Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 12)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, July 12. 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.
4:34 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
Councilman John Nichols is absent tonight.
4:55 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:
- Brazos County Health Director: The Brazos County Health Department Board has recommended appointing Santos Navarrette, Jr., as the next health department director.
- Parking Garage Control System: Staff determined that none of the five proposals received this spring for a parking access and revenue control system in the College Main Parking Garage would fulfill the requirements.
- Dockless Bike Share Ordinance: Texas A&M entered into an exclusive contract with Ofo for a bike share program in February and the program was launched in March with 850 yellow bikes. A&M plans to expand the fleet to at least 3,000 bikes this fall. The ordinance regulates how the bikes are used off campus.
5:15 p.m.
Community Development Budget and Annual Action Plan
The council reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 Community Development budget and Program Year 2018 Annual Action Plan. The city is required each year to submit to the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development an action plan describing projects and activities funded with community development grants.
The grants for PY18 include $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $502,414 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds. The budget includes previously programmed but unspent grant funds of $627,616 (CDBG) and $281,579 (HOME).
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:57 p.m.
Middle Housing Zoning Districts
The consensus of the council was to support the creation of a middle housing zoning district as part of the Unified Development Ordinance. Middle housing is a variety of housing types that are between a detached single-family house and a traditional apartment complex.
Duplexes and townhomes are allowed within the existing zoning code, but other types such as patio homes, fourplex, and bungalow courts are also included in the middle housing district. Multiplexes will have a maximum of 12 units for a building and lot. Height will be limited to 3 stories and is subject to the UDO’s single-family height protection rules.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:15 p.m.
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts
The consensus of the council was for staff to clarify the process regarding changes Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO) Districts section in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. The NCO allows neighborhoods to self-impose additional development standards on single-family properties from options that are generally more restrictive than the standard requirements.
Examples of categories that may be included are changes to minimum setbacks, maximum height, minimum lot size, tree preservation, and on-site parking.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:18 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.
7:30 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:41 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Fred Dupriest spoke about neighborhood integrity issues.
- Shirley Dupriest asked for clarification on aspects of the homestead exemption recently passed by the council.
- Richard Woodward also spoke about neighborhood integrity issues.
7:43 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The appointment of Santos Navarette, Jr., as Brazos County Board of Health Director.
- Rejection of proposals for a parking access and revenue control system in the College Main Parking Garage.
- An $84,301.88 change order to the Greens Prairie Substation contract.
- Renewal of contracts totaling $290,000 with Spherion Staffing and Kelly Services for temporary personnel services.
- Extension of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction from 3½ miles to 5 miles beyond the city limits.
- An ordinance regulating dockless bike share services.
In a separate vote, the council unanimously approved the corrected minutes from the June 28 council meeting.
7:50 p.m.
Holleman Drive South Rezoning
After a public hearing, The council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District to General Suburban for about five acres north of the Holleman Drive South-Deacon Drive West intersection. The change will allow for the development of a church.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Parkway Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Industrial to General Suburban and Natural Areas Protected for about 2½ acres at 1726 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy. Councilman Barry Moore recused himself from the vote, citing a conflict of interest.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:56 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, July 26.
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 (4:30 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Community Development Action Plan: The council will review the proposed Community Development budget and Annual Action Plan. The federal grant amounts for Program Year 2018 include $1.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds and $502,414 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds.
- Neighborhood Integrity Issues: In two workshop items, the council will discuss the creation of a middle housing zoning district and changes to the neighborhood conservation overlay district section in the Unified Development Ordinance.
- Bike Share Regulations: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider regulations regarding Texas A&M’s dockless bike share program. The university introduced the program with 850 yellow bikes in March and will expand the fleet to at least 3,000 this fall.
- Holleman Drive South Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District to General Suburban for about five acres north of the Holleman Drive South-Deacon Drive West intersection.
- Harvey Mitchell Parkway Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Light Industrial to General Suburban and Natural Areas Protected for about 2½ acres at 1726 Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
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 (June 28)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
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 28. 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.
5:09 p.m.
The workshop has started. Councilman James Benham is participating by teleconference. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:13 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:
- Specialty Mix Contract: In April, the city joined Brazos County in a joint bid for one-inch overlay with specialty mix. The city recommends awarding its portion to Brazos Paving – the lowest responsible bidder – for an amount not-to-exceed $432,000.
