Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 9)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 9. 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.

6:13 p.m.

The workshop has started.

6:22 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Funding Agreement

The council voiced its support for the funding agreement with the Chamber of Commerce, which receives $25,000 from the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund. The funding offsets part of the costs of the annual Economic Outlook Conference and the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet at a local hotel and conference center. The  agreement will be brought back for approval at the Jan. 23 council meeting.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:46 p.m.

Toni Court On-Street Parking 

The consensus of the council was to bring back an ordinance at a later date to remove on-street parking on one side of the 300 block of Toni Court for safety reasons. The city’s Traffic Management Team reviewed the concerns and, along with the Police and Fire Departments, recommends the change.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:46 p.m.

Comprehensive Plan Review Subcommittee

The council voted unanimously to appoint Mayor Nancy Berry and council members Blanche Brick and Julie Schultz as representatives to the Five-Year Comprehensive Plan Review Subcommittee, which also includes three Planning & Zoning Commissioners. The subcommittee’s report will identify the successes and shortcomings of the Comprehensive Plan, consider changing conditions and recommend appropriate modifications. The review is expected to be completed by May.

6:49 p.m.

After the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and committee reports, the workshop was suspended and will continue after the regular meeting, which will start at 7 p.m.

7:11 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

7:12 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:

• The city Internal Auditor’s Citywide Asset Management Audit.
• Renewal of the general services agreement not to exceed $120,000 with Emergicon to provide ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
• An annual blanket purchase order for $75,000 with NAPA Auto Parts through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance contract for auto parts, shop equipment and services.
• Annual tire purchases of $197,000 from Pilger’s Tire & Auto Center through the State of Texas Tire Contract.
• A contract for $84,400 with Gessner Engineering for the inspection and condition assessment of the city’s drainage structures.
• A contract for $352,897 with Highway Intelligent Traffic Solutions for traffic signal improvements at the intersection of University Drive and Texas Avenue, and a resolution declaring intention to reimburse certain expenditures with proceeds from debt.
• A semi-annual price agreement not to exceed $960,000 with Knife River for asphalt for street maintenance.
• An interlocal agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety for cooperative purchasing activities.
• A contract for $212,655 with Shermco Industries for electric substation maintenance, which includes $162,655 in scheduled work and a not-to-exceed cost of $50,000 for emergency work.
• The appointment of a parliamentarian and alternate parliamentarian.
• Updated the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding the amount of insurance that taxicabs are required to carry to comply with current standards.

7:17 p.m.

City Recognized by BVGCD

The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District recognized the City of College Station with its Groundwater Conservationist of the Year award, which honors municipalities that work to reduce the impact of groundwater use on district aquifers. College Station has several programs in place that lessen the impact of pumping and extend the usable life of the aquifers. For more on the city’s water conservation programs, click here. Pictured below (l-r) are Alan Day (general manager, BVGCD), Pete Brien (BVGCD Board of Directors), Mayor Nancy Berry, Bill Harris (BVGCD Board of Directors), Jennifer Nations (College Station Water Resource Coordinator), and David Stratta (BVGCD Board of Directors).

7:18 p.m.

Hear Visitors

No one signed up to speak during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.

7:25 p.m.

Municipal Utility Districts

After a public hearing, the council unanimously adopted a policy on the creation, operation, and dissolution of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) within the city limits or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, along with fees related to MUD petitions and the inspection of public infrastructure.

7:58 p.m.

Land Use Change Request

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to change the land use designation for about 1.3 acres north of the Norton Lane-Wellborn Road intersection from Estate to Suburban Commercial. Councilmembers Blanche Brick and John Nichols voted against the motion.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:04 p.m.

Sign Regulations for Places of Worship

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to allow freestanding signs for places of worship in residential or rural districts on streets classified as a freeway/expressway in the city’s Thoroughfare Plan. Attached signs and commercial banners for places of worship in all zoning districts are also allowed.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:08 p.m.

Rezoning for Gateway Subdivision Phase 3

After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the rezoning of about 0.76 acres at 180 Forest Drive in the Gateway Subdivision from General Commercial to R-4 Multi-Family. The property is generally located adjacent to the Gateway Villas development.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:08 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned. The council meets again Thursday, Jan. 23.