Council approves water-plant contract changes, fire apparatus purchase, annexations, insurance renewals and appointments

The Odessa City Council on Jan. 14 approved a set of contracts, purchases, annexation petitions and administrative renewals covering water-infrastructure work, zoning, equipment for public safety, insurance renewals and board appointments.

Water treatment contract modification: The council approved a modification to the consulting contract for the water treatment plant rehabilitation and miscellaneous upgrades project, adding $1,250,100 and six months of continued professional services so the city retains the project management team on-site during construction. Utilities staff said the allocation will come from the project contingency account. City staff noted the current contingency balance cited in the meeting of "4.9" (units not specified in the transcript) would be reduced by this amendment, leaving approximately "3.6" (approximate figure reported during discussion). The motion passed unanimously.

Zoning amendment to allow restaurants (no alcohol): Council opened and closed a public hearing on a request to amend a plan-development retail (PD-R) zoning designation for a property at the northeast corner of East Ridge Road and Route 338 (building C of the referenced site). Planning staff told the council the planning and zoning commission voted 4–0 to approve the change on Dec. 5, 2024, and…