NOVEMBER 2024
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
We Provide the Good Things in Life!
LICK CREEK PARK IN THE DARK GAMES FOR ALL
VOLUNTEER DAY: INVASIVE PLANT PULL
SENIORS NIGHT OUT DANCING AND GAMES
EXPLORING HISTORY
LUNCHEON
LIGHTS ON: CHRISTMAS AT THE PARK
Fall head over heels with our Parks and Recreation Fall Guide
On top of daily park operations, our Parks & Recreation crews spend about eight weeks installing more than one million lights throughout Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
In addition, they work year-round prepping the light panels to ensure they shine brightly when we switch them on Thanksgiving Day.
In College Station, one of the highlights of the holiday season is always Christmas in the Park event weekend. Coupled with the College Station Christmas Parade (Dec. 7), this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.
The two nights of fun and activities are Dec. 6-7 at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Holiday-themed festivities are scheduled from 6-10 p.m. each night. Featured fun includes old-fashioned hayrides, cookies, hot cocoa, local song and dance groups, photos with Santa and his reindeer, and more. Admission is free!
In addition, the park’s holiday lights will be on display from 6-11 p.m. nightly, starting Nov. 28 through New Year’s Day. Visitors strolling or driving through the illuminated park can tune in to Bryan Broadcasting’s Christmas 97.3 FM for holiday music. Admission is free, and parking is available.
THREE WAYS TO ENJOY THE TRADITION:
• Lights On: Nov. 28 - Jan. 1, 6-11 p.m.
• Event Weekend: Dec. 6 & 7, 6-10 p.m.
• Jingle Bell Fun Run: Dec. 7, 6 p.m.
If you see something that needs our attention, let us know! Snap a picture with your smartphone and upload it to SeeClickFix We’ll take care of the rest. Let’s work together to help keep our parks safe and beautiful.
Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) – along with flushable and non-flushable rags and wipes – merge in our sewers to form solid, immovable blockages known as FATBERGS. They are worse in the winter months when cooler temperatures make it easier for the FOG to solidify.
The unsightly blobs can also significantly impact water quality and the environment after sewer overflows.
When a big grease blob sticks to the ultraviolet light used to disinfect our wastewater, the light can’t do its job. When that happens, courageous operators must manually remove disgusting balls of grease, wads of wipes, paper towels – even underwear – to keep expensive equipment from being damaged.
FOG and trash in the sewer system can also lead to increases in your wastewater rate. For the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, a $150,000 preliminary screening station was added to the design to remove such things as wipes, rags, hygiene products of the cotton and plastic variety, and trash.
Manually removing the grease at our wastewater plants costs the city an average of $600 a week.
• Scrape food scraps into the garbage and let grease solidify in pans before placing it in the trash. Pour oil and grease into a can and after it hardens, put the sealed container in the regular trash.
• Avoid placing paper products – even those marked as flushable – down the drain or in the toilet. #NoWipesinPipes
• You can help protect your sewer system by remembering to only flush the 3 P’s – Pee, Poop, and toilet Paper.
College Station Water Services – especially our valiant wastewater operators – appreciate your assistance in reducing our fatberg problem.
The City of College Station has a long history of supporting miliitary service and proudly upholds that legacy by hiring veterans. We are committed to supporting veterans through our Veteran Recruiting and Employment Initiative, helping them transition to civilian employment.
We aim to be an employer of choice for veterans, fostering connections with local veteran services and national programs to actively support our veteran community.
In 2023, the Texas Veterans Commission presented its Employee Service Award to the City of College Station for its commitment to effective veteran employment initiatives. Veterans and reservists comprise over 12% of the City’s workforce, underscoring our pledge to support the military community.
“I’ve been working since 1998 and the other companies I’ve been a part of I’ve never seen the honor, the respect, that we take a day where we want to salute our veterans. I like working for the City, I like that they show that they appreciate their veterans. I like working for a place where they have a lot of veterans. It’s hard to duplicate what you find on active duty.”
Anita Dorsey (U.S. Army) Controller • Finance Division
Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate family, friends – and tons of tasty food! But Thanksgiving can also create preventable hazards quicker than your leftovers can get cold.
Here are some simple reminders from the College Station Fire Department to ensure a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Î Prep your kitchen area and remove any built up food or grease from the stovetop and oven.
Î Remain in the kitchen when you are cooking. Do not let guests distract you.
Î Keep children at least 3 feet away from a heat source.
Î Ensure the floor is clear to prevent tripping over any items, especially while transporting foods.
