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. 27. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 990 7628 0717. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
5:27 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:28 p.m.
The council took one action out of executive session, voting unanimously to authorize the interim city manager to negotiate reasonable terms and conditions and execute a letter of intent related to the sale of about 18 acres southeast of Corporate Parkway and State Highway 6 northbound frontage road.
5:30 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
- Memorial Cemetery Fencing: The $498,941 contract with Vaughn Construction is for installing wrought iron fencing at the city’s Memorial Cemetery. The project will continue the fencing along the cemetery’s north, east, and western property lines. The project is financed through Memorial Cemetery funds, which can only be spent in the cemetery.
6:20 p.m.
Thomas Park Planning
The council discussed future planning and capital projects for Mabel Clare Thomas Park, including roadways, sidewalks, drainage, and other improvements.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:39 p.m.
City Fiber Leasing
The council discussed the status of the leasing of city fiber and additional opportunities. The city’s fiber ring has various spurs of more than 60 miles. Agreements are in place to lease spare fiber to local companies.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:42 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.
6:54 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:01 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.
- Elianor Vessali encouraged the city to develop a mobile app with pertinent information for residents.
7:04 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.
- An agreement not to exceed $112,432.35 with SPS VAR for utility billing system hardware.
- An annual blanket purchase agreement estimated at $120,000 with Bound Tree Medical for various EMS medical supplies.
- Removed parking on the south side of Cottonwood Terrace Court from around the cul de sac to Parmer Creek Court; the south side of Mamma Bear Drive between Holleman Drive South and Towers Parkway; the west side of Papa Bear Drive between Hayes Lane and Mamma Bear Drive; both sides of the public alley between the 1000 block of Toledo Bend Drive and the 1100 block of Toledo Bend Drive; both sides of the public alley between the 1100 block of Amistad Loop and the 1100 block of Amistad Loop; and both sides of the public alley between the 1000 block of Amistad Loop and the 1200 block of Amistad Loop.
- Authorized FY 21 funds for items greater than $100,000 that are exempt from competitive bidding.
- Appointed Peggy Sherman and Assistant Police Chief Brandy Norris as College Station’s representatives on the Aggieland Humane Society Board.
The council voted separately on this item, which it approved unanimously:
- A $498,941 contract with Vaughn Construction for the installation of wrought iron fencing for Memorial Cemetery.
7:10 p.m.
FY 21 Budget Adoption
The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s $311.5 million FY 21 budget, which includes $264.8 million for operations and maintenance and $46.74 million for capital projects.
The council also voted unanimously to ratify a property tax revenue increase of about $930,000.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:17 p.m.
FY 21 Tax Rate Adoption
The council voted unanimously to adopt a FY 21 property tax rate of $0.534618 per $100 of assessed value, which is the same as the FY 20 rate. The proposed rate would generate about $49.2 million to fund the city’s general debt service ($0.226443) and part of the General Fund’s operations and maintenance costs ($0.318175).
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:59 p.m.
Alamosa Street Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to deny a request to change the zoning from Townhouse to Planned Development District for about four acres at 3914 Alamosa Street, which is west of Harvey Road and south of Summit Crossing Lane. Councilman John Nichols voted for the motion. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
The change addresses market changes and provides small-lot, single-family homes.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:01 p.m.
TRAP Institute and Expo
The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution supporting the city’s bid for the 2022 Texas Recreation and Park Society Annual Institute and Expo. The annual event hosts hundreds of attendees, presenters, vendors, and volunteers and includes more than 80 educational events and an exhibit hall.
8:29 p.m.
Veterans Park Improvements
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.93 million contract with JaCody Construction for drainage, roadway, and playability improvements at Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. The project includes improved drainage and roadways, an additional restroom, sidewalks, and two new playgrounds.
The project is financed through Parkland Dedication funds, Neighborhood Zone 4 & Community Zone C&D, Field Redevelopment funds, and Capital Improvement Project funds. Parkland Dedication, Field Redevelopment and System Wide Park Improvement funds can only be used to improve parks and will be used before CIP funds.
The council also unanimously denied a change order that would have reduced the original contract by $271,352.51 by eliminating the planned addition of two playgrounds and associated features.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:36 p.m.
Extension of Disaster Declaration
The council voted unanimously to consent to the extension of the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
8:36 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Sept. 10.
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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