City Council

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Oct. 22)

Standing (L-R): John Crompton, Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (L-R): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, John Nichols.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 22. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 910 2349 1784. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.

5:12 p.m.

The workshop has started.

5:28 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:

Northgate Parking Removal: The ordinance would add “No Parking Here to Corner” signs at entrances and exits to public garages and parking areas in the Northgate District, and also addresses four intersections with sight clearance concerns in the area. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Study: The $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols is for an update to the 2016 water and wastewater impact study. The contract will include the calibration of the existing water and wastewater extended-period models, updates to water and wastewater capital improvement plans, and updates to land use assumptions to determine the potential maximum fees under the Texas Administrative Code.

5:49 p.m.

Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers

The council voted unanimously to approve the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

6:04 p.m.

Destination Marketing

The council discussed and endorsed the city’s destination marketing strategy for tourism and economic development.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

6:34 p.m.

Small Business Advisory Group

The council discussed the formation of a small business advisory group and ways the city can engage with the small business community.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

6:38 p.m.

After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.

6:55 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

7:01 p.m.

Bill Harris Proclamation

The mayor issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Bill Harris for representing the city on the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District’s board of directors from 2013 to 2020.

7:04 p.m.

Hear Visitors

No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.

7:05 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.

The renewal of master agreements not to exceed $30,000 each for real estate appraisal services with Duff & Phelps, JLL Valuation & Advisory Services, Lowery Property Advisors, Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T. Lovett & Associates, and Valbridge Property Advisors.
An annual price agreement not to exceed $900,204 with KBS Electrical Distributors for electric three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
The renewal of an inter-local agreement with Brazos County for housing College Station Class C misdemeanor prisoners in the Brazos County Jail.
Annual price agreements not to exceed $1,351,302 for electric warehouse inventory materials with Anixter ($32,803), KBS Electrical Distributors ($288,083), Techline ($999,886), and Wesco Distribution ($30,530).
The removal of street parking at entrances and exits to public garages, parking areas, and certain intersections in the Northgate District.
A $140,000 funding agreement with Catholic Charities to provide case management and assistance to residents affected by COVID-19.
A $257,234 lease agreement for the property at 614 Holleman Drive East among the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of College Station and TRDWind Wolf Pen.
The first renewal of the master agreement not to exceed $150,000 with The Reynolds Company for Rockwell Automation products and services to maintain SCADA infrastructure.
A $4.61 million contract with Brazos Paving for base failure repairs and pavement treatments.
An ordinance prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue to Williams Street on school days.
A $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols to update the city-wide water and wastewater impact study.
The 2020 Property Tax Roll of $52.5 million.
A real estate contract to convey one-acre of city-owned property at 1820 Harvey Mitchell Parkway in Bryan.

7:18 p.m.

Bond Refunding

The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance and sale of as much as $17,085,000 of Certificates of Obligation Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2012. The refunding would reduce overall bond costs by about $2.19 million (amount corrected 10/23).

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:00 p.m.

COVID-19 Assistance

After a public hearing, the council discussed COVID-19 assistance provided by the city to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,000 in available CARES Act funding.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:02 p.m.

Baylor Scott & White Reimbursement

The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $748,000 with CARE Act funds to Baylor Scott & White for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:04 p.m.

CHI St. Joseph Reimbursement

The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $641,168 with CARE Act funds to CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:17 p.m.

Greenway to Parkland Conversion

The council voted unanimously to approve the conversion of 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:27 p.m.

Disaster Declaration Extension

The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.

8:29 p.m.

After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Nov. 12.

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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October 22, 2020 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: bill harris, Catholic Charities, city council, city council meetings, Colin Killian, COVID-19, declaration of disaster, greenways, marketing, parkland, property tax rolls, refunding bonds, small business, street sign toppers | 2 Comments

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.

The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 910 2349 1784. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.

To address the council via Zoom about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — you must register with the city secretary before the meeting by calling 979-764-3500 or emailing CSO@cstx.gov before the meeting starts. Written comments submitted to CSO@cstx.gov will be provided to the council members.

