Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 14)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, June 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:05 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session. Councilman James Benham is participating via teleconference.
5:19 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled these consent items for discussion:
- A&M Consolidated School Zone: The extension school zone time to 4:15 p.m. around A&M Consolidated High School on Nueces Drive, Welsh Avenue and FM 2818.
- Stop Signs: The addition of stop signs at various intersections.
- Wire & Cable: A $712,700 bid award to Techline for the purchase of wire and cable to be maintained in inventory.
- Tree Trimming Services: A $1.5 million, three-year contract with All Around Tree Service for electric right-of-way tree trimming services.
- Solid Waste Collection Fees: The first increase in fees for residential solid waste collection services since 2006. The last commercial rate increase was in 2014. Click here to see the proposed rates.
- Economic Development Incentives: The resolution would re-adopt the city’s guidelines regarding property tax abatement as required by state law.
6:11 p.m.
Homestead Tax Exemption
The council directed staff to bring back an ordinance creating a five percent Homestead Property Tax Exemption. Homestead exemptions remove part of a home’s value from taxation, such as the first $25,000 or $50,000 of assessed value. The ordinance will be considered at the June 28 council meeting.
To offset the estimated revenue loss of $664,000, the council will consider a 3/4-cent tax increase as part of the FY19 budget process later this summer.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
6:36 p.m.
ETJ, Annexation Agreements
The consensus of the council was to extend the city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) from 3 1/2 miles to five miles. The ordinance will come back for a vote at a future meeting. Council also opted to offer new 10-year annexation agreements to several property owners in the ETJ.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:37 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:47 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:59 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Robert Rose gave a short presentation on the Austin Veloway and suggested College Station pursue a similar amenity for its citizens.
- Stacy Watt also spoke in support of a local veloway.
7:02 p.m.
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Girl Scout Gold Award Day in College Station and recognized local girl scout Ashley Poprik for creating a winning documentary entitled Camp for All. Ashley recently graduated from A&M Consolidated High School and plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin.
7;03 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The extension school zone times to 4:15 p.m. around A&M Consolidated High School on Nueces Drive, Welsh Avenue and FM 2818.
- The addition of stop signs at various intersections.
- A $712,700 annual bid award to Techline for the purchase of wire and cable to be maintained in electrical inventory.
- A three-year, $1.5 million contract with All Around Tree Service for electric right-of-way tree trimming services.
- A $364,759.40 contract with Palomares Construction for sidewalk improvements along Southwest Parkway between Wellborn Road and Welsh Avenue.
- An inter-local agreement with the City of Cedar Hill for cooperative purchasing.
- A $409,825.90 contract with Binkley & Barfield for engineering services related to the design of the Greens Prairie Trail Widening Project.
- The first increase in fees for residential solid waste collection services since 2006. The last commercial rate increase was in 2014.
- Established fees, rates and charges for commercial and residential burn permits.
- A $93,272.19 change order to a contract with Acklam Construction and a time extension of 45 days for changes at the Larry J. Ringer Library.
- A $1.34 million contract with Forbes Bros.Timberline Construction to replace 12 transmission poles and hardware and 5.62 miles of steel shield wire on the transmission line with optical ground wire fiber optic conductor.
- A $425,203 contract for the purchase of right-of-way for the Capstone/Barron Road Realignment Project.
- A resolution to re-adopt the city’s guidelines and criteria governing property tax abatement.
- Ratification of the city manager’s authority to designate Experience Bryan-College Station as the local organizing committee to coordinate the funding application for the 2018 American Quarter Horse Association Youth World Cup and approval of the event support contract.
7:11 p.m.
Rezoning on Lakeway Drive
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for about seven acres along the south side of Lakeway Drive near the Medical Avenue intersection. The change will allow a senior housing development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Non-Residential Landscaping and Buffer Requirements
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding landscaping requirements and buffer standards.
Here’s a summary of the changes:
- Encouraging drought tolerant irrigation by increasing the point credit from 10 percent to 20 percent for water-conserving irrigation systems.
