Odessa meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Odessa boards weigh $9.16M parking deck grant, zoning changes

Several Odessa boards and commissions met over the past two weeks to consider items ranging from a $9.16 million downtown parking deck grant to zoning changes and shelter restructuring. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the meetings, so all decisions remain pending.

Odessa Development Corporation

The Odessa Development Corporation (ODC) met Aug. 13 to consider five downtown infrastructure and façade grant applications. The largest is an Ector County Parking Deck Infrastructure Grant for $9,164,420.00. Other requests included:

• Ye Old Bookworm Downtown Infrastructure Grant: $71,269.00
• The Leyva Law Firm Downtown Infrastructure Grant: $44,588.55
• Desert & Dunes Wine and More Downtown Façade and Infrastructure Grant: $38,264.80
• Amigos Bail Bonds Downtown Façade and Infrastructure Grant: $45,920.41

The board also reviewed and potentially approved the general development plan and budget for fiscal year 2026-27, heard reports from contractors and committees, and appointed Compliance Committee members.

Planning & Zoning Commission

On August 20, the commission held public hearings on several zoning and plat requests. A proposed amendment to a Planned Development-Housing district on an 83.19-acre tract south of Mission Dr. drew a staff recommendation of denial due to concerns about setbacks, lot widths, parking, and circulation. The commission also considered:

• A zone change from General Residence to Parking at S Lee Ave and W Mable St
• A replat of Estates of Shiloh, 10th Filing (2.38 acres)
• A replat of Deer Meadows Addition (1.00 acre)
• A preliminary plat for Deer Meadows Phase 3 (107.18 acres)

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee

Also on August 13, the committee voted on a new chairman, approved minutes from January 22, 2026, and discussed a new shelter manager and restructuring under the Odessa Police Department. Public comments were limited to two speakers for two minutes each.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

On August 18, the board discussed setting priorities for fiscal year 2027, including capital improvement projects, a sponsorship and donation program, and a community engagement plan. The agenda also included routine items such as minutes approval, department reports, and a SeeClickFix service request summary.

Citizens Golf Advisory Committee

On August 20, the committee reviewed the results of a golf course feasibility study and discussed next steps. Updates were provided by the superintendent (maintenance programming and a new Monday schedule) and the golf professional (financial snapshot, cart fleet GPS, and tournament updates).

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Odessa planners recommend zoning for 304-acre annexation; ODC to weigh $9.16M parking deck grant

The Odessa Planning & Zoning Commission on Aug. 6 recommended approval of original zoning for a 304.76-acre tract near Midway Blvd., the largest of several annexation and plat requests it acted on. The commission voted 5-0 on all items, with one preliminary plat tabled.

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission recommended approval of original zoning for the 304.76-acre tract (Case 2026-02-AZ) in a 5-0 vote. The zoning would include 27.57 acres of Light Industrial, 40.26 acres of Light Commercial, and 236.93 acres of Special Dwelling District. The commission initially approved then rescinded a motion before passing the recommendation.

In other 5-0 votes, the commission recommended:

• Annexation and FD/SPD zoning for 191.03 acres (Case 2026-03-AZ)
• FD zoning for a 16.86-acre Yukon Road right-of-way (Case 2026-04-AZ)
• Annexation and FD zoning for 231.46 acres (Case 2026-05-AZ)
• Replat of Edgemere Addition, 2nd Filing (Case 2026-71-P)
• Replat of Del Rio Annex Subdivision, 5th Filing (Case 2026-72-P)
• Replat of Country Club Estates, 17th Filing (Case 2026-73-P)

The commission tabled the preliminary plat of GM1 1st Addition (Case 2026-75-P) to allow time for an improvement agreement under legal review.

Other recent meetings

Odessa Development Corporation (Aug. 13) – The board met with an agenda that included five downtown infrastructure and façade grant applications, including a $9,164,420.00 Ector County Parking Deck Infrastructure Grant. Other requests were $71,269.00 for Ye Old Bookworm, $44,588.55 for The Leyva Law Firm, $38,264.80 for Desert & Dunes Wine and More, and $45,920.41 for Amigos Bail Bonds. The board also was set to review the FY 2026-27 general development plan and budget, hear contractor and committee reports, and appoint Compliance Committee members. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are reported.

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee (Aug. 13) – The committee’s agenda included a vote on a new chairman, approval of minutes from Jan. 22, 2026, and discussion of a new shelter manager and restructuring under the Odessa Police Department. Public comments were limited to two speakers for two minutes each. No minutes have been published.

Coming up

• **Parks & Recreation Advisory Board (Aug. 18)** – Will discuss FY 2027 priorities, capital improvement projects, a sponsorship and donation program, a community engagement plan, and a SeeClickFix service request summary.
• **Citizens Golf Advisory Committee (Aug. 20)** – Will review results of a golf course feasibility study and next steps, plus updates from the superintendent (maintenance programming, new Monday schedule) and golf professional (financial snapshot, cart fleet GPS, tournament update).
• **Planning & Zoning Commission (Aug. 20)** – Will hold public hearings on a proposed PD-H amendment for an 83.19-acre tract south of Mission Dr. (staff recommends denial), a zone change from General Residence to Parking at S Lee Ave and W Mable St, two replats, and a preliminary plat for Deer Meadows Phase 3 (107.18 acres).

Parks Board picks Dunaway for Master Plan bid; ODC set to weigh $6.3M in grant agreements

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board has selected Dunaway as the highest-scoring bidder for Odessa's Parks Master Plan, sending the recommendation to the City Council for its August 11 meeting.

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board — July 21

The board evaluated four bids for the Parks Master Plan and chose Dunaway as the top scorer. That recommendation is now headed to the Council agenda for August 11. Members also approved the May meeting minutes unanimously.

Board members discussed a proposal for a storybook walking trail at Crump Park and a grant submission for Progressive Park. No decisions were recorded on those two items in the available minutes.

Midland/Odessa Urban Transit District — July 22

The MOUTD Board's agenda called for review and approval of the FY 2027 budget, along with approval of the May meeting minutes. Members were also scheduled to discuss changing the regular meeting time, hear feedback from a board members' bus ride, and receive the General Manager's report.

Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so it is not yet confirmed which items were approved.

Odessa Development Corporation — July 23

The ODC Board of Directors was scheduled to consider three main items: the General Development Plan for FY 2026–2027, the FY 2026–2027 budget, and contractor agreements for the same fiscal year.

The General Development Plan outlines economic-development goals and target industries and must be submitted to City Council before the annual budget. The budget and contractor agreements list partnerships with the Economic Development Department of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Current Media Partners, the Black Chamber of Commerce, UTPB–America's Small Business Development Center, the Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, and the City of Odessa.

Multi-year grant agreements on the agenda include:

• Kaige Equipment, LLC — $318,000
• Apergy USA, Inc. — $1,000,000
• Odessa College Health Sciences Building — $5,000,000

A citizen comment period was also scheduled. Minutes have not yet been published, so final action on these items is not confirmed.

Coming up

Planning & Zoning Commission — August 6

The commission will hold public hearings on several annexation and zoning requests, including a proposed master-planned community with approximately 1,295 residential lots. Cases on the agenda:

• **Case 2026-02-AZ:** Original zoning for 304.76 acres (Light Industrial, Light Commercial, and Special Dwelling District) east of Midway Boulevard.
• **Case 2026-03-AZ:** Annexation and zoning (Future Development and Special Dwelling District) for 191.03 acres east of Yukon Road and future Midway Blvd.
• **Case 2026-05-AZ:** Annexation and Future Development zoning for 231.46 acres south of SCR 1310.
• **Case 2026-77-P(ETJ):** Preliminary plat for 45.62 acres at W Murphy and S Redline Ave.
• **Case 2026-04-AZ:** Future Development zoning for a 16.86-acre public right of way on Yukon Road.

The commission will also review multiple replats and preliminary plats within the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Planning & Zoning denies DJK Inc. rezoning; ODC set to vote on $6.3M in grant agreements

The Odessa Planning & Zoning Commission denied a request to rezone 37.25 acres from Light Commercial to Light Industrial on July 16, while approving six plats across the city and its extraterritorial jurisdiction. All votes were 5–0.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 16

The commission approved its July 2, 2026 meeting minutes and the Habitat for Humanity addition plat, each by a 5–0 vote. It denied DJK Inc.'s request to rezone a 37.25-acre tract from Light Commercial to Light Industrial, also 5–0.

Six additional plats were approved unanimously:

• Kellus Turner 39.50-acre replat (5–0)
• Westgate Acres Subdivision replat (5–0)
• Bravo Addition short-form plat (5–0)
• Southwest Industrial Sites 6.90-acre replat (5–0)
• Westover Acres 13th filing replat (5–0)

These plats affect how land can be subdivided and developed in the city and its surrounding jurisdiction.

Odessa Development Corporation — July 9 (agenda only)

The Odessa Development Corporation met July 9 for a sales tax workshop and a regular agenda. Minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed. Items listed on the agenda included:

• Amending Infrastructure and Façade Grants Program guidelines to allow variance requests
• Removing from table and considering a Team Refurb performance agreement
• A $39,814.70 performance agreement with Panchito's Burritos for façade and infrastructure grant
• Discussion of the Annual Financial Report for FY2025 (tabled from June)
• Review of contractor proposals and the proposed budget for FY 2026–2027

Charter Review Committee — July 7 (agenda only)

The Charter Review Committee met to examine the City of Odessa Home Rule Charter and develop recommendations for the City Council. This is a procedural step in considering potential amendments to the city's governing document. Minutes are not yet published.

Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 15 (cancelled)

The scheduled July 15 meeting of the Odessa Zoning Board of Adjustment was cancelled. Residents seeking information were directed to contact the Planning Division.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Parks & Recreation Advisory Board:** Will review the Parks Master Plan bid evaluation, Storybook Trail Park, and Freedom Park Fountain, plus department reports and previous minutes.
• **July 22 — Midland/Odessa Urban Transit District Board:** Will consider approval of the FY 2027 budget, review May meeting minutes, and discuss changing the regular meeting time. A board-member bus-ride feedback session and the General Manager's report are also scheduled.
• **July 23 — Odessa Development Corporation Board:** Will consider approving the FY 2026–2027 General Development Plan, budget, and contractor agreements with the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, Current Media Partners, Black Chamber of Commerce, UTPB–America's Small Business Development Center, Midland-Odessa Transportation Alliance, and the City of Odessa. Multi-year grant agreements on the agenda include Kaige Equipment, LLC ($318,000), Apergy USA, Inc. ($1,000,000), and Odessa College Health Sciences Building ($5,000,000). A citizen comment period is scheduled.

Planning & Zoning approves private club permit; Development Corporation weighs $39,814 grant for Panchito's Burritos

The Odessa Planning & Zoning Commission approved a Specific Use Permit allowing Carter Customs to operate a private club in a Retail-1 zoning district, the most consequential decision from recent city meetings. The 4-0 vote on July 2, 2026, was one of several platting and zoning actions taken that evening.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 2

All commission votes were 4-0. In addition to the Carter Customs private club permit, commissioners:

• Approved meeting minutes from June 18, 2026.
• Reinstated the preliminary plat for Headlee Ranch, with conditions.
• Approved the Ector County Plaza replat, with conditions.
• Tabled the preliminary plat for Chinaberry Estates 5th Filing.
• Adjourned.

The Carter Customs permit determines what type of business activity can occur in a Retail-1 district. The Headlee Ranch and Ector County Plaza actions affect how those tracts can be subdivided and developed. The Chinaberry Estates plat remains undecided.

Odessa Development Corporation — July 9

The Odessa Development Corporation (ODC) met twice on July 9. One session was a Sales Tax Workshop, with no legislative actions listed.

The second meeting's agenda included several items that, if approved, would direct public dollars and shape grant rules:

• A vote on a $39,814.70 performance agreement with Panchito's Burritos for a façade and infrastructure grant.
• Consideration of amending the Infrastructure and Façade Grants Program guidelines to allow variance requests from existing requirements.
• Reconsideration of a tabled performance agreement with Team Refurb.
• Discussion of the Annual Financial Report for FY2025, tabled from the June meeting.
• Review of contractor proposals and the proposed budget for FY 2026-2027.

Minutes for these ODC meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Charter Review Committee — June 29 and July 7

The Charter Review Committee met on June 29 and July 7 to review the City of Odessa Home Rule Charter and prepare recommendations for the City Council on potential amendments. The city's Home Rule Charter is its foundational governing document, so any recommended changes could affect how Odessa's municipal government operates. Minutes are not yet published for either meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 1

The July 1, 2026, Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

• **July 15 — Zoning Board of Adjustment:** This meeting has been cancelled. Residents seeking information may contact the Planning Division.
• **July 16 — Planning & Zoning Commission:** The commission will review several platting requests, including a final plat for a 7.65-acre Habitat for Humanity Addition near Snyder Street and Rochester Avenue, and a replat of Kellus Turner on a 39.50-acre tract near N Mockingbird Lane and W Sycamore Drive. A public hearing is scheduled on DJK Inc's request for original Light Industrial District zoning on 37.25 acres near Midway Boulevard and Mission Drive. Additional items include a replat of Westgate Acres Subdivision and a short form plat of Bravo Addition.

Planning & Zoning approves private club permit, plats; City Council schedules $39.9M wastewater plant design

The Odessa Planning & Zoning Commission approved a Specific Use Permit for a private club and acted on several plats during its July 2 meeting, while the City Council has scheduled a $39.9 million wastewater plant design contract and a $345,000 park parking lot reconstruction for its June 23 agenda. Only the Planning & Zoning actions are confirmed by published minutes; other recent meetings have agendas available but minutes not yet published.

Planning & Zoning Commission — July 2 (confirmed decisions)

The commission took the following actions, all by 4-0 votes:

• Approved a Specific Use Permit for Carter Customs to allow a private club in a Retail-1 zoning district.
• Approved meeting minutes from June 18, 2026.
• Approved reinstatement of the Headlee Ranch preliminary plat with conditions.
• Approved the Ector County Plaza replat with conditions.
• Tabled the Chinaberry Estates 5th Filing preliminary plat.
• Adjourned.

City Council — June 23 (agenda only, minutes not yet published)

The City Council agenda includes several significant items. Because minutes have not been published, these items cannot be confirmed as decided:

• A $39.9 million contract for design of the Bob Derrington Wastewater Reclamation Plant.
• A $345,000 contract for demolition and reconstruction of the McKinney Park parking lot.
• Annexation of a 0.244-acre tract of land into city limits with Light Industrial zoning.
• Approval of the updated City of Odessa Strategic Plan.
• An ambulance billing services agreement with Emergicon, LLC.

Charter Review Committee — June 22 and June 29

The Charter Review Committee met twice to review the City of Odessa Home Rule Charter and prepare recommendations for the City Council. The agenda for both meetings lists charter review as the primary item. Minutes have not been published, so no specific recommendations can be confirmed.

Animal Shelter Advisory Committee — June 25

The committee's agenda included election of a new chairman, discussion of a new shelter manager, and review of the shelter's organizational structure under the Odessa Police Department. Minutes are not yet published.

Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 1

The scheduled meeting was cancelled. No items were discussed or decided.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Charter Review Committee:** Will continue reviewing the Home Rule Charter and developing recommendations for City Council.
• **July 9 — Odessa Development Corporation (Sales Tax Workshop):** A workshop focused on sales tax. No votes listed.
• **July 9 — Odessa Development Corporation (regular meeting):** Will consider amending grant guidelines to allow variance requests, reconsider a tabled Team Refurb performance agreement, vote on a $39,814.70 performance agreement with Panchito's Burritos for façade and infrastructure grant funding, discuss the FY2025 Annual Financial Report (tabled from June), and review contractor proposals and the proposed FY 2026-2027 budget.

Planning Commission OKs private club permit; Council agenda includes $39.9M wastewater plant design

On July 2, the Odessa Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-0 to approve a Specific Use Permit allowing Carter Customs to operate a private club in a Retail-1 zoning district. The permit was the only land-use decision finalized by a city board in the past two weeks.

Other commission actions

All other items on the July 2 agenda also passed 4-0 or were tabled unanimously. Commissioners approved the June 18 meeting minutes, reinstated the preliminary plat for Headlee Ranch with conditions, and approved the Ector County Plaza replat with conditions. The preliminary plat for Chinaberry Estates 5th Filing was tabled.

City Council considers major contracts

The Odessa City Council met on June 23 with a packed agenda, but minutes from the meeting had not been published as of July 5. Among the items were a $39.9 million contract for design of the Bob Derrington Wastewater Reclamation Plant, a $345,000 contract for demolition and reconstruction of the McKinney Park parking lot, and annexation of a 0.244-acre tract with Light Industrial zoning. The council also considered an updated City of Odessa Strategic Plan and an ambulance billing services agreement with Emergicon, LLC.

Charter review underway

The Charter Review Committee met twice, on June 22 and June 29, to examine the City of Odessa Home Rule Charter and prepare recommendations for the City Council. The committee’s work could lead to proposed amendments. Minutes of those meetings were not yet available.

Animal shelter advisory panel discusses leadership

The Animal Shelter Advisory Committee convened on June 25 to elect a new chairman, discuss the hiring of a new shelter manager, and review the shelter’s organizational structure under the Odessa Police Department.

Zoning board meeting cancelled

The July 1 meeting of the Zoning Board of Adjustment was cancelled. No items were considered.

Coming up

• **July 7**: The Charter Review Committee will continue its review of the Home Rule Charter.
• **July 9**: The Odessa Development Corporation will hold a Sales Tax Workshop, followed by its regular board meeting. The regular meeting agenda includes amending Infrastructure and Façade Grants Program guidelines to allow variance requests, consideration of a previously tabled performance agreement with Team Refurb, a $39,814.70 performance agreement with Panchito’s Burritos for a façade and infrastructure grant, and a review of contractor proposals and the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. The board will also discuss the Annual Financial Report for FY2025, which was tabled in June.