Five interested in Town Council vacancy

ODESSA — At its regular meeting led by Mayor Pro Tem Landon Lobe in the absence of an ailing Bill Crossley, the Odessa Town Council followed up on several pending issues Monday, Feb . 26.

Prior to the Monday night meeting, councilmembers interviewed five persons who wrote letters of interest in serving on the council as replacements for Councilman Josh Clark, who resigned recently.

The five interviewees were John Waymire, Jeremy Smith, Ryan Shafer, Jim Smith and Jeff Norris. Between now and the next regular meeting council members will meet to decide which person to designate to serve as the interim council member (Position No. 2) until the next election is held.

The council and police chief Ericka Rose reported on continuing attempts to resolve an issue of a town ordinance regarding the number of pets that can be owned by any one household. The ordinance limits the number of animals to three and requires that the homeowner/renter obtain a kennel license to care for any number above three.

Rose stated that the household in question is working with the town and police and significant progress has been made in moving toward compliance. Efforts will continue.

The question regarding the state Dept. of Revenue’s business licensing process being brought up to date to facilitate the town receiving its share of business licensing fees is ongoing. Town Clerk Meri Jane Bohn said her office is working to set up the necessary paperwork and meet all requirements.

New issues discussed by the council included a request by Sandy Smith to close Division Street downtown between Marjorie Street and Second Avenue for Spring Fling to accommodate a car show on April 27. Council approved the request.

Council voted to reject the building permit for a fence at an east First Avenue address because it does not meet the requirements of using all new materials. A building permit request for a new fence on east Fifth Avenue was approved.