Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Jan. 28)
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. 28. 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 webinar number 962 3956 1490. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:27 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:41 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item from tonight’s consent agenda for discussion:
- Victoria Avenue Rehabilitation: The $458,400 contract with Jones and Carter is for designing the reconstruction of Victoria Avenue from Wellborn Road to Woodlake Drive.
6:06 p.m.
Greenway Trail Surfaces
The council discussed surface options for future greenway trails.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:07 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended. The workshop will resume after the a special presentation.
6:07 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:14 p.m.
Bobby Maggard Proclamation
The mayor presented a proclamation honoring Bobby Maggard for his dedicated volunteer service as part of the Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association’s REHAB Team.
6:15 p.m.
The regular meeting has been suspended and the workshop will resume.
7:32 p.m.
Residential Over-Occupancy
The council discussed options for addressing the symptoms of over-occupancy in residential neighborhoods. The council directed staff to bring the item back to the council for action in the spring.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:34 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.
7:45 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:46 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.
7:47 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $56,892.96 change order to the Network Hardware and Installation project service agreement with Avinext.
- A $458,400 contract with Jones and Carter for the design of the Victoria Avenue rehabilitation project.
8:27 p.m.
Retail Recruitment
The council discussed how the city’s retail strategy has pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city continues to recruit news retail opportunities while sustaining existing businesses and backfilling vacant spaces.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:45 p.m.
Alex Caruso Court
The council voted 5-1-1 to approve a resolution to name Castlegate Park’s basketball court “Alex Caruso Court.” Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha voted against the motion, and Councilman John Crompton abstained.
A College Station native, Caruso recently won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers. As a youngster, he spent countless hours playing and practicing on the Castlegate court across the street from his parents’ home.
9:16 p.m.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The council was updated on local COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:16 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Feb. 11.
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!
Practice courtesy on Lick Creek Hike and Bike Trail
By Debe Shafer, Parks & Recreation Board Vice Chair
In the last nine months, we’ve seen many people discover and explore College Station’s 54 wonderful parks. We’ve especially noticed that more people are using the fabulous Lick Creek Hike and Bike Trail.
Yay!
The trail opened in 2016 and provides an opportunity to walk, run, and cycle on a paved surface completely separated from roadways. It winds through beautiful wooded areas with pleasant rest stops and accessible places to view birds and wildlife. The multi-use trail is intended to be used for recreation, exercise, and enjoyment by people of all ages and abilities.
With so many people using the trail, proper etiquette is necessary if we want safe and enjoyable experiences for all. Here’s some simple suggestions:
- Be considerate — share the trail, keep to the right, and be aware of other trail users.
- Keep your pets on leashes and remove their waste.
- Obey posted signs.
Cyclists should:
- Yield to pedestrians.
- Maintain a safe speed and slow down on curves, intersections, and congested areas.
- Communicate before passing — say “On your left” or signal with a bike bell before passing from behind.
- Pass on the left and look ahead and behind to make sure all is clear.
- Wear a helmet.
We look forward to our trails and greenways’ continued growth as we strive for a system that connects all College Station’s parks. The pandemic has proven that parks, trails, and open spaces contribute significantly to our mental and physical health as well as our overall quality of life.
We also extend a hearty shout out to the Parks and Recreation Department for maintaining the delightful parks and facilities that provide so many memorable experiences for our community.
Enjoy your time in this treasured community resource!
About the Blogger
Debe Shafer is vice chair of the Parks & Recreation Board and recently retired from Texas A&M’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences. In four decades as an educator, she also taught and coached on the high school and middle school levels. A native of College Station, Debe graduated from Texas A&M.
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!
5 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Monday for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings will be 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.
To address the council via Zoom about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — you must 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:
- Open Records Request Process: The council will have a workshop discussion about the city’s open records request process. The presentation will include an overview of the Texas Public Information Act, an analysis of recent requests, historical trends, and a review of the process across Texas.
- College Station Business Committee: The workshop will also include a discussion about the possible creation of an ad hoc small business advisory committee.
- Vehicle Registration Fee: The consent agenda includes a resolution supporting a referendum being held to add $10 to vehicle registration fees — subject to approval by the state legislature — to address mobility issues in Brazos County through the Regional Mobility Authority.
- Victoria Land Use: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the land use from Wellborn Estate to Wellborn Commercial for about eight acres at 6620 Victoria Avenue. The applicant plans to develop self-storage units.
- Greenways to Parkland Conversion: The council will consider converting four greenway properties covering 27 acres to park land. The greenways were acquired through dedicated platting and purchased with 1998 bond funds.
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!
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!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings will be 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.
To address the council via Zoom about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — you must 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:
- Street Sign Toppers: In the workshop, the council will discuss the Neighborhood Street Sign Toppers Program, which involves installing sign toppers on existing city traffic-control signs at prominent neighborhood locations.
- No Left From Gilchrist to Williams: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider prohibiting left turns from Gilchrist Avenue onto Williams Street on school days to improve safety during pick-up and drop-off times.
- Refunding Bonds: In the regular meeting, the council will consider 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 bond costs by about $1.46 million.
- COVID-19 Assistance: After a public hearing, the council will discuss COVID-19 assistance provided to residents and businesses, other community needs caused by the pandemic, and an additional $822,034 in available CARES Act funding.
- Greenway to Parkland Conversion: On the regular agenda, the council will consider converting 110.5 acres of greenway property to parkland in the area bordered by the Midtown Business Park, Rock Prairie Road, and State Highway 6.
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!
