This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 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.
6:15 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:53 p.m.
Aggies Go to War Exhibit
The council heard a presentation on the Aggies Go to War exhibit, which will highlight the contribution of Aggies in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II and commemorate to opening of the Bastogne War Museum in Belgium later this year. The Texas A&M University System and the B/CS community have been invited to participate. The exhibit would follow the life paths of five Aggies who were involved in the battle and would market the university and community to an international audience.
The exhibit would be on display at the museum for two years and then be available for permanent display as a local community attraction in late 2016. Commitments to date are $375,000 by Texas A&M, $100,000 by the City of Bryan and $50,000 by the Research Valley Partnership. In tonight’s regular meeting, the council will consider a budget amendment that includes $225,000 in the Hotel Tax Funds for the exhibit.
Here's the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
Here's a short video viewed by the council:
7:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. This items was pulled for discussion during the workshop:
- Bob Meyer Gift Agreement: The council discussed a restricted gift agreement with the estate of the late Robert Earl “Bob” Meyer, who bequeathed 25 percent of his estate to the Parks and Recreation Department for the benefit of senior adults. Mr. Meyer passed away in October. The funds will be deposited in a special account for senior programs.
7:01 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting, which will start momentarily.
7:08 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Boy Scout Troop 1074 (St. Thomas Aquinas) led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pictured below are scouts Alex Hanks, Jang Soo Lee and Michael Ivey.
7:32 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Seven people signed up to speak during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda:
- Four people urged the city to change its business regulations regarding LED signage.
- One spoke in support of veterans of the war in Afghanistan.
- One expressed support for less-restrictive marijuana laws.
- One asked the council to strengthen code enforcement and get more citizen input on changes to the rental registration program.
7:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:
- An interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan and an equipment storage lease with the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency for the use of an impound lot by the Police Department.
- A Resolution Determining Public Need and Necessity for the Park Zone 15 Neighborhood Park Project, the Park Zone B Community Park Project and the Greenways Program Project.
- The second renewal of an annual agreement not to exceed $190,000 with the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association to provide officiating services for city athletic leagues, programs and tournaments.
- A resolution to amend the by-laws and Solid Waste Facilities Operations Agreement with the City of Bryan and the BVSWMA.
- A restricted gift agreement with the estate of Robert Earl Meyer to accept a restricted gift benefit the city’s senior programs.
7:53 p.m.
Budget Amendment No. 1
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved Budget Amendment No. 1, which increases FY14 appropriations by about $6.7 million. The amendment includes items that were budgeted in FY13 but weren’t received until FY14, projects identified for the proceeds from the sale of city-owned property, turf and irrigation improvements for Veterans Park and the Aggies Go to War exhibit. For a detailed listing of the amendment items, see pages 75-77 in the agenda packet.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:53 p.m.
The regular meeting has been adjourned. The council will continue the workshop agenda.
8:32 p.m.
College Station Water Supply
The council received a presentation on the city’s water supply and the state water planning process. College Station Water Services estimates future water demands by tracking local growth patterns and projecting likely water demands in future decades. The city also considers demand reductions likely to be achieved through aggressive water conservation. The city’s water needs are documented in the State Water Plan.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:38 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and committee reports, the workshop meeting was adjourned. The council meets again Feb. 27.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!