Tulsa Public Works Committee Meeting – May 6, 2026

The Public Works Committee met on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 2:30 PM. The agenda included an appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission, updates on the retail revitalization loan fund, resolutions for a judgment payment and a special election on the ONG franchise, a fee ordinance amendment, a District 5 sidewalk project, and a lengthy discussion of city-owned Route 66 assets. No votes were taken; items were discussed for future action.

Appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission

• Michelle Burdicks, a 30-year program coordinator and historian at the Greenwood Cultural Center, was introduced to fill the vacant Greenwood Cultural Center seat. She expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the commission and using the Center as a cultural hub after its renovation (expected reopening January/February 2027). The appointment will be placed on the May 13 council agenda for formal approval.

Retail Revitalization Loan Fund Update

• Sarah Davis and Rose Washington (TEDC) provided an update on the budget amendment from fall 2025. The original plan was a $1.5 million city match to unlock a $1 million commitment from the Tulsa Housing Authority (THA) for a small business loan fund supporting the 36th Street North choice neighborhood. However, THA reduced its commitment to $400,000. The city will now match $400,000 (not the full $1.5 million), leaving the remaining funds available for other eligible retail projects along the BRT corridor and other market study areas. No additional council action is required; the previously appropriated funds are now partially freed for other uses.

Resolution for Payment of $30,000 Judgment

• Chad Becker (Treasury) presented a resolution authorizing payment of $30,000 to plaintiff Marla Stewart and her attorney from the sinking fund. The settlement resolves a 2024 auto accident involving a city employee driving a city vehicle. Damages included $9,000 in medical bills and $8,000–$9,000 in vehicle damage, plus attorney fees. The settlement precludes further litigation costs. Councilors asked about the accident location (36th Street North and Mohawk Boulevard) and confirmed it was a routine human error. The resolution will be considered for approval at a future meeting.

Resolution Calling Special Election for ONG Franchise

• Sarah Davis presented a resolution to call a nonpartisan special election on October 25, 2026, for voters to decide on Ordinance No. 25782, which grants a franchise to Oklahoma Natural Gas Company. This is the second of three legislative actions. The substance of the franchise was discussed the previous week. Councilor Gilbert noted that community conversations were held the prior evening with limited public attendance. The resolution will be on the next week’s agenda for a vote.

Ordinance Amending Title 49 – Administrative Permit and License Fees

• Mr. Skates (Development Services) presented an ordinance to increase building permit fees by 3% (inflation adjustment), add fees for review of LOMRs and floodplain documents, introduce after-hours/weekend inspection fees for public works, and add a fee for posting more than two signs (Planning). No questions were raised. The ordinance will be considered for adoption.

District 5 Sidewalk Project – 36th Street

• Councilor Gilbert proposed using $575,000 from District 5 community development priority funds to construct a sidewalk connecting South Hudson and South Lakewood Avenue along East 36th Place. The project aims to provide a safe route for students walking to Bishop Kelly High School, Zarrow Elementary, and Montessori School, as well as pedestrians. The sidewalk is within the right-of-way, and the city has discussed relocating a sign from an apartment complex. Councilor Gilbert noted that additional public meetings are planned for other district projects. Completion before the next school year is ideal but depends on procurement.

Discussion of City-Owned Route 66 Assets – Repair Status and Long-Term Maintenance

• Anna, Terry Ball (Asset Management), and Mark Hogan (Public Works) presented a draft inventory of city-owned Route 66 assets, many of which were unknown to the departments. The list includes neon signs, sculptures, plaques, planters, and other unique items. The discussion highlighted the lack of a maintenance plan and dedicated funding. Key concerns raised by councilors:
  • Councilor Dutton (District 3) expressed frustration that the east side of Route 66 (east of Yale) has been neglected since 2005, citing unlit “Route 66 Rising” sculpture, worn plaques at the Interpretive Plaza, and missing banners. She noted that many assets are in disrepair and that the city has not prioritized maintenance east of Yale.
  • Councilor Bellis emphasized the need for a maintenance fund and suggested partnering with Main Street programs and corporate sponsors. She also noted that a historical marker from the Cyrus Avery Bridge was found at an estate sale and needs to be reinstalled.
  • Councilor Roy (District 7) proposed a fiscal impact statement for future capital projects, including maintenance costs in RFPs, and suggested exploring a dedicated revenue source (e.g., a portion of economic impact from Route 66 tourism) for ongoing maintenance.
  • Councilor Mills requested an Excel version of the asset list to sort by district.
  • Councilor Bingle noted that the city’s practice of building without maintenance planning has led to deferred maintenance, and that the upcoming Vision package should include a maintenance fund.
  • Staff noted that the Route 66 Commission has been asked to pause new construction until a maintenance plan is in place. They are working to assign each asset to a responsible department and will return with cost estimates for annual maintenance and replacement.
  • Immediate preparations for the Route 66 centennial (May 30, 2026) include weekly street sweeping, graffiti removal, extra trash cans, and coordination with the railroad to clean adjacent property. The two large neon welcome signs (contracted to Claude Neon) are expected to be installed in time, but there are concerns about lead times for repairs.

Key Outcomes

• The appointment of Michelle Burdicks will be forwarded to the full council for approval on May 13.
• The retail revitalization loan fund update was informational; no further action is required.
• The judgment payment resolution and special election resolution will be voted on at the next council meeting.
• The fee ordinance will be considered for adoption.
• The District 5 sidewalk project will proceed with community engagement; design and construction will follow.
• The Route 66 asset inventory will be refined, shared with the Route 66 Commission, and used to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan. Staff will provide cost estimates and a proposed funding mechanism. Councilors will incorporate maintenance planning into future capital improvement packages.