The Houston City Council reorganized Monday following the April 7 election. The board also discussed the city’s annual asphalt program and a board vacancy.
Don Romines retained his Ward III seat for two more years after defeating JD Hatcher 108-87. Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, and Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, each gained two more years in office after uncontested races. Chelsye Scantlin, Ward I alderwoman, received an additional year to fulfill the rest of her appointed term after an uncontested race. She was initially appointed to the position in 2025 to fulfill Adam Vandiver’s term after he moved outside of city limits.
Romines was voted unanimously by the council to continue serving as mayor pro tem, the city council member who acts as mayor temporarily in the mayor’s absence.
A meeting attendee questioned if a vacancy in the other Ward III seat could be filled by Hatcher, who lost the election. The vacancy was created by Kim Bittle, who left the state for a business venture. Mayor Sam Kelley stated that he is open to meeting with Hatcher to determine if he is interested and a good fit.
It was also stated that there are two vacancies on the planning and zoning board. Those interested, who live within city limits, can complete an application at city hall.
Annual street overlay, health insurance bids discussed
JD Burks, public grounds supervisor, brought bids and a recommendation to the council for its annual asphalt street overlay program. Members approved Willard Asphalt, of Lebanon, to make improvements to Oak Hill Drive, Reed Street and Lone Pine Drive. Faye Street was considered but ultimately dropped from the list to stay under the city’s budgeted $200,000 limit. Improvements are expected to take place in September, according to Burks.
Several health insurance bids were also discussed, with estimated outlay increases to the city of eight to 29 percent. A decision is expected to be made during a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 27.
Meeting items
- The council approved an ordinance to transfer funds from its Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fund account to cover about $15,000 in expenses for a wastewater department UV lamp. About $18,300 will be transferred from the account in the following weeks for a motor for the department.
- The purchase of a Cub Cadet mower from S&H Farm Supply at Dunn for the public grounds department was approved totaling $3,639.87 after trade-in.
- Joe Richardson was appointed to the Community Improvement District (CID) tax board as a property representative, following Steve Hutcheson’s resignation in November.
- The transfer of six cemetery plots from Judy Rossignol to David and Janet Akers, two, and Pennie Shelton, four, was approved.
- The council is considering a potential donation for a pavilion to be added to picnic tables at Bridges Park on West Route 17 near Lilly Avenue.
The meeting adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
