Dealing with stray animals and proposed chamber activities for Independence Day were among matters discussed by the Houston City Council on Monday.
ORDINANCES AND APPOINTMENTS
The council authorized Mayor Sam Kelley to appoint James Huff, Jay Williams and Steve Hutcheson to the Texas County Memorial Hospital (TCMH) Community Improvement District (CID) board until May 2029.
Ordinances dealing with stray or feral animals – differentiated from “animals at large,” which have owners – were discussed. Council members voiced concerns about dealing with the animals in a humane way, while not promoting their presence. Lloyd Wells, administrator, will contact surrounding communities to ask about their policies. The police and fire committee is tasked with bringing back ideas to the council – which intends to make a decision on June 2. Additionally, owners of an old mill near the elementary school will be contacted concerning securing the building and the area around it.
INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVITIES
Morgan Patterson, chamber president, spoke to the council concerning the chamber hosting a full day of events during the city’s Independence Day celebration on June 28. He stated that the chamber’s parade will line up at the school parking lot at 5 p.m., start at 6 and take the traditional route through downtown. The chamber intends to host a vendor festival, police dunk tank, food vendors and other festivities. Some of the vendors would be set up near the city’s firework display at the airport. Council members expressed approval of the activities, pending the chamber receiving approval from the proper entities.
OTHER MATTERS
- The council approved blockading First Street from Walnut to Pine for a downtown Halloween event in October. Grand Avenue will remain open, with access from Pine, Main and alleys blocked. Last year’s event featured activities, entertainment and a trunk or treat.
- Janet Fraley, Texas County Library board, thanked the council for agreeing to pay for parking lot paving around the new library at First and Pine streets. She also stated that the library is purchasing a plaque to recognize key contributors to the project – including city elected officials.
- Wells stated that Town & Country Supermarket approved a proposed easement to provide sewer services to buildings on South U.S. 63. Wells also stated that water tower maintenance is underway, the pool has been filled and a public grounds foreman has been selected from within current personnel.
- A utility committee meeting will take place to discuss an issue near Oak Hill Drive and the cost of an electric rate study.
- Wells is working with Houston R-1 School District Superintendent Justin Copley on getting a legal description put together to allow the city to deed Hill Street to the school district.
Kelley was absent from the meeting – Ward III Alderman Don Romines served as mayor pro tem in his absence. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.