This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Nov. 19. 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.
4:04 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started. Council member Julie Schultz is absent tonight.
4:10 p.m.
Election Results
The council voted unanimously to canvass the results of the city's special election earlier this month, when voters approved nine city charter amendments .
4:20 p.m.
Nichols, Benham take Oaths of Office
New council members John Nichols (Place 4) and James Benham (Place 6) took their oaths of office from Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane. The council also paid tribute to outgoing council members Katy-Marie Lyles and Dave Ruesink. Here are photos of Nichols (top) and Benham (bottom) being sworn in:
After a short reception for the incoming and outgoing council members, the workshop meeting has been suspended and the council has going into executive session. The workshop will resume at about 6 p.m.
6:02 p.m.
The workshop meeting has resumed.
6:03 p.m.
Mooney elected Mayor Pro Tem
The council unanimously elected Karl Mooney as mayor pro tempore to fulfill the mayor's duties when she is absent.
6:33 p.m.
Brazos Valley Bowl
The council heard a presentation on the inaugural Brazos Valley Bowl, a junior college football game scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 1 at Kyle Field. The game will pit No. 11-ranked Kilgore College against No. 13 Northwest Mississippi Community College. The city is providing $25,000 in Hotel Occupancy Tax funds for the game’s operations.
Here's the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:48 p.m.
Christmas at the Creek Update
The council received an update on plans for the second Christmas at the Creek event at Wolf Pen Creek and Central Park. A lighted holiday village will be located at Central Park, along with the 40-foot lighted pole tree, and Wolf Pen Creek Park also will be decorated. The lights and decorations will be on display at both locations from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day.
Event nights at Wolf Pen Creek Park will be the weekends of Nov. 30-Dec. 1, and Dec. 7-8. Festivities are scheduled from 6-9 p.m. each night and will include a live nativity, hayrides, dance performances, musical, petting zoo, live entertainment, pet and move night, photos with Santa and more.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:05 p.m.
Legislative Update and Action Plan
The council was updated on the city’s legislative plan and expected trends for the 2013 session of the state legislature. A final draft will be submitted for the council's approval in December.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:06 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and the regular meeting has started. The council will resume the workshop agenda at the end of the regular meeting.
7:10 p.m.
Brazos Boot Presentation
Bryan Assistant City Manager Hugh Walker presented Mayor Nancy Berry with the Brazos Boot trophy, officially marking A&M Consolidated High School's 2012 football victory against Bryan High. In October, Consol defeated the Vikings, 54-7, at Kyle Field.
7:15 p.m.
Two citizens spoke during hear visitors.
7:17 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved these consent agenda items:
- A funding agreement to provide $38,500 in hotel occupancy tax funds to the Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley for FY13. The council also approved the organization’s annual budget.
- The FY12 Chapter 59 Asset Forfeiture Audit reporting form for the College Station Police Department.
- The purchase of five police motorcycles for $88,738.90 from Independence Harley Davidson in College Station and the trade-in of six existing 2010 Police Edition motorcycles for $8,000 each.
- A resolution to update the Interlocal Agreement for Emergency Medical Ambulance Service to respond to emergencies in Brazos County and to establish a fee of $161,648 for FY13.
- An annual price agreement of $60,375 with Daco Fire Equipment for fire protective clothing.
- A contract for $1.65 million with Brenco Marketing Corporation for annual estimated purchases of gasoline and diesel fuel.
- An interlocal agreement for $120,000 with Robertson County for the sale of surplus equipment from the City of College Station.
- Awarded a bid of $70,524 to KBS for the purchase of single phase pad-mounted distribution transformers maintained in inventory.
- A contract for $645,977 with Knife River for the construction and installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Harvey Road and Copperfield Drive.
- Master agreements for Real Estate Appraisal Services with S.T. Lovett & Associates, Integra Realty Resources - Houston, Atrium Real Estate Services, and Integra Realty Resources – Austin.
- Renewal of an annual bid not to exceed $1.26 million ($62 per ton) to Knife River for the purchase of Type D Hot Mix Asphalt for the maintenance of streets.
- An amendment to a resolution authorizing city staff to negotiate for the purchase of easements for the Royder/Live Oak Sewer Extension Project.
- Temporarily changed the posted speed limit on State Highway 6 to 60 mph from the north city limit to Harvey Mitchell Parkway while the Texas Department of Transportation reconstructs entrance and exit ramps.
The council voted separately on these consent items:
- By a 5-1 vote, the council approved a funding agreement to provide $266,648 in hotel occupancy tax funds to the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for FY13. The council also approved the group’s annual budget. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion.
- By a 5-1 vote, the council approved a funding agreement to provide $69,852 in hotel occupancy tax funds to George Bush Presidential Library Foundation for FY13. The council also approved the foundation’s annual budget. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion.
- By a 4-1 vote, the council approved a funding agreement to provide $25,000 in hotel occupancy tax funds to the Brazos Valley Bowl Association for FY13. The council also approved the association’s annual budget. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion, and Blanche Brick abstained.
7:40 p.m.
Specialized Health Hospital
The council approved all three agenda items regarding a specialized health hospital in the Medical District. By a 5-1 vote, the council approved the creation of Reinvestment Zone No. 17 for commercial tax abatement, an economic development agreement with Strategic Behavioral Health (SBH), and a tax abatement agreement with SBH. Council member Jess Fields voted against the motions. The company's $10 million capital investment is expected to create 200 jobs with an annual payroll of about $7.7 million.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:23 p.m.
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the College Station Comprehensive Plan to allow for the commercial development of about 1.27 acres at 1402 East Rudder Fwy. South. The property is located at the northwest corner of Earl Rudder Freeway South and University Oaks Boulevard.
Here's the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:27 p.m.
BioCorridor Board Appointments
The council voted unanimously to appoint Councilmember John Nichols and Planning & Zoning Commissioners Bo Miles and Vergal Gay to the BioCorridor Board, a body of representatives from Bryan, College Station and the Texas A&M University System that will make decisions regarding specific requests in the area.
8:28 p.m.
The regular meeting has been adjourned. The council will resume the workshop agenda.
8:42 p.m.
After discussing the council calendar, future agenda items and receiving committee reports, the workshop was adjourned. The council meets again Dec. 13.
Happy Thanksgiving!