The Houston City Council reorganized Monday following elections earlier in the month.
Two members were sworn in – Sheila Walker in Ward II and Victoria Castleman Narancich in Ward III — by City Clerk Tonya Foster. A third member, Joe Honeycutt in Ward I, was absent and will be sworn in later.
Due to the absence of Honeycutt and Alderman David Arthur, Mayor Don Tottingham said he was postponing the naming of a mayor pro-tem and other committee posts.
Steve Dunlap of Mountain Grove described a ministry that he operates at Mountain Grove and Juarez, N.M., that helps young woman who have been involved in human trafficking for sexual purposes. Dunlap said a home-like setting is establishing for the women as they rebuild their lives. Dunlap, who presented several letters of reference, said volunteers and various faith ministries assist.
The Houston-based location is proposed for Second and Main streets in downtown Houston, where Cornerstone Christian Church once met.
In other matters, members:
—Approved a $73.10 per ton bid from Pace Construction for the city’s annual asphalt overlay program. That’s about $6 per ton cheaper than last year as oil prices have dropped. Work must be done by Sept. 1.
—Authorized a $22,570 bid for transformers for the city’s electrical department.
—Heard that drilling progress continues for a new city well and tower at the Houston Industrial Park. Workmen have drilled 750 feet toward a project that is expected to reach 1,100 to 1,200 feet.