By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, May 23. 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#.
6:25 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:32 p.m.
Bush 41’s 100th Birthday
Mayor John Nichols presented a proclamation to Bush Library & Museum Deputy Director Robert Holtzweiss recognizing the George & Barbara Bush Foundation’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of President George H.W. Bush’s birth.
President Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush embraced the City of College Station, famously calling themselves “citizens of Aggieland.” The George Bush Presidential Center has been an integral member of the College Station community since it opened in 1997.
6:35 p.m.
National Public Works Week
Mayor Nichols proclaimed May 19-25 as National Public Works Week in honor of the thousands of public works professionals who plan, build, and operate the nation’s infrastructure and programs to provide their communities with the highest quality of life.
Over 120 City of College Station public works professionals maintain our roadways, ensure our storm systems flow, provide daily solid waste collections, map infrastructure, and so much more. Nichols presented the proclamation to Public Works Director Emily Fisher and staff members Caroline Ask, Heather Merkel, and Cecilia Browder.
6:40 p.m.
National Tennis Month
The mayor proclaimed May as National Tennis Month to encourage players, organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers, and others to promote programs and activities at local parks and facilities. The observance showcases the sport’s benefits and helps players and non-players find courts and opportunities to play in their communities.
Nichols presented the proclamation to members of the Brazos Valley Tennis Association – Brandon Carlson (president), Kristina Walters (vice president), Samuel Martinez (vice president), Abigail Martinez (secretary), Marquis Pixley (treasurer) – and Cindy Benson, community services coordinator for the Texas chapter of the U.S. Tennis Association.
6:44 p.m.
Dixie Chicken’s 50th Anniversary
The mayor issued a proclamation celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Dixie Chicken, an iconic Northgate gathering place for generations of students, residents, and visitors since its inception in 1974. The Dixie Chicken’s commitment to local organizations, musicians, and businesses has contributed significantly to College Station’s economic vitality and cultural richness.
Nichols presented the proclamation to Operations Manager Cortney Phillips and other Dixie Chicken representatives.
6:45 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one signed up to speak during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
6:47 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $380,177 contract with Echo Powerline for electric overhead distribution construction.
- The creation of a four-way stop at Church Avenue and Stasney Street.
- The creation of a four-way stop at Church Avenue and First Street.
- Annual polymer purchases not to exceed $288,144 from SNF Water Science Polydyne.
- The purchase of single-phase and three-phase transformers from Texas Electric Cooperatives ($243,626.25), KBS Electrical Distributors ($747,262), and Techline ($354,923) for a total not-to-exceed $1.35 million.
7:47 p.m.
Economic Development and Tourism Update
The council heard an update from the city’s Economic Development and Tourism Department on its strategies and activities. The presentation covered strategic priorities, recent highlights, and upcoming initiatives and planning efforts, including industry recruitment and engagement, quality of life initiatives, and marketing and promotion of College Station through the integrated Grow, Visit, Compete, and Meet College Station brands.
8:25 p.m.
Midtown-Fancher Crosswalk
The council unanimously approved a crosswalk with “Stop for Pedestrians” signs on Midtown Drive near Carroll Fancher Way.
8:26 p.m.
FY 24 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a $361,631 amendment to the city’s FY 24 budget to replace two totaled police cars and expend funds related to the Fund for All Playground and CSPD’s Victim Liaison grant.
For a detailed list of amendment items, go to page 155 in the meeting packet.
8:39 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation Notice of Intent
The council unanimously directed the publication of notice of intent to issue Certificates of Obligation Series 2024. The council will consider sale parameters in July.
8:43 p.m.
Century Hill Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from M-1 Light Industrial to Suburban Commercial for about two acres at 3109 Corsair Drive in the Century Hill Development. The applicant plans to develop a medical clinic on the undeveloped property.
8:56 p.m.
Nantucket Land Use/Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the land use from Suburban Residential/Natural and Open Areas to Neighborhood Commercial/Natural and Open Areas for about 3.25 acres west of Nantucket Drive and State Highway 6 South. The applicant plans to develop offices and medical uses.
After another public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for the same property.
8:57 p.m.
NE Trunkline Change Order
The change order with Kimley-Horn for Phase IV of the Northeast Sewer Trunkline Project was pulled from the agenda because of a pending interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan.
9:03 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, June 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.
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