Round Rock City Council Meeting - September 24, 2026

The Round Rock City Council convened on the evening of September 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM, with all seven members (Mayor Morgan, Mayor Pro Tem Montgomery, Councilmembers Lee, Flores, Fleming, Ortega, and Stevens) present. The meeting included three ceremonial proclamations, approval of routine consent items, discussion and unanimous approval of a refuse collection rate increase, and the granting of a site-wide variance for alcohol sales within The District development.

Proclamations, Staff Recognition and Special Presentations

• Crisis Response Unit and Co-Responder Week: The Council unanimously proclaimed the week of September 27th through October 3rd, 2026, as Crisis Response Unit and Co-Responder Week. Annie Burwell, Program Manager of the Round Rock Fire Department Crisis Response Unit (CRU), accepted the proclamation. She expressed gratitude for the Council's five-year investment in the program and reported that the CRU handles over 150 emergent calls per month. She also noted the program co-hosted the National Co-Responder Conference in Dallas, bringing together 1,300 attendees. Councilmembers expressed strong support and gratitude for the program's impact on the community.
• Library Card Sign-Up Month: The Council proclaimed September 2026 as Library Card Sign-Up Month. A library representative accepted the proclamation and reported that 793 new members had signed up for library cards in September.
• Hispanic Heritage Month: The Council proclaimed September 15th through October 15th, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month. Carlos Valderris, President of Lulac Council 22365, accepted the proclamation and emphasized the importance of unity, inclusion, and honoring the contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Discussion Items

• G1: Old Settlers Build Out Project Change Order: The Council approved Change Order No. 1 with Spaw Glass Constructors Inc. for the Lakeview project at a cost of $92,486. The change order covers modifications to electrical pedestals at Yonders Point and revisions for ADA clearances on the pavilion ramp. City staff confirmed the cost is covered by the project’s reserve contingency. (Approved 7-0)
• G2: Refuse Collection Rate Amendment: City staff presented the annual rate adjustment by Republic Services based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 3.86%. The proposed monthly residential rate would increase from $24.69 to $25.51. The presentation included an overview of solid waste programs: the new annual on-demand bulk pickup system (3,156 homes utilized it so far), household hazardous waste disposal, shredding events (raising $48,000 and 30,000 lbs of pet food for the Williamson County Animal Shelter), and improvements to the downtown dumpster district. Staff also noted Republic Services' $250,000 donation to the All-Abilities Park. (Approved 7-0)
• H1: Garbage Rates Ordinance (First Reading): The Council conducted the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 32 of the City Code to implement the new garbage rates. A second reading is required for final approval. (Approved 7-0)
• I1: Variance Request for The District Development: Bob Boone, representing Mark Ford Capital, requested a site-wide variance from Chapter 4, Section 4-2 of the City Code, which prohibits alcohol sales within 300 feet of a public school. Boone argued that the restriction impacts roughly 17 acres (25%) of The District development and that a site-wide variance is necessary to attract tenants and lenders, maximize land value, and secure the city's return on its investment. The Council granted the site-wide variance. (Approved 7-0)

Key Outcomes

• Three proclamations were issued recognizing the Crisis Response Unit, Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
• The consent agenda (approval of September 10 meeting minutes and an agreement for first aid and emergency medical supplies) was approved unanimously.
• A $92,486 change order for the Old Settlers Build Out project was approved.
• A 3.86% rate increase for residential and commercial refuse collection services by Republic Services was approved.
• The first reading of the corresponding garbage rate ordinance was passed (a second reading is scheduled for the next meeting).
• A site-wide variance to the alcohol sales proximity restriction was granted for The District development.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:43 PM.