Tulsa City Council Regular Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Tulsa City Council held its regular meeting on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered routine approvals, appointments, a sales tax overview committee report, several special event applications, and a notable appeal seeking an exception to the data center moratorium. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes (Items 1A–C): Approved minutes from the August 19, 2026 regular (4:00 PM and 5:00 PM) and special (6:15 PM) meetings. Unanimous vote.
• Appointments & Reappointments (Items 2A–D): Approved appointment of Fawn (FiFi) Martin to the Greater Tulsa Area African-American Affairs Commission (term through May 1, 2028), Christopher Sighinolfi to the Tulsa Stadium Trust (term through September 2, 2031), reappointment of Kathy Taylor to the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (term through July 31, 2028), and reappointment of James Turner to the Tulsa Preservation Commission (term through October 1, 2027). Unanimous vote.
• Mayor’s Items (4B–N): Approved Change Order No. 1 for a temporary asphalt trail ($60,950.00), six travel donations (total $7,836.90 from various entities), and eight special event applications including the Tulsa Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, Yom Kippur Outdoor Service, Tulsa Symphony Fireworks, Handmade Market, Breakfast on Boston, Bike MS Oklahoma, and Elgin Park 10 Year Anniversary. Unanimous vote.
• Authorities, Boards & Commissions (5B–C): Approved final plats for LDF Park (two lots, two blocks on ±29.33 acres, south of E. Admiral Pl. and I-44) and Southern Hills Eleven (one lot, one block on ±1.61 acres, south of S. Harvard Ave. and E. 61st St. S.). Both had received administrative approval from TMAPC staff. Unanimous vote.
• Ordinances – Second Reading (Items 7A–G): Approved three rezoning ordinances (Z-7868, Z-7869, Z-7870) as recommended by TMAPC; four budget amendment ordinances: $58,514 for historic preservation grant (Oklahoma Historical Society), $45,000 General Fund and $3,064,000 TMUA Sewer Operating Fund (FY27 start), $23,632.32 between departments in the 2014 Sales Tax Fund, and $1,418,714.51 between water/sewer capital projects. Unanimous vote.
• Appeal (Item 10A): Granted an exception to the Data Center Moratorium (Ordinance No. 25764) for T20 Mining Group, LLC, allowing conversion of a Bitcoin mining operation to a small-scale data center at 5555 and 5665 S. 129th E. Ave. The appellant argued the project is net neutral in electric load and lower noise/water impact. Council found good cause for the exemption. Vote: 9–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• John Huffines spoke in support of the appointments and the special events for Yom Kippur and Breakfast on Boston, offering religious reflections. He also spoke on the STOC report, praising the committee’s work.
• Kennedy Ireland (resident on Indianapolis Avenue) opposed rezoning Z-7868 (7A) for a coffee shop/drive-thru near the University of Tulsa. She alleged TU was disingenuous about operating hours (originally stated 6–11 PM, later changed to 4 AM) and raised concerns about traffic congestion, emergency vehicle access, and parking lot design. She requested a pause. Councilor Bellis clarified the rezoning only covered a parking lot and had already been approved at first reading; the vote was to codify it.

Discussion Items

• Sales Tax Overview Committee (STOC) Report (5A): Chair Ashley Webb reported that 2027 police patrol unit orders dropped to 52 (down from 90–100); storage costs for the Crybaby Hill statue reached $22,500; two geotechnical studies ($8,050 and $931) were completed; 41st & Yale street improvements are pending coordination with OU Stevenson Cancer Center; Ben Hill Park design public meeting held August 13; 91st between Harvard and Yale project opened on time despite missing contractor incentive; 71st & Sheridan intersection bids came in at ~$3 million. Councilor Lakin asked about 41st & Yale timeline; Webb promised details. Councilor Bellis asked about Dreamkeepers Park; Webb noted the packet included a 78-page traffic study.
• Rezoning Z-7868 (7A) Discussion: Councilor Archie asked if only the parking lot was involved; Councilor Bellis confirmed and explained the rezoning had been voted on the previous week, with this vote to codify. Bellis said she would work with the resident on traffic mitigation.
• Appeal Discussion (10A): Attorney Doverspike (representing T20 Mining Group) described the existing Bitcoin mining operation (50 megawatts, noisy outdoor fans) and the plan to convert to a small data center inside the warehouse (up to 55 megawatts, water-cooled, lower noise). Water use estimated at 1–2 million gallons/year (much less than a golf course). Councilor Bellis confirmed the project is net neutral on electric load and aligns with the moratorium’s intent to address hyperscale facilities. Councilor Dutton queried water usage; Councilor Archie asked about expansion potential and explained Bitcoin mining. Councilor Doctor Wright (district councilor) stated no neighbor concerns and supported the appeal.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approvals for all consent items, minutes, appointments, mayor’s items, final plats, second-reading ordinances, and the appeal.
• Appeal granted for T20 Mining Group exception to the data center moratorium (9–0).
• Council announcements: Councilor Hall Harper announced a town hall meeting with new Police Chief Jonathan Brooks on September 14, 2026, at the 36th Street North Event Center.
• No public hearings or new business.
• Item 8B (Eviction prevention resolution) was pulled from the agenda before the meeting.

Note: The meeting took place on September 2, 2026, as confirmed by the agenda and the chair’s opening remarks.