OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Tulsa City Council Meeting – April 15, 2026: Employee Recognitions, Rudisale Library Sale, and Code Enforcement Fee Waiver

City CouncilWednesday, April 15, 2026
BodyTulsa, Oklahoma
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, April 15, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record

STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE

Transcript — Verbatim
0:12

All right, good evening, and welcome to the 5 p.m.

0:14

Tulsa City Council meeting.

0:16

You can view this meeting on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel, Cox Channel 24, or at Tgov Online.

0:25

Assisting the council tonight are Jack Blair, our city attorney, Lori Doring, our Secretary to the Council, and Catherine on Council staff.

0:34

If you wish to speak on an agenda item, please see Catherine to complete a request to speak card prior to that item being read.

0:42

You will not be allowed to speak on any item that has already been read.

0:47

Please join us for pledging the allegiance to our flag of our country and remain standing for a moment of silence.

2:09

Each month, the City Council is pleased to recognize some of these exceptional public servants who have committed decades of their lives in their career with the city.

2:20

So everyone tonight will be receiving a proclamation.

2:27

Whereas these employees have dedicated years of service to the City of Tulsa, its officials, and its citizens.

2:33

And therefore, we mayor Monroe Nichols and the Tulsa City Council do hereby express our sincerest appreciation for these employees' years of hard work, dedication, and continued service to the City of Tulsa and its citizens.

2:52

It will be the names, of course.

2:54

So let's see.

3:11

And thank you, Chief, for your service.

4:36

Joshua Gibson.

4:39

Tulsa Fire.

4:40

Yeah.

4:43

Okay.

4:45

All right.

4:45

We will hold on to that one.

4:47

You must be putting fires out for sure.

4:51

All right, our next one is Timothy Ingram from FIRE for twenty-five years of service.

5:42

They're the best.

5:44

We would not be able to do this without you all.

5:47

So thank you.

5:48

Don't expect another check.

5:52

All right, Timothy Robinson, fire for twenty-five years also.

6:05

Appreciate you.

6:40

Michelle Piper, Finance for twenty years of service.

6:53

Thank you very much.

7:33

All right, Melanie Brickman, human.

7:39

You're the next contestant.

7:42

Human resources for twenty years.

7:45

Thank you.

7:51

I just need the t-shirts.

7:55

Thank you.

7:56

All right, come on down.

8:27

I love these proclamations.

8:31

All right, many employees who are receiving their years of service award this month could not be here tonight.

8:38

We would also like to acknowledge their contributions to the city.

8:42

Let's see, for thirty-five years of service, Steven Sanders with the police department.

9:01

Excuse me, Parks and Rec, Dion Anderson, Joseph Car Carlisle, Nor uh Nathan Carter, Jason Dyer, Kenneth Feeler, Jeffrey Fry, Kevin Fry, Thomas Gillespie, Aaron Goines, Michael Krebs, Clayton, Mars, Galen Murphy, Rashem Revels, Jerry Sivadon, and Michael Velasquez.

9:37

Twenty years of service, Kyle James, Michael B.

9:41

Wallace, both from Asset Management.

9:54

Yeah.

9:54

Thank you so much to all of you for your services, City of Tulsa.

10:12

Look.

10:14

Yeah.

10:21

All right.

10:25

All right, here we go.

10:26

Um announcements just in the event of inclement weather.

10:31

We will uh shelter in place here in the council chambers.

10:35

Uh people wishing to speak on an agenda item are limited to five minutes total per meeting.

10:40

Public input is a time for members of the public to provide insight on the agenda item due to the meeting format.

10:48

Public input is not a time for question and answer period.

10:52

Um all comments should be relevant to the agenda item and directed to the council.

10:57

We are using an electric uh timing system in front of the speakers at the microphone.

11:02

There is a timer that will count down the time used.

11:05

A green light will indicate your time is running, a yellow light will come on uh when you have 30 seconds remaining in your allotted time, and the blinking red light uh will be shown when your time has concluded.

11:19

We ask that you stay within your time limit so everyone wishing to speak is given equal time.

11:24

Please keep the podium area railings and aisles free from recording devices and tripods, recording equipment and accessories, including tripods must be set up in the media center.

11:34

As posted on tonight's agenda, certain items are subject to consideration and possible approval, adoption, denial, amendment, or revision.

11:43

Uh I call this meeting to order.

11:44

Lori, please call the roll.

11:46

Counselor Hall Harper.

11:47

Here counselor Archie here.

11:49

Counselor Dutton?

11:50

Here.

11:50

Counselor Bellis.

11:51

Here.

11:52

Counselor Gilbert?

11:53

Here.

11:53

Counselor Bengal.

11:54

Here.

11:54

Counselor Dr.

11:55

Wright.

11:56

Here.

11:56

Counselor Lakin.

11:57

Here.

11:58

All right.

12:00

Um item one, receipt and filing of minutes.

12:03

One A, minutes of regular meeting held at 4 p.m.

12:06

on March 11th, 2026.

12:08

B, minutes of regular meeting held at 5 p.m.

12:10

on the uh same day, March 11th, 2026.

12:14

And C, minutes of regular meeting held at 4 p.m.

12:17

on March 25th, 2026.

12:21

D, minutes of regular meeting held at 5 p.m.

12:24

on March 25th, 2026.

12:26

Do we have any speakers?

12:27

We do not.

12:28

All right.

12:29

Is there any council discussion?

12:31

I move to approve items 1A through D.

12:33

Second.

12:34

Please call the roll.

12:35

Counselor Lakin.

12:37

Yes.

12:37

Counselor Hall Harper.

12:38

Yes.

12:39

Counselor Archie?

12:40

Yes.

12:40

Counselor Dudden.

12:41

Yes.

12:41

Counselor Bellis.

12:43

Yes.

12:43

Counselor Gilbert?

12:44

Yes.

12:45

Counselor Bengal?

12:46

Yes.

12:46

Counselor Dr.

12:47

Wright?

12:47

Yes.

12:48

All right.

12:48

Items 1A through 1D are approved.

12:52

Two, appointments and reappointments.

12:55

2A Lacey Richards appointment to the Route 66 Commission.

13:00

B, Shane Hood, reappointment to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.

13:06

C Obam Ocabum, reappointment to the Tulsa Arts Commission.

13:11

Do we have any speakers?

13:13

We have one speaker, Mr.

13:14

John Huffines.

13:25

Peace.

13:26

Yes, peace.

13:28

I am thankful for our honorable leaders.

13:31

The honorable council chair, Karen Gilbert, the honorable vice chair, Christian Bingle, Honorable Counselor, Staff Team, and Security.

13:39

We are thankful to the citizens of this great city of love, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

13:44

It is a joy to be with you on this 15th day of April in the year of our loving Lord Jesus Christ 2026.

13:51

Yes.

13:51

Appointments and reappointments.

13:53

A Lacey Richards appointment to the Route 66 Commission.

13:57

B Shane Hood.

13:58

Reapointment to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission and C Oban Ocabum.

14:05

Reappointment to the Tulsa Arts Commission.

14:08

Holy Spirit, you are welcome in the Tulsa Arts Commission and all our boards and commissions.

14:14

Thank you, family.

14:15

Thank you, Mr.

14:15

Huffines.

14:16

Any other speakers, Catherine?

14:19

None.

14:20

Okay.

14:21

Is there a council discussion?

14:22

Move approval of items two A through C.

14:25

Second.

14:26

Please call the roll.

14:28

Councillor Lakin.

14:29

Yes.

14:30

Counselor Hall Harper.

14:31

Yes.

14:31

Counselor Archie?

14:32

Yes.

14:32

Counselor Dutton.

14:33

Yes.

14:33

Counselor Bellis.

14:34

Yes.

14:35

Counselor Gilbert.

14:36

Yes.

14:36

Counselor Bengal?

14:37

Yes.

14:39

Okay.

14:39

Items two A through two C are approved.

14:43

Any commissioners here tonight?

14:45

I don't see any.

14:47

Okay.

14:48

All right.

14:49

Um item number three, public hearings.

14:51

We have no items this week.

14:54

Four mayor's items.

