A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Staff Produces 11/27/2023
A TALE OF TWO CITIES: Bringing Issues Before the Bryan and College Station City Councils
As citizens in Bryan and College Station, we have the right to bring issues and concerns before the respective city councils. We have elected the council members to be our representatives and so we have an obligation to let them know about things in the community that are of concern.
Speaking before either the Bryan or College Station city council can be the best of times or it can be the worst of times, it can certainly be intimidating. When a resident of Bryan or College Station desires to bring a matter to the attention of the City Council, there is a specific protocol to follow. Below are the procedures for doing so in each city:
COLLEGE STATION (meets twice per month on the 2nd and 4thThursdays at 6 pm)
College Station’s procedure to speak:
· During the Hear Visitors part of the meeting, which is typically near the beginning of the meeting.
· At least two hours prior to the meeting, complete the online form found under City Council Public Comments. If a person does not have internet/email access, they can call (979/764-3541) and receive help with the form. The form outlines speaker protocols.
· Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 minutes to speak.
· A person can address the council on any topic of concern.
· Established protocols state that the council will not respond to the issue during the meeting. The protocols also state that the council, after receiving the information presented, may “ask staff to look into the matter or place the issue on a future agenda. Topics of operational concern shall be directed to the City Manager.”
· Citizens may also speak at Workshop meetings.
According to College Station Deputy City Secretary, Ian Whittenton, the city’s policy for speaking at Hear Visitors is that “Any individual who would like to speak before council on a topic not posted on the agenda may do so during Hear Visitors at every regular meeting of the College Station City Council.”
BRYAN (normally meets once per month on the 2nd Tuesday at 5:30 pm)
Bryan’s procedure to speak:
· During the Hear Citizens part of the meeting, which is typically near the beginning of the meeting.
· Go to the Bryan City Hall before 5:30 pm and fill out the Hear Citizens Request Form.
· The Form outlines speaker protocols. Note: only items on the agenda will be heard.
· Each person is allowed a maximum of 3 minutes to speak.
· Citizens may not speak at Workshop meetings.
The Mayor’s Office in Bryan was contacted for a comment but did not respond.
*This information is accurate as of 11-22-2023
City of Bryan Reports - Staff Producer
Bryan Focus Stories To email us to provide information or help click on the clock above
Bryan Focus Stories To email us to provide information or help click on the clock above
Bryan Focus Stories To email us to provide information or help click on the clock above
Future Stories
- 1. Bryan Business Council, purpose, funding and who do they report to
- 2. Why medians, who is responsible and how can issues be corrected
2023 Christmas Parade Cancelled You will not believe WHY?
Bryan Focus Stories To email us to provide information or help click on the clock above
Bryan Focus Stories To email us to provide information or help click on the clock above
Brazos Valley Beats: Empowering Communities
URGENT CALL TO ACTION: REVISE THE 2024 CAPITOL BUDGET NOW! Bryan TX 09/19/2023
Hey Citizens: Your immediate attention is needed to address a critical issue lurking in the Bryan Capitol Budget for 2024. On page two of the budget, we find an alarming projection: new bond issues totaling a staggering $80 million.
The city presentation is here https://bryantx.new.swagit.com/videos/271326
While the Midtown Park bonds appear well-funded at approximately $37 million, the same page reveals a distressing reality. Unfunded projects, some of which have languished in proposal purgatory for years, loom large on our city's horizon, representing vital necessities.
The pressing question is this: How can we justify prioritizing the creation of a new park over the urgent repair and maintenance needs of our beloved city?
Our infrastructure is showing signs of wear and tear, and these neglected projects are starting to take a toll on our community's well-being and safety. The deteriorating state of our roads, bridges, and public facilities poses not only inconveniences but also detriment to our citizens.
The time has come for decisive action! We cannot ignore our city's pressing needs any longer. Let's shift our focus to addressing the long-standing issues that plague our neighborhoods, jeopardize our residents' quality of life, and undermine our city's future growth.
We urge our city leaders and fellow citizens to rally together, reevaluate the Capitol Improvement Budget for 2024, and reallocate resources where they are most urgently needed. The vitality and safety of our city depend on it. Send your comments to info@brazosvalleybeats.org
Budget Pages 4 and 5 Link Below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZciqpUGNpQVhalVOOMRtzvetZAnNJs_Z/view?usp=drive_link
Click on the Picture to see
Bryan budget pages 4 & 5