegally constituted quorum because four of seven city council members should have never been certified except that City of Manor, Travis County and the State of Texas authorities have looked away Copy from re:SearchTX and demonstrated lack of necessary courage despite simple and obvious Election Coercion by City Manager, Leslie Scott Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz for preventing Bobby Reese from being on the Ballot for City Council Place Three; and by their efforts to deny Plaintiff's effective ability to campaign for Mayor by arresting him and enacting unconscionable bail conditions and retaliatory measures that have continued against the whistleblower Plaintiff for exposing the alleged collusion and crimes.
II. RELIEF THAT IS BEING SOUGHT
Plaintiff seeks equitable and declaratory relief related to the improper permitting and construction of this major residential 240+ apartments project. These approvals constitute ultra vires conduct under Texas law and caused damage to historic property, community heritage and Manor's small- town neighborhood “quality of life.” There is absolutely nothing “historic” about an apartment complex of this size in Old Manor.
Plaintiff requests: Copy from re:SearchTX
A. Declaratory judgment that Manor MF’s permitting was unlawful;
B. Injunctive relief against continued occupation or development pending a full legal review;
C. Orders requiring remedial planning or relocation;
D. Admission of Comprehensive Plan “dashboard” for this neighborhood; see Pl. App. 1 Rev. 1 page 228; as evidence of fraudulent policy foundation.
Comprehensive Plans are not allowed to be used as a cudgel to “force” zoning decisions.
• See FM Properties Operating Co. v. City of Austin, 22 S.W.3d 868 (Tex.
2000) (Comprehensive Plans are not self-enforcing; zoning and land-use decisions require separate and specific authorization by ordinance).
• See Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 213.002 (A comprehensive plan ‘does not confer zoning authority’ and is intended only as a guide).
• Defendant cannot invoke a flawed and unvoted plan—created through a failed process and reversed contract—to justify overriding historical protections and public trust duties. Use of the Comprehensive Plan to bulldoze zoning rights constitutes abuse of process and ultra vires conduct.
III. RULE 91a IS INAPPROPRIATE HERE
Copy from re:SearchTX
Defendant's Motion lists the following overlapping claims:
1) “none identify a valid legal claim” 2) “Battaile simply disagrees with... how said land is to be developed” 3) “disagreeing... does not provide a cognizable cause of action” 4) “[does not provide] equitable relief” 5) “has not pleaded a valid cause of action” 6) “has no basis in law or fact to do so” 7) “has not asserted any cause of action” 8) “lobs a confusing array of accusations and grievances” 9) “there is only one reference to Manor MF” 10) re: City Council dismissals, wrongly states that “the members of which have already been dismissed” [The Mayor, City Manager and City Secretary have not been dismissed.]
11) “does not identify any duty owed... to Battaile” 12) “He does not assert, nor offer any evidence” that would “give him any valid relief” 13) again, “Battaile has no basis in law or fact” 14) “...together with the inferences reasonably drawn from them, do not entitle... the relief sought” Copy from re:SearchTX
15) requests to “include attorney's fees and expenses”
A. Items 1, 2, 4, 5, 12 and 13 – Legal Basis & Valid Causes of Action • Defendant argues Plaintiff's claims lack legal foundation. Not so. Plaintiff properly pleads ultra vires actions, historic preservation violations, due process harms, and public trust breaches. These are recognized claims under Texas law.
• See City of Dallas v. Sanchez, 494 S.W.3d 722 (Tex. 2016) (plausibility test denies dismissal if any plausible claims are pled).
• See City of El Paso v. Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d 366 (Tex. 2009) (ultra vires suits may proceed against government actors who exceed lawful authority).
• See Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297 (Tex. 2001) (standing is conferred when plaintiffs show specific, personal harm).
B. Items 3 & 6 – Mischaracterizing the Complaint
• Defendant misrepresents this as a zoning dispute. In truth, Plaintiff alleges ultra vires approvals, fraudulent public planning, and damage to protected historic resources, supported by public records and exhibits.
Copy from re:SearchTX
• See Save Our Springs Alliance v. City of Austin, 149 S.W.3d 674 (Tex.
App.–Austin 2004) (citizens can challenge governmental failure to protect land-use commitments).
• See Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Tex. Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440 (Tex.
1993) (standing applies where public resource harm is alleged).
C. Items 7 & 9 – Specific Allegations & Statutory Grounds • Defendant wrongly claims the complaint fails to specify legal basis.
Plaintiff’s claims arise under Texas preservation and zoning codes, the Texas Constitution, and doctrines such as public trust and ultra vires.
• See Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 253.001 (limits on disposal of public land).
• See Tex. R. Civ. P. 45, 47 (pleading rules require fair notice).
D. Items 8, 11 & 14 – Relief Sought
• Plaintiff clearly requests declaratory relief, injunctions, and planning remedies. This satisfies Rule 47’s fair notice requirements.
• See City of Austin v. Whittington, 384 S.W.3d 766 (Tex. 2012) (pleadings need only provide fair notice of the relief sought).
Copy from re:SearchTX
• See Tex. R. Civ. P. 47 (permitting general prayers for equitable and legal relief).
E. Item 10 – Harm and Standing
• Plaintiff alleges personal and particularized injuries: unlawful exclusion from hearings, retaliatory arrests, and harm to neighborhood quality and historic heritage wherein he resides in “Old Manor” (i.e. the “historic” original “small town” neighbor whose very character is under attack).
• See Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992) (requires injury in fact and redressability).
• See Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297 (Tex. 2001) (concrete harm confers standing).
• See Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Tex. Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440 (Tex.
1993) (standing applies broadly in public interest cases).
F. Attorney's Fees should not be awarded.
This is not a “frivolous” lawsuit and the only attorney's fees yet awarded were those that occurred at the July 3rd Hearing at which the Plaintiff did not appear due to faulty notice that reeks of scienter on the part of Attorney, Copy from re:SearchTX
Ian T. Todd's repeated notices to the wrong email address of Plaintiff, despite using correct address previously. This was further detailed in Plaintiff's “CONSOLIDATED MOTION TO VACATE JULY 3 ORDER, OBJECT TO JULY 17 HEARING, REASSERT RULE 2, AND INCORPORATE EXHIBIT A” filed on July 12th. Ian Todd (Sneed, Vine &
Perry, P.C.) is the Attorney for three Defendants: 13100 FM 973 Inc.
(appearing at the July 3rd unopposed hearing) and for Manor MF LLC; and Manor Retail GP (at the July 16th inadequately noticed hearing).
Dismissal is Premature Under Rule 91a • Rule 91a does not permit courts to resolve factual disputes. Plaintiff's well- pled claims of ultra vires approvals, public harm, and flawed zoning make dismissal inappropriate.
• See Heights Medical Center, Inc. v. Estate of E.H., 603 S.W.3d 828 (Tex.
2020) (dismissals improper without full review of the factual record).
Rule 91a is not a vehicle for resolving factual disputes. Plaintiff has pled specific facts regarding unlawful permitting, historic preservation violations, and ultra vires actions.
Copy from re:SearchTX
In City of El Paso v. Heinrich, 284 S.W.3d 366, 373 (Tex. 2009), the Texas Supreme Court confirmed that claims seeking to compel compliance with statutory or constitutional duties may proceed despite sovereign immunity. Plaintiff’s claims fall squarely in this category.
In Heights Medical Center, Inc. v. Estate of E.H., 603 S.W.3d 828 (Tex.
2020), the Court reversed dismissal where the record failed to show meaningful review. That principle applies here.
In Brown v. Todd, 53 S.W.3d 297 (Tex. 2001), the Court held that plaintiffs have standing when they allege specific harm—exactly what is pled here.
In Lujan v. Defenders of Wildlife, 504 U.S. 555 (1992), the U.S. Supreme
Court set out standing criteria based on injury and redressability—all present here.
In Texas Ass’n of Bus. v. Texas Air Control Bd., 852 S.W.2d 440 (Tex.
Copy from re:SearchTX
1993), the Court affirmed standing is jurisdictional and broadly construed in public matters. Preservation of public assets and lawful governance qualify as such matters.
F. BAD FAITH FILINGS AND SERVICE DEFECTS
Plaintiff further objects to Defendants’ procedural conduct. Despite having the correct email address for Plaintiff from earlier filings, service of key documents including this Motion to Dismiss was repeatedly misdirected or delayed, impairing Plaintiff’s ability to respond in a timely, meaningful fashion. This bad faith handling of notice and service, including use of an address known to be incorrect, further justifies denial of Rule 91a relief.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF
Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court DENY WITH PREJUDICE the Rule 91a Motion to Dismiss filed by Defendant Manor MF, LLC., allow the claims to proceed, and grant any further relief in law or equity.
Respectfully submitted on July 23, 2025 by
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Plaintiff Copy from re:SearchTX
Pro Se Litigant 502 E Eggleston St Unit A Manor TX 78653 512-662-2955 [email protected]
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing document has been served in accordance with the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure on all parties through the Court’s electronic filing system on this 23rd day of July, 2025.
/s/ Robert Edward Battaile
Robert Edward Battaile, Pro Se Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103464244 Filing Code Description: RESPONSE Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MF, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A Status as of 7/23/2025 10:42 AM CST Case Contacts
Name BarNumber Email TimestampSubmitted Status William "Bill" CDavidson [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Michael Kabat [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Gavin Villareal [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Patrick MKelly [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Michael Roberts [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Kevin OHanlon [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Tyler Ryska 24096597 [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Annette Bittick [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Patricia Muniz [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT William Duncan 24124453 [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Raylynn Howell [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Kim McBride [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Lea Ohrstrom [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT SNEED VINE & PERRY [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Cynthia W.Veidt [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Austin L.Jones [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Stormy Downing [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Andy Soule [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Roy Adams [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Tristan AGarza [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Lauren Bush [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Karah Powers [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.
Envelope ID: 103464244 Filing Code Description: RESPONSE Filing Description: PLAINTIFF'S RESPONSE TO DEFENDANT MF, LLC'S MOTION TO DISMISS UNDER RULE 91A Status as of 7/23/2025 10:42 AM CST Case Contacts
Karah Powers [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Edward Smith [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Jeff Hobbs [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Martha AnnAdams [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Benjamin C.Hunt [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Anna Puff [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Eldridge Burns [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Amy Botelho [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Robert Battaile [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Robert Battaile [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Stephanie Serrano [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Carol Shipley [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT ROBERT EDWARDBATTAILE [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT Joanna LippmanSalinas [email protected] 7/23/2025 12:56:24 AM SENT
Copy from re:SearchTX
7/30/2025 10:42 PM Velva L. Price Exhibit B-6 15-25-00142-CV District Clerk Travis County D-1-GN-25-000719 CAUSE NO. D-1-GN-25-000719 Stephanie Garza DISTRICT COURT NO. 459TH TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE
Plaintiff, v. STATE OF TEXAS, et al.
Defendants.
____________________________________________________
PLAINTIFF’S SECOND AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO
CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL
ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION BE HELD
This petition further amends the original petition filed on January 29, 2025 and the First Amendment to said Petition filed on March 17, 2025; which are presented in their entirety after the first part which ends at Item N on Page 22.
This amendment is additional to; and includes the former Petitions which are contained and incorporated by reference herein. The remainder of this Second Amendment continues at the Supplemental Prayer for Relief.
TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURT:
NOW COMES Plaintiff ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE, pro se, and files this SECOND AMENDED PETITION.
Page 1 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
This amendment adds and clarifies claims, reasserts unaddressed motions and prayers, updates parties and facts based on subsequent actions, and reflects Plaintiff’s ongoing demand for equitable and injunctive relief. A comprehensive list of motions still pending and not ruled upon is attached as Exhibit A – “Unruled Motions.”
A. Preamble: Plaintiff's Epiphany
As this case has progressed, a constitutional dilemma has emerged: the very institutions tasked with redress have been dismissed, leaving the Plaintiff—and the public—without the traditional and constitutionally expected forums for truth or remedy.
For instance, the election contest would normally fall under the jurisdiction of the Elections Division of the Texas Secretary of State. Yet both the City of Manor and Secretary of State representatives requested dismissal, suggesting either indifference or willful concealment.
Plaintiff’s original PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS
CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW
ELECTION BE HELD petition filed on January 29, 2025 specifically asked
Page 2 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX for an entity other than the City of Manor to oversee the contested election, and that a judge be assigned from outside of Travis County. Although that request was struck in a previous revision, Plaintiff now reasserts it and moves to strike the prior revision.
Hon. Jane Nelson was sent Certified Letters protesting the Election from
Plaintiff and from Mr. Bobby Reese that were delivered on August 2, 2025.
Further, a FOIA Request through the Election Division's website about the results of the “required” investigation of alleged Election-related crimes and fraud has apparently been stymied by the State citing attorney privilege, and other obfuscations.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, still a named defendant, retains the power to call, oversee, and certify an election. Plaintiff, and community member Bobby Reese (illegally denied a place on the City Council ballot; and on the write-in ballot) sent a certified letter to AG Paxton (delivered August 28, 2024), urging him to act. His refusal to intervene places the burden of election oversight and certification on either the Texas Legislature or a qualified neutral third party.
Plaintiff proposes that, short of federal enforcement, a large neighboring county—such as Bexar, Travis, or Harris County—with a population
Page 3 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX exceeding 500,000, an operational elections division, and a documented record of humane jail conditions—be designated to supervise and certify the next City of Manor election under court order or legislative direction.
1) City of Manor’s dismissal does not erase its decades-long civil rights infractions, cultural suppression, and failure to provide basic services to the Old Manor residents especially. Parks are empty despite ample funds for community amenities and activities. Plaintiff continues to advocate for two independent oversight bodies: a) Reparations and Historic Justice Tribunal b) Parks and Recreation Public Trust Tribunal
To remedy these long-standing harms, these bodies must be empowered with eminent domain authority over key historical properties and plazas, as well as the power to call a Special Election should such determination align with their mission.
Plaintiff asserts that the City’s current approach constitutes a misuse and abdication of eminent domain authority—failing to exercise it where warranted for public protection, preservation, or cultural justice, while simultaneously enabling or passively approving private takings
Page 4 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX masquerading as public benefit. This violates both the Texas Constitution (Art. I, § 17) and statutory limitations on eminent domain found in Tex. Gov’t Code § 2206.001, which prohibit takings for economic development cloaked as public use.
In effect, the City’s failure to affirmatively use eminent domain to preserve historic Black cemeteries, the 1840 James B Manor homestead, and other historic community assets has enabled developers to seize de facto control, thereby achieving through neglect what the law would otherwise forbid.
2) A powerful tool being misused is the faulty Comprehensive Plan, authored by Consultant-Planners, Freese and Nichols functions as a pretext for cultural and economic displacement, and must be withdrawn. The Consultant's dismissal as a Defendant has no impact on the dismissal of the actual Plan, acknowledgement of its defective process and correction of faulty outcomes within a codified “Historic District.” This is especially true since the City Council has been acting without a valid legal quorum.
3) Plaintiff respectfully urges the Court to immediately address the outstanding Temporary Restraining Orders (some as Emergency Orders), required to halt further destruction of protected historic public assets.
Page 5 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
Despite the dismissal of certain developers, the physical acts of demolition, grading, and site alteration continue—causing imminent and irreparable harm for which no adequate remedy at law exists. These harms persist regardless of dismissal status, and are often carried out by successors in interest or contractors acting under cover of confusion or delay.
4) In the absence of prompt injunctive relief, Plaintiff is left with no recourse but to seek ex parte proceedings—an outcome neither preferred nor ideal, but necessitated by the urgency of the damage and the failure of existing defendants or courts to act.
Manor’s financial health is not in question: with over $105 million in funds, including at least $35 million of unrestricted funds ~ and excellent cash-flow continuing. Thus, the City has the means to preserve its legacy.
Plaintiff’s Epiphany is already occurring. For example, on July 28, 2025, a Legal Assistant in the Office of the Attorney General emailed the 459th District Court requesting a “remedy” to file a Motion to Sever— despite already having secured dismissal for Defendant Secretary of State Jane Nelson and admitting they were “no longer a party on eFile.” One
Page 6 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX justification was that the severance was necessary to “preserve judicial economy”—a phrase that rings hollow when applied to a defendant already removed from the case. This unusual post-dismissal request came only after multiple unreturned phone calls, yet was met with a same-day written reply by the Court’s Judicial Assistant.
Meanwhile, Plaintiff—who remains an active party—has been forced to file formal motions and endure months of silence to obtain even the most basic procedural rulings. This contrast in responsiveness illustrates the core of Plaintiff’s realization: government actors, even after dismissal, are granted informal access and court attention, while the Pro Se Plaintiff faces procedural barriers at every turn. Such unequal treatment corrodes public trust and demonstrates the need for outside intervention to restore fairness.
B. PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGEMENT FOR ELECTION ITEMS;
AND JURY TRIAL FOR REMAINDER
Plaintiff’s prior Motion for Partial Summary Judgment—seeking to remove the Election Contest issue and permit Plaintiff to pursue the
Page 7 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX widely publicized and statutorily recognized “fast-track” appeal—has still not been ruled upon, a full nine months after the November 2024 election; and despite Plaintiff assertion that City of Manor has been operating without a lawful quorum since the November, 2024 election.
Plaintiff reasserts this motion and further demands that the remaining issues be resolved by jury trial, to be overseen by a judge outside Travis County.
Only such external oversight can bring legitimacy to a process corrupted by political and procedural indifference.
Plaintiff cites Rothgery v. Gillespie County, 554 U.S. 191 (2008), to reaffirm that the right to counsel attaches at initial appearance, which was denied here. Under Monell v. Dept. of Social Services, 436 U.S. 658 (1978), municipal inaction or systemic failure—such as the use of no-record courts —may give rise to liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
And under Hope v. Pelzer, 536 U.S. 730 (2002), where practices are clearly unconstitutional, relief is warranted even absent an identical precedent. These cases, taken together, support both the legal and moral
Page 8 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX necessity of removing adjudication from the current venues and placing it in neutral, constitutionally sound hands.
