Odessa Town Council

ODESSA – The Odessa Town Council met on Feb. 14 in the public library with Mayor Bill Crossley presiding. Council members Vickie Iverson, Landon Lobe, Amy Gimmestad and Marlene Kramer attended in person and Abby Reyes was present via telephone.

The council members discussed distribution by the state of Covid relief dollars to nonentitlement units of local government (local governments typically serving populations of under 50,000) and the associated reporting requirements for receiving the funds.

Under new business, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce requested reimbursement or renewal of the 2019 contract for expenditure of hotel/motel tax funds for extending a cable across First Avenue (for advertising town events) and community center repairs that were never completed. No action taken.

The Interlocal Agreement under the Shoreline Master Program has expired, and a new agreement must be drawn up and signed.

Carmen Weishaar and her father-in-law Tom Weishaar are requesting that the town’s utilities (water/sewer) be extended along Hopp Road where they are planning to build townhouses.

The council approved the transfer of $3,000 from the cumulative reserve fund to pay for new computers for the clerk’s office.

Also approved was removing Kelly Watkins’ name from the town’s bank account and adding councilman Landon Lobe as a signer on the account.

Approved building permits for:

A new shop/garage at 109 E. Fifth Ave.

Installation of a metal roof at 210 E. Third Ave.

Installation of a metal roof at 411 E. Second Ave.

Installation of a temporary fence at 406 E. Second Ave.

Reports

Police: Chief Les Jimerson reported that the sheriff’s office took calls regarding a suicidal person, a prowler, a custody issue, a drunk and disorderly individual, muddy vehicles leaving debris on Odessa streets, taser training of sheriff’s personnel postponed due to Chief Jimerson’s injury, a records request.

Fire: Stephen Walter reported that the firemen’s auction Feb. 26 will have lots of vehicles and machinery for its consignment sale.

Public works: Director Anthony Paszkiesz was not present but left a written report with the mayor. Avista will no longer change out the bulbs in the town’s street lights.

Mayor Crossley reported that a legal representative has been appointed for Harvey Delzer regarding the abatement proceedings against his Odessa property. The next court date is Mar. 15 at 9:30 a.m., with oral arguments to be heard. The mayor also reported that retired public works director Rod Webster has given his two-weeks notice and will no longer be able to sign off on town documents after that. The town will make other arrangements.