By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Feb 8. 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#.
6:10 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:19 p.m.
Black History Month
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed February as Black History Month with a presentation to representatives of the Brazos Valley African American Museum and the Lincoln Recreation Center. Pictured below are (L-R): Tre Watson, Councilmembers Linda Harvell and William Wright, Lisa Mouton, (BVAAM), Mildred Davis (BVAAM), Councilman Bob Yancy, Mayor Nichols, Markeesha Watson (LRC), Cheletia Johnson (LRC), and Councilmembers Mark Smith and Elizabeth Cunha.
6:22 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda. Emily Rakov spoke about the Human Rights Campaign.
6:26 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Interlocal agreements with BVWACS and BVCOG for the city to continue serving as the managing entity of BVWACS.
- An amendment to the lease agreement with WireStar for the use of the city’s dark fiber optic cable, increasing by $3,569 the amount due to the city.
- A $907,272 contract with BH Harris Construction for the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Equipment Building Project, plus the city’s contingency in the amount of $100,000 for a total appropriation of $1,007,272.
- An ordinance removing parking on the north side of Gilchrist Avenue between Texas Avenue and Foster Avenue.
- An annual $835,000 price agreement with Brazos Paving for cement-treated base and Type D Grade 1 cement-treated recycled crushed concrete base.
- A $1.33 million contract with C.F. McDonald Electric for replacing the motor control centers for wells 1, 2, and 3, plus the city’s contingency amount of $132,947 for a total appropriation of $1.46 million.
- A $1.46 million contract with Weisinger for the rehabilitation of well 5 and Carrizo well 1, plus the city’s contingency amount of $142,170 for a total appropriation of $1.6 million.
- Annual purchases not to exceed $180,000 for auto parts, shop equipment, and services from NAPA Auto Parts.
- An annual blanket purchase order not to exceed $250,000 for fire truck repair parts and labor from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not to exceed $310,000 from Southern Tire Mart.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Container Source Storage & Roll-Off for collecting recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
6:53 p.m.
Maroon Southside Street Signs
The council heard a presentation about commemorative street signs in the Southside Historic District. Neighborhood representatives are raising funds to purchase the signs to celebrate the neighborhood's 100th anniversary.
7:43 p.m.
Police Department Update
The council received an update about the operations and activities of the College Station Police Department.
8:29 p.m.
Fire Department Update
The council received an update about the operations and activities of the College Station Fire Department.
8:31 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Easement
The council unanimously approved the abandonment a public utility easement at 2425 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South to allow development. The abandonment won't prevent utility access for the rear tract, and a new easement has been dedicated on the lot's east side.
8:33 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Board
The council unanimously selected David White to serve a two-year term on the Parks & Recreation Board.
8:40 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, Feb. 22.
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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