Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 24)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, May 24. 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.
5:32 p.m.
The workshop has started. Mayor Karl Mooney is absent tonight. Mayor Pro Tem James Benham will preside. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No consent items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:56 p.m.
Northgate Pedestrian Safety
The council heard a presentation about temporary measures to enhance pedestrian safety in the Northgate area, including the closing of Boyett Street at University Drive on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. An ongoing comprehensive study will help determine permanent changes.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
6:13 p.m.
Texas 4-H Horse Show
The council unanimously approved $25,000 in College Station Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds per year to support the Brazos County Expo Center’s bid to host the Texas State 4-H Horse Show for the next five years.
Other possible funding partners and their annual HOT fund commitment are Experience BCS ($35,000), the City of Bryan for ($25,000) Brazos County ($50,000), and Expo Rewards Program ($12,000). The combined commitment for all partners is $147,000 per year for a total of $735,000 over five years.
The Texas State 4-H Horse Show is an eight-day event in July. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated an economic impact of $887,400 and 1,416 room nights for the 2017 show in Abilene. For the 2019 event, Experience BCS estimates an economic impact of $809,884 with 2,000 hotel room nights.
6:16 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Benham adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start immediately.
6:16 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:24 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.
- The president of the Woodland Hills Homeowners Association spoke about maintaining the trees as a buffer between the subdivision and Lowe’s.
- A resident spoke about issues with development in her Woodlands Hills neighborhood.
- A resident spoke about the importance of trees and green areas in maintaining a healthy environment.
6:24 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Renewal of a contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics and a data use agreement for access to confidential information.
- The $135,814.39 purchase of new grounds maintenance equipment from Professional Turf Products for the Parks and Recreation Department.
- The Semi-Annual Report on Small Area Impact Fees and System-Wide Impact Fees for Water, Wastewater, and Roadway.
- A three-year, $1.2 million contract with SEL Engineering Services for electrical engineering services.
- An ordinance repealing and terminating the Medical District Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.
- A $600,000 real estate contract for property for the planned Fire Station No. 7.
- The second restatement of the inter-local agreement with the City of Bryan, City of Brenham, Brazos County, Washington County, Texas A&M University, and Grimes County for the construction, acquisition, implementation, operation, and maintenance of the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System.
- A $337,182.47 general services agreement with ASAP Security Solutions for a video surveillance system in the Northgate District and in the Northgate Parking Garage.
6:31 p.m.
FY18 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a $4.13 million amendment to the city’s FY18 budget. Most of the amendment covers Phase II of the Veterans Park & Athletic Complex Build-Out ($1.55 million), the Fun for All Playground ($1 million), a design contract for Southeast Park ($400,000), and land for a new fire station.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:34 p.m.
Wellborn Road-Royder Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning designation from Planned Development District and Suburban Commercial to Wellborn Commercial for about four acres at the intersection of Wellborn Road and the future Royder Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:37 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Wellborn Commercial for about 4.4 acres south of the Wellborn Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:01 p.m.
College Station Business Center
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the College Station Business Center Development Plan, formerly known as the Spring Creek Corporate Campus.The Spring Creek Local Government Corporation will work with staff to implement the next phases of the Business Center, including platting, infrastructure design, deed restrictions, development standards, naming, signage, and branding.
The plan includes the development of about 250 acres of city-owned property along the east side of State Highway 6 South, north of W.D. Fitch Parkway, and south of Lick Creek.
The city began purchasing property in the area almost 20 years ago for the eventual development of a business park. The city owns about 485 acres, including significant areas of preserved greenway. The council’s Economic Development Committee and the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation have jointly overseen the development plan process.
The plan acts as an internal guide for the development of the business park and includes assessment of existing conditions, flexible land planning, potential industry targets, infrastructure demands and financing, and marketing and branding efforts. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:02 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7;02 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem Benham adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 14.
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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5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Northgate Pedestrian Safety: The council will hear a workshop presentation on proposals for temporary measures to enhance pedestrian safety in the Northgate area, including the closing of Boyett Street at University Drive on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. An ongoing comprehensive study will help determine permanent changes.
- Fire Station No. 7 Property: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $600,000 real estate contract to purchase about four acres on Wellborn Road for the city’s seventh fire station. The item is part of the budget amendment on the regular meeting agenda.
- Northgate Video Surveillance: Also on the consent agenda is a $337,000 general services agreement with ASAP Security Solutions for the first phase of a video surveillance system in the Northgate District and Northgate Parking Garage.
