Water, roads and T2 Professional Services are among the top issues listed on the Odessa City Council’s work session and regular meeting agendas for Tuesday.
Troy Hill from Aqua Texas is scheduled to give a presentation to the council during the 3 p.m. work session.
According to a PowerPoint presentation provided to the city by Aqua, the company has formed partnerships with municipalities back East that have allowed them to “creatively address compliance, fiscal and community needs.”
In White Haven, Pennsylvania Aqua bought 500 water and 500 sewer connections in 2002 for $2.7 million and as a result the borough was able to pay off a loan and spur economic development. Aqua spent $18.9 million in improvements.
City council members have long argued something needs to be done to address the city’s aging water infrastructure.
Last June, a major waterline break at 42nd and San Jacinto streets that left Odessans and Ector County residents without drinkable water for roughly a week cost the city nearly $607,000.
The city spent just under $511,000 in equipment costs and more than $32,000 in overtime pay.
Many of the cities pipes and valves are more than 50-years-old and the city has been systemically replacing the older iron-based pipes with pipes made of PVC, fiberglass or high density polyethylene, but it’s supposed to take years to replace all of them.
Back in 2021, the council also voted 4-3 to issue certificates of obligation to pay for a $95 million rehab project at the city’s water treatment plant.
The council is also expected to hear from Utilities Director Tom Kerr during the work session. He’ll be discussing future roadway projects and how he and his staff think they should be prioritized.
In addition, the council will discuss the possibility of launching a structural engineering study of the pedestrian bridge at the Odessa Police Department.
During the regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m., the council will vote on a seal coat project of nearly $2 million and pavement rejuvenation projects of nearly $1.3 million.
Mike Wilson of T2 Professional Services is also expected to give a presentation on city manager benchmarks.
A majority of the city council approved a $338,000 contract with T2 on Dec. 14, within hours of City Manager Michael Marrero and City Attorney Natasha Brooks being fired.
Mayor Javier Joven has said T2 will help the city find Marrero’s replacement, but will also analyze all city positions to ensure they are all needed and/or filled by the most qualified personnel.
The contract itself states T2 will “
provide professional services for the benefit of the interim city manager, including advising and consulting, organizational analysis and training on leadership transition management.”
The contract also states T2 will conduct “diagnostic meetings” with city leadership and internal and external stakeholders, create a “benchmark” committee and guide the council in public relations.
In addition, the contract states T2 will provide Interim City Manager Agapito Bernal training in “leadership processes and tools,” “recruitment and selection” and “group development and engagement.”
Lastly, the company will serve as a liaison with vendors hired to complete specific tasks.
