City Council Recap | April 10, 2024

Tulsa City Council
Apr 11, 2024
1 min read

The City Council met on April 10, 2024, for committee meetings and a City Council meeting.

Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.

Urban & Economic Development Committee | 10:30am

138th Fighter Wing Airmen Center Project

The Council discussed appropriating $2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to fund the 138th Fighter Wing Airmen Center Project. The purpose of this facility is to provide a dedicated space for airmen and veterans with valid base access to connect, mentor each other, and maintain physical fitness with the ultimate goal of improving unit cohesion, retention and military readiness. This facility will be available to both active-duty personnel and veterans.

Councilors are scheduled to vote on this item on April 17.

-View the discussion here.

-Councilors also discussed this item on March 6.

-View the presentation here.

Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm

Community Development Priority Project: Skelly Bypass Trail

Councilors held a discussion with representatives from Parks and Recreation and Public Works regarding a proposed project in District 5 rehabilitating the Skelly Bypass Trail. The proposed funding would come from the Improve Our Tulsa 2 capital improvement package. Residents in the area have voiced concerns to the City and District 5 City Councilor Grant Miller about the dangers of the trail, including uneven pavement, that have resulted in injuries.

The trail runs from 45th & Yale to 42nd & Fulton. In addition to repaving the trail, the proposal includes additional amenities to enhance the recreation value, such as installing outdoor fitness machines along the trail. The recommended project budget is $400,000.

-View the discussion here.

-View photos here.

City Council Regular Meeting | 5pm

Sales Tax Overview Committee Report

The Sales Tax Overview Committee gave a monthly status report on current activities and efforts.

The Tulsa Zoo provided an update on the new elephant barn. The elephants are slowly being introduced to the new barn and expected completion of the project will be this summer.
The new Tulsa Police Explosive Detection K-9 Unit will launch soon. They are awaiting a slide-in kennel. The unit will be mostly used at the Tulsa International Airport and all major events.
The new Tulsa Police heliport hanger and office is under construction near the police academy at 66th St. N. since it can no longer house at its current location. The newly purchased helicopter is scheduled to arrive soon, bringing the City back to full strength with two helicopters.
Tulsa Fire Department received two new ladder trucks last month. They have been assigned to their respective fire companies and firefighters are completing training on how to use the new equipment.

A new stock mid-mount aerial platform ladder truck will be going to Fire Station 29 near ORU. The new position of the mid-mount allows for faster setup and more ease when fighting fires near trees.

Muncie Power Products will soon be moving into Mohawk/Peoria Business Park. Two shell buildings will be built on the site to help attract manufacturing to the park. With the addition of the two shell buildings, approximately 110 acres of the 120 total will be finalized.
Gilcrease Museum is slated to finish construction of the building in November. They will still be working on testing air quality systems. It will take two years from the time the contract is awarded to return the artifacts from storage. The museum is slated to reopen in 2026.
At Fire Station 66 in Council District 6 near 11th and 145th, old Engine 9, a 1950 Ford Peter Pirsch fire engine, has been restored and is on public display ahead of the Route 66 Centennial.

-View the report here.

United States Postal Service Repurposing of the Tulsa Processing Center

The Council considered a Resolution urging the United States Postal Service to consider local health, economic, and community impacts of closure or repurposing of the Tulsa Processing Center and urging the extension of public engagement to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of Tulsans. The Council heard from citizens in support of the Resolution and the lasting impacts it could have on the City. The Council voted 7-0 to pass the Resolution with the Emergency Clause.

-View the Council discussion here.

-View the Committee discussion here.