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Games of Texas benefit BCS by a cool $8.1 million

By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator

The final numbers are in for the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Summer Games of Texas. The Olympic-like festival attracted 8,461 athletes from across the state to compete in a dozen events from July 25-29.

Only 130 participants were from College Station, which means the rest – along with about 20,000 of their coaches, family members, and friends – were visitors who dropped an estimated $8.1 million into the local economy by filling local restaurants and hotels.

Participants by Sport

Event Participants Venue
Archery 49 Texas A&M Physical Education Building
Boxing 114 Hilton College Station & Conference Center
Flag Football 276 Veterans Park & Athletic Complex
Judo 57 Texas A&M Physical Education Building
Golf 65 The City Course at Phillips Event Center
Lifeguard Competition 60 Adamson Lagoon
Pickleball 92 Lincoln Recreation Center
Skateboarding 21 Williamson Skate Park
Swimming 2,638 Texas A&M Student Recreation Center
Track & Field 4,459 College Station High School
Ultimate Frisbee 440 Bryan Regional Athletic Complex
Tennis 190 Bryan High School, Texas A&M Mitchell TennisCenter, Texas A&M Omar Instructional Tennis Center, Phillips Event Center
Total Participants 8,461

Here are some interesting tidbits reported by the Bryan and College Station Parks and Recreation Departments, which partnered with Texas A&M to manage the event:

  • Athletes set 53 Games of Texas records — 42 in swimming and 11 in track and field.
  • Participants and volunteers consumed 38,304 bottles of water and used 27,160 pounds of ice.
  • Local sponsors donated 1,185 meals for participants and volunteers.
  • 162 volunteers assisted, including 44 from the Texas Army National Guard.
  • 331 tennis matches were played over three days.
  • 37 boxing bouts were conducted, four involving girls.
  • The lowest golf 18-hole single round score was a 74 by 17-year-old Ethan Galvan from McAllen. Ethan also had the lowest 36-hole tournament score of 74-82=156.

College Station played host for the seventh time after hosting previous events in 1988, 1994, 2000, 2014, 2015, and 2018. The Games of Texas will move to Corpus Christi for the next two years and to Brownsville in 2022-23.

Local GOT Participation by Year 

2019: 8,461

2018: 7,621

2015: 7,750

2014: 8,438

On behalf of the Cities of College Station and Bryan, we extend a special thank you to our volunteers, TAAF liaisons, commissioners and Texas Army National Guard Warriors. The overwhelming success of the event is a direct reflection of your dedication. We sincerely appreciate your gift of time, energy, and enthusiastic support.

 

About the Blogger

Kelli Nesbitt (@kneztalk) has served the Parks & Recreation Department for 15 years, the last eight as marketing coordinator. A native of Bryan, Kelli earned a bachelor’s degree in health & kinesiology from Sam Houston State.

 

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Posted by  |  August 7, 2019 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, 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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

  1. City Employee Training: In the workshop, the council will discuss training and education opportunities available to city employees and the reimbursement policies, including police and fire academies. The city encourages employees to pursue appropriate training and education to help provide quality services to the community.
  2. Home Sharing Rental Model: In the workshop, the council will discuss voluntary collection agreements among cities and Airbnb, the primary provider of online short-term rental bookings. They will explore the home-sharing rental model and its effect on cities, including the impact on tax collection, regulation, and enforcement.
  3. Community Development Budget, Action Plan: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider the proposed FY 2020 Community Development Budget and PY 2019 Action Plan. The city is required to submit an annual plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that describes federal grant-funded projects and activities to benefit low-to-moderate income residents.
  4. Harvey Mitchell Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Multi-Family for about one acre at 2346 Harvey Mitchell Parkway southwest of the Dartmouth Street intersection. The applicant plans to incorporate the property into a multi-family development.\
  5. Nonconforming Lots of Record: After a public hearing, the council will consider adding a subsection to the Unified Development Ordinance that clearly states that replats made nonconforming through annexation are allowed to replat to bring the property closer to compliance with zoning standards.