Plaintiff also questions: Who will hold police accountable? With the City of Manor’s Ethics Commission no longer available due to dismissal, Plaintiff has apparently exhausted attempts to involve outside oversight— including the Texas Rangers and Texas Police Association, to no avail.
Further, Plaintiff has repeated emailed the Texas Legislature, including the Senate Rules Committee, and the House Committee on Elections.
Further, Plaintiff appeared and spoke at a Senata hearing about “Trust in Government” and a separate hearing about “Protecting Texas History” – again, to no avail despite simple and obvious crimes done by City of Manor, City Council, Staff and Police; and historic sites being destroyed.
C. Request for Appointment of Special Master and Oversight Tribunals
In light of systemic failures at the municipal, county, and state levels, Plaintiff seeks the appointment of a Special Master under Rule 53 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, or under the Court’s inherent equitable powers. This appointment is necessary to ensure oversight, investigation, and redress in areas where no functional authority remains: police
Page 9 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX misconduct, election coercion involving a federal election, and widespread historical and cultural desecration.
Rule 53 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allows a court to appoint a
Special Master when necessary to perform duties that aid the court in resolving complex matters of law or fact. This includes investigations, report generation, compliance monitoring, and acting as a neutral fact-finder.
While typically used in equity cases, the scope and application of Special
Masters has long been expanded to civil rights, institutional reform, and federal enforcement matters.
Federal courts have repeatedly appointed Special Masters and oversight panels in cases involving civil rights violations. Notable examples include desegregation orders in Dallas ISD and Houston ISD, where monitors oversaw racial balance plans and ensured compliance with federal mandates.
In ODonnell v. Harris County (S.D. Tex. 2019), federal monitors were appointed to oversee bail reform and jail condition litigation. These appointments have helped restore public accountability when state institutions refused or failed to act.
Page 10 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
In the present case, Plaintiff alleges election interference, illegal exclusion from ballots, enforcement misconduct tied to a federal election, and systematic retaliation through the police and municipal court systems.
Despite formal requests and public testimony, state actors—including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and the Travis County Commissioners Court—have refused to intervene. The City of Manor has been dismissed as a defendant, but the misconduct continues and touches on state and federally protected rights.
1) Plaintiff therefore requests the Court appoint a Special Master to immediately oversee a Police Accountability Tribunal. This tribunal shall investigate misconduct by law enforcement, retaliation against political participation, and other abuses linked to municipal and county officials. At the Court’s discretion, this Master may also coordinate or preside over the two additional oversight bodies Plaintiff urges as imperative:
a. The Reparations and Historical Justice Tribunal – focused on the destruction of important historical sites – not just for “Black folks” but for “all folks” including all Manor present and future residents – including historical sites, small-town neighborhoods, schools, and cemeteries. b. The Parks and Recreation Public Trust Tribunal – empowered
Page 11 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX to review the misuse of parkland, denial of public access, and diversion of land meant for community use for citizens of all ages and ethnicities.
These oversight structures are not proposed lightly. They represent the last remaining remedy after the collapse of all normal forums for accountability. Without federal-style oversight, the Plaintiff and the public face imminent and irreparable harm with no avenue left for relief. Plaintiff urges this Court to take bold, lawful, and historically grounded action.
Finally, Plaintiff emphasizes that justice will never be realized under existing structures. City of Manor, Travis County, and the State of Texas have collectively failed to enforce even basic civic and constitutional norms: from public comment rights to humane jail conditions, and the abolition of Courts of No Record.
D. Preservation of Damages Claims
Plaintiff explicitly does not waive any claim for monetary damages, restitution, or other legal relief by requesting equitable remedies herein. The appointment of a Special Master and the establishment of oversight tribunals are sought in addition to, not in lieu of, all pending and future claims for
Page 12 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX damages—subject to proper findings on governmental immunity, scienter, and due process violations.
Equitable relief is urgently requested only to prevent further irreparable harm, and to ensure the preservation of evidence and public rights while legal claims proceed.
E. Weaponization of Rule 91a and Jurisdictional Void
Plaintiff asserts that Defendants—and, in effect, the judiciary—have improperly weaponized Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 91a to dismiss complex, fact-intensive claims under the guise that they "lack a basis in law." Many such dismissals have been based on assertions of lack of jurisdiction or immunity, with no meaningful inquiry into the facts or applicability of exceptions.
However, when one court dismisses for lack of jurisdiction, there exists an implicit promise that another forum does exist and will entertain the claims. Here, no such alternative venue has materialized.
This creates a constitutional contradiction: a right without a remedy.
Texas courts have long held that every legal wrong should have a forum for redress. When Rule 91a is applied in a manner that forecloses all paths to
Page 13 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX relief—particularly for claims involving constitutional violations, ultra vires conduct, or systemic civil rights harm—it becomes an instrument of denial rather than justice.
Plaintiff respectfully submits that such misuse of procedural tools not only frustrates due process but violates the open courts doctrine enshrined in Article I, Section 13 of the Texas Constitution which reads: "Every person for an injury done him, in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have remedy by due course of law."
Plaintiff further notes the inconsistent and arbitrary application of Rule
91a across multiple defendants and presiding judges in this case. Despite the use of nearly identical defense motions — many accompanied by proposed orders submitted in advance — one judge granted dismissal with prejudice and attorneys’ fees, while another judge reviewing substantively identical filings denied attorneys’ fees and issued dismissal without prejudice. These divergent outcomes, despite similar facts and pleadings, are compounded by the fact that Plaintiff was improperly noticed on multiple hearings; and excluded from one very important hearing, and many proposed orders were adopted verbatim without indication of independent judicial review.
Page 14 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
Preservation of 12(b)(6)-Equivalent Objections Under Rule 91a
Plaintiff respectfully objects to the continued misuse of Tex. R. Civ. P. 91a, which mimics the federal 12(b)(6) standard yet has been applied without adequate explanation or judicial findings. Rule 91a requires that the court determine, “based solely on the pleading of the cause of action,” whether the claim has a basis in law or fact. In multiple dismissals in this case, no rationale or individualized analysis has been provided—creating uncertainty whether the court met the Rule’s procedural and substantive requirements.
Plaintiff asserts that future Rule 91a motions by additional defendants must not be granted without (1) a clear finding on the record that no legal or factual basis exists, and (2) an opportunity for Plaintiff to amend, as Rule 91a.5 contemplates. To the extent prior dismissals lack a stated basis, Plaintiff preserves all objections and intends to challenge such orders as improper or voidable.
While Tex. R. Civ. P. 91a.7 generally mandates an award of attorney’s fees to the prevailing party, such awards must follow a procedurally sound dismissal. In Plaintiff’s case, the only fee award followed a hearing from which Plaintiff was excluded due to improper notice—rendering the
Page 15 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX proceeding defective. No fees were awarded in other Rule 91a dismissals where Plaintiff had been properly served or contested dismissal. The Court’s inconsistency further underscores the procedural irregularities that permeate this case.
F. Addition of Defendants Based on Continuing Ultra Vires Acts and Public Harm; and for other Good Reasons Noted Below
Plaintiff adds additional defendants, including:
1) Travis County Commissioners not yet named: Brigid Shea (Pct. [2]), Ann Howard (Pct. [3]), Margaret Gómez (Pct. [4]), and County Judge Andy Brown — in their official capacities.
2) Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez in her official responsible for deplorable conditions and procedures at Travis County Central Booking.
3) CapMetro (Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority) for deceptive trade practice related to hiding facts that they are charging citizens on weekends but providing no services.
4) Carlos Moyeda, owner/developer 104 E Townes Street historic Texas mansion destroyed based upon Comprehensive Plan errors and ignorance of historic district statutes and intent.
Page 16 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
5) Matt Woodard, Public Works Director for the City of Manor, in both his official and individual capacities, for ultra vires conduct including desecration of a protected cemetery and misuse of public resources to benefit private developer Legacy Performance Capital.
6) Former City of Manor Police Department Officer Sgt. David Milton, who at a Juneteenth 2023 Event evicted Plaintiff from a public park based upon unsubstantiated lies and without legal justification violating Plaintiff's Civil Rights; purged bodycam footage; and participating in a failed investigation and cover-up.
Plaintiff notes that Milton was not included due to a clerical error by the court (Struble was listed twice as a party). Detective Struble is included as a party and both are on the list of denied Discovery elements as to finding out their last know addresses for purpose of citation service.
7) Austin Bocce League – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation whose standing as co-plaintiff is reaffirmed herein out of an abundance of caution.
G. Plaintiff updates his address of record and Requests Certified Mail:
By USPS Certified to 502 E Eggleston St, Unit B - Manor, Texas 78653
Page 17 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
H. Official Capacities
Plaintiff reasserts that he is suing officials in their official capacities for declaratory and injunctive relief under the ultra vires doctrine and applicable civil rights statutes.
I. Lack of Judicial Review
Plaintiff also asserts multiple unruled motions and identifies that no meaningful judicial review of those filings has occurred, prejudicing Plaintiff and the public interest. These motions, detailed in Exhibit A – Unruled Motions are unresolved, should be ruled upon or set for hearing.
Plaintiff continues to seek emergency relief in the form of injunctions, and declaratory rulings, related to public land theft, parkland desecration, election coercion, jail abuses, and public trust violations.
J. Lack of Transcripts.
Further, Plaintiff has still not yet received a single transcript going back three months; despite requesting one in person at each and every court
Page 18 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX hearing he attended when properly noticed (i.e., excluding the July 3rd hearing when Plaintiff was absent due to improper notice).
This pattern underscores the procedural dysfunction caused by rotating judicial assignments and supports Plaintiff’s continuing demand for judicial continuity (stated in “plain english” and again as a unruled on Motion for Rule 2), meaningful review of the full record, and equal access due process.
K. Preservation of Systemic Allegations for Appeal and Jury
Determination
Plaintiff reaffirms that the allegations contained in this Second Amended
Petition—including those involving election coercion, historic site destruction, unconstitutional jail conditions, retaliatory municipal actions, and inter-agency entanglement between Travis County, CapMetro, and City departments—are squarely preserved and remain under active review in Case No. 03-25-00484-CV, currently pending before the Third Court of Appeals. Many Defendants were dismissed without written opinions or evaluation of underlying evidence, raising concerns of unequal access to judicial process. Plaintiff asserts that these claims involve systemic civil rights violations and ultra vires conduct that are not subject to immunity, and
Page 19 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX must be presented to a jury for determination on the merits. In particular, institutional failures to respond to election-related complaints, cultural desecration, and subhuman jail conditions demonstrate patterns of deliberate indifference and retaliation against Plaintiff for protected speech and public engagement. The legal and factual record supports declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as constitutional review of all dismissals issued without a clear factual or legal rationale.
Plaintiff asserts that government-led redevelopment schemes—including the designation of large swaths of Old Manor as “blighted” for purposes of creating a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ)—are factually and legally inconsistent with public statements and objectives. While officials tout Manor as a “regional leader” with exceptional growth and services, they simultaneously label thriving or historically significant neighborhoods as blighted in order to justify new zoning overlays and funding reallocations.
This contradiction undermines public trust and facilitates the displacement of longstanding residents. The inclusion of non-blighted areas along Highway 290 in the same TIRZ area, while ignoring cultural and historical assets in the core of Old Manor, further reveals the pretextual nature of these
Page 20 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX classifications. Plaintiff contends that these planning mechanisms— including the Comprehensive Plan authored by Freese and Nichols—operate not to serve the public, but to funnel benefits to private developers under the guise of revitalization. The Plan must be withdrawn, and any actions taken under its authority must be reevaluated or enjoined.
Former Development Services Director Scott Dunlop—who also acted as
Interim City Manager; and P&Z “liaison” — openly said words to the effect that “the Historic District was never designed to protect Manor’s architectural or historical heritage, but merely to avoid cell tower construction.”
However, that belies the fact that this Historic District is also designated a “Revitalization District” whereby citizens within said district are encouraged to improve their homes in compatible ways to the existing neighborhood. Plaintiff raised this issue at a public meeting, asking why the City was not informing the community about the incentives embedded in the Revitalization and Redevelopment District ordinance — programs designed to encourage architectural compatibility and historic preservation by reducing permit costs and offering design guidance. Dunlop admitted, “Well, nobody ever asks about them.” Stunned by the sheer obfuscation and
Page 21 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX avoidance of providing beneficial community services by a staff member in charge, Plaintiff asked, “How would anybody know about these benefits?”
This exchange underscores a broader civic failure: residents cannot be expected to navigate obscure municipal code to safeguard their own neighborhoods. As a result, the very tools that could preserve Manor’s unique architectural identity remain hidden and unused—while modern, incongruous developments wipe out the City’s historic structures with no resistance from its leadership, no transparency and no accountability.
M. Clarification on Jury Trial Rights and Election Contest Separation
Plaintiff notes that under Tex. Election Code § 231.005, the election contest portion of the case must be decided by the judge without a jury.
Nonetheless, Plaintiff’s independent constitutional claims—including allegations of election coercion, retaliation, suppression of speech, and violations of due process—are entirely separate from the statutory contest and remain subject to jury trial under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, First and Fourteenth Amendment jurisprudence, and Monell liability.
Further, Plaintiff previously filed a Motion for Partial Summary
Judgment requesting that the election-contest issues be severed from the Page 22 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX broader action so that they may be heard independently, and more expeditiously. Because this motion remains unruled, all remaining claims— particularly those raised in this Second Amended Petition—are fully preserved for jury decision, even if the statutory election contest continues to follow bench procedures; and Manor operates without a legal quorum.
[END of first portion of SECOND AMENDMENT.]
Page 23 of Pl. 2nd Am. (New)
Copy from re:SearchTX
CAUSE NO. _D-1-GN-25-000719
ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE § Plaintiff § § DISTRICT COURT NO._459 TH VS. § TEXAS ELECTIONS DIVISION, HON. JANE § NELSON, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE § TRAVIS COUNTY § TRAVIS COUNTY ELECTIONS DIVISION § DYANA LIMON-MERCADO, TRAVIS § COUNTY CLERK § STATE OF TEXAS § CITY OF MANOR, TEXAS § CITY ATTORNEY, KNIGHT LAW FIRM LLP § § CHRISTOPHER HARVEY, LESLIE § SCOTT MOORE, LLUVIA ALMARAZ, et al., § Defendants §
FIRST AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL
AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION BE HELD
Original Petition submitted 1/29/25 at 12:10 pm. New amendment begins with Item IX.
Robert Battaile, Plaintiff ~ contact email [email protected]
Copy from re:SearchTX
Table of Contents for Battaile Lawsuit D-1-GN-25-000719 Court # 349 Judge Guererra-Gamble Item# Page# Informal Descriptions of FIRST AMENDMENT Items
1. 02 Bobby Reese is a Party to the suit. He was illegally prevented from being on City Council Ballot 2. 03 Robert Battaile – Illegally coerced to “withdraw” and make candidacy impossible by throwing me in jail 3. 03 Request for outside Judge. Travis County complicit and wanted me in jail even tho they had NO evidence 4. 03 Request for NEW ELECTION and new balloting. How many worthy candidates have been turned away?
5. 04 Insuring EFFECTIVE pre-election publicity. Unlike the measly RUN-OFF where only 4.7% showed up 6. 05 New election NOT BY City of Manor. How many other candidates were rejected over the years?
