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. 23. 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.
5:04 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:04 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No consent items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:54 p.m.
Thomas Park Pool
The consensus of the council was to close antiquated Thomas Pool at the end of the summer and explore new amenities in Thomas Park. Council also requested a survey of residents to determine their preferences.
The 39-year-old facility loses 200,000 gallons of water per month because of cracks in the shell, drains, and joints. It was also found to be noncompliant with state and local codes. Repairs were estimated at $685,000.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:15 p.m.
Exclusive Bike Facilities
The council discussed exclusive bike facilities such as Austin’s Veloway. The consensus was that projects identified in the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan were a higher priority.
Some citizens have expressed interest in a safe place to ride recreational bikes away from vehicles, pedestrians, and pets.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:17 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:31 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:45 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Four people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- James Benham recognized Army Pvt. Ruben Estrella-Soto as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 18-year-old El Paso native died March 23, 2003, when his convoy was ambushed in Iraq.
- Jonathan Coopersmith spoke about local bicycle issues.
- Janice Sahm and Joel Cantrell spoke against the closing of Thomas Pool.
6:46 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An inter-local agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan to apply and accept a U.S. Department of Justice 2018 Justice Assistance Grant.
- A revised agreement to sell reclaimed water to Pebble Creek Country Club.
- An annual purchase contract not to exceed $120,000 with Bound Tree Medical for EMS supplies.
6:56 p.m.
Corrections to Unified Development Ordinance
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve minor corrections to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance such as text omissions, references, and other clerical errors.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:03 p.m.
Butler Tract Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural and General Suburban to General Commercial for about 17 acres along Old Wellborn Road southeast of the General Parkway-Holleman Drive South intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:27 p.m.
Loveless Tract Land Use
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the land use designation from Suburban Commercial to Urban for about 11 acres on the west side of Turkey Creek Road about 500 feet south of HSC Parkway.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:13 p.m.
Loveless Tract Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0-1 to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Multi-Family for about 11 acres on the west side of Turkey Creek Road about 500 feet south of HSC Parkway. Councilman Barry Moore abstained.
8:15 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
8:15 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Sept. 13.
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.
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