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!
Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Oct. 7)
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 Monday, Oct. 7. It’s not the official minutes.
The sessions can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:04 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
6:09 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:
- Munson Avenue Sidewalks: The $193,000 contract is for an eight-foot-wide sidewalk along the west side of Munson Avenue from Dominik Drive to Harvey Road. The project was identified in the city’s ADA Transition Plan and was requested by a resident with access needs.
6:10 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney suspended the workshop, which will resume after the regular meeting.
6:11 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:15 p.m.
Municipal Court Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Nov. 4-8 as Municipal Court Week. Judge Ed Spillane and College Station Municipal Court staff are pictured with Mayor Mooney.
6:21 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 Army Capt. Michael A. Norman as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 36-year-old Killeen native died Jan. 31, 2008 when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.
6:22 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A $109,014 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for the conceptual design of the extension of Bird Pond Road from Highway 6 to Lakeway Drive.
- A $192,629 contract with Palomares Construction for sidewalk improvements along Munson Avenue.
- A $162,665 contract with Dell Marketing for computer equipment.
- A three-year agreement not to exceed $225,000 with ESRI for GIS systems software licensing and support.
- The city’s investment policy and strategy, reviewing and recording changes, a collateral policy, and investment officers for fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020.
- A FY 18 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant of $911,476.
- The city’s Traffic Calming Policy.
- The addition of a school zone for River Bend Elementary on Rock Prairie Road West and Holleman Drive South and changes to the operational times and posted hours of several school zones to better align with the presence of crossing guards.
- Reduced the speed limit on Holleman Drive South between North Dowling Road to the Rock Prairie West Road Intersection to 40 mph on the southern section and to 45 mph for the northern section.
6:34 p.m.
Midtown Area Road Name Changes
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to rename Midtown Loop as Durham Loop, Bird Pond Road west of Rock Prairie Road as Town Lake Drive, Pebble Creek Parkway from Highway 6 and Lakeway Drive as Corporate Parkway, and Lakeway Drive between Highway 6 and Fitch Parkway as Midtown Drive.
The city is marketing its next business park with the Midtown mixed-use development, and the street name changes will help distinguish the area as a destination.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:49 p.m.
Fitch-Rock Prairie Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Restricted Suburban, General Commercial, Office, and Natural Areas Protected for about 210 acres at the intersection of Rock Prairie Road and William D. Fitch Parkway. The change would allow for a 175- acre continuation of the Pebble Creek Subdivision with an additional non-residential component of about 18 acres.
The proposal also includes the protection of 17 acres of floodplain next to Pebble Creek Country Club.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:57 p.m.
1700 George Bush Drive Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-1 to deny a request to change the land use from Natural Areas Reserved to Urban and Natural Areas Reserved for about 2.7 acres at 1700 George Bush Drive. Councilwoman Elianor Vessali voted against the motion to deny.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:08 p.m.
Police Station Equipment
The council voted unanimously to approve $2.85 million for furniture, appliances, information technology items, shelving, security equipment, audio/visual items, dispatch equipment, and evidence storage for the new police station. Because of the progress of the project, the city expects a $400,000 reduction to the construction encumbrance in FY20, which leaves a balance of $2.9 million for this contract and related expenses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:14 p.m.
Experience BCS Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Councilmember Jerome Rektorik, Karen Bonarrigo, and Greg Stafford to the Experience Bryan-College Station Board of Directors, along with Jay Primavera as the chair.
8:20 p.m.
Impact Fee Committee Appointment
The council appointed James Jones as the extraterritorial jurisdiction representative to the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee, which is also known as the Impact Fee Advisory Committee.
8:25 p.m.
Mobility Authority Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Veronica Morgan to the Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority, an independent local government agency that has the authority to finance, acquire, design, construct, operate and extend transportation projects.
8:28 p.m.
After the council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop meeting will resume after a short break.
8:39 p.m.
The workshop has started.
8:46 p.m.
