Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 23)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, July 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 984 6115 5646. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
4:28 p.m.
The workshop has started. (more…)
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets by teleconference on Thursday for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 984 6115 5646. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom. (more…)
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 28)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, May 28. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 998 0711 3729.
6:39 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:48 p.m.
City to create tourism office
The council voted unanimously to terminate the city’s funding agreement with Experience Bryan-College effective Aug. 1. The city will incorporate tourism into its economic development and recovery strategies by launching a new internal operation focused on the hospitality industry.
6:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Credit Card Processing: The council will consider approving Renewal No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 for an estimated expenditure of $240,000 with Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services.
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: The council will consider guidelines to assist households unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 disaster declarations. The guidelines will reprogram $475,000 in existing federal grants.
- Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report: The Impact Fee Semi-Annual Report is provided to the council in accordance with state law. The City of College Station adopted system-wide impact fees for water, wastewater, and roadways in 2016.
- Former Police Station: The city has negotiated a three-year, $1.02 million lease of the old police station at 2611 Texas Avenue to International Leadership of Texas.
7:20 p.m.
Proposed FY 20 Bond Issuance
The council voted unanimously to direct staff to proceed with reduced parameters for the proposed FY 20 bond issuance based on existing economic conditions. The certificates of obligation will be presented for the council’s consideration on June 11.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Incentives Compliance Report
The council voted unanimously to accept the 2019 Incentive Compliance Report by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:43 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
7:57 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:06 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.
- David Flash spoke about a complaint he filed on Feb. 2 with the College Station Police Department. He said the complaint has still not been answered and asked the council to encourage the new police chief to complete the investigation.
8:11 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda. Citizen Richard Woodward gave a presentation on the impact fee item:
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Disposal for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- Renewal No. 1 and Amendment No. 2 for an estimated $240,000 with Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services.
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance guidelines to assist with rental assistance for College Station households affected by the COVID-19 disaster declarations.
- The first renewal of an annual electric system construction and maintenance labor contract not to exceed $750,000 with H&B Contractors.
- The semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees.
- The BVWACS annual operation and maintenance and capital budget.
- An amendment to the contract with Emergicon.
- A three-year, $1.02 million lease of the old police station building on Texas Avenue to International Leadership of Texas.
- An advance funding agreement of $35,525 with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for signal improvements for the intersection of George Bush Drive and Dexter Drive.
- An advance funding agreement of $323,345 with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for signal improvements that are part of the FM 2818 widening project.
8:15 p.m.
Creekside PUE Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 0.15-acre portion of a 20-foot public utility easement in the Creekside Subdivision Phase 1.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:18 p.m.
Masfajitas PUE Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 2-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the the Horse Haven Estates to accommodate a Masfajitas restaurant.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Dowling Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural, Office, and Light Commercial to General Commercial for about 15 acres at 95 North Dowling Road B, 101 North Dowling Road A & B, 103 North Dowling Road, and 107 North Dowling Road.
The change better fits the Comprehensive Plan’s designation for more intense uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:24 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to extend the mayor’s disaster declaration due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
8:28 p.m.
Standard of Care Ordinance
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to adopt standards of care for the Parks and Recreation Department’s elementary-age youth recreational program.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:59 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
After a 2.5-hour discussion, the council decided to continue the consideration of short-term housing rental regulations at a future meeting.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:01 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, June 11.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (March 9)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, March 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online.
5:33 p.m.
The workshop has started.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the city manager’s contract.
5:41 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures: The Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures ensure that the city’s financial disclosures are fair and accurate, comply with applicable federal and state securities laws, satisfy contractual obligations, and promote best practices related to financial disclosures.
5:51 p.m.
Annual Financial Reports
The council unanimously voted to accept the city’s 2019 audit reports and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which provides a summary of the city’s financial position through Sept. 30, 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:55 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
6:08 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:12 p.m.
National Social Work Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed March as National Social Work Month to honor the powerful impact the social work profession has had on society for generations.
6:15 p.m.
Histotechnology Professions Day
The mayor proclaimed March 10 as Histotechnology Professions Day to recognize the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the clinical laboratory gives our nation the best possible health care.
6:19 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.
- Hugh Lindsey asked the city to clean up a messy lot on Francis Drive.
6:20 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The annual purchase not to exceed $103,150 for of replacement outdoor breakers for substations.
- The annual price agreement of $358,770 with KBS Electric Distribution for electric single-phase transformers.
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- An annual contract not-to-exceed $155,000 with Emergicon to provide ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
6:23 p.m.
Cooner Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a 10-foot and 15-foot Public Utility Easement in the Cooner Addition to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:35 p.m.
