By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council's workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 28. It's not the official minutes.
The meeting workshop will start at about 5 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 6. 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.
5:09 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action from its executive session. Councilman Bob Brick is participating tonight by teleconference.
5:18 p.m.
Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.
5:25 p.m.
Gary Blair Day
Mayor Mooney proclaimed today Gary Blair Day with a presentation to former Texas A&M women's basketball coach Gary Blair, who retired last month after 37 seasons as a college head coach. A Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member, Blair spent 19 seasons at A&M and led the Aggies to the 2011 national championship.
5:28 p.m.
National Bike Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed May as National Bike Month.
5:30 p.m.
National Public Works Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed this week as National Public Works Week.
5:39 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.
- Taylor Pampinella and Jake Madewell advocated for a roller hockey rink in College Station. Four others submitted written comments supporting the project.
5:41 p.m.
County AgriLife Extension
Agent Chadd Caperton provided an overview of the Brazos County AgriLife Extension, including community efforts, resident resources, and opportunities for partnerships and collaboration.
The agency concentrates on developing a robust educational system and economy. Program areas in Brazos County include agriculture and natural resources, 4-H, family and community health, and master gardeners and naturalists.
6:02 p.m.
Bond Committee Recommendations
The council discussed the projects recommended by the Citizen Bond Advisory Committee for a possible bond election in November.
7:00 p.m.
Neighborhood Character
The council discussed options for preserving neighborhood character, including additional overlays.
7:31 p.m.
Dockless Bike Share Ordinance
The council directed staff to move forward with the recommended updates to the dockless bike share ordinance to allow electric bicycles and scooters.
7:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A contract not to exceed $1.31 million with Primoris T&D Services for underground electric conduit and utility holes in the Northgate.
- Renewal of a $105,000 Cityworks software licenses agreement.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $150,000 with Mustang Rental Services of Texas for the heavy equipment and machinery rentals.
- The removal of parking on the east side of First Street between Louise Avenue and Maple Avenue and on the south side of Maple between Wellborn Road and First Street.
- A $126,051 advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for a shared-use path on FM 2818.
- A $302,254 advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for separated bike lanes on George Bush Drive.
- Amendments to the city's code of ordinances to create permits for mobile fuel vendors, hot works, and emergency access gates.
- A $76,340 change order to the contract with Elliott Construction for the Woodson Village utility rehabilitation project.
The council voted on this item separately:
- The council voted unanimously to approve a contract for loan guarantee assistance under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 with L.U.L.A.C. Oak Hill to provide $2.8 million for rehabilitating the property at 1105 Anderson.
7:33 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
7:45 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
7:53 p.m.
Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve an $11.7 million amendment to the FY 22 budget, mainly for higher purchased power costs. The amendment also covers rising fuel costs and the addition of an underground electric crew, a business development manager, and a tourism staff assistant.
8:02 p.m.
Neighborhood Center Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve revisions to the neighborhood center future land use category in the city's comprehensive plan. The update includes modifications to the description, intent, and appropriate zoning districts to clarify commercial requirements.
8:15 p.m.
Updated Fire, Electrical Codes
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the latest international fire and national electrical building codes, effective June 1. The changes clarify intent, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen requirements to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare.
8:23 p.m.
International Fire and NFPA Life Safety Codes
The council voted unanimously to update city ordinances with the 2021 International Fire Code and National Fire Protection Agency Life Safety Code. The changes keep the city current with trends in building materials, techniques, and maintaining public safety.
8:30 p.m.
Concrete Gutter, Curb, and Flatwork Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve an $863,750 change order to the annual price agreement with Larry Young Paving for concrete curb, gutter, and flatwork installation. This year, more work is being done because of revised contract language, crew availability, and fewer weather delays.
The council also voted unanimously to approve the revised not-to-exceed $4.32 million contract.
8:44 p.m.
Maximum Price for 1207 Texas Avenue
The council voted unanimously to accept the guaranteed maximum price of $3.87 million for renovating the city-owned building at 1207 Texas Avenue as part of the construction manager at risk contract with JaCody Construction. The building is the future home of the city's economic development and tourism divisions.
8:53 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting after the council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, committee and board reports, and future agenda items.
The council meets again on Thursday, April 28.
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