"It is so exciting that the work of our team and the persistence of our North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative, along with Rose Washington Rentie, District 3 Councilor David Patrick and other economic development advocates, has allowed us to get this grocery store opened," Mayor Taylor said.

"I have personally driven prospective operators through north Tulsa and advised my team it was the top priority.  I want to thank Julie Miner and Mike Bunney of our economicdevelopment team, as well as Major Paul Williams of the Tulsa Police Dept. for pushing this forward," Mayor Taylor said.

"It was a personal goal to complete before I left office and I am glad we were able to accomplish it.  With this and the Shoppes on North Peoria, we have made great economic development progress in north Tulsa," said Mayor Taylor.

For more than one year, Mayor Taylor and members of her management team worked with the local community to identify and initiate discussions with grocery chains to encourage them to consider the location, which was vacated by Albertsons following the chain's decision to sell Tulsa locations.

Economic Development Director Mike Bunney said Mayor Taylor's first priority for the economic development team since his hiring was a grocery store at the Pine and Peoria site.

"I am very pleased with our progress. Mayor Taylor made it clear the grocery store was job number one and she has followed up on it every week since," Bunney said of Taylor's commitment to the project.

Mayor Taylor championed the redesign, a joint project of the Communications and Information Technology departments, in order to enhance the accessibility of information on the web.

"Our goal has been to increase the amount of information on our website available to citizens and also to make it easier to use," Taylor said. "This project has been in the works for many months, and I am happy to be able to formally launch it before I leave office."

"We encourage citizens to use the website to find information and report problems to the Mayor's Action Center. We want feedback; so let us know how we can improve access and what additional information you want to see," Taylor said. The long-term goal is to increase the site's interactive features as the City is financially able to upgrade the technology

"We are very excited about this release as it leverages new technology that will allow the City to add enhanced features to provide more transparency and automated functionality for our citizens," said Ben Stout, the Mayor's Chief of Information Technology. "Future releases will include tracking the status of the Mayor's Action Center service requests by request number and online dashboards that will provide the public information about the overall health of the City."

The City's website was redesigned using in-house resources, and structured so that it is easier to find topics that appeal to three different audiences: visitors, residents and businesses. A menu item entitled "Quick Links" also provides another way of looking up specific topics that are most frequently accessed, such as job applications and tickets and utility bill online payment.

Traffic Info is now a featured area on the home page, linking to the live traffic accident report, street closings and a link to the City's www.fixourstreetslive.com, a website created under Mayor Taylor's direction and dedicated to keeping citizens informed of street improvement projects. The Fix Our Streets project maps are updated regularly to reflect changes, listing all phases from design to completion. Updates are linked to a map of the project area. Traffic Info road closures includes a map to pinpoint an area to find out more about traffic changes while improvements are underway. This list will be updated daily as needed, and will include emergency closings resulting from waterline breaks or other traffic hazards.

Through the site, a viewer may report problems to the Mayor's Action Center, select from a menu of services, find public meeting agendas, view a calendar, read more information on City of Tulsa departments and link to government agencies that partner with the City.

Shoemaker was a Tulsa Police officer and a Marine Corps Reserve member called to active duty in Iraq. In September of 2006 Shoemaker was killed in Iraq when a bomb detonated beneath his vehicle.

"Corporal Shoemaker was a beloved brother, son, Tulsan and Marine who gave his last full measure of devotion to this nation's liberty with honor and valor as befitting the hero he was," said Mayor Taylor. " It is an honor to dedicate the veterans resource center, which has served as a haven for thousands of our service members, veterans and family members, in his spirit and name."

"The ultimate sacrifice made by Cpl.Shoemaker for his country is certainly indicative of the dedicated service he provided as well to the citizens of Tulsa while an officer of the Tulsa Police Department," said Chief Palmer.  " It is a fitting tribute to a fine young man that the Tulsa Airport's Veterans Center be named in his honor."

The airport veteran's lounge was first opened in 2007, one of the first veterans' iniatives launched by Mayor Taylor.  It  was created to give military personnel and veterans a place to relax, to use an Internet computer, and to access other resources and helpful information.

The event will be held Sunday, Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the M.e.t. Recycling Depot located at 3495 S. Sheridan Road.

Tulsa Biofuels will pay ten cents per gallon to participants who drop off any type of waste fryer oil. Once collected, Tulsa Biofuels will convert the waste cooking oil into biodiesel, a renewable sources of energy.

