HomeMy WebLinkAbout03. Common Council MinutesPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
JANUARY 11, 2022
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, January 11, 2022 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, Courtney Hansen and Mayor Lori Palmeri
ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Jessi Balcom, City Clerk; Lynn Lorenson,
City Attorney, and Steve Gohde, Assistant Public Works Director
INTRODUCTION OF STAFF
Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development, welcomed Jason Pausma as the new
Economic Development Service Manager and shared his professional experience.
WORKSHOP
Linda Moore, Project Manager, Jacobs Engineering, provided information regarding the
Clearwell Project update, project public meeting and public comments, responses to public
comments and next steps.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the UV Disinfection area would be a large enough area.
Ms. Moore explained the area would be appropriate for the system.
Council Member Ford expressed his appreciation for the information and asked about the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) process.
Ms. Moore stated that she had spoken with the DNR, who explained that the DNR did not
grant variances to administrative code, however the DNR would review the technical
design and determine if the design approach met the code standards.
Council Member Ford asked if the partially buried tanks option had the most unknown
factors.
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Ms. Moore explained that was correct.
Council Member Ford questioned if the tanks had the correct amount of storage.
Ms. Moore stated the volume of storage met best practices.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer expressed there were significant restraints with the site and
thanked Ms. Moore for providing options. He asked about the long term maintenance cost
for the different options.
Ms. Moore stated she did not have the dollar amount for long term maintenance. She
mentioned the pre-stressed concrete had fewer joints and fewer opportunities for issues.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if the double wall rectangle tank design would be
recommended for the City.
Ms. Moore stated the design posed more risks to the City.
Council Member Miller inquired about a landscaping plan.
Mr. Rohloff stated landscaping would be discussed after the project was started. He
explained input from stakeholders could happen and that the exterior work would be sent
out to bid.
Council Member Miller asked about the water usage.
Mr. Rohloff confirmed the water usage had been declining.
Council Member Miller asked if there was a water main break due to a contractor hitting
a water main.
Mr. Gohde confirmed that was correct.
Council Member Hansen inquired about leveling the existing underground tanks to lower
the ground level for the new tanks.
Ms. Moore explained the existing Clearwells ranged in depth from 13-16 feet. She
mentioned that the plan was to demolish the top and gradually demolish the upper
portions of the walls while using the walls as excavation support.
Council Member Hansen asked if the height of the tank would be reduced with reusing
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the existing Clearwells.
Ms. Moore stated the existing Clearwells footprint would be filled underneath the new
pump station and storage tanks.
Council Member Ford questioned if using the existing tanks would change the height of
the project.
Ms. Moore explained the elevation of 751.5 was due to the ground water being at elevation
749.5 and the minimum elevation requirement being 2 feet above ground water.
Mr. Gohde mentioned that the ground on the top of the existing tanks was approximately
759.
Council Member Ford asked for clarification on the site plan approval process.
Mr. Rohloff explained the project would follow the process of having Plan Commission
and Council review/approve.
Council Member Miller asked if input would continue to be accepted.
Mr. Rohloff stated the City would continue to accept input.
Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, explained staff had prepared a public hearing
notice which would also be included in the monthly utility bills.
Mayor Palmeri asked if comments at the public hearing would be allowed regarding the
lifeline rate.
Mr. Van Gompel mentioned the lifeline rate would be discussed once the construction
authorization was completed.
Mr. Rohloff explained the application would be for the construction authorization. He
expressed that public input was important.
Ms. Moore mentioned the Public Service Commission requested a public hearing to gain
the public’s perspective.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
Beth Wyman, 1373 Waugoo Avenue, expressed her concern for the Clearwell project and
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stated her hope for economic development within the community.
Aaron Sheer, 1720 Cliffview Drive, expressed concerns regarding the Clearwell project and
stated a landscape architect could provide possibilities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Resolution 22-14 Approve Land Acquisition of 0 Broad Street & 400 Ceape Avenue
from the Oshkosh Housing Authority ($150,000.00) (Plan Commission
Recommends Approval)
Tina Haffeman, 1307 Washington Avenue, expressed her support for the new Day by Day
Warming Shelter on the proposed site.
Jason Havlik, 1944 Westbreeze Drive, thanked the Council and explained the history of the
Day by Day Warming Shelter. He mentioned the Day by Day Board asked Council to
approve the resolution to move forward.
Bradford Lasky, 1319 Bay Shore Drive, expressed his opposition for the proposed location
of the Day by Day Warming Shelter.
Eric Sparr, 449 High Avenue, stated his support for the proposed location and provided
background of the project/location.
Deb Martin, 164 Wildwood Drive, expressed her support for the proposed location.
Tom Barlow, 419 Boyd Street, shared his support for the proposed location.
Jeff Trembly, 3040 Wilderness Place, President of Community Foundation Board of
Directors, expressed support from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to address
homelessness within the community. He stated the board had requested Council delay the
approval to allow the foundation time to review alternative sites.
Council Member Ford asked if the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation would remove
funding if the proposed site was approved.
