The City of Houston hopes to finalize paperwork details soon to launch a yearlong $3.2 million construction effort that will result in a new wastewater treatment plant.
A bond attorney, Carson Elliff, met with the council Monday to complete a $1.75 million loan that will aid in financing the project north of the existing 1970s-era plant. Another $1.75 million grant also was received. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is adding another $500,000 grant to aid in making other system improvements.
Another top priority for the city is reducing infiltration into the city’s sewer system. The issue is a priority for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, said Larry Sutton, city administrator.
The city hopes to develop a plan to tackle the problem in Houston by January. That includes identifying broken pipes, problem manhole covers and other sources of water running into the system. In addition to mapping, use of cameras to enter the system will likely be used.
In other matters, members:
-Continue to review an electric rate study looking at possible options to increase revenue for the department. Recent rate increases have covered the cost of hikes in wholesale power, but haven’t helped provided additional revenue to handle inflationary rises. Talks will continue.
-Appointed Rhonda Neal as a park board member. The alternate is Leroy Motzkus Jr.
-Heard that the city has received $21,000 from the federal Emergency Management Agency for storm damage received in May. It’s the second check of four expected allotments totaling about $29,000.