City discusses golf course, quadplex and nuisance ordinances

Recreation, park upgrades and ordinances were among matters discussed Monday evening by the Houston City Council.

GOLF COURSE AND QUADPLEX

Robbie Mortensen, parks and recreation director, said that golf memberships are up $10,000 this year, with 116 members currently. According to Lloyd Wells, city administrator, the city has made approximately 75% of the course’s budgeted revenues through seven months. Mortensen discussed how a liquor license could help the city increase revenues at the golf course. Adam and Willa Vandiver presented the council with an idea to open a food and beverage store upstairs at the course. They will meet with Wells to discuss a plan that will be presented to the board.

Mortensen informed the council that Turf Solutions Group, of East Peoria, Illinois, would not build a ball field for $3 million – the city’s bonding capacity. The city has currently paid half its $15,000 conceptual design contract to Turf Solutions Group. Council members agreed to either end the contract and pursue other options or complete a final discussion with, and payment to, Turf Solutions Group if obligated. Members will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 to discuss bonding options for the development which would be constructed on Thomasville Drive on property acquired by the city.

PARK UPGRADES

About $45,000 of the city’s approximately $210,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that must be allocated before the end of the year will be used for various park upgrades. Additionally, Kevin Buck, economic developer, presented the council with a device tracking software that would allow the city to use analytics to better assess events, potential business opportunities, street closures and more. The council approved $7,000 of ARPA funds to be used for a one-year subscription to the service – Placer.ai. Ward I alderman Sam Kelley opposed.

ORDINANCES

After receiving several questions and concerns from residents related to nuisance ordinances, the council decided to wait to do a second reading of two ordinances. The police and fire committee will meet with the police chief and city attorney to discuss a better version of the ordinances. Members also passed the 2024 tax levy of .3203 per $100 assessed valuation. It was .3202 in 2023.

OTHER MATTERS

• Trekk Design Group, of Kansas City, has completed smoke testing of the city’s water and wastewater systems. A presentation will be given at a future meeting.
• Two residents gave comments to the board – one concerning the need to handle stray animals with care and the other concerning a rising sewer bill.
• Council members approved Wells to solicit requests for qualifications from engineering firms to address curb, electrical and sewer issues.
• A policy change allowing police officers to take home city vehicles within a 20-mile radius – compared to the previous five mile radius – was approved.
• Members acknowledged that $153,000 has been spent on a contract with Complete Splicing Solutions for fiber splicing that was set to “not exceed $80,000.” The council voted to not amend the contract to extend it at this time and will have a utility committee meeting to determine next steps.
• Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, requested that the city look into a trap and release program for stray cats using ARPA funds. Wells will look into a grant that was given in Willow Springs for spaying and neutering.
• The city will work to move a fire hydrant in front of Sonic approximately 100 feet north to alleviate an issue with the system.

Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, was absent. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 8:12 p.m.

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