When will College Station get a water reservoir?
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
From time to time, someone will ask, “when will College Station get a water reservoir?” Throughout my 23 years with the city’s Water Services Department, the answer has always been “it won’t.”
But if such a topic were to surface, it would likely happen at a meeting of the Brazos Region G Regional Water Planning Group, one of 16 regional groups in the state.
College Station will be among the water users discussed at the regional planning group’s public meeting on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. They want to gather input from stakeholders in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Lee, Milam, Robertson, and Washington counties on matters related to available water supplies, projected needs, and management strategies.
The feedback will help shape the 2021 Regional Water Plan the regional groups submit to the Texas Water Development Board.
Under the regional water planning process, stakeholder interest groups such as cities, water utilities, agriculture, river authorities, industry, environmental, groundwater conservation districts, and more gather regularly to discuss water needs and strategies. Discussions include population projections, user needs, and strategies such as reservoirs, groundwater wells, and conservation.
In other words, individuals with knowledge of water needs and population collaborate to make sure our water future remains sustainable.
The regional water plans are developed on a rolling five-year cycle, then consolidated into a state water plan. The latest five-year plan – to be finalized in 2021 — is in the draft stage and is almost ready for its public debut. The final version will be reviewed by the Texas Water Development Board and incorporated into the next state plan.
The regional meetings tend to be “must-see” events for water nerds like me, but the public and other water professionals are also encouraged to attend. Even if you don’t consider yourself a water nerd, you may come away impressed at the diligent planning that goes into ensuring that Texas and the Brazos Valley continue to have a reliable supply of one of our most vital resources.
For more information, go to brazosgwater.org.
About the Blogger
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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Hospitality, venues drive thriving sports tourism industry
By Katie Kwiatkowski, Tourism Events Supervisor
People around the country recognize College Station as a special place filled with friendly, hospitable people and top-notch sports facilities. Those factors are the cornerstones as we attract well-attended, high-caliber events that substantially impact on our local economy.
College Station has become such a desired destination for sports tournaments that we see many events return year after year. In 2019, events we hosted attracted about 27,000 participants and recorded an overall attendance of more than 67,000.
We’ll host multiple events in the spring, including football, soccer, and softball. The frequent rain we experience each spring makes us appreciate the four synthetic multi-purpose fields at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. Thanks to that worthy investment, we can accommodate sizable events even when bad weather rolls in.
Summertime is always our busiest sports tourism season. This year, we’ll host our most prominent football events in June with the Texas State Championships and Southwest Regional Showcase, Adidas Texas State 7v7 Championships, and PrimeTime Sports 7v7 Tournament of Champions. Softball and soccer tournaments will follow as we move into July and August.
In the fall, we’ll host bocce, softball, and soccer tournaments — most of which are recurring events — before we wrap up the year with the 10th Annual BCS Marathon.
Here’s a look at our complete list of tourism events for 2020:
2020 Sports Tourism Schedule
| Jan. 18-19 | Brazos Valley Elite Sports Group |
| Jan. 25-26 | Brazos Valley Cavalry Tournament |
| Jan. 31 – Feb. 2 | Soccer Youth All-American Series |
| Feb. 9 | ODP Pool Training |
| Feb. 15-16 | Premier Soccer Spring Cup |
| Feb. 20-22 | NFCA Texas Leadoff Classic |
| Feb. 29 – March 1 | Aggie Classic – NTFCA |
| March 14-15 | USSSA “What’s Your Legacy?” (Aggieland Classic) |
| March 26-29 | SPA Salute to Veterans NIT Tournament |
| April 25-26 | 5 Tool Spring Battle Tournament |
| May 1-3 | USSSA Budweiser Invitational |
| May 16-17 | US Club Cup |
| May 23-25 | STYSA State Cup |
| June 6-7 | Texas Youth 7v7 State Championships |
| June 12-14/19-21 | Texas State Championships and Southwest Regional Showcase |
| June 25-27 | Adidas State 7v7 Championships |
| June 27-28 | Primetime Sports 7v7 Tournament of Champions |
| July 9-12 | Aggieland Classic SSUSA |
| Aug. 29-30 | Aggieland Friendship Cup |
| Sept. 25-27 | College Station Senior Games |
| Oct. 1-3 | Special Olympics Fall Classic |
| Oct. 16-18 | USSSA Budweiser Invitational |
| Dec. 5-6 | Southampton Cup – Texas |
| Dec. 11-13 | ODP: South Texas Regional Tournament |
| Dec. 12-13 | BCS Marathon |
With your valuable support, we can continue to attract significant events such as these to our growing community to fill our hotels, restaurants, and retail shops. When that happens, our entire community benefits.
