Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 25)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, June 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 982 1331 7043.
4:04 p.m.
The workshop has started.
4:05 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:22 p.m.
Restricted Occupancy Overlay
The council directed staff to obtain additional public input and draft a potential ordinance to allow property owners to request an overlay restricting neighborhood housing occupancy to no more than two unrelated residents. Twelve residents spoke after the presentation, and five submitted written comments.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation:
6:22 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
6:32 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
7:09 p.m.
Police Community Outreach
The council discussed the College Station Police Department’s community outreach activities regarding race relations, recruiting and hiring, use of force, and body-worn cameras.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:17 p.m.
Mayor Issues Mask Order
The council offered its unanimous support for Mayor Karl Mooney to mandate the use of face coverings for coronavirus protection inside commercial businesses. Eleven residents spoke after the presentation, and 61 submitted written comments.
Mooney issued the order after the meeting:
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:24 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
8:34 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:45 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.
- Leigh Turner spoke against the reopening of the coal-fired Gibbons Creek Generating Station.
8:46 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Reduced the speed limit from 45 mph to 40 on Greens Prairie Road from about 1,000 feet west of Woodlake Drive to the Royder Road intersection.
- The $650,914 purchase of long lead time major equipment for the proposed Spring Creek Substation.
- The not-to-exceed $639,764 purchase of a ThreePhase electric substation transformer from Virginia Transformer for the proposed Spring Creek Substation.
- A $19,416 change order to the contract with Elliott Construction for the repair of the Rock Prairie Road water line.
- The first renewal of Water Services’ annual $115,847 purchase of sodium hypochlorite from DXI Industries.
- A $288,700 contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates for the design of the rehabilitation of Luther Street from Marion Pugh to Penberthy.
- The second renewal of a contract not to exceed $432,000 with Brazos Paving for the installation of a one-inch overlay with specialty mix as needed.
- A $18,867 change order to the contract with Halff & Associates for the design of Lick Creek parking lot and trailhead.
9:31 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to regulate short-term housing rentals such as Airbnb. The ordinance takes effect Oct. 1. Nine residents spoke after the presentation, and one submitted written comments.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:58 p.m.
Munson Traffic Calming
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the neighborhood’s request to repeal an ordinance prohibiting traffic calming on Munson Avenue. Area residents wanted equal access to the traffic calming ordinance that applies in other city neighborhoods. One person spoke in the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:08 p.m.
Midtown Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for about 33 acres at 5604, 5900, and 6102 Rock Prairie Road. The PDD is an expansion of the Midtown development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:18 p.m.
Special Events Ordinance
The council voted unanimously to approve changes to the special events ordinance that allow the city manager more flexibility in making decisions about special events. The changes also clarify the definition of a special event and the number of days such an event can operate.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:19 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to the mayor’s recent extension of the disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
10:27 p.m.
Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant
The council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to apply to the state for grants from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The city will receive about $6.44 million from the fund.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:28 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, July 9.
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: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 23)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, April 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/174248177, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 174-248-177.
5:55 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:57 p.m.
The council voted unanimously to name Deputy City Manager Jeff Capps as interim city manager after City Manager Bryan Woods deploys for service with the Naval Reserve.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
7:24 p.m.
Short-Term Rentals
The council reviewed a draft ordinance that would regulate short-term housing rentals, which has evolved through online platforms such as Airbnb and expanded locally with the demand created by Aggie football weekends. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
The council is expected to vote on an ordinance in May. The recent growth of short-term rentals across the nation has been dramatic, with Airbnb alone logging a half-million transactions last year in Texas.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:28 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.
7:40 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:48 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.
- Meagan Kuitu spokes about required realtors to wear protective masks.
7:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $150,000 with Mustang Rental Services for the rental of heavy equipment used by the city.
- The temporarily removal of parking on both sides of Gilchrist Avenue from Foster Avenue to Texas Avenue during construction of the new city hall.
This consent item was pulled for a separate discussion and vote:
8:32 p.m.
Thomas Park Pool Demolition
The council voted unanimously to approve a $132,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the demolition of Thomas Park Pool with the caveat that the city would continue to explore options for future park amenities. Three people spoke in the public hearing.
The work includes the entire removal of the pool and associated facilities and infilling the pool area with common fill, including six inches of hydro-seeded topsoil. Sections of sidewalk also will be poured to ensure sidewalks and parking lot are reconnected.
8:46 p.m.
City Hall Construction
The council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $25.8 million for construction of the new city hall. Overall costs for the project are projected to be $5.3 million under the original budget.
The three-story, 79,000-square-foot facility will house several city departments and is scheduled to be finished in 2022.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:49 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to the mayor’s renewal this week of the city’s COVID-19 Declaration of Disaster.
9:01 p.m.
Small Business Bridge Loan Program
The council voted unanimously to approve a funding agreement for the Brazos Valley Council of Governments to administer the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Bridge Loan Program. The program will provide working capital for small businesses while they await federal disaster loans.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:05 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, May 14.
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 meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/174248177, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 174-248-177.
If you want to address the council about any item on the workshop or regular agenda, register with the city secretary before the meeting by calling 979-764-3500 or emailing CSO@cstx.gov before the meeting starts. Written comments submitted to CSO@cstx.gov will be provided to the council members.
Here are five items to watch:
- Short-Term Rentals: In the workshop, the council will review a draft ordinance that would regulate short-term housing rentals.
- Thomas Pool Demolition: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $132,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the demolition of the Thomas Park swimming pool.
- City Hall Construction: The council will consider Amendment No. 2 to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $25.8 million for construction of the new city hall.
- Disaster Declaration Extension: The council will consider consenting to the mayor’s renewal this week of the city’s COVID-19 Declaration of Disaster.
- Small Business Bridge Loan: The council will consider a funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments to administer the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Bridge Loan Program. The program will provide working capital for small businesses while they await federal disaster loans.
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!
City council calls special Monday teleconference
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council will conduct a special teleconference meeting Monday to consider extending the city’s Declaration of Disaster in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The council will conduct an executive session — which is closed to the public — at 3 p.m., followed by the public portion of the meeting. A live audio feed will be available on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online at cstx.gov/cstv19.
Citizens who want to comment must register before the meeting starts by calling 979-764-3500 or emailing CSO@cstx.gov. Written comments also may be emailed to CSO@cstx.gov. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/6226605081, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 622-660-5081.
On Tuesday, Mayor Karl Mooney issued a proclamation declaring the state of disaster to enable the city to respond to the pandemic and seek state and federal assistance. Under Texas law, the declaration can’t extend beyond seven days without the city council’s consent. The Extension of Disaster ordinance would continue the existing state of disaster until the council terminates it.
The mayor amended the proclamation Wednesday to include an order closing bars and limiting restaurants to only take-out, drive-through, or delivery services. The amendment also limited gatherings to fewer than 10 people.
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!
