Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 23)
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, May 23. 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.
5:24 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:25 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled no consent items for workshop discussion.
5:50 p.m.
Economic Development Update
The council reviewed the city’s economic development efforts and discussed ways to enhance our economic competitiveness.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:28 p.m.
Fire Asset Reliability
The council reviewed the Fire Department’s adequacy and response reliability.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:32 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. Mayor Mooney said item No. 3 on the regular agenda (parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot) has been pulled and will not be considered tonight.
6:58 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Seven 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. Sean P. Sims as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old El Paso native died on Nov. 13, 2004, when his unit received small arms fire while clearing a building in Fallujah, Iraq.
- Carlos Espina, Eduardo Espina, Carlos Prida, and Raphael Cruzan asked the council to bring soccer fields back to Anderson Park.
- Donald and Patsy Deere spoke against the proposed parking restrictions on Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot. That item has been pulled from tonight’s agenda.
6:59 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $287,305 contract with Air-Tech Brazos Valley for facilities corrective maintenance services.
- The $330,029.53 purchase of furnishings from multiple vendors for the renovated Larry J. Ringer Library.
- An ordinance amendment that clarifies that customers are responsible for placing solid waste containers out for collection and for removing them afterward.
- An ordinance amendment that clarifies that payment is not a defense for a violation of prohibited parking. Some Northgate parking spaces transition at times to prohibited parking for loading zones or passenger pick-up and the payment system can’t prohibit payment during these times.
- An ordinance amendment that increases the civil fine for parking without paying in the Northgate Garage from $50 to $115 for payment within 10 days and from $60 to $125 for payment after 10 days.
7:14 p.m.
Parking Restrictions on Poplar, Ash, Live Oak and Nimitz
The council voted unanimously to remove stopping, standing, and parking along one side of Poplar, Live Oak, Ash, and Nimitz Streets, and on one side of a segment of Edelweiss Avenue from 7-9 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. on school days.
Ash Street residents contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road that could impede emergency vehicle access. Additional evaluation led the Traffic Management Team to also recommend parking restrictions on Poplar, Live Oak, and Nimitz.
The principal of Rock Prairie Elementary contacted the city about cars parked on both sides of the road during the afternoon pick-up times, which affects the ability to see children crossing. In addition, when vehicles park along Edelweiss, the road effectively becomes a single-lane roadway for a two-direction operation.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
7:22 p.m.
Landscaping and Mowing Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.06 million contract with Green Teams for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance. The contract does not include regional parks and athletic fields.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:31 p.m.
Wellborn-Holleman Intersection
The council voted unanimously to approve an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection. The agreement has no budgetary impact and covers work within the state’s right-of-way.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:33 p.m.
Southwood Valley Sewer Line
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project to increase capacity for development.
The project area starts about 160 feet south of Bee Creek on the west side of State Highway 6, runs south for about 1,000 feet toward the northwest corner of FM 2818 and State Highway 6, then goes southwest about 1,250 feet toward Brothers Boulevard.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Highway 6 Gateway Sign
The council voted unanimously to approve a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:44 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, June 13.
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!
CSFD joins elite company with Class 1 ISO rating
By Carter Hall, CSFD Public Information Officer
Everyone likes to be No. 1, especially in a sports-crazed town such as College Station. But in some cases, being No. 1 means much more than bragging rights with your rivals.
Take College Station’s new Class 1 ISO fire rating, which is effective Monday.
The Insurance Service Office (ISO) classifies communities on a scale of 1 to 10. Those that earn the Class 1 demonstrate the best systems for water distribution, fire department equipment, firefighting personnel, and dispatch facilities.
The College Station Fire Department is one of only seven in Texas to have both a Class 1 ISO rating and international accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Even more impressive is that fewer than one percent of the 47,500 fire protection areas in the United States are ISO Class 1.
The new rating also means you may pay less to insure your home or business. Most U.S. property insurers use ISO’s Public Protection Classification program to calculate premiums, which are generally lower in communities with a high rating. Contact your insurer to see if the change might affect your premiums.
College Station Fire Chief Jonathan McMahan recognizes the importance of reaching this milestone. “Becoming an ISO Class 1 community was one of my top strategic initiatives when I became the fire chief in early 2017,” he said. “Having this designation demonstrates the city’s ongoing commitment to providing excellent fire protection for our residents.”
Chief McMahan also recognizes Water Services’ David Coleman, Gary Mechler, and Stephen Maldonado, Jr., along with Robert Radtke of Public Safety Communications, — and their teams — for their hard work in achieving the improved rating. The achievement ties together the credibility of our fire, water, and communication departments and makes College Station an even more attractive community for businesses and families.
