Your tap water remains healthy and secure
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
Despite concerns around the COVID-19 outbreak, the coronavirus has not been detected in public water supplies, which have a low risk of contamination. When you turn on your faucet, you can be confident your tap water is a safe and secure source for the water you need for drinking, cooking, and maintaining personal hygiene.
College Station’s drinking water is drawn from a protected artesian aquifer and is disinfected with chlorine. Our environmental technicians routinely test at least 100 water samples each month to ensure we maintain appropriate disinfection levels throughout our distribution system. These standard disinfection practices are specifically designed to inactivate viruses.
The City of College Station’s water and wastewater utilities remain in continuous operation and are focused on providing you with safe, healthy water.
Related Links:
- EPA: Coronavirus and Drinking Water and Wastewater
- CDC: Water Transmission and COVID-19
- AWWA: Safety of tap water during COVID-19 outbreak
About the Blogger
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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Can you imagine a day without water?
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
Think a moment about your typical morning routine.
You wake up and make a steaming cup of fresh coffee or tea before heading to the toilet and the shower. After you get dressed in freshly washed clothes, you eat a nutritious breakfast and clean your dishes in the dishwasher or sink.
Of course, you make your dentist happy by brushing your teeth.
Now, imagine for a moment that you had no water. None of your morning activities would be possible without safe and reliable water and the infrastructure that delivers it to your home.
If you’ve never gone without water, it’s almost impossible to envision a day without it. Your water service may have temporarily been shut off to repair a leak, but you had full confidence that the water would soon flow again.
Today is the fourth annual Imagine a Day Without Water, a nationwide day of education and advocacy about the value of water. The Value of Water Campaign is helping hundreds of organizations across the country host events and spearhead projects aimed at raising awareness about the crucial need for investing in our nation’s water infrastructure.
After decades of underfunding, water infrastructure across the nation has aged and needs replacement or significant repairs. Drought, flooding, and population changes have dramatically increased the stress on our water and wastewater systems.
According to the Value of Water Campaign’s report on The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure, a one-day disruption in water services at a national level would result in a $43.5 billion loss in sales for businesses. In just eight days, a national water service stoppage would put nearly two million jobs in jeopardy.
In contrast, for each job created in the water sector, 3.68 jobs are added to the national economy. For every $1 spent on infrastructure improvements, the United States generates $6 in economic returns. That’s a sound investment.
It’s not all gloom and doom. College Station’s water and wastewater systems are young compared to many cities. For the most part, we’ve been able to stay ahead of our infrastructure needs. Each day – including weekends and holidays – our Water Services employees maintain 454 miles of water lines, 363 miles of wastewater lines, nine groundwater wells, and three wastewater treatment plants.
City councils and community leaders through the years have recognized that water is essential to the quality of life and economic competitiveness and have supported the water and wastewater rates necessary to maintain award-winning water and wastewater systems.
At Monday’s city council meeting, Mayor Karl Mooney read an official proclamation (at right) for Imagine a Day Without Water to draw attention to the many ways we maintain critical water and wastewater infrastructure.
How you can help
No community can thrive without water, and every American deserves safe, reliable, and accessible water.
You can help by conserving water. Since irrigation water gushing down the street benefits no one, sign up for landscape watering recommendations from Brazos Valley WaterSmart. Every gallon of water saved is a gallon left in the Simsboro Aquifer for later use.
You can also help keep our waterways clean by avoiding over-fertilizing, picking up litter, and disposing of hazardous waste at Household Hazardous Waste collection events like the one scheduled for Oct. 20. Improperly discarded fertilizer, motor oil, and litter make its way into our creeks, which feed into the Navasota and Brazos Rivers – and someone is drinking that water downstream.
A groundswell of communities and partners have come together to promote safe and reliable water systems with Imagine a Day Without Water. We can make a difference by leveraging our collective power, educating our decision-makers, and inspiring our communities to make water infrastructure a priority.
Let’s invest in our water systems, so no American ever has to live a day without water.
About the Blogger
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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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 p.m.) and regular (6 p.m.) meetings.
Here are five items to watch:
- Proposed FY19 City Budget: In the workshop, the council will get its first look at the city’s proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year. After a series of budget workshops (Aug. 20-22) and public hearings on the tax rate (Sept. 5) and budget (Sept. 13), the council is scheduled to adopt the budget Sept. 27.
- Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts: Another workshop item is a continued discussion about clarifying the process for establishing Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts as well as options to change that section of the city’s Unified Development Ordinance.
