Traffic sign thieves endanger lives, risk serious jail time

Stealing traffic and street signs with catchy names to decorate a dorm room is just a harmless prank, right? Wrong. Stealing signs is a serious crime that endangers others — and it’s happening at an alarming rate in College Station. Continue reading Traffic sign thieves endanger lives, risk serious jail time

Police, Public Communications, Traffic

Hands-free device ordinance to be enforced soon

This week, more than 30 signs will be installed around College Station that label the city as having a hands-free ordinance in effect as it relates to drivers and their wireless communications device of choice. The idea is that fewer distractions will result in fewer crashes, injuries and deaths. Continue reading Hands-free device ordinance to be enforced soon

Police, Public Communications

Police chief addresses CSPD’s policies, use of force

The national discussion about race relations and policing has touched every corner of our country, including College Station. Open and transparent conversations are the foundation of how trust is established. In this blog, Police Chief Bill Couch addresses questions about the CSPD’s policies and procedures regarding unbiased policing, body-worn cameras, professional standards, the use of force, and more. Continue reading Police chief addresses CSPD’s policies, use of force

Police, Public Communications

5 ways to protect your property, stop vehicle break-ins

Since burglary is a crime of opportunity, prevention is the key. By following these five simple rules, you can make vehicle break-ins less enticing and much more challenging. Continue reading 5 ways to protect your property, stop vehicle break-ins

City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)

Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Dec. 10. 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.

Before going into executive session this afternoon, the council recognized longtime Development Coordinator Bridgette George as the city’s 2015 employee of the year (pictured below with Mayor Nancy Berry and City Manager Kelly Templin). Coincidentally, George celebrated her 25th anniversary with the city today.

6:21 p.m.

The workshop has started.

6:22 p.m.

Amendment to Kalon Therapeutics Agreement

The council took action on one item it discussed in its executive session, unanimously approving an amendment to an economic development agreement with Kalon Therapeutics. The amendment extends the completion of improvements from Dec. 31, 2015, to Dec. 31, 2016, and is contingent on the City of Bryan’s approval.

6:46 p.m. Continue reading “Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)”

City Council, Public Communications

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 (about 5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:

Ringer Library Expansion: The council will hear a workshop presentation on the proposed conceptual design of the voted-approved $8.4 million expansion of the Larry J. Ringer Library.
Street Maintenance Audit: The council will discuss the city auditor’s street maintenance report, including recommendations to address the high turnover rate of skilled employees and how to best maintain construction standards.
CSPD Re-Accreditation: During the regular meeting, the council will recognize the Police Department for the re-accreditation of its law enforcement and communications programs.
Police-Related Consent Items: The consent agenda includes several items related to CSPD, including 65 new Tasers, an upgrade for the department’s existing bomb robot, and the replacement of five 2010 motorcycles. A federal grant will pay for the robot upgrade.
Arts Council Building Agreement: The council will consider extending the use agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley regarding the city-owned building at 2275 Dartmouth Dr. The agreement is for a one-year extension with an option for an additional year as the organization continues its plans for a new location.

Continue reading “5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings”