The seven-page phone and mail survey of 416 residents was conducted by ETC Institute to assess satisfaction with the quality of city services. The results were revealed at last week's City Council meeting.
Deputy City Manager Hugh Walker said that the city has conducted the surveys for about 10 years and that the results influence the city's budget and the capital improvement plan.
Residents surveyed said they wanted to see the most emphasis in the next two years placed on increasing police presence in neighborhoods.
City officials said steps have already been taken to address that issue.
ETC Institute spokeswoman Karen Falk, who presented the survey results to the City Council last week, said residents' perceptions might be influenced by the Police Department's use of unmarked vehicles.
Bryan police Chief Tyrone Morrow said he wished that were the case. The real issue, he said, is staffing.
"We don't have a lot of what I want to call discretionary time, time not tied to a dispatch radio call or traffic enforcement," he said.
But the city's proposed budget is a step in the right direction, Morrow said. The department would add four officers and two sergeants, along with two patrol cars and a police dog, if the budget were approved Sept. 16.
The department's Neighborhood Enforcement Team, which was organized in January, will also increase police visibility, he said. When officers work closely with neighborhoods, they can form better relationships, which could motivate residents to call in crimes or suspicious activity.
"There's one caveat that has to be acknowledged, though," he said. Initially, the team will make crime statistics rise, he said, not because more crime is happening, but because the relationships between officer and resident will make people more likely to report things to the department.
But with more calls coming in, he said, officers will have a better opportunity to target criminals.
"When the numbers spike, everyone worries," Morrow said, emphasizing that the rise will instead indicate that the team has been effective, and the numbers will then begin to fall again.
After last year's survey highlighted the priority of street maintenance, the city created a program to rate the condition of every street, Assistant Public Works Director Alton Rogers said.
The evaluation should be complete in the coming weeks, he said, and crews can then begin to improve the worst streets.
Rogers said the city recently purchased a truck dedicated to the maintenance of existing streets.
"Unfortunately, Bryan does have some [streets] that need a lot of work on them. We're slowly knocking those out," he said, noting that crews just completed reconstructing the intersection of West 28th Street and South Randolph Avenue.
Rogers said because streets are visible and are used daily, transportation typically rates low in public opinion surveys.
But in the next five years, he said, residents should see a significant change in the condition of the city's streets.
Director of Traffic and Transportation Dale Picha said that if an issue draws a dissatisfaction rating of 20 percent or more, it's worth paying attention to.
"Bryan is an older town, and I think everyone recognizes that we haven't paid attention to some important things, like light signals, like we should have over the years," he said.
Picha said that through the city's five-year capital improvement plan, his department could get $4,000 a year for the next five years to address traffic signal work. There are 65 signals in the city, and at least two of those, he said, were installed in the 1950s.
"When you start upgrading old traffic signals, you start addressing these issues and traffic congestion," he said.
Picha said his department has also asked the City Council for a $60,000 annual budget increase for new technology at intersections and replacement of traffic signal bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs.
"Overall, we are definitely starting to focus more of our efforts on preserving the system we have and doing upgrades where we need them," he said.
Deputy City Manager Walker said the survey identified residents' desire for an emergency warning system.
But, he said, the city already has such a system, which means officials need to do a better job of educating residents about the city's services.
"That's something we obviously need to work on," Walker said.
The city uses a reverse 911 system to relay information to residents, he said. Whether officials need to direct calls to an area of the city to warn about a water line that has ruptured or to alert the whole city to an imminent danger, the system can send pre-recorded messages to every phone line in the city.
* 81 percent of residents surveyed said they felt city services were excellent or good.
* Services that residents thought should receive the most emphasis over the next two years include public safety, street maintenance, traffic flow and congestion and enforcement of city codes and ordinances.
* Satisfaction with street maintenance jumped from 30 percent in 2007 to 52 percent in 2008.
* Around 87 percent of residents were satisfied with the quality of local fire protection and response time.
* 82 percent of residents were satisfied with park maintenance.
* 76 percent of residents were satisfied with the maintenance and preservation of downtown.
* Residents would like to see the purchase of an emergency warning system.
* 51 percent of people would be willing to pay an additional $2.25 per month for curbside recycling.
* The top reasons people chose to live in Bryan were the affordability of housing, types of housing and safety and security.
* Random sample of 416 households.
* Administered by mail or phone.
* The city has been conducting resident-satisfaction surveys for 10 years.
* 53.3 percent of people surveyed were women.
* 54.9 percent of the people surveyed work in Bryan.
* 28 percent were under 35 years old, and 19.5 percent were 65 years old or older.
* 52.4 percent of the people surveyed have lived in Bryan for more than 20 years.
90 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
On:
Friday, August 22, 2008 4:30 PM
Comment Title: More in the $100k Club
In addition to City Manager Watkins, Deputy City Mgrs Joey Dunn and Hugh Walker, and Public Works Director Huff being members of this club, did you also know that our very own City Secretary is a Gold Star member as well?? Just curious...how does a city clerk get paid $100k/year in BRYAN, TX.?!?!? Have something to do with Mayor Conlee heavy handing the Council again and making sure that those who cover his arse gets rewarded, perhaps?!?! Just a theory, but quite honestly....a city CLERK??? Wonders never cease to amaze me.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 1:32 AM
Comment Title:
Here's a idea for Brass: Pop your head into your Managers office around lunch today and have them WRITE down and prove everything they have done that morning. I bet you'll be looking at a blank paper or someone else's work. Let's quit paying for nothing and get some true help!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:28 PM
Comment Title: stop it
What's wrong with stopping at every other light? Keep up the great work, it gives us all a excuse for being late to work everyday... Thanks City workers
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:26 PM
Comment Title: lights stink
Don't forget the one in front of the new Target (you always sit in front of it while no one is coming from the other direction), and th eone on WJB turning left on Texas (it let's 2 cars go through it while there is 10 in line)the list goes on and on! Wait could this once again be POOR MANAGEMENT...HMMMM?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:03 PM
Comment Title:
The problem here is that all of these writers had to stop on Villa Maria at Waysid (the light coming out of Tejas Center), and it just puts everyone in a bad mood. Just fix the traffic lights and everyone will be happy and productive.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:10 PM
Comment Title:
Hey I luv having a Manager that has no clue, I get to dazzle with BS whenever I like. Course they can't do anyone's job so they pretty much go with the flow. Please Mr. Watkin's don't fire my Manager because I'm afraid if I got someone compentent I might have to really work!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:03 PM
Comment Title:
CITY CODE ENFORCEMENT is at a low also. I called e-mailed etc. It did not work for me.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:08 PM
Comment Title: Exactly!
Posted by: On: 8/19/2008 Comment Title: so true ditto the last, I so hope that we get to fire the others that he has put in place. Most of them have no clue how to do their jobs and they are not productive at all. Frustration has hit a all tme high working for the City. If you do have a imcompentent Manager you have no hope because what's above them is no help either. This comment is spot on!!!!!!!!!!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:02 PM
Comment Title:
It is a lot of money, the one in C/S is making less the Bryan's. Plus I think most people are complaining about his handful of worthless Managers. Their just lucky that they have a knowledgeable staff that can do their jobs and make them look good while they chase down coffee.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Bryan On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:45 PM
Comment Title: Pay slums wage and get slum employees.
If 100k is big money do not move to S,College Station. You get what you pay for. Pay ghetto wages and you will have a ghetto. What do we have now?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:39 PM
Comment Title:
Crime is up 9% over last year. Is it working? Most people call in armed robbery already. We need to see the the crime facts by type of crime..
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:35 PM
Comment Title: so true
ditto the last, I so hope that we get to fire the others that he has put in place. Most of them have no clue how to do their jobs and they are not productive at all. Frustration has hit a all tme high working for the City. If you do have a imcompentent Manager you have no hope because what's above them is no help either.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 6:51 PM
Comment Title: WHAT??
Watkins's I thought you agreed not to comment on this post; who else would say your the Greatest thing that ever happened?? Well there is the rest of the 100+k club that are enjoying your short stay with the City...
