By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27. 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#.
Earlier this afternoon, the City Council participated in presenting awards for City Employee of the Year, the City Impact Award, and the City Leadership Award.
6:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. The council took no action after its executive session. Councilman Wright is absent tonight.
6:21 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item not on the posted agenda.
- Ben Crockett spoke about making college students a protected class in College Station similar to other college towns.
- Shelby Behm, on behalf of a group of five, spoke about the lack of development occurring the Midtown area.
- Craig Regan spoke about a perceived lack of transparency in city real estate deals and developments.
6:48 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The second reading of an ordinance renewing a non-exclusive natural gas franchise to Atmos Energy Corporation Mid-Tex Division.
- Annual purchases not-to-exceed $180,000 for auto parts, shop equipment and services from NAPA Auto Parts through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance.
- An annual blanket purchase order not-to-exceed $250,000 for repair parts and repair labor from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group through the BuyBoard.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not-to-exceed $310,000 from Southern Tire Mart through the BuyBoard.
- Annual price agreements not-to-exceed $1.89 million for electric warehouse inventory items with KBS Electrical ($508,287) and Techline ($1.38 million).
- A purchase order not-to-exceed $124,910 for a data analytics consultant from ThirdLine.
- A $486,977 emergency construction contract with Larry Young Paving for emergency culvert repairs under Holleman Drive.
- A $121,200 contract with Still Creek Mechanical for the Fire Station No. 6 HVAC Replacement Project.
- A Construction Manager at Risk contract with Skanska USA Building for the $20 million Texas Independence Park Development Project.
- An interlocal agreement with Texas A&M for the College Station Fire Department to provide fire protection services to the university campus.
9:14 p.m.
Overoccupancy Enforcement
The council discussed enforcing occupancy restrictions of no more than four unrelated people in a typical dwelling unit. The ordinance was established in 1939. Four people spoke during public comments, one on behalf of a group of five.
9:14 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
9:24 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:40 p.m.
Rec Center Feasibility Study
The council discussed the second phase of the Recreation Center Feasibility Study, including concept development, operations assessment, cost pro forma, and the engagement of a steering committee. The first phase presented in August included a market analysis, needs assessment, and extensive public engagement.
Three people spoke during public comments.
11:30 p.m.
Convention Center Feasibility Study
The council discussed the first phase of the Convention Center Feasibility Study, including the potential market demand. The second phase will consider programming, site evaluation, financing options, economic impact analysis, and return on investment.
Two people spoke during public comments.
11:36 p.m.
Glenhaven Estates ROO
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request for a Restricted Occupancy Overlay for 33 lots in the Glenhaven Estates between Brazoswood Drive and Summerglen Drive. The ROO is a subdivision-specific occupancy regulation not to exceed two unrelated persons per single-family dwelling or accessory living quarter.
11:41 p.m.
McCullough Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the land use from Estate Residential to Neighborhood Commercial for about 3.6 acres at 3768 McCullough Road northeast of Wellborn Road and McCullough Road. The applicant intends to expand a planned self-storage use.
11:43 p.m.
Southwest Parkway Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Multi-Family to General Commercial for about 2.3 acres at 810 Southwest Parkway East to allow commercial use.
11:59 p.m.
Gilbert Street Easement
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the abandonment of a 0.124-acre tract comprising Gilbert Street (a variable-width right-of-way formerly known as Otto Street). The applicant plans to redevelop the area.
12:00 a.m.
BioCorridor Board
The council appointed Aron Collins and David Higdon to the BioCorridor Board.
12:15 a.m.
Housing Plan Advisory Committee
The council appointed Valen Cepak, Stephen Grove, June Martin, John Nesmith, Geralyn Nolan, Aaron Shipp, and Brian Yung to the Housing Action Plan Advisory Committee.
12:39 a.m.
Tourism Committee
The council appointed Cortney Phillips (chair), Costa Dallis, Paul Loy, Scott Logan, Hunter Goodwin, Greg Stafford, Rhianon Whitney, Conner Clark, Kevin Davis, William Peel, and Jim Ross to the Tourism Committee.
12:40 a.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, March 13.
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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