Howdy!

This is the first of what I hope will be many threads in the coming years for feedback purposes, and if you post it I promise City Hall will see it!

See, our first council meeting of the new council will be Monday. Although there are many issues to address on the table, I am most interested in hearing what YOU have to say!

So, MyBCS...

If you had your druthers, what would you want to see the new council address?

Thanks and God Bless,

Jess Fields.

And here we go.

Just curious, is this the proper place to have these dicussions? Shouldn't people be writing their representatives directly or showing up to the council meetings?

Proper place? Isn't this the BEST place to have these kind of discussions? Seriously, it's incredibly easy to have an ongoing conversation with multiple people across multiple subjects, you don't have to worry about interrupting anyone mid-sentence, and for better or worse you have the freedom to speak your mind without fear of being called an idiot to your face.

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Shouldn't people be writing their representatives directly

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Hey Doc... you know what happens when you type out words and form coherent thoughts with those words and they get posted here??

It's a little thing called "Writing".

And since our representative said he'd be looking at this thread to see those thoughts, then it becomes "Writing him directly".

There you go... your question is answered almost by yourself had you thought a little more about it.

Wrong place for this.............

A forum also know as message or discussion boards is a bad place to discuss things?

I think seeking input in places like this is a great thing. Thanks, Jess.

I'm sorry to a few of you guys, but I'm going to have to disagree that this is somehow not a good place to do this.

In my opinion, this is an excellent place to have some of these things talked about. Not as if they aren't talked about already on MyBCS, I'm merely asking for a snapshot, a pulse of the MyBCS community on what they're feeling.

What's wrong with that? It is something extra in addition to the other means of gathering our citizens' feedback.

Anyone can also call me at 979.571.6724. They are also welcome to come by a city council meeting, or they can attend one of the open town hall meetings that I will soon be having on a twice-monthly basis.

MyBCS is just another place where people can express their opinions. It's online... but that's about it. And yes, I want to listen to the opinions of folks in College Station. Whatever format they come in on.

Jess

[This message has been edited by TexasCigars (edited 5/10/2010 6:30p).]

This isn't the wrong place at all for this.If this is the wrong place for this then,every single post about COCS's council was in the wrong place.actually this is one of the right places for this since alot of people only go to this forum.If you don't like people posting things like this then......DON'T READ IT,don't post things like "this is the wrong place for this".





I for one would like to have the citizens of wellborn become incorperated.COCS doesn't need to annex them other than there so greedy they think they need(want) the tax money.If they needed(want) money so much, then why are they spending money on useless special projects like tree next to the freeway or on a convention center that noone really wants or needs?To me there should be less spending and more saving.This economy isn't getting any better soon


and on a side note: I'd like to see crompton stop slamming his microphone aside when he thinks he's made his point and theres nothing more to talk about.I know it won't happen because he thinks he's the king or something.Guess it's just wishful thinking


[This message has been edited by phantom commenter (edited 5/10/2010 6:33p).]

[This message has been edited by phantom commenter (edited 5/10/2010 10:00p).]

Mr. Fields - I suggest that you and the entire council take stock of what you already have on the table - projects that the council has already committed to beyond the point of no return.

Then, ask everyone to stop and take a breath and quit acting like tomorrow will never come, that the future is bleak, and start getting real input about what real citizen's both want and need for our community.

You sir, are a young man, and I am asking you to bring restraint and maturity to the table in the chambers. Emphasis on restraint.

A valuable lesson in life, at least I consider it one, is that when we don't know what to do, sometimes it is best to bide our time a bit and do nothing until we do know what to do.

Get your feet wet. See how things really work. Encourage restraint. The economy seems to demand restraint and funding our basic needs.

Plenty of time to worry about pies in the sky when the dollars and people think that is a good thing to do.

Someone mentioned Wellborn. I suggest that the city start being brutally honest about their intentions and just do what is best for College Station. That's what the Mayor and Council are elected to do.

Simply put - take inventory and prioritize.

Thanks for starting this thread. Good luck.

[This message has been edited by justcallmeharry (edited 5/10/2010 6:44p).]

Less trees. Less taxes.
More restaurants.

Only problem I could potentially see is that there is no way to verify which posters are B/CS residents and therefore constituents of Mr. Fields.

Not discounting this, just looking at it from all angles.

Thumbs up to Justcallmeharry's comments. That is ideally what I'd like to see happen within the chamber, and a guaranteed way to have a positive impact on the council.

A few things I would like to see:
-Less conversation about feral cats and fewer complaints about essential city services (BVSMA, wind watts, etc.). We enjoy pretty low rates as it is.
-More conversation about increasing employment opportunities by attracting new business.
-Improve the balance of communication between TAMU administration, the city council, and residents concerning what’s best for our city.

