HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Common Council Minutes
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
OCTOBER 26, 2021
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, City Hall.
Mayor Palmeri presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Lynnsey Erickson, Michael Ford, Matt Mugerauer,
Courtney Hansen, Bill Miller, Aaron Wojciechowski and Mayor Lori Palmeri
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn Lorenson,
City Attorney, and Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development
Council Member Erickson read the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Erickson.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Palmeri proclaimed October 23rd-31st, 2021 as Red Ribbon Week
Hannah Wills, representative from Breakwater, thanked the Council for the support on the
substance abuse issues within the community and mentioned there was information on
the organization at breakwaterwi.org.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
There were no citizen statements to Council.
PUBLIC COMMENTS 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 Minutes from September 2, 2021.
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Receipt & Filing of the Common Council Minutes from October 12, 2021.
Receipt of Claim filed with the City’s Insurance Company:
A) Susan Paremski for alleged injuries from falling at the Leach Amphitheater
Resolution 21-514 Accept Gift of Rectangular Rapidly Flashing Beacons from
Winnebago County Aging & Disability Resource Center to be used for
Crosswalks on South Koeller Street & West 9th Avenue
Resolution 21-515 Approve Agreement with Oshkosh Area Humane Society, Inc., for
Animal Shelter Services 2022 – 2025 ($99,900.00)
Resolution 21-516 Approve Settlement with Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (WDNR) Pertaining to Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (WPDES) Permit
Resolution 21-517 Waive Bids / Approve Budget Amendment & Purchase of Upgrades
to City Telephone System ($185,400.00)
Resolution 21-518 Approve Conditional Use Permit for a Vehicle Service & Repair Use
at 1465 South Washburn Street (Plan Commission Recommends
Approval)
Resolution 21-519 Approve Conditional Use Permit for Temporary Use Permit
Extension at 2911 Fond du Lac Road (Plan Commission Recommends
Approval)
Resolution 21-520 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for a Rooftop
Addition at the Southwest Corner of Jackson Street & Marion Road
(Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 21-521 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for Signage at
1212 South Main Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 21-522 Approve Submittal of Neighborhood Investment Fund Program
Application to State of Wisconsin Department of Administration
Resolution 21-523 Approve Special Event – Friends of the Oshkosh Parks to utilize
Menominee Park & City streets for the Celebration of Lights / October
27, 2021 through January 31, 2022
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Resolution 21-524 Approve Special Event – Brittany Stieg to utilize Riverside Park
parking lot for the 2021 Food & Clothing Drive / November 13, 2021
Resolution 21-525 Approve Special Event – Festival Foods to utilize City streets for the
Festival Foods Turkey Trot / November 25, 2021
Resolution 21-526 Approve Special Event – Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services Inc.
to utilize Menominee Park & City streets for the Race for the Light
Walk-Run / December 4, 2021
Resolution 21-527 Approve Special Event – Downtown Oshkosh Business Improvement
District (BID) to utilize Opera House Square & Market Street for the
Reindeer in the Square event / December 11, 2021
Resolution 21-528 Approve Special Event – Hmong Service Center, Inc. to hold the
Hmong National Memorial Day Festival at the Winnebago County
Community Park / May 28 & 29, 2022
Resolution 21-529 Approve Special Event – Digital Documents, LLC dba L&K
Productions to utilize Opera House Square & Market Street for Square
Fare / June 18, July 16, August 20 & September 17, 2022
Resolution 21-530 Approve Special Event – Jambalaya Arts Inc. to utilize the alley area
behind 401-419 N Main Street for the Art in the Alley / July 9, 2022
Resolution 21-531 Approve Special Event – Hmong Service Center, Inc. to hold the
Hmong National Labor Day Festival at the Winnebago County
Community Park / September 3 & 4, 2022
Resolution 21-532 Establish Voting Districts
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer inquired about the process to establish voting districts.
Ms. Ubrig explained the voting district plan was received from Winnebago County, the
Clerk’s Office worked with the Planning Division to establish the wards within the
districts. She stated once approved by Council the information would be sent back to
Winnebago County for final approval mid-November.
Resolution 21-533 Approve Combination “Class B” License & Operator Licenses
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer pulled Resolution 21-517.
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Council Member Miller pulled Resolution 21-516.
