HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/2017 - Regular Minutes - City Council MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
MAY 11, 2017
STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF BRAZOS §
Present:
Karl Mooney, Mayor
Council:
Blanche Brick
Jerome Rektorik
Linda Harvell
Barry Moore
Julie Schultz
James Benham
City Staff: Student Liaison
Kelly Templin, City Manager Jonah Chen, VP Municipal Affairs
Chuck Gilman, Deputy City Manager
Carla Robinson, City Attorney
Sherry Mashburn, City Secretary
Tanya McNutt, Deputy City Secretary
Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present
With a quorum present, the Regular Meeting of the College Station City Council was called to
order by Mayor Mooney at 7:08 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017 in the Council Chambers of the
City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840.
1. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request.
Presentation proclaiming May 7-13, 2017 as Bryan College Station Travel and Tourism
Week.
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to Shannon Overby, Executive Director, Sydney
Murrell, Director of Servicing and Events, proclaiming May 7-13, 2017 as Bryan College Station
Travel and Tourism Week.
Presentation proclaiming May 21-27, 2017. as National Public Works Week
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to the Public Works Department, proclaiming May 21-
27, 2017 as National Public Works Week.
Presentation proclaiming May as National Bike Month
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to representatives of the Bicycle, Pedestrian and
Greenways Committee, proclaiming May as National Bike Month.
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Presentation proclaiming May 7-13, 2017 as Municipal Clerks Week
Mayor Mooney presented a proclamation to the City Secretary's Office, proclaiming May 7-13,
2017 as Municipal Clerks Week.
Hear Visitors Comments
Ben Roper, College Station, came before Council to honor the service and sacrifice of Sgt.
Christopher Ramirez.
Chance Rushing, University Heights Townhomes, representing iMatter Youth, an international
non-profit and non-partisan environmental organization focused on empowering youth to take
local action. The issue they are championing is renewable energy usage. He asked the City to
commit to transition to a 100% renewal energy by 2040 or sooner for the economic benefits, the
public health and safety benefits, the national security benefits, and to ensure a livable future. He
asked for an Action Plan and Clean Energy resolutions to transition to renewable energy within
the next 23 years.
Konstantine Giannopoulis, College Station, spoke regarding climate change and said we need to
make conscious decisions regarding our environment. Switching to renewable energy is the
quickest way to a sustainable future.
Kati Stoddard, College Station, spoke regarding the initiative to transitioning to renewable energy.
This is necessary to reducing our carbon footprint. She spoke about human health effects due to
burning fossil fuels.
Darian Davis, College Station, spoke in support of transitioning to 100% renewable energy. We
need to lead by example and join the other 28 cities that have joined this movement.
Vince Chihak, Bryan, said there are economic benefits to utilizing renewable energy, and there is
a 100% consensus that climate change is real.
Carlo Chunga Pizallo, College Station, said that College Station is a very car-dependent city.
Building more roads will not solve the problem. The city needs to be more walkable, more
sustainable, and more renewable.
Ashley Daspit, College Station, said reducing carbon emissions is the number one way to cleaner
air. Climate change is real and is the greatest global health challenge in the 21St century. We are
global citizens and leader on a global stage.
Aron Gabremicael, College Station, stated it is important to switch to renewable energy as soon as
possible. He spoke about greenhouse gases and how they affect global warming.
Joshua Grotte,Bryan, spoke about the feasibility of becoming a completely sustainable city. There
are federal subsidies available to help get started.
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Nich Beer, College Station, said he sees the direct effects of poor air quality in his work. A recent
study by MIT noted 200,000 premature deaths from air pollutants.
Adriane Beer, College Station, spoke on behalf of another citizen. She has an organic farm said
the seasons are unpredictable due to climate change. She is also concerned about the water from
the Brazos River and the underground water, due to fracking.
Dorothy Menefee, College Station, spoke about greenhouse balance and said climate change is
very concerning. Switching to renewable energy can mitigate some of the effects. She reitereated
the request for an action plan to transition to renewable energy. This will stimulate the economy
and improve the quality of life.
CONSENT AGENDA
2a. Presentation, possible action, and discussion of minutes for:
• April 27, 2017 Workshop
• April 27, 2017 Regular Meeting
2b. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Change Order Numbers 1 and 2
to Greens Prairie Substation Contract Number 17300106 in the total amount of$226,865.20.
2c. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on approval of Resolution 05-11-17-2c,
stating that the City Council has reviewed and approved the City's Amended Investment
Policy Broker-Dealer List.
2d.Presentation, possible action,and discussion to consider renewing an agreement with the
Wellborn Special Utility District to transfer their water through the College Station water
system.
2e. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding an inter local agreement with the
Texas Department of Public Safety, State Administrator of the Texas Law Enforcement
Telecommunications System for the use of the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications
System (TLETS).
2f. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on approving a service contract with Global
Payments Direct, Inc. for Merchant Card and Credit Card Payment Processing Services.
This service contract is for an initial three (3) year term with an estimated annual not-to-
exceed amount of$850,000 for banking fees and service charges.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Schultz and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent
Agenda. The motion carried unanimously.
