Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 26)
(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, April 26. 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.
5:12 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:18 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:
- CSISD Agreement: The inter-local agreement is for the College Station Independent School District’s cost participation in the reconstruction of Holleman Drive from North Dowling Road to Rock Prairie Road West. The traffic impact of the new River Bend Elementary led to the addition of a traffic signal and pavement, and utility relocations. CSISD will reimburse the city up to $395,500.
6:18 p.m.
Automated Metering Infrastructure
The council voted unanimously to move forward with the implementation of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for the city’s electric utility but to defer the transition to AMI for water. The process will take about three years to complete. Water will continue to install AMI-ready meters for future AMI implementation.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:44 p.m.
Regional Mobility Authority
The council unanimously directed the mayor to submit a letter of support to Brazos County regarding the creation of a Regional Mobility Authority (RMA), a county-wide independent government agency focused on regional transportation problems such as congestion and travel times. Nine RMAs already have been created across the state.
The RMA would work with the local Texas Department of Transportation district. While it would not have taxing authority, it would have eminent domain powers.
The RMA would have to be authorized by the Brazos County Commission, then a petition would be submitted to the Texas Transportation Commission for consideration. If the TTC issues a minute order, the county would create an RMA board consisting of directors appointed by the county commission and a presiding officer appointed by the governor.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:45 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.
6:54 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
International Firefighters Day
The mayor recognized May 4 as International Firefighters Day.
7:10 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 Capt. David M. Fraser as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 25-year-old Houston native died Nov. 26, 2006 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.
- Weston Salanty expressed concerns about roadway improvements needed in some areas of the city.
- Hugh Stearns spoke about his recommendations for the city to better communicate and interact with residents and neighborhood groups.
7:11 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An annual agreement not-to-exceed $125,000 with the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association for officiating services for city athletic leagues, programs, and tournaments.
- A $346,260.81 contract with Jamail & Smith Construction for various facilities corrective maintenance services.
- An inter-local agreement with the College Station Independent School District for cost participation in the city’s Holleman Drive South Widening Project. CSISD will reimburse up to $395,500 for costs of the deceleration lane, traffic signal, and utility relocations related to the new River Bend Elementary School.
- A $312,000 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for design and construction phase services for Phase 2 of the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Phase 2 Project.
- A 171,469 contract with C. F. McDonald Electric for the Municipal Court/Traffic Control Center Backup Generator Project.
- A resolution authorizing a license agreement with Thomas and Stephanie Adams for the encroachment of part of an underground pool structure in the Pebble Creek subdivision.
- A lease amendment with JAR Capital Investments extending the term for two years for space at 511 University Dr. East.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Premier Metal Buyers for the collection of recyclables from businesses and multi-family locations.
- The second reading of a franchise agreement with Pronto Services for the collection of recyclables from businesses and multi-family locations.
7:51 p.m.
Summitt Crossing Phases 4-6 Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a request to rezone about 36 acres from Planned Development District to Townhouse near the intersection of Buena Vista and Summit Crossing Lane. Councilman Bob Brick and Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion.
The change allows for Phases 4-6 of the Summit Crossing development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:57 p.m.
Summitt Crossing Multi-Family Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a request to rezone about 12 acres from Planned Development District to Multi-Family near the intersection of Summit Crossing Lane and Harvey Road. Councilman Brick and Councilwoman Harvell voted against the motion.
The change allows for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:04 p.m.
Amendment to Food Park Conditional Use Permit
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the conditional use permit for the Wayside Food Park in Northgate, eliminating the requirement for certified peace officers.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:14 p.m.
West College Station Annexation
The council voted unanimously to annex about 65 acres near Rock Prairie Road West, Holleman Drive South, and North Graham Road. The council conducted a pair of public hearings on the annexation in March.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:27 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation
The council voted unanimously to authorize the issuance of up to $55 million in certificates of obligation to fund various capital projects, Including streets, parks, land for a future fire station, city hall design, information technology, and electric, water, and wastewater system improvements. The council approved the projects as part of the FY18 budget.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:34 p.m.
Police Facility Construction Manager at Risk
The council voted unanimously to approve J.T. Vaughn Construction as the construction manager at risk for the College Station Police Headquarters project.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:45 p.m.
RVP Board Appointment
The council postponed until the May 10 meeting making an appointment to fill an unexpired term as the city’s representative on the Research Valley Partnership board of directors. The term ends in June, but the appointee would be eligible to be reappointed for two additional three-year terms.
