Members of the Houston City Council reorganized Monday following an election held earlier this month.
Oaths were administered by City Clerk Heather Sponsler to Kevin Stilley, Ward I, two-year term; Sam Kelley, Ward I, one-year term; Sheila Walker, Ward II, two-year term; and earlier to Don Romines, Ward III, two-year term.
Ward III Alderman Ross Richardson did not seek re-election. He received a certificate for his service.
Members:
—Heard Mayor Willy Walker read a proclamation for April’s Autism Acceptance Month, which is held annually nationwide. Sharon Tyger, whose tenure spans 35 years at Opportunity Sheltered Industries, received a presentation for nurturing the program. The county’s sheltered workshop, which operates from the Houston Industrial Park, provides a variety of services for firms, laundry services for the county-owned hospital and screen printing.
—Approved rezoning property to commercial from residential that is situated west of C.W. Harry Drive and Holder Drive. The move came following a recommendation by the Houston Planning and Zoning Commission. A development is planned by Brian and Stacy Cantrell.
—Heard Karen James, site coordinator and advisor at the Drury University satellite in Houston, highlight enrollment opportunities. A four-week May term will soon start, a summer session begins June 6 and fall classes launch Aug. 22. To learn more, contact James at 417-873-6611.
—Tabled a discussion on retirement benefits received by vested local elected officials that surfaced in January and will visit with officials with Missouri Municipal League and the Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS). City Administrator Scott Avery asked for direction on the issue because he had not found when the money was authorized to spend. It was estimated Monday the city pays about $154 a month.
—Heard a report on first-quarter finances by Avery, who reported a favorable revenue picture looking at budget results. He also invited the council to participate in the city’s upcoming Emmett Kelly Clown Festival on April 28-30.
—Heard Romines ask that the council be presented with the results of the annual routine audit 10 days before its presentation to the six-member board, and he requested the city’s hot mix program be placed on the May 2 agenda for discussion.