By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s meeting on Monday, Nov. 22. 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.
Complete agenda and background materials
5:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action in executive session.
5:07 p.m.
Happy Birthday, City of Bryan!
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation commemorating the City of Bryan’s 150th birthday.
5:30 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Five people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Brian Watford, speaking on behalf of a group of five area business owners, said they didn’t receive advance notification about the Rock Prairie Road West Widening project. They are concerned about safety issues in the area.
- Daniel Hernandez expressed concerns about recent comments by Councilman Dennis Maloney.
- Rene Ramirez stated his continued support for Councilman Maloney.
- Shirley Dupriest thanked council members for their service to the community during challenging times.
- Steve Beachy also thanked the council for their dedicated service and expressed his support for Councilman Maloney.
- Blanche Brick said she was disappointed by recent political attacks on Councilman Maloney during the Hear Visitors portion of council meetings.
5:44 p.m.
College Station Holiday Activities
The council discussed Christmas activities and events in College Station intended to attract holiday visitors. The council also reviewed related business partnerships and entertainment options.
Presentation: Christmas in College Station
5:49 p.m.
Consent Agenda
This consent item was pulled for discussion:
Francis Drive Project: The $279,750 contract with Kimley-Horn is for designing the Francis Drive Rehabilitation Phase III project. The work will reconstruct Francis from Walton Drive to Texas Avenue and includes storm sewers and sidewalks.
The council then voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The second renewal of a $1.4 million annual contract with Fikes Wholesale for gasoline and diesel fuel.
- A $279,750 contract with Kimley Horn & Associates for designing the Francis Drive Rehabilitation Phase III project.
- A construction manager at risk contract with Jacody Construction for the 1207 Texas Avenue Renovation project.
- Annual price agreements not to exceed $7.35 million with Techline for CSU distribution poles.
5:58 p.m.
Comp Plan Processes, Notifications
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve changes to Comprehensive Plan amendment processes and notifications. No citizens spoke in the public hearing.
Changes include requiring mailed notices and neighborhood meetings for Future Land Use & Character Map amendments and comprehensive plan amendment applications to be paused six months before a major update to prevent conflicts between the requests and the update.
Presentation: Comp Plan Processes and Notifications
6:05 p.m.
Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
The council voted unanimously to approve the semi-annual report on system-wide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. The report documents the fees collected in each service area and identifies the capital improvements projects the revenues have helped fund.
Impact fees are assessments imposed on new development to fund capital improvements such as waterlines, sewer lines, streets, etc., related to the development.
Presentation: Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
7:49 p.m.
Impact Fee Study Updates
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve updates of land use assumptions, capital improvements plans, and maximum assessable water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Mayor Mooney and Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
Impact fees are assessments imposed on new development to fund capital improvements such as waterlines, sewer lines, streets, etc., related to the development.
Four people spoke in the public hearing, one representing a group of six.
Presentation: Impact Fee Study Updates
7:50 p.m.
The mayor suspended the meeting for a short break.
8:07 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:27 p.m.
Impact Fee Collection Rates
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a 10% increase in the city’s residential water, wastewater, and roadway impact fee collection rates effective March 1, 2022. Five people spoke in the public hearing, one representing a group of five.
Grandfathering options will be considered early next year.
Impact fees are assessments imposed on new development to fund capital improvements such as waterlines, sewer lines, streets, etc., related to the development.
Presentation: Impact Fee Collection Rates
A motion by Councilman John Nichols failed, 4-3. It would have kept the wastewater fee at $3,000 and the increased the water fee from $500 to $1,280 for all areas. The roadway fee of $1,500 would have increased next year to $1,876 in Area A and $2,845 in Areas B,C, and D. The rate for all but Area A would have increased to $3,953 in 2023 and $4,741 in 2024. Councilmen John Crompton, Bob Brick and Nichols supported the motion.
An earlier motion by Councilman Crompton failed, 5-2. Crompton and Brick supported the proposal:
10:35 p.m.
The council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, committee and board reports, and future agenda items.
10:35 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Dec. 9.
If you liked this post, share it!
You must log in to post a comment.