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Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Nov. 8)

(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Nov. 8. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

5:31 p.m.

The workshop has started. The council took no action from executive session.

5:41 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:

Lakeway Extension Change Order: Staff recommends approval of a $214,000 change order to the Lakeway Drive Extension Project construction contract with Larry Young Paving because of the unforeseen thickness of rock formations.
CSU Service Center Expansion: Staff recommends approval of contracts to purchase almost 13 acres of land for $1.67 million with an option to buy two additional acres to expand the College Station Utilities service center.
All-Way Stop at Victoria-Castlegate: The amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances would implement an all-way stop at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Castlegate Drive.

6:33 p.m.

Bryan’s Neighborhood Protection Ordinances

Martin Zimmermann, assistant director of Planning and Development Services for the City of Bryan, gave the council a brief overview of Bryan’s Residential Conservation District and a recent ordinance amendment that defines and regulates stealth dorms as “Detached Shared Housing.”

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:48 p.m.

Televising Planning & Zoning Workshops

The consensus of the council is to televise the Planning and Zoning Commission’s workshop meetings. The regular meetings already are televised on the city’s cable channel.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:51 p.m.

Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.

6:59 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

7:02 p.m.

World War I Centennial Armistice

Mayor Mooney read a proclamation on the Bells of Peace World War I remembrance marking the 100^th anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting on Nov. 11, 1918. Some 116,516 Americans died in the war, and another 200,000 were wounded. The United States World War I Centennial Commission calls upon all Americans to toll bells at 11 a.m. on Sunday – the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month – in remembrance of those who served.

7:07 p.m.

Hear Visitors

One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.

James Benham recognized his great uncle, Lt. Thomas W. Benham, for his service in the U.S. Army in World War I. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 94.

7:08 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

A $350,000 contract with Duro-Last for roofing city hall and annex buildings.
A $125,184.51 assist-in-construction request by Bryan Texas Utilities.
A $350,000 relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Company.
A $213,963.46 change order to the Lakeway Drive Extension Project contract with Larry Young Paving.
A contract with Olive Margaret Arnold for the $1.67 million purchase of 12.84 acres and the option to buy two additional acres needed for the expansion of the CSU service center.
An ordinance implementing an all-way stop at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Castlegate Drive.
A change order deducting $54,300 from the contract with Weisinger to replace the pump assembly and motor for Well 7.

7:24 p.m.

New City Hall Exterior Rendering

The council unanimously approved Kirksey Architecture’s exterior rendering of the new city hall, which will be located behind the existing facility on Texas Avenue. The rendering was completed with input from the council’s Architectural Advisory Committee:

The site was dedicated this afternoon:

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:49 p.m.

Electric Advisory Board

The consensus of the council was to continue exploring the creation of an electric advisory board to govern College Station Utilities.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:50 p.m.

Sister Cities Appointment

The council unanimously appointed Councilman John Nichols as College Station’s Representative to Sister Cities.

7:52 p.m.

The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.

7:52 p.m.

Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Monday, Nov. 19.

About the Blogger

Colin Killian (@ColinKillian) has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.

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November 8, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: Centennial Armistice, city hall, Council Meetings, CSU Service Center, Lakeway, neighborhood integrity, planning & zoning commission, sister cities | Leave a comment

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

Bryan’s Neighborhood Protection Ordinances: The council will hear a workshop presentation about the City of Bryan’s Residential Conservation District and a recent ordinance amendment that defines and regulates stealth dorms as “Detached Shared Housing.”
Televising Planning & Zoning Workshops: The council will have a workshop discussion about televising the Planning and Zoning Commission’s workshop meetings. The regular meetings are televised on the city’s cable channel and streamed online.
CSU Land Acquisition: Among the items on the consent agenda is a $1.67 million contract for almost 13 acres of land needed for the expansion of the College Station Utilities Service Center.
New City Hall Rendering: In the regular meeting, the council will review an architectural rendering of the exterior of the new city hall.
Electric Advisory Board: The council will discuss the possible creation of an electric advisory or independent utility board for CSU.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channel 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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November 7, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: Channel 19, city hall, electric board, independent utility board, land acquisition, neighborhood integrity, neighborhoods, planning & zoning commission | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Oct. 25)

(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 25. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

5:12 p.m.

The workshop has started.

Bryan Woods

5:13 p.m.

Woods named City Manager

The council unanimously selected Bryan Woods as College Station’s city manager, effective Dec. 3. He has been New Braunfels’ assistant city manager since 2017.

Woods replaces Kelly Templin, who left last spring to lead the Texas A&M University System’s new RELLIS Campus. Jeff Capps has since served as interim city manager.

Press release: Woods named College Station City Manager

5:14 p.m.

Consent Agenda Discussion

The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. No items were pulled for workshop discussion.

5:50 p.m.

Dockless Bike Share Update

The council was updated on Texas A&M’s dockless bike share program. The city issued a permit to Ofo, the program’s vendor, on Aug. 23, and revoked it on Oct. 12 after the company lost its auto liability insurance. To be reinstated, Ofo must update its insurance, present rebalancing and communication plans, and replenish its escrow account with the city.

The university will assume operational control and will also seek a new vendor for 2019. The existing 2,300 yellow bikes will be collected, donated, repurposed or recycled at the end of the fall semester.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:11 p.m.

BioCorridor Board Powers and Duties

The council discussed the powers and duties of the BioCorridor Board. The consensus was to keep the board in place.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:15 p.m.

Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.

6:28 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

6:35 p.m.

Brazos Fellowship Church Recognition

Police Chief Scott McCollum and Fire Chief Jonathan McMahan recognized Brazos Fellowship Church for its community service in supporting first responders during a 16-hour standoff with an armed man in August at a local bar and grill.

6:39 p.m.

Municipal Court Week

Mayor Mooney proclaimed Nov. 5-9 as Municipal Court Week in recognition of the importance of municipal courts, the rule of law, and the fair and impartial administration of justice.

6:46 p.m.

Community Planning Month

Mayor Mooney proclaimed October as National Community Planning Month to highlight the important role planning plays in addressing our community’s most daunting challenges, including housing affordability and availability.

6:50 p.m.

Hear Visitors

One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.

Councilman Jerome Rektorik recognized Jeff Capps for his service as interim city manager since March.

6:51 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

Renewal of a $130,000 award for city-branded uniforms for parks and recreation athletic programs and other city departments with CC Creations ($65,000) and M&M Apparel ($65,000).
A $589,787 contract with Marek Brothers Construction for the renovation of the Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center (formerly the Arts Council Building).
Renewal of the annual award not to exceed $503,214.55 for the blanket purchase of three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
An $859,640 annual bid award to Techline for electric distribution poles.
A $1.42 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the rehabilitation of parking lots and lighting at Bachmann and Beachy Central parks.
Resolutions declaring an intention to reimburse certain expenditures with proceeds from debt for Public Works, General Government, and Wastewater projects in the FY19 Capital Improvements budget.
The 2018 Property Tax Roll of $46.99 million.
An amended ordinance modifying the location, dates and times for voting in the Nov. 6 general and special election to elect two city council members (places 4 and 6), and to submit to voters five proposed amendments to the city charter.

6:54 p.m.

Easement Abandonment

After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved the abandonment of a 20-foot wide public utility on the State Highway 6 bypass north of Pavilion Avenue to allow for development. No existing city utilities are located in the easement, which has no planned use.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:10 p.m.

Daiquiri Barn Conditional Use Permit

After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a conditional use permit for a nightclub, bar or tavern in the shopping center northwest of the Texas Avenue-Southwest Parkway intersection. Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Councilman John Nichols voted against the motion.

The land use request for the Daiquiri Barn included a drive-up window, potential food sales, retail sales, limited interior seating, and alcohol sales for on- and off-site consumption.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:33 p.m.

City Hall Construction Manager at Risk

The council unanimously approved a contract with CORE Construction to be the construction manager at risk for the new city hall project.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:34 p.m.

Groundwater Conservation District Board

The council unanimously appointed Bill Harris to the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors, subject to approval by the Brazos County Commissioners Court.

7:35 p.m.

The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.

7:35 p.m.

Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Nov. 8.

About the Blogger

If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!

October 25, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: abandonments, Beachy Central Park, BioCorridor, Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior and Community Center, Bob Meyer, Brazos Fellowship Church, Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, Brian Bachmann Community Park, city hall, conditional use permit, construction manager at risk, Council Meetings, Daiquiri Barn, dockless bike share, Municipal Courts Week, natiional community planning month, ofo | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Oct. 8)

(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Oct. 8. It’s not the official minutes.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

5:13 p.m.

The workshop has started. The council took no action out of executive session.

5:15 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:

Field Maintenance Materials: The annual bid award of $97,499 is for athletic field maintenance materials such as fertilizers, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, infield material, grass seed, and turf amendments.

5:42 p.m.

Police Building Renovation

The consensus of the council was to move forward with plans to relocate several city departments into the existing police station when the new police headquarters is completed in early 2020. The current building will require $5 million in renovations and repairs after police personnel move to the new facility.

The plan is to relocate community services from rented space at 511 University Drive to the existing police building, which would save $10,000 per month on leasing. Fire administration also would move into the renovated facility.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

5:58 p.m.

City Hall Financing Plan

The consensus of the council was to move forward with the financing plan for the new city hall, which will be located near the existing city hall at 1101 Texas Ave. In September, the council approved a design contract with Kirksey Architecture.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:00 p.m.

Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.

