MAY 2025
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION
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SUMMER CAMPS
With summer approaching, it’s time to start planning outdoor adventures and other riveting ways to keep your kids active and engaged.
But where do you start?
The College Station Parks & Recreation Department can help with their diverse summer camps to fill your youngster’s days with loads of
fun. The camps are designed for ages 3 and up.
These are no residency requirements, but limited spots are available. Register online, by phone at 979-764-3486, or stop by our Central Park office at 1000 Krenek Tap Road, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
VIEW THE SUMMER CAMP LINEUP
CITY OFFICES CLOSED
City offices and facilities will be closed Monday, May 26 for Memorial Day.
Solid waste and recycling collections will operate on the regular schedule.
TRAFFIC SIGNAL PUBLIC MEETING
Capital Projects and Public Works will hold a public meeting on May 20 about the traffic signal projects at Barron Road-Decatur and Pebble Creek Parkway-Fitch Parkway. The meeting will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Southwood Community Center.
The come-and-go meeting will not have a presentation, but residents can ask staff questions and view the proposed signal layouts.
Tuesday, May 20 5:30-6:30 p.m.
SOUTHWOOD COMMUNITY CENTER
Discover Your Future with
the College Station Police Department Career Fair on May 31
Whether you’re actively job hunting or just curious about what a future in law enforcement might look like, you’re invited to CSPD's Career Fair on Saturday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 800 Krenek Tap Road.
This is more than a hiring event—it’s your opportunity to explore both civilian and sworn careers with the department. Representatives from various divisions, units, and special teams will be available to answer questions, share experiences, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how we serve our community.
We’re hiring for several civilian and sworn positions, but we’re also looking ahead. If you’re a student, a career changer, or someone simply exploring the possibilities, come learn what it takes to join our team in the future. We’re investing time not just in recruiting, but in connecting with the community, future leaders, and those who may one day wear the CSPD badge or support our mission behind the scenes.
MAY
SEMINAR SUPPER
GOING BEYOND FOOTBALL:
INVESTING IN TOURISM PAYS OFF WITH VISIT COLLEGE STATION
Learn about Visit College Station while enjoying a delicious meal at this month's Seminar Supper!
TUESDAY, MAY 27 6-8 P.M. CITY HALL
The free event is open to all—dinner is on us!
RSVP BEFORE MAY 19
MOVE OUT BEST PRACTICES
May flowers typically follow April showers, but college towns usually face hills of couches and other furniture instead of wildflowers.
It’s no secret that cities with high student populations generate more discarded items, especially near graduation. The City of College Station manages the seasonal excess tonnages through various programs and outreach.
To ensure your next move is all roses, the Solid Waste Division recommends taking a few minutes to review our collection procedures, including recycling and donation options.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE
Household garbage must be bagged and placed inside your cityissued solid waste container. Place your container curbside by 8 a.m. on your collection day.
CHECK YOUR COLLECTION SCHEDULE
BULK COLLECTION
Place your bulk items at least four feet from stationary objects such as parked vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, and lowhanging utility lines or tree branches. Note that refrigerators won’t be collected unless the Freon unit is removed, and the appliance has a certified tag.
RECYCLING COLLECTION
Recycling containers won’t be collected if bagged household waste is inside. In addition, contamination fees apply if we are asked to collect the contents of recycling containers.
LEAVE THE CONTAINER BEHIND
Solid waste and recycling containers are assigned to addresses, not residents. So please don’t take them with you when you move out.
DONATION AND RECYCLING OPTIONS
CLOTHING AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
• Goodwill
• The Salvation Army
• Habitat for Humanity
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul
• Twin City Mission
ELECTRONICS
• Best Buy
• Walmart
• Goodwill
• Office Depot
• Twin Oaks Landfill E-Waste Station
NON-PERISHABLE FOODS
• The Salvation Army
• Brazos Valley Food Bank
• The Bridge Ministries
• Lincoln House of Hope
Finish strong this spring and enjoy the summer!
