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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPage 1 Colle tation -~ IJ.- .-; .r... ~/ In This Issue COtler StOTY The '95 Bond Election Paae 2 A Message From The City Council Paae 3 Proposition #1 - Street Projects Paae 4 Proposition #2 - Sidewalks, Bikeways & Northgate Paae 5 Proposition #3 - Traffic Proposition #4 - Drainage Proposition #5 - Library Paae 6 Proposition #6 - Fire Station Relocation & Land Purchase Proposition #6 - Parks PaGe 7 Proposition #8 - Park Land Acquisition ~aae 8 ow Your Taxes Could Be Affected 1990 Bond Election: How The Money Was Spent College SUtlon CITY NEWS Is published blmolfthly by the Public Re/aUons amce. For InrortMtlon. call 7'4-37". Nktyor: Larry Ringer CouncH Place 1: Bill Fox Council Place Z: Hub Kennady Council Place 3: Lynn Mcllhaney Council Place 4: Larry Marlott Council Place 5: David Hickson Council Place': Nancy Crouch Interim City Manager: Tom Brymer Asst City M9r: John Woody Editor: Peggy Call1ham WrlterlDes/gner: Bob Vancy . .~ -.... ,', -,. .. "'''.- 7 ~ @ llifklxu~ /Jtml 'iiI1a ~EJ @} ~ ~t.iI\ ~ Special/ssue: The 1995 Bond Election What Is It? As many citizens know, bond elections are held by city governments every now and then for the purpose of making capital improvements in the city. In the process, citizens are asked to vote on individual items that their elected representatives, the City Council, have decided to place on the ballot. Councilmembers actually call the election after hearing recommendations from city staff on what projects they believe are necessary. Councilmembers also receive comment from concerned citizens through public hearings and citizen committees. Such is the case with this bond election, with lots of input received from the Capital Improvements Advisory Committee over the past several months. This issue of "City News" is dedicated to that election. When Is It? On March 25th, just a few short weeks from now, you will be given the opportunity to vote on these individual issues, each of which has undergone the scrutiny of local citizens, the City Council, city staff and others. The purpose is to bring to the ballot a list of select items that are meant to improve both the appearance and function of our city in various ways. Early voting will begin March 6th at City Hall, and will end March 21st. Where Is It? Your regular polling place applies with just a few exceptions. All locations are listed below. Those tha t are different for this election are denoted with an asterisk (*). Precinct ~ 8 9 10 24, 75 28, 58, 59, 71, 73 31 32 33, 35 20, 21, 61 34 39 40 2 *Parkway Baptist Church College Station Conference Center College Station Municipal Court College Hills Elementary School Holy Cross Lutheran Church *A&M Church of Christ *Southwood Valley Elementary Lincoln Center * A&M United Methodist Fellowship Hall *College Station City Council Chambers Rock Prairie Elementary *St. Thomas Aquinas Church Wellborn Community Center . . . College Station City News' ............~.IL....~___.............~. _ ".. .... --'-_:..;~~~..?~",'-:'-~"<r-'#~7..~~:'::.:'-""'-:"--'" .~' ""=.~.<n_ ..~.__.~ ~-..j.~p':v<..~~'b- ~"-""-_""-_::'-=-,""~~:-~."'~.l~_ _ P".:-.-'M.........~. ~ .. - _ ~-~~__ L___ _________ City leaders dedicated many hours of discussion to the capital improvements bond election. A Message From The City Council Dear Citizens of College Station: The City of College Station continues to grow and develop. In order to meet the needs of the community and maintain its quality of life, infrastructure improvements are needed. For this reason, we have called for a Capital Improvements Bond Election to be held on March 25, 1995. We have made this decision with much public involvement and forethought. A Citizens Capital Improvements Advisory Committee of ~ineteen residents met weekly for two months to review and make recommendations to the'City Council. We have studied their recommfndati~ns and have placed the proposals explained in this newsletter on a ballot for your consideration. + , We hope you will take the time necessary to study the issues completely and then use your v,ote to exp.ress your opinion and become involved in your community's future. If you I)'!ve questions on any issue, we welcome jour calls. Mayor Mayor Pro Tem Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Councilman