Top decisions in 2011

  • The water issues — When Monarch Utilities announced it would be raising water rates dramatically, it set off a round of protests from customers in Pflugerville and around the state. While the case is in a holding pattern for now (see Page 12 for more on the case), it has dominated headlines and was at the forefront of the city's planning during much of the tail end of the year. Pflugerville City Manager Brandon Wade said the city is also working with the Manville Water Supply Corp.—which provides water to much of east Pflugerville—on renegotiating contracts and expanding Pflugerville water service into their area in a controlled way.
  • Addressing overcrowding at City Hall — As Pflugerville has continued to grow, so has the city staff. The result has been an overcrowding at City Hall that the council addressed through a number of measures meant to allow for expansion without building an entirely new City Hall. Some renovations have been made or are under way, while some city staff—notably the Planning Department—have been moved to other buildings.
  • The library expansion — The design and bids for the library expansion were finished in 2011, clearing the way for construction in 2012. "The community has been waiting on that for too long," Wade said. "That's a pretty big deal from a quality of life standpoint."

Top issues for 2012

  • Water strategy and master plan — Wade said Pflugerville is in the process of creating a water master plan that should be complete in 2012. The plan will address the regulatory issues connected to the proposed Windermere water rate increase, improvements in the Pflugerville system and working with Manville to make a controlled transfer of services in urbanized areas to the Pflugerville system, he said.
  • Quality of life issues — The library expansion should be completed by the end of 2012, Wade said, offering an improvement in quality of life. The city has also hired a new Parks and Recreation director, Jim Bowlin, who started in January.
  • Economic development — Under Floyd Akers, the Pflugerville Community Development Corp. inked a number of development deals in 2011 at Stone Hill Town Center, the PCDC green business park and elsewhere. Going forward, Wade said, the city has to make sure it can support further development by making sure it is properly positioned with its infrastructure.
  • Colorado Sands Boulevard — Colorado Sands Boulevard construction is scheduled to begin in 2012 as a way to relieve some congestion issues along Kelly Lane. As part of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, the city also hopes the road will help spur more development along the key Toll 130 corridor.

How council members are paid

The position is completely voluntary, though council members are reimbursed for mileage, conferences and other items directly relating to their role on City Council.

Meetings

  • Pflugerville City Council meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
  • Pflugerville City Council chambers, 100 E. Main St., Pflugerville
  • Watch at www.cityofpflugerville.com

Council member (term expiration)

Council members can also be reached by calling City Hall at 990-6101.