HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/2023 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilCCM 101223 Minutes Page 1
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
IN-PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
OCTOBER 12, 2023
STATE OF TEXAS §
§
COUNTY OF BRAZOS §
Present:
John Nichols, Mayor
Council:
Mark Smith – Absent
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
Nichols via In-Person and Teleconference at 4:15 p.m. on October 12, 2023, in the Council Chambers
of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840.
2. Executive Session Agenda.
Councilmember Smith joined the executive session by remote.
In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.071-Consultation with Attorney, §551.072-Real
Estate, and §551.074-Personnel, the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at
4:15 p.m. on October 12, 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
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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
City of College Station v. 47 Oaks, LLC, Cause No. 626-CC, in the County Court at Law No.
2 of Brazos County, Texas; and
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
Legal advice for an ETJ release petition related to approximately 46.6 acres of land, generally
located south of the intersection of Arrington Road and Harper’s Ferry Road; and
Legal advice related to the North East Trunk Line Project.
2.2. Deliberation on the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; to wit:
Approximately 28 acres of land generally located at Midtown Drive and Corporate Pkwy in
the Midtown Business Park.
Property generally located west of Texas State Highway 6 and in between Harvey Road and
Holleman Drive.
Property generally located in the area of FM 60, Boyett Street, Church Ave. and College Main
Street.
2.3. Deliberation on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline,
or dismissal of a public officer; to wit:
City Manager
City Judge
City Secretary
City Auditor
City Attorney
Council Self-Evaluation
Councilmember Smith left the executive session and did not rejoin the open meeting.
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 6:10 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 Yancy,
the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to accept Councilmember Smith’s absence
request for October 12, 2023. The motion carried unanimously.
5. PRESENTATION - PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS.
5.1. Presentation proclaiming October 2023 as Community Planning Month.
Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation marking October 2023 as “Community Planning Month” to
Planning and Development Services director Michael Ostrowski and staff.
5.2. Presentation proclaiming the week of October 16th, 2023 as College Station History Week.
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Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation to the Ross Brady and members of the Historic Preservation
Committee and proclaimed October 16, 2023, as College Station History Week.
5.3. Presentation proclaiming October 2023 as Chiropractic Health Month.
This proclamation was not presented as there was no one in attendance to receive it.
6. Hear Visitors Comments.
Luke Morrison, College Station, came before Council to speak about housing crisis and zoning
changes that affect the student body.
Andrew Applewhite, College Station, came before Council to speak on behalf of 68,000 students in
this community and request council address the housing crisis in College Station.
Sam Langenbaum, College Station, came before Council to speak about the no more than four policies,
he believes laws like this hinder a student’s chance at education.
Rawley Schott, College Station, came before Council regarding the no more than four policies. He
believes that if people would just come and talk to students or educated them instead of complaining
many issues could be solved.
Grayson Sims, College Station, came before Council to speak about the no more than four policy and
state he does not believe students should have criminal penalties for violating it.
Cade Coppinger, College Station, thanked the council for listening to so many opinions tonight and
spoke about the good and bad experiences he has had as a student living in a historic neighborhood.
Ben Crockett, College Station, came before Council to speak about housing affordability and how
enforcement of the no more than four ordinance will make the housing problem worse.
Corbitt Armstrong, College Station, came before Council to speak about his experience as a student
and how strong the sense of community is in College Station. He believes that education and outreach
will make better neighbors, not strict enforcement of the no more than four ordinance which will drive
housing prices up.
Marcus Glass, College Station, came before Council to speak about the no more than four and the
housing crisis in College Station. He believes that creative solutions are needed, not strict enforcement.
Will McIntosh, College Station, gave Council a history of his life and the impact on it from numerous
concussions and the stress, which are made worse worrying about housing issues.
Tre Watson, College Station, spoke on mandatory rental inspection and what he believes is the
gentrification of older areas of the city.
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.
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Items 7.6, and 7.10 were pulled from Consent for clarification.
(7.6) Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager, explained that as part of the 2023-2024 budget process the
City Council approved funding for the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation in the
amount of $350,000. The funds for this agreement are budgeted and available in the 2023-2024
General Fund. The full amount of $350,000 is to be used for operations and maintenance.
(7.10) Matthew Marek, Electric, explained that staff issued Bid 23-085 on July 17, 2023, for materials
for Northwest Substation and the Bid was opened on August 16, 2023. Seven (7) sealed proposals
were received and were reviewed by Electric Staff to ensure the compliance of needed specifications.
KBS Electrical Distributors and Techline Inc. were recommended for award based upon delivery
dates, meeting College Station Utility specifications, and pricing. The quotes from the other vendors
provided alternatives that did not meet specifications or were considered invalid bid responses.
7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for:
September 28, 2023, Council Meeting
7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for FY24 in the amount of $35,000.
7.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley for FY24 in the amount of $560,953.
7.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 10-12-23-7.4
authorizing expenditure to the Aggieland Humane Society, Inc. in the amount of $276,000.
7.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley for FY24 in the amount of $5,000.