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA EXCLUDING RESOLUTIONS 21-516
AND 21-517 (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Resolution 21-516 Approve Settlement with Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources (WDNR) Pertaining to Wisconsin Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (WPDES) Permit
MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Council Member Miller asked for a summary.
James Rabe, Director of Public Works, explained they had worked on the phosphorus
challenges for 3-4 years. He stated the water taken from Lake Winnebago went through
the treatment plant to be processed for consumption and the water returned to Lake
Winnebago was cleaner then received. He explained the permit allowed flexibility to meet
the interim timelines.
Council Member Miller thanked staff for their patience and persistence during the process.
Resolution 21-517 Waive Bids / Approve Budget Amendment & Purchase of Upgrades
to City Telephone System ($185,400.00)
MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Miller)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated the item should not have been included in the consent
agenda and asked why it was not included in the 2022 Capital Improvement Program
(CIP).
Tony Neumann, Information Technology Manager, explained that the researched data had
not been received in time to be included in the 2022 CIP and stated the current phone
system was outdated and needed to be replaced.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked for Council and staff to discuss the use of fund balance
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and the appropriate place to add items on the agenda.
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 21-534 Amend Chapter 8 to Eliminate Auctioneers & Direct Solicitation
License Requirements & to Revise Regulations Pertaining to Persons
Directly Soliciting within the City of Oshkosh
FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Mayor Palmeri asked for a summary.
Ms. Lorenson stated the recommendation was for Council to remove the licensing
requirements and explained that the auctioneers were regulated under the zoning code.
She explained that the door to door solicitation was adjusted to become more
constitutionally sound.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the ordinance specifically labeled soliciting as a person going door
to door.
Ms. Lorenson confirmed yes.
Ordinance 21-535 Cancel December 28, 2021 Council Meeting
MOTION: ADOPT (Erickson; second, Wojciechowski)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Ordinance 21-536 Provide Direction to Staff Relating to Reversing the Direction of
Traffic Flow on the One Way Pair of Central Street & Kentucky Street
from West Nevada Avenue to West New York Avenue
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
MOTION: AMEND TO SELECT OPTION #1 NO LEFT TURN RESTRICTIONS
FROM CENTRAL STREET ONTO CUSTER AVENUE (Erickson;
second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Council Member Ford asked about the recommendation.
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Jim Collins, Director of Transportation, explained the Oshkosh Area School District would
construct a new Merrill Middle School on the site of the athletic field on Jackson Street and
Nevada Avenue and had identified the need to flip the traffic on Kentucky and Central
Streets. He expressed the change would allow a bus drop off and one way traffic flow for
students and that the one way on Kentucky Street would be southbound and the one way
on Central Street would be used for northbound traffic. He explained that the Traffic and
Parking Advisory Board supported the overall traffic flow; however, there was a concern
about the left turn from Central Street to Custer Avenue related to vehicles existing the
driveway. He stated the school districts architect and traffic consultant had completed a
traffic study of the proposed plan and followed up the evaluation of left turns. He
mentioned Council would choose one of the three options:
1. No left turn restrictions from Central Street onto Custer Avenue
2. Permanent left turn restrictions from Central Street onto Custer Avenue
3. Left turn restrictions from Central Street Only before and after school.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked about the traffic impact with Central Street as a one way.
Mr. Rohloff suggested at this time to change the traffic flow.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if the one way was needed.
Mr. Collins stated the concern of the School District was the one way on Kentucky Street.
Nate Considine, Bray Architects, Greendale, explained the study did not include Central
Street as a two way and an additional study would be completed. He stated that flipping
the one ways would be crucial and to keep Kentucky Street as a two way.
Council Member Ford stated his support for no left turn restrictions.
Mr. Collins asked for Council’s direction for the future ordinance.
Ms. Lorenson explained that Council needed to amend the ordinance by selection of an
option.
Council Member Erickson supported option one.
Ordinance 21-537 Approve 2022-2024 Agreement with Greater Oshkosh Healthy
Neighborhoods Incorporated ($235,000.00) WITHDRAWN BY APPLICANT
Mayor Palmeri asked if the item would come back at a future meeting.
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Ms. Nieforth stated it would hopefully be added to the next Council meeting agenda.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Palmeri explained the budget workshop and hearing was scheduled for
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 to discussion the enhancement requests for the 2022
budget.
