Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meeting (March 23)

(L-R): Mark Smith, Linda Harvell, William Wright, John Nichols (mayor), Dennis Maloney, Elizabeth Cunha, and Bob Yancy.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, March 23. It’s not the official minutes.

The meeting starts after 6 p.m. and is streamed live on Optimum Channel 19 and cstx.gov/cstv19. In addition, you can participate online through Microsoft Teams by entering Meeting ID: 223 427 023 174 and Passcode: MvPmTr. You can also call 833-240-7855 and enter Conference: 952 310 468#. 

6:03 p.m.

The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.

Councilwoman Linda Harvell is absent tonight.

6:10 p.m.

Global Meetings Industry Day

Mayor John Nichols proclaimed March 30 as Global Meetings Industry Day with a presentation to the city’s tourism staff and others. The observance recognizes the value of business meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, and conventions to communities.

7:06 p.m.

Hear Visitors

Nearly 20 people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.

  • Eight asked the council to enforce the city’s no-more-than-four ordinance.
  • Nine spoke against routing a city sewer line through south Bryan.
  • John Nicks asked the city to stop the TxDOT projects across the community.

7:09 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

• A $117,860 contract with JACO Roofing for replacing the roof at the College Station Utilities facility on Graham Road.
• A $100,931 contract with E Contractors for repairs and upgrades at the Utility Customer Service facility on Krenek Tap Road.
• A $293,600 contract with Olive Margaret Arnold to purchase two acres at 1775 Arnold Road.
• The second reading of a franchise agreement with Drop and Go Dumpsters for collecting recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
• The emergency purchase of one 1000 kVA and one 1500 kVA transformer from KBS Electrical Distributors ($135,000); and one 1000 kVA and one 1500 kVA transformer from Techline ($109,500) for warehouse inventory.
• A one-year contract renewal not to exceed $335,000 with Alexander’s Contract Services for water meter reading services.
• Annual clothing price agreements not to exceed $180,000 with C.C. Creations ($126,000) and M&M Apparel ($54,000).
• The 2023 global opioid settlement subdivision participation and release agreement forms with Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.
• An amendment to the technology services agreement with Paymentus Corporation to increase service fees for payment processing services. The annual estimated contract increases from $1.5 million to $1.75 million.

7:27 p.m.

Comprehensive Financial Report

The council voted unanimously to accept the city’s annual audit reports and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30.

7:38 p.m.

Texas & University Area Redevelopment Plan

The council was updated on the Texas Avenue & University Drive Redevelopment Area Plan. The city has asked property owners and interested residents to imagine the area with a new, distinct identity that welcomes visitors and residents.

7:50 p.m.

Council Strategic Plan

The council voted 5-1 to approve updates to the Council Strategic Plan. Councilman Bob Yancy voted against the motion.

8:23 p.m.

Conditional Use Permits

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-1 to approve changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding conditional use permits. Councilman Yancy voted against the motion.

The process allows discretionary approval of land uses with unique or varying operating characteristics or unusual site development features.

8:34 p.m.

Cooner Street Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Multi-Family to Middle Housing for about 1.12 acres at 301-307 Cooner Street. The applicant intends to build duplexes.

8:42 p.m.

Public-Private Partnership Guidelines

The council voted unanimously to adopt guidelines for the city’s Public-Private Partnership Program.

9:05 p.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, April 13.

<strong><em><mark style="background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)" class="has-inline-color has-medium-gray-color">About the Blogger</mark></em></strong>
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., Killian graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

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