Larry Ringer Lynn McIlhaney Larry Marlott Bill Fox David Hickson Hubbard Kennady Nancy Crouch ... - . A Message From The CIP Committee Dear Citizens of College Station: On August 25, 1994, we were appointed by the College Station City Council to a Capital Improvements Advisory Committee. The charge to the committee was to study and make recommendations to the City Council and residents of the community for a general obligation capital improvements bond election. We met weekly for two months and studied an extensive list of capital projects that totaled over $56 million. We carefully examined the infrastructure and facility needs for Members of the CIP Committee discuss proposed capital improvements during one of their many meetings. College Station for the next several years. There were many needs that this committee felt were important, however; those included in this proposed bond package of $22.5 million were the most pressing over the next three to five years. We believe these are needed to maintain College Station's quality of life. Based on current projections and assumptions, the pI;oposed $22.5 million in capital projects can be funded without an increase in the property tax rate. There will be additional operational expenses associated with these propositions that may increase your taxes in the future. We hope you will carefully review this information and the following propositions. Each member of the committee is willing to answer any questions you may have. We encourage you to vote on March 25th and become a vi tal part of making College Station's quality of life a continuing success. Sherry Ellison Peter Keating Ron Silvia Stacy Gunnels A.C. Vinzant Anne Hazen Joe Bergstad Tony Jones Jim Hull Steve Aldrich Charles Thomas Edsel Jones Bill Swafford Winnie Garner Marci Rodgers Dick Birdwell Richard Talbert Greg Stiles Col e Station ..... .. . .. ,'.'.. -. ~. ,. . Proposition # 1 Street Projects A~6S"ge Station continues to grow, transportation and access #,*ttlt~al~~ tinue to be one of the city's most pressing issues. Several l....~>-.:::::::::.. str~jlt. eed to be extended to serve the general public as traffic co;~_~0 s to increase. The age and condition of certain older streets m~~I~~e~ to~ expe~sive to maintain, thus complete recf~~l: uctIon IS ad.vIsed. Other streets only need rehabilitation, w1~efik less extensIve. lmlttK ~m~m::~(.f ,:.::::::::::::.L.:.:.", . (Currently Being Considered) $3,842,000 =--dl~~SHiffhwest Parkway (East) Tarrow Street (South) Anderson University Oaks Major Thoroughfare Rehabilitations Brentwood from Dartmouth to Texas Stallings from Dominik to University Oaks Deacon from Texas to Longmire Walton from Texas to Foster Holleman from 2818 to Wellborn Welsh from Holleman to Nueces Southwood from FM 2818 to Todd Trail Extensions/Expansions-(Currently Being Considered) $5,624,000 North Forest Parkway- (connect Emerald Forest phases 8, 9, 10, and 11 w /SHwy 6.) Rock Prairie Road-West Extension Kyle Street Right-of-Way Purchase Graham Road Upgrade North/South arterial - (either east of Texas Avenue or west of Wellborn Road) Oversized Street Participation $599,000 Developers pay for all streets used to serve their subdivisions. When the city requires the construction of larger streets to serve areas outside the development, the city pays the additional cost. This is referred to as "oversized street participation." These funds are for such projects. Total $10,065,000 ~I ~ I --~..., ,., :t ~J'- V V ,'..... \...--..../~'-.) / iffl -,-~ J )/ I "- "- .... no~ to scale" ~ - Street ReconatrvctioA/RehobiIitation ...Street ~/Expanaionl ..._~ North/South NWfala ~ 1occItioM) . '.. ~ . ;.. ~... ,1'~.... 4~~ 1-,. ...~.'... ':..- l" . .p'" ~., , .~.."\ ..'::1::" 'l:"P 3 . ~. . .' . . .. .'. '~'. '._ . ~;, ':."''-'''' ,;.,,' '..: ;"'", .. ,..'~. .'.N' , >, :<..,~ <~. ,?ge College StatIon filly News c Colle e Station ell News Proposition #2 Sidewalks, Bikeways, & Northgate ~~:i1:;';~~:;:~~~;:~~ ~~;~~tT;eon~t t:~s~:Y is a revitalizaqeA:pf historic areas, which includes sidew"\lks, bikeways.