By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, March 11. 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 webinar number 976 1243 8266. if the call-in number isn't working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:13 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion.
- Fees, Rates, and Charges: The resolution sets city fees, rates, and charges for FY 21.
- Harvey Mitchell-Dartmouth Signal: The $326,577 contract with Bayer Construction Electrical Contractors is for a traffic signal at the Harvey Mitchell Parkway-Dartmouth Drive intersection.
- Rock Prairie Management District Agreement: The council voted unanimously to delay this item for action. Under the 10-year inter-local agreement, Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 would develop and dedicate parks to the city through the standard development dedication process. The district would also maintain and program parks and related facilities.
- Rock Prairie Management District Amendment: The resolution would authorize Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 to use available revenue sources to construct, maintain, and finance parks and recreational facilities and improvements.
- Mask Ordinance Repeal: The repeal of the mayoral order mandating face coverings for commercial entities would avoid conflict with Gov. Abbott’s executive order that went into effect Wednesday. Individuals remain strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when it isn’t feasible to stay six feet from others outside their household.
9:11 p.m.
ROO Public Input Review
The council discussed public input on the proposed Restricted Occupancy Overlay ordinance. In February, city staff conducted an online poll and hosted a series of public meetings for the real estate and development community, university students, and neighborhood organizations.
After nearly 20 residents spoke, the council directed staff to proceed with developing the proposed Restricted Occupancy Overlay ordinance and requiring 50%+1 of a neighborhood's property owners sign a petition to submit the application. The council also decided to include a grandfather clause to protect existing investments.
Additional details will be discussed at a future meeting when the council considers the ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:13 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.
9:21 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
9:29 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:
- Robert Rose asked the council to rescind its support of the City of Bryan’s Municipal Setting Designation (MSD) application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Rose said the groundwater contamination in Bryan has potential implications for College Station.
9:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Fees, rates and charges for FY 21.
- $1.15 million in FY 20 deferred funding to the Public Agency Retirement Services OPEB Trust.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement ordinance with Vos Transport for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial, and multi-family locations.
- A $31,464 advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for signal improvements at Fitch Parkway and Wellborn Road.
- A $326,577 contract with Bayer Construction Electrical Contractors for installing a traffic signal at Harvey Mitchell Parkway and Dartmouth Drive.
- An amendment authorizing Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 to use available revenue sources to construct, maintain, and finance parks and recreational facilities and improvements.
- Consented to the annexation of about 33 acres into Rock Prairie Management District No. 2.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances for a surcharge on sewer rates for customers outside the city limits or under a contract where the sewer rates are not addressed.
- Appointed Assistant Police Chief Chris Perkins to the Aggieland Humane Society Board effective immediately.
- A revision to Community Development Minor Repair Guidelines to provide flexibility for housing repairs that address the health and safety of the homeowner.
- Repealed the the mayoral order mandating face coverings for commercial entities to avoid conflict with Gov. Abbott’s executive order that went into effect Wednesday.
- Recognized Texas A&M’s Lead by Example campaign, which raised $4.25 billion.
In a separate vote, the council voted unanimously this item:
- A resolution affirming the contributions Texas A&M and the A&M System provide to the College Station and recognizing the achievements of their Lead by Example campaign, which raised a record $4.25 billion.
9:41 p.m.
Construction Manager at Risk
The council voted unanimously to approve a construction manager at risk contract with Jacody Construction for the new 7,500-square-foot facilities maintenance shop behind the Municipal Court building on Krenek Tap Road. After design has progressed, Jacody will submit a guaranteed maximum price for the council’s consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:43 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
9:45 p.m.
BioCorridor Board Appointments
The council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of planning and zoning commissioners Jeremy Osborne and Joe Guerra to the BioCorridor Board.
9:47 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, March 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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