HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/22/2025 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
IN -PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
MAY 22, 2025
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF BRAZOS §
Present:
John Nichols, Mayor
Council:
Mark Smith, Mayor ProTem
William Wright
David White
Melissa McIlhaney
Bob Yancy
Scott Shafer
Citv Staff:
Bryan Woods, City Manager
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager
Adam Falco, City Attorney
Leslie Whitten, Deputy City Attorney
Tanya Smith, City Secretary
Ian Whittenton, Deputy City Secretary
1. Call to Order and Announce a Ouorum is Present.
With a quorum present, the meeting of the College Station City Council was called to order by Mayor
Nichols via In -Person and Teleconference at 4:00 p.m. on May 22, 2025, in the Council Chambers of
the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840.
2. Executive Session Agenda.
In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.07 1 -Consultation with Attorney, §551.074-
Personnel, and §551.087-Economic Incentive Negotiations and the College Station City Council
convened into Executive Session at 4:00 p.m. on May 22, 2025, to continue discussing matters
pertaining to:
2.1. Consultation with Attornev to seek advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation, to
wit:
• Shana Elliott and Lawrence Kalke v. City of College Station, et al., Cause No. 22-001122-CV-
85, in the 85th District Court, Brazos County, Texas; and
• The City of College Station v. The Public Utility Commission of Texas, Cause No. D-I -GN-
24-005680 in the 200th District Court, Travis County, Texas; and
• Texas A&M University System v. BVGCD, et al, Cause No. 24-002626-CV-472, in the 472" d
District Court, Brazos County.
• Legal advice regarding the extra territorial jurisdiction.
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2.2. Deliberation on the appointment, emplovment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline,
or dismissal of a public officer: to wit:
• Council Self -Evaluation
2.3. Deliberation on an offer of financial or other incentives for a business prospect that the
Council seeks to have locate, stav or expand in or near the City. to wit:
• Economic Development agreement for a development generally located in 3100 block of
Harvey Road.
• Economic development agreement for a development generally located at the intersection of
FM 2154 and High Prairie Road in the City's ETJ.
3. The Open Meeting Will Reconvene No Earlier than 6:00 PM from Executive Session and Citv
Council will take action, if anv.
Executive Session recessed at 6:05 p.m. No action was taken.
Mayor Nichols stated that the Brazos Valley Bombers initiated discussions with the City of College
Station about relocating their operations to usher in a new era of competitive and entertaining baseball
in College Station. He went on to state that the Bombers are a valued asset to the entire community
and thus council is directing staff to negotiate a letter of intent with the Bombers to be brought before
council as soon as possible.
4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request.
5. PRESENTATION - PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS.
5.1. Presentation proclaiming Mav 2025 as "National Tennis Month."
Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation to the Brazos Valley Tennis Association: Brandon Carlson,
BVTA President, Kristina Walters, BVTA Vice -President (Leagues), Samuel Martinez, BVTA Vice -
President (Marketing & Communication), Abigail Martinez, BVTA Secretary, and Marquis Pixley,
BVTA Treasurer, recognizing May 2025 as "National Tennis Month."
5.2. Presentation proclaiming the week of Mav 18-24, 2025, as "National Public Works Week."
Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation to Emily Fisher, Public Works Director and staff members
of Public Works, recognizing May 18-24, 2025 as "National Public Works Week."
6. Hear Visitors Comments.
Shelby Behm, from College Station, stated that while it is commendable that the city has made a
substantial financial investment in Midtown, this investment yields no benefit if further action is not
taken. She urges the City Council to continue prioritizing development in Midtown by taking
meaningful action now.
Michel Bozardt, College Station, addressed Council about Midtown's lack of development due to the
developer not fulfilling economic development agreement (EDA) contract obligations. Mr. Bozardt
urged the city to consider amending or renegotiating the EDA agreement to initiate new development
opportunities.
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7. CONSENT ITEMS
Presentation, discussion, and possible action on consent items which consist of ministerial, or
"housekeeping" items as allowed by law: A Councilmember may request additional information
at this time. Any Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for a separate
vote.