About the Blogger
Tourism Events Supervisor Katie Kwiatkowski joined the Parks and Recreation Department last summer. She previously served as sports services manager at BCS Sports + Events. A native of Brenham, Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness from Texas A&M in 2016.
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Aiden, Olivia CS’s most popular baby names in 2019
By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director
Friends, it’s time we had a talk. Some feelings are going to be hurt, but I’m just going to be straight with you.
With all due respect, some of you should’ve asked for help when naming your baby. While there are some wonderfully creative names among the 1,556 babies born in College Station during 2019 — I’ll get to that shortly — too many of you are afraid to color outside the lines.
Hear me out.
Since 2014, it feels like every other crib in College Station has a new Aiden (68), Jackson (82) or Emma (93!). But originality really dips when it comes to the middle names you’re choosing. See any patterns?
- 2019: Grace, Rose, Marie
- 2018: Rose, Grace, Marie
- 2017: Grace, Rose, Marie
- 2016: Grace, Marie, Rose
- 2015: Grace, Marie, Ann
- 2014: Grace, Marie, Nicole
- 2019: James, Lee, Michael
- 2018: James, Lee, Alexander
- 2017: James, Alexander, Wayne
- 2016: James, Michael, Alexander
- 2015: James, Michael, Lee
- 2014: James, Wayne, Alexander
I’m not saying you guys need to go all Boaty McBoatface with your baby names; I’m just saying you might want to consider options besides Emma Grace and Aiden James — no offense, of course, to these specific, mighty cute, newly-minted College Stationites.
Okay, end of the lecture.
Here are some College Station birth statistics from 2019, according to Yvette Dela Torre, our award-winning local registrar who handles vital statistics reporting.
| Births | Girls | Boys | Twins | Triplets | |
| 2013 | 2,159 | 1,066 | 1,093 | 36 sets | |
| 2014 | 2,460 | 1,264 | 1,196 | 30 sets | 1 set |
| 2015 | 2,494 | 1,245 | 1,249 | 50 sets | |
| 2016 | 2,307 | 1,206 | 1,164 | 44 sets | |
| 2017 | 2,398 | 1,168 | 1,230 | 48 sets | 1 set |
| 2018 | 2,016 | 970 | 1,046 | 27 sets | |
| 2019 | 1,556 | 772 | 784 | 22 sets |
You might’ve noticed the continuing decline in births that began in 2018. Yvette says that’s due to another year without labor and delivery services being offered at CHI St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital (formerly College Station Medical Center). All hospital births in College Station in 2019 occurred at Baylor Scott & White Hospital.
Most popular BOYS’ first names
- Aiden (11)
- Liam (11)
- Grayson (10)
Most popular BOYS’ middle names
- James (35)
- Lee/Leigh (24)
- Michael (21)
Most popular GIRLS’ first names
- Olivia (17)
- Emma (12)
- Harper (11)
Most popular GIRLS’ middle names
- Grace (55)
- Rose (34)
- Marie (26)
More 2019 birth stats
- Month with the most births: December (153)
- Month with the fewest births: March (94)
- Days with the most births: June 6 (11)
- Home births: 4
In the spirit of high school yearbooks, here are some superlatives being handed out to a few of our 2019 babies.
