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PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
FEBRUARY 25, 2020
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers,
City Hall
Mayor Palmeri presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Steven Herman, Matt Mugerauer, Bob Poeschl, Bill Miller,
Deb Allison-Aasby and Mayor Lori Palmeri
EXCUSED: Council Member Jake Krause
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn Lorenson,
City Attorney and James Rabe, Director of Public Works
Council Member Herman read the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Maggie Kilde and Blake Busby from Lourdes
Academy.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
Bernie Pitz, 617 W Irving Avenue, stated his frustration with his street assessment on the
multiple properties that he owned within the City.
Robert McKay, 80 Kope Avenue, stated his dissatisfaction with the assessments and
explained the expenses had devalued their home.
Mayor Palmeri asked if staff could contact Mr. McKay to discuss his concerns.
Mr. McKay explained when the developer built the road, it was required to meet City
conditions.
Deputy Mayor Herman asked staff to look into the issues regarding Kope Avenue.
Mr. Rohloff stated that Kope Avenue was a private road, he would have staff look into
the matter.
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CONSENT AGENDA
Report of Bills by the Finance Director
Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Board Minutes from December 19, 2019
Receipt of Claims filed with the City’s Insurance Company:
A) Anchor Moving Systems for alleged damages to their vehicle from a fire truck
B) William & Vicki Meyer for alleged damages from a sewer backup
C) Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office for alleged damage to their garage door
from an ambulance
Resolution 20-64 Approve Waiver of Purchasing Requirements & Authorize Staff to
Purchase & Install Equipment & Materials for Corrosion Control
Optimization at the Water Filtration Plant
Resolution 20-65 Award Bid to Gartman Mechanical Services Inc. for HVAC
Improvements for the Fire Department ($252,990.00)
Resolution 20-66 Award Bid to Ferguson Waterworks & August Winter & Sons Inc.
for Four (4) Gate Valves & Installation for Wastewater Division
($184,100.00)
Resolution 20-67 Award Bid to Core & Main for 2020 Service Parts, Valve Parts,
Hydrant Parts & Maintenance Parts for Water Utility Division
($118,077.00 estimated)
Resolution 20-68 Approve Purchase of Holmatro Vehicle Extrication Component
Replacements from Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc. for Fire Department
($34,604.00)
Resolution 20-69 Approve Donation of Retired Oshkosh Fire Department Ambulance
to La Esperanza De Chaclacayo Rotary Club for use in Peru
Resolution 20-70 Authorize Entry into an Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement
relating to the “Wisconsin Investment Series Cooperative” &
Participation in the Investment Programs of the Fund
Resolution 20-71 Rescind or Refund Personal Property Taxes:
Go Disc Golf Shop ($99.58)
Midwest Merchandising ($1,220.47)
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Virtual Ink LLC ($94.47)
Aldi Inc ($1,006.00)
Deputy Mayor Herman questioned the refunds.
Russ VanGompel, Director of Finance, explained the properties listed were personal
properties and had self-reported with clerical errors, therefore, they needed to be
corrected.
Council Member Poeschl questioned the clerical error.
Mr. VanGompel stated in most cases the clerical error was on the property owner’s part.
Council Member Poeschl asked how the property owner submit the information.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, explained forms from the
Department of Revenue were used for owners to report the property taxes.
Resolution 20-72 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Concrete
Paving Relating to Contract No. 19-06 / 2737 Harrison Street with
Signed Waiver
Resolution 20-73 Approve Acceptance of Waivers of Special Assessment Notices &
Hearings – 2737 Harrison Street
Resolution 20-74 Approve Final Resolution for Special Assessments for Concrete
Paving Relating to Contract No. 19-06 / 2737 Harrison Street with
Signed Waiver
Resolution 20-75 Approve Amendment to 2020 Operating Budget for:
A) TID 38 Pioneer Redevelopment $40,000
B) TID 39 Cabrini School Redevelopment $40,000
Resolution 20-76 Approve Healthy Neighborhood Initiative Funding through TID #10
Mayor Palmeri questioned if the TIDs were held open for additional funding.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, stated that had been correct and state
law permitted the City to extend a TID for an additional year and that would need to go
into the Healthy Neighborhoods Fund.