Council Member Ford asked about the start time of the meeting.
Mr. Rohloff stated the hearing was scheduled for 5:00 p.m. and the workshop would follow
the hearing. He explained the budget memo referenced several items that could be
purchased with the fund balance that did not include the upgrade to the telephone system.
He stated that staff was not ready to present the class and comp study. He explained once
the 2021 audit was completed, staff would come back if there was any surplus.
Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, stated the memo provided an outline of the budget
enhancement schedule. He explained the enhancement included 2 additional police
officers and a partial funded social worker to be funded by the contingency funds. He
stated the accumulative tax rate would be 4.5% which was the direction that Council had
given. He explained that the spreadsheet indicated the original proposed budget and
stated that the $25,000 tuition reimbursement would be transferred out of the general fund
into a separate fund. He recommended to reduce the contingency amount to do the
transfer and the $39,000 would reduce the levy. He explained funds were set aside to
partial fund the zoo specialist and the arborist. He explained the remaining were budget
enhancements for Council consideration.
Mr. Rohloff asked about the contingency balance amount.
Mr. Van Gompel stated he was not comfortable to reduce the contingency any further. He
explained the City had moved to a self-funded insurance plan and projected a modest
increase to reduce the impact on the levy.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked about the use of contingency and levy for a position that
required a partnership.
Mr. Van Gompel explained that the amount had been adjusted to half of the funding.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer suggested to move the half funded position down and a parks
position be moved up.
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Mr. Rohloff explained if the partnerships did not move forward, Council would be
informed.
Council Member Ford asked what the operational consequences were for not funding the
Fire Department positions.
Mike Stanley, Fire Chief, explained the position would provide immediate relief to the
chief officers. He stated the concerns for the high level of service at the increased demand
within the community, a high burn out rate with staff and the need for support staff.
Council Member Ford asked how the position would increase the efficiency of the
organization.
Chief Stanley explained that the position would increase efficiency to allow staff to focus
on their tasks without having to come in on days off.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the facilities maintenance staff would be responsible for the
maintenance of fire houses.
Chief Stanley stated the facilities staff would not repair the garage doors or the HVAC
system; they would coordinate those repairs with outside vendors.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the social worker could assist with similar emergency calls.
Chief Stanley explained the position would be a benefit to both the fire and police
departments when responding to calls that included specific needs.
Council Member Ford asked about the long-term consideration for the position.
Mr. Van Gompel explained the additional positions would have a financial impact beyond
2022.
Mr. Rohloff stated the City did not have a significant contingency fund for previous years
and he was not concerned with the long term effects of the levy. He explained the risk of
spending down the contingency.
Mr. Van Gompel mentioned his concern was the self-funded health insurance plan and
understanding that new positions come with the potential of staff signing up for benefits.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the pay for performances would come out of the contingency plan.
Mr. Van Gompel explained the pay for performance would be taken from another line item
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within the budget.
Mr. Rohloff stated the performance pay was included in the personnel section of the
budget.
Mr. Van Gompel explained staff projected benefit payouts from the contingency fund for
those that would retire in the upcoming year.
Mayor Palmeri asked if having the projected benefit payout in the contingency was a
standard practice.
Mr. Van Gompel stated the amount was just a projection since there was no way to tell
when staff would retire.
Mr. Rohloff explained the numbers were based on statics and the City had prepared for all
circumstances.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer urged Council to be conscious of funding positions and the
impacts for upcoming years. He asked about the partial funded positions for the Parks
department.
Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, expressed the need for more staff with the additional
roundabouts, emerald ash borer issues and landscaping throughout the City. He explained
that the department had 4 field staff members and the position was needed.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer mentioned that the City had underfunded the parks
department to maintain the infrastructure. He stated his support of the arborist position.
Council Member Miller stated his support for the arborist position and hoped that Council
would fully fund the position next year.
Mayor Palmeri asked if it would make sense to do removal of items before moving on to
the recommendations.
Council indicated they would like to do recommendation first.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENT #7
POLICE DEPARTMENT 2 OFFICERS and #12 PARKS
DEPARTMENT ZOO SPECIALIST (Miller; second, Hansen)
COUNCIL MEMBERS MILLER AND HANSEN WITHDREW THEIR MOTION
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Council Member Wojciechowski stated he supported enhancements #7 police department
2 additional officers and #8 police department social worker.
