5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager

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

Ringer Library Expansion: The council will hear a workshop presentation on the proposed conceptual design of the voted-approved $8.4 million expansion of the Larry J. Ringer Library.
Street Maintenance Audit: The council will discuss the city auditor’s street maintenance report, including recommendations to address the high turnover rate of skilled employees and how to best maintain construction standards.
CSPD Re-Accreditation: During the regular meeting, the council will recognize the Police Department for the re-accreditation of its law enforcement and communications programs.
Police-Related Consent Items: The consent agenda includes several items related to CSPD, including 65 new Tasers, an upgrade for the department’s existing bomb robot, and the replacement of five 2010 motorcycles. A federal grant will pay for the robot upgrade.
Arts Council Building Agreement: The council will consider extending the use agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley regarding the city-owned building at 2275 Dartmouth Dr. The agreement is for a one-year extension with an option for an additional year as the organization continues its plans for a new location.

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City Council, Public Communications

Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Sept. 22)

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Office

This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, Sept. 22. It’s not the official minutes.

Both meetings are being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and can also be watched online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.

5:31 p.m. Continue reading “Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Sept. 22)”

City Council, Public Communications

Five things to watch at Monday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Public Communications Office

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

Proclamations: The mayor will present proclamations in recognition of Alzheimer’s Awareness Day and Mental Illness Week.
Police Tasers and Body Cameras: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider providing bicycle and motorcycle police officers with body cameras and deploying additional Tasers on patrol.
FY14 Budget Amendment: After a public hearing, the council will consider a $7.66 million amendment to the FY14 budget, most of which would come from the Electric Utility Fund to cover higher-than-expected purchased power and wheeling charges. Wheeling is the transfer of electrical power from another utility’s service area. For complete details on the budget amendment, see pages 201-202 in the regular meeting packet.
Comp Plan Evaluation: After a public hearing, the council will consider the Comprehensive Plan Five-Year Evaluation and Appraisal Report, which includes recommended modifications. Public outreach included an online survey, a public open house meeting, focus groups, and a public review.
FY15 Budget and Tax Rate: The council will consider adopting the city’s $253.1 million FY15 budget and a 6-cent increase in the property tax rate. Public hearings were held on Sept. 3 and Sept. 11. The new tax rate would be 45.25 cents per $100 valuation.

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