Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 25)
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. 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:07 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:14 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council discussed this item from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- School Zone Times: Changing the operational time and posted hours of several school zones would better align with the presence of crossing guards. School zone speed limits are kept as consistent as possible among similar schools while not exceeding a 15 mph reduction from the roadway’s posted limit.
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IT Infrastructure Purchases: The city replaces Information Technology infrastructure when its useful life ends, or it becomes obsolete. A revolver amount of debt has been set aside in the General Government CIP Fund for those critical infrastructure needs. The Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt is necessary because the long-term debt projected won’t be issued until later this fiscal year.
5:39 p.m.
Historical Marker Guidelines
The council discussed the revised City of College Station Historical Marker application guidelines. The new standards are on the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:40 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts at 6 p.m.
6:02 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:07 p.m.
Small Business Saturday
The Mayor proclaimed Nov. 30 as Small Business Saturday.
6:10 p.m.
National Influenza Vaccination Month
The mayor proclaimed December as National Influenza Vaccination Month.
6:13 p.m.
Planning Excellence Award
The mayor recognized the Planning and Development Services Department for receiving the American Planning Association’s Program for Planning Excellence award.
6:15 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.
6:16 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A change order deducting $78,292 from the contract with Freese & Nichols for the Drainage Master Plan.
- Changed the school zone operational times for Greens Prairie Elementary School, Pecan Trail Intermediate School, Spring Creek Elementary School, and Riverbend Elementary School.
- An annual blanket order not to exceed $592,500 with Brazos Paving for cement stabilized flex base and Type D Grade 1 cement stabilized recycled crushed concrete base.
- Revisions to the resolution authorizing the city manager or his designee to be the signatory authority for standard agreement documents related to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Congestion Revenue Rights; gas hedging bids; and any other power supply related transactions, excluding power supply contracts.
- A Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt relating to information technology infrastructure purchases.
- The revised City of College Station Historical Marker application guidelines.
6:25 p.m.
Rock Prairie-Holleman Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District and Rural to Planned Development District for about three acres southwest of the Rock Prairie Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
The applicant plans to develop two commercial buildings — rather than the single structure previously approved — with convenience store/fuel sales proposed as a stand-alone use.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:27 p.m.
Construction Manager at Risk Reduction
The council voted unanimously to approve a $762,010 reduction in the Construction Manager at Risk contract with Vaughn Construction for the new police station. The change order releases funds for work items mitigated through September.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:28 p.m.
Experience B-CS Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint newly elected Councilman John Crompton to Experience B-CS‘s board of directors, filling the two-year unexpired term of outgoing Councilman Jerome Rektorik.
6:34 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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!
3 things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (about 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are three items to watch:
- Historical Marker Guidelines: In the workshop, the council will discuss the revised City of College Station Historical Marker application guidelines. The new standards are on the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
- Rock Prairie-Holleman Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning for about three acres southwest of the Rock Prairie Road-Holleman Drive intersection.
- Construction Manager at Risk: The council will consider a $762,010 reduction in the Construction Manager at Risk contract with Vaughn Construction for the new police station. The change order releases funds for work items mitigated through September.
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Nov. 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, Nov. 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
4:04 p.m.
The workshop has started.
4:08 p.m.
Election Results
The council canvassed returns and declared the results of the Nov. 5 general election. John Crompton was elected to the Place 2 city council seat with 3,287 votes. Jerome Rektorik received 2,881 votes. Mayor Karl Mooney ran unopposed and was re-elected to a second term with 5,453 votes.
4:14 p.m.
Municipal Judge Ed Spillane administered the oath of office to Mayor Mooney. Councilman Crompton is absent and will take his oath on Monday.
4:24 p.m.
Council members offered their farewells and thank yous to outgoing Councilman Rektorik, which received gifts from city staff and the Police Department.
4:25 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start t 6 p.m. after a reception honoring Rektorik for his service.
5:00 p.m.
Here are some photos from the reception:
6:01 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:10 p.m.
Historical Business Marker No. 13
The Historic Preservation Committee presented Historical Business Marker No. 13 to A&M United Methodist Church. We’ll post a photo here later.
6:16 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.
Councilman Elianor Vessali recognized Army CW4 Clarence E. Boone as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 50-year-old Boone was from Fort Worth and died Dec. 2, 2003, Kuwait City, Kuwait, of a heart attack.
6:17 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A $296,971 contract with Stantec Consulting Services for the design and construction phase services for the Carters Creek Blower Buildings Nos. 2 & 3 Project.
- A master agreement not to exceed $150,000 with The Reynolds Company for Rockwell automation products and services for maintenance of Water Services Department SCADA infrastructure.
- A Groundwater Return Flow Option Agreement and a Groundwater Return Flow Purchase Agreement with Blanchard Refining Company.
- The third and final renewal of a $278,996.44 contract with Andrews Building Service for janitorial services at city facilities.
- The annual BVWACS operations, maintenance and capital budget.
This item was voted on separately:
- The council voted 6-0 to approve the first Restated Economic Development Agreement with StataCorp. Councilman Bob Brick abstained.
6:24 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell-Dartmouth Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Urban to General Commercial for about 2.3 acres on the south side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway east of the Dartmouth Street intersection to allow for commercial development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:30 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell-Dartmouth Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Townhouse to General Commercial with Corridor Overlay for the same property in the previous item.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:38 p.m.