This city needs to plan for the long-term and not focus primarily on hot-button issues like the convention center and planting trees with pre-approved bond money.

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A few things I would like to see:
-Less conversation about feral cats and fewer complaints about essential city services (BVSMA, wind watts, etc.). We enjoy pretty low rates as it is.
-More conversation about increasing employment opportunities by attracting new business.
-Improve the balance of communication between TAMU administration, the city council, and residents concerning what’s best for our city.

This city needs to plan for the long-term and not focus primarily on hot-button issues like the convention center and planting trees with pre-approved bond money.

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I agree with most of what you posted, but I would not classify windwatts as an "essential city service".

As for your last comment, the convention center discussion is a long term issue, since if it is built it will be losing money from day one.

Also, even though "pre-approved bond money" is available, does that mean it is wise to use it, even when our own city staff says they don't have the funds nor the people to maintain the project.

Get your feet wet. Don't bite off more than you can chew at once, especially at the beginning.

Listen to people - everyone - and form your own opinions. Try to keep your preconceived notions and grand "visions" to a minimum. Do this and your stature and influence will rise quickly.

Always show respect to other city staff, elected officials, and citizens, even if you disagree with them, and even if they don't show respect towards you. I cannot stress this enough.

Don't be the mybcs councilman. If you are doing your job, sometimes your vote will be popular in this forum, sometimes it won't.

informedag and kraut have good points. Teaming up with TAMU has got to be a huge priority. An independent City Convention Center has never made sense to me - that's the pie in the sky that never makes it to the table. What's wrong with using the Expo Center that is already losing money and costing all of us money?

The preapproved bond money should sit until sensible decisions are made about its use. Excellent point.

Right now, man up the police force as much as possible and practical, and improve basic services. Plenty of potholes to fill.

Feral cats? Let them live in some ex-Councilman's backyard. Oops... Along with 12 dogs. Oops... I guess the deed restrictions don't allow that in his neighborhood. Sorry, couldn't resist. We do probably need better animal control - the County managed to make a mess of that rather than fix what appeared to be a system that could be repaired.

Other hotbutton items just keep recirculating. I view trees in a Darwinian sort of way. I view businesses in much the same way. We have such a built in market for decent retail and such a tremendous source of professionals through TAMU, and such a great community, we should not have to do a heck of a lot in the way of paying companies to locate here. I think if companies see our retail potential, and the number of graduating Aggies who would really like to stay here, as well as the quality of CSISD, we have natural selection on our side.

My two bits worth.

[This message has been edited by justcallmeharry (edited 5/10/2010 9:20p).]

Less conversations about Feral Cats.. AMEN!

I don't have a problemw with beautification as long as it makes sense, is affordible and doesnt come with a rowboat tirade....

I am curious will Monday's meeting be a normal one where all who wish to speak are welcome or is it more of an "innaugural" event?

I have a few:

1. Protect undeveloped land near major intersections, this is not the place for large retail. (Whole Foods would be ok.)

2. Discourage affordable housing. That would only encourage the wrong type of people to come to College Station, the homogeneous nature of the town is what drew so many here.

3. Some how, some way, get a convention center built. It doesn't have to be at Chimney Hill, it could be at Wolf Pen Creek or Crescent Pointe, or even Northgate. How about at that old Albertson's on S. College?

4. Promote green initiatives, we have to pass this earth along to our children and grandchildren. WindWatts should no longer be optional, it should be the major source of power for College Station.

5. Red light cameras have been taken down, but since the initiative/referendum that the blowhard Ash foisted upon us was not accepted by the city council, you guys are now free to pass a new law so that our streets could be safer once again.

Personally...I'd like to see a new City Attorney.

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Red light cameras have been taken down, but since the initiative/referendum that the blowhard Ash foisted upon us was not accepted by the city council, you guys are now free to pass a new law so that our streets could be safer once again.

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I know we all have the ability to post our thoughts here - but I strongly disagree with this post. Red light cameras should NOT be brought back. And, it's unfortunate how this was handled after the vote. The city attorney didn't do his job, and the council refused to actually ban them in the future.

I say - lets get rid of this frivolous spending - such as the trees being planted by University Dr. No more silly projects like the convention center and Sr Center - especially now that the city claims there is a budget shortfall.

Re-examine this whole Windwatts thing, and also look at changing that last water bill increase.

No more wasting of money on attorney's to fight out things like the Windgarten fiasco and fighting it out with Bryan about the Garbage company.

Examine some of these rules concerning businesses building in College Station. For years I have heard that the city is unfriendly to new business construction. I do not know the exact problems, but apparently there are some.

