By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, May 22. 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#.
6:06 p.m.
The meeting has started.
Coming out of executive session, the Council directed staff to discuss an agreement with the Brazos Valley Bombers to relocate their baseball operations to College Station and establish a permanent new home for the franchise.
The Council released this statement:
“The Brazos Valley Bombers initiated discussions with the City of College Station about relocating their operations, and we look forward to working closely with them to usher in a new era of outstanding competitive and entertaining baseball in College Station. The Bombers are a valued asset to the entire College Station-Bryan community, and we hope to maintain that strong connection.”
6:14 p.m.
National Tennis Month
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed May National Tennis Month to celebrate the sport and encourage participation in tennis programs and events in College Station and throughout the United States.
Earlier this week, the City officially opened the redeveloped tennis courts at Bee Creek Park and Beachy Central Park. The projects were approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
6:18 p.m.
National Public Works Week
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed May 18-24 as National Public Works Week to recognize the City’s 120 public works professionals who maintain our community’s roadways, ensure our storm systems flow smoothly, provide daily solid waste collections, map infrastructure, and much more.
The Public Works Department has been nationally accredited since 2012 for adhering to the best practices and standards of the American Public Works Association and its 32,000 member agencies.
6:25 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the Council on any item not on the posted agenda.
- Shelby Behm thanked the Council for getting the Midtown development on the agenda on May 8 and said she hopes to see a shift in the City’s commitment to the area.
- Roberto McEwan Bendans spoke about the lack of progress in the Midtown development.
6:27 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:
- The authority to apply for the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant.
- An advance funding agreement with the State of Texas for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Off-System for the city’s participation in installing a signal at William D. Fitch Parkway and Pebble Creek Parkway.
- An advance funding agreement with the State of Texas for the Highway Safety Improvement Program Off-System for the city’s participation in installing a pedestrian crosswalk on Holleman Drive.
- A $163,940 contract with Carahsoft Technology Corporation for Samsara camera hardware and licensing for fleet equipment.
- Amendment No. 1 to the Construction Manager at Risk contract with Garney Companies accepting the guaranteed maximum price of $3.7 million for the first early works package for the Water Wells 10, 11, and 12 Project, plus the City’s contingency of $369,710 for a total appropriation of $4.07 million.
- The annual Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System (BVWACS) operations, maintenance, and capital budget.
- The first amendment to the third restatement of the interlocal agreement with the BVWACS to add Robertson County to the interlocal agreement and have the Brazos Valley Council of Governments serve as the managing entity.
7:16 p.m.
Tourism Update
The Council heard an update about projects in the City’s Tourism Division, including key metrics and major initiatives such as the strategic plan, brand book, and Convention Center Feasibility Study.
7:21 p.m.
Legislative Engagement
The Council discussed the City’s engagement activities with the 89th Texas Legislature.
7:39 p.m.
Intention to Issue Bonds
The Council unanimously approved the publication of a notice of intent to issue $18.25 million in certificates of obligation (Series 2025), including $13.25 million for utility projects and $5 million for general government projects. The FY 25 issuance will also include $17.05 million in general obligation bonds for projects approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
8:27 p.m.
Fitch Parkway Rezoning
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved removing about 9½ acres from the Planned Development District and changing the zoning to General Commercial/Office/Natural Areas Protected at the end of Castle Rock Parkway. The change would allow more flexibility for incoming developments.
8:31 p.m.
Standards of Care
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously adopted the annual standards of care for the Parks and Recreation Department’s elementary-age (5-13) youth recreational programs.
Item 9.4 on the posted agenda regarding Brazos County MUD No. 12 has been pulled.
8:56 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, June 12.
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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