HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/2000 - Regular Minutes - Wolf Pen Creek Oversight Committee�w
Minutes
I %' Wolf Pen Creek Board Meeting
Thursday, October 12, 2000
City Hall, Admin Conf RoomA, 1001 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas 77842
Board Members Present:
Sharon Colson, Chair
Marc Chaloupka
Marsha Sanford
City Staff Present:
Charles Cryan, Director of Fiscal Services
Steve Beachy, Director of Park
Mark Smith, Director of Public Works
Visitors:
Benito Flores -Meath
The meeting was called to order by Chair, Sharon Colson at 11:50am
Mrs. Colson thanked everyone for coming and went right to reviewing and approval of the minutes from
the last two meetings. All agreed that both the minutes from October 14, 1999 and May 17, 2000 would be
approved.
She then turned the floor over the Charles Cryan to update how the hotel project would effect this TER He
I �Ir explained that there is a separate TIF for the Hotel/Conference center and it will probably be dissolved, as it
will no longer be needed. However, the Wolf Penn Creek TIF is indirectly affected because the funds it
would have created and also the City has issued Certificates of Obligation to reflect the TER The City is
talking with other hotels at other locations from the original site. Also, Steve Beachy will be talking about
a charette for the area.
Sharon talked about several good things that could result from the charette. Maybe better, than the original
master plan. She then turned the meeting over to Mark Smith, Public Works Director, to update the group
on capital projects.
Mark opened with the George Bush East Extension (from Taco Bell to Holleman Dr.); the last parcel of
land needed has been acquired. The Channel and Trails Project is a high priority. The approach is being
changed to go ahead and identify and design the trails then we will make changes as needed. This way the
City can contact property owners and obtain permission for access. The Parking Lot at Dartmouth and
Holleman will be moving ahead; it was on hold pending the charette.
Steve Beachy, Parks & Rec. Director began the discussion of the charette. He passed out a brochure
(attached) explaining the charette. The purpose of the charette is not to redo the master plan but to put
constraints to achieve and revitalize the original plan.
Marsha Sanford emphasized that a diversified participation is needed. There has been a good response
from the architectural group but business groups, residential and commercial groups are also needed.
Sharon asked if groups have been targeted so that more people know about the charette?
Steve stated that brochures have been mailed and posters can be made and displayed. He feels there will be
a good turnout and participation.
Sharon stated that she was glad the Parking Lot would be starting soon, so that people will see something
going on. She also feels the scope and ideas should reflect the desires of the students living in the area.
Mark Smith says that the area should mesh with the students and parents, and that the changes will be
exciting and good for the city.
Sharon also commented that it should have something for everyone. She passes through there now, and it
seems the area is also being used. We don't have a count, but even now, it seems to stay busy.
Steve stated that the meetings for the charette would be posted a joint meeting to comply with the opens
meeting act. They would like to have volunteers registered by October 13; but anyone can come on the
dates of the meetings and still be able to participate. He and Kay Henryson will meet to look at signups; if
there is not enough they will figure out other ways to inform citizens and groups of needed volunteers.
Mr. Flores -Meath asked if the Mayor could announce at the Council Meeting (on this evening) the charette
and have brochures available at the City Secretary's office to complete? Everyone agreed that this was a
good idea.
All agreed that a mixed group of volunteers would be beneficial
Sharon asked if there was further discussion or other projects?
Charles brought up the project on Texas and Holleman and how the unanticipated delay will affect
anticipated funding. The bonds that were going to be requested are now on hold because the project could
stop again. Once it started it was not designed for any delays, so we can not go forward until it looks like it
will continue without more delays. (It was heard that asbestos abatement in the old Indian restaurant
caused the delay.)
�✓ Sharon mentioned her concern about a problem with rain if the work stops again and if we get a heavy rain
what problems could be encountered and how responsible would the corporation doing the project be? And
would we have any recourse?
Mark Smith said that when they applied for the permit it requires a company to comply with the City's
guidelines. If they tried to get out of complying or solving any problems created as a result of their neglect
they could always be fined.
Sharon brought up that the A &M project (related to ours) at the top of the hill should help us being
downstream. (They have started on Bee Creek and the Wolf Pen Creek is in the works.)
Steve reminded everyone that the creek channel below Dartmouth will be altered very little, so this will
impact the budget. After the study it was found that the problem is in the culverts at Bypass 6, so changing
the creek won't remedy the problem. Mark Smith joined in that stabilization of necessary areas will be
done and the remainder will be left natural.
Sharon would like to see as many trees left as possible to retain the look that the drive has now. She then
asked if there were other budget items. No
Will be need to meet again in December for any reason?
It was suggested to meet in January after some construction would be underway
Marc Chaloupka suggested approving the budget at that meeting. All agreed
Sharon asked that the suggestion be put on the agenda for the next meeting (second week of January 200 1)
14 W No further discussion— Meeting adjourned at 12:30am by Sharon Colson