6:08 p.m.
Dockless Bike Share Regulations
The council discussed possible regulations regarding Texas A&M’s dockless bike share program. The university contracted with a company to launch the program in March with 850 bikes. They plan to expand to at least 3,000 bikes this fall.
The consensus of the council was to move forward in drafting the ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:09 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting, which will start after a short break.
6:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started. Four local Boys Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance – Mark Johnson of Troop 802 and Camden Stackhouse, Patrick Stackhouse and Kieran Wylie of Troop 102.
6:22 p.m.
The council observed a moment of silence in remembrance of former Mayor Ron Silvia, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 80.
6:25 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one signed up to speak during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
6:26 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A three-year contract not to exceed $797,355 with Shermco Industries for electric substation testing and maintenance.
- A $13,265 change order to a contract with TriTech Software Systems to add FireView to the Police Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
- The repayment of $1,277,906 of unspent funds in TIRZ 1 to the College Station Independent School District.
- A contract not to exceed $432,000 with Brazos Paving for the installation of one-inch overlay with specialty mix.
- A $53,475 Change Order to the contract with JaCody for the Lincoln Recreation Center addition.
- A $327,000 contract with Dudley Construction for a basketball pavilion at John Crompton Park.
- Temporary speed limits at the FM60 and FM2818 interchange.
6:36 p.m.
Rezoning on Aurora Court
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Duplex for about five acres on Aurora Court near the intersection of Anderson Street and Park Place. The change will allow the development of low- to medium-density residential uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Homestead Tax Exemption
The council voted 5-0 – with Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Councilman Bob Brick abstaining – to approve a five percent homestead property tax exemption on the appraised value of a residence homestead. The exemption would result in the loss of $644,000 in annual city revenue, which could be mitigated by a .759-cent property tax rate increase in the FY19 budget
An earlier motion to raise the percentage to 7.5 percent failed. A second motion to raise the percentage to 10 percent also failed.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:27 p.m.
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenway Advisory Board
The council unanimously appointed Elizabeth Hatala and Allen Thornton to the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board.
7:29 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
7:43 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
9:11 p.m.
Accessory Living Quarters and Single-Family Parking
The council discussed possible changes to the accessory uses and off-street parking standards sections in the Unified Development Ordinance. A pair of community engagement meetings were conducted in late April, along with an extensive survey. See pages 14-78 of tonight’s meeting packet for full survey results, including comments.
The consensus of the council was to pursue ordinance changes that allow accessory living quarters to be rented with provisions regarding the number of unrelated occupants (two), additional parking (one with grandfathering options), limiting the number to one per property, and requiring the owner live on-site.
Council also directed staff to pursue changes that require one off-street parking space per bedroom in Neighborhood Conservation areas.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:43 p.m.
Single-Family Height Protection
The council discussed possible changes to the height protection section in the Unified Development Ordinance. A pair of community engagement meetings were conducted in late April, along with an extensive survey. See pages 86-120 of tonight’s meeting packet for full survey results, including comments.
The consensus of the council was to keep the existing requirements but clarify the ordinance language.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:48 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, July 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.
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:
- Bike Share Regulations: The council will have a workshop discussion about possible regulations for Texas A&M’s bike share service. The university contracted with a bike share company to launch the program with 850 bikes in March. They plan to expand the fleet to at least 3,000 bikes for the fall semester.
- Neighborhood Integrity Issues: In two workshop items, the council will discuss possible changes to the accessory uses, single-family height, and off-street parking standards sections in the Unified Development Ordinance. A pair of community engagement meetings were conducted in late April, along with an extensive survey.
- TIRZ Repayment to CSISD: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider authorizing a $1.28 million repayment of unspent TIRZ funds to the College Station Independent School District. The Wolf Pen Creek Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) expired in late 2009.
- Rezoning on Aurora Court: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from General Suburban to Duplex for about five acres on Aurora Court near the intersection of Anderson Street and Park Place.
- Homestead Tax Exemption: The council will consider authorizing a homestead property tax exemption of five percent of the appraised value of a qualified residence homestead. The exemption would begin in the current tax year.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
Related Links:
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!
