Streets to be repaired, storm damage and parks and recreation were among matters discussed Monday by the Houston City Council.
Following several meetings and employee recommendations, the council decided to have Willard Asphalt, out of Lebanon, Mo., to pave East Crest Drive, West Crest Drive, Briarwood Drive, Dogwood Lane and Bluebell Lane for $173,000. Other streets of concern will have minor repairs done by city crews or be considered next year.
Lloyd Wells, city administrator, told the council that he is working on getting quotes for storm damage to doors, roofs and other city property to submit to insurance. The city plans on putting a heavier gauge door at the electric shed on Oak Hill Drive that was ripped off. Mike Williams, electric supervisor, said three utility poles broken during the storm have been repaired. City crews worked a 24-hour day starting at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, March 14, to fix the damage. The council thanked all of the departments, Walmart for food provided and the Do-It Center for opening after-hours to provide materials. Williams also mentioned that the materials for the city’s planned utility pole replacements have been ordered.
Robbie Mortensen, parks and recreation, told the council that the department will be hosting its first adult sports tournament this Sunday – a soccer tournament with five or six teams. A lemonade truck will also be at the event.
Mortensen said he has received a bid for an ALTA survey on the Thomasville Road property purchased for the quadplex. The survey clearly defines the boundaries of the property, making note of any easements or public right-of-way or any other addition to or deletion from the property throughout the course of the parcel’s history. He hopes it will start April 1. He is also working on getting an updated bid for the quadplex facility.
The golf course will host a club championship this year, with an event each week culminating in a championship tournament. A member’s meeting will be held in about a month. The council also approved the department to advertise for two-part time positions, with the idea that one would turn full-time at the end of the summer.
In other matters:
- The council recognized the Houston R-1 School District Special Olympics team for its recent accomplishments. Coach Nikki Stilley spoke about the program’s success, and thanked the council for its support.
- Kevin Stilley, Ward I alderman, questioned a $13,228 payment to Schraeder Law Firm. Heather Sponsler, city clerk, stated that it was for two court appearances through Feb. 22.
- A $1,477 charge for new fire hydrants was mistakenly taken out of the water budget, and will be moved to the fire budget.
- The council approved a certificate of deposit (CD) rollover at The Bank of Houston for 13 months with an annual percentage rate of 5.2% and an interest rate of 5.13%. The city has 23 CDs at five local banks amounting to approximately $2,340,000.
- Wells and Kevin Buck, economic developer, traveled to Fort Leonard Wood on Wednesday to hear about a potential intergovernmental support partnership with the organization.
- Members were given an Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance quote to review before the next meeting. The city has to take the item to bid every three years; this year it is not required.
- The council authorized Don Romines, alderman, to sign a facility use agreement contract with the school district citing a conflict of interest with Mayor Viki Narancich’s employment at the district.
Tim Ceplina, Ward II alderman, was absent from the meeting. At 7:20 p.m., the council adjourned.