City Council - Packet - Regular Meeting

Good evening. Tonight's invocation will be given by pastor Kaoli of Graceway Church. Pastor? Thank you for coming.

Let us pray. Our father, we thank you. We wanna appreciate you for your love of our lives. Thank you for your goodness that you have shown to us in diverse ways. Lord, we celebrate your faithfulness, oh God, over this city. Thank you, oh God, for keeping and guiding us. Lord, thank you, oh God, for in you we live, we move, and we have our being. Lord, we thank you for the leadership of this city. Thank you for the wisdom, the Lord you have given to them, oh God, so far in leading this city. Lord, we return all the glory unto you.

Dear Lord, we commit, oh God, this mirroring into your hands, oh God. We ask, Lord, wisdom. We ask for understanding. We ask for insight. We ask that your spirit will guide all deliberation. The Lord will lead to this city, oh, God, to a greater height, a greater peace and tranquility. Thank you, our dear Lord. We give you all the praise. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you, pastor. Thank you for being here. I'll call the 05:30 council meeting to order, and please call the row.

Mayor Morgan?

Here.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens? Here. Council member Lee? Here. Council member Flores?

Here.

Council member Fleming.

Here.

Council member Ortega. Here. Council member Montgomery.

Here.

Alright. We're gonna before we go into e session, we're gonna stand and do the pledges. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to be in Texas, one state under god, one indivisible. Alright.

We're going to break into executive session. I'll read the executive session item. Consider executive session as authorized by section five five one point zero seven one government code related to consultation with attorney regarding pending litigation to Whitfield Construction Company Inc. Versus City of Round Rock, cause number 26Dash1071DashC480. We will recess, at 05:32.

Alright. We'll recess in the out of executive session at 06:03, and we'll get to our agenda. We'll do citizen communication after this. So we want to do f one proclamation staff recognition and special presentations. F one, consider proclaiming 05/14/2026 as Round Rock High School girls soccer team day in the city of Round Rock. Councilmember Flanagan. And, coach, you can come on up and stand right there, and she'll read the proclamation. We'll let you say a few words, and we'll probably have a few words to say to the ladies.

Awesome. Do you want them to the ball?

If they wanna come on up, they can.

Whereas the city of Round Rock takes immense pride in the achievements of its young student athletes who demonstrate dedication, discipline, the pursuit of excellence, and whereas the Round Rock High School Lady Dragons soccer team has completed an extraordinary season characterized by tireless hard work and an unwavering commitment to their sport. And whereas through their collective effort and perseverance, the Lady Dragons captured the twenty twenty six UIL class six a state championship, bringing honor and distinction to Round Rock High School and the entire Round Rock community. Under the leadership of head coach Chad Aldrich and assistant coach Chris Sato and the dedicated coaching staff, these student athletes have exemplified the highest standards of sportsmanship, teamwork, and integrity. And whereas these young women serve as powerful role models for future generations of athletes in Round Rock, proving that through unity and determination, great heights can be reached. The city of Round Rock recognizes the vital support of district leaders, principal Gordon Butler, and the teachers and staff at Round Rock High School, and the family, students, and Dragon Nation fans whose encouragement was instrumental in the team's success.

Now, therefore, I, Craig Morgan, mayor of the city of Round Rock, Texas, do hereby proclaim 05/14/2026 as Round Rock High School Lady Dragons Day. In the the city of Round Rock and in the city of Round Rock, and I encourage all citizens to join me in congratulating these champions on their historic season and their remarkable contributions to our city's spirit and pride.

Alright, coach.

Alright. Well, first and foremost, I do appreciate y'all recognizing the girls soccer team and all their hard work and what they brought to this city and the community. It started a lot a long time ago, not just this season, but years worth of work put in by their families and their dedication. I could talk soccer all day, but what I wanted to present and to kinda say to y'all that the city of Round Rock could be super proud not just of the victories and the state championship and the honor they brought, but these young ladies are truly role models and future leaders that are currently inside their classroom and off the field and on the field and what they're ready to do inside the community. And I'm excited in front of y'all to say that you're gonna have a bunch of future awesome ladies leading our city for years to come.

Thank you, coach. Anybody have y'all stay right there. Mayor pro tem?

Yes. As a former Round Rock High School Dragon myself, class of '94, I just wanna say congratulations. That's one thing. I mean, Round Rock High School is a huge, huge campus. Right? So not only did you make the soccer team of a very, very huge campus, you're the best in the state. So, way to represent your community, way to represent your school, and I am just so, so, so proud of y'all, and I know bigger and better even more bigger and better things are to come. So, congratulations.

Anybody else over there? Councilmember Montgomery.

I just wanna say congratulations to each and every one of you. Enjoy your victory. This is a special time for you, so congrats, and I'm very proud

of you.

Thank you.

Johnson member Ortega. Yes. You're you're you're the ones who are going to become our future leaders, not just in sports, but in every field that you pursue. So we are proud to have you in our city and shine and shine and shine. Do not forget. Congratulations.

Thank you. You. Councilwoman Fleming.

Congratulations again. My youngest just started soccer, and she loves this board, and I see what all is put into it. Pretty amazing that y'all won state. I think that's the first time, what, since 1984? Anyone in Round Rock High School or 'eighty seven?

'97. 90 Baseball.

But I think that's pretty incredible because it's the women representing and y'all did a fabulous job. So congratulations and definitely stand proud.

Councilmember Flores, congratulations, first of all, all the hard work that you put into the season, not just at the game, but, you know, starting practice or whenever whenever the season started. But what you're too young to realize at the moment is that you'll carry these memories with you throughout your life, and so they're good building blocks to say how you can build upon that success in your personal life, in your career, with your families, and so just don't forget that. You did the work and you saw the success of it. So that'll sustain you and the memories may fade a little bit, but you'll always remember that group, the team that you're on and the work that you did. So congrats to you all.

Thank you. Councilmember Lee.

And I also am a Dragon class of '99. I'm so proud of y'all. We represent the whole city now, so, you know, we have to root for the other high schools too. But there is a special place in my heart every time I see the Dragons do well, and you guys should be so proud of yourselves. So we are proud of you. Thank you for representing Round Rock. Back in our day, Round Rock High School was the only Round Rock High School. The other two were in Austin, so we didn't really count them. So congratulations to y'all. We are very proud of you. Thank you.

So I'm not a dragon, but I did wear just want y'all to know, right? Did y'all I wanted to recognize the school board members that are here, doctor Aziz, miss Feller, miss Markham, Fabian. Thank you all for being here. You know, don't know that there's how many seniors do we have? 15. 15. Well, let me first, I'll say congratulations and good luck to y'all in y'all's next endeavor. But as it's been set up here, you know, this is something that no one can ever take away from you. You're a state champion. Remember that.

And and again, as it's been mentioned, there's a lot more to life that you'll deal with, but this is stuff that will give you a foundation like none other moving forward because you you know what hard work does. And when you do hard work, it pays off. And that's the same way in the real world. It it it pays off. And so we're all so proud of you. And thank you all for taking time to come out and letting us recognize you all. And I wish you all nothing, but the best and go dragons. Appreciate it. Thank you. Alright. Thank you. Y'all can be dismissed if you're get told that at school.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

Thank you

all so much. Thank you all.

Alright. F two, consider proclaiming May 2026 as motorcycle safety awareness and awareness month in the city of Round Rock. Y'all wanna come up and stand and I'll read and then let you say a few words. Whereas motorcyclists are relatively unprotected and therefore more prone to injury or death in a crash than other vehicle drivers, and whereas all those who put themselves behind the wheel are responsible for being aware of motorcyclists regarding them with the same respect as any other vehicle traveling our highways, and whereas it is the responsibility of riders and motorists alike to obey all traffic laws and safety rules, and whereas motorcycle safety awareness campaigns help inform both riders and motorists about motorcycle safety issues in an effort to reduce motorcycle related injuries and fatalities. Now, therefore, I, Craig Morgan, and the rest of city the council do hereby proclaim May 2026 as motorcycle safety and awareness month in the city of Round Rock, Texas, and I encourage all citizens of Round Rock to do their part to increase safety and awareness in our community for motorcycle riders and motorists and to give each other the mutual respect they deserve.

Proclaim this May 2026, Craig Morgan, mayor of Round Rock.

Thank you, Mary Craig Morgan. Somehow, like, having surgery and wrecking motorcycles is less scary than public speaking, so we'll get through this together. Thank you, the city of Austin as well, for having us here today. As you may know, we're here as part of the ongoing effort to designate the month of May as motorcycle safety awareness month. We recognize May because it typically marks the beginning of riding season with warmer weather and longer days bringing more motorcycles onto our roads.

