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 (4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Election Results: In the workshop, the council will canvass the returns and declare the results of the Nov. 5 general election for mayor and Place 2 on the city council.
- Rektorik Reception: After the workshop, the council will have a public reception for outgoing Councilman Jerome Rektorik to thank him for his service.
- Historical Marker: To start the regular meeting, the Historic Preservation Committee will present Historical Business Marker 13 to A&M United Methodist Church.
- Harvey Mitchell-Dartmouth Changes: After public hearings, the council will consider changing the land use and zoning for about 2.3 acres on the south side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway east of the Dartmouth Street intersection to allow for commercial development. The land use would change from Urban to General Commercial, and the zoning would go from Townhouse to General Commercial with Corridor Overlay.
- Graham-Longmire Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Suburban Commercial with Natural Areas Protected for about 1.6 acres at the south corner of the Graham Road-Longmire Drive intersection. The applicant plans to build an optometry office.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as an 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!
Survey another way to express views on city’s future
By Justin Golbabai, Long-Range Planning Administrator
In late September, the City of College Station conducted a series of four public workshops as part of the 10-year update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Since the topic was about College Station’s development road map for the next decade, we expected a strong turnout.
We asked for enthusiastic public input, and that’s what we got.
More than 200 residents participated in the workshops, providing essential insights on our present and future growth patterns. The gatherings also generated vital feedback on how residents think the city should develop.
We offer our sincere gratitude to all who attended the workshops, but if you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry.
An online survey — in English and Spanish — is open through Oct. 16. If you missed the workshops, the survey is a meaningful way to contribute your input about our community’s present and future growth patterns.
The workshops and the survey play a crucial role in the city’s evaluation and reassessment of its 2009-30 Comprehensive Plan, our policy roadmap to plan, anticipate, and guide growth and development over 20 years. The Next 10 process is considering current conditions, recent trends, and best practices, and is involving the community in shaping our growth and development.
Your valued input will lead to changes and updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance, the policies and regulations that affect new development. We hope to have the evaluation process completed by late next summer.
For more information and to sign-up for email updates, go to cstx.gov/TheNext10.
About the Blogger
Long-Range Planning Administrator Justin Golbabai, AICP CNU-A has been with the City of College Station since 2016. He previously served the City of Austin for nine years in various capacities, most recently as Neighborhood Partnering Program manager. Justin has also worked for the cities of Savannah (Ga.) and Overland Park (Kan.). A native of Windsor, Conn., he received a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas in 2006, and a bachelor’s in economics and sociology from The University of Notre Dame in 2004.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Help plan College Station’s Next 10 at workshops
By Justin Golbabai, Long Range Planning Administrator
Planning for the growth and development of a city is similar to planning for any journey – it begins with knowing the starting point and the final destination. Based on those points, you can make appropriate plans and preparations and then set out knowing that adjustments will be necessary along the way.
The 2009-2030 Comprehensive Plan is the city’s policy roadmap to plan, anticipate, and guide growth and development over 20 years. It’s been 10 years since the plan’s adoption, and it’s time to reassess and discuss where the city should go in the next decade. We’re calling this process The Next 10.
Focus on the Future Workshops
Community input is an essential part of The Next 10. Next week, we will conduct a series of four identical workshops at locations across College Station to gather your input on the city’s present and future growth patterns. We encourage you to attend the most convenient session.
The 90-minute meetings will consider the conditions and trends facing our community and feature small groups to generate insight about your desired outcomes. Whether you are living, working, attending school, or raising a family in College Station, your perspective is vital to the plan’s success.
Here’s the meeting schedule:
Monday, Sept. 23
>> 7-8:30 p.m., Southwood Valley Elementary Cafeteria (2700 Brothers Blvd.)
Tuesday, Sept. 24
>> 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., CSU Meeting & Training Facility (1601 Graham Road)
>> 7-8:30 p.m., Forest Ridge Elementary Cafeteria (1950 Greens Prairie Road)
Wednesday, Sept 25
>> 7-8:30 p.m., Oakwood Intermediate School Cafeteria (106 Holik St.)
If you plan to attend, RSVP on the workshop Facebook page.
College Station is committed to updating its policies to address the issues of today and prepare for those that may arise in the future. By participating in the process, you can help evaluate the city’s direction in light of current trends and community values and to proactively address topics that are important to you.
You don’t have to be an expert, either. You only have to care about your community.
We’ll start analyzing the data we’ve gathered in December and start laying out the plan in the spring. We hope to present a final draft to the city council next summer.
For more information and to sign-up for email updates, visit cstx.gov/TheNext10.
