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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/13/2023 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilCCM 071323 Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN-PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION CITY OF COLLEGE STATION JULY 13, 2023 STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF BRAZOS § Present: John Nichols, Mayor - absent Council: Mark Smith William Wright Linda Harvell Elizabeth Cunha Bob Yancy Dennis Maloney City Staff: Bryan Woods, City Manager Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager Adam Falco, City Attorney Leslie Whitten, Deputy City Attorney Tanya Smith, City Secretary Ian Whittenton, Deputy City Secretary 1. Call to Order and Announce a Quorum is Present. With a quorum present, the meeting of the College Station City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Maloney via In-Person and Teleconference at 4:00 p.m. on July 13, 2023, in the Council Chambers of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840. 2. Executive Session Agenda. In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.071-Consultation with Attorney, and §551.074- Personnel, the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at 4:01 p.m. on July 13, 2023, to continue discussing matters pertaining to: 2.1. 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; and  Shana Elliott and Lawrence Kalke v. City of College Station, et al., Cause No. 22-001122-CV- 85, in the 85th District Court, Brazos County, Texas; and CCM 071323 Minutes Page 2  SOAH Docket No. 473-22-2464 and PUC Docket No. 52728 – Application of the City of College Station to Change Rates for Wholesale Transmission Services; and 2.2. Deliberation on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer; to wit:  City Manager  Council Self-Evaluation 3. The Open Meeting Will Reconvene No Earlier than 6:00 PM from Executive Session and City Council will take action, if any. Executive Session recessed at 6:00 p.m. No action was taken. 4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to accept Mayor Nichols’ absence request for July 11, 2023 and July 13, 2023. The motion carried unanimously. 5. PRESENTATION - PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS. 5.1. Presentation recognizing Ann Hays for her service to the Parks and Recreation Board, the Historic Preservation Committee, and the Senior Advisory Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Maloney presented a Certificate of Recognition to Ann Hays for her service to the community, the Parks and Recreation Board, the Historic Preservation Committee, and the Senior Advisory Committee. 5.2. Proclamation recognizing the creation of the College Station Parks Foundation. Mayor Pro Tem Maloney presented a proclamation to David White for the College Station Parks Foundation, which was formed as a private non-profit corporation intended to support the enhancement of parks and recreation in the City of College Station. 6. Hear Visitors Comments. Nick Sutton, College Station Professional Firefighters Association, came before Council to speak on his concerns related to firefighter retention and the compensation. He belivies many firefighters are leaving College Station because of the low compensation they receive when other entities offer higher pay, more preferred schedules, and better benefits. John Halsell, Bryan, came before Council to state his concerns with College Station and the Rosemary residences relationship. Mr. Halsell explained that College Station has built a relationship with Southside but cannot do the same with Rosemary because of the issues related to a proposed sewer upgrade. Charles Coats, College Station, came before Council representing Habit for Humanity and updated Council on some upcoming events. Mr. Coats also discussed his ideas about Middle Housing as it relates to low-income households. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 3 Jes Linne, Bryan, came before Council to discuss his concerns on the College Station Trunkline, “Rosemary Drive vs Chimney Hill Lift Station. He cited the following:  Gravity Fed SS lines are the most complex boring projects  Optimum 300’-400’ between bore pits so Rosemary Drive would be 18 bore pits not 8  In his “apples to apples” comparison Rosemary is a more expensive option 7. CONSENT ITEMS Presentation, discussion, and possible action on consent items which consist of ministerial, or "housekeeping" items as allowed by law : A Councilmember may request additional information at this time. Any Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for a separate vote. Items 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.7 and 7.10 was pulled from Consent for clarification. (7.3) Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, explained that the changes that are in the change order. (7.4) Randall Lewis, Electric Assistant Director, explained that this contract is for three (3) years for labor and equipment necessary to provide electric right-of-way tree trimming of overhead power lines and the clearing of easements and rights-of-way for construction of new power lines. The RFP requested firm pricing for three years, with each year specifying areas of the electric system to be trimmed. Standard Electric utility practices have recommended a three (3) year system trimming cycle. The evaluations consider previous work and the safety records of