Key elements considered by ISO were:
- Response capability, which consists of the staffing of fire service personnel on engine and ladder companies.
- Fire station distribution, including location and coverage area.
- Adequate and appropriate apparatus and equipment.
- Fire department training.
- Fire department organizational structure.
ISO then evaluated the city’s water supply and distribution system, public safety communications, and fire prevention codes and enforcement.
Representatives from the Insurance Services Office and the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office will officially present College Station with its Class 1 ISO rating at Thursday’s city council meeting.
About the Blogger
Carter Hall has been a College Station firefighter since 2011. He earned a degree in leadership development from Texas A&M in 2005.
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Recipe for a successful Thanksgiving? Don’t set your house on fire
By Carter Hall, CSFD Firefighter
Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. No surprise: All of us with the College Station Fire Department are thankful when everyone practices holiday safety in the kitchen, since Thanksgiving is the leading day for home-cooking fires.
In fact, the United States averages 1,800 cooking fires every Thanksgiving Day. That’s three times the number of fires occurring on any other day of the year, which is why these simple safety tips are so important:
- Never leave unattended food on the stove or in the oven.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing and long sleeves while cooking because those can easily catch fire.
- Keep children at least three feet away from the cooking area; watch them closely if they insist on being mini-chefs.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over toys, shoes or other objects.
- Keep flammable items, like potholders and paper or plastic bags, away from the stove and oven.
- Turn pan handles toward the back of the stove to prevent accidental knock-overs.
- Have activities that keep kids out of the kitchen during this busy time. Games, puzzles or books are great options.
- Involve kids in Thanksgiving preparations with recipes that can be followed outside the kitchen.
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of the home, including inside and outside bedrooms.
Also, keep safety in mind when using a turkey fryer because a fire can get out of hand in less than a minute.
If fried turkey is your Thanksgiving tradition, only use a fryer outside and safely away from your home – not inside your garage and not on your porch. Don’t overfill the oil in your turkey fryer, and always keep an eye on the bird when it’s cooking in the oil.
From all the dedicated men and women at College Station Fire Department who work to protect lives and property – especially on Thanksgiving Day – we hope your hearts and stomachs are full, and your holiday is safe.
Carter Hall has been a firefighter with the College Station Fire Department since 2011.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
CSFD saves two dogs in apartment fire
Firefighter Paramedics Tara Hodges and Kyle Cowden tend to one of the injured dogs as Driver Brad Ballard watches.
College Station firefighters responding to a kitchen fire Thursday night at The Gables apartments revived two dogs that were not breathing.
Firefighters were dispatched to the apartment at 401 University Oaks at 7:52 p.m. After quickly extinguishing a fire on the kitchen stove, they searched the residence and found the unconscious dogs and a kitten.
EMS personnel were able to revive both dogs, who were taken to the Texas A&M Vet School for additional treatment. Both are expected to recover, but the kitten did not survive.
— College Station Fire Department
Five 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 5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Security Camera Surveillance: In the workshop, the council will discuss stronger regulations for security cameras at businesses such as convenience stores.
- Creek Meadows Lift Station: The council will consider an agreement to increase the capacity of the Creek Meadows sewage lift station to serve the recently annexed Wellborn area.
- Automatic CPR Devices: The council will consider the purchase of automatic CPR devices for the city’s EMS units to provide better patient care.
- Trash Valet & Recycling Agreement: The council will consider the first of two readings of a franchise agreement that would allow Brazos Valley Recycling to collect recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- Parks & Recreation User Fees: The council will consider new user fees for Parks & Recreation facilities and programs, including increases for facility rentals, cemetery spaces, and some activities.
3 ways Citizens Fire Academy will make a better you in 2016
By Christina Seidel, CSFD Public Education Officer
Let me suggest to you that being part of the College Station Citizens Fire Academy will fulfill one or more of your New Year’s resolutions.
Okay, stay with me…
Most of us have lists of resolutions that include things like living a healthier lifestyle, saving more and spending less, and simply enjoying life to the fullest — right? Our free, 12-week Citizens Fire Academy is just the thing!
Live a healthier lifestyle! (more…)
5 tips to help you safely celebrate our independence
By Christina Seidel, CSFD Public Education Officer
When Francis Scott Key wrote about “the bombs bursting in air” he probably didn’t foresee anyone getting hurt in future celebrations of our nation’s independence.
Still, what would a good, old-fashioned Independence Day celebration be without fireworks?
Since the College Station Fire Department wants safety to be everyone’s priority, here are five tips to help you celebrate safely through the dawn’s early light.
