Rockdale public meetings in 2024

Airport Board - Regular Airport meetings occur on the 4th Tuesday each month at 3:00PM

The Airport Board will meet to discuss operational needs and board administration. The body will consider actions regarding airport maintenance, runway lighting, and grounds baling. The board will also discuss potential grants and boardmember appointments.

• Airport runway lighting
• Airport maintenance
• Baling airport grounds
• Airport grants
• Boardmember appointments

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The Rockdale City Council is holding a special meeting to consider a second reading of an ordinance. The primary focus is the establishment of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3.

• Second reading of an Ordinance establishing TIRZ #3 for the Republic Ridge Subdivision

The Rockdale City Council held a special meeting on December 9, 2024, and approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3 for the Republic Ridge Subdivision. The motion passed unanimously with five votes in favor and none opposed. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved ordinance establishing TIRZ #3 for Republic Ridge Subdivision (5-0)

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding the Republic Ridge Subdivision, including the creation of a Public Improvement District and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3. The body will also consider a budget amendment for the 2023-2024 annual budget and a rezone request for 629 W. Cameron Avenue.

• Public hearing and first reading of ordinance to rezone 629 W. Cameron Avenue
• Public hearing and resolution to establish a Public Improvement District for Republic Ridge Subdivision
• Public hearing and ordinance to establish Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) #3
• Public hearing and ordinance for Budget amendment #1 to the 2023-2024 annual budget
• Consideration of an H.H. Coffield hangar ground lease agreement

The Rockdale City Council approved first readings for zoning change at 629 W. Cameron, TIRZ #3, and a budget amendment, plus a resolution establishing a Public Improvement District for Republic Ridge. They also approved a participation agreement with Milam County for TIRZ #3 funding and increased bookkeeping fees for the MDD to $5,000. The hangar ground lease agreement was tabled pending more information. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved first reading of zoning amendment for 629 W. Cameron (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance establishing TIRZ #3 for Republic Ridge (5-0)
• Approved first reading of budget amendment to 2023-2024 budget (5-0)
• Approved resolution establishing Public Improvement District for Republic Ridge (5-0)
• Approved participation agreement with Milam County for TIRZ #3 funding (5-0)
• Tabled H.H. Coffield hangar ground lease agreement until more info (5-0)
• Approved increase in bookkeeping/accounting services fee to $5,000 for Rockdale MDD (5-0)

Public Hearing Announcements

The City of Rockdale will hold a public hearing as part of compliance with the Texas Community Development Block Grant Program for the Downtown Revitalization Program. The hearing includes a Section 3 presentation by grant administrator KSBR, LLC. The city has received funds to construct concrete sidewalks along specified segments of Bell Avenue and Milam Avenue. Citizens may attend in person or submit written comments.

• Public hearing for Section 3 presentation on TxCDBG Downtown Revitalization Program (Contract No. CDM23-0416)
• Sidewalk improvements on Bell Avenue: south side from Burleson St to Main St, both sides from Main St to Ackerman St, south side from Ackerman St to midblock before Green St
• Sidewalk improvements on north side of Milam Avenue from Main St to Green St
• Presentation by KSBR, LLC grant administrator Veronica Pauda
• Public hearing at 5:30 PM on December 9, 2024 at City Hall, 505 West Cameron Avenue

Cemetery Committee: Meetings occur as needed

The Rockdale Cemetery Committee will meet to elect officers and review the current fee schedule and Ordinance 2016-07-11. The committee will also discuss maintenance needs for three city cemeteries.

• Election of officers
• Review and potential amendment of Ordinance 2016-07-11 and the fee schedule
• Maintenance needs for Oak Lawn Cemetery
• Maintenance needs for IOOF Cemetery
• Maintenance needs for the Old City Cemetery

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a recommendation to the City Council on rezoning two properties at 629 W Cameron and 633 W Cameron from C-2 (Commercial Intense) to R-1C (Residential 1 Commercial). The commission will also receive presentations recognizing John Williams and Leslie Davidson, hear a report from Chair Williams on a City Council meeting, and review routine reports including code enforcement and Development Services.

• Public hearing and action on rezone request for 629 W Cameron (PID 13364) and 633 W Cameron (PID 13069) from C-2 to R-1C
• Presentation recognizing John Williams and Leslie Davidson
• Presentation from Chair Williams on recent City Council meeting
• Review and approval of November 5, 2024 meeting minutes
• Monthly code enforcement report and Development Services department report

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The City Council will meet to discuss a grant submission to the Texas Department of Agriculture and a request for police radios. The body will also consider an agreement for repairs to Airport Well #11.

• Resolution to submit a CDBG grant to the Texas Department of Agriculture
• Resolution requesting Milam County purchase 800 Mgz Radios for the police department
• Agreement with Weisinger for rehabilitation of Airport Well #11 and installation of a new pump and motor

MDD - Regular MDD meetings occur on the 4th Monday each month at 5:30PM

The Rockdale Municipal Development District will discuss community business survey results and growth strategies. The board will consider several grants for local businesses and marketing, as well as a policy regarding TikTok use on government devices.

• Facade grant for Cam-rock clinic at 602 N. Main St
• Digital marketing grant for Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Winter Wonderland
• Policy prohibiting TikTok use on government-owned devices
• Resolution authorizing EDA grant application submittal
• Approval of Rockdale Shop Local Campaign printing

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The Rockdale City Council will consider multiple items related to the proposed Republic Ridge subdivision, including rezoning property along Texas Street from agricultural to single-family residential planned development, a development agreement, and creation of a Public Improvement District and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. The council will also hold a public hearing on a resolution to ban TikTok from city-owned devices and vote on ordinance amendments regarding parking, outdoor storage, and noise. Additionally, there are presentations on Hotel Occupancy Tax fund reports for community events and a fiber optic installation proposal.

• Republic Ridge subdivision: rezoning three parcels along Texas Street (IDs 20077, 23877, 15190) from A to R-1 PUD and development agreement with Republic Ridge LLC
• Resolution adopting a Covered Applications Policy to ban TikTok on city government devices
• Second reading of ordinances amending parking on unimproved surfaces, open/outdoor storage, and noise regulations
• Variance requests: tree replacement at Dollar Tree, side setback at 633 W Cameron, building setbacks at 302 W Bell, and detached sign at 1013 W Cameron
• Change order with Alpha Paving for resurfacing on Okelly Street and sewer line repair at 202 West Cameron Ave

MDD - Regular MDD meetings occur on the 4th Monday each month at 5:30PM

The Rockdale Municipal Development District Board of Directors will attend a Lunch and Learn on November 19, 2024. This meeting is a notice of potential quorum.

• Lunch and Learn at 134 N Main St

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss a recommendation to City Council for a board appointment to fill an unexpired term. They will also review minutes from the October 1, 2024 meeting and receive monthly reports from code enforcement and development services. Action items include considering final plats for properties at 1013 W Cameron Avenue and 310 Calhoun St, as well as a short form subdivision at 302 W Bell.

• Swearing-in of appointed Commissioner Robert 'Bob' Slobod
• Recommendation to City Council for board appointment to unexpired term (ending 02/2027)
• Final plat for 1013 W Cameron Avenue (Mike Richards)
• Final plat for 310 Calhoun St (Brian Boro)
• Short form subdivision for 302 W Bell (Randy Thompson)

Cemetery Committee: Meetings occur as needed

The Cemetery Committee will hold a workshop to review City Ordinance 2016-07-11 (9A) and the associated fee schedule. The body will consider potential amendments to the ordinance and discuss maintenance needs for three city cemeteries.

• Review and potential amendment of Ordinance # 2016-07-11 (9A) and Fee Schedule
• Maintenance needs for Oak Lawn Cemetery
• Maintenance needs for IOOF Cemetery
• Maintenance needs for the Old City Cemetery

MDD - Regular MDD meetings occur on the 4th Monday each month at 5:30PM

The Rockdale Municipal Development District will hold its regular meeting on October 28, 2024, to discuss and act on several economic development items. Workshops include the Dr. Perryman Hwy 79 Corridor Impact Report. Action items include annual officer elections, approving a water well rehabilitation project, and a digital marketing grant for Texas Medical Distributors. The board will also convene in executive session to discuss real estate and economic development negotiations for several projects.

