Retail incentives approved

October 13, 2009 9:01 PM

BY GEOFF FOLSOM

The Odessa City Council approved economic development incentive guidelines Tuesday evening that the city hopes will lead to more retail development.

The guidelines, which are approved under the state’s Chapter 380 economic development program, require a development to make an $8 million investment and provide 100 jobs to be eligible for incentives. Unlike the Odessa Development Corp., which provides incentives to industrial companies to locate to Odessa, City Manager Richard Morton said these incentives would be reserved for retail and office projects.

“The adoption of the Chapter 380 economic development policy will allow the council to evaluate large retail developments,” Morton said.

The incentives could be paid with sales tax rebates using money generated only at the retail developments that receive funds. Morton said the money is to be used to offset infrastructure related expenses.

“It’s just another tool in the economic development toolbox,” he said.

The funds would largely be used to attract businesses that don’t currently have stores in Odessa, Morton said.

After a 40-minute closed session Tuesday, council took no action for the third time on what’s listed on its agenda as “economic development projects along State Highway 191.” That has been the site of a number of proposed retail projects, including some that have been in discussion with retailers not currently in Odessa.

In its briefing before Tuesday’s meeting, councilmen were updated on proposed new rate fees for Ratliff Ranch Golf Links. The increase, if approved, would raise green fees for a weekday adult round from $15.25 to $19, and from $20.25 to $24 for a weekend day round.

“This new fee structure is going to be right in line of where our budget needs to be,” said Steve Patton, parks and recreation director.

Patton said the change would raise Ratliff rates slightly above Hogan Park Golf Course, Midland’s public golf facility, but that Midland officials are currently surveying where their rates should be.

In other action, council approved:

>> A low bid of $1,015,515 with TEC Excavation of Midland that is part of its water and sewer line replacement project. The bid came in 11.7 percent blow engineer’s estimates and will help replace water and sewer lines in several locations around Odessa. Still Ajay Shakyaver, city engineer, said the phase would put the city less than halfway through the total project upon completion.

>> Accepting four grant contracts with the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission for solid waste recycling and reduction purposes. They represent a portion of the fees paid to the state amounting to $1.25 per ton of waste deposited at the landfill.

>> Accepting trauma care system funds of $13,361 for use in training and equipment.

>> A request from Devi Investments to rezone from retail-one to planned development-one. The change allows the company to build a four-story La Quinta hotel near the southeast intersection of Faudree Road and Highway 191.

>> A request to rezone property at the northwest corner of the intersection of West Eighth Street and Lauderdale Avenue from planned development-neighborhood service to single family-three.

>> Amending the planning and zoning fee schedule regarding short form plats and replats.

>> Renewing the limousine license of Aaron Alvarado of First Choice Limousine.

>> Renewing a janitorial services contract.

>> A request from DJK Inc. and EXL Production LP for original zoning of future development-drill reservation on 4.1 acres north of Old Bankhead Highway and east of Odessa Country Club Links course.

>> A public hearing to consider the limousine franchise renewal of Frank Nastase of Basin Limousine.

>> Naming the eight-field adult softball complex at UTPB Park the “Mabel Powell Memorial Softball Complex.”

>> Naming Bob Carlson to the Citizens Golf Advisory Committee.

Ratliff Ranch Golf Links green fee structure and proposed rates (with tax)

Currently Proposed