Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (June 25)
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, June 25. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio will be streamed 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 982 1331 7043.
4:04 p.m.
The workshop has started.
4:05 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:22 p.m.
Restricted Occupancy Overlay
The council directed staff to obtain additional public input and draft a potential ordinance to allow property owners to request an overlay restricting neighborhood housing occupancy to no more than two unrelated residents. Twelve residents spoke after the presentation, and five submitted written comments.
Here is the PowerPoint presentation:
6:22 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
6:32 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
7:09 p.m.
Police Community Outreach
The council discussed the College Station Police Department’s community outreach activities regarding race relations, recruiting and hiring, use of force, and body-worn cameras.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:17 p.m.
Mayor Issues Mask Order
The council offered its unanimous support for Mayor Karl Mooney to mandate the use of face coverings for coronavirus protection inside commercial businesses. Eleven residents spoke after the presentation, and 61 submitted written comments.
Mooney issued the order after the meeting:
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:24 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports, Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
8:34 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:45 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Leigh Turner spoke against the reopening of the coal-fired Gibbons Creek Generating Station.
8:46 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Reduced the speed limit from 45 mph to 40 on Greens Prairie Road from about 1,000 feet west of Woodlake Drive to the Royder Road intersection.
- The $650,914 purchase of long lead time major equipment for the proposed Spring Creek Substation.
- The not-to-exceed $639,764 purchase of a ThreePhase electric substation transformer from Virginia Transformer for the proposed Spring Creek Substation.
- A $19,416 change order to the contract with Elliott Construction for the repair of the Rock Prairie Road water line.
- The first renewal of Water Services’ annual $115,847 purchase of sodium hypochlorite from DXI Industries.
- A $288,700 contract with Kimley-Horn & Associates for the design of the rehabilitation of Luther Street from Marion Pugh to Penberthy.
- The second renewal of a contract not to exceed $432,000 with Brazos Paving for the installation of a one-inch overlay with specialty mix as needed.
- A $18,867 change order to the contract with Halff & Associates for the design of Lick Creek parking lot and trailhead.
9:31 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to regulate short-term housing rentals such as Airbnb. The ordinance takes effect Oct. 1. Nine residents spoke after the presentation, and one submitted written comments.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:58 p.m.
Munson Traffic Calming
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve the neighborhood’s request to repeal an ordinance prohibiting traffic calming on Munson Avenue. Area residents wanted equal access to the traffic calming ordinance that applies in other city neighborhoods. One person spoke in the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:08 p.m.
Midtown Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for about 33 acres at 5604, 5900, and 6102 Rock Prairie Road. The PDD is an expansion of the Midtown development.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:18 p.m.
Special Events Ordinance
The council voted unanimously to approve changes to the special events ordinance that allow the city manager more flexibility in making decisions about special events. The changes also clarify the definition of a special event and the number of days such an event can operate.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:19 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to the mayor’s recent extension of the disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
10:27 p.m.
Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant
The council voted unanimously to authorize the city manager to apply to the state for grants from the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The city will receive about $6.44 million from the fund.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
10:28 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, July 9.
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 Thursday at by teleconference for its workshop (after 4 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. Public comments are allowed through Zoom. To join the meeting online, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 982 1331 7043. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom.
If you want to address the council about any item on the workshop or regular agenda, 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:
- Restricted Occupancy Overlay: In the workshop, the council will discuss a restricted occupancy overlay ordinance that would allow property owners to request an overlay to restrict occupancy to no more than two unrelated persons in their neighborhood.
- Police Community Outreach: The council will also have a workshop discussion about the College Station Police Department’s community outreach activities regarding race relations, recruiting and hiring, use of force, and body-worn cameras.
- Face Masks and COVID-19: Another workshop discussion will be the use of face masks for local coronavirus protection. Gov. Greg Abbott last week clarified his executive order regarding face masks. Abbott said individual liberty may not be infringed, but local governments can direct stores and businesses to require masks.
- Short-Term Rental Ordinance: In the regular meeting, the council will consider an ordinance restricting non-owner-occupied short-term housing rentals such as Airbnb to General Suburban, Restricted Suburban, and Wellborn Restricted Suburban zoning districts. It would also require evidence of a Homestead Exemption as proof of owner occupancy and grandfather non-owner-occupied STRs that are already operating.
