HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2019 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilRM0092619 Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
STATE OF TEXAS §
§
COUNTY OF BRAZOS §
Present:
Karl Mooney, Mayor
Council:
Bob Brick
Jerome Rektorik
Linda Harvell
Elianor Vessali
John Nichols
Dennis Maloney
City Staff:
Bryan Woods, City Manager
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager
Carla Robinson, City Attorney
Tanya Smith, City Secretary
Ian Whittenton, 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 6:56 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019 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 October 10th, 11th, and 12th of 2019 as the College Station
Department "Fill the Boot" days to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Mayor Mooney presented the College Station Fire Department with a proclamation proclaiming
October 10th, 11th and 12th as College Station Fire Department “Fill the Boot” Days to benefit the
Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Presentation by Mayor Karl Mooney to Mark Lord, Executive Director of the Texas Amateur
Athletic Federation (TAAF) in acknowledgement of the Games of Texas.
Mayor Mooney recognized David Schmitz, Director of Parks and Recreation, Kelly Kelbly,
Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, and members of the Parks Department, who presented a
shadow box filled with mementos from the recent “Games of Texas” to Mark Lord, Executive
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Director of the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, in honor of those games and the announcement
of the return of the games next summer.
Hear Visitors Comments
Elianor Vessali, College Station, came before Council to honor the service and sacrifice of Army
Capt. Rowdy J. Inman.
CONSENT AGENDA
2a. Presentation, possible action, and discussion of minutes for:
September 12, 2019 Workshop Meeting
September 12, 2019 Regular Meeting
2b. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the renewal of six Master
Agreements for Real Estate Appraisal Services: Duff & Phelps, LLC; JLL Valuation &
Advisory Services, LLC; Lowery Property Advisors, LLC; Paul Hornsby & Company; S.T.
Lovett & Associates; Valbridge Property Advisors. Approval of these renewals will authorize
the City Manager or his delegate to approve Service Orders for each project within the terms
of each Master Agreement.
2c. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a three year contract with Frontier
Communications for a 2 gigabyte internet connection for $144,060.
2d. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 09-26-19-2d adopting fees,
rates and charges as provided by Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article V “Finance” Division 2
“Fees, Rates and Charges” of the Code of Ordinances, and presentation, discussion, and
possible action on Ordinance No. 2019-4124 amending Chapter 2 “Administration”, Article V
“Finance” Division 2 “Fees, Rates and Charges”, Section 2-120 "Fire Department Services"
of the Code of Ordinances.
2e. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of the of the City’s annual
blanket orders for electric inventory items with estimated annual expenditures of: Techline,
Inc. $658,887.50; KBS Electric $253,115; Texas Electric Cooperative for $92,975 and to
Anixter, Inc. for $60,093. The total recommended award is for an amount not to exceed
$1,065,070.50.
2f. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 09-26-19-2f
approving the continued receipt of a share of the bingo prize fees awarded at a bingo game
conducted in the City of College Station after January 1, 2020.
2g. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding City of College Station Excess
Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property/Boiler & Machinery, Commercial
Crime, EMT Liability, Auto Property Damage, Cyber Liability, Unmanned Aircraf t liability
and property; Special Events policies for Fiscal Year 2020. FY20 premiums for all lines of
coverage are not to exceed $650,000.
2h. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of the renewal of the
City’s annual price agreement for Electric Three Phase Pad Mount Transformers with
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estimated annual expenditures to KBS Electrical Distributors, for $503,214.55. The total
recommended price agreement renewal is for an amount not to exceed is $503,214.55.
2i. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding approval of a construction contract
with Larry Young Paving in the amount of $3,275,747.08 for the constructi on of the Greens
Prairie Phase 1 Widening.
2j. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2019-4125
temporarily amending Chapter 38, Section 38-1013, of the Code of Ordinances by changing
the posted speed limit on the section of Greens Prairie Road between 1000’ west of Woodlake
Drive to the Royder Road Intersection to 30 mph for the duration of the Greens Prairie Road
Widening Phase 1 project.
2k. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2019-4126
amending Chapter 38, Section 38-1012 of the Code of Ordinances by changing the posted speed
limit on the section of Holleman Drive South between North Dowling Road to the Rock Prairie
West Road Intersection to 40 mph.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Rektorik and a second by Councilmember
Vessali, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Agenda,
with the exception of 2k. The motion carried unanimously.
(2k) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Nichols and a second by Councilmember
Brick, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to postpone Consent Item 2k to
October 7, 2019 and directed staff to bring back an ordinance with a speed limit of 45 mph except
where required to be 40 mph by law. The motion carried unanimously.
REGULAR AGENDA
1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 09-26-19-01 accepting
the FY-2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $315,597.