By dropping off your used oil on Nov. 29, you save landfill space, and also help to prevent sewer blockages and overflows in Tulsa.

Remember that you can drop off waste cooking oil at any M.e.t. recycling depot any time of the year, or at the next Household Pollutant Collection event, held each spring and fall at the Tulsa County Fairgrounds.

For more information, contact Kristi Shreve at (918) 591-4361.

"It takes a lot of love for your city and strong will to file for election, and I want to thank each candidate for participating in the democratic process," Mayor Taylor said.

Bartlett will be installed as Mayor on Dec. 7. In the meantime, Bartlett and his transition team will begin to deal with the most pressing issues, with the City's budget problems at the top of the list.

"There is a lot of hard work ahead - this current budget crisis is unprecedented.  The finance team and I are ready to get started," said Mayor Taylor. Mayor Taylor plans to brief Bartlett on the current state of this year's budget, and the issues which will need to be considered regarding next year's budget.

"We have an office set up for Mayor-elect Bartlett. He can occupy the office as soon as he would like and we will provide space for other staff as well," said Mayor Taylor.

Each department has drafted a summary of its staff and budget as well as issues to be addressed.

"I will be personally briefing the new mayor, as soon as he is available, on all the issues I am handling that need to be transitioned to the Mayor-elect," Mayor Taylor said.

The Mayor-elect will be invited to attend all management meetings, as well as attend any meeting on Mayor Taylor's schedule. Her staff has prepared a list of events and dates for which the Mayor's presence has been requested after her term ends.

Tulsans also elected nine city council seats and Preston Doerflinger who will succeed Phil Wood as the City Auditor. The slate of councilors includes: Jack Henderson, (incumbent) Distict 1; Rick Westcott, (incumbent) District 2; Roscoe Turner, District 3; Maria Barnes, District 4; Chris Trail, District 5; Jim Mautino, District 6; John Eagleton, (incumbent) District 7; Bill Christiansen, (incumbent) District 8; and G.T. Bynum, (incumbent) District 9.

All three propositions on the ballot passed:

1) Any person filing for and holding the office of City Auditor must be a certified public accountant or certified internal auditor;

2) Amend the City Charter to provide that City Councilors will serve for three-year staggered terms, and no more than three council districts will have an election in any one year;

3) Amend the City Charter to require any claim or lawsuit where the demand is equal to or greater than $1 million, both the Mayor and Council must agree to the settlement.

Read biographical info on Mayor-Elect BartlettRead more on the Tulsa City Council

The summit will be held at Tulsa Community College- Northeast Campus, Seminar Center on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Employee Technology Assistance Benefit provides working families the choice to purchase affordable new name brand home PCs through their employer, utilizing the convenience payroll deduction. This benefit is designed to help working families attain digital connectivity and bridge the digital divide. Allegiant Benefit, Inc. provides Tulsa companies the option to offer this benefit to their employees. The Employee Technology Assistance Benefit is offered to employees based on tenure versus credit rating and provides and an affordable selection of personal computers for low and moderate income working families.

Bring IT Home to Tulsa will provide affordable and no-cost in-home broadband internet and community based technology access to traditionally underserved communities through the AT&T, AccessAll program and a unique collaboration with One Economy Corporation, Habitat for Humanity affiliates and other low-to-moderate income housing providers. The approach taken by AT&T, AccessAll, is combining computer equipment, internet access, training and public purpose online content, and has already proved effective in a pilot program conducted by One Economy.

As part of the overall initiative of Bring IT Home to Tulsa, a new and innovative approach to technology and youth job training is being offered as well. The Digital Connectors, a group sponsored by Workforce Tulsa, will collect, refurbish and distribute donated computers to families, students and homes where digital access would not otherwise be an option. The Digital Connectors, sponsored by Workforce Tulsa are enlisting community partners, faith based organizations and technical support for the effort. Presently 16 youth have begun the orientation process as a Digital Connector and more than 100 computers have been donated by Dollar Thrifty Auto Group and NORDAM.

