The Odessa City Council revisited a previously tabled item on renaming streets but did not reopen it after councilors debated the policy and practical implications.
Council member (speaker 9) told the public that the city does not name streets and that developers select street names when plats are recorded; the city’s role, he said, is to ensure names are unique. “Many citizens don't realize that the city does not name streets. Our developers name streets,” he said, urging the council not to reopen the item.
Council member Haney said there are times when renaming is appropriate, but recommended using honorary signs along stretches of road as a less disruptive alternative that would not require residents to change addresses. The mayor recognized a Permian High School student in the audience who had researched a proposed renaming and thanked the student for civic engagement.
No motion to reopen the item was made and the council moved on to the next agenda item.