Public Works Committee Meeting - August 26, 2026

The Tulsa City Council Public Works Committee met on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at 2:30 PM in Room 411 of One Technology Center. Chair Dector Wright presided. The committee considered appointments, a general obligation bond sale, a construction change order, a resolution supporting eviction prevention and legal representation, and a discussion on forming a public safety task force. Committee actions are recommendations to the full City Council unless otherwise noted.

Appointments to City Boards and Commissions

• Fawn (FiFi) Martin – Appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African-American Affairs Commission, replacing Donald Rose, term expiring May 1, 2028 (District 4). Ms. Martin arrived late and introduced herself, noting she moved to Tulsa two years ago from Chicago through the Tolstar Home program, works in e-commerce and procurement, and has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and helped with entrepreneurship. Councilors praised her community involvement. The committee will bring her nomination to the full council on September 2, 2026 for confirmation.
• Kathy Taylor – Reappointment to the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA), term expiring July 31, 2028 (District 9). Mayor Taylor stated she appreciated the opportunity to serve and help oversee investments in the BOK Center, Cox Business Convention Center, and One Technology Center. Councilors expressed gratitude for her service, and noted her additional work on a proposed convention center hotel study. Her confirmation vote will be at the September 2, 2026 council meeting.

General Obligation Bonds Series 2026A

• Resolution authorizing the sale of $65,660,000 in General Obligation Bonds Series 2026A with an emergency clause. Chad Becker from the Treasury presented the structure: 19 maturities, combining IOT2 and IOT3 funds (seventh issue of 2019 IOT2 authorization, sixth issue of 2023 authorization). Projected true interest cost of 3.85% based on Bloomberg rates as of July 8 plus 50 basis points. The project list includes largely streets projects and $10 million for PAC building infrastructure and loading dock. Sale date set for September 16, 2026, with results presented to the committee that afternoon and a vote by full council that evening. A protest period runs through October, with closing on November 3, 2026. No questions from committee members. The committee recommended approval.

Change Order for West Bank Trail and Parking Lot

• Change Order No. 1 to Contract No. 138799 with Sherwood Construction Company for Project No. SW-2025-21 in the amount of $60,950. Paul Zachary from Public Works explained that the change order covers installation and removal of a temporary asphalt trail to safely reroute bicycle and pedestrian traffic around active construction on the west bank of the Arkansas River (south of the refinery), and also includes construction of a new parking lot at Stalker Field. The project is a $1 million ARPA-funded effort, with the remainder coming from River Parks Authority through an ODOT ARPA grant. The committee approved the change order.

Eviction Prevention and Legal Representation Program Resolution

• Resolution (26-730-1) expressing the city’s intent to support the establishment and funding of an eviction prevention and legal representation program for low-income tenants and eligible landlords. Sponsored by Councilor Bellis, the resolution was presented by Katie Vilkes, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation, and Katie Dills. They highlighted:
  • Oklahoma ranks 6th nationally in eviction filing rates.
  • 17% of homeless respondents in the most recent point-in-time count cited eviction as the direct cause of their homelessness.
  • Chronic absenteeism in schools increases for up to a year following an eviction filing.
  • Legal representation is a proven strategy, but existing services have been shrinking due to expiring federal and COVID-related funds.
• The resolution recommends establishing the program within the Planning and Neighborhoods Department, with a cornerstone city investment of up to $500,000 over three years to leverage philanthropic contributions. Both low-income tenants and landlords (especially mom-and-pop landlords) would be eligible. Program design would be finalized through an RFP process.
• Councilors discussed the need for clear eligibility criteria, residency requirements, and the distinction between "shall" and "may" in the resolution language. Concerns were raised about potential landlord bad actors, but supporters noted that legal representation on both sides often leads to faster, smoother resolutions. Councilor Bellis and staff will bring back a revised version incorporating feedback, with the resolution to be considered at a subsequent committee meeting.

Discussion on Formation of a Public Safety Task Force

• Councilor Gilbert initiated a discussion on forming a public safety task force to address issues such as vacant properties, code enforcement coordination, and public safety services (police, fire, EMSA). Councilors discussed the possibility of a standing quarterly public safety committee meeting with regular reports from department chiefs, rather than a separate task force. Topics like winter sheltering, cooling stations, and data sharing across emergency response entities were raised. No formal action was taken; council members interested in serving were asked to contact Councilor Gilbert or her aide. Further discussion will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Appointments: Committee recommended Fawn Martin to the African-American Affairs Commission and Kathy Taylor to the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority, both to be confirmed by the full council on September 2, 2026.
• Bond Sale: Committee authorized proceeding with the $65,660,000 General Obligation Bond Series 2026A sale, with full council action expected at the September 2 meeting.
• Change Order: Approved $60,950 change order for trail and parking lot work at Stalker Field.
• Eviction Prevention Resolution: Committee will reconsider a revised version at a future meeting after further drafting.
• Public Safety Task Force: Discussion only; no vote taken. Council will continue to develop the concept.