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KINGWOOD — The City of Kingwood received $674,580.94 in American Rescue Plan Act funds Tuesday. The funds are non-recurring, and the city will receive the remainder in April 2022.
“I would like to reach out to the ones who have lost revenue,” Councilman Bill Robertson said. “And use the remainder for water and sewer and do the day-to-day projects we need to do.”
Mayor Jean Guillot agreed, but added that he believes half of the funds should be set aside for future use or emergencies. The city has to use the funds according to ARPA guidelines.
No further action was taken.
In other business, council members discussed updating the Kingwood City Pool.
Kingwood Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Stiles told council members they needed to figure out what they want to do now “instead of waiting for March.”
“We need to decide now so we can be ready to go next spring,” he said. “Get a design and put it out for bids.”
“If we bring in a splash pool I wouldn’t mind seeing a slide as well as a kiddie pool and a dive board,” Guillot said. “I’d like to attract the whole family.”
Councilman Josh Fields said council should look for something that could be expanded in the future.
Councilman Michael Lipscomb said council should find out what it can get for $200,000. Robertson said the city already has $180,000 for the pool in the budget.
Council asked Stiles to get prices for items but took no further action. Council also asked Whetsell to get prices for new Christmas bulbs, and City Supervisor Bruce Pyles to get prices for banners honoring members of the armed services.
A discussion about the TextMyGov app was also on the agenda. Robertson, who represents the city on the Kingwood Water Board said he discussed it with board members and they declined participating.
The TextMyGov app uses smart texting technology that would allow the city to send notifications to citizens and allow them to report water leaks and other public works issues. The cost of the service would be $4,200 for the first year and $3,000 every year thereafter.
“I believe it would be very useful,” Fields said. “My fear is people won’t take the opportunity to learn to use it.”
“If we do do this, I believe water should be on the board,” Guillot said. “They should have a say in it.”
Whetsell said she would attend the next water board meeting and make a presentation of the app for the board members.
The Blueprint Community Pocket Park will soon have metal picnic tables, benches and a bike rack. Whetsell said the items cost $4,000 and would belong to the City of Kingwood.
Whetsell said members of the Blueprint Community also discussed moving Veteran’s Park to the Pocket Park lot. She said another project discussed was adding a wall with some art work.
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