HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks Advisory Board Manual 2020
Advisory Park Board
2020
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Contents
Open Meetings ……………………………………………………..………………….. 4
Public Records ………………………………………………..…………………….…. 8
Ethics ….…………………………………………………………………….………….. 9
Oshkosh Board and Commission General Rules of Order …………..….………… 16
Ordinances ……………….……………………………………………..……….…….. 25
Purpose and Interrelationship of Council,
Boards and Commissions, and other Resources …………………..……………….. 29
Guidance for Decision-making ………………………………………………………. 34
Additional Resources …………………………………………………..……………... 40
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PUBLIC POLICY
OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS
In recognition of the fact that a representative government of the American type is
dependent upon an informed electorate, it is declared to be the policy of this state that
the public is entitled to the fullest and most complete information regarding the affairs of
government as is compatible with the conduct of governmental business.
To implement and ensure the public policy herein expressed, all meetings of all state and
local governmental bodies shall be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to
members of the public and shall be open to all citizens at all times unless otherwise
expressly provided by law.
§19.81 (1) and (2) Wisconsin Statutes
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OPEN MEETINGS
The Open Meetings law requires all meetings of State and Local governmental bodies to
be publicly held in places reasonably accessible to and open to all citizens at all times,
unless otherwise expressly provided by law.
The Open Meetings law applies to “meetings”. A meeting is defined as 1) the convening
of members of a governmental body 2) for the purpose of exercising the responsibilities,
authority, power or duties delegated to or vested in the body.
1) A “governmental body” is defined as: “a state or local agency, board, commission,
committee, council, department or public body corporate and politic, created by
constitution, statute, ordinance, rule or order … or a formally constituted subunit
of the foregoing.”
2) “Meeting" includes regular and special meetings of the board or commission but
may also include other types of interactions and gatherings, a meeting may be
formal or informal, and includes discussion or information gathering on matters
within the Board’s realm of responsibility.
Two Tests -- the purpose requirement and the numbers requirement.
The Purpose Test -- What is the purpose of this gathering? Are you exercising the
responsibilities, authority, power or duties delegated to this board? Are you discussing
or gathering information on a matter before you or likely to come before you?
The Numbers Test – If one half or more of the members of the body are present, it is
rebuttably presumed to be a meeting. The numbers test is met when a number sufficient
to determine the body’s course of action on the business under consideration is present.
(Negative quorums – majority and supermajority votes)
If both tests are met, then there is a meeting of the governmental body.
Communication Outside of a Regular Meeting:
The statute specifically excludes social or chance gatherings and other gatherings where
you are not exercising your authority, power, or responsibilities.
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Special Considerations:
Written correspondence – The circulation of a paper or hard copy memorandum or letter
among the members of a governmental body is generally not going to be considered a
“convening of the members” for purposes of the open meetings law. This is going to
usually involve a largely one-way flow of communication, any exchanges that may occur
are probably going to be spread out over time, and there will be little or no conversation-
like exchange between members. Not recommended for quasi-judicial matters.
Telephone conference calls would be very similar to in-person conversation and exchanges
and would be viewed as a convening of the members of the body.
Electronic Communications such as email and instant messaging may constitute a
convening of the members depending on how the communication medium is used. No
court has yet applied the open meetings law to this type of correspondence, but it is likely
the court will evaluate this similarly to other types of situations it has evaluated and look
at whether it is more like written correspondence or more like in-person communication.
The AG’s office has given some guidance on this issue and says that courts are likely to
consider (1) the number of participants involved in the communications; (2) the number
of communications regarding the subject; (3) the time frame within which the electronic
communications occurred; and (4) the extent of the conversation-like interactions
reflected in the communications.
The AG’s office strongly discourages the members of every governmental body from
using electronic mail to communicate about issues within the body’s realm of authority.
This type of communication has a very rapid nature of back and forth exchanges, the
general way many people write email is in conversational tones, be aware that you may
think you are sending to only one person but your email may be forwarded and
commented upon and you, as the sender, will have no control over that type of exchange.
Someone can hit "reply all" and the conversation is started.
Walking Quorums
A “walking quorum” is a series of gatherings among separate groups of members of a
governmental body who agree tacitly or explicitly to act uniformly in sufficient number
to reach a quorum. The requirements of the open meetings law cannot be circumvented
by using an agent or surrogate to poll the members of governmental bodies through a
series of individual contacts. The essential feature of the “walking quorum” is the
element of agreement among members of a body to act uniformly in sufficient numbers
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to reach a quorum. Where there is no agreement theoretically exchanges may take place
without violating the open meetings law, however this is not recommended.