- Providing an extra 50 percent increase in landscaping points for Texas native plants.
- Incentivizing the retention of older or larger trees by doubling the point values for each protected tree.
- Creating administrative flexibility to waive buffer requirements adjacent to residential common area and exempting buffers adjacent to FEMA 100-year floodplain.
- Removing the double landscape point requirements for building plots over 10 acres.
- Removing the heightened 2.5-inch caliper tree requirement for building plots over 15 acres and allowing these sites to meet the 2-inch caliper tree requirement of other sites.
- Providing water conserving landscaping options such as xeriscaping in lieu of sod.
- Requiring buffer by developed or proposed use instead of by zoning district.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:14 p.m.
Caprock 31 Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Rural and General Commercial to Planned Development District for about 31 acres southwest of the Arrington Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Rock Prairie Road Improvements
The council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Brazos County for improvements to Rock Prairie Road from Holleman Drive to Wellborn Road. The proposed cross-section of the roadway is two travel lanes, a continuous two-way left turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:35 p.m.
Experience B-CS Appointment
The council unanimously appointed Karen Bonarrigo to fill the last two years of Paul Bonarrigo’s term on the Experience Bryan-College Station board. Mr. Bonarrigo is stepping down due to competing responsibilities.
8:35 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 28.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
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 workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Homestead Tax Exemption: The council will have a workshop discussion about creating a Homestead Property Tax Exemption and the impact it would have on the city and its taxpayers. Homestead exemptions remove part of a home’s value from taxation, such as the first $25,000 or $50,000 of assessed value.
- Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: The council will have a workshop discussion about possibly extending the city’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) to five miles.
- Solid Waste Collection Rates: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider increasing the fees for solid waste collection services. The last residential rate increase was in 2010.
- Caprock 31 Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider changing the zoning from Rural and General Commercial to Planned Development District for about 31 acres southwest of the Arrington Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection.
- Rock Prairie Road Agreement: The council will consider an inter-local agreement with Brazos County for improvements to Rock Prairie Road from Holleman Drive to Wellborn Road. The proposed cross-section of the roadway is two travel lanes, a continuous two-way left turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 24)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, May 24. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:32 p.m.
The workshop has started. Mayor Karl Mooney is absent tonight. Mayor Pro Tem James Benham will preside. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No consent items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:56 p.m.
Northgate Pedestrian Safety
The council heard a presentation about temporary measures to enhance pedestrian safety in the Northgate area, including the closing of Boyett Street at University Drive on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. An ongoing comprehensive study will help determine permanent changes.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
6:13 p.m.
Texas 4-H Horse Show
The council unanimously approved $25,000 in College Station Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds per year to support the Brazos County Expo Center’s bid to host the Texas State 4-H Horse Show for the next five years.
Other possible funding partners and their annual HOT fund commitment are Experience BCS ($35,000), the City of Bryan for ($25,000) Brazos County ($50,000), and Expo Rewards Program ($12,000). The combined commitment for all partners is $147,000 per year for a total of $735,000 over five years.
The Texas State 4-H Horse Show is an eight-day event in July. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated an economic impact of $887,400 and 1,416 room nights for the 2017 show in Abilene. For the 2019 event, Experience BCS estimates an economic impact of $809,884 with 2,000 hotel room nights.
6:16 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Benham adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start immediately.
6:16 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:24 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- The president of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Association spoke about maintaining the trees as a buffer between the subdivision and Lowe’s.
- A resident spoke about issues with development in her Woodlands Hills neighborhood.
- A resident spoke about the importance of trees and green areas in maintaining a healthy environment.
6:24 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Renewal of a contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics and a data use agreement for access to confidential information.
- The $135,814.39 purchase of new grounds maintenance equipment from Professional Turf Products for the Parks and Recreation Department.
- The Semi-Annual Report on Small Area Impact Fees and System-Wide Impact Fees for Water, Wastewater, and Roadway.
- A three-year, $1.2 million contract with SEL Engineering Services for electrical engineering services.
