Meeting Summary
The Tulsa City Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed charter amendment to establish an Office of the Independent Monitor for the police department following significant misconduct settlements. The council also approved various rezonings, travel authorizations for state legislative advocacy, and received a detailed status report on sales tax-funded capital projects.
Key Decisions & Votes
Municipal Employee Retirement Board Reappointment
05:15Reappointment of Pat Connolly to the Municipal Employee Retirement Board for a term expiring in 2028.
Rezoning Northwest Corner of 71st and Union
28:45Approved rezoning applications Z-7843 and PUD-159-C to allow for commercial development.
Zoning Map Amendment for Route 66 Property
34:10Initiated a zoning change from residential to commercial for a city-owned parcel to establish a gift shop for the Route 66 centennial.
MLK Parade Fee Waiver
34:10Approved a waiver of $12,080.25 in labor costs for the 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.
Upcoming Community Events
Case Family Safety Center Ribbon Cutting
Building tour and ribbon cutting at 2829 South Sheridan at 2:30 PM.
District 6 Town Hall
Held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 6:00 PM featuring code enforcement and TPD.
Chamber One Voice Day at the Capitol
Legislative advocacy trip to Oklahoma City for Councilors Archie, Bengel, and Lakin.
Financial Matters
Police Misconduct Settlements
Total settlements mentioned by public speakers regarding wrongful convictions and civil rights violations over the past year.
911 Coordinator Workshop Travel Donation
Donation from Oklahoma 911 Management Authority for staff travel to Norman, OK.
MLK Parade Labor Costs
Waived fees for city labor provided during the annual parade.
Public Comments
The majority of speakers advocated for the creation of an Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) to oversee the Tulsa Police Department, citing high settlement costs and a lack of trust. Other comments addressed concerns regarding Meta's data center water usage and transparency.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- March 1, 2026: Tulsa Botanic Gardens reopens for spring.
Watch For
- Zoning reevaluation regarding data centers
- Ben Hill Park public engagement sessions in Spring 2026
- Gilcrease Museum art collection relocation starting mid-February
Announcements
- Gilcrease Museum is scheduled to begin moving its art collection back in February 2026.
- A new control system for Tulsa highway lighting has been completed.
- There is currently one vacancy on the Sales Tax Overview Committee (STOC) for District 3.
Agenda Summary
Receipt and Filing of Minutes
Approval of minutes from January 4 and January 14, 2026.
Pat Connolly Reappointment
Reappointment to the Municipal Employee Retirement Board.
Charter Amendments Public Hearing
Hearing regarding the establishment of an Office of the Independent Monitor.
Mayor's Items 4B through 4N
Various items including travel donations and committee appointments.
Sales Tax Overview Committee Report
Monthly status report on capital projects and sales tax expenditures.
Rezoning Z-7843 and PUD-159-C
Rezoning for property at 71st and South Union Avenue.
TMUA Declaration of Trust Amendment
Fourth Amendment to the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority trust.
Rezoning Ordinance Z-7840
Rezoning at East 31st and South 193rd East Avenue from AG to RD/RS-5.
Route 66 Zoning Initiation
City Council initiation of a zoning map amendment for Route 66 gift shop.
Data Center Zoning Reevaluation
Initiation of zoning reevaluation regarding data center regulations.
MLK Commemoration Society Fee Waiver
Waiver of $12,080.25 in labor costs for the MLK parade.
Travel Authorizations (8E, 8F, 8G)
Travel for Councilors Archie, Bengel, and Lakin to Oklahoma City.