REGULAR AGENDA
Item 5 was taken out of order and heard first.
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1. Public Hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Ordinance 2017-
3882, amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use & Character Map from
Suburban Commercial to Urban for approximately 4.74 acres located at 404 Harvey Mitchell
Parkway South, generally located at the corner of Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and
Raymond Stotzer Parkway.
Madison Thomas, Planning and Development, stated that the applicant has requested the proposed
Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use and Character Map amendment to Urban as a step toward
permitting a multi-family residential housing development with retail space at 404 Harvey
Mitchell Parkway South. This development is intended to serve as housing for students at the
nearby Texas A&M University. The retail will serve the students in the multi-housing portion and
the employees at the adjacent business.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item at their April 20 meeting and voted
unanimously to recommend approval.
At approximately 9:20 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:20 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Moore and a second by Councilmember
Benham, the City Council voted five (5) for and two (2) opposed, with Councilmembers Brick
and Schultz voting against, to adopt Ordinance 2017-3882, amending the Comprehensive Plan -
Future Land Use & Character Map from Suburban Commercial to Urban for approximately 4.74
acres located at 404 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, generally located at the corner of Harvey
Mitchell Parkway South and Raymond Stotzer Parkway. The motion carried.
2. Public Hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Ordinance 2017-
3883, amending Chapter 12, "Unified Development Ordinance," Section 12-4.2, "Official
Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing
the zoning district boundaries from CI Commercial Industrial to PDD Planned Development
District for approximately 4.74 acres being situated in the City of College Station, Brazos
County, Texas, at 404 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, generally located at the corner of
Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and Raymond Stotzer Parkway.
Madison Thomas, Planning and Development, stated that the applicant has requested a Planned
Development District rezoning at this location to allow for multi-family development that will
consist of attached units that meet the Multi-Family Zoning regulations and accessory commercial
uses in the ground level of one of the buildings. Vehicular access will be taken through the adjacent
property to the north, via a private access easement. There will be a multi-use path, for walkers
and bikers that will be provided through the property.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item at the April 20 meeting and voted 6-0
to recommend approval.
At approximately 9:36 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
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There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:36 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Benham and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted five (5) for and two (2) opposed, with Councilmembers Brick
and Schultz voting against, to adopt Ordinance 2017-3883, amending Chapter 12, "Unified
Development Ordinance," Section 12-4.2, "Official Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of
the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundaries from Commercial
Industrial to Planned Development District for approximately 4.74 acres being situated in the City
of College Station, Brazos County, Texas, at 404 Harvey Mitchell Parkway South, generally
located at the corner of Harvey Mitchell Parkway South and Raymond Stotzer Parkway. The
motion carried.
3. Public Hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Ordinance 2017-
3884, amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use & Character Map from Urban
to General Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved for approximately 3.2 acres located
3500 Harvey Road, generally located east of Copperfield Pkwy and south of Harvey Road.
Madison Thomas,Planning and Development, stated that the applicant has requested the proposed
Comprehensive Plan amendment to General Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved as a step
toward permitting a commercial development at 3500 Harvey Road. The Commercial land use is
intended to provide commercial development for the nearby residents and the greater community.
The Natural Areas Reserved land use would protect the floodplain on the property and create a
buffer at the south of the property.
The Planning&Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval at their April 20 regular
meeting.
At approximately 9:39 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:39 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Benham and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance 2017-
3884, amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use & Character Map from Urban to
General Commercial and Natural Areas Reserved for approximately 3.2 acres located 3500 Harvey
Road, generally located east of Copperfield Pkwy and south of Harvey Road. The motion carried
unanimously.
4. Public Hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Ordinance 2017-
3885, amending the Comprehensive Plan Thoroughfare Plan by changing the classification
of the extension of Pavilion Avenue, generally located southeast of the intersection of State
Highway 6 and Sebesta Road, from a major collector to a minor collector.
Jason Schubert, Planning and Development Services, stated that the proposed Thoroughfare Plan
amendment changes the classification of the extension of Pavilion Avenue from a major collector
to a minor collector.
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The Planning&Zoning Commission considered the rezoning request at their May 4, 2017 regular
meeting and recommended approval. Staff also recommends approval.
At approximately 9:44 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:44 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Brick and a second by Councilmember
Benham, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance 2017-
3885, amending the Comprehensive Plan Thoroughfare Plan by changing the classification of the
extension of Pavilion Avenue, generally located southeast of the intersection of State Highway 6
and Sebesta Road, from a major collector to a minor collector. The motion carried unanimously.
5. Public Hearing, presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding Ordinance 2017-
3886, amending the Unified Development Ordinance Section 12-8.3.H.2, Platting and
Replatting within Older Residential Subdivisions.
This item was taken out of order and heard first.
Molly Hitchcock, Planning and Development, stated that this amendment corrects language from
2012 that inadvertently allowed lots as small as 5,000 square feet in older residential
neighborhoods designated as "Neighborhood Conservation" on the Land Use & Character Map.
