Interior work by the City of Houston will begin at a new storm shelter with the acceptance of bids Monday by the Houston City Council.
The council approved proposals for flooring, ceiling materials, appliances and other items during a meeting Monday night. The project – at First and Pine streets – is slated for completion by May. Nearly all of the supplies will come from local retailers. Flooring and plumbing work is set to begin soon.
The contractor, Gentry Construction Co. of Houston, is completing its portion of the nearly $1 million project that is paid primarily with Federal Emergency Management Agency funding. City crews will complete the balance.
Propane tanks also are slated for installation at the shelter, which is the first building in the community ever devoted exclusively for the public when severe weather threatens.
In other matters, members:
-Okayed proposals for surface improvements to the tennis courts at West Side Park. A $47,900 bid was approved from a Springfield firm.
-Approved a $1,286 bid from Kyle Hale Salvage of Houston for a surplus vehicle.
-Heard from Ron Reed, economic developer, who outlined the near completion of an industry speculative building at the Houston Industrial Park, an update on locating a residential care facility and the need for new home construction in the community.
-Diana Hill, city tax collector, gave a report on delinquent taxes due from the 2006 tax year. Notices will be sent to those not paying before the information is published in the Herald. It’s a procedure that began last year.
-Are seeking bids for a new truck that will be used in the city’s recycling program. The acquisition is made possible through a grant.
-Learned that work continues toward a street extension that would connect Thomasville Road and Holder Drive. A meeting with property owners, the city and an engineering firm was held Wednesday.
-Heard that a youth basketball league organized by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department was successful. The venture proved profitable this year, and it pumps in revenue to many merchants in the community.