Public Meetings - Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Tulsa Planning Commission held a special meeting on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Tulsa City Council Chamber, 175 E. 2nd St., Second Level, Tulsa, OK. The commission approved the consent calendar and the JR & B Office minor plat, denied the Z-7876 rezoning request, and continued the QT-0039 preliminary plat to November 18, 2026. Reports - The commission received an update on recent City Council actions, including approval of the Vintage Housing project at Sandberg Elementary in East Tulsa, the lot behind the QuikTrip at 36th and Peoria, the AGR horse property, and the 71st and Union corridor plan apartments, which was approved on a 7–1 vote. Second readings for those items were scheduled for the evening of the meeting. Approval of Minutes - Minutes from Meeting No. 4, October 21, 2026, were approved by a 6–0–2 vote, with Commissioners Hood and Turner Addison abstaining. The motion was made by Commissioner Shivel and seconded by Commissioner Humphrey. Consent Calendar - Item 2, Termination and Release of Covenants, was approved unanimously. The item covered property at the northeast corner of East 33rd Street South and South Peoria Avenue (Council District 9; applicant Nathan Cross) and terminated covenants recorded in Book 5419, Page 2648, related to PUD-488 development standards abandoned under PUD-488-A, Ordinance No. 25155. Motion by Commissioner Walker, second by Commissioner Hood. Public Hearing – Rezoning: Z-7876 - The agenda identified the location as west of the intersection of West 76th Place South and South Elwood Avenue; staff described it as just north of the northwest corner of West 81st Street South and South Elwood Avenue. The transcript does not resolve this location discrepancy. - Applicant Mike Thedford, Wallace Design Collective, requested rezoning from RS-3 to RS-3 with an optional development plan to allow private streets for a gated subdivision. The public street, utilities, and 30 platted lots are already in place; only houses remain to be built. - Planning staff recommended denial. Staff planner Nathan said the original plat was designed to connect to a stub street on the south and to provide future connection to the north. Allowing private streets would add crash gates, force all traffic onto South Elwood Avenue directly across from Jinx Elementary School, eliminate the only secondary access toward West 81st Street, and reduce efficiency for emergency, mail, and trash services. Staff also noted that neighbors to the south had objected to the street connection during the original platting and have again emailed in support of gating. - The applicant and developer Jared Newcomb argued that conditions have changed since the original rezoning: apartments to the north are occupied, additional multifamily development is being explored on adjoining land, and the developer hopes to eventually buy adjacent property and extend the private development north. They also said gating would reduce cut-through traffic and align with neighbors’ wishes. - Commissioner Bullmash said staff members are the experts, connectivity should continue through developments, and he is not personally a fan of gates. Public Testimony on Z-7876 - Randy Brandstetter, 7648 South Guthrie Avenue, said he lives three houses south of the development. Since the streets were built, traffic has increased, including drag racing, and children play in the street. He expressed full support for the gate and crash gates, saying they would reduce accident risk and raise property values. - Adrian Collette/White, 7500 South Elwood Avenue, who owns property north of the site, said she came to speak about sidewalks. She supported gating, noting lots have been difficult to sell and the gate could help property values and safety, but she asked the commission to address sidewalk connectivity because a gate could interrupt pedestrian movement and a sidewalk gap already exists to the south. She also raised concerns about the lack of city water access on roughly 40 acres of undeveloped land to the north. - Staff responded that the gate would likely be located west of the sidewalk, sidewalks are built along frontages as properties are developed, and public utility easements would remain available for future connections. The applicant added that a pedestrian connection through the subdivision might be possible, but no vehicular access. Public Hearing – Plats - QT-0039: The preliminary plat at the southwest corner of East 31st Street South and South Yale Avenue (Council District 9; applicant AAB Engineering) was continued to November 18, 2026, pursuant to staff’s request. No speakers appeared. Motion by Commissioner Bullmash, second by Commissioner Turner Addison; the vote was unanimous. - JR & B Office: The minor subdivision plat at the northeast corner of East Marshall Street and North 94th East Avenue (Council District 3; applicant Mark Capron, Wallace Design Collective) was approved unanimously. Staff explained that the preliminary plat had previously been approved but expired; the site is split-zoned, with commercial general for an office and RM1 for a future multifamily building. Staff still needed to review deed of dedication language. The number of multifamily units was not stated. Motion by Commissioner Humphrey, second by Commissioner Bullmash. Key Outcomes - Minutes approved, 6–0–2. - Consent item approved unanimously. - Z-7876 denied per staff recommendation; the denial recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council. Motion by Commissioner Bullmash, second by Commissioner Krug; the vote was unanimous. - QT-0039 continued to November 18, 2026. - JR & B Office minor plat approved unanimously. - After commissioner comments, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

