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!
Live Blog: Tuesday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 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.
5:52 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda.
- Preston Cunha spoke about the need for a voting place on the Texas A&M campus for the upcoming city council special election.
5:59 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to select Councilman Linda Harvell to a second term as mayor pro tempore, which acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.
6:20 p.m.
Utility Franchise Fees
The council discussed franchise fees the city collects for utility services. The presentation included an overview of providers, service areas, and revenues.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
New City Hall Design
The council reviewed the exterior design of the new city hall to be built near the existing facility on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:36 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a 15-minute break.
6:52 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
La Villita DAR Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Week.
7:03 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.
- Janet Dudding, a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 14, spoke about local control of issues and coordination with state government.
7:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Renewal of the contract with CHI St. Joseph Health for Employee Health Clinic operations and management services.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance, and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- A $2.13 million contract with Caprock Construction for the demolition and reconstruction of three facilities at Bee Creek Park and Central Park.
- Adoption of the 2020 Council Calendar.
- A $633,067.84 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for design phase services for Corporate Parkway.
The council voted separately on this item:
- The council voted unanimously to authorize a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years of Place 4 on the city council.
7:13 p.m.
Annexation Service Agreement
The council voted unanimously to approve an annexation service agreement for about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The property owner requested the annexation, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
Wellborn Road Annexation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The owner has an interest in selling the property for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Crescent Pointe Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 10-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the Crescent Pointe Phase One subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Wellborn Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to General Commercial for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The change better aligns the property with the area’s existing uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to Suburban Commercial and General Commercial for about 1.5 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
2019 Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the annual review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. The document highlights the city’s major initiatives in 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:42 p.m.
Systemwide Impact Fees
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Full fee implementation occurred in late 2018. The service area for roadway impact fees is within the city limits, but the water and wastewater service area include parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:39 p.m.
NCO Process Handbook
The council voted unanimously to accept the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process. The handbook outlines the responsibilities of the neighborhood and the city and includes checklists and templates for rezoning petitions, neighborhood meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:42 p.m.
Council Committees and Commissions
The council appointed fellow councilmembers to represent the city on various intergovernmental and community committees.
8:49 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 9.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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 Tuesday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Tuesday at city hall for its final workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings of 2019.
Here are five items to watch:
- City Hall Exterior: In the workshop, the council will review the exterior design of the new city hall building.
- Special City Council Election: The consent item includes an ordinance authorizing a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years for Place 4 on the city council. Elianor Vessali resigned last month to run for the U.S. Congressional District 17 seat.
- Wellborn Road Annexation: After a public hearing, the council will consider a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The council will also consider an annexation service agreement.
- Wellborn Road Land Use and Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use and zoning for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The changes would align the property with existing uses in the area.
- NCO Process Handbook: The council will discuss the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process.
At a 3 p.m. ceremony before the workshop, the city will announce its 2019 employee of the year, followed by a short reception.
Related Links:
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!
Mayors face off Saturday in Salvation Army Ring Off
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The cities of Bryan and College Station seem to relish the opportunity to compete in just about anything — even Christmas.
But don’t worry, we aren’t competing to see who can attract the most business or tourists, at least not this time. Instead, how about a little friendly competition to help The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, shelter, toys, financial assistance and counseling to those in need in the Brazos Valley?
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney and Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson will participate in the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas campaign by ringing bells and collecting donations at local Walmart stores on Saturday from noon-1 p.m. Mooney will be at the College Station Walmart, while Nelson will be at the Bryan Walmart on Briarcrest. (more…)
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 25)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Nov. 25. 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.
5:07 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:14 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council discussed this item from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- School Zone Times: Changing the operational time and posted hours of several school zones would better align with the presence of crossing guards. School zone speed limits are kept as consistent as possible among similar schools while not exceeding a 15 mph reduction from the roadway’s posted limit.
-
IT Infrastructure Purchases: The city replaces Information Technology infrastructure when its useful life ends, or it becomes obsolete. A revolver amount of debt has been set aside in the General Government CIP Fund for those critical infrastructure needs. The Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt is necessary because the long-term debt projected won’t be issued until later this fiscal year.
5:39 p.m.
Historical Marker Guidelines
The council discussed the revised City of College Station Historical Marker application guidelines. The new standards are on the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:40 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m.
6:02 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:07 p.m.
Small Business Saturday
The Mayor proclaimed Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday.
6:10 p.m.
National Influenza Vaccination Month
The mayor proclaimed December as National Influenza Vaccination Month.
6:13 p.m.
Planning Excellence Award
The mayor recognized the Planning and Development Services Department for receiving the American Planning Association’s Program for Planning Excellence award.
6:15 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.
6:16 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A change order deducting $78,292 from the contract with Freese & Nichols for the Drainage Master Plan.
- Changed the school zone operational times for Greens Prairie Elementary School, Pecan Trail Intermediate School, Spring Creek Elementary School, and Riverbend Elementary School.
- An annual blanket order not to exceed $592,500 with Brazos Paving for cement stabilized flex base and Type D Grade 1 cement stabilized recycled crushed concrete base.
- Revisions to the resolution authorizing the city manager or his designee to be the signatory authority for standard agreement documents related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Congestion Revenue Rights; gas hedging bids; and any other power supply related transactions, excluding power supply contracts.
- A Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt relating to information technology infrastructure purchases.
- The revised City of College Station Historical Marker application guidelines.
6:25 p.m.
Rock Prairie-Holleman Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District and Rural to Planned Development District for about three acres southwest of the Rock Prairie Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
The applicant plans to develop two commercial buildings — rather than the single structure previously approved — with convenience store/fuel sales proposed as a stand-alone use.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:27 p.m.
Construction Manager at Risk Reduction
The council voted unanimously to approve a $762,010 reduction in the Construction Manager at Risk contract with Vaughn Construction for the new police station. The change order releases funds for work items mitigated through September.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:28 p.m.
Experience B-CS Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint newly elected Councilman John Crompton to Experience B-CS‘s board of directors, filling the two-year unexpired term of outgoing Councilman Jerome Rektorik.
6:34 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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!
