By Bobbie Lehrmann, Assistant Director of Public Communications
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, June 12. 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#.
6:09 p.m.
The meeting has started. The Council took no action after its executive session.
6:12 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the Council on any item not on the posted agenda.
- Lisa Burton spoke about the City’s burial guidelines, specifically addressing inquiries related to the inclusion of pet remains.
6:53 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously approved these consent agenda items:
- A polymer price agreement not to exceed $315,000 with SNF Water Science Polydyne.
- A resolution supporting a grant application to the Texas Department of Transportation to develop the Northgate Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Study.
- A $410,000 design contract with Walker Partners for Phase 2 of the Southwood Valley Trunkline project.
- The semi-annual report on system-wide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Enterprises for collecting recyclables from commercial and multifamily locations.
- The removal of on-street parking for sections of Archer Falls Court, Briscoe Manor Court, Colorado Canyon Court, Cottonwood Terrace Court, Feather Run, Frontera Ranch Boulevard, Hidalgo Pass Court, Lamar Hollow Court, Llano River Drive, Panola Park Drive, Parmer Creek Court, Register Drive, and Slocum Hill Drive.
- A resolution supporting a grant application to the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for intersection improvements at George Bush Drive and Timber Street.
- A resolution supporting a grant application to the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for a sidewalk on University Oaks Boulevard between Stallings Drive and Munson Avenue.
The council voted separately on this consent item:
The council voted 5-1 to approve an amendment to the Code of Ordinances assessing a fee for failing to remove automated containers after the designated collection time. The council also changed the designated collection window from 12 hours to 24.
6:54 p.m.
Affordable Housing Fee Waivers
The council discussed waiving existing fees for constructing affordable housing units, including impact fees, parkland fees, and building permits.
The discussion sought to determine whether reducing fees would make a meaningful difference in home affordability. Waiving fees could also shift the infrastructure funding burden to other residents through increased property taxes or utility rates.
The presentation showed that building activity has remained strong since the introduction of citywide impact fees in 2016. Single-family residential permitting has remained steady, with over 8,400 permits issued from 2010-24. Data suggests no significant decrease in permit activity after the fees were introduced.
Impact fees, building permits, and parkland dedication fees account for about 2.5–4% of the total sales price of a 1,450–1,550 sq. ft. home.
The city has invested in several programs to support affordable housing, including $1.3 million in down payment assistance (benefiting 41 households), 52 rental units under the Local Use and Rental Assistance (LURA) program, and over 1,100 units supported by tax credits or federal programs.
The council also discussed the types of units to consider for affordable housing and potential waivers, who would qualify for relief (e.g., developers, homebuyers, or builders), and the duration of the waivers.
9:45 p.m.
Drainage Maintenance Update
The council reviewed the City’s drainage maintenance standards and possible projects along Bee Creek.
10:32 p.m.
Solid Waste Rate Study
The council reviewed a recently completed Solid Waste Rate Study, which evaluates existing rates and potential changes.
Since 2019, rates have been tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), a measure of overall inflation. The Garbage and Trash Index (CPI-G&T), which tracks actual waste service costs, has increased more rapidly than general inflation.
The city may shift to using the CPI-G&T to better reflect real cost increases for waste collection. To maintain quality service, the city is considering targeted rate adjustments:
- Single-Family & Multi-Family: CPI-G&T + 5%
- Commercial Services: CPI-G&T
- Roll-Off Services: CPI-G&T + 5%
11:20 p.m.
FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Agreement
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the economic development agreement with FujiFilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, revising the completion date for its facility expansion to Dec. 31, 2028.
The company is adding $30 million in capital expenditures to complete the project, representing a 10% increase in the initial investment, which raises the total to $330 million.
11:29 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Land Use/Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from General Commercial to Urban Residential for about 2.75 acres at 2360 Harvey Mitchell Parkway south of the Dartmouth Street intersection. The applicant plans a single-unit residential development with parking, driveways, detention, and landscape buffers.
The council also voted unanimously to change the zoning from General Commercial/OV Corridor Overlay to Planned Development District.
11:44 p.m.
Southern Pointe Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to abandon part of an unused sanitary sewer easement from 450 feet northeast of the end of Southern Pointe Parkway to the north corner of the planned Southern Pointe Subdivision. The applicant wants to subdivide the property.
11:47 p.m.
Eco Development Plan Committee
The council voted unanimously to establish a steering committee for the Economic Development Master Plan update to ensure broad community engagement and collaboration. The committee will have up to 12 members, including representatives from the business community and major industry sectors.
12:00 a.m.
Levitt AMP Grant Application
The council unanimously approved an agreement with the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley for a Levitt AMP grant application, which would provide up to $40,000 in matching funds for a three-year concert series in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The 8-10 concerts would occur in Northgate from late spring to early fall.
The agreement would depend on a Service Level Adjustment presented in the city manager’s budget for FY 26. The grant program would be presented as three one-time SLAs of $40,000 from the General Fund if the grant is awarded.
12:12 a.m.
Mayor Nichols recessed the meeting after the council discussed its calendar, items of community interest, committee and board reports, and future agenda items.
The council returned to executive session.
1:50 p.m.
After the executive session, the Council directed the city manager and city attorney to negotiate and finalize a settlement agreement in the Texas A&M System v. Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District and bring it back to the June 26 Council Meeting for final consideration.
The council meets again on Thursday, June 26.
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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