15:00

Uh report for A report from the mayor, his designee on community events briefing on city activities, city efforts, and new business.

15:04

Anybody here from the mayor's office?

15:07

Okay.

15:08

The remaining items 4B through 4P will not be read aloud.

15:13

However, public comments will be received on these items.

15:19

Do we have any speakers from 4B through 4P?

15:24

Yes.

15:25

The first speaker is Mr.

15:26

John Hafines for items 4, C, F, G, H, J, L, and finally M.

15:38

Thank you, Counselors.

15:40

We'll do it separate.

15:41

Agenda item 4C.

15:42

Waterline easement donation.

15:45

May we have water lines of God's love, God's word flowing into our public schools and Tulsa government.

15:52

Agenda item F.

15:55

4F.

15:56

A travel donation from Ignite for Adrian Stoops to travel to Stockbridge, Georgia to attend the second annual Ignite Women's Conference.

16:06

I'm grateful for our fire department and its fire chief, Mr.

16:10

Mike Baker.

16:11

This honorable man, Chief Baker is scheduled to speak at the Brookside Neighborhood Association meeting in August.

16:17

Grateful.

16:19

Yes, may leaders, may leaders, female and male, listen to Holy Spirit, the leader, and lead with boldness, confidence, courage, and compassion.

16:30

Agenda item 4G.

16:32

A travel donation from the Tulsa Police Foundation for Officer Tyler Thomas to travel to Dallas, Texas to attend the 2026 International Co-Responder Alliance.

16:42

May our Tulsa police continue to serve with diligence as they love people, honor authority, and do their job.

16:50

Almighty God, we invoke your guidance.

16:53

Agenda item H a travel donation from the Tulsa Police Foundation for Captain Malcolm Williams to travel to Dallas, Texas, to attend the 2026 International ICRA annual conference.

17:06

I'm grateful for our police department.

17:12

And it's a good idea to continue to support them as they help keep order and peace.

17:18

A travel donation from the Tulsa Police Foundation.

17:21

I'm grateful for our excellent Tulsa Police Force.

17:24

When we see or hear them or any of our first responders vehicles along the side of the road or anywhere, may we pray or speak peace into their situation and pray for wisdom for every decision maker.

17:36

Their actions are influenced by our prayers.

17:39

And there is a whole lot of good that's being exemplified by our police.

17:49

And we're grateful.

17:50

Agenda item L.

17:52

Spreading hope back to school bash for children brings a beautiful message into our city.

17:58

Hope for young people as they step into a new school year.

18:01

Events like this remind us that when neighbors come together, encouragement grows and families are strengthened.

18:07

Scripture speaks of every good and generous gift flowing from the Lord.

18:10

And gatherings like this express this goodness through service, kindness, and generosity toward children.

18:17

I appreciate the organizers and volunteers who are investing in Tulsa's young people.

18:21

May this event bring joy, unity, and fresh encouragement to many families across our community.

18:27

While gathered, we might like to put a good book of hope in their hands, a good book, the Holy Bible.

18:34

And finally, agenda item 4M.

18:38

A special event application.

18:40

St.

18:41

Tori Bio Kerms, scheduled for May 24th, 2026, sponsored by St.

18:46

Peter and Paul, Catholic Church and School.

18:50

This March, this procession celebrates faith and family.

18:53

Gatherings like this bring people together in joy while honoring Jesus Christ, the Son of God, thereby strengthening the fabric of our city.

19:02

Moments like these also remind us the value of honoring heritage and spiritual roots.

19:07

In this spirit, I speak appreciation for the nation of Israel, a land rich in history, faith, and enduring promise.

19:14

Israel continues, yes, Israel continues to be a place where innovation, resilience, and deep spiritual heritage come together to bring blessing far beyond its borders.

19:24

As we celebrate faith-centered gatherings here in Tulsa, we also extend goodwill and honor toward Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.

19:33

May we continue to be a community that lifts up unity, celebrates heritage, and speaks words that encourage and brings the light of Christ.

19:42

Thank you, Counselors, for always doing your best to help Tulsa be her best.

19:46

Thank you, Mr.

19:47

Hafines.

19:48

Any other speakers?

19:49

The next speaker is Heather Nash for item four Q.

19:53

We haven't read that one yet.

19:55

This is items uh four uh B through four P right now.

20:01

Um we have Mr.

20:02

James Alexander for item 4E.

20:05

Okay.

20:06

Okay.

20:08

Okay.

20:09

Um Bernice Alexander for item 4E.

20:14

All right.

20:15

Is that it?

20:16

Yes.

20:16

All right.

20:17

Um is there council discussion for items 4B through 4 P.

20:23

Move to approve items 4B through 4P with the emergency clause on 4B.

20:27

Second.

20:28

Laurie, please call the roll.

20:30

Counselor Lakin, Counselor Hall Harford.

20:36

Counselor Archie?

20:37

Yes.

20:37

Counselor Dutton.

20:38

Yes.

20:39

Counselor Bellis.

20:41

Yes.

20:41

Counselor Gilbert.

20:43

Yes.

20:43

Counselor Bengal.

20:44

Yes.

20:45

Counselor Dr.

20:46

Wright?

20:47

Yes.

20:49

Okay.

20:50

Items 4B through 4P are approved with the emergency clause on 4B.

20:56

Next item is 4 Q.

21:00

Do we have any speakers?

21:02

Yes.

21:03

The first speaker is Heather Nash.

21:05

I don't need to read it because it's a mayor's action.

21:08

Mayor's item.

21:11

How many speakers do we have on this, Catherine?

21:14

Um one, two.

21:21

Eight speakers.

21:22

Okay.

21:24

Are they all for?

21:27

I mean, any are they split between four and against?

21:29

Yes.

21:31

Okay.

21:31

So what's the split?

21:35

Um please give me a minute.

21:46

There's four for two against, and then two that did not specify.

21:53

Okay.

21:54

All right.

21:57

Yeah, five minutes each.

21:59

Yeah.

22:00

Okay.

22:00

Okay.

22:01

Hi, I'm Heather Nash, and I'm here about the cell of Rudisale.

22:05

So I must just start by reading the conflicts of interest in the section seven in the ethics handbook of the city.

22:13

Um, no city official shall have a direct or indirect financial, personal or organizational interest in conflicts or appears to conflict with his or her city duties, employment responsibilities, or conscientious performance to those duties or employment.

22:34

No city official shall directly or indirectly engage in any financial transactions as a result, or primarily relying upon information not available to the general public obtained through his or her city affiliation.

22:50

No city official shall improperly use such information to further sorry further any private interest or profit to himself or herself, family members or personal friends.

23:07

If a city official believes that he or she may have conflict of interest, they shall disclose the conflict to an appropriate manager, supervisor, or appointing authority, or file a written disclosure to the city clerk.

23:24

I just want to make sure I know you guys can't answer questions, but who is the person that she's the answer to?

23:31

That's what we want to find out.

23:32

And I'm asking you all to delay voting on this until we get this whole thing solved.

23:39

But we want to make sure that there were no conflict of interest, which we truly believe there is.

23:45

She is the founder of Black Wall Street Chamber.

23:48

Under that sits the power group.

23:51

We have video of her talking about asking for funds.

23:56

We have her as the founder of the Black Wall Street Chamber.

24:00

If that is not conflict of interest, then tell me what it ain't.

24:06

We need if the law says, and I saw a little bit of a loophole.

24:10

If there's a if the law says that she does not have to do a written, she could go to him and say, I'm doing this, but not state it to the public.

24:18

We want the proof that that happened.

24:21

We need it.

24:22

And if not, we need to change the city codes because they are a protection to you all, but not to the people.

24:31

We need to know that.

24:33

Not only just that, I do again request that you all delay this vote until we can figure out this conflict of interest.

24:42

That is important.

24:44

Because I don't want any city counselor, her or any of you all getting property without notifying the public first.

24:53

This is not about whether the library did the proper thing when y'all had that meeting this morning.

25:00

This is about conflict of interest.

25:03

If we did something that was a conflict of interest in the public and we owed it to you, I'm sure you'd be asking for it.

25:11

Please delay this vote.

