BIG SPRING, TX — During last night’s Big Spring City Council meeting, a public hearing was held regarding amendments to the Zoning Regulations to add an indoor gun range to the Central Area District List of Permitted Uses. According to Mayor Robert Moore, Brint Ryan, owner of Hotel Settles and other properties in downtown Big Spring, was wanting to turn the building once known as Poncho’s, located on Runnels between 3rd and 4th Street, into an indoor gun range.
The comments made during the meeting from the public and council were in favor of it, however District 2 Councilwoman Diane Yanez mentioned that she was concerned about the noise and lead reduction. City staff advised that the business would be required to comply with state mandates. Later during the meeting, the first reading of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Regulations by adding “Shooting Range – Indoor Only” as a permitted use in the Central Area District was approved by council with a 7-0 vote.
Two properties were approved for abatement due to being a public nuisance. Those properties are:
- 803 W. 9th, owned by Marshall Horn and Joyce Horn
- 607 W. 9th, owned by Antonia Bustamante
Both properties were approved for abatement with a 7-0 vote.
During the City Manager’s Report, it was announced that the McMahon-Wrinkle Airport will be recognized as the 2025 Local / Basic Airport of the Year for the State of Texas. This is a huge accomplishment for the City of Big Spring as it’s a community award and a banquet will be held on May 6, 2025 to honor the Feeley and the airport staff. Best Airport of the Year, under the direction of Mike Feeley, Airport Director.
Large/Bulk Item Pickup for District 4 will be on April 16th. The deadline to get scheduled for a pickup is Monday, April 14, 2025 by 5 PM. To schedule a pickup, email nhernandez@mybigspring.com or call the Public Works Office at 432-264-2501.
White discussing the Abatement Report, it was noted that there are multiple properties that have been on the list since 2023:
- 609 N Goliad
- 801 Pine
- 610 NW 7th
- 710 E. 17th
- 1011 W. 7th St.
District 1 Councilman Nick Ornelas said everything necessary to complete the process should be completed before it makes it to council for abatement approval.
City offices will be closed on Friday, April 18th, for Good Friday.
Council also unanimously approved a $8,000 event funding request for the Cinco de Mayo Concert and Festival on May 3, 2025 hosted by Friends of Historic Downtown Big Spring, a 501(c)3 organization. Susan Himes, Big Spring CVB Services Director, advised that this is the first time that they have organized the event, but it has potential to grow year after year and bring in people from out of town with big name headliners. Funds will be used to promote the event outside of the region.
A discussion was held about having a problem with getting people to serve on committees. Mayor Bob Moore suggested that if everyone became more diligent in appointing someone in a timely manner then that could help resolve the issue. It was also suggested that if there was a problem finding someone to serve in a vacant position, then council members may be allowed to appoint someone outside of their district. Mayor Moore also acknowledged that the other portion of the problem was ensuring that the appointee was attending meetings. It was also discussed to return to using applications for appointees to obtain information. Councilman Ornelas suggested that the City make PSA’s to educate the public about the boards and what they do. No action was taken on this matter.
Beth Henry was appointed by Mayor Moore to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
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