The council began a process Monday night that could lead to new Houston branch of the Texas County Library atop the Houston Storm Shelter in downtown Houston.
Janet Fraley, a member of the county library board and its foundation, told the council a firm commitment from the city is required to proceed on applications for funding for the building at First and Pine streets. Earlier, the library hired a Springfield architectural firm, Sapp Design Architects, to design the building. Those plans were shared with shelter’s architect, Hood-Rich, in Springfield to use in its calculations.
Tona Bowen, city administrator, said the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency has verbally given its approval for the transfer to occur as long as the lower level would still be available as a storm shelter. Previous functions, such as for voting and meetings, could still occur. The library system would pay the utilities.
The council directed its city attorney, Brad Eidson, to draft an agreement.
Five potential funding sources have been identified: Delta Regional Authority, Neighborhood Assistance Program, Community Development Block Grant, USDA Rural Development and TRAIN.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $1.2-1.3 million.
Audit results shared by Springfield firm
Members of the Houston City Council heard a report on its annual audit of its financial operations and approved implementing a policy that highlights the management of excessive cash and investment policies.
KPM CPAs and Advisors, a Springfield firm, completed the routine annual audit that looks at all operations of the City of Houston’s finances. Like in past years, electrical revenue, sales taxes and grants paid the bulk of the city’s bills in 2017.
The firm offered a clean opinion after the extensive review of business through December 2017. As in past years, it highlighted a lack of segregated duties, which it said was common among small municipalities. It also highlighted new accounting rules set to go into effective over the next few years. Because of several new employees on the city’s workforce, the firm said it might be helpful to do a detailed review of internal controls in its office.
A discussion also followed on what represented “adequate fund balances” and when it is appropriate to use those funds to pay for strategic purchases that develop.
In other matters discussed during a busy session, council members:
•Approved changes to the employee manual that have been under discussion for several weeks.
•Heard a recommendation from Bowen to engage in an arrangement with Oakwood Golf Course that would give the city benefits that could be used in courting business prospects, providing perks to city workers and other privileges. The $3,000 outlay was discussed, but no action was taken.
•Approved an agreement with Texas County Rural Area Information Network (TRAIN) that would allow an antennae be placed on a Cleveland Road water tower in exchange for wireless internet service at the Houston Memorial Airport, where a new fueling system requires a connection to operate a credit card transaction system.
•Tabled plans for improvements for the Houston Visitors Center following flood damage in April 2017. The bids were over the FEMA estimate. The council called for administration to seek additional quotes and always advertise when it does seek bids.
•Tabled two bids for heating and cooling work. The council will seek costs — such as both including duct work — that would allow it to make a better decision.
•Learned mowing is in full force across the city.
•Heard that lightning damaged a transformer Saturday night serving the Texas County Justice Center. That problem knocked out power and issues were experienced with a county backup generator into Sunday. Intercounty Electric Cooperative allowed the city to use a replacement in its inventory. The city will replace it at an estimated cost of $16,500 – $20,000.
•Heard that planned repairs at a children’s pool at West Side Park have uncovered structural problems involving chipped concrete. The problem is under study. Meanwhile, the larger pool continues to show a leaking problem.
•Halted a measure sought by Alderman Jeremy St. John to allow ATVs on streets, citing safety and liability concerns.
•Heard Alderwoman Viki Narancich express alarm about no testing of the city’s tornado warning system as it transitions to activation at Texas County Emergency Services, 911. The city earlier approved moving it from the sheriff’s department because of turmoil in the office, leaders said. St. John, the city’s emergency management director, promised testing when sunshine arrives.
•Learned from Mayor Don Tottingham and Bowen that Houston will not attend a Washington, D.C., lobbying trip for Fort Leonard Wood, but is supportive of any efforts to strengthen the installation’s operation in south-central Missouri.
A city finance committee was set to meet after the council meeting to discuss a park board project to create a sports complex.