By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, Aug. 25. 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.
6:02 p.m.
The meeting has started.
The council voted unanimously to promote Acting City Attorney Adam Falco to city attorney. Falco has served as senior assistant city attorney since 2007. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Texas A&M in 2003 and received his law degree from Oklahoma City University in 2006.
6:15 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Allison Flippen spoke in favor of placing a safe haven baby box at one of the city’s fire stations.
- John Nicks spoke in favor of creating a city disability task force to encourage ample accessible shopping carts at local stores, more sports opportunities for the disabled, and to help enforce handicap parking regulations.
- Trevion Watson asked the council about mandatory rental inspections and utility fees.
6:56 p.m.
Northgate District Improvement Options
The council discussed Northgate Entertainment District conditions and improvement options with Police Chief Billy Couch.
7:51 p.m.
Restricted Occupancy Overplay Options
The council discussed options to amend the city’s Restricted Occupancy Overlay ordinance to streamline the application process. Staff will present an ordinance amendment to the council later this fall.
9:11 p.m.
Middle Housing Zoning
The council discussed the proposed middle housing zoning district to allow housing options between single- and multi-family.
The new zoning district could redirect development pressure out of existing single-family neighborhoods, encourage housing types the market demands in strategic locations, and create more choices for low- and middle-income people.
9:26 p.m.
Residential Lot Grading
The council discussed a possible ordinance amendment related to residential lot grading requirements for drainage.
9:26 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
9:39 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A resolution to support a joint grant application with the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program to conduct a county-wide Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
- An interlocal agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan for the 2022 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. The City of College Station has been allocated $16,112.60 for law enforcement programs.
- The Atmos Cities Steering Committee Rate Review Mechanism ordinance.
- A $115,000 contract with Buyers Barricades Houston for Texas A&M football postgame traffic control.
- A $199,410 contract with Larry Young Paving for traffic calming implementation and construction.
- The second renewal of a $150,000 sponsorship agreement with Santa’s Wonderland.
- The expenditure of funds for FY 23 for items exempt from competitive bidding and interlocal contracts or fees greater than $100,000 mandated by state law.
- The fourth renewal of an annual contract not to exceed $134,294 with FORVIS for professional auditing services.
- An amendment adding “City Facility Parking” to the Code of Ordinances.
- The renewal of a $190,000 contract with Spherion Staffing for temporary employment services.
- The purchase of SCADA system video integration hardware and software from CDW-G ($141,587.12) and the Reynolds Company ($219,856.61).
- A $305,094 federal funding agreement with Elder Aid for the acquisition and rehabilitation of two rental units at 1416 and 1418 Hawk Tree for affordable, elderly rental housing.
- A resolution consenting to Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 issuing up to $2.5 million in unlimited tax road bonds, series 2022.
9:54 p.m.
Proposed Property Tax Rate Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed FY 23 property tax rate of 52.4613 cents per $100 of assessed value. No one spoke.
9:59 p.m.
FY 23 Budget Adoption
The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s proposed FY 23 budget of $412.4 million, including $324.6 million for operations and maintenance and $87.8 million for capital projects.
The council also voted unanimously ratify the property tax increase reflected in the budget.
10:05 p.m.
FY 23 Property Tax Rate Adoption
The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s proposed FY 23 property tax rate of 52.4613 cents per $100 of assessed value. The rate is a one-cent reduction from FY 22.
The debt service portion is 21.1441 cents and the operations and maintenance part is 31.3172 cents.
10:09 p.m.
FY 23 Fee Resolution
The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s fees, rates, and charges for FY 23.
10:25 p.m.
Dowling Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Commercial to Planned Development District for about 12 acres at 103 North Dowling Road. The change allows commercial opportunities and additional single-family housing types for the unplatted part of the development.
10:41 p.m.
Macy’s Property Purchase
The council voted unanimously to approve a $7.3 million contract to purchase the former Macy’s department store property at Post Oak Mall for possible redevelopment. The property covers about 103,000 square feet and 7.64 acres.
Two people spoke against the purchase.
10:56 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, Sept. 8.
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