The council approved first reading of three items that included transfer of the center to the city and applications for grants to finance the facility by unanimous votes, with final approval of the transition expected to come in approximately two weeks.

County commissioners approved the measure last week, garnering skeptic responses from several area seniors that utilize the center, including Tom Guess, who accused commissioners of abandoning the center.

“I still feel like you’re leaving all of us in a lurch by turning this over to the city,” Guess told commissioners at the time. “Because the same people that have caused all the problems will have total control.”

Guess, who was joined by several other seniors during the commissioners’ meeting, addressed several concerns, including the recent closure of the Senior Center due to tiles being taken up from under the facility’s dance floor.

The floor was replaced by the city of Big Spring last week after the center was closed for approximately a week.

Guess, who is just one of many area seniors who use the center, danced to a slightly different tune Tuesday when he addressed the city council.

“I’m speaking as a citizen, not for anyone,” Guess told the council. “I want to thank you, and thank the city manager and assistant city manager, Kenny (Davis) and Terry, and the women that helped put the floor in out at the Senior Citizens (Center).

“When I went out lunch today... they were real pleased, and a few people wandered around (the floor) asking, ‘Who did this?’ And I told them who did it, and they didn’t believe it. I want to tell you how much I appreciate it, and morale seems to be high, and the floor is bigger. It’s just great.” McEwen told Guess the replacement of the dance floor at the facility is just the beginning.

“Thank you, Mr. Guess,” said McEwen. “And our hope is this is the beginning of many things to come for the Senior Citizens Center.”

Guess responded by comparing the future of the center to a historic structure recently used to shed a negative light on the new county jail planned for Big Spring’s west side.

“I hope so. To use a tainted word, it’s going to be a Taj Mahal,” he said to much laughter.
Also during the meeting, the council approved the following items by a unanimous vote:

• Final reading of a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Fibercom Inc., otherwise known as Fiberod.

• Acceptance of minutes from several municipal boards and committees.

• Award bid for lease purchase financing for various equipment and capital improvements.

• An update from Parkhill, Smith and Cooper regarding ongoing bond projects.

• First reading of an ordinance approving the petition of Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC to modify its lighting service tariff pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

• Consideration of approving an incentive agreement between Moore Development for Big Spring and Amerimex Rig Movers and Amerimex Drilling 1 to provide financial assistance for relocation of operations and construction of facilities in Big Spring.

• Emergency reading of a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of equipment Schedule No. 05 under an existing master lease agreement, an escrow agreement and related instruments.

• Emergency reading of a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute an agreement with Patriot Industrial Services Inc. for the sale of tin and other sheet metal at the City Landfill.

• First reading of an ordinance amending ordinance No. 28- 2007 providing for increasing the motel tax fund budget for the purpose of funding the construction and resurfacing of the Rose Magers Walking Trail at Comanche Trail Park.

• First reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 1, Article 1 of the Code of Ordinances entitled “In General” by amending Section 1-22 entitled “Report to Council Required” to that provide the city attorney shall report quarterly to the city council concerning any new claims presented during the preceding quarter and any change in status of pending claims.

• Emergency reading of a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a grant application for the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant from the Criminal Justice Division of the Texas Governors Office.

• First reading of a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an election services contract with the Howard County elections administrator and a joint election agreement with Big Spring Independent School District.

• Discussion and consideration of a study and transition plan for barrier removal and installation of curb ramps in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act. The council voted to appoint a committee to begin looking at several areas in the city — including the Municipal Auditorium — that are not ADA compliant.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it