"With Oklahoma's workforce ranking 43^rd in the nation in home access to personal computers and internet services, we are urging companies in Tulsa to take advantage of these opportunities to elevate local digital literacy in our community," Mayor Kathy Taylor said. "At the City of Tulsa, we are facilitating access to technology for working families that will build a solid and stable workforce and enhance the quality of life in Tulsa"

The City of Tulsa, NORDAM, Tyson Foods, Inc., Tulsa Housing Authority, One Economy Corporation, CAPTC, Workforce Tulsa, Advanced Academics, Dollar Thrifty, Cox Communications and Allegiant Benefit, Inc. are a few of the companies that will be presenting tomorrow.

# # # # #

On Thursday, Nov. 5, the seven finalists will have one more opportunity to present a two minute overview of their business model to the panel of Spirit Award judges. Judging will be held at the offices of SpiritBank, 18^th Street and Baltimore Avenue, 10^th Floor Board Room. Presentations will be held in the afternoon, and some businesses are allowing media in the presentation room as they pitch. Each finalist will give their two minute overview then be questioned for up to 15 minutes by the judges.

The Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners will be announced at the awards ceremony during Global Entrepreneurship Week, on Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Tulsa Community College, Center 4 Creativity, 910 S. Boston.

Reservations to the Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Ceremony on Nov.17 can be made to Michelle Allen at communicationdept@cityoftulsa.org.

(Editor's Note: The following award competitors will be available for media interviews as they wait in the hallway/lobby area to make their presentation.)

Businesses available for Media Interviews

12:30 p.m.  Cog Togs Inc.

1:00 p.m.    Part Time Pros

1:30 p.m.    Real Time Rehab

2:00 p.m.    Elote Café and Catering

2:30 p.m.    Blue Label Bartending

3:00 p.m.    Target Solutions Foods 

# # #

Events highlighted during the week include the Global Entrepreneurship Week Kick-Off Event on November 16 at ONEOK Field, 11:30 a.m., The Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award on November 17 at the TCC Center 4 Creativity, 5:30 p.m. and the Tulsey Awards on November 19 at Cain's Ballroom, 7 p.m.

The Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is a business model competition that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity of submitting their business plan and entering into seven months of coaching and judging. Over eighty entrepreneurs submitted their business plans in April and now it's down to seven, with the top three being announced the evening of the ceremony. The top three entrepreneurs will receive checks from SpiritBank- first place receiving $30,000, second place with $5,000 and third place with $2,500. More information about the Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award can be found at www.tulsaspiritaward.com.

The Tulsey Awards Celebration will serve as the culmination for Tulsa Global Entrepreneurship Week. With a strictly online nomination and voting process, the Tulseys are publicly driven awards consisting of eleven categories: Civic, Emerging, Entertainment, Franchise, Green, Interactive, Restaurateur, Legend, Serial, Young and the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year. The winners of each category will be announced the evening of Nov.19. Voting can still be made at www.thetulseys.com until Tuesday, Nov. 10.

The complete list of Tulsa Global Entrepreneurship Week events are below and can also be found at www.tulsagew.com.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Global Entrepreneurship Week Kick-Off Event with Mayor Kathy Taylor

Presented by Tulsa Community College and the University of Tulsa

ONEOK Field

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

RSVP to Michelle Allen by Nov 14^th.

communicationdept@cityoftulsa.org

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tulsa Metro Chamber - Roundtable Connection Networking Event

Presented by Tulsa Metro Chamber

Renaissance Hotel (6808 S 107th E Ave)

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

RSVP to Elaine Walsh by November 14^th.

elainewalsh@tulsachamber.com

VizThink Tulsa - Visualizing the Steps to Starting Up Your Start-Up

Presented by Sean Griffin, Entrepreneur & Visual Thinker

SpiritBank Community

Room, 1800 S. Baltimore

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Free of Charge, Lunch Provided

RSVP to Lou Ann Lissonnet by Nov. 14^th.  (louann@atmos.tv)

Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Ceremony

Sponsored by SpiritBank

Tulsa Community College Center for Creativity

Downtown Tulsa

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

RSVP to Michelle Allen

communicationdept@cityoftulsa.org

www.tulsaspiritaward.com

Wednesday, November 18, 2008

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Coaching

Tulsa Collaboratorium

111 W. 5th Street. 10th Floor

4:30 - 6:00pm

RSVP to Lou Ann Lissonnet by Nov. 13

louann@atmos.tv

www.tulsacollab.com

Collaboratorium Open House and Entrepreneurial Celebration

Tulsa Collaboratorium

111 W. 5th Street. 10th Floor

6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

RSVP to Lou Ann Lissonnet by Nov. 13

louann@atmos.tv

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Tulsey Awards

Cain's Ballroom

423 N Main St

7 - 10 p.m.

