By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9. It’s not the official minutes. The meeting starts after 5 p.m. and 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.
6:03 p.m.
The meeting has started. Mayor Karl Mooney is participating by teleconference, so Mayor Pro Tem Bob Brick is presiding.
The council took no action in the executive session.
6:10 p.m.
Constitution Week
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week with a presentation to the La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The DAR petitioned Congress in 1955 to set aside an annual week to honor the U.S. Constitution. The resolution was signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
6:14 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.
Mindy Austin of the Visual Art Society spoke about this weekend’s Aggieland Art Trail. The free event showcases artworks, murals, monuments, and more from throughout the Bryan/College Station Community. It begins with a kick-off breakfast at POV Coffee House at 7 a.m. at the Stella Hotel, followed by the statue dedication ceremony at 11 a.m. at Veteran’s Park. The event concludes with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel.
6:42 p.m.
Heat Island Effect
The council directed staff to continue studying the use of vegetation such as tree canopies to reduce the heat island effect across College Station. Heat islands are urbanized areas that tend to have higher temperatures than other areas.
7:09 p.m.
Lick Creek Park Bird Blinds
The council directed staff to continue to explore the possible installation of bird blinds at Lick Creek Park.
7:24 p.m.
Consent Agenda
Consent Agenda Pre-Meeting Questions
This item was pulled for discussion:
Presentation: Santa’s Wonderland Sponsorship Agreement
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A negotiated settlement agreement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp.-MidTex Division regarding the company’s 2021 rate review mechanism filings with rate tariffs and proof of revenues.
- The first renewal of a $150,000 sponsorship agreement with Santa’s Wonderland.
- The expenditure of FY 22 funds for items exempt from competitive bidding under the Texas Local Government Code and other spending greater than $100,000 for inter-local contracts or fees mandated by state law.
- The city’s investment policy and investment officers for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2022.
- A $50,789 change order to the contract with CSA Construction for the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion project.
- The third renewal of an annual contract not to exceed $117,665 with BKD for professional auditing services.
- A five-year inter-local agreement with anticipated annual reimbursements of $57,000 from Texas A&M, an equal share of traffic control device deployment costs under the Football Postgame Traffic Control Plan.
7:28 p.m.
FY 21 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $570,000 amendment to the city’s FY 21 budget to cover expenses related to February’s winter storm and an increase in roadway repair costs.
Presentation: Budget Amendment No. 4
7:31 p.m.
Stasny Right-of-Way Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of an unneeded right-of-way on Stasny Lane about a quarter-mile south of Raintree Drive and State Highway 6.
Presentation: Stasny Right-of-Way Abandonment
7:33 p.m.
Science Park Easement Abandonments
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of three unneeded easements in the Science Park Subdivision on State Highway 6 to allow for development.
Presentation: Science Park Easement Abandonments
7:33 p.m.
The mayor pro tem suspended the meeting for a short break.
7:41 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:38 p.m.
1660 Graham Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-3 to postpone until Oct. 28 a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to Urban for about 10 acres at 1660 Graham Road. Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Councilmen John Crompton and Dennis Maloney voted against the motion.
Almost 20 people spoke in-person or online during the public hearing, most against the change. The proposed change would allow the development of attached low-to-medium density single-family townhomes.
Presentation: Graham Road Land Use Change
10:43 p.m.
1660 Graham Road Rezoning
Note: The City Secretary’s Office received a protest petition signed by property owners of at least 20% of the area within 200 feet of the subject property. By law, an affirmative vote of at least six council members is now required to approve the rezoning.
The council voted 4-3 to postpone until Oct. 28 a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for about 10 acres at 1660 Graham Road. Harvell, Crompton, and Maloney voted against the motion.
Presentation: Graham Road Rezoning
10:46 p.m.
Tourism Advisory Committee
The council voted unanimously to create a tourism advisory committee to direct staff regarding the overall strategy for using hotel occupancy tax funds to drive events, activities, and quality-of-life amenities.
Presentation: Tourism Advisory Committee
10:47 p.m.
Landfill Board Appointment
The council voted unanimously to reappointment Mayor Mooney to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s Board of Directors.
10:50 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.
11:02 p.m.
The council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, reports from city committees, and future agenda items.
Mayor Mooney and the council also recognized Eagle Reporter Megan Rodriguez, who is covering her final meeting before starting a new position at the San Antonio Express-News later this month.
Mayor Pro Tem Brick adjourned the meeting. The council gathers again on Thursday, Sept. 23.
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