The Odessa City Council will consider making leadership changes within the Odessa Development Corporation during its regular city council meeting Tuesday night.
Although no details were included within the materials provided to all of the council members, their agenda says they will discuss and consider ODC appointees, removal and appointment, operations and leadership changes.
ODC Chairman Kris Crow was recently criticized by Mayor Javier Joven and Councilmembers Denise Swanner and Mark Matta for facetiously welcoming Gilbert Vasquez, a lifelong Democrat, to the Republican Party after noting Vasquez took out a Republican ballot during the March primary election.
Vasquez said he and many of his fellow Democrats purposely crossed the aisle to vote Crow’s wife, Tisha, out as the Ector County Republican Party chair. He also said they wanted to help replace Republican precinct chairs for engaging in ugly political tactics.
Joven called the “display” “uncalled for and tasteless,” while Matta said it was a “cheap shot.” Swanner said the “show” “was out of line” and the “display” was “wrong and divisive.”
In a Letter to the Editor, Crow defended his actions, writing, “In Ector County alone, for our March Primary Election, we have identified almost 600 “staunch” Democrats that “jumped the fence” to vote in our Republican election. While this is not illegal, it certainly has ethical and moral implications and voters should question their motives.”
The council is also expected to give a contract to Hydromax to assess and maintain the city’s water valves. According to materials provided to the city, three companies submitted bids and city staff is recommending Hydromax. The city has budgeted more than $533,000 for the project, but estimate it will actually cost $1 million.
Also on Tuesday, the council will talk about creating a new position that could lead to more grants and increased revenue streams. The new grant coordinator would procure, manage and administer grants.
During the council’s work session at 3 p.m., the council will discuss spending $90,000 to replace parts on the aerator at the Derrington wastewater plant and another $182,000 for valves and actuators at the water treatment plant.
In addition, the council will also discuss a claim filed by Images Ink, a West First Street business whose owners claim fireworks from Firecracker Fandango caused the membrane on their roof to burn in several places, necessitating the entire roof’s replacement. The anticipated cost of the replacement will be $70,000-$90,000.