For more information, contact Michelle Allen

communicationdept@cityoftulsa.org

www.thetulseys.com

Friday, November 20, 2009

Dr. Kevin Fleming speaks on "Transformational Leadership in a Family Business Culture"

Allen Chapman Activity Center, University of Tulsa

800 South Tucker Drive

Tulsa, OK

11:30am - 1pm

View Campus Map

FOBI Members: free.

Non-FOBI members: $20.00, includes lunch.

For reservations, contact Claire Cornell at 918.631.2684

claire-cornell@utulsa.edu

# # #

According to Bruce Bolzle, chairman of the Tulsa Economic Development Commission, the completed study will be a useful tool to attract urban housing developers to the community. It will also serve as supporting evidence of the need for proposed housing projects, Bolzle said.

To participate in the survey, go to http://www.cdsmr.com/surveymaps/tulsasurvey.html. At the site, please complete the web-based survey and then click submit. The survey will be available through November 23. Your input is critical to the accuracy and success of the study.

A telephone survey will also be conducted during November.

Tulsa's Economic Development Commission determined that a survey of downtown housing was among the greatest current downtown development needs, and decided to commission the survey at the Fall 2008 retreat.

The focus of the study will be downtown urban neighborhoods: Brady Heights/OSU, Owen Park/Crosby Heights, Riverview/Uptown, Central Park and the Urban Core.

After a detailed search, the EDC selected CDS Market Research | Spillette Consulting to conduct the survey, The final report, due early in 2010, will contain detailed analysis of demand and recommendations of housing type, size, sale price or rent targets and target tenant/buyer profiles.

CDS/Spillette has conducted similar studies for the cities of Austin, Houston and Oklahoma City, among many others, and has worked for such outstanding development firms as Trammell Crow, Cordish Companies and Post Properties as well as the organization, Urban Land Institute.

"In all of my years of experience, this budget has been the most difficult to work through," said Chief of Police Ron Palmer.  "We are making difficult decisions because it is necessary."

Today, Mayor Taylor received notice from Keith Ballard, Superintendent for Tulsa Public Schools, that TPS would agree to employ the three officers for 22 weeks or until the City was in a financial position to rehire them.

In addition, there are two open positions within the City as Airport Officers, immediately available.  Probationary employees do not have recall status and therefore accepting these positions would not adversely affect them insofar as rehire is concerned.

Chief Palmer has informed all three officers of these employment options.

"I'm pleased that the City of Tulsa could form this partnership with Tulsa Public Schools to ensure these officers continue to receive a paycheck," said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

"These are two good employment options for these young officers. Ultimately it will be their choice to accept or reject these jobs," Mayor Taylor said. "It is my hope that they will accept one of these positions until the City and TPD are financially able to rehire them."

The positions at TPS do not include benefits. The City of Tulsa has no control over the officers' health insurance because the police voluntarily withdrew from the City's plan two years ago. "If the officers choose to accept employment as an Airport Officer they will become part of the health insurance plan of the City," Mayor Taylor said. "If they reject these offers of employment the FOP Police Insurance Trust will have to make any decision relating to the ongoing health care coverage of the officer and/or his family." Insurance coverage for the three continues through the end of November.

Mayor Taylor said, "I am excited Tulsa met the challenge of beginning to shape up one mile at a time, however this is just the beginning of a continued challenge to improve the health of Tulsans."

The Tulsan Million Miles initiative launched last October to encourage Tulsans to run, walk, swim, and cycle their way to becoming a healthier community. TulsaMillionMiles.com helps users log their daily activity and provides upcoming events, races and marathons, trail maps, nutrition tips, an iphone application, and much more.

The Web site currently boasts 2,848 participants, averaging 354 miles per person. Mayor Taylor has logged 510.75 miles this past year - last year she ran the 15K Tulsa Run as one of the celebrity runners.

Tulsans who have not registered yet and want to help us complete our next million miles can go to www.tulsamillionmiles.com and:

• Click on the "Not Registered Yet" link below the blue login box
• Enter your name and e-mail address
• Choose a username and password - then start logging your miles

"This is obviously the outcome we had hoped for," Mayor Taylor said. "I have received numerous calls to the Mayor's Action Center in the last week regarding the layoffs, and many of them have asked me to find a way to avoid laying off our police officers."

