By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, July 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting starts after 6 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.
6:18 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session. Councilman Bob Brick is unable to participate in tonight’s meeting.
6:22 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.
7:37 p.m.
Corporate Parkway at Fitch Realignment
The council discussed alignment options for Corporate Parkway (Pebble Creek Parkway) at William D. Fitch Parkway and the possible impact on the city’s Thoroughfare Plan.
Three people spoke in the public hearing, one representing a group of five.
7:38 p.m.
The council is taking a short break
7:51 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
8:30 p.m.
Street Maintenance Plan
The council discussed the city’s plan for street maintenance. The Street Maintenance Division in Public Works is responsible for sweeping and repair operations.
The division has 19 full-time employees and maintains about 356 centerline miles of roadway.
9:25 p.m.
Unlimited Potential
The council directed staff to explore funding mechanisms and the possible demolition of an existing building in response to a request from Unlimited Potential, a local non-profit organization that works with young adults ages 18-25 who have aged out of the foster care system.
9:32 p.m.
City Facility Naming Policy
The council discussed a draft policy from the Naming of City Facilities subcommittee.
9:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A change order for the delivery and testing of the Wellborn Road Dynamic Message Sign.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for installing a dynamic message sign on Wellborn Road.
- The second and last renewal of a contract not to exceed $600,000 with McCord Engineering for electrical engineering services.
- A contract not to exceed $550,000 with McCord Engineering for engineering design to facilitate the relocation of electric facilities conflicting with the State Highway 6 Expansion Project.
- An amendment to the Code or Ordinances that clearly defines the calculation for the Transmission Delivery Adjustment, a method of recovering the costs the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) charges for using and maintaining the transmission system to serve CSU customers.
- Annual water meter purchases from Badger Meter. Based on current unit pricing, the estimated expenditure is $125,000.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Waste Falcon for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A $245,510 contract with Freese and Nichols for the preliminary design of the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Filters project.
The council voted separately on this item:
- The council voted 5-1 to consent to the mayor’s extension of his COVID-19 disaster declaration to allow the city to continue receiving emergency pandemic-related funding. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
9:48 p.m.
Lick Creek Nature Center Renaming
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-1-1 to rename the Lick Creek Nature Center after former Mayor Gary Halter, who led the city’s effort to obtain the property that became Lick Creek Park. Councilwoman Cunha voted against the motion and Councilman John Crompton abstained.
9:49 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
9:55 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:59 p.m.
2022 Bond Issuance
The council voted unanimously to approve up to $78 million in certificates of obligation for streets, parks, IT equipment, facilities, and electric, water, and sewer improvements.
10:09 p.m.
2023 Action Plan, Budget
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan, FY 23 Community Development Budget, and a substantial amendment to the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan.
1:23 a.m.
Amazon Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request by Amazon to change the zoning from Research and Development to Planned Development District for almost seven acres at 400 Technology Parkway east of State Highway 6 South.
The applicant intends to use drones for small-scale aerial distribution of products to consumers. Fourteen people spoke against the change in the public hearing, one on behalf of a group of six.
1:30 a.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 for budget workshops on Monday and Tuesday. The next regular meeting is Thursday, July 28.
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