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 11. 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.
5:17 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:18 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:44 p.m.
Legislative Update
The council reviewed the recent Texas legislative session, including items affecting the city’s budget process.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:13 p.m.
Community Development Grants
The council discussed the FY20 Community Development Budget and Action Plan. Funding available in the FY20 budget totals $2.9 million, including new federal Community Development Block Grants of about $1.2 million and HOME Investment Partnership Grants of $473,289.
The funds may only be used to benefit low- and moderate-income people, aid in the elimination of slum and blighting influences, or meet an urgent need.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:16 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.
6:24 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:49 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Eight people 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 Army Capt. Orlando A. Bonilla as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 27-year-old Killeen native died on Jan. 28, 2005, in a helicopter accident near Baghdad, Iraq.
- Diane Davis, Julian McMurrey, Patsy Johnson, and Michelle Raisor spoke about Thomas Park and the restoration of the pool.
- Donald Deere spoke about the removal of street parking in his neighborhood.
- Brian Alg spoke against using taxpayer funds for a proposed YMCA.
- Donna Lamkin spoke about the removal of street parking in the Camelot neighborhood.
6:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An estimated annual expenditure of $121,000 for water meters from National Meter & Automation.
- Renewal of an annual estimated $200,000 contract with Spherion Staffing for temporary personnel services.
- A $112,225.40 change order for the contract with Garney Construction for Well No. 9.
- Annual price agreement renewals not to exceed $1.9 million with Knife River ($1.49 Million) and BPI Materials ($438,000) for hot mix asphalt for street maintenance.
6:57 p.m.
Graham Road Speed Limit
The council voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit on Graham Road from 45 mph to 40. A resident requested the change last fall primarily out of concern for the new school at Graham and Longmire, and the city conducted a speed study in April.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Camelot Parking Removal
The council voted unanimously to removed parking on one side of Langford Street, King Arthur Circle, and Lancelot Circle to allow for emergency vehicle access.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:48 p.m.
City Hall Exterior Design
The council reviewed the proposed exterior design of the new city hall on the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:49 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
The council meets again Thursday, July 25.
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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