Jonathan McMahan, Fire Chief, stated that the Department of Homeland security has provided
notification of a grant award. He explained that application submitted for the FY18 Assistance to
Firefighters Grant (AFG) funding opportunity, was approved in the amount of $286,906.36 in
Federal funding. As a condition of this grant the city is required to contribute non-Federal funds
equal to or greater than 10.00 percent of the Federal funds awarded, or $28,690.64, for a total
approved budget of $315,597. The funding will be used for Blue Card Hazard Zone Incident
Command Training and Certification Program and Source Capturing Diesel Exhaust Removal
Systems for the fire stations.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Nichols and a second by Councilmember
Maloney, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopted Resolution No. 09-
26-19-01 accepting the FY-2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $315,597.
The motion carried unanimously.
2. Presentation, discussion, possible action regarding approval of a construction contract with
CRT GC, dba Caprock Construction in the amount of $1,810,044.44 for the construction of
the Fun for All Playground Phase 2, an all abilities park at Central Park.
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Emily Fisher, Assistant Director of Capital Projects, stated that the project includes the construction
of Phase 2 of the Fun for All Playground, an all abilities fully accessible park providing inclusive
play for everyone. Phase 1 was constructed at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park primarily by funds
donated by charitable civic groups and private citizens. Since its grand opening, Phase 1 has been
highly utilized and continues to be a great success providing a much needed and desired accessible
park for our community.
Phase 2 construction will increase the area of Phase 1 by connecting to it upon completion and
include a stadium with bleachers and a ¼ scale artificial turf field and will be completely fenced. It
will provide handicapped accessible restroom facilities on site, additional covered play areas
including musical elements, two wheel chair accessible merry go rounds, and a sensory panel maze.
There will also be an area to honor all the donors that continue to make this park a success with their
generosity. The budget for the Fun for All Park - Phase 2 totals $1,846,000. Funds have been
received in the amount of $1,300,000 from private citizens and charitable organizations which will
be transferred to the city. In addition, budgeted funds are included in the Community Parkland Zone
C/D and Neighborhood Parkland Zone 3 in the amount of $546,000.
At approximately 7:36 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Citizens Comments.
Mike Lee, College Station, stated that this is a beautiful park but the City needs be mindful of the
money they are spending on this project.
There being no comments, the Citizens Comments was closed at 7:40 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember
Brick, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a construction contract
with CRT GC, dba Caprock Construction in the amount of $1,810,044.44 for the construction of the
Fun for All Playground Phase 2, an all abilities park at Central Park. The motion carried
unanimously.
3. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2019-4127
Budget Amendment 3 amending Ordinance No. 2018-4048 which will amend the budget for
the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year in the amount of $325,000 and presentation, possible action and
discussion on interfund transfers totaling $125,000.
Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, stated that the proposed budget amendment is to increase the
FY19 budget appropriations by $325,000. This amendment also includes an interfund transfer of
$125,000. The total amount of the revised FY 19 budget is $376,562,258.
At approximately 7:46 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Public Hearing.
There being no comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:46 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember
Brick, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance 2019-4127,
for Budget Amendment 3 amending Ordinance No. 2018-4048 which will amend the budget for the
2018-2019 Fiscal Year in the amount of $325,000 and an interfund transfer of $125,000. The motion
carried unanimously.
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4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2019-4128 adopting the City
of College Station 2019-2020 Budget; and presentation, possible action and discussion ratifying
the property tax revenue increase reflected in the budget.
Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, noted the Council will need to take two actions: 1) consider
the FY2019-2020 budget including revisions of an increase of $6,345 for a total proposed budget
with revisions of $341,163,652; and 2) ratify the property tax revenue increase reflected in the
budget.
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance adopting the FY2019-2020 budget, with any changes
the Council may have, and to also ratify the property tax revenue increase.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Nichols and a second by Councilmember
Harvell, the City Council voted six (6) for and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember Vessali voting
against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-4128, the proposed FY20 Budget for the City of College
Station including revisions of an increase of $6,345 for a total proposed budget with revisions of
$341,163,652. The motion carried.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Brick and a second by Councilmember Harvell,
the City Council voted six (6) for and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember Vessali voting against,
to approve ratifying the property tax increase reflected in the FY20 Budget. The motion carried.
5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on approval of Ordinance No. 2019-4129
adopting the City of College Station 2019-2020 ad valorem tax rate of $0.534618 per $100
assessed valuation, the debt service portion being $0.221444 per $100 assessed valuation and
the operations and maintenance portion being $0.313174 per $100 assessed valuation.
Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, reported that Council has held two public hearings on a tax
rate of $0.534618. The tax rate must be adopted as two separate components - one for Operations
and Maintenance and one for Debt Service.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., Mayor Mooney opened the Citizens Comments.