The Asian Affairs Commission of Tulsa held its regular monthly meeting on 2026-11-03 (November 3, 2026) at 6:00 PM UTC, chaired by Patty Saphila. The meeting focused on the dramatic decline in Asian business ownership in Tulsa since 2018, featuring testimony from three local business owners. The commission also debated and ultimately voted to transfer the stewardship of the Tulsa Asia Fest to the Tulsa Asian Collective. Deputy Chief of Staff Brenton Todd addressed the commission, encouraging their recommending role and the building of leadership pipelines. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The meeting minutes from the October 2026 meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Community Business Owner Panel: Three local Asian business owners shared their experiences and the systemic barriers they face in starting and operating businesses in Tulsa. - Nadal Nofo (Jerusalem Market, Palestinian-American, 20 years in operation): Expressed frustration with business property taxes and the difficulty small businesses face in accessing grants and incentives compared to large corporations. - Tarek Ali (Gyros by Ali, started as a food truck in 2011, recently expanded): Described a confusing regulatory landscape and strongly advocated for a centralized "one-stop shop" for business registration, permitting, and tax information. He specifically cited sales tax penalties in the first year as a critical financial hurdle for entrepreneurs who bootstrap using personal income and credit cards. - Ty (Hmong Food Court and Mini Mall, new business owner and plaza owner): Highlighted the overwhelming nature of the start-up process for older immigrants and refugees who lack digital literacy, and specifically cited a "fear amongst immigrants to start a business based on uncertainty" regarding work permits and immigration status. - All three speakers collectively proposed the creation of an Asian Chamber of Commerce or a similar centralized resource hub to provide walk-through guidance for new entrepreneurs. Discussion Items - Small Business Decline Focus: Chair Saphila framed the year's focus around data from the Tulsa Equality Indicators showing Asian business ownership is the only demographic experiencing a decline in Tulsa, dropping dramatically since 2018. The business panelists confirmed these challenges with their lived experiences. - Tulsa Asia Fest Transition: Chair Saphila proposed transferring the rights, staffing, planning, and fundraising for the Tulsa Asia Fest to the Tulsa Asian Collective (TAC). She detailed the event's history, the commission's May vote for a strategic pause, and its August/September votes to explore a handoff based on capacity concerns. - One commissioner argued the transition was premature and preferred to wait for a potential MOU or see if expanded membership could revive the event internally. The commissioner requested the word "funding" be changed to "fundraising" to clarify TAC would raise its own money. - Chair Saphila responded that the August proposal was specifically to explore a handoff, and the September vote approved that exploration. City staff clarified the commission votes on the proposal, while the Mayor signs the MOU with the receiving entity. - Luminary Awards: Commissioner Business announced the 3rd Annual Luminary Awards scheduled for Monday, November 9th, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. Six award categories were listed, including new categories for Rising Star and Community Advocate, with 39 nominations received. - Commission Openings and Bylaws: Chair Saphila confirmed ongoing work to update the commission's bylaws to allow residents of Tulsa County (not just Tulsa city limits) to serve. Commissioner Lexi stated there are currently four open seats: two at-large, one for a Hmong community representative, and one for a health expert. Key Outcomes - Asia Fest Handoff Vote Passed: The commission voted unanimously to adopt the proposal transferring the Tulsa Asia Fest to the Tulsa Asian Collective, with the amendments changing "funding" to "fundraising" and clarifying the support relationship mirrors the Women's Commission/YWCA Pinnacle Awards model. - Next Steps Identified: The commission scheduled a January meeting featuring city agencies that support small businesses to continue the dialogue on creating a centralized resource hub for entrepreneurs. - Action on Bylaws: Continued work to revise the commission's bylaws regarding geographic eligibility was confirmed as an active priority to attract more members from across Tulsa County. - Upcoming Events: - TU Diwali Celebration tabling event (Friday evening following the meeting, open to the public). - 3rd Annual Asian Affairs Luminary Awards on Monday, November 9th, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. Sponsorships are still available. - Future Recommendations: A final proposal for the Mayor and City Council based on the year's small business focus is planned for spring 2025.

