Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 23)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Nov. 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888 475 4499 and enter meeting number 945 5270 2890. if the call-in number isn’t working, access will be limited to Zoom.
5:51 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
6:21 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda:
- Vehicle Registration Fee: The resolution supports a referendum being held to add $10 to vehicle registration fees — subject to approval by the state legislature — to help address mobility issues in Brazos County through the Regional Mobility Authority. The county has approved a support resolution, while the City of Bryan has yet to consider one.
6:22 p.m.
Open Records Request Process
The council discussed the city’s open records request process. The presentation included an overview of the Texas Public Information Act, an analysis of recent requests, historical trends, and a review of the process across Texas.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:45 p.m.
College Station Business Committee
The council discussed the possible creation of an ad hoc small business advisory committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:52 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
6:57 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:01 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one spoke during Hear Visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
7:02 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously voted to approve the entire consent agenda.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Trash Valet and Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A resolution supporting an increase in vehicle registration fees to address traffic and mobility issues through the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority.
8:09 p.m.
Victoria Avenue Land Use
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to deny a request to change the land use from Wellborn Estate to Wellborn Commercial for about eight acres at 6620 Victoria Avenue. Several citizens spoke against the change. The applicant planned to develop self-storage units.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:15 p.m.
Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
The council unanimously voted to accept the Semi-Annual Report on SystemWide Impact Fees for Water, Wastewater, and Roadway. The report documents the fees collected in each service area and identifies the capital improvement projects the revenues have been budgeted to help fund.
The city adopted the fees in 2016 and they were fully implemented by late 2018.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:25 p.m.
Greenways to Parkland Conversion
The council unanimously voted to approve the conversion of four greenway properties to 27 acres of parkland. The greenways were acquired through dedicated platting and purchased with 1998 bond funds.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:28 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
8:30 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Dec. 10.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (May 14)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular teleconference meetings on Thursday, May 14. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom (passcode 200514) or call 888-475-4499 (meeting number 912 7257 8218).
6:07 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:12 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled these items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Cemetery Maintenance Shop: The proposed $160,000 contract will include project evaluation, conceptual design, design development, final design and documentation, bidding, and construction services for the new maintenance shop at the College Station Memorial Cemetery. The project’s cost is covered through the Memorial Cemetery Fund.
- Recycling Franchise Agreement: Tonight is the first reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Disposal for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial, and multifamily locations.
6:25 p.m.
Central Park Expansion
The council discussed the conversion of about 59 acres of city-owned property into parkland for expanding Stephen C. Beachy Central Park to about 106 acres. The council will vote on the conversion as part of the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:29 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.
6:36 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:41 p.m.
National Public Works Week
The mayor proclaimed May 17-23 as National Public Works Week.
6:48 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- David Flash spoke about a troubling decline in complaints against the police department in recent years. He was concerned that total complaints have fallen significantly — despite rapid population growth — and asked the council to look into the matter. (Mr. Flash’s comments were edited May 28 to provide clarifying context).
- Derek Arredondo asked the city to better support youth baseball.
6:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A contract not to exceed $165,129 with Air Cleaning Technologies for installing vehicle exhaust removal systems at three fire stations.
- A $160,000 contract with Arkitex Studio for design and construction consultation for a new maintenance shop at College Station Memorial Cemetery.
- A five-year residential recycling collection franchise agreement and general service agreement not to exceed $4.54 million with BVR Waste and Recycling.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Howdy Disposal for the collection of demolition and construction debris, recyclables, and organic waste from commercial, industrial and multifamily locations.
- A $3.79 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the construction of Royder Road Phase 2.
- An ordinance changing the posted speed limit to 50 mph on Wellborn Road from about 600 feet north of Victoria Avenue to about 2,600 feet south of Victoria Avenue during the Royder Road Phase 2 project.
- An inter-local agreement with the Wellborn Special Utility District for its cost participation in the Royder Road Phase 2 project.
- A $273,243.41 change order for the contract with Thalle Construction Company for the Lick Creek Trunk Line.
- The conversion of 40.5 acres of greenway and 18.8 acres of city-owned property to parkland to be added to the existing 47.1 acres of Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. The total park acreage will be 106.4 acres.
7:01 p.m.
Economic Development Master Plan
The council voted unanimously to adopt the updated Economic Development Master Plan as part of the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The original Economic Development Master Plan was adopted in 2013.
The plan is designed to ensure that growth and development advance the city’s economic development objectives. The process also enhances College Station’s goal of “ensuring a diversified economy; generating quality, stable, full-time jobs; bolstering the sales and property tax base; and contributing to a high quality of life.”
