By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, June 27. 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#.
6:08 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:11 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
6:21 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Amended the city’s Texas Municipal Retirement System Benefits Plan calculation.
- An agreement with Cathy Goss to purchase property at 2700 Wilderness Drive South for $275,000 with Community Development Block Grant Funds as part of the Affordable Rental Housing program.
- A $50,000 change order with API National Service Group for fire alarm and fire extinguisher inspections, monitoring, and repairs.
- A $69,736 change order to the annual price agreement with Green Teams for landscape maintenance and mowing.
- The second and final renewal of an annual price agreement not to exceed $1.26 million with Green Teams for landscape maintenance and mowing.
- An emergency $168,008.74 contract with Larry Young Paving for repairs to South Dowling Road.
- A $1.29 million contract with Brazos Paving for drainage improvements at Milliff Road and Redmond Drive. The city’s contingency of $128,972.96 brings the total appropriation to $1.42 million.
The item regarding the Brazos County's Interjurisdictonal Emergency Management Basic Plan was pulled from tonight's agenda.
This item was pulled for a separate vote:
The council voted 5-2 to direct the Brazos County Tax Office to calculate the FY 25 voter-approved rate in the manner provided for a special taxing unit affected by a disaster declaration. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha and Councilman Bob Yancy voted against the motion.
The proposed FY 26 budget will not be presented until July 2025.
7:53 p.m.
Comment to FAA About Amazon Drones
The council discussed the city’s official response to the Federal Aviation Administration's request for public comments regarding Amazon Prime Air drone delivery operations in College Station. The closing date for comments was originally Friday but has been extended to July 12.
The council expressed support for quieter drones and increased delivery range but does not support Amazon Prime Air's application to expand drone delivery until a more appropriate location and sound mitigation is established due to the impact on nearby residents.
The council said it supports drone technology and Amazon's innovative efforts. As the testing home for this and other technology development initiatives, the city takes its role in providing community feedback seriously. The city hopes its feedback helps Amazon in the continued development of a program that advances technology and benefits all.
Ten people spoke during the public hearing and six others provided written comments.
8:04 p.m.
Morgans Lane Land Use
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the land use from Urban Residential to General Commercial for about 3 acres at 116 and 120 Morgans Lane. The applicant plans to develop offices and self-storage.
The council also unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to General Commercial/Natural Areas Protected for about 6 acres at 110, 116, and 120 Morgans Lane.
8:21 p.m.
Barron Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural to General Suburban/Townhouse for about 7 acres at 2542 and 2522 Barron Road. The proposed General Suburban portion continues the single-family development style along Crestmont Drive to where Leyla Lane bends southeast and to Barron.
The Townhouse portion of the tract uses a denser single-family product closer to the school and Barron.
8:35 p.m.
Consolidated Plan Substantial Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a substantial amendment to add homeowner acquisition rehabilitation as a goal and project in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.
8:46 p.m.
McCulloch Water/Wastewater Rehab
The council unanimously approved a $7.78 million contract with General Contractor, Inc., to rehabilitate water and wastewater lines in the McCulloch neighborhood. The city's contingency of $777,749 brings the total appropriation to $8.56 million.
8:59 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 for a special meeting about the proposed FY 25 budget on Monday, July 8. The next regular meeting is Thursday, July 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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