Welcome to the live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, June 25. It’s not the official minutes.
Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:52 p.m.
The workshop has started. Councilman Steve Aldrich is absent tonight.
5:57 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled these consent items for workshop discussion:
- Inter-Local Agreement for ITS Master Plan: The city is developing the Intelligent Traffic System Master Plan in response to population growth and the expansion of Kyle Field. The plan upgrades traffic signal technology and begins addressing congestion issues. Since the program will also result in better traffic management after Aggie football games, the Texas A&M University System wants to give the city $850,000 to expedite implementation of the plan and procure equipment. TAMUS also will provide $150,000 to the Texas Transportation Institute to review and approve the plan before it provides funds to the city.
6:20 p.m.
84th Texas Legislature Review
The council received an update on legislation passed by the 84th Texas Legislature that directly impacts municipalities.
The HOT tax bill (HB3629) permits Bryan and College Station to use hotel tax revenue to fund the construction, operation or expansion of city-owned sports-related facilities. Among the other bills that passed was one requiring 60 percent approval by a city council before property taxes can be increased.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:30 p.m.
Citizen Board Appointment Process
The council heard a presentation on a new citizen board appointment process that includes interviews with applicants as a way to better consider newer residents who want to serve the community.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:04 p.m.
Possible 2015 Bond Election
The council discussed the Citizen Advisory Committee’s recommendations for transportation and parks projects to include on a potential bond election ballot in November. In July, the council will consider the committee’s recommendations for city facilities. Final decisions regarding a bond election will be in August.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:09 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
7:18 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Members of Boy Scout Troop 60 -– chartered out of Christ United Methodist Church – led the Pledge of Allegiance.
7:23 p.m.
Newman 10 Award Recognition
The council recognized local businesses that were recipients of the Bryan Rotary Club/Newman 10 Business Performance Awards earlier this month. Six College Station companies are among the 10 fastest growing small businesses in Brazos County – Exosent Engineering, Cortiers Real Estate, CEO, Etc., Texas Concrete Design, Cedar Lane, and Hotel Solutions. Copy Corner (Anco Insurance Award for Lifetime Business Achievement) and Essentium Materials (Research Valley Commercialization Rising Star Award) also received awards.
7:31 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people 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 Spc. James C. Wright as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 27-year-old Morgan native was killed in an ambush in Tikrit, Iraq on Sept. 18, 2003.
- Shirley Dupriest spoke about developers no replacing canopy trees as required on replatted properties.
7:31 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Modification of the city’s Code of Ordinances to make it clear that driving a vehicle in a designated bike lane is illegal.
- The second renewal of a $1.26 million contract with Grid Utility for annual electric system construction and maintenance labor.
- A $204,000 contract with TF Harper for playground replacement at Jack and Dorothy Miller Park.
- A three-year, $900,000 contract with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories for electrical engineering services.
- A $65,000 purchase order with Ultra-Tech Systems for ultraviolet system parts.
- The purchase of four Stryker emergency medical services stretchers for $198,000.
- The purchase of 10 traffic signal cabinets from Paradigm Traffic Systems for $90,980 through the Texas Smart Buy Contract.
- Annual $100,000 contracts with Joe Orr, Inc. and Binkley & Barfield for land surveying and civil engineering services.
- A $280,000 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for professional engineering services related to the conceptual design of the Lakeway Drive Extension Project.
- A $208,000 contract with Restocon Corporation for thermal and moisture protection repairs to the Northgate Parking Garage.
- A $1 million inter-local agreement with the Texas A&M University System to help the city implement the Intelligent Traffic System Master Plan.
- A $164,000 contract with Jones & Carter for the conceptual design for the Treatment Plants Equipment Replacement Project.
- A $239,000 purchase agreement with Zoll Medical Corporation for cardiac monitors/defibrillators.
8:37 p.m.
Aspen Heights Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to table a request to change the zoning district boundaries for about 29 acres along Holleman Drive South across from Saddle Lane and the Quail Run subdivision. Councilman John Nichols voted against the motion.
The change from Rural and General Suburban to Planned Development District would allow a multi-family development. The council will consider the change again in August.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:37 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again July 9.
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