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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublicity Vol. 19 (Feb. 1979 - Aug. 1979)CS Councilman Ringer files for re- election College Station Councilman Larry Ringer has filed for re- election to his council position. - Ringer has completed one and a half terms on the council. Three years ago he was elected to the unexpired term of Bob Bell who -ran for mayor. Ringer, 41, is a professor at TAMU and associate director for the In- stitute of Statistics and a research Statistician with the Texas Trans- portation institute. He came to Texas A &M in 1963 after receiving degrees from Iowa State University. He received his Ph.D from Texas A&M in 1966. He is president of the College Station Kiwanis Club and coaches a youth basketball team. Ringer headed up the city's utility rate study committee and is council liaison for the Parks and Recreation Board acid the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Larry Ringer The Eagle February 2, 1979 Artists' - applications sough for April park opening Artisans interested in selling and displaying their work at the opening of Oaks Park on April 28 must contact the College Station Parks and Recreation Department by Feb. 20. The opening of the park will feature art demon- strations, music, dancing, food and an auction from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on April 28. The park is located at the corner of Highway 30 and Stallings Drive in College Station. Applications for the event are available at the Parks and Recreation office, Lincoln Centel, (;' Chamber of Comnfeivlz the Memorial Stud _ Center and the Arts Cou Office. For more informative. contact Steve 13eacb I irector of Parks a" Recreation, 696 4753. The Eagle February 12, 1979 CS needs vote counter College Station city officials are looking for someone with a com- putd to coiWf the votes in the up- coming April municipal election. Glen Schroeder, College Station tax assessor- collector, said that he had been informed by Texas Data Center that it would no longer be able to count the votes for the city and school district elections. Schroeder said he has several possibilities for places -to have the votes counted, but will first look at the costs involved. Texas Data Center had preformed the service free of charge to the city and school. Schroeder said the city needs a facility that has a card reader and a simple computer to count the results. He said he would also be meeting with county officials because they will also need someone to count their votes in future elec- tions. The city of Bryan and Bryan In- dependent School District votes are counted on the Bryan Utilities computer. Schroeder said he did not see any problems in finding another site for the vote count. A &M Consolidated officials couk not be reached for comment. The Eagle February 12, 1979 Notice to Bidders Sealed proposals a0dre to the City of College Station parks 6 recreation department will be received at the office of the City Secretary in City Wall until 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 21, 1979 for a trainler- mounted tree spade. Bids shall .be opened and read aloud at C' / +:00 p.m. In the Council Chambers on the same date. Information and specifications may be picked up at the Parks & Recreation Dept., 1000 Eleanor St., College Station, Texas 77840, or by calling 696- 4753. The right to accept of reject any or all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station. Eric Ploeger City Forester 2-7,2-14 The Eagle February 14, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justment will consider a request for the expansion of a nonconforming use from Ron Smestuen (Titco, Inc.; Mr. Gatti's) at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 7L:00 P.M. on Tuesday, Febryary 20, 1979, the nature of the case being as follows: The applicant requests per- mission to expand the present sign located on the property. Further information Is available at the office of the Adminstrative Assistant to the City Manager, City of College Station. Sherry L. Albrecht Administrative Assistant t o the City Manager TO WHOM IT MAY CO17 CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public ,hearing on the question of rezoning the following ract: 1.00 acre located east of and adjacent to Texas Avenue and approximately 500 feet north of the Intersection of Texas Avenue and Krenek Tap Raod from Single Family Residential District R -1 to General Commercial District C-1. The application is in the name of Irene Krenek Skid' more, 1600 1 /2 Finfeather, Bryan, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at he 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, March 8, 1979. For additioanl Information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City Planner 2 -14 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning following tract: 1.00 acre located east of and adjacent to Texas Avenue and ap- proximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Texas Avenue and Krenek Tap Road from Single Family Residential District R-1 to General Commercial District C -1. The applicaton is in the name of Irnen KKrenek Skidmore, 1600 1 /2 Finfeather, Bryan, Texas. The sasid hearing ill be held In the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of "hp Planning and Zoning C6M. mission on Thursday, M,ar, chMarch 1, 1979. For additional Information, please contact me. Albert O Mayo, Jr. City Planner 2 -14 The Eagle February 15, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Bd6rd , of Ad- justment will consider a request for the expansion of a nonconforming use frorp Ron Smestuen (Titco, Inc.; Mr. Gatti's) at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 7L:00 P.M. on Tuesday, Febrybry 20, 1979, the nature of the case being as follows: The applicant requests per- mission to expand the present sign located on the property. Further information is available at the office of the Adminstrative Assistant to the City Manager, City of College Station. Sherry L. Albrecht Administrative Assistant t o the City Manager The Eagle February 18, 1979 CS to consider meter tampering law College Station City Council will consider an ordinance Thursday night that will set penalties for persons caught tampering with electric meters. George Ford, city public works director, said meter tampering has been an ongoing problem in the city. "They do all sorts of things," Ford Said, including turning on the meters without city approval. The ordinance carries a $200 a day penalty for each day of violation. Also on the agenda is a public hearing to consider the city's 1979 Community Development Program performance report and a public hearing on, rezoning a 2.3 acre tract between University Oaks Blvd. and Woodstone Shopping Center from general commercial to apartment district. The council will award a bid for a tree spade and for a water line in Krenek Tap Park. A closed session also is scheduled to consider per- sonnel. The meeging begins at 7 p.m. The council also will meet Wednesday at 4 p.m. to hear a presentation on tourism, to discuss a proposed Rehabilitation Grant Program and to reconsider the city logo. Both meetings will be at city hall. The Eagle February 19, 1979 CS has vacancies on election ballot By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Thus far, the City of Bryan has a full slate of candidates for the April municipal election, but the City of College Station has two vacant positions. As he did in 1975, Councilman Gary Halter was the first to file his council candidacy in College Station. He filed Tuesday morning. The Positions currently held by Anne Hazen and Larry Ringer also are up for re- election. Hazen has said she won't seek another term. Ringer is expected to file soon. In Bryan, the incumbents — Mayor Richard Smith, Councilmen Joe Hanover, Peyton Waller and Wayne Gibson — have all filed for re- election. So far, no opposition candidates have filed for any position. Filing deadline in both cities for the April 7 election is March 7. Absentee voting will begin March 19 and last through April 3. In Bryan, a candidate must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Texas for 12 months and of the city for six months, have no felony convictions and be mentally sound. In College Station, a candidate for city council must get 25 signatures Councilman on a petition to enter the race. He or she must be a qualified voter in Texas, a U.S. citizen, have lived in the city for one year preceeding the election, not be in arrears on any taxes or fees to the city, nor be disqualified by any other charter provision. In Bryan, candidates may file at ' the city secretary's office any week -' day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In College Station, a candidate' may file with the tax assessor collector during business hours. School board elections also will be held April 7 for A&M Con-' solidated and Bryan Independent' school districts. 4 , A&M Consolidated' will begin accepting filings Wednesday. The positions currently held by Rodney Hill and Lambert Wilkes are up for election. Hill is expected to run again but Wilkes may dot. In Bryan, Travis Bryan Jr. and James Stegall have filed for re- election to their school board positions. No other candidates have filed for the offices. Forms are available at the schools' superintendents' offices. Candidates must have lived in the state for 12 months and in the school district for 6 months. They must be qualified voters. Halter files for re- election College Station City Councilman Gary Halter has filed for re- election to the city council. Three council positions are open for the April municipal election. Halter, 37, is an associate professor of political science at Texas A &M University. He has served two terms on the council — being elected both under the ward and at -large systems. This year, the council will be elected under the at- large system. A native Texan, Halter has lived in College Station for more than 10 years. He completed his Ph.D in 1970 at the University of Maryland with a specialty in urban government and public administration. While on the council, Halter headed up the 1976 capital im- provemnts committee. He has been vocal in matters concerning the City of Bryan as well as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development grants. Halter was a leader in the recent formation of a group of Texas cities which are working for a Public Utilities Commission change in- volving certification of electrical service areas. Gary Halter The Eagle February 20, 1979 CS home builder files for city council post_ College Station home builder Tony Jones has filed for election to the city council in the upcoming April election. Jones filed today and completes a, full slate of candidates for the election. He is running for the Position currently held by Mrs. Anne Hazen. She has said she will not seek re- election. Thus far, he faces no opposition. Jones, 32, is a 1970 graduate of Texas A&M Univeristy. He is owner of Tony Jones Construction, primarily a custom homebuilding company. A member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Jones ran unsuccessfully for the council in 1978 against Councilwoman Patricia Boughton. He attends A&M United Methodist Church, is a member of the College Station Morning Lions Club and has been active in numerous other civic organizations. Jones is president of the College Station Soccer Club. A native of the Kingsville area, Jones attended high school in San Antonio and attended Sul Ross University on a football scholarship before transferring to A&M. Tony Jo The Eagle February 21, 1979 Centipede or snail on Cs mail? Just what should the logo for the City of College Station look like? Wednesday afternoon, the city council looked at five suggeste +l logos and each.,mgmber seelned to have a different idea of what::' should be adopted. The prime candidate for the. logo — which will go on city let terhead, signs, trucks and plaques — is • a round tree surrounded by a C and an S. ' The mayor thought it looked like a giant snail. The city manager thought the tree looked like a biting centipede. One.of the council members thought it looked like a turkey platter. But in the end, most seerned to think the logo was the best they'd. seen. The city has been looking for a logo for more than a year, but one hasn't been found that would suit everybody. "Fifty percent of the people aren't gonna like whatever we Pick," said Councilman Gary Halter. "The rest won't care," quipped Councilman Lar(-y Ringer. A final logo selection is ex- pected to be made at the council's meeting tonight at 7 at city hall. The Eagle February 22, 1979 CS to decide Od a guidelines By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council is trying to find the most fair and least controversial method for deter- mining who will get $5,000 grants for housing rehabilitation in the city. The council has appropriated $50,000 into a housing rehabilitation program for low income homeowners. Wednesday, the council discussed the guidelines for the program. Final guidelines will be voted on at tonight's council meeting. Under the program — aimed at satisfying U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) goals for the city — homeowners will be given a maximum $5,000 grant to be used to bring their homes into compliance with building and safety codes. Applicants for the grants must live in one of the four designated low income areas, meet financial guidelines and have a structure that can be brought into compliance with codes for the maximum $5,000 grant. An applicant will be allowed to put in additional money for the repairs. Community Development Director Jim Callaway told the council he would make the final decision on which applicants get the grants. He planned to use a first come, first served basis. Council membeis, however, felt a committee of community leaders might be useful in making the final decisions. Councilwoman Anne Hazen suggested a committee of local clergy to oversee the program. Callaway hopes that College Station will be getting federal Community Development funds in 1979 and that an additional $100,000 can be put in the rehabilitation program. h; H (D �:Y' V n G CrJ w w n oc N N The original $50,000 for the program was taken from a proposed street repair project in a low income area. Residents were asked to risk the street repair project in an efforf to appease HUD and get more money in the future. The street repair project would then be rein- stitute(L N v College Station Tax Assessor - Collector Glen Schroeder holds the city's new logo adopted Thursday night. Schroeder has had ad- ditional duties added to his job at the city. He has been named city secretary and city registrar. He will be responsible for holding elections, attesting to documents and keeping death and birth records, as well as his taxing duties. The Eagle February 23, 1979 A N O R D I N A N C E, PROHIBITING CERTAIN CONDUCT AFFECTING ELECTRICAL METERS, ELECTRICAL METER T E R M I N A L BOXES, ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR, WATER METERS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS AND L NES OWNED BY THE C TV; AND HAZARDOUS TO THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE ELECTRIC AND WATER SERVICES OF SAID CITY AS WELL AS TO THE PUBLIC GENERALLY; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS AND EVIDENTIARY PRESUMP- TIONS;MAKING ANY IN- DIVIDUAL, ASSOCIATION OR C O R P O R A T I O N VIOLATING ANY PORTION OR PROVISION OF SAID ORDINANCE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND, UPON CONVICTION THEREFOR, PUNISHABLE BY THE ASSESSMENT OF A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $200.00 , and each day and every day that any such portion or provision be so violated to constitute a separate and distinct offense; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION; PROVINDING REPEALING AND S E V E R A B 1 L I T Y CLAUSES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY The Eagle February 25, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: and Zoning The Planning City of Commission of the College Station, Texas will hold a public hearing to consider an ordinance amending Or- dinance No. 850, the Zoning Ordinance, to establish a new enforcement officer for the Zoning Ordinance. Al The hearing will be held in'the Council ROOM the 1101 South Station City Hall, Texas g thetPlanning P the 7:00 ting of and meeission on Zoning Comm Thursday, March 15, 1979. For further infoormation, please contact Director of PI 2 28 ng, 1.96 -8868. TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The College Station City Council two'll conside a an or- hearin9 Ordinance dinance amending Ordinance, No. 850, the Zoning to establish a the enforcement officer for Or- dinance. The hearing will be held on Thursday, March 22, 1979 at 7 P.M. in the Council ROOM y Half th College 1101 South Texas Avenue. For additional i r Mayo please contact Director of Plan Al ng, 696 -886 The Eagle February 28, 1979 To All Interested Agencies, Groups, and individuals: The 1979 City of College Station Community Development Grantee Performance Report has been submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. A COPY of said Report is tation 'n the D College S Department. This Report may be examined and copied at no charge during normal business hours. For further information James CallatAay ih e ning Deparim6nft 1101 Texas Ave. 713-696-8868 Ext. 238. NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed o City l ncil o f the College Station, o Texas will be received at the office of North Bardell, City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. march 15, 1979, for furnishing he following equipmeni ONE NEW TRUCK Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The right is reserved as the interest of the owner may require to reject any nformal bids and to waive any bids received. The Eagle February 28, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals address Ci o t Honorable Mayor Station; Council of College eived at the Texas will be City office of North Bardell, Manager, until 10:00 A.M. March 15, 1919, for furnishing the following equipment: ONE NEW TRUCK Specifications can be obtained C the ity H • tl, *oriIS Call, College Station, Texas. The right is reserved as the interest of the owner may require to reject any nformal bids and to waive any bidsrece� - -- - - -- To All Interested Persons: The City of College Station Community Development office is currently accepting applications for Housing Rehabilitation Grants. The grants of up to $5,000.00 may be made to eligible applicants who own homes in designated College Station Community Development Target Neigh- borhoods. For more information please contact Jane R. Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator, city Texas College Station, Extension Avenue, 696 -8868, 238. 3 -1 The Eagle March 1, 1979 Joint ambulance study suggested By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Responsibility for a study of coordinated emergency ambulance service in Brazos County was handed back to local officials Thursday by the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). The action was taken this morning during a meeting of College Station City Manager North Bardell, Bryan City Planner Hubert Nelson, Brazos County Judge Dick Holmgreen and university representatives. Jack Keese, of TTI, told the officials that "Under present conditions," TTI will not pursue such a study. The "present coneitions" Keese spoke of include the fact that Bryan has not made a decision on what type of ambulance service it will use, that no source of funding could be located by TTI and that the four governmental entities (the two cities, county and university) have never really decided that a study is desired. - Keese said the officials need to decide what level of emergency service they want "an& what alter- natives for coordination would be acceptable. Kees suggested that the staffs of the two cities and the university work together on a study — if one is desired. "A joint staff study should have a higher probability of acceptance by the political decision groups involved," Keese said. A study of emergency service was first proposed by Bryan officials when it became evident that the city's privately -owned operation might change to city -run one During the meeting, officials suggested several groups under which a coordinating study might be directed. The groups include the in- tergovernmental coor- dinating committee (ICC), the Urban Transportation study office and the Brazos Area Planning Cor- poration. All of these groups are made up of elected and appointed officials from the cities, county and university. The Eagle March 1, 1979 Zoning board tables half of items Three of the six items presented to the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission were tabled Thurday night. The commissioners tabled a request for rezoning of a one acre tract located east of and adjacent to Texas Avenue, about 500 feet north of Krenek Tap Road from single family residential to general commercial. More than an hour discussion preceded the tabling motion. Commissioners were concerned about setting a pattern of general commercial on the surrounding tracts. The developer was told to get with representatives of a church which owns adjacent land and come up with a change on the plat showing a common driveway for the two properties. The commission also tabled a preliminary plat for Parkway Plaza Phase 8 and consideration of a landscape- parking,plan for Del Taco to be located at Texas and Park Place. Both proposals will be reworked and resubmitted. The commission turned down a final plat for the resubdivision of Lots 4 and 5 of Block 8 of the Boyett Estate. The plat would have created two illegal -sized lots. The Eagle March 2, 1979 rn rn to N U N � ro H � CS to take bids ' on new office c0 mouter A new computer is in College Station city hall's future. The city council has authorized the City staff to go out for bids on a new, bigger computer which primarily will serve the utility department. A.E. VanDever, assistant city manager, said the city's present computer does not have enough facilities to handle the, tremendous growth of the utility department. The present computer allows for only one function at a time. Staff members cannot input into the computer while it is printing. VanDever said the new computer will allow two or three employees to input into the computer at one time as well as a simultaneous printing said. function. "Our consultants advise us that the computer will cost between $60,000 and $100,000," he said. The present computer will be sold or transferred to anoter city department, the assistant manager "We're rushing because we are in dire need," said VanDever. But despite the push to get the necessary data to advertise for bids on the computer, VanDever estimated the new machine won't be functioning until May. 1980. 9� NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the 'Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas will be received at the office-of North Bardell, City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. March 15, 1979, for furnishing the following equipment: ONE NEW TRUCK Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The right is reserved as the interest of the owner may require to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. The Eagle March 2, 1979 rn rn 4 CS areas may get $5,000 home grants ''u co By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Maps on page 4A. Community Development target zones. to $8,000 a year. A family of 2 can H Z Is your house falling down around Zone earn up to $9,150 and f 3 can earn up o you? Do you need a new roof. New be directly in charge of the program A is bounded by Tarrow, Lincoln, Turner, Banks and Cha to $10,300. The scale continues and a family wiring? New plumbing? and will interview applicants. Ppel Stree Streets. of 7 can earn up to If you live within one of the four designated neighborhoods in College The city council has put $50,000 into the Zone B encompasses the lots that annually. The maximum earnin s rning0 for a family of 8 or more is $14,300. g Station, you may be eligible for a rehabilitation project in hopes of satisfying goals set by the face onto Richards and Sterling from Texas Avenue back, If those two qualifications seem to grant of up to $5,000 to rehabilitate your home. U.S. Department of Housing and Zone C surrounds Park Place from fit, a homeowner should then contact Kee or Calloway. College Station begun Urban Development (HUD). If the Texas to ne ar Anderson Street. "Their incomes will have to be a the g program and staff Development funding for 979, more Zone D is bounded by Wellborn Road, Nevada verified," Kee said. To help with members now are ready to begin money will be put into the program, Street, Welch, Holleman, Fairview, and Thomp- this, she suggested that the a bring processing applications. Bryan has officials said. son. plicant his or her Social had a similar program for several To be eligible, homeowners must Specific maps the Security card, bank account in- years which has been very suc- meet two major requirements: of zones are available at the city hall planning formation, proof of salary or welfare cessful. income limits and location. departmerit. payments, 1978 tax return or other Heading up the grant program is Jim Calloway, city The eligible homeowners must live Income limits are set by the information on assets and others that work in the family. community development director. Jane Kee wi within one of the four areas within the city designa . as federal government. In Brazos Once the qualifications are County, a family of o ne can ear uA Filing deadline nears for seats school on cit y councils, and lasts through April 3. In College Station, three persons have filed for the three council positions. Incumbents Larry Ringer and Gary Halter will be on the ballot with Tony Jones. At A &M Consolidated, James McNamera and Herman Brown have filed for position 2 and Mary Candidates for city council and school board positionsin the April 7 elections in Bryan and College Station have only two more days to file. Wednesday at 5 p.m. is -the deadline for filing at the two city halls and two school district offices. Absentee voting begins March 19 boards Fellenz has filed for position 1. In Bryan, all four incumbents have filed for re- election. Thus far unopposed are Mayor Richard Smith, Councilmen Joe Hanover, Peyton Waller and Wayne Gibson. At Bryan Independent School District, incumbents Travis Bryan Jr. and James Stegall are running unopposed. The Eagle March 5, 1979 $50,000 earmarked for repairs From page 1A, col. 3 verified, the city staff will contact the applicant. A tour will be made of the house to determine what work needs to be done. In order to satisfy federal rules, the grants cannot be made for partial repair jobs, Calloway said. "We can't just fix a roof and leave bad wiring," he said. oversee the selection of applicants. That committee was given the flexibility to allow 10 percent fluc- tuations in the income limits and in the maximum of the grant. Calloway hopes that the first contract for construction can be signed within six weeks. Ap- plications are being taken for con- tractors interested in doing the repair work. Details are available from Kee or Calloway. The house must be able to be brought to up to code standards with the $5,000, he said. In creating the program, the city council set up a committee to The Eagle March 5, 1979 4 of 10 election posts to be opposed Of the ten positions open on the local city councils and school boards, only four have more than one candidate for the April 7 elec- tion. Filing for the Bryan City Council, the College Station City Council, the Bryan school board and the A &M Consolidated school board ended Wednesday. Both open positions on the Con- H i fD w ao uo m V soliaatea boara will be contested. Ann Jones and Mary Fellenz have filed for position 1. Jim McNamera, Oran Jones and Herman Brown will oppose one another for position 2. Incumbents Rodney Hill and Lambert Wilkes did not file for re- election. In Bryan, both a city council position and a school board position will have two candidates. Bryan city councilman Wayne Gibsen will be challenged by Sparky Hardee. Bryan mayor Richard Smith and councilmen Peyton Waller and Joe Hanover will run unopposed. On the Bryan, school board, in- cumbent James Stegall will face Ronald Holmes for position 6. School trustee Travis Bryan Jr. is unopposed. In College Station, no city council position will be contested. Incumbents Larry Ringer and Gary Halter filed with no opposition. Tony Jones filed for the third position left open by Anne Hazen, who did not seek re- election. Absentee voting for the city elections begins March 19 and ends April 3. NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the City of College Station, Parks and Recreation Department will be received at the Office of the City Secretary until 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 1979 for supplying Prefabricated park,,, she++ter. Bids shall be opened and rpard'aloud at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the same date. Plan, Specifications and In- formation for Bidders may be picked up at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 Eleanor, College Station, Texas 77840, or by calling ( 713) 696-4753. Proposals must be suWnitted on the forms bound within the Specifications. The right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station. STEPHEN C.BEACHY Director, Parks & Recreation Dept. 3- The Eagle March 8, 1979 Police welcome new vehicles 11 By FRANK MAY Staff Writer "Welcome relief" came to Bryan policemen the past few weeks as seven long- awaited patrol cars were shipped one- by-one to the department. College Station patrolmen have also received new cars, replacing well -used and somewhat rundown vehicles. Seven new Dodge Aspens are now being used by Bryan patrolmen who had hoped to get the cars during the Christmas holidays. gives us full coverage because there are no more breakdowns and needless doubling up of officers," Lt. Gene Knowles said. "The cars trickled in slowly during February and early March," he said. "We don't know what the hold up was. Maybe it was the bad weather up north where they came from," he added. The new cars are equipped with wired partions which were in- stalled in only a few of the previous vehicles. "The men like the cages because they prevent a prisoner from trying to kick an officer or hit him," Knowles said. "Once we had a prisoner kick one radio but these should eliminate that and protect :tile officer," he added. Despite minor oil leaks, the' new cars have been operating well," Capt. Howard Hill said. "The room (inside) is sur- prising. They have smalle engines than the old ones and are more energy- oriented, he said. "We won't catch somebody at 120 (mph), but we'll use our radio to do it (alert nearby cars)," he said. Five new Ford LTD II cars have replaced Dodges at the College Station department. The new vehicles have smaller engines and are expected to save fuel. "Forget power, they don't have power," Lt. Mason Newton said of the new units. "We wanted to stay with the larger size car, but the biggest engine they had was the 351, two - barrel," he added. The Eagle March 9, 1979 Mayor Lorence Bravenec listens intently to a citizen. Staff photo by Steve Castleberry tit names nousing committee Members of a committee that will make final decisions on who will get grants for housing rehabilitation in College Station were selected Thursday. The city council named the three - member committee after a short closed session during the regular council meeting. Named to the committee were Joseph Williams, representing the structural standards board; Jane Sielken, an at -large delegate; and Blossie Payton, representing the eligible neighborhoods. Named as alternates were Tim Coppinger, structural standard board; Ann Hazen, at- large; and Sam Ford, neighborhood delegate. Jim Callaway, city Community Development director, said homeowners living within the designated Community Develop- ment neighborhoods are eligible for a maximum $5,000 grant to bring their homes up to building stan- dards. The city has set aside $50,000 in federal funds for the project. Callaway and other staff members will determine eligibility of can- didates for the grants and the com- mittee will make final decisions on who gets the money and how much. Callaway said about a dozen ap- plications already have been received by the city. Applicants must meet financial and other guidelines. In other action, the council heard a complaint from a student living in Varsity I Apartments. Ted Powell told the council that the roads to his apartment are impassable because of water and potholes. He got little help from the council, however, because staff members said the main street, Carroll Street, is not a dedicated city street and is not under city control. Council members said the matter was between Powell and the apartment owner. Powell said a Southern Pacific Railroad track which crosses Carroll Street is dangerous. He also said he had learned that the city does not tax the land making up Carroll Street and he wanted it taxed if it was private property. City Manager North Bardell was asked by Councilman Homer Adams to look into the safety problems at the railroad crossing. The council also selected the Texas A&M Data Center as the location for counting votes for the April 7 election. The council voted to continue the 1 percent sales tax utility sales within the city. Bardell said the tax brings in about $80,000 in city revenues. Utility lines hinder tree planting project By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Sometimes, giving Mother Nature i helping hand isn't so easy. That's what College Station orester Eric Ploeger is finding out is he tries to implement the city's ree planting plan. Ploeger reported to the city council this week that several problems have developed in planting trees according to a plan drawn up by students and faculty at Texas A &M . The first problerp is utility lines — sewer, water and electrical. "Almost no street in the plan is without utility lines running down both sides," Ploeger said. He must find a space to fit a new tree within the existing utilities and in some spots, it is impossible. The city's engineering and ?Manning department uses a newly created term, "retrofit" to describe trying to fit the trees into an established street right -of -way. City Engineer Elrey Ash said the tree plan will be'ga�y to establish in subdivisions now being designed. The trees can be placed every 40 feet, as called for in the plan, and the utilities can be routed around them. Another problem has developed along streets owned by the state such as Jersey and College Avenue. Officials of the Texas Department of Highways and Public Trans- portation say the trees would cause traffic hazards if planted in the right -of -ways. The department will allow the city to plant small shrubs. Ploeger said he is holding off planting trees along Dominik Street until proposed construction in the area is finished. He said the heavy equipment would damage the newly planted trees. But despite all the problems, the forester has been able to plant 130 Live Oaks, Chinese Elms and Red Oaks along Anderson, , Southwest Parkway and Welch Streets. He's also planted 58 trees, including Sweetgums, Magnolia, Water Oaks and Bald Cypress in city parks this fall. Ploeger said he had spent $1,024 of the $1,600 set aside by the council for the tree planting program. He said he has spent another $649.99 on the park trees. In the next few months when the city's new tree spade arrives, Ploeger plans to begin relocating trees within the parks. The spade will allow the city to move trees from one area and place them in a more desirable location. Ploeger said the city also will get some trees from developers who otherwise would just tear them down for construction. These trees, he said, would be free. The Eagle March 9, 1979 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS - Sealed proposals addressed to the College Station City Council, The City of College Station, Texas, for the con- struction of the College Station Fire Substation will be received until 2:00 p.m., C.S.T. on Tuesday, April 10, 1979, ati the office of the City Secretary at the College Station City Hall, and will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Room Of the City Hall at 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. on the same day. Drawings and specifications may be obtained at the office of Keneipp & Associates: Ar- chitects, 1301 FM 2818, College Station, Texas 77840. A deposit Of fifty dollars (850.00) which may be in the form of a check made payable to the Architect. will be required for a set of Plans and specifications. General Contractors may obtain two sets. of plans and specifications by deposit. Mechanical Subcontractors, Electrical Subcontractors may obtain one set of plans and specifications by deposit. These contractors may obtain additional sets and all other Subcontractors and Material Suppliers may obtain sets of plans and specifications for the purchase price of fifty dollars ($50.00) per set In the form of two checks for twenty-five dollars ($25.00) each payable to the Architect. Full deposits will be returned to those bidders who submit a competitve bid at the time and place specified and who return the plans and specifications to the Architect in good condition within fifteen days after the date of bid opening. One half of the deposit will be returned to those bidders who do not subg4il9 bid, but return plans and- specifications in good condition as outlined above. Full deposit will be returned to I those bidders who receive plans and specifications by deposit but discover they will be unable to submit a bid and return the plans and specifications to the Architect in good condition within five days from the date they receive them, but not inter than fourteen days prior to bid opening date. Nu full refunds will be made on purchased sets; however, one half of the purchase price will be refun- ded to those who return the plans and specifications to the Architect In good condition within fifteen days after the date of bid opening. No partial sets of plans of specifications will be issued. Each bidder shall submit with his proposal an acceptable bidder's bond made payable to the City of College Station, Texas in the amount of not less t h 'a n 5 of the largest possible com- bination of the bidder's proposal and alternates as a guarantee that, if awareded the contract, the bidder will promptly enter into a contract with the Owner and provide the required performance and payment bonds and insurance. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or ail bids and waive Informalities and irregularities. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof. North Bardell City Manager 3-11,3-18 The Eagle March 11, 1979 B=CS mass transit needs action - -now Three times in the past four days this newspaper will have printed either a story or an editorial comment about the transportation problems in Bryan - College Station. First there was the story by Jane Mills Smith Thursday about the College Station council meeting at which members of the Texas Transportation In- stitue (TTI) predicted traffic snarls in the two -city area in years to come. She followed that story with her own commentary on this page Friday pointing out the seriousness of the decisions both College Station and Bryan councils must' make 'in this regard — but that decision must be made'soon. . Ron Holder, who has directed the transportation study for TTI, explained the foot dragging and what he considers a very real need for some sort of transit system in B -CS. We believe there's a great deal of merit in what he says. For an entire year neither city did a thing. Then two months ago a committee was appointed and concluded, most logically, both cities must be willing to apply for federal grants in order for a transit system to become a reality. The emphasis was on the word "both," a word, it seems to us, which has been used over and over again but which must be recognized as the key for the common good of this area. Transportation problems are obvious in Bryan - College Station. Anyone who doesn't belive it needs only travel the full length of Texas Avenue, in either direction, late any week- day afternoon. Yes, Bryan - College Station has a transportation problem. A transit system of some sort MAY bey' the answer, but as Holder pointed out, now is the time to act. If both cities ponder the question until the problem gets totally out of hand, then ap- proaches Uncle Sam with a request for funding, it may be too late. He points out the lag time of several years, between initial inquiries to the time the funds might be doled out. For that reason, now is the time to act. But as members of the com- mitttee concluded, both cities must do it together. A com- bination effort is required. We're convinced that some kind of transit system will be required in the next few years, and we're equally convinced both Bryan and College Station had better approach the subject squarely, immediately and in combination with one another — now. This is no time to pass the buck. The Eagle March 11, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the City of Collega Station, Parks and Recreation parfTent will be received at the Of /ice of the City Secretary until 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 23, 1979 for' supplying prefabricated park shelter. Bids shall be opened and read aloud at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the Same date. Plan, Specifications and In- formation for Bidders may be Picked up at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1000 Eleanor, College Station, Texas 77840, or by calling ( 713) 69 6 - 4753. Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications. The right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City council of the City of College Station. Director, Parks & Rec ion Dept. 3-8,3-11 I The Eagle March 11, 1979 interest of the owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any in formality in bids received. Please mark bid envelope "Breathing Air System ". 316, 3-23, 3, 30 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: NOTICE TO BIDDERS . Sealed proposals addressed to the Honble Mayor and City City Counci of College Station, Texas, will be received at the Office of Mr. North Bardell, City Manager, until Monday, April 02, 1979 at 10:00 A.M. for furnishing the following: One (1) 5000 P.S.I. Com- pressor and Equipment for 1 a complete Breathing System. Proposals and specifications can be obtained at the City of College Station Fire Depart ment. All proposals must in- clude delivery date and all prices to be F.O.B. College Station, Texas. Bidders are requested to note their deviations from specifications in the blank column on the right-hand side of the specifications, corresponding to the specification data on the Ift, and return one set of.our specificaionswith their bid. The right is reserved as the The Zoning Board of Ad justment will consider a request for a non conforming structure from Mr. Robert Nash, 301 Poplar, at their regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 20, 1979, the nature of the meeting being as follows: The applicant requests permission to build a non- conforming structure. The structure, a storage unit, will violate the set back requirement of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Further information is available at the office of ministrative Assistant to the City Manager of the City of College Station, 696-8868, ext. iO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad justment will consider a request for a variance from D.R. Cain, Co. for a structure located at 2617 Celinda Circle, at their regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 20, 1979, the nature of the meeting being as follows: The applicant requests permission for a variance for an existing structure which extends over the front lot l ine. Further information is available at the office of the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager of the City of College Station, 6968868, ext. 202. NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the office of North Bardell, City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 2, 1979 for furnishing the following equipment: Four New Pickup Trucks Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. 3-16,3-23 i -in The Eagle March 16, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas will be received at the office ofl North Bardell, City Manager, until 2:00 p.m, on Tuesday, April 10, 1979 for furnishing the following equipment: One (1) — Two color, Double', Line Stripping Machine Specifications can be obtained at the Engineering Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 3-17,3-18 3 -19 The Eagle March 17, 1979 ealed proposals addressed to ie Honorable Mayor and City ouncil of College Station, Texas Lill be received at the office of 4orth Bardell, City Manager, mtil 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 0, 1979 for furnishing the ollowing equipment: One (1) — Two color, Double L-ine Stripping Machine Specifications can be obtained at the Engineering Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 3-17,3-18 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- 1 CERN: 1 The Zoning Board, Oft Ad- justment will consider a ; request for a non-conforming structure from Mr. Robert Nash, 301 Poplar, at their , egularly Scheduled meeting at City Hall at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 20, 1979, the nature of the meeting peing as follows: The applicant requests permission to build a non- conforming structure. The structure, a storage unit, will violate the set - back requirement of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Further information is available at the office of the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager of the City of College Station, 696-8868, ext. 202. to Whom it may concern; The Zoning Board of Ad� justment will consider a request for a variance from D.R. Cain, Co. for a structure located at 2817 Celinda Circle, at their regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall at 7:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 20, 1979, the nature of the meeting being as follows: The applicant requests permission for a variance for an existing structure which extends over the front lot line. Further information is available at the office of the Administrative Assistant to the City Manager of the City of College Station„ 696 -8868, ext. 202. "I." ^— The Eagle March 18, 1979 Council to meet Discussion of Lone Star Gas Company's rate in- crease request will highlight the Wednesday agenda of the College Station City Council. The council meets at 4 P.m. at city hall. Other items on the agenda in- clude consideration of a resolution creating a non- profit corporation to finance student loan notes, discussion of the city's sign Policy and a closed session on pending litigation. Thursday night, the councills scheduled to take action on the sign policy and the Lone Star rate request. Th e council also will consider taking bids for ,a truck cab and chassis, consider amend- ments to the 1979 Com- munity Development Block Grant Application and vote on an ordinance creating the position of zoning official. The Thursday meeting begins at 7 p.m. The Eagle March 20, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: 8.93 acres located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Anderson Street and Holleman Drive from Single Family Residential District R -1 to Duplex District R-2. The ap- plication is in the name of Southwood Valley, Inc. 2108 Southwood Drive, College Station, Texas. The Said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Com- __ Legal Notices mission on Thursday, April 5, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City Planner 3 -21 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: 8.93 acres located on the nor thwest corner of the in- tersection of Anderson Street and Holleman Drive from Single Family Residential District R -1 to Duplex District R-2. The application is in the name of Southwood Valley, Inc., 2108 Southwood Drive, College Station, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, April 12, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City Planner TO WHOM IT MAY COW CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: 0.72 acres located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Texas Avenue and Rock Prairie Road from Agricultural Open District A -O to General Commercial District C -1. The application being in the name of Mr. James B. Bond, 1813 Leona, College Station, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Com- mission on Thursday, April 5, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City Planner 3-21 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council wilt hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: 0.71 acres located on the nor- theast corner of the in tersection of Texas Avenue and Rock Prairie Road from Agricultural Open District A -O to General Commercial District C -l. The application is in the name of Mr. James B. Bond, 1813 Leona, College Station, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, April 12, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City Planner Publication of Notice of Proposed Acquisition by a Bank Holding Company of Ownership or Control of Shares of a Bank. Pursuant to the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, REPUBLIC OF TEXAS CORPORATION, Dallas, Texas, a bank holding company, proposes to acquire BANK OF A&M, P.O. Box 2860, College Station, Texas 77840. Persons wishing to comment on this proposal should submit their views in writing within thirty days of March 21, 1979, to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Station K, Dallas, Texas 75222. 3-21,3-28 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning a 1.0 acre tract located east of and adjacent to Texas Avenue and ap- proximately 500 feet north of the intersection of Texas Avenue and Krenek Tap Road f r o m S i n g I e F a m i l y Residential District R -1 to General Commercial District C -1. The application being in the name of Mrs. Irene Krenek Skidmore. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, April 12, 1979. For additional information, contact the City Planner's Office, 713- 696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. City P Director of Planning 3 -21 To Whom It May Concern: A joint meeting of the Brazos County Commissioners, College Station Planning and Zoning Commission, and Bryan Planning Commission will be held to continue the study of subdivision regulation in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of College Station and Bryan. The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M., Apruil 10, 1979, in the Brazos Center, Briarcrest Drive, Bryan, Texas. For further information, contact the College Station or Bryan Planning Offices. 3-21 The Eagle March 21, 1979 CS reviews Lone Star request � H n � N Qq N N V Council to consider rate increase at meeting By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer A request for a 14 percent rate increase from Lone Star Gas Co. was reviewed Wednesday afternoon by the College Station City Council. ' council is scheduled to con- - -:cider the request tonight at the "..'1olincil meeting. It is expected, however, that the council will follow the path set by Bryan officials in postponing a decision for at least 120 days. Lone Star officials said the average residential and commercial customer would get about a 14 percent increase if the new rates are accepted. The company said its earnings are deteriorating each day with the present rates because of inflation in costs of operating and maintenance expenses. In 1976, Lone Star requested an 8.6 percent rate increase from the two cities and received a 2.5 percent increase. In addition to changing the-rates, Lone Star proposes to raise the service charges. A reconnection charge would go from the present $5 to $20 and the hourly charge for service work on appliances would go from $13.50 to $16 per hour. Lone Star says a residential customer currently paying $16.74 for 8,000 cubic feet of gas would rise $19.15 under the new rates. The proposal for Bryan is iden- tical. The council also was informed about a request it will hear tonight from the parent of a deaf child that wants the city to pay for and install a traffic sign saying "Deaf Child Area." City Manager North Bardell said the city would order and install the sign, but would want the person requesting it to pay for the sign. He said the city's policy has been to charge for signs requested on something other than traffic con- ditions that will benefit the in- dividual making the request. Mayor Lorence Bravenec said a sign saying "Slow, Children at Play" in his neighborhood isn't heeded. He suggested that the only thing that gets motorists to slow down is a "chug hole." Twin cities cooperate on student loans The cities of Bryan and College Station have agreed to work together on creation of a non - profit corporation that may bring as much as $15 million into the area for student loans. The College Station City Council heard the presentation on the loan program from Ralph Rushing of Hatcher & Co. Wednesday afternoon and agreed to send the city manager and mayor to meet with Bryan of- ficials. Rushing already had spoken and received tentative approval from the Bryan council. He said the cities would form a non - profit corporation that would sell tax - exempt revenue bonds. The corporation would establish com- mittments with local banks to make the loans. The corporation would promise the banks to purchase the loans from them after 90 days, Rushing said. Hatcher & Co. of Dallas is the creator of this method of raising money for student loans and the program is unique to Texas, Rushing said. The company works as the financial adviser to the higher education authority created by the corporation, he said. Each city would appoint four directors to the authority and Hatcher & Co. would present a contract to the authority to be retained as adviser. The company would then lead the authority through its organizational functions, he said. "You're a bond salesman," said Councilman Gary Halter. Rushing said the cities would have no liability to repay the debt of the authority. Bob Logan, director of the student loan program at Texas A &M University , said loan money is needed for students who are above the financial need requirements. There is sufficient money, he said, for students meeting the financial restrictions of the Hinson - Hazelwood Act. The loans from the new cor- poration would not carry financial restrictions, Rushing said, so that students whose families make more than the financial limits could qualify. "It would be a great help to our student body," Logan said. Rushing said the corporation might sell from $12 -15 million in bonds if it is created. This money would be enough for loans for about two and a half years, he said. NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the Honorable Mayor and City City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the Office of Mr. North Bardell, City Manager, until Monday, April 02, 1979 at 10:00 A.M. for furnishing the following: One (1) 5000 P.S.I_ Com pressor and Equipment for a complete Breathing Air System. Proposals and specifications can be obtained at the City of College Station Fire Depart ment. All proposals must in clude delivery date and all prices to be F.O.B. College Station, Texas. Bidders are requested to note their deviations from sp� e,cif iCC ions in the blank CO V , the right hand side of the specifications, corresponding to the specification data off the Ift, and return one set of our specificaions with their bid. The right is reserved as the interest of the owner maY require, to reject any and all bids and to wave any in formality in bids received. Please mark bid envelope "Breathing Air System ". 3 16, 3 23, NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to I the Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the F oft ice of N orth Barde.11. City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 2. 1979 for furnishing the following equipment. Four New PiCkup T rucks SpeC"'Cat ions can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue. College Station, Texas. 3 16, 3 -23 3 30 The Eagle March 23, 1979 i;;a Legal Notices NOTICE TO BIDDERS ,­zlei proposals addressed to tn< Honorable Mayor and City Cc,'ncil of College Station, I T' vas will be received at the office of North Bardell, City Manager. until 10:00 A.M. on Monday, April 2, 1979 for furnishing the following equipment. Four New Pickup Trucks Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. 3 16, 3 23 3 30 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the Honorable Mayor and City City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the Office of Mr. North Bardell, City Manager, until Monday, April 02, 1979 at 10:00 A.M. for furnishing the following: One (1) 50 PSI Com pressor and Equipment for a Complete Breathing Air System. Proposals and specifications can be obtained at the City of College Station Fire Depart ment. All proposals must in clude delivery date and all prices to be F.O.B. College Station, Texas. Bidders are requested to note their deviations from specifications in the blank column on the right hand side of the specifications, corresponding to the specification data on the Ift, and return one set of our specificaions with their bid. The right is reserved as the interest of the owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any in formality in bids received. Please mark bid envelope "Breathing Air System ". 3 16, 3 23, - - -_— 3, 30-- The Eagle March 23, 1979 s u p port ort from CS council Bus sy stem g ains p p Y "This doesn't mean we're going to get any of it, does it," asked Dozier. Callaway answered no. "I'm trying to nail these federal jokers down. I'm tired of pussyfooting around," Dozier said. "My dander is up. They have treated us shabbily." In 1978, College Station's ap- plication for federal funds was rejected because the city did not meet HUD requirements on a housing program. Councilman Gary Halter, who has been active in negotiations with HUD, said he felt the city would get the funds this year. The money would be used for such projects as street paving and housing repair in low income neighborhoods. By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Implementation of a bus system for Bryan - College Station gained support, but not approval Thursday night from the College Station City Council. The council voted five in favor, one against and one abstaining to support Bryan's application for federal funding for a mass transit system and to continue to actively investigate other mass trans- portation alternatives. Traffic planners have told councils of both cities that the Bryan - College Station area faces traffic congestion problems similar to Houston's. The councils were told that preliminary work on a mass w �A n n w N 04 W 1� (D transit bus system is complete and the next two years could be used to seek federal funding and complete final details. The cities have been told they won't have to make a final decision on whether to go with the bus system or not for at least two years. Mayor Lorence Bravenec voted against support of the bus system, saying he felt it would be based on wrong assumptions. "I'd much rather we go ahead and have the oil shortage, let the dust settle and then see what needs to be done," Bravenec said. Councilman Homer Adams ab- stained from voting, saying he hadn't heard the original trans- portation study presentation and would study the matter. Councilman James Dozier made the motion in support of the bus system application, but he pointed out his primary concern is that study continue of other alternatives. Dozier said he might favor a trolley system instead. In other action, the council postponed for up to 120 days a decision on a request from Lone Star Gas for rate and service charge increases. College Station officials will meet with Bryan officials to discuss negotiations with Lone Star. The company is making identical rate. requests to the two cities. The council did not vote on whether to hire a consultant to study the request. Lone Star officials said the average residential bill would go up about 14 percent with the in- creases. The new rates would create a $3 service charge for residences and $6 charge for commercial that would -be charged whether any gas is used or not. The council -voted to apply an additional $30,000 in Community Development funds toward paving Churchill Street — if the city gets any federal money. Community Development Director Jim Qallaway said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had informed the city that its 1979 entitlement had been increased from $306,000 to $336,000. v City councils acted soundly in furthering � �._, College Sta ity Council took the right step Thursday in giving the green light to further study of a mass transit system for Bryan - College Station. Earlier the Bryan Council approved a plan to continue the study and the council agreed to allow the City of Bryan to act as the sponsoring agent for seeking . additional funds for further study. Bryan's earlier action, however, would have been meaningless without the ap- proving vote given to the proposal by the College Station council. It will take cooperation from both cities to run a decent system. transit study And, we hope the cooperation will be there when the time comes to give the ultimate green light on a mass transit system. We are lucky that officials in both cities, along with officials of the Texas Transportation In- stitute, have the foresight to recognize tht potential problems our community faces. Our community leaders have recognized the obvious: — It's obvious that there is not an inexhaustible supply of oil. One day there simply will not be enough gasoline for everyone to drive their own car to work, school, shopping, etc. — It's also obvious that Bryan - College Station is growing rapidly. Recent announcements of new industries — including the purchase of land in College Station by Texas Instruments — points to continued growth. — And it's also obvious that traffic congestion is growing in both communities. — The problem with any mass transit system is the amount of use it does or doesn't get. We believe that a system would be used here especially if oil sup- plies dry up. Now is the right time to act to secure an adequate trans- portation system in the com- munity. We congratulate the leaders in both cities for their positive action. The Eagle March 24, 1979 ORDINANCE NO. 1147 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE OR Forehand as Presiding Judye,.. STATION, TEXAS, D E R I N G A GENERAL and Mrs. Nina- Qu itta as MUNICIPAL ELECTION IN Alternate Judge, and said Judge shall appoint THE CITY OF COLLEGE SATURDAY Presiding no more than 8 clerks to assist STATION ON APRIL 7, 1979, FOR THE OF COON her. ' Polling Place No. 31, at A &M ELECTION CILMEN FOR PLACE 1, Consolidated High School, in PLACE 3, AND PLACE 5; said City with Ms. Vie Burke as FIXING THE TIME, PLACE Presiding Judge, and Mrs. as Alternate AND MANNER OF HOLDING Sharon Claasen THE ELECTION AND AP- Judge and said Presiding POINTING JUDGES AND Judge shall appoint no more CLERKSTHEREOF. than 8 clerks to assist. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE Absentee voting shall be CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY ! conducted by the Office of the OF COLLEGE STATION, City Secretary' at his office in TEXAS: the City Hall at 1101 Texas A general election shall be and Avenue, in said City . the same is hereby ordered to Punch card voting machines be held on the first Saturday in hall be used for. voting at The I April, 1979, the same being for the purpose of foregoing election precincts electronic counting April 7, electing councilmen for Place and devices and equipment shall be 1, Place Sand Place 5. used for counting the ballots at The election will be held under siad election. the provisions of the laws Of the The Council Room of the State of Texas govr' "q College Station City Hall is general elections, and ont> hereby established as the duly qualified voters who are i Central Counting Station to residents of the City of College receive ballots for said elec Station shall be allowed to vote. I Lion, The ballots to be tram The polls shall be opened sported to Aicognputer center to promptly at 7:00 A.M. and shall be desigriatied. by the City be closed promptly at 7:00 Council to be tabulated and P.M. returned to tre Central The Office of the City Counting Station. Secretary shall perform all The following persons are duties normally performed by hereby authorized and 8P the proved as persons employed The Office of the City and designated to handle the Secretary shall perform all ballots, operate the tabulating duties normally performed by equipment, and count the the County Clerk in general ballots: elections with respect to ab a Presiding Judge: O.M. sentee voting, giving notice of Holt the election, and preparing the b. Clerks: to be named by official ballots. The election will be held at the Presiding Judge The following state officials .following places and -the shall be, for and other designated persons are hereby authorized to bet election officials the purpose of this election, as present at the Central Counting "1. follows: Station to observe The election I Polling Place No. 8, at South counfing process ;L Knoll Elementary School, in a. The Mayor and members said City with W.W. Scott as of the City Council of the City of Presiding Judge and Mrs. PeduIla as Alternate College Station b. The County Judge and Albert Judge, and said Presiding members of the Cohn Judge shall appoint no more missioners Court of Brazos than 8 clerks to assist him. A &M County The Attorney General of Polling Place No. 9, at Consolidated Special Services c. the State of Texas or his Building at 1330 Jersey, Room .authorized representative County 13, in said City with Mrs. Jay d. Frank Boriskie, Zal as Presiding Judge, and Clerk of Brazos County Mrs. Peggy Owens as Alter e. City Secretary f. Candidates for the office of nate Judge, and said Presiding Judge shall appoint no more City Councilman is hereby than 8clerks to assist her. A committee of The to llowing Polling Place No. 10, at College Station, in said established persons to hold a Computer Station Fire Mrs. Cindy Pollard as Accuracy Test prior to the City with and Mrs. start and subsequent to the Presiding Judge, count of the voted ballots to Kendrick enefee as Alternate Md ascertain that the computer Judge, an said Presiding will accurately count the votes Judge shall appoint no more cast for the offices to be voted than 8 clerks'. assist her. Place No. 20, at TAMU upon in said election: Bravenec Polling University Center, in said City a. Mayor Lorence North Judy Rippe', as Presiding b, City Manager With Judge, and Karen Crane as Bardell C. City Secretary Glenn Alternate Judge, and said Presiding Judge shall appoint Schroeder d. Presiding Judge O.M. Holt no more than 8 clerks to assist. A copy of, this Ordinance shall, Polling Place No. 21, at College when published in a newspaper Station Municipal Building at of general circulation in the 101 Church Avene, in said City City of College Station, serve with Ernest Gregg as as proper notice of said elec- Presiding Judge, and Robert tion. White as Alternate Judge, and PASSED AND APPROVED said Presiding Judge shall this 8th day of February, 1979. appoint no more than 8 clerks APPROVED to assist him. - Lorence Bravenec Polling Place No. 24, at College Mayor Hills Elementary School, in said City with Mrs. Sally ATTEST: Forehand as Presiding Judge, Glenn Schroeder and Mrs. Nina Quitta as City Secretary Alternate Judge, and said Presiding Judge, and Polling Place No. 24, at College Hills Elementary School, in said City with Mrs. Sally The Eagle March 25, 1979 Brazos County Arboretum opens The Brazos County held a spring opening and krboretum Association tour of its facilities near Bee Creek Park in College Station Saturday morning. College Station and Bryan mayors Lorence Bravenec and Richard Smith, County Judge Dick Homgreen and Texas A &M University President Jarvis Miller conducted a tree planting ceremony to open the arboretum. It is located off Texas Avenue just north of FM displayed at the ar- 2818. boretum, founded in 1976 Fifty -six varieties of as part of the Bicenteqnial plants and trees are celebration. The Eagle March 25, 1979 Cexas Garden Clubs representative Mrs. David H. Buchanan addresses the Arboretum opening. ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals addressed to the City of College Station, Texas, will be received at the office of Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:30 P.M. o'clock, April 11, 1979, for furnishing all necessary material, equipment and labor required for the construction of: COLLEGE STATION SIMSBORO SAND WATER WELLS AND WELL PUMPS NO. 1 & NO.2 Bidders must submit with their bids a Cashier's Check or a Certified Check in the amount o f f i v e ( 5 ) percent of the maximum amount of bid payable without recourse to the City of College Station, Texas or a proposal bond in the same amount from a Surety Company holding 1 permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety, and ac- ceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States as listed In latest Revision of Treasury Department Circular 570, as a guarantee that Bidder will enter into a contract and execute bond and guarantee forms provided within five (5) days after notice of award of contract to him. Bids without checks or proposal bond will not be considered. In accordance with Article 5160, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, the successful Bidder will be required to furnish not only a performance bond in the amount of the contract, but also a payment bond for the protection of all claimants supplying labor and materials as defined in said law. The bonds must be executed by an approved Surety Company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety and acceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, or other Surety acceptable to the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating the price in the bids, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most ad- vantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. Unreasonable or unbalanced unit prices will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of any bid. Bidders are expected to inspect the site of the work and to in- form themselves regarding local conditions under which the work is to be done. At- tention is called to the provisions of the Texas Minimum Wage Act of 1970 and Article 5159a. Revised Civil Statutes of Texas concerning the prevailing wage rate ap- plicable in municipal con- struction. Contract Documents, Proposal Forms, Specifications, and Plans are on file and may be examined without charge In the office of Mr. Elrey Ash, City Engineer, and may be obtained from Riewe & Wisch- Meyer, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 11325 Pegasus Street, Suite S -209, Dallas, Texas 75238. Upon the deposit of Fifteen ($15.00) Dollars, per contract set, which sum as deposited will be refunded provided the Contractor submits a bid and returns all documents to the Engineer within 72 hours after bid. Non-bidders returning Plans within 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded Ten ($10.00) Dollars. Suppliers returning plans within 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded their deposit. Bids submitted will be ex- ciusive of any state sales tax on any permanent material to be installed in the project. CITY OF COLLEGE 5 T A T I O N, T E X A S Lorence Bravenec, Mayor ATTEST: Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary 3 -26, 3 -27, 4 -1 1 The Eagle March 26, 1979 Install carpet in five buildings on the main campus, Texas AB.M University. Bldg. N402, Briggs Hall, Project N547 -79 Bldfl. #403, FOundaln Hall, 81d g . ci#543 -79 Bltlg. #404. Gainer Hall, Project#544 -79 Bldg. #407, Harrell Hall, Project #546 -79� Bldg 0411„ Way' Hall, Project #546 -79 1 Carpet: Galaxy l Toronado 193/151 RECEIPTOF BIDS: Bids for this work will be received until 2:00 p. m., April 3, 1979, by Gayle L. ROOfe, Planning & Estimating Supervisor, Physical Plant Department, Texas A&M University. Bid opening to be In the Conference Room of the Physical Plant, Bldg. #437, located on Ireland Strest, Texas A&M Unlverslty, College Station, Texas 77543 DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Remove existing carpet and tile, install carpet in hallways. Remove and install Owner furnished tile on stairwell landings. INFORMATION AND BID. DING DOCUMENTS: Bid documents may be ob tained from the Planning and Estimating Section located in Bldg. #437, Physical Plant,, Department on Ireland Street, Texas A&M University, college Station, Texas 77843. 