The Houston City Council okayed a bid Monday that will lead to street improvements in Houston.
Rolla Asphalt won the bid, providing a proposal of $66.99 a ton, which is down $1 from last year’s price. The firm completed asphalt work on the Thomasville Road extension. The other proposal came from Pace Construction of West Plains, which bid $72 a ton.
In other matters, members:
-Heard from City Tax Collector Diana Hill, who reported that delinquent taxpayers are being urged to pay their bills before an April 23 deadline. Those not remitting will have their name listed in a publication notice in the Herald.
-Approved a resolution seeking a four-lane expansion of U.S. 63 that would run from the Arkansas to Iowa borders.
-Okayed a request presented by Ron Reed, economic development director, for the City of Houston to become a member of Oakwood Country Club. The city will receive access to the clubhouse and course to entertain guests to the city and business prospects. The cost is $1,500.
-Heard that the city expects to be among municipalities receiving a settlement with Alltel. Many municipalities in Missouri have contended for years that wireless (or cellular) telephone companies were subject to the same business licenses and taxes as landline telephone companies. With a settlement reached in the case, the city stands to gain more than $30,000, city leaders believe.
-Learned that work to repair a leak at a children’s wading area at the Houston Municipal Swimming Pool is under way.
-A notice to proceed with sewer improvements has been given to a Rolla firm in advance of a new Lilly Avenue that links Holder Drive with West Highway 17.
-Heard that Kevin Friend, a 19-year law enforcement veteran, began duties Monday as a police officer.
-Learned that construction work continues to progress at the city’s new wastewater treatment facility.