- Munson Traffic Calming: After a public hearing, the council will consider the neighborhood’s request to repeal an ordinance that prohibits traffic calming on Munson Avenue. The neighborhood is seeking equal access to the traffic calming ordinance that applies to other neighborhoods.
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 (June 11)
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, June 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 969 6026 4785.
6:02 p.m.
The workshop has started.
6:18 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Mowing and Landscaping Contract: This is the first renewal of a contract not to exceed $1.1 million with Green Teams is for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance.
6:42 p.m.
COVID-19 Financial Impact
The council voted unanimously to accept the report on the financial impact of COVID-19 on the city’s FY 20 budget along with the year-end estimate.
Estimated pandemic-related revenue losses range from $2.9 million to $4.7 million from sales taxes, parks programs, the municipal court, investments, and facility rentals. Mitigation strategies, which will save about $5.3 million, include a hiring freeze, departmental reductions, and the elimination of summer parks programs.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Short-Term Rental Ordinance
The council directed staff to bring back a revised ordinance regulating short-term rental housing such as Airbnb. The proposed ordinance addresses requirements for allowable zoning districts, verified owner-occupancy through the homestead exemption, grandfathering of existing STRs, and safety inspections.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:27 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.
8:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
8:43 p.m.
The council finished its calendar discussion from the workshop.
8:50 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Shiva Saravanan requested that CSPD make its use of force policy available on the city website.
- Nicolas Macri asked the council and police department to consider 8cantwait.org reforms.
8:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Cancelled the postponed special runoff election for city council member Place 4.
- A $2 million funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s contribution for utility relocations for the FM 2818 widening project.
- The second year of a two-year, $140,000 contract with Precept Insurance Solutions for an online benefits administration platform.
- The first renewal of a contract not to exceed $1.1 million with Green Teams for citywide mowing and landscape maintenance.
- Renewal of an annual price agreement not to exceed $712,700 with Techline for wire and cable.
- A short-term budget for the 60 days before the August 1 contract termination of the agreement with the City of Bryan and Experience Bryan College Station.
8:58 p.m.
Harvey Mitchell Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from General Commercial and Office to MultiFamily, Natural Areas Protected, and General Commercial for about 14 acres at 2325 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, which is located north of the intersection with Texas Avenue.
The change will help attract commercial and residential opportunities to undeveloped property near a major intersection.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:01 p.m.
Glenhaven Estates NPO
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to establish the city’s one remaining Neighborhood Prevailing Overlay district — Glenhaven Estates Subdivision — as a retired zoning district in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance. In March, the council removed NPO references to eliminate redundancy.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:21 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation
The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance of up to $23.7 million in 2020 certificates of obligation for streets, police station construction, information technology, electric and water improvements, and debt costs.
Refunding Bonds
The council voted unanimously to approve the refunding of up to $19.3 million in 2020 general obligation bonds, which will save the city about $2.7 million over their remaining life.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:22 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, June 25.
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 Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (no sooner than 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. Public comments are allowed through Zoom. To join the meeting, go to Zoom or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 969 6026 4785.
To address the council 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:
- COVID-19 Financial Impact: In the workshop, the council will discuss the FY 2020 year-end estimate and the financial impact of COVID-19 on the city’s budget.
- Short-Term Rental Ordinance: Another workshop item is a discussion about council-suggested elements of a possible ordinance to regulate short-term rental housing.
- Harvey Mitchell Rezoning: After a public hearing in the regular meeting, the council will consider a request to change the zoning for about 14 acres at 2325 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South — located north of the intersection with Texas Avenue — to help attract commercial and residential opportunities.
- Certificates of Obligation: The council will consider approving up to $23.7 million in 2020 certificates of obligation for streets, police station construction, information technology, electric and water improvements, and debt issuance costs.
- Refunding Bonds: The council will consider approving up to $19.3 million in 2020 general obligation refunding bonds, which will save the city about $1.4 million over the remaining life of the issues.
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!
5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council meets Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (no sooner than 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed 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 998 0711 3729.
If you want to address the council about any agenda item — or about non-agenda topics during Hear Visitors — 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:
- Tenant-Based Rental Assistance: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider Tenant-Based Rental Assistance guidelines to assist households unable to pay rent due to the COVID-19 disaster declarations. The guidelines would reprogram $475,000 in existing federal grants.
- Former Police Station: Another consent item is a three-year, $1.02 million lease of the old police station at 2611 Texas Avenue to International Leadership of Texas.