• Workshop on Dr. Perryman Hwy 79 Corridor Impact Report
• Consider and approve participating in Water Well Rehab Project
• Consider and approve Digital Marketing Grant for Texas Medical Distributors
• Annual MDD Officer Elections
• Executive session discussions on Projects Pecan, Kit Fox, Maple, Garrett, real estate, and personnel

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The Rockdale City Council and Planning and Zoning body are meeting for a community discussion titled "An Eastside Conversation." The meeting is scheduled for October 26, 2024, at Moon Brew Coffee Co.

• Eastside Conversation with citizens at 109 North Main Street

Parks Board Regular meetings occur on the 3rd Thursday every 3 months at 5:30PM

The Rockdale Parks Board will discuss updates and potential actions regarding several city park facilities. The board will also consider a recommendation for a board appointment for an unexpired term ending in October 2025.

• Recommendation for board appointment for unexpired term (10/2025)
• Update and action regarding Skate Park
• Update and action regarding Bridge Park
• Update and action regarding Sumuel Park
• Update and action regarding Softball Diamonds

Airport Board - Regular Airport meetings occur on the 4th Tuesday each month at 3:00PM

The Rockdale Airport Advisory Board will hold a regular meeting on October 8, 2024, to discuss and take action on several items including approving previous meeting minutes, rescheduling the meeting date, runway lighting, maintenance, baling grounds, operations, and grants. The board will also consider any necessary actions on these items, and the meeting is open to public participation.

• Approve minutes from September 10, 2024
• Discuss rescheduling the airport board meeting date
• Discuss and take action on airport runway lighting
• Discuss and take action on airport maintenance
• Discuss grants for the airport

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a workshop on Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code (relating to municipal zoning authority). Action items include approving previous meeting minutes, receiving code enforcement and development services reports, and making a recommendation to City Council for board appointments to fill unexpired terms.

• Workshop on Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code (zoning authority)
• Approval of minutes from September 3 and 17, 2024
• Monthly code enforcement report
• Development Services department report
• Recommendation to City Council for board appointments for unexpired terms (02/2027)

Tourism Board

The Rockdale Tourism Subcommittee will hold a workshop to discuss a draft Tourism Strategic Plan document and then consider recommending that plan to the City Council. No other business is listed.

• Workshop on creating a Tourism Strategic Plan
• Possible recommendation of the Tourism Strategic Plan document to the City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider and make recommendations to the City Council on two preliminary plats submitted by Philip Bargas: one for 24 lots on the 600 block of Texas Street and one for 214 lots on the 700 block. Additionally, they will consider amendments to ordinances regarding parking on improved surfaces, mobile food vendors, and outside storage.

• Preliminary plat for 214 lots on 700 Block Texas Street (Property IDs 20077, 23877) by Philip Bargas
• Preliminary plat for 24 lots on 600 Block Texas Street (Property ID 15190) by Philip Bargas
• Amendment to parking on improved surface parking ordinance
• Amendment to mobile food vendor ordinance
• Amendment to outside storage ordinance

The Rockdale Planning and Zoning Commission approved two preliminary plats by Philip Bargas for properties on Texas Street, subject to staff comments, and recommended amendments to the parking, mobile food vendor, and outside storage ordinances to the City Council. Commissioner Leslie Davidson resigned during the meeting.

• Approved preliminary plat for 600 Block Texas Street (24 lots) (4-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for 700 Block Texas Street (214 lots) (4-0)
• Approved parking ordinance amendments to send to council (3-1, Davidson opposed)
• Approved mobile food vendor ordinance amendments to send to council (4-0)
• Approved outside storage ordinance amendments to send to council (4-0)

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The Rockdale City Council will hold first readings of ordinances amending the noise ordinance, mobile food vendor rules to allow drive-throughs, and open/outdoor storage regulations. The council will also consider a resolution to apply for Airport Routine Maintenance Program funding, a variance request, and a request for Hotel Occupancy Tax funds for a community event. Executive session is scheduled to discuss real property transactions for two properties including city-owned land at 1166 W. Hwy 79.

