HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005.10.13_OEDA Agenda_AddendumPUBLIC NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF THE
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
The Owasso Economic Development Authority will meet in regular session on Thursday,
October 13, 2005 at 10:00 AM at City Hall, 111 N. Main, Owasso, Oklahoma in the
Lower Level Conference Room.
Notice of addendum filed in the office of the City Clerk and posted on the City Hall
bulletin board at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, Octo pr 12, 2005.
J ann M. Stevens, Adxrimistrative Assistant
ADDENDUM TO THE OWASSO ECOMONIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA
The following is submitted as an addendum to the Owasso Economic Development
Authority Agenda filed on Friday, October 7, 2005. Items numbered 1-11 shall remain
the same. Item number 12 is now number 13 and a new item 12 is listed as follows:
12. Discussion relating to the length of terms and term limits for OEDA
Trustees.
Mr. Ray
PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE MEETING OF THE
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TYPE OF MEETING:
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
Regular
October 13, 2005
10:00 a.m.
Owasso City Hall
Main Conference Room
111 North Main
OEDA FILE
Notice and agenda filed in the office of the City Clerk and posted on the City Hall bulletin board
at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2005. n _
Rickey Ha
AGENDA
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
Mr. Enzbrenner, Chairman
Development Director
2. Request Approval of Minutes of the September 9, 2005 Regular meeting.
Mr. Enzbrenner
Attachment #2
3. Request Approval of Claims.
Mr. Enzbrenner
Attachment #3
4. Presentation of Financial Report.
Ms. Bishop
Attachment #4
OEDA
October 13, 2005
Page 2
5. Update from Economic Development Director.
Mr. Hayes
Attachment #5
6. Report from Community Development Director
Mr. Wiles
7. Report from the Public Works Director
Ms. Stagg
8. Report from OEDA Manager.
Mr. Ray
9. Consideration and appropriate action relating to a request for Trustee approval of funding
for the development of a specific Corporate Relocation Website link to be made accessible
through the current City of Owasso's Economic Development Website.
Mr. Hayes
Attachment #9
Staff will recommend Trustee approval for funding to development a specific Corporate
Relocation Website link.
10. Discussion relating to ideas and scope of Owasso Economic Development Activity for
Fiscal Year 2005-2006.
Attachment # 10
Mr. Ray
OEDA
October 13, 2005
Page 2
11. Consideration and appropriate action relating to a request for Trustee approval of
Resolution No. 2005-05.
Mr. Ray
Attachment # 11
Staff will recommend Trustee approval of Resolution No. 2005-05, a resolution designating
the E. 86th Street North Widening Project from US Highway 75 to Main Street, Owasso as
the City of Owasso's priority for "4-to-Fix the County" funding and that such project be
recommended to the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners for priority funding from
proceeds of any extension of the "4-to-Fix the County" Sales Tax Capital Financing
Program.
12. New Business.
13. Adjournment.
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, September 8, 2005
The Owasso Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Thursday, September
8, 2005 in the Main Conference Room at Owasso City Hall per the Notice of Public Meeting and
Agenda posted on the City Hall bulletin board at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 5, 2005.
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL
Chairman Frank Enzbrenner called the meeting to order at 10:02AM.
PRESENT
Frank Enzbrenner, Chairman
Dee Sokolosky, Vice Chairman
Steve Cataudella, Trustee
Gary Akin, Secretary
Tom Kimball, Trustee (arrived at 10:30am)
David Charney, Trustee
Ray Thomas, Trustee
A quorum was declared present.
ABSENT
None
STAFF
Ana Stagg, Public Works Director
Sherry Bishop, Finance Director
Rickey Hayes, Economic Development Director
OTHERS
Randy Cowling
Rodney Ray, City Manager
Eric Wiles, Community Development
ITEM 2: REQUEST APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 11 2005 REGULAR
MEETING AND THE AUGUST 25, 2005 SPECIAL MEETING.
Mr. Cataudella moved, seconded by Mr. Thomas, to approve the minutes of the
August 11, 2005 regular meeting and the August 25, 2005 special meeting.
AYE: Akin, Enzbrenner, Thomas, Chamey, Cataudella, Sokolosky
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion carried 6-0.
ITEM 3: REQUEST APPROVAL OF CLAIMS.
No Claims
AYE: None
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
Owasso Economic Development Authority
September 8, 2005
ITEM 4: PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL REPORT.