- FY18 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $4.13 million amendment to the city’s FY18 budget. Most of the amendment covers Phase II of the Veterans Park & Athletic Complex Build-Out ($1.55 million), the Fun for All Playground ($1 million), a design contract for Southeast Park ($400,000), and land for a new fire station.
- Rezonings on Wellborn Road: After public hearings, the council will consider requests to rezoning two properties along Wellborn Road south of Greens Prairie Road to allow for commercial development. One is for about four acres, and the other is for 4.4 acres.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Sept. 25)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Sept. 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD) and online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:26 p.m.
The workshop has started. Council took no action out of executive session. Councilman James Benham is absent tonight.
6:54 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled these consent items for workshop discussion:
- Research Valley Partnership Bylaws: In June, the RVP voted to amend its bylaws. College Station, Bryan, Brazos County and other oversight entities must approve any changes to the bylaws concerning the appointment and qualifications of directors. A provision allows Texas A&M to join the RVP as a full-funding partner. Existing full-funding partners are the cities of Bryan, College Station and Brazos County, which invest about $350,000 each per year.
- Hot Mix Asphalt Contract: Four sealed competitive bids were received and opened in August 2015, and Brazos Paving was the lowest responsible bidder. The total contract award for Type D hot mix asphalt is $2,990,750 and the emulsion is $22,800 for a total not to exceed $3,013,550 for materials to be installed on city streets as needed. This is the second of two possible one-year renewals.
- Royder Road Interlocal Agreement: Due to the traffic impact of the proposed Wellborn Middle School, the need for a traffic signal at Greens Prairie Trail and Royder, a right-turn deceleration lane into the school, and the associated utility relocations were added to the city’s planned roadway project. A total budget of $4.93 million is included for this project in the Streets Capital Improvement Projects Fund. CSISD will reimburse the city up to $450,000 for the deceleration lane, traffic signal improvements, and necessary utility relocations.
- Arrington Road Interlocal Agreement: The agreement allows Brazos County to finance the improvements to Arrington Road in the College Station city limits. The county will provide property acquisition, grading, drainage, flexible base/asphalt pavement, pavement markings, permanent vegetation, and appropriate signage and maintenance.
- Hands-Free Ordinance Repeal: A new state law preempts a city ordinance that prohibits the use of a hand-held electronic communication device while driving. The Texas law simply bans texting while driving.
- Dark Fiber Lease Agreement: On March 26, 2015, council approved an Ordinance permitting the lease of city fiber optic cable facilities. This item is the second lease authorized by the ordinance. The lease will have a financial impact on the city since modest revenue will be obtained from fiber or conduit leases.
7:22 p.m.
Affordable Housing Update
The council reviewed the city’s efforts and programs to promote affordable housing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:25 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.
7:32 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:40 p.m.
Joe Orr, Inc. cited as Texas Treasure Business
Joe Orr, Inc. was recognized by Mayor Mooney for receiving a Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. Joe Orr is one of only 383 businesses from across the state to make this prestigious list, which pays tribute to businesses that have provided employment opportunities and support to the state’s economy for 50 years or more. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney is Henry Mayo, Joe Orr’s vice president.
Here’s Mr. Mayo’s PowerPoint presentation:
7:45 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Ben Roper recognized Marine Lance Cpl. Pedro Contreras as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial Program. The 27-year-old from Harris, Texas, died from hostile fire on June 21, 2004, in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
- Casey Oldham introduced Matt Prochaska as president and CEO of the Research Valley Partnership.
7:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Modifications to Article III of the Bylaws of the Research Valley Partnership, Inc.
- FY18 funds for items exempt from competitive bidding as described in the Texas Local Government Code and other expenditures for interlocal contracts or fees mandated by state law greater than $100,000.
- First renewal of a $256,078.42 annual contract with Andrews Building Service for janitorial services for city facilities and the Northgate District.
- An interlocal agreement for the cost participation by the College Station Independent School District in the Royder Road Widening Phase I Project.
- Prohibited left turns for vehicles traveling northbound on Brothers Boulevard into the Southwood Valley parent pick-up and drop-off driveway 815 feet north of Deacon Drive.
- An interlocal agreement with Brazos County regarding Arrington Road.
- Authorized the city manager or his designee to execute documents necessary for a grant application for Criminal Justice Division funds from the Officer of the Governor.
- Prohibited parking on the west side of Boyett Street beginning 60 feet north of the intersection with University Drive and ending 130 feet north of University Drive.