• First reading: ordinance amending the noise ordinance
• First reading: ordinance amending mobile food vendor ordinance to allow drive-throughs
• First reading: ordinance amending open/outdoor storage regulations
• Resolution to authorize submission for Routine Airport Maintenance Program (RAMP) funding
• Consideration of a variance request from Empire Company Sign and Construction

The Rockdale City Council approved the consent agenda, a resolution for airport maintenance funding, and the first reading of a noise ordinance amendment. It also approved a variance for Empire Company Sign and Construction, $5,000 in HOT funds for the Vampire Ball, surplus declaration of RVFD unit 723, and MDD board reappointments. Items on mobile food vendors and outdoor storage were sent to Planning and Zoning. No action was taken on O'Kelley Street surface material or real estate deliberations.

• Approved consent agenda and moved investment/financial policy review to Oct 14 (6-0)
• Approved resolution authorizing city manager to submit RAMP funding (6-0)
• Approved first reading of noise ordinance amendment (6-0)
• Sent mobile food vendor drive-through amendment to Planning and Zoning (6-0)
• Sent open/outdoor storage amendment to Planning and Zoning (6-0)
• Approved Empire Company sign variance and allowed city manager to negotiate monument sign (6-0)
• Approved $5,000 HOT funds for Vampire Ball (4-1-1, Perry opposed, Melton abstained)
• Declared RVFD unit 723 surplus and authorized sale (6-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider a request to rezone property on Texas Street from agricultural to single-family residential. The body will also review several short form subdivision requests and proposed ordinance amendments.

• Rezone request for Property ID: 20077, 23877, and 15190 along Texas Street from A to R-1 PUD
• Short form subdivision for 775 Green Street into lot 8-9A
• Short form subdivision for 1004 E San Andres Avenue into lot 11B
• Short form subdivision for 236 N Wilcox into lot 5A
• Ordinance amendments regarding noise, open/outdoor storage, mobile food vendor drive-throughs, and parking on unimproved surfaces

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a zoning change from agricultural to R-1 PUD for properties along Texas Street, and also approved several other items including ordinance amendments on parking, outdoor storage, noise, and mobile food vendor drive-throughs. All recommendations will be sent to the City Council for final action.

• Approved rezone to R-1 PUD for Texas Street properties (4-0)
• Approved parking on unimproved surfaces ordinance with updates (3-1)
• Approved open/outdoor storage ordinance to send to Council (4-0)
• Approved noise ordinance amendment to send to Council (4-0)
• Approved drive-throughs for mobile food vendors ordinance to send to Council (4-0)
• Approved short form subdivision at 775 Green Street (4-0)
• Approved short form subdivision at 1004 E San Andres Avenue (4-0)
• Approved short form subdivision at 236 N Wilcox (4-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Rockdale Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a workshop to discuss parking on unimproved surfaces. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is limited to public comment and discussion.

• Workshop regarding parking on unimproved surfaces

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop to discuss parking on unimproved surfaces, focusing on defining allowable base materials. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

• Conducted workshop on parking on unimproved surfaces (no vote)
• Discussed defining allowable base as bituminous, concrete, crushed rock, or gravel (no action)

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

This special meeting will consider final approval (second reading) of an ordinance setting the 2024 tax rate. The council will also ratify increased property tax revenues included in the adopted FY2024-2025 budget.

• Second reading of ordinance establishing 2024 tax rate (Kelty/Holly)
• Ratification of increased property tax revenues in FY2024-2025 adopted budget (Kelty/Holly)

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The council will hold a second reading and vote on the annual budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 and an ordinance setting the 2024 tax rate. They will also consider ratifying increased property tax revenues reflected in the adopted budget and approve a change order for a water infrastructure project funded by the Texas Water Development Board.

• Second reading of ordinance adopting the annual budget for fiscal year October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025
• Ordinance establishing the 2024 tax rate
• Ratification of increased property tax revenues reflected in the FY 2024-2025 adopted budget
• Change order #3 for phase 1 of TWDB contract #62833 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund

Public Hearing Announcements

The City of Rockdale is holding a public hearing on a proposed tax rate of $0.85 per $100 valuation, which is above the no-new-revenue rate of $0.712777 but below the voter-approval rate, so no election is required. The rate would increase the average homestead tax from $1,222 to $1,312, a 7.3% rise. The city council voted 5-0 in favor of the proposal, with the mayor present but not voting and one member absent.

