Cedar Park City Council Meeting Overview for 3/27/2025

The big picture

The Cedar Park City Council approved a resolution supporting a traffic and revenue study by the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) to evaluate expanding Ronald Reagan Boulevard with managed toll lanes, while ensuring existing lanes remain free.

Why it matters

The study represents the first step in a potential regional approach to addressing growing traffic congestion between Cedar Park and I-35, with implications for mobility, emergency response, and economic development throughout the area.

Reagan Boulevard study details

In a presentation from Williamson County Senior Director of Infrastructure Bob Day, the council learned:

• The proposal would maintain all existing free lanes while adding 1-2 managed toll lanes in each direction

• Current traffic problems will worsen as Leander grows to 200,000 and Georgetown exceeds 200,000 residents

• The study's cost would be covered by CTRMA, with no city funding required

• Timeline for construction could be 7-10 years away, if approved

• Estimated project cost exceeds half a billion dollars

"We're trying to preserve the mobility and quality of life of the citizens of Cedar Park," Day told the council.

Council members expressed mixed views on the regional impact versus local access, with Council Member Dorian Chavez casting the lone dissenting vote.

City finances earn clean audit

The council received an unmodified "clean opinion" audit report for fiscal year 2024 from external auditor Adam McCain of Lieber and Tidwell.

"We have issued our clean opinion, the highest level of assurance we are able to give on a set of financial statements," McCain reported.

The audit found no internal control weaknesses, with only one minor compliance finding related to construction wage rate documentation for a federally funded contract.

Capital improvements update

Engineering Director Randy Lueders presented progress on three significant infrastructure projects currently under construction:

• Ranchettes 2 & 3 central drainage (Phase 2) extends storm sewer improvements along Monarch Drive between Lone Star Drive and Hall Street. The project includes:

  • Completed storm sewer and channel work

  • Installation of ribbon curbs on both sides of the road

  • Road resurfacing for better water management and durability

  • Funding through a combination of FEMA/TDEM grants and the city's stormwater program

  • Anticipated completion this summer

• New Hope Drive expansion aims to increase capacity from 4 lanes to 6 lanes and includes an innovative intersection at 183A similar to the one at 1431 in Palmer. Current work focuses on:

  • Drainage culverts and utility relocations

  • U-turn turnarounds on northbound and southbound sides

  • Extensive coordination with HEB Center and CTRMA

  • Council discussion about reopening left turn lanes at Discovery Boulevard before HEB Center graduations

  • Project timeline extending to spring 2027

• Public Safety Training Facility (2022 bond project) includes three components:

  • A training facility with classrooms, office space and emergency operations center

  • Space for simulated training and fitness

  • New apparatus bay for emergency management and fire department vehicles

  • Current status: structural piers complete, pad preparation nearly finished, and underground utilities installation in progress

Other council actions

The council:

• Issued a proclamation recognizing Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, welcoming representatives from the Ismaili Muslim community and Islamic Center Brushy Creek. Mayor James Penn Amor emphasized Cedar Park as "a community of many faiths" and recognized the festival of breaking the fast that marks the end of Ramadan on March 30.

• Created a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee to review utility impact fees for new developments. The council appointed the Planning and Zoning Commission plus one ETJ representative, Alan Hill, to serve on this committee as required by Chapter 395 of Texas Local Government Code.

• Authorized property acquisitions for an emergency contingent barge project after executive session discussions, approving negotiations with six property owners.

• Heard public comments regarding concerns about the Cedar Park Fire Department's handling of evidence from the Biloxi apartment fire of August 2023, with a resident questioning the withholding of dash cam footage.

Bottom line

Cedar Park continues managing rapid growth through infrastructure investments while maintaining a strong financial position, though regional transportation planning remains contentious as the city balances local access with regional mobility needs.