Members of the Houston City Council reorganized Monday following an election that saw the town elect one new board member and re-elect two.
Taking their oaths from City Clerk Heather Sponsler were Ward I Alderman Sam Kelley, Ward II Alderwoman Sheila Walker and Ward III Alderman Don Romines. All are two-year terms. Outgoing Ward I Alderman Kevin Stilley was recognized for his six years of service.
The council unanimously approved the mayor’s recommendations for city clerk, administrator and committees. All remained the same. Kelley requested that a separate motion be made to approve the mayor’s appointment for city attorney. According to city officials, the attorney is paid $45,835 annually in addition to health insurance and retirement benefits.
“This is nothing personal,” said Kelley. “I think that this job could be done at a cheaper expense to the taxpayers.”
The motion passed 4-2, with Ward I Aldermen Sam Kelley and Fred Stottlemyre voting no. The council unanimously elected Romines as mayor pro-tem.
John Twitty and Rebecca Atkins, Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), discussed a modification to its contract with the city. According to Twitty, the modifications make the city a more attractive borrower as the MPUA purchases more power capacity and looks to expand in solar. Progress is partially dependent on legislation that could cover half of the expenses for the alliance to increase its solar offering. The city is part of a 14-member pool of municipalities. 12 of the 14 members had signed the modification. The council unanimously approved it, making Houston the 13th. Twitty is a former general manager of utilities at Rolla and Springfield.
In other matters:
- Stilley questioned why payroll is approved after it is paid. Sean Smith, attorney, stated that the hours are unknown until it has been processed.
- Walker questioned a $1,714 expense for a metal roof. Lloyd Wells, administrator, explained that it went on the electric department shed and bus barn located on Oak Hill Drive. The roof was damaged during recent storms. An insurance claim is processing.
- Mayor Viki Narancich told council members that $23,088.88 out of $75,000 budgeted has been spent year-to-date on special counsel who is assisting with union negotiations.
- Stilley made a motion for the city to cover the increased health insurance costs proposed for renewal for employees. The motion died. The council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, April 22, at city hall. Employees are invited to attend. The deadline to make a decision is May 1.
- Members approved an application for Greg Hinton to join the planning and zoning board. Ward II Alderman Tim Ceplina abstained. The city is seeking more volunteers to serve on boards.
- Wells presented a state statute explaining the city’s first right of refusal for electric service within city limits. He will meet with Intercounty Electric Cooperative to discuss potential solutions.
- Council members approved a liquor license for a golf tournament hosted by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) on May 18 at the Houston Municipal Golf Course. Walker voted no.
- The council approved the renewal of two certificates of deposit (CD) at Simmons Bank. Both are for six months at 5% annual percentage yield.
- The economic development board and industrial development authority will meet with an economic developer to discuss ideas at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 25.
- Authorized Wells to pay up to $3,500 for the printing of a city guide magazine. The project is a collaboration between the city, Houston Herald and Houston Area Chamber of Commerce.
At 7:36 p.m., the council adjourned into closed session.