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:59 PM
Comment Title:
To the person who posted the last commnet. Read the article before you make stupid, useless comments.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:24 PM
Comment Title:
Let us hope the 416 that returned the survey are not from the HUD complexes.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Former councilman On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:00 PM
Comment Title:
Watkins and Condiff have a great deal in common
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:26 PM
Comment Title: Watkins
Yes, he's a great dictator!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Watkins is kicking ass compared to past managers On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:49 PM
Comment Title: Watkins is kicking ass compared to past managers
Watkins is smart, talented, and worth what we are paying him. The City government is no longer living in the dark ages, like a quasi-military Star Chamber. The fog of the past 20-years has lifted. We are in open fields and optimism is high.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 12:23 PM
Comment Title: big money
it is big money for a small municipality. Especially for the level of expertise those folks have.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:09 AM
Comment Title:
Go to college. Open a Business. 100k is not big money. I have friends with a basic high school education making this.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:43 AM
Comment Title: Salaries
Don't forget you have two Deputy City Managers....they clear over 100K as well.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:34 AM
Comment Title:
100K is not a lot of money??? Okay for the average person in Bryan they are making between 20K - 40K!!! Mr. Watkin's or one of his stooges quit posting here and go wash your Caddie that is parked in Traditions.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 1:28 AM
Comment Title:
That explains 4 of their salaries but what about the others? And how many has Watkin's and the "click" created since in power:to many! I wish I was in the 100K+ club. he average City employee gets between 20's-30's. Yep 100K+ is a lot for nothing!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 10:05 PM
Comment Title:
I can see $100K for Police Chief, Fire Chief, City Manager, and City Attorney. That is not saying that our current city manager and city attorney are worth what they are being paid. The city manager is self-serving and the city attorney is just plain incompetent for the position.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 10:01 PM
Comment Title:
Don't put a lot of stock in this poll. Fifteen hundred (1,500) folks were polled and only 416 responded. Lord help us if 416 folks decide this city's fate.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:51 PM
Comment Title:
100k is not a lot of money today. If the person can do the job. The Chief of police is a 100k+ person. With the crime in Bryan he is worth every penny of it.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:28 PM
Comment Title:
look at the salaries of city management and the number of additional positions added since Watkins arrived. It's mind boggling. He is definitely wasting tax payer dollars as those in "power' are not worth the salary received. I wish i had been contacted to complete this survey.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:22 PM
Comment Title:
What is the big deal about several employees making over $100K ? Do you realize the minimum budget deficit proposed for 2009 is $40 million. Total revenues are projected to be $339 million and projected expenditures are to be $379 million. Included in the revenues figures are money received from Bond Sales. This ain't revenue in my eyes, but that is the way the staff presents it. The taxpaying citizens of Bryan are in deep ____ . If you doubt me, contact your council person or the mayor and get an explaination and verification.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:02 PM
Comment Title: REALLY???
Why don't you confirm the # of $100K employees throught Freedom of Information. Then let us know which ones aren't worth a darn, besides Watkins.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 8:47 PM
Comment Title: REALLY???
Someone at the City please confirm that 8 people really make over a 100K?? If that is true and they aren't worth a darn let's save a MILLION dollars a year and fire them all. Everyone knows that they mostly just run people off they don't like and sit around wasting time the rest of the day.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 8:14 PM
Comment Title: 26%-Beck Street
The topic is also Money and the way the city plans to use it. Beck street is a topic. It is still a crime filled area after millions have been put in it. Crime is also a topic.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 7:00 PM
Comment Title: TAXPAYER $$$$
MY taxpayer money is paying for all these people that make over 100K?? OMG that's horrible. I work as a Engineer and don't clear 100K, I guess I should try to get on at the City.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 6:37 PM
Comment Title: salaries
Too the one wondering about salaries: there are currently 8 making over 100K and 5 or more making close to that #!!! That sounds as if Watkin's has really helped the taxpayers pay for a lot of BMWs.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 5:24 PM
Comment Title:
This news item is not about Beck Street. Sitck toi the topic.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 1:23 PM
Comment Title: The Real Beck Street
The real beck street. Gang banger have had shooting on this street. Police Officers have shot gang banger near this street all in the last 9-11 months. A Young mother took a stray bullets and was killed in the last few years. I could go on and on. KBTX and Eagle have past stories in the archives. More then a few times I have been called by family members when Gang warfare has broken out.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 1:07 PM
Comment Title: Beck Street
This sounds like a city song and dance on beck street. A Very large trailer park is on one side the other is HUD welfare housing. How does it become middle class with welfare. Who's pocket are you in?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 1:02 PM
Comment Title: Sabrina BS
If you lived in the area you would know the health Department closed it down almost 2 months ago. IT is out of Business. Who are you covering for? Kbtx had it on the health report.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Sabrina On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 12:24 PM
Comment Title: Beck Street
Isn't that where that wonderful mexican restaurant "Tampico" located? I know it's close to lunch....but not everything on Beck is worthless.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Happy In Bryan On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 11:20 AM
Comment Title:
Kuddos to "Proud" Very well said! Thank you! I agree with you 100%
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Proud On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 10:22 AM
Comment Title: Appalled
