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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/11/2024 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilCCM 041124 Minutes Page 1 MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN-PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION CITY OF COLLEGE STATION APRIL 11, 2024 STATE OF TEXAS § § COUNTY OF BRAZOS § Present: John Nichols, Mayor 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 Nichols via In-Person and Teleconference at 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2024, 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, §551.072-Real Property and §551.074-Personnel, and the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at 4:01 p.m. on April 11, 2024, to continue discussing matters pertaining to: 2.1. Consultation with Attorney to seek advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation, to wit:  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  Cynthia Hopkins & Geoffry Hopkins v. City of College Station, Cause No. 23-002880-CV-85 in the 85th District Court, Brazos County Texas. CCM 041124 Minutes Page 2  CBL & Associates Management, Inc. v. City of College Station, Cause No. 23-003159-CV- 85 In The 85th District Court, Brazos County Texas. City of College Station v. POM-College Station, LLC and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, Cause No. 628-CC, in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Brazos County, Texas.  City of College Station v. Clarke and Wyndham, Inc., Real Alchemy, L.P., Real Alchemy 1, L.P., JPJ Investments, a Texas General Partnership, Cause No. 629-CC, in the County Court at Law No. 1 of Brazos County, Texas.  Legal advice related to Local Government Code Chapter 145 Financial Statements. 2.2. Deliberation on the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; to wit:  Approximately 12 acres of land in the College Station Business Center at the intersection of Gateway Boulevard and State Highway 6.  Property generally located in the area of FM 60, Boyett Street, Church Avenue, 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  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 6:30 p.m. No action was taken. 4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. 5. Hear Visitors Comments. Sherry Frisk, College Station, came before Council to report on the status of the Texas State Historic Marker for the City of College Station. Peter Bastian, College Station, came before Council regarding the Amazon Drone facility in his neighborhood. Mr. Bastian stated that Amazon has not come out to visit any of his neighbors to discuss concerns raised at the February Council meeting. Luke Morrison, College Station, came before Council to speak on occupancy restrictions (no more than four) that he feels target students and to thank Council for their support of Texas A&M Student Government. He introduced Campbell Gattis who will be stepping into his role as Chairman of the Community Relations Committee. Campbell Gattis, College Station, came before Council to introduce herself as she transitions into the Chairman of the Community Relations Committee position in Texas A&M Student Government. Corbitt Armstrong, College Station, came before Council regarding city occupancy restrictions and stated that they do not create unity in College Station with the Texas A&M students. He stated that students are losing their right with strict enforcement of the ordinances coming in June. Marcus Glass, College Station, came before Council on how the enforcement of occupancy restrictions will exacerbate local housing issues and requested that Council delay enforcement. CCM 041124 Minutes Page 3 Andrew Applewhite, College Station, came before Council regarding occupancy restrictions on behalf of the student population. He stated that students are unified in opposition of occupancy restrictions and will continue to be because there is not enough affordable housing. He requested Council postpone enforcement until capacity and affordability has been addressed. Ben Crockett, College Station, came before Council to request postponing the enforcement of occupancy restrictions and provided an example of a group of students that just signed a lease before knowing about the local law. If this law is enforced they will be in violation and have to leave their rental property. Ava Blackburn, College Station, came before Council to state that if the city wants to effectively enforce occupancy restrictions then the city should first address affordable housing and lowering the cost of living. 6. 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 6.2 and 6.3 were pulled from Consent for clarification. (6.2) Jennifer Cain, Capital Project Director stated that a deducted change order that the money will come back into the general fund. (6.3) Councilmember Cunha requested this item being pulled for a separate vote and stated she will be abstaining due to the contract not being included in the agenda packet. 6.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for:  March 28, 2024 Council Meeting 6.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a deductive change order with Johnson & Pace, Inc. for a credit of $106,017.72 for the design of the Fleet Fuel System Rehabilitation Project. 6.