Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Aug. 13)

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 13. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To hear the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 945 5259 1668.
6:03 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action from its executive session.
6:10 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council discussed these items from the consent agenda, which will be considered in tonight’s regular meeting:
- George Bush Drive Landscaping: The agreement with TxDOT is for the maintenance of landscaping along George Bush Drive. TXDOT will be installing raised medians from Rosemary Lane to Timber Street. Planter boxes will be installed within the medians along with trees, shrubs, turf plantings, irrigation systems, and other aesthetic elements. The city would maintain landscape elements in the right-of-way.
- FM2818 Landscaping: The agreement with TxDOT is for the maintenance of landscaping along FM 2818. As part of the FM 2818 widening project, TXDOT will install landscaping improvements from University Drive to Wellborn Road. The improvements will include trees, shrubs, turf plantings, irrigation systems, and other aesthetic elements. The city would maintain landscape elements in the right-of-way.
- Aggie Football Postgame Traffic Control: The $104,965 contract with Buyers Barricades is for 2020 Texas A&M football postgame traffic control. After each A&M home game, Public Works manages several operations to improve mobility along the roadways. A contractor deploys traffic control devices that close some access points to increase capacities to move football fans safely and efficiently away from Kyle Field. The university reimburses the city for 50% of costs.
6:43 p.m.
Rental Registration
The council heard a presentation about the rental registration program’s history since its adoption in 2009.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:45 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.
6:52 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:56 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
6:57 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.
- Amended the dates and times for early voting in the general and special runoff election on Nov. 3 to elect four city council members.
- An agreement with TxDOT for the maintenance of landscape along George Bush Drive.
- An agreement with TxDOT for the maintenance of landscape along FM 2818.
- An interlocal agreement with the College Station ISD for standby ambulance service.
- Awarded a $139,496 contract to CF McDonald Electric to install previously purchased VFD at Dowling Road Pump Station.
- The 2020-24 Consolidated Plan.
- The FY2021 Annual Action Plan and Community Development Budget.
- A $34,727 advance funding agreement with TXDOT for the city’s contribution for signal improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
- A $246,681 advance funding agreement with TXDOT for the city’s contribution for utility relocations for the Wellborn-Road-Holleman Drive intersection project.
- A $91,427 advance funding agreement with TXDOT for the city’s contribution for signal improvements at the intersections of Texas Avenue at Walton Drive and University Drive at Nimitz Street.
- An award not to exceed $750,000 to Southern Electric Corporation of Mississippi for overhead electric distribution construction and maintenance.
- A $600,000 contract with Electrical Consultants for engineering services.
- An inter-local agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan for the 2020 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. College Station has been allocated $13,416.40 for law enforcement programs.
- A $104,965 contract with Buyers Barricades for 2020 Texas A&M Football postgame traffic control.
- An annual contract not to exceed $150,000 with Rios Tree Services for tree trimming and removal services.
- A resolution selecting a depository bank and authorizing the mayor to enter into the contract on the city’s behalf.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $189,000 with Techline for air switches.
- An amendment not to exceed $99,982 to an agreement with Invoke for additional implementation services for Microsoft solutions.
7:01 p.m.
FY21 Budget Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed FY21 budget, which is scheduled to be adopted on Aug. 27. The budget was presented to the council on July 23, followed by three budget workshops on July 27-29.
No one signed up to speak in the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:09 p.m.
FY21 Tax Rate Discussion
The council voted unanimously to keep the FY 21 property tax rate the same as the current rate of $0.534618 per $100 of assessed value. Since the rate does not exceed the no-new-revenue or voter-approval tax rates, a public hearing was not required under state law.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Midtown Drive-SH 6 Water Tower
The council voted unanimously to approve a $6.6 million contract with CB&I Storage Tank Solutions for the construction of a 3-million gallon water tower near the intersection of Midtown Drive (formerly Lakeway Drive) and State Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:25 p.m.
Fitch Parkway Rehabilitation
The council voted unanimously to approve an $812,000 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for construction services for the rehabilitation of William D. Fitch Parkway from State Highway 30 to Rock Prairie Road. That section of Fitch has started to fail because of increased heavy loads and truck traffic to the Twin Oaks Landfill.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:27 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Aug. 27.
