By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 22. 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.
6:33 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:40 p.m.
World Teachers’ Day
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed today as World Teacher’s Day as part of the worldwide observance. The event has been celebrated since 1994 to celebrate how teachers transform education and to recognize that teacher quality matters more to student achievement than any other school-related factor.
The mayor presented the proclamation to representatives of local schools, and College Station City Hall was illuminated in blue in observance of World Teachers Day.
6:45 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 the council conducting its workshop and regular meetings on separate days.
- Tre Watson asked the council to write a formal letter to the county commission supporting Texas A&M’s MSC as an early voting location.
6:51 p.m.
Egremont Court Rehabilitation
The council discussed design progress on the rehabilitation project to mitigate water ponding along the end of the Egremont Court cul-de-sac.
7:24 p.m.
Urban Heat Mitigation
The council discussed a proposed five-year tree planting plan for urban heat mitigation. The consensus was to pursue the plan and determine funding.
8:06 p.m.
Shady Drive Options
The council discussed options and costs for repairing Shady Drive, a dead-end street off of Francis Drive.
8:08 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The city’s investment policy, collateral policy, and investment officers for FY 23.
- A 10-year agreement not to exceed $6.42 million with Axon Enterprise for police body cameras, fleet cameras, electronic control devices, digital storage, and associated reporting systems.
- FY23 insurance premiums not to exceed $1.08 million for excess liability and workers compensation, property/boiler & machinery, commercial crime, EMT liability, auto property damage, cyber liability, unmanned aircraft liability and property, and special events.
- A five-year master services agreement not to exceed $2.27 million with Origin Utility for utility billing software and services.
- An additional expenditure up to $500,000 for fuel through an existing contract with Fikes Wholesale, bringing the total annual estimate to $1.9 million.
- A change order not to exceed $70,000 to the contract with Larry Young Paving for the Rock Prairie Road West Project.
8:09 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:20 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
8:24 p.m.
Biomedical Way Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon part of a 15-foot public utility easement at the end of Biomedical Way in the Traditions Subdivision. The applicant plans to expand an existing building.
8:49 p.m.
North Forest Restricted Occupancy Overlay
The council voted 6-1 to approve a request to add a Restricted Occupancy Overlay to the zoning for 26 lots along Justin Avenue in North Forest Estates. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
The overlay provides a subdivision-specific occupancy regulation of no more than two unrelated people per single-family dwelling or accessory living quarter.
8:50 p.m.
Halle-Schramm Named Planner of the Year
The council broke from the agenda to recognize Long Range Planning Administrator Alyssa Halle-Schramm for recently being named has been named the 2022 Planner of the Year for the Central Texas Section of the American Planning Association.
9:14 p.m.
Small Area Plan Audit
The council voted unanimously to approve a small area plan audit that evaluates the Central College Station Neighborhood Plan, the Eastgate Neighborhood Plan, the Southside Area Neighborhood Plan, the South Knoll Area Plan, and the Wellborn Community Plan.
9:59 p.m.
Shared Housing Use
The council postponed consideration of a new use called Shared Housing, which typically allows more than four unrelated residents, until the Oct. 13 council meeting. Four people spoke against the proposal during the public hearing.
10:01 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, Oct. 13.
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