The City of Houston hopes to secure funding for a $1 million outlay to drill a new well and erect a storage tank at the Houston Industrial Park. The discussion came Monday during a meeting of the Houston City Council.
Representatives of the federal Economic Development Administration were among those touring the community for a review of the project that would result in a major upgrade of water services in the park off North Industrial Drive. Under the program, the federal Economic Development Administration would pick up 70 percent of the cost. The city’s share is 30 percent, which would include in-kind materials and labor. Other grants that could be tapped also are being sought.
The matter was among several tackled during a lengthy meeting.
The board also approved a $56,400 bid from Whitehead Brothers in Hillsboro for exterior painting of a water tower off Cleveland Road. Some minor repairs also will be made. The project was included in the 2009 fiscal year budget.
In other matters, members heard:
-A presentation questioning the city’s decision to close its municipal swimming pool on Sunday and reducing some hours as part of an effort to stem losses associated with its operation. Leading the delegation was Fawn Bell of Houston.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to the park board and its director, supporting efforts to run the pool and contain costs.
-Reviewed a rehabilitation grant matter involving the sale of property that benefited from the program. Under the terms, the homeowner, Aaron Cantrell, must repay the state for its cost of earlier participation. The home is situated at Chestnut Street.
-Heard that FEMA representatives visited Monday at Houston City Hall to set the stage for an assessment of damage from a May 8 wind storm, including a pavilion at Pine Lawn Cemetery. The city received parameters as to what labor, materials and equipment might be reimbursed under a presidential disaster declaration.
-That the city will meet with representatives of Sho-Me Power’s fiber optics division to discuss use of city poles and projects that might be undertaken to link city facilities.
-Committed to pave Nichols Street in Houston as developer Jim Friend of Licking studies the possibility of house construction there.
-Necessary paperwork has been filed with an engineering firm to conduct a utility rate study for the city. A presentation is expected before the council in about a month.
-Sidewalk improvements near the Houston Memorial Airport should begin in late August or early September. The project is funded through federal stimulus dollars.
-Water line improvements in south Houston are complete and are expected to go online soon.