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Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, May 28. The meeting starts after 6 p.m. and is streamed live on Optimum Channel 19 and cstx.gov/cstv19. It’s not the official minutes.

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. Councilmen Mark Smith and William Wright are absent tonight.

6:06 p.m.

Hear Visitors

One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the Council on any item not on the posted agenda.

6:23 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The Council voted 5-0 to approve the entire consent agenda:

• A sponsorship agreement not to exceed $175,683 with Texas A&M for the USA Track & Field Lone Star Grand Prix on June 6.
• An agreement not to exceed $500,000 with Texas A&M for the Roadto26 soccer match at Kyle Field on June 6.
• A contract not to exceed $962,805 with DESIGNA Access Corporation for a parking access and revenue control system in the College Main Parking Garage.
• An amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk contract with Garney Construction, accepting the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $22.55 million for all remaining electrical components and a micro-tunnel under the Little Brazos River, plus the City’s contingency of $563,715, for a total appropriation of $23.11 million.
• An agreement granting $330,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds to Brazos Valley Community Action Programs for the purchase and rehabilitation of a single-family home at 2402 Colgate Circle to create an affordable rental opportunity.
• A contract award not to exceed $334,794 to Freeit Data Solutions for computer hardware, software licensing, and multi-year support services.
• An interlocal agreement not to exceed $40,000 with the Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for the South College Avenue/University Drive Complete Streets Plan.

6:47 p.m.

Harvey Road Corridor Redevelopment

The Council received an overview of the Harvey Road Corridor Redevelopment Plan, including processes and work to date. The planning area includes Harvey Road from Texas Avenue to State Highway 6 and is bounded by Dominik Drive, University Oaks, the Wolf Pen Creek Trail, Holleman Road, and the northern edge of Wolf Pen Creek Park.

The Harvey Road corridor is one of the City’s most prominent east-west thoroughfares and serves as a gateway to Texas A&M. It’s also a connector among key commercial, residential and recreational areas. The area lacks a cohesive identity with a mix of commercial development, underperforming retail centers and older apartments.

The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for transitioning the area into a dynamic, mixed-use destination with a strong identity and an economic trajectory tailored to its unique needs and opportunities.

6:53 p.m.

Bond Issuance Notice of Intent

The Council voted 5-0 to direct the publication of notice of intention to issue Certificates of Obligation Series 2026 to fund $37.25 million in utility capital projects approved as part of the annual budget. The Council will consider the sale parameters ordinance for the Certificates of Obligation Bonds on July 23.

The City of College Station typically issues certificates of obligation debt to fund capital projects identified and approved as a part of the annual budget. The City’s financial advisor and bond counsel recommend certificates of obligation for utility projects rather than utility revenue bonds, as the City’s ad valorem tax base is a stronger credit than utility revenues and lowers the cost of borrowing.

Since 2008, the City’s policy has been to issue certificates of obligation for utility debt, allowing greater financial flexibility in paying debt service. The Council is authorized to approve the issuance of certificates of obligation after approving a resolution directing that notices be published regarding the intent to issue the certificates.

The utility systems will cover their debt service for capital utility projects through utility revenues. The impact on the tax rate and utility rates will be reviewed annually as part of the financial forecast and budget preparation.

7:01 p.m.

FY 26 Budget Amendment

After a public hearing, the Council voted 5-0 to approve a $5.15 million amendment to the City’s FY 26 budget, including $3.85 million for capital projects and an interfund transfer to replace a work order system. The College Station City Charter provides for the City Council to amend the annual budget if revenues are available to cover expenditures and after a public hearing.

If approved, the net revised FY 26 budget appropriations will be $512,095,985.

7:04 p.m.

Sebesta Road (Holy Cross) Rezoning

After a public hearing, the Council voted 5-0 to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural/Estate to Restricted Suburban for the existing Holy Cross Lutheran Church property southwest of the intersection of Sebesta Road and Foxfire Drive. The zoning request provides consistent zoning throughout the development, allowing the applicant to make improvements.

8:02 p.m.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments

After a public hearing, the Council voted 5-0 to add the Active Transportation Master Plan to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The action expires the Northgate Redevelopment Plan, the Revised Wolf Pen Creek Master Plan, the Northgate Redevelopment Implementation Plan, the Medical District Master Plan, and the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan.

It also removes the Medical District Master Plan, renames the Harvey Road Redevelopment Area as the Harvey Road Corridor Redevelopment Plan, and reclassifies Pebble Creek Parkway from a minor arterial to a major collector.

8:10 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 11.

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