Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meeting (Aug. 11)

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 11. It’s not the official minutes.

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.

6:46 p.m. 

The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.

6:52 p.m.

Dine Around Jones Crossing

Visit College Station presented a $2,328.20 check to the Aggieland Humane Society, proceeds from the Dine Around at Jones Crossing event on April 9. Seventeen establishments participated in the family-friendly event featuring food and drink samples, live music, yard games, photo ops, giveaways, and more.

6:54 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. TreVion Watson spoke against the city building new baseball facilities.

7:04 p.m.

Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant

The council discussed a federal grant program focused on eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing equitable mobility.

The program is among the discretionary grants created by the infrastructure investment and jobs act, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law. The grants are available to states, metropolitan planning organizations, local jurisdictions, and others.

7:16 p.m.

Possible Bond Election

The council discussed the proposition language for a possible November bond election. The council will consider whether to put the bond election on the ballot next Wednesday.

7:52 p.m.

Financial Review

The council discussed the city’s financial position and reviewed the available fund balances.

8:10 p.m.

Consent Agenda

These consent items were pulled for discussion:

• Authorizing a general and special election on Nov. 8. Amy Alge spoke against Brazos County’s removal of Texas A&M’s Memorial Student Center as an early voting location.
• The extension of the mayor’s disaster declaration.

The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:

• The Program Year 2022 Annual Action Plan, FY 23 Community Development Budget, and a Substantial Amendment to the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.
• Renewal of a contract not to exceed $750,000 with Southern Electric Corporation for overhead electric distribution construction and maintenance.
• An annual estimated blanket price agreement of $250,000 with Bound Tree Medical for emergency medical supplies.
• A $82,944 change order to the annual refuse container lease agreement with Texas Commercial Waste.
• Renewal of an annual contract not to exceed $150,000 with Rios Tree Services for tree trimming and removal services.

The council voted separately on this item:

• The council voted 6-1 to authorizing a general and special election on Nov. 8. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
• The council voted 6-1 to extend the mayor’s disaster declaration to enable the city to continue receiving pandemic-related funding. Councilwoman Cunha voted against the motion.

8:15 p.m. 

Barron Road Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning to amend the existing Planned Development District concept plan for about two acres northeast of the Barron Road-William D. Fitch Parkway intersection. The applicant plans to change the site layout to build a daycare facility.

9:28 p.m. 

Double Mountain Road Land Use

After a public hearing, the council voted 4-3 to approve a request to change the land use from Medical to Urban Residential for about 17 acres at 400 Double Mountain Road. The applicant intends to develop multi-family housing to support medical professionals and staff.

Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Councilmen Dennis Maloney and John Crompton voted against the motion.

9:33 p.m. 

Indefinite Delivery/Quantity Contracts

The council voted unanimously to approve the city’s Indefinite Delivery/Quantity contract process to allow on-call services by identified firms.

9:37 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 next Wednesday (Aug. 17) for a special meeting on calling a possible bond election. The next regular meeting is Thursday, Aug. 25.

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