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Get in summer shape fast with an Aqua Fitness pass

By Hallie Hutchins, Parks & Recreation Marketing Assistant

Summer is almost here, and whether you like to head to the pool or beach, it’s time to suit up. What better way to get in shape and feel great in your swimsuit than to work out in it?

Take a break from the gym and dive into the City of College Station’s Aqua Fitness classes to build cardio, strength, and resistance in a cool and relaxing atmosphere. It’s easy on the joints while providing a tremendous workout, regardless of your fitness level.

The Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of aqua fitness classes for ages 15 and up at Cindy Hallaran Pool, a 25-yard, zero-depth swimming pool with a beach entry that gently slopes to a depth of four feet. Classes begin Tuesday and run through Aug. 16.

Eager to try one of our aqua fitness classes but not sure where to begin?

It all starts with getting an Aqua Fitness pass, which is good for water fitness, aqua barre, and aqua boot camp. You can sample a drop-in pass for $3 a class and once you’re hooked, buy an unlimited pass for $100.

Passes can be purchased at the Cindy Hallaran Pool or online at rectrac.cstx.gov.

Aqua Fitness Classes

Water Fitness, Weekdays, 9-10 a.m.

These classes provide an enjoyable and effective exercise that increases cardiopulmonary capacity, strength, and flexibility. Physically fit, pre-natal, post-natal, post-operative, those with arthritis, those with muscle injuries, or sedentary individuals are invited to join.

Aqua Barre, Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

The hottest trend in group exercise goes aquatic with a moderate-intensity workout that uses the buoyancy and resistance of water to enhance exercises designed to build strength, promote cardiovascular fitness, and increase flexibility. Participants use noodles and the pool wall in place of the traditional ballet barre.

Aqua Bootcamp, Thursdays, 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Take your fitness to the next level with a vigorous workout that brings intensity without the impact with a combination of high-intensity interval training, steady-state cardio, and resistance exercises.

Get your Aqua Fitness pass today and get in summer shape!

About the Blogger

Hallie Hutchins is in her fourth year as a marketing staff assistant in the Parks & Recreation Department after graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 with a degree in sports management. She has previously worked with the Dallas Sidekicks professional soccer team and Texas Team Junior Golf. Originally from White Oak, Hallie also attended Kilgore College and was a member of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes dance team.

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Posted by City of College Station | May 24, 2019 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: Aqua Barre, Aqua Bootcamp, Aqua Fitness Pass, aquatics, fitness programs, Hallie Hutchins, water fitness | Leave a comment

Sales tax holiday can save you money — and water

By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator

The Memorial Day weekend in the Brazos Valley will be busy with the Texas Weekend of Remembrance, high school graduations, dance recitals, athletic events, and more.

The return of sunny, warm weather also means it an ideal time to make your home and landscape more efficient. If you upgrade your irrigation controller, install a rain sensor, and add mulch to your drought-tolerant plants this weekend, it’s all tax-free.

The Texas Comptroller’s Office has declared a sales tax holiday from Saturday through Monday on the purchase of certain water– and energy-efficient products. This year marks the third time the tax holiday has provided an incentive for Texans to conserve our limited water resources.

Eligible tax-exempt items are things that can be used to conserve or retain groundwater, recharge water tables, or decrease ambient air temperature to reduce water lost to evaporation. Among the eligible items are:

WaterSense-labeled products.
Soaker or drip-irrigation hoses.
Moisture control for sprinkler or irrigation systems (rain shutoff switches or soil moisture sensors).
Rain barrels (rainwater harvesting equipment is always exempt from state sales tax).
Permeable ground cover surfaces that allow water to reach underground basins, aquifers or water collection points.
Plants, trees, and grasses.
Soil and compost.

WaterSense-labeled products go through an independent, third-party certification process and meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s specifications for efficiency and performance. The beauty is having water-saving products in your home or business that deliver exceptional performance and savings on water bills for years to come.

For more information, visit the Texas Comptroller’s Water-Efficient Products Sales Tax Holiday webpage.

Stay cool this weekend and get ready for water and energy savings!

About the Blogger

Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.

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Posted by City of College Station | May 24, 2019 | Categories: College Station Utilities, Public Communications, Water Services | Tags: energy efficiency, jennifer nations, tax-free holiday, water conservation | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 23)

Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, May 23. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

5:24 p.m.

The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.

5:25 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled no consent items for workshop discussion.

5:50 p.m.

Economic Development Update

The council reviewed the city’s economic development efforts and discussed ways to enhance our economic competitiveness.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:28 p.m.

Fire Asset Reliability

The council reviewed the Fire Department’s adequacy and response reliability.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:32 p.m.

Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.

6:38 p.m.

The regular meeting has started. Mayor Mooney said item No. 3 on the regular agenda (parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot) has been pulled and will not be considered tonight.

6:58 p.m.

Hear Visitors

Seven people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.

Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Army Capt. Sean P. Sims as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old El Paso native died on Nov. 13, 2004, when his unit received small arms fire while clearing a building in Fallujah, Iraq.
Carlos Espina, Eduardo Espina, Carlos Prida, and Raphael Cruzan asked the council to bring soccer fields back to Anderson Park.
Donald and Patsy Deere spoke against the proposed parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot. That item has been pulled from tonight’s agenda.

6:59 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

A $287,305 contract with Air-Tech Brazos Valley for facilities corrective maintenance services.
The $330,029.53 purchase of furnishings from multiple vendors for the renovated Larry J. Ringer Library.
An ordinance amendment that clarifies that customers are responsible for placing solid waste containers out for collection and for removing them afterward.
An ordinance amendment that clarifies that payment is not a defense for a violation of prohibited parking. Some Northgate parking spaces transition at times to prohibited parking for loading zones or passenger pick-up and the payment system can’t prohibit payment during these times.
An ordinance amendment that increases the civil fine for parking without paying in the Northgate Garage from $50 to $115 for payment within 10 days and from $60 to $125 for payment after 10 days.

