City reviews quadplex plans and timeline; sets fireworks location

Plans for a quadplex sports facility and the location of the Independence Day fireworks show were among matters discussed Monday evening by the Houston City Council.

Robbie Mortensen, parks and recreation director, presented the council with a rough draft of a master plan for the quadplex, breaking the project down into 26 phases. Ideally, the four fields would be built one at a time starting in late 2025 and ending in 2029 with the entire project complete in 2030, according to Mortensen. Taking inflation into consideration, Turf Solutions Group, out of East Peoria, Ill., which did a site survey and Phase I professional design services for the project, estimates cost between $13.2 and $13.6 million. Mortensen believes that local work and avoiding federal prevailing wages will decrease the cost of the project significantly.

Fred Stottlemyre, Ward I alderman, stated the importance of hiring a good project manager. The city is pursuing leads for the manager. Sam Kelley, Ward I alderman, asked if an irrigation system for the turf fields had been discussed due to the temperature the fields can reach. Mortensen stated that it is possible. Turf and natural grass fields were discussed and what combination the city would like to pursue. Mortensen stated the importance of having a clear directive from the council on what to do next. No action was taken.

Mortensen also discussed corrections to be made at Emmett Kelly Park following a recent visit from Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA), the city’s insurance carrier. He stated that the corrections were all minor and will be made by the end of the week. It was also reported that golf memberships and revenue are up.

Kevin Buck, economic developer, discussed plans for Independence Day celebrations occurring Saturday, June 29. There will be vendors, the Lone Pine Band out of Licking, local businesses, a barbecue cookoff, car show, parade and fireworks show among other activities.

Robbie Smith, fire chief, discussed moving the fireworks show from the fairgrounds to the city airport. He stated that the pyrotechnics company has approved the radius. Concerns surrounding parking logistics were discussed. The council approved the fireworks display to be at the airport June 29, and then consider if it should remain there in future years following the event. The motion passed 5-1, with Kelley opposing.

In other matters:

• Heather Sponsler, clerk, stated that a wastewater flow study report will be complete in the next 30 days.
• Brad Rees, Industrial Development Authority (IDA), spoke to the council about finding someone to run a small business incubator in town. He stated that the IDA is willing to pay the individual $20 per hour for 20 hours a week for six months. The city will work on reviewing applications from past positions for potential candidates and advertise for the position.
• Janet Fraley, Texas County Library Foundation, asked the city to clean up under a stairwell at the storm shelter. The items need to be removed as construction at First and Pine streets has begun. She also stated that the final contract obligation is $2,312,535 and that the organization still has $200,000 in 70% state tax credits to sell.
• A resident discussed a civil matter between himself and a local business that he believed the city should have taken more involvement in. A complaint will be reviewed by the personnel committee.
• Members accepted an approximately $25,000 bid from Professional Roofing for full roof replacements on the electric and bus barns following storm damage.
• The council voted unanimously to move forward with plans for a subdivision on Oak Hill Drive to be named “Rawdon Tarn.”
• Better accounting processes and budget tracking of transfers were discussed.
• Several ideas to use $210,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were discussed including electricity to IDA property, street maintenance, advertising, park repairs, utilities, small business grants and land clearing for the quadplex. The money has to be designated by the end of the calendar year.
• Sean Smith, city attorney, stated that he is working on an update to the city’s “junk car” ordinance.
• Kelley is working with the fiber department on updating commercial and small business pricing.
• Don Romines, Ward III alderman, notified the council of a dead tree at 512 S. First St. that he believes should be addressed.
• Sheila Walker, Ward II alderwoman, asked about fixing an issue at the airport that only allowed customers to purchase $72 of fuel and other airport matters citizens requested.
• Angie Gettys, Ward III alderwoman, asked about animals being at the storm shelter. Several individuals stated that only service animals are allowed. The city will increase communication concerning the matter. Mayor Viki Narancich thanked the city departments for their service during recent storms.

At 8:17 p.m., the council adjourned into closed session.

The post City reviews quadplex plans and timeline; sets fireworks location appeared first on Houston Herald .