Development News for Round Rock, Texas

Resident Raises Concerns Over Data Center Development and Voting Process

A resident expressed concerns about the proposed data center, questioning the seven-to-zero vote and the research conducted by council members. The resident mentioned a petition signed by 3000 people against the data center and highlighted ongoing community opposition. Concerns were raised about potential impacts on water and power grids, referencing issues in Georgia. The resident requested more regulation on data centers and indicated that the issue is ongoing, with some residents considering leaving the city due to such developments. The Mayor offered to meet with the resident to discuss the data and the city's perspective.

Council Approves Significant Cost Savings on Construction Projects and Authorizes New Agreements

The council approved resolutions related to procurement and agreements. This included authorizing a change order for the Old Settlers Build Out Project (Rec Center) with Spyglass Contractors Inc. for $990,710 in savings, and a change order for the Bob Bennett Complex Phases Two, Three, and Four with Hensel Phelps Construction Company for $1,104,720 in savings. These savings were a result of buyout savings and unused contingency funds. The city also authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with John Keane Construction for the Fire Station Number 11 project, costing $10,507,372, and determined they provided the best value. Additionally, consent agenda items included approvals for minutes, amendments to authorized transactions with Tax Pool, agreements with Firm Bluff Municipal Utility District for household hazardous waste programs, and contracts for various infrastructure projects like wastewater main rehabilitation and the Round Rock Transportation Economic Development Corporation agreement.

Roadway and Utility Impact Fee Reports Presented; City Continues Infrastructure Planning

The council considered a resolution approving the semi-annual report for the Capital Improvements Plan and Roadway Impact Fees from the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee (CIC). The report detailed roadway impact fee collections and administrative reviews. Round Rock was an early adopter of roadway impact fees in 2019, and the program is now a standard practice in many cities. The city is in Phase Four of its impact fee structure, with rates varying by plat. Collections for the last six months were just under $2 million, and almost $18 million since inception. Distributable funds have reached $9 million, with about half of collected funds spent on projects. The city also presented the semi-annual report for Water and Wastewater Capital Improvements Plan and Impact Fees, noting continued growth in water meters and effective conservation efforts. The city has secured sufficient water contracts to meet future needs.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Funding Approved; Water Resource Management Discussed

The council considered a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a supplemental contract number two with Plumber Associates Inc. for the Brushy Creek East Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion to 40 million gallons per day. This expansion is the next phase after the current 30 million gallon expansion. The city is requesting $60 million from the Texas Water Development Board Clean Water State Revolving Fund, with plans to fund the remainder in cash. This specific expansion will be 10% City of Austin and 90% City of Round Rock. The supplemental contract of $124,000 is for Plumber Associates to assist with the paperwork required for applying for state funding. The council also received presentations on the semi-annual reports for the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvements Plan and Impact Fees, highlighting steady growth in water meters, effective water conservation and reuse efforts, and a comparison of Round Rock's water and wastewater impact fees with surrounding cities, showing Round Rock's fees are lower. The city has sufficient water contracts to serve its projected growth through 2060-2070.