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!
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:
- Economic Development: In the workshop, the council will review the city’s economic development efforts and discuss ways to enhance College Station’s economic competitiveness.
- Parking Removals: In separate items, the council will consider a trio of ordinance amendments to remove stopping, standing, and parking along Poplar Street, Live Oak Street, Ash Street, Nimitz Street, Langford, King Arthur, Guadalupe, and Lancelot to provide emergency vehicle access; and Edelweiss Avenue during pickup and dropoff times at Rock Prairie Elementary.
- Wellborn-Holleman Intersection: The council will consider an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements at the Wellborn Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
- Southwood Valley Sewer Line: The council will consider a $1.22 million contract with Palasota Contracting for the Southwood Valley Trunk Line Phase 1 Project that will increase capacity for development.
- Gateway Signage: The council will consider a $149,486 contract with JaCody Construction for a gateway sign to be located just north of Peach Creek Cutoff along State Highway 6 within TxDOT right-of-way.
Related Links:
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!
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 (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch: (more…)
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Oct. 26)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
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. 26. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD), or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:03 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:14 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:
- Wood Pole Treatment and Inspections: The $312,177.50 contract is for the inspection and treatment of about 2,400 wood power poles. Most of the city’s wood power poles were installed in the late 1970s and late 1980s. After 30 years, the industry standard is to inspect and chemically treat the poles every 10 years.
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Parkland Dedication Amendments: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s suggested ordinance changes include verbiage that allows parkland dedication fees to be used for improvements to existing parks, extends the right-to-refund term from 5 years to 10 and includes the verbiage of “fees encumbered or expended” as not eligible for a refund. At its Sept. 21 meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved the inclusion of improvements as an allowed use but disagreed about extending the time period adding verbiage to include “encumbered or expended” regarding the use of fees.
6:39 p.m.
Annexation Update
The council received an overview of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and annexation plans, including the status of non-annexation development agreements that will soon expire.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:53 p.m.
Sanitation Audit
The council voted unanimously to accept the first internal audit of the city’s sanitation operations. The audit found that the high level of service the Sanitation Division provides to its customers leads to increased costs and slower collections.
The audit recommends that the division investigate routing methods to increase employee and citizen accountability, adjust hiring guidelines and employee advancement systems, and revise collection scheduling as well as construction and development standards. The audit also recommends the creation of sanitation safety videos for the public.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:40 p.m.
Sanitation Rate Studies
The council voted 5-2 to reject staff’s recommendation regarding a rate increase for sanitation services. Councilwoman Blanche Brick and Mayor Karl Mooney supported the motion. Recent third-party studies that found existing rates are competitive with other cities but don’t adequately recover the costs of service.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:54 p.m.
Architectural Advisory Committee
The council discussed the creation of an Architectural Advisory Committee that would be involved in the planning of municipal facilities. The council-appointed committee will consist of three council members and two qualified citizens.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:54 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.
8:04 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:10 p.m.
Rodgers Cited for Serving Local Seniors
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to Senior Services Coordinator Marci Rodgers citing her service to the senior community. Rodgers has served the city for 24 years in various capacities and administers dozens of senior programs. Rodgers is pictured below with Mayor Mooney and members of the Senior Advisory and Historic Preservation committees.
8:14 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. The citizen expressed concern about safety at the intersection of Boyett and University and requested a traffic study.
8:15 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $1.97 million contract with McDonald Municipal and Industrial for electrical improvements at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- A $419,000 contract with Jones & Carter for the final design and construction-phase services for the Royder Road Phase 2 Project.
- A $312,177.50, two-year contract with Smith Mountain Investments for wood pole treatment and inspections.
- Authorized $263,047 in expenditures to the Aggieland Humane Society.
- The Semi-Annual Report on Small Area Impact Fees and system-wide impact fees for water, wastewater, and roadways.
- The 2017 property tax roll of $43.3 million.
- The annual master purchase agreement not to exceed $150,000 with the Reynolds Company for Rockwell automation SCADA products and services.
- A participation agreement with College Station Town Center, Inc., to share the cost of constructing a sanitary sewer trunk line in the Medical District.
- An amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance setting rules and regulations relating to Parkland Dedication.
8:20 p.m.
Ruffino Retail Center Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to changing the zoning to General Commercial and Natural Areas Protected for about .62 acres at 1600 Texas Avenue South. The applicant plans to improve the existing commercial development on the property.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Gateway Monument on State Highway 6 South
The council voted unanimously to approve a gateway monument on State Highway 6 South just north of Peach Creek Cut-Off. The project will require approval by the Texas Department of Transportation.
The first gateway monument is located near the University Drive intersection on north Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:34 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
8:34 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Nov. 9.
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 (May 25)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
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 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD) and online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:08 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:12 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:
- Northgate Loading Zone and Bollards: The scope of the $297,250 contract is for construction along University Drive to close off the current loading area that is equipped with flexible bollards and to construct additional paved sidewalks and drainage structure. Removable bollards would be installed in four locations where the existing pneumatic bollards don’t function properly. The project would improve safety and aesthetics in the Northgate area and would occur is the area bordered by College Main, University Drive, Lodge Street and Church Street.
6:43 p.m.
Municipal Property Master Plan
The council heard a presentation about the city’s efforts since the late 1990s to plan for city-owned properties and facilities.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:56 p.m.
