By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, May 8. 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#.
6:12 p.m.
The meeting has started. The Council took no action after its executive session.
6:20 p.m.
Tourism-Friendly City
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed College Station a Tourism Friendly City to recognize the tremendous social, economic, and cultural impact of travel and tourism on our community.
More than 5,600 people are employed by College Station’s tourism industry, which contributes about $470 million to the local economy.
6:24 p.m.
Economic Development Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed the week of May 11-17 as Economic Development Week to recognize the contributions of professional economic developers to create economically vibrant and livable communities.
The City of College Station actively collaborates with private and public sector partners in initiatives that promote industry and retail recruitment, strategic redevelopment, and the expansion of our tourism economy.
6:28 p.m.
Salvation Army Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed the week of May 12-18 as Salvation Army Week to recognize the significant impact of philanthropy, volunteerism, and community service, and to encourage residents to give their time and resources to serving others.
The Salvation Army BCS provides rent/utility assistance, a food pantry, disaster relief, worship services, youth programs, and additional support.
6:30 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the Council on any item not on the posted agenda
6:32 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:
- A $146,970 contract with Jaco Roofing & Construction for replacing the roof at 1207 Texas Avenue.
- A $1.12 million contract with Freese and Nichols for the design and construction administration for the Alum Creek Trunkline Project.
- A $145,000 contract with TIP Strategies for consultant services related to updating the City’s Economic Development Master Plan.
6:33 p.m.
Street Maintenance
The Council discussed the City’s street maintenance program. The Public Works Department will host a Street Maintenance Open House on Wednesday, May 28, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bush 4141 room at City Hall.
6:53 p.m.
Midtown Development
The Council reviewed the history of the Midtown development and Rock Prairie Management District No. 2.
10:29 p.m.
Legislative Engagement
The Council discussed the City’s engagement activities with the 89th Texas Legislature.
10:30 p.m.
Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved a $2.38 million amendment to the City’s FY 25 budget, primarily for two police officers and 12 firefighters via grant funding, as well as a district manager in the Northgate Fund. A detailed list of items in the amendment is on page 239 in the meeting packet.
10:44 p.m.
Public Utility Easement
The Council unanimously approved the acquisition of 1.69 acres from POM-College Station for the construction, operation, and maintenance of a public utility easement as part of the utility relocations required by the upcoming widening of State Highway 6 by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Construction of the TxDOT project is planned to begin this summer, and utilities must be relocated as soon as possible to facilitate the construction schedule. The landowner has requested condemnation of the necessary easements to expedite the acquisition process, as consent from lienholders and tenants is required. The landowner agreed to the initial offer of $529,776 based on an appraisal report.
10:48 p.m.
Pool Inspections
The Council unanimously approved an ordinance establishing a public pool inspection program administered by the Brazos County Health District.
10:52 p.m.
Rock Prairie Management District Board
The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Samuel Kerbel and Logan Lee to the board of directors of Rock Prairie Management District No. 2.
11:02 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, May 22.
About the Blogger
Bobbie Lehrmann is in her second year as assistant director of public communications. She previously served as marketing and communications director at the City of Navasota. Lehrmann lived most of her life in Australia and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media communications from Queensland University of Technology.
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