The Pattison City Council Thursday authorized work to begin on a grant application that, if approved, would help the city clean culverts and remove other possible barriers in case of a flood.

Mark Dessines, vice president of SPI in Houston, is working with the city to prepare the paperwork, which must be submitted before the end of April. The council met in special session to authorize the paperwork because of the quick turnaround required.

The grant is part of a forthcoming city-wide master storm water drainage plan.

In discussing the need for such a plan, Mayor Joe Garcia said the city was built on a higher elevation, with water runoff going southwest towards Bessie’s Bayou.

Dessines said the city had a head start on the paperwork because of already-existing topographical surveys and other information, including topographical surveys.

In other action, the council authorized Garcia to sign the H-GAC (Houston-Galveston Area Council) Household Hazardous Waste collection event contract. It also authorized Garcia to sign the Waller County Election Contract for the May 7 municipal election.