In developing the plan, staff engaged with local residents, business owners and operators, and community leaders to understand their vision and to review and formulate pragmatic strategies.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:37 p.m.
Impact Fee Credit Policy
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a credit policy for system-wide roadway, water, and wastewater impact fees. The policy establishes standards for determining projects for which credit is eligible, the process requirements for obtaining credit, and the methods for applying credit to projects.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:28 p.m.
Impact Fees Policy Update
The council voted 3-3 on an update of system-wide impact fee policies. In a tie vote, the motion fails:
- The city shall update its land use assumptions and capital improvements plans at least every five years, commencing approximately from the date of adoption of such plans, and shall recalculate the impact fees based thereon in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code, or in any successor statute.
- The city may review its land use assumptions, impact fees, capital improvements plans and other factors such as market conditions more frequently than provided in subsection (a) to determine whether the land use assumptions and capital improvements plans should be updated and the impact fee recalculated accordingly, or whether the maximum allowable or assessable impact fees as set out in Exhibits H, M, or R herein, or the imposed impact fees or collection rates set out in Exhibits I, N, or S herein should be changed. Imposed impact fees or collection rates may be amended without revising land use assumptions and capital improvements plans at any time prior to the update provided for in subsection (a), provided that the impact fees to be collected do not exceed the maximum allowable or assessable impact fees assessed.
- If at the time an update is required pursuant to subsection (a) the city council determines that no change to the land use assumptions, capital improvements plan or impact fee is needed, it may dispense with such update by following the procedures in Texas Local Government Code § 395.0575.
- The city may amend by resolution the imposed impact fees or collection rates set out in Exhibits I, N, or S herein, at any time prior to the update provided for in subsection (a), provided that the number of service units associated with a particular land use shall not be increased.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:28 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
8:38 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
9:13 p.m.
Roadway Impact Fees
The council voted unanimously to not conduct a public hearing at the May 28 city council meeting to consider changing the collection rate per service unit for roadway impact fees.
9:21 p.m.
Police Station Under Budget
The council voted unanimously to approve a $403,836 reduction in the contract with Vaughn Construction for the new police station, completing the project under its original $29.5 million budget.
10:11 p.m.
Thoroughfare Plan Amendments
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Thoroughfare Plan by modifying the alignment of a future minor arterial between Koppe Bridge Road and Clay Pit Road and by removing a future minor collector between the Meadow Creek Subdivision and Minter Springs Road.
The roads are located in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:16 p.m.
Burgess Lane Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural and Planned Development District to Business Park for about six acres at 8822 and 8850 Burgess Lane. The property is part of the proposed Fujifilm campus expansion.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:21 p.m.
Biomedical Way ROW Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 0.693-acre portion of right-of-way southeast of the intersection of HSC Parkway and Biomedical Way to allow for the expansion of the Fujifilm development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:29 p.m.
COVID-19 Relief
The council voted unanimously to approve amendments to the city’s 2015-19 Consolidated Plan that allow the city to more quickly and efficiently address local needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic with federal funds.
The city is entitled to receive $697,507 in additional Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in Fiscal Year 2019 and has prepared substantial amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan, 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and the 2019 Annual Action Plan to secure those funds.
Community Development staff consulted with counselors from CSISD and 2-1-1 to determine the most requested assistance. Additionally, a public survey was conducted to determine how important these identified needs were as well as requesting input about additional needs.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:37 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, May 28.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/91272578218, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 912 7257 8218.
If you want to address the council about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — 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:
- Central Park Expansion: In the workshop, the council will discuss converting about 59 acres of greenway and city-owned property into parkland for expanding Stephen C. Beachy Central Park to about 106 acres. The council will vote on the conversion as part of the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
- Royder Road Project: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $3.8 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the second phase of the Royder Road project, which will widen and realign the road from Backwater Drive to Wellborn Road. A related consent item lowers the speed limit from 60 mph to 50 mph in the construction zone along Wellborn Road.
- Police Station Under Budget: In the regular meeting, the council will consider a $403,836 reduction in the contract with Vaughn Construction for the new police station, which will complete the project under its original $29.5 million budget.
- Impact Fees: The council will consider several items related to roadway, water, and wastewater impact fees, including updates, a credit policy, and an adjustment to the roadway fee collection rate. The credit policy discussion will include a public hearing.
- COVID-19 Relief: The council will consider amendments to the city’s 2015-19 Consolidated Plan to allow the city to more quickly and efficiently address local needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic with federal 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: Tuesday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 10. 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.
