Updated: 2018 city election results
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live election blog from the Brazos Center. The results are also available on the City of College Station’s Twitter and Facebook pages and on Suddenlink Channel 19.
UPDATED (11/14): Provisional, mailed, military ballots and other previously uncounted votes were tabulated and added to the Election Day returns on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
The votes for the Place 6 council race will be canvassed at the Nov. 19 city council meeting. The Place 4 spot will be decided in a run-off election on Dec. 11 between Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney.
| Joe Guerra, Jr. | 10,606 | 48.8 % |
| Elianor Vessali | 11,133 | 51.2 % |
Vessali is elected.
| Elizabeth Cunha | 8,456 | 40.5 % |
| Craig Hall | 6,156 | 29.5 % |
| Dennis Maloney | 6,287 | 30.1 % |
The Place 6 city council seat will be decided in a runoff election on Dec. 11 between Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney.
City Charter Amendments
| For | 18,005 | 70.1 % |
| Against | 7,695 | 29.9 % |
The proposition passes.
| For | 18,997 | 74.5 % |
| Against | 6,499 | 25.5 % |
The proposition passes.
| For | 17,828 | 75.1 % |
| Against | 5,916 | 24.9 % |
The proposition passes.
| For | 18,364 | 73.3 % |
| Against | 6,699 | 26.7% |
The proposition passes.
| For | 16,155 | 69.6 % |
| Against | 7,073 | 30.4 % |
The proposition passes.
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 (Oct. 25)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 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.
5:12 p.m.
The workshop has started.
Bryan Woods
5:13 p.m.
Woods named City Manager
The council unanimously selected Bryan Woods as College Station’s city manager, effective Dec. 3. He has been New Braunfels’ assistant city manager since 2017.
Woods replaces Kelly Templin, who left last spring to lead the Texas A&M University System’s new RELLIS Campus. Jeff Capps has since served as interim city manager.
Press release: Woods named College Station City Manager
5:14 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:50 p.m.
Dockless Bike Share Update
The council was updated on Texas A&M’s dockless bike share program. The city issued a permit to Ofo, the program’s vendor, on Aug. 23, and revoked it on Oct. 12 after the company lost its auto liability insurance. To be reinstated, Ofo must update its insurance, present rebalancing and communication plans, and replenish its escrow account with the city.
The university will assume operational control and will also seek a new vendor for 2019. The existing 2,300 yellow bikes will be collected, donated, repurposed or recycled at the end of the fall semester.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:11 p.m.
BioCorridor Board Powers and Duties
The council discussed the powers and duties of the BioCorridor Board. The consensus was to keep the board in place.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:15 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.
6:28 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:35 p.m.
Brazos Fellowship Church Recognition
Police Chief Scott McCollum and Fire Chief Jonathan McMahan recognized Brazos Fellowship Church for its community service in supporting first responders during a 16-hour standoff with an armed man in August at a local bar and grill.
6:39 p.m.
Municipal Court Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Nov. 5-9 as Municipal Court Week in recognition of the importance of municipal courts, the rule of law, and the fair and impartial administration of justice.
6:46 p.m.
Community Planning Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month to highlight the important role planning plays in addressing our community’s most daunting challenges, including housing affordability and availability.
6:50 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilman Jerome Rektorik recognized Jeff Capps for his service as interim city manager since March.
6:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Renewal of a $130,000 award for city-branded uniforms for parks and recreation athletic programs and other city departments with CC Creations ($65,000) and M&M Apparel ($65,000).
- A $589,787 contract with Marek Brothers Construction for the renovation of the Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center (formerly the Arts Council Building).
- Renewal of the annual award not to exceed $503,214.55 for the blanket purchase of three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
- An $859,640 annual bid award to Techline for electric distribution poles.
- A $1.42 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the rehabilitation of parking lots and lighting at Bachmann and Beachy Central parks.
- Resolutions declaring an intention to reimburse certain expenditures with proceeds from debt for Public Works, General Government, and Wastewater projects in the FY19 Capital Improvements budget.
- The 2018 Property Tax Roll of $46.99 million.
- An amended ordinance modifying the location, dates and times for voting in the Nov. 6 general and special election to elect two city council members (places 4 and 6), and to submit to voters five proposed amendments to the city charter.
6:54 p.m.
Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the abandonment of a 20-foot wide public utility on the State Highway 6 bypass north of Pavilion Avenue to allow for development. No existing city utilities are located in the easement, which has no planned use.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:10 p.m.
Daiquiri Barn Conditional Use Permit
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a conditional use permit for a nightclub, bar or tavern in the shopping center northwest of the Texas Avenue-Southwest Parkway intersection. Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Councilman John Nichols voted against the motion.
The land use request for the Daiquiri Barn included a drive-up window, potential food sales, retail sales, limited interior seating, and alcohol sales for on- and off-site consumption.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:33 p.m.