Unfortunately, that also means greater potential for traffic incidents, and riders come from all part of our lives and our communities. We're your mothers and your daughters, sisters, educators, therapists, and coaches. We're all here today to help raise awareness for both riders and non riders alike. Safety is a shared responsibility, and we all play a part in making our roads safer. As our cities and communities continue to grow, so does the diversity of driving drivers sharing the road each day.

Thankfully, Round Rock has only seen one photo fatal motorcycle accident this year, but I think we can all agree that's one too many. Statistics show that more than thirty percent of motorcycle fatalities occur at intersections. That's why look twice, save a life is more than just a slogan. It's a simple reminder that can truly save lives. A couple of safety points you can take home with you today and share are, one, motorcyclists often ride in groups.

As they say, there's safety in numbers, so please do not split up groups. And two, if you're waiting at a light or a stop sign to make a turn left or right and you see a motorcycle and you're not sure how close they are or how fast they're coming, just wait because two to five seconds can save a life. It's our hope that each of you will leave here with greater appreciation for just how important this is for everyone on the road. Please mention to your family, friends, everyone. Thanks again for the opportunity to be here and for recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Thank you all. Alright. Thank you all. Thank you.

Thank you, Menio. Thank you, Kelly.

You're welcome.

So much. We really appreciate it.

We appreciate y'all. Alright. F three, conservative proclaiming June 26 as pride month in the city of Round Rock. I'll read the proclamation. Richard, y'all's group, come on up.

Whereas the city of Round Rock accepts and welcomes people of diverse backgrounds and believes a diverse population leads to a vibrant community, and whereas Round Rock Pride was founded to celebrate the diversity in our community and provide a place for all to gather in safety, acceptance, and love, and whereas we believe our diversity makes us stronger and that by sharing our talents, ideas, and dreams, we all become better people, And whereas the fourth annual Round Rock Pride Festival will take place on 06/07/2026 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Round Rock. Now therefore I, Craig Morgan, the rest of city council Round Rock, Texas, do hereby proclaim June 26 as Pride Month in the city of Round Rock and encourage all citizens of Round Rock to celebrate Pride Month for the rest of the month of June proclaim this May 2026.

Go ahead, Richard. Thank you, mayor and council. My name is Richard Parson. I am the founder of Round Rock Pride, and I have with me Ben Hilliard, who is the president of the board of directors for Round Rock Pride. You'll be seeing and hearing a lot from him in the future.

He's a wonderful leader. I wanna take this minute to say a very personal thank you. We're here because you allow us to be here. I mean that because we know of other pride organizations who have been denied this very special honor. So we don't take it lightly.

We appreciate it. We love each of you very much for what you do for our city, and especially one of the first persons I spoke with five I guess it's six years ago now, as I was planning this was my mayor. And he said, Richard, you got my support. I didn't realize how emotional it would be, but I know what's happening in our country. I know what's happening in our community.

I know what's happening, period. And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We had 6,000 people last year, so we're doing a great thing. And I thank you so much for all you do. Alright. Thank you, Richard.

Hey, Richard.

Okay. And then I'll bring her.

Marcel. Alright. Thank you all.

Thank you all. Thank you.

Alright. This is y'all's chance to escape, everybody.

All right.

G two.

Chad Fest.

Consider presentation appreciation of Chad McDowell, director of general services for fourteen years of service to the city of Round Rock. Alright. So I guess we got things we're gonna do in order here. Alright. So, I think it says Corey. So come on up.

I guess I

said the whole time. I don't know

if you would stand by it.

I don't I don't care what you do. You do what you wanna do.

Gonna work with you. I've never been here before.

Good evening, mayor and council. Corey Amedon, director of general services. I don't have to listen to this man anymore, so Jamie. No. No. Seriously. General services, we we threw a little going away party for Chad last Friday, and it was just for general services only and directors. But it was it was what he wanted, and, it was a great party with all of our employees there. Right? We had a good time. Barbecue, games, you name it. That's that's our motto. Right? We we play hard and work harder. So that's what my point is, is Chad has instilled a family first atmosphere for the last fourteen years in general services.

He's been the only director for general services since it's been created back fourteen years ago. So this is a second family, and I would just like to show everybody in the back, all the General Services employees, raise your hand or stand up.

You can stand up. Y'all make Chad look good.

That says it all to me because these people show up on when they don't have to show up again, we already had our party. They said their goodbyes, but they they wanna say one more time, thank you, Chad, for what he's done for this whole department. So I would just like to to say thank you, Chad. I wish you all the luck, you, Rachel, and the kids. Man, make sure we buy that boat down there in Portugal because I know you got an extra room, and me and Tracy will definitely be this is not goodbye. This is just we'll see you later. Right? So I just wanna sum it up with three words that really much describes Chad to me is he's my boss, not anymore, first and foremost. Second, he's a mentor. He's he's mentored me for I've been here for almost nine years now and for the last four years been an AD.

He's he's set me up for success, so I I can't thank him enough for that. And, third, a friend. Our our long talks and, you know, retirement talks and saving money and all that good stuff. I'm gonna miss that, but I know he's a phone call away. So, love you, man.

Love you, brother. Alright,

Joe. I won't see Shane.

Good evening, mayor and council.

Evening.

Is me. Well, Ted, we've both come a long way since Prescott. Know, you've been called by mentored by several folks, including, you know, Corey, and I would have to include myself in that. You know, starting in Prescott, I was an intern fresh out of college. Right? So I had the opportunity to observe a lot of senior staff. And wherever you led, it always seemed to be with staff who were the blue collar, beaten heart, salt of the earth folks. Right? A group of people who are remarkably honest and reliable, hardworking, and down to earth. I watched you set a culture of pride and joy to professions that aren't glamorous, but they're 100% necessary.

And it didn't matter if it was solid waste trucks or transfer stations, janitorial fleet or facility services, if people got dirty, they probably worked for you. And they always did so in a department that looked like family to the outside. Your ability to help people see the value of their work was something that I admired, which is a good thing because I found myself overseeing a team of code enforcement officers who make everybody angry and a community enhancement team who picks up litter and dead deer every day. So how people feel about the work is extremely important, and as a manager, you influence that. So thank you for showing me how.

I agree with your comments during your going away lunch. Your legacy is not measured in the number of new buildings that went up in Round Rock. It's measured in the foundations that you built in your people. They are responsive, professional, and when something goes wrong, I'd be glad to be in the trenches with any one of them. You've been a good friend to me personally over the years, and we've had several adventures, including a few in Vegas that I can't remember or I can't mention here at the podium, but you're ready for your new adventure.

So seeing as how you're packing to go overseas, I didn't wanna get you anything big and bulky you would need more boxes for, but I do know your work on your golf game. So I decided I'd get you this lovely box of titeless balls. They're reloads. In fact, these are all pulled out of the the ponds at Forest Creek. So they've already seen the water. You don't have to worry about that. But knowing you, whenever you set your mind to something, you achieve it. You don't know how to fail, Chad McDowell. So when you're ready, I always got this box of Titleist Pro v ones for you. And finally, the one last gift I wanna impart to you has only ever been imparted to one other person, and that was Gary Hutter.

And that is the challenge coin from Community Neighborhood Services so you never forget us. Thank you for everything.

Alright.

Chief Glaser.

It's hard to follow-up, Joe, but we'll we'll give it a whirl. So, Ted, you've been a great mentor for me. One thing you've done very well for us, and we'll speak about the fire department first off, is the fleet that you have maintained for us. I still remember our our meet officers meeting in the the back conference room at Central complaining about how our trucks are coming back, still broke, and they go to get fixed. Cody calls you over.

You come in and you go, well, we're gonna fix this. And you held true to your word. You held true to your word so much that we have a 2,003 truck that is going from Round Rock to California and California back and performing its services in California and not breaking down. I can't say that for every other department around us. The mechanics that you have brought in just to maintain fire apparatus have won several awards, have been presented, or sent emails have sent back been sent back to us after deployments about how well they performed, the overall attitude, and that doesn't just come from the individual, comes from the leadership, and and that's what you provided.

So for on the fire department side, thank you. You'll never I don't think you'll ever understand how much you and your team have have improved the service that we can provide to the to the city because our trucks, our vehicles are so reliable. So thank you for that. On the personal side, talks started earlier about you being a mentor. You know, these last six months, in case y'all don't know, have been a little bit difficult.

