A dispute between commercial and residential neighbors and details for the city’s Christmas lighting contest were among matters discussed Monday by the Houston City Council.
NEIGHBORS PUSH FOR ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE
Brad Rees and Dr. William Wright urged the city to enforce ordinances requiring a barrier between a commercial gym and their residential homes on South U.S. 63. The property, cleared in January, borders 400 feet of residential land but lacks the required 8-foot fence or staggered shrubs, according to Rees. Despite several private meetings, no action has been taken, and a promised resolution at a recent meeting has yet to materialize. Rees believes the business should not receive a license until the issue is addressed, noting it’s the right season to plant shrubs.
Wright expressed frustration over the removal of trees his family once enjoyed, saying they were shocked to see bulldozers in their backyard. He also cited noise and bright security lights from the business disrupting their peace. “If you wanted trees there, why tear them down?” Wright asked.
Don Romines, Ward III Alderman, asked Sean Smith, city attorney, what the city’s next steps are. According to Smith, who was reluctant to give legal advice hastily, the city does have an ordinance that discusses an eight-foot barrier of fence or shrubs when C2 (highway business district) property is next to residential property. However, Smith could not confirm that the ordinance applies to this situation, or is enforceable.
Romines believes the ordinance does apply and said, “If we’re not going to enforce our ordinances, we might as well have a bonfire and burn them.”
Smith stated that if a police officer believes an ordinance violation has taken place then they can issue a citation, but the city cannot issue injunctions. As for the business license, the business already had one and relocated. Smith did speak to the issuance of a building permit, saying “If they were issued a building permit and all of the requirements weren’t met, the city dropped the ball on that.” He said enforcing it could prove difficult now. “We have to be diligent in issuing permits.”
Now, city officials are reviewing whether the permit process was mishandled, and attempting to resolve the conflict peacefully.
“We’re glad to have the business in town,” Romines said. “We just need to be good neighbors.”
Mayor Viki Narancich expressed frustrations with Romines, citing a lack of willingness to enforce these ordinances during a previous incident.
CITY APPROVES CHRISTMAS LIGHTING CONTEST
In a 4-1 vote – Ward I Alderman Sam Kelley voting no – the council approved a Christmas lighting contest.
The contest will resemble last year’s edition, with residents on city utilities able to call city hall to register their house to be judged for a utility credit. The residential credits from first to third place are $250, $175 and $100. The commercial contest credit amounts are $500, $300, $150. Entry is free.
Kelley stated that people should not be rewarded for putting up lights.
During discussion, Ward III Alderwoman Angie Gettys pointed out that the chamber has plans to put on a similar contest. Kevin Stilley, chamber board, was present at the meeting but declined to speak on the event, stating that he was not representing the chamber at the meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
- Ann Tottingham, representing the local community betterment group, requested that the city donate funds for advertising for a Nov. 16 Don Tottingham walk/run event. The event raises funds for school projects and a scholarship. It was started in 2019 to honor the late Don Tottingham, who was the mayor from 2011 to 2019. No action was taken.
- Narancich told council members that $40,221.94 out of $75,000 budgeted has been spent year-to-date on special counsel, which has included union negotiations.
- Lloyd Wells, city administrator, stated that a new golf course pump will be installed at the course by early November.
- Members approved a $73,150 bid for sandblasting and painting of the inside of a water tower on Cleveland Road. The repairs are slightly over the remaining budgeted funds.
- The council approved all roads around Lone Star Plaza except First Street from Main to Pine to be blocked off from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31 for a downtown Halloween event. The blocked off area is smaller than last year and only affects one open business – a bar that is participating in the event.
- Two certificates of deposit (CD) at Simmons Bank were moved to West Plains Bank for 12 month, 4% interest rate terms. The CDs are in the amounts of $42,980.58 and $124,474.86.
- A public hearing will take place before the next board meeting concerning nuisance-related bills 114 and 115, and a property rezoning at Cleveland Road and C.W. Harry Drive.
- Members approved Smith to draft an ordinance to apply for federal assistance from the Missouri Transportation Commission regarding the city bus. This is a yearly procedure.
- The police department received a grant for a new K-9 vehicle. The council approved the funds to be used to purchase a 2024 Ford F-150 from Piney River Ford for $49,940. The city will pay and be reimbursed. Romines abstained.
- Wells said he would look into the progress of receiving an umbrella cover for the pool at the request of Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman.
- Romines briefly discussed a survey he gave to council members and the mayor to “gauge the board’s temperature on what is important.”
Ward II Alderman Tim Ceplina was absent from the meeting. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:47 p.m. to discuss contracts and negotiations.
