By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 27. 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.
5:30 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:48 p.m.
BVSWMA FY16 Budget
The council voted unanimously to approve the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s FY16 budget, which includes no rate changes. BVSWMA, Inc., owns and operates the Twin Oaks Landfill and compost facility and maintains the closed Rock Prairie Road Landfill.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
5:56 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:
- Luther Street Project: The Luther Street Project includes the reconstruction of Luther from FM2818 to Penberthy and the relocation of a waterline. The $2.4 million budget includes funds from the Streets Capital Improvement Projects Fund and the Water Capital Improvement Projects Fund.
6:40 p.m.
Northgate Parking Lot Special Events
The council discussed the possible use of the Northgate surface parking lot for special events. The lot was the site of the 2007 Northgate Music Festival, but the city has since developed the festival site at Wolf Pen Creek Park as a special events venue.
Challenges of allowing special events on the Northgate lot include a reduction of available parking, water and power supplies, traffic control, pedestrian safety, and sanitation and recycling capacity. Based on current use and the increased demand for parking in the district, staff recommended not allowing special events in the lot.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:48 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start at 7 p.m.
7:01 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:07 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three 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 Sgt. Michael Paul Barrera as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 26-year-old Von Ormy native died on Oct. 28, 2003, when an improvised explosive device hit his tank in Baqubah, Iraq.
- Chris Scotti, longtime director of the Northgate District Association, introduced Andrew Chen, who will become the organization’s director near the end of the year. Chen was born and raised in College Station and graduated from Texas A&M.
7:08 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An inter-local agreement to sell the City of Normangee four surplus police radar units.
- A $77,420 contract with Buyers Barricades to deploy and remove traffic control devices as part of the Texas A&M Football Postgame Traffic Control Plan.
- Consented to the Brazos County Commissioners Court’s use of county funds to construct an extension of Greens Prairie Trail from Wellborn Road west to the College Station city limits.
- A $167,000 contract with Jones and Carter for engineering services for the Luther
- Street Project.
- Authorized city staff to negotiate easement purchases for the Munson Street Rehabilitation Project.
- An $84,342.41 reduction to a contract with HDR Engineering for the University Drive Pedestrian Improvements Phase 2 Project.
- An $80,186.30 contract with Jamail and Smith for new standing seam roofs on various park shelters.
- A $128,925 contract with Alcott Inc., for the installation of electric conduits on Turkey Creek Road and Health Science Center Parkway.
- A $437,700 bid award for the annual purchase of three phase pad-mounted transformers.
- An infrastructure and economic development agreement with Pappas Restaurants for the redevelopment of about 4.37 acres at 1600 University Dr.
7:11 p.m.
Renee Lane Parking Removal
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to remove parking on both sides of Renee Lane between Barron Road and the end of the roadway. The change was supported by residents and will allow the College Station Fire Department to respond to emergency calls.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to change the zoning district boundaries from Office and General Commercial to Planned Development for property located north of University Drive between Jane and Eisenhower streets.
The change will allow for the development of an Embassy Suites hotel.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:43 p.m.
McCulloch Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to add a neighborhood conservation overlay for about 32 acres in the McCulloch Subdivision. Holleman Drive, Nevada Street, Georgia Street and Oney Hervey Drive borders the area. Eleven people addressed the council in the public hearing.
Property owners requested the change in response to large homes being constructed in and around the neighborhood. The overlay will restrict any expansion or development to one story with a minimum setback of 25 feet and a maximum lot coverage of 41 percent.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
The council is taking a five-minute break.
8:55 p.m.
Renee Lane Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to change the zoning district boundaries from Rural to General Suburban for about 1.5 acres north of Barron Road and between Renee Lane and Victoria Avenue.
The change will allow for the development of single-family residential lots.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
9:07 p.m.
MRC Senior Housing Project Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to change the zoning district boundaries from General Commercial to Planned Development District for about 12 acres north of Christ United Methodist Church on State Highway 6.
The change will allow Methodist Retirement Communities to develop a project that combines independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
9:09 p.m.
Technology Way Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a half-acre right-of-way at the end of Technology Way to allow for development.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
9:32 p.m.
Aspen Heights Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to change the zoning district boundaries from Rural and General Suburban to Planned Development District for about 28.5 acres along Holleman Drive South across from Saddle Lane and the Quail Run subdivision. Councilwoman Blanche Brick voted against the motion.
The change would allow for multi-family residential development.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
9:32 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Sept. 10.
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