Kenneth Harvel

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the selection of testing and engineering firms for the recreation center and Landfill Remediation Project, the disposal of a surplus vehicle, the authorization to apply for a grant, and the destruction of aged financial records. The 2025 year-end financial report was accepted. Reports were provided regarding the potential transfer of hospital ownership, status updates on the new Fire Department site, and upcoming personnel events. Additionally, permission was granted for the installation of recreational instruments in a local park.

The agenda includes the consideration of an amended 2025 budget resolution, a resolution regarding the transfer of hospital ownership to Hempstead County, and an agreement for participation in the Trauma Assistance Program to support first responders. The Board will also address the potential decline of a 2026 Transportation Alternatives Program grant, review a change order for the purchase and installation of a pool slide at the Aquatic and Recreation Center, and discuss the final location of a restroom structure for the Northside Park Splashpad. Finally, the City Manager will provide updates on ongoing departmental projects.

The meeting included a working session prior to the main meeting to discuss value engineering cost reductions for the Recreation/Aquatic Center. Key agenda items included the presentation of a Distinguished Legislator award to State Representative Dolly Henley. The Board approved the implementation of a monthly debt service charge for sanitation customers, with different rates for residential, commercial bagged, and commercial dumpster services. The 2026 street overlay proposal, totaling 2,435 tons of work at a cost of $322,637.00, was approved. A request for sewer connection outside City limits was approved. Further actions involved the approval of value engineering selections for the Recreation Aquatic Center and the approval of two resolutions concerning the ANRC principal forgiveness loan for the Landfill remediation project (Resolution No. 2026-03 and Resolution No. 2026-04). Legal services were approved for the 2026 Sanitation Bond. Independent third-party testing for the Recreation Center was awarded to ETTL Engineers and Consultants, Inc. The City Manager reported the successful closing on the Fire Department property purchase.

Key discussion topics for this meeting include a review of previous minutes from February 17, 2026, discussion regarding third-party soil testing, consideration of declaring surplus property (specifically a truck), review of a grant application for the Firehouse Subs Foundation, and consideration for the destruction of certain financial records. The board will also review the 2025 Financial Report, which may be subject to minor modifications as the books are closed, and consider recommendations for Bond Counsel and Engineering services based on the Request for Qualifications process for the Landfill Remediation Project. Additionally, the City Manager will discuss the transfer of city ownership of the hospital to the County, with a resolution to be presented on March 17th in preparation for a dedicated sales tax initiative in June. Other items include updates on Fire Department Geo Tech completion, running of asbestos removal bids, and review of 2025 departmental reports.

Key discussions included the acceptance of the low bid by Ideal Construction for the Recreation/Aquatic Center, contingent upon specified changes. The Board approved the development of an ordinance for a debt service charge to fund needed Landfill Capital Improvements, including entering agreements with Raymond James for bond services and Taylor Marshall at the Friday firm for bond counsel. The Board considered RFQs for independent third-party testing at the Recreation Aquatic Center, tabling the motion to approve McClelland Engineering. An appointment was made to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Bids for Hot-mix Asphalt and Paving were accepted, awarding the contract to Tri-Stat Asphalt. The low bid for garbage bags was accepted from Houston Poly. Authority was granted to list Airport Property for industrial development at $500 per acre, per year. Under the City Manager's report, approval was granted for regular stop signs to replace the stop light at Third and Elm, and updates were provided regarding the Fire Station property closing and arrangements for a retirement party.