Promoting Tourism on Channel 19
The council discussed opportunities to promote tourism and local events through the city’s cable channel or online. Channel 19 (CSTV19) is operated by the City of College Station and funded through a state franchise agreement with local cable provider Suddenlink Communications.
Channel 19’s programming is restricted to activities funded, sponsored, or are otherwise relevant to the City of College Station and the College Station Independent School District. The programming is intended to increase awareness of local government and encourage community participation in decision-making processes.
Programming includes live and recorded broadcasts of city council and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, public service announcements, special event promotions, job opportunities, and other pertinent issues and notices.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:51 p.m.
Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 24.
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Sept. 26)
Sitting (L-R): Mayor Pro Tem Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, Elianor 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, Sept. 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.
5:39 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the executive session.
5:50 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:
- Bingo Fee Collection: The resolution continues the city’s share of the prize fees awarded at bingo games conducted in College Station after Jan. 1 as required by new state law.
- Holleman Drive Speed Limit: The ordinance would change the speed limit from 60 mph to 40 on Holleman Drive South between North Dowling Road and Rock Prairie Road. A recently completed project widened Holleman to four lanes with a median/center turn lane.
6:19 p.m.
Residential Parking
The council reviewed city ordinances, policies, and practices related to parking in residential areas. The discussion included parking in school zones, parking removal policies, parking pavement coverage on residential lots, and game day parking.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:40 p.m.
Traffic Calming Policy
The council received an update on the city’s traffic calming policy, which allows staff to be more responsive to resident’s requests and creates a ranking matrix of neighborhood plans based on safety criteria.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:47 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.
6:57 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:03 p.m.
MDA Fill The Boot Days
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Oct. 10-12 as the College Station Fire Department’s “Fill the Boot” days benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
7:07 p.m.
TAAF Games of Texas
Mayor Mooney presented a shadow box to Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Executive Director Mark Lord. The box contains mementos from the TAAF’s 2019 Summer Games of Texas that were conducted here in July. Lord also presented the city with a plaque in appreciation of its support of the games.
The event attracted 8,461 athletes from across the state to compete in 12 sports. Only 130 participants were local, which means the rest – along with about 20,000 of their coaches, family members, and friends – were visitors who dropped an estimated $8.1 million into the local economy.
7:10 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 Army Capt. Rowdy J. Inman as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 38-year-old Panorama Village native died of combat wounds on Dec. 22, 2007, in Mosul, Iraq.
7:15 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Renewal of six master agreements for real estate appraisal services with Duff &
Phelps, JLL Valuation & Advisory Services, Lowery Property Advisors, Paul Hornsby & Company, S.T. Lovett & Associates and Valbridge Property Advisors.
- A $144,060, three-year contract with Frontier Communications for a 2-gigabyte internet connection.
- A resolution adopting the Fire Department’s fees, rates, and charges.
- Annual blanket orders not to exceed $1,065,070.50 for electric inventory items: Techline ($658,887), KBS Electric ($253,115), Texas Electric Cooperative ($92,975), and Anixter ($60,093).
- A resolution approving the continued receipt of a share of the bingo prize fees awarded at bingo games conducted in College Station after Jan. 1.
- FY20 insurance premiums for all lines of coverage not to exceed $650,000, including Excess Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property/Boiler & Machinery, Commercial Crime, EMT Liability, Auto Property Damage, Cyber Liability, Unmanned Aircraft liability and property, and Special Events.
- Renewal of the annual price agreement not to exceed is $503,214.55 for electric three-phase pad mount transformers with KBS Electrical Distributors.
- A $3.28 million contract with Larry Young Paving to construct Phase 1 of the widening of Greens Prairie Trail.
- An ordinance temporarily changing the posted speed limit to 30 mph on Greens Prairie Road from 1,000 feet west of Woodlake Drive to the Royder Road Intersection during the Greens Prairie Road Widening Project.
