Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.26.24 Newsletter TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager DATE: January 26, 2024 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. PRESENTATIONS BEGIN ON PROPOSAL TO REPLACE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION: Finance Director Russ Van Gompel, Communications Coordinator Andy Radig, and I met with the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors this morning for our initial public informational session on the proposal to replace special assessments for road reconstruction with a combination of a vehicle registration fee (VRF) and charges to our utilities. One of the things we learned from our initial presentation is that we need to provide more backdrop as to what problem we are trying to resolve. Although the Council has been wrestling with this issue for over 10 years, there remains a lack of understanding among the public about the impact of special assessments, unless you are the owner of a property being special assessed. We are providing a greater emphasis on the problem statement in future presentations so that the public has a better understanding of the problem we are attempting to fix. When there is a lack of understanding about the problem we are trying to fix, there is an assumption that the City is going to expand its street reconstruction program or direct the VRF funds to other, non-street purposes. We are trying to explain that this solution is to eliminate and replace a current funding source for our existing street reconstruction program. This assumption does point out, however, that the condition of our roads remains a concern with the public. Our annual public surveys confirm this. Staff feels that our frequently asked questions (FAQs) are adequately addressing the questions that come up in our presentations. The FAQs are now on our website in the “Hot Topics” section of the main page, and are also attached to this newsletter. Based on the questions at the initial presentation, there are some people who are philosophically opposed to a VRF for a variety of reasons, including equity concerns. We are explaining that the VRF is one part of a funding package, and using the utilities to fund a portion of the replacement costs enables us to correct some of the inequities inherent in a VRF. Our public presentations will continue next week with open forums at City Hall on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:00 pm and Thursday, February 1st at 10:00 am. We are also doing a live question and answer session on Oshkosh Media on Wednesday, January 31st at 2:00 pm, which will be replayed throughout the month. The public can email questions or comments about this issue to VRFcomments@oshkoshwi.gov. If you have any questions regarding these presentations, or if you are aware of a group that may benefit from hearing this presentation, please contact Mr. Van Gompel or me. 2. CITY SOLICITING PROPOSALS FOR ARPA FUNDING: As I reported at Tuesday’s Council meeting, the applications for ARPA funds for nonprofit entities and other non- infrastructure purposes are now being solicited. The application and review criteria have been posted on the City’s website in the “Hot Topics” section of the main page; they are also attached to this newsletter. Based on feedback that Common Council gave me prior to the first of the year, we set a March 1st deadline for this round of funding applications. This does not mean that we will not do subsequent rounds. Much of this will depend on the applications we receive by March 1st. Some concern has been expressed about the ability of groups to spend funds by the end of the year. While spending funds by year-end is desirable, the key for us is to allocate these funds by the end of the year, with an assurance that these funds will not need to be re- allocated after December 31, 2024, which is prohibited under ARPA rules. The City has a lengthy list of local nonprofits that we are contacting to announce this round of funding. If you want to know if a specific organization has been included, please be sure to contact Kami Zuercher in my office, and she can confirm if a notice and application have been sent out. Otherwise, please refer any group to our website for this information. We will be holding information meetings in mid-February with interested groups who may have questions about a potential application (see schedule below). My goal will be to meet with groups after applications have been submitted in order to better understand their needs, and perhaps help them amend their applications in order to improve their chances of receiving funding. The information sessions are scheduled as follows: • Thursday, February 15th @ 6:00 pm at City Hall • Friday, February 16th @ 10:00 am at City Hall • Friday, February 16th @ 2:00 pm, Live Q&A on Oshkosh Media If you have any questions, regarding this solicitation for funds, please contact me. 3. OPD’S CHIEF SMITH HONORS RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT CHIEF SCHOENI: On Friday, January 12, 2024, the Oshkosh Police Department said goodbye to Assistant Chief Kurt Schoeni, who retired after proudly serving the Department and the City of Oshkosh for nearly 31 years. Kurt started his career with the Oshkosh Police Department on August 8, 1993. Kurt was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on March 9, 2003, and Lieutenant on March 12, 2007. He was then promoted to Captain on April 7, 2008. During this time in his career, he worked in Uniform Patrol and then as Operations Commander, ensuring that the Department was successful in all that it worked towards. Kurt was instrumental in bringing Team Policing to the Department. He also spent time as the Commander of Administration, learning the aspects of the civilian side of the police department. On June 12, 2017, he was promoted to Assistant Chief of Police, where he served with honor and integrity for the City of Oshkosh. As Chief of Police, I relied on Kurt to be a sounding board and confidant. He served as a leader among leaders, helping to keep the Department on task and doing the things we needed to do as servants of the citizens of Oshkosh. More importantly, Kurt was and is my close friend. We spent many a day staring out my window, solving problems and forging direction for the Department. When someone is retiring, I always ask that they strive to finish strong. Kurt exceeded all expectations and truly finished strong! Please join me in wishing my friend, Assistant Chief Kurt Schoeni, congratulations and a long and happy retirement as he begins the next chapter in his life. -Chief Dean Smith 4. PARKS PROJECT UPDATES: • The Menominee Park Zoo’s ice rink status is pending due to the unseasonably warm weather conditions. Staff will continue to review conditions over the next few weeks. • The Rusch Park Trail project is ready for spring paving. The project is located on the western portion of the park and the seasonal temperatures and conditions provided contractors the opportunity to be