Î Never use a turkey fryer indoors, in the garage or on covered patios.
Î Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
Î Make sure working smoke alarms are installed on every floor of the home.
Î Rolling up your sleeves helps reduce the chance they will catch fire.
Î If you see smoke or grease starts to boil, turn the heat source off.
Î If an oven fire occurs, keep the door closed and turn the oven off until it cools down.
In October, Officer John Lightfoot was honored with the Outstanding Service Award for his dedication to proactive policing and continuous self-improvement. In 2023, he advanced his skills as a field training Officer and in 2024 focused on identifying criminal activity through increased vehicle stops, pedestrian contacts, and surveillance. His initiative led to a successful narcotics investigation, resulting in the recovery of illegal drugs, stolen property, and intelligence that will aid in future cases. Lightfoot maintains a proactive approach and commitment to community safety.
Officer Erik Ellgard received the Outstanding Service Award for his leadership and persistence in handling complex investigations in 2023 and early 2024. His efforts in taking on challenging cases, working closely with SWAT, and following investigative leads resulted in the successful arrests of multiple suspects involved in serious crimes. Ellgard’s expertise in executing search warrants, combined with his dedication to mentoring fellow officers, highlights his exceptional contributions to the department and the community.
This summer, GoRankingRates named College Station the safest and cheapest place for a family of four in the U.S. Two years ago, SmartAsset ranked us as the nation’s 15th safest community overall.
4 p.m., Sat., Dec. 7
Be dazzled by beautifully decorated floats, cheerful music, and the spirit of
The parade starts at Post Oak Mall, heads west on Holleman, south on Dartmouth, across Southwest Parkway, east on Krenek Tap, and ends at Beachy Central Park, in time for the Christmas in the Park lighting ceremony.
* Beautiful Floats: Marvel at the creative and enchanting floats adorned with dazzling lights and holiday-themed decorations.
* Marching Bands: Enjoy the sounds of the season as marching bands serenade you with your favorite Christmas carols.
* Santa’s Grand Arrival: Don’t miss the parade’s highlight – Santa Claus’s grand entrance to spread holiday cheer!
* Community Spirit: College Station’s community spirit will be fully displayed as groups, organizations, and schools participate in a joyful city-wide event.
Mon., Nov. 11 5:30 P.M.
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board’s Veterans Day Ceremony is Monday, Nov. 11 at 5:30 p.m. under the American Pavilion, at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex.
The evening will begin with the “Honor Wall Roll Call,” when the names of military veterans recently added to the Wall of Honor will be read.
Hear remarks from keynote speaker James “Jim” Olson, professor emeritus at the Bush School and a former CIA spy.
Other activities include musical performances, special recognition of Brazos Valley Heroes (service medley), a rifle salute by the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Ross Volunteers, Taps, and more.
Join us in honoring our veterans on this special day!
NOV. 19 | 8:30 A.M.
Visit College Station Event Center
1207 TEXAS AVENUE
Join us for breakfast and an overview of our Economic Development team’s new entrepreneurship initiative. RSVP by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.
The City of College Station is not only a great place to live, but a great place to work!
We offer full-time, part-time, seasonal jobs, and internships. Check out cstx.gov/careers for a list of available positions. ENTRY LEVEL POLICE OFFICER
City of College Station offices and facilities will be CLOSED for the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday, Nov. 28 and Friday, Nov. 29.
Parks and Recreation senior and community centers and the Gary Halter Nature Center will be closed through Sunday, Dec. 1.
Thursday’s solid waste and recycling routes will be collected on Friday. Friday’s routes will be collected on Saturday.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW IN COLLEGE STATION!
Whether you’re looking for restaurants, shopping, or fun activities, you’re bound to discover a new favorite spot.
PLUCKERS WING BAR
ANCHOR BAR
SOUTH COLLEGE STATION
HALF BAKED GOODNESS
LA BODEGA BAJA TACO BAR
VOODOO BREWERY WILD PITA
Show your team spirit and tailgate with Visit College Station and Candy 95! NOV. 30 | A&M VS. TEXAS | GAME TIME TBD TAILGATE STARTS THREE HOURS BEFORE KICKOFF Live music, games & prizes, food trucks and more!
Sunday, Nov. 17 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kick off the Christmas season in style with Visit College Station at Aggieland Outfitters, University Drive.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping with 15 awesome local vendors. From candles to jewelry, you will surely find something for everyone on your list. Be sure to come inside, snag the exclusive 2024 Christmas in College Station ornament, and dive into the Aggie-themed merchandise.
DON’T MISS THIS ULTIMATE HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT, PACKED WITH FESTIVE DEALS, SPECIAL OFFERS, AND ALL THE HOLIDAY VIBES!
Texas World Speedway opened in 1969 and operated off and on through 1991. Many racing legends competed there, including Richard Petty.
Willie Nelson famously hosted his 1974 fourth of July Picnic at the speedway, with performers including Jimmy Buffet, Townes Van Zandt, and Kinky Friedman.
Today, the site is home to the Southern Pointe Housing Development.
The City’s FY 25 operations and maintenance budget grew by 2.5%, which is less than the FY 24 inflation rate. For more details, visit cstx.gov/fy25budget
Report non-emergency issues such as potholes, streetlights, or code violations directly to the City of College Station.
• Submit requests anytime, anywhere
• Attach photos for better clarity
• Track the progress of your request
Let’s keep our city safe, clean, and thriving. Download the SeeClickFix App today!
The board provides guidance on policies and programs for the advancement of the BCS Library System. The board consists of eight members, four appointed by the City of College Station and four by the City of Bryan.
197,436
TOTAL VISITORS IN FY 24
15,187
AVERAGE MONTHLY VISITORS
Monday-Thursday 9 A.M. – 8 P.M.
Friday & Saturday 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.
Sunday 1:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M.
LIBRARY PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
Children’s Programs - 59%
General Interest Programs - 31%
Adult Programs - 7%
Teen/Tween Programs - 3%
514
TOTAL PROGRAMS IN FY 24
Students from CSISD’s BRIDGES Program recently visited City Hall to learn about municipal government, elections, and employment opportunities. The program is designed for students at least 18 years old who have completed high school graduation requirements. It allows them to grow and learn in environments more closely aligned to adult life and emphasizes life skills.
Mayor John Nichols, City Manager Bryan Woods, and City Secretary Tanya Smith shared their valuable time to interact with the students, answer questions, and provide a City Hall tour. The participants also sang the national anthem, a pure and awesome reminder of what it means to live in our country and city.
Thank you to everyone who participated or provided information and goodies for the group. We truly appreciate your part in making the visit a meaningful experience.
The City Hall tour was absolutely amazing, we learned about the voting process and the importance of civic engagement. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to understand how local government works and how they can participate in the electoral process.
We had the oportunity to practice voting with a sample ballot, and we hope that this will alleviate their concerns when it comes time to vote in the upcoming weeks. We discussed early voting options, and if you would like your student to vote with us, we will schedule a time to vote as a group when early voting begins. Families are also invited to join us!
We learned that assistance during voting is allowed. Electoral staff are available, or a family member or friend can take an oath to assist voters. Additionally, yellow sheets have been distributed that list all the candidates running for office. After reviewing the candidates with them, they can circle the name of the candidate they intend to vote for and bring this sheet with them on voting day. If you see it in the goody bag they received today, please set it aside so it doesn’t get lost. Again, this was so much fun and probably one of my favorite activities that we have done in BRIDGES! A huge thanks to one of our BRIDGES parents who set this whole event up for us! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
For many, “urban planning” conjures up images of zoning maps and complicated regulations. While those are certainly part of the equation, the reality is far richer and more impactful.
Urban planning is about creating thriving, vibrant, and sustainable communities. It’s about ensuring our cities are functional, beautiful, and resilient. It’s about building a future where residents can flourish.
Urban planning directly impacts your daily life in profound ways. Without deliberate planning, cities risk becoming chaotic sprawls plagued by traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of community cohesion. With thoughtful planning, we can proactively address these challenges and build dynamic, resilient communities. In College Station, it’s woven into the tapestry of our experience.
College Station’s significant growth could lead to sprawl, increased traffic congestion, and strained resources without thoughtful planning. Our efforts focus on smart growth principles, strategically guiding development to protect green spaces, preserve our unique character, and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with population increases.
Consider the planned expansion of our transportation and mobility networks, designed to minimize traffic and improve mobility for all citizens. That’s urban planning in action.
Think about College Station’s beautiful parks and green spaces. Those weren’t accidental additions; they resulted from deliberate planning prioritizing access to nature, recreation, and community gathering spaces.
From Lick Creek Park to the Wolf Pen Creek Park and Amphitheater and Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, these are the places where our community thrives. Their existence is a testament to the importance of incorporating quality-of-life elements into urban design.
