Nice! Looks good!
Thoughts on Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater Makeover?
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Last: 5 mo ago by Bob Yancy
Wife and I made it out but we had no idea this event was happening until yesterday. We search weeks before looking for options and saw RELLIS fireworks and event in Kurtin but nothing anywhere we looked. It popped on her Facebook yesterday morning for the first time. Who is responsible for putting this out for public knowledge? It was a great eventWicked Good Ag said:
Was the Infinite Journey July 4th show crowded ??
They usually put on a good show (even for those who aren't tribute band fans)
I saw it in the events section of the Eagle and no where else. Since few read the newspaper I'm unsure how the city advertises events.
Exactly… see all sorts of stuff for Downtown Bryan but zero for College Station. Nothing on KTBX etcdubi said:
I saw it in the events section of the Eagle and no where else. Since few read the newspaper I'm unsure how the city advertises events.
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I knew nothing of it either but apparently a ton of people knew about it somehow by the looks of the crowd…..
Just a heads up. CS sends out a monthly " I heart CS" newsletter. Most anything they have going on is in there, and it hits your email inbox every month if you sign up.
Thank youHornbeck said:
Just a heads up. CS sends out a monthly " I heart CS" newsletter. Most anything they have going on is in there, and it hits you r email inbox every month if you sign up.
Hornbeck said:
Just a heads up. CS sends out a monthly " I heart CS" newsletter. Most anything they have going on is in there, and it hits your email inbox every month if you sign up.
Thanks. Just signed up. On the main page there is a big "Subscribe" link just under the top section.
https://www.cstx.gov
Thanks.Hornbeck said:
Just a heads up. CS sends out a monthly " I heart CS" newsletter. Most anything they have going on is in there, and it hits your email inbox every month if you sign up.
We signed up for that last year and it turns out it's been going to our spam folder.
Anyone that signs up may want to check that.
cypress-ag said:Wife and I made it out but we had no idea this event was happening until yesterday. We search weeks before looking for options and saw RELLIS fireworks and event in Kurtin but nothing anywhere we looked. It popped on her Facebook yesterday morning for the first time. Who is responsible for putting this out for public knowledge? It was a great eventWicked Good Ag said:
Was the Infinite Journey July 4th show crowded ??
They usually put on a good show (even for those who aren't tribute band fans)
There were a lot of competing events of course. Staff always worry about that and want to be mindful of other community celebrations. However, if they'd done even a degree better than they did we'd have been over capacity out there! I think PubComm did great!
Respectfully,
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
Bob,Bob Yancy said:cypress-ag said:Wife and I made it out but we had no idea this event was happening until yesterday. We search weeks before looking for options and saw RELLIS fireworks and event in Kurtin but nothing anywhere we looked. It popped on her Facebook yesterday morning for the first time. Who is responsible for putting this out for public knowledge? It was a great eventWicked Good Ag said:
Was the Infinite Journey July 4th show crowded ??
They usually put on a good show (even for those who aren't tribute band fans)
There were a lot of competing events of course. Staff always worry about that and want to be mindful of other community celebrations. However, if they'd done even a degree better than they did we'd have been over capacity out there! I think PubComm did great!
Respectfully,
Yancy '95
Should we worry about too many people showing up and not push the event out to TV, Radio and social media? Until this link I didn't know about signing up to receive event updates. I'm an "old" class of 1988 Aggie and even I rely on social media to find events.
It was advertised on Bryan broadcasting stations.
However, the decision to call the event, "I Heart America" did not take into account the fact that, "I Heart" is the name of a competing radio group....
However, the decision to call the event, "I Heart America" did not take into account the fact that, "I Heart" is the name of a competing radio group....
Independence H-D said:
It was advertised on Bryan broadcasting stations.
However, the decision to call the event, "I Heart America" did not take into account the fact that, "I Heart" is the name of a competing radio group....
Yeah, it was a poor choice in branding this event. I'm sure someone thought it would be cute since they have an unheard Aggieland sign by city hall, but I only knew about the event because of this board.
