The Odessa City Council took a series of routine and personnel actions in a single meeting, unanimously approving several items on the agenda.

Consent agenda: Council approved the consent agenda (minutes and routine items) by unanimous voice vote.

Parks sponsorship: Staff recommended accepting a $10,000 contribution from the Bronco Wild Fund and the Greater Texas Ford Dealers to help fund design and construction of professionally built pickleball courts at McKinney Park; council approved acceptance of the funds unanimously.

Employee pay: Council approved a resolution to give a 4% base salary increase effective Jan. 1, 2026 to the city secretary, the presiding municipal judge and an associate judge, following executive-session annual reviews. "Due to... cost of living increases, it was decided that we would... discuss a 4% increase," the mayor stated; the motion carried unanimously.

Waiver and lease for former city manager: Council approved a waiver of liability and a general lease with former city manager David Vela establishing employment dates and responsibilities and authorizing the mayor to sign documents necessary to implement the resolution. Resident Dallas Kennedy urged the council to move on and recommended hiring Aaron Smith, saying, "I'm wanna thank David Villa for his service here. Unfortunately, it didn't work out... It's time to stop the search." The council adopted the resolution unanimously.

Appointments and boards: Councilman Connell moved to appoint Jefferson Cox to the Odessa Development Corporation (District 4 vacancy); the council approved the appointment unanimously.

Executive session: Council recessed into executive session under Texas Government Code Sec. 551.071 for consultation with attorneys on pending litigation and other permitted matters and returned to open session at 7:07 p.m., after which the mayor stated no action was taken in executive session.

What's next: Approved items will be implemented by staff as directed (contracts executed, funds accepted, pay changes processed), and planning/board appointments will proceed through standard onboarding.