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:
- Water Fund: In the workshop, the council will discuss the status of the water utility fund and the challenges it faces from growth, future capacity needs, and the impact of rainfall patterns.
- Smart City Initiatives: The council will hear a workshop presentation about the city’s technology-driven smart city initiatives. The discussion will include public sector trends and the types of advisory boards that exist in the industry.
- Northgate Park: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $418,000 contract with Caprock Construction for the development of Northgate Park, a 1 ½-acre neighborhood park that will include lighted trails, open play areas, benches, a small lighted pavilion with picnic tables, and drinking fountains.
- Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $2.33 million amendment to the city’s FY19 budget. Items include an attenuator truck and two equipment operators for the Solid Waste Division, parkland dedication funds, an assistant to the city manager, medical claims, and a cemetery water line.
- University Drive Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider changing the zoning from Office with Corridor Overlay to General Commercial with Corridor Overlay for about three acres at 1101, 1103 and 1105 University Drive East. The change would allow for a broader range of uses in the existing development.
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 23)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.
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 23. 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.
5:24 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled no consent items for workshop discussion.
5:50 p.m.
Economic Development Update
The council reviewed the city’s economic development efforts and discussed ways to enhance our economic competitiveness.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:28 p.m.
Fire Asset Reliability
The council reviewed the Fire Department’s adequacy and response reliability.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:32 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.
6:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Mayor Mooney said item No. 3 on the regular agenda (parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot) has been pulled and will not be considered tonight.
6:58 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Seven people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Army Capt. Sean P. Sims as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old El Paso native died on Nov. 13, 2004, when his unit received small arms fire while clearing a building in Fallujah, Iraq.
- Carlos Espina, Eduardo Espina, Carlos Prida, and Raphael Cruzan asked the council to bring soccer fields back to Anderson Park.
- Donald and Patsy Deere spoke against the proposed parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot. That item has been pulled from tonight’s agenda.
6:59 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $287,305 contract with Air-Tech Brazos Valley for facilities corrective maintenance services.
- The $330,029.53 purchase of furnishings from multiple vendors for the renovated Larry J. Ringer Library.
- An ordinance amendment that clarifies that customers are responsible for placing solid waste containers out for collection and for removing them afterward.
- An ordinance amendment that clarifies that payment is not a defense for a violation of prohibited parking. Some Northgate parking spaces transition at times to prohibited parking for loading zones or passenger pick-up and the payment system can’t prohibit payment during these times.
- An ordinance amendment that increases the civil fine for parking without paying in the Northgate Garage from $50 to $115 for payment within 10 days and from $60 to $125 for payment after 10 days.
7:14 p.m.
Parking Restrictions on Poplar, Ash, Live Oak and Nimitz
The council voted unanimously to remove stopping, standing, and parking along one side of Poplar, Live Oak, Ash, and Nimitz Streets, and on one side of a segment of Edelweiss Avenue from 7-9 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. on school days.
Ash Street residents contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road that could impede emergency vehicle access. Additional evaluation led the Traffic Management Team to also recommend parking restrictions on Poplar, Live Oak, and Nimitz.
The principal of Rock Prairie Elementary contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road during the afternoon pick-up times, which affects the ability to see children crossing. In addition, when vehicles park along Edelweiss, the road effectively becomes a single-lane roadway for a two-direction operation.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
7:22 p.m.
Landscaping and Mowing Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.06 million contract with Green Teams for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance. The contract does not include regional parks and athletic fields.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:31 p.m.
Wellborn-Holleman Intersection
The council voted unanimously to approve an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection. The agreement has no budgetary impact and covers work within the state’s right-of-way.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:33 p.m.
Southwood Valley Sewer Line
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project to increase capacity for development.
The project area starts about 160 feet south of Bee Creek on the west side of State Highway 6, runs south for about 1,000 feet toward the northwest corner of FM 2818 and State Highway 6, then goes southwest about 1,250 feet toward Brothers Boulevard.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Highway 6 Gateway Sign
The council voted unanimously to approve a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:44 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 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:
- Economic Development: In the workshop, the council will review the city’s economic development efforts and discuss ways to enhance College Station’s economic competitiveness.
- Parking Removals: In separate items, the council will consider a trio of ordinance amendments to remove stopping, standing, and parking along Poplar Street, Live Oak Street, Ash Street, Nimitz Street, Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot to provide emergency vehicle access; and Edelweiss Avenue during pickup and dropoff times at Rock Prairie Elementary.
