During a recent Round Rock City Council meeting, several residents voiced concerns regarding safety and community services, highlighting incidents that have raised questions about the city's response protocols.

One parent, Mr. Brown, recounted a distressing incident involving his son at a city-run summer camp, where the child nearly drowned in a deeper pool. Brown expressed frustration over the lack of immediate communication from pool staff following the incident, questioning the city’s commitment to safety and service excellence. He praised camp counselor Alexander Perez for his quick action in saving his son but criticized the overall response from the aquatic staff, particularly the absence of a manager during the incident.

Another resident, Michael Witherell, reiterated his long-standing request for additional handicap parking on Main Street, emphasizing the need for accessibility following a recent injury to his mother. He also proposed making West Liberty a one-way street to enhance safety at a problematic intersection.

Jorge Bridal suggested transforming underutilized spaces beneath city bridges into community-friendly areas, such as a skate park or market, to engage youth and improve the city’s aesthetics. He referenced successful initiatives in other cities as models for Round Rock.

In a more formal segment of the meeting, Police Chief discussed the department's performance metrics, revealing a significant increase in calls for service, which rose to over 78,000 in 2023. Despite this increase, the chief noted a decrease in reported offenses, indicating effective crime reduction strategies. He highlighted the department's focus on community policing and proactive measures to address crime hotspots, which have contributed to a reported 5% decrease in crime rates.

The chief also addressed concerns regarding false alarms from businesses, which have burdened police resources, and outlined efforts to improve response protocols. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency, noting that the department received commendations from residents for their service.

The meeting underscored ongoing community concerns about safety and accessibility, as well as the city’s commitment to addressing these issues through active dialogue and strategic planning.