Greetings!
We are all anxious to see our yards cleared and the beauty of our City return. I am happy to report we are making great progress in clearing storm debris from our City streets and neighborhoods. Early estimates predicted it would take six weeks to clear more than 800,000 cubic yards of debris. After only four weeks of removal, Storm Reconstruction Services and their fleet of trucks have worked efficiently to remove 1,628,770 cubic yards of the estimated 3,000,000 cubic yards of debris across the City. I appreciate your continued patience as we move forward to complete this first pass of debris removal, and encourage you to move all storm debris to the curb for removal.
This week the Tulsa Police Department gained 23 new police officers, and an assistant fire investigator was added to Tulsa Fire Department. I congratulate these police and fire graduates on their achievements and honor their commitment to our City.
On Wednesday this week, the Rotary Club of Tulsa hosted the inaugural “The Above and Beyond Service Awards” to recognize and honor one outstanding Tulsa firefighter and one outstanding Tulsa police officer who have demonstrated acts of courage, commitment and compassion to both their profession and community. Captain Michael Baker of the Tulsa Fire Department, honored for his 12 years of passionate service, has devoted himself to serving the people of Tulsa. Officer Jennifer Mansell serves as the Downtown Safety Liaison for the Tulsa Police Department, and was honored for her innovative and compassionate 23 years of service to the City of Tulsa.
It is my strong belief that citizens are best served when we work together to find the working solutions. I appreciate how the great people of Tulsa partner together to make this a safer more prosperous community.
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor, Mayor
City of Tulsa ENews, February 11, 2008
Police Officers, Fire
Investigator Graduate
The Tulsa Police Department gained 23 new police officers and an assistant fire investigator was added to Tulsa Fire Department at graduation ceremonies held Friday, February 8, at the Police Training Academy.
"I congratulate these police and fire graduates on their achievements and honor their commitment," Mayor Kathy Taylor said. "Tulsa becomes a safer city as each class graduates from the academy."
Architecture Magazine to Feature BOK Center
USArchitecture Magazine has announced that it will feature the BOK Center and its Construction and Design teams in their "Top 2008 Projects" issue which will be published later this year.
The article will cover all aspects of the development process, including engineering, materials, and design.
The magazine selects featured projects “based on the impact they will generate in the communities in which they are built.”
February is
American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, and Mayor Kathy Taylor encourages Tulsans to care for their hearts every day, every month, and every year!
Earlier this month, the Mayor joined with the American Heart Association to proclaim National Wear Red Day in Tulsa. Thousands of employees across Tulsa came to work dressed in red to show their awareness on the dangers of heart disease and the importance of a healthy heart.
Celebrity Runners Named
for Tulsa Run
Mayor Kathy Taylor and Bank of Oklahoma Senior Executive Vice President Steve Bradshaw are the official celebrity runners for the Tulsa Run, scheduled for October 25, 2008.
According to Gini McFarland, Hillcrest Celebrity Runner Trainer, there is plenty of time for the Mayor and Steve Bradshaw to train. McFarland will be working with the celebrity runners on a one-on-one basis to make sure they’re staying healthy and are on track with their individual running programs.
Photo caption: Steve Bradshaw and Mayor Kathy Taylor talk with Gini McFarland.
Baker, Mansell receive "Above
and Beyond Service Awards"
Tulsa Fire Captain Michael Baker and Tulsa Police Officer Jennifer Mansell were named Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year at the first annual “Above and Beyond Service Awards” ceremony held February 6 by the Rotary Club of Tulsa.
Baker and Mansell were nominated by their fellow colleagues based on exceptional performance and community involvement.
Photo caption: Tim Colwell, president of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, Fire Captain Michael Baker, Tulsa Police Officer Jennifer Mansell and Mayor Kathy Taylor after Baker and Mansell accept the Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year award.
“Military Mondays” at Big Splash
Mayor Kathy Taylor’s Office and Big Splash Water Park have teamed up to offer “Military Mondays,” a new program which offers special discounts for active duty and reservist military personnel.
Any spouse, reservist, National Guard, or active duty personnel member presenting valid Armed Forces identification at the gate will receive free admission to Big Splash Water Park on the first Monday of each month.
Visit TulsaVeterans.com for more information on Veteran's Resources
Debris Clearing Continues
The City’s tree-debris cleanup contractor, SRS Inc., had hauled 1.628 million cubic yards of debris in 31 days, as of Friday, Feb. 8.
That is twice the amount of debris expected in the initial damage estimates shortly after the Dec. 9-10 ice storm. At that time, it was believed that about 800,000 cubic yards of debris would have to be hauled. It was expected then that the job would take about six weeks.
A spokesman for the contractor said Friday that he knows some Tulsans are frustrated and want to know when their debris will be picked up, but added that the work is actually being done at a good pace considering the increased volume of debris. The current estimates are that the debris totals three million or more cubic yards.
Photo Exhibit at Tulsa PAC
Black-and-white and color photos, many depicting people and places in Tulsa, are on display this month at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. And My Spirit Said, Yes!, featuring the work of Tulsan Don Thompson, will be on display Feb. 1-24 in the PAC’s Gallery, located off of the building’s main lobby at Third and Cincinnati. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and during Chapman Music Hall events. Admission is free.
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time recognized annually since 1926. Black History Month gives Americans of all races the opportunity to learn more about black history and culture.
Black History Month events will be held at Tulsa City-County Library and OSU- Tulsa. All events are free and open to the public. For a list and more information on activities at the Tulsa City-County Library, please call the AskUs Hotline at 596-7977. For more information on OSU-Tulsa events, please contact Lana Turner at 594-8328.