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.
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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 (5:30 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.
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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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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 (about 5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Roadway Impact Fees: In the workshop, the council will continue its recent discussions about possible roadway impact fees that would be charged to new development to help pay for growth. A public hearing and formal action are scheduled for Nov. 10.
- Roadway Maintenance Fee: The council will have a workshop discussion on a draft ordinance and options for the roadway maintenance fee that’s included in the FY17 budget.
- Rezoning at Wellborn Road-Harvey Mitchell: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to rezone about 71 acres at the southeast corner of the Wellborn Road-Harvey Mitchell Parkway intersection. The change would allow for the development of townhomes, duplexes, and apartments as well as commercial uses.
- Highway 30 Rezoning near Veterans Park: After public hearings, the council will consider changing the land use and zoning designations for about seven acres of Highway 30 frontage across from Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The changes would allow for commercial development.
- Highway 6 Rezoning north of Fitch: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to rezone about 58 acres north of Fitch Parkway on the east side of Highway 6. The change would allow for commercial development.
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
@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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Oct. 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, Oct. 13. 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.
5:20 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:55 p.m.
Legislative Update
The council received a legislative update and a preview of the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:07 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:
- College View School Zone: The proposed 30 mph school zone would be near the new College View High School. It will extend from 200 feet east of Holik Street to about 175 feet west of Timber Street. The zone also extends south along Timber about 160 feet from the intersection with George Bush Drive and north along Bizzell Street about 100 feet from the intersection. Holik Street will also have the 30 mph zone from the end of the existing zone to the intersection with Bush. Texas A&M has given the city permission to install and maintain a flashing beacon on Bizzell to notify motorists coming from campus that they are about to enter a school zone.
- RVP Funding Agreement: As part of the FY17 budget process, the council approved $350,000 from the general fund for the operations and maintenance of the Research Valley Partnership. Councilman James Benham reiterated his opposition to funding the RVP.
- ESRI Agreement: The ESRI Small Government Enterprise Licenses Agreement allows the city to use most ESRI products without limits on the number of licenses. The three-year contract has an annual cost of $50,000 and saves money when compared to acquiring the appropriate number of individual licenses and paying for annual maintenance and support agreements.
- Chamber of Commerce Funding: The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce will receive $25,000 in hotel tax funds in FY17. Councilman Benham thanked retiring executive director Royce Hickman for his service.
7:20 p.m.
Roadway Impact Fees
The council discussed the Impact Fee Advisory Committee’s written comments about possible roadway impact fees and heard an update on the process for implementation.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:20 p.m.
The mayor suspended the workshop until after the regular meeting, which will begin momentarily.
7:31 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:34
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. Ben Roper recognized Army Spc. Robert Asiaga as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program.
7:38 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $179,760.87 change order for the contract with L.E. Myers Company for additional matting and track equipment due to extreme wet weather conditions on the Spring Creek transmission line upgrade project.
- A contract not to exceed $750,000 with McCord Engineering for electric engineering services related to the design of the Graham Road Substation.
- The second renewal of a blanket price agreement not to exceed $136,992 with Cleveland Asphalt Products for emulsified asphalt products for street maintenance.
- Renewal of a one-year contract not to exceed $200,000 with Rios Tree Service for landscaping, tree trimming and removal services.
- A 30 mph school zone on George Bush Drive, Timber Street, Holik Street and Bizzell Street near the new College View High School.
- Annual water meter purchases of $166,077.52 from Aqua Metric Sales through the Houston-Galveston Area Council contract.
- The first of two renewal options for the annual EMS supply purchase order not to exceed $80,000 with Boundtree Medical L.L.C.
- An FY17 funding agreement for $15,000 with the College Station Noon Lions Club.
- The FY17 budget, a general fund funding agreement for $35,000, and a hotel tax fund funding agreement for $91,000 with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.
- FY17 hotel tax affiliate funding and a marketing and public arts support funding agreement for $391,900 with the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.
- A FY17 funding agreement for $51,190 with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- The FY17 budget and a hotel tax funding agreement for $25,000 with the Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley.
- The FY17 budget and a hotel tax funding agreement for $2,122,616 with the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- The FY17 budget a hotel tax funding agreement for $25,000 with the Bryan/College
- Station Chamber of Commerce.
