Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (March 9)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, March 9. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting can be watched live on Suddenlink channel 19 or online.
5:33 p.m.
The workshop has started.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to the city manager’s contract.
5:41 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled this item for discussion from the regular meeting’s consent agenda:
- Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures: The Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures ensure that the city’s financial disclosures are fair and accurate, comply with applicable federal and state securities laws, satisfy contractual obligations, and promote best practices related to financial disclosures.
5:51 p.m.
Annual Financial Reports
The council unanimously voted to accept the city’s 2019 audit reports and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, which provides a summary of the city’s financial position through Sept. 30, 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
5:55 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.
6:08 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:12 p.m.
National Social Work Month
Mayor Mooney proclaimed March as National Social Work Month to honor the powerful impact the social work profession has had on society for generations.
6:15 p.m.
Histotechnology Professions Day
The mayor proclaimed March 10 as Histotechnology Professions Day to recognize the scientific and technical personnel whose work in the clinical laboratory gives our nation the best possible health care.
6:19 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.
- Hugh Lindsey asked the city to clean up a messy lot on Francis Drive.
6:20 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The annual purchase not to exceed $103,150 for of replacement outdoor breakers for substations.
- The annual price agreement of $358,770 with KBS Electric Distribution for electric single-phase transformers.
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s Continuing Disclosure Policy and Procedures.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- An annual contract not-to-exceed $155,000 with Emergicon to provide ambulance billing, accounts receivable and delinquent account collection services.
6:23 p.m.
Cooner Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to abandon part of a 10-foot and 15-foot Public Utility Easement in the Cooner Addition to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:35 p.m.
Creek Meadows Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve a request to change the base zoning from Townhouse with attached single-family homes to General Suburban with detached single-family homes for about 15 acres at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. The proposed development will blend into the surrounding detached single-family residential phases.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the neighborhood conservation overlay. Two people spoke during the public hearing.
An earlier motion to change the order of the process and remove the final verification passed by a 5-1 vote. Mayor Mooney voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:32 p.m.
Impervious Cover
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-2 to approve amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding impervious cover. Mayor Mooney and Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the motion. Six people spoke during the public hearing in opposition to the changes.
The amendments implement a requirement for the maximum percentage of impervious cover for residential development to address concerns about lot-by-lot redevelopment in older neighborhoods.
An earlier motion by Mayor Mooney to postpone the item until March 26 failed by a 5-1 vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:36 p.m.
Mobile Food Vendors
After a public hearing, the council unanimously voted to clarify existing application requirements for mobile food vendors regarding location, fire prevention, solid waste, and wastewater disposal. The modifications will simplify the application and renewal process, and bring the permit denial, suspension, revocation, and appeal processes into compliance with other permit types.
The amendments apply to new and renewing applications.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:45 p.m.
City Hall Construction Manager at Risk
The council unanimously voted to approve an amendment to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $1,332,208 for site work for the new city hall. The new municipal building will be a three-story, 79,000-square-foot facility incorporating several departments into a central location. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:07 p.m.
Francis Drive Rehabilitation Project
The council unanimously voted to approve a $2.64 million contract with Larry Young Paving to replace the pavement with concrete on Francis Drive from Munson Avenue to Shady Lane (remaining from Phase 1) and Walton Drive to Munson (Phase 2). The project also replaces the sidewalk and includes water, wastewater, and drainage improvements.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
9:17 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, March 26.
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 Monday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Monday at city hall for its workshop (about 5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Annual Financial Report: In the workshop, the council will receive the city’s 2019 audit reports and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The reports provide a summary of the city’s financial position as of Sept. 30.
- Creek Meadows Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the base zoning from Townhouse with attached single-family homes to General Suburban with detached single-family homes for about 15 acres at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. The proposed development would blend into the surrounding detached single-family residential phases.
- UDO Amendments: After public hearings, the council will consider amendments to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay and impervious cover.
- Construction Manager at Risk: The council will consider Amendment No. 1 to the construction manager at risk contract with Core Construction that accepts the guaranteed maximum price of $1,332,208 for site work for the new city hall.
- Francis Drive Rehabilitation: The council will consider a $2.63 million contract with Larry Young Paving for replacing the pavement on Francis Drive with concrete from Munson Avenue to Shady Lane (remaining from Phase 1) and Walton Drive to Munson (Phase 2). The project also will replace the sidewalk and includes water, wastewater, and drainage improvements.
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!
Proposed amendment addresses impervious cover
By Anthony Armstrong, Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager
Driveways, parking, and accessory areas are a necessary part of any residential development. Unfortunately, if they cover too much ground, these water-limiting – or impervious – surfaces can often wreak havoc through flooding and erosion.
Impervious surfaces are any materials or construction that limit the absorption of water by covering the natural land surface. Materials used for landscaping in non-loadbearing areas aren’t considered impervious surfaces.
