Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Feb. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Feb. 10. 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.
5:29 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of the council’s executive session.
5:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Fitch/Wellborn Interchange: The $1.34 million contract is for the preliminary design of the Fitch Parkway/Wellborn Road Interchange and the Wellborn Road Widening Project. The contract’s scope includes the feasibility study of an interchange at Fitch and Wellborn that would include a separated grade crossing of the Union Pacific railroad tracks and connect into the city roadway network west of the tracks. The scope also includes the feasibility study and schematic design for widening Wellborn Road from Graham Road to Greens Prairie Road.
5:47 p.m.
Consolidated Plan for Federal Grants
The council discussed the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan for federal grants received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The process includes a community needs assessment, housing market analysis, and housing conditions survey.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Smoking Ordinance and Vaping
The council discussed health concerns about vaping and possibly adding electronic cigarettes and vaping to the city’s smoking ordinance. The consensus of the council was for staff to bring back an ordinance for consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:09 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
6:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:26 p.m.
United Way 2-1-1 Day
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed Saturday as United Way of the Brazos Valley 2-1-1 Day.
6:28 p.m.
Fun for All Playground
The Fun for All Playground Committee presented an $875,000 check to the city for the second phase of the playground’s construction.
6:32 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.
- Denise Snyder spoke against CSU’s implementation of advanced digital electric meters.
6:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $1.34 million contract with Halff Associates for the preliminary design phase services for the SH 40/FM 2154 Interchange and FM 2154 Widening Project
- A law enforcement mutual aid agreement with Texas A&M, Blinn College, the Brazos County Sheriff, Brazos County Precinct 1-4 Constables, and the City of Bryan.
- A $180,575 contract with Jamail & Smith Construction to replace CSU’s warehouse lift/freight elevator.
- The second and last renewal of the annual meter reading contract not to exceed $560,000 with Alexander’s Contract Services.
- A contract for a not to exceed $123,190 with Ramtech Building Systems for the purchase, delivery, and installation of a modular building for CSU.
- A contract not to exceed $250,000 with DIJ Construction for annual pavement striping and markings.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Texas Commercial Waste for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Maroon Dumpsters for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- An inter-local cooperation agreement and a resolution of support and consent for the City of Bryan Municipal Setting Designation Application.
6:38 p.m.
FY 20 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $6.25 million amendment to the city’s FY 20 budget. For more details about the amendment items, see page 291 of the agenda packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:40 p.m.
Yellow Tanager Court Right-of-Way
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a small portion of right-of-way west of the Yellow Tanager Court-Cinnamon Teal Drive intersection in the Bird Pond Phase 2 Subdivision. The abandonment allows the development of the nearby Waterford Estates.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:44 p.m.
Mission Ranch Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a 15-foot wide portion of an unused public utility easement in the Mission Ranch development. The abandonment allows for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:10 p.m.
Advanced Electric Meter Contracts
The council voted unanimously to approve contracts of $6.8 million with Landis+Gyr Technology and $517,000 with IPKeys Power Partners to support the implementation of CSU’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter & Operational Data Management (MODM) System.
The item wasn’t a public hearing, but resident Denise Snyder spoke about what she claims are the negative health effects of the meters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:15 p.m.
Data Backup and Recovery Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a five-year agreement not to exceed $517,118 with Freeit Data Solutions for data backup and recovery.
The IT Department is replacing internet firewalls, desktop antivirus software, and email protection systems. Enhanced data protection is necessary to combat the increasing sophistication of cyber attackers and in preparation for disasters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council approved the appointment of Linda Harvell to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, Mayor Mooney to the Architectural Advisory Committee, and John Nichols to the Compensation and Benefits Committee.
7:20 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Thursday, Feb. 27.
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.
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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Plan for Federal Grants: The council will have a workshop discussion about the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan to receive federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Smoking Ordinance and Vaping: Another workshop item is a discussion about health concerns regarding vaping and adding language to the smoking ordinance to include electronic cigarettes and vaping.
- Fun for All Playground: At the start of the regular meeting, the Fun for All Playground Committee will present an $875,000 check to the city.
- FY 20 Budget Amendment: The council will consider A $6.25 million amendment to the city’s FY 20 budget. For a detailed listing of amendment items, see page 291 of the agenda packet.
- Advanced Electric Meter Contracts: The council will consider contracts of $6.8 million with Landis+Gyr Technology and $517,000 with IPKeys Power Partners to support the implementation of the electric utility’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter and Operational Data Management (MODM) System.
Related Links:
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 23)
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. 23. 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.
5:29 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken in the executive session.
5:29 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:52 p.m.
Short-Term Rentals
After discussing possible short-term rental housing regulations and hotel occupancy taxes, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance for the council’s consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:19 p.m.
Tree Preservation and Buffering
The council discussed potential regulatory options for new single-family homes to protect existing trees and provide a buffer to existing single-family homes in established neighborhoods. Staff was directed to explore a possible ordinance for the council’s consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:25 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and heard committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
7:36 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:39 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.
7:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Changed the runoff election to April 18, if needed, after the Jan. 28 special election for Place 4 on the city council.
- An annual purchase agreement not to exceed $115,000 with Fort Bend Services for dewatering chemical.
- Annual purchases not to exceed $150,000 with NAPA Auto Parts (through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance) for auto parts, shop equipment and services.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $150,000 from SiddonsMartin Emergency Group (through the Buy Board Purchasing Cooperative) for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 with Lonestar Freightliner Group (through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative) for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not to exceed $300,000 with Southern Tire Mart (through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative).
- A service contract not to exceed $210,000 with Xpedient Mail for utility bill printing and mailing services.
- An annual service contract estimated at $1,200,000 with Paymentus Corporation for payment processing services.
- The first amendment to an $18,160 agreement with Intrado Interactive Services Corporation for an economic development website.
- A $305,000 contract with Dunham Engineering for designing and inspecting the recoating of the Greens Prairie Elevated Storage Tank.
7:50 p.m.
Building Setback Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow the reduction of the side-yard building setback for certain single-family zoning districts down to five feet. Fifteen feet of building separation would have to be maintained between primary structures.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:04 p.m.
Tourism Consultant Study
The council directed the city manager to form a selection committee to hire a consultant this spring to study local tourism and explore opportunities to increase hotel occupancy. The council voted unanimously to include a local hotelier as a member of the committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:06 p.m.
Experience B-CS Appointment
The council voted unanimously to concur with the City of Bryan in appointing Noel Mayes to fill an unexpired term on the Experience Bryan-College Station board. The term expires in October.
8:09 p.m.
Spring Creek LGC Appointments
The council voted unanimously to appoint Jane Kee and Thomas Jackson to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation board.
8:15 p.m.
Committee Appointments
- The council appointed Mark Smith as the chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
- The council appointed Gerald Burgner, Shirley Dupriest, Lou Hodges, Thomas Smith, and William Wright to the Historic Preservation Committee. Burgner was selected as chairman.
8:18 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 13.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian 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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Short-Term Rentals: The council will have a workshop discussion about possible short-term rental housing regulations and the collection of hotel occupancy taxes.
- Tree Preservation and Buffering: Another workshop item is potential regulatory options for new single-family homes to protect existing trees and provide a buffer to existing single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
- Building Setback Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow for the reduction of the side-yard building setback for certain single-family zoning districts down to five feet.
- Tourism Market Study: The council will consider engaging an outside consultant to identify opportunities to increase hotel occupancy.
- Board and Committee Appointments: The council will make appointments to the Experience Bryan-College Station board, the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, the Historic Preservation Committee, and the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
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 (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.
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 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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