Council Member Erickson stated she agreed to with enhancement #8 the police department
social worker and she supported to include enhancement #9 the assistant fire chief
position.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated his support to fund enhancement #8 police department
social worker as long as the partnership was confirmed. He asked which parks position
was needed most.
Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, stated the arborist position was an immediate need and he
explained the other possible fund sources for the zoo specialist that could allow the parks
department to come back with funding to fill that position later in 2022.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked Council to vote on one item at a time.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENT #7
POLICE DEPARTMENT 2 OFFICERS (Miller; second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Noes (1) Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer expressed his support and stated his concerns for the amount
of potential overtime.
Mayor Palmeri stated her support for 1 officer and the social worker.
Council Member Miller stated he spoke with the police chief and he preferred the two
officers over the social worker.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENT #8
POLICE DEPARTMENT ADD SOCIAL WORKER (Wojciechowski;
second, Palmeri)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Wojciechowski, Mayor
Palmeri
Noes (1) Miller
Council Member Ford explained that the position would be contingent with the
partnership with Winnebago County.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if an amendment was needed to include the partnership
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requirement for the position.
Mr. Rohloff stated the funding was for half a position not for half a year and understood
that the position was contingent on the partnership.
Council Member Ford explained that the position would need resources to make an impact
and those resources would come from partnering with an outside agency.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned that the position would assist with efficiency and prevention.
Mayor Palmeri stated the social worker would give relief to police officers.
Mr. Rohloff explained the position would include all of the above.
Council Member Miller asked if there had been an officer assigned to the mental health
position currently.
Mr. Rohloff stated an officer had been re-assigned to behavioral health.
Mayor Palmeri asked what the social worker responsibilities would be.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer explained the behavioral health officer was a trained officer and
had specialized training on behavioral health.
Council Member Erickson stated that surrounding communities had a social worker
position.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT #13 PARKS ZOO
ARBORIST FUNDED AT 75% (Mugerauer; second, Wojciechowski)
MOTION: AMEND TO APPLY TO LEVY (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Wojciechowski, Mayor
Palmeri
Noes (1) Miller
VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Wojciechowski, Mayor
Palmeri
Noes (1) Miller
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if Council would prefer 75% payment of levy funds
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verses contingency funds.
Council Member Ford explained he supported the change.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked for guidance from the finance director on the change.
Mr. Van Gompel stated he supported the change to levy funds.
Mayor Palmeri asked if 100% of the position could be funded.
Mr. Rohloff stated the total amount would increase the levy around a third of a penny.
Mayor Palmeri asked Council how they felt about the full funding.
Council Member Ford explained he would support the 75% funding.
Mayor Palmeri questioned if the intention was for 75% of the arborist and 50% for the zoo
specialist if Council did not approve the zoo specialist at 50% would that change the
arborist at 75%.
Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, expressed that he was hopeful for both positions funding
at the proposed amount and he supported the funding of the arborist at 75%.
Mr. Van Gompel explained that the funding for 2022 would be the 75% and full funding
would be in the 2023.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENT #9
FIRE DEPARTMENT CREATE FIRE CHIEF OF SUPPORT SERVICES
(Ford; second, Erickson)
LOST: Ayes (3) Erickson, Ford, Mayor Palmeri
Noes (4) Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski
Council Member Ford stated the need would continue to be an issue.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENT #19
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND
INCLUSION COORDINATOR WITH $20,000 FOR
SERVICES/EFFORTS (Palmeri; second, Erickson)
LOST: Ayes (3) Erickson, Wojciechowski, Mayor Palmeri
Noes (4) Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller
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Mayor Palmeri asked for a description of the funds for the training fund.
John Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services, explained
the funds were initially in the budget and requested an enhancement for additional
training for the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee and development of a
strategic plan.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the amount would assist with the strategic planning process and
everyday operations.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained the position was for a facilitator and training for the staff as well
assistance with the strategic planning process.
Council Member Wojciechowski asked if the City would consider a coordinator position.
Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired if the question was if the City would pursue a coordinator
position.