7. 05 Arrest warrants for City Manager, Leslie Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz – Election Coercion 8. 07 Exhibits – useless Police Reports, Affidavits to Sec of State; Travis County, and Attorney General a) Police Report submitted to ManorPD by Reese and Battaile b) Complaint to Secretary of State by Mr. Reese c) Complaint to Secretary of State by Mr. Battaile d) Affidavit to Texas Attoney General, Hon. Ken Paxton
9. 19 Withdraw Item 3. Request to JOIN ISSUES asserting IMMINENT HARM to landmarks 10. 19 Compel CapMetro Pickups and Shuttle to go 4 extra blocks to poll site during election 11. 20 Adding important ballot items: Spanish translations, ending “Court of Non-Record” and others 12. 22 Robert Battaile – Background. Activist Hero trying to Save Manor from Incompetent Council 13. 25 Limiting Harm to Displaced Developers – City buys back their property. Please move North of 290 14. 26 Strong Emergency Measures Required by the Judge because the HARM IS IRREPARABLE and vast 15. 29 REMOVE CITY COUNCIL for INCOMPETENCE & OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT 16. 29 Staff members (2) and Police Officers (5) placed on leave pending Ethics Commission investigation 17. 32 Dismiss Ordinances. End phony Invocations; and Restore citizen's STOLEN Public Comments time 18. 37 INCOMPETENCE and Official Misconduct Examples – a) thru j) ...a partial list a) 37 - $105 Million and nothing in our parks f) 47 - Disappearing History by disrespectful incompetents b) 39 - $400,000 unused Community Prgms g) 47 - Everchanging In-lieu Park Funds - unused c) 40 - City Slogan – “Regional Leader” delusion h) 48 - Ethics Commission – glaring incompetence d) 44 - Bogus Comprehensive Plan they can't read i) 49 - Historic District ~ a phrase they can't understand e) 45 - Plan's Secret 200-acre Woodlands Park j) 51 - Timmerman(n) Park Plan Fiasco. Hard to believe Copy from re:SearchTX
Table of Contents for Battaile Lawsuit D-1-GN-25-000719 Court # 349 Judge Guererra-Gamble Item# Page# Informal Descriptions of FIRST AMENDMENT Items
19. 53 WAIVE City, County and State Immunity due to Breach of Contract, Civil Rights and other Violations 20. 54 Severability; and Errors and Omissions 21. 54 Damages Allowed based on tort claims a) 55 - Breach of Contract by City of Manor re: Licensing Agreement with Austin Bocce League b) 56 – Equal Protections - Plaintiff illegally evicted from Juneteenth public event after lies told to Police c) 56 - Civil Rights, Equal Protections violations - Bocce League refused booth at public Juneteenth event d) 62 - Manor Police Misconduct – multiple coverups and willful investigative FAILURES e) 63 - Official Misconduct for Nepotism and ethics inconsistencies on citizen Commissions
22. 65 Protecting our Cemeteries 1906 McVey and 1871 Manor from TOWNHOMES on black graves 23. 69 James B Manor's 1840's Homestead is our “Alamo” that we must protect from City Council destruction 24. 72 Las Entradas 224+ APTS do NOT belong in historic district. Needed for Homestead Parking and Events 25. 72 Manor Grocery Main Street – first refusal and landmark protection, no zoning change 26. 75 Heritage Trees and Boxes on Boyce – South Korean developer withheld information. Not historic at all 27. 78 Original Parsons School site of abandoned ManorISD Excel Academy – first refusal, no demolition 28. 81 Clayton Vocational Institute – “Colored” School's last remaining building – first refusal, no demolition 29. 84 Manor Crossing/HEB stealing millions in Chapter 380 funds; plus no required plaza or parkland fees 30. 89 Manor Commons no required Plaza. Conflicts of interest. Owner serves on Public Impact Fees Committee 31. 90 Monarch Ranch developer's blatant refusal to pay Parkland fees. Manor takes 6-7 acres as per codes 32. 93 ShadowGlen. Years of incompleted trails. Theft of parkland fees or acreage for parks. Bad faith 33. 96 Dismiss Comprehensive Plan and new “downtown” plan based on faulty assumptions and full of lies 34. 101 Parks and Recreation Tribunal and spending up to $20 million of hoarded city funds 35. 104 Bocce Court Restoration and damages after ludicrous claim of “Public Health and Safety Hazard” 36. 113 Old Manor REPARATIONS to pay residents for last 20 years of NEGLECT and undelivered services 37. 120 Damages for Bobby Reese due to illegal Election Coercion preventing his candidacy for City Council 38. 121 Robert Battaile Exoneration and Damages from State, County and City violations Copy from re:SearchTX
CAUSE NO. _D-1-GN-25-000719 ROBERT EDWARD BATTAILE § Plaintiff § § DISTRICT COURT NO._459 TH VS. § TEXAS ELECTIONS DIVISION, HON. JANE § NELSON, TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE § TRAVIS COUNTY § TRAVIS COUNTY ELECTIONS DIVISION § DYANA LIMON-MERCADO, TRAVIS § COUNTY CLERK § STATE OF TEXAS § CITY OF MANOR, TEXAS § CITY ATTORNEY, KNIGHT LAW FIRM LLP § § CHRISTOPHER HARVEY, LESLIE § SCOTT MOORE, LLUVIA ALMARAZ, et al., § Defendants § FIRST AMENDMENT TO PETITION TO CONTEST 2024 MANOR TEXAS CITY COUNCIL
AND MAYORAL ELECTION AND TO CAUSE NEW ELECTION BE HELD
Original Petition submitted 1/29/25 at 12:10 pm. New amendment begins with Item IX.
Robert Battaile, a candidate for Mayor in the City of Manor City Council Election of November 5, 2024 respectfully comes before the Court to request that the City of Manor 2024 Election for Mayor and City Council Places 1, 3 and 5: and the Ballots which listed said candidates be set aside and voided due to Election Coercion violations by the City Manager, Leslie Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz who were in charge of administering said election on behalf of the approximately 9,700 registered voters and approximately 30,000 non-voting residents of greater Manor that were effectively disenfranchised by these two
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 1 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX persons' fraudulent and illegal actions on August 19, 2025 and on subsequent days in their efforts to cover-up those actions.
Robert Battaile received 557 votes as a candidate for Mayor in the General Election of November 5, 2024. The incumbent, Christopher Harvey was re-elected Mayor in a December 14, 2024 run-off election with 357 votes and certified in the days thereafter. As such, Mr. Harvey is the Contestee. As final canvassing authorities, the Hon. Jane Nelson (State of Texas) and/or Dyana Limon-Mercado (Travis County) and/or City of Manor, may be Substitute Contestees. However, it is to be noted that the Plaintiff is alleging fraudulent violations in the Balloting Phase and not in the Vote Counting Phase; although all the parties were informed repeatedly of Ballot violations. Christopher Harvey violated his oath and duties as Mayor by not insuring a free and fair election in which he was a candidate.
I. Bobby Reese is a Party to this Suit due to his connection to and harm from these Election Violations. On August 19, 2024 Bobby Reese was falsely and illegally prevented from being on the Ballot for City Council Place Three. He was also not included on the Travis County list of Write-In Candidates shown to Voters even though he submitted a Declaration on August 26 which was within the requisite five days. The City offices were closed on August 24 and 25 for the weekend.
These were violations of Sec. 141.101 of the Election Code Subchapter D, D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 2 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX COERCION AGAINST CANDIDACY PROHIBITED. “(a)... if by intimidation or by means of coercion the person influences or attempts to influence a person to:
(1) not file an application for a place on the ballot or a declaration of write-in candidacy;”
II. Robert Battaile was a candidate for Mayor; and Leslie Moore, Lluvia Almaraz, Christopher Harvey and others made willful, conscious efforts to make Mr. Battaile “(2) withdraw as a candidate” per Sec. 141.101 including having him arrested, given an $8,000 bail and restrictions on getting within 600' of Moore and Almaraz; thereby preventing Mr. Battaile's involvement in important city council meetings and community planning; and restricted Battaile's ability to campaign and participate in public debates.
Per Section 1.07 Penal Code (9) “coercion means a threat, however communicated: (f) to take or withhold action as a public servant, or to cause a public servant to take or withhold action.”
III. Notwithstanding allowed actions of the current Judge, per Sec. 231.004 DISQUALIFICATION OF A JUDGE, Plaintiff requests that the Court appoint a new Judge from outside Travis County.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 3 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
IV. Request for New Election and Ballot Process. Per Sec. 231.004 (e)(2) this 2024 race did end with a run-off in the contested race, and the current District Judge can order a new election. Thus per CONTESTING ELECTIONS Art. 9.15, this election should be declared void because it is impossible to ascertain the true result of the election because at least one candidate was denied a place on the Ballot. There was no paper record of Mr. Reese's attempt to apply. The people of Manor have no way of knowing how many other honorable citizen candidates were denied a place on the Ballot in this and prior year elections. Per Travis County Elections Division guidelines, a paper record of every applicant is required to be kept for two years. Mr. Reese was not given a written reason for his rejection which is also required policy for Travis County Elections procedures.
V. Per Sec. 231.007 (d) the Court can direct the new election be publicized in the manner prescribed by the Court. Plaintiff requests the following during the Ballot Phase; and during the Voting Phase:
A separate 8-1/2” x 11” 2-sided color flyer for each phase to be mailed to every registered voter to arrive two days prior to the start of each phase. Plaintiff's approval of the design and content is required and shall not be unreasonably withheld. These flyers shall include the reasons for the new election and Spanish translations. Further, four ¼ page color ads in the Manor Journal with placement dates and design approved by the Plaintiff. 50 yard signs with 2-sided printing and
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 4 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX not smaller than 24” x 32” shall be purchased and distributed with the design and locations to be approved by the Plaintiff. Costs for said publicity and mailing shall be paid by the City of Manor.
VI. Per Sec. 231.007 (e), Plaintiff requests the Court designate another person or entity to administer the new election other than the City of Manor staff. The City of Manor shall pay any costs of administering a free and fair election with suitable public notice, allowing time for Ballot applications, early voting days and and an Election Day schedule approved by the Plaintiff and the Court.
VII. Per Article 15.01 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Plaintiff requests the Judge issue a Warrant of Arrest to the Travis County Sheriffs Department to take Leslie Scott Moore and Lluvia Almaraz immediately into custody to be dealt with according to the law for the crimes of ELECTION COERCION committed on August 19, 2025 and LYING TO A POLICE OFFICER which is a Class B Misdemeanor. Lies were told to Manor Police Officer, Jordan Roberts on August 26, 2024 who repeated those lies when he filed an Affidavit for Warrant of Arrest and Detention with Defendant, Dyana Limon-Mercado County Clerks office on Aug 29 at 8:47 am.
Plaintiff, Robert Battaile is a Manor resident, writer and political cartoonist who, over the last three years has built an email Newsletter with a circulation of 400-600
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 5 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX focused on current community issues and functioning as an independent local newspaper. After my emails started to focus on the Election Coercion done by Moore and Almaraz and its harm to Bobby Reese and the City at large, the emails were deemed “harassing.” Apparently, Manor Police and other parties didn't realize that emails and internet communications “made in connection with a matter of public concern” per Sec. 42.07 (9) are not harassment; and thus Robert Battaile was falsely arrested by Manor Police Department and jailed. This is further support and explanation for Item 2 above.
Further, the citizens of Manor have no idea how many other candidates were falsely kept off the ballot in this or in any previous elections, in part because required election documents were not properly prepared, given to candidates or kept for the required two-year period.
Per the Texas Secretary of State's definition ~ Election Contest: An action in civil court to contest the result of an election ...to ascertain whether the outcome of the contested election, as shown by the final canvass, is not the true outcome because: ...(2) an election officer or other person officially involved in the administration of the election: ...(C) engaged in other fraud or illegal conduct or made a mistake.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 6 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Because time is of the essence and for all the above good reasons, Plaintiff respectfully prays that the Court remedy these grievous crimes by ordering a new election and ballot process be commenced to provide that the citizens of Manor Texas be assured a free and fair City Council and Mayoral Election.
VIII. EXHIBITS The initial Plaintiff Exhibits demonstrate a consistent effort by Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese to engage local city, county, state and federal officials to remedy the violations by voiding the election and having a new General Election or Special Election. Those efforts were unsuccessful.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 7 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Exhibit 1. POLICE REPORT TO MANOR PD #24-01385 filed by Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese on 8/28/25 alleging the ELECTION COERCION violations as transcribed from the submitted hand-written form. The Police Report is now filed as “inactive” although neither of the parties were ever interviewed. Plaintiff has additional evidence of poor city staff performance resulting in illegal election activity. Upon completion of submitting the Police Report, Mr. Battaile was handcuffed, arrested and jailed for four days on a “Harassment Charge” in retaliation for Mr. Battaile sending good cause email “Newsletters” about matters of public concern to the Manor community, law enforcement, Travis County and State of Texas Legislators, media and social media alleging Moore and Almaraz's crimes of Election Coercion.
MANOR POLICE REPORT – VOLUNTARY STATEMENT FORM Transcribed from Handwritten Report Badge Logo – City of Manor PD Case # 24-01385 Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese More detail on our Complaint to the Secretary of State attached.
As a courtesy, Robert called Secty, Lluvia Almaraz to schedule at 10:00 for candidate Bobby Reese to apply for Place Three on the City Council.
While Lluvia was meeting w Bobby, she never signed him in or gave him a CANDIDATE HANDBOOK. The form says plainly that VOTER REGISTRATION is optional. She saw his Drivers License with a Manor address
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 8 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX yet didn't allow him to apply.
We left and came back and got even more coercion and intimidation and lies. They said “it was too late anyway to apply.” It wasn't even 2:00 yet their Handbook said it was open until 5:00 PM.
(page 2) Robert circled the time on that front page sheet and asserted firmly that this was election interference. City Mgr and Secty got very agitated and called the Police on the whistleblower Robert who was handcuffed as he was walking home, pushed into the car and driven around to teach me a lesson.
The crime is SUBCHAPTER D. COERCION OF CANDIDACY. Sec. 141.101 Coercion of candidate is prohibited! That's what happened. Signed by Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese – 8-28-24
Sworn before Officer at Manor PD double-wide.
Exhibit 1. Election Contest
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 9 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Exhibit 2. ELECTION COMPLAINT TO THE TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE by Bobby Reese. Parties each did a hand-written Election Complaint which was sent by Certified Mail on August 28, 2024. Transcription is attached herewith. There was no response.
__________________________________________________________________ Exhibit 2 - Transcribed from Form
ELECTION COMPLAINT TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE
I. Identity of Complainant – Bobby R Reese Address redacted - phone redacted
II. Identity of Respondent: Scott Moore, City Manager of Manor TX and Lluvia Almaraz, City Secretary - address: City Hall 105 E Eggleston St, Manor TX 78653 III. Nature of Alleged Violation. At ten o'clock on Monday, Aug. 19, I went in and was asked why I was there by Ms. Almaraz. I answered that I was there to sign up for City Council. There was a white binder that was the City Council Candidate Handbook. I thought that was for me.
I showed her my Drivers License with City of Manor address and she dismissed that. I showed a Military ID and she dismissed.
Then, she said it would be a good idea if I filled out a voter registration form which had nothing to do with being on the ballot as a city council member.
I filled out the voter form. Then, a few people came into the room. She had said, “it didn't matter what place you run for.” She gathered her papers to signal the meeting was [over]. Gave me a sheet with my old Austin voter reg info and sent
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 10 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX me away without allowing me to sign up. Mr. Battaile and I were going to eat lunch and return to speak with the City Manager who was walking in as we were leaving. Mr. Battle said we would return, “she doesn't get to pick who gets to run.”
We returned and Mr. Battaile asked to see the City Manager. He appeared at the window and went off to get the City Secretary and they both came out and took me again in to the conference room. Mr. Battaile was not allowed in.
The conversation was a repeat of the morning's mis-information. I was “dismissed with a lie” that it was “too late to even apply” so it “didn't really matter anyway.” They showed me the door and I left.
When Mr. Battaile learned thata I was told it was too late to apply, he was outraged and went in to show them their own page that said “open until 5:00 pm.” When confronted with their lies, they lost control and called the Police who later arrested Robert.
Additional form items and then… signed by Bobby Reese.
Sent by Certified Mail to Texas Secretary of State, Elections Div Legal, P O Box 12060, Austin TX 78711 delivered on August 28, 2024.
Exhibit 2. Election Contest
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 11 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Exhibit 3 - transcribed from Form
ELECTION COMPLAINT TO THE TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE by Robert Battaile sent by Certified Mail rec'd on August 28, 2024. No response.
I. Identity of Complainant – Robert Battaile Address redacted - phone redacted
II. Identity of Respondent: Scott Moore, City Manager of Manor TX and Lluvia Almaraz, City Secretary - address: City Hall 105 E Eggleston St, Manor TX 78653 III. Nature of Alleged Violation. On June 19 [sic – August 19], Robert Battaile, Mayor candidate and Complainant called City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz and told her I would be bringing Bobby Reese to sign up as a Council Candidate. She had asked me to do this before I came in to have my signature notarized.
That is really her onoly ministerial function. She lied and manipulated him [Bobby Reese] to the point of discouragement and “giving up.”
Lluvia never “signed him in” or gave him the “Candidate Handbook” sitting on the table. She diverted the entire signup process and focus[ed] on his ANCIENT voter registration card. The FORM clearly states the VUID is “optional.” She knows this, and printed a sheet “disqualifying” Mr. Reese. (attached) When the Respondents knew that Reese was a friend, and had also looked at my Candidate Handbook – the “conspiracy” began. I have said publicly (see attached Park Cleanup Flyer) that I would fire the City Manager and several city dept heads.
Lluvia also said “It didn't matter which Place” he signed up for. A lie. Also said that “he could run in 2026.” Another deception.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 12 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Disappointed, we went to lunch. As we left, the City Manager was entering. I said, “We'll be back. She doesn't get to reject a candidate because she doesn't “like or approve” him.
Round Two began and again, the two of them didn't want me with him. I was expecting Bobby to sign the three pages and be done. Again, no signatures, no book, no paperwork. I heard some laughter and thought things were going okay. Then, he came out empty handed and said they told him “it was too late anyway” and he was refused again.
It wasn't even two o'clock. The first page of their handbook said “open Jan 19 until 5:00 pm!!!
I circled the time and confronted their blatant crime. So, the criminals called the Police on ME – the Whistleblower.
Both of these staffers must be fired. How many other candidates were also turned away? The Ballot Process is tainted. We need another full week of signups managed by Travis County or State of Texas. We can't trust the City of Manor.
Additional form items and then… signed by Robert Battaile.
Sent by Certified Mail to Texas Secretary of State, Elections Div Legal, P O Box 12060, Austin TX 78711 delivered on August 28, 2024.
Exhibit 3. Election Contest
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 13 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Exhibit 4. AFFIDAVIT TO TEXAS ATTORNEY GENERAL, KEN PAXTON sent on November 12, 2024 by Certified Mail petitioning him to use his authority to Contest the 2024 Manor City Council and Mayoral Election. No response.
AFFIDAVIT TO CONTEST 2024 ELECTION
FOR MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
IN THE CITY OF MANOR, TEXAS COUNTY OF TRAVIS
Per Chapter 9, Contesting Elections Article 9.02 ~ Contesting or Prosecuting by Attorney General ~ two reputable citizens, Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese, both residents of Manor, Texas hereby allege that they witnessed and were victims of ELECTION COERCION as defined in Texas Elections Code Subchapter D Sec. 141.101 when Manor City Manager, Leslie Scott Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz did willingly and knowingly prevent Bobby Reese from his legal right to be a Candidate for Place Three on the City Council.
Robert Battaile was a Candidate for Mayor and received 557 votes despite a false arrest, ignored Police Reports, citywide efforts to keep him from campaigning robustly, and multiple efforts by Travis County Attorneys to put him back in jail despite having no evidence of any bail violations.
These two city employees abused their authority with multiple false statements designed to intimidate Mr. Reese and discourage him from applying. Two of the
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 14 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX most simple and obvious falsehoods are as follows:
1) The pretense that Mr. Reese didn't have the “required” voter registration to be a candidate. However, the very document she handed Mr. Reese said clearly on its face that he had until November 5, 2024 and in fact his registration was “in suspense” likely due to not having a mailbox. On October 22, he voted immediately upon showing his Drivers License to the poll worker. Ms. Almaraz had seen the same Texas Drivers License with the same address.
2) When we returned in the afternoon to protest to the City Manager, they both continued with more false statements and told Mr. Reese at 2:00 pm that “it didn't matter anyway because it was too late to apply.” The City's own Candidate Packet Handbook said clearly on Page One that the process to apply to be on the Ballot was open until 5:00 pm on August 19th.