General discussion regarding public policy and matters should be held in public
meetings unless an exception to the open meetings law applies.
Meetings of Multiple Bodies/Notices of Observation
When a quorum of members of one governmental body attend a meeting of another
governmental body under circumstances that are not chance or social, in order to gather
information or otherwise engage in governmental business regarding a subject over
which they have the decision-making responsibility, both governmental units must be
noticed.
If you are planning to attend something other than your usual meetings that may fit
within your responsibilities, let staff know if you are invited to something and if you plan
to attend, so that the matter can be noticed properly if needed.
Generally, it is easier and safer to avoid the potential issues being raised than to try to defend
actions later.
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If the Open Meetings law applies, what is required?
Notice – reasonably apprising the public and media of the topics to be discussed and
items to be acted upon
Timing – at least 24 hours in advance; 24 hours is a minimum, greater notice is most often
preferable
Closed Sessions must be noticed – limited to statutory exceptions
Accessibility – must be reasonably accessible, open to the public, reasonably accessible to
persons with disabilities
Tape recording/videotaping -- o.k. as long as it does not interfere with the conduct of the
meeting
Citizen participation – The open meetings law allows citizens the right to attend and
observe but does not require that the public be allowed to speak or actively participate,
unless required by another statute, such as a public hearing on zoning issues. The
governmental body is free to determine for itself whether and to what extent it will allow
citizen participation.
Minutes and recording of votes – you are required to keep a record of the motions and
roll call votes of each meeting of the body
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PUBLIC RECORDS
Generally, staff will take care of this for you.
Records will be maintained by staff so you do not need to keep copies of the agenda,
minutes and other items that you receive from staff, except as it may be helpful to you in
doing your functions.
If you receive private correspondence, letters, emails, texts, social media messages, or any
other form of recorded or written communication or information related to the business
of this body, those are also public documents. The records must be kept – you may keep
them yourself or you may give the records to staff to maintain. The general retention
period is 7 years so whatever method you choose, you should make sure to maintain the
records for a period of at least 7 years.
Staff will also respond to all records requests. If there is a request for documents that
includes for example, emails to the members. We would get in touch with you and
request members supply all information that they have in their possession that may be
responsive to the request, we would then evaluate it and provide the appropriate
information responsive to the request.
Using your own computer for the conduct of governmental business – email, blogging,
etc…... not recommended. Use of your own computer or other electronic device may
raise concerns related to record retention and the privacy of the “private” system may be
challenged. Some possible solutions may include the creation of a separate email address
solely for the purpose of this commission and its correspondence or creation of a separate
folder for this purpose within your email system.
The new city website establishes a contact form for each board member for emails. Email
inquiries or comments made through this contact form are automatically archived by the
City’s computer system, however, if you respond to the person via email, you should
archive the email using one of the methods outlined above and/or copy the email to your
city staff liaison so the email may be archived in the city system.
If you receive an email to your own email address outside of this contact system, you
should archive the email using one of the methods outlined above and/or copy the email
to your city staff liaison with a note that you received it at your home address and are
providing the copy for archive purposes.
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ETHICS
In general, there are two kinds of restrictions placed upon local officials. The first restricts
an official from personally profiting from holding the public office. The second restricts
an official from participating in decisions in which the official has a personal financial
interest.
Accepting items
A. A local public official may not accept items or services of substantial value for private
benefit, or for the benefit of the official's immediate family or associated organizations,
if offered because of public position.
B. A local public official may not accept (and no one may offer or give) anything of value
that could reasonably be expected to influence the official's vote, official actions or
judgment.
C. A local public official may not accept (and no one may offer or give) anything of value
that could reasonably be considered a reward for any official action or inaction.
Controlling conflicting interests
A. A local public official may not take official action substantially affecting a matter in
which the official, the official's immediate family, or associated organization has a
substantial financial interest.
B. A local public official may not use office or position to produce a substantial benefit
for official, family, or associated organization.
If you have any questions about an upcoming item and whether you should vote on it or
if you have any questions about a gratuity or anything else where you are concerned
about the ethics of it, please feel free to call the City Attorney’s office.
substantial means not nominal, insignificant or trivial
"Associated", when used with reference to an organization, includes any
organization in which an individual or a member of his or her immediate family is a
director, officer or trustee, or owns or controls, directly or indirectly, and severally or
in the aggregate, at least 10% of the outstanding equity or of which an individual or a
member of his or her immediate family is an authorized representative or agent.
