By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 22. 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 939 6866 4660. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
6:21 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action in executive session.
6:26 p.m.
2021 Strategic Plan
The council began reviewing its updated strategic plan and priorities for 2021. It will bring back this item for additional discussion at the May 13 meeting.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:03 p.m.
Lick Creek Park Trails
The council heard a presentation on the restoration efforts at Lick Creek Park after a sewer line was installed from the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to Fitch Parkway. The trails that were disturbed have reopened.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:13 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.
7:20 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:25 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
7:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $5,445.37 change order with TechServ Consulting and Training for a Joint Use Pole Attachment Audit.
- The extension of 2011 non-annexation development agreements with properties in the Wellborn area.
- The first amendment to the Signal Performance Measure contract with Iteris, adding the Velocity Cloud System hosting service.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances that adds stop and yield signs at various intersection approaches on Lambsburg Lane, Brunswick Court, Bridgewater Drive, and Robinsville Court.
7:38 p.m.
LULAC Oak Hill Apartments Rehabilitation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a federal loan application to rehabilitate the LULAC Oak Hill Apartments, a 50-unit property built about 40 years ago for low-income elderly residents and people with disabilities.
Since LULAC Oak Hill Apartments was developed through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, 100% of the residents are required to be at or below 50% of the area’s median income. Residents must also be at least 62 years old.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Costco Agreements
The council voted unanimously to approve economic development and property purchase agreements with Costco Wholesale Corporation for about 19 acres near Earl Rudder Freeway and Corporate Drive in the Midtown Business Park.
Costco will construct a new 160,000-square-foot facility with required infrastructure and must open for business by Dec. 31, 2023. In exchange, the city is selling the property at a discounted price and will reimburse Costco for development-related permit fees.
The discounted price includes a credit of 5% off the purchase price at closing. The city will establish deed restrictions on remaining city property that’s 10 acres or larger in the immediate area that prohibits similar retailers.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:11 p.m.
Rental Registration Program
The council voted unanimously to support the staff recommendation to raise the Rental Registration Program fee to $60 effective Oct. 1. Five citizens spoke against the proposal.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:30 p.m.
Building Renovation Project
The council voted unanimously to approve a $149,000 contract with Kirksey Architects for designing renovations to the city-owned building at 1207 Texas Avenue that will be home to the new Tourism Division.
The facility currently houses the city’s Human Resources Department and Facilities Maintenance Division. HR will soon be moving into the new city hall, while Facilities Maintenance will move into a new shop at the Public Works Operations Center next spring.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:42 p.m.
Senate Bill 10
The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution opposing Senate Bill 10, Senate Bill 234, and House Bill 749, all of which propose to limit the authority of local communities to effectively lobby to the legislature for their interests.
In particular, Senate Bill 10 would prohibit a city or county from spending public funds to try to influence the outcome of pending legislation. The bill’s passage would significantly impact the city’s ability to advocate for the community and would lead to financial costs and operational complexities.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:49 p.m.
In-Person Council Meetings
The council voted unanimously to return to in-person meetings effective May 13 while undertaking specific COVID-19 precautions.
9:51 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s meets again on Thursday, May 13.
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