Memorial Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to enhance your landscape with water-efficient plants, fix leaks, and upgrade to more efficient plumbing fixtures. The Texas Comptroller’s Office offers a sales tax holiday for water-efficient and energy-efficient products May 24-26. These products help trim your water and energy bills and contribute to conserving our precious water resources. They are specifically designed to recharge water tables, decrease ambient air temperature and evaporation, and conserve or retain our groundwater – College Station’s sole water source.
Eligible items include waterefficient plumbing fixtures, irrigation equipment, rainwater harvesting tools, and even plants and soil that promote water retention. Here are some examples:
• WaterSense-labeled products include new toilets, faucets, shower heads, and sprinkler controllers. Toilet leaks can waste thousands of gallons each month, and an upgrade could pay for itself quickly.
• Soaker or drip-irrigation hoses.
• Moisture controls for a sprinkler or irrigation system, such as a rain shutoff switch or soil moisture sensor.
• Rain barrels – rainwater harvesting equipment is always tax-exempt.
• Plants, trees, and grasses.
• Soil and compost.
WaterSense-labeled products pass an independent third-party certification process and meet the EPA’s water efficiency and performance specifications. They will deliver exceptional performance and savings on your home and business water bills for many years.
Stay cool this weekend, and enjoy your water and energy savings!
HANG OUT AND TUNE IN
Tuesday, May 20 6-8 p.m.
The Tap
Step into Hang Out & Tune In, the go-to event for aspiring musicians. Each month brings a new location, giving you the chance to impress different booking agents across town. The first hour is packed with insights from music industry pros, while the second hour is an open mic where you can showcase your talent. So grab your gear and get ready to shine!
Hour 1: Learn from the pros!
A visiting expert will give you tips and tricks of the music industry.
Hour 2: It’s your time to shine!
Jump on stage during our open mic session and wow the crowd with your talent.
Every month brings a fresh venue and new opportunities to connect, create, and grow.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Come spend your summer with us at the Library!
"Color Our World: Colorea Nuestro Mundo" runs June 1-July 31.
The Summer Reading Program features reading challenges, special events, art contest for ages 5-17, writing contest for adults and so much more. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to explore our calendar and sign up for the Reading Challenge!
bcslibrary.org
WHAT DO THEY DO?
INTERNAL AUDITOR’S OFFICE
The City Internal Auditor's Office independently audits departments, offices, boards, activities, and agencies. While most correctly assume the internal auditor is focused on rooting out fraud and abuse, he also ensures that City resources and public funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve their intended results and benefits.
In his 18th year, Internal Auditor Ty Elliott is a City Council appointee who reports to an Audit Committee of three council members and two citizens. He previously served as a senior auditor for the City
of Atlanta (Georgia) and worked in the Aurora, Colorado, and Lehi, Utah, finance departments. Elliott earned a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's in finance from Brigham Young University. He is a certified internal auditor, fraud examiner, and government auditing professional.
Program Auditor Matthew Ragaglia has been with the City since 2023 and has a master's in public management from Texas A&M's Bush School of Public Service and Administration. He earned a bachelor's in political science from A&M in 2021.
Since 2008, nearly 90 percent of
Elliott's 233 recommendations have been implemented, partially implemented, or had the risk mitigated or accepted. The outcomes demonstrate a strong commitment to improving City operations through enhanced processes, strengthened internal controls, and adherence to best practices.
The City Auditor's Office is a professional, highly respected team committed to excellence in government auditing. Their work is nationally recognized for providing rigorous standards, high levels of transparency, and impactful oversight. Elliott and his team have received five Knighton Awards from the 300-member Association of Local Government Auditors for issuing exceptional audits. College Station's audit office has passed multiple independent peer reviews, ensuring City audits meet the highest professional standards. Only 10 other Texas cities have met those rigorous ideals.
Elliott has become a leader among auditors in the Brazos Valley and beyond, sharing his expertise at national conferences and regularly publishing articles in industry journals. Former staff members now serve as chief audit executives for the City of Denton and the State of Utah. In the last decade, 14 interns have gone on to successful careers as lawyers, city planners, analysts, and auditors in municipalities, consulting firms, universities, and financial institutions.
The internal auditor's mission remains steadfast: to uphold transparency, accountability, and excellence in city government. Through independent audits, thoughtful recommendations, and a commitment to professional growth, we continue to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of city operations. The City of College Station can take pride in having an audit office that meets the highest standards and shapes the future of government auditing.
