Video: How the city determines speed limits
In this episode of “Actually…,” City Traffic Engineer Troy Rother explains how the city determines speed limits on our roadways.
– Public Communications Office
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Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Sept. 24)
Standing (L-R): John Crompton, Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney. Sitting (L-R): Linda Harvell, Mayor Karl Mooney, John Nichols.
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. 24. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings are streamed live 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 980 8998 1712. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom. If the call-in number isn’t functioning, access will be through the internet link only.
4:18 p.m.
The workshop has started.
4:52 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled for discussion these items from tonight’s consent agenda:
- Fees, Rates, and Charges: The council adopts a new resolution each year to keep current the city’s fees, rates, and charges as provided by the Code of Ordinances.
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Madden Media Contract: Experience Bryan College Station has been working with Madden Media for the past year and a half. Madden has performed digital advertising for all three tourism markets as well as search engine optimization and search engine marketing. With the dissolution of Experience BCS, and per consultation with the City of College Station Public Communications Department, Madden Media has been selected to continue digital marketing and advertising efforts an additional year for an amount not to exceed $336,520.
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Property Casualty, Excess General Liability and Excess Workers’ Compensation: Overall insurance premiums for FY 21 increased $138,783.45 over FY20, or about 24.3%.
- Arts Council Agreement: The $358,178 in this agreement is budgeted in the 2020-2021 Hotel Tax Fund budget. State law requires that the city council adopt the budget of any organization that is to be funded through hotel tax revenue. The Arts Council budget was presented for approval with the operations and maintenance funding agreement consent agenda item.
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Sewer Service Policy Exception for James Rourk: Mr. Rourk asked the city to provide sanitary sewer service to a home outside the city limits and within the certificated area for sewer. He has consented to bear all infrastructure cost for connecting to the city system. City policy prohibits the extension of sewer service outside the city limits without annexation, but it does allow exceptions under specific circumstances. In 2006, the Water Services Department constructed an adjacent sewer line and has allowed other exceptions.
5:38 p.m.
TxDOT Projects
The council discussed the Texas Department of Transportation’s projects in College Station.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:39 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
6:03 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
6:37 p.m.
Veterans Park Enhancements
The council discussed future enhancements to Veterans Park & Athletic Complex.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:38 p.m.
Definitions of Family and Related
The council discussed possible modifications to the city’s definition and enforcement of the terms “family” and “related” as they apply to the number of unrelated persons that may reside together. The consensus of the council was to make the definitions more inclusive.
Public hearings will be conducted in the fall before the council adopts the new definitions. Meanwhile, the development of a restricted occupancy overlay has been put on hold.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
7:40 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.
7:51 p.m.
The workshop has started.
7:55 p.m.
Constitution Week
The mayor proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week.
8:05 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.
- Richard Dusold spoke against building a new Thomas Park swimming pool.
- David Flash said Council Member Linda Harvell has made false statements about him and tried to discredit him. He asked council members to adhere to the Aggie Code of Honor.
- Craig Regan asked that notices be sent to residents when major changes are considered in an area, such as the construction of the new water tower on State Highway 6.
8:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council unanimously voted to approve the entire consent agenda.
- A $321,644.66 contract with Utility Restoration Services for annual padmount equipment repair and restoration.
- A change order deducting $55,700 from a contract with Jones & Carter for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Electrical Improvements Project.
- A resolution adopting fees, rates and charges as provided in the city’s Code of Ordinances.
- A five-year, $657,160 technology services contract with Tyler Technologies for municipal court case management software implementation, licensing and maintenance, and support services.
- A change order adding $119,358 to a contract with Stantec Consulting Services for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Blower Buildings Nos. 2 & 3 project.
- A $287,000 contract with Kimley-Horn for the Rock Prairie Road East Widening Project.
- A resolution approving a negotiated settlement between the Atmos Cities Steering Committee and Atmos Energy Corp., MidTex Division, regarding the company’s 2020 rate review mechanism filings.
