Council Recap | May 22, 2024
- Tulsa City Council
- May 28, 2024
- 1 min read
The City Council met on May 22, 2024 for committee meetings and a City Council meeting.
Below are the highlights of Council discussion and action items.
Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting | 10:30am
Rezoning Application for a Public Safety Center
Councilors discussed a rezoning application for the property located at the corner of E. 51st St. S. and S. 129th E. Ave. to permit uses for a Public Safety Center in District 7. This application was requested by the Tulsa City Council and approval was recommended by the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (TMAPC).
The proposed project would house the police department, fire department, as well as other departments. The Public Safety Center will not be used as a facility for detention or vehicle repair.
View the discussion here
Resolution Approving a Loan Agreement Between the Airport and BOK Financial for Capital Projects
Councilors discussed a proposed Resolution that would approve the issuance by the Tulsa Airport Improvement Trust of bonds not to exceed $15 million for the construction of an Air Traffic Control Tower and other Capital Projects.
In the 5pm City Council Meeting, Councilors voted to approve the Resolution with the Emergency Clause and the Competitive Bidding Waiver.
View the discussion here
Possible Ordinance Amending the Fire Prevention Code for Installing Fire Suppression or Fire Alarm System
Councilors discussed with representatives from the Tulsa Fire Department’s fire marshal team about a proposed Ordinance Amendment to the Fire Prevention Code. The amendment would require those seeking a fire suppression or fire alarm system to submit designs to an approved third-party plan reviewer.
The proposed amendment is in response to a backlog of contractor applications requesting permits for systems such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and escape systems for local buildings like businesses and churches. The team says they are behind on requests dating back eight months, or 121 businesses.
Councilors tabled this item to allow time to explore other options for addressing the backlog.
View the discussion here
Discussion Regarding Abandoned Oil Wells in the Arkansas River
This item will be rescheduled for another Committee meeting.
Discussion Regarding Safety Concerns About Zink Lake and Water Quality Testing
This item has been rescheduled for another Committee meeting.
Public Works Committee Meeting | 2:30pm
CANCELLED
City Council Meeting | 5:00pm
FY24/25 City Budget Public Hearing
City Councilors heard from Tulsa citizens regarding the proposed City of Tulsa Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget and Capital Plan.
Another public hearing is scheduled for the 5pm meeting on June 5. Councilors are scheduled to vote on the budget at the 5pm meeting on June 12.
Watch the public hearing here
Vote on Main Street Programs
Councilors voted to approve four Resolutions supporting four Tulsa districts to be part of the 2024-2025 Oklahoma Main Street Center with the goal of revitalizing these districts.
The Districts include:
Historic Greenwood District Main Street, Inc.
Kendall Whittier Main Street, Inc.
East Tulsa Main Street, Inc.
Tulsa Route 66 Main Street, Inc.
The Oklahoma Main Street Center was established in the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to assist small towns and cities to develop a public/private effort to revitalize their “Main Street” areas. The inclusion of the Historic Greenwood District, Kendall Whittier District, Tulsa Global District, and Route 66 District will continue to help in the effort of historic and economic preservation.
View the Council meeting here
View the Committee discussion here
Vote on Proposed Standards for Route 66 Roadside Attractions
Councilors voted to approve an Ordinance that would amend the zoning code for the Route 66 Overlay to establish provisions for roadside attractions.
The Overlay was adopted by City Council in 2018 and applied to all portions of Route 66 with the exception of downtown. Since then, Route 66 was enhanced with new neon signage and new businesses. The current zoning code does not address roadside attractions and typically sign standards are applied to these structures. Since roadside attractions differ from traditional signage, the proposed amendments would establish criteria and a process for roadside attractions within the Route 66 Overlay.
View the Roadside Attraction presentation here
View the Council meeting here
Vote on Route 66 Commission
Councilors voted to approve legislation that would add the Route 66 Commission to local ordinances to ensure its continuance.
The purpose of the Tulsa Route 66 Commission will be to advise the Mayor and Council on effective strategies to leverage tourism for economic development along the route, develop a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to promote the road, create awareness on the history, cultural importance, economic value, attractions, and business opportunities along historic Route 66, and advise on public efforts to maintain, redevelop, beautify and enhance it as an economic development engine for the City of Tulsa.
