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LRC honors King with lively January events

By Cheletia Johnson, Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor

As we celebrate MLK Day on Jan. 20, let us remember his selfless acts of serving everyone. Giving your time to help others is a deed from the heart that delights the soul.

The City of College Station has many opportunities for you to share your gifts and talents by serving on a community board, coaching youth basketball, or volunteering at the Lincoln Recreation. It takes just a little effort and compassion with a big scoop of kindness to make a positive impact.

Join us at the Lincoln Recreation Center as we embark on another year of commemorating King’s life and legacy with these activities:

Wednesdays in January

Community Bible Study (Ages 14+), 6:30-8 p.m.

Local pastors lead Bible studies about peace, love, and unity.

  • 8: “Sustain Hope,” Pastor A. C. Clark, III
  • 15: “Love Your Enemies,” Pastor Sam Hill
  • 22: “Work for Equality & Justice,” Pastor Eleanor Colvin & Donna Renfro
  • 29: “Build the Beloved Community,” Pastor Dan DeLeon

Friday, Jan. 17

Keep the Dream Alive Celebration, 6-9 p.m.

Join us for an evening of praise honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Hear words of empowerment from Pastor Marie Nutall of Bryan’s New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, along with uplifting spirituals by the Minds Of Champions youth choir. We’ll also recognize many who have made a significant impact on our community.

K&J Southern Cuisine will serve dinner for $10 per plate. The menu includes smothered chicken or meatloaf, green beans, mashed potatoes, peach cobbler, and a roll.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Career and Job Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dress to impress and bring your resume to connect with local employers. We offer the fair in partnership with Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley.

Thursday, Jan. 30

Teen Talk (Ages 11-15), 5:30-7:30 p.m.

We designed the open forum to give teens a safe, judgment-free zone to discuss the issues and topics relevant to them. The goal is to bridge generational gaps, encourage open communication, and foster an environment where we are more understanding of others.

Remember: dreams don’t work unless you do! One person can’t do everything, but we can all do something.

For more information about programs at the Lincoln Recreation Center, call 979-764-3779.

 

15056423_10211457886507712_8938533943363720232_nAbout the Blogger

Lincoln Recreation Center Supervisor Cheletia Johnson is a College Station native who grew up near the LRC. She has worked with the City of College Station for more than 25 years. 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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Posted by  |  January 2, 2020 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

All Up In Your 2020 (The FujiDunkinMacAndCheeseBuc-ee’s Episode)

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

In terms of economic development, 2019 was a heckuva year for College Station.

Economic Development Director Natalie Ruiz — who recently was recognized in public for the first time due to this podcast (such a diva) — and Communications Director Jay Socol reflect on some of the successes (and near-misses) from the past year + look ahead at what 2020 might bring in terms of new jobs and a diversified economy for College Station.

Among the broad topics:

  • 2020 bringing more focus to Northgate
  • Why a grocer or Target near Northgate makes sense
  • More quality jobs from FUJIFILM Dyosynth Biotechnologies
  • What the former Sears location might become
  • When CS and Texas A&M are chasing the same amenities
  • “The big beaver nugget in the room”
  • Nat finally announces Jay’s preferred coffee fix is on the way!

 

About the Blogger

Jay Socol (@jaysocol) is in his 11th 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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Posted by  |  December 30, 2019 | Categories: Public Communications | Leave a comment

2019: The year in photos

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

As we bring in the new year, we offer a sampling of the Public Communication Office’s best photography work of 2019. Scroll and click the individual photos in the mosaic below.

Special thanks to multi-talented multimedia coordinators Rachel Mayor and Kendra Gilts for their hard work in documenting city events and activities throughout the year.

Shark Day at Adamson Lagoon
Games of Texas track and field
Games of Texas swimming
Brazos Valley Veterans Day ceremony at Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial
Christmas in the Park
Cinco de Mayo celebration
Texas Weekend of Remembrance
Lick Creek Nature Center Summer Camp
Lincoln Recreation Center grand opening
CodeFest Civic Hackathon
Lincoln Recreation Center After-School Program
Brazos Valley Veterans Day ceremony at Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial
Jingle Bell Fun Run
Christmas in the Park
Challenger Family Social
Games of Texas opening ceremonies
Men’s Softball League
Games of Texas archery
Games of Texas skateboarding
Focus on the Future community planning workshop
Doggie Day at the Pool
Lick Creek Park in the Dark
Senior Fall Fest
Senior Fall Fest
Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Field of Valor
Games of Texas golf
Field Hockey Clinic
Doggie Day at the Pool
Lick Creek Park in the Dark
Toddler 2K and Baby Crawl

Happy New Year!

 

About the Blogger

Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

 

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			December 26, 2019 | Categories: Public Communications | Tags: , ,  | 			1 Comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Christmas in the Park delights community again
		

			


By Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator


As Santa heads back to the North Pole to prepare for his Christmas Eve deliveries, the Parks and Recreation staff is cleaning up, repairing lights and picking up remnants of the good times left behind from this year’s Christmas in the Park events.


Over the last two weekends, we enjoyed watching families revel under the giant Christmas tree and delight in the festive light displays and activities. Everyone seemed to have a positive response to Christmas in the Park, and the shuttles from Post Oak Mall made the short trip to Stephen C. Beachy Park seamless.


More than 18,125 guests savored the holiday sights and sounds during the four days of celebration.



Since it began in 1984, the event has evolved from a small light display into a beloved community tradition. We’ve added a few activities — a petting zoo, inflatables, shuttle, and two real snow slides — but it essentially remains the same program at heart. We strive to handcraft our light displays with the same loving care and spirit of the great Christmas in the Park teams of the past.


Here’s a glimpse at the impressive numbers from the event days (Dec. 6-7, 13-14):


    

  • 12,000 cups of hot cocoa served.
    • 

  • 24,000 Christmas cookies devoured.
    • 

  • 14,462 wristbands given away.
    • 

  • 9,060 people rode the shuttle.
    • 

  • 120,000 pounds of ice used for snow slides.
    • 

  • 12,500 candy canes handed out by Santa.
    • 

  • 168 volunteers assisted, including 28 from Bryan Collegiate High School.
    • 

  • 1 million+ Christmas lights displayed.
    • 



While the organized activities are finished for this year, our beautiful lights will be displayed from 6-11 p.m. each night through Jan. 2. We offer a special thanks to our sponsors: Britt Rice Electric, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and H-E-B.


We’d love to hear what you think about this year’s event. Just leave your comment on this blog or the city’s Facebook page.


Merry Christmas!


 




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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			December 17, 2019 | Categories: Parks and Recreation, Public Communications | Tags: ,  | 			Leave a comment					

	




		
			


	

				
Live Blog: Tuesday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)
		

			


By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager


Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 10. It’s not the official minutes.


The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.



5:52 p.m.


The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.


5:58 p.m.


Consent Agenda Discussion


The council pulled no items for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda. 


    

  • Preston Cunha spoke about the need for a voting place on the Texas A&M campus for the upcoming city council special election.
    • 



5:59 p.m.


Mayor Pro Tem


The council voted unanimously to select Councilman Linda Harvell to a second term as mayor pro tempore, which acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.


6:20 p.m.


Utility Franchise Fees


The council discussed franchise fees the city collects for utility services. The presentation included an overview of providers, service areas, and revenues. 


Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:




6:34 p.m.


New City Hall Design


The council reviewed the exterior design of the new city hall to be built near the existing facility on Texas Avenue. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




6:36 p.m.


After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a 15-minute break.


6:52 p.m.


The regular meeting has started.


6:58 p.m.


La Villita DAR Week


The mayor proclaimed this week as La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Week. 




7:03 p.m.


Hear Visitors 


One person spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.


    

  • Janet Dudding, a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 14, spoke about local control of issues and coordination with state government.
    • 



7:06 p.m.


Consent Agenda


The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items: 


    

  • Renewal of the contract with CHI St. Joseph Health for Employee Health Clinic operations and management services.
    • 

  • An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance, and operation of continuous lighting systems.
    • 

  • The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
    • 

  • A $2.13 million contract with Caprock Construction for the demolition and reconstruction of three facilities at Bee Creek Park and Central Park.
    • 

  • Adoption of the 2020 Council Calendar.
    • 

  • A $633,067.84 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for design phase services for Corporate Parkway.
    • 



The council voted separately on this item:


    

  • The council voted unanimously to authorize a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years of Place 4 on the city council. 
    • 



7:13 p.m.


Annexation Service Agreement


The council voted unanimously to approve an annexation service agreement for about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The property owner requested the annexation, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:14 p.m.


Wellborn Road Annexation


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The owner has an interest in selling the property for development.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:17 p.m.


Crescent Pointe Easement Abandonment


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 10-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the Crescent Pointe Phase One subdivision to allow for development.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:23 p.m.


Wellborn Road Land Use 


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to General Commercial for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The change better aligns the property with the area’s existing uses. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:26 p.m.


Wellborn Road Rezoning


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to Suburban Commercial and General Commercial for about 1.5 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. 


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:32 p.m.


2019 Comp Plan, UDO Review


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the annual review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. The document highlights the city’s major initiatives in 2019.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




7:42 p.m.


Systemwide Impact Fees


After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Full fee implementation occurred in late 2018. The service area for roadway impact fees is within the city limits, but the water and wastewater service area include parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




8:39 p.m.


NCO Process Handbook


The council voted unanimously to accept the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process. The handbook outlines the responsibilities of the neighborhood and the city and includes checklists and templates for rezoning petitions, neighborhood meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.


Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:




8:42 p.m.


Council Committees and Commissions


The council appointed fellow councilmembers to represent the city on various intergovernmental and community committees.


8:49 p.m.


After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 9.


MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!


 




About the Blogger


Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.




 


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			December 10, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  | 			1 Comment					

	




		
			


	

				
5 things to watch at Tuesday’s city council meetings
		

			


By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager


The College Station City Council gathers Tuesday at city hall for its final workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings of 2019.


Here are five items to watch:


    

  1. City Hall Exterior: In the workshop, the council will review the exterior design of the new city hall building.
    2. 

  2. Special City Council Election: The consent item includes an ordinance authorizing a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years for Place 4 on the city council. Elianor Vessali resigned last month to run for the U.S. Congressional District 17 seat.
    3. 

  3. Wellborn Road Annexation: After a public hearing, the council will consider a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The council will also consider an annexation service agreement.
    4. 

  4. Wellborn Road Land Use and Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use and zoning for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The changes would align the property with existing uses in the area.
    5. 

  5. NCO Process Handbook: The council will discuss the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process.
    6. 



At a 3 p.m. ceremony before the workshop, the city will announce its 2019 employee of the year, followed by a short reception.


Related Links:                                                                  



 




About the Blogger


Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.




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				Posted by 				 | 
			
			December 9, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,  | 			Leave a comment