City Council

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS May 27, 2025 On May 27, 2025, a regular meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 5th floor, City Hall, 411 W. 8th, Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor Benard C. Hendrick; Council members: Craig Stoker, At-Large; Eddie Mitchell, District One; Steven P. Thompson, District Two; Gilbert Vasquez, District Three; Greg Connell, District Four; and Chris Hanie, District Five. Staff present: Norma Aguilar, City Secretary; Dan Jones, City Attorney; Richard Morton, Interim City Manager, and other members of City staff. A quorum being present, Mayor Hendrick 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 Don Caywood, Odessa Christian Faith Center, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas flags. Proclamations and Presentations. The Texas Scholars were recognized. Mayor presented Mr. Morton a plaque and a proclamation for his service. Citizen’s comments on non-agenda items. No comments. Consent Agenda 1. City Council work session minutes, May 13, 2025; 2. City Council minutes, May 13, 2025; 3. Ordinance No. 2025-21 - Vehicle for Hire Franchise of Ronald Lynn Wilkerson Sr.; MGM Transportation; 4. Ordinance No. 2025-22 - Request by Imperative Chemical Partners, Inc., for a zone change form FD, Future Development District, to HI, Heavy Industrial District, on a 43.436-acre tract in Section 32 and41, Block 42, T-2-S. T&P, RY CO. Survey. City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. (located on the south side of W Murphy St., approximately 630-feet west of Maurice Road); 5. Ordinance No. 2025-23 - Request by JD Elzner Holding, LLC for a Zone change from FD, Future Development District, to LI, Light Industrial District on Lot 5, Block 1, Oil Patch Addition, being 11.32-acres, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. (Generally located on the north side of E. Murphy Street, approximately 500- feet east of Market Avenue); 6. Purchase Verkada cameras to be installed at City Hall and Municipal Plaza. Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 2 Motion was made by Council member Connell seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the consent agenda. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Regular Motion was made by Council member Connell seconded by Council member Hanie to suspend the rules. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Tabled - Amend or repeal Section 8-1-6 of the Odessa Code of Ordinances. Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Connell to table the item. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Mayor Hendrick stated that the City wanted to be consistent with State law. Appoint David Vela to the position of City Manager and approve his employment contract. Mr. Morton stated that Mr. Vela signed his contract and would begin June 2. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to appoint David Vela to City Manager and approve the employment contract. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Public Hearing Tabled - Open a public hearing to consider approval of an amendment to the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14 Zoning, Attachment 1 – Use of Land and Building Schedule, to remove Mobile or HUD-Manufactured Home Dwellings as permitted uses in the GR, General Residence District, U, University District, R, Retail District, R-1, Retail 1-District, LC, Light Commercial District, HC, Heavy Commercial District, LI, Light Industrial District, and PD, Planned Development District. Mobile and HUD Manufactured Homes will continue to be allowed in the MH, Mobile Home District, and the MHE, Mobile Home Estate District. Motion was made by Council member Mitchell and seconded by Council member Stoker to table the item. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Open a public hearing to consider (1) approval of amendments to the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 14- 14 Nonconforming Uses and Structures, and Chapter 14-15 Zoning Board of Adjustment, to remove certain limitations on reconstructing, Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 3 extending, and enlarging non-conforming uses, buildings, and structures, and (2) allowing the replacement of nonconforming mobile and manufactured homes with new manufactured homes consistent with Section 1201.008 of the Texas Occupancy Code. Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Director of Development Services, explained the nonconforming and reviewed the proposed changes, based on state law. Council member Stoker was concerned with the one time allowable replacement on the property. Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that the City can limit the number of times for replacements. Shawn Fuller supported amending to match state law but allow replacements as many times on the property. Edna Kruger stated to have more discussions from the citizens as people move a lot. Bradley Bangs stated to consider different setbacks for the different zoning areas. Paul Crow stated that people work moderate jobs, and a developer would not build a house on a manufactured home lot. Ed Lasseter stated that there should be allowable replacements of manufactured homes. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Vasquez to approve the ordinance on first approval to conform with state law but allow multiple replacements on the property. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Open a public hearing to consider a request by V&O Realty, LLC for an annexation of a 16.88 acre tract of land into the city limits of the City of Odessa, with an original zoning of LI, Light Industrial for 3.94-acre tract of land in Section 40, Abstract 593, Block 42, Township 2 South A-70, Texas & Pacific Railway Company Survey Ector County, Texas. Generally located on the south side of Interstate 20 Service Road. Elizabeth Prieto, Special Projects Coordinator, stated that the annexation would be on a 16.88 acre lot. She reviewed the location. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the ordinance on first approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Ordinance Appointment and salary of Associate Municipal Court Judge for remaining unexpired term. Ms. Aguilar stated that the ordinance would name Carlos Rodriguez as Associate Municipal Court Judge for $144,000 annual salary. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the ordinance on first approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Establish speed limits and prohibited parking zones. Joseph Goff, Traffic Operations Superintendent, reviewed the proposed speed limit changes and prohibited parking zones. Joe Tucker, Director of Public Works, explained the arterial street that was designed to carry traffic across the city, and it would help enforcement. Matt Davidson, Deputy Police Chief, Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 4 stated that 40 MPH for an arterial street was natural rate of speed, for 100th St. The street was a wide lane. Council member Hanie disagreed with lowering the speed on Hwy 385 to 60 MPH. Mr. Goff stated it was a request from TxDOT. Council member Thompson stated it was the highest accident area. Council member Connell stated that there was frequent speeding and residents complained about the speeding on 100th St. Dallas Kennedy supported the 35 MPH on 100th St. He reported that vehicles have run into homes. Council member Thompson stated that there was a need to move traffic and 40 MPH was not unreasonable. Motion was made by Council member Thompson to change the speed limit on 100th St. to 40 MPH. The motion died for a lack of a second. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Thompson to change the speed limit on 100th St. to 35 MPH. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Connell to change the speed limit on Hwy 385 to 65 MPH. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: Thompson and Mitchell Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Vasquez to prohibit parking on McKinney St. as recommended. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Connell to prohibit parking on Stoney Ridge, as recommended. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution Resolution No. 2025R-61 – TML’s contract recommendation with Tokio Marine HCC for Cyber Liability Insurance. Yvette Griffin, Director of Risk Management, stated that Tokio Marine was the best cyber insurance, and it would increase the liability coverage. She reviewed the coverage. The cost was $54,000 annually and $18,000 for the rest of the current year. Tony Flores, IT Director, explained the VPN which needed to be secure. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 5 Nay None Resolution No. 2025R-62 – Support the City of Odessa’s application to the Texas Department of Transportation’s 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Call for projects for the Wildcatter Trail. Elizabeth Prieto, Special Projects Coordinator, stated that approval was given to the preliminary application for the Wildcatter Trail. She discussed the trail. The funds would be reimbursed at 100% after the project was completed. The cost was $6.8 million. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-63 – NewGen Strategies contract for a water rate study to calculate and establish a price for all city customers. Alex Rowlett, Director of Utilities, stated that the NewGen contract was for a water rate study that would provide a baseline to evaluate utility billing rates. The study would provide accurate rates for ECUD and Greater Gardendale. The cost of the study was not to exceed $80,000. Mr. Morton stated that the study would include all classes of customers, residential and commercial. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-64 – Kimley Horn and Associates professional service agreement to provide bid and design services for the reconstruction of E. 52nd St. reconstruction from Grandview Ave. to JBS Parkway. Mr. Tucker stated that a redesign for 52nd St. from Grandview to Parkway would be done by Kimely Horn. The cost was $593,900. 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: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-65 – Parkhill professional service agreement to provide bid and design services for the reconstruction of E. 23rd St. reconstruction from US 385 to N. Dixie. Mr. Tucker stated that a redesign for 23rd St. from Andrews Hwy. to Dixie. The cost was $298,152. The drainage and curb issues would be addressed. Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Stoker to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 6 Miscellaneous Appoint Council representative to the Hotel Funds Committee. Ms. Aguilar stated that the committee vetted the applications and provided a recommendation of funding to Council. A Council representative served on the committee. Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Vasquez to appoint Council member Hanie to the Hotel Funds Committee. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Discuss and consider all City of Odessa commissions and board members including appointment, re-appointment, removing, or modification including the following: Colorado River Municipal Water District, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Authority of Odessa, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Stoker to reappoint Gary Haner and James Goates to the Colorado River Municipal Water District Committee. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Thompson to remove the Historic Preservation Commission. Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that there would be a case to come before the committee. The motion was withdrawn. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Vasquez to appoint Jeff Meyers and Phil George and reappoint Eddy Spivey to the Housing Authority of Odessa. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Mitchell to appoint Ryan McGuire and Celeste Potter to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Vasquez to appoint Ramiro Salinas to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None As authorized by the Texas Government Code Section 551.074(a)(1) to (Deliberations about Personal Matters), the City Council may adjourn into executive session to: deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, Council Minutes May 27, 2025 Page 7 or dismissal of public officer or employee, Presiding Muncipal Court Judge - Robert Martin; City Attorney - Dan Jones; City Secretary - Norma Aguilar. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Hanie to go into executive session under 551.074(a)(1). The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Mitchell to return from executive session. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None No action was taken in executive session. Salary of the Presiding Municipal Court Judge for remainder of unexpired term. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the ordinance on first approval at a salary of $145,000 for Judge Robert Maritn. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Vasquez to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None The meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar, TRMC, CMC Benard Calvin Hendrick VII City Secretary Mayor