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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/14/2025 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN -PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION CITY OF COLLEGE STATION AUGUST 14, 2025 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS Present: John Nichols, Mayor Council: Mark Smith, Mayor ProTem William Wright David White Melissa McIlhaney Bob Yancy Scott Shafer Citv Staff: Bryan Woods, City Manager Jeff Kersten, Assistant 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 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 4:02 p.m. on August 14, 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 4:02 p.m. on August 14, 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 • Legal advice related to entering into settlement agreements regarding opioid settlements with Purdue and the Sacklers, and Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus. CCM 081425 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: • City Manager • 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: • Economic Development Agreement with College Station Town Center, LP. • Economic Development Agreement with Corinth Group, Inc. 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 6:27 p.m. 4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. Invocation given by College Station Fire Department Captain John Kimbrough. 5. Hear Visitors Comments. Anna Lowery, College Station, appeared before the Council to acknowledge the city's efforts on Rock Prairie and the progress being made. She also supported the recommendations by Shelby Behm and James Murr regarding access to and signage for the Midtown area. Susan Ferreri, College Station, appeared before the Council to discuss the Rosewood Creek that flows through her property. She requested a water velocity test to gather data on the amount of water passing through the area. Ms. Ferreri explained that her personal retaining wall began to fail due to construction debris from upstream, which has caused significant water issues and introduced considerable silt and debris into the creek. Shelby Behm from College Station thanked the Council for listening to Midtown area concerns and expressed hope for a positive outcome on signage and access as budget discussions continue. She echoed her neighbors' desire for Midtown to thrive and is excited about future conversations, feeling confident in the Council's position. Cheryl Wenck, College Station, expressed her disappointment with the city for not prioritizing drainage issues in Emerald Forest. She also highlighted various problems in the drainage infrastructure that she feels the city is neglecting. 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. Anv Councilmember may remove an item from the Consent Agenda for a separate vote. CCM 081425 Minutes Page 2 Item 6.12 has been pulled from consent to a future agenda. Items (6.4), (6.6), (6.13) and (6.14) were pulled by the Council for clarification. (6.4) Brett Cast, Capital Projects Assistant Director, stated that this is a 24-month contract due to an open land agent position. To keep projects progressing and acquire necessary properties, a third party will be used to manage title issues. The former employee was a broker who is no longer on staff. While the position is currently vacant and interviews are ongoing, the intention is to fill it soon. (6.6) Carl Ahrens, Planning and Development, explained that parking removal on the northeast side of First Street, 203 feet northwest of the First Street and Church Avenue intersection, was always intended from the time of platting. Signage is present but not listed in the Unified Development Ordinance's parking schedule, so it will be added. (6.13) Councilmember Yancy provided information from the county Environmental Services Department and the Health Department about Bill 2844. He noted that the inspection authority will enable agreements between the Department of State Health Services and local health inspections. The health department is working on an intergovernmental agreement with the state to continue this activity. Councilmember Yancy explained that the bill will take effect on July 1, 2026, with program rules released by the state in May of 2026. (6.14) Councilmember McIlhaney thanked staff for their efforts in addressing overoccupancy over the last three years. She acknowledged that the ordinance being repealed is not perfect but knows staff is dedicated to making our city livable for all demographics and looks forward to finding other ways to address the symptoms of overoccupancy. 6.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for: • July 16, 2025 Special Meeting • July 24, 2025 Council Meeting 6.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a general services contract with Buvers Barricades Houston, LLC in a not to exceed amount of $135,273.60 for the 2025 TAMU Football Post Game Dav Traffic Control. 6.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-3603 amending Chapter 38, "Traffic and Vehicles," Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1012 "Traffic Schedule XII, Speed Limits," of the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of College Station, Texas establishing a speed limit on FM 2818 from State Highwav 6 to the citv limits. 6.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a contract with Stateside Right of Wav Services, LLC. not to exceed $111.000 for Real Estate Services. 6.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on purchasing services for the installation of cameras for Parks buildings from The Personal Computer Store, Inc., dba Avinext in the amount of $185.106.21. 6.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-3604 amending Chapter 38, "Traffic and Vehicles," Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, No Parking Here to Corner and No Parking Anv Time," of the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of College Station, Texas, by removing on -street parking for sections of CCM 081425 Minutes Page 3 Agarita Court, Coral River Road, Crossvine Lane, Dandelion Court, Lantana Wav, Legendary Drive, Oldham Oaks Avenue, Rivercane Court, Storvteller Court, and Sudden Breeze Drive. 