Tulsa City Council Urban & Economic Development Committee Meeting - August 5, 2026

The Urban & Economic Development Committee of the Tulsa City Council met on August 5, 2026, at 10:30 AM. The meeting covered reappointments to city commissions, budget appropriations, a park improvement project, a controversial donation of boulders, a presentation on City Council charter authority, and travel authorizations for an intercity visit.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public provided testimony. However, nominees for reappointments spoke about their service and motivations.

Discussion Items

• Reappointment of Geoff Evans to the Tulsa Preservation Commission (Item 2): Evans, a landscape architect and partner at Planning Design Group, expressed his commitment to historic preservation and cited his four years of service on the commission. The committee recommended his reappointment for a term expiring October 1, 2028. (Forwarded to full council.)
• Reappointment of Joshua Starks to the Human Rights Commission (Item 3): Starks, a two-tour combat veteran and seventh-year commissioner, discussed his advocacy for veterans, work on federal legislation, and a proposal for a full-time city military affairs position to connect military training transitions with local economic opportunities. Councilors praised his service and perspective. The committee recommended reappointment for a term expiring July 1, 2028. (Forwarded to full council.)
• Budget Appropriations (Items 4 & 5):
  • Item 4: Ordinance to appropriate $500,000 from the TARE Refuse Operating Fund balance for repair of the Gilcrease Expressway Bridge, damaged when a neighborhood dumpster truck struck it. Approved.
  • Item 5: Ordinance to appropriate $34,200.89 from the Tulsa Stadium Improvement District Fund balance, representing overcollected assessment revenue, to be turned over to Downtown Tulsa Partnership for services. Approved.
• District 5 Water Fountain at Darlington Park (Item 6): Councilor Gilbert explained that $50,000 in Improve Our Tulsa 2 funds would install a water line and meter to enable use of a fountain previously purchased through a neighborhood grant but never installed due to lack of water infrastructure. The fountain has been stored in a resident's garage. Approved.
• Donation of 24 Boulders from Anchor Stone Company (Item 8): The boulders, originally placed at 4th St. between Denver Ave. and Cheyenne Ave. as perceived hostile architecture, were later moved to the Green Waste Site. Several councilors (Hall-Harper, Bellis, Dutton, Bengel, Archie) criticized the lack of transparency, the characterization of the boulders as art, the removal of the Arts Commission chairwoman who spoke out, and the precedent of donations bypassing council approval. Councilor Bellis noted the boulders collected trash and attracted rats. Councilor Dutton questioned the value and whether they are needed at the Green Waste Site. Councilor Bengel suggested using them for stormwater mitigation. Councilor Hall-Harper emphasized the need for a formal donation acceptance policy and timing requirements. No motion for acceptance or rejection was made; the committee moved to the next agenda item without taking action. The boulders remain at the Green Waste Site pending further discussion.
• City Council Charter Authority Overview (Item 9): Council Administrator Sarah Davis presented on Article II of the Tulsa City Charter, outlining the legislative powers of the council, guardrails (e.g., prohibition on directing mayor's subordinates), investigatory powers (including subpoena authority for formal investigations), and the distinction between informal inquiries and formal investigations. Councilors discussed the role of the city auditor, charter amendment processes, citizen initiative petitions, and the council's limited role in police chief selection. No formal action taken; informational only.
• Travel Authorizations (Items 10–16): Seven councilors (Hall-Harper, Dutton, Bellis, Gilbert, Bengel, Decter Wright, Lakin) were each authorized up to $2,500 to attend the Chamber 2026 InterCity Visit in Kansas City, MO, October 5–7, 2026. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Reappointments of Geoff Evans (Preservation Commission) and Joshua Starks (Human Rights Commission) advanced to the full City Council with positive recommendations.
• Budget appropriations for bridge repair ($500,000) and stadium district funds ($34,200.89) were approved.
• The District 5 water fountain project ($50,000) was approved.
• The boulder donation from Anchor Stone Company was discussed at length but no formal vote was taken; the item was set aside without resolution.
• Travel authorizations for seven councilors to attend the InterCity Visit were approved collectively.
• The charter authority presentation was received as an informational item; no action taken.