The Houston City Council set priorities for a major upgrade of the city’s sewer infrastructure and made preparations for the Memorial Day opening of the municipal swimming pool during a lengthy meeting Monday.
The city continues to make progress on a $4 million project to construct a new wastewater treatment facility and make other improvements throughout the community. Meeting with Ray West, an engineer with Hood-Rich Architects in Springfield, the board will focus on constructing sewer lift stations throughout the town and later on replacing old sewer lines.
Funds for the work come primarily through federal stimulus funds and grants the city obtained last year.
The board also heard from David Arthur, park board president; and Jim Root, parks and recreation director, who discussed preparations for the opening of the Houston Municipal Swimming Pool. The council agreed to purchase a new low-dive board at a cost of about $5,300. It was not in use during last year’s season.
The board also decided to follow a park board recommendation from last October related to daily fees. They are: Over age 18, $3; under age 18, $2; party with under 50, $125; more than 50 participants, $150. Continuing a policy from last year, there will be no family or individual passes offered.
There had been some discussions about offering passes, and the city will continue the no-pass policy that was included in the 2010 budget document.
Root said the pool also will be closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. The first swim meet of the year is June 5.
In other matters, members:
-Heard from Sandra Berrera of the Springfield accounting firm of Davis, Lynn and Moots, which conducted the annual review of the city’s books. There were no major findings.
-Heard a report from a city committee that looked at the Village Trail, where two segments were earlier projected to start. After reviewing each, the committee recommended and the council accepted a plan to revisit the issue in January. Some priorities were established, including the construction of a sidewalk on Hawthorn from near the Salisbury property to Hamrick Avenue. A project to improve transportation needs around the Houston School District also received the green light. Funds from a grant earlier obtained by the city.
-Learned that a Springfield firm will conduct a survey next month of residents to gauge their opinions on a variety of topics.
-Heard that asphalt overlay work will be completed east of the Texas County Justice Center this week.
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