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.
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:
- 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.
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!
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 (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Construction Activity Hours: In the workshop, the council will discuss changes to the permissible hours of construction activities.
- Library Expansion: The council will hear workshop update on the final details regarding the expansion of the Larry J. Ringer Library. The project is ready to bid for construction with completion projected for early 2019.
- Southeast Community Park: The council will discuss details of the Southeast Community Park Project, including renderings, funding, projected use, and economic impact.
- FY18 City Budget: The final workshop item is a presentation on the city’s proposed FY18 budget. The council will review the document in detail during workshops scheduled Monday-Wednesday of next week.
- Chimney Hill Property: After a public hearing in the regular meeting, the council will consider a request to amend the concept plan for the 8-acre Chimney Hill property on University Drive. The change will allow for redevelopment of the property.
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 26)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 26. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:00 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:04 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:
- Cemetery Foot Markers: This ordinance change would standardize foot markers in city cemeteries and would allow one flat foot marker not to exceed 72 inches in length when family or double monuments are placed on at least two adjoining standard spaces.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:45 p.m.
High-Speed Rail Update
The council received an update on the high-speed rail project between Houston and Dallas that will include a stop in the Brazos Valley.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:51 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start at 7 p.m.
7:01 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:08 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Ben Roper recognized Marine Cpl. Matthew E. Matula as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 20-year-old Spicewood native died April 9, 2004, from hostile fire in Iraq.
- Bob Reinhardt encouraged the city to do all it can to attract additional internet providers to town.
7:09 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Authorized the city manager or designees to execute grant applications for state Homeland Security Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities funds from the Office of the Governor.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not-to-exceed $230,000 from Southern Tire Mart.
- An annual blanket purchase order not to exceed $120,000 from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- A $166,100 contract with Jacobs Engineering Group for a needs assessment and program for the Utility Service Center.
- A $62,593 change order to a contract with Palasota Contracting for a street rehabilitation project along Nimitz Street from Lincoln Avenue to Ash Street.
- An ordinance amendment adding stop signs at various intersection approaches.
- An ordinance amendment adding yield signs on Holleman Drive South at FM 2818, Koppe Bridge Road at South Dowling Road, and the Scott and White Drive roundabout.
- An ordinance amendment adding foot marker exceptions for family or double monuments in city cemeteries.
- The fourth and final renewal of a general services agreement not to exceed $120,000 with Emergicon to provide ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
7:16 p.m.
Budget Amendment No. 1
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $6.1 million amendment to the city’s FY17 budget, including $5.9 million that was budgeted an encumbered in FY16 but won’t be received until FY17.
The encumbrance roll includes $2.39 million to establish a Community Development Block Grant local account and $1.3 million for a new ladder truck for the Fire Department. Other items in the budget amendment are $63,500 for park improvements – a budget clean-up item that corrects an error in FY17 appropriations – and $200,000 for a sewer line extension on Lakeway Drive.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Planned Development District Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to rezone about 39 acres northeast of the intersection of Jones-Butler Road and FM2818. The change would result in the addition of three acres into the existing Planned Development District, which includes multi-family housing and preserves flood-prone areas.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
Itinerant Vendor Ordinance Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to exempt mobile medical clinics and related mobile services from the city’s itinerant vendor requirements and to expand the number of days allowed for outdoor tent sales to 36 per year.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:41 p.m.
Historic Preservation Committee
The council voted unanimously to appoint Louis Hodges as chair of the Historic Preservation Committee.
7:47 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 9.
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 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 Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Itinerant Vendor Ordinance: In the workshop, the council will discuss an itinerant vendor ordinance and requirements related to temporary outdoor sales, including mobile medical uses.
- Bee Creek Sewer Line: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $4.6 million contract with Elliott Construction for the second of four phases of the rehabilitation of the Bee Creek Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line. The project will increase the system’s capacity to accept maximum demand at eventual build-out.
- Roadway Maintenance Fees: Also on the consent agenda are roadway maintenance fees dedicated to the repair and upkeep of city streets. The proposed monthly fees would be added to utility bills are $7.78 for single family, $6.10 for multi-family, and commercial fees ranging from $17.23-$250. The fees are expected to generate about $4.5 million per year.
- Parking Removal: After a public hearing, the council will consider removing parking on Avenue B and Payton, Banks, Pearce, Columbus, Preston, Churchill, Chappel, Pasler and Turner streets. The change would allow access for emergency vehicles.
- Roadway Impact Fees: After a public hearing, the council will consider approving roadway impact fees on new development to help pay the costs of building new roadways. The fees would be phased in starting in December 2017 and would in generate about $12 million in the next decade.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, 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 Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 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!
Updates will help make playground visits safe, memorable
By Hallie Kutch, Marketing Staff Assistant
When nostalgia and childhood memories stir, what comes to mind?
For many of us, it’s sometimes a playground where we once spent countless hours climbing the equipment or running circles in an open field. Those playgrounds allowed our imaginations to take us anywhere.
The classic yellow slides and chain-link swings have been favored features in just about every park in the country. Playgrounds provide the ultimate place for children to explore, exercise and develop their creative and social skills. These memorable experiences are integral to developing young minds and bodies, so it’s vital for us to continue providing, safe, play-friendly spaces.
Improvements are on the way
The City of College Station values the benefits and importance of playgrounds. In September, the College Station City Council unanimously approved more than $600,000 for improvements and repairs to play areas in 15 city parks. Construction began in October and is expected to be finished by early 2017.
An essential element for a safe play space is the playground’s surface or foundation. Eco-friendly, durable rubber surfacing will be installed near swings and other play areas, and new play units, swing sets, and exercise equipment will be added. The changes and updates will enhance safety and help prevent injuries.
Here’s a list of the major updates:
- CASTLEGATE: Removal of pea gravel from swing area, installation of new rubber surfacing, the addition of swings and chains, and painting of existing swing set.
- CASTLEROCK: Removal of pea gravel from swing area, installation of new rubber surfacing, the addition of new swings and chains, and painting of existing swing set.
- EDELWEISS: New swings and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- GEORGIE K. FITCH: New play units and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- JACK & DOROTHY MILLER: New surfacing for the walking path.
- LINCOLN RECREATION CENTER: New swings and replacement of surfacing in swing area.
- LIONS: New play units and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- OAKS: New play unit and relocation of existing rubber surfacing.
- SANDSTONE: New fitness equipment.
- SOUTHERN OAKS: New swings and replacement of surfacing in swing area.
- STEEPLECHASE: New swing set and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- STEPHEN C. BEACHY CENTRAL: New play unit and addition of rubber surfacing.
- THOMAS: New fitness equipment
- UNIVERSITY: Removal of pea gravel in swing area, installation of a new swing set and rubber surfacing.
- WOODCREEK: New play unit and addition of rubber surfacing.
The City of College Station Parks and Recreation Department offers 34 parks featuring play units for your kids to explore, enjoy, and make fond childhood memories they’ll carry the rest of their lives.
We invite you to share your experiences in our parks on Twitter with the hashtag #CSTXparks.
About the Author
Hallie Kutch is in her second year as marketing staff assistant in the Parks & Recreation Department after graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 with a degree in sports management and a minor in tourism research management. She has previously worked with the Dallas Sidekicks professional soccer team and Texas Team Junior Golf. Originally from White Oak, Hallie also attended Kilgore College and was a member of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes dance team.
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