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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Rockport City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026

City Council — Tuesday, April 28, 2026

BodyRockport, Texas

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, April 28, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:40:16

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

0:10

Good evening, everyone.

0:11

We're gonna call this meeting to order.

0:13

It is five o'clock on April 28th.

Unassigned speaker

0:16

And

Speaker 1

0:16

we're gonna make sure we have quorums.

0:18

We're gonna do a roll call.

0:19

Uh ward two.

0:21

Ward three.

0:22

Yeah.

0:22

Ward four is here.

Unassigned speaker

0:24

You

Speaker 1

0:24

have a role call.

Unassigned speaker

0:25

We're gonna do the Pledge of Allegiance and be uh led by Councilman Brundret.

Unassigned speaker

0:31

I

Speaker 2

0:31

pledge ladies to the flag

Unassigned speaker

0:33

of the

Speaker 3

0:36

Republic for which liberty and justice.

Speaker 1

0:49

Next on the agenda of citizens can be heard.

0:51

I do not have any, is that correct?

0:53

Shelley.

0:54

Okay, no citizens to be heard tonight.

0:56

So we're gonna go there ceremonial matters, proclamations.

1:00

Proclamation proclaiming May 3rd through the 9th as National Tourism Week.

Unassigned speaker

1:07

Would

Speaker 1

1:08

you like me to speak on

Unassigned speaker

1:09

it?

Speaker 1

1:11

Okay.

1:12

Whereas tourism serves as a vital economic driver, generating billion billions in revenue and supporting millions of jobs across communities throughout our nation.

1:20

And whereas the tourism industry encompasses hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation providers, and countless small businesses that welcome visitors with hospitality and showcase the unique character of their destinations.

1:33

And whereas tourism promotes culture exchange, fosters understanding between diverse communities, and celebrates the rich heritage, natural beauty, and innovative spirit that defines our country.

1:44

And whereas travel and tourism contribute significantly to local tax revenues that fund essential public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development projects,

Speaker 4

1:54

and

Speaker 1

1:54

whereas the tourism manager is exceptional dedication in creating memorable experiences for visitors by representing the values of service, excellence, and pride in their communities.

2:04

And whereas sustainable tourism practices help preserve our natural resources, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Unassigned speaker

2:15

And

Speaker 1

2:16

whereas recognizing the importance of tourism encourages continued investment in destination development, marketing efforts, and workforce training that benefits registered residents and visitors alike.

2:26

Now, therefore, meet we resolve that I, Andrew Hatman, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Rockport, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026 as National Tourism Week in Rockport, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize and appreciate the contributions of tourism professionals and businesses in their communities, support local attractions, restaurants, and hospitality establishments, as well as persistent week long activities.

2:50

Eyewitness, we're higher on to my hand and official seal of city Rockport 28th day of April 2026.

Unassigned speaker

2:59

So we can have Course.

Speaker 1

3:00

Yes, Mia.

Unassigned speaker

3:05

Come

Speaker 4

3:06

on up, Nanette.

Speaker 1

3:10

Nanette, she uh heads our uh CVV and she does all of our marketing here, and so she does a great job, and we appreciate all the hard work she does.

3:19

Thank you.

Unassigned speaker

3:28

Okay,

Speaker 1

3:29

proclamation proclaiming May 3rd through the 9th as municipal clerk week.

Speaker 4

3:36

This is a tricky word for me, so excuse

Unassigned speaker

3:39

me.

Speaker 1

3:39

Whereas the profession of municipal clerks is essential to the effective functioning of the local government in Texas, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the smooth operation of most of the services.

Unassigned speaker

3:51

And

Speaker 1

3:51

the whereas the Office of Municipal Clerk is the oldest among public servants and celebrating the 57th annual municipal clerk week.

3:58

And whereas the Texas municipal clerks have pledged to be ever mindful of their while serving as a professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of the government at other levels.

4:13

And whereas Texas municipal clerks serve as the official record keepers, managing vital documents, conducting municipal elections, and providing legislative support and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations in the cities across Texas.

4:27

And whereas the Missile Clerks demonstrate exceptional dedication, professionalism, and integrity in their work, often going above and beyond to serve their communities and facilitate facilitate the effective governance of local governments.

4:40

And whereas the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, TMCA, represents more than 1,100 municipal clerks who contribute significantly to the success and efficiency of local government throughout the state of Texas.