1. Note the location of fireworks stands.
New fire engine improves department’s capabilities
By Robert Mumford, Battalion Chief/CSFD Public Information Officer
The College Station Fire Department’s newest fire engine offers improved safety and visibility features, and its advanced technology enhances our ability to protect our citizens.
The $638,000 Pierce Velocity engine went into service last week at Fire Station No. 4 near Easterwood Airport. The truck carries 500 gallons of water, pumps 1,500 gallons per minute, and has a compressed air foam system for the suppression of all types of fires.
College Station will miss Humphreys’ experience, savvy
A part of CSFD’s 1979 recruiting class, Bart Humphreys (second from right) is retiring Friday.
The year was 1979.
The Pittsburgh Steelers broke my heart by beating the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII, 35-31. Sugar Ray Leonard won his first world boxing title. And Tracy Austin became the youngest U.S. Open tennis champion at 16 years old — not much older than me, a fourth grader in Breckenridge, Texas.
That same year, Bart Humphreys began his career with the College Station Fire Department.
After more than 35 years of service to the citizens of College Station, Bart will retire on Friday. To put that in perspective, he served under six fire chiefs and seven mayors.
It’s hard to imagine CSFD without Bart.
Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
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The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch: (more…)
Five things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
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The College Station City Council will meet on Monday instead of Thursday since many council members and staff will be attending the annual Texas Municipal League conference in Austin later in the week. Here are five items to watch in Monday’s workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings: (more…)
History Blog: Old Hrdlicka home had long, storied history
NOTE: 2013 marks the City of College Station’s 75th year as an incorporated city. In recognition, we’ve highlighted some interesting moments from our past.
The following message was authored by Henry Mayo, a surveyor and long-time resident of the Bryan-College Station area. As a surveyor and historian, Henry retrieves information from local, state and national resources to assemble history-themed messages for email subscribers in a series titled “This Week in Brazos County History.” To subscribe to Henry’s email series, click here.
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FORMER HRDLICKA/FUGATE FAMILY HOME BURNS (Sept. 22, 1988)
The history book that chronicles the College Station Fire Department’s first 25 years (1970-95) includes the following under notable fire calls from 1988:
“September 22 — A house was totally destroyed at Luther Street and Wellborn Road. The house was near collapse from the intense fire on CSFD’s arrival.”
This home and associated businesses have a rich history. In a 1995 interview archived on the City of College Station’s Project HOLD website, Marilyn Hrdlicka Fugate said she was born in the home on Feb. 22, 1922 and that it was built around 1919 by her father, Ed Hrdlicka. It was located on the west corner of a few hundred acres of land owned by the Hrdlicka family. Marilyn and her husband, Jack Fugate, raised their own family there following World War II.
Blog: Q&A with retiring Fire Chief R.B. Alley III
EDITOR’S NOTE: After 40 years as a firefighter, College Station Fire Chief R.B. Alley III retires on Friday, June 28. Chief Alley led the College Station Fire Department since 2005. In a way, he’s the Ted Williams of firefighting — Williams hit a homerun in his final major league at-bat; Chief Alley retires after recently being named Texas Fire Chief of the Year. In addition to his outstanding professional accomplishments, Chief Alley has been a tremendous ambassador for the City of College Station and will long be remembered for his contagious optimism and friendly demeanor. Chief Alley sat down with us last week to talk about his career and accomplishments.![8282849236_cdcd9aea20_k[1]](https://cityofcs.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/8282849236_cdcd9aea20_k11-e1371678702759.jpg)
At 55 years old, you’re still relatively young. Why are you retiring now?
“In the fire service, 55 is kind of a magic number. At that point, you normally have 30 or 40 years of service. Once you hit 55, if you can walk off the job standing up with all your arms and legs in good shape, that’s a blessing. At lot of people aren’t able to do that. I’ve seen a lot of fire chiefs hold on just because they can — longer than they should sometimes. There comes a point where you kind of get in your own little comfort zone, and you’re not really moving the organization forward. When you get to the point where you feel like you’ve helped the organization get it where it needs to be and you’ve accomplished some major goals – not just for the community but personally — you have to look inside. What’s going to be best for the organization and what’s going to be best for me? The organization is in great shape, we’ve got great leaders in all positions, and we’ve got people trained to move up. Passing the baton to the next fire chief will be a good thing for the organization and the community. It’s been an honor to work in the City of College Station, and I’ve been very blessed to be here. I can’t think of any other place I’d want to finish my career as a fire chief.”
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 25)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 25. It’s not the official minutes.
Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and can also be watched online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:01 p.m.