- State Highway 6 Water Line: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an $830,078 contract for construction of water lines from the intersection of State Highway 6 and William D. Fitch Parkway to Venture Drive and from the future intersection of Pebble Creek Parkway to St. Joseph Urgent Care.
- Community Development Budget and Action Plan: Another consent agenda item is the Fiscal Year 2019 Community Development Budget and Program Year 2018 Action Plan, which includes objectives and recommendations for projects and programs that support the low-to-moderate income population.
- Wellborn Rezoning: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to change the zoning from Planned Development District to Wellborn Restricted Suburban for about 21 acres south of the Greens Prairie Road West-Royder Road intersection.
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!
College Station’s new water rates take effect July 1
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
College Station Utilities hasn’t increased water rates since 2010 thanks to improved conservation efforts by our customers and the implementation of impact fees on new development.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
Last fall, the College Station City Council unanimously approved a six percent increase in water rates as part of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The council deferred the increase until the fourth quarter, which begins July 1.
College Station has grown more than 25 percent since that last rate increase. That means we need additional water wells to keep up with demand, along with another water tower on the east side of Highway 6. Without one-time impact fees, we’d need a 15 percent rate increase to pay for those necessities.
Water Usage Rates
Here’s a comparative breakdown of the old and new water rates:
| Customer Class | Usage | Per 1,000g before July 1 |
Per 1,000g after July 1 |
| Residential | 10,000 gallons or less | $2.26 | $2.40 |
| 11,000 – 15,000 gallons | $2.94 | $3.12 | |
| 16,000 – 20,000 gallons | $3.61 | $3.83 | |
| 21,000 – 25,000 gallons | $4.28 | $4.54 | |
| 26,000 gallons or more | $4.96 | $5.26 | |
| Commercial | Indoor usage | $2.49 | $2.64 |
| Commercial | Outdoor usage (irrigation) | $2.68 | $2.84 |
You’ll be charged $2.40 per 1,000 gallons for the first 10,000, $3.12 for the next 5,000, and up the tiers as usage increases.
Your Monthly Bill
More than half of our residential water customers use 10,000 gallons of water or less each month, but some are consistently in the 26,000 gallons-and-up rate block. If you’re a 10,000-gallon user, you’ve paid about $32.79 a month for your water since 2010, which includes a $ 10.19 meter charge. If the existing rates had been indexed annually to inflation, you’d be paying $36.19 today, or $3.40 more. Under the new rate – which includes a $10.80 meter charge – you’ll pay $34.80.
That comes out to about 35 cents for 100 gallons of clean, pure water that’s rated as superior by state regulators. The chart below includes the monthly residential meter charge, which varies by meter size.
| Usage | Bill before July 1 | Bill after July 1 | Increase |
| 10,000 gallons | $32.79 | $34.80 | $2.01 |
| 15,000 gallons | $47.49 | $50.40 | $2.91 |
| 30,000 gallons | $111.74 | $118.55 | $6.81 |
| 50,000 gallons | $210.94 | $223.75 | $12.81 |
Keep Your Costs Down
The City of College Station offers proactive programs to help customers reduce water waste and trim their bills, including free landscape irrigation checkups, direct outreach to the highest water users, rebates on water-saving products, and weekly watering recommendations from Brazos Valley WaterSmart.
Efficient water use is the least expensive way to make our supplies more sustainable, and it keeps your rates lower over time. Your water bill payment is an investment in our water future, ensuring that we can continue to provide you – and generations to come – with high-quality water.
For more information about water rates or conservation, go to cstx.gov/water or call us at 979-764–3660.
About the Blogger
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 12)
(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, April 12. 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.
5:44 p.m.
The workshop has started.
5:46 p.m.
The council took two actions coming out of its executive session:
- Unanimously directed the city attorney and city secretary to review of the City Charter and recommend amendments to be considered for a possible charter amendment election in November.
- Voted 6-1 to negotiate with a search firm to identify candidates for city manager. Councilman Bob Brick voted against the motion.
6:08 p.m.
Planning & Zoning Plan of Work
The council conducted a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning Commission to discuss the group’s plan of work for 2018, which includes a review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance.
6:11 p.m.
Council Strategic Plan
The council accepted its updated strategic plan for 2018.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
6:23 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:
- Rock Prairie Water Tower: The scope of this $988,500 contract includes design, bidding, and construction phase services for the Rock Prairie Elevated Storage Tank Project, which provides for an elevated water tower near Rock Prairie Road and the Scott and White Hospital and two pressure-reducing valves. The locations of the reducing valves will be determined. It will potentially establish a secondary pressure plane generally from the Carter’s Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Pebble Creek subdivision. The $8.76 million project is necessary to meet state requirements, to relieve demand on the Greens Prairie water tower, and to reduce extreme pressure east of State Highway 6.
- Surplus Asphalt Millings: The sale and removal of about 19,000 tons of surplus asphalt millings from city property will return $219,450 to the Roadway Maintenance Fund.
- Non-Annexation Agreements: The eight non-annexation development agreements being considered represent more than 2,000 acres in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction. The agreements guarantee the city won’t annex the properties for 10 years unless the terms are violated.
- Habitat for Humanity Down Payment Assistance Guidelines: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) grant funds are used by the city to provide various housing assistance programs to income-eligible households. The Down Payment Assistance Program was approved by council in 2014. The program offers shared equity, gap financing of up to 30 percent of the sales price (capped at $50,000) to qualified applicants. Staff recommends creating separate guidelines for working with Habitat for Humanity clients that better-fit Habitat’s unique program and the needs of its clients. Proposed guidelines provide qualified Habitat for Humanity clients with a 0 percent interest-deferred loan of up to $15,000 for the purchase of a home built by Habitat for Humanity in the city.
6:29 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.
6:38 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
6:49 p.m.
Hear Visitors
Three people spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens might address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda.
- Abigail Fields spoke against restricting specific dog breeds by apartment complexes.
- Nan Crouse of the College Station Association of Neighborhoods encouraged people to get involved in protecting neighborhoods.
- Constance Woodman spoke against high rental housing costs in College Station.
6:50 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted unanimously to approve the entire consent agenda:
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Premier Metal Buyers for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- Habitat for Humanity Down Payment Assistance Program guidelines.
- Revision of Down Payment Assistance guidelines.
- A $232,650 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates for the rehabilitation of parking lots at Brian Bachmann Park and Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
- An agreement not to exceed $155,000 with Emergicon for ambulance billing, accounts receivable, and delinquent account collection services.
- A $98,730 contract with Housley Communications to lay underground conduit for future fiber optic infrastructure as part of a joint bore with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments.
- The first reading of a franchise agreement with Pronto Services for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations.
- A $988,500 contract with Freese and Nichols for design, bidding, and construction administration for the Rock Prairie Elevated Storage Tank Project.
- The sale and removal of about 19,000 tons of surplus asphalt millings from city property that will return $219,450 to the Roadway Maintenance Fund.
- A $4.57 million contract with Dudley Construction for Phase 1 of the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex Build-Out Project.
- Eight non-annexation development agreements.
- A real estate contract for the purchase of property needed for the extension of General Parkway. The purchase price is $225,000 with $2,500 in closing costs.
6:57 p.m.
Rezoning at Wellborn and Greens Prairie
After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a request to rezone about 35 acres near the intersection of Wellborn Road and Greens Prairie Road West. About 0.9 acres changes from Rural to Suburban Commercial, and the rest changes from Rural to Wellborn Restricted Commercial.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
7:01 p.m.
Conditional Use Permit for Caprock Bar
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit for a bar at The Yard at Caprock Crossing near the intersection of Greens Prairie Road and State Highway 6.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:38 p.m.
Suburban Commercial Zoning Changes
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to add flexibility to Suburban Commercial zoning districts. Significant changes include allowing additional uses and reducing buffer and architectural requirements.
An earlier motion to eliminate fuel sales from suburban commercial districts passed by a 4-3 vote. Councilmen Jerome Rektorik, Barry Moore, and James Benham voted against the motion.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:49 p.m.
The meeting is again underway.
8:53 p.m.
Removal of Krenek Tap Overlay
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to remove the Krenek Tap overlay zoning district from properties on the Krenek Tap Road right-of-way. The overlay was adopted in 2004 when the city was considering an urban development concept for property it owns along Krenek Tap.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation:
8:55 p.m.
Deletion of Krenek Tap Overlay from UDO
After a public hearing, the council voted unanimously to delete the Krenek Tap overlay zoning district from the city’s Unified Development Ordinance.
9:00 p.m.
The council discussed and reviewed future agenda items.
9:00 p.m.
Mayor Mooney adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, April 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 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:
- Elevated Water Storage Tank: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider a $988,000 contract for design and administrative services for an elevated water storage tank off Rock Prairie Road near the Scott & White Hospital. The $8.77 million project is needed to meet state requirements and reduce excessive pressure east of State Highway 6.
- Veterans Park Buildout: Also on the consent agenda is a $4.57 million contract for Phase 1 of the build-out of Veterans Park & Athletic Complex. The project will be funded by hotel tax revenue and includes two additional synthetic turf fields, a restroom, lighting, drainage, parking, and other amenities.
