Bastrop council responds to criticism over its Fredericksburg retreat

The Bastrop City Council faced criticism for holding its annual retreat in Fredericksburg, approximately 100 miles away, drawing censure from state Rep. Stan Gerdes, R-Smithville, and local residents who cited concerns over transparency and public accessibility. Mayor Ishmael Harris defended the location, stating Fredericksburg offers insights into shared challenges like growth and historical preservation, and allowed focused discussions. The two-day retreat, costing $7,132.71, focused on the city's budget and potential policies regarding Flock surveillance cameras and AI data center construction.

City Manager Sylvia Carrillo highlighted that AI data centers and Flock cameras were "flash points" for public concern, emphasizing that the council was "on the side of the residents" regarding these issues. While no policies were enacted at the retreat, the council requested staff to prepare development code amendments that would mandate a conditional use permit for all new AI data centers across the city's zoning designations. Council Member Kerry Fossler noted this change would ensure all data center proposals come before the council.

However, Carrillo cautioned that the city is currently assessing the legal implications of such amendments, particularly in light of federal executive orders that influence state and local regulation of AI data centers. The council also requested an updated policy for Flock surveillance cameras to include additional safeguards. Both the budget and the proposed data center and Flock camera policies are scheduled for further discussion at the council's August 25 meeting, with residents encouraged to attend and share their input.