5 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Monday for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 945 5270 2890. 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:
- Open Records Request Process: The council will have a workshop discussion about the city’s open records request process. The presentation will include an overview of the Texas Public Information Act, an analysis of recent requests, historical trends, and a review of the process across Texas.
- College Station Business Committee: The workshop will also include a discussion about the possible creation of an ad hoc small business advisory committee.
- Vehicle Registration Fee: The consent agenda includes a resolution supporting a referendum being held to add $10 to vehicle registration fees — subject to approval by the state legislature — to address mobility issues in Brazos County through the Regional Mobility Authority.
- Victoria Land Use: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use from Wellborn Estate to Wellborn Commercial for about eight acres at 6620 Victoria Avenue. The applicant plans to develop self-storage units.
- Greenways to Parkland Conversion: The council will consider converting four greenway properties covering 27 acres to park land. The greenways were acquired through dedicated platting and purchased with 1998 bond funds.
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 (Nov. 12)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Nov. 12. 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 972 2077 4495. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
4:00 p.m.
The workshop has started.
4:07 p.m.
Canvassing Election Returns
The council unanimously accepted the canvassing returns and declared the Nov. 3 general election results for Places 1, 3, and 5 on the city council and the special runoff election for Place 4.
4:12 p.m.
City Council Oaths of Office
Council members Elizabeth Cunha, Linda Harvell and Bob Brick were sworn into office by Municipal Court Presiding Judge Ed Spillane.
4:13 p.m.
City Council Reception
The workshop was suspended for a reception for the new council members.
6:10 p.m.
The workshop has resumed. No action was taken from executive session.
6:24 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
These items from tonight’s consent agenda were pulled for workshop discussion:
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Runoff Election: The council will order a runoff election on Dec. 15 between John Nichols and Craig Regan for Place 5 on the city council.
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Brazos Valley Trash Valet and Recycling: The proposed agreement would allow Brazos Valley Trash Valet and Recycling to collect recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations. The company will be responsible for developing on-site collection of recyclables that won’t interfere with the collection of municipal solid waste.
6:30 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.
6:35 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:38 p.m.
BCS Marathon Month
The mayor proclaimed Dec. 13 as BCS Marathon Day.
6:40 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.
6:43 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A three-year inter-local agreement for $926,000 with Brazos County and the City of Bryan for College Station and Bryan to provide emergency medical ambulance services to Brazos County.
- A change order reducing the contract by $95,286.43 for the Graham Road Substation.
- The renewal of an annual price agreement not to exceed $912,608 with Techline for the purchase of electric distribution poles.
- An advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the widening of Wellborn Road from Fitch Parkway to Greens Prairie Road. The project isn’t expected to start until at least 2026.
- A change order deducting $116,980 from the contract with Garney Construction for the Water Well No. 9 project.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Trash Valet and Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
This item was pulled for a separate vote:
- The council voted unanimously to ordered a runoff election on Dec. 15 for Place 5 on the city council. The voting centers will be at the CSU Meeting and Training Facility and the Meyer Senior and Community Center.
6:53 p.m.
Town Lake Drive Property Exchange
The council voted unanimously to approve the exchange of one-acre of city property with one acre belonging to an adjoining property owner along the State Highway 6 northbound frontage road north of Barron Road for the future alignment of Town Lake Drive. A street connection north of the existing city property, aligned with Town Lake (formerly Bird Pond Road), provides the safest and most efficient offset to Barron Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:58 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 Monday, Nov. 23.
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 (Oct. 22)
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. 22. 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 910 2349 1784. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:12 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:28 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Northgate Parking Removal: The ordinance would add “No Parking Here to Corner” signs at entrances and exits to public garages and parking areas in the Northgate District, and also addresses four intersections with sight clearance concerns in the area. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Study: The $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols is for an update to the 2016 water and wastewater impact study. The contract will include the calibration of the existing water and wastewater extended-period models, updates to water and wastewater capital improvement plans, and updates to land use assumptions to determine the potential maximum fees under the Texas Administrative Code.
5:49 p.m.
Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers
The council voted unanimously to approve the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:04 p.m.
Destination Marketing
The council discussed and endorsed the city’s destination marketing strategy for tourism and economic development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
Small Business Advisory Group
The council discussed the formation of a small business advisory group and ways the city can engage with the small business community.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:38 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.
6:55 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:01 p.m.
Bill Harris Proclamation
The mayor issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Bill Harris for representing the city on the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District’s board of directors from 2013 to 2020.
7:04 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.
7:05 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.
- The renewal of master agreements not to exceed $30,000 each for real estate appraisal services with Duff & Phelps, JLL Valuation & Advisory Services, Lowery Property Advisors, Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T. Lovett & Associates, and Valbridge Property Advisors.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $900,204 with KBS Electrical Distributors for electric three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
- The renewal of an inter-local agreement with Brazos County for housing College Station Class C misdemeanor prisoners in the Brazos County Jail.
- Annual price agreements not to exceed $1,351,302 for electric warehouse inventory materials with Anixter ($32,803), KBS Electrical Distributors ($288,083), Techline ($999,886), and Wesco Distribution ($30,530).
- The removal of street parking at entrances and exits to public garages, parking areas, and certain intersections in the Northgate District.
- A $140,000 funding agreement with Catholic Charities to provide case management and assistance to residents affected by COVID-19.
