HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL
CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN
APRIL 12, 2022
REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, April 12, 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 Ray Maurer, Director of Parks
INTRODUCTION OF STAFF
Ray Maurer, Director of Parks, introduced and explained the experience of Travis Derks,
Landscape Operations Manager.
Mike Stanley, Fire Chief, stated that Aaron Droessler, was the new Battalion Chief. He
explained Mr. Droessler’s experience and professional background.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Palmeri proclaimed April 2022 as National Poetry Month and encouraged citizens
to celebrate the activities scheduled at the Oshkosh Public Library.
Tom Cannon, Poet Laurate, encouraged citizens to view the submitted poetry throughout
the City and at the Oshkosh Public Library.
CITIZEN STATEMENTS
There were no citizen statements to Council.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
Report of Bills by the Finance Director.
Receipt & Filing of Oshkosh Public Library Minutes from February 24, 2022.
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Receipt & Filing of the Common Council Minutes from March 22, 2022.
Resolution 22-135 Approve Regional Fire Department Hiring Process Agreement-FVTC.
Resolution 22-136 Approve Agreement for Urban Search & Rescue Emergency
Response Services between the City of Oshkosh & the State of
Wisconsin.
Resolution 22-137 Approve General Development Plan & Specific Implementation Plan
for a Commercial Development at the 2300 Block of Witzel Avenue
(Plan Commission Recommends Approval).
Resolution 22-138 Approve Specific Implementation Plan Amendment for Screening
Materials at 4200 Poberezny Road (Plan Commission Recommends
Approval).
Resolution 22-139 Award Bid to Reinders Inc. for Zero Turn Mower for Parks
Department ($69,693.71).
Resolution 22-140 Approve Change Order for Safety/Security Updates & Hybrid
Upgrades for Buses for GO Transit ($110,712.88).
Resolution 22-141 Approve Cooperative Purchase of Two Backhoe/Loaders from Brooks
Tractor for Streets Division and Water Distribution Division
($297,295.29).
Resolution 22-142 Approve Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Storm Sewer
Laterals Relating to Contract No. 22-20 / Various Locations.
Resolution 22-143 Approve Change Order No. 2 (Final) for Public Works Contract No.
21-06 Concrete Sidewalk (New & Rehabilitation) / Al Dix Concrete,
Inc. (-$122,376.92).
Resolution 22-144 Approve CIP Amendment & Award Bid for Public Works Contract
No. 22-01 to PTS Contractors, Inc. for Bowen Street Sanitary
Interceptor Sewer & Storm Sewer Construction ($4,806,149.51).
Resolution 22-145 Approve Purchase of Chloramine Monitors for the Water Filtration
Plant from William Reid, a Division of Gasvoda Associates
($66,543.84).
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Resolution 22-146 Approve Special Event – Melissa Franzen to utilize South Park for an
Easter Egg Hunt / April 16, 2022.
Resolution 22-147 Approve Special Event – Oshkosh YMCA to utilize City Streets for the
Oshkosh Century Bike Tour / June 26, 2022.
Resolution 22-148 Approve Appointments for Long Range Finance Committee.
Resolution 22-149 Approve Combination “Class B” & Operator Licenses.
MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
Ordinance 22-150 Amend Section 12-10(A)(5)(3) and Create Section 12-10(A)(5)(4) of the
City of Oshkosh Municipal Code Pertaining to Bid Protests.
FIRST READING: LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES
Ms. Lorenson explained the amendment was regarding the clarification of the bid rules
and protest language.
Ordinance 22-151 Prohibit on-street parking on W. 6th Avenue, south side from 170 feet
west of Michigan Street to 231 feet west of Michigan Street.
MOTION: ADOPT (Ford; second, Mugerauer)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked if the citizens had been notified.
Jim Collins, Director of Transportation, explained the citizens and businesses in the area
had been notified.
Resolution 22-152 Approve Amendment to 2022 Capital Improvement Budget to
Increase Funding for Parks Administration/Operations Building.
MOTION: ADOPT (Erickson; second, Wojciechowski)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
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and Mayor Palmeri
Council Member Ford asked why staff recommended using debt opposed to other funding
sources.
Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, explained the recommendation was given because
the project had already been partially funded by debt. He stated that $22,950,000.00 would
be the total amount.
Council Member Ford stated that if Council did not approve interest rates would only
become higher.
