By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, July 26. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:26 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
Councilmen Bob Brick and James Benham are participating by teleconference. Councilman Jerome Rekrotik is absent tonight.
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:
- Carters Creek Wastewater Plant Improvements: The $608,000 contract is for design and construction phase services for centrifuge improvements at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- East Side Sewer and Lift Station: The $267,000 contract is for design and construction phase services for the East Side Sewer and Lift Station Project.
5:47 p.m.
BVSWMA Budget
The council unanimously endorsed the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s FY19 budget, which includes $8.64 million in revenue, $6.42 million in operating expenses, and $3.67 million in capital expenses. Total reserves, cash, and investments are $11.75 million.
The budget also reduces the gate rate for the cities of Bryan and College Station from $20 to $18.50 per ton.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:07 p.m.
Texas Weekend of Remembrance
After reviewing the 2018 Texas Weekend of Remembrance, the council directed staff to continue plans for 2019.
The TWR is a time for military members, veterans, and their families to come together and honor the memory of their lost loved ones through camaraderie and commemoration of their sacrifice. The Memorial Day weekend event allows everyone to show their pride and respect for the men and women who paid the ultimate price.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:08 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney suspended the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:13 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:34 p.m.
Historical Markers
The Historic Preservation Committee presented historical markers to St. Matthew Baptist Church (409 Holleman Dr.), Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (1216 Detroit St.), Sterling Whitley (500 Holleman Dr.), Thomas & Sharon Merchant (1102 Detroit St.), Bobby Searcy & Adrian Merchant (1106 Phoenix St.), and Rudell Baker-Wilson (1202 Phoenix St.).
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:39 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Ann Marsh spoke about ways the city can solve issues caused by trash containers.
6:41 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An amendment to the Solid Waste Facilities Operations Agreement with BVSWMA that governs communications and procedures during extended periods of landfill inaccessibility.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Organix Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A contract with Pebble Creek Interests for easements needed for the Lick Creek Parallel Wastewater Trunk Line Project.
- A contract with Aggieland Properties for land needed for the State Highway 47 Electric Substation Project.
- A second amendment to the lease agreement with Wirestar that increases the leased fiber optic strand miles to 88.74.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $1,873,500 with Knife River ($1.44 million) and BPI Material ($438,000) for Type D hot mix asphalt for the maintenance of streets
- A $209,656 contract with CF McDonald Electric to install purchased VFDs at Sandy Point Pump Station.
- The removal of parking on the west side of Boyett Street beginning 60 feet north of the intersection of University Drive and ending 130 feet north of University Drive on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
- The creation of a passenger loading zone in the Northgate Promenade Parking Lot to help address pedestrian safety and traffic congestion issues. The loading zone would be in place from 9 p.m.-3 a.m.
- Changed the definition of a junked vehicle in the city’s Code of Ordinances to align with the Texas Transportation Code. The amendment also transfers cost responsibility
- to remove a junked vehicle from the city to the owner.
- A $60,000 change order for the contractor to bore under Wellborn Road and the railroad track to build an additional feeder to the Jones Crossing development.
- A $608,000 contract with Jones and Carter for design and construction phase services for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Centrifuge Improvements Project.
- A $267,000 contract with Jones and Carter for design and construction phase services for the East Side Sewer and Lift Station Project.
- A contract not to exceed $120,000 with Krause Paint and Body Shop for heavy truck paint and body repairs.
- A $800,077.30 bid award for annual blanket purchase agreements for electrical items: KBS Electrical Distributors ($100,044.30), Wesco Distributors ($41,898), Texas Electric Cooperatives ($119,737.50), Techline ($509,373.50), and Anixter ($29,024).
This item was moved to the Aug. 9 council meeting:
- Renewal of the inter-local agreement with the City of Bryan for management of the Larry J. Ringer Library.
6:55 p.m.
Committee Term Lengths and Limits
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to change the term lengths for appointees to various city boards, commissions, and committees to three years – except for the Planning & Zoning Commission – and to remove term limits that aren’t required by law. Planning and Zoning commissioners will continue to be limited to two terms.
The modifications are a response to the declining number of citizens applying to serve.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:09 p.m.
Fun for All Playground
The council unanimously approved a $942,123 construction contract for the first phase of an all-abilities park at Central Park. The Fun for All Playground will be a fully accessible park that will provide inclusive play for everyone.
The improvements will be funded primarily by civic groups and private citizens. Phase 1 includes a playground, swings, splash pad, parking, fencing, and general infrastructure.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:10 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:10 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
7:17 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
8:21 p.m.
Possible City Charter Amendments
The council discussed possible city charter amendments that may be included in a special election in November: They approved the following items for the ballot:
- Expand the terms from three to four years for mayor and city council members with regular elections in even-numbered years.
- Expansion of residency requirement for the city manager and city attorney to allow them to live in the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- The mandatory appointment of an internal auditor.
- Add language permitting the city to specify by ordinance the notice required for competitive bids and proposals.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The council meets again on Thursday, Aug. 9.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
