City Council - 2026-03-19
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
Leander City Council held a joint workshop with the Planning and Zoning Commission to kick off updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Master Plan, led by Kindig Keys Collaborative. The council approved a zoning change for the Alexander Tract (55.152 acres) from interim SFR-1-B to SFU-2-A and SFC-2-A for 191 residential lots despite concerns about water resolution compliance, with a 4-3 vote. Council also approved an addendum to the Preserve at Mason Creek affordable housing cooperation agreement addressing parkland dedication requirements, and authorized $20.32M in general obligation refunding bonds expected to save $500,000-$600,000.
Key Decisions (10)
Comprehensive Plan and Transportation Master Plan Kickoff
Joint workshop with Planning and Zoning Commission received presentation from Kindig Keys Collaborative Inc. regarding kickoff of comprehensive plan and transportation master plan updates. Process will run through five phases over approximately one year with advisory committee involvement and public engagement.
Annexation Case A-25-0024 Hero Way Elevated Storage Tank
First reading approved for voluntary annexation of city-owned property purchased for an elevated storage tank to bring it into city limits.
Annexation Case A-25-25 and A-25-26 Alexander Tract
First reading approved for voluntary annexation of 55.152 acres (Alexander Tract) and adjacent ROW of County Road 267, located south of Bonnet tract near Bar W development.
Zoning Case Z-25-196 Alexander Tract Rezoning
Approved rezoning from interim SFR-1-B to SFU-2-A (single family urban) and SFC-2-A (single family compact) for 55.152 acres. Applicant Pulte Homes proposed 191 lots with 50-foot and 60-foot lot widths. Original request included 45-foot lots which were removed after P&Z feedback. Staff noted this does not comply with water resolution which prefers 70-foot lots (single family suburban).
Tree Removal Case TRP-25-49 Oak Grove Estates
Approved removal of one heritage tree associated with Oak Grove Estates development located east of County Road 175. Developer saved 12 other heritage trees on site and will pay mitigation fees.
Preserve at Mason Creek Affordable Housing Addendum
Approved addendum to cooperation agreement with Housing Authority of Travis County for affordable housing development. Addendum addresses parkland dedication requirements using pre-September 2024 ordinance standards. Development includes 64 units with 50% income-restricted (20% at 60% AMI, 30% at 80% AMI).
General Obligation Refunding Bonds Series 2026
Approved ordinance authorizing issuance of up to $20,320,000 in general obligation refunding bonds to refinance existing 2016 and 2018 debt. Expected net savings of approximately $500,000-$600,000 over remaining bond life. Bonds to be priced in mid-April and close in mid-May.
Atmos Energy Rate Increase Suspension Resolution
Approved resolution to suspend for 45 days the effective date of Atmos Energy Corporation's proposed rate increase under Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program. Proposed increase would raise typical monthly residential bill from $25 to $35.36 (41% increase).
Executive Session Settlement Agreement - PUC Docket 58864
Approved settlement agreement for docket number 58864 regarding petition of Heighten Leander 76 LLC to amend certificates of convenience and necessity within Williamson County.
San Gabriel Parkway Phase 3 Property Acquisition
Approved acquisition of properties in L.B. Johnson survey abstract 350 and Talbot Chambers survey abstract 125 for fee simple parcel and drainage/grading easement related to San Gabriel Parkway 3 project (CIP T.46).
Zoning Changes (1)
Alexander Tract - 55.152 acres south of Bonnet tract, east of County Road 267
Pulte Homes / Alexander Family (represented by Peter Verdicchio, SEC Planning)
Development Activity (7)
Alexander Tract
191 single-family lots on 55.152 acres with mix of 50-foot and 60-foot lot widths. Original proposal included 204 lots with 45-foot lots which were removed. Homes expected to be priced in high $500,000s to low $700,000s for 50/60-foot lots. Construction to commence January 2027, first homes January 2028, model home May 2028.
Preserve at Mason Creek
64-unit affordable housing development with detached products. 50% market rate, 20% for families at 60% AMI, 30% for families at 80% AMI. Parkland dedication of 7.675 acres at Mason Creek Trail trailhead.
Oak Grove Estates
Residential development requiring removal of one heritage tree; 12 heritage trees preserved on site.
BCRA Phase 2 Deep Water Intake and Pump Station
Deep water intake providing access to 50 additional feet of water depth (lowest elevation 570 vs current barge offline at 620-630). Pump station with 59 MGD capacity (five pumps), potential sixth pump would increase to 89 MGD. Foundation walls ongoing, transformer yard and electrical room in progress. Scheduled completion February 2027.
BCRA Phase 2A Treatment Expansion
Additional 22 MGD treatment capacity (approximately 12 MGD for Leander). Includes 9 million gallon clear well, disinfection basin, and new treatment structure. Excavation complete, formwork and slabs beginning.
Sandy Creek Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
Upgrades to achieve full 12 MGD treatment capacity (previously struggled at 9 MGD max). Includes sludge expansion and redundant treatment unit. Substantially complete with sludge processing expected late March/early April 2026.
Hero Way Elevated Storage Tank
City-owned property purchased for elevated water storage tank, being annexed into city limits.
Market Signals (8)
Housing Demand
Pulte Homes seeking replacement projects in Leander after closing out Bluff View and Reserve at North Fork, indicating continued builder interest despite water restrictions.
Housing Demand
New single-family homes on 50-60 foot lots expected to price in high $500,000s to low $700,000s, while 70-foot lots would push prices to $800,000-$900,000 range.
Commercial Demand
City staff noted Leander has 'turned the corner on the restaurant market' with commercial activity picking up significantly.
Infrastructure
Deep water intake project at 65-75% completion with February 2027 target, providing drought resiliency with access to 50 additional feet of lake water.
Infrastructure
City pursuing feasibility study for backup generators at BCRA pump station and evaluating sixth pump addition for redundancy.
Sentiment
Water restrictions remain in effect, signaling to residents that water supply is not yet secure despite infrastructure investments.
Housing Demand
Affordable housing projects face challenges with updated parkland dedication requirements; Preserve at Mason Creek could not absorb additional $78,000 fee increase.
Infrastructure
East-west traffic connectivity identified as major priority by multiple council members and P&Z commissioners, with San Gabriel Parkway extension seen as key future improvement.