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Park in the Dark like a backyard campout – only better

By Hallie Hutchins, Parks & Recreation Marketing Assistant

You don’t have to travel hours this fall to enjoy camping out with your family. All you have to do is take advantage of the Parks & Recreation Department’s Lick Creek Park in the Dark the night of Friday, Oct. 19.

The family-friendly overnight campout gives you a chance to escape the city lights and take in terrific views of the nighttime sky in College Station’s largest nature preserve park.

After setting up your tent, you and your family can enjoy time-honored campground favorites such as a hot dog dinner, campfire storytelling, a night hike along the trails, and a movie (“The Parent Trap”) under the stars. The pros at Texas Primitive Outdoors will also be on hand to show you a variety of useful camping tips.

Check-in begins at 6 p.m., and the event ends at sunrise on Saturday. Campers must bring a tent, supplies, snacks, and drinks. Electricity will not be available. Don’t forget to pack a sleeping bag, flashlights, tent lantern, bug spray, and folding chairs. An adult must accompany children, and pets are not permitted.

If you register by Friday, Oct. 12, the cost is $6 for kids 2-12 and $8 for anyone 13 and older. After that, you’ll have to add a $5 late fee.  For more information or to register, visit rectrac.cstx.gov or call 979-764-3486.

Gather your family and friends for this fun-filled, affordable camping experience.

 

About the Blogger

Hallie Hutchins is in her fourth year as marketing staff assistant in the Parks & Recreation Department after graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 with a degree in sports management. She has previously worked with the Dallas Sidekicks professional soccer team and Texas Team Junior Golf. Originally from White Oak, Hallie also attended Kilgore College and was a member of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes dance team.

 

Photo Copyright: gsagi / 123RF Stock Photo


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Posted by  |  October 5, 2018 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

What’s more fun than babies racing in diapers?

By Virginia Godwin, Recreation Supervisor

As a toddler mom, I recognize the need young families have for toddler-geared activities. Toddlers are filled with boundless energy and wonder and are ready to absorb everything about the world around them.

The Parks & Recreation Department’s Toddler 2K & Baby Crawl helps channel a bit of that energy in a positive, fun way. In last year’s inaugural event, we noticed that parents had trained with their little ones, meaning that families were actively engaged and getting outside and moving.

Photos: 2017 Toddler 2K and Baby Crawl

To our surprise, the most competitive bunch were the crawlers. Seeing parents on eye level with their little ones, coaxing them to the finish line was inspiring. Of course, the point wasn’t to finish first but to celebrate each successful inch the babies crawled.

This year’s Toddler 2K and Baby Crawl will be Saturday, Nov. 3 from 8 a.m.-noon at the Wolf Pen Creek Festival Site. The event offers age and ability levels for crawlers up to five years old. We’ll have separate tracks for each age division, and only one adult will be allowed on the track per child.

Health and wellness vendors also will be on hand, and we’ll have additional children’s activities. We encourage you to add to the fun by dressing them up in Halloween costumes.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and races begin at 9 a.m. Camp Gladiator will also lead a free family workout from 8-9 a.m. for racers and their cheerleaders.

If you register by Friday, Oct. 12, the cost is $5 per child and will include a t-shirt. After that, you’ll have to add a $10 late fee and may not get a shirt. Registration ends Oct. 31. For more information or to register, visit cstx.gov/events or call 979-764-3486.

Special thanks to our Toddler 2K & Baby Crawl sponsors: Delta Life Fitness, Kiddie Academy, KinderMusik, Once Upon a Child, Viking Floor Supercenter, and Camp Gladiator.

 

About the Blogger

Virginia Godwin is in her fourth year as recreation supervisor. A College Station native, she previously served as staff development specialist for Kids’ Klub, the College Station Independent School District’s after-school program.

 

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Posted by  |  October 5, 2018 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

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:

  1. 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.
  2. City Hall Financing Options: Another workshop item is financing for a new city hall near the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

 

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			October 5, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Fishing can lead to a lifetime of family memories
		

			


By Hallie Hutchins, Parks & Recreation Marketing Assistant


Do you remember the first day you watched television? How about your best day playing video games? You probably don’t recall much about those moments because they weren’t all that meaningful.


But if you’ve ever fished, you can easily recall details of your best day on the lake or the first time you reeled in a feisty largemouth bass or catfish. Those memorable experiences are why fishing remains one of the country’s most popular pastimes.


Several years ago, Texas master angler Shane Wilson was reflecting on his childhood and the positive impact fishing had on him when he had a thought. What if there was an organization that encouraged kids and families discover the joys and benefits of fishing?


Wilson’s inspired idea led to the creation of a non-profit organization called Fishing’s Future in 2007. The angling education program has since grown to 72 chapters from California to London.


On Saturday, Oct. 6, the Fishing’s Future family angling program will be at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. In addition to teaching basic fishing skills, environmental stewardship, and ethical angling, the free event will outline how the sport can help strengthen families.


Participants are encouraged to bring fishing gear, tackle, and lunch, but a limited amount of supplies will be available. Individuals older than 17 will need a valid fishing license with a freshwater endorsement.


Preregistration is required through Fishing’s Future. For more information, go to cstx.gov/events or call 979-764-3486.


Take advantage of the chance to learn about the physical and mental benefits of fishing and how it can strengthen family bonds and create lifelong memories.


 




About the Blogger


Hallie Hutchins is in her fourth year as marketing staff assistant in the Parks & Recreation Department after graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 with a degree in sports management. She has previously worked with the Dallas Sidekicks professional soccer team and Texas Team Junior Golf. Originally from White Oak, Hallie also attended Kilgore College and was a member of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes dance team.




 


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			September 28, 2018 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: , ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
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.




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			September 27, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
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:


    

  1. Code Enforcement Revisions: In the workshop, The council will discuss possible amendments to city ordinances to provide more consistent code enforcement.
    2. 

  2. Cain-Deacon Crossing Project: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation to cover work within the TxDOT right-of-way as part of the Cain Road/Deacon Drive Railroad Crossing Switch project.
    3. 

  3. FY18 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $3.8 million amendment to the FY18 city budget. See pages 282-284 of the council packet for a complete list of amended items.
    4. 

  4. FY19 City Budget Adoption: The council will consider approving the city budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year and ratifying the increase in property tax revenue.
    5. 

  5. FY19 Property Tax Rate Adoption: The council will consider adopting a property tax rate of .505841 cents per $100 of assessed value, a .08341-cent increase from the FY18 rate.
    6. 



The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 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.




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			September 26, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment