The long-delayed project to build a hike-and-bike trail from downtown Mineola to the nature preserve got off the ground Monday.

The Mineola City Council approved a bid from Mike Rogers Construction Co. for $206,631 to build the trail along the old Katy rail bed from near Freeman St. to the south side of Loop 564, just across the highway from the preserve.

Mayor Jayne Lankford questioned what will be done with the historic bridge. The plans call for it to be restored.

She added that it may be the oldest rail bridge of its type in the state, about 150 years old.

The council also approved Traylor and Associates to oversee the city’s application for up to $300,000 for federal grant funds to pay for a new comprehensive plan.

The last such plan was done in 2005, and City Manager Mercy Rushing said it is overdue to be revised.

With the city growing, a new plan is needed, she added.

Following a public hearing, the council approved a zoning change for lots on McDaniels St. from single family to medium density.

Brady Chambers is planning to build up to eight town homes on the four lots, along with constructing access streets.

No one appeared at the hearing to oppose the plan, after several spoke at the planning and zoning hearing with concerns earlier this month.

The council called for an election May 4 for three positions, currently held by Sue Jones, Eric Carrington and Cassandra Sampson. Filing deadline is Feb. 16.

Also approved was holding a joint election with the school district.

A change order was approved for the 1888 Plaza project at S. Johnson and Commerce Streets to replace the adjacent sidewalks for $8,180.

The plaza will include restrooms, charging stations and seating.

The council agreed to grant Mineola ISD a lease for radio communications when its new tower is constructed off FM 49 just inside Loop 564.

The district will pay $2,000 per year, and the funds will go into a maintenance account.

Public Works Director Kyle McCoy reported on the two water main leaks that occurred during the freezing temperatures last week. Both were in an old 2-inch galvanized line in the middle of N. Pacific St.

McCoy proposed to move all the remaining connections from that line to a nearby 8-inch line and then vacating the line to avoid future repairs in the middle of the busy highway.