The Houston City Council held a special meeting Monday to decide utility issues related to a business development on South U.S. 63.
Several new businesses are locating in the area, including a flea market and sporting goods store, on property originally owned by the Arthur family. Earlier, a storage business and restaurant opened. Discussion of the project on the east side of U.S. 63 — situated in annexed land from about two decades ago — began at last week’s council meeting.
Following an exhaustive review of city ordinances and other documents, as well as discussions with two long-time former city officials, Steve Hutcheson and Don Romines, and current and former water/sewer superintendents, the council unanimously opted to:
•Provide materials for a sewer line to serve the development. Purchased about a year ago, the pipe will be tested before installation.
•Before accepting the line, the city will receive approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and an engineering firm with utility line experience.
Under the city’s subdivision ordinance, the city brings its service to the owner’s property line. It is the responsibility of the developer to install from that point to any construction on the tract, the council decided following a presentation by City Administrator Tona Bowen, who provided the council with archival copies of past similar decisions and other documentation.