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Record of Proceedings

Rockport City Council Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 14, 2026
BodyRockport, Texas
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, April 14, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:00

regular uh called city council meeting

Unassigned speaker

0:02

uh

Speaker 1

0:02

we're gonna do the pledge of allegiance actually we'll do roll call first to make sure we have a quorum uh ward two ward three here ward four here we do have a quorum for tonight

Unassigned speaker

0:12

uh

Speaker 1

0:13

we're gonna do the pledge of allegiance uh

Unassigned speaker

0:15

would

Speaker 1

0:15

you like to do it

Unassigned speaker

0:20

just

Speaker 1

0:38

we are now gonna go to citizens to be heard speaker participation instructions for fighting writing at the beginning of the agenda we only have one card being read today um mr judge garza would you like to come to the podium

Speaker 2

0:58

council you can see y'all can see on

Speaker 3

1:01

your new building here

Speaker 2

1:03

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the city as they work through some very important discussions regarding our community's water's future water is one of the most critical issues we face and I know these are not easy decisions they involve complex information and responsibility to both today's residents and future generations while those conversations are are ongoing I want to be clear about one thing I support the city taking the time to evaluate their options and make the best decision they can with the information in front of them there's no single perfect solution to our water challenges that means what matters is that we are moving forward with a focus on long-term sustainability.

1:45

I also think it's important for the public to understand the roles and responsibilities the county does not have any authority over water supply decisions that responsibility rests with the city and the appropriate water providers but if those pipes run dry then it quickly becomes an emergency management issue then it is my wrong and in that moment the county will be there conducting coordinating resources and doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our residents.

2:14

So while the city works through these decisions my commitment is simple and that is to support your process respect your authority and be ready to step in when needed because at the end of the day it's not about one idea or one project it's about ensuring we have reliable water in the future and that's something all of us have a stake in thank you council

Speaker 1

2:34

thank you.

Unassigned speaker

2:38

Okay

Speaker 1

2:39

we're going to ceremonial matters and proclamations we do have seven tonight so please bear with me um number one we have a proclamation for

Unassigned speaker

2:54

we

Speaker 1

2:54

have a proclamation for April 11th through the 17th 2026 as the week of the young child whereas children connect physical social emotional and language development are built on a foundation of positive interactions with adults peers and their environment and whereas the first years of a child's life are the period of a rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all future learning and whereas high quality early care and education help build strong developmental foundations for young children during these critical years of brain development leading to the positive outcomes for individual children and for better preparing them for school and future to assess and whereas high quality early childhood education depends on dedicated early childhood educators who with the support of families provide the necessary early experiences for a strong foundation whereas the children coalition of Oranges County is working to improve early learning opportunities and provide a solid foundation for the children throughout Aranzis County and now therefore we

Unassigned speaker

3:52

rate

Speaker 1

3:53

guards our county judge Kelly Cole, mayor of town of Fulton, and

Unassigned speaker

3:57

we

Speaker 1

3:57

have Mayor J Row on there but Mayor Pearl Jeff Andrew have been here tonight City of Rockport do hereby recognize the investing in education educators as an investment in children families in our future we will proclaim the week of April 11th through April 17th 2026 as the week of young children.

Unassigned speaker

4:16

Hey and I encourage the citizens of Ransis County to express their appreciation by thanking and recognizing the teachers and others who make a difference in the lives of young children in the town of Fulton City of Rockport and throughout Aranzas County and witness thereof I have here on to set my hand and cause the Seattle Rances County Town of Fulton and City of Rockport, Texas to be a fixed this 20 well the dates wrong on there.

Speaker 1

4:38

Don't we have fixed that?

4:40

Okay, so the 23rd day of March 2026.

Unassigned speaker

4:45

And

Speaker 4

4:45

we have

Speaker 1

4:45

people

Speaker 5

4:46

here

Speaker 1

4:46

come picture.

4:47

Do we have people here to represent them?

Unassigned speaker

4:52

So

Speaker 5

4:52

we receive this proclamation anyway.

Speaker 4

4:59

It is what the

Speaker 1

5:00

children's public.

5:17

Okay.

Speaker 4

5:19

Proclamation number two.

Unassigned speaker

5:22

This

Speaker 1

5:22

is for April 12th through the 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunication

Unassigned speaker

5:28

Week.

Speaker 1

5:30

Whereas emergencies requiring police fire and emergency medical services can occur at any time and do not follow a schedule, and whereas every great performance begins with a powerful opening act, and for our emergency services, that opening act is the calm, steady, and commanding voice of our public safety telecommunicators, the roots that nourish and strengthen our entire emergency response system.

