Will Houston have Christmas decorations next year?

Last Christmas, Houston City Council decided not to have their long-used, well-worn wreaths hung on the city light posts. Many citizens commented on the lack of decorations; as a result, the Hometown Pride group took a look at the tired wreaths to see if they could be restored. Marlene Schultz attended the city council meeting on May 9 and shared the possibility of replacing the ribbons on the wreaths.

City Administrator Michelle Quinn told the council that another non-profit group was talking about doing something new. Quinn said she didn’t want to “steal their thunder” and didn’t comment further. Delighted at the news, Schultz encouraged quick action to take advantage of any possible discounts.

New personnel

Lynne Farmer was hired as the Nature Center assistant for May-September and possible on-call after September. A local student has also applied for the position. Quinn asked permission to hire the student as well if the student meets the criteria. This would allow more flexibility for staffing. The position pays $10.50/hour with a maximum of 18 hours per week.

Therese Jore was hired at $10.00/hour to cover the library when the librarian was gone. Jore currently serves as student representative on the library board.

While Summer Rec needs to be starting soon and there are four applicants, Quinn reported that she didn’t have an update on the hiring of workers from CEDA. Quinn asked permission to bring staff on board if they met the criteria. She noted Summer Rec needs to begin before the next council meeting.

This is the first year that the city has used CEDA to run Summer Rec. “Frustrations are substantial,” according to Quinn and council member Emily Krage. The partnership is one year in length.

Non-profits use of city rental facilities

Cody Mathers presented a policy for consideration on discounted rates for the library, nature center, fire department and other non-profits for weekend activities. Monday through Thursday the facilities are free for the non-profits.

Quinn informed the council there has been an upswing for use of the new community center by private parties. She went on to stress the “need to protect revenue stream” for the city. The income from the use of facilities helps pay for upkeep and repairs on the buildings.

The council decided to table this until their next meeting, but gave the Nature Center the go ahead for two planned Saturday events to be held at the Nature Center at the discounted rate of $20. Emily Krage questioned charging the Nature Center at all. She felt that presenting the events was part of their regular work. Quinn responded that the city had to “find a blend” for the non-profits and charges.

Other business

In other business the council:

•Approved pay application #13 ($137,624.80) to Wapasha Construction for the wastewater treatment plant;

•Approved the in-kind donation of the use of the city bandshell for the summer concert series sponsored by the Friends of the Nature Center;

•Decided to move the city yard waste collection area to near Flex Craft; an orange fence will delineate the area;

•Approved Mitch Seekamp and Carter Chiglo to full status as firemen;

•Learned one new ambulance member was already riding third in the rig to learn the ropes and seven candidates were in the process of taking skills testing;

•Heard that the Hometown Pride group is no longer able to care for the city entrance signs and flower bed. The local 4-H groups, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and Houston High School Honor Society will be contacted to see if they will take on the project;

•Accepted the lone bid for native prairie plant seed harvesting; Dan Smith and Allan Wade will harvest the seeds, with 10% returned to the city. The men will weed around the nature center and plant some new plants there as well.

The next meeting of the Houston City Council will be June 13 at the city hall council chambers at 6 p.m.; the public is welcome to attend.