City Council Packet Briefing - August 11, 2026

The Round Rock City Council held a packet briefing on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 7:30 AM in the City Council Chambers. The briefing was to discuss items on the agenda for the regular City Council meeting scheduled for August 13, 2026. Mayor Craig Morgan was absent; Mayor Pro-Tem Hilda Montgomery chaired the meeting. All council members were present. The meeting included citizen communication, discussion of staff briefings on resolutions, ordinances, and appointments, but no formal votes were taken.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mitchell Schneider (address: 2 Brenda Lane, Round Rock, Texas 78665) spoke during citizen communication. He gave a rambling, philosophical talk about character and a story about Archimedes and the concept of density. He did not address a specific agenda item but expressed appreciation for city staff.

Discussion Items

• Consent Agenda: The council briefly acknowledged the consent agenda with no questions or comments.
• H1 - Quarterly Financial Investment Report: Kevin presented a resolution accepting the city's quarterly financial investment report with actuals through June 30, 2026. No questions.
• H2 - Maximum Property Tax Rate: Kevin presented a resolution setting the maximum proposed property tax rate for tax year 2026 at 42.3 cents per $100 valuation. This rate exceeds the no-new-revenue rate of 38.5265 cents. The increase is intended to fund additional public safety staff and debt service on voter-approved bonds. The public hearing and tax rate adoption dates are set. No questions.
• H3 - Arterial Street Maintenance Change Order: Michael presented a quantity adjustment change order (No. 1) with Texas Materials Group Inc. for the 2025 Arterial Street Maintenance Program, totaling $315,000. The overall contract exceeds $3 million. Work is nearly complete, including repaving a road to a reuse elevated storage tank. No questions.
• H4 - Old Settlers Boulevard Extension Change Order: Michael presented a change order (No. 6) with Patton Construction LLC for the Old Settlers Boulevard Extension project. The change order is a credit of $321,000 due to savings from reseeding and erosion control. The project is nearly complete, extending from Red Bud to County Road 110. Councilmember Flores asked about the opening status; Michael clarified the road is not fully open but will be after traffic is flipped and a signal installed.
• H5 - Chisholm Trail South Improvements Change Order: Michael presented a change order (No. 1) with Cash Construction Company Inc. for the Chisholm Trail South Improvements Old Town Project, adding $36,000 for nine antique lights. The project is expected to be finished by the end of October. Councilmember Fleming asked about two-way traffic; Michael confirmed it will be open in both directions.
• H6 - Eagles Nest Street Phase One Contract: Michael presented a resolution to award a contract to J.L. Gray Construction for $3.5 million (engineering estimate was $5.5 million). The project extends Eagles Nest Street from Cypress to Mays Street, four lanes. Phase Two (west to Chisholm Trail) is several years away and under negotiation with TxDOT regarding I-35. Councilmember Ortega discussed future phases. The county is participating in costs for Phase One.
• H7 & H8 - Brushy Creek MUD and Fern Bluff MUD Wastewater Budgets: Michael presented resolutions approving the revised FY2027 budgets for the regional wastewater system. Brushy Creek MUD pays about $90,000/month (5.61% ownership). Fern Bluff MUD pays about $29,000/month (1.67% ownership). No questions.
• H9 - BCRUA Annual Budget: Michael presented the Brushy Creek Regional Utility Authority FY2026-27 budget. Round Rock's share is $11.9 million ($2.6 million operating, rest debt service). BCRUA board approved June 24. No questions.
• H10 - BRWS East Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Contract: Michael presented a supplemental contract (No. 4) with Plumber Associates Inc. for $1.4 million (Round Rock's share: $171,000, 12%). The project is three years late; the contract covers inspection services through August/September. No questions.
• I1 - Open House Sign Ordinance Amendment: Sarah presented a text amendment to allow open house signs to be placed from 6 a.m. instead of noon on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. Staff also supports adding Friday hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. based on feedback. Councilmember Stevens asked about weekdays; staff noted only Friday was requested. Councilmember Ortega asked about the sticker permit system ($5 per sticker, annual), and code enforcement picks up about 6,000 bandit signs annually. The amendment passed P&Z unanimously.
• I2 - PUD Amendment for Volgar Pruitt Tract: Brad presented a major amendment to PUD No. 32 to incorporate 0.99 acres (currently SF2) to allow a black box theater for private schools and homeschool groups. The property is south of Round Rock Avenue and west of Chisholm Trail. Proposed uses include performing arts theater, art studios, offices (not medical), private school, and place of worship. Setbacks reduced to 10 feet, height 40 feet for theater, one story for other uses. P&Z unanimously recommended approval. No public speakers.
• I3 - Accessory Building Setback Clarification: Brad presented an amendment to clarify that accessory buildings in SF1, SF2, SF3 districts must have a five-foot setback from side street yard on corner lots. This codifies existing enforcement after a ZBA appeal. The amendment also fixes cross-references from previous code changes. P&Z unanimously recommended approval.
• I4 & I5 - Multifamily Policy Amendments: Brad presented a comprehensive update to the multifamily zoning policy, including changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code. Key changes: removing the 20% multifamily housing stock cap, eliminating separation requirements for MF2, creating a new MF2 (Medium Density Urban) district allowing up to five stories, requiring 35% garage parking (reducible to 25% with higher design standards), requiring buildings to be within 25 feet of the street (build-to line), and allowing Juliet balconies near single-family. The goal is to encourage more multifamily development that meets current market conditions while maintaining quality design. P&Z unanimously recommended approval. Councilmembers asked about design standards, parking, and opportunities. Brad noted that the MF2 district will produce buildings similar to recent MF3 projects (e.g., The Warner, The Palmer) but without structured parking.
• Appointments: The appointments committee has a slate for the Transportation and Economic Development Corporation, Planning and Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustments, Building Standards, and Ethics Review Commission. The slate will be presented for a vote on Thursday. Also, the council confirmed the reappointment of Chuck Sanders to the Civil Service Commission for a term through 2029 (J2). No questions.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; all items are scheduled for action at the August 13, 2026 City Council meeting. The council provided direction and asked clarifying questions on several items. The appointments slate will be voted on Thursday. The council also noted that an executive session is scheduled for Thursday.