By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 7. 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#.
6:32 p.m.
The meeting has started. Councilman William Wright is absent tonight.
Pastor Ben Hailey gave the invocation.
6:39 p.m.
College Station Hope Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed this as College Station Hope Week to equip residents with tools to overcome life’s challenges through faith, community, and support. The Hope Conference is Friday and Saturday at Christ Church.
6:40 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
6:48 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Funding of $303,600 to the Aggieland Humane Society.
- A $5,000 FY 25 funding agreement with the Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley for FY25.
- A $35,000 FY 25 funding agreement with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for operations and maintenance.
- A $560,953 FY 25 funding agreement with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for the affiliate grant program, tourism marketing, public art, and gallery operations.
- A $25,000 FY 25 funding agreement with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce.
- A $48,230 FY 25 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- A $30,000 FY 25 funding agreement with the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley.
- A $350,000 FY 25 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
- A resolution granting consent to Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 to sell and issue up to $2.56 million in unlimited tax road bonds (Series 2024A).
- A $1.8 million contract with The Arkitex Studio to design and administer the construction of the Texas Independence Park Project.
- A third amendment to the lease of 3.1 acres, including a 28,949 square foot building, at 2611 Texas Avenue South to International Leadership of Texas for an additional 1-year renewal and a total of $2.2 million.
- A $94,770 change order to the system and software contract with CentralSquare Technologies for the computer-aided dispatch server upgrade.
- A $113,000 payment to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for the local share of the Event Trust Fund for executing the 2024 USATF National Junior Olympics Track & Field Championships.
7:18 p.m.
Code Enforcement Update
The council reviewed the activities and initiatives of the city’s Code Enforcement Division.
8:54 p.m.
Rental Inspection Program
The council voted 4-2 to postpone until Oct. 24 consideration of a voluntary rental certification program as the first phase of a multi-phased inspection program to address rental property maintenance concerns. Mayor John Nichols and Councilman Dennis Maloney voted against the motion.
9:05 p.m.
Small Area Plan Audit
The council unanimously approved the Small Area Plan audit, which evaluated the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor Study, the Northgate Redevelopment Plan, and the Medical District Master Plan. The purpose is to determine implementation status, associated successes and challenges, and recommendations for retiring or updating the plans.
9:08 p.m.
Central Park Operations Shop
The council unanimously approved a $3.67 million contract with Aggieland Construction for a new operations shop at Central Park, plus the City’s contingency of $360,000, for a total appropriation of $4 million. Voters approved the project in the 2022 bond election.
9:14 p.m.
Bee Creek/Central Park Tennis Courts
The council unanimously approved a $1.04 million contract with JaCody Construction to renovate the tennis courts at Bee Creek and Central Parks, plus the City’s contingency of $105,000, for a total appropriation of $1.15 million. Voters approved the project in the 2022 bond election.
9:16 p.m.
Carter Creek Wastewater Plant Improvements
The council unanimously approved a $3.24 million contract with Norman Construction Services for outfall improvements at the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, plus the City’s contingency of $323,703, for a total appropriation of $3.5 million.
9:19 p.m.
Central Appraisal District Board
The council unanimously appointed Susan Pesl to the Brazos Central Appraisal District Board of Directors.
9:28 p.m.
Mayor Nichols adjourned the open 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, Oct. 24.
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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