3) When Robert learned of this, he showed the page mentioned above and was intimidated and bullied by these two staffers who later alleged they were “afraid of” Mr. Battaile. Their actions in the City Hall Lobby belie this notion. As Robert calmly walked home, he was handcuffed, put in a squad car and driven in circles. This further delay prevented Mr. Reese from simply getting his signature notarized and thereupon submitting his candidacy for Place 3 to the City.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 15 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Mayor, Christopher Harvey is also complicit as is the Manor Police Chief, Ryan Phipps and officers that were tasked with investigating the Police Report #24- 01385 alleging Election Coercion which Robert Battaile and Bobby Reese filed at the Police Headquarters on August 28th.
When the report was finished, Robert Battaile was arrested for four days based upon more lies told to Police Officer, Jordan Roberts who then told those lies to a Judge to get an Arrest Warrant. This arrest, detention, and onerous bail restrictions have severely impacted Robert's Mayoral Campaign.
Robert has reported these Election Coercion allegations to numerous entitities including the Texas Senate and House members and Elections and Rules committees, the 'illegalvoting' @oag.texas.gov email address, and with a formal ELECTION COMPLAINT TO THE TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE received by certified mail on August 28, 2024.
Robert Battaile filed a Police Freedom of Information Request on October 21, 2024 to determine why the case was “inactive” when neither Robert Battaile nor Bobby Reese were ever interviewed; and Leslie Moore and Lluvia Almaraz were never charged with any crimes. The City Attorneys, Knight Law Partners LLC are fighting this request.
Robert has still not seen any footage from the City Hall Lobby despite being a defendant and submitting another FOIA Request that the City Attorneys are disputing. Apparently, FOX News was given an edited version “Courtesy of City of
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 16 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Manor.” Robert continues to be harassed, is unable to speak or have his words read at Open Meetings, has no city contact for Election issues; is effectively under house arrest 900' from City Hall, and (except for a temporary Court Order granting a brief Stay during the voting) is once again required to stay 600' from the City Manager and City Secretary.
Mr. Reese also submitted a Declaration to be a Write-In Candidate for City Council Place Three on August 26 and has a copy date-stamped as such by the City of Manor. This document was sent to the Secretary of State's Office yet he was not included on the voters' approved write-in candidates either.
Robert and Bobby have no way of knowing how many other would-be candidates were prevented from a rightful place on the ballot. Therefore, we request that the entire City of Manor City Council Places One, Three, Five and Mayor's race be thrown out and a new ballot application period begun; to be followed by a new election. Since the Mayoral race is currently required to have a RUN-OFF ELECTION anyway, whether the entire ballot is thrown out adds no financial burden; and should require no bond if a motion is made to the Travis County Court contesting this election.
We pray that you will offer a speedy remedy and Contest this City of Manor Election due to Election Coercion by City of Manor employees. Time is of the essence.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 17 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Respectfully submitted on the __[8th]___ day of November, 2024 by:
/sig/ Robert Battaile, Candidate for Mayor, City of Manor
/sig/ Bobby Reese, denied candidate for City Council Place Three
[Note: Attachments that accompanied the original document will be including in a forthcoming Appendix and shall be included by reference herein.] Exhibit A: Voter registration sheet given by City Secretary showing Bobby had until Election Day.
Exhibit B: Voter registration with current address and explanation of “suspense.” Exhibit C: Ending time 5:00 pm clearly shown despite being told at 2:00 pm that his time had expired.
Exhibit D: Write-in Declaration submitted in timely fashion, disregarded by staff. Exhibit E: Lobby pictures showing city staffers evidencing no fear of Robert as later alleged in the arresting documents told to a Judge. Robert hasn't received this footage nearly 3 months after his FOIA request made as the Defendant in two court cases (City of Manor; and Travis County) mostly about the same one incident.
[Notarized]
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 18 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
IX. WITHDRAWAL OF ITEM 3. REQUEST TO JOIN ISSUES, and other
assertions. Due to additional time required to adjudicate new Items herein; Plaintiff withdraws the request for a non-Travis County Judge.
Since the same City Council members and Staff, including Police officers are involved in almost every item under consideration herein; in the interest of justice and efficiency, it makes sense to JOIN ISSUES and address them together. The Developers and Builders that Plaintiff is seeking Injunctions against have most of the same issues between the Plaintiff, City of Manor and amongst themselves.
Plaintiff asserts his public youtube videos as providing the best and shortest explanations of several relevant items herein. Links are provided when applicable.
Plaintiff asserts emphatically that many important IRREPARABLE and IRREPLACABLE Manor landmarks are in IMMINENT danger of being destroyed. Our precious character as a small pioneer town is under attack by city officials that are INCOMPETENT and committing OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT.
An Appendix will follow which shall be incorporated as if fully set forth herein.
X. TRANSPORTATION TO VOTING SITE. In the event a new election is so ordered, Travis County will be ENJOINED to insure CapMetro will provide a shuttle in Old Manor and also expand their normal routes by the few short blocks necessary to include the Voting site during the entire early voting and election day voting period.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 19 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX XI. INJUNCTIONS or New Ballot Items. Due to City of Manor's meager historic performance as regards these important items, Plaintiff requests that these items be COMPELLED to be enacted by City of Manor; or be placed on the new city council election ballot for the voters consideration.
(subject to final approved wording):
a) commence 3-year terms on a staggered basis. This will prevent a majority of four seats being elected during any one election. In the November 2020 election, the change from two-year terms was put to a vote deciding between three-year or four-year terms. Four-year won by just 8 votes; so the voters are effectively neutral on the issue.
For the new three-year term transition period, Places 1 and 4 will serve a one- year term; Places 2 and 5 will serve two-year terms; and Places 3 and 6 will serve 3-year terms. Elections happen annually. The Mayor serves a three-year term.
b) raise pay for councilmembers to $4,000 each per month, and the Mayor to $4,500 per month and require at least 60% of the work week be devoted to city business, and to limit other outside time devoted to employment or personal business; c) establish a Parks and Recreation Department; d) communicating Agendas and website in Spanish language;
Note: Austin got serious about translations back in 2013 with Council Resolution 20131017-038 citing Federal Guidelines that support translation rights
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 20 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX including Executive Order 13166 of 2000, and even back to Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964.
ManorISD and Travis County Parks and Recreation websites both easily translate with the click of a button into 130 languages. Technology is available and relatively inexpensive. City of Manor is working on website revisions right now, and should be directed to include this important upgrade.
e) Change Manor Municipal Court from a “court of non-record” to a Court of Record to begin recording by using video cameras already in place at the City Council chambers which doubles as the Courtroom. Citizens are completely unaware that this antiquated procedure is even happening in 2025.
f) Put the RECALL provision back into the Charter; and g) Re-Convene the members of past City Charter Commissions on a emergency basis to add important City Charter changes prior to the end of the ballot period, with Plaintiff's oversight.
The meager election period for citizen voting to approve the previous Charter's minimal “changes” in 2020 was only one day (a Tuesday), and with negligible advance notice or communication with the voters. That also is incompetence and official misconduct. City Council is supposed to review the Charter every two years. Plaintiff didn't notice that happening. The Charter Commission is supposed to be convened and review the document every five years. There are no previous Agendas or Minutes of the Charter Commission online, if there ever were.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 21 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX XII. BACKGROUND. The Plaintiff, Robert Battaile went to Rice University in Houston in 1968 on an Art Scholarship. Robert lived in the Clarksville neighborhood of Austin (8th and MoPac) in 1980 when it was dirt roads. He witnessed first-hand the gentrification that pushed the po' folk out of the place they grew up in. Robert grew up in San Diego next to Balboa Park which is one of the most amazing parks in the world with museums, outdoor musicals, and a major zoo. Robert moved back to the Austin area from northern California after many years working in tv and film/tv conference management, 3 years as a musician performing in Las Vegas; and 15 yrs in Northern California as a media producer, performer and wine educator. He was a community theatre board member, single dad with two teenage daughters taking care of his mom with Alzheimers Disease.
There in St. Helena, he learned to play bocce and started a Bocce League in Santa Rosa in 2009. Today, there are over 600 players enjoying the friendly competition and social interaction the sport is known for. He helped start another league in Middletown, CA that's still going.
Robert had been led to believe that a similar good outcome could happen in Manor. Unfortunately, an INCOMPETENT City Council, Mayor and City Manager used OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT to breach the Licensing Agreement with Austin Bocce League of which Robert is the director. In the process, they practically destroyed and stunted the growth of the only on-going activity in the entire city. https://youtu.be/C2KYN2StaP8 “Bocce Revenge in Manor Texas” Time: 5:07
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 22 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Robert is also an artist, musician, performer, writer, song-writer, video filmmaker, photographer, editor, graphic artist, builder/developer, and inventor. In order to improve his community and “Save Old Manor,” he has become an activist and political cartoonist. Robert created his title of “Honorary Mayor of Old Manor” back in 2023 to raise awareness of, and to protect the original township and its rich history. Plaintiff filed for Bankruptcy in 2023 in order to devote full- time effort to saving Old Manor, the Cemetery and Homestead from destruction.
James B. Manor provided the land that became the town in 1850. He granted the right-of-way for the railroad which brought the cotton industry. He came west from Tennessee in 1832 with Sam Houston who was a “frequent and welcome visitor” at Manor's 1840 Homestead which is in danger of disappearing. James Manor was buried in 1881 at the Manor Cemetery built on land he gave donated in 1871. His homestead was the first Manor Post Office, and also the Stagecoach Station for the Houston to Austin route that ran on Eggleston Street. Two roads were named for his friend, Eggleston Townes who was buried at the Manor Cemetery earlier, in 1861.
Robert has been publishing his newsletter emails for over three years. Robert ran for Mayor in 2024 and received 575 votes, which is more than current Mayor Harvey got elected with in 2021 and 2024 combined. Barely 4% of the voters voted in the Run-off. For decades, Old Manor has been neglected and all but
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 23 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX abandoned by the City Council and Staff that “robs from the poor, and gives to the rich.” Old Manor needs to be improved, not destroyed. Its “smallness” is part of its appeal.
The historic Main Street is named after another community Founder, Silas Parsons who also donated the land for the first school which is the same spot as the abandoned ManorISD Excel Academy. Today, Parsons Street is a tiny road in the middle of a modest neighborhood. It's not big enough for the PARKING LOT of the Performing Arts Center that Greater Manor wants and deserves. We need a “real downtown” located north of US Hwy 290 and mid-way between Elgin and Austin. That is the center of Manor's ETJ Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (“Greater Manor”).
Plaintiff's newsletter local recipients list includes 300-plus individuals. Only six people have ever asked to be removed. This circulation list includes most of the members of Manor Chamber of Commerce, City Council, City Staff, ManorPD and Churches, ManorISD, Arts Council, media and anonymous friends.
Plaintiff asserts that his positions represent the views of a large majority of the citizens if and when they were to become aware of the issues and the looming threat faced by our very few landmarks soon to be “gone forever.” When the City won't tell its citizens, and we don't have a “real” newspaper... how would anyone know how fragile and tenuous our situation is? Thus, Plaintiff feels a duty to represent the present and future people of Old Manor, and also the people of
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 24 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX “Greater Manor” [aka the oft-used “Manor ETJ” - an acronym that confuses everyone].
Plaintiff is seeking damages, not penalties to be paid to the homeowner residents, and renters that have lived in Old Manor during the modern, growth era from 2004-2024.
In 2007, Travis County Historical Commission produced a Manor Historic Resources Survey that highlighted our rich, diverse architecture and gave strategies to protect and capitalize on our history to develop tourism and community pride. manor-historic-survey.pdf The Survey produced this Map Manor Map-Final
With the exception of the important but long-ignored 2017 Old Manor “historic district” designation in our City Codes § 14.02.031, none of the Survey's recommendations were ever enacted. The current City Council and Staff likely never even heard of that book until Plaintiff published it to the community in his email Newsletters. Plaintiff has taught more history to the community than the city itself; and the school district combined cumulatively over the last 50 years.
XIII. LIMITING HARM TO DEVELOPERS. It is the Plaintiff's wish to make the displaced Developers “whole” which means buying back the properties and reimbursing them for improvements. The City has $105 MILLION in the bank, $15 MILLION already set aside for “Economic Development;” and $41,567,289 of Unrestricted CASH with which to purchase and preserve and improve our town.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 25 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Further, the city will assist in finding other properties within the Greater Manor area that are more suited to their particular developments whether it be 2- or 3- story apartments, townhomes or multi-use boxes. All the included Developers and Builders knew they were building in an Historic District. One knew they were building literally on top of a 1906 Cemetery Lot. Plaintiff has emailed them ample evidence for many years.
XIV. NEED FOR STRONG EMERGENCY MEASURES. The injunctions and temporary injunctions requested herein are for historic, irreplaceable places (James
B. Manor's 1840 Homestead, 1871 Manor Cemetery, newly discovered 1906 Martin McVey Cemetery, and the 1850 Main Street's last building remnants at the southeast corner of Parsons at Lexington), and others herein; and for IRREPLACABLE PLAZA opportunities (NE and NW corners of Hwy 290 and 973) and for saving and creating IRREPLACABLE PARKLAND (Monarch Ranch and ShadowGlen) before all our land is covered up with living units and convenience store gas stations from Elgin to Austin.
Further, it's the City Council's duty to fill the Parks with amenities and activities for its citizens' mental, spiritual and physical well-being; instead of the current, empty parks filled with nothing. Not even chalk lines for a soccer field. Not even a water drinking fountain. City brags in its “Comprehensive Plan” that Old Manor's Art Park “features a vacant lot.” Old Manor and Greater Manor have for many,
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 26 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX many years been fed empty words and self-aggrandizing platitudes.
The residents in Old Manor have been treated as second-class citizens for many, many decades; including the “modern” growth-era of Manor which Plaintiff considers to be twenty years from 2004 to 2024. Taxes were collected in Old Manor and the monies were spent elsewhere. This neglect affected generations with depressed property values and caused physical and mental harm and apathy in our town's original neighborhood. Old Manor was granted from and laid out by James B. Manor in 1850.
Yet, here we are ~ 75 years later in 2025 and it's maybe even worse with horrible roads, bad drainage and utter lack of sidewalks or lights. Mr. Manor has become a “forgotten man.” The irony is that we have $105 MILLION in the bank; and Old Manor is the ONLY HISTORIC anything ~ why does City Council and Staff want to erase it? What could be a more senseless and needless demonstration of INCOMPETENCE than trampling the most rare and beautiful things from our genuine past. These are treasures that we can't replicate.
As a counter-balance to the Mayor's self-aggrandizing platitudes in his “State of the City” address of 2024 to the city staff; Robert presented his view of “objective reality” that sees Manor as a small, fragile historic Texas town that's under attack by wrong-minded bureaucrats and developers: https://youtu.be/VT2MKp7rdl8 Time: 27:47 “Robert's State of the City of Old Manor, Texas.”
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 27 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Elsewhere, Texas has a history of cherishing its history. Plaintiff spoke at a Texas Senate Hearing on “Protecting Texas History.” I mentioned James B Manor coming west with Sam Houston. And how his homestead and the Cemetery were under attack, but to no avail. Hence, Plaintiff is undertaking these injunctive actions which perhaps the Texas Historical Commission could have prevented. To Plaintiff, James Manor's Homestead is “our Alamo” which needs to be protected and empowered to “bring our history to life” so it can resonate within our people.
Plaintiff is of the opinion that if you have genuine history, that is by far the best launching pad for a small town to build local pride and identity, educate its citizens and bring interested visitors to a robust but still charming and unique part of town; that's also a modest, affordable family neighborhood with people living in it now as it has had for the past 175 years. Old Manor is the best of all worlds: affordable and low-density; with an ethnically mixed population that's already living here!
In the previous election, there was a pretty obvious display of voter apathy. In a community with 9,700+ voters, they were elected as follows: Mayor Harvey – 199 votes; Place 1 Emily Hill – Ran Unopposed and only 1/3 of the voters - 153 votes; Place 2 – Anne Weir ran unopposed and received 1/3 of the votes; Place 3 Maria Amezcua – 112 votes (Her husband, Gabriel Nila is on the Planning & Zoning Commission which is violation of nepotism laws openly flouted); Place 4 Sonia Wallace – Ran Unopposed and only got 1/3 of the votes; Place 5 Aaron Moreno – Unopposed and got 157 votes; and Place 6 Deja Hill – elected with 38 votes total.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 28 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Four out of seven councilmembers ran unopposed. Council was made up of unpaid volunteers until the current council decided to give themselves some compensation without voter approval at an election. The 2024 Mayor's Runoff election participation was a meager 4.7% turnout.
The City Council of this small town of perhaps 16,000 has seen fit to inflict Bonds of $166.8 MILLION upon the citizenry (with voter approval) and made its intentions known to borrow another $133.2 MILLION; including $64.2 MILLION for a new Police Station which is quite a leap from the current double-wide trailer that they can't even make presentable. The front steps and ramp are horrible with peeling and missing paint; but the expensive public-facing bright and shiny Manor PD squad car SUV has the words “Community“ proudly emblazoned on it.
XV. PETITION TO REMOVE CITY COUNCIL OF MANOR for INCOMPETENCE, and for OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT per § 21.025, 21.026; and be prevented from running for two years. See Item XIII; and examples throughout.
XVI. TEMPORARY LEAVE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES. For Official
Misconduct, these seven City of Manor employees shall immediately be placed on Temporary Leave pending the outcome of an investigation and determination by the City of Manor ETHICS COMMISSION.
Manor Personnel Manual states on page 54 Dismissal/Termination – City
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 29 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX employees are at-will employees. Employment may be terminated by the employee or by the City for any reason or for no reason. At its discretion, the City may terminate an employee’s employment as a result of unsatisfactory performance or conduct and/or violation of City policies or procedures.
