Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Nov. 8)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Nov. 8. It’s not the official minutes.

The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.

6:08 p.m.

The workshop meeting has started. Council member Katy-Marie Lyles is absent tonight.

6:22 p.m.

Employer Support of Guard/Reserves

Since Veteran’s Day is Sunday, the council received a special workshop presentation on the city’s support and hiring of veterans, and their participation in the Guard and Reserve. The council also recognized several service member/employees in attendance.

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City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Feb. 9)

8:56 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned. The council meets again on Feb. 23.

8:46 p.m.

Joint Neighborhood Parking Task Force

The council unanimously approved the formation of a Joint Neighborhood Parking Task Force. The task force will consist of members of the city council and Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmembers who will serve on the task force are Dave Ruesink, Blanche Brick and Julie Schultz.

8:44 p.m.

Ad Hoc Committee for Arts Council Relations

The council unanimously approved the creation an ad hoc committee to consider topics concerning the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, including the lease agreement for the Arts Council building, and the construction and use of the Wolf Pen Creek Festival Grounds. The subcommittee will consist of three council members and three members of the Arts Council Board of Directors. The subcommittee will be dissolved after completing its report. Councilmembers who will serve on the subcommittee are Julie Schultz, Katy-Marie Lyles and Nancy Berry.

8:39 p.m.

The regular meeting has adjourned. The council is now finishing up what was left of the workshop agenda.

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City Council, Public Communications

City Council Preview (Feb. 9)

Here’s a quick overview of some of the items the College Station City Council will be discussing at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 9. This blog is not a complete and official agenda.

The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. Previous council meetings are archived on the website. A live blog from the meetings will be posted on this site and can also be accessed through the city’s Facebook page.

Workshop Meeting (3 p.m.)

Police Department Update

Police Chief Jeff Capps will update the council on the state of the College Station Police Department, including a review of 2011 crime statistics.

Recycling Program Update

The council will receive an update on the city’s recycling program and will review previous internal studies along with possible options for the program.

Christmas at the Creek Report

The council will hear a post-event report on Christmas at the Creek, which changed locations and activities from previous years. The Parks and Recreation Department welcomed participation from many non-profit groups, businesses, the Arts Center and numerous churches. Wolf Pen Creek Park was heavily decorated and was a focal point for visitors beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continuing through New Year’s Day. The major activity nights were located at the Wolf Pen Creek Park complex on Dec. 3-4 and Dec. 10-11. Participation was estimated at 20,000 people over the four days, compared to 7,000 who attended the 2010 event at Central Park. The primary costs are part of Parks and Recreation’s operating budget, but sponsors were solicited and secured to help offset expenses.

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City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Jan. 26)

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 26. It is not the official minutes.

9:12 p.m.

The regular meeting was adjourned. The next council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9.

9:11 p.m.

Residential Parking of Recreational Vehicles

At the request of a number of residents, the council heard a presentation about amending the traffic code to prohibit the parking, storing or standing of recreational vehicles on front yards or lawns, including driveways, of residential properties. The presentation was only for informational purposes, but the council voted 5-2 to direct staff to not move forward with the ordinance. Council Members Blanche Brick and Katy-Marie Lyles voted against the motion. In the public hearing, more than 20 people spoke against the amendment.

The code defines recreational vehicles as “any motor vehicle or trailer designed or used as a travel trailer, camper, motor home, tent trailer, boat, boat trailer, camping trailer, or other similar purposes.” The current code allows recreational vehicles to be parked or stored in front yards without exception. However, the vehicles are not permitted to be parked on the street for more than 72 hours in any 30-day period. Under the proposed amendment, recreational vehicles could be parked in residential driveways for up to 72 hours in any 30-day period, and could still be stored in back yards as long as they were screened from public view. Subdivisions zoned A-O Agricultural Open and A-OR Rural Residential, which includes Foxfire, Williams Creek and Bird Pond Estates, would remain exempt because of their required large lot size.

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City Council, Public Communications

City Council Preview (Jan. 26)

Here’s a quick overview of some of the items the College Station City Council will be discussing at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 26. This blog is not a complete and official agenda.

Workshop Meeting (3 p.m.)

Tax Abatement Guidelines

The council will hear a presentation regarding the city’s tax abatement guidelines, and will later consider adopting the guidelines as part of the consent agenda in the regular meeting. Local governments often use tax abatement as an economic development tool to attract new industry and commercial enterprises, and to encourage the retention and development of existing businesses. According to the Texas Comptroller, more than 700 tax abatement agreements have been executed by local governments in the state since the early 1980s. The presentation will include an overview of the tax abatement process and describe the statutory requirements for entering into an agreement and designating a reinvestment zone, if the city ever wishes to do so.

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