Council Public Works Committee - 2026-02-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Tulsa Council Public Works Committee approved three appointments to the Tulsa Housing Authority and advanced several significant items including a second amendment to the downtown TIF district project plan affecting the Cathedral District, Philcade Building, PAC TIF, and Fintube site, plus a new TIF district resolution for the Robson Ranch development area in East Tulsa. The committee also approved renaming the Midland Valley Trail to honor Tuckabache, a historic Muscogee Creek medicine man whose allotment included land now occupied by the Gathering Place.
Key Decisions (16)
Emily Hall Appointment to Tulsa Housing Authority
Emily Hall appointed to Tulsa Housing Authority replacing BJ Morrow, term expires January 2029. Hall serves as senior adviser on homelessness in the mayor's office.
Tenille Bentz Appointment to Tulsa Housing Authority
Tenille Bentz appointed to Tulsa Housing Authority replacing Nick Rick Neal, term expires January 2029. Bentz currently serves on Tulsa Women's Commission with background in education and mental health nonprofit work.
Seth Blanton Appointment to Tulsa Housing Authority
Seth Blanton appointed to Tulsa Housing Authority replacing Lisa Auerz, term expires January 2029. Blanton is a private practice litigation attorney with background in land use and landlord tenant law.
Second Amendment Downtown Area TIF Project Plan
Ordinance approving second amendment to downtown TIF project plan making four changes: (1) adding sales tax to Cathedral District TIF to support $500 million redevelopment, (2) creating two new TIF boundaries around Philcade Building for ad valorem and sales tax districts, (3) correcting PAC TIF sales tax rate from 3.65% to 2% to align with other districts, (4) removing Fintube project from Downtown TIF to create separate north-facing TIF district for North Tulsa development.
Robson Ranch TIF District Review Committee Formation
Resolution declaring intent to form Local Development Act Review Committee (LDARC) for one of the largest undeveloped areas in Tulsa - the former Robson Ranch. The area is a former ranch and coal mine site with potential for housing, employment centers, and mixed-use development. Located east of the highway with industrial/workforce development planned for west side.
Waterline Easement Closure at 4538 South Sheridan Road
Closure of portion of waterline easement requested by Regent Global with Restaurant Depot for property at 4538 South Sheridan Road, South Sheridan Plaza Addition. Easement closure for future development. Water line has been relocated and restored to adjacent properties.
81st Street Flood Plain Map Revision (LOMR)
Resolution adopting FEMA Letter of Map Revision removing flood plain from 81st Street area due to installation of larger drainage boxes. Affects Little Hakee Creek from approximately 3,650 feet downstream of South Memorial Drive to upstream of 81st Street.
Denzel Creek Master Drainage Plan Adoption
Resolution adopting November 2024 Denzel Creek Master Drainage Plan updating City of Tulsa regulatory floodplain maps for panels 52, 53, 56, and 57. Area covers Yale to the river, from approximately 111th Street South to 75th Street. Public meeting held June 2025 with approximately 70 attendees.
Condemnation for Spunky Creek Interceptor - Parcel 1A
Resolution authorizing condemnation of property owned by Timothy C. Johnson and C178 Johnson Revocable Living Trust at 19009 East 41st Street, Parcel 1A, for Smoky Creek Interceptor Main Stem South Phase 3 sanitary sewer project. One owner wants more money but hasn't made counteroffer; second owner with 50% interest has not responded.
Condemnation for Spunky Creek Interceptor - Parcel 2A
Resolution authorizing condemnation of property owned by Timothy C. Johnson and C178 Johnson Revocable Living Trust at 19009 East 21st Street, Parcel 2A, for Spunky Creek Interceptor Main Stem South Phase 3. Same owners as Parcel 1A with family disagreement over irrevocable trust. Owners' counteroffer for perpetual city water and sewer hookup was rejected.
License Agreement for Monument Sign at 3150 East 41st Street
License agreement with CDD Holdings LLC for property at 3150 East 41st Street, Lot 7, Block 1, Charles Keel and Sandbrook papers additions to install digital monument sign within street right of way. Sign relocated further from 41st Street to address sight distance issues and minimize light pollution impacts on residential area.
License Agreement for Decorative Driveway at 4304 South 193rd East Avenue
License agreement with Thunder Retail Incorporated for property at 4304 South 193rd East Avenue, Number 5, to install decorative scored concrete driveway. Residential property of 5,600 square feet.
License Agreement for Tulsa Stadium Trust Improvements
License agreement with Tulsa Stadium Trust for property at 201 North Elgin Avenue (One Oak Field) to install brick pavers, benches, bollards, and trash cans within street right of way. Project addresses tripping hazards from settling pavers, replaces tree grates, and includes some concrete replacement.
Renaming Midland Valley Trail to Tuckabache Trail
Park board recommendation to rename Midland Valley Pedestrian Trail to honor Tuckabache, a Muscogee Creek medicine man who was an original allottee of land where the Gathering Place now sits (25th Street south to 31st Street). Tuckabache was present when council fires were reignited at Council Oak tree, fought alongside US during Civil War, and lived past 100 years old until 1910. His grave is at Oak Lawn Cemetery facing the trail. Indian Affairs Commission unanimously approved the renaming.
Fee Waiver for MLK Day Parade
Request by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Society for waiver of fees for labor costs of $12,088.25 incurred for the 47th annual Martin Luther King Day parade in January.
Council Travel Authorization for One Voice Day
Travel authorization for Councilor Archie, Councilor Stengel, and Councilor Megan to attend Chamber One Voice Day at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, March 2026. Estimated cost $1,850 for registration, hotel, and per diem.
Development Activity (5)
Cathedral District Redevelopment
$500 million identified for redevelopment during strategic planning session. Area described as having become mostly parking lots since 1950s when it was a bustling crowded place. Sales tax being added to TIF to support development.
Philcade Building TIF Districts
Creating two TIF boundaries - one ad valorem only district and one sales tax district for development purposes.
Robson Ranch Development
One of largest undeveloped areas in Tulsa. Former ranch and coal mine site. Plans include industrial/workforce development on west side of highway, housing and retail on east side near stallions. Master plan includes park rivaling Central Park, bike trails using existing creeks and ponds. Currently hosts Bureau of Land Management wild horse program under 10-year contract. Additional 1,000 acres sits to the east.
Restaurant Depot Future Development
Large parcel behind Restaurant Depot building with waterline easement being closed for future development. Specific development plans not disclosed.
Smoky Creek Interceptor Main Stem South Phase 3
Sanitary sewer extension capital project to serve new subdivisions and developable land. Trunk lines will allow developers to tie in equitably.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Tulsa Housing Authority voucher program described as absolutely essential to keeping people housed, with housing access identified as extremely important for vulnerable populations rebounding from homelessness.
Infrastructure
City investing in major sanitary sewer trunk line extensions (Smoky Creek Interceptor) to enable new subdivision development and unlock developable land in east Tulsa.
Commercial Demand
Cathedral District identified for $500 million redevelopment opportunity, with TIF amendments being made to support bringing development back to an area that has become mostly parking lots.
Sentiment
Robson Ranch described as one of the largest undeveloped areas with highest potential for development inside the city, with city actively working to create TIF district to attract housing and employment centers.
Labor
City discussing charter amendments to extend longevity pay from 20 to 30 years for police and fire personnel to improve retention of experienced veterans, with 77 firefighters and 283 police officers currently at 20+ years of service.