The following employees violated their Oaths, and failed in the performance of their Supervisory and Departmental Director responsibilities. The back of the Ballot Application Form itself says that a write-in candidate has until “5:00 p.m. on the 5th day after the date an application for a place on the ballot is required to be filed.” Mr. Reese filed his write-in affidavit within this deadline yet Leslie Moore and Lluvia Almaraz illegally prevented him from being a candidate on the Travis County list of approved write-in candidates. Travis County and the State of Texas were also told and were equally derelict in upholding their constitutional mandates.
This Ethics Commission currently exists in name only. [see Item XIII. h) ] Per City Codes, the process to create and empower this commission is clearly stated; and needs to be undertaken after the new Council is sworn in whether it be four new members in a new election; or all seven per Item XV.
a) Police Officers to be placed on leave: Chief, Ryan Phipps – Captain, Denver Collins – Lt. James Allen – Det. Mary Eaton ~ Officer Jordan Roberts.
These officers violated the Texas Penal Code Title 8 § 38.05 Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution; and acted as Accessory by actively covering up, concealing or helping the perpetrators avoid capture by the Police. Plaintiff asserts
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 30 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX that these officers were aware of several crimes, knew the criminals and knowingly concealed evidence and protected their “friends” who were on the city council, city staff, developers and others in community. One Officer lied to a Judge for an arrest corruptly sought. Plaintiff asserts that their certifications should be removed, and they should be terminated. Failing that, this interim suspension is to be considered. They all violated their oaths.
Plaintiff recommends Community Officer, Gloria Rock to be the Interim Police Chief.
b) City Manager, Leslie Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz shall similarly be placed on leave pending an investigation and determination by the Ethics Commission. On August 19, 2024 these two staffers prevented Bobby Reese from a Place on the City Council ballot. Further, they harassed and intimidated the Plaintiff including Almaraz yelling that Robert was a racist. They lied to Police Officer Jordan Robert who lied to a Judge to enact a false arrest whereby the Plaintiff was thrown in jail for four days and given bail conditions with no basis in facts.
These two employees have also committed addition demonstrations of incompetence and retaliatory behaviors as contained herein.
Plaintiff recommends that Belen Peña, Finance Director be appointed as Interim City Manager.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 31 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX XVII. ORDINANCES TO BE DISMISSED. Plaintiff asserts that these Ordinances are flawed, have been misused and respectfully requests that they be dismissed.
1) Ordinance 686 established that invocations be spoken at the start of Council meetings. This ordinance was established on February 6, 2023. The City was able to conduct business for over 150 years without the need for an invocation. Plaintiff asserts that this is merely a pretense of spirituality that based upon their statements and actions, is objectively false as they knowingly and willfully tell lies constantly. (e.g. for over two years on the website, the Council has approved saying that “Manor is a regional leader... with exceptional services”)
Per §3(c) Guidelines of the Annex G Invocation Presentations Policy and Procedure, it states that “the invocation must not be used to proselytize or advance any one faith or belief.” Additionally, per §3(g) it states that “This policy shall not be implemented... nor express the City Council's preference for, any faith or religious denomination.”
Manor Council Council invocations have only had Christian preachers. After the recent invasion of Gaza, Plaintiff suggested bringing a rabbi and an imam together to give an Invocation. That never happened or was even responded to. There have never been any Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or any other religions represented.
Further, the City Council doesn't have the organizational ability or competency
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 32 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX to even find enough preachers (2 per month) to do these invocations; and end up with the Council members doing invocations themselves “on the fly” as if they have some spiritual authority. Plaintiff finds their pretense highly offensive since they have personally shown themselves to be quite the opposite with petty jealousy, arrogance, vanity, spite, vindictiveness, harm and neglect to their own children, seniors and all the constituent citizens that they are supposed to represent and publicly claim to “love.” They hoard our money like stingy misers.
Additionally, per §3(f) the “invocation should be limited to no more than one (1) minute.” That has never been enforced. Without the required invocation ordinance, people are now even more spiritually empowered to say their prayers at Public Comments whence they can be three minutes instead of one.
2) Ordinance No. 691 effective February 15, 2023. Plaintiff requests a dismissal of this Ordinance which severely restricted the time for citizen's Public Comments. Further, they instituted a system of two different forms which is so confusing that City Council and the Planning & Zoning Commission chairs can't figure out how to use them, or consistently apply them. Plaintiff has been kicked out of meetings because they don't understand how to use these forms, or the difference in how to apply them as written regarding Public Comments, Public Hearings and Agenda Items; how many or how long.
The citizens, developers and contractors are equally confused. This Ordinance
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 33 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX was designed to keep one citizen, Robert Battaile from speaking out about so many items. They punished the entire city by taking away 2/3 of the “speaker time” citizens should have, just to prevent the Plaintiff's constructive criticism. The City Council Rules of Procedure based on this ordinance contradicts itself in §7.04(a) (2) page 14, it says citizens get 3 minutes to speak on Public Hearing items; and on page 15, it says they only get 2 minutes. In practice, Council and P&Z Commission only allows 2 minutes.
The most egregious item is the limitation that ALL agenda items that a speaker wishes to comment on must be within 2 minutes total; and that they must be spoken at the start of the meetings instead of when the Agenda item comes up for discussion, which could be an hour or two later. Plaintiff asserts that the Council and Commission members never take any notes, and neither they or the one handful of citizens in attendance or online still watching will remember the Plaintiff's earlier comments.
Attorney General Opinion No, KP-0300 (2020) examined §551.007(b) and concluded that capping the total amount of time a speaker has to address all agenda items is permissible only if it is reasonable. Plaintiff asserts that it's plainly NOT reasonable.
For example, Robert was forced to speak within 5 minutes total on Oct 2, 2023 “Special” Session of City Council. The “Special” sessions only happen when the city spends LOTS of money and doesn't want the citizens to know about it. Special
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 34 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX sessions only require 12 hours Public Notice. There was no “urgency” that required a special session. There were 14 Agenda items and 216 pages of documents, including some developments that are addressed herein. Item 1 was $40 MILLION in bonds. Item 2 was a real estate amendment that wasn't included for a project that wasn't named. Item 3 was to authorize up to $180,000 for yet another study for a “Downtown” Strategic Plan (to destroy our historic Main Street). Item 5 was an important matter to Amend the Chapter 4 Zoning Ordinance. Item 6 was the Okra Subdivision with 331 lots and ever-changing in-lieu park fee amounts. Item 7 was Manor Heights subdivision and PUD and Item 10 was the South Korean developer putting 3-story boxes in the middle of our modest neighborhood within in our Historic District of Old Manor. Once again, on camera I ask City Council “have you figured out what the words historic district mean yet?”
SO, as was the case prior to this ordinance ~ I wanted to speak for three minutes when each item came up for discussion. Instead, I had to speak at the start of the meeting on all of these 8 items involving tens of millions of dollars, and the very character of our community; and I only got FIFTEEN SECONDS per item. That is utterly and completely “unreasonable” and therefore Plaintiff requests that Ordinance No. 691 be dismissed.
Austin City Council had put in similar public comment restrictions that were challenged and determined to be unconstitutional. Austin City Council's rules have been updated to expand public participation.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 35 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Further, the Manor Council and P&Z Commission don't understand why there is a place to put the name of an organization that you're representing on these two confusing forms. Or, that there is a difference between Robert Battaile, an individual; and the Austin Bocce League (a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable corporation) of which Robert Battaile is the Director.
These are two different entities and can speak at two different instances about similar or different items at the same meeting. Even when Plaintiff explains how the forms were designed to work, or that a corporation is legally a “separate person,” the Police have kicked the Plaintiff out of meetings because the police also are INCOMPETENT and have received no police training to understand the difference. The Manor Police have lost their objectivity and have become dutiful servants doing the bidding of city officials without question or investigation.
Note also that the City Attorneys have not spoken out or protested against these infarctions. That is a willful abandonment of their duties and their oaths. They know better but lack the honor required.
Robert has explained repeatedly that his “remonstrance” (impassioned speech) is protected in the Bill of Rights of the Texas Constitution, and these officers have forgotten that the Constitution is what their Oaths are supposed to protect, and stupidly upheld the Chair's misuse of their authority, and improperly ejected the Plaintiff. The Council procedures require a WARNING first prior to ejection, but these people are too INCOMPETENT to understand or remember that important
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 36 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
1 concept. Or perhaps it's just their normal Manor way of intimidating citizens to 2 instill fear making people too afraid to come down and give their input. Input 3 which is not welcomed and not wanted by the City of Manor.
XVIII. INCOMPETENCE and OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT examples. Partial.
a) City of Manor has $105 MILLION dollars in the bank and during the last 20 years, “they” (City Council and Staff) can't even put in a ping pong table, or a dog run, or a corn hole board, or a community garden, or a drinking fountain, or a park bench, or even ACCEPT a FREE disc golf course worth about $7,000 to be donated and installed by the Plaintiff and two local disc company owners that also redesigned the course to better fit right where it was approved for Timmermann Park, eight years ago in 2017.
Council refused this free disc golf course three years ago and never even said thank you. Plaintiff posted this youtube video: https://youtu.be/R_4Eh7QTZzA Time: 5:57 “Disc Golf Course for Manor Texas.” That refusal deprived our children and the entire community in the process. That was INCOMPETENCE and OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT.
Plaintiff also sent a formal letter about the Disc Golf Course to the Planning & Zoning Commission that is required to act to consider citizen's input and put it on their Agenda. That requirement was purposely never followed. All the parks are
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 37 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX devoid of amenities despite the Parks Fund having $672,000 and without any coordinated activities anywhere in town despite having $400,000 in a “Community Programs” account. City also has Tourism Funds (Hotel Occupancy Taxes) of $705,615 available for use. Council's inability to spend the citizen's own money to benefit its own community is not only incompetence, it's sadly unfair and harms the very people that Council pretends “to love;” and whose money they hoard like stingy misers. Their many years of lofty promises are just hollow words.
Christopher Harvey was a City Councilmember for 2 years and has been Mayor for 3 years with another FOUR years to go. Anne Weir has been on the Council for six years and has another 2 years to go. How can they explain away their mediocre performance over all those years? Plaintiff examined 3 months in each of the last four years, only ONE AGENDA item was submitted by a councilmember which was to permit someone else (UT) do a small health outreach. Otherwise, these people have added almost nothing to our community. Now, they've become downright destructive; and are placing our Manor history, character, and landmarks in imminent danger.
They've submitted no original or interesting AGENDA ideas in the 4 years that I've been attending nearly every meeting. They are not pro-active in the least. Despite many, many very important community issues, there are no in-depth discussions between the Councilmembers from the dais at their regular meetings, or their very frequent “special” meetings that require only 12 hours public notice.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 38 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Four councilmembers ran unopposed in some elections, and still only got one- third of the vote. This city has spent over half a million dollars and done at least three surveys and they still don't know if they should put any park benches in?
b) Plaintiff discovered $400,000 in a Community Programs account by reviewing the Budget and asked the Mayor about it at a City Council Meeting. Mayor replied to the effect that “we've had that money for two years, but still haven't figured out a process for how to spend it yet.” Those funds had been laying there dormant for two years! Then, instead of spending it on things that benefit “the people,” Mayor siphoned off $25,000 for the Mayor's Ball; and also approved $60,000 for his full-time employer, ManorISD for a Summer Reading Program that went to neighborhoods that don't pay City of Manor property taxes. City of Manor's taxpayers' money should have gone to the Manor Library that the Mayor forgot that we had. City Council gave ManorISD $60,000 the year before. Mayor Harvey said in an online post that “Manor doesn't have a library.” We've had a volunteer library for years and years at the Travis County-owned historic “colored” high school that we need to save from the wrecking ball (see Item XXVII below.) Last year, the City Council gave Harvey's employer, ManorISD $60,000 for the same bookmobile going to the same places that aren't within the city limits. Approx. $110,000 total.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 39 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Texas law prohibits Dual Office-Holding when “conflicting loyalties” might “negatively affect the duties of the other office” and if the “governing body” has employment authority (i.e. Mayor's employer is both City of Manor and ManorISD).
c) For two years now, the City slogan has been a complete and utterly fallacy designed to deceive themselves and the world of Objective Reality. On almost every page of the city website it says, “The City of Manor is a diverse, sustainable community and regional leader with exceptional services, a high quality of life, and a safe environment for citizens and businesses to thrive.” Who are they kidding? Ask yourselves: 1. Leader of what? 2. What is the “Region?” 3. Can you name even one “exceptional service?” 4. Safe? No sidewalks anywhere or lights in Old Manor. 5. High quality of life? Roads are horrible. Parks are empty. No activities. No public art. 6. Thriving? The only businesses thriving are the Bonds sellers and Developers. 7. Sustainable? We don't have one re-cycle can anywhere in the city including the office and city council chambers. There's no electric vehicles and no solar powered lights anywhere in town.
One the one hand, City says we're a “regional leader' and on the other, they want to claim 176 acres (almost our entire city limits) is “blighted” so they can do another TIRZ “shell game giveaway” to keep money out of the General Fund.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 40 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Their TIRZ Board One has/had FOUR City Councilmembers on it despite the City Charter which only allows two members per Commission or Board. TIRZ #2 is redrawing the borders of Historic Old Manor to remove approx. 40 acres to enable the two Developments that are egregiously impacting Old Manor in the worst way. Those are the developer's with property next to the 1840 James B. Manor Homestead; and next to the 1871 Manor Cemetery.
But, every year on Earth Day ~ they read another Proclamation. We could get an unlimited amount of trees for our city and our citizens for free; but all the City Council and Staff can do is an “Arbor Day” Proclamation and give away/claim credit for a few trees donated by a generous local nursery.
They bamboozled ScenicTexas into raising the City's “Bronze Star” to a “Gold Star” without having done anything to deserve it.
The City Council appointed four Councilmembers (instead of the maximum of two) to the “Naming Committee” in violation of their own Charter. In their compensation system of “tiers,” they get paid for attending meetings. This compensation scheme was never approved by the voters. The more committees they can be on or attend, the more money they will receive – up to $2,500 per Councilmember per month; and up to $3,500 per month for the Mayor. Several have outside full-time jobs. The Mayor works for ManorISD. Mayor gets $675 for each City Council meeting. Their frequent “Special” meetings only need 12 hours public notice. Those are usually the meetings in which they spend large sums of
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 41 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX money or do “big things” that they don't want their constituents (the citizens) to know about. There's never been anything “special” or urgent to cause a “Special Council Meeting” to be required that I've ever been able to ascertain in over four years of attending nearly EVERY city council or P&Z commission meeting. The only reason the city meetings are now videotaped and streamed is because Plaintiff was taking his own video camera to meetings, editing and publishing clips online for several months to show people what was actually going on in our City government.
The City Council did no video recording from 7/21/21 until 3/1/23. Plaintiff's video was published 12/22/22 https://youtu.be/tycI6v1ZOEc “Robert Teaches Manor Texas City Council - Lesson One.”
The City Council could video record the meetings during Covid, but they “forgot how” as soon as the meetings became open to the public again when the pandemic retreated. A good citizen, the Plaintiff made this critical component of good local governance possible.
Plaintiff's company, Calexas Inc. designed and built the improvements that Austin Bocce League donated to the Timmermann Park Bocce Courts. By contrast, the City of Manor's court construction was horrible. Instead of fixing the problems, the previous Mayor took out two courts after Robert “complained” that they weren't “flat or level.” But thanks to Plaintiff's inventions and improvements, the remaining two were briefly the best courts in Texas and the most innovative in the
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 42 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX World. Briefly.
Note that Plaintiff started a Bocce League in 2009 at beautiful Juilliard Park's two courts in Santa Rosa, CA. Today, there are over 600 players on five courts playing 5 nights a week among the redwoods sharing food, wine and friendships.
Because of the Manor City Council's INCOMPETENCE AND MISCONDUCT, the Manor bocce courts were nearly destroyed and have still never even been repaired. They are now an utter embarrassment, and the players reduced from 30- 40 per week to 8-12 per week. This not “regional leadership.” They punished the entire community and defaulted on their Licensing Agreement by claiming the courts had become a “Public Health and Safety Hazard.” This claim was blatantly ludicrous and Plaintiff prays that the court will agree herewith.
By virtual of Plaintiff's personal donations, he is our city parks largest personal donor of anyone in Manor; or Greater Manor. In fact, he's given more money to the parks than ALL 30,000 residents of Manor ETJ combined. Even more embarrassing to the Council, Staff, Chamber of Commerce and the citizens... it's under a measly $1,500 dollars. So, when the City's expensive, slick promotional video says in a low Texan drawl, “Manor's a GRREAT city because of its great people,” I had to ask Mayor Harvey at a council meeting “where are all these great people, and when will they start doing something great?” His answer was “Manor has a lot of great stores.” Plaintiff has asked the Mayor to name some great stores, but he can't or won't. There aren't any genuinely great stores in Manor.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 43 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX d) The City Council, and the Planning & Zoning Commission approved paying $318,000 to Consultant, Freese and Nichols for a “Comprehensive Plan” designed to guide the city built around a Survey called Manor2050. Despite it being a 15- month project, the city gave them the entire fee up front, before any work had been done. A few months later, two staffers asked Robert to help send his “online followers” to take the Survey as the turnout was far less than hoped for. I was glad to help until I heard back that the link didn't work. It had been connected to the wrong city. After I pointed out this and other shortcomings, the consultant RETURNED $138,000 to the City and set up benchmarks including five town halls to finish the project and get their compensation.
At the first town hall at Lagos Elementary, the Mayor said “Manor's doing a lot of things for our Seniors.” When Robert got the microphone, he said that was completely false and that the City was doing nothing to help seniors. There were NO activities anywhere and the Austin Bocce League couldn't even get a rate to rent the park for a “season” that would have allowed affordable prices for players, including seniors. So, the Mayor got upset and canceled the remaining town halls in a tax-payer ripoff valued at perhaps $70,000 worth of lost meetings. Those town halls were designed to explain the roads, infrastructure, parks, water and wastewater in the bloated 605-page document that none of the council could even read, let alone proofread. At the City Council meeting on May 17, 2023, Mayor
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 44 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
1 admitted he'd “only read most of it” and Councilmember, Anne Weir said “to be 2 honest, I haven't read it cover to cover.” But, both of them approved it anyway.