About the Blogger
Long Range Planning Administrator Justin Golbabai, AICP CNU-A has been with the City of College Station since 2016. He previously served the City of Austin for nine years in various capacities, most recently as Neighborhood Partnering Program manager. Justin has also worked for the cities of Savannah (Ga.) and Overland Park (Kan.). A native of Windsor, Conn., he received a master’s in public administration from the University of Kansas in 2006, and a bachelor’s in economics and sociology from The University of Notre Dame in 2004.
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:
- Budget Public Hearing: The council will conduct a public hearing on the city’s proposed budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The total budget is about $341.2 million and is scheduled for adoption Sept. 26.
- Tax Rate Public Hearing: The council will conduct its final public hearing on the city’s proposed FY20 property tax rate of .534618 per $100 of assessed value, a $2.8778-cent increase. The proposed rate would generate $51.7 million in revenue for general debt service and operations and maintenance costs.
- Rock Prairie-Fitch Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Restricted Suburban, General Commercial, Office and Natural Areas Protected for about 210 acres south of the Rock Prairie Road-William D. Fitch Parkway intersection. The change would allow for a 175-acre continuation of the Pebble Creek Subdivision.
- Texas Avenue South Land Use: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved to General Commercial, Urban, and Natural Areas Reserved for almost nine acres at 2709 Texas Avenue South. The change would allow for commercial and multi-family development.
- University Drive East Land Use, Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider requests to change the land use (Natural Areas Reserved to General Commercial) and the zoning (Light Industrial to General Commercial) for about 1.3 acres at 3030 University Drive East. The changes would allow for a medical office in an existing building.
Related Links:
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 25)
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, April 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.
5:13 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:35 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Commission Plan of Work
The council conducted a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss the commission’s 2019 plan of work, which includes items related to the Comprehensive Plan, neighborhood integrity, and the Unified Development Ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:39 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:
- Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plan: The 2014 Drought Contingency Plan update contained several revisions from the previous version adopted in 2009. The proposed plan does not make significant changes from 2014. The 2019 plan maintains year-round encouragement of voluntary water conservation, following guidance from the state.
6:04 p.m.
Thomas Park Improvements
The council discussed improvements for Thomas Park. City staff recommends completing the plan over multiple years, staying in the first year within the $1 million budgeted for FY19. Mayor Mooney suspended the discussion, which will resume after the regular meeting.
The Parks and Recreation Board recommends spending the $1 million on a covered tennis court, a dog park and two covered picnic tables on the park’s north end.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:05 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop, which will resume after the regular meeting. The council will take a short break.
6:13 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:20 p.m.
Groundwater Conservationist of the Year
The Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District presented Pebble Creek Country Club with its Groundwater Conservationist of the Year Award for commercial irrigation.
6:23 p.m.
National Community Development Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as National Community Development Week.
6:26 p.m.
Municipal Clerk’s Week
The mayor proclaimed May 5-11 as Municipal Clerks Week.
6:52 p.m.
Hear Visitors
?? 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 Air Force Airman 1st Class Corey C. Owens as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 26-year-old San Antonio native died on Feb. 17, 2011, in a non-combat incident at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq.
- Eight people spoke in support of building a new pool in Thomas Park.
6:53 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 with Lonestar Freightliner Group for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- A $352,000 change order to the Graham Road Substation Project and a revision to the date of substantial completion from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31.
- Renewal of an annual contract not to exceed $150,000 with All Around Tree Service for landscaping, tree trimming, and removal services.
- A $281,998 contract with Bayer Construction Electrical Contractors for the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Barron Road and Alexandria Avenue.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding secondhand dealers.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding drought contingency and the Water Emergency Plan.
- A resolution adopting the updated Water Conservation Plan as required by the state.
- An ordinance amending the city’s Code of Ordinances to stagger appointments to boards and committees to allow the city council to make annual appointments.
7:24 p.m.
Comp Plan Committee Appointments
The council made appointments to the Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee, which will serve as the steering committee for the city’s 10-Year Comprehensive Plan review:
- City Council: John Nichols, Linda Harvell, Elianor Vessali
- Planning & Zoning Commission: Dennis Christiansen, Elizabeth Cunha, Jeremy Osborne (Alternate: Joe Guerra)
- Citizens: Michael Buckley, Clint Cooper, Brian Bochner, Bradford Brimley, Lisa Halperin, Julie Schultz
- Extraterritorial Jurisdiction: Shana Elliott
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:31 p.m.
Bird Pond Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Estate to Restricted Suburban for about 13 acres northeast of the Rock Prairie-Bird Pond intersection. The change will allow the development of a residential subdivision.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:59 p.m.
