Houston City Council members met Wednesday, June 12 at Houston City Hall. Mayor Scott Wallace called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and led with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Wallace, Zeb Baumann, Emily Krage, Cody Mathers, and Steve Westby. City Administrator Michelle Quinn was also present.
Bolton & Menk, Inc. project manager, Derek Olinger, provided a brief presentation to the Council and audience about the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project. “Good evening everyone, good to see everyone here!” Olinger welcomed. Olinger informed last time that a neighborhood meeting had been held, this time, an improvement hearing will take place where Houston residents have the opportunity to ask questions.
Mayor Wallace questioned Olinger about whether or not trees present on the affected streets will need to be removed. Olinger responded, from a cost standpoint, the trees will likely be removed. On a positive note, Olinger shared that if there is an opportunity to leave the current trees as is, then said trees will be left alone. Any trees that need to be removed will be replaced.
Other questions of concern included the water line, sidewalk width to maintain, available grant options, whether or not the assessments includes sidewalks, how residents are supposed to access their driveways, and businesses on Grant Street being affected.
Olinger answered the questions brought to attention. In regards to the sidewalk width to maintain, the new ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standard is five feet wide. In regards to the assessments including sidewalks, special assessments will be made that are unique to residents’ properties. In regards to businesses on Grant Street being impacted, there will be normal access on Grant Street, however, things will be a little dusty.
The existing conditions that warrant reconstruction on Spruce Street include:
•Sidewalks not being ADA complaint, in addition to having cracks
•A 50-plus-year-old sanitary sewer having roots, cracks, calcification, and shallow depth
•A 50-plus-year-old water system that has experienced corrosion which makes it susceptible to breaks.
Olinger acknowledged that, “This is a project that is in partnership with Houston County.” The county’s share of the project will include $1,129,885.21 while the city’s share of the project will include $1,467,499.40.
The council unanimously approved to move forward with the 2025 Street & Utility Improvements project.
The gambling permit for Houston’s Hoedown Bingo gained unanimous council approval. City Administrator Quinn commented, “This is something we’ve done in years passed.”
Ron Evenson, who sat in the audience, chimed in. Evenson announced he will be retiring this year and that he has been on Houston’s Hoedown board for 50 years. Evenson stated the Hoedown board is always looking for some younger people to take up where what was left off. Evenson thanked the council, the city crew, and all who helped with Houston’s yearly Hoedown.
Councilor Baumann moved, seconded by Westby, to approve the Houston Hoedown fireworks display permit. Motion carried.
Eagle Scout Elliot Frauenkron presented his Eagle Project Proposal to the council. “What was the inspiration?” questioned Councilor Baumann. Frauenkron stated he wanted the football field to be more easily accessible for those with disabilities. Council member Mathers moved, seconded by Krage, to approve Frauenkron’s proposal. Motion carried.
Westby shared with the council that he was approached by one of American Legion’s members about the inclusion of a helicopter on a pedestal to the town’s Veteran’s Memorial Park; the American Legion wanted to know if the city was interested. The project would cost the city nothing. The proposed helicopter would compare to La Crescent, Minnesota’s Bell UH-1 helicopter on display at their Veteran’s Park. Westby suggested the council speak with Hoedown to see what their thoughts on this are. Council member Mathers added, “I think it’s definitely worth looking into more!” Evenson chimed in, saying he thinks the helicopter would be a nice addition to the Veteran’s Memorial. The council gave permission for the idea to be pursued more.
Houston’s Chief of Police, Brett Hurley, shared that officer Josh DeBoer will be resigning. DeBoer generously offered to work during Houston Hoedown days. Chief of Police Hurley wanted to post the full-time officer position to which the council approved.
The council meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
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