The Houston City Council is exploring the addition of a columbarium – a structure to hold cremated remains – at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
Don Romines, Ward III Alderman, contacted five companies that install columbariums and said Premier Columbaria, of Centralia, Washington, provided the best response.
Romines said a “Buckingham 48 Special” model, which features 48 niches – 24 on each side – would be a good start for the city. Each 12-by-12-inch space can hold two sets of remains, such as those of a husband and wife. The units would include black marble covers that can be engraved.
Procedures and pricing will be discussed by a committee consisting of Ward I Alderman Fred Stottlemyre, Ward II Alderwoman Ann Tottingham and Romines. The cemetery fund, with an approximate $85,000 balance, would provide funds for the project. The project is estimated to be well under the fund balance, said Romines.
“I’ve had extremely good responses from the people in the community I’ve talked to,” said Romines when referencing support for the project.
The committee will meet to bring back a recommendation.
ALDERMAN SET TO STEP DOWN
Ward I Alderman Adam Vandiver announced that he will resign his post during the next council meeting due to his relocation outside of the city.
“I’m sorry, I know it puts you in a bind,” said Vandiver. “It wasn’t intentional, it’s just too good of an opportunity for me and my family.”
Mayor Sam Kelley is now tasked with finding a replacement to serve on the council until the next election in April 2026.
MONDAY COUNCIL MEETING
- The council approved changes to the city’s personnel manual to allow employees to use earned sick and vacation during their probationary period.
- A sewer line serving Hungry Holler on South U.S. 63 has been installed.
- Lloyd Wells, city administrator, reported that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources was in town recently. He is waiting to receive a report, but believes no issues were noted.
- Travis Witzemann, economic developer, is pursuing funds for infrastructure projects from South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG).
- Information for the 2025 tax levy hearing will be discussed during an August meeting of the council.
- Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, requested that the city evaluate its utility shutoff procedures to better notify residents. Those who believe they are experiencing a power outage can call 417-967-3348 (normal hours) or 417-967-5999 (after hours).
The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m., after 27 minutes.