Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Feb. 25)
Standing (l-r): John Crompton, Bob Brick, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (l-r): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Elizabeth Cunha.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are 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 webinar number 935 8354 7898. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
82 Years Ago Today
The inaugural meeting of the first College Station City Council was held 82 years ago today on the Texas A&M campus.
5:05 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion.
- Vos Transport Franchise Agreement: The proposed agreement allows Vos Transport to collect demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial, and multi-family locations in College Station.
- Bio-Corridor Development Incentive: The City of Bryan has asked College Station to ratify and approve an economic development incentive for a proposed development in the Biocorridor under the cities’ inter-local agreement.
- Janitorial Contract: The two-year, $465,011 contract with Andrews Building Service is for janitorial services for city facilities and the Northgate District.
5:25 p.m.
Annual Traffic Contact Report
The council accepted the annual traffic contact report compiled by an independent consultant. The report indicates that the College Station Police Department complies with state law and employs best practices.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:13 p.m.
Parks & Recreation User Fees
The council discussed the methodology used to establish parks and recreation user fees, including recovery policies, program subsidies, and how fees fit into policies.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:15 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.
6:49 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:53 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.
6:54 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Vos Transport for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial, and multi-family locations.
- A resolution ratifying and approving an economic development incentive by the City of Bryan for a development in the Biocorridor under the inter-local cooperation and joint development agreement between the cities.
- A two-year, $465,011 contract with Andrews Building Service for janitorial services for city facilities and the Northgate District.
- A $357,920 contract with Iteris for purchasing services, equipment, and hardware and software maintenance.
6:57 p.m.
Century Hill Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to abandon small portions of 20-foot wide public utility easements in the Century Hill Development Subdivision to address site constraints. The remaining easements are adequate to serve existing public infrastructure.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:11 p.m.
State Highway 6 Waterline Easements
In three separate votes, the council voted unanimously to authorize eminent domain proceedings for public utility easements and temporary construction easements on three small parcels of land as part of the third phase of the State Highway 6 waterline project. The project will install 18-inch and 20-inch waterlines along the frontage road from north of Woodcreek Drive to north of Emerald Plaza.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
- Tortuga 3209: The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution determining that an easement containing 0.0761 acres and a temporary construction easement containing 0.0799 acres is to be acquired from Tortuga 3209 for the construction, operation, maintenance, inspection, replacement, and removal of public utility lines and other public infrastructure as part of the State Highway 6 waterline project. The motion also authorizes eminent domain proceedings.
- Brazos RE Investors Group: The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution determining that an easement containing 1.092 acres and a temporary construction easement containing 0.541 acres is to be acquired from Brazos RE Investors Group for the construction, operation, maintenance, inspection, replacement, and removal of public utility lines and other public infrastructure as part of the State Highway 6 waterline project. The motion also authorizes eminent domain proceedings.
- HRKR: The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution determining that an easement containing 0.086 acres is to be acquired from HRKR for the construction, operation, maintenance, inspection, replacement, and removal of public utility lines and other public infrastructure as part of the State Highway 6 waterline project. The motion also authorizes eminent domain proceedings.
9:08 p.m.
Graham Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to deny a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to Urban for about 10 acres west of the International Leadership of Texas public charter school campus on Graham Road. Councilman John Nichols and Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha supported the change, which would have allowed for townhomes, duplexes, and high-density apartments targeted toward young professionals.
More than a dozen people spoke in the public hearing — one representing a group of 10 — and 12 written comments were submitted.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:02 p.m.
Winter Storm Update
The council discussed the city’s response to last week’s winter storm across Texas, which severely stressed the infrastructure and core services provided by state and local governments.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:04 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, March 11.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings are 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 webinar number 935 8354 7898. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to 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:
- Parks & Recreation User Fees: In the workshop, the council will discuss the methodology used to establish user fees for parks and recreation services, including recovery policies, program subsidies, and how fees fit into the policies.
- Easement Abandonment: After a public hearing in the regular meeting, the council will consider a request to abandon small portions of 20-foot wide public utility easements in the Century Hill Development Subdivision to address site constraints. The remaining easements are adequate to serve existing public infrastructure.
- Graham Road Land Use: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to Urban for about 10 acres west of the International Leadership of Texas public charter school campus on Graham Road. The change would allow for townhomes, duplexes, and high-density apartments for young professionals.
- SH 6 Waterline Easements: The council will consider authorizing eminent domain proceedings for public utility easements and temporary construction easements on three small parcels of land as part of the third phase of the State Highway 6 waterline project. The project will install 18-inch and 20-inch waterlines along the frontage road from north of Woodcreek Drive to north of Emerald Plaza.