5:51

And whereas these behind the scene heroes are the first point of contact in a crisis, gathering vital information with precision, clarity, and urgency to ensure help arrives exactly where and when it's needed.

6:02

And whereas public safety telecommunications serve as the lifeline, the steady rhythm that keeps police, fire, and EMS teams connected, informed, and prepared at

Unassigned speaker

6:13

as

Speaker 1

6:13

they respond in the field.

6:14

And whereas the dispatchers at the City of Rockport Communications Center have coordinated countless successful responses contributing to the apprehension of suspects, the suppression of fires, and the saving of lives, all by demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and grace under pressure, worthy of the highest recognition.

6:31

Whereas in 2026, the city of Rockport will honor these dedicated professionals with a gratitude tree, where each leaf, butterfly, or flower represents a message of gratitude symbolizing the lives that they have touched or their role as roots of our community's safety.

Unassigned speaker

6:45

Now therefore, we is the resolve that I, Andrew Hapman, Mira Pro Tem of the City of Rockport, Texas, do hereby proclaim the week of April 12th through the 18th, 2026 as the public safety telecommunic week in Rockford, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the dedication, talent, and excellence of these remarkable individuals by sharing their stories, our messages of the appreciation and gratitude tree.

Speaker 1

7:08

I would witness here of onto the hand of the official seal of the city of Rockport this 14th day of April 2026.

Unassigned speaker

7:15

Do

Speaker 1

7:15

we have anyone up here to

Unassigned speaker

7:18

put

Speaker 1

7:18

there?

Unassigned speaker

7:24

I

Speaker 1

7:24

know I personally want to say thank you guys and do a great job.

Speaker 5

7:29

Thank you.

7:29

Thank you.

7:30

Thank you.

7:34

Thank you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████████████████████████████████48%
Public Safety██████████████15%
Transportation Safety████████9%
Fiscal Sustainability████████8%
Budget Equity Analysis███████7%
Procedural█████5%
Parks and Recreation███3%
Zoning and Land Use███3%
Personnel Matters██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Rockport City Council Regular Meeting – April 14, 2026

The Rockport City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Hattman presided in the absence of Mayor Tim Jayroe. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, employee recognition, a public hearing and vote on a speed limit change, appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, approval of a development agreement for the Passport Shores subdivision, and detailed discussions on water rate subsidies and tax rate effects. The council entered executive session at 6:10 PM to discuss personnel, real property, and water matters.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved the minutes of the March 17, 2026 Regular Meeting, March 24, 2026 Workshop, and March 24, 2026 Regular Meeting.
  • Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Aransas County for the coordinated use and management of the Community Center and Celebration Plaza. (Approved by unanimous vote.)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Judge Garza addressed the council, expressing support for the city's careful evaluation of water supply options. He clarified that Aransas County has no authority over water supply decisions, which rest solely with the city and water providers. However, if water supply fails, it becomes an emergency management issue and the county will coordinate response and resources to protect public health and safety. He commended the council's focus on long-term sustainability and pledged the county's support for the city's decision-making process.

Ceremonial Matters & Proclamations

  • Week of the Young Child (April 11–17, 2026): Proclaimed jointly by the City of Rockport, Town of Fulton, and Aransas County.
  • National Public Safety Telecommunication Week (April 12–18, 2026): Proclaimed. Councilmembers expressed appreciation for dispatchers.
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2026): Proclaimed. Upcoming events noted: Zapatos Rojos (Red Shoes) art installation at Celebration Plaza (April 15–26) and SART training on April 23.
  • Recognition of Captain David Gerloff: Awarded the Law Enforcement Command Officer Profession (LECOP) designation #179. Chief Anderson noted he is one of 179 out of over 83,000 peace officers in Texas to earn this designation.
  • Tenure Tuesday: Recognized Veronica Faria for 15 years of service in the city's 911 communications center.
  • Tree City USA: Rockport named Tree City USA for the 27th consecutive year.
  • Whooping Crane Strut Check Presentation: Presented $1,785 to the Friends of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, from 357 participants in the 37th annual Whooping Crane Strut on March 7, 2026.

