This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.
6:08 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:18 p.m.
Planning and Development Recognition
The council proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month and recognized the Planning & Development Services Department for its work.
The council watched this short video about the city’s planning efforts:
6:25 p.m.
College Hills Community Garden
Members of the College Hills Neighborhood Association were recognized for their successful community-initiated neighborhood plan, which features a community garden project. A full-sized sign resembling the one pictured will be installed at the community garden location.
6:57 p.m.
City Performance Measures
The council heard a report on the revised performance measures used by various city departments, which are designed to measure how successful the city is at providing services.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:02 p.m.
After discussing the council calendar, future agenda items and receiving committee reports, the workshop was adjourned. The regular meeting will begin momentarily.
7:12 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:15 p.m.
The College Station Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors in observance of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Fire Chief R.B. Alley led the Pledge of Allegiance and opening prayer.
7:44 p.m.
Fourteen people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens can address the council about an item that doesn’t appear on the agenda. All the speakers expressed opposition to the proposed private landfill west of the city.
7:48 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved these consent agenda items:
- The expenditure of $326,500 for the Brazos County Health Department for FY13.
- Bid awards to CC Creations ($45,000) and Monograms and More ($30,000) for the purchase of city-branded uniforms for parks and recreation programs and other city departments.
- Renewal of a $100,940.40 annual price agreement with Kolkhorst Petroleum Co. for the purchase of fleet oils and lubricants.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with CCAA, LLC Brazos Valley Recycling and Big Dumpster for the collection of construction and demolition debris, recycling, and organic waste collection from multifamily apartments and commercial business locations, and residential roll-off construction and demolition debris collection.
- Termination of a franchise agreement with CCAA, LLC d/b/a BCS Stop N’ Go Potties for the collection of demolition and construction debris from residential properties.
- Authorized a license agreement with Jeffrey R. French regarding the encroachment into the public utility easement a portion of a structure located in Creek Meadows Subdivision.
The council voted 6-1 to approve these items, with Council Member Jess Fields voting against all three motions:
- An operations and maintenance funding agreement for $100,000 with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley for FY13.
- A funding agreement for $350,000 with the Research Valley Partnership for FY13.
- The Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) budget, and a funding agreement with the CVB for $1,127,153 for FY13.
7:51 p.m.
Rezoning for Foster Avenue Apartments
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a zoning amendment request for 0.73 acres at 1024 and 1026 Foster Avenue, generally located at the intersection of Foster Avenue and Francis Drive, to allow for the construction of apartments. The amendment includes modifications for on-site parking design. Council Member Julie Schultz recused herself for conflict of interest considerations.
7:53 p.m.
Parkland Abandonment and Replacement ROW
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved an ordinance vacating and abandoning a 4,809-square foot portion of the Barracks II Parkland Tracts 3 and 4 for use as needed public right-of-way. The property is generally located at 3100 Haupt Road and is part of the Barracks II Subdivision. The parkland abandonment accommodates the proposed development of the subject property and is contingent on the abandoned parkland being used as public right-of-way and additional parkland being dedicated in the same area.
9:05 p.m.
Medical District Master Plan
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to adopt the Medical District Master Plan to create economic opportunities and implement the vision in the city’s Comprehensive Plan to create places of distinction. Council Member Jess Fields voted against the motion and Mayor Nancy Berry abstained because of her association with the College Station Medical Center. The Medical District focuses on the general area around State Highway 6 and Rock Prairie Road, and includes the College Station Medical Center and the new Scott & White Hospital. The plan establishes principles for the development of about 1,700 acres for medical facilities, walkable village centers, commercial space, and a variety of residential units near parks, open spaces and trails.
The report also sets the stage for the creation of a Municipal Management District (MMD) and a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). The MMD will be made up of property owners in the district and can levy taxes and assess properties for district improvements or marketing. The TIRZ has the potential to fund much of the needed infrastructure by capturing taxes paid on the incremental increase in property values in the area as properties develop.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
9:06 p.m.
The regular meeting has been adjourned.