The Public Works Committee met at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Room 411 of One Technology Center, 175 E. 2nd St., Tulsa, OK. Chair Dutton and Co-Chairs Hall-Harper, Decter Wright, and Bush conducted the meeting. The agenda covered three board reappointments, the Arts Commission FY 2026-2027 Vision for the Arts proposal, selection of two councilors for the Vision Arts 8 independent review panel, and discussion of project proposals for 2017 Vision Tulsa economic development surplus funds. No minutes were available for this meeting, and no formal committee votes were taken. Reappointment Presentations - Ellen Duecker (CD-9) presented for reappointment to the Tulsa City/County Library Commission, with a term expiring July 31, 2029; she had attended 7 of 9 meetings. Duecker described 28 years as a school librarian and 18 years as Tulsa Public Schools library director. She expressed strong support for libraries as vital third spaces and community anchors, praised recent library investments, and discussed the need to expand Maxwell Library. - William 'BJ' Frohnapfel (CD-4) presented for reappointment to the Infrastructure Development Advisory Board, with a term expiring September 30, 2028; he had attended 6 of 11 meetings. He said the board works well with city staff, but identified city engineering-services staffing turnover and continuity as a key challenge. Councilors thanked him for his regional perspective and willingness to serve. - Charles Blue (CD-4) presented for reappointment to the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority, with a term expiring July 31, 2029; he had attended 10 of 12 meetings. Blue recounted the board's evolving responsibilities and expressed personal opposition to selling parkland, citing the loss of REI and associated tax revenue after a parkland sale. He suggested the city consider whether incentives or nearby assets such as the bus station could attract investment. Arts Commission Presentation: FY 2026-2027 Vision for the Arts - Sarah Phoenix, chair of the Arts Commission, presented the proposed Vision for the Arts program. Vision Arts 7, which ended June 30, 2026, awarded a total of $150,000 to 18 Tulsa arts organizations: 7 large and 11 small. A calculation discrepancy required roughly 8.5% across-the-board reductions to the awarded amounts. Phoenix estimated about $800,000 in requests went unfunded, though she first said $650,000. - The proposed Vision Arts 8 timeline includes an application opening on November 1, 2026; an open call for independent review panelists on November 15, 2026; an application deadline of February 1, 2027; and award notifications on April 30, 2027. Orientation dates and optional grant-support sessions were also outlined. - Councilors asked about comparable cities. Phoenix cited Columbus, Ohio's roughly $3-4 million annual arts grants and said the commission is researching other cities. A councilor asked to see that data and suggested comparing Albuquerque and Colorado Springs. Independent Review Panel Selection Discussion - Councilors discussed selecting two City Council members to serve on the Vision Arts 8 independent review panel. A councilor identified in the transcript as Councillor Bellis volunteered and suggested standardizing applicant budget templates for more apples-to-apples comparisons. Other councilors discussed the time commitment and past panel experiences. The transcript does not record a formal selection of the two panelists. Vision Tulsa Economic Development Surplus Funds Discussion - Council Administrator Sarah Davis reviewed the history: voters approved Vision Tulsa in 2016, with the ordinance labeled 2017, covering public safety, streets and public transportation, and economic development. The economic development fund overperformed because the use tax was no longer needed for bond debt, producing a $103 million one-time fund balance and approximately $12 million in annual funds. - In June 2026, the council approved placing the $12 million annual use-tax stream into general use and adopted a FY 2026-2027 budget that appropriated $35.4 million of surplus funds, including homelessness funding and the Public Safety Center. The discussion focused on an approximately $18.5 million council-priority bucket and project proposals aligned with Vision's economic development mission. - Resident-support proposals included continuing the Save Our Homes Initiative, an ARPA-funded program that served over 100 people; a multi-year after-school and out-of-school-time pilot, with a roughly $1 million placeholder and a $343,000 Opportunity Project proposal cited; and utility assistance, with an initial $250,000 placeholder that councilors said would cover only about a month of need. - Facility and economic-generator proposals included airport workforce childcare as a potential match for state partners, an endowment for the river dam and lake structure, the Mohawk golf course floodgate estimated at $700,000-$750,000 with $280,000 in lost revenue in one year from flood closures, and a roughly $14 million golf course master plan. - Corridor and commercial-district proposals included the Eastside Business Center, a Brookside reinvestment project described as a $52 million public-private development needing a $2 million city commitment for its capital stack, lighting and pedestrian improvements in the medical corridor/Riverbend arts district near the low-barrier shelter, and a $5.25 million downtown initiatives placeholder. Plaza St. Cecilia was also cited as a time-sensitive project needing about $1.5 million to complete. - Council discussion reflected several positions. Some councilors questioned round placeholder numbers and district equity; one noted that District 9 does not qualify for TIFs and had no projects in the last Vision package. Another councilor objected to district-by-district framing, saying the funds should be catalytic and citywide rather than an 'Oprah exercise.' Other councilors asked for specific project proposals or a bring-back condition before final appropriation so broad buckets would not be approved without council review. - Time-sensitive items identified included Brookside reinvestment, Plaza St. Cecilia, after-school programming, the Eastside Business Center, airport childcare matching funds, and the Mohawk floodgate. Councilors generally agreed that hard-dollar, time-sensitive projects should be prioritized and that more detailed documentation and deadlines should be provided before appropriations. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken by the Public Works Committee. The three reappointments were discussed and referred to the full City Council. The agenda lists full council consideration on 11/4/26, but the transcript repeatedly says voting would occur at the 5 p.m. meeting on 10/28/26; that discrepancy was not resolved in the meeting. - The Arts Commission's proposed Vision Arts 8 timeline was presented but not voted on. The commission is awaiting council approval and the selection of two councilors to the independent review panel. - No formal appointment of the two councilors to the Vision Arts 8 independent review panel was recorded in the transcript. - The committee did not appropriate any Vision Tulsa surplus funds. Councilors agreed to continue the discussion, obtain detailed project proposals and deadlines for time-sensitive projects, and consider whether to move funds as a package or through phased appropriation at a future meeting.