- Rezoning at Wellborn-Greens Prairie: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to rezone about 35 acres near the intersection of Wellborn Road and Greens Prairie Road West. About 0.9 acres would change from Rural to Suburban Commercial, and the rest would go from Rural to Wellborn Restricted Commercial.
- Suburban Commercial Zoning Changes: After a public hearing, the council will consider changes to the city’s Unified Development Ordinance to add flexibility to Suburban Commercial zoning. Significant changes include allowing additional uses and reducing buffer and architectural requirements.
- Krenek Tap Overlay Removal: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to remove the Krenek Tap overlay zoning district, which was adopted in 2004 when the city was considering an urban development concept for property it owns along Krenek Tap Road.
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 workshop (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Water Conservation Update: In the workshop, the council will hear a presentation about local water conservation efforts, including a summary of significant achievements and ongoing programs.
- Funding Agreements: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider annual funding agreements with the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley, Research Valley Partnership, Noon Lions Club, Arts Council, Chamber of Commerce, Easterwood Airport, Experience B-CS, and Keep Brazos Beautiful.
- Eastgate Water/Wastewater Rehabilitation: Another consent agenda item is a $3.3 million contract for Phase IV of the rehabilitation of water and wastewater lines in the Eastgate area.
- Northpoint Crossing Change: After a public hearing, the council will consider a request to amend the concept plan for about 11 acres in the Northpoint Crossing Subdivision. The change would reduce sidewalks along Northpoint Crossing Drive to allow for the redesign of parking and would modify the sign ordinance to improve site identification and wayfinding.
- Roadway Impact Fees: After a public hearing, the council will consider reducing the roadway impact fee rate to zero. The fees are imposed on new development to help offset the city’s cost of building new roadways. The existing rate is scheduled to go into effect Dec. 1 and is expected to generate $12 million in the next decade.
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!
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!
3 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 (6 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. The council has a short agenda this week, so here are three items to watch:
- Thoroughfare Plan: In the workshop, the council will hear an update on the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s proposed 2050 Major Thoroughfare Concept Map and the College Station Thoroughfare Plan.
- Capital Projects Funding: The council will have a workshop discussion about funding capital projects.
- Woodson Village Utility Rehabilitation: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an $816,000 consultant contract for design and construction phase services for the replacement of water and sewer lines near Haines Drive, Glade Street, Dexter Drive, and Timm Drive.
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 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!
New water meters will improve accuracy, planning
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
College Station Water Services is replacing about 5,000 residential water meters to allow the city to more accurately monitor water usage, plan for future water needs, and support water conservation.
The project began in April and is expected to be complete in June. You won’t be charged for your new meter, which will be replaced in order of billing cycle to allow you to begin a fresh cycle with the new meter.
The contractor won’t need to enter your home or business to do the replacement, but they may walk through your yard to access the water supply valve. Our water meters are located below ground in plastic, concrete or cast iron meter boxes with lids, typically near the sidewalk or curb.
The contractor’s vehicles are marked “Contractor for College Station Water Services.” If you’re home, the workers will let you know before briefly shutting off your water. If you aren’t home, they’ll leave a tag on your door to let you know they replaced your meter.
As with any measuring device, meters can become less accurate as they age. Water meters more than a decade old can significantly under-register flows. If the new, more accurate meter results in a slightly higher water bill, that means your old meter wasn’t registering all the water you used.
If you experience any problems or leaks with the new meter, please call College Station Utilities Dispatch at 855-528-4278. Choose option 2 to report a water issue and leave your contact information.
If you have any questions or concerns, call Water Services at 979-764-3660.
About the Author
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after serving two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and received a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
Ready to help College Station win a national challenge?
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
Is College Station one of the country’s most water-wise communities?
We think so, but we need your help to prove it.
Throughout April, College Station will participate in the Sixth Annual Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, a friendly, nationwide competition to determine what cities are the most water-wise. To win, cities must have the highest percentage of residents take the challenge.
College Station will compete in the 100,000-299,999 population category won last year by Ventura, Calif, which had 350 residents participate. In 2016, the event awarded prizes to nearly 1,000 residents in winning cities.
What’s in it for you, besides the pride of living in a nationally recognized water-wise community? Quite a bit, actually.
If you’ve entered the prize drawing and we finish at the top, you could win:
- A new Toyota Prius (grand prize).
- A $1,000 shopping spree at a home improvement store.
- 50 Greening Your Cleaning Gift Baskets from Earth Friendly Products.
