Photo by Wanda Hanson
Matt Mohs of Bolton & Menk visited the Houston City Council’s regular October 14 meeting to update the council on various projects in the city. First on his update was the Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funding opportunity. The funding cycle opened on September 16 with applications due on December 12. Construction would need to be completed during the years 2026, 2027 or 2028; the LRIP general obligation bond funds would expire December 31, 2029.
There is approximately $47M available this year with a maximum award of $4.5 per project. Because the Westgate Drive project “wouldn’t come close to that,” Mohs felt it would be more likely to be approved. “They like to spread the money out over more cities,” he explained.
LRIP grants must be used for streets that connect to highways. Westgate Drive with its connection to TH 16 and CSAH 13 strengthens the application. A pedestrian walk lane could be built into the project.
In 2021, the city had applied for LRIP but did not receive funding. With that application, a lot of information had been assembled which now could be used in writing this new application. Mohs encouraged the council that sometimes it takes a couple tries to be awarded such a grant. He noted that the person at Bolton & Menk who works on grants feels that Houston’s application should be very competitive and score well.
City Administrator Michelle Quinn noted that a new road would push heavy truck traffic out of residential areas. The industrial park has had trouble selling lots; a better road that could be used by semis would make the area more attractive to industries. PWD Randy Thesing shared that the utilities are good and would not need to be redone.
In order to apply, letters of support would be needed from local businesses and stakeholders. In the past the council, the fire department, Farmers Win, Houston County Highway Department and Flex Craft wrote letters of support and would be asked to again.
The council approved proceeding with an application; the cost of Bolton & Menk preparing the application will be around $4,000. If the grant is received there will be some additional “out-of-pocket” expenses for the city during the project. Quinn pointed out that the 403 account could be a capital source for the city.
Mohs reported that he has informed the state that Houston is still planning on construction next year for Spruce Street. Bolton & Menk will work with the county to wrap up the bidding documents by the end of the year.
The LSL (Lead Service Line) Replacement funding has been requested by the city of the state. The city would need to spend the money on the project and then get reimbursed by the state afterwards. If approved, the project would likely begin in mid-August or next fall.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Steve Skifton asked that the retirement benefit for firefighters be raised to $2,100 per year of service per member. He shared that the minimum funding ratio would remain at 109%; the department tries to keep the ratio between 108 and 115%. The council approved the increase.
Skifton also presented Austin Fishel for council approval as a probationary fire fighter to replace a recent retiree.
Public Works
The city interviewed two candidates for a city maintenance worker and selected Brody Thesing as the new worker. Danny Todd commented, “He’s young and very eager.”
With the upcoming retirement of Randy Thesing, Randy’s position will be posted internally.
SMIF
Aaron Johnson of SMIF visited the council meeting to share the many benefits of SMIF for Houston. He noted that for every dollar donation from Houston County, $12 is reinvested in the county. SMIF has supported 39 entrepreneurs, given 178 grants for community projects and invested a total of $2.8 million in the county.
Business financing, entrepreneurship, and early childhood development are all focuses of SMIF. Some of the local funding Johnson mentioned was a Paint the Town grant to Spring Grove for a mural, support for Ridgeway Community School and books to be given out at Houston’s Public Library.
Quinn informed the council that the usual contribution to SMIF had already been included in the proposed budget.
Other Business
In other business the council:
- Granted liquor licenses to JT’s Corner Bar & Grill and American Legion Post 423 pending receipt of necessary documents from the Legion;
- Gave Quinn permission to solicit bids for required publishing in a local paper;
- Approved the city covering the payroll tax (0.88%) to fund the mandated paid leave program (medical and family) for all city employees.
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