The proposed ordinance language will clarify the original intent of Section 12-8.3.H.2 and restore
protection to older residential neighborhoods. Two versions of the amendment were provided for
the Council's consideration. Version One simply clarifies the original intent of the ordinance. At
the suggestion of the P&Z Chair, Version Two includes additional language that provides
flexibility when calculating the average lot width.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item on May 4 and voted to recommend
version two.
At approximately 8:15 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
Suzanne Droleskey, College Hills Woodlands, said there had been comments the earlier
amendment was intentional, but said the evidence indicates it was clearly unintentional. She
thanked staff and P&Z for listening to their concerns. She noted Mr. Simms high ethical standards.
Gary Halter, College Hills Woodlands, made two points: subdivision changes are often more
important than zoning changes, and that the City should change provisions that violate deed
restrictions.
Lawrence Hunter,College Hills Woodlands,said there were no signs posted and nothing published
to alert residents. The timing of public engagement is very important. Neighborhood integrity is
the most often contested issue. A concise definition is needed. Restoring the verbiage in the UDO
is a great start in that direction.
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Dennis Berthold, College Hills Woodlands, stated his concern with the vagueness of the word
"character" in the second version of the amendment endorsed by the P&Z. He said he prefers the
first version and then explained what "character" means to him. He noted that neighborhood
character is not just about block faces and lot sizes. He stated that community character is more
than a guideline for replatting . . . it is a way of life.
Nan Crouse, College Hills Woodlands, said she hopes the Council will approve one of the versions
tonight. She noted the amount of time she has had to spend defending her neighborhood. Those
who have moved from the neighborhood have done so to move to places with more protections in
place. Good neighborhoods make good communities.
George Dresser, Southside area, said the issue before the Council is driven by the conversion of
single-family residences to stealth dorms. He noted that the Appraisal District appears to already
be valuing the land as if it is already being used for construction of stealth dorms.
Dean Boyd, College Hills Woodlands, said he supported version one, but will be satisfied with
either.
Joel Cantrell, College Hills Woodlands, said he favors both versions of the amendment. He
recommended that rear tier, same tier and opposing block face be considered by the administrator.
There being no further comments,the Public Hearing was closed at 8:36 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Rektorik and a second by Councilmember
Schultz, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Version Two of
Ordinance 2017-3886, amending the Unified Development Ordinance Section 12-8.3.H.2,Platting
and Replatting within Older Residential Subdivisions. The motion carried unanimously.
6. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on Ordinance 2017-3887, authorizing the
issuance of up to $70,000,000 in principal amount of "City of College Station, Texas
Certificates of Obligation, Series 2017"; delegating the authority to certain City Officials to
execute certain documents relating to the sale of the certificates; approving and authorizing
instruments and procedures relating to the certificates; and enacting other provisions
relating to the subject.
7. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on Ordinance 2017-3888, authorizing the
issuance of up to $36,600,000 in principal amount of"City of College Station,Texas General
Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds,Series 2017";with no more than$19,000,000
of such amount to be issued to refund the Refunded Obligations and pay costs of issuance of
the Bonds and no more than $17,600,000 for new capital projects; delegating the authority
to certain City Officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the Bonds;
approving and authorizing instruments and other procedures relating to said bonds; and
enacting other provisions relating to the subject.
Items 6 and 7 were taken together.
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Mary Ellen Leonard, Director of Finance, stated they are looking at $17,390,000 in General
Obligation Bond projects, and $63,840,000 for Certificates of Obligation projects. The total new
money issuance is $81,830,000 including $600,000 in estimated debt issuance costs.
The recommended refunding includes $1,740,000 for 2009 bonds (GO refunding), and
$12,920,000 for 2009 bonds (CO). The opportunity that is currently before the Council will save
the City approximately 9.44% over the remaining life of the issues. The net present value savings
includes the debt issuance costs.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Schultz and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted seven (0) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance 2017-
3887, authorizing the issuance of up to $70,000,000 in principal amount of "City of College
Station, Texas Certificates of Obligation, Series 2017"; delegating the authority to certain City
Officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the certificates; approving and
authorizing instruments and procedures relating to the certificates; and enacting other provisions
relating to the subject. The motion carried unanimously.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Schultz and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance 2017-
3888, authorizing the issuance of up to $36,600,000 in principal amount of "City of College
Station, Texas General Obligation Improvement and Refunding Bonds, Series 2017"; with no
more than $19,000,000 of such amount to be issued to refund the Refunded Obligations and pay
costs of issuance of the Bonds and no more than $17,600,000 for new capital projects; delegating
the authority to certain City Officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the Bonds;
approving and authorizing instruments and other procedures relating to said bonds; and enacting
other provisions relating to the subject. The motion carried unanimously.
8. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on future agenda items and review of
standing list of Council generated agenda items: A Council Member may inquire about a
subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or
the recitation of existing policy may be given.Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal
to place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting.
There were no proposed agenda items.
9. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Mayor Mooney adjourned the Regular eeting of the City
Council at 10:03 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2017.
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