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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.22.23 Newsletter TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council FROM: Mark Rohloff, City Manager DATE: December 22, 2023 RE: Weekly Newsletter 1. GARBAGE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION FOR HOLIDAYS: Due to the City’s observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays, there will be no garbage or recycling collection on Monday, December 25, 2023 or on Monday, January 1, 2024. Collections for the remainder of the week will be one day later. Garbage and recycling collection scheduled for Friday, December 29, 2023 will move to Saturday, December 30, 2023. Garbage and recycling scheduled for Friday, January 5, 2024 will move to Saturday, January 6, 2024. Regular services will resume on Monday, January 8, 2024. Additionally, the City’s yard waste drop-off center located on West 3rd Avenue (between Idaho Street and Ohio Street) will be closed for the holidays on Monday, December 25, 2023; Tuesday, December 26, 2023; and on Monday, January 1, 2024. The drop-off center will re-open on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 and Tuesday, January 2, 2024. The winter hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday. The drop-off center is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the winter schedule. Residential curbside Christmas tree collection will take place on the regularly-scheduled garbage collection day the weeks of January 8th through January 12th and January 22nd through January 26th. If you have any questions, please contact Interim Public Works Field Operations Manager Ryan Lemke at (920) 232-5380 or Public Works Sanitation Manager Eric Moran at (920) 232- 5383. 2. GO TRANSIT PROPOSES MORNING TRIPPER ROUTE: Two years ago, GO Transit was experiencing severe crowding on the afternoon bus routes that served Oshkosh North. At that time, GO Transit added a second “tripper” bus to serve that route on school days with the cost being split between the Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) and GO Transit/city. That solution has worked really well and balanced the load of students and other passengers while improving the safety of all stakeholders. At the time that the afternoon route was added, we knew that overcrowding on the morning route may also need to be addressed in the future, and that time has come. The current bus that serves Oshkosh North is experiencing overcrowding each school day, limiting the ability for passengers to board and alight, as well as creating an unsafe environment for passengers and drivers. GO Transit has proposed adding a morning “tripper” bus to disperse the passenger load, and OASD has agreed to support this service with the same arrangement as the afternoon tripper service. This service is scheduled to begin at the start of the second semester, which begins January 23rd. The tentative contract amendment will be on the January 9th council agenda. If you have any questions about this, please contact Transportation Director, Jim Collins. 3. NEW ADDRESS FOR CITY’S WEBSITE: The City of Oshkosh has been taking strides to better protect its cybersecurity infrastructure and increase the public’s confidence in local government online. Beginning January 1, 2024, all city staff email addresses and the city’s website will begin transitioning from ci.oshkosh.wi.us to oshkoshwi.gov, with approval granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Moving to a “.gov” site improves the security and searchability of the City of Oshkosh’s online presence, and it ensures visitors are on the official city website, since only qualified U.S.-based government agencies are permitted to use the “.gov” domain. Cybercriminals have increasingly been trying to impersonate government employees, websites and emails to entice people to click on malicious links, spread malware and share personal information or credentials. “.gov” domains require more strict security control, which helps protect oshkoshwi.gov visitors and ensures the content our employees publish is unaltered. The good news is you can still use ci.oshkosh.wi.us for the near future and you’ll be redirected to the more secure oshkoshwi.gov site. Emails will work the same way. Our Information Technology team worked hard to ensure the transition did not affect our services or prevent people from reaching us. All we ask is that residents take a moment to update their email addresses for contacts at the City and adjust their online bookmarks and links to their favorite City of Oshkosh webpages. Over time, the City will phase out all instances of ci.oshkosh.wi.us online, in publications, and on public-facing signage and materials. Watch for more information about this transition in the weeks to come. 4. OSHKOSH MEDIA RECOGNIZED BY LOCAL VETERANS: Oshkosh Media was honored earlier this month with the Commander’s Award from the local chapter of the Disabled American Veterans. Commander Barbara Belmont of Ray H. Fuller DAV Chapter 17 of Winnebago County presented the award to staff for their continued support of the chapter’s monthly TV show, The Outpost. “We truly appreciate the partnership we have with Oshkosh Media,” said Commander Belmont. “Their dedication to our mission of helping veterans goes above and beyond our expectations. Thank you for your support.” Staff provides technical and production support for the show, while DAV members Mike Hert and Adam Alexander invite veterans to tell their stories and host the show. To see episodes of The Outpost, click here. For more information, contact Media Services Coordinator Jake Timm at 236-5261. 5. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING IN OFD’S FOOD AND TOY DRIVE: The Oshkosh Fire Department would like to thank everyone who participated in and contributed to the 25th annual food and toy drive this year. We’ll post the final tally of all of the donations collected when we have it. Thanks for your generosity! 6. LIEUTENANT LECKER GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY: The Oshkosh Police Department is pleased to announce the graduation of Lieutenant Andrew Lecker from the 288th session of the FBI National Academy. The FBI National Academy is internationally recognized as one of the most prestigious law enforcement training programs in the world. The 11-week program offers rigorous training and educational programs that shape exceptional police leaders. The 288th session of the National Academy consisted of law enforcement leaders from 45 states and 24 countries and provided advanced coursework in intelligence theory, terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science. It is worth noting that less than one percent of police officers have the opportunity to attend the National Academy and the program is culminated by the “Yellow Brick Road,” a grueling 6.1-mile run and obstacle course. After completion of the course, participants receive a yellow brick with their session number commemorating the achievement. Lieutenant Lecker's successful completion of this program is a significant milestone in his career, and we couldn't be prouder of his outstanding achievements! 7. MEMORIAL HELD FOR K9 MAGIC: The Oshkosh Police Department is saddened by the passing of Oshkosh Police K9 Magic. K9 Magic became unexpectedly ill on November 25 and it was discovered that she had cancer surrounding her heart and other organs. Medical staff determined that there was nothing further that could be done to help Magic recover. A memorial service was held Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at the Best Western Hotel Ballroom to honor the life and service of Oshkosh Police K9 Magic. K9 Magic (Golden Retriever) was almost 4 years old and was acquired by the Oshkosh Police Department in March 2022 from Journey Together. Magic was the department’s therapy dog and she helped provide emotional support to both members of our community and officers. She worked with our Behavioral Health Officer, Scott Sopata, and the Mental Health Crisis Specialist Co-Responder, Kayla Rodriguez. They respond to behavioral health related calls, highly sensitive/emotional calls for service, as well as being used to support employees of the Oshkosh Police Department after critical incidents. Magic had 364 deployments during her 20 months of service with the department. Magic was such a kind and happy dog with the softest fur. If we had a dollar for every time someone mentioned how soft she was, we'd have a never-ending supply of her favorite treats. Aside from all the calls for service that Magic was a part of, she was always out and about in our community. Magic attended "Magic Moments" once a month at Oshkosh North High School, "Coffee with a Cop" at Oshkosh West High School, various visits to the Day by Day Shelter, Solutions Recovery, State Street Center, Winnebago County Crisis Center and DHS, Winnebago County Sherriff's Department Dispatch, Aurora ER, and Mercy ER, just to name a few. Magic had also recently attended a critical incident stress debrief for officers. Magic selected a specific officer, who was impacted by the incident, out of a room full of people. Magic's intuition was like no other. This is just one specific example of how Magic has impacted and helped others. Our police department, the community, and the city as a whole, will miss Magic. Magic was so loved and cherished. Magic's impact on our community and its members will never be forgotten. Magic was truly one of a kind and the first of her kind in our community. Officer Sopata and Kayla would like to extend their gratitude for everyone's support of the Behavior Health Team and of Magic. We honor the exceptional service K9 Magic provided to the Oshkosh Police Department and to the Oshkosh community during her tenure. 8. OPD HAPPENINGS: On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, during a Police and Fire Commission meeting, the Oshkosh Police Department celebrated the hiring of Police Cadets Owen Braatz and Jason Rose, as well as Patrol Officer Sara Harring-Spoerl. Sara completed her Wisconsin Law Enforcement Certification on December 7, 2023, through Waukesha County Technical College. Owen and Jason joined the Oshkosh Police Department as cadets on August 7, 2023. They completed their Wisconsin Law Enforcement Certification on December 15, 2023, through Fox Valley Technical College. Congratulations and welcome to the OPD Team! • Owen Braatz is originally from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 2020. He earned his associate degree in criminal justice in May 2023 from Fox Valley Technical College. Prior to becoming a police officer, Owen was employed as a community service officer with the Oshkosh Police Department. • Jason Rose is originally from Jackson, Wisconsin. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic investigation in May 2023 from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Prior to becoming a police officer, Jason was employed by Pick ‘n Save as a Clicklist/deli worker. • Sara Harring-Spoerl is originally from Muskego, Wisconsin. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in January 2021 from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh. Prior to becoming a police officer, Sara was employed by the Oshkosh Police Department as a parking control officer. 9. OPD STORAGE RENOVATION PROJECT: On Tuesday, December 19, the first pre- construction meeting for the renovation of the Oshkosh Police Department’s 3rd Avenue storage facility took place. This is a $2 million project approved by the Common Council. 10. SHOP WITH A COP EVENT: The Oshkosh Police Department participated in this year’s Shop with a Cop event at Walmart on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. Generous donations from local organizations such as Oshkosh Walmart, Telecom Pioneers Wisconsin Chapter #4, South Side Ice Yacht Club, and individual citizens made this year’s Shop with a Cop possible! Police officers, civilian staff, and Oshkosh Auxiliary Police shopped with children who bought gifts for their family members and themselves. This year, 20 children, ranging from elementary to high school, were chosen to receive $200 in gifts per family! Chief Dean Smith, Lieutenants Matt Ziegler and Rob Kraemer, Sergeant Jeff Nelson, School Resource Officers Tony Flaig, Heather Brickham, Matt Steinert and Deana Brandl, Detective Chee Vang, Police Officers Kate Mann, Rachel Van Horn, Joey Rebedew, Tanner Rasmussen, Jacob MacDonald, Andy Baltadano, Behavioral Health Officer Scott Sopata and Co- Responder Kayla Rodriguez, Crime Analyst Melody Bragdon, Work Study Clerk Madison Maher, Auxiliary Officers Ron O'Bright, Kevin Schouten, and Gerry Kargus, retired Officer Mike Kirby, members from the Oshkosh Telecom Pioneers and Walmart staff all volunteered and joined in on the holiday fun! We want to sincerely thank the generosity of the donors and volunteers who not only make this program such a success, but also provide an opportunity for the police department and the community to come together to provide a heartwarming holiday season for Oshkosh families. 11. THE CURE FOR CABIN FEVER: Winters in Wisconsin can be long, especially for parents of children under 12. The Parks Department has a cure for young kids experiencing cabin fever: parents and their children can join us for the “Let’s Glow Crazy” dance party on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. It’s a great family event to be held at the Oshkosh Recreation Department at 425 Division Street, Oshkosh. The family event is geared for kids 12 and under. The kids will be able to dance with a LIVE DJ. 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. 12. ACHIEVE YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS WITH THE HELP OF THE OSHKOSH SENIORS CENTER: Many of us will try to make positive changes in our lives in the new year. For people over 50, it's imperative to make commitments to achieve fitness and wellness goals. However, it can be challenging. That's why the Oshkosh Seniors Center hosts an open house on January 25 from noon to 3 pm. It's a chance for older adults from our community to learn about the Center and meet the staff. During the open house, we will be providing tours of the fitness center which is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, sharing ongoing demonstrations of the exercise classes held at the Center, and people will be able to ask questions about the personal training services. In addition to the tour, we have invited our community partners to share their wellness and fitness tips. Network Health, the event sponsor, has arranged for a Balance Builders breakout session with SilverSneakers so people can hear firsthand how to protect themselves against falls. At the event, we encourage people to bring their Medicare supplement insurance information so staff can see if they are eligible for a fitness reimbursement. If they do have that benefit, the monthly fees for unlimited exercise classes and the fitness center are free.* Otherwise, the monthly cost is $17 for residents of the City of Oshkosh or $25.50 for non-residents. (*Additional fees may be charged for specialty programs. All fees are listed in the monthly program newsletter.) Please contact Dan Braun, Senior Services Manager, at (920)232-5300 for more information about the Oshkosh Seniors Center's open house. You can find the Center's program newsletter on our webpage. https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/SeniorServices/. 13. ATTACHMENT: Oshkosh Public Library’s January 2024 Calendar of Events 14. 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.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/boardsandcommissions/ 15. 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.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/ 16. LOOKING AHEAD: City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25th; Tuesday, December 26th; and Monday, January 1st. Additionally, I will be on vacation next week, returning to the office on January 2nd and there will not be a newsletter published on December 29th. If you have any questions about my upcoming schedule, please do not hesitate to contact me.