5:52 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda.
- Preston Cunha spoke about the need for a voting place on the Texas A&M campus for the upcoming city council special election.
5:59 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to select Councilman Linda Harvell to a second term as mayor pro tempore, which acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.
6:20 p.m.
Utility Franchise Fees
The council discussed franchise fees the city collects for utility services. The presentation included an overview of providers, service areas, and revenues.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
New City Hall Design
The council reviewed the exterior design of the new city hall to be built near the existing facility on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:36 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a 15-minute break.
6:52 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
La Villita DAR Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Week.
7:03 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.
- Janet Dudding, a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 14, spoke about local control of issues and coordination with state government.
7:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Renewal of the contract with CHI St. Joseph Health for Employee Health Clinic operations and management services.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance, and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- A $2.13 million contract with Caprock Construction for the demolition and reconstruction of three facilities at Bee Creek Park and Central Park.
- Adoption of the 2020 Council Calendar.
- A $633,067.84 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for design phase services for Corporate Parkway.
The council voted separately on this item:
- The council voted unanimously to authorize a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years of Place 4 on the city council.
7:13 p.m.
Annexation Service Agreement
The council voted unanimously to approve an annexation service agreement for about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The property owner requested the annexation, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
Wellborn Road Annexation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The owner has an interest in selling the property for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Crescent Pointe Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 10-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the Crescent Pointe Phase One subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Wellborn Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to General Commercial for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The change better aligns the property with the area’s existing uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to Suburban Commercial and General Commercial for about 1.5 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
2019 Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the annual review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. The document highlights the city’s major initiatives in 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:42 p.m.
Systemwide Impact Fees
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Full fee implementation occurred in late 2018. The service area for roadway impact fees is within the city limits, but the water and wastewater service area include parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:39 p.m.
NCO Process Handbook
The council voted unanimously to accept the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process. The handbook outlines the responsibilities of the neighborhood and the city and includes checklists and templates for rezoning petitions, neighborhood meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:42 p.m.
Council Committees and Commissions
The council appointed fellow councilmembers to represent the city on various intergovernmental and community committees.
8:49 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 9.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
About the Blogger
Colin Killian has been with the City of College Station since 2010 after serving 23 years as the associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also worked as a reporter and editor for the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and Lewisville News. A native of Hobbs, N.M., he graduated from Texas Tech with a bachelor’s degree in journalism/political science.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 13)
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 13. 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.
5:23 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:29 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:
- Northgate Park: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $418,000 contract with Caprock Construction for the development of Northgate Park, a 1 ½-acre neighborhood park that will include lighted trails, open play areas, benches, a small lighted pavilion with picnic tables, and drinking fountains.
5:46 p.m.
BVEDC Incentive Report
The council heard a presentation from the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation about incentive compliance in 2018.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:15 p.m.
Water Fund and Rates
The council discussed the city’s water utility fund and the challenges it faces from growth, future capacity needs, and the impact of rainfall patterns. Staff recommended a 15% rate increase for FY20, which would raise the monthly bill by about $3.42 for an average single-family residence.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:38 p.m.
Smart City Initiatives
The council heard a workshop presentation about the city’s technology-driven smart city initiatives. The discussion included public sector trends and the types of advisory boards that exist in the industry.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:38 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:44 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:49 p.m.
Giles Completes Managing Officer Program
Mayor Mooney recognized Capt. Jason Giles for completing the National Fire Academy’s Managing Officer Program. Giles has been with the College Station Fire Department since 1999. Pictured below with the mayor are Kyler Giles, Capt. Giles, Fire Chief Jonathan McMahon, and Councilwoman Elianor Vessali.
6:55 p.m.
Men’s Health Month
The mayor proclaimed June as Men’s Health Month. Pictured below with the mayor are representatives of the Brazos County Health Department.
7:06 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two 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 Marine Capt. Lyle L. Gordon as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 30-year-old Midlothian native died on Jan. 26, 2005, in a helicopter crash near Ar Rutbah, Iraq.
7:07 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Authorized the city manager or designee to execute documents for a grant application for police bomb squad equipment to the Office of the Governor’s Homeland Security Division.
- A $418,266.89 contract with Caprock Construction for the development of Northgate Park.
- A change order reducing by $91,555.33 the contract for the Sandy Point Improvements Project.
- An interlocal agreement with Region 8 Education Service Center to participate in The Interlocal Purchasing System.