6.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-3605 amending Chapter 38, "Traffic and Vehicles," Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, No Parking Here to Corner and No Parking at Anv Time by removing parking on the northeast side of First Street within 203 feet northwest of the First Street and Church Avenue intersection, of the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of College Station, Texas, providing a severabilitv clause, declaring a penalty; and providing an effective date. 6.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-3606 amending Chapter 38, "Traffic and Vehicles," Article VI "Traffic Schedules," Section 38-1014 "Traffic Schedule XIV, No Parking Here to Corner and No Parking at Anv Time" by removing parking on the northeast side of First Street between Patricia Street and Church Avenue, of the code of ordinances of the Citv of College Station, Texas, providing a severabilitv clause; declaring a penalty; and providing an effective date . 6.9. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a professional services contract with Freese and Nichols, Inc. in the amount of $730,000 for the 2025 Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update. 6.10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on approving the purchase of a meter test bench from Ferguson Enterprises LLC. Based on the current pricing, the expenditure for the meter test bench is: $116,446.20. 6.11. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on purchasing replacement servers from The Personal Computer Store Inc., dba Avinext in the amount of $186,550. 6.12. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 08-14-25-6.12 granting the Mayor the authoritv to enter into a multiple -use agreement with TX DOT for the placement of cameras on State rights-of-way. (Pulled to future agenda) 6.13. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025-3607 repealing Chapter 8 "Businesses", Article VIII "Mobile Food Vendors". 6.14. Presentation, discussion, and possible action and discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2025- 3608 repealing Chapter 26 over occupancv ordinances. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember White and a second by Mayor Nichols, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent agenda with the exception of Item 6.12. The motion carried unanimously. 7. WORKSHOP ITEMS 7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the 2025-2026 ad valorem tax rate, and calling a public hearing on a proposed ad valorem tax rate for FY 2025-2026. Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, explained that the Texas Property Tax Code mandates an entity to hold one public hearing on the proposed tax rate if it intends to increase tax revenues above the no new revenue rate. CCM 081425 Minutes Page 4 FY 26 Tax Rates Estimated No New Revenue 46.7434 2.3077 49.0511 Estimated Voter Approval 48,8940 2.2934 51.1874 NNR ImpactFactor Prior Year Average Settled Litigation 3 L 9,30% Actual Refunds $370,990 $1,084,308 MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember Shafer, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to set the highest rate at the voter approval rate of 51.1872% and setting the public hearing on the proposed ad valorem tax rate will occur, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:00 pm at the City Hall Council Chambers. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Nichols has announced that a public hearing on the proposed ad valorem tax rate will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. 7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action retarding state law changes to the impact fee amendment process. Anthony Armstrong, Planning and Development Director, stated that S.B. 1883 was adopted into law and will take effect on September 1, 2025. During the July 16th Council Budget Workshop, the Council requested a regular agenda item to consider changing the Roadway Impact Fee collection rate to $0. With S.B. 1883's timing, the Council must establish a new Impact Fee Advisory Committee (IFAC). The current IFAC includes the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) and two at -large members. Staff is seeking Council's guidance on the new IFAC composition and posting requirements. In addition, a timeline was provided for considering an amendment to the roadway impact fee. S.B. 1883 (effective September 1, 2025): • Approval of the imposition of an impact fee requires 2/3 of council. • Impact fee cannot be increased within three years of previous adoption. * (excludes phased collection rates from timeline) • Independent financial audit required before any new fee increase. • Any amendment on Impact Fees requires 60-day notice. • 50% of the IFAC must be representatives of the real estate, development, or building industries and are not governmental employees. Impact Fee Advisory Committee Options • Requirement that 50% be Development Community Members • Currently 9 members — 7 P&Z and 2 Ad Hoc • There must be at least 5 members • Members of P&Z can still be appointed to the committee. Mayor Nichols opened for Citizen Comments. CCM 081425 Minutes Page 5 JT Laramore, College Station, addressed the Council on behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association (GBVBA) to urge Council to reduce roadway impact fees to zero. He stated they believe this change would have minimal impact on the 2025 and 2026 budgets and would immediately lower housing prices by easing financial burdens, promoting economic development, and support community investment. Mr. Laramore also mentioned that SB 1883 requires 50% of IFACC members to be real estate and development professionals and the GBVBA is prepared to help identify qualified individuals. Lloyd Davis, College Station, addressed the Council on behalf of CSAN regarding impact fees. He advised that measurements should