7.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation for FY24 in the
amount of $350,000.
7.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce for FY24 in the amount
of $25,000.
7.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and the Memorial for All Veterans of the Brazos Valley for FY24 in the amount
of $30,000.
7.9. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a funding agreement between the City of
College Station and Keep Brazos Beautiful for FY24 in the amount of $48,230.
7.10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on contracts for the purchase of long -lead
materials for the Northwest Electric Substation from KBS Electrical Distributors not to exceed
$364,855.22 and Techline Inc. not to exceed $154,500.
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7.11. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an Interlocal Agreement with the
City of Bryan for the Management of the Larry J. Ringer Library.
7.12. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on renewing a contract with DXI Industries,
Inc for the annual purchase of sodium hypochlorite. The estimated annual expenditure for
sodium hypochlorite is $330,770.
7.13. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on renewing a contract with DXI Industries,
Inc. for the annual purchase of chlorine gas. The estimated annual expenditure for chlorine gas
is $250,000.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell and a second by Councilmember
Maloney, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Items. The
motion carried unanimously.
8. REGULAR ITEMS
8.1. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2023-
4474 amending the Comprehensive Plan to amend the Wellborn Community Plan and rename
it the Wellborn District Plan, to amend the planning areas and future land use descriptions
within Chapter 2. Distinctive Places, to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Planning Areas Map,
to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land Use & Character Map, to amend the
Comprehensive Plan – Functional Classification & Context Class Map, and to amend associated
maps in the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan including the Proposed Bicycle
Facilities Map and the Proposed Pedestrian Facilities Map.
Michael Ostrowski, Planning and Development Director, stated that the Wellborn District Plan, an
important priority project from the FY23 PDS Plan of Work, has been underway since January 2023.
This item comes from Comprehensive Plan Action 2.2, to prioritize and undertake detailed small area
plans for priority areas. The Wellborn area has experienced changed conditions in recent years and is
facing continued development pressures for growth. The Wellborn District Plan aims to create a
cohesive district that reflects the residents’ vision for the community, recognizes the unique character
of Wellborn, and supports the overall vision of College Station. Staff engaged the community
throughout the planning effort by hosting four working group meetings, five area-wide meetings, and
a virtual area-wide meeting, as well as a virtual engagement website to gather community feedback.
Additionally, staff coordinated with representatives from the Texas Depart ment of Transportation on
the future widening of FM 2154 and its impact on the planning area. City staff also worked internally
to ensure the plan meets the needs of all departments and maintains the City’s excellent services.
The Planning and Zoning Commission heard this item at their October 5, 2023 meeting and
recommended 5-0 to approve. The Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board heard this
item at their September 18, 2023 meeting and recommended 7-0 to approve.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing.
Dr. Walter Peacock, College Station, presented an argument against the ordinance proposed to
approve amending the Comprehensive Plan to amend the Wellborn Community Plan and rename it
the Wellborn District Plan along with associated proposed amended components as it stands. He
opposes several of the changes due to the impacts to the proposed layouts, loss of property access,
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potential loss of property and amenities due to the expanded ROW and additional utility right of way,
significant loss of trees and water detention, increased noise, and air pollution.
Gary Quade, College Station, came before council to oppose the use of round-a-bouts.
Denise Barbier, Bryan, spoke on behalf of her mother who lives in College Station in the proposed
area speaking in opposition to the ordinance. She stated that one-third of her mother’s property is
being taken, TxDot is denying her access to her access, and she must change her address.
Robert S. Cohen, College Station came before Council in opposition of the proposed ordinance. He
stated several perceived problems with the Plan: He stated that the Wellborn Community did not
request a Wellborn District, they do not want McCullough Rd to have a shared use pathway because
they have rural roads, no curbs, open grass ditches, life Foxfire.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:32 p.m.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing.
Mike McCleary, College Station, spoke on not wanting a raise median and request Council to work
with them against TxDot to push back on the road changes in Wellborn.
There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:02 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember
Maloney, the City Council voted four (4) for and two (2) opposed, with Councilmember Harvell and
Yancy voting against, to adopt Ordinance No. 2023-4474, amending the Comprehensive Plan to
amend the Wellborn Community Plan and rename it the Wellborn District Plan, to amend the planning
areas and future land use descriptions within Chapter 2. Distinctive Places, to amend the
Comprehensive Plan – Planning Areas Map, to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Future Land Use &
Character Map, to amend the Comprehensive Plan – Functional Classification & Context Class Map,
and to amend associated maps in the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Master Plan including the
Proposed Bicycle Facilities Map and the Proposed Pedestrian Facilities Map. The motion carried.
8.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Community Development Block
Grant funding agreement with Elder Aid, Inc. in the amount of $85,000 for the acquisition of
1106 Carolina and a HOME Investment Partnership Program Community Housing
Development Organization funding agreement with Elder Aid, Inc. in the amount of $159,475
for the demolition of a dilapidated structure and construction of a single-family house on the lot
at 1106 Carolina to be used as an affordable rental unit for an income-eligible elderly household.
