By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, July 28. 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.
6:03 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:14 p.m.
Guernsey Street Historic Marker
The Historic Preservation Committee presented Historical Marker 111 to the Dupriest family (pictured with the council below) for their home at 605 Guernsey Street.
6:18 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda. Mary Ann Brandl spoke about reopening applications for homeowners to be grandfathered into the short-term rental exemption program.
6:42 p.m.
Tourism Branding
The council reviewed the city’s branding efforts through Visit College Station, including marketing strategies and social engagement.
7:24 p.m.
City Hall Community Uses
The council discussed staff recommendations regarding policies for public and community use of city hall meeting spaces.
8:01 p.m.
Bond Election Update
The council discussed a possible November bond election.
8:02 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:11 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
8:18 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An interlocal government agreement with Brazos County to manage the City of College Station’s general and special election on Tuesday, November 8.
- The second and final renewal of a contract not to exceed $600,000 with Engineering Consultants for electrical engineering services.
- A $140,683 Community Development Block Grant funding agreement with Catholic Charities of Central Texas for rent, utilities, and case management through the Brazos Valley Financial Stability Program for residents impacted by COVID-19.
- A $30,000 change order to a contract with NewGen for consulting support with the Transmission Cost of Service study and rate case filing.
- The first renewal of a $133,333 contract with National Field Services for annual electric substation maintenance.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Waste Falcon for collecting recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A $1.37 million contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for the Northeast Sewer Trunk Line Phase IV project.
- A $90,000 increase to a contract with Spherion for temporary employment services.
- A $139,148 change order to a contract with Elliott Construction for services related to the Woodson Village Utility rehabilitation project.
8:36 p.m.
FY 23 BVSWMA Budget
The council voted unanimously to accept BVSWMA’s FY 23 budget, which reduces the gate rate for the cities of College Station and Bryan from $13 to $12 per ton.
FY 23 revenue is estimated at $10.51 million, operating expenses are $8.51 million, and capital expenses are $4.06 million. Total reserves, cash, and investments are $13.1 million.
8:57 p.m.
BVEDC Incentive Compliance Report
The council voted unanimously to accept the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation’s annual incentive compliance report. The motion also authorized city staff to make the incentive payment to Fujifilm but not Viasat.
9:15 p.m.
FY 23 Proposed Budget Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed FY 23 budget. The proposed budget totals $410.1 million, including $322.5 million for operations and maintenance and $87.6 million for capital projects.
One person spoke during the public hearing.
The proposal was presented to the council on July 12 and reviewed in budget workshops on July 18-19. Adoption is tentatively scheduled for August 11. A public hearing on the proposed tax rate is set for Aug. 3.
9:48 p.m.
Cluster Developments
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding cluster developments. Changes include no lot size minimums for General Suburban properties and, for all zoning districts, increasing the required open space from 10% to 25% and requiring at least 5,000 square feet of open space.
9:51 p.m.
Saum Settlement Resolution
The council voted unanimously to approve a settlement agreement resolving litigation with Olga S. Kucerak, independent executrix of Gerry L. Saum’s estate and independent administrator of Susan M. Wood’s estate. The deal includes the city’s $3.58 million purchase of 102 acres along North Dowling Road for a regional park.
10:00 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 meets again for a tax rate public hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 3. The next regular meeting is Thursday, Aug. 11.
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