be identified before making changes, with a clear definition of success. Mr. Davis identified three focus groups: lower -income families close to home ownership, young professionals needing entry-level homes, and the need for affordable student housing. He argued that helping these groups could promote wealth through home ownership, support workforce growth, and attract businesses, boosting the local economy. Lastly, he recommended working with state officials to adopt an impact fee policy to meet community needs. There being no further comments, Citizen Comments was closed. The majority of the Council directed staff to move forward with a committee of 8 members comprised of 4 Development and Real-estate Community Members, up to 2 Planning and Zoning Commission Members, and 2 to 4 Ad Hoc Members. Staff will also return with two open-ended questions for potential applicants to the committee, which the Council will consider when the IFAC creation ordinance is brought forward. The majority of Council directed staff to set a public meeting to have a hearing on setting the Roadway impact fees to zero on January 22, 2026. 8. REGULAR ITEMS 8.1. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025- 4609 amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use & Character Map from General Commercial to Urban Residential for approximately 4.648 acres generally located south of the intersection of Universitv Drive East and East Crest Drive. Regular Items 8.1 and 8.2 were presented together. 8.2. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2025- 4610 amending Appendix A. Unified Development Ordinance, Article 4, "Zoning Districts," Section 4.2 "Official Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of the Citv of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundary from GC General Commercial, R Rural, and T Townhouse to MF Multi-Familv (28.855 acres) and T Townhouse (9.385 acres) for approximately 38.24 acres generally located south of the intersection of Universitv Drive East and East Crest Drive as well as at the terminus of Summit Crossing Lane. Jeff Howell, Planning and Development, stated the applicant seeks to change the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use and Character Map for approximately 4.648 acres southwest of University Drive East and East Crest Drive from General Commercial to Urban Residential. This change aims to support high -density multifamily and attached residential developments. The amendment is tied to a rezoning request for about 38.24 acres in the same area, shifting from GC General Commercial, R Rural, and T Townhouse to MF Multi -Family and T Townhouse. The land, currently vacant, includes parts of three un-platted properties. Initially zoned R Rural in 1980, portions were rezoned to T Townhouse in 2006 CCM 081425 Minutes Page 6 and GC General Commercial in 2008. The goal of these requests is to provide additional housing options and increase residential density. The proposed MF Multi -Family zoning will facilitate the planned multifamily development, which isn't allowed under the current zoning designations of R Rural, GC General Commercial, or T Townhouse. This item was heard at the July 17th Planning and Zoning Commission meeting where the Commission voted 6-0 to recommend approval with the following condition: The 4.648 acres of land associated with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA2025-000001) be removed from the rezoning request. At approximately 8:45 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing. Mike Gentry, College Station, informed the Council that they have successfully reached a reasonable compromise with Veronica Morgan. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 8:48 p.m. (8.1) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025- 4609, amending the Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use & Character Map from General Commercial to Urban Residential for approximately 4.648 acres generally located south of the intersection of University Drive East and East Crest Drive. The motion carried unanimously. (8.2) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Smith and a second by Councilmember Yancy, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-4610, amending Appendix A, Unified Development Ordinance, Article 4, "Zoning Districts," Section 4.2 "Official Zoning Map," of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundary from GC General Commercial, R Rural, and T Townhouse to MF Multi - Family (28.855 acres) and T Townhouse (9.385 acres) for approximately 38.24 acres generally located south of the intersection of University Drive East and East Crest Drive as well as at the terminus of Summit Crossing Lane with the following condition: the 4.648 acres of land associated with the Comprehensive Plan Amendment be removed from the rezoning request. The motion carried unanimously. 9. 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 communitv 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 communitv event organized or sponsored by an entitv other than the Citv 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 mentioned the passing of former Fire Chief Landua. Councilmember Wright highlighted Games of Texas and the hard work of our Parks staff. 10. 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 CCM 081425 Minutes Page 7 council meeting. (Committees listed in Coversheet) Councilmember Wright reported on Legislative Engagement Committee. 11. 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 Staffs 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. Councilmember Yancy requested a future agenda item on Pebble Creek Parkway extension. Councilmember White added on the future item for Pebble Creek Parkway extension item a request that it be discussed when the Comprehensive Plan comes to Council. 12. Adiournment. There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 8:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025. ?F- +--&� John P. Nichols, Mayor ATTEST: a��Q�t�k Tanya SmitK, City Secretary CCM 081425 Minutes Page 8