Pflugerville council approves mobility-plan ordinance, generator contract and several partnerships; hears library-naming request and CDBG hearing

Pflugerville City Council, presided over by Mayor Pro Tem Kimberly Holliday, advanced several items on infrastructure, workforce and community recognition at a regularly scheduled meeting.

The council approved an ordinance to incorporate the Aspire Pflugerville 2040 mass mobility plan into the city's comprehensive plan, authorized a FEMA-funded contract for an emergency standby generator at the Colorado River raw water pump station, approved an amendment to retain special legal counsel for the Downtown East project, and approved a memorandum of understanding with Pflugerville Independent School District for a skilled-trades academy. Council also held a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan for program year 2025 and unanimously approved a resolution to name the original wing of the Pflugerville Public Library the Audrey T. Deering wing.

Why it matters: The mobility-plan ordinance sets policy for future street and bike-lane design and includes an interim approach and a fee-in-lieu option for constructing full sidewalks/bike facilities as development occurs. The generator contract is funded primarily through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant and is intended to protect the city's raw water supply and treatment capability in the event of power loss. The skilled-trades MOU ties local students to water and wastewater career pathways at a time when the utility workforce is aging.

Mobility plan: ordinance adopted The council conducted second-reading consideration of an ordinance to amend Title 15 (Land Use) to incorporate the Aspire Pflugerville 2040 mass mobility plan into the city's comprehensive plan. City staff presented an interim design that would build sidewalks and a one-sided protected bikeway now (north and west sides) while allowing a fee-in-lieu mechanism so the city can fund and build the complementary side later as development or demand warrants. Staff said the approach preserves right-of-way widths and provides flexibility as bicycle use patterns change.

Emily (city staff) and Jeremy (city staff) described the interim configuration and the fee-in-lieu policy. Councilmember Weiss said the interim renderings were satisfactory but questioned whether developers should build both sides rather than pay a fee; Weiss urged building when revenue is available. The council voted to approve the ordinance on second reading.

Library naming: Audrey T. Deering wing approved A public hearing and resolution were presented to name the original wing of the Pflugerville Public Library the 'Audrey T. Deering wing.' Brianna (city staff) reviewed the city's naming policy, noting the Friends of the Library submitted the application and will fund signage. Brianna said the facility subcommittee and staff found the application met the policy criteria, including long-term service and broad community support. Denise Dering, Audrey Dering's daughter, spoke in favor and noted volunteers and original staff who supported the library. The council moved to approve the resolution; the motion passed unanimously.

CDBG annual action plan: public hearing held; next steps noted Dr. Yasmin Turk, Planning Manager, opened a second public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan for program year 2025. She said Pflugerville had been awarded more than $347,000 to target infrastructure, program scholarships for youth and seniors, workforce solutions and grant administration. Turk described next procedural steps: Planning & Zoning Commission review on June 2 and a City Council approval item on June 24. Council asked staff where project specifics (for example, sidewalks in the Parkway Drive area) can be found; Turk said detailed plans and suggestions are available on the city website and that staff accepts recommended projects year-round.

Skilled-trades MOU with PFISD approved Council considered an MOU to participate in a skilled-trades academy run by Pflugerville Independent School District focused on water and wastewater trades. Brandon (city staff) described a multi-year, multi-agency partnership that allows students to take coursework, tour facilities and, upon completion, test for a D-water license (a credential for water/wastewater operators). Brandon said the program has partnered with other municipalities and industry groups, and that student enrollment drives participation; this cohort had about 24 students. Council members discussed outreach and the value of trades pathways and then approved the MOU.

Downtown East legal services amendment approved Council approved an amendment to an agreement with Winstead PC to continue special legal services related to the Downtown East project. Staff said Winstead has specialized experience with condominium regimes and continuity with the project team; the council approved the amendment.

Emergency generator contract for Colorado River raw water pump station Council approved a contract with T. Morales Company Electrical and Controls Ltd. in the amount of $1,350,400 to procure an emergency standby generator for the Colorado River raw water pump station (Package 1C). City engineer Jeff explained the item has been under negotiation with FEMA and is funded by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant totaling $2,600,000, with the city's cost share at 10% and an additional 5% of the grant reserved for administration (about $132,000). Jeff said the generator will serve the intake infrastructure (about 14.79 miles at Shelton Road) and will provide sufficient power for the currently planned pipeline improvements. Council voted to approve the contract.

Votes at a glance - Resolution to name the original wing of the Pflugerville Public Library the Audrey T. Deering wing — motion to approve; outcome: approved unanimously. - Ordinance (second reading) to amend Title 15 to incorporate Aspire Pflugerville 2040 (mass mobility plan) — motion to approve; outcome: approved on second reading. - Amendment to agreement with Winstead PC for Downtown East special legal services — motion to approve; outcome: approved. - Memorandum of understanding with Pflugerville ISD for a skilled-trades academy (water/wastewater focus) — motion to approve; outcome: approved. - Contract with T. Morales Company Electrical and Controls Ltd., $1,350,400, for an emergency standby generator (Colorado River raw water pump station) — motion to approve; outcome: approved. Funding: FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant $2,600,000; city cost share 10%; grant administration funds ~5% ($132,000).

Discussion versus decision - Discussion only: Detailed locations and final engineering specifications for the CDBG Parkway Drive improvements (staff said details are on the website and will be refined as the project scope is developed). Council asked for sidewalk inclusion but staff said precise construction allocations were not yet finalized. - Direction/assignment: Staff was directed to continue public engagement on mobility and to post CDBG plans online and accept project recommendations year-round. - Formal actions: The ordinance, the naming resolution, the Winstead amendment, the skilled-trades MOU and the generator contract were all approved by council during the meeting.

Who spoke (selected) Direct quotes and attributions in this article come from the following speakers who spoke on the record at the meeting: "Kimberly Holliday, Mayor Pro Tem"; "Shane Novak, Strong Towns Swivel (public commenter)"; "Frances Morales, vice chair, Youth Advisory Council"; "Trista Evans, City Secretary"; "Brianna (city staff)"; "Denise Dering (daughter of Audrey Dearing)"; "Dr. Yasmin Turk, Planning Manager"; "Brandon (city staff, utilities)"; "Jeff (city engineer)"; "Emily (city staff)"; "Jeremy (city staff)"; "Councilmember Weiss"; "David (council member)".

Ending: Next steps and public information Items requiring further public input or subsequent council action include the CDBG-funded Parkway Drive improvements (Planning & Zoning recommendation expected June 2 and council action expected June 24) and implementation details for the mobility plan design and fee-in-lieu policy. Staff materials, plan maps and application details were referenced as available on the City of Pflugerville website.