25:15

Thank you.

25:16

Next speaker.

25:18

Next speaker is Darnell Blackman for Q.

25:31

Good afternoon.

25:32

Can you all hear me okay?

25:33

Awesome.

25:34

Good afternoon.

25:35

My name is Dr.

25:35

Darnell Blackman, and I am the chairman of the Board of Black Walls Chamber of Commerce as well as the Power Group.

25:41

And I am in favor of the purchase of Ruta Sale Library.

25:46

The reason I'm in favor of it is I think it's needed.

25:49

Not only is it needed, it was done properly.

25:51

Because the open records act was followed.

25:53

It was published.

25:55

I think when it is published, it is on the onus of those who are looking for the publication to find it.

26:02

It shouldn't have to be sent to everyone, but it was made public.

26:04

And when it's made public, it's the onus of us to go out and make sure that we've looked at it.

26:09

Once we have, if we'd like to bid on it, then we can.

26:13

And if you don't bid on it, then you can't complain that you did not win the bid.

26:18

So it is up to us as public citizens to follow the record and then do our due diligence to look for it.

26:25

And once that's done, I think that actually eliminates the conflict of how it was done.

26:30

In terms of it being purchased by a city councilor, it's actually purpose purchased by a group that has a governing board.

26:37

And that governing board met, they vetted this properly, uh, they followed the proper procedure, they placed the bid, and the bid was won, and this should carry forward.

26:46

Thank you.

26:47

Thank you.

26:48

Next speaker, Christy Williams.

27:00

Good evening, counselors.

27:02

Good evening.

27:04

Well, my name is Christy Williams, and I am a proud member of the Power Group, the founding uh board member of the of the Black Wall Street Chamber and the Power Group.

27:15

Um, and I'm also deeply invested in the future of North Tulsa and Greenwood.

27:20

And I understand there's been a lot of uh concerns raised about this process, and um a lot of misinformation as well, a lot of misinformation.

27:31

And I want to be clear that transparency and accountability, it matters to me just as much as it matters to anyone in this room, and but we also have to be honest.

27:43

When the proper process is followed and is still called into question, we have to ask is this really about the process, or is this really about the people involved?

27:55

Because the people who are bringing um up the misinformation and the confusion, these are the same group of people who voted against the the uh the grocery store in North Tulsa, um, and it's election time, and it's the same people who always campaign to tear down uh the Nessa Harper, our counselor.

28:18

It's election time, and it's really what a lot of this is is centered around.

28:23

But because you don't get to re I mean, you don't get to reject the rules just because you don't like the person, and recu re the recusal happened, that's part of the transparency.

28:34

Um, the legal and ethical safeguards were followed, and at some point, you know, we just gotta call it what it is.

28:43

But what should matter most is that what is gonna happen with the building with Ruta Seal and who is committed to using it in a way that benefits the community.

28:54

Counselor Har Harper has mentioned in the Tulsa World when um during the ground opening of the new library that she would like to see something happen to the root of sale and talked about that.

29:08

Um, I don't know why people miss that part.

29:11

Um, but the power group is rooted in in this community, and this isn't about outside speculation, this is about local investment, local leadership, and creating something that serves the people right here in North Tulsa.

29:25

And we can't keep saying we want development in our community, but then resist it when it comes from within.

29:32

This decision should not be based on personalities or politics, it should be based on process, which was followed and potential, which is right in front of us.

29:43

And I stand in support of this purchase because I believe in community-led solutions, and I believe in moving moving forward and not staying stuck.

29:53

And so I ask that you all would um vote to surplus this library, it's not city property, as you all know.

30:00

It's not city property, as you all know.

30:04

But I just hope that you all go ahead and vote in favor of the root of sale, the purchase of the root of sale.

30:11

Thank you.

30:11

Thank you.

30:13

Next speaker, please.

30:14

Matisse Mason.

30:22

Good evening, City Council.

30:23

My name is Matisse Mason, and I am here in favor of 4Q, the purchase of the Ruudasil Library.

30:31

I stand before you today with both gratitude and hope.

30:35

Hope rooted in a powerful opportunity that North Tulsa has right now.

30:40

The opportunity to circumvent gentrification and instead build a model of community-led revitalization.

30:48

For far too long, redevelopment in historically black communities have meant displacement.

30:54

But today, today we are seeing a different path emerge.

30:59

One where people who have invested their lives into the community are not pushed out, but brought in.

31:06

One act that stands out in today's discussion is the purchase of the Ruders Hill Regional Library by the Power Group.

31:13

I cannot overstate how significant this moment is.

31:32

This is a testament.

31:34

It is a testament to the legacy of those who came before us, the architects of the civil rights movement right here in North Tulsa, the educators, the legislators, the advocates, the city leaders, the everyday citizens who organized, protested, taught, and sacrificed so that we could have moments just like this.

31:57

Their work did not end in history books, it is culminated in this moment.

32:03

An organization that is actually invested in the economic empowerment of North Tulsa has been able to fairly and freely acquire a vital community asset through a closed bid process.

32:14

That matters, it elevates hope, it restores faith, and it sends a clear message that collaboration between the community, the city of Tulsa, the City County Library systems is not only possible, but powerful.

32:30

This is what it looks like when a community is allowed to take an active role in shaping its own future.

32:38

This is how we begin to disband the patterns of gentrification, not through exclusion, but through intentional inclusion.

32:47

North Tulsa is growing, and with that growth comes responsibility.

32:52

Now I do want to acknowledge the support of the city of Tulsa, the City Council, and many organizations working every day to fortify this community.

33:00

Your partnership has made moves like this possible, and we need more of it.

33:06

Now I also understand that sometimes change is not always comfortable.

33:12

Progress is often met with discourse, but we must be willing to rise above the disagreements to do what is right for the people that we serve.

33:22

This moment remains reminds me of the tension that was always existed between generations in movements for progress.

33:30

It brings to mind when Jesse Jackson, who at times challenged even the movements he was a part of, just as he later expressed frustration during the rise of Barack Obama, and even before that, there was moments of tension within the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the leadership of Dr.

33:47

Martin Luther King.

33:48

This is not new.

33:50

When younger voices push forward towards progress, sometimes the elders push back, not in opposition, but out of the desire to protect what they have built.

34:00

And to our elders, I say this with deep respect.

34:04

Please guide us, show the next generation the way forward, help us to preserve the legacy, not unintentionally dismantle it, because what we are building right now in North Tulsa is not just development, it is continuity.

34:20

It is ownership, it is equity in action.

34:23

Let this moment be the standard, not the exception.

34:26

Let this be the blueprint for how Tulsa grows with its people, not around them.

34:32

Thank you.

34:33

Thank you.

34:35

Next speaker, please.

34:47

Good evening.

34:49

Good evening to the honorable counselors.

35:00

I stand before you today, not just as a speaker, but also as a voice for the community that's ready.

35:04

Greenwood is not dead.

35:06

Greenwood is alive.

35:08

It's moving, it's shifting, and it's stepping into a season of opportunity.

35:14

I'm also the associate pastor of the historic Vernon AME Church on Greenwood.

35:21

Not a resident of Tulsa, been here over 30 years.

35:26

In 2022, I ran for the city council position.

35:32

Why?

35:32

Because I saw vacant buildings.

35:35

I saw dilapidated neighborhoods.

35:38

I saw a need for there to be structure and order in this community.

35:43

But hear me clearly.

35:45

What we do right now will determine whether that opportunity lives or dies at the table.

35:52

Because when I look at Greenwood, I don't just see empty buildings.

36:03

I see people that need to have the opportunity to rise again.

36:08

And we're attempting to do that.

36:10

And today, this is not just about 1.4 million, it's about division.

36:17

This is about whether we choose vision or we get stuck in distractions.

36:22

Because somehow the conversation shifted from purpose to ownership, from opportunity to speculation.

36:32

But let me ask the question plainly.

36:35

If this had gone out of state to developers, would we be here fighting this hard right now?

36:42

Or would it would it have already passed?

36:46

I made a commitment to not just run for office, but to continue the work to bridge the gap, to bring understanding to help move this community forward.

36:58

My senior pastor Keith R.

