City Council

CITY COUNCIL and ODESSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS November 18, 2025 On November 18, 2025, a joint meeting of the City Council and Odessa Development Corporation Board (ODC) of the Odessa City Council was held at 3:45 p.m. at the Odessa Police Department Training Facility, Gardner Classroom, second floor, 210 N. Lincoln, Odessa, Texas. City Council present: Mayor Benard C. Hendrick; Council members: Raymon 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. ODC members present: David Boutin, Peggy Dean, Tim Edgmon, Ronnie Phillips, Thomas Blackstone, Gaven Norris, and Jefferson Cox. Staff present: Aaron Smith, Acting City Manager; Norma Aguilar, City Secretary; and other members of City staff. A City Council and ODC quorum being present, Mayor Hendrick called the meeting to order, and the following proceedings were held: Mr. Boutin gave the invocation. Mr. Boutin reviewed the General Development Plan. He highlighted its mission and the goals of the plan. Discuss Texas 4A Sales Tax Corporations. Jeff Moore, ODC attorney, reviewed the 4A statute for economic development and its usage. He stated that it could be used for infrastructure for new or expanding businesses, promotion for city development, and job training. He reviewed an Attorney General opinion on infrastructure. Funds could be used if it showed helping new or expanding business in good faith. The funds must be used for business enterprises. Discuss the Economic Development Department. Tom Manskey, Director of Economic Development, introduced the staff members. He stated that jobs come from business retention and expansion. He explained the process for assisting businesses. He reviewed projects related to site selectors. Mr. Boutin stated that there was a Compliance Committee that evaluated and vetted the grant applications to ensure job creation and expand the tax base. Mr. Manskey explained the responsibilities and the process for applications. Council member Stoker stated that the application and payment process needed to be easier. Ms. Dean stated that the payment process was addressed and streamlined. Council member Stoker stated that no one takes advantage of the grants. Council member Mitchell wanted ODC to reach out and help small businesses including businesses on Grant. Ms. Dean stated that the Small Business Development Center was a vital resource in helping businesses. It provided counseling sessions and training. Council member Thompson stated that the ODC funds for TxDOT projects have made a difference in getting projects underway. Council ODC Minutes November 18, 2025 Page 2 Discuss Economic Development marketing and promotion. Christi Callicoatte, Current Media, highlighted the overall goals for marketing which included recruiting new business and helping local businesses. There was a promotion of workforce development and target audiences. She discussed the campaigns being done. Marketing included a fresh website, digital media campaigns, videos, social media management, and public relations. ODC financial report update. Kala Hedges, Interim Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the Fund Balance and investment summary. There was $64 million unreserved. Discuss general projects and priorities. Mr. Boutin stated that ODC supported commercial thoroughfare projects. Ms. Dean stated that the ODC needed direction on the plan for future City projects. Mr. Smith stated that the projects needed to be fluid. Mayor Hendrick stated that there was a lack of understanding in the community of ODC’s purpose and accomplishments. Council member Hanie worked with his appointee and communicated. Mayor Hendrick stated that there needed to be a discussion on 4B with pros and cons. Mr. Phillips stated that there was an importance of quality of life and 4B could provide. Council member Hanie supported putting it on the ballot as there was 100% buy in from the Council. Council member Stoker stated that there was a need for food storage. Council member Connell appreciated the diversity in assisting with projects. Council member Vasquez supported getting the 4B on the ballot. Council member Thompson stated that there would be many opportunities with the property on Hwy. 191. Council member Mitchell stated that funds were needed to go to the interstate for development. Mayor Hendrick thanked the ODC board members for working together. Joint Council and ODC meetings could be held quarterly. 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 The meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar, TRMC, CMC Benard Calvin Hendrick, VII City Secretary Mayor