8:47 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
8:50 p.m.
The council wished Interim City Manager Chuck Gilman well in his new job with the San Jacinto River Authority. Gilman’s final day with the city is Friday. Gilman has been with the city for a decade, also serving as deputy city manager, public works director, and capital projects director.
Best wishes, Chuck — and thank you for your service!
8:50 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, May 10.
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 (Jan. 11)
(Standing, L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, James Benham. (Sitting, L-R): Linda Harvell, Karl Mooney (mayor), Barry Moore.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Jan. 11. 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.
5:51 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
6:13 p.m.
Affordable Housing Developments
The consensus of the council was to support an affordable housing development through the state’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit. The city received proposals for six senior developments and one family development. A resolution of support for the application is part of tonight’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:14 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting.
6:14 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:21 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 Capt. Eric A. Allton as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial The 34-year-old Houston native died Sept. 26, 2004, when he was struck by a mortar round in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
- Nate Tidwell invited the council to join the Red Cross on Saturday, Jan. 20 to promote smoke alarm safety.
6:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A change order of $55,043 to a construction contract with Acklam Construction for additions or modifications related to ADA compliance and other improvements in The Barracks Park.
- A $486,761 contract with Palasota Contracting for electric conduit bores across TXDOT right-of-ways.
- The purchase of three police motorcycles for $61,204.50 from The Ranch Harley Davidson, along with an additional one-year extended warranty ($2,754) and the trade-in of three 2015 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycles for $18,000.
- A contract not to exceed $1.36 million with Palasota Contracting for concrete curb, gutter and flatwork installation to maintain city infrastructure.
- A change order of $97,584.48 to a contract with Brazos Paving for concrete curb, gutter, and flatwork.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- An inter-local agreement transferring surplus radio equipment from the City of College Station to the Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
- The second amendment to the Axon Master Services and Purchase Agreement, increasing the term from five to seven years, increasing the contract value from $706,186.31 to $1,166,698.62, and adding new in-car video camera system hardware, including implementation, warranty, and data storage.
This consent item was pulled for a separate vote:
- The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution of support for The Huntington at College Station’s application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for a 9 percent housing tax credit.
6:44 p.m.
Science Park Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 70-foot wide street and public utility easement in the Science Park Subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:46 p.m.
Willow Branch/Oakwood Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 7,086 square-foot portion of a 10-foot wide public utility easement on the Willow Branch and Oakwood school sites.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:58 p.m.
UDO Amendment – Nonconforming Uses
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide additional flexibility and leniency on non-conforming uses and structures.
A non-conforming use or structure are properties developed under a previous set of regulations but don’t comply with the Unified Development Ordinance. Allowing for a broader range of modifications can encourage incremental infill and redevelopment, especially on challenging sites.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:00 p.m.
Southside Plaza Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to General Commercial and Natural Areas Protected for 2.26 acres at 4075 State Hwy. 6 South, which is the site of the former Silk Stocking nightclub. The change will allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:05 p.m.
University Heights Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Multi-Family to General Commercial for about 5 acres along Holleman Drive between Paloma Ridge Drive and Kenyon Drive. The change will allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Spring Creek Gardens Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Office to Planned Development District for about 1½ acres at 4320 Decatur Dr. The change will allow for the development of a self-storage facility.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:39 p.m.
Annual Comp Plan/UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council accepted the yearly review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:54 p.m.
Citizen Committee Appointments
The council made citizen appointments to represent the city on various boards and committees. We’ll fill in the appointment list after the meeting.
Architectural Advisory Committee: Bradford Brimley and Ward Wells
B-CS Library Committee: Larry Ringer (chair) and Daniel Rudge
Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Advisory Board: TBA
Design Review Board: Jesse Durden
Parks & Recreation Board: Michael Bota, Joel Cantrell, Paul Dyson, Megan Fuentes, and Madeline Giroir
Planning & Zoning Commission: Dennis Christiansen, Jane Chair (chair), Casey Oldham, and Elianor Vessali
Zoning Board of Adjustments: Randal Allison (alternate), Sherri Echols, Justin Lopez, Howard Mayne (alternate), and Keith Roberts (chair)
7:54 p.m.
Arts Council Appointment
The council voted unanimously to reappoint Patricia Burchfield to another term on the Arts Council board.
7:55 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
8:04 p.m.
