Round Rock City Council Packet Briefing - February 11, 2025

The Round Rock City Council met on February 11, 2025, at 7:30 AM in the City Council Chambers for a packet briefing to discuss agenda items for the February 13, 2025, City Council meeting. Mayor Craig Morgan presided, and all council members were present. No members of the public spoke during Citizen Communication.

Consent Calendar

• G1 – Equitable Sharing Agreement Certification: Police Chief explained the annual federal agreement for asset forfeiture funds, which are awarded when Round Rock PD initiates a case. Funds are used for department equipment. Councilmember Flores asked whether funds must originate from within city limits; the Chief clarified that the case must originate from Round Rock, even if it extends outside city limits.

• G2 – Quarterly Financial Report: Finance Director Kevin presented the Q1 quarterly financial report. Councilmember Flores noted a 9.9% decrease in sales tax and asked about concerns; Kevin said he would address it on Thursday. Mayor Pro Tem Stevens asked about the hotel occupancy and venue tax, also down.

• G3 – Certificates of Obligation: Resolution authorizing publication of notice of intent to issue $20 million in 2025 COs for transportation capital projects. Debt service will be paid by the Round Rock Transportation Economic Development Corporation. The delegation ordinance will come back on April 24, 2025.

• G4-G6 – Election Agreements: Staff clarified that Travis County splits agreements into election services and joint election, while Williamson County combines them into one agreement. Councilmember Flores asked about the difference.

• G7 – Boom Lift Purchase: Resolution authorizing purchase of a boom lift for $146,000 for citywide use, including Parks and Recreation. The lift reaches 67 feet. Staff noted the city has rented this equipment extensively; this purchase will reduce rental costs.

• G8 – Recreation Center Earthwork: Guaranteed price amendment for the construction manager at risk for the recreation center earthwork package, in the amount of $5,287,000. This keeps the OSP project on schedule.

• G9 – Rate Litigation Consultant Contract: Supplemental agreement with RAF Tellus for $156,000, of which $56,000 is for services already rendered and $100,000 for potential exceptions/appeals. Staff reported the wholesale rate case is nearing conclusion, with administrative law judges ruling rates just and reasonable. Councilmember Montgomery asked about exceptions; staff said future rate increases won't require PUC approval, but MUDs can still challenge rates.

• G10 – Street Light Maintenance Agreement: Five-year, $1 million contract with AIR Telecommunications for maintenance of city-owned street lights. The city owns about 1,700 of the 9,000 lights, and new lights are being added. Councilmember Flores asked about the determination of city-owned vs. Encore lights; staff said all new lights are city-owned.

• G11 – Bridge Inspection Contract: Supplemental contract with Half and Associates for $219,814 to add an inspector with bridge expertise for the Wyoming Springs project, specifically for a large bridge over Brushy Creek.

• G12 – North Mays Street Property Purchase: Real estate contract with Fogbreak for a 15-foot wide, 0.323-acre strip for $835,000. Staff explained the high cost is due to a long-term property lease; purchasing the strip cancels a portion of the lease. Councilmember Flores asked for a map and clarification; staff said the strip is needed for a lane and sidewalk improvements.

• G13 – Chisholm Trail South Project: Resolution determining Cash Construction provides best value for the project, even though their bid is ~$86,000 higher than the low bidder (Texas Roads). The competitive sealed proposal allowed evaluation of scheduling, which is critical for the Old Town project. Construction will pause in November and December for the holidays to support businesses. Councilmember Flores asked about the end result; staff described new pavement, stamped concrete, sidewalks, antique street lights, and ADA improvements.

• G14 – University Boulevard Water Line: Quantity adjustment change order with CC Carlton, resulting in a net change of $5,600 after a $156,000 credit. The project is funded by $14 million in ARPA money from Williamson County, shared with Georgetown. Councilmember Flores asked about the funds; staff confirmed they have already been received.

Public Comments & Testimony

No public comments were made during the Citizen Communication portion.

Discussion Items

• H1 – PUD 129 Amendment (The District): Staff presented a major PUD amendment for The District, located behind the Target shopping center. Changes include relocating the main street designation, creating a new private "livable street" with pedestrian-focused design, and allowing a seven-story multifamily building with ground-floor retail due to changing market conditions. The P&Z commission recommended approval unanimously. Councilmember Flores asked about the number of units (over 300) and the 10% administrative change allowance; staff clarified.

• H2 – Landscaping and Water Conservation Ordinance Amendments: Staff presented proposed amendments to landscaping, irrigation, and screening requirements to promote water conservation. Key changes include prohibiting turf grass in narrow planting strips, increasing improved soil depth from 4 to 6 inches, limiting turf grass to 50% of pervious areas (or allowing unlimited turf if using native buffalo grass), and requiring shrubs to be at least 2 feet tall at installation. These apply to new development only. Council members asked clarifying questions about implementation.

Key Outcomes

• This was a briefing session; no formal votes were taken.
• Staff will provide additional details on Thursday, February 13, including a presentation on the sales tax decrease, the number of units in The District, and visuals for the Chisholm Trail South project.
• The council will consider all items on the regular agenda for the February 13, 2025 meeting.