Members of the Houston City Council on Thursday received an update on work to repair damage from a flood that swept through the community a year ago.
Tona Bowen, city administrator, said the city received FEMA funds for several sites along Brushy Creek. Those monies are to restore problems created at the end of April 2017, not enhancement. City officials continue working with Olsson Associates of Springfield, which won the engineering bid earlier for the work, which includes repairs to a Main Street bridge that remains closed.
Following a discussion, the council approved a $49,500 contract to develop a long-term water engineering plan that over time would lead to improvements in the area that has been plagued by flooding. The document could be used in strengthening applications for various grant programs. The city will pay for the report from its reserve funds.
The cost of study was not included in the early FEMA grant award.
Bennie Cook, an aide to U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-Salem, said he would contact FEMA officials to see if they would fund the report after they learned more about the need.
In other matters, members:
—Heard that work continues on bringing an officer to the Houston School District campus before the start of the next school year. The Houston board of education was slated to discuss the matter this week. Input also will come from the council’s police committee.
—Learned that Bowen and economic development director Brad Evans attended an economic development training session. Plans for a city breakfast program for business leaders is planned to enhance communication.
—Heard that progress is being made on a Homeland Security Administration grant application by the city fire and police departments.
—Will adopt a memorandum of understanding with an organization that could pick up animals for the city’s pound. It is a no-kill shelter.
—Were told a new city bus will arrive soon.
—Approved the purchase of a used truck from Romines Motor Co. Inc., Houston. The $9,850 pickup will be used by the park and recreation department.
—Continued a discussion of allowing some ATVs to be allowed on city streets. The matter, which was brought to the council by Alderman Jeremy St. John, was tabled. City Police Chief Tim Ceplina said he believed such an approval would be problematic for his officers.
—Reviewed an annual report of the city’s water supply that found no problems. It will be published in the Herald.
—Approved recommendations by Mayor Don Tottingham for council committees and appointments to city posts.
—Discussed moving activation of tornado sirens from the county sheriff’s office to Texas County 911’s office on Main Street following a report of operational issues in the department. In the meantime, the city will test the system to make sure activation can still occur from city fire vehicles. St. John, the city’s emergency management director, said he would work with 911 with the arrival of the spring storm season.