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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/24/2025 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN -PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION CITY OF COLLEGE STATION JULY 24, 2025 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS Present: John Nichols, Mayor Council: Mark Smith, Mayor ProTem - absent William Wright David White Melissa McIlhaney Bob Yancy Scott Shafer Citv Staff: Bryan Woods, City Manager Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager Leslie Whitten, Deputy City Attorney John Haislet, Assistant City Attorney Ian Whittenton, Deputy City Secretary Kim Dickey, Records Management Administrator 1. Call to Order and Announce a Ouorum 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 July 24, 2025, 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 §551.07 1 -Consultation with Attorney, §551.072-Real Estate, §551.074-Personnel, and §551.087-Economic Incentive Negotiations, and the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at 4:01 p.m. on July 24, 2025, to continue discussing matters pertaining to: 2.1. Consultation with Attornev 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 • The City of College Station v. The Public Utility Commission of Texas, Cause No. D-1-GN- 24-005680 in the 200th District Court, Travis County, Texas; and • Texas A&M University System v. BVGCD, et al, Cause No. 24-002626-CV-472, in the 472nd District Court, Brazos County. • Legal advice related to a development agreement regarding 1,667 acres southwest of I&GN Road in the City's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction. CCM 072425 Minutes Page 1 2.2. Deliberation on the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; to wit: • Approximately 300 acres generally located at Corporate Parkway and Midtown Drive in the Midtown Business Park. 2.3. Deliberation on the appointment, emplovment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer, to wit: • Council Self -Evaluation 2.4. Deliberation on an offer of financial or other incentives for a business prospect that the Council seeks to have locate, stav or expand in or near the City. to wit: • Funding Agreement with Greater Brazos Partnership for services related to Plug and Play. 3. The Open Meeting Will Reconvene No Earlier than 6:00 PM from Executive Session and Citv Council will take action, if anv. Executive Session recessed at 6:00 p.m. 4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. Invocation by College Station Fire Department Chaplain Mike Armstrong. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Shafer the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve an absence request from Councilmember Mark Smith for the July 24, 2025 Council Meeting. The motion carried unanimously. 5. PRESENTATION - PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS. 5.1. Presentation of a proclamation recognizing Julv 2025 as "Smart Irrigation Month." Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation to Jennifer Nations, Water Services Program Coordinator, Gary Mechler, Water Services Director, Alan Gibbs, Water Services Assistant Director, Pete Caler, Public Works Assistant Director, Gene Ballew, Parks Assistant Director, Kelsey Heiden, Parks Director and Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director recognizing July 2025, as "Smart Irrigation Month." 6. Hear Visitors Comments. No one signed up to speak for Hear Visitors. 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. Anv Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for a separate vote. Items (7.2) and (7.3) were pulled by the Council for clarification, and Items (7.2) and (7.5) were pulled for citizen comments. CCM 072425 Minutes Page 2 (7.2) Pete Caler, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated that during routine and post -storm drainage inspections, infrastructure has been identified as deficient and in need of replacement. This work will neither decrease nor increase capacity and have no effect on drainage in other areas of the city. Cheryl Wenck, College Station, came before Council on item (7.2) to raise concerns about issues surrounding drainage easements and repairs in and around Bee Creek, highlighting what she feels are discrepancies in easement information provided to homeowners. (7.3) Jennifer Cain, Director of Capital Projects, stated that this project includes the city-wide sidewalk extensions and connections of high priority sidewalks near College Station ISD schools and the Texas A&M University Campus. The project also includes the Bee Creek Tributary B shared use path extension, the Bee Creek Trail shared use path extension, and the Spring Creek Trail Phase 4 shared use path. Justin Houck, College Station, stated he was a member of the Northgate Area Subcommittee and is before the Council on item (7.5) to highlight the need for improved sidewalk safety and urge the allocation of funds for extending pedestrian walkways as part of the Greater Northgate Small Area Plan. 7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for: • July 7, 2025 Special Meeting • July 10, 2025 Council Meeting 7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Terra Bella Construction for $259,398.52 plus the Citv's contingencv amount of $25,939.85 for a total appropriation of $285,338.37 for Drainage Repairs to Frost Drive, Driftwood Drive, Huntington Drive, and Southwood Forest. 7.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a Design Contract with Colliers Engineering & Design for the Citvwide Sidewalks and Shared -use Paths Proiect design for $849,049.39. 7.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 07-24-25-7.4 adopting the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. 7.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 07-24-25-7.5 adopting the FY 2026 Annual Action Plan and FY 2026 Communitv Development Budget. 