The Houston City Council on Monday gave its approval to an upgrade of the Houston Municipal Swimming Pool.
The six-member council approved spending $38,520 to purchase a water slide for the pool, which will be situated between the normal pool and one used by small children. Drew Jordan, parks director, gave a presentation on the equipment that will be manufactured by Natural Structures, a Baker City, Ore., firm. It will not interfere with swimming lanes during competitions, said City Administrator Larry Sutton.
In other matters, members:
—Heard a presentation from George Sholtz, a principal at Houston’s radio station, about advertising and a community program.
—Abandoned a road easement on Orchard Grove.
—Finalized a 2016 budget that outlines the city’s spending plan on capital expenditures, expenses and revenues expected during the year. The city was able to contain employee health costs and still stay with its current carrier.
—Held the first reading of an ordinance that requires food establishments to have a trash receptacle in their drive-through lanes after food is received by customers.
—Purchased a new city vehicle for Sutton. The $26,686 low bid was from Romines Motor Co. Inc. It was one of three received. The existing car will be used by the police department.
—Decided not to charge rent for the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce’s use of the Houston Visitors Center if its director is working at least 30 hours per week. The matter will be reviewed quarterly.
—Received a request from a business interested in operating a cab service in Houston, Licking and Salem.