~;lpdscaping, and standardized lighting, are just as much aI}~(I3"nomic development benefit as are streets. Comm~nies across the nation utilize these techniques and they have<~~~~n use"sFextensively on the Texas A&M Campus. It is one ~dIIl.'I~:r~~~:~t~rsta~~~::~~i ~~:~~oO~~il~~ their Sidewalks and Bikeways $1,100,000 Bikeways and sidewalks provide an alternative form of transportation. They also serve as a visual enhancement while providing safety for pedestrians and cyclists. Projects to be funded are sidewalks and bikeways, as well as streetscape improvements to major thoroughfares in College Station. This would include landscaping, standardized lighting, and other improvements. Northgate Revitalization Project $500,000 While some improvements to water lines and streets are currently planned, further improvements are needed to promote a visually pleasing area that has revenue producing potential. It could also enhance the historic value and provide greater safety in this original area of College Station. This proposition includes revitalization efforts that could bring the Northgate area up to the standards seen throughout much of the remainder of the community. Total $1,600,000 There is a rich heritage in the Northgate area that could add value if it is preserved and enhanced. ~ll , Some streets hay~ no sidewalks, despite a high level of pedestrian traffic throughout most of the year. ;rj ap :V: "r ....-. . -- ~. More bikeways would reduce the number of vehicles on our roads by making cycling more convenient for students and others. , ~ ~ :;j - ., ~i J(ii I ~ r ~.. 1 r, " :=; ~ /IJ ~ r.::. -..."\ - n -~ .. ~ ~" Without revitalization the Northgate area is likely to deteriorate even further. . Page 4 . College Sta tion Cily News Colle e Station Cit Ne J"". -',~..I" -. ~ ..,.: "~'. ,. "';'" .".C. r f ~" ,:~.'" Proposition #3 Traffic Projects As triMfi?tta<<lHp1e increases, various improvements to the traffic sigij:F:g:y.':~::iill:@b:e critical in maintaining adequate public safety and ,:.:.' 'f:.':.:.::::':.:.>>:.:.l ~fffcienc.y 'l~I''rovements considered include new signal . mstallaho~~ahd the upgrade of the computer system that lmks ~..>)~;.:.,:::"':C:- traffic,,~_ffif;[his proposition would also include improved traffic lai\~i:ilimgq.ians, and intersection approaches at various locations. Tn!~k~uld include projects at the following locations: Texas Aven~::i\t Southwest Parkway, Rock Prairie Road at rql~t;Y 6~~\iforge Bush Drive at Wellborn Road, and Agronomy Rdiill%ilil~~rsi ty Drive 0 Total $1,900,000 iiIIJ #' eo 1fT ,t The computer system linking the city's traffic signals would be upgraded as a part of this proposition, along with several other improvements. Proposition #4 Drainage Projects The proje2~~~Fecommended in this proposition include needed storm drain aI}4.::~mannel improvements in various parts of College Station. The stQfmIatain and channel improvements would address a number ..".:.: :.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.l of aJ,:,~Kslll::t6.e city where either storm drains need to be installed or ex.~Hng!~mi~ need major repair. It also includes channel .y;h'provJ,IMt projects. The channel improvements would reduce !:iill:~1:!~~~llg~ help prevent damage to private property, reduce ::i:ihtiUiitl(&tf\ifM erosion, and improve the community's appearance. These fJla.S::tould also be used for oversized bridge participation l,:,:,:;:':':':::':':':':l and detehf16h facilities. Total $1,805,000 Drainage issues were highlighted as an area for concern by the deluge of rain throughout 1994. Proposition #5 Library Services Circula h 0.1 ,H the pr~senr ~vllege Sta tion Library has near! y doup!~~b)st!.ti:;years. Tht. current leased facility is 5,070 square feet an(~t[fS1i1nadeqtiate to handle the growing requests for service. The Cl\[f,:~Jltproposal may include, but is not limited to, a 15,000 square f%9l~P!I~I!tM~! as well as additional books, shelving, and equipment. IHWjd.g!.B:::~:J,~::W)low for the flexibility to acquire new technologies that are'Hg~qm~rg more common in today's libraries. It is recommend:~~I:::lhat a new library facility to be located somewhere S9M~~ of Souflitvest Parkway. The current library is operated ~.'~;~4K .#X I I t Oth th COt f B d th . ..f:(}\f :. . ~::tnter oca agreemen WI e I y 0 ryan an ese prop e services will continue that arrangement, thus providing expanded community-based library services. Total $2,635,000 College Station Branch Library Circulation /987 - /99-1 160000 140000 120000 100000 80000 60000 87-88 88-89 89-90. 