And Chad Chad has lended me an ear on more than one occasion to let me vent, Bought me a couple drinks here or there, invited me to play golf. And the the great thing about playing golf with Chad is I realized I am not the worst golfer in the world. So that's that's that's a great thing. We're we're we're pretty much the same. That's why that's why we're never on the same team because we we balance out the load.

But, again, the the patience, the go getter attitude that you have. I see Travis Wilkes in the back, and I remember twenty thirteen bond election. We're looking for property for the station, and me and Travis go out and we start walking people's property trying to find property, and y'all get a phone call. It's like, hey, who are these people in this round rock city vehicle walking across our land? And you're like, hey, guys, y'all need to slowly roll a little bit. You're getting a little bit too aggressive on this. So, you know, but you you've maintained that throughout your career here. Your troops maintain that as well as far as they're ready to get things done. When you give them a project, they go out there and do it. And so, again, that all comes from the leadership style.

So, dude, appreciate you very much. Gonna miss you. I'll see you in June 27 to go hunting Africa, so it's gonna love you, dude. Chad

McKenzie.

Alright. Well, this is this is tough because Chad, Chad's done more for me personally in in my professional life than, anybody else. I'll never forget sitting at BJ's Brewhouse, when he made me a job offer, and it was one of those things that was career changing. It was life changing. It was because he took a chance out of a kid out of UT that, really was you know, liked my job at UT, didn't love my job at UT, and then I found a spot where I loved my job. And it was because of him. Corey said it best. He he first started off as a boss. Still call him boss to this day. He was a mentor.

Still a mentor. As I moved into a director role, I could always count on you to let me know if I missed a staff meeting, what happened, or if if I had something going on, man, how how should we navigate this? And so I appreciate all that. And, you know, obviously, as a friend, we've done a lot of stuff, had some lot of good times, a lot of good laughs. Shane's not lying. Golf is, something we're gonna work on, but Joe Joe took care of that earlier. But, no, I I really appreciate everything you've done. You know, the OGs are here in the back. Rochelle and Evan and Brian's back there. This is the the crew that started the sports center.

That's why I've got my sports center shirt on today, and, it wouldn't have been, without you taking that chance, and I certainly appreciate that. So, on that note, one other thing, I am gonna be a little upset because I'm not gonna understand what all is going on in his job anymore because it's inevitable at least once a month, if not multiple times a month, I get McDowell emails and he gets McKinsey emails, I get to know who's getting what email. So I won't I won't understand what's going on. So, Corey, you have to keep me updated what's going on in general services. So but with that, I got a couple things for you for you forget about us.

All things, especially for the boys, but we've got our equipment here with the volleyball and the basketball from the sports center, the soccer ball, football from the from the multipurpose complex, and some golf balls here from Forest Creek. But hopefully, you guys can have some fun in Portugal throwing those around. So that's that. And then also, I wanna make sure that you understood all the all the facilities you had a hand in in our department. So this is a photo of all the facilities here with the from the sports center where I started, but the multipurpose complex, the Del he had a big hand in for many, many years before we came on board, and then Forest Creek Golf Course. So but appreciate all your service, especially thank you for being a a friend and a mentor all these years. So

love you.

Michael Thing.

Chad McDowell. So we kind of go back a ways. I mean, this is back to, November '11 2011 is when Chad arrived from Prescott, Arizona. I was in in, our public works then, and Chad comes in, and he was the fourth Arizona person to come in that year. And they kept coming, and Chad's the next one. And I didn't mean that in a bad way. They just kept coming. But we never had a general services department, and I remember a few months before that, we were we were reorganizing. We created a general services. I had to get acquainted with what all that would include.

And when Chad came here, you know, he came from Prescott, we had a lot of conversations. He was in the same building with me. He was trying to understand, okay, why do we do it this way? Why do we do it that way? We were a little bit broken in some areas at the time. You remember that, Chad? But Chad became a good friend of mine right off the bat. We had a lot in common, not not just at work, but just outside of work and got to know him and his family. He made a big difference for the city of Round Rock. He definitely the reason we're in the building we're in today at the Bob Bennett complex, we had he played a big part in that in helping us get that fleet, building maintenance, and all that.

When I left Commerce Cove in February, Chad is now in my old office. He made it better, so it's a he he got to enjoy that. But, Chad, you've made a lasting impact on the city of Round Rock. You've made us better. Everything is in better condition. You always put that out there, and then you took care of our needs. Every time we wanted something, whatever it was, you said, okay, let's get it done and make it, you looked at you were a a service department for everybody else, and I appreciate that. You will be missed. We'll keep in touch, but but always, you'll be a friend forever, and I'll miss you. But I know we'll run into each other from time to time going forward.

So thank you, and good luck to Rachel and the kids in Portugal. I do have a I do have something. You know, Chad, Chad had a way. It was like, it was always McDowell's way. Right? So McDowell way. I do expect you to take this to Portugal. That's why I made it the smaller version.

Alright.

Brooks. So, Chad, you came to the city of Round Rock at a time of great change, and you were part of that change that, was overwhelmingly positive. You brought so much stability to the community and to your department, and you build something special and unique that's gonna outlive your time here. And I know that was part of your goal is setting something in motion that outlives you, and you've set that team up so well. When you think of the people that you've empowered and that you've hired and that you've grown, that this place is gonna continue for a long time behind you based on that leadership that you put in place.

When I think of you, I think of a person of action. There's not many people that can come up with an idea and go get it done and get it done well and get it done quickly. And you've impressed all of us for fourteen years. You're a model of action, of taking in information, being a leader, making a decision, and then going and getting stuff done. So I just wanna thank you for your service to the city of Round Rock.

Just been a real blessing to to know you, to have you as a friend and somebody that we've all looked up to in this organization. So that said, I have a gift, from the directors. It's a glass, block that recognizes your, service to the community, but it's also a piggy bank as a man who always is thinking about saving and empowering his team under him to think about their retirement and investing in the 4 57 b. Right? You tell every employee to invest in that.

So you've set so many people up for financial success as well in your department to think about saving. And also in the bag, I won't say it's cash, but it's cash because we didn't we didn't know exactly what to get you because you're leaving the country. We were worried about, like, a a Red Lobster gift card may not work in in Portugal, but but cash will. So thank you for your service, Chad. We appreciate you very much.

So before we say what we did, I'll let everybody say a few words. Councilmember Montgomery.

Thank you. Chad, I have to say the impact that you have had, you and your team have had on the city of Round Rock is immeasurable. There's absolutely no way to quantify what you guys have been able to do and accomplish here. I am profoundly grateful for the service that you and your team have given to the city of Round Rock. I thank you very much. And to you, Rachel, and the boys, have a wonderful time in this next chapter of your lives. I know you guys are gonna be incredibly happy, and stay in touch, please.

Mayor Proton.

Yeah. I'll just say that I met y'all before I was sitting up here, and just fabulous people. Y'all were just y'all are amazing, so much fun to be around, and then to to turn the page and get to see what you do here for the city and for our whole community has just been real blessing for all of us. So very happy for you. I usually feel sad doing this, but you're off to a bigger, better adventure. So I can't be sad. I'm only happy for you and Rachel and the boys and and your adventures to come. And I'll be in Europe at some point and and lick you up and, lose some of your golf balls for you. So just congratulations. Thank you for everything that you did.

Wishing all of y'all the best. Boys, have fun on your new adventure. Embrace it. Kind of like those girls were up here today, you're gonna build memories when you're when you're there that you'll never forget. So take advantage of it. Enjoy it. Thank you so much, and I just wish all of you the best.

Councilor Member Ortega.

It's always hard for great directors to leave our city. I'm one of those that hate to see them leave because they have done such fantastic jobs with their departments and made us look good. You have done that. In the years that I've been here, I've always looked up to you because you always spoke well and honest like all of our directors. You don't mislead us.

That is something I'm gonna miss. And I remember you had told me last year, I think it was, that you were thinking about going to other places. And as everyone knows that anybody can reach me. I have an open door policy. But in your case, I need your phone number so I can go and visit. Good luck on your adventures.

Councilor Mayor Fleming.

Well, first of all, congratulations. I'm so excited for

you all.

Been to Portugal. It's gorgeous. Very envious. But I've really enjoyed tonight just kind of hearing the stories. You obviously have an incredible reputation, strong leader, mentor to many. And what I loved hearing was how many friends that you've made, and I know that you're gonna be missed. But I appreciate everything you've done for the city. You were definitely on a solid foundation. You've run a top class department, I know that you're gonna be missed. But congratulations and have the best time in your next adventure.