Here are five items to watch:

Street Sign Toppers: In the workshop, the council will discuss the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.
No Left From Gilchrist to Williams: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue onto Williams Street on school days to improve safety during pick-up and drop-off times.
Refunding Bonds: In the regular meeting, the council will consider the issuance and sale of as much as $17,085,000 of Certificates of Obligation Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2012. The refunding would reduce bond costs by about $1.46 million.
COVID-19 Assistance: After a public hearing, the council will discuss COVID-19 assistance provided to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,034 in available CARES Act funding.
Greenway to Parkland Conversion: On the regular agenda, the council will consider converting 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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October 21, 2020 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: city council, city council meetings, Colin Killian, COVID-19, greenways, parkland, refunding bonds, street sign toppers | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Oct. 8)

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 8. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 918 7308 4263. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.

5:14 p.m.

The workshop has started.

5:20 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:

Investment Policy, Broker-Dealer List and Investment Strategy: The Public Funds Investment Act requires an annual review and approval of the city’s investment policy and investment strategies. The act also requires the governing body to state that it has reviewed and adopted the policy and strategies. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:01 p.m.

Thoroughfare Landscaping

The council discussed the costs of landscaping on city-owned thoroughfares.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

6:03 p.m.

After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.

6:17 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

6:24 p.m.

Community Planning Month

The mayor proclaimed October as Community Planning Month.

6:27 p.m.

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The mayor proclaimed October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

6:27 p.m.

Hear Visitors

No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.

6:28 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.

An agreement with Avinext not to exceed $791,399 for the computer network upgrade project.
The first renewal of an annual $1.4 million contract with Fikes Wholesale for gasoline and diesel fuel.
The second one-year renewal of athletic field maintenance materials agreements not to exceed $188,360.95 with BWI Companies ($97,498.87) and Helena Agri-Enterprises ($90,862.08).
A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s investment policy, broker-dealer list and investment strategy.
A three-year interlocal agreement with the Texas A&M University System to pay the city $904,699 for aircraft rescue and fire fighting personnel, equipment, operational responsibilities, and command and control of the joint-use fire station at Easterwood Airport.
A resolution appointing Gary Mechler as a member of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors, subject to approval by the Brazos County Commissioners Court.

7:24 p.m.

Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to accept the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report features a list of possible strategies and actions, considerations for future map changes, and a summary of community and stakeholder input.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:30 p.m.

FY 20 Budget Amendment

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to increase FY 20 budget appropriations by $1.2 million due to the receipt of federal CARES Act funding. The city has incurred the expenses defined by the guidelines and is eligible for reimbursement.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:33 p.m.

Easement Abandonment

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a public utility easement at 1200 Foxfire Drive. Utilities in the easement have been abandoned, removed, and rerouted to accommodate development of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:46 p.m.

Replat Notification

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide a mailed notice of replat approvals to surrounding property owners in accordance with state law.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:51 p.m.

Easement Abandonment

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a public utility easement at 4427 Rocky Meadows Drive. The 10-foot wide portion of the easement is no longer necessary, and the remainder is adequate to serve existing public infrastructure.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:55 p.m.

Highway 6 Rezoning

After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to General Commercial for about 10 acres at 4111 State Highway 6 South. The change would help attract commercial opportunities to vacant land near a major highway.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:57 p.m.

Councilman John Nichols offered his thanks to Bill Harris, who has represented College Station for nine years on the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors.

8:04 p.m.

After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Oct. 22.

About the Blogger

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October 8, 2020 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: budget amendment, city council, city council meetings, Colin Killian, comp plan, comprehensive plan, Evaluation and Appraisal Report, replat notification, rezoning, thoroughfare landscaping | Leave a comment

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.

The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 918 7308 4263. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.

