The Houston City Council received an update Monday on repairs to city property caused by a January storm. It also is continuing its study of upgrades to the community’s wastewater plant.
City Administrator Larry Sutton reported the city received about $39,000 in a settlement for damage incurred when strong winds whipped into the community last month.
He gave the six-member council this update:
*Repairs to a Houston Municipal Airport pilots’ lounge roof are complete.
*A pump knocked out by the storm at the city’s north water tower has been repaired and is operational.
*Minor repairs are complete at the wastewater treatment plant.
*A chain link fence at the Houston Municipal Pool and a fence and gate at the airport are yet to be repaired.
*City crews are working to fix an airport hangar.
*Roof work is slated at Houston City Hall.
In other matters, members:
-Decided to seek the services of Scott Consulting Engineers for additional input on needed improvements at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The council is gathering as much information as possible before a bond issue appears on the June ballot.
-Heard that work will begin on an extension of Thomasville Road to Holder Drive and on south to Orscheln Farm and Home. The city also is exploring the possibility of a turn lane at East Highway 17 and Thomasville Road.
-Will increase the pay $10 – from $25 to $35 – to volunteer firefighters who respond to calls from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on holidays. The times come when the department is sometimes short-handed. The department is working on recruiting other volunteers as well.
-Approved participating in a statewide tax settlement that includes Sprint.
-Heard that a meeting is planned with the city’s engineer, a contractor for airport improvements and MoDOT concerning work recently completed there.