- An amendment to the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System interlocal agreement that adds Grimes County as a BVWACS party.
- A bid award not to exceed $479,168 for the annual blanket purchase of three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
- An annual water meter purchase of a maximum amount of $463,000 with National Meter & Automation, Inc.
- Repealed the city ordinance regarding the use of wireless communication devices while operating a motor vehicle or bicycle.
- A license agreement with Lakeridge Living for a 69.55-square-foot encroachment into the public utility easement located at 1198 Jones Butler Road.
- An agreement for CEO, Etc., to lease city fiber optic cable facilities.
- FY17 funding of $1,493,809 to Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) OPEB trust.
- FY18 insurance premiums not to exceed $500,223 for excess liability and workers’ compensation, property/boiler & machinery, commercial crime, EMT liability, auto property damage, cyber liability and special events policies.
This item was pulled for a separate vote:
- The council voted 5-1 to approve an annual contract not to exceed $3,013,550 with Brazos Paving for Type D hot mix asphalt and emulsion. Councilwoman Julie Schultz voted against the motion.
7:58 p.m.
FY17 Budget Amendment No. 3
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved Budget Amendment No. 3, which amends the FY17 budget by $114,357 and includes a contingency transfer of up to $400,000 to cover expenses related to hurricanes Harvey and Maria.
The amendment includes $49,957 to cover expenses incurred by members of the Police Department to participate in the presidential inauguration in January. Another $4,000 is for expenses for a homicide investigation seminar hosted by CSPD. Funds for both of those items were subsequently reimbursed.
In addition, the Fleet Maintenance Fund is expected to be over budget by about $60,000 because of unexpected expenses for parts, repairs, and overtime.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:03 p.m.
FY18 Budget Adoption
The council voted unanimously to adopt the city’s $365.7 million budget for FY18 and 5-1 to ratify a $5.8 million increase in property tax revenue. Councilman Jerome Rektorik voted against the ratification.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:11 p.m.
FY18 Tax Rate Adoption
The council voted 5-1 to adopt the FY18 property tax rate of 49.75 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which includes .220339 cents for debt service and .277161 cents for operations and maintenance. Councilman Jerome Rektorik voted against the motion.
The 2½-cent increase from FY17 is entirely on the debt side and will be used to fund a new police station. The new rate is expected to generate about $43.3 million to fund the city’s general debt service and part of its operations and maintenance costs.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
Councilwoman Linda Harvell was not feeling well and has left the meeting.
8:18 p.m.
Utility Rate Ordinance Modification
The council voted 5-0 to implement two changes to utility fees and rates.
The first change establishes a unified account creation fee and deletes the existing connection fees that cause confusion and are not compatible with the city’s new billing system. The change simplifies the fee to create an account with College Station Utilities. The next item on tonight’s agenda establishes the amount of the account creation fee, which is revenue neutral.
The second change implements a council decision from November to add a 50 percent surcharge to water and sewer customers in Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1, also known as the Speedway MUD or Southern Point development. The surcharge will help offset the cost of adding utility capacity to meet the development’s demands. It provides the same revenue as impact fees would but stretches it over 20 years.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Fitch-Rock Prairie Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Suburban Commercial, Estate and Natural Areas Protected for about 35 acres northwest of the intersection of William D. Fitch Parkway and Rock Prairie Road. The change will allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:06 p.m.
Rezoning East of Emerald Forest
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to deny a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Restricted Suburban and Natural Areas Protected for about 46 acres east of the Emerald Forest Subdivision near the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The change would have allowed for a single-family residential development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:09 p.m.
Northgate Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to abandon a public utility easement at 203 First St. to allow for the development of the mobile food truck park in Northgate.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:13 p.m.
Associates Avenue Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from Commercial Industrial to Multi-Family and Natural Areas Protected for about six acres on Associates Avenue behind Sam’s. The change will allow for a multi-family residential development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:17 p.m.
Barron Cut-Off Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to General Suburban for about 14 acres at 3387 Barron Cut-Off Road. The change will allow a single-family residential development.
Councilwoman Julie Schultz recused herself from the discussion because of a conflict of interest.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:24 p.m.
White’s Creek Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Estate for about five acres at 15590 White’s Creek Lane. The change will allow for residential development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:25 p.m.
BVSWMA Appointment
The council voted 5-0 to appoint Rick Floyd to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s board of directors.
