Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Feb. 26)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 26. 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.

5:30 p.m.

The workshop meeting has started. Councilman James Benham is absent tonight.

5:42 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. One item was pulled for workshop discussion:

CSISD Natatorium Reimbursement: Through an inter-local agreement, the city has agreed to share operating costs of the CSISD Natatorium with the College Station Independent School District. Each year, the entities submit their expenses and revenues for the natatorium, then the city determines the net operating costs and how much each one uses the facility. Typically, CSISD overpays its portion of the net cost, and the city reimburses the district through a true-up. The city’s payment of $61,739.92 reflects increased utility, supply and maintenance costs as well as increased revenue received by the city.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:05 p.m.

Recycling Program Update

The council received a presentation about the city’s recycling program and was updated on possible areas to expand the program. The recent implementation of a single-stream recycling pilot program in Emerald Forest and is being evaluated.

The Sanitation and Recycling Division serves about 22,000 single-family homes, 1,000 businesses and 17,000 apartment units.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:13 p.m.

Renaming of Raintree Park

The council heard a presentation about renaming Raintree Park as the Art and Myra Bright Park at the request of the Raintree neighborhood. The council will vote on the change as part of the consent agenda in tonight’s regular meeting.

The Brights built the first home in Raintree and have frequently donated their time and resources to several community organizations. Art Bright’s accomplishments include work with the school district, volunteer work with children, and serving as superintendent of about 25 Habitat of Humanity homes. Myra Bright also did work for the school district and Habitat for Humanity.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:59 p.m.

Automated Metering Infrastructure

The council heard a presentation on water and electric automated metering, which uses electronic meters with high-speed, two-way communication capabilities. Implementation of such a system would eliminate meter reading and manual service connection, but would require additional IT, communication and technical personnel.

The initial cost of an automated metering system is estimated at $11-14 million with ongoing costs of about $100,000-200,000 per year. To cover the costs, customers would likely pay an additional $2.50 per month for about six years. Staff recommended that a formal study be undertaken in 2017 to fully determine options, costs and benefits.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:07 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.

 7:18 p.m.

The regular meeting has started. Cub Scout Pack 802 led the pledge of allegiance.

7:24 p.m.

Mayor Nancy Berry presented a proclamation to Cub Scout Pack 802 in recognition of its 78^th birthday. The pack is the oldest in the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boys Scouts of America.

 7:29 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 recognized Army 1st Lt. Doyle M. Hufstedler as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 25-year-old Abilene native died in Habbaniyah, Iraq, on March 31, 2004 when an improvised explosive device hit an armored personnel carrier. As a student at Texas A&M, Hufstedler was a member of the Corps of Cadets.

7:30 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:

• Authorized the city attorney to condemn easements needed for the Bee Creek Sanitary Sewer Phase II project.
• A severability clause, penalty and effective date to maintain drainage utility rates set in 2008.
• A joint use agreement with the Wellborn Special Utility District for right-of-way and utility easements on Barron Road from Victoria Avenue to Wellborn Road.
• An FY14 financial true-up of $61,739.92 to the College Station Independent School District for use of the CSISD Natatorium.
• Levels and guidelines for donor recognition and naming rights for the Fun for All Playground.
• Ratified an increase from $74,166 to $131,157.83 to the purchase order with Alfa Laval to overhaul the centrifuge at the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, and an increase from $23,000 to $67,000 for rental of a belt press unit.
• An all-way stop control at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Eagle Avenue.
• The annual traffic contact report as required by the state legislature.
• A resolution supporting proposed legislation amending the state tax code to allow certain municipalities, including Bryan and College Station, to allocate hotel occupancy tax revenue for the construction and operation of city-owned parks and recreation facilities.
• An agreement not to exceed $971,262 with Iteris for services, equipment and maintenance of hardware and software for implementation of the first year of the Intelligent Traffic System Master Plan.
• Changed the name of Raintree Park to Art and Myra Bright Park.

7:34 p.m.

1834 Graham Road Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to change the zoning district boundaries from Rural to Suburban Commercial for about 1.06 acres and Natural Areas Protected for about 1.62 acres near the intersection of Graham Road and Longmire Drive to allow for development.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:41 p.m.

Cain Road Extension Removal

After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to remove from the Thoroughfare and Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plans the extension of Cain Road west of Holleman Drive South  to allow for development.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:47 p.m.

UDO Amendments

After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 for an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to grant authority to the Planning and Zoning Commission to review and make recommendations on Municipal Utility District consent applications. The final decision regarding consent to form a MUD would rest with the council. The ordinance also removes the prohibition on granting waivers for the minimum lot size in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction if the lots are part of a council-approved MUD.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:47 p.m.

The regular meeting has been adjourned. The next regular meeting is March 12.