Two Councilmen Recuse Themselves From Agenda Item Vote

The Amarillo City Council passed all items on the consent agenda Tuesday, including one that appeared to create some concern for one member, stalled briefly after another member made a motion to approve it, while two members recused themselves from the item altogether.

It involved a $1.8 million approval for airport marketing and advertising. That agreement was awarded to No Box Creative of Amarillo. Mayor Cole Stanley pointed out that, while it is $1.8 million, it is actually just $360 thousand per year. 

The item was pulled prior to a vote to further discuss the details. Councilman Don Tipps seemed to have some concern over what the city gets in exchange for the money, musing most people know where the airport is. 

Aviation Director for the Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport, Michael Conner, explained the only difference between the No Box Creative contract and the previous service provider is No Box Creative will handle all media and other campaigns/proposals, check with him for approval, then the agency will take care of everything after that.

Councilman Tom Scherlen would eventually make a motion to approve the agenda as is, but there was no second until Mayor Stanley did so himself.