Mr. Van Gompel confirmed that was correct and the additional $3.6 million would cost
four cents on the tax rate.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked about the cost difference from the original estimate and
the current costs.
Mr. Maurer explained that staff had discussions with the architect before the 2022 Capital
Improvement Plan and at that time the recommendation was an additional $200,000. He
stated material costs were the driving factor in the large increase.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned that smaller projects were being effected more due to mobilization
and material cost increases.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer explained his support for the project and his support of the
recommendation of funding through debt.
Council Member Miller stated his support to move forward with the project and the
recommendation of the funding.
Council Member Ford expressed his support for the project and funding.
Mayor Palmeri stated her support for the project and funding.
Resolution 22-153 Award Bid to SMA Construction Services, LLC. for Parks
Administration/Operations Building ($8,943,500.00).
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Miller)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
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Resolution 22-154 Approve and Execute Relocation Order; Approve Determination of
Necessity to Acquire; Property Generally Located at the West 2700
Block of Clairville Road for Rural II Basin for Sawyer Creek
Watershed (Plan Commission Recommends Approval).
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
Council Member Ford stated that Plan Commission had discussed the topic and citizens
were hopeful the project would assist with flooding issues.
Resolution 22-155 Support Incorporation of Environmental Justice Concepts into City of
Oshkosh Plans & Processes (Sustainability Advisory Board
Recommends Approval).
MOTION: ADOPT (Wojciechowski; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development, stated that staff had reviewed a
template and made modifications for the City. She explained staff had discussions with
the Sustainability Advisory Board and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. She
mentioned various potential ways to incorporate the plan within the City’s processes.
Mayor Palmeri thanked staff for the suggestion of incorporating the Wisconsin
Environmental Equity Tool (WEET).
Council Member Wojciechowski expressed his appreciation for staff and the committees’
input. He asked if the City had sustainable or environmental metrics.
Mr. Rohloff explained he was not aware of any specific goals related to metrics.
Mayor Palmeri mentioned a greenhouse gas admissions inventory where milestones were
met approximately 10 years ago.
Council Member Ford thanked staff and the committees for their hard work on the plan
and process. He stated his support for the plan and process.
Resolution 22-156 Amend 2022 City of Oshkosh Fees & Charges for the Issuance of
Right-of-Way Permits to Establish a Cap for Permit Fees for Work in
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the Right-of-Way.
MOTION: ADOPT (Mugerauer; second, Hansen)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
Council Member Miller asked if the fees would favor any one organization/company and
questioned if there had been push back on the permits.
James Rabe, Director of Public Works, clarified that there had not been push back, however
after reviewing history across the State staff determined to establish criteria for the
maximum would be appropriate. He stated the criteria did not benefit any specific
organization/company.
Council Member Miller requested documentation regarding projected revenue.
Resolution 22-157 Designate the Month of May as No Mow May
MOTION: ADOPT (Wojciechowski; second, Erickson)
CARRIED: Ayes (7) Miller, Wojciechowski, Erickson, Ford, Mugerauer, Hansen
and Mayor Palmeri
Mayor Palmeri asked how citizens would register with the City regarding No Mow May.
Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development, explained staff was working on a
potential sign up link to participate on the website as well as looking into adding the
feature to the app. She stated that staff was hosting a meeting for future discussion and the
City would be doing public education regarding No Mow May.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the topic would be on the front page of the website under hot
topics.
Mr. Rohloff confirmed the topic would be added.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer stated he thought there would be information regarding the
benefit/results to the community from last year. He mentioned his hesitancy with adding
more work for staff and asked if the City could do No Mow May in the backyard only.
Mayor Palmeri stated she would like the program to remain as is.
Council Member Miller asked how to structure the program to make it easier for staff to
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manage.
Ms. Nieforth explained that staff had learned from last year and the addition of requiring
participating homes to register would eliminate the majority of complaints.
Council Member Miller asked for the study of benefits.
Ms. Nieforth stated that staff would reach out to the organization and provide a summary
of the program regarding benefits.
Council Member Wojciechowski mentioned he was in agreement with registering if
participating and suggested having the participants complete a survey.
Council Member Ford stated his concern was that homeowners would use the No Mow
May as an excuse, however the registration would be good information to see how many
citizens were actively participating.
