What happened: The Midland City Council met on May 27, 2025

Why it matters:
The council addressed public concerns over political signs taken from private property, approved a contested rezoning in favor of Kent Distributors, and imposed conditions on Double Bar Saloon’s alcohol permit renewal.

By the numbers:

  • $50,000: Approved a forgivable loan from the MDC.

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  • $4 million: Approved change orders for the northeast sewer line project.

  • $95,000: Aprroved for initial repairs of an MDC lease agreement.

Key points:

  • Double Bar Saloon: Council renewed Double Bar Saloon’s Specific Use Designation with the condition that they hire two Level Two security guards on weekends. City staff reviewed call volumes at nearby bars; Double Bar had 164 calls, comparable to others that don’t have to abide by the security requirement. Council will also review the SUD in seven months.

  • Kent Distributors: Council voted 6–1 to rezone 5.57 acres for an auto service garage at Big Spring Street and Solomon Lane, with Councilman Jack Ladd voting no. Nearby residents raised traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. In response, the applicant agreed to explore medians, and council highlighted the need for traffic signals and better fire access.

  • Starfighters International: Council approved a one-year lease with Starfighters International for a long-vacant hangar at Midland International Air & Space Port. The company is expanding from Cape Canaveral and has an agreement with the Midland Development Corporation (MDC). The city will receive a $222,420 annual lease payment for the hangar while paying $95,000 in initial repairs.

  • Cybersecurity: In response to a cyber attack in Abilene, council received an update on the city’s defenses. Staff noted recovery costs can reach $1.8 million following an attack. The city blocked 93,000 scan attempts since January and processes 380,000 emails monthly. Council approved a new backup system and data center refresh.

  • Flour Child: Council amended the MDC agreement with Flour Child Baked Goods LLC to allow expansion anywhere within city limits. The amendment passed 5–2, with Burkholder and Poole opposed. The original agreement includes a $50,000 forgivable loan from the MDC for the creation of 11 full-time jobs. The company is required to invest at least $222,998 in the company.

  • Live Oak venue: Council deferred action on Live Oak venue’s alcohol permit after neighbors raised noise concerns. This delay allows further discussion with the owner.

  • Wildcatter Trail: Council approved a request for qualifications for engineering and design of the 19-mile Wildcatter Trail linking Midland and Odessa. TxDOT will fund 80% of the costs. Vendor selection is expected by September.

  • Sewer project: Council approved more than $4 million in change orders for the northeast sewer line project. TxDOT will reimburse about $1 million of the cost.

  • Public concerns: City staff addressed public questions raised at the May 13 meeting:

    • Debt: Midland holds $597 million in principle debt, or 25% of the community’s total debt, with two-thirds funded by user fees.

    • Roads: 11,000 potholes filled this year; 24 of 26 Road Bond projects complete; $52 million allocated for roadwork over two years.

    • Water: Leak prevention saved $2.1 million.

    • Code enforcement: The city has 11 code officers; a crackdown on illicit massage businesses found 24 of 25 out of compliance.

    • Political signs: Signs removed from private property were returned the next day; staff disciplined and retrained.

    • Transparency tools: New public dashboards include Vision Midland and Ask Jackie.