HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 6 PMPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
OCTOBER 13, 2020
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers,
City Hall.
Mayor Palmeri presided.
PRESENT: Council Members Matt Mugerauer, Lynnsey Erickson, Bob Poeschl, Michael
Ford, Deb Allison-Aasby and Mayor Lori Palmeri
EXCUSED: Council Member Jake Krause
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; and Lynn
Lorenson, City Attorney
Council Member Mugerauer read the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Mugerauer.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Palmeri proclaimed October 15, 2021 as White Cane Awareness Day which brought
awareness of the achievements of people who were blind or visually impaired and the
important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.
Denise Jess, CEO/Executive Director, Wisconsin Council of Blind and Visually Impaired,
expressed her appreciation for the proclamation. She explained that the day had been
nationally acknowledged since 1964 and more information was at www.wcblind.org.
PRESENTATION
Pam Ruder, Executive Director of Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhoods, gave an update on
the 2020 Greater Oshkosh Healthy Neighborhood. She explained the Rock the Block
program completed 97 projects, 20 good neighbor grants were approved, there was the
connect through tech program for seniors, the rock the block trailer would be available and
good neighbor day was virtual.
Mayor Palmeri asked about the solicitation for citizens who were in need of assistance and
citizens willing to assist.
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Ms. Ruder explained the door hanger was designed to allow citizens to connect needs with
those who would assist safely.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
There were no public comments on agenda items.
Mayor Palmeri stated an email was submitted inquiring about business assistance not
related to an agenda item. She explained the City did provide information regarding
various available grants.
NEW ORDINANCE
Ordinance 20-412 Amend Rules Pertaining to Council, Board & Commission Meetings
in Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus Emergency for Remote
Participation at Meetings (Staff Recommends Waiving the Rules &
Adopting on First Reading)
MOTION: SUSPEND RULES (Poeschl; second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Erickson)
MOTION: REMOVE THERE WILL BE NO GENERAL CITIZEN STATEMENT
OR GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AT COUNCIL
MEETINGS, BOARD AND COMMISSION MEETINGS. (Mugerauer;
second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
VOTE ON ORDINANCE AS AMENDED
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Council Member Mugerauer stated his support during the pandemic and asked for
discussion regarding public comment. He asked about the criteria to return to in person
Council meetings.
Mr. Rohloff stated the average number of daily positive COVID-19 cases would need to be
significantly lower for individuals to return to Council Meetings. He explained he would
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – OCTOBER 13, 2020
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continue to discuss the topic on a regular basis with the Winnebago County Health
Department, colleagues in surrounding municipalities and Council.
Council Member Poeschl stated his support for staff’s direction regarding meeting safely
in-person. He expressed his support to hold the Council meetings virtual if the majority of
participants would be virtual. He agreed that public comment be added back to the
Council meetings.
Mayor Palmeri encouraged Council to provide input and stated she agreed to allow public
comment virtually.
Council Member Erickson expressed her support to add public comments back to the
agenda and allow the virtual option for Council and citizens.
Council Member Poeschl asked if the amendment would allow citizens to participate in
Council meetings.
Mayor Palmeri asked for clarification from staff.
Ms. Lorenson explained the amendment would allow general statements from citizens
during Council meetings.
Council Member Poeschl asked if the public comment applied to the board and
commissions.
Mayor Palmeri confirmed that was correct.
Ms. Lorenson clarified if approved, the boards and commissions had the ability to
determine if public comment would be allowed at meetings.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated her support and asked if there were security
concerns regarding the technology.
Tony Neumann, Information Technology Manager, explained staff would manage the
citizens that participated.
Mr. Rohloff stated there would be one public comment timeframe at the beginning of the
meeting.
Council Member Mugerauer expressed his support for public comment at the beginning
of the meeting.
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Mayor Palmeri asked if there was a way for residents of the City to have access over non-
residents.
Ms. Lorenson stated there would not be a way to verify the information.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Report of Bills by the Finance Director
Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Board Minutes from August 27, 2020
Resolution 20-413 Award Bid to Hurckman Mechanical Industries Inc. for Boiler
Replacement for the Safety Building ($166,900.00)
Resolution 20-414 Award Bid to Interstate Pump & Tank for Underground Fuel Tank
Replacement for the Transportation Department ($323,765.51)
Resolution 20-415 Grant Electric Easement at 201 Ceape Avenue / Wisconsin Public
Service (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 20-416 Release Sanitary Sewer Interceptor Easement Located on the West
Side of the 2400 through 2700 Blocks of Clover Street (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 20-417 Approve Change Order No. 2 for Public Works Contract No. 20-05
Oregon Street Reconstruction, Utilities, & Patching (West 21st Avenue
to West 28th Avenue); West 28th Avenue Utilities & Asphalt Paving;
Congress Avenue Utilities & Patching; & West 28th Avenue Pump
Station Upgrades / PTS Contractors, Inc. (-$283,172.40)
Resolution 20-418 Approve Special Event – Friends of Oshkosh Parks, Inc. to utilize
Menominee Park & City streets for the Celebration of Lights / October
19, 2020 through February 4, 2021
Resolution 20-419 Approve Block Party – Kristen Hirsbrunner to utilize Casey Trail for
a neighborhood block party / October 31, 2020
Resolution 20-420 Approve Appointment to Storm Water Utility Board
Resolution 20-421 Disallowance of Claim by Christopher Reinke
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Resolution 20-422 Approve Combination “Class B” License & Operator Licenses
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 20-423 Amend Ordinances Pertaining to the Board of Appeals (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked for a clarification.