The Urban & Economic Development (UED) Committee met on October 28, 2026, at 10:30 AM Central Time in Room 411, One Technology Center. Chair Anthony Archie called the meeting to order. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate a 10:30 AM start, while the provided timestamp (2026-10-28 16:30:00+00:00) corresponds to 11:30 AM CT; this discrepancy is acknowledged. The committee considered appointments, a budget amendment, a rezoning, a human remains ordinance, and received an update from the Homelessness Working Group. Appointments and Reappointments - Tonya Grant – Appointment to Tulsa Housing Authority (Item 2): Grant, a 15-year resident of THA housing, was introduced as an appointee to replace Sheila Johnson Brown for a term expiring January 20, 2029. She expressed a desire to be a voice for residents. No vote was taken; the appointment will be considered by the full City Council on November 4, 2026. - Nathalie Cornett – Reappointment to Infrastructure Development Advisory Board (IDAB) (Item 3): Cornett, a land use attorney, was reappointed for a term expiring September 30, 2029. She has attended 9 of 11 meetings. She stated her philosophy of improving systems. No vote taken; forwarded to council. - Bob Jack – Reappointment to IDAB (Item 4): Jack, with 50 years in construction, was reappointed for a term expiring September 30, 2029. He has attended all 11 meetings. He discussed IDAB’s collaboration with city staff on permitting and data. No vote taken; forwarded to council. Consent Calendar No items were placed on a consent calendar. All items were considered individually. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public spoke during the meeting. Discussion Items - Item 5 – Budget Amendment (Sewer Capital Projects): The committee considered an ordinance transferring $52,878 from the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant Lagoon No. 7 project to the Haikey Creek Lift Station project. Jared from the Budget Office explained it cleans up completed projects. Councilwoman Lakin noted the infrastructure supports housing development. The item was forwarded to the full council for same-day consideration. - Item 6 – Rezoning Z-7871 (RS-1 to AG-R): The committee reviewed a request to rezone approximately 2.5 acres from RS-1 to AG-R to allow horses on the property. Councilwoman Lakin reported that neighbors prefer RS-1 but may be open to discussing a switch to RE for other lots. The Planning Commission had recommended approval 6-0. The committee voted to forward the rezoning to the full council; the transcript does not record the committee vote tally. - Item 7 – Ordinance on Human Remains and Cultural Artifacts: Councilwoman Hall-Harper presented a proposed new Chapter 3 of Title 7, “Human Remains and Cultural Artifacts,” establishing procedures for protection, consultation, identification, treatment, and reinterment of remains connected to racial violence or historically marginalized Black communities. The ordinance includes descendant-centered consultation, a review panel, reinterment and memorialization standards, and responsibilities for city projects and regulated development. Amendments were discussed: - Exemption for planned government-sponsored investigations from work stoppage. - Risk-based pre-construction review for documented high-risk sites. - Penalties not to conflict with state felony statutes. - Tying the ordinance to Resolution 2113 (June 2, 2021). - Requirement to cover remains believed to be of African descent with the Pan-African flag during transfer. - Requirement for written explanation when city decisions differ from descendant consensus. Council members debated geographic scope and treatment of veterans’ remains. Dr. Alicia O’Neal, an archaeologist, presented artifacts from the Langston/Tulsa collection that highlight the need for preservation. The committee did not vote but forwarded the ordinance to the full council for a vote that evening. - Item 8 – Homelessness Working Group Update: Council members Lakin, Bellis, Decter Wright, and Gilbert presented standardized reporting metrics and budget formats for Safe Move Tulsa. Key statistics: - Goal: 1,300 people exit homelessness by end of 2026. - As of October 20, 2026: 792 people had exited (260+ through subsidy/stabilization, 500 through rapid exit). - Return-to-homelessness rate (within 12 months of exit): under 5% among those tracked. - 12 encampments decommissioned and maintained closed. - Funding: $6 million public (ARPA, opioid, coronavirus relief) + $5 million private. ARPA funds fully expended or invoiced; opioid funds committed to current placements. - The committee discussed quarterly appropriation structure; administrators noted that $1.5 million per quarter limits capacity to make long-term commitments and adjust to scale. Council members expressed willingness to be flexible on funding cadence. - A live performance dashboard is available at safeMoveTulsa.com; quarterly reports will be presented to the committee. Key Outcomes - Appointments: The committee forwarded the appointments of Tonya Grant (THA), Nathalie Cornett (IDAB), and Bob Jack (IDAB) to the full City Council for a vote on November 4, 2026. - Budget Amendment: The ordinance transferring $52,878 between sewer capital projects was forwarded to the full council for same-day approval. - Rezoning Z-7871: The committee advanced the rezoning request to the full council with a recommendation (implied approval). - Human Remains Ordinance: The committee forwarded the proposed ordinance to the full council for a vote on October 28, 2026, after incorporating amendments. Councilwoman Hall-Harper agreed to meet with concerned experts afterwards. - Homelessness Reporting: The committee endorsed the performance dashboard and budget reporting format. The Homelessness Working Group will continue to evaluate funding needs and may recommend adjustments to the quarterly allocation structure to avoid impeding progress. Adjournment The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.