7:14 p.m.

Parking Restrictions on Poplar, Ash, Live Oak and Nimitz

The council voted unanimously to remove stopping, standing, and parking along one side of Poplar, Live Oak, Ash, and Nimitz Streets, and on one side of a segment of Edelweiss Avenue from 7-9 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. on school days.

Ash Street residents contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road that could impede emergency vehicle access. Additional evaluation led the Traffic Management Team to also recommend parking restrictions on Poplar, Live Oak, and Nimitz.

The principal of Rock Prairie Elementary contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road during the afternoon pick-up times, which affects the ability to see children crossing. In addition, when vehicles park along Edelweiss, the road effectively becomes a single-lane roadway for a two-direction operation.

Here are the PowerPoint presentations:

7:22 p.m.

Landscaping and Mowing Contract

The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.06 million contract with Green Teams for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance. The contract does not include regional parks and athletic fields.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:31 p.m.

Wellborn-Holleman Intersection

The council voted unanimously to approve an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection. The agreement has no budgetary impact and covers work within the state’s right-of-way.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:33 p.m.

Southwood Valley Sewer Line

The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project to increase capacity for development.

The project area starts about 160 feet south of Bee Creek on the west side of State Highway 6, runs south for about 1,000 feet toward the northwest corner of FM 2818 and State Highway 6, then goes southwest about 1,250 feet toward Brothers Boulevard.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:38 p.m.

Highway 6 Gateway Sign

The council voted unanimously to approve a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:44 p.m.

The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 13.

About the Blogger

Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

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Posted by City of College Station | May 23, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: Council Meetings, economic development, Fire, gateway signage, landscape maintenance, mowing, Northgate parking, Parking, sewer lines, solid waste, Southwood Valley Trunk Line, Wastewater | Leave a comment

Weekend of Remembrance honors our fallen heroes

By Gabriela Salazar, Tourism Events Supervisor

The custom of honoring lost loved ones by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition. This weekend’s Texas Weekend of Remembrance pays tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Free commemorative events are scheduled from Friday through Sunday at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. We invite military members, veterans, their families, and everyone who wants to honor our fallen heroes and celebrate the freedoms granted by their sacrifice.

As part of the Memorial Day weekend, the Texas Weekend of Remembrance not only presents impactful speakers and celebratory music — it reminds us about the everlasting cost of our freedom.

Schedule of Events

Pets and outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, but you may bring plastic water bottles and lawn chairs, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Highlights include:

A roll call of the total count those who gave their lives in America’s major conflicts.
Gold Star mother MaryKay Edwards will share the story of her son, William “Billy” Lawrence Edwards, who was killed in Iraq in 2007.
A rifle salute by the Ross Volunteers and taps played by the Texas Aggie Band bugler.
Musical performances by Shane Smith & The Saints and former Iraq combat veteran Scott Brown (USMC) in the Scooter Brown Band.
A free breakfast and non-denominational Sunday service led by U.S. Coast Guard Chaplain Benjamin Mayhugh.
Adult softball and youth 7v7 football tournaments.
A 5K run/walk and 1-mile kids‘ run benefitting Brazos Valley Cares, which supports veterans having financial hardships.
Photo opportunities with military vehicles from the Museum of the American GI and Conroe’s Army Reserve Aviation Base.

For more information, visit cstx.gov/TWR or call 979-764-3486.

About the Blogger

Tourism Events Supervisor Gabby Salazar is in her fourth year with the City of College Station. Before joining the city, she was the night manager at Texas A&M’s Reed Arena. A product of A&M’s sports management program, Gabby earned her bachelor’s degree in 2014 and is working toward her master’s. A native of Alamo, she was also a member of the Aggies’ nationally-ranked track and cross country teams.

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Posted by City of College Station | May 23, 2019 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: Gabby Salazar, Memorial Day, Texas Weekend of Remembrance, veterans park | Leave a comment

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

Economic Development: In the workshop, the council will review the city’s economic development efforts and discuss ways to enhance College Station’s economic competitiveness.
Parking Removals: In separate items, the council will consider a trio of ordinance amendments to remove stopping, standing, and parking along Poplar Street, Live Oak Street, Ash Street, Nimitz Street, Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot to provide emergency vehicle access; and Edelweiss Avenue during pickup and dropoff times at Rock Prairie Elementary.
Wellborn-Holleman Intersection: The council will consider an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
Southwood Valley Sewer Line: The council will consider a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project that will increase capacity for development.
Gateway Signage: The council will consider a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign to be located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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Posted by City of College Station | May 22, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: Council Meetings, economic development, gateway signage, Parking, sewer lines, TxDOT | Leave a comment

Public Works’ new truck engineered to save lives

By Wally Urrutia, Solid Waste Division Manager

Working on and around roadways and heavy trucks has always been a hazardous job. Thankfully, as technology evolves, our equipment is becoming safer.

The Public Works Department’s new attenuator truck is designed to save lives and lessen the risk of injury in work zones. The mounted device — also known as a crash cushion — absorbs the kinetic injury created by colliding vehicles, reducing the damage to vehicles and the injuries to motorists and workers.

Here’s a closer look at how it works:

The attenuator has become a necessary safety device for highway work zones across the country and will be shared by all divisions in our department.

Since our workers don’t have a giant, friendly Transformer to protect them from harm, we now have the next best thing.

About the Blogger

Solid Waste Division Manager Wally Urrutia is in his 32nd year with the City of College Station. He was named Solid Waste Manager of the Year in 2016 by the Texas Public Works Association.

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