After a review of the attached report, no questions were asked of Ms. Bishop.
ITEM 5: UPDATE FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
After a review of the attached report, no questions were asked of Mr. Hayes.
ITEM 6: REPORT FROM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Mr. Wiles provided an update on the July building permit report, commented on the
residential building within the City, and provided information regarding upcoming
items before the Annexation Committee and Planning Commission
ITEM 7: REPORT FROM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Ms. Stagg gave a brief report on various street development projects, and other Public
Works related items.
ITEM 8: REPORT FROM OEDA MANAGER
Mr. Ray provided a report on issues relating to imminent domain and ODOT projects
in the Owasso area.
ITEM 9: DISCUSSION RELATING TO IDEAS AND SCOPE OF OWASSO ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006
After review of the attached report from Mr. Ray, members discussed ideas relating
to the scope of OEDA activity for Fiscal Year 2005-2006. Trustees discussed only a
couple of several topics due to time constraints, but agreed to continue the discussions
at the next OEDA meeting. Trustees discussed pros and cons of comparing Owasso
with other cities and issues regarding "over -regulation". A bullet point summary of
discussion items will be included in the next OEDA agenda.
-2-
Owasso Economic Development Authority
September 8, 2005
ITEM 10: CONSIDERATION AND APPROPRIATE ACTION RELATING TO A REQUEST
FOR TRUSTEE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION NO. 2005-04.
Ms. Bishop presented the item, a resolution authorizing the City Treasurer to make
payments of principal and interest from the OEDA to the City of Owasso, upon
receipt of loan payments from Vanguard Car Rental, USA. Mr. Chamey moved,
seconded by Mr. Kimball, to approve Resolution No. 2005-04.
AYE: Kimball, Akin, Enzbrenner, Thomas, Charney, Cataudella, Sokolosky
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion carried 7-0.
ITEM 11: NEW BUSINESS
None
ITEM 12: ADJOURNMENT
Motion made by Mr. Kimball, seconded by Mr. Thomas to adjourn.
At 11:53am, the meeting was adjourned.
AYE: Kimball, Thomas, Enzbrenner, Akin, Charney, Sokolosky, Cataudella
NAY: None
ABSTAIN: None
Motion carried 7-0.
Frank Enzbrenner, Chairman
Date Approved
-3-
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR & TRUSTEES
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FROM: RICKEY HAYES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: OEDA CLAIMS FOR SEPTEMBER 2005
DATE: October 10, 2005
There were no claims for September 2005.
Owasso Economic Development Authority
Statement of Revenues, Expenses and Changes in Fund Net Assets
For the Month Ending September 30, 2005
Operating Revenues
Operating Expenses:
Materials & supplies
Services & other charges
Capital outlay
Total Operating Expenses
Operating Income (Loss)
Non -Operating Revenues (Expenses):
Investment income
Promissory note revenue
RAN debt service & other costs
Total non -operating revenues (expenses)
Net income (loss) before contributions and
transfers
Transfer from general fund
Change in net assets
Total net assets - beginning
Total net assets - ending
MTD
YTD
Budget
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
5,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
5,000.00
0.00
0.00
(5,000.00)
65.43
131.19
70.00
100,000.00
100,000.00
400,000.00
(102,575.34)
(102,575.34)
(421,250.00)
(2,509.91)
(2,444.15)
(21,180.00)
(2,509.91)
(2,444.15)
(26,180.00)
0.00
0.00
0.00
(2,509.91)
(2,444.15)
(26,180.00)
67,034.76
67,034.76
$64,590.61
$40,854.76
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND TRUSTEES
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FROM: RICKEY HAYES
ODIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT: DIRECTOR'S REPORT
DATE: October 6, 2005
Smith Farm Marketplace merchants are opening at a rapid rate. The 961h and Garnett street
widening projects are nearing completion for the Phase one area which consists of 96th Street and
the 96ch and Garnett intersection. Work continues on Phase 2 which is the area of Garnett south
of the fire station to the intersection at 86th Street and Garnett. Construction continues on a
52,000 square ft. retail strip in phase one of Tyann Development's plans for the area on the east
side of US 169 around the Home Depot, and plans have just been released to enlarge the initial
building because of leasing demand. Tyann is also completing the service road from 86th to 96ch
Street on the east side of the highway and substantial completion is expected by the end of
September. This site will eventually be home to about 300,000 feet of retail and restaurants, with
some mixed use units as well. Both the St. John's Medical Complex and Bailey Medical Center
are doing steel erection on their sites. Both hospital projects are in design stage for medical out
buildings on their prospective sites. Kentucky Fried Chicken is in final completion stages on
76th Street, Chick-Fil-A and Arbys are about to begin construction on new restaurants. Logans
Roadhouse begins construction this month. The new Renaissance Center on 86th Street is
finished and is leasing retail space just east of Albertsons. Construction on The Albertson's
building is under way for an antique and home furnishings outlet called "The Market".