Bird Pond Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Estate to Planned Development District for the same 13 acres as in the previous item.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:08 p.m.
Northgate District Study
The council voted unanimously to approve a $188,000 contract with Waltman Group to complete a Northgate District study and mobility/operations plan. The increase in high-density residential development has created safety and mobility concerns for people walking, biking, and driving during weekdays and weekend evenings.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:16 p.m.
Lick Creek Sewer Trunk Line
The council voted unanimously to approve a $10.9 million contract with Thalle Construction for the Lick Creek Trunk Line Project. The sewer line will extend from the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant through the southern boundary of Pebble Creek Country Club and tie into an existing line north of Fitch Parkway.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:21 p.m.
Ringer Library Shelving
The council voted unanimously to approve the $460,000 million purchase of shelving for the newly renovated Ringer Library from Lone Star Furnishings. The renovation project budgeted $875,000 to furnish the building. Requests for remaining furnishings will be presented to the council at a later date.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
The council discussed future agenda items. Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
8:30 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
9:37 p.m.
Thomas Park Discussion (continued)
The council concluded its earlier workshop discussion of improvements for Thomas Park. The consensus of the council was to not include a dog park or splash pad but to continue exploring a new swimming pool and other possible improvements as part of a broader plan. The discussion will continue as part of the FY20 budget process.
9:41 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Monday, May 13.
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 earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science from Texas Tech.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 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, April 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.
5:01 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:05 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:
- Ambulance Billing Renewal: The $155,000 contract with Emergicon is for ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
- Annual Water Meter Purchase: The $174,427 contract with Aqua Metric Sales Company is for annual water meter purchases.
5:39 p.m.
CSPD Resource Allocation Study
The council reviewed a study by Etico Solutions that evaluated and analyzed police officer staffing. The information is based on five years of call data and three years of leave data.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:54 p.m.
Existing Conditions Report
The council reviewed the city’s 2018 Existing Conditions Report, which kicks off the 10-year Comprehensive Plan update process with an overview of College Station’s conditions for the natural environment, demographics, economic development, land use, public facilities, and transportation. The report and be viewed online at cstx.gov/planning.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:35 p.m.
Wolf Pen Creek Corridor
The council discussed the status of the Wolf Pen Creek Corridor.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:39 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.
6:48 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 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 2nd Lt. Peter H. Burks as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 26-year-old Dallas native died on Nov. 14, 2007, when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.
- Jorge Sanchez spoke about the consequences of the urban heat island effect created by pavement and concrete. He advocated for expanded use of urban forests to mitigate the effect.
6:59 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Renewal of a contract not-to-exceed $155,000 with Emergicon for ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
- Annual water meter purchases totaling $174,427.77 from Aqua Metric Sales Company through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $150,000 for heavy equipment and machinery rental.
7:07 p.m.
Wastewater Public Utility Corridor
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to establish a public utility corridor for the Northeast Wastewater Trunk Line Project Phase 2 in city greenways east of Art & Myra Bright Park in the Raintree subdivision and east of Wilderness Drive.
No other feasible alternative exists for the project, and reasonable measures will be taken to minimize the impact.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:16 p.m.
10-Year Comprehensive Plan Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a $167,500 contract with Planning NEXT for the city’s Comprehensive Plan 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The planning process will begin in May and is expected to be finished by the summer of 2020.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:21 p.m.
Georgie K. Fitch Park Trail
The council voted unanimously to approve a $363,000 contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for the development of the Georgie K. Fitch Park Trail to provide a safe connection from Fitch Park to the Ringer Library. The project includes lighting and a concrete trailway over Bee Creek.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
Crow Memorial Parkway
The council voted 5-2 to approve a resolution supporting Texas House Bill 884 that would designate Texas Avenue from East Villa Maria Road to Krenek Tap Road as the Carolyn and John David Crow Memorial Parkway. Texas Avenue is a state roadway, and the designation would not change any addresses. Councilmen Dennis Maloney and Bob Brick voted against the motion.
Mary Hirsch spoke in opposition to the process used by the state to designate state roadways.
An earlier motion by Maloney to postpone the vote was defeated, 4-3. Brick and Councilwoman Linda Harvell also supported Maloney’s motion.
Crow played won the 1957 Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M as the nation’s outstanding college football player. He played 11 years in the NFL and spent several years in coaching and athletic administration, including a stint as A&M’s athletic director. Crow passed away in 2015, followed by Carolyn in 2016.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:33 p.m.
Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Board
The council voted unanimously to appoint Kyle Leblanc to finish an unexpired term the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board.
7:34 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, April 25.
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!