"We don't just audit – we provide valuable insights that drive efficiency, accountability, and trust in city operations," Elliott said.
Topics include live blogs of city council meetings and the events, programs, and activities that impact everyone in our community.
COLLEGE STATION CURBSIDE
Quickly find the solid waste, recycling, and bulk/brush pickup collection schedule for your address and set the free app to remind you of your collection days.
Way Back When
Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater construction (1993)
Book Launch
Mon. May 19 | 6 p.m.
1207 Texas Ave.
FY 2025 BUDGET
Did You Know?
Sales tax is a significant revenue source for the City’s General Fund, accounting for approximately 35% of General Fund revenues. Our FY24 sales tax estimate, which includes mixed beverage receipts, is $41.7 million, a mild increase compared to the amount budgeted.
For more details, visit cstx.gov/fy25budget
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
IN CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of College Station is at the forefront regarding transparency and efficiency, thanks to an active and engaged Internal Audit Office, a rigorous and open budget guided by a staff of professional finance experts, and city leaders dedicated to accountability.
During the annual budget process, staffing and workloads are carefully reviewed. City management
implemented a yearly "Budget Congress" in which all department heads develop budget changes based largely on opportunities for enhanced efficiency. The City Council examines the proposed budget in lengthy summer workshops and public hearings. The proposal is available to the public on the city website for several weeks before the City Council approves it in August.
The City of College Station doesn't just talk about transparency and accountability. Its leaders and departments practice it every day.
But don't take our word about transparency and accountability. An independent external auditor closely examines the City's financial position each year. The 2024 audit found no material weaknesses, no significant deficiencies in internal control, and no compliance issues. The City's highly regarded Internal Auditor's Office continually reviews internal processes, policies, and procedures across the organization. The internal auditor answers to the City Council, not City management, allowing for objective and unbiased evaluations of city operations. He is guided by an Audit Committee of three council members and two independent citizens.
In April, the internal auditor was awarded a 2024 Exemplary Knighton Award for the best performance audit among local government audit organizations of similar size in the U.S. and Canada. The City of College Station has received five Knighton Awards since 2015.
In February, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar presented his Transparency Stars Trailblazer Award to the Finance Division for its demonstrated efforts to ensure the City's financial information is readily available and easily understood. Only 11 other municipalities have achieved Trailblazer status, the highest level of transparency. The Financial Transparency webpage includes an array of pertinent data organized in a user-friendly format. You can also see the City's financial transactions since 2016 on Open Checkbook.
"The City of College Station has gone the extra mile in opening its books to the public"
-GLENN HEGAR TEXAS COMPTROLLER
& MULTI-USE COURTS PICKLEBALL
Ribbon-Cut ting Ceremony
You're cordially invited to the of ficial ribbon-cut ting ceremony for Anderson Park Pickleball and Multi-Use Courts. The project was approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
TUESDAY MAY 20 | 10 a.m.
9 00 A ND E RS ON S TR EE T
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. We look forward to celebrating with you!
BE E CR E E K A ND CENTR A L P AR K
TENNIS COURTS RIBBON-CUTTING TENNIS COURTS RIBBON-CUTTING
Howdy!
We invite you to the official ribbon-cutting
ceremony for the redeveloped Bee Creek Park and Central Park tennis courts. The projects were approved by voters in the 2022 bond election.
Wednesday, May 21 • 10:30 a.m.
Bee Creek Park, 1900 Anderson Street
The event is free and open to the public.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Community Kudos
CITIZENS PRAISE COCS EMPLOYEES
PARKS & RECREATION
"I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank Patrick (Lewis) at (the Gary Halter) Nature Center for going above and beyond during our recent Mom Walk at the park during spring break. Your kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage with our kids truly made the experience even more special. It’s not every day that we encounter someone as friendly and helpful as you, and we all really appreciated your patience and positivity. The kids especially loved getting to see all the fossils and displays in the office.
