By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Feb. 25. 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.
5:46 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:55 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:
- Legion Fields at Veterans Park: The council will consider the name of Legion Fields for the seven athletic fields in the northwest portion of Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. A proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the American Legion and naming the fields in their honor will be given at the March 14 council meeting.
- Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant: The $34 million project increases the capacity of the Lick Creek Treatment Plant from two million to five million gallons a day to meet state requirements. The contract includes new process units, the rehabilitation and modification of existing structures, and the demolition of unused structures.
6:09 p.m.
Traffic Contact Report
The council reviewed the annual traffic contact report that’s been required by the state since 2002. An independent consultant analyzed traffic contact data in College Station found the Police Department complies with state law and employs best practices.
The council will consider approving the report as part of tonight’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:10 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting.
6:10 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:17 p.m.
Historical Business Marker
The Historic Preservation Committee presented Historical Business Marker No. 12 to the New Victory Temple Church located at 1115 Detroit St. The structure in the McCulloch neighborhood was built in 1956.
The historical marker program has awarded markers to 100 residences and 12 businesses since it was launched in 1991.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:20 p.m.
Brazos Valley African-American Museum
The mayor recognized the Brazos Valley African-American Museum for its invaluable contributions and tireless efforts during Black History Month, and every month, as it has throughout the museum’s 13-year history. Representing the museum’s board were Dr. Nkrumah Dixon, Dr. Gwendolyn Hasan, and Mildred Davis.
6:24 p.m.
Municipal Clerk Certification
The mayor recognized Deputy City Secretary Ian Whittenton for recently receiving his professional certification from the Texas Municipal Clerks Association. The three-year certification program consists of college-level courses and requires some 200 hours of home study and online homework, rigorous examinations, and attendance at eight two-day seminars.
6:28 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.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized 1st Sgt. Jeffrey McKinney as part of The American Fallen Soldiers Project. The 40-year-old Garland native died July 11, 2007, in a non-combat incident in Adhamiyah, Iraq.
6:34 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent items:
- A $119,360.50 contract with Brazos Paving for the Spring Meadows Water Line Project.
- The annual traffic contact report required by the state legislature.
- A $34 million contract with CSA Construction for the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion Project.
The council voted separately on this consent item:
- The council unanimously approved the name of Legion Fields for the seven athletic fields in the northwest portion of Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. Members of the local American Legion were in attendance and posed for a photo with the council after the vote.
6:46 p.m.
Budget Amendment No. 1
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget by about $13.9 million. For a complete description of items in the amendment, see pages 39-40 in the regular meeting packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:01 p.m.
Updated Fire Codes
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt the 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Fire Code, 2018 NFPA Life Safety Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, and related amendments. The changes clarify intent, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare.
The codes are updated every three years.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:09 p.m.
Health Claims Authorization
The council voted unanimously to ratify $392,414 in additional Cigna Health claims paid in 2018. Expenses for medical, dental, pharmacy, stop-loss and administrative fees claims in 2018 were expected to be about $10.7 million due to higher or unexpected medical and prescription drug claim costs.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:11 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:12 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
7:19 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
7:30 p.m.
Turkey Creek and F&B Road Status
The council heard a presentation about short-term maintenance activities on Turkey Creek and F&B Roads, along with the long-term approach of including them in the prioritization matrix as part of the city’s Capital Plan.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:35 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The council meets again on Thursday, March 14.
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!