On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, the Tulsa City Council convened at 5:00 PM in the Council Chamber, 175 E. 2nd St., Tulsa, OK. The meeting included routine approvals, a contested rezoning on South Union Avenue, budget ordinances, and final adoption of a human-remains protection ordinance. Meeting minutes were not available in the source record, and the transcript is incomplete for some agenda items. Consent Calendar / Routine Approvals - Minutes of the September 30, 2026 regular meetings (4:00 PM and 5:00 PM) were approved unanimously. - Appointments and reappointments approved unanimously: Marcia Bruno-Todd to the Human Rights Commission; Eva Pena to the Tulsa Development Authority; Rex Trivedi to the Asian Affairs Commission; and Brandon Jackson to the Infrastructure Development Advisory Board. - Mayor’s items 4B through 4M were approved unanimously, including the emergency-clause resolution declaring the 10-acre parcel at 2020 N. Mingo Rd. (Air Force Plant 3) surplus; travel donations from Williams Companies, Harlem Children’s Zone, Cities for Action, and Tulsa Police Foundation; a Tulsa Community Foundation donation of $31,575 to the Animal Shelter Project; and special events permits for McNellie’s Pub Run, Dia de los Muertos Arts Festival, Arvest Winterfest, and TTCU Tulsa Run. - Authorities, boards, and commissions items 5A through 5E were approved unanimously: replacement of the African-American Affairs Commission seat with Blackwood; Planning Commission Resolution No. 3:1 adopting Comprehensive Plan amendments CPA-134; and rezonings Z-7871, Z-7872, and Z-7873. Public Comments & Testimony - John Huffines spoke in support of the appointments and of Mayor’s items 4H, 4I, and 4L, offering thanks and prayers for the appointees, police training, animal shelter donation, and Arvest Winterfest. - Seven residents spoke against the CO-23 rezoning: Janet Davis, George McDonough, Arthur Richie, Philip George, Scott Scrogs, Amanda Scrogs, and Alan D. Breedlove. They cited neighborhood opposition and petitions, traffic and road-capacity concerns, floodplain and high-pressure gas-line risks, FAA height concerns, stormwater and tree-loss concerns, school capacity, and allegations that withdrawal of a protest-petition signature was improper. Amanda Scrogs and Scott Scrogs alleged backroom dealing after Horizon West withdrew its signature. - On the human-remains ordinance, Matisse Mason, James Alexander Jr., Bernice Alexander, Dr. Alicia Odawale, Christy Williams, and Demaria Monday spoke in support. Dr. Odawale spoke as an archaeologist and descendant, and Williams and Monday spoke as Beyond Apology Commission members. No speakers were recorded as opposing the ordinance. Discussion Items - CO-23 Rezoning (Item 5F): Developer Lou Reynolds described the proposed 266-unit project as low-income housing tax credit housing, not Section 8, with one-bedroom rents around $1,200 to $1,300, a 2.5-times-rent income minimum, and a 60% area-median-income cap of about $95,000 for a family of four. He noted existing right-of-way, planned traffic improvements, buffer commitments, and utility coordination. Councilor Archie voiced opposition and raised concerns about roads and school capacity; Councilors Dr. Wright, Lakin, Bush, Bellis, and Dutton emphasized city housing needs, workforce housing, planned infrastructure, and data showing District 2’s 30.5% share of subsidized units was the third lowest in the city. City Attorney Jack Blair said Horizon West LLC’s withdrawal of its protest petition left the petition below the 50% threshold, so the item required only a majority vote. - Human Remains and Cultural Artifacts Ordinance (Item 7H): The ordinance adds Chapter 3 to Title 7, establishing procedures for protection, consultation, identification, treatment, and reinterment of human remains and cultural materials connected to racial violence or historically marginalized Black communities. Councilors thanked the Beyond Apology Commission and moved approval with amended final language dated October 28, 2026. - Budget ordinances (Items 7A–7G): The Council approved supplemental appropriations of $999,997 for SAMHSA child mental health; $26,320,000 in 2020 GO Bond Issue 7 funds; $410,000 for Walgreens opioid settlement ART II expansion; $40,000 for traffic engineering; $39,340,000 in 2024 GO Bond Issue 6 funds; and ordinances creating Increment