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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!

December 10, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: annexation, city hall, committees, comp plan, comprehensive plan, Corporate Parkway, Council Meetings, Edelweisss Business Center, franchise fees, impact fees, La Villita DAR Week, mayor pro tem, NCO Process Handbook, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay, UDO, Unified Development Ordinance | 1 Comment

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!

December 9, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: annexation, annexation plan, city hall, Council Meetings, elections, land use, NCO Handbook, Neighborhood Conservation Overlay, rezoning, special election | Leave a comment

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!

August 8, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: action plan, Airbnb, city hall, community development, Council Meetings, employee training, home sharing, rezoning, UDO, Unified Development Ordinance | Leave a comment

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 11)

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, July 11. 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.

5:17 p.m.

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

5:18 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.

5:44 p.m.

Legislative Update

The council reviewed the recent Texas legislative session, including items affecting the city’s budget process.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:13 p.m.

Community Development Grants

The council discussed the FY20 Community Development Budget and Action Plan. Funding available in the FY20 budget totals $2.9 million, including new federal Community Development Block Grants of about $1.2 million and HOME Investment Partnership Grants of $473,289.

The funds may only be used to benefit low- and moderate-income people, aid in the elimination of slum and blighting influences, or meet an urgent need.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

6:16 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.

6:24 p.m.

The regular meeting has started.

6:49 p.m.

Hear Visitors

Eight 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. Orlando A. Bonilla as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 27-year-old Killeen native died on Jan. 28, 2005, in a helicopter accident near Baghdad, Iraq.
Diane Davis, Julian McMurrey, Patsy Johnson, and Michelle Raisor spoke about Thomas Park and the restoration of the pool.
Donald Deere spoke about the removal of street parking in his neighborhood.
Brian Alg spoke against using taxpayer funds for a proposed YMCA.
Donna Lamkin spoke about the removal of street parking in the Camelot neighborhood.

6:50 p.m.

Consent Agenda

The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:

An estimated annual expenditure of $121,000 for water meters from National Meter & Automation.
Renewal of an annual estimated $200,000 contract with Spherion Staffing for temporary personnel services.
A $112,225.40 change order for the contract with Garney Construction for Well No. 9.
Annual price agreement renewals not to exceed $1.9 million with Knife River ($1.49 Million) and BPI Materials ($438,000) for hot mix asphalt for street maintenance.

6:57 p.m.

Graham Road Speed Limit

The council voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit on Graham Road from 45 mph to 40. A resident requested the change last fall primarily out of concern for the new school at Graham and Longmire, and the city conducted a speed study in April.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:24 p.m.

Camelot Parking Removal

The council voted unanimously to removed parking on one side of Langford Street, King Arthur Circle, and Lancelot Circle to allow for emergency vehicle access.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:48 p.m.

City Hall Exterior Design

The council reviewed the proposed exterior design of the new city hall on the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.

Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:

7:49 p.m.

The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.

The council meets again Thursday, July 25.

About the Blogger

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

July 11, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: Camelot, city hall, community development, Community Development Block Grant, Council Meetings, Graham Road, Home Investment Partnership Program, legislative update, Parking, speed limits | 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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.

Here are five items to watch:

Legislative Update: In the workshop, the council will review the recent Texas legislative session, including items affecting the city’s budget process.
Community Development Grants: The council will have a workshop discussion about the FY20 Community Development Budget and Action Plan, which includes $2.9 million in federal grants.
Graham Road Speed Limit: In the regular meeting, the council will consider reducing the speed limit on Graham Road from 45 to 40 mph.
Camelot Parking Removal: The council will consider removing parking from one side of Langford Street, King Arthur Circle, and Lancelot Circle to allow for emergency vehicle access.
City Hall Exterior Design: The council will take a look at the proposed exterior design of the new city hall planned on the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.

Related Links:

About the Blogger

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

July 10, 2019 | Categories: City Council, Public Communications | Tags: city hall, community development, Community Development Block Grant, Council Meetings, Graham Road, Home Investment Partnership Program, legislative update, Parking, speed limits | Leave a comment

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: