What happened: The Midland City Council met Tuesday, Dec. 16, and addressed airport runway snow removal equipment, an economic development agreement with Midland College, downtown parking and patio regulations, a high-profile zoning dispute involving a manufactured home, and a sex offender buffer zone restricting where those on the registry can live or visit.

Key points:

  • Downtown parking: Council approved a 6-1 ordinance establishing paid two-hour parking in core downtown areas at $1.50 per hour, enforced Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting in early 2026. Surrounding areas will retain free, time-limited parking. Payments will use QR code scan-to-pay technology, with ACE Parking handling enforcement and serving as parking ambassadors during rollout.
  • Downtown patio program: Council approved a Right-of-Way Patio Program allowing downtown businesses to expand seating onto sidewalks. Council removed the option to use on-street spaces for parklets, citing safety and parking concerns. Council emphasized insurance protections, safety barriers, and a phased rollout to evaluate impacts.
  • Front yard setback: Council approved a special exception on South Clay Street allowing an existing carport built at the property line to remain, despite staff recommending denial. Council cited the homeowner’s good-faith effort to comply after the city flagged the issue and acknowledged broader confusion caused by unclear carport standards citywide.
  • Rockin Rodeo SUD: Council approved a Specific Use Designation for Rockin Rodeo to allow alcohol sales. Council members questioned why city staff wasn’t recommending a mandated number of security measures, given that the nightclub routinely appears on the top 10 list of alcohol establishments with the highest number of reported crimes.

“If we’re going to force something on [Hot Shots],” Councilman Jack Ladd said, “Because they’re in the top 10. I don’t see why we’re not doing that with [Rockin Rodeo]. “If we’re going to leave this how it is, then when Hot Shots comes back, I’d want them to get the same treatment.” Council ultimately approved the permit without an added security requirement.

  • Airport snow removal: Council approved a $2.2 million purchase of snow removal equipment for Midland International Air and Space Port (MAF). Airport staff said updated Federal Aviation Administration mandates require MAF to clear its runways within 30 minutes, a standard the airport couldn’t meet with existing equipment. Federal grants and passenger facility chargers, not the city’s general fund, will fund the purchase.
  • Midland College agreement: Council approved an amended agreement between the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) and Midland College tied to a commercial driver’s license training program. Councilman John Burkholder raised concerns about damage to the parking lot near Christenson Stadium. College President Damon Kennedy said the location is not ideal and that the college is exploring alternative sites.
  • Jadan Kate Road: Council took no action on a rezoning request for a manufactured home on Jadan Kate Road, leaving the homeowner at risk of losing his home. The owner said he relied on a zoning chart posted on the city’s website, which the city says was outdated. Read The Permian Press’ overview of how Midland’s zoning system can be nearly impossible for a non-expert to navigate.
  • Sex-offender buffer ordinance: Council unanimously approved a new ordinance creating a 1,500-foot buffer restricting where registered sex offenders may live or enter near locations where children gather. The ordinance includes an appeals process for exemption decisions. Read The Permian Press’ overview of the ordinance, which creates new governmental oversight without clear evidence that it will reduce abuse.