The workshop has resumed. Mayor Mooney announced that the items regarding the procurement card audit and the neighborhood conservation overlay districts have been moved to the Jan. 25 meeting.
8:25 p.m.
New Police Station Design
The council voted unanimously to approve the final design concept for the new $28 million police facility at the corner or Krenek Tap Road and Dartmouth Street.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:30 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 25.
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 (Nov. 9)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
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. 9. 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.
5:17 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
Councilman James Benham is participating by teleconference.
5:33 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:
- Architectural Advisory Committee: The five-member committee will consist of not more than three council members and two qualified citizens appointed by the council. The committee’s purpose is to “review and make recommendations on scope and schematic design for the exterior of vertical projects and the aesthetic finishes on linear projects.”
- Greens Prairie-Arrington Cost Participation/Contract: Two items concern the addition of a traffic signal and other improvements at the Arrington Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection. The first is a cost participation agreement with the landowner and the second is a $650,000 construction contract with Palasota Contracting.
- Cooner Street Parking Removal: The ordinance would remove parking on the south side of Cooner Street from Texas Avenue to the cul-de-sac, around the cul-de-sac, and on the north side of Cooner to the west of the intersection with MacArthur Street. Severe traffic congestion has been witnessed on Cooner because of parking on both sides of the street. School buses also are unable to complete their bus routes without drivers knocking on doors to have cars moved.
6:03 p.m.
New Police Station Design
The council reviewed fresh design concepts for the new police station that reflect the council’s desire for a traditional theme with elements such as a pitched roof, arches, columns, and a clock tower. The council directed the architect to bring back additional information as quickly as possible.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:27 p.m.
Future City Hall Location
The council voted 4-2-1 to select the current city hall property at 1101 Texas Ave. as the site for a future city hall building. Councilwomen Blanche Brick and Julie Schultz voted against the motion, and Mayor Karl Mooney abstained. Basic concepts and site layouts were discussed for each of three proposed locations. The design process is tentatively scheduled to begin in FY18, with construction planned for FY19.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
Student Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods
The council discussed potential short-term and long-term options to mitigate the impact of student housing in established single-family neighborhoods, including minimum parking requirements, accessory structures, and single-family overlays. The consensus of the council was to schedule a further discussion for another workshop.
Issues include an increasing number of student rental properties that impact neighborhood character, high market demand to re-plat and rebuild homes on single-family lots as student rental housing, and concerns about traffic, noise, and trash.
The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended the following actions for consideration:
- Amend the single-family parking requirements for new construction in areas designated Neighborhood Conservation on the Comprehensive Plan to require one parking space per bedroom.
- Amend the accessory structures code to allow living quarters to be rented with some limitations.
- Amend the single-family overlay code section to allow additional options for inclusion in Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting, which will start after a short break.
7:47 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:53 p.m.
B-CS Regional Association of Realtors
Mayor Mooney recognized Nov. 16 as the 50th Anniversary of Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors.
7:56 p.m.
CSU’s Rowe Cited for Lineman Rodeo Performance
Mayor Mooney recognized College Station Utilities Lineman Justin Rowe for winning three of five events in the Annual Apprentice Lineman Rodeo last month at Veterans Park. In his second year as a CSU lineman, Rowe won first place in hurt man rescue, fuse replacement, and obstacle pole. Here’s a short highlight video of the event:
8:01 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.
- Ben Roper recognized Army 2nd Lt. Brian D. Smith as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 30-year-old McKinney native died July 2, 2004, when he was shot in combat in Habbaniyah, Iraq.
8:04 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A participation agreement with OGC Greens Prairie Investors to share the costs of intersection improvements at Greens Prairie Road and Arrington Road.
- An interlocal agreement with Texas A&M for sharing the costs of pedestrian improvements at the intersections of FM 60 with Discovery Drive and the Large Animal Clinic driveway.
- A $51,185.04 credit change order to an existing contract and a new emergency contract for $135,887.30 with Blastco to repair a concrete foundation at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- A $651,494.05 contract with Palasota Contracting for the Greens Prairie and Arrington Road Intersection Improvements Project.
- A $439,126 contract with Marek Brothers Construction for renovations to the Traffic Operations Center.
- Removal of parking on Cooner Street from Texas Avenue to near the cul-de-sac to the intersection with MacArthur Street.
The council voted separately on this consent item:
- By a 7-0 vote, the council created an Architectural Advisory Committee, which will consist of no more than three council members and two citizens, preferably qualified, appointed by the council.