90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 . Page 5 Colle e Station City News LoIre e Station ."""" . Proposition #6 Fire Station Relocation & Land Purchase This propos~g.2n is for the relocation and construction of the Central Fire Sj}~:Up.fPrrom the Texas Avenue site. It also includes the purchase of 1<~ng;:Wor additional public parking and facilities at the Police and ~11~~~::;::~::::',~,ces Departments. ~lra~t;~::~~: ;:rt~~e c::;,;~~:~r;ei~~~:~:n of the Central j'llrltt~~~llf:~~n :~~il:~: :~~ ~~; :~a~a~ ~:~~~~I;~~~o~~:~:~;eason ni:\.i$."E~~'pHnse time to all areas of the city. The site suggested is someWhgi.e in the area around Holleman Drive, the East By Pass, Southwest Parkway and Texas Avenue. This relocation will defer the need for a fourth station. Access from the present bay area onto.Texas Avenue during high traffic hours hinders response time and is unsafe. This area in front of the station has some of the highest accident counts in the city, and with the upcoming widening of Texas Avenue, the access and safety problems will be amplified. This proposition would allow for the construction of a fire station, but would not requ~re additional personnel or equipment. $935,000 Land Purchase for Public Facilities This project is for the purchase of 12 acres of land near the current Police and Public Services facilities. Uses would be multi-purpose and allow for public parking at the Police/Municipal Court facilities and vehicle storage at the Public Services Department. $430,000 Total $1,365,000 ~ .. _J L. ~. Emergency vehicles leaving the Central Fire Station are sometimes delayed by heavy traffic, a problem which will only increase with the upcoming Texas Avenue Widening Project. To protect its investment in the city fleet, covered storage is . needed. Proposition #7 Parks & Recreation Projects . ..,.... As the city'grows, the use of city parks increases, causing a need tor more facilities. . After extensive review by the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, the CIt\g;~tn~gj}1nd the City Council, this proposition includes the fl~iI11~11!I't~IFts: dncoln Cenlfr/Wayne Smith Park Corridor $1,230,000 This item i,~::Wpart of the Parks Master Plan and includes the constructigfifof three youth baseball fields, a concession building, a parking ~~Ility, and lighting in the Lincoln Center area. ~~~nw Park Fagdjties Upgrade/Renovation $200,000 This pt;qpbsal is for upgrades and renovations at Bee Creek and Central Parks.Ji$he Bee Creek Park improvements include replacement of fences, backstops, dugouts and shelters, as well as the clean-out of the arboretum ponds. Central Park improvements include the renovation of the concessi on facili ty . Neighborhood/School Park $200,000 This project would be constructed in conjunction with the elementary school scheduled to open in 1996 in south College Station near the Pebble Creek area. It would be similar to the neighborhood/school 'park at Rock Prairie Elementary. This type of dual-use public park facility has proved to be a wise use of taxpayer dollars. Total $1,630,000 . Page 6 College Station City News -- 600 500 ell ~400 Q) - - 0300 .... Q) .0 E200 :::I 2 100 o - -------- .1 -. 1 · ~ 'I f. "' I '. n.;:Z~I~ \ , 5ffi 1991 I ~ Team; regstered 1992 1993 1994 D Ttrred ay,ay cErrai'd fa" satball I Proposition #8 Community Park land Acquisition and Initial Development This En?,posal is for the purchase of approximately 150 acres o{dilr;lel~t.{.lor the future construction of a major ..:.>::~::: unit~wlr.rk facility. A community park would serve a ~<.<'~.:: r sfj.m of needs than the smaller neighborhood p :. Mir:y.::~i.I;$ipark would serve present and future needs for so :j~~~. ll, softball and many other outdoor r~.:. tiw::::;;ili.~:;.~ ivities. A side benefit would be the ability to ffBS.. mor~.~nal, state, and national tournaments, which lIlt ow btl'~14urned away. These add to the dollars spent itfillllc9.tlnity by visitors. Economic advantages can be realize~y purchasing one large tract rather than a number of smaller tracts to serve individual purposes. Demand for athletic facilities continues to grow as population increases. 