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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 9)
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, July 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 997 0027 4418. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
5:55 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:56 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:24 p.m.
Parkland Expansion
The council voted unanimously to support the conversion of about 196 acres of greenways to parkland. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board unanimously passed the motion in June.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:28 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.
6:39 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:44 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.
6:45 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Estimated annual expenditures of $125,000 with Badger Meter for water meters.
- A $2.35 million contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for the Southside Safety Improvements Project.
- An oversized participation agreement that upsizes about 1,466 linear feet of water line from an 8-inch to an 18-inch water line through the Traditions Phase 24 and 25 subdivision.
- An ordinance consenting to Order No. 3 under the mayor’s declaration of disaster regarding face coverings inside commercial businesses as proclaimed on June 25.
7:05 p.m.
BVSWMA Budget
The council voted unanimously to approve BVSWMA’s proposed FY 21 budget, which was approved by the BVSWMA Board of Directors on June 17. The City of Bryan is expected to consider it on July 14.
The landfill’s FY 21 budget revenue is $9.5 million, operating expenses of $7.1 million and capital expenses of $4.98 million. Total reserves, cash, and investments are $11.75 million. The budget also reduces the gate rate for both cities from $17.50 to $15 per ton.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:11 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District — with a base zoning district of Wellborn Commercial — for about seven acres at 14565 and 14575 Wellborn Road. The change allows the development of low-density commercial uses that provide services to nearby neighborhoods.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:01 p.m.
Community Development Plans, Budget
The council voted unanimously to direct staff to move forward with the FY 21 (PY 20) Annual Action Plan, FY 21 Community Development Budget, and 2020-24 Consolidated Plan.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:10 p.m.
Taxing Unit Under Disaster Declaration
The council voted unanimously to defer lowering the voter approval tax rate — formerly known as the rollback tax rate — from 8% to 3.5% for FY 21. The Texas Legislature mandated the change during its last session, but it agreed that cities with disaster declarations in place should retain the option of deferring implementation of the change if faced with catastrophic revenue losses.
The council’s decision doesn’t increase the tax rate, but it potentially could help ensure that it doesn’t have to be lowered (rolled back) so the city can continue providing emergency response and other critical city operations.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:19 p.m.
MUD No. 1 Road Improvements:
The council voted unanimously to consent to the issuance of up to $2 million in road improvement bonds by Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1.
8:29 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, July 23.
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 by teleconference for its workshop (after 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
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 997 0027 4418. Public comments will be allowed through 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:
- Parkland Expansion: The council will consider converting about 196 acres of greenway to parkland. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board unanimously passed the motion in June.
- Southside Safety Improvements: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $2.35 million contract with Kieschnick General Contractors for Southside safety improvements. The project includes the rehabilitation of Park Place, Holik Street, Glade Street, and Anna Street near Oakwood Intermediate School, A&M Consolidated Middle School, and College View High School.
- Wellborn Road Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District — with a base zoning district of Wellborn Commercial — for about seven acres at 14565 and 14575 FM 21. The change would allow the development of low-density commercial uses that provide services to nearby neighborhoods.
- Community Development Plans, Budget: The council will consider the proposed 2020- 2024 Consolidated Plan, FY 2021 (PY 2020) Annual Action Plan, and FY 2021 Community Development Budget.
- MUD No. 1 Road Improvements: The council will consider consenting to the issuance of up to $2 million in road improvement bonds by Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1.
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!
