According to the preliminary report, sales tax collections from mid-January to mid-February totaled $14,916,708, an 11.6 percent decline from the same month last year. That decline was consistent with revised general fund budget predictions.

Use taxes, which businesses and others pay on purchases of equipment from out-of-state vendors, were below budget estimates. The total was $997,427, down 31.4 percent from the same period last year and 25 percent below budget estimates.

"This continued decline further confirms our decision to reduce the general fund budget in order to have a balanced budget by the end of the fiscal year," said Mayor Dewey Bartlett.  "We are not yet seeing significant improvement in the local economy. So far, we are unable to determine if we have reached the bottom of this economic cycle. Our sales tax decline began in April, 2009, which was a decline of more than 5 percent from the previous year.

"Finding solutions to our financial situation by reviewing our core businessess is one approach that will steel the City against future economic declines. We continue to look for new ways of doing business. KPMG has arrived in Tulsa today to begin the planning stages of a strategic business review of City of Tulsa departments. It is still our goal to have the review completed by early summer."

Since the decline in sales tax revenues began early last year, the current and past City administrations have reduced operating expenses in the general fund by about $27 million.

In the first nine months of the fiscal year, the City has collected $18.34 million less in sales taxes and $2.02 million less in use taxes compared to the previous year.

 # # # # #

Mayor Bartlett presented details about several initiatives to a crowd of Oklahoma energy leaders.

"Energy is Oklahoma," Bartlett said. "Our state was founded on the energy industry. Now the door is wide open for the city of Tulsa to lead Oklahoma into the future with energy initiatives and projects that address Sustainability. That's what these initiatives, focusing on alternative fuels and energy efficiency, are all about."

Bartlett discussed at length the grant money that the city will receive from the federal Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Dept of Energy. Several projects will receive money from the EECBG grant.

Briefly, the largest projects include: $1.4 million for the OSU Medical Center Retrofit, a project which will save an estimated $210,000 per year in energy costs; $.9 million for a Brady Village Geothermal Project which is expected to produce over 400 tons of heating and cooling capacity; and $.5 million for Energy Efficient Highway Lighting, to research and implement energy efficient lighting to replace the existing lights.

Other projects include: $350,000 for the city of Tulsa Energy Audit Program, to perform energy audits of the city's five most energy consumptive facilities and implement the identified improvements; $75,000 for Long Term Energy & Sustainability Plan Development to guide policy development and decision making; $50,000 for Revolving Loan Program Development to offer low interest revolving loans to citizens and small businesses in Tulsa to perform energy efficiency upgrades; and $50,000 for a Renewable Energy Feasibility Assessment that will assess the use of renewable energy technologies, including solar, at selected City facilities.

Bartlett also discussed the City of Tulsa's Compressed Natural Gas initiatives, and funding that will allow both the expansion of CNG fueling stations in the City, as well as CNG conversions and new vehicle purchases for the City's 'Green Fleet.'

Two new City ordinances proposed by Bartlett, were briefly discussed. The ordinances, which will soon be presented to the City Council, will allow the City to enter into performance contracts that could result in millions of dollars of energy efficient improvements to public facilities without any new appropriations. After the creation of these ordinances, Tulsa will be able to appropriate $1.6 million from the 2006 Third Penny Sales Tax Extension that had been earmarked for energy audits and energy performance contracting on City facilities.

Finally, at the news conference, Bartlett signed an executive order creating the City of Tulsa's new Department of Sustainability and naming its first director, Brett Fidler. Fidler has served as the Mayor's Special Advisor on Sustainability since November 2008. Bartlett also announced the creation of an Energy/Sustainability Advisory Committee that will provide some oversight and make recommendations to the Department of Sustainability. Members will be appointed during March.

To date, Tulsa has never conducted a comprehensive study to determine demand for housing within the Inner Dispersal Loop and feeder neighborhoods. The main objective of the market study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of market and economic conditions, trends, and supply and demand to support current and future opportunities for all types of residential development.

"We know there is an unmet demand for housing downtown," Mayor Bartlett said. "This study will not only give investors and developers a tool to use for lending purposes, but provide us with a guideline of recommendations to implement a successful housing strategy."

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) engaged consultants from the CDS/Spillette Company to conduct an eight-week, detailed housing demand study based on site visits and analysis and telephone and internet surveys. The consultants also evaluated Tulsa to six comparable cities to understand each city's experience, lessons learned and their applicability to Tulsa.

"Some developers within Tulsa's IDL were encountering hesitancy on part of lenders and investors due to lack of documented demand," Bruce Bolzle, EDC Past Chair said. "This study will provide them with the resources needed to potentially secure funding and develop housing units in downtown Tulsa."

One conclusion from the market study showed a projected demand for 325-475 units per year for the next five years, then 175-275 thereafter. Currently, downtown Tulsa has 900 units. Types of property analyzed for potential development included single family homes, townhomes, condominiums and rental apartments. The largest percentage of respondents stated they preferred a loft home or townhouse.

A presentation for developers, investors, lenders and anyone interested will be held Thursday, March 4, 10-11 a.m. at the TCC Center 4 Creativity, 910 S. Boston.

The City of Tulsa completed its original ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan in 1992. Since then, the city has experienced significant changes in population, physical size, streets, sidewalks and curb cuts, as well as added city facilities and programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, Director of the City Human Rights Department, City staff has been working to update the Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan. In the Public Works Department, Brent Stout of Engineering Services serves as project manager, working with consultants Kimley-Horn & Associates and Accessology, Inc.

"Through a partnership between the Human Rights Department and the Public Works Department, we will successfully complete this comprehensive process to improve the city of Tulsa through increased accessibility," said Michael Smith, Compliance Investigations Administrator for the Human Rights Department.

The City also has formed both a steering committee and advisory committee to help guide this project to completion and implementation. Committee members include professionals, concerned citizen groups and disabled consumers who require access throughout the City to maintain their independence.

A major part of ADA compliance involves sidewalks. The City of Tulsa devotes a portion of every capital improvement funding measure - general obligation bond issues and the third penny sales tax - to sidewalk specific work. This includes repairs to eliminate tripping hazards, adjustments made for ADA compliance, and additions made for continuity of travel.

Whenever the City of Tulsa constructs or repairs a sidewalk, it is brought into ADA compliance. Arterial street rehabilitation and widening projects both include sidewalks and curb ramps. Every arterial street widening project includes construction of ADA compliant sidewalks on both sides. The City coordinates with residents to include sidewalks with non-arterial street rehabilitation near parks, schools and public areas.

The City maintains an inventory of citizen concerns regarding existing and proposed sidewalks and curb ramp locations. The locations are addressed by priority as funding allows.

The 2005 Bond Issue provided $600,000 for citywide sidewalk work, most all of which has been spent. The 2006 Third Penny Sales Tax included $500,000 for sidewalks on arterial streets and $750,000 for sidewalks on non-arterial streets. The funds are made available each July for five years. Two more annual distributions remain in both July 2010 and July 2011: $100,000 for arterial sidewalks and $150,000 for non-arterial sidewalks.

The 2008 Bond Issue for streets includes $400,000 for sidewalks on arterial streets and $300,000 for sidewalks on non-arterial streets. The 2008 Third Penny Sales Tax extension includes $1.6 million for sidewalks on arterial streets and $700,000 for sidewalks on non-arterial streets.

More than $26 million of sidewalk projects have been identified citywide. Also, starting this summer, the City will begin an assessment of all sidewalks for 1,300 lane miles of arterial streets and their intersections both with each other and with side streets.

The City of Tulsa also has applied through INCOG for $23.8 million of transportation projects funded through the federal Jobs for Main Street. Of that amount, $3.1 million would be for sidewalks only. The arterial street rehabilitation projects in the application also include sidewalk work.

Mayor Bartlett said his office was notified on Friday of federal authorization to use $3.2 million in Justice Assistance Grant funding to hire back 35 officers.

Bartlett said the goal is to put the officers back on the payroll, and on the streets, as soon as possible. Once notified, officers are allowed 15 days to respond, but can waive that time period and either accept or reject the position immediately.

If all 35 officers do not waive their right to respond in 15 days, they would return to work as a group on March 16, however, the date could be moved up to March 1 if all 35 officers waive their right to have a 15 day period to respond to the offer.

"We are hoping that all of the 35 eligible officers who want to come back to the Tulsa Police Department will have the ability to waive their rights and respond right away so that we can get them back on the streets on March 1," said Chief Chuck Jordan. 

The March 1 timeframe also is contingent upon the City Council approving the budget amendment to allow the funding of all 35 officers, and required medical testing which is being scehduled this week.

According to Chief Jordan, the officers will not return to their previous assignments. The recall will allow 29 other officers to be assigned to patrol as well as six to be assigned to Investigations.

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Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Council District 5: Hale High School, 6960 E. 21^st St.

March 2, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. (note different time) - Council District 6: Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road.

March 9, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Council District 7: Memorial High School, 5840 S. Hudson Ave.

March 30, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Council District 9: All Souls Unitarian Church Emerson Hall, 2952 S. Peoria Ave.

April 6, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - Council District 8: Hardesty Library, 8316 E. 93rd St.

Through these meetings, the Transportation Advisory Board would like to receive citizens' comments about transportation in the city of Tulsa. Citizens also can receive information about transportation capital improvement projects.

The Transportation Advisory Board has been commissioned to advise the Mayor and City Council on all matters affecting land transportation in Tulsa including, but not limited to, streets and rights-of-way maintenance and construction, traffic engineering, mass transit, rail and trail systems.

Members of the Transportation Advisory Board include Mayor Dewey Bartlett, District 1 Councilor Jack Henderson, District 2 Councilor Rick Westcott, Darrell Gilbert representing Council District 3, District 4 Councilor Maria Barnes, District 5 Councilor Chris Trail, District 6 Councilor Jim Mautino, District 7 Councilor John Eagleton, Al Unser representing Council District 8, Daniel Keating representing Council District 9, Brian Cullum from the construction industry, Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority Chairman Rick Hudson, Metropolitan Tulsa Transit Authority board member Phil Lakin, Tulsa Metropolitan Area Planning Commission member Keith McArtor, and Matthew Moshiri, construction engineer.

The Transportation Advisory Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month, at noon in the 10th Floor North Conference Room of City Hall at One Technology Center, 175 E. 2nd St. Meetings for the remainder of 2010 are as follows: March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2, and Dec. 7.

These new gates are safer than the gates they have replaced. Instead of two short arms, these "quad gates" have four long arms that prevent vehicles from driving between them onto the railroad tracks. This project also includes a loop detector system that will detect a vehicle inside the gates and allow it to exit the railroad crossing before the gate arms come down.

The sealed corridor, also known as a "quiet zone," requires railroad engineers to not blow their horns except in an emergency. Safety always is the highest priority if a warning is needed at a railroad crossing. Completion of this project likely will result in quieter surroundings for residents and businesses in the vicinity of these downtown railroad crossings.

The downtown sealed corridor project received funding of $750,000 through the 2006 Third Penny Sales Tax and a $1,481,159 federal appropriation for Safety Hazard Elimination.

This project originated in discussions between the City of Tulsa and property owners in the Brady Village, the first Tax Increment Financed area in the downtown Central Business District. Brady Village property owners suggested that a sealed corridor along the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad would encourage ongoing downtown revitalization.

Meanwhile the Federal Railroad Administration was looking for ways to enhance safety at railroad crossings and to regulate horn blowing at the federal level instead of at the state level. If safer gates were installed at crossings, trains wouldn't have to blow their horns and take on the extra liability.

The project was approved for funding through the 2001 Third Penny Sales Tax, but a shortfall caused the project to be deferred to the 2006 Third Penny Sales Tax. Voters did approve it again in 2006, and the project has moved forward to completion.

# # #

"Every year we look for sponsors to help get the pools opened, maintained and staffed," describes Lucy Dolman, Parks Director.  "Last year, we were fortunate enough to raise $125,000 from companies and individuals that, when combined with budget dollars, was enough to open eight pools.  Due to budget cuts, we currently have nothing in the budget for pools.  Any pools opened this year will be because of donations only."

The youngest pool is over 30 years old, so even general maintenance can be very expensive.  The "Break The Ice" reminds people to start thinking and planning this winter for pools to be opened next summer.

Those pools scheduled to be opened are:

Berry Park                   5002 N. Wheeling Ave.
Lacy Park                    2134 N. Madison Place
McClure Park              7440 E. 7th Street
Reed Park                    4233 S. Yukon
Whiteside Park             4009 S. Pittsburg

Depending on the level of sponsorship, perks include season pool passes, private pool parties, and pool name recognition.

For more information call 596-PARK.

Shortly after taking office, Mayor Bartlett and his staff began reviewing expenses that could be reduced. Two staff members who had been working with the Taylor administration left the City's employment when Bartlett brought in his own staff. The mayor is permitted to hire 16 at-will positions or appointees to his staff. While knowing a 4.4 percent reduction would need to be made, Mayor Bartlett chose to leave four at-will (appointed) positions open. In addition, office supplies and other expenses reduced the mayor's budget by an additional 6.5 percent.

Mayor Bartlett has agreed to take an 8.5 percent personal salary reduction and Terry Simonson, Chief of Staff has agreed to a five percent personal salary reduction as well. Other members of the staff are not obligated to take a salary reduction, but would have taken pay cuts if the AFSCME union had voted to take salary reductions instead of layoffs.

Reserve

As of Dec. 31, 2009, the City of Tulsa general fund reserve balance was $2.5 million. If the savings anticipated from the Fire Department reorganization is not realized, the Mayor's Office committed $1.2 million of the reserve to the Fire Department. That amount could increase if the savings are lower than expected. The reserve will not be exhausted as 5.76 percent of the general revenues are deposited into the reserve on a monthly basis.

The reserve was not part of the MOU with the fire department for the reduction of expenditures as voted on by the fire union members. However, the portion of the reserve used to fund the Fire Department shortfall this year will be recovered through attrition savings next year.

An agreement was also reached with the FOP leadership to allow its membership to vote on the mayor's proposal to keep 155 police officers or take a 5.2 percent salary cut with some concessions. The FOP agreement was voted down, and on Friday of last week 155 police officers received layoff notices. Through MOU's between the City and the FOP, retirements and resignations took place, rescinding 31 police layoff notices, bringing the total police officer layoffs to124. The police union received a similar proposal to the Fire Department in the following areas: length of agreement, salary savings and savings from furloughs.

For non-sworn employees, the option was between a 5.2 percent salary cut or layoffs. Although job classification including, Administrative and Technical, Airport Officers, Office Technical, Emergency Communicators and Labor and Trades are included in the AFSCME union, all non-sworn employees, including exempt or unclassified positions had the opportunity to vote for either layoffs or a salary reduction. AFSCME non-sworn employees voted for layoffs and Mayor Bartlett said he would agree to their opinion poll. Instead of issuing all non-sworn employees (including Mayor's Office staff) a 5.2 percent salary cut, layoffs began to occur referring back to each 4.4 percent department reduction submissions. There were 59 non-sworn employees laid off, but currently only 30 of the 59 have been laid off due to retirement and the "bumping" system.

###

Bunney began his business career at the McDonnell Douglas facility in Tulsa, where he was Director of Financial Management. He then joined The Boeing Company serving as General Manager for Delta Decatur Operations and Site Director for Boeing's OKC Operations. In the past two years, Bunney has served as the Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Tulsa.

"With over three decades of experience in the aerospace industry and serving as the City's Economic Development Officer for the past two years, Mike will be a perfect addition to the administration," Mayor Bartlett said. "Mike will help us focus on the many business processes that need restructuring as well as attain our goal of growing jobs and aggressively recruiting businesses to Tulsa. The City of Tulsa is open for business and our business is to grow, market and promote our entire business community."

Bunney earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1974 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa in 1981. Bunney will serve as the City's lead for economic development endeavors and manage the Real Estate and Economic Development Division.

Business Forums

Mayor Bartlett will be hosting five business forums throughout the City of Tulsa to create an open dialogue with small businesses and large corporations. Each forum will focus on how the City of Tulsa can better facilitate growth and remove roadblocks in the way of prosperity for Tulsa businesses.

The first Business Forum will be held at the TCC Center 4 Creativity on Tuesday, March 9 at 5:30-7 p.m. Below are the dates, times and locations for the forums:

Business Forums with Mayor Bartlett

Tuesday, March 9, 5:30-7 p.m., TCC Center 4 Creativity, 910 S. Boston

Tuesday, March 16, 5:30-7 p.m., Martin Regional Library-Auditorium, 2601 S. Garnett Rd.

Tuesday, March 23, 5:30-7 p.m., Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E.93rd St.

Tuesday, April 6, 5:30-7 p.m., Tulsa Community College, Northeast Campus- South Meeting Room, Room #2623, 3727 E. Apache

Tuesday, April 13, 5:30-7 p.m., OSU Center for Health Sciences - Dunlap Auditorium, 1111 West 17th St.

Department of Grants Administration (DGA) Director Dafne Pharis will now report to Cathy Criswell, Chief Risk Officer, who is the City's coordinator for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants. The DGA Director previously reported to Chief of Staff Amy Polonchek. 

Dr. Lana Turner-Addison, Director of the Human Rights Department, will assume responsibility for the planning and program development aspect of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants. In addition The Human Rights Department will be responsible for monitoring HUD grant recipients for compliance with hiring, labor standards, EEO, and Affirmative Action practices.

Taylor said this realignment shifts some duties related to HUD Grants to the Human Rights Department, which will serve as an advocate for the community and CDBG subrecipients, while the Department of Grants Administration will be focused on monitoring and enforcing compliance with HUD regulations.

"Since she has joined the management team, I have called on Cathy Criswell many times to help us coordinate and oversee processes and procedures in several areas, including the ARRA grant program. As a former auditor, Cathy has knowledge of federal and state requirements, and vast experience with identifying organizational and reporting improvements," Taylor said. "Lana Turner, an energetic member of the Tulsa community and City management team, has worked to increase Human Rights advocacy, review and revamp processes and increase communication with disadvantaged businesses that are contractors or potential contractors of the City. Lana's team will work with HUD grant subrecipients to ensure they understand the qualifications and specifications of the community development block grants. Cathy, Lana and Dafne will work together to continue strengthening the City of Tulsa's processes for planning, reporting to HUD and relaying information to HUD subrecipients.  All three were actively involved in designing this realignment.

The establishment of the City's first Grants Administration department in March 2008 was the first step in better financial accounting for grants received by the City.  This next step will enhance programming support to the many groups who rely upon HUD funds to serve Tulsans.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officials recently identified the need for the City of Tulsa to provide resources to ensure HUD grant monies received by applicants are spent as required by the grant stipulations. HUD officials advocated using HUD adminstrative funding  to add grants personnel. 

These changes will be effective October 1, 2009 to align with the HUD fiscal year.

At a time when families gather and prepare to give thanks for their many blessings, nearly 16% of Oklahomans are food insecure, which means they lack consistent access to adequate amounts of nutritious food.  The USDA just issued a report that places Oklahoma as the fourth hungriest state in the nation.  Just last year the state was ranked eighth.  Now, one out of every five children is at risk of going to bed hungry every night. 

The food intake of these Oklahomans is reduced and normal eating patterns are disrupted because the household lacks money and other resources for food.  Yet less than 20 percent of these Oklahomans are classified as unemployed.  Rather, more than one-third are disabled and/or retired, while the remaining 46 percent have at least one working member, but simply can't make ends meet.

"That's why we are challenging you to donate as you are able to this worthy cause," said Mayor Taylor.  "More families than ever now require food assistance.  It is time to step up and help our neighbors."

The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma is able to provide 7 full meals for every dollar that is donated.  The Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation will match all donations, dollar for dollar, until the goal of $10,000.00 is reached.  That donation will provide 70,000 full meals for Oklahomans through this holiday season.

Mayor Taylor will be volunteering with her family at the Community Food Bank on Wednesday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.  The first 100 people to bring their donations to the Community Food Bank at 1304 N. Kenosha get a Team Taylor Tackles Hunger t-shirt.  Donations can also be made online at www.cfbeo.org/dfunds.html.

The Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma distributes donated food and other grocery items to 450 Partner Programs in 24 counties of Eastern Oklahoma. These programs include food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, after school programs and senior citizen centers. In turn, those programs collectively feed 50,000 people each week, the equivalent of 621,000 meals per month.

# # #

Phase II wireless testing verifies that cellular providers are able to route wireless 9-1-1 calls to the appropriate emergency response agency for service.While AT&T Mobility has completed the testing and has confirmation that calls are routing to the appropriate agency, other carriers in the area will test the system over the next 60 days.

As wireless phones became the predominant technology, continuing to replace land-lines and accounting for 65 percent of all emergency calls, the FCC past regulations requiring the caller's latitude and longitude coordinates display on computer screens in 9-1-1 centers. Locally, the coordinates will be used in Tulsa's 9-1-1 Center to map the caller's location within approximately a one block radius to expedite emergency response.

"We have had the technology in place, AT&T callers can now be identified on the Enhanced 9-1-1 system, and the remaining service providers are now on the way to completing the testing to ensure their calls are routing correctly,"said Mayor Kathy Taylor. "The enhancement to wireless 9-1-1 technology helps public safety officers do their job when a caller is unsure of a location, with obvious benefits to emergency response for the public. We are excited that AT&T has completed its Phase II testing and we expect to know in 60 days that all calls on wireless services will be routed correctly so the caller's location can be found in times when it is necessary."

Background

As wireless technology evolved, calls from a cellular phone based in Tulsa were routed to Tulsa's 9-1-1 Center, regardless of the caller's actual location. As a result a Tulsa resident could be on vacation in Alaska, witness an accident, call 911 and try to explain where the accident was to a call-taker back in Tulsa who had no reference point for that location.

As technology advanced, cellular calls were routed to the 9-1-1 center closest to the tower transmitting the call, which could be closer, but still many miles from the caller's actual location.  Now, based on the type technology deployed, FCC Phase II Wireless regulations require providers to route cellular calls to emergency responders servicing the actual location of the caller. 

Currently, FCC mandates, based on the technology used, only require that the accuracy be within 50 to 300 meters of the caller's location 67% of the time. However, by the year 2012, the regulations mandate that 95% of cellular calls are routed to the appropriate emergency response agency using the prescribed distances.  

 Becky Eubanks, 9-1-1 Training & Development Manager, said while the FCC mandate is not for 100% accuracy, it is a significant step toward emergency responder's ability to meet existing technology.

# # #

The Mayor's Report is a monthly show hosted by Mayor Kathy Taylor that covers topics related to Tulsa municipal government such as education, economic development, public safety, transportation, sustainability and neighborhoods.

The August Mayor's Report focuses on education in Tulsa with guests Dr. Keith Ballard, Tulsa Public Schools, Jan Crevling, Community Service Council and Dr. Barry Epperly, TCC Signature Symphony to speak about the relationship between government and public schools, Teach for America,  Mentoring with Music, out of school programs, community schooling and grant needs.

The Mayor's Report on TGOV

August 2009 - Education

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Before the next presentation round on September 17, the 12 semi finalists will be coached on business plan and pitching techniques that will connect them to resources and expertise to help polish their business model. There will be over 30 coaches participating in this year's award process.

On November 17, the winner of the Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award sponsored by SpiritBank will be announced and receive a check for $30,000, second place with $5,000 and third place with $2,500 each sponsored by SpiritBank. 

Congratulations to the following entrepreneurs who advanced to the semi-final round: 

4BrooksDesign, Blue Label Bartending, Bootcamp Tulsa, Cog Tog, Diaper Departure, Elote Café & Catering, Filters4me.com, HOAtoday, Mr. BodyFat, Part-Time Pros, Real Time Rehab, Target Solutions

The July Mayor's Report focused on local government's funding structure and had guests from the Tulsa Youth Council to speak about the roles youth can play in government at a city level.

The upcoming August Mayor's Report will focus on education in Tulsa and have guests Keith Ballard, Tulsa Public Schools, Jan Crevling, Community Service Council and Barry Epperly, TCC Signature Symphony to speak about Teach for America, mentoring and out of school programs, grant needs and the relationship between government and public schools.

The Mayor's Report on TGOV

12 p.m., Daily

The nine European consuls are here for part of an International Economic Forum that will be held in Tulsa on June 24 and 25, 2009. The International Economic Forum is a continuation of the Governor's International Team initiative to communicate with international diplomatic leaders in an effort to broaden international trade relations.

While the European General Consuls are in Tulsa, they will attend the International Economic Forum events, as well as visit the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, University of Tulsa, Gilcrease Museum, TD Williamson, Paragon films and other various businesses in the metro area.

"Doing Business with Europe" Breakfast and International Business Seminar

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Helmerich Hall, University of Tulsa

7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Registration can be made by calling the University of Tulsa at 631-2215 or 591-4750

Presentations by Mike Neal, President and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber, and Mike Troilo, Wellspring Assistant Professor of International Business at the University of Tulsa; Presentations and Q&A with Panel of Consular Officers representing Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russian and the UK

Tulsa Economic Leaders Luncheon

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Summit Club, 30^th Floor Dining Room

11:45 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Registration can be made by calling Tulsa Global Alliance at 591-4750

Welcoming remarks by Mayor Kathy Taylor and Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins. Presentation by David Page, Chairman of the Tulsa Metro Chamber.

Among those programs receiving funding in the bill, the Tulsa Police Department has been appropriated $200,000 for its Law Enforcement Interoperability/Regional Expansion Project. This plan will serve to update the department's outdated criminal records management system and implement a wireless broadband network to help improve the gathering, sharing, and dissemination of criminal information and intelligence within the department and among other law enforcement agencies in the region. Following the recent implementation of COMPSTAT, an intelligence-based policing model, TPD is a leader in use technology for public safety.

"I commend Chief Ron Palmer, the Tulsa Police Department, Chief Technology Officer Ben Stout and his team for creating a technology plan that will move this region forward in improving and upgrading our public safety systems and communications," said Mayor Kathy Taylor. "In addition, the work of our City of Tulsa Governmental Affairs Director Stuart McCalman, as well as the support and leadership provided by Rep. John Sullivan in Congress, were critical in getting this funding approved by the House."

"It's a credit to the technology plan put forward by the Tulsa Police Department and approved by Mayor Taylor that the House of Representatives included this funding in the final bill", said McCalman..

The House will now wait on the Senate to pass its own version of this legislation. Once that occurs, the two versions will be resolved in a legislative conference and once final passage occurs in both chambers, the legislation will then be sent to the President to be signed into law.

 Mayor Taylor asked the Task Force to analyze existing city land use education and communication processes and to make recommendations for improvement. The task force was charged with making recommendations for increasing public awareness, interest and understanding for citizens and neighborhood groups as well as elected officials and city employees about city planning and land use processes and decisions. Recommendations were suggested in many categories, including training and knowledge management for citizens and city employees, codes, general recommendations, legal issues and inspections. The recommendations will advance the dissemination of information and enhance neighborhood involvement in all aspects of land use planning.

Mayor Taylor will analyze the recommendations in detail over the coming weeks and establish a plan for implementing short term goals which she will review with the Task Force. Taylor said the focus of this Task Force is particularly critical in light of the upcoming adoption of a new comprehensive plan for the City of Tulsa. The last time the comprehensive plan was updated was more than 30 years ago.

"Effective citizen participation is fundamental to the successful implementation of any new comprehensive plan," Taylor said. "I am proud to have selected a bipartisan group of extremely knowledgeable, capable individuals to help us review and reshape our land use practices so they can better meet Tulsa's future needs." 

Taylor expressed confidence that the "Task Force has begun the process of bringing Tulsan's back into touch with their land use planning system. Their review and recommendations will help us to focus on the new realities and demands that have emerged over the past 30 years with respect to citizen and neighborhood education, communication and involvement in the areas of zoning, planning and all the related issues that affect neighborhoods. 

 The Task Force has met on a weekly basis since April, heard reports and analyzed information from the City's Planning Department and Development Services, TMAPC, INCOG, interested neighborhood representatives, citizens and various task force members representing a broad range of community perspectives and interests. 

 Based on the information gathered and analyzed they have produced recommendations that will set a course for achieving the following goals:

• Ensuring that good plans remain intact over time;
• Reducing the likelihood of contentious battles before councils and planning commissions;
• Speeding the development process and reducing the cost of good projects;
• Increasing the quality of planning;
• Enhancing the general sense of community and trust in government.

Sixty-two urban areas nationwide are eligible to receive funding through the program this fiscal year. Tulsa is one of only two cities added to the program this year.

"This is welcome news for the Tulsa area," said Mayor Kathy Taylor. "Police and Fire Departments, both in Tulsa and surrounding communities, are always seeking ways to improve their effectiveness.  These federal funds will enable them to be more ready to deal with disasters of any kind."

"The Tulsa area's leadership in this area has helped us be added to this vital program," the mayor said.

The UASI program focuses on enhancing regional preparedness in major metropolitan areas. The UASI program directly supports the National Priority on expanding regional collaboration in the National Preparedness Guidelines and is intended to assist participating jurisdictions in developing integrated regional systems for prevention, protection, response, and recovery.

City of Tulsa Homeland Security Chief Dennis Beyer said that local law enforcement agencies, fire departments, the Emergency Medical Services Autority and other metro organizations formed a work group and committees as required by Homeland Security in order to secure UASI funding.

The work group must submit justification to show that funded projects comply with the priorities of the federal agency. Those priorities include enhancing communications, technical knowledge, equipment and programs to help communities be better prepared to deal with both natural disasters and things like terrorist attacks.

The actual distribution of funds will be later this summer, Beyer said.  After the money is received, the local work group will have 45 days to obligate the funds to specific programs.

Twenty-five percent of the money is earmarked for law-enforcement projects aimed at terrorism prevention, including enhancing intelligence gathering and dissemination among appropriate government entities.

"This camp is another example of how Tulsans come together to address problems in challenging times. When we put our children first, we manage to find solutions," said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

Quik Trip has joined the list of funders and other entities which are making this year's camp possible. "Seeing the smiles and the happy expressions of all the campers who are able to participate makes us happy," said Mike Thornbrugh, Quick Trip spokesperson. "Quik Trip was truly pleased to be able to help."

Other funders include the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, the Maxine and Jack Zarrow Foundation and the City of Owasso.

The Bridges Foundation, an experienced non-profit agency which provides vocational services and a school-to-work transition program to individuals with special needs, will manage the camp.

The City of Tulsa Parks Department in conjunction with PEPCO is providing the facility as well as utilities, services and equipment for the DDA camp. PEPCO, a partner of the City of Tulsa which leases Ben Hill Recreation Center, already provides day care and senior services at Ben Hill. Their willingness to accommodate the camp and work with the Bridges Foundation also made this camp possible.

Earlier this year, the fate of the camp was in question when the usual funder notified the city that they were unable to assist with costs for this year's camp. Parents of the children who have attended the camp for several years worked with the City of Tulsa to find a solution. The children who attend the camp are from throughout the region.

The camp will retain Shelly Morgan, who has been camp director for the last 18 years, as well as Scott Pennington, co-director and Union school teacher.

For more information about the camp, contact Jeff Summers, The Bridges Foundation, 592-3333 or jsummers@thebridgesfound.org

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"The Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award will give entrepreneurs the opportunity to start and expand their businesses as well as provide coaching on developing a successful business model." Mayor Kathy Taylor said, "Entrepreneurial spirit and creative thinking have been integral to Tulsa's history and I congratulate the 25 entrepreneurs that have made it to the first round."

After the businesses go through their seven minute pitch, judges will identify the 12 business models that will continue on to the semi-final round. The 12 semi-finalists will then be assigned a head coach that will connect them to resources and expertise to help polish their business plan and pitching techniques. Over 30 coaches will be participating in this year's award process.

"This year the quality of entrepreneurial and small business endeavors submitted is going to challenge the judges to identify a winner. It is exciting to see the diversity of business models starting up in Tulsa and wish everyone who made it to the Top 25 great success." Sean Griffin, 2009 Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Chair and Judge said.

On November 17, Mayor Taylor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner will receive a check of $30,000, second place with $5,000 and third place with $2,500 each provided by SpiritBank. For more information about the Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award sponsored by SpiritBank, please visit the website at www.tulsaspiritaward.com.

Below is the list of companies that advanced to the Presentation/Business Plan Round:

4BrooksDesign, Aeroleaf, Allen Athletic Consulting LLC, Beaute Purpose, Blue Label Bartending, Bootcamp Tulsa / JJC Enterprises, Cog Togs Inc., Diaper Departure LLC, Elote Cafe & Catering, Filters4Me.com, Green Growers, Inc, Guru-YOU!, HOAtoday, Inventory Optimizations, iParkFree.com, Kids on the Clock, LTC Education Station, MintJar LLC, Mr. BodyFat LLC, NexGenData, Part-Time Pros, Reading Remedy, Real Time Rehab, Target Solution Foods, TulsaPets Magazine

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