The Houston City Council approved a plan Tuesday to accelerate the installation of high-tech water meters and discussed work for a columbarium at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
The council meeting was changed from Jan. 5 due to the unavailability of some members.
Preparation for the installation of the 48-niche columbarium was discussed. As the city anticipates delivery soon, it has created a rock parking lot and poured concrete for the building’s base. A sidewalk is planned between the pad and an existing shelter.
Don Romines, Ward III alderman, led a project to gather information on rules and regulations used by other communities and input from retired funeral director Shawn Brown. At its next meeting on Jan. 20, the council is expected to review a draft ordinance compiled by city attorney Larry Tyrrell. The existing cemetery ordinance also will likely be updated.
The city is leaning toward a $1,150 fee that includes engraving detailing the decedent (Each niche can accommodate the remains of two), a fee of $50 for future appointments to open or close the compartment and the key would be maintained by city hall.
The city may obtain rental chairs that can be used for a family’s private service.
METER PROJECT
Council members approved a plan to accelerate installation of water meters that automatically send readings to the city’s billing system. MB Construction LLC of Monticello will install 522 meters in a project that will take about two weeks. The cost is $33,408. Currently, the city has two meter reading systems — one that captures data when a vehicle travels in the area — and the other that sends it directly to city hall. The presentation to the council was made by Dustin Hartman, water superintendent. The move allows the city to accelerate the automatic meter reading project that started about four years ago, and focus on other projects, such as an installation of a new line near Sonic.
In other matters, members:
- Approved meeting Jan. 20 due to the Martin Luther King holiday the prior day.
- Authorized the purchase a new truck for the water department that replaces a 2014 model. The cost from Piney River Ford in Houston is $49,288. The 2026 budget allocated $60,000. The city will also examine any possible trade-ins from its fleet.
- Will engage with TREKK Design Group, a Kansas City-based company, for sewer lift station design and engineering services. The move allows the city to have plans already developed when grant opportunities become available. The top priority is on Wyn Drive. The cost is not to exceed $30,000, about $10,000 less than the budgeted amount. The city has eight lift stations scattered across the community.
- Heard that a mapping system that shows all the lots at Pine Lawn Cemetery may be completed by mid-January. A database has been completed, and some mapping is still needed.
- Authorized a contract renewal with the South Central Correctional Center at Licking for an inmate work crew. The term is April 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027. Workers perform tasks on public grounds.
The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m.