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HomeMy WebLinkAboutnewsletter TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager DATE: August 26, 2022 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. HAVE YOU NOTICED THE TREES?: Driving down the street you may have noticed that there is a tree or two that seems to be in poor condition; few, if any leaves and the bark may be starting to crack and separate from the wood. These were once beautiful Ash trees that have now fallen victim to the emerald ash borer (EAB). EAB is an invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills Ash trees by eating the tissues under the bark. Native to northeastern Asia, it was first detected in the United States in 2002 and is thought to have been introduced from China via the wood from shipping crates. The City of Oshkosh has been trying to slow the progress down by treating selected trees in some public spaces to protect and try to save the tree. We have also been selectively removing dying trees. Last summer the City of Oshkosh started seeing the number of dead Ash trees rise dramatically. This summer we have seen the true devastation that invasive species bring. The city has hired private contractors to help expedite the removal of the dead Ash trees in the terrace areas between the sidewalks and curb throughout the city. It is anticipated that the bulk of the dead Ash trees will be removed by the end of this year. After the removal process is complete, the city plans to replant/replace as many of the lost trees as we can. For further information, please contact Travis Derks, Landscape Operations Manager/City Forester, at (920)236-5080. 2. SENIORS CENTER ACHIEVES HONOR AFTER RE-ACCREDITATION: The Oshkosh Seniors Center has achieved the honor of receiving re-accreditation for the fourth time by the Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers (WASC). The Center first achieved this prestigious rank for excellence in programming in 2000. The process takes place every five years and was delayed in 2020 because of the pandemic. Nationally there are only 200 senior centers with accreditation status. This commendation recognizes excellence in programs, activities, and operations. The process includes State and National Standards, as established by the National Council on Aging and the National Institute of Senior Centers. The Wisconsin Association of Senior Centers felt it was clear the Center plays a vital role in the community and the lives of area seniors. The reviewers were impressed by the commitment and dedication of staff and volunteers who are determined to see their Center succeed and thrive. Several of the commendations that the reviewers made were:  The Center champions spreading the word in the community about the importance of healthy aging and has program offerings that can help older adults achieve that goal.  OSC’s progressive programming is in tune with what seniors want.  From an operations perspective, they have excellent and thorough risk documents and waivers.  You can see the “Seven Dimensions of Wellness” influence throughout their programming and planning process.  Their logo and tagline of stay active, stay social, and stay informed reflects their programming and mission. If you are interested in finding more information about the Center, please call Jean Wollerman, Senior Services Manager, at 920-232-5300. You can also find the Center’s program newsletter on their webpage - https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/SeniorServices. 3. ASSESSOR’S OFFICE ACTIVITY DETAIL FOR JULY 2022: 226 Real Estate Transfers Processed 2 Parcel Combinations 2 Parcel Splits 25 Residential Permit Reviews 3 Neighborhood Reviews 134 Sale Reviews 708 Permits Coded 8 Mobile Home Changes 14 Personal Property Contacts 37 Mailing Address Changes The City of Oshkosh Assessor’s office continually strives to provide fair and equitable real estate assessed values. Please contact our office with any questions at 920-236-5070. 4. PEER TO PEER RECOGNITION: Did one of your coworkers make a lasting impression on you? Did they do something that deserves a little extra recognition? If so, consider nominating them for an employee appreciation award. The employee appreciation program recognizes employees for their service to the organization and community as well as individual and group contributions to the City’s mission and vision. Employees can be nominated by peers, citizens, supervisors, division and department heads. Follow the link below for an Award Nomination Form and more information about the program:  Employee Recognition Program: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/HumanResources/EmployeeRecognitionProgram.aspx  Award Nomination Form: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/HumanResources/OutstandingServiceAwardForm.aspx 5. LINKS:  OFD’s latest issue of Hot Topics:  https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/Fire/Resources/HotTopics/Hot_Topics_August_2022.pdf 6. COVID-19 RESOURCE LINKS AND INFORMATION: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:  https://www.cdc.gov/ Wisconsin Department of Health Services:  https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ Winnebago County Public Health Department:  https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health 7. LOOKING AHEAD: On Monday at 2:00 PM I will be meeting with city staff to discuss staffing issues to support the BID. At 3:00 PM I will be meeting with staff to wrap up the CIP process. At 9:00 AM on Tuesday I will be meeting with Beth Oswald to meet the interim CEO for the Christine Ann Center while Ms. Oswald moves on to the Oshkosh Area United Way. As a reminder, Budget Workshop #2 is scheduled for 5:00 PM. On Wednesday at 10:00 AM I will be meeting with Chief Stanley to discuss OFD staffing. At 1:30 PM I will be meeting with county staff and city staff to discuss county transportation issues. On Thursday at 1:30 PM I will be at UW Oshkosh to meet UW System President Jay Rothman. I will be out of the office on Friday, if you have any questions about my schedule, please contact me.