This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 24. 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.
6:09 p.m.
The workshop has started. Karl Mooney is absent tonight.
6:44 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. These items were pulled for discussion:
- Creek View Neighborhood Park: This item is for a $383,424 contract with Vox Construction for the construction of Creek View Neighborhood Park, which was approved by voters as part of the 2008 bond election. Creek View Park is located on Eagle Avenue between Victoria Avenue and Longmire near Creek View Elementary School. The park will include playground equipment, exercise station and sidewalks that extend to the elementary school parking lot. Development was postponed as part of a city-wide effort to minimize operations and maintenance cost increases from 2010-12.
- Pedicab Regulations: This item is for the addition of pedicab regulations to the city’s code of ordinances. Due to the growth and popularity of the Northgate Entertainment District, the city has seen a surge in Pedicab companies, which creates the need to provide for the safety and well-being of pedicab operators and their customers.
- Habitat for Humanity Funding: This item is for a funding agreement for $65,000 grant of HOME Investment Partnership funds to B/CS Habitat for Humanity for the construction of two affordable single-family homes at 1117 Phoenix. In 2011, the council directed staff to expand its partnership with B/CS Habitat for Humanity by providing federal HOME Investment Partnership funds to build affordable housing. A funding agreement in October of 2011 enabled Habitat for Humanity to complete three homes and purchase land for the development of two additional homes.
7:15 p.m.
Fiber Optic Cable Options
The council unanimously approved options for future fiber optic cable use by the city.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:15 p.m.
The workshop meeting was suspended and the regular meeting has started. The workshop will resume after the regular meeting.
7:19 p.m.
Brazos Boot Presentation
Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski presented College Station Mayor Nancy Berry with the annual Brazos Boot trophy, officially marking A&M Consolidated High School's 56-20 football victory against Bryan High on Oct. 11 at Kyle Field, the Tigers' ninth straight win in the series. The mayors saluted the coaches and players from both teams for displaying tremendous sportsmanship during a game that's become a highly anticipated tradition.
7:25 p.m.
Emerald Forest HOA Presentation
The council recognized the Emerald Forest Homeowners Association for establishing a Little Free Library of Distinction in their neighborhood. The small library provides residents a convenient book exchange and is an outstanding, community-initiated Strong and Sustainable Neighborhood Project.
Pictured below are residents Steve and Sandra Nash, Boy Scouts from Troop 1074 who provided leadership and labor to make the library a reality, and Scoutmasters Chip Van Zandt and Joe Jilka.
This PowerPoint presentation features photos of the project:
7:26 p.m.
Mayor Berry offered her thanks to all city departments and employees who went above and beyond the call of duty in responding to the power outage and storm damage across the city on Oct. 13.
7:41 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Four people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. The first three speakers supported the city's fiber optics initiatives, the city's 75th anniversary activities, and the city's neighborhood planning process. The final speaker was critical of parts of the recently adopted South Knoll Neighborhood Plan. Two additional citizens submitted written comments.
8:07 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved these consent items:
- A $175,000 increase in solid waste disposal fees paid to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency for FY13.
- A $58,572 contract with Air Tech Brazos Valley Contracting for a replacement chiller in city hall.
- A $383,424 contract number with Vox Construction for the construction of Creek View Neighborhood Park.
- The $69,999.99 purchase of portable heavy truck lifts, safety jack stands and accessories from Vehicle Service Group.A $480,365.95 contract to G.W. Williams for the Hike and Bike Trail Completion Phase II.
- An interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan for the construction a traffic signal at the Wellborn Road intersections with F&B and Old College. College Station’s portion is not to exceed $210,000.
- A $455,064.13 contract with Power Secure for Northgate Substation underground manholes and conduit system.
- A $102,370 contract with Utility Restoration Services for annual padmount equipment repair and restoration.
- The $63,503.64 purchase of an additional radio console and related equipment for the Utility Dispatch Operations Center from Motorola Solutions to expand communication capabilities.
- The 2013 property tax roll of about $26.41 million.
- A contract not to exceed $150,000 with First Southwest Company for financial advisory services.
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city's Investment Policy, Broker-Dealer List and Investment Strategy.
- A receipt imaging services addendum to the JPMorgan Chase participation agreement for the automated review and approval process for procurement card processing.
- An annual price agreement for $100,940.40 with Kolkhorst Petroleum for the purchase of fleet oils and lubricants.
The council voted separately on these consent items:
- By a 6-0 vote, authorized city staff to negotiate for the purchase of an easement needed for the Fiber Optic Infrastructure Project in the general location of the Holleman Drive-Saddle Lane intersection.
- By a 4-2 vote, authorized Allen Boone Humphries Robinson, LLP, to perform additional legal work related to Municipal Management Districts No. 1 and No. 2 for an amount not to exceed $50,000, with the condition that it's for advisory services only. Councilmembers Jess Fields and John Nichols voted against the motion.
- By a 5-1 vote, approved pedicab regulations after voting unanimously to remove specific regulations from the ordinance that would have treated operators differently from other businesses. Councilmember Fields voted against the motion.
- By a 4-2 vote, approved an agreement with B/CS Habitat for Humanity to provide $65,000 in federal grants for the construction of two affordable single-family homes at 1117 Phoenix. Councilmembers Fields and James Benham voted against the motion.
- By a 4-2 vote, approved a $46,240 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful. Councilmembers Fields and Benham voted against the motion.
- By a 4-1-1 vote, approved a $10,000 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club for the annual Fourth of July celebration at the Bush Library and Museum. Councilmember Fields voted against the motion. Councilmember Nichols abstained since he is a member of the Noon Lions Club.
- By a 5-1 vote, approved payment of a $693,900 economic development incentive to Radakor. Councilmember Fields voted against the motion.
9:18 p.m.
Comp Plan and UDO Reviews
After a public hearing, the council unanimously accepted the annual reviews of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. Five citizens spoke during the public hearing.
Click here to see the interactive version of the review.
9:18 p.m.
The regular meeting was adjourned. The council will resume the workshop agenda.
9:20 p.m.
Game Day Housing Regulations
The council unanimously voted to table this item until its Nov. 14 meeting.
9:38 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and committee reports, the meeting was adjourned. The council meets again Nov. 14.