BIG SPRING, TX — During Tuesday night’s meeting of the Big Spring City Council, a motion was approved to declare a Public Calamity Relating to Storms and the need to clean up storm debris and approve expenditures of up to $50,000 if needed, on rules and regulations to be determined by the City Manager, for waiving fees at the landfill located at 4100 East FM 700.
Representatives from the Texas Department of Emergency Management were at the meeting and advised that the state had not reached its threshold of $52 million. She also stated that the June 8th storm is being grouped into the June 2nd storm, bringing the entire state into one category. If the state of Texas reaches that threshold, Howard County would be looped into that also.
As of Tuesday evening, TDEM had completed 704 damage assessments. It was also stated that there are many homeowners without insurance and if it were federally declared the federal government would step in and assist those without insurance, but there was no guarantee.
Private citizens can submit their own assessments by using the iSTAT / pSTAT assessments online.
Council members also approved the abatement of two properties that are considered to be a public nuisance. Those properties are listed as follows:
- 2204 Johnson, owned by Estate of Shirley J. White
- 1003 S. Lancaster, owned by Esteban Mendez Flores
A bid for Amphitheater Lighting at the Comanche Trail Park Amphitheater was approved for $110,780 from Qualite Sports Lighting, LLC. The proposed system will provide a two-pole LED lighting system that will significantly improve illumination at the amphitheater, enhancing safety, flexibility, versatility, and security.
During a previous council meeting, it was discussed that the cost of the development of the First Responder Fitness Center on the McMahon-Wrinkle Airport, less the donated equipment from the Dora Roberts Rehabilitation Center, is $501,822. This amount is subject to construction bids. Resources for the development of this opportunity include already approved funds totaling $228,715.00 in the Airpark Fund.
On Tuesday night, Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the budget to allow a transfer of $325,000 from the Airpark fund balance into the Buildings – Special Projects. Resources for the development of this opportunity include already approved funds totaling $228,715.00 in the Airpark Fund. The total amount of funds that will be available for this opportunity includes an increase of 10% for contingency purposes and results in $553,715.00 in available resources.
Council approved the acceptance of a $50,000 grant sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas through the National Fitness Campaign Grant Committee, for an outdoor Fitness Court.
The grant would cover approximately ¼ of the project cost. The remaining cost is estimated to be $155,000. The remaining funds needed would be raised through seeking out additional grants and community support. The Fitness Court consists of equipment to exercise with on one side and an area for stretching, yoga and fitness classes on the other.
During presentation on the item, Susan Himes, Community Services Director, advised that there are no outdoor fitness facilities at Comanche Trail Park for teens and adults, nor anything similar in other city parks. She also stated that as the city works towards the goal of improving the health of all citizens, a free outdoor fitness facility for community residents and visitors would be an asset that would be highly utilized and appreciated. Other Blue Cross/Blue Shield sponsored Fitness Courts that already exist in our region are in Midland, Odessa, Abilene, Andrews and Sweetwater.
(Photos by KBest Media)
(Photo: Council members present for Big Spring City Council meeting on 06/10/25. A quorum was present. Those not present for the meeting were Cody Hughes, District 3; Daniel Moreno, District 6; and Mayor Robert H. Moore.)
(Photo: Councilman Nick Ornelas, District 1, was voted to serve as Mayor Pro Tem.)
(Photo: Newly certified police office recognized at the City Council meeting on 06/10/25.)
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