I continue to be appalled at the rampant racism contained in some of these posts. It is disturbing. Beck Street has turned into a nice lower middle class area. The Habitat community Henderson Park Milam School are nice assets for the city The new Police Chief has done an excellent job of curbing crime I am proud to call Bryan home
Report Abuse
Posted by:
outsider On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 9:30 AM
Comment Title: one issue not listed
From my observations of numerous postings (apparently from both of your fine cities and a few others)on various articles is the fact that you people can't seem to get along over the most trivial issues. Not only do you not get along with each other but you can't even get along together. This would be fairly entertaining if it weren't so sad. Is that why Aggies get all the jokes?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Southerland is no idiot, he just needs to listen better On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 8:07 AM
Comment Title: Southerland is OK
He may need to do a better job listening to people, but he's an alright guy. But if he did listen a little better, he'd go a lot further.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Southerland behaves like an arrogant idiot On:
Monday, August 18, 2008 8:05 AM
Comment Title: Southerland behaves like an arrogant idiot
Southerland behaves like an arrogant idiot. Just thought I add a word or two of truth to this discussion. He may only make $25 per meeting, but he's overpaid at that price.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:21 PM
Comment Title:
City employees that make over 100K? I might expect the City Manager but not any of the others, that is crazy!!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:08 PM
Comment Title: Beck street
I have family that is older on this street. The police and Bryan Gang bangers have had shootouts in this area. One of the police shootings happened about 9 months ago. A other was a young mother that worked in Cs that walked out of the house and took a Bullet to the head and killed. A gang shoot out was taking place at the time. The women a friend. You are lying about something. KBTX and the eagle covered both events. Who are you covering for?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:54 PM
Comment Title:
Changing the subject: does anyone know why there is so many people at the City being fired in the last 6 months? If the City staff is directing the Council(NOT) do you think they would be firing themselves... Since Watkin's is in power how many of these "NEW" Managers make over 100K??? Some City employee plz speak up here.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:48 PM
Comment Title:
Too "Slum and Ghetto Tour. Evidently you are lying and haven't been down Beck in a really long time.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:47 PM
Comment Title:
Too "SLUM AND GHETTO TOUR" You are apparently uneducated and have way too much time on your hands. Get a life and get over youself. Take you kids on a tour of your own life to get them "scared straight" You're a joke, uninformed and need a job. Get off the computer. If you are so upset with Bryan stay away, we don't need the likes of you polluting our neighborhoods.!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Bryan On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 6:16 PM
Comment Title: SLUM AND GHETTOS TOUR
I use Beck street for my older kids as part of the slum tour that I read about. It is called scared straight Bryan. My other friends now do the same. The gang bangers are all over the place. My wife thought the idea was nutty at first but I forced her to go one weekend and she told her friends about it and now they all go. It is a sad case because you can look at the city infrastructure and code enforcement here are a few streets Finfeather, South College, Sims, MLK, Beck, Hwy 21, Neal Rec area Kemp area, Oak apartments, and Groesbeck. There are large groups of people day and night. They are either drinking or smoking something and don't seem to have any forms of income other than welfare as they enjoy their HUD housing and a life of crime. The hookers are all over the place also.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:52 PM
Comment Title:
Anything west of Texas at night and you are in Crime land. It is more then beck street. I have family named after some of these roads. I am sure if alive they would like are name removed from these streets.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:43 PM
Comment Title:
Go down 27Th street on the west side. The whole street has 3-4 feet high weeds. I called code enforcement it did not work. Do not go into the Beck St area, at night and weekends you may make the paper as a crime victim. If you have anything to take they will.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 5:18 PM
Comment Title:
Most people are scared to drive down Beck St, so why would they risk their lives to get to the bums downtown!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Beck Street - who really benefitted? On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:59 PM
Comment Title:
Agree...Beck Street... what a money loser we'll never see one cent of sales tax from that lonely road - Don't be so short sighted. There is a connection between downtown and Beck Street. Beck Street is a major thoroughfare to the Heart of Bryan. Eight million does not seem that much to spend to get folks downtown to see what the city has spent $30 million on. Think of how much quicker the city can recoup this $30 million tax expenditure now that all these folks will come downtown to eat.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:52 PM
Comment Title:
J Armstrong - "We know tsips that drive here just to see what's happening in B/CS." - Really? It's truly amazing that folks would drive that far just to see how we're doing. Are they envious or are they going to emulate us?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Ron M On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:47 PM
Comment Title:
To Zip it Southerland - "What does HE want to do with Downtown and the rest of the City core?" Would proportional spending make sense? Never have I seen or heard of Southerland express a desire to cease spending on downtown. You seem to imply that he has - how about providing some support. - "All we got was Beck Street...the road to nowhere, through a flood plain? What did that cost $8 million? You can build a lot of sidewalk and enforce a lot of codes for $8 million." - Connect the dots for me here. The Beck Street Project oas approved in a bond referendum in 1984. The project was deferred until March of 2006 because of the economic downturn. Beck Street will serve as a direct route from F.M. 2818 to the downtown Bryan business district. Your comment indicates you are a proponent of heavy expenditures on downtown. Whats your problem with Beck Street and downtown? I have to agree with you about $8 million, sidewalks, and code enforcement, however, could you connect the dots between Beck Street and Southerland. My source is the Eagle dated November 15, 2006. Anything else in your comment is just plain childishness.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
J. Armstrong On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:17 PM
Comment Title: Hear! Hear! For Downtown!
