By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, April 25. 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. Councilman Mark Smith is absent tonight.
6:15 p.m.
Drinking Water Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed May 5-11 Drinking Water Week with a presentation to Water Services Director Gary Mechler, Assistant Directors Stephen Maldonado and Alan Gibbs, and Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations. The proclamation recognizes the essential role of drinking water in the community’s health, fire protection, economy, and quality of life.
6:18 p.m.
Salvation Army Week
Mayor Nichols proclaimed May 13-19 Salvation Army Week with a presentation to Captains Luis Villanueva and the BCS Salvation Army staff. The proclamation recognizes the organization’s service and value to the community.
6:23 p.m.
National Bike Month
The mayor proclaimed May National Bike Month with a presentation to Transportation Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Staff Planner Carl Ahrens, members of the local cycling community, and the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Committee.
The League of American Bicyclists recognizes College Station as a bicycle-friendly community. This weekend, we will serve as the finish line for thousands of bicyclists participating in the Texas MS 150.
6:28 p.m.
Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month
The mayor proclaimed May Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month with a presentation to Distorted MC and The Ranch Harley Davidson on behalf of TCOC&I Region I. More than 9,700 motorcycle crashes occurred on Texas roads in 2023, resulting in 7,790 serious injuries and 756 fatalities.
More than 63 percent of the deaths happen from May through September.
6:31 p.m.
A&M Student Government Reps
The mayor presented certificates of recognition to Luke Morrison and Ben Crockett for their service in representing the Texas A&M Student Government Association at city council meetings during the 2003-24 school year.
6:33 p.m.
Economic Development Week
The mayor proclaimed May 6-10 Economic Development Week with a presentation to Chief Development Officer Michael Ostrowski, Assistant Economic Development Director Brian Piscacek, and Economic Development Coordinator Stacey Vasquez.
The economic development profession cultivates thriving neighborhoods, champions sustainability and resiliency, boosts economic prosperity, enhances the quality of life, and builds robust tax bases.
6:43 p.m.
Hear Visitors
The council is conducting Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Bill Stockton spoke against the Amazon Prime Air drone delivery program in his Amberlake neighborhood.
- Leslie Hicks spoke against the construction of "Ag Shacks" in her South Knoll neighborhood.
- Kathleen Parks, an A&M student, spoke against limiting the number of unrelated occupants in residential housing.
- Art Hicks spoke in favor of enforcing city ordinances against more than four unrelated occupants in residential housing.
6:56 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A $3.99 million agreement with Larry Young Paving for concrete curb, gutter, and flatwork installation.
- A $309,465 purchase of Panasonic Toughbook Rugged Mobile Data Terminals from Baycom.
- A three-year, $352,068 agreement with Kudelski Security for security operations center services.
- An ordinance amendment regarding the Drought Contingency and Water Emergency Plan.
- Adoption of an updated Water Conservation Plan.
This item was voted on separately:
The council voted 5-1 to approve a $104,410 contract with Aggieland Construction for an acoustical ceiling at the College Station Visitor Center, plus the City’s contingency of $5,220, for a total appropriation of $109,631 from the city's hotel tax fund. Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
In an earlier motion, the council voted 5-1 to use hotel tax revenue instead of general funds for the project. Councilwoman Harvell voted against the motion.
7:09 p.m.
Water Services Update
The council heard an update from the city’s Water Services Department.
7:29 p.m.
Street Maintenance Update
The council discussed the city’s street maintenance program. The Public Works Department invites residents to learn about the program and four-year maintenance plan at an open house event at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at City Hall.
7:45 p.m.
Special Event Paid Parking
The council discussed a possible on-street paid parking pilot program for the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer match (June 8) and George Strait concert (June 15) this summer. The program could generate revenue to help offset City costs for special events on the Texas A&M campus.
The council could later consider continuing the program.
7:49 p.m.
Business Center Land Sale
The council unanimously approved a $3.3 million contract to sell about 12 acres in the College Station Business Center to Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals Corporation for its new headquarters. The research-driven company develops products to improve animal welfare.
Water Wells and Collection Line
The council unanimously approved an $8.42 million contract with Freese & Nichols for the design and construction of water wells 10, 11, and 12, and an associated water collection line. The debt for the project will be issued later.
8:02 p.m.
Northeast Trunkline Change Order
The council unanimously tabled a $1.03 million change order to the design contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for Phase IV of the Northeast Sewer Trunk Line Project. The council will consider the item again on May 23.
The line will serve the growing University Drive Corridor and Northgate.
8:02 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:13 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:20 p.m.
Unrelated Overoccupancy Enforcement
The council voted 5-0-1 to provide additional tools for enforcing unrelated overoccupancy – a civil ordinance with set fines and a penal ordinance that follows penalties listed in Section 1-7. Councilwoman Cunha abstained from the vote.
9:28 p.m.
Board and Committee Membership
After a public hearing, the council unanimously amended sections of the city’s Code of Ordinances related to membership on the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals and the Building and Standards Commission.
10:29 p.m.
Impact Fee Appeal
The council voted 5-1 to grant an appeal by Caldwell Companies of the Director of Planning and Development Services’ decision regarding impact fees for the Asher Turkey Creek development. Mayor Nichols voted against the motion.
10:44 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 Monday, May 13.
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.
If you liked this post, share it with the buttons below!