Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (Feb. 8)
(L-R): Bob Brick, Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, Karl Mooney (mayor), John Nichols, Barry Moore, James Benham.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Feb. 8. 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.
5:43 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:44 p.m.
Gilman Appointed Interim City Manager
The council unanimously appointed Chuck Gilman as interim city manager, effective April 1. Gilman has been deputy city manager since 2014. Before that, Gilman served as the city’s public works director. He will fill the role vacated by Kelly Templin, who will leave at the end of March to become director of the RELLIS Campus for the Texas A&M University System.
6:10 p.m.
Texas Weekend of Remembrance
The council unanimously endorsed the Texas Weekend of Remembrance, a special event scheduled for Memorial Day weekend (May 25-27).
The event will be a time for military members, veterans, and their families to come together and honor the memory of their lost loved ones through camaraderie and commemoration of their sacrifice. The TWR could become a precursor to Memorial Day and restore its original intent by allowing everyone to show their pride and respect to the men and women who have paid the ultimate price.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:16 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:
- Electric Switchgear: The not-to-exceed $539,000 bid award to Techline is for the annual purchase of pad-mounted 15 kV solid dielectric switchgear.
- Southeast Park Design Project: The $1.22 million contract with Halff Associates is for design and construction phase services for the Southeast Park Project. The facility will ultimately include 8 ballfields with associated infrastructure and amenities. The contract provides construction services for Phase 1, which is proposed to include four ballfields. The overall project will be funded by $6 million in certificates of obligation and $4 million in hotel occupancy tax revenue. The debt for the project hasn’t been issued, but expenditure in advance of issuance was authorized by the council in November.
6:17 p.m.
Mayor Mooney suspended the workshop, which will resume after the regular meeting.
6:17 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:25 p.m.
CSHS State Championship Football Team
The council recognized College Station High School’s state champion football team. The Cougars began their 2017 season with a 1-2 record but won its remaining 13 games to finish the year at 14-2. The Cougars defeated Aledo High School, 20-19, in the 5A-Division II state championship game on Dec. 23 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The district opened the doors of College Station High School not six years ago and did not achieve full enrollment until the 2014-15 school year.
6:30 p.m.
2-1-1 Day
The mayor, acting on behalf of the City of Bryan and Brazos County, proclaimed Feb. 11 as 2-1-1 Day. 2-1-1 Texas is a program of United Way of the Brazos Valley in partnership with the State of Texas Health and Human Service Commission.
6:32 p.m.
Shen Yun Performance Day
The mayor proclaimed Feb. 13 as Shen Yun Performance Day.
6:41 p.m.
Science and Technology LEGO League
The council heard a presentation from the Science and Technology LEGO League about a water conservation app. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney are members of H2Owls (l-r): Yura Song, Sami Mahapatra, Izzy Toth, Miriam Demlow, Bowen Tian and Claire Connally.
6:50 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke as part of Hear Visitors when citizens address the council on items that don’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilman James Benham recognized Army Lt. Tim Cunningham as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 26-year-old College Station native died April 23, 2008, in a vehicle accident in Balad, Iraq.
- Morgan Heien spoke against item 2f on tonight’s consent agenda, which would remove parking along one side of Oney Hervey Drive.
- Larry Johnson spoke in favor of item 2f on tonight’s consent agenda, which would remove parking along one side of Oney Hervey Drive.
6:51 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A not-to-exceed bid award of $539,000 to Techline for the annual purchase of pad-mounted 15 kV solid dielectric switchgear.
- A contract amendment for PGAL to use the Construction Manager-at-Risk project delivery method for the design of the new police headquarters.
- A $109,060 bid award to Techline for materials related to transmission pole replacement.
- An advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for voluntary local government contributions to transportation improvement projects with no required match for the FM 2818 Widening Project.
- Removed parking on the west side of Oney Harvey Drive to the end of the road, on the east side from Holleman Drive to 140 feet down the east side of Oney Harvey Drive, on the north side of Southland Street to the end of the road, and from Wellborn Road to 125 feet down the south side of Southland Street.
- A change order reducing reduction the contract with Larry Young Paving by $253,599.11 for the Royder Road Expansion Project.
- A $1.22 million contract with Halff Associates for design and construction phase services for the Southeast Park Project.
- An annual not-to-exceed $150,000 contract with All-Around Tree Service for landscaping and tree trimming and removal services.
- The annual traffic contact report required by the state.
6:58 p.m.