Richard Dusold, College Station, expressed his concerns on the proposed tax rate increase, stated
that he is not in favor of this increase, and believes the council is making a mistake by approving it.
Mike Lee, College Station, stated that he just ask for honesty and that council is not being honest on
the effects the proposed tax rate increase and its burden to the citizens.
Sherri Echols, College Station, came before Council to express her concerns related to debt services
and requested Council to work on our debt services. She also does not believe that individual income
has increased at a rate equal to the increased taxes over the last several years.
Michael Nibert, College Station, came before Council to help speak on behalf of the citizens that are
not in favor of the proposed tax rate increase. He thanked Councilmember Nichols for trying to help
the citizens understand the proposed budget and tax rate increase.
There being no comments, the Citizens Comments was closed at 8:34 p.m.
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MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Mooney and a second by Councilmember Brick, the
City Council voted five (5) for and two (2) opposed, with Councilmembers Vessali and Rektorik
voting against, to adopt Ordinance 2019-4129, that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption
of a tax rate of 53.4618 cents per $100 assessed valuation, which is effectively a 7.84% percent
increase in the tax rate. It was also moved that the Maintenance and Operations rate be 31.3174
cents per $100 assessed valuation; and the Debt Service rate be 22.1444 cents per $100 assessed
valuation. The motion carried.
6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the official naming of Southeast
Park and the 8 fields within the complex.
David Schmitz, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the official naming of the complex and
fields temporarily listed as Southeast Park. Staff recommends approval of support for the naming
of Southeast Park as Texas Independence Ballpark Midtown College Station and, subsequently, the
fields as Gonzales, Goliad, Alamo, San Jacinto, Sabine River, Rio Grande, Red River, and Lone
Star.
Recommendation meets all criteria and guidelines as laid out in the naming policy.
The naming concept was proposed by a subcommittee of the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Board and received unanimous approval from the full board on March 12, 2019.
The item went back to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board on August 13, 2019, based
on a request from Economic Development. At that time, the board unanimously passed the
official name to include “Midtown College Station”.
Mr. Schmitz, explained that Fields 1-4, are named for historically, significant battles fought on
behalf of Texas Independence. Fields 5-6 and 8 are named for the state’s three boundary rivers and
are geographically located, accordingly (North | Red River, East | Sabine River, South | Rio Grande).
Field 7, the championship field, is “Lone Star” to symbolize Texas.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Maloney and a second by Councilmember
Rektorik, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the official naming
of Southeast Park and the 8 fields within the complex as Texas Independence Ballpark Midtown
College Station and, subsequently, the fields as Gonzales, Goliad, Alamo, San Jacinto, Sabine River,
Rio Grande, Red River, and Lone Star. The motion carried unanimously.
7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2019-4130 amending
Chapter 8, "Businesses," Article V, "Home Solicitation and Itinerant Vendors," of the Code of
Ordinances by adding certain sections relating to Texas A&M University ticket reselling and
presentation, discussion and possible action on an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M
University for law enforcement assistance related to Texas A&M University ticket reselling.
Scott McCollum, Police Chief, stated that reselling of Texas A&M football tickets can often result
in unsuspecting buyers purchasing invalid or counterfeit tickets. In response, this ordinance will
require a University permitting process in an effort to mitigate these circumstances. Also, this
ordinance does not impact the occasional resale of a ticket purchased for personal use, and the ILA
will allow UPD to assist the City with enforcement of the City's ordinance.
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Staff recommends approval of this ordinance amending Chapter 8, Businesses, Article V, Home
Solicitation and Itinerant Vendors and the interlocal agreement with TAMU for law enforcement
assistance for university ticket reselling.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Rektorik and a second by Councilmember
Vessali, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopted Ordinance 2019-
4130, amending Chapter 8, "Businesses," Article V, "Home Solicitation and Itinerant Vendors," of
the Code of Ordinances by adding certain sections relating to Texas A&M University ticket reselling
and presentation, discussion and possible action on an interlocal agreement with Texas A&M
University for law enforcement assistance related to Texas A&M University ticket reselling. The
motion carried unanimously.
8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an appointment to the Brazos
Valley Solid Waste Management Agency, Inc. Board of Directors.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Mooney and a second by Councilmember Harvell, the
City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, with Councilmember Nichols abstaining, to
appoint John Nichols to the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency, Inc. Board of Directors.
The motion carried unanimously.
9. 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.
No future agenda items at this time.
10. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Mayor Mooney adjourned the Regular Meeting of the City Council
at 9:24 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2019.
________________________
Karl Mooney, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Tanya Smith, City Secretary