By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, March 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is streamed live on Optimum 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.
6:15 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action on items discussed in its executive session.
6:25 p.m.
American Red Cross Month
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month in honor of those who fulfill Clara Barton’s noble words, “You must never think of anything except the need and how to meet it.” He presented the document to board members of the ARC Heart of Texas Chapter.
7:44 p.m.
Hear Visitors
More than 20 people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on items that don’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Two people spoke in favor of cannabis decriminalization in College Station.
- Nine people spoke against plans for the Northeast Trunkline project along Rosemary Drive.
- 10 people spoke in favor of more aggressive enforcement of the city’s no-more-than-four ordinance.
- Brian Bochner praised city staff for the work done on the streets and sidewalks in Pebble Creek.
- John Nicks spoke against the TxDOT projects around the Brazos Valley.
7:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Drop and Go Dumpsters for collecting recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- An interlocal agreement with Brazos County that increases the daily rate by $5 to $60 for College Station prisoners in the county jail.
- An interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan, Texas A&M, and Brazos County for the shared purchase, maintenance, and use of a rescue vehicle.
- A $235,000 contract with Kimley-Horn for the design of the George Bush Bike Lanes Project.
- An $87,500 change order to the design contract with Kimley-Horn for the Northeast Trunkline Phase IV project.
8:02 p.m.
Bush Library Update
The council discussed The Bush Library and Museum’s upcoming events and expansions with George Bush Presidential Library Foundation CEO Max Angerholzer.
8:42 p.m.
Off-Campus Housing
The council discussed cooperation with Texas A&M regarding off-campus housing with the university’s vice president of student affairs, Brig. Gen. Joe Ramirez.
8:42 p.m.
The council is taking a short break. The meeting will resume shortly.
8:54 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:55 p.m.
Middle Housing Zoning Areas
The council discussed the priority areas for possible city-initiated rezoning to the Middle Housing Zoning District to allow a flexible mix of housing products by-right, including small lot single-family, duplexes, townhouses, small and medium multiplexes, and live-work units.
10:02 p.m.
Traffic Contact Report
The council reviewed the College Station Police Department’s 2022 Traffic Contact Report compiled by an independent consultant. The report (pages 110-180 in tonight’s meeting packet) indicates the department complies with state law and employs best practices.
10:09 p.m.
Fidelity Street Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Middle Housing for about 0.27 acres at 211 Fidelity Street, the first for the new zoning district. The applicant intends to develop small-lot, single-family homes.
12:13 a.m.
Fire/EMS Interlocal Agreement
The council voted 6-1 to authorize staff to continue working with the City of Bryan toward a new interlocal agreement for fire and emergency medical services. Councilman William Wright voted against the motion.
City staff recommended automatic aid for high-acuity Fire/EMS calls, mutual aid for low-acuity calls based on resource availability, and a reasonable annual financial adjustment for any imbalance in EMS service delivery.
Since June 2021, the cities have discussed needed revisions to the agreement that’s been in place since 1997. In November, the council unanimously voted to terminate the existing agreement, which expires on Friday.
12:23 a.m.
Mayor Nichols 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, March 23.
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