- 50 Toro EVOLUTION® Series controllers (equipped w/ Smart Connect®, Weather Sensor, and additional 4-station module).
- 50 Cree 6-pack dimmable (84 percent less energy) LED light bulbs.
- 50 Avex Brazos Autoseal® water bottles (set of 2)
- 25 EcoFlow® shower heads from Waterpik.
How to participate
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney challenges you to conserve water, energy and other natural resources through a series of informative, easy-to-use online pledges. Teachers and students are encouraged to take part in the Classroom Water Pledge Challenge to earn prizes for their school.
To participate, click on one of the following links from April 1-30 and take the pledge. Encourage your friends and neighbors to take it, too.
The pledge asks residents to take simple actions to save water, such as fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, and using energy efficient appliances — because saving energy also saves water.
Presented by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, the campaign was created in 2011 to complement existing municipal water conservation programs, promote drought resiliency and healthy watersheds, and reduce stress on aging water infrastructure. In 2016, residents from 4,100 cities pledged to reduce water consumption by 1.9 billion gallons — enough to fill 2,877 Olympic-size swimming pools.
That’s a lot of water!
Related Links:
About the Author
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after serving two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and received a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
If you found value in this blog post, please share it with your social network and friends!
3 simple steps to save big on your water bill
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
More than one trillion gallons of water are wasted in American homes each year because of easy-to-fix leaks. That’s why the City of College Station is joining with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week to encourage homeowners to find and repair leaks during the annual Fix a Leak Week.
In the average home, household leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons of water each year. That’s enough water for 270 loads of laundry.
You can identify leaks around your home and start saving today with these three simple steps:
1. Check
Check your water bill and water meter for signs of leaks. If your water use this winter exceeded 12,000 gallons a month for a family of four, you probably had leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when you’re not using any water. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak. Water meters also have a leak indicator – if there is a (+) sign on a digital water meter, or if the red dial is moving at all when you’re not using water – that’s a sign of a leak.
Check for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Silent toilet leaks, a common culprit of high water bills, can be detected by placing a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and waiting 10 minutes before flushing. If any color appears in the bowl during that time, you have a leak. Don’t forget to check your irrigation system and spigots, too.
2. Twist
Apply pipe tape to make sure plumbing fixture connections are sealed tight and give leaking faucets and showerheads a firm twist with a wrench. If you can’t stop those drops yourself, contact a licensed plumber.
For additional savings, twist a WaterSense-labeled aerator onto each bathroom faucet to save water without affecting flow. Faucet aerators only cost a few dollars can save a household more than 500 gallons each year—enough for 180 showers.
3. Replace
If you just can’t nip that drip, it may be time to replace the fixture. Look for WaterSense-labeled models, which use at least 20 percent less water and are independently certified to perform as well or better than standard fixtures. Replacing an old, inefficient showerhead with a WaterSense labeled model will shrink your household’s water footprint by 2,900 gallons annually while still letting you shower with power, thanks to EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria.
With less hot water passing through, WaterSense-labeled showerheads can also save enough energy to power a television for a year. If you Replace an old toilet that uses 3.5 gallons or more per flush with a WaterSense-labeled toilet, you could be eligible for a $100 rebate.
How do you get started?
First, click here to take the WaterSense Pledge, then follow WaterSense on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest tips.
Finally, grab a wrench or contact your favorite handy person, plumber, or certified irrigation professional to repair your leaky toilets, faucets, showerheads, and irrigation systems.
The water you save will help conserve our precious water while saving you a substantial amount of money.
About the Author
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator for more than 15 years after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and earned a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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Live Blog: Monday’s city council meetings (May 16)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Monday, May 16. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
5:28 p.m.
The workshop has started. Councilman James Benham is absent tonight.
5:45 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:
- University Drive Pedestrian Safety Improvements: The resolution would allow the mayor to sign an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for cost participation in the University Drive Pedestrian Improvements Project, which will begin at near Lodge and extend through College Avenue. The project will improve pedestrian mobility and safety while balancing acceptable levels of traffic.
- Water Service Area Swap: The objective is to clean up the official boundary lines of the water service area to allow the city and Wellborn Special Utility District to serve where they are best positioned and make the water system more efficient. The changes affect four locations and have been endorsed by the WSUD board.
- Fitch-Victoria Traffic Signal: The project will include new traffic and pedestrian crossing signals at the intersection of Fitch Parkway and Victoria Avenue along with associated pavement markings and sidewalks. The signal is expected to be operating by the fall.
