City Council Recap | November 20, 2024
- Tulsa City Council
- Dec 17, 2024
- 4 min read
The City Council met on November 20, 2024, for committee meetings and a regular meeting.
Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.
Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am
Discussion of a Proposed Ordinance Updating Planning & Zoning Fees
Councilors and the Tulsa Planning Office discussed a proposed ordinance amending the “Administrative, Permit, and License Fees” section in the Municipal Code, and adding a new chapter, “Planning and Zoning Fees.”
The update more accurately reflects the cost of processing applications, including those for the Tulsa Metro Area Planning Commission (TMAPC) and the Board of Adjustment (BOA), from beginning to end. Another advantage of this proposed fee structure is the incorporation of flat fees that make it much clearer to applicants how much their application will actually cost, as opposed to the current approach with low base fees plus various additional fees for notices, etc. The total number of application fees are reduced from 68 fees with variables to 34 flat fees. The number of TMAPC fees will be reduced from 45 to 24, and the number of BOA fees will be reduced from 28 to 10. This provides a more transparent and customer-friendly approach.
The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on December 4.
Watch the discussion here
View the proposal here
Discussion of a Budget Amendment for District 9 Community Development Project - Manion Park Rehabilitation
Councilors discussed a proposed budget amendment that would allocate $550,000 to the District 9 Community Development Project at Manion Park to renovate and add amenities. The proposed updates would include asphalt walking trails, LED lighting along the trails, and dog-friendly water fountains.
At the 5pm regular meeting on October 16, Councilors voted to approve the rehabilitation project following the Committee discussion.
The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on December 4.
Watch the discussion here
View the proposal here
Watch the October 16 Committee discussion here
Discussion on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding for 36N Comanche & Financial Empowerment Center
Councilors discussed a proposed budget transfer of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward the installation of public sidewalks around the redevelopment 36N Comanche project and additional financial counseling services at the Financial Empowerment Center.
The Council is scheduled to vote on this item at the 5pm regular meeting on December 4.
Watch the discussion here
View the proposal here
Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm
Update & Discussion with Parks Department Regarding McClure Park & Chamberlain Park Projects
Councilors met with a representative from the Parks Department regarding updates on the McClure Park and Chamberlain Park Capital Projects. This was requested by Councilors after the update from the Sales Tax Overview Committee at the 5pm regular meeting on November 6.
The park projects were funded through the first and third phases of the Improve Our Tulsa package, with McClure Park and Chamberlain Park receiving new swimming pools as part of a citywide park rehabilitation effort. The discussion was regarding budget allocations to the projects.
Watch the discussion here
Watch the STOC presentation here
View the budget allocations here
Tulsa City Council Meeting | 5:00pm
Vote on Budget Amendment for District 3 Community Development Project - Bazar Grocery Store
Councilors voted to approve a budget amendment of $500,000 from the 2020 Sales Tax Fund towards architectural/engineering design costs, purchase of construction materials, and construction costs of the Bazar Grocery Store.
Bazar is a micro-grocery store that is fully-automated and will provide fresh food to the community. Funding for this project comes from the District 3 Community Development funds, as well as Tulsa Metropolitan Ministries, Food on the Move, Inheritance Juicery, Cherokee Nation, and various local farmers and private donors.
Watch the vote here
View the proposal here
Learn more about Community Development Priority Projects here
Vote on Budget Amendment for Turkey Mountain Parking Lots
Councilors voted to approve a budget amendment of $1 million towards rehabilitation efforts at Turkey Mountain. The funding, received from the River Parks Authority, will be used to construct a new parking lot on the west side and improve the existing parking lot on the east side of the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area.
Watch the vote here
Watch the Committee discussion here
View the proposal here
Farewell and Presentation of Awards for Outgoing Councilors & Mayor
Councilors held an emotional farewell to four of their colleagues in the final meeting before inauguration of a new Council and Mayor on December 2. Councilors Jeannie Cue, Crista Patrick, Grant Miller, and Jayme Fowler were honored for their contributions to their districts and the City of Tulsa.
Mayor Bynum attended the final meeting, and surprised Councilor Cue with a special award for her compassion and customer service toward residents and City of Tulsa employees. She was presented the first annual “Jeannie Cue Customer Service” award.
Councilors also presented a gift to Mayor Bynum for his work and dedication to the City and its citizens during his eight years as Mayor.
Watch the presentation here
