Eleven transportation projects have been included for consideration by council, ranked by the committee in order of prioritization. The preliminary cost estimates for the 11 projects—prior to factoring in a 2 to 3% fee for non-city project management, as well as the city's financial department's final number calculations—are listed at approximately $99.36 million. The complete list of transportation projects, ranked from highest to lowest prioritization, are as follows:
- Innovative intersection improvements
- Neighborhood streets reconstruction, including the Historic Colored Addition
- Immanuel Road
- FM 685
- SH 45 frontage roads
- Kelly Lane Phase 3
- Pfluger Farm Lane, North
- Main Street
- Central Commerce Drive
- Picadilly Drive
- Cameron Road realignment
The committee also recommended roughly $40.23 million in parks and recreation improvements, with an additional $45 million up for consideration for a recreation and senior center. The bond committee voted in favor of proposing the bond center as a separate proposition from the parks and recreation bond list, due to its higher price tag. The list of proposed parks and recreation projects, outside of the recreation center, are listed as follows based on prioritization:
- Trail improvements
- Neighborhood parks projects
- Land acquisiton
- Lake Pflugerville Phase 2
- 1849 Park Phase 2
- Destination play space
Committee member Melody Ryan will present the parks and recreation project proposals to council on Feb. 11, while committee member Geoff Guerrero will talk through the transportation side of the bond package.
The estimated total cost of the roads, parks and recreation center project proposals amounts to approximately $185 million, without the additional 2-3% project maintenance fee yet to be accounted for. Based on the proposed package up for consideration, city staff said that if approved, the package would cost between $10 and $11 a month for residents following debt issuance.
During the discussion surrounding transportation projects, Guerrero said that in order to maintain a higher quality of life for city residents, it would be within the city's best interest to consider calling for a bond election to ensure these projects are funded—especially with the limitations cities now face following the enactment of Senate Bill 2. Urcha Dunbar-Crespo said that, when proposing a potential bond package of this monetary amount, city officials also need to remain cognizant of how to mitigate the cost effects on more vulnerable communities, specifically senior citizens and fixed-income residents.
There was unanimous agreement among the committee members present Feb. 5 to recommend calling for a bond election, especially given the explosive growth within the city that is only anticipated to continue.
“'If you build it, they won’t come’ didn’t work for Austin," committee member Amanda Maedgen said.
Pflugerville City Council will vote Feb. 11 whether or not to call for a bond election on May 2. The official cut-off date to include a bond election on the May ballot is Feb. 14.
For a complete list of proposed projects and prior to committee meeting presentations, click here.