"76 percent of residents were satisfied with the maintenance and preservation of downtown" We agree. Thanks to all the Staff and Leadership that have kept the Master Plan and Vision of a Quality Community up front and center in their planning. We know tsips that drive here just to see what's happening in B/CS. Downtown is a big part of that. We're proud of the City and its Downtown!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Curious to hear from the Senatorial Citizenry On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:14 PM
Comment Title: Impressed with the last factoid above
"52.4 percent of the people surveyed have lived in Bryan for more than 20 years" - impressive. I'd like to hear from the long-time residents and hear their thoughts on key issues. I think they have a lot more insight and care for the City than they are credited with.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
wedding guest On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:11 PM
Comment Title: would jesus recycle?
recycling is a godless communist plot. it's got to be, right? better to leave bryan in the dark ages. i'm sure jesus wouldn't recycle, well not his green wine bottles anyway, cuz they don't take those at wal-mart
Report Abuse
Posted by:
we'll pay for recycling On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:09 PM
Comment Title: Curbside Recycling - YES
bring it on! i'll pay $5/month
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Beck Street - who really benefitted? On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:08 PM
Comment Title: Agree...Beck Street... what a money loser
we'll never see one cent of sales tax from that lonely road
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Zip it Southerland, roll up those sleeves & do some real work On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 4:06 PM
Comment Title: Downtown is paying dividends
Southerland should shut up and focus on real issues and stop trying to build a case for his re-election based on demagoguery. He woouldn't know FACT if it bit him in the *ss -- and if he did recognize it, he'd call it a bullet from some commie's AK-47. What does HE want to do with Downtown and the rest of the City core? District 1 was left to rot away long before Downtown was on the road to renewal. All we got was Beck Street...the road to nowhere, through a flood plain? What did that cost $8 million? You can build a lot of sidewalk and enforce a lot of codes for $8 million.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:59 PM
Comment Title:
* 51 percent of people would be willing to pay an additional $2.25 per month for curbside recycling. My experience with this is that most folks will not sort their refuge. It probably will not be cost effective considering the city must purchase vehicles, employees, and petrol, to say the least. It would be might be more cost effective to open another appropriately located collection center like the one at Wal-Marts.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:53 PM
Comment Title:
YOu mean Buda Conlee and his four cronies!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:39 PM
Comment Title:
Why would you want to trash the other five council persons? They are only voting on what is presented to them by the city staff. Surely you don't expect any of them to show some initiative and meet with citizens and find out the citizen's concerns. Its much much easier to hire a consultant to conduct a poll.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:18 PM
Comment Title:
ditto
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:16 PM
Comment Title: SYNCHRONIZE
Synchronization of traffic lights will increase safety, save at least 20% of our gas, and save tons of time.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:03 PM
Comment Title:
Putting aside the fisticuffs between Southerland pro and con camps for a bit, let me just agree with the survey results in respect to traffic congestion. I have always believed that a community with one of the largest Civil Engineering programs in the world should have a better sense and plan for traffic flow than do Bryan or College Station. It is indefensible that anyone driving at a prudent speed on Briarcrest should have to stop at Kent, Broadmoor, Villa Maria, and Carter Creek -- four intersections within 250 yards of each other. And, of course, this stretch is not the only string of poorly coordinated lights in town. In addition to lack of synchronization, there are a number of unnecessary lights as well as signals that have been purchased by retail centers to aid their clientele without regard to thoroughfare traffic. It has been estimated that 20% of our fuel is wasted sitting in traffic. Everyone do some quick math to determine how many gallons of fuel you're buying, multiply that by $3.75/gallon, then calculate 20% of that. That is your Cities of Bryan and College Station Traffic Management Incompetence Tax. Okay, you may go back to fighting about Mike Southerland now.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 2:01 PM
Comment Title:
Unless the children in District 1 are walking to school and church down Main or Bryan streets, I doubt that the money being spent in Downtown will change their walking in the streets. There's a big difference between Downtown and the residential area of District 1. Mike Southerland has never said he's against spending money Downtown, just against the disproportionate amounts being spent.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 1:55 PM
Comment Title:
I'm just tired of everything being about 2 councilmemebers... let's trash the others as well!! HAHA
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 1:45 PM
Comment Title:
You think College Station respondents don not result to name calling? You haven't read too many of these things, have you?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Ann R. Key On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 1:07 PM
Comment Title: Have You Noticed
That comments on Bryan issues devolve into name calling and emotionalism more quickly than discussions on College Station issues. I’m rather certain that this is the result of a relatively few people. It is worth noting though the degree to which this kind of behavior diminishes this public forum.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:48 PM
Comment Title: agrees with last two...
