By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council‘s regular meeting on Thursday, Oct. 27. 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.
6:04 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action from its executive session.
6:16 p.m.
25th Anniversary of Santa’s Wonderland
Mayor Karl Mooney presented a proclamation recognizing the 25th anniversary of Santa’s Wonderland, which has grown to be among the largest Christmas attractions in the country. The park has grown from 12 acres in 1998 to more than 130 acres today.
6:21 p.m.
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women worldwide.
6:26 p.m.
Texas Chiropractic Health Month
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation recognizing October as Texas Chiropractic Health Month to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health and the benefits of chiropractic care.
6:51 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.
7:03 p.m.
Christmas in College Station
The council discussed Visit College Station’s upcoming Christmas in College Station campaign, including goals, partnerships, events, business involvement, and marketing efforts.
7:22 p.m.
Electric Power Supply Update
The council discussed the city’s electric power supply and service issues heading into the winter. Winter Storm URI in 2021 raised concerns about the ERCOT transmission grid’s ability to handle another extreme storm and led to new distribution system requirements.
7:58 p.m.
Water Supply/Wastewater Capacity Update
The council discussed the city’s water supply and wastewater treatment capacity, including projected system demands and plans for future supplies and treatment capacity.
8:04 p.m.
Naming City Facilities
The council discussed updates to the city’s policy for naming city facilities.
8:14 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A revision to the Community Development Minor Repair Program guidelines to increase the grant amount available to $10,000.
- A $300,700 bid award for the annual purchase of sodium hypochlorite from DXI Industries.
- The $78,213.07 purchase of SCADA video security isolation hardware and support services from Avinext.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $299,850 with Techline for electrical air switches.
- A $709,931 contract with Marek Brothers Construction for improvements to Steeplechase and Central Parks.
- A $1.62 million award to Alamo Transformer, Anixter, and KBS Electrical Distributors for single-phase transformers.
- A $427,229 award to Anixter and Priester Mell & Nicholson for three-phase transformers.
- A resolution authorizing $276,000 for the Aggieland Humane Society.
- A $5,000 funding agreement with the Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley
- A $35,000 funding agreement with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.
- A $509,000 funding agreement from the Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.
- A $350,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
- A $46,730 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- A $30,000 funding agreement with the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley.
- A resolution appointing Water Services Director Gary Mechler to the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors, subject to approval by the Brazos County Commissioners Court.
- A change order not to exceed $97,760 to the contract with CB&I Group for the Rock Prairie Elevated Storage Tank Project.
8:18 p.m.
Venture Drive Property Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.45 million contract to sell about five acres in the College Station Business Center near State Highway 6 and Venture Drive to a multi-story office developer planning possible corporate, medical, and professional uses.
8:20 p.m.
Redmond Condos Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a 1,554-square-foot portion of a 30-foot public drainage and utility easement surrounded by the Redmond Condos to allow development.
8:20 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:27 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
8:54 p.m.
Middle Housing Zoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to create a middle housing zoning district that allows options between single-family and multi-family by right, such as duplexes, townhouses, small and medium multiplexes, courtyard houses, and small-lot single-family developments.
9:20 p.m.
ROO Changes
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve changes to the neighborhood application process for a Restricted Occupancy Overlay to allow multiple contiguous phases of original subdivisions to apply jointly, submit one application, and pay one fee. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
9:33 p.m.
Sidewalk Zones and Requirements
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding sidewalk zones and requirements.
9:40 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, Nov. 10.
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