37:00

May Sr.

37:00

and myself, we've had meetings at our church trying to bring leaders in the community together to have simple dialogue to be able to dot the T's and excuse me, cross the T's and dot the I's but we're still here, and now I stand here asking you to do the same.

37:22

As we're coming together and we're bringing this dialogue before you today, because Greenwood deserves better, it deserves thoughtful development, it deserves it does deserve accountability.

37:35

It deserves people who are invested, not just financially but personally, with a desire to bridge the gap within our own community.

37:46

This is a very defining moment for us.

37:49

There are many places within the Greenwood area within the Greenwood district that's still undeveloped, that still have vacancies in office buildings that's dilapidated.

38:01

We want to make sure that we start the wheels in motion and form an ecosystem.

38:07

This is again, I say a divining moment, not for headlines, not for social media, but for legacy, our legacy.

38:16

Because real leadership is not online, real leadership is right here in this room in this decision.

38:25

So I do say to you today, stand on integrity, stand on truth, stand on the evidence, but most importantly, stand with the people, the people that are desiring the change, and with change, there will be a climate of people that will be upset regarding the change.

38:56

So that we can work out the differences and be able to cross the T's and dot the I's I'm asking today that you do approve the sale.

39:06

I'm asking that you support this project, and I'm asking that you help us to bring the good Greenwood area forward.

39:15

I appreciate your time and thank you for this opportunity.

39:19

Thank you.

39:21

Next speaker, please.

39:23

James Alexander.

39:36

Good evening.

39:38

Good evening.

39:39

I am James Alexander, and I'm here to represent myself and myself only because I don't think anybody will stand with me.

39:45

And I don't give a dirt.

39:47

Hey, it's time for Tulsa the FAFO and get the stuff right.

39:53

Now, this process, it was done incorrectly because this area is funded and it was set up by the federal government in 1959.

40:00

Now, this process was done incorrectly because this area is funded and it was set up by the federal government in nineteen fifty nine.

40:13

Do you hear that?

40:14

And it shouldn't look like it's looking now.

40:17

There's a divide, and the divide between black people.

40:23

I'm here on one side.

40:24

I have been fighting for this area for over thirty years.

40:28

Nobody has come to my rescue.

40:30

They have torn down three of my houses.

40:37

But what I need is for the money that belongs to this area to come to that area.

40:42

And the city council is one of the ones to play with that money.

40:47

As you look, even with her, there's all the message going on with it now.

40:53

It hasn't changed.

40:54

Some stuff has changed, but if things like I got a uh memo from uh Finance Department.

41:09

But they had changed it.

41:11

The uh area for the money.

41:14

Now it's going to three or four different so-called areas that's depressed.

41:19

That money is for North Tulsa and North Tulsa only.

41:24

And it's for black people.

41:26

Indians get the same kind of money.

41:29

You're not messing with that money.

41:31

Leave our money alone.

41:35

Thank you, next speaker.

41:39

I'm going to speak in silence.

41:40

Tell me when my time is up.

41:50

She started.

41:51

Go ahead.

41:51

She's it's it's it's silence.

46:51

Your time's concluded.

46:53

Thank you.

46:54

I'm sorry, what did you say?

46:56

I said your time's concluded.

46:58

Thank you.

46:59

Thank you.

47:01

Next speaker.

47:03

Our final speaker is Jennifer Harmon.

47:24

My name is Jennifer Harmon.

47:26

I'm from Council District Nine.

47:28

I'm a native Tulson.

47:30

And I know that at least three of you are aware that I'm I'm a very process-oriented kind of person, and so when I come down from the Bleachers and I come here to speak before the council, I've usually seen something that doesn't seem right, or I've done my homework, and I'm just here from the public as a member of the public that you serve, and I'm asking for some kind of either clarification or some kind of guidance, or I'm asking you for us to think about something a certain way.

50:00

There is someone who spoke here earlier who I happen to think is rather gifted in the things that she is doing with books and kids and and history, and I can't think of a better person to possess uh a library building for her endeavors as long as it's done above board.

50:13

And so I understand that the TCCL, they did what they were supposed to do, and they put the they published it in the paper, they did the surplus and they made it to where it was open to the public.

50:29

And so that meant everybody.

50:31

And so if that included somebody who was an elected official, then it would be incumbent upon that elected official to follow the ethics policy, which is to disclose, I think it says in writing something about a direct conflict of interest.

50:49

It doesn't say in there that they can stop by or anything like that.

50:54

So what I have that I requested is that there is nothing in writing between October and present about any kind of recusal or disclosures about who put the offer in and who was involved.

51:08

And so when I get that back in return from the city, then naturally I just want to question and make sure I come here and say, wait a minute, if it's not above board, then how can we approve it or how do we make it above board so that we can't approve it?

51:24

And so I it's not personal for me, it's just about it's just about doing the thing that the public wants you to do so that the public that you serve can say, you know what, we have the great city council, they work, they listen to everybody, they don't just endorse things for their allies.

51:45

Um this isn't the first time I have been through this rodeo in with this very same situation, and I don't know why it doesn't say in our ethics policy now when written disclosures of direct conflicts are supposed to be done, but I do know that there is a state statute that says if you don't do it and you get into a deal with an undisclosed direct conflict, that could maybe void the whole deal.

52:21

So why wouldn't I, as a process as a process person, why wouldn't I come here and bring that to everyone's attention?

52:28

That's what I'm here to do.

52:30

And so my time is up, and thank you for letting me bring that up.

52:37

Thank you.

52:39

All right, is there council discussion?

52:42

Yeah, um councilor Dector Wright, then Councillor Bellis.

52:49

I'll go first.

52:51

Thank you, um, Chair Gilbert.

52:54

Thank you to everyone who's emailed or come today to speak.

52:58

Um I appreciate people engaging civically and respectfully.

53:03

Um so I just want to go over a couple things because we did visit with the attorneys on this transaction from the Tulsa City County Library and our own city attorney in our public works meeting at 2 30 this afternoon, which I chaired.

53:17

So we confirmed today in that meeting that TCCL, the Tulsa County Library Commission, followed the proper procedures and policies when they decided to surplus the uh Rudasil Library in September of 2025.

53:34

They conducted an independent valuation.

53:37

They published notice in the Tulsa World on October 24th and 26th, 2025, and also posted on their website between October 20th and November 4th, 2025.

53:50

They for the for a bidding process.

53:52

Sealed bids were received.

53:54

Um and they were opened by the physical facilities committee of the TCCL on November 10th.

54:00

They accepted the bid that they received, and they awarded the contract to the power group, which we heard um Dr.

54:07

Blackman from the Power Group speak today.

54:10

Uh we also got confirmation that the new Riddle Sale Library is being built at 1017 North Greenwood Avenue and scheduled to open in October 2026.

54:18

And I and some of my colleagues actually physically drove by today to check on the progress of that.

54:23

So a library will still uh a public library will still be in Greenwood on Greenwood, and um the long time place of uh people coming together, including those of us who participate in um town hall meetings and and different community meetings at Rudisale will still have a place to go on the former site.

54:46

Um we also discussed the concerns related to compliance with our ethics ordinance, Title 12, Chapter 6, expressed by some of the citizens, and we um discussed that today with the city attorney.

55:12

They're due by May 15th, and anyone can obtain an open records request to see any of our disclosures.

55:20

So those are filed annually by law.

55:24

Um and for anyone who has an ethics complaint about any city of Tulsa official, you can submit those complaints to be reviewed through the appropriate channels, whether it's online at Tulsa 311 or by calling.

55:36

Um there's also a confidential hotline for f fraud, waste, and abuse, eight eight four four eight nine two-three one nine one.

55:44

So I just want to make sure everyone has all the same information because I know it's real easy to react when we see something as we're scrolling through.

55:52

And unfortunately, in this political climate, that happens far too often.

55:55

So I do appreciate that people who had questions, concerns, or complaints, used the proper way to conduct themselves speaking with us today and emailing us.

56:05

I do appreciate that.

56:06

It's unfortunate that when disinformation is spread so rapidly, it's hard to get the information.