10:25 p.m.
Eastgate Neighborhood Plan Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-2 to amend the Eastgate Neighborhood Plan to allow for vehicular access from Lincoln Avenue to a proposed Planned Development District (PDD) at 801 Lincoln Avenue. Councilwomen Blanche Brick and Linda Harvell voted against the motion, and Councilman Barry Moore recused himself.
The PDD request proposes multi-family and commercial uses on the interior property, and single-family land uses fronting Lincoln Avenue. The amendment removes language from the Eastgate plan that restricts vehicular access between multi-family/commercial and single-family uses.
Fifteen people spoke during the public hearing, and most were against the change.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:01 p.m.
University Town Center Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation from General Suburban to Planned Development District for about 7½ acres at 801 Lincoln Avenue. The plan calls for multi-family and commercial uses on the interior property, and single-family land uses fronting Lincoln Avenue. Councilman Moore recused himself from the vote.
Seven people spoke during the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:02 p.m.
The council is taking a short break
11:10 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
11:12 p.m.
Corsair Drive Right-of-Way Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to abandon a 0.132-acre portion of right-of-way on Corsair Drive to allow for development. Councilwoman Julie Schultz recused herself from the vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:14 p.m.
Corsair Drive Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to abandon a 0.083-acre portion of a 20-foot wide public utility easement on Corsair Drive to allow for development. Councilwoman Schultz recused herself from the vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:15 p.m.
Brazos Central Appraisal District Appointments
The council voted unanimously to reappoint Ron Kaiser to the Brazos Central Appraisal District board of directors. The current term expires Dec. 31.
11:16 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
11:19 p.m.
The remaining workshop item about suburban commercial zoning districts has been pulled and will be discussed at a later date.
The council has gone into executive session.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 20.
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 (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Student Housing in Neighborhoods: In the workshop, the council will discuss possible ways to address the impacts of student housing in single-family neighborhoods. Topics include minimum parking requirements and single-family overlays.
- Suburban Commercial Zoning: The council will consider possible changes to Suburban Commercial Zoning districts to encourage development compatible with nearby neighborhoods. Topics include architectural elements, permitted uses, buffer requirements, and lighting.
- Police Station Design Concepts: The council will weigh three fresh concepts for the design of the new police station that reflect architectural elements council members requested last month.
- Future City Hall: The final workshop presentation will be about possible locations, basic concepts and site layouts for a future city hall.
- Greens Prairie-Arrington Improvements: The consent agenda includes two items regarding the addition of a traffic signal and other improvements at the Arrington Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection. The first issue is a cost participation agreement and the second is a $650,000 construction contract.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channel 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. Colin 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 special city council meeting (Oct.2)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s special meeting on Monday, Oct. 2. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
4:00 p.m.
The meeting has started. Mayor Karl Mooney then suspended the meeting, which will resume at 4:30.
4:32 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
4:56 p.m.
Experience BCS Appointments
The council appointed Mayor Karl Mooney, Councilman Jerome Rektorik, Jay Primavera, Paul Bonarrigo, Steve Miller, Robert Holzweiss and Michelle Milliorn to the board of directors of Experience BCS. Formerly known as the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the organization was formed in 2003 to enhance economic and social growth in the Brazos Valley by marketing, promoting, developing and coordinating tourism, conventions, sports, and hospitality opportunities.
5:48 p.m.
Policy Station Design
After receiving an update on the design status for the new police station, council directed staff to proceed with exterior design changes. In early 2016, council approved a contract with PGAL for the design of the $28 million facility on the southeast corner of the Dartmouth Street-Krenek Tap Road intersection.
A total of $1.86 million has been spent or committed to project design so far. Funding comes from long-term debt (certificates of obligation) issued in FY16 and FY17.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
Councilman James Benham made this presentation:
5:55 p.m.
Library Expansion Update
The council reviewed the final renderings of the expansion of the Larry J. Ringer Library. In August, the council directed that the facade should match materials in the city’s gateway sign so municipal facilities would have a uniform appearance and be easily recognizable as a city facility.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:55 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again for its workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 12.
