Tulsa City Council Public Works Committee Meeting – September 14, 2026

The Public Works Committee convened on September 14, 2026, at 2:30 PM in Room 411 of the One Technology Center. The committee reviewed four substantive agenda items: a reappointment to the Human Rights Commission, a general obligation bond issuance, a Cox Communications franchise renewal, and the adoption of the annual flood insurance improvement plan. All items were advanced to the full City Council with recommendations. (Note: The agenda and supporting materials are dated September 2, 2026; the meeting date is reported as September 14, 2026 per instruction.)

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar was presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke on any agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Joyce Roberts – Reappointment to the Human Rights Commission: Ms. Roberts (CD‑6) described her 30‑year career at American Electric Power and her service on the Indian Health Care Resource Center Board. She highlighted the Commission’s progress on two goals: improving access to the City’s Department of Resilience and Equities resources (modernizing the complaint‑filing process) and increasing diverse representation on city authorities, boards, and commissions (ABCs). She noted that Districts 3 and 6 remain underrepresented. Committee members thanked her for her service and commended her attendance of eight out of nine meetings.
• General Obligation Bonds Series 2026A – $65,660,000: City Treasurer Chad Becker explained that this ordinance is the second step in the bond sale process following a resolution approved on August 26, 2026. The ordinance provides for bond registration and levies an annual tax for principal and interest repayment. The bond sale is scheduled for September 16, 2026, with a bid award that same day.
• Cox Communications 10‑Year Non‑Exclusive Franchise: City Attorney Jeff Stevens stated that CoxCom, LLC dba Cox Communications (recently acquired by Charter Communications) requested a traditional cable franchise rather than remaining a right‑of‑way occupant. The ordinance maintains the existing 5% video service fee and capital contribution fee. The franchise will come up for renewal in 10 years. Committee members had no questions.
• Flood Insurance Coverage Improvement Plan – Annual Evaluation Report 2026‑2027: Eric Lee (Water and Survey) and June Goswick presented the report, which details community outreach efforts such as articles in City Life (bill stuffer), targeted notifications to floodplain property owners (11 different letter types), a flood insurance expo, and plans to attend Mayor’s community meetings. Approximately 3% of letters are returned as undeliverable. The report also covers improvements to the online floodplain mapping viewer (Tulsa Viewer) and elevation certificate searchability. Discussion touched on private vs. public drainage issues and permitting for yard modifications.

Key Outcomes

• The committee forwarded Ms. Roberts’ reappointment to the full City Council for a vote on September 16, 2026.
• The general obligation bond ordinance was placed on first reading; final reading and bid award are set for September 16, 2026.
• The Cox Communications franchise ordinance was also placed on first reading, with final action scheduled for September 16, 2026.
• The flood insurance improvement plan resolution was recommended for adoption by the full Council on September 16, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:55 PM.

Note: The transcript includes extensive non‑meeting content (public service announcements, historic preservation features, recycling promotions) that was not part of the committee proceedings. This summary reflects only the official business of the Public Works Committee meeting.