Round Rock City Council Meeting – January 23, 2025

The Round Rock City Council met on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation from the Public Works Department, adoption of the consent agenda, approval of resolutions for the May 3, 2025 general election and two Capital Improvements Plan Progress Semi-Annual Reports (roadway impact fees and water/wastewater), and council comments. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• F.1 – Approved minutes from the January 9, 2025, City Council meeting.
• F.2 – Approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an agreement with Ferguson Waterworks for the purchase of American Darling Hydrant Repair Parts.

Both items were approved by a single motion with no separate discussion. The vote was unanimous (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No citizen communication cards were submitted; no public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• E.1 – Public Works Department Update: Michael (Director of Public Works) presented a comprehensive update on the newly recombined Public Works Department (formed in August 2024 by merging previously separate utilities and transportation divisions). The department now has approximately 255 employees organized under four assistant directors covering utility infrastructure, utility operations, transportation infrastructure, and transportation operations. Key highlights included:

  • Completed projects: street name replacements with city logo and improved reflectivity, Round Rock Rides curb-to-curb transit, Flix bus service from the transit center, Kenny Fort Segments 2/3/4, Union Pacific Quiet Zone Phase 2, and a new traffic signal at University Boulevard and Solerano Estates.
  • Under construction: Wyoming Springs Parkway, Harold Parkway, Old Settlers Boulevard Extension, and several other arterial roadways.
  • Water utility achievements: 400 leaks identified via sonar detection, water loss rate of ~5% (state average ~18%), growing conservation rebate program, environmental lab processing 17,500 samples and generating $1.3 million in surcharge revenue from 475+ accounts.
  • Ongoing capital projects: $1.5 million invested in backup generators; 36-inch water line at Chandler Road; Sandbass 42-inch line for BCRUA water; deep water intake project at Lake Travis (including tunnel and pump station).
  • Wastewater: regional plant expansion, clarifier rehabilitation, tertiary filter construction.
  • Stormwater: drainage utility projects, creek cleanup (approx. $50,000/year), recycling center upgrades.
  • Awards: WaterSense Partner of the Year (EPA), American Waterworks Association awards for water loss and conservation.
  • A short video highlighted field workers.
  • Council members expressed strong support and appreciation for the department’s work, noting its visibility, efficiency, and regional leadership.

• G.1 – Resolution Calling General Election for May 3, 2025: Approved unanimously without discussion. (Motion by Mayor Pro-Tem Stevens, second by Councilmember Ly.)

• G.2 – Capital Improvements Plan Progress Semi-Annual Report – Roadway Impact Fees: Presented by Joe (staff). The report covered collections from April to September 2024 and since program inception in 2019. Total cumulative collections reached $13.2 million across four service areas (A, B, C, and new D created to comply with the 6-mile travel limit). About 50% of collected fees have been allocated to projects such as Wyoming Springs Parkway, Chisholm Trail Widening, University Boulevard (completed), Can Road 112, Kenny Fort Segments 5 & 6, US 79 (Palm Valley) partnership with TxDOT, Gattis School Road, Red Bud South, Green Lawn Boulevard, Old Settlers Extension, and Red Bud North. Councilmember Flores asked about the restriction that each service area’s fees can only be spent in that area (with a 10-year window) and about the US 79 project scope (I-35 to ~1,500 ft east of AW Grimes, grade separations at Mays and AW Grimes, six-lane divided section). Discussion also addressed developer offset agreements (none recently; fees have largely replaced such agreements). The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0).

• G.3 – Capital Improvements Plan Progress Semi-Annual Report – Water and Wastewater Impact Fees: Presented by Michael. The report showed continued growth (38,000+ water meters), stable water demand due to conservation (peak daily use not exceeding 36–38 MGD since 2011, compared to 42 MGD record), reuse system peak of 4 MGD, and permitting activity (648 single-family homes, 369 multi-family units in FY24). Total impact fee collections have averaged ~$8 million per year, slightly lower in 2024. Population estimate for end of 2024: 134,858 (close to projection). The report listed capacity-adding projects (eligible for impact fee funding) including the deep water intake ($77M) and the next wastewater plant expansion (cost increased from $99M to $109M). Comparison with neighboring cities showed Round Rock has the lowest monthly water/wastewater bill for 10,000 gallons use and the lowest combined impact fees ($7,833) versus Georgetown ($17,000) and Pflugerville ($16,000). The fee update is required every five years but the city updates every three years; next update anticipated in about three years. Discussion touched on the reuse purple pipe map and future expansions (e.g., along Kenny Fort, toward Dell, and crossing Hesters Crossing). The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Agenda (F.1, F.2) – unanimous.
• Approved Resolution G.1 – Calling the General Election for May 3, 2025 – unanimous.
• Approved Resolution G.2 – Roadway Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report – unanimous.
• Approved Resolution G.3 – Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report – unanimous.
• No other motions or directives were made.