Discussion Items

10. Speed Limit on Broadway (25 to 30 mph) Police Chief Nathan Anderson presented a traffic study conducted March 4–12, 2026, showing an average speed of 30.67 mph and an 85th percentile speed of 31 mph on the 25-mph roadway. Of 8,180 vehicles recorded, 1,331 were at or below 25 mph. A public hearing was held with no speakers. Councilmembers Stephanie Rangel (Ward 1) and Matt Anderson (Ward 2) expressed support based on resident feedback, noting that the lower speed limit has been burdensome. The council unanimously approved the first of two readings of Ordinance 98-66 to raise the speed limit to 30 mph.

11. Appointments to Zoning Board of Adjustment Councilmember Brad Brundrett (Ward 3) interviewed six applicants. He recommended Michael Harm (Ward 2), Carrie Gatrick (Ward 3), and Tracy Bachmann (at-large) for appointment, noting that other applicants were better suited for different boards. The resolution (2026-13R) also included reappointments. The council unanimously approved the appointments.

12. Development Agreement for Passport Shores City Manager Vanessa Shrauner presented a utility service agreement for the Passport Shores subdivision (180 homes) planned outside city limits beyond Palm Harbor. The agreement reserves water and sewer capacity (LUEs) for 10 years at $500 per LUE. The developer purchased existing LUEs from another developer. Councilmembers clarified that impact fees will be due at platting, and the subdivision will be required to annex voluntarily if the city limits expand to its borders. This is the first such capacity reservation agreement, intended to manage system capacity. The council unanimously approved the agreement.

13. Update on Water Rate Subsidy Finance Director Robbie Sorrell reported that, according to rate consultant Dan Jackson, the utility system is projected to lose $50,000 per month in 2026, escalating to $150,000 per month in 2027, without any debt payments or rate adjustments. He outlined that using gas fund proceeds to subsidize operations would only create a larger hole; the preferred strategy is to implement rate increases and a pass-through mechanism for purchased water costs from the City of Corpus Christi, which faces significant increases and potential curtailments. Councilmembers discussed the trade-offs:

  • Councilmember Andrea Hattman (Ward 4) favored a 3% immediate increase followed by a 7.5% increase in October 2026, allowing time for the city to develop a long-term water plan and provide clearer communication to residents.
  • Councilmember Anderson (Ward 2) supported the 3% plus pass-through approach, emphasizing the importance of managing the deficit.
  • Councilmember Rangel (Ward 1) requested a comparison chart for 3%, 4%, and 5% immediate increases and their impacts on the monthly deficit and October rate.
  • Councilmember Brundrett (Ward 3) reiterated the need to address the pass-through mechanism to automatically capture rising water purchase costs. The council reached consensus to bring a formal action item to the next council meeting (April 26 or 28) with options for a modest immediate increase (3%–5%) combined with a pass-through. The proposed rate plan from Jackson also reduces capital capacity from $50 million to $24 million and draws down fund balance to lower the needed increase.

14. Update on Tax Rate Effects Sorrell explained that proceeds from the gas fund sale (approximately $4.1 million) could be used to offset borrowing for capital projects, effectively covering about 2.6 cents of the tax rate—meaning the city can fund these projects without raising the rate by that amount. He stressed that this is not a reduction of the current rate but avoidance of a larger increase. Councilmembers agreed on careful messaging. Staff will provide a preliminary tax rate impact sheet for the April 29 budget workshop.

City Council Report

  • Councilmember Anderson (Ward 2) reported positive resident feedback on city services and thanked departments for responsiveness.
  • Councilmember Hattman (Ward 4) emphasized the council's diligent work on water issues and assured the public that decisions are being made with careful due diligence.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
  • Ordinance to Raise Speed Limit on Broadway to 30 mph: First reading approved unanimously after a public hearing with no opposition. Second reading to be held at a future meeting.
  • Resolution 2026-13R (Zoning Board of Adjustment Appointments): Approved unanimously.
  • Development Agreement for Passport Shores: Approved unanimously.
  • Water Rate Subsidy: No formal vote taken; council directed staff to prepare a resolution for the next meeting incorporating a 3% to 5% immediate increase and a pass-through mechanism for purchased water costs. The resolution will include scenarios showing the effect on monthly deficit and the October 2026 rate.
  • Tax Rate Effects: No action taken; staff will present a preliminary tax rate impact sheet at the April 29 budget workshop.
  • Executive Session: Council recessed into executive session at 6:10 PM to discuss appointee performance evaluations, the purchase/lease of real property near Pearl Street, and pending water issues.

