The Houston City Council approved a $280,549 contract Monday with a Rolla firm for improvements to the Houston Memorial Airport. The funds come from a Missouri Department of Transportation grant that pays 95 percent of the cost.
Administrator Bill Bates said following the meeting that the project includes the installation of new lighting at approaches, as well as several other improvements, including:
*New painted markings.
*Runway repairs.
*Sealing between concrete slabs at the 3,500-foot runway.
*The milling and reasphalting of taxiways.
The city’s engineering firm reviewed three out-of-town bids. The low bid from Hogan Construction will be sent to MoDOT for its final review.
One of the biggest construction projects ever completed in the City of Houston apparently is about to begin. The city has received a permit request from the county’s construction manager seeking its approval of a $10 million justice center at Grand Avenue and Spruce Street. Bonds were sold earlier for the effort – with repayment coming through the approval of two county sales taxes.
A third construction project also received discussion at the meeting: Intersection improvements at the TCMH north driveway and South Sam Houston Blvd. Set for fall, the move would allow for the addition of a turn lane for south bound South Sam Houston Blvd. traffic. Under an agreement, TCMH would pay for materials for the work; MoDOT and the city would provide labor and equipment.
The project is expected to increase safety for emergency vehicles attempting to maneuver at the hospital’s driveway.
In other matters, members:
-Approved the final plat for a Luther Courtney subdivision situated north of Plainview Drive and east of Oak Hill Drive.
-Heard that the parking lot at the new city storm shelter is ready for a chip and seal application and that supplies required under an operational plan are being purchased.
-Learned that a new surface is expected to be installed soon at the tennis courts at West Side Park.
-Heard that the city will submit an application for another leg of a walking and bicycle trail before a June 15 deadline. If approved, work on Grand Avenue, along the north side of Spruce Street and west to Tiger Stadium, would be possible. A state prison work detail began cleanup this week along another section of Brushy Creek where the trail is planned.