INCOG Chair on River Oversight Board-Who?

[Bledsoe]

Yesterday,Dist. 1 County Comm Smaligo moved to amend the river tax resolution 9 member oversight board by replacing one of Tulsa's two appointees with the Chair of INCOG.  This was supported by Dist. 3 Comm. Perry and opposed by Dist. 2 Comm. Miller.  Miller stated she was sticking with her commitment to Mayor Taylor.

Who is the current chair of INCOG?  John Self, former Dist. 2 County Comm and current Ex. Dir. of Volunteers of American was chair.  
See: http://www.voaok.org/contact.htm
Contact Volunteers of America of Oklahoma
 
Is he still chair?  

The INCOG web site is blank:

http://www.incog.org/About%20INCOG/Board%20Members.html
INCOG BOARD MEMBERS

Comm. Smaligo stated that he thought that since INCOG had been involved in the river planning they needed to be on the oversight board.

Does anyone have any idea what is going on here and who is the current chair?

See the full amended river resolution here:  http://www.tulsaworld.com/%20riverresolution
www.tulsaworld.com/ riverresolution

[RecycleMichael]

John Selph is still the Chair.

[tim huntzinger]

And according to sources on the Council, that little move may cost the vote the support of the Council.

Frankly, I think it was a genius move to prove to the County that this is not about the City, but about enhancing something that is a County asset.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by tim huntzinger

And according to sources on the Council, that little move may cost the vote the support of the Council.

Frankly, I think it was a genius move to prove to the County that this is not about the City, but about enhancing something that is a County asset.

You give Smaligo a lot of credit. He may just believe that INCOG was not duly represented. I have yet to hear him speak at one of the meetings or on camera. He seems to be a lap dog of some sort.

[RecycleMichael]

I believe that this was a strategic error on behalf of the county commissioners. By taking away one of the oversight slots from the City of Tulsa, they have risked losing support of some Tulsa elected officials.

The want for control may cost the election, in my opinion.

If the Tulsa County Commissioners really want this river improvement vote to pass (and I don't know how much campaigning they each will do), I recommend that they amend the makeup of the advisory board as soon as possible.

[MichaelBates]

Interesting. Smaligo was asked on KFAQ about the overseas trip he just returned from (reported by the World), and he said he was in Turkey with a number of "community activists," including Jerry Lasker, the executive director of INCOG. You don't suppose Mr. Smaligo got lobbied a little bit?

[tim huntzinger]

And then some nutjob called in with the observation that the circumstances were like a cult brainwashing its victim.  Then the hosts went nuts noting that Sheryl Sadiqui [sic] was the director of the sponsoring organization.

What kind of nut job would make a big deal about a good will trip?

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by MichaelBates

Interesting. Smaligo was asked on KFAQ about the overseas trip he just returned from (reported by the World), and he said he was in Turkey with a number of "community activists," including Jerry Lasker, the executive director of INCOG. You don't suppose Mr. Smaligo got lobbied a little bit?

                                               Next time Smalligo's on, ask him if he thinks it is ethical or legal for him to be serving on the city of TULSA comprehensive plan update steering committee in clear violation of our charter. Let's refer to it, shall we?                                 G. Appoint, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Council, the members of all boards, commissions, authorities, and agencies created by this amended Charter, ordinance, agreement, or pursuant to law, and exercise general control and supervision thereof, provided, all appointees shall, as a condition of their appointment and continued service, be qualified electors and maintain their principal residence within the city limits  of the City of Tulsa

[RecycleMichael]

The county commissioners reversed their decision and re-instated the additional City of Tulsa appointee to the committee.

[Rico]

Well..... Once again the World needs to issue a clarification regarding one of their stories..

In Today's World the article regarding the River Parks Authority voting in favor of the measure.....

They state"The authority is full of members with close interests in the proposed package."

This radical statement may lead some to believe that the "River Parks Authority" has some members that may have just a slight Conflict of Interest....
I call upon the Reporters at the World to do the right thing.
Let it be known that a member voting for something that directly puts money in their pocket.... Is a matter of looking out for the "public interest and welfare" of all Tulsans........

