The Houston City Council approved financial support for the Houston Rural Fire Association’s rescue squad and heard progress on a project to expand the Village Trail.
Don Gaston, fire chief; and Jack Watson, a board member, outlined plans Monday for the rescue squad that was previously overseen by Texas County. An effort to upgrade equipment is underway. The council approved a $3,000 contribution to go toward purchase of inflatable bags that are used at rescue scenes.
Council members also learned that bids may be sought in one to two months for new sidewalks that will join the Village Trail on Oak Hill Drive from Forrest Drive to Walnut Street. The project is partially financed through a MoDOT program.
The discussion came during a lengthy meeting at Houston City Hall.
In other matters, members:
—Approved a proclamation recognizing the efforts of veterans with participation in the Purple Heart project. Signage will be placed in the community.
—OK’d a seat belt ordinance that requires usage in the city. Officers won’t be able to make a stop for not wearing a seatbelt, but allows the issuance of a ticket as part of other investigations if the occupant wasn’t harnessed. The new ordinance puts the city in line with state law, allows it to receive safety grants and permits violators to appear in municipal court rather than state court.
—Authorized the city clerk to move reserve funds into a certificate of deposit at The Bank of Houston.
—Approved the closure of Pine Street from Grand Avenue to First Street for a downtown event after property owners approved.
—Approved a $1,250 expenditure to aid in the cleaning of property under a Sho-Me Power line north of Mercy Clinic on South Sam Houston Blvd. The city plans to abandon its road easement, and keeping it clean will become the responsibility of the electrical wholesaler and property owner. When the work is complete, it will be able to be mowed.
—Learned that property title searches are under way on six properties to identify ownership. They are included on a list of tracts that the city has declared as eyesores.
—Continues to analyze issues surrounding water quality and chlorination, which has been underway for about 90 days. Since that time, all samples have been okay. The city began doing the procedure following a request from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which noted water quality issues that needed addressing. At no time, was the water not safe to consume.
—Approved a trial run of an overlay procedure designed to extend the life of pavement. InVia Pavement Technologies has offered to do a half-mile stretch of 22-foot wide roadway for $5,950. The location has not been selected. MoDOT has used the method on Highway 38 from Highway 95 to Hartville.Â