7.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 07-24-25-7.6 amending the Communitv Development Program Guidelines. 7.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Elliott Construction, LLC for the 18-Inch wastewater line repair at Harvev Road and Carters Creek proiect for $118.012.50 plus the Citv's contingencv amount of $20,000 for a total appropriation of $138,012.50. Approval of this item grants authoritv for the Citv Manager to authorize proiect expenditures, includine the Citv's contingencv amount. 7.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on delegating authoritv to the Citv Manager to execute a Facilitv Use Agreement and other related contracts with Texas A&M University for the 2025 TAAF Summer Games of Texas for an amount not to exceed $250.000. CCM 072425 Minutes Page 3 MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 8. WORKSHOP ITEMS 8.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 BVSWMA, Inc. budget. Pete Caler, Assistant Public Works Director, stated that this is the annual presentation of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency budget and introduced Deputy Director, Samantha Best, and Office Manager, Juan Espinoza. Mr. Espinoza stated that the proposed BVSWMA budget was considered and approved by BVSWMA, inc. Board of Directors on June 18, 2025. According to the BVSWMA, Inc., By -Laws, and Operating Agreement, the budget will be presented to the College Station and Bryan City Councils for consideration after being approved by the board. The total revenue is $13,454,000, with total expenses amounting to $9,827,514 and capital expenses totaling $4,643,000. The budget also maintains the gate rate for both cities at $0.00 per ton. Mrs. Best reported on several projects related to BVSWMA operations over the last year. • Twin Oaks contracts with Morrow Energy to convert old landfill gas into renewable natural gas. • Twin Oaks expansion is in the permitting process and estimated to take 3 to 6 years. • BVSWMA, Inc., partners with Leachate Management Specialists, LLC to implement a nature - based solution for managing leachate at the closed Rock Prairie Road landfill which: o Reduces carbon footprint o Reduces cost associated with leachate disposal o Create wildlife habitat • Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Events MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Shafer and a second by Councilmember Yancy, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 BVSWMA, Inc. budget. The motion carried unanimously. 8.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the second phase of the Convention Center Feasibilitv Studv. Jeremiah Cook, Tourism Assistant Director, reported that in October 2024, the City Council contracted Hunden Strategic Partners for a convention center needs analysis. Phase one assessed potential market demand, while phase two evaluated facility and programming, site options, feasibility, financing, economic impact, and return on investment. The Council received phase one's results and authorized phase two at the February 27th meeting and tonight Matthew Avila with Hunden Strategic Partners and Paul McKeever with TVS Design will present the phase two results. Matthew Avila, Hunden Strategic Partners, presented the results of the phase two assessment for a possible convention center and headquarter hotel, highlighting the market demand and opportunities for development. He stated there is a significant market opportunity supported by a strong market position and interest from meeting planners. Potential project recommendations include a 35,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 12,000 square foot junior ballroom, and 400 hotel rooms, totaling 212,000 square feet of usable space with 600 surface and 400 structure parking spaces. The local economy would benefit by attracting events during slower seasons and addressing lost business opportunities in CCM 072425 Minutes Page 4 the current market. He went on to state that site evaluation prioritized the need for hotel connectivity, walkability to local amenities, as well as airlift and transportation concerns to enhance event attendance. Paul McKeever, TVS Design, provided an estimate of construction costs for the recommended structure. Convention Center 212,000 SF* $212M $31.4M $243.4M Hotel 400 Keys 130,000 SF Meeting $144.8M $35M $179.9M Parking 1,000 Spaces** $16.4M $2.7M $19.1M Contingencies & Escalation Reserves -- $29.9M $33.4M $63.3M Total -- $403M $102.6M $505.6M Mr. McKeever went on to state that Hunden and TVS also evaluated potential sites for the proposed convention center and hotel using a structured framework which included Site Configuration (Available Acreage, Area Score); Neighborhood Characteristics (Proximity to other uses, Walkability, Access, Connectivity); Site Analysis (Readiness, Constraints, Topography); and Land Factors (Ownership, Control). The site evaluations were influenced by current market conditions and surrounding developments with sites near Texas A&M and active commercial districts likely to generate immediate economic benefits, while more undeveloped areas may not experience this synergy in the short term. The rankings were presented most to least likely to succeed, with the caveat that changes in infrastructure, private development, and master plans may alter these rankings over time. • University Dr. & Texas Ave. • University Dr. & College Ave. • University Dr. & Tarrow St. • Former Macy's Building • Midtown City Center Mr. Avila presented an economic impact summary which estimated the net new economic impact on the City of College Station, focusing on spending generated by new and returning visitors due to a project, while excluding any replaced or cannibalized local spending. The 30-year economic impact summary estimated 2.8 billion in net new