6:10 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

6:16 p.m.

Imagine a Day without Water

Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations for the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign.

6:18 p.m.

Ken Bost Retirement

Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation honoring Ken Bost upon his retirement after 33 years as director of the Brazos County Health Department. Councilwoman Linda Harvell accepted the proclamation on Bost’s behalf.

6:25 p.m.

Mark Lord Presentation

Mayor Mooney presented a shadow box to Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Executive Director Mark Lord. The box contains mementos from the TAAF’s 2018 Summer Games of Texas that were conducted here in July. The event attracted more than 26,000 visitors to town. B-CS will again host the Games in 2019.

6:29 p.m.

Hear Visitors

One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.

Chantal Vessali spoke about the removal of a rezoning item that had been previously scheduled for tonight.

6:30 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

A resolution approving the city’s investment policy, investment strategy, collateral policy and investment officers for the FY19 fiscal year.
A $581,300 contract with Freese and Nichols for the preliminary design and route analysis for the Carter Creek Lift Station and Force Main Project.
An $893,795.30 contract with Binkley and Barfield for engineering services related to the design of the Lincoln Avenue Rehabilitation Project.
An annual bid award not to exceed $188,180.95 to BWI Companies ($97,498.87) and Helena Agri ($90,862.08Z) for athletic field maintenance materials.
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s budget and a $325,000 funding agreement with the city for operations and maintenance.
A $397,976 agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley’s affiliate funding and art and tourism marketing.
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce’s budget and a $25,000 funding agreement with the city.
A $15,000 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club.
Easterwood Airport’s budget and a $114,376 funding agreement with the city.
A $350,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
The Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley’s budget and a $25,000 funding agreement with the city.
A resolution authorizing expenditures of $273,196 to the Aggieland Humane Society.
A $49,190 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
A $588,950 funding agreement with Experience Bryan-College Station to administer the Experience Bryan College Station Grant Program.
Experience Bryan-College Station’s budget and a $2.4 million tri-party funding agreement with the City of Bryan and the Experience Bryan-College Station. College Station’s portion is $1.9 million with Bryan’s part being $539,052.

6:31 p.m.

The regular meeting has been suspended, and the council has gone back into executive session.

7:30 p.m.

The meeting has resumed. The council took no action out of executive session.

7:40 p.m.

Police Headquarters Guaranteed Maximum Price

The council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the contract with J.T. Vaughn Construction accepting the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $24,833,300 for construction of the new Police Headquarters.

Groundbreaking is scheduled for Nov. 16, with substantial completion expected in early 2020.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:41 p.m.

Experience B-CS Board Appointment

The council voted unanimously to re-appoint Steve Miller and Robert Holzweiss and appoint Councilwoman Linda Harvell to the Experience Bryan-College Station Board of Directors.

7:44 p.m.

The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.

7:44 p.m.

Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 25.

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October 8, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: 2018 Games of Texas, Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, city hall, committees, Council Meetings, Experience B-CS, Ken Bost, Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, Mark Lord, police station | Leave a comment

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 (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

Relocation of City Departments: In the workshop, the council will discuss the relocation of several city departments along with the renovation and deferred maintenance of the existing police headquarters.
City Hall Financing Options: Another workshop item is financing for a new city hall near the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
Lincoln Avenue Rehabilitation Project: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an $894,000 contract with Binkley and Barfield for engineering services related to the rehabilitation of Lincoln Avenue.
Funding Agreements: Also on the consent agenda are funding agreements with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Chamber of Commerce, Noon Lions Club, Easterwood Airport, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Aggieland Humane Society, Keep Brazos Beautiful, and Experience Bryan-College Station.
New Police Headquarters: The council will consider approving the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $24,833,300 for the construction of the new police headquarters provided by J.T. Vaughn Construction, the approved construction manager at risk.

The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channel 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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October 5, 2018 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: affiliate funding, city facilities, city hall, Lincoln Avenue Rehabilitation, police station | Leave a comment

5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

False Fire Alarm Fees: In the workshop, the council will consider allowing the Fire Department to charge a fee for more than three false alarms in 12 months.
City Hall Design Contract: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $2 million contract with Kirksey Architecture for the design of a new city hall.
Tax Rate/Budget Public Hearings: The council will conduct the final public hearings on the city’s proposed tax rate and budget for the 2019 fiscal year. The proposed tax rate is .505841 cents per $100 of assessed value. The proposed budget totals $360.7 million.
Single-Family Parking: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to remove the cap of requiring no more than four parking spaces for a single-family dwelling unit in areas designated Neighborhood Conservation in the Comprehensive Plan.
BioCorridor Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to amend the terms and development standards of the BioCorridor Planned Development District, which covers about 147 acres between State Highway 47, Raymond Stotzer Parkway, Turkey Creek Parkway, and the city limit.