(7.3) was pulled for clarification.
(7.3) Emily Fisher, Public Workers Director, stated that Pebble Creek Parkway, facing northbound
turning E on William D Fitch will be a double left with the furthest outside lane being a left and a
right.
7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for:
• May 8, 2025 Council Meeting
7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action granting the authority to apply for the Motor
Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant.
7.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 05-22-25-7.3 approving an
Advance Funding Agreement for Highway Safety Improvement Program Off-Svstem between
the City of College Station and the State of Texas, acting through the Department of
Transportation for the city's participation in the installation of a signal at William D. Fitch
Parkway and Pebble Creek Parkway.
7.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 05-22-25-7.4 approving an
Advance Funding Agreement for Highway Safety Improvement Program Off-Svstem between
the City of College Station and the State of Texas, acting through the Department of
Transportation for the city's participation in the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk on
Holleman Drive.
7.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a technology services contract with
Carahsoft Technology Corporation in the amount of $163,940 for the purchase of Samsara
Camera Hardware and Licensing for Fleet Equipment.
7.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the approval of Amendment No. 1 to the
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract with Garnev Companies, Inc., accepting the
Guaranteed Maximum Price No. 1 (GMP No. 1) of $3,697,106.35 for the first early works
Package for the Wells 10, 11, and 12 Proiect, plus the City's contingency in the amount of
$369,710.64 for a total appropriation of $4,066,816.98 and Resolution No. 05-22-25-7.6 Declaring
Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt.
7.7. Presentation, discussion and possible action on the BVWACS Annual Operating &
Maintenance and Capital budget.
7.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the First Amendment to the Third
Restatement of the Interlocal agreement between the BVWACS and the City of College Station
to add Robertson County to the interlocal agreement and to have the BVCOG serve as
Managing Entity.
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MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy and a second by Councilmember Shafer,
the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent agenda. The motion
carried unanimously.
8. WORKSHOP ITEMS
8.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a Tourism update.
Jeremiah Cook, Assistant Tourism Director, updated on tourism projects. He discussed key metrics
and major initiatives like the strategic plan, brand book, and convention center feasibility study.
2024 Visitor Economic Impact
Converted leads
4
69■3 MM for atotal of
Visitor Spending 66,363 2,338
1 7,8% YOY Raom Prospecting ffForts
Nights
Mr. Cook explained that the marketing strategy focuses on four target audiences: Leisure Travelers,
Prospective & New Students & Families, Former Students & Sports Tourists, and Meeting & Sports
Planners. He also presented the complete brand book, intended for both internal use and sharing with
stakeholders.
He stated that there are three types of events: Hyperlocal, Experiential, and Signature
Visitor Engagement numbers are influenced by the weekly 1 Million Cups event. This space is meant
to support city work, and 1 MC aligns with our Economic Development division's entrepreneurship
efforts.
Planninl?
TOURISM STRATEGIC PLAN
The purpose of the Tourism Strategir Plan is to guide and inform
the work of Visit College Station, assist with decision making in
spending HOT revenue through gra nts and specia] projects and to
make recommendations specific to sales, marketing, events and
overall growth of the tourism program_
Tourism Advisory Committee will act as the steering committee
for this plan wh ich will kick off at the May 281 meeting
CQNVENT]ON CENTER J=EASIBILffY- PHASE H
Phase I I devolves deeper into specifics such as site selectio n,
financial planning and evaluating the potential economic and
community impact of the proposed convention center.
Phase 11 will be presented to City Council on June 12"'
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Courtney Phillip, Chair of the Tourism Advisory Committee, introduced herself and gave a brief
update from the Tourism Committee.
8.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding legislative engagement efforts.
Ross Brady, Chief of Staff, stated that as of tonight, there are 11 days left in the legislative session,
and there are a couple of implications for that to discuss. First, there are a few key deadlines. Next
Tuesday, the 27th, is the last day for the House to consider bills originated in the Senate. The deadline
for the House to consider external House bills has already passed. After Tuesday, the next four days
of the session will focus on considering any amendments the Senate has made to House bills. As the
session progresses, activities are accelerating. Many have noticed the quick pace, and there have been
questions about individual bills and their status. There has been no change from emails sent on Friday
to events occurring on Monday, especially since the legislature is meeting on Saturdays at this point
in the session. Initially, we tracked over 100 significant bills with potential ramifications for the city.
As the session has continued and bills have either been dismissed, become irrelevant, or our focus has
narrowed, 30 bills have remained as our primary focus. These bills have been included in the emails
sent out on Fridays. We will continue to track these as the session concludes.
Mr. Ross explained that this is the last Council meeting before the end of the session. However, this
is not the final communication on this matter. One more legislative engagement committee meeting
remains before the session ends, more updates will be shared as the session wraps up. A final list of
the 30 bills, detailing their outcomes and implications for the city, will be sent out on June 26th.
Jennifer Rodriguez will provide a recap of the session on June 26th, similar to her kickoff presentation.
Towards the end of June or the beginning of July, an update on the passed and failed bills, including
their implications for the city, will be provided. The work does not conclude with the end of the
legislative session. Government levels we interact with in legislative affairs will continue discussions
to create a two-year plan for ongoing legislative engagement. An update on preemption and the status
of legislation regarding it was requested. Specifically, the Super Preemptions Bill, also known as
Senate Bill 2858, from the 88th session. This bill would expand on previous legislation. It was voted
out of committee on Friday, the 16th, but has not yet been received by calendars or scheduled for a
floor vote. Opposition has been registered with all members of the Calendars Committee, and
opposition will continue if the bill is scheduled for a vote.
9. REGULAR ITEMS
9.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 05-22-25-9.1 directing
publication of notice of intention to issue Certificates of Obligation. Series 2025; and providing
an effective date.
Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, reported that in November 2022, the citizens of College Station
approved three out of the five bond authorization propositions, totaling $56.1 million. Citizen
authorization is needed for the issuance of general obligation (GO) bonds or debt. In connection with
this authorization, the FY25 issuance will include $17,050,000 for authorized projects. Typically, the
City of College Station issues Certificates of Obligation (CO) debt to fund various capital projects
identified and approved as part of the annual budget. The City's Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel
recommend issuing Certificates of Obligation for utility projects instead of Utility Revenue Bonds
(URBs). The City's ad valorem tax base provides a stronger credit than utility revenues, thereby
reducing borrowing costs. In addition to GO obligations, the FY25 issue will include Certificates of
Obligation to fund necessary public safety technology and cover debt issuance costs. This resolution
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specifies that the maximum amount of Certificates of Obligation indebtedness that may be authorized
for sale is $18,250,000, with $13,250,000 allocated to utility projects and $5,000,000 to general
government projects. The general government obligations for 2025 will total $17,050,000, in addition
to the COs. The utility systems will finance their portion of the debt service for capital utility projects
through utility revenues.
Mrs. Leonard noted that at the July 24th meeting, the City Council would consider approving the sale
parameters ordinance for the Certificates of Obligation Bonds and the General Obligation Bonds. Each
sale parameters ordinance authorizes the Mayor, the City Manager, and the Assistant City
Manager/Chief Financial Officer to finalize the complete sale of the obligations based on market
conditions. The ordinances also delegate the appointment of the Paying Agent/Registrar, method of
sale, bond underwriters, and approve the preparation of the Official Statements for the Certificates of
Obligations and General Obligation Bonds. If the City is not ready to issue the Certificates of
Obligation and General Obligation Bonds at the July 24th meeting, the City Council may postpone
adopting the ordinance for up to ninety days from July 24th.
Proposed Debt Issue FY25 Municipal Bonds
Fire Station No. 7
Bachman Little/Senior
League/Soccer Buildings
Thomas Park Re -
Development
Lincoln Center Area
Improvements
Central Park Operations
Shop
Total General Obligation
Bonds
$13,500,000 Proposition
A
250,000 Proposition
C
2,300,000 Proposition
C
650,000 Proposition
C
350,000 Proposition
C
$17,050,000
City -Wide Radio
Replacements
New Water Wells
Carters Creek -Diversion Lift
Station & Farce Main
Carters Creek WW Treatment
Plant- Rehab and
improvements
Total Certificates of
Obligation
$5,000,000 Governmental
5,000,000 Business -Type
4,000,000 Business Type
4,250,000 Business -Type
$18,250,000
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Smith and a second by Councilmember Wright
the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve Resolution No. 05-22-25-9.1,
directing publication of notice of intention to issue Certificates of Obligation, Series 2025; and
providing an effective date. The motion carried unanimously.
Recorded Vote:
Mayor Nichols — aye
Councilmember Smith — aye
Councilmember Wright — aye
Councilmember White — aye
Councilmember McIlhaney — aye
Councilmember Yancy — aye
Councilmember Shafer - aye
9.2. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-
4592 amending Appendix A. Unified Development Ordinance, Article 4, "Zoning Districts,"
Section 4.2 "Official Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of College Station,
Texas, by amending Ordinance 24-4498 by removing approximately 9.499 acres from the PDD
and by changing the zoning district boundaries from PDD Planned Development District to GC
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General Commercial, O Office, and NAP Natural Areas Protected for approximately 9.499 acres
at 505 William D. Fitch Parkwav, being Lot 1 & 2, Block 2 and Lot 1, Block 3 of the Phillips
Square Subdivision Phase 2, generally located at the terminus of Castle Rock Parkway.
Gabriel Schrum, Planning and Development, stated that this request aims to rezone approximately
9.499 acres at 525 William D. Fitch Parkway from PDD Planned Development District to about 4.836
acres of GC General Commercial, 1.181 acres of O Office, and 0.879 acres of NAP Natural Areas
Protected. The property was platted in February and is currently undeveloped. In June 2010, the City
Council denied a rezoning request due to concerns over use uncertainties, floodplain development,
and transportation infrastructure. Instead, a PDD rezoning was recommended for consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan and better evaluation. The property was zoned PDD in 2010 with conditions
including bike lanes and turn lanes. An amendment to the PDD concept plan was approved in January
2024, which removed building and parking layouts while retaining uses and modifications. Additional
conditions were met during platting, such as constructing streets and sidewalks per PDD standards.
Rezoning it to NAP ensures floodplain protection by prohibiting disturbances. The applicant seeks to
rezone from PDD to straight zoning districts for more flexibility and faster development processing.
This item was considered at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on May 1, 2025, where
the Commission unanimously voted (7-0) to recommend approval.
At approximately 7:59 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing.
Walter Truett, College Station, addressed the Council with a query about which corner was being
discussed. It was clarified that the discussion pertained to the corner of William Fitch and the only
property sold so far is located on William Fitch.
Edwin Guin, College Station, stated that as he understands it, the current PDD was specifically
designed to include or exclude certain things. His main concern is increased traffic through the
neighborhood due to access to that property, stating that office use is fine but other businesses with
night activity might be problematic.
Craig Wellington, from College Station, expressed confusion about the ongoing discussions regarding
this plot of land, which has been reviewed multiple times over the years. He urged the Council to
acknowledge past mistakes and encourage a development plan that aligns with the community's
interests and needs.
Dr. Jennifer Hurd, from College Station, stated that she was the President of the local HOA during a
past situation encountered at this location. She believes the proposal for new apartments would bring
an increase in building height from two stories to six stories, which would result in a significant influx
of residents and change the character of the community.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:15 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember McIlhaney and a second by Councilmember
Wright the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-4592,
amending Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Article 4, "Zoning Districts," Section 4.2
"Official Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, by amending
Ordinance 24-4498 by removing approximately 9.499 acres from the PDD and by changing the zoning
district boundaries from PDD Planned Development District to GC General Commercial, O Office,
and NAP Natural Areas Protected for approximately 9.499 acres at 505 William D. Fitch Parkway,
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being Lot 1 & 2, Block 2 and Lot 1, Block 3 of the Phillips Square Subdivision Phase 2, generally
located at the terminus of Castle Rock Parkway. The motion carried unanimously.