Councilmember Flores? Chad, congratulations to you. Your time here was well spent and you always had a plate full of projects to do and things to work on and I'm glad you finally figured out how many elevators we have in the city. That was always important to me, as you know. But, I mean, I'm excited for your next chapter. But, I mean, you can certainly come back and visit and see everything that you had a hand in and that your team did. And those are lasting items in buildings and structures. And so your work here was good work. So thank you.

Councilmember Lee?

I just want to say congratulations. And I remember the first year that I was on the city council. I learned a lot from you, like how you took bids and reviewed them and all the different ways that you could do it. And I didn't understand that you could bid for projects all different ways. So I learned a lot that first year. But congratulations. Do you all speak Portuguese? Just No. No? Okay. Just curious.

I don't think you're right.

There it is.

My wife is actually learning trying to learn it for all of us right now. Good thing technology is out there, and they make earbuds. Right? And it can translate for you. So greatest thing ever.

I was just curious, but good luck. Have fun. Learn a lot. Eat a lot of food. I would travel the world just to eat all the food everywhere, but congratulations to y'all.

Thank you.

All right. So I think I either started right after you or started right after me. It's, you know Yeah. When all the change was going on in 2011. You know, you've always done, you know, a great job, and, you know, the thing that always comes to my mind is every time I saw you, you always seem like you're in a great mood.

But I'm gonna take you back to a time that I was sitting right down there where council member Lee was and the the night that George White won't know about our fleet, I mean, almost kinda like was dressing you down. And ever since that night, though, you turn that around. And, I mean, you know, to to you know, George always did his homework. I mean, you know, that was one thing that he always did, but but he also could give you that stare and kinda, you know, you're like, uh-oh. And and but, you know, that that is one of the stories that I you know, there's tons of more, but that's one of the ones that I'll always remember with him because I've had that dress down too.

And so but you're gonna be missed. You've a great team. You've left a great team in place for Cory. Rachel and the boys, thank you all for sharing with us. You know, it's it's as hard as anything on the families because they're gone so much.

They're gone at night, gone through the weekends on different stuff, and so y'all enjoy them and enjoy each other. One of the things I wanted to do is I'm gonna let councilmember Lee if she'll get those. So we got the boys a couple of little things to take to Portugal. We know that they don't have this there, but one big Round Rock donut for each of you. All right.

And Rachel, we got you a little something. And I think that Chad's gift's in there as well from us. But we have you something as well that we'd like to give you and say thank you for

Oh, that's beautiful.

And

I think there's a gift card in there for you And, as again, we'll miss you. But, you know, again, it's kinda like mayor Pro Temp said. I mean, how can you be sad? It's probably more jealousy, for for me. But, thank you for all that you did for this city to make it what this city is and continues to be.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. I really appreciate it. Mayor Kelso, if I can just say a few words. I just wanna say thank you for all the support over the years. It's it's it's it took a while to get through to George White, and I still remember that. And I reflected on that as I was driving in here cause it it wasn't easy. There were a couple instances where he definitely put me in my place, and, I I learned from that. And I think it helped me grow is what it did. But you've always had my support. The previous counsel had my support, and you guys had my support or supported me, I should say, and you trusted me. And I think that's that's invaluable. I need to give special thanks to the city manager Brooks. I really appreciate you. Really appreciate everything you've done.

The previous city managers, Laurie, if it wasn't for Laurie and if it wasn't for Steve Norwood, I wouldn't be sitting here today. They invested in me in Prescott, and they invested in me out here. So I really need to give thanks to them. All the directors in the back, all the directors that aren't here tonight, the previous directors, I wanna thank them for their friendship. It's just been amazing ride, confiding in each of them, the camaraderie that we have, the friendship we have. Round Rock is a special place. There's no doubt about it. It truly is a special place. I'm leaving you in really good hands. General services is strong.

We have strong leadership there under Cory Amedon. We have Letty Hernandez, you know is the mom of the department, Richard Will, Eric Dady, who will be coming up. You have succession planning for leaders in that department. So rest assured, it won't even miss a beat. It's actually a good thing. Change at the top can be a good thing. It usually is, and you can you'll get new blood moving in there, and it's gonna it's gonna move that department to new new heights. And I I look forward to that. Stephanie, I wanna thank you for all the years. You and Steve Sheets have kept me out of trouble, so I really appreciate you. We've had a lot of conversations about different things on what we can do, what we can't do, and how do we get the right contractors and and navigating it. So I appreciate our our friendship that we developed over the years as well.

Appreciate it as well.

Yeah. I need to give a special thanks to my mom and stepdad who are in the audience today. Thirty years ago, my mom pushed me into being a servant leader for the city of Prescott. She said you need to work for a state or local government. Had she not done that, I would not be here today. So thank you, mom. That was tough. And then I wanna thank for my wife and kids. Rachel, thank you. And boys, thank you for the support over the years.

It it's you can only be effective when you have that family support. When when when there's a there's a freeze out there and you're going into work and you're trying to find out how to keep the city of Round Rock running and your family's left at home, it takes a strong woman and a strong boys to stay there and to do that. So really appreciate what they've done. I really do. But it's time for the next chapter of our life. We're building the unfiltered traveler, and we're moving to Portugal. All of July, we'll be in Asia now, and so we're gonna literally travel the world. And we'll see where it ends up. So we'll see. You can just follow us and look forward to seeing you guys down the road. So thank you very much. I appreciate all of you.

Alright. Thank you. Don't take the boys donuts. All right. Let me go back to citizen communication.

I have one card. Mike, do you want to speak now, do you want to speak on the agenda item?

Your preference. It might be more yellow on

the agenda. Okay. I'll do that then. Alright. Any citizen who wishes to speak during citizen communication regarding the item on or off the agenda may do so after completing the required registration card. All comments must be no more than three minutes in length per section two dash two six b five The Round Rock Code will notice 2018 edition. Any comments regarding items not on the postage and may not be discussed or responded to by city council per state law. Is there anybody beside Mister Beach that has signed up to speak. Let me give me a second. Sorry.

Is Rick around? Yeah. Come on, Rick. Let's do I three just real quick. Consider resolution authorizing merit to execute a contract with Teraso LLC for Mayfield Park Archery project 2026.

Good evening, mayor and council. The item before you tonight is the resolution with Terasol, and what it allows us to do is build the first piece of the archery range that we're putting in at Mayfield Park. As you can see, it's off 1431 In Sand Bass Road. This is gonna be the first one in our inventory. This first phase is going to be a static section, and what that will be is just, different targets at different ranges, with a concrete path that you'll see right there, and a parking lot so that we can get a few folks in.

Shortly after that, we will come back in and put in a three d archery range that will be set up throughout the property. We'll only use a small portion of the property. As you know, Mayfield's about 220 acres. I would guess to say that this is probably going to be about 25 or 30 of those acres. So this is going to give us something new in the inventory. We've worked with several members in the community on this, and we think it's a really good project. This as I said, this one's in the amount of a $190,559, and I'd be happy to answer any other questions if you have them.

Any questions for council member Flores?

Hey, Rick. I went home Tuesday just thinking about this picture here, people running around shooting arrows at each other. But can you explain a three d archery to me?

Three d archery is basically a life size target. So whether it's a bore, then you will have a, you know, two to three foot bore that will be standing there, and it will be able to be moved around in different areas within those shooting alleys and lanes. So people will walk from one target to the next target, and that they will shoot from a set distance at that target. Then after they do that, they move, they get their arrow, and then they go to the next target. So it's a I'm I'm trying to think of a kind way to say it, but they're just going from target to target shooting at static targets.

But they're real arrows.

They are real arrows.

Alright. Thank you.

Any other questions? All right. Let me let Mr. Beach come up and say his three minutes. Stay close, though, Rick, just in case. Come on up, Mike. Just state your name and address for the record if you don't mind.

Yes, sir. Mike Beach, 3002 Point Place. Good evening, mayor and council. My name is Mike Beach. I'm a local business owner, a member of the leadership of Round Rock class of 2026, and a graduate of the university program. Joe's here, so he would find me afterwards when I say that. I'm here tonight because I care deeply about this city as do you and what we're building together. As such, I'm here to give my comments about the proposed static and three d archery ranges at Mayfield Park. I wanna begin by expressing my strong support for Round Rock Parks and Recreation, specifically for director Rick Atkins and his team. The work they do to create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces isn't just a nice amenity.

