By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s meeting on Thursday, Aug. 12. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and cstx.gov/cstv19. To join online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter webinar number 967 2839 3278. If the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:42 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action in executive session.
5:46 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.
6:07 p.m.
Cluster Subdivisions
The council discussed ways to increase cluster subdivisions, a development tool that protects open space or environmentally sensitive and hazard-prone land.
Presentation: Cluster Subdivisions
6:17 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The first of two renewals of a contract not-to-exceed $600,000 with Engineering Consultants for electrical engineering services.
- A $93,440 change order to the contract with Halff Associates for the Barron/Capstone realignment project.
- A resolution clarifying city collection fees for returned checks, charge back fees, and notary public fees.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances related to utility meters.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances related to rental registration fees
- The BVWACS FY 22 budget.
- A blanket price agreement estimated at $120,000 with Bound Tree Medical for emergency medical supplies.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Team 3 Rentals for recycling collection from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- The first renewal of a contract not-to-exceed $150,000 with Rios Tree Services for tree trimming and removal services.
- A contract not-to-exceed $102,550 with Buyers Barricades Houston for Texas A&M football game day traffic control.
- The first renewal of a contract not-to-exceed $750,000 with Southern Electric Corporation for overhead electric distribution construction and maintenance.
- An amendment adding Burleson County to the BVWACS partnership and BVWACS managing entity agreements.
- An agreement with Union Pacific Railroad to construct a railroad crossing at the intersection of Deacon Drive and Wellborn Road and closing the existing crossing at Cain Road.
6:38 p.m.
Property Tax Rate Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed FY 22 property tax rate of $0.534618 per $100 of assessed value. The proposed rate is the same as FY 21, but the general rise in local property valuations means many residents will see a higher tax bill.
Mike Lee, representing a group of five residents, spoke against the effective increase in property taxes. Additional residents submitted written comments.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
Presentation: Tax Rate Public Hearing
6:56 p.m.
FY 22 City Budget
The council voted unanimously to approve the city’s proposed FY 21-22 budget of $354 million, including $282.2 million for city operations and $71.8 million in capital projects. The council also unanimously ratified the increase in property tax revenue reflected in the budget.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
Presentation: FY 22 Budget Adoption
7:03 p.m.
FY 22 Property Tax Rate
The council voted unanimously to keep the property tax rate at $0.534618 per $100 of assessed value for the 2021-22 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The tax rate is unchanged from FY 21, but the rise in local property valuations means many residents will pay more.
The rate will generate about $55.3 million to fund city operations, maintenance, and general debt service.
Craig Regan spoke against the tax rate in the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
Presentation: FY 22 Property Tax Rate Adoption
7:22 p.m.
Fee Resolution
The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution adopting city fees, rates, and charges. Changes go into effect Oct. 1.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Renewal
The council voted unanimously to consent to the mayor’s extension of his COVID-19 disaster declaration to allow the city to continue receiving emergency pandemic-related funding.
7:41 p.m.
The council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, reports from city committees, and future agenda items.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s meets again on Thursday, Aug. 26.
If you liked this post, please share it!
