City Attorney: Committee must obey 'sunshine laws' if exercising oversight authority

Before Wednesday's meeting, the City Attorney for Council Affairs advised Chairman Carter that he must comply with the Open Meetings Act if his committee chooses to perform the functions laid out in the Mayor's Executive Order.

His response? He is asking the Mayor to re-write her order, using language that will allow the Committee to circumvent operate without triggering the law.

In the meantime, the Park Department is following the Executive Order as written. Once again, Mike Perkins presented the committee his tree maintenance plans, and once again the committee chose not to look at them.

So the Park Department, following the Mayor's order, is unable to do any routine tree maintenance. Not good.

Agenda for Wednesday's meeting

The Committee has provided us with a copy of their agenda for tomorrow. Verbatim: 1. Discussion regarding future role and structure of Tree Advisory Committee including: membership; guidelines, bylaws, and/or rules for committee; and affiliation with any other entities. 2. Update regarding recruitment of foresters, arborists, wildlife experts, and/or garden center staff and discussion regarding process for approving requests from City of Tulsa Parks Department for tree trimming and/or removal pursuant to Executive Order. 3. Review requests for tree trimming/removal from Parks Department and authorize work if appropriate, pursuant to Executive Order. 4. Discussion of implementation and progress of Strategic Plan adopted by the Tulsa City Council, including potential funding for the Strategic Plan. 5. Next meeting. 6. Adjourn.