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Oshkosh Board and Commission
General Rules of Order
Revised July 14, 2020
Rules of Procedure
I. Rules of Decorum
A. Adoption of Civility Pledge.
All participants in city meetings shall conduct themselves according to the
Civility Pledge adopted by the Council on June 14, 2011 by Resolution 11-270.
Pay Attention - Be Aware of Others & Sensitive to the Immediate Context of
Actions
Listen Closely - Understand Other Points of View
Be Inclusive - Welcome All; Don't Exclude Anyone
Don't Gossip - Remind Others of the Importance of this Practice
Show Respect - Honor Others (Especially in Disagreement)
Be Agreeable - Find Opportunities to Agree
Apologize Sincerely - Repair Damaged Relationships
Give Constructive Comments, Suggestions & Feedback - No Personal
Attacks (Focus on Issues)
Accept Responsibility - Don't Shift Blame; Share Disagreements Publicly
B. General Rule of Decorum.
No person shall personally attack a council member, board or commission
member, city official, city employee or any other person. For purposes of this
section personal attacks shall include comments directed at a particular person
or persons which pertain to any matter that is unrelated to the performance of
official duties or the conduct of city business, are threatening, slanderous,
defamatory or obscene or are of such a nature that the comments disrupt the
meeting or cause a disturbance. No person shall make irrelevant, unduly
repetitious, offensive, threatening, slanderous, defamatory, or obscene
remarks or act in such a manner as to disrupt or disturb the orderly conduct of
any meeting, including handclapping, stomping of feet, whistling, shouting or
other demonstrations. Any person violating this provision shall be called to
order by the Presiding Officer. If the conduct continues, the Presiding Officer
may order the person removed and the Board or Commission may make a fact
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finding whether such behavior was outside the scope and content of the rules
and, if applicable, whether the behavior was of a character to cause a breach
of the peace.
II. Rules pertaining to Individuals addressing Boards and Commissions
Boards and Commissions may make such rules pertaining to individuals
addressing matters coming before the board or commission or to individuals
making general statements to the board or commission as the members thereof
may determine.
III. Attendance/Excusal from Meetings
Except in the case of emergency, to be considered an excused absence from a
meeting a members of boards or commissions must give notice to the staff person
assigned to the board or commission at least 24 hours prior to the meeting’s start
time. Prior notice allows for notification to alternate members or for cancellation
and rescheduling of meetings in those cases where a quorum of members may
not be present.
IV. Rules pertaining to Conduct of the Meetings/Motions
The following chart is adopted to govern the most common motions and actions to
be taken at board and commission meetings. The Council has chosen not to be
strictly governed by Robert’s Rules of Order, but where the actions listed below or
other provisions of these Rules do not govern a particular issue, the most recent
version of Roberts Rules of Order may be used for guidance.
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Control of the Agenda
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Withdraw from Agenda1 Yes Yes No Majority
Remove Item from Consent Agenda No No No None
Consider Items out of the Scheduled
Order, Change the Agenda Order
Yes No No 2/3
Suspend Rules Yes No No 2/3
Taking up Items of Business
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Original Motions (items of business) Yes Yes Yes Majority
Amend an Original Motion Yes Yes Yes Majority
Divide the Issue Yes No Yes Majority
Withdraw Motion (by Proposer, with
consent of the Second)
Consent by
Second
No No None
Layover (Table) until a time certain Yes No No Majority
Take an item off the Table Yes No No 2/3
Limiting/ Extending or Ending Debate
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Call for the Question (Close Debate) – no
objection raised
No No No None
Call for the Question (Close Debate) –
objection raised
No No No 2/3
Limit or Extend Debate Yes No Yes 2/3
1 Administration may withdraw an item from the agenda prior to the meeting convening; after the meeting
has convened only the Committee may withdraw items from the agenda.
