During Tuesday’s work session, Odessa Police Department Deputy Chief Matt Davidson addressed city council about the addition of 15 outfitted police package vehicles and equipment.
Davidson detailed the 15 vehicles would be 2023 GMC Tahoes that included 11 patrol units, three administrative units and one K-9 unit.
The total cost of the 15 vehicles would be $1.18 million and it would phase out 15 older units in the OPD fleet. Davidson said one of the units that is going to be phased out is a 2009, which he admitted he didn’t realize was still in the fleet.
In addition to the new units, OPD will also alter the logo on the side of the patrol to resemble more of the current OPD badge instead of the “O” with “Police” laid over top of it.
Davidson said the patrol units would cost a bulk of the $1.18 million at more than $888,000. The K-9 unit alone would cost $80,880, while the three administrative units would be more than $219,000.
“It will take a long time to get the entire fleet done,” Davidson said. “You have to start somewhere.”
Councilwoman of District 3 Detra White and Councilwoman of District 5 Mari Willis were absent from Tuesday’s work session.
The council approved resolutions to adopt criteria for use in 2022 redistricting process and guidelines for persons submitting specific redistricting proposals and council providing comments.
City council will hold a redistricting meeting at 1 p.m. Monday at council chambers, 411 W. Eighth St., fifth floor. City Attorney Natasha Brooks said during Tuesday’s work session that during that council may consider adoption of a final plan.
The council also:
>> Heard from City of Odessa Traffic Coordinator Hal Feldman about Faudree Road improvements project update.
>> Heard from Odessa Public Works Director Thomas Kerr about amendments to Chapter 10 “Development Regulations”, Article 10-4 “Impact Fees.” Kerr said this item will be on future agenda items on regularly scheduled city council meetings.
>> The council also went into executive session for more than an hour to discuss pending litigation between the City of Odessa and the Odessa American, but no action was taken.
