Big Spring council approves demolitions, grant applications and recycling programs; schedules e‑waste day

The Big Spring City Council on a February evening approved multiple public‑works and finance actions, including an abatement order for a deteriorated structure at 1500 Stadium, a resolution authorizing demolition and liens on several properties, formal acceptance of a $27,665 tire‑recycling grant and authorization to apply for a Texas Department of Agriculture downtown revitalization grant that would require a $50,000 local match if awarded.

Why it matters: the actions clear blighted properties, fund community recycling events and position the city to pursue state funds for downtown water, sewer and sidewalk repairs — steps city staff said are intended to improve public health, remove hazards and support downtown revitalization.

At the start of the public‑hearing portion of the meeting, staff described the property at 1500 Stadium as a rear structure with missing windows, doors and siding that has been in disrepair since a code case opened in September 2023. Staff told council the structure presented rodent and health hazards and said the property owner was deceased and no representative had contacted the city. Council voted unanimously to issue an order of abatement for the structure and then closed the public hearing.

On the wider demolition resolution, city staff asked the council to authorize the city manager to cause demolition of multiple properties, to file liens against properties subject to demolition and to accept owner waivers in cases where owners lack means to perform the demolition themselves. Staff said four of the properties are owned by a trust associated with Howard County and that eight additional property owners had signed waivers authorizing the city to proceed; lien filing would follow if invoices are not paid after 30 days. Council approved the resolution unanimously. Staff estimated demolitions would be scheduled after the city completes bidding and contracting, a process staff said could take several months.

Finance and grants: the council authorized staff to submit an application to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Downtown Revitalization Program; staff said the program is opening for 2025 with approximately $1 million available and that the city’s proposed participation would be $50,000 if the grant is awarded. The motion to pursue the application passed unanimously.

The council also accepted a $27,665 grant from the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission to fund a tire‑recycling event. City staff said the grant will pay to remove tires brought by residents at no charge; the city will contract with a hauler or recycling facility to transport collected tires. Staff acknowledged local nonprofit Keep Big Spring Beautiful for assisting with the grant and event planning.

Public works and services: City Manager Darden announced a large‑item pickup in District 2 scheduled for Feb. 19 and an e‑waste collection day for March 1 at the new landfill (8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Staff said the tire‑recycling funds will be used to remove tires collected at a planned March event and that residents will not be charged to drop off tires.

Other actions: the council awarded a bid for a 72‑inch zero‑turn mower to John Deere of Tornillo, Texas, for $12,807.88 to replace a 2015 mower; approved routine consent items and vouchers for January ($180,028.95) and February ($288,332.37); appointed John Scott to the McMahon Wrinkle Aviation Advisory Board; and heard the Big Spring Police Department’s 2024 racial profiling analysis, which staff said shows compliance with Texas racial profiling law and reporting requirements.

Staff presentations: Finance staff provided the first quarter financial report for fiscal 2024–25 and a pooled cash/investment report showing approximately $32,800,000 in bank cash and investments as of Dec. 31; staff told council the city will return next meeting with a proposed annual review of the investment policy.

Council remarks and other business: Council members thanked staff and volunteers, noted Gloria Blackburn’s retirement after 28 years in the finance department and urged residents to use the free large‑item and e‑waste services. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Votes at a glance: - Abatement order for 1500 Stadium (public nuisance): motion to issue order — passed unanimously. - Close public hearing on item 6: passed unanimously. - Consent items 9–11: approved en masse — passed unanimously. - Vouchers, January 2025 ($180,028.95): approved — passed unanimously. - Vouchers, February 2025 ($288,332.37): approved — passed unanimously. - Award bid for 72" zero‑turn mower to John Deere, Tornillo, TX ($12,807.88): approved unanimously. - Accept Big Spring Police Department 2024 racial profiling analysis (report accepted): acknowledged/accepted (no formal roll‑call required) by council. - Resolution authorizing submission of a Texas Department of Agriculture Downtown Revitalization Program application (city participation $50,000 if awarded): passed unanimously. - Resolution authorizing demolitions, filing liens and accepting owner waivers (multiple properties described in agenda): passed unanimously. - Accept Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission tire‑recycling grant ($27,665) and enter interlocal agreement: passed unanimously. - Appointment of John Scott to the McMahon Wrinkle Aviation Advisory Board: approved unanimously.

(All votes during the meeting were recorded by voice and passed without recorded opposition.)