Creek Meadows Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the base zoning from Townhouse with attached single-family homes to General Suburban with detached single-family homes for about 15 acres at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. The proposed development will blend into the surrounding detached single-family residential phases.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the neighborhood conservation overlay. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
An earlier motion to change the order of the process and remove the final verification passed by a 5-1 vote. Mayor Mooney voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:32 p.m.
Impervious Cover
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-2 to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding impervious cover. Mayor Mooney and Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion. Six people spoke during the public hearing in opposition to the changes.
The amendments implement a requirement for the maximum percentage of impervious cover for residential development to address concerns about lot-by-lot redevelopment in older neighborhoods.
An earlier motion by Mayor Mooney to postpone the item until March 26 failed by a 5-1 vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:36 p.m.
Mobile Food Vendors
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to clarify existing application requirements for mobile food vendors regarding location, fire prevention, solid waste, and wastewater disposal. The modifications will simplify the application and renewal process, and bring the permit denial, suspension, revocation, and appeal processes into compliance with other permit types.
The amendments apply to new and renewing applications.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:45 p.m.
City Hall Construction Manager at Risk
The council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $1,332,208 for site work for the new city hall. The new municipal building will be a three-story, 79,000-square-foot facility incorporating several departments into a central location. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:07 p.m.
Francis Drive Rehabilitation Project
The council unanimously voted to approve a $2.64 million contract with Larry Young Paving to replace the pavement with concrete on Francis Drive from Munson Avenue to Shady Lane (remaining from Phase 1) and Walton Drive to Munson (Phase 2). The project also replaces the sidewalk and includes water, wastewater, and drainage improvements.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:17 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, March 26.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Feb. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Feb. 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.
5:29 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of the council’s executive session.
5:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Fitch/Wellborn Interchange: The $1.34 million contract is for the preliminary design of the Fitch Parkway/Wellborn Road Interchange and the Wellborn Road Widening Project. The contract’s scope includes the feasibility study of an interchange at Fitch and Wellborn that would include a separated grade crossing of the Union Pacific railroad tracks and connect into the city roadway network west of the tracks. The scope also includes the feasibility study and schematic design for widening Wellborn Road from Graham Road to Greens Prairie Road.
5:47 p.m.
Consolidated Plan for Federal Grants
The council discussed the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan for federal grants received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The process includes a community needs assessment, housing market analysis, and housing conditions survey.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Smoking Ordinance and Vaping
The council discussed health concerns about vaping and possibly adding electronic cigarettes and vaping to the city’s smoking ordinance. The consensus of the council was for staff to bring back an ordinance for consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:09 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
6:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:26 p.m.
United Way 2-1-1 Day
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed Saturday as United Way of the Brazos Valley 2-1-1 Day.
6:28 p.m.
Fun for All Playground
The Fun for All Playground Committee presented an $875,000 check to the city for the second phase of the playground’s construction.
6:32 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.
- Denise Snyder spoke against CSU’s implementation of advanced digital electric meters.
6:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $1.34 million contract with Halff Associates for the preliminary design phase services for the SH 40/FM 2154 Interchange and FM 2154 Widening Project
- A law enforcement mutual aid agreement with Texas A&M, Blinn College, the Brazos County Sheriff, Brazos County Precinct 1-4 Constables, and the City of Bryan.
- A $180,575 contract with Jamail & Smith Construction to replace CSU’s warehouse lift/freight elevator.
- The second and last renewal of the annual meter reading contract not to exceed $560,000 with Alexander’s Contract Services.
- A contract for a not to exceed $123,190 with Ramtech Building Systems for the purchase, delivery, and installation of a modular building for CSU.
- A contract not to exceed $250,000 with DIJ Construction for annual pavement striping and markings.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Texas Commercial Waste for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Maroon Dumpsters for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- An inter-local cooperation agreement and a resolution of support and consent for the City of Bryan Municipal Setting Designation Application.
6:38 p.m.
FY 20 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $6.25 million amendment to the city’s FY 20 budget. For more details about the amendment items, see page 291 of the agenda packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:40 p.m.
Yellow Tanager Court Right-of-Way
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a small portion of right-of-way west of the Yellow Tanager Court-Cinnamon Teal Drive intersection in the Bird Pond Phase 2 Subdivision. The abandonment allows the development of the nearby Waterford Estates.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:44 p.m.
Mission Ranch Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a 15-foot wide portion of an unused public utility easement in the Mission Ranch development. The abandonment allows for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:10 p.m.
Advanced Electric Meter Contracts
The council voted unanimously to approve contracts of $6.8 million with Landis+Gyr Technology and $517,000 with IPKeys Power Partners to support the implementation of CSU’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter & Operational Data Management (MODM) System.