- A $257,234 lease agreement for the property at 614 Holleman Drive East among the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of College Station and TRDWind Wolf Pen.
- The first renewal of the master agreement not to exceed $150,000 with The Reynolds Company for Rockwell Automation products and services to maintain SCADA infrastructure.
- A $4.61 million contract with Brazos Paving for base failure repairs and pavement treatments.
- An ordinance prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue to Williams Street on school days.
- A $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols to update the city-wide water and wastewater impact study.
- The 2020 Property Tax Roll of $52.5 million.
- A real estate contract to convey one-acre of city-owned property at 1820 Harvey Mitchell Parkway in Bryan.
7:18 p.m.
Bond Refunding
The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance and sale of as much as $17,085,000 of Certificates of Obligation Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2012. The refunding would reduce overall bond costs by about $2.19 million (amount corrected 10/23).
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Assistance
After a public hearing, the council discussed COVID-19 assistance provided by the city to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,000 in available CARES Act funding.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:02 p.m.
Baylor Scott & White Reimbursement
The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $748,000 with CARE Act funds to Baylor Scott & White for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:04 p.m.
CHI St. Joseph Reimbursement
The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $641,168 with CARE Act funds to CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:17 p.m.
Greenway to Parkland Conversion
The council voted unanimously to approve the conversion of 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:27 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
8:29 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, Nov. 12.
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 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 910 2349 1784. 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:
- Street Sign Toppers: In the workshop, the council will discuss the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.
- No Left From Gilchrist to Williams: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue onto Williams Street on school days to improve safety during pick-up and drop-off times.
- Refunding Bonds: In the regular meeting, the council will consider the issuance and sale of as much as $17,085,000 of Certificates of Obligation Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2012. The refunding would reduce bond costs by about $1.46 million.
- COVID-19 Assistance: After a public hearing, the council will discuss COVID-19 assistance provided to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,034 in available CARES Act funding.
- Greenway to Parkland Conversion: On the regular agenda, the council will consider converting 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.
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 (Oct. 8)
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. 8. 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 918 7308 4263. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:14 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:20 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Investment Policy, Broker-Dealer List and Investment Strategy: The Public Funds Investment Act requires an annual review and approval of the city’s investment policy and investment strategies. The act also requires the governing body to state that it has reviewed and adopted the policy and strategies. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:01 p.m.
Thoroughfare Landscaping
The council discussed the costs of landscaping on city-owned thoroughfares.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:03 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.
6:17 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:24 p.m.
Community Planning Month
The mayor proclaimed October as Community Planning Month.
6:27 p.m.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The mayor proclaimed October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
6:27 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.
6:28 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.
- An agreement with Avinext not to exceed $791,399 for the computer network upgrade project.
- The first renewal of an annual $1.4 million contract with Fikes Wholesale for gasoline and diesel fuel.
- The second one-year renewal of athletic field maintenance materials agreements not to exceed $188,360.95 with BWI Companies ($97,498.87) and Helena Agri-Enterprises ($90,862.08).
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s investment policy, broker-dealer list and investment strategy.
- A three-year interlocal agreement with the Texas A&M University System to pay the city $904,699 for aircraft rescue and fire fighting personnel, equipment, operational responsibilities, and command and control of the joint-use fire station at Easterwood Airport.
- A resolution appointing Gary Mechler as a member of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors, subject to approval by the Brazos County Commissioners Court.
7:24 p.m.
Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to accept the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report features a list of possible strategies and actions, considerations for future map changes, and a summary of community and stakeholder input.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:30 p.m.
FY 20 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to increase FY 20 budget appropriations by $1.2 million due to the receipt of federal CARES Act funding. The city has incurred the expenses defined by the guidelines and is eligible for reimbursement.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:33 p.m.
Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a public utility easement at 1200 Foxfire Drive. Utilities in the easement have been abandoned, removed, and rerouted to accommodate development of Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:46 p.m.
Replat Notification
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide a mailed notice of replat approvals to surrounding property owners in accordance with state law.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:51 p.m.
Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a public utility easement at 4427 Rocky Meadows Drive. The 10-foot wide portion of the easement is no longer necessary, and the remainder is adequate to serve existing public infrastructure.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Highway 6 Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to General Commercial for about 10 acres at 4111 State Highway 6 South. The change would help attract commercial opportunities to vacant land near a major highway.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:57 p.m.
Councilman John Nichols offered his thanks to Bill Harris, who has represented College Station for nine years on the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors.
8:04 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, Oct. 22.
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 will be streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 918 7308 4263. 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:
- Thoroughfare Landscaping: In the workshop, the council will discuss the costs for landscaping on city-owned thoroughfares.
- Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report: After a public hearing, the council will consider accepting the Comprehensive Plan’s10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report features a list of possible strategies and actions, considerations for future map changes, and a summary of community and stakeholder input.
- FY 20 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider increasing FY 20 budget appropriations by $1.2 million due to the receipt of federal CARES Act funding. The city has incurred the expenses defined by the guidelines and is eligible for reimbursement.
- Replat Notification: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to include the option of providing a mailed notice of replat approval to surrounding property owners.
- Highway 6 Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to General Commercial for about 10 acres at 4111 State Highway 6 South. The change would help attract commercial opportunities to vacant land near a major highway.
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!