I expect to see a clarification on this World.... Do you hear me.![}:)]

[RecycleMichael]

Here is the Tulsa World story...

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070810_1_A9_hThec46062

River-trust seat returned to city

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer
8/10/2007

The county's earlier removal of one seat irked city leaders.

The Tulsa County Commission on Thursday reversed its earlier decision to remove one of three seats that Tulsa would have on a public trust to oversee a proposed $282 million river development initiative. A countywide vote is set for Oct. 9 on a 0.4 percent sales-tax increase to provide public funding for the package. Meanwhile, the City Council on Thursday evening voted 6-3 to postpone taking action on a resolution to support river development but oppose using a county tax to fund it.

Councilor Roscoe Turner, who sponsored the resolution, and Councilors Rick Westcott and Jack Henderson voted against postponing the action. Before the council vote, 11 people spoke about Turner's resolution -- five in support, five in opposition and one who was undecided. Earlier this week, Turner said that if he failed to get the resolution approved, he would actively campaign against the river proposal. If public money is approved for the project, $111 million in private funding would be added to pay for public gathering spots along the River Parks and to improve connecting streets from downtown to the river.

Thursday's unanimous vote of the County Commission came after city officials raised concerns about commissioners' last-minute change regarding Tulsa's representation on the nine-member trust. Commissioner Fred Perry said after the commission meeting that he is now comfortable that Tulsa has three seats on the trust -- the mayor and two mayoral appointees.

"A number of city councilmen, whom I respect, contacted me and said it was important to them that Tulsa have greater representation and wanted me to switch it back," Perry said. He and Commissioner John Smaligo voted last week to give one of Tulsa's seats to the chairman of the board of directors of the Indian Nations Council of Governments. Commissioner Randi Miller opposed the idea. Perry said that because Tulsa will produce about 70 percent of the tax revenues and because so much of the funding for the river plan will go to projects within Tulsa's city limits, "it makes sense that the city have three members."

"Originally, I agreed with John (Smaligo), because he had a good point about INCOG, but I underestimated the importance with the City Council," he said. Smaligo said after the meeting that it was his idea to remove one of Tulsa's seats because "I wanted to make sure that INCOG had a seat at the table and some input since it was their (river) plan." He said he changed his vote because an amended resolution on the river tax proposal states that INCOG will provide technical assistance to the trust, even though it won't have voting power. "They (INCOG) are clearly going to be a part of it (river development), so I have a greater comfort level," Smaligo said.

Mayor Kathy Taylor said the commission made "a good decision, but most importantly it shows a growing respect and cooperation between the city and the county." "We all have to work together as a region to move forward," she said. The commission made other minor adjustments to clarify the resolution. Of the $282.25 million, the resolution itemized $154.85 million in estimated costs for low-water dams, Zink Dam modifications and river channel improvements south of Zink Dam to 71st Street.

It allocates $30 million for pedestrian bridges across the river at 41st and 61st streets, $15 million for downtown connectors and transportation studies, and $25 million in contingency funds. The resolution did not itemize the $57.4 million proposed for land acquisition. But Miller said after the meeting that it would be $52.4 million for the west bank and site development in Tulsa and $5 million for Bixby and Broken Arrow.

According to county documents, about $17.75 million in Vision 2025 and Four To Fix the County funds are available for aspects of the low-water dams and improvements to Zink Lake.

The commissioners agreed that more clarity was needed in the cost allocations. "Anytime there is more information, it provides a better insight as to what the people are deciding on," Smaligo said. "I think in the end it also will be very helpful for accountability."

ARKANSAS RIVER INITIATIVE
Public funding:

RIVER IMPROVEMENTS
Sand Springs low-water dam: $24.7 million
Zink Dam modifications: $15.45 million
River channeling from Zink Dam to 71st Street: $90 million
Jenks low-water dam: $24.7 million
Total: $154.85 million

RIVER CORRIDOR LAND ACQUISITION AND SITE STUDIES
Tulsa west bank: $52.4 million
Bixby and Broken Arrow: $5 million
Total: $57.4 million

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND DOWNTOWN CONNECTORS
Pedestrian bridges at 41st and 61st streets: $30 million
Connectors and transportation corridor study: $15 million
Total: $45 million
Project contingency funds: $25 million

Private funding:
$111 million for community gathering spots along River Parks from 14th to 71st streets, Turkey Mountain and a Crow Creek bridge

[Rico]

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

Here is the Tulsa World story...

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070810_1_A9_hThec46062

River-trust seat returned to city

By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer
8/10/2007

The county's earlier removal of one seat irked city leaders.

The Tulsa County Commission on Thursday reversed its earlier decision to remove one of three seats that Tulsa would have on a public trust to oversee a proposed $282 million river development initiative. A countywide vote is set for Oct. 9 on a 0.4 percent sales-tax increase to provide public funding for the package. Meanwhile, the City Council on Thursday evening voted 6-3 to postpone taking action on a resolution to support river development but oppose using a county tax to fund it.

Councilor Roscoe Turner, who sponsored the resolution, and Councilors Rick Westcott and Jack Henderson voted against postponing the action. Before the council vote, 11 people spoke about Turner's resolution -- five in support, five in opposition and one who was undecided. Earlier this week, Turner said that if he failed to get the resolution approved, he would actively campaign against the river proposal. If public money is approved for the project, $111 million in private funding would be added to pay for public gathering spots along the River Parks and to improve connecting streets from downtown to the river.

Thursday's unanimous vote of the County Commission came after city officials raised concerns about commissioners' last-minute change regarding Tulsa's representation on the nine-member trust. Commissioner Fred Perry said after the commission meeting that he is now comfortable that Tulsa has three seats on the trust -- the mayor and two mayoral appointees.

"A number of city councilmen, whom I respect, contacted me and said it was important to them that Tulsa have greater representation and wanted me to switch it back," Perry said. He and Commissioner John Smaligo voted last week to give one of Tulsa's seats to the chairman of the board of directors of the Indian Nations Council of Governments. Commissioner Randi Miller opposed the idea. Perry said that because Tulsa will produce about 70 percent of the tax revenues and because so much of the funding for the river plan will go to projects within Tulsa's city limits, "it makes sense that the city have three members."

"Originally, I agreed with John (Smaligo), because he had a good point about INCOG, but I underestimated the importance with the City Council," he said. Smaligo said after the meeting that it was his idea to remove one of Tulsa's seats because "I wanted to make sure that INCOG had a seat at the table and some input since it was their (river) plan." He said he changed his vote because an amended resolution on the river tax proposal states that INCOG will provide technical assistance to the trust, even though it won't have voting power. "They (INCOG) are clearly going to be a part of it (river development), so I have a greater comfort level," Smaligo said.

Mayor Kathy Taylor said the commission made "a good decision, but most importantly it shows a growing respect and cooperation between the city and the county." "We all have to work together as a region to move forward," she said. The commission made other minor adjustments to clarify the resolution. Of the $282.25 million, the resolution itemized $154.85 million in estimated costs for low-water dams, Zink Dam modifications and river channel improvements south of Zink Dam to 71st Street.

It allocates $30 million for pedestrian bridges across the river at 41st and 61st streets, $15 million for downtown connectors and transportation studies, and $25 million in contingency funds. The resolution did not itemize the $57.4 million proposed for land acquisition. But Miller said after the meeting that it would be $52.4 million for the west bank and site development in Tulsa and $5 million for Bixby and Broken Arrow.

According to county documents, about $17.75 million in Vision 2025 and Four To Fix the County funds are available for aspects of the low-water dams and improvements to Zink Lake.

The commissioners agreed that more clarity was needed in the cost allocations. "Anytime there is more information, it provides a better insight as to what the people are deciding on," Smaligo said. "I think in the end it also will be very helpful for accountability."