3 - 26, 3 -27 The Eagle March 26, 1979 ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals addressed to the City of College Station, Texas, will be received at the Office of Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:30 P.M. o'clock, April 11, 1979, for furnishing all necessary material, equipment and labor required for the construction of: COLLEGE STATION SIMSBORO SAND WATER WELLS AND WELL PUMPS NO. 1 & NO. 2 Bidders must submit with their bids a Cashier's Check or a Certified Check in the amount o f f i v e ( 5 ) percent of the maximum amount of bid payable without recourse to the City of College Station, Texas or a proposal bond in the same amount from a Surety Company holding permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety, and ac. ceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States as listed in latest Revision of Treasury Department Circular 570, as a guarantee that Bidder will enter into a contract and execute_ tLOnd and guarantee forms provided within five (5) days after notice of award of contract to him. Bids without checks or proposal bond will not be considered. In accordance with Article 5160, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, the successful Bidder will be required to furnish not only a performance bond in the amount of the contract, but also a payment bond for the protection of all claimants supplying labor and materials as defined in said law. The bonds must be executed by an approved Surety Company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety and acceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of .authority from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, or other Surety acceptable to the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating the price in the bids, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most ad- vantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. Unreasonable or unbalanced unit prices will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of any bid. Bidders are expected to inspect the site of the work and to in- form themselves regarding local conditions under which the work is to be done. At- tention is called to the Provisions Of the Texas Minimum Wage Act of 1970 and Article 5159a. Revised Civil Statutes, of Texas concerning the prevailing wage rate ap- plicable in municipal con- struction. Contract Documents, Proposal Forms, Specifications, and Plans are on file and may be examined without charge In the office of Mr. Elrey Ash, City Engineer, and may be obtained from Riewe & Wisch- meyer, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 11325 Pegasus Street, Suite S -209, Dallas, Texas 75238. Upon the deposit of Fifteen ($15.00) Dollars, per contract set, which sum as depositec will be refunded provided the Contractor submits a bid and returns all documents to the Engineer within 72 hours after bid. Non - bidders returning Plans within 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded Ten ($10.00) Dollars. Suppliers returning plans within 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded their deposit. Bids submitted will be ex- clusive of any state sales tax on any permanent material to be installed in the project. CITY OF COLLEGE S T A T I O N, T E X A S Lorence Bravenec, Mayor ATTEST: Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary 3 -26, 3 -27, 4 -1 The Eagle March 27, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDRRS Sealed proposals addressed to the City Council, City of College Station, Texas for Residential StPreoettCtIm- Provements, 1979, ST -79-1, will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall, College Stabled, Texas until 2:00 P.M. nesday, April 18, 1979. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 2:00 p.m• r eceh ved same after the 108 _ Legal Notices f losing time will be returned nopened. Plans, Specifications and in- ormation for Bidders, are on file and may be examined at the Office of the Engineer, City Hall, College Station, Texas. A certificate of Cashier's check on a sState or National Bank of the State of Texas, or a Bid- der's bond from an acceptable Surety Company authorized to transact business in the State of Texas, in the amount of not less than five percent ) of the total bid must accompany each proposal as a guaragqtee tthat, if awarded the confracf,' the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent ) of the contract price, cpnditioned upon faithful performance of the contract and Payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successful bidder and accompany his signed con- tract. Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and all bids and to waive all formalitites is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11246. The requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the Specifications. Elrey B. Ash 11 Zity Engineer 3 28, 4 -4 4 -11 PUBLIC NOTICE The City Of College Station vill hold a Revenue Sharing )roposed use hearing on April 1 1979, at 4:00 p.m. in the :ouncil room located at City call. This is an opportunity for :itizen input regarding the use if Revenue Sharing funds luring the 1979 -80 fiscal year. ndividuals or groups, such as enior citizen groups, are in- i sited to come and discuss the se of these funds before the 979 -80 budget is presented to he City Council. The Eagle March 28, 1979 City managers say speed vital in Lone Star case Speed is important in current negotiations with Lone Star Gas Company over rate increase requests, according to the city managers of Bryan and College Station. City staffs of both cities have met to work out a procedure for negotiating with the gas company. Lone Star is requesting rate in- creases and service charge in- creases. Both cities have voted to delay for up to 120 days a decision on the company's requests. The main reason for speed in the matter is that the cities want to avoid going before the Railroad Commission with the matter. The commission has the power to move the rate base year closer and give the gas company an increased request because of inflation during the period the cities took to come to a decision. North Bardell, city manager of College Station, said the cities have not decided if a rate consultant will be needed. Bryan also is carrying on ad- ditional negotiations with the gas company over a new franchise agreement. Lone Star has written a letter t t city stating it objects to three items in the proposed fran- chise approved by the city council-. Two if the items are word changes, according to city officials, but the final item involves the city council's insistence that the com- pany allow developers to put up surety bonds instead of cash deposits for gas line installation. The Eagle March 29, 1979 CSconductiong tax reappraisal By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer The property reappraisal currently being conducted in the City of College Station is designed to equalize values across the city, not to greatly increase tax revenue, according to Tax Assessor - Collector Glenn Schroeder. Schroeder said reappraisal notices should be going out to local property owners near the end of April. The notices will show the new value being placed on the property and state how much tax would be owed if the 1978 tax rate is used. ® Reappraisal values ® 0 $60,000 Market Value 1978 1979 1979 without reappraisal without reappraisal with - reappraisal Assessed Value Assessed Value Assessed Value $26,000 $26,000 $47,000 Tax Rate Tax Rate Tax Rate .56/$100 .66/$100 .37/$100 Tax Due Tax Due Tax Due $145 $172 $174 CS reappraises pro From page 1A, col. 4 ,move off campus and commercial operations blossomed. In 1973 with a population of about 25,000, the city's property tax revenue totaled $259,000 and sales The city council, however, intends to lower that tax rate, Schroeder said. The tax statements will go out in July or August after Board of Equalization meetings in May. City staff members currently are working on next year's budget to see how much tax revenue will be required, he said. Schroeder estimates that the new rate to be recommended to the city council will be around 37 cents per $100 valuation. The 1978 rate was 66 cents per $100. With or without the current reappraisal, taxes in the city would have gone up this year, the tax collector said. As much as an 18 -cent tax increase was approved by voters in the April, 1978 bond election for such projects as streets, parks and p u b l i c b u i l d i n g s. Schroeder said the reappraisal was begun partly because the city's bond consultants felt the actual assessed value should be what the city claimed it to be. The cities are perty values tax revenue totaled $247,000. In 1978 with a population of more than 45,000 property revenue reached $894,000 and sales revenue totaled $943,000. required to have an 80 percent valuation, but in acutality, College Station's values are only about 50 percent. Schroeder hopes the reappraisal will bring the city to about 78 percent valuation. Generally he said, property values will double from the reappraisal, but in some cases they may triple. In a few cases, Schroeder said, when values were placed too high in the past, the new value will be less than double. "We hope this will bring about some equalization," he said. In 1978, he said, College Station had the third lowest effective tax rate of the top 50 largest Texas cities. Bryan was close behind, he said. In 1973 -74 sales tax and property tax revenues in College Station began to increase greatly, Schroeder said as students began to Turn to TAXES, page 8A I) r- 108 Legal Notices BIDS ADVERTISEMENT FOR Sealed proposals addressed to the City of College Station, Texas, will be received at the office of Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:30 P.M. o'clock, April 11, 1979, for furnishing all necessary material, equipment and labor required for the construction of: COLLEGE STATION SIMSBORO SAND WATER WELLS AND WELL PUMPS NO. 1 & NO. 2 Bidders must submit with their bids a Cashier's speck or a Certified Check In 4he amount o f f i v e ( 5 percent of the n)aximum amount of bid payable without recourse to the City of College Station, Texas or a proposal bond in the same amount from a Surety Company holding permit from the state of Texas to act as Surety, and ac- ceptable according to the latest list of com panles holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the,Treasury of the United States as listed In latest Revision of Treasury Department Circular 570, as a guarantee that Bidder will enter into a contract and execute bond and guarantee forms provided within five (5) days after notice of award of contract to him. Bids without checks or proposal bond will not be considered. In accordance with Article 5160, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, the successful Bidder will be required to furnish not only a P, bond in the amount of the contract, but also a payment bond for the protection of all claimants supplying labor and materials as defined in said law. The bonds must be executed by an approved Surety Company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety and - acceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, or other Surety acceptable to the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness in stating the price in the bids, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most ad- vantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. Unreasonable or unbalanced unit prices will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of any bid. lidders are expected to inspect he site of the work and to in. orm themselves regarding ocal conditions under which he work is to be done. At- ention is called to the )rovisions of the Texas Winimum Wage Act of 1970 and 4rticle 5159a. Revised Civil Statutes of Texas concerning the prevailing wage rate ap- plicable in municipal con- struction. Contract Documents, Proposal Forms, Specifications, and Plans are on file and may be examined without charge In the office of Mr. Elrey Ash, City Engineer, and may be obtained from Riewe & Wisch- meyer, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 11325 Pegasus Street, Suite 5 -209, Dallas, Texas 75238. Upon the deposit of Fifteen ($15.00) Dollars, per contracl set, which sum as deposited will be refunded provided the Contractor submits a bid and returns all documents to the Engineer within 72 hours after bid. Non- bidders returning Plans within 72 hours after bic opening will be refunded Ter ($10.00) Dollars. Suppliers returning plans within 72 hours after bid opening will bI refunded their deposit. Bids submitted will be ex elusive of any state sales tax oI any permanent material to b installed in the project. CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXA' Lorence Bravenec, Mayo ATTEST: Mr. Glenn Schroeder, Cit Secretary 3-26, 3 -27, 4 -1 The Eagle April 1, 1979 CS construction plans proceed on Holleman Plans are proceeding for the reconstruction of Holleman Drive from F.M, 2154 (Wellborn Road) to Winding Road, according to the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. D.D. Williamson, supervising planning engineer, said no citizens responded to two newspaper ad- vertisements giving an opportunity for a public hearing on the project. At present, he said, the City of College Station is attempting to purchase the needed right -of way. Once that land is secured, the high- way department can go to contract on the project, Williamson said. He had no estimate of when the actual construction will begin. Much of Holleman Drive in the section to be rebuilt is only about 20- feet wide. The new section will be 48- feet wide with curb and gutter. The Eagle April 3, 1979 total bid must accompany each proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred P, ) of the contract price, conditioned upon faithful performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successf his signed con - accompany tract. , Propposals must be submitted on iE forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and 2AI bids and to waive all formalitites is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No, 11246. The requirements 1� Legal Notices for bidders and contractors under this order are explained NOTICE TO BIDDERS in the Specifications. Sealed Proposals addreessed to City Egg neer the City Council, College Station, Texas for 3- 4811-4 Residential Street Im __._ provements, 1979, Project No. ST-79-1, will be rece i$eedr i n th Office of the City Station, City Hall, College Wed - -Texas until 2:00 P.M­ nesdaY, April 18 1979. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Room of the College Staion on tthe c ame H date. 2 p Any bid received after the above closing time will be returned unopened. Plans, Specifications and in- forma n ,,on for Bidders, are o file and may be examined at the Office of the Engineer, City Hall, College Station, Texas. A certificate of Cashier's check on a sState or Texas, o lrgan6 df the State of table der 's bond from aeuthor'zed to Surety Company in the State transact business of Texas, in the amou nt of not less than five percent ) of the The Eagle April 4, 1979 AffiRSEAW FAA AIRS The City of College Station will accept sealed bids on one new mini computer and application programs consisting of utility blll- Ing and payroll. Such bids will be accepted at the office of the Purchasing Agent logated In the College Station City Hal( until 10:00 A.M., April 19, 19M, at which time such bids will be opened and publicly read. kvy bids received after said time and date will be returned ton opened. Specifications for the Items to be purchased may be obtained wW out Marge at the office of the Purchasing Agent. The purchase price for the Pre viously mentioned Items may be paid, all or In part, from Revenue Sharing funds or through the Is- suance of Certificates of Obll. gallon by the City, under the Pro visions of Article 2MIlia.1, Revised Civil Statutes of the Stale of event Texas. In the eve of the latter, the City will arrange for the suc- cesaful bidder to sell and assign such certificates and the bidder shall be requlred to elect whether h will accept such carttfkatss In payment for all or part of the contract price or assign same In accordance with arrangements as made by said City. The City of College Station, Texas Las Weddle Purchasip Agent The Eagle April 5, 1979 ::Local elec ""d eserve eserve a �r " It's a familiar plea: "get out and vote!" Despite the traditionally poor + voting record carried by Texans the plea carries just as much weight for Saturday's local elections as for any other time. u In a sense, because the issues y are local in nature, they should attract more voters than nor - mal. Each vote, after all, is the most effective weapon a citizen has in adding his or her voice to 'the governmental process. Thus, we ask registered voters a in the Brazos Valley to take note There are more than a dozen contested races for either school board or city government posts in the Valley... . There are , school- races in Bremond, Caldwell, Calvert, Franklin, Iola, Normangee, North Zulch and Somerville. tions Saturday good City government races are in Caldwell, Franklin, Hearne, Madisonville, Normangee and Somerville. Good government is available only when people exercise their voting responsibility. You can do that Saturday. of the candidates and the issues, check today's paper for the listing of polling'places, and then take advantage of the privilege to vote Saturday. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In College Station there are two school board positions open and five candidates seeking them. In Bryan there are single races for council and school board, plus an all- important question of whether policemen and firemen shall be embraced by the state civil service program. The Eagle April 6, 1979 B=CS elections Saturday 9 H b � n m r • F- r1J w rn o0 N m v Saturday's sunrise will bring election day to Bryan - College Station. School board races in the two cities have drawn the most at- tention. In Bryan, James Stegall, the incumbent, is running against Ronald Holmes for position 6. In Position 7, Travis Bryan Jr. is unopposed. In the races for A&M Consolidated School Board, James McNamara is irunning against Herman Brown and Oran Jones for position 2. In position 1, Mary Fellenz is opposing Ann Jones. List of polling places, page 4A. In the city council election, College Station has a slate of three candidates with no opposition. In- cumbents Larry Ringer and Gary, Halter are on the 'ballot with newcomer Tony Jones. Jones _will` take the position vacated by Anne Hazen. In Bryan, incumbent Wayne Gibson is opposing Sparkey Hardee for position 5 on the council. Running unopposed are Mayor Richard Smith, Councilman Joe Hanover and Councilman Peyton Waller. Drawing the most attention in the Bryan election is the referendum on the Civil Service Act for police and firemen. Polls in both cities and school districts open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. - Election officials are predicting speedy results after the polls close. Both Bryan elections will be counted at the Bryan Utilities Building. The College Station and A &M Consolidated race will be counted at the Data Center at Texas A &M. CS polling places Council District Po lling Place 1 College Hills Elementary School 2 A &M Consolidated Special Services Build- ing 3 Lincoln Center 4 South Knoll Elementary 5 Bee Creek Swimming Pool 6 College Station Fire Station A &M CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DIS— TRICT ELECTION School Pct. No. Polling Place CS polling places Preci N o. Polling Place W ater Si b- rd om 8 South Knoll Elementary School - Cafeteria 9 A &M Consolidated Special Services Build- Building Board Room ing Board Room 10 College Station Fire Station 20 TAMU University Center 13 MSC 21 College Station Municipal Building 101 Church Ave. N. 101 Church Ave. N. 24 College Hills Elementary School- Library 27 & 28 Peach Creek Communitv Center 31 High School -signs will tell where CS polling places Preci N o. Polling Place 8 South Knoll Elementary School — Cafeteria 9 A &M Consolidated Special Services A &M Consolidated Special Services Build- Building Board Room 10 College Station Fire Station 20 TAMU University Center 13 MSC 21 College Station Municipal Building, 101 College Station Municipal Building 101 Church Ave. N. 24 College Hills Elementary School — Library 31 High School — signs will tell where A &M CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDI-N I S( HOOI, DIS— 31 TRICT F1.ECTION School Pct. No. Polling Place - - Z& Z� ypE CEIIII 'NVG�atci�u�p7� -SiiaicT�oni 8 South Knoll Elementary School - Cafeteria 9 A &M Consolidated Special Services Build- ing Board Room 10 College Station Fire Station 20 TAMU University Center 1 ? MSC 21 College Station Municipal Building 101 101 Church Ave. N. 24 College Hills Elementary School•Library 27 & 28 - Peach Creek Community Center 31 High School -signs \y ill tell \% here The Eagle April 6, 1979 CS planners' study ordinances College Station's Planning and Zoning Commission is studying two city ordinances for possible changes — one pertains to detached signs at businesses and the other to the number of unrelated persons allowed to live in a house in an area zoned single family. Last week, the com- mission discussed both ordinances but took no action. As the sign ordinance now reads, businesses are allowed only one detached sign. Some commercial areas, such as Culpepper Plaza, have requested more than one sign. The plaza, for instance, has frontage on two major streets and entrances on both Also being considered is the portable and trailer signs. Numerous com- plaints have come in to city hall about the signs blocking visibility at in- tersections and business entrances. Commission members seemed to feel that the portable signs might be ,,given permits like is done for garage sales. The permit would grant the person the right to use a sign for a short period of time — 3 -5 days maybe — and would designate an exact location for the sign. Also reponding to complaints and to a directive from the city council to study the matter, the commission is lookjng, at the zoning or- dinance- as it pertains to the number of unrelated persons that can live in a single house. The or- dinance now allows no more than four persons unrelated by blood or marriage to live in a single family house. A committee of the commission was appointed to study the matter after a straw vote of 4 to 3 showed that members were not in favor of lowering the number of tenants. City Planner Al Mayo said the commission hopes to find another way to solve the problem without reducing the numbers. Some citizens have complained that too many prople live in the homes, causing traffic and noise problems. Both subjects will be discussed again by the commission The Eagle April 9, 1979 Police say man arrested for rape clears 13 cases By FRANK MAY Staff Writer The arrest of a Bryan man in connection with an attempted aggravated rare and rol')ery in College Station •• ^q*ly Sunday clears three rapes, two attempted rapes, an armed robbery and seven burglaries in the twin cities during the last year, detectives claim. John M. Crawford, 20, of 604 West 20th St. is being held in Brazos County jail on two bonds totaling $40,000 on charges of attempted aggravated rape and aggravated robbery. Crawford, a janitor, was arrested shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Welch Avenue and Holleman Street by College Station patrolman Gregg Lewis. College Station detectives Ronnie Miller and Jon Kelley and Bryan detective Elvin Walker interviewed Crawford after the arrest. They say his capture clears the rape of a Texas A&M University coed at the Tree House Apartments on 205 Jersey St. last Sept. 13, two attempted rapes last October, an armed robbery of an A &M coed on Pinfeather Road la .t , , , ear, two .apes in Bryan, four business burglaires and three residential burglaries. Crawford was app;"ehnded by Lewis after the officer noticed a woman running from a car parked in the Willowick apartment complex lot in the 500 block of Southwest Parkway early Sunday. The woman told Lewis a man, who was leaving the scene, had tried to rape her. Lewis told the man to halt and took him into custody. The woman, a Texas A &M senior, said she had stopped her car to help the man because she saw his car in the road and thought it was disabled. She told the man she would call her brother to help jump start the car, but the attacker got in her car and pushed her over, she told police. The man pulled a knife and told her he was going to rape her, she said. She noticed Lewis' police car approaching and jumped out , one side of the vehicle to stop )t, while the attacker attempted to escape out the driver's door. After the arrest, a second A &M coed told Lewis she was attacked by the same suspect in a car in the apartment complex parking lot 30 minutes earlier. She said the man grabbed her and held a knife to her, but fled with her purse when she screamed for help. Miller said the police are still searching for a second attacker, wanted in connection with several rapes in College Station last sum- mer. Those rapes include two in the Bee Creek park area. Miller said charges on Crawford in connection with the rapes, at- tempted rapes, armed robbery and burglaries are pending further discussion with the district at- torney's office. s The Eagle April 9, 1979 ,.e• ,.,.,gyp sales tax money 9 H b � r • w �o ao N rD - - -- - By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer Under either of two bills pending before the Texas Legislature, Bryan would receive 32 percent more in city sales taxes and College Station's take woul go u p 101 percent. Measures HB 941 and SB 983 would change the basis of allocation for the one percent city sales taxes from location of business to population. Among Brazos Valley municipalities, Brenham would lose 24 percent and Madisonville 36 percent. Dallas would also lose 36 percent and Houston 59 percent. Other cities gaining would include Caldwell, 3.4 percent, Calvert 345 percent, Franklin 132 percent, Hearne 68 percent, Navasota 32 percent and Rockdale 68 percent. The companion measures provide the collection of the one percent city sales taxes be allocated to the participating cities based on population, rather than place of purchase. Presently, the taxes are paid to the state, then allocated back to the cities according to location of the businesses. R Sponsors Rep. ay Keller, Dun- canville, and Sen. Bill Meier, taxpa F,ules y ,id ers purchasers tha f the goods taxpa , or services — are nonresidents of the cities where the purchases are made. They live in one city, but travels to a regional shopping center to make the purchases. the Changing lifestyles econommy have made the current statutory scheme inequitable, Meier claims. Consequenntly, some cities are collecting a windfall sales tax from residents with whom they have no connection, except that they purchase goods or services on which they paid taxes in that city. The senator said the place -of- purchase city has an adequate tax base in ad valorem taxes on real and personal properties to support services rendered to the shopping centers. The bills should not be viewed. said Meier, as legislation taking tar the sales tax law, which provides fol taxation without representation, he said. A large majority of the sales taxpayers have no vote in the cities reaping those sales tax dollars. dollars away from cities, but rather as bills eliminating windfall revenues to undeserving cities. "Correcting a situation that causes taxation without represen- tation, such as this one, must," Meier added, "receive top priority. C -, log LegaiNoUees NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the City Council, City of College Station, Texas for Residential Street Im- provements, 1979, Project No. ST -79 -1, will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, 'Texas until 2:00 p.m., Wed- nesday, April 18, 1979. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 2:00 p.m. on the same date. Any bid received after the above closing time will be returned unopened. Plans, Specifications and in- formation for Bidders, are on file and may be examined at the Office of the Engineer, City Hall, College Station, Texas. A certificate of Cashier's check on a sState or National Bank of the State of Texas, or a Bid- der 's bond from an acceptable Surety Company authorized to transact business in the State of Texas, in the amount of not less than five percent ) of the total bid must accompany each proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent ) of the contract price, conditioned upon faithful performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successful bidder and accompany his signed con- tract. Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and all bids and to waive all formalitites is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11246. The requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the Specifications. Elrey B. Ash I I City Engineer 3-28,4-4 4 -11 Cs Vny Council schedules 2 meetings College Station City Council, is to meet today at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 7 p.m. at'City Hall. The afternoon agenda includes canvassing of the election votes, a public hearing on revenue sharing and discussion of drainage problems. Thursday night, the council will swear in its new members, accept a petition from residents urging purchase of park land and conddct two public hearings on rezoning requests. Also on the agenda is a report on the railroad crossing south of Jersey, discussion of extending Haines Street from Caudill to Dexter Place and consideration of bids for the new fire sub - station, water wells and picnic equipment. The Eagle April 11, 1979 cs council authorizes land purchase Purchase of land for a future community center was authorized by the College Station City council last night. The action may or may not please some 600 residents who signed a petition asking the council to pur- chase the land from Bill Fitch for a park site. The 8.9 acres of land is on the northwest corner of the Anderson and Holleman street intersection.' The city has been considering this site for the community center for several years and tried un- successfully to buy it from the A &M Consolidated School Board. The school traded it to developer D.R. Cain who in turn sold it to Fitch, a school board member. Fitch came to the planning and zoning commission last week, asking that the land be rezoned for duplexes. He said he thought the city had -lest interest. His action rejuvenated the city's and neigh- bors' interest in the tract. Related stories page 8A. IQeighbors did not want the land used�f6r duplexes. . 'Exaotly what a community center is hasn't been decided by the city council. Councilman Larry Ringer said a committee considered the project several years ago and suggested that it be a place for meetings of such groups as scouts and clubs. Ringer said the structure would not be a big convention center with an auditorium. He said he would like to see recreational areas developed around the center with soccer and ball fields. The city has been collecting a portion of the hotel -motel tax to pay for the community center. Halter did not know how much had been collected, but he said he had been told there was enough to purchase the land. .City Manager North Bardell was out of town and couldn't be reached for the amount of funds available. The Eagle April 13, 1979 Bid for CS fire station below estimate College Station City Council had a pleasant surprise Thursday night as it was able to award a bid for con- struction of the new fire substation at a cost below the architect's estimate. Bryan Construction received the contract with its bid of $198,968. Architect Tim Keneipp had estimated the 4,000 square foot substation would cost about $210,000. The City of Bryan has been trying to get a similar type of fire station built with about $200,000 in bond funds, but has ,been unable to get a low enough bid. The lowest bid received by Bryan late last year for a 3,800 square foot station was $274,472. The Bryan City Council is meeting with its architect M. 0. Lawrence to try to revise plans on that station. The College Station substation will be in Southwood Valley and will have three bays — two for fire equipment and one for an am- bulance. Keneipp said the city was able to get good bids because it dealt with local contractors. Bryan Construction was not the lowest bid received by College Station. Kavanaugh Construction bid $185,900 for the job, but Keneipp recommended the second lowest bidder to the council. He said the first firm might not provide the needed construction services for a project of this type. b � K m H . F_ t-J P � o0 w � m TO WHOM MAY CON C ERN: tion The College Coammiss on planning and Zoning On the hold a public hearing question of rezoning the following tract: 9.842 acres located on the northwest corner of the intersection of F.M. 60(Univeyf Drive) Single the East Bypass Family Residential District R- 1 to General Commercial District C -1. The apPlication is in the name ofOMrBOF•W20027, Wheeler, Houston, will be held in the The said Council In ROOM of the College Station City Hall at the Of the Pa l P meeting COM- Planning and Zoning mission on Thursday May 3, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Jr., ,Citty Albert o. Mayo, Planner INVITATION TO BID The Bryan Independent School District is of largenand1 small es the sup lies ment for the Cafeteria equip Bryan PubliceC f , 0 0 15. Ban forms and sp be picked up at the office of Mr. Travis E. Nelson, Di Se rf • Finance & Accounting vices, 2200 Villa Maria Road, Bryan, Texas and returned to that office no later than 12:00 noon, April 25, a979. The Bryan independent Sc District reserves the right t to acceptor reject a n lail bids. TO WHOM IT MAY CON - CE N The College mmission ningi and Zoning Co hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: Lot 23, Block 1 of the W.C. Boyett Subdivision from Apartment Building District R-6 to General COM ercial District C-l. The ap m plication is in the name of Mr. Texas AvenBue ling College Station Texas. in The said hearing will be feldthe the Council Room College Station i t ng Hall of t the 7:00 P.M. Com- planning and Zoning mission on Thursday, May 3, 1979. For additional information, please contact m �r City Albert O. pl.nn , Council plans closed session A' closed door session to consider land acquisition and personnel is scheduled for Thursday's College Station City Council meeting. The council will also consider amendments to the zoning or- dinance, changes in fire zone boundaries and consideration of bids for pyblic works items. The meeting will be at 3 p.m. in council chambers. , The Eagle April 18, 1979 CS council changes fire district I By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Revision of a fire district in College Station by the city council Thursday paved the way for a restaurant to be built in an old building at Northgate. Known as "The Alamo," the building, located between Andrea's Bicycle Shop and a Phillips 66 Service Station on University Drive. currently is an apartment complex. It was built in the 1930s and was included under the city's fire districts set up in 1944. Fire district designation requires stringent building regulations and won't allow the use of the buildings to be changed to allow more people inside. That designation would have prohibited "The Alamo" from becoming a restaurant. Council members were persuaded to take the area around the building and the service station out of the fire zone because of recommendatior from the city's building official an fire marshal. The change had been requested by George Boyett whose father built "The Alamo." Boyett pointed out that his building does not share many of the - characteristics that exist in the remainder of the fire district — small lot sizes and intense development. "The Alamo" stands about 20 feet from the next building, while other buildings at Northgate are connected by a common wall. "We see no detriment to the city's interest in the proposal," said Fire Marshal Harry Davis and Building Official William Koehler. Several council members said they felt that fact that Boyett plans to tear down a wooden garage building behind "The Alamo" if it becomes a restaurant would help reduce fire hazards in the area. Because of the age and con- struction of many of the buildings at Northgate and the fact that many share common attics, the city council is concerned about the possibility of a fire getting out of hand. If a fire did start in one of the stores, there is a good possibility that it could spread to connecting buildings and even destroy an entire block before fire fighters could get it under control, said Davis. "If you want to know the building that scares the daylights out of me, it is the adult theater," Davis said. But because of a lease on the building, the owners can't close it up, he said. Koehler said he would investigate the building and recommend any changes to the city's Structural Standards Board. That board can condemn property or force it to be updated to code. In other action, the council ap- proved an ordinance setting up the new position of zoning official. Community Development Director Jim Callaway will take over the zoning official duties. The zoning official will be in arge of enforcing the city's zoning laws. The council discussed several committee appointments in closed session but made no announcements until it could ask the citizens if they wanted to serve. County ire calls burn budget The commissioners did agree that persons who conduct controlled burnings without notifying the fire departments should be billed for any calls by the fire departments. In the March payments, the county Paid for two calls that were controlled burnings that hadn't been reported. By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Discussion of payment of fire calls in the county rekindled old hard feelings again Monday at X­ meeting of the Brazos Cdunty Commissioners Court. Commissioners said the fire calls being made by the Bryan and College Station Fire Departments are rapidly eating up the county's $30,000 budget. About 75 percent of the fire call budget has been spent, officials said, and "it isn't even the dry season yet." County Judge Dick Holmgreen ;aid he wanted to meet with the city n ro r• w N OQ W N officials to see if some "com- munications" might be worked out so that volunteer fire departments are notified first of fires and then allowed to call in the city depart- ments as backups, if needed. Several of the commissioners, however, told the judge they'd already talked to the cities and the problem couldn't be resolved. "The cities aren't interested," said Commissioner Bud Cargill. "They say that if they get a call, they are responding." He suggested that the county quit paying the cities for fire calls. "We're killing our volunteer fire departments," Cargill said. "When they go out to a fire and another truck is already there, they don't see any reason for going," he said. "I'm not convinced that there's not someihing we can do to work this out. Give me until the next meeting," said Holmgreen. "It ain't going to do any good," said Cargill. "I'm not gonna be on it (the committee)," said Eommissioner Walter Wilcox. "You're just- spinning your wheels," said Commissioner Bill Stasny. In other action, the commissioners agreed to expand the reserve deputy roster from 15 to 30. They also voted to hire two new employees for the district clerk's office to help in the new court and four new employees for the sheriff's office. N v OTICE TO BIDDERS: he City of College Station f is urrently accepting ie repair and rehabilitation of Ingle family homes. Bids will e received D at untl •0 l 0 ping 0 p.m. May 15, 1979, and at hat time publicly opened and ead aloud. 3id documents, plans, and ;pecifications may be secured 9t the Planning Department, city Hall, 1101 Texas Ave., College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs p paritment Planning , 696-8868. ( The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee f ,lousing Programs d' ator Coor- m 4-26, 4 -27f 4 -28 TO WHOM IT MAY" CON- CERN: D Development C e Block Grant 'application for the City of College Station has been submitted t0 the U.S: Depart ment of Housing and Urban Development (H aD on file Copies o f the arplication the College Station Planning Department, City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue. The application will be made available to all Interested parties on request. Persons wishing to object to approval o make such objection HUD may known to the Department of Housing and Urble,n Development, 2001 Bryan Tower — Fourth Floor, Daffas, Texas 75201. HUD will consider Objections made only on the following grounds: The 'ap- plicant's description of needs and objectives is plainly In- consistent with available facts and data; or the application proposes activities which are otherwise ineligible under the law. Such Objectives Should include both an identification of the requirements not met and in the case of objections made on the grounds that the descrip- tion of needs and objectives is plainly inconsistent with significant, generally available facts and data, the data upon which the persons reey,. Although HUD will considef objections submitted at any time, such objections should be _ submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice. For additional information contact James M. Callaway, Community Development Planner, 696 -8868, Ext. 238. e -9A The Eagle April 26, 1979 108 Legal Notices ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed proposals addressed to The City of College Staiton, Texas will be received at the office of Mr. Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:00 P.M. o'clock May 17, 1979 for furnishing all necessary material, equipment and labor required for the construction Of: 16" JERSY STREET WATER LINE. Bidders must submit with thier bids a Cashier's Check or a Certified Check in the amount of five (5) percent of the maximum amount of bid payable without recourse to: City of College Station, Texas, or a proposal bond in the same amount from a Surety Com- pany holding permit from the State of Texas to act as Surety, and acceptable according to the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority form the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States as listed in latest Revision of Treasury Depart- ment Circular 570, as a guarantee tha t Bidder will enter into a contract and execute bond and guarantee forms provided Wihtin five (5) days after notice of award of contract to him. Bids without checks or proposal bond will not be considered. In accordance with Article 5160, Revised Civil Statutes of Texas, 1925, as amended, the successful Bidder will be required to furnish not only a performance bond in the amount of the contract, but also a payment bond for the protection of all claimants supplying labor and materials as defined in said law. The bonds must be executed by an approved Surety Company holding a permit form the State of Texas to act as Surety and acceptable according th the latest list of companies holding certificates of authority from the Secretary of the Treasury Of the United States, or oche Surety, acceptable to the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities. In case of ambiguity or lack of clearness In statingtthe4L'ice in the bids, the Owner reserves the right to consider the most ad- vantageous construction thereof or to reject the bid. Unreasonable or unbalanced unit prices will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of any bid. Bidders are�expected to inspect the site of the work and to in- form themeselves regarding local conditions under which the work is to be done. At- tention is called to the provisions of the Texas Minimum Wage Act of 1970 and Articel 5159a. Revised Civil Statutes of Texas concerning the prevaling wage rate ap- plicabel in municipal con- struction. Contract Documents, Proposal Forms, Specifications and Plans are on file and may be examined without charge in the office of Mr. Elrey Ash, City Engineer, and may be oftained form Riewe & Wisch- meyer, Inc., Consulting Engineers, 11325 Pegasus Street, Suite 5 -209, Dallas, Texas 75238, upon the deposit of Twenty -Five ($25.00) Dollars, which sum as deposited will be refunded provided the Con- tractor submits a bid and returns all documents to the Engineer within 72 hours after bid. Nonbidders returning plans with 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded Ten ($10.00) Dollars. Suppliers returning plans within 72 hours after bid opening will be refunded their deposit. 4 - 21,4- 22,4 -29 The Eagle April 29, 1979 108 UgalNotiees NOTICE TO BIDI�ER�� The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the Fepair and rehabilitation Of single family homes. Bids will be received by the city at the Planning pepa rtment until 2:00 p:m., fumy 15, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. I plans, and Bid documents, p specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City HaW 1101 Texas Ave., College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator at the Planning Department, 696-8868. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator 4 -26,4- 27,4 - 28 The Eagle April 30, 1979 C ities near agreement on gas By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer The cities of Bryan and College Station are "very close" to reaching an agreement with Lone Star Gas Company over a requested rate increase, according, to city officials. But a disagreement between Lone Star and Bryan over a franchise may stall that city's acceptance of any new rates. Lone Star has asked both cities for about a 14 percent rate increase for residential and commercial customers. The company says it needs additional revenues to meet its cost of operation and to earn an adequate return on its investment. College Station City Manager North Bardell said there is a strong possibility that a tentative agreement might come between the cities and Lone Star during a Wednesday meeting. Any agreement, however, would first have to be approved by both city councils. "We could have an agreement if they are willing to accept the cities' proposal," Bardell said. He said the cities took Lone Star's submission and calculation methods and then questioned some of the procedures and processes used to derive the rates. rates One item the cities disagree with is Lone Star's requested percentage of return on common equity. "We've got some figures that the cities have put together and we'll see if Lone Star will accept them for the: purpose of determining the in:" crease," Bardell said. He would not say what percentage of an increase the cities are proposing but he did say it was less than the requested 14 percent. Bryan City Manager Ernest Clark said his city has no legal basis to settle on a rate increase since Lone Star has no franchise with Bryan. Bryan City Council and the gas company are at an impasse over a provision of the franchise that would allow surety bonds to be paid by developers. Lone Star has said it will not accept surety bonds and wants cash instead from the developers. Clark said Lone Star is sending a company officer to meet with city officials over the franchise sometime in the next few weeks. Clark said Bryan probably would concur with College Station over the rate increase but would have to put off officially adopting it until the franchise matter is settled. "We would propose to get the same rate as College Station," he said. NOTICE TO BIDDERS The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the repair and rehabilitation of single family homes. Bids will be received by the city at the Planning Department until 2:00 p.m., May 15, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Bid documents, plans, and specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City Hall, 1101 Texas Ave., College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Prograrrt+s Coordinator at the Planning Department, 696 -8868. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator 4- 26,4- 27,4 -28 The Eagle May 1, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The College Station - Planning and Zoning Cbmmission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: 1.0 acres located east of and adjacent to Texas Avenue and ap proximately 550 feet notth of the intersection of Texas Avenue and Krenek Tap Road £ r o m A d mini strative /Professional District A to General Com Mprcial District C -1. The applicaton is In the name of Mrs. Irene K. Skidmore, 1600 F infeather, Bryan, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commisson on Thursday, May 17, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr., Director of Plan ning. TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: 33.50 acres located west of and adjacent to the East Bypass approximatly 3000 feet south of the in tersecton of Highway 30 and the East Bypass and Apart ment Building district R -5 to General Commercial District C 1. The application is in the name of College Station Land ,I Co., One Northgat Chattanooga, TN. The said hearing will be held the Council Room Of t�' College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, May 11, 1979. For additonal information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr., Director Of Plan- ning. 5 -2 Planners schedule meeting Thursday Two public hearings on rezoning requests are scheduled for the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission meeting Thursday at 7 P.m - at city hall. A hearing will be held on the question of rezoning Lot 23, Block 1 of the W.C. Boyett Addition from apartment district to general commercial. The application is by James H. Behling. The second hearing is on rezoning a 9.842 acre tract on the northwest corner of University Drive and the East Bypass from single family to general com- mercial. The application is by F.W. Bert Wheeler. The commission also will consider a final plat on Parkway Plaza Phase 8 and a preliminary plat for Highlands Place located adjacent to Texas Avenue about 500 feet south of Pinion Drive in Southwood Valley. TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following tract: Tract l: A 66.33 acre tract located on the southwest corner of the intersecton of University Drive and the East Bypass from Single Family Residential Distrct R -1 to General Commercial District C -1. Tract 2: A 10.50 acre tract located on the south side of Unite rsi t Drive ap- proximately 1500 feet west of the East Bypass from Single Family Residential District R- 1 1 0 A d- ministrative /Professional District A P. The application is in the name of Mr. F. W. Bert Wheeler, Box 20027, Houston, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Com- mission on Thursday, May 17, 1979. The Eagle May 2, 1979 For additional information, plea se contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr., City Planner. CS police ponder alarm ordinance By FRANK MAY Staff Writer College Station police find themselves in a precarious position over a city ordinance adopted last October to decrease false burglar alarms in the city. Officers want to stop wasting time and money and endangering per- sonnel when answering the false alarms, but they also want the alarms to stay as an added security device. There have been violators of the ordinance, but police have not filed charges against them. Officers, instead, have attempted to get the owners or leasers of the alarms to repair them. They fear the alarms will be ripped out and new businesses will not purchase the devices if the ordinance is vigorously enforced. The ordinance provides for penalties of up to $200 against the owner or leaser of a burglar alarm which goes off falsely by human error five or more times during a 12- month period. If the alarm fails mechanically more than five times in a year, College Station Police Chief Marvin Byrd may assess an inspection fee of $50 and require the alarm be disconnected, the ordinance says. There have been about 70 false alarms in the city since Feb. 1, when the police department began compiling figures on the alarms. There have been several businesses and a residence which have had more than five false alarms. The alarms are plugged into the dispatcher's office at the new College Station police station. When an alarm goes off, police are im- mediately sent to the location. "There have been several new businesses who are putting in the burglar alarms and that's good," Capt. Jim Beaner, head of the depar- finent's special services division, said. "We are seeking the cooperation and help of these people to stop the false alarms," Beamer said. "We want the alarms but we want people to be responsible for them." Beamer termed the ordinance a "last resort" to stopping false alarms. He said enforcement is forthcoming. "We are compiling evidence and we will start filing on them (violators) soon," he said. He said the ordinance has caused several businesses with faulty alarms to repair them. "People are aware of the penalties and many are getting better," Beamer noted. The ordinance was formulated by a committee of police, business representatives and alarm company officials last fall. "They're (false alarms) wasting taxpayers money and some day an officer is going to get hurt," Beamer said. The Eagle May 2, 1979 City managers hear option on social security City managers in the Brazos County area received a report recently during a convention in Salado on the possibility of taking city employees off the federal Social Security program. College Station City Manager North Bardell said he was interested in the concept and would study the report and its possibilities. Bryan City Manager Ernest Clark said he felt the concept would require lengthy study and that he had no plans to look into it at this time. The report, prepared by the personnel department for the City of Arlington, concludes that with- drawals from the federal program will continue and increase unless "state and local officials are con- vinced that social security will provide their employees with the maximum protection at the lowest possible costs." State and local government membership in social security is not compulsory. But once a govern- mental entity has terminated its membership in social security, it may not re -enter the system without congressional approval. "Currently, 8V2 million of an estimated 12 million state and local government employees belong to social security, representing about eight percent of total participants;" the report stated. "The state governments of Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada and Ohio never belonged to social security, nor have numerous political sub- divisions in every state, such as the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas," it said. Recent and anticipated economic and social conditions, accordipg to the report, pose a threat to social security's `pay as you go' financing strategy. As an example, the report pointed out that benefit payments for 1976 outstripped revenues by $5.8 billion. The reason an employer might withdraw from the system, ac- cording to the report, is that other retirement programs such as the Employee . Retirement System of Texas, the Teacher Ret'ir'ement System and the Texas Municipal Retirement System also provide a full range of benefits that parallel social security. The Eagle May 2, 1979 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The City of College Statiorl 1979 Community Development Block Grant Application has been officiaWV accepted for procesing by'4he Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2001 Bryan Tower, Dallas, Texas, 75201. Copies of said application are on file in the Planning Department, City Hall, College Station, Texas and may be Inspected and copied at no charge during normal business hours. For additional in- formation, ccntact James M. Callaway at the Planning Department, 696 -8868, Ext. 238. The Eagle May 3, 1979 CS commission 01(s site The intersection of University Drive and the East Bypass is an appropriate place for general commercial zoning, according to the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission voted to recommend that the city council approve a request to rezone a 9.842 acre tract there from single - family residential to commercial. The request was made by F.W. Bert Wheeler. City Planner Al Mayo said the tract's developers were interested in putting in a motel and a shopping center. No one spoke at a public hearing on the rezoning request. A second public hearing on the commission's agenda was cancelled after the rezoning request was with- drawn. The Eagle May 4, 1979 108 Legal of ces NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addreSed to the Honorable MaYOC and City council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the 'office of North Bardell, City Manager, -until 10:00 A.M. 7 for Thursday May furnishing the following equipment: One (1) Lawn.and Garden Tractor With 38 Inch Rotary Mower Attachment Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. 5-5,5- 12,5 - 19 The Eagle May 5, 1979 10S Legal N otices 110e LegalNoticei TO WHOM IT MAY CON- are urged to attend. Further that e itallation of a chain CERN: Information may be obtained link fe ns with plastic blinds by calling the Parks and does not meet the rquirements The Zoning Board of Ad- Recreation Department at 696- f of a sxreening fence as set will consider a 4753. orth in Sec. jusiment 6.-J of the Zoning Ordinance, No. 850. Said fence request for a non - conforming Andrew Czimskey, is required by ordinance along ' structure from Ctfarles Assistant Director, lots 4 and 5, block C, College Johnson, 1015 Holt, College Parks and Recreation Heights Addition. Station, Texas 77840, at their Department regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Sat & Sun -- Further informatio is available Station City Hall, at '7L:00 at the office of the Zoning o'clock P.M., on Tuesday the Official of the City of College 15th day of May, 1979, the Station, Texas, 713- 696-8868 ext. nature of the case being as 238. follows: The applicant requests a Gayle Ferreri variance at a 6 -acre tract for the City Attorney located 600' off of Texas 5 -9, 5 -134 Avenue in a northeasterly direction behind the U- Rent -M building, College Station, Texas, to the rear set -back requirement set forth in Or- dinance 850. The applicant requests to construct buildings on the rear property line. , Further informatoion is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696-8868, _ ext. 238. TO WHOM IT MAY CON - Gayle Ferreri CERN: for the City Attorney 5-9,5-13 The Zoning Board of Ad- justment will consider an N O T I C E OF P U B L I C appeal of a decision of the HEARING Zoning Official at their The College Station Parks and regularly scheduled meetin in Recreation Department will the Council Room at College conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, May 16 1979 at Station City Hall, at 7:00 PM., , 7:00 P.M. concerning the on Tuesday, the 15th day Of acquisition of park land in the May, 1979. The appeal is in the Carter's Grove Area of College name of Bruce Boyd, 503 Station, located between Eisenhower. The nature of the Francis Drive, Dominik Drive appeal isa ;follows: and Merry Oaks Drive. The public hearing will be held in An appeal of a decision of the the Council Chambers of City Zoning Official in which the Hall. All interested citizens Zoning Official has determined The Eagle may 9, 1979 CS council to hear preliminary budget Preliminary budget figures will be presented Thursday night to the College Station City Council. The council meets at 7 P.m. at city hall. The council's Wednesday af- ternoon workshop was cancelled and items scheduled for that meeting will be considered Thur- s d a y n i g h t. City employees have been working up budget figures so that the council will be able to determine the new tax rate for next year. A propel'ty , re- evaluation will increase values throughout the city and the council has promised to lower the present tax rate to com- pensate. , Also on the agenda is consideration of the Community Development Block Grant Application, consideration of a fair housing ordinance and of a petition for improvements to Peyton Street. The council will reconsider a rezoning request for a one acre tract located adjacent to Texas Avenue about 500 feet north of Krenek Tap Road and will consider a rezoning request on a .71 acre tract at Texas and Rock Prairie Road. The council will discuss the railroad crossing south of Jersey and a request for funding from Little League. The Eagle May 9, 1979 CS clears 'hurdle toward ►federal funding College Station City Council cleared another roadblock Thursday Related story on p age IA. night in its attempt to receive federal Community Development, prove a fair housing ordinance. The funding for 1979. passage of that ordinance won't But the action brought up deeply affect this year's -grant application, held feelings by several council Callaway said, but it will affect members that the federal govern- future years'. ment is trying to push the city The ordinance would prohibit around and exceeds its authority. discrimination in sale or rental of The city's 1978 application was housing and in brokerage services denied by the federal authorities. and charges the city to investigate Community Development and bring complaints against Director James Callaway told the violators. council he had been informed by the "Why would we want to get into U.S. Department of Housing and enforcing something like this ?" Urban Development (HUD) that asked Adams. "That's what we Want approval of the city's grant ap- to find out — if you do," said plication for more than $300,000 is Callaway. contingent upon submission of a Councilman Gary Halter said he revised strategy statement that felt the ordinance would be redun- describes what actions the city will dant since it would state what take to "achieve greater spatial federal law already calls for. He deconcentration" of housing op- said he agrees with the federal law. portunities for lower income per- "If we pass something like this, it sons." will pacify the Great White Fathers The strategy statement revision in Washington but little else," he involved only three paragraphs and said. is really just a rewording to satisfy The federal government is HUD's requirements, Callaway trying to take over all control now said. held by the cities and the state legislature will take the rest," said The motion was a approved wi' Councilman James Dozier. Councilman Homer Adams giving Dozier said nobody on the city the only negative vote. He said he council is opposed to spending was against programs that provided Community Development funds on housing for people other than streets, drainage and sewer work in present College Station residents. low income neighborhoods, but they Callaway then told the council that do have doubts about the housing HUD alsohad informed the city that part of the program "which HUD within six months, it needs to ap- has attached." The Eagle May 11, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS . Sealed proposals addresed tot the Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the office of North Bardell, City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday May 24, 1979 for furnishing the following equipment: One (1) Lawn and Garden Tractor With 38 Inch Rotary Mower, Attachment Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. 5- 5,5-12,5.19 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The College Station Parks and Recreation Department will conduct a public hearing on Wednesday, May 16, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. concerning the acquisition of park land in the Carter's Grove Area of College Station, located between Francis Drive, Dominik Drive and Merry Oaks Drive. The public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of City Hall. All interested citizens are urged to attend. Further information may be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation Department at 696- 4753. Andrew Czimskey, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department Sat & Sun The Eagle May 12, 1979 CS seeks input on park, plan Residents of the Carter's Grove area of College Station will have a chance Wednesday night to speak up on where and what kind of park they'd like in their neighborhood. The city has $225,000 in bond money to go toward a park in that area. A public hearing will be Wednesday at 7 p.m, at city hall. The city is hoping to buy about 10 -15 acres somewhere in the Carter's Grove area. Andy Czimskey of the parks department said citizens may speak on where they'd like the park to be located and what type of facilities they'd like the park to have. He described Carter's Grove as an area bounded by Dominik Drive on the South University Drive on the north, the East Bypass and Merry Oaks Boulevard. PUBLIC NOTICE The City of College Station will 'hold two Public hearings at the regular work session to be held on May 23, 1979. All Citizens are invited to participate in these Plannin� sessions to present views on the 1979 -80 operating budget. These hearings will be held at the City Hall Council I Chambers beginning at 4:00 P.M. 5 -15 -79 c i C 5 8 1 f F r f 1 The Eagle May 15, 1979 Water., power shortages possible in CS By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer College Station officials will be keeping close tabs this summer on water and electrical supplies to the city. No shortages or cutbacks are imminent, but they are possibilities. Texas A &M, which supplies water to College Station, stipulated in its contract that it could not supply all of the city's water needs during summer peak periods. City Manager North Bardell said the city had been informed that the university might fall one million gallons per day short of the city's peak summer demand. The city's anticipated peak demand would be about seven million gallons per day. If the university cannot supply all of the city's demand, Bardell said, the city may have to ask residents to cutback on outside watering. He foresees no shortages of water to homes and businesses. Bardell said A &M's wells can supply enough water to meet both the campus and city demands, but it might have pressure problems in doing so. A certain amount of pressure is required to operate the campus power plant, so the university must keep the pressure up. "All of this depends on weather and drought conditions," Bardell said. "If the rain keeps up, we might not have the peak demand we an- ticipate." A water problem could also occur, Bardell said, if the university had a well failure. That would make the water supply inadequate. Bardell said he was working on other alternatives for water pur- chases which would include going to the city of Bryan. "We'll just have to wait and see," he said. College Station's electrical power is supplied by Gulf State Utilities. Al Naylor, manager of planning for Gulf State`s in Beaumont, said Wednesday that this summer would be a higher risk period for utilities in the southwest power pool. "We are all in pretty serious condition this summer," Naylor said, because of limited availability of excess generating capacity. Gulf States won't have enough of its own generating capacity to serve all of its customer and power pool needs until about 1984, Naylor said. Until that tirrie, the utility has contracted to J)uy 420 of its 5,400 megawatt supply from other companies. If problems occur that affect one of the contracted companies, he said, then that company might have to cutback on the power sold to Gulf States. "We're behind one generating unit," Naylor said because Gulf States did not get requested rate increases in 1975. This summer will be a higher risk time, he said, because two nuclear units in Arkansas — that might have helped with the availability of power — are shut down because of the Three Mile Island incident. Bardell said he was more worried about transmission failures which cut off power to the city for brief periods of time than of cutbacks by Gulf States. The city has contingency plans for water or electrical cutbacks, he said. w __3 N t� C a� cn Citizens to protest development at CS meeting By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Sparks are predicted to fly tonight at the meeting of the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission as residents of the Carter's Grove area oppose a proposed shopping center near their homes. The commission has scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. at city hall on the question of rezoning a 66.33 acre tract and a 10.5 acre tract on the southwest corner of University Drive and the East Bypass from single family residential to general commercial and administrative - professional zoning. Signatures from more than 200 home owners of nearby property have signed petitions opposing the rezoning requests. The application is in the name of Bert Wheeler. Wheeler, according to city staff, is proposing to sell the property to Frank Crockett of Austin for development as a large shopping center. Property directly across University Drive was recommended for rezoning to general commercial two weeks ago by the commission. It would be tied together as a large commercial complex, according to preliminary plans. The Carter's Grove residents already have met with Crockett and met Wednesday night with park officials from College Station. According to John Painter of 1119 Merry Oaks Drive, the citizens have three main issues. First, the residents do not want Francis Drive, Carroll Street and Dominick Drive extended into commercial zone. They feel the extension of the streets would increase traffic on streets used by school children, Painter said. Second, the residents are ob- jecting to a proposed 250 ft. -wide buffer zone of administrative - professional offices. Third is an issue of a proposed city park in the area. The city has been considering purchase of about 15 acres behind Merry Oaks Drive for a park. Residents don't want lighted softball fields or activities in the park that will draw large crowds. "We feel it should be a kind of old - fashioned park where mothers walk their babies in the mornings with a playground," Painter said. Painter said residents, especially those along Merry Oaks and Dominik and in Post Oak sub- division, are concerned that if commercial development gets too close, their property values will go down. Al Mayo, city planner, said his staff is recommending approval of the general commercial zoning but is flexible on what kind of buffer zone is established. Mayo said the city's planning concept is to centralize a major portion of the commercial development in the city into areas along major streets and to limit strip zoning. Also on the agenda is a public hearing on rezoning of a 33.50 acre tract and a 4 acre tract for a larger regional type shopping center at the East Bypass and Highway 30. CS Land Company of Chatanooga, Tenn., is requesting the two tracts be rezoned general commercial to add to 55 acres already rezoned for that center. Apartments originally had been proposed on the 33 acre tract, but developers told city staff members that a new design of the shopping center called for more land zoned commercial. 