Districts Number 28 and 29. Item 7E was voted on separately before the group was approved. Key Outcomes - All routine consent items passed unanimously, with the emergency clause on Item 4B. - Item 5F was approved 7-1, with Councilor Archie voting no. - Ordinance 6A, a first-reading $52,878 Sewer Capital Projects fund transfer, was forwarded to the next council meeting for action. - Items 7A through 7G were approved, with 7E considered and approved separately. - Item 7H was approved unanimously as amended, with the emergency clause. - Agenda items 8B (FY 2026-2027 Vision for the Arts Program) and 8C (selecting two councilors for the Vision Arts 8 Independent Review Panel) were not shown as discussed or voted on in the provided transcript. Item 11’s scheduled public comment by Julie Horne on civil asset forfeiture was likewise not present in the supplied transcript; the transcript instead ends with unrelated public-safety text. Minutes were not available for verification.

The Tulsa City Board convened on October 28, 2026. Board members Colwell, Forbes, Fatherville, Archie, and Patrick were present. The agenda included approval of previous meeting minutes, operational reports from Philip Eats and Brian Lewis, a monthly financial report and carry forward presentation from Katie Mace, scheduling of future meetings, and a notification regarding a TRT fee adjustment. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 29, 2026, full board meeting. The corresponding Focus committee meeting was previously canceled. Discussion Items - Manager's Report: Environmental Operations (Philip Eats) - Mr. Eats reported on the recent Trash Patch event, which served 344 customers and required expanding from 10 to 16 dumpsters, along with collecting one 20-yard container of e-waste. Weight totals are pending. - Contaminated cart removals totaled 8 in September and 43 for the year. No waste was diverted to the AEL facility in September. - A scheduled minor outage at Reworld is expected from November 1–8, 2026. The facility pit is currently at 800 tons of a 3,500-ton capacity. - Illegal dumping cleanup involved 10.85 tons across 92 locations in September. DC dumpsters accounted for 53 sets and 111 tons. - The mulch site had 251 vehicles for mulch and 26 for firewood. - Bulky waste stops totaled 2,098, which is 38 tons less than the same period last year. Dead animal pickups totaled 2.23 tons, with only four items collected for Tulsa County under the revised MOU. - Manager's Report: Household Hazardous Waste (Brian Lewis) - Mr. Lewis reported a seasonal lull in September with 428 customers (351 from Tulsa, 77 from other communities) dropping off 34,572 pounds of pollutants (an average of 81 pounds per customer). The swap shop saw 171 customers take 573 items (1,300 pounds). - The facility set a Wednesday record on October 21, 2026, with 80 drop-off customers, attributed to good weather, fall break, and outreach at the Tulsa State Fair. - This was Mr. Lewis's last meeting before departing for a position at AEP. The board thanked him for his service. - Monthly Financial Report & FY27 Carry Forward (Katie Mace) - Total revenues through September were $10.8 million, or 26% of the annual estimate (slightly ahead of the 25% projection). Charges for services totaled $10.5 million. - Total expenditures, encumbrances, and commitments reached $32.8 million, including $24.7 million in encumbrances. - The FY27 carry forward presentation detailed $4.6 million in carry forward encumbrances as of July 1, 2026. Spend rates varied, with Public Works spending 7.7% of its $4.8 million carry forward in the first two months. - Schedule & TRT Rate Adjustment - The board set the Focus committee meeting for November 16, 2026, and the Full Board meeting for November 30, 2026. - The board was notified of an automatic 4.6% rate increase for the Tulsa Refuse and Transfer (TRT) facility, tied to the Consumer Price Index. The new rate will be $95.20 per ton, up from $91.01. The increase requires no board action and will be formally detailed at the next meeting. Key Outcomes - The September 29 board minutes were approved. - The November meeting schedule was set (Focus Nov 16, Full Board Nov 30). - The TRT rate increase was noted as an FYI. - Staff transition: Brian Lewis's departure was acknowledged. - Next meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Conference Room 10 South.