- Wellborn-Holleman Intersection: The council will consider an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
- Southwood Valley Sewer Line: The council will consider a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project that will increase capacity for development.
- Gateway Signage: The council will consider a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign to be located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.
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!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (May 13)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.
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 13. 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.
5:01 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:02 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled no consent items for workshop discussion.
5:45 p.m.
Bicycle Safety
The council heard a presentation about possible policies and programs to help create a safer environment for bicyclists. The discussion included crash data analysis and an overview of areas popular with bicyclists.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:02 p.m.
Energy Efficiency Programs
The council reviewed College Station Utilities’ programs that encourage energy efficiency.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:13 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:18 p.m.
College Arts Scholarships
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley — through the generous support of local donors — awards multiple scholarships each year to young artists. The College Arts Scholarship is open to graduating seniors in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties who will attend an accredited college or university with a course of study in the arts, culture or heritage fields.
The 2019 recipients:
College Station High School’s Lindsey Franks was awarded the $5,000 Netta Jackson Simek Emerging Artist Scholarship and plans to study acting at Oklahoma City University.
College Station High School’s Benjamin Moder was awarded a$3,000 scholarship and plans to study design at Carnegie Mellon.
A&M Consolidated High School’s Aimee Deng was awarded a $3,000 scholarship and plans to study painting at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.
A&M Consolidated High School’s Jacob Eaker was awarded a $3,000 scholarship and plans to study theatrical design at the University of Texas-Austin.
6:20 p.m.
National Bike Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed May as National Bike Month.
6:23 p.m.
National Public Works Week
The mayor proclaimed May 19-25 as National Public Works Week.
6:34 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.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Navy Airman Adrian M. Campos as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 22-year-old El Paso native died on April 21, 2008, in a non-combat incident in Dubai.
- Jorge Sanchez spoke about the benefits of protective bike lanes.
- Robert Rose spoke in support of bicycle safety initiatives.
6:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $1.5 million bid award to H&B Contractors (not to exceed $600,000) and Primoris T&D Services (not to exceed $900,000) for annual electric system construction and maintenance labor.
- The extension of the term of the Employee Health Clinic contract with CHI St. Joseph Health through Dec. 31 to align with the city’s benefit plan year.
- The city’s emergency management plan that provides a consistent approach to managing natural disasters, man-made disasters or terrorism.
- Brazos County’s mitigation action plan to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of loss of life and property from natural disasters.
- The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- A $153,394.92 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for upgrades at the Lincoln Recreation Center basketball pavilion, drinking fountains at Lick Creek Park, and concrete pads for benches at the Cove of Nantucket Park.
- A $9,925 change order to the TriTech subscription service, license and use agreement related to the police CAD/RMS project.
- The renewal of an annual contract $9,925 with Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association to provide officials for city athletic leagues, programs, and tournaments.
6:51 p.m.
FY19 Certificates of Obligation
The council voted unanimously to authorize $82 million in certificates of obligation to provide resources for a new city hall, streets, parks, information technology, utility improvements, and debt issuance costs.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:56 p.m.
Sewer Line Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to establish public utility easements for the Huntington sewer trunk line along the perimeter of greenways east of Lakeway Drive and north of Fitch Parkway. The city expects no negative greenway impact.
After a public hearing, the council will consider establishing public utility easements for a sewer line along the perimeter of greenways east of Lakeway Drive and north of Fitch Parkway. The city expects no negative greenway impact.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:58 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Board
The council voted unanimously to appoint Kevin Henderson to fill an unexpired term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The term expires in January.
6:59 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, May 23.
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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Bicycle Safety: The council will hear a workshop presentation about possible policies and programs to help create a safer environment for bicyclists. The discussion will include a review of crash data and areas that are popular with bicyclists.
- Energy Efficiency Programs: Another workshop item is a review of programs offered by College Station Utilities that encourage energy efficiency.
- Parks Upgrades: The consent agenda includes a $153,000 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for basketball pavilion repairs at the Lincoln Recreation Center, drinking fountains at Lick Creek Park, and concrete pads for benches at the Cove of Nantucket Park.
- Certificates of Obligation: The council will consider authorizing $82 million in certificates of obligation to provide resources for a new city hall, streets, parks, information technology, utility improvements, and debt issuance costs.