Angry Elephant Conditional Use Permit
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a conditional use permit for a bar called the Angry Elephant in an existing commercial space at 650 William D. Fitch Parkway, which is near the southwest corner of the intersection with Arrington Road. Councilman Barry Moore recused himself from the vote.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:16 p.m.
Comp Plan Amendment and Rezoning Criteria
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the criteria used in considering Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezonings. An earlier amendment to change some of the wording in the amendment also passed unanimously.
No criteria in the UDO assists applicants and guides decision makers in their consideration to amend the Comprehensive Plan. The questions asked of applicants are taken from guidance provided by the Comprehensive Plan to analyze amendment requests. While the amendment adds language to the UDO, it offers predictable expectations for applicants, and sound decision points to policymakers when considering changes to the city’s long-range plan.
The criteria in the UDO for rezonings have been criticized for being difficult to understand and confusing to apply. The amendment is intended to establish clear standards for rezoning with less redundancy.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:20 p.m.
Wolf Pen Creek Design District
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve criteria for administrative approval of site plans, buildings, and signs in the Wolf Pen Creek Design District. The changes are intended to streamline the development review process.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:36 p.m.
FY18 Budget Amendment No. 1
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s FY18 budget by $3,079,541 and to increase the full-time employee count by two. A $54,000 inter-fund transfer was also included.
See pages 104-105 of the regular meeting packet for more details of the budget amendment.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:47 p.m.
Board and Committee Appointments
The council voted unanimously to make these appointments:
- Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeal: Joseph Fix, Janet Kountakis, Bill Mather, James Sharp, Rachel Smith, Elianor Vessali (alternate).
- Design Review Board: Ray Holliday.
- Historic Preservation Committee: Gerald Blackmon, Gerald Burgner (chair), Shirley Dupriest, Helen Frisk, Louis Hodges, William Wright.
- Joint Relief Funding Review Committee: Nancy Berry, Chace Murphy.
- Zoning Board of Adjustments: Howard Mayne, James Sharp (alternate).
7:49 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
7:49 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the regular meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
7:59 p.m.
The workshop has resumed.
8:12 p.m.
Capital Improvement Plan Update
The council discussed the status of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, including projects recommended by the Citizen Advisory Committee.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:23 p.m.
Krenek Tap Overlay
The consensus of the council was to move forward with a city-initiated rezoning to remove the Krenek Tap Overlay zoning district. The concept of deleting the zoning district from the city’s Unified Development Ordinance requires the rezoning of properties under the overlay to remove its application.
The Krenek Tap Overlay zoning district was adopted in 2004 to enhance the views along Krenek Tap Road and create a sense of identity for the city, not only along the municipal property but along Krenek Tap Road. At the time, the city was pursuing a City Centre Concept for the development of the municipal property.
The overlay heightens the development standards for properties along Krenek Tap — including single-family — by requiring parking behind structures and limitations on façade and fence materials and roof and signage options. The overlay is applied to properties from the Krenek Tap right-of-way and back 750 feet in each direction.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:36 p.m.
Public Hearing Notifications
The council discussed community notification requirements and practices for cases involving a public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:46 p.m.
Non-Residential Landscaping Standards
The council discussed the city’s non-residential landscaping requirements, including streetscaping, buffer standards, and options for encouraging water conservation.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:49 p.m.
Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition
The consensus of the council was to provide a budget for a council representative to attend meetings of the Gulf Coast Strategic Highway Coalition. The estimated cost would be about $900, which includes airfare and hotel accommodations but not meals.
8:53 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports. The council meets again on Thursday, Feb. 22.
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 (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Capital Improvement Projects: In the workshop, the council will discuss the status of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan, including projects recommended by the Citizen Advisory Committee.
- Public Hearing Notifications: The council will have a workshop discussion about community notification practices for rezoning and other cases that involve a public hearing.
- Non-Residential Landscaping Standards: Another workshop item is a review of recommendations regarding the city’s landscaping requirements, including streetscaping, buffer standards, and options to encourage water conservation.
- Southeast Park Design Contract: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $1.22 million contract for design and construction phase services related to Southeast Community Park on the south side of Rock Prairie Road near the old landfill. The project includes the development of eight ballfields with associated infrastructure and amenities.
- Conditional Use Permit on Fitch: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request for a conditional use permit for a bar in an existing commercial building west of the intersection of William D. Fitch Parkway and Arrington Road.
At the start of the regular meeting, the council will recognize College Station High School’s state champion football team.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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 (Jan. 11)
(Standing, L-R): Bob Brick, Jerome Rektorik, John Nichols, James Benham. (Sitting, L-R): Linda Harvell, Karl Mooney (mayor), Barry Moore.
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. 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.
5:51 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
6:13 p.m.
Affordable Housing Developments
The consensus of the council was to support an affordable housing development through the state’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit. The city received proposals for six senior developments and one family development. A resolution of support for the application is part of tonight’s consent agenda.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:14 p.m.
The workshop has been suspended and will resume after the regular meeting.
6:14 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:21 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Two people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Councilman James Benham recognized Army Capt. Eric A. Allton as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial The 34-year-old Houston native died Sept. 26, 2004, when he was struck by a mortar round in Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
- Nate Tidwell invited the council to join the Red Cross on Saturday, Jan. 20 to promote smoke alarm safety.
6:33 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve these consent agenda items:
- A change order of $55,043 to a construction contract with Acklam Construction for additions or modifications related to ADA compliance and other improvements in The Barracks Park.
- A $486,761 contract with Palasota Contracting for electric conduit bores across TXDOT right-of-ways.
- The purchase of three police motorcycles for $61,204.50 from The Ranch Harley Davidson, along with an additional one-year extended warranty ($2,754) and the trade-in of three 2015 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycles for $18,000.
- A contract not to exceed $1.36 million with Palasota Contracting for concrete curb, gutter and flatwork installation to maintain city infrastructure.
- A change order of $97,584.48 to a contract with Brazos Paving for concrete curb, gutter, and flatwork.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Brazos Valley Recycling for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- An inter-local agreement transferring surplus radio equipment from the City of College Station to the Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
- The second amendment to the Axon Master Services and Purchase Agreement, increasing the term from five to seven years, increasing the contract value from $706,186.31 to $1,166,698.62, and adding new in-car video camera system hardware, including implementation, warranty, and data storage.
This consent item was pulled for a separate vote:
- The council voted unanimously to approve a resolution of support for The Huntington at College Station’s application to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for a 9 percent housing tax credit.
6:44 p.m.
Science Park Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 70-foot wide street and public utility easement in the Science Park Subdivision to allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:46 p.m.
Willow Branch/Oakwood Easement Abandonment
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to abandon a 7,086 square-foot portion of a 10-foot wide public utility easement on the Willow Branch and Oakwood school sites.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:58 p.m.
UDO Amendment – Nonconforming Uses
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide additional flexibility and leniency on non-conforming uses and structures.
A non-conforming use or structure are properties developed under a previous set of regulations but don’t comply with the Unified Development Ordinance. Allowing for a broader range of modifications can encourage incremental infill and redevelopment, especially on challenging sites.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:00 p.m.
Southside Plaza Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to General Commercial and Natural Areas Protected for 2.26 acres at 4075 State Hwy. 6 South, which is the site of the former Silk Stocking nightclub. The change will allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:05 p.m.
University Heights Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Multi-Family to General Commercial for about 5 acres along Holleman Drive between Paloma Ridge Drive and Kenyon Drive. The change will allow for development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:24 p.m.
Spring Creek Gardens Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to change the zoning from Office to Planned Development District for about 1½ acres at 4320 Decatur Dr. The change will allow for the development of a self-storage facility.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:39 p.m.
Annual Comp Plan/UDO Review
After a public hearing, the council accepted the yearly review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:54 p.m.
Citizen Committee Appointments
The council made citizen appointments to represent the city on various boards and committees. We’ll fill in the appointment list after the meeting.
Architectural Advisory Committee: Bradford Brimley and Ward Wells
B-CS Library Committee: Larry Ringer (chair) and Daniel Rudge
Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenways Advisory Board: TBA
Design Review Board: Jesse Durden
Parks & Recreation Board: Michael Bota, Joel Cantrell, Paul Dyson, Megan Fuentes, and Madeline Giroir
Planning & Zoning Commission: Dennis Christiansen, Jane Chair (chair), Casey Oldham, and Elianor Vessali
Zoning Board of Adjustments: Randal Allison (alternate), Sherri Echols, Justin Lopez, Howard Mayne (alternate), and Keith Roberts (chair)
7:54 p.m.
Arts Council Appointment
The council voted unanimously to reappoint Patricia Burchfield to another term on the Arts Council board.
7:55 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items, and Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The workshop will resume after a short break.
8:04 p.m.