Also, the police #'s need to be increased.

[This message has been edited by MisterShipWreck (edited 5/11/2010 6:50a).]

Yes, the students are a big part of College Station. However we must remember they also create small families that stay here in CS.

So affordable housing is needed for those starter families. I hate rental shopping because it is all per room, and my 5 year old doesn't have rent money.

We have very good "city employees" at all levels who keep the city running while the BIG DOGS are trying to make a name for themselves. Talk with them and listen to their input as to what direction to take.

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No more wasting of money on attorney's to fight out things like the Windgarten fiasco and fighting it out with Bryan about the Garbage company.

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I think it's silly that Bryan complained about an agreement they helped create when BVSWMA was formed. I don't recall anyone throwing stones at Bryan.

Scotch.....Did you forget something?.....





maybe this

or perhaps this

My "hot button" issue is property rights. It is wrong to add restrictions or conditions to what I can do with land I already own. I may have purchased it with certain restrictions in place and accept those, but to add restrictions after the fact is unacceptable.

When the city annexes land, if the act of doing so would make a business operation illegal, it should either not annex that land, or change the city ordinance that makes the business illegal.

_________________________________________________________
It's your money, not theIRS! (At least for a little while longer.)

I don't know Scotch, but I'm guessing that post was tongue-in-cheek...

To answer your question Jess, my experience shows me that most people just want the city to provide basic services (police, fire, etc.) and do their best to stay out of the way of law abiding private citizens and private business. I'm pretty sure you share a similar vision and that's why I voted for you.

Is it too late to keep the COCS from having to be the one to eat the note on the Arts Council building? I have not kept up with every twist on this one lately but last I heard, ACBV and COCS were entering into an agreement to have the city take over the building and the note since they could not figure out a way to pay it. I thought this was going to happen about April 1 (a sad April Fools Joke) but I never saw or heard any more about it. I'm sure neither side was happy about it so it may have been done quickly on the consent agenda while the councilpeople held their noses...

If it is not too late already, perhaps there is another way??

Congratulations Jess. I was glad to see you win and I like what you are doing here.

That said, I don't live in the city, so you have no obligation to me, but this is my community and I care what happens to it.

Congrats again and good luck!

1) No convention center, not now, not ever. Sell the property.

2) No senior center, not now, not ever.

3) I realize that your money is made contrary to this, but the smoking ban was put in place and should stay in place. Smoking should only occur in your home or places like your cigar store. Not in public.

4) Limit construction of multifamily housing. There has been a glut of student construction and students have moved to these newer/nicer places, leaving vacancies and causing the older apartment communities to lower rent prices and accept HUD folks.
---This means that during recessions, and after hurricanes we get an influx of lower income people and that leads to crime.

We need to keep the cost of living in this town HIGHER than the hurricane fugees and recession relocations can afford, and keeping rents high is a primary tool to do so.

5) We need more police officers, and higher pay for them at that. We need enough officers to deter crime, not just catch the criminals afterwards.

6) Also money for better schools and teachers.

7) Allow companies like Lowes in (great job there) - keep companies like WalMart out. Work to expand the business and industry that brings high paying jobs to town.

8) Use the land inside the city limits for development before allowing developers to develop outside of the city limits, preventing urban sprawl.

9) Schedule a vote for Wellborn to incorporate. Schedule it within 60 days. They deserve a chance to vote. However, they don't deserve 3.5 square miles. Wellborn is .75 - 1 square mile AT THE MOST. People who live further out than Wellborn believe they live in College Station - if those people who live between Hullabaloos and the Country Store want to incorporate, give them the vote to do so, but everything past that IS COLLEGE STATION.


[This message has been edited by BlueTeam02 (edited 5/11/2010 9:07a).]

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1. Protect undeveloped land near major intersections, this is not the place for large retail. (Whole Foods would be ok.)

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So.. protect undeveloped land from large retail unless it is retail YOU want?!

Awesome list, I have to go no farther than 1 to see we won't agree on anything.

don't feed it and maybe it will go away

You may not agree with me Sticks, but BlueTeam seems to agree with me on some key points.

BlueTeam02 = Sentinel08 = MidlandAg07 = DocBrown = mybcs's resident contrarian.

[This message has been edited by AgFan1999 (edited 5/11/2010 9:51a).]

Scotch just wants College Station to keep doing what they're doing - helping Bryan!

No convention center - sell the Chimney Hill property.

Only provide raises to city staff (including police) if the market is sending signals that pay is too low, i.e., losing quality staff or can't attract quality staff with current compenstation packages. Remember, many if not most folks in the private sector have not been getting recent big pay raises.