ARKANSAS RIVER INITIATIVE
Public funding:

RIVER IMPROVEMENTS
Sand Springs low-water dam: $24.7 million
Zink Dam modifications: $15.45 million
River channeling from Zink Dam to 71st Street: $90 million
Jenks low-water dam: $24.7 million
Total: $154.85 million

RIVER CORRIDOR LAND ACQUISITION AND SITE STUDIES
Tulsa west bank: $52.4 million
Bixby and Broken Arrow: $5 million
Total: $57.4 million

PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES AND DOWNTOWN CONNECTORS
Pedestrian bridges at 41st and 61st streets: $30 million
Connectors and transportation corridor study: $15 million
Total: $45 million
Project contingency funds: $25 million

Private funding:
$111 million for community gathering spots along River Parks from 14th to 71st streets, Turkey Mountain and a Crow Creek bridge

Well now Mike.... yes that is a story in the Tulsa World from today.

The one you have posted does show quite a bit of money being involved.

However there is also this story in Today's World...and so as not to make it so difficult I have highlighted the radical statement that needs to be clarified...



River Parks panel endorses river-funding plan


By BRIAN BARBER World Staff Writer
8/10/2007

The $282 million package goes before voters Oct. 9.


Tulsa's River Parks Authority on Thursday endorsed the $282 million public funding package that would implement portions of the Arkansas River Corridor Master Plan.

"We've been dreaming about river development for the past 40 to 50 years, and now's the time to make it a reality," Chairman Darton Zink said. "This would not only be good for River Parks, it would be good for the community."

If the package is approved by Tulsa County voters in an Oct. 9 special election, it would add 0.4 percent to the sales-tax rate for seven years.

An additional $111 million has been pledged by private donors for further enhancements and gathering spots along the river.

"This is a wonderful opportunity, given the private investment that would be made," River Parks Authority member Becky Frank said.

"The authority is full of members with close interests in the proposed package."

As chairman, Zink would serve on the public trust that would help oversee the projects. Frank is the CEO of Schnake Turnbo Frank, a public relations firm that will be involved with
the campaign.

Also, Ken Levit, who was not present Thursday for the endorsement vote, is executive director of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which is leading the private fundraising efforts.

In other business, bids were received below estimates for the first phase of a River Parks enhancement project that will create a dual-trail system for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The low construction bid for the first phase, from 21st to 41st streets, was from Tulsa-based Crossland Heavy Contractors at $2,673,016, which was slightly below the estimate of $2,695,171.

The low bid for enhancement lighting came from Broken Arrow Electric Supply at $251,097, compared with the estimate of $266,900.

The authority voted to allow project leaders with LandPlan Consultants to enter into contracts with the companies.

The improvements are part of a $15 million project announced in February by the George Kaiser Family Foundation and the city of Tulsa.

The existing trail system will be replaced with wider, dual trails on the river's east and west banks between 11th and 71st streets.

Work will be completed within three years.

Construction already is under way to widen a section of the west-bank trail from Interstate 44 to Turkey Mountain.

Some of the lighting in the bid package is for that section.



Brian Barber 581-8322
brian.barber@tulsaworld.com

[waterboy]

Geez. Anyone else note the ballooning of the cost of these low water dams? Anyone think they will actually be built for $24 million apiece? What purpose is there for spending $30 million for pedestrian bridges over the river? A car/pedestrian bridge would accomplish something...but pedestrian only? I smell bs there.  A million here, a million there, oh...how about $15 million more for a "connectors & transportation study" something that should have been studied to death by now in public works, DOT, or somewhere else. Pretty soon we're talking some real money here. But its okay, 'cause Kaiser is throwing some money into the trough too. Guess you can see which way I'm leaning on this river "opportunity".

Thanks, Rico for pointing out the assemblage of the usual suspects. Someone break out the tub of money, the party's about to start.

[tim huntzinger]

I think the City miscalculated by freaking out about 'losing' the extra seat.  That would have gone a long way to defeat the opponents' claim that this has little to offer the County.  Further, it confirms the City's fear of the County, lending momentum to the opponents of the project in the City.  This looks like 'Tulsa's Time II' all over again . . .

[aoxamaxoa]

Is it not time for new engineers and number crunchers down at city hall?