Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks presented two resolutions before the council. The first resolution is to fund a General Victim Assistance Program with a $150,000 grant. The program aims to help victims of violent crimes to assist their recovery and guide them through the criminal justice process. According to Banks, the program is for citizens of Round Rock.
“The way our victims assistance program works is if there is another city that needs our assistance, we will definitely help them out,” said Banks.
The second resolution presented by Banks is to request the replacement of the police department’s Tasers. Banks said the Tasers have a four-year shelf life until the cartridges and holsters need to be replaced. If approved, the department would retire 25 of the current Tasers under the five-year agreement.
Another resolution is a request to remove the monarch designation for a tree adjacent to the development site of The Depot Townhomes. The 82-unit development is planned for three blocks along McNeil Road between Mays Street and Burnet Street. According to the resolution, fire access is limited due to narrow alleys and tight turning radii.
An emergency access driveway is necessary for the development and conflicts with the 36-foot live oak tree. If the resolution is not approved, the site would need a complete redesign.
The last item discussed at the packet briefing is to consider an ordinance to repeal the ordinance that requires face coverings in certain situations. Mayor Craig Morgan said there are four options for council to decide upon at the April 8 meeting.
- repeal the ordinance that night effective immediately;
- put out a proposed date giving the business community a little bit of time to get employees vaccinated;
- let the ordinance expire on its own terms April 29; or
- extend the ordinance.
Morgan said he will call businesses and get their thoughts on the ordinance before April 8.
Check back for updates from the City Council meeting April 8.
