City Council

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS June 24, 2025 On June 24, 2025, a regular meeting of the Odessa City Council was held at 6:01 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; David Vela, 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 Byron McWilliams, First Baptist Church, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas flags. Proclamations and Presentations. None. Citizens’ comments on non-agenda items. Anthony Cargal wanted to know why Kelly Grimsley was not arrested. Consent Agenda 1. City Council work session minutes, June 10, 2025; 2. City Council minutes, June 10, 2025; 3. Ordinance No. 2025-29 - Request by Lacey and Absher Properties, LLC, for a zone change from 2F-1-DR, Two-Family Residence District-One- Drill Reservation, to 2F-1, Two-Family Residence District-One, on a 0.86-acre tract located in Section 20, Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. (located on the south side of Denis Ln, approximately 420 feet east of Bainbridge Dr); 4. Ordinance No. 2025-30 - Request by Permian Basin Aquatics, LLC for a zone change from FD, Future Development District, to LC, Light Commercial District, on a 2.18-acre tract located in Section16, Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR. CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. (located on the west side of Billy Hext Road, approximately 400 feet south of Stonehenge Road); 5. Ordinance No. 2025-31 - Request by KRS Development LLC, for a zone change from FD, Future Development District to SF-1, Single- Family Residence District-One, on a 6.51-acre tract located in Section 47, Block 42, T-1-S, T&P RWY. CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 2 Ector County, Texas. (located on the north side of Charles Walker Road, approximately 150 feet east of Tobosa Ave); 6. Ordinance No. 2025-32 - request by Betenbough Homes, LLC for a zone change from SPD-DR, Special Dwelling District-Drill Reservation, to PD, Planned Development District, on a 2.85-acre tract of land situated in Section 27, Block 42, T-1-S, T&P Ry. Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas. (located on the north side of Panhandle Dr., approximately 245 feet west of Harvest Ln.) Motion was made by Council member Vasquez seconded by Council member Thompson 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 Jackrabbit/Visitors Center project. Mayor Hendrick stated that Odessa did not have the largest Jackrabbit and wanted to build the world largest for the City’s centennial in 2027 through private and public partnerships. Renee Earls, Chamber of Commerce, stated that the eight foot jackrabbit was created in 1962. She recognized the committee members to reclaim the title of the jackrabbit project. The concept was to build a 50’ jackrabbit with a 10’ pedestal. She proposed to build a visitors’ center for tourists. She reviewed the Perryman Report which would create 366 jobs and a $32.3 million gross product annually. She reviewed two proposed locations: Grant and 5th St at a cost of $5.442 million or 4th and Texas at a cost of $4.8 million. The jackrabbit would be unveiled in April 2027. Ray Perryman stated that the analysis included tourism, demographic and economic structure. It would generate $55 million in annual spending. He stated it was a substantial economic benefit. Larry Johnson explained the building of the jackrabbit and it be lighted 24 hours a day with tiered seating and standing for photos. A donor wall will be next to the jackrabbit. Laura Marts, Discover Odessa stated that the visitor’s center would have a viewing platform on the second floor and public restrooms outside the visitor’s center. Mayor Hendrick stated that HOT funds could be used for the visitors’ center. Mrs. Earls stated that $1 million in private funds could be raised. There would be an ongoing cost for maintenance. Mr. Stretcher stated that the funds needed to be identified with a resolution. He stated that 10% of the ODC promotional funds could be used. Tabled - Ector County interlocal agreement. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Connell to table the Ector County interlocal agreement. Mr. Stretcher pointed out some concerns with the agreement which needed to follow state law. He explained specific provisions. There were a lot of issues to be resolved and policy to consider. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 3 Resolution Resolution No. 2025R-70 – Open a public hearing for the allocation of $987,543.00 in Program Year 2025 Community Development Block Grant Funds (CDBG), $5,133.60 in program income funds and the allocation of 348,690 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds. Naira Enriquez, Director of Community Development, stated that there was $987,543 in CDBG funds and $348,690 in HOME funds. She explained the public service projects cap and reviewed the requests. Mayor Hendrick opened the public hearing. Michael Cain, Salvation Army, stated that the Salvation Army provided needs to help the homeless. The funds would assist with services and the staffing. Andrea Quiroz, Odessa Links, thanked the Council’s support to end homelessness. The clients served lived below poverty level and clients were assisted. Dan Holbrook, Family Promise, stated that Family Promise offered temporary shelter and training to help homeless families. Carrie Bronaugh, Harmony Home, stated that the facility needed to be expanded and there was a capital campaign with 59% of the funds raised. The request was for forensic equipment to assist with the interviews as they have increased. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Council member Stoker suggested that the requests be appropriated to foundations or the oil companies. He suggested capping the requests for next year due to the amount of funding received. Each Council member and Mayor provided a recommendation for CDBG funds. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the CDBG Fund allocations. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None The following CDBG Fund allocations were funded: Program Administration $150,000 Housing Rehabilitation 563,775 Demolition 130,000 Short-term rental assistance program 16,700 Elderly/Disabled Lawn Mowing Program 11,000 Family Promise 15,500 Harmony Home Children’s Advocacy Center 20,300 Odessa Links 14,400 Salvation Army – day shelter 25,000 Greater Opportunities Permian Basin – Chaffin Headstart 38,000 Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the HOME Fund allocations. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 4 The following HOME Fund allocations were funded: HOME Program Administration $ 34,869 Homeowner Rehab/Reconstruction Program 261,517 Community Housing Development Organization 52,304 Resolution No. 2025R-71 – Outside agency requests for funding for FY 2025-26 budget. Ms. Banda stated that applications were reviewed by the Committee and offered recommendations based on historical practices and anticipated fundings brought in by the event. Gena Linebarger, Commemorative Air Force, stated that the CAF airsho was a family event and funds would be used for advertising and historic preservation activities. Chad Eason, Special Olympics, was working with the Parks Department and UTPB for the event. The Ector County arena was secured for the equestrian event. Jo Ann Davenport-Littleton, Black Cultural Council, introduced Little Miss Juneteenth. She stated that the funding was for three events of MLK, Evening with the Stars, and Juneteenth. Savannah Woodward, Junior League of Odessa, stated Merry Marketplace was November 6 – 9, 2025, one of the largest holiday events with over 100 vendors. The request would be used to expand the marketing. Laura Marts, Discover Odessa, reported every quarter and appreciated Council’s support The SERP program helped coaches bring in sporting events. She could assist organizations with tracking hotel rooms. Christie Holcomb, White Pool House Friends, received visitors from all over the world. Since October there have been 11,118 visitors to the White Pool House. Scott Larson, UTPB Athletic Events, stated that the 2025-26 season would have 85 sporting events. Visitors attended from all parts of Texas and other states. Randy Ham, Odessa Arts, reported that arts and cultural events had over $35.5 million in economic impact. He gave an overview of the events and public art collection. Odessa Arts supported other local art organizations. He requested the full 15% as allowed. Sondra Wolf, Jackalopes Holdings, LLC, stated that the Jackalopes was in its 28th season and there would be 28 home games. Visitors and out of town players stayed in hotels. She reviewed the schedule. Nick Hernandez, 53rd Tejano Super Show, organized the car show at its beginning. The show was for a two day event plus one day to move in. He stated it was a cultural event with a variety of vehicle types. Sara Hindshaw, Permian Basin Fair & Expo, stated that the fair was 50 years of tradition and would be expanded. Jim Wise, Sandhills Stock Show & Rodeo, stated the rodeo was in its 93rd year with a 10- day event. He reported that 20,000 people attended in January. The rodeo promoted youth and livestock. Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 5 Andrea Quiroz, Showbiz West Texas/Viva La Fiesta, stated that tradition was brought to Odessa for families who do not attend the larger out of town fiestas. The celebration was a family event. This year, the event brought in 20,000 attendees. There were 118 hotel rooms utilized for the event. Eugene Neboh, West Texas Track Club, stated that the track club has been in existence for over 20 years. He thanked the Council for its support. Donnie Margettie, Odessa Jr. Jacks Youth Hockey, stated that 175 kids were in the program and there were eight travel teams. Last year, there were 21 weekends with out of town teams in Odessa. Daisy Olivas, 8 Eni International Meeting of Countries, stated that event was the first Sunday in December and it was in its 9th year. Carol Uranga, LULAC – Hispanic Heritage of Odessa, stated that it celebrated cultural through art projects, exhibitions and events. The funds were for the Cinco De Mayo, Dies y Seiz de Septiembre and Dia De Los Muertos. Lions Club representative stated that the State Convention would be May 28-30, 2026. There were 119 reserved hotels. Susan Rogers, Odessa Crime Stoppers, reported that Crime Stoppers was an avenue for tips to law enforcement. It featured cold cases, provided operation graduation and warrant Wednesdays. The State conference would be hosted in Odessa. Rebecca Grisham, Teen Court, stated that the funds were for the operational budget. The City, Ector County and ECISD would share equal cost. She provided statistics on the number of trash bags picked up and community hours. Jill, PermiaCare, stated that PermiaCare was the local mental health authority. It provided an early child prevention program and assisted with different programs for daily living skills. Justin Long, YPO, stated that YPO provided a proactive approach of leadership, fundraising and service. Each Council member and the Mayor provided a recommendation for the General Fund. Motion was made by Council member Thompson seconded by Council member Vasquez to approve the following General Fund allocations. Lions Club Odessa - Parade $ 5,000 Odessa Crime Stoppers 60,000 Odessa Teen Court 45,000 PermiaCare 87,000 Young Professionals of Odessa 40,000 The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 6 Council member Vasquez abstained from Odessa Arts. Mrs. Banda explained the 15% cap on the Odessa Arts. Each Council member and the Mayor gave a recommendation for Hotel Motel funding. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the following Hotel Motel allocations: Commemorative Air Force $ 75,000 Special Olympics 250,000 Black Cultural Council of Odessa 80,000 Junior League of Odessa 15,000 Discover Odessa 1,600,000 Discover Odessa – SERP 245,000 The White Pool House Friends 45,000 UTPB Athletic Events 290,000 Odessa Arts 925,754 Jackalopes Holdings LLC 55,000 53rd Tejano Super Show 65,000 Parade of Lights/Firecracker Fandango 33,000 Permian Basin Fair & Exposition 66,385 Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo 200,000 Showbiz West Texas /Viva La Fiesta 15,000 West Texas Track Club – Nikolas Moralez meet 12,375 West Texas Track Club – Dr. Daniel Cepero Track 23,000 West Texas Track Club – Coach Chavez invitational 5,000 West Texas Track Club – AAU National Qualifier 24,750 Odessa Jr. Jacks Youth Hockey 25,000 8 Eni International Meeting of Countries 15,000 LULAC – Hispanic Heritage of Odessa 50,000 Lions Club – State Convention 25,000 The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-72 – Lion’s Park artificial turf replacement. Jonathan Rogers, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the turf was damaged due to the storm. The turf would be replaced at a cost of $61,978.57. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Hanie 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-73 – Accept and appropriate funds for $150,000 donated to the City of Odessa Police Department from the 2025 Bustin for Badges Clay Shoot function. Mike Gerke, Police Chief, stated that $150,000 was donated from the Bustin for Badges event. Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 7 Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Mitchell 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-74 – Authorize the extension of the improvements agreement for Shiloh Square 5th filing for six months. Yervand Hmayakyan, City Engineer, stated that the improvements agreement would be extended for six months. 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 Ordinance Request by Maverick Engineering for a zone change from SF-2, Single Family-Three District to PD-H, Planned Development District-Housing, on a 3.11-acre tract of land, situated in Section 34, Block 42, Township 2 South, Ector County, Texas. (located on the southwest corner of the intersection of E Clements St and S Dixie Blvd). Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Director of Development Services, stated that the purpose was for a triplex. The applicant complied with the site plan. Edgardo Fabela, owner, stated that it would have wood fencing. Council members Thompson and Mitchell stated it was a good project. Armando Rodriguez stated that there was not enough time from the notice received to the Planning and Zoning meeting. He was against the project. Bill Cleaver stated that the city would receive sales tax and property tax. He supported the project. Norberto Brito was against the project as it would open the door to multifamily housing. A better solution was single family housing. Mrs. Shaughnessy explained the mixture of zoning in an area. Chase Dunn, Maverick, stated that there was plenty of parking and it would have a private fence and landscaping. A super majority vote was required due to the 20% area of protest. Motion was made by Council member Mitchell seconded by Council member Thompson to approve the ordinance. The motion failed by the following vote: Aye: Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, and Hanie Nay: Hendrick and Connell Public Hearing Open a public hearing to consider approval of the request by LCA for a zone change from FD-DR, Future Development District – Drill Reservation, to FD, Future Development District, on Lot 1, Block1, Law Enforcement Center, 1st Filing. (located on the east side of S Crane Ave SR E, approximately 240 feet south of W I H 20 SR S – Council District 1) Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that the zone change was for future development and would return later to assign the zoning. The applicant was present. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the ordinance on first approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 8 Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Open a public hearing to consider approval of the request by LCA for a zone change from FD-DR, Future Development Drill-Reservation District to FD, Future Development District, on a 2.066 acre tract of land known as Drill Site (Foster 301) located in Section 3, Block 41, T2-S, T&P RR CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. (located 3200 feet east from the intersection of Mission Blvd & Dorado Dr) Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that there was a release of drill sites. The zone change was for future development. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Stoker 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 Open a public hearing to consider approval of the request by LCA for a zone change from FD-DR, Future Development Drill-Reservation District to FD, Future Development District, on a 1.493 acre tract of land known as Drill Site (Katie No.1102) located in Section 11, Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR CO. Survey, a 2.066 acre tract of land known as Drill Site (Katie No. 1103), a 2.066 acre tract of land known as Drill Site (Kristen No. 1), and a 2.066 acre Drill Site located in Section 12, Block 41, T-2-S,TYP RR CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Midland County, Texas. (located south side of Mission Blvd approximately 1,173 feet west on Mission Blvd) Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that there was a release of drill sites. The zone change was for future development. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Thompson 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 Open a public hearing to consider a request by LCA for a Specific Use Permit for Cemetery or Mausoleum use on Lot 1, Block 1, Law Enforcement Center, 1st Filing. (located on the east side of S Crane Ave SR E, approximately 240 feet- south of W I H 20 SR S) Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that the specific use permit was for a cemetery. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended for approval. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Hanie 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 Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 9 Miscellaneous Discuss and consider all City of Odessa commissions and board members including appointment, re-appointment, removing, or modification including the following: Historic Preservation Commission. No action. Executive session: As authorized by the Texas Government Code Section 551.074(a)(1) to (Deliberations about Personnel Matters), the City Council may adjourn into executive session to: deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of public officer or employee, the position of City Attorney Dan Jones and appointment of Interim City Attorney. Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Vasquez 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 Stoker 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. Motion was made by Council member Vasquez and seconded by Council member Connell to accept the separation agreement by Dan Jones. 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 appoint Keith Stretcher as Interim City Attorney. 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 Stoker to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Vasquez, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes June 24, 2025 Page 10 The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar, TRMC, CMC Benard Calvin Hendrick VII City Secretary Mayor