Here are five items to watch:

Thoroughfare Landscaping: In the workshop, the council will discuss the costs for landscaping on city-owned thoroughfares.
Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report: After a public hearing, the council will consider accepting the Comprehensive Plan’s10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report features a list of possible strategies and actions, considerations for future map changes, and a summary of community and stakeholder input.
FY 20 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider increasing FY 20 budget appropriations by $1.2 million due to the receipt of federal CARES Act funding. The city has incurred the expenses defined by the guidelines and is eligible for reimbursement.
Replat Notification: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to include the option of providing a mailed notice of replat approval to surrounding property owners.
Highway 6 Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to General Commercial for about 10 acres at 4111 State Highway 6 South. The change would help attract commercial opportunities to vacant land near a major highway.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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October 7, 2020 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: city council, city council meetings, Colin Killian | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Sept. 24)

Standing (L-R): John Crompton, Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (L-R): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, John Nichols.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Sept. 24. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 980 8998 1712. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom. If the call-in number isn’t functioning, access will be through the internet link only.

4:18 p.m.

The workshop has started.

4:52 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council pulled for discussion these items from tonight’s consent agenda:

Fees, Rates, and Charges: The council adopts a new resolution each year to keep current the city’s fees, rates, and charges as provided by the Code of Ordinances.
Madden Media Contract: Experience Bryan College Station has been working with Madden Media for the past year and a half. Madden has performed digital advertising for all three tourism markets as well as search engine optimization and search engine marketing. With the dissolution of Experience BCS, and per consultation with the City of College Station Public Communications Department, Madden Media has been selected to continue digital marketing and advertising efforts an additional year for an amount not to exceed $336,520.
Property Casualty, Excess General Liability and Excess Workers’ Compensation: Overall insurance premiums for FY 21 increased $138,783.45 over FY20, or about 24.3%.
Arts Council Agreement: The $358,178 in this agreement is budgeted in the 2020-2021 Hotel Tax Fund budget. State law requires that the city council adopt the budget of any organization that is to be funded through hotel tax revenue. The Arts Council budget was presented for approval with the operations and maintenance funding agreement consent agenda item.
Sewer Service Policy Exception for James Rourk: Mr. Rourk asked the city to provide sanitary sewer service to a home outside the city limits and within the certificated area for sewer. He has consented to bear all infrastructure cost for connecting to the city system. City policy prohibits the extension of sewer service outside the city limits without annexation, but it does allow exceptions under specific circumstances. In 2006, the Water Services Department constructed an adjacent sewer line and has allowed other exceptions.

5:38 p.m.

TxDOT Projects

The council discussed the Texas Department of Transportation’s projects in College Station.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

5:39 p.m.

The council is taking a short break.

6:03 p.m.

The workshop has resumed.

6:37 p.m.

Veterans Park Enhancements

The council discussed future enhancements to Veterans Park & Athletic Complex.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:38 p.m.

Definitions of Family and Related

The council discussed possible modifications to the city’s definition and enforcement of the terms “family” and “related” as they apply to the number of unrelated persons that may reside together. The consensus of the council was to make the definitions more inclusive.

Public hearings will be conducted in the fall before the council adopts the new definitions. Meanwhile, the development of a restricted occupancy overlay has been put on hold.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

7:40 p.m.

After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.

7:51 p.m.

The workshop has started.

7:55 p.m.

Constitution Week

The mayor proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.

8:05 p.m.

Hear Visitors

Two people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.

Richard Dusold spoke against building a new Thomas Park swimming pool.
David Flash said Council Member Linda Harvell has made false statements about him and tried to discredit him. He asked council members to adhere to the Aggie Code of Honor.
Craig Regan asked that notices be sent to residents when major changes are considered in an area, such as the construction of the new water tower on State Highway 6.

8:06 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council unanimously voted to approve the entire consent agenda.

