OCTOBER 27, 2023

CELEBRATE AGGIE GAME DAY

AT THE SEC HOMETOWN TAILGATE

The Aggies have an early kickoff on Saturday, and you know what that means – free breakfast tacos at Visit College Station's SEC Hometown Tailgate party! City employees who attend the tailgate can win two tickets to the A&M-Mississippi State game on Nov. 11.

We invite residents, Aggies, and visitors to welcome the South Carolina Gamecocks to town from 8-10 a.m. at the College Station Visitors Center at 1207 Texas Ave. The game starts at 11 a.m. at Kyle Field. The free event features a breakfast taco bar from C&J Barbeque with plenty of delicious salsa, a cash bar, live music, cornhole, and an opportunity to shop our exclusive Visit College Station merchandise.

>> RSVP

– Casey Barone, Visit College Station Event Coordinator ([email protected])

GOVERNOR NAMES COLLEGE STATION

MUSIC-FRIENDLY TEXAS COMMUNITY

Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the Texas Music Office has certified College Station as a Music Friendly Texas Community. The city earned the designation after completing a multi-step certification process.

The certification will be officially presented at a celebration next Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Tap. The free event includes performances by local singer-songwriter Joey McGee, the JMG House Band with R&B singer-songwriter Diamond Roberson, and headliner Rich O'Toole.

The Music Friendly Texas program seeks to foster music business-related economic development and job creation in Texas cities and communities.

– Cameron Hill, Economic Development & Tourism Marketing Manager ([email protected])

TXDOT AWARDS GRANT FOR HARVEY MITCHELL SHARED USE PATH

On Thursday, the Texas Transportation Commission awarded $1.46 million in grant funding for a shared use path along the south side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway from the Larry Ringer Library to Texas Avenue as part of the TxDOT Transportation Alternatives Program. The TxDOT Bryan District sponsored the city's grant application to cover the required local match. A construction timeline is under development.

The 10-foot-wide path will accommodate bicycle and pedestrian users, provide connections to key destinations along the busy corridor, and is a continuation of shared use path from the library to Jones Crossing that TxDOT awarded in 2021.

>> Project Vicinity Map (low resolution)

– Jason Schubert, Transportation Planning Coordinator ([email protected])

SOUTHEAST PARK PUBLIC MEETING

SET FOR MONDAY AT CITY HALL

The City of College Station is hosting a public meeting to discuss plans for Southeast Park on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. In August, the city stopped the construction of the Texas Independence Ballpark on Rock Prairie Road due to soil conditions that would require extensive remediation. In its place, the city plans a park and seeks feedback about preferred amenities.

Those unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to complete the online survey.

>> College Station Southeast Park Survey

– Jennifer Cain, Director of Capital Projects ([email protected])

RESULTS FROM THIS WEEK'S

FLASH VOTE SURVEY

On behalf of Community Services, FlashVote conducted a survey on Tuesday and Wednesday about local housing costs and issues. Here are the results:

>> FlashVote Housing Survey Results

– Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications ([email protected])

4TH QUARTER INVESTMENT REPORT

4th Quarter Investment Report

– Michael Dehaven, Assistant Director of Finance ([email protected])

CITY'S CABLE TV CHANNEL

MUTATES INTO HALLOWEEN ON 19

The annual Halloween on 19 special programming on the city's cable television channel (Optimum Channel 19/119HD) begins Saturday and runs through Tuesday. Regular city programming will air between the movies to allow viewers unfamiliar with Channel 19 to get an idea of the helpful information we routinely broadcast.

Horror genre legends Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney, and Vincent Price contribute to Halloween on 19's classic and vintage films made from 1922 to 1964, including Nosferatu (1922), Phantom of the Opera (1925), Little Shop of Horrors (1960), and The Last Man on Earth (1964).

The complete schedule of movies and times can be found at c stx.gov/boo.

– Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications ([email protected])

RP WATER TOWER FEATURED

IN A&M PARTNERSHIP VIDEO

The city’s new water tower on Rock Prairie Road was recently featured in a promotional video by Cotton Holdings announcing the company’s partnership with Texas A&M athletics and quarterback Conner Weigman.

>> CottonTV Video

– Bryan Woods, City Manager ([email protected])

PARKS & RECREATION

November Senior Calendar

We offer programs for adults 55 and older at the Lincoln Recreation Center, Meyer Senior and Community Center, and Southwood Community Center. Check out our calendar of events and programs.

Volunteer Day: Invasive Plant Pull

Join us at Lick Creek Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 11, as we make a difference for our water, wildlife, and wild places. Volunteer alongside members of the Post Oak Chapter of the Native Plant Society and the Brazos Valley Texas Master Naturalist to remove invasive plants, helping to preserve the unique ecosystems and demonstration gardens at Lick Creek Park. Bring gloves, a reusable water bottle, and your favorite garden tools. We also provide certificates as proof of hours. Sign up at the Nature Center or call 979-764-6216.

Exploring History Luncheon

November's Exploring History Luncheon topic is the "20th Anniversary of the Iraq War" by Col. Jim Steele. The luncheon is Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the Larry J. Ringer Library. Attendance is free, but lunch is $7 per person. Lunch reservations are required by Friday, Nov. 10. You can reserve your lunch online, by calling 979-764-3486, or by visiting a park facility. Payment is required at registration.

Upcoming Parks Events

Friday, Oct. 27

7:30-9:30 p.m., Cryptic Cryptid Crawl, Lick Creek Park

Saturday, Oct. 28

9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Family Creepy Crawl 2K Fun Run & Walk, Wolf Pen Creek Park

Sunday, Oct. 29

11 a.m.-noon, Meditation Meetup, Lick Creek Park

Monday, Oct. 30

5:30 p.m., Southeast Park Public Meeting, City Hall

Wednesday, Nov. 1

6-9 p.m., Pavilion Food Court, American Pavilion at VPAC

Friday, Nov. 3

11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Bomber Exposure Weekend (Elite), VPAC, Central, Bee Creek

6 p.m. start, Park in the Dark, Lick Creek Park

Saturday, Nov. 4

7 a.m. break camp, Park in the Dark, Lick Creek Park

8 a.m.-6:45 p.m., Bomber Exposure Weekend (Elite), VPAC, Central, Bee Creek

8:30-9:30 a.m., Birding 101, Lick Creek Park

Sunday, Nov. 5

8 a.m.-3 p.m., Bomber Exposure Weekend (Elite), VPAC, Central, Bee Creek

9 a.m.-noon, Holistic Health Day, Lick Creek Park

11 a.m.-noon, Meditation Meetup, Lick Creek Park

For complete details, check out our events calendar.

– Kelli Nesbitt, Parks & Recreation Marketing Coordinator ([email protected])

COMPETE COLLEGE STATION

Bomber Exposure Weekend Softball

Prospect Wire Fast-Pitch is in College Station this weekend for the Bomber Exposure Weekend - Elite Division at Veterans Park & Athletic Complex, Stephen C. Beachy Central Park, and Bee Creek Park. The 118 14U-18U girls' fast-pitch teams are from around the state. The tournament is expected to attract about 4,720 visitors.

– Samantha Holland, Parks & Recreation Tourism Supervisor ([email protected])

CAIN FEATURED IN EAGLE'S

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SERIES

Director of Capital Projects Jennifer Cain was featured in Wednesday's edition of The Eagle as part of the newspaper's Women in Leadership series. Cain joined the city organization in 2022.

>> City of College Station's Jennifer Cain shares story of attaining leadership role

>> PDF Version

– Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications ([email protected])

PURCHASING RECOGNIZED FOR PASSING $4 MILLION IN SURPLUS SALES

The city's Purchasing Division was recognized this week for surpassing $4 million in surplus sales since it began using the GovDeals online auction service in 2011. In FY 23 alone, the city auctioned vehicles, equipment, and other items totaling $525,000.

Brook Mehrhoff, Josie Urrutia, Lisa Davis, Elsa Contreras, and the entire team are committed to maximizing the city's tax dollars.

– Lisa Davis, Purchasing Manager ([email protected])

VALENZUELA TAKES CITIZENSHIP OATH

AT NATURALIZATION CEREMONY

Multimedia Coordinator Lucero Valenzuela was among more than 100 new American citizens who took the Oath of Allegiance at Thursday's Naturalization Ceremony at the Brazos County Administration Building. A native of Mexico, Lucero joined the city in May and is an accomplished graphic designer and photographer.

Public Communications Office staff attended the ceremony, and Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Maloney delivered welcome remarks following the oath.

Congratulations, Lu!

– Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications ([email protected])

NATIONS EARNS AWARD FROM TEXAS WATER UTILITIES ASSOCIATION

Water Services Program Coordinator Jennifer Nations is the recipient of the Texas Water Utilities Association's prestigious Exemplary Service-Public Education and Training Award. The award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the water utilities industry, particularly in education and public awareness.

The award acknowledges Nation's tireless efforts to enhance public understanding through talks, demonstrations, and media engagement. Her work has elevated the profile of our department and contributed significantly to the overall water industry. Nation's commitment to educating the public about the importance of water is exemplary.

Congratulations, Jennifer, on the well-deserved recognition. Your dedication and service continue to make us proud!

– Stephen Maldonado, Assistant Director of Water Services ([email protected])

CSU EARNS CYBERSTAR CERTIFICATE

The Texas Department of Information Resources has awarded College Station Utilities the Texas Cyberstar Certificate for its Electric Operational Technology program. TxDIR oversees cybersecurity in Texas, including developing and sharing best practices so entities are better positioned to prevent and respond to cybersecurity threats.

The certificate recognizes an organization's commitment to cybersecurity best practices and being an excellent organizational cybercitizen. CSU was awarded for prioritizing cybersecurity, providing regular training, maintaining NIST standards, encouraging cybersecurity awareness, and sharing information with the community through the Texas Information Sharing and Analysis Organization and other industry groups.

– Stacy Engelmann, Electric Compliance Officer ([email protected])

BRAZOS COUNTY BAR FEATURES

FALCO AT ANNUAL MEETING

City Attorney Adam Falco was a featured speaker at the Brazos County Bar Association Annual meeting last week at The Stella Hotel. The Brazos County Bar brings in local, state, and national speakers each year to address the local bar about the law. Attendees receive required continuing legal education hours.

Falco spoke about laws governing cities, including how cities are managed, open records and meetings, municipal court, land use, and conflicts of interest. The presentation was well received and generated a good discussion. Other speakers were Justices Tom Gray, Matt Johnson, and Steve Smith from the 10th Court of Appeals and attorney Bill Jones, a former TAMU Regent and general counsel to Gov. Rick Perry.

– Adam Falco, City Attorney ([email protected])