By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, June 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.
6:34 p.m.
The meeting has started. Councilman John Crompton is participating tonight by teleconference.
6:35 p.m.
The council voted unanimously to appoint Deputy City Attorney Adam Falco as interim city attorney.
7:12 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Twelve people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda. Two others submitted written comments.
- William Wright and Pam Smits praised the city’s Citizen Fire Academy, where residents learn about the operations and activities of the Fire Department.
- Aiden Juge, Ellis Howard, TreVion Watson, Alice Rosenloch, Nathan Varnell, Leasa Decuir, Zach Higginbotham, Jessica Williams, and Alexia Hernandez spoke in support of a city rental inspection program to improve maintenance and living conditions in rental housing.
- Brian Alg asked for an analysis of the economic impact of the proposed Texas Independence Ballpark.
7:28 p.m.
Regional Mobility Authority
The council received an update from the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority, an independent government agency created in 2019 to improve the county’s transportation network.
7:56 p.m.
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The council reviewed the city’s off-street parking requirements and possibly modifying or removing parking minimums for specific uses and areas.
8:19 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with BCS Curb Appeal Maintenance for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Rocking H Dumpsters for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A substantial amendment to the 2021 Annual Action Plan to include $1.74 million of HOME Investment Partnership Program – American Rescue Plan funding and approve the city’s allocation plan for homelessness assistance and support services.
- A $400,000 contract with SynchroGrid for protection and controls electrical engineering services.
- Updated city council meeting procedures.
- An amendment to the city’s code of ordinances related to general rules for city-council appointed boards, commissions, and committees.
- The updated Boards, Committees, and Commissions Handbook.
- A $118,806 change order to the contract with Freese and Nichols for the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion Project.
The council voted on these items separately:
- The council voted 4-3 to deny an interlocal agreement with Grimes County for subdivision authority in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Mayor Karl Mooney, Councilman John Nichols, and Councilwoman Linda Harvell supported the motion.
- The council voted unanimously to change the posted starting time for the public portion of council meetings to “no earlier than 6 p.m” as part of the updated city council meeting procedures.
- The council voted 6-1 to approve an extension of the mayor’s disaster declaration so the city can continue to receive pandemic-related funding. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
8:28 p.m.
Arts Council Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning to General Commercial for the Arts Council of Brazos Valley at 4180 State Highway 6 South to allow better sign visibility along the highway.
8:32 p.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustments Changes
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s powers, duties, and processes.
8:41 p.m.
Bike Share Ordinance Update
The council voted unanimously to update the city’s dockless bike share ordinance to include scooters and other electric transportation modes.
9:00 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 also thanked retiring City Attorney Carla Robinson for her service to the city.
The council meets again on Thursday, June 23.
If you liked this post, share it!
