By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, June 26. 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#.
6:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. The Council took no action after its executive session.
6:10 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 spoke about the lack of progress on the Midtown development.
- Cheryl Wenck spoke about the effects of Bee Creek flooding on the Emerald Forest neighborhood.
6:56 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved these consent agenda items:
- A change order not-to-exceed $466,279 to the design contract with Mitchell & Morgan for additional design work for relocating city utilities in advance of TxDOT’s SH 6 Widening Project.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Enterprises for collecting recyclables from commercial and multi-family locations.
- A $325,000 contract amendment with McCord Engineering due to project scope revisions and additional changes related to TxDOT’s SH 6 Widening Project.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $170,000 with Mustang Rental Service of Texas and United Rentals for renting heavy equipment and machinery.
- An amendment to a construction manager at risk contract with Garney Construction, accepting the Guaranteed Maximum Price Amendment No. 2 of $3.2 million for the second early works package for the Water Wells 10, 11, and 12 project, plus the City’s contingency of $319,887 for a total appropriation of $3.52 million.
- A contract not to exceed $400,000 with Stanley Consultants for protection and controls engineering and emergency call-out services for substation emergencies.
The Council voted separately on this consent item:
The Council voted 6-1 to approve a contract not to exceed $1.08 million with Incircle Management for city-wide landscape maintenance and mowing. Councilman David White voted against the motion.
7:16 p.m.
Legislative Session Review
The Council reviewed the 89th state legislative session, including legislation impacting City operations and management.
7:57 p.m.
Wolf Pen Creek Park Master Plan
The Council was updated on the City’s proposed master plan for Wolf Pen Creek Park. The Council discussed a WPC plan during its strategic retreat a couple of years ago, asking staff to explore options and bring them back for discussion. No funds have been allocated.
Attendance at the Starlight Music Series this spring increased significantly, with an average of 1,787 attendees per concert. The average attendance in 2024 was 832. In addition, an estimated 3,000 people attended the inaugural I Heart America Independence Day Celebration in 2024.
For all events at the WPC Amphitheater, attendance was 109,000 in 2024 and 97,000 in 2023. So far this year, 48,000 have attended events at the facility.
8:32 p.m.
Capital Projects Update
The Council was updated on the City’s ongoing capital projects. Residents can monitor the progress of capital projects with the interactive map at cstx.gov/cip.
Updates in the presentation included the widening of Rock Prairie Road East, the rehabilitation of Krenek Tap Road and Lincoln Avenue, the three new water wells, the rehabilitation of the McColloch area utilities, Bee Creek sewer lines, the Bachmann Park senior and Little League buildings, the Central Park Operations Shop, improvements at Thomas Park and the Lincoln Recreation Center, Texas Independence Park at Midtown, the new ballfields at Veterans Parks and Athletic Complex, Fire Station No. 7, and the sidewalks on Foster Avenue.
The presentation includes details on each project:
8:56 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Update
The Council received its annual update about the Parks and Recreation Department’s services and operations. The discussion includes ongoing projects, program participation numbers, community events, and the City’s cemeteries.
9:03 p.m.
Graham Road Rezoning
The Council unanimously approved a request to rezone about 19 vacant acres at the intersection of Graham Road North and Old Wellborn Road (2855 Graham Road North) from Rural to Commercial Industrial.
The applicant intends to develop a golf driving range called The Range at College Station, which will offer snacks and additional outdoor games and entertainment options. The applicant’s presentation includes a layout and renderings:
9:09 p.m.
Groundwater Settlement
The Council unanimously approved a settlement agreement regarding Texas A&M University System v. BVGCD in the 472nd District Court. The City of College Station, City of Bryan, and Brazos County had intervened in support of the lawsuit.
The parties reached an agreement to resolve the disputes and settle the lawsuit by reducing and capping the amount of water entities are allowed to export from the Simsboro Aquifer.
9:15 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 will meet for its first review of the proposed FY 26 budget at a special meeting on Monday, July 7, followed by the next regular meeting on Thursday, July 10.
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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