Mr. Trembly explained that it was not the intention of the Community Foundation
however the delay would allow for further pursuit of potential sites which could yield
more support from donors.
Council Member Miller asked if the organization was committed to working with Day by
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Day.
Mr. Trembly stated the organization was committed to working with Day by Day to find
the best solution for the community.
Carmen Scott, 521 Otter Avenue, shared her support of the Day by Day Warming Shelter.
Resolution 22-05 Approve Historic Jackson Neighborhood Plan (Plan Commission
Recommends Approval)
Shirley Barbender-Mattox, 1313 Jackson Street, stated her support for the neighborhood
plan.
Mayor Palmeri read the following emails into the record.
Don Nelson, 3281 Elk Ridge Drive, stated his support for the new warming shelter location.
Molly Smiltneek, 1855 Hickory Lane, supported the proposed location.
Sheldon Lasky, 1650 River Mill Road, expressed his opposition with the proposed location.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Report of Bills by the Finance Director.
Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Board Minutes from November 18, 2021.
Receipt & Filing of the Common Council Minutes from December 14, 2021.
Resolution 22-01 Approve CIP Budget Amendment & Award Bid for Public Works
Contract No. 22-04 to Dorner, Inc. for Algoma Boulevard & Vine
Avenue Reconstruction ($8,685,603.96)
Resolution 22-02 Approve Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with
Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Materials
Testing for the 2021 Capital Improvement Program ($12,094.00)
Resolution 22-03 Approve Professional Services Agreement with Strand Associates,
Inc. for Property Survey, Property Acquisition, Environmental
Assistance & Grant Application Services for Sawyer Creek Rural II
Detention Basin ($85,000.00)
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Resolution 22-04 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for Signage at
1844 Oshkosh Avenue (Plan Commission Recommends Approval)
Resolution 22-05 Approve Historic Jackson Neighborhood Plan (Plan Commission
Recommends Approval)
Resolution 22-06 Approve Special Event – Battle on Bago Foundation, Inc. to utilize
Menominee Park & Millers Bay for the Battle on Bago event / February
18 & 19, 2022
Resolution 22-07 Approve Appointments to the following Boards & Commissions:
Transit Advisory Board, Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee,
Long Range Finance Committee
Resolution 22-08 Approve Combination “Class B” License, Combination “Class A”
License, Class “B” Fermented Malt License, Special Class “B” Licenses
& Operator Licenses
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen,
Mayor Palmeri
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 22-09 Approve Zone Change from Suburban Mixed Use District (SMU) to
Suburban Mixed Use District with a Planned Development Overlay
(SMU-PD) for Property Located at 580 South Koeller Street (Plan
Commission Recommends Approval
FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 22-10 Allow street parking on West 9th Avenue from west of the
Intersection with Oakwood Road to Linden Oaks Drive
FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 22-11 Set the Speed Limit on Compass Way & Transit Drive to 30 Mph &
designate Clairville Road as the through Street at its Intersection with
Compass Way & Transit Drive
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FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ordinance 22-12 Amend Portions of Chapter 14 Storm Water Management, Chapter 24
Wastewater Systems, Chapter 25 Streets & Sidewalk & Chapter 28
Water Pertaining to Public Construction & Services & Methods of
Payment & Create Chapter 21 of the Oshkosh Municipal Code
Pertaining to Public Construction & Services / Methods of Payment /
Special Charges / Special Assessments
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen,
Mayor Palmeri
Resolution 22-13 Approve Purchase Agreement with T. Wall Enterprises Development,
LLC for Redevelopment of the Property Located 43 East 7th Avenue
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Ford)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen,
Mayor Palmeri
Resolution 22-14 Approve Land Acquisition of 0 Broad Street & 400 Ceape Avenue
from the Oshkosh Housing Authority ($150,000.00) (Plan Commission
Recommends Approval)
MOTION: ADOPT (Wojciechowski; second, Erickson)
MOTION: LAYOVER UNTIL COUNCIL MEETING ON JANUARY 25, 2022
(Miller; second, Ford)
LOST: Ayes (3) Miller, Ford, Hansen
Noes (3) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Mayor Palmeri
Present (1) Mugerauer
VOTE ON MOTION TO ADOPT
CARRIED: Ayes (5) Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Hansen, Mayor Palmeri
Noes (1) Miller
Present (1) Mugerauer
Council Member Miller asked if a delay would cause complications with the process.
Mr. Rohloff stated the delay would not delay any physical process. He explained the
concern would be regarding fundraising efforts for the shelter.
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Council Member Wojciechowski stated his support of the resolution.
Council Member Ford expressed his disappointment and concern with stakeholders.
Council Member Erickson stated her frustration and expressed that she did not support
the delay.
Mayor Palmeri stated that she would not support the delay.
Council Member Ford stated his support to approve and mentioned that he hoped the
organizations would work together.
Council Member Hansen expressed her hope for cohesion.
Mr. Rohloff explained that GoEDC held a meeting that he did not attend regarding the
topic. He expressed his confidence with the organizations to continue discussions and
explained he directed staff to work to identify a year round temporary facility. He asked
the community if anyone was aware of a site that would be available to assist with the
temporary need.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the temporary facility would be in place until the shelter was
completed.
