A Rolla engineering firm was hired Monday to begin work on a Houston recreation project.
Cameron Schweiss, of Archer-Elgin Engineering, presented a proposal to the Houston City Council for a 50% preliminary design effort on the city’s quadplex project near Spruce Street.
Survey work would consist of determining civil engineering needs, grading, structural needs, utilities and other factors to comprise an estimated project cost. Once the work is done, the construction manager, Jimmy Zumwalt of Mid-State Pipeline Maintenance LLC, Belle, will determine bidding on the rest of the project. The city recently purchased 60 acres for the development. A portion of the fence line has already been cleared.
According to Schweiss, the survey allows the project manager to appropriately assess costs and do budget checks to stay within the city’s $5.5 million budget.
“We don’t want to design you a Cadillac if you can’t afford one,” said Schweiss. The council accepted the proposal and authorized the mayor to sign an agreement for engineering services.
MONDAY’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING
- The council approved the appointment of Adam Vandiver to the Parks and Recreation Board.
- The city is applying for a $200,000 grant to renovate the visitors center at 501 E. Walnut, including $20,000 in local monetary support and $20,000 worth of in-kind services from Economic Developer Travis Witzemann. About $126,000 would go toward building renovations. Grants are awarded around July 2026.
- A decision to purchase a mini excavator for the electric department was postponed to determine if city-owned equipment could be traded-in to help offset cost.
- A $23,660 annual renewal invoice from gWorks – the city’s software used for budgeting, payroll and other activities – was approved.
- Nine certificates of deposit (CDs) at The Bank of Houston were renewed for 13 months at a 3.6% interest rate.
- A motion to give the school control of Hill Street – near the football stadium – was postponed. The city needs to determine a fair market value exchange with the school, stated Sean Smith, city attorney. Smith personally offered $10,000 for the street.
- Glen McKinney discussed Atropa bella-donna, commonly known as deadly nightshade, growing on Ozark Street with the council.
- Mustafa Alsadi, who operates laundromats and car washes in the area, discussed utility rate disparities with members of the council. He stated that his bill in Mountain Grove was cheaper per kWh than in Houston, despite having more business. Alsadi believes fuel adjustment costs tacked on to Houston bills is largely responsible for the disparity.
- Witzemann said he has received several monetary and verbal commitments for an area child care project.
- Members of the council approved a notice of award to Hi-Lite Airfield Services for an airport runway paving project. A notice to proceed was postponed until grant funding is approved and temperatures allow for painting.
- A utility rate survey presentation is planned for the Nov. 17 meeting.
- City Administrator Lloyd Wells believes 2026 wholesale electric costs the city pays will remain similar to 2025 rates, but expects an increase in 2027.
- From about 3 to 5 a.m. Nov. 5 the city will be without power due to scheduled work.
Ward I Alderwoman Chelsye Scantlin was absent from the meeting. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:07 p.m., after one hour and 37 minutes.