It is a cornerstone of a thriving community. Tonight's item is a perfect example of that vision in action. I'm a USA archery certified instructor. I've been a competitive archer since 2021 at the novice, amateur, and semi professional levels. I won't waste too much more of your time bragging, but I will say that I have amassed dozens of dollars in career winnings. So yeah. But what I've witnessed at those competitions matters far more than any trophy. I've watched kids and families discover a skill that they'd only seen in movies. They'd pick up a bow for the first time, and they'd fall completely in love with it. That is not just recreation.

That is community. I'm also a bowhunter, angler, trapper, and all around below average outdoorsman. I have a deep love and respect for wildlife and wild places. And I know to some that might seem at odds with being a hunter, but it isn't. Teaching people the skills to spend time where wild things live, to move through those spaces with intention and patience, builds that same reverence in them. The range at Mayfield won't just give people a place to shoot arrows. It will connect them to something older and more meaningful than a screen. Maybe most importantly, it gets people outside and playing together. That is absolutely fundamental to a community's ability to grow and thrive. Rick and his team understand this, and projects like this one prove it.

I do have one respectful request for the design. Let's not make the course too easy. There is enormous value in learning to do difficult things, and honestly, I need it to be challenging enough that I still compress them in front of my So thank you for your time, for your service to this city, and for saying yes to this project. Round Rock is better for it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mike. Any questions for Rick? Can we make it hard or harder? We

will find a below average outdoorsman Okay. To work with to make it as difficult as we can. Alright. Councilman Ortega.

Real quick, Rick. Would it be possible also once this is utilized to do a tournament?

Yes. We could do tournaments and a lot of different things out there. I think we just need to organize a little bit more, but I think we've got somebody that we can start organizing with, and I think we know a couple other people in the community we can work with.

Thank you.

Councilor Murray Lee.

I saw where the static range is going to go, but where is the other one going?

I didn't bring a map of the whole property. As I said, it's about 220 plus acres. We're gonna work with the natural terrain to make sure that we put those in groves and tree lines. As Mike is talking about, you wanna make it difficult. So really getting with an arborist and a tree trimming company, that's why we see ourselves doing that and really taking advantage of the natural topography and terrain. So it's hard to say how much it's going to take.

Gotcha. Thank you.

And then, you know, because it is so big, I'm assuming like the because I think it's scheduled to have a dirt bike. That won't be anywhere close to No.

I mean, it'll be separated enough that That's another we've got two two hundred plus acre squats of land, and we wanna maintain them both in the most natural state as possible. That's gonna be at Burns Ranch. This is gonna be at Mayfair.

Oh, I'm sorry. That's I'm I had it

all backwards. No. You're good.

I know. You hit them that far away. Whoo. Alright. Any other questions? Alright. I'll entertain a motion to adopt the resolution. So move.

Second.

Motion made by councilor Ortega, seconded by councilor Lee. Any other discussion? Anne, please poll the council. Council member Lee.

Yes. Council member Flores. Yes. Council member Fleming.

Yes.

Council member Ortega. Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Stevens. Yes. Council member Montgomery. Yes. Mayor Morgan.

Yes. Alright. Let's go back to the staff presentations g one. Consider presentation department update from the library. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you, mayor and council. Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I wanna share what our community thinks about the library and also how we can plan for the future. A new statewide public opinion poll about the value of Texas public libraries was recently published. The poll was conducted by KRC Research on behalf of the Texas Library Association.

This confirms that Texans overwhelmingly value their public libraries as an essential public service. Public libraries embody the values that Texans hold dear, independence, pride, and deep community commitment. At the time when public discourse has questioned the relevance of libraries and the role of librarians, the data tells us a very different story. Texans across political perspectives, demographics strongly support their libraries, trust library professionals, and believe in maintaining broad access to information. Libraries are places where everyone is welcome, where opportunity is shared, and where community comes together.

In January, we launched our own community survey to understand what matters most to our Round Rock community. We discovered that most patrons use the library at least monthly with borrowing books and using digital apps like Libby ranking the most popular services. Awareness of programs comes mainly through the library website and in library signage with social media and word-of-mouth playing a key role. Survey participants highlighted that the library is a welcoming space, learning activities, and family activities as well. Services for children, access to books, study rooms, and online resources were ranked as highly important.

Open ended feedback suggested expanding maker spaces, adding a branch location, and increasing programs for families. 95% of respondents would recommend the library to others, showing a strong community support. The survey results confirm that the library continues to be a valuable resource while pointing out opportunities for growth to better serve a growing Round Rock community. Many things have changed over the twenty years that I've served this community. But one thing that has remained consistent is our promise to this community to provide a rich and creativity and connect people.

Our numbers tell the story that we are serving more patrons than ever before. One example is our promise to serve those in high need, like our neighboring title one schools. Each year on April 28,

we hold a Dia de los Ninos, Dia

de los Libros, a books for kids and the the day for kids. And this year, we our open house event, the team introduced 200 families to many of the library resources. I would like to really thank our friends, our volunteers, and our Round Rock ISD partners for another successful event. The library continues to serve as a gathering place where relationships and ideas can flourish. Now we can take the library on the go.

Sal and the outreach team take the library services to the community, and people feel more connected and invested. Many thanks to the Round Rock Women's Club. We will be adding memory kits to our outreach services collection. These kits are will be curated and provide stimulated cognitive engagement, emotional well-being kits for people experiencing memory loss. The library continues to provide opportunities for growth at every stage of life, from early literacy programs to skill building for our teens, like the adulting one zero one where we introduce teens to city round drop careers along with book recommendations and other educational resources.

We are excited to launch an intro to power pivot digital skills workshop and adding lib guides to aid patrons in finding research resources. We continue to celebrate our diverse community with cultural celebrations throughout the year, like the Mother's Day event that we helped participate in this past Saturday. We support patrons of all abilities by providing a variety of accessibility services as well. To help fuel imagination and innovation, we offer maker activities for all ages, including art programs, writing workshops, creative challenges, community art displays, we believe that creativity strengthens confidence, curiosity, and community pride. In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, the library featured a special display showcasing work from the talented artists from the Round Rock Children's Therapy Center.

Each piece was a powerful expression of their creativity and individuality. Friends and volunteers continue to play a vital role in helping the library thrive. Successful fundraising efforts like Mystery Night not only provide resources for the future bookmobile, but they also build lifelong friendships. You can join the fun by attending one of our mystery night performances in August. And we are looking for talented performers to build suspense, intrigue, and a touch of drama on the stage.

We're holding auditions so you can join the cast. According to projections, by 2030, Round Rock is expected to have almost 40,000 more residents. In the community survey, we asked what services would you like to see the library add for the future? A makerspace was number one, followed by a branch of bookmobile and lockers located around town. Imagine in the future how the library can align with the city's goals to provide more high value services and build another exciting community destination.

Planning for the future, we're updating our strategic master plan. We discovered that our Texas peer libraries are about an average of 227,000 population, and they have about 43,000 square feet of branch space. So how are we gonna invest in the future for the generations of Round Rock? In closing, I wanted to spotlight a few of our team members. After twenty three years of service, Joe retired last week, and Andrea retired in March.

Susan has rejoined the team after spending a few years as a school librarian, and we were able to promote Brian and Kristen. These are the real reasons why we rank so high with the community. The library is not just a building, and it's not just a collection of books. It's a living part of this community. Together, we can ensure that the Round Rock Public Library continues to inspire, educate, and connect generations for the next twenty years. So thank you so much for your support.

Thank you, Michelle. Anybody have any comments?

Councillor I'll just say, mean, I'm always impressed by the numbers and the results that you show because it's important work and it's community service and it's, I mean, your place is always full. I mean, so, you just continue to put out a good product and you're a good team and so I think the public and the residents understand that and see it as a resource for everybody. So, thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Folomey.

I just wanted to add, we go to the library quite often with the rotary and other meetings, and it's just always so welcoming to come in there. Everybody is smiling who's working there. You can see that they care, but all of the residents that are in there, they're happy. There's tons of activities, it seems like. So, for a library that's supposed to be quiet, it's always bustling. But I just love that all the programs that you offer, the way that you engage, it's definitely top class. So, great job.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Ortega. Yeah.

I think we're extremely lucky to have you and the staff and especially this library. I can tell you, and I may have mentioned this before, that my wife loves the library. She's an avid reader and she's impressed with how organized everything is because it doesn't take her forever to look for something. The only problem is that there's so much that she loves to read there. So, thank you so much and to your staff. Fantastic job. Just don't stop what you're doing.

Thank you.