Of special note, there was a boy there that informed you that something you handed him was heavy and he would like to give it back. You genuinely thanked him for expressing his needs and communicating. His mom was in the room and really appreciated you saying that and encouraging him. You didn’t know that he is autistic and little moments like that really enforce the hard work they have been doing at home to teach advocating for themselves etc. We are lucky to have someone like you in our community, and I just wanted to make sure your efforts didn’t go unnoticed. Thanks again for everything you do! And please forward this to whomever signs your paychecks! If there is a promotion in sight for you, we hope you get it!"
“I moved down here four years ago after retiring after 42 years with Delta Air Lines. I wanted to give big kudos to Kari Williamson on being s uch an excellent coordinator. She has done an excellent job serving us for the last two years, and I really appreciate all of her tireless effort. She is a great addition to your Parks and Recreation staff."
SOLID WASTE
A resident called to say he was overjoyed that Solid Waste equipment operator Vince Brown not only picked up his brush but raked the area and left it spotless. The caller stated that he had never seen anything like it and added that he was amazed and very pleased.
Dear Resident,
The City of College Station’s mission is to provide you with high-quality, reliable services as efficiently as possible. Our community has grown significantly in recent years, and we expect that growth to continue in the coming decades. This short survey represents a proactive effort to help us responsibly and effectively plan for College Station’s future while also identifying and prioritizing our current needs.
CITY-WIDE SURVEY
of the Month
by Lucero Valenzuela
Photography
Photo
Lick Creek Park
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Ballew Named Assistant Parks & Recreation Director
Gene Ballew has been selected as assistant director of the Parks and Recreation Department. Gene has served in various roles in the department since 2011. As part of the transition, we've implemented a few structural changes to our divisions. Marketing and Administration will now report to the assistant director, and Park Operations will report to the director.
Gene has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, and will continue to be a tremendous asset in his expanded role.
12 CertifiedFirefighters
as Hazardous Materials Techs
A dozen College Station Fire Department members recently completed the Hazardous Materials Technician certification training at TEEX.
The 40-hour pro-board program meets the requirements for hazardous materials technicians through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.
The members will join the cadre of CSFD hazmat technicians who form the seven-county HazMat Response Team for the BVCOG.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
CSU-Electric receives highest national recognition for outstanding safety practices
College Station Utilities has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2024. The utility received the Diamond Award, the highest level of recognition.
The entrants are placed according to their number of worker-hours and ranked based on the most incidentfree records and overall state of their safety programs and culture during 2024. The incidence rate is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses and the number of worker-hours during 2024, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
“We are proud of the strong safety culture we've built and continue to work on improving it every day. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of our team in prioritizing safety. Harnessing electricity to keep our communities powered is vital work that can be dangerous, even deadly, if the proper attention isn’t paid to triedand-true safety practices. The award honors utilities that adhere to these practices and prioritize the safety of their personnel and customers above all else.”
-Timothy Crabb, Electric Utility Director
ACHIEVEMENTS
Visit College Station featured in Texas Town & City
Visit College Station was featured in the April issue of Texas Town & City Magazine. The article was titled "Powerhouse Partnership: How Visit College Station and Texas A&M Drive Tourism Success" and highlights how the City collaborates with the University to attract visitors, stimulate the local economy, and enhance College Station’s reputation as a premier year-round destination.
“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.
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.
College Station City Council
RECAPS
The College Station City Council meets twice monthly at City Hall. OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
APRIL MEETINGS
APRIL 10: Blog | Video
APRIL 24: Blog | Video
UPCOMING MEETINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 8 • 6 P.M.
THURSDAY, MAY 22 • 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
(L-R): William Wright, Bob Yancy, Mark Smith, John Nichols (mayor), David White, Melissa McIlhaney, and Scott Shafer.
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION CONTACTS
cstx.gov/cip
cstx.gov/committees
cstx.gov/codeenforcement
cstx.gov/commserv
cstx.gov/hr
bcslibrary.org
cstx.gov/court NEIGHBORHOOD
cstx.gov/neighbor
cstx.gov/parks
cstx.gov/pds
cstx.gov/police
cstx.gov/publiccommunications
cstx.gov/publicworks
PARKS AND RECREATION CONTACTS
cstx.gov/wolfpen
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