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a percentage of the
members present and voting
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Changing Previous Actions
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Amend Previously Adopted Motion Yes Yes Yes Majority with
Notice;
2/3 without
prior Notice
Reconsider (member of the prevailing side
may request the body to reconsider its
previous action -- must be made during
the same meeting or the next succeeding
regular meeting)
Yes Yes No Majority
Rescind (repeal/reverse a prior action) Yes Yes Yes Majority with
Notice;
2/3
without prior
Notice
Questions / Concerns and Other Issues
Outside Substance of Debate
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Point of Order (if rules are not being
observed)
No No No Chair Rules
Parliamentary Inquiry (help with
parliamentary procedure, how to do
something)
No No No Chair
provides
assistance
Point of Information (to ask a question) No No No Chair obtains
answer
Question of Privilege (some person or
thing is interfering with the deliberative
process, ie. too noisy, too hot or cold,
belligerent person or member)
No No No Chair directs
corrective
action
Appeal Chair’s Decision Yes Yes No Majority
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a percentage of the
members present and voting
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Ending a Meeting
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Adjourn (ends/closes the meeting) Yes No No Majority
Recess (short break that does not end
meeting)
Yes No Yes Majority
Selection of Officers or Temporary
Chair, if required
Action Second
Required
Debatable Amendable Vote
Required2
Nominations (call 3 times) No No No None
Close Nominations (by Declaration of
Chair or by Motion)
Yes
(if by motion)
No Yes 2/3
Election of Nominees No Yes No Majority
Reopen Nominations Yes No Yes Majority
Temporary Selection of Chair in absence
or disability of Chair and Vice may be
done by selection of the Chair and
Consent of Board
2 Unless otherwise indicated majority or super-majority votes are counted as a percentage of the
members present and voting
Motions. No motion requiring a second shall be discussed or acted upon unless
and until it has received a second. Motions may be withdrawn by the person
making the same, if the motion has received a second, then the person seconding
the motion must also consent to the withdrawal of the motion. Motions may only
be amended by another motion and second (There shall be no “friendly
amendments” to motions) or by withdrawal of the motion and a new motion made.
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Actions/Motions in Order during Debate. When a question is under debate, no
other action or motion shall be in order, except:
1) Questions/Concerns and Other Issues Outside the Substance of Debate as
identified within the table above;
2) To recess;
3) To adjourn;
4) To lay the matter over to a specific date or to be returned to the Committee
upon the occurrence of a specific event;
5) To Call the Question;
6) To Divide the Issue;
7) To Amend; or
8) To withdraw the motion
The items listed above shall have precedence in the order in which they are listed.
Vote Change. A member shall only be permitted to change his/her vote upon a
matter at the time their name is called by the secretary to the committee and no
member shall be permitted to change his/her vote on a matter once a succeeding
member has cast his/her vote.
Abstentions / Voting Present. In the event that a board or commission member
declines to vote, that member shall not be counted toward the number present and
shall not have their vote counted as either “aye” or “no” in relation to the matter. If
a member’s declining to vote causes the board or commission to fall below a
quorum voting on the matter, the board or staff may ask the applicant if they wish
to have the matter scheduled for consideration at the next meeting of the board or
commission when a quorum may be present or if the applicant wishes to have the
matter forwarded to council without recommendation. Staff shall consider the
wishes of the applicant, any statutory or ordinance time limits and any other
considerations or limitations with respect to the particular matter in determining
whether to reschedule the matter before the board or commission for further
consideration, forward the matter to Council or take other action as may be
appropriate with regard to the matter.
Motions to Lay Over shall include Date or Time Frame for Action. Motions to lay
over shall include a specific date to be returned to the body or shall require return
upon a specific occurrence within a specified time frame. If the occurrence shall
not happen within the specified time frame, the staff person assigned to the board
or commission shall notify the committee at the end of the time frame that the
matter shall not be brought forward and make appropriate notation to the minutes
of the meeting during which the matter was laid over. When considering motions
to lay over, the board or commission shall consider the wishes of the applicant,
any statutory or ordinance time limits and any other considerations or limitations
with respect to the particular matter as may be appropriate.
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Reconsideration. Except as action may have already been taken in reliance upon
the prior approval/disapproval of an item, any member who voted with the
prevailing side on any question may move for reconsideration of a vote at the same
meeting or at the next succeeding regular meeting of the committee by notifying
the staff person assigned to the committee of the member’s request to have the
reconsideration included on the Agenda for the next succeeding regular meeting.
A motion to reconsider having been put and lost shall not be renewed by the same
or any other member.
Termination of Debate / Calling the Question. Any member wishing to terminate
debate may move the previous question (call the question). The presiding officer
shall ask whether there is any objection to calling the question. If no objection is
voiced, then the secretary shall record unanimous consent to terminate the debate.
