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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/2026 - Regular Minutes - City CouncilMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING IN -PERSON WITH TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPATION CITY OF COLLEGE STATION JANUARY 8, 2026 STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF BRAZOS Present: John Nichols, Mayor § § § Council: Mark Smith William Wright, Mayor ProTem David White (Remote Attendance) Melissa Mcllhaney Bob Yancy Scott Shafer 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 January 8, 2026, in the Council Chambers of the City of College Station City Hall, 1101 Texas Avenue, College Station, Texas 77840. 2. Executive Session Agenda. Councilmember White joined Executive Session remotely at 4:45 p.m. In accordance with the Texas Government Code §551.071-Consultation with Attorney, §551.072-Real Estate, §551.074-Personnel, and §551.087-Economic Development, and the College Station City Council convened into Executive Session at 4:01 p.m. on January 8, 2026, to continue discussing matters pertaining to: 2.1. Consultation with Attorney to seek advice regarding pending or contemplated litigation, to wit: • 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 2.2. Deliberation on the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property; to wit: • Approximately 8 acres of land located at 1508 Harvey Road. • Approximately 28 acres of land generally located at Midtown Drive and Corporate Parkway in the Midtown Business Park. CCM 010826 Minutes Page 1 • Property located within the Midtown Business Park. 2.3. Deliberation on the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer; to wit: • Construction Board of Adjustments • Zoning Board of Adjustments • Planning and Zoning Commission • City Secretary • City Attorney • 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, stay or expand in or near the City: to wit: • Economic development agreement with Corinth Group, Inc. • Economic development agreement for a development within the Midtown Business Park relating to baseball fields. • Economic development agreement with College Station Town Center, LP. 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 6:15 p.m. 4. Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, consider absence request. Invocation given by Rabbi Peter Tarlow. 5. PRESENTATION - PROCLAMATIONS, AWARDS, AND RECOGNITIONS. 5.1. Presentation proclaiming January 24, 2026 to March 20, 2026 as "Walk Across Texas!" Mayor Nichols presented a proclamation to Nickie McDaniel declaring January 24, 2026 to March 20, 2026 as "Walk Across Texas!" 6. Hear Visitors Comments. Roert Rose, College Station, came before council to highlight recent drought conditions in Brazos and referenced a Texas Water Development Board report. He noted that in the past decade the state has become several degrees warmer which has taxed the state's resources. Considering the current conditions, he would like to see the city keep water conservation as a priority. Cameron Gallucci, College Station, came before council as part of the Bravos Valley Alliance to announce a town hall on January 24th to discuss recent insurance coverage changes, rural medical facility access, and have discussions with local health organizations. Neo Jong, College Station, came before council to advocate for safe and well -planned sidewalks and multi -use paths for pedestrians and bike riders to commute and recreate. In general, he advocates for protective barriers between vehicle and pedestrian traffic areas. 7. CONSENT ITEMS CCM 010826 Minutes Page 2 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. Item (7.2) was pulled for clarification. (7.2) Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, explained that this project will construct 3,500 linear feet of 21-inch and 1,700 linear feet of 18-inch of sewer trunkline and decommission lift station 2, 3, and the Rock Prairie lift station. She also clarified that it is being done in coordination with TXDOT's Big 6 Project but is not part of that project. 7.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action of minutes for: • December 11, 2025 Council Meeting 7.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Elliot Construction, LLC in the amount of $3,551,499 for the construction of the Medical District Trunkline Phase II & III, plus the Citv's contingency amount of $355,150 for a total appropriation of $3,906,649. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the Citv's contingency amount. 7.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a construction contract with Weisinger, Inc. for the Water Wells 1 & 2 rehabilitation project in the amount of $1,237,630: along with a contingency of $123,763; for a total appropriation of $1,361,393. Approval of this item will authorize the City Manager to approve expenditures up to the contingency amount. 7.4. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on a deductive change order with Norman Construction Services, Inc. for $217,729.22 on the Carter Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall Project. 7.5. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2026-4652 amending Chapter 38 "Traffic and Vehicles", Article VI "Traffic Schedules", Section 38-1003 "Traffic Schedule III, Stop Signs" and Section 38-1004 "Traffic Schedule IV, Yield Intersections" of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, by repealing designated yield controls at various locations and by establishing stop controls at various locations. 7.6. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2026-4653 renaming Church Avenue between University Drive and Legacy Point Drive as Legacy Point Drive. 7.7. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 01-08-26-7.7 authorizing the Chief of Police to apply for and accept a grant for the Office of the Governor - VOCA Grant (Victim Services) providing $80,233 in funds for victim services. 7.8. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on Resolution No. 01-08-26-7.8 authorizing the City Manager to execute the TXDOT permitting agreement for the installation of Flock ALPR cameras on TXDOT right-of-ways and all documents associated with the MVCPA grant project. 7.9. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Resolution No. 01-08-26-7.9 authorizing the Chief of Police to execute the grant application and any documents necessary to receive grant funding from the Office of the Governor through the Texas State Crisis Intervention Program. CCM 010826 Minutes Page 3 7.10. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2026-4654 amending Chapter 38 "Traffic and Vehicles", Article VI "Traffic Schedules", Section 38-1008 "Traffic Schedule VIII, No Right Turn and No Left Turn", of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas, to prohibit right turns on red lights at the intersection of Greens Prairie Road and Rovder Road, and repealing Ordinance 2017-3913 in its entirety. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Shafer and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the Consent agenda. The motion carried unanimously. 8. WORKSHOP ITEMS 8.1. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the Northgate Small Area Plan Engagement Report Update. Billy Couch, Police Chief, provided highlights of the department's initiatives toward addressing a critical need in our community. He explained that the department recognizes that any officer may find themselves on a call which necessitates the evaluation of an individual's mental health and in 2018 and 2019 all officers receive 40-hours of Crisis Intervention Training. In addition the department's Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) consists of 20 officers who trained as certified Mental Health Peace Officers. These officers respond to a handle the more unique or challenging calls involving mental health consumers. It is department policy that whenever there is a question if an individual requires mental health services a note is made in the report. Chief Couch went on to explain that the Crisis Assessment Response Engagement CARE Team consists of two full-time employees, Care Team Coordinator, Gary Southerland, and Officer Jeff Seale. These officers provide advanced assistance to the CIT and review reports for unmarked mental health concerns. Advances in reporting account for the increase in total calls for 2024-2025. Additional training and certification for this team includes: • Members of HNT and TX CIT Assn. • Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors • Mental Health Peace Officer Instructors • Peer Support Team • Threat Assessment Professionals and DHS Master Trainer for Threat Assessments Crisis Intervention Activity 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 610 314 296 1 624 463 161 CIT Reporting 673 477 196 706 506 200 1372 1356 476 434 170 I 164 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 ■ Total I ncidents ■ Welfare Reports POECs Written Crisis Intervention Calls for Service CCM 010826 Minutes Page 4 2023-2025 Totals 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 145 129 109 Self Reported 176 121 125121124 126 111 95 97 73 47 48 41 50 34 30 29 28 Self Injury Substances Force Used Juveniles Veterans School Homeless Crisis Line Mayor Nichols opened for Citizen Comments. Valen Cepak, College Station, came before council to be recognized as someone who has benefited from College Station Police Departments professionalism in the area of mental health. He thanked the council for having this discussion and recognized the community need for services in this area. There being no further comments, Citizen Comments was closed. A consensus of council requested a follow-up item detailing community -based resources for mental health consumers. 9. REGULAR ITEMS 9.1. Public Hearing. presentation, discussion. and possible action regarding Ordinance No. 2026- 4655 on Budget Amendment 1 amending Ordinance No. 2025-4612 which will amend the budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year in the amount of $32.714.163. Mary Ellen Leonard, Finance Director, stated that the proposed budget amendment aims to increase the FY26 budget appropriations by $32,714,163. This increase is mainly due to an addition of $19,250,000 for Capital Projects and an annual encumbrance roll of $10,481,379 for goods budgeted and ordered in FY25. The encumbrance roll largely consists of fleet purchases that have not yet been received, including a preorder from the Fire department for two pumper trucks, one grass truck, and one aerial truck. These fleet preorders total $7,899,939; accounting for 75% of the encumbrance roll. Additionally, the amendment includes eight interfund transfers from the General Fund, Hotel Tax Fund, Memorial Cemetery Fund, and Impact Fee Funds to provide cash for the extra Capital Projects. The city has assets or can reasonably anticipate resources to cover the appropriations in this budget amendment. The attached summary provides a full description of items included in the proposed budget amendment. If approved, the net revised budget appropriations for 2025-2026 will be $506,939,861. At approximately 7:35 p.m., Mayor Nichols opened the Public Hearing. There being no further comments, the Public Hearing was closed at 7:35 p.m. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy and a second by Councilmember Mcllhaney, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to adopt Ordinance No. 2026- 4655, on Budget Amendment 1 amending Ordinance No. 2025-4612 which will amend the budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year in the amount of $32,714,163. The motion carried unanimously. CCM 010826 Minutes Page 5 MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Wright and a second by Councilmember Mcllhaney, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the interfund transfers as outlined in Ordinance No. 2026-4655. The motion carried unanimously. 8.2. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the approval of a contract granting HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to Brazos Valley Community Action Programs (BVCAP) in the amount of $320,000 for the purchase and rehabilitation costs related to the acquisition of a single-family home located at 1015 Toledo Bend Drive in order to create an affordable rental opportunity. David Brower explained that College Station receives annual HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address affordable housing needs. RFP 26-020 invited proposals for developing affordable housing, with one response from Brazos Valley Community Action Programs (BVCAP). BVCAP plans to expand its rental program by purchasing and rehabilitating a three -bedroom house at 1015 Toledo Bend Drive. The contract grants BVCAP $320,000.00 from Program Year 2024 HOME funds, reimbursed through the Community Development FY 2025 Federal HOME Grant budget. Mr. Brower did recognize that these funds could potentially be used for down payment assistance programs if appropriated by council. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Shafer and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (6) and one (1) opposed, with Councilmember Mcllhaney voting against, to approve a contract granting HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to Brazos Valley Community Action Programs (BVCAP) in the amount of $320,000 for the purchase and rehabilitation costs related to the acquisition of a single-family home located at 1015 Toledo Bend Drive in order to create an affordable rental opportunity. The motion carried unanimously. 8.3. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the appointment of Councilmembers to boards and commissions. MOTION: Upon a motion made by Mayor Nichols, and a second by Councilmember Shafer, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the appointments of the P&Z Commission as stated. The motion carried unanimously. P&Z Commission • Jason Cornelius (1-yr term as Chair) • Aaron Collins (3-yr term) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Mcllhaney and a second by Councilmember Wright, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to approve the appointments as stated. The motion carried unanimously. Bicycle, Pedestrian & Greenwav Board (BPG) • Kathy Langlotz (B) (3-yr term) • Carla Robinson (A) (3-yr term) CDBG • Anna M. Lowary (3-yr term) • Carla Robinson (3-yr term) Historic Preservation Committee • Linda Harvell (3-yr term) • Brandford T. Lancaster (3-yr term) CCM 010826 Minutes Page 6 • Marilyn M. Maddox (3-yr term) MOTION: Upon a motion made by Councilmember Yancy, and a second by Councilmember Smith, the City Council voted seven (7) for and none (0) opposed, to appoint Linda Harvell as chairperson of the Historic Preservation Committee. The motion carried unanimously. Housing Plan Advisory Committee • Aaron P. Shipp (3-yr terms) • Brian Yung (3-yr terms) Parks and Recreation Board • Andrew Arizple (3-yr terms) • Cameron Nicole Callucci (3-yr terms) • Dr. Ryan F. Pittsinger (3-yr terms) 9. Items of Community Interest and Council Calendar: The Council may discuss upcoming events and 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. Nothing to report at this time. 10. 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. 11. 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 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 policy in response to the request or inquiry. Any 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 Shafer requested an item to discuss the core Northgate area, and potential future uses of the city -owned parking lot. Councilmember White requested an item to discuss having a mental health court as a community resource. 12. Adjournment. CCM 010826 Minutes Page 7 There being no further business, Mayor Nichols adjourned the meeting of the City Council at 8:19 p.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2026. P. Nichols, Mayor ATTEST: Tanya Smith City Secretary CCM 010826 Minutes Page 8