By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s meeting on Thursday, Jan. 13. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting will start 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
5:56 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action from its executive session.
6:04 p.m.
Planning Excellence Award
The Planning and Development Services Department was recognized for receiving the Richard R. Lillie Planning Excellence Award for the 15th time from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association. The award recognizes communities that take a holistic approach to comprehensive planning and master planning efforts.
6:18 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Dennis Arce spoke about increasing awareness of opportunities to serve on citizen committees and about adjusting the speaker protocol at council meetings.
- Fred Dupriest spoke about the Southside neighborhood initiative to reduce illegal occupancy.
6:33p.m.
Tomb of the Unknown Commemoration
The council discussed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial at the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial in Veterans Park. The Daughters of the American Revolution has worked with several local organizations to develop the memorial commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Presentation: Never Forget Garden
6:34 p.m.
Nichols Named Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to select Place 5 Councilman John Nichols to serve a one-year term as mayor pro tem to act as mayor should the mayor be absent or become disabled.
7:50 p.m.
Traffic Congestion
The council heard an overview of local traffic congestion, related projects, and ways to evaluate and address mobility and congestion issues.
Presentation: Traffic Congestion
7:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Zters Site Services for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 for fire truck repair parts and labor from Lonestar Freightliner Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Annual purchases not-to-exceed $180,000 of auto parts, shop equipment and services from NAPA Auto Parts in College Station through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $250,000 for fire truck repair parts and labor from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not-to-exceed $350,000 from Southern Tire Mart through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
7:59 p.m.
Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $14.3 million amendment to the city’s FY 22 budget because of the encumbrance roll and increases in grants and capital improvement project expenditures.
A complete list of amendment items is on page 66 of the agenda packet. The amendment includes four inter-fund transfers totaling $9.4 million that have no overall budget impact.
Presentation: Budget Amendment No. 1
8:16 p.m.
Comp Plan/UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the FY 21 Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance initiatives, including associated master plans, programs, neighborhood and district plans, and UDO amendments.
Presentation: Comp Plan/UDO Review
8:23 p.m.
Northgate Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning to NG-1 Core Northgate for about 0.288 acres east of the Wellborn Road-University Drive intersection to allow for the development of the abandoned right-of-way.
The new zoning permits commercial, multi-family, and mixed-use development, which is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan.
Presentation: University Drive Rezoning
8:40 p.m.
ETJ Water and Wastewater Services
The council voted unanimously to approve revisions to the policy on extending water and wastewater utility services to properties in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The routine update includes changes that allow greater flexibility for city council-approved exceptions.
Presentation: Wastewater ETJ Resolution
8:49 p.m.
Vista Lane Sewer Connection
The council voted 5-2 to deny an exception to the utility extension policy to allow the owner of 3 Vista Lane to construct the sewer infrastructure to connect to the city’s sanitary sewer system. Mayor Mooney, and Councilman Nichols supported the motion.
Presentation: Wastewater Service Policy Exception
8:58 p.m.
New Pool Plaster
The council voted unanimously to approve a $246,878 contract with Progressive Commercial Aquatics to replace the old plaster at Adamson Lagoon and Cindy Hallaran Pool with an improved material that withstands extreme temperatures.
Presentation: Plaster Contract-Pools
8:59 p.m.
The mayor suspended the meeting for a short break.
9:11 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:37 p.m.
Birmingham Road Parking
The council voted unanimously to allow limited truck parking along Birmingham Road while prohibiting parking near intersections and driveways to maintain sufficient sight distance.
Presentation: Birmingham Road Parking
9:40 p.m.
Tex-21
The council voted unanimously to join Tex-21: Transportation Excellence for the 21st Century, a 20-year-old transportation policy think tank devoted to improving transportation infrastructure in Texas and Oklahoma.
10:12 p.m.
Committee and Board Appointments
The council made the following board and committee appointments:
- Architectural Advisory Committee: Ray Holliday
- Audit Committee: Richard Price
- BCS Library Board: Larry Ringer, Dan Rudge
- Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board: Brad Brimley, Rebecca Brooker, Matthew Madewell, Joy Chmelar
- Design Review Board: David Hebert, Ray Holliday, William Scott McKinney, Susan McGrail, Ivan Rusyn
- Historic Preservation Committee: Sherry Frisk, Marilyn Maddox, Marilyn Randall, Thomas Smith, William, Wright, Tre Watson
- Parks & Recreation Board: David Higdon, John Polasek, David White, Don Hellriegel, Madeline Giroir, Lisa Aldrich
- Spring Creek Local Government Corporation: Thomas Jackson, Jane Kee
10:25 p.m.
After council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, committee and board reports, and future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the new city hall.
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