- A contract not to exceed $162,271.92 with ASAP Security Services for implementing Phase II of the city-wide integrated video surveillance system.
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $712,700 with Techline for wire and cable.
- Services by Global Payments Direct for merchant card and credit card payment processing services: a) additional funding of $285,000 for the second year of the initial contract term ending May 31, 2020; and b) amended the contract to allow for an estimated annual expenditure of $1.3 million.
- An annual contract not to exceed $100,000 with Larry Young Paving for the repaving of utility cuts.
- The first renewal of a contract not to exceed $432,000 with Brazos Paving for the installation of one-inch overlay with specialty mix.
- An annual contract not-to-exceed $101,640 with Buyers Barricades Houston for 2019 Texas A&M football postgame traffic control.
7:14 p.m.
Budget Amendment No. 2
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $2.33 million amendment to the city’s FY19 budget that includes an attenuator truck and two equipment operators for the Solid Waste Division, parkland dedication funds, an assistant to the city manager, medical claims, and a cemetery water line.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Updated Building Permit Fees
The council voted unanimously to adopt amended building permit fees to align with state law and the city’s policy of full fee support for the costs of permitted services.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
University Drive Rezoning
The council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Office with Corridor Overlay to General Commercial with Corridor Overlay for about three acres at 1101, 1103 and 1105 University Drive East.
The change would allow for a wider range of uses in the existing development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:48 p.m.
Interlocal Agreement for Prisoners
The council voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with Brazos County to house City of College Station Class C misdemeanor prisoners at $55 each per day.
The Police Department’s new headquarters that will open early next year will not have a holding facility. State Law mandates that the local sheriff accept and house arrests from county agencies that are a Class B misdemeanor and above.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:00 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Parkway Multi-Use Path
The council voted unanimously to approve a $102,735 contract with Dudley Construction for the Harvey Mitchell Parkway multi-use path landscaping project, which includes trees and shrubs along the existing path between Texas and Welsh Avenues.
The 2013 South Knoll Area Neighborhood Plan gave direction to continue enhancing park and trail facilities. The landscaping project was specifically identified and also helps implement the Comprehensive Plan as it relates to FM2818 as a primary image corridor.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:26 p.m.
Semi-Annual Impact Fee Report
The council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on the system-wide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees adopted in 2016. The fees have been implemented in phases with full implementation occurring in December.
The city limits bound the service area for roadway impact fees, but service areas for system-wide water and wastewater impact fees also include areas in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. Land use assumptions and the related capital improvement plans were unchanged in the reporting period, and the report documents the fees collected in each service area.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:28 p.m.
Interlocal Agreement with Wellborn SUD
The council voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement with the Wellborn Special Utility District for cost participation in the city’s Greens Prairie Trail Phase 1 Widening Project. To reduce costs and make sure the project is completed on schedule, Wellborn SUD will reimburse the city for relocating its water lines located in the city’s right-of-way.
The project will reconstruct and widen Greens Prairie Trail from Royder Road to the city limit and will include the replacement of the existing asphalt pavement with a four-lane concrete section.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:30 p.m.
Greens Prairie Preliminary Engineering Report
The council voted unanimously to approve a $234,500 contract with Jones & Carter for the preliminary engineering report for the rehabilitation of Greens Prairie Trail from Wellborn Road to Victoria Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:33 p.m.
McCulloch Utility Rehabilitation Project
The council voted unanimously to approve an $839,800 contract with Kimley Horn and Associates for the McCulloch Utility Rehabilitation Project, which includes water and wastewater lines in the Southgate area near Arizona Street, Phoenix Street, Carolina Street, and Georgia Street.
The sewer lines need to be replaced because of service disruptions caused by deteriorating lines, shallow lines, and poor access to mains located near back lot lines. The water distribution lines need to be replaced due to service disruptions caused by deteriorating lines and inadequate fire protection from small lines.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:38 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
8:38 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop meeting will resume.
8:42 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, June 27.
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 (March 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, March 22. 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.
5:37 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
6:03 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:
- Easterwood Mutual Aid Agreement: The mutual aid agreement with Easterwood Airport provides aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment response and joint use of the fire station at the airport.
- Easterwood Inter-Local Agreement: The inter-local agreement with the Texas A&M University System will allow the College Station Fire Department to continue to operate out of Fire Station No. 4 and also sets fees for CSFD to provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services to Easterwood Airport. The airport will pay the city $211,368 annually through 2020.