The solution, of course, is for the city to create a social media coordinator position for $150k per year.
I'd be happy to assume that position and work my other job as well!maroon barchetta said:Independence H-D said:
It was advertised on Bryan broadcasting stations.
However, the decision to call the event, "I Heart America" did not take into account the fact that, "I Heart" is the name of a competing radio group....
Yeah, it was a poor choice in branding this event. I'm sure someone thought it would be cute since they have an unheard Aggieland sign by city hall, but I only knew about the event because of this board.
The solution, of course, is for the city to create a social media coordinator position for $150k per year.
cypress-ag said:Bob,Bob Yancy said:cypress-ag said:Wife and I made it out but we had no idea this event was happening until yesterday. We search weeks before looking for options and saw RELLIS fireworks and event in Kurtin but nothing anywhere we looked. It popped on her Facebook yesterday morning for the first time. Who is responsible for putting this out for public knowledge? It was a great eventWicked Good Ag said:
Was the Infinite Journey July 4th show crowded ??
They usually put on a good show (even for those who aren't tribute band fans)
There were a lot of competing events of course. Staff always worry about that and want to be mindful of other community celebrations. However, if they'd done even a degree better than they did we'd have been over capacity out there! I think PubComm did great!
Respectfully,
Yancy '95
Should we worry about too many people showing up and not push the event out to TV, Radio and social media? Until this link I didn't know about signing up to receive event updates. I'm an "old" class of 1988 Aggie and even I rely on social media to find events.
We can always do better at communications but we did have a record turnout for the event.
Respectfully yours
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
Richleau12 said:
Anyone have any pictures of this packed house?
I'd estimate 4-5000 people. Sorry about the potato-phone video. It was the end of a long day.
https://imgur.com/a/dow9XXZ
Tim Weaver said:Richleau12 said:
Anyone have any pictures of this packed house?
I'd estimate 4-5000 people. Sorry about the potato-phone video. It was the end of a long day.
https://imgur.com/a/dow9XXZ
City staff report just under 8,000. And btw, a previous commenter on this thread indicated I had ignored your inputs about what I'll call "loading/equipping/rigging/access improvements…. and I want you to know I/we have not. That was good input and it is noted. Just fyi
Respectfully
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
Please don't use the attendance for a free event to make a case for why money should be committed to park renovations geared towards hosting paid events.
We wouldn't want to see that sort of statement.
We wouldn't want to see that sort of statement.
Bob Yancy said:Tim Weaver said:Richleau12 said:
Anyone have any pictures of this packed house?
I'd estimate 4-5000 people. Sorry about the potato-phone video. It was the end of a long day.
https://imgur.com/a/dow9XXZ
City staff report just under 8,000. And btw, a previous commenter on this thread indicated I had ignored your inputs about what I'll call "loading/equipping/rigging/access improvements…. and I want you to know I/we have not. That was good input and it is noted. Just fyi
Respectfully
Yancy '95
With all due respect Bob where is the "just under 8,000" coming from and do you believe that number?
Stated capacity is 7k
and these are pictures posted on the City's socials of the "just under 8,000" at a venue that supposedly holds 7k (actually closer to 5k).
It looks like a decent crowd of 3-4k to me. I'll bet my life it wasn't 8k, that's 100% blue sky
***eta***
My grandfather used to say "if something is good, it doesn't need to be sold, people will find out about it and want it". Meaning don't exaggerate, let things stand on their own merits or lack thereof. It's hard for the city to maintain the trust of the people if they are openly exaggerating and their own socials and website prove it.
www.elitellp.net/
It's statements like 8,000 people when that's not even true and not stating up front it was also a free event and then using that data to further make a claim that the demand would be there for a paid event. Let's say 20 dollars a ticket? For whom? A cover band? No, no. Just be honest with us Bob and tell us the council will do what the council wants and this entire enterprise was a simple ruse to give the idea that you guys care about the opinion of those who elect you. Same with the baseball field. Same with everything you do. Meanwhile Bryan is crushing it.