This item was voted on separately:
- The council voted unanimously approved a motion by Councilman John Nichols to postpone until Oct. 7 the vote on the ordinance changing the posted speed limit on Holleman Drive South from North Dowling Road to the Rock Prairie Road Intersection. The limit in the ordinance was 40 mph, and Nichols motion asked that it be 45.
7:26 p.m.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant
The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution accepting a $315,597 Assistance to Firefighters Grant. The funds will be used for the Blue Card Hazard Zone Incident Command Training and Certification Program and source-capturing diesel exhaust removal systems for fire stations.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:40 p.m.
Fun for All Playground Phase 2
The council voted unanimously to approve a $1.8 million contract for Phase 2 of the Fun for All Playground at Central Park. The second phase includes a stadium with bleachers and a quarter-scale artificial turf field.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:46 p.m.
Budget Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a $325,000 amendment to the FY19 city budget.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:18 p.m.
FY 20 Budget Adoption
The council voted 6-1 to adopt the city’s FY 20 budget of $341.2 million, which includes a general fund budget of $105.2 million and capital projects totaling $57.9 million. Councilwoman Elianor Vessali voted against the budget. A public hearing on the budget was Sept. 12.
In a second vote, the council voted 6-1 to ratify the increase in property tax revenue reflected in the budget. Councilwoman Vessali voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:56 p.m.
FY 20 Tax Rate Adoption
The council voted 5-2 to adopt the FY 20 proposed property tax rate of $0.534618 per $100 assessed value, a $.028777-cent increase. Councilwoman Vessali and Councilman Jerome Rektorik voted against the motion. The proposed rate will generate $51.7 million for debt service and city operations. Four residents spoke against the tax increase.
Public hearings on the tax rate were Aug. 22 and Sept. 12.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:06 p.m.
Texas Independence Ballpark Midtown College Station
The council voted unanimously to officially name the new park on Rock Prairie Road as Texas Independence Ballpark Midtown College Station. The council also named the complex’s eight ball fields as Gonzales, Goliad, Alamo, San Jacinto, Sabine River, Rio Grande, Red River, and Lone Star.
The park had been temporarily called Southeast Park.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:22 p.m.
Texas A&M Ticket Reselling
The council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance related to Texas A&M ticket reselling, along with an inter-local agreement with the university for related law enforcement assistance.
Reselling of A&M football tickets often results in unsuspecting buyers purchasing invalid or counterfeit tickets. The ordinance requires a university permitting process. It doesn’t impact the occasional resale of personal tickets. The agreement allows university police to help the city with enforcement.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:24 p.m.
BVSWMA Board Appointment
The council voted 6-0-1 to reappoint Councilman John Nichols to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s board of directors. Nichols abstained from the vote.
9:24 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
9:24 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Monday, Oct. 7.
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (July 11)
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, July 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.
5:17 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of the 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. No items were pulled for workshop discussion.
5:44 p.m.
Legislative Update
The council reviewed the recent Texas legislative session, including items affecting the city’s budget process.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:13 p.m.
Community Development Grants
The council discussed the FY20 Community Development Budget and Action Plan. Funding available in the FY20 budget totals $2.9 million, including new federal Community Development Block Grants of about $1.2 million and HOME Investment Partnership Grants of $473,289.
The funds may only be used to benefit low- and moderate-income people, aid in the elimination of slum and blighting influences, or meet an urgent need.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:16 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.
6:24 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:49 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Eight people 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 Army Capt. Orlando A. Bonilla as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 27-year-old Killeen native died on Jan. 28, 2005, in a helicopter accident near Baghdad, Iraq.
- Diane Davis, Julian McMurrey, Patsy Johnson, and Michelle Raisor spoke about Thomas Park and the restoration of the pool.
- Donald Deere spoke about the removal of street parking in his neighborhood.
- Brian Alg spoke against using taxpayer funds for a proposed YMCA.
- Donna Lamkin spoke about the removal of street parking in the Camelot neighborhood.
6:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An estimated annual expenditure of $121,000 for water meters from National Meter & Automation.
