Engineering work and governmental approvals are sought for a new water tower and well for the Houston Industrial Park, the Houston City Council heard Monday.
The six-member council heard three grants totaling about $800,000 had been finalized. The city’s match is estimated at $243,800.
City Administrator Larry Sutton explained approvals are required from the Federal Aviation Administration (due to the tower’s proximity to the Houston Memorial Airport) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The city is working with engineer Ray West on the project. Sutton complimented Ron Reed, economic development director, for his work on obtaining the grants.
In other matters, members:
•Held the first reading of an ordinance allowing utility vehicles (UTVs) and golf carts on city streets. The voice vote was 4-2.
•Discussed an ordinance that outlines home occupations.
•Approved a $300 donation to the Houston Imagination Library, which provides a book monthly to children ages one month to five years old.
•Approved an ordinance that outlines the duties of the city’s park board and city government.
•Learned that the city has received several in-state and out-state applications for Houston police chief. Jim McNiell is retiring from the department. A single application has been received for parks and recreation director. Jim Root is retiring.
•Heard that admission revenue is down at the Houston Municipal Swimming Pool, while concession sales are flat.
•Learned that the contractor for sidewalk projects near the Houston School District was in Houston on Monday.Â