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Elliot Construction, LLC. for the Well Field Collection Line Rehabilitation Phase One project for $864,440 plus the City’s contingency amount of $85,560 for a total appropriation of $950,000. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. 6.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a professional services contract with The Arkitex Studio, Inc. for $245,300 for the CSU Office/Lab Building Project. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Harvell and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent Items with the exceptions of Item 6.3. The motion carried unanimously. CCM 041124 Minutes Page 4 (6.3) 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, with Councilmember Cunha abstaining, to approve Consent Item 6.3. The motion carried unanimously. 7. WORKSHOP ITEMS 7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding proposed updates to the City’s Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plans. Jennifer Nations, Water Services Program Coordinator, stated that the Drought Contingency Plan serves as a response to temporary water supply shortages and sets targets for water use reductions. The Water Conservation Plan comprises strategies aimed at achieving water conservation targets and goals. She explained that the proposed 2024 Drought Contingency and Water Conservation Plans feature enhancements intended to improve water demand reduction and address system strains during periods of heightened water demand or emergencies. Both plans are subject to renewal and submission to regulatory agencies every five (5) years. Drought Contingency Plan  Strategy for responding to temporary water supply shortages and/or increased water demand  Must include: o Triggers for each drought response stage o Specific, quantified targets for water use reductions o Procedures for notification, enforcement, & variances o Process for public input & education  Included in Code of Ordinances Water Conservation Plan  Long-term strategy to reduce consumption of water, improve efficiency, and/or increase water reuse  Must include: o Quantified five-year and ten-year conservation goals o Best Management Practices (BMPs) to meet conservation goals o Program for public education  Adopted by City Council Resolution (not an ordinance) Proposed Drought Plan Stages  Year-round water use management when not in drought stage  Stage 1 – High Water Demand  Stage 2 – Severe Water Demand  Stage 3 – Extreme Water Demand  Stage 4 – Water Supply Emergency o Triggered if water system fails or is contaminated; reached immediately Summary of Changes  Added third drought stage based on water demand  Monitor water demand and production capacity on a 7-day average  Clarified criteria for essential and non-essential water use in each stage of the plan o Essential: to sustain life; meet public health/safety/environmental requirements o Non-essential: includes irrigation, washing of vehicles/hard surfaces/buildings; single pass splash pads; failure to repair leak; water from hydrants for dust control  Schedule for irrigation of new landscapes during Stage 1 CCM 041124 Minutes Page 5 7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the annual traffic contact report required by Senate Bill 1074 of the Texas 77th legislative session. Billy Couch, Police Chief, stated that each year, in an effort to remain transparent to our community, the police department employs an independent consultant to analyze traffic contact data and develop this report. The report indicates that the department is in compliance with state law and con tinues to employ best practice strategies. Since January 1, 2002, the College Station Police Department, in accordance with Texas Racial Profiling Law (SB No. 1074), has been required to implement and mandate policy and procedures to satisfy the requirements of the law. Summary of Findings  While annual variance can be expected due to the ever-changing environment, a historical review of data reveals remarkable similarities in data analysis across 10 years of data.  Overall, the comprehensive analysis of data demonstrates that the College Station Police Department has complied with the Texas Racial Profiling Law and all of its requirements. 8. REGULAR ITEMS 8.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Larry Young Paving, Inc. for $9,362,556.25 for the Lincoln Avenue Rehab Project, plus the City’s contingency in the amount of $1,400,000 for a total appropriation of $10,762,556.25 and Resolution No. 04- 11-24-8.1 Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the City's contingency amount. Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, stated that the project involves the construction of approximately 6,900 linear feet of improvements on Lincoln Avenue from Texas Avenue to University Drive. The existing asphalt road will be replaced with concrete pavement with curb and gutter with a shared use path on both sides of Lincoln Avenue. The project was bid via competitive sealed proposal (CSP) on January 23, 2024, bid 24-024. Five (5) sealed bids were submitted. After evaluation and interviews, Larry Young Paving, Inc. offered the best value for the city based on the published selection criteria. The base bid was accepted. The project is proposed to begin in June of 2024 and is contracted to take 425 calendar days to complete. A combined budget in the amount of $12,275,400 is included in the Streets, Water, and Wastewater Capital Projects Fund. A combined total of $1,360,356 has been expended or committed to date, leaving a balance of $10,915,044 for this contract and related costs. The “Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt” is necessary for this project because of the long-term debt projected to be issued for this project has not yet been issued. The debt for the project is scheduled to be issued at a later date. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a construction contract with Larry Young Paving, Inc. for $9,362,556.25 for the Lincoln Avenue Rehab Project, plus the City’s contingency in the amount of $1,400,000 for a total appropriation of $10,762,556.25 and Resolution No. 04-11-24-8.1 Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the City's contingency amount. The motion carried unanimously. CCM 041124 Minutes Page 6 8.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a construction contract with Dudley Construction, Inc. in the amount of $10,976,992.30 for the Carter Creek WWTP Diversion Lift Station and Force Main, plus the City’s contingency amount of $1,000,000 for a total appropriation of $11,976,992.30 for this project and Resolution No. 04-11-24-8.2 Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, stated that as the University Corridor area continues to develop, sewer flows to the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) are growing. The plant is nearing its permitted capacity, and its location does not allow for any significant expansion. This project will divert flow from the Carter Creek WWTP to the Lick Creek WWTP and was identified in the Wastewater Master Plan as a necessity to decrease the volume of flow being treated at the Carter Creek WWTP. This project will build a diversion lift station and force main to divert some of the existing flow into the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant (WW TP) to the newly expanded Lick Creek WWTP. The project will construct a 4 MGD diversion lift station within the Carter Creek WWTP near the existing headworks. A lift station is required to divert the flow because the preferred method of gravity flow is not an option at this location. The lift station construction will include a diversion junction box, pumps, valves, and other equipment. This project will also construct approximately 13,000 linear feet of 20” force main. The force main will tie into an existing manhole and existing trunkline to take flow to the Lick Creek WWTP via gravity flow. There have been several other projects completed in order to divert flows from the Carter Creek plant to the Lick Creek plant. This includes the newly completed expansion of the Lick Creek WWTP. This project was bid via competitive sealed proposals. 4 proposals were received. Dudley Construction, Inc. was selected as the best value to the city. A budget of $15,550,000 is included for this project in the Wastewater Capital Improvement Projects Fund. A total of $3,030,931 has been expended or committed to date, leaving a balance of $12,519,069 for this contract and related expenses. The “Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt” is necessary for this project because all of the long-term debt projected to be issued for this project has not yet been issued. The debt for the project is scheduled to be issued at a later date. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Smith and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a construction contract with Dudley Construction, Inc. in the amount of $10,976,992.30 for the Carter Creek WWTP Diversion Lift Station and Force Main, plus the City’s contingency amount of $1,000,000 for a total appropriation of $11,976,992.30 for this project and Resolution 04-11-24-8.2 Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. The motion carried unanimously. 9. Council Calendar Council reviewed the calendar. 10. 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; CCM 041124 Minutes Page 7 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 entit y 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 Cunha recognized the new push-in of a new College Station Fire Department fire truck for Fire Station No. 6 and the Health Department Open House. Councilmember Maloney recognized the CSFD new push-in of apparatus 726 and ribbon cuttings for Evie+Oak, LLC and the Restore Hyper Wellness Clinic. Mayor Nichols recognized the Texas Legislature IT Caucus Committee that came to the City of College Station and the groundbreaking of the DeBaca Steakhouse. 11. 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) Councilmember Cunha reported on Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board. 12. 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 the subject of a request will be limited to a proposal to place the subject on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. No future items at this time. 13. Adjournment. There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 7:42 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024. ________________________ John P. Nichols, Mayor ATTEST: Tanya Smith, City Secretary ________________________