Members of the Houston City Council authorized a grant application that may result in a new city bus and assist with related expenses. The matter was among several updates given during a meeting Monday.
If successful, a $85,000 grant would replace a bus model used in its popular transit system that has registered more than 100,000 miles and a $135,000 grant would assist with installation labor of 13 new bus shelter locations across town. Under the MoDOT grant, it would pay 80 percent of the total cost. Another application would pay 50 percent of the bus service’s $95,000 operating expenses.
The council also heard that SeniorAge, which funds a portion of the Houston Senior Center, will begin helping pay for homebound meal delivery by the city.
CHAMBER UPDATE
The council also heard from Houston Area Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Stilley, who pledged the board’s commitment to increasing membership and creating additional activities to benefit the community. He asked for the city’s assistance in resurrecting the organization, which has traditionally led efforts to improve the business community since the early 1900s. Planning, he said, was underway for an evening Christmas parade at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.
Stilley said the chamber also is looking for members to sit on its governing board.
QUADPLEX, REC CENTER TIMETABLE
The city is expected to soon set timetables for its proposed quadplex and recreational center on newly purchased property on Spruce Street.
Alderman Don Romines said transparency on the project was essential. More information is expected at a Nov. 3 council meeting. The city is working on the financing mechanism and needs completed architectural drawings, and once that is finalized, a timetable on when dirt will start moving next year can be made.
SEVERAL PROJECTS DISCUSSED
In other matters, members:
•Renewed two certificates of deposit at West Plains Bank totaling $128,000 and $44,300. The 12-month term will pay 3.65 percent.
•Learned from City Administrator Lloyd Wells that engineering progress is occurring for a new sewer line near Sonic, Hungry Holler and other nearby businesses on South Sam Houston Blvd. A county historical marker will soon be installed at a commuter lot at Walnut Street and U.S. 63.
Preliminary tests for rock will occur this week at a columbarium site at Pine Lawn Cemetery. The structure, which will be delivered in four-five months, requires a concrete pad 10-16 inches thick.
Progress was also reported on mapping systems for the city’s utility infrastructure and lots at the cemetery.
The city also is finalizing paperwork to deed Hill Street to the Houston School District, which operates an early childhood center there.
•Heard results of an electrical rate study will be presented Nov. 17 to the council.
•Learned that MoDOT has been notified to add required painted directional signs and markings on Holder Drive near U.S. 63 after new asphalt was put in place. Manhole risers also will be installed to level them to the new surface.
The board adjourned into a closed session following the open meeting. A City of Houston utility clerk was fired by the council. In a unanimous vote on Monday, the council terminated Edwin Graciano effective immediately. (The vote was 5-0 with Kim Bittle absent).
Members also granted a raise to the city’s bus driver, John McCloud, from Step 5, $19.71 per hour, to Step 8, $21.54. (The vote was 5-0 with Kim Bittle absent).
In a closed session vote on Oct. 6, the board unanimously authorized Mayor Sam Kelley to sign an agreement with Brightspeed to use city utility poles.