9:30 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
9:30 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again for a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 2. The next regular meeting is Thursday, Oct. 12.
Thanks for joining us. Good Night!
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been 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 Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Affordable Housing Update: In the workshop, the council will be updated on the city’s efforts and programs to promote affordable housing.
- Arrington Road Interlocal Agreement: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an interlocal agreement with Brazos County to allow the county to pay for improvements to Arrington Road within the city limits.
- Hand-Held Ordinance Repeal: Another consent agenda item is the repeal of the city ordinance prohibiting the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving. The ordinance was recently preempted by state law, which bans texting and driving.
- FY18 Budget/Tax Rate Adoption: The council will consider adopting the city’s proposed $365.7 million budget for FY18, along with a 2½-cent increase in the property tax rate to 49.75 cents per $100 of valuation.
- Rezoning near Carters Creek Plant: The council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Restricted Suburban and Natural Areas Protected for about 46 acres east of the Emerald Forest Subdivision near the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. The change would allow a single-family residential development.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD), or online. The website includes an archive of previous council meetings. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also done extensive volunteer work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and 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 (Sept. 11)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Sept. 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD) and online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:31 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
Workshop Meeting Agenda and Background Materials
6:43 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled these consent items for workshop discussion:
- Westside Community Park: Staff is requesting approval for the $2.5 million purchase of two tracts (48.6 acres and 55.4 acres) and the acceptance of a third tract (7 acres) as a donation to be developed into the Westside Community Park. The property is located on North Dowling Road west of the city. Additional costs will include surveying, environmental reports, title insurance, and closing fees, which are estimated not to exceed $80,000. Funds are budgeted in the Community Park Land Zone B Fund, the Neighborhood Park Land Zone 15 fund, and the Neighborhood Parks Revolving Fund.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Rental Registration Ordinance Amendment: In July, staff provided the council with an overview and update on the rental registration program. The council directed staff to eliminate the requirement to renew the registration of a property on an annual basis and instead require only an initial registration. Staff recommended adding an additional requirement to register four-plex and other types of rental units to assist city staff when responding to an issue, violation, or emergency.
Staff reviewed the ordinance as adopted and included changes to clarify information for property owners and residents to better understand which properties are subject to the law. The changes include: The title of the ordinance was revised; the types of properties were added to include single-family, townhome, duplex, triplex, fourplex, five-plex & six-plex; a definition of multi-family dwelling was added; a definition of owner occupied was added; clarification that a new registration is required in the event of a change in ownership; change in local contact information must be reported within 30 days; and fee of $15 charged per building.
- Single-Stream Recycling Agreement: Staff recommends renewal of years 3-5 of a five-year franchise agreement and general services contract with Brazos Valley Recycling for the collection, processing, and marketing of recyclable materials. The city pays an annual cost of $880,000. The provision of recycling collection services and associated public education programs account for $3.18 out of the $14.40 monthly sanitation fee charged to each customer.
- Transportation Network Ordinance Repeal: The governor recently signed HB100 into law to provide a uniform, statewide approach to regulating and permitting transportation network companies through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The law preempts local control by establishing exclusive power and function solely to the state. As such, the city transportation network company ordinance will be repealed.
7:12 p.m.
Council to repeal city’s hands-free ordinance
The council voted 4-3 to direct staff to bring back an ordinance to repeal the existing city law regarding the use of hand-held communication devices while driving. The state legislature recently took action to ban texting and driving statewide. The city’s ordinance prohibits any use of hand-held communication devices while driving.
The discussion also included a review of a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on the effectiveness of the city ordinance.
Survey of Wireless Communication Device Use
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:27 p.m.
Long-Term Water Supplies
The council heard a presentation about potential long-term water supplies. College Station’s water comes entirely from groundwater wells. As groundwater reserves are drawn down, the city could be required to reduce its pumping amounts.
Consequently, the city is planning for alternative water supplies that would replace any required cutbacks. Possibilities include direct potable reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, desalination, and surface water.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:28 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.
7:36 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
Regular Meeting Agenda and Background Materials
7:41 p.m.
Laserfiche Excellence Award
Deputy City Secretary Ian Whittenton was recognized for receiving MCCi’s Laserfiche Excellence Award for its innovative use of Laserfiche.
7:43 p.m.
Constitution Week
The mayor proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in commemoration of America’s most important document. The celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955 when the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside an annual observance. The resolution was adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
7:48 p.m.