The workshop has resumed. Mayor Mooney announced that the items regarding the procurement card audit and the neighborhood conservation overlay districts have been moved to the Jan. 25 meeting.
8:25 p.m.
New Police Station Design
The council voted unanimously to approve the final design concept for the new $28 million police facility at the corner or Krenek Tap Road and Dartmouth Street.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:30 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar and received committee reports.
The council meets again on Thursday, Jan. 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 first workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings of the new year.
Here are five items to watch:
- Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts: In the workshop, the council will discuss additional flexibility for the single-family Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District. The proposed changes would allow more customization to better target neighborhood issues without overregulating other areas.
- Low Income Housing Tax Credits: The council will hear a workshop presentation about the need for more affordable rental units in College Station, summaries of Fair Housing requirements and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, and recent development proposals.
- New Police Station Design: The council will hear a workshop update about the latest design concept for the new police station.
- Southside Plaza Rezoning: After a public hearing in the regular meeting, the council will consider a request to rezone just over two acres at 4075 State Highway South to allow for development. The property is the former site of the Silk Stocking nightclub.
- Nonconforming Structures: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide flexibility for non-conforming uses and structures. Non-conforming properties are those that were developed under previous regulations but no longer comply with the UDO.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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!
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 final workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meeting of 2017. Here are five items to watch:
- Planned Development Zoning Districts: In the workshop, the council will hear a presentation about Planned Development zoning districts and the role of associated concept plans.
- Privatizing Solid Waste Services: The council will hear a workshop report about the possible privatization of the city’s solid waste services.
- Francis Drive Rehabilitation: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $3.7 million construction contract for the rehabilitation of Francis Drive from Munson to Glenhaven and from Walton to Munson.
- University Drive Pedestrian Improvements: Also on the consent agenda is a $6 million construction contract for Phase II of pedestrian improvements along University Drive from College Main to South College Avenue/Bizzell Street.
- Preliminary Plan Streamlining: After a public hearing in the regular meeting, the council will consider amending the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to allow preliminary plans to be approved administratively. The change would help streamline the development review process.
Before the workshop, the council will host the annual employee recognition ceremony, which will include the city’s employee of the year and years-of-service awards.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 or online. We’ll post a detailed live blog on this site.
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 (Oct. 12)
Back (L-R): Linda Harvell, Jerome Rektorik, James Benham, Barry Moore. Front (L-R): Blanche Brick, Mayor Karl Mooney, Julie Schultz.
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, Oct. 12. It’s not the official minutes.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD), or online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:31 p.m.
The workshop has started. Council took no action on items discussed in executive session.
6:38 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:
- Investment Policy: The Public Funds Investment Act requires an annual review and approval of the city’s investment policy and investment strategies. The act further requires that the governing body adopt a written instrument by rule, order, ordinance, or resolution stating that it has reviewed the investment policy and investment strategies and that the written instrument so adopted records any changes to either the investment policy or investment strategies. The City of College Station adopted an irrevocable OPEB trust on Sept. 11 and added to the investment strategy is the investment guideline for this trust.
- Rio Grande Subdivision Parking Removal: This ordinance removes on-street parking on the northeast side of Little River Street beginning at the intersection of Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and extending 175 feet northwest to the intersection with a private alley.
- Cordova Ridge Subdivision Parking Removal: This ordinance removes on-street parking on the northwest side of Cordova Ridge Court beginning at the intersection of Renee Lane and extending 640 feet southwest into its cul-de-sac.
7:05 p.m.
Water Conservation Update
The council heard a presentation by Texas A&M Professor Ron Kaiser, who has developed diagnostics to estimate how much water has been saved by local water conservation efforts. Kaiser provided a summary of significant achievements and ongoing programs.
He said the BVWaterSmart website and weekly notifications have played a significant role in reducing the amount of water wasted by overwatering landscapes.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:08 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.
7:18 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:24 p.m.
Municipal Courts Week
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Nov. 6-10 as Municipal Courts Week to recognize the importance of municipal courts, the rule of law, and the fair and impartial administration of justice. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney are Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane and the municipal court staff.
7:28 p.m.
Fill the Boot for MDS
Mayor Mooney recognized the College Station Fire Department for its participation in the recent Fill the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy event. Mooney proclaimed Oct. 26-28 as Fill The Boot Days in College Station. For more than 60 years, Fill the Boot has been a national firefighter tradition that gives hope and support to families affected by muscular dystrophy. Pictured below with Mayor Mooney are representatives of the College Station Fire Department.