- TxDOT Funding Agreements: The council will consider two advance funding agreements with the Texas Department of Transportation. The city would contribute about $35,000 for signal improvements at the intersection of George Bush and Dexter Drive and $323,345 for signal improvements that are part of the FM 2818 widening project.
- Dowling Road Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Rural, Office, and Light Commercial to General Commercial for about 15 acres at 95 North Dowling Road B, 101 North Dowling Road A & B, 103 North Dowling Road, and 107 North Dowling Road. The change would better fit the Comprehensive Plan’s designation for more intense uses.
- Short-Term Rental Ordinance: The council will consider regulating short-term housing rentals such as Airbnbs. The proposed ordinance would place the units into three categories and restricts the zoning district based on owner occupancy. The directive would also provide clarity on bed-and-breakfast facilities and establishes regular inspections.
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 (April 23)
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, April 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The live audio is streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/174248177, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 174-248-177.
5:55 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
5:57 p.m.
The council voted unanimously to name Deputy City Manager Jeff Capps as interim city manager after City Manager Bryan Woods deploys for service with the Naval Reserve.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
7:24 p.m.
Short-Term Rentals
The council reviewed a draft ordinance that would regulate short-term housing rentals, which has evolved through online platforms such as Airbnb and expanded locally with the demand created by Aggie football weekends. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
The council is expected to vote on an ordinance in May. The recent growth of short-term rentals across the nation has been dramatic, with Airbnb alone logging a half-million transactions last year in Texas.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:28 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.
7:40 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:48 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during hear visitors, when citizens may address the council on any item that does not appear on the posted agenda.
- Meagan Kuitu spokes about required realtors to wear protective masks.
7:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- An annual price agreement not to exceed $150,000 with Mustang Rental Services for the rental of heavy equipment used by the city.
- The temporarily removal of parking on both sides of Gilchrist Avenue from Foster Avenue to Texas Avenue during construction of the new city hall.
This consent item was pulled for a separate discussion and vote:
8:32 p.m.
Thomas Park Pool Demolition
The council voted unanimously to approve a $132,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the demolition of Thomas Park Pool with the caveat that the city would continue to explore options for future park amenities. Three people spoke in the public hearing.
The work includes the entire removal of the pool and associated facilities and infilling the pool area with common fill, including six inches of hydro-seeded topsoil. Sections of sidewalk also will be poured to ensure sidewalks and parking lot are reconnected.
8:46 p.m.
City Hall Construction
The council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $25.8 million for construction of the new city hall. Overall costs for the project are projected to be $5.3 million under the original budget.
The three-story, 79,000-square-foot facility will house several city departments and is scheduled to be finished in 2022.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:49 p.m.
Disaster Declaration Extension
The council voted unanimously to consent to the mayor’s renewal this week of the city’s COVID-19 Declaration of Disaster.
9:01 p.m.
Small Business Bridge Loan Program
The council voted unanimously to approve a funding agreement for the Brazos Valley Council of Governments to administer the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Bridge Loan Program. The program will provide working capital for small businesses while they await federal disaster loans.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:05 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again by teleconference on Thursday, May 14.
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 Thursday by teleconference for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
The live audio will be streamed on Suddenlink Channel 19 and at cstx.gov/cstv19. To join the meeting online, go to zoom.us/j/174248177, or call 888-475-4499 and enter meeting number 174-248-177.
If you want to address the council about any item on the workshop or regular agenda, 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:
- Short-Term Rentals: In the workshop, the council will review a draft ordinance that would regulate short-term housing rentals.
- Thomas Pool Demolition: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $132,000 contract with Aggieland Construction for the demolition of the Thomas Park swimming pool.
- City Hall Construction: The council will consider Amendment No. 2 to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $25.8 million for construction of the new city hall.
- Disaster Declaration Extension: The council will consider consenting to the mayor’s renewal this week of the city’s COVID-19 Declaration of Disaster.
- Small Business Bridge Loan: The council will consider a funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments to administer the city’s COVID-19 Small Business Bridge Loan Program. The program will provide working capital for small businesses while they await federal disaster loans.
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 (Jan. 23)
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. 23. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:29 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken in the executive session.
5:29 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda.
6:52 p.m.
Short-Term Rentals
After discussing possible short-term rental housing regulations and hotel occupancy taxes, the council directed staff to draft an ordinance for the council’s consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:19 p.m.
