Round Rock City Council Packet Briefing – December 3, 2024

The Round Rock City Council held a packet briefing on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 7:30 AM to review and discuss agenda items scheduled for the December 5, 2024 City Council meeting. The session covered staff briefings on a range of financial, infrastructure, and community development items. No public comments were made, and no formal votes were taken; all items are intended for action at the subsequent council meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda included a set of routine approvals. Council agreed to leave the meeting minutes on the consent agenda despite their absence from the backup packet; the City Clerk will distribute the minutes before the December 5 meeting.

Discussion Items

• CDBG Annual Report (Caper): City Manager reported that the FY2024 CDBG allocation was $629,258. Of this, up to 20% may be used for administration, and up to 15% for social service nonprofits. The program served 1,115 Round Rock families through public services, completed minor home repairs for four residents, and replaced sidewalks in front of 84 houses in Chisholm Valley. A waiting list exists for home repairs; processing takes 4–6 months. The city plans to continue sidewalk replacements in Chisholm Valley in phases.
• Ruby Hotel (RRTX Lake Creek Hotel) MOU: The city discussed a non‑binding memorandum of understanding with the Ruby Hotel (adjacent to Brushy Creek). The MOU outlines: (1) the hotel’s purchase of 408 Fanon and sale of a portion of that land to the city for a trail bridge landing; (2) a city loan of ~$2 million at 1% over the overnight lending rate, with interest forgiven if repaid on time within four years; and (3) a Chapter 380 agreement providing a 75% rebate of hotel tax and property tax through 2029. The bridge crossing would connect the Heritage Trail to downtown via Lewis Street. Councilmember Flores asked about performance metrics from a 2018 agreement (employment numbers and continuous hotel operation), which were met; new metrics are to be determined. Neighborhood concerns about parking and noise were noted; the hotel has secured overflow parking and must follow the standard noise ordinance.
• Tyler Technologies Software Amendment (#4): Staff presented a three‑year extension of the software‑as‑a‑service agreement for the Munis ERP system. Total cost: $1,371,034, funded through the IT operating budget and the utility fund. The agreement is a continuation of services since 2012.
• Investment Policy Update (Annual Review): The city’s investment policy was reviewed. One proposed change adds the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund as an authorized deposit type. The policy remains more restrictive than state law, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and yield. The policy received recertification from the Government Treasurers Organization of Texas in June 2024.
• Quarterly Financial & Investment Report (Q4 FY2024): Key economic indicators: Round Rock unemployment remains low; consumer confidence is strong; the Consumer Price Index (PCE) moderated to 2.1% in September. Sales tax revenue ended the year 5.4% ahead of FY2023, but when excluding a one‑time $3.1 million Dell amended return, growth was essentially flat (0.9%). Property tax levied and collected: $81.9 million. Water revenues met budget despite a cooler summer and the end of a short‑term contract with Jonah. Hotel tax revenues continue to grow; Round Rock has 4,959 hotel rooms plus short‑term rentals (over 5,000 total) with occupancy rates above the Austin MSA. The debt on Dell Diamond was paid off as of December 1, 2024.
• Bowman Park Playground Replacement: A resolution authorizes a contract with Fine Abounds for $155,623 (CDBG‑funded) to replace a playground installed in 2009.
• Turf Tank Painters (Intelligent Marking USA): Staff proposed purchasing two turf‑painting machines for $112,250 to improve field‑painting efficiency at Old Settlers Park, allowing reallocation of manpower as park visitation grows (projected to reach 4 million visitors annually).
• Water Supply Study (CDM Smith): A professional services agreement for $343,000 to evaluate future water supply options, including Trinity aquifer wells (near the Westinghouse water treatment plant and eastward toward Circleville), Carrizo Wilcox water from the east, and maximizing treated effluent. The study will prioritize options for redundancy, resiliency, and reliability.
• Easement Purchase for BCRUA (142.5 FM 1431): Purchase of an easement on one property for $102,000 to allow PEC to extend overhead power to a new pump station. Round Rock’s share (28%) is $28,000; the remainder is paid by Cedar Park and Leander.
• Change Order #1 – Lone Star (Old Settlers/Chisholm Trail Turn Lanes): A change order for $101,929 to complete installation of right‑turn lanes at the intersection. The project is finished and improves traffic flow.
• School Speed Zones (Red Bud Elementary): An ordinance to designate 20 mph school speed zones on portions of Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, Rod Crew, and Sandy Koufax lanes during school activity times. Signs will be installed before students return from Christmas break. Initiated by resident concerns and school requests.
• Kenny Fort Boulevard Speed Zone Adjustment: Following the widening to a six‑lane arterial, a traffic survey found the appropriate speed limit is 50 mph for the entire segment from Old Settlers Boulevard to Forest Creek Drive. The ordinance amends the speed zone accordingly. A pending section (Segment 3, from near Gaddis to Forest Creek) will be surveyed after opening; initial speed will be unsigned, and enforcement will follow the survey. Council noted future park development may necessitate review.

Key Outcomes

• All briefing items will be placed on the December 5, 2024 City Council meeting agenda for formal consideration and action.
• Directions were given to staff to send consent agenda minutes before the next meeting and to provide additional graphics for the Ruby Hotel bridge landing at the December 5 meeting.
• The council acknowledged the upcoming recognition of Councilmember Lori and a brief recess during the December 5 meeting to allow for seating changes.