3 Two years later, they haven't fixed any of the errors. That's incompetence and 4 shows utter disrespect of their own constituents, some of whom demand 5 competence and especially not being willfully LIED to.
e) The Plan is filled with false statements that the Mayor, Council and Staff know are untrue. DestinationManorCompPlan-FINAL.pdf and note that there are 22 instances of something called “ShadowGlen Open Space.” There's no such place. Actually, it's the City of Manor-owned 200-acre Woodlands Park that's been kept secret since 2004. And, it has a one-mile Nature Trail loop that the City Council, Mayor and Staff won't tell anyone about. At the end of this .pdf file, on pg 558 of 610 is Plaintiff's comments (#17) on the Plan and a few of its screwups. They never made any corrections.
Page 165 (in the Plan) calls it a “regional park” compared to Walter E Long? Pg 169 has a map showing it with the wrong name. Pg 179 is “Official Misconduct” by willfully not correcting and thereby suppressing the truth about the existence of a 200-acre City of Manor-owned Public Park, that's been owned by the City since 2003; and for creating barriers to the public's enjoyment of its Woodlands Park with a pretense of “parking issues” which the City Police, the Mayor and City Council, City Manager and others know is false.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 45 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
There's no parking issues. The Police Chief told me several times, “Those are public roads in Travis County. Anyone can park anywhere they want to.” Finally, I believed him.
Unfortunately, Chief won't put that in writing. Nor will the Travis County Sheriffs including Sally Hernandez, or any of the Travis County Commissioners including Judge Brown and our Manor Commissioner, Jeffrey Travillion, State Senator Hon. Sarah Eckhardt, or my State Representative, Hon. Sheryl Cole.
Pg 179 ends with “It will be important to include the public in the planning...” yet as mentioned, the “client” (City of Manor) canceled those remaining town halls that were included in the Consultant's Agreement.
Mistakes aren't all just “typos.” Some errors are “content.” This 610-document was never adequately proofread; but got approved anyway. Here's a screwup on their map: The western creek is Gillelands ~ not Wilbargers, which is on the other side of town at the eastern edge of Old Manor.
Plaintiff discovered that apparently Travis County has no handicapped parking spaces on its roads. Therefore, Plaintiff requests an INJUNCTION to enjoin Travis County to put three handicap access parking spaces at the end of Howdy Way in the cul-de-sac at the entrance to the trail loop.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 46 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX f) DISAPPEARING HISTORY. The City of Manor website has a link to a page called “Manor History.” Guess what? It doesn't even mention the Founder of our city, James Manor. He came west from Tennessee in 1832 with Sam Houston himself. General Houston used to be a frequent visitor at Manor's 1840 HOMESTEAD which Robert helped re-discover. It's right behind the Lions Club on tiny Parsons street. The City currently wants to stuff a 220+ Unit Apartment complex across the street here. There is nothing historic about an apartment complex. That should never have been approved except for the INCOMPETENCE of Staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission and misconduct by lack of transparency and without any approval by votes of the neighborhood citizens. We can't “replace” our history once its gone.
Note that the Planning & Zoning Commission has had a well-know violator of the Nepotism Laws, Gabriel Nila sitting on its dais and voting for over a year now. He is the husband of Councilmember, Maria Amezcua. Plaintiff filed a Police Report on that crime which only received an Incident Number. Plaintiff also filed a Municipal Court Complaint and named 15 Council members and city employees. Prosecutors (City Attorney, Knight Law Firm) says there's no crime, and thus will not bring it to the Judge in our Manor Court of No Record.
g) The “ever-changing” IN-LIEU PARK FUNDS. At one city council meeting I was at the podium with Lydia Collins, previous Finance Director on my left; and
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 47 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Scott Dunlop, previous Economic Svcs Director and prior Interim City Manager on my right. Lydia said it was $247,000 [my recollection]. Scott said it was $850,000 and I said that I'd seen receipts of $963,000. The Mayor couldn't figure out what to say, or what to ask to get to bottom of the contradictions in the accounting. Apparently, he never investigated the “missing funds” or mis-used Park funds. The Council was silent, as usual.
Mayor and Council recently ignored learning about the city using its staff and equipment being illegally used to desecrate a cemetery and clear a private developer's land. Plaintiff filed a Police Report about those crimes. It was the- Plaintiff's 2nd Voluntary Police Report about the same offenses. It became “inactive” so fast that it never even got a “Report Number.” Texas Police Association Code of Ethics call for investigating “with no compromise for crime and relentless prosecution of criminals;” and to never allow “animosities or friendships to influence [their] decisions.” Based upon personal experience and obvious infarctions, Plaintiff asserts otherwise.
h) The missing- “ETHICS COMMISSION” ~ In the Home Rule City – City Charter adopted by Ordinance No. 578 on 8-5-20 Article XII Ethics and Conflicts § 12.01, the members “shall meet upon a complaint or grievance being filed.” The Commission has no archives, minutes or videos. It has never had any members and has never met, perhaps since its founding in 2007 that I could find, but it does have
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 48 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX a website button that links to an “empty” commission with no members. As codified, it's a powerful commission that can subpoena witnesses and has its own independent counsel.
Plaintiff filed an Ethics Commission Complaint on March 29, 2024 to City Manor, Moore. The response was on April 1st was “The City is in receipt of your ethics complaint. The City does not currently have and Ethics Commission appointed. Once the Ethics Commission and Independent Counsel are in place, you are free to re-submit your complaint.”
Eleven months later and nothing has happened. The Mayor and any one of the individual council members could have submitted an Agenda item to create the commission which was required by Plaintiff's “official complaint” in their codes. Plaintiff has informed each one of them in his email Newsletters on multiple occasions. This lack of follow-thru by all seven City Councilmembers is INCOMPETENCE and OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT.
i) Inability to Understand or Appreciate the phrase “HISTORIC DISTRICT OF OLD MANOR.” At several city council meetings, Plaintiff asked the council if they had learned what the words “historic district” mean yet; because obviously they are permitting rampantly over-built monstrosities that are NOT historic in ANY way, shape or form. 400+ apartment units; and 95 townhomes of 2- and 3- stories are NOT historic. Nor is a 3-story “Live-Work-Play” box that workers can't
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 49 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX afford to live at, and the only nearby place for residents to play is on the kiddee swing set at Jennie Lane Park.
The Historic District has been in our City Codes since 2017 § 14.02.031.
The City of Manor Council, Planners and Consultants think tiny “Parsons Street” and “Lexington” are “commercial corridors” going through a mis-named “downtown” that's barely three blocks long and goes over a tiny, dangerous two- lane bridge on Old Hwy 20. The City Council and Staff and Consultants will destroy the quaint, historic nature of our original town without the residents of this small neighborhood understanding or approving of it. The illustration in that same “Comprehensive Plan” shows about 40 three-story office buildings here instead. The City kept the Austin Bocce League from having a booth at their public Juneteenth event in part because they didn't want any of our citizens to see this picture and start to understand that this is what the City of Manor is in the process of working on right now, and using our money!
The City of Manor City Council and Staff are in the midst of causing IRREPARABLE HARM. The Consultant's “dashboards” give a “one dot” rating (poor) to Single-family residences; and a “four dot” (high) rating to Mixed-Use. Says who? Nobody in the neighborhood was ever surveyed. Historic 1893 Texas Prairie mansion and cultural icon buildings have already been bulldozed down.
Note: It's also a Manor Residential Revitalization Area per code § 14.02.033 with the Old Manor borders. This gives the builder a discount on PERMIT Fees,
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 50 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX establishes some design criteria and other incentives. At one Council meeting, I mentioned those reduced rates to the Planning Services Director, Scott Dunlop who said, “well, nobody's applying for them anyway.” That statement shows more of the same Official Misconduct. How would anyone know about those discounts? The City never mentioned they were available.
j) TIMMERMAN(N) PARK PLAN FIASCO. Plaintiff believes the city paid $12,500 for a “Master Parks Plan” but ended up being only this one park. They made a presentation as part of a Public presentation attended by only five citizens. Consultant, J. Gandolf Burrus, President of Grant Development Services showed his map with the name of the park spelled wrong (one “n” at the end). It only had 1/3 of the entire park. It was shown “on its side” because the NORTH arrow was pointing the wrong direction. Then, the Consultant pronounced it “Tiananmen” like the Square in China. When Robert pointed these things out, the room was full of staff members and two Parks Committee City Council members, Sonia Wallace (chair) and Aaron Moreno. Why hadn't they noticed these obvious mistakes? Why didn't the Mayor? Equally important, why were they mad at me? Here again, Plaintiff is vilified for his constructive criticism and keen observation.
This Project was a scam launched to get a $750,000 Grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Unfortunately, the Consultant and Parks Committee didn't have the brainpower to understand what the word “non-urban” meant. Otherwise, they
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 51 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX would have realized that a “non-urban” park grant could never be approved next to the Manor Commons subdivision and two apartment complexes. The study was a poorly vetted complete and utter waste of our taxpayers' time and money.
The Consultant's previous presentation showed an overarching concern with a creek that had been diverted years earlier; or it would have been running through the Prose Apartments buildings plainly shown on his map. That would indicate he never walked the area. He suggested spending $5,500 for a “wetland delineation.” Why didn't anyone show him the approved 2017 Timmermann Park Master Plan with its clear delineation as “floodplain” which restricts what can be built there. Disc golf was approved there in 2017. Plaintiff redesigned the course with others and shot a video as well. The tiny bridge to be built goes over that creek diversion. Plaintiff wanted to donate it to the city. They refused. https://youtu.be/R_4Eh7QTZzA Time: 5:57 “Disc Golf Course for Manor Texas.”
Having seen an obvious need, Plaintiff created a Master Parks Plan of his own calling it “The Manor Country Club.” Created in June of 2022, it's a 50-page “picture book” that filled all the parks with amenities. Parks Fund had over $700,000 that could only be spent on amenities. I went to a Lions Club meeting to ask City Councilmember, Anne Weir if she'd like to review it. She said she “lacked the expertise to read it.” But somehow, she had the expertise to approve the 605- page Comprehensive Plan which she admitted she hadn't fully read? Manor STILL
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 52 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX has no “Master Parks Plan” nor even a Parks and Recreation Department. Per City Codes, the City Manager could start one without even needing council approval.
XIX. PETITION TO WAIVE GOVERNMENT IMMUNITY. Plaintiff requests that the City of Manor, Travis County and the State of Texas be compelled to waive their respective immunity per § 101.025 for the following reasons: i) Equal Protection violations, ii) civil rights violations, iii) Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act violations, and iv) criminal conduct.
Plaintiff requests that the City of Manor be compelled to waive its respective immunity per § 101.025 for the additional reason: v) Breach of Contract.
Many of the allegations contained contained in Item XXI below demonstrate several or all the above Plaintiff's allegations. These three entities violated the following protections:
a) Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
b) Section 504 Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended. ...no otherwise qualified individual with disabilities... be subjected to discrimination... under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
c) Age Discrimination Act of 1975... which provides that no person in the D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 53 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX United States shall on the basis of age be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Manor received an $850,000 Federal Grant per Congressman Greg Casar Apr 2, 2024 press release.
XX. SEVERABILITY and accidental errors or omissions. Plaintiff prays that if any individual requests in this First Amendment be or become void or ineffective in whole or in part, that the effectiveness and standing in the remaining requests shall not be adversely affected. Further, if any of the properties have changed ownership, or developer/builders have changed; such changes will not affect the substance of these matters. The City of Manor will be asked to provide the most current relevant information to the Plaintiff and the Court as part of the discovery process.
XXI. DAMAGES. Per the Texas Tort Claims Act § 101.0215 there is Liability of a Municipality for damages relating to harm resulting from, or absence of (1) police...control; (3) street construction and design; (4) bridge construction and maintenance and street maintenance; (5) cemeteries and cemetery care; (9) sanitary and storm sewers; (11) waterworks; (13) parks...; (15) libraries and library maintenance; (17) community, neighborhood or senior citizen centers; (23)
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 54 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX recreational facilities, including but not limited to swimming pools...; (29) zoning, planning and plat approval; (32) water and sewer service; (34) community development or urban renewal activities undertaken by municipalities and authorized under Chapters 373 and 374, Local Government Code; and (36) enforcement of land use restrictions under Subchapter E, Chapter 212, Local Government Code.
a) BREACH OF CONTRACT. The Licensing Agreement of February 9, 2022 between the City of Manor and the Austin Bocce League (ABL) was breached and defaulted on by the City of Manor on February 3, 2023 in a letter from City Manager, Leslie Scott Moore. This was based on request from the Mayor, Harvey and another request from Mayor Pro Tem, Emily Hill to “take action” against the bocce courts which was written on June 14, 2022 and discovered as a result of Freedom of Information Act requests made by Plaintiff. Robert Battaile is the Director of the Austin Bocce League. Plaintiff is the President of Calexas Inc. that created, built the world-class improvements. Players including Special Olympics Bocce Players from Elgin and Manor, plus Seniors were locked out of the courts for nine months under the ruse that they were a “Public Health and Safety Hazard.” City has done no maintenance or even fixed the gaping holes left behind. See Item XXXV for points and remedies.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 55 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX b) EQUAL PROTECTION. Austin Bocce League was prevented from having a FREE Community Booth at the 2024 City of Manor's Juneteenth Public City-wide Event. There was no explanation for this denial ever given. There was ample space. The irony of discriminating and excluding a community non-profit group on a holiday about Juneteenth is the height of hypocrisy. The Bocce Courts were the only sports activity in the entire town. Per Equal Protection clauses in the United States Constitution, this refusal was illegal and demonstrates both official misconduct and incompetence.
Plaintiff sued in Justice Court Precinct One Justice Court Precinct One Cause #J1-CV-24-003083. Case was dismissed by Judge Yvonne M. Williams because “Justice Courts do not have jurisdiction over suit for equal rights protection. Further, the City of Manor has sovereign immunity.”
c) CIVIL RIGHTS. Robert Battaile was evicted from Ben E Fisher Park – (a Travis County Park next to the Senior Center) during a 2023 Juneteenth Event that he helped organize. Plaintiff alleges that City Councilmember, Sonia Wallace lied to a Police Officer, Milton who then removed Plaintiff from the park and event against his will. Officer's Body Cam recording got purged. Without even telling me, the case had been closed because Det. Struble found no evidence of a crime.
Despite the Police Chief's lies to the contrary, Plaintiff got the Internal Investigation started after he spoke with the FBI Dallas office. The FBI encouraged
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 56 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Robert to attempt to get an internal investigation first. After 200+ emails explaining the reality of the coverup, the police did launch a charade of a nine month “Internal Investigation” by Capt. Collins. To nobody's surprise, they found “no police misconduct” and “no civil rights violations” against Mr. Battaile.
Then, why did the Plaintiff have to leave the event that he helped organize? Why did the Police bodycam get “purged” in the middle of an investigation? Plaintiff recorded the police interaction. Capt. Collins had access to that recording. That's an example of incompetence and official misconduct by the Police and City Council and Staff. Milton and Struble were fired or left soon after the event. These people call themselves “detectives” but they never investigate anything.
In 2023, after Plaintiff was shocked by the Manor Police's lack of performance investigating a Juneteenth incident when Plaintiff was against his will evicted from a public park by an officer who was lied to by a City Councilmember; Robert submitted a Police Complaint at the Travis County Sheriff online portal. The only category that applied was “Gang Activity.”
“A gang is a group or association of 3 or more persons with a common identifying sign, symbol or name who collectively engage in criminal activity or create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation” As an example, the site says “everyone is afraid of them.” That's what much of the citizenry feels, especially in Old Manor.
And further, this level of fear and intimidation in the community; and the D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 57 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX justified fear of retaliation and harassment by City of Manor office-holders and their local cliques have incentivized Plaintiff to include the Parks Allocation Fund Item XXXIV and Reparation Allocation Fund Item XXXVI herein; rather than in a separate Class Action Lawsuit. The boundaries of Old Manor are established and small, the time-frame of 20 years (2004-2024) is concise, the number and identity of the harmed persons are relatively easy to determine; and the harm and its source are obvious. The Damages requested are not onerous, and will not impair the city's sustainability. Recipients' privacy rights are more guaranteed via this action and the remedy requested perhaps would be comparable and take less time to deliver.
Additionally, Plaintiff feels the Municipal Immunity will become waived hereby in this Cause.
Therefore, for reasons contained herein, and for additional reasons; Plaintiff requests the Court REMOVE City of Manor's Governmental Immunity and consider the following “iura ovit curia.”
Plaintiff sued in Justice Court Precinct One Justice Court Precinct One Cause #J1-CV-24-003363. Case was dismissed by Judge Yvonne M. Williams on September 13, 2024 for lack of “jurisdiction over suit for equal rights protection;” and “City of Manor has sovereign immunity.” Case was “dismissed without prejudice to refiling in the proper jurisdiction.”
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 58 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Robert has bail restrictions based on a false arrest based upon lies told by City Manager and City Secretary to (or by) the police and parroted to a Judge. These bail restrictions prevent Plaintiff from speaking at City Council meetings in person. He must stay 600' away from the City Manager and City Secretary. However, that should not restrict my ability to provide written comments to be read at City Meetings. I am supposed to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Meetings were closed to the public during the covid pandemic, and the City Council would easily read public comments aloud as they were being recorded on video camera. Plaintiff sent an email to Interim Economic Services Director, Mike Burrell who has a position not well defined of being the “liaison” (read: Gatekeeper) of communications to the Planning & Zoning Commission (that functions as a committee). I asked him to read my letter at the meeting.
