The Houston City Council approved an ordinance establishing a nonprofit downtown development authority and amended parking regulations during its meeting Monday.
Downtown parking rules updated
An ordinance amendment pertaining to downtown parking was approved with first and second readings. It makes parking on First Street and Grand Avenue two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It requires the city administrator and police chief to determine the location of signs stating the rule.
Water hookup fees increased
An ordinance amendment for water installation hookup was approved to increase the price from $600 to $700 for a three-quarter inch hookup. Installation fees for hookups exceeding that diameter are charged at the city’s cost of installation.
Downtown Development Authority
An ordinance creating the Houston Downtown Development Authority, a nonprofit organization with the intention of revitalizing downtown, was approved.
“This should make public funding a lot easier,” said Ward III Alderman Don Romines. “If we wanted a program to help downtown, this is an avenue we can use.”
The organization will consist of seven voting directors: a city economic development representative, a chamber of commerce representative, three downtown property or city business owners, a Downtown Houston Inc. representative and a downtown banker or developer. The mayor, city administrator and a South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG) representative will serve as nonvoting members.
“Growing up, there was a store in every spot [downtown],” said Ward I Alderwoman Chelsye Scantlin. “And now there’s not.” Scantlin views this organization as a way to bring life back to downtown.
MEETING ITEMS
- Monday was Parks and Recreation Director Robbie Mortensen’s last day at the city. Lloyd Wells, city administrator, commended Mortensen for his time at the city and his part in moving the department forward. The city is seeking his replacement.
- Wells stated that five properties considered dangerous that are set for April 6 public hearings could decrease to three or four. Property at 405 Phelps St. (former Houston Mill) is making progress, according to Wells, and 214 S. First St. is expected to be turned into a parking lot.
- A picnic license was approved for the annual TCMH Healthcare Foundation golf tournament on June 12-13. The vote was 3-1-1, with Ward II Alderwoman Sheila Walker voting no, Ward II Alderwoman Ann Tottingham abstaining and a vacant Ward III position.
- Scantlin is reviewing the city’s building permit process and stated additional cameras are needed at the golf course.
- Dogwood trees, being distributed by the city to residents in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday, shipped Monday and should be available within a week. About 137 residents signed up for a tree, according to City Clerk Barbara Rodgers.
- Romines requested that the city send a letter to the governor’s office, state representative and state senator in opposition to proposed cuts to rural public transit.
- The county assessor determined that about 17 of the 60 acres of the city’s recently-acquired land on Spruce Street for a quadplex and recreation center is outside of the city limits. The city will work to annex the portion into its limits.
The 55-minute meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.