City Council

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS May 5, 2020 On May 5, 2020, a work session meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 411 West 8th Street, Odessa, Texas. Due to the COVID-19, the meeting was teleconferenced, as allowed by the Governor’s executive order. City Council was present through teleconference. City Council present: Mayor David R. Turner; Council members: Michael Shelton, District One; Dewey Bryant, District Two and Detra White, District Three; Tom Sprawls, District Four; Mari Willis, District Five; and Peggy Dean, At-Large. Others present: Michael Marrero, City Manager; Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, City Secretary; Natasha Brooks, City Attorney; Phillip Urrutia, Assistant City Manager; Cindy Muncy, Interim Assistant City Manager; and other members of City staff. Council member Sprawls gave the invocation. Resolution No. 2020R-34 - Second amended Economic Dev. Agreement between ODC and West Texas Food Bank. Wesley Burnett, Director of Economic Development, stated that the request was for a cooler that will allow for the accommodation of the USDA increased product to the food bank. It would decrease cost operations. The ODC approved the agreement. The second amendment would create five new jobs, a term of four years and expand the facility to increase capacity. Council member Bryant thanked the food bank staff for meeting a huge challenge. Libby Campbell, West Texas Food Bank Executive Director, reported that 900,000 pounds would be used in May. The Texas Department of Emergency Management sent staff to assist with building boxes. She reported that it would take six to eight weeks for the cooler to be built and installed. Motion was made by Council member Dean and seconded by Council member Sprawls to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Turner, Shelton, Bryant, White, Sprawls, Willis, and Dean Nay: None Ms. Campbell stated there would be an additional disaster outreach team to focus on Pleasant Farms, West Odessa areas and for high risk children to receive food. Purchase of the Real Time Intelligence Center for OPD ($169,250). Mike Gerke, Police Chief, stated that the real time intelligence center was with TV screens that feed into the Police Department and had many features. It will allow bringing in all information, into one place. It would create a video around the city for security at events in the community to be viewed by the police. The center will be at the Police Department on the second floor. The funds were for the first phase and the other phases would be paid through grants. The center would be staffed on an as needed basis with the intent of 24 hours staff in the future. Mr. Marrero stated that it contributed to the intelligence base policy. Council member Dean was appreciative of all the hard work and supported to provide public safety tools for Work Session Minutes May 5, 2020 Page 2 the community’s benefit. Council member Shelton asked to tour the Police facility. Chief Gerke would evaluate the current cameras on use with the center. Council member Willis thanked the police personnel. Purchase a FARO 3D scanner model 350S with software for OPD ($51,788). Chief Gerke stated that the scanner would be used in crime scenes and activities. He explained the use. Discuss opening of City park amenities. Steve Patton, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the courts and trails were open. He was waiting on the Governor’s direction. For reopening with the COVID-19. Many other cities were waiting until the Governor provided direction. He stated that the pool consultant could provide a delayed opening but would increase its price with a shorter season. There may be a staff shortage. He reported that pool water was safe and would be monitored. He was concerned with the children’s social distancing, patrons of children and families. The pools were used a babysitting facility. Mr. Patton stated that there would be cleaning cost increase. Council member Willis agreed to wait on the Governor’s order. She had concerns that the kids would not social distance and be prepared for school to open in August. Council member Dean suggested following the Governor’s protocol and keeping the option of possibility opening the spray ground only. Lifeguards would be needed at the UTPB spray ground. Council member White had concerns with the company charging more. Council member Willis emphasized that it be considered closely as the parents and community want the children back to school healthy. Discuss CARES Funding. Merita Sandoval, Director of Community Development, reported that the City was awarded $514,553 for the first round of the CARES funding. It was possible that the City would be awarded more funds in the third round based on the cities severely impacted by COVID-19. The CARES funding provided flexibility and the guidelines were reviewed. She stated that it must be used on low to moderate income. Some of the eligible activities included rent and utility payments for three months, Meals on Wheels, Family Promise, broadband internet, COVID-19 testing including nursing homes and housing tax credit apartments. Mrs. Sandoval stated that options for guidance to spend the funds included public hearings, applications and organizations. The funds could not be used on duplicated services, such as the broadband service project by MOTRAN. She stated that there was a great need of housing, rental and food assistance. Mr. Marrero stated that the City would fill the gap where services were needed. Staff would provide suggestions to Council. Discuss COVID-19 Antibody testing for First Responders and COVID-19 Update. Rodd Huber, Assistant Fire Chief, stated that the Texas Tech Health Science Center provided medical direction at no cost. He stated that nasal swabs were done daily. The antibody testing identified people that were exposed to the virus and did not know it. The test was $43. The Fire personnel did the blood and nasal testing. He stated that 450 public safety personnel would be tested at $19,350. It would provide better data on exposed cases. Jason Cooper, Director of Special Medical Operations Texas Tech Health Science Center, explained the nasal and antibody testing. The antibody testing would identify any past exposure and once exposed the body built immunity. The data would help to plan on addressing the virus. Mr. Marrero stated that the City would pay the cost out of the contingency fund. Council member White asked about families of first responders, if the test was positive. Mr. Cooper stated that the test was available at private clinics and would be based on the guidance of the physician on testing the family members. He was working with the health authority to track those that were exposed. Mr. Marrero would have a health department update. Mayor Turner stated that there was a holding pattern on reopening the Work Session Minutes May 5, 2020 Page 3 businesses. The numbers were being watched but lagged as test results were only provided on Tuesday and Thursday. The County opened up the game rooms as the County Attorney interpreted the law. Ms. Brooks stated that the game rooms would remain closed in the City. Discuss future scheduling of Council Briefing, Work Session and City Council meetings. Mr. Marrero asked for direction on upcoming meetings at City Hall or through teleconferencing. The technology provided the forum to continue city business. He thanked Council for their patience. Council member Dean recognized the need to meet. She recommended continuing the teleconference for the next two weeks then considering meeting in person depending on any changes. Council member Bryant stated that we should cautiously move forward. There was no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:21 a.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, TRMC, CMC David R. Turner City Secretary Mayor