Tree Preservation and Buffering
The council discussed potential regulatory options for new single-family homes to protect existing trees and provide a buffer to existing single-family homes in established neighborhoods. Staff was directed to explore a possible ordinance for the council’s consideration.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:25 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar and heard committee reports, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting starts after a short break.
7:36 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:39 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.
7:40 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Changed the runoff election to April 18, if needed, after the Jan. 28 special election for Place 4 on the city council.
- An annual purchase agreement not to exceed $115,000 with Fort Bend Services for dewatering chemical.
- Annual purchases not to exceed $150,000 with NAPA Auto Parts (through the Purchasing Solutions Alliance) for auto parts, shop equipment and services.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $150,000 from SiddonsMartin Emergency Group (through the Buy Board Purchasing Cooperative) for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- An annual blanket purchase order estimated at $180,000 with Lonestar Freightliner Group (through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative) for repair parts and labor for fire trucks.
- Annual tire purchases and retread services not to exceed $300,000 with Southern Tire Mart (through the BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative).
- A service contract not to exceed $210,000 with Xpedient Mail for utility bill printing and mailing services.
- An annual service contract estimated at $1,200,000 with Paymentus Corporation for payment processing services.
- The first amendment to an $18,160 agreement with Intrado Interactive Services Corporation for an economic development website.
- A $305,000 contract with Dunham Engineering for designing and inspecting the recoating of the Greens Prairie Elevated Storage Tank.
7:50 p.m.
Building Setback Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow the reduction of the side-yard building setback for certain single-family zoning districts down to five feet. Fifteen feet of building separation would have to be maintained between primary structures.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:04 p.m.
Tourism Consultant Study
The council directed the city manager to form a selection committee to hire a consultant this spring to study local tourism and explore opportunities to increase hotel occupancy. The council voted unanimously to include a local hotelier as a member of the committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:06 p.m.
Experience B-CS Appointment
The council voted unanimously to concur with the City of Bryan in appointing Noel Mayes to fill an unexpired term on the Experience Bryan-College Station board. The term expires in October.
8:09 p.m.
Spring Creek LGC Appointments
The council voted unanimously to appoint Jane Kee and Thomas Jackson to the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation board.
8:15 p.m.
Committee Appointments
- The council appointed Mark Smith as the chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
- The council appointed Gerald Burgner, Shirley Dupriest, Lou Hodges, Thomas Smith, and William Wright to the Historic Preservation Committee. Burgner was selected as chairman.
8:18 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 13.
About the Blogger
Colin Killian 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 (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Short-Term Rentals: The council will have a workshop discussion about possible short-term rental housing regulations and the collection of hotel occupancy taxes.
- Tree Preservation and Buffering: Another workshop item is potential regulatory options for new single-family homes to protect existing trees and provide a buffer to existing single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
- Building Setback Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow for the reduction of the side-yard building setback for certain single-family zoning districts down to five feet.
- Tourism Market Study: The council will consider engaging an outside consultant to identify opportunities to increase hotel occupancy.
- Board and Committee Appointments: The council will make appointments to the Experience Bryan-College Station board, the Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, the Historic Preservation Committee, and the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
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. 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!
Discussion about short-term rentals set for Nov. 18
By Brian Piscacek, Assistant to the City Manager
The City of College Station invites residents to join city staff on Monday, Nov. 18, for a discussion about short-term housing rentals.
The informal gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. at the CSU Meeting and Training Facility at 1603 Graham Road. We’ll also serve light refreshments.
The idea of homeowners renting out their homes has evolved through online platforms such as Airbnb and expanded in College Station with the demand created by Aggie football weekends. The recent growth of short-term rentals across the nation has been dramatic, with Airbnb alone logging a half-million transactions last year in Texas.
Our discussion includes an overview of the short-term rental model and its impact on our community. We’ll address current conditions, solutions adopted by other municipalities, and elements of a prospective ordinance.
We’d like to hear not only from residents, but also real estate professionals, lodging operators, and short-term rental hosts. Elected and appointed city officials may be in attendance, but city staff will lead the activities, including small group discussions.
For more information, contact me at bpiscacek@cstx.gov.
About the Blogger
Brian Piscacek has been with the City of College Station since 2012 and has served as assistant to the city manager for special projects since early 2019. He was previously a community development analyst. Before coming to College Station, Brian worked for Texas Tech and the North & East Lubbock Community Development Corporation. He earned bachelor’s (2007, Political Science/History) and master’s (2009, Public Administration) degrees from Tech.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
