Items approved by the Round Rock City Council meeting on April 22 include National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and the purchase of playground equipment in addition to proposed rent and utility assistance.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

A proclamation was approved to designate April 18-24 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Other approved proclamations include marking May as Historic Preservation Month and May 3-7 as Air Quality Awareness Week.

Community Development Block Grant Action Plan

Two public hearings were held for the Community Development Block Grant programs. Housing and Urban Development require public hearings before items can be brought to the council. The first item was presented by Joe Brehm, Director of Community Development, for the 2021-22 Annual Action Plan to allocate $682,927 to support nonprofits, social services and low-income residents. Under the plan, city parks, sidewalks and streets are eligible for improvements.

Rent/utility assistance


The second public hearing was for two proposed CDBG projects. The first program requests $474,258 for rent and utility assistance. The payments would be made directly to landlords or utility companies to prevent eviction or utility shutoff. The second project would need $194,529 for senior internet service. The project would provide 79 seniors with an iPad, mobile hotspot and two-year unlimited data plan.

“For rent and utility assistance these families are on the verge of being evicted or having their utilities shut off,” Brehm said.

Replacing playground equipment

A resolution was approved to purchase and install playground equipment at Frontier Park through the CDBG program. The project aims to invest in the revitalization of the Chisholm Valley Neighborhood on the west side of the community. An agreement was approved with Fun Abounds, Inc. to replace the playground with a unique structure.

Mask mandate


In a closing statement by Mayor Craig Morgan, he addressed the end of the city’s mask mandate at midnight April 22. Morgan noted that people should comply if a business asks them to wear a mask in an effort to show support for the local business community.

“Just like with your neighbor if your neighbor chooses to wear a mask don’t shame them,” said Morgan. “Have respect for what each and every person’s choice is.”