Any

other comments? Yeah, appreciate everything that you've done, Michelle, and your team. I see a couple of them back in the back over there. Ms. Smiley is back there.

But it is. I mean, know, this is something that, you know, one of the things that always will have a lasting memory of when I'm no longer up here is deciding where to put the new library. And I'll say it again, it ended up exactly where it's supposed to have been. And just to see the success of it after it's opened and everything just proves the point that it's right where it's supposed to be. And so it'll be interesting to see where it leads us in the future, you know, the branches and all that. And so, great job to you and all your team, and we appreciate what you do.

Thank you very much.

All righty.

Good night. Alright.

Consent agenda. All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to be routine by the city council and will be enacted by one motion. There'll be no separate discussion of these items unless requested by a council member, in which event that will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. Anybody have any questions? All right. And I'll read the consent. H one, consider approval of minutes from the 04/23/2026, City Council meeting. H2, consider resolution authorizing to execute Microsoft Enterprise enrollment contract documents for continued participation in volume licensing. H3, consider resolution authorizing May execute supplemental agreement number one to the agreement between the City of Round Rock and HPS LLC. DBA HydroPro Solutions for the purchase of water utility meters and monitoring systems.

H4, consider resolution authorizing May to execute services agreement with Rail Pros Field Services Inc. For the flagging and other staff support services related to McNeil Road Extension Railroad Coverts Project. H five, consider resolution authorizing May to execute a utility construction observation agreement with Rail Pros Field Services Inc. For the McNeil Road Extension railroad culverts project. H six, consider resolution authorizing Emery to execute supplemental agreement number one to the agreement between the city of Round Rock and Volpine Resilience PLLC for professional consulting services related to mental health services.

H seven, consider a resolution authorizing senior manager to issue a purchase order to SKG Austin for the purchase of furniture for the Bob Bennett Complex expansion project h eight, consider resolution authorizing the city manager to issue a purchase order to Facility Resource Inc. For the purchase of furniture for the athletic performance center. Entertain a motion to adopt the consent.

So moved.

Second. Motion made by council member Flores, seconded by council member Ortega. Any other discussion? And please poll the council. Council member Flores? Yes.

Council member Flores? Yes. Council member Ortega? Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Stevens?

Yes.

Council member Montgomery? Yes. Council member Lee?

Yes.

Mayor Morgan?

Yes. I will, one, consider resolution authorizing mayor to execute a supplemental engagement letter with Allensworth Law regarding litigation with Thel Construction Company Inc. Related to the Brusher Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. Stephanie.

This is a supplement to an engagement letter we currently have with Allensworth Law. We engaged Allensworth Law due to some ongoing construction issues related to the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Project. We are now in litigation with Vail, so this is just an engagement letter that will allow, the city to continue to pay Ellensworth Law to, represent the city in this manner.

Questions? I entertain a motion to adopt the resolution.

So moved.

Second. Motion made by council member Fleming, seconded by council member Ortega. Any other discussion? And please pull the council. Council member Fleming?

Yes. Council member Ortega?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens?

Yes.

Council member Montgomery? Yes. Council member Lee? Yes. Council member Flores? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. I too consider resolution authorizing the senior manager to issue a purchase order to Lake Country Chevrolet Inc. For the purchase of replacement fire battalion two vehicle.

Again, good evening, mayor and council. Good evening. Councilmember Flores, the number is 21 right now. So I just wanna make sure you know I know that number for elevators, so we're we're good on that. So what's up now is, for the purchase of replacement of fire battalion two. Fire battalion two's life expectancy will will hit next year. This vehicle is on the 27 replacement list. The reason why we're bringing it forward, it's a long lead item. We talked about it on Tuesday. We'll we'll if approved tonight, we'll receive it probably mid twenty twenty seven to late twenty twenty seven.

So we'll purchase this vehicle through Lake Country Chevrolet Contract Tips Cooperative for $217,389.90. We'll go to the pictures. So this body, the this will be the third truck that we will have outfitted with the same setup. Battalion one, which you see here, is currently deployed right now, and then we have one in the CRR. So you're looking at this will be mounted on a one ton chassis Chevy with a diesel four wheel drive.

It's got the brush guard on the front, and it's got the sidesteps on the back. And obviously in the back, you're gonna have the Stonewell bed. So with that, I would be happy to answer any questions. Questions? Questions?

Entertain a motion to adopt the resolution. So

moved. Second.

Motion made by council member Ortega, seconded by council member Montgomery. Any other discussion? And please poll the council. Council Member Ortega.

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens.

Yes.

Council Member Montgomery.

Yes.

Council Member Lee. Yes. Council Member Flores.

Yes.

Council Member Fleming. Yes. Mayor

Morgan. Yes. Thank you, Corey. I four consider a resolution to determine that Jimmy Evans Company provides the best value for the city for the water treatment plant miscellaneous improvements project and authorizing the Merit HQ standard form of agreement. Michael?

Good evening, mayor and council.

Good evening. This is for improvements

to our water treatment plant. As you see here, it's located off Westinghouse Road on the West Side of I 35. This plant opened up around 1982 after we received water from Lake Georgetown. We've expanded the plant numerous times all the way to about 2003. Some of the materials of the the supplies at the plant are getting older, so this is a rehabilitation project for 6,200,000 for Jimmy Evans Company. We're adding another generator and some various other improvements at the plant. We did bid this project about a year and a half ago. The bid came in high. We had one bidder at that time. We canceled that bid and went back and relooked at the scope of work for it.

We took out some things, and we ended up adjusting our budget. We went out to bid again, and we just had one bidder again for this one. So projects at water permits, if they're not significant and large, we do not bring in a lot of bidders. It's a specialty type project. Jimmy Evans has worked for the city before and done a good job, so we'd like to recommend approval of this contract with Jimmy Evans company for $6,200,000. Tonight, we have Chris Murphy, vice president, Jimmy Evans company here, as well as our engineer AECOM, John Boozer and Nick Lowe.

Alright. Any questions for Michael? Alright. Entertain a motion to adopt the resolution. So moved. Motion made by council member Fleming, seconded by council member Ortega. Any other discussion? And please poll the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens?

Yes.

Council member Montgomery? Yes. Council member Lee?

Yes.

Council member Flores?

Yes.

Councilmember Fleming? Yes. Councilmember Otega? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. Thank you all for your patience, and thank you for being here. All right. I-five consider a resolution to determine the necessity and authorizing the use of the city's power of eminent domain to acquire 0.169 acre of land owned by Paul Cates Stable LLC for the Gattis School Road segments four and five project. This does require state language for the motion.

Michael? Mayor would like to talk about I-five and I-six. Go ahead. They're both related to the same item. This is for Gattisville Segment 4 And 5 Road project. It's currently under design. We're in the right of way acquisition phase. Since we are widening Gattisville Road, we are needing some additional right of way on the north side. On this item, it's for 0.169 acres as shown in the yellow hatching here on the drawing. We have agreed to a $134,000 with the property owner, but because there are other lienholders on this project property, we have not been able to close the title on it.

So we want to, on the first item, authorize eminent domain if needed. It's a stipulated condemnation. And then the second item, I six, is if we come to terms, it's an agreement to pay the $134,557 for this piece of property that we need for the future right of way. So happy to answer any questions regarding I 5 and I 6.

Any questions on I-five first? All right. Entertain a motion to adopt the resolution.

I move that the city council approve this resolution which authorizes the use of the power of eminent domain to acquire fee simple title to the following parcel of land for construction of proposed improvements to the Gattis School Road Segments 45 project, a 0.169 acre tract of land from property owned by Paul Kate Stable LLC as described in exhibit A of the resolution.

I have a motion. Do have a second? Second. Motion made by the mayor pro tem, seconded by Councilmember Flores. Any other discussion? And please poll the council.

Councilmember Montgomery? Yes. Councilmember Lee?

Yes.

Council Member Flores?

Yes.

Council Member Fleming? Yes. Council Member Atega? Yes. Mayor Proton Stevens? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. I-six consider resolution authorizing the mayor to execute settlement agreement with Paul Kate Stable LLC for the acquisition of a point one six nine acre parcel required for construction of Gattis School Road Segments 4 And 5. Any questions on this one? I entertain a motion to adopt the resolution.

So moved. Second.

Motion made by the mayor pro tem, seconded by councilmember Fleming. Any other discussion? And please pull the council.

Council member Lee? Yes. Council member Flores? Yes. Council member Fleming?

Yes.

