Members of the Houston City Council purchased two vehicles and heard about several hiring decisions during a meeting Tuesday.
A new police car was purchased from Romines Motor Co. Inc. The cost is $28,490. A truck for the electric department was approved at $113,189. However, the final cost will be less after the city opted to purchase a gasoline engine rather than diesel. The city also will trade-in a 2007 model and place additional equipment on an online auction. The process to receive the new bucket truck could take six to eight months.
In other matters, members:
—Heard that Tyler Wofford of Salem has been hired as an apprentice lineman. He has an associate degree from East Central College at Union and has worked for the City of Salem. He begins duties Feb. 26.
—Learned that Wesley Fortune of Raymondville has been hired as an employee. He worked for the Village of Raymondville. He has DSII water distribution system license. Joe Mainer runs the wastewater treatment plant with a B license. Â
—Heard that paperwork has been submitted for the city’s bus grant that operates the program.
—Learned that additional property owners on East Highway 17 will be contacted as the city studies rezoning from residential to highway business. Only two responded to a letter inquiry.
—Discussed a city ballot issue in April that if approved would allow the city to receive sales tax revenue from out-of-state Internet orders. With a shift in retail shopping habits, several governmental entities are placing the issue on the ballot in order to generate revenue to continue services.
Texas County, Howell County, West Plains, Licking, Cabool, Willow Springs and Mountain Grove all have the issue on the ballot.
—Adjourned into a closed session to discuss benefits that are available to council members, including LAGERS, the retirement plan offered to its workforce.