By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director Public Communications
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Monday, May 13. It's not the official minutes.
The meeting 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#.
6:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:04 p.m.
Dedication Day for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial
Mayor John Nichols, with Duane Peters, County Judge of Brazos County, and Bobby Gutierrez, Mayor of Bryan, proclaimed May 21 as a dedication day for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial. This memorial garden is a sacred place that honors the memory of those who fought for our liberty.
6:10 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.
- Joe Hegwood spoke about support of pickleball in the city.
- Mark Burris spoke about support of pickleball in the city, and discussed current facilities.
- Marc Chaloupka spoke about safety concerns around parking at Art and Myra Bright Park
- Tasha Miller came before council to make a statement against the current Palestinians and Israeli war.
- Neo Jang spoke about transportation needs and travel options, bringing awareness for Week Without Driving (Sept, 30- Oct. 6).
- Campbell Gattis spoke against limiting the number of unrelated occupants in residential housing.
- Cole Sloan spoke against limiting the number of unrelated occupants in residential housing.
6:29 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Minutes from the April 25, 2024, Council meeting.
- A $150,000 contract amendment with McCord Engineering, Inc. for the TxDOT Hwy 6 widening project, extending the completion date to April 1, 2026.
- A change order increasing the annual contract amount for transformer repair and rebuild services with Greenville Transformer Company, Inc. by $27,127 to $104,633.
- A resolution recognizing World Migratory Bird Day and supporting the City's "Bird City Texas" certification application.
- The sale of approximately 90,000 tons of asphalt millings from city property to Texas Materials Group, Inc. for $271,800.
- A professional services contract with Studio 16:19, LLC for pedestrian improvements at the Lincoln Center, along with a related resolution.
- An annual renewal and Amendment #1 to the service agreement for underground utility locate services with USIC Locating Services, LLC.
- A $166,320 contract for a driver safety training simulator from Virage Simulation, Inc.
- A contract for document scanning services with MCCi, LLC not to exceed $106,152.22.
- A contract with Oldham Goodwin Group, LLC for commercial real estate brokerage services for City-owned property in the Midtown Business Park.
6:35 p.m.
Texas Independence Park/Future Ballfields
The council heard an update regarding the ballfields and enhancements to Texas Independence Park and a report on public engagement.
Presentation:
6:59 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Cost Recovery
The council heard a presentation on an update to the Parks and Recreation Cost Recovery Policy.
Presentation:
7:33 p.m.
Midtown Reserve Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned to Development District for about 19 acres southeast of Rock Prairie Road and Calaveras Court. The applicant plans to expand the Midtown Reserve development.
Presentation:
7:44 p.m.
Cat Hallow/Glenhaven Estates Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to General Suburban/Restricted Occupancy Overlay for about 21 acres between Brazoswood Drive and Dominik Drive. Councilwoman Cunha voted against the motion.
Presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Rock Prairie Road West Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural to Townhouse for about 16 acres at 3700 Rock Prairie Road West. The applicant plans to develop a townhome subdivision on the vacant property.
Presentation:
8:04 p.m.
OP Agreement
The council unanimously approved a request an Oversized Participation Agreement with Aspire A&M II, LLC and Richmond Builders, Inc. The agreement entails a maximum expenditure of $348,147 for the construction of a sewer line along First Street from Maple Avenue to Patricia Street
Presentation:
8:08 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:16 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
8:18 p.m.
Civil Penalties for Overoccupancy Violations in ROO
The council voted 6-0-1 to amend Chapter 26 of the Code of Ordinances, aiming to enforce overoccupancy regulations in Restricted Occupancy Overlay (ROO) areas. The amendment introduces civil penalties for violations. Councilwoman Cunha abstained from the vote.
Presentation:
8:34 p.m.
Amendment to the 2023 Action Plan
The council unanimously approved a resolution to amend the Program Year 2023 Annual Action Plan. The amendment reallocates $664,727 of Community Development Block Grant funds to Rental Housing Rehabilitation for acquiring housing units as affordable rental housing.
Presentation:
8:38 p.m.
ARD Guidelines
The council unanimously approved adopting program guidelines for an Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Disposition program that aims to create income-restricted rental units.
Presentation:
9:11 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, May 23.
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her first year as the city’s assistant director of public communications. She comes to College Station from the City of Navasota, where she served as marketing and communications director. Lehrmann lived most of her life in Australia and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from Queensland University of Technology.
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