City Council

CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS October 5, 2021 On October 5, 2021, a work session meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 3:00 p.m., Council Chamber, City Hall, 411 W. 8th St., Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor Javier Joven; Council members: Mark Matta, District One; Steven P. Thompson, District Two; Detra White, District Three; Tom Sprawls, District Four; Mari Willis, District Five; and Denise Swanner, At-Large. Others present: Michael Marrero, City Manager; Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, City Secretary; Natasha Brooks, City Attorney; Cindy Muncy, Assistant City Manager; Phillip Urrutia, Assistant City Manager; and other members of City staff. A quorum being present, Mayor Joven called the meeting to order, and the following proceedings were held: Council member Swanner gave the invocation. ECISD Broadband presentation. Dr. Scott Muri, ECISD Superintendent, stated that there was opportunity for the broadband issue. He provided background on families with the lack of internet during the pandemic. He outlined short term and long term solutions. Roy Lopez, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, acknowledged the collaboration effort for broadband and the leadership of the community. Dr. Muri reviewed the digital inclusion acceleration plan. The problem areas were identified and a lack of affordability and high speed for residents. The goal was to provide reliable high speed internet. Objectives and results included equity, inclusion, and transformation. He reviewed the fiber access network design and identified three models. Mayor Joven asked if there could be equitable partnerships on the investment. Council member Thompson stated that it would enhance the quality of life and increase the revenue stream. Council member Willis thanked Dr. Muri and the taskforce as there was a struggle with basic internet services across the community. Ravi Shakamuri stated that there were ECISD students that needed to be provided the same opportunity as all other students. He supported the broadband as it was an investment and improve student’s lives. Discuss the transfer of land to Odessa Housing Finance Corporation (OHFC). Jill Miller, Odessa Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director, requested that the transfer of land be made to OHFC to proceed with the engineering. Randy Brinlee, Director of Development Services, stated that the land was platted. Council member Thompson had concerns. He wanted to know cost per square foot per home. Ms. Miller stated that it was $139 per square foot and funds would be given back to the homeowner. Assistance was needed with infrastructure to develop 53 lots and a park. Council member Matta stated that $20,000 would be recouped to the homeowner and homes were needed on the southside and was not out of budget. He supported the building of the homes and not just apartments. The homes would be around $150,000 fully furnished with nice amenities. Council member White stated it was a large investment and other developers may expect the same type of funding. Ms. Miller stated that the builder was providing the price at cost, giving a park to the community, and wanted to bring its facility to Odessa. Scott Turner, developer, was present and stated that it would benefit the economy. Council member Sprawls stated it was a good project and wanted safeguards in the agreement. Council Work Session Minutes October 5, 2021 Page 2 Work with OfficeWise for station furnishings. Joey White, Assistant Fire Chief, stated that the bid was to OfficeWise, a local company, for Fire Stations #9 and #6. He reviewed the bids received and recommended the bid at a cost of $74,035.70 for the furniture. Amend Article 4-17 Game Rooms and Video Game Ordinance. Mr. Brinlee stated that the game room requirements were broad with no regulation. The game rooms were administered by the Police Department. The amendment would provide for regulations including distance requirements. He explained the grandfather clause, hours of operation, amended zoning and process. Monique Wimberly, Assistant City Attorney, explained the distancing regulations as pre-empted by State law. The game rooms were not allowed to sell alcohol. Matt Davidson, Deputy Police Chief, provided statistics on the game rooms of arrests, violations, and the number in the city limits. Adolfo Pando, business owner, was concerned with the game room next to his business as there were problems including theft and drugs. Renew annual HTE Superion software support. Mrs. Muncy stated that the HTE software required maintenance support. Renew annual software maintenance support for Munis ERP System. Mrs. Muncy stated that the new software required an annual maintenance support. Authorize the abandonment of alley right-of-way. Yervand Hmayakyan, City Engineer, stated that the abandonment was an alley right-of-way. The compensation for the abandonment was $7,181. Bid award for North Dixie Blvd. pavement reconstruction project. Mr. Hmayakyan stated that the lowest bid was to JD King Construction for $1,771,932.06. The purpose was to reconstruct roadway, curb, gutter, and concrete on North Dixie Blvd. The completion was 120 days. Tom Kerr, Director of Public Works/Utilities, stated that construction would begin after the first of the year. There was no change on the drainage. Motion was made by Council member Willis and seconded by Council member Sprawls to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, White, Sprawls, Willis, and Swanner Nay: None The meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, TRMC, CMC Javier Joven City Secretary Mayor