Rockport City Council Regular Meeting - March 17, 2026

Mayor Tim Jayroe was absent; Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Hattman (Ward 4) presided. The meeting began at 5:00 PM at Rockport City Hall. Key actions included acceptance of the 2025 audit, approval of a speed limit reduction on South Business 35, postponement of Zoning Board of Adjustment appointments, and approval of a Heritage District Certificate of Appropriateness for a new Tiki Bar.

Consent Calendar

• Approved Resolution 2026-09R authorizing the Police Department to apply for and operate a State Homeland Security Program – Regular Projects (SHSP-R) grant for FY2026.
• Approved Resolution 2026-10R authorizing final payment under the Sales Tax 380 Agreement with Gulf Coast Hardware.
• Approved Resolution 2026-11R authorizing local fund commitment for a CDBG-DR project with the General Land Office (GLO).
• Approved the minutes of the February 24, 2026 Regular Meeting. All items passed on a single motion with a unanimous voice vote (Ward 1-4 all in favor)..

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Roan, a part-time resident and Laguna Reef HOA president, spoke during Citizens to Be Heard. He criticized what he called excessive city spending, citing examples such as the compressed natural gas bus purchase, the fueling station, the new city hall, and the purchase of the Bent Oak property. He expressed concern over rising real estate taxes and questioned the use of city funds for contracted lawn services while parks have zero-turn mowers and diesel UTVs. He was cut off after three minutes.
• Alan (Lee) Copeland, a property owner downtown and former Heritage District Association president, spoke during the public hearing on the speed limit reduction (Item 8). He clarified that TxDOT was the driving force behind the request and asked for rationale; he did not oppose the change. He later spoke during Item 10 in support of the Heritage District application and recommended restoring the Heritage District board to its intended advisory role.\n

Audit Report and Acceptance (Item 2-3)

• Sarah Henderson of Armstrong, Vaughn & Assiates presented the City's 2025 audit. Key points: issued clean (unmodified) opinion; no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified; the city adopted GASB Statement 101 for compensated absences, resulting in a $87,000 pas adjustment (immaterial)..n- General fund revenues increased by ~$550,000; expenses ended under budget; net transfers of ~$3.6 million (mainly from sale of gas utility) helped add ~$5.4 million to fund balance, ending at just under $10 million (11.6 months of coverage). The gas system sale contributed $4.2 million to general fund balance..
• The water/sewer fund added ~$3.5 million to net position and retained ~$10.8 million in working capital..
• Council vote: Motion to approve Resolution 2026–12R accepting the audit as presented passed unanimously (Ward 1–4 all in favor)....\n

Speed Limit Reduction on South Business 35 (Item 8)

• Public Hearing: Opened and closed with no speakers from the public\n- Staff Presentation: Police Chief Nathan Anderson reported that TxDOT requested lowering the speed limit from 60 mph to 55 mph on South Business 35 between 9th Street and Freeze Lane, citing crashes, driveway density, and commercial/residential areas. The police department supports the change due to fatalities and crashes on that road. Councilmember Rangel asked for specific crash data, especially extending beyond Freeze Lane into county jurisdiction; the chief agreed to request additional information from TxDOT. Councilmember Brundrett expressed desire for more data before final approval..\n- Votes: Motion to take item from table (previously tabled February 24) passed unanimously. Motion to approve first reading of Ordinance 2026–09 (amending speed limit) passed unanimously (Ward1–4 all aye)..\n- Note: This is the first of two readings; second reading scheduled for next meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Appointments (Item 9)\n- City Secretary Shelley Goodwin reported that the ZBA had fallen behind on appointments. Four current members seek reappointment; there are three vacancies. Councilmember Brundrett (board liasn) asked to conduct candidate interviews and bring recommendations back to council. Councilmember Hattman requested that appointees attend council meeting for questions. Councilmember Rangel asked for notification of applicants from her ward.\n- Council vote: Motion to postpone action on Resolution 2026–13R until the first council meeting in April passed unanimously (Ward1–4 all aye).\n

Heritage District Certificate of Appropriateness for Dog (Pet) Wants Tiki Bar (Item10)\n- Staff Presentation: Kimberly Henry, Assistant to the City Manager, said staff sees no concerns with the proposed addition at 404 S. Austen Street; the Heritage District overlay does not specifically address glass garage doors, so it requirs council approval.\n- Requester Presentation: Richard Neely, building owner, described plans to add a Tiki Bar with custom roll-up windows (like garage doors but decorative). The windows roll up on the inside, are 32 inches off the ground, and provide oper-air access. He noted materials will be purchased locally and local contractors used.\n- Public Comment: Alan (Lee) Copeland spoke in support, praised the design, and again urged reactivation of the Heritage District board..n- Council Discussion: Councilmembers expressed support for the project and for exploring restoration of the Heritage District board. Councilmember Hattman noted that the applicant included weather protection (shutter systems) in the plans.\n- Council vote: Motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as presented passed unanimously (Ward1–4 all aye)..n

City Manager's Update\n- City Manager Vanessa Shrauner announced a Texas Municipal League event Thursday evening, and a budget workshop scheduled for Tuesday at 1:00 PM covering water rates, master plan, and hotel tax changes. The next regular council meeting will follow the workshop.\n

City Council Report.- Councilmembers reported on committees and events: Councilmember Rangel returned after a hiatus; Brundrett spoke at TML mid-year conference; Brundrett also announced a town hall at Memorial Park the following Wednesday at 6:30 PM. Councilmember Hattman and Rangel attended the Oyster Fest parade. Councilmember Anderson participated via Zoom..n

Key Outcomes\n- Accept 2025 Audit: Resolution 2026-12R approved unanimously..n- Speed Limit Reduction: First reading of ordinance to lower speed limit from 60 to 55 mph on South Business 35 passed unanimously; second reading at next meeting. Additional data from TxDOT requested..n- ZBA Appointments: Postponed to April first meeting to allow interviews..n- Heritage District COA: Application for Tiki Bar addition approved unanimously..n- Conent Items: All four consent items approved unanimously.