56:12

So for those of you who have um accurate facts and information, please take time to share it widely because unfortunately the fear and the anger that riles up in people through social media spreads much faster than facts and calm considerate um uh understanding of what's going on.

56:34

So I hope I was able to share that.

56:36

I I gleaned that through it coming on our agenda and reaching out and asking for more information, and then our colleagues engage in a very thoughtful dialogue this afternoon.

56:46

So I'm I'm planning to support this surplus.

56:51

That's what we're voting on.

56:52

The rest of the concerns that have been raised, there's various channels to express those.

56:56

That's not what we're voting on here today.

56:58

So um I'd like to hear what my other colleagues have to say on it.

57:02

Counselor Bellis.

57:03

Yeah, um, and just as a one other clarifying piece, and then just the just a double checking question.

57:11

Um, right, this isn't city property that we're surplusing, this is property of the Tulsa City County library system, library, yes, man by the state.

57:21

Yep, okay.

57:22

Um, and then the other thing is and this is just an observational one.

57:26

Is Councillor Hall Harper sitting voting right now, or has she recused herself?

57:30

I'm just making just okay, physically observable that she is not here and has recused, which is an ethical thing to do, and many of us do that at times out of even an abundance of caution when there's even a potential appearance of conflict, even when there isn't one.

57:47

And so I do just want to verbalize that that's a normal thing to do.

57:50

It doesn't show any specific, you know, conspiratorial nature.

57:55

It's just a normal thing to recuse yourself.

57:58

Um this is a city, and we all have different interwoven um lives, and there are moments where sometimes on rare occasion you need to step out of the room, and we've each done that.

58:08

So I just wanted to highlight that she is not sitting here voting right now.

58:12

Um, and so you know, no need to impugn her character on that matter.

58:16

Thank you.

58:17

Counselor Denton.

58:19

Yeah, I also uh thank you for the comments, Counselor Dr.

58:23

Wright and Counselor Bellis.

58:25

So there are um lots of situations in which counselors are on boards of 501c3s, it's a very normal thing to be on a board, and um the fact that we have a counselor in question that is on a board uh does not make the transaction that's happening a self-profiting transaction.

58:57

And so I'm concerned at the idea and the thought that this is going to be for her sole purpose and her self-serving.

59:07

And um I think through the meeting this afternoon, it was pretty detailed that this is not city surplus property, and that it is Tulsa County Library property, and that all the channels to make sure that this was proper and ethical have been followed.

59:25

And I just want to reiterate that to the public.

59:29

And thank you for everybody that sent emails and have come up to comment tonight.

59:37

Anybody else I'd like to move to approve item uh four cue.

59:44

Second, uh Lori, please call the roll.

59:49

Counselor Lakin, yes, Counselor Archie, yes, counselor Denton, yes, Counselor Bellis, yes, Counselor Gilbert, yes, Councilor Bengal, yes, Counselor Dictor, right?

1:00:00

Yes.

1:00:02

Okay.

1:00:02

Item 4Q is approved.

1:00:06

Now we will do 4R, which was added as an addendum.

1:00:12

Do we have any speakers on R.

1:00:15

There are no speakers.

1:00:17

Is there council discussion?

1:00:20

Move to approve item 4R.

1:00:22

Second.

1:00:23

Lori, please call the roll.

1:00:24

Counselor Lakin.

1:00:25

Yes.

1:00:26

Counselor Hall Harper.

1:00:27

Yes.

1:00:27

Counselor Archie.

1:00:29

Yes.

1:00:29

Counselor Dutton.

1:00:30

Yes.

1:00:31

Counselor Bellis.

1:00:32

Yes.

1:00:32

Counselor Gilbert?

1:00:33

Yes.

1:00:34

Counselor Bengal.

1:00:35

Yes.

1:00:35

Counselor Director Wright?

1:00:36

Yes.

1:00:38

All right.

1:00:38

Item 4R is approved.

1:00:40

5.

1:00:41

Authorities, boards, and commissions.

1:00:42

5A, final plat of QT0018, consisting of one lot one block on 3.3 acres located at the Southwest Corner of South 33rd West Avenue and West 45th Street South.

1:01:00

B rezoning application CO22, a proposed corridor development plan for property located south of the southwest corner of East 63rd Street and South 105th East Avenue.

1:01:12

C rezoning application Z 7849 from IL to CS for property located north of the northeast corner of East Apache Street and North Columbia Avenue.

1:01:24

D rezoning application MPD8 from RS3 to MPD8 for multiple properties bound by West 22nd Street, South Main Street, West Woodward Boulevard, and South Riverside Drive.

1:01:43

C resolution number 2956-1079 from the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission.

1:01:52

Pursuant to Title 19, Oklahoma Statute Section 863.7, amending the Tulsa Comprehensive Plan by adopting an amendment CP 127, changing the land use designation from neighborhood to multi-use on approximately 3.3 acres bounded by West 22nd Street and South Main Street, West Woodward Boulevard, and South Riverside Drive.

1:02:18

Do we have any speakers?

1:02:20

There are no speakers, but the applicant for 5D is here if there are any questions for him.

1:02:27

Anyone have any questions?

1:02:31

Council discussion.

1:02:33

Oh, just as one small thing, and this was just because we didn't have this for the um to add into the development plan on time for the backup materials.

1:02:43

I'm requesting when we make the motion that we add a small amendment to the development plan.

1:02:49

And this is from the applicant, so there's always the opportunity if the applicants like no, you let us know now.

1:02:54

Um, which is to add in a prohibition of dynamic displays within the development plan.

1:03:00

Um and I just want to give that context to my colleagues.

1:03:02

That's something that the applicant had voiced wanting to add in.

1:03:06

Um I'm sure the neighbors would appreciate that too.

1:03:08

Um and so just need to add that into the language when we move to approve.

1:03:13

A friendly amendment.

1:03:14

Yes, yeah.

1:03:16

Okay, are we ready for the motion?

1:03:19

Council discussion move to approve items 5A through 5E with 5D as amended to add a prohibition of dynamic display signs in the development plan.

1:03:30

Second.

1:03:31

All right, please call the roll.

1:03:33

Council, Counselor Hull Harper, yes, Counselor Archie.

1:03:39

Yes, Counselor Debs.

1:03:40

Yes, Counselor Bellis, yes, Counselor Gilbert, yes, Counselor Bengal.

1:03:45

Yes, Counselor Dector Right?

1:03:47

Yes.

1:03:48

All right, I don't know what's going on up here, but it must be the weather.

1:03:52

Um six ordinances, first reading.

1:03:54

We have no items this week.

1:03:56

Seven ordinances, second reading, six A, ordinance amending the Tulsa revised ordinances, title six, finance department chapter six, revenue collection to include a new section, uh 607 cash transaction rounding, allowing for rounding to the nearest five cent in cash transition transactions in light of the recent retirement of the penny by the federal government.

1:04:20

That's so sad.

1:04:20

Bye-bye, Penny.

1:04:22

Uh B rezoning ordinance Z 7848 from C S to RM2 for property located west of the southwest corner of Charles Page Boulevard and South 49th West Avenue.

1:04:34

C Ordnance Amending Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 35 Infrastructure Development Chapter 2, Infrastructure Development Permits, Section 202, Contracts Bounds and Insurance Subsection B 3B, Contractor's Annual Construction Contract Bounds and Insurance to Eliminate the Requirement of a Waiver Sabagin Endorsement on Owners Productive Liability Policy to clarify the requirement of written notice of cancellation of non-payment premium.

1:05:00

C Ordnance Amending Tulsa Revised Ordinances Title 35 Infrastructure Development Chapter 2 Infrastructure Development Permits Section 202 Contracts Bounds and Insurance Subsection B 3B Contractors Annual Construction Contract Bounds and Insurance to Eliminate The Requirement of A Waiver Sabagin Endorsement on Owners Productive Liability Policy to Cl the Requirement of Written Notice of Cancellation of Nonpayment Premium D ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2025 2026 Budget to make supplemental appropriations of $2,500 recognized by the unappropriate fund balance within the sales tax redevelopment loan repayments fund e ordinance amending the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget to make supplemental appropriations of 967,713 recognized from unappropriate fund balance within the uh general fund ordinance amending the Tulsa Revised Ordinance 25 boards commissions and committees chapter 5 Greater Tulsa Area Indian Affairs Commission recognizing for uh rateability re restructuring commission appointees and terms uh providing for tribal delegates from the Muscogee Creek Nation and the Cherokee Nation and the OSAIG Nation uh providing that the City of Tulsa director of tribal policy and partnership or some similar position in the absence thereof shall be an ex officio non-voting member from the commission.