Ms. Lorenson explained the change was for language updates within the ordinance.
Ordinance 20-424 Amend Various Sections of Chapter 30 Zoning Ordinance (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Allison-Aasby; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
Resolution 20-425 Approve General Development Plan & Specific Implementation Plan
for Commercial Development at 1844 Oshkosh Avenue (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
MOTION: REMOVE CONDITION #2 – SOUTHERN ACCESS FROM N.
KOELLER STREET SHALL BE RIGHT-IN, RIGHT-OUT ONLY WITH
FINAL DESIGN APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC
WORKS (Ford; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL – OCTOBER 13, 2020
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Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked for an explanation.
Mark Lyons, Planning Services Manager, explained the Plan Commission had discussed
the southernmost access drive be a right in and right out only access point which was
recommended by staff. He stated the engineering firm had done an analysis on the project
which was provided to Council. He explained the building elevation met the Class 1
material requirement for the project.
Mr. Rohloff stated more information was provided by the engineering firm prior to the
Council Meeting.
Mr. Lyons explained that staff had reached out to the engineering firm and the applicant
had submitted required documentation. He stated the engineering firm reviewed the
documentation and the response from the engineering firm was provided to Council.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned his support of staff’s recommendations.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the amendment would allow for development.
Council Member Ford thanked staff for the documentation. He stated the analysis was
completed and amendment was the best outcome for the community.
Mayor Palmeri asked if there were burdens/benefits regarding pedestrians.
Mr. Lyons explained all options included site lines for pedestrians on the roadway and
sidewalk. He stated the concern was for exiting out of the Koeller Street access drive.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the option was removed would the project have one intersection.
Council Member Ford stated the amendment would allow for a full access drive.
Council Member Mugerauer asked if the development was treated the same as other
developments in the area.
Mr. Lyons explained all developments had been treated the same.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Palmeri reminded Council of the joint workshop on October 6, 2020 with the
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Oshkosh Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) regarding the reduction of the community
spread of the Coronavirus during the pandemic.
Council Member Allison-Aasby thanked the CVB for their time and stated if Council
Member Mugerauer would like to participate with the efforts with the CVB instead of
herself she would step down.
Council Member Ford explained the goal was to create a marketing campaign in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated the campaign would provide communication to
citizens and he showcased potential marketing materials that would be used for outreach.
He asked for Council’s feedback on the designs of the potential marketing materials.
Mr. Rohloff stated some groups were already doing educational materials which could be
used as well and explained the potential materials were examples.
Council Member Mugerauer thanked Council Member Allison-Aasby for the invitation
however he felt that the topic was in good hands. He praised the CVB for their work and
partnership.
Mayor Palmeri asked if staff would work with public health.
Council Member Allison-Aasby explained that staff had worked with the Winnebago
County Health Department to promote data in a comprehensible manner for the
community. She explained the examples of marketing materials were in the draft stage and
hoped Council would provide direction to continue the momentum.
Mayor Palmeri asked about the timeline.
Council Member Allison-Aasby stated the timeline was being put together and would be
shared with Council once finalized.
Mr. Rohloff explained the timeline was to provide materials to the community as soon as
possible and the funding would come out of the Coronavirus Aid and Economic Security
Act (CARES) fund.
Mayor Palmeri asked if staff would work with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to
align with the promotion.
Mr. Rohloff explained he had been in contact with the chancellor and would continue to
work together on the topic.
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Mayor Palmeri asked if Council was available for the budget workshop scheduled for
October 19 and 20, 2020 and the joint workshop regarding the Jackson Street corridor study
on October 29, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.
Council agreed.
Mr. Rohloff stated the budget document was provided to Council and was available on
the City’s website.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned the joint workshop would include various boards and
commissions.
Mark Lyons, explained the workshop would include Council, Plan Commission, the
Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Traffic / Parking Advisory Board for a
presentation from a consultant.
Mr. Rohloff stated the workshop would allow input from the various boards and
commissions and the topic would added to the December 8, 2020 Council agenda with
recommendations.
Council Member Allison-Aasby mentioned she would be out of town on October 29, 2020.
Mr. Rohloff explained the meeting would be recorded.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions
Mayor Palmeri
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee
Reviewed plans along with actions steps
Council Member Ford
Long Range Finance Committee
Discussed financial policy handbook
Discussed interest rate on special assessment
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff encouraged social distancing and safety during the City-wide trick or treating
on October 31, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. He shared suggestions on how to hand out
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candy during COVID-19 that was promoted on social media.
Mayor Palmeri asked about trick or treating being cancelled.
Mr. Rohloff explained the downtown trick or treating was cancelled however the City-
wide trick or treating would be held on October 31, 2020.
Mr. Rohloff stated there would be a free fare day with GO Transit on Election Day,
November 3, 2020.
Mr. Rohloff provided Council with the summary of outstanding issues and explained daily
total for COVID-19 positive cases continued to increase.
Mike Stanley, Fire Chief, explained his support of the collaboration regarding the
marketing campaign.
MOTION: ADJOURN (Allison-Aasby; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (6) Mugerauer, Erickson, Poeschl, Ford, Allison-Aasby, Mayor
Palmeri
The meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
PAMELA R. UBRIG
CITY CLERK