County to consider runway reconstruction

Planning extensive improvements at Odessa Airport-Schleymeyer Field, Ector County commissioners Tuesday will discuss asking the Texas Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division for $250,000 to finance the project.

During the 10 a.m. meeting in the county administration building at 1010 E. Eighth St., they will also consider naming Winston Kenworthy, Bill Ritter, Cathleen Hamilton, Randa Walker and Precinct 3 Commissioner Don Stringer to a sponsor’s consultant selection committee to supervise the work.

Public Works Director Evans Kessey said the county would be responsible for 10 percent of the cost or $25,000.

Stringer said Monday that most of the money would be spent on rebuilding the runway, which is getting so rough as to discourage jet traffic.

Stringer said recent improvements, already paid for, have included reroofing a hangar and installing new runway lighting that will be activated within two weeks with Oncor’s setting of an electric meter.

In other business, the court will review spending $150,000 to develop a Gardendale park. Stringer said upgrading the existing park at the Gardendale Community Center would be financed with money from the maintenance department.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Gardner is scheduled to seek the rescission of the county-wide burn ban that was instituted on March 23.

The commissioners will also:

>> Consider a $50,000 appropriation to replace a wrecked sheriff’s vehicle.

>> Discuss reappointing Amy Hendrick to the board of PermiaCare to serve from June 26 to June 25, 2023.

>> Review an engineering contract to mill and overlay Moss Avenue from Interstate 20 to University Boulevard or FM 2020.

>> Consider a contract with the Flock Safety Co. of Atlanta to conduct a no-cost period for 20 license plate cameras for the environmental safety department.

>> Discuss setting a public health nurse’s starting pay at step three or $23.46 per hour.

>> Consider spending $32,500 for medical services at the jail.