Members of the Houston City Council authorized a local historical preservation group Monday to seek placement of the town’s oldest standing structure on the National Register of Historical Places.
The Lynch-Tweed Home Preservation Society appeared before the council to highlight its progress on restoring the city-owned home, which dates to the 1850s, on Airport Road. Roger Lindsey, president of the organization, said the group had recently obtained not-for-profit from the IRS, a significant milestone that will allow it to seek foundation funds for historical preservation.
The home — which is believed to be structurally sound — is said to be the oldest standing Civil War brick structure between Springfield and Rolla.
Lindsey, a retired banker, said in addition to restoring the house and outbuildings, the group hopes to develop a plan that will teach students about the era, perhaps bring other Civil War structures to the site and hold events to draw persons to the community.
The city will draft a memo of understanding about the project and gave its approval to seeking the national designation for the home.
In other matters, members:
—Heard from Angie Quinlan, who highlighted a new community program that will aid the Houston School District. “Bright Futures,” will launch here and works to meet the basic needs of students in all grades. A kickoff is expected in January. It will bring together businesses, churches and the community to help students who have a need. For example, a student may need shoes. The word will be communicated within the network and a donor found. The program began about five years ago at Joplin.
Quinlan, the chamber executive director, also reported on the organization’s activities. Membership is up to 119, and many activities are planned though the end of the year. She had praise for volunteers who helped stage a successful truck pull Saturday night at the North U.S. 63 fairgrounds.
—Approved a contract with Cintas for uniform services.
—Authorized a $100 donation to a downtown Houston Halloween event.
—Heard that the city administrator, a city personnel committee member and workforce representative will interview candidates for supervisory job in the city’s water-sewer department and a journeyman’s job in the electrical department.
—Learned that the city’s transit system suffered a recent setback when both buses experienced mechanical issues. Homebound meals and some transportation assistance continued — with the use of a city vehicle — while repairs were made.
—Decided to look at options for fuel service at the Houston Memorial Airport after low fuel consumption lead to a failed inspection. Fuel is currently not available at the facility. Additionally, a pump is experiencing problems.
Low usage causes the octane value to decline over time and the loss of thousands of gallons of gas. It is estimated only about 300 gallons are used each month. The council and its airport committee will examine solutions.
—Approved a Houston Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to zone South Sam Houston Blvd. property as highway business district rather than the current residential. A 6 p.m. Nov. 20 public hearing is planned. Doug and Celina Castleman purchased the property from heirs of Virginia Murphy. It is situated just southeast of Houston Sonic. Other property was sold earlier to David and Carol Doss.
The grinding of pavement in anticipation of asphalt overlays in Houston brought a question at the Houston City Council meeting on Monday.
So now that the preliminary work has been completed, when will the asphalt arrive?
That question brought no answer. Tona Bowen, city administrator, said she’s been told rock was in short supply and being diverted to large state projects in the area.
APAC is the contractor, and it has given no date to the city to complete the work, which is causing speed bumps in some areas for motorists.
That’s a concern for the city as warmer temperatures fade with the arrival of fall. Asphalt work is not recommended in cold weather.