The Odessa Soccer Association, a new asset management program and YMCA security will be among the top issues for the Odessa City Council Tuesday.
During the council’s 3 p.m. work session, Public Works Director Tom Kerr will ask the city council to consider an asset management and work order program he believes will “categorize, inspect and manage” the condition of the city’s pipelines, valves, fire hydrants and parks. The GIS-centric database system will also help them plan for maintenance and repair/replacement.
“We could be better prepared to prevent failures such as the 24-inch water main break of 2022,” Kerr said in materials presented to the council.
The proposed program is already being used by 32 Texas cities and 850 clients nationwide, Kerr said.
“Staff proposal is to establish a budget for five years of $1 million,” Kerr wrote.
On June 13, 2022, a 24-inch waterline that was more than 60 years old broke on 42nd and San Jacinto streets. Because of a faulty valve, city workers were unable to shut off the line near the break and instead had to shut off water for the entire city for more than 48 hours. Ector County residents had to boil their water until June 18, 2022, while repairs were made and tests were run to ensure the water was safe to drink. Many businesses, especially restaurants, were forced to close their doors in the meantime.
The break cost the City of Odessa nearly $607,000, with the vast majority of the expense going toward equipment costs.
The council members will also discuss leasing the soccer fields and building at Sherwood Park to the Odessa Soccer Association during their work session.
“The use of the city property for providing recreational activities will fulfill a public need in the community,” Parks and Recreation Director Max Reyes wrote when adding the item to the agenda.
During the council’s July 11 work session, there were discussions about moving OSA to Comanche Park after Reyes, Mayor Javier Joven and City Attorney Dan Jones alleged former city officials engaged in improper actions on behalf of OSA when OSA left UTPB and moved to Sherwood Park.
OSA representatives David Hisaw and Tom Martinez disputed the allegations, which revolved around permits, erecting a building at Sherwood Park and damage that was caused. Both men said they had permits to prove they and the former city officials acted above board. Both told the council they just want to focus on the children and maintaining a strong program.
A subsequent meeting was held between OSA and Reyes after which Martinez announced on Facebook they’ll be staying at Sherwood Park this year and will continue to meet with the city to make long term plans for playing at Sherwood.
During the council’s regular session at 6 p.m., Jones plans to discuss withholding $10,200 in payments to the YMCA for the security provided at the city’s three pools by a contracted firm. According to Interim City Manager Agapito Bernal, the security company failed to provide appropriate insurance coverage.
According to materials provided to the city council, the city paid one invoice for $10,200, but the security company subsequently failed to get indemnity coverage as required.
In addition, the council is scheduled to discuss reimbursing Leeco Properties for the costs incurred by the company during the complete build-out of the Yukon Road and Grandview Avenue intersection.
Kerr estimates the cost will be $4 million and will be paid out on a monthly basis as invoices are submitted.
If the costs exceed that amount, city council action would be needed.