- Munson Avenue Construction Contract: The Munson Avenue Rehabilitation Project will rehabilitate Munson Avenue from Lincoln Avenue to Dominic Drive. The improvements will include new concrete pavement, the rehabilitation of water and wastewater lines and the installation of a section of underground duct bank for future electrical utilities.
6:50 p.m.
CVB Performance Audit
The council discussed city Internal Auditor Ty Elliott’s audit of the Bryan-College Station Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, which receives most of the city’s hotel occupancy tax revenue.
Elliott said the CVB’s accounting procedures and controls have improved since the last audit in 2011 but added that the CVB also has a relatively large amount of liquid assets. In addition, certain cost analysis methods may be able to aid the CVB in better understanding project returns.
According to Elliott, the CVB’s direct impact on bringing events to the College Station and Bryan area has not significantly changed since 2011, with the most impact being on sports events. The CVB’s expenditures have also increased since 2011, especially on marketing and personnel.
Elliott said employee turnover at the CVB appears to be high and that some of CVB’s strategic goals seem disconnected from its mission. He added that the Destination Marketing Association International calculator could be a useful tool for internal CVB decision making, but policymakers should be skeptical of using the calculator to provide justification for funding requests.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:07 p.m.
Status of Police Facility Design
The council was updated on the design status of a new police facility at the southeast corner of the Dartmouth Street-Krenek Tap Road intersection.
The consensus of the council was to move forward with the size estimate of 79,000 square feet and to modify the Krenek Tap Overlay to better accommodate construction. Upon the recommendation of staff, the council decided not to house Fire Department administrators in the building.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:11 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the workshop after the council discussed its calendar, future agenda items, and committee reports. The regular meeting will start after a short break.
7:19 p.m.
The regular meeting has started.
7:23 p.m.
National Public Works Week
Mayor Nancy Berry proclaimed this as National Public Works Week with a presentation to several employees of the city’s Public Works Department. The week is designed to recognize the contributions public works officials make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life.
Pictured below with Mayor Nancy Berry are Senior Traffic Engineer Troy Rother, Assistant Director of Public Works Emily Fisher, Street/Drainage/Irrigation Superintendent Marshall Wallace, and Crew Leader Jason Best.
7:25 p.m.
National Bike Month
Mayor Berry proclaimed May as National Bike Month with a presentation to members of the city’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways Advisory Board. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month promotes bicycling as a healthy activity that helps the environment. Pictured with Mayor Berry below are Councilwoman Blanche Brick, Greenways Program Manager Venessa Garza, and Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenways board members Tina Evans and Brandon Boatcallie.
7:28 p.m.
Annual Arts Council Scholarships
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley and Brazos Valley Art League, through the generous support of the Astin Winkler Charitable Trust, award multiple scholarships each year to promising young artists in the Brazos Valley. The College Art Scholarship is open to graduating seniors in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, or Washington counties who will attend an accredited college or university with a course of study in the arts, culture or heritage fields.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Ester Araujo and Bryson Bounds from A&M Consolidated High School, and Mitchell Bradford of College Station High School. Pictured below with these excellent students are their families, members of the College Station City Council and representatives of the Arts Council Brazos Valley.
7:39 p.m.
Brazos Valley Fashion Week
The mayor received a donation of $43,361.02 from Brazos Valley Fashion Week to benefit the Fun for All Playground at Beachy Central Park. Upon completion, this playground for people of all ages and abilities will be the only facility of its kind in the region. Considerable work and support for the cause came from students of Lindsay Zahn’s Project-Based Sociology Class at A&M Consolidated High School, who produced this video:
Representing that class tonight were Kacey Corbett, Jailene Lopez and Hailey Phillips, who are pictured below with members of the College Station City Council, representatives of the Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis clubs who are spearheading the private fundraising, Parks and Recreation Department employees, and project supporters.
7:43 p.m.
Hear Visitors
One person spoke during Hear Visitors when citizens may address the council on any item that doesn’t appear on the posted agenda. Ben Roper recognized Army Pfc. James D. Parker as part of the Fallen Heroes Memorial program. The 20-year-old Bryan native died Jan. 21, 2004 in a mortar attack near Ba’qubah, Iraq. Members of the Parker family were present for the recognition.
7:43 p.m.
Consent Agenda
The council voted 6-0 to approve the entire consent agenda:
- A resolution allowing the mayor to sign an advance funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation for the city’s cost participation in the University Drive Pedestrian Improvements Project.
- Changes to the water service area boundaries between the city and the Wellborn Special Utilities District.
- A change order reducing the Graham Road Rehabilitation Project contract with Elliott Construction by $96,826.
- A contract not-to-exceed $150,000 with Crossroads Asphalt Preservation for the surface sealing of city streets.