- Renewal of an annual estimated $200,000 contract with Spherion Staffing for temporary personnel services.
- A $112,225.40 change order for the contract with Garney Construction for Well No. 9.
- Annual price agreement renewals not to exceed $1.9 million with Knife River ($1.49 Million) and BPI Materials ($438,000) for hot mix asphalt for street maintenance.
6:57 p.m.
Graham Road Speed Limit
The council voted unanimously to reduce the speed limit on Graham Road from 45 mph to 40. A resident requested the change last fall primarily out of concern for the new school at Graham and Longmire, and the city conducted a speed study in April.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Camelot Parking Removal
The council voted unanimously to removed parking on one side of Langford Street, King Arthur Circle, and Lancelot Circle to allow for emergency vehicle access.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:48 p.m.
City Hall Exterior Design
The council reviewed the proposed exterior design of the new city hall on the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:49 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting.
The council meets again Thursday, July 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!
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:
- Legislative Update: In the workshop, the council will review the recent Texas legislative session, including items affecting the city’s budget process.
- Community Development Grants: The council will have a workshop discussion about the FY20 Community Development Budget and Action Plan, which includes $2.9 million in federal grants.
- Graham Road Speed Limit: In the regular meeting, the council will consider reducing the speed limit on Graham Road from 45 to 40 mph.
- Camelot Parking Removal: The council will consider removing parking from one side of Langford Street, King Arthur Circle, and Lancelot Circle to allow for emergency vehicle access.
- City Hall Exterior Design: The council will take a look at the proposed exterior design of the new city hall planned on the site of the existing building on Texas Avenue.
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!
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (March 28)
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, March 28. 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.
5:23 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:
- Funding Agreement With TxDOT: In 2018, the city entered into an advanced funding agreement with TxDOT for the construction of intersection improvements Wellborn Road and Deacon Drive. TxDOT has since updated the required resolution language and is requiring that the city adopt the revised resolution. The agreement covers work needed within state right-of-way as part of the Cain/Deacon railroad crossing switch project.
- Wellborn Special Utility District Agreement: The widening and realignment of Royder require the relocation of Wellborn SUD waterlines. To reduce costs and make sure the relocations are completed on the road project schedule, the city will complete the relocations. Wellborn SUD will reimburse the city for the portion of waterline within the state’s right-of-way.
- Police Body Cameras: The five-year obligation of $147,287 adds 17 Axon body cameras and 14 flex cameras to outfit detectives in the Criminal Investigations Division and members of the SWAT team.
5:43 p.m.
Historic Preservation Committee Annual Report
The council reviewed the annual report from the Historic Preservation Committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
5:51 p.m.
Secondhand Dealer Ordinance
The council reviewed a proposed ordinance that would strengthen the consistency of recordkeeping among secondhand dealers, which is defined as those who buy used personal property for resale or lend money on the security of personal property. It includes crafted precious metal dealers and pawnbrokers.
Police say the ordinance will increase the likelihood of intercepting stolen property.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:55 p.m.
NCO Recommendations
The council reviewed recommendations related to the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay zoning district and its associated standards and processes. Since last summer, the council has received additional information related to neighborhood conservation ordinances in Bryan, and the Heart of Southside NCO process has ended.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:57 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.
7:05 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:11 p.m.
Mayor’s Water Conservation Challenge
Mayor Mooney proclaimed the Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation throughout April. The eighth annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is designed to inspire residents to make online pledges to reduce their environmental impact and to reap the savings on their water, sanitation, and electricity bills.
7:15 p.m.
National Public Health Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed next week as National Public Health Week, which has been promoted since 1995 by the American Public Health Association to educate the public, policymakers and public health professionals about issues important to improving public health.
7:24 p.m.
CSFD Class 1 ISO Designation
Representatives from the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the Texas Fire Marshal’s Office officially presented the College Station Fire Department with its Class 1 ISO rating. Most U.S. property insurers use ISO’s Public Protection Classification program to calculate premiums, which are generally lower in communities with a high rating.
