The Houston City Council set in motion paperwork on Monday that will allow for funding of several projects in the community.
Council members approved resolutions accepting funds for improvements to the aging Houston Municipal Swimming Pool and work at the Houston Memorial Airport. Each was obtained through competitive grant applications that were announced earlier.
The six-member council also received updates on several projects under way:
*Asphalt improvements begin Monday in downtown Houston. The work is focused on an area around Pine Street and Grand Avenue, as well as at the Lone Star Plaza. Additional landscaping also is planned. Irrigation also is slated for installation at the plaza.
*Additionally, lighting and the installation of new trash receptacles also are set. The downtown project is estimated to be completed within the next 60 days.
*There is good news to report on the city’s efforts to win funding for an additional leg of the Village Trail, a walking and bicycling venue. A presentation before a selection committee, as well as a previous application, is expected to lead for funds for a segment running from the county’s justice center to Airport Road. Additionally, bridges on the Christie property will be incorporated.
*A final paint coat on the exterior of the city’s north water tower is expected to be applied soon.
*A new overlay on the tennis courts at West Side Park is finished.
*Work to improve South Sam Houston Blvd. at TCMH’s north entrance is expected to begin next month. The project will result in widening and additional lanes when exiting north or south. The city will perform the grading work, the Missouri Department of Transportation will complete the subgrade, paving and striping and TCMH will pay for the materials.
*Members heard that the city’s engineering firm continues to work on a realignment of a proposed extension of Holder Drive with Thomasville Road.
In other matters, members:
-Heard from Andrea Morrell, owner of the Horse Creek Inn, who complained of gas fumes emitted from trucks unloading fuel at a business adjoining her property. The city will await a report from EPA and DNR, which has jurisdiction on the matter.
-Adopted a policy that stipulates the naming of streets and public facilities. Under the guidelines, existing streets or buildings would not be renamed. However, new streets or extensions without a physical address in place and buildings would qualify for consideration by city’s public grounds committee and the full board. Subdivision developers would continue to name streets within their projects.
-Approved vacating an alleyway that runs from Grand Avenue and Second Street near Hickory and Spruce streets.
-Adjourned into a closed session to conduct an evaluation of the city clerk.