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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			August 7, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Podcast: Breakfast you’ll be la Gladeleine about
		

			


By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director


In this podcast episode, College Station Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz returns to talk about new restaurants, office space, commercial expansion and more. We also dive into an email from a pod listener (we have one!) who expressed concerns about what feels like constant expansion in College Station.


All Up In Your Business is now available via Podbean, Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher.







About the Blogger


Jay Socol (@jaysocol) is in his 10th year as College Station’s public communications director. A 1991 graduate of Texas A&M. Jay has also been communications director for the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service, public information officer for the City of Bryan, and news director at several Bryan-College Station area radio stations. A native of Breckenridge, he also serves as president of the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers.




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			August 5, 2019 | Categories: Economic Development, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Renewed Lincoln Rec Center celebration set for Aug. 3
		

			


By Cheletia Johnson, Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor



“We pledge a better school to be, O’ Lincoln how we love you.”


The closing line from the former Lincoln High’s school song still rings true more than 70 years later. The Lincoln Recreation Center’s $3.4 million expansion and renovation extends the Texas historical site’s long tradition of education and fellowship for future generations.


We invite you to join us as we celebrate, cherish and explore the renewed Lincoln Recreation Center at a grand opening ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon at 1000 Eleanor St. The event also features the College Station Police Department’s Back to School Rally.


Ribbon-cutting will be at 10 a.m., followed by guided facility tours every half hour, starting at 10:30. CSPD will provide free school supplies, and you can interact with police officers and explore emergency vehicles. Youngsters can also enjoy bounce houses, the splash pad, and games.


We’ll serve light refreshments with entertainment by the Lincoln Center’s Minds of Champions Chorus. Overflow parking is available at the Wayne Smith Ballfield parking lot at 107 Holleman Drive.


The development of the new center supports our community’s growing needs and enhances after-school programs, young adult and senior programs, and educational classes while providing rental space. It also serves as a social hub that encourages community members to gather, create, learn, and enjoy.


What’s New?


Voters approved expansion and renovation in 2008. A new 15,355 square-foot building includes a second gymnasium with wood flooring, three additional activity classrooms and a fitness room loaded with new equipment. The facility is accented with purple in reverence to Lincoln High’s school colors and proudly displays the old Panthers mascot on the gym floor.


The new building features five multipurpose rooms that can fill an array of recreational, social, meeting and rental needs. It also has an open area for physical activities and a fully furnished workout area with state-of-the-art equipment.


Renovations to the original building include an expanded community room, an upgraded computer lab, floor repairs, and better gymnasium lighting.


Through the vision of Lincoln Recreation Center trailblazers Lillian Jean Clark Robinson, Lance Jackson, and Kim Daily, the center will improve the quality of life for children, youth, seniors, and families through culturally responsive educational and social service activities.


“Many of the participants at the Lincoln Recreation Center are descendants of students from Lincoln High,” Lincoln High alumnus Henry Lewis said. “Like their forefathers, they are contributing what they’ve learned from the center to the College Station community.”


The transformation embodies the true spirit of the old Lincoln High school motto:


“Forward forever, backward never.”


For more information, go to cstx.gov/LincolnCenter or call 979-764-3779.


 




15056423_10211457886507712_8938533943363720232_nAbout the Blogger


Lincoln Center Supervisor Cheletia Johnson has worked for the City of College Station for more than 25 years. A College Station native, she grew up near the LRC. Cheletia earned a bachelor’s degree in community health from Texas A&M and a master’s in counseling from Prairie View A&M.




 


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			July 26, 2019 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: , , ,  | 			1 Comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 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, July 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.



5:22 p.m.


The workshop has started. Councilman Bob Brick is not present tonight but is joining the meeting via teleconference.


The council took no action out of its executive session, but Mayor Karl Mooney announced that the future agenda item regarding Thomas Park improvements requested on July 11 has been withdrawn. The contract approved at the meeting will move forward.