108 Legal N otices NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the City Council, City of College Station, Texas for Residential Street Im- provements, 1979, Project No ST -79 -3, will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:00 p.m., Monday June 11, 1979. Proposals will be publicly Opened and read aloud in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 2:00 p.m. on the same date. Any bid received after the above closing time will be returned unopened. �cectificate of Cashier's check on a State or National Bank of the State of Texas, or a Bid- der's bontl from an acceptable Surety Company authorized to transact business in the State of Texas, in the amount of not less than five percent (5 %) of the total bid must accompany each proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent (100 %) of the contract price, conditioned upon faithful performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successful bidder and accompany his signed con- tract. NOTICE TO BIDDER The City of College Station will accept sealet) bids for a house located at 310 Kyle Street in College Station- Bids will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., June 5, 1979, in the office of Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary. Bids will be opened and Publicly read at that time. The house is to be removed from the property within (30) days after acceptance of bid. _ 5 18,519,5 -20 Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City Of College Station, Texas. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11246. The requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the Specifications. Elrey B. Ash I I City Engineer NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addresed to the Honorable Mayor and City Council of College Station, Texas, will be received at the office of North Bardell, City Manager, until 10:00 A.M. on Thursday May 24, 1979 for furnishing the following equipment: One (1) Lawn and Garden Tractor With 38 Inch Rotary Mower Attachment Specifications can be obtained at the Public Works Office at City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. 5 5,5- 12,5 -19 The Eagle May 19, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDER The City of College Station will accept sealed bids for a house located at 310 Kyle Street in College Station. Bids will be accepted until 2:00 P.M., June 5, 1979, in the office of, Glenn Schroeder, City Secretary. Bids will be opened and publicly read at that time. The house is to be removed from the property within (30) days after acceptance of bid. 5 -18,5- 19,5 -20 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed to the City Council, City of College Station, Texas for Residential Street Im- provements, 1979, Project No. ST -79 -3, will be received in the Office of the City Secretary, City Hall, College Station, Texas, until 2:00 p.m., Monday June 11, 1979. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall at 2:00 p.m. on the same date. Any bid received after the above closing time will be returned unopened. A certificate of Cashier's check on a State or National Bank of the State of Texas, or a Bid- der's bond from an acceptable Surety Company authorized to transact business in the State of Texas, in the amount of not less than five percent (5 %) of the total bid must accompany each proposal as - a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents, A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent (100 %) of the contract price, conditioned upon faithful performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successful bidder and I accompany his signed con- tract. Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City Of College Station, Texas. NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11116. The requirements for biddeYS- and contractors under this order are explained in the Specifications. Elrey B: Ash I I City Engineer Council sets budget hearing College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed 1979 city budget Thursday at 4 p.m. at city hall. Also on the agenda is a discussion of rezoning principles and policies. The Eagle May 20, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed proposals addressed 1 the City Council, City < College Station, Texas fc Residential Street In provements, 1979, Project N< ST -79 -3, will be received in th Office of the City Secretarl City Hall, College Statior Texas, until 2:00 p.m., Monde June 11, 1979. Proposals will be publicl .opined and read aloud in th Council Room of the Colleq Station City Hall at 2:00 p.m on the same date. Any big received after the above closing time will be returnef unopened. A certificate of Cashier's checi on a State or National Bank o the State of Texas, or a Bid der's bond from an acceptable Surety Company authorized tc transact business in the Statc of Texas, in the amount of not less than five percent (5 %) 01 the total bid must accompany each proposal as a guarantee that, if awarded the contract, the Bidder will within ten (10) calendar days after award of contract enter into contract and execute a Bond on the forms provided in the Contract Documents. A Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in an amount of not less than one hundred percent (100 %) of the contract price, conditioned upon faithful Performance of the contract and payment of all persons supplying labor or furnishing materials, shall be executed by the successful bidder and accompany his signed con- tract. Proposals must be submitted on the forms bound within the Specifications and the right to accept any bid, or to reject any and all bids and to waive all formalities is hereby reserved by the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas. • NONDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President's Executive Order No. 11246. The requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the Specifications. Elrey B. Ash I I City Engineer The Eagle May 21, 1979 ,CS Council plans budget By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council members were to begin deciding this afternoon on how many new em- ployees and how much new equip- ment will be financed in the city's 1979 -80 budget. About 55 new employees are being requested by city departments ranging from the fire department to the parks department. Departments also are requesting additional equipment and vehicles. "We've got more requests than money," said Assistant City Manager A.E. VanDever. He said the council would get two budget books that "are quite thick." One book contains the basic budget and the other has the supplemental budget, VanDever said. The basic budget provides for the same level of city operations 3 -I �G (D N) m w 0) J J V tO financed in this year's budget. The supplemental budget contains any request for capital outlay, additional employees and additional services. The city department heads, directors and city manager have ranked the requests for new equipment and employees. That list of priorities will be given to the city council, along with the price tags on the requested items. VanDever said the preliminary figures indicate the basic budget will total $12,625,109 and the sup- plemental budget could go as high as $1,276,434 for a combined total of $13,901,543. This year's budget totals $12,947,346. The fire department, which operates the ambulance service, has requested the highest number of new employees, VanDever said. He said the high request was made for staffing for a new fire substation to be built in Southwood Valley. The fire department is requesting 14 firefighter IIs, 6 firefighter Is, three apparatus operators and an additional fire inspector. The city's police department is requesting two new jailers, another detective and a clerk typist. Other new employee requests include a zoning inspector for the planning department, an accountant for the finance department, two equipment operators, three service workers, a truck driver and a mechanic for the public works department; a senior inspector and a survey crew for the engineering department, five j'rounds workers and a planner .4or the parks department; a sanitation crew and truck driver; a line man, one equipment operator, a foreman, an assistant plant supervisor, two utility workers, a laborer and a clerk typist for the utility department. Largest requests for vehicles and equipment came from the fire, police and parks departments this year. The fire department wants a new ambulance, a ladder truck and another vehicle. The police department is requesting five patrol cars, an administrative vehicle and a vehicle for investigation. The parks department is requesting two automobiles, two pickup trucks, a tractor, a van, a.- mowing tractor, a loader- scraper and a tractor - mower. Public works wants two pickup trucks, a car, a tow truck and a dump truck. The budget must be approved by June 27, VanDever said. The city staff is looking at a tax rate of from 36 to 39 cents per $100 valuation. SWAT team CS police department seeks funds for special crime unit � m N C=] �w V By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Request for a SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactical) team is among a three -inch thick stack of budget proposals being considered by the College Station City Council. The council also is being asked to buy fire extinguishers for council member homes. The police department is requesting funding for an eight - member SWAT team and equip- ment. The budget request states that the growth of the community and the Related story page 8A increase in crime have made the team necessary. "We believe the need for a special weapons attack team is a reality. The number of violent crimes such as aggravated robbery is rising and possibility of capture decreases, especially should a robber bargain with a store owner's life inside his store and having no training or equipment to flush him out. "A sniper easily can do his will in the area as no police agency here has the equipment or training to handle such an incident. It will happen and we want to be prepared with eight trained officers and we want them properly equipped." The price tag is $4,855. The City of�Bryan has had a SWAT team for abqut two years. The rkquekt for fire extinguishers comes from the city manager's office. The price tag is $175. According to the budget request, "it has been suggested that the council members be provided with fire extinguishers for their homes. A fire safety training program will be held for their families." "This is an effort to show the citizens the need of such programming in each home," the request states. The extinguishers would be returned when the council member's term of office is over, according to the plan. Budget requests will be con- sidered at later council meetings. CS council offers Lone Star. $318,519 with 2 stipulations By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer The cities of Bryan and College Station could have different rates for natural gas if Lone Star Gas Com- pany accepts an offer made Thurs- day night by the College Station City council. Lone Star has been negotiating with both cities for a rate increase. But talks were broken off by Bryan because the gas company has no franchise to operate within that city. Bryan officials differ with Lone star over a surety bond clause in the proposed franchise and said they won't talk about rates until the matter is settled. College Station offered Lone Star $318,519 in additional revenue with two stipulations: first, that College Station be excluded from any appeal to the state Railroad Commission and second, that College Station's rates not be tied to those of Bryan. Lone Star had requested about $516,000 in additional revenues. The company said that increase would amount to about $2.41 more per Related stories, page 8A month for an average customer. The importance of College Station's stipulations are that currently, Bryan and College Station are tied together as one rate base because they share distribution systems. If Bryan doesn't come up with new rates within the 120 -day limit allowed by law, Lone Star can ap- peal the matter to the skate Railroad Commission. That commission could set higher rates than College Station had settled on and those higher rates would then be imposed on College Station too. The commission, however, could set lower rates or Bryan could settle with' the gas company for lower rates. College Station is taking its chances. "We pays our money and we takes our chances," said Councilman Gary Halter. "If Bryan gets a dif- ferent rate,well,that's it. But I don't think they will get a lower one." NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the toua Conditional n Use Permit for the operation of a sorority house In the existing residence located at the southwest corner Of the intersection of Munson Avenue and Dominik. Drive (1302 Munson). The application is in the Of the Alpha Phi Internati l) Fraternity, Inc., Sorority Chapter, 502 College View, I College Station, Texas. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, llol South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P meeting of the Planning anc Zoning Commission or Thursday, June 7, 1979. For additional Information contact the City Planner'- Office, 713- 696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning Al Bartley, local district manager for Lone Star, and Quentin Hicks of Lone Star's Dallas office, appeared before the College Station council. They said they didn't know if Lone Star would accept College Station's offer, but they'd ask. . Earlier in the meeting, Bartley said a figure of $368,345 proposed by the city staff was "$25,347 short of what Quentin and I would feel comfortable recommending to" the home office. Councilman Halter made the motion to settle and split Bartley's $25,347 request in half to come up with the new figure. Lone Star says it needs additional revenues to meet its cost of operation and to earn an adequate return on the company's rate base in the two cities. Bryan officials have offered Lone Star a compromise on settling the franchise dispute but thus far the gas company has not responded. Bartley said he didn't know when a response would he made The Eagle —May 25, 1979 NOTICE OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATON MEETING CITY OF COLLEGE STATION In obedience to an order of the Board of Equalization regulary convened and sitting, notice is hereby give that said Board of Equalization will be in session at its regular meeting place in the City of College Station, Brazos County Texas, at 5 o'clock P.M., beginnog on Monday the 4th day of Jurfe' 1979 and each weekday thereafter, for the purp ose of m deterining, fixing and ' equaling the value of any and all taxable property situated in the the City of College Staton, until such values have finally been determined for taxable purposes for the year 1979, and any and all persons interested, or having business with said Board, are here notified to be present. DONE BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION OF The City of College Station, Brazos County, Texas, this 15th day of May, 1979. GLENN SCHROEDER Secretary to the Board of Equalizaton City of College Station .l..tl,o of the Name! The Eagle May 27, 1979 `Good news' outweighs bad in B=CS housing market By SAM LOGAN Business Editor, There is both good news and some not so good in the Bryan - College Station housing market for the first four months of 1979, as compared with the same period in 1978, but the "good" outweighs the "bad ", and it isn't as bad as everyone expected. The adjacent chart shows the market "bottom -line" with figures compiled from tfie B -CS Board of Realtors Multiple Listings Service (MLS) for both periods. The bad news is that there were An analysis less housing units available on the market to date in 1979 than in 1978, by a total of 9.5 percent. This fits on the "low side' of earlier predictions that housing construction would be off 10 to 15 percent because of several factors: abnormally bad weathe&during the first quarter of '79, higher building costs, many small builders dropping out of the industry, and the tight mortgage money market, caused by inflation and the unrealistic usury law interest rate ceilings in Texas. On the plus -side of the ledger, most local real estate people and builders agree that in the number of units sold columns, the 43.6 percent increase in 1979 above 1978 indicates that our area is still growing, despite higher costs. With added input frombuilders and realtors that May marks the beginning of the peak housing construction and sales period of the year (May, June and July, when most housing construction and sales turnover occurs, especially in a university oriented town), this current period appears to be the best home "buyers market" time of the year. The third column of the chart shows the total combined sales volume up $14 million for 1979 above 1978's $10 million, or a 39.7 percent increase. This is both good and bad. It is good in that it indicates con- tinued growth, but these figures must also be tempered by the knowledge that part of this increae must be attributed to higher costs of homes due to inflation. The fourth column indicates the average sales prices of new and "lived in" homes, apartments, condos, duplexes and mobile homes in both cities and outside the cities in Brazos County. Sales prices are up in all but two categories — as was expected — but the total average represents only a 0.7 percent increase, which is less than most people expected. In two columns average prices were actually lower in 1979 than in '78. Average price for a "new" single - family home in Bryan in 1979 was $45,714, down 9.1 percent from the average of $49,874 in 1978. The other decrease was in the apartments column (which includes both cities, condos and duplexes). It shows the average unit cost in '79 was $42,256, or 10.5 percent lower than 1978's average unit cost of $47,256. A consensus of professionals in the housing industry believes the reason we are now seeing some decreased prices — despite inflated costs everywhere — is that people are "doing" with less space and less luxuries in new dwellings than previously, because of the higher costs of building. One major builder here summed it up: "The young home buyers of today are having to learn to do on less than perhaps their parents had. From inside the walls the con- struction quality is still there, but there are less frills being added to spec homes today, a trend that will probably continue for some time." CS Council seeks recommendation The College Station City Council has asked the city staff to come up with a recommendation for an in- crease in the charge for garbage service. Wednesday, the council held a workshop at Camp Creek to discuss the budget for 1979 -80. City Manager North Bardell told the council that the revenue from the Sanitation Department would only meet one - third of the expenses of that donartment. The garbage charge has been $2.25 per month since 1972. "We send a $45,000 truck and three employees to each person's house at least nine times a month, "Bardell said. The staff was directed to come up with a new rate and an ordinance for the next council session. The council also discussed a - shortage in the cemetery fund but decided not to raise any fees at the cemetery. ■ _ Z The Eagle May 31, 1979 Councilmen are just som To th e Editor Staff writer Jane "Mills Smith certainly deserves recognition for her excellent story in Friday's (May 25) Eagle about those fun guys, the College Station City Council. The team of Dozier and Halter seemed to be in rare form. They've been saying hilarious things for a number of years now and I'm really sorry I missed this meeting. If I find any fault with her story, it's that she must have left out some real knee - slappers from Mayor Bravenec and Councilman Adams. The mayor is usually, not always intentionally, good for a few laughs and Councilman Adams is one of the funniest people I know. With the long, hot summer coming up with all those TV reruns, for those of us who don't go to discos, it would be a real public service for the agenda for each upcoming council meeting to be published on the ild. and crazy guys t page of the Eagle. I sure to miss the one when City North Bardell returns search in the discos. ack really didn't seem to ise much good with his for giving his patrons )ur to drink. Unless all )le who try to crowd a ht's drinking into two ;ie home on their hands they could be in real they try it in a car, they run into a College Station rol car on the way to the scene of their latest unsolved burglary and things could get sticky. It's called Driving While Intoxicated and is usually frowned on in most cities. As soon as the two restaurants next door close and the disco about a hundred yards from my back door shuts down, I can sleep peacefully knowing that all is well in Fun City. It's not so bad as long as I keep the windows closed. I have a good radio and a comfortable set of head phones. Robert Alexander NOTICE OF BOARD OF EQUALIZATON MEETING CITY OF COLLEGE STF,TION In obedience to an order of the Board of Equalization regulary convened and sitting, notice is hereby give that said Board of Equalization will ¢e in session at its regular mett[n9 place in the City of College Station, Brazos County Texas, dt 5 o'clock P.M., beginning on Monday the 4th day of June 1979 and each weekday thereafter, for the purpose of determining, fixing and equaling the value of any and all taxable property situated in the the City of College Stator, Ontil such values have finally been determined for taxable purposes for the year 1979, and any and all persons interested, or having business with said Board, are here notified to be present. DONE BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION OF The City of College Station, Brazos County, Texas, this 15th day of May, 1979. GLENN SCHROEDER Secretary to the Board of Equalizaton City of College Station The Eagle .Tune 3, 1979 City receptionists on the line By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer "Hello, City of ......... Nobody knows how many times a day Alenda Berringer and Currina Alenda Berringer Nash say those words. As switch- board operators for the cities of Bryan and College Station, they definitely say them a lot. Mrs. Berringer has been with Bryan for four and a half years. A native of Bryan, she and her husband have an 18- month-old son. Mrs. Nash is from Newfoundland, Canada, and has been in the United States for about 14 years. She and her husband have a son, nine, and a daughter, 13. Both women say the elements of their job include knowing the equipment, the proper extensions and most importantly — keeping calm. "It gets hectic," admits Mrs. Berringer. "But I like it, I have no complaints." Besides answering the main city telephones, the two women also help with envelope stuffing and other chores when they aren't busy. They also give numerous direc- ' Sns to office locations and answer all sort of inquiries. "Most people are very pleasant," Mrs. Nash said. She has worked for the City of College Station for seven months. "I always try to be calm. I was a long distance operator for three years in Canada and my boss always told me to be nice and maybe the customers will change their minds and calm down too," she said. When city departments like the utility department or the tax office are busy, the switchboard operators probably are busy too. "Sometimes after a hectic day, I feel like I can hear this thing (switchboard) ringing as I drive home," Mrs. Nash said. Mrs. Berringer said she rarely answers her home phone by saying "City of Bryan." But Mrs. Nash said she often answers the home phone "City of College Station." Both women know — at least by name — everyone who works for the cities. They keep rosters of city employees but rarely have to look at them. It comes with practice, they said_ "I took this job to meet people," Mrs. Nash said. And it has worked. "I didn't know anything about the city. I didn't even know who the mayor was. Now I do." Currina Nash The Eagle June 4, 1979 CS tax board begins Things went smoothly Monday for the first day of hearings by the College Station Board of Equalization. Citizens who want to appeal tax values placed on their property by the city may appear before the board during the next two weeks. Tax Assessor - Collector Glenn Schroeder said six taxpayers went hearings before the board during the first session. About 45 people have signed up to appear before the board. Anyone interested in appearing should contact Schroeder at city hall to make an appointment. Board member are Deitrich- Bengs, David Benson and K. A.- "Cubby" Manning. The Eagle June 5, 1979 CS planning boars to discuss center A public hearing on rezoning a 33.5 acre and a 4 acre tract located west of the East Bypass and near Harvey Road will continue Thursday at 7 p:m, by the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission. "The hearing was post- poned at the commission's meeting last month so that the developers of the regional shopping center in that area could meet with Richard Smith of Bryan about a conflict of property Uses. Smith said the general commercial zoning would hurt his residential subdivision called Sutton Place. The regional center, proposed by C.S. Land Company of Chatanooga, Tenn., wants the additional tracts to expand the size of the center. The zoning change would be from apartment district and single family residential to general commercial. The meeting will be in council chambers at city hall. The Eagle June 6, 1979 insurance rates CS Council to determine cost of addinci firemen By FRANK MAY Staff Writer College Station City Council decided Wednesday to determine the effect of hiring new firefighters on insurance costs before adding needed manpower. The council told Fire Chief Douglas Landua to learn from the State Board of Insurance what affect the staffing proposals have on the city's current key rate of 26 cents. The higher key rate means more expensive insurance. Related story, page 9A Landua is to report back to the council tonight. The proposals range from $280,000 for 23 men to $104,000 for nine men. The men would operate vehicles already used by the department at the new station, to be built on FM 2818 and Rio Grande Street. Landua told the council his original request for $280,000 would "definitely affect the key rate in a positive way." That proposal means seven men would operate a pumper truck and ambulance stationed at the new fire house. A second proposal for 15 men to operate a pumper and ambulance would cost $129,000. That plan means only one vehicle could respond at a time from the station. A third proposal calls for nine men to operate an ambulance at the second station. It would cost $104,000. Landua said he did not know if the second and third plans would affect key rates. "I've kept the proposals at what I feel is as low as I possibly could," Landua told the council. "Even if we have the same population next year, we are still well below what the State Board of Insurance recommends, but we still could provide good service," he added. Council members indicated they would like to approve Landua's original request, but noted funding sources are scarce. A 4 -cent tax increase would occur if the $280,000 proposal was adopted, city officials said. "I have no hang -up for increasing the tax to handle this," councilman Homer Adams said. "I think it would be silly to build a fire station out there and not man it." The cost figures also include a 7 Percent cost of living pay increase for firefighters. The station is expected to be constructed by early 1980. The Eagle June 7, 1979 Regional mall announcement good news forwhole area The future keeps getting brighter and brighter. The latest bright spot? It arrived Wednesday with the unveiling of plans for a gigantic regional shopping center in -College Station and the an- nouncement that Sears and Dillard's would occupy two of the four major stores. It is still another in a series of facts which corroborate the continuing growth of the Bryan. College Station area. And it serves as another shot in the retail arm of the two -city complex. The mall will include four major stores — two of which are expected to make their own announcements of location soon — as well as 100 smaller shops. It will be located on a 100 - acre -plus ,site at the southwest corner of Highway 30 and the East Bypass. The statistics attributed to the new development are over- whelming: The mall will encompass 800,000 square feet 'of enclosed shopping space surrounded by a parking lot to accomodate 3,600 cars, and will employ as many as 2,500 full -time people. It is scheduled for completion in early 1982. Sears, Dillard's and other two major stores will have more than 100,000 square feet each. The announcement Wed- nesday marks the reality of talk which had been heard for almost a decade. The development by CBL & Associates represents, we know, a great amount of detailed study and behind - the - scenes work. Those people obviously have been impressed with what they already see in Bryan - College Station and what they can expect to see happening to this vibrant market in the near future. An expanding retail center will be good for all of Bryan - College Station. So should it help existing shopping centers because such a mall will attract shoppers from an extremely wide area. That, in itself, will help bring new business into the area. Satellite operations go hand- in-hand. with expanded businesses. Construction - both of the new mall and of homes to accomodate the new workers — will boom. Service operations will expand. All of it is part of an economic spiral which, in the case of the burgeoning Bryan - College Station area, is moving onward and upward with amazing speed. It's another solid indication of good news for all of us. The Eagle June 7, 1979 CS city council approves $6.1 m'illi'on ut'il'ity bond sale � H t�j By JANE M. SMITH Staff Writer The sale of $6.1 million in utility revenue bonds for water and sewer improvements for the City of College Station was approved Thursday by the city council. Sale date for the bonds has been set for 7 p.m. June 28. The bonds will not affect the tax rate and will be paid from utility revenue. City Manager North Bardell said $5.3 million of the bonds will go to finance water improvements. The city will build a 30 -inch transmission line from its well field collection station on Sandy Point Road to a high service pump station on Dowling Road in College Station. The 'distance is about 12 miles, Bardell said. The water bonds also will pay for building the collection and pump stations. The contract for con- struction is to be let in August. When completed sometime around next summer, the water system will supply College Station's water needs until 1990, city officials said. The city will no longer be buying water from other sources. The remaining $845,000 in bond proceeds will go to finish paying for sewer lines and a lift station in the Northgate area. The lines were needed to get College Station off the Bryan system. Also Thursday, the council heard a report from Fire Chief Douglas Landua on possible changes in the city's fire key rate from con- struction and manning of a new fire substation in Southwood Valley. The chief has presented the council with proposals to man the station ranging from $280,000 for 23 men to $104,000 for nine men. The council is trying to decide how many employees and what equipment should be put in the new station to be built on FM 2818 and Rio Grande Street. A tax increase is possible to finance the new station's operations. Landua said his study of the key rate had shown that the new station would not make a significant dif- ference in insurance rates in the city. "I can't justify the new station by looking at the key rate," he said, "but I can on life and safety." Landua said Hugh Heflin of the State Board of Insurance told him the city's present key rate is 26 cents. The city was rerated in January, Heflin told Landua, and the new rate will be 27 cents. If the city were to staff the station with 23 employees, a pumper truck and an ambulance, Landua said, the board would give the city a 4 cent reduction in the key rate. The board would give a two cent reduction for 15 employees. No credit would be given if the city decides only to operate an ambulance from the new station, Landua said he was told. The council took no action on the report. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The College Station Planning pnd Zoning Commission will bid a public hearing on the question of granting a Site Plan Permit for the construction of a multi - family residential project to be constructed in Parkway Plaza Phase Eight generally located on the north side of Brentwood Drive ap- proximately 500 feet west of Texas Avenue. The application is in the name of Spearman, Sears & Murphy, Inc., 3600 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue, at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the PlanRing,and Zoning Commission _ on Thursday, July 5, 1979. For additional information contact the City Planner's Office, 713 -696 -8858. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning R -a Invitation to Bid The City of College Station is accepting bids until noon June 22, 1979 for electrical wiring and air - conditioning with humidity central for three rooms that are to accomodate computer intalltions. Specifications may be secured at the office of the Purchasing Agent In the City Hall, The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids. 6-8,6-15 NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the repair and rehabilitation of single family homes. Bids will be received by the City at the Planning Department until 2:00 p.m. June 25, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Bid - documents, plans, and specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City hall, 1101 Texas Ave., College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator at the Planning Department, 696.8868. The City reserves the right to reject any and allbids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee Housing Programs Coor- dinator 6-8/6.10 The Eagle June 8, 1979 Mall progress Land compromise reached By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer A compromise was worked out Thursday night by the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission that may have cleared the way for expansion of the land area to be used by a regional shopping mall. CBL & Associates, Inc. of Chatanooga, Tenn., is proposing to build the largest shopping mall in the area at the intersection of Texas Highway 30 and the East Bypass. The developers already have about 60 acres zoned general commercial for the project but need city council approval of rezoning of another 37.50 acres. The planning commission recessed a public hearing on the rezoning several weeks ago to give CBL officials time to meet with developer Richard Smith of Bryan to work out a buffer area between their general commercial property and his residential subdivision next door. Smith had said the general commercial zoning would hurt Sutton Place, a small residential subdivision of five large lots. When the meeting began Thurs- day night, the two sides had not come to an agreement. CBL spokesman James Wolford said Smith's offer of $150,000 to rll Sutton Place to the center was`too high and that his desire for a 400 -foot buffer zone would not leave enough room for the center. City Planner Al Mayo said he was going to recommend that the rezoning be approved as requested without a buffer zone of lower density use as Smith requested. Mayo said the center would put up a screening fence and that a 30 -foot utility easement owned by the city, plus an additional 20 -feet of open space buffer promised by the center would be enough buffer. "Larger lots of the type at Sutton Place don't need as much buffer," Mayo said. Smith seemed surprised by Mayo's recommendation. He asked the commission what had happened since the last meeting to change the city's minds. "In the past it has been a con- sistent practice that a step down in zoning be used as a buffer between commercial and residential," Smith said. "I realize the reality that there's been an renouncement of a regional slopping center and the tremendous economic value of this. Everyone wants to see it go in and I think that may be influencing the thinking." "All I want is the same con- sideration on an investment I've made," he said. After considerable discussion, the commission asked Smith if he would consider rezoning his land on the north side of Wolfpen Creek to general commercial, thus eliminating the conflict He said he wasn't enthusiastic and that it would set a bad precedent. "This is the first time this sort of thing has been done to single family lots," Smith said. The compromise was struck after Commissioner Vergil Stover proposed putting the extension of Holleman Drive through Smith's existing street in Sutton Place and rezoning Smith's property to general commercial. La H G � ri tD fD �7 0o W F- rD Smith said he would agree if he didn't have to furnish any additional right -of -way, that he wouldn't have to pay for curb and guttering of the street and that his C -1 zoning would be forthcoming. Wolford said his firm already was committed to building the Holleman Drive extension somewhere on its property and "that committment stands ". He said he saw no problems with the proposal. So, in the end, the commission voted 6 to 1 (Jim Behling opposing) to recommend to the city council that the rezoning for the mall be approved. In a separate motion, the commission directed the city staff to instigate rezoning of Smith's land north of Wolfpen Creek and directed the city engineer to come forth with a recommendation on locating Holleman Drive. CS safety group to meet Tuesday -The College Station Safety dammittee will meet Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the College Station City Hall Council Room to select officers and to introduce committee members and city staff. Organizational procedures also will be discussed, along with any problems members may have :discovered. The Eagle June 11, 1979 4 CS officials visit New York to study bonds Two city council members and two city staff members fron, College Station will arrive in New York City tdhight to visit bond rating services -and bond houses before the city's -sale of $6.145 million in utility revenue bonds. The bonds will be sold on June 28 and will finance water and sewer _ improvements. City Manager North Bardell, : Assistant City Manager A.E. :VanDever, Councilwoman Pat :Boughton and Councilman Tony 'Jones were to make the trip to New York. Bardell said they would be staying at the Barclay Hotel. At 10:30 a.m. Thursday, the city representatives will meet with of- ficials of Moody's Investors and visit various bond houses in the af- ternoon. Friday at 10:30 a.m., the citizens are to meet with officials at Stan- dard & Poor's Corporation. They will leave for home later that af- ternoon. Bardell said the trip will allow the city to put a bond rating on the bonds before the bidding, thus attracting a greater spread of bidders and more national attention to the sale. "The ratings have a bearing on the price structure," Bardell said. He said the bond officials will interview the council members and ad- ministrators on the financial in- tergrity of the city. The Eagle June 13, 1979 G � (D m � w w o0 F1 v '77 B=CS incomes rank low By FRANK MAY Staff Writer Rising two slots in 1977, per capita income for the Bryan - College Station metropolitan area now ranks 258th among 268 U.S. urban areas, a U.S. Commerce Department report states. Per capita income, the total pre- tax personal income divided by population, was $5,256 for the B -CS area in 1977, the Commerce Department reported. The figure ranks B -CS ahead of only 10 urban areas, including four others in Texas. Personal income for Brazos County residents was $404,712,000 in 1977, compared with $355,469,000 in 1976. Population figures used by the Commerce Department to deter- mine the per capita income were 77,400 in 1977 and 73,000 in 1976. Brazos County's 1977 per capita income ranked 189th out of 254 counties in Texas. Economists and employment experts agree per capita income is low locally because a large per- centage of Texas A&M University students have no income. Students with incomes usually receive minimum wages or slightly above economists say. Student enrollment is included in the area's population. However, the local per capita income has risen 20 percent in the last two years and the increase is expected to continue. "It looks like 1977 shows that it (B- CS) may be starting to have some activity in manufacturing and durable goods which would drive up the income," Paul Levit, economist with the U.S. Commerce Depart- ment, said. "In the next year or two, there should be some good improvements in the income there," he added. Turn to PER CAPITA, page 8A. Per capita incomes l B=CS From page 1A, col. 4. The B -CS per capita income for '1975 was $4,372 and for 1976 was $4,871. - .The per capita income for the nation in 1977 was $7,026 and, in :Texas, $6,827. Four Texas cities ranked lower than Bryan - College Station for 1977 are: McAllen- Pharr - Edinburg, $3,859; Laredo, $3,898; Brownsville - Harlingen -San Benito, $4,253; and El Paso, $5,071. Other Texas cities and their per capita incomes for 1977 were: Killeen - Temple, $6,014; Waco, $6,377; Dallas -Fort Worth, $7,704; and Houston, $8,247. Midland ranked the highest of all Texas cities. It was fourth in the nation with a per capita income of $9,306. The highest per capita income among the 268 urban areas in 1977 was in the Anchorage metro area, a figure of $11,430 annually. Group studies CS safety H G � �7 � w w o0 N m V The Safety Committee for the City of College Station organized Tuesday afternoon and decided on several possibly unsafe conditions in the city that need examination. Chairman David Ruesink asked committee members to suggest unsafe conditions in the city that the committee might look into. Suggestions included the storage of gasoline, an electrical transformer bank at Dexter Park and the city's bike lanes. Gene Benton said he was worried about another tragedy occurring because of the transformers near the park. He asked whether a fence could be placed around the equip- ment. A youth was severely burned when he climbed on the trans- formers several months ago. Committee members will examine problems directed to them by the city council, city staff and citizens. Members are Ruesink, Benton, Howard Goldsmith, Jim Copp, Vergil Stover, Bill Scott, Charles Shumway, Larry Ringer (council laison) and Doyle Gougler. 108 Legala NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Iola Independent School District will receive bids until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25, 1979, for the installation of approximately 3510 square feet of 12 gauge corrugated sheet iron with necessary flashing, gables, and insulation on the roof of the school cafeteria. The metal roof will be installed above an existing built -up roof. Contact Tom Cameron, t Supt , at 394 -2361 or write P.O. Bd)l 756, Iola, Texas 77861. 6 -13 thru 6 19 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a pVblic hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: A 33.50 acre tract and a 4.0 acre tract located west of and adjacent to the East Bypass and ap- proximately 3000 feet south of the intersection of Highway 30 and the East Bypass from Apartment Building District R- 5 and Single Family Residential District R -1 to General Commercial Districl C -1. The application is in the name of the College Statior Land Co., One Northgate Park. Chattanooga, Tennessee. The said hearing will be held it the council Room of IN College Station City Hall, 110' South Texas Avenue at the 7:01 P.M. meeting of the City Counccl on Thursday, June 28 1979. For additional informatior please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, J Director of Plannin The Eagle June 13. 1979 CS Council to,hear rate, rezoning requests College Station City Council will meet at 7 p.m .today to consider new gas rates for Lone Star Gas, and to hold two public hearings on rezoning applications. Lone Star Gas has prepared several rate structures for the council to consider. The council will conduct a public hearing on rezoning land for a regional mall at the East Bypass and Highway 30. A 33.50 acre and a four acre tract are to be rezoned from single family residential to geperal commercial. The council also will hold a public hearing on rezoning a one acre tract at South Texas Avenue and Krenek Tap Road from administrative - professional to general commercial. Bids will be considered for a house at 310 Kyle, for improvements to Haines Street and for a small tractor. The council also will look at increasing use fees for city park activities. The meeting is in council cham- bers at city hall. The Eagle June 14, 1979 CS council agrees to living cost raise College Station City Council agreed to institute a 7 percent cost - of- living increase in employee salaries in the upcoming budget at its Monday meeting. The council met for several hours in closed session to discuss various personnel aspects of the budget for 1979 -80. The entire budget must be approved by June 27. Still to be addressed, according to City Manager North Bardell, are the decision packages and which outside agencies, if any, will get city money. The decision packages contain every request for additional personnel, equipment or programs for various departments for next year. The basic budget, which would finance city services on the same level as this year, has received tentative approval, Bardell said. Another decision facing the council is how many firefighters to hire to staff the new fire substation in Southwood Valley. Bardell said the council would meet June 20 to finalize the budget. The Eagle June 12, 1979 New CS gas rates hinge on Bryan, Lone Star appeal By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer College Station City Council and Lone Star Gas Company reached an agreement Thursday night on new gas rates ... maybe, The council's action hinges on the City of Bryan's acceptance of identical rates or on the gas com- pany's fulfillment of two conditions. The meeting began with some confusion when City Attorney Neely Lewis could not find copies of the rate ordinance he had asked to be prepared for the meeting. Then the council began a discussion of which was the best route to take — to wait and see what Bryan was going to do or to go ahead and pass the new rates. "Y'all keep coming back here and we keep telling you what we'll do," said Councilman James Dozier to Lone Star manager Al Bartley. Dozier was referring to the council's earlier offer to settle on rates with the gas company if the company promised not to include College Station in any appeal arising from Bryan's failure to pass new rates. Bartley said Lone Star's legal department had not ruled on whether the gas company can make that promise. "I go to Bryan and they say, `See what College Station does.' Then I go to CS and they say, `See what Bryan does, "' Bartley said. "It is going to come July 6 and we won't have any decisions." "We did and you didn't," said Councilman Homer Adams, again referring to Lone Star's failure to answer the council's conditions. "You're pussyfooting around with Turn to CS, page 8A. CS tentatively sets new gas From 1A, col. 2. us, Al, and you know it," Dozier said. Bryan and College Station are being considered as one rate base by the gas company because they have a joint distribution system. In the past, both cities have had identical rates. The cities have used 98 of 120 days given to them by law to come up with new rates. If they fail to make a rate offer within the time limit, the gas company can bond in new, higher rates and go to the Railroad Com- mission for a determination. College Station officials had thought the Bryan council would act on the proposed rates last week, but that council tabled consideration until Lone Star could draw up a six - step declining block rate. The company was proposing a customer charge and a flat rate. The College Station council ap- proved a flat rate of $1.9979 per MCF (thousand cubic feet) with a $2 customer charge for residential customers and a $4 charge for commercial users. The rates will become effective, according to the council, if Bryan goes ahead and accepts the identical rates on Monday. If Bryan fails to adopt the rates, College Station would put the new rates into effect only if Lone Star agrees not to in- clude College Station in an appeal 'a ed. It was a rateTh' e shouted ught Chata dh involving Bryan. The College Station council is concerned that an appeal to the Railroad Commission might mean higher rates than now proposed. If the rates approved Thursday night eventually go into effect, it will mean about a 7.4 percent increase for the average residential customer, Bartley said. A residential customer who now pays $5.10 for 2MCF will pay $6.14 under the new rates. The cost of 7 MCF will increase from $14.83 to $16.34 and for 10 MCF from $20.56 to $22.40. In other action, the council ap- proved increases in user fees for city park activities beginning July 1. Adult swimming fee was raised fronuch as he di( sw up and re( of 2 4e threatened hir Tkn. Their 1953 was r i a 1 m Tladlines.Finally, juni reed to ge frorimony. cosbrie year aft thelorce, Chata Wa3 a heart atC re, exico, de fWayne's don Ott }es may ha% for shed any hope fo e iean award, but t r Jonders for a ne �ted identity the r e,as . developing The Eagle June 15, 1979 Vandalism of parks increasing in CS, park official says By FRANK MAY Staff Writer Vandalism in City of College Station parks is "the worst it's ever been" with property damage of close to $800 in recent weeks, Park Superintendent David B. Whatley says. Vandals have broken windows, torn down signs, destroyed an air conditioner, driven a four -wheel vehicle over trees in an arboretum and thrown litter in the parks, Whatley said. He attributes the vandalism rise to increased use of the parks, especially by university students. "I think a lot of people just don't care," Whatley said. "Most of our trouble is with college students. There are several incidents directly attributable to them." The three city parks hardest hit are Lincoln, Bee Creek and Thomas, Whatley said. "The use of the parks has in- creased a lot," he noted. "Organized athletics has also risen a lot this yeaV,. This (vandalism at parks) is not'unusual as many cities have it, but it's pnusual here because in preceding years we did not have it this bad." Whatley said many park visitors are ignorant of regulations aimed at preventing vandalism. "There are regulations for no alcoholic beverages in parks, con- trols on litter and there are some places where you can and some where you can't drive vehicles," he noted. Firearms and fireworks are also prohibited in the parks, he added. Whatley said police and members of the city's park and recreations department enforce the regulations. "If we see them doing one of these things, we talk to them. Every once in a while you get somebody real obnoxious like a guy who wanted to punch me out," he noted. He encouraged persons spotting violators to notify police and park attendants. "By keeping your mouth shut, it's costing you," he warned. The Eagle June 15, 1979 108 tl epjs Invitation to Bid The City of College Station is accepting bids until noon June 22, 1979 for electrical wiring and air - conditioning with humidity central for three rooms that are to accomodate computer inta l It ion s. Specifications may be secured at the office of the Purchasing Agent in the City Hall. The City reserves The right to reject any or all bids. 6-8,6-15 The Eagle June 15, 1979 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONSTHAT: The City of College Station, Texas, proposes to institute annexation proceedings to enlarge and extend the boundary limits of said City to include the followwng described territory, to -wit: BEGINNING at the in- tersection of the West line of the former 1 & GN-Railroad right -of -way and the present City limit; THENCE: S 22 deg. 10' 53" E- 42.28 ft. along the said West right -of -way line to the Nor. thwest right -of -way line of Dowling Road; THENCE: S 43 deg. 00' 30" W- 614.18 ft. along the Northwest right -of -way line of Dowling Road to an extension of the Northeast right -of -way line of Quail Run as shown on the Plat of Quail Run Estates, Phase I, Volume 351, Page 565; THENCE: 5 37 deg. 51' 44" E- 518.45 ft. along the Northeast right -of -way line of Quait Run; ' T HENCE: along, the arc of a curve to the Right (R equals 467.45 ft.) the chord of which bears S 34 deg. 06' 13'VE -64,29 ft. to the intersection of the Northeast right -of -way line of Quail Run and the Southeast right -of -way line of Saddle Lane; THENCE: along the Southeast right -of -way of Saddle Lane and an extension thereof Ny the following courses: N. 55 deg. 02' 26" E -28.79 ft., along the arc Of a' curve to the right (R equals 893.43 ft.), the chord of Which bears N. 61 deg. 13' 11" E 192.38 ft.; THENCE: N.67deg.23'56"E- 285.53 ft. to the East line of the former I & GN Railroad right - of - way; THENCE: N. 22 deg. 10' 53" WJ55.38 ft. along the said right -of -way line to its in- tersection with the present City limits; THENCE: N. 75 deg. 59' 30" W 123.90 ft. along the present City limits, through the right - of -way of Dowling Road and - former 1 & GN Railroad right- of -way to the PLACE OF BEGINNING and containing. 9.42 acres of land, more or less. - A public hearing will be held' by and before the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, on the 28th day of June, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. to the City Council Chamber of the City Hall of the City of College Station, Texas, for all persons intersted in the above proposed annexation. At said time and place all such persons shall have the right to appear and be heard. Of all said matters herein mentioned, will take notice. By order of the City Council of the City Of College Station,. Texas, this the 14th day of June, 1979. ATTEST: - ORENCEBRAVENEC , Aayor, City Of College Station - X The Eagle June 17, 1979 cs council plans meeting The College Station City Counc will meet Wednesday at 3 p.m. discuss the 1979 -80 budget. The meeting is in council cham- bers at city hall. Rezoning, controversy on CS board agenda A controversial rezoning question involving a proposed shopping center at University Drive and the East Bypass will be back before the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night. The commission will continue a public hearing on rezoning a 66.83 acre tract and a 10.50 acre tract located on the southwest corner of University Drive and the East Bypass from single family to general commercial and ad- ministrative-professional. Numerous residents of the Car- ter's Grove area of College Station objected to the rezoning at the comission meeting several weeks ago. The hearing was coninued so that developer Frank Crockett could meet with the residents to find a compromise. The rezoning application is by F.W. Bert Wheeler. The commission also will hold a public hearing on rezoning the Sandstone Addition on the south side of Sebesta Lane from agricultural - open to single family residential. Tony Jones is making the request. A third public hearing will be held on rezoning Lot 23, Block 1 of the W.C. Boyett Addition from apart- ment building zoning to general commercial. The request is' by Ronald and Mary Bryan. A fourth hearing will be held on rezoning Parkway Plaza Phase 8 located on the north side of Bent - wood Drive from general com- mercial to apartment zoning. The application is by Spearman, Sears & Murphy, Inc. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at city hall. The Eagle June 19, 1979 False alarms,,..tr CS citation de cision College Station police Tuesday issued the first citation for violating a city ordinance regulating burglar alarms. Hastings Books and Records on Texas Avenue in Culpepper Plaza was cited for violating the ordinance which provides a fine of up to $200 for five or more false alarms. Police say they have responded to 22 false alarms at the bookstore since Jan. 1. The alarms resulted from either mechanical failure or human error, police said. Officers have said they want to give businesses with the alarms "every opportunity" to correct them before issuing a citation. "We want to wait until the problem is obvious and we feel there's negligence in getting it repaired," Sgt. Donald Meener said. "We are concerned with our of- ficers' safety when responding to these alarms," he added. Meener said more citations would be issued as violations occur. Several businesses with the alarms have had five or more false alerts, but repairs have satisfied police. The Eagle June 20, 1979 The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Wednesday, June 20, 1979 Light fades on the image of Public Utility Commission AUSTIN — Sen. Ron Clower was arguing against increasing Public Utility Commission powers last month when another senator noted that Clower supported that proposal when the PUC was created in 1975. "I saw the error of my ways," the senator from Garland replied simply. Clower's words symbolize how the image of the utility commission has changed in its four -year existence and how it faces a serious public relations problem. The bill Clower opposed would have stripped Texas cities of original jurisdiction in electric rate - making cases and given it to the commission. A utility currently has to ask its customer cities for a rate increase but can appeal to the commission if unsatisfied. Cities can give up their jurisdiction voluntarily, but only five tiny communities have done so. Four years ago self- labeled pro - consumer legislators and lobby groups fought to create the com- mission with full rate- making authority. They said the cities didn't have the staffs, technical expertise or gumption to take on the utility giants. Utility officials, however, were used to dealing with city officials — often wining and dining them and .making political contributions to build what they considered to be a good working relationship. Davis, Carpenter They were suspicious of the proposed new commission and fought successfully to give it basically an appeal function in relation to the cities. The irony of these rock -hard stands is the flip -flop both sides have made since that time. This year the titilifies poured lobbying time and money into taking the cities out of the rate- making picture — to accomplish what they previously opposed. Utility managers . believe that their former city council friends are playing politics with electric rates, rejecting even reasonable requests and passing the buck to the com- mission. Clarence Johnson, legislative director of the Texas Consumer Association, says he sees a trend for the commission to be a rubber stamp for the utility industry. Few consumer - oriented groups will endorse that strong a statement, but their previous love affair with the commission definitely is over. The pattern has been for the commission to approve something less than the companies wanted and more than the consumers wanted, thereby making no one completely happy. Consumer groups have a sneaky suspicion that the companies are happier than they are, however, and the industry's big push to give the commission original jurisdiction fueled these fears. The commission and its image probably will draw considerable attention from the press and the public in the near future. Alan Erwin, the commission's youngest and probably most con= sumer- oriented member, announced last week that he is resigning to finish a novel about an energy confrontation between Texas and the federal government. Gov. Bill Clements will appoint Erwin's successor, and you can bet that utility officials and consumer groups will be interested in in- fluencing his choice. The appointment will be an im- portant one for the governor and the commission. If the new member appears too industry- oriented, consumer groups will yell and the public — already senstive about climbing utility costs — will have less confidence in the commission. If the choice is too consumer - oriented, the industry's new -found faith in the commission will be eroded. Clements image is on the line, too. He will be judged to some extent by his decision on this important job. It may be the most important appointment of his term. Harte Hanks Austin Bureau The Eagle June 20, 1979 Some CS budget plans get tentative approval By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council made several tentative decisions Wednes- day about the 1979 -80 budget, including increasing the fee for residential garbage pickup from $2.25 to $3.50 per month. No votes were taken, but coun- cilmen nodded in agreement when asked about their feelings by Assistant City Manager A.E. VanDever. The total budget will be voted on next Wednesday. Revenue for the sanitation department is projected at $330,000 for next unless a rate increase is approved. Expenses, according to VanDever, are projected at $451,125 plus $63,096 in supplemental requests. Thoose figures, he said, would mean a deficit in the Sanitation Fund of $184,221. Proposed new garbage rates would increase the departments revenue to $511,620, he *said_ , leaving a much smaller deficit. The council also appeared to OK a transfer of $30,000 to pay for airport improvements at Easterwood from the General Fund to the Revenue Sharing budget. That transfer would help make up a $41,127 deficit in the General Fund created by the city's need to hire additional firemen to staff the new substation in South- wood valley. Fire Chief Douglas Landua said he could delay hiring a person or two to make up the remaining $11,127 deficit. Mayor Lorence Bravenec asked the city staff to study permit and filing fees in the city to see if they were adequate. He said he'd rather see persons using the services pay for them instead of using tax money to finance operations. The council plans to fund three special projects from its Revenue Sharing budget. The city would give $9,500 to Brazos County Mental Health - Mental Retardation, $15,000 to Bryan Library and the $30,000 to the airport. Requests from several outside agencies including RSVP (Retired Service Volunteers Program) were denied. Bravenec asked the city manager to look into other ways to help the RSVP program. The city is to get $389,288 in Revenue Sharing money from the federal government. Of that money, $254,726 will go to supplements to the General Fund and Sanitation Fund for such things as equipment and vehicles. Some $54,500 will go to the special projects, leaving a balance of $80,022. City Manager North Bardell proposes to put $11,000 in a con- tingency fund and to keep the remaining $69,022 available for use during the next year. The proposed budget will be financed by a 39 cent tax rate, ac- cording to city documents. Tax assessor - Collector Glenn Schroeder anticipates a taxable assessed value in the city of $299,150,000. The Eagle June 21, 1979 Atlas plant construction starts By SAM LOGAN Business Editor Groundbreaking ceremonies this morning for the new NL Atlas Bradford tubing plant represents the largest single capital dollar in- vestment for an industry in the history of Brazos County. Only Texas A &M University's con- struction projects have dealt with higher dollar figures. NL Atlas Bradford, a division of NL Industries, will spend $20 million on their new manufacturing plant through 1980, and probably con- side m ore by 1984. The industry plans to employ 82 people by the close of 1980 and a total of 346 by the end of 1984. NL Atlas Bradford, headquar- tered in Houston, manufactures premium threaded tubing and casing connections for the oil and gas production industry. "These connections have the superior performance charac- teristics that are required in high - risk, hostile environment, deep well applications," explained William Welch, president. The plant will be located on a 136 - acre tract near the intersection of State Highway 6 and FM 2818 (West Loop) north of Bryan. Projected date for the plant's start -up is January 1980. This is the second domestic plant specializing in tubular threading, to be built by NL Industries. The new plant plans r.o produce 22,000 tons of tubular goods during their first year of operation, and to be manufacturing 100,000 tons of tubular goods by the time the plant reaches full production capacity in 1984. During the symbolic ground- breaking ceremonies, Welch said, "In selecting the new plant site in Bryan - College Station, we carefully investigated 30 other prospective cities. While several of these cities met the major criteria for our plant, we were impressed the most by the Bryan- College Station area and are delighted to be building here." Ron Munier, vice president of administration for the parent NL Industries, Inc. and president of the Production Equipment Group, explained the multi - national conglomorate's corporate structure to more than 50 residents attending the event. The Eagle June 21, 1979 Architect's drawing shows the planned layout of the 136 -acre site of the NL Atlas Bradford plant. F.W. Bert Wheeler tract at the southwest corner of University Drive and the East Bypass. The property would have to be rezoned from single family residential to general commercial. It is about 80 acres. When the meeting began, a memo from City Planner Al Mayo was read stating that he was on vacation and wished the rezoning request be tabled until he returned. About 75 residents of the Carter's Grove and Post Oak Forest areas were at the meeting to protest the rezoning. Crockett told the commission he had been informed that Mayo wanted the matter tabled and would also prefer that action. The neighborhood residents didn't want the matter tabled, however. John Painter, 1119 Merry Oaks, read a statement he said represented a majority of the views of 260 redients of the area where the center would be built. "As representatives of our respective neighborhoods, and based on a survey of homeowners therefrom; we stand firm in our opposition to any rezoning of the undeveloped 92 -acre tract known as 1 - Center plans f Jrom CS board the Wheeler Tract," he said. "We disagree that the highest and best use of the tract is in commercial development. At the present state of development in College Station, this tract is the only remaining residentially zoned large area which is in close proximity to the univer- sity," Painter said. He also said the residents don't believe there is a need for another large shopping center in their area since plans have been announced for a regional shopping mall at the East Bypass and Highway 30. Turn to RESIDENTS, page M. Residents oppose rezoning tract By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer With a promise that he'll return, developer Frank Crockett of Austin withdrew his shopping center proposal from consideration by the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night. Crockett made the move after it became apparent that residents of to e neighborhood where the center ould be built were completely opposed to the rezoning request and at the commission probably would ote to deny the request. Crockett is seeking to develop the From page IA, col. 6. (o m N W N W N (D N v "We aren't negotiable," he said. Commission Chairman J.P. Watson said he felt it was only fair to table the rezoning consideration to "give _ Crockett one more shot. Other commission members didn't agree. "Our rezoning consideration should not be on a specific project," said Commissioner Don Sweeney. "The question is whether that property is suitable for commercial development. If this specific project falls through, we could have anything allowed in C -1. We need to consider the long range use." "We've seen nothing to show that his use wouldn't have a significant impact on the surrounding area, including traffic congestion," said Commissioner Wayne Etter. The commission voted six to two (Watson and Jim Behling voting against) to close the public hearing. The next vote was to be on a motion to deny the request but Sweeney suggested Crockett might want to withdraw the proposal. "If my only alternatives are a denial or a withdrawal, I withdraw it," said Crockett. By withdrawing the request, he can resubmit it at any time. Had the request been denied by the com- mission and by the city council, Crockett would have had to wait 180 days to resubmit. "This subject won't be at rest until development is completed in the area," said Watson. "We know," said the residents. `Brazos de Dios' for community great We like what we've seen and heard about "Brazos de Dios." What is it? It's a fiesta, a fair, a festival, all wrapped into a four -day spring celebration. Though most of the details of the festival still are on the drawing board, the dates have been set for April 17 -20. The object of the fiesta has been determined, too, to provide a variety of en- tertainment and activity for the widest segment of our population. It is expected to attract the interests of youngsters, college students, and adults of every age level. And though it is intended to appeal to citizens of the Brazos Valley, it also is hoped that tourists'will want to attend. As Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce president Judy Rychlik explained, the idea is to institute what we don't have right now, a county fair, but to make it much more than just a county fair. The foundation is there. A western fiesta should and could ap- peal to lots of people, but there are lots of things to do between now and next April.- The organizers are looking for public input, to get ideas from the people who are most likely to attend. There's no question but what the chamber representatives can plan the fiesta -in infinite detail, but they prefer to hear from the public. What kind of things do the people of Brazos Valley want to see and do at Brazos de Dios? Now is the time to speak up, to attend idea meetings, or to send their suggestions to the chamber. One of the other items high on the priority list is to determine a readily identifiable logotype, or design, which will best represent the ideas of Brazos de Dios. The design will be used on let- terheads, posters and on buttons. A contest will be conducted for people to submit designs for the logo, and they'll give a $100 prize to the person whose drawing is selected. After that the nitty gritty work of planning and organizing the fiesta will get underway. Again, people will be needed to help. As we said, we like the idea and believe it will catch on quickly. The Eagle June 24, 1979 Lawmen look for gas By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer Governmental bodies in Brazos County will ap- parently be well represented Monday at a seminar on taxes in Austin. Officials of the county, t cities of Bryan and Cortege Station and Bryan and A&M Consolidated independent school districts are all planning to attend the seminar on campus of the University of Texas. Kenneth E. Graeber, acting executive director of the sponsoring School Tax Assessment Practices Board, said he expects between 1,000 and 1,500 tax Besides looking for lawbreakers Saturday afternoon, the Bryan and Texas A &M University Police were looking for gasoline. Bryan Police's problems arose when the pump at the city warehouse burned up about mid - morning. The city's gasoline tanks had fuel in them, but no one could get it out. A spokesman said it would be assessor - collector per- sonnel and elected officials to attend. The seminar starts at 9 a.m. in the UT Special Events Center (Super Drum) and will last all day, said Graeber, a former staff member at TEXAS A &M University. Implementing provisions of the Tax Relief Amendment will be the sole topic of the seminar. "Several of these provisions require actions in the near future on the part of your jurisdiction," Graeber wrote city and county officials in an- nouncing the seminar. "The seminar will ad- Monday before a new pump could be installed. Texas A&M police usually buy their gas from service stations around the campus, but all were closed Saturday afternoon. The police radios in both cities were often used to ask fellow officers if they'd seen an open service station. Bryan patrolmen found an open station in far north dress all provisions of H.B. 1060, including the guidelines for valuation of open space land." Graeber said the mor- ning portion of the seminar will deal with general provisions of the im- plementing law. During the afternoon, reim- bursement to school districts, and appraisals of open space lands, agricultural lands and timber lands will be discussed. Local officials said those who will apparently be going to the seminar in- clude: — Brazos County Judge R.J. "Dick" Holmgreen, Bryan that accepted the type of credit card they had, so the patrol cars were filled about midaf- ternoon. "We hope this fuel will last the night and then we've found a station that will open at 9 a.m.," said a police spokesman. "We're looking around," said a dispatcher for the university police when asked where those officers would get gasoline. several members of the Commissioners Court, county Tax Assessor - Collector Gerald "Buddy" Winn and his chief ap- praisor, Dwayne Sandal; — Fay Davis, tax assessor - collector for the A&M Consolidated In- dependent School District; assistant superintendent in charge of finance, Dr. Donald Ney; and some member of the personnel office; — Glenn Schroeder, College Station tax assessor - collector, and one appraisor; — Dr. Wesley Summers, superintendent of the Bryan Independent School District; Gene Brewer, tax assessor - collector; and several members of the BISD board; — Mark Holles, city of Bryan tax assessor - collector. Graeber said the new law establishing one ap- praisal office in each county will not be discussed at Monday's seminar. The Eagle June 24, 1979 11 � Local officials to attend tax seminar 8 -CS directors know city workings By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer .Except for the city managers, it probably would be difficult to find two men who know more about the day -to -day operations of the cities of Bryan and College Station than George Ford and Jack Cornish. As directors of public works, the two men administer departments ranging from garbage and street maintenance to water and sewer. Ford, with the City of College Station, has about 95 employees under his command. His work covers all city utility systems and all of the services including sanitation, the sewer treatment plant, building inspection, water, sewer and street repair. Born in Pennsylvania, Ford moved to Annapolis, Md., when he was 12. In 1953 he joined the Air Force, "crossed the Mississippi and came to Texas." "I started with the city in 1957," Ford said, "as a rod man on a sur- vey crew at $1 an hour." He took over as director of public works in 1974. Cornish, the Bryan director of public works, came to the area originally to attend Texas A&M. His home was in Beaumont. After graduation from A &M, Cornish worked for the highway department until 1951 when he was recalled to serve in Korea. In 1960, he went into business as a consulting engineer. He joined the city in 1964. Cornish tells how he came to Bryan: He and former City Manager Louis Odle were both working for private consulting firms during the early 1960's. "The consulting business slowed way down and Lou went to work for the City of Beaumont," Cornish remembers. "I called Lou to see how he liked municipal work and he said he did. In that same conversation, Lou told me about an opening in Bryan," he said. Little did either man know that years later, Odle would be hired to be city manager in Bryan. "I told Lou at my 10 -year ceremony that I never knew he'd end up my boss," Cornish said. Cornish is responsible for 185 employees in the public works sector. His responsibilities include engineering, streets, sanitation, Coulter Field, automobile main- tenance and water and sewage. Both men admit they have dif- ficulty keeping up with their varied responsibilities. "I used to go down to the water plant and help them out with pumping, but I just don't have time f I do that anymore," Cornish said. "I miss it sometimes." The two men said they are able to accomplish their jobs because they have good employees. "All of our superintendents are excellent, longtime employees," Ford said. "Without them I couldn't survive." Cornish has seven different department heads under him. "They are all very good. You have to be able to rely on them," he said. For Ford, garbage and trash collection has meant the most problems lately. Personnel turn- over, equipment breakdowns and growth of the community are factors in the problems, he said. Cornish has had the extra burden of trying to keep pace with a growing city with little bond money to finance improvements. Ford -and his wife, Sisy, have six children — five boys and one girl. Around city hall, Ford is well known for his barbecueing and fish frying abilities. "I enjoy doing it, but I'm not as great a cook as they make me out to be. They are just very hungry," he said. Cornish and his wife, Dot, have three children. All three of them — two boys and one girl — presently are in the U.S. Navy. His youngest, Allan, joined up last week. At home, Cornish likes to garden. "I used to golf and fish and do other sports but I've just about quit. I guess that's old age," he said with a e,,,;tp The Eagle June 25, Jack Cornish George Ford CS sets meeting on budget, taxes College Station City Council will meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday to adopt the 1979 -80 budget, levy taxes and consider bids on two items. The bids will be for electrical work for in- stalling the city's new computer system and for air conditioning equipment for the computer. A closed session also is scheduled on land acquisition. Airline seeks service to B -CS By TIM CUMINGS Brazos Valley Editor A San Antonio airline company is seeking to serve Bryan - College Station, San Antonio, Del Rio, Austin and Eagle Pass and has applied for authority to do so with the Texas Aeronautics Commission. Alamo Flyers, Inc. proposes to utilize Easterwood Airport for passenger and cargo flights to and from the other four Texas cities on a six - day -a -week basis. The ap- plication is being processed by TAC staff prior to formal commission consideration. Presently, Bryan- College Station is served by Rio Airways, Inc., which has passenger and cargo flights to Houston Intercontinental Airport and Dallas -Fort Worth Regional Airport on a daily basis, and by Emery Air Freight, which connects with major freight lines in Houston, Dallas and Austin; and Go Air Charter, Inc., which offers charter service. Easterwood has the terminal space to handle Alamo, according to Harry E. Raisor, manager of Aviation services for Texas A &M University. "We are in the negotiating stage," Raisor said, pending approval of the application by TAC. Bryan - College Station is also mentioned in the prospectus of a proposed airline service by Lone Star Airways of Dallas. Lone Star proposes to serve a series of in- trastate routes with six 737 airliners. The Eagle June 26, 1979 108 Legah TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS, AND PERSONS: The above named City proposes to request the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to release Federal Funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL �93 -383) to be used for the following projects: I. Clearance, Demolition, Rehabilitation. Nature: Removal of Vacant, Dilapidated Buildings; Rehabilitation of Sub - Standard Dwelling Units- Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $100,000.00 It. Street Lighting. Nature: Installation of Street Lights to Aid Service Delivery Factors and Remoe Blighting In- fluences. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated cost: $15,000.00. Ill. Water System Im- provement. Nature: In- stallation of Water lines to Improve Service Delivery Factors and Remove Blighting Influences. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $10,000.00. IV. Street Construction. Nature: Pave, Curb, and Gutter Streets to Improve Service Delivery Factors. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $165,000.00 It has been determined that such request for release of funds will not constitute an action significantly effecting the quality of the human en- vironment and, accordingly, the above named City has decided not to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (PL 91 -190). The reasons for such decision not to prepare such statement are as follows: Project I — Project is in compliance with applicable standards and plans. Project will not be impacted by physical or service delivery factors. Project will not ad- versely impact physical or service delivery factors. Project will improve com- munity appearance, com- munity pride, and project area living conditions. Project II through IV — Projects comply with ap- plicable standards and plans. Projects will not be impacted by physical or service delivery factors. Projects will not im- pact physical factors. Projects will have beneficial impacts on service delivery factors, community appearance, community pride, and living conditions. Environmental Review Records respecting the within projects have been made by the above named City which documents the environmental review of these projects and more fully sets forth the reasons why such statement is not required. This En- vironmental Review Record is on file at the above address and is available for public examination and copying, upon request, at the Planning Department, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. No further environmental review of such projects is proposed to be conducted, prior to the request for release of Federal Funds. All interested agencies, groups, and persons disagreeing with this decision are invited to submit written comments for consideration by the City to J.M. Callaway, Community Development Planner, at the above address. Such written comments should be received at the aboce ad dress on or before July 13, 1979. All such comments so receivec will be considered and the City will not request the release o' Federal Funds or take and administrative action prior t( the date specified in thi preceeding sentence. Chief Executive Officer: Mayor Lorence L. Bravenac City of College Station P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77840 NOTICE TO PUBLIC OF REQUEST FOR RELEASE OF FUNDS The City of College Station 1101 Texas Avenue P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77840 713 - 696 -8868 ext. 238 , TO ALL INTERESTED AGENCIES, GROUPS AND PERSONS: , On or about July 16, 1979, the above-named City will request the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to release Federal Funds under Title I OF THE Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (PL 93.383) for the following project: I. Clearance, Demolition, Rehabilitation. Nature: R e m o v a l of V a c a n t, Dilapidated Buildings; Rehabilitation of Sub- Standare Dwelling Units. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $100,000.00 II. Street Lighting. Nature: Installation of Street Lights to 1 08 Legal 1 08 Legala Aid Service Delivery Factors and Remove Blighting In- fluences. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $15,000.00 111. Water System Im- provement. Nature: In- stallation of Water Lines to Improve Service Delivery Factors and Remove Blighting Influences. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated Cost: $10,000.00 IV. Street Construction. Nature: Pave, Curb, and Gutter Streets to Improve Service Delivery Factors. Location: College Station, Brazos Co., Texas. Estimated, Cost: $165,000.00 An Environmental Review Record respecting the within project has been made by the aboce -named City which documents the environmental review of the project. This Environmental Review Record is on file at the above address and is available for public examination and copying, upon request. The City of College Station will undertake the project described above with Block Grant Funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. The City of C0liege Station is certifying to HUD that the City of College Station and Mayor Lorence Bravenec in his official capacity as Mayor, consent to accept The jurisdiction of the Federal courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to environmental reviews, dec isionmaking and action; and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. The legal effect of the certification is that upon its approval, the City of College Station may use the Block Grant Funds, and HUD will have satisfied its respon- sibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 HUD will accept an ob- jection to its approval of the release funds and acceptance of the certification only if it is on one of the following bases: (a) That the certification was not in fact executed by the chief executive officer or other officer of applicant approved by HUD; or (b) that ap- plicant'senvironmental review record for the project indicates ommission of a required decision, finding, or step ap- plicable to the project in the environmental review process. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedure (24 CFR Part 58), and may be addressed to HUD at (Area Office, 2001 Bryan Tower, Fourth Floor, Dallas, Texas 75201). Objections to the release of funds on bases other than those stated above will not be considered by HUD. No objection received after August 6, 1979 will be con- sidered by HUD. Chief Executive Officer; Mayor Lorence L. Bravenec P.O. Box 9960 Col lege Station, Texas 77840 NOTICE OF FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT June 28, 1979 City of College Station 1101 Texas Avenue P.O. Box 9960 College Station, Texas 77840 713- 696 -8868 ext. 2 June 28, 1979 The Eagle CS approves budget, taxes Within 15 minutes Wednesday afternoon, the College Station City Council raised garbage collection rates, levied taxes for 1979 -80 and adopted the city budget. The swiftness of the voting was achieved because all of the matters had been discussed at several earlier meetings but never voted on. The increase in garbage rates was requested by the city staff because of a predicted deficit in the city's Sanitation Fund. Home pick -up will now cost $3.50 per month, twice the present rate of $1.75 per month. The city's tax rate ,will be 39 cents per $100 valuation. Of that 39 cents, $.1553 will go to the general fund (39.81 percent) and $.2347 will go to debt service. Based on a 95 percent collection rate, the city hopes to bring in $1,108,350 from the tax. Last year's tax rate was 62 cents per $1000 valuation. But the tax department revalued all property in the city this year, doubling many property values. The new budget has a net operating total of the General Fund, Utility Fund, Sanitation Fund, Debt Service Fund and Revenue Sharing Fund of $13,644,470.00. The net operating budget for 1978 -79 was $11,744,196.00. CITY OF COLLEGE STATION OPERATING BUDGET SUMMARY Expendi Less tures Transfers $ 4,306,994 9,729,242 526,621 1,386,249 330,426 $16,279,532 -0- ($2,340,136) -0- -0- ( $294,926) ( $2,635,062) Net Operating Budget $ 4,306,994 7,389,106 526,621 1,386,249 35,500 $13,644,470 Revenues Expenditures Transfers Net Operal Budget FY 1978 -79 Totals $12.724.714 $12.719,462 ($ 975,266) $11,744,1 - Total Revenues and Carry Forward General Fund $4,306,994 Utility Fund 10,890,475 Sanitation Fu 526,621 Debt Service Fund 1,673,605 Revenue Sharing Fund 389,288 $17,786 Expendi Less tures Transfers $ 4,306,994 9,729,242 526,621 1,386,249 330,426 $16,279,532 -0- ($2,340,136) -0- -0- ( $294,926) ( $2,635,062) Net Operating Budget $ 4,306,994 7,389,106 526,621 1,386,249 35,500 $13,644,470 Revenues Expenditures Transfers Net Operal Budget FY 1978 -79 Totals $12.724.714 $12.719,462 ($ 975,266) $11,744,1 CS approves rezoning, sells bonds By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer Two tracts of land were rezoned to allow construction of a large shopping mall and revenue bonds totaling $6,145,000 were sold Thurs- day night by the College Station City Council. 'Sears and Dillard's are the first two of four or possibly five "anchor stores" to announce plans to locate in the regional mall at the in- tersection of the East Bypass and Highway 30. Councilmen were told the planning and zoning commission and its staff recommended rezoning the 33.5 -acre and four -acre tracts because the concept of the regional mall now needs more space. Development of the two tracts is still under study, said Bill Semco, repre< t:ng CBL & Associates, the developers. The major tenants have enlarged their planned stores. Saying the developers are aware of the flood plain ordinance, Semco said there are no plans to construct there, except possibly parking spaces. "We don't have any in- tentions at this time to build in it," he advised. "But. every square foot becomes potentially significant." Councilman Gary Halter's motion to rezone the tracts was adopted unanimously. between 1980 and 1998. Councilman Homer Adams voted against selling bonds, after questioning the fees which will go to the attorneys handling the bond sale. No one spoke for or against an- nexing 7.7 acres of land on Dowling Road. Mayor Lorence Bravenec said the city of College Station owns the property. Councilmen passed an ordinance exempting the city from portions of HB 1060 for 1979 taxes. The law implemented the Tax Relief Amendment to the Texas Con - stititution, but part of the act gave taxing units the option of making the law applicable or not for this year's taxes. June 29, The Eagle Gulf States rats request will not affect CS. Caldwell By TIM CUMINGS Brazos Valley Editor CONROE — College Station and Caldwell, two of the wholesale customers of Gulf States Utilities, will not be affected by power company requests for a rate in- crease to retail customers next month. Navasota, Somerville, Bremond, Franklin and Madisonville are among those cities whose residents are direct retail customers, a GSU spokesman said. Each city in that category will be approached for approval of a rate increase in July, said superintendent of consumer services Vic Norvel. The company is seeking $5o million in additional revenue from its Beaumont -Port Arthur - Western Division trade area, which includes the above mentioned cities. Norvel declined to speculate on the level of impact the rate increases will have on the average customer, saying it will vary from case to case. At the same time GSU appraoches individual cities, Norvel said, it will place a proposal before the Texas Public Utilities Commission for an increase to its rural retail customers. A separate rate increase for wholesale customers, including College Station and Caldwell, will be requested "sometime this sum- mer," Norvel said. That will be done before the Federal Power Com- mission, he said. June 29, 1979 The Eagle Assessors claim new tax laws vague The coming year will be a difficult one for tax assessor - collectors in the opinion of the tax officials them- selves. Representatives of every taxing authority in Brazos County attended a one -day seminar in Austin Monday to learn about new legislation af- fecting taxes. "It seems that many things are going to be left to the discretion of the tax assessors," said Mark Hollas, Bryan tax assessor - collector. Hollas said HB 1060 in- volving agricultural land assessments is vague in some areas and, according to the state speakers, it will be up to the local tax offices to clear things up. ' "That's the same feeling # got from the program," said Janie Cargill, College Station tax ap- praiser. "A lot of things in the bill aren't clear." She said the tax assessor is going to have to become more of a legal interpreter and law enforcer. "They read to us out of the manual and said it will be left to us to im- plement the law," Hollas said. Brazos County Judge R.J. "Dick" Holmgreen and Tax Assessor - Collector Gerald "Buddy" Winn said the seminar was aimed mostly at school boards and their taxing situations. Discussions touched briefly on counties and open lands, he added. Of the new formula for valuation of open lands, the county judge said, "It's not that complicated; but, it's not something you just sit down aad do. It's a completely n6v concept, Turn to AUSTIN, page 11A. Austin tax seminar details new legislation From 3A, col. 6. yet it may be more fair." The law is "not going to affect our rural land values in the county," Winn said. The current valuation is $225 per acre. Winn said some bottom land may be valued higher, once an income producing value is applied for taxation purposes. Governing bodies will have to determine whether or not to im- plement the new formulas this year before tax rolls are certified. The county Board of Equalization is scheduled to meet Aug. 6 -8. Another seminar is set for July 13 TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: Lot 23, Block 1 of the W.C. Boyett Addition located near the northwest corner of the intersection of College Main and Patricia Street from Apartment Building District R- 6 to General Commercial District C-1. The application is in the name, of Ronald A. & Mary L. Bryan, 1813 Shadowwood, College Station, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City all, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, July 1 _, 1979. F or additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning TO WHOM IT MAY COW CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: All of the Sandstone Addition located on Sebesta Road from Agricultural /Open District A -O to Single Family Residential District R -1. The application is in the name of Mr. Tony Jones, P.O. Drawer AT, College Station, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, July 12, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: A 6.99 acre tract and a 6.20 acre tract also being known as Parkway Plaza Phase Eight and generally located on the north side of Brentwood Drive and ap- proximately 500 feet west of Texas Avenue from General Commercial District C -1 to Apartment Building District R- 5. The application being in the name of Spearman, Sears & Murphy, Inc., 3600 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meetng of the City Council on Thursday, July 12, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning The Eagle June 27, 1979 14� By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Wondering what the market value of your home is? You might ask Rafael Martinez or Janie Cargill. As tax appraisers for the cities of Bryan and College Station, respectively, the two spend a lot of their working time trying to figure just that — market value. Martinez has been with Bryan since July, 1978. A native of the Dominican Republic, he graduated from Texas A &M with B.S. and Master's degrees in Agricultural Economics. Before returning to Bryan, Martinez worked as a loan officer for a Phoenix, Ariz., bank. He learned, however, that "its hard to take a Texan away from Texas." The Texan he was referring to is his wife, Polly, who is from Bryan. They have a son, Christopher, who is two years old. Mrs. Cargill also is married to a Bryan native. Her husband, Tom- my, is a veterinarian here. They've been married about two years. Originally from Houston, Mrs. Cargill has worked since August, 1978, on a part -time basis for the College Station tax department. She just went on fulltime status and acquired the title of deputy assessor. She graduated from Texas A &M in 1977 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. Both appraisers spend a lot of their time "in the field" actually looking at taxable property, both residential and commercial. "We get out and walk around the houses, look at any additions we might not have and even measure sizes," Mrs. Cargill said. Martinez said the Bryan tax department gets a lot of information from building 'permits. Through the Tura to APPRAISERS, page &A. Appraisers decide market values C-4 H G G' Nw �(D V Tax appraisers figure market va From page 1A, col. 3. permits, the office can find out about new construction, additions and alterations. When a new house goes up or a room is added, Martinez said, most people already expect a city representative to pay a visit. Some people are surprised, however, when he drives up in the city car. "Most people are very nice and interested in what we are doing," he said. Martinez' ability to speak Spanish comes in handy on his job. He said many older people who can't speak English come into the City Hall and he interprets for them sometimes. Mrs. Cargill, and the others on the tax department staff, have just completed a massive one -year revaluation of property in College Station. "It was quite a job," she admits, "but it is exciting to see it almost completed and to get commended for the job we did." Her agricultural experience will come in handy next year as a new law House Bill 1060 is implemented. Under that law, open -space agricultural land will be assessed by different standards. Although she was born a "city girl," Mrs. Cargill said she loves the country. Her favorite hobby is riding quarterhorses. She has three horses now. For Martinez, the off -duty hours mean time to work in his garden or on the lawn of his ,new home. He also enjoys playing tennis and watching baseball. Rafael Martinez Lone Star accepts B=CS rate approvals W � „ w 00 Lone Star Gas Co. has officially accepted rate increases approved by the Bryan and College Station city councils. District manager Al Bartley said this morning that his office received word of the ac- ceptancetoday. The new rates call for a $2 customer charge for residential users and a $4 charge for com- mercial customers, plus a flat rate of $1.9979 per MCF (thousand cubic feet). The increase for both cities goes into effect July 25, Bartley said. Residential rates will increase about 7.4 percent. Lone Star had the option of ac- cepting the cities' offers, which were well -below what the company asked for, or appealing it to the Texas Railroad Commission. Bryan, Consol set dates for exemption requests Both the Bryan and A&M Con- solidated school districts set final dates for accepting tax exemption applications during board meetings Monday night. Final date for filing with the Bryan school district is July 16 at 5 p.m. At Consolidated, the deadline is July 23 at 5 p.m. Bryan is accepting applications for the homestead exemption, which removes $5,000 from the market value of a home, and the, over -65 exemption, which removes an ad- ditional $10,000 for people who are age 65 or older. In addition, Consolidated is ac- cepting applications concerning open -space taxation. Beginning this year, the Consolidated school district will tax open land according to its productivity, not its market value. Named to the civil service commission were Bob Bernath, Ronald Hale and Switzer Deason. The commission has the right to make rules and regulations prescribing what shall constitute cause for removal or suspension of an employee of either the police or fire departments. The city must institute the civil service procedures by Oct. 30 of this year because of a referendum vote taken last spring. Jim Duckett was named to replace Billy Hodge on the city's Board of Equalization. Hodge had a scheduling problem. Named to a new board that will guide a non - profit corporation created by Bryan and College Station to offer student loans were Perry Pope, " Charles Hart, Roy Simmons and Sam Nigh. ` - .Don Woods was named to the Traffic Safety Committee. - Councilman Wayne Gibson was renamed to the board of the Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA). Applications are available in each of the tax offices. In other action... Bryan Council names 3 to commission Several appointments, including three persons to the new Bryan Civil Service Commission, were made Monday by the Bryan City Council. The Eagle July 10, 1979 Bryan considers ban on alcohol in parks instead of current rule By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer An ordinance banning all alcoholic beverage consumption in city parks has been proposed by the Bryan City Council. The council voted unanimously to have the ordinance drawn up at the Monday meeting. The discussion began when City Manager Ernest Clark asked for clarification on how alcoholic drinking should be handled at the parks. The present city code calls for the city manager to decide which parks will or won't allow liquor con- sumption. Now there are five park areas that don't allow alcoholic beverage — Travis Park, Oak Grove Park, Thomas Park, the baseball complex and the city lake. Drinking is allowed at other parks and on the city's golf course. Clark said questions have been raised about why alcoholic con- sumption is allowed in some parks and not in others. A recent visit by the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation prompted an incorrect charge that the bans were placed for racial reasons, Clark said. Mayor Richard Smith said the bans had been made when residents around the parks asked for them. No drinking at city lake was instituted when the lake was opened. Smith originally' tried to talk the council out of a blanket prohibition of alcohol, saying different parks have different uses and users with different needs. He pointed to the differences between parks used primarily for softball and those used for, small children. "I think the present arrangement is the best way," he said. "We should either ban it or allow it in the interest of consistency," said Councilman Wayne Gibson. "I think we should ban it," said Councilman John Mobley. "If they can't wait until they get home or away to drink, then maybe they shouldn't be there." "I'm against drinking on any city property," said Councilman Peyton Waller. "Your loud talk and profanity is going to follow a few beers," said Mobley. "If it is OK to bring a little beer, then they'll bring a little whiskey, maybe some marijuana and all sorts of things," said Waller. "I think we have an obligation to set morals," said Mobley, "Our parks are used by young people." "I move to prohibit it in all parks," said Councilman Joe Hanover. "I second that," said Mobley loudly. "Given a choice of all or nothing, I'd vote in favor of the ordinance," said Smith. "But the system works now and is better than either two extremes." The city attorney was instructed to draw up the ordinance. It will require two public hearings before passage. In other action, the council voted to proceed with a plan to pay off a $1 million federal Rural Electric Ad- ministration mortgage and to obtain additional money for expansion of the city's rural electric division. The plan received the en- dorsement of the city's Electrical Systems Advisory Board. Clark and City Financial Director Joe Evans were directed to meet with bond counsel to come up with exact proposals for selling about $2 million in revenue bonds on the open market. The money would be used to pay off the REA, pay a fuel bill of more than $600,000 to the city's municipal division and for system expansion. The repayment of the REA mort- gage would put control of the rural division completely with the city. The Eagle July 10, 1979 CS to discuss screen issue again The issue of requiring screens on all residential windows will be discussed again Thursday by the College Station City Council. The council will meet at 7 p.m. at city hall. In September of this year, a new requirement is to go into effect that would require the screens. Some residents, including some apart- ment owners, have objected, saying the screens would be too expensive to install. The city's structural standards board has met on the issue and is to make a recommendation to the council. Other items on the agenda include three public hearings: — Rezoning on the Sandstone Addition on the south side of Sebesta Lane from agricultural -open to single family residential. — Rezoning Parkway Plaza Phase 8 located on the north side of Brentwood Drive from general commercial and apartment R -6 to apartment R -5. — Rezoning lot 23, Block 1 of the W.C. Boyett Addition from apart- ment R-6 to general commercial. The council is to vote on amending the Electric Utility rate ordinance to change reporting procedures on apartment units, will conduct a closed session and will discuss council concerns. B=CS. raise g for housing Grant limits for housing rehabilitation in Bryan and College Station have been upped to $10,000. Both cities' staffs told their city councils that the lower limits ($4,000 in Bryan and $5,000 in College Station) would not allow homes to be brought up to the needed standards. Contractors were reluctant to bid on the projects because they could not do the jobs for under the former limits. College Station has a new housing rehabilitation program and has given five grants at the old $5,000 limit and three at the new limit. In increasing the limit, the city lowered the income limits for eligible residents. Jane Kee, who directs the program in College Station, said the city wanted to be sure that the people with the most need got the funds.' In Bryan, the grant program has been in operation for several years. Elisa Eubanks, housing program, director, said Bryan won't begi4 giving the $10,000 grants until , a, . target area has been designated. The Bryan City Council directed the city staff to designate a specific area of 'the city to concentrate rehabilitation efforts in so that the effects can be seen more easily. At, present, the funds are used in numerous parts of the city that qualify as low income neigh- borhoods. Eubanks said the target area has not been selected yet. College Station also has a second grant program for residences that have a health or safety hazard. A maximum $5,000 grant is available - to correct such problems. Both cities get their funds from the,-,, U.s. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Eagle July 11, 1979 CS planning board studying North gate C-4 H G � CIi �w NOQ V The Northgate area of College Station is getting a closer look by city planners and members of the planning and zoning commission. Al Mayo, city planner, said the commercial area across from the campus has traffic, parking and development problems. Many of those problems stem from the fact that the area was built before most city codes were in force. Mayo and representatives of the police department have looked at the parking situation at Northgate with hopes of making some slight improvements before the fall student rush begins. Those im- provements will be better signing and new paint for curbs. Closer police patrols of the parking spaces around Northgate also may be instituted in the fall, he said. The planning commission plans a long range study of the commercial and residential area starting at University Drive. Commissioners Vergil Stover and Jim Behling have been appointed to the sub- committee. "I'm not sure just what solution we're heading for," said Mayo. "ItAl will be a project that should involve " the city, the property owners and the merchants," he said. "We hope to get the ball rollin and see how much interest we can generate in upgrading the area, Mayo said. CS council endorses flight sery Air service from College Station to such cities as Austin and San An- tonio was endorsed Wednesday by the city council. Alamo Flyers is proposing to in- stitute such an air route and was to go before the Texas Aeronautics Commission today at noon for ap- proval. The council's endorsement was not for any particular company, but for the routes. Councilman James Dozier said he would like to see jet passenger service from College Station because he doesn't like non - pressurized airplanes. Councilman Homer Adams voted against the resolution because he said he wanted more cities added to the list of stops. The council also discussed naming four board members to a non - profit corporation being created by ice College Station and Bryan to finan student loans. Names were�lo suggested during a closed session, but council members wanted to a the people if they would serve. The council meets in regul session tonight at 7 o'clock. ii LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non - conforming We Hickman, Dexter, Col ege Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a permit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W Dexter. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696-8868, ext. 238 . conforming structure frrom Philip Noe, 1501 Gunsmith, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a permit to enlarge an existing non - conforming accessory structure located behind his place of residence at 1501 Gunsmith. Said existing structuere does not comply with building setback lines established by Ordinance 850, the Zoning Ordinance. Further information is availafiPe at,the office of the Zoning official of the City of College Station, (713) 6968868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney 7 -11, 7 -15 Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney Wed, 7 -11 and Sun. 7 -15. LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justments of the City Of College Station will hear a request for the expansion of a non- The Eagle July 12, 1979 Firemen fight blaze for 2 hours r ' From page IA n P B , col. 6. J p.m. when smoke detectors sent an alarm to the A&M police department G m t� � w w o0 F- which not►f►ed firefighters. Mary Corbett, a technician, had been working in a room next to the lab. "I heard the alarms and smelled the smoke all in the atrium and got out," she said. About 10 persons, mostly custodial workers, had evacuated the building when firemen arrived. The $10.8 million building has a common atrium connecting two five - story concrete structures. "The way this building is designed, it keeps a fire from spreading, but it also creates an oven," College Station Fire Chief Douglas Landua said. "The building is theoritically not burnable, but the contents are," Kirk Brown, fire marshal for the building and an associate professor, said. "There's every chemical you want to name in there and they are explosive," he added. Fire inspectors began to rummage through the lab to determine the cause of the blaze this morning. Plastic materials used in ex- periments caused much of the smoke and fueled the fire, officials sdid. "The things in there are very valuable, very expensive and very dangerous," Brown said. "But these are the things we have to have to stay ahead in the field of research and academic ad- vancement," he added. stair Ynoto Uy SLeve castlenerry College Station firefighters take a breather after assault on blaze. CS utilities may have been underpaid By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Some College Station apartment complexes may have taken ad- vantage of a flaw in the city's new electric rate plan in order to get a price break this summer. City Manager North Bardell said Thursday night the city's utility billing office feels that one complex may have underpaid its electric bill by as much as $1,600 by incorrectly certifying the number of occupied apartments. Other complexes also apparently were involved. The city's rate plan calls for apartments with master - meters (one central meter for the entire complex) to be billed by this � H F+ t2i � w w oa fD N V process: The meter is read and the total is then divided by the number of occupied apartments. Using that figure, the city figures the rate as it would for any single family residence. That rate is then multiplied by the number of apart- ments and billed to the complex. The complex gets a 10 percent discount for doing the individual_ billing to the tenants. By reporting a lower number of occupied apartments, the kilowatt usage per apartment shows to be greater and the apartments get a price break from the larger volumes on the city's declining block rate scale. One apartment seems to have reported less than one - fourth of the actual number of occupied apart- ments, Bardell said. It would be difficult, however, he said, to prove how many apartments are occupied without hiring a special city em- ployee to go door to door. Bardell said the city will need to change the rate ordinance to correct the problem. One suggestion is to simply divide the total meter reading by the number of con - stFucted apartments in a complex. "We really don't want to do that," Bardell said, "because it will also penalize the complexes that have been accurate in their reporting." The city council voted to table discussion of the ordinance until the city staff prepares an amendment to the ordinance. On another matter invol apartments — but also any other residence in the city — the city council took a straw vote on requiring screens on all windows. The council seemed to favor ` requiring screens on all new con- struction. But for existing units, the council asked for an ordinance stating that apartment management must make screens available to tenants upon request as of Sept: 1, may charge a reasonable deposit and must publicize that the screens are available. 1� LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a nonconforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W. Dexter, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 11th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a permit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W. Dexter. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696 -8868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney Wed, 711 and Sun. 7 -15. " i, LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- iustments of the City of College Station will hear a request for the expansion Of a non- conforming structure frrom' Philip Noe, 1501 Gunsmith, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a permit to enlarge an existing non - conforming accessory structure located behind his Place of residence at 1501 Gunsmith. Said existing structuere does not comply With building setback lines established by Ordinance 850, the Zoning Ordinance. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696 - 8868„ ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney 7 -11, 7 -15 The Eagle July 15, 1979 b College Station. Some persons hold beams in Place, while some hammer in the nails, and still others supervise. The Eagle July 15, 1979 What do we need for growth? Water in CS; streets in B By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer. Are the cities of Bryan and College Station prepared today for the tremendous retail - commercial growth they are experiencing and will be experiencing? "No," answer representatives of both cities. Each city has its problems and leaders are working to correct those drawbacks. "If you really mean `today' then I'd have to say no we aren't prepared," said College Station City Manager North Bardell. "Because of our water situation, we have limited ability to expand. That city recently decided to become independent in its water supply and to no longer purchase water from Bryan. At present, College Station buys water from Texas AkM. The university, however, does not have the capacity to supply "all" the water the growing city needs. Peak demands this summer may mean pressure problems or cutbacks in the city. Last week, city engineers took the first water sample from a well being given to the university by the city in exchange for a price break on the cost of water. Bardell hopes that the additional well will be in operation within 120 days. By the middle of the summer of 1980, the city hopes to have its own water system. Wells are being drilled and bonds have been sold to finance the system. On other fronts, College Station seems to be in a good position to accept growth. "We have funds to build a new electrical substation and are in the planning stages on that. We presently are building a new fire substation on the south end of the city to serve that developing area. We built the central fire station with the capacity to expand. "We've doubled the city hall to give room to serve our increasing customers and instilled new equipment such as the computer. We've built a new police and court building that should serve us for at least the next 10 years. "We've begun major expansion of our parks system, are woFking on a new swimming pool. We've upgraded' our solid waste disposal fleet and constructed a new 10,000 square foot maintenance warehouse complex," Bardell said. "We've got bond funds for street rennovation and, maybe most im- portantly, we've begun a complete revision of our comprehensive plan. We want planned growth and or- derly progress," he said. Gulf States Utilities, College Station's electrical supplier, will go through its most critical supply period this fall, Bardell said. "But new units are going on line that will ease the problem." Considering the fact that the city has grown two and a half times in the last nine years, the city manager feels College Station is doing fairly well. The question of "Are you prepared today for growth ?" also got a "no" answer from Bryan Mayor Richard Smith. "We don't have the road trans- portation network that we need," Smith said. ` key growth area, he said, is the northwest quadrant of the city from San Jacinto to the West Bypass to Highway 6. The street system there is inadequate, Smith said. "Utilities — both water and electricity — are available, we have See GROWTH, page 2F. The Eagle July 15, 1979 �',� ° y ti a o o2 3 : � 3 ,x � a F 41 0 ° >s O C � sl •O r °bnew �qGy A °`° °� 0 Cd N V ,� Q • b .yrl Q c 3 p °1 o o�:3 y� a n� m cx. GO C d to a 0. v y a y v- tiA �, 3 0 8 o o c CU W '8 U a- y s. a3 dpi � � ,Co •"J V .r 4 O U - "o Q) 22 LEN _ Czoq� � z "= w p mac ap;z v m o vv,wo c q❑n+ g on ai O CO t-•i cC Q �O. U y-+ c6 ^? ° ° V ° Q r, E E+ 00 -a y �• ~I,+ U� N GCO -W . - F cz in VI C y Cd '4 °_ d a��N 6 I W ° ° u� v, c > a y >� a o o a,x o �= 3 ca c Cz c. o u ° o'uE o 0 Cz ° F. c6 v cC � F, co � 'A bD 3aa�.a3��sw uq. The Eagle July 15, 1979 �',� The City of College Station is accepting sealed bids for 1 -Self Propelled Street Sweeper 1 -Truck and CharSsis with Refuse Collection Body , until 10:00 AM, July 30, 1979 at which time the bids will be opened at the office of the Purchasing Agent in the City Hall, where specifications may also be obtained. All bids received after that time will be returned unopened. The City of College Station reserves the right to waive or reject any and all bids or any and all irregularities in said bid and to accept the offer considered most advantageous to the City. The Eagle July 16, 1979 New air routes OK'd; freight service curtailed One airline is getting ready to provide service to Easterwood Airport, while another is at least temporarily suspending services here. Alamo Commuter Airlines will begin flights out of Easterwood Airport to and from San Antonio within a few weeks, Vice President James Wood said this morning from San Antonio, the firm's headquar- ters. The Texas Aeronautics Com- mission certified the air carrier Tuesday morning in Austin for passenger and cargo flights using Easterwood. Wood said after Alamo's service becomes operational, flights to and from Austin will be inaugurated. Three round trips will go to and from Austin daily. Presently Easterwood is served by Rio Airways, Emerald Air Freight and Go Air Charter, Inc. Rio connects Bryan - College Station with Houston and Dallas -Fort Worth, while Emerald connects with major freight lines in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Easterwood authorities said Wednesday morning they un- derstood "Emerald will be tem- porarily curtailing freight service here." TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of abandoning a portion oe Holik Street running from Jersey Street to Anna Street. The request for abandonment is in the name of the A &M Con solidated Independent ,School District. The - hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, August 9, 1979. For. additional information, contact the City Planner's office, 713696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning TO WHOM IT MAY CON - CF_RN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the eq uestion of adopting an or- dinance amending the Zoning Ordinance No. 850, Section 10 C.2.1. and Section 13 B.1. to designate filing fees for rezoning and conditional use permit applications by City Council policy. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 Soutf ;00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Com mission on Thursday, August 2 1979. For additional information, contact the City Planner's office, 713-696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of rezoning the following property: The Sutton Place Addition located west of and adjacent to the East Bypass and approximately 2,500 feet south of the in- tersection of the East Bypass and Highway 30 from Single Family Residential District R to General Commercial District C -1. The rezoning is being initiated by the City of College Station Planning and Zoning Commission. The said hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday, August 2, 1979. For additional information, please contact me. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: The College Station Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the question of abandoning a Portion of Holik Street running from Jersey Street to Anna Street. The request for abandonment is in the name of the A &M Consolidated In dependent School District. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. For additional information, contact the City Planner's Office, 713 696 8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning The Eagle July 18, 1979 2 CS officials elected to electric group board Two College Station officials are officers in a new organization formed in Austin to represent cities who own and operate electrical generation and distribution systems. The officials are City Manager North Bardell and Mayor Pro Tem Gary Halter. The Texas Public Power -Association was formed Wednesday. TPPA, as it will be known, is a :;non - profit corporation formed for the purpose of acting as a trade association for municipally owned ::electric systems in Texas. An interim board of directors and officers was elected at the meeting. Mayor Ruben Edelstein of Brownsville is president, Gary Halter is first vice president, Carroll McDonald, director of utilities in Lubbock is second vice president and Jimmy Dodson of Yoakum is secretary - treasur The board of directors includes the above officers and North Bardell, Roy Bennett of Liberty, Jim Blagg of Lubbock, Richard Borchand of Robstown, Bob Nelson of Denton, Frank Parks of Weimer and Rober Roundtree of Brownsville. The Eagle July 20, 1979 Panel to update comprehensive plan Zoning board to seek help with plan C H tai N W O LQ (D N v By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer A plan for citizen involvement in revision of the city's comprehensive plan will be recommended to the College Station City Council by the planning and zoning commission. The commission discussed the recommendations Thursday night at its regular meeting at city hall. The plan sets the goals for the city and is used as a guide for growth and development of the city. Such subjects as land use, growth, in- dustrial development, commercial development, education, recreation, transportation and street plans are discussed in the plan. The council will be asked to ap- point 10 people to a committee charged with revising the plan. Those 10 members will be representatives of subcommittees representing various elements of the city. City Planner Albert Mayo said six of the representatives, under the commission's plan, would represent neighborhood subcommittees. Another would represent the com- mercial community, one the in- dustrial segment, one the university and one the public school. The members of the "Big 10" committee will be asked to appoint as many members to their sub- committees as they see fit. Mayo said the subcommittees would be given guidelines from the city showing what kind of issues and questions need addressing. "We wanted to • keep the main' committee small so that it would be easier to get things done," Mayo said. Commissioners plan to suggest names for committee members to Mayo for presentation to the council. Portions of the comprehensive plan were revised two years ago by ,the city, but,fhe plan as a whole has not been reviewed since 1974 -75. With the growth and changes the city has experienced, Mayo said, a major study is needed. The revision is expected to take many months to complete. In other action, the commission approved a conditional use permit for construction of a fellowship hall and Sunday school rooms for Our Savior's Lutheran Church at Cross_ and Tauber Streets. Commissioners tabled con- sideration of changes in the zoning ordinance as it applies to detached signs and portable trailer signs. Commissioners differed on whether all trailer signs should be outlawed or whether they should be allowed for short periods of time by permit. Another area of disagreement is whether portable signs at gasoline stations should also come under a ban. Mayo said he felt they should be exempt, but some commissioners said they didn't. The ordinance changes eventually will go to the city council. i Sgt. Kapella looks over fishing pond in front of College Station police station CS r)olice to ope n fishing pond By FRANK MAY "The idea is to give the scheduled to open Aug. 15. Staff Writer parents and their children Contributions of either College Station police a place to go to relax and money or fish can be made h o e the 'e found a new enjoy each other's com- to the police department. p y - v method of preventing pany," Sgt. Bernard juveniles from committing Kapella, juvenile officer, crime. It's called fishing, said. "Hopefully, we can picknicking and B -B keep them off the streets shooting. where they are more likely What's unusual about his to get in trouble," he ad- fishing, picknicking and ded. shooting practice is that it Two piers were recently is done less than a hundred constructed and the pond feet from the city's police was stocked with catfish station. and bass. It's not that police want The piers are to be ex- to keep an eye on youths, tended four feet and two officers say. The fact is more will be built. The there is a pond and much College Station Noon Lions acreage in front of the Club is constructing the station and officers want to piers. put it to good use, they say. The pond is tentatively Picnic benches, built by an A &M fraternity, are to be added. Minor land- scaping will also be done at the site, Kapella said. "We want to promote communication between parents and their kids," he said. Only children under 12 years old can fish in the pond and they must have a permit obtained from Cheryl Weichert at the police station. Artificial lures and a catch of more than two fish are prohibited. A B -B range will also be built near the pond, Kapella said. A fishing tournament will be held a few months after the pond opens, he said. The Eagle July 21, 1979 LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non - conforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W. Dexter, College. Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station. City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a permit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W. Dexter. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696 -8868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney Wed, 7 -11 and Sun. 7 -15. NOTICE A meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee of the City of College Station will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 23, 1979, in the Council Room in City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to review Community Development Program per- formance and to review the 1979 Community Development Citizen Participation Plan. Technical information and assistance shall be available at this meeting. Information concerning the 1979 En- titlement amount, eligible and ineligible Community Development activities, previous activities and planned activities, and the schedule of meetings and hearings for the year shall be available. This meeting is open to the - general public and all in- terested citizens, organizations and agencies are encouraged to attend. Jane R. Kee Community Development Planner NOTICE TO BIDDERS The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the repair and rehabilitation of single family homes. Bids will be received by the City at the Planning Department until 2:00 p.m., August 7, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Bid documents, plans, and specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator at the Planning Department, 696 -8868 ext. 247. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee Housing Programs Coor- dinator JUFyEH,'1979 Temp. afore complaints begin B=CS thermostats set at 78 By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Judging from the response of local businesses and governmental of- fices in Bryan - College Station, President Carter's 78- degree thermostat request isn't very popular. "We're complying," was the only response from numerous grumpy sounding department store managers. None wanted to be quoted about their conservation efforts or thermostat settings. One store manager did say that he was having problems because when the main store was kept at 78 degrees, the dressing rooms were up over 85 degrees. "Nobody wants to try on winter clothes in warm rooms," he said. Both city governments started their conservation measures several months ago, but the 78- degree limit has warmed up the offices even more. Related Editorial page 8A "Sure we're getting complaints," said Bryan Personnel Director Georgia Langston. "But it is un- derstandable because it is un- comfortable in some of the offices. Both Bryan City Manager Ernest Clark and College Station City Manager North. Bardell have sent out memos asking for compliance with the 78 degree mandate. The memos say that employees should dress so as to be comfortable, but the managers aren't throwing out all dress codes. Men are going without ties in most city offices. Mrs. Langston said that the Bryan Utilities Building has remained fairly comfortable even at 78 degrees, but some of the older city buildings have not. The second floors of the city hall and Carnegie Buildings are "miserable," ac- cording to employees. Bardell said his building seems to have hot and cold spots. This week, the College Station employees have been Checking the accuracy of the thermostats by bringing in an ac- curate, free- standing thermometer. "What we've found is that the thermostats aren't accurate," he said. "When set at 78 degrees, they don't produce that temperature. There is a balance problem." Barden said they would determine and use whatever thermostat setting it actually takes to produce 78 degrees. Another problem the city has run into is that on days when the tem- perature is less than 78 degrees — such as the early mornings — the building's heating system will come on to bring the temperature up. "We really don't know whether we're saving any energy or not at 78 degrees," Bardell said. Turn to 78 DEGREES, Rage 9A. C-4 H �m t� N Pi N 1 _Q F- N m 78 degrees unpopular in B -CS From page 14, col. 4. A check of the College Station city hall's engineering department showed it to be 78 degrees in the outer office, but 84 degrees in the back offices. "At some points in this courthouse it's an oven and in some its not," said Brazos County Judge Dick Homgreen. He said the county was trying to comply. Employees who have the bad luck to be in some of the hotter offices are bring fans to work. The City of Bryan's energy con- servation committee will consider employee use of fans at its next meeting, Mrs. Langston said, to determine what the effect will be on energy savings. Air conditioning com- pany representatives throughout the community said they have had calls from businesses wanting advice on raising ther- mostats. Eric Johnson of the Lindy Dennis Company said it is virtually im- possible with any type of air conditioning system to keep the temperature constant in every part of a building. "At 78 degrees," he said, "more people are going to be uncomfortable because the temperature range is higher.'I wJ Phe Eagle July 23, 1979 Albert Mayo, city planner, keeps cool at College Station city hall. Staff Photo by Steve Boehm LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad- justments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non - conforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W. Dexter, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979., The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a Permit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W. Dexter. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696-8868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney Wed, 7 -11 and Sun. 7 -15. NOTICE TO BIDDERS The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the repair and rehabilitation of single family homes. Bids will be received by the City at the Planning Department until 2:00 P.M. , August 7, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Bid documents, plans, and specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator at the Planning Department, 696 -8868 ext. 247. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee Housing Programs Coor- dinator Commissioners deny 1 fire call payment By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer All statements for.. fire calls — except one — by Brpatl and College Station fire departments were ap- proved for payment this morning by Brazos County Commissioners Court. Commissioner Walter Wilcox was successful in eliminating a $94 bill from College Station for draining water from the roof of a rural building. That bill held up approval of the bills two weeks ago. After Wilcox offered his motion, Commissioner Bill Cooley said, "That's a ridiculous motion." County Judge R.J. "Dick" Holmgreen had said a minute before, "I think you got an ex- planation as to what happened." "Whenever you get someone to go out and knock a hole in a roof to drain the water... I can't see that being an emergency," Wilcox declared. The vote was 3 -1, with Cooley in the minority. Commissioners formally applied for the county's $20,177 share of state money "for construction and im- provement of the county's lateral roads." Election judges were named for the county's 31 voting precincts. Cooley added one alternate judge for Precinct 8. Commissioners voted to add property damage coverage to the county's liability insurance for its vehicles. In the past, the county acted as it's own insuror for property damage, while carrying bodily injury liability coverage. Holmgreen said the county's in- surance agent had advised most insurance companies are not hesitant to write bodily injury coverage with property damage liability. "I feel we should do this. It's well spent money," the county judge advised. A $325 statement for transporting a prisoner back to Brazos County from California was OK'd. The defendant skipped bond, and District Attorney Travis Bryan III said he was going to take legal ac- tion against the bondsman, Holmgreen said. The low bid of News Office Supply Co. was accepted for purchase of two filing cabinets for the tax assessor - collector's office. The cabinets will cost $236 each. One other bid, at $294 each, was received. The Eagle July 23, 1979 NOTICE TO BIDDERS LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON CERN: The Zoning Board of Ad justments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non- conforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W. Dexter, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979. The nature of the case isas follows- The applicant requests a permit to add a deck, balcony, and duplex windows to at an 300stiW Dexter. Further information is The City of College Station is currently accepting bids for the repair and rehabilitation of single family homes. Bids will be received by the City at the Planning Department until 2:00 p.m., August 7, 1979, and at that time publicly opened and read aloud. Bid docum@nts, plans, and specifications may be secured at the Planning Department, City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. For additional information contact Jane Kee, Housing Programs Coordinator at the Planning Department, 6968868 ext. 247. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any informality in bids received. Jane R. Kee Housing Programs Coor- dinator The Eagle July 24, 1979 r � SIB _ ier pace S B=CS crime rate increases H C N � N � U1 N 0) N v By FLANK MAY Staiff Writer The crime rate rose in Bryan - College Station the first half of this year, but at a slower pace than last year, figures r(teased by the cities' police departm(ents show. Major crimes — murder, rape, robbery, assaullt, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft — rose 17.6 percent the first six months of 1979 over the same period last year. Police were optimistic about the early 1979 crime rise as compared to crime increase last year. The number of crimes rose 31 percent the first six mo)nths of 1978 over the same period ini 1977. For all of last year, crime junnped about 32 percent in the twin citiws• But officers,, however, expressed some displeasuire over the continued crime rise. "It's not the decrease we want to see," Bryan Police Chief Joe Ellisor said, meaning a larger drop was sought. Rape cases in the twin cities in- creased the most of the seven crime categories this year. There were 11 reported rapes in Bryan and College Station through June 30, 1979. There were two reported rapes in the same. period last year. Other large increases were in burglaries which jumped 20.7 per- cent and thefts which rose 19.6 percent. "Crime is being reported more, but we also know more crimes are being committed," Ellisor said. "The gasoline problem con- tributes to the rise in theft cases," he noted. Violent crime remained virtually unchanged this year in Bryan - College Station. There were 123 violent offenses reported to the two police depart- ments in the first half of 1978 and 124 in the same period this year. Broken down by city, overall crime in College Station rose 18.2 percent this year. It increased 17.3 percent in Bryan. The most noticeable statistic is the increase or reported rapes in Bryan from none the first six months of 1978 to 10 the same period this year. Turn to LOCAL, page 8A. Local crime increase less than last year • The crime increase locally is higher than a national crime rise of 11 percent for the first three months of this year. Police say increased aid from witnesses to crime will help decrease the number of offenses. "People are being more observant around neighborhoods and that will help," Feldman said. From page 1A, col. 6. Maj. Edgar Feldman, assistant police chief at College Station, said an increase in'"reporting probably contributed to an increase in crime offenses. "I know people are calling more and reporting," he said. "They're also providing more information," he added. B=CS crime table First First6 months -- months -- Percent Offense 1978 1979 change Murder 3 3 2 11 450 Rape 29 7 Robbery 27 Assault 91 81 -11 Burglary 467 564 21 Vehicle theft 36 30 -16 Theft 921 1102 19 TOTAL 1547 1820 17 LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The Zoning Board4 of , Pd- i ustments of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non - conforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W.....Dexter, College Station, TE#r's8 "77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th 'day of July, _1979. The nature of the case is:as follows: The . applicant AklZests a permit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W. Dexter. F. or-the r info r ration is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696 -8868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney ;kyed, 7 -11 and Sun. 7.15 The Eagle July 25, 1979 Art request meets CS resistance By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer A request for $19,000 for funding of the Arts Council of Brazos Valley received some resistance Wednes- day from some members of the College Station City Council. The arts council made its request along with requests from the Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist and Information Bureau. The information bureau's request, was really only a tecnhicality, however, because the city has agreed to fund that agency through next year. The three groups are requesting $60,000 from the city's share of the hotel -motel tax. The information bureau will be getting $22,000 and the other two groups each want $19,000. Dr. David Maxwell, dean of the A &M College of Liberal Arts, made the opening remarks for the groups. He pointed out that 1 percent of the tax receipts is to go for advertising and solicitation of tourists. "I can see how the one percent covers Mrs. Bell's outfit and Mrs. Rychlik's outfit, but I don't see how the arts council comes under that Provision," said Mayor Lorence Bravenec. He was referring to Anne Bell, director of the information bureau, and Judy Rychlik, president of the chamber. "I differ with you, but you have your finger on the trigger," said Maxwell with a smile. "No, no, we don't operate like that here," said Bravenec reassuringly. "Don't worry, we've got enough votes to carry it," added Coun- cilman Homer Adams. "What concerns me," Bravenec said, "is that we're going to allocate $19,000 to the arts council for ad- ministration and small expenses as Opposed to a drama or music festival or something big like the art contest last year." Councilman James Dozier asked how much the three groups were getting from Bryan. $30,000," was the answer. "Both cities share equally in the promotions," said Dozier, "It seems we've come full circle. Once Bryan paid the lions share and now College Station will. My concern is what the money is going to be used for." Bravenec then brought up the subject of a proposed civic center for College Station. He said he felt the council should decide what was going to be done about that project and decide on the tax receipt uses with an overall plan — not "piecemeal." "The voters of College Station thought three percent of the tax would go to the civic center, he said. "I deny that," said Dozier. "How can you deny that ?" asked Councilwoman Pat Boughton. "I just did," answered Dozier, "Do you want me to explain why ?" He said that the issue carried along with others on the ballot and that the county's center wasn't built at that time. "I bet if you put it on the ballot today, they'd still vote for it," said Mrs. Boughton. "Not a month has gone by since I got on the council that someone hasn't asked me about it." "Not a month has gone by that no one has asked me," answered Dozier. "Maybe that's because they know your opinion on it," she said. Eagle Publisher W.S. "Dub" Pearson was then brought into the discussion because the mayor said Pearson has suggested that a theater center be included in the proposed center. Pearson was at the meeting as an executive of the arts council. He explained that he would like to take the council to Midland to see a theater center there. "I envision our community having the same resources to draw from," Pearson said.. " "The city's not made of money. •I'm concerned with duplication of facilities," Dozier said. No votes were taken on granting the funding requests, but Bravenec did put the item on the agenda for a workshop session in two weeks. "We ought to decide what we want to do with this money before we start frittering it away," he said. In other action, the council discussed extension of hours for consumption of alcoholic beverages. City Manager North Bardell said a questionnaire had been sent to 20 club owners. Of those questioned, he said, 14 favored later hours and six did not. Police Chief Marvin Byrd said it would cost from $20,000 to $27,000 more to maintain police coverage in the city if drinking hours are ex- tended. He said police would be spending more time clearing bars and directing traffic in the late hours instead of protecting property. Richard Benning, manager of Duddley's Draw, said he would like 60 days to survey whether extra revenue generated through taxes and late hours permits would defray the extra police costs. I e I1 Staff Photo by Steve Castleberry Firefighters stop a blaze in a simulated 1 1 loading terminal at the Brayton Fireman Training Field Wednesday night. The Eagl July 26, LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: ,t The Zoning Board of Ad- iustments Of the City of College will consider a request for the expansion of a non conforming use from Larry Hickman, 300 W. Dexter, College Station, Texas 77840, at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall, at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday the 17th day of July, 1979, The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a Dermit to add a deck, balcony, and atic windows to an existing duplex located at 300 W. Dexter. Further information is available at the Office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station, (713) 696 -8868, ext. 238. Gayle Ferreri for the City Attorney Wed, 711 and Sun. 7 -15. The Eagle July 26, 1979 CS asked to comment on housing By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council members are being asked to com- ment on five applications for 50 units of federally subsidized housing to be built in the city. Officials of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have informed the city that it has 30 days to comment on the ap- plication. City officials said, however, they aren't sure how much weight their comment will carry. The project includes one called A &M Arms, to be built at Texas and Brentwood, another called Gateway,' to be built adjacent to the Viking Apartments on Holleman Street, a third called Nevada Housing Development, to be built at South- west Parkway and Nevada streets, a fourth called Oakwood to be built at Southwest Parkway between Welch and the fifth to be called Dreamland Village, to be built at Holleman and Wellborn Road. The first three projects are proposed to each be 50 units con- taining 12 one bedroom units, 32 two bedroom units, and six three bedroom units. The Oakwood project is proposed to be 250 units, with only 50 of the units being sub- sidized. The Dreamland Village project, to be built by former resident Eddie Chew, would be 46 units. Councilman James Dozier urged the council to make their comments before the Aug. 9 meeting of the Brazos Valley Development Council. He said the Council would also be reviewing the projects. "Do you know any College Station residents, I mean local people, demanding or wishing to live in this type of housing ?" councilman Homer Adams asked Community Development director Jim Callaway. Callaway answered, "No." But he said under the economic guidelines there should be a large number of people who would qualify. C4 H G � N(D t�J N W J� fD J "HUD didn't ask whether we want a project," said Dozier, "They are just asking for recommendation on which one we'd prefer." Mayer Lorence Bravenec, Councilman Larry Ringer and Councilwoman Pat Boughton were appointed to a committee to look over the projects. TI confirms construction plans for CS plant; size not revealed C4 H G �J' r1i w w o� m J By SAM LOGAN Business Editor Texas Instruments Incorporated announced in its second quarter report made public today that construction has been authorized for a new manufacturing facility on a 250 -acre site at College Station. The Eagle reported several weeks ago that TI had acquired the property, but this was the first an- nouncement from TI that the firm plans to begin construction on a plant here in the near future. The date to begin construction, however, has not yet been revealed, nor has the size of the College Station plant. In the report, TI Chairman Mark Shepherd, Jr. and President Fred J. Bucy said net sales billed for the three months ended June 30, 1979, were $784,221,000 an increase of 28 percent over the second quarter of 1978. Net income was $44,603,000, and earnings per share were $1.95, both up 30 percent over the same period a year ago. For the first six months of 1979, net sales billed were $1,505,021,000, up 28 Percent for the same period in 1978. Net income was $82,784,000 an in- crease of 27 percent. Earnings per share were $3.63 compared with $2.85 for the first half of 1978. "TI's backlog of orders at June 30, ,1979 increased to $1.66 billion, up $96 million froip the end of the first quarter 1979, and up $492 million from a year ago," Bucy said. Construction began during the second quarter on a new manufacturing facility in the Phillipines. Capacity additions were started for plants in Portugal; Japan; Versailles, Ky; and Lewisville and Temple, Texas. Sheperd said: "Inspite of near - term general economic un- certainties, the longer term outlook for growth of the world electronics market is excellent, and TL's 1979 capital expenditures of $415 million will provide the capacity required to take advantage of this opportunity." Municipal clerks see all sides By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer As municipal clerks for the cities of Bryan and College Station, Pat Shaw and Valarie Woodard have seen some "sights." Both women are responsible for court records, misdemeanor filings and fine collections in the two cities. Many of their "clients" have been jailed on such charges as public intoxication and abusive behavior. They sometimes see people at their worst. Mrs. Shaw actually sits by Bryan Municipal Judge Kent Caperton as he administers the daily court sessions. That court is held each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. "At first I was bothered by some Pat Shaw of the things I saw or heard," Mrs. Shaw said. "People are usually polite, but sometimes..." She started with the city in January of 1978 as a general clerk in the municipal court office. In May, 1978, she was named municipal clerk. Miss Woodard will have been working for the City of College Station three years on Thursday. Originally from Austin, she started as an administrative secretary to the police chief. She began assisting the court clerk and in December, 1977, became the municipal clerk. Mrs. Shaw and Miss Woodard are the people who tell telephone callers how much a traffic ticket or other fine will cost. They also inform the public of their rights to go before the judges. "I've often been asked for advice on what I thought the judge might do," said Miss Woodard. "But I never give advice. I'm in the position that they'd go in and tell the judge that I told them something or another. I just say that the judge has discretion to do what he feels is right. I do tell them their options." She said she likes the municipal clerk job because she uses her mind. "I'm not just typing some form and then passing it on to someone else. I am learning how to apply certain laws. When someone comes in to file a complaint, I have to determine whether it can be done," Miss Woodard explained. Like Miss Woodard, Mrs. Shaw said she really enjoys participating in the legal -law enforcement field. "I guess a part of it has to do with the fact that my husband, Gary, was in law enforcement for some time," she said. Mrs. Shaw is from Haskell, a town about 50 miles north of Abilene. She moved to Bryan in 1969 after she married. When not working for the city, Mrs. Shaw has four children at home that fill her time. She likes to sew for herself and the children. Miss Wooard said interest in law matters "sort of grows on you. You are near the police officers and know what's going on, you hear the calls from the dispacher. You get in- volved," she said. A great sports enthusiast, Miss Woodard has played on softball leagues. This year, however, she said she didn't particpate but made almost every game as a spectator. Valarie Woodard Texas Instruments announces size of CS plant C4 �-3 tai w� N� m J DALLAS — Texas Instruments Incorporated announced late Monday afternoon plans to begin construction immediately of a 150,000- square -foot manufacturing building on its 250 -acre College Staton site. The Robert Butler Company of Bryan is general contractor. TI said the digital systems products plant is scheduled to be ready for startup of manufacturing operations during the first quarter of 1980. Only a few key personnel will be transferred to the area prior to startup, TI said, to aid in training several hundred employees to be added in the first year of operation. The Eagle contacted TI's Dallas corporate headquarters and asked if the "several hundred employees" figure for the plant could be made more specific. R.M. Perdue, public relations director for TI, said, "We really don't know at this time, and can't fine tune it any closer now. "Obviously we wouldn't need 250 acres of land if all we planned to construct was the (announced) 150,000- square -foot plant building. Depending on the future. market, business climate and many other factors, TI normally likes to acquire • plenty of property in order to expand and not be boxed in in the future." Commission, 801 East 29th Street, in hiring personnel. Texas Instruments has 48 manufacturing plants in 18 coun- tries, and plants in Texas cities including Houston, Austin, Temple, Midland - Odessa, Lubbock, Abilene, Sherman, Lewisville, and Dallas. The TI site, acquired last March, is one mile east of State Highway 6, The company said it would work between State Highway 30 and the through the Texas Employment extension of University Boulevard. Lone Star seeks increase A $28 increase per year in the average residential natural gas customer's bill would occur if the Texas Railroad Commission approves a rate increase sought by Lone Star Gas Co. The company filed an application for a 15 percent. increase in its authorized city gate rate Wednesday_ A total increase in revenue to the company is estimated at $40-:9 million. The City gate rate is the amount Lone Star Trans- mission Division charges the company's distribution division for gas delivered to residential and com- mercial customers. The current city gate rate was established in 1977 and was based on figures compiled in 1975, company of- ficials said. The rate currently allows the company to pass on only 85 percent of increased purchasing costs of natural gas. "The increase is necessary because of the sharply higher costs of buying gas in the field and the increase in the general costs associated with operating any business," said Douglas W. Williams, senior vice president. Lone Star is requesting that it be allowed to pass on to customers 100 percent of increased purchasing costs. In 1978, company officials said an estimated $13 million in increased costs was absorbed by the company. The Eagle August 2, 197' Mosquitos Bryan, College Station spraying to control insects By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Everyone knows the irritation of a buzzing mosquito and the itch of their bites. The cities of Bryan and College Station have been spraying for the past weeks to help combat the little pests. According to Dr. Jimmy Olson, an entomologist with Texas A &M, an upsurge of mosquitos can be expected in the P'ext Couple of weeks as standing water from recent heavy rains becomes polluted, creating prime breeding sites. Claudette's heavy rains, Olson said, actually helped temporarily reduce the number of mosquitos because breeding sites were washed out. "For some reason, people seem to notice mosquitos more after rains. Maybe because they start thinking about them," Olson said. In Texas, he said, there are about 79 -80 different species of mosquitos and each one's prime living conditions are different. For the most common, the Southern Brown House Mosquito, he said, the present temperature range is "perfect." Spraying such as is being done by the cities does give temporary relief, Olson said. The spraying is designed to kill mosquitos in the area within 24 hours. And, ac- cording to Olson, the spraying is of no danger to humans if it is done properly. "I would urge people to stay out of the stream of the fog," he said. "But the concentration is EPA cleared and well below human impairment. Steve Beachey, College Station Parks Director, is responsible for the mosquito spraying there. He said that city uses Skeeta -Fog. College Station is spraying this week, Beachey said. "We do it at night after the wind goes down. We're doing the city in sections and probably will hit it again in 2 -3 weeks," he said. In Bryan, Kenneth Mack, head of the Sanitation Department, directs the spraying. Bryan completed spraying of the city last night, he said. That city uses Dibrom and Malathion, he said. Diesel is used by both cities as the carrying agent. Bryan also puts a small amount of diesel feel on stagnant ponds and creeks in the city. Olson eridorsed that action as a great measure to reduce mosquito populations. "I recommend that. The diesel smothers the larva in the water," Olson said. Olson said individual residents can help eliminate mosquitos by filling in pot holes in their yards that collect water. "Pour out excess water in pots and take precautions when collecting rain water," he said. "If people want to keep a rain barrel, I suggest that they go down to the river or a lake and catch some minnows. Put them in the barrel and they will take care of the mosquitos. Another idea is to pour a few drops of mineral oil on top of the water," he said. Mosquitos do carry diseases on occasion, Olson said. The Brown House mosquito has been known to carry St.. Louis Encephalitis, he said. "Fall months are usually the tense ones for us in human health," said Olson. "The State Health Department and the cities run surveys to sample the bird population for the disease," Olson said. En- cephalitis is a bird - cycled virus. "We also collect mosquitos and ship them to Austin for testing," Olson said. "It is a kind of early warning system. But sometimes a disease carrying insect can slip through." The Eagle August 2, PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to TEX. REV. CIV. STAT. ANN. art. 1446c §43(1975), Lone Star Gas Company hereby gives NOTICE of the Company's intent to implement a new schedule of rates effec- tive on the latter of September 4,1979 or such other date as new rates become effective in the City of Bryan to be charged for natural gas service to resi- dential and commercial customers in the en- virons areas (outside incorporated limits of Bryan I The rate schedule is expected to furnish a 11.66% increase in the Company's gross revenues in the environs of Bryan, Texas A Statement of Intent has been filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas and is available for inspection at the Company's business office located at 201 F. 27th, Bryan, Texas. Any affected person desiring to contest such changes in rates can file a complaint with the Director of the Gas Utilities Division Railroad Commission of Texas. 'P.. a' Drawer 12967, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711. Lone Star Gas Company PUBLIC NOTICE Pursuant to TEX. REV, CIV. STAT. ANN. art. 1446c §43(1975), Lone Star Gas Company hereby gives NOTICE of the Company's intent to implement a new schedule of rates effec- tive on the latter of September 1+,1979 or such other date as new rates become effective in the City of College Station to be charged for natural gas service to resi- dential and commercial customers in the en- virons areas (outside incorporated limits of College Station ) The rate schedule is expected to furnish a 11.66 % increase in the Company's gross revenues in the environs of College Station Texas A Statement of Intent has been filed with the Railroad Commission of Texas and is available for inspection at the Company s business office located at 201 F. 27th, Bryan, Texas. Any affected person desiring to contest such changes in rates can file a complaint with the Director of the Gas Utilities Division. Railroad Commission of Texas. P. 0. Drawer 12967. Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711. 6 Lone Star Gas Company The Eagle August 2, 1979 Few seek sewage plant jobs By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer For 15 and 23 years respectively, Franklin Faust and Frank Surovik have been attending to a job that some people would consider distasteful. But you won't hear any gripes from these two city employees. In fact, they like their jobs and can't really understand why both cities have such hard times getting other employees for the waste water treatment plants. Faust, superintendent of waste water treatment City of Bryan, began his career with the city as a maintenance worker at the plant. His former boss retired, and Faust took over as head of Bryan's two plants for treatment of sewage. When he started, Faust made $1.10 an hour and often worked seven days a week. Surovik was the only operator at the College Station plant for 17 years. "It was a one -man operation until 1973 ", he explained. His only company out there in the woods was a dog. Now there are eight employees at the plant. College Station's plant is at the end of a long, winding gravel road off the East Bypass near its in- tersection with Texas Avenue. Before the bypass was constructed, Surovik had to travel through several private pastures and open and shut a couple of cattle gates. Both men report one of their F1 biggest problems as heads of the plants is to get employees. "Just the mention of waste water and people s by away," Faust said. "I've had people go to other city departments that even paid less starting salary just because they didn't want to come here." "I've had people come for in- terviews and after about five minutes the say `I've seen enough, "' Survovik said. "No, it isn't a bad job. The problem is with the people looking at the sewage ... it is enough to scare them off." Faust has 11 employees at two plants. The largest plant is off high- way 30 and the other is off Highway 21. At present, he said, he is short four employees. Those employee shortages mean that the supervisors must do more of the work to keep things going smoothly. "We have a lot more paper work these days," commented Faust. This year, he's also been doing the lab work because he lost his lab technician in December. "This plant works like a human stomach," said Surovik. "It can get upset and you do everything you can to try to adjust it. The job is like that of a housewife keeping house ... On certain days you do somethings and other things you've got to do everyday." "There's always some kind of breakdown, or new equipment to get used to or we're short employees," he said, explaining that the job never gets dull. With residences being built closer and closer to the Bryan plant, Faust sometimes gets odor complaints. Thus far, the College Station plant is away from most residences of the city. Both men are from Burleson County. Faust went to high school in Caldwell but "spent most of my days in Snook. "_tlis wife is named Lupe and they've been married 10 years. When he 's; at home, Faust likes to garderi. Everything he planted did better than he planned, Faust said. "It all did beautifully. Maybe `cause I lived my early days on a farm, I've gotta be doing something outside." Surovik was born in San Antonio Prairie, between Deanville and Caldwell. He and his wife, Billie, have two children. They recently moved to Lyons, where Surovik said his son, Frank, now has room to run. When not working, Surovik likes to hunt and fish. Neither man admits any thoughts of retiring. "`To me, it is a challenge," Faust said. "Sewage comes in real rough and we see how good we can handle it." Franklyn Faust Frank Surovik � p eedway expected ED to seek C funds Officials of Texas World Speed- way are expected to ask College Station City Council members Wednesday for funds from the city's hotel -motel tax receipts. The tax is supposed to be used for such things as tourist promotion and advertising. In the past, the funds have gone to the chamber of com- merce and other similar groups. Speedway officials, according to City Manager North Bardell, would like to discuss getting some of the funds to help in-its advertising ef- forts which promote College Station. The council also will hear a progress report from its sub- committee studying a proposed community center. Some of the hotel -motel tax money would be used to finance such a center. The council has argued about what kind of center needs to be built and the committee was to make a recommendation. Two other items on the Wednesday workshop agenda include con- sideration of a reply to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Housing assistance proposals and a closed session. The meeting is at 4 p.m. at city hall. Thursday at 7 p.m., the council will follow this agenda: — Consideration of an application to the Interstate Commerce Com- mission by Arrow Coach Lines, Inc. offering additional bus service. — Consideration of an ordinance vacating the right -of -way of Shenandoah Drive. — Consideration of a preliminary plat for Southwood Terrace, Section 2. Presentation of a petition requesting annexation of a 59.17 acre tract on the east side of Texas Avenue, south of Rock Prairie Road. — Consideration of a joint city - school project at South Knoll Elementary. The Eagle 8 -7 -79 Teens take summer jobs with CS city departments By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer If some of the city employees in College Station looked a little young this summer, it may not be your age or eyesight. About a dozen local teen -agers are employed by the city this summer, doing all sorts of jobs from mowing lawns to working in the tax office. Personnel Director Jerry Gray explained that the city council initiated the program about four years ago. "The teen -agers help out the city and they get a work ex- perience in the summer," he said. This summer, youths are working at the fire department, tax office, parks and recreation department, police station and administration division. They work for minimum wage and do jobs such as filing, typing and other clerical duties. Teen -age workers at the fire department painted fire hydrants earlier this summer and soon will begin working with a sign crew for the engineering department. Gray said many of the youth ap- plicants simply walked in at city hall and applied for the jobs. Others were located through the Community Education Program at A &M Con- solidated. Gray said the school operates a job bank that employers can call for student employees. The city hall program is financed by local money and is separate from the Youth Conservation Corps which also employs youths in the summer. The YCC is funded with federal money. That program had 19 teenagers in it this year. "Oh, they make some mistakes," admitted Gray, "but they also learn quickly and do a good job for the city." ME v raj ­9 &�&Nq p44 Yllll ALI OLCllil18 WWI 11 VIA LA A IV, \.Vi LIO. LEGAL NOTICE: TO WHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT of the City of College Station will consider a request for: the expansion of a non- conforming sign From: Richard Smith, 819 Texas Avenue, College Station, Tx. 77840. at their regularly scheduled meeting in the Council Room at College Station City Hall at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the 14th day of August, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows; The applicant requests to add lighting to an existing sugn which does not conform to the setback and height requirements of Ordinance 850. Further information is available at the office of the oning Official of the City of College Station (713) 696 -8868 ext. 238. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of adopting an ordinance an- nexing a 250 acre tract of land located between Highway 30 and the eastward extension of F.M. 60 from the East Bypass. The petition for annexation is in the name of Texas in- struments, Inc. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, August 23, 1979. For additional information, contact the office of the Director of Planning, 713.696- 8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning INVITATION TO BID The City of College Station is accepting sealed bids for 1 — 1973 or later model Diesel Truck Tractor. Used. 1 — 1972 or later model 25 yard Hydraulic Dump Trailer until 10:00 A.M., August 22, 1979 at whic time the bids jvill . be opened at the office of the Purchaisng Agent in the City Hall, where specifications may �- also be obtained. All bids' received after that time will be, returned unopened. The City of College Station reserves the right to waive or reject any ano all bids or any and all irregularities in said bid and to accept the offer considered most advantageous to the City. This item may be purchased with Revenue Sharing Funds. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of adopting an ordinance an- nexing a 323.2 acre tract of land located west of Rio Grande Boulevard and south of F.,M. 2818. The petition for an- nexation is in the name of Area Progress, Incorporated. The hearing will be held ip•the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, August 23, 1979. For additional information, contact the office of- the Driector of Planning, 718 -696- 8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning LEGAL NOTICE TO WHOM IT MAY _CON- CERN: r The ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT of the City of College Station City Hall at 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the 14th day of August, 1979. The nature of the case is as follows: The applicant requests a variance to the rear yard requirements, Ordinance 850, so as to construct a garage approximately three (3) feet from the rear property line. Further information is available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station (713) 696 -8868 ext. 238. TO WHOM IT MAY CONC- WRN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of adopting an ordinance amending the Zoning Or- dinance No. 850 to expand the jurisdiction of the landscaping and safety requirements for parking areas i commercial and industrial zoning districts. The hearing will be held in the 1 Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 P.M. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, August 23, 1979. For additional informtion contact the City Planner's Office, 713- 696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo Jr. Director of Planning TOWHOM IT MAY CON- CERN: The College Station City Council will hold a public hearing on the question of adopting an ordinance amending the Zoning Or- dinance No. 850 as it pertains to the number of detached signs per site, portable signs and trailer signs. The hearing will be held in the Council Room of the College Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue, at the 7:00 p.m. meeting of the City Council on Thursday, August 23, 1979. For additional information, contact the City Planner's office, 713 - 696 -8868. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Director of Planning available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station (713 696 -8868 ext. 238. The Eagle August 8, 197 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING: TheColege Station City Council LEGAL NOTICE will hold a public hearing on the question of adopting an TO WHOM IT MAY CON- ordinance annexing a 184 acre CERN: tract of land located between Highway 30, the eastward The ZONING BOARD OF extension of F.M. 60 and the ADJUSTMENT of the City of existing eastern City Limit. College Station will consider a The petition for annexation is request for: in the name of F. W. (Bert Wheeler, Incorporated. a variance to the parking requirements, Ordinance 850. The hearing will be held in the From: John Paul Jones Council Room of the College at their regularly scheduled Station City Hall, 1101 South Texas Avenue at the 7:00 p.m. meeting in the Council Room at meeting of the City Council on College Station City Hall at Thursday, August 23, 1979. 7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the 14th day of August, 1979. The nature For additional information, of the case is as follows: contact the office of the The applicant request that Director of Planning, 713-696 - the parking requirements for a 9969. restaurant -club at 405 University Drive be waived. Albert O. Mayo, Jr. Further information is Director of Planning available at the office of the Zoning Official of the City of College Station (713 696 -8868 ext. 238. The Eagle August 8, 197 CS Council considering Consol building purchase By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council members said Wednesday they'd like to talk with A &M Consolidated representatives about purchasing the old Middle School building on Jersey Street to be renovated for a community center. The brick structure which sits atop a small hill beginning at Jersey and Holik, has been used as a high school and a middle school.. Presently, it is used for special services for the school district. Councilmen said the building could be air conditioned and "put in first class shape" for meeting rooms for various clubs and organizations. Councilman Tony Jones, chair- man of a council committee on the Proposed center, said the city must first decide whether to renovate an existing structre or bu a new one. Councilman Gary Halter proposed that a council committee meet with a school board committee on a purchase or trade of school property. Some land owned by the city across from the new high school might be traded for 'the brick building. Jones said his committee feels a 1976 report on needs and concepts for a community center is somewhat out -of -date because ,the Brazos Center has since been completed and needs may have changed. However, Jones said, his com- mittee does feel there is a need and a demand for a center. The council promised more than 30 representatives of various organizations at the Wednesday workshop meeting that it wrould move along swiftly with decisions on a proposed center. Some of the citizens had been involved in the 1976 study and complained that the council's slowness in acting had only allowed building costs to escalate. "It is desperately needed for all the people here," said Mrs. Raymond Rogers. "There are the senior citizens, the Campus Study Club, the scouts and many more." "An indoor facility would benefit people of all ages," said Mrs. Elizabeth Naugle. "It would especially benefit the age group that is heavily represented here today — the senior citizens. They've put their money into our schools, into our parks and paid their taxes to support the youth of our city." Halter said if school officials agree, the special services building would be owned and used ex- clusively by the city as a community center. He said the city also might enter into a joint usage agreement on the round auditorium across Holik Street. "We could put money into fixing it up. The school probably would get usage during the day and then others could schedule it at night," he said. If the city decides not to purchase the school building, the city council has purchased a tract of land on Anderson Street that might be a site for a new center. No cost estimates have been made recently on con- struction of a new structure. Halter said the city will have to decide if the hotel -motel tax receipts are the proper way to finance a new building. The Eagle August 9, 1979 �v'JV Soeedway seeks CS fund put all our eggs in any basket, shouldn't we put our money into promotion of the university ?" "How could we turn down other profit- making organizations? Do you see our problem ?" asked Councilman James Dozier. "I don't sir," answered Connors. "Well, since we'd be putting money into your operation, would you be willing to cut us in on some of the profits ?" Dozier asked. "That's not the point sir," Connors said. "It is the point," Dozier added. "We're not belittling your operation and we wish you success," Dozier said later. "But can we in good conscience give you this money? That's the question." No vote was taken on the matter. By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Officials of Texas World Speed- way asked the College Station City Council Wednesday for $100,000 a season to support its advertising efforts. Mike Connors, director of ad- vertising for TWS, said the name "College Station, Texas" is ad- vertised every time the speedway is advertised. He requested the $100,000 from receipts of the city's hotel -motel tax. Connors claimed that an estimated $1 million comes into Bryan - College Station for each major race event. He said there had been 16 major events at the speedway since it reopened in 1976. "We spend $60,000 for each major event in promotion and ad- vertising," Connors, ,said, "And every item we advetise mentions College Station, Texas." , He said the speedway also publishes 100,000 newspapers called "Let's Go Racing." "We're not looking for someone to pay salaries at the speedway. We want to receive funds to help us promote TWS and College Station. We feel the money should be used by something that brings in tourists," Conners said. "This tax, in a good year, collects $150,000," said Mayor Lorence Bravenec. "You're asking for the bulk of it. My concern is giving support to a non - public agency. This is a college town. If we're going to The Eagle August 9, 1979 Arts council funding sec is ion a good one College Station's city council took commendable action Thurs- day in setting aside money to promote the arts and tourism. We hope Bryan's council will follow suit. Specifically, the College Station�council allocated 37.5 percent of the city's hotel -motel tax receipts' toward the Arts Council, the Bryan- College Station Chamber of Commerce and the In- f",,mation and Hospitality Center. The precise dollar figures will change each year, of course, but based on the $148,000 available this year the council's action would direct $22,000 to the hospitality center located on South Texas Avenue, $18,500 towards the Arts Council and $15,000 to the chamber. In so doing the council takes note that all facets are vital to promote tourism to the two -city area. We should know that it takes far more than a major college football game, for instance to attract tourists. Bryan - College Station, after all, has a great deal more to offer. The activities and programs promoted by the chamber and the Arts Council, and the services provided by the information center go hand in glove. The council should be commended for its action. Meanwhile Bryan's council hasn't committed itself to allocations along that same line. We hope they take note of College Station's action. The Eagle August 11, 1979 LEGAL NOTICE To CERN WHOM IT MAY CON- The ADJUS BOARD OF College S attiionT of thEk City of P.m., on Tuesda qty Hallat 7:00 Of August, 1979. Y, the 14th day the case is as followhs. nature of The Variance PPlicant requests a to Yard the requirements rear 50 , Ordinance 850, aPproximatel thr a y three garage from the re (3) feet rear PrOPerty line. Further information is available at the office Of the Zoning Official Of the City of College Station (713) 696 238. - 8868 ext. The Eagle August 11, 1979 v Personnel directors listen to many people By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer There's one employee at city hall whose business it is to know everybody else at city hall. That person is the personnel director. Georgia Langston has been doing that job for the City of Bryan for about a year. And, Jerry Gray has been handling the same position for the City of College Station for two years. Mrs. Langston is no newcomer to personnel, however. She has worked for the city for about 10 years, beginning as a clerk for planning and personnel. After six months she went completely into the personnel department and worked as a per- sonnel technician until her promotion. She also worked in the personnel area at earlier jobs. Gray was a newspaper reporter before joining the College Station city staff. He was the city's first personnel director. He had worked at The Eagle for four years, covering city govern- ment, county government, the arts and the schools. He graduated form Texas A&M in 1974 with a degree in journalism and earlier from West Texas State University with a degree in chemistry. For Mrs. Langston, the job of head of the personnel department isn't that simple. She also is in charge of the mail room, building main- tenance, the switchboard fan the employee newsletter. Each of those other departments, of course, have their own supervisors, but she has final responsibility. "I get the blame for all sorts of things," she said with a smile. "But if claim innocence." Bryan has 598 budgeted positions, Mrs. Langston said. But the city is usually short about 40 -50 employees. The most difficult positions to fill, and keep filled, she' said are those for general labor. The tight labor- market in the two cities will be aproblem for the next few years, she said. Gray said that College Station has about 254 permanent employees. In the summer, the city work force increases to about 335. He said the city hired its first personnel director after getting a recommendation to do so from an outside consulting agency. "Once a city gets about 200 em- ployees there is a great need for a personnel department," he said. Before Gray's appointment, the personnel work was done by City Manager North Bardell. Gray's writing and reading skills were used during his first assign- ment at his new job. He had to develop policies and procedures for his department. "I modeled the procedures after other cities', business firms' and took recommendations from the personnel consultants," he said. Gray said the transition to a city employee wasn't that difficult, but he did have to get used to staying in the office. "The best part of this job is that I work with all departments. It is similar to being a reporter in that you work with a lot of people and do many different things," he said. Both directors said they spend a lot of their time just talking with employees. Mrs. Langston said she has people speak to her on almost almost every subject — both job related and private, personal matters. "I =mainly just listen," she said. "I 'may refer them to some professional if it is a personal problem. If it is a job matter, I may give them some advice." "Some people just can't work together," she said. "If a person has been doing a good job, but can't get along with some of the people he or she works with, we try to retain them in another position." Many of the jobs for the city are shift work, Mrs. Langston said, and require a special type of person. "We've had people who can't adjust to sleeping in the day, and some who don't like the shift work because it is hard to make plans." At one time, the cities could "sell" prospective employees on the fringe benefits the city has to offer. But nowadays, she said, benefits are pretty well comparable at all jobs. "Jobs for the city are basically service type jobs. Some people simply like to work in that type of situation," she said. When not at work, Mrs. Langston likes to read. "I also do some very amateurish watercolors. I love Texas and don't even like to leave on trips," she said. Gray said he also likes to read such things as the Christian Science Monitor and the Wall Street Journal. He also jogs, but a recent run netted him a sprained ankle, so he is reluctant to discuss that hobby. The Eagle August 13, 1979 Georgia Langford Jerry Gray Commissioners disagree on paying for fire calls By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer Brazos County commissioners got into another verbal battle this morning over paying for calls made by Bryan and College Station firemen outside the limits of each city. Commissioners voted to bill four third parties for calls made by the College Station Fire Department, bill three from Bryan to third parties and refused to pay for one Bryan call until receiving more information. The county received one bill from the Bryan department in the amount of $225 for answering a false alarm. Another was for $114 for a controlled fire by a State Department of High- ways crew at a rest area. Commissioners H.L. "Bud" Cargill and W.A. Stasny voted for the modified motion, with Com- missioners Bill Cooley and Walter Wilcox opposing. "I'm voting yes," said County Judge R.J. "Dick" Holmgreen in breaking the tie. Cooley suggested renegotiating the county's contracts with the two fire departments. Holmgreen said he had been talking along those lines, but Bryan City Manager Ernest Clark asked him to wait until a new fire chief is appointed so the latter can take part in the negotiations. The Bryan City Council was ex- pected this afternoon to name Paul Philbun fire chief. He is a 20 -year veteran of the El Paso Fire Department. Approval was given to a proposal by Martin, Slovacek and Thompson for auditing the Brazos Center funds to cost no more than $1,950. The audit is required by the federal Economic Development Ad- ministration, which has already okayed the accounting firm's proposal. The contract for traffic engineering surveys and sign replacements for county roads was extended until Aug. 31, 1980. Signs will be advertised for this week, the Commissioners Court was told. The Eagle August 13, 1979 CS calls session College - Stition City Council called a special city council meeting for today at 4 P.M. to hold a closed session on pending litigation. City officials would not comment on what litigation would be discussed but it is believed to concern an electrical substation failure about two years ago. The Eagle August 13, 1979 D09 The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Wednesday, August 15, 1919 paGaMA CS rezoning to be discussed Three public hearings will be held Thursday by the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission on projects proposed by the Area Progress Corporation and Southwood Valley, Inc. A public hearing also will be held on rezoning four tracts all generally located north of University Drive, west of Tarrow Street and south of the College Station city limits. Hearings include: — Rezoning a 23.90 acre tract located 800 feet south of F.M. 2818 and 2,000 feet west of Rio Grande Boulevard from agricultural open to apartment district. — Rezoning a 17.25 acre tract located on the west side of Rio Grande ap- proximately 800 feet south of F.M. 2818, from agricultural open to apartment district and a 4.11 acre tract located on the west side of Rio Grande about 1,110 feet south of F.M. 2818 from agricultural open to duplex district. — Rezoning a 2.47 acre tract located on the north- east corner of Airline Drive and Southwood Drive, being a part of Lot 1, Block 14, Southwood Valley Section 6 -C from general commercial to apartment district. — Rezoning four tracts all generally north of University, west of Tarrow and south of the city limits as follows — 9.87 acres from single family residential to general commercial; 6.43 acres from single famiy to general commercial; 3.6 acres from single family to townhouse district; 1.79 acres from single family to administrative - professional in the name of Tenneco Realty, Inc. — On the question of granting a conditional use permit to General Telephone Company for an expansion of their central office at 300 Holleman Drive East. The meeting is at 7 p.m. at city hall. The Eagle August 15, 1979 HUD focusing on Bryan w ith guidelines for spending $542,202 by Feb. 15, 1980, and an additional sum of not less than $542,202 by August 15,1980." The drawdown average for programs in this region, HUD said, is 60 percent. Bryan's average is 41 percent for its first four years of funding. Community Development (CD) monies are used to upgrade low income neighborhoods. Another recommendation is that Bryan designate a specific "target area" in the city to use the majority of the federal funds in so that HUD can see more obvious results. The city's CD committee met Tuesday night and selected the Neal School area as its target. The area is bounded by 19th Street on the north, 22nd Street on the south, Sterling on the east and Hall Street on the west. The city council must approve the target area. "HUD wants to be able to drive down the street and see the im- provements," said City Planner Hubert Nelson. That feeling prompted another recommendation by HUD, that the city up its spending limits on each housing rehabilitation project from $4,000 to $10,000. "We were spending our money to meet the health and safety necessities," explained Nelson. "But HUD wants some cosmetic improvements too. We were spreading our money as far as it would go on as many projects as possible. But HtJD wants each house brought up to code in every way." Nelson said projects outside the target area which already have been promised funding would still get the CD money. But the city's fifth year funding (1979) will be put into the target neighborhood. HUD pointed to the CD citizen participation plan, saying it does not meet federal requirements. Nelson said, however, that Bryan was doing things like it was supposed to, but the city wasn't documenting its activities properly to HUD. "We were already gearing up for many of the things HUD recom- mended," Nelson said. "We told the monitors about it verbally, but they pointed it out to us anyway in writing." HUD has made routine visits to Bryan before, Nelson said, but never such a comprehensive study. The city also has never received the qualifications on funding made this year. Unless Congress acts, Community Development funding will end next year, Nelson said. No one knows what, type of program will be im- plemented after that. In different administrations, projects for the needy have been called Urban Renewal, Neighborhood Develop- ment and now Community Development. Each new program brings new forms, new programs and new rules. "It seems like once we get going on a program and know how to operate it, they change the rules," Nelson said. �o By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Last year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) came down hard on the City of College Station, cutting off about $300,000 in Community Development funds. This year, they've focused on the City of Bryan. Bryan's `$800,000 in funds hasn't been cut off, but a monitoring visit by HUD officials has produced some very strong conditions that must be followed for receipt of the funds. The strongest recommendation is that the city spend $1 million in accumulated funds by August 1980 or lose the unexpended monies. HUD officials wrote ". . . regard- ing grantee's lack of satisfactory progress in drawing on letters of credit and making proper ex- penditures for program activities, the grantee shall, during the program year to which this agreement pertains, draw down from its letter of credit and expend for program activities not less than W (D r _ cn t7i ft P) LQ H H cn (D $542,202 by Feb. 15, 1980, and an additional sum of not less than $542,202 by August 15,1980." The drawdown average for programs in this region, HUD said, is 60 percent. Bryan's average is 41 percent for its first four years of funding. Community Development (CD) monies are used to upgrade low income neighborhoods. Another recommendation is that Bryan designate a specific "target area" in the city to use the majority of the federal funds in so that HUD can see more obvious results. The city's CD committee met Tuesday night and selected the Neal School area as its target. The area is bounded by 19th Street on the north, 22nd Street on the south, Sterling on the east and Hall Street on the west. The city council must approve the target area. "HUD wants to be able to drive down the street and see the im- provements," said City Planner Hubert Nelson. That feeling prompted another recommendation by HUD, that the city up its spending limits on each housing rehabilitation project from $4,000 to $10,000. "We were spending our money to meet the health and safety necessities," explained Nelson. "But HUD wants some cosmetic improvements too. We were spreading our money as far as it would go on as many projects as possible. But HtJD wants each house brought up to code in every way." Nelson said projects outside the target area which already have been promised funding would still get the CD money. But the city's fifth year funding (1979) will be put into the target neighborhood. HUD pointed to the CD citizen participation plan, saying it does not meet federal requirements. Nelson said, however, that Bryan was doing things like it was supposed to, but the city wasn't documenting its activities properly to HUD. "We were already gearing up for many of the things HUD recom- mended," Nelson said. "We told the monitors about it verbally, but they pointed it out to us anyway in writing." HUD has made routine visits to Bryan before, Nelson said, but never such a comprehensive study. The city also has never received the qualifications on funding made this year. Unless Congress acts, Community Development funding will end next year, Nelson said. No one knows what, type of program will be im- plemented after that. In different administrations, projects for the needy have been called Urban Renewal, Neighborhood Develop- ment and now Community Development. Each new program brings new forms, new programs and new rules. "It seems like once we get going on a program and know how to operate it, they change the rules," Nelson said. �o a C� Y i Vl D s 0. a h C O CL as . C f � V O CO) .0 4 W O Y b p 3 0 a) •rl 3 a d m N p f..r .r. p U � .o A' a� C w � aCZ cn d on .c � 3 N � W cz F, p y � U a � o 0 0 3 cu v a � a p v 0 a� a H 0 R a v cz C � � U O d � G p w y � rn R p � p 0 3 0 V5 n � [ o o y Q rn ch The Eagle August 16, 1979 Bryan Council calls meeting on annexation Bryan City Council has called a special meeting for Friday at 2 p.m. to discuss annexation of Municipal Utility District R, The council will decide whether to call for a public hearing on the annexation. At Monday's meeting, the council seemed split four against and three in favor of annexation. A petition has been received from 80 percent of the residents of the area. Annexation is opposed by the MUD developers. The Eagle August 16, 1979 CS planners give approval to rezonings By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer A proposed new commercial development in the area around Fed -Mart was given its first green light Thursday night by the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission. The commission recommended to the city council that four tracts of land be rezoned according to the wishes of Tenneco Realty, Inc. of Houston, the land owners. The land is bounded by University Drive on the south, the College Station city limits line on the north and Tarrow Street (29th) on the east. Development of the land was proposed about a year ago by former Texas A &M football coach Emory Bellard. Bellard has dropped that project, however, and an un- disclosed client is now considering the land purchase if the zoning is approved. The corner tract, across Tarrow Street from Fed -Mart, is 9.87 acres and the realtors are requesting the zoning be changed from single family to general commercial. A 6.43 acre tract behind Fed -Mart also is proposed to be general com- mercial and a 3.66 acre tract behind it would be zoned for townhouses. intersection of Tarrow and the city limits would be rezoned to ad- ministrative- professional zoning. The remaining acreage up to the city limits line would remain single family residential. It would back up to homes in Bryan's Beverly Estates. In other action, the commission conducted numerous publie.i hearings, but few of the public showed up to comment. Developer W.D. Fitch was the only one to speak at three public hearings involving his land-'in Southwood Valley. The commission recommended rezoning of a 23.90 acre tract 800 feet south of F.M. 2818 and 2,000 feet west of Rio Grande • Boulevard from agricultural open to apartment district. It also recommended rezoning of a 17.25 acre tract west of Rio Grande Boulevard about 800 feet south of F.M. 2818 from agricultural open to apartment district and a 4.11 acre tract 1,100 feet south of F.M. 2818 from agricultural open to duplex district. A third recommendation was made for rezoning a 2.47 acre tract on the northeast corner of Airline Drive and Southwood Drive from . general commercial to apartment A fourth, 1.79 acre tract at the district! The Eagle August 17, 1979 Th rezoni of 4 lots west of Fed -Mart received favorable review R -1 j N 1! li ! b W . 1 . ! 1 1 11 �. C -1 ,P r- tO 1 � ' 'o� l M C-1 :�.�.I, R -1 ^ ly C' ._ y The Eagle August 17, 1979 Th rezoni of 4 lots west of Fed -Mart received favorable review O *r v bAls a cts ft w y U) V .y Q a 'a .6 A 0 3 dC a _ Y C N p 10 m O �° L C W L �^ Q. y So Ia «0��3o«�_3vyc'ma« .a A O TS �'O ` R CD �Dmonw E�'iwv E tc id W 'ZT C O y �Q« °dUCLG - °N «ALL C •� N 10 'LS � w d ov l¢E« Nn« > 0-- p = y ai 3 C1 cc c F L ° m �� A C to 4! c a a`�tvc ;nicw0 mm D ~v a ° N w ` cc > m - ma o mwv A\ O O p A R+ COV mcD .0 0C.2m�tV um�o W N N O° tQr v d A O cc + F + D z7 •� O w R V R '►�' Q'i F C C co �A �.� ° s o 0 cc a w y O h F E p,0 cn w F. cc O A d y N - W U • np •^•� ,o V y � w Y woQ,�.a oNo U) ua c° C3 E-4 cc caa > a �/ •O y a y 'o O ` O � R A ?E f+ C �" c0 E+ 3 A k O r U v . a d 0 A ci a •a � a q o C%l O K F. G1 w U3 U Rf R er y y H C1. R noa y=^ U Q U cl U Q R eO cis O •O O '._.' O r Co O O .yr O R w c .0 E y O .� "�-' V c9 cu — c E V g P. O R ° w bo cc A o do- F a� ti ai y o > R @ p, O G) .+ c% ° c° @ ;v y d D 4 ° o a" p E� 3 u C 3� v . p' 1 y v to d y � S. a� ~� Ey ° o o w 3 Ey o v 'o CA a � o- a a � °>.y bM ° ao t o .° a R 3 " w U A d d CO Q y U ca R cc =S C, O H U c0. U R w y Ec4)��. b d °a o ti cc b a > C o 41 "A w C3 t, o Q Q .0 >°, w a H . O W c A 23 cd v1 :+ •^ y O ,C O e0 y Cd tw K co tE co CL , cn o +' A E w 44 cl a (D cacE4 R.. 00 c. eo d Pa •o E > .Cis w e am + E+ cc 1.. Q u w c c 8.2 � d A A is . to 0 CM � C.) ca 9D ooc w V v .� gg d ` Svc eU.S S. d be 4w U. d a r a y �x a •� cc ai o Q $. >r Cs c . -+q L e° �d. rte. r. •" °' co °i n.. P4 W co e 0 ri ., yr ao w a. a ,%3 ce � C vEs.w o cc V=aOo 3 a � c �y R cc L O to be " ch 'V wiUU a.. The Eagle August 17, 1979 cS files suit for damages M n 1977 fire By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer The city of College Station filed suit Friday afternoon in 85th District Court, seeking treble damages from a 1977 fire at the Highway 30 Sub- station. The day after the fire, city of- ficials estimated damages at bet- ween $35,000 and $40,000. Named defendants in the suit are General Electric Cp., •a New York corporation maintaining a principal place of business in O Houston; McGraw- Edison Co., a Delaware corporation with offices in Canons- burg, Pla ; Westinghouse Electric Corp., a Pennsylvania corporation with offices in Houston; and Electric Power . Engineers Inc., a Texas corporation with office§ in, College Station. GE, McGraw-Edisort and Westinghouse all furnished equip- ment for the substation. Electric Power Engineers is 'the city's electrical consultant. Approximately 40 percent of the customers served with electricity by College Station was plunged into darkness by the power failure and fire, which occurred at 6:18 p.m. Sept. 6_1977. City Manager North Bardell reported all affected customers had power restored by 11 p.m. that night. "A fault occurred which required the effective operation of the sub- station's protective devices and systems" the suit says, and those "devices and systems failed to function properly." The suit says among equipment furnished by GE was a "static reclosing relay for circuit switcher, Wto 2.0 second reclosing time range, 3.0 to 30.0 second reset time range." The manufacturer "failed to .properly design, construct adjust and /or test this item of equipment." McGraw- Edison furnished three vacuum circuit breakers and "at least one of the three ... failed to interruptJhe fault . . . Defer.lant failed to design and contract its vacuum circuit breaker ... " the suit alleges. Westinghouse furnished an electric power transformer and associated equipment, including a line backer switch, according to the suit. The switch failed because "defendant failed to properly design, construct and /or test" that item, the suit claims. The suit says Electric Power Engineers "had a duty to specify power settings for the protective equipment," but "failed to specify a setting for the line backer reset relay. In addition to asking the court for treble, damages, the city seeks reasonable attorneys' fees. The suit was filed by Woodard, Hall and Primm, Houston law firm; and Neeley Lewis, attorney for the city of College Station. The Eagle August 18, 1979 3ryan adopts 10 -cent tax increase By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Bryan City Council reduced a roposed 13 -cent tax increase to 10- ents Friday during a special ession. For an owner of a $50,000 house, ►e tax increase would mean an dditional $40 in taxes each year. Since the tax rate increase is more ian 3 percent, it will put the city ader the state's Tax belief mendment and will require special ,gal notifications and a public Baring. increase to finance the General Fund portion of the $37.5 million budget. Clark had advised the council that a "moment of truth" will be upon the city next year when federal Revenue Sharing funds are stopped. About $750,000 in capital ex- penditures for such things as vehicles and equipment is funded with the federal monies in the proposed budget. He urged the council to adopt no less than a 10- cent tax increase to allow for some reserve in the budget's ending fund balance. City Manager Ernest Clark had The 10 -cent tax increase is ex- ;ked the council for a 13 -cent tax pected to generate a $250,000 ending balance for 1979 -80. Bryan's tax rate hasn't been in- creased since 1977. The rate will be $.72 per $100 valuation based on an 80 percent assessment. In coming qu with the 10 - cent tax increase, the council cut back funds to some outside agencies. Neal Day Care Center had been budgeted for $11,000, but the council voted not to give the center any money but to provide free rent on its building. A request for $800 from RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) was denied as was a request for up to $15,000 from the Brazos County Senior Citizens Association for construction funds. Councilman Wayne Gibson tried diligently to get other members to vote down funding for other outside agencies including the Brazos Valley Mental Health - Mental Retardation Center. "We don't have any business taking tax money and spending it on any special interest group," said Gibson. ''They are good organizations, but they should get their funding from the United Fund, from charitable organizations. I just don't think the city should be in the welfare business." Mayor Richard Smith said he did not favor giving the senior citizens any more money that the $30,000 already donated by the city for their activity center. "I believe that organization is broad -based enough to be in a position to raise money from the community," he said. The enuneil voted t disenntin»e charging for use of Bryan Utilities Park Lake. Clark told them it cost $27,000 last year for the three at- tendants to take in only $15,000. The lake still will have a main- tenance worker and a park ranger and will be locked up at specific hours. Councilmen said they'd like to increase revenues at the golf course by 10 percent but wanted Clark to ask for input from the golfers on how the increase should be ac- complished. The council did vote to increase sanitation department, cemetery and inspection fees to bring in about $JAf 1 1 fU 1 iv a��st:n!+aJ *eN�s+xss. The council voted to use its total Revenue Sharing budget for capital expenditures, to cover cost overruns in existing street paving projects and possibly to purchase equipment for overlaying old streets. In other action, the council voted unanimously to call a public hearing on annexing Municipal Utility District #1 (MUD) and Rockwood Park Estates. The hearing will be sometime next month. Page 10F The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1979 Tobacco was two -bits Flour sold for $5 a barrel in 1889 By SAM LOGAN Business Ediotr Eighty years ago when Bryan was still a typical frontier Texas town (and College Station was a railroad depot adjacent to Texas' land grant college and a half a day's wagon ride to the south) business was considerably different than it is today. A look at the first Eagle, formerly The Bryan Weekly Eagle — volume 1, number 1, and dated Oct. 24, 1889 — tells readers a great deal about the lifestyle and commerce of yesteryear. Eighty years ago, most residents pretty well knew what their neighbors were doing, and the newspaper of the time had mostly datelines on dispatches from relatively remote places. The news style was considerably different too, with little attention paid to such things as objectivity or libel responsibility. For instance the lead story in that issue's front page was placed under the small type, but triple- decked headline: "Another Feud — Bloodshed in Mississippi — Two Men Killed." The dispatch, datelined Nicholson, Miss., described a shoot -out between a W.M. Tett of Nicholson and an E.C. Collins of Lacey, Miss. Though interesting, the story had more colorful adjectives than hard facts when judged by today's journalistic standards. Another front page story was really an editorial, taking the New York Sun to task for the Eastern paper's stand on a Texas business interest. It began: "The New York Sun in criticizing the cost of a deep harbor on the Texas Coast, exhibits knowledge of maps and very little knowledge of trade and traffic currents. If the Sun knew what would be good for New York commerce with the Southwest, it would en- courage the proposed deep harbor ..." In the pioneer newspapers often the front page was blend of news stories and dispaly advertisements. In this issue the entire left colum was taken up with advertising including the messages of more professional men, than merchants. Consider these: "G.P. Foster — Real Estate' Agent & Surveyor — Ofes. over Merchants & Planters National Bank." "Texas Bakery & Boarding House — Otto Boheme, Proprieter — Fresh Bread & Confections Always On Hand." "J. Wittmann — Merchant & Tailor — Over Rhodes' Saloon — Main St." If one holds with the theory that the most and prosperous merchants — of any time period — are the ones who advertise the most, then Saloons were a major economic factor in Bryan's late 1800's. The largest display advertisement in that first issue was purchased by Dunn & Daly on Main Street. Tbeir ad lictPd eigbt reasons wb„v customers should buy from them: "1) We're the only firm to make a specialty of the Liquor business. "2) We have the la stock in M T _ "3) Sole agents for the Milwaukee brewer who bottles Schlitz. Reasons 4) through 7) described the "fine products `Dunn & Daly' sold, and: "8) Because buying in car load lots allows us to undersell any house in town." The eighth reason implied both the volume of sales they made, as well as the fact that competition must have been considerable back then. In 1899 the grocery advertisement for R.J. Ford Grocery indicates he must have been one of the forerunners of the "discount stores." for his store's logo included this slogan` "A bid for the cash trade." Here are the items and prices he advertised: "Patent Flour, per bbl. —$5.00 "Best Straight Flour, bbl — $4.75 "Choice Coffee, 51bs. — $1.00 "Finest Coffee, 4 lbs. —$1.00 "White Sugar, 101bs. —$1.00 "Refined Lard, 121bs. —$1.00 "Sound Tobacco, lb. — 25c "Fine Tobacco, lb. — 350 "Good Syrup, per gal. —402 "Fine Syrup, per gal. — 504" In the Weekly Eagle's Nov. 7, 1889, issue, First National Bank of Bryan proclaimed in their ad- vertisement: "Capital Paid Up — $100,000.00." FNB's message then was: "Will appreciate your accounts and treat you as liberally as conservative banking will allow. Our bank vault and safe are both fire and burglar proof." The next week, furniture dealer C. Wielenski ad- vertised a "new line of coffins and caskets." In the Dec. 5, 1989 issue, G. Norrell's "Xmas" ad listed a "14 -inch doll, with kid body, bisque head, natural hair and showing teeth for 25 cents." But if the consumer 90 years ago had $1.25, he could buy a 24 -inch doll with the same amenities. Classified ads 90 years ago seemed preoccupied with residents attempts to locate lost or stollen horses. Wesley Travis offered a $5 reward ofr a "mare, missing 2 months." R. Villareal offered a $5 reward for his blue roan horse, but another man either had a better horse missing, or could afford a larger reward. He offered $25 for the return of a grey horse and instructed claimants to "reply to Bryan City Marshal, or to B.L. Reed at the Cattle Exchange Saloon." Cotton growing and ginning were also big business 90 years ago. A total of 21,773 bales had been ginned and stored at the six warehouses and at the depot "since the first of September," reported the Weekly l agJ,p in its Feb. s, issp issue. 0 p mh,: I v C m o v - VQ 07 It all started more than a quarter of a century ago when a gentleman in San Francisco churned up his first batch of ice cream in a small corner shop on Russian Hill. That was Earle Swensen and that's what he called his ice cream. Swensen's. Pure and Simple Earle's recipe called for the purest dairy ingredients, blushing fresh fruit and 2 extra measures of top cream. Swensen's was a creamy 20% richer than ordinary ice cream. A true San Francisco delight. The Landmark on Russian Hill. Swensen's became a gourmet tradition in San Francisco. Like exotic food and wine. A visitor from St. Louis wrote back: "I would have left behind all the other San Francisco souvenirs if I could have figured how to pack a gallon of Swensen's Mocha Almond Fudge home with me. " ID E ICE we . n 69 Culpepper Plaza•College Station _Phil & Jane Callahan, Proprietors Hours: OPEN 11:30 AM MON.-SAT OPEN NOON SUNDAY A Rich Tradition. Today there are Swensen's Ice Cream Parlors all the way from Anchorage, Alaska to Mexico City. But we haven't forgotten our early San Francisco heri- tage. Swensen's sit -down parlors are warmly reminiscent of a gentler period of tiffany and oak. Lazy -day fans and marble- topped tables. Phosphates over ice and tingling sarsaparilla and memor- able ice cream desserts built for two. Still as Good as It Was. Swensen's ice cream is still made true to Earle Swensen's recipes and churned in small batches at each establishment. It's every bit as rich and creamy. Just as varied and flavorful. And just as thick. At Swensen's, we serve up a cone brim- ming with a full quarter -pound of our remarkably rich ice cream. And our hand- packed quarts weigh a hefty two pounds. That's a half -pound more than a quart of ordinary ice cream. It's an old- fashioned way to do business. But then Swensen's is an old- fashioned ice cream. Dally Awhile. If you're yearning for a taste of times gone by, drop in at your local Swenson's in Culpepper Plaza for an ice cream fantasy made in the rich tradition of old San Francisco. Haswell's Bookstore, also a general mer- chandise store, sold books and school supplies along with china, gifts, home decorating supplies and radios. The store featured the first toy department in Bryan. Tyler Haswell was the owner of the store which had previously been operated by his �01lic x11Dc �a�Rc �A10 R Specials good June 25 -30th Have an Old- Fashioned Heavy Beef Decker's All Meat BRISKETS 12 oz. Pkg. WEINERS 1 Z9 lb. 89c Fresh Homegrown PEPSI COLA TOMATOES 6 Pk. Cans 39C lb. 990 MIKE "j,-�n Hor 9 At Smc�l r_ 708 East 23rd S father when it was known as Haswell's Saloon. It became the bookstore around 1890. Pictured from left are Maggie Conry (Mrs. Tommy Jenkins), A. Norman Stuart, Joe Howard, Herbert Tucker, Clint Harris and Tyler Haswell. g ©�q"� Since 1973 .... the Brazos Valley's largest fresh fruit & vegetable market. Mon. -Sat. 8 A.M. -7 P.M. 3519 S. College Ave. 822 -7209 Bryan planning board considers developments By SAN LOGAN Business Editor Bryan's Planning Commission considered plats for nine different proposed developments at their regular meeting Thursday night, ,rPir.--sarab* svtrrr Sad &T&Aurg scmrai others, pending modifications. Seven citizens, who live in the 29th Street- Carter Creek Parkway - Garden Lane - Skrivanek Drive area, appeared before the commission requesting that final approval on the Woodson Park Section II develop- ment be denied until proper drainage of extra runoff water (that this development may create) is prepared for. Tom Borski, a resident of the 1000 block of Skrivanek Drive, spoke first explaining that developments in this area, and e specially along 29th Street had increased the runoff of the watershed to the point where the drainage ditch for that area will not carry any more water. " I am a developer myself and certainly not against progress," he said. "Neither do I or my neighbors have anything against the Woodson Park II project. It just happens to be the latest development in this area, and we ask that it and all others be held up until the drainage ditch for this area can be improved." He said he has already had water in his home and flooding is iminent in that area if any more paved parking areas, which increase Mm?& aiibwed in [ale area. He also suggested six possible solutions to the problem em- phasizing the widening of the drainage ditch downstream (so that it will carry more rain runoff, aid sealing the ditch (possibly with concrete) so that it will not erode ditch banks and residential property in the area. Frank Collins told the com- missioners that he had done everything he could think of to his property to help prevent his own flooding, including the building of a $7,000 masonry retainer wall, and fru'6ag eroded places along tfie drainage ditch easement a number of times, only to watch it wash out again with the next rain. He also said subsequent rains will expose a 12 -inch high pressure gas main that adjoins his property. Various questions were asked concerning the problem by com- mission members, and Vice Chairman Steve Arden entertained a motion, which was passed, to table the final approval, pending further study by the Bryan engineering department. Action taken on other plats sub- mitted for either preliminary or Ahai approvai fticiuded: — Ernest R. Glover Tract, denied pending modifications of the plat to meet the city's subdivision or- dinance. — Willow Estates Phase II, tabled until plat is modified to meet the development's original master plan. — Oakhaven, approved, on the condition its fire safety plan is approved by the engineering department. — Resubmission of Thomas Heights addition (final), approved. — Cedar Ridge Phase II IA"PJa -Wi" . , - rFPM#Vd grader condition that two streets named White Fir Drive and Spruce Wood Circle have the same name in the final plat. — Reserve Tract - Briarcrest Valley (preliminary), tabled, no engineering report yet submitted. — Northcutt Mobile Home Park, approved, pending engineering department approval. Bryan OKs increased school budget By RUSTY CAWLEY $" && W1 *w Bryan school board trustees unanimously approved Friday night a $13. millionbudget for the 1979 -80 school Year. The board also declared its intent to raise taxes to $1.36 per $100 assessed value. The new budget totals $13,722,547, an increase of $1,377,019 over last Year's. Most of that increase, $1,121, will go toward higher teacher salaries. Other new items in this budget are: _ a raise in daily pay for sub- stitute teachers from $2 0 to $25. y - — a $25,000 fund for special nrnj and experimental programs designated by district teachers. — a $20,000 fund to match funds raised by school organizations to improve school grounds. — a $15,000 increase in capital outlay funds, including $5,000 for gymnastic equipment at Stephen F. Austin 8th -9th Grade School. Of the total budget figure, $9,799,260 (71.3 percent) will go toward instruction services; $621,668 (4.5 percent) will go toward general administration and the tax office; $2,026,637 (14.8 percent) will go TOTAL PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1979 -80 $13,722,547 1978 -79 BUDGET 12,345,528 INCREASE OF $1,377,019 PERCENTAGE ALLOCATION: A COMPARISON 1978 -79 1979 -80 Instruction 53.3% 53.8% Instructional Related 8.2% 8.6% Pupil Services 7.9% 8. General Administration & Tax Office 5.1% 4.5 % Debt Service 10.4% 9.4% Maintenance & Op erations 15.1% 14.8% t o w a r d m a i n t e n a n c e a n d debtedness and interest. operations; and $1,294,982 (9.4 The budget also reflects state percent) will go for bonded in- funds of $7,829,312 (58.1 percent of the total budget), and federal funds of $13,500 (10 percent of the total budget). In addition, the board declared its intent to raise the district tax rate by about seven percent, from $1.325 to $1.36. The board must now advertise a public hearing to deal with the tax raise. This hearing cannot be held until seven days after the ad- vertisement. The board will then call yet another meeting to adopt the proposed rate, or another rate. In other action, the board voted to set aside money each year for a remodeling and renovation fund. The district administration will set aside up to $150,000 each year for the fund. The trustees also: — voted to raise bus fees for the coming school year. One rider will cost the parents $9 per month; two riders, $18 per month; three riders, $25 per month; four or more, $30 per month. — voted to raise cafeteria prices. Student breakfasts at all schools will cost 35 cents, while lunch for kin- dergarten through sixth grade will cost 65 cents, grades seven through twelve, 75 cents. The Eagle August 11, 1979 CS settles debate on motel By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer The debate over what will be done with College Station's hotel -motel tax receipts was resolved Thursday night — at least for the next few years. Council voted to set a policy of giving one - fourth of the tax to direct tourism promotion through the Chamber of Commerce and the Information and Hospitality Center. The stipulation was made that the information center would always get at least $22,000 annually with the remainder going to the chamber. Council also voted to give one- eighth Related story on page 8A. of the tax to the Arts Council. Councilman Gary Halter said 37% Percent of the tax receipts would be going to the three agencies and the other 62Ve percent would be put in a fund for the proposed community center. "What if we don't build a com- munity center ?" asked Councilman Homer Adams. Halter answered that in that situation, the council would then consider requests from other groups. "In giving the arts council this money," said Mayor Lorence Bravenec, "it is our wish that the arts council will actively promote the arts in College Station on a distinctive College Station basis ... For College Station ... right here in College Station. Maybe another Round Top or something similar here in the near future." The council's action will mean that the arts council will get about $18,500 this year from the tax. Total tax for last year was about $148,000. The arts council had requested $19,000. "As to the request (for $100,000) from Texas World Speedway," said Halter, "After reexamining the law, I question whether it is legal to give money to a private business for promotion of that enterprise." Bravenec said he had been called by a Texas A &M official who said that the university wasn't asking for any money from the hotel -motel tax, but if the council was to re- arrange its priorities and give money to something like the speedway, the university would feel that it should be ahead in line. No money was allocated to the speedway. tax funds In other action, the council ap- pointed a committee to meet with school officials on details of a pur- chase or exchange of school property that might be used for a community center. Halter suggested that if negotiations can be worked out with the school, then a larger, citizens committee should be appointed to look into how the building should be remodeled. The council meeting was a heated one, but not because of flaring tempers. The council room air conditioning was out for the second Committee to revise CS plan Twelve persons were named Thursday night to a committee to revise the comprehensive plan for College Station. Related story on page 1A. Named by the city council were Roy Kelly, chairman, Jack Upham, Martha Camp, Clint Bertram, Percy Mims,' .Claude Davis, Irma Jef- ferson, Gale Warner, Al Swaboda. Phil Callahan, Lambert Wilkes, representing the school, and Ed Davis, representing Texas A&M. A meeting of the group will be called soon. straight Thursday meeting. Council members turned down the lights, opened the doors and later ad- journed to a room in which the air conditioning was working to hold a closed session. A petition for the annexation of a 59.17 acre tract located on the east side of Texas Avenue, south of Rock Prairie Road was tabled by the council. Adams said he thought the petition was premature since the highway department soon would be buying some of the land for widening of Highway 6. The Eagle August 10, 1979 BVDC endorses 4 housing grant bids Four of the five competing nn. `pitcafions for U.S. Department of Mousing and Urban Development (HUD) housing assistance payments were given favorable f•eview Thursday by the Brazos Valley Development Council executive committee. The payment program will be trade available to newly constructed f iarrris W be located in College Station. HUD personnel will make the final selection of one ap- plicant from among the four. Executive committee member Jim Dozier, also a College Station city councilman, hoted that a council subcommittee gave top preference to the two proposals designated as Oakwood Apartments and Dreamland Village. Those two, plus Holleman Park and Nevada Housing, made up the four proposals receiving favorable BVDC review. The fifth application, A &M Arms, was not given favorable review because of a potential access problem at its proposed site. Welch Street and Wellborn Road. Dreamland Village, just east of Wellborn on Holleman Street, would be a $1.5 million project made up of 46 units. Executive committee members also gave favorable review to: Oakwood Apartments would be a — a College Station application for $5 million, 250 -unit complex ljeated a $112,500, 50 -50 matching grant on Southwest Parkway between from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for continued development of Thomas Park, located north of Dominik Street. — a $38,173 criminal justice grant application for salaries with which to staff a court administrator project, submitted by Brazos County; — a third year funding application for the Bryan Police Department Juvenile Diversion Unit, in the amount of $24,456; and — a funding request for $58,920 submitted by the Burleson County Industrial Foundation for im- provements to its industrial park at Caldwell. The foundation proposes to match the federal grant with $39,280 of its own to provide water and sewer extensions and access road improvements. The Eagle August 10, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN I. COMMITTEE COM- POSITION Citizen Participation in the City's Community Develop- ment Program shall be provided for at both the Community -wide level and at the Neighborhood level. There are currently four Neigh- borhood Advisory Committees representing the four neigh- borhoods where intensive Community Development Activities take place and where the majority of low and moderate income persons and members of minority groups reside. There shall be four Neighborhood Preservation Advisory Committees representing the four neigh- borhoods proposed for preservation activities such as rehabilitation and code en- forcement (See Map). Each of these committees shall be composed of three persons all of whom reside in their respective neighborhoods. Participation at the Com- munity -wide level shall take place through the Citizen Advisory Committee which will consist of a representative from each of the eight Neigh- borhood Advisory Committees and a Representative-at -large to insure community wide participation. Each Representative shall act as liaison between their Neigh- borhood Advisory Committee and the City Staff. Members of Advisory Committee shall be appointed for a period of two years so as to provide for a continuity of citizen in- volvement. There shall exist a Housing Rehabilitation Committee (composed of one neigh- borhood representative, one citizen -at- large, and one member with a Vchnical background) which will be involved in implementation of the Housing Assistance Rehabilitation Program. 11. PARTICIPATION Citizen participation will be provided for at the pre- planning public hearing held to evaluate the previous year's Performance at the two formal public hearings held prior to the submission of the Ap- plication. In addition to this, meetings of the Citizen Ad- visory Committee will be held prior to the preplanning hearing and in the period prior to the two pre- submission hearings. All meetings and hearings concerning the Community Development Program will be advertised and open to the general public allowing for further com- munity -wide involvement. Citizens will also be involved in the development of the Citizen Participation Plan through a meeting of the Citizen Advisory Committee to discuss the Citizen Participation Plan development. Citizens will further be involved, through meetings, in any amendments to the Plan. Information concerning the regulations and procedures for citizen Par- ticipation will be available at all meetings regarding citizen participation. Ill. MEETINGS AND HEARINGS All meetings will be advertised and open to the general public. Furthermore, all aspects of citizen participation shall be conducted in an open manner with freedom of access for all interested persons. 1. Citizen Advisory Com- mittee — A meeting will be held prior to the first Public hearing. Program per- formance shall be reviewed and the Citizen Participation Plan discussed. A second meeting will be held in the period prior to the two public hearings held before Application submission. This meeting shall center on Ap plication Development. Topics covered shall include the three -year Community Development Plan including an identification of Community Development and Housing needs and priorities, the Housing Assistance Plan, and the current year's Community Development Plan and the most current Annual Per - formance Report. Written comments and proposals shall also be received at this meeting. Other meetings and hearings may be held if requested by the Committee or as necessary. 2. Neighborhood Advisory Committees — Public meetings will be held when requested by the members of - Nei9h,borhood Advisory Committee and staff assistance will be made available. These neighborhood committees will supply input to their representative to the Citizen Advisory Committee. Adequate opportunity shall be available for all citizens to provide input. 3. Public Hearing No. 1 — Thirty to sixty days prior to the planning period for the next year's application a hearing to review program performance and progress shall be held before the City Council. 4. Public Hearing No. 2 — A public hearing before the City Council shall be held to obtain views of citizens regarding Community Development and Housing Needs and Priorities and to obtain comments on Community Development Performance. Any and ail citizen views and proposals shall be made available to local elected officials prior to or at this hearing to be considered by them. S. Public Hearing No. 3 — A public hearing before the City Council shall be held to obtain views on the proposed ap- plication prior to A -95 Review and Council approval or disapproval of the Application. Records of all hearings shall be kept in a Minute Book located in the City Manager's Office. 6. Housing Rehabilitation Committee — shall meet ap- proximately once a month to approve or disapprove ap- plications for housing rehabilitation assistance. Records of these meetings shall be located in the office of the Community Development Planner. I V . T E C H N I C A L IN- F O k M A T 1 O N AND ASSISTANCE Technical information and assistance concerning the Community Development Program shall be available at all meetings. At the first meeting of the Citizen Advisory Committee this information shall include Entitlement amount, eligible and previous activities, ineligible activities, the application process, the Citizen Participation Plan and the schedule of meetings and hearings. All efforts shall be taken to make adPotLliP The public shill be granted access to a I documents relative to tt1e Community Development Program. Copies of all promotional material shall be displaled in the main lobby of City Hill. Copies of all key document- including ap- plications, performance reports, approval letters, regulations, procedures, records of hear ngs, the Citizen Participation Plan and any other documents pertaining to the Program stall be available through the office of the Community Development Planner between the hours of 8.00 a.m, and 5.00 p,rt'1. In addition to this, copies of the Citizen Particihation Plan, the proposed and approved ap- plication and annual per- formance report shall be available at Lincoln Center for review by interested citizens. Technical assistance will be provided to any citizen requesting su -h assistance. Program staff 9nd information will be availjble to assist citizens or groups during normal business hours. The availability and source of technical assistance shall be announced at all meetings and public hearings held relative to each program year's program. Technical assistance will be provided after normal business hours to low and moderate income person', and minorities through the Citizen Advisory Committee. Such assistance shall be made during any and all meetings of this Committee. Further assistance shall be available to the Neighborhood Advisory Committees. V. NOTICES No meetings or hearing shall be held without proper notice. Meetings of the Citizen Ad- visory Commiltee and Neigh- borhood Advisory Committee (when requested) shall be announced by certified letter to each member. In addition to this, the general public shall be invited through the local media. Public hearings shall be an- nounced through notices published in the legal and non- legal sections of the Bryan - College Statlorl Eagle fifteen (15) and ten (10) days respectively in advance of the hearings. Notices shall also be published in any College Station minority or neigh- borhood publication that can be identified. Other media shall also be usec to publicize hearings through regular posting of agendas. Such notices shall indicate the date, time, place anj procedures of the hearing and topics to be considered. VI. ROLE OF THE COM- MITTEES IN PLANNING The Citizen advisory Com- mittee shall be asked to aid in the development of the Ap- plication. The Committee will be provided with information relative to program - requirements ind procedures, entitlement, eligible activities and other aspects of the program. The Committee will also be asked to submit proposals and aid in the for- mulation of the program. They will be asked to aid in the dissemination of information and solicitaticn of program proposals on tt,e neighborhood level. IN IMPLEMENTATION The Housing Rehabilitation Committee will act to aid in the implementatioh of the Com- munity Develobment Program through its role in approving or disapproving rehabilitation grants. This =ommittee will review and approve or disapprove all applications for housing assistan through the Housing Rehabilitation Program. All bolicy decisions relative to this program, such as grant limits, income limits, and eligible work items, which require Council approval shall be referred to this Committee prior to Council consideration. The members will further be asked to aid in the dissemination of information regarding Community Development Programs. The Citizen advisory Com- mittee will be given the op- portunity at all of its meetings to give input regarding policy decisions relative to program implementatioh. All decisions requiring C approval shall be referred to the Citizen Advisory Committee prior to Council consid(ration. IN ASSESSMENT The Citizen advisory Com- mittee shall be given the op- portunity to assess and submit comments on all aspects of the City's Community Develop ment performan on a con tinuous basis, including the contractors who receive contracts uncle. this Program, and to asses; projects and activities to determine whether objectives are achieved. A meeting of the hitizen Advisory Committee shall be held no less than ninety da prior to the start of planni for the next program year to review per formance. This meeting shall be made public so that any interested party or organization nay participate. Citizens shall Ile made aware of opportunitie for assessing performance, location and availability of program documents any information, location and time of program staff offices, arid the existence and availabilit of the annual performance report. All copies of comments received, the assessment of these comments and a summ of actions taken shall be included in the annual performance report. Notice shall be published stating the obportunity and condition for citizens to submit views to the HUD Area Office. V I I. VIEWS A N D PROPOSALS Efforts shall be made to make citizens aware of the op portunity to submit views and proposals to the HUD Area Office and to Program Staff. Citizens shall be encouraged to submit views and proposals regarding the Community Development Program during all stages of planning. Special efforts shall be made to Solicit views and prOFd5al5 from low and moderate ncome persons and residents Of blighted neigh- borhoods throu notices and meetings of the Citizen Ad- visory Committee. All written proposals received prior to Public Hearing No. 2 shall be forwarded to the City Council prior to or at that hearing. Vill. CONTINGENCY AND LOCALOPT104 ACTIVITIES All contingency and local option activilies shall be discussed before the Citizen Advisory Committee prior to submission fo� Council ap- proval. If such contingency or local option activity is of such an urgent manner to need immediate cohsideration by Council, then esch member of ♦ho rui.e„ - -- mittee shall be notified of the time and place of said Council consideration, so as to allow comment by this Committee. Any local option or contingency activity shall be considered by the City Council at a public meeting of the Council. IX. PROGRAM AMEND- MENT Citizens shall be involved in the participation process involving all amendments to an ap- proved application, except amendments for disaster activities. If the amendment is of a nature as to require prior HUD approval, two public hearings shall be held before the City Council. In this way citizens may participate. If the amendment is of a nature such that prior HUD approval is not required, a meeting of the Citizen Advisory Committee shall be held (with members given written notification) prior to Council consideration. Citizen Advisory Committee meetings or hearings before the Council shall be held when any changes in program beneficiaries, changes in the location of approved activities, major budget shifts between approved 'activities, the selection of contingency and local option activities, and or changes in the Citizen Par- ticipation Plan take place. This will be done prior to Council consideration. X. CITIZEN COMPLAINTS All citizen complaints will be maintained as a part of the Citizen Participation records for each program year. Written responses to all written complaints shall be mailed within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of such com- plaint. A copy of each response shall be maintained as apart of the Citizen Participation records. X1. OBJECTIONS TO THE APPLICATION At the time each year's ap plication is submitted to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a notice shall be published in the Bryan College Station Eagle notifying 'interested parties of the availability of the application and requirements for sub- mitting objection to the ap plication to the Department of Housing and Urban Develonment. X11. BILINGUAL OP- PORTUNITIES There does not exist a significant number of low and moderate-income persons and residents of blighted neigh- borhoods who speak and read a primary language other than English. Therefore it is not necessary to provide notices of public hearings and in- formation summaries in any language other than English nor is it necessary to Offer bilingual opportunities at required public hearings. MEETINGS AND HEARINGS I. PRE - PLANNING STAGE July 23, 1979 1. Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting Ninety (90) days prior to Planning Stage, review Program Per formance and advise on Citizen Participation Plan. September 13, 1979 2. Public Nearing No. 1 -- to review Program Per- formance and Progress -Ii. PRE - SUBMISSION STAGE (INITIAL PLANNING) October 15, 1979 1. Citizen Advisory Committee Meeting. Advise on Application Development. November 8, 1979 2. Public Hearing No. 2 — to determine Community Development and Housing Needs and Priorities and to obtain comments on Com- munity Development Per- formance. Additional hearings and /or meetings may be held during this period as necessary. January 10, 1980 3. Public Hearing No. 3 — to obtain views on the proposed application prior to A -95 Review. Lorence Bravenec, Mayor The Eagle August 6, 1979 0 a rvan to look at r,a,,ising revenues from outside agencies in his about 8 -cents worth of taxes. proposed budget. Some $24,000 to the The 13 -cent tax increase would Bryan Civic Auditorium, $10,000 to raise Bryan's property tax to 75 the chamber of Commerce, $10,000 cents per $100 valuation. Smith said to the Arts Council and $10,000 to the that since the city was at an 80 Tourist and Information Bureau is to percent valuation, the effective tax be financed from receipts of the rate twould be for cents. and 1978 was hotel-motel tax. The Another $30,000 from the general 62 cents, or an effective tax rate of fund is scheduled to go to Easter- 49.6 cents, Smith said. wood Airport if council approves the city get said proposal. Another $59,000 is being more self-supporting requested by the health department Councilman Peyton Waller. "I just for Bryan's share of expenses. wonder if we aren't supplying' ome Councilman Henry Seale pointed services people ought to pay for out that the outside requests equal Turn to BRYAN, page 8A. By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Bryan City Council members said Wednesday they want to look at raising other revenues to the city before deciding on a proposed 13- cent tax increase to finance next year's budget. Other revenues include fees for licenses, rates for- city services and taxes such as sales tax. The 13 -cent property tax increase is included in a preliminary budget presented to the council by City Manager Ernest Clark. Clark is projecting total revenues in the General Fund (including the tax increase) to come to $7,606,059 and expenditures of $7,440,136. The total city budget, including the utilities system figures is ex- pected to total about $37,525,288. About $19,485,000 of that will be the electric division. "I've told the city manager that we wanted a budget that he felt as a professional city manager he needed to run the city. But also a reasonable figure," said Mayor Richard Smith. "We've (the staff) gone through the budget five times," said Clark, "and each time we've learned something. I consider this to be a conservative budget. Others on the staff may consider it even worse." Clark said the major emphasis in the budget is employee salaries. He said the city probably will ex- perience as much as a 50 percent turnover rate by the end of this year and that he feels it is essential to get some salaries up to competitive levels. An additional $1.2 million has been put into the budget for salary in- creases for existing employees, Clark said. Pay groups have been reclassified, he said, and some employees may be getting more than a 20 percent increase. The minimum anyone will get is 8 percent, Clark told the council. He is requesting three less employees than last year. The proposed budget contains virtually no capital expenditures, the city manager said. He hopes to make such purchases as equipment and vehicles with the city's federal Revenue Sharing money. A public hearing on proposed uses for that federal money will be held on Aug. 13. Clark included $224,000 in requests B tax increase until other revenues studied From page 1A, col. 6. instead of counting on property owners." "Let's take the revenue side of this thing and see if we can't raise it in some areas," proposed Seale. He said he also wants to review the outside agency requests. "I concur with Peyton," said Councilman Joe Hanover. "I'd like to see the golf course, the pools, all be self supporting, but I realize that is almost impossible. I'd like to commend Mr. Clark on the way he has approached this budget." Clark told the council that although he can find no money to fund them; he has two programs he feels need attention soon. The first is the hiring of two more clerks for the police department so that the patrolmen could stay out on the street instead of doing paperwork. The second is the hiring of two in- terns from A &M to help with research and reports in the public works area. The Eagle August 2, 19 -1' ORDINANCE NO. 1160 AN ORDINANCE FIXING AND DETERMINING THE GENERAL SERVICE RATE TO BE CHARGED FOR SALES OF NATURAL GAS TO RESIDENTIAL AND COM- MERCIAL CONSUMERS IN THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH RATE MAY BE CHANGED, ADJUSTED, AND AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR A SCHEDULE OF 'SERVICES CHARGED; REPEALING ALL OR DINANCES OR PARTS OF DRDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETINGS AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE IS PASSED ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW RATES. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS: SECTION 1. Effective with gas bills rendered on and after thirty (30) days from the final date of passage of this or- dinance, the maximum general service rate for sales of natural gas rendered to residential and commercial consumers within the city limits of College Station, Texas, by Lone Star Gas Company, a division of ENSERCH CORPORATION, a Texas Corporation, its suc cessors and assigns, is hereby fixed and determined as set forth in Item A, in the At- tachment hereto which is in corporated herein. SECTION 2. The residential and commercial rates set forth above shall be adjusted up- ward or downward from a base of $1.8392 per Mcf by a Gas Cost Adjustment Factor expressed as an amount per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas for changes in the in- tracompany city gate rate charge as authorized by the Railroad Commission of Texas or other regulatory body having jurisdiction for gas delivered to the Bryan distribution system, according to Item B, in the Attachment hereto which is incorporated herein. SECTION 3. Company shall also receive tax adjustments according to Item C, in the Attachment hereto which is incorporated herein. SECTION 4. In addition to the aforesaid rates, Company shall have the right to collect such reasonable charges as are necessary to conduct its business and to carry out its reasonable rules and regulations in effect, as set forth in Item D, in the At- tachment hereto which is in corporated herein. SECTION 5. The rates set forth in this ordinance may be changed and amended by either the City or Company in the manner provided by law. Service hereunder is subject to the orders of regulatory bodies having jurisdiction, and to the Company's Rules and Regulations currently on file in the Company's office. SECTION 6. That the terms and provisions of this or dinance are subject to ac- ceptance of same by Lone Star Gas Company and in the event such rates as set forth in this ordinance are not accepted by Lone Star Gas Company and appealed to the Railroad Commission of the State of Texas, then this ordinance shall be declared null and void and the request by Lone Star Gas Company deemed denied. SECTION 7. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION 8. Should any section, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this ordinance he declared un- constitutional or invalid for any purpose, the remainder of this ordinance shall not be affected thereby. SECTION 9. It is hereby found and determined that the meetings at which this or- dinance was passed were open to the public, as required by Article 6252 -17, V.A.T.C.S., and that advance public notice of time, place and purpose of said meetings was given. PRESENTED AND GIVEN reading on the 24th day of May, 1979, at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas; passed and approved on the 14th day of June, 1979, by a vote of four (4) ayes and one (1) nay at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of College Station, Texas. APPROVED MAYOR ATTEST City Secretary COLLEGESTATION, TE;(AS LONESTAR GASCOMPANY TARIFFS & ' Item A. The following rates are the maximum applicatl to residential and commercial consumers per meter per month or for any part of a month for which gas service is available at the same location. Residential: Customer Charge $2.000 All Consumption at $1.9979 Per Mcf If the service period is less than 28 days, the customer charge is 5.0714 times the number of days service. Commercial: Customer Charge $4.0000 All Consumption at $1.9979 If the service period is less than 28 days, the ccstomer charge is 5.1429 times the number of days ser- vice. Bills are due and payable when rendered and must be paid within ten days from the monthly billing date. Item B. Gas Cost Adjustment Each monthly bill at the above rate shall be adjusted fot gas costs as follows: (1) The city gate rate increase or decrease applicable to current billing month residential and commercial sales shall be estimated to the nearest $0.0001 per Mcf based upon. (a) A volume factor of 1.0043 determined for the distribution system as the ratio of Mcf purchased divided by the Mcf sold for the 12 month period ended June 30, 1978 (b) The city gate rate estimated to be applicable to volumes purchased during the current calendar month, expressed to the nearest $0.0001 per Mcf (shown below z "re"). (c) The base city gate rate of $1.8392 per Mcf. (2) Correction of-the estimated adjustment determined by Item B (1) above shall be included as part of the adjustment for the second following billing month. The correcting factor (shown below as "C ") shall be ex- pressed to the nearest $0.0001 per Mcf based upon: (a) The corrected adjustment amount based upon theactual city gate rate, less (b) The estimated adjustment amount billed under It, B (1) above, divided by (c) Distribution system residential and commercial ;ales Mcf recorded on the Comapny's books during the prior year for the month that the correction is included as part of the adjustment. (3) The adjustment determined by item B (2) above shall be multiplied by a tax factor of 1.04163 to include street and alley rental and slate occupation tax due to increasing Company revenues under this gas cost adjustment provisi I n summary, the gas cost adjustment (GCA) shall be determined to the nearest $0.0001 per Mcf by Item 8 (1), Item B (2) and Item B (3) as follow GCA- (Item B (1) + Item 8 (2) X Item B (3) GCA - (1.0043) (Re S1.8392) + X 1.04163 item C. Tax Adjustment The tax adjustment shall be an amount equivalent to the proportionate part of any new tax, or increased tax, or any other governmental imposition, rental, fee or ctarge (except state, county, city and special district ad valorem taxes and taxes on net income) levied, assessed or imposed subsequent to July 1, 1978, upon or allocable to the Company's distribution operations, by any new or amended law, ordinance or contract. Item D. Schedule of Service Charges (1) Reconnect Charge In addition to the charges and rates set out above, the Company shall charge and collect the sum of: Schedule Charge 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday $20.00 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday 30.00 Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 30.00 as a reconnect charge for each reconnection or reinauguration of gas service, where service has been discountineued at the same premises for any reason, w th the following exceptions: (a) For a builder who uses gas temporarily during construction or for display purposes. (b) For the first occupant of the premises. (c) Whenever gas service has been temporarily interrupted because of system outage, service work or appliance installation done by Company; or (2) Appliance, Gas light, and Air Conditioning Service Fharges. Appliance Service Charges Schedule Hourly Charge 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 516.00 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Friday $24.00 Saturdays, Sundays and Hollidays $24.00 An additional charge of $11 added to the above chargeswhen a second employee (helper) is required. Time in excess of one hour prorated in 15 minute increments, as follows: Increments Increments Standard Non Standard Working Hours Working Hours 15 minutes S 4.00 $ 6.00 customer. 30 minutes $ 8.00 $12.00 (3) Charges for replacing Yard Lines 45minutes $12.00 $18.00 Item or Service 60 minutes $16.00 524.00 Basic service charge for all replacement Standard working hours defined as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. work All new company sold grills services free of charge for i0 days, during standard working hours. Prebent Riser with Support Post Gas Ligf Service Noncorrodible Prebent Rier Service Charge Clean and replace mantles $ 5.00 Painting (black and white and/or replacing glass pane; S 4.00 All new company sold gas lights serviced free of charge for 90 days, during standard working hours. (or smaller) pipe, obtain city inspection Air Conditoning Service and replace grass Schedule Hourly Charge Any hour Sunday Through Saturday and Holidays $20.00 Time in excess of one hour prorated in 15 minute increments, as follows: Special trip to perform yard l i n e work Increments All Hours 15 minutes $ 5.00 30 minutes $10.00 45 m i nutes $15.00 60 minutes $20.00 for one year from date of installation. No additional charge for second employee (helper). Labor charges in excess of factory allowances for wzrranty replacement and repair will be passed on to the customer. (3) Charges for replacing Yard Lines Item or Service Chore* Basic service charge for all replacement work $30.00 Prebent Riser with Support Post $16.00 Noncorrodible Prebent Rier $11.00 Stopcock S 4.25 Ditch, replace 1 1 / inch (or smaller) pipe, and obtain city inspection $ 1.45 per foot Remove grass, ditch, replace 14 inch (or smaller) pipe, obtain city inspection and replace grass $ 1.75 per foot Insert 1 1 / (or smaller) Polyethylene pipe in existing service line S 1.35 per foot Special trip to perform yard l i n e work at customer's request and work cannot be scheduled for Company convenience $30.00 additional Work performed on overtime basis at customer's request 546.50 per hour Disconnection or reconnecting customer yard line at main when yard line is replaced by other contractors $30.00 A firm price quotation will be made on the basis of Izbor, material, and other costs for replacing yard lines larger than 1 inch in size. 1/ Computed at one fourth the hourly rate for each 15 minute period or fraction thereof. The same work performed on a call out basis will to charged at the overtime rate with a two hour minimum charge. - (4) Main Line Extension Rate (Residential) The charge for extending mains beyond the free limit established by Lone Star Gas, or any free limit established by city franchise is 54.50 per foot except to- large commercial and industrial consumers which are handled on an actual cost per foot basis. (5) Returned Check Charges A returned check handling charge of $5 is made for etch check returned to the Company for reasons of non Tl le Eagle sufficient funds, account closed, payment withheld, invalid signature or improper preparation. July 27, 19 7 9 ryan c 1 ■ o t all a n ax c h ang e By JANE MILLS SMITH tabled action on the new legislation Staff Writer that would allow city taxpayers to It took two votes on two different apply for a special assessment propositions and finally a three- based on the agricultural usage of three tie, but eventually Monday, their land. The deadline for applying the Bryan City Council decided to go was July 16 and City Attorney ahead with immediate im- Charles Bluntzer said eight people plementation of a new state law on had turned in applications. agricultural land taxation. During the afternoon session, the Oniy six members of the council council voted on a motion to -go voted on whether to implement the ahead with the implementation. new law this year or postpone it until That vote was 3 to 2 with Wayne 1980. Mayor Richard Smith said he Gibson and Peyton Waller voting in had land that would be affected by favor and Joe Anover, Pies Turner the decision, so he abstained from and John Mobley voting against, the discussion and vote. Mayor Pro A confusing discussion then Tern Henry Seale chaired the followed about whether the vote discussion. meant the matter was settled or not. At its last meeting, the council Bluntzer pointed out that the law states that the council has to vote to delay the measure and that no action would mean immediate im- plementation. The matter came up again at the evening meeting, but the motion that time was to delay implementation until 1980. Hanover, Turner and Mobley voted in favor of that motion. but Gibson.. Waller anti Seale voted against. A tie is con- sidered a defeat for a motion. "You're making it tough on me," commented Bluntzer. He had recommended that the council delay implemetation because guidelines for deciding which land should or should not get the exemption are fuzzy. 0 "We want to give whatever relief to whatever taxpayers we can," said Councilman Gibson. "I feel sure our staff is capable of deciding on eight applications by Aug. 15." The city's board of equalization will meet during that week. Acting on another new state tax law, the council directed the mayor to L.esnp P.* cmi+.? J Av fin s College Station, Brazos County and the two school districts to discuss how a single appraisal tax district might be set up. The cities and school districts are mandated to set up such a district and the county may join. A board of directors must be elected to direct the district. Smith said he would issue the invitations "as soon as possible" because "we've got to start somewhere." During the evening session, a Public hearing was held on the city's intention to drop the development of a park in northwest Bryan from the third year Community Development PJa ^. ?STS Z� :R;:ir 85�'�aerai Fubiic spoke at the hearing. City Planner Hubert Nelson said a gift of land for the park had been withdrawn and that the $20,000 budgeted for development of the land would not be enough to do anything there. Mayor Smith had offered the land as a gift to the city. "I agreed to give the land," he said, "but certain Persons expressed concern so I with- drew the offer." "It is too bad we got criticism on this," said Coucilman Turner, "It is one of the areas that really needs a park." The park would have been in the Kemp School area. "Is the idea of a park there dead ?" he asked. Nelson said no, that more funding could come in future Community Development plans. "Frankly, I don't think it will ever be possible to develop a park mext to my land there because of the suspicions that people have," said Smith. The Eagle July 24, 197 No preparation schedule set at Texas Instruments site Although there are signs of ac- tivity at the new 250 -acre Texas Instruments, Inc. property near College Station, no schedule of site preparation has yet been set, according to an official spokesman for TI. "We do have definite intentions to build a plant in College Station, but I have not yet been given any time schedule for site preparations, which will precede actual con- struction," according to TI's cor- po; ate public relations director, -- R elated story on page 6A. . Richard Pardue. Asked about the survey work going on at the property here that was purchased by TI in March, he said "that is probably survey work being done by the City of College Station in regard to utility easements or other preliminary work normally done prior to site preparation." Discussion of possible annexation of this property by the City of CS Council to hear annex requests Three petitions requesting land annexation into the City of College Station, including one for 250 acres from Texas Instruments, Inc., will be presented Thursday night to the city council. The Texas Instruments tract is located north of Highway 30 and east of the Bert Wheeler tract. TI has not made a formal announcement of its plans for the land, but its consultants have been meeting with city officials for several weeks. Surveying is already being done on the tract, according to city of- ficials. The second request is from Bert Wheeler, Inc. for the 184- acre -tract between the present city limits line and the TI property north of High- way 30. That land probably would have to be annexed in order to get the TI property into the city. If those two requests were ap- proved, it would add 434 acres to that side of the city and eventually bring in considerable tax revenue. The third request is for 323.2 acres of land located west of Southwood Valley and will be presented by the developers and owners of Southw000dl Valley. + The city presently has about 14,328 acres within its limits. City Planner Al Mayo said council will be presented with petitions but will probably take action for at least 20 days. College Station is scheduled on the city council's agenda for its Thurs- day night meeting. The spokesman said TI is getting ready to open a new plant in Colorado Springs soon. In March, TI officials revealed that the firm had acquired 250 acres for a future plant site, located just northeast of the present College Station city limits, one mile east of State Highway 6, between State Highway 30 and the extension of University Boulevard. the The meeting is at 7 P.M. at city the hall. no On Wednesday, the council will hold a workshop session to discuss extension of late night alcoholic beverage consumption and renovation of the old city hall. That meeting is at 4 p.m. In other action, the council will consider bids on city vehicles and changes in the electric rate or- dinance. The Eagle July 24, 197 F ire dispatchers enjoy duties 2 workers feel closeness to firefighting business By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer It would be difficult to find two city employees who enjoy their jobs more than Cheryl Lilly and Dorothy Parker. As dispatchers for the College Station and Bryan fire djepart- ments, the two women are members of two of the most close -knit departments in city government. "My father was a policeman, so I'd been around police and firemen most of my life. I like working with a close -knit group. And now that I work here, I like it even better than I thought I would," said Mrs. Lilly. She's been with the Bryan Fire Department for about two years. Mrs. Parker has been with the i b??t%e Station frYre department about 18 months. Her official title is administrative assistant to the chief, but like Mrs. Lilly, she does dispatching from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Mrs. Lilly's title "of- ficially" is secretary. "I like this job because each day is never the same," said Mrs. Parker. The firefighters are like family to her, she said. "They've given me the nickname of Ma Parker," she said with a smile. "I worry about them (the firemen) when they are out on a call," Mrs. Parker said. "Especially like during the university fire when I heard one was going to the hospital." Both women get called to the station — at any hour — if there is a major fire. "It gets pretty hectic if there is a major fire or several fires," Mrs. Lilly explained. "There have been times when everyone was gone from here and the other station. I've had all the trucks out of this station and I'm calling off -duty personnel, while at the same time the fire phone is ringing with other calls and I'm taking messages over the radio to contact an electrician or somebody." Both women said the hardest part of the job is the waiting while the firemen are at a blaze. "It is hard not being on the scene. I've only been on a fire truck once, and that was in the Christmas parade," Mrs. Parker said. During the recent fire at the old Board of Regents home, Mrs. Parker was called in at 2 a.m. and worked until the next afternoon. "I take over the dispatching which frees the men to fight the fires. I stay until someone gets free," she said. Originally from Houston, Mrs. Lilly graduated from Texas A &M in 1970 with two degrees in animal science. She raises and trains quarterhorses. "This job helps pay the bills," she said. "It is expensive to get started in the horse business. I now have 10 horses. But I'll probably be here the rest of my life — I like it," she said. Mrs. Lilly has had the misfortune of experiencing a disastrous fire herself. She and her husband John's country mobile home burned last March. "I saw that one," she said They saved only two iron skillets. They are expecting a child in September and hope to return to living in the country soon. "I've got to get back out there," she said. Mrs. Parker came to College Station from Palestine where she worked for the National Center for Atmospheric Research. Her husband, Calvin, works for an oil well service company. They have two children. After working at the fire depart- ment for some time, she said, "You just get a feeling that something is going to happen." She had such a feeling only a day before the latest campus fire. At home, Mrs. Parker likes to crochet and garden. She also likes to cook and often tries out a new recipe on the firefighters. A cake and a pie once prompted a bouquet of flowers from the men, she said. "They are a great bunch of guys. Their thoughtfulness is amazing." Cheryl Lilly of the Bryan Fire Department. lfl_n W I - Dorothy Parker of the College Station Fire Department. The Eagle July 23, 19 Staff Photo by Steve Castleberry NOTICE A meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee of the City of College Station will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 23, 1979, in the Council Room in City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to review Community Development Program performance and to review the 1979 Community Development Citizen Participation Plan. Technical Information and assistance shall be available at this meeting. Information concerning the 1979 Entitlement amount, eligible and ineligible Community Development activities, previous activities and planned activities, and the schedule of meetings and hearings for the year shall be available. This meeting is open to the general public and all Interested citizens, organizations and agencies are encouraged to attend. Jane R. Kee Community Development Planner Bryan police limit By FRANK MAY Staff Writer Rising gasoline prices and decreasing supplies have caused the Bryan Police Department to make a traffic accident policy change. The department has begun asking persons involved in "private property accidents" to exchange vital information and fill out forms about the mishaps without calling police to the scene. "Unless there is injury involved or it's a hit - and -run accident or some other unusual circumstance, we're asking that people do this," Police Chief Joe Ellisor said. Ellisor said the new policy will help the department cut back gasoline usage and enable patrol cars to sp prevention. Ellisor described private property accidents as collisions in areas such as parking lots, driveways and private roads. Parties involved in the accidents should exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance in- formation. NOTICE A meeting of the Citizen's Advisory Committee of the City of College Station will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 23, 1979, in the Council Room in City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas. The purpose of this meeting is to review Community Development Program per formance and to review the 1979 Community Development Citizen Participation Plan. Technical information and assistance shall be available at this meeting. Information 'concerning the 1979 En titlement amount, eligible and ineligible Community Development activities, previous activities and planned activities, and the schedule of meetings and hearings for the year Shall be available. This meeting is open to the general public and all in terested citizens, organizations and agencies are encouraged to attend. Jane R. Kee Community Development Planner to save gas so known as blue forms, must be completed within 10 days of the accident. The forms are available at the Bryan police station and other law agen- cies. State law, however, does not require reporting involving damages of less than $250. The policy may be extended to minor accidents on public streets because of current gasoline shor- tages, Ellisor said. Bryan police have been operating under a conservation program designed to make patrol cars more visible, but more stationary. College Station police also have a program to cut back car mileage, but Police Chief Marvin Byrd said officers will respond to any accident. Ellisor said he hopes the new policy will not inconvenience citizens, "If we cut out the time we spend on the accidents, it can help our law enforement," he added. Other cities, such as Houston, have similar programs. In the Bayou City, police encourage par- ties involved in accidents in which cars are not disabled to exchange information and leave the scene. The Eagle July 19, 1979 responses end more time on crime Accident reports al Fire destroys part of A &M bumildming E M OM E MS U A.U.N.mr- L___ By FRANK MAY Staff Writer While hundreds of students rocked to a concert nearby, a stubborn fire destroyed three rooms and heavily damaged a six -story building at Texas A &M University Thursday night. A College Station fireman spent the night and Friday morning at St. Joseph Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation caused by thick fumes which filled the building. Another fireman underwent X- rays this morning to determine if he fractured his right arm which was briAsed while fighting the blaze. About 20 other firefighters from Bryan and College Station were repeatedly treated at the scene for inhalation as thick smoke prevented them from seeing past a few inches, they said. The fire raged through three rooms on the third floor of the Soil and Crop Sciences and Entomology CPntPr arrncc WPllhnrn Rnad and sent smoke and heat throughout the 18- month -old structure. The blaze destroyed valuable chemicals, some of which exploded, and about $30,000 in research equipment used to study insects. It threatened to expose radioac- tive materials stored in an adjacent room, but concrete walls and floors blocked the flames. The blaze is the second at the building within two weeks. "It's becoming a habit," Kirby Stafford, graduate student, said. Forty -three Bryan and College Station firemen stopped the blaze after cornering the fire. An aerial truck from A &M's firemen's training school spread water into the room pushing it toward firemen. "It was terribly unfortunate," Dr. Jarvis Miller, A&M president said, "Especially since it was a new building." Miller said state law prohibits the university from insuring the Staff Photo by Steve Castleberry A truck from the firemen's training school was used to approach the third story. building. The losses will put a financial burden on the university "in the short term," he said. But the Legislature "normally" appropriates funds to replace fire losses, Miller added. The heavy smoke and intense heat from plastics in the laboratory where the blaze began caused trouble for firefighters. "We would water down parts of the room and we'd get scalded from the steam because it was so hot," said Lt. Dwayne Mallett of the Bryan Fire Department, "The fire was so confined and so hard to get at, we finally got in through part of the wall which had been knocked down," said College Station Lt. Morgan Cook. A crowd of about 150 persons viewing the blaze cheered at 9:07 p.m. when firefighters reported it was under control. They had battled the fire for over two hours. It was reported at 6:39 Turn to FIREMEN, page 6A. The Eagle July 13, 1979 Staff photo by Steve Castleberry University President Jarvis Miller at the scene of the fire. 20,000 sq. ft. VV ° t 4 1 00or r Cr Parking L � r ° N J 11 �� Drawing shows space available at the new center. ti 0 3� I Completion set in 1980 From page 1A, col. 2. a major shopping center to be located in Bryan - College Station the past 35 days. The three listed above, included with the planned 800,000 - square -foot regional mall to be located in College Station amount to a combined total of 1,010,000 square feet of retail shopping space. These four major complexes, not counting the several smaller centers, figures out to be the size of 63.16 football fields. The Home Center will be adjacent to a Safeway Super Store, and Central Texas Hardware will be the largest retailer in the shopping center. Centeral Texas Hardware will have a 40,000- square -foot store, that is approximately twice the size of its existing store in downtown Bryan. Switzer Deason, owner of Centeral Texas Hardware and developer of. the Home Center, said that in ad- dition to the same array of mer- chandise sold at the present downtown store, the second location will feature a complete line of lumber and building materials for the "do it your:elfer" homeowner market. The "Kitchen Shop" at the new Central Texas Hardware store will have a demonstration kitchen for gourmet cooking classes. Deason said discussions are in progress with several national retailers expected to locate at the Home Center. H said that interest from local and regional businesses has been 9 A public an- . nouncement of ether businesses to locate at the new center is to be made within the next few weeks, he added. The center, will be constructed on a triangle - shaped 6 -acre site, facing East 29th Street. Each of the two Wings of the center will include 20,040 square feet of space for other retail stores with the hardware store in the middle. Architects for the Home Center are Matthews Callan and Associates. General Contractor is Sentry Constructio Inc. Both firms are based in Bryan - Coll Sta tion. The Eagle July 11, 1979 Home Center' to join By SAM LOGAN Business Editor ,n 80,000- square -foot shopping iter will be constructed on East h Street at Briarcrest Drive. The v retail location is to be named "Home Center." 'onstruction is to begin next nth, with completion targeted for -ly 1980. Switzer Deason, owner of ntral Texas Hardware, is (eloping the center. 'he Villa Maria /Briarcrest /East h Street corridor is becoming one the area's prime retailing strips, A over 600,000 square feet of existing retail space located within a one and a half mile radius of the intersection of Briarcrest and East 29th. With the new 50,000- square -foot Ardan Store to be build on Briar- crest, the 80,000 square -foot- Wal- Mart to be constructed at Manor East Mall, several smaller shopping centers newly announced in the same area, and now the Home, Center, another 300,000 square feet of retail space will be added in the sector. This is the fourth announcement of Turn to COMPLETION, page 4A. retail strip at 2i and Briarcrest Artist's concept of the `Home Center' complex scheduled to be completed in 1980. Page 2F The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1979 R ailroad Br over oonville By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer According to history books, Bryan's earliest inhabitants were Indians and Spaniards. The native tribes were the Tonkawa, Towakoni and Waco. The Spanish traveled the El Camino Real, now forming the northern boundary of Brazos County, on the way from Monclova, the capital of the province, to the missions of East Texas. Brazos County originally was a part of Washington County with the county seat located west of the Brazos River. Early in 1841, a group of citizens petitioned for a new county and the petition was granted on January 30, 1841. First named Navasota County, the name was changed to Brazos County on January 24, 1842. There were about 45 families living in the county in those days, according to records, and included the Miilicans, Middletons, Wicksons, Bowmans, Seales, Hanovers, J. H. Jones and Carters. Robert Millican's family was the first to settle the territory that later became Brazos County. The Richard Carter family settled about three miles CS recen com m u n I By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Prior to 1938, there was no City of College Station. People living in the area surrounding Texas A &M University were few and those that were there were farmers or associated in some way with the college. College Station's history has never been written down in any formal manner. Many of the men responsible for its inception are now dead. But one key figure in the city's creation is still living in the city and gave this account of the early days. Ernest Langford, mayor of the City of College Station for 24 years, came to Texas A &M in 1909 as a freshman student. And in 1915 he returned to teach in the college's Architecture Department. He and two other men, J. T. McNew and Giob Gilchrist, circulated a petition in 1938 to call an election for the creation of the City of College Station. "Prior to 1938, everyone either lived on the campus or lived in Bryan. We would take the trolley in to the campus and back," Langford remembers. The college originally was only a flag stop on the railroad and later became a regular stop. That stop was where the city's name came from. . Langford said the old station was located across the Street from the monument to veterans of foreign wars on the west side of the old academic building, just inside the west gate. At one time, Langford remembers, two train companies had 12 trains running through the station each day. The most famous train, he said, was the Owl, an overnight train. The Owl ran for 86 years, asak:YSg &S 2 - rs - t runt & 19M. e__ mss, Page 3F. southeast of the present City of Bryan on a creek that now bears his name — Carter Creek. According to deed records, a committee was ap- pointed by the Texas Congress to locate a county seat. William Millican, Captain J. J. Jones, Joseph Ferguson, Major Eli Seale and Mordecai Boone, Sr. made up that committee. The name Booneville was given to the new town in honor of Mordecai Boone, who was a relative of the historic explorer and hunter, Daniel Boone of Ken- tucky. The town was located about two miles east of the present city of Bryan. The City of Bryan was established when the Houston and Texas Central Railroads wanted to extend the railroad farther north. "Since they were unable to make arrangements for a right -of -way through the various leagues east of the present site of Bryan, they moved the railroad farther west and ran it through the Stephen F. Austin leagues, nine and ten, which were owned by William Joe Bryan," according to a thesis by Lois Alyne Wilcox. Bryan was one of the first 300 families of Austin's Williams for $10,558. Bryan Appeal ceased publication. Citizens of Bryan vote to establish a public senooi system and to levy an annual property tax for its support. 1878 Joseph's Catholic Church built 1879 Hairvfy community begun six miles north of Bryan, -4MJ 1,4 ped in honor of Harvey Mitchell. 1880 U.S. Post Office building at corner of 24th and Main Streets burned. First Tax - supported public school in Bryan opened under the name of the Bryan Graded School. 1882 First Baptist Church moved to its present location at East 27th and Washington Streets. 1883 Tabor community, named in honor of John J. Tabor, was founded in the northern part of Brazos County about ten miles from Bryan. 1890 Compress of the Bryan Compress Company destroyed by fire; and a new compress was construeted- 1873 The Legislature provides for the reorganization of the City of Bryan. Lending office extablished by Guy M. Bryan, Jr., who represented his father William Joel Bryan. 1875 Academy founded utilizing the facilities of the Texas Odd Fellows University and Orphan's Home which its founders had bought. 1876 A Pilot began publication as a weekly newspi per, First resident Catholic Priest came to Bryan. 1877 county jail built under contract awarded to A.P. BRYAN DL. b S t � �7 U i c ir i ` : f . 88YANt. TT.XA9 THUMDAY, t3r.LXXBRR The Daily Causes Talk for more WatC;t"a Jis Spare for tla` t PUBLIC SPIRIT APPRECIATED adv�- tiset�ten�t of than 100 y Kind Fords and Encourage- went Extended at the ED HALL # Ea.. it been one w Follow t �# �PO'It1P{�, Proper Time. The r"ocer. THE CROWD Messrs. Connely, Palmer & Carnes, Publishers. of the corner R)as P.> O. ' `° ° "` ' Dears Sirs; Please put me on your $ Cad l 1VCIBRE 1 'S list for the Daily Eagle, which please deliver at my office. Instead, however, of sto o ou 3 allowing the subscription to run as the tlr Presents, Toy ; , C:,, weekly has done, send me your account each week, which I will promptly a b us i ness O P P Y P y• I am indeed glad that we have a few rasa. public spirited citizens left. What a pity we He has Everything, haven't more. �> M%r,,x: eva at." gig n. Kilt, m The next thing is the taking of specials We took the liberty of reproducing nand eV;mdW E� =a. "$ _ . r and noon Associated Press. We can make a letter to the �' saes airs " +T and r^t[:y�e- ,rah. �i,.•< • editor from the you very low rates on the press, which " u are invited to will amount to two thousand or twenty-five third issue of The Bryan Daily Eagle �« s hundred words daily. Yours truly. F0111,011' T11h' W.W. Harris The Eagle had already been on the scene for some time, but the faith of those early publishers in the Brazos Valley area had prompted the conversion of a weekly to a daily. fi+ h E V� a We still believe in the strength of th - 9 e Brazos Valley `1111 STNIAS 6I and we believe that strength is echoed in the "public spirit" of our citizens. In celebrating our past let's keep an eye on the future. D.sb a xt✓ £ i4> $ r ' E 4 > BS+sB $gM •°ax rttsF K Shx t�amY3x ft by {' a'iR sp- �e =:e r�sa +• €<4 ��_ � '� � `� � maws: a, as a n � a gl e Serving The Brazos Valley for more than a century. first colony to settle in Texas. Emily Austin, daughter of Moses and Mary Austin and the only sister of Stephen F. Austin, married James Bryan in 1813. Leagues Stephen F. Austin nine and 10 were awarded Stephen F. Austin's estate by the Republic of Texas to William Joel Bryan. Bryan arranged a right - of -way for the railroad, laid out the town on Bryan and it was named for him. William Joel Bryan sent his son Guy M. Bryan to the new community to lay out a city and attend to the establishment of the city. He opened an office for the purpose of lending money in 1873 and the firm developed into the 11th chartered bank in Texas — First National Bank of Bryan. After the town was established, the citizens of Brazos County held an election and voted to move the county seat to Bryan. The town was one mile square when first laid out. - One lot was given for the Methodist Church and another for a school. "Although the original plan for the city was that it should be built around a public square and the railroad company had deeded to the city lots to be used for the public square ...as tradition has it, speculators had bought up the lots around the public square and asked so much for them, business men gave up the idea of the square and moved across the railroad to the west and built along the railroad so they could unload and take freight right into their stores," according to Mrs. Wilcox's thesis. The streets were built wide so that a team of oxen with a wagon could turn around, historians said. Sam Eaves in his recollections of early Bryan said the first store was built in 1867 at the corner of 26th Street and Tabor Avenue. The people who moved to Bryan were mostly of Anglo -Saxon stock. They came in general from the southern states. The route taken by immigrants was to come to New Orleans by boat, and then proceed by boat to Galveston and Houston. From Houston they were able to go to Millican and Bryan by train. The City of Bryan was incorporated by the state legislature on Nov. 29, 1871 and extablished an aldermanic form of government. The first city hall was known as Mitchell Hall. This early meeting of the College Station City Council was taken when city offices were in the Burgess - Russell Building on Jersey Street. Seated is then Mayor Ernest Langford. Standing from left are Aldermen E. E. Brown, G. B. Wilcox, M. T. Harrington, R. L. Brown, and business manager L. D. Smith. Way back when .. . william Joel Bryan ' 46, Old Main, TAMU Campus 5 � % " .1.1.FJL 0%:;PS1LjLW_11jLqL;11W1 "Y WAAv __ — - 'The inauguration of the land grant college program on 1876 insured he future of an already dynamic ade area. Bryan Hearne aldwe.1 Navasota.... Brenham 1Vl adisonville ... all began with the hard labor of pioneers hose traces are to be found today amid unparalleled prosperity. v— ,4c k ��1 NWW The Eagle Bryan-College Station, Texas Sunday, June 24, 1979 Page I F Baylor Puins, Independence Thomas Sanford Gathright, first president of Texas A&M. 1876-1879. IL o l,� WA­ "Is i . m E"ULEY Ku"TIN 4� "4to C , LL mm P, e U I mc ALTA WRA Old Main, TAMU Campus 5 � % " .1.1.FJL 0%:;PS1LjLW_11jLqL;11W1 "Y WAAv __ — - 'The inauguration of the land grant college program on 1876 insured he future of an already dynamic ade area. Bryan Hearne aldwe.1 Navasota.... Brenham 1Vl adisonville ... all began with the hard labor of pioneers hose traces are to be found today amid unparalleled prosperity. v— ,4c k ��1 NWW The Eagle Bryan-College Station, Texas Sunday, June 24, 1979 Page I F Baylor Puins, Independence Thomas Sanford Gathright, first president of Texas A&M. 1876-1879. IL CS incorporates in 1938 Continued from page 2F. "Across the tracks from that was a lone store — Boyett's Store. It was first a post office but also a general country store. It was built a year or so following the year the college opened in 1876," Langford said. "The board of directors (college) leased five acres to a man, I believe his name was Pugh, for the store with the agreement that he would build a motel and boarding house with appropriate accomodations for the people who might come in by train." That never got built, Langford said, and in 1885, Mr. Boyett purchased the store and ran it until 1923 when he moved it to what is now Northgate. "1936 is an important date because that was when the State Highway Department began construction on a four -lane road between Bryan and Navasota," Langford said. About 1940, after the city had been incorporated, "businessmen became interested in the city and businesses began to spring up at Northgate," he said. About 1945, Langford said, the college board of directors ordered all "faculty folks" to vacate their homes and move off campus. "We built our homes and we moved some from the campus," he said. "There was not a house standing in what is now College Station when that order went out." Many of the houses from the campus were moved to the residential areas around the campus including the College Park Addition. Sometime near 1935, many of the college people began thinking about incorporating their own town. "I've been asked dozens of times why we didn't just become part of Bryan and I really don't know. Bryan was far away then. About halfway to Bryan there was a little community called Union Hill. It was where Sulphur Springs Road is now and the road connected Highway 6 with College Avenue," Langford said. Lanford, McNew and Gilchrist circulated petitions to call an election for incorporation of the city in 1938. McNew was a professor of civil engineering, Gilchrist was Dean of Engineering and Langford was a professor of architecture. The election was called in October, 1938, and "passed by what we thought was an overwhelming m n inritv." The city's first mayor was J. H. Binney. Aldermen were G. B. Wilcox, L. P. Gabbard, L. G. Jones, A. Mitchell and Langford. J. S. Hopper was named city marshall, S. L. Loveless was made city secretary and J. W. Barger was made city attorney. "Well we wanted to get to work on organizing the city. Here's a council with no place to meet and no money. We took up a collection among ourselves and got about $20. We had some stationery printed and bought some stamps," Langford said. In Feb., 1939, the new city council applied for a charter from the Secretary of State to actually begin operation of the city. "Well Bryan voided that. Somebody might take issue with me, but we knew where it came from," he said. Gilchrist, Barger, Binney and Langford traveled to Austin to visit with the secretary of state's office on the matter. "We met him in the hall. He said you men can go home and take your oath of office and organize your city. We did." "In January, 1939, we actually got into business." The first officially recorded council meeting was Feb. 25, 1939 in an office on campus. College Station's first city office was above the present University Studio — known then as Sosolik's — for a cost of $17.50 per month, all bills paid. "Then we moved over to the southside on the second floor of the corner building. When we outgrew that we went by the railroad tracks and built our first city hall," Langford said. 1971 N. 1979 Tri -State A &M Sporting Goods first opened for business in a smaller location on Old College Road in 1971. They have moved twice since then, once in 1973 and in 1977. They built a new, larger store next door which is pictured above. Tri -State has been famous since they first opened for having one of the largest selections of guns, ammunition and hunt- ing equipment in the Braozs Valley. The new location has enabled them to expand their sporting goods stock to include a line of swimwear by Arena & Speedo, trampolines, tennis and foot wear. Tri•State A &M Sporting Goods 3600 Old College Road 846.3280 a te' 846.3570 a T ! It r C�j 11 � J S2$ ,Yic r y Remember when your family would gather around the piano and join in singing and fellowship. Wel4 the piano can still be the cornerstone of a strong family and we have many models and sizes to choose from. K Ey bO ARd Xtw& Stir A#4 11 Gu>ka.n by: Easy Play Yairi, Alvarez Bryan • 779.7080 Speed Music Yamaha, Ventura Randv Stuart, Ow ner for piano, organ and others. and guitar Op io 6 Days Til 6 PM il F UNERA L HOME 60 Years Of Service To Our Community "Our ServiCe ... A Sacred TruX Serving BRYAN - COLLEGE STATION AREA 822 -1571 502 W. 26th Bryan The Eagle/Bryan-Col lege Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1919 Page 3F Member by I nvitation, National Selected Morticians P° ;e 4F The Eagle /Bryan-College Station, Texas – Sunday, June 24, 1979 Easement first city t College Station's first city council meetings were held on campus at Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College. During the first meeting on Feb. 25, 1939, the council had a picture taken. Mr. J.W. Barger was named city attorney. "The matter of action on an easement for laying pipe for the Bryan Pipe Company for water was taken up. This was deferred until the college attorney be consulted (after appointment)" according to the minutes. "It was moved that publicity be given through the Houston Post Broadcast Co." The council met again on Feb. 27, 1939, in Dean Bolton's office at the college. "Mr. Barger was P uthorized to notify all agencies distributing any service to the city to file annual reports in accordance with requirements of the law. Mr. Langford was authorized to order a corporate seal. The council authorized the mayor to transmit to the Committee on Community Chest a request that that committee grant the council a sum of money, $600, to assist in defraying expenses for the time being. "The following officers were appointed: J.T.L. McNew, city engineer; E.W. Steel, sanitary engineer; J.E. March, city health officer. L.P. Gabbard was elected mayor pro tempore." On March 6, the council voted that the city secretary when appointed should keep regular office hours on Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings during the remainder of the month. Sid Loveless was named city secretary. On March 9, a vote of thanks was extended to J.A. Orr for staking out the boundaries of the city. On March 30, an ordinance was drawn up to adopt the Battalion as the official newspaper. On May 18, the council held its first meeting off campus in the new office in the Sosolik Building at Northgate. Early Bryan notes burn Written records of Bryan's early city com- mission meetings were destroyed by a fire at city hall in 1909. The oldest meeting record which survives is of a meeting on April 9, 1889. Cliff A. Adams was mayor and aldermen were R.L. Weddington, Milton Parker, A.C.L. Hills, W.W. Harris and G.M. Devden. City Secretary was A.B. Carr. According to "The Early History of Bryan" by Joseph Milton Nance, the first mayor was Alexander Anderson who took office in June, 1868. J.M. Thurmond served from Nov., 1869 -Jan., 1870; H.T. Downard served from Jan., 1870 to Jan., 1872; Jas. B. McLelland beginning April 15, 1873; L. Ervin from Dec., 1874 -1876; D.T. Williamson beginning August, 1874; J.R. Evans Five cadets clown around on a loading dock of an early train depot in College Station. The city's name came from the whistle stop along the railways for the Agricultural and Twin City Appliance Center at 3519 S. Texas Ave. in Bryan carries a full line of major appliances by Frigidaire, Hoppoint, Whirlpool, Litton, Caloric, Vent - a -Hood and Panasonic. Aggie and Paul Best (pictured) offer personalized assis- tance to individual homeowners and builders. They have a good selection of models to demonstrate in all new fashion - coordinated colors. Their motto is "We Service What We Sell." If you are planning to remodel or build a new home, see the friendly people at Twin City Appliance. Twin City Appliance 3519 S. Texas Ave. Bryan 846 -3721 from March, 1876 to April, 1877; J.M. Robin- son from March, 1877 to Nov., 1883; T.W. Tabor. from Nov., 1883 to Jan., 1885. Cliff Adams then became mayor on April 9, 1889. The aldermanic form of government was used in Bryan until a special election on March 23, 1917, after which the city changed to a com- mission- manager form of government. One of the most urgent needs of the city in its earlist days was a waterworks system. Ac- cording to research done by Lois Alyne Wilcox in 1952 for her thesis, the council voted in 1889 to build under a franchise a system of waterworks for Bryan. This was a private corporation under the name of Bryan Water, Ice and Electric Light Company. A $20,000 bond issue was voted to cover the expenses of the water system. AaM erchlres Mechanical College. The stop was later made a regular stop as travel increased from the area. Jail construction early county hurdle By JOHN MORRIS Staff Writer The Brazos County government had its problems back in 1844 with civil and criminal matters — and even the jail. The oldest transcript of a County Court meeting and existing in the present county clerk's office is dated May 6, 1844. Brazos County was created Jan. 30, 1841, by the Texas Congress and carved out of Washington County, but Brazos was named Navasota County. The Congress changed the name to Brazos on Jan. 24, 1842, almost a year later. Texas was still a Republic, when a group of citizens petitioned Congress for a new county. The county seat of Washington was located far to the west of the Brazos River. Travel was difficult because of the few roads and no bridges. As i*ore settlers moved in, inconveniences of get- ting back and forth to court grew greater. When Navasota County was created, 45 families lived within its 578 square miles of land. The first county seat was Boonville, just east of Bryan. The site was surveyed for a town, and lots were sold for $8 each. A public square was set aside in the center of town for a courthouse. The county seat was moved to Bryan in 1866. While located at Boonville, however, the county had three courthouses. The first was built in 1841, the second in 1846 and the third in 1854, with the last being a two -story structure. Reportedly, the first meeting of the court was held in March, 1841, at Ferguson's Crossing on the Navasota River. A grand jury met for two hours under a hickory tree and reported it found no violations of the law. The May 6, 1844, County Court minutes on file is not the original. The minutes are prefaced: "Transcript of the proceedings of the County Court in Book Marked A and also of the County Com- missioners meeting as a board of Land Com- In 68 years, our ads have changed, but our service hasp 'M , 1-- l r 4& This advertisement for Parker -Astln Hardware appeare Id n � -� The Bryan Eagle on Thursday, June 29,1911. Bryan's oldest and only True Value Hardware Store ... Now celebrating its 68th Anniversary Storewide Sale. HARDWARE STORES 108 N. BRYAN HARDWARE COO DOWNTOWN BRYAN Slime 19 missioners- transcribed by I.T. Lloyd and his deputy A.M. Clark." When the transcript was made is not indicated. The first entry reads: "Monday Morning, May 6, 1844. The county Court of Brazos County met in the town of Booneville present the Honorable Issac C. Spence Chief and John Woods and Samuel W. Middleton Aposiate Justices and James I. Bowman Clerk County Court and E.M. Millican Sheriff." At that meeting, the court ordered commissioners previously appointed "to superintend the building of a jail and the sale of lots in the county seat be required to wright to Wm. H. Jack the claimant of the land upon which the Town is situated and request of him to make a deed to the 180 acres of land contracted for by said commissioners and further authorize them to give the obligation of the same..." After obtaining the deed to the land from Jack, the commissioners were then ordered to "proceed for- thwith to collect all the money due to the county for tots sold in the Town of Booneville and give deeds for the same" to the buyers. Commissioners for the town of Boonville were also appointed at the meeting, and Woods was authorized to receive $20 for books for the county clerk. The next meeting of the court was set for "Saturday the 11th of May next." That meeting would deal with a criminal matter. That Saturday, the court ordered the arrest of two slaves accused of "taking and branding a colt" not belonging to them. One of the slaves would run afoul of the law slightly more than two months later. On July 1, 1844, the County Court said John F. Crawford — who was given the contract to build the jail — "has failed to comply with his contract. Three hundred dollars is the amount of damage that has accrued to the land for noncompliance with his con- tract." 