- An ordinance repealing and terminating the Medical District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.
- A $600,000 real estate contract for property for the planned Fire Station No. 7.
- The second restatement of the inter-local agreement with the City of Bryan, City of Brenham, Brazos County, Washington County, Texas A&M University, and Grimes County for the construction, acquisition, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System.
- A $337,182.47 general services agreement with ASAP Security Solutions for a video surveillance system in the Northgate District and in the Northgate Parking Garage.
6:31 p.m.
FY18 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a $4.13 million amendment to the city’s FY18 budget. Most of the amendment covers Phase II of the Veterans Park & Athletic Complex Build-Out ($1.55 million), the Fun for All Playground ($1 million), a design contract for Southeast Park ($400,000), and land for a new fire station.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:34 p.m.
Wellborn Road-Royder Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning designation from Planned Development District and Suburban Commercial to Wellborn Commercial for about four acres at the intersection of Wellborn Road and the future Royder Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:37 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Wellborn Commercial for about 4.4 acres south of the Wellborn Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:01 p.m.
College Station Business Center
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the College Station Business Center Development Plan, formerly known as the Spring Creek Corporate Campus.The Spring Creek Local Government Corporation will work with staff to implement the next phases of the Business Center, including platting, infrastructure design, deed restrictions, development standards, naming, signage, and branding.
The plan includes the development of about 250 acres of city-owned property along the east side of State Highway 6 South, north of W.D. Fitch Parkway, and south of Lick Creek.
The city began purchasing property in the area almost 20 years ago for the eventual development of a business park. The city owns about 485 acres, including significant areas of preserved greenway. The council’s Economic Development Committee and the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation have jointly overseen the development plan process.
The plan acts as an internal guide for the development of the business park and includes assessment of existing conditions, flexible land planning, potential industry targets, infrastructure demands and financing, and marketing and branding efforts. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:02 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7;02 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Benham adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 14.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
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 workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Northgate Pedestrian Safety: The council will hear a workshop presentation on proposals for temporary measures to enhance pedestrian safety in the Northgate area, including the closing of Boyett Street at University Drive on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. An ongoing comprehensive study will help determine permanent changes.
- Fire Station No. 7 Property: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $600,000 real estate contract to purchase about four acres on Wellborn Road for the city’s seventh fire station. The item is part of the budget amendment on the regular meeting agenda.
- Northgate Video Surveillance: Also on the consent agenda is a $337,000 general services agreement with ASAP Security Solutions for the first phase of a video surveillance system in the Northgate District and Northgate Parking Garage.
- FY18 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $4.13 million amendment to the city’s FY18 budget. Most of the amendment covers Phase II of the Veterans Park & Athletic Complex Build-Out ($1.55 million), the Fun for All Playground ($1 million), a design contract for Southeast Park ($400,000), and land for a new fire station.
- Rezonings on Wellborn Road: After public hearings, the council will consider requests to rezoning two properties along Wellborn Road south of Greens Prairie Road to allow for commercial development. One is for about four acres, and the other is for 4.4 acres.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (May 14)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, May 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:10 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:16 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled this consent item for workshop discussion:
- Northgate Parking Meter Agreement: The $109,450 contract with IPS Group is for an upgraded on-street parking meter system in Northgate. The use of parking meters is designed to encourage turnover for businesses and to provide short-term parking options.
5:34 p.m.
RVP Compliance Report
The council heard a presentation by the Research Valley Partnership on project compliance in 2017.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:49 p.m.
Controlled Burns
The council heard a presentation from College Station Fire Marshal Eric Dotson about the city’s controlled burn policies.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:52 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start at 6 p.m.
6:04 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Councilman Barry Moore is absent tonight.
6:08 p.m.
Arts Council College Arts Scholarships
Chief Executive Officer Chris Dyer presented the Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s annual College Arts Scholarships, which are awarded each year to deserving young artists in the Brazos Valley. This year’s recipients are Anna Miller ($5,000) and Charlotte Brumbelow ($3,000) both of A&M Consolidated.
