By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14. 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#.
4:00 p.m.
Canvassing of Election
The Council voted unanimously to canvass the returns and declare the results of the Nov. 8 City Council election. David White (Place 3), Melissa McIlhaney (Place 4), Bob Yancy (Place 5), and Scott Shafer (Place 6) were elected to four-year terms.
Oaths of Office
Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane administered the oaths of office to Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney (Place 4) and Councilmen Bob Yancy (Place 5), David White (Place 3), and Scott Shafer (Place 6). Yancy was reelected after running unopposed.
The Council also bid farewell to outgoing members Linda Harvell (Place 3), Elizabeth Cunha (Place 4), and Dennis Maloney (Place 6). The trio gave short remarks about their time on the council.
The meeting was suspended for a short reception before the Council enters its executive session. The public part of the meeting resumes after 6 p.m.
6:20 p.m.
The meeting has started. The Council took no action after its executive session.
6:28 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
- Outgoing Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha, who was unable to attend the reception this afternoon, bid farewell to the council and city staff.
6:45 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The Council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $271,463 contract with Sadie Burche for remodeling part of the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Office, plus the City’s contingency of $27,146, for a total appropriation of $298,609.
- A $113,900 contract with G.A.M. Construction for cabinet and countertop replacements at two Veterans Park and Athletic Complex concession buildings.
- A $647,574 contract with Musco Sports Lighting for the pickleball and futsal courts at Anderson Park ($313,068) and the tennis courts at Bee Creek and Central Parks ($334,506).
- An Office of the Governor’s Victim Services Grant to fund a victim’s advocate in the Police Department to provide services to crime victims.
- A letter agreement concurring with the Texas Department of Transportation’s de minimis impact determination for the Smith Tract Park property regarding the State Highway 6 Central BCS lane expansion project and future Highway 30 roundabout.
- A $229,440 contract with Becker Arena Systems for the dasher board systems and goals for the futsal (multi-use) courts at Anderson Park.
7:07 p.m.
Thomas Park Redevelopment
The Council unanimously approved the concept plan for the redevelopment of Mabel Clare Thomas Park. The $5.94 million project was approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
7:35 p.m.
Summer Events/Christmas in CS
The Council discussed the economic impact of the large events last summer and the upcoming 2024 Christmas in College Station campaign.
The events include the George Strait concert, the Mexico vs. Brazil soccer match, and the Junior Olympic National Track and Field Championships. The Christmas campaign includes a brand refresh and a renewed partnership with Santa’s Wonderland.
7:57 p.m.
Comp Plan/UDO Annual Review
The Council reviewed the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance, including associated plans, infrastructure projects, UDO Amendments, and an implementation progress report.
8:03 p.m.
Waterford Heights Rezoning
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Suburban Commercial to Office for about two acres at 4205-4211 Rock Prairie Road in the Waterford Heights Subdivision.
8:07 p.m.
Needham Estates Easement
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved the abandonment of part of a 10-foot-wide utility easement in the Needham Estates Subdivision. The applicant wants to revise the lot layout and construct a common area and stormwater detention facility.
8:19 p.m.
Flood Early Warning System
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously authorized a grant application to the Texas Water Development Board to install a phase of the Flood Early Warning System consisting of three stormwater gauges with associated warning flashers and alert systems to notify drivers, residents, and emergency responders of hazardous roadway flooding.
The City is eligible to receive up to $50,000 in grant funds, and the Drainage Fund will cover operation and maintenance and the rest of the installation.
8:20 p.m.
Northeast Trunkline Agreement
The Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan regarding Phase 4 of the Northeast Trunkline Project. The project will expand sewer capacity in College Station’s northern service areas, including Northgate, with upgrades to the Hensel Park Lift Station, the force main, and a large-diameter trunkline.
Some sections of the proposed sewer lines will be in Bryan’s rights-of-way and properties. The agreement ensures College Station has the approval to proceed with the infrastructure in those areas. The ILA also outlines the cities’ willingness to decommission College Station’s Valley Park Lift Station near FM 2818 and FM 60.
Under the agreement, the City of Bryan will contribute up to $200,000 toward a future project to redirect sanitary sewer flow and transfer the affected service area to the City of Bryan. It also includes provisions for Bryan to potentially provide sewer service to areas north of Highway 30 between Elmo Weedon Road and Cole Lane after its proposed eastside wastewater treatment plant is completed.
8:39 p.m.
Northeast Trunkline Change Order
The council unanimously approved a $1.03 million change order to the contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates to design a lift station to allow the rerouting of the Northeast Trunkline through Cooner Street/Chimney Hill instead of the Beverley Estates in Bryan.
The sewer trunk line will serve the University Corridor and Northgate.
8:42 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 Monday, Nov. 25.
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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