Council Member Erickson asked if the yard signs would be provided for registered homes.
Ms. Nieforth explained the yard sign would not be required however they would be
available for participating citizens.
Mayor Palmeri suggested that the City post on social media the rules and consequences if
not registered.
Council Member Ford explained that participation was optional.
Council Member Hansen stated her support for No Mow May.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION, DIRECTION TO CITY MANAGER & FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Palmeri mentioned the organizational meeting would be held on April 19th, 2022 at
12:00 p.m.
Deputy Mayor Mugerauer asked to discuss taking on additional debt.
Mr. Rohloff stated the conversation had started at the staff level.
Russ Van Gompel, Director of Finance, mentioned that the discussion could happen at the
April 26, 2022 Council Meeting when the consultants from Elhers would present options.
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Mayor Palmeri asked about the budget calendar.
Mr. Rohloff explained the budget calendar was included in the agenda packet.
Council Member Miller stated he supported reviewing the potential additional debt.
Mayor Palmeri explained she would not be available on June 29, 2022 for the Capital
Improvement Plan Workshop.
Mr. Rohloff encouraged Council to review the calendar.
Mr. Van Gompel stated the City Council Meeting in November would be changed to
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 due to the election.
Mr. Rohloff stated the Council photo could be taken on April 26, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Report of Council Liaison for Boards & Commissions.
Council Member Wojciechowski
Sustainability Advisory Committee
Discussed Native Plant Ordinance
Reviewed Shoveling/Salting Ordinance
Council Member Wojciechowski congratulated Council Members for being re-elected.
CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS & STATEMENTS
Mr. Rohloff provided an updated outstanding issues report.
Mr. Rohloff explained supply chain issues with capital expenditures regarding the ladder
truck for the Fire Department. He stated the company was experiencing a lead time of 22
months, which means the City would receive the truck approximately in February of 2024.
He explained the price would increase by 7% if ordered in May and he suggested that
Council consider ordering in advance. He also mentioned there are issues with having to
wait 6 months for pipe for the Oregon Street project. He stated that staff had a discussion
to prepare a list of projected supplies that would be needed for upcoming projects.
Council Member Miller encouraged all departments to be thinking about ordering
materials in advance of projects.
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Deputy Mayor Mugerauer thanked staff for their forward thinking and supported the
discussion of taking on new debt.
Mr. Rohloff stated the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) had approved the
metrics as directed by Council. He recognized the committee and departments for their
discussions and process.
Mayor Palmeri asked if Council would be approving the metrics.
Mr. Rohloff explained that Council had given direction for the DEI Committee to approve
them.
Mayor Palmeri inquired about the meaning of measure code compliance maintenance
program.
John Fitzpatrick, Assistant City Manager/Director of Administrative Services, explained
the committee had discussed various topics to be forward thinking not punitive. He stated
the committee took into account accessibility, income, and race. He stated the committee
had worked with Community Development to review potential programs to impact
low/moderate income households.
Kelly Nieforth, Director of Community Development, stated there had been more
compliance issues in the low to moderate income properties within the City. She indicated
that staff had been developing a program to assist with funding for property owners who
had difficulty with the repairs.
Mayor Palmeri asked if there could also be assistance for bulk/junk pick up.
Ms. Nieforth stated that it could be reviewed and that staff had been working with the
Inspections Division to review code violations and identify potential properties that need
financial assistance.
Council Member Ford thanked staff and the DEI Committee for the actionable metrics and
evaluating/setting a baseline.
Council Member Erickson stated her appreciation for staff and the DEI Committee for the
hard work on the metrics.
Mayor Palmeri asked if the Parks Department score reviewed the proximity of the parks
in relation to homes.
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Council Member Wojciechowski inquired if the plan and metrics would be included
online.
Mr. Rohloff stated the item would be added to the online metrics.
Mayor Palmeri asked if DEI Committee had a discussion regarding gender pay equity.
Mr. Fitzpatrick explained the committee did not look at that topic.
Mayor Palmeri asked if there were any issues with gender pay equity.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated there had not been any issue with gender pay equity.
Mr. Rohloff mentioned the City had a strict structure to the pay scale.
MOTION: RECESS UNTIL APRIL 19, 2022 AT NOON (Mugerauer; second,
Miller)
CARRIED: VOICE VOTE
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
JESSI L. BALCOM
CITY CLERK