spending, 431.3 million net new earnings, 261 net new supported jobs, and 83.6 million in net new tax revenue. Revenue $5,2m Expense $ 6.9 m (Deficit)** ($1.8m) (De $8.8m $9.8m $9.9m $11.3m ($1.6m) ($1.9m) $12m $14.3m ($2.5m) $15.1m $18.2m ($3.5m) %Margin -35% -18% -19% -21% -23% Net New $33.8m $77.7m spending* $84.6m $103.3m $127.9m Nominal dollars —future increases attributed to inflation (3% assumed) " Includes direct, indirect, and induced spending from visitor activity, convention center operations, hotel demand, and broader economic ripple effects —net operating income does not include debt service payments CCM 072425 Minutes Page 5 Alternative funding options presented included Municipal Management Districts (MMD), 380 Agreements, TIRZ/TIF Districts, Project Financing Zone (PFZ), and HB 4347 or HB 2445. Mr. Avila concluded by stating there is a market demand and economic case established through Phases I and II with an opportunity to capture lost business and new economic impacts. Potential partnerships with Texas A&M, City of Byran, and Brazos County, or private partnerships along with alternative funding could ease the investment. Possible next steps could include initiating a structured planning advisory process, which involves: • Determine Potential Partnership Opportunities • Identifying a Development Site • Design, Budget, Financing, and Governance o Conceptual and architectural design o Project budgeting and financial modeling o Funding sources and financing strategies • Project Development Team Solicitation and Selection MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy and a second by Councilmember White, to proceed with the potential Convention Center by instructing staff to collaborate with a consultant on the subsequent steps. The motion and second were withdrawn. A majority of Council directed the staff to return with a workshop item approximately 30 days after the Phase two report has been provided. 8.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a presentation of the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex (VPAC) Master Plan. Kelsey Heiden, Parks Director, provided the City Council with a presentation regarding the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex Master Plan. The proposed Master Plan outlines improvements and beautification efforts to the complex including the Brazos Valley Veteran's Memorial, entry way and way finding signage and overall aesthetic enhancements. Veterans Park and Athletic Complex Improvements 1. East/West Playground Updates 3. Roundabout Improvements 5. Landscape & Hardscape Improvements 7. Overall Site Improvements 9. Reset Date & Event Pavers 11. Perimeter Fencing 2. Screening Improvements at (2) Utility Areas 4. New Street Trees 6. Wayfinding and Field Id, Shade Structures 8. Lighting at American Mile 10. Parking and Curb Modifications 12. Monument Signs & Military Logo Columns CCM 072425 Minutes Page 6 Brazos Vallev Veterans Memorial Improvements ir 1. Memorial Monument & Pedestrian Arch 3. Freedom Pavilion 5. Informational Signage 7. Landscaping Mayor Nichols recessed the meeting at 9:05 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:11 p.m. 2. Memorial Plaza and Sand Storm Plaza 4. Erosion Control 6. Additional Lighting 8. Bridge Replacement 8.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regardinL, a presentation on the conceptual Wan for the Veterans Park and Athletic Complex (VPAC) Baseball Fields Proiect. Kelsey Heiden, Parks Director, provided the City Council with a presentation regarding the conceptual plan for the future baseball fields at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. The proposed plan includes three new baseball fields, one of those fields being a championship field. The proposed concept plan has been reviewed by the City Council appointed Baseball Field Design Committee. It, CCM 072425 Minutes Page 7 MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Yancy, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the concept plan as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 9. REGULAR ITEMS 9.1. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action on the Citv of College Station FY2025- 2026 Proposed Budget. Mary Ellen Leonard, the Finance Director, reported that the proposed budget was presented to the City Council on July 7, 2025. At that meeting, the Council scheduled a public hearing for the FY25-26 proposed budget. A notice announcing this public hearing was published in compliance with the requirements of the City Charter and State Law, and the adoption of the FY25-26 Budget is planned for August 28, 2025. Compared to FY25: • The operating budget increased 6.26% • The capital budget decreased 51.74% • The total net budget decreased 12.42% Fund Ty Governmental Funds Enterprise Funds Special Revenue Funds Subtotal O&M Subtotal Capital Proposed Net Budget $165,545,044 195,015,464 29,518,052 $390,078,560 At approximately 9:29 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing. $84,147,138 There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 9:31 p.m. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember White, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, that Council set the adoption date for the budget to Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The motion carried unanimously. 9.