The workshop has started. Mayor Nancy Berry and Councilmember James Benham are absent tonight.
Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
![gavel[1]](https://cityofcs.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/gavel1.jpg)
Here are five items to watch when the College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings: (more…)
Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Nov. 8)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Nov. 8. It’s not the official minutes.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.
6:08 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started. Council member Katy-Marie Lyles is absent tonight.
6:22 p.m.
Employer Support of Guard/Reserves
Since Veteran’s Day is Sunday, the council received a special workshop presentation on the city’s support and hiring of veterans, and their participation in the Guard and Reserve. The council also recognized several service member/employees in attendance.
Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Sept. 27)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Sept. 27. It’s not the official minutes.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.
6:13 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started.
6:32 p.m.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Project
The council received a presentation on the $1.5 million Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Projects, which is on the consent agenda for tonight’s regular meeting. In the first step in the treatment process, untreated wastewater flows into the headworks from the collection system. Large objects and sediment are removed so the wastewater can continue through the rest of the process.
Although key equipment is worn out and needs either replacement or rehabilitation, this project includes only items needed to restore functionality to existing equipment. The improvements are for the screw lift pumps, grit and grease removal systems, oiler system, odor controls and junction box, which will allow the headworks to operate until information is received from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality about future permit restrictions, which could require major changes to the headworks structure.
Fallen Firefighters ceremony somber but inspiring
The annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial is always a somber but inspiring event as we pause to honor those who recently gave their lives while protecting us. Monday’s event at Fire Station No. 2 on Rio Grande Boulevard was no different. As part of National Fire Prevention Week, local officials and first responders gathered to honor the 83 firefighters from across the nation that lost their lives in the line of duty in 2011. Six of those brave souls were from Texas.
Tragic event brought our community closer together
Note: This blog was published as a guest column in Sunday’s edition of The Eagle.
No one in our community will ever forget the senseless act that claimed the lives of Chris Northcliffe and Constable Brian Bachmann, and left several others injured. Nor will we forget the extraordinary way our residents responded to one of the more painful events in our history.
As we begin to heal, it’s appropriate to recognize and offer our sincere appreciation to those who put themselves in harm’s way that day to ensure that more lives were not lost. The timely and valiant actions of College Station police officers and firefighters revealed remarkable courage and professionalism.
The tragic events of Aug. 13 were a sobering reminder of the dangers our first responders face each day. These selfless professionals have dedicated their lives to keeping our streets safe and responding to emergencies, always placing our safety above their own. Regrettably, we take their heroism, bravery and service for granted too often.
Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (Aug. 23)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Aug. 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.
6:01 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started.
6:04 p.m.
Mayor Berry proclaimed September as Library Card Sign-Up Month.
Live Blog: Thursday’s City Council Meetings (July 12)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, July 12. It is not the official minutes.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. An archive of previous council meetings also is available on the site.
6:08 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started.
6:19 p.m.
Private Landfill Public Meeting Update
The council heard an update on a public meeting set for Friday, July 19 about a proposed permit for a private landfill within College Station’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The applicant and representatives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will attend the public meeting at 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo Complex.
City Council Preview (July 12)
Here’s a quick look at some of the items the College Station City Council will be discussing at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, July 12. This blog is not the complete and official agenda.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. Previous council meetings are archived on the website. A detailed live blog from the meetings will be posted on this site and can also be accessed through the city’s Facebook page.
Workshop Meeting (6 p.m.)
Private Landfill Public Meeting Update
The council will receive an update on a public meeting set for July 19 about a proposed permit for a private landfill within College Station’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The applicant and representatives from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will attend the public meeting at 7 p.m. at the Brazos County Expo Complex.
City Council Meeting Review (June 28)
Here’s a quick overview of what the College Station City Council discussed and decided at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, June 28. This blog is not the official minutes. Video replays of both meetings can be accessed at cstx.gov/cstv19.
Workshop Meeting
Brazos Animal Shelter Report
The Brazos Animal Shelter reported on its recent activities, which include rebranding itself as the Aggieland Humane Society and completing the move to its new Leonard Road location. The city pays the shelter $169,513 annually.
City Council Preview (June 28)
Here’s a quick look at some of the items the College Station City Council will be discussing at its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, June 28. This blog is not the complete and official agenda.
The workshop and regular meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. Previous council meetings are archived on the website. A detailed live blog from the meetings will be posted on this site and also can be accessed through the city’s Facebook page.
Workshop Meeting (6 p.m.)
Brazos Animal Shelter Annual Report
The council will receive a report from the Brazos Animal Shelter regarding its activities in the current fiscal year. The city pays the shelter annual fees of $169,513.
