Rockport City Council Regular Meeting

The Rockport City Council held a regular meeting on December 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:17 PM at City Hall. The meeting included ceremonial recognitions, unanimous approval of a consent agenda, multiple zoning changes, a conditional use permit for a manufactured home, adoption of drought and water conservation plans, and authorization of a $66,000 study for alternate water supply options. All votes were unanimous unless noted.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from the November 12, 2025 regular meeting.
• Approved Resolution 2025-45R authorizing a contract with Langford Community Management Services for Texas General Land Office CMP Grant Cycle 31 administration.
• Approved Resolution 2025-46R authorizing a contract with Anchor QEA, Inc. for engineering services under the same grant.
• Approved Resolution 2025-47R authorizing the Police Department to apply for an ALERRT Travel Assistance Grant for FY 2026.
• Approved Resolution 2025-48R authorizing the Police Department to apply for a Bullet-Resistant Components for Law Enforcement Vehicles Grant.
• Approved Resolution 2025-49R amending the Personnel Policies Manual regarding compensation, benefits, and post-employment (as Exhibit A).
• Approved an amendment to the Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with Aransas County and the Aransas County Navigation District.

Ceremonial Matters

• Recognized 2025 Rockport Citizen University graduates and presented certificates.
• Proclaimed December 14, 2025 as the official Centennial of the Aransas County Navigation District.
• Proclaimed December as Pirate Pride Appreciation Month, honoring student athletes, cheerleaders (fourth place in USC competition, bid to Orlando), dance team (Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade performers), and band.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made during the Citizens to Be Heard portion.
• During public hearings for zoning items, one resident (Linda Simpson) expressed concerns about drainage and flooding near the proposed Village by the Bay subdivision (Item 17). Staff and developer noted detention would be handled on-site.

Discussion Items

• Item 11 – Tax Note Issuance ($5.1 million): Finance Director Robbie Sorrell and financial advisor Robert Henderson (RBC Capital Markets) reported that bids were taken at 11:00 AM that day. Five banks submitted 11 bids; the lowest was 3.30% for a non-callable structure, saving 30 basis points for taxpayers. The funds will support capital improvements including street design, fire department rehab, fleet equipment, shelter work, belt press, and Memorial Park. Council discussed that this was budgeted and not for operations. The ordinance passed unanimously.
• Item 12 – Drought Contingency Plan Update (Ordinance 1997): Public Works Director Ryan Picarazzi presented an emergency ordinance to replace the existing Division 4 with a comprehensive plan (Exhibit A) that includes variance request procedures (first to Public Works Director, then to City Manager). Adopted unanimously.
• Item 13 – Professional Services for Street Improvements: Kimberly Henry reported that 10 RFQs were received; Pape-Dodson was the highest-scored. Council authorized staff to negotiate with Pape-Dodson for FY 2025/2026 street improvements funded by the general fund. Unanimous.
• Items 14 & 16 – Rezoning to B-1 (General Business): Two adjacent properties on SH 35 Bypass (3481 and 3525) owned by CNF Land Development LLC were rezoned from R-1 to B-1, consistent with the future land use map. Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. No public opposition. Unanimous on first reading.
• Item 15 – Conditional Use Permit for Manufactured Home: The owner of 1723 18th Street sought a CUP to place one manufactured home replacing a home lost in a fire. The property had been rezoned to R-2M in October with the condition that a CUP be obtained, after which the city would initiate rezoning back to R-1. Staff confirmed the CUP would limit to one home, not a manufactured home park. Unanimous.
• Item 17 – Rezoning Railroad Reserve from R-5 to R-2: SAO Holdings LLC (represented by Stewart Land) requested rezoning of approximately 13.5 acres on South Ann Street to develop a 76-lot single-family subdivision called Village by the Bay. About 80% was Railroad Reserve (R-5), 20% already R-2. The developer noted homes would be affordable (not million-dollar), similar to Ocean Reef concept. P&Z unanimously recommended approval. Resident Linda Simpson asked about Pearl and Second Streets being left alone; developer confirmed no changes and that drainage detention would be on-site. Council confirmed sidewalks and street lights would be required in final plans. Unanimous on first reading.
• Item 18 – Rezoning 802 W Morgan & 155 Kelly Lane from R-1 to R-2: SAO Holdings LLC (Stewart Land) requested rezoning of about 25 acres (with 8 more acres pending voluntary annexation in January) to develop a 164-lot subdivision called The Oaks. Councilmember Anderson noted earlier discussions about public-private partnerships; the developer said without assistance the price point would be $275,000–$325,000 rather than under $250,000. The developer committed to upgrading the lift station and gravity lines on Young Street. P&Z unanimously recommended approval. Unanimous on first reading.
• Item 19 – Water Conservation Plan Update (Ordinance 2003): Ryan Picarazzi presented a plan requiring formal review and renewal every five years. The city already uses AMI meters to detect leaks weekly, and utility billing alerts customers of unusual usage. The plan was approved by the Texas Water Development Board. Unanimous.
• Item 20 – Alternate Water Supply Study (Freese and Nichols): Ryan Picarazzi and Adam (Freese and Nichols) presented a proposal to evaluate up to four potential well fields (fresh and brackish) in Aransas, San Patricio, and surrounding counties over 3–4 months at a cost of $66,000. Council debated whether to spend unbudgeted funds given that San Patricio and Corpus Christi are already developing large-scale solutions. The mayor and other members supported the study as necessary for future planning and to seek state funding. The motion passed unanimously, with funding from utility reserves (to be brought back as a separate agenda item).

Key Outcomes

• All 19 action items were approved unanimously.
• Item 11: Approved issuance of $5,100,000 Tax Note, Series 2025 at 3.30% interest (non-callable), with settlement on December 30, 2025.
• Items 14, 16, 17, 18: Approved on first reading (two required) for zoning changes.
• Item 15: Granted Conditional Use Permit for one manufactured home on 1723 18th Street, with city to initiate rezoning back to R-1 subsequently.
• Item 20: Authorized staff to proceed with Freese and Nichols for the alternate water supply study, funded from utility reserves; a separate resolution for funding will be brought to council.
• No other business; meeting adjourned at 6:17 PM. Council members wished constituents a Merry Christmas.