Five Things to Watch at Thursday’s City Council Meetings

The College Station City Council will meet Thursday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings.  

Here are five items to watch on Thursday:

1. Hazard Mitigation Action Plan: The council will consider reapproving the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan for the first time since 2004. The plan is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state law before the city can receive grants for easing hazards and risks after natural disasters. The five-year plan also helps the city maintain its eligibility for FEMA assistance or other federal funds. The council will hear a presentation during the workshop and will consider the approving the plan as part of the consent agenda.
2. FY12 Budget Amendment No. 3: The budget amendment includes six items that would increase the FY12 Budget by about $1.2 million, including grants that were received or modified, the emergency purchase of a rebuilt ambulance, and budget overages in several areas. Major events led to overtime police pay, the drought increased brush pick-up by the Sanitation Division, and unexpected vehicle repairs caused an overage in the Fleet Maintenance Fund. The city charter allows the council to amend the annual budget if revenues are available to cover increased costs.
3. BioCorridor Items: The council will consider two items concerning the BioCorridor development. The first establishes a Planned Development District (PDD) that rezones the property and provides unified land uses and development standards. The second item amends the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow a BioCorridor Review Committee and a BioCorridor Board to assist with the PDD.
4. Non-Residential Zoning Districts: Since the city’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009, Planning & Development Services has been developing Non-Residential Zoning Districts. The intent is to reduce the number of required PDD applications and to avoid the improper use of PDD zoning, which is sometimes used to skirt design standards or other development requirements. The new classification would provide more options and opportunities for developers and landowners.
5. Aggieland Humane Society: The council will consider $169,512.90 in FY13 funding for the Aggieland Humane Society (formerly the Brazos Animal Shelter), and will also consider the reappointment of former Assistant Police Chief Larry Johnson to the organization’s board. The funding level is the same as the last two years.

Click here for the complete agendas. 

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. Previous council meetings are archived on the website. A detailed live blog from the meetings will be posted on this site and can also be accessed through the city’s Facebook page.