Members of the Houston City Council received an update on plans to construct a new wastewater treatment plant and held a discussion on the city’s storm shelter during a meeting Monday night.
The city believes bids may be sought as early as later this month or early June for the plant, which would allow the city to meet upgraded federal standards. Voters last year approved measures to allow the project to move forward. The city most recently received good news related to grants and low-interest loans for the project.
The city council could choose a contractor as earlier as its July 6 meeting. Construction could begin in August or September.
Art Thomas, emergency management director, gave an overview of the city’s storm shelter operation and its procedures. Anita Kennedy, who serves as director of the Housing Authority of Houston, expressed concerns about a tenant who needed access to power for oxygen after the recent storm.
In other matters, members;
-Heard from a delegation representing the Texas County Library concerning plans to construct a new library branch in Houston as the top level of the Houston Storm Shelter. The city earlier had proposed a 100-year lease to the library board, which told the council that ownership would likely be needed before it can secure funding for the effort. Mayor Steve Hutcheson is expected to appoint a committee to study the issue further.
-Heard from Wes Murray, Texas County Memorial Hospital CEO, who outlined the institution’s performance during the past year following a recently completed audit. The hospital hopes to build a clinic and ambulance base in Mountain Grove this year.
-Will proceed with an alternate route for a walking trail near the Texas County Justice Center. According to a letter from the county commission, it wants more than $14,000 for a one-third acre tract, based on an opinion from a bonding attorney. The city and school district donated their portions of the needed property earlier.
-Praised city workers for their efforts following a May 8 wind storm that caused damage throughout the community.