respondents to the RFP. (7.5) Bryan Woods, City Manager, explained that this item is an amendment to the lease agreement with the International Leadership of Texas School to renew the current lease for an additional two - year term as the organization works toward a new facility to serve as a permanent home for their high school. The initial three-year agreement in the amount of approximately $1,015,580 was executed in May 2020 to coincide with the construction of the new Police Department building and the resulting vacancy of 2611 Texas Avenue. The agreement met ILT's interest in short-term space and has been mutually beneficial to both parties in fulfilling public and educational purposes. The city will continue to utilize the rent proceeds for public purposes while also retaining flexibility for the premises into the future. (7.7) Councilmember Cunha made a comment on the tree protection in the contract and stressed advertising the public meetings for the citizens. (7.10) Bryan Woods, City Manager, explained that rather than maintain this agreement through the duration of the remaining two years of compliance, both entities find it desirable to mutually terminate. The company is considering additional options concerning ownership of the building. 7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for:  June 22, 2023 Council Meeting 7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a professional services contract with Mitchell & Morgan, LLP, not to exceed $852,307.15 for the Highway 6 Widening Utility Relocates Project. 7.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Change Order No. 8 in the amount of $119,873 for the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Expansion construction contract with CSA Construction, Inc. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 4 7.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a three-year contract for Electric Right-of- Way Tree Trimming Services to Pannell Contracting, LLC, dba Pannell Co., not to exceed $3,390,180. 7.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an amendment to the lease of 3.1 acres including an approximately 28,949 square foot building at 2611 Texas Avenue South to International American Education Federation, Inc., d/b/a International Leadership of Texas, for two additional 1-year renewals for a total contract amount of approximately $1,771,952. 7.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on bid awards to KBS Electrical Distributors for substation gas circuit breakers, not to exceed $314,540 and to Texas Electric Cooperative for outdoor vacuum circuit breakers, not to exceed $357,561 for Electric inventory. 7.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a professional services contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., not to exceed $857,400; plus, the City’s contingency amount of $30,000; for a total appropriation of $887,400 for the College Heights Utility Rehabilitation Project. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. 7.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with A1 Pump, Inc. in the amount of $199,554.42; for construction services for the Carters Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Fuel Island Project, plus the City’s contingency in the amount of $21,450.00 for a total appropriation of $221,004.42. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize expenditures up to the City's contingency amount. 7.9. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Brazos Paving, Inc. in the amount of $887,186.20; plus, the City’s contingency in the amount of $88,720 for a total appropriation of $975,906.20 for drainage improvements at University Oaks Boulevard and Stallings Drive. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. 7.10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the termination of an economic development agreement between the City of College Station and Viasat, Inc. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Items excepted for 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.7, and 7.10. The motion carried unanimously. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Items 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.7, and 7.10. The motion carried unanimously. 8. WORKSHOP ITEMS 8.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an update from College Station Emergency Management. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 5 Tradd Mills, Emergency Management Coordinator, presented an update regarding the actions of emergency management for the City of College Station as well as collaboration with partnering agencies. Community Emergency Operations Center  Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Action Plan Review and revision  Emergency Management Basic Plan Annex Updates  Extreme Weather/Hurricane prep and planning (Warming/Cooling/Education Outreach through media and community events)  Trainings and Exercise: Multi Agency/City Tabletop Training (Train derailment), ICS 300/400, G402 (Elected Officials), L0388 (Advanced PIO), storm spotter/Skywarn community training  SB 968 STEAR program requirements  Ongoing community partner meetings: VOAD, ARC, BCHD, HSAC (plan updates and grants), LEPC REGULAR ITEMS 9.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 07-13-23-9.1 supporting the planning, design, and development of enclosed tennis courts by the College Station Parks Foundation. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 6 David White, Texas Parks Foundation, stated that the College Station Parks Foundation was formed earlier this year as a private, tax exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation, who’s mission includes enhancing recreational opportunities and improving recreational facilities in the City of College Station Park system. The Foundation proposed fundraising for the planning, design, and construction of an enclosed tennis facility at Bee Creek Park, which the foundation fundraises in the community to support their mission. This item is a resolution supporting the College Station Parks Foundation creation and the development of an enclosed tennis facility. At approximately 7:11 p.m., Mayor ProTem Maloney opened for Citizen Comments. Dave Stelly, College Station, explained the importance of cover tennis courts for comfort and the how it helps with tracking the ball during play. There being no further comments, the Citizen Comments was closed at 7:12 p.m. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright, and a second by Mayor Pro Tem Maloney, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve Resolution No. 07-13- 23-9.1, a supporting the planning, design, and development of enclosed tennis courts by the College Station Parks Foundation. The motion carried unanimously. 9.2. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an update of Community Development activities, current programs, accomplishments, and future opportunities, and an overview of the proposed Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan and Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development budget. David Brower, Community Development Analyst, presented an update regarding Community Development activities, current programs, accomplishments, and future opportunities. The presentation also included the proposed Program Year (PY) 2023 Annual Action Plan and Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Community Development Budget, which Raney Whitwell will be presenting. Historically, the City has utilized these funds for a variety of programs and activities, including affordable housing assistance programs (homebuyer assistance, security deposit assistance, rehabilitation, a nd minor repair); funding for direct services to low-income families through non-profit programs; demolition; economic development; infrastructure improvements to parks, facilities, and streets; and grant administration. Community Development  Community Development strives to benefit low- and moderate-income residents by:  Encouraging and expanding accessibly of human services  Expanding and improving public facilities  Expanding economic opportunities  Providing an adequate supply of safe and affordable housing  Rehabilitating rental and owner-occupied residential property  Expanding homeownership opportunities Housing  Down Payment Assistance Program  Owner Housing Construction  Minor Home Repair Program  Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) – Security Deposit Assistance  Rental Housing Rehabilitation / Construction CCM 071323 Minutes Page 7 CDBG Public Service Agency Funding  In past 5 years –  Partnered with 11 different agencies - $1.2 million  6,700 clients served  New CDBG Public Service Agency Funding Process Pandemic Driven Initiatives  HOME Rent Assistance - $207,000 / 90 Households  Texas Emergency Rent Assistance Program - $150,000 / 23 Households  CDBG Economic Assistance Grant - $1,209,000 / 65 Businesses / 550 Jobs Saved  CDBG CARES Act Rent Assistance - $1,240,488 / 797 Households  GotEM Food Assistance - $403,708 / 430 Clients Raney Whitwell, Community Development Analyst, explained that the City is required to submit a one-year Annual Action Plan describing projects, activities, and budget to be funded with the community development grants received. Annual Action Plan activities must correspond to the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. The total grant funds available next year are $2,938,761 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $1,045,450 in HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) funds. These amounts include carry-over funds from previous years, recaptured funds, and new year allocation (PY23) amounts of $1,180,825 in CDBG and $527,205 in HOME funding. PY 2023 funding will be available on 10/1/2023. The PY 2023 Annual Action Plan, that includes the FY23 Community Development budget, must be delivered to HUD no later than August 16, 2023. Therefore, this information is a separate process from the Council’s consideration of the overall City budget. CDBG funds may only be used to: (1) benefit low-and moderate-income persons; (2) aid in the elimination of slum and blight influences; and/or (3) meet an urgent community need. Further, CDBG funds may be used to meet local needs through a wide range of community development activities, while HOME funds may only be used for affordable housing activities. At approximately 7:58 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Maloney opened the Public Hearing. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:58 p.m. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright, and a second by Councilmember Harvell, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to accept the update of Community Development activities, current programs, accomplishments, and future opportunities, and an overview of the proposed Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan and Fiscal Year 2024 Community Development budget. The motion carried unanimously. 9.3. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2023- 4447 vacating and abandoning a 0.8236 acre, 60-foot-wide Right-of-Way, Sienna Drive, generally located 550 feet southwest of the intersection of Marion Pugh Drive and Holleman Drive West according to the plat recorded in Volume 583, Page 177 and the repla t recorded in Volume 705, Page 619, of the Official Records of Brazos County, Texas. Items 9.3 and 9.4 were presented together. 9.4. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2023- 4448 vacating and abandoning a 0.6922 acre, 25-foot wide Public Drainage Easement abutting Sienna Drive Right-of-Way, said portion lying in Lot 1, Block 2, of the Woodway West Phase 1 Subdivision, according to the replat recorded in Volume 705, Page 619, of the Official Records of Brazos County, Texas. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 8 Lucas Harper, Planning and Development, stated that the Right-of-Way (ROW) abandonment is being requested by the applicant because of a desired change in the lot layout of this area. The public street constructed in the ROW is a cul-de-sac internal to the lot and does not serve the transportation needs of the public. A public utility easement will suffice for the needs of the City’s utility infrastructure located in this area. Mr. Harper also presented that the public drainage easement (PDE) abandonment is being requested due to an application for abandonment of the adjacent public right-of-way (ROW). The drainage provided for by the easement is internal to the development and will not serve public drainage needs upon abandonment of the associated right-of-way. At approximately 8:09 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Maloney opened the Public Hearing. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:09 p.m. (9.3) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy, and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted four (4) for and two (2) opposed, with Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Councilmember Cunha voting against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-4447, vacating and abandoning a 0.8236 acre, 60-foot-wide Right-of-Way, Sienna Drive, generally located 550 feet southwest of the intersection of Marion Pugh Drive and Holleman Drive West according to the plat recorded in Volume 583, Page 177 and the replat recorded in Volume 705, Page 619, of the Official Records of Brazos County, Texas. The motion carried. (9.4) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy, and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted four (4) for and two (2) opposed, with Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Councilmember Cunha voting against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-4448, vacating and abandoning a 0.6922 acre, 25-foot wide Public Drainage Easement abutting Sienna Drive Right-of-Way, said portion lying in Lot 1, Block 2, of the Woodway West Phase 1 Subdivision, according to the replat recorded in Volume 705, Page 619, of the Official Records of Brazos County, Texas. The motion carried. 9.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2023-4449 amending Chapter 38 “Traffic and Vehicles,” Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, no parking here to corner and no parking any time" by removing parking on the south side of Ponderosa Drive. Emily Fisher, Public Works Director, stated that the a business owner concern was received by staff regarding large commercial trucks and trailers parking along Ponderosa Drive, particularly near the intersection with Longmire Drive. Staff investigated the concern and found several trucks and other vehicles parked along both sides of the street. At times, trucks were near the stop sign at Longmire Drive, decreasing visibility for vehicles on Ponderosa Drive. Concerns about the amount of time trailers had been left in the same space were also raised and staff h ad noted trailers parked along Ponderosa. A public meeting was held on May 1, 2023 to collect public input on parking removal along Ponderosa Drive. Several businesses were in attendance as well as a truck driver that utilizes the street for parking. Several concerns were raised, including sight distance at Longmire, the number of crashes at the intersection with Longmire, and the amount of time trucks and trailers are parked. Concerns raised by truck drivers include limited places to park trucks near resid ences. One business does utilize a portion of the street for employee parking near the intersection with SH 6 frontage road. Mrs. Fisher explained that this item was presented at the June 20, 2023 Council Transportation and Mobility Committee Meeting. The options discussed were a city-wide ordinance prohibiting truck CCM 071323 Minutes Page 9 parking on public roads, prohibiting parking on the south side of Ponderosa from Longmire to SH 6 frontage road, prohibiting parking on the south side of Ponderosa from Longmire to the first driveway (in front of Party Time Rentals), or prohibiting truck parking from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. along all of Ponderosa. The committee recommended presenting the two parking prohibitions on the south side of Ponderosa to council for action. Staff is seeking approval of one of the two presented options. In summary, the two options for the council to consider are: Option 1 - Remove parking on the south side of Ponderosa from Longmire to SH 6 frontage road. Option 2 - Remove parking on the south side of Ponderosa from Longmire to 280 feet east. At approximately 8:25 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem Maloney opened for Citizen Comments. Delores M. Crum, College Station, came before Council to state her support of the proposed parking removal on one side, which would be the Premiere Events side of Ponderosa between Longmire Dr. and Hwy 6 Frontage Road. There being no further comments, the Citizen Comments was closed at 8:28 p.m. Kevin Ryan, College Station, came before council to support removing parking on the Premiere Events side of Ponderosa. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright, and a second by Councilmember Harvell, the City Council voted five (5) for and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember Cunha voting against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-4449 Option 1 - amending Chapter 38 “Traffic and Vehicles,” Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, no parking here to corner and no parking any time" by removing parking on the south side of Ponderosa Drive from Longmire to SH 6 frontage road. The motion carried. AMENDED MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy, and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted three (3) for and three (3) opposed, with Mayor Pro Tem Maloney and Councilmembers Harvell and Wright voting against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023- 4449 Option 2 - amending Chapter 38 “Traffic and Vehicles,” Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, no parking here to corner and no parking any time" by removing parking on the south side of Ponderosa Drive from Longmire to 280 feet east. The motion failed due to a tie. 9.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the 2022 Incentive Compliance Report by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. Chuck Martinez, Economic Development Corporation, stated that this item is the annual presentation on project compliance from the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Martinez turned the presentation over to Michael Camden, Director of Ryan, LLC, a Texas-based tax services and consulting firm. Overview & Executive Summary  For 2022, six (6) projects under agreement were monitored for performance compliance by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation on behalf of Brazos County, the City of Bryan, and the City of College Station. CCM 071323 Minutes Page 10  2022 report highlights companies across multiple targeted industries with properties valued over $522,674,606 and providing more than 1,171 quality jobs with local payrolls in excess of $89,668,646. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell, and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to accept the 2022 Incentive Compliance Report by the Brazos Valley Economic Development Co rporation. The motion carried unanimously. 10. Council Calendar Council reviewed the calendar. 11. Items of Community Interest: The Council may receive reports from a Council Member or City Staff about items of community interest for which notice has not been given, including: expressions of thanks, congratulations or condolence; information regarding holiday schedules; honorary or salutary recognitions of a public official, public employee, or other citizen; reminders of upcoming events organized or sponsored by the City of College Station; information about a social, ceremonial or community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the City of College Station that is scheduled to be attended by a Council Member, another city official or staff of the City of College Station; and announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of people in the City of College Station that has arisen after the posting of the agenda. Councilmember Harvell reported on the Police Alumni Association conference. 12. Council Reports on Committees, Boards, and Commission: A Council Member may make a report regarding meetings of City Council boards and commissions or meetings of boards and CCM 071323 Minutes Page 11 committees on which a Council Member serves as a representative that have met since the last council meeting. (Committees listed in Coversheet) Councilmember Smith reported on the BVSWMA. 13. Future Agenda Items and Review of Standing List of Council Generated Future Agenda Items: A Council Member may make a request to City Council to place an item for which no notice has been given on a future agenda or may inquire about the status of an item on the standing list of council generated future agenda items. A Council Member’s or City Staff’s response to the request or inquiry will be limited to a statement of specific factual information related to the request or inquiry or the recitation of existing policy in response to the request or inquiry. Any deliberation of or decision about th e subject of a request will be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. No future agenda items at this time. 14. Adjournment. There being no further business, Mayor Pro Tem Maloney adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 9:10 p.m. on Thursday, July 13, 2023. ________________________ John P. Nichols, Mayor ATTEST: ___________________________ Tanya Smith, City Secretary