Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 23)

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, July 23. 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.

5:56 p.m.

The workshop has started. Council members Blanche Brick, Julie Schultz, John Nichols and James Benham are absent. All but Nichols are participating in the meeting by teleconference.

6:02 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

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

• Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report: The city has five impact fee areas in which all associated utility construction is complete. This report documents the fees collected over the reporting period. No major changes in the programs have occurred since the council updated the fees in 2013.

6:17 p.m.

Christmas in the Park

The council discussed plans to move the city’s annual Christmas event back to Beachy Central Park after four years at Wolf Pen Creek Park. The move will allow the Parks & Recreation Department to consolidate the light displays and offer a no-cost option for the viewing a large light display. The event’s key aspects will remain, including pictures with Santa, a hayride through the light displays along the park trails, holiday-themed vendors, musical performances, free hot cocoa and more. 

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

6:50 p.m.

YMCA Presentation

The council received a presentation from Councilman Karl Mooney about attracting a YMCA facility to the area. Leaders from the YMCA of Greater Houston will tour Bryan-College Station on Friday and will meet with community members to discuss the possibilities. 

Here’s the background information provided by Councilman Mooney:

6:59 p.m.

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

7:09 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

7:15 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 Pfc. Analaura Esparza-Gutierrez as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 21-year-old Houston native died when her convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device and rocket-propelled grenades in Tikrit, Iraq on Oct. 1, 2003. One citizen spoke in support of placing a community center on a possible bond election ballot in November.

7:16 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

• The 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and established a Community Development Program as described in Chapter 373 of the Texas Local Government Code.
• An annual price agreement not to exceed $94,527 with BWI Companies athletic field maintenance materials such as fertilizers, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, winter over-seed, infield material, grass seed and turf amendments.
• The 2015 Annual Action Plan and Community Development Budget.
• A $50,922 bid award to Instrument Transformer Equipment Corp. for the purchase of six 145kV potential transformers.
• The Semi-Annual Report for Impact Fees.
• The payment of $45,000 in retention and expansion, and payroll grants to Reynolds & Reynolds.
• Rejected all proposals received for Aquatics Management Services.

7:18 p.m.

Easement Abandonments on Jones-Butler

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon two public utility easements at 2045 Jones Butler Road to allow for development.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

7:21 p.m.

Easement Abandonment on Texas Avenue South

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon three public utility easements and an access and public utility easement at 2315 and 2317 Texas Avenue South to allow for development.

Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

8:05 p.m.

Conditional Use Permit for The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to approve a conditional use permit to allow The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek to convert its first-floor commercial space into residential units. Councilwoman Julie Schultz voted against the motion.

Here are the PowerPoint presentations received by the council:

8:05 p.m.

Appointment to RVP Board

The council voted unanimously to appoint Jim Jeff to the Research Valley Partnership board of directors for a three-year term. Other College Station appointees to the Board include Mayor Nancy Berry and Councilwoman Julie Schultz. City Manager Kelly Templin serves in an ex-officio capacity.

8:05 p.m.

The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Aug. 13.