Graham-Longmire Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Suburban Commercial with Natural Areas Protected for about 1.6 acres at the south corner of the Graham Road-Longmire Drive intersection. The applicant plans to build an optometry office.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:41 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
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!
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 (4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Election Results: In the workshop, the council will canvass the returns and declare the results of the Nov. 5 general election for mayor and Place 2 on the city council.
- Rektorik Reception: After the workshop, the council will have a public reception for outgoing Councilman Jerome Rektorik to thank him for his service.
- Historical Marker: To start the regular meeting, the Historic Preservation Committee will present Historical Business Marker 13 to A&M United Methodist Church.
- Harvey Mitchell-Dartmouth Changes: After public hearings, the council will consider changing the land use and zoning for about 2.3 acres on the south side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway east of the Dartmouth Street intersection to allow for commercial development. The land use would change from Urban to General Commercial, and the zoning would go from Townhouse to General Commercial with Corridor Overlay.
- Graham-Longmire Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Suburban Commercial with Natural Areas Protected for about 1.6 acres at the south corner of the Graham Road-Longmire Drive intersection. The applicant plans to build an optometry office.
Related Links:
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as an 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 27)
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, June 27. 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.
5:11 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:21 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmembers pulled this consent item for workshop discussion:
- Gabbard/Thomas Park Improvements: A $538,800 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements at Gabbard and Thomas Parks. The Gabbard project includes a new playground, surfacing, and a shade structure. The Thomas project includes a new play unit and surfacing on the south end and new surfacing and swings on the north end, which will also receive a shade structure on the existing play unit.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project: A $285,675 contract for the professional engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project, which involves the design of two new fleet fuel stations to replace those at the Public Works Service Center and the Utility Service Center.
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Relocation Reimbursement Agreement: The final payment of $194,050.05 for work completed under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Company. The contract covers work to relocate and lower the existing Explorer pipeline that crosses the Barron Road right-of-way. The relocation is needed to allow for planned improvements.
6:21 p.m.
YMCA Partnership
The council heard a presentation from the YMCA and discussed a possible YMCA facility in College Station. The consensus of the council was to direct the City Manager’s Office to explore the feasibility of forming a partnership with the YMCA.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:21 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:32 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:37 p.m.
Smart Irrigation Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Smart Irrigation Month. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney is Water Services Director Gary Mechler.
6:41 p.m.
Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month.
6:48 p.m.
Historical Markers 101 and 102
The Historic Preservation Committee presented historical markers to the owners of residences at 602 West Dexter St. and 805 Hawthorn St.
The Mathews house on West Dexter was built in the 1920s by Fred and Vera Dean Brison. Fred Brison was a professor in the Texas A&M Horticulture Department and was College Station’s mayor pro tem from 1971-74.
The Hindman House on Hawthorn was built in 1957 by E.H. Andrew, an A&M electric engineering professor. It has been the home of several A&M faculty members, among others.
The city’s Historical Marker Program began in 1991 and has led to markers being awarded to 12 businesses and more than 100 homes. Structures must be at least 50 years old to qualify.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:54 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.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Marine Capt. Paul C. Alaniz as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old Corpus Christi native died on Jan. 26, 2005, in a helicopter crash in Miramar, Calif.
6:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $40,000 change order to the contract with Azteca Systems for implementation of premium licensing the Public Works, Water, and Parks and Recreation departments.
- A $403,137 contract with Musco Sports Lighting for LED lighting upgrades at the Bee Creek Park ballfields.
- A $538,798.24 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements to Gabbard and Thomas parks.
- A $261,996.39 contract with Dura-Last for roofing services.
- A $285,675 contract with Johnson & Pace for engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project.
- A $193,342 contract with KIT Professionals for design and construction services for the FM2818 Utility Relocations Project.
- Final payment of $194,050.05 under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Co.
6:59 p.m.
Mills Park Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a public utility easement at 4501 Mills Park Circle to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
White’s Creek Rezoning
After public hearings, the council approved a request to change both the land use and zoning from Estate to Suburban Commercial for about 1.3 acres southwest of the intersection of Greens Prairie Road West and White’s Creek Lane. The changes will allow for small-scale commercial development.
The vote was 6-1 for the land use change, with Councilman Bob Brick voted against the motion. The vote in favor of the rezoning was unanimous.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Northeast Sewer Line Phase 2
The council voted unanimously to approve a $2.35 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Phase 2 Project that runs from just north of Raintree Park through the city’s greenway property, east of Wilderness Drive and ends at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:40 p.m.
Rock Prairie Management District No. 2
The council voted unanimously to appoint Hays Glover, Uri Geva, and Mark Lindemulder to the board of directors for Rock Prairie Management District No. 2. The terms end June 1, 2023.
Glover and Geva are current directors, while Lindemulder replaces outgoing Director Randall Rother.
7:43 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items. Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting.
The workshop will resume.
8:07 p.m.
Citizen Survey Results
The council reviewed the results of the 2019 citizen satisfaction survey conducted in April by National Service Research. Participants rated various city services, quality of life issues, community characteristics, and ranked their priorities.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:11 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, July 11.
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: Monday’s city council meetings (Feb. 25)
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 Monday, Feb. 25. 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.
5:46 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session. (more…)
