Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Sept. 27)

6:13 p.m.

The workshop meeting has started.

6:32 p.m.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Project 

The council received a presentation on the $1.5 million Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Projects, which is on the consent agenda for tonight’s regular meeting. In the first step in the treatment process, untreated wastewater flows into the headworks from the collection system. Large objects and sediment are removed so the wastewater can continue through the rest of the process.

Although key equipment is worn out and needs either replacement or rehabilitation, this project includes only items needed to restore functionality to existing equipment. The improvements are for the screw lift pumps, grit and grease removal systems, oiler system, odor controls and junction box, which will allow the headworks to operate until information is received from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about future permit restrictions, which could require major changes to the headworks structure.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

6:43 p.m.

Mitigation Action Plan

The council heard a presentation on the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, which is on tonight’s consent agenda. Last approved in 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.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

6:54 p.m.

After discussing the council calendar, future agenda items and receiving various committee reports, the workshop was adjourned. The regular meeting will start shortly.

7:05 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

7:14 p.m.

Five people spoke during hear visitors on several topics, including the price of senior programs at the Southwood Community Center, utility e-billing, employee parking in Northgate and a pet tax.

7:15 p.m.

Consent Agenda 

The council unanimously gave its consent to these items:

• Funds for items exempt from competitive bidding under the Texas Local Government Code, and other expenditures for interlocal contracts or fees greater than $50,000 that are mandated by state law.
• A resolution amending the authorized representatives at TexPool.
• An annual contract for $230,000 with Xpedient Mail for the printing and mailing of utility bills, final notices and inserts.
• An increase of $300,000 in solid waste disposal fees paid to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency, Inc.
• A contract for $60,711.20 with Bayer Construction for a 10-inch bore under Highway 6 south of Barron Road for an electric distribution feeder from the Spring Creek Substation.
• $482,330 for the purchase of major equipment for the proposed Northgate Electric Substation.
• An annual contract for $52,000 with AS&G Claims Administration, Inc., to handle workers compensation and liability claims.
• Payment of $169,512.90 to the Aggieland Humane Society for animal services for FY13.
• Renewal of a contract with AS&G Claims Administration, Inc., for third-party claims administration and authorization to pay up to $425,000 for anticipated workers’ compensation and liability claims.
• An annual fee of $161,648 from Brazos County to provide emergency medical ambulance services to the county.
• An agreement to pay $57,270 to Acetylene Oxygen Company for liquid chlorine.
• The Semi-Annual Report on Impact Fees.
• A contract for $1.57 million with Bryan Construction Company for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Project, along with a contingency transfer in the amount of $150,000. This item was discussed during the workshop.
• A change order for $104,780 to the contract with Weston Solutions, Inc., to add materials testing to the scope of work for South Knoll-The Glade Utility Rehabilitation Project.

This item was pulled for a separate vote:

• By a 6-1 vote, the council adopted the 2012-17 Mitigation Action Plan discussed during the workshop. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion.

7:23 p.m.

Budget Amendment No. 3

After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved Budget Amendment No. 3, which includes six items that would increase the FY12 Budget by about $1.2 million. The amendment  includes 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.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

8:01 p.m.

BioCorridor Planned Development District 

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to establish a Planned Development District (PDD) that rezones property for the BioCorridor development and provides unified land uses and development standards, and allows BioCorridor Review Committee and a BioCorridor Board to assist with the PDD. Councilmembers Jess Fields and Katy-Marie Lyles voted against the motion.

The council voted 6-1 to approve an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the establishment of the PDD. Councilmember Fields voted against the motion.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

8:10 p.m.

Non-Residential Zoning Districts

After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to establish new non-residential zoning districts, rename existing non-residential zoning districts and to retire specific zoning districts. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion. Since the city’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2009, the city has been developing Non-Residential Zoning Districts to reduce the number of required applications and to avoid the improper use of Planned Development District zoning. The new classifications provide more options and opportunities for developers and landowners.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

8:12 p.m.

Humane Society Appointment

The council unanimously approved the reappointment of former Assistant Police Chief Larry Johnson to the Aggieland Humane Society board.

8:13 p.m.

The meeting has been adjourned. The council meets again Oct. 11.