Several national retailers are in and out of town for site visits and inspections. Brinker
Restaurants were in town this past weekend for a site inspection. Commercial sites have
investors inquiring from the 96ch Street corridor north to 116t1
. There are several restaurants, at
least 4 hotel / motel groups, and several more "big box" retail users in the mix.
I will be working with the Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Oklahoma on a community
wide job fair to be held at the Mid -High School on October 22°d. There are over 1000 job
vacancies in the City of Owasso at this time.
All of our marketing material is being updated and new pieces aimed at corporate office users are
being developed. I hope to have them in your hands for your review and input very soon.
As always, if I can serve you in any way, please call. Your input and direction are always
important to the success of our efforts.
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR & TRUSTEES
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FROM: RICKEY HAYES
DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT: CORPORATE RELOCATION STRATEGY
DATE: October 7, 2005
BACKGROUND:
For the last three years, one of the major efforts of the economic development department has
been focused on preparing accurate and verifiable data for retail investors. This data has been
presented in the form of printed and web based marketing material. The information consists of
demographic analysis of the community, information about the excellent quality of life in the
City of Owasso, and the City's unique market area to retail customers. We have improved and
updated the material as growth has occurred and as the needs of our customers have come to
light. Our retail growth is proof enough that the marketing material has been effective. As you
know, we have added over 1.5 million square feet of new national retail in the various retail
centers in the City of Owasso. One reason Owasso has been successful in retail marketing efforts
is the development of marketing material that was simple, accurate, informative, and, most
importantly, impacting. We knew that our retail outlets had sales above projections in almost
every category, and we knew our customer base greatly exceeded our population. Most all
retailers use the same methods of obtaining demographic data, which is a concentric rings
approach on a known and definable geographic area. Because of Owasso's unique location and
unusually large drawing area for retail shoppers, the concentric rings approach will not provide
accurate data. We were able to develop a unique approach and overcome this problem by
working with developers and brokers and personally educating the retailers on the Owasso
market one at a time. During this one on one interaction with potential retailers it became
obvious that each of them had, immediately after our initial contact, studied Owasso online prior
to our subsequent meetings. It is without doubt that the Internet has become the major source for
site selection information. The City's main web page along with the economic development link
has provided general data and information about the city to our citizens as well as the specific
data requested by potential commercial investors.
In an effort to maintain a vision for a sustainable and vibrant economy for Owasso it is now
recognized that our marketing efforts should be refocused to begin recruiting corporate office
relocations to the city. The development of a quality and diverse job base for Owasso is now
realizable. Staff has put in place a "relocation team" with the responsibility of providing all the
necessary services and information needed to convince a prospective company that Owasso is the
place to be and the OEDA will play the lead role in any efforts to do a relocation arrangement.
Our current position is the result of a strategy that recognized the need to build on the foundation
of residential growth and goal achievement. It should be noted that our retail growth is but one
essential portion of an overall comprehensive vision of the growth of our City. First there had to
be quality residential development with well planned neighborhoods and quality water, sewer,
and streets. With the residential growth continuing, retail attraction and retail development was
the next obvious step in the continued growth of our city. With the addition of the retail
component, the City of Owasso is fortunate now to welcome the addition of not just one but two
state of the art medical facilities into our growing family of services to the community. Because
of our growth, economic vitality, and location we are now poised to market the city as a viable
site to regional office relocations and corporate headquarters.
THE NEXT STEP:
Having a web site that provides accurate and verifiable data is essential to having a competitive
edge in both retail and office development. We have had a "good" web presence for the last three
years. Staff has come to believe that for us to compete we have to be more than good, we must be
the leader and the innovator, and be on the cutting edge. Making up the distance from good to
great is even more essential when we are competing in the arena of corporate office site
selection. To be an effective web site, a site has to be user friendly, simple, and yet provide
essential data that is obtainable in a quick, straightforward manner. To be a candidate for
consideration in the competitive world of office relocation, you have to do more than let the
company know you're interested. You have to be noticed and you have to hold the site selectors
attention long enough to make it to the "short list". Having an informative web site that is on the
cutting edge is essential to that process.