"At a time when cities nationwide are having to lay off employees, including police officers, I'm happy to report that these 18 officers will remain on the streets," Mayor Taylor said.

"The City of Tulsa's eight horse unit will be a smooth transition for non-profits to use, as each horse had acquired training to be around large crowds, young children and other animals," Mayor Taylor said." I would like to thank the Tulsa Community Foundation and CEO of Hillcrest, Steve Dobbs for finding such a positive solution for these eight horses to continue to serve Tulsa."

Each horse is being appraised and will be sold at fair-market value to the Tulsa Community Foundation. Appraisals will be done as early as next week and money received from the sale of the eight horses will go into the City of Tulsa's general fund.

"Hillcrest Medical Center is pleased to purchase from the city, and in turn, donate these incredibly well-trained, respected and hard working horses that have provided a great service to our community. The ability to donate them to area non-profit organizations allows them to stay and continue serving in the local area." Steve Dobbs, Chief Executive Officer, Hillcrest Medical Center said.

Tulsa Community Foundation will be accepting donations for non-profits receiving a horse to help with costs for caring and other special needs the horse may need. Checks can be sent to Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale, Ste 600, Tulsa, OK 74136 with Memo line labeled: City of Tulsa Horses Fund.

The reassignment of the Tulsa Police Mounted Patrol Unit was part of an overwhelming sales tax revenue decline and the 2.5% reduction that all City of Tulsa departments were asked to reduce in their general fund spend category. The five police officers previously assigned to the mounted patrol are being reassigned.

The City of Tulsa reported in October that sales tax revenue declined sufficiently to necessitate a second series of budget reductions, to be made immediately. Prior to finalizing the original budget submission in May, all City departments were asked to identify measures to reduce expenses in the event revenues fell short of expectations.  A decline in sales and use tax reported for October triggered this second set of reductions in the General Fund.

All Departments identified at least 2.5% additional reductions in General Fund spend categories.  All reductions are being made with an eye toward minimizing the impact to citizens, said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

Both the Police and Fire Departments will eliminate spring academies, saving nearly $700,000 in general fund spending, and will implement other reductions by delaying equipment purchases, eliminating certain specialized allowances and continuing to manage overtime. However, Police will request to retain 18 officers by using the COPS grant. Application has already been made to the Department of Justice. Public safety will not be jeopardized and the vital core services our citizens rightfully expect will not be interrupted, Taylor said. In addition, to the 18 officers expected to be re-hired, nine officers in specialty assignments will be assigned to patrol.

The goal is to make a minimal impact to the sworn workforce by using COPS and SAFER grants to pursue retention of existing positions.

Many vacant positions will remain unfilled and there will be positions in certain city departments that will be eliminated. Employees whose positions will be eliminated will be provided first consideration for vacant positions within the City, and Workforce Tulsa will assist displaced employees through its job placement services.  Taylor said City officials are notifying affected employees about the reductions and will provide more detailed information on the eliminated positions when the notifications are complete.

"Based on the information we have to date, these decreases in spending should allow us to maintain a balanced budget through year end," said Mike Kier, Finance Director. "Departments have done an excellent job of managing expenditures including overtime, during the first quarter of the year.  I am confident they will continue this discipline in the management of their spending".

All Departments that rely on the general fund, which is used to fund salaries, materials, training and equipment, will reduce spending.  Reductions will also effect available funding for River Parks, TAEMA, Tulsa Transit, INCOG and other third party contracts.

General fund revenues saw a serious decline in the most recent reporting period.  The primary source for the general fund which serves to support the operations of the City is the 2 cent sales tax collected within the City of Tulsa.  In addition to declines in sales and use taxes, a cooler than normal summer and lower energy prices resulted in a drastic reduction in franchise fees.

Enterprise fund revenues from water, sewer, trash and storm water charges remain healthy.

Taylor said property valuation in the city of Tulsa topped $3 billion for the first time.

"This is an increase in property valuation of more than 4%. If our operating fund was supported by property tax like the County, we would be seeing an increase in revenue instead of a decrease. This further underscores the need for Tulsa (and other cities in our state) to have a more diversified revenue stream," she said.