"Same with everything you do"
I don't agree with everything...or even a lot of things....the city does. That being said, if you think Yancy just ignores everything that is said on here or is emailed to him and just goes along with the council, you haven't been keeping up on here very long.
I don't agree with everything...or even a lot of things....the city does. That being said, if you think Yancy just ignores everything that is said on here or is emailed to him and just goes along with the council, you haven't been keeping up on here very long.
Yeah, CoB is crushing that new movie theater thingy that stopped completely either because of they ran out of money, or they didn't remember a pool out there, when I sure remember one there, I'd think unless Mayor Bobby has amnesia, he should remember it, too.
Ddp
I don't believe 8000 people either, but I will say those pictures look like they were from a little earlier in the day and there were still people streaming in halfway through the band. Right at the beginning of the fireworks the place was pretty packed.
Comparing WPC to another venue I'm familiar with (Concrete Street in Corpus) I can't believe 8000 people would fit in front of the stage without people being involuntarily pushed into the moat.
Now, I know the city had some drones flying around. Maybe they were counting people up and down the streets and other areas that I couldn't see.
The area in front of the stage? That would be PACKED with 5500 or more people there. 5000-ish should be a comfortable capacity and considered "full". It would be hard to walk around with 5k people there.
Comparing WPC to another venue I'm familiar with (Concrete Street in Corpus) I can't believe 8000 people would fit in front of the stage without people being involuntarily pushed into the moat.
Now, I know the city had some drones flying around. Maybe they were counting people up and down the streets and other areas that I couldn't see.
The area in front of the stage? That would be PACKED with 5500 or more people there. 5000-ish should be a comfortable capacity and considered "full". It would be hard to walk around with 5k people there.
Richleau12 said:
It's statements like 8,000 people when that's not even true and not stating up front it was also a free event and then using that data to further make a claim that the demand would be there for a paid event. Let's say 20 dollars a ticket? For whom? A cover band? No, no. Just be honest with us Bob and tell us the council will do what the council wants and this entire enterprise was a simple ruse to give the idea that you guys care about the opinion of those who elect you. Same with the baseball field. Same with everything you do. Meanwhile Bryan is crushing it.
"The council will do what the council wants" is not an accurate statement. We are 7 individuals and while we agree on a lot, we disagree plenty. So you are in error, respectfully, by referring to us as a single-minded entity that moves ahead with what "we" want because often times our positions are all over the place.
This Wednesday is the budget hearing. It's open to the public and I believe will be aired. You'll find on capital outlay positions a very very diverse list of suggestions.
A preponderance of my constituents tell me they want improvements at WPC, particularly if there's private sector contribution.
I'll be putting my positions on the budget in writing. I'll post it on my council FB page and likely here too.
This is a particularly important year for the budget and I recommend engagement by all of you for the good of your city's future.
Respectfully
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
Richleau12 said:
It's statements like 8,000 people when that's not even true and not stating up front it was also a free event and then using that data to further make a claim that the demand would be there for a paid event. Let's say 20 dollars a ticket? For whom? A cover band? No, no. Just be honest with us Bob and tell us the council will do what the council wants and this entire enterprise was a simple ruse to give the idea that you guys care about the opinion of those who elect you. Same with the baseball field. Same with everything you do. Meanwhile Bryan is crushing it.
The city, like cities across America, provided a fireworks event and concert that was very well attended. Those that went apparently have responded that it was a great event. I don't see what the complaint should be. It sounds like you don't attend events there. From Duck Jams to recent concerts I've seen some tremendous crowds at WPC.
I think the point is WPC is a city-owned Park that has significant traffic and some successful events but is probably underutilized. Improvements are needed and could attract more events and use.
Bob- not trying to be argumentative , but if a majority (if we take you at your word) want a large portion of their tax dollars spent on this why not either put it on the ballot or make the whole process with the private firm 100% transparent? I think what makes us all nervous is nebulous "facts" .