Plus why should someone that has been in the military have to payback taxpayers money??? What a stupid comment, the military although poorly paid also have TAXES taken out of their pay checks! And being in the military is not sacrifice enough for you? He still needs to come to your yard a pickup your trash?? Quit holding your hand out for hand outs all your life. Ditto the firing of Management: their click is none productive and baiscally way overpaid!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:41 PM
Comment Title:
To the second commentor: Perhaps you should check the agendas of Sanz and Southerland. I believe you will find that their opposition is to further (and some past) expenditures on Main and Bryan Streets. Both have expressed desires for road repair and to correct the flooding problems in Districts 1 & 2. You make reference to these councilmen making noise and that they will ultimately accomplish nothing noteworthy. Perhaps you are correct as the other five councilpersons raised the requirement for getting something on the agenda over the mayors objection. As to your preference to seeing their arms moving rather than their lips, my preference is exactly the opposite. I'd much rather they investigate and speak out to and for the citizens. Simply following the recommendations of the city staff is in no way effective government or leadership. Did you notice the staff misinformation that was provided during the last council session. Who noticed it and requested and explaination? You mention that the infrastructure in your District 1 has been neglected for years. Are you trying to lay this off on Sanz & Southerland? Be realistic, there are five councilpersons who get their preferences. Look back a couple of years and see who the council members are now and were then. I believe Sanz and Southerland are first termers. Finally, you were asked to cite support for this statement. "You are for the suburbs (east) and against downtown (District 1, west)." It would be nice if you responded. Whoops, just thought of something else - At the last council meeting it was revealed that there were millions of dollars from past bond sales available. They are now scheduled to be spent thanks to some astute staff member. The projects for which the bonds were passed now could cost up to 40% more (a comment made by Conlee). Where in the devil were the past councilmen who are now on the council? (Conlee - Hardeman - Madison) This is leadership? Do you want their lips moving or their butts on the way out the door?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 12:17 PM
Comment Title: 1st comment
I agree, the City staff is having to drag these Managers by their shirt tails and keep them on the right track! Watkins, Walker, Dunn and Huff (what a joke) and the poor sloooowww ones that they've put in place are nothing but YES persons...time to start over once again. Here's a thought: fire all of the above and notice if there is any difference in the amount of work or quality.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 10:45 AM
Comment Title:
* The top reasons people chose to live in Bryan were the . . . and safety and security.* SAY WHAT??? Residents surveyed said they wanted to see the most emphasis in the next two years placed on increasing police presence in neighborhoods. & "There's one caveat that has to be acknowledged, though," he (Morrow) said. Initially, the team will make crime statistics rise, he said, not because more crime is happening, but because the relationships between officer and resident will make people more likely to report things to the department. -Soooooo, crime is higher than reported? Don't get me wrong, I think BPD is doing the best they can with the resources they are provided.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 10:25 AM
Comment Title: "Ahhh - The MikAl Saenzerland Monster"
"Hilarious! I wish I'd thought of that! Ha!" Councilman, being an original thought, it would never come to you.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:56 AM
Comment Title: Calmly discussing the facts
. . . and at worst is being purposefully dishonest working for the interests of east siders. Now we have something we can sink our teeth into. Please provide more specific detail as to projects and location. However, keep in mind that he is councilman at large. Could it be that you have heard of him working on a project on the east(?) side an not heard of a project on the north, south , or west side? I have not heard of any specific project receiving any more attention than another.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
I apologize On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:50 AM
Comment Title: I apologize
I voted for Southerland. I want to apologize to my neighbors. It won't happen again.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
24% Need to Visit Downtown On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:48 AM
Comment Title: Hooray for Downtown! Boo for Southerland >>:=O
76% for downtown! I'm surprised its so low! >>Now if we can get those 76% to knock that motor mouth Juan Peron wanna-be off his pedestal and throw him (and that damn mirror he spends all day staring at) off council, we can get some work done!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:45 AM
Comment Title: Learn your government nimrod?
