A plan of action for the municipal golf course and information on a new domestic violence shelter in the area were discussed during a Monday meeting of the Houston City Council.
GOLF COURSE PLAN OF ACTION
Ann Tottingham, Ward II alderwoman, spoke to the council about a golf course committee meeting held Wednesday, Jan. 28. Committee recommendations included completing clubhouse renovations promptly without a putting green, improving the irrigation system, repairing a trench at hole one, utilizing a pull behind top dresser implement for maintaining greens rather than stand-alone equipment and inventorying equipment.
The committee also stated that existing water lines will need to be located to minimize damage when expanding the pond. Also, a flotation device will need to be acquired for the pond.
“Plans need to be formalized for installing the irrigation system, routine maintenance should follow a schedule, communication should be more consistent from the city administrator to the council and there should be deadlines for upkeep of the greens and facilities,” said Tottingham. “It’s hard to hit a moving target, so expectations and communication should be clear to all involved.”
NEW SHELTER IN THE AREA
Christy and Aaron Swank, Southern Missouri Advocates (SMA), spoke to the council about a women’s domestic violence shelter they are opening in Mountain Grove.
“It’s been a long time coming,” said Christy Swank. “We know the resources are kind of far out there.”
According to the Swanks, over 300 women approached Brenda Cameron, Wright County victim advocate and SMA president, last year. This shelter will provide eight bedrooms and up to 28 beds. It will feature a common living room, counseling offices and a secured facility space for classes and group activities. They plan to not turn away pets or kids.
The Swanks said that the facility will focus largely on education for those experiencing domestic violence.
“We are excited,” said Aaron. “We are going to be able to generationally change lives.”
An event to support the effort is Friday, Feb. 27 at the Candler Venue in Mountain Grove. It will feature speakers and a dinner.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event are available by calling Aaron at 417-349-0109.
MEETING ITEMS
- Travis Witzemann, economic developer, asked for an amendment to an ordinance concerning building codes for the outdoor recreation complex. The amendment would pertain to fire suppression standards, which Witzemann believes are unnecessary based on other fire precautions. Larry Tyrrell, city attorney, cited concerns about liability and insurance coverage. The city will speak to its insurance provider before making a decision.
- A new cemetery mapping system has been completed for Pine Lawn Cemetery. It identifies lots and burial sites.
- A $13,649.79 purchase was approved for a wastewater department motor repair, using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds.
- Lloyd Wells, city administrator, said that wastewater extension work near South U.S. 63 is waiting on a completed easement.
- A public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23 at city hall concerning 304 W. Pine St., according to Wells. He has deemed the building dangerous. It is situated west of a Houston School District parking lot.
- Downtown parking limits, based on a previous public hearing, were discussed but no action was taken. Council members were in agreement about making the time limits during working hours on weekdays and figuring out a better parking situation for Piney Inn residents.
The meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m., after 48 minutes. The council remains short one member after Ward III Alderwoman Kim Bittle’s December resignation. Bittle left the state for a business opportunity.