- A $182,645.29 contract with Jamail & Smith Construction for facility corrective maintenance services. Contract pricing is available through an interlocal cooperative purchasing agreement with Buyboard.
- A $66,895.25 contract with Binkley & Barfield for professional engineering services related to the design of traffic signal and intersection improvements at the intersections of Harvey Road at George Bush Drive East and Harvey Mitchell Parkway at Longmire Drive.
- A $265,597.50 contract with Larry Young Paving for sidewalk improvements along Langford Street.
- A $680,335.37 contract with Brazos Paving for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fitch Parkway and Victoria Avenue.
- A $2.45 million contract with Elliott Construction for the Munson Avenue Rehabilitation Project.
- A lease with the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency for the use of the Twin Oaks Law Enforcement Training Facility by the Police Department.
- A $250,694 contract with Layne Christensen Company to repair the pumps in Wells 6 and 8.
- A utility agreement with the Brazos County Municipal Utility District No. 1 board addressing the provision of water and sewer service to the district.
- The appointment of the Aggieland Humane Society’s executive director as the local rabies control authority.
7:49 p.m.
Wellborn Settlement Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a request to change the zoning from Rural to Planned Development District for about 26 acres between Wellborn Road and Royder Road near Greens Prairie Road West.
The change will allow the development of clustered single-family residences.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:51 p.m.
150 Graham Rd. Rezoning
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a request to change the zoning from Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial to Suburban Commercial for a 1/2-acre at 150 Graham Rd.
The change will allow the development of a daycare facility and retail/office space.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:55 p.m.
Agreement with MUD No. 1
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve a strategic partnership agreement with Brazos County Municipal Utility District (MUD) No. 1 that outlines the terms and conditions for annexing the area.
The city council created the district in 2014 for the Texas World Speedway property.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
7:57 p.m.
Easement Abandonment at 105 Holik St.
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to abandon a public utility easement at 105 Holik St. to accommodate a building expansion on CSISD property.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:03 p.m.
Jane, Eisenhower Parking Removal
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance removing parking on both sides of Jane Street and Eisenhower Street between University Drive and Cooner Street.
The change was made to allow emergency vehicle access to the proposed Embassy Suites development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:05 p.m.
Northgate Park Parking Removal
After a public hearing, the council voted 6-0 to approve an ordinance removing parking on part of Boyett Street to allow fire department access to the proposed Northgate Park Apartments development.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:25 p.m.
Certificates of Obligation
The council voted 6-0 to authorize the issuance of up to $30.5 million in Certificates of Obligation (Series 2016) to provide resources for streets, police station design and initial project costs, information technology, electric and water improvements, and debt issuance costs.
This debt issue will not affect property tax rate or utility rates.
General Obligation and Refunding Bonds
The council voted 6-0 to authorize the issuance and sale of up to $56 million in General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds (Series 2016) to achieve savings due to lower interest rates.
The refunding is estimated to reduce the overall cost of the bonds by at least 12.618304 percent over their remaining life, saving at least $3.96 million. The savings will help the city by providing an additional margin council may choose to use for projects not currently funded.
The refunding will not impact the property tax rate.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council:
8:25 p.m.
The mayor adjourned the meeting. The council meets again on Thursday, May 26.
About the Author
Colin Killian (@ColinKillian)has been with the City of College Station since 2010. He previously served 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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Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (March 10)
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
Welcome to our live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, March 10. It’s not the official minutes.
The meeting is being broadcast live on Suddenlink Channel 19 and streamed online. An archive of previous council meetings is available on the website.
6:26 p.m.
The workshop meeting has started.
6:47 p.m.
Water Master Plan Update
The council heard a presentation about the city’s updated Water Master Plan, including population and demand projections, system analyses, and plans for capital improvements.
Here’s the PowerPoint presentation received by the council: (more…)
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:
- Water Master Plan Update: In the workshop, the council will hear a presentation about the city’s updated Water Master Plan, which includes population and demand projections, system analyses, and plans for capital improvements.
- Underground Power Line Maintenance: The council will hear a workshop presentation about College Station Utilities’ maintenance program for underground power lines. About 56 percent of the city’s electric network is underground.
- Wellborn Road-Green Prairie Trail Project: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider an advanced funding agreement with the state to extend Greens Prairie Trail to the city limits west of Wellborn Road. The city would contribute $450,000 toward the improvements.
- Holleman South Widening Project: The council will consider a $1.01 million contract for engineering services related to the design of the Holleman South Widening Project, which will reconstruct Holleman from North Dowling to Rock Prairie Road West. The project is expected to be finished by 2018.