Unassigned speaker

4:53

And whereas it is fitting the city of Rockport take the opportunity to honor and thank City Secretary's office for the ongoing dedication, knowledge, and tireless service.

Speaker 1

5:02

Now, therefore, I, Andrew Hapman, Road, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Rockport, Texas, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through 9, 2026 as municipal clerk speak.

5:12

Encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the important work of the city secretary's office and join separating the work and contributions to your meeting.

5:19

Eye witness whereof I hear on two cents in my hand in official CL Cities of Rockport, the 28th of April 2026.

Unassigned speaker

5:28

And

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Water And Wastewater Management█████████████████████████████████████████████63%

Procedural██████8%

Public Engagement█████7%

Engineering And Infrastructure████5%

Technology and Innovation███4%

Economic Development███4%

Public Safety██3%

Fiscal Sustainability██3%

Community Engagement█2%

Summary of Proceedings

Rockport City Council Regular Meeting – April 28, 2026

The Rockport City Council held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Rockport City Hall. The meeting included ceremonial proclamations, unanimous approval of the consent agenda, the first reading of a speed ordinance, authorization for a police grant, correction of an economic development agreement payment, and ratification of windstorm insurance. Council also gave guidance on water rate increases, approved generator project funding, and heard a presentation on brackish water desalination. The meeting recessed into executive session at 6:39 PM and adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Consent Calendar

The City Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (Items 3-8), which included ratification of previous meeting minutes and actions, approval of Hotel Occupancy Tax Grant Second Quarter Reports, and the ratification of a Memorandum of Understanding with Aransas County for the Community Center and Celebration Plaza.

Proclamations

Mayor Pro Tem Andrea Hattman proclaimed May 3-9, 2026, as National Tourism Week in Rockport, recognizing Nanette of the CVB for her marketing contributions to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Hattman proclaimed May 3-9, 2026, as Municipal Clerk Week in Rockport, honoring City Secretary Shelley Goodwin and her office for their dedication and service.

Ordinances, Resolutions, and Public Hearings

Ordinance 2011 (Speed Limits): The public hearing was opened at 5:05 PM and closed at 5:07 PM with no public comment. The Council unanimously approved the first reading of the ordinance amending traffic speed provisions. The second reading is scheduled for the next meeting.
Police Grant Authorization (Item 10): Resolution 2026-14R was unanimously approved, authorizing the Rockport Police Department to apply for an $85,095.70 grant from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority for a mobile surveillance camera system. Police Chief Anderson stated the system has no facial recognition or license plate reader technology and includes a 10-year subscription. The grant requires no local match.
Pearl Point Phase 2 Agreement Correction (Item 11): Resolution 2026-15R was unanimously approved, authorizing a payment of $67,382.50 to Pearl Point Phase 2. Finance Director Robbie Sorrell explained the payment corrects an administrative error where Phase 2 was mistakenly placed on Phase 1's declining reimbursement schedule, resulting in underpayment over three years. Funds are available within the current budget.
Tax Assessor-Collector Appointment (Item 12): Resolution 2026-16R was unanimously approved, appointing Aransas County Tax Assessor-Collector Anna Marshall to calculate the City of Rockport's effective tax rate for the 2026-2027 tax year.

Discussion Items

Windstorm Insurance Ratification (Item 13): The Council unanimously ratified a windstorm insurance renewal through GSM Insurors for $516,163.70. The policy provides coverage for insured property valued at $50,216,496 and reduces the deductible from 3% to 1% (down from a high of 7.5% in prior years). Councilmember Brundrett highlighted the city obtained "more than double the insurance for half the cost" by negotiating outside of hurricane season. The premium was paid in advance to support the vendor relationship.
Water Rates Update (Item 14): Finance Director Sorrell presented options for water rate increases to address a $50,000 monthly shortfall. Following discussion on resident impact and an anticipated 4% increase from Corpus Christi, the Council reached a consensus to guide staff toward a 5% increase in May 2026 with a cost pass-through mechanism. A formal ordinance will be drafted for future readings.
Generator Project Funding Gap (Item 15): The Council unanimously approved $511,791.10 to cover a cost escalation gap for a FEMA/COVID-19 hazard mitigation generator project. Public Works Director Ryan Picarazzi noted the gap is due to delays between the 2022 grant award and 2025 funding. Funds will be appropriated from the Utility Fund and General Fund reserves, with potential for full grant reimbursement within six months.
Brackish Water Desalinization Presentation (Item 16): The Council received a presentation from City of Alice City Manager Michael Esparza on Alice's development of a brackish water reverse osmosis plant. He detailed a partnership with Seven C's Water Group, which financed and operates the plant, providing drought-resistant water at a predictable cost. Business Development Director Rosanna Ramirez highlighted the fixed-rate structure (+CPI) and Category 5 hurricane-resistant construction. The information was received for planning Rockport's long-term water strategy.

