By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Aug. 8. 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 287 987 474 175 and Passcode gZw5cS. You can also call 469-480-7460 and enter Conference Number 168 564 318#.
6:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha is absent tonight.
Pastor Ben Hailey gave the invocation.
6:08 p.m.
Exercise with Your Child Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed this as Exercise with Your Child Week. The event promotes family fitness and healthier lifestyles by encouraging parents, guardians, and children to participate in physical activities together.
6:09 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
6:10 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan and the FY2025 Community Development budget.
- Added stop signs on Mortier Drive at the intersection with Edelweiss Avenue to improve safety and mobility.
- A $176,000 contract with Iteris for replacing the video wall in the Traffic Control Center.
6:13 p.m.
FY 25 Proposed Tax Rate
The council unanimously called public hearing on the FY 25 proposed property tax rate for 6 p.m. on Aug. 22. The proposed rate of 51.3086 cents per $100 of value is the same as FY 24.
7:13 p.m.
Housing Action Plan
The council discussed the City's Housing Action Plan, including the Existing Conditions Report and a summary of citizen participation efforts. The plan's overarching goals are to produce more housing units of various types to meet growing demand and create and preserve affordable housing.
The 13-member Housing Action Plan Steering Committee has worked with City staff to advise and make recommendations reflecting the community's vision. The final plan will be presented to the council in September.
7:45 p.m.
Traffic Congestion and Mobility Analysis
The council discussed the city's ongoing Traffic Congestion and Mobility Analysis framework to improve traffic flow and mobility and explore future options. Staff has launched a public survey to gather feedback regarding residents' experiences and preferences for the transportation system.
The City's consultant, Nayan Amin of TJKM, also participated in the presentation.
The analysis is expected to be completed this fall.
8:14 p.m.
Texas Independence Park
The council unanimously approved the master plan for the Texas Independence Park project on Rock Prairie Road based on public engagement, work with Texas A&M Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning students, and the completed restrooms on the site.
The next steps for the park's development include a Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant, identifying construction phases, and the final design.
8:27 p.m.
Ashburn Avenue ROO
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to General Suburban/Restricted Occupancy Overlay for 147 lots along Ashburn Avenue between Lincoln Drive and Dominik Drive. The properties are in the Sweet Briar Addition, Woodland Acres, and College Hills Woodlands subdivisions.
The ROO provides subdivision-specific occupancy regulations of no more than two unrelated people per single-family dwelling or accessory living quarters.
8:30 p.m.
BPG Advisory Board Appointment
The council appointed Carla Robinson to complete an unexpired term on the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board.
8:34 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, Aug. 22.
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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