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, June 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 969 6026 4785.
6:02 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:18 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Mowing and Landscaping Contract: This is the first renewal of a contract not to exceed $1.1 million with Green Teams is for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance.
6:42 p.m.
COVID-19 Financial Impact
The council voted unanimously to accept the report on the financial impact of COVID-19 on the city’s FY 20 budget along with the year-end estimate.
Estimated pandemic-related revenue losses range from $2.9 million to $4.7 million from sales taxes, parks programs, the municipal court, investments, and facility rentals. Mitigation strategies, which will save about $5.3 million, include a hiring freeze, departmental reductions, and the elimination of summer parks programs.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The council directed staff to bring back a revised ordinance regulating short-term rental housing such as Airbnb. The proposed ordinance addresses requirements for allowable zoning districts, verified owner-occupancy through the homestead exemption, grandfathering of existing STRs, and safety inspections.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:27 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.
8:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:43 p.m.
The council finished its calendar discussion from the workshop.
8:50 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Shiva Saravanan requested that CSPD make its use of force policy available on the city website.
- Nicolas Macri asked the council and police department to consider 8cantwait.org reforms.
8:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Cancelled the postponed special runoff election for city council member Place 4.
- A $2 million funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city's contribution for utility relocations for the FM 2818 widening project.
- The second year of a two-year, $140,000 contract with Precept Insurance Solutions for an online benefits administration platform.
- The first renewal of a contract not to exceed $1.1 million with Green Teams for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance.
- Renewal of an annual price agreement not to exceed $712,700 with Techline for wire and cable.
- A short-term budget for the 60 days before the August 1 contract termination of the agreement with the City of Bryan and Experience Bryan College Station.
8:58 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Commercial and Office to MultiFamily, Natural Areas Protected, and General Commercial for about 14 acres at 2325 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, which is located north of the intersection with Texas Avenue.
The change will help attract commercial and residential opportunities to undeveloped property near a major intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:01 p.m.
Glenhaven Estates NPO
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to establish the city’s one remaining Neighborhood Prevailing Overlay district — Glenhaven Estates Subdivision — as a retired zoning district in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. In March, the council removed NPO references to eliminate redundancy.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:21 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation
The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance of up to $23.7 million in 2020 certificates of obligation for streets, police station construction, information technology, electric and water improvements, and debt costs.
Refunding Bonds
The council voted unanimously to approve the refunding of up to $19.3 million in 2020 general obligation bonds, which will save the city about $2.7 million over their remaining life.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:22 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, June 25.
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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