The Houston City Council plans to dip into reserves in 2015 to capitalize on the availability of funds available for several capital improvement projects totaling about $2 million. The discussion came at a meeting of the council as it works toward passage of a spending document on Dec. 15.
The city has an ambitious plan for improvements:
•Construction of a new city water well and tower at the Houston Industrial Park. One funding component has already been received, and the city is seeking a Community Development Block Grant. The project outlay is about $1.1 million. Nearby, the Houston Industrial Development Authority is seeking bids for renovations to accommodate an occupant for an empty building.
•Construction of a sidewalk along U.S. 63 from Corner Express to Walmart Supercenter. Next year also will see a MoDOT project that will add additional lanes along the highway through Houston.
•Additional sidewalks around the Houston School District through the Safe Routes to School program. Another stretch — if approved — includes a portion of King Street.
City Administrator Larry Sutton said the city plans to use about $353,000 in reserves to take advantage of the availability of the monies.
Other expenditures planned next year:
•Replacement of several lights with high efficiency LED bulbs. The outlay is about $50,000-$75,000. It is part of a multi-year program.
•Purchase of a used Missouri State Highway Patrol cruiser.
•Asphalt of the new C.W. Harry Drive extension and the city’s normal overlay program. Total cost is about $250,000.
•Acquiring a mini excavator for use by several city departments.
•Refurbishing tennis courts at West Side Park.
In other matters, members:
—Heard thanks from Sharon Sillyman for the city’s aid in staging the annual Taste of Christmas and other Christmas-related activities.
—Learned that a Drury University group working on a vision and action plan for Houston will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at the Houston Storm Shelter.
—Discussed concerns about a retaining wall and trash in the downtown business district, as well as basketball action in streets that poses a safety risk.