By Wanda Hanson
The Houston City Council dealt with an unusual request as they kicked off their August 10, 2020, regular meeting. Dan Smith proposed that he would like to be able to harvest native plant seeds at Trail Head Park. In return, he would take care of maintenance of the area. City Administrator Michelle Quinn noted that it took special knowledge to collect the seeds at the best time with no harm to the established plants.
Previously, Alan Wade of Prairie Moon Nursery had an agreement with the Houston Nature Center to harvest seed there. He had given half of the seed he collected to the Nature Center, resulting in a donation of around $3,000 some years.
As the council considered Smith’s proposal and attempted to put a value on the maintenance of the area, Jerry Mueller asked to address the council. Mueller had been harvesting seed on the dike when he was stopped by an officer. Mueller contended that since there was no ordinance against harvesting the seed and there was no bid process, it seemed that the public has the right to be there and harvest seeds. Mueller stated, “There is a definite value there.” He also commented that there had been some chemical damage there.
Mueller urged the council that the government should not show favoritism to people. “I would like an opportunity to bid on that (the permission to harvest seeds).” He was not, however, interested in doing the maintenance of the area in return.
The council ultimately decided to allow Dan Smith, Jerry Mueller, and Don Rogich to collect the native seeds this year. Over winter they will decide on a process to allow the harvest next season.
Requests for funding from the CARES act were presented by Anna Frauenkron and Christine Cox of the Houston Ambulance. The ambulance is currently often running with a crew of two to minimize COVID exposure to the crew members. A power lyft and cots were requested to help lifting patients into the ambulance; this would help prevent back injuries for the crew. Zoll monitors were also on the request list; these new monitors could be taken into a patient’s home to aid in taking patient vitals. The current monitors have a cloth covering that cannot be cleaned easily, and Toughbook computers that could easily be cleaned as well. It was noted the old computers could be used elsewhere by the city if they were replaced. A Lucas Device to help provide CPR assistance made the wish list as well. Ambulance Director Cox reminded the council they had asked for items the ambulance might need as they operated during COVID; the ambulance will continue to serve the community, but this equipment would help them a lot. She noted that the costs quoted reflected a 35% COVID discount.
Superintendent of Houston School, Krin Abraham, emailed a request for CARES funding from the city as well, noting the need for new elementary teacher computers, masks, and other safety protections.
The council took no action on any of the COVID CARES Act funding requests.
The amount of $628.17 for COVID protection for the primary elections was supplied from Houston County CARES funding. Transparent dividers, masks, and hand sanitizer will provide a safer voting experience for the residents.
The council set the amount of $10,000 for the COVID business assistance grant application would offer. Any qualifying applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis.
With bids in for the community center and $77,460 cash on hand from donations by AcenTek and MEnergy, the council decided to proceed with a resolution for a bonding bill for the approximately $164,400 necessary for the project. Approval of the project will result in about $24.00 per year for real estate taxes on a $100,000 property.
The council went on to consider requests from John Langheinrich for the Houston Nature Center. A COVID safety barrier quote was approved for exhibits. The center was given permission to develop a schedule allowing for more open time over the weekend and less during the week when there were fewer visitors. Camping fees at the center will continue to be reduced through the end of the season in hopes of increasing park usage. The council also approved allowing Mike Jeresek to donate and install wood duck houses at the center. The Nature Center will work with Jeremy Kappinski and his group of deer hunters as they have in the past.
In other action the council:
•Approved pay estimate #3 for $221,287.47 from contractors for city street work;
•Decided to postpone sewer plant project until spring when there is a better chance of getting grants;
•Learned that a plan will be developed for televising sewers in pertinent areas;
•Heard complaints about illegal fireworks in the city —residents are urged to call in complaints; Police Chief Brett Hurley will deal with the situation further;
•Decided to proceed with action on the code violations of a dead tree at 102 South Grant.
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