Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meeting (Sept. 8)

Standing (l-r): John Crompton, Bob Brick, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (l-r): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Elizabeth Cunha.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 8. 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, where you’ll also find an archive of past council and Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. 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 took no action after its executive session.

6:10 p.m.

Constitution Week

Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week with a presentation to the La Villita Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The annual observance commemorates the U.S. Constitution’s history and importance and emphasizes citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending it.

6:15 p.m.

Special Olympics Flag Football Day

Mayor Mooney proclaimed today as Special Olympics Team Texas Flag Football Day in recognition of the Texas A&M Unified Team winning the Special Olympics National Intercollegiate Championship.

6:24 p.m.

Hear Visitors

Two people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.

  • John Nicks spoke about disability issues.
  • Tre Watson spoke about the city not labeling certain groups as gangs.
  • Sherry Frisk spoke about the planned Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.

7:35 p.m.

Proactive Rental Inspection

The council discussed options for a proactive rental inspection program, including components, advantages, disadvantages, and existing programs and resources.

Four people spoke in support of an inspection program.

7:49 p.m.

City Entry Signage

The council discussed possible locations for signage at city entry points.

7:49 p.m.

The council is taking a short break.

8:00 p.m.

The meeting has resumed.

8:03 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve these consent items:

  • The first renewal of a $400,000 marketing and advertising services agreement with Belmont Icehouse.
  • An annual purchase not-to-exceed $250,000 for chlorine gas from DXI Industries.
  • A semi-annual purchase not-to-exceed $102,000 for polymer from Polydyne.
  • A resolution supporting Brazos County’s bond proposition.
  • A resolution supporting the Regional Mobility Authority’s vehicle registration fee referendum.

This item was pulled for a separate vote:

  • The council voted 6-1 to consent to the Mayor’s renewal of a disaster declaration due to a public health emergency. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.

8:14 p.m. 

FY 22 Budget Amendment

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $21.5 million amendment to the city’s FY 22 budget, including $9 million for purchase power costs resulting from recent increases in natural gas prices. The amendment also includes $9.2 million in interfund transfers that have no budget impact.

See pages 86-87 in the council packet for a detailed list of amendment items.

8:22 p.m. 

Southland Street Land Use

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Residential to Neighborhood Commercial for about .16 acres at 106 Southland Street.

The applicant intends to extend the existing Southwest Crossing retail center and develop a restaurant and retail space.

8:23 p.m. 

Wellborn Road Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District and General Suburban to Planned Development District for about .75 acres at Southland Street and Wellborn Road.

The applicant plans to modify the Suburban Commercial requirements regarding restaurants with drive-thru facilities.

8:27 p.m. 

Greens Prairie Improvements

The council voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Brazos County for improvements to Greens Prairie Road from Long Creek Lane to Dalton Drive. The proposed roadway cross section has two travel lanes, a continuous two-way left turn lane, and shared-use paths.

The county’s share of the improvements is $4.2 million, and the city’s share is $400,000. The city is also responsible for maintenance.

8:32 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. 22.

<em><strong><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-medium-gray-color">About the Blogger</mark></strong></em>
About the Blogger


Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. He has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., Colin graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

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