None of the funding for major projects, such as the Drillers Stadium, comes from the general fund. Drillers Stadium will be paid for entirely through the business improvement district and private donations.

The expenses associated with operating City Hall at One Technology Center are paid for through the OTC building fund. There was no increase in the general fund budget for the purchase or maintenance of OTC. As the result of the purchase and relocation of City Hall the cost of operating five building were consolidated and transferred into the OTC Building Fund. The only expenses that have increased are tied to the rate increases obtained by the utility companies and would have been more significant had the purchase of OTC and consolidation of operations not occurred.

City management has scoured their departments looking for any viable cuts in the operating budget.  By making significant cuts in equipment ownership and usage, virtually eliminating training paid for by the general fund and our continued high performance government efficiency processes, our team has, to the extent possible, minimized the reduction of services and abolishment of positions within the city.

"The actions taken by our team over the past two years include eliminating the subsidy on golf courses and entering into a management agreement with TU for the Gilcrease Museum, as well as dozens of other efficiency initiatives, have placed us in a much better position than we could have been," said Mayor Taylor. "Our team has placed a priority on efficient use of taxpayer dollars which has enabled us to be prepared for this difficult economy."

The Mayor also requested that Fire Chief Allen LaCroix lead a review of all vehicles owned by the City for reduction of underutilized vehicles. As a result of the review, over 220 vehicles will be surplused. This will result in an estimated annual savings of maintenance and fuel of approximately $150,000 and one-time revenues from surplused vehicles of approximately $300,000. The Mayor will ask the City Council to support a policy to recommend that all one-time funds from this surplus sale be retained to support short term capital needs in years 2012 to 2014.

"I am once again proud of this management team as they wrestled with hard decisions and made difficult choices.  We must review the restrictive method in which our state allows cities to fund the most basic services for our citizens,"  Taylor said.

The Mayor's Tulsey Awards are publicly driven entrepreneur awards that recognize the pioneers and innovators of the Tulsa community. The winner of each category will receive a hand-cased Golden Driller Statuette, symbolizing the entrepreneurial excellence in Tulsa.

The winning entrepreneurs will be announced at the Mayor's Tulsey Awards Ceremony at the historic Cain's Ballroom on Thursday, November 19 from 7 - 11 p.m. There is no cost to attend and local restaurants will be providing food samplings at this Academy Awards inspired celebration to recognize Tulsa entrepreneurs.

Voting can only be made through the Tulsey website, at www.thetulseys.com. Voting closes on Wednesday, November 4.

The following entrepreneurs were nominated for the 2009 Mayor's Tulsey awards:

Civic- Judi Grove, Ray Jarvis, George Kaiser, Matt Moffett, Roy Payton, Jennifer Patterson, Donald Tyler, Chris Zenthoefer

Emerging- Carey Baker, Sheryl Chinowth, Steve Cluck, Catherine Decamp, Julie Friend, Julie Hakman, Melanie Henry, Braden Janowski, Karen Luhring, Shelby Navarro, Phyllis Peabody, Charlie Pilkington, Clay Slaton, Scott Smith

Entertainment- Scott Aycock, John & Sara Cruncleton, Jack Frank, Tom Green, Starr Hardgrove, Brad Mathison, Deborah Oldham, Davit Souders, Ben Sumner

Franchise- Ned Bruha, Chester Cadieux, Timothy Dreiling, Greg Ford, Adrienne Kallweit, Shannon Wilburn

Green- Libby Auld, Ren Barger, Marty Hill,  Kristen McCormick, Heather Oakley, Tamara Walden

Interactive- Natasha Ball, Sean McCullough, Ryan Phillips, Susan Reidel, Jeff Rhoton

Legend- Jack Allen, Margot Gray-Proctor, Janet Hudson, Suzette Jones, Charles Keithline, Charles Kingsley, Cari Mashall, Kelley Rash, Jerry Reed, Ted Robertson, Monetta Trepp

Restaurateur- Cheri Asher, Darrell Bowen, Blake Ewing, Michelle Goldstein, Ryan McAdams

Serial- Gavin Manes, Dan Roberts

Young- Garrett Blackwood, Tiffany Bjorlie, Jonathan Conneely, John Hill

# # #

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.

# # #

"Saturday is the day to help tidy up our city-- much like our 60 minute makeovers, let's work together to Tidy up Tulsa," Mayor Taylor said.

Participants will assemble at the Green Country Event Center, then either clean up at that site or pick up bags and gloves to go into another location. The other staging areas in the Tulsa area are:

• Tulsa Tech North Campus, 3820 N. Peoria
• Reed Park, 4233 S. Yukon
• Fred Johnson Park, 6002 S. Riverside

Neighborhood Associations who want to participate in the Tidy Up Tulsa with Taylor event in their neighborhood can register with the City of Tulsa Working in Neighborhoods Department at neighborhoods@cityoftulsa.org. More information for this event can be found at www.metrecyle.com.

(Editors Note: At 9 a.m., Mayor Taylor and representatives from the Metropolitan Environmental Trust and the Tulsa Beautification Foundation will make remarks. The Tidy Up Tulsa with Taylor event will end at 11 a.m.)

Each finalist will have five minutes to pitch their compelling story and then be subjected to eight minutes of Q & A from the panel of judges. Judges will then have six minutes to discuss amongst each other following each presentation.

From the presentations tomorrow, judges will select seven finalists who will proceed to the final round of competition which will be held on November 5. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, November 17 at the TCC Center for Creativity. SpiritBank will be sponsoring the cash prizes for first, second and third place. The first place winner will receive $30,000, second place with $5,000 and third place with $2,500.

For more information about the Mayor's Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, please visit www.tulsaspiritaward.com.

(Editor's Note: The following award competitors will be available for media interviews as they wait in the hallway/lobby area to be called for their pitch. Business plan pitches will only last 5 minutes.)

10 a.m.          4BrooksDesign

10:20 a.m.    Elote Café and Catering   

10:40 a.m.    Bootcamp Tulsa

11 a.m.         CogTogs, Inc.

11:40 a.m.    Real Time Rehab

1 p.m.             Mr.BodyFat, LLC

1:20 p.m.      Blue Label Bartending

1:40 p.m.      Target Solution Foods

2 p.m.            Part-Time Pros

NTOA chose Tulsa as the site for its Fall 2009 conference after Mayor Kathy Taylor made a presentation two years ago to the NTOA Board of Directors. The City of Tulsa and Broken Arrow police departments are hosts for the conference.

"It is a privelege to have NTOA hold their 26th Annual Conference in Tulsa; this conference brings some of the best in training, education and advancement for tactical officers, their agencies and the citizens they serve," Mayor Kathy Taylor said. "Tactical officer training is vital for all communities to insure best practices so these officers can respond to the unexpected to protect and save lives. I have personally worked with the NTOA board over the past few years and am proud one of the Tulsa Police offiers, Sgt. Luke Sherman serves as a member of the Board of Directors of NTOA."

The benefits of Tulsa and Broken Arrow offered the NTOA included live fire houses, pistol and rifle ranges, various off-site training facilities as well as an array of entertainment venues, lodging and restaurants.

The general session starts today at 1:30 p.m. and the Vendor Show will last today until 4 p.m., both being held in the Convention Center. The full agenda of the entire conference is attached.

 The Conference will be held September 13-18, 2009 at the Tulsa Convention Center. The last time the NTOA hosted a national conference in Tulsa was in 1991.

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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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The award of the grant is contingent upon Tulsa City Council approval and must be accepted in its entirety for the funds to be allocated.

The grant will be administered by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) through the federal agency's COPS Hiring Recovery Program.

The grant will provide 100 percent of the approved salary and benefits for 18 entry level officer positions over a three year period.  Tulsa Police Department will then be required to retain the grant funded positions for a fourth year.

"This is great news for Tulsa", said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor. "As we face significant budget constraints brought forth by the national economic downturn, this grant award could go a very long way in addressing our city's public safety needs. I look forward to working together with our City Council in addressing the associated out-year costs."

"I would also like to give recognition to Senator Inhofe, Senator Coburn and Representative Sullivan in providing the needed support and leadership in helping Tulsa to secure this funding"  

Director of Government Affairs for the City of Tulsa Stuart McCalman said, "We were provided guidance by the Department of Justice that, at most, recipients would receive $1 for every $8 requested due to the overwhelming number of applications nationwide. Based on that guidance, we have actually received over twice the amount that would have typically been expected."

The funding provides much needed support to state and local government budgets, and will help the nation's law enforcement agencies add and retain the manpower needed to fight crime more effectively through community policing.

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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