Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Feb. 27)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 27. 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.

6:04 p.m.

The workshop has started.

6:05 p.m.

No items were pulled for discussion from the consent agenda.

6:48 p.m.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Grants

The council heard a presentation on the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund Grant Program administered by the BCS Convention & Visitors Bureau. The city’s FY14 budget includes $128,000 for the program.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:59 p.m.

After the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items and committee reports, the workshop meeting was adjourned. The regular meeting will start after a short break.

7:14 p.m.

The regular meeting has started. Councilmember James Benham is absent tonight.

7:18 p.m.

Hear Visitors

One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. Ben Roper asked the council to honor Staff Sgt. Brian Craig of Houston, who died on April 15, 2002, in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

7:19 p.m.

Consent Agenda

By a 6-0 vote, the council approved the entire consent agenda:

• The annual traffic contact report required by the Texas Legislature.
• Appointed Assistant Police Chief Scott McCollum to the Aggieland Humane Society board.
• A $353,514 contract with Bayer Construction Electrical Contractors for traffic signal improvements at the intersection of Rio Grande and FM 2818.
• A $1.16 million contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for the Royder – Live Oak Sewer Extension Project.
• A $120,731.58 contract with Avinext  for the purchase of services and equipment for upgrading the audio visual capabilities in the city hall council chambers.
• Updated water tap fees to reflect current costs.
• Terminated the Spherion Staffing contract.
• The second renewal of the annual price agreement with Techline not to exceed $809,550 for wire and cable.
• Authorized the city manager to sign all required action plan applications, grant agreements, certifications, evaluations, and other forms and agreements required by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development Grant Programs for 2007-2013.
• An encroachment agreement with Explorer Pipeline Company, Dos Dorado Development and BCS Development Company permitting an extension of WS Phillips Parkway to encroach into an existing pipeline easement.

7:25 p.m.

Right-of-Way Abandonment on Holleman

After a public hearing, the council approved by a 6-0 vote the abandonment of a 0.207-acre portion of Hawthorne Street Right-of-Way at 807 Holleman Drive, which is located between Winding Road and Glade Street within the Woodson Village.

7:42 p.m.

Northpoint Crossing Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council approved by a 6-0 vote the rezoning from Planned Development District and R-4 Multi-Family to Planned Development District for about 11.3 acres in the Northpoint Crossing and NorthPark subdivisions, a 0.345-acre tract in the J.E. Scott League, and a 0.055-acre tract of abandoned right-of-way at 410 Texas Ave.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:55 p.m.

Land Use Change for 1201 Norton Lane

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to change the land use designation from Estate to Suburban Commercial for about 5.4 acres at 1201 Norton Lane. Councilmember John Nichols voted against the motion.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:07 p.m.

Payday and Auto Title Loan Regulations

By a 6-0 vote, the council approved registration requirements and credit extension guidelines for businesses that offer payday and auto title loans. Other Texas cities, including the City of Bryan, have adopted similar regulations.

Click here to read a blog about the new ordinance by Community Development Analyst David Brower.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:57 p.m.

Comp Plan Changes for BioCorridor

The council discussed the possibility of changing certain aspects of the city’s Comprehensive Plan regarding the BioCorridor area at the request of property owners. These changes could include overlays and allowing General Commercial zoning in certain areas.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

9:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Committee Appointment

The council unanimously approved the appointment of Louis Hodges as chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, which is now under the authority of the Parks and Recreation Department. Also appointed to the committee were Jerry Cooper, Katherine Edwards, Tina Evans and Linda Harvell.

 9:00 p.m.

The regular meeting was adjourned. The council meets again March 13.