Members of the Houston City Council approved engineering services Monday for equipment that will regulate the flow of chlorine into the community’s water supply.
White River Engineering of Springfield will oversee the installation at the city’s north and south wells at a cost of about $40,000.
The city began chlorination in January to kill off coliform bacteria that surfaced in some routine water samples. The city also cleaned two water tanks on Forrest Drive and Cleveland Road.
The new equipment will better disperse chlorine, resulting in a less noticeable taste, explained City Administrator Larry Sutton. It is not known whether the chlorination process will be permanently required by DNR.
In other matters, members:
—Heard work on an Oak Hill Drive sidewalk project will begin once MoDOT releases funds from a grant. A Vienna firm is the contractor.
—Authorized the purchase of 10 fire hydrants and valves from the low bidder, Harry Cooper Supply Co. of Springfield. The cost is $10,071. They will be used as the city upgrades its system.
—Will seek renewal of a quarter cent sales tax for streets and sidewalks in November.
—Heard a report on Columbia training for recently elected council member Mary Barnes.
—Learned of progress related to the city’s targeting properties deemed eyesores or dangerous. A Second Street home has found a buyer, clean up is occurring at another at King and Chestnut streets and a Dooley Street home was leveled. The city recently sent out additional notices to six more property owners.