City council members on Jan. 13 approved a package of development and infrastructure items, including design work for a municipal building renovation, acceptance of Water Plant No.2 improvements, and several development agreements tied to new residential projects.

Council authorized an architectural and engineering contract with Engineered Buildings of Texas for design services on the municipal building renovation and addition. Staff said the fee did not change from prior presentations and that the design phase would take roughly six months, with subsequent design reviews and future council approvals on final scope and footprint. Council members asked staff and consultants to consider phasing to limit immediate costs and to avoid building vacant office space prematurely.

Council accepted Water Plant No.2 into warranty after staff reported final inspection (November) and correction of an electrical issue. Staff noted some permanent nameplates remain to be installed but said the plant is operational; the council approved acceptance into warranty to start the warranty period.

On development approvals, council discussed and conditionally approved the Caroline Court development agreement (formerly Villages of Montgomery). Staff highlighted requirements including a traffic impact analysis, completion of Shepherd Street as part of the development, drainage analysis showing no negative off‑site impacts to College Street, and developer funding for utilities within the project corridor. Council conditioned the approval on receipt of a corrected plat that removed an erroneous connection to College Street (the packet included a wrong version). The council also approved related amended utility/MUD paperwork and a resolution consenting to annexation into Municipal Utility District 215, which will allow the developments to be served and taxed within that MUD framework.

A routine annual update to the Public Improvement District (PID) No.1 service and assessment plan was accepted via Zoom. Coats Rose attorney representing the PID said there were no rate changes—only an updated tax year on the plan.

No litigation or legal objections were raised during these votes. Several council members emphasized continued oversight during design and asked staff to return with cost breakdowns and monthly updates on large capital projects.