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Mayor Palmeri asked the finance department about the funding.
Russ VanGompel, Director of Finance, stated he supported the additional year.
Mayor Palmeri questioned if the City would benefit from holding it open.
Mr. Davis explained the benefit would provide affordable housing.
Resolution 20-77 Approve Healthy Neighborhood Initiative Funding through TID #11
Resolution 20-78 Approve Lease Extension with Fraternal Order of Eagles /William G.
Spanbauer Field Concessions Operations
Resolution 20-79 Approve Special Event – Downtown Oshkosh Business
Improvement District (BID) to utilize Opera House Square for the
BID & UW Oshkosh Scavenger Hunt / April 25, 2020
Resolution 20-80 Approve Special Event – Winnebago Audobon Society & Oshkosh
Bird Fest Committee to utilize Menominee Park for the Oshkosh Bird
Fest / May 2, 2020
Resolution 20-81 Approve Special Event – Catamaran Racing Association of
Wisconsin (CRAW) to utilize Menominee Park, Merritt Street & Lake
Shore Drive for the Crazy Cats Regatta / July 10 – 12, 2020
Resolution 20-82 Approve Special Event – Simply Yoga, LLC to utilize Opera House
Square for Simply Yoga in the Park / July 11 & 25, 2020
Resolution 20-83 Approve Special Event – Wisconsin Alliance of Bass Tournament
Anglers (WABTA) to utilize Rainbow Memorial Park for the
WABTA Fishing Tournament / August 9, 2020
Resolution 20-84 Approve Special Event – Lourdes Academy to utilize City Streets for
the Lourdes Eucharistic Procession / September 3, 2020
Resolution 20-85 Remove Storm Water Utility Appeals Board Member
Resolution 20-86 Approve Appointment to Board of Appeals
Resolution 20-87 Reassign Polling Site for District 15
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Resolution 20-88 Approve Combination “Class A”, Combination “Class B”Class “B”
Fermented Malt, Class “B” Fermented Malt & Class “C” Wine
Licenses, Special Class “B” License, Operator Licenses & Taxi-Cab
License
Deputy Mayor Herman asked if this was a new cab company within the City.
Ms. Ubrig stated yes, the company had submitted their application and met the required
inspections.
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Allison-Aasby; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Mugerauer, Poeschl, Miller, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
MOTION: MOVE WORKSHOP DISCUSSION REGARDING CONCERNS AT
1105 JEFFERSON STREET (Poeschl; second, Miller)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Mugerauer, Poeschl, Miller, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Jackie Steiner, 915 W 5th Avenue, asked that sex offenders not be housed close to schools
for the safety of the children and community. She suggested to void the contract with
Triniteam.
Bruce Kunde, 1115 Jefferson Street, explained the transitional living program had too
many documented situations that were a breach of the contract with the provider.
Joe Stephenson, 934 Jefferson Street, stated the transitional living program had oversite
issues and asked the City for support for a future locations. He explained that the
neighborhood understood that importance of halfway homes and wanted individuals to
get back on their feet, however, the facility needed to be relocated.
Elizabeth Ann Schlaack, 1216 Jefferson Street, expressed her concern regarding the
residents that continuously move into the transitional living program location and asked
that property owners be noticed consistently. She discouraged notices being sent via
email based on the elderly neighbors.
Jamie O’Brien, 1120 Jefferson Street, stated her concerns with the location of the
transitional house and explained she had documented issues with the residents and
property manager. She asked for the location to be relocated for the safety of the residents.
Mayor Palmeri questioned the comment about more transitional housing in the city.
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Ms. O’Brien explained the information came from Representative Gordon Hintz office.
