Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 14)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 9390 0006. If the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
6:35 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
6:45 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion:
- Midlothian Agreement: The agreement authorizes the City of College Station and the City of Midlothian to jointly prepare bids and proposals for the purchase of goods and services. It also allows the cities to piggyback each other’s bids and contracts when in our best interest.
- Xpedient Printing Contract: The renewal contract with Xpedient Mail for $210,000 is for utility bill printing and mailing services.
- Woodson Village Rehabilitation: The $5.05 million contract with Elliott Construction is for the rehabilitation of water and wastewater lines in the area of Haines Drive, Glade Street, and Dexter and Timm Drive.
- Agreement with CSISD: The $250,000 funding agreement with the College Station Independent School District for a Family Empowerment Program to serve families experiencing hardships caused by COVID-19.
- Elder Aid Grant: A $464,000 contract for the grant of federal HOME Community Housing Development Organization set-aside funds to Elder-Aid is for the purchase and rehabilitation of four affordable rental units at 3332-3334 Longleaf and 3308-3310 Bluestem.
6:50 p.m.
Brick Elected Mayor Pre Tem
The council voted unanimously to elect Bob Brick to serve a one-year term a mayor pro tem to act as mayor during the mayor’s disability or absence.
7:18 p.m.
Texas Legislature Update
The council heard a legislative update and preview of the 87th Texas Legislative session, which began Monday.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:19 p.m.
The worksop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting.
7:24 p.m.
Planning Excellence Award
Mayor Mooney recognized the Planning and Development Services Department for receiving the Planning Excellence Award from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association.
7:39 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Wyatt Galbreath proposed a new city flag that he designed.
- Lorraine Madewell spoke about reducing restrictions on chickens in residential areas.
- Michael Weinstein spoke against local COVID-19 restrictions.
7:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Annual purchases not-to-exceed $150,000 for auto parts, shop equipment, and services from NAPA Auto Parts through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance.
- A cooperative purchasing inter-local agreement with the City of Midlothian.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $150,000 for repair parts and labor for fire trucks from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 for repair parts and labor for fire trucks from Lonestar Freightliner Group through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not to exceed $300,000 from Southern Tire Mart through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative.
- Renewal of a $210,000 contract with Xpedient Mail.
- Temporarily changed the speed limit on FM 2818 for the FM 2818 widening project.
- A $1.93 million contract with Freese and Nichols for the final design of the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant diversion lift station and force main project.
- A $5.06 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Woodson Village Rehabilitation Project.
- A purchase not to exceed $130,353 for a single 145kV S &C Mark V circuit switcher from Priester Mell & Nicholson.
- A $148,223.75 change order to a contract with Techline for pad-mounted solid di-electric switchgears.
- A change order deducting $100,000 from the contract with CF McDonald Electric to install previously purchased VFD at Dowling Road Pump Station.
- An annual blanket order not to exceed $668,000 with Brazos Paving for cement treated base and Type D Grade 1 cement treated recycled crushed concrete base.
- The removal of parking along Fall Circle.
- The removal of parking along Buena Vista Drive, Lonetree Drive, Estes Park, Black Hawk Lane, and Silverthorne Lane.
- A $250,000 funding agreement with College Station Independent School District for the COVID-19 Family Empowerment Program.
- A $464,000 contract for the grant of federal HOME Community Housing Development Organization set-aside funds to Elder-Aid for the purchase and rehabilitation of four affordable rental units at 3332-3334 Longleaf and 3308-3310 Bluestem.
7:45 p.m.
FY 21 Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $4.22 million amendment to the city’s FY 21 budget that mostly covers expenditures budgeted in FY 20 that won’t be received until FY 21. The full amendment is detailed on page 131 of the meeting packet.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:04 p.m.
Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance Annual Review. The document highlights the major Comprehensive Plan initiatives and UDO amendments that occurred in FY 2020.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:09 p.m.
Pershing Pointe Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Townhouse to Planned Development District for about five acres of the Pershing Pointe Villas townhouse development near the intersection of Deacon Drive West and Holleman Drive South. The change would provide additional single-family housing types for the unplatted part of the development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:19 p.m.
Cain Road Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from R-4 Multi-Family to Planned Development District for about 11 acres at 3445 Cain Road. The change would allow attached single-family townhomes.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:31 p.m.
Facilities Maintenance Relocation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $145,175 contract with The Arkitex Studio for the design of the Facilities Maintenance Relocation Project.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:14 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The council was updated on local COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:16 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
9:34 p.m.
Council Member Appointments
The council made appointments to its internal committees.
9:48 p.m.
Board and Commission Appointments
The council made appointments to city boards, committees, and commissions.
9:55 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
10:04 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
11:03 p.m.
Residential Over-Occupancy
The council discussed options for addressing the symptoms of over-occupancy in residential neighborhoods. The discussion will continue to future council meetings.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:31 p.m.
Rental Registration Cost Analysis
The council discussed the Rental Registration Program and a cost analysis of the registration fee. The discussion will continue to future council meetings.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
11:34 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The council’s meets again on Thursday, Jan. 28.
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 (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 Thursday, Dec. 10. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 992 5911 4379. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
3:21 p.m.
Speed Named Employee of the Year
Water Services’ Jeffrey Speed was named the city’s 2020 employee of the year at Thursday’s city council workshop. Speed has been with the city for more than than 20 years.
He is a GIS analyst whose work this year is described as “the cornerstone of the department’s ability to deliver the most-critical element – clean water – required to help control the pandemic.”
Speed made sure employees were able to remotely access advanced systems, and he taught himself all he needed to implement a pilot project related to Advanced Metering Infrastructure. His knowledge and problem-solving is said to have saved the city $100,000 in outside consulting work. Speed’s peers say he’s exceptionally good at what he does, and he’s a pleasure to work with.
The presentation provided to the council includes the other EOY nominees, along with the employees who have reached 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service.
6:15 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:23 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion:
- Emergency Management Coordinator: The resolution appoints Tradd Mills as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- Lions Club Fourth of July: The $16,625 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club offsets part of the costs of the annual Fourth of July celebration.
- Payment Processing Services: The amendment to the contract with Paymentus Corporation increases the amount to $1.5 million to cover additional utility billing services.
- Luther Parking Removal: The amendment would remove parking on both sides of Luther Street near Wellborn Road to provide sufficient fire department response access.
6:52 p.m.
Community COVID-19 Assistance
The council discussed community assistance provided by the city in response to COVID-19.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:29 p.m.
Municipally-Owned Internet Service
The council discussed municipally-owned and provided internet services, including assessing local internet connectivity and reviewing how other cities and counties have enabled broadband options for residents.
The council will discuss the issue more at its January retreat.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:32 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.
7:39 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:44 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.
- Carrie Morgan encouraged the city to adopt ranked choice voting in future city elections.
7:47 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent items:
- The 2021 Council Calendar.
- A $403,708 Community Development Block Grant funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Food Bank for a food delivery program for residents affected by COVID-19.
- Appointed Tradd Mills as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- An agreement not to exceed $171,816.95 with ASAP Security Services for the video surveillance phase III project.
- A contract for Cisco Collaboration Flex Plan Enterprise-Wide Calling, Smartnet Renewal Technology.
- An annual purchase agreement not to exceed $115,000 with Fort Bend Services for dewatering chemical.
- A Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt related to capital vehicle purchases.
- A $1.5 million contract with Paymentus Corporation for payment processing services.
- A modification to the substantial amendment of the 2019 Annual Action Plan to include Substantial Amendment No. 6 , which adds $822,034 in CARES Act Community Development Block Grant Funding to the Community Development budget.
- An extension to the existing janitorial services contract.
- Removed parking on a section of Luther Street near Wellborn Road.
- The third amendment to the contract with Emergicon that adds Medicare, uninsured, and charity care reimbursement services.
- A $3.93 million contract with CSA Construction for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Centrifuge Improvements Project.
- A $90,000 change order to a contract with Jones & Carterfor SCADA programming services for the Carters Creek WWTP Centrifuge Improvements Project.
- An $830,000 contract with Juanita Martinez and Charles William Martinez for 4.85 acres needed for an electric substation.
This consent item was voted on separately:
- The council voted 4-0-3 to approve a $16,625 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club. Mayor Mooney, Councilman John Nichols, and Councilwoman Linda Harvell recused themselves from the vote since they are members of the Noon Lions Club.
8:18 p.m.
Definitions of “Related” and “Family”
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to amend the definitions of “related” and “family” in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. The amendment removes language referring to blood relations and marriage and clarifies specific familial types. Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion.
Two people spoke in the public hearing, one in favor and one opposed to the changes.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:22 p.m.
Wellborn Road Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Wellborn Commercial on about two acres at 14999 FM 2154. The change allows the development of the Wellborn Learning Center.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:30 p.m.
Fitch Parkway Zoning Change
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District to Suburban Commercial on about 4.5 undeveloped acres at 412 William D. Fitch Parkway. The existing zoning only permitted a self-storage facility, and the change allows additional development opportunities.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:47 p.m.
Roadway Landscaping
The council voted unanimously to require landscaping on city capital projects for major collector and arterial roadways. The budgeted amount will be 1-2% of the overall project budget.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:04 p.m.
2021 Legislative Program
The council voted unanimously to support the city’s priorities for the 87th Texas legislative session, which begins Jan. 12. The program advocates for the best interests of its residents and businesses. The city’s Legislative Program highlights the importance of home rule authority, local control, managing growth and development, and municipal finances.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:09 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
9:11 p.m.
RMA Appointment
The council unanimously voted to appoint Veronica Morgan to another term as the city’s representative on the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority. The RMA is an independent local government agency with authority to finance, acquire, design, construct, operate, and extend transportation projects.
9:20 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Jan. 14. The council meets Dec. 29 to canvass the results of the Dec. 15 runoff election.
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: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 23)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Nov. 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 945 5270 2890. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:51 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
6:21 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda:
- Vehicle Registration Fee: The resolution supports a referendum being held to add $10 to vehicle registration fees — subject to approval by the state legislature — to help address mobility issues in Brazos County through the Regional Mobility Authority. The county has approved a support resolution, while the City of Bryan has yet to consider one.
