The Houston City Council on Monday approved a regional planning group’s work on four possible grants to address flood issues along Brushy Creek.
The South Central Council of Governments in Pomona will work on several grants that if successful, would make improvements on several trouble spots when flooding occurs on Brushy Creek. They include:
• Possible purchase of two commercial buildings – a closed bowling alley and former reclaimed building supplies business – along the stream and conversion to green space.
• Funds to cover additional cost of repairs of a closed Main Street bridge.
• Creation of a more permanent rock wall along the stream near the Houston treatment plant.
The city will also examine emergency generator needs. An early grant offer was rejected because of the high cost of the machinery and associated costs of wiring and switches.
If successful, the various grants would have city match components.
In other matters, council members:
• Heard that the State Emergency Management Agency has offered guidelines for the transfer of the Houston Storm Shelter at Pine and First streets. The information will be used in drafting a contract. The Texas County Library board earlier sought permission to acquire the building and construct a new branch atop the existing structure. Design plans are already completed.
• Received a presentation from Joy Hays, a Thayer resident, who talked about the dangers of distracted driving. Hays makes the talk to organizations, such as high schools and youth groups. Hays’ mission is personal: She once struck a motorcyclist who died. She was charged with careless and imprudent driving.
• Learned City Administrator Tona Bowen will be attending a state economic development conference.
• Heard that smoke testing of some sewer lines is planned as part of ongoing work. There will be no additional charge.
• Heard concrete runway improvements at the Houston Memorial Airport will begin with cooler weather, allowing specifications to be met.
• Adjourned into a closed session to discuss personnel.
Council tables decision on fluoride ballot wording
The Houston City Council tabled a decision Monday on what language will be used on the November election ballot to decide whether fluoride will remain in the water supply.
With one-third of the council absent and no guidance from the past actions of municipalities in the state (it apparently has never been put to a vote in the state because the city council made the decision), the local council decided not to make an immediate decision.
City Attorney Brad Eidson presented the suggested question, which he says keeps it simple: “Shall the City of Houston continue adding fluoride in the municipal water? The water is currently treated as recommended and approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.”
Two council members — Kim Bittle and Vicki Narancich — supported including the term “hydrofluorosilicic acid.” The fluoride ion is extracted from it and it hydrolizes. The other pair in attendance — councilmen Kevin Stilley and Jeremy St. John — supported Edison’s proposal, which City Administrator Tona Bowen worried wouldn’t satisfy a Plato activist in the forefront of the issue, George Sholtz. Councilmen Donnie Wilson and Chalky Wells were absent.
Springfield television station KY3 recorded the meeting.
During the discussion, it was revealed:
• The Missouri Municipal League, the organization that provides support to towns in the state, couldn’t offer guidance on an election. It was unaware of any similar election occurring in Missouri. Seventeen years ago, Houston began fluoridation by a council vote.
• It isn’t clear from case law what might happen if someone legally challenges the election.
• Eidson said he tended to side with those wanting the council to make the decision.
The discussion came after earlier debate and hearings on the matter of fluoridation, which covers about 75 percent of the country’s population. Critics allege it is unsafe, may reduce the IQ of children and other means are available to insure good dental health. Several argued the public should vote on the matter instead of being decided by the council. Proponents say it has greatly improved the dental heath of children, many of whom don’t have access to a dentist. It also is in place at Cabool.
The council’s next meeting is June 18. The deadline for certification on the Nov. 6 ballot is Aug. 28.