West University Place officials authorized the issuance of a Construction Manager-at-Risk, or CMAR, Pre-construction Phase contract with RAVA Construction, LLC, on Oct. 26 for the first phase of work related to the Milton Water Plant Improvements Project.

The motion to award the Houston-based general contractor a fixed fee of $190,417 for pre-construction services passed in a 4-1 vote, with council member Kalie Rainsberger voting no.

Why it matters: The improvements project seeks to upgrade West U’s nearly 70-year-old water plant located at the intersection of Milton Street and College Street.

Based on the results of past studies conducted by officials, the Milton Street Pump Station lacks sufficient space to update its pump capacity without having to take the entire station offline. Doing so would significantly impact and disrupt water service delivery to all residents in West U, according to information posted on the city website.

The gist: RAVA will undertake a dual role as West U’s consultant during the pre-construction phase and, potentially, as its general contractor during the construction phase, per the presentation.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is launching a new exhibit titled "Marvel: The Exhibition—Universe of Super Heroes." The exhibit explores the company's 85-plus-year history and its worldwide impact.

What to expect: Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see:

• Over 150 rare and original artifacts from Marvel Studios, including authentic props and costumes.

• Drawings and artwork by comic artists Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

• Exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the creation of iconic stories and characters.

The Marvel Universe spans popular comic books, television and film series such as "The Avengers," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "X-Men" and "Spider-Man."

Something to note: The exhibit debuts Dec. 18 for members only and opens to the public Dec. 19. Tickets cost $40 for adults and $30 for children, which include access to all permanent exhibit halls at the museum.

• 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston

Houston City Council member Alejandra Salinas introduced an ordinance to combat illegal construction waste dumping.

A closer look: The new ordinance, called Keep Houston Clean, would require those managing construction, demolition and renovation projects to submit proof of lawful waste disposal after construction ends.

The ordinance would establish two requirements for covered projects, to be met before and after construction.

How it works: Before construction, those responsible for the project would be required to submit a waste management plan that identifies how and where construction debris will be lawfully disposed of. This would occur before they receive a permit.

After construction, project leaders would be responsible for providing proof of lawful disposal, such as landfill receipts or weight tickets, to receive a certificate of occupancy or final inspection approval.

Stay tuned: The ordinance is expected to be considered by City Council in November.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will offer complimentary rides to and from the polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.

How it works: To receive a free ride, riders must show their voter registration card to a METRO operator or fare inspector when boarding. Regular fares still apply during the early voting period, as the complimentary rides are only available on Election Day.

Available fare services for the offer include: METRORail, local bus routes, METROLift, curb2curb and community connector.

“Every voter deserves the opportunity to make their voice heard, and transportation should never stand in the way,” said METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock via news release.

One more thing: METRO leaders encourage riders to plan their trips using the transit authority's Trip Planner and to confirm polling locations before traveling. Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you don't have plans yet, check out this list of ways to celebrate the spooky season in Houston.

Scream on the Green: Get your Halloween costumes ready for a festive night at Discovery Green on Oct. 30. The spooky celebration will feature a costume contest, living sculptures, games, spooky music and photo opportunities.

Halloween Foam Party: Celebrate Halloween with a splash at POST Houston on the Skylawn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 31. This all-ages event will feature purple and orange foam machines, family-friendly music and costume contests.

BARC-O-WEEN: BARC, the city of Houston's animal shelter, invites Houston residents on Oct. 31 to celebrate the holiday with an adoption event. All adoption fees will be waived. The event includes family activities such as trunk-or-treating, local vendors, food trucks and free St. Arnold's for adults.

This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.