Drill sites

City Council members could give final approval for a zoning change that would allow two oil wells to be located close to Comanche Trails Park, one 120 feet away from the park's walking trail and another 1,200 feet away.

Council members gave their first approval for the zoning change Oct. 28 with Councilman Bill Cleaver as the only no vote. Cleaver and county commissioner Armando Rodriguez are concerned about the well locations because of possible noise and air pollution.

Cleaver is worried about potential hydrogen sulfide gas leaks, the rotten-egg smelling, naturally occurring byproduct of petroleum decomposition that is sometimes released from drilling activity. And Rodriguez said he's been getting calls from constituents who are worried about noise disruptions and bad smells that could plague them while drilling takes place.

County Judge Susan Redford said Keystone Energy approached the county with a leasing offer to drill. The county owns all of the land's surface rights and the majority of mineral rights.

Council members will also consider:

>> Accepting a $21,319 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program grant for Odessa police and the Ector County Sheriff's Office. The money will be used to purchase equipment.

>> Accepting a $10,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to provide partial payment for bulletproof vests. Odessa police will pitch in $7,500, and the Fraternal Order of Police will contribute $2,500.

>> Approving the 2008-'09 budget for the Emergency Communication District of Ector County. The total budget is $887,347, with the majority going toward operating expenses.

>> A $60,000 bid award for automotive parts.

>> Purchasing a crack sealing machine for $57,307.

>> A request from Gladys Jamison for original zoning of retail on 2.1 acres in the 4600 block of East Loop 338.

>> Purchasing the replacement aerator shafts and discs for the Bob Derrington Water Plant at $75,188.

>> An agreement with UTPB for the maintenance of certain drainage easements on the UTPB campus. The city would give UTPB a one-time payment of $50,000 from drainage improvement capital funds for initial construction, and UTPB would then pay the city for annual maintenance in the future.

>> Giving final approval for a gas rate increase.

>> A $1.6 million bid award to construct water and sewer line replacements.

In other action, the council will open a public hearing to:

>> Consider approving Tim Haines' request to rezone from light commercial to light commercial-drill reservation on two acres west of South Dixie Boulevard.

AT A GLANCE:

>> What: City Council meeting.

>> When: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Council briefing begins at 5:15 p.m.

>> Where: Fifth floor of City Hall, 411 W. Eighth St.