Thank a Police Officer Day
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 16 as Thank a Police Officer Day in College Station. The event is promoted by the College Station Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
7:49 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one signed up to speak during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
7:49 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An Interlocal agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan to apply for and accept a 2017 Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
- An $11.36 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the Lakeway Drive Project.
- A $2.88 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the Royder Road Expansion Phase 1 Project.
- Temporarily changed the posted speed limit to 25 mph on Royder Road between the city limit to 700 feet north of Backwater Drive during the Royder Road Expansion Phase 1 project.
- A $315,000 contract with Brazos Paving for construction of the culvert and replacement of the water line at the intersection of Dominik and Stallings Drive.
- Awarded a $545,000 contract to C3 Constructors for the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s 4 and 5 Blower Improvements.
- A resolution naming the authorized representative on the Public Agency Retirement Services’ Public Agencies Post-Retirement Health Care Plan Trust account.
- An agreement for administrative services with Public Agency Retirement Services in the amount of 0.25 percent of plan assets for financial advisory services on an annual basis, estimated to be $3,250 in this initial year.
- A $230,000 contract with Xpedient Mail for printing and mailing utility bills, late notices, and inserts.
- A three-year Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bryan and Brazos County for the City of College Station to provide Emergency Medical Ambulance Service to Brazos County and to receive payments every quarter.
- The final reading of the recycling collection franchise ordinance and service agreement renewal with Brazos Valley Recycling not to exceed $880,000 or the number of customers times the approved contract rates.
- The acquisition of 110.95 acres to be developed into Westside Community Park.
- A $256,384 contract with Utility Restoration Services for annual padmount equipment repair and restoration.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding the working hours for necessary construction.
- An amendment to the city’s Building and Building Regulations and Single-Family and Duplex Unit Rental Registration.
- Repealed the city ordinance regarding Transportation Network Companies after the state legislature passed a bill allowing only the state to regulate transportation network companies.
7:51 p.m.
FY18 Budget Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed $365.5 million budget for FY18, which is scheduled for adoption Sept. 25.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:58 p.m.
FY18 Tax Rate Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed tax rate for FY18, which is scheduled for adoption Sept. 25. The proposed rate is 49.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 2½-cent increase from the current rate.
One person spoke against the tax increase during the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:24 p.m.
Fairview Avenue Rezoning at George Bush Drive
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-3 to approve a request to rezone two lots on the south side of Fairview Avenue at the George Bush Drive intersection. Councilwomen Blanche Brick and Linda Harvell joined Mayor Mooney is voted against the motion. The change will allow the relocation of the nearby Aggieland Outfitters store.
Ten people spoke against the zoning change and three for it during the public hearing. One written statement supporting the change also was submitted.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
10:24 p.m.
The meeting will resume after a short break.
10:34 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:37 p.m.
UDO Amendment: Utility Easements
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding the location of utility easements. The change is part of efforts to streamline the UDO and will give the city engineer flexibility regarding the location and width of utility easements, which will reduce costs for the developer, staff time for processing waiver requests, and the number of waiver requests considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:40 p.m.
UDO Amendment: Health Clubs
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the UDO to permit health clubs in Commercial Industrial zoning districts. The change allows gyms and exercise facilities to use buildings with a warehouse or industrial character.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:40 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
10:40 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Monday, Sept. 25.
About the Author
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 been 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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5 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Hand-Held Ordinance Update: In the workshop, the council will discuss legislative changes that could impact the city’s ordinance regarding the use of hand-held communication devices while driving. The council will also review a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on the effectiveness of the city ordinance.
- Lakeway Drive Extension: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an $11.36 million contract for the extension of Lakeway Drive from Fitch Parkway to the Scott & White Hospital near Rock Prairie Road.
- Royder Road Expansion: Another consent agenda item is a $2.88 million for the first phase of the expansion of Royder Road. The project includes reconstruction of the road from the city limit to near Backwater Lane
- and changing the 2-way asphalt road section into a 3-lane concrete roadway.
- Fairview Avenue Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider rezoning two lots on the south side of Fairview Avenue at the George Bush Drive intersection. The change would allow the relocation of the nearby Aggieland Outfitters store.
- Budget, Tax Rate Public Hearings: The council will conduct public hearings on the proposed FY18 city budget and property tax rate. The proposed tax rate is 49.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 2½-cent increase. The $365.5 million budget and tax rate are scheduled for adoption on Sept. 25.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD), or online. The website includes an archive of previous council meetings. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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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 done extensive volunteer work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and 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!