REQUEST AND COST:
One of the reasons for our success in the efforts to market the City of Owasso is because of a
partnership that was forged about two years ago with a Tulsa company called Crossroads
Communications. Mandy Vavrinak has a proven track record of successful business marketing
and has provided professional counsel and creative and artistic guidance in the development of
the city's marketing material. Ms. Vavrinak has designed a prototype of a web site around our
vision of corporate office relocation. This site contains all essential information and data and is
very easy to use. To fund a site that is designed to place Owasso in a viable and competitive
position will cost approximately $5000.00 dollars. Staff is proposing a plan that would fund this
site utilizing one half of the funding from the OEDA and one half from the economic
development budget of the City of Owasso.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Trustee approval of funding one half ($2500) of the proposed new web site
with the remaining one half ($2500) of the cost funded through the economic development
department budget.
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE HONARABLE CHAIR AND TRUSTEES OF THE
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
FROM: RODNEY J RAY
OEDA MANAGER
SUBJECT: SCOPE OF WORK FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006
DATE: August 8, 2005
BACKGROUND:
As you know, during the July meeting of the Owasso Economic Development Authority,
trustees discussed issues that could be included in the scope of work for the OEDA for
fiscal year 2005-2006. Staff and OEDA trustees shared comments on various topics
related to economic development in the City of Owasso.
For the last three years, the main focus of our energy, time, and resources has been the
recruiting and assisting site location for national retail outlets into the community.
Almost 1.5 million square feet of retail has been developed in the City of Owasso in that
time frame, mostly in the 96th Street corridor along US 169. The need to recruit and
market Owasso to retailers continues but our focus is shifting to a recruitment and
relocation strategy for offices and corporate headquarters operations. Although I believe
that there is still substantial retail growth to be realized in Owasso's future, I feel that the
next substantial area of growth and investment in the City of Owasso will be in
professional office space. The construction and opening of two medical campuses in the
third quarter of 2006 will be used as examples (and anchors) for a well planned and
aggressive campaign to bring quality jobs to Owasso.
The need to create a sustainable and dynamic local economy requires us to be flexible
and redirect our marketing efforts and energy to the creation of quality jobs. The overall
local economy, including both residential development and retail will be fueled by
quality job creation. It is generally agreed that developing the processes necessary to
maintain the City of Owasso's outstanding "quality of life" must be our number one
priority. Over the last twenty years the hard work, vision, and dedication of many
residents has created a solid foundation of growth for the future. The development of
quality residential subdivisions, good planning, outstanding schools, the location of
transportation routes and facilities, dependable water, sewer, and street infrastructure, and
now the addition of national retail and restaurants and two general service community
hospitals has given the City of Owasso a distinct advantage for growth. But that growth
must be sustainable and founded on a strong local economy with dependable jobs that
support the Owasso area.
Last months discussion of projects and issues was informative and an opportunity for the
OEDA to begin to craft a plan to implement the office relocation strategy.
• Comparison Cities
During last month's discussion a comment was made that essentially proposed the
development of a list of cities with whom we would use for comparison purposes.
The City staff has utilized such a method as one means of developing personnel
policies and other administrative policies. However, the development of such a
"comparison list" could well have an influence on development issues and public
policy regarding economic development. The idea of having consistent
comparison examples is one that should be explored and developed. Knowing
what other cities have done well and not -so -well can save us effort and tax
dollars.
