Round Rock City Council Regular Meeting - November 6, 2025

The Round Rock City Council met on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers. All seven council members were present: Mayor Craig Morgan, Mayor Pro-Tem Kristin Stevens, and Councilmembers Michelle Ly, Rene Flores, Melissa Fleming, Frank Ortega, and Hilda Montgomery. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM and adjourned at 7:14 PM. Key agenda items included recognition of Local Legends, a Finance Department update, several construction and service contracts, and a zoning ordinance amendment.

Consent Calendar

• F.1 Approved the minutes from the October 23, 2025 City Council meeting.
• F.2 Authorized execution of an agreement with Fire-Dex GW, LLC (Gear Wash) for turnout gear cleaning services.
• F.3 Authorized execution of an agreement with Lambs Tire for automotive repair services.
• F.4 Authorized execution of an agreement with Austin Fleet Services, Inc. for automotive repair services.
• F.5 Authorized execution of an agreement with Camfil USA, Inc. for HVAC air filter replacements.
• F.6 Authorized execution of an agreement with D.I.J. Construction, Inc. for pavement marking and related products.
• F.7 Authorized execution of an agreement with IDEXX Distribution, Inc. for laboratory supplies and equipment.
• F.8 Authorized execution of an agreement with Big Events, Inc. for the rental of parade balloons. All consent items were approved unanimously by a single motion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carlos Balderas (representing LULAC Council No. 22365) expressed support for the Round Rock Area Service Center's holiday food drive. He stated that his council has placed food barrels at Gino's Restaurant, Rio Grande Tex Mex Restaurant, and Teodan's Puffy Tacos for the month of November. He noted that millions of Americans, including in Round Rock, are seeking ways to feed their families and urged donations.
• Tina Steiner (on behalf of the Round Rock Black History Organization) announced the 39th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative walk and celebration on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1 to 4 PM. She highlighted the program, including keynote speaker Dr. Anthony Watson (principal of Stony Point High School), musical performances, and community displays from Round Rock Police and Fire Departments. She encouraged all to attend.
• A pastor from Grace Church (name not stated) addressed the federal government shutdown, calling it a “disgrace.” He encouraged residents with Little Free Libraries to consider converting them to Little Free Pantries to support the community during the shutdown. He noted that Grace Church has transitioned its library to a 90% pantry and that the Little Free Library organization endorses the change. He suggested registering pantries at LittlefreePantry.org and donating to the Serving Center.

Discussion Items

E.2 – Local Legend Recognition

Richard Parsons, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, presented the 2025 Local Legends. The program, established in 1990, recognizes individuals or institutions that have had a lasting impact on Round Rock’s culture, development, and history. Out of 11 nominations, two were selected:

• Reverend Dr. A. W. Anthony Mays – Born in 1949 in Round Rock, he was the first African American student to attend the previously segregated Round Rock High School in 1964. He graduated in 1971 and became pastor of Sweet Home Baptist Church in 1970. He later earned a Master of Divinity in 2019 at age 69 and continues to serve at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Austin. Dr. Mays spoke, recalling his decision to walk through an open door and thanking the 1964 school board for establishing freedom of choice that began integration.
• Round Rock Independent School District (ISD) – Honored for its profound role in shaping the city. The district was established in 1913, the same year the city was reincorporated. It grew from a small rural district to 56 campuses serving more than 46,000 students. Dr. Hazel Nichols, RRISD representative, accepted the honor, noting that the district’s success in education draws families and businesses to Round Rock. Mayor Morgan noted that Round Rock ISD produced the highest number of National Merit Scholars in Texas this year and that 99 languages are spoken in the district. Councilmember Ortega emphasized the importance of remembering history, and Councilmember Flores thanked Dr. Mays for his courage in integrating the school.

E.1 – Finance Department Update

Kevin, Chief Financial Officer, presented an overview of the Finance Department’s activities. The department has 60 staff members. Key highlights:

• Vision & Mission: Maintain financial stability and provide leadership.
• New hires: Alex Wallace (senior admin assistant), Aaron Taylor (utility billing), April Rodriguez (payroll supervisor, 29 years experience), and more.
• Milestone anniversaries: Christine (30 years), Michelle (25 years), Sherry Crohn (20 years), Jonathan Lowe (15 years).
• Retirements: Judge Sandra Fitzpatrick (20 years as associate judge) and Susan LaFan (second retirement in January 2026).
• Division highlights:
  • Utility Billing: over 38,000 accounts, 26,000 inbound calls, 363,000 customer portal transactions. Won the Company Excellence Award for Innovation and Digital Engagement from the International Utility Customer Experience Conference.
  • Payroll: Issued 37,261 paychecks year-to-date.
  • CIP (Capital Improvement Projects): 137 active projects, added 357 assets valued at $120 million, spent $241 million on capital projects this year. Five-year CIP spending plan totals $1.1 billion.
  • Municipal Court: Handled 10,849 cases, issued 1,391 warrants, 357 hours on the bench.
  • Purchasing: Received the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement from the National Procurement Institute for the fourth consecutive year.
  • Budget: FY 2026 budget is $789.7 million.
  • Accounting: 65,000 bank transactions, 8 bank accounts, 13 investment accounts. Councilmembers commended Kevin for a smooth transition and praised the team's work.

G.1 – Old Settlers Buildout Project – Multipurpose Complex Expansion (Package 3D)

Approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) amendment with SpawGlass Constructors for $49,728,161. This package includes two championship fields (one synthetic, one natural grass), four synthetic practice fields, restrooms, concessions, parking for about 600 vehicles, and buildings A, B, and C with training rooms, public restrooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Construction to start mid-November 2025 with substantial completion by April 2027. The GMP came in under the 60% design estimate of $51 million. Unanimously approved.

G.2 – Old Settlers Buildout – Harrell Parkway (Package 3A.3)

Approved a GMP amendment with SpawGlass for $7,072,999 to replace the low-water crossing on Harrell Parkway over Channings Branch with an elevated bridge, plus pedestrian sidewalks. Construction begins January 2026, substantial completion December 2026. Unanimously approved.

G.3 – Equipment Maintenance Services with RDO Equipment Co.

Approved a $600,000, 60-month contract for parts and repair services for the city’s John Deere equipment. Unanimously approved.

G.4 – Gattis School Road Segment 6 Project

Approved a construction contract with Smith Contracting Co., Inc. for $20.4 million (with $9.1 million from TxDOT cost participation). The project extends Gattis School Road from near Westview/Rusk east to Red Bud, creating a six-lane divided roadway. Three traffic signals will be upgraded. Construction is expected to take two years, finishing fall 2027. The project was rebid after utilities were moved. Councilmember Fleming requested examination of a traffic signal at Lake Forest Drive, citing safety concerns; staff agreed to review warrants. Unanimously approved.

G.5 – Professional Consulting Services for Rate Study

Approved a $121,000 agreement with Raftelis Financial Consultants for a water and wastewater rate study covering FY 2027-29. The study will evaluate both retail and wholesale rates, with recommendations expected by May/June 2026. The current five-tier water rate structure is working well. Unanimously approved.

G.6 – Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority (BCRUA) Water Treatment Plant Expansion

Approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Webber Waterworks, LLC for the BCRUA Phase 2A Water Treatment Plant expansion. Total contract cost is $97.6 million; Round Rock’s share is $46.4 million. The low bidder was not chosen due to lack of experience with water treatment plant expansions. The project will increase Round Rock’s treatment capacity from 11.2 million gallons per day (MGD) to 21.8 MGD (an additional 10.6 MGD). Construction to be completed by summer 2028. Unanimously approved.

H.1 – Ordinance Approving Amendment No. 1 to PUD No. 81 (Reavis Rehab)

Held a public hearing (no speakers) and approved an ordinance to amend the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for a 3.03-acre tract located west of S. AW Grimes Blvd and north of Gattis School Road. The amendment allows a place of worship, dormitories, and recording/broadcasting studios, replacing the previous permission for a rehab facility. The property is currently used by David Hernandez Ministries, which focuses on streaming services worldwide. The base zoning district changed from office (OF) to PF3 (public facility). The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. The ordinance passed on first reading, and the second reading was dispensed with by unanimous vote.

Key Outcomes

• All eight consent agenda items (F.1–F.8) were approved unanimously.
• The 2025 Local Legends (Rev. Dr. A.W. Anthony Mays and Round Rock ISD) were officially recognized.
• Resolution G.1 (Old Settlers Buildout Package 3D) approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.2 (Harrell Parkway bridge) approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.3 (RDO Equipment maintenance contract) approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.4 (Gattis School Road Segment 6 contract) approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.5 (Rate study with Raftelis) approved unanimously.
• Resolution G.6 (BCRUA water treatment expansion) approved unanimously.
• Ordinance H.1 (PUD Amendment) approved on first reading and second reading dispensed with, all votes unanimous.
• Staff will examine traffic signal warrants at Lake Forest Drive per Councilmember Fleming’s request.