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2025-2601 authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds, delegating the authoritv to certain citv officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the bonds, approving and authorizing an official statement and instruments and procedures relating to said bonds, and enacting other provisions relating to the subiect. Michael DeHaven, Assistant Finance Director, stated that the ordinance approves issuing up to $17.2 million in GO Bonds for several projects, including: • Demolishing and reconstructing restrooms and facilities at various parks • Adding pickleball and futsal courts with amenities at Anderson Park • Rebuilding the Central Park Operations Shop • Enhancing Mabel Clare Thomas Park with various improvements • Upgrading tennis courts at Bee Creek and Central Parks • Installing restrooms and pathways at Lincoln Center/W.A. Tarrow Park • Constructing a new fire station and acquiring fire equipment CCM 072425 Minutes Page 8 Mr. DeHaven stated that the bonds true interest cost will not exceed 5% per year, will mature by February 15, 2045, and must be priced within one year. Staff reviewed the bonds' impact on debt service and the FY25 Ad Valorem tax rate. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Shafer, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-4601, authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds; delegating the authority to certain city officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the bonds; approving and authorizing an official statement and instruments and procedures relating to said bonds; and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. The motion carried unanimously. 9.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Ordinance No. 2025-2602 authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation; delegating the authoritv to certain citv officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the certificates, approving and authorizing an official statement and instruments and procedures relating to said certificates; and enacting other provisions relating to the subiect. Michael DeHaven, Assistant Finance Director, stated that the ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to $17,250,000 for: (i) city-wide radio and communication equipment; (ii) improvements and extensions to the City's waterworks and sewer systems, including new water wells, distribution, transmission system lines, lift stations, pumps, outfall, filtration, and plant improvements; and (iii) the payment of fiscal, engineering, and legal fees incurred in connection therewith. The parameters that must be met are: (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Certificates shall not exceed $17,250,000; (ii) the true interest cost of the Certificates shall not exceed 5.00% per annum; (iii) the final maturity of the Certificates shall not exceed February 15, 2045; and (iv) the pricing must occur within 90 days. He explained that the pages in Exhibit A of the ordinance are intentional and will be completed via the pricing certificate on the date of pricing. Staff reviewed and discussed the impact of the Certificates on the City's ability to meet debt service requirements and the potential effects on the ad valorem tax rate and utility rates during the FY25 budget. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-4602, authorizing the issuance of certificates of obligation; delegating the authority to certain city officials to execute certain documents relating to the sale of the certificates; approving and authorizing an official statement and instruments and procedures relating to said certificates; and enacting other provisions relating to the subject. The motion carried unanimously. 9.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Brazos Vallev Bombers. Bryan Woods, City Manager, stated that this Letter of Intent (LOI) outlines plans for an agreement on using a new baseball facility in College Station. The future agreement will cover the Team's involvement in design, sponsorship rights, concessions, gate control, and operations. The City acknowledges the Team's interest in the design phases to ensure the facility meets operational needs and will engage the Team in design discussions, allowing for input on seating, amenities, and game - day operations. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Councilmember Yancy, the City Council voted six (6) for and none (0) opposed, to approve a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Brazos Valley Bombers. The motion carried unanimously. CCM 072425 Minutes Page 9 10. Items of Communitv Interest and Council Calendar: The Council may discuss upcoming events and receive reports from a Council Member or Citv Staff about items of community interest for which notice has not been given, including: expressions of thanks, congratulations or condolence, information regarding holidav schedules, honorary or salutary recognitions of a public official, public emplovee, or other citizen; reminders of upcoming events organized or sponsored by the Citv 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 citv official or staff of the Citv of College Station; and announcements involving an imminent threat to the public health and safetv of people in the Citv of College Station that has arisen after the posting of the agenda. Mayor Nichols highlighted the Games of Texas opening Ceremonies. 11. Council Reports on Committees, Boards, and Commission: A Council Member may make a report regarding meetings of Citv 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 Yancy reported on the Brazos County Board of Health. Councilmember Shafer reported on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilmember Shafer reported on the 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 Citv 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 Citv 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 volicv in response to the request or inquirv. Anv deliberation of or decision about the subiect of a request will be limited to a proposal to place the subiect on the agenda for a subsequent meeting. No future items at this time. 13. Adiournment. There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 10:07 p.m. on Thursday, July 24, 2025. P-?- 1-_ John P. Nichols, Mayor ATTE T: Tanya SmA, City Secretary CCM 072425 Minutes Page 10