• The problem of "over regulation" of the development community
Concern was voiced regarding the issue of "overregulation" and the
accompanying problems associated with a city that has that reputation. There have
been concerns from citizens and developers regarding this issue. The task at hand
is for development of regulatory policies that insure a quality development
process while still making it simple and relatively easy for developers and
businesses to invest in our community. Eric Wiles and his staff began the
process three years ago of updating the City's sign ordinance. The result was a
new sign code that allowed for businesses to advertise their goods and services
but still gave assurance that Owasso would not be a victim of the "sign pollution"
that many other cities have experienced. The Owasso City Council recently
approved a lighting ordinance developed by a committee of citizens and staff that
addressed concerns of safe and effective lighting and the creation of guidelines
that will provide protection against light pollution while not over burdening
retailers and developers. Earlier this year Public Works staff met with developers,
engineers, and contractors to discuss the revision and publication of the City of
Owasso's Construction Design Criteria. The outcome of those discussions was a
document approved by the City Council that details construction criteria for the
building of all public infrastructure constructed in the City. At this time a
Landscape Ordinance is being crafted by a committee of interested citizens and
staff and will be brought to the City Council and Planning Commission for review
in the near future. Staff is currently working on review of the Planned Unit
Development criteria and is looking at ways to keep PUD development standards
regulated for the benefit of both the development community and our citizens. It
is my belief that with input and direction from the community, staff can develop a
process that will allow the City of Owasso to keep the reputation of being the
most "development friendly" community in the Tulsa metro area while benefiting
from a high quality built community. Ongoing efforts also include a "rewrite" of
M
the City's "zoning code" (due for completion in May 2006) followed by a new
"subdivision regulation" proposal. The issue of government regulation and
"quality of life" issues will, undoubtedly, be the focus of most discussions relating
to future development and I presume that those discussions will center on "how
much is too much" regulation. An emerging Owasso demographic profile leads
me to believe that there will be a strong effort by knowledgeable and energized
citizens to increase development regulations, perhaps to a point of impacting
investment in our community. It is my belief that the appropriate balance to what
could become an overzealous "reform" effort is to proactively develop and
implement programs such as responsible sign, lighting, and landscape public
policies. Such policy combined with effective regulation of land use and
development can (and has in many communities) result in quality growth that will
incent investment because of the quality image of the community. The OEDA's
role in this process can be an active and ongoing participation in the processes to
ensure that overregulation and unnecessary burdensome regulations are not the
result of those policies.
• Technology
There may be many issues relating to technology, however, the idea of making all
plats available online is one that, if implemented, could have a number of user
applications. Initially such a service could assist potential home buyers and their
realtors, but the long term uses could extend to business properties, planning uses
for HOA's and businesses, as well as eventual use to determine lot availability.
At this point the ability of making plats available (discussed initially about two
years ago) online has its best opportunity as a part of the new GIS system
currently being developed by the City. Eric Wiles and Larry White are currently
working to ensure the new GIS system will be capable, and will include the
availability of plats and other geographic data as a part of the system. There
remains work to be accomplished and the OEDA can play a role in ensuring that
input is given and a user friendly product is developed. To compete in this
economy, we must keep the City on the cutting edge of technological
advancement. Every city department and the future of our entire community is
affected by advancing technology in communications, planning, data storage and
retrieval, education, and health care. Should the City consider "blanketing" our
community with Wi-Fi (wireless) hotspots? Will the incorporation of GIS
(geographic information system) keep us ahead of the technology curve? We
believe that in order to maintain the quality of life our citizens demand we must
incorporate technology quickly and efficiently into our scope of work.
• Developing a "Relocation Team"
The idea of having a "ready to go" relocation team as a part of our strategy to
bring quality jobs to Owasso was mentioned as an important part of our economic
development plan. As our marketing efforts have evolved, Mr. Hayes has begun
work on the development of additional marketing material aimed at corporate
office relocation. The first step of this process is the preparation of a high quality
and professionally designed recruitment tool articulating the quality of life of our
city and containing other pertinent information needed for the successful
recruitment of corporate office customers. Mr. Hayes is currently researching
corporate site search data, identifying target prospects, and working to develop
relationships with the persons responsible for making decisions to invest human
and financial capital in our city. Along with the revision of the City's marketing
material we are developing an Economic Development Relocation / Advisory
Team. Mr. Hayes is currently creating a mission statement and organizing the first
meeting of this group to outline the purpose, work plan, and overall objectives of
the relocation group. This group would consist of the Economic Development
Director, a member of the OEDA, and representatives from the utilities, the
Owasso School system, Public Works, Community Development, and the
Chamber of Commerce, as well as a representative from the Oklahoma Depart of
Commerce. The purpose of this group would be to plan, develop, and present
information and material for major economic development prospects. This is a
group that responds specifically to individual relocation prospects. The
development and maintenance of this team is vital to the success of our strategic
plan and requires an active OEDA participation.