Most likely to share the same name
- Aiden James (2)
- Avery Kate (2)
- Ella Grace (3)
- Emma Grace (3)
- Hadley Grace (2)
- Harper Grace (3)
- Isabella Marie (2)
- Jordan Thomas (2)
- Layla Rose (2)
- Lorenzo Antonio (2)
- Noah Michael (2)
- Olivia Rose (3)
- Olivia Claire (2)
- Samuel Ray (2)
- Skylar Elaine (2)
- Whitley Jane (2)
- Wyatt Michael (2)
Most likely to join the Audubon Society
- Birdie Scout
Most likely to give credit to a higher power
- Brontayveai Imblessed
Most likely to win all competitions
- Champion Jkee
Most likely to kayak
- Indie River
- Kip River
- River Matthew
- River Delane
Most likely to sing/act with GaGa Lady
- Cooper Bradley
Most likely to come through in a pinch
- Klutch Christian
Most likely to be remembered
- Legend Lee
- Legend O’Mari
Most likely to make her own car repairs
- Piston Jayne
Most likely to visit a national park in South Dakota
- Rupert Badlands
Most likely to work with Elon Musk
- Tesla Eden
Most likely to be a cool conversation starter
- Wenceslado 3rd
Most likely to wear baby Tony Lamas
- Castyn Maverick
- Maverick Roddie
- William Maverick
Most likely to pursue law enforcement
- E’Mahzi Justice Lyen
- Justice Johari
- Justice Aubrielle
Most likely to deserve their own category
- Alpha Dewdrop
- Zoiimi My’Life
College Station ended 2019 with a population estimate of 122,738, thanks in part to our 1,556 newest residents. When it’s time to look back at our 2020 babies, I expect to see more Alpha Dewdrops and fewer Emma Graces — okay?
About the Blogger
Jay Socol (@jaysocol) is in his 11th year as College Station’s public communications director. A 1991 graduate of Texas A&M, Jay has also served as communications director for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, public information officer for the City of Bryan, and news director at several Bryan-College Station area radio stations. A native of Breckenridge, he was president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers from 2016-18.
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Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 9)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:11 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:12 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
7:09 p.m.
Local Tourism
The council heard a report from Experience BCS about strategies to increase area tourism.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:58 p.m.
Hands-Free Driving Ordinance
The council discussed a potential ordinance that would require hands-free use to talk on wireless communication devices while driving. City ordinance can’t preempt state law, which allows drivers to change their music, use their GPS or send or receive emergency messages.
Three citizens spoke in support of an ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:00 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
8:11 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:13 p.m.
Mayor Mooney recognized today as National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
8:26 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Fred Dupriest spoke in favor of regulating short-term rentals and informing investors that the regulations will be enforced.
8:27 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Rejection of all bids for the purchase of electric meter pedestals.
- A bid award of $106,680 to Techline for electric capacitor banks.
- The second amendment to the Joint Research Valley BioCorridor development agreement that modifies project site boundaries, expands revenue sharing territory, and transfers the wastewater CCN (Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity) service area.
8:32 p.m.
University Drive-Eisenhower Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Office and Duplex to General Commercial for about one acre at the intersection of University Drive East and Eisenhower Street. The applicant is preparing the property for commercial redevelopment and lot consolidation.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:37 p.m.
Angry Elephant Expansion
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for a 1,270 square-foot expansion of The Angry Elephant bar near the southwest corner of Arrington Road and William D. Fitch Parkway.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:38 p.m.
Appraisal District Appointment
The council voted unanimously to reappoint Ron Kaiser to the board of the Brazos Central Appraisal District.
8:45 p.m.
Spring Creek LGC Appointments
The council voted 4-2 to postpone until the Jan. 23 council meeting the appointments to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation board of directors. The council directed staff to advertise the extension of applications for the board openings.
The corporation has the power to acquire, own, and dispose of real estate subject to the approval of the city council in the general vicinity of the Midtown Business Park and the College Station Business Center.
