RIVER VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 MEETING MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by President, Vicki Hibbert at 7:00 p.m. Minutes from the August meeting were not available.
Greg Warren with the Tulsa Parks Department was a guest speaker regarding upcoming Stickball Park and Council Oak Park improvements. Arvest Bank, thru its CEO Don Walker, is donating $500,000 for improvements to the parks. Improvements are to include placement of statues and sculptures, landscaping, wrought iron fencing, a brick walkway between the two parks, lighting and irrigation. The landscaping and art work will be of Indian nature. The Tulsa Preservation Commission is to hear and approve plans regarding the improvements next week. Narrative signs outlining the history of the parks are being planned by the Tulsa Preservation Commission. The project is moving quickly and will be substantially completed by 1/1/08. A ground breaking ceremony was suggested. Letters of appreciation will be sent to Arvest Bank and the Tulsa Preservation Commission for their efforts in making the project possible.
Jean Fletcher with the Yes for River project was also a guest speaker. She discussed the 0.4 cent sales tax initiative vote set on 10/9/07. The $282 million sales tax plan will fund improvements to the Arkansas River and river parks. The Army Corps of Engineers and State of Oklahoma are conducting environmental impact studies on the project. It is estimated that the improvements will lead to more commercial development, new jobs and additional tax revenues. The infrastructure developments would not begin until two years after the tax is initiated to build funds for improvements.
Lucky Lamons spoke briefly regarding the plans by Sinclair for expansion of production at their refinery west of the river. Jerry Mitchell volunteered to serve as RVNA representative on the Citizens Advisory Panel, which will meet several times yearly to address the impact of the refinery expansion on neighborhoods and businesses.
Anne Pollard will chair the nomination committee for officers for 2008. The committee will also include Ron Miller, Lana Taylor and Mike Tomlison.
The treasurer reported $1,227.43 in association funds. Other business included a report that the status of the Vision 2025 funds for neighborhood development is currently not known. Ray Luth is working on establishment of the non-profit tax designation of the association. Plans for the neighborhood block party on Saturday, September 15th, from 11:30 to 2:30 at McBirney Mansion were discussed. The Greek Festival will be held on September 21st to 23rd and volunteers are needed for the event. Ray Luth will preside over the November board and general meetings during Vicki Hibbert’s maternity leave.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.