Round Rock City Council Meeting – November 7, 2024

The Round Rock City Council met on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. The meeting included a staff presentation honoring retiring Human Resources Director Valerie LaCour Francois, an annual update from the Finance Department, approval of a consent agenda covering 15 resolutions and 3 ordinances, and a public hearing and final votes on a mixed-use development proposal. The council also held an executive session to discuss a new City Manager employment agreement with Brooks Bennett and took action to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. All votes were unanimous (7-0) unless otherwise noted.

Staff Presentations

• Valerie LaCour Francois Retirement (E.2): Department heads and council members gave remarks and presented gifts to Ms. Francois, who served as HR Director for 13 years. Speakers praised her leadership, empathy, and accomplishments, including creating job descriptions, pay scales, training programs, a wellness program, and the Rock Care clinic. The meeting recessed briefly for the presentation.
• Finance Department Update (E.1): Finance Director Susan reported on the department's achievements and key metrics: 440,000 utility statements sent annually; 38,000 active accounts with 61% on e-bills; 30,000 portal registrations; a 4.9/5 customer service rating; 10,543 court cases handled; 235 active capital projects totaling a $682 million budget; 64,000 banking transactions; 12,000 vendor payments; 38,000 paychecks; 330,000 credit card payments; 32,593 procurement transactions; and 375 active contracts. The city earned a perfect score on its Federal Transportation Administration triennial review, an Excellence in Procurement award for the third consecutive year, and maintains a triple-A bond rating. The department is implementing new software and automation initiatives.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes (F.1): Approved from the October 24, 2024 meeting.
• Resolutions G.1–G.15: All passed unanimously. Key items include:
  • G.1: Supplemental contract with Plummer & Associates for BCRWWS East Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion to 40 MGD (Round Rock's share: $763,000).
  • G.2: Construction contract with SJ&J Construction for Logan Street Culvert rehabilitation ($97,000).
  • G.3–G.6: Renewals of vision, long-term disability, stop-loss insurance, and dental contracts, all with zero percent rate increases.
  • G.7–G.9: Reimbursement agreements with Atmos Energy for gas line extensions at Old Settlers Park (Rock 'N River, Multi-Purpose Complex, Recreation Center), with total not-to-exceed amounts of $654,943, $600,022, and $645,494 respectively; the city pays upfront and may receive a refund if costs come under budget.
  • G.10: Purchase order to Facilities Resource, Inc. for furniture for Fire Central remodel ($130,000).
  • G.11–G.12: Master interlocal cooperative purchasing agreements with Equalis Group and the City of Bastrop.
  • G.13: Resolution of intent to reimburse certain project expenditures for roads, trails, parks, sports facilities, and public safety (allows reimbursement from future tax-exempt debt; larger than usual due to upcoming major projects).
  • G.14: FY 2024/2025 Self-Funded Health Insurance Budget (saves city 6–10% annually, or $1M–$1.7M).
  • G.15: Uniform services contract renewal with Unifirst Corporation (~$100,000/year).
• Ordinances H.1–H.3: All passed unanimously, with both readings dispensed.
  • H.1: Amendment No. 2 to the FY 2023-2024 Operating Budget (higher health insurance claims and golf course expenses covered by existing fund balances).
  • H.2: Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan 2030 Future Land Use Map to allow mixed-use development on 1.55 acres at NE corner of East Old Settlers Blvd and Fairview Drive (changed from residential to mixed-use).
  • H.3: Zoning of the same 1.55 acres to the MU-R (Mixed-Use Redevelopment and Small Lot) district.

Discussion Items

• Mixed-Use Development (H.2 & H.3): The council continued a public hearing from the previous meeting. Planner Bradley presented additional information on traffic access, permitted/prohibited uses, and deed restrictions. The developer, Michael Martinez, stated the intended use is retail on ground floor with residential above or office, and that he would continue dialogue with neighbors. Council members questioned the enforceability of deed restrictions (which require single-family residential) but were advised that the city cannot consider deed restrictions in zoning decisions. No additional public testimony was offered; the hearing was closed. The ordinances were approved 7-0.
• Other Discussion: Questions were raised on G.7–G.9 regarding the reimbursement process (city pays upfront, may receive refund), G.10 about bidding practices (staff stated a long-standing relationship with the vendor), and G.14 about self-insurance savings (6–10% annually).

Key Outcomes

• Valerie LaCour Francois was honored for 13 years of service; no vote required.
• All 15 resolutions (G.1–G.15) and 3 ordinances (H.1–H.3) were approved by unanimous 7-0 votes.
• Executive Session (J.1): The council recessed at 7:40 PM to discuss a new City Manager Employment Agreement with Brooks Bennett under Texas Government Code §551.074.
• Action on Executive Session (K.1): Upon reconvening at 7:55 PM, the council voted unanimously (7-0) to authorize the Mayor to execute a new employment agreement with Brooks Bennett, substantially as discussed, subject to final approval by the city attorney.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:55 PM.