• Revitalizing the "Downtown" area
The OEDA was the prime "champion" of a viable downtown plan. The
development of specific marketing material and planning aimed at the goal of
creating an investment district in the downtown area is an ongoing and important
project and needs for the OEDA to continue to champion that effort. Discussions
have included theme lighting, construction and development guidelines, taking
the overhead utilities underground, and small pocket parks. There have also been
discussions about the possibility of an art or cultural related outdoor event or
festival in the downtown area. Please note that approximately one million dollars
of Vision 2025 funds are available for downtown development. Specifications are
currently being developed for lighting contracts and relocation of overhead
utilities to underground.
• Early Childhood Development
Preliminary discussions have been held with the Tulsa Community Action group
about the development of a quality early childhood training program. A program
of this type would involve several agencies and lots of cooperation and
collaborative efforts, but is a very important "quality of life" issue. Tulsa leads
the state and nation in early childhood education efforts. Owasso must join the
effort if we are to attract the kind of investors who will look / seek long term
opportunities and communities who invest in their own future. I know there
needs to be significant discussion relating to the City's position on this issue and
it is hoped that the OEDA will be very proactive in leading such a discussion.
rd
• Small Business Incubator
The OEDA was the impetus for the creation of a small business incubator located
in the "Old Central" complex. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce licensed
the Owasso incubator in September, 2003. The incubator has about 7500 square
feet of space available. Currently one tenant leases 360 square feet and Mr. Hayes
is working with a prospect that is looking to utilize almost all of the remaining
space. Incubator clients are offered below market rates with a contingency that
they will relocate into commercial space in Owasso after 18-24 months. In order
for the incubator to produce results there must be a real effort on the part of the
City to ensure affordability and that the rules of use are applied to all users. The
major issues with the incubator are: 1). lease price, 2). accessibility to upstairs,
3). enforcement of two year use limit (and relocation requirement) and 4). the
recruitment of users. The OEDA is the advisory body for this project and should
have an impact on decisions that govern the facility. There are other user of the
building and a mutual understanding of the roles of various groups is an
imperative. It may be appropriate for the OEDA to conduct a more complete
discussion of the incubator concept, it's applications in our community, and
whether or not expansion is desired.
The Owasso Economic Development Authority is the significant advisory body relating
to economic development issues in the city. What is the best strategy for prioritizing our
planning, budgeting, and scheduling processes to insure that the City of Owasso stays on
course on becoming Oklahoma's premier hometown? I hope these discussions provoke
additional ideas and input.
The development of sound public policy is dependent upon wise counsel and good advice
given elected officials by those who are willing to participate in the process of governing.
The scope of work for the OEDA can include many individual issues or projects, some of
those you listed and may desire to promote. However, there is a need for good counsel in
promoting responsible public policy. As the OEDA determines its course, the issues you
have discussed can be prioritized and included in your counsel and recommendations to
the City Council.
5
OEDA SCOPE OF WORK FISCAL YEAR 05/06
DISCUSSION POINTS 9/8/05
• COMPARISON CITIES
We need to recognize the danger of picking and choosing
other city's policies may prevent us from coming up with
creative solutions of our own.
Tulsa Home Builders Association survey of development
friendly communities in the Tulsa MSA ranked Owasso
number one two years ago. As a result other Tulsa metro
cities have begun proactive programs to change their
policies. Owasso needs to be very careful that we do not
rest on our laurels and become lax. We must remain
aggressive in our efforts to stay at the top.
• "OVER -REGULATION" OF THE DEVELOPMENT
COMMUNITY
There is a general agreement that certain minimum
standards are needed and that some development
regulations guarantee a more attractive city. The key is
to understand the appropriate "level" of regulation.
The OEDA is the "sounding board" for all regulatory
policy.
The goal of the City of Owasso should be a quality
development without oppressive regulation. We should
allow investors and developers to be "entrepreneurial" in
their design and development standards.
We have the issue of having ordinances and not enforcing
them, or selectively enforcing them. Some of our
ordinances are too detailed. We really don't need a
lighting, sign, and landscape ordinance specifically, we
simply need broad standards to allow individuality and
creativity, but still insure high quality development.
The ordinances that we currently have in place or that
are in the planning stages tend to be far too complicated,
they need to be made more simple and less obtrusive. We
need to simplify the zoning, platting, and entitlement
process and keep it simple.
The purpose of the planning commission is to provide an
avenue for public input. Perhaps we need to do away
completely with the planning commission. There needs to
be a training process for planning commission members,
outlining what the role of the commission is, the function
of the commission, and what authority the commission
operates under.
