By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9. 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#.
6:27 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session.
Pastor Ben Hailey gave the invocation.
6:37 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
6:37 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A one-year $2.5 million contract with Fikes Wholesale for gasoline and diesel fuel.
- A $250,000 funding agreement with Greater Brazos Partnership for services related to Plug and Play.
7:13 p.m.
Legislative Program
The council unanimously adopted the city’s legislative program with changes for the 89th session of the Texas Legislature. The regular session is Jan. 14-June 2.
7:17 p.m.
Fraternity Row Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning to multi-family for about two acres at Deacon Drive and Fraternity Row. The rezoning allows the applicant to turn the vacant fraternity house into a dormitory.
7:23 p.m.
Housing Action Plan Advisory Committee
The council unanimously approved the creation of a Housing Plan Advisory Committee to provide guidance, support, advice, and recommendations in executing the City’s Housing Action Plan.
7:35 p.m.
Midtown Real Estate Contract
The council unanimously approved a contract selling about 13 acres (with an option to purchase the remaining 15 acres) of city-owned property at Corporate Parkway and State Highway 6 to The Corinth Group for $8 per square foot. Corinth is planning a retail development with multiple buildings and a plaza.
The approved replat will identify the final square footage.
11:20 p.m.
Northgate Parking Lot Contract/Small Area Plan
The council voted 5-2 to reject a $13 million contract for Capstone Collegiate Communities to purchase the city-owned surface parking lot (about 1.57 acres) at 301 Patricia Street in the Northgate District. Councilmen William Wright and Mark Smith supported the motion.
Earlier, the council unanimously approved the development of a small area plan for the Northgate area.
Nearly 25 people spoke during the public hearing, most against the real estate contract or the development of the parking lot.
11:26 p.m.
Elder Aid Funding Agreement
The council unanimously approved a $249,000 federal funding agreement (HOME Investment Partnership Program) with Elder Aid to acquire and rehabilitate the residence at 1116 Detroit as an affordable rental unit for an income-qualified elderly household.
11:42 p.m.
Tourism Committee
The council voted 6-1 to create a council-appointed Tourism Committee to replace the Tourism Advisory Committee. Councilman Wright voted against the motion.
11:53 p.m.
Water Well Access Easement
The council unanimously authorized eminent domain proceedings to acquire a 1.113-acre easement for an access road for the College Station Water Well No. 10 Project. Access to the Well 10 site is necessary through the property since other access is blocked by the railroad and the Little Brazos River.
12:19 p.m.
Appointments
The council made the following appointments to City boards, committees, and commissions:
- Construction Board of Adjustments: Mark Benton, Michael Martinez, Jordan Faust (alternate)
- Planning and Zoning Commission: Michael Buckley, Marc Chaloupka, David Higdon, Tre Watson
- Zoning Board of Adjustments: James Hutchins, Jaymeson Hacker
- Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board: Matthew Jackson, Thomas Woodfin
- Design Review Board: Andrew Arizpe, Ray Holliday, Keith Sylvester
- Parks & Recreation Board: Andrew Arizpe, Neo Jang, Cheletia Johnson, Kimberly Topp, Kevin Bishop (chair)
12:27 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, Jan. 23.
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.
If you liked this post, share it with the buttons below!