A $321,644.66 contract with Utility Restoration Services for annual padmount equipment repair and restoration.
A change order deducting $55,700 from a contract with Jones & Carter for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements Project.
A resolution adopting fees, rates and charges as provided in the city’s Code of Ordinances.
A five-year, $657,160 technology services contract with Tyler Technologies for municipal court case management software implementation, licensing and maintenance, and support services.
A change order adding $119,358 to a contract with Stantec Consulting Services for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Buildings Nos. 2 & 3 project.
A $287,000 contract with Kimley-Horn for the Rock Prairie Road East Widening Project.
A resolution approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., MidTex Division, regarding the company’s 2020 rate review mechanism filings.
The rejection of bids for the Spring Creek Substation Battery House Enclosure.
A contract not to exceed $336,520 with Madden Media.
A $205,000 contract with SynchroGrid for electric consulting and engineering services.
City of College Station Excess Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property/Boiler & Machinery, Commercial Crime, EMT Liability, Auto Property Damage, Cyber Liability, Unmanned Aircraft liability and property; Special Events policies for Fiscal Year 2021. FY21 premiums for all lines of coverage are not to exceed $710,000.
The purchase of electric warehouse inventory not to exceed $182,748 from Landis+Gyr Technology for the Automated Metering Infrastructure System.
A resolution authorizing expenditures of $248,520 to the Aggieland Humane Society.
A $358,178 agreement with Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for affiliate funding and art and tourism marketing.
A $91,750 agreement with Arts Council of the Brazos Valley agency funding.
A $350,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
A $22,500 funding agreement with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s budget.
A $46,730 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
A $22,500 funding agreement with the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos
Valley and the organization’s budget.
A $143,550 contract with Iteris for services, equipment and software for automated traffic signal performance measures.
The renewal of two contracts totaling $115,809.50 for sign posts and signs.
An ordinance reducing the speed limit to 35 mph on North Forest Parkway between State
Highway 6 and Appomattox Drive.
A $150,000 sponsorship agreement with Santa’s Wonderland.

8:25 p.m.

The council unanimously voted to approve this item after it was pulled for continued discussion:

A resolution allowing James Rourk to construct sewer infrastructure necessary to connect his home to the city’s sanitary sewer system as an exception to city policy.

8:26 p.m.

Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report

The council will consider the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report at its Oct. 8 meeting.

8:30 p.m.

Hot Mix Asphalt Contract

The council unanimously voted to approve annual price agreements with Knife River ($1.4 million) and BPI Materials ($600,000) for Type D Hot Mix Asphalt to be picked up by city crews or delivered to the job site as requested for street maintenance.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

8:49 p.m.

Lick Creek Trunk Line Change Order

The council unanimously voted to approve a $571,314.94 change order to the contract with Thalle Construction for the Lick Creek Trunk Line project.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

9:08 p.m.

Jones Butler Road Extension Design

The council unanimously voted to approve a $1.28 million contract with Kimley-Horn for the design of the Jones Butler Road extension.

Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:

9:10 p.m.

Extension of Disaster Declaration

The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.

9:12 p.m.

BVSWMA Board Appointment

The council voted unanimously to appoint Bill Lartigue to a three-year term on the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s Board of Directors.

9:19 p.m.

After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Oct. 8.

About the Blogger

If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!

September 24, 2020 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: city council, city council meetings, Colin Killian, comp plan, comprehensive plan, Evaluation and Appraisal Report, North Forest, restricted occupancy, speed limits, TxDOT, UDO, Unified Development Ordinance, veterans park | Leave a comment

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 3:30 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.

The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 980 8998 1712. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom. If the call-in number isn’t functioning, access will be through the internet link only.

Here are five items to watch:

Definitions of Family and Related: The council will have a workshop discussion about possible modifications to the city’s definition and enforcement of the terms “family” and “related” as they apply to the number of unrelated persons that may reside together. While the ew definitions are considered, development of a restricted occupancy overlay has been put on hold.
Veterans Park Enhancements: The council will hear a workshop presentation about future enhancements to Veterans Park & Athletic Complex.
TxDOT Projects: Another workshop item is an overview of the Texas Department of Transportation’s projects in College Station.
North Forest Speed Limit: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider reducing the speed limit to 35 mph on North Forest Parkway between State Highway 6 and Appomattox Drive to address safety concerns.
Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report: After a public hearing, the council will consider accepting the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report serves identifies the plan’s successes and shortcomings and recommends modifications.