Odessa studies law enforcement levy

ODESSA — Mayor Bill Crossley reported at Town Council’s meeting Tuesday, March 26 that the camera to be used to have a look at the bottom of municipal well #3 has arrived, and bids will now be solicited for performing the inspection to determine the cause of low-flow figures.

Crossley also reported that a proposal to enact a law enforcement levy is still under study. He explained that the police department is having difficulty hiring a second officer for the department due to the low salary it can offer given its current budget constraints.

The request by the Kolterman family to remove one of the two sewer hookups at its property was approved by the council, and Public Works was directed to cap off that sewer line. The other line remains operable.

The issue of annexation of areas south of Odessa, including the Odessa Industrial Park and residential areas on the south hill was discussed after a report by town attorney Mark DeWulf had submitted a report to the council on various legal issues. The Town will now schedule an in-person meeting with DeWulf to discuss further steps.

New business included close-out of the water and streets improvement project recently completed in the downtown area. A public hearing was to be set regarding a request by Jerry and Ellen Schafer for the town to vacate an alley adjacent to their property on North Birch Street. Construction of a chainlink fence at a Fourth Avenue property was approved.

Clerk Meri Jane Bohn reported that interviews have been scheduled for four candidates for the open deputy clerk position. She has also submitted the grant application for an athletic facility next to the municipal pool that would be 100 percent funded at no cost to the town.

Police Chief Ericka Rose reported she completed a 40-hour domestic violence course. She also reported on the fire at the Mark Allen residence on Alder Street (see related article in this week’s newspaper).

She and town employee Amy Hardung are working to digitize police reports to enable the department to apply for federal grants for police-related activities. Preparations are also underway for providing security for the Desert 100 weekend of motorcycle racing near Odessa. Acting Public Works Director Gerald Greenwalt said water meter readings had been completed after being delayed by an inoperable handheld automatic meter reader. Hours were spent on the phone with the manufacturer before the device was returned to service.

Repairs to the cemetery chapel eaves will be completed by Memorial Day.

A complaint was received by the town about numerous unlicensed vehicles being parked on a residential property.