City Council

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS June 11, 2024 On June 11, 2024, a regular meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 5th floor, City Hall, 411 W. 8th, Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor Javier Joven; Council members: Mark Matta, District One; Steven P. Thompson, District Two; Gilbert Vasquez, District Three; Greg Connell, District Four; Chris Hanie, District Five; and Denise Swanner, At-Large. Staff present: Norma Aguilar, City Secretary; John Beckmeyer, City Manager; Dan Jones, City Attorney; and other members of City staff. A quorum being present, Mayor Joven called the meeting to order, and the following proceedings were held: Roll call. Ms. Aguilar conducted the roll call for the City Council. The invocation was given by Pastor Todd Starnes, Odesa First Assembly of God, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas flags. Proclamations, Presentations, and Awards. None. Citizen’s comments on non-agenda items. No comments. Consent Agenda 1. City Council work session minutes, May 28, 2024; 2. City Council minutes, May 28, 2024; 3. Resolution No. 2024-62 - Purchase Verkada cameras to be installed outside of Firehouses 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and Central. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the consent agenda items. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie and Swanner Nay: None Regular Reject all current Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design and construction of a new municipal parking garage and approve a request for a new Request for Proposals (RFP) that considers alternative design solutions and revisions to proposal criteria. Jeffrey Fisher, Strategic Development and Policy Manager, recommended to reject the RFQ to broaden the search and include automated parking. The existing garage would be demolished as the garage was in bad repair. Mayor Joven asked for the cost and maintenance for the project. There would be 450 spaces with four stories. Council Minutes June 11, 2024 Page 2 Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Matta to reject the RFQ for design and construction of a new municipal parking garage and approve the new RFP to revise the criteria. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie and Swanner Nay: None Reject the bid for Commanche Trail Park pond liner replacement. Max Reyes, Director of Parks & Recreation, stated that the scope of the pond liner would be changed for a better option and be less cost. There was one bid submitted. Motion was made by Council member Swanner and seconded by Council member Connell to reject the bid for Commanche Trail Park pond liner replacement. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie and Swanner Nay: Thompson Public Hearing Resolution No. 2024R-63 – Open a public hearing and consider the allocation of $888,487 in Program Year 2024 Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG), $26,436 in CDBG program income funds, and $74,270 in unprogrammed CDBG fund; HOME Investment Partnership Program fund allocation of $313,619. Vashati Curry, Interim Director of Community Development, stated that $888,487 was received in CDBG funds with a total funds of $989,193. She reviewed the Community Development’s request for funds that included program administration, housing rehabilitation, demolition, short-term rental, and lawn moving program. She reviewed the caps for public services. There was $313,619 in HOME funds. Kara Evenson-Dorethy, Family Promise, stated that there was a new center and a van for reliable transportation. She discussed the services that were provided. Oscar Romo, Odessa Links, stated that Project Hope was to reduce homelessness. He explained the program. Andrea Quiroz stated that a HUD grant of $305,000 was received and it was a matching grant. Cindy Garcia, Meals on Wheels, stated that 725 individual meals were served daily. They served all demographics. Robert Coriston, Salvation Army, stated that there was a homeless problem. Salvation Army provided a safe place and three meals. He requested funds for salaries, security, and lockers. Each Council member provided a recommendation for CDBG funds. Ms. Curry explained the public service cap as it was imposed by HUD. Craig Stoker verified the meals provided inside the city limits. The HOME requests were reviewed. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Swanner and seconded by Council member Matta to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Council Minutes June 11, 2024 Page 3 The following CDBG Fund allocations were funded: Program Administration $150,000 Housing Rehabilitation 544,455 Demolition 130,000 Short-term rental assistance program 15,000 Elderly/Disabled Lawn Mowing Program 10,000 Family Promise 15,000 Meals on Wheels 40,000 Odessa Links 15,000 Salvation Army – salaries 42,238 Salvation Army –security system and lockers 27,500 The following HOME Fund allocations were funded: HOME Program Administration $ 31,362 Homeowner Rehab/Reconstruction Program 235,214 Community Housing Development Organization 47,043 Resolution Resolution No. 2024R-64 – Allocate $40,000 from the General Fund for the 2024 Firecracker Fandango. Mr. Beckmeyer stated that the $40,000 would be used to expand the fireworks. Motion was made by Council member Matta seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Resolution No. 2024R-65 –Appropriate $55,000 from the General Fund to purchase HVAC for Fire Station 5 and for the 3rd floor of Municipal Plaza. Eppie Gavaldon, Director of Building Services, stated that $55,000 would be used for HVAC for Fire Station 5 that does not have air conditioning and Municipal Plaza. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Vasquez to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Resolution No. 2024R-66 – Award the contract bid to Gallagher Human Resources and Compensation Practice to assist with introducing a total rewards philosophy, design market-aligned pay structures, and develop job evaluation methods to maintain internal equity. Gallagher will conduct benchmark analyses, including conducting custom tailored salary surveys, and recommend appropriate administrative and procedural guidelines to maintain the compensation system. Yvette Griffin, Director of Risk Management, stated that one bid was received for the compensation consultant. She reviewed current issues that included outdated job descriptions and no career progression. There were 30% of employees that make less than $35,000. Gallagher would be on site and address issues. The project was for nine months. Mr. Beckmeyer stated it would be a Council Minutes June 11, 2024 Page 4 new structure to attract people to work for the City. Council member Thompson stated that the benefits were antiquated and must be redesigned for the market. There would be no self-administration. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Resolution No. 2024R-67 – Professional Service agreement contract with Carollo Engineers, Inc. for the design services for the removal and replacement of approximately 1000 linear feet of 24-inch CIP/VCP pipeline within our sewer system. Alex Rowlett, Assistant Director of Public Works, stated that the Professional Service agreement with Carollo would be for the upgrade in the sewer system for an emergency. The cost was $375,000. Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Matta to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Ordinance Amend the Odessa City Code Chapter 12 "Traffic and Vehicles" Article 12-3 "Parking, Stopping and Standing" Sections 12-3-15 "Parking in Undeveloped Lots" and 12-3-16 "Parking of Commercial Motor Vehicles”. Matt Davidson, Deputy Police Chief, stated that there were too many zones that were divided in the middle of the roadway. He reviewed the changes to the ordinance. The amendment would contribute to traffic safety. Tim Harry, a CDL driver, stated that trucks needed to be kept out of city limits and not be parked at outside of homes. Motion was made by Council member Matta and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the ordinance on first approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Amend the Odessa City Code Chapter 1-7 Boards, Commissions and Committees to remove the Downtown Odessa Inc., Board. Ms. Aguilar stated that the Downtown Odessa Board would be removed from the Code of Ordinances as it was no longer a part of the City. Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the ordinance on first approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Council Minutes June 11, 2024 Page 5 Miscellaneous Appointment of Boards: Board of Survey, Historic Preservation Commission, PermiaCare Board of Trustees, Planning and Zoning Commission, Tax Incentive Committee, Traffic Advisory Committee, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Joshua Alaniz stated that John Landgraf was a valuable member of the PermiaCare Board, dependable and a long-time resident. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Swanner to reappoint John Landgraf to the PermiaCare Board of Trustees. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Swanner and seconded by Council member Vasquez to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Joven, Matta, Vasquez, Connell, Hanie, and Swanner Nay: Thompson The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar, TRMC, CMC Javier Joven City Secretary Mayor