By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 28. 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. 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#.
6:09 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
7:00 p.m.
Hear Visitors
At total of 18 people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Texas A&M student senators Luke Morrison, Ben Crockett, and Andrew Applewhite spoke about issues facing students and working with the council to find solutions.
- Robert Parr spoke about the need for more youth baseball fields in College Station.
- Gale Norman spoke is support of the Forevercize senior program.
- Bob Brick spoke about the noise made by the Amazon Air drones.
- Speaking against the Rosemary drive sewer line route were Anthony Cipolla, Ann Mallard, Bjarne Rasmussen, Jes Linne, Karen Smith, Mary Linne, Tim Bryan, David Gardner, Scott Hickle, Lesley Walton, David Bronstad, and Robert Owens.
7:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $107,684 purchase of firefighter protective clothing from NAFECO.
- Excess liability and workers’ compensation insurance, property/boiler and machinery, auto property damage, commercial crime, cyber liability, unmanned aircraft liability, and property insurance policies for FY 24. FY24 premiums for all lines of coverage are not to exceed $1.36 million.
- A $1.15 million interlocal agreement with the Texas A&M University System for aircraft rescue and firefighting personnel and equipment requirements, operational responsibilities, and command and control of the joint-use fire station facility at Easterwood Airport. The amount is to be paid to the city through FY 26.
- The BVWACS FY 24 annual operating/maintenance and capital budget.
- A $262,641.13 lease agreement with CTWP.
- The rejection of all responses received for the Patricia Promenade area rehabilitation project.
- An interlocal agreement with Brazos County for EMS ambulance service to the southern portion of Brazos County.
- A resolution authorizing the chief of police to execute the application and any documents necessary to receive funding from the Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant from the Office of the Texas Attorney General.
- A $75,000 sponsorship agreement with Santa’s Wonderland.
- Participation in the MuniWatt program by joining the joint power purchase contract with the Municipal Energy Resources Corporation, Municipal Power Acquisition and Supply Corporation, and their agent, the City of La Grange.
7:52 p.m.
Christmas in College Station
The council discussed Visit College Station's 2023 Christmas in College Station campaign and efforts to increase tourism through marketing, business engagement, and various holiday-inspired events.
7:57 p.m.
Sebesta Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Industrial to Suburban Commercial for about one acre at 1601 Sebesta Road on the north side of Sebesta across from Foxfire Drive. The new zoning allows for more neighborhood commercial uses, such as retail sales.
Councilman Bob Yancy recused himself from the discussion.
8:16 p.m.
Northeast Gateway Redevelopment Plan
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt the Northeast Gateway Redevelopment Plan and amend associated maps in the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan. The plan incorporates vertical and horizontal mixed-uses, support existing commercial uses, and enhance the mix of housing options.
8:26 p.m.
Itinerant Vendor Permits
The council voted unanimously to amend the city's itinerant vendor ordinance regarding charitable organizations.
8:35 p.m.
Northgate Noise
The council voted unanimously to set a sound level standard of 76 decibels from 10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. for the Northgate Entertainment District.
9:15 p.m.
Northgate Outdoor Dining Boxes
The council voted unanimously to repeal an ordinance permitting outdoor dining boxes in Northgate. The change is expected to prevent public spaces from becoming obstructed, concentrated with intoxicated people, and inhibiting emergency responses.
9:23 p.m.
Mayor John 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, Oct. 12.
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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