1:06:15

Do we have any speakers?

1:06:17

There are no speakers.

1:06:22

Move to approve items 7A through 7F with 7F as amended in the backup for today's committee meeting and an emergency clause on 7A.

1:06:32

Second please call the roll.

1:06:35

Counselor Lakin.

1:06:36

Yes, Counselor Hall Harper?

1:06:37

Yes, Councillor Archie?

1:06:38

Yes, Counselor Dutton.

1:06:40

Yes.

1:06:40

Counselor Bellis.

1:06:41

Yes.

1:06:41

Counselor Gilbert?

1:06:42

Yes.

1:06:43

Counselor Bengal.

1:06:44

Yes.

1:06:44

Council Dickorate.

1:06:46

Yes.

1:06:47

All right.

1:06:47

Yes.

1:06:48

Items 7C through 7F are approved and 7A with the emergency clause.

1:06:55

Um eight council items, 8A counselors' announcements and reports on current activity, uh community events, activities, efforts, and concerns other than announcements and reports.

1:07:04

No discussion will ensue.

1:07:06

Anyone have any announcements?

1:07:12

Councilor Archie.

1:07:13

All good, all good.

1:07:14

Well, okay.

1:07:16

Again, it's the weather.

1:07:17

Um 8B, uh vote to select an alternate city counselor to serve on the independent review panel for Vision 7 Arts Vision Arts 7 grant applications.

1:07:31

Do we have any speakers?

1:07:33

There are no speakers.

1:07:39

I move that councillor Archie B designate the designate for the review panel.

1:07:45

Absolutely, yes.

1:07:47

Second.

1:07:49

You're cool with that, right?

1:07:50

Yep, absolutely.

1:07:51

Okay, appreciate it.

1:07:53

Thank you.

1:07:54

No problem.

1:07:55

All right.

1:07:55

You'll enjoy it.

1:07:56

Uh please call the roll.

1:07:59

Counselor Lakin.

1:08:00

Counselor Hall Hartford.

1:08:02

Yes.

1:08:07

You can.

1:08:08

Oh, the best.

1:08:11

You're illegal with Council.

1:08:14

Since he was just nominated, he's leaving, so he's not voting.

1:08:19

All right, Lori.

1:08:20

Who's next?

1:08:21

Okay, Counselor Dutton.

1:08:23

Yes.

1:08:23

Counselor Bellis.

1:08:25

Yes.

1:08:25

Counselor Gilbert.

1:08:26

Yes.

1:08:27

Counselor Bengal.

1:08:28

Yes.

1:08:29

All right.

1:08:30

Counselor Archie has been approved to serve on the review review panel for Vision Arts 7 grant applications.

1:08:45

All right, 7C request for waiver administrative fees for work completed at 1505 South 145th East Avenue.

1:08:56

And we will hear from Wesley Warsham.

1:09:01

You hear okay, come on up.

1:09:04

Got five minutes.

1:09:06

That's not gonna be long enough for this one.

1:09:08

Okay.

1:09:10

I have five acres.

1:09:11

I'm zoned agriculture.

1:09:12

I have a yard field and pasture.

1:09:15

And uh I think if you have it on records, as when a gentleman handed me this notice in my backyard.

1:09:23

I would like to know the date on that.

1:09:30

Is it we don't have that information?

1:09:34

Date on it is 722 25 11 uh and uh compliance date 8525 so it so this is for you to present your case to us, not to ask questions.

1:09:52

So if there are questions I need I need to know okay.

1:09:56

Uh I was handed this by a gentleman in my backyard.

1:10:00

Uh it has uh junk, trash, and uh debris vehicle parking.

1:10:07

Okay.

1:10:08

Okay.

1:10:09

Y'all pretty quick with them pictures because there was a truck in my front yard for two days.

1:10:13

I bathed it one day and moved it to the next.

1:10:16

Now the debris was gone when this man handed me this piece of paper because I was going to mow.

1:10:23

And that and uh got lost.

1:10:30

Anyway, the debris was not there.

1:10:33

This trash, I have a wooden deck.

1:10:36

Now I have a large patio table umbrella, a little, I call it a uh glider.

1:10:46

Two people can sit in and swing, two chairs, two little tables, and probably two or three uh buckets to put firewood in.

1:10:57

This is all sitting in my backyard.

1:10:59

This is the trash.

1:11:02

Am I supposed to throw this away because it's on my patio?

1:11:04

I'm gonna treat my deck.

1:11:06

Takes about two weeks to do that.

1:11:09

So this is trash.

1:11:12

Now I got a second notice that uh, and I think you all have a picture of that because I saw a picture of it.

1:11:21

And if you'll notice the picture is on a picture of my front door.

1:11:28

If you'll notice beside it is a note that says go to back door and ring bell.

1:11:33

On my carport, there's a sign that says deliveries that way.

1:11:40

Everybody comes in my driveway can see this sign.

1:11:44

Now they put a second notice on my front door, took a picture of it, and took it down, and took it down because it's not there today.

1:11:59

This notice here apparently was somewhere in the sun.

1:12:02

I'm gonna thank my front door.

1:12:07

And the pile of brush that you're sent guys out there to pick up on the 17th of November, the reason I know that's my birthday.

1:12:15

They took the big limbs off the top, which was in my pasture, drug them across my backyard.

1:12:23

Now I've got to pay somebody to pick up my little limbs again.

1:12:32

Anyway, the big big pile that they hauled off, the reason it was still there too long, in my opinion, my tractor was broke down.

1:12:40

I have forks I put on my tractor.

1:12:43

Now I got my tractor fixed about the oh, somewhere around the first to 5th November, somewhere in there before, and I got horses, so they're first.

1:12:55

I get put hay out to them first.

1:12:57

Now my forks are broke, my tractors broke down.

1:13:02

So I can't put my forks on it to move the pile of brush.

1:13:04

So y'all sent somebody out there to haul this brush off.

1:13:09

I didn't know nothing about it.

1:13:10

They said that they sent me a letter.

1:13:13

I was told you sent me a letter, and then I was told that you put a notice on my front door, which I saw a picture of, but I was at the down here a few days before that, after that, or whatever, talked to a young man that came downtown on who his boss was, and I asked him uh who took the picture.

1:13:33

He didn't know.

1:13:38

But anyway, my tractor broke down, the lift on it, so I couldn't move brush.

1:13:46

That's the only reason that pile of brush was there that they pulled out of my pasture and wrecked across my backyard and left all the little debris on there.

1:13:55

I'm gonna mow on the 18th, so I don't have to mow again.

1:14:00

Now my tractors broke down.

1:14:02

Oh my tractor broke down.

1:14:05

Let's see.

1:14:06

Uh somewhere around the uh I got a bill, uh got a guy to give me a bid on the tractor on the 21st of Mr.

1:14:19

Worsham.

1:14:20

Your time's expired.

1:14:21

Uh that doesn't mean you won't be able to come back up here in a moment.

1:14:25

You'll people some of the council may have questions for you.

1:14:29

So uh we're gonna hear from code enforcement.

1:14:33

Thank you.

1:14:35

Yeah, stay close.

1:14:40

Yep, that's all it is.

1:14:41

That's all it is.

1:14:44

Stay yes, please stay, do not leave.

1:14:47

Thank you.

1:14:47

Yep.

1:14:48

We we might have some questions for you here in just a little bit.

1:14:51

So good evening, counselors.

1:14:54

Brent Pitchford with code enforcement.

1:14:55

Uh because the uh agenda item just was addressing administrative fee.

1:15:00

I don't have a full presentation.

1:15:01

I do have a quick uh timeline for y'all, and Catherine has the photos of the abatement, which shows the limbs and the limbs in the back of the truck.

