City of College Station Blog

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By Colin Killian, Public Communications Director

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council meeting on Thursday, July 9. The meeting starts after 6 p.m. and is streamed live on Optimum Channel 19, cstx.gov/cstv19, and YouTube. It’s not the official minutes.

You can participate online via  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#.  

6:10 p.m.

The meeting has started. The Council took no action after its executive session.

6:16 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Month

Mayor John Nichols proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month to recognize how our parks and recreational programs elevate community connection, physical and mental health, and the community’s quality of life.

This year’s theme, “The Power Of,” focuses on how parks bring people together and build stronger, more vibrant communities. From promoting active lifestyles to building a more resilient city infrastructure, the Parks and Recreation Department provides essential services that help make College Station a vibrant, prosperous and beautiful place to live.

6:40 p.m.

Hear Visitors

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

• Rob Santarsiero spoke in favor of license plate-reading cameras on public roadways with proper oversight and accountability.
• Three citizens (Ivan Svrcek, Kody Fox and John Hamilton) spoke against the use of Flock license plate readers by local law enforcement.
• Shannon Brubaker, a visitor from Boise, Idaho, spoke about how she’s fallen in love with College Station and can’t wait to come back.
• Lloyd Davis spoke about College Station’s debt level.
• Shelby Behm encouraged the City to invest more capital funds in Midtown.

6:41 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The Council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda:

• A $500,000 contract with D.I.J. Construction for annual traffic pavement striping and markings services.
• A $128,400 contract with Jaco Roofing & Construction for roof replacements at 304 Holleman Drive, 1015 Colgate Drive, and 1600 Rock Prairie Drive, plus a $12,840 contingency, for a total appropriation of $141,240.
• A sponsorship agreement not to exceed $160,743 (Hotel Occupancy Tax Fund) with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League for the AUSL Championship Series July 23-27 at Texas A&M’s Davis Diamond.
• The first reading of a franchise agreement ordinance with United Site Solutions for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
• Annual clothing and miscellaneous items price agreements not to exceed $275,000 with C.C. Creations ($195,000) and M&M Apparel ($80,000).
• A contract award not to exceed $145,583.72 to Renegade Group for an electrical overhead crossing relocation and improvement related to the State Highway 6 widening project.

7:11 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Update

The Council received its annual update about the Parks and Recreation Department’s services and operations.

8:05 p.m.

Housing Density

The Council discussed possible incentives to increase housing density. The City’s Housing Action Plan focuses on affordable housing. The strategies include increasing the housing supply to help stabilize or lower prices.

8:24 p.m.

Harvey Mitchell Land Use/Rezoning

After a public hearing, the Council unanimously approved a request to change the land use (7.2 acres) and zoning (8 acres) on Harvey Mitchell Parkway South between Dartmouth Street and Earl Rudder Freeway South to pave the way for a multi-family residential development. The land use changes from General Commercial to Urban Residential and the zoning from General Commercial/OV Corridor Overlay to Multi-Family/Natural Areas Protected.

8:44 p.m.

Wolf Pen Creek UDO Amendment

After a public hearing, the Council voted 4-3 to approve an amendment to the Unified  Development Ordinance changing the use requirements and specific standards for vehicle sales in the Wolf Pen Creek District. Councilmen Mark Smith, William Wright and Scott Shafer voted against the motion.

8:52 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 for budget workshops from Monday through Wednesday. The next regular meeting is Thursday, July 23.

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