If an objection is voiced, a roll call vote shall be taken and 2/3 of members present
shall be required to terminate the debate. If debate is terminated, the question,
including any pending amendments, shall be taken without further debate.
Use of Unanimous Consent. Unanimous Consent shall only be used for
termination of debate, motions to adjourn, motions to recess and for elections for
Chair or Temporary Chair when there shall be only one member put forward for
election.
Suspension of the Rules. The committee shall not be permitted to suspend any
rule adopted by the Council and applicable to the committee. A vote of two-thirds
of the members present may suspend the order of business or any rule adopted
by the committee.
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ORDINANCES
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ARTICLE VI. CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
DIVISION 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 2-36 RULES, MINUTES, NOTICE AND COMPENSATION
Unless specifically modified elsewhere in this Code, the following provisions shall apply to all
boards or commissions of the City of Oshkosh:
(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained within this Municipal Code, terms
for all citizen advisory boards, commissions and committees, whether enumerated in this
Chapter or elsewhere in this Code, shall begin on June 1 and shall terminate on May 31 of
the respective year; except that the terms for Board of Review shall begin on May 1 and
shall terminate on April 30 of the respective year.
(B) Except for boards and commissions specifying a particular membership by the person’s
position or title and members of the Library Board and BID Board, all persons appointed
to or serving as a member of a standing board or commission of the City shall be residents
of the City of Oshkosh. A vacancy is created whenever a member who is required under
this section to be a resident of the City of Oshkosh ceases to be a resident of the City of
Oshkosh.
(C) Individuals shall serve on no more than two (2) boards or commissions for the City of
Oshkosh.
(D) In order to provide continuity, appointments to boards and commissions shall be made
upon a staggered basis so that a proportionate share of each board or commission is
initially appointed for staggered terms and thereafter appointed for full terms.
(E) Boards and commissions shall hold regular meetings at a regular time and place as fixed
by the board or commission. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson upon
written notice to the members. Meetings shall be duly and properly noticed and open to
the public as provided by law.
(F) Boards and commissions shall generally be governed by such rules of order as the Council
may adopt from time to time as may be necessary for the efficient conduct of business.
Boards and commissions may, in addition to those general rules, adopt specific rules for
their governance and procedures as may be appropriate for the conduct of business before
the individual board or commission. The most recent version of Roberts Rules of Order
may be used for guidance if a matter is not addressed within the adopted Rules of Order.
(G) Each board and commission shall keep minutes of its proceedings, showing the vote of
each member upon each question, or if absent or failing to vote, indicating such fact, and
shall keep records of its examinations and other official actions, all of which shall be
immediately filed with the secretary of the board or commission or with the City Clerk
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and shall be public records. Minutes of the meetings shall be forwarded to the City
Council.
(H) Each board and commission shall elect from its membership a chairperson who shall
preside at all meetings and a vice chairperson who shall exercise the powers of
chairperson in the absence or disability of the chairperson. Each shall serve one-year
terms, until a successor is elected and qualified.
(I) No compensation shall be paid to any board or commission member for service as such,
but members may be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in
performing related duties outside the City if so authorized by the board or commission
and approved by the City Manager.
(J) A majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum. A lesser number may adjourn.
A majority vote of those members present and voting shall be necessary to adopt any
motion. In the event that a board or commission member declines to vote, except as
provided below, the secretary shall record the vote as “present” and that member shall
not be counted toward the number present and shall not have their vote counted as either
“aye” or “no” in relation to the matter. In the event that a board or commission member
declines to vote and by declining to vote, the board or commission member’s declining to
vote shall reduce the number present at the meeting to below a quorum of the board or
commission, city staff shall consider the wishes of the applicant, any statutory or
ordinance time limits and any other considerations or limitations with respect to the
particular matter in determining whether to reschedule the matter before the board or
commission for further consideration, forward the matter to Council or take other action
as may be appropriate with regard to the matter.
(K) The Mayor, subject to Council approval, or the chairperson, subject to board or
commission approval, may establish subcommittees for specific purposes as determined
by the Council, or the board or commission. These general provisions shall apply to all
subcommittees.
(A) The Mayor, subject to Council approval, may appoint up to two (2) alternates to any board
or commission except the Police and Fire Commission, the Library Board or as otherwise
may be prohibited by law. Without regard to the length of term for other members of the
Board or Commission, the term for each alternate member shall be two (2) years.
Alternates shall be authorized to act in the place of and shall have all authority and
responsibility to act as a member of the board or commission in the absence or upon the
recusal of any regular member of the board or commission.
