By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s special meeting on Wednesday, May 26. 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.
6:04 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action from its executive session
6:14 p.m.
College Station Art Scholarships
Mayor Karl Mooney recognized three local students who received College Station Arts Scholarships from the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. Since 2010, the ACBV has awarded more than $80,000 in scholarship funds to deserving Brazos Valley high school seniors pursuing a college education and a career in the arts.
- Ellie Hague, A&M Consolidated: $3,000 Arts Council Scholarship Award.
- Penelope Morris, College Station High School: $5,000 Netta Jackson Simek Emerging Scholarship Award.
- Mary Creel, College Station High School: $5,000 James Young Bradfield Fine Arts Scholarship Award.
6:28 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Four people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Jacque Flagg of Unlimited Potential, a nonprofit that helps kids who have aged out of the foster care system, said the groups’ facility at 1115 Anderson needs help with renovations.
- Jean-Louis Briaud asked the city to build covered tennis courts in Bee Creek Park.
- Jonathan Coopersmith said the city needs to improve its biking infrastructure.
- Brandon Carlson spoke about the growing popularity of tennis and how to enhance local programs.
7:36 p.m.
Neighborhood Revitalization
The council discussed options to stimulate revitalization and owner-occupancy in residential areas. The discussion included purchasing and rehabilitating single-family homes and an infill development program.
7:43 p.m.
Electric Transformer Costs
The council discussed the significant cost increases for electric materials due to inflation and the scarcity of metals.
7:54 p.m.
Economic Outlook
The council discussed College Station’s latest economic indicators and how they influence department goals and strategies.
7:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- An interlocal agreement with Texas A&M for the city to provide animal control services to the university.
- An annual purchase agreement not to exceed $162,212.50 with BPI Materials for topsoil, sand, concrete rip rap.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with BCS Curb Appeal Maintenance for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A change order deducting $363,150 from the contract with Quiddity Engineering for the rehabilitation of Victoria Avenue.
- A $182,900 contract with Quiddity Engineering for professional services as part of adding roundabouts and sidewalks on Victoria Avenue.
- An amendment renewing the agreement with Global Payments Direct for credit card payment processing services. The amendment reduces the annual estimated cost by $250,000.
- A $160,000 contract for on-site security operations for city-sponsored events and security detail for Northgate.
- A $149,378 subscription agreement with Gartner for cybersecurity resources.
- A $206,193 contract with Quality Works Construction for Lincoln Center Park improvements, including the replacement of playground equipment.
- An animal sheltering agreement not to exceed $276,000 with the Aggieland Humane Society.
- A $280,934.00 change order to increase the annual price agreement with Techline for electric materials to a not-to-exceed amount of $1,584,623.25.
- A $641,661 contract with Binkley and Barfield for design and construction phase services for the rehabilitation of Krenek Tap Road from Texas Avenue to State Highway 6.
- A $190,000 change order to the contract with Weisinger to remove two bid items for well motors.
- A $141,213.30 purchase from Evans Enterprises for two well motors to rehabilitate water wells 1 and 2.
- The rejection of bid responses and cancellation of the bid to purchase fiber optic cable.
8:31 p.m.
ARP Grant Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing and discussed amending the city’s 2021 Annual Action Plan to include $1.74 million in American Rescue Plan funds for homelessness assistance and services.
8:42 p.m.
Arnold Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to modify the zoning for nearly nine acres at 1898 Arnold Road north of Farah Drive. The changes cover the undeveloped part of the property, won’t change the current land use, and will benefit the senior community.
9:03 p.m.
Valley Park Apartments Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to amend the zoning for about five acres at 404 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, near the Aggie Field of Honor. The amended concept plan for the Valley Park Apartments changes the bedroom per unit mix, the building and amenity layout, and modifies parking.
9:22 p.m.
Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
The council voted unanimously to accept the city’s semi-annual report on system-wide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees.
9:34 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, June 9.
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