Odessa Development Corporation

ODESSA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION MINUTES CITY OF ODESSA, TEXAS November 12, 2020 A regular meeting of the Odessa Development Corporation (ODC) was held on November 12, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Odessa, Texas. Due to the COVID-19, the meeting was teleconferenced, as allowed by Governor Abbott’s executive order. The board was present through teleconference. Members present: Tim Edgmon, Gene Collins, Melanie Hollmann, David Boutin and Chris Cole and Mayor Pro Tem Dewey Bryant, ex-officio. Others present: City Staff: Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, City Secretary; Robert Carroll, Assistant City Attorney; and Cindy Muncy, Assistant City Manager; and ODC Contractors: Craig Van Amburgh, CVA; Wesley Burnett, Economic Development; Tyler Patton, UTPB-SBDC; Dustin Fawcett, MOTRAN; Arnulfo Martinez, Odessa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Gloria Wright, Black Chamber of Commerce; and Others: and other interested citizens. A quorum being present, Mr. Edgmon called the meeting to order and the following proceedings were held: Mr. Collins gave the invocation. October 8, 2020 minutes. Motion was made by Mr. Collins and seconded by Ms. Hollmann to approve the minutes. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. Contractors report: Economic Development: Odessa Chamber, CVA Advertising and Marketing, Black Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, UTPB-America’s SBDC, MOTRAN, and City Administrative support. Mr. Burnett reported that there was a new project, but details would be provided soon. The company was moving forward for the tax abatements. The site was the Penwell property. The City’s Small Business Assistance Program was successful, and the funds were distributed. The sales tax continued with a downward trend. Mr. Collins asked about the follow-up on the water needs for the new project. Mr. Burnett stated that the CRMWD was addressing the projects water needs and the company was not concerned with the water. Mr. Collins stated that City staff should be included in the water discussions. Mr. Van Amburgh reported that TV spots were completed with the COBAP program. The Permian Fuels America campaign was back on the TV sports. New podcasts were airing featuring Kirk Edwards, Willie Taylor, and Peggy Dean. The television spots continued airing on sports channels. There were two new television sports featuring contact information for organizations that offer services for the unemployed. He discussed the website and social media numbers. ODC Minutes November 12, 2020 Page 2 Ms. Wright stated that the Black Chamber of Commerce agreement had to be updated and was waiting to hear from the City. Mr. Martinez stated that the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce agreement was executed and delivered. Mr. Carroll stated that the Chamber had to request funding from the Finance Department. Mr. Patton reported on SBDC’s October activity. There were 496 counseling sessions and 214 counseling hours. There was one new business in Odessa and the capitalization was $902,000. There were 6 seminars presented with 107 attendees through Zoom meetings. He outlined the upcoming seminar topics. Mr. Fawcett reported that a broadband meeting was held with ECISD. Information would be sent to students and families. He stated a company was going to install towers in the area to improve the service. There was an opportunity for public and private partnerships. Service would be provided where it was needed. The freight study was completed. The study found that 106,000 truck trips were not included. He outlined the number of truck trips for a well. With the truck trip numbers, the road deterioration and the freight metrics will be included in the TxDOT system. Mr. Fawcett stated that West Odessa would have expanded corridors that would provide for economic development opportunities. The Hwy. 302 study provided for a four-way divided highway and the Hwy. 349 study provided for a four-lane divided roadway. Mrs. Muncy reported that the year end adjustments were being wrapped up. The board would be provided with the September and October financial reports at the next meeting. She reported on the sales tax with ODC receiving $874,162. It was down from last year. Resolution ODC 2020R-17 – Odessa College economic development agreement sixth incentive payment based on compliance. Mr. Carroll stated that this would be the sixth and final payment for the training grant that was awarded to Odessa College. The total grant was for $8 million. He reviewed the prior payments. An audit was completed, and it met requirements. He stated that 850 students completed the program. The final payment was for $500,000. Motion was made by Mr. Cole and seconded by Mr. Collins to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. Resolution ODC 2020R-17 – Weaver contract to conduct the annual ODC audit. Mrs. Muncy stated that the Weaver contract was a continuation for an ODC audit. The fee was $23,000 and it would include an Economic Development audit for $6,700. Mr. Boutin asked about a request for proposals. Mrs. Muncy explained that it was not required but proposals were received about seven years ago. The City converted to a new system last year and the auditor needed to be familiar due to the transition from an old to the new system. Proposals will be requested next year. She explained the audits from the Chamber of Commerce. Other contractors have audits performed. Motion was made by Mr. Boutin and seconded by Mr. Cole to approve the resolution. The motion was approved by unanimous vote. ODC Committee and Officer Reports. The committees have not met. Mr. Carroll stated that the DOI Design Committee meets on as needed basis. New applications were submitted, and the committee would be reviewing soon. Mr. Burnett stated that the Tax Incentive Committee would meet soon. ODC Minutes November 12, 2020 Page 3 Discuss emergency assistance options related to the COVID-19 pandemic. No discussion. Task Force Report update. Mr. Edgmon stated that a report would be given next month. Mr. Boutin stated that the Permian Fuels America strategy may change with the upcoming city runoff election. Mr. Edgmon will check on the committee and a joint meeting with the City Council regarding the bylaws. The meeting adjourned at 2:44 p.m. ATTEST: APPROVED: Norma Aguilar-Grimaldo, TRMC, CMC Tim Edgmon City Secretary President