Council Member Wojciechowski asked if the funding was increased could the funds be
combined to create the position.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated the position would not be a dedicated position, the request was for
a limited term employee or consultant for a specific goal. He explained that if there was an
identified need for a coordinator position with defined responsibilities that could be
discussed in the future.
Council Member Wojciechowski expressed the immediate need for the facilitator and
down the road a coordinator would execute the plan.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that topics had been identified within the training to add to the
City’s strategic plan to be facilitated in conjunction with the DEI Committee’s strategic
plan.
Council Member Miller asked for clarification on the total amount.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that there was $30,000 in the budget and Council could approve
an additional $20,000 for a total of $50,000.
Council Member Miller asked if the funds in the budget had been used.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained that $25,000 had been used from the prior budget however there
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had not been facilitation services provided for the DEI Committee.
Mr. Rohloff stated the funds would support the DEI efforts.
Council Member Wojciechowski stated the DEI committee had selected a facilitator.
Mr. Van Gompel asked for a clarification if the position would be added to the levy.
Mr. Rohloff explained a summary would be provided to Council once actions had been
made and there could be changes before the final budget.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated his concerns to add a full time position since staff did not
ask for funds for those purposes.
Council Member Ford asked if it was a one-time spending and he stated he did not agree
with adding the funds to the levy.
Council Member Miller asked what the anticipated spending would be.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he was unaware of the number however once the plans were
developed the consultant would continue to make sure all staff was trained. He stated he
did not support the use of the levy funds.
Council Member Erickson expressed that she was supportive of either funding source.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENTS #2
SERVER UPGRADE, #3 WIFI HARDWARE, #4 VIDEO
CONFERENCING, #5 SURVELLIANCE CAMERAS, #10
AUTOMATIC VEHICLE LOCATION USING AMERICAN RESCUE
PLAN ACT FUNDS (ARPA) (Mugerauer; second, Miller)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked why these were under ARPA funds when the items were needs.
Mr. Van Gompel explained the budget enhancements were needs and the American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds made the most sense with the minimized increase on the
tax levy and the critical needs.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer shared his appreciation to use cash funds and not debt since
they were technology related items.
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Council Member Ford stated this type of funding would take the burden off the taxpayers
which released funds for other projects.
Mayor Palmeri stated her support for the items however expressed her concern for
committing ARPA funds.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENTS #1
CLASS AND COMP STUDY USING FUND BALANCE (Mugerauer;
second, Wojciechowski)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer cautioned Council only approve the enhancement if they would
be committed to the outcome.
Mr. Van Gompel explained staff did not have anything in the 2022 budget however there
was contingency funds for possible implementation from the study.
Mayor Palmeri asked about the positions that did not have a designated funding source.
Mr. Van Gompel explained the funds would come out of the utility funds.
Mr. Rohloff explained the environmental tech would be funded from the water utility.
Council Member Ford stated funding was a direct result of the Long Range Finance
Committee that created a policy to have a responsible amount in the fund balance and the
City was over the threshold.
Mr. Van Gompel explained Council had received the fund balance schedule.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET ENHANCEMENT AMENDMENTS #15
ENVIRONMENTAL TECH and #17 ENGINEER PROGRAM
MANAGER (Ford; second, Wojciechowski)
MOTION: AMEND TO INCLUDE #16 GIS TECH (Miller; second,
Wojciechowski)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
Mayor Palmeri
VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen, Miller, Wojciechowski,
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – OCTOBER 26, 2021
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Mayor Palmeri
Mr. Rohloff recommended only funding two of the remaining options.
Council Member Ford questioned if the utility fund was the funding source; would that
mean rate payers would fund the position.
Mr. Van Gompel confirmed that was correct.
Council Member Ford asked how much impact would these have on utility rates.
Mr. Van Gompel explained if Council supported more than two position there would be a
large impact however an increase was inevitable.
Council Member Ford stated the items would not increase the levy however it would
increase the utility fees.
Mayor Palmeri asked what the fee would be to cover enhancement #15.
Mr. Van Gompel explained it would not be an alarming amount.
Mr. Rohloff stated that it would be $200,000 on a $45,000,000 budget.
James Rabe, Director of Public Works, explained the position would increase testing due
to new State requirements. He stated the engineering program manager would not have
an impact on the rate and the right of way permit fees would cover the cost of the position.
