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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/16/1988 - Special Minutes City Council MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING COLLEGE STATION COMMUNITY CENTER TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1988 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Ringer, Councilman McIlhaney Gardner, Haddox, Brown Councilman Boughton Agenda Item No. 1 -..Introductory; Remarks by Mayor Ringer. Mayor Ringer called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. He stated that this meeting was being conducted by the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce. He turned the meeting over to Ms. Kandy Rose, Chairman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. Ms. Kandy Rose recognized Mr. Bill Vance, President of the Bryan College Station Chamber of Commerce. She explained that the purpose of the meeting is to improve communications and give residents an additional opportunity to hear about issues impor- tant to the City of College Station. She mentioned that 3x5 cards were being passed to members of the audience to give them an opportunity to write questions to the Council regarding their individual concerns. Agenda Item No. 2 - Discussion of Wolf Pen Creek Pro~ect (Councilman Dick Haddox). Councilman Haddox presented a slide presentation. He described the main goal of the Wolf Pen Creek project is to develop a comprehensive plan, recognize the inter-relations of drainage, erosion, and recreation as each segment applys to Wolf Pen Creek. Another goal is to have a creative community attraction for College Station residents and out of town guests. He noted that one of the objectives is to link together the various parks and trails. 06535 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1988 Page 2 He commented that this project is being organized by a steering committee appointed by the Council and an engineering firm approved by the Council. A~enda Item No. 3 - Discussion of Growth Policies (Councilman Jim Gardner) . Councilman Gardner stated that the Comprehensive Plan is the major expression of physical growth policy. He noted several goals and objectives of the Planning and Zoning Commission in revising the Plan. He also noted that a reference to industrial growth is listed in the Development Policies section of the Plan, under Industrial Development. Councilman Gardner listed several growth policies which are reflected in the city's funding of activities and facilities. 1) $65,000 annually for a building to house the Chamber in College Station. 2) $385,000 has been provided to support the College Station Economic Development Foundation. 3) One half million dollars for Easterwood Airport during last 9 years. He pointed out that there is a need to modify and expand the city's utility system. A~enda Item No. 4 - Discussion of Industrial Development/ Expansion of Tax Base (Councilman Fred Brown). Councilman Brown stated that College Station has increased its tax base over 2 percent in the last eighteen months and he listed several factors contributing to this increase. One, the regional medical complex has been constructed composing of Scott & White Clinic, Sandstone Hospital, Greenleaf Hospital, and Humana Hospital. Other new businesses are the State Farm Bureau offices and the multi-million dollar Wal-Mart. A new multi-million dollar Post Office will also be a major asset to the community. He referred to the new USDA training center at Texas A&M University which will bring over 3000 students annually into the con~nunity, plus it will give a tremendous boost to Easterwood Airport. He mentioned that bids will be going out in March for the new terminal facility at Easterwood Airport. A~enda Item No. 5 - Discussion of Involvement of Citizens in College Station Government (Councilman Lynn McIlhaney). Councilman McIlhaney presented a brief description of the procedures to apply for membership on a citizen committee. She listed several of the committees appointed by the Council. ' 06536 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1988 Page 3 She noted that there are many volunteer programs available from the Parks and Recreation Department. Educational programs are available through the Police Department such as the Police Academy for adults and the D.A.R.E program for school age children. She pointed out that a citizen is welcome to address the Council at their regularly scheduled meeting under the agenda item Hear Visitors; or if there is a particular item which they would like to discuss with a council member, they may contact a council- member and then the council member would bring up the issue at the workshop council meeting under Council Concerns. A~enda Item No. 6 - STATE OF THE CITY Summary and Overview (Mayor Larry Rin~er). Mayor Ringer mentioned that the sales tax revenue has increased in College Station and that this has shown a definite plus for College Station. He expressed that the City Council and the City Staff have managed to maintain the City without additional tax increases in recent years. He noted that major Capital Improve- ments Projects have been completed; the Police Station Building and Municipal Court Complex, the Cy Miller Pond, and a new warehouse for the Public Utilities Department. He noted that College Station, Bryan, and Brazos County have approved the new enhanced 911 emergency system. Also, a joint use agreement with the College Station School District was recently passed. Mayor Ringer mentioned several factors relating to the future utilities of College Station. He noted that Council has author- ized approval of a future power supply study to be conducted for potential suppliers on a long term effect; the city has recently re-negotiated the contract with Gulf States Utilities which has favorable terms regarding increased load growth. A rate study is being conducted to study the rate structure of the City. A major project to be completed is the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Lick Creek. Also several major sewer lines have been rehabilitized within the city. The Council recently approved a maintenance and repairs priority list of city streets. Mayor Ringer pointed out that the Emerald Parkway Overpass will be a full interchange. The city will be required to purchase the right-of-way at Emerald Forest Parkway, because it will need to be relocated. 06537 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1988 Page 4 He announced that the 1988 Pepsi Games of Texas have begun, with the opening ceremonies to be held in August, an estimation of 30,000 visitors will be in town. He pointed out that there will be a large amount of volunteers needed for these games. Agenda Item No. 7 - Final Questions from the Audience. The first question related to an approximate time when the con- struction of Wolf Pen Creek would begin. Councilman Haddox replied that the conceptual master plan may be considered in two weeks. After approval by the steering committee, meetings will take place with various property owners, and interested groups. A recommendation will be presented to the Council for a final decision. Councilman Haddox described the funding possibilities. He stated that the funding is decided on a matching fund basis with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The committee hopes that contributions of land, money or labor will be donated towards a matching gift for a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Several questions were raised about utility rates. Councilman Gardner replied that a comprehensive study is now underway to explore alternative sources for electrical power. Councilman Haddox pointed out that a study has concluded that the city should not be involved with the Trinity River Authority Hydro Electric plant at Lake Livingston. He mentioned that the City of College Station should be in a good marketing position for the purchase of electricity when the contract with Gulf States Utilities expires in 1991. Councilman McIlhaney was excused from the meeting. Councilman Brown commented that additional new growth from this time forward will contribute toward lowering utility rates in the City. Councilman Haddox commented that the Economic Development Founda- tion is working toward self-sufficiency. He added that the Foundation is in the process of purchasing the Industrial Park property from the City. Councilman Gardner commented that the character of the city is obviously related to the University. The current goals of the Commission describe the character as an attractive community with a healthy diversified economic climate. He feels that this description does not stress the character of College Station enough. ' 06538 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1988 Page 5 The last question addressed to the Council related to the question of merging Bryan/College Station. Each councilmember expressed their opinion. Councilman Brown expressed that a study should be conducted to explore the possi- bilities available to merge the cities of Bryan and College Station. Councilman Gardner agreed and added that the idea should be looked into. He commented that it makes good planning sense. Councilman Haddox commented that he would like to see a unified con~nunity and he appreciates that both cities have worked to- gether in obtaining several industries to the communities. He feels that it is an obligation of the Council to insure that every citizen realizes the facts of this issue if there is a need for public vote. Mayor Ringer stated his comments. He expressed that the cities are working together well in so many projects. There are things happening in both communities because they are tw__o communities. He stated that he has not been convinced that the idea of com- bining the two communities would save money. A~enda Item No. 8 - Summation by .payor Rin~er and the Council. Refreshments were provided by Fred Brown Mazda-BMW. Mayor Ringer adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m. ATTES,T: City Sectary, Dian Jones APPROVED: 06539