- The FY17 budget and a funding agreement for $102,690 with Easterwood Airport.
- A FY17 hotel tax grant program funding agreement of $400,000 with the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.
- A $150,000, three-year Small Government Enterprise ArcGIS License agreement with ESRI.
The council voted separately on this consent item:
- By a 6-1 vote approved a FY17 general fund funding agreement for $350,000 with the Research Valley Partnership. Councilman Benham voted against the motion.
8:06 p.m.
Capstone-Barron Realignment
The council voted unanimously to move forward with the reconstruction and alignment of Capstone Drive and Barron Road from Fitch Parkway through Wellborn Road. Barron and Capstone will be realigned to intersect Wellborn Road, and the existing asphalt road will be replaced with concrete.
The $5.6 million project was approved in the FY16 city budget and was among the projects recommended by the 2015 Citizen Advisory Committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:09 p.m.
Capstone-Barron Project Easements and Right-of-Way
The council voted unanimously to authorize city staff to negotiate the purchase of right-of-way and easements for the Capstone-Barron Realignment Project.
8:14 p.m.
Wellborn SUD Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Wellborn Commercial for the Wellborn Special Utility District office, which is located on three acres northeast of the Greens Prairie Road West-Live Oak Street intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:29 p.m.
Tarrow Townhomes Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Office to Planned Development District for about 1.6 acres at the intersection of Tarrow Street and Autumn Circle. The change will allow the development of townhouses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:32 p.m.
Parking Removal on Louise and Second Street
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to remove parking along one side of the 300 block of Louise Street and the 400 block of Second Street to allow aerial fire department access to the proposed Louise Townhomes development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:35 p.m.
Easement Abandonment at A&M Church of Christ
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon part of a public utility easement on the A&M Church of Christ property at 2475 Rudder Freeway.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:01 p.m.
Northgate Mobile Food Court
The council voted 5-2 to approve a conditional use permit for a long-term mobile food court at 203 First Street in the Northgate District. Beer and wine sales must cease at midnight and a minimum of two security officers must be provided from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Councilmen Steve Aldrich and Karl Mooney voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:01 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
10:07 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:09 p.m.
Easement Abandonment at School Sites
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon part of a public utility easement near the Willow Branch and Oakwood school sites.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:11 p.m.
Summit Crossing Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District to Townhouse for about 14.6 acres north of Harvey Road and west of FM 158. The change will allow the continuation of the existing Summit Crossing townhouse development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:13 p.m.
Easement Abandonment on Redmond Drive
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a public utility easement to accommodate the design of a residential development on Redmond Drive.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:14 p.m.
BioCorridor Board Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Johnny Burns to replace Barry Moore as one of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s representatives on the BioCorridor Board. Moore resigned to run for city council.
10:15 p.m.
BVSWMA Board Appointment
The council voted 6-0 to appoint Mayor Pro Tem John Nichols to the BVSWMA, Inc. Board of Directors. Nichols abstained. Mayor Nancy Berry’s term on the board expired Sept. 30.
10:15 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop meeting will resume.
10:18 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 27.
About the Author
@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!
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:
- Roadway Impact Fees: In the workshop, the council will discuss the Impact Fee Advisory Committee’s written comments regarding possible roadway impact fees and will hear an update on the process for implementation.
- College View School Zone: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider adding a 30 mph school zone on George Bush Drive, Timber Street, Holik Street and Bizzell Street near the new College View High School.
- Outside Agency Funding: The consent agenda also includes formal funding agreements with several outside agencies. The agreements – some funded by the general fund and others with hotel tax revenue — were tentatively approved last month as part of the FY17 city budget.
- Capstone-Barron Realignment: After a public hearing, the council will discuss the reconstruction and alignment of Capstone Drive and Barron Road from Fitch Parkway through Wellborn Road. Barron and Capstone will be realigned to intersect Wellborn Road, and a concrete road will replace the existing asphalt. The $5.6 million project was approved in the FY16 city budget and recommended by the 2015 Citizen Advisory Committee.
- Mobile Food Court: After a public hearing, the council will consider a conditional use permit for a long-term mobile food court at 203 First Street in Northgate. The site plan includes pads and utilities for up to nine vendors, along with a permanent concessions/restroom building.
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!