Council Member Miller asked if 80% of the engineer program manager would be covered.
Mr. Rabe explained that staff would bring forward a recommended fee structure that
would cover 100% of the position from the right of way permits.
Council Member Ford stated that the environmental tech and the engineer program
manager would address the most pressing needs.
Council Member Wojciechowski expressed his support for number enhancements #15 and
#17.
Council Member Miller asked about the GIS Tech position.
Tony Neumann, Information Technology Manager, expressed the need was critical to
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support the GIS system to maintain.
Mr. Rabe explained staff had worked on the structure and the average over the last two
years would cover the cost of the position. He explained that the permits would be $15.00
and the fees would increase based on the project size.
Mr. Rohloff stated if engineering felt fees would cover the cost then he would recommend
the three positions.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated the decisions that Council made would impact the
citizens within the community and he expressed his support for the proposed budget
amendments.
Council Member Miller explained that the utilities were forced by regulatory changes from
other agencies and stated the employees were needed.
Mayor Palmeri expressed the positions would be an investment to continue to provide
clean drinking water among other services within the community.
Mr. Rohloff explained staff would provide the impact of Councils decision for additional
discussion at the November 3, 2021 meeting.
Mr. Rohloff asked Council for comments on the special assessment presentation. He
announced that he and staff would attend the Chamber Public Policy Committee meeting
on November 8, 2021. He explained that the Village of Pewaukee and Town of Buchanan
had been served with a lawsuit regarding their special assessment process.
Council Member Ford stated he would like to move forward to find an improved system.
Mr. Rohloff stated that Appleton was looking to change from the wheel tax to a different
system.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer was supportive to move forward to find relief options and
Council make an informed decision. He asked staff to provide other options to reduce the
cost of road construction.
Council Member Erickson stated that she agreed to move forward on the project and
expressed her interest to hear more information.
Mayor Palmeri expressed her support to move forward.
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COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions
Mayor Palmeri
East Central Regional Wisconsin Planning Commission
Comp Plan Update for the Region
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff explained the cooperative purchase of an emergency generator for the Grand
Opera House for $45,970.48 and the gazebo for Riverside Park for the Parks Department
for $26,002.80.
Mr. Rohloff stated Bent Woods Neighborhood Association was added to the Oshkosh
Neighborhood Associations.
Ms. Nieforth stated there were 20 neighborhood associations within the City and Bent
Woods was located north of Congress Field.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned that Steven Wiley, Associate Planner, would be leaving the City for
another position in Marshfield.
Mr. Rohloff stated the outstanding issues were provided to Council and the strategic plan
was posted online.
Mr. Rohloff stated that the City would continue the State of Emergency due to being in a
high zone for transmission and the City would continue the mask mandate through
November.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked what part of the State of Emergency was vital and asked
if the emergency powers had been used in the last few months.
Mr. Rohloff stated the mask mandate was a part of the emergency declaration and there
had been a purchase made recently for facilities that would be under the emergency order.
Mike Stanley, Fire Chief, explained that the supply and demand had become an issue with
ordering equipment, repairs, supplies and vehicles. He recommended to keep the State of
Emergency active.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer questioned the legislative role of Council and the decision
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process under the emergency order and suggested Council be informed of decisions made
under the order.
Mayor Palmeri agreed.
Mr. Rohloff thanked Council.
Mayor Palmeri suggested to add the topic under outstanding items to provide an update
when appropriate.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would discuss with staff and report back to Council.
Mr. Rohloff explained a memo was provided to set the levy and rate for the business
improvement district operation plan and with research it was determined that the Council
approval of the BID plan included the levy and could not be separated. He stated a rate
structure for parking was being put together along with recommendation for the
November 9, 2021 Council meeting.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned the following upcoming events: the farmer’s market trick or
treating would be on October 30, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and City wide trick or
treating would be held on October 31, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
MOTION: ADJOURN (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
NOVEMBER 3, 2021
SPECIAL MEETING held Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, City Hall.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Courtney Hansen, Bill Miller, Lynnsey Erickson, Michael
Ford, Deputy Mayor Matt Mugerauer, and Mayor Lori Palmeri (virtual)
EXCUSED: Council Member Aaron Wojciechowski
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; and Russ Van
Gompel, Director of Finance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Deputy Mayor Mugerauer.
Mr. Van Gompel provided an overview of the 2022 City budget. He explained the sources
of all the funds and the largest was the general operational revenue. He explained that the
general fund accounted for all the departmental activities funded by the tax levy. He stated
that the general fund revenue was about $49.5 million and the intergovernmental revenue
was up by $61,900. He shared a snap shot of the general fund revenue from 2011 to 2021.
He explained in the general fund expenditure, public safety was the largest expenditure
and for that the 2021 indirect labor had been moved to the direct labor category for 2022.
He stated that the general fund balance was the remaining funds when the expenditures
were subtracted from the revenue and he shared the history from the last 4-5 years. He
explained that the fund balance maximum per the policy was $14.8 million and the
projected amount at the end of 2021 would be $18 million. He stated there had been
discussions to use the fund balance for projects which would require Council approval
once decided. He shared that a large portion of the 2022 tax levy was allocated to the
general governmental services category as well as various services provided to the public.
He explained that the tax levy included the budget enhancements that Council provided
at the October Council meeting and that the levy was at 4.62%. He stated that the proposed
tax rates the equalized value was increasing at a rapid pace and explained that the
equalized value measured property based on the property value and the City taxes on
assessed value which was determined by the accessor. He stated generally a City would
like to stay within 10% and the Oshkosh was below that 10% and the rate of increase was
4.19%. He shared the assessed and equalized tax rate ratio. He showed an example of
detailed monthly City cost that a tax payer would be charged.
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Council Member Ford asked if the debt service paid for infrastructure.
Mr. Van Gompel explained that was correct.
Council Member Ford questioned if a citizen reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan
(CIP) they would understand the cost of services.
Mr. Van Gompel stated that was correct.
Council Member Miller asked for a history of the debt service.
Mr. Van Gompel stated the City was limited of how much debt they could issue by its
equalized evaluation. He explained the City reviewed how close the amount was to the
maximum and mentioned that in prior years the amount had been around 80%. He stated
the Long Range Finance Committee asked for the City to stay under 50%. He explained
the City’s current rate was just over 50% and by 2022 the City would potential be below
50%.
Council Member Miller asked if the City was making strides to lessen the debt.
Mr. Van Gompel confirmed that was correct.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated that the City had changed from 20 years of financing to
10 years financing when applicable to save on the interest.
Mr. Van Gompel explained that the debt had been retired sooner to allow for flexibility.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated the tax bill example to services was appreciated.
Mr. Van Gompel mentioned tax bill reflect the cost of City services.
PUBLIC HEARING
There was no public comment.
WORKSHOP
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer thanked Council for going through each budget enhancement
at the October 26, 2021 Council meeting.
Mr. Rohloff stated Council had received the spreadsheet with the budget enhancements
with updated details based on direction from Council. He explained that Council had the
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opportunity to make changes to the budget as well as at the Council meeting on November
9, 2021 which would be the final approval.
Mr. Van Gompel mentioned the levy had been increased to 4.62% with the approved
budget enhancements. He stated that Council had advised staff to keep the levy at 4.5%.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the not approved items on the spreadsheet were related to the
items to the left.
Mr. Van Gompel explained they were for the items that were not approved by Council at
the previous meeting.
Council Member Miller stated the positions were needed and asked that the zoo specialist
position be added. He stated his support for the zoo specialist position.
MOTION: ADOPT 2022 BUDGET AMENDMENT #12 ZOO SPECIALIST
FUNDED AT 50% (Miller; second, Hansen)
CARRIED: Ayes (5) Hansen, Miller, Erickson, Ford, Deputy Mayor Mugerauer
Noes (1) Mayor Palmeri
Mr. Van Gompel explained the proposed contingency was a reserve of $32,000 or 50%
which could be moved out of contingency. He stated the levy would not be impacted in
2022 however there would be an impact in 2023.
Council Member Ford asked if the position was specifically for the bear exhibit.
Ray Maurer, Director of Park, explained that staff was needed for various exhibits.
Council Member Ford stated he supported the use of contingency funds if the 75% was
needed and if the position would be needed right away he would support the position be
added to the levy.
Council Member Miller explained he would support the recommendation from staff.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated he supported the use of contingency funds.
MOTION: ADJOURN (Miller, second, Hansen)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK