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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Palmeri presided. PRESENT: Council Members Bill Miller, Aaron Wojciechowski, Lynnsey Erickson, Michael Ford, Matt Mugerauer and Mayor Lori Palmeri NOTE: Council Member Bill Miller arrived at 6:15 p.m. EXCUSED: Council Member Courtney Hansen ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney, and John Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services Deputy Mayor Mugerauer read the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deputy Mayor Mugerauer. PROCLAMATION Mayor Palmeri proclaimed October 6, 2021, as Take Back the Night Day which focused on victims and survivors of sexual, domestic and interpersonal violence. She encouraged residents to join the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Reach Counseling and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to virtually gather from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 6, 2021 via Zoom. Alicia Johnson and Alicia Gerig accepted the proclamation and stated when a donation was made to the Christine Ann Center or Reach Counseling, the donor would receive a “Stop the Violence” mask. CITIZEN STATEMENTS There were no citizen statements to Council. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 2 There were no public comments on agenda items. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS Report of Bills by the Finance Director. Receipt & Filing of the Common Council Minutes from September 14, 2021. Receipt of Claim filed with the City’s Insurance Company: A) Elizabeth Kotenberg for alleged damages to her vehicle from a loose manhole cover Resolution 21-470 Approve Conditional Use Permit for a Personal Storage Facility at 1222 West South Park Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) Resolution 21-471 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for Canopy Additions at 3855 South Washburn Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) Resolution 21-472 Approve Submittal of Wisconsin Main Street Connect Communities Application to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Resolution 21-473 Approve Special Event – Corinne Mussatti to utilize Roe Park & City streets for the Women’s March for Reproductive Rights / October 2, 2021 Resolution 21-474 Approve Special Event – Sons of the American Legion Squadron 70 to utilize City streets for the American Veterans Travelling Tribute Escort / October 6, 2021 Resolution 21-475 Approve Special Event – Oshkosh West High School to utilize City streets for the Oshkosh West Homecoming Parade / October 15, 2021 Resolution 21-476 Approve Special Event – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Athletics to host the UW Oshkosh Football games at Titan Stadium / October 16th & 23rd, November 6th & 13th Resolution 21-477 Approve Special Event – Another Disc Golf Event to utilize Red Arrow Park Disc Golf Course for the Red Arrow Test Flight / October 30, 2021 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 3 Resolution 21-478 Approve Special Event – Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement District (BID) to utilize City streets for the Downtown BID Holiday Parade / November 18, 2021 Resolution 21-479 Approve Special Event – Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market, Inc. to utilize the 400 & 500 Blocks of Main Street & 100 Block of Church Avenue for the Oshkosh Saturday Farmers Market – Downtown / June 4 – October 29, 2022 (Saturdays) Resolution 21-480 Approve Special Event – Oshkosh Jazz Inc. (Larson/Boehme) to utilize the 400 Block of N. Main Street for the Oshkosh Jazz Festival / August 27, 2022 Resolution 21-481 Approve Amended Special Event – Oshkosh Community YMCA to utilize City streets for the Run for a Reason event / April 2, 2022 (rain date April 9, 2022) Resolution 21-482 Approve Block Party – Christie Powers to utilize Dale Avenue between Grand & Mount Vernon to hold their neighborhood block party / October 23, 2021 Resolution 21-483 Approve Special Class “B” License, Taxi-Cab & Operator Licenses MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Ford, second, Mugerauer) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance 21-484 Amend Parking Regulations on Designated Streets & Alleys FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 21-485 Amend Parking Regulations on South Main Street FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 21-486 Restrict Left Turns from Northbound Jackson Street to Westbound Nevada Avenue & Remove the Left Turn Restriction from Jackson Street to New York Avenue from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 4 Ordinance 21-487 Designate Bicycle Lanes on West 9th Avenue (West of Oakwood Road) FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 21-488 Amend Chapter 9 Emergency & Disaster Planning & Response FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 21-489 Amend Ordinance for Lead Service Line Replacement to Include Galvanized Lines Downstream from Lead Water Service Lines FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Mayor Palmeri asked for a description of the project. James Rabe, Director of Public Works, explained the graphic provided in the Council packet was an example of the water main on the street. He stated the services from the main to the curb stop would be the City’s responsibility and the portion from the curb stop to the house would be the homeowner’s responsibility. He explained if either the homeowner’s or City’s service was galvanized it would need to be replaced at the time of repair in accordance with the Federal lead and copper rule. He stated any galvanized piping downstream of lead service would need to be replaced. Mayor Palmeri asked if the piping would need to be replaced inside the home. Mr. Rabe stated that all pipes should be replaced due to the absorption of the lead particles. Mayor Palmeri questioned if the ordinance applied to the exterior or all. Mr. Rabe stated he would provide clarification. Resolution 21-490 Approve Agreement with Wisconsin & Southern Railroad LLC & Watco Transloading LLC for the Construction & Operation within a Railroad Easement in the Southwest Industrial Park MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Resolution 21-491 Support Statewide Ban on Conversion Therapy MOTION: ADOPT (Wojciechowski; second, Erickson) PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 5 CARRIED: Ayes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Resolution 21-492 Approve Resolution authorizing the issuance of not to exceed $6,990,000 aggregate principal amount of General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2021F, of the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding obligations of the City & providing details, prescribing the form of bond, authorizing the award of the bonds to the best bidder therefor, levying taxes & related matters MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked for an explanation. Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, explained the City had refinanced the 2012 general obligation debt and stated if the parameters were not met, staff would move forward with the transaction. Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor/Principal, Elhers, Inc., mentioned that the resolution provided an opportunity to watch the market for the best rates. Council Member Ford thanked staff for their hardwork. Council Member Miller arrived at 6:15 p.m. Resolution 21-493 Approve Resolution providing for the issuance & sale of not to exceed $3,015,000 aggregate principal amount of Water System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2021G, of the City of Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding obligations of the City & providing details, prescribing the form of bond, authorizing the award of the bonds to the best bidder therefor, and providing for the payment of said revenue bonds & other details & covenants with respect thereto MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Resolution 21-494 Approve Self-Funded Health Insurance Structure & Plan Design PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 6 Changes for Non-AFSCME Represented Employees & Renew Dental Insurance Agreement with Delta Dental of Wisconsin MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked how the change would affect employees. Mr. Fitzpatrick explained the City was self-funded prior to 2015, at that time the City switched plans to save funds. He stated the budget increase would be 12% and would position the City to have financial flexibility. Mr. Rohloff stated there was a reserve in place of approximately $1.8 million to re-enter the self-insured market. Resolution 21-495 Approve Vendor Agreement with Premise Health for the Provision of Employee Health Clinic Services at Three Waves Health Clinic & Wellness Center MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Miller) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Resolution 21-496 Approve Professional Services Agreement with Gallagher for Benefit Consulting Services MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Mayor Palmeri asked what was provided with this service. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated the consulting services would assist with negotiation of benefit agreements, manage appeals, assist with benefit questions from employees and assist employees with questions as well as request for approval (RFP)’s going forward. Mr. Rohloff explained the company would represent the City when there were discussions with the insurance company and they would address the issues. Resolution 21-497 Donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh – Council Member PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 7 Miller’s Salary MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford) CARRIED: Ayes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Present (1) Miller Council Member Ford clarified the donation was requested by Council Member Miller. Mayor Palmeri asked for an explanation to understand the request. Council Member Miller stated when the donations were made directly to the organization, they would receive 100% of the pre-taxed money verses only a portion if he wrote the organization a check. Resolution 21-498 Creating Parameters for Usage of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Erickson) CARRIED: Ayes (6) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Mayor Palmeri Council Member Ford explained the goal of the resolution was to create a process and set up rules that aligned with the goals. He stated 75% of the funds would go towards infrastructure, 25% of the funds would go to the community proposals. He stated the long- term goal would be to maximize the impact and spread out the distribution of the funds. He stated Council would invite the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee to provide input for any equity concerns. Council Member Miller stated his support for the resolution and thanked Council Member Ford for his work on the resolution. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer expressed his support and acknowledged Council Member Ford’s work on the resolution. Mayor Palmeri thanked Council Member Ford for drafting the parameters and suggested to change the distribution of funds to 25% towards infrastructure and 75% towards the community proposals. Council Member Ford explained the infrastructure projects served citizens which had lasting impacts for the community. He stated 25% of funds would impact the community- oriented projects. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 8 Mayor Palmeri stated an example was the East extension of 9th Avenue that was higher on the priority list did not meet the needs for the community. Council Member Erickson thanked Council Member Ford for drafting the document and suggested a 50/50 split. Mayor Palmeri stated the City had not seen the housing study and proposed the resolution be laid over. Council Member Erickson asked what the timeline was to receive the housing study. Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development, stated staff had received the first draft of the study and in early October the document would be provided to committees and stakeholder groups for review before it came to Council. She mentioned possible recommendations for housing programs, affordable housing, development and redevelopment. Mayor Palmeri asked how the funds would be used with the proposed resolution in relation to the housing study. Council Member Ford explained the parameters and process would be used to determine the needs. Mayor Palmeri asked if the parameters could be amended in the future should the Council see the need. Council Member Ford confirmed yes. COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Mayor Palmeri asked if Council would like to hold a Council meeting on the fourth Tuesday in December. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer expressed his support for no second meeting in December. Council Member Miller stated he agreed with no second meeting in December. Mr. Rohloff explained he would have staff prepare the ordinance to cancel the 2nd meeting in December and Council would see it on a future agenda. Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated there would be closed sessions scheduled on November PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 9 23, 2021 and December 14, 2021 for the City Manager’s review. Mayor Palmeri suggested one of the two closed sessions be scheduled prior to a Council meeting. Deputy Mayor explained the November 23, 2021 closed session meeting would need to be after a Council meeting and the December 14, 2021 closed session would have flexibility depending on how much time the Council would need. Mayor Palmeri reminded the Council of the upcoming Budget Workshops on October 18 and 19, 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions Council Member Erickson Transit Advisory Board  Ridership was down overall and continued to slowly climb  Go Transit had provided 40,886 rides for K-12 students 2021 year  Quantum Wheelchair Securement Systems would be available on all buses by November  Construction on the Downtown Transit Center would begin in November Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked about the time frame for student riders. Council Member Erickson stated the timeframe was from January 2021 through August 2021. Mr. Rohloff mentioned that student rider numbers would continue to increase. Council Member Miller Convention Visitor & Bureau  Wittman Fixed Based Operation Building opened Council Member Miller thanked staff for their hard work with refinancing to save the City money. Council Member Wojciechowski Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee  Presentations from facilitators to create an action plan PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 10  Welcomed two new members Mayor Palmeri stated there were several board and commission seats available and those vacancies were located on the website. She explained there was an opportunity for youth members to apply, those interested would contact the City Manager’s office. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS Mr. Rohloff explained the cooperative purchase of Axon redactions assistant feature for axon body worn cameras for 2021-2025 for the Police Department ($44,118.00) and a professional services agreement with Empathia, Inc. for the employee assistance and work life services program (EAP). Mr. Rohloff stated he had a meeting regarding the Fire Department Facilities Study and reviewed the long-term needs. He explained the presentation on the study for the fee to replace special assessments was scheduled for the October 12, 2021 Council meeting. He mentioned the staff continued to meet with the Day-by-Day staff to assist with the housing issues and the Tiney Homes Project meeting would be scheduled in the near future. Mr. Rohloff stated the COVID-19 numbers provided by the Winnebago County Health Department continued to stay in the critical range and explained the City would extend the mask requirement within the City buildings until the end of October. He expressed to the Council that masks were required during the budget meetings on October 18 and 19, 2021. Mayor Palmeri asked if there was an option to move the budget meetings to an alternate location. Mr. Rohloff stated he would look at other options. Mr. Rohloff mentioned the Zooloween Boo event was set for October 16 and 17, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with more information forthcoming. He stated the City wide trick or treating would occur on October 31, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mayor Palmeri asked if the City-wide trick or treating would be separate from the downtown trick or treating. Mr. Rohloff confirmed the trick or treating was City wide. Mayor Palmeri asked when the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee would receive the equity measures to review from the retreat held for staff in May. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 11 Mr. Rohloff explained the DEI measureable goals were being put together and be reviewed by the DEI committee and those goals would be effective on January 1, 2022. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated the process included integrated ideas that came from the retreat, facilitator and put into the framework for departmental goals. He explained staff had been creating benchmark components through reviewing various communities’ experiences. He mentioned the benchmarking would assist with departments with what could be implemented for the strategic plan. Mayor Palmeri stated the DEI committee would give recommendations and input during future strategic planning processes. Mr. Rohloff stated he would provide a 3rd quarter update and indicated the City continued to train staff on diversity, equity and inclusion. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated the staff training would not cover all the components that departmental staff and managers had received. Mayor Palmeri asked if the equity measures were gender pay gap. Mr. Fitzpatrick explained the components were complicit bias and stated the measures had not been finalized. Mr. Rohloff mentioned the City would compare benchmarks with surrounding municipalities. Council Member Wojciechowski asked what the training focused on. Michelle Behnke, Human Resources Manager, explained the topics covered in the manager training had focused on were micro-aggression, implicit bias, civility, and the history of equity and inclusion. She stated the pared down training continued to be held for employees which focused on micro aggression, implicit bias, conflict management, civility and the DEI history. Council Member Ford thanked staff for making progress on the integration of the day to day operations. Mr. Fitzpatrick stressed the employees understand how important it had been to participate. Mr. Rohloff stated he was pleased with the progress. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 12 MOTION: ADJOURN (Mugerauer, second, Ford) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m. PAMELA R. UBRIG CITY CLERK