5:26 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:


    

  • Strategic Behavioral Health: The item concerns the mutual termination of the tax abatement agreement and approval of an economic development agreement with Strategic Behavioral Health.
    • 



6:23 p.m.


Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District


The council reviewed recommendations related to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay zoning district and its associated standards and processes. 


Based on lessons learned and direction received over the past year, staff presented potential NCO modifications to the council in March, including amendments to the process, district boundaries, specific NCO standards for inclusion, and the number of unrelated as a part of NCO.


Note: Due to technical difficulties, Councilman Brick left the meeting via teleconference at 6:14 p.m.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




6:23 p.m.


Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The workshop will resume after the regular meeting, which will start after a short break.


6:32 p.m.


The regular meeting has started.


6:38 p.m.


Professional Engineers Day


The mayor proclaimed Aug. 7 as Professional Engineers Day to recognize City of College Station engineers for their significant contributions to the community through the application of scientific knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity in solving technical, societal, and commercial problems.


6:45 p.m.


A&M Garden Club, La Villita Awards


The mayor recognized recent awards received by the A&M Garden Club and the La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 


In May, the A&M Garden Club won a first-place National Garden Club award in the Historic Preservation Project category for its work with the Parks and Recreation Department and community service projects at Richard Carter Park. The club also for first for its educational publication “Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies.”




The La Villita Chapter of the DAR earned a first-place award in the Historic Preservation Contest for at the Texas DAR state convention in March for its historic preservation work. The South Central DAR also awarded the La Villita Chapter a second-place award for its work at Carter Park and during the 80th College Station Celebration event.




6:57 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 Army Capt. Anthony R. Garcia as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 48-year-old Fort Worth native died on Feb. 17, 2006, in Tikrit, Iraq, from a gunshot wound.
    • 

  • Jorge Sanchez asked the city to support the establishment of a farmers’ market in the Midtown development.
    • 

  • Brian Alg spoke against using taxpayer money to fund a YMCA.
    • 



6:57 p.m.


Consent Agenda


The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:


    

  • Set a general election for Nov. 5 to elect a mayor and city council member Place 2, established early voting locations and polling places and made provisions for conducting the election. 
    • 

  • An inter-local agreement with Brazos County to conduct and manage College Station’s general election Nov. 5.
    • 

  • The first renewal of an annual $115,847 contract with DXI Industries for sodium hypochlorite for water services.
    • 

  • The first renewal of a contract not to exceed $5 million with Brazos Paving for base failure repairs and pavement treatments.
    • 

  • The removal of parking on both sides of Diamondback Drive between Arrington Road and 435 feet west of Oldham Oaks Avenue and both sides of Oldham Oaks Avenue between Diamondback and Crystal Ridge Court.
    • 

  • The removal of parking on the west side of Martin Wing Way between Diamondback and Pearl River Court, the east side of Martin Wing Way between Crystal Ridge and Diamondback, the south side of Crystal Ridge from Oldham Oaks to around the cul-de-sac, the north side of Crystal Ridge between Pearl River and Oldham Oaks, around the cul-de-sac and north side of Pearl River to Martin Wing Way, the north side of Pearl River between Martin Wing Way and Crystal Ridge, the south side of Pearl River from Crystal Ridge to around the cul-de-sac, the south side of Pearl River between 225 feet north of Crystal Ridge to 375 feet north of Crystal Ridge, and the north side of Pearl River between 345 feet south of Crystal Ridge and 275 feet south of Crystal Ridge.
    • 

  • The mutual termination of a tax abatement agreement and approval of an economic development agreement with Strategic Behavioral Health.
    • 

  • The sale of about seven acres in the College Station Business Center near the intersection of State Highway 6 and Gateway Boulevard.
    • 



7:05 p.m.


BVSWMA Budget


The council voted unanimously to approve the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s FY20 budget, which reduces the gate rate for the City of College Station and City of Bryan from $18.50 to $17.50 per ton.


The budget includes $6.8 million in operating expenses, $3.8 million in capital expenses, and $9.54 million in revenue.  Total reserves, cash, and investments are $11.23 million. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:13 p.m.


