Navasota hosts TML Spring Meeting

Over 100 people embarked on historic downtown Navasota for the Texas Municipal League Region 14 Spring Meeting May 12, at P.A. Smith Hotel, hosted by the City of Navasota.

Several members of the Houston Galveston Area Council arrived a day early to explore the revitalized downtown district to shop, dine and explore the historical town through a paranormal point-of-view with a ghost tour.

City of Navasota Economic Director Rayna Teicheira shared the revitalization process, current growth and projected growth of the city. She spoke about projects to improve downtown beginning with a multimillion-dollar drainage project on Railroad Street, a new parking lot, sidewalk projects and more. City officials from towns varying in size took note as Teicheira described an array of grants that helped fund the projects.

With the opening of Texas 249, Navasota has become easily accessible for businesses and developers looking for a place to develop or relocate. To attract those businesses, Teicheira explained single and multifamily homes are a necessity. She spoke about the new developments that are bringing many new rooftops to the area.

TML attendees also heard from Gina Norris and her staff of family members from C-Force, a water and bottling company owned by her and her husband Chuck Norris. She shared the miraculous way the water was discovered from a rare aquifer while drilling a new well for their cattle ranch during a drought. She and her team spoke about the construction process, daily manufacturing process and marketing that has led to the water being distributed from coast-to-coast.

Information and tours Norris explained how the company funds the KickStart program her husband founded that teaches values and helps at-risk youth through martial arts. The Navasota ISD Kick-Start Kids program led by Master Ben Mendez intrigued TML attendees with a special performance on Railroad Street featuring an array of punches, kicks and weaponry. Following the exhibition, attendees boarded a bus to tour the C-Force Facility.

TML Vice President Pattie Pederson, who serves as a councilmember for the City of Navasota guided attendees on a walking tour through historic downtown, and P.A. Smith Hotel owner, Steve Scheve, explained the renovation of the historic hotel and provided a tour.