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Midland council drops security requirement for Hot Shots SUD after residents speak in support
Summary
After weeks of staff review and a packed public hearing, the Midland City Council voted 6–0 to reissue Hot Shots’ special use designation without the earlier security-condition requirement, citing improvements by the business and a need for consistent enforcement across downtown venues.
Mayor Lori Belong opened the city’s public hearing on the seven‑month review of Hot Shots and invited patrons, neighbors and the bar’s owner to speak. Supporters told the council the downtown bar is “more than a business,” helping sustain local jobs and serving as a neighborhood gathering place. “This place is more than a business. It’s a space where people come together … a safe and welcoming environment,” said Iris Cervantes during public comment (speaker 22).
Owner David Chin (speaker 10) challenged the staff incident count, saying he had obtained police records that showed fewer case numbers than the staff summary reported and describing steps he had taken to reduce problems, including closing a side door and paying for alternate parking. Patrick Cordero (speaker 28) submitted a comparative packet of police-report pages and argued Hot Shots has fewer incidents than several other downtown venues.
Councilmembers praised the owner’s cooperation but emphasized the need for consistent enforcement across downtown businesses. The mayor noted staff had seen measurable reductions and thanked the business for following the council’s earlier requests. Councilman Norman moved to issue the SUD without the previously required security-condition; the motion was seconded by Councilman Ladd and carried 6–0. Councilmembers and staff noted the SUD remains a term designation that will be reviewed again on 06/10/2027.
What the council decided and why
- Action: Council approved issuing Hot Shots’ SUD without the mandatory security conditions that staff had previously recommended; the motion passed 6–0. (Mover: Councilman Norman; second: Councilman Ladd.) - Rationale: Council cited evidence of improvements at the venue and repeated calls from public commenters that the operation had become a community asset. Several council members also said they wanted a consistent approach across downtown and would hold other businesses accountable if their SUDs were active.
What remains next
The SUD remains time‑limited and will return to the council on its scheduled review date in June 2027. Staff said it will continue to collect incident data and monitor compliance with any conditions that remain in effect.
Speakers and sourcing
Quotes and details in this article are taken from the city council public hearing and public‑comment record on Jan. 13, 2026. Public commenters quoted include Iris Cervantes (speaker 22), David Chin (speaker 10) and Patrick Cordero (speaker 28). Council actions referenced are on item 24 of the Jan. 13 agenda.