• Proposed tax rate of $0.85 per $100 valuation (up from $0.8015)
• Public hearing on August 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM at Rockdale City Hall Council Chambers, 505 W Cameron Ave
• Council voted 5-0 in favor (Perry, Caffey, Walker, Starnes, Melton); Mayor Roddam present not voting; Councilmember Ruelas-Olivares absent
• Average homestead taxable value increased 10.87% from $137,495 to $152,444
• Total tax levy proposed to increase 22% from $2,814,587 to $3,424,825

Public Hearing Announcements

The City of Rockdale will hold a public hearing on August 12, 2024, to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget and tax rate. The proposed budget would raise property tax revenue by $500,000 (a 22% increase) and includes a proposed property tax rate of $0.85 per $100 valuation, up from $0.8015.

• Proposed property tax rate of $0.85 per $100, compared to FY2024 rate of $0.8015
• Budget would raise $500,000 more in property tax revenue than last year (22% increase)
• New property added to tax roll provides $825,532 in additional revenue
• Public hearing on August 12, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers
• Proposed budget available on city website

City Council - Regular Council meetings occur on the 2nd Monday each month at 5:30 PM

The City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider ordinances to adopt the annual budget and establish the tax rate for the 2024 tax year. The body will also discuss various equipment purchases and a preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave.

• Public hearing on proposed FY 2024-25 budget and tax rate
• Preliminary plat for property at 1013 W Cameron Ave
• HOT funding request for East Bell Tap House Rocktoberfest
• Purchase of AMI registers, Firewalls, and Switches for IT infrastructure
• Ratification of purchases for a Mini Excavator and Hydro Excavator for Public Works

The Rockdale City Council approved the first reading of the FY 2024-25 budget ordinance and moved the tax rate ordinance to the August 19 meeting. The council also awarded a drainage easement contract, approved a preliminary plat, and authorized several purchases including AMI registers, IT firewalls, and fleet vehicles.

• Approved first reading of FY 2024-25 budget ordinance (5-0)
• Moved tax rate ordinance to August 19, 2024 meeting
• Awarded GLO CDBG-MIT drainage contract to Titan Commercial Valuation (5-0)
• Approved preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave (5-0)
• Approved $10,000 HOT fund request for Rocktoberfest (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 274 AMI registers (5-0)
• Approved Univista firewalls and switches from CIP funds (5-0)
• Ratified Enterprise Fleet Management agreement and vehicle purchases (5-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The commission will review a preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave and a short form subdivision for 210 Pine Street. The meeting also includes a workshop on Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code.

• Preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave submitted by Mike Richards
• Short form subdivision for 210 Pine Street submitted by Forrest Sasser
• Workshop regarding Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code
• Monthly code enforcement report
• Monthly Development Services department report

The Rockdale Planning and Zoning Commission approved two plats: a preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave (subdividing into Lot 1) and a short form plat for 210 Pine Street (into one lot), both subject to staff comments. The commission also approved the July 2, 2024 minutes and received reports on code enforcement and development services. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved preliminary plat for 1013 W Cameron Ave (6-0)
• Approved short form plat for 210 Pine Street (6-0)
• Approved minutes from July 2, 2024 meeting (6-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission- Meetings occur on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at 1:30PM

The Commission will review a request to change the zoning of property in the 1100 Block of Bushdale Rd from single-family to multi-plex residential. The meeting also includes reviews of plat recommendations for properties on S Wilcox and Texas Street. Additionally, the Commission will receive a presentation regarding Rockdale's Sesquicentennial events.

• Rezoning request for 1100 Block of Bushdale Rd from R-1 to R-3
• Plat recommendation for 320 S Wilcox into Lot 1 and 2
• Plat recommendation for 700 Block of Texas Street into Block 3 Lot 1A and Block 7 Lot 1A
• Presentation on Rockdale’s Sesquicentennial events
• Workshop regarding Chapter 211 of the Texas Local Government Code