- Sewer Line Easements: After a public hearing, the council will consider establishing public utility easements for a sewer line along the perimeter of greenways east of Lakeway Drive and north of Fitch Parkway. The city expects no negative impacts on the greenways.
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 (April 25)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 25. 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.
5:13 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:35 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission Plan of Work
The council conducted a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the commission’s 2019 plan of work, which includes items related to the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood integrity, and the Unified Development Ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:39 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 workshop discussion:
- Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plan: The 2014 Drought Contingency Plan update contained several revisions from the previous version adopted in 2009. The proposed plan does not make significant changes from 2014. The 2019 plan maintains year-round encouragement of voluntary water conservation, following guidance from the state.
6:04 p.m.
Thomas Park Improvements
The council discussed improvements for Thomas Park. City staff recommends completing the plan over multiple years, staying in the first year within the $1 million budgeted for FY19. Mayor Mooney suspended the discussion, which will resume after the regular meeting.
The Parks and Recreation Board recommends spending the $1 million on a covered tennis court, a dog park and two covered picnic tables on the park’s north end.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop, which will resume after the regular meeting. The council will take a short break.
6:13 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:20 p.m.
Groundwater Conservationist of the Year
The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District presented Pebble Creek Country Club with its Groundwater Conservationist of the Year Award for commercial irrigation.
6:23 p.m.
National Community Development Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as National Community Development Week.
6:26 p.m.
Municipal Clerk’s Week
The mayor proclaimed May 5-11 as Municipal Clerks Week.
6:52 p.m.
Hear Visitors
?? people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Air Force Airman 1st Class Corey C. Owens as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 26-year-old San Antonio native died on Feb. 17, 2011, in a non-combat incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
- Eight people spoke in support of building a new pool in Thomas Park.
6:53 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 with Lonestar Freightliner Group for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- A $352,000 change order to the Graham Road Substation Project and a revision to the date of substantial completion from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31.
- Renewal of an annual contract not to exceed $150,000 with All Around Tree Service for landscaping, tree trimming, and removal services.
- A $281,998 contract with Bayer Construction Electrical Contractors for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Barron Road and Alexandria Avenue.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding secondhand dealers.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding drought contingency and the Water Emergency Plan.
- A resolution adopting the updated Water Conservation Plan as required by the state.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances to stagger appointments to boards and committees to allow the city council to make annual appointments.
7:24 p.m.
Comp Plan Committee Appointments
The council made appointments to the Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee, which will serve as the steering committee for the city’s 10-Year Comprehensive Plan review:
- City Council: John Nichols, Linda Harvell, Elianor Vessali
- Planning & Zoning Commission: Dennis Christiansen, Elizabeth Cunha, Jeremy Osborne (Alternate: Joe Guerra)
- Citizens: Michael Buckley, Clint Cooper, Brian Bochner, Bradford Brimley, Lisa Halperin, Julie Schultz
- Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: Shana Elliott
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:31 p.m.
Bird Pond Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Estate to Restricted Suburban for about 13 acres northeast of the Rock Prairie-Bird Pond intersection. The change will allow the development of a residential subdivision.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:59 p.m.
Bird Pond Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Estate to Planned Development District for the same 13 acres as in the previous item.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:08 p.m.
Northgate District Study
The council voted unanimously to approve a $188,000 contract with Waltman Group to complete a Northgate District study and mobility/operations plan. The increase in high-density residential development has created safety and mobility concerns for people walking, biking, and driving during weekdays and weekend evenings.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:16 p.m.
Lick Creek Sewer Trunk Line
The council voted unanimously to approve a $10.9 million contract with Thalle Construction for the Lick Creek Trunk Line Project. The sewer line will extend from the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant through the southern boundary of Pebble Creek Country Club and tie into an existing line north of Fitch Parkway.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:21 p.m.
Ringer Library Shelving
The council voted unanimously to approve the $460,000 million purchase of shelving for the newly renovated Ringer Library from Lone Star Furnishings. The renovation project budgeted $875,000 to furnish the building. Requests for remaining furnishings will be presented to the council at a later date.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
The council discussed future agenda items. Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
8:30 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
9:37 p.m.
Thomas Park Discussion (continued)
The council concluded its earlier workshop discussion of improvements for Thomas Park. The consensus of the council was to not include a dog park or splash pad but to continue exploring a new swimming pool and other possible improvements as part of a broader plan. The discussion will continue as part of the FY20 budget process.
9:41 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Monday, May 13.
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 earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science from Texas Tech.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
