Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meeting (May 13)

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, May 13. It’s not the official minutes.

Public attendance is being allowed on a limited basis for the first time since March 9, 2020. The meeting is streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19.

To join online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter webinar number 997 9556 1409. If the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom. 

• Complete agendas and background materials
• Previous city council preview blogs
• Previous city council meeting live blogs

5:11 p.m.

The workshop has started. The council took no action in executive session.

6:08 p.m.

Northgate Mobility Study and Operations Plan

The council unanimously voted to approve the Northgate Mobility Study and Operational Plan.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:10 p.m.

FY21 Proposed Bond Issuance

The council voted 6-1 to move forward with the parameters for the city’s proposed FY 21 bond issuance. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion. The council will consider approving the associated certificates of obligation on June 10. 

An earlier motion to remove Greens Prairie Road project from the list of projects and pair those funds with hotel tax revenues to develop Southeast Park was defeated, 4-3. Councilmen Bob Brick, John Crompton, and Dennis Maloney favored the motion.

The initial motion to approve the bond issuance as presented failed, 4-3. Mayor Karl Mooney, Councilwoman Linda Harvell, and Councilman John Nichols favored the motion. Brick, Crompton, and Maloney reconsidered after receiving assurances that Southeast Park would be a priority in next year’s capital plan.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:30 p.m.

Lick Creek Trail Midtown Crossing

The council discussed options for the Lick Creek Hike and Bike Trail crossing at Midtown Drive. The underpass crossing opened in 2019, but silt deposits have created issues. 

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:52 p.m.

Dog and Cat Sales

The council voted unanimously to direct city staff to draft an ordinance amendment to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by pet shops unless they were obtained from an animal shelter or an animal rescue organization. Five people spoke in support of the amendment.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:53 p.m.

The mayor suspended the meeting for a short break.

8:01 p.m.

The meeting has resumed.

8:03 p.m.

Professional Municipal Clerks Week

The mayor proclaimed May 2-8 as the 52^nd Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Since 1969, the week has celebrated the importance of city secretaries and city clerks. 

8:07 p.m.

National Public Works Week

The mayor proclaimed May 16-22 as National Public Works Week to highlight the role public works plays in creating great places to live.

8:09 p.m.

National Bike Month

The mayor recognized May as National Bike Month to showcase the benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to enjoy it. 

8:13 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.

• Ashton Shinedling spoke against Section 8 housing in neighborhoods near the Texas A&M campus.

8:14 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

• An annual price agreement of $150,000 with Mustang Rental Services for equipment rental for city departments. 
• An annual price agreement not to exceed $2,351,155 with Techline for electric warehouse inventory of dielectric switchgears.
• A resolution directing the Brazos County Tax Office to calculate the voter-approved rate in the manner provided for a special taxing unit affected by a disaster declaration.
• The provision of annual services estimated at $365,000 with Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services.
• An award not to exceed $750,000 with the Infratech Corporation for electric underground construction and maintenance services.
• Three agreements with Kudelski Security: One not to exceed $90,210 for annual IT penetration testing services; another not to exceed $264,690 for three years for security operations center services; and a zero-dollar mutual nondisclosure agreement.
• Annual price agreements not to exceed $1,264,275 with Techline for electric warehouse inventory of distribution conductors.
• The second lease amendment with JAR Capital Investments that extends the lease term for space at 511 University Drive East.
• A $143,576.80 contract with Brazos Paving for the Northgate Bollard Project.
• A $126,859.60 change order to the contract with Elliott Construction for the Woodson Village Rehabilitation Project.

8:42 p.m.

Unlimited Potential Loan Support

The council voted unanimously to authorize city staff to work with Unlimited Potential to apply for a federal loan to rehabilitate the former retirement home at 1115 Anderson. The facility would provide support services for young adults who have aged out of the foster care system.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:48 p.m.

BVEDC Appointment

The council voted unanimously to appoint Caleb Holt to a three-year term as the city’s citizen representative on the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation board.

8:53 p.m.

Keeping Fowl in City Limits

The council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance amendment regarding chickens and other fowl kept in the city limits. Changes include reducing the distance requirement between the fowl enclosure and the owner’s dwelling from 100 to 50 feet and limiting the number of chickens allowed to six.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

9:13 p.m.

Strategic Plan Update

The council voted unanimously to approve updates to its FY 21 Strategic Plan, including modifications to priorities and strategies for FY 22.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

9:14 p.m.

Disaster Declaration Extension

The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration. The action allows the city to continue receiving emergency pandemic-related funding.

9:19 p.m.

The council discussed its calendar, upcoming events, reports from city committees, boards, and commissions, and future agenda items.

9:19 p.m.

Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s meets again on Thursday, May 27.

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