Gateway Marker on Highway 6 South
The consensus of the council was to wait until after the current state legislative session ends to decide on a location for the city’s second gateway marker on South Highway 6. The first sign has been completed near the northern city limit at Highway 6 and University Drive. The project budget is $175,000.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:07 p.m.
Statewide Telecommunications Franchises, Bandwidth
The council heard a presentation about legislative changes regarding statewide telecommunication and cable TV/Video franchises.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:07 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended. The regular meeting will begin after a short break.
7:16 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:21 p.m.
National Garden Week
Mayor Karl Mooney proclaimed June 4-10 as National Garden Week with a presentation to the A&M Garden Club.
7:25 p.m.
Arts Council College Scholarships
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley awarded its annual College Arts Scholarships to four College Station Independent School District seniors:
- Yanichka Ariunbold will attend Stanford and pursue a degree in international studies/culture.
- Isabela Cruz-Vespa will attend Bard College and will pursue a degree in musical performance.
- Josey Meyer will attend Texas A&M and will pursue a degree in visualization.
- Madeline Miller will attend Chapman University and will pursue a degree in dance.
The Arts Council, through the generous support of local donors, awards multiple scholarships each year to deserving young artists in the Brazos Valley. The College Arts Scholarship is open to graduating seniors in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties who will attend an accredited college or university with a course of study in the arts, culture, or heritage fields.
7:29 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Ben Roper recognized Marine Lance Cpl. Ruben Valdez, Jr. as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 21-year-old San Diego, Texas native died April 17, 2004, from injuries suffered during enemy action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
7:30 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A contract not to exceed $1,400 with Sungard Public Sector for services to move the Click2Gov online payment engine to a new server.
- A contract not to exceed $418.256.26 with Computer Solutions for additional electronic storage and services to repurpose existing storage as a backup.
- A resolution amending the bylaws of the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation.
- A $1.8 million contract with Condie Construction for Phase 1 of the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line.
- A $196,515.88 change order to the contract with Larry Young Paving for the Rock Prairie Road Widening Project.
- An interlocal agreement with the City of Bryan for maintenance of the Unity Plaza area.
- A $297,250 contract with Dudley Construction for the University Drive Loading Zone & Northgate Bollards Project.
- An annual contract not to exceed $100,000 with Larry Young Paving for the repaving of utility cuts.
- A development agreement with CTX Land Investments to facilitate the extension of Dartmouth Drive at the Harvey Mitchell Parkway intersection.
- A negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division, regarding the company’s 2017 rate review mechanism filings and a settlement agreement regarding rate tariffs and proof of revenues.
7:34 p.m.
Parks & Recreation Standard of Care
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved standards of care for the Parks and Recreation Department’s elementary age (5-13) youth recreation programs.
The Department of Family and Protective Services requires child care facilities to be licensed. Some programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department fall within the definition of childcare facility requiring licensing but are exempt if municipalities annually hold a public hearing and adopt a standard of care ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Highway 30 Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to General Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved for about three acres east of Copperfield Parkway and south of Harvey Road. Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
The change will allow for commercial development. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:59 p.m.
Margraves Tract Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning designation from Rural to Restricted Suburban for about 369 acres located east of Greens Prairie Road West, west of Arrington Road, and to the south of Whites Creek Lane.
Seven people spoke against the zoning change, which allows for a residential development.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
9:01 p.m.
Prairie View Heights Encroachment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a resolution granting a license to encroach on a public utility easement located at 617 Banks St.
A southwest wall of the house at 617 Banks extends into a 10-foot wide public utility easement along the property line. The encroachment doesn’t conflict with the utilities in the easement and consent has been granted by all franchised utilities.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:03 p.m.
Historic Preservation Committee Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Sherry Smith to the Historic Preservation Committee.
9:04 p.m.
Rock Prairie Management District Board
The council voted unanimously to appoint Jonathan Stark (Position No. 4) and Kamal Ariss (Position No. 5) to the Rock Prairie Management District Board. Their terms end June 1, 2021.
9:05 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
9:05 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop meeting will resume after a short break.
9:11 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
9:33 p.m.
Standing Citizen Advisory Committee
The council discussed the creation of a standing citizen advisory committee to help keep residents updated about capital improvement projects planned or underway. Instead of appointing a new committee, the consensus was to actively promote attendance at council meetings where capital project updates are presented.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:37 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, June 8.
About the Author
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 been 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 gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Impact Fee Update: The council will receive the Impact Fee Advisory Committee’s written comments on proposed water and wastewater impact fees and hear an update on the process for possible implementation. The fees would be assessed on new development to help cover the cost of necessary infrastructure.
- Park Repairs: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $638,000 contract for improvements and repairs to several city parks. The work is scheduled to be done this fall and winter.
- Gateway Signage: The consent agenda also includes a $151,000 contract for construction of a gateway monument sign to be located at the State Highway 6-University Drive interchange. The sign is scheduled to be in place by next spring.
- Nimitz Street Rehabilitation: The council will consider a $450,000 contract for the rehabilitation of Nimitz Street from Lincoln Avenue to Ash Street. The project is scheduled for completion in the spring.
- Budget/Tax Rate Public Hearings: The council will conduct public hearings on the proposed $341 million city budget and a two-cent increase in the property tax rate to 47.25 cents per $100 of assessed value. The council will vote on the budget and tax rate at a 3 p.m. meeting on Sept. 22.
The council meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Ch. 19, or online. The website includes an archive of previous meetings. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also done extensive volunteer work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and 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!