On 11/13/24, Mr. Burrell refused to read my letter during the Public Comments at the Public Meeting; but did show the rare courtesy of a city email response which stated “I am reaching out to inform you that since the city does not currently have a policy in place for accepting public comments to be read outside of being submitted in-person, I cannot read this during public comments. However, I can provide the email to the commissioners at the beginning of the meeting for their view and consideration.” In the City Council Procedures handbook, it professes the city has an email address “[email protected]” ~ That email address no longer works. Travis County wasn't told by the City of Manor
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 59 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX that it was available to me. I tried it. It's not working. How does this lack of input mechanism jive with the Mayor who says “I welcome your questions” on a public forum?
Mike Burrell, acting Dev Svcs Mgr said he couldn't read my letter during the meeting but he would give it to the Commissioners at the beginning of the meeting. Note: The information being given to the Commissioners “at the beginning of the meeting” does not allow proper time “for consideration” and is thus unreasonable; and insulting to these citizen volunteers.
Despite numerous calls to the Open Meetings Hotline, discussions with Travis County attorneys, and the Travis County prosecutor's “best efforts,” they have not been able to get City of Manor to provide a person to even read Plaintiff's written comments at City Council, Planning & Zoning or any public meetings. I have been effectively disenfranchised as my emails are not responded to either. I have been kicked out of Public Meetings for no good reason, especially since my remonstrance (passionate speech) is protected in the Texas Constitution's Bill of Rights, and since Council Procedures require that a warning first be given. Council does not get to discriminate against me, or prevent me from speaking based upon my opinions. Robert reiterated these protections while being removed in his youtube video https://youtu.be/OXRaIDwgOXk Time: 2:06 “Robert Unlawfully Escorted from Manor City Council Meeting.”
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 60 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
City Council changed its Public Comments rules to dramatically shorten citizen's speaking time and position of speaking. This scheme was deemed unconstitutional in a recent City of Austin lawsuit. Manor Council changed its rules from responding to citizen's emails within 3 days, and phone calls within 24 hours; to the vague “in a timely fashion.” They haven't answered Plaintiff''s emails in years.
Further example of their utter incompetence is that the “process” to read public comments is in their OWN City Council Rules of Procedure; and City of Manor still can't manage this simple task.
§9.03. Committee Meetings.
… c. Citizens wishing to submit Public Comments during open meetings will need to complete the Public Comments Form provided by the City and email the form to [email protected] at least two (2) hours prior to the committee meeting indicated within this procedure.
d. Public Comments will be read by the Chair of the Committee for the record. No action will be taken by the committee during public comments.
Plaintiff has to ask, where would a person find the “Public Comments Form?” Plaintiff couldn't find it at the City of Manor website. Incompetence by design?
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 61 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX d) POLICE MISCONDUCT AND INCOMPETENCE. Plaintiff has submitted several Voluntary Statement Forms, sometimes called “Police Reports” over the past three years, all of which were deemed “inactive” despite shoddy or no investigative efforts; no repercussions to anyone; and obvious evidence provided: Art Park Littering – Art Park pollution and Parking Road Eqpt in No Parking area of park (2x) - Cemetery Desecration (2x) – Misuse of Public Funds to clear private developer's property on multiple occasions – and items b) and c) above, and e) below.
A person well-known to the Police littered in an alley behind the Relax Inn. After Plaintiff witnessed a can of Skoal come flying out of the hotel laundry room into the alley, Robert spoke out. The person that littered called the Police to report Robert as being disorderly. The Police were polite and left after a brief exchange with myself and also with the perpetrator. I filed a Voluntary Statement Form (Police Report) for a Littering Violation on May 10, 2024. It was Case #24-00679 and Det. Mary Eaton made it inactive on the very same day without sufficient time for any investigation, and sent me a letter on that same day stating “we currently have no further viable leads on your case, but will follow up if any do occur.” This is blatant incompetence and official misconduct. Every officer that showed up knows exactly who littered since there was only one person at the scene that chewed tobacco and it wasn't the wife or the young daughter. Maybe it was the
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 62 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX chewer that called the Police? No viable leads?
On August 28, 2024, Plaintiff and Bobby Reese (who was illegally prevented from being on the Ballot for City Council Place 3) submitted a Voluntary Statement Form (MPD CASE #24-01385) that alleged Election Coercion by City Manager, Leslie Moore and City Secretary, Lluvia Almaraz. The Detective, Mary Eaton and supervisor, Lt. James Allen never even interviewed Plaintiff or Mr. Reese. Plaintiff asserts that this is a police cover-up designed to insulate criminals that are on the City of Manor staff that are considered to be their “friends.” City of Manor writes the Police officers' paychecks. They are hired “at will” and can be terminated at any time with or without cause.
e) OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT. Nepotism is alleged by Plaintiff to have been well-known for over a year by the entire city council, police chief and captain and lieutenant, city attorneys and many staff members. Councilmember, Maria Amezcua has been married to Planning & Zoning Commissioner, Gabriel Nila since 2017. This crime of Nepotism was submitted as a Police Report by Plaintiff and also to the Manor Municipal Court alleging 13 City of Manor employees, and
7 Planning and Zoning Commissioners knowingly and willfully violated Texas Government Code Chapter 573 § 5.1 re: Nepotism and Affinity. Mr. Nila is realizing indirect “gain” and bolstered “prestige” when at events with the wife.
The Ethics Commission §12.01 plainly says “The council may not appoint any
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 63 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX person related to a member of the council within the first degree of consanguinity or affinity.” Why would only this Commission need to worry about affinity?
The Nepotism Complaint also cited City Attorneys, Barbara Boulware-Wells and Paige Saenz from Knight Law Firm LLP for personally knowing this was a crime, and not protecting the city.
Nearly all the parties mentioned throughout this complaint and as amended, receive Battaile's Email Newsletter on an almost weekly basis. This subject was included in multiple articles in multiple issues. All of the important community issues included in this Case have been written about by the Plaintiff publicly multiple times to a circulation of 250-700 depending on the targeted local groups, or national media.
Plaintiff contends he is the only truthful source of local city news on social media and in print because the Manor Journal is a “journal” and not a real newspaper providing “ethical journalism” because its largest advertiser is the City of Manor that spends over $35,000 per year helping them survive. Despite its many positive aspects, the Journal will never print a disparaging word about the City Council, Staff or its Policies. There are no “editorials” or “letters to the editors.” For example, the Journal had a front page article about the HEB ground-breaking with many photos of councilmembers and staff. The article never mentioned that the City gave the developer $20 MILLION in incentives or that every commercial development over 10 acres is “required” to have a Plaza. Or, that our City Council
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 64 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX is apparently too timid to ask for one. That's incompetence that harms the entire community in an irreparable way. With proper statues, bell towers fountains, dramatic lighting, planters and benches ~ these “gateway” plazas could raise our community's pride and cultural mindset in untold ways.
Plazas are gathering places for people to come together. These are high visibility locations with over 70,000 cars driving by daily on 290. The City Council refusing the Toll Road overpass going past Elgin was one of the worst decisions in our town's history. The decisions in this Pleading are equally impactful. Traffic and road conditions in Manor are widely acknowledged to be terrible. The City just made their best effort at fixing the roads in Old Manor. Their “best effort” was a joke. They didn't finish one contiguous road from end to end. They didn't add one foot of sidewalk or add one street light. They added no parking at the cemetery. The patchwork of new streets are already cracking. More Old Manor neglect.
XXII. MANOR JUNCTION INJUNCTION re: 95 townhomes on top of graves in historic district.
Owner: Junction Development LLC Scottsdale AZ ~ Prior Owner: Lane Ave Development LLC
Builder: Legacy Performance Capital LLC ~ Philip Jalufka, CEO Town of Manor: Lots 6-10 Block 15, Lots 1-10 Block 17, Lots 1-10 Block 18, Lots 1-10 Block 19, Lots 1-5 Block 20, Lots 1-5 Block 74 and .397 acres James
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 65 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Manor Survey No 40 Abstract No. 546
Plaintiff requests an injunction to halt any and all further development and construction of the Manor Junction 95 2- and 3-story townhomes. They were approved illegally within the Historic District of Old Manor. There is nothing historic to Manor about a townhouse complex. This was an example of the City Council's incompetence and inability to resist staff pressure to ignore City Codes; plus a mis-use of the Comprehensive Plan to assert zoning imperatives, and without proper full paid-for public notice.
An Historic District and a Design District were approved in Ordinance No. 480 adopted on by Mayor Rita Jonse on August 23, 2017.and Codified as §14.02031.
The zoning was changed to TH (townhome) in a process begun in Feb of 2022 by Lane Ave Development. Once that was accomplished, the property sold than a month later. At a Special Session on Oct 3, 2022, Tommy Tucker, COO of the Legacy Performance Capital LLC spoke about his company purchasing the right- of-ways, streets, culverts and alleys from the city, which they did. Plaintiff began telling Mr. Tucker and the company that these were in an historic district and further that they were adjacent to the 1871 Manor Cemetery, and thus there were likely graves on the property.
And indeed, it turns out that in 1906 Martin McVey, a black man from Manor purchased .4 acres from Mr. Lane for “a cemetery lot.” This sale was registered at
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 66 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX the Travis County Courthouse. Plaintiff has sent the builder and the city and the police copies of this document. Further, the plaintiff has shown all these parties photographs of rectangular lily patches that are likely black person's graves. The only way to know with any certainty is thru Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) which the parties refuse to do, despite using GPR equipment to map the Manor Cemetery right next door and spending $23,500 to do so. Despite being informed of the bona fide Mcvey purchase, and photo evidence of probable graves, the City desecrated the Cemetery which is against the law per Texas Penal Code 42.08.
Plaintiff and Ruth Taylor Biscoe filed a Police Report about the desecration in December of 2023. Ruth's mother, Maud Taylor was the 2nd black person buried there. It was “whites only” until 2004. City employees and equipment were used to clear this private developers property and having been mowing their grass illegally probably for over two years; which is mis-use of city funds. The Police made Plaintiff's Police Report “inactive” which meant there were no reprisals and the parcels were desecrated at least two more times including removing debris that could have been of historic value from the original home on parcel #377652 itself. On November 12, 2024 Plaintiff again observed City of Manor work crews desecrating a cemetery and filed a 2nd Police Report naming Legacy Performance and the City of Manor as the violators. That Report was also never investigated due to INCOMPETENCE and OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT.
Additionally, the City was paid a mere pittance of $213,000 for 2.667 acres of D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 67 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX R.O.W., streets, alleyways and culvers. City sold historic land in Old Manor at $1.83 per sq ft. However, in Resolution No. 2024-23, the City of Manor purchased land in Travis County to annex at the request of a developer for $18.00 per sq ft. If the City had sold our Manor same property at $18.00 per sq ft it would have generated revenue of $2,090,376. That's a very big and hard to explain difference using “market value” alone.
The explanation is that the purchase was from Manor's “favorite son” developer, Pete Dwyer who owns, Cottonwood Holdings, Ltd.
Further proof of city incompetence and the Developer's bad faith is the fact that there has never been any mention of the city getting dedicated parkland or in-lieu park fees. Why not? They have 95 living units times $600 per unit = $57,000 or, we prefer the parkland at 1 acre per 55 units = 1.73 acres., or maybe we get 1.73 acres x $50,000 = $86,500. Yes, it's somewhat confusing since Scott Dunlop, previous Development Services Director changed the Rules and confused both the Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission claiming to be its Liaison, and acting as gatekeeper and censor.
Unless developer changes the design to single family (as the residents were told it would remain); and can prove the absence of graves by GPR; then as noted in Item 13, City of Manor shall be directed to return the monies for the R.O.W. Purchase; and pay the purchase price of the land to the developer, with next-to-no design reimbursement. They were told they were in an Historic District and they
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 68 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX knew they were building next to a cemetery; and they had been shown likely graves. City Manager, Moore walked the area with Bob Ward of the Texas Historical Commission, but was too incompetent to understand what black graves even look like, and didn't understand what a registered deed purchase in 1906 for “a cemetery lot” might have to do with any graves being located here; and couldn't figure out who authorized the city to misuse funds, let alone reprimand or terminate that staff person. This demonstrates the Manor head-in-the-sand approach to governance and appreciation of history. So the Police put that Report right in their “inactive” file which is OFFICIAL POLICE MISCONDUCT.
XXIII. JAMES B MANOR HOMESTEAD INJUNCTION. Re: 6 acres at
1840's original site.
Owner-Developer, Las Entradas Development LLC, Pete Dwyer, Managing Partner Parcel #236851
Plaintiff requests a 6-month Temporary Restraining order to halt any and all further development pending negotiations between the Plaintiff, City and Developer to establish a purchase price to be paid by City of Manor and dedicated for a “Homestead Park” use. Plaintiff has the sole option to extend this for another 6-month term in hopes of reaching a fair and acceptable resolution short of
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 69 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX exercising the city's powers of eminent domain, or seeking a permanent injunction.
Plaintiff requests a temporary injunction to halt any and all development that might damage or otherwise destroy this irreplaceable Manor landmark. Plaintiff asserts that 6 acres of this parcel must be protected to create a History Park that features the HOMESTEAD of city founder, James B Manor. Manor came west in 1832 with Sam Houston. General Houston was a “frequent and welcome visitor” at the homestead. This is our “Alamo” and must be protected. It is under eminent threat of destruction by vandals and/or development. Pete Dwyer is to be saluted for protecting it thus far; but now it is up to the Court to understand the importance of our Texas history.
Plaintiff spoke at a Texas Senate Hearing on “Protecting Texas History” and told the panel and Texas Historical Commission about Manor's Homestead and Cemetery that were “under attack” by incompetent city officials and the State of Texas DID NOTHING. Travis County Commissioners have been told several times when Plaintiff called in to the live streamed meetings, and in multiple emails, and likewise, Travis County DID NOTHING, except treat the Plaintiff rudely and with derision. Manor's County Commissioner, Jeffrey Travillion has done NOTHING for Manor in eight years. That's the “norm” for how Manor's been treated for many decades by Travis County and the State.
Plaintiff requests that two contiguous acres on to the other side of the creek be included as well. Two of James Manor's children died at a young age. We have no
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 70 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX record of where they were buried. To Plaintiff, it seems quite probable that they would be buried there on a promontory, close but not too close to the house.
SUBSTANDARD HISTORIC BUILDINGS. The City of Manor, per Title 7 Subtitle A Chapter 214 §214.00111 Additional Authority to Preserve Substandard Building as Historic Property.(c)(3) … the historic preservation board of a municipality may review a building described by Section 214.001(a) to determine whether the building can be rehabilitated and designated (3) as historic property through a municipal historic designation. Old Manor was established as an Historic District in 2017.
Most of the buildings in this Petition were on the List of Historic Buildings in the 2007 Manor Historic Resources Survey conducted by the Travis County Historical Commission. One landmark listed including the now-destroyed 1893 Texas prairie mansion that belonged to the Manor Postmaster. Manor City Council and P&Z Commission let the zoning be changed from Single Family to Townhomes, encouraged and made permissible by the Comprehensive Plan erroneously converting our historic residential town into mixed-use three-story live-work-play boxes or giant apartments on a “commercial corridor.” That building on 104 E. Townes was a “four square building” and would have been saved if City Council wasn't incompetent.
Despite all the protections of the historic district's purpose and goals evidenced
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 71 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX in the Ordinance and Codes, and the Revitalization District benefit; City Council is proving they are unable to protect this treasured site. Their misguided Comprehensive Plan seeks to alter irrevocably the small-town charm and pioneer character of the town James B Manor founded in 1850. There must be adequate parking near the Homestead and space for events. Directly across the street, the illegally approved 240 APARTMENTS have utterly no business being there and Plaintiff seeks an Injunction to halt that construction as well in Item XXIV next.
XXIV. LAS ENTRADA SOUTH INJUNCTION. Re: Parcel #100654 10.124 acres Parcel #100653 1.43 acres. Owner: Manor MF LLC in Maryland. Builder: DD&B Construction. Sushil Mehta.
Plaintiff requests an injunction to dismiss Ordinance 655 zoning change. And, Plaintiff requests a 6-month Temporary Restraining order to halt any and all further development pending negotiations between the Plaintiff, City and Developer to establish a purchase price to be paid by City of Manor and dedicated for a “Homestead Park.” Plaintiff has the sole option to extend this for another 6-month term in hopes of reaching a fair and acceptable resolution short of exercising the city's powers of eminent domain, or seeking a permanent injunction.
These approx 240 apartments were approved illegally within the Historic District of Old Manor. There is nothing historic to Old Manor about a large
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 72 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX apartment complex. This was an example of the City Council's incompetence and inability to resist staff pressure to ignore City Codes.
An Historic District and a Design District were approved in Ordinance No. 480 adopted on by Mayor Rita Jonse on August 23, 2017.and Codified as §14.02031.
The zoning was changed to Multi-family 25 (MF-2) with Ordinance 655 on June 15, 2022 with 2.48 acres remaining C-1 light commercial as “the carrot” providing something “for the residents” in the way of small shops or a convenience store. Plaintiff never believed that would happen, and later that parcel was approved to be changed to more apartments. The Council and the tainted Planning and Zoning Commission approved the change. Why?
The new streets are already cracking there. Plaintiff fears these will be shoddy construction and turn into the “projects” with unwanted crime and congestion. The traffic is already horrible with only three tiny exits, one on to small Parsons Street. (no it's not a “Commercial Corridor” despite those false claims) and Plaintiff contends that besides being a dangerous fire situation, adding over 700 people into Old Manor does ruin its historic character, imposing unwanted hardships on the residents nearby and was based on the fraudulent Comprehensive Plan with its preconceived notions that MIXED USE is our salvation. That plan was never put to a vote of the voters in OLD MANOR and is contrary to the goals in Manor Charter and its Historic District Ordinance from 2017. Mixed use 3-story boxes are not historic and must be halted.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 73 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
This Developer will be made whole per Item XIII. Their designs and planning is utterly re-usable. Builders knew it was in an Historic District. Planning & Zoning Commission had an illegal member on it that likely voted on this issue. Bogus Comprehensive Plan used to justify this location for an apartment complex was flawed in major ways. Plaintiff spoke out about it a several council meetings.