Mr. Rohloff confirmed that if a temporary site could be found, it would be year round until
the shelter was built.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer explained the Council’s role was to bring organizations and
individuals together.
Resolution 22-15 Approve Amendment to Lead Service Line Replacement Policy
MOTION: ADOPT (Wojciechowski; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Hansen, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer,
Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked how many homes were serviced by lead lines and
questioned what would it take to eliminate the issue within the City.
Mr. Gohde explained approximately 6,500 lead service lines remained within the City and
the average cost was $4,000 to repair the private side and he stated that he did not have
the cost to replace the public side of the lines.
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Council Member Miller asked if the replacement program was available.
Mr. Gohde explained that funding had not been confirmed yet.
Mr. Rohloff stated his confidence that the funding would come through however the
American Rescue Act Funds could be used if Council approved.
Mayor Palmeri inquired if a homeowner needed private side repair the rebate of $2,000
would assist after the repair was made.
Mr. Gohde confirmed that was correct.
Mayor Palmeri asked if there was a way to assist homeowners with the initial funds.
Mr. Gohde explained there was a program for low or moderate income household that
allowed the program to pay the contractor directly. He asked if special assessment funds
could be used.
Ms. Lorenson confirmed that special assessment funds could not be used on private
property.
Council Member Miller asked if staff could review an emergency plan.
Mr. Rohloff stated he would look into an emergency plan.
Mayor Palmeri asked how much funding was added to the capital improvement plan for
lead line replacement.
Mr. Rohloff explained the funding had come from grant funding.
Resolution 22-16 Approve Amendment to Transit Services Agreement with Oshkosh
Area School District for Additional Tripper Route for North High
School
MOTION: ADOPT (Erickson; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen,
Mayor Palmeri
Jim Collins, Director of Transportation, explained the additional bus would begin on
January 18, 2022 which would eliminate students waiting for a second bus and
overcrowding. He explained that the Oshkosh Area School District would be funding half
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of the total cost and the City had grant funding which covered most of the cost.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated his appreciation to balance the needs of the students and
community.
Mr. Collins mentioned over 86,000 rides were given to students in 2021.
Resolution 22-17 Approve City Manager Evaluation for 2021
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen,
Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer read a statement about Mr. Rohloff along with the 2022 City
Manager Goals:
1. Identify and pursue a strategy for the city to provide support for short and long-term
solutions to reduce and end homelessness.
2. Continue incorporating equity and inclusion into the day-to-day operations and
structures of the Oshkosh city government by doing the following: (a) Create
employee DEI committee and begin reporting on approved DEI measures; and (b)
Support DEI Committee and its consultant to create the DEI Committee Strategic Plan.
3. Present funding options to begin implementation of ADA improvements as
recommended by SRF / Accessibility Audit of Oshkosh Public Buildings and
Facilities Report.
4. Continue participating in State multi-organizational committee on Local
Government Funding (LGFC) to address Oshkosh’s shortfall in state-local funding,
with particular attention to Municipal Services Payment (MSP) program, Shared
Revenue, and Transportation Aids.
Mayor Palmeri thanked Deputy Mayor and Council for their professionalism.
Council Member Ford thanked Deputy Mayor.
Council Member Wojciechowski shared his appreciation for both the Deputy Mayor and
Mr. Rohloff.
Mr. Rohloff thanked Council.
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COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Palmeri mentioned a potential resolution or upcoming discussion regarding
environmental justice.
Mr. Rohloff stated the facilities study would be added to a future agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions
Council Member Ford
Committee on Aging
Discussed Mailing Scams
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer
Long Rang Finance Committee
Discussed Debt Goals with Potential Recommendation to Council
Mayor Palmeri
Advisory Park Board
Discussed the Chief Oshkosh Monument
Reviewed concept renderings for Menominee Park Beach House
expansion
Mayor Palmeri mentioned the upcoming quarterly chair meeting on January 13, 2022 and
there would be an upcoming East Central Regional Wisconsin Planning Commission
meeting.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff reminded the community that Roe Park Ice Rink would be open for the
community to enjoy.
Mayor Palmeri mentioned that volunteers were needed.
Mr. Rohloff explained there were technical issues while printing the 2021 Tax Bill which
led to some property owners receiving two tax bills and others not receiving a bill. He
explained that the online version was accurate. He mentioned staff had done a complete
review to control any further issues.
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Mr. Rohloff provided Council with the outstanding issues.
Council Member Ford explained the Oshkosh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Tourism
Assessment and mentioned an update would be provided on January 25, 2022.
Mr. Rohloff stated 88-90% of the COVID-19 patients were unvaccinated.
Mayor Palmeri inquired how many Board and Commission meetings were virtual.
Mr. Rohloff explained 50% were virtual and more were considering the virtual option due
to current COVID-19 concerns.
MOTION: ADJOURN (Mugerauer; second, Miller)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
JESSI L. BALCOM
CITY CLERK