In College Station, the problem has emerged as the city has grown, especially in the redevelopment of lots in older neighborhoods that lack modern drainage and retention capabilities. Existing city regulations don’t limit impervious surfaces, which means residential lots can be completely or mostly covered.
A proposed amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance would provide a maximum percentage of a lot that may have an impervious cover. The percentages vary and would be implemented and assessed based on the zoning district, or a detailed engineered design.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the amendment at its next meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20, followed by city council action on March 9. Both meetings will include a public hearing.
Newer neighborhoods with detention assume a certain amount of impervious surfacing when designed. The proposed amendment would allow them to abide by those assumptions.
The regulations would apply only to residential zoning districts and would not include multi-family and mixed-use zoning designations. Those zoning districts and commercial/non-residential districts would still require a detailed drainage analysis of individual lots as part of the permitting process.
Here are the proposed redline changes in the UDO:
- Section 5.2 Residential Dimensional Standards Redline
- Section 5.6 Retired Dimensional Standards Redline
- Section 6.5 Accessory Uses Redline
- Section 11.2 Defined Terms Redline
About the Blogger
Anthony Armstrong PE has been with the city since 2016 and is in his first year as Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager. A native of Bulverde, Anthony served as an engineer with CME Testing and Engineering after earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 2015.
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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!
Live Blog: Tuesday’s city council meetings (Dec. 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Tuesday, Dec. 10. 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.
5:52 p.m.
The workshop has started. The council took no action out of its executive session.
5:58 p.m.
Consent Agenda Discussion
The council pulled no items for discussion from tonight’s consent agenda.
- Preston Cunha spoke about the need for a voting place on the Texas A&M campus for the upcoming city council special election.
5:59 p.m.
Mayor Pro Tem
The council voted unanimously to select Councilman Linda Harvell to a second term as mayor pro tempore, which acts as mayor when the mayor is absent.
6:20 p.m.
Utility Franchise Fees
The council discussed franchise fees the city collects for utility services. The presentation included an overview of providers, service areas, and revenues.
Here’s the PowerPoint Presentation:
6:34 p.m.
New City Hall Design
The council reviewed the exterior design of the new city hall to be built near the existing facility on Texas Avenue.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:36 p.m.
After the council discussed its calendar, Mayor Karl Mooney adjourned the workshop. The regular meeting will start after a 15-minute break.
6:52 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:58 p.m.
La Villita DAR Week
The mayor proclaimed this week as La Villita Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution Week.
7:03 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.
- Janet Dudding, a candidate for Texas House of Representatives District 14, spoke about local control of issues and coordination with state government.
7:06 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- Renewal of the contract with CHI St. Joseph Health for Employee Health Clinic operations and management services.
- An agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for construction, maintenance, and operation of continuous lighting systems.
- The reappointment of Brian Hilton as the city’s emergency management coordinator.
- A $2.13 million contract with Caprock Construction for the demolition and reconstruction of three facilities at Bee Creek Park and Central Park.
- Adoption of the 2020 Council Calendar.
- A $633,067.84 contract with Mitchell & Morgan for design phase services for Corporate Parkway.
The council voted separately on this item:
- The council voted unanimously to authorize a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the remaining two years of Place 4 on the city council.
7:13 p.m.
Annexation Service Agreement
The council voted unanimously to approve an annexation service agreement for about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The property owner requested the annexation, which is the next item on tonight’s agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:14 p.m.
Wellborn Road Annexation
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a property owner’s request for the city to annex about four acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Barron Cut-Off and McCullough Road. The owner has an interest in selling the property for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:17 p.m.
Crescent Pointe Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 10-foot wide portion of a public utility easement in the Crescent Pointe Phase One subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:23 p.m.
Wellborn Road Land Use
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the land use from Suburban Commercial to General Commercial for about 1.8 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road. The change better aligns the property with the area’s existing uses.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:26 p.m.
Wellborn Road Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Commercial and Rural to Suburban Commercial and General Commercial for about 1.5 acres on the east side of Wellborn Road between Rock Prairie Road and Graham Road.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:32 p.m.
2019 Comp Plan, UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the annual review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance. The document highlights the city’s major initiatives in 2019.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:42 p.m.
Systemwide Impact Fees
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to accept the semi-annual report on systemwide water, wastewater, and roadway impact fees. Full fee implementation occurred in late 2018. The service area for roadway impact fees is within the city limits, but the water and wastewater service area include parts of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:39 p.m.
NCO Process Handbook
The council voted unanimously to accept the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Process Handbook, which was created to help neighborhoods through the overlay zoning process. The handbook outlines the responsibilities of the neighborhood and the city and includes checklists and templates for rezoning petitions, neighborhood meeting agendas, and meeting minutes.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:42 p.m.
Council Committees and Commissions
The council appointed fellow councilmembers to represent the city on various intergovernmental and community committees.
8:49 p.m.
After the council discussed future agenda items, Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 9.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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!
