Natural resource management and utility pole replacements were among matters discussed Monday evening by the Houston City Council.
BRUSHY CREEK TRAIL MANAGEMENT
Lisa Linn, a citizen interested in vegetation management at Brushy Creek Trail’s riparian buffer, met with the council. Linn stated that the trail – at Walnut Street and Oak Hill Drive – was established in 2008 and that the 3.2 acre buffer consisting of a one acre wildflower opening and a wooded corridor has lacked proper management. Most notable is the overgrowth of invasive species.
Linn stated the benefits of maintaining the trail including improved water quality, habitat for wildlife and regulation of streamflow during extreme weather events as well as educational opportunities and aesthetic pleasure. She stated that a partnership with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Quail Forever would allow the city to maintain the area with limited costs. She also presented potential volunteer events.
In total, the city would spend approximately $3,000 and 40 man hours over the first year of management to bring it up to standard, and then approximately $300 and 10 to 20 man hours per year moving forward. Emaily Lear, a private land conservationist with the MDC, was present to discuss the financial aspects of the partnership. In most cases, the city would financially support the program and get a percentage of expenses reimbursed.
Members approved moving forward with management of the riparian buffer under the direction of Linn, who is a U.S. Forest Service employee but was not appearing in that capacity.
UTILITY POLE REPLACEMENTS
The council approved a $49,797.33 purchase of 53 utility poles from Fletcher-Reinhardt Company of Bridgeton, Missouri. During the council’s Sept. 3 meeting, members approved the renewal of a utility pole replacement labor contract with BBC Electrical Services of Joplin. This allows the city to have the second portion of pole replacements – the 53 poles – replaced at the current rate while being billed in January 2025. The city has 1,345 poles. This series of replacements will bring the city’s worst 103 poles up to standard.
OTHER MATTERS
- Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, asked if a $189,443 payment was the last payment for the year on the pool. Lloyd Wells, city administrator, stated that was the case unless the board voted otherwise. There are five payments remaining, according to city officials.
- Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, requested that the total amount spent on special counsel from Ivan Schraeder of Schraeder Law Firm be available at the next meeting.
- Wells reported that a shipment of rubber nuggets for Emmett Kelly Park playground surfaces came in brown instead of green, so the city will have to wait to install them until the correct shipment arrives.
- The council voted to postpone discussion concerning Bills No. 114 and 115 pertaining to nuisances.
- The council approved a $15 per pole per year per attachment charge for company use of utility poles.
- A first reading of Bill No. 118 amending the city’s fiber ordinance to implement a fee schedule that can be amended separate from the ordinance itself took place. A second reading will take place at the next meeting.
- Members approved Texas County Memorial Hospital’s fiscal year 2025 budget for the Community Improvement District (CID) tax that generates revenue from some retailers near the hospital.
- Wells believes hiring a project manager for the quadplex project on Thomasville Road is in the city’s best interest. He will work to disseminate a request for qualifications (RFQ). He will do the same for civil and electrical engineering on the project.
- Members approved CD renewals at West Plains Bank ($106,979.70) and Security Bank of the Ozarks ($104,974.56) for 12 month terms at 4.15% and 4.25% interest respectively. Authorized personnel to handle these transactions was updated to Mayor Viki Narancich, Ward III Alderman Don Romines, Treasurer Joe Honeycutt and City Clerk Barbara Rodgers, once she begins duties Monday, Sept. 30.
- A $17,264.82 consulting fee payment for repair work at the airport was postponed to confirm completion of the project.
- Wells reported that the city has not received any bids for trenching services to install fiber internet.
- City fire crews continue to water the golf course in lieu of a completed pump house. Robbie Smith, fire chief, reported that recent rains will allow the department to scale back from daily activities.
- Several council members reported on activities during a recent Missouri Municipal League meeting.
Narancich was absent from the meeting. Romines served as mayor pro-tem. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:40 p.m.