8:46 p.m.
Comp Plan Evaluation Committee Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Councilman Dennis Maloney to replace Elianor Vessali on the Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee. Vessali resigned from the city council in November.
Over the next six months, the CPEC will provide policy guidance, help define land use and transportation scenarios, and make final recommendations for the preferred land use and transportation scenario to be included in the Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
9:12 p.m.
Committee Appointments
The council made these committee appointments:
Architectural Advisory Committee
- Ray Holliday
Audit Committee
- Mike Ashfield
- Lisa McMillin
B+CS Library Committee
- Dan Rudge
- Larry Ringer (chair)
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board
- Kyle LeBlanc
- Dennis Jansen
- David Higdon
- Deborah Stoll
Construction Board of Adjustments
- Russell Farquhar
- Cynthia Giedraitis (chair)
- Kyle LeBlanc
- William Pugh
- Connor Russell
Design Review Board
- Katherine Cabrera
- Ray Holliday
- Samuel Marvel
- Dennis Christiansen (chair)
Joint Relief Funding Review Committee
- Suzanne Droleskey
- Lisa Halperin
Parks and Recreation Board
- Lisa Aldrich
- Joel Cantrell
- Ann Hays
- David Higdon
- Debe Shafer
- Janet Wood
Planning and Zoning Commission
- Dennis Christiansen
- Elizabeth Cunha
- Williams Gunnels
- Bobby Mirza
Zoning Board of Adjustments
- Fred Dupriest
- Howard Mayne
- William Pugh
- Rachel Smith
- Deborah Stoll (alternate)
9:12 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’ meets again on Thursday, Jan. 23.
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. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
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5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its first workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meeting of 2020.
Here are five items to watch:
- Local Tourism: The council will receive a workshop report from Experience BCS about its strategies to increase area tourism.
- Hands-Free Ordinance: The council will have a workshop discussion about a potential ordinance to require hands-free use to talk on wireless communication devices while driving.
- University Drive-Eisenhower Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Office and Duplex to General Commercial for about 1 acre at the intersection of University Drive East and Eisenhower Street. The applicant is preparing the property for commercial redevelopment and lot consolidation.
- Arrington Road Bar Expansion: After a public hearing, the council will consider a conditional use permit for a 1,270 square-foot expansion of The Angry Elephant bar near the southwest corner of Arrington Road and William D. Fitch Parkway.
- Board and Committee Appointments: The council will consider appointments to several local boards, committees, and commissions.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
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Never miss your waste collection day again
By Caroline Ask, Environmental Compliance & Recycling Manager
How often have you been leisurely enjoying your morning coffee when you suddenly hear a large truck rumbling down your street?
You instantly know what it means — it’s your solid waste or recycling collection day, and you forgot to place your bin at the curb line.
Most of the time, College Station residents do an exceptional job of helping our collections run smoothly, but now it’s even easier with our improved free mobile app, which is called College Station Curbside. It replaces the outdated MyWaste/Recycle Coach app.
College Station Curbside’s straightforward, uncomplicated design makes staying informed about solid waste and recycling collection almost effortless. You can quickly find the garbage, recycling, and bulk/brush pickup collection schedule specific to your address and set the app to remind you of your collection days.
If you don’t have an Apple or Android smartphone, you can use our online My Schedule tool. Through My Schedule, you can sign up to receive waste collection reminders by email, phone, or text message. You can also print or download the schedule into your iCal, Google, or Microsoft Outlook calendar.
You’ll never again forget to put out your garbage, recycling, or bulk/brush items.
And you can enjoy that steaming hot cup of coffee in peace.
About the Blogger
Carolina Ask is in her third year with the city but her first as the environmental compliance and recycling manager. She previously served as an engineering program specialist and environmental inspector. Before joining the city, Caroline held environmental health positions at Texas A&M and at Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital. She earned a bachelor’s in Bioenvironmental Sciences from Texas A&M in 2012.
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