Betsy Kunde, 1115 Jefferson Street, expressed her concerns for students and surrounding
neighbors. She explained the contract auto renews and suggested Council hold a
workshop to discuss the issues and concerns.
Mayor Palmeri questioned the auto renewal of the contract.
Ms. Kunde explained there was a clause in the contract that allowed Triniteam to auto-
renew every 2-4 years.
Deputy Mayor Herman asked what the police department’s experience was with the
transitional living program residents.
Dean Smith, Police Chief, stated the department of corrections and Triniteam had a
contract to manage the transitional living program. He stated in 2019 the Oshkosh Police
Department had 15 calls for service and the majority of those were violations of
probation.
Deputy Mayor Herman asked if there were any concerns with the location near schools.
Chief Smith stated yes he was concerned about the location and suggested an alternative
option be discussed without creating homelessness for the residents of the transitional
living program.
Mayor Palmeri questioned the inconsistency with the notices to the neighbors.
Chief Smith explained the Oshkosh Police Department (OPD) regularly walked the
neighborhood with notices and indicated that some notices do go in their mailboxes.
Mayor Palmeri clarified notices were not sent when a resident left the transitional living
program.
Council Member Allison-Aasby questioned if the city was notified when a resident left
the facility.
Chief Smith stated the police department did not receive notification. He explained that
each individual went through an interview before release from prison and that indicated
what level of notification the department would give.
Council Member Miller questioned if the Department of Corrections (DOC) had given
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the proper amount of time in their notifications to the city to be able to inform the
community.
Chief Smith stated yes, he did. He stated each offender had met with the police
department prior to placement in the transitional living program. He explained that he
had expressed concerns with the DOC regarding individuals he would not agree with
placement at the Jefferson Street location.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would get a meeting with the DOC and Triniteam to discuss the
concerns.
Mayor Palmeri asked about the zoning code.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, explained the zoning code was
established in 2010 that allowed 4 individuals at that site for a lose the non-conforming
status.
Bruce Kunde stated there had been an inmate with an extensive record of break-ins, he
had removed his ankle monitor and was on the run. He stated neighbors had called
Triniteam to inquire about the measures that would be in place to ensure that would not
happen again.
Mayor Palmeri stated Council would have a discussion to set up a workshop. She
thanked the neighbors for their comments.
Council Member Allison-Aasby suggested to invite Gordon Hintz, Dan Feyen and
Michael Schraa to the meeting.
Deputy Mayor Herman suggested to invite a representative from Winnebago County.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would speak with the County Executive’s Office to see who would
be the best representative.
Council Member Poeschl suggested to have zoning information prior to the workshop
for Council to review. He felt ordinances from other cities and states that govern similar
situations would be useful. He asked since the topic would take longer than the usual 45
minute workshop, would Council consider multiple workshops based on the topics.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated in prior years for larger topics, the workshop
would be held on a non-Council Meeting day for 90-120 minutes. She stated that Sheriff
Matz indicated he would share his insight and experience on the topic.
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Mr. Rohloff expressed he would work with Chief Smith to put together the correct
representatives. He stated the City had limitations based on state laws regarding the
topic.
Deputy Mayor Herman stated that there had been a workshop regarding the halfway
house on Jefferson Street a few years prior and suggested to provide that historical
information. He suggested to wait until after the election to schedule the workshop with
the possible change in Council.
Mr. Rohloff urged the citizens if they had concern to contact the police department.
Mayor Palmeri asked for a map that showed the sex offender locations be available at the
workshop.
Council Member Poeschl suggested not to not wait until after the election to schedule the
workshop.
Council Member Allison-Aasby asked that the groups be contacted and schedule the
meeting.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would contact everyone and report back to Council.
Ms. Kunde explained the contract did auto renew on March 31, 2020 however the DOC
could resend the contract due to breach of contract.
Council Member Miller thanked the citizens for their information and details.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated she would be out of the area March 21 – 28, 2020.