(B) The Mayor, subject to Council approval, may appoint up to two youth members, defined
as persons between the ages of 15-19, to any board or commission except the Police and
Fire Commission, the Library Board or as otherwise may be prohibited by law. Without
regard to the length of term for other members of the board or commission, the term for
each youth member shall be one (1) year, or such other term no longer than one (1) year,
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as may be specified within the appointing Resolution (ex. an appointment for a semester
or school year). Youth members shall not be entitled to vote on matters but may
participate in the discussion of legislative matters before the board or commission in the
same manner as other board or commission members, but may not participate as a
member of the board or commission in quasi-judicial matters that may come before the
board or commission.
SECTION 2-51 ADVISORY PARK BOARD
(A) Membership and Terms
The Advisory Park Board shall consist of nine (9) members, one of whom shall be a City
Council Member. Citizen members shall serve for a term of three (3) years and the council
member shall serve for a term of one (1) year.
(B) Functions
The Advisory Park Board is empowered and directed to:
(1) Advise and assist the City Parks Director, City Administration, Common Council,
and Planning Commission in planning and developing the Oshkosh Park System
to include parks, open spaces, forestry, municipal cemeteries, waterways, and
other related areas.
(2) Participate in the development of the Parks Capital Improvement Program and
annually recommend priorities.
(C) Coordination of the Advisory Park Board with other Governmental Units
Prior to acting on the Park Capital Improvements Budget or any Park Acquisition or sale
the Common Council and Planning Commission shall obtain an advisory review from the
Park Board.
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PURPOSE AND INTERRELATIONSHIP OF
COUNCIL, BOARDS AND
COMMISSIONS AND OTHER RESOURCES
Within the City’s ordinances, the Director of the Parks Department or their designee shall
serve as coordinator and recording secretary assigned to assist the Advisory Park Board.
Advisory Park Board: an advisory board assigned to the Parks Department to advise the
City Manager, City Council, Plan Commission, and parks administration regarding parks,
recreation, open spaces, forestry, municipal cemeteries, and waterways. The Board
participates in the development of Comprehensive Plans for individual parks and the
Parks Capital Improvement Program.
City Council: a legislative body, it is the final decision maker on most legislative issues
and is the body that makes policy for the City of Oshkosh through the adoption of
resolutions and ordinances within the authority granted to municipalities through the
Wisconsin Legislature and Home Rule provisions of the Wisconsin State Constitution.
The City Manager is the chief executive for the City of Oshkosh and is responsible for the
day to day operation of the city and direction to departments and city staff.
While some boards and commissions have specific authority pertaining to various issues,
most, including the Advisory Park Board are advisory to the City Manager and Common
Council. A full listing of Boards and Commissions follows, but below are some of the
Boards and Commissions that the Advisory Park Board may more commonly work with
when reviewing matters.
Plan Commission: primarily an advisory body, that can make final decisions limited by
the terms of the zoning ordinance as passed by the Council, and according to the terms
of state law. Plan Commission conducts detailed analyses of land use and zoning issues
through hearings and offers recommendations to the Common Council based upon the
terms of the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance.
Landmarks Commission: primarily an advisory body, makes recommendations to
Council on historic sites, structures and districts; supports and promotes City’s historical,
architectural and cultural heritage; provide information on City’s heritage and on historic
resources; takes action on applications for alterations or demolition of historic structures
but may only approve, approve with conditions or delay alterations or demolition – may
not deny applications.
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Public Arts Advisory Committee: primarily an advisory body although the body acts as
the appeals board for appeals from the City’s mural ordinance. The committee provides
assistance for public art projects that utilize public funding or are located on city property;
promote the arts and beautification of the City; advises the City Manager, Council and
other boards or commissions on matters pertaining to public art and beautification;
facilitates community and agency input pertaining to public art and beautification; and
advises the Common Council on gifts or donations of public art pursuant to the City Gifts
and Donations Policy.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: This is an advisory committee pertaining
to bicycle and pedestrian matters; developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; coordinating
education and encouragement pertaining to bicycle and pedestrian issues; making
recommendations pertaining to projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety; and
recommending expenditures from available bicycle funds.
Sustainability Advisory Board: an advisory board for the purpose of advising the City
Manager and Council on sustainability issues affecting municipal operations and the
community at large. The Board promotes sustainability within the community; advises
on existing and proposed legislation pertaining to sustainability; facilitates citizen and
agency input pertaining to sustainability; and collaborates on the development and
implementation of a Community Sustainability Plan.
Traffic Review and Advisory Board: an advisory board assigned to the Department of
Transportation to advise and assist city staff and the Council regarding issues pertaining
to on-street parking, traffic flow, speed limits and other traffic matters. The Traffic
Review Board also advises and assists city staff and the Council regarding issues
pertaining to paid on-street parking, and municipal parking lots (except those serving
city facilities and parks).
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee: an advisory committee to the City Manager
and Common Council in providing comment and support regarding appropriate
strategies to develop activities, resources, and services that promote a positive
community environment of equity and inclusion, and celebrate the diverse identities of
the City of Oshkosh.
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City of Oshkosh Boards and Commissions
Name Statute Ref. Ord.
Ref. Liaison Frequency of
Meeting
BID Board 66.1109 2-38 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Landmarks
Commission
62.27(7)
(em)
2-48 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Library Board Chapter 43 2-49 Library Director Monthly
Plan Commission 62.23 2-52 Dept. of Comm.
Development
2 per month
Extraterritorial
Zoning Committee
62.23(7a)(c) 2-52.1 Dept. of Comm.
Development
As needed per
year
Board of Police &
Fire
Commissioners
62.13 2-53 Dept. of Administrative
Services
Monthly
Board of Review 70.46 2-56 City Clerk/City
Attorney
Yearly; varies
based on
objections
Board of Zoning
Appeals
62.23(7)(e) 2-59 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Housing Authority
Board
66.1201-
66.1211
None
Redevelopment
Authority
66.1333 Res
03-65
Dept. of Comm.
Development
Every other
month
Long Range
Finance Committee
None 2-44 Director of Finance Monthly
Sustainability
Advisory Board
None 2-42 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Rental Housing None 2-59.2 Dept. of Comm.
Development
TBD
Bicycle &
Pedestrian
Advisory
Committee
None 2-39 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Commission on
Equal Opportunity
in Housing
106.50 2-43 Dept. of Comm.
Development
None
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City of Oshkosh Boards and Commissions
Name Statute Ref.
Ord
or
Ref
Liaison Frequency of
Meeting
Public Arts &
Beautification
Committee
None 2-47 Dept. of Comm.
Development
Monthly
Committee on
Aging
None 2-37 Senior Services
Manager
Advisory Park
Board
None 2-51 Parks Director Monthly
Parking & Traffic
Advisory Board
Director of
Transportation
Monthly
Transit Advisory
Board
None 2-58 Director of
Transportation
Monthly
Public Museum
Board
None 2-54 Museum Director Monthly
Storm Water Utility
Appeals Board
66.0805(6) 2-60;
14-3
Director of Public
Works
Every 4-6 weeks
Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion
Committee
None 2-41 Director of
Administrative Services
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Entities independent of the City of Oshkosh -
Regional Planning Commission: a strictly advisory body created by the State of
Wisconsin §66.0309 Wis. Stats.; have the authority to conduct studies, collect and analyze
data, make and adopt plans for the physical and economic development of the region;
may provide advisory services to local governments including comprehensive planning,
economic development planning, preparation or review of proposed land use regulations,
grant writing, data collection and mapping services.
GO-HNI: Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods Inc. (GO-HNI) is a non-profit
corporation which is independent of the City of Oshkosh but which works with the City
to promote neighborhood development services including community building and
engagement, real estate development and asset management activities within Oshkosh.
Neighborhood Associations: A neighborhood association is a loosely formed group of
residents and property owners within a geographically defined area within the City of
Oshkosh. While the City of Oshkosh recognizes neighborhood associations, they are not
created by and are independent of the City of Oshkosh.
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Guidance for Decision-Making
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General Matters
Role: The Advisory Park Board is responsible for reviewing and providing a
recommendation on various items related to the operation of the City’s Park and
Recreation areas before the Council takes final action. These are nearly always legislative
determinations.
General Procedures – Legislative Matters
Introduce the items by title
Open public comment / enforce the rules of procedure
Close the public comment period
Board action – motion (motions should always be made in the affirmative – move to
approve), second, discussion, vote
Forward recommendation to Council
Ord. Reference: 2-51(B)(1) The Advisory Park Board advises and assists the City Parks
Director, City Administration, Common Council, and Planning Commission in planning
and developing the Oshkosh Park System to include parks, open spaces, forestry, golf
courses, municipal cemeteries, waterways, and other related areas.
Some considerations related to particular items may include:
□ The proposed action is generally consistent with the vision, goals, objectives and
policies contained in the Park Plan, Comprehensive Plan or other applicable plan
□ The proposed action will not be detrimental to or will enhance the park, property
in the immediate vicinity or the community as a whole
□ The proposed action will not have a significant adverse impact on the ability to
provide adequate public facilities or services or will improve public facilities and
services for an underserved portion of the community or the community as a
whole
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General Matters with Significant Impacts on
Individual Persons or Properties
Role: The Advisory Park Board is responsible for reviewing and providing a
recommendation on various items related to the operation of the City’s Park and
Recreation areas before the Council takes final action. In some cases, these
recommendations may have significant impacts on individual persons or properties.
When the Board is considering matters that have a significant impact for particular
individuals or particular properties, the Board may be acting in a quasi-judicial manner
and would be required to provide those individuals Due Process. Due Process requires
that persons whose rights may be affected be provided timely and adequate notice; the
opportunity to be heard before an impartial body; as well as the opportunity to review
the information provided to the Commission and question that information and
witnesses. It is very important in these situations to assure that Board members hear
matters fairly and impartially.
General Procedures -- Quasi-judicial Matters
Introduce the items by title
Report site inspections / disclose communications by Board members
Accept staff report as part of record and request staff to provide summary / technical
questions to staff
Open public comment / enforce the rules of procedure
Request statement / information from applicant
Call for any additional public comment
(the Chair may ask all questions be directed to the Board and the Board may follow
through to seek answers as appropriate)
Close public comment period
Any closing comments from applicant
Board action – motion adopting the staff report as the findings and recommendation of
the Board (with amendments as appropriate), second, discussion, vote
Forward recommendation to Council
Ord. Reference: 2-51(B)(1) The Advisory Park Board advises and assists the City Parks
Director, City Administration, Common Council, and Planning Commission in planning
and developing the Oshkosh Park System to include parks, open spaces, forestry, golf
courses, municipal cemeteries, waterways, and other related areas.
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Some considerations related to particular items may include:
□ The proposed action is generally consistent with the vision, goals, objectives and
policies contained in the Park Plan, Comprehensive Plan or other applicable plan
□ The proposed action will not be detrimental to or will enhance the park, property
in the immediate vicinity or the community as a whole
□ The proposed action will not have a significant adverse impact on the ability to
provide adequate public facilities or services or will improve public facilities and
services for an underserved portion of the community or the community as a
whole
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Review and Recommend CIP
Role: The Advisory Park Board is responsible to review and make a recommendation to
the Common Council relative to the City’s proposed Capital Improvements Program
(CIP). This is a legislative action.
General Procedures – Legislative Matters
Introduce the items by title
Request staff to provide summary/technical questions to staff
Open public comment / enforce the rules of procedure
Close the public comment period
Board action – motion in the affirmative to recommend the Capital Improvements Budget
to the Council (with amendments as appropriate), second, discussion, vote
Forward recommendation to Council
Ordinance Reference: 2-51(B) and (C) provide that the Advisory Park Board will participate
in the development of the Parks Capital Improvement Program and annually recommend
priorities; and that prior to acting on the Park Capital Improvements Budget or any Park
Acquisition or sale the Common Council and Planning Commission shall obtain an
advisory review from the Advisory Park Board.
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Gift Policy and Procedures
Role: The Advisory Park Board is responsible to review and make a recommendation to
the Common Council relative to proposed gifts and donations. The City’s Gift Policy
does allow for the establishment of programs and gifts of typical amenities without full
review, however gifts of Art, new programs or substantial or new gifts, not within an
established program, would require review and recommendation from the Advisory
Park Board if proposed in connection with City parks. This is a legislative action.
General Procedures – Legislative Matters
Introduce the items by title
Request staff to provide summary/technical questions to staff
Open public comment / enforce the rules of procedure
Close the public comment period
Board action – motion in the affirmative to recommend the acceptance of the proposed
program or gift to the Council (with amendments as appropriate), second, discussion,
vote
Forward recommendation to Council
Criteria - See Gift Policy for Specific Criteria.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
State of Wisconsin
www.wisconsin.gov
League of Wisconsin Municipalities
www.lwm-info.org
The League offers a number of useful handbooks and publications including a general
Handbook for Wisconsin Municipal Officials
UW – Extensions Local Government Center
www.lgc.uwex.edu