Conlee, Hardeman and others are council members informed by staff. Now, you are catching on. Conlee, Hardeman, Madison, etc, know only what they are told by staff. And we call them leaders?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
"Ahhh - The MikAl Saenzerland Monster" On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:40 AM
Comment Title: MikAl Saenzerland
Hilarious! I wish I'd thought of that! Ha!
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Grab your torch and pitchfork ! On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:38 AM
Comment Title: Adios Tweedle Dee and Tweddle Dum-Dum
I hope we can say goodbye to our 2-in-1 DO NOTHING CRY BABY Council Member: "MikAl Saenzerland". Together they are like some bizarre Frankenstein monster.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
From beast to beauty, Bryan is back coming back On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:34 AM
Comment Title: Learn your government nimrod
Conlee, Hardeman and others are council members informed by staff. MKM and her penny-pinching buddies "saved" us into a hole and built budgets that left our town center and streets crippled. There is a reason that Bryan is one of the ugliest city's in Texas (of its size), but that is beginning to change, FINALLY.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Calmly discussing the facts On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:31 AM
Comment Title: Not Randting at all...
Simply pointing out that when so-called "council member" Southerland says that downtown investment is not producing positive return for the city and taxpayers, he is at best flat wrong and at worst is being purposefully dishonest working for the interests of east siders. I know, I know, he's a military man with two decades of service, so its impossible that he can be wrong, so there may be a third option: He's a hard-headed guy who'd rather act stupid than hear any views that differ from his own.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Mary Kay Moore was nice but On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:31 AM
Comment Title:
"I'll tell you this, I've seen more roadwork in the past year than I've seen in the past decade." Agree with ya buddy. Let's see who was on past councils - hmmmmmmm- Conlee, Madison, Hardeman.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:21 AM
Comment Title:
===I went to Brazos Cad and spent some time online and tabulated the increase in property values . . . === I have some junk rent houses on Highland and Echols street. My property valuations have increased. In fact, I'll bet 95% of the taxable properties in Brazos County have increased in valuation. What is your point, other than just ranting?
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 9:02 AM
Comment Title: RE: Memo
* 76 percent of residents were satisfied with the maintenance and preservation of downtown. - How was this poll question phrased. Was it: Are you satisfied, dissatisfied, with the maintenance and preservation of downtown. Did the question allow for a respondent to indicate their opinion of capital expenditures? Is the question about capital expenditures or expenses. If the question were that narrow, I would have answered satisfied. However, what I would have meant was that the streets were adequately maintained, not that I approve of the vast expenditures spent on downtown Bryan North. There is a tremendous difference between capital expenditures and maintenance.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Finally Bryan is heading in the right direction after decades of neglect! On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:38 AM
Comment Title: Mary Kay Moore was nice but
Regarding the first comment: Are you nuts. Mary Kay Moore and her cronies had years to address issues. You speak as if the roads collapsed since Conlee took the stage as mayor. I'll tell you this, I've seen more roadwork in the past year than I've seen in the past decade.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
Memo to Mike Southerland On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 8:35 AM
Comment Title: Memo to Mike Southerland
"76 percent of residents were satisfied with the maintenance and preservation of downtown" Well, well… Memo to Mike Southerland: Sir, be careful that you do not step into a rut and follow the path of the so-called conservative leadership that led this city for the last 30-so years, because in the past three decades there is one thing that is clear many people in city leadership did not invest in their present or the future. They did not behave as true economic conservatives. Instead, they placed their heads in the sand and frittered away time as tens of millions of dollars in public infrastructure wasted away for want of proper care and reasonable ongoing investment. Many leaders clearly focused on suburban growth. They poured money into projects that would ensure the city grew on the edges, mostly the eastern edges, while the city core and older neighborhoods rotted away, as if a Bryan were a ship being cleaned and painted above the waterline, while rusting and leaking below the surface. As I reflect on the volume of populist words that pour forth from you and your camp of populists, I am reminded of the words of William F Buckley, the Father of modern conservatism, one of my favorite authors. Later