Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (Sept. 11)
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 Monday, Sept. 11. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD) and online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:31 p.m.
The workshop has started. No action was taken out of executive session.
Workshop Meeting Agenda and Background Materials
6:43 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:
- Westside Community Park: Staff is requesting approval for the $2.5 million purchase of two tracts (48.6 acres and 55.4 acres) and the acceptance of a third tract (7 acres) as a donation to be developed into the Westside Community Park. The property is located on North Dowling Road west of the city. Additional costs will include surveying, environmental reports, title insurance, and closing fees, which are estimated not to exceed $80,000. Funds are budgeted in the Community Park Land Zone B Fund, the Neighborhood Park Land Zone 15 fund, and the Neighborhood Parks Revolving Fund.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
- Rental Registration Ordinance Amendment: In July, staff provided the council with an overview and update on the rental registration program. The council directed staff to eliminate the requirement to renew the registration of a property on an annual basis and instead require only an initial registration. Staff recommended adding an additional requirement to register four-plex and other types of rental units to assist city staff when responding to an issue, violation, or emergency.
Staff reviewed the ordinance as adopted and included changes to clarify information for property owners and residents to better understand which properties are subject to the law. The changes include: The title of the ordinance was revised; the types of properties were added to include single-family, townhome, duplex, triplex, fourplex, five-plex & six-plex; a definition of multi-family dwelling was added; a definition of owner occupied was added; clarification that a new registration is required in the event of a change in ownership; change in local contact information must be reported within 30 days; and fee of $15 charged per building.
- Single-Stream Recycling Agreement: Staff recommends renewal of years 3-5 of a five-year franchise agreement and general services contract with Brazos Valley Recycling for the collection, processing, and marketing of recyclable materials. The city pays an annual cost of $880,000. The provision of recycling collection services and associated public education programs account for $3.18 out of the $14.40 monthly sanitation fee charged to each customer.
- Transportation Network Ordinance Repeal: The governor recently signed HB100 into law to provide a uniform, statewide approach to regulating and permitting transportation network companies through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The law preempts local control by establishing exclusive power and function solely to the state. As such, the city transportation network company ordinance will be repealed.
7:12 p.m.
Council to repeal city’s hands-free ordinance
The council voted 4-3 to direct staff to bring back an ordinance to repeal the existing city law regarding the use of hand-held communication devices while driving. The state legislature recently took action to ban texting and driving statewide. The city’s ordinance prohibits any use of hand-held communication devices while driving.
The discussion also included a review of a study by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on the effectiveness of the city ordinance.
Survey of Wireless Communication Device Use
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:27 p.m.
Long-Term Water Supplies
The council heard a presentation about potential long-term water supplies. College Station’s water comes entirely from groundwater wells. As groundwater reserves are drawn down, the city could be required to reduce its pumping amounts.
Consequently, the city is planning for alternative water supplies that would replace any required cutbacks. Possibilities include direct potable reuse, aquifer storage and recovery, desalination, and surface water.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:28 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.
7:36 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
Regular Meeting Agenda and Background Materials
7:41 p.m.
Laserfiche Excellence Award
Deputy City Secretary Ian Whittenton was recognized for receiving MCCi’s Laserfiche Excellence Award for its innovative use of Laserfiche.
7:43 p.m.
Constitution Week
The mayor proclaimed Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week in commemoration of America’s most important document. The celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1955 when the DAR petitioned Congress to set aside an annual observance. The resolution was adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
7:48 p.m.
Thank a Police Officer Day
Mayor Mooney proclaimed Saturday, Sept. 16 as Thank a Police Officer Day in College Station. The event is promoted by the College Station Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
7:49 p.m.
Hear Visitors
No one signed up to speak during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
7:49 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- An Interlocal agreement with Brazos County and the City of Bryan to apply for and accept a 2017 Justice Assistance Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
- An $11.36 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the Lakeway Drive Project.
- A $2.88 million contract with Larry Young Paving for the Royder Road Expansion Phase 1 Project.
- Temporarily changed the posted speed limit to 25 mph on Royder Road between the city limit to 700 feet north of Backwater Drive during the Royder Road Expansion Phase 1 project.
- A $315,000 contract with Brazos Paving for construction of the culvert and replacement of the water line at the intersection of Dominik and Stallings Drive.
- Awarded a $545,000 contract to C3 Constructors for the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant’s 4 and 5 Blower Improvements.
- A resolution naming the authorized representative on the Public Agency Retirement Services’ Public Agencies Post-Retirement Health Care Plan Trust account.
- An agreement for administrative services with Public Agency Retirement Services in the amount of 0.25 percent of plan assets for financial advisory services on an annual basis, estimated to be $3,250 in this initial year.
- A $230,000 contract with Xpedient Mail for printing and mailing utility bills, late notices, and inserts.
- A three-year Interlocal Agreement with the City of Bryan and Brazos County for the City of College Station to provide Emergency Medical Ambulance Service to Brazos County and to receive payments every quarter.
- The final reading of the recycling collection franchise ordinance and service agreement renewal with Brazos Valley Recycling not to exceed $880,000 or the number of customers times the approved contract rates.
- The acquisition of 110.95 acres to be developed into Westside Community Park.
- A $256,384 contract with Utility Restoration Services for annual padmount equipment repair and restoration.
- An amendment to the city’s Code of Ordinances regarding the working hours for necessary construction.
