By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, May 28. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 998 0711 3729.
6:39 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:48 p.m.
City to create tourism office
The council voted unanimously to terminate the city’s funding agreement with Experience Bryan-College effective Aug. 1. The city will incorporate tourism into its economic development and recovery strategies by launching a new internal operation focused on the hospitality industry.
6:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Credit Card Processing: The council will consider approving Renewal No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 for an estimated expenditure of $240,000 with Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services.
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: The council will consider guidelines to assist households unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 disaster declarations. The guidelines will reprogram $475,000 in existing federal grants.
- Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report: The Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report is provided to the council in accordance with state law. The City of College Station adopted system-wide impact fees for water, wastewater, and roadways in 2016.
- Former Police Station: The city has negotiated a three-year, $1.02 million lease of the old police station at 2611 Texas Avenue to International Leadership of Texas.
7:20 p.m.
Proposed FY 20 Bond Issuance
The council voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed with reduced parameters for the proposed FY 20 bond issuance based on existing economic conditions. The certificates of obligation will be presented for the council’s consideration on June 11.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Incentives Compliance Report
The council voted unanimously to accept the 2019 Incentive Compliance Report by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:43 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
7:57 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:06 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- David Flash spoke about a complaint he filed on Feb. 2 with the College Station Police Department. He said the complaint has still not been answered and asked the council to encourage the new police chief to complete the investigation.
8:11 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda. Citizen Richard Woodward gave a presentation on the impact fee item:
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Disposal for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- Renewal No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 for an estimated $240,000 with Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services.
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance guidelines to assist with rental assistance for College Station households affected by the COVID-19 disaster declarations.
- The first renewal of an annual electric system construction and maintenance labor contract not to exceed $750,000 with H&B Contractors.
- The semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees.
- The BVWACS annual operation and maintenance and capital budget.
- An amendment to the contract with Emergicon.
- A three-year, $1.02 million lease of the old police station building on Texas Avenue to International Leadership of Texas.
- An advance funding agreement of $35,525 with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for signal improvements for the intersection of George Bush Drive and Dexter Drive.
- An advance funding agreement of $323,345 with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for signal improvements that are part of the FM 2818 widening project.
8:15 p.m.
Creekside PUE Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 0.15-acre portion of a 20-foot public utility easement in the Creekside Subdivision Phase 1.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:18 p.m.
Masfajitas PUE Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 2-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the the Horse Haven Estates to accommodate a Masfajitas restaurant.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Dowling Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural, Office, and Light Commercial to General Commercial for about 15 acres at 95 North Dowling Road B, 101 North Dowling Road A & B, 103 North Dowling Road, and 107 North Dowling Road.
The change better fits the Comprehensive Plan’s designation for more intense uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:24 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to extend the mayor’s disaster declaration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
8:28 p.m.
Standard of Care Ordinance
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt standards of care for the Parks and Recreation Department’s elementary-age youth recreational program.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:59 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
After a 2.5-hour discussion, the council decided to continue the consideration of short-term housing rental regulations at a future meeting.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:01 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, June 11.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the 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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