7:37 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. John Ellison spoke about the poor behavior he frequently witnesses on weekends in Northgate.
7:38 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- Renewal of a not-to-exceed $150,000 contract with Hilltop Securities for financial advisory services.
- A $25,000 funding agreement with the Memorial for all Veterans of the Brazos Valley and its annual budget.
- A $350,000 funding agreement with the Research Valley Partnership.
- A $15,000 funding agreement with the College Station Noon Lions Club.
- A $390,868 funding agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley for art and tourism marketing.
- A $25,000 funding agreement with the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and its annual budget.
- A $114,376 funding agreement with Easterwood Airport and its annual budget.
- A $325,000 funding agreement with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley and its annual budget.
- A $2,280,236 tri-party funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau and its annual budget. College Station’s share is $1,846,991 and Bryan’s is $433,245.
- A $49,190 funding agreement with Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- Estimated awards totaling $130,000 to CC Creations ($65,000) and M&M Apparel ($65,000) for city-branded uniforms.
- A $400,000 funding agreement with the Brazos Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau to administer its grant program.
- A $3.29 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Eastgate Rehab PH IV
- Project.
- A $301,495 contract with Binkley & Barfield for engineering services related to the preliminary design of the Greens Prairie Road and Greens Prairie Trail projects.
- A $258,200 contract with Freese and Nichols for the Drainage Capital Plan.
- A resolution stating that the city council has reviewed and approved the city’s investment policy, broker-dealer list, and investment strategy.
- Annual water meter purchases estimated to be $166,078.27 from Aqua Metric Sales Company through the Houston-Galveston Area Council contract.
- Removed parking on the northeast side of Little River Street beginning at the intersection with Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and extending 175 feet northwest to the intersection with a private alley.
- Removed parking on the northwest side of Cordova Ridge Court beginning at the intersection with Renee Lane and extending 640 feet southwest into its cul-de-sac.
- An amendment removing contradictory language from a Community Development Block Grant funding contract with Brazos Valley Community Action Programs for affordable rental activity at 1112 Waynesboro Ct.
- An amendment removing contradictory language from a Community Development Block Grant funding contract with Twin City Mission for affordable rental activity at 2404 Blanco Dr.
- An ordinance amendment to allow the CSPD SWAT team to have key box access.
7:58 p.m.
Northpoint Crossing Modification
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a request to modify the concept plan of the existing Planned Development District at Northpoint Crossing. The change will reduce the width of sidewalks along Northpoint Crossing Drive to allow for the redesign of head-in parking and improve site identification and wayfinding.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
9:22 p.m.
Arrington Road Thoroughfare Alignment
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 to approve a request to realign a future minor collector with Harpers Ferry Road at the intersection with Arrington Road. Councilwomen Blanche Brick and Linda Harvell voted against the motion. Brazos County is reconstructing a portion of Arrington and requested the Thoroughfare Plan amendment to improve safety and efficiency in the corridor.
An earlier motion to delay the vote until additional information could be obtained failed by a 5-2 vote. Brick and Harvell supported that motion.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
9:22 p.m.
The council is taking a short break.
9:32 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:38 p.m.
Roadway Impact Fee Collection Rate
After a public hearing, the council voted 5-2 against reducing the roadway impact fee collection rate to zero. Councilwoman Julie Schultz and Councilman James Benham voted for the motion. The action would have reduced anticipated revenue for roadway capital improvement projects by about $12 million over the next decade.
The council adopted the one-time fees last year on new development to help mitigate the estimated $134 million in capital improvements needed in the next 10 years. Maximum fees were adopted with a lower collection rate phased in over a three-year period, with the initial fees scheduled to start Dec. 1. The adopted collection rate is about 9 percent of the maximum identified by state law.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:00 p.m.
Parkland Dedication Comp Plan Amendments
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Comprehensive Plan to revise neighborhood and community park zones.
The amendments change neighborhood park zones to no longer include College Station’s extraterritorial jurisdiction and to combine some of the zones. The changes also reduce community park zones from four areas to two by combining Zones A & B into one zone west of Highway 6 and combining Zones C & D into another zone east of Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:30 p.m.
Parkland Dedication UDO Revisions
After a public hearing, the council voted for staff to bring back reworded revisions to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance regarding the broader use of Parkland Dedication Fees.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
11:39 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
11:39 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, Oct. 26.
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 done extensive volunteer work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and 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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