Meeting Transcript

regular uh called city council meeting uh we're gonna do the pledge of allegiance actually we'll do roll call first to make sure we have a quorum uh ward two ward three here ward four here we do have a quorum for tonight uh we're gonna do the pledge of allegiance uh would you like to do it just we are now gonna go to citizens to be heard speaker participation instructions for fighting writing at the beginning of the agenda we only have one card being read today um mr judge garza would you like to come to the podium council you can see y'all can see on your new building here I want to take a moment to acknowledge the city as they work through some very important discussions regarding our community's water's future water is one of the most critical issues we face and I know these are not easy decisions they involve complex information and responsibility to both today's residents and future generations while those conversations are are ongoing I want to be clear about one thing I support the city taking the time to evaluate their options and make the best decision they can with the information in front of them there's no single perfect solution to our water challenges that means what matters is that we are moving forward with a focus on long-term sustainability. I also think it's important for the public to understand the roles and responsibilities the county does not have any authority over water supply decisions that responsibility rests with the city and the appropriate water providers but if those pipes run dry then it quickly becomes an emergency management issue then it is my wrong and in that moment the county will be there conducting coordinating resources and doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our residents. So while the city works through these decisions my commitment is simple and that is to support your process respect your authority and be ready to step in when needed because at the end of the day it's not about one idea or one project it's about ensuring we have reliable water in the future and that's something all of us have a stake in thank you council thank you. Okay we're going to ceremonial matters and proclamations we do have seven tonight so please bear with me um number one we have a proclamation for we have a proclamation for April 11th through the 17th 2026 as the week of the young child whereas children connect physical social emotional and language development are built on a foundation of positive interactions with adults peers and their environment and whereas the first years of a child's life are the period of a rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all future learning and whereas high quality early care and education help build strong developmental foundations for young children during these critical years of brain development leading to the positive outcomes for individual children and for better preparing them for school and future to assess and whereas high quality early childhood education depends on dedicated early childhood educators who with the support of families provide the necessary early experiences for a strong foundation whereas the children coalition of Oranges County is working to improve early learning opportunities and provide a solid foundation for the children throughout Aranzis County and now therefore we rate guards our county judge Kelly Cole, mayor of town of Fulton, and we have Mayor J Row on there but Mayor Pearl Jeff Andrew have been here tonight City of Rockport do hereby recognize the investing in education educators as an investment in children families in our future we will proclaim the week of April 11th through April 17th 2026 as the week of young children. Hey and I encourage the citizens of Ransis County to express their appreciation by thanking and recognizing the teachers and others who make a difference in the lives of young children in the town of Fulton City of Rockport and throughout Aranzas County and witness thereof I have here on to set my hand and cause the Seattle Rances County Town of Fulton and City of Rockport, Texas to be a fixed this 20 well the dates wrong on there. Don't we have fixed that? Okay, so the 23rd day of March 2026. And we have people here come picture. Do we have people here to represent them? So we receive this proclamation anyway. It is what the children's public. Okay. Proclamation number two. This is for April 12th through the 18th, 2026 as National Public Safety Telecommunication Week. Whereas emergencies requiring police fire and emergency medical services can occur at any time and do not follow a schedule, and whereas every great performance begins with a powerful opening act, and for our emergency services, that opening act is the calm, steady, and commanding voice of our public safety telecommunicators, the roots that nourish and strengthen our entire emergency response system. And whereas these behind the scene heroes are the first point of contact in a crisis, gathering vital information with precision, clarity, and urgency to ensure help arrives exactly where and when it's needed. And whereas public safety telecommunications serve as the lifeline, the steady rhythm that keeps police, fire, and EMS teams connected, informed, and prepared at as they respond in the field. And whereas the dispatchers at the City of Rockport Communications Center have coordinated countless successful responses contributing to the apprehension of suspects, the suppression of fires, and the saving of lives, all by demonstrating professionalism, compassion, and grace under pressure, worthy of the highest recognition. Whereas in 2026, the city of Rockport will honor these dedicated professionals with a gratitude tree, where each leaf, butterfly, or flower represents a message of gratitude symbolizing the lives that they have touched or their role as roots of our community's safety. Now therefore, we is the resolve that I, Andrew Hapman, Mira Pro Tem of the City of Rockport, Texas, do hereby proclaim the week of April 12th through the 18th, 2026 as the public safety telecommunic week in Rockford, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the dedication, talent, and excellence of these remarkable individuals by sharing their stories, our messages of the appreciation and gratitude tree. I would witness here of onto the hand of the official seal of the city of Rockport this 14th day of April 2026.

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