Odessa Police chief updates on prowlers

ODESSA – Meeting of Feb. 28, 2022: Council re-approved the release of funds for the cable across First Ave. in the middle of downtown Odessa. The agreement for release of the $1,871.60 in hotel/motel tax money had expired due to Covid delays.

The Odessa Lion Club’s Jeff Schibel requested the council relieve the club from having to pay so much for meetings held in the OTH. The club was willing to pay to help defray heating and cooling costs, but since their purpose was to provide improvements for the town, they could do more if they had lower expenses. Council and the Lions came to a mutually agreeable figure.

Police Chief Les Jimerson, still on desk duty due to an injury but nevertheless present, reported email issues that slowed things down in his office. He also reported having interviewed a person of interest regarding malicious mischief.

Odessa Fire Chief Stephen Walter reported the firemen’s auction was very successful after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Nearly everything was sold.There was also a recent house fire. It was reported early, responded to quickly and the fire was soon put out and damage was limited.

Public Works Supervisor Anthony Paszkeicz reports he has obtained his temporary power distribution certificate. His crew will soon install a water meter for the community garden near the school.

Mayor Bill Crossley reports that Kyle Starkel and Danielle Hardung have been added to the planning commission.

Meeting of March 14, 2022

A public hearing for a variance request regarding a garage building permit at 515 E. First Ave. Following no objections from the public, the variance was approved.

The Odessa Park District has requested use of the public library for its meetings the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Council approved the request.

Council also approved a new fence at i603 E. First Ave.

Approved a month-to-month contract with former town public works employee Roger Sebesta to sign off on sewer tests. Current employees are not yet qualified.

Chief Jimerson reported 14 prowlers over the past two weeks. Has reviewed lots of video from various homeowners and citizens, although much was of fairly low quality. However, he does have suspects to investigate. The chief also reports he has had no applicants as yet for the town’s open officer position.

Public Works reports the Vactor truck has been fixed. Street cleaning is planned for the second and fourth Fridays of the month, in hopes that such scheduling would prompt citizens to remove their cars from the major streets to be swept.