November 26, 2007

EZ RIDER TO RECEIVE TOLL CREDITS
Midland officials were in Austin early this month in an effort to secure state funding for the EZ Rider Transit System. 

Midland-Odessa had applied to the Texas Transportation Commission for consideration of Transportation Development Credits to fund the purchase of twelve new buses (six for Midland and six for Odessa).  The credits are awarded to transportation agencies for various capital projects.  Midland-Odessa received unanimous support and funded $732,640.  Midland-Odessa first received toll credits to purchase the initial four buses.  In 2006, funds were awarded to purchase four 30-foot buses. 

In addition, Midland-Odessa’s state funds will increase from $345,244 to $502,642.  The funding will help with operations of the EZ Rider system. 

Midland Assistant City Manager Marcus Johnston; EZ Rider General Manager, Edward Esparza; and John Wilson with McDonald Transit traveled to Austin for the Texas Transportation Commission meeting. 

The twelve new buses are expected to be in operation by late 2008.

NOVEMBER 27th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• The City Council will consider authorizing the purchase of fitness equipment for use at fire stations by firefighters.  Most of the equipment would be installed in all nine fire stations.  The equipment includes an elliptical cross trainer as well as plates, benches, and machines for strength training.  Total cost of the equipment is $55,713.  Having the equipment at each station allows for the firefighters to take part in a wellness program without having to leave the area in which they service. 
• The Council will also consider approving the purchase of 27 police vehicles.  The recommendation includes the purchase of 23 Ford Crown Victorias and four Chevrolet Impalas.  The City has purchased 58 Impalas over the past two years and they currently make up approximately one-third of the fleet.  The Impalas have proven to accomplish some of the City’s objectives with regard to fuel conservation; however they will be evaluated longer before converting too many additional units.  For now, the plan is to provide Crown Victorias to patrol officers and Impalas for detectives, traffic, airport, and other staff. 
• The Council will consider an item that would provide additional shade structures for several athletic fields.  The Midland Softball Association, Midland United Girls Softball Association, and the Midland Soccer Association have provided half the funds for the purchase of the shade structures.  The City has an agreement with the sports association to match funds raised by the groups for the purpose of capital improvements.  The three associations raised $53,000 which the city will match.  If approved, the shade structures will go up at the soccer fields at Beal Park, at the Bill Williams Softball Complex at Hogan Park, and the Freddie Ezell Softball Complex located at Ulmer Park. 
• The Council will consider execution of a lease agreement with New Mexico Airlines.   The airlines will soon offer two daily roundtrips between Hobbs and Midland and one daily afternoon roundtrip between Hobbs, Midland, and Ruidoso. 

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