All proposed regulatory policy or proposed ordinances or
codes relating to development in the City of Owasso need
to be brought to the OEDA for discussion early on.
MEMORANDUM
TO: THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CITY OF OWASSO
FROM: RODNEY J. RAY
CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: 4-TO-FIX THE COUNTY PROJECT RESOLUTION
DATE: October 7, 2005
BACKGROUND:
As you are aware, Tulsa County Commissioners have been looking into the possibility of
calling an election in order to extend the "4-to-Fix the County" sales tax. The "4-to-Fix
the County" sales tax funded the recently completed widening project on E. 76,h Street
North to US Highway 75.
While originally it was believed that this election would be conducted in the Spring of
2006, the Commissioners have changed direction and will call an election for December
13, 2005 to ask voter approval of a five year extension of the "4-to-Fix the County"
Capital Improvement Program. Please note the reason to conduct the election in
December is so that it can be on the ballot with the Cellular 911 issue, a proposition that
is believed to have substantial positive support from the voting public. The current Tulsa
County "4-to-Fix the County" sales tax is .167 and that amount is anticipated to remain
the same.
The staff believes it is important for the Trustees to quickly "get on the list" of potential
projects for County consideration. Previous discussions have centered on asking for the
widening of E. 861h Street North from Highway 75 to Main Street in Owasso.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff supports the E. 86 th Street North Widening Project as our community's priority and
is prepared to request Trustee adoption of a Resolution requesting the County to include
that project on the final list of identified projects to be considered by voters on December
13, 2005.
OWASSO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RESOLUTION NUMBER 2005-5
A RESOLUTION OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA,
DESIGNATING NEEDED MAJOR TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS TO MEET THE
EXISTING AND FUTURE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF THE
CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA, AND PORTIONS OF
NORTHERN TULSA COUNTY, OKLAHOMA, IN PROXIMITY
TO THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA, AS WELL AS
PRIORITIZING SUCH NEEDED MAJOR TRANSPORTATION
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS.
WHEREAS, the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, is one of the fastest growing communities
in the state of Oklahoma; and,
WHEREAS, proper planning and development of major transportation infrastructure
improvements is essential to the safe movement of an increasing amount of vehicular traffic, as
well as, the orderly growth and economic development of not only the City of Owasso,
Oklahoma, but also a significant portion of the northern Tulsa County, Oklahoma; and,
WHEREAS, presently there exists a need for substantial transportation infrastructure
improvements to a major transportation corridor serving the City of Owasso, Oklahoma and
northern Tulsa County, Oklahoma, such improvements consisting of widening E. 86th Street
North between U.S. Highway 75 and Main Street, Owasso; and,
WHEREAS, it is recognized that present local, county, and state funding availability is
not sufficient to meet the foregoing designated major transportation infrastructure improvement
needs; and,
WHEREAS, it is likewise recognized that present local, county, and state funding
availability is not sufficient to accomplish the widening and improvements of E. 86th Street
North to a four lane road between U.S. Highway 75 and Main Street, Owasso; and,
WHEREAS, however, it is recognized that E. 86th Street North improvements are a
vitally needed major transportation infrastructure improvement for the City of Owasso,
Oklahoma, and northern Tulsa County, Oklahoma; and,
WHEREAS, it is determined that the most immediate major transportation infrastructure
improvement that would presently provide the greatest beneficial impact in terms of enhanced
safety for vehicular traffic movement as well as orderly growth and economic development for
the City of Owasso, Oklahoma, and portions of northern Tulsa County, Oklahoma, in proximity
thereto, would be the widening to a four lane road of E. 86th Street North between U.S. Highway
75 and Main Street, Owasso.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CIY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA, that the
widening of E. 86th Street North between U.S. Highway 75 and Main Street, Owasso, is hereby
established as the major priority transportation infrastructure improvement for the City of
Owasso, Oklahoma, as well as, portions of northern Tulsa County, Oklahoma, and that the City
should actively pursue private and public sector support and the appropriate funding to expedite
the construction of such major transportation infrastructure improvement for this major
transportation corridor; and, that such project be recommended to the Tulsa County Board of
Commissioners for priority funding from proceeds of any extension of the "4-to-Fix the County"
Sales Tax Capital Financing Program.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of October, 2005, by the Economic
Development Authority of the City of Owasso, Oklahoma.
OWASSO ECONOIMC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
IN
ATTEST:
Dee Sokolosky, Secretary
Frank Enzbrenner, Chairman