Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Feb. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Feb. 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.
5:29 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of the council’s executive session.
5:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Fitch/Wellborn Interchange: The $1.34 million contract is for the preliminary design of the Fitch Parkway/Wellborn Road Interchange and the Wellborn Road Widening Project. The contract’s scope includes the feasibility study of an interchange at Fitch and Wellborn that would include a separated grade crossing of the Union Pacific railroad tracks and connect into the city roadway network west of the tracks. The scope also includes the feasibility study and schematic design for widening Wellborn Road from Graham Road to Greens Prairie Road.
5:47 p.m.
Consolidated Plan for Federal Grants
The council discussed the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan for federal grants received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The process includes a community needs assessment, housing market analysis, and housing conditions survey.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Smoking Ordinance and Vaping
The council discussed health concerns about vaping and possibly adding electronic cigarettes and vaping to the city’s smoking ordinance. The consensus of the council was for staff to bring back an ordinance for consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:09 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
6:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:26 p.m.
United Way 2-1-1 Day
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed Saturday as United Way of the Brazos Valley 2-1-1 Day.
6:28 p.m.
Fun for All Playground
The Fun for All Playground Committee presented an $875,000 check to the city for the second phase of the playground’s construction.
6:32 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.
- Denise Snyder spoke against CSU’s implementation of advanced digital electric meters.
6:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $1.34 million contract with Halff Associates for the preliminary design phase services for the SH 40/FM 2154 Interchange and FM 2154 Widening Project
- A law enforcement mutual aid agreement with Texas A&M, Blinn College, the Brazos County Sheriff, Brazos County Precinct 1-4 Constables, and the City of Bryan.
- A $180,575 contract with Jamail & Smith Construction to replace CSU’s warehouse lift/freight elevator.
- The second and last renewal of the annual meter reading contract not to exceed $560,000 with Alexander’s Contract Services.
- A contract for a not to exceed $123,190 with Ramtech Building Systems for the purchase, delivery, and installation of a modular building for CSU.
- A contract not to exceed $250,000 with DIJ Construction for annual pavement striping and markings.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Texas Commercial Waste for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Maroon Dumpsters for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- An inter-local cooperation agreement and a resolution of support and consent for the City of Bryan Municipal Setting Designation Application.
6:38 p.m.
FY 20 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $6.25 million amendment to the city’s FY 20 budget. For more details about the amendment items, see page 291 of the agenda packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:40 p.m.
Yellow Tanager Court Right-of-Way
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a small portion of right-of-way west of the Yellow Tanager Court-Cinnamon Teal Drive intersection in the Bird Pond Phase 2 Subdivision. The abandonment allows the development of the nearby Waterford Estates.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:44 p.m.
Mission Ranch Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the abandonment of a 15-foot wide portion of an unused public utility easement in the Mission Ranch development. The abandonment allows for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:10 p.m.
Advanced Electric Meter Contracts
The council voted unanimously to approve contracts of $6.8 million with Landis+Gyr Technology and $517,000 with IPKeys Power Partners to support the implementation of CSU’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter & Operational Data Management (MODM) System.
The item wasn’t a public hearing, but resident Denise Snyder spoke about what she claims are the negative health effects of the meters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:15 p.m.
Data Backup and Recovery Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a five-year agreement not to exceed $517,118 with Freeit Data Solutions for data backup and recovery.
The IT Department is replacing internet firewalls, desktop antivirus software, and email protection systems. Enhanced data protection is necessary to combat the increasing sophistication of cyber attackers and in preparation for disasters.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council approved the appointment of Linda Harvell to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, Mayor Mooney to the Architectural Advisory Committee, and John Nichols to the Compensation and Benefits Committee.
7:20 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again Thursday, Feb. 27.
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.
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