The Odessa Record -

The Odessa Town Council did not have a quorum Monday night, and therefore was unable to approve any motions or take any official action. The council members present therefore decided to discuss issues and hear input from citizens who had requested to be put on the meeting agenda.

Steve Nelson of Century West Engineering in Spokane was hoping to have motion of support from the council for submitting a USDA grant application and also to have council approval to begin advertising for bids for the Federal Emergency Management Agency roadway work to be done as soon as the weather permits.

FEMA has also agreed to contribute $4,000 to the Odessa Cemetery for grave markers that have tilted due to frost heave. The Agency has also allocated $5,000 for repairs to the roof of the community center, where water has leaked into the commercial kitchen whenever it rains.

The council members decided to hold a special meeting on February 14 with a quorum present to approve the various requests from Monday’s meeting.

The RV/trailer ordinance was discussed once again, with police chief Tom Clark providing input from other communities and the results of his research into the state and municipal laws on the issue. His research will continue.

Kim Ramm, president of the Odessa Public Development Authority, and Stacey Rasmussen, manager of that organization, requested that the council study proposed revisions to the utility agreements for the Odessa Industrial Park and then change the names on utility billing statements from the OPDA to that of the purchaser once purchases of facilities within the industrial park have become final.

Town fire chief Don Strebeck reported that the annual fireman’s auction is in two weeks. Many consignment items have been received.

Public works director Rod Webster reported that one of the lift station generators is in Spokane for repairs. The final two heaters for the pool, purchased by the Friends of the Pool, have arrived. The first two that were installed last year have reduced heating costs already by 40 percent.

Mayor Bill Crossley said the council has received four letters of interest from Odessa citizens to fill the council position vacated by Crossley when he became mayor. The four candidates, Joyce McNeil, Kaylene James, Amy Hunt and Michael Igo, will be interviewed separately by the council members at their regularly scheduled meeting on February 26 at 7 p.m. The council will then go into executive session to discuss the candidates, then return to their regular meeting to vote on their selection for appointment to the council.