City Council Recap | February 5, 2025

The City Council met on February 5, 2025, for committee meetings and a regular meeting.

Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.

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Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am

Discussion of a Resolution Authorizing $10.075 Million in Revenue Bonds for Stormwater System Improvements

Councilors discussed a bond resolution that will authorize an amount not to exceed $10.075 million in 2025 Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) Capital Improvements Revenue Bonds. The funds will be used to acquire, construct, equip, furnish, operate and maintain capital improvement projects as part of the Stormwater system within the City of Tulsa.

The Council voted to approve the item at the 5pm regular meeting. The revenue bond sale is scheduled for February 27.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

Discussion Regarding Traffic Signal & ADA Upgrades for Route 66 Aero Bus Rapid Transit Stations Link Tulsa

Councilors discussed a change order regarding the Route 66 Aero Bus Rapid Transit Stations Link project. It was discovered that several intersections along the route required ADA and signal upgrades that includes the installation of six-foot industrial poles, pedestrian push buttons, resetting pull boxes and electrical conductors.

The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on February 12.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

Discussion Regarding Proposed District 4 Community Development Priority Project - Kendall Whittier Main Street Improvements

Councilors discussed a District 4 Community Development Priority Project regarding improvements to the Kendall Whittier Main Street area. The project was proposed ahead of the Route 66 Centennial in 2026 to encourage visitors to tour historic Oklahoma main street neighborhoods.

The revitalization project will include:

• Neon striping at Whittier Square

• Adding a Route 66 Shield neon sign to Whittier Square

• 100 district wayfinding signs (50 in English, 50 in Spanish)

• Utility box art installations

• Whittier Square clock repairs

• Streetlight pole banners

• Public art installations at the entrance to Kendall Whittier

• Open book art installation at the library

Councilor Bellis proposed to use $50,000 from District 4 Community Development funds for the project, which was approved by Council at the 5pm regular meeting. The Lesher Family Foundation donated $80,000 and American Heritage Bank donated $130,000 in employee state payroll taxes for a grand total of $260,000 for the project.

Kendall Whittier also borders Council Districts 1 and 3, which will benefit from this project as well.

Watch the discussion here

View the proposal here

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Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm

Canceled

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Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm

Sales Tax Overview Committee Updates on Current Projects & Activities

Representatives from the Sales Tax Overview Committee gave a report on updates to current projects within the city including the Public School Safety First Initiative, the scheduled ribbon cutting for the Tulsa Police Department's new heliport, and the Vision Arts Program application updates.

Watch the discussion here

View the report here

Vote on Budget Amendment Items

ART-2 Expansion

The Council voted to approve $965,000 from Opioid Settlement Funds to the Tulsa Fire Department to support the expansion of its ART-2 program, a dedicated unit in Downtown Tulsa to decrease 911 medical call volumes and proactively serve those experiencing homelessness. As part of the expansion, Family & Children Services (F&CS) will provide increased clinicians as well as case navigation. Additionally, ART-2 will move from four days per week to seven days per week, allowing services to expand by 156 days per year.

Watch the vote here

Watch the Committee discussion here

View the proposal here

For more on how the City is addressing Housing, Homelessness and Mental Health:

www.tulsacouncil.org/3htaskforce

www.cityoftulsa.org/pathtohome

Animal Shelter Roof

The Council voted to approve $43,400 from the Facilities Maintenance Fund to the Department of City Experience to repair the Animal Welfare Building, which had a leaking roof. Repairs were recommended while the new facility is still being constructed and will not be ready for another 12+ months.

Watch the Committee discussion here

View the proposal here

Code Enforcement Abatement

The Council voted to approve $302,768 in department vacancy savings to Code Enforcement to contract for a greater quantity of abatement services (demo/cleaning/mowing) to make more progress on the current case backlog.

Watch the Committee discussion here

View the proposal here