Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 23)

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Nov. 23. It’s not the official minutes.

The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

The workshop will start about 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7.

5:40 p.m.

The workshop has started.

Elected Mayor Pro Tem

The council voted unanimously to elect Place-4 Councilman John Nichols for a one-year term as mayor pro tem, which acts as mayor if the mayor is disabled or absent. Nichols replaces Place-1 Councilwoman Blanche Brick in that role.

5:41 p.m.

CAD-RMS Overview

The council heard a presentation on replacing the 25-year-old computer-aided dispatch and records management system, or CAD-RMS, used by the city’s police and fire dispatchers. The existing system was last upgraded 10 years ago.

The software contracts are part of tonight’s consent agenda.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

6:17 p.m.

Transportation Network Companies

The council discussed proposed regulations regarding transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft, which have a growing presence in College Station. It is expected that a draft ordinance will be brought before the city council at its Dec. 10 meeting for consideration.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

7:13 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.

7:22 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 Marine Gunnery Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 42-year-old Brazoria native died on March 23, 2003 when under heavy fire during an assault on Nasiriyah, Iraq.

Also speaking was Wayne Beckermann, municipal affairs liaison to Texas A&M’s Student Government Association, who praised city staff for its excellence in communicating valuable information with the SGA. He also spoke of the Student Senate’s support for increased safety measures to be considered for Northgate pedestrian traffic.

7:29 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

• The official minutes of the council’s Nov. 12 workshop and regular meetings.
• A contract not to exceed $95,000 with McCord Engineering for providing electric distribution overhead and underground phase identification.
• Renewal of a purchase agreement not to exceed $150,000 with the Reynolds Company for Rockwell Automation SCADA products and services.
• Three contracts totaling almost $1.89 million with TriTech Software Systems for software licenses, implementation, support, and maintenance.
• A bid award not to exceed $490,895 with Techline for the annual purchase of pad-mounted 15 kV solid dielectric switchgears.
• A bid award of $498,836 for the purchase of electric substation materials. The recommended award and will be awarded by line item to the lowest responsible bidder.
• Renewal of a contract not to exceed $907,200 with Brazos Paving for concrete curb, gutter and flatwork installation to maintain city infrastructure.
• An increase of $65,000 in the city’s solid waste disposal fees to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency for a total not to exceed $1.7 million for FY15.
• Renewal of a contract not to exceed $180,000 for annual pavement markings and striping of roadways.
• A maintenance agreement of $58,234.54 with Westnet for support services related to the city’s fire station alerting system. Subsequent 12-month terms of this auto-renewing agreement will cost of $49,915.36.
• Renewal of a not-to-exceed $150,000 contract with First Southwest Company for financial advisory services.
• A resolution amending the authorized representatives on TexPool, the local government pool account.
• A resolution amending the authorized representatives on Texas Short Term Asset Reserve, the local government pool account.
• A contract not to exceed $57,931 with JNA Painting to address small, individual painting projects as needed.

7:30 p.m.

Rezoning at 1181 Fitch Parkway

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to change the zoning for a small property north of the intersection of Fitch Parkway and Lakeway Drive to allow for the construction of a small animal clinic.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

7:42 p.m.

Rezoning at 3120 Holleman Drive South

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously (6-0; Councilwoman Schultz abstained) to change the zoning from Rural to Multi-Family for about 14 1/2 acres south of Cain Road between Holleman Drive South and Old Wellborn Road. The change would allow for development including town homes, duplexes and apartment complexes.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

8:13 p.m.

Northgate UDO Amendments

The council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to bring greater flexibility to the placement of street trees, the location of sidewalks and screening of electrical service equipment in Northgate.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:

 

8:23 p.m.

Economic Development Committee

The council agreed that Place-5 City Councilwoman Julie Schultz would continue to serve on the Economic Development Committee.

8:23 p.m.

The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!