The Odessa Development Corporation is expected to appoint and reappoint members to its compliance committee during its regular monthly meeting Thursday.
A few months ago the ODC board agreed it wanted to expand the compliance committee up to a maximum of 12 members up from 10, said board member David Boutin. With one member resigning and one “terming out,” the board will be appointing four new members Thursday.
In addition, the board will be reappointing three current members whose terms are up and appointing a president, vice president and assistant secretary.
There will also be a discussion about appointing ODC board members to committee.
Also on Thursday’s agenda is a discussion about possibly revising the standard economic development performance agreement and a presentation to outgoing ODC board member Jeff Russell, who was removed from the ODC by a 4-3 council vote Jan. 11.
Council members Steve Thompson and Mari Willis called for Russell to be removed after he participated in discussions about a Rhodes USA proposal at a December ODC meeting despite telling Chairman Tim Edgmon he had a business relationship with Rhodes USA. They also said he didn’t file conflict of interest paperwork in a timely manner.
Russell told council members he was mistaken and he actually doesn’t have a business relationship with the company. As for the paperwork, Russell said Edgmon didn’t tell him he needed to file such paperwork.
Those who voted to oust Russell said his behavior caused the appearance of impropriety. Council member Denise Swanner, who appointed Russell to the ODC, strenuously objected to his removal alleging Thompson himself has had conflicts of interest and failed to remove himself from discussions. Thompson has denied the allegations.