- The rejection of bids for the Spring Creek Substation Battery House Enclosure.
- A contract not to exceed $336,520 with Madden Media.
- A $205,000 contract with SynchroGrid for electric consulting and engineering services.
- City of College Station Excess Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property/Boiler & Machinery, Commercial Crime, EMT Liability, Auto Property Damage, Cyber Liability, Unmanned Aircraft liability and property; Special Events policies for Fiscal Year 2021. FY21 premiums for all lines of coverage are not to exceed $710,000.
- The purchase of electric warehouse inventory not to exceed $182,748 from Landis+Gyr Technology for the Automated Metering Infrastructure System.
- A resolution authorizing expenditures of $248,520 to the Aggieland Humane Society.
- A $358,178 agreement with Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for affiliate funding and art and tourism marketing.
- A $91,750 agreement with Arts Council of the Brazos Valley agency funding.
- A $350,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.
- A $22,500 funding agreement with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and the organization’s budget.
- A $46,730 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- A $22,500 funding agreement with the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos
- Valley and the organization’s budget.
- A $143,550 contract with Iteris for services, equipment and software for automated traffic signal performance measures.
- The renewal of two contracts totaling $115,809.50 for sign posts and signs.
- An ordinance reducing the speed limit to 35 mph on North Forest Parkway between State
- Highway 6 and Appomattox Drive.
- A $150,000 sponsorship agreement with Santa’s Wonderland.
8:25 p.m.
The council unanimously voted to approve this item after it was pulled for continued discussion:
- A resolution allowing James Rourk to construct sewer infrastructure necessary to connect his home to the city’s sanitary sewer system as an exception to city policy.
8:26 p.m.
Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report
The council will consider the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report at its Oct. 8 meeting.
8:30 p.m.
Hot Mix Asphalt Contract
The council unanimously voted to approve annual price agreements with Knife River ($1.4 million) and BPI Materials ($600,000) for Type D Hot Mix Asphalt to be picked up by city crews or delivered to the job site as requested for street maintenance.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
8:49 p.m.
Lick Creek Trunk Line Change Order
The council unanimously voted to approve a $571,314.94 change order to the contract with Thalle Construction for the Lick Creek Trunk Line project.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:08 p.m.
Jones Butler Road Extension Design
The council unanimously voted to approve a $1.28 million contract with Kimley-Horn for the design of the Jones Butler Road extension.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
9:10 p.m.
Extension of Disaster Declaration
The council unanimously voted to extend the mayor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration.
9:12 p.m.
BVSWMA Board Appointment
The council voted unanimously to appoint Bill Lartigue to a three-year term on the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency’s Board of Directors.
9:19 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council’s next workshop and regular meetings are set for Thursday, Oct. 8.
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 at city hall on Thursday for its workshop (after 3:30 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings. Public attendance is restricted.
The meetings will be streamed live 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 980 8998 1712. Public comments will be allowed through Zoom. If the call-in number isn’t functioning, access will be through the internet link only.
To address the council via Zoom 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:
- Definitions of Family and Related: The council will have a workshop discussion about possible modifications to the city’s definition and enforcement of the terms “family” and “related” as they apply to the number of unrelated persons that may reside together. While the ew definitions are considered, development of a restricted occupancy overlay has been put on hold.
- Veterans Park Enhancements: The council will hear a workshop presentation about future enhancements to Veterans Park & Athletic Complex.
- TxDOT Projects: Another workshop item is an overview of the Texas Department of Transportation’s projects in College Station.
- North Forest Speed Limit: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider reducing the speed limit to 35 mph on North Forest Parkway between State Highway 6 and Appomattox Drive to address safety concerns.
- Comp Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report: After a public hearing, the council will consider accepting the Comprehensive Plan’s 10-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The report serves identifies the plan’s successes and shortcomings and recommends modifications.
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 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.
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