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 (July 9)

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 9. 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 997 0027 4418. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
5:55 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:56 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:24 p.m.
Parkland Expansion
The council voted unanimously to support the conversion of about 196 acres of greenways to parkland. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board unanimously passed the motion in June.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:28 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.
6:39 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:44 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
6:45 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Estimated annual expenditures of $125,000 with Badger Meter for water meters.
- A $2.35 million contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for the Southside Safety Improvements Project.
- An oversized participation agreement that upsizes about 1,466 linear feet of water line from an 8-inch to an 18-inch water line through the Traditions Phase 24 and 25 subdivision.
- An ordinance consenting to Order No. 3 under the mayor’s declaration of disaster regarding face coverings inside commercial businesses as proclaimed on June 25.
7:05 p.m.
BVSWMA Budget
The council voted unanimously to approve BVSWMA’s proposed FY 21 budget, which was approved by the BVSWMA Board of Directors on June 17. The City of Bryan is expected to consider it on July 14.
The landfill’s FY 21 budget revenue is $9.5 million, operating expenses of $7.1 million and capital expenses of $4.98 million. Total reserves, cash, and investments are $11.75 million. The budget also reduces the gate rate for both cities from $17.50 to $15 per ton.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:11 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District — with a base zoning district of Wellborn Commercial — for about seven acres at 14565 and 14575 Wellborn Road. The change allows the development of low-density commercial uses that provide services to nearby neighborhoods.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:01 p.m.
Community Development Plans, Budget
The council voted unanimously to direct staff to move forward with the FY 21 (PY 20) Annual Action Plan, FY 21 Community Development Budget, and 2020-24 Consolidated Plan.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:10 p.m.
Taxing Unit Under Disaster Declaration
The council voted unanimously to defer lowering the voter approval tax rate — formerly known as the rollback tax rate — from 8% to 3.5% for FY 21. The Texas Legislature mandated the change during its last session, but it agreed that cities with disaster declarations in place should retain the option of deferring implementation of the change if faced with catastrophic revenue losses.
The council’s decision doesn’t increase the tax rate, but it potentially could help ensure that it doesn’t have to be lowered (rolled back) so the city can continue providing emergency response and other critical city operations.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:19 p.m.
MUD No. 1 Road Improvements:
The council voted unanimously to consent to the issuance of up to $2 million in road improvement bonds by Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1.
8:29 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, July 23.
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!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets by teleconference for its workshop (after 5 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 997 0027 4418. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
To address the council via Zoom about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — you must register with the city secretary before the meeting by calling 979-764-3500 or emailing CSO@cstx.gov before the meeting starts. Written comments submitted to CSO@cstx.gov will be provided to the council members.
Here are five items to watch:
- Parkland Expansion: The council will consider converting about 196 acres of greenway to parkland. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board unanimously passed the motion in June.
- Southside Safety Improvements: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $2.35 million contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for Southside safety improvements. The project includes the rehabilitation of Park Place, Holik Street, Glade Street, and Anna Street near Oakwood Intermediate School, A&M Consolidated Middle School, and College View High School.
- Wellborn Road Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District — with a base zoning district of Wellborn Commercial — for about seven acres at 14565 and 14575 FM 21. The change would allow the development of low-density commercial uses that provide services to nearby neighborhoods.
- Community Development Plans, Budget: The council will consider the proposed 2020- 2024 Consolidated Plan, FY 2021 (PY 2020) Annual Action Plan, and FY 2021 Community Development Budget.
- MUD No. 1 Road Improvements: The council will consider consenting to the issuance of up to $2 million in road improvement bonds by Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1.
Related Links:
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!
City seeks public input this week on COVID-19 relief

By Raney Whitwell, Community Development Analyst
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of College Station seeks citizen input this week on five potential Substantial Amendments to the city’s 2015-19 Consolidated Plan. The changes would allow the Community Services Department to more quickly and efficiently address local needs.
The Substantial Amendments adhere to federal regulations related to citizen participation in community planning and development programs, along with applicable waivers through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).
A virtual public hearing will be Thursday at 5 p.m. You can join the meeting online at zoom.us/i/2800371990 or by calling 1-888-475-4499 and entering number 280-037-1990.
You can mail written comments (postmarked no later than Friday) to City of College Station Community Services, P. O. Box 9960, College Station, TX 77842, or email them to rwhitwell@cstx.gov. You can also call 979-764-3778 and leave a comment.