Street Name Changes


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to rename Greens Prairie Road West and Greens Prairie Trail to enhance emergency response efficiency. 


The action changes Greens Prairie Road West to Victoria Avenue between Wellborn Road and Victoria, to Woodlake Drive between Victoria and Woodlake, and to Greens Prairie Road between Highway 6 and the city limits. Greens Prairie Trail between Wellborn and the city limits becomes Greens Prairie Road. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:18 p.m.


Multi-Family Parkland Dedication


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve modifications to the city’s parkland dedication program to make land dedication requirements proportional and less complex for multi-family developments. 


The audit found that a cost-neutral conversion may be achieved by increasing the land dedication requirements from 49 bedrooms to 278 bedrooms per acre for neighborhood parks and 53 bedrooms to 305 bedrooms per acre for community parks.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:28 p.m.


Cain Road Crossing Closure


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to close the Cain Road crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad with the opening of the new Deacon Drive Union Pacific Railroad Crossing.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:33 p.m.


Southwood Sidewalk Project


The council voted unanimously to support and authorize a grant application to the Texas Department of Transportation for the Southwood Sidewalk Project to fill a sidewalk gap and help provide a safe route to schools between the Southwood Valley and South Knoll/Southside neighborhoods.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:58 p.m.


Brazos County MUD No. 2 Consent


The council voted unanimously to consent to the formation of Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 2 and up to four additional municipal utility districts in the Millican Reserve development in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction along Peach Creek between Wellborn Road and Highway 6. 


The MUDs will develop, operate, maintain, and issue bonds to finance infrastructure for the districts and levy and assess a tax on district properties to cover associated expenses.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:58 p.m.


Brazos County MUD No. 2 Partnership


The council conducted the first of two public hearings on a proposed strategic partnership agreement with Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 2 that outlines conditions for district annexation and limited-purpose commercial annexation. No one spoke during the hearing.


The second public hearing is scheduled for the August 22 council meeting when the council can vote on the agreement.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:59 p.m.


Brazos County MUD No. 2 Utilities 


The council voted unanimously to approve a utility agreement covering water, wastewater, and roads with Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 2.


The MUD lies within the Wellborn Special Utility District for water service and itself provides for wastewater treatment and collection, including a treatment plant, shared sewer lines, and lift stations. Roads will be constructed to county standards and owned and maintained by the county.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




8:00 p.m.


Brazos County MUD No. 2 Development 


The council voted unanimously to approve an agreement with Millican Land Development, RB Meadows, and Rock Barn Conservation Partners that regulates development in Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 2. The agreement addresses land use, density, and compliance with standards comparable to development in the city.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




8:01 p.m.


After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop meeting will resume.


8:04 p.m.


Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The council returned to executive session to discuss an additional item.


The council meets again on Thursday, Aug. 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.




 


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				Posted by 				 | 
			
			July 25, 2019 | 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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.


Here are five items to watch:


    

  1. Neighborhood Conservation Overlay: In the workshop, the council will consider recommendations related to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay zoning district and its associated standards and processes.
    2. 

  2. CS Business Park Land Sale: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a contract to sell about seven acres at the south end of the College Station Business Center to a light industrial user.
    3. 

  3. Renaming Greens Prairie Road West: After a public hearing, the council will consider renaming Greens Prairie Road West to maximize efficiency for emergency responders. The action would change the name to Victoria Avenue between Wellborn Road and Victoria, to Woodlake Drive between Victoria and Woodlake, and to Greens Prairie Road between Highway 6 and the city limits. Greens Prairie Trail between Wellborn and the city limits would become Greens Prairie Road.
    4. 

  4. Cain Closing at Rail Crossing: After a public hearing, the council will consider closing the Cain Road crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad with the opening of the new Deacon Drive crossing.
    5. 

  5. Brazos County MUD No. 2: The council will consider four items related to the formation of Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 2 in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction along Peach Creek between Wellborn Road and Highway 6.
    6. 



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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				Posted by 				 | 
			
			July 24, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment