Tulsa Council OKs annual assessment rule for Kendall Whittier Improvement District after mixed public testimony

The Tulsa City Council approved an ordinance adopting the annual assessment rule for Kendall Whittier Improvement District No. 1 following a public hearing that drew both supporters and critics.

Supporters said the district has momentum on beautification, graffiti abatement and small security grants. Maria Barnes, who said she serves on the Kendall Whittier Main Street board, told the council, “I’m here to speak in favor of this. ... we have a lot of momentum going with our Main Street and improvement with some funds that we’re working on for beautification.” Jamie Barnes, vice president of the Kendall Whittier Improvement Board, said the board “has done the legwork that gets us to this point” and urged councilors to “support us in our renewal.”

The district’s president, Derek Mordhorst, described specific projects and spending: he said the board has funded security upgrades for small businesses, “about 4 to $6,000 worth of approved expenditures,” contracts for lighting and electrical upgrades, graffiti abatement through matched paint and clear coat treatments, a regular…