The item wasn’t a public hearing, but resident Denise Snyder spoke about what she claims are the negative health effects of the meters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:15 p.m.
Data Backup and Recovery Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a five-year agreement not to exceed $517,118 with Freeit Data Solutions for data backup and recovery.
The IT Department is replacing internet firewalls, desktop antivirus software, and email protection systems. Enhanced data protection is necessary to combat the increasing sophistication of cyber attackers and in preparation for disasters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council approved the appointment of Linda Harvell to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, Mayor Mooney to the Architectural Advisory Committee, and John Nichols to the Compensation and Benefits Committee.
7:20 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Thursday, Feb. 27.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 27)
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, June 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.
5:11 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:21 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:
- Gabbard/Thomas Park Improvements: A $538,800 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements at Gabbard and Thomas Parks. The Gabbard project includes a new playground, surfacing, and a shade structure. The Thomas project includes a new play unit and surfacing on the south end and new surfacing and swings on the north end, which will also receive a shade structure on the existing play unit.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project: A $285,675 contract for the professional engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project, which involves the design of two new fleet fuel stations to replace those at the Public Works Service Center and the Utility Service Center.
-
Relocation Reimbursement Agreement: The final payment of $194,050.05 for work completed under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Company. The contract covers work to relocate and lower the existing Explorer pipeline that crosses the Barron Road right-of-way. The relocation is needed to allow for planned improvements.
6:21 p.m.
YMCA Partnership
The council heard a presentation from the YMCA and discussed a possible YMCA facility in College Station. The consensus of the council was to direct the City Manager’s Office to explore the feasibility of forming a partnership with the YMCA.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:21 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:32 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:37 p.m.
Smart Irrigation Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Smart Irrigation Month. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney is Water Services Director Gary Mechler.
6:41 p.m.
Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month.
6:48 p.m.
Historical Markers 101 and 102
The Historic Preservation Committee presented historical markers to the owners of residences at 602 West Dexter St. and 805 Hawthorn St.
The Mathews house on West Dexter was built in the 1920s by Fred and Vera Dean Brison. Fred Brison was a professor in the Texas A&M Horticulture Department and was College Station’s mayor pro tem from 1971-74.
The Hindman House on Hawthorn was built in 1957 by E.H. Andrew, an A&M electric engineering professor. It has been the home of several A&M faculty members, among others.
The city’s Historical Marker Program began in 1991 and has led to markers being awarded to 12 businesses and more than 100 homes. Structures must be at least 50 years old to qualify.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:54 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.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Marine Capt. Paul C. Alaniz as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old Corpus Christi native died on Jan. 26, 2005, in a helicopter crash in Miramar, Calif.
6:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $40,000 change order to the contract with Azteca Systems for implementation of premium licensing the Public Works, Water, and Parks and Recreation departments.
- A $403,137 contract with Musco Sports Lighting for LED lighting upgrades at the Bee Creek Park ballfields.
- A $538,798.24 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements to Gabbard and Thomas parks.
- A $261,996.39 contract with Dura-Last for roofing services.
- A $285,675 contract with Johnson & Pace for engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project.
- A $193,342 contract with KIT Professionals for design and construction services for the FM2818 Utility Relocations Project.
- Final payment of $194,050.05 under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Co.
6:59 p.m.
Mills Park Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a public utility easement at 4501 Mills Park Circle to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
White’s Creek Rezoning
After public hearings, the council approved a request to change both the land use and zoning from Estate to Suburban Commercial for about 1.3 acres southwest of the intersection of Greens Prairie Road West and White’s Creek Lane. The changes will allow for small-scale commercial development.
The vote was 6-1 for the land use change, with Councilman Bob Brick voted against the motion. The vote in favor of the rezoning was unanimous.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Northeast Sewer Line Phase 2
The council voted unanimously to approve a $2.35 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Phase 2 Project that runs from just north of Raintree Park through the city’s greenway property, east of Wilderness Drive and ends at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:40 p.m.
Rock Prairie Management District No. 2
The council voted unanimously to appoint Hays Glover, Uri Geva, and Mark Lindemulder to the board of directors for Rock Prairie Management District No. 2. The terms end June 1, 2023.
Glover and Geva are current directors, while Lindemulder replaces outgoing Director Randall Rother.
7:43 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items. Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting.
The workshop will resume.
8:07 p.m.
Citizen Survey Results
The council reviewed the results of the 2019 citizen satisfaction survey conducted in April by National Service Research. Participants rated various city services, quality of life issues, community characteristics, and ranked their priorities.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:11 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, July 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!