Fewer than one percent of the 47,500 fire protection areas in the United States have a Class 1 ISO rating.
Related Blog: CSFD joins elite company with Class 1 ISO rating
7:30 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 2nd Lt. Johnny K. Craver as part of the Fallen Heroes Project. The 37-year-old McKinney native died on Oct. 13, 2006, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baghdad, Iraq.
7:31 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Established a 35 mph speed limit on new sections of Lakeway Drive and Pebble Creek Parkway.
- Added a school zone along Graham Road, Longmire Drive, and Birmingham Road near International Leadership Texas.
- Repealed an old resolution and adopted a new one regarding an advanced funding agreement with the state for intersection improvements at Wellborn Road and Deacon Drive that are part of the Cain/Deacon railroad crossing switch project.
- An inter-local agreement with the Wellborn Special Utility District for its cost participation in the city’s Royder Road Phase II Widening Project.
- A $340,000 contract with Bayer Construction for a traffic signal at the intersection of Texas Avenue and Brothers Boulevard.
- A third change order increasing the master services and purchasing agreement with Axon Enterprise from $1.17 million to $1.3 million for the purchase, support, warranty, and video data storage of police body cameras and in-car video systems.
- An amendment permitting the two appointed citizen members of the Audit Committee to vote on matters before the committee.
- Terminated restrictions under a 1984 general warranty deed on a small tract of land formerly owned by the city in the Chimney Hill Retail Plaza on University Drive.
7:46 p.m.
Koppe Bridge Zoning Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to amend the zoning for Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill on Harvey Road to reduce the landscape buffer and allow additional parking between the restaurant and Harvey Hillsides Creek.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
8:01 p.m.
BioCorridor Zoning Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the zoning for the Research Valley BioCorridor Development Project, which covers about 147 acres between State Highway 47, Raymond Stotzer Parkway, Turkey Creek Parkway, and the city limit. The changes would provide process and design flexibility.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:15 p.m.
Blocks and Streets UDO Amendment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a Unified Development Ordinance amendment to allow more preliminary plans to be approved at the staff level, saving applicants weeks of waiting for a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:36 p.m.
FY19 Bond Authorization
The council voted unanimously to approve the issuance of up to $82 million in FY19 certificates of obligation to fund street, public facilities, electric, water, and wastewater projects, and pay debt issuance costs.
Certificates of obligation are based on the city’s full faith and credit and are paid primarily through the debt service portion of the property tax rate and another funding stream such as utility revenues. The city’s financial advisor recommended the city issue COs for utility projects instead of utility revenue bonds. The utility systems will cover their associated portion of debt service through utility revenues.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:50 p.m.
Francis Drive Emergency Contract
The council voted unanimously to approve a $334,000 emergency construction contract with Larry Young Paving to complete the rehabilitation of Francis Drive from Shady Drive to Glenhaven Drive. The previous contract was terminated, and the emergency contract is necessary to protect public health and safety.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:53 p.m.
General Parkway Extension Change Order
The council voted unanimously to approve a $63,467.50 change order to the contract with Palasota Contracting for the General Parkway Extension North Project, which includes the extension of General Parkway to Cain Road.
At the start of the excavation and embankment operation, the contractor found soft soil and the removal of two inches of soil per specification direction did not remedy the situation. The change order is for the removal of up to three inches of soil with additional stabilization and imported fill to remedy the poor conditions.
The extension of General Parkway will allow for improved transportation flow after the closing of the railroad crossing at Cain Road and Wellborn Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:58 p.m.
City Manager Bryan Woods introduced Barbara Moore and Brian Piscacek as assistants to the city manager. Moore moves over after about 12 years as neighborhood services coordinator, while Piscacek served almost seven years as a community development analyst.
9:01 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, April 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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Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
![gavel[1]](https://cityofcs.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/gavel1.jpg?w=240&h=180)
Here are five items to watch when the College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings: (more…)
