By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s meeting on Thursday, June 24. It’s not the official minutes.
Because of audio issues in the council chambers, the meeting is being held in the administration conference room and broadcast on Zoom. 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 940 6669 1730. 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
5:08 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action in executive session. Councilman John Nichols is absent tonight, and Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha is participating through Zoom.
5:16 p.m.
CSFD 50th Anniversary
The council recognized 2021 as the 50th Anniversary of the College Station Fire Department. The proclamation outlines the department’s origins and the leaders who built CSFD into an internationally recognized public safety department. Since it was created in 1971, CSFD has grown to 161 professional firefighters and paramedics.
5:28 p.m.
Anne Hazen Proclamation
The council presented a proclamation to Anne Hazen recognizing her many decades of community service. She is the former director of nursing at Hospice Brazos Valley. Hazen also served as a College Station City Council member for six years. She volunteered with the ELCA Lutheran Social Services, Prenatal Clinic and the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Hazen is moving to Massachusetts to be closer to family. .
5:40 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.
5:41 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
6:12 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
6:22 p.m.
Aggie Park Stormwater
The council discussed the stormwater mitigation plan for Texas A&M’s Aggie Park, a 20-acre green space on the south side of campus.
7:40 p.m.
Proposed Comp Plan Changes
The council reviewed proposed changes to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as part of the 10-year update. Public engagement will be from late July through early September.
7:40 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
7:49 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
7:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The third and final renewal of a contract not to exceed $432,000 with Brazos Paving for installing 1-inch overlay with specialty mix as needed.
- A contract not to exceed $349,741.82 with AngelTrax for a mobile video surveillance system software and hardware, maintenance, and support.
- A contract not to exceed $256,788 with Avinext for network hardware for the new city hall.
- A $201,900 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Holleman Drive West at Jones Butler Road roundabout project.
- A $69,395.18 change order to the contract with Thalle Construction Company for the Lick Creek trunk line.
8:19 p.m.
Ayrshire Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to deny a request to abandon of almost 2,000 square feet of right-of-way along Ayrshire Street to allow for development. Mayor Mooney voted for the abandonment.
One person spoke against the abandonment in the public hearing.
8:34 p.m.
FY 22 Action Plan & Budget
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the proposed FY 22 Action Plan and Community Development budget. Available federal grant funds next year total about $2.04 million.
The city is required to submit an annual Action Plan describing projects, activities, and budget to be funded with federal community development grants. Activities must correspond to the 5-Year Consolidated Plan as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
9:03 p.m.
Eastgate, Southwood Sidewalks
The council voted 5-1 to approve a $458,000 contract for sidewalk improvements in the Eastgate and Southwood neighborhoods. Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
The Eastgate project includes new sidewalks on the east side of Nunn Street from Lincoln Avenue to Walton Drive, on the north side of Walton from Nunn to Puryear Drive, and on the east side of Puryear from Walton to James Parkway. The connection allows residents to walk from Lincoln Avenue to the existing sidewalk around Thomas Park and beyond.
The Southwood project includes new sidewalks on the east side of Southwood Drive from Valley View Drive to Harvey Mitchell Parkway and on the west side of Southwood Drive from Harvey Mitchell to Todd Trail.
9:22 p.m.
City Hall Furniture, Services
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.62 million contract with OP for furnishings and services for the new city hall. The contract also includes moving services for staff from existing offices to the new building.
Furnishings include workstations, office furniture, conference room tables and chairs, reception area furniture, break room furniture and other ancillary furniture. Moving services will assist staff in moving items from the existing city hall such as files, books, and small furniture items.
9:50 p.m.
City Charter Amendments
The council voted to place two city charter amendments on the ballot for a Nov. 2 special election. The amendments are related to ethical requirements for council members.
The council voted 4-2 to approve the first amendment:
No member of the city council shall have a financial interest, direct or indirect, or by reason of ownership of stock in any corporation, in any contract with the city, or be financially interested, directly or indirectly, in the sale to, or purchase from, the city of any land, materials, supplies or services except on behalf of the city; provided, however, that the provisions of this section shall only be applicable when the stock owned by the member of city council exceeds one percent (1%) of the total capital stock of the corporation. Any violation of this section with the knowledge express or implied of the person or corporation contracting with the city shall render the contract voidable by the city council or city manager.
The council voted unanimously to approve the second amendment:
Shall Article XII (General Provisions) of the College Station City Charter be amended to add a new section requiring city council members to both disclose any campaign contribution in excess of $500.00 by filing an affidavit with the city secretary and abstain from participating in and voting on any matter before the city council if the matter before the city council would materially benefit the campaign contributor or any business entity in which the campaign contributor has a substantial interest?
The council also discussed the possibility of moving city elections to odd-numbered years, which will be considered in July.
10:14 p.m.
The council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, items of community interest, and reports from city committees, boards, and commissions.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s meets again on Thursday, July 8.
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