A potential Emmett Kelly statue in downtown Houston and the upcoming festival were among matters discussed by the Houston City Council on Tuesday.
EMMETT KELLY FESTIVAL AND STATUE
Brenda Senter discussed the upcoming Emmett Kelly Festival and other related events with the council. A historical marker for three Kelly murals on Grand Avenue was received thanks to a grant. She would like it to be dedicated on the morning of the festival – which occurs annually on the last weekend in April.
Senter, a volunteer, said that the city will need to assist in getting vendors to the event. Robbie Mortensen, parks and recreation director, is coordinating the run. Other desired city contributions were a meet and greet on that Friday and working to develop a statue honoring Kelly.
James Hall, a sculptor of Springfield, presented a model of a bench statue of Kelly that individuals could take pictures with.
“We’re losing track of who our heroes are,” said Hall. “Emmett Kelly is a shining example of the goodness that can influence future generations.”
The main obstacle for the council is figuring out how to fund the approximately $100,000 project. Potential sources include state tourism funds, incentivizing donations with tax credits and contacting those active in the circus and clown world. If approved, the project would take a year or two to complete.
OTHER MATTERS
- Members voted to rollover a $110,000 certificate of deposit (CD) at The Bank of Houston for a seven-month, 4.25% term.
- The council did a first and second reading of an ordinance to add a building permit fee schedule. The rates remain the same – new commercial and residential structures cost $0.05 per square foot and additions (garages, porches, etc.) are a $10 flat fee.
- A $20,059.44 purchase of a John Deere utility vehicle was approved. It will be used by golf course personnel.
- Mortensen stated that approximately 80 children from preschool to second grade participated in a basketball camp and league in November and December.
- City administrator Lloyd Wells was authorized by the council to request that Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) do an electrical system study. It is free to member municipalities.
- A $46,540 purchase of three electrical transformers from Arkansas Electric Cooperative was approved. This allows the department to have replacements when ones go down – as several did after recent winter weather.
- Fred Stottlemyre, Ward 1 alderman, asked if grocery stores are actively being sought in the community. Don Romines, Ward III alderman, stated that a pair of prospects are considering opening a store in Houston.
- Mayor Viki Narancich thanked the public grounds department for tree limb cleanup and making the town look nice following an ice storm that caused damage
- Wells stated that he received a letter about John McCloud, who drives the city bus. The letter was complimentary to McCloud, the services he offers and the things he does outside of his responsibilities. Wells, Narancich and the council expressed their pleasure with McCloud.
- Two water department personnel – Brad Smith and Steve Floyd – are traveling to Washington, D.C., in February to compete in a national water quality event, after winning at the state level.
- Angie Gettys, Ward III alderwoman, mentioned the city’s need for mass communication after speaking to two residents that said Facebook is not a timely manner for important information. This city will consider the Houston Herald’s text messaging service at its next meeting.
- A $21,985.41 purchase for wastewater facility clarifier parts was approved. The system has two, and one is down. Absent a substantial rain, it can operate on one until the second is fixed.
- The city’s electric barn recently had a door and heating system repair – costing $11,094.50 and $1,529, respectively.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:44 p.m.