Miller (below) plans to study music education at the University of Oklahoma, and Brumbelow will pursue a theatre degree from the University of Texas. Also pictured are ACBV board members Pam Smits and Coleen Bradfield, ACBV executive director Chris Dyer, and Mayor Mooney. Brumbelow was unable to attend.
6:12 p.m.
National Public Works Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed May 20-26 as National Public Works Week to recognize public works for providing, maintaining, and improving the structures and services that assure a higher quality of life for the nation’s communities. Pictured below are (L-R) Mark Mcauliffe, Troy Rother, Raquel Gonzales, Susan Monnat, Mayor Karl Mooney, Donald Harmon, Martin Mcgehee, and Jason Best.
6:15 p.m.
National Bike Month
The mayor proclaimed May as National Bike Month to showcase the many benefits of bicycling and encourage more people to try it. Click here for more about biking and here for a map of local biking facilities. Receiving the proclamation (below, l-r) were Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Board Member Jonathan Coopersmith, Councilwoman Linda Harvell, committee members Tina Evans and Neal Johnson, CSPD Bike Patrol Officer George Humes, and Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Senior Project Manager Venessa Garza.
6:24 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Lisa Halperin criticized what she sees as the biased nature of the city’s recent survey about possible changes to its Unified Development Ordinance.
- Hugh Lindsay spoke against Texas A&M’s bike share program and how the yellow bikes are left all over town.
6:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A service and extended warranty contract for $109,450 with IPS Group to upgrade Northgate on-street single-space parking meters and for monthly operating and credit card transaction fees not to exceed $15,000 per year.
- A $128,736 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements to Gabbard Park.
- A $199,410 contract with Hawkins Architecture for renovating and rebuilding park structures in Bee Creek Park and Beachy Central Park.
- A $124,722 purchase order from Fouts Brothers for one light rescue response vehicle.
- An inter-local agreement with the City of Grapevine for cooperative purchasing activities.
- Renewal of an annual contract not-to-exceed $100,000 with Larry Young Paving for the repaving of utility cuts as needed.
- The Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System’s FY19 operating budget, the city’s payment not-to-exceed $170,103.03, BVWACS FY19 capital equipment replacement reserve fund budget, and the city’s payment not-to-exceed $58,795.30.
6:47 p.m.
Naming the Arts Council Building
The council voted 4-2 to approve a request to change the name of The Bob and Wanda Meyer Community Center to The Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center. Councilmen James Benham and Jerome Rektorik voted against the motion.
In March, the council approved The Bob and Wanda Meyer Community Center as the building’s name. In April, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board voted 7-1 to recommend renaming the building The Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center. Consequently, the Senior Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Board asked the council to reconsider its earlier decision.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:27 p.m.
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan Update
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the updated Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan. Since the original plan was adopted in 201, the city has grown and changes warranted a re-evaluation of the community’s needs.
As a component of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the updated plan provides goals and strategies and focuses around the need to improve connectivity and accessibility, enhance safety, increase bicycling and walking, and encourage environmental stewardship.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:35 p.m.
RVP Board Appointment
The council unanimously selected Johnny Burns to finish an unexpired term as the city’s representative on the Research Valley Partnership board of directors. The term ends in June.
7:37 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Thursday, May 24.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- RVP Incentives Compliance Report: The council will hear a workshop presentation by the Research Valley Partnership about project compliance in 2017.
- Controlled Burn Permits: The council will have a workshop discussion on the city’s policies regarding controlled burn permits.
- Gabbard Park Improvements: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $128,736 contract for replacement of the fence, fishing pier, and walking bridge at Gabbard Park.
- Park Structures Contract: Another consent item is a $199,400 contract for architectural services regarding the renovation and rebuild of the Bee Creek concession building and Beachy Central Park’s pavilion and restroom.
- Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Master Plan: After a public hearing, the council will consider accepting updates to the city’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Master Plan, which was adopted as part of the Comprehensive Plan in 2010.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