9.3. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-
4593 adopting the standards of care for the City's Parks and Recreation Department's
elementary age (5-13) Youth Recreational Program in compliance with the exemptions for
childcare licensing according to Texas Human Resources Code Section 42.041(b)(14).
Gene Ballew, Assistant Parks Director, explained that the Texas Human Resource Code, Section
42.041(b)(14), outlines requirements to exempt recreational day camp programs operated by
municipalities for elementary age (5-13) children from State childcare licensing. The services
provided by the College Station Parks and Recreation Department are recreational and do not qualify
as child-care facilities, meeting all exemptions of this legislation. To obtain exempt status from the
requirements of the Texas Human Resources Code, a municipality must annually submit a copy of the
Standards of Care, a notice of a public hearing, and a copy of the ordinance adopting the standards.
The Standards of Care include:
• Staff ratios
■ Minimum staff qualifications
■ Minimum facility, health, and safety standards
■ Mechanisms for monitoring and enforcing the adopted local standards
■ Notice to parents that the day camp program is not licensed by the state
The ordinance is presented to the City Council for consideration each year.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:30 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Smith
the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-4593,
adopting the standards of care for the City's Parks and Recreation Department's elementary age (5-13)
Youth Recreational Program in compliance with the exemptions for childcare licensing according to
Texas Human Resources Code Section 42.041(b)(14). The motion carried unanimously.
9.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Brazos Countv MUD #12.
Item was pulled from the agenda.
10. Items of Communitv Interest and Council Calendar: The Council may discuss upcoming
events and receive reports from a Council Member or Citv Staff about items of communitv
interest for which notice has not been given, including: expressions of thanks, congratulations
or condolence; information regarding holidav schedules, honorary or salutary recognitions of a
public official, public emvlovee, or other citizen, reminders of upcoming events organized or
sponsored by the Citv of College Station, information about a social, ceremonial or communitv
event organized or sponsored by an entitv other than the Citv of College Station that is scheduled
to be attended by a Council Member, another citv official or staff of the Citv of College Station;
and announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and safetv of people in
the Citv of College Station that has arisen after the posting of the agenda.
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Mayor Nichols reported on History Book Launch and the ribbon cutting for a pickleball and field
sports at Anderson Park.
Councilmember McIlhaney reported on Coach's Night.
11. Council Reports on Committees, Boards, and Commission: A Council Member may make a
report regarding meetings of City Council boards and commissions or meetings of boards and
committees on which a Council Member serves as a representative that have met since the last
council meeting. (Committees listed in Coversheet)
Councilmember Wright reported on the Washington DC Trip hosted by the Chamber of Commerce
regarding the Legislature.
Councilmember Shafer reported on the Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Greenway Advisory Board.
Councilmember Yancy reported on the Brazos County Health District and Interlocal Government
Committee.
12. Future Agenda Items and Review of Standing List of Council Generated Future Agenda
Items: A Council Member may make a request to City Council to place an item for which no
notice has been given on a future agenda or may inquire about the status of an item on the
standing list of council generated future agenda items. A Council Member's or City Staffs
response to the request or inquiry will be limited to a statement of specific factual information
related to the request or inquiry or the recitation of existing policy in response to the request or
inquirv. Any deliberation of or decision about the subiect of a request will be limited to a
proposal to place the subiect on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
Councilmember McIlhaney requested a future discussion for July 121h on reducing or eliminating
impact fees, parkland fees, and permit fees for affordable housing, including defining what constitutes
affordable housing.
13. Adiournment.
There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 8:56
p.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
P- 1-_
John P. Nichols, Mayor
ATT
Tanya Smith, City Secretary
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