Government
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
County, Conroe approve David Memorial plans Conroe City Council and Montgomery County Commissioners Court on April 23 approved an interlocal agreement tied to the final stretch of the David Memorial Drive extension. The agreement clears the way for the county to build the final 1,500 feet of the roadway from the Conroe city limits to Hwy. 242. The details Under the agreement, Montgomery County would handle the engineering plans, bid the project out for construction and manage the work. Conroe will review and approve the plans, and they have 15 days to notify the county in writing after receiving notice if they object. Former Conroe City Administrator Gary Scott said the county would also contribute up to $3 million toward the project, which needs right-of-way from Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Conroe city leaders retire May 13 Gary Scott, Conroe city administrator and acting city attorney, and Deputy City Admin- istrator Nancy Mikeska retired May 13. The gist Scott and Mikeska confirmed the retire- ments in a May 11 email, and said Mayor Duke Coon told them May 8 that the city was “immediately going in a new direction.” In a May 12 interview, Coon said the retirements were Scott and Mikeska’s decision. Diving in deeper The retirements come less than two months after Conroe City Council voted to end executive contracts for several city employees, including Scott and Mikeska, and convert their employment to at-will status, per prior reporting. Conroe City Council was set to meet May 20, after press time, to discuss and consider retaining outside professional services or engaging with potential candidates to support the administration and operation of the city.
Conroe approves fire station repairs Conroe City Council approved two fire department-related contracts April 9, which include structural repairs at Fire Station No. 5 and a new fill station and compressor for Fire Station No. 8. What you need to know The council approved a contract with Crowned Eagle Construction for $79,988 to complete structural repairs at Fire Station No. 5 after Fire Chief Paul Sims said city staff found deeper issues while addressing mold in the station’s evidence room. After the mold issue was remediated, staff evaluated the structure behind the walls and found damage tied to termites. A new breathing air compressor and containment fill system for Fire Station No. 8 for $69,102 was also approved by the council.
David Memorial Drive extension
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Scott said Conroe’s portion would come from a regional participation account tied to a 2007 agreement with The Woodlands Township, with about $501,000 available for joint projects. Conroe’s money would be released once the county secures the needed right of way from the hospital. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
Montgomery reviews $192K in park upgrades
Homecoming Park
Montgomery officials are looking at new play- ground and fitness upgrades for Homecoming Park as part of a planned park improvement project. During an April 28 Montgomery City Council meeting, Tim Duckworth with Cunningham Rec- reation presented a proposal for new equipment at the park, including a play structure, swings, shaded areas and outdoor fitness equipment. No
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The plan includes:
City officials said $200,000 was set aside during last year’s budget process for park improvements, with the goal of making major upgrades at Home- coming Park. The proposed project totals about $192,300, according to the presentation. Duckworth said the city was also able to apply about $51,993 in state initiative funding, bringing down the cost of the equipment package. Stay tuned City officials said the Homecoming Park design could still see minor changes, such as color adjust- ments, but the city would need to stay close to the proposed playground setup to keep the current funding opportunity.
New playground equipment Swings, including toddler seats and a disc swing A spring rider
A stand-up seesaw Two shade canopies
Americans with Disabilities Act-approved features, including a transfer platform Outdoor fitness equipment
SOURCE: CITY OF MONTGOMERY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Staff also said Cedar Brake Park could be next in line for upgrades. Duckworth is expected to visit that park and provide numbers that could be discussed during the next budget process.
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