By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 11. 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.
5:27 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:35 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:
- Lick Creek Nature Center: The council will consider a $2.1 million contract with JaCody, Inc., for the construction of the Lick Creek Nature Center approved by voters in 2008. The design was finalized in 2014, but construction was delayed until an adequate water line could be installed for fire protection. The project, which also includes extensive site improvements and landscaping, is expected to be finished this fall.
6:03 p.m.
CVB Sports Tourism Report
The council heard a presentation by the B-CS Convention and Visitor’s Bureau on a report by Huddle Up Group on the current and future of the area’s sports tourism industry.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:15 p.m.
CDBG Economic Development Guidelines
The council approved guidelines for the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program. The CDBG funds can be used to carry out a variety of economic development activities that provide employment opportunities for low and moderate income people.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:35 p.m.
Compensation Strategy
The council was updated on the city’s employee compensation strategy. City management has been working with the Human Resources Department to review market data and define priorities to attract, retain and engage high-performing employees.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
6:45 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start about 7 p.m.
7:01 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. It’s standing room only tonight:
7:06 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 Pfc. Stuart Westley Moore as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 21-year-old Livingston native died Dec. 22, 2003, when an improvised explosive device struck his convoy in Baghdad, Iraq.
- Wayne Beckerman of the Texas A&M Student Government Association updated the Council on the Walk & Talk, #agslovebrazos, allocations for a retaining wall in Northgate for pedestrian safety, support of exchange zones, and reminded everyone to sign up for The Big Event.
7:10 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Appointed Assistant Police Chief Chuck Fleeger as the City of College Station’s representative on the Aggieland Humane Society board of directors.
- Renewed an agreement for services not to exceed $190,000 per year with the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association to provide officiating services for city athletic leagues, programs, and tournaments.
- Ratified additional claims of $410,923.49 for 2015 Blue Cross Blue Shield claims expenses.
- A $2.1 million contract with JaCody, Inc., for the construction of the Lick Creek Nature Center.
- The second of two readings of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
7:15 p.m.
FY16 Budget Amendment No. 1
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s FY16 budget by about $3.05 million. The council also voted unanimously to approve contingency transfers of $188,500.
The amendment included almost $2.5 million for goods and services that were budgeted in FY15 such as fire and police vehicles and various capital projects. For more details, see pages 61-62 in tonight’s regular meeting packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:26 p.m.
Impact Fees Advisory Committee
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the Planning and Zoning Commission’s duties to include serving as the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee for impact fees.
The council also voted unanimously to amend the definition of advisory committee in the city’s code of ordinances.
9:44 p.m.
Fitch Parkway-Victoria Avenue Rezoning
After 36 people spoke during a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to deny a request to rezone about 20 acres at the northeast corner of the Fitch Parkway-Victoria Avenue intersection. The change would have increased the number of multi-family structures.
Councilman Steve Aldrich voted against the motion to deny, and Councilwoman Julie Schultz recused herself because of a conflict of interest.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
11:48 p.m.
Graham Road-Longmire Drive Rezoning
After 19 people spoke during a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to deny a request to change the zoning from Suburban Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved to Urban for about 11 acres at the southwest corner of the Graham Road-Longmire Drive intersection. Councilwoman Julie Schultz voted against the motion to deny.
The change would have allowed for the development of townhomes, duplexes, and apartments.
After another public hearing, the council also voted 6-0 to deny a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for the same property. Schultz abstained.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentations received by the council:
11:48 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 25.
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