Members of the Houston City Council heard an update from the police chief and discussed the city’s recycling program it hopes to improve during a meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES
Brad Evans, police chief, presented the department’s annual report. Highlights included an 83% clearance rate (29% state average), 88,000 patrol miles, $92,000 in grants and decreases in accidents and several crime categories. The department is fully-staffed, with 11 officers and a canine.
The council approved a $47,335 purchase of a Ford F-150 from Piney River Ford of Houston (Don Romines abstained) and authorized the department to pursue Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) grants. Josh Green was recognized for his promotion to sergeant.
Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, noted that the police department is working on countering issues with harmful substances targeted toward youth.
RECYCLING
Mayor Viki Narancich and council members stated that they have received complaints about the city’s recycling program. Currently, the city does not have enough tubs to service residents, and members believe the employee’s 16 hours per week schedule is insufficient. Lloyd Wells, administrator, was tasked with obtaining more tubs, gathering information on a recycling drop-off location and increasing the employee’s hours while maintaining their part-time status.
OTHER MATTERS
- Members approved the planning and zoning board to meet monthly to approve building permits. The applicant’s paperwork is submitted to the city administrator. The council was provided information on potential building codes.
- Lisa Linn was appointed to the planning and zoning board. She is filling a vacancy left by Charlie Shea, president. Kim Bittle is the new president.
- The council voted to rescind and refund the business license for a lawn mower repair service on East South Oak Crest Drive. The business does not align with the area’s zoning, members said.
- Updated plans for an 18-house subdivision on Oak Hill Drive near Plainview Drive were approved. The subdivision will have two roads, with two entrances on Oak Hill Drive and one on U.S. 63.
- A bid for Geographic Information System (GIS) services from Benton & Associates of Rolla was approved not to exceed $42,300. The system will cost $40,800 to put together and will allow the city to better locate and assess utilities and infrastructure. The yearly subscription cost is between $600 and $1,500.
- A five-year contract with Woolpert for airport planning and services was approved. The company has done several airport jobs for the city.
- Wells thanked the council for beginning a mass text messaging service with Houston Herald, stating he has received several compliments on the service.
- Barbara Rodgers, clerk, informed the council that Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) does not provide cybersecurity insurance. Don Romines, Ward III alderman, expressed wanting to get a quote from Barker Phillips Jackson Insurance, MIRMA’s recommendation.
- Romines questioned why one-cent sales tax revenues for the city’s general and parks, police and fire taxes do not match. Wells will inquire with the state.
- The council will wait until after the April election to hire a new economic developer, members said. Wells is tending to the previous developer’s ongoing projects after his departure earlier this month.
- The council agreed to wait to sign a warranty/service contract with Nokia pertaining to its fiber internet service, waiting on further information.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 8:06 p.m.