- Naming of Arts Council Building: The proposal it to re-name the Arts Council Building as the Bob and Wanda Meyer Senior Community Center.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Fire Code Amendment: The amendment to the city’s fire code would allow law enforcement and fire officials to temporarily suspend a certificate of occupancy for 24 hours for establishments that are overcrowded or are in violation of life safety codes.
- Certificates of Obligation: This item would direct publication of notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation, series 2018, and provide an effective date. The certificates issued will be used to fund street, public facilities, electric, water and wastewater projects, and pay debt issuance costs. The maximum amount of Certificates of Obligation indebtedness that may be authorized is $55 million.
- Ringer Library Construction: The Larry J. Ringer Library Expansion Project was approved by voters in 2008. The $6.07 contract with Aklam Construction. The project includes a 12,000-square-foot addition and the renovation of the existing 16,000-square-foot building. The expansion consists of a large program room and a more substantial children’s area, along with parking improvements. The library is expected to remain open during the 15 months of construction, with periodic closures based on the project’s phasing.
6:16 p.m.
Impact Fee Credit Policy
The council heard a presentation on a policy for credits to impact fees. Impact fees for water, wastewater, and roadways took effect in December 2016. The initial one-year grace period expired in December 2017, and requests have since been made for impact fee credits.
When a developer installs infrastructure that improves system capacity, it may be appropriate to credit the cost of that infrastructure against its impact fees. The draft impact fee policy strives to balance being fair to developers and not undermining the premise of impact fees, which is to raise revenue for system improvements.
Staff will meet with the development community and solicit its feedback, consider their comments, and revise the draft policy as needed before bringing it back to the council to consider adoption.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:20 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start momentarily.
6:27 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:35 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilman James Benham recognized Army 1st Lt. Ryan T. Sanders as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 27-year-old College Station native died June 4, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his tank in Baghdad, Iraq.
- Hugh Stearn asked that neighborhood residents be given equal time to developers when development proposals are brought before the council.
6:47 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these items on the consent agenda:
- An inter-local mutual aid agreement with (Easterwood Airport regarding aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment response and joint use of the fire station at the airport.
- An inter-local agreement with the Texas A&M University System to allow CSFD to continue to operate out of Fire Station No. 4 and sets fees for CSFD to provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services to Easterwood Airport.
- An agreement with the Rotary Club of College Station and College Station Noon Lions Club for the development of the Fun For All Playground at Central Park.
- A $1.08 million contract with Musco Sports Lighting for athletic field LED lighting upgrades at the Bachmann Park soccer fields and the Beachy Central Park softball fields.
- An amendment to the city’s fire code that allows fire and law enforcement officials to temporarily suspend a certificate of occupancy for a 24-hour period for overcrowding.
- A resolution directing publication of notice of intention to issue certificates of obligation, series 2018, and providing an effective date.
- Amended the posted speed limit on Holleman Drive South between Rock Prairie Road West and North Dowling Road to 30 mph during the Holleman Drive South Widening Project.
- An inter-local agreement with the Wellborn Special Utility District for reimbursement of construction costs of Wellborn water line relocations necessary for construction of the Holleman South Widening Project.
- A $220,759.22 change order to the Lincoln Recreation Center construction contract with JaCody, Inc.
- Renewal of landscape maintenance contracts with Green Teams and Grassmasters totaling $952,946.
- A $6.07 million contract with Acklam Construction for construction of the Larry J. Ringer Library Expansion Project.
- A license agreement with Angel Hermanos, Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership regarding a 300-square-foot encroachment of a sign within the public utility easement in the L.O. Ball Memorial Subdivision.
This consent item was voted on separately:
- The council voted unanimously to rename the Arts Council Building on Colgate Drive as the Bob and Wanda Meyer Community Center.
6:57 p.m.
Annexation Public Hearing
The council conducted the second public hearing on the proposed annexation of about 65 acres near Rock Prairie Road West, Holleman Drive South, and North Graham Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:01 p.m.
Apache Corporation Mineral Lease
The council voted unanimously to award a bid and enter into a mineral lease with Apache Corporation for oil, gas and related hydrocarbons on city-owned land at the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and at the electric substation near Switch Station Road. The city will receive royalty payments and a lease bonus subject to the terms of the lease.
The mineral interests were advertised in January and received one sealed bid from Apache. The company has provided information showing that the drilling pad and facilities for the well sites will be located outside the city limits and that operations will not occur on the surface of the city-owned lease tracts.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:04 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
The council thanked City Manager Kelly Templin for his service. Tonight was Templin’s final council meeting.
7:04 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, April 12.
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.
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