Round Rock City Council Meeting – April 9, 2026

The City Council of Round Rock, Texas, met on April 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting included proclamations, life‑saving awards, public comments on proposed ballot propositions, and unanimous approval of numerous resolutions and the consent agenda. The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Proclamations and Presentations

• Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month (April 2026) – A proclamation was read by Councilmember Ly. The Williamson County Children’s Advocacy Center (WCCAC) provided 2025 statistics: 968 forensic interviews (50% sexual abuse, 23% physical abuse, 19% neglect), 385 medical exams, 621 families supported through advocacy, 158 individuals receiving drama therapy, 23,526 community members educated, and 2,085 volunteer hours contributed by over 700 volunteers.
• Life Saving Awards – Lieutenant Angelo Marmarinos of the Round Rock Police Department recognized seven individuals who on April 3, 2025, lifted a vehicle off a 22‑year‑old woman (Ariana) who was trapped beneath it, saving her life. Award recipients: Carla Flores, Chastin Matta, Theodore Whitless, Chet Vronka, Elsa Vronka, Jordan Lupina, and City Manager Brooks Bennett.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Oldham (20‑year resident, former fire chief officer) – Urged support for Proposition B, arguing that the city dispatches twice the standard number of apparatus to house fires to compensate for low staffing, and that the ISO 1 rating is misleading because Texas awards “special brownie points.” He stated the voter petition should be heeded.
• Peter Orr (31‑year resident) – Opposed civil asset forfeiture (Agenda Item G.2), calling it a “bad look” and a denial of due process.
• Giselle Schaefer (resident since 1991, former civil service commissioner) – Asked citizens to vote “No” on Prop B. She stated she fully supports firefighter staffing standards but objected to adding them to the city charter, preferring a resolution or memorandum of understanding. She expressed concern about language waiving sovereign immunity and encumbering future councils.
• Jack Childs (speaker did not provide address, citing doxxing) – Supported Proposition B and opposed Proposition A (electronic billboards), calling Prop A dangerous and a potential sponsorship deal for firefighters.

Presentations (Agenda Items E.1 and E.2)

• Billy Colburn (Battalion Chief, 31‑year veteran, former president of Round Rock Firefighter Association) – Presented a history of staffing studies (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015) that consistently recommended four‑person crews, additional stations, and a strategic plan, most of which remain unfulfilled. He stated that minimal daily staffing has only increased from 38 to 40 firefighters in 16 years while call volume tripled. He urged a yes vote on Prop B.
• Michael Glenn (IAFF 11th District Vice President) – Presented a GIS study analyzing Round Rock’s response capabilities against NFPA 1710 standards. Key findings: current staffing covers only 19% of the road network for “two‑in/two‑out” compliance; even with the department’s proposed staffing, coverage would only reach 23%; with four‑person crews (NFPA standard) it would jump to 52%. For low‑hazard structure fires, only 10% of the city meets the standard; with four‑person crews, 53% would. For medium‑hazard and high‑rise incidents, current coverage is 0%. He also criticized the purchase of a “squad” apparatus that does not meet NFPA 1901 engine standards.

Consent Agenda

• Approved unanimously (8‑0) by roll call vote.
  • G.1: Minutes of March 26, 2026.
  • G.2: Equitable Sharing Agreement for federal asset forfeiture awards.
  • G.3: Rental agreement with Sunbelt Rentals, Inc.

Discussion Items (Resolutions)

• H.1 – Advertising Services with Community Impact – Authorized a five‑year, $375,000 contract for distributing the city program guide (40,000 copies summer, 35,000 other seasons). Approved unanimously.
• H.2 – Suspension of Atmos Energy Rate Increase – Suspended for 45 days a proposed 42% residential/28% commercial/31% industrial base rate increase filed under the GRIP statute. Staff noted the city’s limited ability to modify rates and membership in a coalition of 50 cities (Atmos Texas Municipalities). Approved unanimously.
• H.3 – MOU with Texas Division of Emergency Management – Allows the city to deploy personnel and equipment to state emergency management teams, with cost reimbursement. Councilmember Fleming questioned the timing given firefighter staffing concerns; Chief White confirmed minimum staffing levels are met and deployment is voluntary. Approved unanimously.
• H.4 – City of Round Rock Emergency Operations Plan 2026‑2031 – Five‑year plan aligned with national frameworks, scalable for all hazards. Approved unanimously.
• H.5 – Emergency Water Service Interlocal Agreement with City of Austin – 10‑year agreement for an emergency interconnect near State Highway 45 and CR 172, allowing Round Rock to purchase water from Austin during emergencies. Staff noted Austin will control the vault and the interconnect has never been used. Approved unanimously.
• H.6 – Water Service Area Transfer with Jonah Water Special Utility District – Transfers about 76 acres (Briggs Tract) into Round Rock’s service area, requiring PUC approval. Approved unanimously.
• H.7 – Engineering Contract for Hesters Crossing and CR 172 Water System Improvements – $266,000 contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for design of a water line and pressure‑reducing valve to maintain 50 PSI in a developing area. Approved unanimously.
• H.8 – Engineering Contract for Cottonwood Lift Station and Force Main Project – $289,000 preliminary engineering contract with BGE, Inc. for a wastewater lift station in northeast ETJ. Staff noted coordination with Hutto and a five‑year timeline. Approved unanimously.
• H.9 – Engineering Contract for 2026 Design and Construction Standards Update – $338,000 contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. to update water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater standards (stormwater last updated in 2010). Approved unanimously.
• H.10 – Engineering Contract for BCRWWS Interceptor Capacity Improvement Project – $417,000 (Round Rock share $230,000 at 53.3%) with Walker Partners, LLC to study parallel pipe and rehabilitation of a 60‑inch regional wastewater interceptor serving four cities. Approved unanimously.
• H.11 – Eminent Domain for Gattis School Road Segments 4 and 5 – Authorized acquisition of 0.056 acre from Gattis Office Condominium Association for $46,000, needed for roadway improvements. Staff noted the condemnation is procedural as the association must allocate proceeds among members. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All consent agenda items and resolutions (H.1–H.11) were approved on unanimous 8‑0 votes.
• The city invited citizens to visit the city website for information on Proposition B (firefighter staffing) and Proposition A (electronic billboards) ahead of the May 2, 2026 election.
• No executive session was held.

Council Comments

• Several council members offered brief closing remarks, and Councilmember Ly wished a happy birthday to a family member.