Council member Ortega?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens? Yes. Council member Montgomery? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. Seven, consider a resolution to determine the necessity and authorizing the use of the city's power of eminent domain to require point eight four nine acre of land owned by Sonoma Homeowners Association for the Gattis School Road segments four and five project. This requires state language for the motion.

Another item along, Gattisco Road for segment four and five. This is for for 0.849 acres as shown in the yellow hatching. We have reached out to make an offer of $418,000 to the property owner. There has been no response on their end. We've not been able to make contact, so we wanna get prepared to authorize the use of eminent domain if needed in case we get to that point. So to keep the project moving, we recommend getting this approved so that hopefully we don't have to go to eminent domain, but it's for $418,000 if we do. So recommend approval of this item, and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Questions on this one? I need to turn a motion to adopt the resolution.

I move that the city council approve this resolution which authorizes the use of the power of eminent domain to acquire fee simple title to the following parcel of land for construction of proposed improvements to the Gaddis School Road Segments 45 project, a 0.849 acre tract of land from property owned by Sonoma Homeowners Association as described in exhibit a of the resolution.

I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Motion made by the mayor pro tem, second by councilor Ortega. Any other discussion? And please poll the council.

Council member Flores?

Yes.

Council member Fleming? Yes. Council member Ortega?

Yes.

Mayor pro tem Stevens?

Yes.

Council Member Montgomery? Yes. Council Member Lee? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. I consider resolution authorizing the mayor to execute contract with Dan Williams Company for the roadway widening and traffic signal installation for the intersection of Chandler Road and County Road 119 project.

This is for a new traffic signal on the East side of town. We got 130, and you have Chandler Road. Extends eastward all the way to this location right here. So we'll install a new traffic signal at Ed Smith Boulevard and Chandler Road, Not only a traffic signal, but we'll also be adding a right turn lane as you head north on Ed Smith to be able to turn right onto Chandler Road. We'll also be adding, as you head east on Chandler, be able to add a right turn lane right here so you can turn south onto Ed Smith.

Traffic warrant it warrants the signal with all the traffic out there. This is a road, Ed Smith, we did acquire from the county a few years ago, as we did for many of these roads in the Northeast. We went out to bid. We had six bidders. The low, the bid that we would like to award is with Dan Williams for $841,000 for this work. There were two bidders that we did, did not accept because of their safety record. Very important that we hire contractors that follow OSHA safety records, etcetera. So Dan Williams is also the contractor today that's doing the counterweight one twelve east and west project and doing a great job tonight. Clayton Swanson is here on behalf of Dan Williams, and we recommend approval of this contract, and I'll be happy to answer any questions.

Questions on that? I entertain a motion to adopt the resolution. So moved.

Second.

Motion made by Council Member Ortega, seconded by Council Member Fleming. Any other discussion? And please poll the council.

Council Member Fleming.

Yes.

Council Member Ortega.

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens. Yes. Council Member Montgomery.

Yes.

Council member Lee? Yes. Council member Flores?

Yes.

Mayor Morgan?

Yes. Thank you for your patience, and that's your daughter. She did great. Alright. And thank you for being here. I-nine consider resolution authorizing the mayor to execute supplemental contract number four with Kay Freese and Associates LLC for the Greenlawn Boulevard widening from SH 45 to IH 35 project.

Supplemental contract with our engineer, Kay Freese, for $122,508. We've made some additions to this project. This is Greenlawn Boulevard from 45 as it extends down to the interstate. It will be six lanes, three lanes each direction. This amendment includes the design of a traffic signal right here where the school is to get us ready for not only the school area, but also for new developments that are occurring on this side of the road.

We will design the traffic signal. Also includes adding a left turn lane as you're heading northeast here to be able to turn left into that area. We will get this designed. Once it's designed, we will change order it into the existing contractor that's doing the construction work and get that ready as a change order. So you'll see that coming before in the near future. A few other areas, the driveways coming out of the district development. We've had to make some adjustments on our driveways to to tie those in. There were some water lines that we needed to lower as well as along the Whittlesea property down here. There's some floodplain issues. We're using the Whittlesea property to help with some of the the detention for our project.

So with all those changes, recommend approval of this supplemental contract for $122,508 with Kay Freese and Associates.

Alright. Any questions on that? Entertain a motion to adopt the resolution. So move.

Second.

Motion made by Council Member Ortega, seconded by Council Member Lee. Any other discussion? And please vote with counsel.

Council Member Ortega? Yes. Mayor Pro Tem Stevens? Yes. Council Member Montgomery?

Yes.

Council Member Lee? Yes. Council member Flores?

Yes.

Council member Fleming? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. You, Michael. Yes. Ordinances j one, consider public testimony regarding an ordinance amending chapter eight article six of the zoning development code, code of ordinances 2018 edition regarding off street parking and loading to reduce, modify, or eliminate the minimum number of required off street parking spaces for certain nonresidential uses and update related provisions. First reading.

Good evening, mayor, council members. We've talked about this a few times over the last year and a half or so, and I think I gave you a pretty exhaustive sales pitch on Tuesday morning, so I'll try and be a little more succinct tonight. So a little bit about on-site parking. We have had requirements in our zoning and development code for decades, probably as long as we've had zoning for developers to provide on-site parking for whatever they're going to be building. We have requirements for all sorts of uses you could ever possibly think of.

It is pretty pretty comprehensive. And we come up with those ratios based off of guidance from the Institute of Transportation Engineers combined with local needs, comparing ourselves with peer cities as well to make sure that that number is an appropriate number for each land use. But things have been changing in the last handful of years, last decade, but really over the last five years. Land is a lot more expensive. Construction is a lot more expensive.

There are changing consumer preferences and mobility patterns. We've got different observations from other cities that have undertaken some change as well. And so based on that, we posed this question to you all initially at the December twenty twenty four strategic plan retreat that we want to not just reevaluate the off street parking requirements, but to actually do away with those minimum requirements for some land uses. So that's what we're here for tonight is to, to act on the reduction or modification or total elimination of requirements for developers and property owners to provide a minimum amount of on-site parking for many nonresidential uses. So, even though we might be doing away with some of them, we're still going to keep recommended ratios in the code just so that we have that guidance in there.

This has been part of our strategic planning across a few different documents. So, it's the Round Rock 2030 comprehensive plan. It fits into three of our different policies there, mobility, commercial centers, and adapting to change. It fits in with city council's strategic plan going back several years with great community to live, to provide, you know, high quality services for residents, give them a great quality of life, but also financially sound city providing high value services. In this case, financially sound decision making that we're empowering for developers and property owners.

And also the Round Rock Chamber economic development strategic plan, speaks to retail and restaurant recruitment and redevelopment in older commercial centers because approval of this amendment will go a long way towards both of those policy ideas. There are many goals and considerations you need to keep in mind when talking about reducing or eliminating certain parking requirements. But first and foremost, this will allow parking supply to be determined by a project's specific context, its unique site constraints, and really the demands of the market rather than a government mandate. So, currently, our parking minimums are based off of usually based off of peak demand, so a Black Friday type of a situation, and broad land use categories rather than being specific to each site and each building. But, also, parking is extremely expensive to build.

It's 5 to $10,000 per space for a surface parking lot and up to 10 times that much if you wanna build a parking garage. So doing away with some of these parking requirements provides a lot of flexibility for property owners and for business owners, particularly if you're working on a limited budget because parking has just an outsized influence on your site selection process. If you don't need to provide as much parking or if you have a land use that you know needs to provide very little parking, it opens up a whole world possibilities within the city where you can locate your business. It supports more efficient use of land. You can build either more building and have a larger building on your site, or you can have more green space on your site.

It encourages redevelopment and reinvestment of existing commercial centers because now you don't have to be counting every square foot of every land use and counting every single parking spot, and you can repurpose some of that empty pavement on your property and build something there. We have changing mobility preferences and transportation patterns, especially since COVID. There are a lot of to go parking spaces. There's a lot more drive through now, so you have more turnover not just at restaurants but also at retail stores where you can place orders online, go not have to leave your car. Sit in the parking lot, send a text message, they'll bring your order out to you.

So parking spaces are turning over more quickly, more frequently, so we don't have the need for these large parking lots where everybody's gonna be there all at once. Additionally, large parking lots and parking requirements contribute to excessive pavement in the city, which impacts the environment by increasing storm water runoff and increasing the urban heat island effect. And then one thing I neglected to mention on Tuesday is that most projects are still gonna need to provide some amount of on-site parking, and, you know, it will have to provide an adequate amount of on-site parking because otherwise that developer is not going to get financing from their bank in order to build that project. The bank is gonna look at the development proposal and if there's no parking there, they're gonna say, how are you gonna get your business? How am I gonna get my money back if I lend you money?