The amendments to the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, and 2019 Action Plan for federal funds are available for a five-day public review and comment period that ends Friday. Here’s the text for each amendment:
Substantial Amendments
SA No. 1: Revises the Citizen Participation Plan to include the use of virtual public meetings, clarifies the description of public hearings for the Consolidated Plan, and adds a section to address citizen participation during a disaster declaration.
SA No. 2: Revises the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan to include as a goal statement in the Disaster Response Plan, including policies and procedures to address local impacts of these disasters as allowed by HUD guidance, waivers, and streamlined regulations and the addition of Tenant-Based Rental Assistance as a project.
SA No. 3: Revises the 2019 Action Plan to enable the city to receive and administer $697,507 in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding from HUD, including $500,000 of CDBG-CV funds to public service agencies and $197,507 to economic development.
Eligible CDBG activities include assisting low- and moderate-income households with rental and utility assistance for up to three months, food assistance programs, business assistance to retain employees, and support of other COVID-19 response services, such as medical and health-related services.
Those funds and additional CDBG funding that may be available through the CARES Act will be used for the same purposes of the initial allocations, which were intended to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
SA No. 4: Reprograms $312,479 of FY 2019 CDBG funds from acquisition to economic development.
SA No. 5: Reprograms FY 2019 HOME funds from owner-occupied rehabilitation ($46,575), homebuyer assistance ($301,246), and from new construction ($152,677 ) to tenant-based rental assistance ($475,000) and tenant-based rental assistance security deposits ($25,498) in response to COVID-19 and though HOME waivers.
For more information, email me at rwhitwell@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Community Development Analyst Raney Whitwell is in her fifth year with the city. She’s also served in code enforcement and in the City Secretary’s Office. A native of Bremond, Raney earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Sam Houston State.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Aug. 8)


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, Aug. 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.
5:00 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:09 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:
- Radio Replacement: The $743,400 contract with Motorola Solutions is for the purchase of two-way mobile radios and portable radio replacements for Public Works and Water Services.
- Community Development Budget, 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.
- Amended City Hall Contract: The amended contract with Kirksey Architects increases the design fee by $357,000 for the addition of square footage to the new city hall. During the schematic design phase, it was determined that some departments not included in the original scope should be incorporated in the new building.
5:26 p.m.
Training Reimbursement
The council discussed training and educational reimbursement for city employees. The city encourages employees to pursue training and education to enhance the quality of work and services they provide, including police and fire academies.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:26 p.m.
Home Sharing Rental Model
The council discussed voluntary collection agreements among cities and Airbnb, the primary provider of online short-term rental bookings. The presentation explored the home-sharing rental model and its effect on cities, including the impact on tax collection, regulation, and enforcement.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:29 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:53 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. James A. Funkhouser as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 35-year-old Katy native died on May 29, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during reconnaissance patrol operations.
- Marci Corry spoke about distracted driving and her SAFE2SAVE initiative.
- Les Fiechner spoke against the council’s recent action to reduce the speed limit on Barron Road.
6:54 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- FY 2019 funding of $1,103,433 for the Public Agency Retirement Services OPEB Trust.
- A $743,418 contract with Motorola Solutions for two-way mobile radios and portable radio replacements.
- An annual contract not to exceed $120,000 with Bound Tree Medical for EMS supplies.
- The FY 2020 Community Development Budget and PY 2019 Action Plan.
- Renewal of the city’s annual copy and print services blanket orders not to exceed $120,000. The estimated annual expenditures are with Alphagraphics ($80,000) and Copy Corner ($40,000).
- An amendment to the contract with Kirksey Architects for design and construction administration services for the new city hall.
7:02 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Multi-Family for about one acre at 2346 Harvey Mitchell Parkway, which is located southwest of the Dartmouth Street intersection.
The applicant plans to incorporate the property into a multi-family development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:07 p.m.
Nonconforming Lots of Record
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a subsection to the Unified Development Ordinance that explicitly states that replats made nonconforming through annexation are allowed to replat to bring the property closer to compliance with zoning district standards.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
The council meets for a series of budget workshops Monday through Wednesday, with the next regular meeting set for Thursday, Aug. 22.
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!