Eric Barton, Community Services Analyst, stated that the 2020-2024 adopted Community
Development Consolidated Plan and the 2024 Annual Action Plan identified the need to work with
partners for the development of affordable housing for both homeowners and renters. Elder Aid is the
only certified Community Housing Development Organization working in the City of College Station
to create new affordable housing opportunities. Elder Aid works to minimize the stress of the elderly
as they cope with affordable housing, health and wellness, inadequate funding for basi c needs,
loneliness, disabilities, and the loss of loved ones. Their mission is to ensure that the elderly in the
Brazos Valley remain independent and in the community for as long as possible.
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These two funding agreements total $244,475 and will allow Elder Aid to acquire the property at 1106
Carolina, demolish an existing substandard structure, and construct a new single-family home to meet
the needs of a low-income, elderly household. Elder Aid will utilize $40,000 of agency funds to
support the acquisition of this property. The property will be maintained by Elder Aid for 20 years as
an affordable rental unit and a Land Use Restriction Agreement will be utilized as the legal mechanism
to ensure the affordability period. Elder Aid has partnered with the City of College Station since 2015
and has received $2,515,518 to purchase 11 duplexes in College Station that created 22 affordable
rental units for low-income elderly households. Elder Aid has successfully utilized the new
construction model with funding from the City of Bryan through Community Development funds for
many years.
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 approve a Community Development Block
Grant funding agreement with Elder Aid, Inc. in the amount of $85,000 for the acquisition of 1106
Carolina and a HOME Investment Partnership Program Community Housing Development
Organization funding agreement with Elder Aid, Inc. in the amount of $159,475 for the demolition of
a dilapidated structure and construction of a single-family house on the lot at 1106 Carolina to be used
as an affordable rental unit for an income-eligible elderly household. The motion carried
unanimously.
8.3 Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a contract with Brinkley Sargent Wiginton
Architects not to exceed $180,768 for a recreation center feasibility study.
Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, stated that This project will study the feasibility of a
recreation center in College Station. The scope of the study will include two different phases. Phase
one will focus on:
Discovery, analysis, and review of background information
Needs assessment.
Market analysis
Following phase one, staff will provide an update to the City Council prior to moving forward into
phase two. Phase two will focus on:
Concepts and operational projections
Design concept development
Operations assessment and cost analysis
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was released earlier this year and the city received 5 responses.
Following the team evaluations, 3 firms were selected for interviews. Following the interviews,
Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects was selected as the most qualified for this project.
At approximately 8:38 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened for Citizen Comments.
Dr. Karl Mooney, College Station, presented a video on the YMCA and the good relationships they
have with the Cities they partner with. He encourages our city to become a partner with the YMCA
as well, for the benefit of the community.
There being no further comments, the Citizen Comments was closed at 8:47 p.m.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember
Maloney, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a contract with Brinkley
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Sargent Wiginton Architects not to exceed $180,768 for a recreation center feasibility study. The
motion carried unanimously.
8.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding appointments to the Housing Action
Plan Steering Committee.
David Brower, Community Services Analyst, stated that Council created the Housing Action Plan
Steering Committee at their August 10, 2023 meeting by Resolution . The Housing Action Plan
Steering Committee is comprised of no more than 13 Council-appointed volunteers, including a chair
and co-chair. The Committee will disband or sunset on October 1st, 2024, or when the Housing Action
Plan is adopted by the City Council, whichever comes first.
MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Nichols and a second by Councilmember Harvell, the City
Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the appointments of Geralyn Nolan,
Blanche Brick (co-chair), Tiona Broussard, Fred E. Dupriest, Mike Alan Holmgreen, Blake Jennings,
Carla Robinson, Dr. Charles Lane Barr, Katherine Nicole Flynn, Dr. Delia Perez-Nunez, Diana Maria
Wood, Chair, Jodi Warner (chairperson), and Suzanne Droleskey to the Housing Action Plan Steering
Committee. 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 involvin g 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.
Mayor Nichols reminded the community about the City of College Station’s 85th Anniversary
Celebration at City Hall on August 18th.
Councilmembers Harvell and Maloney reported on the TML Annual Conference.
Councilmember Yancy recognized the Farmers Market.
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
committees on which a Council Member serves as a representative that have met since the last
council meeting. (Committees listed in Coversheet)
Nothing to report at this time.
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
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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 the subject of a request will be limited to a
proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting.
Councilmember Harvell requested an update from Fire and Police Departments on retention and
recruiting.
Councilmember Harvell requested a report from Electric on our solar power program.
Councilmember Yancy requested an update on a potential convention center.
Councilmember Cunha requested an overview of a potential Victoria round-a-bout.
Mayor Nichols directed the City Manager to bring back to City Council a negotiated Inter-Local
Agreement with the City of Bryan to address the East Side Sewer issues, the West Side Sewer issues,
the Valley Park lift station, City of Bryan facilities located in College Station and direction on a
Northeast Trunk Line route.
14. Adjournment.
There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 9:21
p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2023.
________________________
John P. Nichols, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Tanya Smith, City Secretary