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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN JUNE 8, 2021 REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Palmeri presided. PRESENT: Council Members Courtney Hansen, Aaron Wojciechowski, Lynnsey Erickson, Michael Ford, Matt Mugerauer and Mayor Lori Palmeri ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; and, Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney EXCUSED: Council Member Bill Miller Council Member Hansen read the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Hansen. PROCLAMATION Mayor Palmeri proclaimed June 10, 2021 as World Refugee Day. Tammy McLaughlin, World Refugee Fox Valley, accepted the proclamation on behalf of refugees throughout the area. Mayor Palmeri proclaimed the month of June 2021 as Pride Month in the City of Oshkosh. Rich Marshall, UW Oshkosh thanked Council for making the community a more inclusive and safe environment. INTRODUCTION OF STAFF Kelly Nieforth, Economic Development Services Manager, introduced new staff member Sean Fitzgerald, Economic Development Specialist to the Council and explained the duties of the position included selling City owned properties, assisting GO-EDC, and various projects within the department. Sean Fitzgerald, Economic Development Specialist, expressed his appreciation and passion to assist in the community. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 RECOGNITION Mr. Rohloff explained that Oshkosh Media had received several awards at the Midwest Fest Awards; two of the awards were the highest awards the organization gave. He stated one was the Award for Excellence for the public service announcement that provided information for the absentee voting process and the other was the Best of Show Award for a Common Council Virtual Meeting on August 25, 2020 that was recognized during uncertain time. He stated Oshkosh Media had continually provided excellent productions. CITIZENS STATEMENTS There were no citizen statements. LICENSE HEARINGS Resolution 21-295 Approve Combination “Class B” License / Pubs and More LLC / Pubs and More / 709 Otter Avenue– Including Hearing on Non-Renewal of License Mayor Palmeri declared the hearing closed. MOTION: RE-OPEN HEARING (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Mugerauer) LOST: Noes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri MOTION: FINDING OF FACTS (Mugerauer; Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Mayor Palmeri explained the hearing procedure. Ms. Ubrig stated at the April 27, 2021 Council Meeting staff, was directed to notify Pubs and More LLC of the City’s intent not to renew their liquor license for failure to comply with Section 4-6 of the City’s Municipal Code Required Use of License. She explained on May 17, 2021 the City Clerk’s office sent a summons and notice of intent to not renew the license issued to Pubs and More LLC to the registered agent Kurt Jacobson at the address listed on his application. She clarified copies of the affidavit and official documents had PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 3 been provided in the Council Agenda. She stated the summons and notice was served to Mr. Jacobson on May 25, 2021 and a copy of the Certificate of Service had been provided to Council in the agenda. She explained the business had been closed since December of 2019, Council did approve the 2020-2021 license, and she did not issue the license. Mayor Palmeri explained the deliberating process. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer made a motion to re-open the hearing and asked when the last time the business had a valid license. Ms. Lorenson administered an Oath to Clerk Ubrig. Ms. Ubrig explained the last time the license was valid was December of 2019. Mayor Palmeri declared the hearing closed. Ms. Lorenson explained a yes vote would approve the renewal of the license and no vote would not renew the license. Council Member Ford stated the memo explained if the applicant did not attend the hearing the allegations were correct from the City’s point of view. Ms. Lorenson read the findings of fact and conclusions of law. She updated the findings of fact to include the Pubs and More LLC license had not been used since December of 2019. Mayor Palmeri asked Clerk Ubrig to notify the applicant of the Council’s determination. Resolution 21-296 Approve Combination “Class B” License / G.S. Davies, Inc. / Sherman House / 1029 S. Main Street– Including Hearing on Non-Renewal of License MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mayor Palmeri; Noes (1) Mugerauer Mayor Palmeri explained the hearing procedure. Ms. Ubrig stated at the April 27, 2021 Council Meeting staff was directed to notify G.S. Davies Inc. of the City’s intent not to renew their liquor license for failure to comply with Section 4-6 of the City’s Municipal Code Required Use of License. She explained on May 17, 2021 the City Clerk’s office sent a summons and notice of intent to not renew the license PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 4 issued to G.S. Davies Inc. to the registered agent Gary Davies at the address listed on his application. She explained copies of the