City Manager's Update

City Manager Vanessa Shrauner reported that a public water information webpage is under development to centralize updates on regional water conditions and city initiatives. The city is entering its budget season.

City Council Reports

Councilmember Anderson (Ward 2): Reported on a community cleanup in Wandering Oaks and recognized the retirement of long-time bond consultant Bob Henderson.
Councilmember Rangel (Ward 3): Reported on the health fair 5K and encouraged participation in the upcoming Tulip Creek cleanup on May 8th involving 25 local students.

Key Outcomes

Consent Agenda (Items 3-8): Approved unanimously.
Ordinance 2011 (Speed Limits): First reading approved. Second reading to follow at next meeting.
Resolution 2026-14R (Police Grant): Application authorized for $85,095.70.
Resolution 2026-15R (Pearl Point): Underpayment of $67,382.50 authorized and corrected.
Resolution 2026-16R (Tax Assessor): Appointment of Anna Marshall approved.
Windstorm Insurance Renewal: Ratified at $516,163.70.
Water Rates (Guidance): Consensus for a 5% increase in May 2026 with cost pass-through.
Generator Project Gap: Funding of $511,791.10 approved from reserves.
Executive Session: The Council recessed at 6:39 PM and reconvened at 8:04 PM after consulting with the City Attorney on impending water issues and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #1, and discussing personnel matters regarding the Information Technology Director.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everyone. We're gonna call this meeting to order. It is five o'clock on April 28th. And we're gonna make sure we have quorums. We're gonna do a roll call. Uh ward two. Ward three. Yeah. Ward four is here. You have a role call. We're gonna do the Pledge of Allegiance and be uh led by Councilman Brundret. I pledge ladies to the flag of the Republic for which liberty and justice. Next on the agenda of citizens can be heard. I do not have any, is that correct? Shelley. Okay, no citizens to be heard tonight. So we're gonna go there ceremonial matters, proclamations. Proclamation proclaiming May 3rd through the 9th as National Tourism Week. Would you like me to speak on it? Okay. Whereas tourism serves as a vital economic driver, generating billion billions in revenue and supporting millions of jobs across communities throughout our nation. And whereas the tourism industry encompasses hotels, restaurants, attractions, transportation providers, and countless small businesses that welcome visitors with hospitality and showcase the unique character of their destinations. And whereas tourism promotes culture exchange, fosters understanding between diverse communities, and celebrates the rich heritage, natural beauty, and innovative spirit that defines our country. And whereas travel and tourism contribute significantly to local tax revenues that fund essential public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development projects, and whereas the tourism manager is exceptional dedication in creating memorable experiences for visitors by representing the values of service, excellence, and pride in their communities. And whereas sustainable tourism practices help preserve our natural resources, historic landmarks, and cultural treasures for future generations to enjoy and appreciate. And whereas recognizing the importance of tourism encourages continued investment in destination development, marketing efforts, and workforce training that benefits registered residents and visitors alike. Now, therefore, meet we resolve that I, Andrew Hatman, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Rockport, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through May 9th, 2026 as National Tourism Week in Rockport, Texas, and encourage all citizens to recognize and appreciate the contributions of tourism professionals and businesses in their communities, support local attractions, restaurants, and hospitality establishments, as well as persistent week long activities. Eyewitness, we're higher on to my hand and official seal of city Rockport 28th day of April 2026. So we can have Course. Yes, Mia. Come on up, Nanette. Nanette, she uh heads our uh CVV and she does all of our marketing here, and so she does a great job, and we appreciate all the hard work she does. Thank you. Okay, proclamation proclaiming May 3rd through the 9th as municipal clerk week. This is a tricky word for me, so excuse me. Whereas the profession of municipal clerks is essential to the effective functioning of the local government in Texas, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the smooth operation of most of the services. And

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