City Council

CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS September 23, 2025 On September 23, 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 St., Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor Benard C. Hendrick; Council members: Craig Stoker, At-Large; Eddie Mitchell, District One; Steven P. Thompson, District Two; Greg Connell, District Four; and Chris Hanie, District Five. City Council absent: Council member Gilbert Vasquez, District Three. Staff present: David Vela, City Manager; Norma Aguilar, City Secretary; Keith Stretcher, Interim City Attorney; 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 Jody Casper, Crossroads Church, and followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Texas Flag. Council member Thompson stated that Council member Vasquez had heart surgery and was at home recovering. Proclamations and Presentations. Mayor Hendrick presented a proclamation for National Homeless Day. Citizens’ comments on non-agenda items. Consent Agenda 1. City Council work session minutes, September 9, 2025; 2. City Council minutes, September 9, 2025; 3. Ordinance No. 2025-42 - Nunc Pro Tunc Ordinance to amend the legal description in the Headlee Estates Annexation; 4. Resolution No. 2025R-96 - Authorize the City Manager to execute a Motorola Solutions agreement to upgrade to TDMA/DDM feature; 5. Resolution No. 2025R-97 - Authorize the City Manager to execute a three-year renewal agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., for ArcGIS software and services; 6. Resolution No. 2025R-98 - Update guidelines and criteria of the Chapter 380 Economic Development program; 7. Resolution No. 2025R-99 - Ditch 1 aeration basin dredging of grit removal; 8. Resolution No. 2025R-100 - Bid award to Reece Albert for reconstruction of 8th St. and Dixie Blvd. intersection for $2 million; Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 2 9. Bid award to Reece Albert for French Ave. reconstruction from E. Hwy. 80 to Brittany Lane for $830,500; 10. Ordinance No. 2025-101 – Determine the costs of certain supplemental services to be financed within the Windmill Crossing O&M Public Improvement District; approving an amended and restated operations and maintenance service plan and assessment plan, including a proposed assessment roll and directing the filing of the proposed assessment roll with the City Secretary. Motion was made by Council member Connell seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Stretcher stated that Item #5 was resolved with its issue from California law to Texas law. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Regular Peace Academy request of funds for the International Cultural Festival. Oruch Karais, Peace Academy, requested $6,000 for renting tents for the International Cultural Festival on October 25, 2025. Attendees would be from Odessa and Midland. Mayor Hendrick stated to track any out of town attendees for the use of HOT Funds, if it qualified. Mr. Stretcher stated that a resolution would be on the October 14 Council meeting for budget appropriation. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Mitchell to approve $6,000. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Interlocal agreement for Fire, Rescue and Emergency Response Agreement between the City of Odessa and Ector County Emergency Services District No. 1. Mr Stretcher stated that the Ector County Emergency Services District was created by voters. The Odessa Fire Rescue would provide fire, rescue and emergency services under the contract of one year. It would be effective October 1, 2025. He provided statistics on runs by Fire Rescue in the County. The contract would provide payment to the City of $1 million a year. Council member Thompson stated that the insurance needed to be up to date and insurance defined. Jason Cotton, Fire Chief, stated that the contract covered the runs inside the ETJ in the County. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the Ector County Emergency Services District No. 1 interlocal agreement and give authority to the Mayor to make minor adjustments with the intent to stay the same. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 3 Interlocal agreement for Fire, Rescue and Emergency Response Agreement between the City of Odessa and Ector County Emergency Services District No. 2. Mr. Stretcher stated that the contract mirrored No. 1. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the Ector County Emergency Services District No. 1 interlocal agreement and give authority to the Mayor to make minor adjustments with the intent to stay the same. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Fund transfer and allocation for McKinney Park improvements. Jon Rogers, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that a transfer of $700,000 into a project account was needed for improvements at McKinney Park. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the fund transfer and allocation for McKinney Park improvements. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Lease agreement with Tres Legado Land Company LP for premises described as a 6.477-acre tract of land, more or less, located in Section 9, Block 41, T-2-S, T&P RR Co. Survey, Ector County, Texas for the purpose of storage of goods and equipment. Mr. Stretcher stated that the agreement was for three years and there was no extension since it was park land. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Mitchell to approve the Tres Legado Land Company lease agreement. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Public Hearing Open a public hearing to consider approval of the request by Maverick Engineering for a zone change from FD, Future Development District to LI, Light Industrial District, on a 3.00-acre tract of land located in Section 25, Block 42, T-2-S, T&P RY CO. Survey, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas. Elizabeth Shaughnessy, Director of Development Services, stated that the zone change would be to Light Industrial. There would be future affordable housing with the business. A specific use permit would be considered at a later date. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended for approval. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. 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: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 4 Open a public hearing to consider a request by Rampart Texas, LLC, owners, Watermill Express, applicant to amend the site plan for the Planned Development– Retail (PD-R) zoning district, located on Lot 7, Block 27, North Country Club Estates, 5th Filing, City of Odessa, Ector County, Texas (Northeast of the intersection of Loop 338 and East Ridge Rd.). Mrs. Shaughnessy stated that the amendment to the site plan was to allow the use of a watermill structure. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended for approval. No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Connell 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, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Tabled - Open a public hearing to consider a request by LCA on behalf of Ector County, Texas, owner, for an Original Zoning request of Light Industrial upon the annexation of a 4.897-acre tract of land located in Section 46, Block 42, Township 1 South, Texas & Pacific Railway Company Survey Ector County, Texas. Elizabeth Prieto, Strategic Development Manager, stated that annexation was requested and City services would be provided. A youth detention building would be built. The current youth detention was not annexed but there was an outside-the-city limits contract for services. Council had questions about the current building not being annexed and the contract of services. John Landgraf, LCA, stated that the current building would be repurposed. The buildings would operate independently. Council member Thompson asked for more information on the current building. No one else came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to table the item. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Tabled - Open a public hearing to consider a request by LCA, applicant for a Specific Use Permit to allow a Youth Detention Center to be located on a 4.897-acre tract of land in Section 46, Block 42, Township 1 South, Texas & Pacific Railway Company Survey, Ector County, Texas. (Generally located on the north side of E Yukon Rd., approximately 1,600 ft. west of Dawn Ave. – Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction) No one came forward and the public hearing was closed. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to table the item. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution Resolution No. 2025R-101 – Authorize Odessa Fire Rescue to accept, appropriate, and authorize funds in the amount of $5,000 to Odessa Fire Rescue from Margaret S. & Frederick H. Bedford, Jr., from The Bedford Foundation. Jason Cotton, Fire Chief, Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 5 stated that a $5,000 donation was received from The Bedford Foundation. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Hanie to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-102 – Authorize Odessa Fire Rescue to accept, appropriate, and authorize expenditures from Texas J Regional Advisory Council in the amount of $19,942. Daniel Chavez, Assistant Fire Chief, stated that a $19,942 grant was awarded. 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, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Resolution No. 2025R-103 – Support the multi-state future interstate highway formula program that includes I-14 and I-27. Mayor Hendrick stated that I-27 would be from Canada to Mexico and it would go through West Texas. The I-27 and I-14 were critical for Odessa’s development. Motion was made by Council member Stoker and seconded by Council member Connell to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Ordinance Amend Chapter 13 of the City of Odessa Code of ordinances entitled "Utilities", Article 13-1 "General Provisions" Section 13-1-7 "Discontinuance of Service for Nonpayment of Charges", of the City of Odessa Code of Ordinances for the best interest of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Odessa. Mr. Stretcher stated that the ordinance was to clarify procedures to be used when water was disconnected. Motion was made by Council member Stoker 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, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Levy of Tax. Kaylie Banda, Director of Finance, stated that the tax rate of $0.470700 cents per $100 property valuation for municipal maintenance/operations and debt service for fiscal year 2025-2026. Council member Hanie discussed with his constituents the interest rate from the bank. Ms. Banda stated that there were multiple bank accounts that accrued interest and were considered in the revenue estimates. Council member Hanie asked the need to raise taxes when they have money from the interest. He stated it was an extra $49 million placed in the city budget from the interest. He stated it was difficult for service providers, teachers and others to maintain living with higher taxes. Ms. Banda reported that some of the interests were isolated funds and were required for specific funds such as the Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 6 enterprise funds. Council member Thompson would rather raise taxes in small increments and there was a higher cost of goods and services. Council member Stoker stated this year was a catch up and next year would be more stability. The services provided by the city included raises to improve morale and hiring ability. Council member Mitchell stated that Odessa was behind and supported the small increment rate. Mayor Hendrick stated that the budget could be cut if there were services that citizens did not want. Money was not being wasted with the City services provided. Council member Thompson stated that no new water, sewer, or solid rates were increased. Mr. Vela thanked staff for their hard work and Council for taking the citizens comments, providing guidance and leadership. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Mitchell to approve the tax rate at .470700 as presented by staff for the 2025 Fiscal Year, an ordinance on second and final approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, and Connell Nay: Hanie Miscellaneous Discuss and consider all City of Odessa commission and board members including appointment, re-appointment, removing or modification including the following: Public Art Committee and Joint Airport Board. Motion was made by Council member Mitchell and seconded by Council member Stoker to appoint Nicole Herdon and Yvonne Asakawa and reappoint Mari Willis to the Public Art Committee. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Mitchell to appoint Council member Stoker to the Joint Airport Board. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Pursuant to Texas Government Code §551.101, the City Council will hold an Executive Session, which is closed to the public, to discuss the following matters as permitted under the following sections of the Texas Government Code: a. Section 551.071, Consultation with Attorney Discuss matters in which the duty of the attorney to the governmental body under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas clearly conflicts with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code. Discuss pending litigation and settlement offers with the City Attorney and the attorneys hired by the City of Odessa for Cause No. C-22-06-0612-CV Patsy Casas v. City of Odessa in the 244th Judicial District Court of Ector County, Texas. Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 7 b. Section 551.074, Personnel Matters Deliberate the appointment, employment and duties of the City Attorney to be appointed by the City Council. Deliberate the employment, evaluation, duties, discipline, complaint, or dismissal of a public officer or employee – Municipal Court Presiding Judge. c. Section 551.072, Deliberation Regarding Real Property Deliberate the purchase, exchange, lease, sale or value of real property described as approximately 60 acres located near the intersection of Eastridge Road and Billly Hext Road. The deliberation is an open session would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person. Motion was made by Council member Thompson and seconded by Council member Hanie to go into executive session under 551.071, 551.074, and 551.072. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, 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, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None No action was taken in executive session. Ordinance No. 2025-43 - Levy the Tax - Motion was made by Council member Connell and seconded by Council member Hanie to reconsider the tax levy. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell and Hanie Nay: None Council member Thompson moved that the property tax rate be increased by the adoption of a tax rate of 0.470700 per 100 dollar valuation for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and that exceeds the no new revenue tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by .612417% and which exceeds the no new revenue maintenance and operations rate and the percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $5.31 a year. Council member Mitchell seconded the motion on the ordinance for second and final approval. The motion was approved by the following vote: Eddie Mitchell Aye Steven P. Thompson Aye Gilbert Vasquez Absent Greg Connell Aye Chris Hanie Nay Raymon C. Stoker IV Aye Benard Calvin Hendrick VII Aye Council Minutes September 23, 2025 Page 8 Settlement in litigation and appropriate funds for Cause No. C-22-06-0612-CV Patsy Casas v. City of Odessa in the 244th Judicial District Court of Ector County, Texas. Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Connell to authorize a $75,000 settlement with Patsy Casas. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None Motion was made by Council member Hanie and seconded by Council member Mitchell to adjourn the meeting. The motion was approved by the following vote: Aye: Hendrick, Stoker, Mitchell, Thompson, Connell, and Hanie Nay: None The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar, TRMC, CMC Benard Calvin Hendrick VII City Secretary Mayor