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 20-89 Designate Bike Lanes on Snell Road from Jackson Street to Moser
Street (Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee and Traffic &
Parking Advisory Board Recommend Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Mugerauer, Poeschl, Miller, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Ordinance 20-90 Adopt State Clean Indoor Air Law & Regulate Electronic Smoking
Devices
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FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
SarahJean Schluechtermann, 112 Otter Avenue, Community Health Strategist,
Winnebago County Health Department, stated that Oshkosh had been the largest City to
consider this type of ordinance. She provided statistics on the use of tobacco products
and electronic smoking devices and thanked the Council for their work on the ordinance.
Mayor Palmeri asked with the restrictions do individuals use other tobacco products.
Ms. Schluechtermann explained that youths that used electronic smoking devices turned
to cigarettes later in life.
Resolution 20-91 Approve Developer’s Agreement for Oshkosh Avenue, North
Koeller Street, & North Westfield Street
MOTION: ADOPT (Herman; second, Allison-Aasby)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Mugerauer, Poeschl, Miller, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked for a description.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, stated lot lines would be straightened
out with the resolution.
Resolution 20-92 Approve Sawdust District Master Plan
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Herman)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Herman, Mugerauer, Poeschl, Miller, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked for the highlights from the workshop.
Allen Davis, Director of Community Development, stated the walkable destination
would include environmental waterfront, cleaned up the industrial areas and provide
traffic circulation. He explained the project was put together with public input,
stakeholders and the advisory group.
Mayor Palmeri stated the project provided public access to the waterfront.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
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Mayor Palmeri remind Council of the Greater Oshkosh Economic Development
Corporation 2019 Report scheduled on March 10, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Herman indicated he would not be in attendance for the State of the City,
Council Meeting and Workshop due to an upcoming surgery.
Mayor Palmeri stated the workshop on the website changes would be held on March 24,
2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Mr. Rohloff encouraged Council to bring their own devices and it would be a hands-on
workshop.
Mayor Palmeri suggested to send a list of concerns to the Information Technology
Manager.
Council Member Mugerauer asked if the workshop would need to be pushed back since
the City was working through the computer virus.
Council Member Allison-Aasby informed Council she would not be at the workshop.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would not be in attendance of the workshop.
Mayor Palmeri explained she had conversations with the Hmong community and the
community would like to have a discussion or resolution regarding deportation.
Council Member Poeschl stated that there had been a lot of concerns in the community
regarding the Hmong community and he felt it would be important to assist where
possible and show them support.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would forward more information to Council regarding the topic
and would wait for information from the State prior to Council receiving a drafted
resolution.
Mayor Palmeri explained that staff had done an analysis of recommendation from the Ad
Hoc Committee on alternatives to replace special assessments.
Mr. Rohloff stated that staff did review the recommendation from the committee and
determined at this time not to move forward. He mentioned that staff had also received
information that the City of Janesville had solicited proposals for an analysis of special
assessments within the engineering, legal and financial sectors.
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Mayor Palmeri asked if there were meetings with the committee scheduled.
Council Member Mugerauer stated there were no further meetings as Council had their
recommendations and would move forward.
Council Member Miller suggested to wait and gain insight from the City of Janesville’s
study.
Council Member Mugerauer agreed to wait to review all of the data.
Mr. Rohloff stated there were equity issues with the recommendations.
Council Member Allison-Aasby asked when the study would be complete.
Mr. Rabe stated the contract completion would by the end of June.
Council Member Mugerauer explained the recommendation from the committee did not
meet staffs requirements.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Council Member Mugerauer reminded everyone of the Guns & Hoses hockey game at
the Oshkosh YMCA on February 29, 2020.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff stated he would add the transitional living program topic to the list of
outstanding issues. He stated the recovery of the network virus was ongoing and he
explained the reopening of various software systems, upgrade of software and security.
He thanked the IT department for their work on the recovery. He reminded Council of
the State of the City at the Oshkosh Convention Center on March 9, 2020 6:00 p.m.
MOTION: ADJOURN (Mugerauer; second, Poeschl)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK