City staff presented a resolution to partially abandon and convey approximately 0.124 acre of alley adjacent to the Jumbarito (business owner Mr. Cuevas) to allow expansion of the existing business. Staff said the Ector County Appraisal District had appraised the land at $18,471 as fee simple, but that on-site conditions and retained easements reduced its marketable value. "The Ector County Appraisal District appraised it at... $18,471. However, it's not highest and best use because we're retaining a general utility easement..." Mr. Stretcher said, and staff recommended conveying the parcel for $10,000 to reflect the burden of retained easements.

Council members asked practical questions about trash and dumpster placement and were told replatting required as a condition of approval would address site-plan requirements. City staff emphasized the abandonment would be partial, not a full vacation, and that the city would keep nonexclusive utility and drainage easements for water, sewer, cable, electricity and gas.

Councilman Stoker moved to approve the resolution and Councilman Mitchell seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Cuevas, the adjacent property owner, was present in the front row during the discussion.

What's next: the property owner must replat the parcel to comply with the resolution before the conveyance is finalized; city departments will retain discretion to place dumpsters and other required infrastructure under the retained easements.