1:15:10

We started with the notice that's on the screen there, uh, 922 of 25 for tall grass and weeds, trash junk of debris, and inoperable vehicles.

1:15:18

We came back on October the 8th, did a second inspection of the valleys were still existed.

1:15:25

Uh the work order was assigned to the contractor on 1025.

1:15:29

We then had the contractor did the work as the uh owner said on 1117.

1:15:35

We mailed an invoice on 12.2.

1:15:38

That invoice was due to the city by 1126 because that lien was not that invoice was not paid, it was filed with Tulsa County as an advalorm tax lien on 123 on 32.

1:15:55

The owner filed a request for review, which I reviewed myself.

1:15:58

I denied that review because no protocol or ordinance violations uh were done.

1:16:04

Our or our invoice was for 240 dollars for eight yards of basically limbs and at 300 admin fee.

1:16:13

Okay.

1:16:15

Thank you.

1:16:16

Okay, Mr.

1:16:17

Pitchford.

1:16:18

Anybody have questions?

1:16:20

Um which is the bill.

1:16:27

Oh, the bill.

1:16:29

Oh, they voice, yeah.

1:16:31

That one right there.

1:16:33

Yeah.

1:16:36

So our original would have been for the $300 in the $240, and then once finance doesn't have it paid, they add the lien filing fee and the collection fees to it, and it goes to Tulsa County.

1:16:48

As of tomorrow with Tulsa County, the invoice will be 687 27, and it accrues interest every 30 days.

1:17:00

So does he have to say okay?

1:17:02

Are we into questions?

1:17:03

Yeah.

1:17:04

Uh counselor Lakin and then Counselor Bangle.

1:17:07

Sorry.

1:17:08

So if he pays tomorrow, if if some of this is sunset and some is not, and he pays the remaining balance tomorrow, he's not assessed the additional interest fees.

1:17:20

Council decides to let's say amend the admin fees or withdraw the admin fees.

1:17:25

I will call the invoice back to the city of Tulsa.

1:17:28

We will reinvoice him for the three $240, and that's all he'll owe.

1:17:32

Okay.

1:17:33

If he pays that within 30 days, then it won't be refiled as a new line.

1:17:37

I'll let Councillor Bingo go, but I'm for moving along with something similar to what you just described.

1:17:44

Yes, sir.

1:17:47

So my question is for Mr.

1:17:49

Warsham.

1:17:50

Yes, sir.

1:17:50

Do you remember when we were come on up so you can address the full counsel?

1:17:56

Do you remember when we were having the conversation and you were talking about that you had were using your assets for the city?

1:18:06

What now?

1:18:07

Do you remember when we had the conversation when you were talking about using your tractor for the city?

1:18:13

Yes, sir.

1:18:14

Okay, volunteered.

1:18:15

Can you explain that?

1:18:17

Uh I ride horses.

1:18:20

There's a couple of ladies that take care of the trails at Mohawk Park.

1:18:24

They asked me if if I knew anybody that had a tractor that could put some gravel in some of the trails on a bank.

1:18:31

Yes, ma'am, I do.

1:18:33

I can do it myself.

1:18:34

I've I've unloaded four truckloads of gravel, moved it around out there.

1:18:41

I put my forks on and went out on trail eight that they've never got to ride, and a bunch of us got together and I moved those big logs this big around.

1:18:50

If you've ever been out there, you know what I'm talking about.

1:18:53

Move them so we could ride horses through there.

1:18:57

So anyway, when my tractor broke down, I didn't have 400.

1:19:02

The ladies out there got what the OETRA they sent her a check to get my tractor fixed.

1:19:11

So now I can move my pile of brush and feed my horses hay.

1:19:17

But if you drive by my place, everybody tells me your place looks like a golf course.

1:19:22

There just happened to be a pile of brush there in the yard, and I've still got a picture of the tree that it came off of that didn't get moved, but me and John, my friend that helps me.

1:19:33

We picked it up because I was going to mow here in a few weeks.

1:19:37

And where this guy came from with this, I don't know.

1:19:41

And like I said, I was told that I was sent a letter on a second notice.

1:19:47

And now I was shown a picture of one on my front door.

1:19:52

I don't use my front door at all.

1:19:56

Never.

1:19:57

I haven't used that front door.

1:20:00

Well, I take that back when she moved out, she tore the door up.

1:20:03

So, you know, I don't use having haven't used the front door in 25 years.

1:20:11

You don't want to hear the rest of that, do you?

1:20:13

Yeah.

1:20:15

Anyway, I I feel like I've been accused, sentenced, and hung, and no trial.

1:20:22

And and I want to know who put the notice on my front door, took a picture and took it down.

1:20:27

If he put it on my front door, it's still there today.

1:20:30

I was at the down here talking to a young man, he and he showed me a picture of it.

1:20:35

When I got home, I took a picture of my door.

1:20:38

My yellow piece of paper on there that says go to the back and ring bell is still there.

1:20:42

But his white piece of paper's not.

1:20:46

So I I want I want him to say that he put that up there and did not take it down.

1:20:49

I appreciate that, Mr.

1:20:50

Warren.

1:20:51

That's uh I I don't think we need you need to worry about that.

1:20:54

Okay.

1:20:54

Uh this let's just focus on that.

1:20:58

I feel like I've been hung and no trial.

1:21:01

That's why you're here.

1:21:03

So I appreciate you listening to me.

1:21:05

Yeah, absolutely.

1:21:06

Thank you.

1:21:08

Uh Counselor Dick Wright.

1:21:10

Thanks.

1:21:10

Counselor Bengal, do you have a recommendation to the council?

1:21:13

I would.

1:21:14

Um I know this gentleman.

1:21:18

Um and I I feel it would be insult to injury to uh he's already gonna have to pay the contractor.

1:21:25

Um I would move to waive the administrative fee on this case.

1:21:32

I have a quick question for uh Mr.

1:21:35

Pitchford.

1:21:41

Um so the uh the lien filing fee.

1:21:45

Does that does that stay?

1:21:47

You're fine.

1:21:48

Let me talk into the mic, okay.

1:21:49

It'll record you.

1:21:50

So I didn't know she's talking about it.

1:21:52

Yes, ma'am.

1:21:53

Will that stay?

1:21:53

Because you repeat, I'm sorry.

1:21:55

The the lien filing fee, the $36.

1:21:58

No.

1:21:59

No.

1:22:00

No, when we re when we pull this back to finance, finance will we actually our department will refin we'll rebuild it at $240.

1:22:07

He'll have a total of 60 days to pay that before we'll file that lien, but we file it usually around 45 days.

1:22:12

So that's both the collection and the lien fee.

1:22:14

Yeah, it'll it'll go back to the 240, which was you know, we all remove the admin.

1:22:18

Okay.

1:22:18

I just wanted clarification on that, so thank you very much.

1:22:21

Appreciate it.

1:22:22

I'll second counselor Bingle's motion.

1:22:25

All right, we have a motion and a second.

1:22:27

Lori, please call the roll.

1:22:29

And this is to grant this to waive the administrative fee.

1:22:35

Yep.

1:22:36

Okay, Lori, please call the roll.

1:22:38

Counselor Lakin, yes, Counselor Hall Harper, yes, Counselor Archie.

1:22:41

Yes, Counselor Dutton.

1:22:43

Yes.

1:22:44

Um I just have one quick question.

1:22:46

I'm sorry.

1:22:48

You already voted.

1:22:49

Yeah, I did, but I just wanted to make sure that he's aware of the 240.

1:22:54

You are aware of that.

1:22:55

What that you still have to pay the 240.

1:22:57

No, we discussed this.

1:23:00

No.

1:23:01

No.

1:23:02

Okay, we're we're in the middle of a vote.

1:23:04

We're in the middle of the vote.

1:23:05

So it is not right.

1:23:08

Okay, okay.

1:23:08

I still think that's okay.

1:23:10

Who is that?

1:23:10

Who's next?

1:23:11

Counselor Bellis.

1:23:12

Sorry, cross my yard.

1:23:16

Counselor Gilbert.