- ITS Master Plan: The council will consider a contract not to exceed $811,413 for the second year of the Intelligent Transportation System Master Plan. The second year’s implementation includes upgrades to the traffic signal shop, 25 cameras, Bluetooth readers, and design of a message system that communicates real-time roadway information to drivers.
Is College Station’s drinking water contaminated?
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
After the recent national headlines about lead contamination in Flint, Mich., and the news stories about poor water quality monitoring practices, you certainly can’t blame people for suspecting our tap water may be unsafe — or even dangerous.
Unfortunately, some businesses have taken advantage of the headlines by spreading misinformation in a misguided attempt to sell water products and services.
Don’t believe them. College Station’s drinking water is safe.
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.
New water quality report now available online
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
Maintaining a high-quality supply of drinking water is a priority for the City of College Station and our Water Services Department.
It’s obviously important to you, too.
In 2011, I posted a blog titled, “Is Your Drinking Water Dangerous?” that described the contents of our annual drinking water quality report. I turned out to be the most popular post since the city started blogging in 2010, attracting almost 7,000 views.
The report contains detailed information about the source of your drinking water, contaminants detected, and the health effects of those contaminants.
Since 1999, we’ve mailed a copy of the report directly to our water customers as required by state law. Back then, the internet was in its infancy and smartphones, tablets and other high-tech communication gadgets still belonged on re-runs of Star Trek.
3 reasons to attend a lawn irrigation workshop
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
If learning how to program your sprinkler controller and saving on your water bills rank high among your summer goals, you’ll want to attend one of two free workshops conducted this week by College Station Water Services.
The first session is Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m at the CSU Meeting and Training Facility at 1603 Graham Rd. and the second is Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. at Pebble Creek Country Club. We’ll also provide light refreshments and door prizes.
UPDATE (6/25): Thursday’s session has been cancelled. (more…)
New website helps you water smarter
By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
Have you ever wondered when you should water and for how long? Just how much water does your lawn really need, anyway?
Not long ago, answers to those questions were just guesswork.
Thanks to the innovative new Brazos Valley Water Smart website, those days are gone for good. Now you can receive free weekly email alerts to help you decide whether your lawn needs water that week or not – and that means a healthier lawn and a leaner water bill.
Based on weather stations and rainfall data collected across Brazos County, the weekly recommendations are tailored specifically to your neighborhood, which helps you know when to water and when to turn your irrigation controller off.
Surviving the hard freeze: You can do this.
By Jennifer Douglass Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
With sustained freezing temperatures in our forecast, it’s time for a quick chemistry lesson.
Water expands when freezing, so any water left in pipes such as sprinkler systems can freeze, expand and — POW! — create a big, messy water leak.
With that in mind, College Station Water Services has some precautions to help customers protect water pipes and irrigation systems from freezing temperatures, prevent a muddy mess, and save a precious resource.
General Precautions (more…)
Protecting our water supply during the oil and gas boom
![IMG_3349[1]](https://cityofcs.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/img_33491.jpg?w=300&h=200)
With Brazos County attracting keen interest from the oil and gas industry, many of our residents have become concerned about the environmental impact this activity will have on our area, especially our groundwater.
We sit on the eastern edge of the Eagle Ford Shale, which stretches across South Texas from Laredo to Huntsville. Based on capital invested, industry analysts claim Eagle Ford is the largest oil and gas development in the world, and that Texas could produce more oil by the end of the year than all OPEC countries except Saudi Arabia.
At last count, Brazos County had 515 oil wells and 98 gas wells.
“What you’re seeing unfold in the Eagle Ford (Shale) is probably the greatest energy success story of the 21st century,” ConocoPhillips exploration official Greg LeVeille said last month. He added that the drilling activity will likely continue for many years.
That bustling activity will undoubtedly have a positive economic impact, but how can we limit the impact to our environment and ensure a safe, high-quality water supply?
Is our water supply at risk? (more…)
Live Blog: Thursday’s city council meetings (April 24)
![gavel[1]](https://cityofcs.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/gavel1.jpg?w=270&h=203)
This is a live blog from the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 24. 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.
6:03 p.m.
The workshop has started.
Tonight’s meeting offers us our first opportunity to allow a city council member to fully participate in an open meeting via video. New state law requires governmental bodies to provide for two-way communication that allows all participants to hear and see one another, including the public.
Barring technical glitches, Place-6 Councilman James Benham will be participating in tonight’s meetings from New York City. Mr. Benham “poses” below with Mayor Nancy Berry and Councilwoman Julie Schultz:
6:18 p.m. (more…)