So, that's something that's important to keep in mind as well. There are a couple of cities in the area that have already adopted a total, you know, elimination of all on-site parking, and that's Bastrop And Taylor. So, they residential uses in their parking amendments. So, there is no on-site parking requirement for any use in Bastrop and Taylor. Again, we're not going quite that far.

We're just kind of dipping our toe into the water. We're still requiring on-site parking for residential uses and even some commercial uses in certain parts of town. There are other cities across the country that are comparable in size to Round Rock that have already been down this road. They have approved this and seen the benefits of it. Again, all of those still even go further than Round Rock's ordinance because they not only do they sometimes put abolish the requirement for residential parking, but sometimes they even put caps or maximums on the amount of parking a developer can provide, which is not something we are proposing.

And then you have larger cities all across the country that have done the same. So we were able to conduct a land use analysis with our colleagues in the geospatial services division of IT and showing that 43% of all developed commercial land in the city is just a parking lot. So by adopting this ordinance, we'd be able to see that number come down and have more area that's actually developed with buildings and or with green space, but land that's developed for people instead of just for the temporary storage of cars. And additionally, we've also analyzed a lot of the site plans and site development permits that have come through our office for review and approval over the last handful of years, and we find that in most instances, those developers are only meeting the minimum requirement or barely going just above it, indicating that the regulation is actually what drives parking supply rather than the actual needs of that project. So, again, removing this requirement would create more site opportunities because that developer could look at other places, other properties in the city that might be a little bit smaller and save them a little bit of money.

So I've got aerial photographs of a couple of large shopping centers that we have here in Round Rock. On the left is La Frontera, and on the right is the Boardwalk Shopping Center. You can see the vast expanses of pavement that we have here. So this is the Walmart. We all know this parking lot is huge and it's I don't know if it's ever more than half full, but right now, these developers have to keep track of every single square foot, every single parking lot they have.

They're unable to, you know, add new square footage to those properties, whether it's new construction of restaurants or retail or even residential if they wanted to put a multifamily apartment complex here because they have to know that they're providing enough parking to meet the code requirements. But if you do away with the code requirements, then we're opening up the possibilities for them to maximize the usage of their land, add more uses there, or even add residential. But again, they would have to provide parking for the residential, but at least they wouldn't be worried about demolishing parking for the commercial that they don't actually need. Getting into some of the details of our proposed amendments, we plan to remove the minimum on-site parking requirement for many nonresidential uses. Those uses are listed here.

However, wherever these land uses are located in the C 2, which is the local commercial zoning district, or MUR, which is mixed use redevelopment, as well as the residential zoning districts because bed and breakfast is allowed in some residential districts. So, we're keeping the on-site parking requirement there because those zoning districts are typically located closest to or in or adjacent to single family neighborhoods, and we want to do everything we can to actually prevent any spillover parking. If a developer who wants to build on a c two or MUR zoned lot wants to under park their development, well, those customers are then gonna have to find parking elsewhere, maybe on an adjacent property or on a street in front of somebody's house. We wanna do everything we can to prevent that. So we're keeping the on-site parking requirement in those zoning districts.

Again, we're providing recommended parking ratios as guidance for those that are being removed or eliminated. We're keeping the minimum parking requirements for assembly uses like event centers and places of worship. You know, places of worship, they have a lot of parking need entirely at one time, and a lot of times they're located in or adjacent to residential neighborhoods. If we did away with this parking requirement, would it probably allow those places of worship to expand on their site if they wanted to, but they'd be taking away parking to do it and they wouldn't be adding more parking and you'd have a lot of people parking in neighborhoods and clogging up residential streets. We're gonna be reducing the hotel parking requirement from one space per room to 0.8 spaces per room.

This is because we've seen a trend over the last decade or so of more hotel customers arriving or using rideshare instead of their own vehicle. We're updating the off street parking table for other land uses as well just to keep up with the times, reconsulting again with that ITE manual and what we've seen in other cities, but these are for land uses where we stink still think it's worthwhile to have an on-site parking requirement. And finally, we're clarifying that parking requirements in PUD's that conflict with our new amendment will be able to abide by the amendment. So we're only talking about changing the minimum amount of on-site parking. We're not talking about changing anything else that has to do with parking.

So all these parking lots would still have to abide by all of our dimensional standards, design standards. They still need to provide ADA or accessible parking where you're providing on-site parking. There's nothing changing about stacking spaces for drive throughs or screening or buffering of drive throughs from from residential neighborhoods. Stormwater runoff requirements will still apply. Again, we're not adding a cap on the amount of parking a developer can provide, so they can still just put as much there as they want to.

We're not proposing any changes to our downtown parking requirements. So this is something, you know, a different variety or different version of this. Already have had in effect in downtown since 2013. We don't require any on-site parking for any use that is 10,000 square feet or smaller, and it's been working out down here. So, we're not proposing any changes to that.

And then, again, on-site parking is still required for all residential uses as well, whether that's single family, townhome, or multifamily. It's worth acknowledging some potential unintended consequences or side effects of adopting this because you might encounter situations in the future where a developer of of whatever it is, you know, retail or office, they or a restaurant, they don't provide as much parking as they might have been required under the code. But if it's a popular place and people still wanna go there, they're gonna be looking for other places to park. So that could still lead to some potential spillover of commercial parking onto neighborhood streets or even just onto the street in front of that business. We do have a residential permit parking program in effect for a couple of neighborhoods that's only driven because of the existence of schools in those areas.

So, Round Rock High School and Old Town Elementary create a little bit of a traffic and a parking issue in those neighborhoods, so we have a residential permit parking program whereby only residents of the homes along those certain streets are allowed to park on the street there. If we encounter a problem where a developer doesn't provide that much parking on-site but it's a popular place and people are parking on residential streets, we have the option of coming through with an ordinance to enact a new residential district or residential parking district if we feel like that would help. It could lead to some property owner disputes if customers of one business are parking in the property of another. That's already something that could be happening, though. It could encourage illegal parking on grass or in fire lanes.

It could lead to residents and visitors blaming the city for decisions that are actually made by businesses. And finally, it could lead to a proliferation of new auto oriented pad sites in large retail centers. So, that could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective, but it could lead to more car washes, drive through coffee shops, drive through restaurants. But it also just really opens up more opportunities for even larger retail and restaurant as well and not just those smaller ones. Last month, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of our parking amendments.

We did not have any public speakers at that hearing. And staff recommends approval because, frankly, the minimum requirements that we have in the code are outdated and pretty expensive. It will provide project specific flexibility for developers, and it'll reduce construction costs for business owners. And finally, it will reduce the amount of land that is solely devoted to parking. Please let me know if you have any questions.

All right. Any questions? Questions? All right. This is a public hearing. I'll open up the public hearing on J1. Anybody wishing to speak? Seeing none, public hearing is closed. I entertain a motion to adopt the ordinance. So move.

Second.

Motion made by council member Ortega, second by the mayor pro tem. Any other discussion? And please vote the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens?

Yes.

Council member Montgomery? Yes. Council member Lee?

Yes.

Council member Flores?

Yes.

Council member Fleming? Yes. Council member Ortega? Yes. Mayor Morgan?

Yes. Do you entertain a motion to dispense with the second reading? So moved. Second. Motion made by council member Ortega, second by council member Flores. Any other discussion? And please vote for council.

Council member Montgomery. Yes. Council member Lee. Yes. Council member Flores.

Yes.

Council member Fleming.

Yes.

Council member Ortega?

Yes.

Mayor Pro Tem Stevens?

Yes.

Mayor Morgan?

Yes. Alright. K Council comments regarding items of community interest. Council member Lee.

Go Rock go. Good night, Round Rock.

Councilmember Flores. I just wanted to wish my daughter a birthday. Happy birthday. She celebrated a couple days ago, but it's amazing that she's as old as she is, I'm still as young as I am. But, anyway, happy birthday to you, Cecilia, and good night, Round Rock.

Councilmember Fleming.

I think there's a lot of college students wrapping up their exams and coming back to Round Rock for the summer, so welcome back.

Councilwoman Ortega.

Good night, Round Rock. Mayor Pro Tem.

Yeah. And with that, congratulations to all of the Round Rock ISD grads that will be graduating in the next couple weeks. Good night, Round Rock.

Chancellor Montgomery.

Good night, Round Rock.

And I will say good night, Round Rock, and we stand adjourned at 07:37.