HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/23/2020 - Workshop Minutes - City CouncilWKSHP112320 Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP
VIA TELECONFERENCE
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
NOVEMBER 23, 2020
STATE OF TEXAS §
§
COUNTY OF BRAZOS §
Present:
Karl Mooney, Mayor
Council:
Bob Brick
John Crompton
Linda Harvell
Elizabeth Cunha
John Nichols
Dennis Maloney
City Staff:
Jeff Capps, Interim City Manager
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager
Carla Robinson, City Attorney
Tanya Smith, City Secretary
Lisa McCracken, Records Management Administrator
1. Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present
With a quorum present, the Workshop of the College Station City Council was called to order by
Mayor Mooney via Teleconference at 3:02 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020, in the Council
Chambers of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas
77840.
2. Executive Session
In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.071-Consultation with Attorney, §551.072-
Real Estate, §551.074-Personnel, and §552.133-Competitive Matter the College Station City
Council convened into Executive Session at 3:02 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020, in order
to continue discussing matters pertaining to:
A. Consultation with Attorney to seek advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation; to wit:
Kathryn A. Stever-Harper as Executrix for the Estate of John Wesley Harper v. City of
College Station and Judy Meeks; No. 15,977-PC in the County Court No. 1, Brazos
County, Texas; and
McCrory Investments II, LLC d/b/a Southwest Stor Mor v. City of College Station; Cause
No. 17-000914-CV-361; In the 361st District Court, Brazos County, Texas
City of College Station v. Gerry Saum, Individually, and as Independent Executrix of the
Estate of Susan M. Wood, Deceased; Cause No. 17-002742-CV-361; In the 361st District
Court, Brazos County, Texas
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Carrie McIver v. City of College Station; Cause No. 18-003271-CV-85; In the 85th District
Court, Brazos County, Texas
B. Deliberation on the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; to wit:
Property located generally northwest of the intersection of Highway 47 and FM 6 0 in
College Station, Texas
C. Deliberation on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or
dismissal of a public officer; to wit:
City Attorney
City Municipal Judge
City Manager
Council Self-Evaluation
D. Deliberation on a competitive matter as that term is defined in Gov’t Code Section 552.133; to
wit:
Power Supply
Executive Session recessed at 5:53 p.m.
3. Reconvene from Executive Session and take action, if any.
No vote or action was taken in Executive Session.
4. Presentation, possible action and discussion on items listed on the consent agenda.
Item 3.3 was pulled from Consent for clarification.
(3.3): Brian Piscacek, Assistant to the City Manager, explained that this resolution supports the
Texas House and Senate approving requested legislation to raise revenue for the Brazos County
Regional Mobility Authority. Subject to Texas Legislative approval, the City agrees to a
referendum being held to add a $10 fee to Brazos County residents’ vehicle registration to support
transportation projects in Brazos County. A similar resolution was approved unanimously by the
Brazos County Commissioners Court on October 6, 2020.
5. Workshop Agenda
5.1 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the City's Open Records Request
process.
Brain Piscacek, Assistant to the City Manager, stated that this item was requested by council in
September of this year. He presented an overview of the Texas Public Information Act,
examination of the Open Records Request process maintained by the City of College Station,
analysis of recent requests as well as historical trends, and a review of processes and types of
requests in other Texas cities.
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5.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action to explore an Ad Hoc College Station
Business Committee.
Natalie Ruiz, Director of Economic Development, stated that this item was originally presented to
Council on October 22, 2020, where staff received direction to engage with the local business
community through informal conversations. She explained that the first of these "Business Over
Breakfast" events were held on November 10, 2020 and presented the City's efforts to market the
upcoming "Christmas in College Station" campaign and explored how businesses can get involved.
Representatives from approximately 40 College Station businesses RSVP’d to attend and after an
open discussion many businesses signed up to participate in Christmas in College Station. City
staff also explained how they are able to assist a business in a COVID-19 social distancing related
issues.
At the November 12, 2020, City Council meeting, staff received additional direction to bring this
item back for further discussion regarding the potential formation of an ad hoc business committee.
Council directed staff to continue with the “Business Over Breakfast” with additional direction to
help facilitate connections between similar interest groups, more routine scheduling, and a larger
venue.
6. Council Calendar
Council reviewed the calendar.
7. Discussion, review, and possible action regarding the following meetings: Animal Shelter
Board, Arts Council of Brazos Valley, Architectural Advisory Committee, Audit Committee,
Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board, Bio-Corridor Board of Adjustments,
Brazos County Health Dept., Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Brazos Valley
Economic Development Corporation, Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, Budget
and Finance Committee, BVSWMA, BVWACS, Census Committee Group, Compensation
and Benefits Committee, Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee, Experience Bryan -
College Station, Design Review Board, Economic Development Committee, Gulf Coast
Strategic Highway Coalition, Historic Preservation Committee, Interfaith Dialogue
Association, Intergovernmental Committee, Joint Relief Funding Review Committee,
Landmark Commission, Library Board, Metropolitan Planning Organization, Operation
Restart, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Research Valley
Technology Council, Regional Transportation Committee for Council of Governments,
Sister Cities Association, Spring Creek Local Government Corporation, Transportation and
Mobility Committee, TAMU Student Senate, Texas Municipal League, Walk with the
Mayor, YMCA, Zoning Board of Adjustments, (Notice of Agendas posted on City Hall
bulletin board.)
Councilmember Harvell reported on the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board.
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Councilmember Maloney reported on the Economic Development Corporation.
8. Adjournment
There being no further business, Mayor Mooney adjourned the Workshop of the College Station
City Council at 6:52 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020.
________________________
Karl Mooney, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Tanya Smith, City Secretary