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”

City Council, Planning & Development, Police, Public Communications

Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 23)

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 meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

The workshop will start about 5:30 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7.

5:40 p.m.

The workshop has started.

Elected Mayor Pro Tem

The council voted unanimously to elect Place-4 Councilman John Nichols for a one-year term as mayor pro tem, which acts as mayor if the mayor is disabled or absent. Nichols replaces Place-1 Councilwoman Blanche Brick in that role.

5:41 p.m. Continue reading “Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Nov. 23)”

Police, Public Communications

Video: CSPD officer, citizens rescue man from burning car

A man was rescued from a burning car on George Bush Drive Saturday night by the courageous actions of a College Station police officer and several citizens. Officer Patricia Marty, with the assistance of Texas A&M Transportation Services employees Joel Luce and Greg Stuenkel, pulled Jose Izquierdo from the vehicle just in the nick of time. Continue reading Video: CSPD officer, citizens rescue man from burning car

City Council, Public Communications

Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:

Relationship with Belgium: The council will receive a workshop presentation from the Research Valley Partnership on the evolving economic development relationship with Belgium anchored by the Aggies Go to War exhibit.
Police Ammunition Purchase: The council will consider two contracts totaling about $136,000 for ammunition to be used on-duty and in training exercises.
Umpires Agreement: The council will consider a contract not to exceed $190,000 with the Brazos Valley Softball Umpires Association for officiating services for the city’s athletic leagues and tournaments.
Electric System Right-of-Way Clearing: The council will consider awarding a three-year contract for $1.28 million for clearing overhead power lines and clearing easements and rights-of-way for the construction of new power lines.
The Barracks II Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider rezoning several tracts near The Barracks II Subdivision to allow for the development of additional townhomes.

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

Public Communications

Our Top 5 Blog Posts from 2014

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

Do you have any idea how difficult it is convincing you to abandon your news, sports and entertainment sources long enough to read about our exciting world of city government?

It’s plenty tough, believe me. In 2014, as with previous years, we tried to present you with useful, reliable information through this blog. It seemed to have worked: There were more than 57,000 views to 120 blog posts. Which ones were the most popular?

Glad you asked. Based on number of views, here are the top five posts that earned your interest and attention.

No. 5
10 game day parking citations you can easily avoid Continue reading “Our Top 5 Blog Posts from 2014”