ahead of schedule. Final restoration and a small portion of pavement need to be completed in spring. Parks and trails promote physical activity and community engagement, and provide both environmental and mental health benefits. The Rusch Park Trail will make for a great hike, bike, and walk in the natural and serene setting of Rusch Park. • The Parks Department has moved into their new office and operations space, and now it’s time to embrace it! Successful organization of the facility space from the start is essential in order to maximize efficiencies. To assist with this, the Parks Department staff took a tour of Muza Metal Products, a company known for their quality and utilization of process-improvement methods. Muza Metal Products welcomed Parks Department staff into their facilities and provided a firsthand introduction to “6S,” a methodology used to identify and eliminate waste through proper organization. Moving into the new space has allowed a unique opportunity for the Parks Department to apply these skills to their everyday work environment in order to improve operational efficiencies. 5. NEW FOUR SEASONS BUILDING IS AVAILABLE FOR RENT: The Four Seasons Building is a new facility located on the east side of Lakeshore Park at the north end of Punhoqua Street in Oshkosh, on the shores of Lake Butte des Morts and the Fox River, with access to the Oshkosh Riverwalk and Lakeshore Park. Its modern structure has high ceilings and glass walls to take advantage of the stunning views from this location. It is available year-round and is equipped with air conditioning and heat. The building has both interior restrooms and exterior restrooms, as well as a wraparound deck area. This facility is now accepting reservations for rentals. The public can rent the space for weddings, graduations, anniversaries, corporate functions, and other events. The large open assembly room accommodates up to 96 people seated. The rental includes the use of tables and chairs. Adjacent to the assembly room is a kitchenette that has a full-size refrigerator with freezer, counter space with electrical outlets, a handwashing sink, and a pass-through serving window. To rent the facility, please call the Oshkosh Parks Department at (920) 236-5080 or stop by the Parks Department at 805 Witzel Avenue Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to noon or 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. The Lakeshore Park Four Seasons Building is available daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. The rental fee must be paid in full when making a reservation. Dates will not be held until full payment is received. The rental fees are as follows: RENTAL FEES (TAX INCLUDED) City of Oshkosh Residents Non-Residents Weekdays: $ 236.25 $ 288.75 *Weekends: $ 288.75 $ 341.25 Holidays: $ 288.75 $ 341.25 *Weekends include Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays If you have any questions regarding park projects, please contact Chad Dallman, Assistant Parks Director, at (920) 236-5080. 6. NEW DATE FOR “LET’S GLOW CRAZY”: Let’s try this again without the blizzard! While the cure for cabin fever was canceled due to blizzard conditions, there’s no need to fear: the Oshkosh Parks Department has rescheduled “Let’s Glow Crazy,” a free dance party with a DJ. Parents and their children can join us for the “Let’s Glow Crazy” dance party on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Oshkosh Recreation Department at 425 Division Street in Oshkosh. It’s a great family event geared for kids 12 and under. The kids will be able to dance with a live DJ and we provide glow bracelets and necklaces. Please dress in your best bright clothes or white, and the DJ will make sure you glow! Don’t miss out on this free dance party. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Jenny McCollian, Revenue Facilities Manager, at (920) 236-5080. 7. SOCIALIZING IS THE KEY INGREDIENT TO HEALTHY AGING: When you page through the Oshkosh Seniors Center’s program newsletter, you will find a nearly unlimited number of opportunities to socialize. There’s an important reason we make getting together with new and old friends so easy: research shows it is a key element to living a healthier life. According to an article from Harvard Health Publishing, a February 2019 study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences found that people with stronger social lives tended to live healthier lives, including higher levels of physical activity and improved moods. These stronger social lives were primarily measured through variety: those with more interactions outside of family and close friends were more likely to also have better health. With that being said, why don’t you join us on Tuesday, March 19th for Irish Fun, a traditional dinner of corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and Irish soda bread? Live music is provided by Sheamus Fitzpatrick and the McNally Boys. Details and registration information may be found in the Center's program newsletter at https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/SeniorServices/. Please contact Dan Braun, Senior Services Manager, at (920)232-5300 for more information about the Oshkosh Seniors Center's programs. 8. ATTACHMENTS: • Attachment 1: Special Assessment Replacement: Frequently Asked Questions • Attachment 2: ARPA Funding Application • Attachment 3: ARPA Review Criteria 9. GET INVOLVED IN A BOARD OR COMMISSION: If you are interested in serving your community, please consider becoming a member of one of the City’s citizen advisory boards, commissions, or committees. To learn more about the boards and commissions, or to complete an application to serve, follow the link below: https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/BoardsAndCommissions/ 10. MINUTES FOR BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS: All meeting minutes are uploaded to the website upon approval. Please follow the link below for the most updated information & meeting minutes: https://onboard.oshkoshwi.gov/ 11. LOOKING AHEAD: Among the meetings I have scheduled for the week of January 29th include the following: on Monday at 2:00 pm, I will meet with City staff to continue conversations on lessening the impact of homelessness on City departments. On Tuesday at 6:00 pm, we will host the first of three public information sessions on the proposed plan to replace road reconstruction special assessments. On Wednesday at 9:00 am, I will participate in GO-EDC’s meeting regarding transportation in the greater Oshkosh area. At 2:00 pm on Wednesday, we will have our second public information session on the proposed plan to replace road reconstruction special assessments, which will air live on Oshkosh Media, and Thursday at 10:00 am, we will hold another in-person public information session. Thursday afternoon, I depart for Wausau to attend the League of Wisconsin Municipalities’ Board of Directors meeting, which continues on Friday. If you have any questions about my upcoming schedule, please do not hesitate to contact me.