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Approves Liberty Tree, Stafford Opera House improvements
Columbus City Council appointed Captain James Chollett to be the city’s new fire marshal, approved a Liberty Tree project proclamation and expenditures for improvements to the Stafford Opera House, and more during its meeting, Monday, April 13.
Fire marshal
In Columbus, the fire marshal investigates the cause, origin and circumstances of every fire in the city that results in damaged or destroyed property and determines whether such fire was the result of carelessness or design. Chollett currently serves as a captain for the Columbus Volunteer Department and has been a volunteer for 18 years.
“I’m involved in just about anything I can be involved in in the community,” Chollet said. “I just look forward to helping anybody that I can.”
Chollett’s term as fire marshal will be for two years. Brent Gorman Jr. previously filled the title, but the position has been vacant for a few months. Mayor Lori An Gobert recommended his appointment to the council.
“We interviewed several candidates in two rounds of interviews, and I would recommend appointment James Chollett,” Gobert said.
Chollet also brings 15 years of emergency medical services experience shared between Colorado County EMS and Fort Bend EMS. He is an Eagle Scout. Chollett grew up in Columbus and has lived in or around the city his entire life. He is married to his wife Autumn with whom he has two children, a daughter named Harper and a son named Jackson.
Approvals
The city approved a proclamation to designate Thursday, April 30, as a celebration of the Liberty Tree and America’s 250th anniversary in partnership with the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Sons of the American Revolution. A Liberty Tree honors the original Liberty Tree in Boston, a secret planning spot for the Sons of Liberty during the American Revolution that was later destroyed by the British. A ceremony is scheduled for April 30; more details to come.
“Let it be known that the city of Columbus honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward with hope and unity as we continue the American story together,” the proclamation concludes.
The proclamation also gives tribute and appreciation to the Columbus High School agriculture students for the creation of the marker’s post, the Columbus High School Band for a musical performance at the ceremony, and local Vietnam Veterans for their planned presence at the ceremony.
City council also approved an expenditure of $60,000 by the Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation to the Columbus Historic Preservation Trust for exterior window and door improvements to the Stafford Opera House.
“The Columbus Community and Industrial Development Corporation board of directors found this project wi l l help with the safety, building integrity and aesthetics of the Stafford Opera House which serves both citizens and businesses of Columbus and further believes the availability of facilities for entertainment, conventions, and tourism is vital in promoting economic development within the City,” the resolution reads.
Paraprofessional Cody Graves was appointed to the Nesbitt Memorial Library Advisory Board for a term ending Oct. 1, 2029.
City Manager’s report City Manager Donald Warschak read off his biweekly report detailing administrative updates, Texas Department of Transportation projects’ progression and grant work.
For the wastewater treatment plant, a cost estimate from Strand Engineering for the project “substantially exceeds” the secured grant funding. City staff were scheduled to meet with Strand on Monday, April 13, to discuss cost drivers and options.
The equipment vendor for the city’s new splashpad will soon provide revised layout options and cost estimates for the city based on staff input. Warschak said the soonest the splashpad could be built is within six to eight weeks, depending on purchasing options.
The contractor for the Highway 90 Truss Bridge Rehab Project is close to completing the final coating on the bridge. Afterwards, the approaches to the bridge will be reworked. The completion date is estimated to be late April to May of this year.
The traffic lane transitions on Interstate 10 have been completed. Pulice is continuing their work on earthwork and structures east of the Colorado River and for the lanes between the Colorado River and BUS Hwy 71.
