Members of the Houston City Council received a progress report Monday on five tracts identified for demolition or repairs.
Elaine Campbell, the city’s development officer, told the six-member panel and mayor that all but one property owner has responded to the city’s request and discussions continue on the effort.
The Houston City Council earlier identified several eyesore properties for improvements or destruction. The procedure has targeted several tracts over the years.
In other matters, members:
—Approved a request from Brenda Jarrett, executive director of the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce, to close Pine Street from Grand Avenue to First Street beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday and ending Sunday morning. First Street from Pine Street to the Houston Post Office will be closed Thursday night for a motorcycle event. They also approved Dooley’s Sports Grill to close Steffens Street for an upcoming car show event.
—Heard Police Chief Tim Ceplina give a presentation on an online service that allows law enforcement to see items sold to pawn shops as they investigate crime. In place at West Plains, the service is free to pawn shops and has shown promise in theft investigations where the items are sold. Ceplina will talk to pawn shops and report his findings to the council.
—Approved paperwork required for the widening of U.S. 63 through the city this summer.
—Held the first reading of a contract for the city’s wholesale electric power needs.
—Approved the reading of an ordinance that sets policy for utility connections less than 15 days. They charges are $100 to turn a connection on and the same to disconnect.
—Approved an investment policy for certificates of deposit.
—OK’d changing the time for Houston Municipal Court, which is usually the third Tuesday of each month. Old cases (including those on payment plans) will be transacted beginning at 3, and new cases will be heard at 4 p.m.
—Okayed a payment of $4,000 to the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce for a fireworks show.