What happened: The Midland City Council met on July 8.

Why it matters: The meeting highlighted a disconnect in how the council seemingly views its role in local business growth. While members unanimously approved funding for the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, they appeared divided over how to handle a zoning compliance issue involving a local bar seeking the city’s help.

By the numbers:

  • $561,000: Approved from the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) fund for the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge.

Key points:

  • Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge: Council approved $561,000  from the MDC fund for the Midland Entrepreneurial Challenge, a partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin. Since 2017, the program has awarded funding to 34 businesses, with 80% still operating. More than 200 businesses have competed over the past four years, including 160 last year.

  • Detour Bar: Council deferred a decision on Detour Bar’s lack of compliance with zoning rules for alcohol sales. The bar has operated without a required Specific Use Designation since 2017. City staff explained that around that time, multiple bars were allowed to operate without proper permits due to previous administrative oversight. Staff are now conducting an audit to cross-check alcohol licenses with zoning records. Staff have already identified other businesses out of compliance.

Council debated whether the bar should remain open while working toward compliance or whether the city should force it to close. Councilwoman Robin Pool and Councilman John Burkholder favored closure and following the city’s existing rules. In contrast, Mayor Lori Blong and Councilmen Brian Stubbs and John Norman suggested the city should avoid being overly restrictive and instead help the business come into compliance. Staff said they lacked enough information to determine whether Detour Bar knowingly evaded compliance or simply didn’t realize a permit was required.

The city received only two formal objections, 4% of nearby property owners, raising concerns about parking, noise, and traffic. Burkholder suggested the city could impose parking restrictions in exchange for granting the permit, but staff and council members rejected the idea. Instead, staff recommended a two-week delay to gather more information and review the bar’s history. Council voted unanimously to defer the decision.