By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12. 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#.
6:18 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
6:25 p.m.
Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed today as Puppy Mill Awareness Day to spotlight inhumane breeding facilities. The United States has roughly 10,000 puppy mills that are responsible for the death and maltreatment of millions of dogs.
6:28 p.m.
Constitution Week
Mayor Nichols proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week to commemorate the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and highlight the document as the foundation of American life and heritage.
The celebration also reminds citizens of their responsibility to protect the Constitution and encourages studying the events that led to its creation.
6:33 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
- Lee Thomas expressed concerns about a rezoning in his neighborhood and requested a speed bump in his street to slow down traffic.
6:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Authorized the city manager to approve and execute all insurance policy documents and to approve policy-related expenditures of $1.35 million for FY 25.
- A $270,000 contract with Aria Signs and Design for City Gateway Sign 3 (West), plus the City’s contingency of $21,600, for a total appropriation of $291,600.
- A $196,000 contract with Dudley Construction for the American Pavilion renovation at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, plus the City’s contingency in the amount of $34,000 for a total appropriation of $230,000.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Waste Falcon for collecting recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A $625,000 contract for marketing and advertising services for Visit College Station with The Zimmerman Agency.
- An ordinance amendment ordering a general election on Nov. 5, to elect City Council members for Places 3, 4, 5, and 6 and amending a vote center location prescribed by Brazos County.
The council voted on this consent item separately:
- The council voted unanimously to approve a $270,000 contract with Aria Signs and Design for City Gateway Sign 3 (West), plus the City’s contingency of $21,600, for a total appropriation of $291,600. The council approved Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha’s request to pay for the project with existing city funds and not short-term debt.
7:16 p.m.
Plug and Play Partnership
The council reviewed a possible partnership agreement for services from Plug and Play, an innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. The partnership would include Texas A&M, the City of College Station, and the City of Bryan. A formal agreement will be brought back later.
Plug and Play helps governments with ecosystem building, job creation, tax revenue, accelerator programs, corporate attraction, and startup support.
7:50 p.m.
Library Services
The council is hearing an update about the Larry J. Ringer Library‘s operations and programs. The library is part of the Bryan+College Station Library System.
8:36 p.m.
Special Event Paid Parking Pilot Program
The general consensus of the council was to not move forward with a Special Event Paid Parking Pilot Program, which was used for the Brazil-Mexico soccer match and the George Strait concert at Kyle Field in June.
11:03 p.m.
Balcones Drive Extension
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to deny a request to remove the future extension of Balcones Drive from the Jones Crossing Development to Welsh Avenue by amending the Thoroughfare Plan and Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan. Councilman Bob Yancy voted against the motion.
The council also directed staff to work toward an agreement with the church and developer and come back with funding options and details for the extension.
An earlier motion by Councilman Yancy to delay the item until Oct. 24 failed by a 4-3 vote. Yancy and Councilwomen Linda Harvell and Elizabeth Cunha supported the motion.
11:40 p.m.
Park Place/Boardwalk HOO
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to deny a request to change the zoning from General Suburban/Planned Development District to Middle Housing/High Occupancy Overlay/Natural Areas Protected for nearly 19 acres along Park Place and Boardwalk Court. Councilmen Dennis Maloney and William Wright supported the motion.
11:53 p.m.
Turner/Gilbert HOO
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a request to change the zoning from General Suburban/Duplex to Middle Housing/High Occupancy Overlay for about an acre along Gilbert Street and Turner Street. Councilman Yancy and Councilwoman Harvell voted against the motion.
The HOO allows the shared housing use if the property meets the requirements.
11:58 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, Sept. 26.
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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