By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, April 13. 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#.
6:06 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:16 p.m.
First Baptist Church 100th Anniversary
Mayor John Nichols presented a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of First Baptist Church. Created in 1923, it was the only church in the nation to begin as a Baptist Student Union and grow into an actual church.
7:10 p.m.
Hear Visitors
About 15 people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
• Cindy Conte spoke about Parkinson’s Disease awareness.
• Two people spoke in favor of legalizing marijuana.
• 12 Bryan residents spoke against College Station’s proposed sewer line through South Bryan.
7:18 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
• The removal of parking on the west side of Wakewell Court.
• A $2.37 million annual price agreement not to exceed $360,950 with KBS Electrical Distributors and not to exceed $2.013 million with Techline for distribution conductors.
• A $249,123 change order to a contract with Freese and Nichols for additional services for the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion Project.
• The first reading of a franchise agreement with Frontier Waste Solutions for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
• The first reading of a franchise agreement with Pronto Services for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
• A $350,000 annual price agreement with D.I.J. Construction for traffic pavement striping and marking services.
• A $85,181 change order to a contract with Elliott Construction for construction services related to the Woodson Village Utility Rehabilitation Project.
• The rejection of the sole received bid and awarding a $300,000 annual service agreement for utility locating services to USIC Locating Service.
• An annual water meter purchase not to exceed $193,915.68 from Aqua Metric Sales Company through a Houston-Galveston Area Council contract.
7:40 p.m.
College Station Parks Foundation
The council heard an update from the College Station Parks Foundation.
9:09 p.m.
Residential Occupancy Ordinance Compliance
The council reviewed compliance with the city’s residential occupancy ordinance. Eight residents spoke in support of enforcement efforts.
9:10 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
9:25 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:40 p.m.
Voluntary Proactive Rental Inspections
The council discussed the reporting process for rental property maintenance violations and the draft Voluntary Proactive Rental Inspection program. Four people spoke in support of enhanced inspection efforts.
10:53 p.m.
Bond Issuance Notice of Intent
The council voted 6-1 to direct the publication of notice of the intent to issue up to $31.1 million in certificates of obligation for streets, parks, technology, electric, water, and wastewater projects. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
10:56 p.m.
Barron Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Suburban Commercial for about 7.5 acres at 2774 and 2840 Barron Road north of Barron and William D. Fitch Parkway. The change allows retail uses, an office, and a bank.
11:07 p.m.
Dominik Drive Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve a request to change the zoning from Duplex to Middle Housing for about 0.24 acres at 721 and 723 Dominik Drive near the Stallings Drive intersection. The rezoning allows the existing split-lot duplex to function as shared housing. Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
11:37 p.m.
CDBG Regional Mitigation Program
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-3 to approve Community Development Block Grant – Regional Mitigation Program plan to receive $500,000 from the Texas General Land Office through the Brazos Valley Council of Governments. The state-approved method of distribution requires the funds to benefit mostly low to moderate-income areas.
Council members Cunha, Harvell, and Bob Yancy voted against the motion.
11:44 p.m.
Pickleball, Futsal Courts
The council voted unanimously to approve a $185,194 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for the pickleball and futsal court project at Anderson Park. The courts were approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
The project includes outdoor courts with full LED lighting, lines, and surfacing. It may also include additional parking.
11:49 p.m.
Oaks Public Utility Easement
The council voted unanimously to approve the eminent domain acquisition of .714 acres from 47 Oaks for a public utility easement for the Northwest Electric Substation Project on Raymond Stotzer Parkway.
11:56 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 27.
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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