6:22 p.m.
Open Records Request Process
The council discussed the city’s open records request process. The presentation included an overview of the Texas Public Information Act, an analysis of recent requests, historical trends, and a review of the process across Texas.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:45 p.m.
College Station Business Committee
The council discussed the possible creation of an ad hoc small business advisory committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:52 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.
6:57 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:01 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
7:02 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously voted to approve the entire consent agenda.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Trash Valet and Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A resolution supporting an increase in vehicle registration fees to address traffic and mobility issues through the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority.
8:09 p.m.
Victoria Avenue Land Use
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to deny a request to change the land use from Wellborn Estate to Wellborn Commercial for about eight acres at 6620 Victoria Avenue. Several citizens spoke against the change. The applicant planned to develop self-storage units.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:15 p.m.
Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
The council unanimously voted to accept the Semi-Annual Report on SystemWide Impact Fees for Water, Wastewater, and Roadway. The report documents the fees collected in each service area and identifies the capital improvement projects the revenues have been budgeted to help fund.
The city adopted the fees in 2016 and they were fully implemented by late 2018.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:25 p.m.
Greenways to Parkland Conversion
The council unanimously voted to approve the conversion of four greenway properties to 27 acres of parkland. The greenways were acquired through dedicated platting and purchased with 1998 bond funds.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:28 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
8:30 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Dec. 10.
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 (Oct. 22)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 22. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 910 2349 1784. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:12 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:28 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Northgate Parking Removal: The ordinance would add “No Parking Here to Corner” signs at entrances and exits to public garages and parking areas in the Northgate District, and also addresses four intersections with sight clearance concerns in the area. Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Water/Wastewater Impact Fee Study: The $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols is for an update to the 2016 water and wastewater impact study. The contract will include the calibration of the existing water and wastewater extended-period models, updates to water and wastewater capital improvement plans, and updates to land use assumptions to determine the potential maximum fees under the Texas Administrative Code.
5:49 p.m.
Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers
The council voted unanimously to approve the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:04 p.m.
Destination Marketing
The council discussed and endorsed the city’s destination marketing strategy for tourism and economic development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
Small Business Advisory Group
The council discussed the formation of a small business advisory group and ways the city can engage with the small business community.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:38 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.
6:55 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:01 p.m.
Bill Harris Proclamation
The mayor issued a proclamation honoring Dr. Bill Harris for representing the city on the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District’s board of directors from 2013 to 2020.
7:04 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
7:05 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda.
- The renewal of master agreements not to exceed $30,000 each for real estate appraisal services with Duff & Phelps, JLL Valuation & Advisory Services, Lowery Property Advisors, Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T. Lovett & Associates, and Valbridge Property Advisors.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $900,204 with KBS Electrical Distributors for electric three-phase pad-mounted transformers.
- The renewal of an inter-local agreement with Brazos County for housing College Station Class C misdemeanor prisoners in the Brazos County Jail.
- Annual price agreements not to exceed $1,351,302 for electric warehouse inventory materials with Anixter ($32,803), KBS Electrical Distributors ($288,083), Techline ($999,886), and Wesco Distribution ($30,530).
- The removal of street parking at entrances and exits to public garages, parking areas, and certain intersections in the Northgate District.
- A $140,000 funding agreement with Catholic Charities to provide case management and assistance to residents affected by COVID-19.
- A $257,234 lease agreement for the property at 614 Holleman Drive East among the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of College Station and TRDWind Wolf Pen.
- The first renewal of the master agreement not to exceed $150,000 with The Reynolds Company for Rockwell Automation products and services to maintain SCADA infrastructure.
- A $4.61 million contract with Brazos Paving for base failure repairs and pavement treatments.
- An ordinance prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue to Williams Street on school days.
- A $300,000 contract with Freese & Nichols to update the city-wide water and wastewater impact study.
- The 2020 Property Tax Roll of $52.5 million.
- A real estate contract to convey one-acre of city-owned property at 1820 Harvey Mitchell Parkway in Bryan.
7:18 p.m.
Bond Refunding
The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance and sale of as much as $17,085,000 of Certificates of Obligation Series 2012 and General Obligation Refunding and Improvement Bonds Series 2012. The refunding would reduce overall bond costs by about $2.19 million (amount corrected 10/23).
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:00 p.m.
COVID-19 Assistance
After a public hearing, the council discussed COVID-19 assistance provided by the city to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,000 in available CARES Act funding.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:02 p.m.
Baylor Scott & White Reimbursement
The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $748,000 with CARE Act funds to Baylor Scott & White for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:04 p.m.
CHI St. Joseph Reimbursement
The council voted unanimously to approve a public health reimbursement of $641,168 with CARE Act funds to CHI St. Joseph Regional Health Center for public health labor expenses and supplies related to COVID-19.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:17 p.m.
Greenway to Parkland Conversion
The council voted unanimously to approve the conversion of 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:27 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
8:29 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Nov. 12.
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 (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!