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been 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 (Feb. 23)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:09 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:35 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council will vote on items listed on the consent agenda during tonight’s regular meeting. Councilmember James Benham pulled this consent item for workshop discussion:
- BerryDunn Contract Change Order: In 2014, the city approved a $645,638 contract with BerryDunn for the management of the ICE project. In August, council approved a $107,475 change order for additional services and expenses. At the time, the schedule for utility billing implementation was not final. As of February 10, the remaining fund balance is $2,312 for services and $22,520.78 for travel and expenses. Projected hours to complete the HR/payroll, utility billing and fixed assets implementation total 1,550 hours ($263,000), with $37,990 in estimated expenses. This change order adds funds to cover the associated hours and costs.
6:49 p.m.
Police Facility Design Update
The council heard an update on the conceptual design of a new police facility, which will be located southeast of the Dartmouth Street-Krenek Tap Road intersection. The $28 million station would almost double the number of available workstations.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:51 p.m.
Northgate Cultural and Historical Display
The council voted unanimously to postpone this presentation until the March 9 meeting.
7:10 p.m.
Commercial Land Preservation
The council discussed the city’s role in promoting the development of existing and potential commercial properties. The consensus of the council was to move forward with proactive retail recruitment, which includes identifying available property for retailers.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
7:21 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:28 p.m.
XYZ Atlas Project
Artist Jennifer Chenoweth of Austin introduced a local project based on what she’s done in the state capital:
XYZ Atlas: The Experience Map of Bryan & College Station asks why we feel a sense of belonging to a place by mapping experiences and collecting stories that document our highs and lows.
XYZ Atlas is an interactive public art project. We create art, maps, and activations that affect community health and well being, urban planning, and cultural tourism with diverse outreach strategies to reach art lovers and underserved communities of all ages.
We are working in the Bryan and College Station communities and expect to schedule a final exhibition in May.
The project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment of the Arts Challenge America, Mid-America Arts Alliance Artistic Innovations, Texas Commission for the Arts, and foundations, corporations and individuals throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas.
7:32 p.m.
National Service Recognition Day
The mayor proclaimed April 4 as National Service Recognition Day. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney is Curt Sterner, Senior Corps Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) coordinator.
7:39 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.
- Ben Roper recognized Army Sgt. William C. Eckhart as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 25-year-old Rocksprings native died April 10, 2004, in an explosion in Baqubah, Iraq.
- Mike Clements, president of the College Station Firefighters Association, recognized and thanked Joe Don Warren (below with certificate) for his service as the city’s interim fire chief. Jonathan McMahan will be sworn-in as the new fire chief on Friday.
7:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The annual traffic contact report required by the state.
- Authorized the city manager to submit a grant application to the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to fund 80 percent of the salary and benefits for a crime victim’s advocate.
- An amendment adding “Creation of an Audit Committee” to the city’s code of ordinances.
- A resolution consenting to the Bryan City Council providing economic development incentives to ViaSat, Inc.
- A $4.79 million contract with Freese and Nichols for design, bidding, and construction phase services for the expansion of the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
- A change order increasing by $279,500 a contract with BerryDunn for project management services and expenses.
- Authorized the mayor to sign an inter-local agreement with the City of Bryan to extend the common boundary of the College Station/Bryan Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).
- The Semi-Annual Report for Impact Fees.
- Renewal of a building use agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley through March 6, 2018, for the building located at 2275 Dartmouth Dr.
- A resolution of support for Rock Prairie Village’s application for low-income housing tax credits through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
7:49 p.m.
Luther-Jones Butler Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a request to change the zoning designation for about three acres southeast of the Luther Street-Jones Butler Road intersection. Councilman Barry Moore recused himself from the vote because of a conflict of interest. The change will allow for mixed-use, commercial and multi-family development.
The change will allow for mixed-use, commercial and multi-family development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:55 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning designation for about one acre northeast of the Wellborn Road-Greens Prairie Road intersection. The change will allow for commercial development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:09 p.m.
Arrington Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to approve a request to change the zoning designation for about 12 acres south of the South Oaks Drive-Arrington Road intersection. The change will allow for a multi-family development. Councilwoman Blanche Brick voted against the motion.
A total of 19 people spoke or provided written comments during the public hearing. All opposed the rezoning.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
10:15 p.m.
Spring Creek Local Government Corporation
The council voted unanimously to approve a certificate of formation for the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation and appointed John Nichols and Planning & Zoning Commission Chairman Jane Kee to the initial board of directors.
The non-profit government corporation was created to promote economic development anchored by College Station’s next business park.
10:18 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
10:18 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, March 9.
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 23 years as associate media relations director for the Texas A&M Athletics Department. Killian has also been 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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