3,500 ~ 3,000 CD ~ 2,500 ~ 2,000 o G; 1,500 .c E 1,000 ~ z 500 o Total $1,500,OOP \ ! ~ . - - - - - - - --, - ,'"f .i ~ 1 · 't "J I 1~t... J~~~~ J 3,400 1991 1992 1993 1994 f'; 1/,. - .... ~f"'-' ;-I~ r-"""l'\'\ II II" ~ 11 I~ \ ~ 1. I 11 I [I I I :I II I __ . _ ~ .j' II L i : \'" ,.1 ~ l l I MARCH 4 Lady Aggie Invitational, Central Park Willie Nelson in Concert @ WPC Amphitheater MARCH 6 Spring Adult Volleyball Registration Begins Man - Fri, 8am - 5pm, Central Park Office Spring Softball Play Begins MARCH 7 Parks & Rec Board Meeting, 7pm @ Central MARCH 10 Spring Adult Volleyball Registration Ends MARCH 13 CSISD & TAMU Spring Break Begins MARCH 17 CSISD & TAMU Spring Break Ends St. Patrick's Day ASA National Umpires School (17th - 19th) MARCH 20 FIRST DAY OF SPRING!!!! ,I Swim Lessons Session I & Tennis Lessons Session II Begin Adult Basketball Registration Begins, Man - Fri, 8am - 5pm MARCH 21 Adult Volleyball Play Begins MARCH 23 High School Girls Fast Pitch Tournament MARCH 24 Spring Adult Basketball Registration Ends APRIL 2 Daylight Savings Time Begins APRIL 3 Spri~ Adult Basketball Play Begins APRIL 5 Historic Preservation Committee. 7pm @ Central APRIL 8 Police Department Easter Egg Hunt @ Central Park ..... . , \ .J 2nd Annual "Pathways To Fishing" Clinic. Central, 10am APRIL 14 GOOD FRIDAY Ci~ Offices Closed 'I 1;;-" ; ~-\ Ir.'~1'11 J \\ ~ 'I ~ ), "'. c; ~'~\, (,....-\\ "I.. .. t...- _ L':"' .= _-..J ~'ij ~)) rF)) ~ -.: - .:1 D~ ,,~ J:.: --~ CSISD Student Holiday Swim Lessons Session II & Tennis Lessons Session III Begins --.....- -}~-:<. .;:;- APRIL 15 Rain Date For The Police Dept Easter Egg Hunt APRIL 16 EASTER . - - - -- . ------ APRIL 17 Girls Summer Slow Pitch Registration. Man - Fri, 8 - 5 @ Central Park Office. APRIL 22 EARTH DAY Grunt & Grind Biathlon ~ .~_.. -," /4:'~..t?,~~,~: ,~'.;~..:~ .7/'J(: .~< l~.':-.,;';--d~..~< .,t."",, .". ".~; .' .'- . , 1 - '.~ .~ -.>" .. "':~~\~~, ;.<l\~ i_I~~\'I-:; > ~,> . "",,:1 ~".:: ,:<~..~.:'l~il;.: _ ~ .. $11,400 $99,000 How This Election Gould Affect Your Taxes Project Capital Expenditures 1 Street Projects $10,065,000 2 Side walks/Bikeways/ $1,600,000 and Northgate 3 Traffic Projects $1,900,000 4 Drainage Projects $1,805,000 5 Library Services $2,635,000 6 Fire Station Relocation/ $1,365,000 Land Purchase 7 Parks & Recreation $1,630,000 Projects 8 Community Park Land $1,500,000 Acquisition/Development Total $22,500,000 Annual Operations/ Maintenance $10,000 -0- $178,000 $10,000 $146,000 -0- $454,400 The $225 million in proposed capital expenditures for this bond election WILL Nill increase your taxes. However, the operations and maintenance costs of the projects COULD increase your property tax rate by approximately 3.5 cents in the future. For example, the construction costs for a new street project, if approved, would be paid for with available funds, but additional funds to maintain it MAY require additional taxes at a later time. March 25! Polls are open from 7am until 7pm. For info call 764-3541 Currently, 1 cent in the tax rate would generate approximately $135,000 in revenue. A 1 cent increase in city taxes will affect the total taxes on an $85,000 home by $8.50 annually. Your 1990 Bond Money: How It Was Spent Sidewalk Improvements (which include new sidewalks, rehabilitation or extensions of older sidewalks and new ramps to meet the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements at various sites.) Holleman Drive College Hills Elementary area Munson Drive Todd Trail Wolf Pen Creek (Soon to be underway) SW Pkwy Rehab/Ext. Munson Extension The City of College Station held its last bond election in December of 1990. Two propositions passed at that time. One was a proposal for Streets and Sidewalks in the amount of $4.5 million. Another was a $1 million dollar proposal for Parks Improvements and Developments. Since the last bond election, the following projects have either been completed or are still in design or construction using 1991 bond funds. Parks I1Ilnrovements and Develonments (which includes construction, trails, equipment, c'ourts, fields, lighting, etc.) Woodcreek Park Bee Creek Park Merry Oaks Park Central Park Improvements Georgia K. Fitch Gabbard Park Trail Anderson Park Brison Park Raintree Park Sandstone Park Thomas Park Lincoln/Wayne Smith/Lions Adamson Pool Renov. Oaks Park Street Improvements (include street extensions, total reconstructions, and rehabilitations on the following streets.) Welsh Street Extension Krenek Tap Road Victoria Ave Ext. Tarrow One-Way Sebesta Road Traffic Signals University Drive East Spring Loop FM 2818 at Wellborn Hearthstone Page 8 College Station City News