Utility rate increase, Nutty Brown Amphitheater and Stagecoach Inn relocation: 5 takeaways from Feb. 8 Round Rock City Council meeting

Here are five takeaways from Round Rock City Council's regular meeting Feb. 8:

1. The City Council approves increase to residential trash and recycling collection fees

The council unanimously approved on second reading a monthly increase to the fees for residential trash and recycling collection services. The fees, collected by service provider Round Rock Refuse, will increase by $1.47. The new rate, in addition to administrative costs and sales tax, will increase from a total of $19.06 per month to $20.52 per month. The change will go into effect immediately.

2. The council approves resolution calling for a May 5 general election

The council unanimously approved a resolution calling for a general election to be held May 5. Council members Place 3 and Place 5 will be on the ballot. Place 3 is currently held by Frank Leffingwell and Place 5 is currently held by Writ Baese. The application deadline is Feb. 16.

3. Construction contract approved for McNeil Road extension project

The council approved a contract with Chasco Constructors for the McNeil Road extension project, which is due to begin in early March. The construction schedule is nine months, putting the estimated completion date at the end of the year.

4. Contract approved for Stagecoach Inn relocation project

The council approved a $796,000 contract with Phoenix Restoration and Construction Ltd. for the Stagecoach Inn relocation project. The historic inn will be relocated to the Bathing Beach Park along Brushy Creek due to the expansion of RM 620. The project is estimated to take 120 days to complete and will be funded by hotel occupancy tax funds.

5. The council approves sale of land and rezoning for Nutty Brown Amphitheater

The council approved the sale of McNeil Park and approved zoning to allow the relocation of the Nutty Brown Cafe and Amphitheater to Round Rock. The amphitheater will be built along IH-35, south of the University Oaks shopping center. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and the amphitheater is expected to open in spring 2019.