A project to bring self-service fueling to the Houston Memorial Airport is nearing completion, the Houston City Council heard on Monday.
City Administrator Tona Bowen said fuel has been delivered, a credit card system should be online this week and some testing is yet required.
Previously, pilots had to locate city police to buy fuel.
In other matters, members:
—Decided that any closed sessions will come at the conclusion of regular meetings. Previously the council handled miscellaneous items after leaving the closed session to go back into open session.
—Tabled a final decision on employee pay scales, a first for the community. Based on years of service, the jumps in pay would be merit based and would be in addition to any cost-of-living wage hikes given by the council. Employee evaluations also are planned. Some discussion occurred related to supervisor pay. The council will study the issue further. Bowen said her study shows wages are competitive with other communities of Houston’s size.
—Heard interviews are Friday for an officer opening in the Houston Police Department. Eight people have applied. Four have filed applications to become the next economic development director.
—Learned striping has been completed on U.S. 63. Sidewalk work — a MoDOT project — is slated to begin soon on West Highway 17.
—Discussed a Houston Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to zone the north side of Highway 17 — from Houston Free Will Baptist, its parking lot to the east and a building next door — as highway business district. A public hearing will be scheduled.
—Heard no bids were received from renovations at the Houston Visitors Center, where flood damage was received in 2017. The city will advertise locally and add nearby communities for the next bid round.
—Learned a city employee barbecue is Aug. 9 in Emmett Kelly Park.
—Reviewed a draft of an information packet that will be used to sell industry prospects on Houston. The council heard from Janet Fraley, a recent retiree who has volunteered to help guide the effort. Fraley said Bowen, and Brad Gentry, Houston Herald publisher, had also contributed.
—Heard the FEMA has given its blessing to a transfer of the Houston Storm Shelter to the Texas County Library Foundation. The library plans to build on the upper level of the building at First and Pine streets. The shelter would remain. The library is looking for sources of funding before work begins and the transfer occurs.
—Adjourned into a closed session.