45 YEARS OF SERVICE TO TH BRAZOS VALLEY Dick Peacock, owner of News evolved from a weekly to a architectural and engineering Office Supply Company, re- morning daily newspaper. In supplies, Including blue line cently received the National 1952 the Bryan Daily News and quick copy service at the Office Products Association, was discontinued and the firm College Station location. (NOPA) Award, in recogni- restricted its business to office NOSCO also offers Its own tion of over 25 years of service supplies. Hence, the name Industrial brand name pro - to the office supply industry News Office Supply Company. ducts. and membershlo in NOPA. Mr. Doney operated the A businessman from way Only two awards of this "department store for busi- back, Peacock says a person stature were given this year ness needs" until he sold the has to "believe In what he's In the four state area of Texas, company to Dick Peacock selling." To Peacock, a Lousiana, Arkansas and Okla- in 1972. Mr. Peacock has run business Is there to serve a homa. Together Peacock and NOSCO since, and five years need, to "put something back Doney represent over 45 years ago he opened a second Iota- Into the community ", and he of continuous service and the tion in College Station. strives to live up to his most complete line of office NOSCO stores are located philosophy through his busi- supplies and furniture in the at 123 East 25th Street in ness. Brazos Valley. Bryan and at 108 College Main Dick Peacock and his em. In 1935, News Office Supply at Northgate In College ployees pride themselves on served as a weekly news- Station. ' personal, courteous and paper, a commercial printing prompt service", with a daily office and an office supply Operating with the philoso- delivery based on before noon company, until Mr. Doney phy that NOSCO is "the office call -Ins. NOSCO's inventory bought it in 1942. Between products people ", the firm is closely watched to assure 1942 and 1952 the newspaper is able to serve not only prompt service and to serve department of the firm typical office needs but also the needs of Its customers. News Off iech Supply "The Office Products People" 123 E. 23rd • Bryan 108 N. Main • College Station Brazos County's First Courthouse at place by eight log poles. There was a Boonville was moved, piece by piece, from complete absence of nails. The courthouse' Boonville to the Harvey community area was replaced by a new structure after about 1866. The roof was constructed of Texas became a state in the American crudely fashioned boards held down and in union. Dick Peacock, (left), owner of News Office Supply Company, is showing Walter Doney, (right), former owner, the National Office Products Association Award recently presented to Mr. Peacock in New Orleans. Pege6F The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1919 d a y s w s h eartbeat of ea rly R a� ■ w a a By FRANK MAY Staff Writer With many frontier towns in the Southwest, the railroad was the heartbeat of the community and the link to the rest of the world. For early Brazos County towns, the railroad was even more. In Bryan, in fact, the railroad created the town and kept it flourishing. Transportation had been a problem for the Brazos Valley through its early development in the 1840 -50s. Travel was done on horseback, by two -wheel carts, by stage or wagon. The average speed of the stagecoaches and wagons was from five to eight miles an hour. During bad weather, when the roads were muddy, passengers had to walk alongside and behind the wagons and coaches. In short, trips to market were slow, uncertain and expensive. But the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, one of the first in Texas, was nearing the county by the late 1850s. It started in Houston in 1853, stretched to Cypress in 1856 and finally entered Brazos County in 1860, stop- ping at Millican. Construction teased during the Civil War, making Millican the distribution point for an area of about 200 miles, extending as far north as Dallas -Fort Worth. Cotton -laden wagons met the trains and Millican grew rapidly. But when the war ended, and the railroad construction resumed many Millican businessmen moved with the locomotive. Several came to Bryan and stayed. The Houston and Texas Central attempted to acquire right of way for its railroad east of Bryan, but failed. The railroad moved west and ran through the Stephen F, Austin leagues owned by William Joel Bryan. The railroad was not only going to lay down its tracks, but would also establish a town in honor of Mr. Bryan. When the roaring locomotive rolled into Bryan in August, 1857, the county seat of Boonville emptied and crowds assembled in Bryan to greet the train. The Houston and Texas Central remained the only railroad in town for more than two decades. But in � A crowd of people watch as a train pulls up to. the "college" time, the city had eight passenger trains passing through the station for the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. At one area each day. 1900, the International and Great Northern and the Missouri Pacific lines came to Bryan. The International and Great Northern was com- pleted that year, connecting Bryan with north, east and south west portions of Texas. But the Missouri Pacific line ran into trouble when it began to lay its track in 1900. Those troubles even- tually led to the railroad's current route through downtown Bryan. The M -P line was to begin at Calvert and go into the Brazos Valley through an agricultural region. Bryan businessmen became alarmed. They believed the line would ruin Bryan's trade prospects in that region and an argument between town citizens and M -P officials ensued. The local residents offered M -P a right -of -way through Bryan, if the company would build on it. A petition embodying the agreement was signed by most merchants in Bryan. Many of them later admitted they did not read the document they signed. The business men later discovered the petition had no restrictions where the railroad would run through Bryan. The oversight brought on complications since the railroad engineers seemingly did not show judgment in locating the track. It was laid down West 27th Street, a residential area. But the huge, noisy trains forced most homeowners to vacate the area. But the railroad was acclaimed as a step forward for Bryan. The Bryan Daily Eagle said, "New life and impulses are witnessed. The city has entered a new era and the E arly enf orceme nt: s but sure grand jury Oct. 29, 1874. He pleaded innocent, but was found guilty of second degree murder April 6, 1875 and sentenced to five years "in the State Penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas." Another murder case involved Frank Hammons, perhaps the first man sentenced to die in the county's District Court. By FRANK MAY Staff Writer Constables, deputies and other lawmen were assigned to work beats. The sheriff was often a highly respected member of the community and the top lawman. Crime would flourish as the county grew. Persons were charged with everything from embezzlement to murder. Punishment was just as variable, with fines of $5 in some cases and death by hanging in others. In short, law and order was much less sophisticated in Brazos County during the late 1800s than today, but the basic enforcement techniques were the same. Records of the Brazos County Commissioners Court show lawmen conducted patrols. On Aug. 20, 1860, while Leonard Hudson was sheriff, the county court appointed R. B. Dawson, G. Roaks, William Roaks, T. Halliy, Robert Christie and John Wilson to Patrol Company No. 1 "to patrol as the law directly within the limits of Justice's Precinct No. 1, declared patrol district No. 1." Constables were assigned to beats one through four. The county judge was the chief justice of the county in those days because the commissioners court heard criminal cases. The sheriff would be paid for holding prisoners who were arrested, charged and often released on bond. In 1876 the No.1 news source for the Brazos Valley was The Pilot, earliest ancestor of today's Eagle. Now more than 43,000 readers look to us for news everyday. view The Eagle ADS � �� ER PI.� w A history of friendly service to Robertson, and parts of Milam, Leon & Brazos Counties Staunch supporters of the Brazos Valley's Agricultural Community! MO RIDAY9TO6CLOSEDS O AT. 00 279 -3438 TWO DRIVE -IN WINDOWS 122 4th Hearne TO SERVE YOU Criminal activity during the early existence of Brazos County in the mid -1800s was apparently slow. Court records show few prisoners were taken into custody by the sheriff and even less ever came to trail. Early state district court records, however, show a multitude of criminal charges filed. Some of the cases handled by the district court in 1874 included: unlawful card playing in a public place, unlawful carrying a Bowie knife, theft of cotton in the seed, unlawful marking of pigs with intent to defraud the owner, exhibiting a "Monte" table, theft of a hog and false swearing. The first murder case in Book No. 1 of the county District Court involved Lew Van Hook, indicted by a future is secured ... If visitors are seeking a home in a community of churches, schools and moral influences as well as thrift and business advantages, they are invited to come and cast their lot with us." Enterprising Bryan merchants took it upon them- selves to build a railroad line in 1905 to Burleson County. It cost $70,000, collected from townfolk, and ran to Smetana, Stone City and the Chance Plantation. However, transportation from Bryan to College Station remained a problem. With the Agricultural and Mechanical College thriving after about 30 years of existence, local residents decided buggy and wagon should give way to an interurban rail service. In 1910, at a cost of $50,000, four cars were put in service on the interurban. He was found guilty of first degree murder April 10, 1875. Hammons was "ordered to be carried to the county jail to be closely confined until Friday, May 21 upon which day between 12 o'clock a.m. and 2 o'clock p.m. he shall be carried from the said jail to the gallows to R st be erected the sheriff ... to be hanged by the neck until he is dead." s ta nd t Several historic structures remain in Bryan - College Station to remind residents of the twin cities' early days. Several commercial buildings still stand in Bryan, along with a number of interesting, well restored residences. Most older structures in College Station are located at Texas A &M University, since the town grew around it. One of the more notable buildings is the Carnegie Library, located on Main Street. The library was built in 1903 with money from the Carnegie Foundation, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. At the extreme north end of Main is an unusual looking structure with a unique, rather large roof. This was an old ice house and was built in 1912. A few blocks away on Parker, near the railroad tracks is Temple Freda, which features some stained glass. The synagogue was constructed in 1912 and was named after Ethel Freda. Victorian and later homes are located in two residential sections of Bryan. One is located between 25th and 28th streets, bounded by Parker and Congress, and the other is between Houston and Baker and 24th and 31st streets. The oldest structure on the Texas A &M campus is Goodwin Hall, which was built in 1908. Perhaps one of the more interesting structures is the domed Academic Building, constructed on the site of Old Main which had burned in 1912. Work on the building began in 1912 and it was completed at a cost of $225,000. One of the older buildings on campus with a great deal of history su rounding it was the Old Board of Counterfeiting was uncovered in Brazos County in 1879. The case involved coins. Traumas Bufrd was H piece of base metal and a certain mould prepared with the intent for counterfeiting silver half dollars of the United States of America." Bond was fined $60 and sentenced to four years in prison. Several cases were continued for years, sometimes as long as a decade, before being resolved, according to court records. The value of a horse was evident in punishments given criminals who stole them in the 1880s. Convicted person often received five to seven years for stealing a horse, and two years for taking a cow, while one person convicted of assault with intent to murder received six years. Several persons were charged in 1881 with laboring and unlawfully selling goods on Sunday. In 1883, Mike Reed was sentenced to 99 years for rape. Directors Home. ' .At in 1912. Doing Business Since 1936 a, R oy Henr ® Pontiac -Buick TRUCKS 503 Market St. Hearne, Texas { 713- 279 -5113 l l BUICK The Carnegie Library, now a city office, was secured from the foundation after local stands on South Main Street in downtown leaders requested it. The library was Bryan where it was constructed in 1912 with lauded by civic leaders and by 1913, was funding from the Carnegie Foundation. The valued at $40,000. ,.:... a,..,., +oa +hn lnnrl nnrl a (R10.000 ¢rant The Eagle /Bryan-College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24,1979 Painful growth, glory mark A &M history By HENRY C. DETHLOFF Taken from a picturial history of TAMU 1876 -1976 Texas, who in the fragile days of the Republic of Texas had dedicated public lands to higher education, shared the great vision and aspirations of Senator Justin S. Morrill, who introduced the bill to establish the land -grant system of public higher education. The dream could not be shaken by bloody Civil War or by bitter Reconstruction. Texans had long looked for- ward to that day, October 4, 1876, when at the dedicatory ceremonies opening Texas' land -grant college and first public institution of higher learning, Governor Richard Coke told a handful of students: 'Grave responsibilities rest upon you. The excellence of the college will be determined by your progress. Let honor be your guiding star..." Few colleges or universities have witnessed so much change in the past hundred years, and fewer still have so well preserved a basic stability, sense of purpose, and association with the past. Growth, and even survival, have not always come easily. Texas A &M has weathered the pain of reconstruction, political turmoil, and economic need. It has withstood the throes of educational change, two world wars, and a crippling depression. It has survived — and matured. The reconstruction of the 1940s, the anxieties of the 1950s, and the rapid progress of the past two decades have left Texas A &M a more healthy, viable univer- sity. It has learned to live with change, without rejecting or sacrificing the past. When Governor Coke made his dedicatory address in 1876, the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas had already experienced over a decade of adventures and misadventures. The small cluster of buildings set amid post oak and broad prairie bore little resemblance to the sprawling campus of today. In those early years the area served as an assembly point for drives that took Texas beef to Dodge city. Longhorns and mustangs could still be seen nearby. It was a wild, unlikely environment for the begin- nings of a great institution of higher learning. Horned toads, scorpions, rabbits, and deer vied with wolf packs for running room. One young student came to enroll and was attacked by wolves during the day, in full sight of the main building. Another was jumped by a hungry pack just after dinner. It was a colorful, if not always comfortable, at- mosphere for gaining an education. Bathing facilities were only oneof the obtainable luxuries at A &M. Coke and the A &M Board of Directors would have liked to open the school in the fall of 1875 but were forced to wait another year. There was simply too much to be done. There was no president or faculty, no resident or dining facilities. Merely a vast, unequipped main building in the middle of the prairie, four miles from a raw frontier town called Bryan. And if the site of the new institution of learning was close to primitive, its initial educational offorts were perhaps more primitive still. While the school was authorized to teach the agricultural and mechanical arts, such subjects had rarely if ever been taught anywhere else — and never in Texas. Knowledge about these sub- jects was, at best severly limited. A &M's first faculty shared very basic problems with faculties everywhere at that time and necessarily found similar answers: stick to the tenets of a classical education and avoid the tinknown. There was a difference, however, at A &M. A battle was shaping between the classicists and the representatives of the emergin new scientific, technical, vocational school. It was a battle that would rage, smoulder, die, and emerge again and again throughout the coming years. And, in the end, it would In 1895 you could buy: Oairette Laundry soap Hood Sarsaparilla Parker's Hair Balsam and The Bryan Daily Eagle today you can still buy: VWW The Eagle Serv.ny the Bozos Vall¢ for over 100 years In the 1800's residents of the Brazos Valley read by the light 9 kerosene lamps. Repairs, Accents urn 3900 Old College Road (Westof Triangle Bowl) Hrs: Tues -Sat 9:30 -5:30 846 -3329 Today, The lamplight has many alternative solutions to your Ig and decorating needs. , shades. !Er C I- r— D T C) I'M S'l I r- �) \ � iM� %eE IR AAI shape a new, unique kind of university. Much was awaiting Texas A &M: painfu growth and days of glory, traditions that would become a part of the university and irrevocably influence the lives of the young men who would pass through its doors. All of this, though, was in the future. For now, the budding institution of higher learning awaited its first students. Six of them appeared for registration during the first few days of enrollment. By the end of the first term, the number had grown to 48 and by the end of the year, 106 students had enrolled. Within a chosen field there was a free choice of courses. There were, however, only six teachers on hand, so that "choice" was somewhat narrowed. Students, after four years, could attain S.A, degrees in scientific agriculture, degrees in civil a 9 mining engineer or an A.B in language and literature. New students were introduced to President Thomas S. Gathright and given a 28 -page set of Rules and Regulations that detailed their academic year.. Financial and personnel problems plagued the new school. In 1879, serious faculty- administration disputes arose. The students became deeply involved in these affairs and took a definite stand. The Corps of Cadets by this year was already becoming the cohesive, spirited force on campus that has since come to symbolize A &M. The new president John G. James declared he in- tended to make A &M into a truly agricultural and mechanical college. The advent of his administration was in a sense yet another false start, but it did provide more building blocks for growth. He made every effort to reorganize the college as a training school for farmers and mechanics and to deemphasize the military- training aspects of the school. During the three years of his administration the general situation at the College appeared to worsen. There were still n o_bathing facilities on campus. The hospital was totally inadequate and there were deaths from pneumonia and measles. Difficulties between the University of Texas and the Agricultural and Mechanical College over the distribution of funds reached a boiling point in the newspapers and in the legislature. Despite these problems, there was progress in the making for both institutions. Facilities improved. The faculty was enlarged, and more classes became available to more students. A frame building for carpentry and woodworking stood behind Old Main. There was a blacksmith shop and a boiler house. "The Line" was composed of five brick houses for the faculty. A depot building faced Old Main, and the railroad began making regular stops at College Station. The fall session of 1884 saw 133 students enrolled. They were organized into a battalion of three com- panies, A, B, and C. To a great extent, student life was shaped by the Corps of Cadets. Corps life could be very rewarding. It could, at times, also be arduous. New students in the 1880's were termed "fish," a status distinctly inferior in stature to upperclassmen. Traditions were in the making, but few existed as they do today. Even the term "Aggies" was not ap- plied to A &M students until after World War I. They were called Cadets, A &MC students, and after the turn of the century, Farmers. " Aggie" was officially adopted as the student -body nickname only in 1950, when the yearbook was changed from The Longhorn to Aggieland. A strong sense of loyalty was already developing. An Association of Ex Students convened in 1880. Company and class rivalry was strong, and this rivalry formed the foundation of the Aggie spirit and tradition of later days. As yet, though, there were no bonfires, yell practices, or even intramural or in- tercollegiate athletics. No senior boots or Ross Volunteers. There were, however, Keg - Rollings, where students would haul a keg of beer from Bryan and hide it in the woods for a secret, prohibited beer bust. Visits to Bryan required special permission from the president, that town had "fourteen or fifteen saloons, an average of two per block, and incidental gunplay." Whatever student life was, and whatever Aggie traditions came to be, was molded by the Corps of Cadets. While other colleges and universities were developing social clubs and fraternities, none of these were encouraged or ever developed at A &M. The Corps of Cadets instead became a single fraternity which encompassed all students at the College. In- deed, the Corps contributed singularly to making Texas A &M University a truly unique institution of higher learning. From the earliest day of the in- 28 Years of serving the "Brazos Valley" g g9 0 ES �� �pG 1, 1912 ,�\ON of FoR Q 3%g �g5 :_P.� 197� EM /fN 25 Illy WE SERVICE; FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Now Page SF stitution, it created a highly organized, responsive, cohesive, and generally well -led student body. This is itself marked a distinctive quality in AM's development, because most student bodies have been; and are, disorganized and usually unresopnsive groups. By the 1880's the Corps developed a respec- tability and stability that reflected the improved status of the College. Public regard for A &M improved'' measurable throughout the decade. Moderate elements began to press for cooperation rather than conflict between the University of Texas and the Agricultural and Mechanical College. Elements of discord remained, but the first real at- tempts at coexistence were being made. Governor' John Ireland was succeeded in office by one of the most colorful governors in Texas history, a man destined to play a decisive role in the future of A &M. Lawrence Sullivan Ross came to the school after a career as Indian fighter, brigadier general in the Confederate Army, planter, state senator, and governor. The selection of Ross as president marked a great step forward for A &M. It signalled the fact, as nothing else could, that A &M had become an important and respected institution. He brought to the College things that no other person could possibly bring. It came to be said that people sent their son to Sul Ross, not to the College. With the coming of Ross, A &M entered a new age. Traces of the Past.... Fine Linens Lead Crystal Silk Stevengraphs Handmade Dolls Brass Silk Flowers Keepsakes for generations.... i�kAdded luc4 Mary A. McCulloch 403 Villa Maria Proprietor Coppersfone Sq M1 @R FwNlw,, n rompEnk In DOWNTOWN 823 -0902 BRYAN Check These -Outs 7 Compare Years I —• -- l The GRANADOS - K2526 Mediterranean Styled Console TV. Beautiful wood - grained finish applied to durable wood products on top and ends with select hardwood solids framing top. Front and base of simulated wood. ,EN�t�r b 19 DIAGONAL j No Trade -in �;I ( Required Handsome, compact -size simulated grained American ;399 Walnut cabinet. Picture x5 Control. Automatic Fine- tuning Control. VHF and UHF Antennas. ■ Brilliant Chromscolor ■ Power Santry Voltage Picture Tube Regulating System ■ 100% Solid -Stale Solid -State Super Video Chassis Rance Tunlnq System The best Zenith ever! TRI -FOCUS TRIPLE -PLUS COLOR PICTURE Chassis SENTRY TUBE Deslgnedtobethe Zenith's most soph- The sharpest Zentith most reliable Zenith Isticated, automatic (�( picture ever! ever Picture con" system I See Milton Franklin or Billy Hodge for quality furniture & appliances TO $1200 Six Cabinet Styles TRADE Limit Time Only Page 8F The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1979 T eleg raph , carr th wor Within a year after the City of Bryan was formed in 1866, communications systems were established, giving townfolk another link to the nation. The first telegraph line reached Bryan in 1867, the same year a city news letter began publication. Lambden and Cunningham published the Bryan News Letter weekly and later semi - weekly. It was called "conservative." The Bryan Appeal newsletter was formed in 1869. In 1876, the Brazos Pilot began publication as a weekly newspaper. A year later, the Appeal ceased publication. The first telephone in Bryan was installed in the early 1880s. A line was built between the city and Judge's first job . was paper boy "In those days I had the biggest paper route in town, 180 papers, so they'd pay me more ...$3.25 a week, everybody else just got three bucks," Judge W.T. McDonald, Sr., whose first job was delivering The Eagle, recalled recently. McDonald later became an attorney and served in the Texas Legislature before returning to his hometown to serve in various judgeships, climaxing his judicial career with service in the State Court of Criminal Appeals. As a retired jurist, he is now called on to sit as a special judge in various proceedings and is also practicing law, mixing a love for case law with his own brand of wry humor. When McDonald started his Eagle route in 1923 he was 12- years -old, just like the youngest carriers of the newspaper today. However, Publisher Mrs. Lee J. Rountree thought he might be too young, but agreed to let him try the route since he had known the previous carrier and was familiar with the territory to be covered. And cover it he did, using a bicycle which he bought for $42.50, he covered an area that included most of the East side of Bryan. After picking up his papers at the office on Main Street, he would roll and fold them as he rode his bike around town from 27th Street down College Avenue to Kazmeier Poultry Farm. "I also threw 28th and 29th Streets along with some others, but 29th ran out just past Fannin School and turned into Cavitt's Pasture. It was all wide open out there." Inclement weather was a problem for carriers in those days, too, "If it was cold or raining, one of the machines would invariably break down, and there was no such thing as plastic bags, so we'd just try to get them up on the porch. I was lucky because most of the houses on my route were close to the street. The way we'd fold the papers you got where you could really make'em go where you wanted." Looking back now McDonald remembers his days as a carrier as one of the most enjoyable periods of his boyhood. Each week he'd take his pay and spend 25 cents, banking $3. "I guess my downfall as a paperboy came when I decided I'd get rich in the newspaper route business. I took over a Waco Tribune route in addition to my Eagle business. I had to meet the train every morning at -4:30 to get my papers, so I bought a horse for $50 to use on the route. It was the first check I ever wrote on MY carrier bank account." The trials and tribulations of the business finally got to Judge McDonald, faced with late trains and tar- diness at school, he had to give up his newspaper career about three months after taking on the Waco route. Add a touch of to voui decbi:.. We n hand iia ""4ty gift items & accent pic Monogrfft6rned :P a nd Ap b t?r,. Quilted & Ap and Room Divide Sev 9 - Ili wilt Box 7 Shopping Village `A Matter of Taste" 707 Texas Ave. 693 -0673 College Station with one phone on each end. The phone in Bryan was located in the J.S. Fawlkes and Company Bank Building, which was located on the site of the old First National Bank building dowtown. Use of the telephone was free. On Oct. 29, 1889, the Brazos Pilot received com- petition. The Bryan Weekly Eagle, predecessor to the current Eagle, began publication that day. The Bryan Telephone Exchange, which gave general telephone service, was installed in 1892. The exchange was located over Rhode's saloon adjacent to Southwestern Telephone and Telegraph Company's long distance office. I ED. In Bryan, Texas, Wednesday, Angst 29th, i8Sg1 - NlotherOf \tre. W. t[.�[inkrrt. Friend and acquaints nces of the family are invited to attend the funeral from the Baptist church at j o'clock this evening. August 30. IS33. ZA � J e! in the late 1800's funerals were more than religious events or ceremonies of grief for relatives and friends who had died. They actually served as "social gatherings ", where neighbors, traveling rather long distances, used the occasions for not only "paying their respects" but also for lengthy visits. There was a practical reason also for printing and distributing formal invitations to attend funeral services however. These were the days when there was little means of communications, other than word of mouth. Even The Eagle had not been born then, and it was long before any electronic media had been invented. The Bryan Telephone Company later bought the Taliaferro building and moved offices and exchange boards there. After several previous deals, the company was sold to Southwestern States Telephone in 1925. Meanwhile, newspapers flourished. The Bryan Morning Eagle began publication in 1893 and two more papers were established a decade later. The Brazos County Bulletin and Brazos County Signal began publication in 1903. The Signal was labeled a prohibitionist paper. In 1909, the Pilot and Weekly Eagle merged to form the Eagle and Pilot. A year later, it became the Eagle and three years later, The Bryan Daily Eagle. Although newspapers and the telephone provided much communication for Bryanites, the post office was still a vital means of transmitting information. The first post office in Bryan was located on the corner of Tabor and 27th Street in a building moved from Boonville in 1866. It moved to 24th and Main Streets in 1877 and later 25th and Main. The office was moved a third time in 1906 to a rented building on the corner of Bryan and Anderson streets. Rural delivery routes were established in 1907 when postal rates were more than $10,000 a year in Bryan. Free postal delivery in Bryan began Jan 1, 1915. Pioneer physicians hardy Life for the early doctors in Brazos County was as rough as it was for their patients. Doctors had no offices and practiced out of their homes, instead, and most often traveled by horseback or wagon to their patients. Dr. R.M. Searcy, who practiced for 45 years in the area beginning in the 1930's, said doctors evert had to go by boat across the Navasota or Brazos rivers to get to some patients. Searcy was not one of the area's first doctors, but he remembers the names of some of those who were here. One of those earliest doctors was the father of Dr. R. Henry Harrison of Bryan and the grandfather of Dr. R.H. Harrison III of Bryan. The late doctor also served a term as Bryan's mayor. There were no hospitals in those early days. Babies were born at home and people died at home. Midwives did practice in the county's early days. Even in Searcy's early days, medicines were few. "If a person got pneumonia, it was usually fatal. We had no antibiotics of any kind," he said. Collecting of doctors' fees wasn't easy. Early doctors often were paid with chickens, vegetables or services by the patient such as gardening or car- pentry. Doctors had to deal with gunshot wounds, all sorts of work - related accidents and illness. They made do with what they had, which was minimal. pecial thank The Eagle gratefully credits the following sources for borrowed photos, engravings and texts, used in this special section: Texas A &M Archives; Washington -on -the Brazos State Park and Star of the Republic Museum; "The Early History of Bryan Texas "; "The History of Brazos County "; The Madisonville Meteor's centenial edition of June 3, 1954; University Studio; Mrs. J.H. Caddess of Bryan; Marcus Mallard of Navasota; and Bryan Public Library. THE ATTIC W �In�ic�U��l�l( ►��ac¢ ri*,tt" • Serving Bryan since 1946 ►� SPECIALISTS IN COMMERCIAL AND PERSONAL Tugs. -sat letterheads, envelopes, stattionery... statements, business cards, also: rubber sta m p s, engraving, • �" to to s:3o p _. ettas3o wedding invitations... designed to your specifica- 118 S. Bryan tions. Downtown, Bryan 2 Phone: 823 -0156 hmo-.- r. CELEBRA TING OUR 19th YEAR IN CARING FOR & TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN! The Humpty Dumpty Children's Center is privately owned and was *INFANT CARE the 1 st licensed child care *DAYCARE center in Brazos County... *PRE— KINDERGARTEN HUMPTY •KINDERGARTEN DUMPTY •AFTER SCHOOL CARE *EDUCATIONAL COURSES CHILDREN'S CENTER *COMPLETE SUMMER PROGRAMS BRYAN 823 -8626 A 51 YEARS OF GROWTH Lone Star IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY BRYAN (June 15, 1979) — Lone Star Gas Company and the City of Bryan began their fifty-first year of cooperation in 1979 and Bryan manager A.L. Bartley looks forward to continuing growth with the city and surrounding areas in the future. Lone Star Gas first brought natural gas to Bryan under the name Community Natural Gas Company, a subsidiary of Lone Star. Work was begun here on Nov. 28, 1927, on laying mains to carry the gas, and con- struction of town distribution system was completed on March 1, 1928. Gas was first turned on Jan. 31, 1928, for 600 customers in the southeast section of town. Construction of the system in Bryan was part of a mammoth project started in 1926 which marked the addition of about 200 cities and towns in Texas and Oklahoma to the Lone Star system. The five -year program set records within the gas industry for the amount of pipe installed and the number of cities and towns piped under a single construction program. Since then Bryan has grown along with Lone Star. Lone Star serves 13,309 customers in the city. And, Bryan is headquarters for the district which includes College Station, Kurten, Hearne, Calvert, Franklin, Madisonville, Austonio, Cen- terville, Leona, Midway, Normangee and North Zulch. More than 23,000 customers are in the district. The Bryan area is one of the southern most points that Lone Star Gas Company serves today. With headquarters in Dallas, the company has about 1.1 million in- dustrial, residential and commercial customers. The area served by the company stretches south to Round Rock, west to San Angelo and Colorado City, north to Childress and southern Oklahoma, and east to Hen- derson. The company also serves industrial accounts along the Gulf Coast. "We are proud of our relationship with Bryan and expect to be serving the city for decades to come," says Bartley, "Fifty percent of our nation's remaining onshore gas reserves — yet untapped — are within basins where Lone Star Gas now has a modern gathering and transmission pipeline network in operation. "These reserves are estimated to contain 300 tillion cubic feet of natural gas — enough to provide all Lone Star's customers in a city the size of Dallas for 5,000 years based on 1977 consumption rates." A 207 E. 27th Street %10 Bryan, Tx. 77801 LOG star 822 -1378 This Summer of "79 CHANGE YOUR LIFE Do something exciting for yourself! Experience the joy and the fun a new figure, new energy and that great feeling of being your best can bring to you. Did You Know? Summer can be one of the VERY BEST TIMES to slim down ... You owe it to yourself to improve your figure and your health! 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McDonald, left, pictured with his dog, Bodiddly, delivered papers for The Eagle in 1924. He's pictured with Reed and Wilda Mae Hensarling. Earl The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1979 Il l %_7 %0 oo s ric s I It was on Oct. 29, 1877 that the City of Bryan voted to establish its first public school. It opened in the fall of 1880. During the early part of the 20th century, professors at the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas opened an informal tutoring service to educate their children. Bryan schools open teacher's pay at $1 By RUSTY CAWLEY Staff Writer Though the Bryan school district's history stretches back to 1877, the earliest available records of board meetings are from 1903. On Jan. 2, the board met to determine how it would replace an outgoing teacher. It offered a Mrs. Nesbitt in an unnamed school district $55 a month to come to Bryan. On Jan. 10, the board learned she had refused the offer. So the board hired Mrs. H.E. White to serve as a substitute teacher for $1 per day. Since she didn't have a teaching certificate, the board voted to grant her a temporary certificate. At a meeting on May 6, 1904, the board hired a new superintendent, T.S. Minter. His salary was $100 a month. At a May 12, 1917 meeting, the board was confronted with an angry group of parents. The pencil scrawled complaint is attached to the minutes. "We the undersigned," it says, "colored citized of Bryan so hereby ask the school board for a change in the principal of our school. The present principal calls the children fools and knotty- headed fools and crazy dunces. At times he won't speak to some of the high school pupils. We beg the board to give us sufficient teacher for the number of pupils we have in at- tendance. The principal uses what we think is vulgar language to the pupils." It carries six signatures. The board answered the complaints, "After the investigation, it was determined that the charges made were not substantiated, and the petition was not granted." At that same meeting the board hired 22 teachers at salaries ranging from $1550 to $1000 per year. "Also," the minutes read, "the following colored teachers were elected without salaries." The black school was alloted one principal, E.A. Kemp, and three teachers. Superintendent W.C. Lawson ;was granted a salary of $2,750 a year. The earliest records available of meetings of the A &M Consolidated school board comes from July 21, 1920. It is in the form of a letter from professor Martin L. Hayes to a fellow board member who missed the meeting. It concerns naming the schools. "This became urgent when we ordered the bus bodies," the letter says. "I got a wire from the com- pany asking me what lettering should be placed on the bus. (We) decided to have the name of `A &M College Consolidated School' printed on the bus. This was our choice of names for the school." Lawlessness a part of frontier h Cory Brazos County appears to be a calm, relatively quiet place today, but it — like many other frontier areas — went through a lawless period, with the gun settling many arguments started over a bottle or cards. Cattle thieves hung out in the county, carrying on their activities in defiance of the law. Gambling houses were run openly, and horse betting was a popular sport. Boonville, according to some early residents, was a horse racing center. Some claim about 15 saloons or taverns existed in Bryan during the 1890s, and the city's population totaled roughly 3,000. Drunkeness was said to be common, and many carried guns which they used when a situation became heated. In 1874, a peace officer named James Farmer was killed while on duty, and a saloon owner, Harry Cook, who had threatened the officer was arrested. As time progressed, many became upset over the lawless conditions and pushed for the prohibition of liquor sales, since most wildness occurred around the saloons. A campaign against liquor swept the state in 1887, and fanned the issue alive in Brazos County. A legislative act had declared Milhcan dry in 1874, but the move hadn't ever caught on elsewhere. During the 1887 campaign, debates cropped up continuously over the issue, and fanatics from both side traveled around to push their respective points of view. Prohibition was defeated, however, by a vote of more than two to one. "Anti" forces sat back and in 1911, the question was brought to the voters again. It was defeated, but the percentage wasn't as great. These were the beginnings of Brazos County's two school districts, the Bryan Independent School District and the A &M Consolidated Independent School District. Bryan's first school was a three -story brick building, with an auditorium. Classrooms were on the first and third floors. Heating was provided by wood stoves throughout the building. By 1884 the first graduating class was commenced. It consisted of three girls. There were ten grades. Coursework included Math, Latin, and history. An eleventh grade was added in 1902. By 1918 the old school was too crowded. A new Bryan High School was built on the same tract of land as the old school. In 1929, it was renamed "Stephen F. Austin High School." Meanwhile, in College Station, the tutoring service had slowly grown into a school. The A &M Consolidated was created, joining the College Station school with schools in Rock Prairies, Union Hill and Wellborn. Classes were held on the college campus. The first graduated class was commenced in the early 1930s, a total of 20 people. In 1938, Bryan built another high school, what is presently the Stephen F. Austin campus. The original graded school building was razed in 1949. In 1940, the high school for A &M Consolidated was moved to the present Special Services Building on Jersey Street. Peach Creek and Minter Springs were added to the Consolidated district in 1949 and another high school was built. It is now A &M Consolidated Junior High. The present Bryan High School was completed and Stephen F. Austin became a ninth -tenth grade cam- pus. WHITE EYELET A favorite for summer fashion of home decorating. Large selection of eyelet pat - terns. 45" wide, polyester and cotton, ex- clusive or ornamentation & machine wash- able. $222 DENIM The fabric that flourished. Ame favorite fashion for any occasion. & 60" wide and polyester & co Machine washable. Great shades of r I # fir.•, 1 af` .P'r•��j �. W A fav 1a fron No 5' ble a ti, p x 4 wide. machine w w 4 r AC' Summer tennis wl absorb p & polye: Reg. 2.98 NKN ,fabric. �Perfe N .1 �r 1 7 7.. r R • � { - ' ;• mow. .� BATTING I I 1 lb. bag of 100% polyester batting. 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II I I Manor East Shopping Center Texas at Villa Maria 822 -1531 The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas — Sunday, June 24, 1919 Page9F S ocial swirl sets the scene Parties, dances and other social occassions have brought the people of Brazos County together since the First settlers arrived. Pioneer families had few conveniences and little money, yet they always found time for fun, according to an account by Mrs. Albert Buchannan, one of the `irst settlers of Brazos County. Her memories of life in early Brazos County appeared in an early issue of The Eagle, and were reprinted June 27, 1962. According to her account, people shared one another's joys and sorrows. "When there was a special work on hand at some home, all went 'over', as they would say, and helped to complete the task whatever it might be. Together the men went to the woods and cut down trees from which to build barns, smokehouses and other needed farm Improvements. And it was joyfully done; they would get together and place the logs for the house or build the fence, or whatever work was to be done, then all stay for dinner and make a regular jollification out of the occasion. It was a strengthening of friendships that lived throughout the years." Likewise the women would get together for quilting bees, the newpaper account explains. "These `all day quiltings' generally terminated with plays or old time square dances in which the young Folks also shared. In the summer time, fish fries on the nearby lakes or rivers were great social affairs for all of us." In addition to the fun and entertainment of fish fries and square dances, the citizens of Steep Hollow gathered for meetings of the "Literary Society," organized by Col. Harvey Mitchell. Meetings were in the Steep Hollow Grange Hall and musical programs were presented by Miss Fanny Mitchell, Col. Mit- chell's daughter. She sang and played the organ, probably the first organ in Brazos County. It was customary at that time for young ladies to valk to and from church with a "beaux." When it was ime for a party, however, the couples rode horseback, according to Mrs. Buchanan. "Riding habits with long skirts almost touching the ;round were put on over our party dresses and we -ode a `side' saddle, with one short stirrup. Arriving at he scene of a party, we rode up to a "horse block' vhere we dismounted gracefully." One stormy night, young couples in Washington :ounty traveled in carriages to "Ingleside," a man - don on the Independence countryside. It was the home )f the Clay family built in 1836. Known as "a very iospitable home," it was the scene of many parties. one evening in the late 1880's the brilliantly lit man - don beckoned the young couples. They waltzed to the )and's music late into the night, according to a iewspaper clipping. The guests parted as the band played "Home Sweet Home." The Clay home was destroyed by the Galveston storms of 1900 and 1915, according to Betty Plummer, tuthor of "Historic Homes of Washington County 1821- 1860." The Clay family brought several children to their come as indentured servants. The children, all from ;he Diocese of Missouri, St. Louis, Mo., included Ben Tardt Marquart. He married Mary Ann Curd and settled in Washington and Brazos Counties after :ompleting his contract as an indentured servant at be age of 21 34e ritolinued JD worjr for tht Clay fam1)y or many years. The same festive spirit that filled the air at the Clay nansion was evident at the first Cotton Ball and "ageant at Texas A &M University in 1932 In the beginning, one of the purposes of the cotton A pageant was to encourage more use of cotton — especially in women's clothing, explains J. S. Mogford of Bryan, general chairman of the early pageants and a retired agronomy professor at Texas A &M University. In addition, the pageant was designed to raise funds for a sudy tour for three agronomy students selected following a series of tests on cotton production. Tom M. Drew, now living in Harlingen, was the first King Cotton. He also was one of the students selected to participate in an eight week tour of cotton fields, mills and manufacturing plants in the United States and Europe. A style show, ball and banquet were scheduled to announce plans for the study tour and the $500 donations provided for the tour by each the Anderson Clayton Company of Houston and the Texas Cotton Cooperative Association Dallas. Drew, elected King Cotton by the Agronomy Society, had the privilege that first year of selecting the queen. He selected Justa Peters of Livingston, his fiance_ The two played the role of "Cotton Bride and Cotton Bridegroom" in a fashion show. The clothing was furnished by J. C. Penney, Drew says. The Cotton Queen, Justa Peters, later became Mrs. Drew. Her dress, she recalls, was white cotton and Outdoors recreation lasts The recreation scene in the Brazos Valley in the middle and late 1800s was far removed from that of today's According to historical documents, early recreation ranged from horse racing, to drinking to a cultured entertainment, and the old standbys, hunting, fishing and trapping. This area, with its wealth of streams and lakes, long has been a haven for fishermen and hunters but little trapping is done today. This area also continues to be wealthy in horseflesh. There are numerous horse breeders and racers from the area, but none of it is done in Texas because it is illegal. Texas remains split on having or not having horse racing and it failed once again in the latest elections. Yet Texans supply a major portion of the race horses in New Mexico and Louisiana. One story, as related by F.L. Henderson to Lois Wilcox in 1951, perhaps points up why horse racing is not legal here. According to oldtimers, Boonville was a noted horse racing center. The Courts actually carried the records on a case of horse racing at Boonville. A man named �_ M7 BRYAN S E WIN G E NI 4 F r� Hudson challenged a man named Campbell. Confident his steed could win, Hudson be $1,500 on the race. The understanding was if he lost, he would pay off in money or land. When the race began, Hudson's horse ran the designated track a short distance then sauntered off into the woods. Hudson refused to pay the bet and was taken to court where Campbell won in lower court Out lost in a higher court and Hudson was allowed to keep his land. Football, as we know it today, was just at its in- ception in those days. A &M played its first football game in 1894, beating Galveston Ball High School, 14- 6, and losing to Texas, 0 -38. Bryan High wasn't introduced to football until 1911 when R. R. McAnelly was the first coach and George Simpson the assistant. However, in 1922 Bryan won the first University Scholastic League (UIL) state championship game ever held.. While pioneering a community, citizens then had little time for recreation and much of it was done in large gatherings like picnics, dances, christenings and such. The Original Poorboy at the Original Price! C6QtI f ICAtC _ esent this certificate in order to purchase Poorboy Sandwich oNV' 69C with this coupon only *Coupon good 24th -30th at both locations: 2700 Texas Ave. 327 University Drive Bryan College Station 822 -6417 846 -6126 A &M University. Here an early Cotton Ball court poses for pictures. lace. She carried a bouquet of cotton balls, which were pink and white. W. L. Clayton of the Anderson Clayton Company, addressed the banquet. Drew, one of the students selected to participate in the foreign study tour financed partially by the company, was seated next to Clayton at the head table. Drew pursued a farming career following graduation from Texas A &M University. He operated his own ranch and managed others including the W. L. Smithers Ranch in Walker County. He was marketing agent with the Texas Prison System when he retired a few years ago. The first pageant was so successful that a second was planned, Mogford explains. A wider assortment of clothing was provided for the fashion show the second year, however, women expressed an interest in wearing their own clothing. So, the next year duchesses provided their own gowns. At one time, members of the Agronomy Society at i AAfU elected the king wAffe students at Texas State College for Women (texas Women's University in Denton) would select finalists for the title of queen. Several Agronomy members would travel each year to Denton to meet the the finalists and select the queen prior to the pageant. 46 A011 Scasta 9W. REALTORS AND DUILDERS We've been building and selling homes in this area for over 22 consecutive years. 846.1181 Something Else Hair Salon ,, =� . We cater o member of the family with personalized service in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. Our services include styling, cutting, blow drying, permanents, body waves, tints, henna, frosting, and highlighting. Featuring: Bea Cranford Organic Cosmetics From left to right: Pauline Nerren, Nina Wade, Gracie Wells and Fawn Benson. Pauline Nerren Nina Wade Co-owner and manager, Is happy to be back and is experienced in all areas of experienced in all phases hair care. of men's & women's hair styling. Gracie Wells Fawn Benson Precision hair cutter and Specializies in perms for stylist. Experienced in all today's styles. hair care. Open: Tues. through Saturday Call for late appointment-¢ — Phone: 822 -7712 1921 Texas Ave. Townshire Shopping Center Pat Dillon's Awessories.,etc. has the quaint 6 classic decorative accents to make your home a Brazos valley sho*place. 30 % off all antiques during the morn of July only. 816 villa Maria 1 0:00 -5:30 across from the Mall Jues. -Fri. 779-2667 An Entrance from the Past... The ultimate in door decor... Windsor Door's Gallery line of door designs. Graceful curves, raised panels, and deep recessed panels, and beveled leaded glass ... all the great attributes of luxury mill- work, but with a permanence unaffected by time and weather. The secret is in our urethane mouldings and panels which totally reproduce the warmth of fine Ash hardwood. � ES I O E 411 p 1. coM�F�c�4 WINDSOR L4� sales... 13:03 S. College Ave. Bryan 822 -3185 VISA A festive spirit always filled the air at the annual Cotton Ball and Pageant at Texas age 12F 1 ne tagie oryan �_onege srarion, i exas — �unaay, June 24, lWY Indians, Sp aniards first Madison arrivals Camino Real provided early Valley inroad MADISONVILLE — The first known inhabitants of Madison County were Indians of the comparatively - docile Hasanai or Tejas and Tonkawa tribes. Their development, as well as that of the first Spanish settlers, was curtailed by the constant raids of the more war -like tribes such as the Comanches. In the early part of the 1800's these races began to be displaced by tribes which in turn were pushed out by American settlers moving west. Among the tribes drifting into the area later to be known as Madison County were the Kickapoo and Bedias Indians, after whom two prominent creeks of the county are named. It is probable that the Cherokees, Coushattas and Delawares were located here or nearby, and of course the Navasota Confederacy, after which the Navasota River and the town of Navasota were named. The last of the Indian raids on settlers occurred in the late 1850's,' when a group of warriors of various Editor's Note: Much of this story was excerpted from a history project written by William Ray Malone, first published in the Madisonville Meteor's special edition commemorating Madison County's c entennial June 3 1954. tribes from the Idian Territory (now Oklahoma) crossed the Red River and raided south as far as Madison County. The braves stole many horses and cattle and were driving them back home when they were met in Leon County by a group of mounted settlers chasing the Indians. "In a running battle between the enraged Madison and Leon County citizenry," reported Malone, "and the Indians, Thomas N. B. Greer of Madison County, leading the pursuers, was somewhere near Guy's Store in Leon County when fatally wounded by an arrow. He was the only casualty suffered by the settlers in the engagement, but the Indians lost many of their best warriors and were so frightened by this unusual display of force that thereafter they disisted from raiding the pioneers of this area." It would be impossible to determine who was the Madison Countians (above) had reason to turn out in their Sunday- go -to- meeting finest for this celebration. It was the arrival of the first train in Madisonville in September of 1903. The photo shows the engine puffing steam beside the then new depot. It was an Illinois and Great Northern line and carried both freight and passengers into and out of Madisonville for 41 years. In the early part of 1944 the railroad discontinued the line. Neither the depot nor the large Farmers and Bankers Cotton Warehouse (background) are standing today. This photo is reprinted from the Madisonville Meteor's 1954 centennial edition. i I q e;A armers state banK of m MADISONVILLE, TEXAS 77864 TELEPHONE 348 -2644 207 E. MAIN Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FARMERS STATE BANK first white man to visit the area now known as Madison County, but if he were not a settler of Spanish or Mexican descent, perhaps there's a good chance he was a member of LaSalle's expedition, which ranged this area between 1685 and 1689. The E1 Camino Real was surveyed in 1691 -92 from Monclova, Mexico to Los Adaes Mission near the present town of Robeline, La., and this "Royal High- way" passed through Madison County. Bucareli was the first European settlement in Madison County, and according to the historical marker located between Madisonville and Midway on Highway 21 east of Madisonville: " ... Bucareli was established in 1774, and Gil Ybarbo appointed the alcalde (mayor)." The first land grant was issued in 1829, but the county was not organized until 1853 -54, when it was created from parts of Walker, Grimes and Leon counties. Early business establishments of the town were the Dutch Green Hotel, operated from 1868 to the 1880's by Green and a man named Fox, the drug store of Major William W. Viser and Dr. Reuben Westmoreland, Madisonville's first drug disper ;ary located where These men (below) had a hand in getting a railroad for Madisonville, or worked at laying the tracks or building the depot. The wagon was used for hauling cross ties. The picture was made in 1901. The furni; ire store in the background belonged to th .• Burtis Brothers (Rob and John) and Elbert Day. Standing on the wagon to the le"t of the uplifted ax is John R. 'ES TIR) �L � � I .s L J. TI. SAT Antiques & New Furniture "We sell a part of the past" FUNERAL HOME 1903 -1979 348 -2621 348 -6981 Roger Knight, Jr. Attorney at Law P.O. Box 1368 713- 348 -5433 Transmission Tune -up 1940's SPECIAL 2 6 95 includes oil & filter —all American made cars Lubricate Oil & Filter Change 1940's SPECIAL 16 10 W40 oil & filter included —all American made can CALL JAY TRAYLOT FOR APPOINTMENT Boney -Bass Chevrolet Co., Inc. Since 1927 211 E. Main 348 -2741 Madisonville the theatre now stands; the Joseph Westmoreland general merchandise store, located where the Fred Evans Grocery is now located; and the Abraham Lewis blacksmith shop, which stood just west of the present Stoddard building on the southwest corner of the square. When Madisonville, the county seat, observed its centennial in 1954, the three oldest business establish- ments in town which still survived were the John R. Burtis Drugs, Inc., the T. M. Kellet Barbershop, and the J. L. Cleere Grocery Store, which date from 1886, 1890 and 1894, respectively. The only remaining one is the John R. Burtis Drug store, owned by the founder's grandson, Julian (Sonny) Burtis. The store is located on the northeast corner of the square. The first industrial establishment of the county was a cotton gin operated by H. B. Munnerlyn on Larrison's Creek, about seven miles northeast of Madisonville. Built in 1868, it was a horse - treadmill powered gin. Gone are the cotton gins and railroads and many businesses that turned the pioneer Texas settlement into a thriving rural trade center. Burtis (bareheaded with mustache), who was founder of John R. Burtis Drug, which is the oldest continuously operated business in Madison County, and is still in business on the square, owned by the founder's grandson, Julian (Sonny) Burtis. This photo reprinted from the Madisonville Meteor's 1954 centennial edition. First National Bank of Madisonville,, er�tablished in 1902 Since 1902, we have been priviledged to serve the needs of Madison County. Our Community has prospered through the years & we feel honored that we've played a part in it's prosperity. �FIRSTNATIONAL V I BAlVK e :ranrsnedivos (713)348-2711 *Box 66 6•Madisonville,Texas•77864 Member F.D.I.C. The Eagle /Bryan - College Station, Texas —Sunday, June 24, 1979 Page 11F- n g Cotton' c alled C cash cro By BRENDA STERN Staff Writer CALVERT — With a population of 1,500, is an unusual small Texas town that still reflects days gone by when it was one of the leading agricultural centers in Texas and sported the world's largest cotton gin. Homes and buildings that were erected in the late 1800s still stand to give history buffs and avid tourists a glimpse into an exciting past. And that period in time was exciting, according to T.J. McHugh, the Robertson County clerk in Calvert. He wrote a friend in 1876; "The whole state is lawless and armed to the teeth. Robbers robbed 15 men on the stage to Dallas. They stole money and jewelry, killed • • the economic staple of the South and the chief agricultural export of the United States. Then, Robert Calvert and James S. Hanna, plan- tation owners in the Brazos Valley, contracted with Houston Texas Central Railroad in 1861 for a right -of- way through what is now Calvert. Two years later, Calvert donated land for a townsite and the City of Calvert was born. With the completion of the railroad to the Calvert area in 1869, a population explosion occurred. Mer- chants quickly built businesses on Main and Railroad streets, which eventually numbered more than 100. Between 1870 and 1879, Calvert was the county seat and boasted the largest cotton gin in the world. By 1885 the town had five churches, two free schools and several private schools, gins, mills, a foundry, machine shops, two banks, a weekly newspaper and an opera house. Two buildings dominated the town. One was the $12,000 ja:l and sheriff's home that was completed by June 1876. It's nickname was "The Castle" and, as McHugh noted, "It was a little beauty. It is an or- nament to the town, and you can hardly say that of any other Texas jail." The other building was the largest one on Main Street, the Grand Central Hotel, known as "The Palace." But prosperity in Calvert depended on cotton. Between 1870 and 1900, the number of bales in Robertson County rose from 4,388 to 34,919, when 102,000 acres were under cultivation and Texas was supplying 25 percent of the nation's cotton. Then the price of cotton fell to 7 cents a pound in the early 1900s, and the population of Calvert started to decline with it Since 1890, the population declined from 7,700 residents to its present total of 1,500. The death knell of cotton capital Calvert had sounded. 11 "4) Cl S ) T-1 N_ I N n %e N_ e of Meats" Dream about the good 'Olde Days... Hammock....48.99 their own horses, took five stage horses and streaked out, not caught to last night. "Cattle thieves in Texas are worse than ever, murders are committed, convicts have been escaping daily from the cotton plantations where they are employed and crime runs riot over the land. It is about time for Gabriel to blow his wind instrument; God help him if he lays it down, for someone in Texas will surely steal it." Calvert's role in history began in the early 1800s. The land where Calvert now stands, along with the rest of the Brazos Valley, had become the center of Texas' agricultural wealth. Fertile Texas soil lured scores of southern planters to grow cotton, which was Bamboo Slat Shades 4 Sizes From ; 8.99 One RROLL'S Caskets &Wicker 901 Harvey Road Woodstone Center In 149 7,2 private banking was conducted at this location by J. S. McLendon. In 1887 he founded the First Chartered Bank In Robertson County prior to becoming the President of the Citizens National Bank of Waco. Many of the early businesses of the county were financed here. Continuous banking in this location for 97 years! Today, the C itizens Bank And Trust OAK CURVED GLASS CNINA CABINET Reg. 219.95 NOW 1 99 NO LTHC 0AUR COMMODE W169 OAK LAMPIPARLOR TABLE NOW 49 UNFINSHED FURNMJRE CENTER 314 N. Main Downtown Bryan 822 -7052 OF CA L VER T CONTINUES THIS CENTURY —OLD COURTEOUS SERVICE. We welcome your accounts and the opportunity to serve your needs. ch Ea depositor insured to S40,000 FDICe AC 713/364 -2896 Box 37 Calvert, Texas 778-37 837 FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION thing time has not changed. Q Id Fashioned Counter Service Readfield guarantees the same friendly personal service and reasonable prices that has made , them the Brazos Valley's favorite butcher shop for 20 years. Readfield Meats & Freezer Service `°Ho Choice 2701 S. Texas Ave. 822 -1594 SUCTION UN In 1903 the most popular place to hang out in Caldwell was the fountain at D. L. Alford's Conferticmery. Young, Luedke know systems By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Johnnie Young and Bennie Luedke re experts in the underground. But they aren't in hiding — their nderground is the real ground that overs water and sewer pipes. The two men have grown up with ie cities of Bryan and College tation. Young has been with Bryan for 31 ears and Luedke has been with ollege Station for 29 years. They've yen lots of water and sewer pipe go ito the ground. And they've seen its of breaks too. Both men are superintendents of ie water and sewer departments. Young started with Bryan on [arch 14, 1948, as a utility worker. e was named superintendent in V. Born in Oklahoma, his family loved to Madison County during his )uth. He came to Bryan in 1932. Luedke was born near Riesel and loved to Bryan in 1946 with his ,others to work at Texas A &M. He ime in as a laborer for College ration and stayed on to gain his •esent position. "Back then you did a little of rerything — patched streets, ruled trash, whatever was ceded," Luedke said. "I grew up with the city, worked ith it and watched it grow," he lid. "When I first came to Bryan I dn't think I'd stay with it," Young id, "but it's been a challenge. It's nda disagreeable work with all the ud and water, but you get used to Young has seen the pipe mileage r water and sewer pipe go from )out 80 miles to 235 miles each. The hardest part of the jobs, both en said, is the fact that water and wer pipe breaks don't usually pick nvenient times to happen. They've ith been called out at all hours of e night, on weekends and holidays. Although both departments have one some new construction, they send much of their time making new sewer and water connections. There's always more work than hours in the day. "Right now we're probably 150 orders behind," said Young as he looked at a stack of papers on his desk. "We have a difficult time getting employees. It isn't such a pleasure getting in such a predicament." Young likes the feeling of getting services to new areas. He'd like to supervise more new construction, but says the city just doesn't have the manpower. Like many Bryan employees, he is hopeful of someday getting a new Bryan water, sewer department housed in this building, circa 1930. building to work from. The depart- ment presently is housed in a wooden structure dating back to the 19306. "I started to work in this building," Young said. He admitted he won't be sorry to see it go. Luedke has stayed with College Station long enough that he has gotten to work in a new facility. "We're so proud of this new building that I don't know what to do," he said. He said he's stayed with the city for so long because he's had good people to work for and with. "I can't say I've ever had any trouble with my supervisors. I have to put it on good management," he said. Luedke also likes the fact that his department has gotten to a point when he doesn't have to be called out at all hours. "I'm not afraid to say, however, that I've done my share," he added. "But it's a good feeling to know "I stay in the office more now you've got people out there you can because I have room to do the things depend on." I should be doing," Luedke said. Both men said their wives have Staff Photo by Steve Boehm never complained about their muddy shoes and clothes. "Agnes has been very patient with the dirt and the hours over the years," Young said. He and his wife have three grown children and five grandchildren. Luedke and his wife, Jane, also have three children. When not working, the Luedke's travel in their self- contained trailer. They like camping. Young spends his free time fishing. He fishes Bryan Utility Lake mostly and is one of a few fishermen who has caught pike from that lake. 0i discuss fiesta for B - CS „ W . d "We L. . By RUSTY CAWLEY Staff Writer Bryan - College Station Chamber of Commerce representatives met with a few interested citizens Thursday night to explain plans for "Brazos de Dios: A Western Fiesta," a project planned for next spring. "We've discovered over the years an increasing interest in the com- munity to hold a country fair," chamber president Judy Rychlik told those attending. "We've decided to do something about it, but we want something more. We believe this area deserves some share of the tourist trade, and that a fair of this type is the quickest way to do that." The chamber plans to hold the fiesta April 17 -20 of 1950. Just what the theme of the fair will be and what events will be included hasn't been decided. "We want to get some ideas from local residents," Mrs. Rychlik said, "That's the purpose of meetings such as this." George Weir, who has researched the tourism market for the chamber, said the title "Brazos de Dios: A Western Fiesta" was chosen because it includes both a western and Spanish flavor that attracts tourists. "Tourism experts tell us that people are attracted by a Western- Spamsh theme, i i er sa . ought to stick with what has proven successful. It's what tourists want and not what we want that's im- portant." Some of the residents attending the meeting suggested the theme should tie in with the area's agricultural background and its Southern history instead. County United Way names new officers Officers and executive committee members of the newly formed Brazos County United Way were named at an organizational meeting Thursday night. The officers are: Carl Shafer of College Station, president; Bob Place of Bryan, president - elect; Bob Wright of College Station, vice president; Roland Smith of College Station, treasurer; Ed Holley of Summers of Bryan, executive vice president; and Ann Wiatt of Bryan, publicity chairman. The officers are also members of the executive committee. Other members of the committee are: Ken Livingston of College Station, Judy Rychlik of Bryan, Charley Wooten of College Station and Vic Paulos of Bryan. A meeting of the executive committee is scheduled for next Among the events suggested for the fiesta are a grand parade, a fireworks display, street dances, mock gunfights, a professional rodeo and a sunrise worship service on the final day of the fiesta. Chamber representatives also told those attending that they are planning to hold a logo contest for the fiesta. The prize will be $100, they said. The Eagle June 22, 1979 Bob Place Ed Holley Carl Shafer HUD awards $336,000 Community Development grant to CS By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer "The Great White Fathers in Washington," as they are called jokingly by the College Station City Council, have smiled upon that city, awarding a $336,000 Community Development grant for 1979 -80. U.S. Sen. Lloyd Bentsen advised The Eagle Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the grant to College Station. The city's application for a $300,000 grant for 1978 -79 was turned down by HUD, stalling projects planned for upgrading low income areas. City officials, however, had not been informed of the acceptance Tuesday morning. "I just went through our mail and we've received nothing on it," said City Manager North Bardell. "Until I receive absolute notice, I would have no significant comment. But if, in fact, it has been approved, it will allow us to continue street improvements in target areas." City Community Development Director Jim Callaway said $100,000 of the funds are programmed for housing rehabilitation, $60,000 for paving Paisler Street, $75,000 for paving Detroit and part of Nevada Streets, $30,000 for continued im- provements to Churchill Street, $15,000 for street lighting, $10,000 for installation of water lines in the Gilbert - Paisler Street area and the remainder for co tingencies and administration. "It is good news, "Callaway said. But, he said, the possibility still remains that HUD may have at- tached some conditions onto the grant. "There could still be a hitch," Callaway said. "I'd be more joyous if you s aid the EPA has approved our water grant," said Mayor Lorence Bravenec. Since being turned down last year, city officials, especially the city council, have been very outspoken about problems in dealing with federal officials. The city has made several changes in its program to satisfy HUD. The grant process has been called a "game' by the council and some councilmen have accused the federal government of trying to dictate how the city should be run. Councilman James Dozier, one of the most outspoken against HUD, was not available for comment. "We were extremely hoepful that we would get the grant this year," said Councilman Larry Ringer. "I feel we have tried to satisfy them and still do the things we felt the community needed. Hopefully, we've gotten back on the right foot." "It is good news," said Bravenec, "and we promise to spend it wisely." Purchasing agent looks twice at `bargains' ,14 By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Some people may think of a purchasing agent as a chintzy -type of man, always looking for a bargain. But that's not true, according to Arnold R. Dittfurth, purchasing agent for the City of Bryan. "I hate bargains," says Dittfurth, who has been with the city for more than 30 years. "There's usually something wrong with them and then you don't get the proper service after the sale." "I detest specials, too," he said, "because you have to act too fast on them. Price is usually a good in- dicator of quality." Dittfurth has offered some advice and a "lot of sympathy" to College Station's new purchasing agent of three months, Lee Weddle. "Sym- pathy," he said somewhat jokingly, because Weddle is the city's first purchasing agent and is facing the tremendous task of organizing the city system. "It seems like everywhere I look I find a disaster," Weddle said of his new job. Did College Station need a purchasing agent? Yes, Weddle said, and here's an example of why: "In the first week here, I discovered that the city was paying $36 a case for letter -size paper for the copier. After three minutes on the telephone, I got the price down to $23.95 a case," he said. At a recent seminar in Austin, Weddle learned that some of the companies the city was buying from were giving other cities a 25 percent discount while College Station paid full list price. Eventually, all purchases of any kind will go through Weddle's office. He also will be responsible for in- ventories and warehousing all equipment and supplies. A new computer due to be delivered within a couple of weeks will be programmed to handle much of the inventory work, he said. Weddle came to Bryan - College Station in 1969 from Riverside, Calif. He worked for many years for Moore Business Forms after moving to Bryan. Most recently before joining the city staff he built new homes. He's originally from Paris, Texas. Weddle hopes to institute cooperation between the cities of Bryan and College Station in pur- chasing. "I see no reason why we couldn't pool our volumes on pur- chases of some common materials and take advantage of some discounts by volume," he said. Dittfurth believes in volume buying. "There's a savings in freight and in billing for both the supplier and the city," he said. Besides the duties of purchasing agent, Dittfurth is responsible for a myriad of other duties including answering a switchboard for about half of the city offices, supervising the messenger clerks and scheduling night clerks to answer trouble calls and pump gas for police cars. Not all city purchases come through his office. "Some depart- ments make their own deals," he said. A native of the area, Dittfurth was born in Kurten. "No I don't have any oil wells," he said. "I've heard they are noisy anyway and I need my sleep." r The Eagle June 18, 1979 Arnold Dittfurth Lee Weddle Bryan approves same gas rate OK'd by College Station By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer A gas rate identical to that for College Station was approved on first reading Monday by the Bryan City Council. The council will vote again on the rate ordinance next Monday, about 10 days before its 120 -day deadline for rate approval. If new rates weren't approved by that deadline, Lone Star Gas Co. could have bon- ded in higher rates than the council has approved. The new rates call for a $2 customer charge for residential users and a $4 charge for com- mercial customers, plus a flat rate of $1.9979 per MCF (thousand cubic feet). Al Bartley, district manager for Lone Star, said the new cost for consumption of 2 MCF would in- crease from the present $5.10 per month to $6.14. Seven MCF will now cost $15.98 as compared to the present $14.83 and 10 MCF would cost $21.97 compared to $20.56. He said the average residential usage during a year is 8 MCF. Bartley said the gas cost ad- justment factor will be decreased because of the new rates from the present $.82 to about $.1695 per MCF. The Bryan council chose the flat rate over a five -step rate schedule after Bartley showed them that the flat rate would be a few cents cheaper to most customers. The gas company will be getting about an 11 percent increase in projected revenue. But the increase to the average user will be about 7.4 percent, Bartley said. The new rates will go into effect 30 days after final passage of the rate ordinance or about July 25. But Bartley said customers probably won't begin seeing the increase until their August or September bills arrive. "Vail have chopped off 36 percent of what I requested." Bartley told the councilmen. "It can be said that You've taken good care of your constituents." Bartley said the new bills from Lone Star will no longer carry a discount for early payment. Although the company intended the discount as a reward for early Payment, customers feel it is a penalty, Bartley said. His company has decided to drop the charge for late payment from the bills. In accepting the new rates, the Bryan council will also be putting the College Station rates into effect, too. That city council passed the new rates last week on the condition that they not go into effect until Bryan passed identical ones. Lone Star has 30 days to either accept the rates or appeal to the state Railroad Commission. Bartley has indicated the gas company will accept the rates. The Eagle June 19, 1979 2wome - n coordinate housing programs By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Elisa Eubank and Jane Kee can definitely say they've helped im- prove housing conditions in Bryan- College Station. As coordinators of the city's housing programs for low and moderate income people, the two women do everything except the actual construction work in getting homes improved. Mrs. Eubank, a native of New Mexico, carries the title of Com- munity Development Planner for the City of Bryan. Mrs. Kee, from Houston, is called College Station's Housing Program Coordinator. The City of Bryan has been operating housing programs for several years, but College Station is new to the operation. In both cities, the most popular programs makes use of rehabilitation housing grants. Bryan his made about 50 such grants since October, 1977, Mrs. Eubank said. Mrs. Kee started work for the city in January, 1979, and her first duties were to finish up development work begun by Community Development Director Jim Callaway on a housing grant program. "We polished the program up and took it to the city council in late February. The first applications were taken in March," Mrs. Kee said. Contracts have just been signed for work on the first three houses in College Station to be rehabilitated under the program. And con- struction is to begin in a few weeks. Unlike Mrs. Eubanks, Mrs. Kee hasn't had the pleasure of seeing a house after it has been rehabilitated. "If people ever went out and saw some of the places people live in, they'd be shocked," Mrs. Eubank said. "What we are doing is so much help to the people." Due to the grants, the homes receive such repairs as new elec- trical wiring, new plumbing, new roofs and new windows. In Bryan the maximum grant is $4,000 and in College Station it is $5,000 with a $500 variable. Both women said the grant maximums need to be increased. "We have a hard time getting contractors to bid the jobs because they are small," Mrs. Eubank said. Mrs. Kee said eight contractors took out bid applications on College Station's first three houses, but only one has returned a bid. "The others just didn't think they could do the jobs for under $5,000," she said. Both women will be working on proposals to increase the grants. "It is better to put more money into one house and do it right," Mrs. Kee said. It is hard not to get involved with the people she meets on her job, Mrs. Eubank said. When she goes out to look at the homes of ap- plicants, she may find other problems not related to her job. "We try to make referrals to other agencies," she said, "But we just don't have that much time to spend. We have a list of 70 other families waiting to have their homes fixed." Mrs. Kee has a master's degree in urban regional planning but she also has a great interest in anthropology. In fact, she said, that interest is what brought her and her husband together. "Oh sure, I always have the fantasy of going out on some ex- pedition. We keep anthropology as a hobby. We satisfy our interest by reading and attending lectures. I don't regret not following that profession," she said. One interesting thing Mrs. Kee has found in her dealings with people wanting the grants is that they appreciate the help. "A lot of people think that these people might have the attitude that they expect something from the city. They don't, and seem truly appreciative." Mrs. Eubank will be leaving Bryan in August when her husband graduates. She will be replaced by two employees who will divide duties of the housing program. "I'd learned how to work with people from my degree in sociology. But with this job I've also learned a lot about housing con- struction and the housing industry," she said. 7 Elisa Eubank Jane Kee Councl ass igns Bardell to disco duty ■ 1� m I3y JANE MILLS SMITH Re lated at or , 10:30 " Staff Writer _ Y page l A p m he'd like the younger Seaback to alcoholic consumption be extended A disco investigative committee? "They try to crowd a whole night's take him to such a party sometime. That's what several College drinking into a couple of hours," he "I'd like to see one of those," 'Station City Council members said. "You should see them. And Dozier said jokingly. "But I never roposed during a lighter moment of then they feel harrassed when we get invited. ""That's because you go hursday's lengthy session, tell them they have to go home. But to bed at to pm" Seaback they don't go home, they go to wild responded. . ., r i One council member suggested ose wi parties intr ued that Dozier take a nap until 10:30 Councilman Jim Dozier who said p.m. and then go out "clubbing." ••rY"u• IV UC urt Lne Council to ask that closing hours fo from midnight to 1 a.m. on week- days and from 1 a.m, to 2 a.m. on weekends. Daylight Savings Time is really hurting club business across the Cit ea ac sai , because pa r don't go out until after dark -- about The disco investigative committee was proposed so that the council could see what was going on in College Station's night life. "We'll all volunteer," Dozier said. The committee was laughed off, but the council did direct City Manager North Bardell to look into the ramifications of later drinking hours. "I'll do it, but I have one request," said Bardell, "that I don't get censured for coming in late after my research." Councilman Gary halter came up with a fitting end to the facetious discussion. "Can we boogie on to the next subject ?" Halter said. They did. The Eagle May 25, 1979 hearssoc request ,.0 By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station City Council is facing a decision confronting many involved in municipal government — what is the city's responsibility to suport social programs? Wednesday, the city held a public hearing on its proposed $13- million- plus budget for 1979 -80. Several representatives of local groups spoke to the council. Shirley Plapp, representing the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program), asked the council for $1,800 for next year. Last year, she said, RSVP received $2,000 from College Station. Dr. Linda Davis of the Brazos Valley Mental Health- Mental Retardation (MH -MR) Center asked the council for $9,500 to support the center next year. The local con- w F-i N C 04 I--' F + (D Related story page 1A tributions, she said, are matched by federal monies. Davis said the loss of the Bluebonnet Psychiatric Center as a supplier of mental health services has put a strain on the MH -MR center and will affect local law enforcement agencies and courts too. Dr. David Maxwell, representing the Arts Council, said his organization would be working with the Chamber of Commerce to make a request for funds from the city's hotel -motel tax fund. None of the groups presently are funded in the city's proposed budget. City Manager North Bardell said he was directed by the city council last year to write all agencies that receive both city and county funding and say the city would discontinue its support. Councilwoman Pat Boughton, however, said she remembered that MH -MR was to be kept in the budget because it provided services to aid the police department. Bardell said $100,000 is in a con- tingency fund in the proposed budget and the council can allocate that money as it sees fit. Councilman Gary Halter said the reason the city wants to stop funding the agencies is that city residents often pay twice since they also pay county taxes. "We felt that perhaps the county wasn't doing enough to supply services to the cities," he said. "At some point, we have to say we can't do everything. Where is that point ?" asked Mayor Lorence Bravenec. "That is a question all municipalities are dealing with,' Bardell said. The council was given two budget books for their consideration. One book contains the basic budget and the other is a "decision package" of requests for new programs, em- ployees and capital purchases such as vehicles. City departments have made requests th total m ore than the money the city has to spend. Mayor Bravenec suggested that the council and staff hold a workshop session on the budget on June 2 at Camp Creek. The council also discussed zoning policy with City Planner Al Mayo. Mayo said the city would soon begin a complete revision of the comprehensive plan drawn up in 1975. He said a citizen advisory group would be formed to help with the new plan. "It will take us at least the rest of the year to complete the revision," Mayo said. One of the problems the planners will be looking at is the abundance of commercial zoning in College Station. Mayo said devlopers are often stymied in developing ndw commercial tracts because they can't get the land rezoned. "We hear a lot of people say that there is already enough com- mercially zoned land in the city so why rezone more. But in reality, we aren't overzoned. There is just a lot of land zoned commercial that shouldn't be," Iviayo said. Only one -third of the land presently zoned commercial ac- tually is being used for that purpose, he said. Much of the other two - thirds is priced to high or has development problems. Secretaries prepare attorneys' legal pa s ` '' Two women do similar jobs in neighboring cities GAYLE FERRERI By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer At various times in Bryan and College Station's histories, Gayle Ferreri and Billie Ferguson might have been on different sides of a heated issue. But now, as the two cities work toward friendlier relations, the two city legal secretaries are merely two women doing similar jobs in neigh- boring cities. As secretaries to the cities' at- torneys, the women are responsible for preparation of all city legal documents. They also do numerous other duties including keeping up with the attorney's appointments and answering citizens' questions. "Accuracy is very important," explained Ferguson, a 21 year employee with the City of Bryan. She began her city career in the Rural Electric Division and moved to the city attorney's office in 1972. She said she likes the legal department because she deals with almost all city departments at one time or another. "We have a lot of variety here," Mrs. Ferguson said. Miss Ferreri, 28, is new with the City of College Station and is in a newly created position. Exactly what her eventual duties will be is still being d A native of Bryan, Miss Ferreri returned to the area in January from Houston. She said the "Big city" was too full of stress. "I really like Bryan. It is clean, green and the skies are clear. The traffic in Houston is awful. It is more peaceful here," she said. Miss Ferreri finds the twin cities The Eagle May 21, 1979 nuch larger than when she left 10 years ago. A key to being a legal secretary, she said, is loyalty and con- fidentiality. "You have to be loyal to your attorney and make sure nothing is spoken out of the office about any case or client," she ex- plained. Mrs. Ferguson and her husband have two sons, one 7 and the other 20. She remembers the difficulties of juggling an 8 -5 work schedule with family responsibilities. "It was hard at times. I used to come to work crying when I left them crying," she said, smiling now. Because she has been with the city for so long, Mrs. Ferguson knows just about everyone at city hall. People are always sticking their heads inside her door to say "hi." One of the enjoyable things about her job, she said, is when the city is involved in some type of litigation and it comes out on the city's side. "You feel proud that you had a little part in it," she said. Mrs. Ferguson is very loyal to the city and takes offense when she hears the city bad - mouthed. "It has been a good place to work," she said. Miss Ferreri, like Mrs. Ferguson, enjoys the legal aspects of the job. They have to know legal jargon and procedures. Would they like to be attorneys? "Yes, but I never went to college so I'd have to go for seven years and that's too long," said Miss Ferreri. "No, I see how much he has to read and I don't like to read that much," said Mrs. Ferguson. pers CS mails 5,000 property reappraisals Tax office fells owners proposed values By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer More than 5,000 notices of property reappraisal were mailed out Tuesday by the College Station City Tax Office. The notices, according to Tax Assessor - Collector Glenn Schroeder, will tell property owners what the new proposed values are. The values are only proposed, he pointed out, until they are set by the Board of 'ITV OF COLLEGE STATION 1 D BOX 9960 I, LEGE STATION, TX 77840 LAST YEAgS TAX VALUE ENN SCHROEDER f 7 B PROPOSID TAX VALUE 1 9 7 9 - ,.0 A.T .. 1M..Y - � 1 • 7 • E PLEASE READ �' ff w � I TAX VAW NOTICE: THIS 15 NOT A TAX STATEMENT DO NOT PAY FROM THIS NOTICE IF YOU PEEL THAT THE VALUE WHICH HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOR YOUR PROPERTY 1S INCORRECT, PLEASE CONTACT THE TAX OfFtCE IMMEDIATELY, IF THE TAx ASSESSOR IS UNABLE TO ADDRESS YOUR CONCERNS4 YOU WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY T7 SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION. 01SABLED VETERANS AND OVER 65 EXEMPTIONS ARE NOT AUTOMATIC, YOU MUST APPLY FOR THEM, IF THE PRUPOSED VALUE DOES NOT REFLECT YOUR EXEMPTION, CONTACT THE TAX OFFICE. NOTE& WITH THE ABOVE PROPOSED TAX VALUE AND A PROPOSED TAX ATE OF 4,36/6100a YOUR TAXES WQVLO B ... L- AS REQUIRED 81 ARTICLE n.,(T) V T C . YOU WILL FIND AT THE RIGHT THE AMOUNT OF TAX YOU WOULD PAY IF TNrS DISTRICT APPLIED I978 TAX RATE AND ASSESSMENT RATIO TO THE PROPOSED 1979 100% LLUE College Station notice of reappraisal. The Eagle May 16, 1979 Equalization. The city has just completed a re- evaluation of all taxable property inside the city limits. This is not connected with the school taxes, he said. Schroeder estimated that much of the property in the city would double in r .lue because the values were brought up to current levels. The city council, however, plans a reduction in the tax rate from 56 cents to from 36 -39 cents to offset the increased values. Schroeder said the re- evaluation was done to equalize and update property in the city and not to in- crease revenue to the city. Taxpayers who feel their new proposed values are incorrect are asked to call the tax office. Schroeder said that often, the tax office can correct any errors without sending the matter to the Board of Equalization. Matters to be sent to the board, he said, involve a dispute between the tax office and the property owner. "If we have the wrong square footage or something like that, we can handle that ourselves," he said. The board will begin meeting June 4 and appointments will be scheduled through Schroeder's office. The board meetings will be from 5 to 9 p.m. daily for about two weeks. After the board finishes its work, the tax office will make the recommended adjustments to the tax roll and then present it to the city council in late June, he said. The council will then certify the roll and set a tax rate. Tax statements will go out in August and will be due anytime through Jan. 31. Utility supervisors i l ke jobs Linda Piwonka Despite hassles, prove fulfilling By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Why would anyone select a career that is sure to be filled with people yelling at you and scowling whenever they hear where you work? "Good question," answer both Mrs. Linda Piwonka, College Station utilities billing supervisor, and Dennis Lilly, Bryan Utilities office manager. Actually both city employees seemed to just fall into their jobs without meaning to. "I began work for the city about 11 dears ago," said Piwonka. At first she was secretary to the mayor but couldn't make it to all the council meetings because she lived in Caldwell so she switched to the utility division. She still commutes the 70 -mile round trip from Caldwell each day. "I'd have to like my job to do that," she said. Lilly, who came to Bryan last October, got into the utility business in Austin while still doing graduate work at the University of Texas. What started out as a part -time job evolved into a new city department -- consumer service agency. Since coming to Bryan, Lilly has used data processing skills learned in Austin to work up a new billing system on city computers. The system change has been keeping him busy, he said. Both employees say they feel they do well at their jobs because they like dealing with people. They not only deal with the customers — who are often complaining — but also with the employees under them. "We try to screen our employees carefully and let them know in ad- vance that this job has a lot of stress," said Lilly, the only male employee in his section of the utility company. He feels his education in Psychology and - sociology helps him deal with people better. He describes himself as a calm person who doesn't take problems home. Piwonka admitted she sometimes tries to take problems from the office home, but they seem to fade away as she takes the 45 minute drive through the country to her home. For both utility offices the worst periods come during the "student rushes." Each semester, the offices are beseiged with students wanting to turn on electricity and water. And then a few months later the same r,rowd wants the utilities turned off. Life at the College Station utility office has calmed down, Piwonka said, since the city got back on schedule with its billings. "Because we were so far behind, People got upset with us. I can un- derstand why, but now we are on schedule and intend to stay there," she said. The College Station office soon will begin transferring billing to a new city computer. That probably will mean doing the work twice until the new system is trustworthy, she said. Sometimes it is difficult to keep smiling, Lilly said. "We do have a bad image. But we're Ring to change that. We want to treat people like they owned the system — which they do," he said. "I went to school in the sixties and still keep the philosophy of con- sumer advocacy. People come in and treat me like I'm some kind of bureaucrat. It is amazing. "If anything - illegal or un- derhanded were going on around here, I wouldn't be here," he said. Dennis Lilly Local officials keep eye on B=CS construction By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer Anyone involved in construction in Bryan and College Station probably knows the names of W.B. (Bruce) Chandler and W.F. (Bill) Koehler. These men are the building of- ficials for the City of Bryan and the City of College Station. Whether a person is closing in a garage or constructing, a gigantic shopping center, the building officials get involved. "You can't do anything on private property that I'm not involved with," says Chandler as he sits in his office in the Carnegie building in downtown Bryan. "I enforce 21 different ordinances and codes," he said, including the Southern Building Code, electrical code, plumbing, code, subdivision From page 1A, col. 5. Both city departments have kept busy during the 1st year as con- struction has increased in Bryan and College Station. Often 100 or more building projects are going on at one time in various stages of con- struction. In Bryan, Chandler said, an average home is inspected about 11 times by the city. First comes a Plumbing inspection before the concrete foundation is poured. Also a check is made of all steel and beams and of any underground electrical work. Sewer and gas lines are checked as the framing begins and electricity is checked again. Heating and air This is the first in a series of weekly articles on city em- ployees in Bryan and College Station. control ordinance, sign ordinance, dangerous building ordinance, building line requirements, exhibition and performance per - mits, flood damage prevention code and mobile h park ordinance. Chandler has been with the city of Bryan for about eight years. His official title is Building Inspection Superintendent. "I'm liable to do just about anything," he says of his job. "You can't plan what you're going to do tomorrow — somebody will change it for you." He does go over all building plans :, Coy Perry ;, .1 conditioning installations are checked at this point, he said, if they will be in the attic. A framing inspection is made of materials and construction. Next comes a final plumbing inspection and a final electrical inspection. A final inspection also is made on the entire building. "We try to respond'to a call for an and issues the permits. He coor- dinates the inspections but says his inspectors have been on the job long enough to know their business. In College Station, Koehler is in charge of the inspection depart- ments covering plumbing, elec- trical, building and housing codes. Until very recently, he also was responsible for enforcement of the zoning laws. He's been with the city for about six years, and started as city planner. Like Chandler, Koehler says much of his time is taken up by answering questions about code requirements. Residents call in to find out what changes they can legally make on their property and what permits are needed. For both men, the Southern inspection within four hours," Chandler said. "If we make the builder wait on us, we're spending other people's money. We don't want to be accused of holding anyone up." "We're working for the people," Chandler said. "All the people here know that. We'll bend over back- wards to work with them, but we won't violate the code no matter who it is." Both officials agree that Bryan - College Station has some of the best builders around. "The essential factor in good construction is still a discriminating buyer," Koehler said. "No amount of regulation can overcome Building Code is their guide. "There are very few if any requirements that don't have some definite and important reason for being there," said Koehler. "Although sometimes you have to step back into history to see their reasoning." Koehler describes himself as the _ administrator. "I try to stay in the office unless something squirrelly comes up that one of the inspectors wants me to look at," he said. Koehler's "leg -man" in the field is Coy Perry. Building plans are checked by Harry Bostic. In College Station, a building permit is needed for "more than ordinary, minor repairs" including change in interior layout or exterior dimensions. In Bryan, a permit is required if the cost will be more than $50. Turn to OFFICIALS, page 6A. somebody that doesn't know what they are doing or buying." Both cities' inspection depart- ments work with the fire depart- ments in helping determine the cause of fires. "We also send our People over to look at the fire damage because it gives them a better understanding of why the code requires certain things," Koehler said. A potential fire hazard, Koehler said, is when citizens install wood - burning stoves in their homes. "They are great and can work well," the official said, "I use them in my home. But they can also burn your house down." He asked that anyone installing wood- burning stoves contact the inspection department even though a permit isn't needed. "We come out there free, just to advise them. We feel it is that important," he said. ' Chandler said his electrical in= spector Bud Waters has done an "outstanding job" of getting elec- trical systems in the city within the code. "We've eliminated many- house and mobile home fires caused . by electrical problems," Chandler said. One of Chandler's pet projects is.. the demolition of dangerous, old - abandoned buildings within Bryan. Since 1970, 751 buildings have been condemned by his department and 406 of them demolished. The Eagle May 7, 1979 Officials involved in all phases of building Bill Koehler Bruce Chandler Page 6A -�� The Eagle /Bryan-College Station, Texas — Friday, April 21,1919 Council authorizes Ma. or purchases, By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer -It was a big spending night Thursday for the College Station City Council as it authorized the purchase of a new computer system and an expensive air compressor for the fire department. The council authorized the city staff to purchase the computer system for $113,902.87 from National Cash Register and to buy other equipment and supplies bringing the final total to $140,940.37. A.E. VanDever, assistant city manager, said the new system should serve the city's needs for 7 to 10 years. Within 8 months, he plans to have the utility department fully on the computer and then begin to put other portions of the city's financial system on it. Eventually, VanDever hopes to use the computer for the tax department, inventory and even police and court paper- work. The money for the computer system will come from $282,200 in unappropriated utility funds, he said. The council also okayed the purchase of a 5,000 pounds per square inch air compressor system which will supply air for fire fighters' air packs. The compressor had been budgeted for the fire department budget at a price of $5,000 but when the bids were returned, the price was $15,995. Fire Chief Douglas Landua said the equipment was badly needed to refill the air flasks which last only about 30 minutes. Now the depart- ment must go to the Firemen's Training School for refills. City Manager North Bardell was directed to talk with Bryan officials to see if that city might want to use the compressor and help offset the cost. In other action, the council awarded a bid to Young Brothers, Inc. for $101,472 for paving, curb and guttering for Thompson, Edwards and part of Eleanor Streets. That bid and added engineering costs came to about $25,000 more than was available in federal Community Development monies for the project. The council voted to transfer $12,000 in unobligated funds from past Community Development budgets and to make up the remainder of the money from Revenue Sharing funds. The council named Councilman James Dozier, Mayor Lorence Bravenec and Councilman Homer Adams to a committee to meet with Bryan officials to work out a resolution setting up a non- profit corporation to finance student loans. The council changed the name of Lair Lane to Wolfpen Lane. During a recent fire on Lair Lane, the name was misunderstood and the fire department and the fire department responded to Laura Lane so residents of the street asked that the name be changed. The council also changed the name of Plantation Oaks Drive to University Oaks Drive. Those two streets soon will be connected with a new portion of street and the council voted to name to University Oaks because that street already has residents on it while Plantation Oaks doesn't. The council authorized the ad. vertisement of bids for im= provements to Haines Street. A public hearing will be held before residents of the street are assessed for the construction costs. The council also voted to up the residents' share of petition paving from $8 a linear foot to $12. City' Engineer El Rey Ash said the cost hadn't been raised in five years even though prices had escalated greatly in that time. ,. During a closed session, several persons were named to city comv mittees and boards. The E 1979 APrll 27 , Zoning requests stormy debate AnIqwr '. N`:. Newly - elected Councilman Tony Jones Is sworn in by his wife Sandy Thursday night. By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Rezoning requests for two small Pieces of land at the southern end of the city prompted more than two hours of debate Thursday night by the College Station City Council. It was one of those nights when few council members seemed to agree with each other and the ones who did didn't have enough support to carry their positions. The debate began with a request to rezone one acre off Texas Avenue f about 500 feet north of Krenek Tap Road from single family to general commercial. This request had i already caused squabbling among Planning and Zoning Commission members who differed on how the matter was handled. The planning commission recommended that the council not rezone the land to commercial, but rather to an administrative - professional (A -P) district which would allow offices but no retail `operations. The developer is roposing an office complex, but aid he needed the commercial )ning to satisfy his lender. staffphoto City Planner Al Mayo said he asn't opposed to the proposed 'fice complex project, but was Opposed to the general commercial zoning since it would allow such things as a car wash, bowling alley, fast -food restaurants and mobile home sales to be conducted on the tract if the office project fell through or later went out of business. After lengthy discussion, Coun- Related stories page lA —a commercial area. Complicating the matter, however, is the fact that the city may be asked to purchase almost all Gilman Jim Dozier moved that the of the .71 acre tract in the next six land be rezoned general com- months for right -of -way for ex- mercial. That motion failed 3 to 3. pansion of Texas Avenue. Councilman Larry Ringer then Bond contended that any future moved that the land be rezoned A -P proposals for the land were not and that motion failed 3 to 3. proper criteria for consideration A majority vote was finally during a zoning request. reached to table the discussion until "You've got to see this from our Councilman Homer Adams was point of view," said Dozier. He said back in town to break the tie. the council is charged with spending Ringer said he felt the city had taxpayers' money and must con - been "suckered in" to voting for sider that upgrading the zoning liberal zoning for tracts that the would increase the price that would developer said would be one thing be paid for the land. but later fell through, leaving the Mayor Lorence Bravenec said he land open to almost any use. felt the tract could be de- annexed Newly. - installed Councilman Tony from the city and solve both sides' Jones then moved to take the matter problems. off the table and got approval by the Dozier, however, said that was a council. He then moved to rezone the "cop -out" since it would then give land A -P and the motion passed 5 to the right -of -way purchase to the 1. county and the zoning Then came a rezoning request on a would not have been answered. question .71 acre tract off Texas Avenue and The matter was first tabled and Rock Prairie Road from then after further discussion, agricultural -open to general com council members tried un- mercial. successfully to remove it from the James Bond, representing his table. That vote began a heated mother who owns the land which argument between Dozier and now houses the Toadfish Ordinary Councilman Gary Halter. country store, said the land had been Halter said Dozier had just ac- used commercially for 42 years. cused the council of copping out, but When the city annexed the land now wouldn't vote to take the matter recently, however, he said, the off the table to reach a decision. zoning was made A -0 and the store Finally, the council voted 4 to 2 to became a non - conforming en- leave the request on the table and to terprise. direct the city attorney to begin Bond asked that the tract be de- annexation procedures for its restored to what it always had been consideration. 3 fill seats on CS board New members and a new chair- man were named Thursday night to the College Station Planning and Zoning Commission. Anne Hazen, former city coun- cilwoman, was named to fill the unexpired term of Tony Jones who was elected to fill Hazen's spot on the council. Dan Sears and Jim Behling were the commission, was named named to fill the expired positions of chairman. Chris M - 1thewson and Viletta Burke. Vergil Stover also will remain on the J.P. Watson, already a member of man commission, but not as chair- The Eagle April 13, 1979 6 posts are unopposed By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer Six city council positions and one mayoral post are up for election Saturday in Bryan and College Station. Only one position — Place 5 on the Bryan City Council between Wayne Gibson and Sparky Hardee — has two candidates. All except Hardee and Tony Jones, running for Place 5 in College Station, are incambents. In College Station, there seem to be no controversial topics during this election period. The biggest problems facing the city according to the two incumbent councilmen, Larry Ringer and Gary Halter, are Intlation and keeping up with growth. "Things are so good ... I don't ,know that we have any bad yroblems," Halter said. "The problems we do face are growth - related." Ringer said inflation is making it essential that a city be operated efficiently. "We should seek ways to decrease costs of supplies, take advantage of cost saving procedures �.. Gary Halter Larry Ringer whenever possible and seek ways to provide services more efficiently," he said. "A second problem is traffic. I'm afraid I don't have a solutin for this one," Ringer said. Jones, a home builder, has served on the city's planning and zoning commission. He also named keeping up with growth as the city's most pressing problem. Jones said the city must keep a grasp on the growth and turn it into workable situations. Along those lines, Jones said he feels a mass transit system will be needed in the future. "What type of system is still a question," he said. Jones wants to look at availability of federal and state funds for a transit Peyton Waller Joe Hanover system. "I don't think the demand is here yet," he said. But the planning and research needs to continue so that when the demand reaches a point that a system is economically feasible, "we will be ahead of the clock, rather than behind it." Jones wants to be a good listener on the council and approach situations with an open mind. "If I have a pet peve, it is stringing things out over many years. I like to take a situation and get all the facts and then expedite a decision rather than linger on and on. I'd rather see things come to a head faster," Jones said. He feels he may be a "bridge" on the council between business and �o in B=CS elections Richard Smith Tony Jones citizens and between College Station and other governmental bodies. "I have good friends on all three bodies (both councils and the county commission) and I feel I can be a bridge for good relations," he said. The Bryan city candidates seemed also to favor continued work toward a mass transit system. Hanover, running unopposed for Place 1, said he favors a two -city transportation system. "I think Ron Holder at TTI has really delved into the problems and I think some sort of bus system is the answer. Waller, running unopposed for Place 3, said he still "needs to be convinced" that a bus system is the answer. Right now, he said, he doesn't feel the cities are big enough for a transit system. "I'm going to have to be shown that a system is needed and that the people want it," Waller said. Mayor Richard Smith said he favors a metropolitan system that doesn't recognize city boundaries but only the needs of he public. A one -city system would not work, he said. The mayor feels the cities will end up with a mini -bus type of bus system. "It would be irresponsbile for us not to continue with planning for a transit system," he said. Asked what changes they feel are most needed in local government, the Bryan city candidates had these answers: "It may sound like old stuff, but I've always said that we need to work to do things more economically. We need to get as much as we can from our dollars and from out employees," said Hanover. He hopes to encourage an attitude among city employees of job ap- preciation — "an atmosphere where the employees feel their job, here in the City of Bryan, is the most im- portant thing they can do." , Waller said the city needs to be responsive to its citizens. "A citizen should be able to get an answer when he needs it. Everybody needs to be able to complain and be heard," he said. Waller wants to work for im proved customer relations in the utility department. Asked what city facilities are needed in Bryan, Waller said V favored spending money to improve working conditins for city em- ployees before such projects as a dog pound. Smith said the city council's and city administration's greatest challenge is to "come up wih per- sonnel policies that retain qualified people and get more efficiency from the ones we have." Employee compensation is a big' question facing the council, he said. "I feel it is too low and we should address this during the next budget sessions with serious intentions.' However, I'm not in favor of blanket pay raises for city employees. We should increase the pay of effective people and reward those doing a good job. We need to encourage effectiveness," the mayor said. The Eagle April 2,1979 Planners predict transportation nightmare By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff writer "It could be a nightmare." Imagine the Bryan - College Station area in the not -so- distant future: The traffic problem has grown much like that of the City of Houston. It takes hours to get across the two cities during rush hour. Gasoline has been curtailed to such an extent that people are clamoring for a way to get to and from their jobs. Air quality has suffered greatly from the overcrowding of smoke- puffing automobiles. Key intersections in the cities are so clogged at rush hour that most drivers try to avoid them, but alternate routes are few. Sound pretty gloomy. Those were some of the predic- tions made to College Station City Council members Wednesday af- ternoon by a traffic planner, a high- way engineer and the city's urban planner. The discussion came as the council was asked to give either thumbs up or down to the future of a mass transit system for Bryan - College Station. The Bryan City Council will be asked the same question on March 12. The study has been in progress since 1975 under a contract from the Brazos Valley Development Con- cil to Texas Transportation Institul (TTI), Since 1975, the study has ha moments of high interest and lot periods of inactivity because failure of the two cities to make at final decisions on implementing ti project. "In January, 1978, we asked `Wh; now ?,' " said Ron Holder of TT director of the transit study. "Tt mayors of the two cities promised t name members to a committee, bi it was never done," he said. In January, 1979, Holder brougl the study back before th Metropolitan PIannin Organization, a group of local cit3 CS Council hears bus plans From page 1A, col. S. door now, you're that many years away from a solution. We aren't committing ourselves to anything now. Personally, I feel we need to go ahead for the time being and see what the future holds," he said. Texas Highway Engineer D.D. Williamson told the council there were funds available to continue the study and to finance much of the $1.3 million for capital investment. "I'm not trying to sell you on a bus system," Williamson said, "But there are some problems developing." He said he didn't know how some intersections would hold up to future traffic demands. He also pointed out that the increase in industry in the area will make the need for a transit system more acute. The council listened to Holder and the other speakers with interest, but took no stand on the matter. "I don't know what to tell you, Ron," said Mayor Lorence Bravenec as he rocked back anf forth in his chair. county and university officials. At that meeting, he said, the mayors appointed a committee to consider the future of the study. A meeting of that committee drew the consensus that "if" both cities "definitely" want to pursue im- plementation of a transit system, then some acceptable arrangement could be worked out,' Holder said. "But if either city is not completely interested in pursuing it, it would be impossible at best," he added. The main problem facing the future of a bus system in the two cities, seems to be the predicted $425,000 a year operating deficit. How the cities would divide the deficit between themselves and whether the citizens would be willing to pay the increased taxes to support a system have not been decided. Holder said the bus system would mainly serve social service needs, but also would give the cities some "insurance for the future." "It is possible that our urban mobility will suffer the kind of im- pact Houston has suffered in the last five years. It frightens me to think that it could happen here," said Holder, who has worked for TTI on Houston traffic problems. He said the two cities were in a prime position to get an application in for federal and state funding since their study is almost complete. An application now, Holder said, would get processed "before up- coming restrictions on fuel get everybody interested. If we pass up this opport mity, we may regret it." Holder said it would take almost four years to get a bus system ac- tually on the cities' streets. The cities could proceed, he said, with development of an implementation plan and with applications for grants and still be able to stop the project. The point to say a final yes or no could be two years away, he said. Holder was supported by City Planner Al Mayo. "If you shut your Turn to CS, page 8A. The Eagle March 8, 1979 Panoram-a Sweepstakes: can you win - see page 15C The Eagle /Bryan-College Station, Texas — Sunday, March 4, 1979 an artistic look at College Station By KATHY RICKETTS Panorama Editor The sleek white cement wall which graces the front of College Station's city hall was a favorite subject of artists during the past few months. The wall, which takes on a billboard effect as it's lettering announces, "City of College Station," was the dominating theme in the College Station Municipal Art Collection 1978 -79 painting and photography contest which recently closed. The contest was sponsored by the City of College Station in cooperation with the Arts Council of Brazos Valley. J. Porter Walden of Uvalde who's oil painting, entitled, "Painting The Town," received top honors from judges Betty Wurth Hirsch, director of Beaumont Art Museum; Thomas Andrew Livesay, director, Amarillo Art Center; and Laurence Miller, director of Laguna Gloria Art Museum in Austin. The winning entry features a young boy in a wine colored and white shirt and jeans painting the City Hall wall. In the subject's right hand is a paint brush and the brush's bristles dance bubbles of color. The wall takes on the colors of red, green, yellow, blue, all in muted tones. Tina Watkins, director of the Arts Council, who acted as coordinator of the contest said "everyone talked about that painting when it arrived. Everyone was picking it as the winner," she said. Ms. Walden visited College Station twice to paint the entry which earned her $1,500 in prize money. Second place went to J. M. Hutchinson of Bryan for his oil painting entitled "Dexter Park." Third place honors went to Mary Ciani Saslow of College Station for her oil painting en- titled "Totems: Crepe Myrtles." Second place earned a $1,000 cash award and third place earned a $750. The judges named 19 honorable mentions which carried $500 awards. Six sponsored awards of $250 each were presented by local businesses. Artists will receive their awards from mayor Lorence Bravenec, today during the public showing in city Hall from 2 until 5 p.m. the paintings will be on exhibit until March 24. The prize winning entries became the property of the City of College Station and will always be on public display Ms. Watkins said. The contest was open to residents of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana and Arkansas. Contestants were required to have their work represent sites, vistas or structures clearly associated with the City of College Station in 1978 -79. Judging was held Wednesday and the art officials said they were surprised at the variety in the contest. They added "the works showed a great deal of originality." The judges praised College Station City Council in "recognizing the arts in such an elaborate way." The judges said residents should encourage their city leaders to make the contest an annual event, perhaps next year making the contest open to sculpture. Funds for the contest came from the city's hotel /motel tax. Planning for the contest, which drew 125 entries, began a year ago reported Ms. Watkins. Honorable mentions went to: Donald E. Feltz of College Station; Linda Warren of Bryan; Marti Linder (two awards) from Bryan; Charles Sheppard of Bridge City; Myrna Cherry of Beaumont; Benita Williams (two awards) of College Station; Michael J. Dvorken of Denton; Kitty Wood of College Station; Alice Wood Riggs of College Station; Claude Gruener of Houston; Khaja of Houston; Richard Gunn of College Station; Alexine Nowlin of Navasota; Sally Rebecca Tullos of Bryan; and Hasbrook and Hoffman of San Antonio. Sponsors awards went to: Katherine Sanders of College Station; Olive Black of Bryan; Margit Ilika of Bryan; Catherine Swanteson of Bryan; and Jean L. Cornish of Houston. 1st Photos by Steve Castleberry `Painting The Town' 0d Legal Notices OF COLLEGE STATION, TESAX. 1. 106 Legal Notices provisions of subsections (a) and (b) hereof, that such SUbsCrlber Or other person performed or committed such d or oc- (a) It shall be unlawful for any act or acts or cause person, other than an officer or casioned the performance or employee of the City of College commission of the same, and Station within the department shall bring such subscriber or of Public Works or Fire other person prim within the Department, to knowlingly or scope, ma meaning and intentionally (1) remove or penalties hereof. cause to be removed any 2. electrical meter owned by said city from any electrical meter As used herein, the word terminal box, (2) remove or "person" shall extend and be cause to be removed the cover applied to - associations, cor- or any otr part or portion from porations, firms, partnerships any such meter or terminal and bodies politic and cor- box, or loosen or cause to be porate as well 3. o individuals. loosened any part or portion thereof, (3) insert or cause to be inserted any foreign object Any individual, association or or inject orcauseto be injected corporation violating any any foreign substance into any portion or provision of this such meter or terminal box, (4) the assessmen fine d of make or cause to be made any adjustment in the mechanism exceeding $200.00, and each of any such meter, (5) tap onto day and every day that any Or Connect Or cause t0 be Such portion Or proV i510n Of this tapped onto or connected any ordinance be so violated shall wire to the Supply conductor of constitute a separate and any such terminal box, (6) to distinct offense. deny access at any time to any 4. meter by enclosing the meter within a fence without The ordinance as set forth available means of passeage, herein, imposing a penalty, sail or by enclosing the meter be published in a newspaper of within any structure, or by general circulation in the City h a b o r i n g v i c i o u s o' of College Station in complia threatening animals in the with provisions of the City vicinity of the meter. Charter. In the prosecution of any o1- 5 fence charged under sub- section (a) (1) hereof, it, shall All ordinances or parts of or be a complete defense to Such dinances in direct conflict offense if the person charged herewith are repealed to the shows to the court by legal and extent of conflict only. competent evidence (1) that such meter was removed for the purpose of protecting life or Should any section, subsection, perserving property being sentence, provision, clause or immediately threatened be a phrase hereof be held to be fire on the premises served by i n v a l i d, v o i d or u n- such meter, (2) that such constitutional for any reason, meter was removed for the such holding shall not render purpose of preventing a fire to infalid, void or any other the structure served by it due section, subsection, sentence, . to a short circuiting in the this ordinance, provision, clause and phrase he same electrical conductor between the terminal box in which such are deems severable for this meter was housed and a main purpose. line switch or fuse box, or (3) 7. that such meter was removed by a duly licensed electrician This ordinance shall takeeffect to facilitate the repair of and be in full force ten (10) defective electrical conductor days after the date of passage. or for chedking supply voltage, PASSED AND APPROVED and at a time when an em- this the 23rd day of February, ployee of said city within said 1979. APPROVED department of electric utilities LORENCE L. PROVEN was not available to remove MAYOR such meter. In the event of the removal of any electrical meter by a duly ATTEST: licensed electrician under The Glenn Schroeder c i r c u m s t a n c e s I a S t l City secretary hereinabove enumerated, the fact of such removal and the circumstances permitting the same must be reported to the superintendent of the electric distribution division of said department of ectric utilities by such electrician not later than one hour after the com- mencement of the work day of such municipal employee next following such removal. (b) Unless written permission be first obtained from the superintendent of the water distribution division of the department of public works of said city, it shall be unlawful for any person, other than an officer or employee of said city within said department of public works, to knowingly or intentionally (1) tap onto or connect or cause to be tapped onto or connected any pipewith any water distribution main or line owned by said city, (2) disconnect or cause to be disconnected any such water meter from any such water distribution main or line owned by said city or (3) remove or cause to be removed the cover from any such water meter. (c) In the event any such electrical meter be found to have been removed, Or the cover or any part or portion of any such meter Or terminal box be found to have been removed, or any part or por- tion thereof be found to been loosened, or any foreign object be found to have been inserted) or any foreign substance be found to have been injected into any such meter Or ter- minal box, or any adjustment be found to have been made in the mechanism of any such meter or any wire having been found to have been tapped onto or connected to the supply conductor of any such terminal box, or if any meter be found to be inaccessible due to en- closure within a fence without available means of passage, enclosure within a structure or the presence of vicious or threatening animals, or if any pipe be 'found to have been tapped onto 01-- cpnnected any such water distribution main or line, or if any such water meter be found to beeen disconnected from any such water distribution mainor line, or fi the cover of any such water meter be found to have been removed, Or the finding at any time any fact, cir- cumstance or condition on or about any such electrical meter, termnial box, con ductor, water meter or water distribution main or line ten- ding to silation of portion or provision of this ordinance, the same shall be and confute prima facie evidence and a rebuttable evidentiary presumption of knowledge on the part of the person having subscribed for electric or water service throw any such electric or water meter, or the person having the custody, control or management of the building, room, or place for which such subscription is made, the performance or commission of any such act or - acts prohibited under the term The Eagle February 25, 1979 Center disperses Brazos informatior, Hospitality the key to area operation By SAM LOGAN Business Editor One of the newest institutions in town is not really a business, but is rapidly becoming known as a service oriented enterprise that is helping businesses and in- dividuals. Its "merchandise" is in- formation about the Brazos Valley, and its "salespersons" are two women — who with knowledge of the area — en. thusiastically go about giving away information. The enterprise is the In• formation and Hospitality Centei of Brazos Valley, located at 261! Texas Avenue South in College Station (just south of the police station and just north of B -Mart). The salespersons are Anne Bell and Mary Brannen, who spend their day despersing information such as maps, brochures and directions, to tourists, visiting business people and area citizens 'Who need assistance finding out about local points of interest. ` In operation only sinceAugust, the Information Center works with and supplements three other entitiA— the B -CS Chamber of Commerce, the A &M Information 'Center, on campus, and the new Brazos Center. The Information Center began as an idea in the minds of a number of local citizens who believed Bryan- College Station is large enough to need a center for giving information on the many local points of interest to both visitors and residents. It is funded through the room occupancy tax (4 percent in College Station and 3 percent in Bryan) paid by local hotels and motels. During the six months it has been open, it has been land. scaped, new furniture added, and a supply of dozens of maps and brochures of interest collected for eventual dispersal to those seeking information. Only recently a new sign was Placed at the roadside to direct motorists to the small building which houses the center. Bell said, within 15 minutes after the sign was erected, she had a visitor ask about a local Point of interest. "We asked him how he knew where to come and he said, 'well I just noticed your sign by the highway'." There is a small lake im- mediately behind the building (which is on the City of College Station property), and picnic tables and more landscaping will be added this spring. While Bell and Brennan are equipped to help people with most local tourist information, and local people with information about community activities, they refer some people who need specialized information to their sister- centers. "For instance," Bell said, "if someone stops by and needs business or industrial information we refer them to the B -CS Chamber of Commerce, or if they need information about A &M University we direct them to the information center on campus." As the information center grows, Bell and Brennan are keeping detailed records on the number of people stopping by, what they are interested in, how long they plan to stay in the area, and other statistical data that will help determine the tourist business generated here, and how it compares from year to year. Asked about how they help with commercial businesses, Bell said, "Of course we give directions and try to assist with information we have about any individual business we are asked about, but we do not really have the room to keep individual business brochures on display." Maps and brochures con- cerning local organizations and all the tourist attractions in the wide Brazos Valley are available. The, Information .Center's charter board of directors in- cludes 10 persons representing various organizations of the twin - cities. They are: Phyllis Dozier, president, (Arts Council of Brazos Valley); Ron Smestuen, vice- president (Restaurant Association); John Birkner, Treasurer (Northgate Mer- chants); Henry Hawley (Hotel - Motel Association); Judith Rychlik (Bryan- College Station Chamber of Commerce); Bill Hodge (Downtown Merchants); Peyton Waller (Bryan City Councilman); Bill J. Cooley (Brazos County Commissioners Court); and Pat Boughton (College Station City Council- woman). The Eagle February 26, 1979 Mary Brannen and Anne Bell look over map at Information and Hospitality Center. CS city officials defend new meter ordminance., By JANE MILLS SMITH Staff Writer College Station officials say they are trying to catch criminals, not prosecute well- meaning customers with the new meter tampering or- dinance! The ordinance, which carries a $200 -a -day fine for violation, was passed Thursday night by the council. It makes it unlawful for any person, other than a city employee to open, adust or connect electrical or water meters. The ordinance also makes the property owner or oc- cupant responsible for the meters and presumes his or her guilt if a meter is tampered with. City Attorney Neeley Lewis said the meter tampering problem is continual but not frequent. The new ordinance was modeled after a similar law in Bryan. "It isn't your intention to go out and prosecute a homeowner who might have to turn a meter on or off in a special circumstance," asked Mayor Lorence Bravenec. "No," said Lewis. "The problem is people trying to get power without paying for it or who vandalize meters." The council had received a letter from an angry citizen who was against the proposed ordinance. C. Russell Yates of College Station pointed out that last May he had told the city to shut off the power to his home for the summer. At the same time, Yates put in an order for his power to be recon- nected in three months so that his family would have power when it returned from vacation. "One week prior to reconnect, the utility was reminded by phone of their committment. When my family and I returned on a hot August evening — surprise, no power," Yates wrote. He then opened the box and con- nected the power himself, Yates said. "You wouldn't try to prosecute The Eagle February 23, 1979 someone in such a case," asked Bravenec. City officials assured the major that they wouldn't prosecute such customers for ''technical'' violations. But City Public Works Director George Ford did say that customers should notify the utility if they have to go into the meter boxes. The ordinance gives an exception for tampering with meters if it is done for the purpose of preventing a fire. In other action, the council adopted a new city logo. Designed by a member of the city's engineering staff, the logo represents a tree surrounded by a C and an S. The council approved a bid of $12,400 for a tree spade to be pur- chased with federal revenue sharing funds. Staff members said 200 -300 trees a year would be moved with the spade. It can move a tree up to 15 feet tall and four inches in diameter. Rick Ploeger, city forester, said trees can be relocated at city parks and from future roadways. The spade also would help in the city's tree planting program along roadways, he said. The council named Eugene D. Layles as the new assistant municipal judge. City Manager North Bardell said Lyles is needed because of increased workload from the Speedy trial Act. The council sent back to the city staff a request from the Planning and Zoning Commission that the: council direct J.C. Culpepper to; finish the Culpepper Plaza parking lot by April 1. Councilman Gary Halter said he felt the matter should be handled by the staff and didn't need council. consideration. City Planner Al Mayo said Culpepper had not completed: numerous interior parking islands, nor done the plantings or lane markings he had promised.