The Houston City Council approved a three-year pact with its refuse hauler during a meeting Monday.
Members approved the contract that includes a higher base rate with Will-Co Disposal on such things as fuel and landfill fees. It is those figures that are used to calculate rate increases. The numbers are higher in this contract, which means fuel and landfill charges would have to increase more in order to trigger a rate increase to customers.
City Administrator Bill Bates said that is good news for rate payers.
In other matters, the council:
– Held a public hearing on plans to rezone a tract on North U.S. 63 owned by the Texas County Baptist Association. The three-quarter acre lot would be rezoned from residential to highway business district. Two representatives of the organization attended the meeting. The Houston Planning and Zoning Commission earlier approved the request.
-Approved a chamber request to offer a $10 electrical discount to those participating in the organization’s annual Christmas lighting competition.
-Is reviewing a proposed ordinance that would allow the city’s treatment plant to accept waste from portable toilets and RVs. Further discussion is planned at its Nov. 5 meeting.
-Heard Bates give a report on finances for the first three quarters of the year. The revenue picture continues to be positive compared to what was anticipated in the 2007 budget document. Sales tax revenue remains up for the year.
-Praised those who worked to obtain a better fire rating for the community. Bates said to the best of his knowledge, Houston is the only town with a volunteer fire department that has obtained a “4” rating. The community now has the same rating as West Plains. He said that with additional firemen training and water improvements in south Houston, a “3” rating is obtainable.
-Learned that improvements at the Houston Municipal Airport are slated to begin soon by a West Plains firm.
-Heard that additional work in downtown Houston is scheduled. A crew is expected to install stamped crosswalks this week. Plans also include for new street signage and extending new lighting from Grand Avenue to the new county justice center.
-Is considering a request by the Texas County Commission to assume responsibility for the county rescue squad. That follows passage of a state statute that requires such entities fall under a fire department and municipality’s governance. The city will research the issue.
-Heard that a new encoder – which triggers the city’s tornado warning system – has been installed at the county sheriff’s office. The cost was about $779.
-Will meet with leaders at the South Central Correctional Center to discuss a city recycling program. The only change may be that pickup of cardboard may change to a different organization.
-Praised efforts to quickly restore power Monday morning when an electrical line burned at a Sho-Me Power Corp. substation on West Highway 17.