in his life, Buckley said this: "Conservatives pride themselves on resisting change, which is as it should be. But intelligent deference to tradition and stability can evolve into intellectual sloth and moral fanaticism, as when conservatives simply decline to look up from dogma because the effort to raise their heads and reconsider is too great." (If you want to read more about the father of modern conservatism, see below). I am happy to see City leaders once again conservatively investing in our streets and downtown. I admit that I am one who does not believe that unchecked suburban growth is automatically good. I believe it is better to build from a foundation of strength and a strong city center. Well maintained and workable infrastructure at the heart of any city is the best foundation from which to grow a healthy community. Today, you and Mr. Saenz have made a lot of noise, but your direction and pace almost ensures that you will not achieve anything noteworthy. As you get closer to the end of your term and realize you both have done nothing but make a lot of noise, I fear that your angry populist rants will only grow in volume, inaccuracy or ugliness. Instead of focusing all of your time on the suburbs while don't repay your loyal friend Mr. Saenz for his slavish attention to your causes by helping him do some real work on behalf of District 1 before he is tossed out to the curb in favor of a Hispanic candidate that is focused on doing actual work in District 1 and not just talking about it. In District 1 our infrastructure has been neglected for years. Many of our children walk to school or church in the streets because sidewalks are scarce. There has been far too little maintenance and redevelopment. In fact, most of the men who work every day in construction, building suburban homes and office buildings, live in District 1. Why don't you and Mr. Saenz create a volunteer program that uses their labor and expertise to clean up and repair District 1? Why don’t you raise private money for projects like that? These are family men that want to take pride in their neighborhoods, but they need direction. Perhaps you should help them find ways to build the sidewalks we need, to cover the open, to repair potholes, to clean-up. You claim to be experienced military man. Why don't you put some of that “tax payer paid for” training to work on behalf of District 1? Be careful about wantonly criticizing government spending when you have benefitted so much from government spending throughout your military career. Its time to roll up your sleeves and help us clean up our District. I'd rather see your arms moving than your lips, at least for a while. Make me want to vote for you again, because unless some things change, I won't a second time. We love District 1 and our downtown. I am happy to see so many people in our district take real pride in being the home of downtown Bryan which is finally beginning to look like a downtown. I know many of my neighbors feel the same. 76%! Here's my final word of advice. I have listened to your statements about downtown and something did not add up in my mind. I went to Brazos Cad and spent some time online and tabulated the increase in property values and then I spent a few days walking downtown and its clear to me, as it is to 76% of the citizens of Bryan, that your view of downtown is not only out of sync, but it may be wrong. I think the simplest answer is the best: You are for the suburbs (east) and against downtown (District 1, west). We get the picture. I'm sorry that Mr. Saenz has not. You can cover yourself by arguing on behalf of a District 1 resident who illegally builds a carport, but I'm afraid that is not the sort of work we hoped you would do for us. In fact, it’s the opposite. We need more code enforcement in District 1, not less. Don't waste any more time or money as has been done for too long. Take a lesson from the current council leadership, don't be afraid to lower your bullhorn and actually read the data. I’ll give you 76 reasons to take my advice – or is the survey part of a government conspiracy against you? More on William F. Buckley: William Frank Buckley Jr.[1] (November 24, 1925 – February 27, 2008) was an American author and conservative commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, hosted 1429 episodes [2] of the television show Firing Line from 1966 until 1999, and was a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist. Buckley was "arguably the most important public intellectual in the United States in the past half century," according to George H. Nash, an historian of the modern American conservative movement. Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Buckley%2C_Jr.
Report Abuse
Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 17, 2008 7:30 AM
Comment Title:
Because the streets are used daily and are visible they rate low??? I think that would be the opposite, if I had to drive down bad roads all day that might be a priority! Management at the City from TOP down to lower Management is poor at best. This City's only hope is to clean house ONCE again and start over. I believe the current one fired everyone that showed signs of being smarter than them and now the City is stuck with nobody that is willing to speakup to do the right things. SAD!
Report Abuse
RSS
|
Mobile
|
Daily Emails
|
We Twitter
| Make us your home page
