Derek Olinger, representing Bolton & Menk, addressed the Houston City Council April 13 at their regular meeting to update them on the Spruce Street project scheduled for this summer. Olinger reported that the bids had been received and were favorable.
The city of Houston will be responsible for $1.7 million of the cost. Funding for the project will come through a locally sourced bond, PFA (Public Facilities Authority) Drinking Water Revolving Fund Loan, PFA/Clean Water Revolving Fund Loan and a PFA Grant. This project will be done in conjunction with Houston County.
The assessment process needs to be restarted. A hearing will be held at the regular May city council meeting. Olinger shared that most of the assessments have actually gone down substantially in the last two years. A handful of lots have the same assessment as two years ago. Notices will be prepared and sent out to residents; these notices will state the exact amount proposed for each lot. As an example, a 100’ lot with water and sewer had been estimated in 2024 at $13,331 while the proposed final for 2026 is $12,099.
The repayment term for residents is 20 years at a 6% interest rate. Full or partial prepayment can be made with no interest on the paid amount until November 11, 2026.
BKC Construction, LLC (formerly known as Zenke, Inc,) was the low bidder. Houston Council needed to adopt a resolution to request the awarding of the contract to BKC.
The council also adopted a resolution declaring the cost to be assessed and ordering an assessment hearing. The work order #3 for construction services from Bolton & Menk totalling $159,700 was approved.
A neighborhood meeting was set for May 6 at 5:30 p.m.; the assessment hearing will be May 11 at 6 p.m.
The city will apply for a PFA loan. The bond for the project will be for $287,000. An application needs to be submitted to MRWA (Minnesota Rural Water Association) for a midi-loan.
The PFA and the local bond are expected to be approved in late May. Construction is scheduled to take place from early June to late August.
Other Business
In other business, the council granted permission to allow food trucks at the Just B Caus event on April 18. The ticketed event already had a gambling permit and a temporary liquor license. Since the event will last through both the lunch and dinner hours, the coordinators wanted to have food options available for the attendees.
Mutual aid ambulance agreements between Houston and both Caledonia and Rushford were approved. City Administrator Michelle Quinn clarified that such agreements have been in place for many years as well as agreements regarding large events for which additional ambulances are needed. State statute has changed so the agreements needed to be updated.
Quinn informed the council that since the changes ha been made regarding ambulance staffing there has been positive response. She added that students taking the MNVA EMT course have been getting involved with the ambulance as well.
In personnel items, the council accepted the resignation of Brennan Wallace as the Nature Center Lead. Wallace had served as the lead since July 2025. At this time the high school employees have been taking care of the duties. Quinn noted that there has been one application submitted to the city for the position. No action was taken at this time.
The council approved switching the city’s email address to “.gov.” According to Quinn, although this is not currently required, it will alleviate confusion for people navigating the city’s official website. The migration to the .gov domain will cost $550.
The annual weed report was approved and submitted with no discussion.
The council approved the appointment of Michelle Hoskins to represent Houston on the Root River Trail Extensin — Citizen Exploratory Committee. The organization is in the process of working on five or six grants to provide funding to extend the trail to Hokah and La Crescent.
Three groups which were partnering with the city on the OHV Trail have requested that donations made to the city for the trial be returned to them. Quinn will review this request with the auditor to make sure it is appropriate. She noted that the money is still there and available. The council voted to proceed with refunding the money if it is okayed.
Oatmeal-Pecan-Raisin-Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 c. sifted flour 1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking powder 2 large eggs
1 tsp. baking soda 1½ c. quick oats
½ tsp. salt 1 c. coarsely chopped 1 c. butter or margarine pecans
1 c. brown sugar, packed lightly 1 c. raisins
1 c. granulated sugar 2 c. chocolate chips
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix at medium speed, butter or margarine, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla till light. Add eggs; blend well.
Reduce speed to low. Add oats and dry ingredients. Beat just till blended. Stir in pecans, raisins, and chocolate chips.
With damp hands, shape dough into 1½ inch balls, place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon dipped in water, flatten balls to ¾ inch thickness. Freeze for 15 minutes, or refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
Remove from wax paper; place 3 inches apart on greased baking sheet.
Bake in 375°F oven 14-16 minutes or till golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from baking sheet. Cool on rack.
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