City Hall Construction Manager at Risk
The council unanimously approved a contract with CORE Construction to be the construction manager at risk for the new city hall project.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:34 p.m.
Groundwater Conservation District Board
The council unanimously appointed Bill Harris to the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors, subject to approval by the Brazos County Commissioners Court.
7:35 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:35 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Nov. 8.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Dockless Bike Share Update: In the workshop, the council will hear an update on Texas A&M’s dockless bike share program.
- Role of BioCorridor Board: Another workshop item is a discussion of the powers and duties of the BioCorridor Board.
- Meyer Senior and Community Center: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $589,787 contract for the renovation of the Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center (the former Arts Council building) on the corner of Dartmouth and Colgate.
- Bachmann, Central Park Parking Lots: Also on the consent agenda is a $1.42 million contract for the rehabilitation of the parking lots and lighting at Bachmann and Beachy Central parks.
- Daiquiri Barn Permit: After a public hearing, the council will consider a conditional use permit for a Daiquiri Barn in the shopping center northwest of the Texas Avenue-Southwest Parkway intersection. The request includes a drive-up window, potential food sales, retail and alcohol sales, and limited interior seating.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channel 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Oct. 8)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Oct. 8. 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 executive session.
5:15 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled this consent item for workshop discussion:
- Field Maintenance Materials: The annual bid award of $97,499 is for athletic field maintenance materials such as fertilizers, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, infield material, grass seed, and turf amendments.
5:42 p.m.
Police Building Renovation
The consensus of the council was to move forward with plans to relocate several city departments into the existing police station when the new police headquarters is completed in early 2020. The current building will require $5 million in renovations and repairs after police personnel move to the new facility.
The plan is to relocate community services from rented space at 511 University Drive to the existing police building, which would save $10,000 per month on leasing. Fire administration also would move into the renovated facility.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:58 p.m.
City Hall Financing Plan
The consensus of the council was to move forward with the financing plan for the new city hall, which will be located near the existing city hall at 1101 Texas Ave. In September, the council approved a design contract with Kirksey Architecture.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:00 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.
6:10 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:16 p.m.
Imagine a Day without Water
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations for the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign.
6:18 p.m.
Ken Bost Retirement
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation honoring Ken Bost upon his retirement after 33 years as director of the Brazos County Health Department. Councilwoman Linda Harvell accepted the proclamation on Bost’s behalf.
6:25 p.m.
Mark Lord Presentation
Mayor Mooney presented a shadow box to Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Executive Director Mark Lord. The box contains mementos from the TAAF’s 2018 Summer Games of Texas that were conducted here in July. The event attracted more than 26,000 visitors to town. B-CS will again host the Games in 2019.
6:29 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Chantal Vessali spoke about the removal of a rezoning item that had been previously scheduled for tonight.
6:30 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A resolution approving the city’s investment policy, investment strategy, collateral policy and investment officers for the FY19 fiscal year.
- A $581,300 contract with Freese and Nichols for the preliminary design and route analysis for the Carter Creek Lift Station and Force Main Project.
- An $893,795.30 contract with Binkley and Barfield for engineering services related to the design of the Lincoln Avenue Rehabilitation Project.
- An annual bid award not to exceed $188,180.95 to BWI Companies ($97,498.87) and Helena Agri ($90,862.08Z) for athletic field maintenance materials.
- The Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s budget and a $325,000 funding agreement with the city for operations and maintenance.
- A $397,976 agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s affiliate funding and art and tourism marketing.
- The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s budget and a $25,000 funding agreement with the city.
- A $15,000 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club.
- Easterwood Airport’s budget and a $114,376 funding agreement with the city.
- A $350,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
- The Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley’s budget and a $25,000 funding agreement with the city.
- A resolution authorizing expenditures of $273,196 to the Aggieland Humane Society.
- A $49,190 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- A $588,950 funding agreement with Experience Bryan-College Station to administer the Experience Bryan College Station Grant Program.
- Experience Bryan-College Station’s budget and a $2.4 million tri-party funding agreement with the City of Bryan and the Experience Bryan-College Station. College Station’s portion is $1.9 million with Bryan’s part being $539,052.
6:31 p.m.
The regular meeting has been suspended, and the council has gone back into executive session.
7:30 p.m.
The meeting has resumed. The council took no action out of executive session.
7:40 p.m.
Police Headquarters Guaranteed Maximum Price
The council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the contract with J.T. Vaughn Construction accepting the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $24,833,300 for construction of the new Police Headquarters.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for Nov. 16, with substantial completion expected in early 2020.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:41 p.m.
Experience B-CS Board Appointment
The council voted unanimously to re-appoint Steve Miller and Robert Holzweiss and appoint Councilwoman Linda Harvell to the Experience Bryan-College Station Board of Directors.
