By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, March 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#.
6:12 p.m.
The meeting has started. Pastor Ben Hailey gave the invocation.
The council took no action after its executive session. Councilman Bob Yancy is absent tonight.
6:19 p.m.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to promote the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life.
The campaign also seeks to raise awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities sometimes face in connecting to their communities. Pictured below with the mayor are Texas A&M AgriLife Extension staff members.
6:23 p.m.
National Library Week
Mayor Nichols proclaimed the week of April 7-13 as National Library Week to highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
National Library Week began in 1958 based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. The 2024 celebration marks the event’s 65th anniversary. Pictured below with the mayor are members of the Larry J. Ringer Library staff.
6:26 p.m.
National Community Development Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed the week of April 1-5 as National Community Development Week to highlight how Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME-funded programs build strong and resilient communities.
Nearly 1,250 state and local governments receive annual CDBG allocations to support housing rehabilitation programs, public infrastructure projects, small business assistance, emergency housing assistance, and other public service programming. Pictured below with the mayor are members of the city;’s Community Services staff.
6:30 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.
6:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An interlocal agreement with the Texas Department of Public Safety for OmniBase Services.
- A $113,000 contract to purchase of a public utility easement and a temporary construction easement from Snoopaluke Holdings for the Medical District Trunk Line Project.
- A resolution consenting to the Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 for the sale and issuance of Series 2024 unlimited tax road bonds not to exceed $1.6 million.
- A $314,700 amendment to a 10-year master service agreement with Axon Enterprise for cameras, electronic control devices, and digital storage.
6:54 p.m.
Pathway of Hope Center
The council discussed The Salvation Army‘s efforts to raise funds for its Pathway of Hope Center, a one-stop social services and transitional housing campus to address critical assistance for family issues in Bryan, College Station, and Brazos County.
7:12 p.m.
Annual Audits and Financial Report
The council reviewed the city’s audit reports and Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30.
7:15 p.m.
City Council Strategic Plan
The council unanimously approved updates to its 2024 strategic plan.
7:22 p.m.
Marion Pugh Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from R-4 Multi-Family to MF Multi-Family for about 28 acres at 800 Marion Pugh Drive. The applicant intends to add additional dwelling units, including shared housing, which is allowed by right with MF Multi-Family zoning.
7:31 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity Contract
The council unanimously approved the termination of a Community Development Block Grant funding contract with the Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity for housing on Renee Lane because of delays and increased construction costs.
8:00 p.m.
Commercial Truck Parking
The council voted 4-3 to approve an ordinance prohibiting commercial motor vehicle and trailer parking within the city limits. Councilwomen Linda Harvell and Elizabeth Cunha and Mayor John Nichols voted against the motion.
A followup 6-1 vote removed references to commercial vehicle and trailer parking by specific location from the city’s Code of Ordinances. Councilwoman Harvell voted against the motion.
8:00 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:07 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:08 p.m.
ETJ Release Petitions
The council voted 5-2 to deny extraterritorial jurisdiction release petitions for about 5½ acres at Raymond Stotzer and Jones Road, 46½ acres at 2321 and 2327 Arrington Road, and 17¼ acres at Stousland Road and Saddle Creek Drive. Councilwoman Harvell and Councilman Bob Yancy voted against the motion.
In a separate item, the council voted 6-1 to deny release petitions for about 11½ acres at Hopes Creek Road and North Dowling Road, about 10¾ acres at Old Arrington and Arrington Road, and nearly 100 acres along Royder Road between Greens Prairie Road and Frierson Road. Councilman Yancy voted against the motion.
Texas Senate Bill 2038, a new statute, conflicts with existing statutory law and allows property owners to leave the city’s ETJ through a petition. College Station’s ETJ extends five miles from the city limits and gives the city legal powers, such as regulating subdivisions. The city also has concerns about administering emergency services in the areas.
9:09 p.m.
BioCorridor Board
The council unanimously appointed Planning and Zoning Commissioners Aron Collins and Bobby Mirza to the BioCorridor Board, which also includes representatives from Bryan and the Texas A&M System.
9:25 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 11.
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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