By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25. 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. The Council took no action after its executive session.
6:16 p.m.
Community Planning Month
Mayor John Nichols proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month to celebrate the role that planning plays in creating outstanding communities.
From economic development and transportation planning to reinventing our housing options, City planners are leading the way forward in our community. Pictured below with the mayor and Planning and Development Services Director Anthony Armstrong are PDS staff members.
6:19 p.m.
Southwest Bowling Proprietors Trade Show Day
Mayor Nichols proclaimed Thursday as Southwest Bowling Proprietors Trade Show Day to celebrate the dedication, collaboration, and passion that have sustained the event for two decades.
The annual trade show is scheduled for Sept. 28-Oct. 1 at the Hilton College Station and Conference Center.
6:24 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the Council on any item not on the posted agenda. Jody Warner spoke about the local real estate market.
6:28 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The Council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:
- Hardware and software agreements with Flock Group not to exceed $240,509 for cameras on Texas Department of Transportation roads and not to exceed $154,589.10 for cameras on non-TxDOT roads.
- A $400,000 contract for federal funding (HOME Community Housing Development Organization Set-Aside funds) with Elder-Aid for acquiring and rehabilitating two units at 1205-1207 Georgia Street as affordable rentals for income-eligible elderly households.
- A resolution selecting a depository bank, regarding a Bank Depository Contract, and authorizing the Mayor to enter the contract on behalf of the City.
- A contract not to exceed $160,000 for security services with TNT Security Solutions for designated city facilities and events.
- Authorized the chief of police to execute the application and any documents necessary to receive grant funding from the Office of the Attorney General of the State of Texas for the Victim Coordinator and Liaison Grant.
6:33 p.m.
City Historical Marker
The Council unanimously approved locating a City of College Station historical marker on a pilaster on the West side of City Hall, opposite the existing building dedication plaque. The Texas State Historical Commission granted the marker at the request of a citizen group led by Sherry Frisk and Anne Boykin.
The group submitted the request in 2022, the Commission approved the marker earlier this year, and the City received it in July. The plaque will be officially dedicated on Oct. 20.
6:39 p.m.
A&M Student Government Association
Ainsleigh Broadwell, the Texas A&M Student Government Association’s liaison to the City, outlined the organization’s priorities for the year. City staff members meet regularly with the liaisons, who also attend council meetings and speak when topics of concern to the student body arise.
10:46 p.m.
Pebble Creek Parkway
The Council directed staff to bring back a Comprehensive Plan amendment to remove vehicle traffic, except for emergency vehicles, from the southward extension of Pebble Creek Parkway.
The consensus of the Council was to keep Pebble Creek Parkway at two lanes, which is part of the Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Evaluation Report being considered later tonight.
11:18 p.m.
Economic Development Master Plan
The Council discussed the update of the City’s Economic Development Master Plan. The City’s consultant, TIP Strategies, presented a summary of insights gathered from partners, business owners, and residents, and outlined proposed strategic focus areas.
The information presented in the SWOT analysis reflects only the perceptions and opinions of stakeholders. It is not data-driven and does not represent any recommendations.
The final plan is expected to be presented to the Council in January.
11:20 p.m.
CSHS Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved a request to abandon a vacant electrical easement at College Station High School to allow for building expansion. A new public utility easement will be dedicated to the south, following the path of the electrical infrastructure.
11:27 p.m.
ROO/HOO Rezonings
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved the removal of the Restricted Occupancy Overlay (ROO) and High Occupancy Overlay (HOO) from the zoning for various properties to comply with a new state law (SB 1567).
Refer to the meeting packet for details about the specific properties.
11:49 p.m.
Comp Plan 5-Year Evaluation
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously accepted the Comprehensive Plan 5-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (pages 423-621 in the meeting packet).
College Station’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted in May 2009 and updated in October 2021, serves as a statement of the community’s vision for the future. As a long-range document with an anticipated lifespan of 20 years, the Comprehensive Plan calls for an Evaluation and Appraisal Report to be prepared every five years.
The report serves as a check-up on the Comprehensive Plan, identifying successes and shortcomings and recommending appropriate modifications in response to changing conditions. It was developed by City staff in collaboration with input from citizens, City leaders, City departments, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and other relevant boards and commissions.
The report provides a review of the basic conditions and assumptions related to the City’s growth, evaluates implementation progress related to goals, strategies, and action items, summarizes the public engagement process and results used to inform recommendations, and recommends modifications to ensure continued alignment with the community’s vision.
11:54 p.m.
Impact Fee Advisory Committee
After a public hearing, the Council unanimously removed the Planning & Zoning Commission’s designation as the Impact Fee Advisory Committee to align with the new state law (SB 1883).
The Council also unanimously approved an ordinance amendment establishing a new, eight-member Impact Fee Advisory Committee to include four members from the real estate/development/building industries, two from the Planning & Zoning Commission, and two ad hoc members.
The 89th Texas Legislature passed SB 1883 this summer, removing the authority of a political subdivision’s Planning and Zoning Commission to act as the Impact Fee Advisory Committee.
11:58 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 have a special meeting on Monday at 3 p.m. The next regular meeting is Oct. 9.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010, following a 23-year tenure as 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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