Urban planning plays a crucial role in preparing our city for future challenges. That includes addressing changing conditions through sustainable building practices, enhancing flood resilience, and ensuring our infrastructure can withstand extreme weather.
Wise investments in stormwater and floodplain management programs directly result from proactive planning to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.
Creating a desirable place to live, work, and play fosters economic growth and opportunity by attracting businesses and investment. The strategic placement of commercial zones, the development of attractive mixed-use spaces, and the support of local businesses are outcomes of careful urban planning.
The City of College’s Planning & Development Services department is recognized among the best in Texas:
• This year, the Department received the Richard R. Lillie Planning Excellence Award for the 17th time from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association. The award recognizes communities with a holistic approach to comprehensive planning efforts.
• The City also received the 2022 Comprehensive Plan Award from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association, recognizing the plan for advancing the science and art of planning.
• We also won the Hard Won Victories Award from the Central Texas Section of APA Texas for the Middle Housing and City-Initiated Rezonings project to collaboratively develop solutions for affordable housing, diverse housing products, and positive neighborhood change.
In College Station, we’re committed to continuous improvement, and we invite you to engage with our planning process, share your input, and help shape the future of our beloved city. In 2025, residents will be encouraged to weigh in on how effectively the Comprehensive Plan has been implemented and recommend adjustments to meet our community’s current and future needs.
Ultimately, the best plans are built in collaboration with the communities they serve.
8 NOV. Games For All
9 NOV. Volunteer Day: Invasive Plant Pull 15 NOV. Seniors Night Out Dancing and Games
The College Station City Council meets twice monthly at city hall. OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS S
OCTOBER MEETINGS
OCT. 7: BLOG | VIDEO
OCT. 24: BLOG | VIDEO
UPCOMING MEETINGS
THURSDAY, NOV. 14 • 6 P.M.
MONDAY, NOV. 25 • 6 P.M.
CAN’T MAKE IT IN PERSON?
THE MEETINGS ARE STREAMED LIVE ON OPTIMUM CHANNEL 19 AND CSTX.GOV/CSTV19 AND LIVE BLOGGED AT BLOG.CSTX.GOV
“What’s Up, College Station?” Video and Podcast
Learn the latest about the City of College Station’s services, events, programs, and more as we chat with leaders and experts from across the organization.
I just wanted to give big kudos to five water staff employees who came to Northgate this morning to fix a water main metal plate cover on a sidewalk in front of the REV apartment complex. It was severely damaged and had become a danger to pedestrians. The other day, two males stole a class A barricade placed to warn pedestrians of the hazard.
With the Mizzou Tigers (a ranked SEC) team coming to town this weekend, we anticipate it being much busier than normal. This area is already heavily walked. The employees were Anaiah Daily, Jamie Garza, Jacob Rodriguez, Aaron Matthews, and Kenneth Wells. I was sure new doors would need to be ordered; it was damaged that badly. Upon completion of the repair, the doors look brand new.
I don’t get to meet many of the Water Dept. employees. I can say that it was very refreshing to see a team be so professional and work so well together!
Water Services Crew Leaders Paul Schoenfeld and Brad Howard and their crews worked late to repair two water main breaks on Guadalupe Drive and restore service to dozens of homes. We deeply appreciate their hard work behind the scenes to maintain reliable water delivery to our community.
Animal Control Officer J. Lara safely removed a fox from the stands of Olsen Field during an Aggie Baseball game.
We're used to thinking big in College Station. Whether cheering for the Aggies or celebrating our community's unique landmarks, we tend to do things on a larger scale.
A prime example is our recently refurbished water tower at William D. Fitch Parkway and State Highway 6. In October, paint supplier Tnemec conducted a nationwide contest to determine the Tank of the Year. Out of more than 300 water towers, the company chose 11 finalists, including the eye-catching Green Prairie tower, and public voting began.
Last month, the distinctive tower was announced as the official winner of the prestigious People's Choice Tank of the Year award.
Tnemec, known for its high-performance coatings, has been running the contest since 2006, displaying water tanks from hundreds of cities to find the fan favorite. And while we know it's just a 3-million-gallon tank of pure, clean water, the Greens Prairie tower is now a canvas highlighting our community pride.
Keep up with city events, programs, emergencies, notices, and more by following us on social media. We'd love to hear from you, too!
/CityofCollegeStation
@CityOfCollegeStation
@CityofCS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FIRE DEPARTMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES
LIBRARY
MUNICIPAL COURT
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PARKS & RECREATION
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
POLICE DEPARTMENT
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