Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 27)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Eleanor Vessali. Standing (L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, Dennis Maloney.
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 27. 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.
5:11 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:21 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:
- Gabbard/Thomas Park Improvements: A $538,800 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements at Gabbard and Thomas Parks. The Gabbard project includes a new playground, surfacing, and a shade structure. The Thomas project includes a new play unit and surfacing on the south end and new surfacing and swings on the north end, which will also receive a shade structure on the existing play unit.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project: A $285,675 contract for the professional engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project, which involves the design of two new fleet fuel stations to replace those at the Public Works Service Center and the Utility Service Center.
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Relocation Reimbursement Agreement: The final payment of $194,050.05 for work completed under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Company. The contract covers work to relocate and lower the existing Explorer pipeline that crosses the Barron Road right-of-way. The relocation is needed to allow for planned improvements.
6:21 p.m.
YMCA Partnership
The council heard a presentation from the YMCA and discussed a possible YMCA facility in College Station. The consensus of the council was to direct the City Manager’s Office to explore the feasibility of forming a partnership with the YMCA.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:21 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
6:32 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:37 p.m.
Smart Irrigation Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Smart Irrigation Month. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney is Water Services Director Gary Mechler.
6:41 p.m.
Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed July as Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness Month.
6:48 p.m.
Historical Markers 101 and 102
The Historic Preservation Committee presented historical markers to the owners of residences at 602 West Dexter St. and 805 Hawthorn St.
The Mathews house on West Dexter was built in the 1920s by Fred and Vera Dean Brison. Fred Brison was a professor in the Texas A&M Horticulture Department and was College Station’s mayor pro tem from 1971-74.
The Hindman House on Hawthorn was built in 1957 by E.H. Andrew, an A&M electric engineering professor. It has been the home of several A&M faculty members, among others.
The city’s Historical Marker Program began in 1991 and has led to markers being awarded to 12 businesses and more than 100 homes. Structures must be at least 50 years old to qualify.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:54 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.
- Councilwoman Elianor Vessali recognized Marine Capt. Paul C. Alaniz as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 32-year-old Corpus Christi native died on Jan. 26, 2005, in a helicopter crash in Miramar, Calif.
6:55 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $40,000 change order to the contract with Azteca Systems for implementation of premium licensing the Public Works, Water, and Parks and Recreation departments.
- A $403,137 contract with Musco Sports Lighting for LED lighting upgrades at the Bee Creek Park ballfields.
- A $538,798.24 contract with Jamail and Smith Construction for improvements to Gabbard and Thomas parks.
- A $261,996.39 contract with Dura-Last for roofing services.
- A $285,675 contract with Johnson & Pace for engineering services related to the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project.
- A $193,342 contract with KIT Professionals for design and construction services for the FM2818 Utility Relocations Project.
- Final payment of $194,050.05 under the relocation reimbursement agreement with Explorer Pipeline Co.
6:59 p.m.
Mills Park Easement
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a public utility easement at 4501 Mills Park Circle to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
White’s Creek Rezoning
After public hearings, the council approved a request to change both the land use and zoning from Estate to Suburban Commercial for about 1.3 acres southwest of the intersection of Greens Prairie Road West and White’s Creek Lane. The changes will allow for small-scale commercial development.
The vote was 6-1 for the land use change, with Councilman Bob Brick voted against the motion. The vote in favor of the rezoning was unanimous.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Northeast Sewer Line Phase 2
The council voted unanimously to approve a $2.35 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Northeast Sanitary Sewer Trunk Line Phase 2 Project that runs from just north of Raintree Park through the city’s greenway property, east of Wilderness Drive and ends at the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:40 p.m.
Rock Prairie Management District No. 2
The council voted unanimously to appoint Hays Glover, Uri Geva, and Mark Lindemulder to the board of directors for Rock Prairie Management District No. 2. The terms end June 1, 2023.
Glover and Geva are current directors, while Lindemulder replaces outgoing Director Randall Rother.
7:43 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items. Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting.
The workshop will resume.
8:07 p.m.
Citizen Survey Results
The council reviewed the results of the 2019 citizen satisfaction survey conducted in April by National Service Research. Participants rated various city services, quality of life issues, community characteristics, and ranked their priorities.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:11 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, July 11.
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.
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