1:23:18

Yes.

1:23:18

Counselor Bengal.

1:23:20

Yes.

1:23:20

Counselor Dr.

1:23:21

Wright?

1:23:21

Yes.

1:23:23

Okay.

1:23:23

Uh the motion is approved to grant the waiver or to do away with the administrative fees.

1:23:30

So all right.

1:23:32

Item number nine, new business.

1:23:33

There are no new items this week.

1:23:35

10 hearing of appeals, no items.

1:23:38

Uh 11, no uh public comments.

1:23:40

Item 12, we are adjourned.

1:23:44

I can't hey Tulsa, we have a crushing recycle play of the day for you.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████████31%
Community Engagement██████████████████18%
Ethics████████████████16%
Code Enforcement███████████████15%
Personnel Matters███████7%
Economic Development████4%
Pending Litigation████4%
Zoning███3%
Legislative Policy1%
Summary of Proceedings

Tulsa City Council Meeting – April 15, 2026

The Tulsa City Council met at 5 p.m. on April 15, 2026, in council chambers. The meeting opened with employee service recognitions, followed by consent items, public hearings, and votes on several ordinances and resolutions. Key topics included the sale of the Rudisale Regional Library, a code enforcement fee waiver request, and the approval of multiple zoning and budget items. Council members present: Lakin, Hall Harper, Archie, Dutton, Bellis, Gilbert, Bengal, and Dr. Wright. Councilor Hall Harper recused herself from Item 4Q.

Employee Recognitions

  • The Council issued proclamations honoring city employees for years of service: Joshua Gibson (Fire), Timothy Ingram (25 years Fire), Timothy Robinson (25 years Fire), Michelle Piper (Finance, 20 years), Melanie Brickman (Human Resources, 20 years). Additional 35-year and 20-year employees were acknowledged in absentia.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 1A–1D: Minutes of regular meetings on March 11 and 25, 2026, were approved unanimously (8-0).
  • Items 2A–2C: Appointments and reappointments to the Route 66 Commission, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, and Tulsa Arts Commission were approved unanimously (8-0).
  • Items 4B–4P: Mayor's items including travel donations, event applications, and a special event application (St. Tori Bio Kerms on May 24, 2026) were approved with an emergency clause on 4B, vote 8-0. Public comment was received from John Huffines, who spoke in support of several items and offered prayers.
  • Item 4R: Approved unanimously (8-0).
  • Items 5A–5E: Final plat, rezoning applications, and comprehensive plan amendment were approved, with a friendly amendment to Item 5D adding a prohibition of dynamic display signs in the development plan. Vote 8-0.
  • Items 7A–7F: Ordinances on second reading, including penny rounding, rezoning, budget appropriations ($2,500 and $967,713), and Indian Affairs Commission restructuring, were approved with an emergency clause on 7A. Vote 8-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Item 4Q (Sale of Rudisale Library): Eight speakers addressed the Council. Heather Nash opposed the sale, alleging a conflict of interest because Councilor Hall Harper is founder of Black Wall Street Chamber, which owns Power Group (the buyer). She requested a delay until a written ethics disclosure is produced. Dr. Darnell Blackman (Chairman of Black Wall Street Chamber and Power Group) supported the sale, stating the open records act was followed and bidding was public. Christy Williams (Power Group board member) supported the sale, claiming misinformation and that the process was proper. Matisse Mason supported the sale, calling it a model for community-led revitalization. An associate pastor (not named) supported the sale, urging the Council to approve it. James Alexander opposed, asserting that federal funding rules (from 1959) were not followed and that money designated for North Tulsa is being misdirected. Jennifer Harmon questioned whether a written ethics disclosure was filed by Councilor Hall Harper and asked for clarification on the recusal process. A silent speaker was cut off after time expired.

Discussion Items

  • Item 4Q (Rudisale Library Sale): Councilor Dr. Wright reported that the Tulsa City-County Library Commission followed proper procedures: independent valuation, public notice in the Tulsa World (Oct. 24 & 26, 2025), sealed bids opened Nov. 10, 2025, and award to Power Group. The new Rudisale Library at 1017 N. Greenwood Ave. is scheduled to open October 2026. She noted that ethics disclosures are due by May 15, and complaints can be submitted via Tulsa 311 or a fraud hotline. Councilor Bellis confirmed that Councilor Hall Harper recused herself, which is standard practice. Councilor Dutton emphasized that no self-profiting occurred and that the process was ethical. The item was approved 7-0 (Hall Harper recused).
  • Item 8C (Code Enforcement Fee Waiver): Wesley Warsham requested waiver of a $300 administrative fee and related lien costs for a code enforcement case. He explained that a pile of brush and debris on his property was due to a broken tractor, and that he had volunteered his tractor for city trail maintenance. Code Enforcement Officer Brent Pitchford presented a timeline: notice issued Sept. 22, 2025 for tall grass, weeds, trash, and inoperable vehicles; second inspection Oct. 8; contractor abatement Nov. 17; invoice for $240 (8 yards of limbs) and $300 admin fee; lien filed Dec. 3. Current amount owed with fees is $687.27. Councilor Bengal moved to waive the administrative fee only, noting the gentleman still owes the $240 contractor fee. Motion seconded by Councilor Dutton and approved 8-0.

Key Outcomes

  • Item 4Q (Surplus of Rudisale Library): Approved 7-0. The property will be sold to Power Group, a community organization. Councilor Hall Harper recused herself.
  • Item 8C (Administrative Fee Waiver): The $300 administrative fee was waived. Mr. Warsham must still pay the $240 contractor invoice within 60 days to avoid a new lien.
  • Item 8B (Alternate for Vision Arts 7 Panel): Councilor Archie was selected by acclamation (7-0).
  • Other Items: All consent calendar items and ordinances were approved as listed above.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.

Meeting Transcript

All right, good evening, and welcome to the 5 p.m. Tulsa City Council meeting. You can view this meeting on our Facebook page, our YouTube channel, Cox Channel 24, or at Tgov Online. Assisting the council tonight are Jack Blair, our city attorney, Lori Doring, our Secretary to the Council, and Catherine on Council staff. If you wish to speak on an agenda item, please see Catherine to complete a request to speak card prior to that item being read. You will not be allowed to speak on any item that has already been read. Please join us for pledging the allegiance to our flag of our country and remain standing for a moment of silence. Each month, the City Council is pleased to recognize some of these exceptional public servants who have committed decades of their lives in their career with the city. So everyone tonight will be receiving a proclamation. Whereas these employees have dedicated years of service to the City of Tulsa, its officials, and its citizens. And therefore, we mayor Monroe Nichols and the Tulsa City Council do hereby express our sincerest appreciation for these employees' years of hard work, dedication, and continued service to the City of Tulsa and its citizens. It will be the names, of course. So let's see. And thank you, Chief, for your service. Joshua Gibson. Tulsa Fire. Yeah. Okay. All right. We will hold on to that one. You must be putting fires out for sure. All right, our next one is Timothy Ingram from FIRE for twenty-five years of service. They're the best. We would not be able to do this without you all. So thank you. Don't expect another check. All right, Timothy Robinson, fire for twenty-five years also. Appreciate you. Michelle Piper, Finance for twenty years of service. Thank you very much. All right, Melanie Brickman, human. You're the next contestant. Human resources for twenty years. Thank you. I just need the t-shirts. Thank you. All right, come on down. I love these proclamations. All right, many employees who are receiving their years of service award this month could not be here tonight. We would also like to acknowledge their contributions to the city. Let's see, for thirty-five years of service, Steven Sanders with the police department. Excuse me, Parks and Rec, Dion Anderson, Joseph Car Carlisle, Nor uh Nathan Carter, Jason Dyer, Kenneth Feeler, Jeffrey Fry, Kevin Fry, Thomas Gillespie, Aaron Goines, Michael Krebs, Clayton, Mars, Galen Murphy, Rashem Revels, Jerry Sivadon, and Michael Velasquez. Twenty years of service, Kyle James, Michael B. Wallace, both from Asset Management. Yeah. Thank you so much to all of you for your services, City of Tulsa. Look. Yeah. All right. All right, here we go.

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