- An amendment to the city’s Building and Building Regulations and Single-Family and Duplex Unit Rental Registration.
- Repealed the city ordinance regarding Transportation Network Companies after the state legislature passed a bill allowing only the state to regulate transportation network companies.
7:51 p.m.
FY18 Budget Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed $365.5 million budget for FY18, which is scheduled for adoption Sept. 25.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:58 p.m.
FY18 Tax Rate Public Hearing
The council conducted a public hearing on the city’s proposed tax rate for FY18, which is scheduled for adoption Sept. 25. The proposed rate is 49.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, a 2½-cent increase from the current rate.
One person spoke against the tax increase during the public hearing.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:24 p.m.
Fairview Avenue Rezoning at George Bush Drive
After a public hearing, the council voted 4-3 to approve a request to rezone two lots on the south side of Fairview Avenue at the George Bush Drive intersection. Councilwomen Blanche Brick and Linda Harvell joined Mayor Mooney is voted against the motion. The change will allow the relocation of the nearby Aggieland Outfitters store.
Ten people spoke against the zoning change and three for it during the public hearing. One written statement supporting the change also was submitted.
Here are the PowerPoint presentations:
10:24 p.m.
The meeting will resume after a short break.
10:34 p.m.
The meeting has resumed.
10:37 p.m.
UDO Amendment: Utility Easements
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding the location of utility easements. The change is part of efforts to streamline the UDO and will give the city engineer flexibility regarding the location and width of utility easements, which will reduce costs for the developer, staff time for processing waiver requests, and the number of waiver requests considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:40 p.m.
UDO Amendment: Health Clubs
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the UDO to permit health clubs in Commercial Industrial zoning districts. The change allows gyms and exercise facilities to use buildings with a warehouse or industrial character.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
10:40 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
10:40 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Monday, Sept. 25.
About the Author
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 been 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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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 (5:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Park Preserves in ETJ: In the workshop, the council will discuss parkland needs and possibilities in the city’s 3½-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction.
- Traffic Control Center Award: The council will recognize the city’s Traffic Systems and Traffic Engineering divisions for the national award they received for the innovative Traffic Control Center.
- Four-Way Stop at Thomas/Dexter: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a request to add a four-way stop at the intersection of Thomas Street and Dexter Drive to improve safety.
- Water Well No. 9: Also on the consent agenda is a $5.6 million contract for the construction of the city’s ninth water well to add capacity to meet population projections.
- Off-Street Parking Standards: After a public hearing, the council will consider amending the off-street parking standards in the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to provide flexibility and reduce regulatory barriers.
The meetings can be watched live on Suddenlink Channels 19 and 119 (HD), or online. The website includes an archive of previous council meetings. 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 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.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
We’re keeping a close eye on San Antonio water project
By Dave Coleman, Water Services Director
Last October, the San Antonio City Council approved a contract with a joint venture named Vista Ridge to supply 50,000 acre-feet per year of Simsboro aquifer water to the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
Since we rely on the Simsboro aquifer for 99 percent of our drinking water, we’re paying close attention to the project. By comparison, combined water use by College Station, Bryan, and Texas A&M is typically about 36,000 acre-feet per year. All three entities are in the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District.
Vista Ridge is able to offer that much water to SAWS because it’s obtained sufficient well permits from the Post Oak Savannah Groundwater Conservation District (POSGCD). The permits are based on several thousand water rights leases that Vista Ridge has signed with landowners in Burleson County.
Since groundwater is private property in Texas, these landowners are fully within their rights to sell the water under their property.
Desired Future Conditions (more…)
Please don’t respond to heat by watering every day
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
The summer heat wave started a little later than usual this year, but it’s here. If you don’t believe me, you haven’t been outside at mid-afternoon lately.
When it comes to your water supply, it’s not a surprise that higher temperatures mean a rise in the demand. Unfortunately, many of our residents have started watering every day while others have irrigation systems in disrepair.
As a result, our community’s water consumption has gone from 12 million gallons a day in early July to more than 21 million gallons just a month later. In fact, we’ve used more than 20 million gallons every day since July 22.
That’s stunning.
Podcast: Coleman responds to city’s water worries
By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director
Director of Water Services Dave Coleman may be the happiest guy on the city staff, but he’s leading the charge on a very serious issue: protecting and preserving our water supplies for generations to come.
Coleman has been Director of Water Services for the City of College Station since 2005. Before joining the city, he served more than two decades as a civil engineer corps officer in the U.S. Navy. A native of Wichita Falls, David received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M in 1981, earned a master’s in construction engineering from Stanford, and also attended the U.S. Naval War College.
In this podcast, Coleman talks conservation, how using treated effluent is saving millions of gallons of drinking water a day, and why his hometown implemented the desperate solution of drinking “potty water.”
Click below to listen. Soundcloud may not play in older versions of Internet Explorer.
Are you staying within your water budget?
Since the historic drought of 2011, we’ve heard about other parts of Texas implementing water restrictions, dealing with Stage 3 water emergencies, battling low lake levels, and searching for new water supplies. While much of the state remains abnormally dry with moderate to extreme drought conditions, the dry spell hasn’t had an immediate impact on College Station because our water supply comes from groundwater wells.
College Station has become a leader in water conservation through our inclined water rates and the implementation of a reclaimed water system to irrigate Veterans Park & Athletic Complex, which saves about 300,000 gallons of potable water a day.
