April 8, 2026 Packet Briefing – City Council Review of April 9 Agenda Items

This was a packet briefing session held at 7:30 AM on April 8, 2026, to discuss items on the agenda for the April 9, 2026 City Council meeting. Councilmembers present included Mayor Pro Tem Stevens, Lee, Flores, Fleming, Otega, and Montgomery. Mayor Morgan was absent. There was no citizen communication. The council reviewed the consent agenda, which raised no questions, and then proceeded to a series of resolutions (H1–H11) presented by staff. No votes were taken; the items are scheduled for action at the April 9 council meeting.

Consent Calendar

• No council members had questions on the consent agenda. It was acknowledged without further discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• H1 – Community Impact Advertising Services: Rick (staff) presented a five-year agreement for $375,000 to distribute program guides quarterly. Councilmember Fleming asked about cost increases; Rick noted the price increased but distribution was expanded and a digital copy now provides more information. Councilmember Montgomery inquired about frequency and digital newsletter inclusion. No opposition expressed.
• H2 – Atmos Energy Rate Increase Suspension: Kevin (staff) explained that Atmos filed a 42% increase to residential base charges (28% commercial, 31% industrial) under the GRIP statute, seeking $287 million system-wide. The city’s ability to change the rate is limited, but staff recommends suspending the effective date for 45 days (to June 5, 2026) to allow review by a coalition of 50 cities represented by Herrera Law. Councilmember Flores asked whether the delay has ever found errors; Kevin said past adjustments have occurred. He confirmed that if not suspended, rates would apply on the earlier date but coordinated suspension is typical.
• H3 – Texas Emergency Management Assistance Teams MOU: Fire department staff presented an MOU formalizing participation in TIFMAS, Task Force One, Incident Support Task Force, and Public Works Response. Reimbursement is 100% for state-activated deployments, including backfill and admin fees. Councilmember Fleming asked about team size (5 on task force, ~30 for wildland, all-hazard deployable by PAC test) and who decides deployment (staffing-based). Past deployments during COVID, hurricanes, and floods were cited. Out-of-state deployments also reimbursed.
• H4 – Emergency Operations Plan 2026–2031: Shree (staff) presented a new five-year plan aligning with national frameworks. It is scalable and assigns primary agencies for emergency support functions. The format is new; annexes for 15 ESFs will be developed over time. Councilmember Flores asked about revisions based on recent events; the plan is a complete overhaul. Councilmember Montgomery asked about public access; the basic plan will be on the website, but annexes with sensitive info will not. Staff noted they have pre-submitted to TDEM for review. Approval is needed for compliance with Texas Government Code.
• H5 – Emergency Water Services Interlocal Agreement with Austin: Michael (staff) described an interconnect near Amazon development that will allow Round Rock to receive water from Austin in emergencies (up to two weeks). The vault is being relocated by Amazon. The agreement is 10 years with daily and volumetric rates. Austin did not want a two-way interconnect. Councilmember Flores confirmed the previous meter was removed years ago and Amazon bears relocation cost.
• H6 – Water Service Area Transfer with Jonah Water SUD: Michael explained a 76-acre rectangle (Briggs tract) being transferred from Jonah to Round Rock’s service area. The area was originally in Georgetown’s ETJ and was released. Jonah agreed to release their CCN. Councilmember Montgomery asked about a small parcel omission; it’s likely an existing developed lot. Councilmember Flores asked about the Briggs project: ~200 acres, all single-family homes in an in-city MUD.
• H7 – Hester’s Crossing & CR 172 Water System Improvements: Michael described a water line from a higher pressure plane to maintain minimum 35 PSI (50 PSI goal) in a developing low-pressure area. Engineering contract for $266,000. No questions.
• H8 – Cottonwood Lift Station and Force Main Projects: Michael presented engineering for a lift station and force main in the far northeast ETJ to serve developing areas. The project is estimated to take about five years. Engineering contract for $289,000. Councilmember Ortega asked about timeline; Michael confirmed five years from start.
• H9 – 2026 Design and Construction Standards Update: Michael said the last water/wastewater update was 2017, stormwater 2010. An engineering firm (Friezen Nichols) will update all standards for $338,000. The update will be brought back as an ordinance. No questions.
• H10 – Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Interceptor Capacity Improvement: Michael described a 60-inch line that needs capacity increase and has defects. Engineering contract for $417,000 (Round Rock share $230,000, 53%). Two options: rehab existing and add parallel line, or build a single larger line. Michael personally favors parallel line for redundancy. Councilmember Flores asked about intent; the first task is pros/cons. Councilmember Ortega asked about impact on a trail along the creek; tunneling or open cut will be considered to minimize impact.
• H11 – Eminent Domain for Gaddis School Road Segments 4 & 5: Michael stated that the city agreed on $46,834 for 0.056 acre from a condominium association, but a stipulated condemnation suit is recommended to clear title. The project is on track for bid in summer 2027. No questions.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or formal actions were taken during the briefing; all listed resolutions (H1–H11) and consent items are scheduled for consideration at the April 9, 2026 City Council meeting.
• Staff provided information and answered council questions. No council members expressed opposition to any agenda item.
• For the Atmos rate increase (H2), staff recommended suspension, and the council appeared supportive.
• The Emergency Operations Plan (H4) is pending council approval for submission to TDEM.
• The design standards update (H9) will return as an ordinance after completion.
• The interceptor project (H10) will proceed with engineering to determine the preferred approach.
• Staff noted that the consent agenda and proclamations (child abuse awareness month, police department presentation) will also be on the April 9 agenda.