The City of Tulsa Board of Adjustment met at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the Tulsa City Council Chamber, 175 E. 2nd St., to consider eight zoning cases. Only four of the five board members were present, so three affirmative votes were required for approval. The chair noted that Ms. Dumas would leave at 2:30 p.m., reducing the board to three members. The board approved the corrected minutes of Meeting No. 1392, approved six applications, denied one application, and continued one case to November 17, 2026. The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:31 p.m. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (Meeting No. 1392, October 13, 2026): The chair requested a correction to Case BOA-24105, changing his recorded vote from no to yes. The board unanimously approved the minutes as corrected. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public testified in opposition to any case. - BOA-24116 – Mike Vaughn (20 East Fifth Street, Suite 600) asked a clarifying question about which sides of the building would have signs; the applicant corrected an earlier misstatement about the building elevations. Discussion Items BOA-24108 – 3017 South 129th East Avenue (Variance for vehicle display) Applicant Domingo Maldonado, through counsel Anna Sanchez, requested a variance to display and store used vehicles for sale within 300 feet of an abutting residential district in the CS district. The property is a former Sonic drive-in on a 0.65-acre lot; the related special exception for personal vehicle sales had already been approved at the previous meeting. The applicant proposed a maximum of 25 vehicles, placed on the east and south sides farthest from the adjacent apartments, with existing screening fencing retained. The board discussed the narrow lot and minimal neighborhood impact. Vote: Approved 3-1, conditioned on no more than 25 vehicles on the south and east sides only; one board member, Mr. Hill, voted no, citing an insufficient hardship. BOA-24114 – 317 South Trenton Avenue (Special Exception for vinyl record press) Applicant Nathalie Cornett, Eller & Detrich, P.C., requested a special exception for low-impact manufacturing and industry in the CH district to operate a boutique vinyl record pressing studio, said to be the first in Oklahoma. The 2,500-square-foot space would employ four to six people during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and involve one production line. The applicant said the process produces no odor, vibration, or off-site noise, and the surrounding Pearl District includes music-related uses. Board members discussed limiting the exception to the leased space. Vote: Approved unanimously. BOA-24116 – 15 East 5th Street South (Variance for wall sign area) Applicant Jesse Bucelluni requested a variance to increase the aggregate wall-sign area in the CBD from 426 square feet to approximately 479 square feet. The building is 41 stories; an existing tenant sign at the top uses 426 of the 427 square feet otherwise available, leaving 1 square foot, and the applicant wanted to replace an existing sign at the same size using existing mounting structure. The board identified the size and height of the building as the hardship and approved the variance. Vote: Approved unanimously. BOA-24117 – 6915 South Canton Avenue East (Special Exception for assisted living) Applicant Katherine Ormond requested a special exception for an assisted living facility in the OL district. The existing building is under contract for purchase, near St. Francis Medical Center, and surrounded by office, commercial, and hotel uses rather than residential. The facility would have 11 beds, 24/7 occupancy, four staff during the day and one at night; the 61-occupant figure in drawings was a code calculation, not the planned occupancy. Vote: Approved unanimously. BOA-24118 – Southwest of E. 27th Street and S. Peoria Avenue (Variance to reduce open space) Applicant W Design, represented by Roger McKee, requested a variance to reduce the minimum open space per unit in the RS-3 district from 4,000 to 3,480 square feet. The 7,000-square-foot lot is the smallest in the neighborhood; an asphalt-paved mutual access/emergency-access easement takes up approximately 736 square feet that would otherwise count as open space. The proposed house would be about 3,700 square feet. Board members divided, with some viewing the open-space requirement as important and others seeing the easement as a unique hardship; because a vote might split 2-2, the case was continued. Vote: Unanimously continued to November 17, 2026, so a fifth board member could be present. BOA-24119 – 13412 East Admiral Place (Special Exception for barbed/razor wire fencing) Applicant Mark Capron, Wallace Design Collective, on behalf of LDF, requested a special exception for barbed-wire or razor-wire fencing in the CG district around a warehouse distribution and vehicle storage area. No residential uses are within 850–1,000 feet; the property is buffered by wetlands/floodplain, and an older Albertson's distribution center in the area already uses barbed wire. Vote: Approved unanimously. BOA-24120 – North of W. 91st Street and S. Maybelle Avenue (Special Exception for fence height) Applicant Nathalie Cornett, Eller & Detrich, P.C., requested a special exception to allow entry gate features up to 12 feet tall in the street setback of the Estates at Tulsa Hills subdivision. The 8-foot masonry perimeter wall was already in place; the entry columns would range from 8 to 12 feet and be set back more than 70 feet from Maybelle. Board members found 12 feet excessive and without sufficient justification. Vote: Denied 3-1. BOA-24121 – 2425 East Pine Street (Special Exception for food truck court) Applicant Daniel Ruiz, with his daughter, requested a special exception for an outdoor assembly and entertainment use in the CS district to operate a food truck court on family-owned property. Two food trucks would operate—Mexican food and Mexican snacks/ice cream—with requested hours of 11 a.m.