During a recent Midland City Council meeting, several key appointments and reappointments were made, alongside significant public comments regarding a contentious zoning issue related to the proposed construction of a new high school at the Ransom Hills site.

The council first addressed various board vacancies, successfully appointing Michael Dietrich and reappointing Wes Goucher to the Midland Housing Authority Commission. The council also moved to reappoint Cameron Willman to the Oil and Gas Advisory Committee and approved Nick Stowers for another term. Additionally, Dustin Johnson was nominated for the Parks and Recreation Commission, with plans to revisit a second vacancy at a future meeting.

However, the meeting's most heated discussions arose during the public comment period, particularly concerning the Midland Independent School District's (MISD) plans to build a new high school on the Ransom Hills property, which many community members believe should remain a golf course. Former mayor Mike Cannon expressed strong opposition to the school’s location, arguing that the decision was made without considering alternative sites and that it undermined a valuable community asset.

Several residents echoed Cannon's sentiments, emphasizing the historical zoning restrictions that designate the land for recreational use only. Mark Wagner and Gary Wilson highlighted their concerns about the potential negative impact on the community and the golf course's future, urging the council to enforce existing ordinances that protect the land from being repurposed for school construction.

Brian Swisher and others reiterated their commitment to preserving the golf course, citing legal avenues to challenge any zoning changes that would allow the school to proceed. They called on the council to take immediate action to prevent the school’s construction and to uphold the community's interests.

The council concluded the meeting by acknowledging the public's concerns and indicating that they would consider the implications of the ongoing discussions regarding the Ransom Hills property in future sessions.