[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6598662,"mediaKeyId","3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475","parentId",3025717,"title","Public Works staff recommend denial of retaining-wall license and sewer-easement closure; councilors plan follow-up","audioSeconds",879,"startMs",1869000,"endMs",2748000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475&start=1869&end=2748","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475/thumbnail_1869000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6598662/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Public-Works-staff-recommend-denial-of-retaining-wall-license-and-sewer-easement-closure-councilors-plan-follow-up","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598662-3d72a49630f2933687aad9a1551ba117/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192828&Signature=P1gjvRu2QBkAZ36lEHT46XRLwNMJBwAMBDaciOX9fryp4prUH7mcBctoR9hom3OEcGOhwvc2COUx7HQ1lJmpQXydInvB4Oahwl2ui8gekXxVLy8d5x9~lFJ2QCKz7tP0xR94wuXng0GafArVHzhWSNlHzWzTxxHnOcsYTtTkXT7UIpk79FLIqXReqj9NM0D5MNK84g9DqpfGnXA0wmy07U9F1zQ5Hhy-A~Wm6npfnEhVWQGyk~wo2RqrpPkSDsVW4gmjjBFLQ36QlavcAGthafhW887BcMMvEeJW5poelKTgEKo8AZMVQIVE-TZt1YDq5r~dD6gaUlE3b-ntjeyTEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tulsa","date","2025-04-16T14:30:00Z","article","Public Works staff recommended denying two separate right-of-way requests on April 30: a license agreement for a retaining wall that encroaches on the street right-of-way at 2441 South Owasso Place in Sunset Terrace, and a request to close a portion of an existing sewer easement at 3311 South Troost Avenue in Vogel Heights.

Paul Zachary of Public Works said the Owasso Place wall was built without a permit and sits above a water line in the public right-of-way. “We have public works and water and sewer both objected to this and would recommend an [against] issuing a license agreement,” Zachary said, noting the wall sits over critical infrastructure and that the applicants were aware of options such as relocating the line or removing the wall.

Committee members asked about options for residents and about how property owners can avoid such conflicts. Zachary advised constituents to call 311 and consult the permit center and to ensure contractors call 811 before digging. He said retroactive permits are sometimes required when work was done without permits.

On the sewer-easement request at South Troost Avenue, staff said the applicant’s assertion that the easement was no longer needed was incorrect: the easement contains an active sewer line and objections were filed by right-of-way, sewer operations and wastewater design staff. The easement in question dates to a 1937 grant, staff said, and is approximately eight feet deep in the affected location.

Staff recommended denial of the easement-closure request and informed the applicant of options such as realigning sanitary sewer or acquiring easement from neighbors; the applicant chose to pursue a formal administrative process.

Why it matters: Encroachments and easement closures can impede city access to utilities and create safety and maintenance issues. The staff recommendation to deny these requests preserves public access and system integrity while leaving applicants the option to pursue alternatives or legal remedies.

Both items were recommended for denial administratively; no committee votes were recorded in the transcript. Councilors indicated they would meet with constituents on the retaining-wall matter before the next hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tulsa - Council Public Works Committee - Apr 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public Works staff recommended denying a retaining-wall license at 2441 S. Owasso Place and a sewer-easement closure for 3311 S. Troost Avenue, citing public-utilities conflicts and lack of permits.","taxTitle","Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma","taxId",2682,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598670,"Committee reviews $245,839 judgment payment tied to PAC renovation dispute",455,900000,1355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475&start=900&end=1355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475/thumbnail_900000.jpg","/articles/6598670/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Committee-reviews-245839-judgment-payment-tied-to-PAC-renovation-dispute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598670-246c251238198423464c16084e6c4e0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192828&Signature=C~2q-rEAYEz3jhKy1711EIxLdsblchZYMHePXIpJiECEU-EvjRC-D3772eg9c-5UqzfHTGX3d36S9zyXLg7LwiYFRtQhh5WE7dpymAdMKfp8IBpjfR4BEzIO4tp3vguVPUnr5xSt~CkvWCMG7wYws3nbjtqQvTf71GdrzJr4B95Ek5I~WMT5Ea2B9DG4zUO1U5d7iieBApYNFt~v8oGEfDX~GlMqiApHJVeUsXF7U2Ro7Ecq87NaevuEr0~zBPXO7JfN8Rl3JlXrZheGWA40mYzmTZenFbTKcM1RCfA6Vl6RupLFz~PnZd-vHhHNQxOk3ohtwWxcvhVbCcN4HXo0ow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City treasury and public-works staff told the Public Works Committee that a proposed resolution would authorize payment of $245,839.08 to Construction Enterprises Inc. and several law firms to satisfy a judgment in case number CJ20232334 related to renovation work at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (PAC).

Chad Becker of Treasury told the committee, “there is a sufficient cash balance in the sinking fund to pay this judgment,” and said the city would advance the payment ahead of levy placement and forward paperwork to the county for repayment over three years.

City staff described the underlying dispute as a construction-defect case arising from lobby renovations contracted for just under $2 million. Paul Zachary of Public Works said the contractor’s work produced workmanship disputes with subcontractors and with the city, and that the matter proceeded to mediation with an independent architect to assess what work was complete.

“Through mediation and with the help of city legal, we’re able to do so,” Zachary said. He told the committee the mediation split some findings in the city’s favor and some in the contractor’s favor and that the settlement figure represents the amount payable under the mediated resolution.

Staff said the settlement will pay subcontractors and resolve outstanding claims while project funds remain to complete the PAC’s unfinished work. Zachary said future contracting for the remaining work will be advertised and bid and will not be given away to the original contractor’s surety if possible.

Councilors pressed staff about whether the $245,839.08 amount was part of the original renovation contract and whether the lobby work was complete. Staff said the figure comes from the settlement and is to be paid from sinking-fund monies; the underlying contract amount was “just under $2,000,000” and the city did not pay the contractor for incomplete or deficient work.

Why it matters: The payment resolves a court-approved judgment and clears a disputed chapter in a public cultural facility’s renovation. Staff emphasized there are sufficient funds to pay the judgment and funds to finish the PAC work, and that mediation allowed subcontractors to be paid and reduced litigation risk.

No formal council vote on the resolution appears in the committee transcript; staff stated the resolution carries an emergency clause and will be on the council agenda later the same day.","City treasury and public-works staff told the Public Works Committee that a proposed resolution would authorize payment of $245,839.08 to Construction Enterprises Inc. and counsel to satisfy a judgment arising from Tulsa Performing Arts Center lobby renovation disputes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598675,"Council committee reviews fund-administration options for $75 million Improve Our Tulsa housing program",1696,2888000,4584000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475&start=2888&end=4584","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475/thumbnail_2888000.jpg","/articles/6598675/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Council-committee-reviews-fund-administration-options-for-75-million-Improve-Our-Tulsa-housing-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598675-3c02be6f28fa38ffa2caba3d45b367fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192828&Signature=GSB3kIBjWEwtqjyXICnaiF9K6lwwW865zmBKpVtjIoOwL2GmTQmOvPBy5djdWNXlPOcLrcERQ7AS2ffBuUOY1KBmhmSUJlHoria5yi~tJXutMcXNLyV4GjArMIXpE~-Pie1ZMw1arFeeEMxZOupyemRigXnnn-RouxfAqfH17t-S6~oYWTu1rWHWDUHqnsEnafjXJHkLrlPYY6zcM03NCPbDAXeEUJ8xDfKHiOUMsCMMO1NnegGRInw0piLwZRypwbh1ApDmrC0ZVAecff3tcmP8E9MU6~tk4H2TG682xcOYPTBDUF9zAFDAxwCDXk6r2XHfDtAlCU6LRoGr4m80QA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Travis Holst, Tulsa’s housing director, told the Public Works Committee on April 30 that city staff are preparing a request for proposals to identify how the voter-approved $75 million Improve Our Tulsa (IoT) housing funds should be administered.

“We’re talking about the city of Tulsa, $75,000,000,” Holst said as he framed the presentation. He said staff received roughly 60 responses to a request for information from developers and expects many more project proposals when programs are launched.

The committee heard staff describe four program categories the city is considering: a grant fund, an investment/loan fund, an acquisition fund and infrastructure support, plus preservation/rehabilitation programs for existing housing. Holst said some peer cities use third-party administrators for developer-focused loan and investment programs while keeping infrastructure, water and sewer work under city departments.

Jean Goldmesh, senior advisor to Mary Nichols, joined Holst and described infrastructure as typically remaining within public works. “Infrastructure, you know, we have public works and infrastructure departments and sewer and water teams who are doing that work,” Goldmesh said.

Committee members pressed staff on timing and scale. Holst said a competitive RFP process to select an external fund administrator typically takes about 120 days from drafting to contract, but that shorter timelines are possible where proposals and community demand already exist. “As quickly as people can move, we can move,” Holst said when asked if the process could accelerate.

Several councilors urged faster action and clarity on bonding. The resolution the council approved in November contemplates bonding up to $35 million of the IoT funds; staff said they will return with recommendations after completing a review of the RFI responses. Holst said the RFI results will help determine whether the city should bond the full authorized amount or a smaller amount based on projected pipeline demand.

Councilors also asked about fundraising and private leverage. Holst and Goldmesh said third-party administrators typically handle private fundraising and philanthropic outreach, and that outside managers can often raise additional capital more effectively than the city. Holst said examples from peer cities include partnerships with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit intermediaries that blend public and private dollars.

Committee members repeatedly raised aging public infrastructure as a constraint on development. Holst said public works and water-and-sewer staff were working in parallel to map capacity and that infrastructure questions will be part of project evaluation when the city designs incentive policies.

Staff asked council members to submit high-level objectives they want in any RFP (for example: fundraising capacity, transparency and city accountability) before the next meeting. Holst said staff plan to return to the committee with RFP objectives and a recommended timeline, and then to bring bond recommendations and program design in the coming months.

Why it matters: The administration model — city-run programs versus third-party managers — affects how quickly projects can be funded, the amount of private leverage that can be raised, and how the city exercises oversight of public dollars. The committee’s direction will shape the mechanics of allocating up to $75 million in public funds tied to a broader $370 million fundraising goal described in the housing strategy.

Staff said next steps will include a summary of the 60 RFI responses, drafting a potential RFP, and a return to the committee for guidance on bonding and program priorities.","City housing staff presented options for administering the voter-approved $75 million Improve Our Tulsa housing fund, discussed possible bonding of up to $35 million, and outlined a plan to issue a request for proposals for a third-party fund administrator after a recent request-for-information returned roughly 60 responses.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6598666,"Committee hears two confirmation introductions: Human Rights Commission and Greater Tulsa African American Affairs Commission appointees",383,257000,640000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475&start=257&end=640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3025717-4131e49e1034399e8cca40b5bc660475/thumbnail_257000.jpg","/articles/6598666/Tulsa/Tulsa-County/Oklahoma/Committee-hears-two-confirmation-introductions-Human-Rights-Commission-and-Greater-Tulsa-African-American-Affairs-Commission-appointees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6598666-631f1f52193c24d2bc010914c39e96ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192828&Signature=TwNHAShsqhYz8GWQpgayF8aAG3PD-0Pbex2JPE2oFeycuP2~2p~l-aNguSkoTWVQJB9S3iYlE3rcR2lviMXo8IiMAx2RD16U1ykIOLPoIOWH~IBSkIvnu7wzj6iDamOlH1FE-mRVaQ2mxNYxGZENHvYGwtyfu1wLqL3dTvlSFCCoeSHZWf9qK~peJ9eh-N4KdiLq-yjbgGAeYG3ejvBxVAHUbVddcOVwZ5t09-zkRxRTogHDJEXR5~fuyXcdcK8KwTBOrJ2MEigcodz3NgO7f7ka6VdvaPqb7AYuMAm1j~aQKPzisjfPfWJYLBFLTo4K1~2v7TsWhdfFfcrtFhPZUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Public Works Committee took up two appointment items on April 30 and heard brief candidate remarks and councilor introductions before scheduling formal confirmation hearings.

Anna Barrows, nominated from District 1 to the Human Rights Commission to replace Marlon Hall (term to expire July 1, 2027), described six years as a middle-school social-studies teacher and recent work at Impact Tulsa. “My entire life's work is about ensuring that young people reach the outcomes that they deserve,” Barrows said, adding that she is a first-generation American with family from Brazil and speaks Portuguese.

Councilors invited Barrows to the confirmation vote scheduled for the thirtieth at 5 p.m.; staff said the meeting will be live-streamed.

Michael Vaughn was introduced for appointment to the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission, replacing Anthony Payne (term expires May 1, 2028). He described founding and directing The Recorders Guild, a nonprofit that provides computer-science education for middle- and high-school students. Vaughn said returning to Tulsa after a decade abroad in Tokyo informed his commitment to local education and workforce pathways.

Councilors praised Vaughn’s youth-focused programming and welcomed his willingness to serve on the commission; the committee scheduled his confirmation for the thirtieth as well.

Why it matters: These are advisory bodies that include community representation on civil-rights and African American issues. Introducing candidates and scheduling confirmations are procedural steps that allow councilors to question nominees and finalize appointments.","The committee introduced and scheduled confirmation hearings for Anna Barrows for the Human Rights Commission and Michael Vaughn for the Greater Tulsa Area African American Affairs Commission; both candidates described community work and said they would bring experience to the commissions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public Works staff recommend denial of retaining-wall license and sewer-easement closure; councilors plan follow-up

Committee reviews $245,839 judgment payment tied to PAC renovation dispute

Council committee reviews fund-administration options for $75 million Improve Our Tulsa housing program

Committee hears two confirmation introductions: Human Rights Commission and Greater Tulsa African American Affairs Commission appointees