–6 p.m., a dumpster area, and no covered seating. A neighboring property owner expressed support before the meeting, and the applicant had consulted the Health Department. The board supported the use but added conditions because of its proximity to a residential neighborhood. Vote: Approved unanimously, subject to hours of 10 a.m.–8 p.m. and a maximum of three food trucks on site. Key Outcomes - Minutes of Meeting No. 1392 approved as corrected. - BOA-24108 (vehicle display variance) approved 3-1 with conditions. - BOA-24114 (vinyl record press) approved unanimously. - BOA-24116 (wall sign variance) approved unanimously. - BOA-24117 (assisted living facility) approved unanimously. - BOA-24118 (open space variance) continued to November 17, 2026. - BOA-24119 (barbed/razor wire fence) approved unanimously. - BOA-24120 (fence height special exception) denied 3-1. - BOA-24121 (food truck court) approved unanimously with conditions. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 2:31 p.m.

This was the third annual Dr. Laverne Ford Wimberly Black Educator Awards ceremony, organized by the Greater Tulsa African American Affairs Commission (GTAC). The event celebrated Black educators in Tulsa, featuring remarks from city and school district leaders, and the presentation of five awards. The meeting took place in the evening. Opening Remarks by Brian Humphrey (GTAC Chair) - Humphrey welcomed attendees, recognized the education committee for organizing the event, and explained the commission's mission focused on education. He honored Dr. Laverne Ford Wimberly for allowing use of her name. Mayor Monroe Nichols' Address - Mayor Nichols apologized that he might leave early to attend a vigil for domestic violence survivors and victims. He praised educators as the foundation of the city's success, noting their roles beyond teaching (therapist, mentor, housing coordinator). He announced the city's goal through the Office of Children, Youth and Families: to put 15,000 additional Tulsa children on a path to economic mobility, supported by a children's cabinet and action alliances. He acknowledged the additional challenges faced by educators of color. Councilor Vanessa Hall Harper's Address - Councilor Hall Harper recounted the history of GTAC: community advocacy began in 2014, and the commission was created by city ordinance in 2017. She credited Margaret Love for fighting for its creation. She distinguished between "instructors" and "educators," emphasizing the pedagogy expertise of teachers. Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson's Remarks - Dr. Johnson thanked GTAC for honoring Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) educators. She noted that TPS serves over 31,000 African American students. She shared a personal story about Dr. Wimberly supporting her when she worked at a steakhouse, and expressed gratitude for trailblazers who inspired her. She acknowledged challenges facing TPS (state audits, financial constraints, school closures) but affirmed confidence in the district's future. Dr. Laverne Ford Wimberly's Remarks - Dr. Wimberly thanked GTAC and praised educators and administrators for their dedication. She said "educators affect eternity" and encouraged honorees to continue leading with courage and teaching with heart. Senator Regina Goodwin's Remarks (via late arrival) - Senator Goodwin, who arrived after leaving another event, thanked educators and recalled the early struggles to establish the commission. She said none of us would be where we are without good teachers. Award Presentations - The education committee co-chairs (Mike Kelvon and another commissioner) announced five awards selected from 26 nominations: - Outstanding New Educator: O'Neadiza Zaleya (KIPP Tulsa University Prep High School) - Difference Maker Award: Derek C. Morton (Excellence Academy) - Guiding Light Award: Tracy Manuel (former Tulsa Teacher of the Year, later Oklahoma Teacher of the Year) - Excellence in Education Award: Erica Ware (Tulsa Legacy Charter) - Trailblazer Award: Dr. Ebony Johnson (Superintendent, Tulsa Public Schools) - Each honoree received a plaque, a certificate signed by the mayor, and over $100 in gift cards. Several honorees gave brief remarks. Closing Remarks by Raquel Wilson (GTAC Vice Chair) - Wilson, a former KIPP teacher, encouraged attendees to honor educators in their lives and invited them to join the GTAC education committee. She announced refreshments catered by India's plate. Key Outcomes - Five educators were recognized and received awards. - Mayor Nichols reiterated the city's goal of 15,000 children on a path to economic mobility. - GTAC's education committee called for new members to continue honoring and supporting educators.