Houston officials on Monday advanced two significant efforts – a street renaming to honor a longtime local family and a plan to add a columbarium to Pine Lawn Cemetery.
STREET NAME CHANGE
The Houston Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is close to finalizing a deal to acquire property owned by the Tuttle family near Industrial Drive. If finalized, the land would be recognized as originally being owned by the Tuttle family with signage placed near the current soccer fields.
As part of the effort, the city is initiating an ordinance to rename a portion of Opportunity Circle – from North Industrial Drive to the city’s fire training facility – in honor of the family. The new name, which may be something similar to “C.C. Tuttle Drive,” will be determined by Tuttle’s granddaughters. The portion of the street that turns left toward Opportunity Sheltered Industries would remain unchanged.
Brad Rees, IDA, noted that Penmac is no longer located in the area, so only the Durham 2 building would require a formal address change. Mail for that building already routes through Durham 1, minimizing impact, said Rees.
Tuttle was a longtime businessman who founded a plumbing and electrical business in 1945. A year later, his propane business was the first storefront on U.S. 63 in Houston.
COLUMBARIUM
The Houston City Council approved seeking bids for a 48-niche columbarium, following discussions on rising cremation rates and long-term cemetery planning. Shawn Brown, past owner of Evans Funeral Home, attended a recent committee meeting to provide input, noting that the cremation rate in the area is around 40 percent and there are currently no cemeteries locally that offer columbarium services. Officials said proper weather considerations and concrete work would be required to prepare the site.
Ward III Alderman Don Romines said freight costs would be about $3,000 and a preferred location for the first unit has been identified. The council’s long-term goal is to install several columbaria, with revenue from each unit funding the next. Funds for the initial project are available in the cemetery account, and the city would oversee engraving and set pricing for niche sales.
Some concern was raised regarding a city ordinance outlining restrictions on the use of cemetery funds. Sean Smith, city attorney, said the provision likely doesn’t apply in this case and may have been misidentified. Mayor Sam Kelley noted the general fund could be used if needed. The council’s vote allows the city to move forward with gathering bids for the first structure.
MONDAY’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING
- Chelsye Scantlin, executive director of academic operations at Texas County Technical College in Houston and chamber vice president, was appointed to fill Ward I Alderman Adam Vandiver’s seat until the next election in April 2026. Vandiver moved outside of the city limits, forcing him to vacate his position.
- During public comments, Dan Hickcox stated that the city’s recent nuisance ordinance amendments should be standardized. Hickcox believes a citation he received could apply to several others who were not cited.
- Morgan Patterson, chamber president, requested that the city provide police and fire department personnel for a derby starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6. Members of the council voiced support.
- A business and liquor license for The Cigarette Store, LLC was approved, with Ward II Alderwoman Ann Tottingham opposing. Despite unclear ordinances, it was the opinion of the council and legal counsel that issuing the license aligns with the ordinance since the store does not solely sell liquor.
- A $29,560 bid for 10 electrical transformers and a $7,325 bid for 10 utility poles, both from Arkansas Electric, were approved.
- Two proposals from Benton & Associates of Rolla, each not to exceed $11,500, were authorized. One is for engineering and architectural work to shift the curb and sidewalk at First Street and U.S. 63. The other is for a sewer extension to better service four businesses on South U.S. 63 – Sonic, Hungry Holler, Cozumel and Master Donuts.
- First and second readings of an ordinance to set the city’s 2025 tax levy rates were held. The new general fund rate is 0.3230, up from 0.3203 in 2024. The debt service rate remained unchanged at 0. A public hearing was held prior to the meeting.
- Lloyd Wells, city administrator, stated that a residential utilities rate study released in Rolla recently showed that only two cities in the area have lower rates than Houston – Sullivan and Cuba. Wells stated that city rates are lower than Intercounty Electric Cooperative.
- Wells said that progress is being made on dangerous downtown buildings south of The Health Food Store by securing doors and fixing windows. The property owner stated that he has been in contact with a roofer, said Wells.
- A financial audit presentation is planned for the council’s second meeting in September.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 6:44 p.m.