affidavit and official documents had been provided in the Council Agenda. She stated the summons and notice was served to the business on May 18, 2021 and a copy of the Certificate of Service had been provided to Council in the agenda. She explained the business had been closed since December of 2019, Council did approve the 2020-2021 license, and she did not issue the license. Ms. Ubrig administered an oath to Gary and Eric Davies. Gary Davies, 1241 Glane Court, stated the property had damage due to a prior occupant and had a difficult time scheduling a construction company to assist with repairs. He explained they had tried to fix the work themselves. He stated due to family health issues the building updates were put on hold and hoped to have the business ready to open in July 2021. Eric Davies, 4209 Oregon Court, explained the modifications to the building, a wall was removed and the space would now be one bar and restaurant. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if the intention was to re-open the business or rent the property. Mr. Gary Davies stated they would re-open the property and in the future they would lease or sell. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if there was supporting documentation to show the damage to the property from the prior tenants. Mr. Eric Davies explained he had photos and that the business went through a court proceedings regarding the damage. Mayor Palmeri asked if the license holder was aware they could re-apply once the business was ready to open. Mr. Gary Davies stated the property was close to re-opening with an anticipated date in July. Council Member Ford asked if they were confident the business would open in July. Mr. Gary Davies explained he was confident to have the business opened at the end of July. He stated the business had a difficult time with COVID-19 and that they had never had a problem in the past. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 5 Resolution 21-297 Approve Combination “Class B” License / Witzke’s Tavern LLC / Witzke’s Tavern / 1700 Oregon Street – Including Hearing on Non- Renewal of License MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford) LOST: Noes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri MOTION: FINDING OF FACT (Ford; second Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Mayor Palmeri explained the hearing procedure. Ms. Ubrig stated at the April 27, 2021 Council Meeting staff was directed to notify Witzke’s Tavern LLC of the City’s intent not to renew their liquor license for failure to comply with Section 4-6 of the City’s Municipal Code Required Use of License. She explained on May 17, 2021 the City Clerk’s office sent a summons and notice of intent to not renew the license issued to Witzke’s Tavern LLC to the registered agent John Rasmussen at the address listed on his application. She explained copies of the affidavit and official documents had been provided in the Council Agenda. She stated the summons and notice was served the business on May 17, 2021 and a copy of the Certificate of Service had been provided to Council in the agenda. She explained the business had been closed since October of 2019 and Council did approve the 2020-2021 license, and she did not issue the license. She stated there was clearance needed from the Department of Revenue on the establishment. Ms. Ubrig administered an oath to John Rasmussen. John Rasmussen, 4062 Oregon Street, explained the property had sustained significant water damage and he recently added a partner to assist with getting the business open. He stated his previous accountant had held the financials and would not release them. He explained he was making restitution payments to the Department of Revenue. He stated he had some difficult family circumstances as well as COVID-19. He explained the business had not been able to recover due to staffing issues with theft and employees leaving. Council Member Ford what the timeline was to re-open. Mr. Rasmussen stated he projected before the end of the year with the updates that need to be done. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 6 Council Member Ford asked if the Department of Revenue issue was resolved. Mr. Rasmussen explained the 2018 and 2019 taxes needed to be paid. Council Member Ford asked if there was a criminal complaint against the former manager for the theft. Mr. Rasmussen explained he did not have enough proof other than the audit. Mayor Palmeri asked if there was an insurance claim for the theft or dishonesty. Mr. Rasmussen stated he did not file a claim. Council Member Hansen questioned the timeframe to re-open. Mr. Rasmussen stated he was unsure with the price of materials and lack of help. He explained the roof needed to be replaced as well as the flooring. Mayor Palmeri asked if he was aware he could re-apply once the business was ready to open. Mr. Rasmussen stated he was excited to re-open the business. Council Member Ford explained he would not support the renewal due to no proof of evidence or a defined path to re-open the business. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated if the license was not renewed, the applicant could apply for a license once the business was be ready to re-open. Council Member Ford asked to include language in the finding of facts that there was not a plan to open by the end of the year. Ms. Lorenson suggested to add language that the licensee presented no specific plan for reopening. She read the findings of fact and conclusions of law. She updated the findings of fact to include the Witzke’s Tavern LLC license had not been used since October of 2019. Mayor Palmeri asked Clerk Ubrig to notify the applicant of the Council’s determination. Resolution 21-298 Approve Combination “Class B” License / Lang Development Inc. / Lang Development / 607 S. Main Street – Including Hearing on Non- Renewal of License PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 7 MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford) LOST: Ayes (1) Hansen; Noes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri MOTION: FINDING OF FACT (Ford; second Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Mayor Palmeri explained the hearing procedure. Ms. Ubrig stated at the April 27, 2021 Council Meeting staff was directed to notify Lang Development Inc. of the City’s intent not to renew their liquor license for failure to comply with Section 4-6 of the City’s Municipal Code Required Use of License. She explained on May 17, 2021 the City Clerk’s office sent a summons and notice of intent to not renew the license issued to Lang Development Inc. to the registered agent Nicholas Lang at the address listed on his application. She explained copies of the affidavit and official documents had been provided in the Council Agenda. She stated the summons and notice was served to the business on May 17, 2021 and a copy of the Certificate of Service had been provided to Council in the agenda. She explained the business had been closed since December of 2019, Council did approve the 2020-2021 license, and she did not issue the license. Ms. Ubrig administered an oath to Nicholas and Peter Lang. Nicholas Lang, 1950 White Swan Drive, explained the former tenant had left in December of 2019 and the development had a hard time finding a new tenant or buyer due to COVID- 19. He stated in December a buyer became interested in four buildings which included the licensee building. He explained the buyer decided not to go through with the purchase. Peter Lang, 2300 White Swan Drive, explained the buildings were listed for sale and they continued to negotiate with potential leasees. Mr. Nicholas Lang stated with the new Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines there had been interest and had three potential businesses view the space and could provide documentation of their communication. He explained their passion for the area and stated they would be willing to assist with financing options. Mr. Peter Lang stated in March 2021 the Health Department had walked through the space and made a few minor required modifications. He stated City staff had given direction if they acquired a new tenant they would have to wait until July 2, 2021 to reapply for the license. He explained they could possibly have the business open quickly with some PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 8 direction and provide financial assistance for a potential tenant. Council Member Ford asked why the potential tenants fell through. Mr. Nicholas Lang explained the tenants did not fall through, the buyer that was going to purchase multiple properties fell through in March. Mr. Peter Lang stated after the buyer fell through they remarketed the property and worked to find a potential tenant. He explained finding a tenant would be the fastest path to open the business. Mr. Nicholas Lang expressed there was interest in the property. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked the viability of selling or leasing the property with or without a liquor license. Mr. Nicholas Lang stated it becomes difficult with the uncertainty of the license. Mr. Peter Lang explained some of the tenants were possibly leaving employment to open without a clear path. Council Member Ford asked what the timeline would be. Mr. Peter Lang projected to be open within 120 days. He understood they had to come back in July 2021 to have the license issued. He explained that within that timeframe the required modification would be made as well as possibly signing a lease with a tenant. Mayor Palmeri asked how many licenses were available. Ms. Lorenson administered an Oath to Clerk Ubrig. Ms. Ubrig clarified the license in question would go into effect on July 1, 2021. Mr. Peter Lang asked if they would need to come back for the license approval. Ms. Ubrig stated they would not need to come back instead the new tenant would need to apply and the application would come to Council for approval. She explained the number of licenses available were 3 regular, 2 within the Sawdust District and 1 for $10,000 that could only be issued when all other licenses were issued. She stated there were also the 2 regular licenses available from the previous hearings. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 9 Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked what the process would be if Lang Development leased out the building or sold the building. Ms. Ubrig explained the process would be similar if the new owner or leasee applied for a license. She stated Lang Development would sign a relinquishment letter that stated the new owner or leasee could apply for the license, the new applicant would fill out the paperwork, the City Clerk’s Office would do a publication, inspections would be completed, Council would review and approve then the license would then be issued. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer clarified if there was a license available the process would be the same. Ms. Ubrig confirmed that was correct. Mayor Palmeri stated the leasee would have to apply regardless of Council’s decision if Lang Development leased or sold the property. Ms. Ubrig explained yes and the business would meet with the Police Department, Health Department and need to pass inspections. Mr. Nicholas Lang appreciated the time of the Council and stated Lang Development would diligently work to develop the surrounding area. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer acknowledged the work that Lang Development had done with the Sawdust District. He stated knowing the licensing process either with a buyer or potential tenant he would not support the renewal of the license. Mayor Palmeri explained the intent of the policy was to create a pool of licenses to be available for future businesses. Council Member Ford asked to include language in the finding of facts that there was not a plan to open by the end of the year. Ms. Lorenson read the findings of fact and conclusions of law and updated that the Lang Development Inc. license had not been used since December of 2019 and added the licensee presented no specific plan for reopening. Mayor Palmeri stated Clerk Ubrig would notify the applicant of the Council’s determination. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 10 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS There were no public comments on agenda items. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Report of Bills by the Finance Director. Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Museum Board Minutes from April 29, 2021. Resolution 21-299 Approve Contract for Wisconsin Hazardous Materials Response System Services with the State of Wisconsin Resolution 21-300 Authorize City Officials to Sign Non-Judicial Settlement Agreement for Ziebell Trust for the Benefit of The Oshkosh Public Museum Resolution 21-301 Award Bid to USSI Holdings d/b/a Utility Sales Service for Full Size Step Van for the Parks Department ($74,219.00) Resolution 21-302 Amend Policy for Special Assessments Relative to Fifty Percent Reduction on Rear Side Street Frontage of Any Lot that Abuts Three Streets Resolution 21-303 Approve Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Speedy Clean Drain & Sewer, Inc. for Sanitary and Storm Sewer Main and Lateral Televising Services ($47,405.00) Resolution 21-304 Approve Supporting the Restoration of Recycling Grant Funding Resolution 21-305 Approve Resolution authorizing the issuance of approximately $8,666,000 aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2021A, of the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in such amount, providing details, prescribing the form of bond, awarding the bonds to the best bidder, levying taxes, and related matters. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer welcomed the consultant and finance director to provide a brief summary on the bonds. Todd Tavs, Ehlers, explained the City had received bids on 3 of the 5 total obligations that the City would sell to fund the capital improvement program. He stated 2021A & B were PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 11 general obligation bonds and notes to fund all the non-utility projects and 2021C was a utility revenue bond to fund the storm water projects. He stated during the low interest rate environment, tax exempt bonds sell at a premium which meant more money was received than the face value of the bond in return for paying a higher interest rate. He explained the City would take the cash to reduce the issue size or to pay the debt service fund to pay interest. He explained the reason the paramount had gone down was due to the premium bids. He stated on both of the bonds and notes the City received several bids. He explained the consulting firm had seen better results than estimated and true interest rates were indicated. Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, explained the funding was for new projects and there was no re-financing involved. He stated if the market conditions were right the City may re-finance in the future. Mayor Palmeri asked if 2021A was for street improvement, parks and public ground. Mr. Van Gompel stated the bonds were for 20 years and the notes were for 10 years. Resolution 21-306 Approve Resolution authorizing the issuance of approximately $5,550,000 aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2021B, of the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in such amount, providing details, prescribing the form of note, awarding the notes to the best bidder, levying taxes, and related matters. Resolution 21-307 Approve Resolution determining to issue approximately $7,160,000 aggregate principal amount of Storm Water Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2021C, of the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, in such amount providing details, prescribing the form of bond, awarding the bonds to the best bidder, and providing for the payment of said bonds and covenants with respect thereto. Resolution 21-308 Approve Special Event – Wisconsin Waterfowl Association to utilize Sunnyview Exposition Center for the Waterfowl Hunters Expo / August 28, 2021 Resolution 21-309 Approve Special Event – Oshkosh Elks Lodge #292 to utilize Rainbow Memorial Park for the Oshkosh Elks Sheepshead Fishing Tournament / July 17, 2021 Resolution 21-310 Approve Special Event – Jambalaya Arts Inc to utilize the alley area PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 12 behind 401 – 419 N. Main Street for the Art in the Alley / July 10, 2021 Resolution 21-311 Approve Special Event – Mineshaft Oshkosh to host the Mineshaft Beer Garden During EAA in the Mineshaft parking lot / July 23 – August 1, 2021 (daily) Resolution 21-312 Approve Appointment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Council Member Ford asked if Council could continue to receive the application sheet for appointments. Mayor Palmeri explained Council had approved the application last year as the applicant was an alternate. She requested staff to include applications going forward. Resolution 21-313 Approve Combination “Class A” License, Special Class B” Licenses, Taxi-Cab License & Operator Licenses Resolution 21-314 Approve Annual City Licenses (Renewals) MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Mugerauer; second, Ford) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance 21-315 Limit parking to 2 hours on the west side of Oregon Street from 15th Avenue to 79 feet north and correct an existing parking Ordinance on Sawyer Street MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Mr. Rohloff explained the restriping was to correct the work that had been done prior. Ordinance 21-316 Amend Ordinances pertaining to Board of Appeal / Appeals of Administrative Decisions & Zoning Interpretations MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 13 Ordinance 21-317 Amend Ordinances pertaining to Terms of Membership for City Boards and Commission, Consistent Naming of the Fair Housing Commission, and Clarifying and Updating Statutory References Pertaining to the Library Board MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Ordinance 21-318 Amend Parks Ordinances to Add William Waters Plaza as a Park & to Clarify Authority Pertaining to Parking Authorization within Parks MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Ordinance 21-319 Amend Ordinances pertaining to Special Privilege – All Night Parking Permits MOTION: ADOPT (Erickson; second, Ford) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Ordinance 21-320 Approve Zone Change from Multi-Family Residential 12 District (MR-12) to Multi-Family Residential 12 District with a Planned Development Overlay (MR-12-PD) at 2570 Minerva Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Mayor Palmeri asked for a summary of the project. Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager, explained the plan development overlay was necessary for consistency and to move forward with the project. Ordinance 21-321 Approve Closure of Wisconsin Street from Church Avenue to West Irving Avenue and West Irving Avenue from Jackson Street to Wisconsin Street FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 14 Mayor Palmeri asked about the length of closure. James Rabe, Director of Public Works, explained repairs to the street surface were needed and the location of these repairs were within a block of each other. He stated the street would be closed the week of July 12, 2021. Resolution 21-322 Approve and Execute Relocation Order; Approve Determination of Necessity to Acquire; 616 Grand Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked for an explanation. James Rabe, Director of Public Works, explained the land that was acquired at the prior Council meeting to construct a dry storm water retention basin to store runoff to reduce flooding in the area and the only way to get the storm sewer and emergency overflow in and out of the property was through that location. He stated staff had reviewed other potential options and this was the best option. Mayor Palmeri asked if the property was taxed. Mr. Rohloff explained they were taxed through the State. COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Palmeri asked about the structure of the joint workshop for Chapter 30 subdivision code updates & affordable housing and if all the boards and commissions had received the informational packet. Allen Davis, Director Community Development, stated all boards and commissions had received the information. He explained the staff presentation would be forty-five minutes and there would be forty-five minutes for questions from the various participants. Mr. Rohloff asked if the special meeting could be held before or after the joint workshop. Mayor Palmeri asked how much time Council would need for the special meeting. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 15 Mr. Rohloff explained the topic could take about fifteen minutes, he suggested 5:30 p.m. or 5:45 p.m. and Council could use the same link. Mayor Palmeri asked if the meeting was a special meeting or a closed meeting. Mr. Rohloff stated the meeting was a special meeting. Council Member Ford questioned if Council was able to hold the special meeting virtually. Mr. Rohloff stated with the Council rules he was unsure of the virtual option. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated Council would not be able to meet virtual based on their rules. Council Member Ford expressed that he did not want Council to hold virtual meetings out of convenience. Mayor Palmeri stated the 5:30 p.m. meeting would not be enough time with the virtual workshop if Council had to meet in-person before. Ms. Lorenson confirmed the ordinance stated Council would meet in-person in the Council Chambers. Council Member Hansen asked if Council could participate in the workshop virtually in the Council Chambers. Council Member Erickson asked if the board and commission would be virtual. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer explained Council could not participate virtually together in the Chambers. Mayor Palmeri stated the Council allowed board and commissions the option to choose when to return to in-person meeting. Council Member Erickson asked how many board and commissions had decided to continue virtual meetings. Mr. Rohloff stated a handful were virtual. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if the topic was related to public comment. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 16 Council Member Wojciechowski stated he would like to resume meetings to the normal pre-COVID-19 setting. Council Member Erickson suggested to keep Council meetings as they were with virtual public participation. Mayor Palmeri asked what the timeframe would be for Council to resume full in-person participation. Council Member Erickson stated she was unsure. Mayor Palmeri clarified the suggestion was to allow public comment either in-person or virtually. Council Member Ford asked how difficult it was to continue virtual participation. Mr. Rohloff stated with public comment added at the beginning of the meeting the process had worked well and if Council wanted to make the same recommendations for boards and commissions they could do that as well. Council Member Hansen stated Council should go back to all in-person meetings. Mayor Palmeri stated if boards and commissions went to in-person meetings and that did not work Council could revisit the topic. Mr. Rohloff stated the emergency order was still in effect for social distancing. Mayor Palmeri asked if there was a timeframe to declare the emergency order over. Mr. Rohloff stated there was not a timeframe yet to end the order. Mayor Palmeri stated she would support the boards and commissions to have an option of the hybrid model for public comments. Council Member Wojciechowski clarified boards and commissions would be allowed to model the current process Council used. He expressed his support to resume in-person meetings for Council. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer explained if Council continued to allow virtual public comment it should stay at the beginning of the agenda. He stated when the Council decides to no longer allow virtual participation then the meeting would go all in-person. He questioned PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 17 if the virtual option would be appropriate for board and commissions and who would manage the meeting to make sure public comment was accessible for citizens. Mr. Rohloff stated for the non-televised boards and commissions meetings, Information Technology (IT) would need to provide the ability for citizen to participate virtually. He explained some boards and commissions do not have public input. Tony Neumann, Information Technology Manager, stated if boards and commissions intend to have WebEx participants on the screen that would require media services’ assistance. Mayor Palmeri questioned how many boards and commissions were not televised. Mr. Rohloff stated approximately 10. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if there was sufficient staff and resources to accommodate the virtual meetings. Mr. Rohloff stated that it had been a challenge to manage all the meetings. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated his concern for the hybrid model for boards and commissions and suggested City Manager compile information regarding the topic. Council Member Wojciechowski stated he agreed with keeping the all or nothing approach for boards and commissions. Mayor Palmeri asked if the Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting was virtual or in- person. Council Member Wojciechowski stated the past meetings were virtual and the upcoming meeting would be in-person. He explained the virtual meeting allowed for virtual public comments and if citizens were not comfortable for future meeting to participate in-person there were options such as an email or to contact committee members. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer suggested keeping the model of all virtual or all in-person allowing boards and commissions to decide. He stated Council Liaisons could ask their boards and commissions their preference at their next meeting and bring that information back to Council. Mr. Rohloff stated he would allow Council Liaisons to research the boards and commission before adding it back on a future agenda. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 18 Mayor Palmeri explained the Parks Advisory Board would revisit the topic later in the summer and continue virtual meetings. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked when would Council return to the dais. Ms. Lorenson explained the ordinance stated the City would comply with social distancing as recommended by the Winnebago Health Department. She read the ordinance that stated persons present within boards and commissions meetings or Council would comply with the current social distancing of the Winnebago County Health Department. Council Member Erickson recommended updating the ordinance to include the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Ms. Lorenson stated if there were no current recommendations from the Winnebago County Health Department then the ordinance did not need to be changed. Mayor Palmeri asked if the information should be tied to the CDC recommendation for those who were vaccinated then social distancing was not required. Mr. Rohloff explained the CDC guidelines were inferred in the public health guidelines, therefore, the rules would need to be changed. He suggested to waive the rules and change the ordinance so Council could return to the dais with the revised rules. Council Member Ford asked if the topic could be added to the special meeting agenda. Ms. Lorenson asked about the date of the special meeting. Mr. Rohloff stated the meeting would happen on or by June 11, 2021. Mayor Palmeri asked Council if they were comfortable with returning to the dais. Council confirmed they were all comfortable returning. Council Member Wojciechowski asked what the layout would be for future meetings after returning to in-person meetings. Mayor Palmeri asked if the layout of room 404 would be for individuals in attendance of the meeting. Mr. Rohloff explained there would be a staff podium and a public podium for citizens. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 19 COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions Council Member Wojciechowski reported on the following: Sustainability Advisory Board  Presentation on Solar Panel Comparison  Presentation on Urban Permaculture and Orchids Council Member Ford asked if the public could obtain a copy of the Solar Panel presentation. Council Member Wojciechowski stated he would provide the information. Council Member Erickson Oshkosh Housing Authority  Welcomed Executive Director – Stuart Kuzik Council Member Ford Committee on Aging  Presentation on the Purple Angel Program from Aging Disability Resource Center CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Mr. Rohloff stated staff was still working with R.A. Smith on the special assessment fee issue. He explained a memo would be provided prior to the next meeting for an update on the City Manager goals. He stated the City would provide a public input sessions regarding the Clearwell Project and a site visit to the plant for interested participants. He explained for security reasons no photos would be allowed during the tour and that the Public Service Commission (PSC) had requested more information on the improvements not related to the tanks. He stated due to the PSC’s request, there would be time for public input sessions and provide validation to the public. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated he was interested in hearing the background information on the project. Mayor Palmeri expressed that the City explained what was required and what was recommended. Mr. Rohloff stated the City would explain the details to the public and Council. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – JUNE 8, 2021 20 Council Member Ford asked what the timeline would be to provide information. Mr. Rohloff stated the information could be ready within the next month and plan for a tour of the site along with public input session. Mr. Rohloff explained the American Rescue Act Plan (ARPA) application could be returned via mail, scanned, handwritten and there would be three public input session dates: June 17th at 10:00 a.m., June 21st at 2:00 p.m. and June 23rd at 6:00 p.m. He stated there would be virtual options and the meetings would be held in-person in the Council Chambers at City Hall. He explained staff had been directed to reach out to boards and commissions to provide input and once all the ideas were compiled they would provide the list to Council. Mayor Palmeri asked to revisit the last citizen survey for suggestions. Mr. Rohloff stated he would do that as well. MOTION: ADJOURN (Mugerauer; second, Hansen) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. PAMELA R. UBRIG CITY CLERK