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The Tomball City Council heard about the successful week long clean up effort during their regular meeting May 6.

The Tomball public works department recently held a clean up week and consolidated recycling day for city residents.

"This is just one of those events that are at the top of the list of things that I do that are rewarding," said Tomball Public Works Director David Kauffman.

The department has held a clean up week for 14 years now, according to Kauffman. The week consists of city workers chipping and disposing of yard brush and removing various bulk items like fridges and furniture from residents homes.

For the last three years the city has added a recycling day.

"This started with myself and the chiefs getting together with Sgt. Rebecca Carlisle for the prescription drug take back with the DEA, plus the demand we had from the public for the recycling of electronics, paper shredding and that kind of thing," Kauffman said.

Kauffman reported that 150 cubic yards of bulk waste was collected, 270 cubic yards of brush and limbs, as well as 327 pounds of prescription drugs.

"When you remove that amount of prescriptions from the wastewater treatment system, it's big," he said. "If you were to flush 10 pounds of antibiotics down the toilet, then 10 pounds of antibiotics would end up in the creek. It doesn't dissipate in the treatment system."

Kauffman also said that 11,140 pounds of electronics were recycled, three tons of mixed household items, 181 gallons of used oil, 30 gallons of antifreeze and 6,000 pounds of paper was shredded.

"That amount of paper saved 52.3 trees, 10 kilowatt hours of energy, 10.2 cubic yards of landfill space, almost 22,000 gallons of water and 185.4 pounds of air pollution," he said.

In other business the council unanimously passed a proposal to sell bonds that will be used to finance the infrastructure for the Tomball Economic Development Corporation's planned business park. The TEDC will be responsible for paying the bond payments.

Kauffman also reported that the city was ready to accept a proposal to build the long-awaited restroom facility at the Depot Plaza. Council agreed to award the contract to KBR for an amount not to exceed $183,000.

Magnolia resident Thomas Reynolds took first place in the Hushpuppy Eating Contest presented by Snookie's Fish Camp & Grill at the recent "Rails & Tails Mudbug Festival" in Tomball. Snookie's owner Rachael Holyfield looks on as Reynolds finishes off another one. Tomball Marketing Director Mike Baxter said that more than 2,400 pounds of crawfish, 300 pounds of shrimp and 100 pounds of alligator were consumed by the record crowd of nearly 7,000.

The Tomball ISD Board of Trustees is inviting the public to an open house and reception honoring Superintendent John Neubauer, May 22, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the John P. Neubauer Administration Building, 310 S. Cherry St. Neubauer is retiring in June, after 46 years with the district. For details call 281-357-3100.

The Tomball Yellow Rose of Texas Republican Women's Club will be holding a Tribute to Veterans event May 18, at 6:30 p.m., at Nona's Italian Grill, 1025 Alma St. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information contact Roxy at 832-515-1682 or mail in advanced payment to P.O. Box 1323, Tomball, TX, 77377.

Lisa Griffin of the Tomball Fire Department was recognized as Officer of the Month at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce First Friday Networking Lunch-eon, May 3. Griffin was acknowledged for outstanding service and initiative on the job. Pictured are (from left) Debbie Gray of Woodforest National Bank, Griffin and Tomball Fire Chief Randy Parr.