7:44 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:44 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 25.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Relocation of City Departments: In the workshop, the council will discuss the relocation of several city departments along with the renovation and deferred maintenance of the existing police headquarters.
- City Hall Financing Options: Another workshop item is financing for a new city hall near the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
- Lincoln Avenue Rehabilitation Project: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an $894,000 contract with Binkley and Barfield for engineering services related to the rehabilitation of Lincoln Avenue.
- Funding Agreements: Also on the consent agenda are funding agreements with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Chamber of Commerce, Noon Lions Club, Easterwood Airport, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Aggieland Humane Society, Keep Brazos Beautiful, and Experience Bryan-College Station.
- New Police Headquarters: The council will consider approving the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $24,833,300 for the construction of the new police headquarters provided by J.T. Vaughn Construction, the approved construction manager at risk.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channel 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Sept. 27)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Sept. 27. 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.
5:20 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:30 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled this consent item for workshop discussion:
- Towing Ordinance: The proposed amendment would add any motor vehicle unlawfully parked or violating any city code may be towed at the owner’s or operator’s expense.
6:26 p.m.
Code Enforcement Ordinance Revisions
The council discussed possible amendments to city ordinances to provide more consistent code enforcement. Points of discussion include open storage, vegetation, right-of-way maintenance, abandoned shopping carts, and the parking or storing of recreational vehicles, trailers or trucks.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:38 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.
6:47 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:50 p.m.
Proclamations
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation for College Station firefighters’ “Fill the Boot” campaign to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
6:58 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- James Benham recognized Marine Cpl. Richard Waller as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 22-year-old Fort Worth native died April 7, 2006, while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq.
- Justin Ikpo spoke about criminal behavior in his neighborhood.
7:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A BuyBoard contract purchase of $138,750 for traffic signal cabinets from Paradigm Traffic Systems Inc.
- Renewal of a $230,000 Xpedient Mail contract for printing and mailing services.
- The expenditure of funds for FY19 for items exempt from competitive bidding and other expenditures for inter-local contracts or fees mandated by state law that are greater than $100,000.
- Adopted fees, rates and charges as provided by Chapter 2 of the city’s Code of Ordinances.
- An increase the FY18 expenditure limit by $55,000 for a new FY 2018 expenditure limit of $145,000 for police uniforms, body armor and accessories from Miller Uniforms & Emblems.
- Added language to city ordinances for towing unlawfully parked vehicles.
- Amended city ordinances related to home solicitation.
- A contract for the grant of federal HOME Investment Partnership Program Grant Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) set-aside funds with Elder-Aid, Inc. in the amount of $200,000 for acquisition and rehabilitation of two dwelling units at 3416-3418 Normand to be used as affordable rental housing for income-eligible elderly households.
- The $54,224.50 purchase of traffic signs, prefabricated signs and sign blanks from Vulcan Signs Inc. for and the $61,585 purchase of traffic sign hardware and posts from Dobie Supply.
- An advance funding agreement with the State of Texas, acting through the Texas Department of Transportation, for the Cain/Deacon project.
- Six master agreements for Real Estate Appraisal Services: Duff & Phelps, LLC; JLL Valuation & Advisory Services, LLC; Lowery Property Advisors, LLC; Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T. Lovett & Associates; Valbridge Property Advisors.
- Amended the funding agreement with Experience Bryan College Station to increase the amount for FY18 by $194,423 for a total of $594,423 related to the CVB Grant Program.
- The second reading on a non-exclusive pipeline franchise ordinance with Hawkwood Energy Midstream for pipeline facilities for transporting petroleum products and byproducts.
- Amended the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding false alarm fees.
- Amended the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding Fire Department and Planning and Development Services afterhours inspection fees.
- Changes to guidelines for the city’s housing assistance program funded with grants from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Council voted on this consent item separately and approved it unanimously:
- FY19 premiums not to exceed $516,000 for excess liability and workers’ compensation insurance, property/boiler & machinery, commercial crime, EMT liability, auto property damage, cyber liability, unmanned aircraft liability and property, and special events policies.
7:08 p.m.
FY18 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council approved a $3.8 million amendment to the FY18 city budget. See pages 282-284 for a list of amended items.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:13 p.m.
FY19 City Budget
The council unanimously approved the city budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year and ratified the increase in property tax revenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:20 p.m.
FY19 Property Tax Rate
The council unanimously adopted a property tax rate of .505841 cents per $100 of assessed value for FY19, a .08341-cent increase from the FY18 rate.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:22 p.m.
BVSWMA Board Appointment
The council unanimously appointed Mayor Mooney to another term on the BVSWMA Board of Directors.
7:24 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:24 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 11.
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!
