Council approves short-term fix for fire station repairs

The Navasota City Council held a Regular Meeting Monday, Feb. 24, and approved a bid from Aggieland Construction in the amount of $39,940 for temporary repairs at the Navasota Fire Station as well as regulations for wireless communication towers. (See related article on page 10)

City Manager Brad Stafford told council, “As most of you are aware, we’ve struggled with the fire station over recent years with lots of water damage in a building that basically has outlived its life span.”

Referencing the report from AWA Environmental, Navasota Fire Chief Jason Katkoski said, “One of the things we’ve been battling over the years is mold due to water penetration through the roof, primarily the north wall of the building. What we’re concentrating on, what you’re going to see the quote for, is doing something in the upstairs. That’s the primary area where the staff sleep and eat and hold their nightly activities.”

Katkoski provided a dozen photos that details the rot around windows, water seepage between bricks from lack of a moisture barrier, the effects of high humidity levels in the kitchen and bathrooms, mold in insulation and accompanying foundation issues. He said that the staff most affected by the mold have moved their sleeping quarters downstairs.

Katkoski said the firehouse is 25 years old and “we’ve been fighting some of this for 10 years.” He added that the City has attempted to treat the mold, and its claims for storm damage over the years have all been denied. Katkoski said he hasn’t found anyone who will guarantee removing the mold permanently, but the repairs will “buy some time.”

Mayor Bert Miller who described the fire station as ‘built on the cheap,’ said, “We have a short-term issue and a long-term issue and they both need to be dealt with. We can deal with the short-time tonight, but I think the process needs to begin to find financing or funding or someway to look at a new station.”

Stafford advised that funding has been found in the budget for repairs but how to fund a new fire station requires information they don’t presently have. Katkoski is working on finding a professional firm to help determine pricing.

Stafford said, “Without some sort of ballpark figures, we can’t figure out the ‘how.’”

Sign ordinance amended

Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 916-20, amending the Chapter 3, Article 3.06 clarifying definitions, quantity and size of monument, banner, wall mounted and programmable electric signs.

Diosdado said, “We added additional language to the monument sign that says no open space between the bottom base of the sign and the permanent structure.”

Quantity was amended to one per business location, or one per lot or parcel. Square footage for a flag sign was set at 8-foot height, 2-foot wide.

Council approves gas, waste hauling contracts

With the current natural gas contract expiring Feb. 29, council approved a new 3-year contract with CenterPoint Energy Services. Stafford told council there is no premium markup and the contract is “basically identical to the last.”

Council also unanimously approved a one-year extension to the solid waste collection contract with Republic Services. The current contract ends Jan. 31, 2021 and allows for extension for up to three one-year periods with written notice of 180 days prior to expiration, and one extension has already been given.

Other council action:

•Received a report from Marketing & Communicators Coordinator Madison Brooks about the city’s new website and citizen critique.

•Approved the second reading of Ordinance 915-20, Municipal Court fees.

•Approved a Resolution No. 668-20 approving a joint election contract between the City of Navasota, Grimes County and NISD for the May 2 Election at a cost to the City of approximately $3,800. It was noted that NISD will not be having an election.

•Approved the first reading Ordinance 918-20 amending the Right of Way management ordinance. This amends Ordinance 913-20 adopted Jan. 27 after staff discovered the incorrect version was attached to the city council agenda packet missing key requirements added by city staff that include GIS line data as part of the as-built plans, documentation requirements verifying existing utilities to avoid tolerance zone issues and safe excavation procedures.

Staff report:

•Reviewed the first quarter report for 2020 from the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.

•New city employees introduced: Julie Harper, Utility Billing Manager; Joe Munoz, Gas Department; Alan Somers, Meter Maintenance Tech.

•City Secretary Susie Homeyer announced Navasota Citizen’s University will begin a four-week class March 23-April 27. The cost is $25 and limited to 10 participants.

•Marketing & Communications Coordinator Madison Brooks announced that $60,000 in sponsorships have been finalized for the Texas Birthday Bash.