This area should remain mostly dirt for pioneer events. This was part of Manor's homestead and later the Eppright ranch. Many of the “old timers” in Old Manor remember those days and have great stories to tell. The City of Manor has Tourism funds of $735,586 that are available for use. The fact that this H.O.T. (Hotel Occupancy Taxes) fund has so much money in it is yet another example of INCOMPETENCE. The City Council has no ideas on their own, and can't design “a process” to get ideas from the community. Nobody can even remember when the city had its last parade.
16 XXV. MANOR GROCERY INJUNCTION. Re: Parcel #238889 of .2 acres on 17 historic Parsons St.
18 Owner: MAQIL INC.
19 This building, the gas pumps and the corrugated metal buildings are the anchor 20 of our original Main Street. It has been closed for some time. Recently, owners 21 want the zoning changed to Light Commercial so they can put gas pumps in. That
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 74 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX corner is ridiculously narrow and dangerous as a re-fueling stop. And, those existing old pumps should be cherished and restored. Plaintiff has suggested the City buy that parcel and open it as the Manor Grocery circa 1920's General Store and a Visitors Center. The “barn” would become a recreation of the Blue Front Bar, a popular night spot in the past.
SUBSTANDARD HISTORIC BUILDINGS. The City of Manor, per Title 7 Subtitle A Chapter 214 §214.00111 Additional Authority to Preserve Substandard Building as Historic Property.(c)(3) … the historic preservation board of a municipality may review a building described by Section 214.001(a) to determine whether the building can be rehabilitated and designated (3) as historic property through a municipal historic designation. Old Manor was established as an Historic District in 2017.
Further, per §214.001(g)(1) Plaintiff has identified a feasible alternate use for the building or (2) locate an alternate purchaser to rehabilitate and maintain the building.
17 XXVI. HERITAGE TREES OR 3-STORY BOYCE STREET BOXES.
18 Owner: Build Block Inc, a Delaware Corp. Jiwong Jung might have sold this 19 property to TX Zone LLC.
20 Plaintiff is requesting an INJUNCTION to prevent any and all demolition of the 21 buildings from 101 to 107 Boyce Street and 104 to 108 Boyce Street property is
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 75 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX protected as a Substandard Historic Building as noted in item XXIII above. The proposed and fraudulently approved zoning changes were in conflict with the historic designation in Old Manor since 2017. The owner was told in emails by the Plaintiff and in personal at city council and P&Z Commission meetings in a friendly way to their “representatives” who were web designers that knew nothing.
This company has about 38 acres on the east side of Greater Manor. They can these 3-story mixed-use boxes over there. The design is boringly re-usable and not wanted.
Developer never mentioned the need to chop down the Heritage Tree even though they knew they would have to. City of Manor never mentioned the half- million of Chapter 380 infrastructure giveaways that was always “part of the deal.” So, Old Manor gets next-to-no improvements while we give sewer pipes and drainage and sidewalks for free to a foreign investment group worth over $248 million. That is the on-going current behavior of favoritism to some and harm to others that justifies Old Manor receiving modern era Reparations for decades of similar, systemic neglect as proposed by the Plaintiff in Item XXXVI.
SUBSTANDARD HISTORIC BUILDINGS. The City of Manor, per Title 7 Subtitle A Chapter 214 §214.00111 Additional Authority to Preserve Substandard Building as Historic Property.(c)(3) … the historic preservation board of a municipality may review a building described by Section 214.001(a) to determine whether the building can be rehabilitated and designated (3) as historic property
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 76 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX through a municipal historic designation. Old Manor was established as an Historic District in 2017.
Further, per §214.001(g)(1) Plaintiff has identified a feasible alternate use for the building or can
(2) locate an alternate purchaser to rehabilitate and maintain the building.
The Chapter 380 Grant for 104 and 108 Boyce was for $285,000 for infrastructure incentives. With the way it's written, it's very hard to tell the actual value of the giveaways on the other 101-107 Boyce Street properties. They are a giant international company with $248 MILLION in assets. It's a “real estate investment platform” that uses A.I. to locate investments. They don't CARE about preserving Manor neighborhoods or our history. Our leaders are supposed to protect our history and our neighborhoods for us. The tools are in our codes and state laws. Here again, the City Council proves it is too incompetent to protect us.
Plaintiff would like to recreate the Barbershop that was bulldozed to make way for the first UGLY three-story box on Lexington. Hopefully, it will be the last. And a small parking lot, and save the Heritage Tree that is growing up through the back porch and roof of a funky old house. That is a tourist draw especially with the Old Barbershop which was the richest repository of “stories told by Manor Oldtimers and more recent people over generations of haircuts. 104 to 108 Boyce Street will return to single-family small homes as before, retaining the original feel of the historic neighborhood.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 77 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
1 That heritage tree is probably over a hundred years old, plus it blocks the view 2 of that ugly box on Lexington St when it has a full leaf canopy most of the year.
XXVII. ORIGINAL PARSONS SEMINARY AND LODGE #222. 8-acre parcel #526048. Owner is ManorISD Manor – Supt. Robert Sormani
Our city has a rich history with only a few remnants left in the community remaining. ManorISD owns this property which is currently an abandoned school. It was until recently the Excel Academy, a positive partner in the neighborhood.
This property “balances” the old city. At the creek on the west, was the 1840 James B Manor Homestead, which was the first Post Office and the Stagecoach Station on the route from Houston to Austin; and then railroad station/Main Street with the school and cemetery by the creek on the east. Plaintiff wants to convert these buildings into a Community Center and add a pool. It already has basketball court, softball fields outdoors, meeting space, classrooms, etc. Perhaps a sale for ONE DOLLAR, and the school district gets to use about 10%. There is an active little league baseball league using the baseball diamonds there now. There is great space for soccer field and other park amenities that are too large for the Art Park (which is nearby but for 3 years has been empty with toxic asphalt road-gravel where the lawn should be).
City of Manor has $15 million of Development funds, plus $41.5 million of Unrestricted Funds, and access to use some of the $167+ million of Bond monies
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 78 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX approved. Saving these school facilities on this historic site, and slightly re- purposing them will save millions of dollars for something (a local community center and pool) that's much more useful to the founding neighborhood of Old Manor.
Plaintiff asserts this makes great financial and practical sense. These school buildings are more to scale with the neighborhood, and more convenient. Current city designs show a giant glass box mausoleum structure (community pool/library) that could be five miles away from Old Manor.
Plaintiff is requesting an INJUNCTION to prevent any and all demolition; and to prevent a sale of the property without giving the City of Manor a Right of First Refusal to negotiate and purchase said property. If Manor City Council refuses to purchase the property; the decision to purchase shall be put to a vote of the citizens. Term shall be five years.
Community began fundraising for a center and library in 1910. Silas Parsons was the main donor. Parsons Street (once the “main” street) is named after him. The east-west streets are named after James Manor's friends and founders of the community. The north-south streets are named after Texas cities. This site was also home to Manor Fire Company No.1; the Freemasons Lodge, the Tuesday Book Club and the first Girls School. Kids rode their horses from miles away. At recess, they'd water the horses at the creek. The outhouse was a popular spot, especially in winter.
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 79 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
Wayne Schneider is Manor's pre-eminent historian. His website page www.manorstories.blogspot.com site is an amazing resource that needs to be empowered and brought into people's awareness. Plaintiff meets people almost every day that have lived in Manor from ten years to fifty years, including going to ManorISD yet they have NEVER heard of James B. Manor, the Founder of our Town. To the Plaintiff, that is another example of INCOMPETENCE on the part of the City and the School District. Mayor Harvey works for the school district and has been on the Council for over five years. Harvey is an “educator” getting paid by both entities yet James B Manor isn't even mentioned on City of Manor “Manor History” page.
Manor, Texas - Past and Present - Parts and Pieces : Parsons Lodge (by Wayne Schneider)
Plaintiff is requesting an INJUNCTION to prevent any and all demolition of the building on the northeast portion of Parcel 236834 shown by TCAD to be owned by Travis County Trustee at 1648 Bayland St in Round Rock 78664. Property is protected as a Substandard Historic Building as noted in item XXIII above.
Plaintiff has an alternate use as a Community Recreation Center with pool, basketball courts and sports fields. This is a very economical solution for OLD MANOR, saving millions of dollars and increasing the useability by the neighborhood. It will also bring families with young people that want to live in
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 80 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX places that have things to do.
XXVIII. CLAYTON VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE. Plaintiff notes importance of the last remaining building of the historic “colored” school started by Joseph Elward Clayton. Its last building housed the volunteer Manor Library which has been closed and abandoned since the Covid pandemic. From discussions with Travis County Parks and Recreation; and the Library never reopening, Plaintiff asserts that Travis County feels it's not worth saving because to them, the repair costs don't justify it. County thinks the building is inefficient and may have mold or asbestos issues. Thus, it is in IMMINENT DANGER of destruction.
Plaintiff has asked to inspect this building. However, nobody from Azure Hobbs, the HHS site Manager; to Jeffrey Travillion, Travis County Commissioner from Plaintiff's District One for the last 8 years has been able to find a key. Commissioner, Travillion can't even get the kitchen unlocked for events at the Senior Center. That's how incompetent he is. He's the Chairman of CapMetro and he can't get the shuttles to run on the weekends either. He thinks people don't need groceries on the weekend? He can't get buses to run to Austin during the middle of the day either. Ten years ago, that was no problem. What has he done for Manor? Travis County treats Manor like second-class citizens.
As stated, Manor has a rich history with only a few remnants in the community remaining. The black community is interwoven in a rich tapestry; but we mustn't
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 81 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX cut out the richest threads. This was likely one the best “colored” school programs in Central Texas. At times there were dormitories and up to 300 students.
“He taught school at Bastrop, TX from 1900 to 1903 and in 1903 he was appointed as principal of the Manor Colored School, also known as the Negro Graded School.
The school occupied one building in block 1 of the town of Manor. It was run as a traditional public school until 1911 when a tour of Texas by Booker T. Washington inspired Clayton to improve and expand the facility to include dormitories and additional classrooms. A two-story building was built and furnished on the school lot. Dedication ceremonies for the new school building were held on February 3, 1912. Another building was added where students were taught canning, sewing, millinery, agriculture and they received manual training. A cannery was started where students learned to preserve produce from their own farms.
In 1915 Principal Clayton urged the State to recognize the school, now having more than 300 students, as a State Industrial Institution. As a result, the school was renamed the Clayton Industrial High School.”
This parcel is now owned by Travis County and is next to the Ben E Fisher Park, managed by Travis County Parks and Recreation. Mr. Fisher is another local Manor hero that's been kept hidden; as is the namesake of this street, Carrie Manor. She was the first black city councilwoman, and the first black person buried at the
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 82 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX Manor Cemetery. That wasn't allowed until 2004. The Community Center building adjacent is managed by Travis County Health and Human Resources. The park is becoming a hub for trails to East Metro Park, Walter E. Long Park and in-process up to North West Metro Park.
Manor, Texas - Past and Present - Parts and Pieces : Joseph Clayton
Plaintiff is requesting an INJUNCTION to prevent any and all demolition of the building on the northeast portion of Parcel 236834 shown by TCAD to be owned by Travis County Trustee at 1648 Bayland St in Round Rock 78664. Property is protected as a Substandard Historic Building as noted in item XXIII above.
Plaintiff wants to turn it into a Museum and recreate the Science Lab, for instance. And, a Mini-Community Center with Manor Community Television archiving people's recollections of Manor History. And, reopen the Manor Library to show off its historic collection. Thus, Plaintiff has an alternate use for the building; or can find an alternative purchaser to rehabilitate and maintain this.
Plaintiff seeks to include the back yard to its south; and further, to prevent a sale of the property without giving the City of Manor a Right of First Refusal to negotiate and purchase a subdivided portion of this parcel. If Manor City Council refuses to purchase the property; the transaction shall be put to a vote of the citizens. Term shall be for five years.
Additional community activity at the park would help the overall park which
D-1-GN-25-000719 First Amendment to Petition ― Page 83 of 134 Copy from re:SearchTX
1 has had problems with vandalism. Restrooms are only open for “events” after 2 repeated destruction. It's a nice pocket park or neighborhood Travis County park.
a) Motion to Reconsider Summary Judgement – Plaintiff had expected a hearing to be set. Thus, absent any presentation, Judge made a Summary Ruling – Plaintiff submitted 40-page Response detailing shortcomings b) Motion to Strike improper language from Orders c) Statement of Time spent reviewing 400 pages of Pleadings prior to issuing Orders d) Outrage over lack of judicial oversight, weight of evidence yet multiple Defendants dismissed without explanation. Plaintiff restating in short form the complaint extensively provided in the First Amended Petition and its accompanying Appendix One Revision One pleadings.
Copy from re:SearchTX for September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM, while Plaintiff's interlocutory appeal remains pending in the 15th Court of Appeals under Cause No. 15-25-00142-CV. In support thereof, Plaintiff shows the Court as follows:
I. BACKGROUND AND FACTS
1. This case originated as Plaintiff's Petition to Contest the 2024 Manor, Texas, City
Council and Mayoral Election, filed on January 29, 2025, with subsequent amendments on March 17, 2025 (First Amendment) and later (Second Amendment), incorporating claims against multiple defendants, including state entities (e.g., Texas Elections Division and Secretary of State Jane Nelson) and private parties such as Meritage.
2. Certain governmental defendants filed pleas to the jurisdiction, which the Court granted, leading to their dismissal. Plaintiff timely appealed those rulings under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 51.014(a)(8), perfecting the appeal originally docketed as Cause No. 03-25-00484-CV in the Third Court of Appeals.
3. On or about August 28, 2025, the Third Court of Appeals transferred the appeal to the 15th Court of Appeals pursuant to Tex. Gov't Code § 73.001, where it is now fully accepted and docketed as Cause No. 15-25-00142-CV. The appeal remains pending, with no final disposition or mandate issued.
4. Meritage, a late-served defendant, filed its Plea to the Jurisdiction after the appeal was perfected, arguing lack of standing under cases such as Osborne v. Keith, 177 Copy from re:SearchTX
S.W.2d 198 (Tex. 1944). A hearing on Meritage's plea is now officially set for September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
5. Plaintiff has also filed related appellate proceedings, including an Original
Petition for Writ of Mandamus (seeking to compel state officials to perform election-related duties) and a Motion to Correct and Supplement the Reporter's Record (requesting audio recordings to resolve transcription errors), both forwarded to the 15th Court of Appeals.
II. ARGUMENT AND AUTHORITIES
6. Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 51.014(a)(8), an interlocutory appeal from an order granting or denying a governmental unit's plea to the jurisdiction is permitted. Such an appeal automatically stays all other proceedings in the trial court pending resolution of the appeal. Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 51.014(b); see also In re Geomet Recycling LLC, 578 S.W.3d 82, 87 (Tex. 2019) (emphasizing the stay's broad application to prevent piecemeal litigation).
7. The appealed orders involve governmental units (e.g., Texas Elections Division), triggering the automatic stay. The stay encompasses the entire case, including claims against non-governmental defendants like Meritage, as the issues are intertwined (e.g., election contest claims impacting development agreements such as the June 2025 City-Meritage License Agreement for ShadowGlen improvements). See City of Houston v. Estate of Jones, 388 S.W.3d 663, 667 Copy from re:SearchTX
(Tex. 2012) (stay applies to all proceedings unless lifted).
8. The trial court retains limited plenary power during the stay for ministerial acts
(e.g., correcting records) but lacks authority for substantive actions, such as holding the scheduled hearing or ruling on Meritage's plea. Tex. R. App. P.
29.5; Am. Housing Res., Inc. v. Slaughter, 597 S.W.3d 9, 14 (Tex. App.—Dallas 2019, no pet.). Proceeding would violate the stay and risk conflicting rulings.
9. Alternatively, if the Court determines no stay applies, Plaintiff requests abatement of proceedings against Meritage until the appeal resolves, as the appellate outcome may moot or affect those claims. See In re Laibe, 307 S.W.3d 314, 318 (Tex. 2010) (abatement appropriate to avoid inefficiency).
III. REQUEST FOR HEARING
10. Plaintiff requests an expedited hearing on this Motion on September 16, 2025, at
2:00 PM, to coincide with the scheduled hearing on Meritage's plea, allowing the Court to address the jurisdictional issue first and prevent improper consideration of the plea.
PRAYER
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Plaintiff prays that the Court:
1. Grant this Motion and stay all proceedings, including cancellation of the hearing on Meritage's Plea to the Jurisdiction scheduled September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM; Copy from re:SearchTX
2. Alternatively, abate proceedings against Meritage pending appeal;
3. Set a hearing on this Motion for September 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM; and 4. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and equitable.
Respectfully submitted, /s/ Robert Edward Battaile Robert Edward Battaile, Plaintiff Pro Se 502 E Eggleston St, Unit B Manor, TX 78653 [email protected] (512) 662-2955 Copy from re:SearchTX
PROPOSED ORDER
Cause No. D-1-GN-25-000719 — In 459th Judicial District Court, Travis County, Texas
ORDER ABATING PROCEEDINGS, OR ENFORCING STAY, OR CONTINUING HEARING PENDING APPEAL
On this day, the Court considered Plaintiff/Appellant’s Motion to Enforce Statutory Stay and to Vacate (or Continue) Hearing. After considering the motion and the applicable law, the Court finds good cause and that an interlocutory appeal is pending in the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, No. 15-25-00142-CV.
Copy from re:SearchTX
3.______ Continuance / Status-Only. The September 16, 2025 hearing is CONTINUED to a date after resolution in the Fifteenth Court of Appeals in No. 15- 25-00142-CV; alternatively, any interim setting before that date is status-only and no orders shall be entered.
Copy from re:SearchTX
Automated Certificate of eService This automated certificate of service was created by the efiling system. The filer served this document via email generated by the efiling system on the date and to the persons listed below. The rules governing certificates of service have not changed. Filers must still provide a certificate of service that complies with all applicable rules.