Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (March 9)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, March 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online.
5:33 p.m.
The workshop has started.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the city manager’s contract.
5:41 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures: The Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures ensure that the city’s financial disclosures are fair and accurate, comply with applicable federal and state securities laws, satisfy contractual obligations, and promote best practices related to financial disclosures.
5:51 p.m.
Annual Financial Reports
The council unanimously voted to accept the city’s 2019 audit reports and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which provides a summary of the city’s financial position through Sept. 30, 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:55 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.
6:08 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:12 p.m.
National Social Work Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed March as National Social Work Month to honor the powerful impact the social work profession has had on society for generations.
6:15 p.m.
Histotechnology Professions Day
The mayor proclaimed March 10 as Histotechnology Professions Day to recognize the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the clinical laboratory gives our nation the best possible health care.
6:19 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.
- Hugh Lindsey asked the city to clean up a messy lot on Francis Drive.
6:20 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The annual purchase not to exceed $103,150 for of replacement outdoor breakers for substations.
- The annual price agreement of $358,770 with KBS Electric Distribution for electric single-phase transformers.
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- An annual contract not-to-exceed $155,000 with Emergicon to provide ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
6:23 p.m.
Cooner Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a 10-foot and 15-foot Public Utility Easement in the Cooner Addition to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:35 p.m.
Creek Meadows Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the base zoning from Townhouse with attached single-family homes to General Suburban with detached single-family homes for about 15 acres at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. The proposed development will blend into the surrounding detached single-family residential phases.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the neighborhood conservation overlay. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
An earlier motion to change the order of the process and remove the final verification passed by a 5-1 vote. Mayor Mooney voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:32 p.m.
Impervious Cover
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-2 to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding impervious cover. Mayor Mooney and Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion. Six people spoke during the public hearing in opposition to the changes.
The amendments implement a requirement for the maximum percentage of impervious cover for residential development to address concerns about lot-by-lot redevelopment in older neighborhoods.
An earlier motion by Mayor Mooney to postpone the item until March 26 failed by a 5-1 vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:36 p.m.
Mobile Food Vendors
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to clarify existing application requirements for mobile food vendors regarding location, fire prevention, solid waste, and wastewater disposal. The modifications will simplify the application and renewal process, and bring the permit denial, suspension, revocation, and appeal processes into compliance with other permit types.
The amendments apply to new and renewing applications.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:45 p.m.
City Hall Construction Manager at Risk
The council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $1,332,208 for site work for the new city hall. The new municipal building will be a three-story, 79,000-square-foot facility incorporating several departments into a central location. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:07 p.m.
Francis Drive Rehabilitation Project
The council unanimously voted to approve a $2.64 million contract with Larry Young Paving to replace the pavement with concrete on Francis Drive from Munson Avenue to Shady Lane (remaining from Phase 1) and Walton Drive to Munson (Phase 2). The project also replaces the sidewalk and includes water, wastewater, and drainage improvements.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:17 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, March 26.
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 Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Annual Financial Report: In the workshop, the council will receive the city’s 2019 audit reports and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The reports provide a summary of the city’s financial position as of Sept. 30.
- Creek Meadows Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the base zoning from Townhouse with attached single-family homes to General Suburban with detached single-family homes for about 15 acres at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. The proposed development would blend into the surrounding detached single-family residential phases.
- UDO Amendments: After public hearings, the council will consider amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay and impervious cover.
- Construction Manager at Risk: The council will consider Amendment No. 1 to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $1,332,208 for site work for the new city hall.
- Francis Drive Rehabilitation: The council will consider a $2.63 million contract with Larry Young Paving for replacing the pavement on Francis Drive with concrete from Munson Avenue to Shady Lane (remaining from Phase 1) and Walton Drive to Munson (Phase 2). The project also will replace the sidewalk and includes water, wastewater, and drainage improvements.
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 gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- City Hall Groundbreaking: Before the workshop, the council will participate in a 3 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony for the new city hall in the parking lot south of the existing building. The project is expected to be finished in 2022.
- Traffic Contact Report: In the workshop, the Police Department will present its annual Traffic Contact Report. Compiled by an independent consultant, the report found the department employs best practices and complies with state law.
- Gateway Zoning Overlays: Another workshop item is a discussion about zoning overlays and other tools to aesthetically enhance key city entryways.
- BV African American Museum: In the regular meeting, Mayor Karl Mooney will issue a proclamation recognizing the Brazos Valley African American Museum‘s leadership as a part of African American History Month.
- Hands-Free Ordinance: The council will consider an ordinance amendment requiring hands-free use to talk on communication devices while operating a motor vehicle or bicycle.
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: Tuesday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 10. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:52 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda.
- Preston Cunha spoke about the need for a voting place on the Texas A&M campus for the upcoming city council special election.
5:59 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to select Councilman Linda Harvell to a second term as mayor pro tempore, which acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.
6:20 p.m.
Utility Franchise Fees
The council discussed franchise fees the city collects for utility services. The presentation included an overview of providers, service areas, and revenues.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
New City Hall Design
The council reviewed the exterior design of the new city hall to be built near the existing facility on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:36 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a 15-minute break.
6:52 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
La Villita DAR Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Week.
7:03 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.
- Janet Dudding, a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 14, spoke about local control of issues and coordination with state government.
7:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Renewal of the contract with CHI St. Joseph Health for Employee Health Clinic operations and management services.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance, and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- A $2.13 million contract with Caprock Construction for the demolition and reconstruction of three facilities at Bee Creek Park and Central Park.
- Adoption of the 2020 Council Calendar.
- A $633,067.84 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for design phase services for Corporate Parkway.
The council voted separately on this item:
- The council voted unanimously to authorize a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years of Place 4 on the city council.
7:13 p.m.
Annexation Service Agreement
The council voted unanimously to approve an annexation service agreement for about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The property owner requested the annexation, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
Wellborn Road Annexation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The owner has an interest in selling the property for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Crescent Pointe Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 10-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the Crescent Pointe Phase One subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Wellborn Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to General Commercial for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The change better aligns the property with the area’s existing uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to Suburban Commercial and General Commercial for about 1.5 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
2019 Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the annual review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. The document highlights the city’s major initiatives in 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:42 p.m.
Systemwide Impact Fees
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Full fee implementation occurred in late 2018. The service area for roadway impact fees is within the city limits, but the water and wastewater service area include parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:39 p.m.
NCO Process Handbook
The council voted unanimously to accept the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process. The handbook outlines the responsibilities of the neighborhood and the city and includes checklists and templates for rezoning petitions, neighborhood meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:42 p.m.
Council Committees and Commissions
The council appointed fellow councilmembers to represent the city on various intergovernmental and community committees.
8:49 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 9.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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 Tuesday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Tuesday at city hall for its final workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings of 2019.
Here are five items to watch:
- City Hall Exterior: In the workshop, the council will review the exterior design of the new city hall building.
- Special City Council Election: The consent item includes an ordinance authorizing a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years for Place 4 on the city council. Elianor Vessali resigned last month to run for the U.S. Congressional District 17 seat.
- Wellborn Road Annexation: After a public hearing, the council will consider a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The council will also consider an annexation service agreement.
- Wellborn Road Land Use and Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use and zoning for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The changes would align the property with existing uses in the area.
- NCO Process Handbook: The council will discuss the proposed Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process.
At a 3 p.m. ceremony before the workshop, the city will announce its 2019 employee of the year, followed by a short reception.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian 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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Aug. 8)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 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.
5:00 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:09 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:
- Radio Replacement: The $743,400 contract with Motorola Solutions is for the purchase of two-way mobile radios and portable radio replacements for Public Works and Water Services.
- Community Development Budget, Action Plan: The city is required to submit an annual plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that describes federal grant-funded projects and activities to benefit low-to-moderate income residents.
- Amended City Hall Contract: The amended contract with Kirksey Architects increases the design fee by $357,000 for the addition of square footage to the new city hall. During the schematic design phase, it was determined that some departments not included in the original scope should be incorporated in the new building.
5:26 p.m.
Training Reimbursement
The council discussed training and educational reimbursement for city employees. The city encourages employees to pursue training and education to enhance the quality of work and services they provide, including police and fire academies.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:26 p.m.
Home Sharing Rental Model
The council discussed voluntary collection agreements among cities and Airbnb, the primary provider of online short-term rental bookings. The presentation explored the home-sharing rental model and its effect on cities, including the impact on tax collection, regulation, and enforcement.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:29 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:53 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Army Capt. James A. Funkhouser as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 35-year-old Katy native died on May 29, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during reconnaissance patrol operations.
- Marci Corry spoke about distracted driving and her SAFE2SAVE initiative.
- Les Fiechner spoke against the council’s recent action to reduce the speed limit on Barron Road.
6:54 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- FY 2019 funding of $1,103,433 for the Public Agency Retirement Services OPEB Trust.
- A $743,418 contract with Motorola Solutions for two-way mobile radios and portable radio replacements.
- An annual contract not to exceed $120,000 with Bound Tree Medical for EMS supplies.
- The FY 2020 Community Development Budget and PY 2019 Action Plan.
- Renewal of the city’s annual copy and print services blanket orders not to exceed $120,000. The estimated annual expenditures are with Alphagraphics ($80,000) and Copy Corner ($40,000).
- An amendment to the contract with Kirksey Architects for design and construction administration services for the new city hall.
7:02 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Multi-Family for about one acre at 2346 Harvey Mitchell Parkway, which is located southwest of the Dartmouth Street intersection.
The applicant plans to incorporate the property into a multi-family development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:07 p.m.
Nonconforming Lots of Record
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a subsection to the Unified Development Ordinance that explicitly states that replats made nonconforming through annexation are allowed to replat to bring the property closer to compliance with zoning district standards.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
The council meets for a series of budget workshops Monday through Wednesday, with the next regular meeting set for Thursday, Aug. 22.
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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