I suspect in this volatile economy the average taxpayer is less than thrilled to spend on ballfields and outdoor music venues. That's what the preponderance of people I talk to voice to me.
I suspect in this volatile economy the average taxpayer is less than thrilled to spend on ballfields and outdoor music venues. That's what the preponderance of people I talk to voice to me.
www.elitellp.net/
Yep.
And I suspect the constituents he has heard from are all a certain demographic in a certain PAC.
And I suspect the constituents he has heard from are all a certain demographic in a certain PAC.
maroon barchetta said:
Yep.
And I suspect the constituents he has heard from are all a certain demographic in a certain PAC.
A certain demographic that has their taxes frozen?
Perhaps
EliteElectric said:
Bob- not trying to be argumentative , but if a majority (if we take you at your word) want a large portion of their tax dollars spent on this why not either put it on the ballot or make the whole process with the private firm 100% transparent? I think what makes us all nervous is nebulous "facts" .
I suspect in this volatile economy the average taxpayer is less than thrilled to spend on ballfields and outdoor music venues. That's what the preponderance of people I talk to voice to me.
That's fair. Typically voters are asked to weigh in when debt issuance is involved. That's not been proposed. I suppose we could send out a survey? We have a survey tool for that very purpose.
I like the idea of polling the public for all major projects. Y'all are the boss. I don't mean this negatively, but I should point out that there's 4 to 6 of you guys that are pretty consistent in your opinions that are not reflective, per se, of the feedback I get from a very, very large number of people. That's ok, and that doesn't invalidate yalls views, and you deserve respect and engagement and that's why I do it- but I think it's important y'all know that.
When you look at that eyeball icon in the upper left corner at the top of every post, there are thousands and thousands of views. The comments are far fewer, and a high percentage of those comments is a handful of you guys.
People email me and call me and hit me up at Lowes and everywhere all the time. They offer encouragement to keep engaging here a lot- and I mean a lot- and they say they don't comment and won't, but they read. That too is why I try to make my case and hear yours too.
Finally- I know what it's like to distrust government and wonder what in the world were elected officials thinking when they decided ______! I wondered that before elected and I still do. I try to represent everyone- including that view when warranted.
If yall would attend and/or watch the meeting video I believe you'd see that.
At the end of the day- this community is absolutely bursting with potential. There is so much we could do! I want us to take it to the next level, efficiently.
You're likely gonna get a 5% tax rate cut and that reflects efficiency. We have an underperforming asset in WPC. I think she needs some TLC. I hope you agree and I don't hold it against you if you don't.
And I'll continue to engage. I hope that's fair.
Respectfully
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
The several of us don't challenge your positions because we are contrarians.
The city has made it necessary for people to speak up when they disagree. Not everyone is wired to do so or can handle conflict. So you get us.
Tell me why we should ever accept any decision at face value when the history of failures with real estate deals is clear?
Why does it take a FOIA request to get answers on some things? Why do some city employees think they don't need to share information with the public? You know, the people who pay their salaries?
Sorry, Councilman. The city gets pushback because there is a level of distrust due to past performance.
Get rid of Macy's.
Issue a public apology to Jim Lewis.
Don't spend a bunch of money on illegal red light cameras.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
The city has made it necessary for people to speak up when they disagree. Not everyone is wired to do so or can handle conflict. So you get us.
Tell me why we should ever accept any decision at face value when the history of failures with real estate deals is clear?
Why does it take a FOIA request to get answers on some things? Why do some city employees think they don't need to share information with the public? You know, the people who pay their salaries?
Sorry, Councilman. The city gets pushback because there is a level of distrust due to past performance.
Get rid of Macy's.
Issue a public apology to Jim Lewis.
Don't spend a bunch of money on illegal red light cameras.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
maroon barchetta said:
The several of us don't challenge your positions because we are contrarians.
