County commissioners were in an agreeable mood on Tuesday approving most items unanimously on the meeting agenda.
Commissioners heard from Matthew Gomes about the Origis Energy USA/Rockhound Solar Projects tax abatement.
Gomes detailed that the project has shifted a bit and changed names but that 20 long-term jobs will come from the project and detailed about 100 people are currently working on the project with 350 construction jobs expected.
The court voted 5-0 for the upgrade and approval of the tax abatement agreement.
Commissioners also heard from Chandra Burks with a Coffman Associates Airport Presentation regarding their final draft of the master plan for the Odessa-Schlemeyer Field Airport.
Burkes detailed that the report is a forecast for 20 years in the future. She said community members had several opportunities to weigh in on the airport and that following commissioner approval of the report that the next step is for TxDOT and the FAA to approve the report. She added that even if TxDOT and the FAA approve of the report that it is no guarantee of funding from the entities.
The forecast shows growth for the airport and that larger and faster aircraft are anticipated in the future but that all upgrades are not for commercial freight-based larger aircraft.
She also said in the next 20 years that about $50 million of an anticipated $60 million need could come from outside funding. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the plan and so it now goes to TxDOT and the FAA, which could take two to three months to approve it.
The last master plan for Schlemeyer was in 1997 with an update in 2012.
Commissioners on Tuesday also:
- Accepted a $350 donation from Rick Young to the Ector County Sheriff’s Office.
- Accepted a $135,000 donation from Bustin’ For Badges to the Ector County Sheriff’s Office.
- Approved a contract for jail based mental health services between PermiaCare and Ector County.
- Approved a food service agreement for the Adult and Juvenile Detention Centers. The court took the senior centers agreement out of the vote with Ector County Judge Dustin Fawcett saying that Commissioner Michael Gardner has been working with Odessa Regional Medical Center and with Meals on Wheels to lower the prices of the meals for seniors.
- Approved fees update with JSA Architects.
- Approved the Courthouse and Annex TPO Roof Specifications for roof replacement and Annex roof replacement projects; the proposal specifications are ready to advertise and distribute to vendors upon approval.
- Tabled discussion on a Texas State Library & Archives Commission Grant regarding a special grants program with Texas State Library to acquire a new sprinter van/bookmobile for extended outreach across Ector County.
- Approved the Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP-General Legal Services Agreement regarding the approval of a legal services engagement agreement. Fawcett said this item will help the county navigate items like game room ordinances.
Partner Chuck Kimbrough was on hand to tell commissioners that his firm has helped Ector County in the past. He said the agreement allows Ector County to have a locked in rate with no retainer and they are only charged as work is scheduled through the firm.
He also reminded them that the Legislature changed a number of laws this session and said the firm can offer guidance on a number of those changes.
- The court tabled discussion on Hillmont Estates streetlights regarding agreement specifications with developer Ron Chesnut.