- City Storm Response: The council will discuss the city’s response to last week’s winter storm across Texas, which severely stressed the infrastructure and core services provided by state and local governments.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Feb. 11)
Standing (l-r): John Crompton, Bob Brick, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (l-r): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Elizabeth Cunha.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are 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 webinar number 957 6653 1244. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:22 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:24 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion.
6:17 p.m.
Local Election Cycle
After discussing the pros and cons of holding local general elections in November of odd-numbered years, the council voted 4-3 against a motion to bring the item back for future action. Councilmen Crompton, Brick and Maloney voted for the motion.
The city is already transitioning council terms from three years to four years, with elections in November of even-numbered years. Providing for general elections in odd-numbered years would have required a special charter amendment election.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:30 p.m.
Water, Wastewater Service in ETJ
The council discussed an ordinance amendment to establish a wastewater rate surcharge for customers outside the city limits. The item will come back to the council in March.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:35 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.
6:50 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Judy LeUnes encouraged the city to pass a humane pet store ordinance
- Fred Dupriest spoke against the validity of the poll regarding the proposed restricted occupancy ordinance.
7:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $2.37 million contract with PowerGrid Services for the construction of the Spring Creek Substation Ring Bus Modification. The owner also is furnishing $1.29 million in material for a total bonded project requirement of $3.66 million.
- A resolution granting consent to Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 for the sale and issuance of unlimited tax road bonds, series 2021, not to exceed $2.5 million.
- The first renewal of a contract not to exceed $250,000 with D.I.J. Construction for pavement striping and markings services.
- An inter-local agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan to establish and support a COVID-19 vaccination HUB and to memorialize the commitment in equally sharing in the cost of supplies for the HUB with a maximum of $100,000.
7:02 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
7:11 p.m.
Hike & Bike Trail Parking Lot
The council voted unanimously to approve a $329,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the Lick Creek Hike & Bike Trailhead and parking lot project. The work also includes an access road to Midtown Drive that will also serve as a driveway for the CSU substation located west of the proposed parking lot.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:37 p.m.
LULAC Oak Hill Rehabilitation
The council voted unanimously to approve a request for support from LULAC Oak Hill Apartments — a 49-unit apartment complex at 1105 Anderson St. — for the complete rehabilitation of the property, proposed costs, and potential funding source. The complex is a supportive housing complex for income-qualified elderly residents.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:49 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Feb. 25.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings are 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 webinar number 957 6653 1244. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to 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:
- Local Elections: In the workshop, the council will discuss the pros and cons of holding local general elections in November of odd-numbered years. The city is already transitioning council terms from three years to four years, with elections in November of even-numbered years. Providing for general elections in odd-numbered years would require a special charter amendment election.
- Rock Prairie Management District Bonds: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider consenting to Rock Prairie Management District No. 2’s sale and issuance of unlimited tax road bonds (series 2021) not to exceed $2.5 million. The bonds’ repayment will be by residents and businesses in the district, which includes about 270 acres on the east side of State Highway 6 between Rock Prairie Road and Fitch Parkway.
- Vaccination HUB: Another consent agenda item is an inter-local agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan to establish and support a COVID-19 vaccination HUB and sharing the costs. The city’s maximum contribution is $100,000.
- Hike & Bike Trail Parking Lot: In the regular meeting, the council will consider a $329,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the Lick Creek Hike & Bike Trailhead and parking lot project. The work also includes an access road to Midtown Drive that will also serve as a driveway for the CSU substation located west of the proposed parking lot.
- LULAC Oak Hill Rehabilitation: The council will consider a request for support from LULAC Oak Hill Apartments — a 49-unit apartment complex at 1105 Anderson St. — for the complete rehabilitation of the property, proposed costs, and potential funding source. The complex is a supportive housing complex for income-qualified elderly residents.
Related Links:
About the Blogger Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings are 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 webinar number 962 3956 1490. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to 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:
- Residential Over-Occupancy: The council will have a workshop discussion about potential alternatives to address residential over-occupancy symptoms due to relationship status issues.
- Victoria Avenue Rehabilitation: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $458,400 contract with Jones and Carter to design Victoria Avenue’s reconstruction from Wellborn Road to Woodlake Drive.
- Retail Recruitment: In the regular meeting, the council will discuss how the city’s retail strategy has pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain existing businesses and backfill vacant spaces while continuing to recruit.
- Alex Caruso Court: The council will consider a resolution naming Castlegate Park’s basketball court “Alex Caruso Court.” A College Station native, Caruso recently won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent countless hours playing and practicing on the Castlegate court across the street from his parents’ home.
- COVID-19 Vaccinations: The council will be updated on local COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Related Links:
About the Blogger Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 14)
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. 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are 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 982 9390 0006. If the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
6:35 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
6:45 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion:
- Midlothian Agreement: The agreement authorizes the City of College Station and the City of Midlothian to jointly prepare bids and proposals for the purchase of goods and services. It also allows the cities to piggyback each other’s bids and contracts when in our best interest.