The city has made it necessary for people to speak up when they disagree. Not everyone is wired to do so or can handle conflict. So you get us.
Tell me why we should ever accept any decision at face value when the history of failures with real estate deals is clear?
Why does it take a FOIA request to get answers on some things? Why do some city employees think they don't need to share information with the public? You know, the people who pay their salaries?
Sorry, Councilman. The city gets pushback because there is a level of distrust due to past performance.
Get rid of Macy's.
Issue a public apology to Jim Lewis.
Don't spend a bunch of money on illegal red light cameras.
I could go on, but you get the idea.
City hall has made some bad calls. The vast majority were in the discretionary spending and regulatory realms. It's hard to fathom how a careful municipality whose largest capital purchase in history is a wastewater treatment plant, has no rec center and no convention center and a relatively low tax rate, finds a way to lose 7 figures on Chimney Hill and overpay for a Macys by the same. It's hard to figure why in Hades we bought it in the first place. It's hard to figure why we built an amphitheater in a floodplain. How we let an arts center get steeped in fraud. How we missed on soil testing for baseball fields and won't hold those responsible even years later. It stings. What's worse, from a public relations perspective it denigrates our reputation and damages the mission of a thousand employees serving you to the best of their ability every day.
For those reasons- the questionable decision-making must stop. Citizens deserve the best government their hard earned money can buy.
I agree with a lot you guys say. We've done some questionable deals. All I can offer is, this council and the last- since November of 2022, hasn't. We tried to dig up Rosemary, but didn't. We tried to put a high rise in the middle of Northgate, but didn't. We tried to thwart state law on the ETJ, but self-corrected. And we're $9,000,000 in the plus column on land deals as of 3 months ago.
Judge us for today. If we're about to make a questionable call, you'll hear about it- I give you my word.
Respectfully,
Yancy '95
My opinions are mine and should not be construed as those of city council or staff. I welcome robust debate but will cease communication on any thread in which colleagues or staff are personally criticized. I must refrain from comment on posted agenda items until after meetings are concluded. Bob Yancy 95
For the 10,000th time…. Its not the *rate* I care about, its the *AMOUNT*
The CS City Council and the county commissioners court love to trumpet about rates, so, I'll say one more time with feeling…. I DO NOT CARE. My taxes have gone up significantly, every single year, no matter what Nichols, Nancy Berry, or Judge Dwayne's talking points are. The check I have to write to BCAD every year goes up. My house goes up 10% a year in valuation like clockwork.
You are also adding more to my water bill to pay for new wells. Now that those aren't needed, according to KBTX, all I hear is silence from the city on lowering that back down. I guess you're going to spend $70MM on new wells, regardless.
In case no one has noticed, the economy isn't hot right now. Many companies are laying off. Local businesses are failing. So, by all means, lets grab more money from the citizenry.
The CS City Council and the county commissioners court love to trumpet about rates, so, I'll say one more time with feeling…. I DO NOT CARE. My taxes have gone up significantly, every single year, no matter what Nichols, Nancy Berry, or Judge Dwayne's talking points are. The check I have to write to BCAD every year goes up. My house goes up 10% a year in valuation like clockwork.
You are also adding more to my water bill to pay for new wells. Now that those aren't needed, according to KBTX, all I hear is silence from the city on lowering that back down. I guess you're going to spend $70MM on new wells, regardless.
In case no one has noticed, the economy isn't hot right now. Many companies are laying off. Local businesses are failing. So, by all means, lets grab more money from the citizenry.
Tried to dig up Rosemary and didn't because of massive pushback. There wasn't a sudden rush of conscience that corrected the course.
This is the problem. People have to fight back to stop the bad decisions. Heck, one guy had to turn into Don Quixote against the red light camera windmill.
Don't leave out the details of why the city "didn't".
This is the problem. People have to fight back to stop the bad decisions. Heck, one guy had to turn into Don Quixote against the red light camera windmill.
Don't leave out the details of why the city "didn't".