City discusses fiber, spending

The state of the city’s fiber internet program and spending were among matters discussed Monday evening by the Houston City Council.

Sam Kelley, Ward I alderman, presented an update on the installation of high-speed internet to homes and businesses following a utility committee meeting. According to Kelley, 263 hookups are complete, with 57 serviceable of 357 signed up waiting. It is believed that 10 aerial and 13 buried hookups can be completed at this time. He noted that while the department completes two to three hookups per week, approximately six to 10 are worked on.

Commercial operations in the city, most notably the justice center, have proven to slow down progress, and in the case of the justice center, be cost-prohibitive. Kelley suggested that the city update its ordinance to split up business from commercial to expedite the process of hooking up small businesses that have different needs than commercial outposts.

The city’s outside splicing contract ends in August, making serviceable hookups a priority and a decision on continuation to be made at that time. Planning to make the new subdivision on Oak Hill Drive fiber-friendly and feasible was discussed.

Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, said the fiber project has been difficult and expressed frustration. Other council members expressed concern with the amount of money the department is losing, and the future viability of fiber internet. The utility committee will meet to discuss these concerns, future planning and an ordinance update.

Following questioning from Kelley, Mayor Viki Narancich stated that $30,451.38 has been paid to Schraeder Law Firm, of St. Louis, for union negotiations year-to-date, bringing the total to $47,460.57. Kelley requested that he would like Ivan Schraeder to appear in person more often and stated that negotiations have not occurred. Angie Gettys, Ward III alderwoman, requested itemized invoices.

Kelley questioned why the city paid $4,900 to Chilton Oil for a 1,000 gallon propane tank when it could have been leased for free. Robbie Smith, fire chief, stated that by owning the tank, the city is able to shop potentially better fuel prices. Kelley also questioned the city’s lack of transferring funds from the police, fire and parks sales tax to the general fund to cover costs for the fire training facility (approximately $700,000). Smith stated that although the tax only has approximately $500,000, the money will be recouped. Kelley said that the budget has not been properly amended to reflect these payments and that transfers haven’t taken place because there isn’t enough money. The city has paid for these items out of the general fund. He also stated that between the lack of transfers for the fire training facility and the land for the quadplex, the city has missed out on thousands of dollars of interest income that would have been earned through its high-yield checking account.

In other matters:

• Members gave Kevin Buck, economic developer, authority to pursue a bioeconomic development opportunity zone market study. The study – covered by non-matching grant funds – will give Houston a rating based on readiness for bio-manufacturing. Companies in the industry will receive the report and potentially reach out to Buck to consider developments in the area.
• A bid from Robertson’s Heating & Air was approved for two air conditioning units and a mini-split.
• Members gave Heather Sponsler, clerk, authority to transfer approximately $55,000 in funds from a checking account at The Bank of Houston to a 13-month, 4.75% interest certificate of deposit (CD) at The Bank of Houston.
• Council members and employees will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 28 to discuss discrepancies and confusion concerning the city’s new pay scale.
• Members were tasked with brainstorming ways to spend roughly $187,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The money can be used for most expenses.
• Narancich questioned if interest income is appropriately reflected in the budget. The clerk and administrator will investigate.
• The council approved a picnic license for a June 22 golf tournament at the Houston Municipal Golf Course to benefit Shop with a Hero. The vote passed 4-1, Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, opposed.
• Don Romines, Ward III alderman, stated that the city’s retail industry – based on sales tax revenue – is strong and steady, despite what is published in area papers.
• Matt Woodmansee, lieutenant, stated that he and Police Chief Brad Evans are working on proposed updates for a junk car ordinance.
• Narancich presented sample binders that could be given to every city committee member to make rules, ordinances, contacts and expectations clear.

Tim Ceplina, Ward II alderman, and Lloyd Wells, administrator, were absent from the meeting. At 7:46 p.m., the council adjourned into closed session.

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