- Xpedient Printing Contract: The renewal contract with Xpedient Mail for $210,000 is for utility bill printing and mailing services.
- Woodson Village Rehabilitation: The $5.05 million contract with Elliott Construction is for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater lines in the area of Haines Drive, Glade Street, and Dexter and Timm Drive.
- Agreement with CSISD: The $250,000 funding agreement with the College Station Independent School District for a Family Empowerment Program to serve families experiencing hardships caused by COVID-19.
- Elder Aid Grant: A $464,000 contract for the grant of federal HOME Community Housing Development Organization set-aside funds to Elder-Aid is for the purchase and rehabilitation of four affordable rental units at 3332-3334 Longleaf and 3308-3310 Bluestem.
6:50 p.m.
Brick Elected Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to elect Bob Brick to serve a one-year term a mayor pro tem to act as mayor during the mayor’s disability or absence.
7:18 p.m.
Texas Legislature Update
The council heard a legislative update and preview of the 87th Texas Legislative session, which began Monday.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:19 p.m.
The worksop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting.
7:24 p.m.
Planning Excellence Award
Mayor Mooney recognized the Planning and Development Services Department for receiving the Planning Excellence Award from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association.
7:39 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Wyatt Galbreath proposed a new city flag that he designed.
- Lorraine Madewell spoke about reducing restrictions on chickens in residential areas.
- Michael Weinstein spoke against local COVID-19 restrictions.
7:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Annual purchases not-to-exceed $150,000 for auto parts, shop equipment, and services from NAPA Auto Parts through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance.
- A cooperative purchasing inter-local agreement with the City of Midlothian.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $150,000 for repair parts and labor for fire trucks from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 for repair parts and labor for fire trucks from Lonestar Freightliner Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not to exceed $300,000 from Southern Tire Mart through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Renewal of a $210,000 contract with Xpedient Mail.
- Temporarily changed the speed limit on FM 2818 for the FM 2818 widening project.
- A $1.93 million contract with Freese and Nichols for the final design of the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant diversion lift station and force main project.
- A $5.06 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Woodson Village Rehabilitation Project.
- A purchase not to exceed $130,353 for a single 145kV S &C Mark V circuit switcher from Priester Mell & Nicholson.
- A $148,223.75 change order to a contract with Techline for pad-mounted solid di-electric switchgears.
- A change order deducting $100,000 from the contract with CF McDonald Electric to install previously purchased VFD at Dowling Road Pump Station.
- An annual blanket order not to exceed $668,000 with Brazos Paving for cement treated base and Type D Grade 1 cement treated recycled crushed concrete base.
- The removal of parking along Fall Circle.
- The removal of parking along Buena Vista Drive, Lonetree Drive, Estes Park, Black Hawk Lane, and Silverthorne Lane.
- A $250,000 funding agreement with College Station Independent School District for the COVID-19 Family Empowerment Program.
- A $464,000 contract for the grant of federal HOME Community Housing Development Organization set-aside funds to Elder-Aid for the purchase and rehabilitation of four affordable rental units at 3332-3334 Longleaf and 3308-3310 Bluestem.
7:45 p.m.
FY 21 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $4.22 million amendment to the city’s FY 21 budget that mostly covers expenditures budgeted in FY 20 that won’t be received until FY 21. The full amendment is detailed on page 131 of the meeting packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:04 p.m.
Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Annual Review. The document highlights the major Comprehensive Plan initiatives and UDO amendments that occurred in FY 2020.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:09 p.m.
Pershing Pointe Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Townhouse to Planned Development District for about five acres of the Pershing Pointe Villas townhouse development near the intersection of Deacon Drive West and Holleman Drive South. The change would provide additional single-family housing types for the unplatted part of the development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:19 p.m.
Cain Road Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from R-4 Multi-Family to Planned Development District for about 11 acres at 3445 Cain Road. The change would allow attached single-family townhomes.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:31 p.m.
Facilities Maintenance Relocation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $145,175 contract with The Arkitex Studio for the design of the Facilities Maintenance Relocation Project.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:14 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The council was updated on local COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:16 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
9:34 p.m.
Council Member Appointments
The council made appointments to its internal committees.
9:48 p.m.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council made appointments to city boards, committees, and commissions.
9:55 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
10:04 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
11:03 p.m.
Residential Over-Occupancy
The council discussed options for addressing the symptoms of over-occupancy in residential neighborhoods. The discussion will continue to future council meetings.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:31 p.m.
Rental Registration Cost Analysis
The council discussed the Rental Registration Program and a cost analysis of the registration fee. The discussion will continue to future council meetings.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:34 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The council’s meets again on Thursday, Jan. 28.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
