This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, June 13. It’s not the official minutes.
Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and can also be watched online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:10 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:54 p.m.
Kyle Field Redevelopment
The council received an overview of the Kyle Field Redevelopment Project from representatives of Texas A&M. When the project is completed in 2015, the seating capacity will be 102,500.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:06 p.m.
Severe Weather Notification/Hurricane Season
The council received an update on the area’s severe weather notification process and the 2013 Hurricane Season, which began June 1. Brian Hilton, the city’s emergency management coordinator, said Brazos County has experienced nine small tornadoes since 2000 — three rated F1 (wind speeds of 73-122 mph) on the Fujita scale and the rest were F0 (less than 73 mph). He said local voters defeated a 1990 bond election that would have funded tornado sirens. The National Hurricane Center has predicted six hurricanes for 2013, with three being at least Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:18 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and committee reports, the workshop was adjourned.
7:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Fire Chief R.B. Alley led the Pledge of Allegiance and invocation.
7:25 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person signed up to speak during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. Carrol Claycamp spoke against the closing of the College Station Conference Center.
7:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved these consent items:
- The first reading of a franchise agreement amendment with Texas Commercial Waste 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.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $137,000 with Brazos Paving for cement stabilized sand.
- The purchase of five 15 kV electric distribution breakers for $119,190 from V&S Schuler Utilities for system arc flash protection upgrades and for installation at the Northgate Substation.
- The first renewal and first amendment to the bank depository contract with Citibank, N.A.
- Voted 4-3 against a real estate contract with Triangle Oaks, L.P. for the city’s purchase of 1.31 acres at 1500 University Oaks Blvd. for floodplain management. The seller donated half of the $100,000 sales price to the city. Voting against the motion were Councilmembers Blanche Brick, Julie Schultz, James Benham and Jess Fields. A previous motion by Councilmember James Benham to postpone the item until the next council meeting failed, 5-2, with Fields voting with Benham.
7:35 p.m.
Easement Abandonment on Meadowland
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the abandonment of a 0.094-acre, 20-foot-wide public utility easement at 130, 132 and 134 Meadowland St. to allow for the development of a hotel.
7:37 p.m.
Easement Abandonment at 410 Texas Avenue
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the abandonment of five electrical and public utility easements at 410 Texas Avenue to allow for development on the old Plaza Hotel property.
8:18 p.m.
Parks and Recreation User Fees
By a 6-1 vote, the council approved Parks and Recreation User Fees for facilities and programs for FY14. Councilmember Jess Fields voted against the motion. The Parks and Recreation Department reviews the fees each year to determine direct costs and market rates. Most fees won’t change, but spaces in the Memorial Cemetery and Aggie Field of Honor will increase 10 percent..
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:49 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation, General Obligation and Refunding Bonds
- The council unanimously approved the issuance of up to $10.45 million in Certificates of Obligation, or CO’s, for electric and wastewater improvements. The city typically issues debt to fund various capital projects approved as a part of the annual budget, and the certificates are not expected to affect property tax or utility rates.
- The council unanimously approved the issuance of up to $23 million in General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds. The refunded bonds are from 2005 and will save the city an estimated $1.2 million. This is the fifth bond sale from the 2008 bond election, which provided for a seven-year capital plan. This particular debt issue is for street and transportation projects, pedestrian improvements, hike and bike trails, and parks and park facilities improvements. The certificates are not expected to affect property tax rates.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:49 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned. The council meets again June 27.
